Sheridan and Luis were working in the Youth Center when they heard the very loud stereo of a car parked outside. "I wonder who that is?" Luis asked. "I'll go take care of it." Sheridan said sweetly. As soon as she got outside, she saw where all of the noise was coming from. A brand new Mustang Cobra convertible was sitting in the parking lot and its owner was standing outside of the car, leaning over to get something out of the back seat. Sheridan was about to say something to the teenage girl when she saw something interesting on the car's personalized tag; it was the Crane family seal with the words "Princess M. C." below it. "Maddy?" The girl jumped at the sound of her name. "Aunt Sherry?" The two ran and embraced. "Maddy, I didn't know you were coming home." "Well, I really hadn't planned on it. But when I heard that Ethan was going to marry that stupid witch Gwen, I had no other option. Anyway, why are you in Harmony and why are you at this 'Youth Center'?" "That will take some time to explain. Why don't you come inside; there's someone I want you to meet." "Okay." Maddy turned off her car and the two walked inside. Luis met them at the doors. "I was getting worried about you Sher; you left like forever ago." Then he leaned down and kissed her gently. He pulled back when he heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. "I'm guessing this is who I was supposed to meet? He's cute. Good job Aunt Sherry!" "Aunt Sherry?" Luis asked. "Oh sorry Luis, this is my youngest niece Madeline." "You can call me Maddy if you want to everyone else does." "Well hello Maddy, it's nice to meet some more nice members of Sheridan's family." Sheridan playfully hit Luis' arm. "That was mean to say!" "No it wasn't Aunt Sherry, he's exactly right. So anyway what do you guys do here?" "Well youth from Harmony come here and sometimes we have dances. In fact we are having one here tonight. Will you come Maddy?" "I'd love to Luis; it's very nice of you to invite me." "Well you seem very nice. Hey I think I hear Miguel and his friends coming in. They are all about your age; they could show you around Harmony." "Miguel...as in Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerlad?" "At your service miss." Miguel replied. "Oh my god. I haven't seen you in like 12 years! Do you have a clue who I am?" "No. But I learned how to dance the tango with the most beautiful little girl. Do you happen to know her, Maddy?" "I see you still haven't lost your sense of humor. What about those dancing skills?" "Actually I haven't danced the tango with anyone since you left." Luis finally spoke up. "You mean you two know each other?" "Yeah, bro Mama used to bring her over to the house and we would play together. I guess you were in school then." Suddenly Kay ran up to Maddy. "Hi my name is Kay Bennett. You mentioned you know how to dance. Will you be coming to the dance tonight?" "Yeah Luis invited me." "That's great. Maybe you could give me some pointers in a little bit?" "Sure, I would love to!" Sheridan put her arm around Maddy's shoulders. "Well some of us need to go home and see our family. But we will be back in a little bit, I promise." And with that, Sheridan and Maddy headed off to the Crane mansion.

Chapter 2

Sheridan and Maddy reached the front door to the Crane mansion. "Aunt Sherry I'll be fine. You should go to the cottage and start getting ready for tonight's dance. I'm going to go inside, see my family and then I'm supposed to meet Kay and her friend Simone at four to give them 'dance lessons'." "Okay Maddy, but if you need me just run over." And with that Sheridan left.

Maddy stood at the doorway for a couple of minutes trying to convince herself to ring the doorbell. Finally she decided that this was still her house and she didn't need to ring the bell. When she walked inside the foyer she yelled to see if anyone was home. Pilar came running down the stairs. "Madeline Nicole Crane is that you?" "Pilar I have missed you so much! I just saw Miguel at the youth center. Where's my family?" "Well your father and mother are at some business luncheon and Ethan is with my daughter picking out stuff for the wedding." "Does this mean him and Gwen are over?" "Madeline that is tacky! You should speak nicer of Gwen; he makes your brother happy." "How does he know? He's never dated anyone but her. Well since no one is here I guess I'll change clothes and head back to the youth center to give Kay and Simone dance lessons. Bye Pilar!"

As Maddy was walking into the youth center, Hank was walking out and the two literally ran into each other. "I'm so sorry sir I wasn't watching where I was going. Wait a minute I know you...Hank right?" "Maddy Crane what are you doing here? Are you still rolling?" "No after you quit dealing at the boarding schools I decided that drugs were bad and I should probably stop." "In other words your family found out about your little 'candy addiction'." "Yeah they did. So what are you doing here? Selling to young local high school students?" "No I quit doing that too. Anyway I'm trying to impress your Aunt Sheridan and I don't think a drug dealer would impress her very much." "That's true. I mean look what she did when she found out that Jean-Luc sold drugs." "Exactly. I'll make you a deal...I won't tell about your past and you won't tell about mine." Hank extended his hand to Maddy and she took it. "Deal."

Inside the youth center Kay and Simone were waiting for Maddy......................................... "Kay tell me again why we are taking dance lessons." "It's simple Simone. Maddy knows how to dance really well. No make that really well with Miguel. If she teaches me how to do all those fancy dances then Miguel will notice me and fall in love with me." "Whatever Kay just whatever. I'm going to go talk to Chad and see if he will put some music on for us to practice to." Just then Maddy walks in the room. "Hi Kay. Now what exactly do you want me to teach you?" "Well any of those fancy Latin dances." "Okay, but first you have to tell me how you guys dance here." "What do you mean?" "Well do you guys always go formal? And what about the level of freaking?" "Well tonight is formal. And I have no idea what you mean by freaking." "Oh no this will be interesting to explain. Well it's when a guy and a girl dance really close and kinda act like they are having sex." Kay and Simone (who came back at some time...i don't know just go along with it please!) both look at her completely shocked. "Do boys like that?" Simone asked. Maddy laughed and threw her shoulder length brown hair out of her face. "Yeah they like it a lot! In fact it occasionally leads to the real thing." "Can you show me...I mean us how to do that?" Kay asked. "Yeah but I'm going to need some music and a guy. Preferably a guy that can dance." Kay quickly spoke up. "Chad can." Simone is giving Kay a look that is telling her exactly where to go. "Ok. I'll go ask him to dance." Chad put on 'Thong Song' by Sisquo and the two went out to the dance floor and began to dance really graphically. Both Kay and Simone looked on in shock. When the song was done and Chad was smiling really big Simone leaned over and whispered to Kay, "for once one of your plans will benefit me!"

Chapter 3

Kay was trying to learn as much about Madeline as she possibly could. "Wow Maddy how did you learn to dance like that?" "Well I have danced my way through most of Europe." "Oh so you were sent to boarding school too, like Sheridan was." Maddy stops and thinks of the hospital that she and Sheridan were both sent to. "Yeah just like Aunt Sherry. So you said that tonight was a formal dance, right?" "Yeah, but I don't really know what to wear. Everyone has seen all of my dresses." "Hey, I always overpack. You are welcome to borrow any of my dresses. You too Simone." "Wow Maddy, that is so nice of you." "Do either one of you have a boyfriend?" Simone finally decides to talk. "No, Kay has a really big crush on Mig..some guy that goes to our school and has a girlfriend. And the guy I really like, my mother disapproves of." "I'm sorry. Well why don't both of you come up to the mansion at like six o'clock and I will make you two so irresistible both of those guys will die right on the spot from not noticing you earlier!" Kay and Simone hug Maddy. "Oh my gosh it's 5:30 right now Simone we had better run home so we can tell our families where we will be. Bye Maddy."

Kay and Simone leave and Luis walks in. "Hey Maddy what are you doing here?" "Oh I just finished giving Kay and Simone dance lessons. Where's Aunt Sherry?" "I think she is still at the cottage. Why?" "Well I heard that someone else has eyes for her and I just want you to promise me that you won't ever let her go. I've never seen her so happy in my life than she is right now with you and I don't want anything to jeopardize her happiness. That's all." "Well my high school buddy Hank used to like her, but he's not a threat to anyone." "You don't know that. What I meant to say was people have things in their pasts that if they don't want anyone to know they can cover up really well." "I appreciate your concern for Sher and I will never let anything happen to her. I swear." "Well I need to get home and get ready for the dance. Bye Luis. Kiss Aunt Sherry for me." "Oh I will trust me."

At the Crane mansion, Maddy hung all of her fancy dresses up so that Kay and Simone could pick. Just then she heard the doorbell. "I'll get it Pilar. It's probably for me." Just like she thought it was Kay and Simone at the door. "Hi guys come on in. I hung all of my dresses up in my bedroom, so let's go." "Wow I've never been this far into the Crane mansion before." Simone said. "I hate this place. It's so cold and almost evil feeling. I like my apartment in Paris better." Kay was shocked. "You have an apartment in Paris?" "Yeah. A flat in London, a townhouse in Rome, a cottage in Madrid, and a plantation house in New Orleans." "Wow. I don't even own a car." "Well where your family gives you love, my family gives me houses. The unstated sentiment being don't come home to Harmony." "That's sad. I can't imagine my parents not loving me and Whitney. Although I think they love her more." "It's obvious that Ethan is the favorite in our family. The difference between my brothers and sister and myself is that I wouldn't stand to be used as property. I decided that I could do whatever I wanted to do. That's why my parents and Grandfather sent me away." "What did you do that was so horrible?" "I was friendly." "That's not a crime." "I was really friendly!" Noticing that Kay and Simone still didn't get it Maddy continued. "Especially to guys." Kay and Simone's mouths dropped open. Maddy laughed. "Anyway let's go upstairs and find you something to wear okay."

Maddy picked a slinky two piece blue dress that showed off her curvey figure, Kay picked a tight black dress that showed her entire back that was slit up to "there", and Simone picked a bright colored two piece that had strings which criss-crossed and tied on her stomach. As the trio were walking down the stairs Kay asked, "how are we going to get to the Youth Center? I can't walk that far in these heels!" "Don't worry about it Kay, I'll get us a limo." And with that she left to go get the limo. "Wow Kay a limo, I've never rode in a limo before! Chad is going to be so impressed." Maddy walks back in. "Are you guys ready?" Just then the door opens and Julian and Ivy walk in. "Maddy? My baby! I have missed you so much." "Hi mother. I'd love to stay and talk, but my new friends and I really need to get to the party." "Madeline give me your arm." "Father I don't think this is the time or the place." "Oh come on Maddy dear just humor me." And with that he forcibly grabbed her arm. "What do we have here Ivy? It looks like track marks to me. Surely our slut daughter quit doing that. I mean with all of that money we spent sending her to that mental hospital you would have thought she would have learned by now." Tears welled up in Maddy's eyes and she ran out the front door to the waiting limo. Kay and Simone stood there shocked. "I'm so sorry that you girls had to listen to my stupid husband. Anyway you had better hurry and get to that dance. And Kay, please say hello to your parents for me" "I will Mrs. Crane. Goodbye." When they got to the limo Maddy was laying down in the backseat crying.

