Michaela stood there looking at old photographs.Some of the children others of her and Sully.Had it really been that long since they had been divorced.Six years had gone by since the day she had signed the divorce paper.Six years since Katie had died.She put the things back in the trunk and went to get everything ready for the day.
Her husband Dr.William James Burke who was a respected doctor in Boston had already left that morning to attend a few patients.Michaela would join him later.She walked into the first bedroom.There was two month old Rebecca Lauren Burke.She was so beautiful.
Michaela made sure she was alseep and then went to the bedroom across the hall.There lay asleep her two older girls.First she went over to her oldest daughter.Alexandra Marie Burke lay peacefully.Michaela could hardly believe that she was six years old.She gave her a kiss and Alex woke up.Michaela stared into her deep blue eyes and then rest her hand on the brown curly hair of hers.Michaela knew that soon she would have to reveal the truth to Alex one day.
Next she want to the bed on the other side of the room. She touched her hand to other daughter's cheek.Michaela had named her Katherine Aislinn Burke in loving memory of her late daughter Katie, but she did not call her Katie for short.Instead she was called Kat by her family and Stella by her four year old friends.Michaela knew that Kat would get into more trouble today.She was very michovous and high strung.She reminded Michaela so much of Katie.Alex was totally opposite from her sister.She was quite and well mannored.She cared about nature and animals.
Michaela and William knew that one day the truth about Alex's past would have to be revealed to one person that had a bond with her more then they knew.Last she got two year-old Samual Jacob Burke up.
After everyone was dressed and had eaten breakfast they left.They went out into the busy streets of Boston.First she took Alex and Kat to school and then went to the clinic.
Sully woke up and looked over at his sleeping wife.She was so beautiful.Sully touched a hand to her abdomn.She was eight and half months pregnant.He could feel the life within.
Sully got up and dressed for the day.Then got up and goes into the first bedroom.There lay his four year-old son Damion James Sully.He looked so cute and inasent laying there.He pinched his nose and Damion woke up.He stood up on the bed and jumped into his father's arms.Then they went into Damion's sister's room.
Sully brushed a few locks of hair away from her face.Sully picked her into his arms and she woke up from being moved.She saw her father and hugged him tightly.Victoria Anne Sully loved being with her papa.
"Sully!!"
Sully heard his wife Anna Marie cry out and ran to her.He found her and saw that she was in pain.Sully ran out of the room and ran out into the streets.He ran to the clinic to get the doctor.
Dr.Sanford was at the homestead right away.He listen to Anna Marie's heart and the babys.Then came a big contraction.Dr. Sanford looked and he told Anna Marie she was fully dialated and to push.
Anna Marie gripped her husband's hand and puched with all her might.
"Anna Marie you gotta give me one more big push and the baby will be here"
Anna Marie gave the biggest push she could and the baby slipped out.Anna Marie was crying by now that she heard the baby cry.Dr. Sanford wrapped the baby in a towel and handed him to his mother.
"Oh Sully he is so beautiful...What should we name him?"
"How about Jonathan Michael Sully"
"It's perfect just like him"
All of a sudden the baby began to cry and Anna Marie pulled the strap of her gown down and put the baby to her breast.
"Sully I was so huge with him and look how much milk I have...It just doesn't make sense"
"Well God wanted it that way"
"I guess yourrrrrrrr"
Anna Marie screamed out in pain. Sully was so afraid he didn't know what to do or what was happening.Dr. Sanford ran in and felt around he felt another baby's head.
"Push now AND HARD"
Anna Marie pushed three big pushes and out came baby boy number two.A few moments later she felt another pain.
After all was done four Sully children entered the world that day.Sully was so happy he could cry.The two boys were big,but the little girls were very small and weak.
After examining the two girls Dr. Sanford came over to talk with the parents.
"I am so sorry there is not much hope that the two girls will live....they are underweight and not fully developed"
"Dearly beloved we are gathered her today to say goodbye to two little girls who wern't strong enough to live on this earth.They join there father in heaven.They were here only a few short hours but they will beloved forever more.Amen"
"My two girls will never have the chance to go to school or follow the dreams that they would develop in life.Now they join their sisters Hannah and Katie.One day we will join them up in heaven and be reunited.Today may my two daughters Michaela Ann Sully and Ellie Marie Sully rest in peace.
