Michelle is free. Carmen is in prison. Danny and Michelle leave Springfield. Danny promises her a location where no one will find them.
"Danny.. can I at least know what to pack?" Michelle begged
"Nope" Danny closed his suitcase
"What if I end up freezing in some cold climate.. then what?" she teased
" No matter where we go.. it will be warm.." he laughed
She smiled and felt the same rush of love as the she did every time they were alone like this.. away from his mother.. away from Pilar and her hysteria...no lawyers.. no more tears..she hoped.
The trial had been an ordeal for Danny.
Nights in that cell had been torture for her. She could tell from Danny’s eyes that his nights had been sleepless.
She had been foolish to hate Ben.. foolish to respond in kind to Carmen.
She had lashed out at her during the trial and saw the pain on Danny’s face.
She had caused that and it tortured her.. she never wanted to cause him pain again.
When Drew said that she knew that Michelle had killed Mick and added that she knew because she was there, Carmen had screamed at Drew.
"You killed my son.. you ...did...it."
When the truth came out .. Carmen had lashed out at all of them. Abuela had suffered the most.. it was too much for her heart.. she had died in her sleep.
Pilar had a breakdown when testifying against her mother.
They had to put her in a mental ward out of reach from anyone.
The psychiatrists stated that Pilar should be kept from any contact with her mother.
She had a complete psychotic break and was not responding to any of the drugs that they had given her at Cedars.
Michelle had watched Danny suffer through all of this and could not stand the thought of the day when he might blame her. He just could not accept his mother as being evil. He remembered times when she was loving and happy. When she gently wiped away his tears, took care of him when he was ill... kissed him goodnight. No she was not a monster, not to her son. His whole family was gone now. His mother in prison, his sister in a mental hospital..one he couldn’t even visit. His beloved grandmother gone.
Michelle sighed and finished packing her clothes.
"Dear God.. don’t let him hate me someday because of this.. because... I ..didn’t want him with his family.."she watched Danny as he studied the tickets in his hand... his head bowed .. she could not see his eyes.. she wondered what she would see in them. She hoped it would always be love.
"O.K.... got the tickets.. I’m packed.. why are you staring off into space, Michelle.. we have one hour before the flight leaves.. c’mon..." Danny seemed to be happy.
"I’m ready.. I hope we are going somewhere that I can layer my clothes.. I think I brought everything anyone would wear. When they don’t know where they are going" Michelle added
"Ah.. just you wait.. just you wait" Danny hugged her and held her close..his hand wandered from her waist.
"Better not do that or we will never get to airport" Michelle removed his hand and walked across the room.
"Hmmmmmm.. we do have an hour" Danny followed her
The airport was crowded with travelers .. the line seemed to go on forever.. they now had 15 minutes before the flight.
The clerk said "Any passengers for flight 945 to Spain..your flight has been delayed one half hour"
Danny looked at Michelle and laughed.. "See we had plenty of time"
"Spain? We are going to Spain?" Michelle was surprised
"Yes.. guitars.. dancing.. long beautiful nights.... that is where we are going.. for three glorious weeks.. and we are not going to see one person that we know.. so we can’t help anyone.. or get involved in any strange rescue missions.. got it?" Danny kissed her on the cheek
"Maybe I could call a few of my friends and see if they need any help... and then.."Michelle said
"Oh no.. no no no no.. we have no friends.. as of this moment .. no friends.. you are my only friend.. I am yours.." Danny smiled
"You have always been my best friend" Michelle held his hand tightly and kissed his fingers.
The flight was uneventful. Much to Michelle’s surprise. They laughed and talked and wondered what adventures may await them. Danny assured her that it would not be an adventure..this was going to be a calm and peaceful trip. They landed in Madrid and went directly to their hotel.
They were picked up at the airport by the hotel limo for the 30 minute ride to the hotel.
Michelle looked out the window at the beautiful scenery lost in her own thoughts.
