~ LOVE IS BLIND ~

***** CHAPTER 105 *****

Kristina had another sleepless night. After leaving Urs’ apartment, she had gone back to see Abigail, politely made her excuses and went straight home. She promised Abigail she would call her in the morning and explain everything, but at that moment in time, she needed to be alone. Although obviously worried about her sister and guessing things hadn’t gone the way she had hoped, Abigail assured her that she understood. So Kristina had gone home, and went straight to bed but it took her several hours to get to sleep. And even then, she only managed to get three or four hours sleep before waking up again. Kristina had tried reading a book, hoping it would do its usual trick of making her feel sleepy but it wasn’t working. So in the end, Kristina had gone downstairs and put the television on low, not wanting to wake Natty. While sitting there watching the television, but not really taking in what was happening, Kristina felt the sudden need to get her feelings down on paper and write another song. Lately, she had been writing songs a lot. She knew it had to do with her feelings for Urs. She had so many things that she needed to say to him and now he wasn’t interested. She had to get it out of her system, make things clearer in her head and then perhaps she could think about things sensibly and calmly and come up with a way of making Urs believe her.

Kristina was sitting there for several hours when she heard a noise out the front and glanced in the direction of the window. The curtains were still drawn, but she could tell the sun was coming up and it was probably the milkman that she could hear. Kristina forced herself to get up from her comfortable position on the sofa, to collect the milk and went out in to the hall. Kristina opened the front door and walked out on to the front step and was greeted with silence. As much as she loved the ‘hustle and bustle’ of London life, she also loved the quiet mornings. This time of day was the only time when you could hear the birds singing and not a single car horn invading the peace and quiet. Kristina inhaled the fresh morning air, and could feel the cold air fill her lungs. It was starting to get cooler in the mornings, and it would be Christmas in a few months time. Kristina loved Christmas but she wasn’t sure how she would be spending it this year. Again, her thoughts started to drift to Urs.

“Shut that door will you!” said a voice, startling Kristina. “It’s freaking freezing!”

Kristina turned around to see Natty coming downstairs.

“You’re up early.” Kristina said, as she bent down to collect the milk, before coming inside and closing the door.

“I know.” Natty replied, sighing as she followed Kristina in to the kitchen. “They were having problems with some of the recording equipment yesterday, so we’ve got to have an early start today to try and catch up.”

“Guess you’ll be needing this then?” Kristina said, taking a jar of coffee out of the cupboard and holding it up.

“Lots of it! I have a feeling I‘m going to need it today.” Natty said, as she picked up two clean mugs from the drainer and placed them on the counter, before switching the kettle on. “So, are you going to tell me where you got to the other night?” she asked, now following Kristina in to the lounge, where they both collapsed on the sofa.

Kristina stared blankly at the television.

“Did I say something wrong?” Natty asked, curling her legs up under her. “You look a little… I don’t know… down. Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Kristina replied, glancing at Natty and gave her what was meant to be a reassuring smile. “Just tired, I haven’t had much sleep the last couple of days.”

Natty nodded, almost as if she believed her, but she knew Kristina too well and the smile had done anything but reassure her. She may very well be tired, but it was obvious that her relationship with Urs was still troubling her.

“You know you can tell me anything, Kristina.” Natty said, picking up the remote and putting the television on mute. “So did you want to talk about it?”

“I don’t want to keep burdening you with all my problems.” Kristina replied, blushing.

“But isn’t that what friends are for?” Natty asked. “To be able to talk to each other when you can’t talk to anyone else? To be able to ask each other for help?”

“Yes, but all I’ve done since you’ve been here is talk about Urs.” Kristina said, sighing. “I can’t keep dumping all my worries on you.”

“Well, at least I know that it’s about, Urs.” Natty replied, trying to get Kristina to open up. “But I already figured half as much, so why don’t you tell me what’s happened?”

Kristina continued to stare at the television, watching the silent figures on the screen.

“I went to see Urs.” Kristina said, finally, still staring at the television. “I went to see him at the hospital but he told me to leave. Then yesterday, when I was visiting Abigail, I went to see him again, at his apartment.” Kristina then fell silent, remembering the way Urs had treated her, his words, insisting he didn’t love her anymore.

“Kristina?” Natty said, quietly.

“I told him.” Kristina replied, faintly.

“Told who, what?” Natty asked.

“I told Urs that I’m in love with him.” Kristina sighed, leaning her head back against the sofa and closing her eyes.

“Well, all I can say is, it’s about time.” Natty said, looking at Kristina. “But what about Aimee? I didn’t think you were going to tell him?”

“I still haven’t.” Kristina said, glancing at Natty. “I just told him that I loved him, I couldn’t bring myself to tell him that I knew about her.”

“I can understand that.” Natty agreed. “But why do I get the distinct impression that things didn’t go according to plan?”

“Everything is such a mess, Natty.” Kristina said, slowly shaking her head. “He’s always been asking me to tell him I love him and now I do….” Kristina lowered her head and closed her eyes.

“He didn't take it very well?” Natty continued.

“No, he didn‘t.” Kristina said, flatly. “He’s now saying that he doesn’t love me anymore. He made it pretty clear how he felt. He was so angry and I‘ve never seen him act that way before.”

“It sounds to me like he’s hurt and confused, Kristina.” Natty remarked.

“How did you come to that conclusion?” Kristina asked, puzzled.

“Don‘t you see? Why else would he behave that way?” Natty answered. “If he really didn’t love you anymore, he wouldn’t act like that. You said he’s got the wrong impression of you after what happened on Monday, so for you to finally admit that you love him, well, it’s going to take some time for him to realise that you mean what you say.”

“Time I don’t have, Natty.” Kristina replied. “I leave London in a few days.”

“You’ve got all the time in the world.” Natty said. “No one is making you go to New York. Tyler knows how you feel about Urs. Surely he can understand that you want to give it one last try with Urs. And if Urs means that much to you, you’ll stay and do all you can to convince him that you‘re serious.”

“But Tyler thinks I’m wasting my time.” Kristina replied. “He keeps reminding me that Urs only had feelings for me because of Aimee.”

“It doesn’t matter what Tyler thinks. It’s what you think and what Urs thinks.” Natty commented. “I’m guessing that you’ve come to terms with the Aimee situation.”

“I don’t care anymore.” Kristina nodded. “I’ve already wasted too much time. Urs having that accident just made me realise that it‘s not important. As long as he treats me right, and I love him, that‘s all that matters to me now.”

“So what next?” Natty asked. “You’ve already told him that you love him. That’s pretty serious, some one declaring their love for another. I really don’t know how you’re going to convince him, when you’re still going to New York. Why on earth would he take you seriously?”

“I know. Abigail said the same thing.” Kristina agreed. “And… I know it’s not fair on Tyler, but I just want to keep my options open. Having feelings for Tyler is so unexpected, and I don’t want to lose that.”

“It sounds to me, as if you’ve already given up on Urs.” Natty sighed.

“I guess deep down, I know I’ve ruined any chance I had of ever being with Urs. That‘s why I‘m still going to New York.” Kristina said, regretfully. “I’m still going to do everything I can to get through to him but I think I’ll just be going through the motions. Urs has already decided that it‘s never going to happen.”

“You can’t think that way, you have to think positive.” Natty said, as she picked up some sheets of paper that were lying on the sofa. “But what’s this?”

Kristina looked to see what Natty had in her hands.

“Nothing much.” Kristina replied, leaning her head back on the sofa again. “Just a song I’ve been working on.”

“You’ve been doing that a lot just lately, haven‘t you?” Natty remarked. “Writing songs. I’ve seen papers scattered all over the place.”

“Are you trying to tell me I’m a messy housemate?” Kristina joked.

“No, of course not.” Natty giggled. “I just meant that… you must have a lot going on in that head of yours to be writing so many songs.”

“It helps me sometimes, if I can get things down on paper.” Kristina replied. “And like I said earlier, I don’t like to keep hassling you. You’ve got better things to do, than help me sort out my love life.”

“I don’t mind at all.” Natty said, giving Kristina a friendly pat on the arm. “I wish you would remember that when you‘re troubled about something.”

“I’m grateful, honestly.” Kristina said, forcing a smile. “But it still doesn’t make me feel any less guilty for bothering you.”

“Do you mind if I take this in to the studio with me?” Natty asked, holding up the papers. “If I get some free time, I wouldn‘t mind hearing it.”

“You’re going to sing it?” Kristina asked, shocked.

“Well, yeah!” Natty said, rolling her eyes. “Isn‘t that what you‘re supposed to do with a song?”

“I know.” Kristina said, frowning. “But that song… it’s personal… it‘s from the heart.”

“So why did you write it, if you don’t intend on anyone hearing it?” Natty asked.

“I’ve written hundreds of songs that I don’t plan on sharing with anyone.” Kristina replied. “To me, writing a song is like writing a page in a diary. It’s private.”

“But it seems like such a waste.” Natty answered. “Please, let me take it to the studio. Let me write a harmony for it.”

“Well, if you think you can do something with it, then I suppose so.” Kristina said, still a little uncertain. “But promise me, you won’t let it out of your sight.”

“I promise, it won‘t leave my hands.” Natty said, grinning. “Now, are you going to finish making that tea and coffee? I’m starting to get caffeine withdrawal.”

“What did your last slave die of?” Kristina joked, getting up from the sofa.

“Hey, cheeky!” Natty giggled. “You do the drinks and I’ll make breakfast.”

“Got yourself a deal.” Kristina agreed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Natty had left for the studio, Kristina cleared away the breakfast things and was about to head up stairs to shower before leaving for work. But just as Kristina got half way up the stairs, the phone started to ring. Kristina wondered who could be ringing her at this time of the morning, and thought about leaving it until later. But sighed, when the phone kept ringing. She reluctantly turned and made her way back downstairs and picked up the phone.

Several minutes later, Kristina put the phone down and slowly sat down on the stairs. It was Susie from the hospital. They had received the blood test results, from the blood they took from her on Monday. Susie stressed that it was very important she visit them this morning. There was no need to make an appointment, but just to get there so soon as she could. Kristina could feel her heartbeat racing, this wasn’t going to be good news. But she needed someone to go with her. She didn’t want to call Abigail, with her still being ill and Natty was already behind with her recording. Kristina wasn’t comfortable with the idea of asking Tyler, after their last two disagreements, yet her and Urs had also argued. But Urs had said she could call him, that he would be there every step of the way. Did he still mean it? Would he even answer his phone? Kristina picked up her mobile, found Urs’ number and hit the dial button.

***** CHAPTER 106 *****



Julianna had just stepped out of the shower, when she could hear Urs’ mobile ringing. She wasn’t sure if Urs was awake yet, so she quickly grabbed a towel and headed into the lounge. As Julianna picked up it, she noticed Kristina’s name on the display and had second thoughts about answering it. Urs had been in a foul mood for the last couple of days. She was certain it had to do with Kristina, although Urs wouldn’t give any details. Julianna was in two minds to answer it, maybe it was best to leave it. If Kristina was upsetting Urs so much, perhaps it was better to think that he was ignoring her. Or maybe Julianna should answer and try and find out what had been going on between the two of them. Julianna was about to answer it, when Urs appeared in the doorway.

“Who is it?” Urs asked, as he made his way to Julianna, on one crutch.

Julianna didn’t answer, she simply held the mobile out to Urs. He briefly looked at the display, before hitting the ‘answer’ button.

“I don’t want to hear it, Krissy.” Urs snapped, before Kristina had a chance to say anything. “I’ve got nothing more to say to you.”

Urs then snapped his mobile shut and threw it on the sofa.

“Urs…” Julianna started to say.

“Just leave it, Julianna.” Urs interrupted, glaring at her. “I know you mean well, but please…just leave it.”

Urs’ mobile started to ring again. He bent down and picked it up from the sofa, flipped it open and cancelled the call.

“Are you going to tell me what this is all about?” Julianna asked, warily, as Urs collapsed on to the sofa.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Urs said, staring at the mobile in his hand.

“But I’m worried about you.” Julianna said, sitting down beside him. “You haven’t been the easiest of people to live with these last two days. Why won’t you talk to Kristina? I thought you were in love with her.”

“I was…once.” Urs replied. “But not anymore.”

“What happened?” Julianna asked, curiously.

“I’d rather not talk about it.” Urs replied, still staring at the mobile. “I’ve learnt my lesson. I’ve been made a fool of and I’m not going to let it happen again.”

Urs’ mobile started to ring for a third time.

“Let me get this.” Julianna said, quickly taking the mobile from Urs.

Julianna flipped open the mobile and answered it.

“Hello Kristina, it‘s Julianna.” she said, leaning back on the sofa. “Urs is a bit busy at the moment, so perhaps I can….”

Urs looked at Julianna, when she stopped talking. He could just hear the faint sound of Kristina’s voice but couldn’t make out what was being said.

Julianna then covered the mouthpiece with her hand.

“She sounds a bit upset.” Julianna whispered. “She‘s not making any sense.”

“What’s she saying?” Urs asked, naturally getting worried.

“Something about Monday…you helped her on Monday.” Julianna said, still whispering. “She’s just had a phone call from Susie and wants to know if you’re free this morning.”

Urs quickly took his mobile from Julianna.

“Krissy? What‘s wrong?” Urs asked.

Julianna watched as Urs’ face went from one of anger, to shock and then dismay, closing his eyes, and silently nodding as he listened to Kristina.

“Of course I’ll be there.” Urs said, softly. “I’ll get a taxi and pick you up on the way. Just be sure you’re ready in an hour.”

Urs then closed the mobile.

“She seems to have you wrapped around her little finger.” Julianna commented, as Urs got up from the sofa.

“It’s not what you think, Julianna.” Urs replied, picking up his crutches.

“No?” Julianna remarked, raising her eyebrows. “It didn’t take much to convince you to drop everything and go and see her. I thought you said you’d learnt your lesson.”

“I made a promise.” Urs said, frowning. “I have to go.”

“Go where?” Julianna asked, getting up from the sofa and following Urs. “You’re supposed to be resting your ankle.”

“I’ll be fine.” Urs replied. “I won’t be gone long.”

“You still haven’t told me where you’re going.” Julianna said, standing in front of Urs and blocking his way.

“I’m going with Krissy to the hospital.” Urs said, calmly. “The phone call she had this morning was from Susie, she works in the Renal Unit. She wants to see Krissy about her blood test results.”

“Oh… I didn’t realise.” Julianna said, quietly. “I know you said that she thought she might be ill again but I didn’t think things were that serious.”

“Neither did we.” Urs replied. “Krissy said it would probably just be a matter of changing her medication again, but if they need to see her urgently then something must be wrong.”

“But why are you going?” Julianna asked, puzzled. “If things between you and her are bad, then why doesn‘t she call someone else? Why not her sister, or Tyler?”

“I don’t know.” Urs said, shrugging his shoulders. “I would’ve thought I’d be the last person she would call after yesterday.”

“What happened yesterday?” Julianna said.

“I… I lost my temper.” Urs said, uncomfortably, looking away from Julianna. “I think maybe I took things a little too far. I‘m not proud of my behaviour but I had to let her see that I wasn’t going to let her use me.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Urs.” Julianna assured him. “I know how much she hurt you before.”

“So now you know where I’m going, are you going to let me get past?” Urs asked. “I need to get ready.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After finishing her brief conversation with Urs, Kristina closed her mobile, stood up and slowly made her way upstairs. When she had called Urs the first time, she knew that he probably wouldn’t want to talk to her. But she was sure that if she explained her reason for calling, he would be more approachable. She wasn’t expecting him to hang up on her or cancel the second call. By this time, Kristina was starting to panic and get a little tearful, worrying that she would end up having to go to the hospital alone. Kristina knew Urs was angry with her, but she needed him. Just to be around him, gave her a sense of calm. That’s why she hadn’t hesitated in calling him a third time. When Julianna had answered, Kristina tried to hide the shock and embarrassment in her voice. She wasn‘t sure what to say to Julianna, as she didn‘t want to tell her why she needed to talk to Urs. That‘s why she had been vague with the details that she had given. She had been relieved when Urs had finally got back on the phone and started to talk to her. Kristina explained about Susie calling, that she needed to visit her this morning and that she knew she wasn’t his favourite person right now, but she was scared to go alone. Kristina felt some relief, knowing that Urs would be with her. Kristina glanced at her watch as she reached the top of the stairs. If she was to be ready in an hour, she would have to hurry up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While Urs was sitting in the taxi, on his way to Kristina’s house, he started to think about what the results could mean for both of them. If it was bad news, would it change how he felt about her? A couple of days ago, he had been so angry with her and didn’t even want to see her, let alone talk to her. But now, after the phone call, Julianna was right. He couldn’t move fast enough, to go and see her. But this was different, he kept telling himself. He had made a promise to Kristina, that he would help her and that he would be with her when she needed him. Just because they had argued, didn’t mean that Urs would break his promise. He was still a man who kept his word.

But Urs couldn’t stop thinking about the situation. He knew he should be angry with her, yet he couldn’t help being worried. There’s a difference between being worried about someone and being in love with someone, he thought to himself. I’m worried, that’s all. I don’t love her. Yet in the back of his mind, Urs could hear a voice that had been plaguing him for hours now. Who are you trying to kid? You’re still in love with her, you fool. So what if he was? It didn’t change what she had done, or what she was prepared to do. And it didn’t change the fact that she was still going to New York.

Urs put his hand in his pocket and took out Kristina’s ring. He hadn’t noticed it on his finger, until the nurse had asked him if he wanted her to put it with the rest of his belongings for safe keeping. Urs instantly recognised the ring, but double checked for Kristina’s initials inside. Sure enough, her initials were there. Urs hadn’t mentioned the ring to Kristina and was surprised when she hadn’t mentioned it either. But he did catch her glancing at her his hand several times, so she was obviously wondering where it was and if he had seen it. Urs had kept the ring with him, ever since he had left the hospital. He had no idea why, he just knew that he had to have it with him. Urs had given it back to Kristina when he went to see her at Lennox Hill hospital all those years ago. But he wished he had kept it then, as it was the only thing he had of Kristina’s. Not that he needed anything to remind him of her, he thought about her everyday. For some reason Urs couldn’t bring himself to part with the ring a second time. Yet if he didn’t love Kristina anymore, why should he care so much about a stupid ring? As the taxi pulled up outside Kristina’s house, Urs quickly slipped the ring back in his pocket.

As soon as Urs saw Kristina appear in the doorway, he instantly felt his heartbeat quicken. She looked tired and then he remembered how she had told him she hadn’t slept, because she was thinking of him. Was she telling him the truth? Did she really love him? Urs leant across the back seat and pushed open the door for Kristina. He couldn’t help but notice how pale she looked, paler than yesterday. Was it because she was ill, or was it because of lack of sleep? Whatever the reason was, Urs couldn’t help feeling concerned. As Kristina got in to the car, her scent filled the air and Urs found himself smiling. But he soon stopped smiling, when he realised he had a sudden urge to reach out and pull her close to him, to tell her everything would be okay, to hold her, to kiss her and… Urs shook his head. He was acting foolishly, he told himself. Now is not the time to be thinking of things like this.

“Hi.” Kristina said, almost in a whisper, before closing the door.

“Hi.” Urs replied, quietly, as he watched her put her seatbelt on.

She turned to face him and smiled gently at him. Urs smiled back, but it was obvious they both seemed uneasy around each other and both were unsure of what to say.

The car pulled away and made off for the hospital. It was several minutes before either of them spoke again. Kristina was the first to speak.

“I’m sorry for calling you, Urs.” Kristina said, before nervously biting her lip. “It’s just that… I didn’t know who else to call. You… you always have a way of making me feel… relaxed.”

“There’s no need to apologise.” Urs replied. “I said I would be there for you when you needed me and I meant it. Just because… just because we had words yesterday, doesn’t mean that we can’t be civil to one another.”

“So you’re just being polite?” Kristina asked, frowning. “You don’t really want to be here?”

“I never said that.” Urs said, quickly. “So don’t start putting words in my mouth. All I meant was that, things have changed between us now. Everything‘s different.”

Kristina looked away from Urs and stared out the window. How could she have been so stupid? Of course he didn’t want to be there. He only came out of pity and because he was a man of his word. Why on earth had she called him? Because she knew that she couldn’t do it alone and she needed him. Yet if he was only there out of ‘a sense of duty’ then she didn’t want him there. She wanted him there because he genuinely cared for her.

“Can you stop the car please.” Kristina said, suddenly, tapping the driver on the shoulder.

“What’s wrong, Krissy?” Urs said,

“Please, stop the car now.” Kristina said, again, ignoring Urs.

“Krissy, what’s going on?” Urs asked, as the car pulled over to the kerb and Kristina got out of the car.

