A Love Lost, A Love Found
Parts 3-4
Well I am at the infamous Laurel Falls. It's
dark now. Except for the park lights. Laurel Falls is really beautiful at night.
Why I never came here more often before, is puzzling to me at this moment. No
wonder Michelle loved it here. Laurel Falls is just as beautiful as the beach. I
think I'll start coming here regularly...just for you Michelle. Just to remind
me of your beauty.
I really wanted to get to know you. I had this feeling deep inside that made me
believe this marriage would work. We just needed time to get over the
circumstances that brought us together. I said you would always be safe as long
as we were married. Yeah right. Well, you may not have noticed, but in the short
period we were together, you brought about a change in me...for the better. And
I am not going to go back to the old Danny. Maybe one day I will be able to move
on. Anything I do this moment on is because of you and for you Michelle. I feel
so guilty for bringing you into my world.
I decided to take my chances and leave earlier than planned. Just waiting was
driving me crazy. I almost changed me mind about the whole charade. The thought
of my family grieving over me hurts so much. I wonder if Danny is grieving? I
couldn't and still can't get my mind off of him.
What was it about Danny? Even though the "situation" was tough to deal
with for both of us, he seemed to always put me first. I can honestly now say I
was being a 20-year-old brat. The man could have killed me. And if I had to go
off the Danny I first met, I firmly believe he would have. But that wasn't
really him. Or was it? Did he change? And if so, did I have some impact? Maybe
we both changed. I can't explain it.
I hated being in that house. And around his mother. Despite Danny's claim of my
safety as long as we were married, I bet Carmen would have found a way to do me
in. Who knows. Maybe the marriage could have worked. Outside of his family and
mommy dearest. We'll never know now. I feel guilty as hell about what I'm doing
to my family and Danny.
__________________________________
"Mama, you can't be serious! Nothing is left???" "Yes baby,
everything is gone." Carmen needed to let her youngest, a daughter, Pilar
know what happened. Well, almost everything. "First Mick and now this.
Where is Danny, Mama?" "He is in his room resting. Look, I'll call you
again tomorrow." "Wait, I'm coming home." "No, Pilar. Stay
in Spain. I don't want you living out of a suitcase." "I'm coming
home. Good-bye." Pilar hung up the phone before giving her mother a chance
to object anymore. She felt like something was up. Her mother didn't want her to
come home for Mick's funeral either. What was going on at home? Pilar was on her
way to find out.
Meanwhile Carmen was surprised at her daughter's action. Pilar never hung up on
her before. Damn. She's going to find out about Michelle. Maybe not. I'll have
to convince Danny to forget he ever met Michelle Bauer. Where is Danny anyway? I
left a note for him to let me know when he's settled in his suite. She picks up
the phone again. "Dietz, meet me in the Towers main dining room in 30
minutes. You know what? Bring Theresa with you...Well find her!!! You've got 1
hour."
Everyone has left Rick and Abby's. "The arrangements will be finalized
tomorrow." Abby waits for a reply, but hears none. "Rick, did you hear
me?" "Yes. I'm sorry. I just can't believe she's gone." "I
know. Look; let's try to get some sleep. Meta and I will clean up tomorrow. It's
been a long, hard day." Abby gave her husband a strong hug and they went to
bed.
"Michelle???" "Danny, what are you doing here?"
"Michelle is it really you??? Oh my God!" Danny gives her a fierce
hug. "I am never going to let you go. Wait a minute. Why are you here? We
all thought you died in the fire." "Danny, I am so sorry, but I have a
confession to make." "What is it, Michelle? Please, don't be afraid.
Just tell me everything." "I was never in any danger. I set the
fire."