"Hey... hello.. Mrs. Santos .. where are you?" Danny asked
"Just admiring the scenery.."Michelle answered with a smile
"Me too.. can you come over here.. we are married.. it’s allowed you know?" Danny reached for her hand.
Danny had been lost in his own thoughts too. What would his father think, he wondered. His mother lost to prison.. his sister lost ..her mind destroyed.
He thought back to the child that Pilar had been long ago.
Always laughing, always hopeful.
When Mick would tease her or Danny would hide from her.. she would laugh and pretend that it didn’t frighten her. Mick did frighten her often. He always seemed to appear out of no where and watch Pilar with a bemused expression. He wondered if she thought about those times.. or did she block all of that from her mind too?He remembered Mick teasing Pilar ,hiding her teddybear..Pilar had refused to cry. She just glared at him and demanded the hostage be returned.
He glanced at Michelle who was smiling and enjoying the scenery. Pilar loved Spain... she loved the freedom it gave her.. she loved the music and dancing. All of those things lost to her now. He couldn’t even speak to her or comfort her.
He wondered if she felt abandoned.
Michelle looked out the window and her thoughts were somewhere else too.<i>. Pilar.. Carmen.
Carmen pleading with Danny to forgive her.. to help her. He turned his back and walked away. Would she have had the courage to do that to her family. Yes, she turned her back on Rick at one point.. but it was because of something done to her.. not Danny. </i>
They continued the ride in silence. Each lost in their own thoughts.
The hotel was magnificent. It was high on a hill overlooking the sea. Once they had checked in Michelle wanted to stare out at the sea forever. It was so peaceful and so far away from all the troubles in Springfield.
Danny watched her and wondered if she still loved him. The Santos name had nearly destroyed her.. sent her to prison for life for something she didn’t do.. his mother plotting against her all the time.. Pilar’s secrets.. he wondered.. maybe in her heart she will never forgive me.
That night they went dancing .. they never talked of the past. They only talked of the future and what they would do when they returned to the states. The job offer in LA was gone. Danny was not sure what to do with his future. Josh had offered him a job.. Michelle had encouraged him to take it.. he was still pondering that question.
He did take his trust fund back and now he had some breathing room. He would try to do what pleased Michelle.. as best he could.
Michelle was enjoying her evening. The night was soft and warm.. the music was almost as intoxicating as the wine. She could hardly take her eyes from her husband.. he looked so handsome and happy. Her insecurities were drifting away.. she felt loved.
Danny suddenly said" Oh my god.. I don’t believe this.."
Michelle was startled back from her reverie..
"What.. Danny what?" Michelle said in a worried tone
He was laughing now.. "Michelle.. I am sorry.. but I just saw an old friend.. I mean I was just surprised.. I did say we had no friends.. I know but.. I have to speak to this one" Danny got up from the table and walked across the busy dance floor.
She watched as he disappeared into the crowd.
When he appeared again he was walking toward her with a tall woman with dark hair.
Michelle stared at her. Her black hair framed an oval face.. she was startlingly beautiful. She smiled at Michelle and said "Hello, Michelle I am so glad to meet you.." her voice almost a whisper.
"Michelle , this is Audra.. the last time I saw her.. she was twelve..and wearing braces. I might add she hated me.."Danny laughed.
"If you want the truth," she laughed, "It was Mick I hated"
There was a momentary flicker of an expression on Danny’s face. Michelle had never seen that look before. Before she could define it .. it was gone.
"How is that old tease anyway" Audra asked
"I am afraid he is dead, Audra" Danny said quietly
"Oh , God Danny I am sorry.. I didn’t know.. please forgive me" Audra said apologetically
Michelle thought to herself, "Oh yes.. and by the way I married the person who killed him" this was turning into a nightmare.
Audra excused herself saying that her family would wonder where she was and "please come by and see my parents.. they would love to see you both."
Danny sat down and Michelle took his hand. She kissed his fingers and said "Let’s dance.. let’s just forget the past.. pretend we never saw anyone.. no other friends.. just us."
