CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE: A BREWING STORMSam was exhausted!! He'd been run ragged the last few days. He was going to take the next couple off--spend them at home. Sleep!! He was going to sleep. He was kicked back on the couch listening to Julia and Jessica in the kitchen making dinner.
"Jess, how's school going?? Are you liking it?" "It's great! I'm having so much fun. I'm just on the basics, but I'm learning so much." "That's fantastic Jess. So-got big plans for your future huh? That's good--set your goals and then go for them!"
"That's what Reese says. 'Reach for the brass ring'." Julia nodded. "You're really into Reese Durkee aren't you?" "Oh Julia, he's the best thing that's happened to me! He doesn't hold what I'd become against me. He just--loves me you know?" "Yes honey I do. But you almost talk like no one else does. I know its not the same, but don't forget, that man in there loves you good and bad. Sam would lay down his life for you and that's no lie. Don't take that for granted Jess--not everyone experiences that." Julia said quietly.
"Well, I know. But Julia--he feels the same way about you--and don't YOU forget it." Jessica said emphatically.
Sam entered the kitchen smiling at two of the people he loved most in this world. "My ears were burning, is someone talking about me??" "No Dad--just a little girl talk" Jessica winked at Julia. "We were just about to come get you--dinner's ready."
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Tabitha still refused to believe it. She couldn't possibly NOT be evil. Piper was almost at the end of her rope. "What do I have to do to convince you Tabs?? You know good always triumphs. Look at Endora, she's practically an angel--do you think she's wrong?"
"Oh pish!! I sold my soul a long time ago--there's nothing I can do now. What with the boys in the basement and all!" "Haven't you noticed their silence?? They have no real power over you--not if you don't let them! Tell them to get out! Tell them you've changed your mind. If they want a fight we'll give it to them. I'm ready--I have everything we need. But Tabs--I'm almost positive they will just go. Without you there's nothing left for them in Harmony! They will move on, trust me!"
"You'll go to the basement with me?" Tabitha asked. "YES! I will! I will be right there beside you."
Piper couldn't believe it, the were on their way. When they opened the basement door, there was no smoke. The 'furnace' held no fire--just glowing embers. "I told you Tabitha, their power here is weakening."
"I still think they will take my powers." Tabitha protested. "Tabs--they aren't theirs to take. Now, tell them!"
Tabitha raised her arms and spoke:
"Boys of hate and evil here,
Been deceitful through the years.
Be on your way-leave me alone,
Give me back a peaceful home!!"Lightning flew from her fingertips, a bright glowing pink. The boys grew stronger and began to fight, red beams shot back. She held her aim and stood her ground.
Piper spoke, raising her arms:
"Good and evil it's a fight--
We'll drive you off with all our might.
You have no power, I'll be clear
We no longer want you here."Brilliant white hot lightning joined Tabitha's pink--their powers together growing bigger, stronger as they joined as one.
In unison they said:
"Harmony hold no place for you
This you can't deny is true.
Pack your bags, out this night,
Darkness never beats the light!"Howls of pain came from the 'furnace'. Try as they might they couldn't compete. The flames and smoke began to twirl. Tabitha's house was shaking off the foundation. Breaking glass and falling books could be heard above them. Finally-the swirling flames exited through a window in the basement. The house was still.
Tabitha and Piper fell to the floor, totally drained--"I think this calls for a Martimmy!!" Tabitha finally said.
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Sam was sure it was an earthquake, he'd looked out to see Tabitha's house rocking back and forth. "Funny" he thought "it looks much more serious over there." When the shaking finally stopped, only a few pictures hung crooked on the walls. "I'm going over there, make sure Tabitha is ok" he called as he went out the door.
He ran to Tabitha's door and knocked. He called out "Tabitha are you in there? Is everything ok?" "Oh phooey!! It's Sam." Tabitha said. As she made her way to the door Piper waved her hand to straighten some of the mess and hide her potions. "Sam--was that an earthquake?? We were holding on for dear life! OH--this is my cousin, Piper Lennox."
"Is there any damage here? Your house was shaking rather violently." "Oh no--just a few things thrown out of place. You know these old houses--they don't build them quite like this anymore." Tabitha assured Sam they were fine. She thanked him for his concern and sent him back home.
"Piper dear--I do believe you were right. I feel much 'lighter' already--no pun intended. Now--how about that Martimmy?"
