Life After the Cave-In pt2

Life After the Cave In

By Deb
Gabi: Well ЕЕ Antonio, what do you want to do with those feelings now? How do you see the future?

Antonio: What are you asking me, Gabi? Are you asking me if I am going to leave The priesthood?

Gabi: WellЕ. Yes, I guess I am ЕЕ What I'm asking is Е. I DO know how You feel about me, Antonio. And YOU know how I feel about you. So What is next? Do we just put those feelings aside and get on with our Life? ЕЕ. Or do you want a future together?

Antonio: (turns away from Gabi, gazing out the window in thought) What do you Want, Gabi?

Gabi: No, Antonio, you have much more at stake here than I do. I know how Important the church is to you.

Antonio: (turning back around to face Gabi) Are you asking me to leave the Church, Gabi?

Gabi: (hesitating - she wants to say yes but knows she can't) No, Antonio, I would never ask you to do that. If you ever leave the church, it will Be because YOU chose to, not because I asked you to.

Antonio: The truth is Е.. Gabi, I don't KNOW if I CAN leave the church. I've Really been searching my soul for an answer. When I made my vows And became a Priest ЕЕ. Well, I made a vow to GOD, Gabi. I took Those vows very seriously.

Gabi: I know you did, Antonio.

Antonio: I could never have known that I would meet someone like you and Fall in love. Else, I would never have joined the priesthood but nowЕ. Well, I HAVE made those vows, GabiЕ.. and they're sacred to me. I can't tell you I've not given serious thought to leaving the church for You, because I HAVE. But I'm still so uncertain as to what I should do And whether I could LIVE with that decision if I DID choose to leave The church. The truth is Е. I'm still too uncertain.

Gabi: (Gabi is crushed and disappointed but for Antonio's sake is putting up A brave front) I see.

Antonio: Gabi Е. It wouldn't be fair to you Е.. it wouldn't be fair to US if I wasn't absolutely sure before I made a decision to leave the church.

Gabi: I agree, Antonio. I understand Е. I DO. If you are I are together, I want There to be NO regrets. It has to be because that's what YOU want 100% And what YOU feel is right for YOU.

Antonio: Gabi, I want to be with you. God knows that's the truth Е. That's why This is so difficult. I just don't know if I can live with myself if I break My vows and leave the church.

Gabi: Then, I think that answers our question. If you're not certain, then you Must stay in the church. If you were ready to leave the church and pursue A future with me, you would know it, Antonio.

Antonio: Gabi, I'm sorry. This doesn't mean I love you any less

Gabi: I know, Antonio. And maybe it's for the best anyway because our Being together would be like just twisting the knife in Ricardo. I mean, It's difficult for him NOW, feeling we've betrayed him, but if he has To see us together all the time Е.. I don't know if he could deal with that.

If we go our own ways ЕЕ. you may be able to mend things with your family and With Ricardo. If we're together, that will never happen.

Antonio: Gabi, I don't want to hurt you. This is tearing me up inside too Е.. I Just don't know what else I can say Е..

Gabi: You don't have to say anything else, Antonio. You love me and Е.. I Love you Е. But it just wasn't meant to be. We just have to accept That and move on with our lives (thinking more about Antonio's Happiness if he gets on with his life in the church). I think you should take the transfer to Gautamala. Because Е.. I can't Do this Е.. if I'm around you, Antonio. It's too much to ask Е.. I don't know if I can live without you ANYWAY, but please Е.. Don't ask me to live my life without you and then have to look at You everyday and know what I've lost. I just couldn't Е.

Antonio: I think you're right. I think my going to Guatamala is best for everyone. Things need to cool down around here with my family and I think that will happen faster if I'm not around. And Е.. I don't know if I could stay true to the church Е. if I'm seeing you everyday. I think being around each other right now would just be too difficult if We're truly to get on with our lives.

I'll Е. I'll put in for my transfer immediately. I don't think the post has Been filled and I know they're anxious to get someone into it. They Should be able to transfer me by next week.

Gabi: (sadly) That's probably best, Antonio. Thank you for being so Honest with me about how you're feeling.

Gabi starts to leave but then stops ЕЕ

Gabi: Antonio Е..

Antonio: Yes.

Gabi: Antonio, I have Е.. I have a favor to ask of you.

Antonio: Anything, Gabi. You know that.

Gabi: You were honest with me, Antonio. Now, I need to be honest With you. Antonio, I will try to do what we've agreed on Е.. to move on with my Life without you Е.. but I can't do it like thisЕ.. Antonio, I truly think I will never love another man again Е.. I feel Like you and I are truly soul matesЕЕ but if I can't live with you In my life ЕЕ I need you to give me something to cling to Е.. Something that I can look back on and cherish for the rest of my Life when I'm remembering what I lost when I lost you.

Antonio: I don't know what you're asking me, Gabi. You know I'll do anything To make this less painful for you.

Gabi: AntonioЕ.. I want one week with you Е.. ALONE ЕЕ just the two Of us ЕЕ somewhere away from here.

Antonio: Gabi, do you think that's wise?

Gabi: All I know is Е.. I will never have you in my life again to love Е.. And I want this week that I can look back on and treasure. This Week is all I'm going to have, Antonio Е.. of what we had.

Writers Note: Yes, I'm doing a little Thornbirds thing here. I couldn't help myself. The thoughts of Gabi & Antonio together alone on some tropical island for a week was just TOOOOO tempting!

Antonio: Gabi, if I'm alone with you like that for a week, I don't know if I'll be Able to let you goЕ..

Gabi: Please, Antonio. This is all I'm asking of you. Give me this ONE week ЕЕ then you can go to Guatamala and Е.. and I'll get on with my life.

Antonio: (still very uncertain if he can walk away from Gabi if he spends this week With her) Okay ЕЕ if this will make it easier for you Е. you make the plans and just let me know where to Meet you.

My family will think I'm just leaving early for Guatamala.

Gabi: Thank you, Antonio. I know you feel uncertain about this Е. But I NEED This Е. I need this week with you to look back on.

Antonio: (Gabi starts out the door but Antonio stops her) Gabi Е. We're making the right decision here, right Е.. I mean about Separating and going our own ways Е

Gabi: You made the only decision you could make, Antonio. You followed Your heart.

Chapter 8 - HEAVEN ON EARTH

Writers Note: My next 4 chapters will be dealing with some very intense emotions. Because music plays such a big part in my life and because I really want to get across to the readers the emotions that Antonio & Gabi are feeling in these chapters, I will be including some song lyrics in these chapters. These are songs that I feel capture the emotions of the particular moment or in the case of Chapter 10 & 11, would be the type of music I'd be listening to if I were in the depressed state that Gabi will be in.

Enjoy!

SCENE 1:

As Chapter 8 opens, Gabi has gone to a secluded, Caribbean island and is preparing the "love nest" that Antonio & Gabs will share during the next week. The bungalo that Gabi has rented is right on the beach and is very secluded. There is one restaurant nearby but not much else. (of course, it IS a very ROMANTIC restaurant - a perfect place for some slow dancing in the later scenes)

The bungalo is very open - windows all around letting in the glorious, tropical sunlight. Gabi has opened all the windows and the tropical breeze is sweeping softly through.

She is stocking up on food too, because if Gabi has her way, she and Antonio will be IN A LOT!!!!!! Gabi has no plans to share her man with ANYONE else this week!!!!

Meanwhile, Maria and Carmen have accompanied Antonio to the airport to say goodbye as he leaves SB for Guatamala (or so THEY think). Of course, they have no idea that Antonio is not going directly to Guatamala. (writers note: Can you imagine if Carmen knew where Antonio is REALLY spending this week?)

Needless to say, Ricardo has not joined his family at the airport to say goodbye to his little brother. Quite frankly, Ricardo is glad he's leaving as it would be very uncomfortable for him to be around Antonio OR Gabi right now.

Although Ricardo is angry at Gabi too, he is more angry with Antonio because Antonio is Ric's brother AND a priest. Not only has Antonio betrayed him as a brother, but like Francessca, Ricardo's illusions about Antonio's morality as a priest have been shattered. Ricardo knows he will never be able to look at another priest or minister again in the same light because he will know that while the priest is preaching goodness and morality to his parishioners, he could in fact, be breaking every one of his vows and sinning in EVERY way possible!

Ricardo has heard from some of the guys at the station that Gabi has taken some personal leave time and gone out of town for some time alone to get her thoughts and life together. Again, Ricardo is glad because he's not looking forward to having to run into Gabi all the time at the station. It's going to be EXTREMELY uncomfortable and Ricardo's not sure how he's going to be able to handle that.

As this chapter opens, Antonio has flown to the island and has taken a taxi to the lover's retreat. Antonio is still questioning the wisdom of this spending this week alone with Gabi. However, even as strong as Antonio is, he couldn't resist the temptation of spending this final week with Gabi. In FACT, it's ALL he's been able to think about since they made the decision to meet here.

As Antonio opens the door to the bungalo, Gabi comes out of the bedroom into the living room. She hadn't heard Antonio open the door so she's caught by surprise.

Antonio thinks he has never seen Gabi look as beautiful as she does now. In fact, just looking at her now takes his breath away. The lovers just stand and gaze at each other, speaking no wordsЕ.. each lost in the other's eyes.

Then Е.. Gabi walks slowly over to Antonio and gently takes his hand and leads him into the bedroom. No words are spoken but no words are needed.

As Antonio enters into the bedroom, he notices the shades are drawn Е. The room is dark, lighted only with the illumination of approximately 30 white candles that Gabi has placed throughout the room, which are now flickering softly. (Writers Note: Hope all these candles don't make Antonio think he's back at the Chapel and kill the mood ЕЕ. I don't think it will, though.)

The bed is covered with rose petals ЕЕ. A profusion of colors Е. Pink, yellow, white, red Е. And the scent from the petals fills the room.

Still gazing into his eyes, Gabi slowly unbuttons Antonio's white shirt and begins to kiss his chest. Antonio unbuttons the front buttons of Gabi's dress and kisses her as her dress falls softly to the floor at their feet.

Antonio leads Gabi to the bed and gently lays her down upon the rose petals. As the lovers passionately embrace and kiss, all of the emotions of the past come flooding back. All of the barriers that had kept them apart are broken for now and the two are overcome with their feelings for each other Е.. feelings that they've kept locked away but are now able to release openly.

When Antonio made love to Gabi in the cave, it was different. They thought they were going to die and had limited time. But now Е.. Antonio has an entire week with Gabi and this time, their lovemaking is slow and deliberate as Antonio's lips explore every part of Gabi's body. Antonio wants to memorize every inch of Gabi's body as he knows all he will have after this week are these precious memories.

Writers Note: Okay readers, you get the gist of what happens next. I'll let YOUR imagination take over now.

SONG LYRICS TO SO BLESSED from the Mariah Carey EMOTIONS CD

Lying beside you This joy is so deep I reach out and touch you Tenderly Looking inside you My world is complete I struggled to find you Now I'm free

Precious love Burning so deeply Shining completely For you.

Chorus: So blessed Amazingly Touching you now Awakens me You are my heart My everything Feeling you now Is all I need

Adrift in a moment So sacred and pure Alive for you only I am yours As you touch me so sweetly And you whisper my name I feel how you love me We are the same

Precious one Don't ever leave me Forever need me This way

Chorus

Stay with me Beyond the end I treasure you You made me whole again

Chorus

Back to our scene. Exhausted but sooooo content, Gabi is lying in Antonio's arms. As she slowly drifts off to sleep, the last words she hears is Antonio whispering softly, "I love you Gabi and I always will."

CHAPTER 8, SCENE 2 of HEAVEN ON EARTH

When Scene 1 ended, Gabi & Antonio had had a WONDERFUL reunion. After making love, the last words Gabi heard as she drifted off to sleep was Antonio whispering, "I love you, Gabi, and I always will."

Antonio woke early the next morning to find Gabi sleeping peacefully in his arms. Antonio just lay there for the next hour watching Gabi sleep. He wanted to remember EVERY minute of this weekЕЕ to emblazon it into his mind so that later ЕЕ when they went their separate ways Е.. he could look back at it and remember everythingЕ.. every second and every minute of this precious time that he had with Gabi.

SONG LYRICS: I DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING by Aerosmith from the Armageddon Soundtrack

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing Watch you smile while you are sleeping While you're far away and dreaming I could spend my life in this sweet surrender I could stay lost in this moment forever Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure

Don't wanna close my eyes Don't wanna fall asleep 'Coz I'd miss you baby And I don't wanna miss a thing 'Coz even when I dream of you The sweetest dream would never do I'd still miss you baby And I don't wanna miss a thing

Laying close to you Feeling your heart beating And I'm wondering what you're dreaming Wondering if it's me you're seeing Then I kiss your eyes And thank God we're together I just want to stay with you in this moment forever Forever and ever

Don't wanna close my eyes Don't wanna fall asleep 'Coz I'd miss you baby And I don't wanna miss a thing 'Coz even when I dream of you The sweetest dream would never do I'd still miss you baby And I don't want to miss a thing

I don't wanna miss one smile I don't wanna miss one kiss I just wanna be with you Right here with you just like this I just wanna hold you close Feel your heart so close to mine And just stay here in this moment for all the rest of time Baby, baby

Don't wanna close my eyes Don't wanna fall asleep The sweetest dream would never do I'd still miss you baby And I don't want to miss a thing 'Coz I'd miss you baby And I don't wanna miss a thing 'Coz even when I dream of you The sweetest dream would never do I'd still miss you baby And I don't want to miss a thing

As he watched her sleep, Gabi was so beautifulЕ. So peaceful and contentЕ.. that soon Antonio can't resist touching her. He leans over and gently kisses each of her eyelids.

A sleepy Gabi rouses a little.

Gabi: Ummmmmmmm. (trying to open her eyes and seeing Antonio) Is this a dream or are you REALLY here?

Antonio leans over and kisses her passionately.

Antonio: Does that feel real?

Gabi: Ohhhhhhhh yes. (Caressing Antonio's face) I just can't believe you're Really here Е.. that we're really together. This must be what heaven Feels like.

Antonio: I know. I woke up about an hour ago. I just couldn't believe that we Were really here.

Gabi: An hour ago? Why didn't you wake me?

Antonio: I didn't want toЕЕ I just watched you sleep. You looked so beautifulЕ. So peacefulЕ.. I just couldn't wake you.

Gabi: (pulling Antonio over to kiss) Well, I'm awake NOW!!!!!!

Antonio: (kissing Gabi) GabiЕЕ I don't know how I'm going to be able to Let you go after this time togetherЕЕ

Gabi: (interrupting and putting her finger to his lips) Shhhhhh!!!!!! This week - You're MINE. You're not a priest this weekЕ.. and you're not God's. This week, you're mine and I want you every single second of that time.

Don't think about tomorrow. I just want to live in the momentЕЕ one Day at a time. We have an entire week together, Antonio, and I intend To live every moment of that week to the fullest.

Writers Note: Okay, I shamelessly stole the line about being her's and not God's from the Thornbirds. Meggie told Father Ralph that during their week in paradise. But it was so appropriate here and I couldn't help myself, okay?

Gabi & Antonio start kissing again and soon both are TRULY lost in the moment as they make love.

SONG LYRICS: TILL THE END OF TIME FROM MARIAH CAREY'S EMOTION ALBUM

Close to me Oh, I need you close to me Loving me Close to you How can I get close to you Help me to

Chorus: Why can't you see I would give the world away To have you by my side I'm so in need Each and every night I pray You'll come and save my life I would love you Till the end of time

I think of you Every moment I go through Thoughts of you I dream of you All I have are so many dreams of you Won't you please come true Why can't you see I would give the world away To have you by my side Oh, and I'm so in need Each and every night I pray You'll come and save my life I would love you Till the end of time

Tell me what you need Let me give you all of me Without you, nothings real You're the reason I feel Tell me what you need Let me give you everything Every moment I'm alive Until the end of time

Chorus.

CHAPTER 8, SCENE 3 of HEAVEN ON EARTH

When we left Scene 2, Antonio & Gabi had just woke up and were making love. As Scene 3 opens, Antonio is holding Gabi in his arms after making love to her.

Gabi starts to get up.

Antonio: (Grabbing Gabi & pulling her back down into bed) Nooooooo, Where are you going?

Gabi: I'm going to get us something to eat!!!!! I think we've worked up Quite an appetite!!!!

Antonio: (kissing Gabi) I don't want to go anywhere. I'm not THAT hungry. I Don't want to let you out of my arms.

Gabi: (laughing) I'm not going OUT. Actually I've got food in the kitchen. (Gabi pulls away again to get up)

Besides, AntonioЕЕ you need to keep your strength up because Е.. (smiling wickedly) I HAVE PLANS FOR YOU!!!!! And you're going to need your strength. (Gabi goes into the kitchen and begins to fix some food at the stove)

Antonio: (laughing, Antonio comes up behind Gabi as she's working at the stove And grabs her by the waist) Oh you do, do you?

I can't imagine what you've got in mind!!!! Maybe some snorkeling ЕЕ or maybe a little windsurfing?

Gabi: Ummmmmm. I guess I'll just have to SURPRISE you then.

Antonio: I like surprises!!!!! (turning Gabi around to face him, Antonio begins To kiss her again)

Gabi: YOU have got to let me fix this breakfast. It won't take long, I promise ЕЕ. If you'll stop DISTRACTING me. (Antonio kisses Gabi again)

Antonio: Ohhhhh, okay. If you insist.

Gabi fixes some fresh fruit, muffins and juice and the couple take their breakfast out onto the veranda to eat.

As a famished Gabi digs into her breakfast, she notices Antonio isn't eating. He's just sitting across from Gabi, gazing at her and smiling.

Gabi: Antonio, you haven't touched a thing! Don't you like what I fixed? Its All fresh from the island.

Gabi puts a big, red juicy strawberry into her mouth.

Antonio: I'm trying, Gabi, but you're making it REALLY hard to concentrate!!!!!!

Gabi goes over to where Antonio is sitting and sits on his lap and feeds him a strawberry!!!

Gabi: Here, let me help!!!!

Antonio: I STILL can't concentrate but I AM really enjoying your trying!!!!!!

Gabi laughs wickedly!!!!!