Danny smiled and agreed.. just dance the night and the memories away.
He slipped his arms around her and they danced there way to the dance floor. She folded herself into his arms and tried not to remember the past. Just tonight. Just this moment. She could feel his hands caressing her back and she could think of nothing else.
Danny stared out at the dance floor and every now and then he caught a glimpse of Audra and her parents. No man in sight.. no husband.. he wondered about that.. he had not asked her any questions.. she didn’t mean to bring up Mick.. he was sure she meant nothing by it.. no not Audra. In the next moment he was lost in Michelles’ scent and her hand on the back of his neck. Just lost in Michelle.. the way he had always been.
The next morning Danny awoke with Michelle shaking him..
"Danny.. you can’t sleep the day away.. c’mon..it’s almost noon" Michelle was leaning over him and smiling, her hair falling in her eyes. He reached up and pulled her toward him.. "Who cares if it is noon or midnight.". he said and then kissed her.
"Not me.. I guess.. how do you say that in Spanish anyway"Michelle asked
"You want me to show you?" Danny said unbuttoning her blouse.
"Danny.. c’mon.. we.." the phone rang and Michelle sighed..
"Now I can’t even finish a sentence and the phone rings.. it’s a conspiracy I know it is.."
Danny picked up the phone and heard Audra’s voice..
"Danny?.. I hope I didn’t disturb you.. my mother asked that I call and invite you and Michelle for dinner. I do hope you can come."
"Well, let me check with Michelle." he looked at Michelle and she was shaking her head.
"I’m sorry..but I think Michelle had plans for this evening.. maybe some other time." Danny answered.
"Don’t be rude Danny.. of course we will go.. I... just.. give me the phone" Michelle said
"Audra.. we would be delighted to come for dinner.. I thought I had reservations somewhere but that was tomorrow night.. sorry for the mix up." Danny looked at her with confusion on his face.
Michelle hung up the phone and walked out onto the balcony.
"Michelle.. come back here.. why were you shaking your head and then accepting the invitation...I thought you didn’t want to go.??" Danny climbed out of bed and walked to the window.
Michelle was silent and then she said "Because I know you wanted to go.. I can’t keep asking you to turn away from people"
Danny put his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward him. She had tears in her eyes.
"Why are you crying..I didn’t want to go.. I mean I haven’t seen these people since I was twelve or thirteen.. it doesn’t matter to me.. Michelle.. you matter to me" Danny was puzzled by her emotions.
Michelle searched Danny’s face for some sign that he really didn’t mind.
Sometimes she felt that she knew every thought and feeling.
Other times he was a mystery to her.
Who was this Audra anyway.. why did she feel so uneasy around her? Danny’s eyes still held that hurt look..how could she make that go away? Would it ever go away?
Danny could not fathom Michelle’s crying.. she was so happy a moment ago.. was it that phone call.. maybe she was jealous of the intrusion..He would not go to see Audra.. no need in upsetting her anymore.. she had been through enough.. because of him.
They had argued for an hour about going.. and finally he agreed to go to dinner.
The de Rivera home was breathtaking, lawns that seem to go on forever stretching down to the sea. It seemed more like a castle than a home. Thousands of acres and small buildings scattered throughout the property. Danny had pointed out the horses and explained that part of the property was a stud farm for the Andalusian breed. This stud farm had been in their family for hundreds of years.
As they approached the house Michelle felt that same apprehension ..a sinking feeling.. what was it about Audra.. it disturbed her and she turned to stare at Danny. He seemed excited at the prospect of seeing his old friends.Michelle noticed someone on horseback galloping toward the house. She recognized Audra immediately. This was a woman who evidently could do everything. Danny told her that Audra had a beautiful voice.. even at twelve. He wondered if she had continued with that talent.
Audra dismounted and embraced Danny and Michelle.
"Welcome, we are so glad you decided to come. Please.. please come in. I will take a quick shower and join you soon" Audra led them into the house and turned them over to a servant.
