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At the Lopez-Fitzgerald house, Pilar was in the kitchen making
dinner! Suddenly, Theresa rushed in! "Mama! Mama!" Pilar turned to Theresa,
"What's wrong Therisita?" Theresa had a look of fear in her eyes! It was
almost like she had seen someone die or there was a fire in the house! She
seemed as though she were about to cry, but she didn't! She just stood there
in shock and said, "I heard that Sheridan was going back to Paris! Is it
true?" Pilar nodded, "Yes, she is!" Theresa looked even more shocked! "But
how? Why? She loved it here in Harmony! How could she leave?" Pilar got back
to making dinner, but continued to talk to her daughter, "Well, she just felt
like she didn't belong here, I guess." Theresa paced around the table! "Oh!
Luis must be heartbroken." Pilar turned around to face Theresa again and
said, "Well, Luis went off to the airport to try and stop Sheridan," before
continuing cooking! Theresa walked over to her mother and put her hand on
Pilar's back, "Did he stop her?" Pilar said, "I don't know, Therisita! I
haven't heard from him since, but..." Pilar put down the spice bottles she
had in her hands and looked at her watch before she continued, "if he didn't
stop her yet, she is on the way to Paris!" On the plane to Paris, Sheridan couldn't get her mind off of Luis! She had fallen for him and he had led her on (or so she thought). She slowly cried as she stared out the window at the beautiful sea below them! Suddenly,
she had a flashback of Christmas...
**FLASHBACK**
It was Christmas and Sheridan was at Luis's house, giving him some slides
of Spain for a present! Luis picked up one of the slides and looked at it
through the light. He said, "Oh, wow! This is incredible!" Sheridan saw what
he was looking at. "Oh! That's Costa Marbella! I took this picture at the bay
at sunset!" Luis starred at Sheridan! "You know, if you look closely enough,
you can almost see the light dancing on the water! Isn't it beautiful?" Luis
starred at Sheridan and said, "Yeah, it is!"
**REALITY**
"I should have never let myself get involved with Luis, " Sheridan
thought, "I am tired of getting my heart broken!" Slowly, the expression on
her face changed from sad to angry! "From now on, I will never let myself
fall in love! I won't let myself get hurt anymore! If that's the way it must
be, then so be it!" She looked around and saw that everyone on the plane was
asleep! She sighed to herself. "I better get some sleep, too!" She pulled out
a pillow and put in on the side of her seat, next to the window! She laid her
head against it! She began to close her eyes, but then, she looked up at the
beautiful full moon and thought of Luis!
Luis was under to same moon, driving home! Tears were in his eyes! He
tried to hold back his tears so that his mother wouldn't notice, but he
wasn't being too successful! He sighed and looked out the window at the moon!
He remembered a conversation he once had with Hank.
**FLASHBACK**
Hank and Luis are talking about Sheridan in the Youth Center locker room
as Hank gets ready for his date with Sheridan! Hank said, "Listen! I'm
talking to you, not as your competition, but as your best buddy and
Sheridan's friend! And if you know in your heart that this can't work out,
and you yourself have said that you could never be Mr. Sheridan Crane, don't
lead her on, Luis. Don't hurt Sheridan!"
**REALITY**
Luis said to himself, "What have I done? It's all my fault! I broke
Sheridan's heart and know I'll never see her again! Great going, Luis! You've
destroyed everything!" Luis pulled into his driveway! He decided that all he
needed was a good night sleep! Pilar, Theresa, and Miguel were just about to
sit down for dinner when Luis walked in! Theresa went straight to his
brother, "Luis! Did you stop her? Did you stop Sheridan form leaving?" Luis
felt the tears well up in his eyes, but he held them back as best as he
could! "No..." he manages to get out, "She's gone!" As look of disappointment
and regret washed over Theresa's face! Seeing his sister hurting only made
Luis feel worse! His family meant the world to him and he felt awful that he
made them feel sad! Pilar said, "Luis! We're about to have dinner! Won't you
sit down?" Luis started to his bedroom door! "I'm not hungry!" Pilar to stop
him, but Luis shut his door before she could say anything! As Luis shut the
door, he pulled off his shirt (YEAH!!!) and fell onto his stomach on the bed!
He squeezed the pillow tightly and thought about Sheridan! Luis had no idea
what he had done, but whatever he did had hurt Sheridan really badly! Luis
was trying hard not to get upset, but he missed Sheridan so much! He missed
her beautiful eyes... those eyes that looked like stars in the sky! And he
missed her smile... her smile was so sweet, it made his heart melt every
time. He missed her blonde hair... the hair that was the color of sunshine
and smelled like roses! He missed holder her tightly to him as they danced
the tango or when they needed comfort! But most of all, he missed how kind
she was to everyone... she had always been so nice to all the kids at the
youth center and was so unlike her father and Jullian! All of the feelings
and emotions that he had for Sheridan gathered up together instantly! They
were like a bomb inside of him waiting to explode! He slutched the pillow to
his chest, buried his face into it, and cried!
Chapter 3
As Luis lay there in his bed, he couldn't stop thinking about Sheridan!
Tears came flooding down his face while thinking about her. He tried to hold
back his feelings, but it was no use. He missed Sheridan so much, it was
impossible to give up on her. The door opened! It was Pilar. She walked to
his bed with some soup. "Luis. I brought you some dinner." Luis tried his
best to hold back the tears. "I'm not hungry, Mama. Thanks anyway." Luis
couldn't hide his pain from Pilar. She saw right through him. She sat down
the soup and sat on his bed. "Luis. I know that it must be pretty hard for
you that Sheridan left." Luis nodded, "Yeah! It's killing me. Every second I
am apart from her is a second too long. When I'm around her, I... I get a
strange feeling inside of me, like... like we were meant to be or something."
Pilar took Luis's hand. "It's love, Luis! You're in love with Sheridan
Crane." Luis smiled up at her. "Yes, I am, Mama. I love her and I miss her so
much!" For a brief moment, Luis seemed happy, but it soon changed. "I though
everything was going great, but now she is mad at me and she's gone." Pilar
hugged Luis. "I'm sorry, Luis, but maybe it's for the best." Luis tried to
understand Pilar. "Yeah. Maybe you're right." Pilar smiled, "Well...
goodnight Luis." She closed the door and Luis turned in his bed. He
remembered a long time ago when he had a conversation with Hank about not
letting the right woman get away (i don't remember the lines.). He jumped up
and said to himself, "I have to go after her!"
In Paris, Roger and Pierre checked into a hotel. They got a key to their
room... they didn't know it, but it was the room that was the connecting one
to Sheridan's. Pierre and Roger entered their room and Pierre said, "So, how
do we find this Sheridan, Roger?" Roger said, "Don't worry. We will find her
soon, and when we do, we will eliminate her, for good."
Chapter 4
In Harmony, Luis was rushing around his room, getting dressed. He wanted
to look his best for Sheridan when he found her. He knew that Sheridan was
mad at him, but he wasn't about to give up on her. He cared about her so much
and he wasn't going to let her get away. He was going to find her! Luis
started to day-dream.
**DREAM**
In Paris, Luis knocks on the door of Sheridan's room. She comes out and
smiles, "Oh, Luis! I am so glad you are here." Luis gives a small, confused
smile. "Why?" Sheridan took another step towards Luis. "I realized that you
weren't really useing me. I realized that you really do care about me, for
me." They gazed into each other's eyes. Luis gave a huge smile, "Sheridan. I
have been meaning to tell you something." Sheridan asked, "What is it?" Luis
put his arms around her waist. His lips were inches from hers. "I love you,"
he said. Sheridan smiled and said, "Oh, Luis! I love you, too." Luis was so
happy to hear her that, he wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed her
intensely! Sheridan put her arms around Luis's neck and Luis had one hand in
her beautiful sun-shine hair. The kiss seemed to last forever until he came
back to reality.
**REALITY**
It took Luis a moment to realize that it was just a dream, but he would
do everything in his power to make it come true. He had to find out why
Sheridan was upset with him. He threw a bunch of clothes in a small bag,
grabbed his wallet, and ran out of his room! He didn't see his mother making
herself some cocoa. Luis almost touched the front door knob when his mother
said, "Luis?" Luis turned around and saw his mother. Pilar walked towards
him. "Where are you going?" Luis hesitated for a moment. He knew that his
mother didn't want him to get involved with a Crane, but he also knew that
Pilar really loved Sheridan. He answered, "I'm going to Paris to find
Sheridan." Luis tried to open the door, but Pilar stopped him. "You what?"
Luis said, "Mama! I have to go after her. I really care about her and I won't
let her get away from me." Pilar shook her head, "Luis. You can't get
involved with Sheridan. It is very dangerous." Luis said, "I don't care,
Mama. I have fallen in love with Sheridan Crane and I can't let her slip
away." With that, Luis headed out of the door and to the airport! Pilar went
back into the living room and sat on the couch as she talked to herself. "Oh.
I fear for you, Luis. Having a realationship with Sheridan could lead to a
disaster.
In Paris, Roger and Pierre were trying to figure out where they could
find Sheridan. They did not now that Sheridan was in their connecting room.
Roger sat on the couch thinking. "We have to find Sheridan and kill her
before it is too late." Pierre said, "But where can we look." Roger shook his
head, "I don't know, but I have a strong feeling that she is closer than we
think."
In the next room, Sheridan was getting ready for bed! She curled up in
her soft, warm bed. She tried to get her mind off Luis all day, but with no
luck. Everything she saw reminded her of him. The stars were like his eyes,
the sun was like his face, the sound of the ocean was like him comforting her
and rocking her to sleep. Sheridan started to feel like she would never be
able to forget Luis, but she had to. "I'll be okay... somehow. I will get
through this. I don't need Luis in my life!" Suddenly, a chill ran down her
spine! She felt an overwealming sense of danger nearby. She shook it off and
went to sleep.
Luis was on the plane to go to Paris. The rest of the people were
boarding and he couldn't wait to see Sheridan again, but what would he do
when he saw her. He was so confused. He said to himself, "I'll know what to
do when I get there. I have to find Sheridan and get her back." He starred
out the window at the starry sky! The stars reminded him of Sheridan because
it was like looking deep into her eyes. But her eyes were more beautiful than
any star. There was nothing to compare it to. It was like, stars, the ocean,
the sun, the moon, the snow, fire, and the rain, all put together and
converted into beautiful blue eyes. He could stare into those eyes forever.
He missed those eyes! He couldn't wait to look into them again. He said to
himself, "I'm coming for you, Sheridan! I'll find you and we will be together
again. This time, I will never let you go again."
Chapter 5
At the Lopez-Fitzgerald house, Theresa woke up and she walked into the
kitchen to meet her mother. She said, "Hi, Mama." Pilar said, "Hello,
Therisita. What are you doing up so early?" Theresa said, "I couldn't sleep.
I was hoping I could talk to Luis about something before he leaves in the
morning. Where is he?" Pilar said, "Luis is going after Sheridan." Theresa's
eyes lit up. "He is!" Pilar said, "Yes." in a very sad tone. Theresa noticed
it, "Mama! You don't look pleased with that. I mean... you've always said
that Sheridan was a great girl." Pilar said, "Yes, she is, but if Luis gets
involved with the Cranes, it could only lead to disaster." Theresa was going
to say that nothing bad could come out of that, but it could only lead to
another topic about Ethan and she didn't want to talk about that right now.
"Well, I hope that Sheridan and Luis end up together."
Luis was on the plane to Paris, sleeping. There were only a few hours
left before he landed in Paris. He was dreaming... about Sheridan... and
their wedding...
**DREAM**
Luis was standing next to Hank in a tux. Everyone in the church was
dressed up nicely for the wedding. Luis thought to himself, "I can't believe
it. This is actually happening! We are getting married!" Luis couldn't seem
to get the smile off of his face. He was so in love with Sheridan and now,
she was going to be his forever. Suddenly, the music started. Everyone turned
around. Luis grew excited. Then, Sheridan stepped out from the darkness to
the beginning of the isle. Her wedding dress sparkled and glowed. Her eyes
and her smile beamed with happiness. Luis stared at her and thought, "Wow!
She's so beautiful! What am I saying... she is always beautiful! She is so...
wonderful!" Sheridan stepped down the isle. When she got to the end, she took
Luis's hand! They stared into each other's eyes. Luis saw that Sheridan had
shed a few tears. He reached out his hand and wiped them away. Luis made his
own vows for Sheridan. He cleared his throat. "Sheridan! I remember the first
day I met you. It was the most important moment of my life... You were
speeding in your car and you ran into mine!" The crowd laughed and Luis
continued, "After that, I remember that we couldn't stand to be near each
other, but then, I came to realize that... you were the one for me." More
tears started to fall from Sheridan's eyes. Luis smiled, "Sheridan. You are
the most wonderful woman that I have ever met. You are sweet, kind,
beautiful, and amazing. I love every part of you and I want to spend my life
with you. I promise that from this day forward, I will cherish you, support
you, protect you, help you, and love you, no matter what, for the rest of my
life." Luis took out a beautiful gold ring and he took Sheridan's hand. "With
this ring, I wed thee... Mrs Sheridan Lopez-Fitzgerald!" Luis placed the ring
on her finger. Tears came flooding out of Sheridan's eyes. Now, it was
Sheridan's turn to say her own vows. "Luis. So much has changed for us in
these past few months. When we first met, we couldn't stand each other, but
then, we realized how much we loved one another. And even with all of the
things that came between us, we still managed to get through them. Nothing
can stand in the way of our love. I want to spend every day with you for the
rest of my life. With this ring, I wed thee." Sheridan slipped a ring on
Luis's finger. Now, both Luis and Sheridan were crying with happiness. The
priest said, "We the power invested within me, I now pronounce you, husband
and wife." Luis cupped his wife's face in his hands and kissed her
passionately! Everyone cheered.
**REALITY**
Luis woke up and realized that he was still on the plane. It was all a dream.
He was a little disappointed by it, but he was determined to make it come
true. Luis looked up of the window and said, "I'm coming to find you,
Sheridan. Now, I just have to figure out where you are. Paris is such a big
place. How am I going to find you?" Luis thought for a moment and said,
"Somehow, I'll find her. Love will lead the way to her." In Paris, Sheridan was tossing and turning in her sleep. She was having a
dream.
**DREAM**
Sheridan was asleep in the room. Suddenly, Luis came in and sat on the
edge of her bed. He shook her gently and she woke up. She stared into his
eyes. "Luis? What are you doing here?" Luis said, "I had to come after you! I
couldn't let you get away." Sheridan looked confused. "Get away?" Luis said,
"Sheridan. When you left for Paris, I... I realized that, I have fallen madly
in love with you." Sheridan was both happy and confused. "You are?" Luis
said, "Yes! And I realize..." Luis moved closer to Sheridan so that they were
inches apart from each other and closing. "That I can't live without you."
Luis suddenly kissed Sheridan more passionately than any kiss in the world.
Sheridan put her arms around him and kissed him back. She felt like she was
in heaven.
**REALITY**
Sheridan woke up and realized that it was a dream. She sighed to herself and
thought, "You have to get over Luis, Sheridan. He has just been using you all along. You can't let him get to you like that." It was 8:00 when Luis arrived in Paris. As he walked outside, he saw many huge buildings and miraclulous things that he had never seen before. It was the most beautiful site he had ever seen, but he ignored it. Right now, the
only thing that mattered was finding Sheridan. He didn't have a clue where to look, but he knew that his heart would tell him where to go. He walked up to
a street map and looked at it. He took a deep breath and put his finger up to the map. He closed his eyes and looked deep into his soul. His finger started
to move around the map until it stopped. When Luis opened his eyes, he looked at where his finger was pointing. Something inside of him told him that he
was in the right direction. He called a cab and it toke him to the place. Luis got out and the cab drove away. He looked around and saw many hotels. He
didn't know which one to look in first. He thought that he would walk around to think. Then, he stepped on something. He looked down at the thing he had
stepped on. He reached down and picked it up. It was the compact that Luis had given her. Luis recognized it and looked up at the hotel where the compact was lying. He smiled and thought to himself. "I found you Sheridan." With that, he put the compact in his pocket and walked inside. He was going to find Sheridan.
Chapter 6
After Luis put the compact in his pocket, he walked into the hotel to
find Sheridan. He looked around. It was definitely a place for the Cranes.
There was a huge lobby with a piano playing. There was sofas, people, music,
and almost everything was colored in gold. It would definitely see why
Sheridan would come here. Luis was admiring the place when suddenly, he
spotted Sheridan. She didn't know it, but she was walking right towards him.
Luis was thinking about running up to her and kissing her right there and
then, but he knew that she would be mad. Luis got nervous and he dashed
behind a near pillar. Sheridan walked past him without even seeing him. Luis
looked out from behind the pillar. He stared at her. She was wearing a
sparkling white dress with diamond earrings to match. Her hair and make-up
were done perfectly and she stood out in the whole lobby. Luis thought,
"Damn, she's beautiful." Luis stood there admiring her for a few minutes,
than he snapped himself out of it. He had to remain focused. He had to get to
Sheridan, but not now! Not here! He had to wait until she left the lobby
until he could make his move. Until then, he would keep at extra close watch
on her. Sheridan went around mingling with other people from the hotel. Luis
was fully alert. Every time she made a move, Luis would change his position
in order to keep an eye on her. Sometimes, he would try to move closer so
that he could hear what they were saying. He finally got close enough to hear
a conversation. A lady said, "So, Sheridan. I hear that you have come from
Harmony in America. How did you like it?" Sheridan tried to smile through her
pain, but Luis could see the sadness appear in Sheridan's eyes. Sheridan
tried to cover it up. "Yeah. Yeah, it's a great place. It was lots of fun."
The lady asked, "So, why did you leave?" Sheridan hesitated. She really had
left because of Luis hurting her, but she didn't want to get into that right
now. "Well, I just really missed Paris and I thought that I should come
back." They both were quiet for a while and then, Sheridan said, "Would you
excuse me for a minute?" "Sure," the lady replied. Sheridan walked around to
get something from her room. At that moment, a man came up to Luis and tapped
him on the shoulder. Luis took his eyes off of Sheridan and turned around.
The man said, "So, are you going to talk to her or not?" Luis looked
confused. The man said, "Sheridan Crane! You've been eyeing her forever now
and you haven't even said a word." Luis said, "Well, I..." Luis thought for a
moment. "Wait a minute... you know Sheridan?" The man answered, "Everyone
knows Sheridan. She is a really nice girl. She is around here all the time."
Luis said, "Well, she is a sweet girl." The man said, "Yeah, she is. And very
gullible too." At that sentence, Luis sensed something fishy about that man.
He shook it off and introduced and shook hands with the man. "I'm Luis." The
man shook back. "I'm Dean Luc!" (Let's pretend here that Dean Luc is still
alive.) Luis's mouth dropped open. "What?" "Dean Luc." he said. Luis suddenly
left a fire burst inside of him. 'So, you're the bastard who hurt Sheridan.'
he thought. Luis said, "You... you're the..." Dean Luc said, "Yes, yes! I'm
Sheridan's old boyfriend." Dean Luc had an evil smile that just made Luis
want to tear his head off right then and there. Dean Luc motioned Luis over
to a couch. Luis sat down. Dean Luc said, "I can tell that Sheridan told you
about me." Luis nodded as he continued, "After she left Paris, I never saw
her again. She thinks that I am dead, so, I thought I should stay away from
her now. Too bad I didn't get what I wanted." Luis left so sorry for
Sheridan. He asked, "Tell me honestly, Dean Luc! Did you ever love Sheridan
for who she is, not her money?" Dean Luc laughed and Luis felt fire burning
in his heart. Dean Luc said, "No way! The only reason I was with her was so I
could use her to get money from her family. She was so gullible that she
would believe anything." Everytime Dean Luc bagged on Sheridan, Luis felt the
anger rising inside of him, waiting to explode. Dean Luc laughed, "And to
tell you the truth, she was really good in bed." Dean Luc laughed gleefully.