“I’m sorry, Urs.” Kristina said, trying to hold back her tears. “I shouldn’t have asked you to come, it was a stupid idea.”

“So why did you ask me?” Urs asked.

“Because you said you would always be there for me.” Kristina said, wiping her eyes. “But I was silly to think you meant it, especially after the way I’ve treated you.”

“Stop talking nonsense.” Urs said, struggling to get out of the car. “You’re scared, you’re worried about the test results, you don’t know what you’re saying.”

“I know exactly what I’m saying.” Kristina said, tearfully. “Don’t try and pretend that you care for me, that you’re here because you’re genuinely worried about me. The only reason you’re doing this, is so that everyone will admire you. Good old Urs Buhler, she treated him like dirt, yet he still stands by her. Well I‘ve changed my mind, I‘ll go on my own.”

“Krissy, stop talking like this.” Urs said, pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around, holding her tightly. “I’m here because I said I would be, because I ‘do’ care about you, but like I said, things have changed. I’ll still be a friend if you need me, but don’t expect miracles. I don’t think you realise just how much you’ve hurt me over the years, Krissy.”

“Oh Urs, I’m so sorry.” Kristina sobbed, as she buried her head against his chest. “I just want everything back to how it used to be. Before I was ill, before I hurt David, before I hurt you, before everything started going wrong.”

“Don’t want to rush you, mate…” the taxi driver interrupted, looking at Urs. “…but the clocks still running.”

“Come on, let’s get going. The sooner we know what we’re dealing with, the better.” Urs said, softly as he pulled away from Kristina and handed her a clean handkerchief. “Now dry those eyes and get back in the car.”

Kristina took the handkerchief and quietly got back in the car. Urs stood on the pavement for a few more seconds, as he took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He had come so close to telling Kristina that he was still in love with her, but he was confused. He didn’t know if what he felt was genuine anymore. His emotions were all over the place. Was Kristina right? Was he there out of pity? Or love?

***** CHAPTER 107 *****

The remainder of the journey to the hospital was a quiet one. Kristina now felt foolish for her behaviour and couldn’t even look Urs in the eye. He said he understood, that it was probably all down to stress and worrying about what Susie might say; but Kristina knew it was more than that. Of course she was worried about what the test results would reveal, but the last few days had made Kristina think seriously about what her future would be like without Urs. It was all very well, her telling him she didn’t love him and that she was leaving New York. But for Urs to tell her that he didn’t love her anymore, made her realise that she had ruined any chance of her and Urs being a couple. She had no one else to blame but herself and she felt heartbroken.

After the taxi pulled up in front of the hospital, Urs paid the driver. He made a move to get out of the car, but then realised Kristina hadn’t moved. Urs took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.” Urs said, softly.

“I hope you’re right.” Kristina said, forcing a smile. “But if it’s bad news, I don’t think I’m ready to hear it.”

“Come on.” Urs said, getting out of the car. “Soon it will all be over.”

Kristina and Urs went inside, only to be told that Susie was on a call but wouldn’t be long. So they had been sitting in the small room outside Susie’s office, waiting. Luckily they were the only ones there, so they knew they would be seen next.

“Will you sit still.” Kristina said, frowning at Urs. “You’re not helping with my nerves!”

“Sorry, I can’t help it.” Urs said, wriggling in his seat.

“Why? What‘s wrong?” Kristina asked, when Urs started to fidget in his seat again.

“I’ve got an itch.” Urs said, trying to squeeze a finger down the side of his cast.

“Do you have a ruler?” Kristina asked.

“Now why would I have a ruler on me?” Urs asked. “What a stupid thing to ask.”

“You should keep something like that on you.” Kristina replied, searching for something to help him reach the itch. “I‘m surprised the hospital never mentioned it.”

“This is driving me crazy!” Urs said, still fidgeting.

“Here, this is all I can find.” Kristina said, handing him a pencil.

“Thanks.” Urs replied, before sliding it down the side of the cast, a look of ecstasy took hold of his face.

“Hit the spot?” she smirked.

“Too right.” Urs sighed. “Oh crap!”

“What’s wrong?” Kristina asked, worriedly.

“The pencil’s just snapped.” Urs said, as he held up half a pencil. “Now what the hell do I do?”

Kristina put her hand up to her mouth and tried to keep a straight face, as she watched Urs raise his leg and try to shake it out.

“You know you could try and help.” Urs said, sulking. “This is your fault!”

“My fault?” Kristina said, giggling. “I’m not the one who broke the pencil.”

“No, but you gave it to me.” Urs said, his eyes darting around the room, desperately searching for something to try and get it out with.

“I was only trying to help.” she said, as she watched Urs stick another pencil down the side of the cast. “Urs… I don’t think that’s such a good idea. We’ve already got one broken pencil down there, we don’t want….”

“Damn it.” Urs cursed, as a second pencil snapped in half.

“Oh please!” Kristina said, now laughing uncontrollably. “Please, don’t stick anything else down there, my stomach’s starting to hurt.”

“Well, I’m glad you find it so funny.” Urs said, glaring at Kristina who was holding her stomach.

“Oh, Urs. I’m sorry.” Kristina said, wiping her eyes, as she cried with laughter. “I mean you hear about people doing this, but I’ve never actually known anyone that’s done it.”

“Well, perhaps when you’ve finished laughing you can help me try and get them out.” Urs said, a little annoyed.

“You know, we are in a hospital.” Kristina said, still laughing. “We could always go and find someone and ask them to take them out or even replace the cast.”

“I can’t do that!” Urs said, horrified. “They’ll think I’m stupid.”

“I’m sure you’re not the first person to have done it.” Kristina said, wiping her eyes again. “Oh Urs, I’m sorry. But you have to admit it’s funny.”

“So you can’t think of any way of getting them out?” Urs asked, now starting to worry.

“No, I can’t.” Kristina said, as she suddenly stopped laughing, when she saw the tense look on Urs’ face. “Look, why don’t we go and ask someone. I’ll come with you and I’ll tell them that it was my fault.”

Just as Urs was about to answer, the door to Susie’s office opened. Kristina stood up to meet her and helped Urs with his crutches.

“Someone’s been in the wars.” Susie said, shaking hands with Kristina and then Urs.

“Motorcycle accident.” Urs replied, wincing when one of the pencils stuck in his leg.

“Everything alright?” Susie asked, when she noticed the look on his face.

“Susie, we have a bit of a problem…” Kristina started to say.

“Krissy!” Urs interrupted, blushing. “Please, it doesn’t matter.”

“Don’t be silly.” Kristina said, placing her hand on Urs’ shoulder. “You can’t leave them there.”

“Leave what, where?” Susie asked, puzzled.

“Urs…Urs had an itch inside his cast and the only thing we could find to help him… relieve the itch, was a pencil… two pencils.” Kristina said, starting to giggle again. “They both snapped in half and are now stuck in there. I don’t suppose you can help.”

“Leave it with me.” Susie said, as she walked over to the reception desk. As Susie explained the situation to the receptionist, she peered round Susie, looked at Urs and started to giggle.

“See what you’ve done.” Urs said, sulking. “Now every body will know.”

“Come on, Urs.” Kristina said, giggling. “You know you can’t leave them there. If you don’t get them out now, they’ll only find them later, when you have the cast taken off.

“At least you’re laughing.” Urs commented, as Kristina continued to giggle. “It’s good to hear you laugh again.”

Kristina blushed at Urs’ comment, just as Susie made her way back to them.

“Urs, if you want to go with Lorraine, she can take you to see someone, who might be able to get them out for you.” Susie said, trying not to laugh. “Or did you want Urs to come in with you?” Susie added, now looking at Kristina.

“I’d rather go in on my own.” Kristina said, turning to Urs. “If that’s okay with you, Urs.”

“Of course it is.” Urs said, smiling. “I won’t be far away, if you need me.”

Urs then hobbled over to Lorraine and followed her out of the waiting room.

“Let’s go in.” Susie said, gesturing for them to enter her office, when Urs had disappeared from sight.

Kristina followed Susie in to her office and sat down. As Kristina watched Susie walk round to the other side of her desk, slowly and cautiously, Kristina felt her heart sink. She had a look about her, one that Kristina had seen before. Not from Susie, but from Dr Slater. He had given her that same, almost pitiful look, when he had told her she had kidney failure. It seemed like she was waiting ages, as Susie shuffled some papers on her desk before finally looking up and smiling.

“I’m sorry for calling you so early this morning, Kristina.” Susie apologised. “But it’s important that we talk about this, before you leave for New York.”

Kristina took a deep breath, preparing herself for bad news.

“I’ve had the test results double checked, just to be certain…” Susie started to say.

“This is it.” Kristina thought, she’s going to tell me that my kidney is failing.

Then Susie, very hesitant to speak, finally uttered the words.

***** CHAPTER 108 *****

“We found something in the blood sample we took from you on Monday.” Susie said, calmly. “Kristina, have you ever heard of Temporal Arteritis?”

“Temporal what?” Kristina said, utterly confused. “No, no I don‘t think so. Has it got something to do with my kidney?”

“Temporal Arteritis.” Susie replied. “And no, it’s nothing to do with your kidney. Your kidney seems to be doing fine, but we’d still like you to go for some tests and we do need to change your medication. But right now, we’re more concerned with what the blood test revealed.”

“What did it show?” Kristina asked, warily. “And what is this Temporal Arteritis?”

“Temporal Arteritis is a condition which causes inflammation on the inside of some arteries.” Susie started to explain. “It’s more commonly known as ‘Giant Cell’ because abnormally large cells develop in the wall of the inflamed arteries. It usually effects the arteries around the head and the neck.”

“But I feel fine.” Kristina replied. “Well, obviously apart from my kidney. The only place I‘ve been getting any real pain is in my back and my sides. They said that can happen around the transplant area.”

“Let me explain it a little more.” Susie continued. “Half the people that suffer from Temporal Arteritis, also develop a condition called Polymyalgia Rheumatica. This can cause pain, tenderness or stiffness of the muscles around your shoulders, hip and back.”

“Okay.” Kristina said, a little warily. “That doesn’t sound too bad. But what about this Temporal Art...”

“Arteritis.” Susie finished for her. “It says in your medical records, that you suffered with severe headaches awhile ago.”

“Yes but that was ages ago.” Kristina replied. “That must’ve been almost four years ago. That’s the reason I went to the doctors, before I was diagnosed with kidney failure.”

“Have you been getting headaches recently?” Susie asked.

“A few.” Kristina replied. “But nothing like the ones I used to get. I haven’t been sleeping well and I always get bad headaches when that happens. But will you please just tell me why you‘ve called me here?”

“I’m sorry.” Susie apologised. “I just needed to get a little more information first. But we’re pretty certain you have Temporal Arteritis. We don’t know the cause of it but we can treat it. It just depends how far advanced it is.”

“What will happen?” Kristina asked. “Is it serious?”

“There are several complications if we haven’t caught it in time.” Susie replied.

“Such as?” Kristina asked.

“In the worst case scenario, you could get a blocked artery in the brain.” Susie replied. “Which would mean a stroke or deafness but it’s very rare. Other complications could be a heart attack or nerve damage. It depends where the inflammation is.”

“Where do you think it is?” Kristina asked. “You must have some idea.”

“Kristina, I’m going to be honest with you.” Susie said, leaning forward on her desk. “I’m concerned about the headaches you were having and the fact that you’re having them now.”

“But they’re not the same as before.” Kristina replied. “They’re no where’s near as painful.”

“It’s possible that the medication you’ve been taking for your kidney, has somehow kept it at bay.” Susie replied. “But now it seems to have become immune to it.”

“So what will happen?” Kristina asked, faintly. “What will happen if the headaches become worse?”

“The most common arteries affected are the small arteries going to the eyes.” Susie said, quietly as she watched Kristina. “If one of these arteries becomes inflamed or blocked, it can cause serious problems… even blindness.”

“Blindness?” Kristina said, in a whisper. “Are you saying that I could lose my sight?”

“It’s a possibility.” Susie replied. “But that’s why I called you in. You need to start treatment right away. I’ve made an appointment for you to see someone tomorrow and I’ve referred you to a specialist in New York. He will be able to do more tests and explain everything much better, once we know exactly what we’re dealing with. The specialist in New York is called.…”

Kristina didn’t hear anything else after that, the words petered out as she tried to take in what Susie had told her. She didn’t know what was worse, going blind or kidney failure.

“Kristina?”

Kristina looked up at Susie, who was now standing beside her.

“Do you want me to go and find Urs?” Susie asked, concerned.

“No, no please.” Kristina said, shaking her head furiously. “I… I don’t want him to know. I… can I just stay here for a moment?”

“Of course you can.” Susie said, reassuringly. “You take all the time you need. I‘ll leave you on your own for a while. I‘ll contact you with details for tomorrow‘s appointment.”

Kristina sat there trying to absorb what she had just been told. She hadn’t prepared herself for this. She was convinced that her kidney was failing and had thought of every possibility. She was prepared for more tests, changing her medication and going back on dialysis; but the possibility of losing her sight wasn‘t something she was prepared for.

Sometime later, there was a knock on the door. Kristina ignored it, but then she heard Urs’ voice.

“Everything okay?” Urs asked, softly.

“I‘m... I‘m fine.” Kristina said, looking round at Urs and trying to sound relaxed.

“I was worried.” Urs said, now opening the door fully. “I’ve been sitting out here for ages, wondering what was taking so long. But then I saw Susie down the hall and asked her where you were.”

“Well, now you‘ve found me.” Kristina said, forcing a smile.

“Are you okay, Krissy?” Urs asked warily, as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.

“I’m fine.” Kristina lied.

“But you look as if you’ve been crying.” Urs said, genuinely concerned. “Are you… I mean…your kidney…”

“My kidney is fine.” Kristina said, truthfully. “But I still need to have a check up and change my medication.”

“So if everything is okay, why are you crying?” Urs asked, sitting in the chair next to her.

“Relief?” Kristina lied, shrugging her shoulders. She couldn’t tell Urs the real reason why she had been crying. Firstly, this was something that she had to come to terms with herself first; she needed to find out more about what was involved and what might happen to her. But she was also worried that if she told Urs, his feelings toward her might change. He insisted he didn’t love her and Kristina knew from past experience, that people reacted differently to her, when they found out she was ill. So she didn’t want Urs to act the same way. She didn’t want pity or sympathy from him, or anyone. Kristina wanted to be with Urs, but he had to ‘want’ to be with her, because he loved her, or thought he loved her. Kristina didn’t want this illness to force Urs in to loving her. She wanted him to come to her, of his own free will.

“So did you fancy going somewhere to celebrate?” Urs asked, smiling as they walked out of Susie‘s office. “I know how much you’ve been worried about what they might say.”

“I’m not really in the mood.” Kristina said, forcing another smile. “I’m tired and I’ve already taken up too much of your time. I shouldn’t have asked you to come with me, but thank you, Urs. It meant a lot to me.”

“It was the least I could do.” Urs replied. “Especially after the way I treated you yesterday. I’m sorry.”

“Please, don’t apologise.” Kristina said, frowning. “I know I’ve hurt you, a lot and I’m the one who should be apologising. You had every right to act the way you did. I‘ve been nothing but trouble to you, since the day we met.”

“I wouldn’t exactly put it quite like that.” Urs said, as they entered the elevator. “We did have a few good times together, albeit brief.”

Kristina smiled to herself, as she remembered bumping in to Urs and looking up in to those hazel eyes for the very first time and being completely mesmerized by them. Even now, they still had the same effect on her and sometimes she found herself at a loss for words. Kristina closed her eyes and leant her head against the elevator wall, as she remembered dancing with Urs, the way he held her close to him. She could even remember the song they first danced to; she wondered if Urs did. Kristina sighed, as another memory came to her, waking up to find Urs holding her in his arms as they lay together; feeling his warm body next to hers, his breath on her face, the scent of his skin. That moment would never leave her, one of utter bliss and contentment.

“See, they weren’t all that bad, were they.” Urs commented.

Kristina opened her eyes to see Urs watching her.

“No, they weren’t.” Kristina said, smiling.

“What were you thinking of?” Urs asked.

“Nothing.” Kristina blushed.

“Please, tell me.” Urs said, softly.

“I was… I was thinking of the first time we met.” Kristina said, faintly. “The first time I saw you… when I looked up and saw those eyes…I was speechless.”

“I remember.” Urs said, chuckling. “I must admit, I’ve never had quite that effect on a woman before.”

Kristina blushed again.

“What else were you thinking of?” Urs asked, smiling.

“Why are you interested all of a sudden?” Kristina asked. “After yesterday, I wouldn’t have thought you would want to drag up old memories.”

“Curiosity, I guess.” Urs said, shrugging his shoulders. “Come on, tell me.”

“I was thinking of…” Kristina hesitated. “I was thinking of the morning I woke up in Italy, the night you stayed with me.”

“So that was a good memory for you?” Urs asked, quietly.

“Yes, it was.” Kristina whispered. “I.. I had always wondered what it would be like to wake up in your arms. I‘ll never forget that moment.”

The elevator doors opened and neither of them moved. Kristina thought her legs were going to give way, as Urs continued to stare at her. His face was expressionless, she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

“Let’s get you home.” Urs said, suddenly as he gestured for Kristina to leave first.

Kristina walked out of the elevator and sighed deeply. She hadn’t realised she had been holding her breath, waiting for a response from Urs. Had she said the wrong thing? Perhaps he didn’t want to hear that. But then again it was him that had started the conversation and he had asked her to tell him. Had she upset him? Kristina shook her head. She had more important things to worry about. As she followed Urs outside, Kristina wondered how she was going to tell Abigail and Tyler her bad news.

***** CHAPTER 109 *****

As the taxi pulled up outside Kristina’s house, she was trying to decide if she should invite Urs in. It seemed like the polite thing to do, especially after Urs had been kind enough to come with her to the hospital. She also wanted to spend a little more time with him. They seemed to be getting on better than she had hoped and she didn’t want to part on bad terms with Urs.

“Have you eaten this morning?” Kristina asked, as she opened her bag and started to look for her purse.

“No, I‘d just woken up when you phoned.” Urs replied. “I only had time to shower before leaving the apartment.”

“Did you want to come in and I can make you something?” Kristina asked, taking her purse out. “It’s the least I can do, after dragging you out of bed at that time of morning.”

Urs was surprised at Kristina’s question. He could understand her wanting him to go with her to the hospital, after already going with her on Monday. But for her to ask him in for something to eat, after he had told her several times, that he wasn’t in love with her and wanted nothing to do with her, well, it seemed she wasn’t taking any notice. After all, she had told him that she wasn’t going to give up on him and it seemed she meant it. If Urs was completely honest with himself, he quite liked the idea of Kristina proving to him, that she loved him. Perhaps it was the only way that he could be sure she loved him and at the same time, see if he still loved her.

Kristina was expecting Urs to refuse her offer, so she was shocked when he accepted.

“If it’s not too much trouble, that would be nice.” Urs replied. “I must admit, I am feeling a bit hungry. Put your money away.” Urs added, as Kristina started to count out the money for the taxi fare.

“No, please let me.” Kristina said, pushing the money in to his hands. “I’m the reason you’re here, so please let me do this.”

“I won’t hear of it.” Urs said, taking out his wallet and paying the driver. “Now come on, show me where this food is.”

“Thanks.” Kristina said, blushing as she put the money back in her purse. She then got out of the car and waited for Urs.

“I forgot to ask, what happened about the pencils?” Kristina asked, giggling. “Did they get them out?”

“Yes, they got them out.” Urs replied, smirking. “Remind me never to do that again, better still, remind me not to ask for your help. I’ve never been so embarrassed in all my life.”

“Oh, I’m sure that’s not true.” Kristina said, still giggling as they made their way up the path to the front door. “I’m sure you’ve done far worse than that.”

“And how would you know that?” Urs asked. “What’s Julianna been telling you?”

“Julianna hasn’t been telling me anything.” Kristina replied, taking her keys out of her pocket and opening the front door. “But come off it, boys get in to all sorts of trouble. I can’t see you being any different.”

“My mother said I was an angel, when I was small.” Urs said, smiling sweetly.

“Well perhaps I should have a word with Julianna.” Kristina said, as she paused and turned to face Urs, grinning at him. “It’s obvious that your mother doesn’t know what you did.”

“You’ll do no such thing.” Urs said, blushing. “What ever she tells you, it’s all lies.”

“I knew it!” Kristina said, still grinning. “Come on, tell me what you did.”

“Are you going to feed me or not?” Urs asked, changing the subject. “I’m hungry.”

“Okay, okay!” Kristina said, pushing the door open and letting Urs get by. “But I’m going to find out what you got up to.”

“It’ll never happen.” Urs said, following Kristina in to the kitchen. “And if Julianna tells you a thing, she’s in big trouble.”