They were directed to the study where Audra assured them they would find her parents.
And so their Spanish adventure had begun.
Mr. and Mrs. de Rivera welcomed them warmly. Mrs. de Rivera was a round little woman with delicate hands. She smiled and Michelle warmed to her immediately. Mr. de Rivera was a tall and distinguished man who had the coldest eyes Michelle had ever seen.
"Sit down please.. Daniel .. I don’t believe we have seen you since you were a little boy.. my how you have changed. A lovely new bride and I heard nothing from your mother. You know we lost contact about 2 years ago. We used to write faithfully and then ..nothing. Why was that do you suppose?" Mrs. de Rivera asked
" I can’t say.. my mother has been busy and life changes .. you know" Danny tried not to sound to evasive.
"My wife is being tactful Danny.. we know about your mother.. and your sister. What on earth are you doing here in Spain. Wouldn’t your mother want you close by..?" Mr. de Rivera said sharply.
"Yes, sir I suppose she would.. but my wife and I needed some time.. to recover from.. all that has happened." Danny said.. it was becoming more uncomfortable by the moment and he was sorry that they came at all.
Michelle was about to announce that perhaps they should leave,when Audra entered the room.
"Danny.. Michelle you haven’t been offered a drink? Let me get you some sherry.. unless you would prefer something else?" Audra greeted her parents with a kiss.
"No nothing for me" Michelle said
"I’m fine, Audra" Danny said his voice tense
"Something wrong Danny?" Audra asked
She looked at her parents and then back at Danny.
"What happened here.. ??" Audra said angrily
"Nothing .. really we were just talking about Danny’s mother" Mr. de Rivera said
"Carmen.. what about her?" Audra said suspiciously.
"I think we should just drop this and have a nice glass of sherry.. really no point in bringing up bad news.. is there? Now Michelle ..you come over here and tell me all about yourself." Mrs. de Rivera said as she put her arm around Michelle’s waist.
Michelle glanced back at Danny..pleading for an escape.
"Daddy.. have you been an old grump again.. leave these two alone. Sometimes I think Daddy just hates seeing anyone happy. Please forgive him and have a drink . Let’s talk about all the fun times.. O.K. Danny.. c’mon.. no bad feelings today ..huh?" Audra put her arm around Danny’s shoulder and kissed him on the cheek. Danny could not help but smile.
Michelle was attempting to answer all the questions that Mrs. de Rivera asked her.. what did she like to do?? what were her hobbies??? would she like to ride???
"Why on earth didn’t Danny contact us.. you could have stayed here.. we would have loved to have you.. the more young people around here the better. Isn’t that right, Miquel?" Mrs. de Rivera said. His reply was a cold stare.
When dinner was over Michelle was anxious to leave. She didn’t want to appear rude.. but she was tiring of Audra enthusiasm about the childhood times shared with Danny. She made every encounter sound like magical moments in their lives. She even hinted at her first kiss being bestowed upon her by Danny.
Mr. de Rivera had eaten silently and stared a Michelle until she stared back. He was making her extremely uncomfortable.
Mrs. de Rivera had chattered on about nothing throughout the whole dinner and Michelle finally tuned her out completely.
On the drive home Michelle asked Danny if he had enjoyed himself.
"Sure .. didn’t you.. I had forgotten what a jerk her father was.. but Audra tried to make up for that.. I guess he has always been that way.. always will be." Danny said smiling.
"Hmm" Michelle replied and stared out the window. She hoped they would never have to go back to that house again.
"Danny.. maybe we should try to see some other places while we are here.. I mean we could see some other cities .. we don’t have to stay here." Michelle said trying to sound casual.
"We haven’t even see Madrid yet.. Audra invited us to go riding.. would you like that?" Danny asked
"Swell" Michelle thought "I would rather be tied to an ant hill"
The following morning Danny and Michelle headed for the deRivera home again.
Michelle was not a horsewoman and dreaded the thought of an hour or more on a horse. Danny was thrilled however with the opportunity to show his skills with these wonderful horses.