Michaela walked into the clinic and grabbed her purse which she had forgotten.She quickly looked around to see if she forgot anything else.Then she picked up her things and locked the door.Then she left the clinic.As she walked out she ran into something or someone.When she looked up she saw who it was.
"Michaela....."
"Sully what are you doing in Boston?"
"I am here with my family...we came to see my wife's mother"
Michaela felt as if she needed to tell him the truth.
"Sully there is something I need to tell you"
All of a sudden Anna Marie came out with Victoria and Damion.
"Sully we found the perfect gift for mother"
"Anna Marie this is Michaela Quinn"
"Burke",Michaela corrected him.
"Oh,Michaela this is my wife Anna Marie and are children Damion and Victoria"
"It's nice to meet all of you"
Michaela walks over to the bench and gets her children up to come meet the Sullys.
"These are my children Alexandra,Katherine,Samuel and my little girl Rebecca is at home"
Sully felt that an old pain had been hit when Michaela had said Katherine.He couldn't believe that she would name her daughter after their dead child.
"Mrs. Burke would you and your family join us for dinner?"
"We would love to, Thank you Anna Marie"
Sully was feeling very uncomfortable at the moment.How was he going to make through dinner without telling everyone the truth.He picked up Victoria and took Damion by the hand.
"Well the young ones are tired we best be going.. how about we meet here and go to dinner"
"Alright nice meeting you"
Michaela and her husband sat down to dinner with the Sullys.William didn't like the idea of eating dinner with them at first but Michaela changed his mind.
"Thank you for coming Mr. and Mrs. Burke"
"Your welcome"
"So how did you and Sully meet?"
"Well six years ago he was going through something awful, and I had come to be the new school teacher when I bumped into him...All of my papers went flying every where.
"How about you and William how did you meet?"
"Um...well he was my mother's doctor when she was ill many years ago and he met each other and I guess that is the whole story"
After dinner they gathered in the parlor for coffee and dessert.Sully sat on the sofa close to Anna Marie.
"So what brings you to Boston?"
"Well....a few weeks ago we lost two our babys...both little girls...but our boys lived..There with the nanny back in Colorado....also it is my mothers birthday in a few days and we wanted to be here for it"
"I am so sorry"
"It's alright they are with God now....have you lost any children?"
Sully held his breathe for Michaela's answer.He knew that if she said her name all of his past would be revealed.
"Yes, my little girl many years ago died"
"I guess you know what it is like then"
"Yes"
Michaela walked over to Sully and asked him to go on a walk with her.They walked out the door in to the night.While William and Anna Marie continued their conversation.
"Sully you looked almost as if you died of relief that I didn't say Katie's name...Does she know who I am or about are past history?"
Sully looked into her eyes and tried to say what he had wanted to say for so many years but the words wouldn't come.
"Does she know?", she repeated.
"No"
"Sully!...you never told her about me, about our daughter....why can't you tell her the truth"
"I don't want to cause anymore pain...I just want it kept quiet"
Michaela then thought about the secret that she had kept from him for so long.She had to tell him the truth.
"Sully do you remember this afternoon when you met my children?"
"Yeah,why?"
"I wanted to tell you this six years ago but I never found the words...when I came back to Colorado Springs I was pregnant...Alex is your child not William's"
Sully looked at her in disbelief.How could she do this to him.He had a child that was living that he never knew about.
"How could you keep this from me....you didn't even HAVE THE GUTS TO TELL ME THIS SIX YEARS AGO..."
Michaela was crying by now.
"Sully I am so sorry I knew that you deserve to know...but I guess I wanted to keep away from you...I was going to tell you but when I saw how angry and hurt you were that day I couldn't do it"
Sully was boiling by now.He looked at Michaela who was on her knees apologizing ang crying.What happened to the strong brave woman he had loved?She was a coward now.Unsure of what to do next he stood there.
"Do you have a picture of her?"
"Yes"
Michaela looks up at him and rises to her feet and digs into her purse and pulls out a recent picture of her beautiful daughter Alex.
Sully looked into Alex's deep blue eyes and he knew.How were thay going to get through this know.He would have to reveal the truth to Anna.So many questions began going through his mind.Did William know that Alex wasn't his daughter? Did Alex know herself? He had missed six years of her life that he had to make up to her somehow.