“Have a seat.” Kristina said, pulling out a chair for Urs, before placing her bag on the kitchen table. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“A coffee will be fine, if you‘ve got any.” Urs replied.

“I think we have.” Kristina said, opening a cupboard,. “That‘s assuming Natty hasn‘t drunk it all.”

“Does she drink a lot of coffee then?” Urs asked, sitting down.

“Only when she’s recording.” Kristina replied, picking up the coffee jar and placing it on the counter. “She’s been working long hours recently. I guess you must know what that’s like.”

“Tell me about it.” Urs said, rubbing his forehead. “I didn’t realise it was going to be quite this hard. Sometimes I don’t see how we’re ever going to get these songs finished. We‘re supposed to be going to Sweden to record them very soon and at the moment, it just seems impossible.”

“I’m sure you’ll get them done in time.” Kristina said. “From what I’ve heard so far, you seem to be doing great. It will all come together soon, I’m sure of it. Now, do you like pancakes?”

“I love pancakes!” Urs replied.

“How about apple pancakes then?” Kristina asked. “We have some left over pancake mix from this morning. I make them with cinnamon and sugar, Natty loves them.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Urs said, his mouth watering at the thought of it. “So do you cook a lot?”

“I never used to.” Kristina replied, as she took out the jug with the pancake mix and the rest of the ingredients that she needed. “But since having problems with my kidneys, I have to be careful about what I eat. So it’s just easier for me to make my own meals, that way I know what I’m eating.”

“Makes sense.” Urs said, nodding slowly, as he watched Kristina switch on the kettle and then start to slice some apples. “David said you make a great pizza.”

“He told you that?” Kristina said, as she stopped what she was doing and turned to look at Urs.

“Well, he didn’t actually tell me.” Urs said, before biting his lip. “I overheard him and Carlos talking a while ago. Carlos was telling him how Abigail had made him his favourite meal, the previous night. I then heard David say, how he used to love your home made pizza. But you only ever cooked it when you had good news or had done something bad.”

Kristina blushed and turned away from Urs and went back to slicing the apples.

“Why are you blushing?” Urs asked, curiously. “Something tells me you weren’t always the perfect angel either.”

“I was!” Kristina said, turning around. “But it’s true. I only ever made pizza when it was good news or I had… or I had done something bad. Like the time I washed all his white boxers and didn’t see the red sock. I offered to buy him new underwear but he refused.”

“So he wore pink boxers?” Urs said, chuckling.

“No, that’s when David decided that ‘Commando’ was the way to go.” Kristina said, giggling. “That way, I couldn’t dye any more of his underwear.”

“Commando?” Urs said, puzzled.

“He didn’t wear boxers.” Kristina explained. “He didn’t wear anything.”

“Okay, that’s way too much information.” Urs said, covering his ears. “I don’t want that image in my head, thanks very much.”

“Sorry.” Kristina said, giggling, as she made Urs his coffee and placed it on the table in front of him. “Did you want milk or sugar?”

“Just milk, please.” Urs replied.

“How’s the ankle?” Kristina asked, as she poured the milk in to his coffee.

“Actually, it’s hurting a little.” Urs said, frowning. “I think it’s where they were trying to get those pencils out earlier.”

Kristina couldn‘t help but giggle, but stopped when she noticed Urs looking at her and continued with her cooking.

“I‘m sorry.” Kristina said, blushing. “But I still can’t believe what happened. Did you want to go and sit in the lounge? You might be more comfortable and I could bring the pancakes in to you, when they’re ready.”

“As long as you don’t mind being in here on your own.” Urs said, getting to his feet.

“Of course I don‘t mind.” Kristina said, handing Urs his crutches. She was just happy that they had managed to stay in the same room for more than five minutes, without arguing.

Urs pushed open the door to the lounge, with one of his crutches. It was cold outside and Urs was instantly made aware of how warm it felt inside, with the bright sunlight filling the room. He had only been in this room once before, when he and Kristina had come back from Deano’s on Monday. That was when he had thought things were finally looking up for him and Kristina, but then Tyler had shown up and things had taken a turn for the worse. Urs collapsed on to the sofa and started to look around the room.

He couldn’t help notice that it was immaculately maintained and tastefully decorated in whites, creams and rich browns. It looked very clean and modern but still had a homey feel about it. As he continued to look around the room, Urs could just make out some photographs on the sideboard. It looked a lot like family photos, but then Urs noticed one that looked similar to one he had at home. Urs leant forward to get a better look, and instantly recognised it. It was a group photo that had been taken, on the night of the Tony Awards, the year he and Kristina had met. It was a picture of everyone that had been seated at the table. By the looks of it, the photo had been trimmed down, so that only Urs, David, Kristina and one other couple were in the picture; Stephanie was missing. Urs could hardly blame her for cutting her out of it. Urs then noticed the cardboard boxes stacked high in a corner. Kristina really did intend on leaving London. But if she loved him why was she leaving? Urs then bit his lip and frowned. She was leaving because he had told her that he wanted nothing more to do with her. But that hadn’t stopped her from calling him three times this morning. Would she really go, when it came to it?

“I see you’re all ready for Sunday.” Urs said, as Kristina walked in to the lounge, carrying a tray with two small plates of pancakes.

“Sorry?” Kristina said, puzzled. “Ready for what?”

“New York.” Urs replied. “The boxes in the corner over there.”

“Oh… yes, I’ve done most of it.” Kristina replied, sitting down opposite him and placing the tray on the coffee table. “When I left New York most of my things went in to storage and since moving here, I haven‘t really bought much, only what I needed to get by.”

“So you’re really leaving?” Urs asked, casually, as Kristina handed him a plate of pancakes. “There’s nothing keeping you here?”

“Well, there’s my job but it seems I can do that in New York.” Kristina replied, leaning back in her chair. She paused again before speaking. “And there… there was someone that I had hoped would want me to stay. But it seems I was wrong.” Kristina added, glancing at Urs.

“These pancakes are really good.” Urs said, ignoring Kristina’s comment. “I can see why Natty loves them.”

“Thanks.” Kristina replied, giving a weak smile. Urs wasn’t stupid, he must’ve realised what she meant by her reply, but perhaps he still wasn’t convinced that she loved him. Or maybe he wasn’t interested. Maybe he was telling her the truth, when he said that he didn’t love her anymore. “I’ll have to give you the recipe before I go.”

“I’ve got an idea.” Urs said, finally looking up at Kristina. “Why don’t you come round to my place tomorrow and you can show me how to make them.”

“Your place?” Kristina said, stunned. “You want me to… to come to your apartment?”

“Sure, why not!” Urs replied, shrugging his shoulders. “Why don’t you come round after work, you can have dinner at mine and then show me how to make these pancakes.”

“Well, as long as you’re sure.” Kristina said, suddenly sounding hopeful. “I’ll tell you what, why don’t I stop off and buy a few things on my way home from work and I could cook the whole meal for you.”

“I didn’t ask you over, with the intention of you cooking the whole dinner.” Urs said, before taking another mouthful of food.

“Why did you ask me then?” Kristina said, quietly.

“To show me how to make pancakes and….” Urs paused and looked at Kristina. “And I… I want to spend some more time with you…as friends, before you leave.”

“Okay, that would be nice.” Kristina said, smiling.

Kristina and Urs continued to eat their meal in silence, occasionally stealing glances at each other, when they thought the other one wasn’t looking.

***** CHAPTER 110 *****

“So has that filled the gap?” Kristina asked, as she picked up both their empty plates and placed them on the tray.

“Definitely.” Urs replied, patting his stomach. “I can’t remember that last time I’ve had pancakes, that tasted so good. In fact I can‘t remember the last time I ate pancakes.”

“Well, after I’ve shown you how to make them, you can have them all the time.” Kristina said, as she got up from her seat and picked up the tray.

“Let me help you.” Urs said, making a move to get up from the sofa.

“And how exactly are you going to help me?” Kristina asked, looking at Urs. “You can’t do a thing with that ankle and on crutches. Stay there and rest. I’ll just wash these few things up and then I’ll come back.”

Urs gingerly got up from the couch and followed Kristina in to the kitchen.

“I don’t care what you say.” Urs said, hobbling in to the kitchen and taking a clean towel from the counter. “You wash, I’ll dry.”

“You’re one stubborn man. Do you know that?” Kristina replied, as she placed the dirty plates in the sink and started to fill it with hot soapy water.

“Yep.” Urs said, standing next to her. “And you can be one stubborn woman, so we’re as bad as each other.”

“I’m the angel, remember.” Kristina said, a soft smirk appearing on her lips as she started to wash the first plate.

“Yeah and I’m the Holy Father.” Urs said, lightly whipping her bum with the towel.

“Hey, watch it!” Kristina giggled, as she flicked a handful of soap suds at him. “You don’t want to see me when I’m mad.”

“Oh? Now if that isn’t a challenge, then I don’t know what is.” Urs said, as he whipped her bum again.

“I’m warning you.” Kristina smirked, giving Urs a sideways glance.

Urs whipped her bum a third time.

“Okay, that’s it.” Kristina said, grabbing two handfuls of soap suds and flicking them at Urs. She laughed as one landed on his head and the other one on his chest.

“You think that’s funny?” Urs said, looking at Kristina.

“No.” Kristina answered, trying to keep a straight face, before sending a spray of water and bubbles over him, soaking his shirt.

“You‘re going to regret that.” Urs said, pulling his shirt away from his chest, which had now stuck to him.

“Remember, you started this!” Kristina said, giggling.

“I know, but this is war.” Urs said, as he took a step towards the sink. As Urs moved, the slight breeze caused the soap suds on his head, to drop on to his shoulder, causing Kristina to giggle even more.

“You won’t be laughing in a minute.” Urs said, dipping his hand in to the sink.

“Urs… no!” Kristina said, putting her hand up. “That’s not fair.”

“What?” Urs asked, innocently, picking up a huge handful of soap suds. “It’s only fair that I get you back.”

“Does that mean I get to whip your bum afterwards?” Kristina giggled, backing away from Urs.

“Maybe, we‘ll see.” Urs grinned, just as Kristina turned away from him. He quickly lunged forward and caught Kristina around the waist, pulling her to him, so her back was pressed against his wet shirt. “Now, where shall I put this?” he murmured deviously.

“Back in the sink?” she suggested. Urs chuckled.

“I could do that.” Urs said, thoughtfully. “But then what pleasure would I get from doing that?”

“Uhm… the pleasure of knowing that I won’t be mad at you.” Kristina said, giggling, as she held Urs’ wrist, watching the soap suds.

“There is that I guess.” Urs said, loosening his grip on her waist, so that she could now turn around and face him. “But I know you wouldn’t be able to stay mad at me for long.”

“What makes you think that?” Kristina asked, innocently.

Urs ever so slowly lowered his head and Kristina tilted her head up, expecting him to kiss her, but instead he planted a soft kiss on her neck, before suddenly sliding his hand under the back of her top, complete with soap suds.

“Urs Buhler!” Kristina shrieked, as the suds started to dissolve and trickle down her back.

“What?” Urs asked, innocently.

“Give me that towel… now!” Kristina grinned.

***** CHAPTER 111 ****

Kristina had told Urs to sit down on one of the chairs in the kitchen whilst she cleaned up the mess. The floor was wet and slippery and she didn’t want him having another accident. Whilst Kristina was kneeling on the floor, wiping up the bubbles and water she couldn’t help smiling to herself. When she had woken up this morning, she certainly didn’t expect things to turn out like this. Granted, she’d been given more bad news about her state of health, but having Urs with her, made her forget her worries for a short while. She forgot all about leaving London, her hospital appointment, the arguments with Urs. Yet a voice was niggling away in the back of her mind. Just because everything was going well now, didn’t meant things would stay this way. Her and Urs might be friends again, but Kristina wanted more from him and she didn‘t know if he would ever love her again. Kristina frowned and let out a heavy sigh.

“What’s wrong?” Urs asked, smirking. “You’re not a sore loser are you?”

“Who said I lost?” Kristina said, looking up at him. “It was a draw.”

“Ah! But you didn’t get to whip my bum.” Urs said, waving the towel at her. “So in my book, that means I’m the winner.”

“Yeah, whatever!” Kristina said, rolling her eyes. “If it makes you feel better, then you keep telling that to yourself.”

Urs whipped her bum again, as she continued to clean the floor.

“Hey!” Kristina said, pointing a finger at him. “You know what happened last time you did that.”

“Yeah, I won!” Urs grinned, waving the towel at her again.

“Give me that!“ Kristina said, as she dropped the cloth on the floor and reached out for the towel, just missing it.

Urs laughed but stopped when Kristina glanced over his shoulder and frowned.

“Did you have to be somewhere?” Urs asked, when he noticed that Kristina had looked at the clock for a second time, in the space of a few minutes.

“Work.” Kristina said, still frowning. “I should’ve been there at least two hours ago, and I haven’t even called them to tell them that I would be in late.”

“Oh… do you have to go?” Urs said, quietly. “I was hoping to stay here for a little while longer.”

“Really?” Kristina said, surprised. “I thought you’d want to get back home.”

“I’ll be on my own if I go home, as Julianna will probably be busy with this fashion show that her friends doing.” Urs replied. “And I…I like being here with you.”

“You do?” Kristina said, with raised eyebrows. “Even after everything that’s happened between us?”

“It makes a change from us arguing, don’t you think?” Urs smiled.

“Yes, it’s a nice change.” Kristina agreed, getting to her feet. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Where are you going?” Urs asked.

“Be patient, will you.” Kristina replied. “I’ll tell you in a minute.”

Urs watched as Kristina walked out in to the hall and disappeared around the corner. He smiled to himself. He hadn’t expected this morning to turn out this way. The doctor had told him to take a few of days off to get over the concussion and rest his ankle. Obviously Urs hadn’t done that today, but he was having fun with Kristina and it felt right, it felt natural, not forced. But if he didn’t have feelings for her would he be feeling this way? Why did he want to stay with her? A couple of minutes later, Kristina returned.

“Okay, I’ve phoned work and told them I won’t be in.” Kristina said, standing in the door way with her hands on her hips. “So what do you want to do?”

“You’re not going to work?” Urs said, surprised.

“Nope, I took a sick day.” Kristina shrugged. “It’s the truth, but at least this way we can spend some time together… if you want to.”

“It’s the truth?” Urs said, his eyes narrowing. “I thought you got the all clear.”

“I meant that I’ve been feeling tired a lot just lately.” Kristina said, quickly, when she realised what she had said. “I’ve had a lot to deal with recently. That’s all.”

“Okay.” Urs said, satisfied with her answer. “And the answer’s yes.”

“Yes?” Kristina said, puzzled.

“Yes, I would like to us to spend some time together.” Urs said, slowly getting to his feet and putting the towel on the table.

Kristina glanced at the towel and then at Urs.

“Don’t you go getting any ideas.” Urs said, smirking, as he picked up his crutches. “You wouldn’t hurt an invalid, would you?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Kristina said, as she bent down and picked up the wet cloth from the floor.

“That’s okay then.” Urs said, moving out of her way. “But just to be on the safe side…”

Urs picked up the towel again and started heading out of the kitchen.

“Spoilsport!” Kristina said, giggling, and lightly smacked him on the bum as he went past.

“Now that’s cheating.” Urs said, looking over his shoulder at her, chuckling.

“Maybe.” Kristina grinned. “But what are you going to do about it?”

“Don’t tempt me.” Urs smirked. “I might be on crutches but I’ll get you back when you least expect it.”

“Ooh! I’m scared.” Kristina teased. “Perhaps I should do it again.”

“Do it and see what happens.” Urs said, turning away from her as he went in to the hall.

Kristina followed Urs and sighed again. She loved everything about him, his voice, his laugh, the dimples, the way his eyes sparkled, his curls… and his bum. Damn, it was shown off to its best advantage, encased in tight jeans and….

“So what did you want to do?” Urs asked, interrupting Kristina‘s thoughts.

“Pardon?” Kristina asked. “Sorry, I didn‘t hear you.”

“I said what did you want to do?” Urs repeated, as he stopped and turned to look at Kristina. “Were you looking at my bum?”

“What?” Kristina said shocked, blushing furiously. “Of course not!”

“So what were you looking at then?” Urs asked.

“Uhm… your cheeks?” Kristina said, giggling.

“And how did you manage that?” Urs asked, puzzled. “I had my back to you.”

Kristina didn’t answer, she simply looked at Urs and a smirk crept across her face.

“Oh… those cheeks.” Urs said. It was now his turn to blush. “I knew you were looking!”

“Sorry, but you have got one great behind.” Kristina said, grinning. “I just can’t help it.”

“Well maybe you should go in front of me.” Urs suggested.

“No thanks.” Kristina replied, gently pushing Urs forward. “I’m enjoying the view.”

Kristina could hear Urs quietly chuckle as he pushed open the door in to lounge and headed back to the sofa.

“You still haven’t told me what you want to do.” Urs said, collapsing on the sofa. “I would’ve have suggested going on the motorbike again but… well… that’s a no go, I’m afraid.” he added, looking at his cast.

“It doesn’t matter.” Kristina said, quietly, sitting down next to Urs. She still felt guilty for Urs having the accident. If Tyler hadn’t shown up, things might have been so different between them. But instead, she had left him to see Tyler and then upset Urs by telling him that she was still leaving for New York.

“It’s not your fault, you know.” Urs said, quietly, as if reading her thoughts.

“It is my fault.” Kristina sighed. “I know you’re just trying to be nice, but if it wasn’t for me, you’d never have been out on your bike.”

“But I was still the one riding the bike.” Urs said, gently placing his hand on her arm. “I’m usually very careful, but I’ll admit… I had things on my mind and I was upset. I wasn‘t paying attention, so it was my own fault.”

“You were upset because of me.” Kristina said, lowering her eyes. “I treated you badly that day and you left, thinking the worst of me. I felt awful knowing I’d hurt you and then Carlos told me you’d been involved in an accident and I… I thought you were dead…and…”

Kristina leant forward, resting her elbows on her knees and pressed the palms of her hands against her eyes. Her and Urs had been having fun, up until now and she didn’t want to cry and ruin it all but she couldn’t help it.

“Hey, don‘t cry.” Urs said, softly pulling her back on the sofa. “I‘m fine, okay? Just a broken ankle.”

“But it could‘ve been so much worse.” Kristina said, tearfully. “And if you had died, it would‘ve been all my fault and I would never forgive myself.”

Kristina couldn’t hold back any more and several tears escaped.

“Come here, silly.” Urs sighed, pulling her in to his arms.

“I’m sorry.” Kristina said, faintly, as she rested her head against his chest. “I’m sorry for everything, all the hurt I’ve caused you. I‘m surprised you‘re still talking to me.”

“What am I going to do with you, hey?” Urs said, placing a finger under her chin, and tilting her head up so she had to look at him.

Kristina looked up into his warm hazel eyes as another tear fell down her face. Urs smiled and wiped the tear away, his hand lingering on her cheek. She closed her eyes as more tears fell. Urs felt tears stinging his own eyes but he wasn’t sure why. Perhaps it was the thought of her leaving and possibly never seeing her again. Urs swallowed hard and tried to blink them back but one single tear escaped. Urs pulled her back in to his arms and gently kissed her on the forehead. Kristina hadn’t even left London yet, but if it hurt this much just thinking about it, did it mean he was still in love with her? Urs had two days to decide how he felt, before she walked out of his life once again.

***** CHAPTER 112 *****

“I’m sorry, Urs.” Kristina said, wiping her eyes as she pulled away from him. “I don’t know where that came from.”

“It’s alright.” Urs smiled. “It’s obviously something that’s been bothering you. You needed to let it out.”

“I feel stupid for crying in front of you though.” Kristina said, lowering her eyes. “And I didn’t want to spoil this morning.”

“You haven’t spoilt anything.” Urs said, reassuringly. “So don’t worry about it, okay?”

Kristina nodded.

“Good. Now, will you please tell me what we’re going to do?” Urs said, looking around the room. He then noticed a Playstation underneath the television. “You like video games?”

“I love them!” Kristina replied, now smiling. “How about you?”

“Can’t say I’ve ever really played them that much.” Urs replied. “But I know David’s addicted to them.”

“I caught the bug from him.” Kristina giggled. “Don’t tell him I told you so, but I can beat him at just about any game.”

“Oh really?” Urs said, raising his eyebrows. “He’s always bragging about he’s unbeaten at all the latest games. I‘ll have to ask him about that.”

“Urs, you can’t tell him.” Kristina said, laughing. “He’d shoot me. Promise you won‘t say anything.”

“Okay, I promise.” Urs chuckled. “Hand on heart, but it‘s going to be hard to keep a straight face, next time he mentions it. But come on, what games have you got?”

“I’ve got Guitar Hero, but I think we’ll pass on that.” Kristina said, getting up from the couch.