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX: A LITTLE DOWN TIMEDaniel was waiting for Che' outside the Lobster Shack. She walked up right on time. She was wearing a white off the shoulder blouse and a flowing royal blue skirt. She looked fabulous! "Hi Daniel" she said, "ready to go in?" "Let's go" he replied as he opened the door for her. He offered his arm and she slid her fingers around his bicep and let them slide down to his forearm. D@mn, she thought, this guy works out!
As they ate dinner they learned a few details about each other. "So Daniel, what brought you to Harmony?" Che' asked. "To tell the truth, I came to find my birth parents. Landing the ADA job was a bonus. I really love what I do. What about you? What is it you do Che'?"
"Well--I was a maid at the Crane Estate until just recently. I always dreamed of being a fashion designer but had never had the opportunity to do it. I sorta became friends with Fancy Crane--she looked at some of my sketches and liked them." Che' paused.
"That's quite a story." "Oh, that wasn't the end of it. After Fancy and Theresa Crane each had gotten engaged, Fancy asked me to design their dresses. I of course agreed. Theresa loved my designs--she got me a job as a designer at Crane Couture. And I also designed the dresses for Amy Miller and Julia Carter. All four brides will be in Che' Davis originals!!"
The time flew by as they sat and talked when finally Daniel had to leave. "I'm sorry--can we do this again sometime?? Che' was ahead of him, she'd already written down her number. As she handed it to him she said "Maybe at the Blue Note Friday night?" He went behind her to pull out her chair but first leaned down and kissed her ear. "It's a date." he said.
He walked her to her car and said goodnight, then waited for her to be on her way. Che' couldn't stop smiling. He was d@mn good looking, and he was chivalrous too!!
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The four brides decided to have weekly "meetings" at the day spa. After facials, they would relax in a warm mud bath, then receive manicures and pedicures. They were all laid back in their mud tubs, cucumber slices covering their eyes.
"Who would have ever thought that mud could feel so good?" asked Julia. "It's still kinda gross though" replied Teresa. "Yeah--but wait till you feel your skin--it will be so soft. Just like a baby's butt." exclaimed Fancy.
"Speaking of baby butts" Amy began, "You all might want to know--there is another one on the way--Jared and I are expecting." "How dare you??? Telling us while we are covered in muck??" Theresa teased. "Oh My God!! My sister is pregnant!! Can it get any better?" Fancy was over-joyed. "Congratulations Sweetie--I know you wanted to start a family." Julia added.
"Ok Julia--it's your turn. Are we gonna be four for four??" Theresa wondered. Julia just smiled, shook her head and sank lower into her mud. They all started laughing--the attendants just shook their heads. One said to the other, "Don't mind them, they're just the four nut-jobs who decided to have one huge wedding!"
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Whitney was leaving. She was taking a much needed vacation. She had met her half-brother, Simone was with their parents, Theresa's life was finally under control-sort of, and Chad had left for Arizona to look for Vincent.
Whitney still shuddered at the thought of what had happened between them. She just needed a break. Theresa had offered the jet and Whitney had jumped at the chance. She just needed to decide where to go. As long as the hotel had a pool she'd be happy. All she wanted to do was chill out and soak in some rays.
She made her decision and informed Theresa. She packed her bags and headed to the waiting jet. As she climbed aboard--she never would have guessed what this trip held in store for her.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN: ARUBAN SURPRISEThe jet touched down in Aruba, Whitney gathered her things and headed to the waiting car--the car took her to the hotel, which Theresa had arranged. When she got there, she spent a little time in her room then decided to hit the pool. She changed into a silver bikini and headed out the door.
AS she walked up to the pool she spotted him. How on earth did she end up where he was?? She decided to go over and find out.
He was laying face down in a lounge chair, half-asleep so he didn't see her approach. Whitney kicked at his chair and he jolted into an upright position. "Hey--what the h3ll--watch it!!" "Well Fox Crane--as I live and breathe. What brings you to Aruba??" "Whitney. God--it's good to see your face! What are you doing here?"
She sat down and told him of the events that had led to her vacation in Aruba. "Whitney my love, I know just what you mean." Fox replied and then shared his story. "So, where is she? Do I get to meet her?" Whitney asked. "She went back to Harmony. Said I was a total drag. I couldn't stop talking about my misery. I was dumped by someone I wasn't even dating."
"OH--poor Fox. Maybe we should just cry on each other's shoulders." Whitney teased. "You may be on to something there." he said as he settled back in his chair. They lay there for hours in silence--enjoying the sun and the fact that the other was there.