As soon as Luis heard that sentence, it had been too much. He looked over at
Dean Luc with angry eyes and said, "You... are such... a bastard." Dean Luc's
smile faded and he stared at Luis. "What?" Without a word, Luis got up and
punched Dean Luc in the face. He fell onto the ground with a bloody nose.
Other people in the room gasped. Luis stood over Dean Luc. "Don't you ever,
EVER, talk that way about her again! She is the most wonderful woman in the
world, and damn you for hurting her like that!" With that, Luis walked out of
the room in anger to look for Sheridan! As he turned around the corner, the
bumped hard into someone. They both looked into each other's eyes. It was
Sheridan!
Chapter 7
As soon as Luis noticed it was Sheridan he ran into, he knew that he was
really in for it! Sheridan's eyes got wide and her mouth dropped open! She
looked like she was going to explode any second. After what seemed like an
eternity, Sheridan yelled, "Luis? Wha..." Luis said, "Sheridan, um... I,
uh... hi?" Sheridan said, "What the heck are you doing, Luis? Spying on me?"
Luis took a step forward. "No, no! That's not it at all!" "Well, then what
the heck are you doing?" Luis started, "Well, I..." Sheridan stopped him. "Ya
know what? I don't even want to hear!" "Sheridan if you just..." "No, Luis! I
will not let myself get hurt again by people like you! Stay away from me."
With that, Sheridan stormed out of the room. Luis leaned against a wall and
thought to himself. "Why is she so mad at me?"
Meanwhile, in Harmony, Pilar was at the house. She was talking to
Theresa. "Therisita, you had better get to school!" Theresa asked, "Are you
sure you'll be all right here by yourself, Mama?" Pilar nodded, "Yes! And I
think I'll go up to the Crane Mansion early to get started." Theresa said,
"Okay, Mama! Bye!" When Theresa left, Pilar headed up to the Crane Mansion.
She let herself in. She walked by the library. Jullian accidentally left the
door open. Pilar could hear him talking to Alistair. Pilar thought that she
shouldn't eavesdrop, but then, she heard her son's name. She listened to them
talking. Alistair said, "My plan worked perfectly! Now, Luis and Sheridan
have no chance of being together." Jullian poured himself a brandy. "Yes,
father! Your Luis imposter worked perfectly! You should see the imposter's
mask. It looks exactly like Luis. That man could have fooled me!" Pilar knew
all about the plan now. She knew that she had to tell Luis about it! She went
to a phone in Ivy's room and looked around to make sure that no one was
watching. She called Luis's cell phone number. Luis picked up. "Hello?"
"Luis." "Mama? What's wrong?" Pilar said, "I know what happened! I know why
Sheridan is mad at you!" Luis was completely alert. "What is it, Mama?" Pilar
said, "Jullian and Alistair hired an imposter. The imposter was to be used as
you. Sheridan heard the imposter say that you intended to use her!" Luis was
so angry! "Those dirty bastards! How could they do that to a member of their
own family?" Pilar said, "Listen, Luis! Be careful! You have to tell Sheridan
about it! If you need help, call me at the Crane Mansion! Luis said, "Thanks
Mama! You're a life saver." Luis hung up and sighed. "How am I going to get
her to believe me? Or even talk to me for that matter?"
Sheridan was running back to her room when she ran into Roger and Pierre!
Roger saw her and immediately recognized her, but he didn't say anything.
"Oh, sorry madam." "It's okay," Sheridan said before running off again. Roger
tugged Pierre. "It's Sheridan! That's the girl! She is in this hotel!" Pierre
said, "But how do we get to her." Roger said, "Let's follow her and see where
she goes." Roger and Pierre carefully followed Sheridan to where her room
was. They went up to the third floor as they followed. "Same floor." murmured
Pierre. They continued to follow until Sheridan turned into a small hallway.
"Same hall," said Pierre. Sheridan went up to her door. She opened it and
walked in before slamming the door behind her. Pierre and Roger walked out
from their hiding spots and smiled to themselves. They looked at each other.
Roger raised his hands in the air. "This is perfect! Sheridan is in our
connecting room. Oh, this is too good to be true. Now, we won't have such a
problem with finding her." Pierre asked, "How do we kill her?" Roger thought
for a moment. "Well... we will unlock the connecting door. We will come in
and take her hostage. We will see what she knows, and then, kill her." Pierre
smiled at the plan! Roger reached in his pocket to feel his gun when he
realized it wasn't there. "Pierre! Where is my gun?" Pierre said, "I don't
have it!" Roger snapped his fingers. "I left it in the lobby. We will have to
go get it." Roger and Pierre headed back down to the lobby when they ran into
Luis. "Sorry, sir!" said Pierre. "No problem... um, listen. You wouldn't
happen to see a beautiful woman with short, blond hair around here, did you?"
Roger and Pierre looked at each other. It was obvious that this man knew
Sheridan. Roger said, "No! But we will keep an eye out! Why are you looking
for this woman? Are you a cop or something?" Luis said, "Actually, I am! But
this woman is a very dear friend of mine and I need to find her!" Roger said,
"Well, good luck!" Luis walked away. Pierre said, "Now what?" Roger said,
"That man is looking for Sheridan, and he is a cop! We will have to be very
careful with taking care of Sheridan. We don't want to get involved with the
police!" Pierre smiled, "After tonight, Sheridan will be gone for good! No
one can ever save her!"
Chapter 8
Luis decided that he would get a room in the hotel until he found out
what to do about Sheridan. He rented a room on the same floor as Sheridan.
Luis got a room that was about seven rooms away from Sheridan's. Luis put his
stuff down in the hotel. A man who worked there was helping to carry the
stuff in. Luis looked around. The room was very big. It had a beautiful
wooden frame bed, the walls looked like gold, and there were flower vases in
every corner. Luis thought, "How am I ever going to afford this place?" The
man said, "Enjoy your stay, sir." When the man left the room, Luis thought to
himself for a moment and then smiled. "It will all be worth it once Sheridan
and I are together." Luis was suddenly day dreaming about making love to
Sheridan.
**DAYDREAM**
Sheridan and Luis were lying in each other's arms. Luis held her tightly
against his chest and Sheridan was softly caressing his back. They were
kissing passionately and wildly. When Sheridan took a deep breathe, Luis
said, "I can't believe I didn't know from the start." Sheridan looked deep
into Luis's eyes as he continued, "You are the most wonderful woman I have
ever met, and I want you to be mine forever." Sheridan smiled, "Oh, Luis! I
love you so much. I never want to let you go." Luis caressed Sheridan's chin
with his fingers. "You won't have to," said Luis. They shared another
passionate kiss and they started to make love to each other.
**REALITY**
When Luis snapped back, he realized that he was smiling into space. The
first thing he saw was Sheridan. He looked around and noticed that he was
outside in the hallway. He must have accidentally walked out there while
daydreaming. Sheridan was right infront of him. For what seemed like the
twentieth time, Sheridan yelled, "Luis!" Luis finally came back to his senses
and said, "Sheridan?" Sheridan had a look or frustration and anger in her
eyes. Luis was smiling inside. He thought that she looked so cute when she
was angry. Sheridan said, "What are you doing here, Luis? I thought I told
you to get lost." Although Luis cared for Sheridan, he was a little upset by
that comment. "Well... isn't a guy aloud to stay in a hotel if he wants?"
Sheridan said, "Yeah, but not the back-stabbing creeps!" Luis rolled his
eyes. "Sheridan. Where is this coming from? Ya know... you never told me why
you turned on me like that." "Oh, come off it Luis. I think that you know
exactly what I am talking about." said Sheridan. Luis crossed his arms.
"Sorry. Can't think of a thing." "Oh, very funny Luis. I am not as stupid as
you make me out to be. I will not let myself get used by you. I don't need
you in my life." Sheridan turned her back to him and crossed her arms. Luis
slowly walked up behind her. "Oh, excuse me but... wasn't I the one who saved
you in New Mexico, and New Years Eve, and Valentine's Day." Sheridan didn't
say anything. Luis whispered in her ear, "I know that at least once, you
cared for me!" For a brief moment, Sheridan became lost in the feeling of
being that close to Luis. Him whispering in her ear, feeling his warm breathe
on her neck, tingling when he grazed her skin accidentally, it was too much
to bear for her. She quickly snapped back. She turned around and faced Luis.
"Alright! Alright! I admit... I did have feelings for you." "I knew it,"
shouted Luis. "But... that was before I knew who you really were." finished
Sheridan. Luis didn't know what to say, how could he convince this girl that
he wasn't using her? That it was all Jullian and Alistair. If Luis told
Sheridan about the imposter, she wouldn't believe him. She would just think
that Luis was trying to turn her against her family. He had to have time to
think about something to do. Sheridan said, "Okay, Luis! Since we keep on
running into each other, I will make a deal with you." Luis and Sheridan
starred deep into each other's eyes. Luis could see the hurt that she thought
he had infected on her. He hated to see her in pain. It killed him! He just
wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her tightly and never let go.
Sheridan said, "You stay clear away from me, and I will stay clear away from
you. Okay?" Before Luis had a chance to respond, Sheridan turned around and
ran to her room. Luis tried to catch her by her door, but she shut it in his
face. Luis sighed in frustration. He slowly walked back to his room and
thought, "What am I going to do? How can I convince Sheridan that I wasn't
using her?"
Roger and Pierre were loading their gun to kill Sheridan. Pierre was
pacing around the room. "When do we start our plan?" Roger said, "When we are
sure that it is safe for us to go into action. There is a police man here who
knows Sheridan. We have to be very careful about killing Sheridan, or that
man will have us jailed." Pierre said, "What if he does find out about our
plan?" Roger said, "Well, we will kill him too!"
Sheridan was in her room, getting ready for bed. She talked to herself.
"If Luis thinks that he can use me like that, he is so wrong. I will not let
him do that to me." She got into a pare of sweat pants and a t-shirt. She
climbed into bed and looked out at the window. There was a full moon and it
was shining brightly in the sky. Sheridan stared at it blankly and found
comfort. She smiled to herself thinking, "It will all be alright! Some how."
Luis was sitting in bed, starring at the same moon. The moon was the one
thing out of a thousand that mostly reminded him of Sheridan. The moon glowed
as brightly as Sheridan's eyes. It was as big and beautiful as her smile. But
most of all, the moon was full of surprises. Everytime he looked at it, it
had changed. It is always full of surprises and amazement... just like
Sheridan. Luis smiled as he crawled into bed and turned off the lights. He
started to fall asleep, with Sheridan on his mind.
Roger and Pierre heard the clock strike 9:00. That was the time that they
were planning to take their plan into action. Everyone would be asleep. They
looked at each other and smiled. Roger laughed his evil laugh, "Let's do it."
Pierre picked up the gun and handed it to Roger. They went to the door that
connected to Sheridan's room. They played around with the knob until the lock
broke and it was open. Roger and Pierre quietly snuck into the living room.
They suddenly heard something. Sheridan was coming into the kitchen. Roger
and Pierre quietly hid. Sheridan walked out to the kitchen and began to open
the refrigerator. She poured a glass of milk. She didn't notice Roger
sneaking up behind her. Sheridan had her mind on Luis. She couldn't sleep
because she couldn't stop thinking about him. She loved him, but she also
hated him. Hated him for what he did to her, for hurting her. She didn't know
what to think about him anymore. She didn't have to worry about that right
now, because in a split second, a giant hand went over her mouth and the
other put a gun to her chest. Sheridan didn't even have time to scream.
Another man grabbed her around the waist so that she couldn't break free.
Sheridan started to panic. She breathed heavily and tears started to come out
from her eyes. She didn't deserve any of this. Hadn't she been through enough
already? It seemed like everywhere she went, someone only wanted to destroy
it. She would never be happy. And yet, all she could think about was Luis.
She wished that he was there to rescue her. But he wasn't there to save her
this time. It was over. She closed her eyes as the trigger went off...
Chapter 9
Luis finally fell asleep in his room. It had been a long day for him and
he needed to get rest so that he could think about how he was going to
convince Sheridan that he wasn't using her. He had a dream about Sheridan...
**DREAM**
Luis appeared in a dark, cold room. He heard Sheridan screaming for him.
"Luis! Help me!" Luis ran towards the screams, but he couldn't find her.
Everytime she screamed, the screams came from the opposite way that Luis was
running. After a while, Sheridan's screams started to fade. Luis was getting
worried. Suddenly, he saw Sheridan lying on the floor. She was unconscious
and was bleeding from the chest. Luis screamed, "SHERIDAN! NO!" Luis ran to
her side. He took her in his arms and tried to wake her up. "Sheridan.
Sheridan, please. You have to wake up! You can't leave me, Sheridan!Sheridan!"
**REALITY**
Luis jumped up when he awoke from his dream. He was breathing heavily!
Something was not right. He felt an overwealming since of doom somewhere
nearby. Normally, he would have ignored it, but this time, something inside
him was really telling him that something terrible was happening. Luis
immediately thought of Sheridan. He thought, "What if she's in trouble?" He
jumped out of bed. "I should go check on her. Better safe than sorry." Luis
put on his coat and went to check on Sheridan. He walked down the hallway and
walked up to Sheridan's door. He was about to knock when he heard Sheridan
scream right before the sound of a gunshot! Luis felt his heart sink to the
floor. Sheridan was in trouble. "Sheridan!" he yelled. He tried to open the
door. It was locked. He busted the door open. It was all dark. He turned on
the lights and he couldn't believe what he saw...
Sheridan was lying on the floor unconscious in a puddle of blood. At that
moment, Luis had never been more scared in his life. Sheridan could be dead.
What would he do without her? His emotions went from sad to angry when he
looked up and saw Roger standing there with a gun in his hand. Roger just
stood there. Luis's eyes turned into fire. "You! You did this!" Roger tried
to make a run for it, but Luis tackled him before he got to the door. Pierre
ran out of the room. Luis was so angry at this man. He didn't know whether to
tear his head off, or make him suffer in jail. All he new was that if he
spent his time fighting with him and he arrested him, he would make
detective, but Sheridan would be dead. If he let the man go, he wouldn't get
detective, but Sheridan could still have a chance at life. He thought to
himself while fighting with Roger. He didn't know who meant more to him...
his family's future or Sheridan. He looked over at Sheridan dieing on the
floor. He looked at her face and remembered all of the good times they had
together. Saving her in New Mexico, dancing with her on New Year's Eve,
looking into each other's eyes... he would give anything to look into those
eyes again. He made up his mind. Luis let go of Roger and Roger was out of
there in a second. Luis didn't have time to catch his breath. He immediately
ran over to Sheridan and gentle took her in his arms. He was trying to stay
calm, but it was so hard. He whispered to her, "It's okay, Sheridan! You're
gonna make it! I won't let you go!" Luis took out his cell phone and called
an ambulance. After he hung up, he wrapped a cloth around Sheridan's waist
staunch the flow of blood. He picked her up into his arms. He looked at her
face. She was so beautiful. Luis's heat started to race. If he ever lost
Sheridan, he would die. Luis carried Sheridan outside to where an ambulance
was waiting. Sheridan was put on a stretcher and put into the ambulance. Luis
jumped in with her. Sheridan was put on life support and she was loosing
blood fast. Luis was so frightened. He held Sheridan's hand and prayed that
she would be okay. "Please Sheridan! You have to make it! You have to!" When
they got to the hospital, the doctors took Sheridan away from Luis. Luis
tried to follow, but some doctors pulled him back. As soon as his hand left
Sheridan's, a chill went down his spine. He watched in agony as the doctors
took Sheridan away from him. He felt so helpless. He was so worried about
loosing Sheridan. He went to the waiting room and sat on the couch. He was so
worried about Sheridan, he couldn't even focus. A few tears dropped down his
cheek. He whispered to himself, "I love you, Sheridan!"
Chapter 10
As Luis sat in the waiting room, he couldn't stop thinking about
Sheridan. He couldn't forget the feeling he got when he saw her lying on the
floor in a pool of blood. He felt so helpless. What if the doctors couldn't
save her? What if she died? He would never be able to go on without her. What
killed Luis the most was that in Sheridan's life, she never actually got to
know that someone truly loved her. All of the men in her life had been using
her. They didn't really care for her. Now, Sheridan thinks that he was using
her, and she doesn't know that he truly loves her. Not for her money or her
power, but for what a sweet, caring, wonderful person she is. Sheridan had to
know that Luis loves her. Luis was so caught up in his thoughts, that he
didn't notice a nurse standing infront of him. She said, "Sir, sir?" Luis
asked, "Yes? Is Sheridan going to be okay?" The nurse said, "We don't know
yet. The doctors will tell you shortly." Luis couldn't stand it anymore. He
had to see Sheridan, whether she was awake or not. Luis asked, "Can I see
her?" "Sure you can." Luis said, "Thanks. I just need to call her family to
tell them and I will be right there." Luis picked up the phone and dialed the
Crane's number. Ethan answered the phone. "Hello?" "Ethan? It's Luis." Ethan
was disgusted, "Oh. Luis, what do you want?" Luis said, "Ethan. Something bad
has happened." Ethan yelled, "If you think that I am going to help you after
what you did to Sheridan, you are wrong!" Luis said, "Something awful has
happened to Sheridan!" Ethan stopped yelling. He stood in silence for a while
and then yelled, "What did you do to my aunt?" Luis said, "I didn't do
anything." Ethan said, "That's it. I'm coming over." Ethan hung up. Luis knew
that he was in for a big fight with Ethan. Ethan didn't know about the
imposter. He probably wouldn't believe him anyway. Luis hung up the phone and
the nurse led him to Sheridan's room. Before they entered the room, Luis
tried to make himself calm before looking at Sheridan. The door opened. As
soon as Luis saw Sheridan lying in the hospital bed, tears sprung into his
eyes. The nurse left the room and Luis rushed to Sheridan's side. Tears came
flooding out of his eyes. He tried to hold them back, but it was so painful
to see her like this. Luis sat on the edge of her bed and took her hand. A
chill went down his spine as he touched her. He brought her hand up to his
lips and he kissed it. The tears were coming down faster. Luis rubbed
Sheridan's hand on his cheek and he stared at her with eyes full of worry and
pain. Sheridan was on life-support because the gunshot had damaged her lungs.
Luis looked up at the heart monitor. It was beating normally. Luis sighed
with relief. As long as Sheridan was all right, he was going to be all right.
Luis remembered a time when they were in New Mexico...
**FLASHBACK**
They are at Martin's fishing cabin. Sheridan is sick and delusional. Luis
is taking care of her. Luis says, "You have to get some rest." Sheridan said,
"No, I'm afraid." Luis looked confused. "Afraid? Of what?" Sheridan replied,
"I'm afraid that if I close my eyes, you'll disappear and break my heart."
Luis said, "What are you talking about? I'm not going anyway." "Take my
hand." said Sheridan. Luis held Sheridan's hand. Sheridan said, "Promise me,
that you won't leave me." Luis smiled and said, "I promise."
**REALITY**
Luis remembered that day like it was yesterday. That conversation
happened a few second before Sheridan kissed him. Luis remembered that kiss.
Her lips were so soft and they tasted like honey and sugar. The feeling of
Sheridan's lips touching his made him tingly inside. Now, he stared down at
an unconscious Sheridan. If Sheridan died, he would never be able to kiss
those lips again. lf Sheridan died, he would never get to look into her
beautiful eyes again. He wouldn't be able to see her wonderful smile, hear
her voice, or hold her in his arms. Tears came streaming down Luis's cheeks.