Chapter 4

Kay and Simone slowly opened the door to the limo. "Maddy are you all right?" "Yeah. Remember when I told you that the house was evil? I was wrong...it's the people that live in it. Do you mind if we go to the cottage before we go to the youth center?" "Of course not Maddy." The three arrived at Sheridan's cottage just as Sheridan was leaving. "Maddy sweetheart what's wrong? What did Julian do to you?" "Aunt Sherry it was awful he looked at my arm and then he brought up the whole hospital thing and he called me a slut." Maddy broke down again. "Come on in honey we'll get you some medicine. Kay, SImone could one of you call the youth center and tell Luis that we will be a little late." "Sure Sheridan." Kay walked over to the phone and called Luis. When she hung up, she and Simone sat on the couch. "That was scary. I can't believe anyone could be that cruel to their own child." Sheridan walks in. "You forget that you are dealing with our family. Maddy will be out in a minute she is just going to fix her make-up." Maddy walks back in. "Sorry you guys had to watch my little family reunion." "That's okay. Come on let's go shock everyone at the dance."

When Kay, Simone, and Maddy walked in the door everyone stopped dancing. Miguel walked up to them. "See Simone I told you this would work." Kay whispered. "Maddy would you like to dance with me...for old times sake." "Sure Miguel." "But first I think we should get us another couple out there." Miguel walked over to Chad at the DJ booth. "Kay do you think he is going to tell Chad to ask me to dance?" Just then Chad picked up the mic. "Well we have a very special request. It seems that Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald thinks he can out-tango his brother Luis. Well I guell there's only one way to find out so will all participating parties please make your way out to the dance floor." "Miguel what are you doing? We haven't danced together in 12 years and you said you haven't tangoed since I left." "Maddy have faith. We were amazing together and you don't lose that." Maddy, Miguel, Sheridan, and Luis all stood out on the dance floor. When the music began both couples moved as if each had become one. Luis and Sheridan looked into each other's eyes and saw the love that they shared. Luis leaned in and kissed Sheridan gently. Kay whispered to Simone, "Miguel had better not do that to Maddy. Wait a minute Simone I hope he does." Simone looked at Kay shocked. "This time you've lost it Kay. What is your plan now?" "Just stand there and watch the genius in action." And with that Kay strode over to where Charity was looking on.

Chapter 5

Charity stood by the punchbowl watching Maddy and Miguel dance. "Wow Charity, it looks like you have got some competition." "Don't be silly Kay Miguel loves me. He would never do anything to hurt me." "That's good Charity, you should try to block out any negative thoughts. Just think positively he's never done anything that would make you doubt him. Except of course that he did mention that you can only do the tango with the right partner. So how many tangoes have the two of you shared?" Charity began crying and ran out of the building. Kay walked back over to Simone with a very satisfied look on her face. "Kay what did you say to Charity?" "Nothing, I just mentioned something that Miguel had said in passing that's all." "You are truly evil Kay Bennett. I'm just glad I'm on your side!"

Outside of the Youth Center................................Ethan and Gwen were stepping out of the limo. "Ethan tell me again why we are coming to this dance. We have very important social things we should be doing right now." "I don't know Gwen. Mother just said that we should swing by here tonight because we would be in for a big surprise. Although I have no idea what she meant by that." As they walked in the room the tango music was just ending. Maddy curtsied and Miguel bowed and kissed her on the hand. "Thank you for allowing me to dance with such a beautiful girl." "No problem, just remember to tell that obnoxious young boy that used to pull on my pig-tails that he has grown up to be a very handsome young man." Ethan and Gwen walk up to Sheridan and Luis. "Sheridan you look abosolutely gorgeous!" "Thank you Ethan, but have you seen our special guest of honor yet?" "No who?" Maddy taps him on the shoulder. "Me silly; I'm always the guest of honor don't you know that by now?" "Madeline? Why didn't you tell me that you were coming home?" "Well it wasn't really in my plans. It just kinda happened. I really need to talk to you though! It's about that stupid bit...Hello Gwen! I did not see you standing there." "Cut the crap Maddy I know you don't like me. By the way nice dress, it's a shame that you had to go up a couple of dress sizes though." "They're called breasts and hips, two things that you haven't discovered yet. I'm just surprised you aren't working tonight." "I just got home." "Wow I guess I just missed you then because I passed a lot of street corners on the way here." Sheridan steps in between the two. "All right ladies, this is not the time or the place." "Fine Aunt Sherry I'm going to go back and talk to my friends." "Talk? Is that what you're calling it these days?" "Well your little brother just couldn't stop talking to me." Gwen just stands there looking stupid like always. "Ethan your little tramp sister and my innocent little brother, they they I can't even say it." Maddy just stands there and smiles. "Ethan why is she smiling like that at me?" "I was just thinking that if it made you feel any better your brother was hardly innocent." And Maddy turns around and walks back to Kay, Simone, and Miguel laughing the whole way. "Ethan take me home. I feel dirty just being near that tramp."

Kay, Simone, and Miguel all stood huddled together in the corner. "Maddy are you alright?" "Oh yeah I was just having some friendly words with Gwen "Queen Skank soon-to-be my new sister-in-law" Hotchkiss. Anyway I think that this is a dance and Kay isn't there someone that you would like to dance with? How about Miguel? Miguel go dance with her." "Yes Maddy. C'mon Kay let's go dance." Simone just stood there all sad-like. "What's wrong Simone?" "Kay gets to dance with who she wants to, but mine is stuck behind that DJ booth." "Well I will go take care of that." Maddy walked over to Chad and whispered something in his ear. They shook hands and Chad walked over to Simone. "Would you like to dance miss?" Simone can't even speak she just nods. Maddy begins to speak into the mic. "Well I thought Chad was doing a great job, but he needed a break so I'm going to take over the booth for a little while. I'm going to play a slow song right now so everyone can catch their breaths, because after this it's going to really heat up in here!" She plays Jordan Hill's Remember Me This Way (it's the song from Casper).

Miguel and Kay are dancing. "Kay have you seen Charity?" "Oh yeah she ran out of here right after you kissed Maddy's hand." "I hope she didn't get the wrong idea. Although I must say the whole visions thing is getting way too out of control. I've gotton to where I don't even want to go out with her anymore. All I'm asking for is to find the perfect girl." "Cheer up Miguel. Maybe the perfect girl is right under your nose." Chad and Simone are dancing. Simone is thinking to herself. "This is weird I always imagined what it would be like to be in his arms and now that I am, I'm not feeling anything that I thought I would. Maybe I did just have a crush on him. Am I over him?" "Hello Simone? Ground control to Simone, come in Simone." "Oh sorry I was just thinking about something." "Like what?" "Do you think it is possible to want something or someone more than anything or anyone else in the world. But, when you get it or them, you find out that you don't want it or them at all?" "Yeah totally." "Can I ask you a question?" "Sure what?" "Do you like Whitney?" "No." "Honestly?" "Ok I do. But she wouldn't even give me the time of day." "I'll see about that."

Chapter 6

Kay and Simone walk up to the dj booth where Maddy is. "Ugh. This is awful." "What is Simone?" "Chad is in love with Whitney, and it doesn't bother me." Both Maddy and Kay are shocked. "Simone, are you over Chad?" "Yeah Kay I think I am. So how are you and Miguel?" "Pretty well actually. My crazy cousin left." Maddy feigns a smile. "Well it seems I'm the only one here who doesn't have a guy." Just then a tall, brunette boy walks into the Youth Center. "Oh my gosh, it's Noah." "Who's Noah?" "Noah is Kay's brother. He's been away at college. Have you ever been to Harvard Maddy?" Maddy has a flashback of going to a drug party in Boston. "Yeah a couple of times." Noah walks up to the booth. "Hi sis, hi Simone, and I don't believe I have met your new friend." "Noah this is Maddy. She just moved here." "You look so familiar Maddy, have we met before?" "I'm not sure, but you too look very familiar." "Well Kay your dance is starting to come to an end, do you want me to walk you home?" "Thanx big brother, but Miguel already said he would walk me home." "Well how about you Simone do you want a chaparone?" "Thanx Noah, but I'm going to help Chad get my sister to go out with him." "Maddy it looks like you are my last hope." "I was planning on going for a walk before I went home. You're welcome to join me if you would like." "That sounds great." Just then Luis walks up. "Maddy can I talk to you for a minute?" "Sure Luis." The two go outside.

"What's up Luis?" "Well, I really want to ask Sheridan to marry me." "That's great. Oh she'll be so happy." "The only problem is I can't find the perfect ring. Do you have any ideas?" "Oh I have more than just an idea I have a ring for you." "You do?" "Yeah just sit back and let me take care of everything." "Thank you so much Madeline." "I would do anything to make my aunt happy."

Noah walks outside. "Oh I'm sorry to interupt, I was just going to see if Maddy was ready to go for that walk she promised me." "I'm ready, I was just coming back in to find you." "Well you two be careful walking around at night. My entire future is in your hands Maddy." "Don't worry Luis. You go find Aunt Sherry and dance with her before Chad packs everything up ok." "Bye guys." Noah and Maddy start walking through the park. Maddy shivers because she is still wearing her dress. "Do you want my jacket to warm you up?" "Oh she doesn't need that to warm up. I happen to know for a fact that certain white powders do the trick really well for her." "Uncle Hank what are you doing out at this time of night?" "Well Noah I went to the youth center to see you after I heard that you were back in town and instead I heard the most interesting conversation. It seems that my favorite little candy girl has agreed to help someone else marry the girl of my dreams. Is this true Maddy?" "Hank leave Sheridan alone. Luis loves her." "Well I see that you and Noah have hit it off again." "What do you mean Uncle Hank? Maddy and I just met like five minutes ago." Hank laughs evilly. "You two know each other a lot more 'intimate' than that. Maddy do you remember when we went to Boston to make some big sales? That was when you worked with me. In fact that was the last time we worked together. Do you remember what a great team we were? You would go into all of the parties and use your lovely female attributes to get some poor unsuspecting guy to buy a couple of bags of whatever we had at the time so that you two could go party...you know just the two of you. Well wasn't I surprised when out of the frat house comes my little china doll with my nephiew in tow." "You were the one I was with that night? Does my sister know what kind of person you really are? Does Luis? Oh and what about your precious Aunt Sheridan? What would she say?" "I've changed! Really I have. I'm clean and I don't sleep around any more I swear. That was all in the past." "Well I for one don't care. You are nothing but a little slut and I don't want to be anywhere near you. Goodbye." Noah storms off leaving Hank and Maddy alone. "Well Maddy wasn't that fun?" "You are evil Hank Bennett! Why can't you just leave me and my family alone?" "Because where is the fun in that? How would you like the whole town of Harmony to know who you really are? Because you know I can have that arranged." "What do you want? Last time I sold my body for you what do you want from me this time?" "I want your soul. You have to help me get your aunt or else everyone finds out about your sordid little past. Which is it Maddy?"