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Theresa was trying to reach Fox. She'd left a gazillion messages on his cell phone and still he hadn't called her back. She needed him back in Harmony. She knew she would need someone to run Crane Industries while she was away. Fox was the only option--she didn't trust anyone save Ethan--and he would be with her. It was quite by mistake that she finally located him. Whitney had called and Theresa found out Fox was with her. "Put him on the phone---
NOW!!"
"Hey Theresa" "What the H3LL Fox!! You don't take my calls anymore? I've tried to reach you a million times---" "I'm sorry Theresa. I just wanted to be alone for a while. I did get your messages though."
"So you know what I want? You know I need you? You have to come back to Harmony!! I'm so busy with the wedding planning--and I'll be gone for two weeks, you've just got to help me!!" Theresa pleaded. "Alright, alright Theresa. I'll be back by Friday." he handed the phone back to Whitney and listened to her side of a conversation apparently about the upcoming nuptials.
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Julia was taking it easy-in truth, she hadn't been feeling all that well. She was playing it off as a migraine and she HAD cracked some ribs during some over-zealous bedroom activities. She'd arranged to take a sabbatical--free her time for wedding plans, healing and of course the honeymoon.
"What time is your fitting again?" Sam asked. "4:30" "Are you sure you feel up to going??" "Yes--yes I do. If I don't go now, I won't be able to bring myself to do it later." Julia replied. "I'll drive you then. Afterward, we can grab a burger or something. Wanna take a walk on the beach?" "That sounds lovely. Now--let's go. I don't want to be late."
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Che' was heading to Ally's to make a few small changes in a couple of her designs. Theresa and Amy had wanted to add a couple of things. She ducked into the Book Café to grab some coffee. She wanted--no she needed some caffeine. She bumped into someone and said "OH D@MN!!--excuse me--I'm sorry." She bent to pick up the sketches that had fallen to the floor.
"That's quite alright dear, here, let me help you."
"Thank you. I'm Che' Davis, can I apologize by getting you some coffee or something?" "Piper Lennox--nice to meet you. And that would be nice." "Lennox? Are you any relation to Tabitha Lennox--the town witc---" "Witch? Yes, she's my cousin." Piper stated. "Wow, is she really a witch?" Che' asked quietly. "Are you one too?" Piper nodded. "A 'good' one though. Is someone is dabbling in the arts?" Piper asked.
"Sort of--mostly tarot cards though. But I did make a successful potion." Che' replied. "Well dear Che', you should come see me sometime. I'm staying with Tabitha." she said, then whispered "Maybe we could show you a thing or two." "That would be sweet!!" Che' handed her a card. "Please, call me--whenever is good for you. I have to go--I'm really late." Che' grabbed her coffee and ran to Ally's
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT: FITTINGLY ENOUGHSam pulled up in front of Ally's at exactly 4:28, "Two minutes to spare!!" he said. Pleased with himself for not getting hung up in the traffic jam that had formed behind them. "How long will you be? Want me to wait?" "No sugar--you go on and meet the guys for your two on two game. I'm sure I can snag a ride with somebody." Julia said as she slid out of the Explorer. "I'll see you at home." "Call me if you need me!" Sam waved as he pulled away.
As Julia headed inside she pulled out her cell phone and dialed. "Yes?" "I need you." she said. Sam laughed in her ear, "I need you too! I love you--bye baby." "I love you too!" she hung up and realized that she was in fact the last to arrive.
Three brides stood in what was the beginning of their dresses. Ally was making the basic "shell" and fitting them. That way, as she built onto the shell, the brides would not have to come in for fittings as often. They would only need one or two final fittings to complete them. Ally hurried Julia into a changing room and got her into what would become her wedding dress.
As she stepped back into the main room, they were discussing having a night out. "We're thinking of having dinner at the Blue Note tomorrow night--are you free?" asked Fancy. "Sure, sounds like fun." Julia replied. "Ethan said they guys are having a planning meeting--something about honeymoon arrangements making them pull their hair out." Theresa commented and everyone laughed.
"I'm sure whatever Jared plans I will love." Amy said. "Yeah--I just want to be with Luis, I don't care where." "I know what you mean" Theresa agreed. "Well--I don't know about you ladies" Julia said. "But--I don't think things are as they seem. I have a feeling those men have something up their collective sleeve."
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The men decided to fore go the basketball game and discuss the honeymoon instead. They met at Kelley's Bar & Grille. "Ok--does anyone have any more ideas?" Jared asked. "Well--I was considering Dublin." Luis said. "What about Switzerland?" Sam asked.