“Worried I’ll beat you again.” Urs laughed.

“It was a draw.” Kristina grinned over her shoulder, as she switched on the Playstation and started to sort through the games.

“How about Ridge Racer?” Kristina asked, holding the game up. “It’s one my favourites.”

“I suppose that means you’re brilliant at it.” Urs said, rolling his eyes.

“I haven’t played it in ages.” Kristina replied, handing Urs a controller and sitting down beside him. “So I’m a little out of practice.”

“Okay, go on then.” Urs said, settling back on the couch. “I’ll give it a go, but you‘ll have to show me how to work this thing.”

Urs sat in silence and tried to concentrate on what Kristina was saying, as she moved a little closer to him and explained what each button did. But every now and then, Urs would look at the buttons, then glance up. He couldn’t take his eyes off Kristina. He watched every movement of her lips, and soon he was lost in her words and didn’t hear a single thing. He found himself longing to kiss her again, as he remembered their encounter in the elevator. He continued to watch her, the way she tilted her head, made gestures with her hands, oblivious to the fact he was watching her intently, as she eagerly showed him how to use the controls.

As Kristina looked at Urs, to make sure he was listening, she stopped as soon as she looked in to his eyes. He was watching her. Kristina swallowed hard, as they continued to stare at each other, neither of them speaking. His eyes were so expressive and full of emotion, but Kristina wasn’t sure what he felt for her anymore. Yesterday, she thought he would never speak to her again, yet here he was, sitting inches away from her and looking at her in a way that made her nervous. She would love to know what he was thinking, to be able to read his mind. Could he still love her? She knew that it was her own fault, that she had hurt Urs, that he no longer believed what she said. She had lost his trust and she knew that she might never regain it, or his love. But from the way he was looking at her now, she suddenly had hope.

As Kristina leant back, a strand of hair fell down, which had been loosely pinned up. Urs instinctively brushed the curl back behind her ear.

“Thanks.” Kristina said, weakly.

“You’re welcome.” Urs said, still watching her.

“You’re staring.” Kristina said, blushing.

“So are you.” Urs smiled.

“So, did you get that?” Kristina asked, quickly changing the subject.

“Sorry?” Urs asked. “Get what?”

“How to use the controls.” Kristina replied. “Or did you want me to go over it again?”

“I think you’d better go over it again.” Urs replied, this time determined to focus on what Kristina was telling him.

Kristina leant forward and started to go through the controls again.

“You smell nice.” Urs said, suddenly, surprising both himself and Kristina.

“Uhm… thanks.” Kristina said, blushing yet again.

“What scent is it?” Urs asked, casually.

“I can’t remember.” Kristina giggled. “I was in such a hurry this morning, that I just picked up the closest thing to hand. All I can smell at the moment is washing up liquid.”

“Washing up liquid?” Urs chuckled. “I never thought I’d get turned on by washing up liquid.”

Kristina looked at Urs, stunned.

“What I meant was….” Urs blushed. “I mean… whatever it is, it smells good on you.”

“Thanks.” Kristina laughed, quietly. “I think!”

After several minutes of explaining what each button did, again, Urs had a couple of practice laps, and they finally started the game.

“I win again!” Kristina yelled, jumping up from her seat and sticking her tongue out at Urs.

“You’re so childish.” Urs said, shaking his head. “You do realise, it’s just a game.”

“Of course.” Kristina said, grinning. “So, that’s two games to me and one to you.”

“Let’s make it the best of five.” Urs said, pressing the reset button. “I’m determined to beat you.”

“Oh? And what’s the prize?” Kristina asked. “I hope it’s something nice.”

“Who says you’re going to win?” Urs asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Come on, you’ve already lost two games.” Kristina giggled. “And I only let you win one of them because I didn’t want you to feel bad.”

“Oh thanks.” Urs said, pretending to be hurt. “Well, you’re not going to win the next two games.”

“Want to bet?” Kristina smirked.

“Sure, why not!” Urs replied. “Let’s make this a little more interesting.”

“What did you have in mind?” Kristina asked warily.

“If I lose the next two games, I’ll hand over that towel and you can get your own back on me.” Urs replied.

“And if you win?” Kristina asked. “What’s your prize?”

“I get to kiss you.” Urs replied.

“Kiss me?” Kristina said, her heart starting to race at the thought of kissing Urs again.

“On the cheek.” Urs replied, holding his hand out. “So do we have a deal?”

“Deal.” Kristina said, shaking his hand.

“This is going to be a piece of cake.” Urs said, grinning.

“You sound pretty confident all of a sudden.” Kristina said, watching him carefully.

“Do I?” Urs said, as he leant forward and put his controller down on the floor, before starting to unbutton his shirt.

“What are you doing?” Kristina asked, puzzled.

“What does it look like? My shirt’s wet.” Urs explained. “Someone decided to splash water over me. I need to hang it up somewhere, so it can dry off.”

“I’ll get you something else to put on.” Kristina said, getting to her feet, as Urs slipped the shirt off and hung it over the back of the sofa. “I’ve got an old t-shirt of David’s upstairs that I wear around the house occasionally. It will fit you.

“No, it’s okay.” Urs said, casually. “I’ll be fine like this.”

“Yes, but….” Kristina stopped, mid sentence, as she looked back at Urs. She could feel her skin glowing, unable to look away from him. It was only a few days ago, that she had helped Urs take off his shirt to reveal that toned chest, the well muscled arms, the flat stomach and broad shoulders. She was longing to run her hands over his skin, to feel the muscles tense beneath her fingertips. Kristina nervously bit her lip, trying to control herself.

“What?” Urs asked, innocently, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Nothing.” Kristina replied, sitting back down and facing the screen.

“Ready to lose?” Urs smirked, as he picked up his controller, and sat forward on the edge of the couch.

“Ready when you are.” Kristina said, taking a deep breath and trying to ignore the fact that Urs was sitting next to her, with no shirt on. He was right, she was going to lose this race.

***** CHAPTER 113 *****

“Yes! I win!” Urs yelled, punching the air with his fist, and then grinning at Kristina.

“You cheated!” Kristina said, playfully slapping Urs on the arm.

“How can I cheat?” Urs said, holding his hands up. “It’s a computer game, there’s no way I can cheat.”

“You know what I’m talking about, Buhler.” Kristina smirked. “Sitting there with no shirt on.”

“What?” Urs chuckled. “You’re enjoying the view, aren’t you? Or was it only my bum, that you enjoyed looking at?”

“I wasn’t looking at you, I was concentrating on the game.” Kristina replied, trying to keep a straight face.

“Yeah? Well try harder.” Urs chuckled. “Because when you spun your car for the third time, you started going round the course the wrong way.”

“I told you, the button got stuck.” Kristina smirked, gently pushing Urs on the shoulder.

“More like your eyes were stuck on me.” Urs said, holding an arm up and flexing his muscles.

“You’re such a big head.” Kristina said, giggling. “And besides, what makes you think I would be looking at you the whole time?”

“Because you love me and you can‘t take your eyes off me.” Urs said, without thinking.

Kristina stopped laughing and Urs glanced at her, looking uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry.” Urs said, uneasily. “I didn’t mean to say that.”

“Why not?” Kristina said, quietly. “It’s true.”

Urs smiled and then watched as Kristina leant forward and put the controller on the floor.

“Now what are you doing?” Urs said, as he watched Kristina reach behind her back with one arm, and then slide her hand up one sleeve, and then do the same with the other hand and the opposite sleeve.

“What does it look like?” Kristina said, giggling. “Two can play that game.”

“What game?” Urs asked, still puzzled.

“Cheating.” Kristina grinned.

“I told you, I didn’t cheat.” Urs replied, chuckling.

“Well, I guess this isn’t cheating either.” Kristina said, as she pulled out a red lace bra from one of her sleeves and casually dropped it on the floor in front of Urs.

Urs looked at it open mouthed and then looked at Kristina. Even though she still had her thin top on, Urs couldn’t help but look at her chest.

“Enjoying the view.” Kristina giggled.

Urs snapped his mouth shut and looked back at the television, before turning bright red.

“Are you okay?” Kristina asked, suddenly worried that maybe she had gone too far.

“I’m fine.” Urs squeaked. “And yeah, nice view.”

Kristina smirked, and picked up her controller. Things were going fine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I told you! I’m going to beat you.” Kristina said, leaning forward on the couch. “It’s just this last corner and then it’s a race to the finish line.”

“I’m not giving up yet.” Urs said, whilst struggling to get to his feet and keep the car on the track at the same time.

“What are you doing?” Kristina asked, frowning, as she quickly glanced at Urs and then back at the screen.

“Ever heard of the Full Monty?” Urs said, casually, as he kept his finger on the accelerator button with one hand and undid the belt on his jeans with the other.

“The Full.. ? Oh my God!” Kristina squealed, her eyes widening. “You can’t do that!”

“Do what?” Urs said, innocently.

“You can’t strip off in my front room!” Kristina said, now looking more at Urs than the television screen.

“Why not?” Urs chuckled. “Or would you prefer me to strip off in the bedroom?”

“The bedroom?” Kristina said, weakly as she watched Urs pop the button on his jeans. “Now there’s a thought.” she mumbled to herself.

“Uhm… Krissy?” Urs said, a smirk creeping across his face.

“Urs?” Kristina gulped, as she continued to stare at Urs.

“If you can ever tear your eyes away from me for just a moment, you‘ll see I’ve won.” Urs replied.

“Won?” Kristina said, still watching Urs.

“You’ve crashed your car.” Urs said, nodding at the television screen. “I’ve won.”

“I’ve done what?” Kristina gasped, looking at the television screen.

“It looks like you’ve finally met your match at computer games.” Urs chuckled.

“You cheat!” Kristina said, laughing as she picked up a cushion and threw it at Urs, who caught it perfectly. “You don’t play fair.”

“I don’t know why you’re complaining.” Urs said, throwing the cushion back on the sofa. “You get to kiss me, don’t you?”

“Hang on a minute.” Kristina said, putting her controller on the floor and getting to her feet. “If I remember right, it was you who wanted the kiss and I wanted the towel back.”

“Would you rather have the towel instead then?” Urs asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Claim your prize.” Kristina giggled, as she stood in front of Urs, turning her head to the side and waiting for him to kiss her.

As Kristina stood in front of him, he caught the faint smell of her perfume again. Urs looked at Kristina with her head tilted, and carefully brushed the loose strands of hair to the side, her neck now clearly visible. Her skin was tanned and looked flawlessly smooth, and his groin clenched at the thought of revealing more.

Urs placed his thumb and forefinger on her jaw and gently turned her head to face him.

“Would you be upset if I told you that I’d changed my mind?” Urs said quietly, as he stared at her mouth.

“Changed your mind?” Kristina frowned.

“About kissing you on the cheek.” Urs said softly, now tracing his thumb along her bottom lip.

“Oh?” Kristina mumbled weakly, her heart now beating rapidly as Urs leaned in closer.

Urs slid his hand round the back of her neck, threading his fingers through her hair and pulled her towards him, closing the distance between them as he gently kissed her mouth.

***** CHAPTER 114 *****

As Urs pulled away, Kristina stood there with her head still tilted up and her eyes closed.

“Krissy?” Urs said, softly.

“Hmm?” Kristina replied, opening her eyes slowly, a smile spreading across her face.

“You okay?” Urs asked, smiling back.

“I’m fine!” Kristina sighed, before raising her hand to her mouth and lightly running her fingertips over her lips. Urs had kissed her; of course she was okay. So far, every time she had kissed Urs, each one had been different but some things never changed. Each kiss took her breath away, her knees felt as if they would give way at any second, she was left feeling light headed and her heart was racing. She wanted the kiss to last longer, but it was just a light brush of his lips and was over in seconds.

“Are you sure?” Urs asked, as he continued to watch her.

The look in Urs’ eyes gave Kristina even more hope than before. Urs had kissed her, not because she had asked him to, but because he wanted to. Then there was the fact that he wanted to stay with her for the rest of the day. Kristina was filled with a new hope, wondering if Urs was slowly coming round to the idea that she really did love him. But did he still love her? And if he did, would he realise it before Sunday? Kristina knew she had told Tyler that she wouldn’t delay her move back to New York, yet if Urs had changed his mind, then she needed to know. But there was no way she was going to ask just yet. Things between them were going well, very well, and Kristina didn’t want to say or do anything to jeopardise that right now. The right moment would come for them and she would know what to do, but until then, she would just have to bide her time and be patient.

“I’m sure.” Kristina replied, smiling.

“Good!” Urs said, as he turned and sat back down on the couch. “Can I suggest you take a few driving lessons before getting behind the wheel again. You’re dangerous!”

“Hey cheeky!” Kristina said, laughing as she sat down next to him. “There’s nothing wrong with my driving. I’d like to see you drive, with a half naked woman sitting next to you!”

“Maybe we should try it one day.” Urs winked, causing Kristina to blush. “Come on, we’ve had water sports, driving, the strip tease, what else can we do?”

“I don’t know.” Kristina said, frowning. “Like I said, I only have a few things here, enough for me to get by. And living alone, well, there’s not much here for two people to do.”

“You work too much.” Urs commented. “You need to take a break sometimes, get out, meet people, have fun.”

“I know, but my work’s my life.” Kristina answered. “It’s the only thing that keeps me going.”

“So have you always been a work-a-holic?” Urs asked, jokingly.

“I’ve always loved my work so I guess so.” Kristina replied, nervously laughing. “But I think it got worse afterwards.”

“Afterwards?” Urs said, puzzled.

“After I moved to London.” Kristina replied, quietly.

“So what changed?” Urs asked, listening intently.

“Things went downhill.” Kristina replied, frowning. “I hated myself for hurting David… and you. I couldn’t get over you. Life just seemed like an up hill struggle. My work started to suffer, things took a turn for the worse and I lost the business.”

“I didn’t realise.” Urs said, genuinely surprised. “I just assumed that when you moved to London, you’d sold it.”

“No, there was nothing to sell.” Kristina replied. “I didn’t devote as much time as I could have to my clients. They didn’t feel that I was doing my best for them, and they were right. I’d had major surgery, I was getting over depression, I’d broken up with David and I just couldn’t get back in to the swing of things.”

“Can I ask… why did you break up with David?” Urs asked, curiously. “When we first met at the Tony Awards, you two looked so happy together. You kept telling me you loved him.”

“I did love him.” Kristina said, lowering her eyes. “But after meeting you….” Kristina then looked back up at Urs. “After meeting you, things were never quite the same between us. At least not for me. I loved him but there was no way I could stay with him and all the time be thinking of another man. It wasn’t fair on him.”

“Does David know this?” Urs asked, still reeling from everything Kristina was telling him.

“Yes.” Kristina replied. “But he didn’t find out until a few weeks ago. I went to visit Abigail and saw him on the way out. We got talking and…

“… and you stayed the night.” Urs finished for her.

“It’s not what you think.” Kristina said quickly. “I did stay the night but I slept in the spare room.”

“But you told me…” Urs started to say.

“I never told you anything.” Kristina interrupted. “You just assumed that I slept with David, so I went along with it.”

“But why?” Urs asked. “Why would you want me to think that? Why didn‘t you just tell me the truth?”

“I would’ve thought that was obvious.” Kristina replied. “You were being so rude to me at the time. I didn‘t think you’d be interested in the truth. You were all too quick to think the worst of me; that I would jump straight back in to bed with him.”

“So that morning in the elevator… when I made a comment about the ‘bed hair’.” Urs said slowly.

“David didn’t have anything to do with that.” Kristina smiled nervously. “I’d just had a bad night and couldn’t sleep.”

“So you coming to London and working for Sony.” Urs said. “You had no idea I was here.”

“Absolutely no idea at all.” Kristina replied. “After everything that had happened, I needed a break, I needed time to get my head together. So I came to London four years ago.”

“And that’s when you decided to stay?” Urs asked, quietly, shocked at Kristina’s revelations.

“Yes.” she nodded. “I have friends from New York that live here, so I came to stay with them for a while. I decided that here would be as good a place as any to start a fresh. I found the job with Cavendish and I’ve been here ever since.”

“And now you’re leaving.” Urs said, staring at the floor.

“I don’t have to get on that plane.” Kristina said, quietly, watching Urs.

“Have you chosen your outfit for the Masquerade Ball yet?” Urs asked, changing the subject.

“Yes.” Kristina sighed. “How about you?”

“No, not yet.” Urs replied. “I’m not even sure if I want to go.”

“But it’s Abigail’s birthday party.” Kristina replied. “It’ll be fun! Abigail and Anna have spent ages planning it.”

“I don’t know.” Urs shrugged. “It’s not just a birthday party, is it? It’s also a leaving party.”

“Please say you’ll come.” Kristina said, hopefully. “It won’t be the same without you there.”

“I’m not a great one for parties.” Urs said, shaking his head. “And I have no idea what to wear.”

“I can always help you choose a costume.” Kristina suggested. “We could go now, if you felt up to it.”

“And what am I going to go as, with a cast on my leg?” Urs asked.

“A pirate with a wooden leg?” Kristina giggled.

“Very funny.” Urs smirked. “But are you sure you want me there? I might not be much fun.”

“Of course I want you there.” Kristina replied. “It will be my last night in London. Please say you‘ll come, for me?”

“Okay, I’ll go.” Urs said, sighing. “But did you mean what you said, about helping me choose a costume?”

“Absolutely.” Kristina grinned. “When did you want to go?”

“Now seems a good a time as any.” Urs said, pushing himself up from the sofa.

“Well, I’ll go upstairs and put this back on.” Kristina said, quietly laughing as she picked up her bra from the floor. “And while you finish getting dressed, I’ll call for a taxi.”

“Okay.” Urs grinned, as he did up the button on his jeans. “I think my shirt’s dry now.”

“I hope so.” Kristina laughed. “I don’t think my heart can take much more of you walking around half un-dressed.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Where did you want to go first?” Kristina asked, as she helped Urs out of the taxi.

“I’ve no idea. Thanks.” Urs replied, taking his crutches from Kristina. “You know London better than me, where do you suggest?”

“There’s a shop just round the corner.” Kristina replied, pointing down the street. “It’s where me and Abigail hired ours from.”

“Okay, lead the way.” Urs said, after paying the taxi driver. “So what costume are you wearing on Saturday?”

“I’m not telling you.” Kristina grinned.

“Oh go on!” Urs said, frowning. “Why can’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s a surprise.” Kristina replied. “The only person that knows what I’m wearing is Abigail.”

“Have you got any idea what’s going to happen at this ball?” Urs asked. “David said something about masks. I don’t think I want to wear a mask.”

“But you have to!” Kristina replied, as she opened the door to the costume shop and held it open for Urs. “It’s part of the fun. We all have to wear a mask and then we can take them off at midnight.”

“But what’s the point?” Urs asked. “We all know each other.”

“Not everyone will know each other.” Kristina answered, as they started to look at the costumes. “But it’s supposed to add to the mystery. Hey what about this one? You‘d make a great pirate!”

“I said no!” Urs chuckled. “I can imagine the names the guys will give me. Peg leg is just one of them that springs to mind.”

“That’s one of our most popular costumes.” a voice said from behind them, causing Kristina and Urs to turn around. “Pirates seem to be very popular just lately for some reason.”

“I think Johnny Depp might have something to do with that.” Kristina replied, looking at the elderly gentleman.

“Johhny Depp? Never heard of him.” the man said, frowning. “Did you want the pirate costume?”

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Urs replied, shaking his head. “It’s not really me.”

“Well have you any idea of what you’re looking for?” he asked.

“Not really, it‘s for a Masquerade Ball.” Urs replied. “But it has to be something I can wear with this thing on.” Urs added, looking at his cast.

“Hmm that might be a problem.” the man said, rubbing his chin. “I can see why the young lady suggested a pirate costume. It would be perfect.”

“No, I’m really not that keen on the pirate costume.” Urs said, glancing at Kristina, who was now giggling.

“Well take a look around, there’s plenty of costumes here.” the elderly gentleman said, as he turned and started to walk away. “If you want to try anything on, there’s a changing room at the back.”

“How can that guy not know who Johnny Depp is?” Kristina said, still giggling. “He must be living in the dark ages.”

“I bet his wife knows who Johnny Depp is.” Urs replied, browsing through the costumes on the railings. “Every woman knows who Depp is.”

“How do you know he’s married?” Kristina asked, looking at Urs. “He never mentioned a wife.”

“He had a wedding ring on.” Urs replied. “So are you a fan of Johnny Depp?”

“He’s okay.” Kristina said, as she started to go through the costumes. “But he doesn’t really do anything for me.”

“You surprise me.” Urs said, pulling out a Darthvader outfit. “I would’ve thought he’d be your type.”