Soon, Antonio can stand it no longer and he picks Gabi up off of his lap and carries her to the bedroom. Gabi pretends she's putting up a fuss, but she's as anxious to make love again as Antonio is. As they make love, Gabi realizes that she has NEVER felt the ecstasy that she is feeling with Antonio. And she thinks how she would like to freeze-frame this moment in time so that she would never have to leave.

SONG LYRICS: ALL I'VE EVER WANTED from Mariah Carey's Music Box Album

If you only knew What I feel for you If you only lived for me And I lived for you I'd be in heaven My dreams would come true

'Cause all I've ever wanted Is you And you alone And I love you so More than you could ever know All I've ever wanted Is you

If you were my own To caress and hold I would shower you with love And drown within your soul Because I live and breathe for you And I really need to know

'Cause all I've ever wanted Is you And you alone And I love you so More than you could ever know All I've ever wanted Is you

Everything I do is for you You are every part of me And I don't want to face Another day Alone Without your love

'Cause all I've ever wanted Is you And you alone And I love you so More than you could ever know All I've ever wanted Is you All I've ever wanted is you.

End of Scene 3.

CHAPTER 8 SCENE 4

(Writers Note: I've included a lot of song lyrics in this scene because they seemed so appropriate for the moment. Hope you don't mind too much.)

Several days have passed since our lovers started their tropical paradise holiday. The days have been pure heaven for both Gabi & Antonio and Antonio is starting to have serious doubts as to whether he can actually leave Gabi at the end of the week. He had loved her before but nowЕЕ their relationship has moved to an entirely new level. He's seen what a LIFE with Gabi could really be like. Although he's not mentioning his concern to Gabi, because he promised her he would enjoy this week one day at a time, he is really struggling within.

As this scene opens, it is early evening. Gabi and Antonio are in bed, having just made love. (Writers note: If you think they're spending a lot of time in bed, let me offer an explanation. Remember that Antonio is a Priest and not only does he think he'll never see Gabi again, he thinks he'll never BE WITH ANY WOMAN again, so I suspect he's living this week for all its worth and having the time of his life!!!!! AnywayЕ. Back to the story.)

Antonio starts to get up to go shower but Gabi grabs him by the arm and tries to pull him back down into bed.

Gabi: Nooooooooo. Don't leave!!!!!!!

Antonio: (laughing) No, you don't. I've kept you cooped up in here too long as It isЕЕ (still laughing) Е. Because I'm so selfish and wanted you ALL TO MYSELF.

Gabi: I'm not complaining!!!!!

Antonio: I know, but TONIGHT, I'm taking you out for a romantic dinner And dancing. I don't want you to get tired of me!!!!!!

Gabi: Fat chance of that!!!!!!!! So tell me where you're taking me for dinnerЕ. No wait!!!! Let me guess!!!!! Since there's only one restaurant on this Entire island, I'm guessin that's it!!!!!

Antonio: (teasing) Oh, you think you're so smart, don't you? Now get up, get Showered and get ready!!!!!! (Gabi gets up and Antonio puts his arms Around her) Because I can't wait to put my arms around you and dance Again. Do you remember our last dance?

Gabi: I sure do. That's when I realized I had feelings for you!!!!

Gabi showers and dresses and comes into the bedroom where Antonio is dressed and waiting. Antonio looks extremely sexy and handsome in a white shirt!!!!! Very unpriest like!!!!!!

Antonio: (Seeing Gabi) Wow!!!!! You look beautiful, Gabi!!!!!

Gabi: (twirling around for Antonio to get the entire effect) You like?

Antonio: I LOVE!!!! You look fantastic Е.. but you always do, you know.

Gabi: YOU are such a sweet talkerЕЕ and DON'T STOP cause I love it!!!!

Laughing, they leave for the short walk down the beach to the restaurant. It is dusk as the lovers walk hand in hand, laughing and teasing each other, without a care in the world. Gabi thinks she has never felt so happy in her entire life and like Antonio, she thinks about how it would feel to have this feeling everyday - if she could spend her life with AntonioЕ.. if he didn't have to go to Guatamala and back to the Priesthood.

As they enter the restaurant, there are only 2 other couples there. (remember, this is a very secluded island) Antonio & Gabi are seated and order. As they talk and laugh together, they 're amazed at how natural and easy it is being with each other.

The other couples in the restaurant notice our lovers too and assume they are honeymooners. It's obvious to the others how in love the couple are - they don't take their eyes off of each other for a moment and one of them always is touching the other - Gabi has her hand on Antonio's arm or Antonio is touching Gabi's face. If only the other couples realized, Gabi & Antonio aren't starting a life togetherЕ.. they're getting ready to leave the only greatest love they've ever known.

There is music playing and as the song, Still by 98 Degrees starts to play, Gabi comments;

Gabi: I love that song. It's by 98 Degrees. My friend, Heather, turned me On to that group.

Antonio: Heather?

Gabi: You don't know her? (laughing) I figured you would have met her in In the confessional.

Antonio: (laughs) Come on, let's dance.

Gabi: Antonio, there's no else dancing. Maybe we're not supposed to!!!

Antonio: I don't care. I want to dance with you. (leading her out onto the veranda) Come on, we'll go out on the veranda and dance and it'll be just the two of us. We can dance under the stars!!!!

Gabi & Antonio start to slow dance, bodies close together, swaying to the music. Gabi lays her face on Antonio's shoulders and savors the feeling of just being in his arms. If this moment could just last forever.

SONG LYRICS TO STILL from the 98 DEGREES AND RISING CD

Love, I see forever in your eyes I can see heaven in your smile And when I hold you close I don't want to let go Because deep in my soul I know girl You are the only light I see Your love means everything to me I promise that we'll never part 'Cause you'll always be in my heart

Chorus If the sun should refuse to rise And the moon doesn't hang in the night The tides won't change, seasons rearrange I will still love you.

Girl, you're like an angel from above Sent here to shower me with your love Hold me beneath your wings Tell me all of the things All the hopes and dreams we can share 'Cause I'll be your shelter from the storm I'll be the fire that keeps you warm I'll be your light in the dark Cause you'll always be in my heart

Chorus If the sun should refuse to rise And the moon doesn't hang in the night The tides won't change, seasons rearrange I will still love you

If anything could last forever It's what I feel for you (That's what I feel for you) Oh, baby, you touch my heart in ways That words could never say That's why I'll always love you.

Chorus If the sun should refuse to rise And the moon doesn't hang in the night The tides won't change, seasons rearrange I will still love you

SONG LYRICS TO ANTONIO'S & GABI'S SECOND DANCE - AIN'T NOBODY BY CHAKA KHAN FROM THE EPIPHANY CD

Captured effortlessly That's the way it was Happened so naturally I did not know it was love The next thing I felt was You holding me close What was I gonna do? I let myself go

And now we're flyin' through the stars I hope this night will last forever

I've been waitin' for you It's been so long I knew just what I would do When I heard your song Filled my heart with your bliss Gave me freedom You knew I could not resist I needed someone.

And now we're flyin through the stars I hope this night will last forever Oh oh oh oh

Chorus Ain't nobody Loves me better Makes me happy Makes me feel this way Ain't nobody Loves me better than you

I wait for night to come And bring you to me Can't believe I'm the one I was so lonely I feel like no one could feel I must be dreamin' I want this dream to be real I need this feelin'

I make my wish upon a star And hope this night will last forever

CHORUS

And first you put your arms around me Then you put your charms around me I can't resist this sweet surrender Oh my nights are warm and tender We stare into each other's eyes And what we see is no surprise Got a feeling most would treasure And a love so deep we cannot measure

As the third song starts to play, Gabi and Antonio gaze lovingly into each other's eyes. As they've discovered so often this week, sometimes a look speaks so much louder than words. The heart has its own language.

I DO CHERISH YOU by 98 Degrees

All I am, all I'll be Everything in the world All that I'll ever need Is in your eyes Shining at me When you smile I can feel All my passion unfolding Your hand brushes mine And a thousand sensations Seduce me 'cause I

Chorus I do cherish you For the rest of my life You don't have to think twice I will love you still From the depths of my soul It's beyond my control I've waited so long to say this to you If you're asking do I love you this much I do

In my world before you I lived outside my emotions Didn't know where I was going Till that day I found you How you opened my life To a new paradise In a world torn by change Still with all of my heart Till my dying day

Chorus I do cherish you For the rest of my life You don't have to think twice I will love you still From the depths of my soul It's beyond my control I've waited so long to say this to you If you're asking do I love you this much I do

The music stops and Gabi & Antonio, still gazing into each other's eyes, walk hand in hand back into the restaurant. They finish dinner and then under a moonlit sky, they walk slowly back to the bungalo, arms around each other, silently Е. Just savoring the moment and their happiness together.

SONG LYRICS TO EVERYTHING I DO, I DO IT FOR YOU from the BRANDY CD

Look into my eyes You will see, what you mean to me Search your heart, search your soul When you find me there, then you'll search no more

Chorus Don't tell me it's not worth trying for You can't tell me it's not worth dying for You know it's true, everything I do, I do it for you.

Look in to your heart, you will find There's nothing there to hide Take me as I am, take my life I would give it all, would sacrifice

Chorus

There's no other love, like your love And no other, could give me more love There's nowhere, unless you're there All the time, all the way

You can't tell me its not worth trying for I can't help it, there is nothing I want more I would fight for you, I'd lie for you Walk the wire for you, yeah I'd die for you You know it's true Everything I do I do for you.

Chapter 8 - SCENE 5 - BITTERSWEET GOODBYES

Well, our lover's week of passion is coming to a close. The couple have lived and loved the week to its fullestЕ.. each discovering a degree of love for the other that neither thought was humanly possible.

It is now the evening before Gabi & Antonio must part. Antonio will be leaving for Guatamala the next day.

It is dusk as Antonio leads Gabi down to the beach to a gazebo at the ocean's edge. The gazebo is decorated with thousands of tiny white lights. Candles are lit inside the gazebo and music is playing softly. The gazebo is covered with a sheer, netlike fabric that is blowing softly as the ocean breeze flows through. (Writers note: yep, you guessed itЕ.. Antonio contacted the restaurant with his plan and they supplied everything he needed. This is so unfair, though, isn't it? I mean, as if Antonio wasn't perfect enough already, NOW we find that he's a total romantic too!!!!!! (sigh!)

Gabi is stunned at the sight of what Antonio has done ЕЕ she can't believe her eyes. She looks over at Antonio and he is smiling sweetly.

Gabi: AntonioЕЕ I can't believe Е.. I can't believe you DID this!!!!! This Is the most romantic thing anyone has EVER done for me!!!!

Antonio: I wanted our last night together to be special.

Gabi: AntonioЕ.. it would have been special no matter where we spent itЕ.. as Long as we were together, it would be special.

Antonio took Gabi in her arms and started to danceЕ.. slowly Е. Their bodies so close - They're truly as one.

SONG LYRICS - WHEN I SAW YOU from the Mariah Carey DAYDREAM CD

Soft heavenly eyes gazed into me Transcending space and time And I was rendered still There were no words for me to find at all As I stood there beside myself I could see you and no one else.

When I saw you When I saw you I could not breathe I fell so deep When I saw you When I saw you I'd never be I'd never be the same

Only once in a lifetime love rushes in Changing you with the tide And dawn's ribbon of light Bursts through the dark Wakening you inside And I thought it was all untrue Until there, all at once, I knew

When I saw you When I saw you When I saw you I could not breathe I fell so deep When I saw you When I saw you I'd never be I'd never be the same

With no beginning And without an end You are the one for me When I saw you And its evident And your eyes told me so Your eyes let me know

When I saw you I could not breathe I fell so deep When I saw you I'd never be I'd never be the same

SONG LYRICS - ANGEL OF MINE from the MONICA, THE BOY IS MINE CD (This song was suggested by Heather, one of our onelist.members)

When I first saw you I already knew There was something inside of you Something I thought that I would never find Angel of Mine

I looked at you looking at me Now I know why they say the best things are free I'm gonna love you boy, you are so fine Angel of mine

How you changed my world you'll never know I'm different now, you helped me grow

You came into my life sent from above When I lost all hope you showed me love I'm checkin' for you, boy you're right on time Angel of mine

Nothing means more to me than what we share No one in this whole world can ever compare Last night the way you moved is still on my mind Angel of mine

What you mean to me you'll never know Deep inside I need to show

Chorus

I never knew I could feel each moment As if they were new Every breath that I take The love that we make I only share it with you

Repeat

As they move slowly to the music, both Antonio & Gabi feel that the evening is like a dreamЕЕ. Each move seems in slow motionЕЕ each moment magical. Antonio kisses Gabi tenderly as they dance.

Antonio leads Gabi over to a bench in the gazebo and he holds her as he gazes into her eyes.

Antonio: GabiЕЕЕ (slowly) there's something I need to say to youЕЕ..

Gabi: (putting her finger to his lips) Shhhhhh. You don't, Antonio. You don't Have to say ANYTHINGЕ.. really you don't.

Antonio: NoЕ.. I do, GabiЕЕ. I have to tell you how I feelЕЕ because I'll never Have the chance againЕЕ. I have to tell you before it's Е..too late.

Gabi: Antonio, I KNOW how you feel. You've showed me in SO many ways This weekЕЕ

Antonio: (interrupting) GabiЕ. It's IMPORTANT to me that I TELL you Е. That I Know that you understandЕЕ

And yet, I'm not sure how to say ЕЕ what I want to sayЕЕ. Words Can't express what I'm feeling right now and what I want to sayЕ.. GabiЕЕЕ I love youЕЕ with all that I am, I love youЕЕ.. To the depths of my soulЕЕ. I've never felt anything like this before Е.. For ANYONEЕЕ and I never thought I WOULD.

Gabi: AntonioЕЕ.

Antonio: No, let me finish, GabiЕЕ..This week with youЕЕ. I truly feel you've Become a part of meЕЕ and I don't know how I'm going to live without That Е.. that part of me missing. I don't know how I'm going to do ThatЕЕ. But, Gabi, I HAVE to go to GuatamalaЕЕ I have to TRY to Be true to my vows to the church.

Gabi: I know, Antonio. TrulyЕ.. I understand.

Antonio: But my leaving doesn't lessen what I feel for you GabiЕЕ. I will ALWAYS love you, GabiЕЕ. Until the day I die, I will love youЕЕ And that will NEVER change. We may be thousands of miles apart ЕЕ but you'll always be in my Heart, Gabi. ALWAYS. And if you ever NEED me, GabiЕЕ.. you just call meЕ.. because I'll ALWAYS be there for you. I can't bear to think of how I'm hurting youЕЕ. And it's tearing me up Inside tooЕЕ. But ЕЕЕ

Gabi: (interupting) AntonioЕЕ please. Don't ЕЕ. We agreed that you Would go to GuatamalaЕЕ. We KNEW that this day would COME. And I KNOW how you feelЕЕ. When you walk out that door tomorrow, I'm going to lose a part of me that can NEVER be replacedЕЕ but ThisЕЕЕ this is what has to BE. This was the decision we madeЕ. This is what we both felt was best. And God knows that I will ALWAYS love you AntonioЕ.. but I want You to be HAPPY. And that means going back to the Church. This is what you HAVE to do, Antonio. This is whatЕЕ WE have to do. Just hold me, Antonio. Just hold me and don't let me go tonight.

Antonio wraps his arms tightly around Gabi and they look out at the OceanЕ.. just savoring the last hours of their time togetherЕ.. Until finally the sun starts to rise and they know they must return to The bungalo.

SONG LYRICS - ALWAYS IN LOVE by Mariah Carey

Baby can I hold you one more time Before we say our last goodbye We've seen love grow, now we'll watch as it dies Baby why pretend and live a lie

Chorus Don't you know that we gave all we had And we tried baby, but it just hurt so bad So we loved and we lost everything that we had Thought we'd always be in love

Just let me touch you that way once again Remember how it was before it ends Just for a moment please let's love again Before we close the door and we can't get in

CHORUS

And my heart is breaking that we ended up this way How can I go on How can I be strong When my life and my love is gone

SONG LYRICS - ANYTIME YOU NEED A FRIEND from the Mariah Carey MUSIC BOX CD

If you're lonely And need a friend And troubles seem like They never end Just remember to keep the faith And love will there to light the way

Anytime you need a friend I will be here You'll never be alone again So don't you fear Even if you're miles away I'm by your side So don't you ever be lonely Love will make it alright

When the shadows are closing in And your spirit diminishing Just remember you're not alone And love will be there To guide you home

Anytime you need a friend I will be here You'll never be alone again So don't you fear Even if you're miles away I'm by your side So don't you ever be lonely Love will make it alright

If you just believe in me I will love you endlessly Take my hand Take me into your heart I'll be there forever baby I won't let go I'll never let go

Chorus

So don't you ever be lonely It's alright It's alright

SONG LYRICS - WHENEVER YOU CALL from the Mariah Carey BUTTERFLY CD

Love wandered inside Stronger than you Stronger than I And now that it has begun We cannot turn back We can only turn into one

I won't ever be too far away to feel you And I won't hesitate at all Whenever you call And I'll always remember The part of you so tender I'll be the one to catch your fall Whenever you call

And I'm truly inspired Finding my soul There in your eyes And you have opened my heart And lifted me inside By showing me yourself Undisguised

And I won't ever be too far away to feel you And I won't hesitate at all Whenever you call And I'll always remember The part of you so tender I'll be the one to catch your fall Whenever you call

And I will breathe for you each day Comfort you through all the pain Gently kiss your fears away Mmmmm You can turn to me and cry Always understand that I Give you all that I am inside

Chorus

Antonio & Gabi slowly walked, hand in hand, back to the bungalo. They walked silently to the bedroom and Antonio took Gabi in his arms, kissing her tenderly. He then guided her to the bed and they made love Е.. slowlyЕЕ. Each moment and each touch more precious than the one before, for they each knew that this would be the last time they shared this precious act.

As they made love, Antonio looked at Gabi and saw tears streaming down her sweet face. He tenderly kissed each tear away.

Afterwards, they held each other ЕЕ. Not speaking ЕЕ. Letting their hearts do the talking.

Then, Antonio, got up and went to shower and dressed. When he returned to the bedroom, he had his packed suitcase in his hand.