He couldn't stand it anymore. He needed to hold her. He carefully scooted
into the bed next to Sheridan. He took her in his arms and pressed her
tightly against his chest. He looked at her face. She looked so peaceful. He
stroked her hair back and grazed his finger up and down her cheek.
Ethan arrived at the hospital many hours later. By the time he got there,
Sheridan was getting better and was taken off of life-support, which made
Luis feel better. Luis was sitting by Sheridan's side and Ethan burst into
the room. It startled Luis and he turned around to meet Ethan's angry eyes.
Ethan walked up to him and yelled, "What did you do to Sheridan?" Luis stood
up. "I told you, I didn't do anything to Sheridan. She was shot!" Ethan said,
"Well, normally, I would believe you, but after what you did to Sheridan, I
don't even want to look at you anymore." Luis knew what he was talking about.
"That is where you're wrong, Ethan. I never used Sheridan. It was all just a
setup that was planned by Jullian and Alistair." Ethan was already at
Sheridan's side. He looked up at Luis. "So, once again, you're blaming the
Cranes for everything." Luis rolled his eyes. "Okay, I don't blame the Cranes
for everything, but I happen to know for a fact, that your father set this
whole thing up." Ethan and Luis looked as though they might rip each other's
heads off. Ethan said, "Never, ever, come near my aunt again. Do you
understand?" "No! I don't! I can't do that," said Luis. Ethan stepped up to
Luis. "Oh, I'm not asking you. I'm telling you." Luis said, "You don' scare
me." A nurse came into the room and said, "Sorry, but visiting hours are
over. You will have to come back another time." Luis and Ethan looked
somewhat ashamed and embarrassed. They walked out of the room and Luis took
out his cellphone. Ethan asked, "What are you doing?" Luis said, "I am
calling Pilar to prove to you that I am not using Sheridan." Luis contacted
Pilar and she told Ethan about the imposter plan that Jullian and Alistair
set up. After he hung up, Ethan blushed. "Sorry, Luis! I didn't know." Luis
nodded. "It's alright, Ethan. I know that you really care about Sheridan."
Ethan said, "And now, I know that you do too. Luis, thanks for being here for
my aunt. I know that you can always protect her." Luis remembered when he saw
the man who shot Sheridan. Luis thought to himself. "God help me. I'll find
that man and I will destroy him." Just outside of the hospital, a car parked in the parking lot. The car
was turned off. The doors opened, and out stepped two French men!...
Chapter 11
The two men who had stepped out of the car were wearing hoods over their
heads. At the same time, they took them off to reveal Roger and Pierre. They
looked at each other and smiled. Pierre said, "So, how are we going to get
past Sheridan's little cop friend? He has already seen our faces and he will
protect her." Roger said, "Well, that is why we have these hoods. We will
sneak past that man while he is not looking and we will kill Sheridan."
Pierre asked, "But, how are we going to get away with shooting her. Everyone
will hear us." Roger said, "Who said anything about shooting? I will kill
Sheridan with my bear hands." "How?" asked Pierre. "You will see." said Roger
pulling him along. When they got up to the front door, they put their hoods
on and walked in.
Luis and Ethan were sitting in the waiting room. For the first time ever,
Ethan and Luis were having a real conversation. Luis started to think that
maybe Ethan wasn't so bad after all. Ethan finally stood up and said, "Well,
since we are not allowed to see Sheridan anymore, I am going to rent a room
in a hotel. You wanna come?" Luis said, "No thanks. It's kind of hard for me
to leave with Sheridan being here." Ethan smiled. It was obvious that Luis
really cared about her. Ethan said good-bye and left. Luis walked over to
Sheridan's window and stared in at her. She looked so peaceful and calm. He
couldn't wait to here her voice again. Luis walked around in the hallways.
Roger and Pierre snuck by Luis just as they had planned. They made it to
Sheridan's room and snuck in without anyone noticing. They forgot to close
the door. They walked over to a sleeping Sheridan. They smiled evilly. Roger
said, "This will be easier than I thought." He took his hand and slowly lead
it up to Sheridan's face. In one quick moment, he grabbed Sheridan's neck and
started to choke her to death. Pierre and Roger watched with glee as they
started to kill Sheridan. Luis was just outside of Sheridan's room. He was
walking outside in the hallway. He looked in the window and started to panic.
He saw two men hovering over her. One of them choking her to death. Pierre
turned around and saw Luis staring at them. Luis and Pierre both made a run
for the door. Pierre got there first and then, he shut the door and locked
it. Luis banged on the door and yelled with all his might. They were trying
to kill Sheridan, and there was nothing he could do. She was helpless and he
couldn't get in. He tried to bust open the door, but it wouldn't work. He
starred through the window and saw Pierre choking Sheridan as well. Luis
looked in shook as Sheridan began to die. Tears rushed to his eyes. If he
didn't get in there fast, he would loose Sheridan for sure. Then, he looked
at the window and he got an idea. He took out his gun and shot the window.
The glass shattered everywhere. Some pieces of glass cut his face, but he
didn't worry about that. As soon as the window was shattered, he ran through
the window and tackled the men. He punched them and rolled them off the bed!
The security was already on it's way. Luis punched them over, but it was
hard. Everytime he tackled one of them, the other went in to kill Sheridan.
Luis finally fell on top of Sheridan and shielded her head with his arms.
Roger and Pierre were about to run out as the security came up and grabbed
them. They immediately put handcuffs on them and arrested them. A shaking
Luis was still wrapped tightly around Sheridan, afraid to let go. A few tears
shed from his eyes. He finally felt her breathing. He sighed with relief, but
he didn't let go of her. Once Roger and Pierre were taken away, the doctors
tried to pull Luis away, but he held tightly to her. So, they just left him
there. Luis held on to Sheridan for a long time, tears flooding from his
eyes. He was so afraid that he could have lost her. If he hadn't have come in
when he did, she would be dead! Luis let go of Sheridan and sat up beside
her. He took her hand and stroked her hair gently and kissed her on the
forehead. He leaned down and rubbed his cheek to hers. He softly whispered to
her,"I love you, Sheridan." Suddenly, he felt Sheridan's hand move...
Chapter 12
Luis felt Sheridan's hand tighten around his own! In a way, he was
frightened but in another way, he was so happy. He just stared there, nestled
against her cheek for a few seconds. Then, he pulled back and looked at
Sheridan. There she was... she was awake. Luis looked into her eyes. They
looked even more beautiful than he remembered. She smiled up at him and Luis
felt his heart skip a beat. They stared at each other in silence for a long
time until Sheridan whispered, "Luis." Luis was so happy to hear her voice
that he threw his arms around her and began to cry. He cried, "Oh Sheridan! I
was so scared that I had lost you. I don't know what I'd do if anything
happened." Sheridan wrapped her arms around him as well. She was even more
confused now. Here Luis was, holding her in his arms and crying, when a few
weeks ago, she overheard him talking about using her. She didn't know what to
think anymore. All she knew was that, she was not in a mood to fight. She
felt so warm and safe in his eyes.She wanted to stay like that forever. Luis
and Sheridan could feel each other's hearts beating against the other. It was
like they were one person. Luis held Sheridan close to him and thanked god
that she was okay. He was so happy to be holding her in his arms again. After
what seemed like forever, he pulled back and stared into her eyes. "Sheridan.
I have something to tell you." "What?" asked Sheridan. Luis cleared his
throat and said, "I love you!" Sheridan and Luis stared at each other,
shocked. Sheridan opened her mouth to speak when suddenly, the doctor came
in. "Sheridan! She's awake." Luis was a little annoyed that the doctor ruined
this precious moment, but he knew that it was her job. Luis turned around and
nodded. The doctor came up to Sheridan and said, "I just got your test
results back. If everything goes the way that I plan, you should be out of
here within a couple of days. Sheridan smiled. "Wonderful," said Sheridan.
Luis loved that look in her eyes. Her eyes look so big and happy. They were
the most beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes on. Luis suddenly
remembered... Ethan. He said, "Oh. I have to call Ethan to tell him that
youre alright. He's staying in a hotel nearby." Luis started to get up, but
Sheridan said, "Luis." Luis turned around to meet her beautiful eyes once
more. Sheridan whispered, "Thank you." Luis smiled and rubbed his knuckles
along the side of her cheek and walked towards the door. He called up Ethan
and told him that Sheridan was awake. Ethan came rushing over. When he got
there, he went straight to Luis. "How is she doing?" asked Ethan. Luis said,
"The doctors say that she is doing fine." Ethan sighed, "Well, that's a
relief. Am I allowed to see her?" Luis led Ethan to her room. Ethan run into
the room and to Sheridan's side. Ethan said, "Sheridan. Are you alright?"
Sheridan replied, "Yeah, I am. Thanks to Luis." Ethan could tell by the look
in her eyes that she really had it bad for Luis. Sheridan said, "You know, I
am really confused now. I mean... a few weeks ago, I heard Luis say that he
was using me, but just a few minutes ago, he was crying and he said..." Ethan
asked, "He said what?" Sheridan smiled lovingly, "He said, that he loves me!"
Ethan smiled down at her. Ethan said, "He does, he does love you." Sheridan
said, "Well, what about what I heard down at the wharf?" Ethan said, "It was
all a set up. Sheridan, Jullian and Alistair set up an imposter to be Luis.
He was the one who was saying that he used her." Sheridan eyes lit up with
happiness. "Really?" "Really! Luis really cares about you, and I know that
you do too." Then, Luis came in. "Ethan. Is it okay if I have a talk with
Sheridan?" Ethan smiled at Luis and said, "Sure," as he left the room. Luis
sat on the edge of Sheridan bed and took her hand and cleared his throat.
"Okay, um, where were we?" Sheridan couldn't take it anymore. She jumped up,
wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Luis was so so
SOOO happy to feel her lips against his own. He wrapped his arms around her
and pulled her tightly against his chest. They kissed for a long time, and
then, they took a deep breathe. Sheridan pulled back a few inches from Luis's
face and stared deeply into his eyes. "Oh, Luis. I am so SO sorry that I ever
doubted you! Ethan told me all about the imposter and I am so sorry that I
didn't believe you." Luis no longer cared about that. He just stared deeply
into her eyes. Luis said, "Forget about it. Now, you need you're rest. You
had better sleep." Luis began to get up, but Sheridan pulled him back. "Wait!
Luis, can I ask you a favor?" Luis smiled, "Anything." Sheridan asked, "Can I
just fall asleep in your arms? You make me feel so safe when I am lying in
them." Luis felt his heart skip a beat. He smiled and climbed into the bed
next to her. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly against him.
Her back was into him. Luis buried his face in her hair. Sheridan turned
slightly up and Luis got up to look into Sheridan's eyes. Sheridan looked
into him deeply and said, "I love you!" Luis's heart melted. Just hearing her
say that meant so much to him. He loved her so much. He said, "I love you,
too!" They kissed passionately and Sheridan and Luis fell asleep in each
other's arms. They were happy and safe, but they had no idea what adventure
they were going to encounter very soon...
Chapter 13
Sheridan and Luis were sitting in the hospital room, starring in each
other's eyes, when the doctor came in. "I have some good news, Sheridan!" He
said. Sheridan's eyes lit up. She looked at Luis who looked just as excited
as she was and then, she turned back to the doctor. "What is it?" "You are
doing very well! You will be able to leave within the next hour." Sheridan
and Luis jumped with excitement. "Oh, Luis! This is wonderful!" "The best,"
said Luis as he put his arms around her. The doctor said, "I have filled out
your papers and you will be ready to leave soon." The doctor left the room.
Sheridan put her arms around Luis's neck and kissed him passionately. Luis
didn't want the kiss to end. He just wanted to stay there forever like this
and kiss her and embrace her. Sheridan came up for air and she said, "I am so
happy that I can finally leave this place." "So, am I," said Luis as he
kissed her intensely. He put her arm around her waist and Sheridan's stomach
tightened and her face flinched. Luis pulled his hand back quickly. "Damit!
Did I just hurt her?" he thought to himself. Luis said, "Sheridan. I'm so
sorry. Did, did I hurt you?" Sheridan couldn't help but laugh a little. He
had a very scared and concerned look on him face, almost like she was going
to day that very day. Luis said, "If you want, I... I can go get a doctor..."
Sheridan said, "Luis! Luis, I'm fine." Luis sighed and laughed at himself. He
couldn't help but be more than concerned for Sheridan. She meant everything
to him. He would lay down his life for her. Nothing made him happier than
knowing that she was safe and happy. Luis took Sheridan's hand, "I just want
you to be okay." Sheridan felt her heart skip a beat. He was so caring,
gentle, and kind to her. It was amazing what a wonderful guy he was. He was
unlike any other men she had ever known. Some men were just too passionate,
and the other's were just not passionate enough. Luis was passionate, but not
too passionate, strong, but gentle, kind, but not such a goodie-goodie. He
was perfect in everyway. She knows how people say that nobody is perfect,
well... Luis was definitely perfect. No doubt about that. She looked into his
eyes. "As long as I am with you, I will always be all right." Luis smiled
flirtatiously, "That makes two of us."
An hour went by, and Sheridan was ready to leave the hospital. In that
hour, Luis never ever left her side. He always held on to her, wherever she
went. Even when she was changing, Luis was clinging on to her. Sheridan had
to pry his arms off of her hips so that she could get her shirt on, but Luis
just wrapped his arms around her chest and kissed her softly on the neck.
Sheridan giggled at the way he acted. "Luis. If you keep this up, we are
never going to get back to Harmony." Luis said, "I don't know if I can wait
that long." "Well, you're gonna half too. We wouldn't want Jullian to find
out. And don't worry..." She pressed the tip of her finger against his chin.
"I'll repay you for all your hard work when we get back to Harmony." Luis
felt his heart melt. Sheridan really had a way of turning him on. Luis
couldn't resist that offer. "Well, then in that case, it's worth the wait."
Sheridan smiled at Luis. Luis faced her. He reached in his pocket. "I have
something for you!" He pulled out a beautiful silver necklace. It was a
silver heart with glitter all over it. Sheridan's mouth dropped open in
amazement. Luis put it around her neck. Sheridan looked at it. "Oh, it's
beautiful!" Luis said, "Not half as beautiful as you!" Sheridan's heart
melted. She kissed Luis and whispered, "Thank You!"
Sheridan and Luis felt the hospital to get onto the airplane. They had
all of their stuff together. They board the plane and took their seats in
coach. There were hardly any passengers on the plane. Luis felt a little bad
about having Sheridan ride on coach. With all the money she had, she had
probably ridden in coach all her life. Luis rubbed Sheridan's leg. "I hope
that you don't mind riding on coach." Sheridan smiled. "It doesn't matter, as
long as I am with you." Luis kissed her. All day, he couldn't stop kissing
her. It was like the Sweet Tarts candy... you can never only have one and
save the rest for later... you just have to have them all at once. Luis and
Sheridan smiled at each other as the plane took off.
When they were in the air, Sheridan was reaching in her bag for
something. The plane jolted a little and the necklace, that Luis gave her
fell off of her neck. Sheridan reached down to get it, but the plane jolted
again and the necklace slid to the back of the plane. "Oh, no! My necklace
fell off! It slid to the back of the plane. I better go get it before someone
steps on it." Sheridan unbuckled her seat belt and began to get up, but Luis
grabbed her arm. "Are you sure you don't want to wait? I mean the plane has
been bumping around a lot." said Luis. Sheridan said, "That is my most prized
possession and I will not loose it. Don't worry, I'll be back in a second."
Sheridan walked to the back of the plane to get the necklace. Just then, the
plane shook tremendously. Some passengers on the plane screamed. Luis looked
back for Sheridan to make sure that she was all right. Sheridan had stumbled
a little, but she caught herself against the wall. Luis sighed with relief.
Then, the plane shook even harder. Sheridan grabbed on to the wall to keep
her balance. Luis was getting worried now. He yelled, "Sheridan! Get back
here, NOW!" Sheridan was a little worried herself. She nodded and she let go
of the wall and started to walk back towards police. Suddenly, a big shake
threw her off her feet. She fell back and hit her head with a lot of force
against the wall. She fell onto the ground, unconscious! Luis was very
scared. "Sheridan!" he yelled as he quickly unbuckled his seat belt. He raced
over to Sheridan on the floor and tried to wake her up. Then, everyone on the
plane heard something explode and the plane began to nose dive. Luis had no
time to get back to the seat with Sheridan, so he grabbed on to a pole in the
back of the plane. He put Sheridan in-between him and the pole. He put his
arms around her waist and around the pole. Both of them were pressed tightly
against the pole. Everyone on the plane screamed as the plane began to fall
down to the sea.
Chapter 14
Everyone on the plane screamed with fear as the plane began to dive to
the ground. Luis had Sheridan in-between him the pole. He held on to it as
tightly as possible. One false move and both of them would fall. Suddenly,
Sheridan began to wake up. She turned around and looked at Luis. "Luis,
what's happening?" They heard something explode on the plane. "Hang on,
Sheridan." cried Luis. Sheridan put her arms around Luis's waist and started
to cry with fear. Luis looked at her. He could feel her shaking against his
body. He said, "Shh, it's okay, Sheridan. We'll be all right." Then, the
plane crashes. Sheridan screamed as the plane hit the ground and twisted in
all directions. They had hit the ground with so much force, that Luis let go
of the pole and flew off. Sheridan too was thrown back by the landing. Luis
fell to the ground and he lay there silent. There was fear and shock in his
eyes. At that moment, he thought that he was going to die. He thought that
this was it, and he would never see Harmony again. He had never been more
afraid in his life. He then thought of Sheridan. He felt so bad for her after
ever she had gone through. She had just recently escaped death, and Luis had
saved her life so many times before. All that mattered to him was that she
was all right. The plane slowly stopped. The passengers stood still, afraid
of what might happen next. The pilot came on a speaker and said, "Okay
people! It's safe now. Everyone get into a single filled line and we can
evacuate the plane." Everyone took a sigh of relief. They were going to be
all right. Luis looked around and saw that a lot of people, including him,
had blood on their faces. Although, a lot of people had been injured,
everyone didn't seem to look that bad. Then, Luis remembered Sheridan. He
looked around. She wasn't there. Luis became worried. 'Oh my gosh. What if
she's hurt?' Luis got up quickly despite the pain he was in and began to
search for Sheridan. He looked at the back of the plane where the pole was.
She wasn't there. Luis began to panic. 'God, where is she?' Luis heard
something behind him. He turned around and looked at the corner. There she
was. Sheridan was curled up on the floor by the corner, many yards away from
the pole. She was crying and blood was streaking down her face and her hands.
Luis ran to her side. "Sheridan. Sheridan, are you all right?" Luis turned
Sheridan head so she could look at him. A faint smile came over her face.
"Oh, Luis!" she cried as she threw her arms around his neck. Luis held her
tightly. "Shh. It's okay. It's okay." Sheridan buried her face in his chest
and cried harder. Luis took a cloth and wiped the blood and tears away from
her face. He looked at the bad cuts on her face. "We had better get you some
help," he said. He tried to help Sheridan stand, but she cringed in pain and
stumbled over. Luis caught her from falling. Without a word, he lifted her up
into his arms. Sheridan stared deep into his warm loving eyes. All of the
pain seemed to wash away from her. Being with Luis made her feel so safe and
secure. She knew that when she was in his arms, no harm could come to her.
And she would never let anything happen to Luis either. He was the love of
her life and she now knew that he was never using her. It was all Jullian.
Sheridan noted to herself that she would make her brother and father pay for
what they had done. Luis carried Sheridan out of the plane where all the
other people were waiting. Luis ran straight to the pilot and asked him to
get the first aid kit out. The pilot brought out the first aid and Luis laid
Sheridan on the ground. He started to clean the wound, and Sheridan flinched
at the touch. Luis felt his stomach turn, thinking about her in pain.