Sully sat in the parlor.His mind reliving what Michaela had said that night.He felt so many emotions all at once.He felt anger,love, and hurt all at once.He didn't know how he was going to tell Anna.He had never intended to tell her about his past with Michaela in Colorado Springs.
Sully felt an urge to tell her.So that his past could finally be put to rest.He got up and walked up the stairs to their bedroom.He found her sitting on the bed reading a piece ofr paper.
"Anna,can I talk to you?"
"Sure Sully"
"Well ever since I met you...well you know that I was going through something bad when I first met you"
"Yeah about your daughter's death"
"You asked me many years ago who her mother was and I couldn't tell you, but I have to tell you know...I need to put the past behind me and leave it to rest"
"Sully I also told you I would wait as long as you needed to tell me"
"Yes and that time is know...Katie's mother was....Michaela Quinn", there he had said it.He didn't nkow what Anna was going to do or say.
Anna looked at him.She wasn't sure what to say or do, but everything that she did or said was in her power.
"Sully I am glad you shared this with me...it must have been hard to see her again at dinner the other night...I understand why you told me this"
"Please,there is more that needs to be said...Michaela told me something the other night for the first time...When we got divorced six years ago she was pregnant with my child and she never told me about it until last night that Alexandra is my daughter"
Now Anna was really shocked by this.She looked at his eyes and She saw something she had never saw before.It was if something had touched his spirit and lit afire.He had a passion in his eyes that was put there by only one person.
"Sully...I don't know what to say...I am happy that your daughter is alive andwell...but this isn't how I wanted our family to be...I hate that WOMAN...She ruined everything we have worked for...I can't believe that she would do this to you..."
"Please remain calm...look at me...I love you..my heart blongs to you."
"I love you too Sully,and I will stand beside you as long as God will let it be"
Sully walked over to the Burke's house.It was huge.He needed to see Michaela and talk to her about what was going to happen, and to talk to the daughter he never knew he had.He knocked on the door.
"Hello can I help you?"
"Is Mrs.Burke here?"
"Yes please do come in"
Sully entered the doorway.
"Please wait here while I inform her that you are here"
"Thanks"
"Your Welcome"
The butler left to go get Michaela that man was here to see him.Sully stood in the hallway.All of a sudden he heard a crash and then came a man's voice yelling and a woman's voice screaming and crying.Sully made his way by the door and listened in.
"How could you do this...after everything we have worked so hard for...How could you tell him about Alexandra"
"he has a right to know...she is his daughter not yours"
William became angry and slapped Michaela across the face and she fell backwards falling to the ground going into a world of black.William went to her and felt her for a pulse.He looked up in fear.What had he done.There on her face was a black hand print.She had a big gash on her forehead and she was blue.William grabbed his coat and ran out of the room.He went so fast he didn't see Sully outside the door.After William ran out door Sully went into the room and found Michaela on the ground.She lay motionless and blue in the face.
Sully ran to her and felt for a pulse.None.He started to breathe in her mouth.He couldn't loose her once again.
Sully sit there unsure of what to do.Michaela had been taken to the nearest hospital and the police were out looking for William.Sully sit in the Burke's house.He stands up and goes up the stairs.He walks into a few rooms and finds Alex writing in what looks to be a journal.
"Hello Alex"
"Hello", she says politly and well reserved
"What you writing?"
"I am writing in my personal journal,I have to write about Mama and William you know what happed this afternoon"
"I understand...."
She had called him William.Had Michaela told her about it then.He had to find out but how?
"Do you mind if I read it?"
"Well, alright"
"She handed over the journal to him.Sully took it and looked at the long entry she had written.
He sat there gripping the journal.He loved her so much.He wanted to hold her and love her so much.
"Did you like it ....Papa?"
Sully couldn't believe she had called him papa.Oh how good it sounded when she said it to him.
"Yeah hunny I did,I love you very much you know that right?"
"Yeah, Mama told me that you loved me and that it would be alright to call you papa,it is alright right?"
"yes it is more than alright"
Alex jumped into his arms and began to cry. Finally father and daughter were together.It was as it should be.