Chapter 7

"I can't sell out my aunt. I could care less about the rest of my family, but Aunt Sherry deserves to be happy. Luis makes her happy!" Hank slaps Maddy across the face. "I can make her happier than he ever thought about making her. Will you help me?" "Give me some time to think. I'll get back to you later. What are you going to do about Noah?" "I will make sure he doesn't say anything. Your secret is still safe." Maddy turned and ran as fast as she could in her dress.

She ran into the mansion and all of the way up to her room. Theresa overhears her crying and goes to investigate. "Hello. Are you okay?" Maddy sits up and wipes the tears and mascara off of her face. "Who are you and why are you in my room?" "Your room? Oh, are you Madeline? Ethan's younger sister." "Yes. And you didn't answer either of my questions." "My name is Theresa Lopez Fitzgerald. I work for your mother and I am helping Ethan with his wedding." "Theresa, wow you've grown up a lot. I think the last time I saw you, you were yelling at Miguel to stop pulling my pigtails. So what does the bitch want her wedding to look like?" "Well, I have my entire wedding portfolio with me if you would like to see it." Maddy lays the portfolio out on her bed. "Did you draw all of this?" Theresa nods her head. "This is really good! It looks more like you were designing your dream wedding." "I was." "But, every man in here is drawn to look just like my brother. Do you like Ethan for more than just a friend? I promise I won't say anything to anyone." "Yes I do. I have been in love with him for as long as I can remember. But, he loves Gwen." "No he doesn't. He just thinks he does because he has never not been with her." "You really don't like her do you?" "It's not that it's just that I've done things in my past that affected her and she blames me for things that I couldn't control." "Wow. I'm sorry." "That's okay. Anyway back to your portfolilo, have you ever considered doing an actual fashion show?" "No. Where would I ever get the money, location, fashion experts, or models to do a show? Why are you smiling like that?" "I just thought of a conversation I had earlier. That's all. So Theresa, I have heard that your brother Luis and my Aunt Sherry are quite the hot item." "Yeah. I think he is going to ask her to marry him." "I know he is. I'm in charge of finding my grandmother's ring so that he can use it to propose to her." "Wow that is so amazing. Then there would be two weddings this summer. Theirs and Gwen and Ethans. Why are you still smiling like that?" "Theresa if I help you with your fashion career; would you help me ruin a wedding?"

Chapter 8

Maddy and Theresa jumped up off of her bed. "Come on Theresa help me find a small jewelry box. It's red and it has a silver rose on top of it. Have you ever seen it?" "No Maddy. And I've been through all of your mother's things helping her get ready for various events so it's not with her stuff." "No it wouldn't be. I'm sure Father and Grandfather would want to get rid of anything that belonged to my Grandmother so that Sheridan couldn't find it. So where would they hide anything they didn't want to find? Of course, with all of my stuff." "Where do they keep all of your stuff? I mean your mom has let me borrow some of your dresses; but you don't always dress all formal, so where are your regular clothes? And toys and other wonderful girl stuff from your childhood?" "I don't know exactly but if I had one guess it would be in my studio." "Your studio? Where's that?" "It's behind the house about thirty yards. Haven't you ever seen it?" "Well I have been behind the house several times but beyond the pool there is only a large iron gate that is locked up and a giant hedge where you can't see over." "That is the gate that goes to the studio. That is where the ring would be. And if I am right, that is where your fashion show will be held." "My what?" "Just trust me!"

Outside the mansion.............................."Well here we are at the entrance to the studio." "It is interesting!" "That's just because they stopped polishing the gate and let the hedge grow over. When it was new the gate shone so brightly you couldn't look directly at it. And on the left brick wall where the gate is hung there is a plaque that says 'The Studio At The Crane Mansion'. My mother had it built for me at the height of my career." "You were a model? I mean you are definately gorgeous enough to be, but I thought you were at boarding school?" "Umm. Can we not talk about that? Look here is a spot in the gate that we can fit through."

On the other side of the gate...................A large building with huge french doors and ornate carvings on the columns stood before them. Signs of age and lack of upkeep were obvious; but the beauty of the building still shone through. "Maddy is this your studio?" "Yeah. Come on Theresa let's see how bad the inside looks." They both are surprised to see that the doors still work and the porch is still strong. Once inside the doors they find themselves walking through a hallway with trophy cases on both sides of them. Each case was full of tiaras, sashes, trophies, plaques, newspaper clippings, and magazine covers. "Wow you were a model and a beauty queen?" "Yeah, all in my interesting childhood." "Maddy look here is a box marked private do not open." "Cool let's open it up." The girls sit down on the floor to go through the box's contents. Maddy first pulls out a pile of magazines. She starts crying and hyperventilating. "Maddy what is wrong. Are you okay?" Theresa grabs the pile of magazines out of Maddy's hands and begins to read the covers. "Crane Heiress Involved In Massive Car Accident, Beauty Queen Nearly Killed, and Alcohol and Drugs May Cause The Crane Empire To Fall. Maddy what happened?"

"His name was Devon Hotchkiss. Gwen's little brother. We met while we were at a family function and I instantly fell in love with him. We went all over Europe together partying here and partying there. Well we were in the English countryside and we had just left a party and he was so loaded. I was too high to object and we jumped into my car. We were swerving all over the road and the last thing I remember was putting my hands in front of my face before we hit the tree." "Devon died didn't he?" "Yeah. I woke up in a hospital and I asked where he was and one of the nurses told me he died instantly. I asked where my family was and she said that they weren't here yet but they did send a telegram." "What did it say?" "Dear Madeline, we are tired and embarassed of your behavior. We have given the hospital strict orders to deliver you to a psychiatric hospital where hopefully you will clean your act up. Until then your loveing parents" "They didn't even come and visit you?" "No. Aunt Sherry did though." "That is why Gwen hates you so much isn't it?" "Yeah. Hey look it is the ring box!" She pulls out the ring. "Dios mio! That is the biggest ring I have ever seen. So how is Luis going to do it?" "I don't know but I have a plan."

Chapter 9

"What do you mean you have a plan, Maddy?" "Look go out and find as many of your friends as you can and have them meet me here at 6:00." "Why?" "We don't have time to talk just go. Shoo!" "Ugh!"

6:00 @ the Studio.......................................Miguel, Kay, Whittney, Chad, Simone, Theresa, Reese, and Jessica are at the gate. "Theresa, why are we here?" "Well Whit I'm really not sure. Maddy just told me to get as many people as I could and meet here at 6:00." "I have a question. Where is here?" "Kay a long time ago Maddy used to be a famous model/beauty queen and this is like a studio that her parents built her." "Well are we going to stand out here all day?" "No little brother we are going in right now."

They walk up the sidewalk to the front porch. Theresa is looking all around her. "What's wrong Theresa? I thought you had been here before." "I have Reese it's just that when I was here earlier all of this was overgrown. And look at it now all of the gardens are perfect." Maddy walks outside. "Well were you guys planning on joining us inside or were you going to start your own party out here?" Miguel steps forward. "Hold on Maddy did you say us?" Just then five girls walk out of the studio. Miguel, Chad, and Reese's jaws hit the floor. All of the girls begin to laugh. "If you will wait a minute I will introduce you to my friends. From the left we have Julie." A tall, thin blonde steps forward and does a little curtsey. "Next we have Samantha, or Sammy." This time a curvey brunette steps forward and winks at the boys. "Down chica." "Sorry Maddy it's just that I've been stuck in this awful all girls school and..." "Excuses, excuses. Anyway next is our fiery red-head Abby." "Hello!" "And last but not least my personal favorite set of twins...Lori and Cori." Two blondes step forward. Neither is extremely tall or thin but they have natural beauty which is completely evident. "I'm Lori. If you get confused as to which one I am just look for my necklace." She pulls a chain out from under her collar and shows it to everyone. "This is my lucky four leaf clover." The other girl pushes her right out of the way and heads over to the boys. "I'm Cori you can tell me apart from my sister because I am an uncontrollable flirt." She blows them a kiss and then returns to her spot in line. "Thank you for that lovely display there Cor and now that you know who they are let's all go inside, eat some junk food and let them get to know you."

Everyone goes inside. After munching on loads of junk everyone is laughing and carrying on like they have known each other forever. Just then a cell phone rings. "Hey that's my cell I'll be right back!" "Maddy don't you know your never supposed to say that. Someone just might get you!" "Thanks Sammy but between all of you. I'll take my chances with the cell phone!"

Maddy runs down the hall to find her cell phone and finally sees it on the trophy case. She picks it up. "Hello. Hello." Before she can ask again she feels the coldness of a gun up against her temple and someone's hand covering her mouth. She is pushed down into a secret room at the front of the studio. Finally the gun is let down and her mouth uncovered. She turns around to face her captor. "Oh my god it's you!"

Chapter 10

Oh my god it's you!" "What's wrong Maddy not happy to see me?" Noah Bennett smiled and made sure to emphasize every word. "How did you get in here, how did you know about this room, and why are you here?" "Well in order, I told the guard at the front gate that I was here to see my sisters, Uncle Hank told me, and I wanted to know what you and Uncle Hank talked about after I left." "He wants me to help get my Aunt Sherry to fall in love with him." "That doesn't sound so bad. What are you going to do." "I tried to tell you at the park that I have changed that I don't do anything bad anymore. Well in my mind this is something very bad! No one in my family has ever been happy. Not my mother, not my brother, and not me. But Aunt Sherry has a chance. I can't hurt her." "But not helping Hank will hurt you. And me." "So that's why you are really here. To make sure I don't open my mouth and blow your whole little goody-two-shoes reputation. Well don't worry, I don't plan on saying anything." "You know Uncle Hank won't give up." "I don't know what I'm going to do, but right now I had better get back to my friends before they get suspicious." "Do you need my help? I don't want anything bad to happen to you." "Really?" "Yeah. After I get to thinking about it I remember quite a bit of what happened at the party." Maddy playfully slaps Noah's shoulder. "I can't believe you just said that! Hey why did you put a gun to my head?" "First of all it is empty and secondly, would you have talked to me otherwise?" "You do have a point."

Maddy and Noah return to the hallway and go into the main room where everyone else was. "I'm back and look what I found." "Hello everyone. Hey Kay, hey Jess. What are you doing?" "We don't know. Maddy would you like to shed some light onto what we're doing?" "Well we are going to get this place all fixed up like it used to be. And Theresa is going to have a gorgeous fashion show." "Maddy I still don't understand how. I don't have any money or models." "Well that may be true until now. I have money and all of the girls you just met are models. And you have all of these wonderful friends who I'm sure will be willing to help." Everyone nodded. "Don't worry Theresa we will take care of everything. You just need to start making enough clothes to have a show." Theresa jumps up and hugs Maddy. "Oh thank you Maddy!" "Now run up to the house and grab your portfolio that way we will know how to do the runway show." Theresa leaves. "Now for everyone else. This is going to be quick so if you have any questions stop and ask either me or any of the other girls. First I know that some of Theresa's designs are for couples so I need a couple. Miguel where's your girlfriend?" "Um. I think you should say ex-girlfriend. She won't return my calls or see me." "I'm sorry. Well gee what can we do. Kay why don't you and Miguel step up onto the runway together. Now walk down the runway holding hands. When you get to the end of the runway, Miguel I want you to spin Kay around. Wow you guys look so great together have you ever hooked up?" "No." "Well that is just amazing." Maddy winks at Kay. One by one everyone else had a chance to go down the runway. Theresa came back and she and Abby discussed what would look best on who. "Now Theresa there is one thing that I want you to do for me. I want you to design a very special wedding. I want the whole works: brides maids, flower girls, best man, and groomsmen." "Are you doing what I think you're doing Maddy?" Whitney raises her hand. "Well the rest of us don't know. So would you like to tell us?" Maddy and Theresa both nod and can't hold back their smiles.