"Sorry." he said. Sheridan rubbed Luis's cheek with her hand and smiled.
"Don't be." Luis smiled at her and continued to clean her wounds. Luis
wrapped her arms in bandages and help her up. Sheridan was still having
trouble walking, so Luis had to help her. Luis held Sheridan in his arms to
comfort her. He looked into her eyes and saw that she was in fear. He touched
her cheek. "Hey, hey. It's gonna be all right. I bet the rescue plane will be
here to get us soon." Sheridan smiled up at him. Luis saw the fear in her
eyes start to fade away and he continued, "And besides, look at his place."
Sheridan and Luis looked around. They had landed on a beautiful island by the
beach. It was covered with palm trees and a big forest surrounded by sandy
beached with water that was light blue. The scene reminded Sheridan of
Hawaii. "It's very beautiful." she said. Luis said, "Yeah. And I bet we could
make it home while we're stuck here." Sheridan smiled, "You're right Luis.
Everything will be fine." She kissed Luis softly on the lips. Sheridan meant
to pull back, but Luis kissed her back. Everytime she kissed him, he never
wanted it to end. It was like an idicsion. Kissing her made all of his
problems and worries go away. He just wanted to kiss her forever. He broke
off the kiss and stared into her eyes. Once everyone was off of the boat,
Luis looked at his watch. It was almost 8:00 and it was getting dark.
Sheridan broke away from him and began to walk back to the plane. Luis
followed her. "Sheridan. Where are you going?" Sheridan reached down to the
ground and picked something up. She showed it to Luis. It was the silver
necklace that he gave her. "It's the necklace you gave me. I'm so glad that I
didn't loose it." She clipped it back on. Luis said, "You really love that
necklace, don't you?" Sheridan stepped closer to Luis and whispered, "Almost
as much as I love you." Luis felt a chill go down his spine. He loved to hear
her say those words. He thought they were the most beautiful words he had
ever heard. He whispered back, "I love you too!" Luis kissed Sheridan
passionately and swung her up into his arms. Sheridan was a little startled.
"Luis. What are you doing?" "Having fun!" Luis ran around and spun around and
around with Sheridan in his arms. She laughed at him. "Luis." Luis finally
stopped and he could see now that Sheridan wasn't worried any more. He could
tell that she felt completely safe with him. Luis loved to hold her in his
arms. The pilot yelled, "Okay everyone. A rescue ship is on its way and it
will be here tomorrow. Until then, we will have to make this home. We will
set up a campfire and cook some food." Everyone started to calm down now and
they began to explore the island. They thought that they would make the best
of their time there. When Sheridan and Luis could finally walk, they went
away from the crowd to a place by the beach. They sat their together, holding
each other as they watched the sun set. This day had been a big adventure,
and it was only the beginning. The only thing that mattered was that they had
each other...
Chapter 15
Everyone was started to get used to the island that they had crashed on.
The island was very beautiful and people were having fun. They would be stuck
on it longer than they thought though, because the pilot didn't know where
they were, and nether did the rescue team. They might be stuck there for a
few days. Luis helped out with the other men to cook food and build shelter.
Luis found that every once in a while, Sheridan would disappear to somewhere
and then return a little while later. The people were eating lunch in a
circle. Sheridan hadn't really talked to anyone, but Luis was having lots of
conversations with the other people. After a while, he saw Sheridan sneak
away into the forest. He decided to follow her. 'Where is she going?' he
thought. Luis followed Sheridan as she walked through the forest. She didn't
even notice that Luis was following her, but Luis followed her very closely.
Finally, Sheridan came out to a clearing. Luis stared around. Sheridan had
walked to a beautiful lake in the middle of the island. It was surrounded by
cliffs and beautiful trees. A beautiful waterfall fell over the cliffs and
into the lake. Luis was so amazed by the site, that he forgot he was
following Sheridan. When he snapped back, he saw Sheridan climbing up some
rocks to get to the top of a boulder right by the waterfall. Luis followed
her carefully. Sheridan climbed the rocks and Luis slowly climbed behind her.
Sheridan reached the top and stood to look at the view. Luis reached the top.
He looked out and saw why Sheridan had come here a lot. It was a beautiful
view. It was a site of the forest, the whole lake, and part of the sea on the
horizon. Luis stared at Sheridan, who was still unaware of his presence. He
decided to sneak up on her and surprise her. Luis creped up behind her and
grabbed her arms as he turned her around. Sheridan was so startled that she
screamed and lost her balance. Sheridan held out her hands to keep balance,
but it was too late for Luis to even grab her. Sheridan fell from the rock
and started to fall down to the lake below. Luis said to himself, "Oh no!
What have I done?" Luis jumped off the cliff after Sheridan and plunged into
the lake. When he came up, he didn't see Sheridan. He turned around and
around, but he still couldn't see her. He started to panic. "Sheridan!
Sheridan! Where are you?" Suddenly, he saw Sheridan come up. He sighed with
relief and swam towards her as fast as he could. She was still coughing when
he got to her. He held her around the waist. "Sheridan! Are you all right?
I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that!" Luis looked at Sheridan
with eyes full of worry. Sheridan just laughed. "Oh, it's all right. I'm
fine! I must say, you really startled me." "I'm so sorry, Sheridan." said
Luis. "Don't be," said Sheridan, "Now, how did you find me here? Did you
follow me?" Luis laughed, "Yeah!" They started to walk out of the water.
"This place is very beautiful, Sheridan." said Luis. "Isn't it." she said as
they sat down on the sandy beach. For a moment, they were both silent. Luis
finally took Sheridan's hand and looked into her deep, blue eyes. "Sheridan.
I want you to know, that I will always be here for you, no matter what. I
love you, Sheridan. I don't want you to feel that you can't trust me."
Sheridan smiled, "Luis. I love you too. I do trust you, more than anyone."
Luis said, "Well good!" Sheridan said, "Well, I think I'm ready for another
swim. You coming?" "Right behind ya." Sheridan and Luis ran to the water and
plunged in. They swam around and splashed each other playfully, like little
kids. Luis kept on chasing Sheridan and dunking her in the water. Sometimes,
he would throw her up in the air and catch her when she came down. Luis was
having so much fun. Luis and Sheridan were splashing around when Luis
suddenly caught a glimpse of something on the other side of the lake. His
smile faded. He looked over and saw some poachers with guns coming out of the
bushes. Sheridan was still laughing and splashing around. Luis grabbed her
and pulled her close. He stared into her eyes and whispered, "Sheridan. We
have to get out of here." Sheridan looked at him with a confused, but happy
look on her face. "Why?" Luis nodded his head towards the poachers. Sheridan
turned around and saw the men loading their guns. Luis felt Sheridan start to
panic. He turned her around and looked into her eyes that were full of fear.
"It's okay, Sheridan. We... we just have to get out slowly, and head back to
the camp before they see us." Sheridan nodded her head. Luis and Sheridan
silently walked out of the water and began to run back into the forest. Once
they were in the forest, they relaxed. Sheridan took Luis's hand. "Wow! That
was scary!" Luis smiled down at her. "It's all right, Sheridan! We're okay!
Now, we just have to figure out a way to get back." They walked for a few
minutes, when Luis realized that they didn't know the way back. "We have to
figure out a way to get back to the group." Sheridan said, "Oh, don't worry!
I remember the way." Luis smiled, "Okay! You go on ahead. I just need to tie
my shoes." "All right!" Sheridan says as she walked off. She walked about
five yards away from Luis when suddenly, she finds herself face to face with
a poacher! Sheridan started to panic. She didn't know what to do, so she just
shouted, "Luis!" When Luis heard the fear in Sheridan's voice, he looked up.
He suddenly saw a poacher lift a gun and pointed it towards Sheridan. He felt
his heart jump as the trigger was pulled...
Chapter 16
Luis felt his heart jump as the trigger went off. The sound of the
gunshot echoed in his head. Luis closed his eyes because of fear. If the
bullet had hit Sheridan, there was not doubt that she would be dead. He
couldn't stand the thought of opening his eyes and seeing her dead on the
ground. Luis forced himself to open his eyes and he stood up. He saw Sheridan
running towards him and into his arms. There was no blood on her. Luis
smiled. The bullet had missed. Luis thanked god that she was all right. It
took Luis a few moments to realize that the poacher was still there. Luis's
heart began to race again and he feared for Sheridan's life. He had to get
her out of there. He grabbed Sheridan's hand and yelled, "Let's move!"
Sheridan and Luis began to run through the woods. Every once in a while, they
looked around and it seemed like even more poachers were chasing them. About
five of them were on their tail. Sheridan suddenly tripped and fell to the
ground with a thud. Luis was still running as he let go of Sheridan's hand
and felt a chill go down his spine. He stopped himself as quickly as possible
and turned around. A stunned Sheridan and lying on the ground, frightened as
a poacher held back the end of his gun with means to knock her out. Luis
lunged himself forward and jumped in front of Sheridan. As the gun came down,
Luis stopped it with his hands. The poacher tried to push Luis to the ground
with his gun and Luis tried to push him back. Both men had their hands on the
gun, as if using it to push the other person away. Luis was getting tired,
but he had to keep going. If he didn't keep trying, they would hurt Sheridan,
and he wouldn't let that happen. He had to protect Sheridan with his life,
and that was exactly what he was going to do. Suddenly, another man came out
from behind Luis and knocked him out...
Luis slowly opened his eye lids to see that it was very early in the morning.
The sun was beginning to rise in the horizon and the sky was pink and yellow.
Then, Luis looked around. He was tied up to the wall with ropes in a room
that looked like a dungeon. He pulled on the ropes, but the ropes were too
tight on his wrists and ankles. At first, Luis didn't remember how he got
there, but then, it came back to him. Fighting with the poacher to save
Sheridan's life in the forest, as another man came behind him and knocked him
out. That was all that he remembered. The men must have dragged him to this
place and tied him up. Then, he remembered Sheridan. He looked around the
room. She wasn't there! Luis began to panic and he breathed heavily. What if
something had happened to her? What if when he was knocked out, the poachers
had killed her? He would never be able to forgive himself if anything ever
happened to her! Where was she? He had to find her! Suddenly, a poacher came
in the door. The man came up to him and smiled evilly. Luis glared at him
with evil eyes. "Where is she? What have you done with her?" The man smiled,
"Who?" Luis looked disgusted. "Don't who me! Sheridan, the girl I was with.
The one you tried to kill! Where is she?" The man stepped back to the door.
"She's all right, for now!" Suddenly, another man ran in the door. He had
Sheridan in his arms and had an arm around her neck, ready to choke her if
she made any false moves. Luis stared at Sheridan. He was happy that she was
all right, but he looked at her face. Her face was dirty and she had tears
streaming down her face. Luis could see the fear in her eyes. He wanted so
badly to just hold her in his arms and comfort her, but that was not possible
now. The man who was holding Sheridan looked over at the other poacher. "What
should we do with her?" he said. "Throw her in the next room! I'll take care
of her." Sheridan cried, "No! You can't do this!" as the men threw her into
the next room. The first poacher came in behind her and closed the door
behind. Luis could hear Sheridan screaming at the man to get away from her as
he attacked her. Luis felt so helpless. He hated to see or hear her in pain.
She was in their screaming and crying. Luis didn't know what that man was
doing to her, but he had a feeling it wasn't good. He tried to untie the
ropes so that he could help her, but he was too weak to even lift his hands.
He just pressed his head against the wall and listened in agony as Sheridan
screamed with fear...
Chapter 17
Luis fell asleep after hearing Sheridan screaming in the next room. He
had no idea what was going on, but whatever it was, it was not good. He woke
up and looked around. At first, he didn't remember where he was, but it came
back to him. The man who was hurting Sheridan must have left, because before
Luis fell asleep, the front door had been open, but now, it was shut. Luis
just sat there. He didn't know what to do. Suddenly, he heard something in
the next room. He put his ears to the wall. He listened very carefully and he
could hear Sheridan crying. She sounded awful. Hearing Sheridan in pain made
Luis's heart break. She didn't deserve any of this. She was a good person.
She had been through so much, and now, this was happening. He could only
imagine what she was feeling right now. She probably felt cold, afraid,
helpless, and alone. He had to comfort her. He had to be there for her, like
he promised to be. Now that Luis had his strength back, he was able to break
off the ropes that were tied around him. It took him a long time, but he
finally freed himself. As soon as he was untied, he ran to the door to the
next room. He turned the knob and expected it to be locked, but it wasn't. He
opened the door and looked inside. He looked around the room until he came to
a far corner. There she was. Sheridan was curled up on the floor against the
wall. Luis could see from where he was standing that she had been hurt and
she was crying. As he looked at Sheridan, his eyes began to well up with
tears. He ran to Sheridan's side. Sheridan was staring out into space and
didn't look at Luis. Luis whispered, "Sheridan! Sheridan, it's all right. I'm
here!" Sheridan looked up at Luis. She looked into his eyes. She loved him so
much. He was always there for her and he would never let anything happen to
her. She cared for him more than anything and she knew now that Luis loved
her. Thinking about their love for each other made Sheridan start to cry
harder. Luis lifted her up and took her in his arms. He softly laid her
against his chest. He had on arm wrapped around her, while the other was
holding her head. Sheridan was so weak and afraid, she couldn't even speak.
She just sat there sobbing as Luis tried to comfort her. "Shh. It's okay.
It's okay." He would whisper to her. Watching her was so painful for him. He
tried to fight back the tears, but it was too hard for him. Soon, tears were
streaming down his face. Luis did his best to hold them back, but he just
couldn't. He finally gave in and let himself sob with Sheridan. He held her
tightly against him and rocked her slowly.
When Sheridan finally calmed down a little, she lifted her head and
looked into Luis's eyes. Luis saw her face. Sheridan's cheeks and her eyes
were red because of how much she cried. Luis noticed that she had bruises on
her neck and face. He saw a mark of dry blood that streamed down from her
head. Even through all that, she was still the most beautiful woman he had
ever laid eyes on. No matter what had happened to her, just the sight of her
took his breathe away. Even so, he knew that she was in pain. Luis cupped
Sheridan's face with one hand. "Sheridan! What happened? What did he do to
you?" Sheridan looked up at him with fear in her eyes and said, "It was my
part of the deal!" Luis looked confused. "Deal?" Sheridan took a deep breathe
and told him...
**SHERIDAN'S STORY**
"After you had been knocked out, one of the poachers tried to kill you. I
wasn't about to let you die, so, I shielded you and begged the men not to
hurt you. It took them a while, but I finally convinced them. We made a deal.
They said that they would not hurt you, but I had to be tortured instead. I
was ready to do anything to protect you, so, I accepted."
**REALITY**
Luis looked into Sheridan's eyes. He was touched by how much she cared
for him. She was willing to receive any kind of pain, if it meant protecting
him. He had no idea that she felt that stronger about him. Luis felt the same
way about her. Luis smiled at Sheridan. "You did that... for me?" Sheridan
nodded, "Yes. I couldn't let them hurt you, Luis. I love you!" Luis felt the
tears well up in his eyes. Sheridan saw as a few tears trickled down his
face. Sheridan reached out her hand, and brushed them away. Luis stared into
her eyes deeply and smiled. "Oh, Sheridan. I love you so much!" Luis took
Sheridan in his arms and hugged her tightly to him. Holding her in his arms
was the most wonderful feeling he had ever had. He just wanted to hold on to
her forever and never let go. To him, it was clear that there was no
heaven... he was already there. She was heaven! She was the one person that
he could turn to for true love. No other couple cared about each other as
much as them. Even after Jullian and Alistair's attempts to separate them,
they still ended up together. If they had made it this far, there was no
doubt that their true love would win out in the end. Sheridan pulled back a
little and looked into his eyes again. They were only inches apart. They were
so silent, but it seemed like they were communicating through their eyes. It
seemed as if they were saying, 'Make love to me.' In an instant, Luis and
Sheridan's lips touch and they kissed intensely. All of the kisses that they
have had recently were just little kisses, but this one was truly the most
passionate. Luis held Sheridan in a sweet caress and Sheridan had her hands
in his hair. They never said a word. They just kissed each other without
stopping. Then, they made love to each other.
A while later, Sheridan and Luis were flying on the floor in each other's
arms. They had just made love to each other for the first time. It wasn't the
most romantic spot in the world to make love. There were no candles, or
flowers, or soft music, or a warm fire, or a cozy bed. That didn't matter to
them. The only thing that mattered was that they were together and in love.
Sheridan rested her head on Luis's bare chest asleep. Luis lay awake watching
her. He actually saw her smiling. 'God, she's so beautiful.' He thought to
himself. He gently grazed her chin with the tip of his finger. He
accidentally woke Sheridan up by doing this. He felt a little bad, but he was
glad to be looking into her eyes again. Sheridan turned her head upwards and
stared into her eyes. Before they had made love, Sheridan's eyes were full of
fear and now, they were full of hope and courage. Sheridan smiled at her.
Sheridan rested her head again on his chest and Luis sighed. "Sheridan?" he
asked. Sheridan was tracing small circles on his chest. "Yes?" "Promise me
something!" "Yes!" Luis smiled, "Promise me that we'll never leave each
other. Promise me that we'll always be together, no matter what we do."
Sheridan looked up at him. "I don't have to promise. I don't ever want to
leave your side again." Luis smiled and kissed her on the forehead. "I would
feel much better if you promised!" Sheridan smiled, "I promise!" "We have to
get back to the group!" Luis said sadly. Sheridan nodded sadly and moved off
his chest to get dressed. They both were a little disappointed that they had
to leave each other's arms, but they would soon be able to hold each other
again. They both knew that they had to get out of there before the poachers
came back, or it was over for them. When they got dressed, they walked to the
door and peaked out. No one was there. Sheridan took Luis's hand and they
walked out. They peaked outside and no one was there. He looked back at
Sheridan. "The coast it clear! Let's go!" With that, they ran out the door as
quick as possibly. They ran into the forest and ran as fast as they could to
get away from the poachers. Sheridan lead the way, since she knew how to get
back. After a while, Sheridan stopped. Luis saw that she was very tired.
Sheridan panted, "I... can't... run... anymore." Luis sighed. He went up to
Sheridan and scooped her up in his arms. He held her tightly against him so
he could feel her heart beating. Sheridan and Luis exchanged smiles, and Luis
continued to run through the forest. Sheridan told him where to go. After a
while, Sheridan said, "We're almost there!" Luis sighed with relief. He was
getting tired. Suddenly, he heard something. It was a helicopter! The rescue
team must have come to get them. It sounded like they were about to leave.
Luis started to panic. What if they were going to leave without them? He ran
even faster until he got to the clearing. He saw that the helicopter was
indeed starting to leave. The pilot looked over at Luis as he ran over to
them. Luis yelled, "Wait! Wait! Wait!" He ran up to the helicopter. The pilot
looked at him with disappointed eyes and said, "I'm sorry, but there is only
room for one more person on the helicopter." Luis was silent. What was he
going to do?...
Chapter 18
Luis stood there thinking. How could this be happening after all they had
been through? There was only room left for one more person on the helicopter.
Him or Sheridan! He had to get out of there fast, or the poachers would find
him and kill him, but he couldn't just abandon Sheridan here. He loved her.
He could never do that. The poachers could come and kill Sheridan! He could
never live with himself if anything ever happened to her. He made up his mind.
He set Sheridan down on the edge of the helicopter and said, "Take her!
Come for me later!" Sheridan instantly jumped up and wrapped her arms around
Luis's neck. "No! Luis, I can't leave you here! You go! I'll stay!" Luis
pulled her arms off of his neck and looked into her eyes. "Sheridan! You have
to! I could never just leave you here, unprotected. If anything happened to
you, I don't know what I'd do!" Sheridan had a look of shook and fear in her
eyes. "I'm not leaving you, Luis! I can't go! Something might happen to you!"