“My type?” Kristina said, with raised eyebrows and shaking her head at Urs‘ choice of costume. “And what exactly is my type?”

“Tall, dark and handsome.” Urs replied causally, putting the costume back.

“He’s not my idea of tall, dark and handsome.” Kristina replied, pulling out an Alpine outfit.

“Very funny.” Urs said, when he saw what she was holding up. “But you’ll never see me wearing anything like that.”

“Shame.” Kristina sighed. “I wouldn’t mind seeing those legs. I think I’ve seen just about everything else.”

“Not quite everything.” Urs winked.

“What about this one?” Kristina asked, blushing furiously, as she held up an Elvis outfit, complete with cape.

“Well I’ve got the sideburns.” Urs grinned, rubbing his hand over his cheeks. “Not too sure about the outfit though, showing off all that bare chest. I can imagine Carlos wearing that, but not me.”

Kristina laughed at the thought of Carlos, dressed as Elvis.

“Perhaps you’re right.” she said, putting the costume back on the rail.

“Wait there a moment.” Urs said, suddenly. “I’ve thought of something.”

“What?” Kristina asked. “Where are you going?”

“To see if he’s got the outfit I want.” Urs replied, heading in the direction of where the gentleman was now sitting, behind a counter.

Kristina stood patiently waiting and watched as Urs talked to the owner. Kristina couldn’t make out what was being said, but she saw the elderly gentleman nod and get up from his seat. Urs looked in her direction and gave her the ‘thumbs up’ signal. She assumed that meant they had the outfit Urs was looking for.

Fifteen minutes later, the owner reappeared carrying a large box under his arm, followed by Urs on his crutches. Kristina made her way over to the counter, while he paid for the outfit.

“What did you get?” Kristina asked, as she went to lift the lid off the box.

“Nosy!” Urs said, playfully slapping her hand. “You’ll have to wait until Saturday.”

“Aww come on.” Kristina said, pouting. “I came with you, to help you choose an outfit. The least you can do is let me see what you’re going to wear.”

“Nope!” Urs grinned. “I have to wait to see yours, so you can do the same.”

“I’m not a very patient person.” Kristina said, leaning down and trying to sneak a look inside the box. “I don’t know if I can wait until then.”

“Will you stop that?” Urs said, chuckling, as he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her away from the box, so that her back was now pressed against his chest. “You’ll just have to learn to be patient.”

“I told you, I’m not very patient.” Kristina giggled. “Can’t you give me a clue? Just a small one?”

“Perhaps.” Urs whispered, pulling her even closer to him, his breath tickling her neck. “It depends if you behave yourself.”

“Are you flirting with me, Mr Buhler?” Kristina asked, smirking as she looked over her shoulder.

“What do you think?” Urs said, winking at her.

***** CHAPTER 115 *****

“Do you need any help with that?” Kristina asked, offering to take the costume box from Urs.

“No, it’s okay, thanks.” Urs said, as he struggled with it and his crutches, while getting out of the taxi. “I can manage.”

“Are you sure?” Kristina said, smirking, as Urs juggled with the box. “I promise I won’t look.”

“I’ve made it this far.” Urs said, looking at Kristina. “I think I can make it to the front door.”

“Your choice!” Kristina answered, as she turned and made her way up the path to the front door. Kristina unlocked the front door and waited for Urs.

“You like to make life hard for yourself, don’t you.” Kristina commented, as Urs took his time, being careful not to drop the box. “It’s only a costume, it doesn’t matter if I see it now or Saturday.”

“If I show you mine, will you show me yours?” Urs grinned, as he made his way inside the house.

“Are we still talking about costumes?” Kristina smirked.

“We can talk about what ever you want.” Urs replied, laughing as he looked around the kitchen. “Now where can I leave this?”

“You can leave it on the counter, it will be fine there.” Kristina replied, taking off her jacket and hanging on it on the back of the chair. “Fancy a drink?”

“Sure, coffee again, if that’s okay.” Urs replied, placing the box on the counter.

“Not a problem.” Kristina said, switching the kettle on. “Why don’t you go and sit down in the lounge, I’ll bring the drinks in, in a minute.”

As soon as Urs had left the room, Kristina looked at the box, laying on the counter. She was curious to know what Urs’ costume was. It wouldn’t hurt if she looked, Urs didn’t have to know. She slowly walked over to the box and stared at it. Just one peek. Kristina stood in front of the box and slowly started to lift the lid.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Kristina jumped and turned round to see Urs, standing in the doorway, watching her.

“Nothing.” Kristina said, leaning against the counter, with her back to the box, trying her hardest not to look guilty.

“You were going to look weren’t you?” Urs said, as he hobbled towards her. “Don’t deny it.”

“Where are your crutches?” Kristina asked, ignoring Urs’ comment. “You’re going to make that ankle worse.”

“Stop changing the subject.” Urs laughed. “You were going to look weren’t you.”

“No.” Kristina said, before biting her lip. “I was going to move it somewhere safer.”

“It’s fine where it is, as long as people leave it alone.” Urs said, now standing directly in front of her. “I told you, if you behave yourself, I might give you a clue as to what it is.”

“So what’s the clue?” Kristina grinned.

“Do you think you deserve one?” Urs smirked. “If I hadn’t come in to the room when I did, you would’ve looked inside that box by now.”

“Oh come on, Urs, please!” Kristina pleaded, tugging on the sleeves of his shirt. “The curiosity is killing me.”

“Geez woman, you’re like a big kid.” Urs chuckled. “I dread to think what you’re like at Christmas. I bet you’re one of those people that get up at the crack of dawn and rip open all your presents.”

“And what’s wrong with that?” Kristina grinned. “What’s the point in having presents if you’re not going to open them? Besides, I haven’t done that since I was seventeen.”

Urs looked at Kristina with raised eyebrows, it was obvious he didn’t believe her.

“Okay.” Kristina sighed, rolling her eyes. “Twenty eight.”

“And how old are you now?” Urs asked.

“Uhm… twenty nine.” Kristina smirked.

“Krissy, you’re unbelievable!” Urs said, laughing. “I was right. You are a big kid.”

“But Christmas is fun.” Kristina grinned. “Seeing all those presents under the tree, wondering what people have bought you. I know it‘s not just about the presents, but I have an inquisitive mind, and I…I need to know what’s in there.” Kristina added, pointing to the box.

“Well, I’ve decided that you’re going to have to wait until Saturday.” Urs sighed.

“Oh Urs…” Kristina pouted.

“Don’t ‘oh Urs’ me.” Urs laughed. “That’s not going to work.”

“Are you sure about that?” Kristina asked, smiling sweetly at him. “Is there nothing I can do that might tempt you and make you change your mind?”

“There might be.” Urs said, lowering his voice, as he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. “But it’s probably considered illegal in several countries.”

“Illegal?” Kristina smirked. “Now that sounds interesting, what exactly did you have in mind?”

“Have you got any duct tape?” Urs asked.

“Duct tape?” Kristina said, with raised eyebrows. “I didn’t realise you were in to that kind of thing.”

“What kind of thing?” Urs frowned. Then it suddenly dawned on him. “Kinky, hey? You’ve got a very wild imagination, but I’m up for it if you are.”

“Maybe later.” Kristina said, laughing as she pulled away from Urs. “The kettle’s boiled.”

Urs released Kristina from his grip and stepped back to let her finish making their drinks.

“I was serious about the tape, you know.” Urs said, leaning against the counter. “I want to tape up the box, that way I’ll know if someone has been peeking.”

“Someone?” Kristina said, glancing at Urs as she made their drinks. “I assume you’re talking about me.”

“I don’t see anyone else here.” Urs said, as he followed Kristina, who was now walking back in to the lounge.

“Well, I’m afraid I don’t have any tape.” Kristina replied, placing both mugs on the small table. “I guess you’ll have to believe me, when I say I promise that I won’t look in the box, even though it‘s going to kill me.”

“So, have you got any plans for Christmas?” Urs asked, quietly laughing as he picked up his mug of coffee.

“I’m not sure yet.” Kristina replied, before gently blowing on the hot drink. “Abigail mentioned me spending it with her and Carlos, but that was before all this happened.” Kristina said, pointing to all the boxes in the corner of the room. “I suppose it will be Christmas with the whole family back home. How about you? What will you be doing?”

“I was planning on going to Amsterdam with Saskia.” Urs replied, frowning. “But… well, you know what happened. So I’ll probably end up going back home to Switzerland.”

The two sat in silence for several minutes, quietly sipping on their hot drinks before Kristina spoke.

“Did you want to watch a movie?” Kristina asked, putting her mug back down on the table. “I’ll let you choose.”

“Sure, why not.” Urs said, sliding off the sofa, and crawling across the floor to the video cabinet. “It’s been ages since I’ve sat down and watched a movie. Life’s been such a rush lately.”

“Well, you deserve some time to yourself then, to relax.” Kristina said. “You haven’t exactly done much of that since I phoned you this morning.”

“What about this one?” Urs asked.

“You want to watch Notting Hill?” Kristina said, looking at the DVD that Urs was holding up.

“Yes, why?” Urs asked, looking back at Kristina. “Don’t you like it?”

“I love it.” Kristina replied, getting off the sofa and taking the DVD from Urs and putting it in. “It’s one of my favourite movies.”

“That was easy enough then.” Urs said, crawling across the floor and getting back on the sofa. “If only everything in life was as easy.”

“Okay, give me five minutes.” Kristina said, heading towards the kitchen. “I think I’ve got some popcorn in the cupboard.”

Several minutes later, Kristina returned with a huge bowl of popcorn and placed it in the middle of the table.

“Lift your leg up.” Kristina said, picking up a cushion from one of the chairs and putting it on the small table in front of them. “You really need to rest that ankle.”

“Thanks.” Urs said, as he lifted his leg up, and Kristina helped him place it on the cushion.

“There, that should be more comfortable.” Kristina said, as she went to sit in the chair opposite Urs.

“It feels better already.” Urs sighed, patting the seat beside him. “Sit here, with me.”

“If you’re still hungry after the movie, I can make us both some lunch.” Kristina said, sitting next to Urs and pressing the play button on the remote control.

“You’ve got yourself a deal.” Urs replied, as the movie started.

***** CHAPTER 116 *****

Kristina and Urs had been sitting watching the movie, laughing at the jokes. When it came to the scene of Anna and William sitting in a comfortable silence as they spent the evening together both Kristina and Urs were, unknowingly, thinking the same thing. What would it be like to come home each day, and find the other one there waiting for them? To know that person had been thinking about them all day and that they were missing them.

Then came those five lines, that made Kristina giggle every time.

Anna: “You have big feet.”

William: “Yep. Always have had.”

Anna: “You know what they say about men with big feet.”

William: “No, what do they say?”

Anna: “Big feet… large shoes.”

Kristina put her hand up to her mouth and tried not to laugh, but a small giggle escaped as she looked at Urs' foot propped up on the small table and then glanced at the zip on his jeans.

Urs looked at Kristina as she giggled and noticed her staring at him.

“Yes, I have big feet.” he winked, as he caught Kristina’s eye, causing Kristina to blush profusely and then laugh out loud, when she could no longer hold it in.

“I‘m sorry.” Kristina laughed. “But that line gets me every time and seeing your foot on the table, I couldn‘t help myself.”

“Well, I’m just glad you think it’s funny.” Urs chuckled.

“So just how big are your feet?” Kristina asked, trying to keep a straight face.

“I think in the UK, they call it a size 9.” Urs replied.

“Oh is that all?” Kristina said, casually. “I’ve seen bigger.”

“Come to think of it, perhaps it was a size 10, or even an 11.” Urs said, thoughtfully. “I can’t really remember. But I know I’ve never had any complaints about my shoe size.”

Kristina looked at Urs, who had a cheeky grin on his face and she could feel her face glowing again. She loved the playfulness and the flirting that was going on between them, but she couldn’t stop blushing.

“Okay enough about the shoes.” Kristina said, picking up a newspaper and fanning herself. “Is it me, or is it getting hot in here?”

“I’ve never seen a woman blush so much, and from such an innocent comment.” Urs chuckled, as he casually put his arm around Kristina’s shoulder and pulled her in to his side. “Maybe you really are an angel.”

“You know very well, that was not an innocent comment.” Kristina said, gently slapping him on the leg.

“Hey I’m not the one who started talking about shoe sizes.” Urs laughed.

“I wasn’t either!” Kristina protested. “All I did was laugh, you were the one that said you had big feet.”

“So blame Julia Roberts then, she’s the one who brought it up.” Urs said, pointing at the television.

Kristina looked at the television; Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant were now talking about nudity clauses, in her contract and the use of ‘stunt bottoms’.

“Do you have any nudity clauses in your contract?” Kristina asked, looking at Urs.

“Not that I know of.” Urs chuckled. “Do I need one?”

“I don’t know.” Kristina giggled. “Perhaps you should check. You might need a stunt bottom like Julia.”

“I thought you said I had a great behind.” Urs said, with raised eyebrows. “If that’s true, why would I want to use a stunt bottom?”

“Just a suggestion.” Kristina said, laughing. “But there are some things you don’t share with the whole world, a bare bottom being one of them.”

“Only that special someone, hey?” Urs said, his hand gently squeezing her shoulder.

Kristina took a deep breath, as she tried to remain calm, looking at Urs, who had a playful look in his eye. She couldn’t believe how well things were going, and how quickly things were progressing.

“Be quiet and watch the movie.” Kristina said, smiling as she looked back at the television.

The two of them continued to watch the movie, and every now and then, Urs would glance at Kristina. He smiled to himself as he watched the different expressions take hold of her face.

When Julia Roberts delivered her speech to Hugh Grant, claiming to be ‘just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her’; Urs looked at Kristina and noticed her wipe several tears away. He smiled again, but then frowned, when he realised that Kristina might not be crying over the movie, but in fact, their situation. She had come to him, and told him that she loved him, hoping that he still loved her, but he told her he didn’t want to know. Yet here he was, with his arm around her, flirting like there was no tomorrow.

“Are you alright?” Urs asked, gently squeezing her shoulder.

“I‘m fine.” she said, as she looked up at him, her eyes still watery. “I always cry at that part.”

“But she gets her man in the end.” Urs smiled. “So why do you always cry, when you know it has a happy ending?”

“I don’t know.” Kristina said, shrugging her shoulders. “It’s just so sad, I can’t help but feel sorry for her. But remember, it‘s a movie and not everyone gets the happy ending, that they dream of.”

“Not everyone.” Urs said, softly. “But that doesn’t mean it will never happen.”

“Will I get my happy ending?” Kristina asked, faintly, looking at Urs.

“I don’t know… maybe.” Urs said, quietly as he looked back at the television, gently pulling Kristina closer to him, so that she laid her head against his chest.

Kristina and Urs continued to watch the movie, but their minds were on other things and not the film. Both were wondering what would happen on Sunday. Would Kristina stay? Would Urs tell her he still loved her? They soon forgot about the movie, and both tired after their early start, drifted off to sleep.

***** CHAPTER 117 *****

Natty opened the front door, dropped her bag in the hallway and went straight in to the kitchen. It had been a long day and they were finally getting back on track after having problems with the recording equipment, but she needed coffee and fast. Natty took her jacket off and hung it over the back of the chair. She had just switched on the kettle, when she heard the faint sound of the television. She frowned as she looked at her watch, she didn’t expect Kristina to be home so early. Maybe she wasn‘t feeling well, or perhaps things hadn‘t gone well with Tyler. Natty decided to go and check on her, whilst waiting for the kettle to boil.

She opened the door to the lounge and to her surprise found Kristina curled up on the sofa, with her head resting on Urs’ lap and Urs’ arm resting leisurely on her hip. Kristina was fast asleep, and Urs had his head tilted back on the sofa, his eyes closed. Natty smiled to herself and turned to leave the room, not wanting to disturb them, when Urs opened his eyes.

“Natty, wait.” Urs said, in a whisper.

Natty stopped; and saw Urs carefully place a cushion under Kristina’s head, as he slid across and pushed himself up from the sofa.

“What’s wrong?” Natty asked, quietly, while Urs picked up his crutches.

“Can we talk?” Urs said, gesturing to the door.

Natty led the way in to the kitchen and Urs followed.

“It’s nice to see you, Urs.” Natty said, quietly closing the kitchen door. “But I must admit, I didn’t expect to see you again.”

“Why not?” Urs asked, sitting down at the kitchen table.

“I know what happened yesterday.” Natty replied, sitting down opposite him. “Kristina told me.”

“I thought she might.” Urs replied, sighing. “That’s why I wanted to talk to you.”

“What’s on your mind, Urs?” Natty asked.

“I know Krissy has told you things in confidence, but…” Urs paused.

“But what, Urs?” Natty asked.

“It’s just that… she’s always denied having any feelings for me.” Urs replied. “And now this sudden change, I just can‘t get my head around it. I know you said she was confused, but I don’t know what about. Natty, I want to know.”

“I can’t tell you that, Urs.” Natty sighed. “It wouldn’t be right.”

“Please Natty.” Urs pleaded. “I have to know.”

“Urs, all you need to know, is that she’s in love with you.” Natty said, reassuringly. “And your accident is the reason for her sudden change of heart. She realised that none of it mattered, she just had to be with you.”

“None of what mattered?” Urs asked again. “What are you talking about?”

“Urs, please.” Natty sighed.

“I’m begging you, Natty.” Urs said, reaching across the table and squeezing her hand. “Please tell me.”

“I’m sorry. I can‘t.” Natty said again, shaking her head. “Kristina loves you. Can’t you just accept it and leave it at that?”

“I’m not sure it’s enough.” Urs replied, letting go of Natty’s hand. “I want to know why she felt that she couldn’t say she loved me. What isn’t she telling me?”

“Urs, this is starting to get tiring.” Natty frowned.

“You don’t understand, Natty.” Urs said, tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. “I have to know. It must be something pretty big if it’s stopped us being together all these years.”

“It hasn’t stopped you being together, Urs.” Natty replied. “When you two first met, Kristina was with David and when you met again you were with Saskia.”

“Yes, but even when I told Kristina that me and Saskia were over, she still denied she loved me.” Urs said, starting to get frustrated. “And now she’s with Tyler.”

“It’s taken Kristina a while to come to terms with certain things, but none of it is important to her anymore.” Natty replied. “If you think that it will make a difference to how you feel about her, then perhaps you should ask her yourself.”

“Perhaps I should.” Urs said, thoughtfully. “But what if she won’t tell me?”

“Then I guess you have a decision to make, Urs.” Natty replied. “Do you accept the fact that she loves you and leave it at that, or do you let her get on that plane on Sunday?”

Urs didn’t reply.

“Is it really that hard to decide?” Natty asked, when he still hadn’t said anything.

“It’s just a lot to take in.” Urs replied, finally answering. “It’s been four years since I first told her, that I was in love with her. For her to finally come out and say it….”

Urs shook his head and fell quiet again.

“Okay, let me ask you this.” Natty said, getting up from the table. “Do you love her?”

Urs didn’t answer, instead he stared out the kitchen window.

“You don’t know?” Natty said, looking at him with raised eyebrows, before pouring the hot water in to two coffee cups.

“It‘s not that simple.” Urs replied. “Krissy tells me she loves me, yet she’s still going to New York, with Tyler. I don’t know what to think anymore, let alone feel.”

“The only reason she’s still going to New York, is because Kristina thinks she’s ruined any chance she might have had with you.” Natty replied, putting two mugs of coffee on the table. “But if what happened yesterday was anything to go by, I‘m not surprised she‘s leaving.”

“Yesterday was a mistake.” Urs said, frowning. “I was upset and angry and I let my temper get the better of me. I said things that… that I didn‘t mean.”

“Is that why you’re here now?” Natty asked. “To apologise?”

“No, Krissy called me.” Urs replied. “She had another phone call from Susie this morning.”

“Oh?” Natty said, looking surprised. “She never mentioned it to me. It must’ve been after I’d left for work. Is everything alright?”

“Fine. There’s nothing to worry about.” Urs replied.

“Good.” Natty sighed. “So… have you thought about asking her to stay?”

Urs nodded.

“I was thinking about it earlier but…” Urs paused. “…maybe we should just leave things as they are. Maybe we should just accept that we weren’t meant to be together.”

“You don’t really believe that, do you, Urs?” Natty asked. “If you did, I don’t think you would be here now.”

“I’m not fooling you, am I?” Urs smiled.

“Not a lot gets past me.” Natty said, pushing a mug of coffee across the table towards him. “I know how Kristina feels about you and it’s obvious that you still care for her, even if you can’t see it yourself. You just need a little… push in the right direction.”

“Why are you doing this, Natty?” Urs asked.

“Kristina is a good person and a good friend.” Natty answered. “I hate seeing her unhappy, but if you can make her happy, then I want to help. That goes for both of you.”