Gabi was still in bed and when she saw Antonio, fully dressed and standing by the bed with his packed suitcase in his hand, she was stunned.

Gabi: Antonio???????

Antonio: (sadly) It's time for me to leave, Gabi. My plane leaves in an hour. My taxi is waiting outside.

Gabi: ButЕЕ. You didn't tell me ЕЕ I didn't know you were leaving This early Е.. not NOW.

Antonio: I knowЕ. I didn't tell you. I didn't want to upset you.

They walk into the living room where Antonio takes Gabi in his arms for the last time and kisses her.

Antonio: I'll always love you, GabiЕ.. always rememberЕЕ. I'll ALWAYS Love you.

Antonio walks to the door and opens it to leave. He looks back one last time at Gabi and the sight of Gabi standing there, tears streaming down her pale face, breaks his heart. But he knows if he goes to her nowЕЕ.. he'll NEVER leave her. So he goes out the door.

As the door closes, Gabi starts to sob uncontrollably.

Gabi: (crying) Antonio, please don't Е.. please don't leave me.

But Antonio can't hear Gabi's pleas.

Gabi goes to the shower and after undressing steps into the shower, still crying. She turns on the shower, hoping the drops will wash away her tearsЕ.. wash away the pain.

She drops to the floor of the shower and begins to cry in loud sobs Е. She holds her face in her hands and cries as she whispers his nameЕ.. "Antonio. Oh Antonio."

Gabi feels as if her heart has been ripped out.

The droplets of water from the shower hit Gabi as she sits on the floor of the shower, mixing with her tears, but the water cannot wash away her pain.

Finally, exhausted from crying, Gabi gets out of the shower and gets dressed. She packs her things and takes her suitcase into the living room and sets it by the door. She then goes back into the bedroom and sits on the side of the bed.

She touches the pillow where Antonio's head lay. Then she touched the sheets where his sweet body laid just minutes beforeЕ.. the sheets still warm from where he lay. Touching the spots he had laid ЕЕ was her last connection to what they had shared. This was all she had left of Antonio now.

She sadly walked back into the living room. She looked around one last time to see if she had left anything behind ЕЕ but the only thing Gabi left behind in the bungalo was her HEART. And she knew she would never reclaim it again.

Gabi took the taxi to the airport and as she boarded the plane and took her seat, she kept her sunglasses on. She didn't want the other passengers to see her red, swollen eyes.

Her seatmate noticed the pretty woman sitting beside him and that she didn't remove her sunglasses. Then he noticed the tears streaming down her face from underneath the glasses. He started to ask her if everything was okayЕ. If there was anything he could do to help. But he saw that Gabi was in her own world, lost in her thoughtsЕ. And that she seemed to be in great painЕ.. and thought it best not to disturb her.

As Gabi arrived at SB and took the taxi back home, she wondered why she had returned. There was nothing to return to. She had no life here now. But then she really had no life anywhere nowЕ.. not without Antonio.

Gabi opened the door to her home and walked in. She didn't even bother to turn on the lightsЕ.. It didn't matter. She felt she would never see the light again anyway. She walked straight to her bed and laid down, staring into space.

She prayed for sleep, thinking sleep might alleviate this agony she was inЕ.. because at least she would dream of AntonioЕ.. of their time together. And when she woke up, she might realize that it was all a bad dream and that she was really STILL with Antonio and that they had never separated.

And even if it was true, and they were still apartЕ.. at least Gabi could be with Antonio in her dreams.

But sleep would not come. Nor would relief from the agonizing pain she was feeling. And the worst part wasЕ.. Gabi wasn't sure if it EVER would.

CHAPTER 9 - SCENE 1

When we last left off, Antonio had left for Guatamala and Gabi had returned to Sunset Beach, and as you can imagine, they're both in a great deal of pain because of the separation.

I'm going to change to a different format for the next chapter or two - I want to explore the deep emotions that Gabi & Antonio are feeling while they're apart so I think the best way to get their honest feelings are in the places that THEY are most honest - Antonio's prayers and Gabi's diary. Also, there will be song lyrics to a lot of songs that I would imagine Gabi would be listening to during this period.

GABI'S DIARY - APRIL 7

I didn't sleep at ALL last night. I was so tired and so exhausted from the heavy emotions I'm feeling right now but I couldn't quiet my mind to go to sleep. Everytime I closed my eyes, I saw Antonio looking back at me the way he did before he walked out the door yesteday Е... his eyes filled with so much sadness and pain. That look will haunt me forever. It was tearing him up as much as it was me for him to leaveЕ.. I could SEE that, soЕ. WHY did he have to leave?

I don't know what I expectedЕ. I knew that day would come Е.. and I knew he would leaveЕ.. we agreed on that but still ЕЕ.. some secret part of my heart dreamed and hoped and prayed that Antonio would turn before he walked out that door and say, "Gabi, I can't leave you. I WON'T leave you. I love you too much to leave you."

But he didn't, he kept on walking out that door.

I HAVE to accept that. I have to make myself accept that this is over. Antonio & I will never be together. My MIND keeps telling me this is just the way it is and that I have to face the truth but my HEART just won't accept that we'll never be together.

I tried to eat some lunch but I couldn't eat. In fact, I didn't do anything today at all except call the Chief. There's no way I can go back to the station yet. It's too painfulЕ.. I need time to get over Antonio before I have to go back and face Ricardo because God knows that's'going to be difficult enough by itself. Luckily, the Chief was very understanding. He told me to take all the time I needed. I'll bet Ricardo's glad too because I know how uncomfortable it's going to be for him when I go back to work at the station. I just can't even think that far ahead. Right now, I'm just trying to get through one day at a time. Just trying to surviveЕЕ.. without Antonio.

God, I hope I stop crying soon. I know it's probably good for meЕ. Getting all that emotion out and allЕ. But God, it hurts like HellЕ.. I feel like my heart has been ripped out. Thank God no one knows I'm home yet and came over. I don't want anyone to see me like this.

UNBREAK MY HEART from the Toni Braxton SECRETS CD Lyrics to this beautiful song are by our very own Lara's cuz, Diane Warren

Don't leave me in all this pain Don't leave me out in the rain Come back and bring back my smile Come and take these tears away I need your arms to hold me now The nights are so unkind Bring back those nights when I held you beside me

Unbreak my heart Say you'll love me again Undo this hurt you caused When you walked out that door And walked outta my life Un-cry these tears I cried so many nights Unbreak my heart My heart

Take back that sad word good-bye Bring back the joy to my life Don't leave me here with these tears Come and kiss this pain away I can't forget the day you left Time is so unkind And life is so cruel without you here beside me.

Unbreak my heart Say you'll love me again Undo this hurt you caused When you walked out that door And walked outta my life Un-cry these tears I cried so many nights Unbreak my heart My heart

Don't leave me in all this pain Don't leave me out in the rain Bring back the nights when I held you beside me

Unbreak my heart Say you'll love me again Undo this hurt you caused When you walked out that door And walked outta my life Un-cry these tears I cried so many nights Unbreak my heart My heart

Unbreak my heart Come back and say you love me Unbreak my heart Sweet darlin' Without you I just can't go on Can't go on

RIGHT HERE WAITING from the MONICA - THE BOY IS MINE CD

Oceans apart, day after day And I slowly go insane I hear your voice on the line But it doesn't stop the pain I see you next to never How can we stay forever

Whereever you go Whatever you do I will be here right here waiting for you Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be here right here waiting for you

I took for granted all the times That I thought would last somehow I hear the laughter I taste the tears But I can't get near you now Oh can't you see me baby? You've got me going crazy

Chorus

Whereever you go Whatever you do I will be here right here waiting for you Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be here right here waiting for you

I wonder how we can survive But in the end if I'm with you I'll take the chance

Baby, Baby Whereever you go Whatever you do I'll beЕ. I'll be right here waiting for you Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you

Oh I love you Whatever it takes, whatever you do, whereever you go, I'll never leave you I'll be right here

GABI'S DIARY ENTRY - APRIL 14TH

Well, it's been a week now. One week since I've seen Antonio. Who knew that 7 days could seem so long - it feels more like forever since I've seen him.

I thought that it would get easier as time passed Е.. at least I HOPED it would but the pain is no less todayЕ.. in fact, it's worse. I'm not sleepingЕЕ I'm not eatingЕЕ In fact, I'm not even living. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror today and I didn't recognize the person I saw looking back at me. Huge black circles under my eyesЕЕghostly pale skinЕЕ.. but what else can I expect with no sleep and no reprieve from the pain?

Meg and Vanessa have been greatЕЕ. I mean, they've tried SO hard to help, but NO ONE can help me. Meg said she understands what I'm going through because of what she went through with Ben but SHE DOESN'T know how I feelЕЕ no one does. Meg always had that HOPE Е. That possibility that she would get back with Ben. I DON'T. I'll never have Antonio again. Any future for me with Antonio is HOPELESS. And my heart just won't Е.. or CAN'T ЕЕ accept it.

And I'm so damn angry. It's so unfair that when I finally meet the man of my dreamsЕ.. my soulmateЕЕ. Then he's taken away from me with no hope of ever having him. Why would God DO that to me? What have I done to deserve that? I meanЕ.. WHY ME? Antonio says God is a good God ЕЕ and that God does whats best for usЕЕ but if that's trueЕЕ. Why is God punishing me like this? How can this be what's BEST for me?

I may call Vanessa. She told me if I need anything, to just call. I think I'll ask her to run to the store to meЕЕ such a small thing but I'm just not up to going out for ANYTHING right now. I'm afraid I'll run into people and I don't want to face them right nowЕ.. I don't want to answer questionsЕЕ and I DON'T want them to see me like this!!!!! I'm sure Carman would LOVE to see me right now. She would DELIGHT in seeing me suffer like this and in so much pain. She would tell me it was my punishment for breaking up her family.

Maybe tomorrowЕЕ maybe tomorrow will be a little better. It just HAS to because I don't know how much longer I can go on like this.

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU Lyrics by Dolly Parton

If I should stay I would only be in your way So I'll go but I know I'll think of you each step of the way

And I will always love you I will always love you

Bittersweet memories That's all I am taking with me So goodbye Please don't cry We both know I'm not what you need

And I will always love you I will always love you

I hope that life treats you kind And I hope that you get everything you've ever dreamed of But more, much more than this I wish you love

And I will always love you I will always love you

TILL THE END OF TIME Lyrics by Mariah Carrey

Close to me Oh I need you close to me Loving me Close to you How can I get close to you Help me to

Chorus: Why can't you see I would give the world away To have you by my side I'm so in need Each and every night I pray You'll come and save my life I would love you Till the end of time

I think of you Every moment I go through Thoughts of you I dream of you All I have are so many dreams of you Won't you please come true

Chorus: Why can't you see I would give the world away To have you by my side I'm so in need Each and every night I pray You'll come and save my life I would love you Till the end of time

Tell me what you need Let me give you all of me Without you nothing's real You're the reason I feel

Tell me what you need Let me give you everything Every moment I'm alive Until the end of time

I would love you till the end of time

ANTONIO'S PRAYER - APRIL 14TH

(Antonio is kneeling praying)

Father, You must be so tired of hearing me ask you thisЕ.. but I NEED Your help, FatherЕЕ PLEASEЕЕ Please help me. I'm so ashamed. I thought I was so much stronger than thisЕ.. but I'm not strong when it comes to GabiЕЕ.

Father, I CAN'T forget her. I can't forget Gabi. I can't concentrateЕ.. I can't have a moment of peace from the painЕЕ.

I can't even sleep. The dreams about Gabi are backЕЕ. EVERY NIGHTЕЕ. I close my eyes and I see us during that week we had alone together ЕЕ. Making loveЕЕ. Just talking, just livingЕЕ. I was SO wrong to spend that weekend with her because it looks like it's going to haunt me foreverЕ.. just wishing I was back with her and reliving those times together. I hope she's not doing the same.

I don't understand what's happening, Father. YOU want me to keep my vowsЕ.. to be a PriestЕЕ so why are You testing me like this? I don't think I'm up to passing this testЕЕ I don't think I'm strong enough. I know You would never give us more than we could bear, Father, so PLEASE, have mercy on me and deliver me from this pain in my heart.

I want to call Gabi so bad. I'm so worried about her and how she's doing. But if I call, I need to be strongЕЕ. Because if she asked me to come back to her, I don't think I could say no. NoЕ.. I can't take that chance. But, Father, I pray to youЕЕ. I beg youЕЕ don't let Gabi be going through the pain I'm feeling ЕЕ. If You have ANY mercy on us at allЕЕ. PLEASE don't let Gabi be suffering.

You've got to help me, Father, because I'm not sure how long I can go on like this. You've got to give me STRENGTH, Father, to forget the past and to focus on the present work at handЕ.. YOUR work in the Church, Father.

CHAPTER 9 - PART 3

Gabi's Dairy Entry - April 17

Meg called today. I pretended like I wasn't home and let the machine pick up. I know I'm horrible - Meg's such a good friend. I just don't want to talk to ANYONE these days, not even my friends. Its just too painful to talk about my feelings these days and I can't put on a "happy smile" and pretend I'm feeling better because I'm not!

I keep waiting for the pain to easeЕЕ. I mean, isn't that what everyone says - time eases your pain? So why do I feel so miserable? I haven't slept more than an hour at a time for weeks now. It's no wonder I'm feeling so bad - I've just got to have some sleep. But even when I do catch an hour or so of sleep, Antonio is thereЕЕ.. he's in my dreams. There's NO escape from thinking about him. If I turn on the TV to try to escape, I see his face in the faces of the TV characters.

When I'm dreamingЕЕ he's ALWAYS there. It's so realЕЕ I can feel his arms around me again and I can feel his gentle kisses as we're making love. But then when I wake up, and he's not here, it just makes me hurt more, remembering what I had but lost!

The Chief called today. I felt I had to talk to him since he called. He wanted to know when I was coming back to work. God knows I wish I had the answer to that. All I know for sure is that I can't go back right nowЕЕ. I'm just too much of a mess right now. I dread facing Ricardo sooooooo much and if he said one word to me, I know I'd burst into tears. I mean, that's happening enough as it is. ALL I do these days is cry. Then when I think there can't possibly be any more tears left, I cry some more.

I'm so afraid Meg or Vanessa are going to stop by. I should have taken Meg's call because she's going to get worried and come by now and I don't want anyone to see me like this. I haven't showered in days - haven't combed my hair. Why should I? What difference does it make? I just lay in bed and cry all day anyway, so why bother to get dressed?

And I noticed today that my clothes are starting to hang really loose. I know I have to start eating again but I just can'tЕ.. I have no appetite.

I heard this song today on the radioЕ.. the words went something like "how could an angel break my heart? Why didn't he catch my falling star? I wish I didn't wished so hard. Maybe I wished our love apart. How could an angel break my heart? Oh my soul is dying, it's crying. I'm trying to understand. Please help me."

I just broke down completely when I heard those lyrics. Maybe the song is right - maybe I wished our love apart because I wanted it so badly. Maybe God is punishing me for that by taking Antonio from me.

I wonder how Antonio is doing? He's probably doing just fine - he's so strong! I wish I could be as strong as Antonio. At least I have the satisfaction of knowing that he's doing what he wants to be doing. Because more than anything else in the entire world, I want Antonio to be happy. If he's happy, then, somehowЕЕ I'll get through thisЕ.. somehowЕ..

SONG LYRICS - I DON'T WANT TO Song Lyrics by R. Kelly

I really don't feel like talking on the phone And I really don't feel like company at home Lately I don't want to do the things I used to do Baby since I lost you

Chorus: And I don't want to sing another love song babe I don't want to hum another melody I don't want to live my life without you babe yeah It's driving me crazy

I really don't feel like smiling anymore And I haven't had the peace to sleep at all Ever since you went away, baby, my whole life has changed I don't want to love and I don't want to live

Chorus

And I don't wanna laugh, I don't wanna play I don't wanna talk, I have nothing to say I don't want to tour, forget the show how can I go on Now that you are gone

Chorus

SONG LYRICS - THERE'S NO ME WITHOUT YOU Lyrics by Babyface

There's no me without you There's no meaning to life without you Tell me why should I care 'bout doing my hair When I can't stop thinking about you There's no moon without you There's no Saturday nights without you There's no walk through the park No beat in my heart No I love you, No I can't live without you

You told me everything would be cool Said I wouldn't always feel blue How come I feel like a wreck? How come the skies are all gray? How come my eyes are all red? Why am I alone in my bed?

Chorus

You told me everything would be fine Why am I losing my mind? How come I feel like a fool? Why do I keep losing you? Why do I love in despair When you're not there?

So blue for you So deep in love with you So hard to say good bye When you know how hard I've tried I tried baby No. No. No. No.

Chorus

There's no me without you There's no meaning to life without you Tell me why should I care 'bout doing my hair When I can't stop thinking about you There's no moon without you There's no Saturday nights without you There's no walk through the park No beat in my heart No I love you, No I can't live without you

Antonio's Prayer - April 17th

FatherЕЕ. TELL MEЕЕ. PLEASE TELL MEЕЕ. I don't know what to doЕЕ I'll do Your will, but PLEASE tell meЕЕ how do I get over Gabi? How do I get past the pain in my heart?

How do I stop seeing her face every time I close my eyes? Father, she's in my dreams EVERY night. I'm trying so hard to be strongЕЕ to do Your will, Father, but I DON'T KNOW HOW to get past this!!!!!! I DON'T KNOW HOW!!!!! I can't do this alone, Father!!!!! I'm begging You for mercy!!!

How could You love someone so weak as I am, Father? How could you possibly think I have any chance of being Your faithful servant when all I can think aboutЕЕ

The people in this village need meЕ.. they have so many problems and I'm TRULY needed here. But how can I help them when I can't help MYSELF?

And I'm still haunted by the fear that Gabi's suffering too. I just have this terrible feelingЕ. It's like I can FEEL her pain. Please, FatherЕЕ please give me a sign that she's okay. If you won't help me, please help Gabi. I know I DON'T DESERVE your mercy but please, be with Gabi and comfort her. I'll never be able to forgive myself for what I've done to her. If only I had kept my feelings to myself. I can't BEAR to think that she may be hurting and suffering because of me.