Luis cupped Sheridan's face in his hands. Tears were streaming down her face.
Luis wiped them away. "I'll be all right, Sheridan! I promise!" Sheridan
didn't say anything. Luis said, "Take her." The men helped Sheridan onto the
helicopter. Luis reached out a hand to Sheridan and took her hand. He kissed
it lightly and Sheridan felt her eyes well up with tears. The helicopter
started up and Luis slowly stepped back, while still holding Sheridan's hand.
When his hand finally left Sheridan's, he felt tears come to his eyes as
well. He didn't want to be separated from her, but he wasn't about to put her
life in danger. He had to do the right thing, and this was the right thing.
The helicopter door closed and Sheridan stared out the window at Luis. They
never took their eyes off each other. As the helicopter started to rise,
Sheridan started to cry. The helicopter started to leave, and Luis watched it
in agony as he whispered, "I love you, Sheridan!"
Sheridan sat down in the helicopter and looked out the window at Luis.
All of a sudden, a bunch of memories came back to her. When they danced the
tango at Pilar's birthday, comforting her when she had nightmares in Santa
Fe, rescuing her in Santa Fe, on Christmas Eve, dancing at the youth center
on New Year's Eve, being in his arms at midnight, going on their first date,
when Luis tackled her on Valentine's Day, going to the pool hall, kissing at
the wharf, then, she remembered when Luis made her promise that they would
never leave each other again. Sheridan made the promise and she had to keep
it. She looked out the window at Luis and made up her mind.
She went up to the pilot and said, "Turn around! Go back! I'm going to
stay with him until another helicopter comes." The pilot said, "Miss, I__."
"Damn it! Just go back!" Sheridan yelled. The pilot immediately turned around
and headed back to the island. When Luis saw the helicopter turn around, he
was confused. "What the... what is she doing?" Luis watched in amazement as
the helicopter landed. The door opened and Sheridan climbed out. She told the
pilot to leave without him and she closed the door. The helicopter started up
again. Sheridan turned around and met Luis's eyes. They stood there staring
at each other for a while. Then, Sheridan started to run to Luis. Then, Luis
started to run to Sheridan. As they both run towards each other, tears were
coming down their faces. When they finally reached each other, Sheridan
jumped into Luis's arms. Luis held Sheridan tightly against him and cried,
"Sheridan! What are you doing? You have to leave!" Sheridan broke away from
the embrace and looked deep into Luis's eyes. She smiled, "A promise is a
promise. I keep my promises!" Luis smiled as he remembered the promise she
made to him. "Oh, Sheridan! I love you so much!" Sheridan ran her hands
through his hair and said, "I love you too, Luis!" They gave each other a
passionate kiss. Luis wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to
him. This was definitely the best kiss they had ever had. Luis scooped
Sheridan into his arms and they laughed as he spun he around in circles. The
helicopter was gone now, and there was no turning back. Luis laid Sheridan on
the sandy beach below and came down on top of her. They kissed passionately
as they rolled around in the sand.
Later on, they looked for a place to sleep for the night. It take them a
while to make a shelter and Luis was very worried that the poachers would
find them again and kill both of them. They decided to sleep high up in the
trees. The found a beautiful tree right by the beach and climbed up into it.
They made a hammock with leaves and branches. They made it so perfectly, that
it felt like a normal bed. It was getting dark now and they had to sleep so
that they were rested for tomorrow. A helicopter would come and find them.
Now that the rescue team knew where to look, it wouldn't take as long to find
them. Sheridan and Luis climbed into the bed in the trees. Sheridan relaxed
her back into Luis's chest and he lightly brushed his lips against her neck.
She could feel him breathing on her and she loved the feeling of his lips
against her skin. Luis kissed Sheridan's neck many times before resting his
head. Sheridan fell asleep instantly. Luis had some trouble getting to sleep.
Although he was very tired, he couldn't fall asleep. Even though they were
high in the trees, he kept having the feeling that the poachers would find
them and kill Luis and hurt Sheridan. He would do everything in his power to
protect Sheridan from harm. He tightened his grip around Sheridan for more
protection and then, finally fell asleep. Even through all the fear, it felt
so good to be sleeping next to the woman he loved. He would never trade it
for anything. He never wanted to leave her side again. Luis knew that true
love would win out in the end. Luis and Sheridan are yet to learn that this
is only the beginning of their adventure in love...
Chapter 19
Luis drifted off to sleep as he held Sheridan in his arms. He loved the feeling of holding her. He felt like he was in heaven. He could feel her heat
beating and the sound of her breathe and it made his heart melt. He drifted off into a wonderful dream...
**DREAM**
Luis and Sheridan are in a beautiful room filled with flowers and roses.
The lights are off and the room is lit with candles. There was soft music
playing. Sheridan and Luis were lying in the bed, naked in each other's arms.
Sheridan and Luis were facing each other and staring into each other's eyes.
Luis stroked her hair with his fingers and toyed with the strands of her
hair. He said, "Sheridan! You are so wonderful to me! I love you with every
inch of my heart. I don't know what I'd do without you!" Sheridan's eyes
started to fill with tears. "Oh, Luis! I love you too! More than anything."
Luis smiled as he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her passionately.
He pulled back and said, "Good! Cause that's going to make this even better!"
Sheridan was confused. "What do you mean, Luis?" Luis opened his mouth to say
something, but he shut it again. "No! Not right now!" Sheridan was annoyed
now. "Oh, come on Luis! Tell me! What?" Luis said, "If you get dressed, I'll
take you somewhere special and I'll tell you." Sheridan smiled. She
immediately jumped out of bed and got dressed as fast as possible. Luis
laughed and he noticed what a hurry she was in to find out what he was going
to say. Luis smiled to himself. 'It will be worth the wait, Sheridan.'
Sheridan and Luis finished getting dressed, and then, the went for a walk.
While they were walking, Luis held Sheridan closely to him. The weather was
very chilly outside, but even through the cold, Sheridan could always keep in
warm. He was a little nervous about what he was going to tell her. He was
afraid about how she would respond. But there was only one way to find out.
After a while, Luis suddenly covered Sheridan's eyes with his hands. "Luis?
What's going on?" "You'll see," he said as he lead Sheridan forward. After a
while, Luis finally took his hands off and she opened her eyes. Luis had
taken her to the beach. They were on a beautiful cliff by the beach where the
waves crashed against the rocks. The sun was setting and the sky was painted
with pink, orange, and red. It was the most beautiful sight she had ever
seen. She yelled, "Oh, Luis! This is so beautiful!" She turned around to see
that Luis was bending down on one knee, with a small box in his hands.
Sheridan's mouth dropped open and tears came rushing to her eyes. Luis said,
"Sheridan. Uh... I uh... don't really know where to begin. Well, all I know
is that, I love you. You are the most wonderful person I have ever known. All
the times we have shared together have been so precious to me. I savor every
moment I spend with you..." A few tears came rushing down Sheridan's cheek as
he continued. "I know that I have nothing to offer you. You're a Crane and
I... I am just a cop working at the Youth Center, but... the only thing I
have to offer you, is love! Sheridan..." He opened the box and Sheridan saw a
beautiful silver ring with diamonds on it. Sheridan smiled a very very big
smile. Luis took Sheridan's hand and the ring in the other hand. He cleared
his throat and said, "Will you marry me?" Tears were now rushing down
Sheridan's face. She smiled and said, "Yes! Yes, Luis, I will!" Luis jumped
up and embraced her in his arms. He kissed her passionately in the sunset.
**REALITY**
Luis woke up and realized that it was just a dream. He was a little
disappointed, but he wanted to make his dream come true. He noticed that it
was morning and the sun was shining brightly on him. He looked next to him
where Sheridan was sleeping. But she wasn't there! She was gone! Panic rushed
over Luis. He felt his heart begin to race and he breathed deeply. He looked
around, but still couldn't find her. He got up and jumped out of the tree. He
searched around. Suddenly, she bumped right into him. Luis was about to say
something, but Sheridan covered his mouth with her hand. She moved closer to
him and whispered, "They're here!" Luis looked confused. "Who?" "The
poachers. They're here!" Luis's eyes not wide. He heard some scurrying in the
bushes nearby. They ran on the other side of the tree. "I was afraid of
this," he said, "We have to get away from them, or we'll never be safe!" Luis
looked around and Sheridan whispered, "What do we do?" Luis looked at
Sheridan and said, "Get up in the tree. If you stay up there, they can't find
you. I'll stay down here and fight them off!" Sheridan hugged Luis close to
him and said, "No! I can't let you do that! You'll get hurt." Luis lifted
Sheridan's head up to look at him. "I won't get hurt!" "There are too many of
them. I can't let you fight them alone." Luis cupped her face in his hands.
"I won't take the chance of them hurting you! Don't worry! I'll be all
right!" Sheridan was terrified about what might happen to Luis, but she found
comfort in his eyes. She smiled and climbed up into the tree. Luis got ready
to fight. Sheridan watched as the poachers walked around the area by the
tree. They looked like a pack of lions on a hunt. The had no guns on them,
which made Sheridan feel better. At least there was a chance that Luis would
not get hurt. Suddenly, Luis pounced on one of the men. He began to choke
him, when he saw on the corner of his eye, as a nothing man came rushing to
get him. Luis rolled over to the side and stood up. The men stared at him
with shock and anger. Luis stood between them and the tree. As if protecting
it. He knew that Sheridan was up there and he would do whatever it took to
protect her. He could feel Sheridan's fear as he stood there. He could feel
that she was afraid for him. The head poacher said, "You're that man!" Luis
nodded, "Yes. I am!" "I am surprised that you escaped. Where is that woman of
yours?" Luis had an angry look in his eyes. How do dare refer to Sheridan as
'woman'! She was more than just a woman. She was the greatest woman in the
world! He said sarcastically, "Like I'll ever tell you!" The man slowly
started to walk towards Luis. Luis was getting frightened and he slowly moved
away from the tree. The man said, "Oh, you will. If you know what's good for
you." Luis said, "I will never let you hurt Sheridan!" The man said, "Nice
try! But no matter what you do, she will be found!" Luis said angrily, "Over
my dead body!" "You got that right!" the man said as he punched Luis in the
face. Luis was so startled by the punch, he fell over. Sheridan gasped as she
saw blood run down his cheek. Luis tried to scramble up, but the other men
caught him. Luis tried to jerk out of their grip, but they were too strong.
Sheridan was terrified. She slowly walked onto a branch to see if she could
do anything to save him. Luis was still trying to get out of the poacher's
grip, when he heard a loud crack!!!
Chapter20
Luis shook as he heard a long crack. It sounded like branches cracking
and falling from a tree. He immediately thought of Sheridan. 'Oh no.
Sheridan! What if she's hurt?' Luis didn't have time to think, because the
next thing he saw, was a big branch falling to the ground, followed closely
by Sheridan who fell to the ground. "SHERIDAN!!!" Luis yelled. At first,
Sheridan wasn't moving. Luis started to panic. Finally, he heard Sheridan
moan and saw her turn over. She opened her eyes closely and the first thing
she saw, was the head poacher. Shock ran across her face. She scrambled up
from the floor and stood up quickly. She pressed her back against the wall.
She looked at Luis. His eyes were full of worry and pain. Then, she looked
back at the man who said, "So, that is where you were the whole time?" The
man stepped up to Sheridan and grabbed her chin with his hand and jerked it
from side to side. Sheridan shook away his hand and stared angrily at him.
The man grabbed Sheridan's wrist tightly and pulled her forward. "You
wouldn't have been in this mess if you only kept your side of the deal. We
didn't kill Luis, so, you had to suffer for him." Sheridan stared at Luis.
Her eyes were filled with love for him. The man pulled her forward again.
"Since you didn't keep your end of the deal, we will have to kill you!" With
that, the man punched Sheridan in the face and she fell to the ground.
"NOOO!" shouted Luis as he tried to run to Sheridan. The other poachers were
holding him back. It was impossible to get to her. The man tackles Sheridan
to the ground and took out his knife. As soon as Sheridan saw the knife above
her, some tears began to fill her eyes. Luis shouted, "NNNOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" As
he finally broke free of the men and lunged himself towards the man. Luis
tackles the man to the ground and Sheridan stood up. Luis and the man fought
each other vigorously. After a while, the man had pinned Luis to the ground.
Luis looked up at Sheridan and said, "Run, Sheridan! Run!" Sheridan
hesitated. She didn't want to leave Luis alone like this, but Luis wanted her
too. She finally turned around and ran into the bushes. The lead poacher
yelled, "Go. Get her!" Luis yelled at the top of his lungs. "RUN! SHERID__."
His mouth was covered by the poacher's hand. "She may have gotten away, but
when we find her, we will kill her."
In the forest, Sheridan ran as fast as she could to get away from the
poachers. The only thing on her mind was Luis. She was so worried about him.
He was captured by the poachers and could have been dead by now. Sheridan
wanted so much to go back and save him, but she knew that Luis wanted to be
sure she was safe. Sheridan knew that Luis loved her. She ran and ran until
she came to the beautiful waterfall that she had gone to a lot. She stopped
for a moment to catch her breathe, but she heard the poachers coming. She ran
to where the cliff was. She climbed up onto the highest rock by the waterfall
and got down on her stomach so that the poachers couldn't see her. She saw
the poachers come out from the bushes and look around. They were still
dragging Luis along. Sheridan smiled with relief. 'Oh. Thank god he is still
alive.' The main poacher looked around and said, "Damn! We lost her!" Luis
said, "You'll never find Sheridan!" The man walked up to Sheridan and said,
"You are in no position to be talking to me like that," he said. Luis said,
"I can talk to you however I want. And I love Sheridan with all my heart.
There is no way in hell I am going to let you hurt her." The man laughed,
"Ha! We'll see about that!" Suddenly, something caught his eye. He looked up
on top of the rock and spotted Sheridan. "There she is," he said. He looked
at Luis who was now full of fear. "Looks like it's the end for her." Luis
didn't say anything. They walked along and the man ran up to the top of the
rock. He grabbed Sheridan and flung her around. Luis watched in agony as
Sheridan struggled to get free from the man. The man tried to push her off
the other side of the rock. On the other side, there was a small gorge. If
anyone fell in there, they would surely die. Sheridan fought as hard as she
could to get free, but it was no use. The man was pushing her over the edge
and Sheridan tried to push him back. Sheridan looked down and saw the gorge
below her. She quickly moved over to the side. The man almost fell forward
and over the edge, but he caught his balance He quickly ran towards Sheridan
and pushed her off the edge...
Chapter 21
Luis gasped as he saw Sheridan struggle for her life. It was so hard to watch
that man hurt her. Haven't they suffered enough? They had been through so
much together and for this to be happening was too much. Luis couldn't take
it anymore. With all his strength, he broke free of the poachers and ran up
to where Sheridan and the man were fighting. He was a few yards away from
them when he saw Sheridan slip off the edge and fall. Luis screamed, "NOOO!"
As he dove towards the edge, but he was too late. He watched with pain as
Sheridan crashed into the water. The fall had been so hard, it would be
difficult for her to survive it, but she still had a chance. Thank god that
she moved herself away from the gorge in time. Luis was so wrapped up in
thinking about Sheridan, he forgot about the head poacher right behind him.
The man lifted a knife to Luis and Luis saw out of the corner of his eye what
was going to happen. Instantly, Luis turned around and grabbed the hand that
had the knife in it. The man tried with all his strength to push Luis down so
he could stab Luis. Luis fought back as hard as he could. In his head, all he
could think about was Sheridan. He had to make sure that she was okay and he
had to survive. He had to survive, or Sheridan would be in trouble. With all
his strength, he pushed the man out to the gorge. He man slipped over the
edge and fell down the gorge. As he fell, the rest of the poachers could hear
his scream as it slowly echoed and faded away. The other poachers were afraid
and ran off. Luis laid down on the ground and caught his breathe. It was
over. The poachers were gone and that man was dead. It would all be over
soon. He had nothing to worry about. Then it hit him... Sheridan! Luis got up
and looked out at the lake. She wasn't there. 'Oh no! Where is she? No! This
can't be happening. Sheridan can't die, she can't.' Luis looked around.
Still, he could not see Sheridan. Luis started to panic. His eyes filled up
with tears and he started to breathe deeply. 'God, Sheridan! Where are you?
You can't leave me, Sheridan! Please, don't leave me!' Suddenly, Luis saw
something. far out in the lake, there was a small river leading out. In the
middle of it was a small little island. He saw Sheridan lying on the edge of
the island. Luis looked in amazement. She must have floated there because
have of her body was lying on the island and the other was floating in the
water. Luis sighed with relief. He climbed down the rocks as fast as he
could. As soon as he was down, he ran down to the edge of the lake. He
stepped into the small river. It was very shallow. It only went up to his
knees, but the current was very strong. Luis had to try very hard to lift his
feet from the ground to walk across. When he got there, he went straight to
Sheridan's side. He sat down beside her and took her in his arms. She was
unconscious. Luis held her closely to him and he caressed her face as he
said, "Sheridan. My poor Sheridan." He looked at her and started to cry.
Sheridan didn't deserve any of this. She had been through so much lately. How
could this have happened? Why was Sheridan always getting hurt? It wasn't
fair. She shouldn't have to suffer like this. She deserved to be happy. Luis
put his ear to her mouth to listen for breathing. He found no breath. Fear
ran over him again. "No, Sheridan! Stay with me!" He held her nose and opened
her mouth. He pressed his lips against her's and breathed air into her lungs.
She finally started to breathe, but she still didn't wake. "Thank god," Luis
said. He touched her arm and a chill ran down his spine. She was freezing. He
knew that he had to get her out of there and keep her warm. He gathered her
into his arms and rested her head on his neck. He could feel her breathing
against his neck. It made him feel so close to her. He ran across the forest
as fast as he could. He had to help Sheridan. When he got to the beach, he
caught his breathe. He set Sheridan down on the sandy beach and started to
build a fire. As he made the fire, he kept looking over at Sheridan every few
seconds. She looked so peaceful, but she hadn't moved an inch. The length of
her unconsciousness disturbed him a little. It was almost like she was dead
and afraid to find out if it was true or not. After the fire had started, the
sun was beginning to set. The rescue helicopter would be there in an hour or
so. He looked over at Sheridan, who was still sleeping peacefully. 'God,
she's so beautiful.' he thought. He smiled while staring at her beautiful
face. He crawled over to her and pulled her nearer to him and the fire. He
laid her legs across his lap and cradled her head in his arms. He never took
his eyes off of her. He just starred down at her smiling, and rocking her
slowly. He loved her so much. No matter what had happened to them, they had
always been able to overcome it. No love was as strong as theirs. Their kind
of love was special. Something that only came by once in a lifetime. He
couldn't imagine having to go through a day without seeing her. He couldn't
bear to think about what it would be like, if he could never look into her
beautiful eyes again. Those eyes were so beautiful. They reminded him or
angels and heaven. They glittered and sparkles with the sun. Everything about
her was so beautiful... her eyes, her smile, her hair, her face, her hands,
and her mind. Everything about her was wonderful. Luis thought that this was
almost too good to be true. He loved to hold her in his arms. He never wanted
to let go of her. He just wanted to hold her and kiss her and make love to
her forever. She was so precious to him, and he would do anything to be with
her forever. Suddenly, Sheridan began to wake. She softly groaned and turned
a little. "Sheridan," whispered Luis. Sheridan slowly fluttered her eyes
open. At first, everything was blurry to her. She was a little scared when
she saw someone looked down at her. It was too blurry to see who they were.
Then, her eyes adjusted. She saw that it was Luis and smiled. "Luis, I__."
"Shh," Luis whispered as he put his fingers over her lips, "Don't talk now.