He talked all the way to the stables about what a wonderful opportunity this was and how famous all the horses were from this stud farm.
None of this impressed Michelle. She had decided after hours of sleeplessness, she did not like the de Rivera’s.
She could not tell Danny this, how many times had she pushed her friends on him. Now his friends were anxious to spend time with him. She could not deny him that.. but something.. something was very strange in that family.
Danny always accused her of being a "Nancy Drew". Well, maybe she was.. but she had learned a lot in the last year. One of them was to pay attention to her instincts.
When they arrived at the stables Audra was tacking up a small bay mare. She assured Michelle that the horse was gentle and that she and Danny would keep a close eye on her.
"No need to worry sweetie.. we won’t run you ragged. There are some beautiful trails and I know we won’t get a chance like this again." Danny said as he hugged her.
Somehow Michelle felt that beautiful trails or not she simply did not like to ride.
"Now, here she is Michelle, her name is Diablillo, we call her Imp.. she is a sweetheart and I will help you mount..here just use this step" Audra smiled
"I don’t know if I should do this.. she might not know me and I certainly don’t know her."
Michelle could not get over this uncomfortable feeling everytime she looked at Audra.. something about her really bothered her and she tried to smile, in turned into a grimace.
Imp lowered her head and nuzzled Audra’s shoulder.
"See Michelle.. I am telling you she is gentle as a lamb.. tell her Danny" Audra laughed.
Michelle walked toward the horse with as much trepidation as she felt toward Audra.
Finally seated on the horse.. she looked at Danny who was smiling proudly at her.
I guess I can live through this .. I survived Carmen and jail .. and Drew .. I can do this, I will do this! Michelle thought
Danny mounted his horse with ease as did Audra and as they turning toward the trails Michelle saw something out of the corner of her eye.
She turned and saw Mr. de Rivera standing by the gate and he was smiling.
They walked the horses most of the way.. and Michelle had to agree the trails were beautiful. Danny said he just wanted to canter the next quarter mile and was Michelle game to try a little faster gait.
"I’ll try but please ride behind me ..O.K.?" Michelle asked
"Sure we are right behind you and don’t worry.. she doesn’t spook easily.. she is a wonderful trail horse.. just give her a little heel and she will go.." Audra assured her.
"O.K" Michelle answered .. She hoped the fear she felt didn’t show in her voice.
She nudged the horse with her heels and Imp started a fast trot.
"Maybe this wasn’t so bad" Michelle thought
She nudged her again and Imp broke into an easy canter. Michelle was enjoying this more and more. The easy gait and the wind in her hair felt really good. She didn’t dare look back but she could hear the sound of the other horse’s hooves on the dirt path.
Suddenly she felt off balance .. she realized the small english saddle was slipping.. somehow she struggled to maintain her seat.. she was falling.
Audra raced up beside her and grabbed the reins.. just in time to stop Michelle from falling to the ground. Audra held Imp and told Michelle how to dismount without hurting herself.
"God.. that was close.. what happened?" Danny ran to her side shouting.
"The girth was loose.. I guess.. I am sure I tightened it." Audra apologized.
Michelle looked on in stunned silence.
"Baby.. I’m sorry you had such a scare.. I guess these things can happen." Danny said but his voice was tight and angry.
"Danny.. I swear to you that girth was tight. She has a tendency to blow up sometimes, they all do.. but I always double check. I don’t understand this...at all. I am so sorry. I can fix this and we can walk the horses back.. Michelle I am .. well .. I don’t know what to say.. I am just sorry." Audra sounded sincere .
Michelle decided that it was just an accident. She really knew nothing about horses or riding and maybe this does happen. "Maybe just her bad luck....maybe"she thought
Audra invited them to breakfast and both Danny and Michelle said in unison.. "Some other time perhaps"
"I feel terrible about this.. really.. please come back again and we will do something safe.. I really missed you Danny.. and Michelle I have really enjoyed meeting you and hope you don’t hold this against me.. please" Audra said.