I've brought pain to so many through my selfish longings ЕЕ I've betrayed my OWN brother and he'll never forgive me for what I've done to him. My Mother is disappointed and embarassed by my betrayal. She doesn't say so but I know she is. I've disappointed so many people, Father, but most especially, I've disappointed YOU. Please forgive me for my weakness. Look down on and shower all those I love with Your unending mercy.

Chapter 9, Part 4

Meg calls Vanessa.

Vanessa: Hello?

Meg: Vanessa, it's Meg.

Vanessa: Hey Meg! How's it going?

Meg: Not so good actually. I'm calling about Gabi.

Vanessa: OhЕ.. have you talked to her? Cause I think she's out of town. I've tried To call but her machine always picked up. I assumed she went out of Town to be alone and think some more

Meg: No, Vanessa. Gabi's home. She's just not taking calls OR taking Visitors!

Vanessa: OMG! How do you know that, Meg?

Meg: Well, I got worried because she wasn't taking my calls soooooo Е.. I Went over there. I rang & rang but she wouldn't come to the door.

Vanessa: OMG!!!! So how do you know she was there, Meg?

Meg: I just KNEW. I finally just shouted in to her and told her I knew she was There and that I wasn't leaving until she came to the door. She still Didn't come so I said the thing that I KNEW would get her to open up!

Vanessa: What did you say?

Meg: I told her that I was REALLY worried that some harm had come to her And that I was going to call Ricardo to come and check on her. She hopped right to that door and opened it when I said that!!!!

Vanessa: I don't get it!!! Why didn't she want to let you in? I meanЕ.. it Doesn't make sense. Did you two have a fight?

Meg: Nooooooo, we didn't Vanessa. That's what I want to talk with you about. Gabi is a MESS, Vanessa. We've got to do something to help her.

Vanessa: She is? You mean Е. Over Antonio? He left 4 weeks ago! I mean, I knew it would be hard for her but I guessЕ.. I guess I thought she Would be getting over that by now.

Meg: Well, she's NOT. Vanessa, I'm REALLY worried. I've never seen Gabi Like this.

Vanessa: Like what? What do you mean?

Meg: Well, for one thing, I hardly recognized her! She had these huge black Circles under her eyes. She obviously hasn't slept in days, maybe even Weeks.

Vanessa: OMG!

Meg: That's only the beginning, Vanessa. Her hair was a mess. I don't think She's even washed it or combed it in weeks.

Her clothes were hanging off of her - she obviously hasn't been eating. AndЕЕ.. I hate to say thisЕЕ but her place was an absolute MESS. She hasn't cleaned or straightened in weeks, I'm sure. That's not Like Gabi!

Vanessa: Poor Gabi!!!! I had NO idea she was in so much trouble. Meg: I know - I didn't know how bad it WAS until I saw her.

Vanessa: Sooooo, what did Gabi say?

Meg: Well, at first she didn't want to talk about it, but I kept on at her until She finally opened up and talked about it.

Vanessa: And?

Meg: Well I think she's in a deep depression over losing Antonio. She told me She hardly even gets up out of bed these days, that she HASN'T been EatingЕЕ.. that ALL she does is cry! She burst into tears just talking To me. I felt sooooo bad for her!

Vanessa: Poor Gabi. I wish I had knownЕ.. that I had been there for her. She's Been suffering alone all this time.

Meg: I know. She also said she's not had a straight 3 hours of sleep since she Returned from the islands.

Vanessa: She REALLY does love Antonio, doesn't she? You know, I didn't know For sure what they felt for each otherЕЕ I thought it might just be a Passing fancy.

Meg: Noooooo - It's obvious how much she loves him. I've NEVER seen Gabi Like this. I just want to help somewayЕ.. but I have NO IDEA how to Help her. I mean, I kindive know how she feelsЕ.. I mean, I know how I felt when I thought I had lost Ben. But Gabi knows she will NEVER be Able to be with AntonioЕ.. and that's what's killing her. She says her Heart just won't let her accept what she knows is true.

Vanessa: Meg, what are we going to do?

Meg: Ummmmmmm. I don't know. I've been thinkingЕЕЕ..

Vanessa: Meg, does Maria know about all of this? Have you talked to her? Because I'm wondering if Antonio is going through the same grief Over this.

Meg: Ummmmmm - good point, Vanessa. I hadn't thought of that! No, I haven't spoken with Maria lately. But I think that's a very Good idea.

I'll see if I can find her today.

Vanessa: Good. Let me know what she says.

Meg: I will. Listen, Vanessa, if you think of ANYTHING else we can do for Gabi, PLEASE call me because I can't stand to see her like this, and I'm really, really worried about her.

Vanessa: I know, I am too, Meg. If I think of anything else, I'll definitely call You.

Meg: Okay. I'm going to go see if I can find Maria. I'll talk to you later, okay?

Vanessa: Okay. Bye Meg!

Meg: Bye.

G
abi's Dairy - April 30th

Well, as usual, I'm sitting here crying as I write this entry. My God, I'm such a mess! I feel like I'm literally going through Hell right now!

I wonder how Antonio's doing? I know he's stronger than I amЕЕ. Much strongerЕЕ but I can't believe that he's not hurting too. I so much want him to be happy. I don't want him to be going through the pain I am right now. I love him too much for that.

Meg came by this morning. I pretended like I wasn't home but she shouted in that she was afraid something had happened to me and that she was going to go get Ricardo. I HAD to let her in then. The LAST thing I need right now is Ricardo coming over!

Anyway, I could see how stunned and shocked she was when she saw me. I guess I look pretty much a mess right now.

Meg's heart is in the right placeЕ.. I mean, I know she wants to help me, but I just want to be LEFT ALONE. There's nothing ANYONE can do for me. And I don't want their SYMPATHY. I just want to be left alone to deal with this in my own way. It just hurts MORE to discuss what I'm feeling with Meg. And then I started crying and couldn't stopЕ.. I was so embarrassed. I'm sure Meg thinks I've gone completely off the deep end. Sad truth is, she's probably right.

Sometimes I think maybe if I could just call AntonioЕ.. just speak with him for a couple of minutesЕЕ so I would know he's okay. Maybe that would help. But I don't want to stir up any memories for him because HE may be doing just fine. If I could just hear his voiceЕЕ

I'm sure the Chief is going to call and fire me soon. I don't know what I'll do if he does but I just CAN'T go back right now. I'm still crying non-stop. I wouldn't even be able to work if I went back.

If ONLY I knew how to get past this. I would do ANYTHING to put this all behind meЕ.. I just don't know how. My God, I'm going to be like VirginiaЕ.. locked up in a mental hospital pretty soon!

Oh God, it's night time again. That means IF I'm lucky enough to get a little bit of sleepЕЕ I'll see HIM again. He'll be there in my dreamsЕ.. caressing my face; smiling that smile that I love so much; kissing meЕ.. his lips touching mine. Even though I'm with Antonio in my dreamsЕ.. it's Hell waking up and realizing that I'll NEVER see him again.

SONG LYRICS I MISS YOU SO MUCH from the new TLC FANMAIL CD Lyrics by Babyface (P.S. You can listen to this song by going to WWW.TLCFANMAIL.COM The song is absolutely beautiful. They have all the tracks from the CD on audio at the above address. The CD has several great tracks on it that you might enjoy!)

I have only used the excerpts from this song that pertain to our story

I never asked for this feeling I never thought I would fall I never knew how I felt till the day you were gone I was lost

I never asked for red roses I wasn't looking for love Somehow I let my emotions take hold And guess what? All at once, I found love

Oh, I miss you so much I long for your love It scares me Cause my heart gets so weak That I can't even breathe How can you take this so easily? Baby, why aren't you missing me?

Why did I act like you mattered It was silly of me to believe That if I just opened my heart Things would come naturally Jokes on me

Oh, I miss you so much I long for your love It scares me Cause my heart gets so weak That I can't even breathe How can you take this so easily? Baby, why aren't you missing me?

And oh, how I hate what you have done Made me fall so deep in love God knows you're the only one I want

Oh, I miss you so much I long for your love It scares me Cause my heart gets so weak That I can't even breathe How can you take this so easily? Baby, why aren't you missing me? How can you take this so easily? Baby, why aren't you missing me?

SONG LYRICS - HOW DO I LIVE

How do I get through the night without you If I had to live without you What kinda life would that be Oh I need you in my arms, need you to hold You are my world, my heart, my soul

If you ever leave Baby you would take away Everything good in my life And tell me now

How do I live without you? I want to know How do I breathe without you? If you ever go How do I ever, ever survive? How do I, how do I, how do I live

Without you There would be no sun in my sky There would be no love in my life There would be no world left for me

And I, baby, I don't know what I would do I'd be lost if I lost you

If you ever leave Baby you would take away Everything real in my life And tell me

How do I live without you? I want to know How do I breathe without you? If you ever go How do I ever, ever survive? How do I, how do I, how do I live

Please tell me baby how do I go on?

If you ever leave Baby you would take away everything I need you with me Baby don't you know that you are Everything good in my life?

How do I live without you? I want to know How do I breathe without you? If you ever go How do I ever, ever survive? How do I, how do I, how do I live

How do I live without you? How do I live without you, Baby?

SONG LYRICS - LET ME LET GO from the new Faith Hill CD

I thought it was over, baby We said our goodbyes But I can't go a day without your love Goin through my mind

In fact, not a single moment Passes without you in it Your voice, your touch, Memories of your love Are with me all of the time

Let me let go baby Let me let go If this is for the best, Why are you still in my heart? Are you still in my soul, let me let go

I talked to you the other day It looks like you made your escape You put us behind. No matter how hard I try I can't do the same

Let me let go baby Let me let go If this is for the best, Why are you still in my heart? Are you still in my soul, let me let go

The lights of this strange city are shinin' But they don't hold no fascination for me I try to find the bright side, baby But everywhere I look Everywhere I turn, you're all I see

Let me, let me let go, baby, won't you? Let me let go I just ain't right I've been two thousand miles Down a dead end road

Let me let go baby Let me let go If this is for the best, Why are you still in my heart? Are you still in my soul, let me let go

ANTONIO'S PRAYER

Father, it's me againЕЕ I know I must sound like a broken recordЕЕ. I'm begging for Your mercy again. I just feel like I have NO strength in this matter whatsoever anymore.

Maria called me yesterday. It was good to hear from her but it was difficult too because I could NEVER hide anything from her! She always COULD see right through me. I tried to put up a brave front and act like everything was great but I didn't fool her for a second.

God help me, I told her everything. I know I shouldn't have but I just couldn't keep it in anymore and ЕЕ it felt so good to have a sympathetic ear. And Maria was very sympathetic. I think that's one of the things I love most about Maria Е. She never judges me. She never sees me as THE PRIEST that can never commit a sin Е. She sees me as her little brother, andЕ.. as a man Е. A man that can make mistakesЕ.. a man who is far from perfect. But she never judges me for that.

She hadn't talked with Gabi. She said Ricardo said Gabi hadn't returned to work yetЕ.. that she was taking some personal time. I hope that means Gabi is getting her life back together. Now, if I could just get MINE back together!

Maria DID say that Ricardo seems to be doing much better and I am SO THANKFUL to You for that, Father. I never wanted to hurt my brother. I never meant toЕ. Yet, I did hurt him.

It seems like everyone is healing except for ME. I guess that's my atonement, Father. And I don't ask you for a reprieve from that, FatherЕ.. but I DO ask for your mercy and the strength and courage to get through this. I'm very much in need of strength & courage right now.

The people in this village really need me right now. And I'm not able to throw myself into this work like I should, because my heart's not in it right now. I can't concentrate on the work at handЕ.. Your work, Father.

PLEASE, help me!!!!!

Chapter Nine, Part 5 As Part 5 opens, Maria is talking with Carmen.

MARIA: IТm going out, Mama. IТm going to see Gabi.

CARMEN: (immediately bristles at the mention of GabiТs name) GABI!!!!! Why are you going to see that--THAT TROUBLEMAKER!

MARIA: Please donТt talk about Gabi like that. YouТve always been so unkind to her!

CARMEN: UNKIND TO HER!!!! Why should I be Kind to her? SheТs a troublemaker and sheТs torn our family apart! SheТs broken BOTH of your brothersТ hearts, Maria!!!! I will NEVER forgive her for what sheТs done to our family!!!!

MARIA: IТm worried about Gabi, Mama. I spoke with Meg today and she told me Gabi is a real mess right now--she seems to be in a deep depression.

CARMEN: SheТs in a deep depression because of her GUILT over what sheТs done!!!!! I hope SHE IS suffering!!!! I want HER to feel the pain that sheТs caused my Ricardo and my Antonio.

MARIA: Mama... she didnТt do anything intentionally to hurt Ricardo. And besides... Antonio was just as much involved in what happened as Gabi.

CARMEN: Noooooooo! SHE SEDUCED Antonio. He would NEVER have looked at her otherwise. Antonio would have been true to his vows. The church is EVERYTHING to Antonio. She had him down in that cave where he couldnТt get away and she turned her CHARMS on him! Poor Antonio--he couldnТt help it. Who knows WHAT things she did to seduce my poor Antonio!

MARIA: Oh, Mama... you DO see things the way YOU want to, donТt you?

CARMEN: Please, Maria. Do NOT go to GabiТs. Stay out of this. Things are best left the way they are. Antonio is in Guatemala. Ricardo is trying to get his life back together. And I donТt CARE what that--that... GABI is going through. Let her SUFFER in her guilt!

MARIA: I need to do this, Mama. IТve spoken with Antonio this week. HeТs in just as much pain as Gabi is.

CARMEN: Even more reason why you should LEAVE THIS ALONE, Maria. Do you want your brother to leave the Priesthood? Is THAT what you want? Do you want Antonio to be with that... with that... WOMAN?

MARIA: What I want, Mama, is for Antonio to be HAPPY. If being with Gabi is what makes him happy, then yes, thatТs what I want.

CARMEN: Maria, NO. He doesnТt KNOW what he wants right now. HeТs still under the spell of that GABI!

MARIA:Mama, IТve made up my mind about this. IТm going to talk to Gabi and thatТs that.

CARMEN: (angry) You should be worrying about getting Ben back, MariaЕ.. NOT about Gabi & Antonio!

MARIA:ThereТs nothing I can do about Ben and me, but there IS something I can do about Antonio and Gabi and thatТs EXACTLY what I intend to do. Goodbye, Mama. This subject is closed. (Maria closes the door on an angry Carmen)

In the next scene, Maria has arrived at GabiТs.

MARIA: (rings the doorbell but no one responds.) Gabi, ItТs Maria. PLEASE open up. I know youТre in there and I MUST talk to you. PLEASE, ITТS IMPORTANT!!!

Thinking something has happened to Antonio or Ricardo, Gabi rushes to the door and opens it. Maria is shocked and stunned when she sees GabiТs appearance. ItТs just as Meg has told her--Gabi looks like hell. She hasnТt brushed her hair. She has huge dark circles under her eyes and her skin is ghostly pale. Gabi has on a pair of old jeans that are hanging off of her. Maria takes a quick look around the room and notices the mess the room is in--dirty dishes everywhere, clothes in small heaps scattered around the room and draped over the sofa and chairs, shoes in the middle of the floor, unopened newspapers and mail.

GABI: Maria, is Antonio ok? Has something happened to Ricardo? PLEASE tell me!!!!!

MARIA: No, Antonio and Ricardo are okay. ItТs YOU IТm concerned about, Gabi.

GABI: (turns away from Maria, not wanting to face her) I donТt understand what you mean.

MARIA: DonТt you, Gabi? I spoke with Meg today. SheТs worried about you. And frankly, now that IТve seen you, so am I!!!!

GABI: Maria, donТt, please. IТm fine. REALLY, I am.

MARIA: No, youТre not, Gabi. YOU ARE NOT fine!!!! This is about Antonio, isnТt it?

Gabi doesnТt answer and continues to look away. She fears that if Maria looks in her eyes, sheТll know everything.

MARIA: ThatТs what I thought. This IS about Antonio. Gabi, what are you doing to yourself? Look at you!!!!!!!! My God, have you eaten anything? And you donТt look like youТve dad a bit of sleep!!!! PLEASE, Gabi. Please talk to me. I WANT to help.

GABI: ThereТs nothing you can do, Maria. ThereТs nothing ANYONE can do.

MARIA: IТm not so sure about that, Gabi. I think thereТs something YOU can do!

GABI: (turns around, completely shocked at MariaТs suggestion) I donТt know WHAT youТre talking about, Maria. Believe me, if there was something I could do, donТt you think I would have already done it? Antonio is in Guatemala--where HE WANTS TO BE. And I TOTALLY accept his decision. The priesthood means too much to him to give it up for ANYONE! And I would NEVER try to sway him.

MARIA: Have you spoken with Antonio since he arrived in Guatemala, Gabi?

GABI: No, I thought... I think itТs best if I donТt contact Antonio. I donТt want to make this any more difficult for either one of us than it already is.

MARIA: Well, I HAVE spoken to him, Gabi. IТve spoken with him SEVERAL times. The last time we spoke was night before last. You seem to think that Antonio has accepted this decision and is doing fine. Antonio is in a GREAT deal of pain losing you.

GABI: I didnТt know. I guess I thought--

MARIA: HeТs in just as much pain as YOU are!!!!! He told me heТs not been sleeping. He said he canТt concentrate at all on his new post because all he can think of is you and what he has lost.

GABI: I had no idea!

MARIA: Then itТs time someone TOLD you.

GABI: But it doesnТt matter, Maria. I mean, I donТt want Antonio to be in pain. I donТt want him to be struggling like I am, but still... the church is AntonioТs life.

MARIA: Gabi, I truly believe that you and Antonio are soulmates. Ben is my soulmate. And I KNOW how it feels to be separated from the only man you think youТll ever love. And I can tell you this, Gabi. If Ben still loved me, NOTHING in Heaven or Earth could keep me from being with him!!!!

GABI: (confused) I... I donТt know... what are you saying to Me, Maria?

MARIA: GO TO HIM, GABI. If you love Antonio, GO TO HIM!!!!!

GABI: (thinks to herself: I canТt believe MARIA is telling me this. IТve destroyed her family, IТve broken the bond between her two brothers!) I donТt know what to say, Maria.