"There are just too many options. We have to put our heads together and come up with something they all would love. Somewhere they can go---shopping??" Ethan said. "Or--lay on a beach?" added Sam. "Wait--what about--nah-never mind. Not exactly someplace I want to go with three other couples."
"I'm vetoing Switzerland--I don't want to ski. We could go to Snow Mountain for that--and it wouldn't cost so much!" Jared said. "I think I've got it" Sam jumped up. "It's romantic--it's near a beach--and close to somewhere they can shop!! Ethan, hand me your laptop and I'll show you."
They did some checking and finally decided they had the perfect plan. Ethan would make all the arrangements. They then went their separate ways feeling just a little bad that their planning was done. The brides still had miles to go!
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Fox was p!ssed. Seeing Whitney had done wonders for him and now he had to leave. If only she'd come sooner. Oh--who was he trying to kid? It's not like she came to see him, she just got divorced for pete's sake. She too had run away from Harmony nursing a broken heart. "Screw It!!" he said, "I'm gonna see if she wants to have dinner before I go. What could it hurt--she has to eat too!" He picked up the phone to dial her room when there was a knock at the door.
When he opened it, Whitney stood leaning against the door jamb. "Just wondered if maybe you'd like to go to dinner with me? I know you are getting ready to leave, but I just don't feel like eating alone." "Whitney--you read my mind. I was just about to call you and ask you to join me. Misery loves company I guess."
"No Fox--good company is hard to find." she said as they stepped into the elevator. He wasn't sure he wouldn't make a move. She smelled soo good. He would control himself--he didn't want to regret using her. He was sure, at this moment, that is all it would be. He was just as sure that he didn't want to burn that bridge. Not by a long shot.
CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE: A MOVING PROPOSALMeagan couldn't wait until Friday to see Noah. She had to see him now! She'd take him some Key Lime Pie. She'd found out he was working tonight--she would head to the Blue Note and sit at the bar--that way, she could at least look at him while he worked. "Oh great! That sounded like I'm a stalker!" She changed quickly and caught a cab. Her excuse sitting in her lap.
When she took a seat at the bar, Noah turned, flashed a smile and headed to her. "What's up Megs? Can I get you something?" "I'll just have a coke, I really can't stay long. I just wanted to bring you this." she said as she placed the container on the bar.
"What's this Sweets? Sweets?---Ok, that was lame I know.--Key Lime Pie! How did you know it's one of my favorites?" he asked. "Well, I am designing a wedding cake for your Dad and future Step Mom, we talk. She tells me things." Meagan winked. "Uh-oh!! That could get me in trouble." "Yeah--so watch it! Are you working Saturday night? I have tickets to Daughtry--wanna come?"
"Sure Megs--can't wait." "Ok then. I'd better go. Gotta get back to work!!" She leaned over the bar and kissed him lightly. "Call me later?" "You bet. We'll work out Saturday." Noah said. "I'll see you tomorrow night. Don't work too hard!"
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Jared and Amy were at the Mansion talking to Theresa. She wanted to build them a house on the estate, until then, she wanted them to move to the Mansion.
"I don't know Theresa. Wouldn't it be awkward? After everything that happened, do you really think it's a good idea?" Jared protested. "Jared--don't be ridiculous. I thought we'd all moved past that." Theresa said. "Look, if it's Ethan, I thought you two buried the hatchet. He really understands and now, well, now you are with Amy. The woman you REALLY love. Please, let me do this for you."
"I'd really like to be back home, so to speak. It's so quiet here, so pretty, so--spacious. There is plenty of room. Please say yes Jared. For me?" Amy said. "We just want you to be at home. To have a home, you have a baby coming, let us ease your minds about where you will live. You can't live at the Bayside Arms forever." Theresa pressured.
"Ok, ok. We'll do it. I will arrange to have our things moved here--until the house is built. Just tell me which room." Jared finally caved. "Goodie!!" said Theresa "Take your pick, here is a list of the available rooms." She handed him the list. "Great!" Jared thought, "Ethan and I are going to be under the same roof as
THREE of the brides. Lucky Luis--the only groom that can actually get away from the madness."
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Tabitha was a little stir crazy. Not interfering in the love lives of Harmony was new to her. She just didn't know how to fill her days. She had meddled and wreaked havoc for centuries. What was she to do now??
"Tabs, stop it! You don't have to twiddle your thumbs you know. There is still plenty of interfering you can do." Piper said. "What dear--reading my mind??" Tabitha said. "Just WHAT is there for me to do??"