Chapter 11

"Well you all have to promise to keep this a secret, but Luis is going to propose to my Aunt Sheridan. And I am in charge of planning everything. So I want Theresa to design a wedding and of course we will need adults to be the bride and groom so I'll ask Aunt Sherry and Luis to help." Everyone is excited and talking about what the show will look like. "Maddy, who are we doing this show for?" "Oh I still have plenty of connections in the fashion world. I'll make a few phone calls and we will have this place packed with fashion critics and reporters."

Everyone continued to practice and Maddy walked over to Theresa who was busy looking at her designs. "Theresa, have you thought about how you are going to tell Luis about this show?" "No. Oh no I'm going to have to tell him that I work for your mother and he's going to kill me!" "No he's not. Look just tell him that you and I have become friends and I decided to let you have a show in here." "Thank you so much Maddy! For everything you have done for me and for everything you are about to do!" "Look don't mention it. Anyway it's getting dark I think everyone should probably go home and get a good night's sleep. Let's meet back here tomorrow at noon and we will continue to get this place ready. Theresa, I'm going to send Lori, Cori, Abby, Sammy, and Julie over to your house at like 9:00 to help you get all of the clothes prepared. Everyone understand?" Everyone nodded. "Good then I will see you tomorrow!"

Everyone heads out and Maddy is going around turning off all of the lights. Just as she finishes turning off the lights in the main room all of the small, white Christmas lights that they had just strung up that day turned on. Suddenly the radio turned on and began playing "Everything I Do" by Bryan Adams. Maddy carefully stepped out into the massive room. "Hello? Who is here?" Instantly someone was standing behind her. She could tell that the person was a male. He put his arms around her waist and began whispering into her ear. "May I have this dance?" "Noah?" "Yeah. Look if you want me to just to buzz off I will, no harm done." Maddy reached up and brushed his face with her hand. "I never said no did I?" He put his arms back around her waist and she put her arms around his neck and they danced. No one was there with them and for the length of the song, it was as if no one else existed on the earth. When the song ended, Noah leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers. When he pulled away Maddy smiled and pulled him back down for another kiss. Time stood still as they kissed. Maddy finally looked at her watch. "Oh my goodness! I bet the girls are about to send out a search party for me. Will I see you tomorrow?" "I think you can bet all of your money on that!"

And with that Maddy returned to the main house and Noah left to begin walking home. As soon as he was clear of the Crane estate he pulled out his cell phone and quickly dialed a number. "Hey, Noah here. I just left from the Crane's. Yeah I talked with Madeline. Don't worry Uncle Hank she doesn't suspect a thing."

Chapter 12

Maddy woke up first the next morning. After getting everyone up she went downstairs to check on breakfast. She then returned to her room with a large plate of bacon and toast. "Okay everyone eat up we have a big day ahead of us. First of all we need to get all of these clothes made so Julie and Cori work your magic and get as many seamstresses as you can. Tell them money is no object. Secondly we need props. Lori you are the artsy one. You have absolute 'carte blanche.' I'll get you the measurements of the building later. But for now I want you to go with Abby and Theresa to find material and decide who is wearing what. Everybody got their assignments?" "What about me Maddy?" "Oh sorry Sammy. But I saved the best for you! Well we are going to need a sample portfolio to show the critics, right? Well I need someone to pick up our photographer at the airport. And take a wild guess who that photographer is." Sammy is smiling broadly. "It's Josh isn't it!" "Yup. I always knew that my brother had to come in handy sometime. And since he is the love of your life..." "He is not!!" "Yeah whatever. Anyway the Crane Jet lands at noon so you can hang out here until then. Oh and I guess you will all be needing cars so here are the keys to the garage. Pick you out something nice." All of the girls finish getting ready and leave to go do their various chores.

"Bye Maddy!" "Bye Sammy, kiss my brother for me." "Oh shut up!"

Maddy turns around and heads for Julian's study. "Wow no matter how long I've been gone this place is still ugly! I mean who decorated this place?" Just then the phone rings. Maddy pushes the speaker phone button. "Hello?" "Good afternoon Madeline. Are we having a busy day?" "Grandfather Allister, I see you have been checking up on me." "What kind of grandfather would I be if I didn't? You are looking well these days." Maddy looks up at the camera mounted on the bookshelf and waves. "Why thank you. Do you like my hair; because I've been thinking about cutting it." "I think you are beautiful just the way you are." "Oh you flatter me too much. But I have a question for you grandfather." "And what would that be princess?" "Why did you lie to me about Hank Bennett? I thought you said he had been taken care of?" "I'm sorry sweetheart. I was wrong to let your father handle the situation. I myself thought he was dead and then the next thing I knew he showed up in Harmony. And you know there is nothing we can do since his brother is chief of police." "Father is such a moron! Well I'm sure you are aware that I'm putting on a little fashion show. And I'm sure you are aware of my true motives." "If you are talking about Luis proposing to Sheridan then yes I am aware." "And what do you plan on doing about it?" "What are you talking about princess?" "I know you don't want Aunt Sheridan with him. But he makes her so happy grandfather. Please let her be happy." "Honey is that what would make you happy?" "Yes. And to see Ethan and Gwen break up. Which you and I both know I can just by revealing a little bit of knowledge that only you, mother, and I know about." "Then why haven't you done that yet?" "You raised me well enough to know that as long as you hold the high card don't play it too soon." "You remember. I'm very proud of you." "Does Mother and Father still think that I was in school the whole time I was working for you?" "Yes. And Madeline as long as you remember some of your lessons, I must ask, how do you plan on dealing with the Hank situation?" "Well grandfather, you didn't send me to charm school for nothing. I'm working on Sam Bennett's son Noah right now." "And how far have you taken this plan?" "Why Grandfather Allister, what are you implying?" Maddy says with mock surprise. "No really my plan only went into action last night. And all we did was kiss. But still that is kind of gross if you consider that Ethan is my half-brother and Noah is his half-brother. Eww!" "I agree completely with you on that Madeline. But really, do you have a complete plan yet?" "No. But don't worry I will continue to check in with you. Oh wait I just heard Sammy pull up with Josh so I had better go." "Well welcome home princess. Good luck with your fashion show and the engagement. And happy birthday as well." "Grandfather my birthday isn't until tomorrow." "I know but I'm sure you will be taking portfolio pictures with some of the cars in the garage and I'm sure you will find it." "Well that was a possiblility. But I was in the garage this morning getting cars for the girls and I didn't see any present." "No your present isn't in the house garage it's in the show garage's display room. Anyway I hope it makes you happy. And tell Josh hello for me and that the latest pictures he took for me worked wonderfully." "Well thank you for my present Grandfather. I'm sure I will love it. Would you like an invitation to the fashion show?" "Of course I would. I wouldn't dare miss something as wonderful as my little princess putting on a fashion show and my only daughter getting engaged. Oh and one more thing Madeline." "What's that grandfather?" "I love you." "I love you too!" Maddy blew a kiss into the camera before she turned off the speaker phone and headed out to the garage.

Chapter 13

Maddy practically skipped all of the way to the garage. When she got there she saw Sammy standing beside a tall blonde boy who was unloading expensive camera equipment out of the Camaro's trunk. She quickly got behind him and put her hands over his eyes. "Guess who!" "Gee could it be my favorite little sister?" "Hey I'm your only little sister!" "Well then I guess that makes you my favorite huh? What have you been up to Maddy you never call, never write. I was about to put your picture on the back of milk cartons." "I'm sure you were. I decided I needed some down time so I have been staying in New Orleans for about a month. That's when I heard about Ethan's upcoming nuptuals and decided it was time I resumed my place in our family." "Oh yes, Grandfather's little princess." "You got that right! But you are on his favorite list too. In fact I was just talking to him and he was praising your photographic skills. How long have you been working for him?" "Just about as long as you my little wild one. Come on and help me unload all of this." They finish unloading and are standing outside by the pool. "Maddy I have to run to town to pick up some stuff later, including something for your birthday present. So I need to borrow your car." Maddy just stares at him. "My what? You have like four cars out in the garage drive one of yours! Or ask Ethan if you can take his." "What is our brother driving these days? I'm sure it has four doors so that he and Queen Ugly can start a family as soon as possible. But no, I want your car." By now Maddy and Josh are standing toe-to-toe yelling at each other. Sammy stands up and throws her arms up in the air. "And this is why I don't like working with family! I'm getting something to drink either of you want something?" Both Maddy and Josh shake their heads and Sammy leaves. As soon as Maddy was sure Sammy was out of hearing range she began speaking. "Guess who is in town big brother?" "Who." "Hank Bennett." "No. I thought he was dead." "So did I. But as it turns out grandfather left the job up to father and well..." "Father is an idiot?" "Pretty much. Anyway Bennett has already threatened me and his nephiew Noah is helping him." "Do you have a plan?" "Don't I always? Well it's not through yet but I am going to get rid of Hank Bennett once and for all. But onto happier things. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald is going to propose to Aunt Sherry!" "How do you know?" "I'm in charge of orchestrating the whole thing! Hence this fashion show." "And do you have models?" "Well there are the six of us and then the designer Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald has a lot of friends that are going to be helping us." Just then Sammy walked back into the room. "Maddy Pilar wants to talk to you." The three of them headed downstairs.

"Wait out here Josh, let's surprise Pilar." Maddy walks into the living room. "Yes Pilar?" "Madeline, I have heard that you are helping Theresa put on some kind of fashion show. Is this true?" "Yes Pilar. I think that she has so much talent she really has a shot at a career. Anyway you know that the studio has been practically empty since I left. I just thought I would surprise the world with my amazing return to the fashion world with a fabulous new designer it tow. I do hope that you are not upset with me Pilar." "No of course not. It's just that you surprised me that's all." "Well are you up for another surprise?" Josh snuck up behind Pilar and hugged her. Pilar spins around. "Dios mio! Joshua you are home!" "Of course Aunt Pilar. I missed you so much while I was gone! How are things?" "My goodness Joshua what have you done with the obnoxious little boy that I used to have to chase all over this house after he put a garden snake in Maddy's bed?" "Aunt Pilar I was five. She was four. It was a snake. I thought it would be funny." "Well I do remember laughing at how terrified Madeline was of the little snake. I felt so bad punishing you for it." Maddy finally spoke up. "Hey I was the victim there. That thing was huge!!!" "Madeline Nicole Crane it was not but about six inches long. Do not exaggerate!" "Yes Pilar." "Oh how nice it feels to have all of my babies back." Pilar, Maddy, and Josh hug. "Now I have to get back to work you three run along and play." "Pilar we're all teenagers now you don't have to talk to us like we're five." "Am I going to have to count to ten? One, two, three..." "Yes ma'am we'll go outside." Maddy and Josh say in unison.