"Papa,I have a picture of you"
"Really, can I see it?"
"Yep"
She ran to her dresser and grabbed a picture off of it.Then ran back and showed it to Sully.
It was a picture of the whole family.Katie was in it as well.She looked so cute,but it hurt him to look at her face.
"Mama said that's Katie and she died six years ago.She also said that she meant the whole world to you"
"Honey,I loved her very much, but you are my future now and I will always love both of you very much.
Sully walked into the hospital. He had to find out if Michaela was going to be okay. He felt hid old feelings coming back to him. When he saw Michaela on the ground he hurt inside and he felt her pain.He knew now that he found her he had to keep her in his life.
He walked up to a nurse and asked what room she was in. Then he found her room.He walked in quietly and took a seat by her bed in a chair.She lay peacefully as if she were sleeping and having peace in her life.A few moments later she awoke to find Sully holding her hand.
"Sully, what are you doing here?"
"I had to make sure that you were alright and to tell you that the kids are with your mother"
"oh, have you talked to Alex yet?"
"Yeah, she is so smart and pretty"
"Yes she is"
Sully looked into her eyes and he could see into her heart. He could see the pain and fear.But he saw her love burning like a wildfire.She could see the passion in his eyes.She grabbed his other hand and kissed it.Sully kissed her hand back. Then their mouths found each other and they had a passionite kiss.Sully pulled back. He knew this is what he wanted, but he knew it was wrong.They were crossing the line and inoscent people were going to get hurt if they didn't stop.
"Sully, I never stopped loving you, I was just afraid that you would hate me if I stayed around"
Sully knew that she was speaking from her heart.The truth was that he loved her more now then he had ever, but when she left she took a piece of his heart.He had been searching for ever since, and he found it her heart.
"Michaela I love you so much, but we can't be together...People are gonna get hurt if we do like William and Anna, the children...I will always love you and you will always be my soulmate no matter what"
Their lips found each other again and they kissed long.The passion was stiring in both of them.Michaela looked out her door and there stood Anna looking out at Michaela and her husband kissing.Sully broke the kiss and looked behind his shoulder.Anna Marie couldn't stand it and ran.Sully got up and ran after her.
Sully ran after her down the hall.When he caught up with her, he ran in front of her and wouldn't let her pass.Anna Marie was crying.
"Anna please just wait and let me explain?"
"Sully I trusted you and I loved you...I was a fool to think you would love me back"
"That's not true,I do love you"
"Sully, you love me in one way but you love that woman with your body,heart, and soul"
"I did love her that way...I love you now though"
"Sully quit lying to me and your heart...I came because I got a telegram...there is an epidemic in Colorado Springs and the twins have come down sick. I am going to them with Damion and Victoria...You can come when your ready...because your not now"
With that she ran out the door in tears.She felt like a fool. How could she love this man that had so much pain in his life. She felt used.She needed to get her emotions together and pack for the long trip home.
Sully stood there.He felt so unsure of his feelings.He loved Anna in a way.But his heart belonged to Michaela.Now his two young children had come down sick.
He walked back to Michaela room.
"I have to go, my children are sick...some kind of epidemic back in Colorado Springs"
"I understand", Michaela said quietly.
Sully walked out the door and left to go home to Colorado to help in anyway he could.Michaela got up a few seconds later.She couldn't loose him she put on some cloths and went through her plan carefully.She had to follow him.
Michaela got her things together. Then she got her children ready to go.Finally they had reached th train station.They got on the next train to Pittsburgh.Michaela wasn't sure how all of this was going to happen.All she knew was that her heart was telling her to go to Colorado Springs.
Within a week they arrived in Colorado Springs.No one was around at all when they arrived.Michaela walked over to her old clinic.It still had her sign up and it was kept up to date.She found her old key and prayed it would work.She put in it and turned it.The door was unlocked.She went inside and got her children settled upstairs.After they all had fallen asleep Michaela dressed into one of her old dresses.Then she took down her hair and put on her old leather coat.After she was satisfied with the way she looked she walked outside.She walked over to the Gold Nugget.It was desserted.Then she thought to ride out to the Cheatue.She went over to find a horse she could rent.When something caught her eyes.Behind a newer looking homestead was a paddock and in the paddock were three horses.Michaela walked over and found her trusty old stead.There stood Flash looking at Michaela.