"Interfere in a good way Tabs. Help it along!! Make it last forever. You still need to lift that curse you put on the Cranes. Release them Tabs, Fancy, Amy and Fox do deserve to be happy." Piper suggested.
"Yes well- that was ages ago. How am I to remember? Besides, they
DESERVED it!!" Tabitha insisted.
Piper sighed. "Tabitha, yes. Yes the Cranes THEN deserved it. But not anymore. THESE Cranes have done nothing to you. THEY didn't burn you at the stake. Do what's right Tabs. Make me proud.
"Oh alright! I'll do it." Tabitha reluctantly agreed. "YES!" Piper replied. "I'll have to hunt down the exact spell though--wouldn't want to screw it up!! I know it's around here somewhere.
Tabitha went off to look for her spell book. Piper did a happy dance, she was actually turning her cousin into something good. She'd tried so many times before to no avail. Maybe this time--Tabby would actually embrace the Light!!!
CHAPTER SIXTY: CAN WHAT'S OLD BE NEW AGAIN??Whitney and Fox sat in the hotel restaurant. Neither one felt much like talking so they ate in silence. After they'd finished and the table was cleared, Fox ordered a bottle of champagne.
"Fox, that really isn't necessary, you don't have to pull out the big guns for me." Whitney said. "What? Are you kidding? You deserve the best--h3ll, WE deserve the best." "Why Fox? I'm horrible company tonight. I'm too busy wallowing in my self-pity."
"Whit--you got scammed. No one saw that coming. Don't be down on yourself for something that in no way was your fault. You didn't do anything wrong." "Well, that's easy for you to say. Maybe I could have done things differently. If I had, maybe Chad wouldn't have turned to Vincent."
"Whitney, you don't believe that. If you think you are so bad, maybe we should talk about what I did. No way you could feel bad after rehashing that."
Fox stood, "Dance with me? Or do I turn your stomach too?" "Fox, I'd love to dance." Whitney said as they headed for the dance floor. "You just got caught up in craziness. Its sad what we will do to NOT be alone isn't it. I think on some level I knew Chad was cheating." "With a man?? How could you possibly have guessed that?" "No, not with a man but I did have my doubts. That
lie detector test, well...you know. I really don't want to talk about this anymore. Answer me this...Do you hate me for what happened?" "Whit--I could never hate you. Do you hate me for what I did? It's far worse than what you feel guilty for."
"Fox-I, no. I don't hate you. In fact, I may just still have feelings for you. Good feelings." Whitney said as she stepped a little closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder.
Fox held her tighter, wondering if they might have a chance this time. "Slow down" he told himself, "Neither one of us needs to rush into something new--or is it old??"
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Sam's days off had flown by. He was waiting for Julia to get home from Ally's. He had big plans for tonight. It was still a little chilly for an outdoor picnic but he had prepared one anyway. He would take extra blankets just in case. Finally he heard a car pull up.
"Hey Babe" he said as he greeted her with a kiss. "How are you feeling?" "I'm ok. Just really tired." Julia replied. "Do you still feel up to the beach? We can stay home if you'd rather." "Well, no--let's do it. Maybe the fresh air will do me good."
"Go on out to the car, I'll be there in a second." Sam said and went to gather the picnic basket and blankets. He stowed them in the back of the Explorer and they headed to the beach.
"Julia, I'm worried about you. You've been awfully tired lately. Are you sure there's nothing wrong?" "I don't think so. I just haven't been sleeping well I guess. Too much on my mind." "Maybe you should see a doctor--have a physical just to be sure." "Yeah--maybe."
When they got to the beach Sam jumped out, gathered the stuff from the back and went to help Julia out. He held her hand and led her down the beach. There he spread out a blanket and they sat down.
"I hope you're hungry. Fried chicken, pasta salad....chocolate cake." "MMMM, sounds good, I am a little hungry." Julia just nibbled at her food. Sam wondered why-if she was hungry-she wasn't eating. He'd let it go for now but he was going to get to the bottom of it.
After they'd eaten Sam wrapped a couple of blankets around them and they lay back to look at the stars. "Make a wish" Julia said. Sam closed his eyes. When he opened them Julia asked "So, what did you wish for?" "If I tell you--it won't come true." "Well Sam, if you do tell me, maybe I can make it happen."
Sam whispered in her ear, Julia giggled. "Why Chief Bennett, isn't that against the law?" Sam smiled and they slid further under the blankets. By making love on the beach, Sam Bennett broke one of the laws he worked so hard to uphold.