They get outside just in time to see everyone pulling up the driveway. The first car unloads and out jumped Julie and Cori with Kay, Simone, and Jessica in tow. The next car's radio was blaring and everyone turned to see who all was in this one. Abby, Theresa, Whitney, and Chad all jumped out of the car and continued to sing at the top of their lungs. The third and final car was driven by Lori and Miguel and Reese were her passnegers. At almost the same time, Julie, Cori, Abby, and Lori saw Josh and all immediately ran up to him. "Hey girls! Long time no see. So it looks like all of you are as beautiful as ever!" Cori playfully slapped his arm. "Quit being so cute or else we will all have to fight Sammy for your attention." Everyone turned to look at a completely red-faced Sammy. She managed a smile. "I hate you all, no really I do." Josh couldn't help but laugh. "Come on I want the entire 6-pack to stand beside each other so I can get a good look at you." Miguel looked confused. "6-pack?" Josh turned away from the models to answer his question. "Yeah that's what they used to call these girls. They always did shows together. They were their own little clique in the modeling world and everyone wanted them in their shows." Turning back to the girls. "I think I am going to take a publicity photo of the six of you back together later. That will really help with the show's turnout I think." "Whatever big brother, you are in charge of publicity. Oh and let me introduce everyone to you. Let's see we have Theresa, Miguel, Chad, Reese, Whitney, Simone, oh and this is Kay and Jessica Bennett. Their dad is chief of police here in Harmony. They also have a brother named Noah and an Uncle Hank. "Thanks for the background history there Maddy." "I knew you cared. So how did everyone do today?"

Julie spoke first. "Me and Cori have everything under control. As soon as we can get everyone's measurements, outfits, and materials we are ready to go." "Well Theresa, Abby, and I got all of that taken care of. We have swatches of each material and are ready to go over who is wearing what. The actual material is ready to go and can be delivered as soon as we give the word." "Good job Lori! Abby baby don't disappoint me. Got any ideas for the show's themes?" "Bunches. Since everything is bright and colorful I was thinking doing all of the decorations where they can easily be changed to match whatever we are showcasing at the time. And lots of music. See I was thinking start off the show with her club clothes and have dark backdrops with lots of lights and fog. Maybe even a disco ball! Then I thought about going to her summer clothes and somewhere in there go into the bathing suits. For that we could have fake trees with white Christmas lights hidden in them on stage, bright backdrops, and possibly bubbles. After that we would dim the lights and have a more serious backdrop for her formals. See here we could light up the Christmas lights for a really romantic feeling. I was thinking that the music needed to be serious but not really because we're all teenagers. And then we can end the show with the wedding party. See it would be perfect because we would all have our hair already done for the formal. And the big finale will be Sheridan accepting Luis' proposal. What do you guys think?" Everyone was amazed at all of the details that Abby had put into her plan that she had come up with in less than three hours. Maddy hugged Abby. "Abby you truly amaze me sometimes! I love it. And I have a bunch of ideas for music and routines. Come on everyone let's go into the studio and we will go over who is wearing what and how we can do a photoshoot." "Sorry sis but like I was saying earlier I have a couple of errands to run first so I need your car." Maddy thought it over and Sammy nudged her hard with her elbow. "Give him the keys!" "Ugh! Here they are. But so help me god if there is even one scratch in my baby I will kill you." "Thanks Maddy. And thank you Sammy." He hugs Maddy good-bye and then kisses Sammy on the cheek. "Keep my kid sister from snooping around her birthday present will you Samantha?" "S-s-s-s-sure Josh."

Maddy and Sammy headed over to the studio where everyone was standing outside. As soon as they approached the group everyone began whistling and making kissy noises. Josh jumped into the convertible Mustang without using the door. He started the car and headed away from the Crane estate. As soon as he was clear of the gates he pulled out his cell phone and punched in a number. "Yes this is Joshua Crane. I am heading to the airport right now I should be there in about five minutes. Thank you." He turned off his cell and laughed out loud. "Madeline has no idea what I have in store for her for her birthday!"

Chapter 14

Inside the Studio.............Abby was busy describing her vision of the show. "I love it Abby! You have the best taste. Well, next to me of course." "Thanks Maddy. I think!" Just then someone walked into the building. "Who is it?" "Calm down sis. It's just me. And don't worry your car is in excellent condition. Unless you count that itty bitty scratch." "What Joshua?" "Just kidding sit down. So how are things going on the show?" "Great. We have everything ready." "Well tomorrow we can start taking the publicity pictures. So I will need to have a good variety of what will be in the show. But like I said earlier Maddy I want you in a bathing suit. To show off your birthday present from Grandfather." "Hey Maddy tomorrow is your birthday?" "Yeah." "Well we will have to throw you a big party." "Oh no Theresa you don't have to do that." "I hate to interupt this lovely little party planning talk but when do you plan on having the show?" "A week from tomorrow. The invitations have already been sent out so don't panic." "Good well, tomorrow is going to be a big day. Pictures will be taken starting at ten in the morning. I want everyone here by 9:15 so that I can see what everyone will be wearing and decide what order we will be going in. And don't worry about bringing makeup or having your hair done. Just get here on time and we will take it from there. Ok?" Everyone nodded in agreement. "Then let's all go home and get some sleep!"

The next morning........Everyone showed up on time and they were sitting on the stage waiting for Josh to show up. "Just like my brother to tell us to show up on time and him not!" Theresa got up and went to sit by Maddy. "It's okay Maddy. He called me this morning and told me that he was going to pick up the clothes for the shoot and some other things too." Just then Josh walked into the room. "Calm down Madeline you are going to give yourself an ulcer. Look I just had to go get a few things this morning from the airport." "The airport? What could we possibly need from the airport?" Suddenly a tall blonde headed woman stepped into the room. "Gee Maddy when you put it like that I can't imagine why I agreed to help Josh." "Natalie? Oh my goodness!" Maddy runs and hugs the woman. Reese looks confused. "Who is Natalie?" Theresa turns around and answers. "Natalie is Josh and Maddy's older sister." Kay speaks up. "How many more Crane children are there?" Maddy starts to laugh. "This is it. Just the four of us. Nat why are you here?" "Joshua told me about this little fashion show you were putting on and asked if I would come down and do hair and makeup. So of course I agreed and here I am. When do we get started?" Josh signaled for everyone to go put on their outfit that they were going to have their picture taken in. "Right now!"

Josh and Nat sat down on the stage and got ready for everyone to come out. Josh had a camera set up on a tripod to get a picture. Nat sat indian style with a notebook in her lap. Kay came out first wearing a red formal gown with crystal beading and a slit on her left leg up to her thigh. Josh took her picture and Natalie wrote down what should be done with her hair and makeup. Miguel came out next wearing a tuxedo with a shiny red lapel and matching bow tie. Reese wore some khaki cargo pants and a blue button down shirt. Theresa wore her prom dress. Whitney chose to wear a black wrap around skirt with a purple halter top. Julie wore some khaki shorts and a pink fitted tee shirt. Cori and Lori came out together wearing the same bathing suit only in two different styles. Cori's was a one piece while Lori's was a tankini. Simone, being who she is, wore a bright orange club outfit. Jessica wore a white babydoll dress with flowers on it and it made her look like an absolute angel. Abby wore some black hotpants and a red velvet v-neck shirt. Chad wore some black carpenter pants and a white muscle shirt that appeared as if it had been painted on. Sammy came out wearing some snake skin capri pants with a matching tube top. Maddy was last and she came out in an electric blue string bikini with a matching skirt cover-up.

Josh and Natalie both agreed that everyone looked amazing. "Theresa you really have a lot of talent. If this show goes well there is a really good chance that you could get a full ride to any fashion school you wanted to attend." "Do you really think so Natalie?" "Yeah. Well Josh do you want to go and get ready to take some pictures?" "Sure. Let's start with Maddy. You go take her and do hair and makeup and I will prepare the backdrop."

Twenty minutes later........Maddy and the rest of the crew walked into the show garage. "Josh? Where are you? "In here Maddy." "I hate when people say that! Where is here?" "Sorry. In the show room." Everyone walks into the show room where Josh is standing next to a platform with something under a sheet. "Is that my present? Can I open it?" "Jump up there and do it." Maddy stands on the platform and pulls the cover off of the car. She immediately starts screaming and jumping up and down. "Why is she so excited? She already has a car." Kay says. "No Kay this is not just any car. It is a 1965 Shelby AC Cobra. It is the car!" "Yeah. Happy birthday from Grandfather. Anyway jump on in it and strike a pose. Everyone that hasn't done this before watch how she plays to the camera. Think about what you want the camera to see and do it. Maddy stand up and lean up against the windshield and show off that tattoo." Maddy does what Josh says and pulls her skirt down just enough so that eveyone can see her tattoo of a tiara with the word Princess under it tattooed on the small of her back. After Maddy was finished everyone else got their pictures taken. "Well I am off to get these pictures developed. Maddy have you got Aunt Sherry and Luis to agree to be in the show?" "Well not yet." "Well do that now." Maddy salutes him. "Yes Captain Josh."

Chapter 15

Maddy pulls out her cell phone and punches in a number. "Hello, Sheridan Crane." Maddy immediately begins to sob. "Aunt Sherry it's awful! Everything is going to be ruined. I need to talk to you and Luis right now. Can you meet me at the Book Cafe?" "Sure honey. I'll be there in five minutes okay?" "Thank you." Both hang up. Maddy turned around to face everyone. "I am good!"

At the book cafe.......Maddy sat at a table in the back. Sheridan and Luis walk in and head straight towards her. "Maddy are you all right?" "I'm better now Aunt Sherry. I was just kinda having a nervous breakdown." "What happened?" "Well I guess I had better tell the truth. I hate lying to you and Luis. I have become really good friends with Theresa and I have decided to organize a fashion show for her." "That doesn't sound so bad Maddy." "Well I got some of my model friends to come and help me. And all of Theresa's friends are helping. There's just one problem." "What?" "Well one of her designs showcases a wedding and all of us are way too young to pull off making the dress look right." "Well what are you going to do?" "Well, I was going to ask if you two would be willing to help." "Hold on, you want me and Luis to dress up like we are getting married?" "Please. You would be helping Theresa so much." "I think it is a wonderful idea Maddy. Come on Sher do it for my sister!" Luis winked at Maddy. "Fine, fine Luis. For Theresa I will." "Good then it is settled! Aunt Sherry I need you to find Theresa to have your measurements taken. And I have to hurry to go tell everyone that the show is back on! Bye!!" She stepped outside and stopped to think to herself, "No, I am really good!"