Michaela grabbed her by the halter and walked into the barn.She looked around for a saddle when she came upon an older smaller saddle that had her name written on it.She touched the fine leather.After she saddled the horse she put her foot in the stirrup and pulled herself onto the horse.When she sat in the saddle she gave her a tap with her heels.Flash took off immeadiatly.Within a few mintes she reached the place where she wanted.There were tons of wagons and horses.She tied Flash up and walked into the building.People were walking around giving orders and running up the stairs.Michaela spotted a redheaded woman that she reconized.
"Dorothy?"
The woman turned around and saw her old friend behind her.
"Michaela is that really you?"
Dorthey walked over to her and gave her a big hug.
"Dorthey what's going on?"
"There is a bad epidemic here...many people have come down sick and were trying to create a hospital type place here"
"What kind of epidemic?"
"Influenza"
"oh my God, I need to help...please?"
"Yes of course"
"Where should I start?"
"Um...well why don't you go and help with the children...."
Michaela walked up the stairs into the room that Dorothy had said was were the children were.Michaela saw children as young as Rebecca here.She quickly took her medical bag and started to help several children.
Sully sat holding Jonathan. He was so small and so young.Sully could feel the baby getting weaker. Sully's heart was breaking. How could he be loosing another child.What had he done to deserve this? Anna watched Sully holding their baby. She could feel his pain. Shortly after she had arrived Damion and Victoria became sick with it as well.She felt so hot and tired.She needed to get some sleep.At that moment she fell from her chair.Sully quickly put the baby on the bed and ran to Anna's side.
"Sully, I don't feel well...please just take me over to the bed and let me rest", Sully did as she asked.Then he ran to find help.As he searched around his eyes came to rest on a woman and child. The woman was by the child's side humming a lullabye to them.Sully quickly ran up to her and touched her arm.She turned and saw who it was.
"Sully...I had to come"
"Please come and help Anna...she has it I think"
Michaela followed Sully over to a bed where Anna lay.Michaela quickly examined her for signs. She felt her forehead. She was burning up.
"Sully, your right...she has it badly and being untreated made it worse...get me a cold pitcher of water"
Sully ran off and brought back what she asked. Michaela took it from him and dipped a cloth in it and told Sully to dap her forehead with it. Then Michaela measured out some medicine and gave it to Anna.
After four hours Anna got worse.Her fever had risen even higher.She was gasping for breathe now.She held Sully's hand and was fighting with everything she had.She turned her head to Sully.
"I love you, ever since I met you...I understand what happened...please look after the children and go to your one true love"
Then she turned torward Michaela and she spoke,"Please watch over my children and Sully see that no harm comes to them unless God wishes it so...I wish things would end differently then what they are"
The cries in the room stopped.It was if everything stood still.Sully felt that all the pain had gone to him.He felt as if he was breaking.He saw her beath the final breath.Her suffering was done with.But his was just beginning.He looked to Michaela and grabbed her hand.There together they wept holding hands and finally embracing one another.They let the tears of pain fall.
Michaela sat feeling numb. She felt the guilt and pain that she had felt so long ago when that terrible night happened four years ago. She had hosted a party and William had been drinking heavely. William became violent and started throwing things.Michaela tried to stop him but he pushed her aside. William grabbed the rifle and from the balcony shot at anything.One person was hurt, but other then that everyone was scared half to death. William then left into the bitter cold night.
Ever since that night William would go to other women for comfort.He had been unfaithful to Michaela ever since he had struck fear into her heart.She had been unhappy ever since he would get drunk and pull guns and knives on her if she didn't do what he said.
Michaela was so deep in thought that she didn't see Sully walk up behind her and sit down beside her.When he set his hand on her hand and she jumped.
"Sully, I am sorry I was just thinking about all the pain in life"
"Michaela, I love you...I have always loved you, but that still doesn't mean we can be together"
"Sully, right now I need to be with you, I want to have you hold me and say everything will be alright"
"Michaela, you have to wake up there is an epidemic here...I have already lost Anna and are two baby boys...I don't want to loose anymore loved ones"
"Would you tell me what your thinking...please?"