You need to rest." "But, Luis__." "Shhh! Just sleep Sheridan. It's all right!
I'm here for you now! Everything's gonna be okay. I promise." Sheridan smiled
at him with warm loving eyes. She was very very weak, but she managed to lift
her head and pull him into a soft kiss. Luis kissed her back. They both
became lost in the moment and both of them kissed longer than they intended
to. They loved to kiss each other so much. It was like tasting candy, but so
so so much better than that. They were madly in love with each other. They
expressed their love in anyway. They wanted to kiss each other forever. Luis
finally pulled back and smiled as he stared deep into her eyes. "Now, get
some sleep." Sheridan smiled at him and began to close her eyes. Luis was
about to get up, but Sheridan instantly opened her eyes and grabbed on to
him. "Luis, wait!" Luis sat down again and looked at Sheridan with confusion.
"Don't leave me, Luis. Just hold me. Please. I need to be in your arms. Let
me fall asleep in your arms." Luis's heart melted. Luis smiled and he nestled
Sheridan's face under his neck and wrapped his arms around her. He felt her
relax. He could tell that she was happy. It was good to know that she felt
safe with him. He felt the same way about her. He watched her as she fell
asleep in his arms. So warm, happy, and peaceful...
Chapter 22
After everything that Sheridan had been through lately, all she wanted to
do was lie in Luis's arms forever. When she felt Luis's arms wrapped around
her, she was comforted and knew that everything would be all right. Nothing
would ever happen to her. He would protect her. Now that Roger, Pierre, and
the poachers were gone, there was nothing left for them to worry about. They
were perfectly safe now. She knew that she still had to deal with Jullian and
Alistair's complaints, but it didn't matter. Nothing they could do would
separate them now. There bond was stronger than ever before, and they would
never ever let someone destroy it. Jullian and Alistair's plans were no
concern of their's. Then, it hit her. If Jullian and Alistair were capable of
doing this to Sheridan, then they could do something to hurt Luis as well. A
feeling of fear came over Sheridan and she jumped as she woke up. She opened
her eyes. She was lying in her bed at her cottage. Everything was exactly the
way she left it. Sheridan had a look of disappointment on her face. 'Oh no!
What if it was all a dream? What if Luis is really using me like I heard at
the wharf?' Suddenly, the door opened. It was Luis. He was standing there in
his jeans with his shirt off. Looking at him with his bare chest made
Sheridan quiver. Luis walked over to her bed and sat down next to her.
"Sheridan. You're awake! How are you?" Sheridan yawned, "I'm fine, Luis.
What's going on? Why are you here?" Luis said, "The rescue team came to get
us from the island many hours ago." Sheridan sighed with relief. 'I didn't
dream it. It really did happen.' Luis continued, "I... didn't want to wake
you up. You looked so peaceful and happy, so, I carried you onto the
helicopter. When we got back to Harmony, I took you here. I didn't want to
leave you, so, I thought I would stay a little while." Sheridan smiled. He
was so concerned and caring for her. "Thank you, Luis. It is so wonderful to
be back in Harmony." She slowly got out of bed and her knees wobbled when she
stood up. Luis said, "Well, I'm glad you're happy. I need to go get some
water. I'll be right back." "Okay," she said as she softly kissed him on the
cheek. Luis smiled and ran to the kitchen to get some water. Sheridan started
to walk out to the living room, when a dizzy feeling came over her. All of a
sudden, everything stared to spin. Sheridan lost her balance and caught
herself on the wall. Luis heard the thump and he looked up to she Sheridan
leaning against the wall. Something about her was strange. Sheridan shook it
off and walk out to the living room again. This time, her head got really
dizzy. She grabbed on to the couch to keep herself from falling. Luis had
watched her fall and he walked over to her and rubbed her back. Sheridan was
rubbing her head with her hand and she looked a little strange. Luis said,
"Sheridan? Are you all right?" Sheridan nodded, "Yeah, Luis. I'm fine." Luis
decided to decided to shake it off and he started to walk back over to the
counter. Sheridan let go of the couch and took another step. As soon as she
did, it felt like the entire world was spinning faster and faster. Sheridan
reached out to balance herself on the coffee table, but missed it and knocked
it over as she fell to the ground. Luis turned around and knew that something
was wrong. He ran to Sheridan's side and took her hand. "Sheridan. You don't
look too well." "I'm fine, Luis. Really," Sheridan said. Luis put his hand to
her head and his eyes were filled with sadness. Luis said, "You have a
terrible fever. I have to get you to bed." "No, Luis__." Before she could say
anything, Luis scooped her up in his arms and began to slowly carry her back
to her bedroom. Sheridan was going to debate with him about this, but she
decided not too. She rather liked to be carried in Luis's arms. To feel his
strong, muscular arms around her. His loving eyes staring down at her. He
smile that was full of life and happiness. As he sat her down into the bed,
Sheridan, "Luis. You don't have to do this." Luis pulled the covers over her.
"I know. But I want to." Sheridan smiled, "Why are you doing this for me?"
Luis sat on the edge of her bed and stared into her deep, blue eyes. He
rubbed his knuckle on her cheek and said, "Well... maybe because I love you."
Sheridan's eyes welled up with tears. She loved to hear him say those words.
They were so beautiful. Luis ran to the bathroom and back in a second with a
cold compress for her head. He looked at her face. There was sweat running
down her forehead, her cheeks were red, and the rest of her face was pale. He
sat by Sheridan's side and gently pressed the compress to her head. Sheridan
shivered when Luis's hand accidentally touched her. Sheridan felt bad because
Luis's family hadn't seen him in a while. She thought maybe he should go
spend time with them. "Luis. You should leave. You should go see your family.
They will be thrilled to see you. I'll be fine here." Luis stared into her
eyes. "They can wait. I'm not going anywhere until you're okay." Sheridan
placed her hand on his cheek and whispered, "I love you, Luis!" Luis smiled
back at her. "I love you too!" Luis asked her. "How are you feeling?"
Sheridan replied, "I have never been more hot in my life, I am really tired,
and my head is pounding with pain." Luis smiled and put his hands on her
neck. "Well... I can probably take care of that." Sheridan smiled
flirtatiously, "That would be nice. Come on. Sit with me." Sheridan scooted
over and Luis slid into the bed next to Sheridan. They both laid their heads
down, facing each other. Luis stroked her hair and thought, 'God, she's so
beautiful. She is way too good to be true. Can it be that I am actually
laying in bed with the woman I love by my side?' Luis and Sheridan moved
closer to each other. There lips were a few inches apart. Luis put his hand
on her hip and rubbed it softly. Luis said, "I've never felt this way about
anyone before." "What?" said Sheridan. "Well... I never left the same about
another person as I do about you. You are the most amazing woman I have ever
met. I can't imagine my life without you." A few tears came running down
Sheridan's face and Luis wiped them away with his fingers. Sheridan said,
"Oh, just hold me." They moved up so close that their bodies were tightly
pressed against each other. Luis put his arms around Sheridan and Sheridan
rested her head on his chest. Luis felt her relax and felt happy. If only he
could hold her life this forever...
Chapter 23
Sheridan rested her hot head on Luis's chest. She felt so safe and
protected by him. Although Sheridan was in pain, she smiled in her sleep,
because she was so happy to be in Luis's arms. Luis looked down at Sheridan
as she slept. He stroked her golden hair and caressed her neck. He thought,
'I can never get enough of her. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever
met in my life. She just makes me wanna quit everything and sleep with her
and make love to her all night. She is so precious to me. Nothing can ever
keep us apart.' Luis grazed his fingers all around her body. He traced her
face, then her neck, and went down to the shoulders. Her skin was so soft and
silky. It was like touching a cloud. Luis leaned over and kissed Sheridan on
the head. He smelled her hair which smelled like sunflowers that took his
breathe away. He moved her off of his chest and onto the pillow. He rested
his head on the pillow next to her. There lips were only inches apart. Luis
stroked Sheridan's beautiful hair back and stared into her face. He smiled
and pulled her tightly to him. He brought his lips to her face and brushed
his lips softly against her. He ran his lips along her cheeks up to her
forehead and back down again to her lips. He then kissed her softly before
moving down to the neck. He gently reigned kisses all over Sheridan's neck.
He could smell the scent of her perfume and it made him tingle. He pulled
back and stared into her face. She looked so peacful and happy. He would give
anything for her to feel that way forever. To be happy and comforted. To be
secure and full of love.
Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door. He jumped. "Oh my gosh. Someone's
here." The person at the door knocked again many times. Luis looked down at
Sheridan who was now clinging herself to Luis's chest. Luis said, "If anyone
catches us like this, Sheridan and I will be in big trouble. Luis tried to
move out of the bed to get away, but as soon as he started to move away,
Sheridan cried out. She was starting to have another nightmare. When Luis
reached the door, he turned around to see Sheridan screaming and crying in
her sleep. Luis hesitated. He couldn't let anyone she them like this, but he
couldn't leave Sheridan. She was still sick and she needed his care. He
rushed over to her side. He wrapped the warm blanket around her and gathered
her up into his arms. Instantly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and
began to calm down. Luis sighed with relief as that big smile returned to
Sheridan's face.
Luis carefully opened the door and peeked outside. Once he saw that
everything was clear, he figured it was safe. Luis decided that they would
have to go somewhere else. If Jullian, Hank, Beth, or anyone found out about
this, Sheridan and I would be in trouble. He slowly crept out the back way,
looking behind him at the door incase someone came in. Suddenly, he ran into
someone. He turned around and gasped. There was Hank. Luis saw Hank's mouth
drop to the floor when he saw Luis holding Sheridan. Hank stared back up at
Luis with angry eyes. "I can't believe you, Luis. How could you go behind
your friend's back like this?" Luis rolled his eyes, "Look Hank. I don't have
time for this." Hank watched in amazement as a sleeping Sheridan cuddled up
to Luis and whisper, "Mmm. Luis!" Luis blushed. He hadn't expected that to
happen. Hank stared at Luis and said, "I can't believe this is happening,
Luis. I thought that you were caring enough not to do this to your best
buddy." On a normal day, Luis would take all the time he needed to talk to
Hank, but today was different. Sheridan was sick. Luis had to get her out of
there before anyone else sees her with him. If he took her to his house,
everything would be fine. If it weren't for stupid Hank, he would be half way
there by now. "Hank. I can't talk right now. Look at Sheridan. She's sick. I
need to take care of her." Hank said, "Oh. Looks like you two have grown very
close lately." Luis yelled, "Yes. We have, much more than you know. I don't
have time for this." Hank crossed his arms, as if threatening Luis. "And just
where are you taking her?" Hank asked. Luis hesitated. "If he told Hank that
they were going to his house, he would go too and then, Luis wouldn't get the
chance to hold her in his arms for the day. Luis couldn't stand to wait that
long. "Um.... uh... the doctor. I'm taking her to the doctor to see what's
wrong with her." Hank couldn't argue against that. It was a very plausible
response. Hank nodded and said, "Okay. You can take care of her now, but I'll
have a talk with you later." Hank walked out the back door and slammed it
shut. "Stupid Hank!" Luis said as he ran out the front door.
He put Sheridan into his car and got in. As soon as he got in, Sheridan
cuddled up to him. Luis was very amazed by how much she wanted to be attached
to him. They were like magnets that were unbreakable. Luis loved the feeling
of her breathing against his chest. It soothed him and comforted him. He
started up the car and started to drive to his house. He made sure that Hank
wasn't following him and he made sure that Jullian or anyone wouldn't spot
them. When he parked his car in the driveway and looked down at Sheridan. He
smiled and kissed her softly on the head. He gathered her up into his arms
and looked around to make sure no one was looking. Then, he ran up to the
door and knocked on it many times. After what seemed like forever, Pilar
finally answered the door. "Oh Luis... you're___" She noticed Sheridan in
Luis's arms. Luis just walked right in and said, "Sheridan's sick. I need to
lay her down and get her a compress. He walked halfway into the living room,
then turned around to face Pilar and said, "Mama! Can you make her some hot
tea?" Pilar didn't ask any questions and just nodded as she went into the
kitchen. Luis took Sheridan into his room and laid her down gently on the
bed. Luis went to get a compress, and he heard Sheridan cry from his room. He
hated to hear her in pain, so, he grabbed the compress and ran back into the
room and to Sheridan's side. He pressed the compress to her head and Sheridan
woke up. Luis was a little surprised that she didn't wake up before. Maybe
she was awake before, but didn't want to open her eyes. Luis stared into
Sheridan's eyes and said, "Hey. How are you?" Sheridan smiled back. "Now that
you're here, great." Luis smiled at her. She was so cute. Luis pressed the
compress to her forehead. Sheridan waited there silently, yearning to kiss
him. She couldn't take it anymore. She jumped up and kissed him more
passionately than ever before...
Chapter 24
Luis felt his heart rate speed up as Sheridan passionately kissed him. He
was very startled and surprised by the kiss, but he fully enjoyed it. He put
his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. Sheridan had her hands
in his hair. Luis kissed her back. She was so beautiful, so kind, so
wonderful... and she was a great kiss her. After he had kissed Sheridan for
the first time down at the wharf, he forgot about all those other girls that
have kissed him before. She was different, she was special. Luis could smell
her perfume and hear her breathing between kisses. Luis loved to kiss her
more than anything in the world. He just wanted to kiss her and kiss her and
kiss her and kiss her and...
Luis and Sheridan were so caught up in each other, they didn't even see
Hank come in. When they finally spotted Hank standing there, it was too late.
Hank had already seen them kissing. Sheridan spotted Hank by the door and
pulled back from Luis's kiss to look at him. Luis saw Sheridan staring at the
door and he turned around to see Hank standing there. Hank mouth dropped open
and his eyes were full of anger. Hank was ready to tear Luis's head off, but
he didn't want to make a scene in front of Sheridan. Hank said, "Luis. Can I
talk to you for a second?" Luis looked back at Sheridan. Both of their eyes
were full of fear and worry. They knew that Hank was very angry. Hank was
Luis's best friend though. And he deserved an explanation. He looked at
Sheridan and said, "Do you mind if I talk with Hank for a few minutes?"
Sheridan smiled, "No. It's all right. You can go talk to him." In Sheridan's
mind, she didn't really want him to leave, but she knew that Luis and Hank
needed to talk. Luis got up from Sheridan's bed and walked out the door with
Hank. As soon as he shut the door behind him, Hank pushed Luis to the wall.
"What the hell was that all about?!" Hank yelled. Luis said, "Hank! What is
your problem?" Hank yelled, "You know very well what the problem is. You and
Sheridan were kissing. I wanna know what's going on!" Luis said, "Well, Hank.
It's not like it's the first time we've kissed." Hank's eyes got wide. "Oh.
So you've kissed her many more times than that?" "Yes,. I have," said Luis.
Hank looked disgusted. "You know... you never did explain to me how Sheridan
ended up back here." Luis said, "Well, I'll tell you then." Hank crossed him
arms and stared at Luis angrily. Luis said, "I went to Paris to find
Sheridan. I found her in a hotel. Someone... shot her while she was in her
room. I found her a few seconds after she was shot and I took her to the
hospital. She was okay and then, we... took a flight back to Harmony, only
the plane crashed on an island and we were stuck there for a few days. After
we finally got rescued, we came back to Harmony." The anger in Hank's eyes
faded. Luis had saved her life again. It wasn't the first time that Luis had
saved her life either. Still, Hank loved Sheridan too. Luis said, "And Hank.
I don't want to tell you this, but..." The anger returned to Hank's eyes.
"What! What is it?" Luis said, "Sheridan said... that she loves me." Hank
just stared at Luis and said, "What?" Luis cleared his throat. "She said...
that she loves me." Hank didn't say anything. He stared at Luis with anger in
his eyes. He was so angry at Luis, he didn't know what he was going to do.
Hank turned around and ran out the door. Luis's face dropped in
disappointment. He felt really bad for Hank. He knew that Hank liked Sheridan
too. And he didn't want to be mad at each other.
He walked back into the room and sat by Sheridan. Sheridan looked at
Luis's face and saw how sad he was. "Luis. Are you all right?" Luis choked
back the tears. "Yeah. I'm fine." Sheridan hated to see Luis like this. It
broke her heart. She took his hand and said, "I heard the whole thing. Ya
know... now I feel like this is all my fault." Luis cupped Sheridan's head in
his hands. "No, Sheridan. It's not your fault." "But if it wasn't for me,
Hank and you wouldn't be fighting. You two are best friends and I hate to
come between you." Luis smiled at her. She was so caring for his feelings,
and Hank's feelings. Luis said, "Sheridan. It's not your fault. I love you,
and that is all that matters. If I never met you, I don't know what I'd do."
Sheridan smiled at Luis, "You are so wonderful Luis. I love you so much.
Whenever I am in your arms, I feel so safe and warm. Whenever I am in your
arms, I feel so happy." Luis could definitely tell that Sheridan loved to be
close to him. Luis felt the same way. Luis took her in his arms and rested
her head on his shoulder. They were both silent. They just swayed together
and relaxed in each other's arms.
Then, Pilar came in with some tea. Luis and Sheridan pulled apart and
looked at Pilar. Pilar had already seen them holding each other and she
smiled to herself. 'They are so cute together.' She thought. 'They are a
perfect couple.' Pilar said, "Luis. I brought some tea for Sheridan." Luis
said, "Thank you, Mama!" Pilar brought the tea to Sheridan and sat the tray
on her lap. "Oh, Pilar. You didn't have to do this for me." Pilar said, "Sure
I did. You're a wonderful person, Sheridan. I am so glad that you're safe and
back in Harmony." Sheridan hugged Pilar. "Thank you, Pilar. It feels great to
be back."
Chapter 25
"Everyone will be so glad to know that you're back," Pilar said. A look
of disappointment came over Luis's face. Sheridan noticed it. "Luis, what's
wrong?" Luis squeezed Sheridan's arm and said, "After all that we've been
through, I'm afraid about what might happen next. Alistair and Jullian tried
to separate us for good. Who knows what they'll do next. Sheridan... be
careful of Jullian." Sheridan saw deep concern in Luis's eyes. She knew that
he was concerned for her. "I will," said Sheridan. Just then, Luis's beeper
went off. He looked at it and said, "It's the police department. They want me
over at the station. I'll call them and tell them I can't make it." Luis was
about to walk out the door when Sheridan said, "Luis. Why can't you make it?"
Luis said, "Well, I can't go out on duty when you're like this." Sheridan
smiled, "I'll be fine Luis. Really, I will." Luis hesitated. He didn't want
to leave her alone, but this could give him a good chance at becoming
detective. "Go on Luis," said Pilar, "I'll take care of her." Luis smiled and
walked over to Sheridan. He rubbed her cheek with his thumb and said, "I'll
be back soon, okay?" Sheridan nodded. Luis walked out of the room and closed
the door. Pilar stayed inside with Sheridan. She looked at her and said, "It
is so wonderful to know that you're back, Sheridan," said Pilar. "Yes. It is
very wonderful. Now I know that Luis was never using me. And it's all thanks
to you, Pilar. If you never found out about it, than Luis and I would have
never known." said Sheridan. Pilar said, "Well, I know that you and Luis have
become very fond of each other." "Very much. You have raised a wonderful son,
Pilar. He's the best man I've ever known." Pilar nodded, "Thank you
Sheridan." Pilar felt Sheridan's head. Her fever was gone. "You seem to be
better now, Sheridan." "I do feel better. Thank you." Pilar said, "Well, I'm
going to go take a nap. If you need anything at all, just wake me." "All
right, Pilar," Sheridan said as Pilar walked out the door. Sheridan sat up
from the bed and looked around. This was Luis's room. This was the room of
the man she loved. She could smell his scent all over the room. It soothed
her and made her feel comfortable. She felt a little lonely though. She
wished that Luis was there with her so she could lie in his arms. He had been
gone for ten minutes and Sheridan already missed him like crazy. She knew
that he had a job to do, but it still hurt her not to be with him. She needed
someone to talk to. Someone to share her thoughts with. Then, someone came
into her mind... Ethan. She could always confide in Ethan to talk to. She
jumped out of bed and walked out into the living room. She went into Pilar's
room to tell her that she was leaving, but she saw that Pilar was sleeping
soundly and peacefully. Sheridan didn't want to wake her up, so, she left a
note on the counter, telling her where she was going. She walked out the door
and walked to the Crane Mansion.