At the Studio.......Maddy bursts through the doors. "It's set, Sheridan and Luis are in!"

Well the week just flew by. Between rehearsals and fittings everyone was tired but still excited. They had all gathered behind the curtains and were getting their hair and makeup done. Sheridan still had no idea what was going to happen to her later that night. Maddy blew everyone kisses and headed out onto the stage to welcome everyone to the show.

"Hello and welcome to the Studio at the Crane Estate." Everyone clapped. "As I am sure many of you have noticed, I kind of dropped out of the entire fashion scene a few months ago. Well I am here tonight to bring all of your attention to an amazing designer. Not only are her clothes amazing, so is she because she is only a senior in high school. She has not made a final choice as to where she will be attending school next year so to all of the representatives from fashion schools, I advise you meet with her very soon. But I am sure you are getting tired of me talking so I wish to begin a night filled with wonder and surprises. Let the show begin."

Chapter 16

The lights went down and the spotlights illuminating the runway came on. A large silver disco ball hanging from the middle of the runway reflected the lights and cast them onto the audience. Colored light beams came on and swirled around the room. Suddenly the studio was filled with the sound of Soap's "This Is How We Party."

This is how we party Fooling with your body Come on everybody Can't get enough of you

Abby burst through the shiny, silver material serving as the runway's curtain. She had on the same black hotpants and red, velvet v-neck shirt that she had taken her portfolio picture in. Sammy also wore her picture outfit. But this time she accessorized her snakeskin capri pants and tube top with a snakeskin cowboy hat. Whitney and Simone came out together with Whit wearing a blue, form-fitting mini-skirt and white shirt; while Simone wore her bright orange outfit. After that everyone came out at their designated times showing off their best club style clothing. As the song came to an end Maddy was the last one on the runway wearing a leopard mini-skirt and black mid-riff halter top. Just as she returned to the curtain she looked over her shoulder and blew the audience a kiss.

As the lights dimmed at the end of the song, fake trees with the Christmas lights on them were placed on stage. Just as the applause died down from the last set the studio was filled with Shampoo's "We're in Trouble."

Uh-oh we're in trouble Something's come along and burst our bubble Yeah Uh-oh we're in trouble Gotta get home quick march on the double

This time everyone had on semi-formal clothing. Chad wore his black pants with a white muscle shirt and he held a black jacket over his shoulder. Julie stepped out of the curtain wearing her khaki shorts and pink fitted shirt but stopped immediately. She checked her watch and pretended to be upset while waiting on someone. Suddenly Reese burst through the curtain and pretended to be apologizing for being late. He wore the khaki pants and blue button down shirt. But the biggest change for him was the fact that he had gelled his hair and was wearing contacts. Extending his arm to her, Julie happily accepts and they make the stroll down the runway arm in arm. Once again the stage saw everyone make their passes wearing various business style outfits and semiformal clothing.

When the song ended and the lights went down signaling the end of another set of clothing. The stage hands went to work setting up a large box front before the curtain. Bright white lights lit up the studio and bubbles began falling from the ceiling. Spotlights shone on the box front revealing that it was supposed to be a rather large Mattell Barbie box. So no one was surprised when Aqua's "Barbie Girl" began playing.

Hi ya Barbie, Hi Ken Ya wanna go for a ride? Sure Ken, Jump In

Cori stepped out of the curtain and through the box. She stopped right in front of the box and began lip-syncing to the song.

I'm a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world Wrapped in plastic, it's fantastic

She threw the beach towel that had been covering up her teal one piece bathing suit with criss cross back. Suddenly Lori stepped through the box and began lip-syncing the next part of the song.

You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere

This time it was her turn to throw her beach towel down and reveal her bathing suit. Hers was an almost identical match of her sister's. However, Lori's was a tankini.

Imagination, life is your creation Come on Barbie let's go party

Each twin took off down the runway's circular outer rim in a different direction. It was as if the studio had found itself in the middle of a Fourth of July parade. All of the beautiful girls wearing gorgeous bathing suits that made them even more attractive. The highlight of the bathing suit portion of the show was Maddy's electric blue string bikini. It got the attention of every spectator in the audience including a certain teenage boy sitting in the back of the studio. When she pulled off her cover up she threw the photographers a coy smile and a wink, but he knew her better. That smile and wink was meant specifically for him. He placed his hand inside the inner pocket of his jacket and felt exactly what he was looking for. The gun he had been given to forever change the life of Madeline Crane.

Once again the studio was filled with darkness signaling yet another set's end in this seemingly massive fashion show. The next set was a complete departure from the previous one though. Candlelight illuminated both the studio and the runway and where the fake trees stood soft white light was emitted. The Barbie box had been removed and in its place stood a large red velvet heart completing the romantic feeling in the studio. The feeling was altered, however, when the song that came out of the speakers was not a beautiful, romantic song; but the strangely familiar pop sounds of Taco's "Putting on the Ritz."

If you're blue, and you don't know where to go to Why don't you go where fashion sits? Putting on the Ritz

Miguel stepped out onto the runway and stuck out his arm in an open invitation. Kay quickly stepped out beside him and graciously took his arm. Miguel wore a tuxedo with shiny red lapels and a matching bow tie. Theresa made her way down the runway wearing her prom dress. Jessica was escorted by Reese and his pale blue tie matched the flowers which adorned her white babydoll dress. Julie wore a two piece formal with a strapless bodice and full skirt. Everyone in the audience was amazed at the beauty of the clothes and the applause grew louder at each new piece of clothing.

When at last the set ended Josh stepped up onto the runway. "Thank you everyone for attending tonight's festivities. I have extensive photographs of all of the clothing if anyone needs more information. As soon as we adjurn from the fashion show their will be a after-show wrap party and a meet-and-greet with the designer Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald in the pool area for half an hour. Well I am getting the signal that everyone is ready for the last set so ladies and gentlemen I present to you Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald's "Wedding Wonderland." Soft classical music flowed through the studio. One by one, all of the models displayed different bridesmaids' dresses. However, when they finished their walk down the runway they lined up at the curtain. Suddenly the music changed to the Wedding March (Here Comes The Bride).

Luis, wearing a gorgeous tux with a white rose in the pocket, escorted Sheridan down the center part of the runway. When they got to the end Luis suddenly stopped and Josh handed him a mic. "I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight to see my little sister's fashion show. There is only one more thing that would make this evening perfect for me." He turns to Sheridan and drops to one knee. "Sheridan Crane, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Chapter 17

Sheridan looked down at Luis and just began crying. She couldn't even vocalize her answer. It seemed that the only response she could express was a very excited nod. Luis had a difficult time slipping the ring onto her finger since her entire hand was shaking. He finally managed to get the ring on her hand and when she realized that it was her mother's ring she cried even harder. Everyone in the studio rose to their feet applauding for the newly engaged couple. As soon as everyone got behind the curtain they began hugging Luis and Sheridan. Sheridan was still in shock as to how he got her mother's ring. "Do you like it Sher?" "Of course I do Luis, it's just how did you get it?" "I kinda had something to do with that Aunt Sherry." "Maddy you are the sweetest thing."

Everyone finished changing back into their own clothes and headed out to the pool area for the party. Photographers were everywhere. Most of them wanted pictures of Maddy and the other models or of Theresa, but Maddy made sure everyone got their picture taken at least five times. By the end of the night Theresa had offers from six different colleges and three companies offering her an internship. Finally after all of the guests had departed everyone had set down for a much deserved break. Sheridan and Luis had returned from the kitchen carrying punch and cake. While everyone had gathered around them congratulating them one deep voice from several feet away was heard the most distinctly.

"Congratulations indeed. I'm sorry to say however that I can not give consent to this marriage yet." Everyone whirled around to see their unexpected guest. "Father?" "Yes Sheridan. I thought you looked lovely up there." Suddenly Maddy ran forward and stood between Sheridan and Alister. "Grandfather you promised me that you were going to let Aunt Sherry be with Luis." "Madeline you really do need to pay attention more. I said that I can not give consent yet not never." "Oh. So what does that mean?" "Luis my boy step up here." "Yes Mr. Crane?" "Even though you have pubically declared your feelings for my daughter and have made it known what your intentions with her are, can you ever fully trust the Cranes?" Luis looked down at the ground. Finally after much thought. "No sir I still believe that your family had something to do with my father and brother's disappearances." "Well would you feel better if I said that we did." Everyone turned their heads to Alister. "Pilar I can not thank you enough for all that you have done for my babies." He motions to Maddy and Josh. "I am finally going to end this thing right. Not like I did last time." "Mr. Crane you were just trying to do what you thought was best for your family. I understood that and Martin and Antonio believed you too." "Mama you knew? All along you knew what had happened to Papa?" "Yes Luis." Everyone just stood there not knowing what exactly to do. Finally Alister clinked his fork to his glass.

"May I please have your attention. Tonight is going to be a very special night. Not only for my family, but the Lopez-Fitzgeralds also. I have several surprises in store tonight for the Bennetts and the Russells as well so do not feel left out. But first I must congratulate Theresa for designing so many wonderful clothes." Everyone applauded. "Next I am going to let all of you in on a very special surprise. Tonight I will announce the next rightful heir to the Crane empire. In doing this there are very special guidelines we must follow. So if my family will please return to their rooms to prepare for the formal ceremony I will instruct the rest of you as to what you will need to do." Maddy, Josh, Nat, Ethan, Gwen, Ivy, Julian, and Sheridan left to go prepare. "Why Luis are you not going to go get ready? As of my daughter's acceptance tonight, like it or not, you are part of our family. Since you already have a tux here, why don't you just go put that back on and find Sheridan. She will tell you everything that you need to know for the ceremony." Luis leaves. "As for the rest of you. I am going to ask that you go home and put on some formal clothing. If you already wore some tonight please feel free to wear it again. Now none of you will really need to know anything in particular about the ceremony. In fact it is quite simple. You all will be sitted in the formal den of the mansion and as soon as we are ready Mr. Lewis, our family solicitor, will announce me and you all need to stand up. After I walk in and take my place next to Mr. Lewis you may sit down. Then the rest of my family will be announced and they will walk in bow or curtsy in front of me and take their places. Then I will make my announcements. And then we can properly celebrate tonight's many wonderful gifts. Are there any questions?" Miguel raises his hand. "Yes, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald." "What is a solicitor?" "Oh, I'm sorry it is a British term for a lawyer. Mr. Lewis legally takes care of all matters involving our family and makes sure that important things such as my daughter's engagement to your brother are passed on to our friends and family around the world." "Oh, okay." "Well good evening everyone I plan on seeing you back here in approximately one hour."

As soon as everyone had gone where they needed to Alister laughed outloud. "Tonight is definately going to be an evening to remember for every person in Harmony." A figure hidden in the bushes behind Alister laughed to himself. "You are so right Alister. And your precious little princess granddaughter won't live to see another day if I have anything to do with it!" The figure pulled out a gun and it shimmered in the moonlight.