MARIA: GABI, SAY youТre going to get on the next flight out and go to Guatemala!

GABI: What if I go and he sends me away, Maria? I couldnТt bear that! I just COULDNТT BEAR IT.

MARIA: I donТt think Antonio will send you away, Gabi. I really donТt. But what if you donТt go? What if you donТt take that risk? YouТre always going to think, "what if"? If you donТt go to Guatemala and fight for Antonio because of Fear of rejection--believe me, Gabi, youТre going to regret it for the rest of your life!!!! DonТt think about it, Gabi. JUST FOLLOW YOUR HEART. Follow your heart and it will take you to Guatemala!

GABI: (touched) Maria, why are you doing this? Why do you care about my happiness? I mean, IТve torn your family apart. I donТt DESERVE your sympathy. I donТt deserve your concern.

MARIA: (takes GabiТs hands in hers) ItТs very simple, Gabi. I love my brother. I just want Antonio to be HAPPY, and heТs NOT happy without you--he's miserable.

GABI: I want to go to Guatemala. I REALLY do, Maria, but IТm so, so scared. IТm sooooo afraid heТll SEND me back alone.

MARIA: LISTEN TO YOUR HEART. YOU know Antonio as well as anyone. You know his heart... you know his soul. Do you REALLY think heТs going to send you away? Gabi walks over to the phone and begins to dial.

GABI: Yes. IТd like a one way ticket to Guatamala. Ummmmm, I donТt know what day... (looks at Maria because in her depressed state, Gabi doesnТt even know what day it is!) Maria, is this Tuesday?

MARIA: Yes.

GABI: (talking to the airline) When is your next flight? Yes, tomorrow is fine.

As Gabi puts the phone down, she gives Maria a worried look. Maria laughs and puts her arm around GabiТs shoulder.

MARIA: GABI!!!! ItТs going to be ALL RIGHT!!!!!! IT IS!!!!!! As Antonio would say, "YouТve got to have faith!"

GABI: How can I ever repay you for what youТve done for me, Maria? For what youТve done for us? IТll never forget what youТve done today, Maria. NEVER.

MARIA: YOU just give that brother of mine a big hug for me!!!! And you tell him how much I love him!!!!

GABI: I will, Maria, I promise. THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

MARIA: No thanks necessary. You just go to my brother, and make him happy again!

GABI: I will. Maria, donТt tell him IТm coming, okay?

MARIA: (smiles) No, I wonТt tell him.

GABI: Thank you! Goodbye, Maria.

SONG LYRICS - HAVE YOU EVER from the Brandy CD Have you ever loved somebody so much It makes you cry Have you ever needed something so hard You canТt sleep at night Have you ever tried to find the words But they donТt come out right Have you ever, have you ever

Have you ever been in love Been in love so bad YouТd do anything to make them understand Have you ever had someone steal your heart away YouТd give anything to make them feel the same Have you ever searched for words to get you in their heart But you donТt know what to say And you donТt know where to start

Have you ever loved somebody so much It makes you cry Have you ever needed something so hard You canТt sleep at night Have you ever tried to find the words But they donТt come out right Have you ever, have you ever

Have you ever found the one YouТve dreamed of all your life YouТd do anything to look into their eyes Have you finally found the one youТve given your heart Only to find that one wonТt give their heart to you Have you ever closed your eyes and Dreamed that they were there And all you can do is wait for that day when they will care

What do I gotta do to get you in my arms, baby What do I gotta do to get your heart To make you understand how I need you next to me Gotta get you in my world СCause baby, I canТt sleep

SONG LYRICS - YOU ARE THE INSPIRATION by Chicago These song lyrics were submitted to me by Heather You know our love was meant to be The kind of love to last forever And I want you here with me From tonight until the end of time You should know Everywhere I go Always on my mind In my heart In my soul

Baby, youТre the meaning in my life YouТre the inspiration You bring feeling to my life YouТre the inspiration Wanna have you near me I wanna have you hear me saying No one needs you more than I need you

SONG LYRICS - BUTTERFLY from the Mariah Carey CD BUTTERFLY When you love someone so deeply They become your life ItТs easy to succumb To overwhelming fears inside Blindly I imagined I could keep you under glass Now I understand to hold you I must open up my hands And watch you rise

Spread your wings and prepare to fly For you have become a butterfly Oh, fly abandonedly into the sun If you should return to me We truly were meant to be So spread your wings and fly Butterfly

I have learned that beauty Has to flourish in the light Wild horses run unbridled Or their spirits die You have given me the courage To be all that I can And I truly feel your heart Will lead you back to me

Spread your wings and prepare to fly For you have become a butterfly Oh, fly abandonedly into the sun If you should return to me We truly were meant to be So spread your wings and fly Butterfly

SONG LYRICS - DO YOU THINK OF ME from the Mariah Carey DREAM LOVER CD IТve left out verse three of these lyrics so they would match the mood of the story better.

I wonder if you think of me Somewhere in the shadows of your mind Although our love could never be I found I think about you all the time

Am I in your fantasies The way you always wander into mine Are you longing endlessly Just like me deep inside

When the nights are dark and cold Do you think of me? Do you think of me? And when youТre lying all alone Do you think of me? Do you think of me? When you feel the touch of another love Do you think of me? Do you think of me? Am I the one youТre dreaming of? Do you think of me? Do you think of me?

CHAPTER 10 - SCENE 1

Gabi's head was spinning as she considered the prospects of what she mind find when she went to Guatamala. This trip had come about so fast and she'd been so excited at the thought of seeing Antonio again that she'd hardly had time to consider what would happen if Antonio sent her back to Sunset Beach.

There was no guarantee that Antonio would welcome her coming to Guatamala. Would he be happy that she had come?

Gabi knew that going to Antonio in Guatamala completely unannounced was a risk but she also knew it was a risk she HAD to take. Maria was right. She couldn't live the rest of her life wondering "what if". Antonio was her soulmate and she couldn't give up something so precious without a fight.

Because her flight leaves tomorrow, Gabi had many last minute details to attend to. First, she had to pack and as simple of a task as that sounds, Gabi had NO IDEA what to pack for the trip. She didn't know if she'd be staying for awhile, staying indefinitely, or if Antonio would send her back that day!!!! Besides, what do you wear in Guatamala? She knew the town the mission was in was very poor so she didn't want to dress too extreme but she also wanted to wear something that would take Antonio's breath away!

She also had to talk to Meg and Vanessa and let them know about the trip. Gabi tried to call Meg but didn't get an answer so she went to Surf Central in search of her best friend.

Gabi enters Surf Central.

Sarah: Gabi! I haven't seen you in ages!!!!! Are you okay? (Sarah is shocked By the sight of poor Gabi. Gabi still has huge black circles under her Eyes from all the sleepless nights she spent grieving over Antonio. And Gabi's clothes are literally hanging off of her from the weight she's Lost because she couldn't eat.

Gabi: OhЕЕ Yeah, I'm fine. Sarah, have you seen Meg? I can't reach her and I HAVE to speak with her right away.

Sarah: Oh. Yeah, she and Ben were here just a few minutes ago. If you run, you Can probably catch them. I think they were headed home.

Gabi: Thanks Sarah. Gabi turns quickly to run to catch Meg & Ben and slams right into ЕЕ RICARDO!!!!!!

Gabi: (stunned to see Ricardo) Ricardo!

Ricardo: (stunned not only to see Gabi but like Sarah, he's taken aback at her Appearance. Maria had told him that Gabi was having some real Trouble dealing with Antonio's leaving but he NEVER imagined she Would look as bad as she did. Gabi was a beautiful woman and Ricardo Had NEVER seen Gabi look like this. He didn't speak for a moment as He tried to recover from the shock of her appearance.

GabiЕЕЕ GabiЕЕ. I wasn't expecting toЕЕ I didn't know you'd Be here. Gabi: I know. I was just looking for Meg. (feeling very uncomfortable) How are you, Ricardo? I've been worried about youЕЕ. I was ЕЕ Well, I didn't think I should call you. I didn't thinkЕ.. I didn't think You would want to hear from me. But I HAVE been worried about You.

Ricardo: I knowЕ.. I appreciate that, Gabi. IЕЕ well, itsЕ.. it's taken some Time. I meanЕ.. what you guys threw at me was a SHOCK to say the Least.

Gabi: I know it was, Ricardo. You have no idea how much we dreaded telling You. TrulyЕЕ we didn't want to hurt you.

Ricardo: I know that Gabi. I know that NOW. I mean, I had to get past the anger And past a LITTLE of the pain before I realized that but I do now. I know You TOO well and I know ANTONIO too well. I know neither of you Would hurt me on purpose.

(changing the subject) But GabiЕЕ. What about you? You don't lookЕЕ. Well, you don't look so good.

Gabi: WellЕЕ it's been a difficult 6 weeksЕЕ for ALL of us.

Ricardo: I know. Maria told me you've been taking Antonio's leaving to go To Guatamala really hard. You don't look like you've been eating Or sleeping. Am I right?

Gabi: (Gabi doesn't speak immediately) Ricardo, you are so sweet to askЕЕ. But WHY? I mean, after what I've Done to youЕЕ. Why would you care how I am?

Ricardo: Gabi, I LOVE you. What we hadЕЕ you don't just stop loving someone Overnight. I know that we can never be together but that doesn't mean I Don't CARE about you anymore!

Gabi: You are such an amazing man, Ricardo. I never dreamedЕ.. I never even Hoped that you could ever forgive me for what I did to you.

Ricardo: I love you, Gabi. And I love my brother. I can't say that I'm not still Somewhat angry and yes, I'm still VERY much hurtЕЕ but I'll get Over that. The important thing is the larger picture hereЕЕ what's Best for EVERYONE.

If you're still grieving this much over losing Antonio, then you obviously Love him very much. That's not something to be taken lightly.

Gabi: I DO, Ricardo. If I didn't love him that much, I NEVER would have DoneЕЕ I mean, we never would have doneЕЕ. (fumbling for The right words)

Ricardo: I KNOW Gabi. I know you wouldn't have.

Gabi: When we agreed that he would go to Guatamala, we both agreed that It was the right thing to do. I mean, we didn't want to hurt you anymore Than we'd already done, Ricardo.

Plus, Antonio didn't want to leave the Church. The Church is everything To him.

We did what we thought was right. We thought we could both forget What had happenedЕЕ or at least put it BEHIND us and move on With our livesЕЕ. ButЕЕ

Ricardo: But it hasn't worked OUT like that, has it Gabi?

Gabi: NoЕЕ. no, it hasn't.

Ricardo: Maria has spoken with Antonio. She says he's having the same struggle That you are.

Gabi: That's what she told me.

Ricardo: So, Gabi. What are you going to do about it?

Gabi: What are you asking me, Ricardo?

Ricardo: WellЕЕ.. if it was the other way around and you were that far from Me and I loved you that muchЕЕ.. I'd go after you! Nothing would Keep me from getting to you!!!!

Gabi: (shocked) Are you suggesting that I go to Guatamala, Ricardo? Ricardo: WellЕЕ yes, I guess that is EXACTLY what I'm Suggesting! (laughing) I think I'm kindive shocking MYSELF With that suggestion!

But seriously, Gabi, I can tell by looking at you that you've been Through Hell these last weeks without him. If you love him THAT Much, then you have to GO to him. You know Antonio. He WILL NOT come after youЕЕ. He's such an honorable personЕЕ he Will think he's destroying your life if he comes back into it.

But if you go to himЕЕЕ.. wellЕЕЕ I just think you should, Gabi.

(Gabi hugs Ricardo)

Gabi: Oh Ricardo. Truly, I have NEVER had someone give me such a precious Gift as you have. Not only have you forgiven me but you're still my Friend. You still care about my happiness.

Ricardo: Of course I do, Gabi. That will never change.

Gabi: Thank you, Ricardo. You have no idea how much that means to me.

To be honestЕЕ that's the reason I was trying to find Meg. To tell Her that my flight to Guatamala leaves tomorrow. Maria told me I Should follow my heart and that it would lead me to Guatamala. She was RIGHT.

Ricardo: I'm glad, Gabi. I really am.

I hopeЕЕЕ Well, I hope that you find what you're looking for. I really do. Both You and Antonio.

Gabi: (with tears in her eyes) Thank you, Ricardo.

Ricardo: Just make sure that this is what you REALLY want, Gabi. If Antonio Is what you need to be happy, then I'll be happy FOR you. For BOTH Of you.

(Gabi hugs Ricardo again)

Gabi: Thank you, Ricardo. Thank you SO much for understanding.

Ricardo: (Laughing) Now get out of here. Go find Meg and get home and get packed!!!!!

Gabi heads back to her place to call Meg. Gabi is reeling with happiness. Never in a MILLION YEARS did she expect a reaction from Ricardo like THIS!!!! She felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off of her petite shoulders - knowing that Ricardo forgave her AND Antonio!!!!!

Gabi picks up the phone to call Meg.

Gabi: Meg?

Meg: Gabi? Are you okay?

Gabi: Oh Meg! I'm wonderful! You're not going to guess in a MILLION YEARS the things I'm about to tell you.

Meg: (relieved that Gabi is so happy and excited. This is the Gabi that she Knows and loves) WHAT? What is going on?

Gabi: OMG, I don't even know where to start. Well first, Maria came to see me.

Meg: Yeah, I knew she was going to. I spoke with her and she told me she Was going to come and see you. So what happened?

Gabi: OMG, Meg, Maria was soooooo sweet and so kind to me. I figured the Entire family was angry at me and I wouldn't have blamed them.

Meg: And? Don't keep me in suspense. What else? Gabi: Well, she understood perfectly what I was going through and feeling. She said she had spoken w/Antonio and that he was having the Same struggles. She urged me to go to Guatamala!

Meg: OMG! Gabi! Are you going to?

Gabi: My flight leaves tomorrow morning!

Meg: Oh Gabi!!!!!! I am SO happy! I'm so glad! You're doing the RIGHT Thing.

Gabi: Do you really think so, Meg? I mean, my heart is doing cartwheels just Thinking about seeing Antonio again. But I'm also SO afraid. What If he doesn't want me there? What if he sends me away?

Meg: I don't think he will, Gabi. Not if he's in as much pain as Maria says He is. But even if he doesЕЕ.. I mean, you've GOT to find out, Gabi. You've got to GO there and find Out how he REALLY feels.

Gabi: Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too.

Meg: Absolutely!!!! Gabi, will you call me when you're there? Let me know what is Happening, okay?

Gabi: I will, Meg.

Meg: I mean, either wayЕЕ I KNOW he'll be glad but either wayЕ. Call and let me know, okay? (Meg is concerned that if Antonio does Send Gabi back home, her friend will be DEVASTATED and need All her friends for support.)

Gabi: Okay, I promise. I've got to go now. I haven't even packed and my Flight leaves early in the morning.

Meg: Okay. Gabi?

Gabi: Yes?

Meg: I'm SO HAPPY for you. YOU ARE doing the right thing, Gabi.

Gabi: Thanks Meg. I HOPE you're right.

Meg: I am. Have a safe trip.

Gabi: Thanks. Bye Meg.

Meg: Bye Gabi!

Gabi went into the bedroom and began to pack. She could hardly contain her excitement. She was going to SEE ANTONIO!!!! Even if he did send her away, she would get to see him again. Gabi felt as if her heart would burst from the happiness of that prospect!

That night, for the first night in many weeks, Gabi slept peacefully and slept all night. Her dreams were filled with Antonio - memories of their time together - memories of making love - memories of the safety and security she felt whenever he held her in his arms. For at least this night, Gabi was happy!

The next morning, she woke up early with anticipation, like a child in kindergarten that can't wait to go to school for their first field trip! She hastily finished all the last minute details and then took a taxi to the airport.

Luckily, her flight to Guatamala was right on time as Gabi didn't think she could STAND IT if she was delayed another single moment from seeing Antonio!!!!!

As she took her seat on the plane, a nice man of about 40 years of age took the seat beside her. He smiled at the pretty woman sitting beside him and was pleased at the luck he had in seating companions for this trip!

As the plane took off, the man extended his hand to Gabi and said, "Hi, my name is Robert Franklin."

Gabi: Hi, I'm Gabi.

Robert: Gabi. What a pretty name. Well, I don't see many women on this Flight. Guatamala's not the best destination for a woman traveling Alone. What takes you there, Gabi?

Gabi: Ummmmmm. It's a LONG story actually. Let's just say I have a Very close friend there. A friend that I have unfinished business With.

Robert: Oh, that sounds VERY mysterious. Does this friend know you're Coming?

Gabi: Actually, NO he doesn't.

Robert: Ohhhhhh. And I noticed you said HE.

Gabi: Yeah, I did.

Robert: Sorry, I don't mean to pry. I'm very inquisitive by nature. Or as my Wife would say, Nosy! (laughing)

Gabi: No, that's alright. I'm just a little on edge that's all. You never know w/ Surprise visits. He MAY not be happy that I'm there.

Robert: Oh come on - a beautiful woman like you? What man wouldn't be Happy to see you? Especially when you've gone all the way to Guatamala!!!!

Gabi: Well, again, it's a long story.

Robert: I understand. STOP PRYING. (Laughing) I get the hint!!!!! But one thing, Gabi, and I'm very serious about this.

Gabi: What's that Robert?

Robert: Guatamala is NOT a safe place for a woman traveling alone. How Do you plan to get to where your friend is?

Gabi: I really hadn't thought about that, Robert. I don't know.

Robert: What city or town is your friend in?

Gabi: He's at a small mission in Puerto Barrios. It's on the Bay of Armatique.

Robert: YesЕ.. I know the city. I'll tell you what, Gabi. I have a friend That owes me a favor. He drives a taxi and when we land, I'll Call him and call in that favor. He can take you directly to Puerto Barrios.

I know this man and he can be trusted to get you there safely.

Gabi: Oh Robert! IЕ.. I don't know what to say. What a kind offer!

Robert: Say yes. I'd never be able to live with myself if I knew I'd Let a single woman wander around Guatamala alone.

Gabi: Then I WILL take you up on your offer, Robert. That's so Kind of you.

Robert: No problem at all. Like I said, this guy owes me a favor.