“Thanks Natty.” Urs said, leaning across the table and giving her a friendly hug. “But there are still a few things I need to sort out in my head first, before I make my decision.”

“You’re welcome.” Natty smiled. “But you only have a couple of days left, so don‘t take too long.”

“When exactly is she leaving?” Urs asked.

“She’s flying out Sunday morning.” Natty replied. “I’m not sure of the exact time, because they’re not taking a domestic flight. Apparently Tyler’s father has a private plane that they’ll be using.”

“He sure has a lot of money, doesn’t he!” Urs commented. “What woman wouldn’t be attracted to him?”

“That’s not why Kristina is with him.” Natty replied, quickly coming to Kristina’s defence. “Money is the last thing on her mind.”

“So why is she with him?” Urs asked, before taking a sip of his coffee.

“Because he’s the first man she’s taken the slightest interest in, since she broke it off with David and since meeting you.” Natty answered. “She’s worried that if she doesn’t go with Tyler now, she might never be happy again.”

Urs took another sip of his coffee.

“Why don’t you tell Kristina what’s worrying you, Urs.” Natty suggested. “Explain how you feel and take it from there. It might help you decide.”

“Maybe.” Urs said, putting his mug down on the table.

“Okay.” Natty smiled. “Hey, how do you fancy coming to the recording studio tomorrow? I have a song that I think you might be able to help me with. I’m trying to write a melody for it.”

“Sure, I’d love to.” Urs replied. “I’ll get bored if I stay at home alone.”

“Well, I’ll be there from 8 o’clock onwards so drop by when ever you want.” Natty replied. “It’s Chapel Studios, the one in Wimbledon Park.”

“Oh I know that one.” Urs said, with a look of recognition. “I think Seb used the same one a few years back, when he visited London.”

Natty then looked at the door, as Kristina appeared.

“I thought I could hear voices.” Kristina said, looking sleepy.

“So you finally decided to wake up.” Natty winked.

“Sorry.” Kristina blushed. “I didn’t realise I was so tired.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Urs smiled. “I fell asleep too.”

“Urs was just telling me that he’s never heard anyone snore as loud as you.” Natty commented, trying to keep a straight face.

“I don’t snore!” Kristina exclaimed, looking mortified.

“Are you sure about that?” Urs chuckled.

“I’m sure.” Kristina smirked, playfully punching him on the shoulder. “I do not snore.”

“Seeing as Sleeping Beauty is awake, how about I cook dinner?” Natty suggested.

“Dinner?” Kristina said, glancing up at the clock. “How long have we been asleep? I was going to make us both lunch!”

“I guess time flies when you’re having fun.” Natty said, grinning at Kristina, which didn’t go unnoticed by Urs. “You will stay and eat with us, won’t you, Urs?”

“I don’t know.” Urs said, frowning. “I’ve already been here way too long. I don’t want to impose.”

“You’re not imposing.” Kristina said, quickly. “Please stay. You already know Natty‘s a great cook, better than me. Except when it comes to pancakes.”

“Well, if you’re sure.” Urs said, smiling. “Then I’d love to. I could get used to this.”

Natty looked at Urs, puzzled.

“Having my meals cooked for me.” Urs replied, noticing the look on Natty’s face. “You’re cooking for me tonight, and you cooked for me on Monday. Krissy cooked pancakes for me this morning and then tomorrow she’s coming over to mine to cook dinner for me.”

“Oh, that will be nice.” Natty said, looking at Kristina. “Will it be just the two of you?”

“Most probably.” Urs replied. “I think Julianna will still be busy with the fashion show. That’s the reason she’s in London. Actually, if I‘m going to be staying for dinner, I‘d better let her know. Do you mind if I give her a call?”

“Of course not.” Kristina smiled. “Why don’t you use the phone in the lounge? You’ll be more comfortable. I‘ll help Natty get started on dinner.”

“Thanks.” Urs said, getting to his feet.

Natty waited until Urs was out of earshot before speaking.

“So how’s it going between you two?” Natty asked. “I’m guessing things are looking up, if you’re going over there for dinner tomorrow. Whose idea was that?”

“Things are going great, I think.” Kristina smiled. “And it was Urs’ suggestion to go over to his tomorrow. It was originally to make pancakes, but I offered to make dinner and he went for it. And this afternoon, he… he was flirting with me. A lot!”

“I’d still take things slowly if I were you.” Natty suggested. “Don’t rush him. Some innocent flirting and dinner is one thing, but don’t expect anything more.”

“I know.” Kristina admitted. “But I can’t help hoping something will happen.”

“Well, as long as you know that things might not go as planned.” Natty said, getting up from the table and opening the fridge. “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Too late.” Kristina sighed. “But things can’t get any worse.”

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.” Natty smiled. “Now, what do you think Urs might like for dinner?”

“I don’t know, what have we got?” Kristina said, as she looked in the fridge. “How about Chicken Fajitas? We’ve got peppers, onions, rice and beans.”

“Are you sure about that?” Natty asked. “Onions and peppers? I hope you two don’t plan on doing any kissing later.”

“Very funny.” Kristina smirked. “But do you really think that’s going to put me off kissing him?”

“I just hope Urs feels the same.” Natty giggled. “Oh, that reminds me, Urs said Susie called you this morning. He said everything was fine.”

“It’s not… it’s not fine.” Kristina said, quietly, her voice taking on a more serious tone.

“Oh, but Urs said….” Natty started to say.

“What did I say?” Urs said, pushing the kitchen door open.

Kristina looked at Natty and gave her a warning look, shaking her head.

“Nothing.” Natty answered. “Just girl talk.”

Kristina glanced at Urs, who didn’t seem to notice the looks exchanged between her and Natty. Kristina hated lying to Urs after he had gone to the hospital with her. But she didn’t want anything to ruin what was happening between them, not now, not when things were going so well.

***** CHAPTER 118 *****

Kristina, Natty and Urs had enjoyed their meal, laughing and making jokes and all getting on well. They each talked about their jobs, Natty’s new album and although London wasn’t mentioned, they did talk about the upcoming Masquerade Ball. Each of them wondering what the other’s costume would be, but then soon forgetting their curiosity when Kristina told Natty about Urs’ comment, suggesting that Carlos should go as Elvis. After clearing the plates away, Kristina and Urs started to wash up. Natty had tactfully slipped away, leaving the two of them to talk.

“I hope you’re not going to start splashing water everywhere again.” Urs said, as he started to dry the first plate.

“Not unless you want me to.” Kristina laughed.

“No thanks.” Urs grinned. “I was hoping to stay dry for the rest of the evening.”

The doorbell then rang and Kristina looked up at the clock, frowning.

“I’m guessing from the look on your face, that you’re not expecting anyone.” Urs said, leaning against the counter.

“No.” Kristina said, picking up a towel and drying her hands. “I’ve no idea who it can be.”

Kristina placed the towel on the worktop and walked in to the hall. Her heart almost stopped, as she opened the door and came face to face with Tyler.

“You didn’t show up for work today.” Tyler said, as he lightly kissed Kristina on the cheek and walked past her. “Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been? I’ve been calling your mobile for ages but it keeps going to answer phone.”

“I’m sorry… I… I had to go out.” Kristina said, starting to panic. “I had to switch my mobile off and I forgot to turn it back on.”

“I would’ve come earlier, but I had a few problems to sort out. How come you weren’t at work?” Tyler asked, heading for the kitchen. “Are you feeling alright?”

“I was going to call you.” Kristina started to say, but stopped mid sentence, when Tyler suddenly came to a halt in the doorway.

“Hello, Urs.” Tyler said, as he looked back and glared at Kristina.

“Tyler.” Urs said, smiling politely.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” Tyler commented, as thrust his hands in to his pockets. “I thought you would be at home, resting that ankle of yours.”

“Krissy called me.” Urs replied, glancing at Kristina.

“Oh?” Tyler said, raising his eyebrows, before looking at Kristina again.

“I… I had another appointment today… at the hospital.” Kristina replied, hesitantly. “They called me early this morning.”

Kristina could see the muscles in Tyler’s face tighten, and she knew that he was wondering why she had called Urs again, and not him.

“Everything okay?” Tyler asked.

Kristina wasn’t sure what to say. She had to tell Tyler about the results of her blood test, but she had told Urs that she had been given the all clear.

“Everything’s fine.” Urs replied, smiling. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Great!” Tyler said, finally smiling at Kristina. “I was worried when you didn’t show up for work. I called the office, but Angie said you never arrived.”

******CHAPTER 119******

“I’m sorry about that.” Kristina apologised. “I didn’t feel like work after the hospital.”

“Well, as long as you’re okay.” Tyler smiled. “Urs, Kristina still has a lot to do, before we leave on Sunday. Perhaps I can give you a lift back to your apartment? I’m assuming you got a taxi here.”

“Yes, I did.” Urs replied, as Tyler‘s mobile started to ring. “And thanks, a lift would be great.”

Kristina bit her lip nervously. She didn’t like the idea of these two spending time together. Things could get complicated.

“Excuse me, while I take this, it might be Lilly.” Tyler said, taking his mobile from his jacket pocket. “Everything’s been going wrong today. I told her if there were any problems to call me.”

Kristina watched Tyler walk in to the hall, as he flipped open his mobile and started talking. He was right, it was Lilly.

“So are we still on for tomorrow?” Urs asked, who was now standing next to her. Kristina had been so busy watching Tyler that she hadn’t even noticed Urs come closer.

“Tomorrow? Oh… yes, yes of course.” Kristina stuttered, suddenly remembering her plans with Urs.

“If you want to cancel, I‘ll understand.” Urs said, nodding his head in Tyler‘s direction.

“No, I don‘t want to cancel.” Kristina said, smiling. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m guessing you’re not going to tell him though, are you?” Urs remarked.

“It’s probably best if I don’t.” Kristina replied, lowering her eyes.

“I won’t say anything.” Urs said, quietly closing the kitchen door. “And I’m looking forward to tomorrow as well.”

“Really?” Kristina asked, as Urs took a step closer to her.

“Yes, really.” Urs said, softly, placing a finger under her chin and tilting her head up. “And thank you for today. I’ve enjoyed it.”

“Me too.” Kristina said, in a whisper. “Thank you for coming with me to see Susie, again.”

“You’re welcome.” Urs said, before gently kissing Kristina on the mouth.

Kristina couldn’t help but sigh as Urs kissed her, their tongues touching briefly.

“Mmm, onions?” Kristina said, smirking as Urs stepped back.

“Pardon?” Urs said, looking confused.

“You taste of onions.” Kristina said, giggling. “It’s just something Natty said.”

“I think I can guess.” Urs said, chuckling. “Girl talk.”

“So, what did you want me to cook tomorrow?” Kristina asked, changing the subject.

“Can I suggest something without onions next time?” Urs whispered, as he brushed past her, causing Kristina to catch her breath.

Just then, the door opened. Tyler had finished his conversation with Lilly and turned his attention to Urs.

“So, how is it? The ankle I mean.” Tyler asked.

“It was giving me a little trouble earlier on, but it’s not too bad now.” Urs said, trying to suppress the giggle, as he thought of the 'pencil' incident. Kristina saw the smile on Urs’ face and instantly knew why he was trying not to laugh. She choked back a laugh trying not to draw attention to herself; so that Tyler wouldn't ask what was so funny.

“Well, now I know Kristina is alright, are you ready to leave?” Tyler asked.

“Ready when you are.” Urs answered. “Thanks for the pancakes, Krissy.”

“You’re welcome, Urs.” Kristina replied, nervously, as Tyler approached her.

“Get some rest.” Tyler whispered, before pulling Kristina in to his arms and kissing her tenderly but firmly on the mouth. “I’ll call you in the morning.”

Kristina smiled and then looked at Urs, who quickly turned away. She stood in the hallway, watching the two of them disappear as Tyler closed the door behind them. She could only imagine what would happen next.

***** CHAPTER 120 *****

Tyler had called Kristina the next morning, as promised. She told him that they needed to talk and that it was important. She had asked if he could come round before work and he was now standing the other side of the door. Kristina had no idea how this was going to turn out. It just seemed to be one problem after another, where her relationships were concerned. Kristina closed her eyes, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The door bell rang for a third time.

“Hi Tyler.” Kristina smiled, finally opening the door.

“Hi Kristina.” Tyler said, sounding rather subdued.

Kristina stepped back and let Tyler pass her, before closing the door.

“Sleep well?” Tyler asked, watching Kristina.

“I‘ve had better nights.” Kristina said, forcing a smile. “How about you?”

“The same.” Tyler replied.

“Why don’t I make us something to drink.” Kristina said, heading for the kitchen.

Tyler suddenly reached for Kristina’s wrist and pulled her to him, so that they were now standing face to face, just inches apart.

“I’m not thirsty.” he said quietly. “Kristina, are you having second thoughts?”

“Second thoughts?” Kristina said, surprised by his question.

“About us.” Tyler replied. “About moving to New York.”

Kristina wasn’t sure how to answer him, without lying. Of course she was having second thoughts on both counts, if it meant that she had another chance with Urs. But then what if it all fell through? She still wanted to move to New York, if it meant that she could start all over again.

“What makes you think that?” Kristina asked, nervously.

“Something that Urs said last night, when I was driving him home.” Tyler replied. “He implied that maybe you weren’t too keen on leaving. He seemed pretty confident about what he said. What have you told him?”

“I… I haven’t told him anything.” Kristina frowned, wondering what on earth Urs and Tyler had spoken about, last night.

“You must have said something.” Tyler said, sound a little frustrated. “Why else would he say something like that?”

“I’ve no idea.” Kristina said, lowering her eyes.

“You ‘are’ having second thoughts, aren’t you?” Tyler asked.

“I can’t help it.” Kristina admitted. “It’s a big step.”

“You’re going home, Kristina.” Tyler replied. “That’s not a big step. If it wasn’t for Urs, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. ”

“Please, don’t keep bringing Urs in to this.” Kristina said, pulling away from Tyler. “It’s not his fault.”

“Not his fault?” Tyler said, running his fingers through his hair. “You still love him, don’t you? This is what it‘s all about!”

“You know I love him.” Kristina said, now heading for the lounge. “You said you understood.”

“I do!” Tyler said, following her. “And I’m trying my hardest to remain civil to the guy. But it doesn’t help when you seem to turn to him for help and not me. Take yesterday, for example. You told him about your hospital appointment and not me. Why are you blocking me out?”

“I’m not blocking you out, Tyler.” Kristina said, sitting down. “I would’ve told you, but I didn’t know about the appointment until first thing yesterday morning. It was a last minute thing.”

“But you still managed to call Urs and tell him.” Tyler replied, abruptly. “You managed to call him, and ask him if he would go with you. Again!”

“Tyler, please, sit down.” Kristina sighed. “That’s what I need to talk to you about.”

“The hospital appointment?” Tyler asked, looking puzzled.

“Yes.” Kristina said, nervously playing with her bracelet.

Tyler took off his jacket and slung it over the back of the sofa before sitting down opposite Kristina.

“What is it?” Tyler asked. “Is there something wrong?”

Kristina nodded and took a deep breath before answering.

“I didn’t tell Urs the truth yesterday.” Kristina said, quietly. “About my test results. I lied.”

“You lied?” Tyler frowned. “You mean…your kidneys? You’re sick again?”

“No, not my kidneys.” Kristina replied. “They found something else, in my blood.”

Tyler sat in silence listening to Kristina as she told him, everything that Susie had told her. The reasons behind all the bad headaches she had been getting now, and years ago, the reason for her tiredness, her dizzy spells and aching joints. When she had finished, she sat watching Tyler, who seemed deep in thought, waiting for him to say something. He finally looked up at her.

“So what next?” he asked, quietly. “You mentioned another hospital appointment. Is this for the specialist in New York?”

“No, that’s next week.” Kristina replied. “The hospital appointment I’m talking about is for this morning, at 11 o’clock.

Tyler looked at his watch. It was 8am.

“So, why am I here?” Tyler asked.

“I wanted to ask you last night, but I didn’t get the chance, because of Urs.” Kristina explained. “That’s why I asked if we could talk this morning. I wanted to know if you would come with me to the hospital.”

“Why? Couldn’t Urs make it?” Tyler said, abruptly. “Is that why you’re asking me?”

“I told you that I didn’t tell Urs the truth. He doesn‘t know about this morning.” Kristina replied. “And I’m asking you, because… because I need you there.”

“Really?” Tyler said, his voice softening.

“Yes, really.” Kristina smiled. It was the truth, she did need him there. Kristina had been thinking about it all night and she had come to realise, that no matter how much she loved Urs, she still had strong feelings for Tyler. She felt awful for blocking him out of this part of her life, and if they moved to New York, Tyler would be the one who would be there with her, not Urs. He had a right to know what was going on, to be involved in everything.

“Will you come with me?” Kristina asked again. “Please.”

Tyler got up from his seat and kneeling in front of Kristina.

“Of course I will.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Natty?”

Natty looked up from the piano, to see Luke, a sound technician, standing in the doorway.

“There’s some guy out here, asking for you.” he said, pointing behind him. “Said his name‘s Buhler. Do you know him?”

“Yes, yes, show him in.” Natty said eagerly, as she pushed the piano stool back and stood up.

Luke stepped aside and let Urs pass.

“Thanks Adam.” Natty said, closing the door after him. “Urs, it’s good to see you.”

“You too.” Urs replied, giving her a friendly hug.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” Natty asked, pointing to a small fridge in the corner of the room. “We‘ve got water, milk and juice. Or would you prefer something hot?”

“No, I’m fine thanks.” Urs replied. “I had a coffee just before I left the apartment. So how‘s the album coming along?”

“It’s getting there slowly.” Natty sighed. “I don’t know if Kristina told you, but we had a few problems with the recording equipment earlier in the week, so it held us up a little bit. But we’re back on track now.”

“Glad to hear it.” Urs smiled. “Are you still having problems writing that melody that you were talking about?”

“Oh yes!” Natty said, walking back towards the piano. “It’s here somewhere. Please, take a seat.”

Urs sat on one side of the large piano stool and watched as Natty went though several papers that were scattered on the piano.

“Aha! Found it!” Natty grinned, holding up a piece of paper. “I would be in big trouble, if I lost this. I only started writing it a day or two ago, but I don‘t seem to be able to finish it.”

“Well, why don’t you play me what you’ve written so far.” Urs suggested. “Let me hear it.”

Natty sat back down on the piano stool, making herself comfortable, before starting to play.

“I’m guessing that, as it’s slow, it’s a ballad.” Urs commented.

“Yes, what do you think so far?” Natty asked.

“I love it.” Urs said, nodding. “I don’t see what the problem is. But I’m interested to know if you’ve written any lyrics for it.”

“Well, I haven’t, but someone else has.” Natty answered, as she stood up and picked up a second sheet of paper, before sitting back down and handing it to Urs.

Natty watched Urs, as his eyes skimmed over the piece of paper.

“Is it for the album?” Urs asked, still reading the lyrics again.

“No, it’s just something that I’ve been working on for a friend.” Natty answered. “She didn’t want anyone to see it, but I managed to convince her to let me write a melody for it. So who knows, maybe one day she will change her mind.”

“Who ever it is, she’s very talented.” Urs commented. “It would be a shame to waste a talent like this. Some of these lines, they’re very touching.”

“Actually, you know the person that wrote this.” Natty said, glancing at Urs. “But she would kill me if I ever told you.”

“I know them?” Urs said, surprised. “Who is it?”

“Urs, what did I just say?” Natty laughed.

“Oh, I know what you said.” Urs smirked. “But you can’t say something like that, and then not expect me to be curious. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you said it knowing full well that I would ask.”

“Now would I do I thing like that?” Natty said, innocently.

“Yes. I think you would.” Urs grinned. “Krissy gave me that same look the other day.”

“Talking of Kristina….” Natty said, smirking.

Urs looked at Natty, his eyebrows furrowed, not understanding what she meant.

Natty didn’t say anything, she simply nodded at the piece of paper in Urs’ hand.

Urs looked at the paper and then back at Natty.

“Krissy?” Urs said, not quite sure if he had understood what Natty was implying.

“Yep.” Natty said, nodding. “She wrote that a day or two after your accident. It‘s about you.”

Urs didn’t respond straight away. Instead, he looked back at the sheet of paper in his hand, and went over the lyrics again.

“She wrote this?” Urs said, in the faintest of whispers. “She wrote a song… about me?”

“Kristina’s written hundreds of songs that have never seen the light of day and I expect that half of them are about you.” Natty replied. “She said that writing songs, is like writing a diary, it’s something private. That’s why she will never let anyone see them.”

“So how did you get hold of this?” Urs asked, as it finally started to sink in.