Chapter 18

NOTE: This chapter contains some bad language!

Everyone had arrived at the Crane mansion just as they had had been instructed. They sat on two sides facing each other and allowing for a walkway between them. Mr. Lewis stood at the end of the walkway. When he had checked off the last of the guests he rang a bell and asked everyone to please stand. "Ladies and gentlemen our host for this evening's festivities, Mr. Alister William Crane, patriarch of the Crane dynasty." Alister walked into the den and bowed to each set of guests, first the left side and then the right. After that he walked up and took his place which was standing next to the right of Mr. Lewis. When he was in his place, Mr. Lewis continued to introduce the Cranes. "You all may be seated. Next we present to you our honored guests the children of Alister Crane and his late wife Maria Nicole Howell-Crane ." Julian and Ivy appeared at the entrance to the den and awaited their signal to enter. "Julian Robert Crane and his wife Ivy Renae Winthrop-Crane." Julian and Ivy walked in and bowed to each set of guests and then to Alister. He then bowed his head to them. "Arise my son and daughter-in-law and take your places." They did as they were told and stood to the left of Mr. Lewis. Next Sheridan and Luis stood at the entrance. "Next we have Sheridan Marie Crane and her fiance' Luis Martin Lopez-Fitzgerald." Sheridan and Luis followed the same set of bowing that Juilan and Ivy had performed. "Arise my daughter and son-in-law and take your places." They moved to stand to the right of Alister. Luis was trying to take in everything he could and he could have sworn that Alister actually smiled when he said son-in-law. When they were in their places Mr. Lewis continued. "Mr. Crane would now like to present to you our honored guests his grandchildren." Ethan and Gwen appeared at the entrance. Theresa couldn't help but roll her eyes. Whitney appropriately slapped her leg. "Eldest grandchild and son of Julian and Ivy Crane," Both Maddy and Ivy rolled their eyes. "Ethan Mark Crane and his fiance' Gwen Caroline Hotchkiss." Once again the same set of bowing. "Arise my grandson and future granddaughter and take your places." They stood to the left of Julian and Ivy. "Second grandchild and daughter of Julian and Ivy Crane, Natalie Michelle Crane." Same bowing. "Arise my granddaughter and take your place." She stood to the left of Ethan and Gwen. "Third grandchild and son of Julian and Ivy Crane, Joshua William Crane." Same bowing. "Arise my grandson and take your place." He stood to the left of Nat. "Fourth and final grandchild and daughter of Julian and Ivy Crane, Madeline Nicole Crane." When Maddy stepped into the den everyone was taken back at her beauty. She was wearing a red dress with a fishtail train. A sash was attached to the back of the dress and to two gold bracelets. Her hair was curled and pulled back. And to top it all off she wore a gold and diamond studded tiara. She performed the same set of bowing. However this time Alister actually bent over and kissed her forehead. "Arise my princess and take your place." Luis wasn't sure but he thought he saw a single tear stream down the old man's face. Maddy stood to the left of Josh and when Mr. Lewis saw that she was in place he continued to read.

"Now that all members are present we may begin this evening's agenda. Mr. Crane if you are ready."

"Yes. Thank you Mr. Lewis. I'm sure many of you in this room put very little trust in our family. I have heard that keeping too many secrets can be hazardous, but when you are in a business that thrives on keeping secrets you tend to look past that. Well tonight I hope to clear up the air and get rid of the rift that has developed between my family and the residents of Harmony. First of all I would like to thank all of you for attending. And the first order of business tonight is to announce the rightfull heir to the Crane empire. Well I put a lot of though into this and I have decided to bypass my son." Julian stood there shocked.

"Father I cannot believe you are doing this. Why? Answer me that!"

Alister looked to the ground for a while before answering. "Well Julian it's like this...you are an idiot. Don't you guys agree?" Nat, Josh, Maddy, Ivy, and Sheridan all shook their heads in agreement. "So I have decided that my blood grandson will become the rightfull heir."

Ethan stepped forward. "Grandfather I do not think it is right for you to bypass your own son and name me the heir!"

Alister just shook his head. "Ethan my boy when did I say I had named you heir?"

"Well you said your grandson and I am older than Josh."

"I also said I had named my blood grandson heir. And I do so hate to bring this up in front of all of these people but you are only my grandson by marriage. Josh is my only blood grandson and therefore rightfull heir to the empire. Congratulations my boy!"

"Shut up all of you! What do you mean that I am only your grandson by marriage?"

"Well Ethan while you are truly Ivy's son you are absolutely not Julian's. Ivy darling would you like to start explaining to your son?"

"Well honey. It's like this. You were a miracle conceived on my wedding night. The only problem is that I wasn't with Julian that night. I ran away from the mansion and straight into the arms of the man I truly loved.......Sam Bennett."

Everyone looked on in shock and turned their heads to Sam. "Ivy, Ethan is my son? Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"I couldn't and then I tried but you wouldn't listen. You said you only cared about Grace." The two run and embrace each other. Julian on the other hand headed towards the desk to get some brandy.

Gwen finally snapped out of the dumb look that she had plastered on her face. "Wait, does this mean that Ethan isn't really a Crane and I won't really become a Crane."

Maddy couldn't resist anymore, she grabbed a pen off of the table and brought it up to her mouth like a mic. "Ding! Correct answer Gwen. Alex how much did she wager on that daily double?" Josh grabbed the pen from Maddy and began using it. "Well Vanna she had already wagered fifteen years of her life in this relationship, but by answering the question correctly she has won a lifetime supply of snickering and backstabbing by all of her rich bitch friends who will all make fun of her for marrying Ethan Bennett. Congratulations Gwen. And this brings us to the bonus question in 'Wheel of Jeopardy' will Gwen stay with Ethan? Cue the annoying music and let's find out."

"Shut up you stupid bastards!"

"Hey those are our parents. Your boyfriends the bastard."

Ivy protectively hugged Ethan. "Maddy don't talk about my son like that!"

Josh just looked at her. "Hello! I'm your son too!"

Gwen pushed Ivy away from Ethan. "You lying bitch! Why didn't you ever tell me? I can't marry him now! This is so gross; he is common! Ugh! I am out of here!" And with that she stormed out of the mansion, never to return. Ethan just stood there looking dumb as usual. "Did she just dump me?" Maddy rolled her eyes and looked at Josh. "With that kind of intellegence, are we sure he isn't really Father's?"

Theresa jumped up off of the couch and ran up to Ethan. "Ethan, I still love you! And now that Gwen is out of the picture you and I can finally be together. Fate wants us to be together!" Ethan leaned down and kissed Theresa. "I know I believe that too!"

Whitney sat on the couch between Eve and Chad. She leaned over and whispered into Chad's ear. "Well I'll be damned. Theresa finally got Ethan." Before Chad could respond Eve jerked her away from him. Alister just looked on with a smirk on his face. "Now Dr. Russell please tell us again why you don't want your daughters hanging around with Chad."

"I just don't want them to have to go through all of the things that can happen if you hang around with the wrong type of men." Josh stepped forward. "What you mean Dr. Russell is that you don't want your daughters to go through what you did. What's wrong? Oh I'm sorry did you not want your family to find out that you were once my father's mistress?" Eve looked evily at Josh. "How did you know?" "Simple really. I was going through a bunch of pictures for Grandfather and I ran across a whole pile of you and father in well, compromising positions." Alister put his hand up. "That will be enough Joshua. For I believe the good Dr. Russell has a few more secrets that involve this family. Eve, why don't you tell your daughter who her father really is?" "Her father really is T. C.! I don't know what you are talking about!" "Well I should say that my son should stop drinking because he really does have four children."

Whitney stood up. "Wait a minute! Julian Crane is my father, my mother was a slut, and now I can really be with Chad? Cool!" The two begin kissing. Maddy looks at Josh. "Well big bro all and all I think that you owe me two hundred dollars." "Why?" "Remember at the last family therapy session you said that you would bet me two hundred bucks that our family couldn't get any more fucked up than it already is? Well I consider this last bit of information pretty fucked up. So pay up!" Josh pulls out his wallet and hands her the money.

T.C. finally talks. "Well Crane I still would like to know why you tore down my family's farm." Alister just shakes his head. "Really T.C. that wasn't my fault. It was yours!" T.C. is shocked. "How could it have been my fault?"

"Well do you remember while you were living there a certain girl came by one day claiming she was lost?" T.C. nods his head. "Well her name was Kristine Hotchkiss and she was not lost. She was simply looking for a good roll in the hay and apparently you fulfilled her needs quite well. So well in fact that nine months later she gave birth to your son. She named him Chad." Once again everyone could not believe the news and could only stare.

"Hold up! So what your saying is that Coach Russell here is my pops?" Alister nodded. T.C. is still angry. "So why did you tear down my home?" "The Hotchkiss family realized what had happened as soon as they saw the ethnicity of the child. They threatened to have your entire family killed. I was vehemently against that and so I did what I did to make it look like I put forth and effort to have you taken care of properly." Chad stopped kissing Whitney long enough to speak. "So why didn't Gwen pick up on who I was?" "Well she was a very small girl when it happened and they just told her that her sister had lost the baby. When in fact they sent it, excuse me, you to an orphanage." Nat leaned over to her two younger siblings. "Things just keep getting weirder! And he hasn't even got to Aunt Sheridan and Luis yet!"

Alister clinked his fork against Julian's brandy glass. This got everyone's attention and scared Julian half to death. "Well I have only one more thing on my agenda tonight." He turned to face Luis and Sheridan. "Contrary to my actions her entire life, I do love my daughter and I do want the best for her. I was quite against it at first, but I have decided that in fact Luis, you are the best thing for my baby girl. If you would please I would like you to trust me and my family. I know that you can not until you find out the truth about your father and brother's disappearances, and that is why I am ready to tell you what really happened that night. So if the entire Lopez-Fitzgerald would please sit down on one of the couches together I will begin. Oh Sheridan, since it would appear that you and Ethan are involved in this as well could you please sit with them." Everyone does as they are instructed.

Alister looks at his three grandchildren still standing in their official positions and smiles fondly at them. He then turns his attention to Mr. Lewis who was standing at the entrance to the den. "Mr. Lewis, are our surprise guests present?" "Yes, Mr. Crane. Would you like me to send them in?" "Yes, please do."

Two men and a teenage girl appeared at the entrance way. "Uncle Martin?" Nat asked. Josh spoke next. "Uncle Tony?" Maddy just giggled with delight for she knew exactly who the young girl was because she was her best friend. "Paloma!" Nat, Josh, and Maddy all took off running in their direction. Everyone else just sat there stunned. Especially Luis.

Chapter 19

Everyone managed to move out of the way as the three legitimate Crane heirs ran across the room. Alister clinked his glass. "Can we please have some room made for our guests?" A maid brought in three chairs. And Martin, Antonio, and Paloma sat down after a tear-jerking reunion with Pilar. The remaining Lopez-Fitzgeralds were too shocked to do anything but stare.