The rest of the trip Robert remained relatively quiet. He could tell that Gabi had a lot on her mind and seemed to want some time alone. He was right. Gabi's thoughts were consumed with both anticipation and worry. How would Antonio react when he saw her there? Would he be happy? Would he send her away? And what if he was happy - what then? Where would they go from there?

The plane began to descend for its landing. As promised, as soon as they landed, Robert called his friend who came to take Gabi to Puerto Barrios.

Robert held the door of the taxi open for Gabi as she got in.

Robert: Goodbye Gabi. Hope everything turns out like you want in Puerto Barrios!

Gabi: Thank you, Robert. Thanks sooooo much for EVERYTHING.

Robert shut the door of the taxi and she was off. Off to Puerto Barrios and to Antonio!!!!

SONG LYRICS - MY ALL from the Mariah Carrey BUTTERFLY CD

I am thinking of you In my sleepless solitude tonight If it's wrong to love you Then my heart just won't let me be right 'Cause I've drowned in you And I won't pull through Without you by my side

Chorus: I'd give my all To have just one more night with you I'd risk my life To feel your body next to mine 'Cause I can't go on Living in the memory of our song I'd give my all For your love tonight.

Baby, can you feel me Imagining I'm looking in your eyes I can see you clearly Vividly emblazoned in my mind And yet you're so far Like a distant star I'm wishing on tonight

Chorus

Give me all your love tonight

SONG LYRICS - ABSENCE OF FEAR from the Jewel SPIRIT CD (Thanks to Lara for suggesting this song & sending me the lyrics!!!!)

Inside my skin there is this space It twists and turns It bleeds and aches Inside my wanting And I am needing you here Inside the absence of my fear Muscle and sinew Velvet and stone This vessel is haunted It creaks and moans My bones call to you In their separate skin I make myself translucent To let you in, for I am wanting and I am needing you here Inside the absence of fear There is this hunger This restlessness inside of me And it knows that you're no stranger You're my gravity My hands will adore you through all darkness aim They will lay you out in moonlight And reinvent your name For I am wanting you And I am needing you here I need you here Inside the absence of fear

SONG LYRICS - EXCERPT from BORN TO MAKE YOU HAPPY from the Britney Spears CD BABY ONE MORE TIME

I don't know how to live without your love I was born to make you happy 'Cause you're the only one within my heart I was born to make you happy Always and forever you and me That's the way our life should be I don't know how to live without your love I was born to make you happy

I'd do anything, I'd give you my world I'd wait forever, to be your girl Just call out my name, And I will be there Just to show you how much I care

CHAPTER 10 PART 2 - THE REUNION

When we ended Part 1, Gabi had just arrived in Guatamala. Her seatmate on the plane, Robert, had made arrangements with a taxi cab friend of his in Guatamala to take Gabi directly to the mission at Puerto Barrios.

As they drove along the Guatamalian countryside, Gabi thought she might have really enjoyed the sights and sounds of this country had she been here for any other reason. They passed through small fishing villages and banana plantations on the way to Puerto Barrios and the scenery was breathtaking. The air was filled with the sweet scent of tropical fruit Е.. mangos, pineapples and papaya.

The weather in Guatamala was extremely hot and humid and Gabi was thankful that the cab driver had all the windows of the taxi open, even though the air blowing in did little to cool the air. Small beads of sweat ran down Gabi's face and neck but she couldn't tell whether she was sweating from the heat or from the thought of seeing Antonio again. As excited as she was about seeing Antonio again, she was still worried that he might not be as happy to see her and might send her away. But that thought was more than Gabi could bear to think about. "He will be glad I'm there. He WILL!", Gabi said to herself, trying to convince herself that this was true.

The trip to Puerto Barrios seemed endless even though it actually only took them 3 hours to arrive in the small town. The roads were rough and worn and by the time they reached the mission, Gabi thought she understood how the frontier people felt when they took stagecoach trips! She was hot and sweatyЕ.. her makeup felt like it was running down her face from the heat and the white linen blouse that was so crisp this morning was not wrinkled beyond repair! Gabi desperately wished she could freshen up before seeing Antonio but as they pulled up to the tiny mission, Gabi knew she couldn't wait a moment longer to see Antonio.

The cab driver unloaded Gabi's bags and Gabi stopped a young woman that was passing in front of the mission.

Gabi: Excuse me, can you tell me if this is the Father Torrez's mission?

Woman: Yes, yes it is! You can find him inside. Do you know Father Torez? He has been like a ray of light to our village. He is so kind! We are so glad he is here.

Gabi: Yes, yes he is VERY kind. He is a very good man. Thank you. Thank you for your help.

As Gabi walked into the small chapel, it took a couple of minutes for her eyes to adjust from leaving the bright light outside to the darkness of the chapel which was lit only with white candles. As her eyes adjusted, she noticed a figure in black near the front of the chapel, kneelingЕ.. deep in prayer.

Gabi walked closer because she couldn't tell if it was Antonio. The figure's head was bent down in prayer.

As she came closer, Gabi heard the voice that she had come to love. It WAS Antonio!!!!

Antonio: Father. PLEASE!!!! I'M BEGGING YOU!!!! I AM SO DESPERATE FOR AN ANSWER!!!!! PLEASE TELL ME YOUR WILL!!!!

I will follow your will but I am so confused. I thought it was Your will For me to be a Priest - to be Your loyal servant. But now I'm not so Sure. I've prayed for Your mercy in getting over Gabi. You know how Hard I've tried to put our time together behind me. But I haven't been Able. Father, if You want me to be a Priest, why are You not enabling Me to forget the love and passion I had for herЕЕ and to move on With my life and my work here in Puerto Barrios.

I will do Your will, Father, but PLEASE TELL ME!!!! PLEASE GIVE ME A SIGN. GIVE ME SOME TYPE OF SIGN if you want Me to remain a Priest.

Upon hearing the last statement, Gabi could keep quiet no longer.

Gabi: Antonio.

Antonio lifted his head but thinking he was hearing things, he didn't turn around.

Gabi: Antonio.

This time, Antonio turned slowly around but remained on his knees. The voice sounded so much like Gabi's but noЕ.. it couldn't be. It was just another fantasyЕЕ. Another one of the countless dreams he'd had of Gabi in the last weeks. He squinted his eyes as he stared at the apparition.

Antonio: GOD, he cried out, looking at the Cross on the wall. PLEASE don't torture me with these visions of her!!! I CAN'TЕЕ.. I'M NOT STRONG ENOUGH. PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON ME!

Gabi: AntonioЕЕ.. it's me. I'm here. I'm really here.

Antonio stood up in disbelief and walked slowly toward Gabi, still unable to comprehend that she was really there.

Gabi walked up to Antonio and took him into her arms. She kissed him slowly and passionately, unwilling to let go of the lips she'd longed for For so many weeks. Then she pushed him slightly away from her so that she could look in his eyes.

Gabi: Now do you believe it's me, Antonio?

Antonio: (still stunned) YesЕЕ Yes, I do Е.. but howЕЕ????

Gabi: Antonio, I had to come. I couldn't live without you. I'm sorryЕЕ I triedЕЕ. Truly I didЕЕ. But I couldn't. I COULDN'T. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eatЕ..All I did was cry.

Antonio, PLEASE, PLEASE don't send me away. I'll go ANYWHERE, I'll do ANYTHINGЕЕ. As long as I'm with you, I don't care About anything else. (tearfully) But PLEASE don't send me away. I couldn't bear it.

Antonio: (smiling down tenderly at Gabi) No, Gabi. NoЕЕ. I won't send you away. I left you once and now God has brought you back to me. I Asked God for a signЕЕ for a sign of what I should do and now he has brought you hereЕ.. here to me. (kissing her tenderly) NoЕ.. I could never send you away.

WRITERS NOTE: I don't know about you but I'm hoping that none of Antonio's parishioners are coming in right now and seeing their Priest kissing this woman!!!!!!

Gabi: (tearfully) I was sooooo afraidЕ.. I was so afraid you wouldn't Want me hereЕ.. that you Е..

Antonio: (putting his finger to Gabi's lips) Shhhhhhh! I told you, Gabi, I will NEVER send you away again.

But you must tell meЕЕ. We have so much to discuss and talk About.

Gabi: Yes, Antonio. Yes, we do. Is there somewhere we could go to talk? Someplace more private?

Antonio: Yes. You're rightЕЕ.. Someplace more private.

Antonio led Gabi next door to the parish house that the mission had provided for him to live in. He led her into his small and sparsely decorated bedroom. He pulled Gabi into his arms and began to kiss her as he unbuttoned her wrinkled white blouse and dropped it to the floor.

Gabi: (between kisses) But AntonioЕЕ. We needЕЕ To talk

Antonio: Later, Gabi. (still kissing her) Later.

Antonio lifted Gabi up into his arms and carried her to his tiny bed and they made loveЕЕ with the urgency and passion of two lovers that thought they would never see each other againЕЕ. Never be in each other's arms again.

As they made love, each felt the magic of the momentЕЕ. It was as if they were dreaming but noЕЕ.. this time it was no dream. This time they were really together and as Antonio's lips traveled along the back of her neck, Gabi felt as if she had truly died and gone to heaven. Being with AntonioЕЕ. Being in his armsЕЕ. Kissing his lipsЕЕ. Touching his chestЕЕ it was so natural and so right. It was truly as if the two were oneЕЕ one soul, one heart, one body.

Afterwards, Antonio held a breathless Gabi in his arms and they lay silent, just breathing in the magic of the moment. Then, Antonio leaned over Gabi, balancing himself on one arm and gazed into her eyes.

Antonio: Marry me, Gabi.

Gabi was so stunned and shocked that she could hardly find the words to respond.

Gabi: WhatЕЕ what did you just say, Antonio?

Antonio: (looking earnestly into her eyes) Say you'll marry me.

Gabi: (still fumbling for words) ButЕЕ butЕЕ AntonioЕЕ what About the church? What are you ЕЕ what are you saying to Me?

Antonio: I've prayed about this for weeks Gabi. I've found peace with my Decision. I CAN'T live without the church but I CAN'T live Without you either. I can work for the church and still marry you.

Gabi: But you won't be a Priest.

Antonio: No, I won't be a Priest. But this is what I want Gabi. I NEED you In my lifeЕЕ. No, I HAVE to have you in my life. PLEASE Gabi. Say you'll marry me.

Gabi is still shocked and unsure as to whether Antonio has thought about the repercussions of what he is suggesting.

Gabi: Antonio, how can you be happy if you're not a Priest?

Antonio: I can STILL work for the Church, Gabi. Before I left SB, the Bishop Told me about a post in the city, working with troubled teens. The Position doesn't require a Priest, just someone with experience In dealing with troubled kids. I would be happy with that position, Gabi. And we could be married. I can't be happy if you're not with Me.

I want you beside me like this EVERY DAY, Gabi. Every day for The rest of our lives. MARRY ME!

Gabi: (still stunned and starting to get a little giddy w/joy, Gabi giggles) YES!!! Yes, Antonio, I WILL. I will marry you.

Antonio takes Gabi into his arms and kisses her long and passionately.

Antonio: You have NO idea of how long I've dreamed of this moment, Gabi. The possibility that we could spend a lifetime together.

(smiling at Gabi) Now you're going to wake up in my arms EVERY day. You'll have My children. I'll never leave you again, Gabi, I swear it.

Gabi: (laughing) Don't worry about that, Antonio. I'll NEVER LET you Leave me again!!!!!

Antonio starts to get up.

Gabi: (takes Antonio by the arm and tries to pull him back into the bed) (laughing) WAIT!!!!! You said you'd never leave me!!!! WHERE are you going????

Antonio: (smiles sweetly at Gabi) I'm going to call the Bishop to check on that Post!

Gabi: Right now?

Antonio: I've lived a lifetime without you, Gabi. I don't want to wait another Single day that I don't have to. (goes into the other room to call the Bishop)

Soon Antonio returns to the bedroom with a crazy grin on his face.

Antonio: It's done!!!! The post in the city is still open and the Bishop said It's mine if I want it. Of course, I told him I did! AndЕЕ you're Not going to believe thisЕЕ. He has someone else to take my Place here in Puerto Barrios. This Priest can be here within the Next 3 days!!!! And you and I, (swooping Gabi up into his arms) CAN BE MARRIED!!!!

Gabi: Oh my God, Antonio. Are you saying you want to get married now?

Antonio: Laughing! I TOLD you ЕЕ I don't want to wait another single second If I don't have to!!!! (laughing) I don't plan to let you get away from me again!

So what do you think? Where should we get married?

Gabi: (Gabs is still reeling from how fast everything is happening) I don't Know, AntonioЕЕ IЕЕ. It doesn't matter! I don't care. I just Want to be your wife!!!!

Antonio: WellЕЕ. I was thinkingЕЕ. What would you think of going back To the island that we spent our week on? I saw a small Chapel there. We could be married there!

Gabi: Oh, Antonio!!!!!! What a wonderful idea!!!!!! And how romanticЕ. To get married on the island where we shared so many precious Memories.

Antonio: It's settled then. As soon as my replacement gets here, we're off To the island to be married and spend a long, deserved honeymoon!

Gabi: OMG, Antonio!!! I can't believe this is really happening!!!!

Antonio: But it is!!!!! Now, what kind of wedding do you want? Do you Want to invite anyone or should we keep it just the two of us?

I mean, I don't think you want my Mother there!!! (laughing)

Gabi: (laughing) Well, I don't think she would be CELEBRATING With us. In fact, when the Priest asks if anyone objects, I KNOW Your mother would stand up and protest our union!!!!

Antonio: (laughing) You are probably right. Okay, so we DON'T invite Her.

(more serious now) And I know you told me that Ricardo has forgiven us but I don't think we should rub this in his face. I don't think our wedding is a place that he would feel comfortable.

Gabi: NoЕ.. I totally agree. I wouldn't feel comfortable with that myself!

Antonio: OkayЕ.. well, I DO need to call Maria and tell her our happy news!

Gabi: OH YES!!!!! Antonio, you MUST invite Maria! Do you think she would Come? I mean, I wouldn't have even come to Guatamala if it wasn't For her and there wouldn't even be a wedding if not for her.

Antonio: (smiles) I'll ask her, okay?

Antonio picks up the phone and dials his sister.

Antonio: Maria?

Maria: Antonio?

Antonio: How's my favorite sister in the entire world?

Maria: Ummmmmm, you sound VERY happy and chipper little brother!!!!

Antonio: YOU are the most wonderful sister in the entire world, do you realize That?

Maria: So I take it that you're happy that Gabi is there!!!!!

Antonio: Happy - no! Ecstatic - yes!!! How can I ever thank you for what you've Done for us. Not only did you stand behind me when I betrayed Ricardo, But now you've given me the most precious gift you could give.

Maria: (smiling) Oh, Antonio. It's sooooo good to hear you so happy again! I've been so worried about you. About you both!

Antonio: Well you need NEVER worry about my happiness again. I've got Some very exciting news to share with you and Gabi & I wanted You to be the FIRST to hear it.

Maria: What news, Antonio?

Antonio: I've asked Gabi to marry me, Maria, and she's accepted!!!

Maria: (fumbling for words) WellЕ.. that's wonderful, Antonio. ButЕ.. but what about the Priesthood? Are you saying That you're leaving the Church?

Antonio: No, Maria. There's a post in the City that the Bishop says I can take, working with troubled teens. I won't be a Priest But I can still do the Church's work and ЕЕ. I can still Marry Gabi!

Maria: Antonio, I'mЕ.. I'm stunned but I'm very happy for you! Truly I am. Are you sure about leaving the Priesthood?

Antonio: I've never been more sure. I've prayed about it a great deal And I know I can serve God just as well working with this teen Center. I'm very much at peace with my decision. In fact, More at peace than I've been for months!

Maria: (tearfully) Then I'm TRULY happy for you Antonio. Truly.

Antonio: We owe it all to you, Maria.

Maria: I just want my little brother to be happy!!!!

Antonio: And now I AM! Maria, I know this is asking a lot butЕЕ. It would mean so MUCH to us ifЕ.. If there were any way you could attend the wedding. I know It's short notice. It'll be later this weekЕЕ

Maria: Antonio!!!!! OMG!!!!! I CAN attend it and SO can Meg & Ben!!!! I didn't tell you!!!!

Antonio: Tell me what?

Maria: Well, Meg, Ben and I are planning to go to the Dominican Republic later this week. We could attend your wedding on The way.

Antonio: The Dominican Republic? I don't understand. Why would you Go there?

Maria: Because I'm giving Ben a divorce. It's what he wants andЕ.. Well, it's the best thing for all concerned. I don't want it To drag on. If we go to the Dominican Republic, the divorce Will be immediate and Ben & Meg will be free to marry Immediately.

Antonio: Ohhhhhh, Maria. I'm sorry.

Maria: NoЕ.. noЕ.. this is the best. BUT, I wasn't looking forward to that Trip and seeing my little brother marry the girl of his dreams would Sure make the trip more pleasant!

AND that means Meg and Ben could be there too. I know how close Meg & Gabi are!

I'll tell you what. Call me back tomorrow and let me know the Details. The when, where, etc. and we'll finalize everything then, Okay?

Antonio: YOU are truly the best sis in the world, Maria! I'll never forget you For what you've done for meЕЕ for us.

Maria: (laughing) And I WON'T LET YOU!!!!! You owe me little brother!!! Now YOU need to get back to your fiancщ! You don't want her to feel Neglected!!!!!

Antonio: I love you, Maria. I'll talk to you tomorrow then, okay?

Maria: Yes, tomorrow. Give Gabi my love!

Antonio: I will. Goodbye.

Maria: Goodbye Antonio!

Antonio hung up the phone and told Gabi the good news. Not only was Maria going to attend their wedding but Meg & Ben would, as well!!!! Gabi, of course, was ecstatic and could hardly wait to pick up the phone and call her best friend to tell her the good news herself.

Gabi: (dials up Meg's number) Meg?

Meg: Gabi?

Gabi: Meg!!!! Meg!!!!! You're NEVER going to guess what has happened!!!

Meg: (Laughing) Well I know YOU sure sound happy!!!!! What in the world Is going on there?

Gabi: Meg, Antonio has asked me to marry him!

Meg: OMG Gabi! (stunned) OMG! WhatЕ.. when?????