Audra watched them drive off. The anger she felt was reflected on her face.
Audra ran into the house and went straight to her father’s study.
She slammed the door and her father looked up from his book.
"Just what in the hell was that all about" Audra said her face was twisted in anger.
"I don’t know what your talking about." Mr. de Rivera said flatly
"You know perfectly well.. I saddled those horses myself.. I know that cinch was tight... I know you.. what are you up to?? You may be able to hide things from mother.. but not me." Audra glared at him
"You’re just about a silly as your mother" he said "You are imagining things as usual."
"Damn you.. I don’t know how mother stands you.. Danny and Michelle were our guests.. I thought you always liked the Santos family.. you certainly spent enough time with Carmen." Audra said sarcastically.
"Carmen is a charming woman.. yes.. I did spend time with her.. unlike the women in this family she has some brains.." Mr. De Rivera stormed out of the room.
Audra sank into a chair and wondered why her father had become so bitter that last few years. He had always been a bit stern, but now he was positively rude to everyone and seemed angry all the time.
Danny was so special to her.
He had been like a brother to her.. even though he did try to kiss her at the tender age of ten. Just an experiment he said.. just to see what it felt like.
She smiled now remembering it.. he had been so tentative and asked her thousand times what it felt like to her?. Did she like it? Why did she like it?
She laughed out loud now thinking about it.. he had been so sweet. She thought she had measured every boy she met after that to Danny and his gentle ways.
He was like that still.. she could tell the way he treated Michelle. So loving and thoughtful.
She was positive they would never visit again. The terror in Danny’s eyes when he thought Michelle might be in any danger said it all.
She was torn between her father and a childhood friend that meant a great deal to her.
Her father ... the man who used to treat her like a princess.. now acted as though he hated her. She wiped away the tears that were forming in her eyes.
Mr. de Rivera retreated to his own bedroom. He slid open the safe and removed the pictures he had saved all these years.
He looked at the picture of the young Carmen. Her broad smile as she held Michael in her arms. His Michael. The only son he would ever have and the son he would never see.
Michelle and Danny drove back to the hotel in silence.
Michelle was deep in thought and Danny could only think of what might have happened. If Michelle had been injured he .. just couldn’t think about that.. no more risks.. maybe they should just travel on to another city and leave here before something else happens.. all these thoughts were in his mind.
Michelle kept seeing Audra’s face. What was it.. something familiar.. something not "good" familiar..but...
"Oh my God" Michelle said aloud without realizing.
"What.. what’s wrong baby.. you’re not in pain or something are you?" Danny pulled the car over.
"No.. Danny no.. I just thought of something.. you’re going to think I’ve completely lost it.. but.. doesn’t Audra remind you of someone?" Michelle asked quietly
"Remind me..? No.. I can’t think of anyone." Danny said in a puzzled tone
"Her eyes.. don’t they remind you of... Mick?" Michelle asked
"Michelle.. I think you are more in need of rest than I thought.. no .. they don’t remind me of Mick" Danny was becoming annoyed.
Why can’t we just enjoy this trip.. that is it.. we are not going to run into or visit with anyone.. no more friends. Danny thought.
Well, I don’t care what you say.. she reminds me of Mick Michelle thought
"Danny were you ever in love with Audra?" Michelle felt compelled to ask
Danny burst out laughing..
"That would be too incestuous for me.. she is like a sister. Although I did kiss her once on a dare from Mick. She was only ten.. we both laughed about it later. So to answer your question Michelle..no.. I never was in love with her. I don’t think I ever loved anyone until I met you" Danny said as he grasped Michelle’s hand.
"Danny.. let’s go to Barcelona... You don’t know anyone there do you?" Michelle asked
"Probably.. but I will do my best to avoid them" Danny laughed
"I don’t know anyone there and I promise even if I see someone .. I won’t talk to them."
Michelle snuggled closer to Danny and felt secure again.