“She had it with her, when I came downstairs one morning.” Natty answered. “In fact, I think it was the day after she had come to see you at your apartment. The day you told her you didn’t love her anymore. I saw it and managed to talk her in to letting me work on it.”

Urs looked at the sheet of paper again.

“Urs, you already know that I can’t tell you everything, that Kristina has told me.” Natty said, quietly. “But you should know, that it took a lot for her to tell you that she loves you.”

“I was awful to her that day she came to see me.” Urs said, quietly, still staring at the sheet of paper.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Urs.” Natty said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “We all have our limits, and I guess you just reached yours. But perhaps you two can still sort things out. I know Kristina’s willing to try and if you are… there’s always tonight.”

“Maybe.” Urs said, a faint smile appearing on his face.

“You still haven’t decided how you feel about her?” Natty asked.

Urs didn’t answer.

“I’m sorry.” Natty said, apologetically. “I shouldn’t keep asking you that.”

“Tyler asked me if I still loved Krissy, last night.” Urs said, turning to Natty.

“Oh? And what did you tell him?” Natty asked, curiously. “Yes or no?”

“I couldn’t give him a proper answer.” Urs said, lowering his eyes. “I simply told him that what we had was special and that it wouldn’t just fade away over night. I don’t think he was too pleased. I ended up getting a taxi the rest of the way home.”

Natty put her hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh.

“What?” Urs asked, looking at her.

“Sorry.” Natty giggled. “It’s just that you say you don’t know how you feel about Krissy, yet from what you’ve just said, it sounds to me, as if you ‘do’ still love her. Unless you just like winding up Tyler.”

“It was kind of fun.” Urs chuckled. “But that’s not why I did it.”

“So why did you do it?” Natty asked.

Urs shrugged his shoulders.

“Maybe I do still love her.” he said, getting up from the piano stool.

“Maybe?” Natty said, watching him as he walked around the room. “Urs, tomorrow is going to be her last night in London.”

“I know, I know.” Urs sighed, raking his hands through his hair. “You don’t have to keep reminding me.”

“I’m sorry.” Natty said, quietly. “I’m just worried that you’re not going to get things sorted out before she leaves and then you‘ll regret it.”

“There’s no need to apologise, Natty.” Urs smiled. “And don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll get things sorted out soon, very soon. Who knows, maybe you’re right. Maybe tonight’s the night.”

***** CHAPTER 121 *****

Until it was time for her hospital appointment, Kristina and Tyler had spent the remainder of that time talking about work. Surprisingly, it took her mind off things and she didn’t feel as tense as before. Tyler updated her on everything that had happened, the day before when she had taken the day off work. He had also suggested not going in to work today, seeing as she had the hospital appointment and then would need time to finish packing. As soon as Tyler had said those words, Kristina was bought back to reality. Would she really be able to go to New York when it came to it? Even if her and Urs didn’t work things out, they were certainly getting on a whole let better than they were a few days ago, and she didn’t know if she could bring herself to leave him, not knowing if she would ever see him again.

Kristina and Tyler had spent two hours at the hospital. Dr Bradshaw had been very thorough and very understanding. He had explained Kristina’s illness in great detail, going over all the possible outcomes that the illness could bring, and things to look out for. One thing that worried Kristina was her treatment. She just hoped it didn’t involve needles or going in to hospital. Luckily, Kristina’s treatment consisted of a high dose of steroid tablets which she would have to take daily to reduce swelling in the arteries. Her treatment would be reviewed, over a long time, with the chance of lowering the dose or coming off the medication completely.

Tyler then drove her back to her house and offered to cook her some lunch. But Kristina kindly refused and had said she needed to sleep. Kristina hadn’t been lying to Tyler, when she said she was tired; she hadn’t been able to sleep again, constantly thinking about the move. The closer it got to her leaving, the more Kristina wondered if she was making the right decision. So Tyler had left and Kristina had gone to bed, but not before setting the alarm, so that she could go out to buy the ingredients for her meal with Urs later that night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kristina now sat in the taxi, her fingers impatiently tapping the arm rest. The alarm had gone off, Kristina had bought all the ingredients she needed, and then rushed home to shower and change. She was running on time, up until now. She glanced at her watch for a fourth time. They hadn’t moved for at least five minutes now. She was due at Urs’ apartment in fifteen minutes, but at this rate she would never get there on time. Perhaps she should get out and walk, it had to be quicker than sitting here, not going anywhere.

“How much do I owe you?” Kristina asked, taking her purse out of her bag.

“£2.80” the taxi driver replied. “But we’re not there yet.”

“I know.” Kristina replied. “But I have to be somewhere and I’m going to be late.”

Kristina handed the money to the driver, grabbed her bags and quickly got out of the taxi. She walked hurriedly down the street, and as she turned the corner she found the cause of the traffic jam. Workmen digging up the pavement had managed to cut through a power cable, knocking out the power to the traffic lights. It was completely gridlocked. Kristina sighed in relief, glad of her decision and continued making her way to Urs’ apartment. But by now, her shoulders were aching from carrying the heavy bags and she was sure she felt a drop of rain on her cheek; and then another.

Kristina swore under her breath, as the heavens opened. Tonight was going to be a complete and utter disaster. Kristina started to run down the street, the rain hitting her harder, as the wind blew against her. She would call in on her sister first, before going to see Urs. She might be late, but at least she could dry off and change out of her wet clothes. Her now wet clothes, consisted of a matching black lace bra and panties and a black lace dress, with a flesh coloured lining showing through. And black heels, definitely not ideal for running down the streets of London, in the pouring rain. Kristina hadn’t been too sure about this choice of outfit, but Natty assured her it was perfect. And it would have been, if it weren’t for the British weather.

As Kristina reached the doors of the apartment, she stumbled on the porch step and grazed her knee, cursing as she dropped the bags of shopping. Now tired, wet and out of breath, she struggled to her feet and pressed the buzzer for Abigail’s apartment. She pressed it several times, but no reply. She then tried Sebastien’s and David’s, again there was no reply.

“Crap!” Kristina frowned, now reluctantly pressing the buzzer for Urs’ apartment.

“Hello?”

“Urs, it’s me.” Kristina answered.

“Come on up.” Urs replied.

The door clicked and released, as a buzzer sounded.

Kristina picked up her bags of shopping and pushed the door open with her shoulder, heading straight for the elevator. When the elevator reached Urs’ floor, Kristina stepped out and slowly made her way down the hall. She tapped the door with her foot and waited for Urs to answer.

Urs opened the door, and was shocked at the sight before him.

“Don’t say a word.” Kristina said, frowning, as she walked in to Urs’ apartment and put the bags on the floor. “There was a huge traffic jam and I didn’t want to be late, so I got out and walked and then it started to rain.”

“I’ll get you a towel.” Urs said, turning and quickly disappearing.

“Great,” Kristina thought to herself. “I must look really bad.” Kristina walked over to the mirror, to check her appearance. Okay, bad was an understatement. She looked a complete mess. Her mascara had run, leaving streaks down her cheeks and smudges under her eyes, where she had tried to wipe the rain away. Her long blonde wavy hair, now soaking wet, hung in tendrils, clinging to her face. Her clothes were drenched and were starting to feel uncomfortable and her grazed knee was covered in dirt from where she had stumbled. So much for a nice evening with Urs. She was hoping to make a big impression, but this wasn‘t what she had I mind. Kristina sighed heavily, as she looked at herself in the mirror. She just wanted to turn around and go home.

“Here you go.” Urs said, coming back in to the room.

“Thanks.” Kristina said, forcing a smile, as Urs handed her a towel. “I thought I’d scared you away.”

“No chance of that.” Urs said, smiling. “It‘ll take more than a bit of rain, to keep me away. You look lovely.”

“No, I don’t.” Kristina said, as a tear ran down her cheek. “I look awful and I wanted this evening to be nice.”

“Hey, don’t cry.” Urs said, gently pushing the wet hair away from her face. “This evening ‘will’ be nice, and I’ll say it again, you look lovely.”

“But look at me!” Kristina said, looking back in the mirror. “My hair’s a mess, my clothes are soaking wet, my make up makes me look like something out of a Halloween movie, I dropped the shopping when I fell down, I think I’ve broken a heel on my shoe and I cut my knee.”

“You cut your knee?” Urs said, looking worried, as he leant his crutches against the wall and gingerly knelt down in front of her. “Is it a deep cut?”

“It’s not really a cut.” Kristina said, blushing, as Urs lifted the hem of her dress to check her knee. “It’s more like a graze. But it’s sore though.”

“It might only be a graze, but you should let me clean it for you.” Urs suggested, as he pushed himself up from the floor.

“It’s alright.” Kristina said, shivering. “I can do it. I know where you keep the first aid box.”

“You’re cold?” Urs asked, when he noticed her shiver.

“A little.” Kristina admitted.

“Why don’t I run you a nice hot bath.” Urs said, gently rubbing her shoulder.

“But what about dinner?” Kristina asked. “I need to make a start on that.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Urs replied. “I’m not completely useless, you know. Just tell me what needs doing and I’ll get everything ready for you. So… a bath?”

“It does sound nice.” Kristina sighed, wrapping her wet hair in the towel.

“Okay, give me a couple of minutes and I’ll let you know when it’s ready.” Urs said, heading for the bathroom.

Kristina kicked off her shoes, shrugged off her wet jacket and hung it up. She then picked up the bags of shopping and took them in to the kitchen, placing them on the counter. Kristina took out the first aid box, from the cupboard under the sink and started to clean her grazed knee. She could feel her stomach rumbling, and suddenly realised that this was the first time in days that she had actually felt hungry. Just lately she had lost her appetite. When Kristina had finished cleaning her knee, she put the first aid box away, washed her hands and started to unpack the shopping. Kristina had wanted to make something simple and that wouldn‘t take too long to cook. She had finally decided on something, and just hoped Urs would like it. Kristina picked up the cherry tomatoes and carrots, rinsed them under the tap, and started to slice them.

Urs stood watching Kristina intently, for some time, wondering what the outcome would be of tonight’s meal. If they couldn’t sort things out, would he ever see her again after the Masquerade Ball tomorrow night? Kristina had said, perhaps it was better if they didn’t keep in touch, but if he let her go this time would he ever get another chance? Urs didn’t know if he could take that risk. But if Kristina was intent on leaving London, why did she accept his dinner invite? The same reason you accepted her breakfast invite, you still want her, he told himself, helpless to look away from her. Natty was right, he did still love her. He didn’t know why he had tried to tell himself different, perhaps he was just being stubborn. But he still needed to know why she had lied to him, about not loving him.

Kristina was so busy preparing dinner, that she was oblivious to Urs standing in the door way. And from the look on her face, she was deep in thought. A soft smirk pulled across her lips, as she continued to slice the tomatoes and carrots.

“What are you thinking of this time?” Urs asked, making Kristina jump, and as she turned to look at him, she cut her finger.

“I’m sorry.” Urs said, hobbling over to Kristina. “I didn’t mean for you to do that.”

“No, it was my own stupid fault.” Kristina said, putting the knife down and sucking on her finger. “I seem accident prone this evening.”

“But it was because of me.” Urs replied, as he gently took Kristina’s hand and held it under the cold tap. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Honestly, it was my own fault.” Kristina said again. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“You really are stubborn.” Urs said, chuckling. “You were fine until I made you jump. Why won’t you just admit that it was my fault?”

“Because I don’t want to upset you.” Kristina said, quietly. “I don’t want to say or do anything to ruin this evening.”

Urs stopped laughing and looked at Kristina.

“You worry too much.” Urs said, softly. “Nothing’s going to ruin this evening.”

Urs noticed that as he spoke, Kristina’s eyes fell to his mouth. He knew she wanted to kiss him, he could sense it. He felt the urge to kiss her as well, but it was too soon.

“Thanks.” she said, slowly pulling her hand away. “I think it’s stopped bleeding now.”

“Let me get you a plaster to put on that.” Urs said, as he was about to open the cupboard under the sink.

“No, there’s no need.” Kristina replied. “There’s not much point, if I’m going to have a bath now.”

“Oh I’m sorry.” Urs apologised. “I forgot to tell you that your bath is ready.”

“That’s alright.” Kristina said, following Urs to the bathroom.

“I’ll get you a clean towel.” Urs said, pushing the door open for Kristina.

“Thanks again.” Kristina said, as she started to close the door. “I won’t be long.”

“Take your time.” Urs smiled.

After she had closed the door, Kristina turned around and leant against it. The light had been dimmed, and a scented candle had been lit, filling the room with the warm smell of vanilla. Kristina smiled to herself, as she wriggled out of the wet dress. When Urs had offered to run her a bath, she wasn’t expecting this. Kristina had just reached behind her back and undone the clasp on her bra, when Urs opened the door.

“Here’s that towel I promised you.” Urs said, dropping it on the laundry basket, before looking in Kristina’s direction. Both of them froze, Urs’ gaze firmly fixed on Kristina, as she held her bra tightly against her chest. “Mein Gott! I’m… I’m sorry.” Urs said, looking away, blushing profusely. “I should have knocked first, I didn’t think. I‘ll go and hang your dress up and get it dry.” And with that, Urs picked up her dress and quickly turned, quietly shutting the door. Kristina couldn’t help but giggle, and wasn’t quite sure who was more embarrassed, her or Urs. “Definitely Urs.” she smiled to herself.

She carefully raised her leg and placed one foot in the water, it was just right. Kristina stepped in to the bath and slid her entire body in to the water, sinking down in to the bubbles. She let out a long sigh, as the warmth seeped in to her, instantly dissolving her aches and pains and relaxing her, sending warm tingles through her body. Her thoughts immediately drifted to Urs, wondering what it would feel like, to be close to him, to feel his bare skin against hers, his fingers lightly tracing the curves of her body. Kristina groaned softly at the thought of her and Urs together. She wondered if it would ever happen.

***** CHAPTER 122 *****

Kristina picked up a sponge that was laying on the edge of the bath and gently swept it over her body, starting at her neck. She found herself imagining it was Urs’ lips, lightly skimming over her skin. Kristina smiled to herself, as memories of her and Urs in the elevator, flashed through her mind, how his hands had touched her body, setting her skin on fire. Kristina hung one leg over the side of the bath and squeezed the sponge, watching the bubbles slide down her leg, and wishing it was Urs’ gentle touch. She could imagine the warmth of his mouth, covering every inch of her skin, whispering words of love.

Kristina’s peace and quiet was now being ruined by the sound of a dripping tap, which was starting to annoy her. But Kristina was too comfortable to move and turn the tap off properly. Kristina tried to block the sound out but it seemed to get louder and louder. Perhaps if she just put her foot over the end of the tap, it would stop dripping. So that’s what she did, Kristina put her foot over the end of the tap and the water stopped dripping. But every now and then, a trickle of cold water would run down the sole of her foot, making her jump. So in the end, Kristina put her toe in the tap. Perfect, no dripping and no cold water.

Kristina’s thoughts drifted back to Urs, to the times when she had had been close to him; motorcycle rides that had given her an excuse to hold him, stolen kisses in elevators and planes, and one blissful night in Italy, spending the night in his arms. The way she was feeling now, it would take all her willpower to keep her hands to herself; and they hadn’t even had dinner yet. How was she going to make it through the rest of the evening, sitting opposite Urs, having to look at those hazel eyes, the irresistible smile, the dimples, the curly hair, the open shirt and that mouth, those lips?

Urs sat on the corner of the bed and looked at his watch. Kristina had been in the bathroom for over half an hour now. It was very quiet in there and Urs was starting to worry. Perhaps he should check on her. Urs got up from the bed and slowly made his way down the hall.

“Krissy?” Urs said, lightly tapping on the door.

“Don’t come in!” Kristina said, quickly.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Urs said, blushing as he remembered how he caught her undressing not long ago. “I just wanted to check you were alright.”

“I’m fine.” Kristina replied.

“Okay, I‘ll go and make a start on dinner.” Urs said.

“Urs wait!” Kristina said, raising her voice. “Don’t go.”

“What is it?” Urs asked, pausing and turning back towards the door.

“I… I need your help.” Kristina said, faintly.

“What’s wrong?” Urs asked, worriedly.

“Uhm… it’s embarrassing.” Kristina replied.

“Can I come in?” Urs asked, slowly pushing the door handle down.

“Wait!” Kristina said. “Before you come in, you have to promise me something.”

“Anything.” Urs said, warily. “What is it?”

“You have to promise that you won’t laugh.” Kristina answered.

“That I won’t laugh?” Urs said, utterly confused.

“Just promise me.” Kristina said, again. “And you have to promise not to tell anyone!”

“Alright, I promise.” Urs agreed. “Now can I come in?”

“Okay.” Kristina sighed.

Urs cautiously pushed the door open, unsure of what he was going to find. As he pushed the door open. that‘s when he saw her. Kristina, in the bath, her skin glowing, her hair piled high on top of her head, only bubbles covering her… and her toe stuck in the tap.

“Don’t you dare laugh.” Kristina said, glaring at Urs, as a huge grin spread across his face. “You made a promise.”

“You know, something similar happened to me only the other day.” Urs said, chuckling. “You see, I had this itch….”

“Urs Buhler!” Kristina laughed, grabbing the water filled sponge and hurling it at him. “If you mention this to anyone, I’ll tell everyone how you managed to get two pencils stuck inside your cast.”

“Oh I wouldn’t dare tell anyone.” Urs laughed, as he ducked, the sponge just missing his head.

“Now are you going to help me?” Kristina pouted. “The water’s starting to get cold and I’m starting to turn in to a prune.” she said, holding up her hands, her fingertips wet and wrinkled.

Urs looked at her hands, but then couldn‘t help lowering his glance, as the water bounced softly over her bosom.

“Urs?” Kristina said, blushing.

“What?” Urs said, looking up.

“My toe?” Kristina said, still blushing.

“Oh… right… yes.” Urs stuttered. “Uhm… let me go and see what I’ve got in the kitchen.”

Kristina let out a heavy sigh, and leant back in the bath. Things really couldn’t get any worse. If she wanted to make an impression on Urs, this would definitely be one night that he wouldn’t forget in a hurry.

“Do you think this will work?” Urs asked, holding up a bottle of washing up liquid.

“I’ve no idea.” Kristina replied. “But I’ll try anything.”

“Really?” Urs said, raising his eyebrows.

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Kristina said, smirking. “Just try and control yourself though. I know how much you love the smell of that stuff.”

Urs knelt down at the side of the bath, quietly laughing as he undid his cuffs and rolled up his shirt sleeves.

“Can I ask you a question?” Urs said, as he opened the lid on the bottle.

“I’m hardly in a position to say no, am I?” Kristina replied, as Urs started to rub a generous amount of liquid around the tap and Kristina’s toe.

“What ever possessed you to stick your toe in the tap, in the first place?” Urs said, shaking his head. “I thought only kids did this sort of thing.”

“Because it was starting annoy me.” Kristina replied, tensing as his hands brushed against her calf. “It kept dripping.”

“If it was that annoying, why didn’t you turn it off?” Urs asked.

“Because I couldn’t be bothered to move. I was too comfortable.” Kristina said, biting her lip. “And I didn’t know I was going to get my toe stuck.”

“Try it now.” Urs said, looking over his shoulder, at Kristina.

Kristina wriggled her toe and there was a small pop, as Kristina’s toe came out.

“Oooh, that hurts.” Kristina said, wincing as she leant forward, and rubbed her toe. “But thanks.”

“That’s okay.” Urs said, rinsing his hands off in the bath water. “Does it hurt much?”

“Just a little bit, but I think it will be okay.” Kristina replied.

“Do you need any help getting out of the bath?” Urs asked, with a playful glint in his eye.

“As much as I’m tempted to accept your offer, I’m going to have to say no, thank you.” Kristina giggled. “I think I can manage, but if I can’t, I’ll be sure to call you.”

“Can’t blame a man for trying.” Urs said, getting to his feet. “I’ll see you in a minute.“

Urs picked up the bottle and left Kristina in peace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kristina slowly stepped out of the bath, wincing when she put pressure on her now swollen toe. She picked up the large towel, that Urs had left for her and wrapped it around her body. Carefully sitting on the edge of the bath, Kristina started to dry herself off. She had felt tense and nervous when she had first arrived at Urs’ apartment, but the hot bath had helped her relax. She quietly laughed to herself, remembering the look on Urs’ face, when he had walked in on her, getting undressed. But now Kristina needed to get dressed, and her clothes were still being dried. Kristina opened the door and peered in to the hall way.

“Urs?”

“Coming!” Urs replied.

Within seconds, Urs appeared at the end of the hall.

“I need some clothes and I’m guessing mine are still wet.” Kristina said, now emerging fully, from the bathroom in nothing but the bath towel Urs had given her.

“I could find you something of Julianna‘s.” Urs said, slowly approaching her. “I‘m guessing you two are about the same size. Let me go and have a look.”