Gabi: Its such a long story, Meg, but to make a long story shortЕЕ Antonio is Taking a post with the Church counseling troubled teens. He's giving Up the Priesthood but he'll still work full-time for the Church. AND WE'RE GOING TO BE MARRIED!!!!!! THIS WEEK!!!!! Can You believe it?

Meg: Well, it's a LOT to take in, that's for sure!!!!

Gabi: Okay, here's the deal. We just spoke to Maria. She said you guys are Going to the Dominican Republic so she and Ben can get their Divorce.

Meg: Yes, that's right! Can you believe it?

Gabi: No I can't. Everything has turned around for both you and I, Meg!!!!!

Antonio & I are leaving later this week as soon as his replacement To Puerto Barrios arrives. We're then flying back to the island where We spent that last week together. There's a small Chapel there and We're going to be married there. Oh Meg, PLEASE say you'll be there For me!!!! Maria wants to come too and we thought you guys could Stop there on your way to the Dominican Republic.

Meg: Well, of COURSE, I'll be there!!!! I WOULDN'T MISS IT!!! I mean Just think about it, Gabi. Within just a few days, both you and I will Marry the men of our dreamsЕЕ the men we thought we'd never have!!!

Gabi: I KNOW, Meg!!!! I can hardly believe it myself!!! I keep pinching Myself to make sure I'm not dreaming!!!!

Meg: Oh God, I'm sooooo happy for you guys!!!! Surprised by delighted!!!!

Gabi: I'll tell you what. I'll call you tomorrow and we'll finalize everything, Okay?

Meg: Yes! Oh Gabi, is this REALLY happening to us? Are we FINALLY Going to have what we always dreamed of? Both you and I?

Gabi: Yes, Meg, I do believe we are!!!! I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?

Meg: Bye Gabi!!!!

Gabi: Bye Meg!!!!

As anxious as they were to be married, the days passed very quickly for Antonio & Gabi. They both had a lot to do before leaving Guatamala - Antonio, pulling together loose ends at the mission in preparation for his replacement and Gabi, in finalizing the details for their trip and wedding.

Soon the day for them to leave Guatamala arrived and as they got into the taxi to go to the airport, Antonio took one last look back at the mission - one last look back at his old life. Now he was beginning his new life - the beginning of the rest of his life!!!

SONG LYRICS - NO PLACE THAT FAR from the Sara Evans CD

I can't imagine any greater fear Than waking up without you here And though the sun would still shine on My whole world would all be gone But not for long

If I had to run If I had to crawl If I had to swim a hundred rivers Just to climb a thousand walls Always know that I would find a way To get to where you are There's no place that far

It wouldn't matter why we're apart Lonely miles, two stubborn hearts Nothing short of God above Could turn me away from your love I need you that much

If I had to run If I had to crawl If I had to swim a hundred rivers Just to climb a thousand walls Always know that I would find a way To get to where you are There's no place that far Baby there's no place that far!

WEDDING CHAPTER - PART 1

The cab pulled up to the bungalow and Antonio lifted their luggage out of the truck of the cab. Gabi was delighted to discover that this was the very same bungalow that Antonio & Gabi had stayed in for their "week in paradise".

Gabi: Antonio! I can't believe you were able to get the very same bungalow we Stayed in before!!!!

Antonio: Well, I told the owners why we were returning and although someone else Had already rented the bungalow for the week, the owners talked them into changing to another week.

Gabi: Oh, I'm so glad they switched. It seems so RIGHT that we'll be spending Our honeymoon in the same bungalow that we created so many memories In.

Antonio: (smiling at Gabi) I know. My thoughts exactly.

Antonio took a key from his pocket and unlocked the door to the bungalow. The owners had already been in and opened all the windows so that the soft, tropical breeze was flowing through. The transparent white curtains by the windows were blowing softly in the breeze and the room was awash with sunlight.

Over by the window was a vase of 2 dozen long stemmed red roses.

Gabi: OMG!!!!! Look at the beautiful roses!!!!! Where did they come from?

Antonio: (smiling mischievously) UmmmmmЕ.. Maybe you should read the card and find out! It better not be ANY competition!

Gabi reads the card. It reads:

To the love of my life. God has brought you back into my life and I will never let you go again! Love Antonio

Gabi's eyes filled with tears.

Gabi: Antonio!!!! (She kisses Antonio) I love you so much!

The happy couple settled in and began making last minute preparations for the wedding. They were to be married that very evening and it was already 10:00 a.m. Ben, Meg & Maria's flight would be here shortly - around 3:00 if it was running on time and there were still many last minute arrangements to be made.

Antonio: Gabi, can we talk for a minuteЕЕ I mean, before the others get here?

Gabi: (sitting down beside Antonio) Of course! Is everything okay?

Antonio: (smiling at Gabi) Of course everything is okay! In fact, it couldn't be Better. In just a few hours, I'm going to marry the woman of my dreams!

Gabi: (grinning) Good! Then what did you want to talk with me about?

Antonio: (reaches into his pocket and takes out a small locket) I wanted to give You something before the others arrive, Gabi. You know the good thing About having been a Priest is that I know all the wedding traditions. I Know that there's the tradition of something old, something new, Something borrowed and something blue. Meg, Vanessa and Maria tell Me they have everything covered except for one and that's the something Old one.

I wanted to be the one to supply that.

Gabi: Ohhhhhh, Antonio. What is it?

Antonio: This locket belonged to my Grandmother. When she died, she left each of Us something personal of hers to give to the person that we would Eventually marry. I was only 10 years old at the time but I always held On to this locket. Then, when I became a Priest, I thought I would never Have anyone to give it to, but I held on to it for sentimental reasons.

Gabi takes the worn but still lovely locket into her hand and examines it.

Gabi: Antonio! It's just lovely! (feeling very touched by Antonio's Gesture) I'll treasure it always!!!!

Gabi opens the locket and finds an inscription inside and reads it aloud.

Gabi: There's an inscription! It reads, "I'll love you always & forever!" Ohhhhhh, Antonio (hugs Antonio) It's so absolutely PERFECT!

Once more the emotions and sentiments of the day are getting to Gabi and her eyes are filled with tears of happiness.

Gabi: I love it Antonio! I'll wear it next to my heart forever.

Antonio: It seemed so fitting, not only because it was my Grandmother's but Also because of the inscription. It's as though she's looking down At us today and knows exactly how I feel.

Gabi: I love you, Antonio! I think this is the most precious gift anyone Has ever given me!

The two lovers then proceeded to finish up their last minute wedding plans. Antonio had called the small restaurant on the island while he was still in Guatamala and had arranged for a small and intimate reception for the 5 of them. He called them now to be sure everything was taken care of.

Gabi went in to press her dress. She hadn't planned on getting married when she packed to go to Guatamala but luckily she had packed a long, white halter dress in case she had a romantic evening w/Antonio, which was PERFECT for this paradise wedding.

Meg & Maria had been absolute lifesavers in helping pull off all the last minute details. Gabi & Antonio weren't able to get the flowers for the wedding on the island quickly enough so Meg & Maria were taking care of all of that. And Maria was bringing some of Antonio's old "civilian" clothes, the ones he wore before he became a Priest, including a white short sleeved linen shirt and white, pleated pants. Maria had thought they would be perfect for Antonio's tropical wedding!

The only thing that was not taken care of were the rings. Antonio had called several places but they were unable to get rings for Gabi and himself at such a short notice. Gabi had been very disappointed, as had Antonio, but Antonio promised Gabi that as soon as they got back to the city, that buying rings would be the first thing on their "To Do" list. Antonio was proud that Gabi was going to be his wife and he wanted the world to know she was his!

Gabi then put the finishing touches on her personal vows. She and Antonio had decided to do traditional vows but each had wanted to write their own "personal" vows to each other, as well. It was difficult to put into words how much she loved Antonio but she gave it her best try when she wrote her vows.

Gabi and Antonio had also decided that they wanted their wedding to be very interactive with their guests - Meg, Ben & Maria. The three were so close to them that they really wanted them to have an active part in the wedding. The 5 of them had planned a service that incorporated Meg, Ben & Maria each reading some poetry that each found meaningful to the service.

Also they planned a Rose Ceremony between Antonio & Gabi into the service, as well as a flower ceremony. In the flower ceremony, an ivy wreath is used as a base (introduced by a friend who will relate it to ivy's traditional meanings, including the marital connection). Then Meg, Ben & Maria would add sprigs of various plants/flowers with traditional meanings related to marriage.

Although their wedding was small and intimate, Gabi couldn't image ANY wedding being any more wonderful than the one they had planned for today.

Before they knew it, there was a knock at the door. Antonio opened the door and three very happy faces were standing outside. Meg, Ben & Maria had arrived!!!!!

Maria grabbed her brother in a big bear hug and the unconditional love that he felt from his sister almost overwhelmed Antonio with emotion. Maria had ALWAYS loved him, no matter what he did or what he saidЕЕ.. she was always there for him with her unconditional love.

Meg and Gabi hugged and squealed like two small children. Then they wept. Then they hugged and squealed some more!!!!! It was hard to tell which was happier - Gabi or Meg - because each was about to marry the man of her dreams!

Antonio had asked Ben to be his Best Man.

Ben: Okay, we're running a little close on time so I'm going to take over my Duties as Best Man and see that our Groom is ready and at the church On time!!!!! (Laughing)

Meg: And Maria and I will take care of GABI!!!! (laughing)

Maria: (laughing) Oh yes, you are in OUR VERY CAPABLE HANDS now, Gabi!

Antonio looked back at Gabi one last time before leaving.

Antonio: Now DON'T BE LATE!!!!! I'll have a heart attack if I'm at the church and you're late!!!! I'll think you've changed your mind!

Gabi: (laughing) NEVER!!!!!!!

Maria and Meg helped Gabi put on her dress and then Gabi carefully applied her makeup. She wanted to look beautiful for Antonio today! She wanted him to always remember how she looked when she walked down the aisle to become his wife!

Gabi fixed her hair and Meg proclaimed that Gabi's hair was "absolutely beautiful & perfect in every way".

Gabi had not planned to wear a veil. There hadn't been time to worry about putting one together but the ever resourceful Maria, pulled a garland of gardenias out of a cooler she had brought with her.

Gabi caught her breath as she saw the beautiful flowers because Gardenias had always been her favorite flower. The sweet scent of the Gardenias filled the room! Gabi grabbed Maria and embraced her. "Oh Maria, HOW did you know? They're my absolute favorite!!!!"

Maria: Actually, I had a little help. Meg told me they were your favorite and I Knew you didn't have a wedding hair piece so I had the florist back Home put this together.

Maria placed the garland of pure, white gardenias on Gabi's shiny, dark hair and then clapped her hands playfully together in glee as she saw the results! Gabi was beautiful in the garland!

Maria: You know what the meaning for the gardenia is don't you, Gabi?

Gabi: Actually, I don't!

Maria: They stand for "joy". Exactly what you and my little brother will have Many, many years of! (smiling)

Gabi: (hugs Maria again) You are the BEST sister!!!!!! I love you so much Maria. Not only for this but for EVERYTHING. Both Antonio & I Realize we wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for you.

Maria: Noooooo. I just gave you a "little shove" in the right direction, that's All. Your hearts knew all along what was right.

Meg: (hands Gabi a blue garter) And this, my dear friend is your "something blue"!

(Gabi slips the blue garter onto her thigh and all three girls laugh and giggle as they think about Antonio's pleasure and surprise tonite when he finds the garter!)

Meg: And here is your something new. It's from Vanessa. (handing Gabi A small box)

Gabi: Ohhhhhhh. What is it?

Meg: Vanessa was so sorry because she couldn't be here but the newspaper had Her covering a big murder mystery and they wouldn't let her off.

Gabi: OMG!!!!! (opens a tiny box of beautiful pearl earrings) These are Soooooo beautiful!!!!! (Gabi's eyes start to tear up again!)

Meg: No you don't, Gabi!!!! We'll ALL be in tears by the ceremony as it is! (laughing) Don't you get us started this soon!!!!!

Maria: Now something old?

Gabi: I've got this locket that Antonio gave me earlier today. It belonged to his Grandmother.

Maria: (smiles a soft, sweet smile) I remember that locket. She left it for Antonio when she passed away. (Maria fingers the locket around Gabi's Neck and opens it) Yes, just as I remembered, "I will love you always & forever."

Meg: Ohhhhh, Gabi! It's beautiful!

Gabi: I know. (holds the locket to her heart) I'll treasure it for the rest of My life!

Maria: I'm so glad you have it, Gabi. My Grandmother would have loved you! And she would have loved to see how happy you've made Antonio.

Gabi: Unlike your Mother (laughs)

Maria: WellЕЕ. My mother is a different situation altogether! (Laughs) What Can I say?

Meg: Now, something borrowed!!!!! I thought you might like to wear this Today!!! (smiling at Gabi as Meg pulls out the pearl bracelet that Ben had given her).

Gabi: Oh, Meg!!!! This is sooooo beautiful!!!! Are you sure you don't mind?

Meg: Absolutely I do not mind. I want you to wear it!

Ben sticks his head in the door.

Ben: Antonio & I are leaving for the church now. We'll see you girls there, Okay?

Meg: We'll have her there on time, I PROMISE! Don't let Antonio freak out Thinking she's not coming!!!!! (laughs)

Ben: I'll try but I think it's a little different for him being on this end as The groom instead Of being the Priest that's doing the marrying!!!!! (laughs)

Maria: We'll be there shortly, no problem!

Meg: Okay, I THINK we're all ready! (looking at Gabi) How do you Feel?

Gabi: Like I'm about to do the most "right" thing in my entire life.

Maria: (laughs) Good! Then she's definitely ready!!!! Let's go!!!!!

The three friends take a taxi the short distance to the chapel. The chapel is located on a rocky bluff so the taxi drops them off at the bottom of the bluff. The three have to walk the short trek up the hill to the Chapel and as they do, they're taken aback with the sheer beauty of the chapel and its surroundings.

WRITERS NOTE: The next 2 paragraphs were written by one of our other fanfic writers, Tracy! Tracy is absolutely the BEST when it comes to painting a picture with words and details and that is EXACTLY what she has done in describing the chapel.

The narrow, winding road snaked up the side of the hill which was lushly blanketed with bougainvillea. The clusters of purple blooms, nestled among the vines, dotted the verdant landscape with brilliant bursts of color. Small, handpainted crosses bordered the ascending path as if to bless the way to the holy apex.

The journey came to an end in a clearing where a white clapboard chapel was perched in a breathtaking spot on the edge of a rocky bluff. Waves crashed against the rugged shoreline below to magnificent effect while the sultry trade winds blew in a northeasterly direction across the promontory. As the sun had just set, the Carribean island was bathed in the diffuse, dream-like glow of twilight, creating an aura of magic and romance.

The church, having been built by European missionaries in the 18th century, was considered to be a historical landmark. It was a quaint and appropriately intimate setting for wedding vows to be exchanged. Its doors opened invitingly, ushering everyone into the private sanctuary where the ceremony would take place.

There were exotic hand-carved wooden pews for the guests to be seated in and each row was adorned with a cascading waterfall of exotic flowers which spilled onto the floor. The sweet, tantalizing fragrance of wild orchids and hibiscus wafted through the air.

The aisle that ran down the center of the chapel was strewn with velvety, multi-hued petals. Music was unnecessary as the church was already filled with the muted, tropical melody of birds, gentle breezes and the ocean that floated in from outside. A beautiful, exquisitely detailed, oak altar was the focal point of the room. It was covered with dozens of votive candles which softly illuminated the area reserved for the clergyman and the bride and groom.

WRITERS NOTE: THANK YOU TRACY!!!!! You can tell where Tracy's writing began and ended as I could NEVER paint a picture with words the way she does!

The Minister, Antonio & Ben were already standing at the front of the Chapel near the altar.

Meg hugged Gabi one last time and then walked slowly up the aisle. Maria also hugged Gabi.

Maria: Are you ready Gabi?

Gabi: I've never been so ready for anything in my entire life!

Maria: I'm so happy for you both, Gabi. Antonio loves you Gabi. I've Never seen him so happy before.

Gabi: I know he does, Maria. I love him too, with all of my heart.

Maria: (smiles and nods) I know, Gabi. That's why this is SO PERFECT. Now, it's time for you to go marry your SOULMATE!

Maria walks down the aisle to the front of the sanctuary.

Now Gabi is standing at the door, alone. At first she has butterflies in her stomach but as she looks up at the front and sees Antonio smiling back at her, all nervousness disappears and her face shines with a radiance that only pure, undulated joy can give. Antonio is looking at her as though he is transfixed by her beauty. As he looks at his bride, it's as if there is no other person in the room except for her!

As she begins to walk slowly up the aisle, even though there is no music, she remembers the lyrics to one of her favorite songs - From This Moment, by Shania Twain. Gabi had always dreamed that one day that song would be played at her wedding. Now it was Е.. it was being played in her heart and in her soul as she walked toward the man of her dreamsЕЕ Antonio!