"Michaela it hurts so much...all the pain is tearing me in two...I feel like their pain and suffering is my fault..."
"You must not think that it is your fault, because it isn't"
Dorothy comes running up like there is a fire chasing her.
"Michaela, the children arn't well, they have high fevers and there getting worse"
"All of them?"
"No just Samuel and Rebecca"
Michaela quickly runs in the direction Dorothy came from. She couldn't be loosing her children.They were all she had in life.
Michaela had been treating and keeping a close eye on them for the past couple of hours. Katherine had come down with it as well. Michaela then instructed Sully to take Alex out of town so that she wouldn't get it. Sully picked his daughter up and left in a hurry.
Two days had passed and the influenza was spreading like wildfire. Rebecca was getting worse. Michaela feared that the influenza was affecting one of her major organs. Within a couple of hours Rebecca died from heart failure.Michaela didn't know how to act. Everything became blurry.
Three more days passed. Within those three days Kat said her last goodbye and fell to the blackness of death. Also Samuel's fever had broken and he was doing much better. Michaela was so sad. She could feel her heart being ripped into little pieces.The pain had to stop. She had to find away to make it go away. She couldn't handle all the death around her. She needed to get away from it all, and then Sully returned. He was her salvation. Alex ran into her mothers arms. Alex cried holding her mother. Sully joined them and held them. All three cried for their loss and for the pain that hurt so much.
Finally the epidemic was beginning to cut down. Until they finally had it under control. They had lost 589 people to the influenza. So many people felt the pain. Inside their heart was an emptiness that was filled by their loved ones pain and suffering of the last few moments they were alive.
Michaela and Sully sat down with Alex, Damion, Victoria, and Samuel. They learned the truth of the past. The truth of what had happened to their loved ones.
After the children were settled in for the night Michaela and Sully sat down and had a long conversation. They talked about their feelings, their past, and they cried for each other's pain and sorrow. It was a night that the healing truly began for each of them.
Two months had passed since the epidemic. Michaela had traveled back to Boston to testify against William. In the end he was sentenced to ten years in prison. Michaela also divorced him. She didn't want anything to do with him anymore. She sold the house and clinic so that her life in Boston could be over. Because her new life in Colorado Springs was just beginning.She boarded the train back to her home back to her loved ones.
When she got off the train she looked around and there stood Sully. Michaela ran into his arms and he held her. Then Alex and Samuel came running off the train and embraced Sully and Michaela together.
They rode together that night back to the homestead. Michaela's heart skipped a beat when she saw the beautiful home that Sully had made with his love and his two hands.
Michaela tucked Alex and Victoria in for the night. While Sully tucked Damion and Samuel in.Then Sully wemt downstairs and lit a fire. Michaela walked up behind him.Sully got up and took her into his arms. He cupped her face and kissed her lips gently. He kissed her neck and undid the button's on her blouse.
"Sully we can't do this...were not..."
"Then let's get married"
"You have not asked properly"
"Well I'll have to be a gentleman now won't I", he got down on one knee and genly took her hand,"Michaela Quinn will you be my wife?"
"Yes Sully I will"
Then Sully gets up and hugs her tight as he can. Michaela takes his hand and leads him up to their old bedroom and looks in her old trunk and finds the old satchell that she wanted. She opens it and pulls out her old engagment and wedding ring and hands them to Sully. He put them on her hand where they belonged.
Three days later at the town church a small group has gathed to honor the marriage of Michaela and Sully. After the reverend pronouces them husband and wife Sully gives Michaela a long passionate kiss.
They celebrate and enjoy the rest of the day filled with laughs and happiness.All Sully wants is to spend the time with Michaela and renew their love.
Later in the homestead in the privacy of their own room.Michaela and Sully spend a night of Love and understanding.They spend a night joined as one in heart, body, and Soul.
"I will love thee until my last breathe of life is gone", Sully tells Michaela.
"I love you so much"
Michaela kisses his lips and passion stirs within each other. Their bodies telling them to soothe their inner souls. Finally all is as it should be. They will be together and live life as soulmates are meant to be. For soulmates all ways find their way back to each other. They held one another for the rest of the night, for the rest of their lives.
Please tell me what you liked didn't like.Thank you to everyone who read my story and sent me feedback.I really am grateful.