At the Crane Mansion, Jullian and Ethan were in his office. Jullian said,
"Son, how are you and Gwen doing lately?" Ethan said, "We're doing fine,
father, and we can't wait until the wedding." Jullian said, "Well Ethan, I
hope that you forgive me about suggesting that you go to bed with Pilar's
delicious little daughter, Theresa. Ethan said, "I hope that you know now
that Theresa and I will never be involved with each other." "Still, I can't
believe you haven't noticed how incredible she is." "Father, Theresa is a
very wonderful, beautiful woman, but I love Gwen. No one else." Jullian
thought, 'Sooner or later son, the Crane instincts will come to you. You'll
learn to be more like me.' Ethan said, "And I wouldn't talk about that
anymore, if I were you. If her brother, Luis, found about what you're saying
about Theresa, he will not be happy." Jullian laughed, "Ha. Luis will never
know that Theresa is working in the mansion. Anyway, he's too busy, weeping
over Sheridan's departure to Paris." Jullian laughed evilly. Ethan said, "I
can't believe you don't miss Sheridan." "Oh, son. I miss Sheridan. I really
do," lied Jullian. Ethan thought to himself. 'I haven't seen Luis and
Sheridan sense they left the hospital. I hope that they made it home okay.'
Ethan said, "Well, I have some work to do in my room. I'll be in there if you
need me." Ethan left the room and went to work in his room.
A few minutes later, Sheridan burst into his room. Ethan turned around
and saw Sheridan. She closed the door and walked over to Ethan. "Sheridan.
You're back." They hugged and Ethan said, "What took you guys so long to get
back from Paris? I thought you'd be here before me." Ethan and Sheridan sat
on the bed. "Well... Luis and I got stranded on an island. We ran into some
poachers who tried to kill us. We escaped and then the rescue team came and
got us. Then, we went back to my house and Luis took care me because I was
sick." Sheridan said quickly. Ethan stared at Sheridan with wide eyes. "Wow."
Sheridan laughed. Ethan said, "We'll it's wonderful to know that you're back
in Harmony. And Luis was never using you." Sheridan said, "Yes. It's great.
This time, I won't ever leave Harmony again."
At the Lopez-Fitzgerald house, Luis got home from the police department
quickly. He was eager to see Sheridan. He couldn't wait to wrap his arms
around her and kiss her. Luis got into the house and saw that Pilar was
sleeping. He was a little upset by this, because she was supposed to be at
Sheridan's side, even though he didn't really say that. Luis went into his
room with a smile on his face. It slowly faded away when he saw that Sheridan
was gone. He looked around. "Sheridan? Sheridan?" He walked into the kitchen
and saw a note on the counter. It said......
Dear Luis, I was feeling a little lonely, so I decided to go to the Crane mansion to see Ethan. I will be back soon. I love you. Love Sheridan. Luis felt a chill go down his spine. She was at the Crane Mansion. If Jullian saw her, she could be in big trouble. Luis grabbed his coat and ran out to the car. He raced off to the Crane Mansion.
At the Crane Mansion, Ethan and Sheridan were talking about Luis.
Sheridan said, "I feel so bad for ever doubting Luis. It looked so real to me
that I was positive it was really Luis. I can't believe that Jullian and
Alistair would stoop that low. To hurt me like that." Ethan said, "I'm very
angry at father as well. I can't believe they would do that to you." Sheridan
said, "Well, when I'm not angry enough to rip his head off, I will talk to
him." Just then, Luis burst into the room. Sheridan and Ethan looked up in
shock, but they were relieved to see that it was only Luis. Sheridan stood up
and Luis closed the door and walked over to her. He took her hands.
"Sheridan. What are you doing here?" Sheridan said, "Well, I came to talk to
Ethan." "You can't be here." "Why not, Luis?" Luis cleared his throat.
"Because, if Jullian finds you here suddenly, you could be in trouble. I
don't want them to hurt you." Sheridan was about to speak, when they heard
Jullian coming. Jullian was yelling. "Ethan. I need to talk to you." Luis and
Sheridan looked at each other with fear in their eyes. "We've got to hide
somewhere." said Sheridan. Luis and Sheridan looked around, but there was no
place to hide. They heard the door knob opening, so they jumped behind the
door and held each other tightly. Jullian came in. "Hi son. I was hoping that
you could sign these contracts for me by tomorrow." Ethan was a little uneasy
because he could see Sheridan and Luis behind the door. If Jullian turned
around the wrong way and saw them, they would be in trouble. Ethan took the
papers and said, "Sure father... I'll take care of them." Ethan led Jullian
to the door, being careful that he didn't see Luis and Sheridan. Jullian
walked out and Ethan shut the door. Luis and Sheridan sighed as they walked
out from behind the door. Sheridan said, "That's a relief." Just then,
Jullian burst into the room! "Oh and Eth__." He saw Luis and Sheridan
standing right in front of him...
Chapter 26
Julian stared at Luis and Sheridan anger bowling in his eyes. He
thought, 'What the hell is Sheridan doing here, and with Luis? She's supposed
to be in Paris.' Sheridan tried to hide her fear by smiling. "Uh, hi
Jullian." Jullian tried to hide his anger. "Hello, sister dear. What are you
doing here?" Sheridan said, "Well, that's a little cold, Jullian." 'No, no.
I'm glad to see you're back. It's just that... I thought you weren't speaking
to Luis anymore." Sheridan remembered how she found out that Jullian had set
up an imposture. She said, "I did, until I found out what was really going
on." Jullian felt a chill go down his spine. Sheridan crossed her arms and
stared at him with anger in her eyes. She walked up to him until they were
about a foot apart. Luis felt a little uneasy about what Jullian might do,
but he stood there silently. Sheridan said, "I can't believe you Jullian. I
can't believe you would set up and imposture and convince me that Luis was
using me. How dare you hurt me like that?" Jullian was now more angry than
worried. "All right. I admit that I did it. But it was for the sake of the
family. I am not going to let you two get involved." Luis stepped up. "Well,
there's nothing you can do to stop us, Mr. Crane." Jullian looked at Sheridan
and Luis. "What do you mean?" Luis cleared his throat and said, "We love each
other." Jullian was silent. They could see the anger heating up in his face.
He looked like he was about to explode, and he did. Suddenly, he pushed Luis
with such force, that he ran into Ethan and they both flew across the room
and hit the wall on the other side. After Jullian had pushed Luis, he threw
Sheridan up against the wall and clutched her neck in his hands. He began to
choke her. He squeezed her neck as hard as he could. She tried to pry his
hands from her neck, but he lifted her from the ground and she was pressed
against the wall, being choked. She tried to gasp for air, but Jullian's
hands were choking her harder and harder by the second. Sheridan thought,
'It's over. I'm going to die.' Luis looked up and saw that Jullian was
choking Sheridan. Fear and panic came into his eyes when he saw Sheridan
hands fall to her sides and her eyes slowly closing. "NO!" He yelled as he
got up and ran towards Jullian. He punched Jullian in the face and Jullian
went flying. Luis caught Sheridan in his arms as she fell. Sheridan sat on
the ground in Luis's arms, gasping for air. Luis looked at her and said,
"Sheridan, are you all right?" Sheridan tried to speak, but it was so hard
for her. She was so weak and she was gasping for air. She whispered, "I...
feel... so... weak." Luis cradled her in his arms and looked up at Jullian.
"You bastard." Jullian got up. There was blood running from the side of his
jaw. Luis said, "How could you try to kill your own sister? You'll pay for
this, Crane!" A smile came on Jullian's face. "You can't do anything to me,
Lopez-Fitzgerald." Luis gathered Sheridan into his arms and picked her up. He
walked to the door and turned to face Jullian. "Now, you listen to me, and
you listen well. If you ever, EVER, lay a hand on her, or even come near her
for that matter, you'll regret it. I promise you that!" With that, Luis
turned away and walked out of the Crane Mansion with Sheridan cradled in his
arms. Luis noticed that Sheridan had a lot of bruises and cuts on her neck,
and she was still panting. She was very very weak and could hardly speak.
Luis decided to take her to the youth center, because it was very close by.
It had more medical things that they didn't have at his house. He drove
Sheridan to the hospital and carried her into her youth center. He walked
into his office and placed Sheridan on the sofa in the room. He grabbed the
First Aid kit and sat by Sheridan's side. He looked at her face and saw that
tears were streaming down them. "Hey, hey. It's okay, Sheridan. I'm here for
you," he said as he wiped the tears away from her face. Sheridan said, "Luis.
I thought I was gonna die. I thought it was over for me." Luis said, "I would
never let anything happen to you, Sheridan. I love you." Tears were flooding
out of Sheridan's eyes. She started to sob. Luis whispered, "Shhh. It's okay,
Sheridan. It's okay." Luis examined the back on her neck. Sheridan quivered
when she felt his breath on her skin. It made her feel so safe. Luis pulled
back and put a cloth with water on it. After he removed it, he looked into
Sheridan's eyes. She was still crying. He hated to see her in pain. Dame that
Jullian. Luis was going to make him pay for what he's done to Sheridan. No
matter what it took. Luis looked into Sheridan shining eyes and said, "Is
there anything I can do?" Sheridan reached out her arms and said, "Just hold
me, Luis. Just hold me." A tear went down Luis's cheek and he gathered
Sheridan into his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder and cried. "Shh.
It's all right, Sheridan. You're safe." Luis clutched her tightly against him
and held her head in his hand. He stroked her hair and softly kissed her on
the neck. He wished that he could make all the pain go away. He wanted to
make her happy. And he intended to do so...
Chapter 27
Luis held Sheridan in his arms as she cried. He could feel her shaking
against his body. It broke his heart. He hated to see her in pain. He could
tell how frightened she was. She was afraid of her own family. Luis knew that
the Crane's were bad, but he never thought that they would be capable of
trying to kill one of their own. All they cared about was protecting the
family name, they didn't give a damn about Sheridan. As Luis rocked Sheridan
slowly in his arms, Sheridan's fears began to fade away. She felt Luis's arms
wrapped tightly around her, rubbing her back. She loved to feel his strong,
muscular arms around her. They made her feel so safe and warm. Sheridan would
give anything if she could just stay in Luis's arms forever. Luis looked down
and saw that Sheridan had a small smile on her face. He lifted her chin up to
him and put his forehead against hers. "There's that beautiful smile!" Luis
saw Sheridan's eyes light up again as she laughed. Sheridan dried her eyes
and said, "I was so scared, Luis. I really thought I was going to die. I
thought it was over." Luis cupped Sheridan's face in his hands and said, "No,
Sheridan. No! Don't ever think like that. I will never, ever let anything
happen to you. I promise." Sheridan smiled, "I know. It just... it really
scared me." Luis saw deep into her soul and saw all the pain she was going
through. He had to be more understanding. "I know, Sheridan. I was scared
too. But the love that we have for each other, can never be torn apart,
never. Not by anyone, or anything." Sheridan smiled. He always had a way to
make her feel better. Sheridan said, "Thank you Luis. You're always here for
me." "I always will be," said Luis. Sheridan noticed that he looked very deep
in thought when he said that. Luis turned to Sheridan and said, "Sheridan.
Would you go out this me tonight?" Sheridan instantly replied, "Yes. I'd love
to." Luis said, "Great. I have a wonderful surprise for you tonight."
Sheridan smiled seductively. "A surprise, huh?" Luis smiled, "Yeah." Sheridan
said, "Oh. But I can't wait that long. Please, tell me." "Nope, sorry. Can't
do it. You'll have to wake for later." Luis got up and started to walk out,
but Sheridan ran infront of him and blocked the door. "I can't wait, Luis.
Please?" Luis smiled and rubbed his thumb on her chin sexily. "Trust me.
It'll be worth the wait." Luis moved Sheridan aside and walked out. Sheridan
stared at him as he walked away and wondered, 'What is he up to?'
At the Crane Mansion, Jullian was talking to Alistair about the little
quarrel that happened earlier. Jullian had an ice pack on her jaw and his
cheek was marked with dry blood. "I'm telling you Father. This is getting way
out of hand. All of a sudden, Sheridan finds out about the impostor and makes
up with Luis. Then, Luis punches me in the face and threatens me never to
come near Sheridan again." "Well, what do you expect Jullian. He so-called
loves the girl. At this point, he would do anything to protect her, even from
you. And Sheridan would do the same thing for Luis. Our plan to separate
them, only ended up making them closer than ever." Jullian said, "Well, what
do we do, Father?" Alistair said, "I'm working on some ideas of my own. Call
me back if something bad happens." Alistair hung up.
At Sheridan's cottage, Sheridan was getting ready for her date with Luis.
She was so excited about this surprise Luis had, that she wasn't able to
think about anything else. Whatever Luis had in mind, it sure sounded good.
Sheridan was more than just curious. She was in agony trying to figure out
what it was. She reminded herself that Luis said it was worth waiting for, so
she figured she could wait to find out. Sheridan slipped on a beautiful,
black dress. It was a simple dress, but with some small diamonds around the
sleeves and the collar. She put on her favorite perfume and made sure that
her hair and make-up were perfect. She kept checking the mirror every few
minutes to see if she needed to make the slightest fix up. She waited
impatiently for Luis to come.
At Luis's house, Luis had just finished shaving and gotten dressed.
Theresa walked into her brother and noticed that he looked really snazzy
tonight. She knew that Luis was out on a date. "Woah, Luis. What are you
dressed up for? Are you out on a date?" Theresa smiled flirtatiously and Luis
blushed. "Yes, I am!" Luis poured himself a cup of coffee and Theresa said,
"Oh. With Sheridan I bet. It is so great that you finally worked things out
with her." Luis put his hand in his pocket and shuffled something around.
"Yeah. I have something very important to ask her." Theresa said, "Well, I
think that you two make the perfect couple." In Theresa's mind, she was
really saying... 'Luis, If you go out with Sheridan, then you won't be mad if
I get involved with Ethan. h, how sweet it is.' Luis smiled. "Well, I have to
go pick up Sheridan. See ya later, sis." "See ya, Luis," Theresa said as he
walked out the door. Theresa ran to the phone and dialed a number. Whitney
picked up the phone. "Hello?" "Whitney, it's me. You won't believe it." "Let
me guess... fate has come to you're rescue again and you still have a chance
with Ethan." Theresa rolled her eyes. "No, Whitney. It's Luis." "What about
him?" "He's going on a very romantic date with Sheridan." Theresa lifted her
eye brows up and down as she said it. "Seriously? Wow. I never thought Luis
would get involved with a Crane." "Nether did I, Whit. Luis seems like he is
totally in love with Sheridan. I have a feeling they could end up together."
Sheridan was sitting on the sofa in her cottage impatiently, when she
heard a knock on the door. She looked in the mirror one last time to make
sure everything was perfect, then went to open the door. As soon as she did,
she was greeted by Luis's dazzling smile and a beautiful red rose in his
hand. She opened her mouth in amazement. Luis handed her the flower and said,
"I'm sorry I couldn't find one as beautiful as you, but there was no such
kind." Sheridan left her heart skip a beat. She smiled, "Oh, Luis. Thank
you." Sheridan have Luis a small kiss and Luis said, "We have to hurry, if we
are going to do everything I have planned." "When do I get the surprise?"
Sheridan asked excitedly. "In a while," Luis teased. He loved to tease her.
She was so cute when she was frustrated. Sheridan groaned. "Oh. Well, can't
you give me a clue." Luis smiled, "Okay." He wrapped his arms around her and
Sheridan felt herself shiver. "It is something that will make both of us very
happy. It is something that I wanted to do for a long time. It will change
our lives and other people's lives forever." Sheridan smiled sexily. "I'm
liking this more and more." Luis said, "Well, we don't have time to stand
here and talk. We have to get going." Luis took Sheridan's hand and they
walked to his car. Sheridan had no idea where he was taking her, but she was
totally excited. Luis pulled into the Sea Scape restaurant and helped
Sheridan out of the car. "The Sea Scape?" "Yeah. I thought that it would be
great to have dinner here with you." "Luis. This is so wonderful." smiled
Sheridan. Luis lead Sheridan into the restaurant and they were escorted to
their table. Luis had arranged for a beautiful candlelit dinner for two to be
set up for them. It was beautiful. The There were beautiful candles sitting
on each side of a delicious looking turkey, and there were yellow and white
flowers scattered all over the table and the floor around the table.
Sheridan's eyes lit up and said, "Oh my gosh, Luis. This is amazing." Luis
laughed, "I'm glad you like it." He pulled out her chair for her and Sheridan
sat down in the seat while starring deeply into Luis's eyes. Luis took their
seat and they started to eat.
During their dinner, Luis and Sheridan talked about many things. Luis
told Sheridan about his life as a little kid, and Sheridan told Luis about
her memories in Europe. Luis was very fascinated by all of the things that
Sheridan had done and had been through in her life. Sheridan was more
interested in hearing about how life was for the Lopez-Fitzgeralds after
Martin disappeared. After dinner, Luis said, "Okay, then. Would you like to
go for a walk?" Sheridan replied, "Sure!" Luis paid the bill and they walked
out of the restaurant. Luis was getting more and more nervous about what he
was going to do. Sheridan and Luis took a walk by the wharf. They looked
around them and saw that many couples were together. The stars were shining
brightly above them. The water was so beautiful as the moonlight danced on
top of it. It was the most beautiful night in Harmony. Luis and Sheridan
never gave it a second thought. They were too interested in each other. They
kept thinking about everything they had been through together and how
wonderful the other person was. Suddenly, Luis covered Sheridan's eyes.
Sheridan was a little startled, but she also was confused. "Luis? What's
going on?" "You'll see in a minute." Luis said. Sheridan sighed with
frustration. Luis lead Sheridan forward, still covering up her eyes. He took
her to the most beautiful part of the wharf. There was a beautiful pier where
you could overlook the ocean and see thousands of beautiful stars above. On
the other side, you could see the lights from the houses of the other part of
Harmony. He took a deep breathe and uncovered her eyes. Sheridan opened her
eyes and gasped. She looked at the beautiful ocean with the stars shining
brightly. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The full moon
above them shined brightly onto them. Sheridan's eyes lit up with happiness.
"Oh, Luis. This is so wonderful." She turned around and saw Luis bending down
on one knee! Sheridan felt her eyes well up with tears. Luis said, "Sheridan,
um... well, I don't really know where to begin. Well, all I know is that I
love you. You are the most wonderful person I have ever known. All of the
times we have shared together have been so precious to me. I savor every
moment with you. I know that I have nothing to offer you. You're a Crane and
I... I'm just a cop working at the Youth Center. But I do know that the only
thing I can offer you, is love. Sheridan..." Luis reached into his pocket and
pulled out a small box. Tears came rushing out of Sheridan's eyes. Luis
opened the box and inside was a beautiful silver ring with a diamond on it.
Sheridan gasped. Luis continued, "Will you marry me?" At that moment,
Sheridan had on the biggest smile in the world. Tears were rushing from her
eyes and she looked like she might faint. Luis waited hopefully for her
answer. Sheridan finally managed to say, "Yes, Luis. I will. I will marry
you!" Tears sprang into Luis's eyes. He jumped up and wrapped Sheridan in his
arms. He kissed her with more passion than ever before. This was the happiest
day of his life. He was so happy that Sheridan said yes. Sheridan was his
fiancée. Luis pulled back from the kiss and took Sheridan's hand. He slipped
the ring on her finger and tears came rushing down Sheridan's face again.