Luis finally spoke. "What is going on? I mean I am so happy to have my family back but I still don't understand why they had to leave."

"I believe that I can answer that." Sheridan looked at her father in utter disbelief. "I can't believe that you have lied to me all of these years. You always said that our family had nothing to do with their disapperances."

"I was just trying to protect you and them as well as the Lopez-Fitzgeralds. Perhaps I should start at the beginning. In business you make a lot of enemies. And you don't always play fair. Sometimes you have to attack where people are vulnerable. I have always tried to hide my soft spot so that no one could ever get to me. Well one time I crossed someone one too many times and they decided to come after me. But these people were dirty and they most certainly did not play fair. I remember so clearly waking up to the sound of crying. I went into the children's play room and Maddy, Josh, and Nat were all crying. When I asked them what was wrong they showed me some of their toys and all of them had been torn apart. When I walked into my office I saw Madeline's favorite doll with a note tied around its neck. The note said that if I didn't agree to give them what meant the most to them then they were going to take away what meant the most to me. I immediately called the cops but they refused to help because we were Cranes. That we could afford to handle any crisis on our own. I decided to call Martin and ask if he would come and watch the children. He said he would come in early the next morning and check all of the gates and locks. But in the middle of the night the silent alarm went off. I called him and told him that he needed to get here right away. I managed to get Nat, Josh, and Maddy downstairs without waking them up. Right after that Martin showed up with Antonio. We decided to move everyone over to the cottage because not many people would think to look there for the children."

Martin spoke up. "I decided to stay at the cottage with the children while Antonio and Alister went back for Ethan and Sheridan. I heard the door to the cottage open and I hid the children and went to investigate. Boy was I shocked to see who was there. I thought I had only brought one of my children with me."

Everyone looked at Paloma. "I heard the phone ring and couldn't go back to sleep. I heard Papa talking to Antonio and he said that they were going to go see Maddy. I thought if I went with them Papa would let me spend the night with her. So I hid in the back of the truck. I was four I didn't put that much thought into it."

Alister smiled and patted Paloma on the head. "Anyway the intruders followed me and Antonio back to the main house, but we were not aware. We agreed that I would go upstairs and get the children while Antonio would wait downstairs. As soon as I left to go upstairs the intruders broke into the house."

Antonio nodded. "Yes, as soon as Mr. Crane disappered these two men attacked. I wrestled around with one of them and the other one grabbed a letter opener and charged at me. I saw him coming towards me and I moved out of the way at the last moment; the man stabbed his partner instead of me. He got so scared that he ran out of the house and towards the cabin. I yelled that the intruder was coming in and the next thing I heard was the gun shot. By the time I got to the cabin Papa said the man was already dead."

Alister interupted. "I heard Antonio yell and ran downstairs. I had already woken Sheridan up and sent her down to meet him. When I got to the foyer I saw that Sheridan had picked up the letter opener and was crying and shaking. Oh my god, blood was everywhere, on the floor, on the couch, and even on Sheridan. I yelled at her telling her that she was a bad girl and she just cried harder." He looks at Sheridan who is sitting on the couch beside Luis crying. He goes and kneels in front of her. "Sherry I never meant to yell at you. I was just scared and I didn't know what to do. But I never meant to hurt you."

Sheridan looks at her father with her tear-stained eyes and face; and hugs him. "I know father, I know."

Martin continued the story. "Anyway we quickly had to get rid of the bodies. Both Alister and I agreed that whoever was in charge was not going to appreciate us foiling their plans and killing two of their assassins. So I sent Antonio home to talk to Pilar. To tell her that for the children's safety we must get them out of the country that night. We could not risk the possibility that there were more intruders who saw our faces as well as the children's."

Pilar looked at her husband and smiled. "I remember when Antonio told me that you were going to be leaving to keep the children safe, I smiled. I smiled because that is why I loved you. You were willing to take care of these children not only because you loved them but because that was the right thing to do. But when he told me that Paloma was involved I cried. It was hard enough having to try to deal with the loss of a husband and son. But losing my baby scared me the most because both of you were adults and she was just a baby."

"Mama I was almost five, I was hardly a baby."

"Still you were my baby. "

Luis was completely confused. "So Mama you lied to us about not knowing where Papa and Antonio was and you lied to us about Paloma being with Aunt Maria?"

"Mijo do not be upset. I did not know how long they would be gone. I thought only a month, a year at most. I did not realize that they would be gone so long. But please Luis, let us not think of bad things let us just be happy that our family is back together. Both old and new." She took Sheridan's hand and squeezed it.

Alister smiled and resumed his tale. "I hired a pilot to take Natalie, Josh, Madeline, Paloma, and Martin to a safe place in Europe. Antonio would be leaving to join them in a few days and bring them supplies. I didn't feel the need to send Sheridan and Ethan because they would both be leaving for boarding school the next week and they would be safe there. I thought that maybe Sheridan could forget what she saw that night. But she could not. The whole night she screamed and screamed. I finally decided to send her to a hospital where they would convince her that everything she saw was a dream. I had no idea that they would be so cruel to you Sherry or I never would have sent you I swear!"

As the two embraced again Martin began to speak. "Over the years the children grew up and went off to school together. That is when they really became who they are now. Natalie took up writing and became quite the journalist. But her true passion was hair and make-up design. I remember Nat used to take all of the girl's dolls and redo their hair. And nothing will piss two six year olds off worse than a bald Barbie! Josh became an amazing photographer. And by what I have heard he is putting those skills to use working for Crane Industries. Paloma inherited her mother's cooking ablities two-fold. Even when the children were little Antonio and I would hear them at night in the kitchen. Paloma would be sitting on the counter holding some utensil and quizzing the others as to what it was, what it was used for, and the proper way to clean it. And last but certainly not least, the baby. Maddy was always the center of attention. She could walk into a room full of strangers and everyone of them would just look at her and become swept up into whatever she had to say."

Maddy suddenly spoke up. "But money can't buy happiness. I have enjoyed being able to spend time with Theresa, Kay, Jessica, and the rest of you. And you don't know how much I envy all of you. To be able to go to a public school and hang out together. To not have everyone in the world want to be your friend and not even know your middle name or even care. I was so amazed the way that all of you came together to help Theresa for the only reason being that she is your friend. I have always wanted that. And aside from Poe, Josh, Nat, and Aunt Sherry I have never had real friends. Only the ones that want everyone to know that they are your friends."

Suddenly someone jumped out from the foyer and put a gun against Maddy's head. Everyone was too busy staring at the gun man to hear Maddy say that even though she didn't have friends in Paris no one ever put a gun to her head twice in the same month. Finally the gun man spoke. "Not all of your friends want everyone to know that they are your friends. And I want you to tell all of these nice people what kind of a druggy slut you really are. And I want you to do it now!"

Chapter 20

"Ugh! Why can't you just leave me alone Hank? I've already proven that I am not going to help you. And get this stupid gun off of the back of my head, you are totally ruining my hair-do! If I know you the gun won't even be loaded, you are too much of a chicken to use real bullets. And just in case that gun does have real bullets in it and you do shoot me, so help me God if you get blood on this new dress or my shoes I will come back from the dead and haunt you for the rest of your miserable life!" Everyone was still in shock at Hank's actions. Well all but Josh, he simply rolled his eyes. "Only my sister would care more about her appearance than her life. Way to prove that Crane spirit there Maddy."

Hank pulled the gun off of Maddy and pointed it at Josh. "Shut-up! One more outburst from you or anyone else and the girl gets it. I swear." Maddy turned around and stared at him. "Or the girl gets it? Come on, that is the best you could do? Really I mean on a scale of ten for execution ten for originality zero!" He pointed the gun back at her. "Start talking now. I want you to tell all of these people that think you are little miss perfect what kind of person you really are."

Maddy turned around and faced her family. "Well I guess I should start at the beginning. I had just found out about Ethan's true parentage and I was so upset when I found out why Mother didn't love any of us. I mean I always thought that maybe I did something to make her quit loving me. But when I found out that she never called me, or wrote me just because my father was Julian Crane, I went crazy. The pain hurt so much. I quit going to classes and eventually ran into a group of girls that were really into partying. They said that there was this guy who went around to all of the boarding schools and provided whatever they could afford. And since everyone that went to those types of schools were rich you were guaranteed some quality merchandise. It took me a week to get the courage up to go and meet him. That was the first time I met Hank Bennett. Well my depression continued and eventually I got kicked out of that particular boarding school. That is when I met Devon. Summer was coming soon so my family decided that if I took my own little vacation I would snap out of whatever trip I was on and straighten up. Well I guess they were right about that. One night after a party Devon and I were involved in a car accident and he died. I was sent to a hospital and I received a letter that said if I didn't get my act together I would be disowned. No one in my entire family cared. Aunt Sherry checked on me a couple of times but she had her own problems to deal with. So I ran away from the hospital. I was sitting in a park near my old boarding school when someone walked up to me. Hank here offered me a job to come and help him sell drugs. The plan was simple I would go to a particular party and find the most willing buyer. I would convince him to buy some drugs and then I would offer to have sex with them to further sweeten the deal. I don't know why I agreed to do it. Maybe it was because even though I was nothing but property to him he cared about me!"

By now Maddy was completely in tears and practically screaming at her parents. "I stayed with him for a while mostly waiting until I could get close enough to my family to come home. Boston was close enough for me. I went to Harvard with him and then I ran away. I prayed that I could still remember Grandfather's private number and I did. He sent for me immediately and brought me to one of his homes in New Orleans. He sent me back to boarding school and told my parents that I was okay. Not that they cared. Anyway I went to school and worked at Crane Industries until last month when I decided to come home. There Hank happy now? Everyone in here knows what kind of person I am - a liar, a drug addict, and a whore - end of story."

Hank just shook his head. "Well now that Little Miss Perfect here has finished her story it's time to choose."

"Choose what?"

"Not what Maddy, who. As in who in this room am I going to shoot. Come on Maddy look around you. You are surrounded by people who ruined your life in one way or another. Pick one and they will receive their punishment."

Maddy looked around her and saw the fear in everyone's eyes. Just as she finished her circle her face lit up. "I have chosen. The person who deserves to be punished is the person who manipulated my emotions the most. Hank Bennett."

Hank rolled his eyes at her. "Yeah like I would shoot myself."

Maddy laughed. "No. But he would. Go ahead Hank turn around."

Hank did as he was told and came face to face with the barell of a gun. His nephiew holding it. "Hi Uncle Hank. How are you? Well I think what you have done to her is awful and I am here to make sure you are properly punished."

Noah took the safety off of the gun and cocked it. Hank being so scared passed out. Noah ran over and took Maddy into his arms. "I am so glad that your plan worked."

Sam finished handcuffing Hank and turned around. "Her plan?"

Maddy broke the embrace and turned to face Chief Bennett. "Yes. I'm afraid that I knew what Hank planned on doing and I convinced Noah to help me bring him down before he hurt any more people." She took the gun from Noah and gave it to Sam. "Here, it's not even loaded."