SONG LYRICS - FROM THIS MOMENT from the Shania Twain CD COME ON OVER I do swear That I'll always be there I'd give anything And everything And I will always care. Through weakness and strength, Happiness and worry, For better, for worse, I will love you With every beat of my heart. From this moment life has begun From this moment you are the one Right beside you is where I belong From this moment on. From this moment, I have been blessed I live only for your happiness And for you love, I'd give my last breath From this moment on. I give my hand to you with all my heart Can't wait to live my life with you Can't wait to start You and I will never be apart My dreams came true because of you From this moment, as long as I live I will love you, I promise you this There is nothing I wouldn't give From this moment on You're the reason I believe in love And you're the answer to my prayers from up above All we need is just the two of us My dreams came true because of you From the moment, as long as I live I will love you, I promise you this There is nothing I wouldn't give From this moment I will love you as long as I live From this moment on. WRITERS NOTE: The next section was written by another of our great fanfic writers, Brandon. Since Brandon is a guy, I thought he should tell us what's running through Antonio's mind as he sees his beautiful bride walking up the aisle. Antonio glances at Gabi walking toward him while different thoughts run through his mind. Antonio: (thinking) HOW DID I GET SO LUCKY? Most people search Their entire lives for one true love Е.. their soulmate. I've found Mine in Gabi! She is sooooo beautiful! Not just on the outside, but her SOUL, her HEART - OUR HEART. They're one and the same! Our hearts Beat as one! This is the moment I have dreamed of ЕЕ waited For, my entire life. I had given up on love before I met Gabi. I have feelings that I have never felt before. She completes me. Each moment without her is a moment that is wasted. My life means Nothing without her. This is my one and only chance at true love and I will not give it up for anything. I have tried to ignore my feelings for Gabi but the power was too strongЕЕ the power of Love. Flashbacks of the cave-in and explosion at A.J.'s office play in Antonio's mind. (electrical buzzing) Antonio & Gabi stare deeply into each other's eyes. They can feel themselves moving toward each other. Antonio begins to get up from where he's sitting. Gabi: Antonio, wait! I'm scared. PleaseЕЕ Please hold me. Antonio takes Gabi in his arms. Antonio was cut by a concrete block that fell from the ceiling. Gabi sees the blood on Antonio's arms. Gabi: Antonio, your arm! Antonio: That's okay. Gabi: Look at it, it's blЕЕ Antonio: It's alright. We can't worry about it right now. Gabi: I am. Oh, let me help you. Gabi takes off her jacket and starts to wrap it around Antonio's arm. Antonio: Gabi, we don't have time for this right now. Gabi: Well, Antonio, you don't have time to get angry with me, okay? I Was just trying to help. Antonio: I'm sorry, okay? It's not you. All right, we have to get out of here Before the whole thing shifts againЕ.. before our air supply is cut Off. Gabi: No, it's not that, Antonio. It's meЕЕ and you know it. Gabi and Antonio bring their lips together. They kiss. Gabi unbuttons Antonio's shirt and takes off his collar. She gently kisses his chest. She starts kissing his neck. Their lips meet and they passionately kiss. He pulls down her straps of her dress and gently kisses her neck. He puts his arm around herЕЕ Gabi lays back on the couch. They star deeply and lustfully into each other's eyes. They kiss again and go on to enjoy a night of passion and love. WRITERS NOTE: Thank you Brandon! I'll bet that after thinking all of THOSE thoughts that the Chapel is starting to get a little HOT for Antonio right now, don't you agree? LOL As Gabi reaches the front of the sanctuary, Antonio smiles sweetly at his beautiful bride and Gabi, looking deep into his eyes, smiles back, as he takes her hand. The minister turns to Meg, Maria & Ben Minister: To Antonio's very special friends & family that are here today, I welcome you and on behalf of Antonio & Gabi, we welcome you to this moment in our lives and to the place you have come to in each other's hearts. We join with you on this day, as you commit before God and humanity that from this point forward you shall live as one. I remind our guests that you have been invited here for a holy purpose. The holy purpose is not just to witness, but to fully participate with your thoughts and prayers and to ask God to bless this couple and their married life. You are here because this couple feels close to you and asks that you join with them in this dedication of scared purpose. You represent symbolically all the people in the world who will be touched in any way the the life of this couple. You represent their family and friends, now and forever. They have chosen this act of marriage and this public, holy ceremony in which to proclaim it. Together we all thank God who brought them together and ask Him always to guide their way. The minister then turns to Gabi & Antonio. Gabi & Antonio, we live at a time when very little in life is considered sacred. One thing must remain so, however, or all the world disintegrates. That is and shall be, an agreement between two people. This day we celebrate a sacred agreement between the two of you. I congratulate you on the journey of your lives, on the strength and the courage it has take for each of you to make your way to this place. You receive on this day the blessings, thereof, for yourselves and for all the world. The minister turns to Gabi and as he continues with the service, Gabi looks deep into Antonio's eyes. Minister: Gabi, Antonio is God's gift to you, but he is not a gift for you alone. It is God's will that in your love, this man might find within himself a greater Sense of who he is meant to be. You are asked by God to see the good in This man, to accept him for who he is and who he shall be, that thus he Might be healed and made strong. In this, God's purpose shall be Accomplished in this relationship. May this man find, literally, the Kingdom of heaven through the love you share. The minister turns to Antonio: Minister: And so it is with you, Antonio. Gabi is God's gift to you. (Antonio's eyes Are shining with love as he looks at Gabi) She is not a gift intended for You alone. You are asked by God to love this woman, that in your love She might find herself as God has created her, so beautiful and strong And brave and true, that the entire world might be blessed by the Presence of a woman who shines so. May she relax in your arms as She has never relaxed before. May she know, from now on, that there is One whose love she can depend on forever. Minister: I would now like to read from the Holy Word of God. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their toil, For if they fall, One will lift up his fellow; But woe to him who is alone when he falls And has not another to lift him up. Again, if two lie together, they are warm; But how can one be warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, Two will withstand im A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Minister: (turns to Meg) Meg, I believe you have a poem you'd like to read on this happy Occasion. Meg: Yes. (turns toward Gabi & Antonio and smiles) TWO BIRDS Two birds begin a journey long, From different points in far off lands; With a luring urge - in heart a song, Two novices heed life's commands. As they make their great migration, Their feeble feet turn to taloned hands; And the two reach their destination As seasoned travelers in the northern lands. Still unaware that the other lives, Each alights upon the very same tree; And there the two, as if guided by God, Fall madly in love and marry. Thus so it is with Antonio & Gabi; Two birds which Heaven's winds did blow This blessed rendezvous of life, Like the two birds at Capistrano. As Meg finishes the poem, she looks at Antonio & Gabi with happy tears in her eyes. Minister: Thank you Meg. Minister: Now, Maria, you have something to read also, correct? Maria: Yes, it is Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is love Which alters when it alteration finds Or bends with the remover to remove O, no, it is an ever fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken Love's not time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come, Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom; If this be error, and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved. Minister: Thank you, Maria. Minister: Gabi and Antonio have chosen traditional vows but have also written Personal vows to each other. Gabi, I now ask you to publicly say any declaration of commitment you'd Like to make to Antonio: WRITERS NOTE: Antonio & Gabi's personal vows were written by Lara, who has not yet shown us any of her fanfic but is indeed very talented and needs to start sharing her talent with the rest of us! Gabi: (looking into Antonio's eyes) If in the morning when you wake, If the sun does not appear, I will be here. If in the dark we loose sight of love, Hold my hand. I will be here. When you feel like being quiet, When you need to speak your mindЕ. Through the winning, losing, tryingЕ. Through the darkness and the lightЕ I will be here for you. I will be your shoulder to cry on As we watch our love grow with us, I will tell you all the things you are to meЕ. Make promises I will keepЕ.. I will be here for you forever, as you have always been here for me. Antonio, the best thing I can give is my heart, which I give you this day. I've searched a lifetime for you. I will never leave you Antonio. I love you. Minister: Antonio, I now ask you to say publicly any declaration of commitment You'd like to make to Gabi. Antonio faces Gabi and with tender love in his eyes declares his love for her. Antonio: I, Antonio, take thee, Gabi, to be my wife, my friend, and my love. I promise to love you without reservation, to honor and respect you, To comfort you and support you each and every day. To laugh with you and cry with you, To grow with you in mind and spirit, To always be open and honest with you. Gabi, you're the light of my life, my soulmate, my true love. I would be lost without you. There are no words to express my feelings, And I can only hope that I will make you happy all the days Of our lives. WRITERS NOTE: (dabbing tears from her own eyes! Thank you Lara!!!!! That was truly beautiful and just the things I think Gabi & Antonio would write to each other!!!!) Minister turns to Ben. Minister: Ben, I believe you have something you'd like to read as well? Ben: Yes. (turning to Antonio & Gabi) This is an Apache Benediction that holds a special place in Meg's and My heart. We wanted to share it with you this special day. Benediction of the Apaches Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now you are two persons, But there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into The days of your life together. And may your days be good, And long upon this earth. Minister: Thank you Ben. Now we come to the presentation of rings by which you Symbolize and bind your love. Gabi starts to protest, thinking the minister has forgotten that she & Antonio have no rings yet. But just as she starts to protest, Maria hands Gabi a worn, gold ring. The edges of the gold ring are starting to receed. This is a ring that has been worn by someone in love for many, many years. Then it hits Gabi! These are the wedding rings of Antonio & Maria's grandparents! The ones Maria's grandmother left Maria when she died. Gabi is stunned and looks at Maria with her mouth open, trying to get the words out to askЕЕ Maria nods her head at Gabi and smiles sweetly. Maria: Yes. These rings belonged to my Grandmother & Grandfather. (Looking At Ben sadly) These rings should be on the hands of two People very much in loveЕЕ two people that are in love forever. They Belong on you and Antonio. Gabi: But MariaЕЕ Maria: (Takes Gabi's hand) No, Gabi. I WANT you to have them. This is my Gift to you and Antonio. I know you'll wear them with love! (smiles) Gabi: (Gabi is REALLY starting to get emotional now and tears are streaming Down her beautiful face.) Thank you, Maria! We will cherish these rings always. Antonio steps over to Maria and hugs her and kisses her on the cheek. He knows how difficult this wedding is for Maria, considering that she is on her way to divorce the only man she has ever loved. Antonio: I love you, Maria! Maria: I love you, Antonio. Be happy. Minister: Okay, Gabi, if you will take the ring for Antonio and repeat after me. With this ring, I give to you my promise that from this day forward You shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter And my arms be your home. May God bless you always. May we walk together through all things. May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are. May you always see your innocence in my eyes. With this ring, I give you my heart. I have no greater gift to give. I promise that I shall do my best. I shall always try. I feel so honored to call you husband. I feel so blessed to call you mine. May we feel this joy forever. I thank God. I thank you. Amen. Gabi repeats the words of the Minister, looking deeply into Antonio's eyes with heartfelt emotion. Minister: Now, Antonio, please repeat after me. With this ring, I give to you my promise that from this day forward You shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter And my arms be your home. May God bless you always. May we walk together through all things. May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are. May you always see your innocence in my eyes. With this ring, I give you my heart. I have no greater gift to give. I promise that I shall do my best. I shall always try. I feel so honored to call you wife. I feel so blessed to call you mine. May we feel this joy forever. I thank God. I thank you. Amen. Antonio repeats the words and as he does, he feels the emotion start to swell in his own throat. He has performed wedding ceremonies so many times in the past that he hadn't expected to get emotional, even at his own wedding. Minister: From the earliest of times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, A symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never ending circle Symbolizing a commitment of love that is also never ending. As often As either of you looks at this symbol, I hope that you will be reminded Of the commitment to each other, which you have made today. Minister: Let us pray. Dear God, Please bless this couple. May their love be nurtured by You, always and forever. May this marriage be held in Your hands and ministered unto by Your angels. We dedicate this love to You. May it serve Your purposes; may it increase Your dominion. May this man grow strong in the arms of this woman. May this woman grow glorious in the love of this man. May the earth be brought closer to heaven through this love. May all the world be blessed hereby. Amen. Gabi & Antonio Amen. The minister asks Antonio & Gabi to step forward toward the Altar. Minister: These two have come to be joined in marriage. If any person Present can show why they may not lawfully be joined together, Let him now speak or forever hold his peace. (Gabi bursts into a fit of the giggles as she imagines Carman standing up and protesting the union if she were there!!!! Antonio knows EXACTLY what has set his new bride off and he chuckles, as well.) Minister: Please join right hands. (To Antonio) Do you, Antonio, take Gabi to be your lawful wife? Do you promise before God and these witnesses, To love her, comfort her, honor and keep her In sickness and in health, and forsaking all others So long as you both shall live? Antonio: (smiles at Gabi) I do. Minister: (To Gabi) And do you, Gabi, take Antonio to be your lawful husband? Do you promise before God and these witnesses, To love him, comfort him, honor and keep him In sickness and in health, and forsaking all others So long as you both shall live? Gabi: (looking deep into Antonio's eyes) I do. Minister: Please step down. (Antonio & Gabi step back down to where Meg, Maria and Ben are standing. The minister nods to Antonio and he picks up a white, long stemmed rose And hands to Gabi. Antonio: Gabi, take this rose as a symbol of my love. It began as a tiny bud and Blossomed, just as my love has grown and blossomed for you. Gabi: (as she places the rose into a bud vase filled with water) I take this rose, a symbol of your love, and I place it into water, a Symbol of life. For, just as the rose cannot survive without water, I cannot survive without you." Antonio: In remembrance of this day, I will give you a white rose each year on our anniversary, As a reaffirmation of my love and the vows spoken here today. Gabi: And I will refill this vase with water each year, Ready to receive your gift, In reaffirmation of the new life you have given me and the vows we Have spoken here today. Gabi places the vase with the rose in the middle of the ivy wreath on the altar. Maria: This wreath symbolizes the marriage that Antonio & Gabi are Celebrating here today. We, their friends and family, will create A visual symbol of their vows. A wreath will decorate their home, As love decorates their lives. This wreath will let them remember the Love shared by all of us here today. The wreath has been created from ivy, a traditional symbol of Matrimony & Friendship. The circular shape of the wreath mirrors The rings that Antonio & Gabi have exchanged and symbolizes the Never ending devotion that they pledge each other on this day. Ivy Does not "feed upon" the tree or stone it clings to, and this is Important to its symbolism. Nothing can separate ivy from a tree it Has once embraced, and if the tree falls, the ivy stays around it. But the Ivy is held to the soil by its own roots. It gets nothing from the substance Of the companion, and though it dies on the same spot, it dies in its Own time, making its own independent gesture. Today Antonio & Gabi Have cemented the bond that they share but they have not ceased to Grow as individuals. Maria places a sprig of rosemary on the wreath. Maria: This rosemary symbolizes remembrance. I add this to the wreath that Antonio & Gabi shall never allow each other to forget the way that They feel today, and that they will always recall the romance and Passion that they felt on the day of their meeting. Ben places some branches of lockspur and dock on the wreath. Ben: These are branches of lockspur, a traditional symbol of humor and Levity, and the dock is a symbol of patience. These are added with A wish that Antonio & Gabi never lose the patience and humor which Help to sustain their relationship through even the roughest times And which enrich their daily life. Meg places Violets & Snowdrops on the wreath. Meg: I add violets and snowdrops which symbolize faithfulness and hope. Antonio & Gabi will need these traits throughout their lives together. Their faith and trust in one another will be strengthened as time Goes on. Without hope, there is no chance of success. With hope They will realize that they can achieve every goal. Everyone returns to their places and the Minister turns back to Gabi & Antonio. Minister: These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever They go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other, the love for which all men and Women long. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home that they establish be such a place of sanctuary that Man will find there a friend. And may these two rings symbolize The spirit of undying love in the hearts of both of them. I now pronounce you man and wife. (turning to Antonio) You may now kiss your bride. Antonio kisses his new wife with emotion and feeling. Gabi then looks into Antonio's eyes and she sees the reflection of her futureЕЕ. Her future with the man she loves! PART 2 IS THE RECEPTION & HONEYMOON. The honeymoon scene was written by Jackie, another of our great fanfic writers. Jackie writes the MOST WONDERFUL love scenes so you are in for a special treat. THE HONEYMOON Antonio carries Gabi over the threshold and then gently sets her down. They both look around in astonishment. Dozens of candles have been lit and the flames are flickering in the warm breeze that is wafting in from the open patio doors, soft music is playing, a bottle of champagne is chilling, and pale pink, peach and white rose petals have been spread all over the sheets. Gabi: "I guess this explains why both Meg and Maria were almost late to the reception. I have some pretty terrific friends." Antonio watches as Gabi floats around the room, slowly turning in circles as she gazes in wonder at the romantic setting. He is mesmerized by her beauty and thinks that she looks just like an angel in the golden glow of the candles. When he can no longer stand being separated from her, he walks up and takes her in his arms. Gabi: " I feel like I am dreaming and I never want to wake up." Antonio: "It's not a dream Mrs. Torres, it's a dream come true." Gabi: (smiling) "Mrs. Antonio Torres. I like the sound of that." They begin to sway to the rhythm of the music. EE **Dancing in the dark Middle of the night Taking your heart And holding it tight Emotional touch Touching my skin And asking you to do what you've been doing all over again Oh, it's a beautiful thing Don't think I can keep it all in I just gotta let you know What it is that won't let me go Chorus: It's your love It just does something to me It sends a shock right through me I can't get enough And if you wonder About the spell I'm under It's your love Better than I was More than I am And all of this happened By taking your hand And who I am now Is who I wanted to be And now that we're together I'm stronger than ever I'm happy and free Oh, it's a beautiful thing Don't think I can keep it all in And if you ask me why I've changed All I gotta do is say your sweet name Chorus Antonio: "I love you." He brings his mouth down on hers and kisses her until she is weak in the knees. When he pulls his head back he is nearly undone by the look on her face. Her eyes are half-closed in passion and her lips are swollen from his kisses and slightly parted. He has never felt so loved, so wanted and so content. He bends down for another kiss, and without breaking contact, he picks her up again and carries her to the bed. Antonio turns her around so that her back is towards him and he unhurriedly unzips her dress and lets it drop to the floor at their feet. His breath catches in his throat when he sees what she is wearing underneath. Gabi has never felt more alive as Antonio slowly takes in her white lace teddy, complete with stockings and garter. She reaches up and unbuttons his shirt. While he removes the shirt, Gabi runs her hands along his chest, stomach, and back, not quite believing that he is her husband. Antonio leads Gabi over to the bed and sits her on the edge. He then bends down on one knee, takes her foot and rests it on his thigh. He takes the garter and slides it ever so slowly down her leg, his fingers tickling her on their journey. Once the garter is removed he turns his attention to her stockings. Gabi can hardly sit still as Antonio places whisper soft kisses along her leg as he removes her stockings. Antonio finishes removing the rest of his clothes and he moves towards Gabi. He puts his hand behind her back and gently lowers her down on the bed. The smell from the rose petals wafts up around them as the heat of their bodies' releases it. Antonio picks up one of the petals and rubs it against Gabi's sensitized skin. Antonio: (looking into Gabi's eyes) "You're so beautiful." He brings his head down and kisses her, slowly, drowning in the taste and feel of her. While the music plays and the candles flicker, Gabi and Antonio give themselves, completely, to each other - body, heart and soul. ** It's Your Love by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill from the CD Everywhere