Luis looked into her eyes and whipped away the tears. He kissed her
passionately again and held her tightly, never wanting to let go...
Chapter 28
Luis and Sheridan kissed each other with more passion that they ever
thought possible. They couldn't believe that they were finally engaged.
Sheridan had been dreaming for so long that Luis would propose to her, and
now her wish was coming true. She loved him with all his heart, and now, she
knew that they would never be apart. They would be together always, no matter
what Jullian or Alistair wanted.
Luis pulled back from the kiss and stared into her eyes. Sheridan saw
tears running down his cheek. She whipped them away and asked, "Luis. Why are
you crying?" Luis slowly shook his head and said, "I'm just so happy. You
have made me the happiest man alive." Luis broke down again and embraced her.
Luis held Sheridan so tightly, he was afraid he might hurt her. He finally
pulled away and said, "I want to remember this night forever." Sheridan put
on a seductive smile and said, "I think I know just the thing." Luis knew
what she was talking about. "And what might that be," he asked flirtatiously.
Sheridan said, "Come to my cottage and I'll show you." Luis was getting more
excited than ever. He followed Sheridan out of the peer.
On the drive home, Sheridan stared at her engagement ring all the way
home. Luis couldn't help but notice. "Sheridan. Why do you keep looking at
that ring?" Sheridan sighed, "Oh. It's just the most beautiful ring I have
ever seen in my life." Luis laughed, "Are you kidding? I bet that you Cranes
have seen a lot more beautiful rings than that." Sheridan looked at Luis with
an angry look in her eyes. Luis had a feeling that he had offended her.
Sheridan put her hand on his leg and rubbed it slowly. "Luis, do me a favor?"
Luis put his hand on top of her's. "Anything for you, my darling." Sheridan
smiled, "Don't call me Crane!" Luis smiled, "Okay, sweetheart. But there will
be no need. Very soon, you will be Sheridan Lopez-Fitzgerald." Sheridan's
eyes fluttered. "It sounds so perfect." Luis stared into her eyes. "I just...
can't believe this is happening. I was so lucky to have you." Sheridan stared
into Luis's eyes and said, "I'm lucky to have you."
When Luis and Sheridan arrived at her cottage, they both got out. Luis
raced around the car to greet Sheridan. Sheridan said, "We will have to tell
your family about__," but she was cut off when Luis scooped her up into his
arms. Sheridan laughed and gently stroked the back of his hair. Luis felt his
heart quiver at feeling her touch. He opened the door and walked into the
house. He walked into her room and walked over to her bed. At first, Luis
just stood there, holding Sheridan in his arms, gazing into her beautiful
arms as she gently stroked his hair. Luis loved to hold her, just as much as
Sheridan loved to be held by him. He loved the feeling of holding her long,
slender, sexy, beautiful body in his arms. It was like holding the most
beautiful crystal in the world. He wanted her so badly right now, he didn't
think he could take it any longer. Sheridan looked into his wonderful eyes.
She softly caressed his cheek which was making Luis tremble all over.
Sheridan couldn't take it any longer. She looked deeper into his eyes than
ever before and whispered, "Make love to me. Make love to me now." Luis felt
his heart skip a beat. He had been waiting for her to say those words for the
longest time. He gently set her down on the bed and came down on top of her.
At first, they gazed into each other's eyes. In an instant, Luis and
Sheridan's lips met and they kissed softly. Their gently kiss quickly
developed into a hungry kiss. Luis pressed his body tightly against her and
Sheridan caressed Luis's face in her hands. Luis's hands were moving in all
directions. In her hair, down her sides, across her back, across her hips, on
her cheek, and on her face. They kissed for so long that they almost forgot
to catch their breathe. When they did, they only stopped for about a half a
second to pull each other into another kiss. Sheridan took her hands away
from his face and carefully began to unbutton his shirt. Luis lightly moaned
as she kissed his even more passionately. Once all the buttons her undone,
Sheridan put her hands on his sexy chest, rubbing up and down it slowly.
Sheridan brought his hands down and began to explore his torso. Luis was
getting more and more excited. Sheridan pulled back from Luis's kissed and
began to kiss his face, his neck, as he made his way down to his chest. Luis
closed his eyes and breathed deeply as Sheridan reigned kisses all over his
chest. Sheridan slowly made her way back up to her lips and kissed his lips.
Sheridan brought her hands back up to his shoulders and suddenly, ripped the
shirt away from his chest. She wrapped her arms tightly around his newly
exposed, sexy chest. Luis took his hands to her neck and began to slowly take
off her dress. Sheridan felt her heart quiver as he pulled down her strapped.
He only pulled the straps down to her elbows, then, he took his lips away
from her mouth and began to sexily kiss Sheridan's neck. Sheridan clung to
him as tightly as she could while he passionately kissed her slender neck.
Luis felt a chill go down his spine as he reigned kisses all over her neck.
Luis finally took the dress off of Sheridan and started to caress her bare
back and shoulders. Luis brought his hands down to her chest and began to
carefully undo her bra. Luis ripped it off of her in a second. Luis wrapped
is arms tightly around Sheridan's waist. Sheridan and Luis pulled back from
their kiss and caught their breathe as they stared into each other's eyes.
Luis said, "I can't believe how blessed I am to have you in my life. I want
you so much, I never want to let you go." Sheridan passionately kissed Luis
and they continued to undress each other. When they were completely
undressed, Luis and Sheridan wrapped their bodies around each other. There
hands and lips were everywhere. Sheridan laid her head back on the pillow and
caught her breathe. Luis didn't want to stop. He kissed his way down her neck
and kissed all over her chest. He made his way back up to her lips and kissed
them ravenously. Luis opened her mouth with his lips and Sheridan sighed as
he touched his tongue to hers. They felt like they were in heaven. That
nothing or no one could ever keep them apart. Nothing could ever ruin this
moment. This was their moment, their life, their time to remember forever.
Making love to each other all night long. They continued to make love for the
rest of the night. Soon, they fell asleep, lying in each other's arms. Warm,
safe, happy, exhausted, and in love...
Chapter 29
At Sheridan's cottage, Luis and Sheridan were asleep. Sheridan was
cuddled up to him with her hands resting on his chest. Luis's lips were
softly brushing against Sheridan's forehead and his arms were wrapped tightly
around her bare body. A ray of sunlight came through the window and it woke
up Sheridan. Sheridan was a little startled at first, but then, she
remembered last night when she made love to Luis. She looked down at Luis's
arms which were wrapped tightly around her. She slowly shifted her head
upwards to look at his face. She felt Luis's grip get a little tighter. She
looked at his face. She saw that he had a small smile on his face. He looked
so peaceful, so happy. She brought her hand up to his head and began to
gently trace his face. She stroked his hair back and softly kissed him on the
cheek. 'God, he's so wonderful,' she thought. Sheridan couldn't believe that
she almost let herself forget about Luis. Luis had been so good to her, he
had protected her, comforted her, and was always there for her. She loved him
so much. She tried to think about what it was about Luis that she loved so
much. His eyes, his smile, his face, his body, his sense of humor, his
personality, his wits, his kindness, and so forth. Sheridan couldn't come up
with which one she liked best, but she didn't worry about it, because all of
those wonderful things were going to be hers forever. She was so happy that
Luis finally proposed to her. When she saw him holding that ring in his hand,
bending down on one knee, it was the most wonderful moment of her life. She
looked down at her beautiful ring. 'From now on, Luis and I will never be
apart. We are going to be together forever, and nothing or no one can stop
that.' She looked at his beautiful face and kissed him softly on the
forehead. She basically had to pry herself out of Luis's grip to get out of
bed. She decided to go make some coffee. As soon as Sheridan left Luis's
arms, he woke up. He looked over at her and saw her put on her robe. A
feeling of disappointment came over him when he realized she was leaving the
bed. Luis slowly sat up and hugged her. Sheridan jumped for a moment and then
realized it was Luis. Luis hugged her tightly to him and said, "Hey,
gorgeous." He kissed her on the neck and said, "Where do you think you're
going?" "To make us some coffee," Sheridan laughed. Luis said, "Why don't you
just stay here in bed with me?" Luis gently brushed his lips against her neck
and breathed softly on it. Sheridan felt a chill go down her spine as she
felt Luis's warm breathe against her neck. "Hummm. I would love to, but I
have to get up." Sheridan tried to get up, but Luis pulled her down again.
"Oh, no you don't." Sheridan laughed, but she was getting a little annoyed.
"Come on, Luis. Let me go." Luis said, "And what do I get if I do?" Sheridan
hesitated for a moment and then smiled, "You'll get me tonight." Luis
instantly let go of Sheridan and smiled to himself. Sheridan finally got up
and said, "Now, get dressed and I'll make you some breakfast." Luis sighed in
disappointment as she left the room. He began to get dressed. After they made
love last night, he never wanted to stop being near her. Everytime she left,
it was like a big part of his life faded away. He loved Sheridan so much and
he wanted to spend every waking moment with her... and more! Luis knew now that Sheridan and Luis were going to spend the rest of their lives together.
They had plenty of time to share together. He wanted to savor the time he
spent with her.
As soon as he finished getting dressed, his beeper went off. He looked at
the beeper. It was from the Harmony PD. They wanted Luis to come to the
station house right away. Luis groaned as he thought about leaving Sheridan,
but it was his job. He ran out of the bedroom and saw Sheridan making
breakfast. He came up behind her and Sheridan turned around and saw him with
a sad look on his face. She asked, "What's wrong, Luis?" "The police station
just paged me. They want me to get over there as fast as possible for some
emergency. I have to go." A frown formed on Sheridan's face. "Now? Oh." Luis
embraced Sheridan. "I know. I know. I don't want to leave either, but___."
"But you have to do this. It's for your family. I understand." Sheridan
pulled back from Luis and looked into his eyes and she rubbed his chest.
"Just... don't take too long." Luis took Sheridan's hands and kissed them
gently. "I will. And thank you for being so understanding." Sheridan smiled,
"Well, we have our whole lives to spend together, now don't we." Luis smiled.
He kissed her softly and walked out the door. Sheridan watched the door close
and she sighed. She didn't want him to leave, but she knew that it was Luis's
job. He had to do this. He was doing this for his family. That was one of the
things that she loved about Luis. He was so caring for his family. Always
there for them when they needed him. She sure wished her family could have
been like that. Her family had always treated her badly and she never felt
like she had a real family. She suddenly remembered how Jullian tried to
separate Luis and her. How he tried to trick her and break her heart. Her own
brother. Sheridan had fire in her eyes as she remembered what a truly awful
person her brother is. 'I'm going to go over there and give Jullian a piece
of my mind.' She quickly got dressed, grabbed her coat, and ran out to her car.
When Sheridan got to the Crane Mansion, she stormed into the house. She
slammed the door behind her. No one was home but Jullian, so no one heard her
come in. She ran to Jullian's office and opened the door. Jullian was
standing at his desk when she stormed in. He looked up and saw her standing
there, with an evil look in her eyes. Jullian was angry himself. "Well, if it
isn't our little Sheridan." Sheridan shut the door behind her and walked up
to his desk. "I can't believe you, Jullian. I can't believe you would do this
to me. You tricked me into believing that Luis was using me this whole time.
You are a low life bastard." Jullian walked around his desk and went to pour
himself come brandy. He sighed, "Sister, dear. It doesn't matter whether of
not I tricked you. Father will never allow you to get involved with him."
Sheridan rolled her eyes. "Oh my gosh. You know what Jullian? Neither you,
nor father can tell me how to live my life. I'm a grown woman and I can take
care of myself. You know what, you don't even care about me. All you care
about is the stupid Crane Empire!" Jullian lied, "You know that's not true.
Father and I care about you and you know it." "Oh, cut the bull, Jullian.
Nothing can ever separate Luis and me now." Sheridan pointed her finger at
Jullian as she talked and Jullian saw her ring. A chill went down his spine.
"What is that?" "What is what?" "That ring you're wearing." Sheridan looked
down at her ring and looked back up at Jullian with an evil smile on her
face. "I guess you haven't found out yet." Jullian's eyes got wide and he
prayed that it wasn't what he thought it was. Sheridan continued, "Luis and
I... are engaged." Jullian squeezed his glass so hard, it exploded in his
hands. He was silent. He stared at Sheridan with anger in his eyes and his
face was turning red. Without a word, he slowly walked up to her. Sheridan
stood her ground. In an instant, Jullian slapped Sheridan so hard across the
face, that she fell to the floor. Jullian ran to his desk and opened a
drawer. Sheridan watched as she saw Jullian pull a gun out.
Chapter 30
Luis was driving home from the police department. He had just arrested a
muggler and he was very hapy because this would look great on his record for
becoming detective. Luis raced back to Sheridan's cottage to tell her the
news. He couldn't wait to get there and kiss her and hold her in his arms. It
seemed like that was all Luis thought about all day... Just holding her sexy,
beautiful body in his arms forever. She was so beautiful, not to mention that
she was great at making love. Luis had never felt this way about anyone
before. He was so happy that they were engaged. All he wanted to do right
now, was go home and make love to his beautiful fiancee. Little did he know
that she wasn't home. She was at the Crane Mansion, with Julian.
Sheridan shot up on her feet as she saw a gun in Jullian's hand. Sheridan
ran around the couch and ducked. Jullian ran towards the couch and said, "You
bitch!!! You've ruined the Crane Empire." Jullian walked around the other
side of the couch where Sheridan was. Sheridan quickly walked to the other
side of the couch to get away from Jullian. Jullian tried to chase her, but
she kept crawling away. They looked like little kids, playing tag. Jullian
had enough of this little game. He turned over the couch and Sheridan fell
back. Before Jullian could do anything, she ran up and grabbed the gun. She
tried to grab it out of his hand, but he was holding on to it too tightly.
They both fought as hard as they could for the gun. Sheridan and Jullian
pushed so hard, that the gun flew in the air and landed behind the desk.
Jullian was about to jump and get it, but Sheridan tackled him to the floor.
Jullian reached back and punched Sheridan over. Jullian and Sheridan fought
with each other without giving up. They both looked like they were little
kids, only trying to kill each other. Jullian looked like he was succeeding.
He had hit Sheridan many times in the face. She had some bruises on her head
and there was a mark of blood on the side of her mouth. As they fought with
each other, they turned over chairs and papers. The room looked like a
complete mess. There quarrell went on and on for what seemed like an eternity.
Back at Sheridan's cottage, Luis knocked on Sheridan's door. He had a
single red rose inhis hand. He got it for her because it reminded him of her.
So beautiful, soft, and perfect. It was also Sheridan's favorite flower. He
knocked on it and called, "Sheridan. Are you there?" There was no answer.
"Sheridan? Come on. Open the door." Luis turned the knob and it was open. He
walked in. Everything was the way it was last time. He walked into her
bedroom. "Sheridan?" She wasn't there. He went into the bathroom, the
kitchen, everywhere. She wasn't there. Luis looked around. "Where can she
be?" Then, he saw a note on the kitchen counter. It read...
Dear My Darling Luis,
I decided that I would go to the Crane Mansion to have a heart-to-heart talk with Jullian. Won't he be surprised to know that we are engaged. Well, anyway, I will be back shortly. I hope you had a good time at
work. I'll see you later, and I love you.
Your truly, Sheridan
Luis stared at the note in shock. He set the note down and thought, 'Oh
no. Sheridan's with Jullian. She could get hurt. I have to protect her.' Luis
grabbed his coat and ran out the door. He jumped into his car and drove to
the Crane Mansion as fast as possible.
At the Crane Mansion, Sheridan and Jullian were still fighting. Jullian
kicked Sheridan into the book shelf. Sheridan was starting to become very
frightened and she ran out of the library. Jullian grabbed his gun from
behind his desk and followed her. She went out into the living room and ran
behind a door. When Jullian came in, she suddenly jumped on him from behind.
Jullian fired blank shots in the air to scare her. Sheridan was riding on his
back like a horse. It looked funyy, but through out the whole thing, Sheridan
was scared to death. If she didn't get out of there, she could be killed. A
million memories ran through her mind. The time when she danced the tango at
Pilar's birthday party, the time when Luis saved her in New Mexico, when they
danced with each other on New Year's Eve, going on their first date, skating
on Valentine's Day, kissing on the wharf, Luis saving her life in Paris, Luis
telling her that he loved her, Luis and Sheridan having fun together on the
island, making love to each other, getting engaged. Those were some of the
most wonderful memories that Sheridan had. If she died now, she would never
be able to make new memories with Luis. They were going to get married, and
she had to survive, for Luis. She knew that if she died, Luis would go crazy.
She couldn't put Luis through that pain. She had to live. She would fight for
her life, whatever it took. Jullian suddenly swung Sheridan off of his back
and onto the floor. He pointed his gun at her and a tear went down Sheridan's
face. She curled up in a ball on the floor and covered her head with her
arms. She prepared to die.
Suddenly, the door opened. It walked Luis. He looked around and he saw
that Jullian was hovering over Sheridan, with a gun pointed at her. He knew
that she was in trouble (yet again) and knew that he had to do something. He
lunged himself forward and tackled Jullian to the floor. Jullian instantly
knew who it was and he began to fight back. Jullian and Luis fought like
lions in a raging fight. Sheridan had no idea what was going on. Her head was
still covered by her arms. When she noticed that Jullian wasn't killing her,
she looked up and noticed that he was no there. She heard some screaming
behind her and jumped to stand up as she turned around. She saw Luis's face
and cried happily, "Luis!" Jullian looked at Sheridan and took out his gun.
He took a shot at Sheridan and it hit her in the arm. Sheridan screamed in
pain and Luis became even more angry. He tried to kick and punch Jullian. He
would do anything in his power to protect Sheridan. Anything. He had waited
for so long to teach Jullian a lesson, and now, it was finally happening.
Jullian's gun fell out of his hand and fell towards Sheridan's feet. Jullian
turned Luis around and nailed him against the wall. He took out his knife and
put it to his chest. Luis almost stopped moving. 'Oh no.' He thought, 'This
is it. I'm finished. Oh Sheridan, this is all my fault.' Sheridan saw what
was happening and she picked up the gun at her feet and pointed it to
Jullian. "Let him go, Jullian. Or I'll shoot." Jullian turned his head around
and saw Sheridan pointing the gun at him. He hesitated. Sheridan yelled, "Let
him go, Jullian. NOW!!!" Jullian smiled evily, "You wouldn't shoot me. Your
own brother. You wouldn't do something like that." "If you hurt Luis, god
help me, I'll kill you!" Tears started to stream down Sheridan's face. Luis
looked at her and saw the pain in her eyes. He just wanted to hold her
tightly to his chest and comfort her. Jullian stoof up and started to walk
towards Sheridan's slowly. "You wouldn't do that to me, Sheridan. You
wouldn't murder someone. That isn't like you." Suddenly, Jullian started to
attack Sheridan. In an instant, Sheridan pulled the trigger!!!
Sheridan mouthed dropped open as Jullian fell to the ground (Imagine him
falling in slow motion.). Jullian hit the ground with a loud thud. Tears ran
down Sheridan's face as she looked at her lifeless brother, laying in a pool
of blood. Luis sat up and ran into her arms. He began to cry as well.
"Sheridan. My Sheridan. I'm so sorry!" Sheridan didn't say anything. She just
stared down at her dead brother in shock. A few tears trickled down her face.
Luis felt her shaking against his body. He wrapped his arms tightly around
her and held her close to him. He sat down on the couch with Sheridan wrapped
in his arms. Sheridan was too shocked to speak...
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