Several minutes later, Urs reappeared with some clean clothes, and handed them to Kristina.

“Thank you.” she said, lightly kissing him on the cheek. “And thank you for the bath, you didn’t have to go to all that trouble.”

Urs did his best not to pull her in to his arms and kiss her right there and then. Instead, he thrust his hands in to his pockets, biting his lip.

“It was nothing.” Urs said, shrugging his shoulders.

“I won’t be long.” Kristina said, turning away and walking back in to the bathroom to change. “I’ll just be a few minutes and then I’ll start on dinner.”

As Kristina walked away, Urs couldn’t take his eyes off her slender figure. She was starting to drive him crazy and he wanted her, badly. But still he held himself back. Sometimes his willpower surprised even him.

Kristina smiled to herself as she walked away, she could sense him watching her. She knew what effect she was having on him, and she couldn’t help feeling a sense of pride, with his obvious silent approval of her body.

It wasn’t long before Kristina came out of the bathroom, dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans and a Dragonforce t-shirt.

“How do I look?” Kristina asked, as she entered the kitchen, and turned around, modelling her new clothes for the evening.

“Still lovely.” Urs smiled, standing in front of the cooker.

“Yeah? Well, it’s not the look I was going for.” Kristina sighed. “I wanted to go for something a little more… chic. But if you like this, then I’m happy with it.”

“Believe me, I’m happy with it.” Urs nodded, approvingly.

“I didn’t realise Julianna was quite so big.” Kristina said, holding her arms up. “Or does she like wearing oversized t-shirts?”

“Actually that’s mine.” Urs said, quickly glancing at Kristina before turning his attention back to the stove. “I thought you might be a bit more comfortable wearing that.”

“Oh… thanks.” Kristina smiled, trying to hide the surprise in her voice. “So you like Dragonforce? You should talk to Natty, she’s mad about them.”

“Really?” Urs said, sounding surprised. “She doesn’t strike me as the sort of person, that’s in to that type of music.”

“I could say the same about you!“ Kristina replied. “I still remember how you used to look, when we first met. And believe me, I never took you for a rock fan or a biker.”

“Well, maybe it’s time we started to find out these things about each other.” Urs said, looking at Kristina. “I want to get to know you better, Krissy. A lot better.”

*****CHAPTER 123 *****

“I’d better start making dinner.” Kristina said, taking the knife from Urs. “At this rate, we’ll be eating at midnight. Why don‘t you go and sit down and rest your ankle, or it will never heal properly.”

“Okay.” Urs replied, reluctantly turning and leaving the kitchen. “I’ll set the table.”

Urs was hoping for some kind of response from Kristina, but for some reason, she ignored his comment. He didn’t want to start asking questions if she wasn’t ready to answer them just yet. They had the rest of the evening to talk. But at least Kristina would know that Urs was considering their relationship. He wanted to get to know her better. They hadn’t spent very much time alone together, to really find out about each other. Nine out of ten times, there had always been someone else there, or they had been at work, which was no place to discuss their relationship. When they were finally alone, and about to open up to each other, they were always interrupted. But now, now he knew how Kristina felt about him and he wanted to find out more about her. He wanted to make sure that if they were ever to make a go of their relationship, that it wouldn’t just be a fling, that it was the real thing. But Urs knew deep down that it would never be a fling. It would be something much stronger, something that would last for a lifetime. Yet still, Urs couldn’t bring himself to tell her, not yet. He needed to understand why, if she loved him, that she felt she couldn’t tell him until now.

While Urs had gone to set the table, Kristina finally made a start on dinner. But all the while, she was thinking about what Urs had said. Kristina was totally thrown by Urs’ earlier comment and didn’t know what to say. He said he wanted to get to know her better, but what exactly did that mean? They had known each other for four years now and they already knew quite a bit about each other. But obviously Urs felt there was more to know. So what was he hoping to find out tonight?

Urs had been sitting in the lounge for about an hour, with the radio on low, while he worked on one of the songs they were still having problems with. When he finally looked up from his work, he realised he was thirsty and got up to get himself a drink. As Urs got closer to the kitchen, he could hear the clatter of pots and pans and stopped in the doorway.

“Sorry about the mess.” Kristina blushed, seeing Urs looking around at the kitchen. It looked as if every pot, pan and kitchen utensil had been used. “It looks worse than it is. It just took me a while to find things and I didn’t want to disturb you. I could see you were busy. But don’t worry, I’ll tidy it all up!”

“Don’t worry about that.” Urs laughed, walking towards the fridge. “I can do it all in the morning, seeing as you’re cooking it all.”

“There’s no way I’m leaving all this for you to clear up.” Kristina said, adamantly. “As soon as we’ve finished dinner, I’m going to do it and I won’t hear another word said about it.”

“We’ll see.” Urs said, shaking his head. “Now, how about a glass of wine with your dinner?”

“I can’t.” Kristina replied, nervously biting her lip. “My medication.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think.” Urs frowned. “I’m such an idiot sometimes.”

“No you’re not.” Kristina said, reassuringly. “Water or juice will be fine. It‘s not the end of the world.”

“Are you sure?” Urs said, uncertainly.

“I’m sure.” Kristina said, smiling. “Weren’t you the one that said nothing was going to spoil this evening?”

“That I did.” Urs smiled. “So, is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, thanks. I’m just about to dish up.” Kristina replied, opening the oven door. “Why don’t you sit down and I’ll bring it in.”

Urs did as Kristina asked and sat down, waiting for their meal to arrive.

“If you don’t me asking, what is it?” Urs asked, as Kristina placed his meal in front of him.

“It’s called ‘Toad in the Hole’ and it’s one of the first meals that I had cooked for me when I arrived in England.” Kristina replied, sitting down opposite Urs.

“Toad in the Hole?” Urs said, grimacing. “It’s not French is it? It doesn’t look French.”

“That’s because it’s not French.” Kristina giggled. “And I think you’re confusing toad with frog.”

“So what is it then?“ Urs said, picking up his knife and fork.

“It’s a traditional English meal and it’s sausages in Yorkshire Pudding.” Kristina replied, pouring herself a glass of water.

“Pudding?” Urs said, with raised eyebrows. “Like a dessert?”

“No!” Kristina laughed. “It’s a… oh just eat it and tell me what you think.”

Urs warily took a bite and chewed, before slowly nodding.

“This is good.” Urs said, before taking another mouthful. “Really good!”

“I’m glad you approve.” Kristina said, smiling.

The two enjoyed the rest of their meal, talking about work, mostly the upcoming release of the Mama video, which they had filmed in Italy and a concert that had been arranged for them in December; one which Kristina might not get to see if she was still going to leave on Sunday. When they had nothing to talk about, between eating and drinking, they sat in a comfortable silence, occasionally catching the other one looking at them. When they had both finished their meals, Kristina got up from her seat and started to clear away the plates.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Urs asked, getting to his feet. “I said I’ll do this in the morning.”

“I know.” Kristina replied, as she continued to collect the dirty plates and cutlery. “But it just doesn’t feel right, making all this mess and then expecting you to clear it up.”

“We haven’t finished yet.” Urs said, now following her in to the kitchen. “You were going to show me how to make pancakes.”

“Oh I’d completely forgotten about that.” Kristina blushed. “I was enjoying myself so much, that it totally slipped my mind.”

“I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying yourself.” Urs smiled, taking the plates from Kristina. “I guess that means I must be doing something right.”

“Most definitely.” Kristina said, smiling. “So, pancakes. Where’s your frying pan?”

Urs told Kristina where everything was, so that she could show him how to make the special recipe for her pancakes. The time passed quickly, as they stood next to each other, and Kristina showed him what to do. Every now and then they touched, only small touches, the back of her hand brushing against his arm, his fingers lightly resting on her waist as he leant across to reach something. They were standing closer than necessary, but neither one seemed the least bit bothered, as it was so obvious that they were teasing the other one. But both of them held back, not quite sure when to make their move.

“You make great pancakes.” Kristina sighed. “But I don’t think I could eat another thing.”

“Me neither.” Urs agreed. “And that Toad in the Hole was absolutely delicious. I think you’re going to have to show me how to make that next time.”

Kristina fell silent and started to chew her lip. Next time? When exactly would that be? Would she ever see Urs again, after tomorrow night?

“Let’s go and sit in the other room.” Urs suggested, suddenly realising his mistake. “We can watch some television, if you like.”

“Actually, I was wondering if I could hear some recordings of your earlier work.” Kristina said, as they both got up from the table and headed for the lounge. “I think you mentioned some thing about them once.”

“I did.” Urs said, as he opened a cupboard and took out a CD. “It was when I was in Amsterdam several years ago.”

“I can’t wait to hear it.” Kristina beamed, as Urs sat down beside her and pressed the play button the stereo remote.

Kristina sat listening intently as Urs’ voice floated around the room.

“Oh my God!” Kristina said, looking at Urs. “This is so different from what you’re doing now.”

“I know.” Urs said, quietly laughing, when he saw the look of amazement on Kristina’s face. “It was a big step for me to do this.”

“You mean joining Il Divo?” Kristina asked. “And leaving behind your classical career?”

“I haven’t really left it behind.” Urs replied. “Even though it’s still classed as pop, or popera, I still sing with my classical technique.”

“Do you have any regrets?” Kristina asked. “Do you think you made the right choice?”

“I don’t have any regrets.” Urs smiled. “I admit I had to think twice about making the move. But I soon realised, that this is a once in a lifetime chance to do something huge; something that most people could only dream of. So I thought, why not? Go for it! So I did.”

“So what are you going to do with your first pay cheque?” Kristina asked. “Buy another bike?”

“I don’t know. I might do, but I‘ve bought enough bikes over the years. ” Urs laughed.

“Really?” Kristina said, surprised. “How many are we talking about here?”

“Maybe thirty.” Urs said, shrugging. “I haven’t really kept track.”

“Thirty!” Kristina exclaimed. “You weren’t kidding were you! Okay, so no more bikes. What else would you buy? There must be something that you’ve always wanted to get, if you had the money.”

“I don’t know.” Urs said, shrugging again. “I’ve always been one to save my money. But I love the idea of buying a house that I could restore or even designing my own home. And it’s got to have lots of land, maybe a forest. “

“That sounds lovely.” Kristina sighed. “Something that you made yourself, some where that you can call home.”

“But do you know what would be really nice?” Urs asked.

Kristina shook her head.

“Someone to share it all with.” Urs replied, softly. “A family of my own.”

Again, Urs had totally thrown Kristina with his comment. Did he mean her? If he did, why didn’t he just say it? Or was she misreading the signals? Perhaps it was just an innocent remark.

“Of course, that won’t happen for a few years yet.” Urs continued, worried that he had said something wrong, when Kristina turned away. “When I settle down and I’m a father, I want to have time to be with my family and well, now with this new project, we’re going to be so busy. So in the meantime, I’ll carry on spending money on my biggest passion.”

“And what’s that?” Kristina asked, quietly.

“Guitars!” Urs replied, smiling. “Oh and clothes and belts. And then there’s watches, not forgetting boots as well.”

“You’re a real shop-a-holic, aren’t you.” Kristina giggled, now starting to relax again. “You sound worse than a woman.”

“Hey, I’m not that bad.” Urs laughed. “I just like to buy nice things. Don‘t you?”

“I’m a woman, of course I do.” Kristina grinned. “But when I was back home, I didn’t spend it on fancy clothes or accessories. I spent most of my money going to motor shows, football games or buying old cars and doing them up.”

“You restored cars?” Urs said, surprised. “I’ve restored a few bikes in my time. But I didn’t know you knew about mechanics.”

“I don’t.” Kristina replied. “Well, not really. I’m self taught. I just read it in books and then got hands on experience. It’s just trial and error.”

As the CD ended, it fell silent again and Kristina tried her best not to look at Urs. She could sense him watching her and wasn’t sure if he was waiting for her to say something. In the end it was too much for her.

“It’s no use.” Kristina said, getting up from the couch. “I can’t sit here knowing that there’s all that mess in the kitchen.”

“Krissy, wait.” Urs said, getting up from the sofa and reaching for her hand.

“What is it?” Kristina asked, turning to look at him.

“I.. I wanted to say thank you for dinner.” Urs replied, now letting go of her hand and lightly placing his hands on her waist. “It was great.”

“You’re welcome.” she said quietly, unable to look away from him. “I’m glad you liked it.”

Urs stood smiling at Kristina, and it was starting to make her feel uneasy. They had been flirting all evening, but neither of them had made a move. Was he playing games with her? Was he waiting for her to make the first move, only to push her away, like she had done to him?

“You really are beautiful.” he said, still smiling as he pulled her closer to him.

“Oh?” Kristina said, swallowing hard. She was sure that he was going to kiss her this time. She felt his chest rise, as he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Was he having doubts?

Kristina couldn’t hold back any longer. It was now or never. She slid her hand around the back of his neck and moved a little closer, just as Urs let out the breath he’d been holding and covered her lips with his. Kristina now wrapped both her arms around his neck, as they continued to kiss. Urs held her tightly, as he started to guide her backwards, to the nearest wall. His body was now pressed against hers, his kisses moved from her mouth, along her jaw, to her neck. Urs knelt down in front of her, and slid his hands up under her t-shirt. Kristina moaned softly, as his fingers brushed against her skin, lifting up the t-shirt, and gently kissing her stomach; soft, light kisses that made her stomach flutter and her insides come alive. Her hands went straight to his head, her fingers tangled in his thick dark hair, playing with his curls. His kisses were driving her wild, but she needed to feel his mouth on hers again. She gently pulled on his hair, tipping his head back so that he had to look up at her. She caught her breath as she looked in to his eyes. God how she loved this man; how could she ever leave him?

Kristina’s fingers were now untangled from his hair, as Urs got to his feet, not taking his eyes off Kristina for a second. He gently caressed her cheek, before taking the clip out of her hair and letting it fall loose over her shoulders. Urs leant forward, and as he brushed her hair to one side, Kristina caught the faint smell of his cologne.

Urs knew they should stop it now, before it went too far but it didn’t stop him kissing her again. They still had a lot to talk about, nothing had been resolved and there was still one question that Urs needed answering. He wasn’t sure if he could hold back anymore, she was driving his senses crazy, but he had to ask it.

“Krissy, do you really love me?” Urs whispered, between kisses.

“Of course, I do, Urs.” Kristina murmured. “I’ve always loved you.”

“Then I have to know, why couldn’t you tell me until now?” Urs asked, pulling away. “Why let us go through all this?”

Kristina knew this would happen one day. She just wasn’t planning on it happening so soon. What could she tell him? If she told him the truth, that she knew about Aimee, he would be sure to end everything here and now. She couldn’t let that happen; she loved him too much to lose him at this stage.

“I was scared.” Kristina said, faintly. It was still the truth, but she wasn’t going to tell Urs everything. “I thought I was crazy, to take one look at a man and to feel…to feel as if he were my other half. To think about him, you, obsessively, that within hours of meeting you, I was longing to see you again. To be with you.”

“I can understand you feeling that way when we first met, Krissy. “Urs replied, still holding her to him. “But now, years later and you still couldn’t tell me the truth.”

“Urs do we have to talk about this now?” Kristina frowned. She didn’t like where this line of questioning was going.

“Yes we do.” Urs said, now taking a step back. “It’s something that’s been bothering me for a while. If you’ve always loved me, like you say, then why? Why couldn’t you tell me? What was it that made you lie?”

“I love you, Urs.” Kristina said, reaching for his hand. “Please, don’t ruin things, we’ve been getting on so well.”

“I don’t intend on ruining anything.” Urs replied. “It’s just one simple question, Krissy. All you just have to do is answer it.”

“I can’t.” Kristina said, letting go of his hand. “I can’t tell you.”

“Why not?” Urs said, leaning against the back of the couch. “If you love me, you’d tell me. I don‘t want there to be any secrets between us, Krissy.”

“And I you loved me, you wouldn’t use that line on me.“ Kristina said, tearfully, as she walked in to the bedroom. “Why can’t you let this whole thing drop and just leave it at that?”

“What are you doing?” Urs asked, when Kristina pulled off her t-shirt and threw it on to the bed.

“What does it look like?” Kristina said, slipping her jeans off. She no longer cared whether Urs saw her undress or not. It was the last thing on her mind. She couldn‘t believe that once again, things had taken a turn for the worst. “I’m going home.”

“But can’t we talk about this?” Urs said, frowning. “I’m sure that what ever it is, you can tell me and I won’t think badly of you. It won’t change how I feel about you.”

“Are you sure about that?” Kristina said, slipping her still damp dress over her head. “Can you honestly say that if I told you, you would still love me?”

Kristina knew if she told Urs that she knew she looked like Aimee, and that was the only reason Urs wanted to be with her, there was no way they could have a normal relationship. It would all be one sided and they would be living in a fantasy world. She just hoped that Urs would forget about it before tomorrow and tell her that it didn’t matter. She knew there was little hope of it happening, but she couldn’t tell him the truth.

“Yes, I would.” Urs said, adamantly. “I’ve loved you for so long, I’m not about to stop now.”

“That’s just it, Urs.” Kristina said, reaching up and placing her fingers on his lips. “You think you love me, but you don’t, not really.”

“What do you mean?” Urs asked, gently taking hold of her wrist and lowering her hand. “Of course, I love you. How can you say that?”

Kristina could feel the tears starting to prick the backs of her eyes. She had to get out of here and fast. She pulled away from Urs, cursing as she stumbled on the shoe with the broken heel, and picked up her belongings, before hurrying to the door; tears were threatening to fall at any moment.

“Krissy, wait.” Urs said, hobbling after her. “If you insist on going, at least let me call you a taxi.”

“Don’t worry.” Kristina replied, grabbing her coat from the closet. “I’ll call for one downstairs.”

“Krissy, please.” Urs said, just as she opened the door. “Don’t go, not like this.”

“Do you still want me to answer your question?” Kristina stopping in the door way and looking back at him.

Urs nodded slowly. “I have to know.”

“Then there’s no point in me staying.” Kristina said, almost choking on her words. “Goodnight Urs.”

Kristina quietly closed the door behind her and took a deep breath as she stood outside his apartment, tears sliding down her cheeks. She knew it was too good to be true. Everything had been going too well, something was bound to happen to ruin it all and this was the final nail in the coffin. She had to accept that her and Urs would never be anything more than friends.

Urs slammed his fist against the wall, cursing under his breath. How could he have been such an idiot? He should’ve lied, he should’ve said no, anything to stop her from leaving. “Damn it!” Urs said, hitting the wall again.

Several minutes had passed; Kristina was still waiting for her taxi and Urs had been staring out his window, waiting to see her leave and wondering what he could say to make her come back. He had no idea what to say; he'd figure that out when he saw her. But he hadn't seen her leave yet. Perhaps if he hurried, he could still catch her. Urs grabbed his crutches and his keys and hurried to the door.

Kristina stood in the hallway, waiting for her taxi. She had thought about walking home, to get some fresh air and try and clear her head, but it was still raining heavily outside. Kristina wriggled in her clothes, they were still damp and her skin was beginning to itch. But it was nothing compared to the pain she felt inside. She had been stupid to get her hopes up tonight, to think that her and Urs, could sort things out and have a relationship. She had to be realistic about her life now. There was no such thing as love at first sight. There was no such thing as finding the perfect partner, it only happened in fairy tales. Kristina would get on that plane on Sunday and concentrate on her career and try and make a go of things with Tyler. Kristina jumped, when a car outside hooted it’s horn. It was her taxi. Kristina picked up her purse and ran out in to the rain.

Urs hurried out of the elevator and just caught sight of Kristina through the big glass doors at the front of the lobby. He could see Kristina rushing towards a taxi.

“Krissy!” he yelled, as he threw his crutches on to the floor, thinking he would be able to run faster without them. He hurried after her, throwing open the door. “Krissy!”

But Kristina didn’t hear him, through all the noise of the traffic and the pouring rain. Yet Urs didn’t give up, as he ran out in to the rain after her.

“Krissy!” Urs yelled again. “Wait!”

But he was too late. The taxi pulled away and joined the rest of the London traffic, leaving Urs standing alone in the rain.

“It doesn’t matter, Krissy.” Urs mumbled, as tears started to escape, disappearing in the rain. “I love you.”

***** CHAPTER 124 *****

“Are you going to answer that, love?” the taxi driver asked, when Kristina’s mobile started to ring again.

“No.” came the short reply, from Kristina, as she stared out the car window, tears still rolling down her cheeks. Her mobile fell silent; but within minutes it had started again.

“Who ever he is, he’s persistent.” the taxi driver commented. “Why don‘t you talk to him?”

“How do you know it’s a he?” Kristina asked, still staring out the window.

“Because when ever I have a beautiful young lady sitting in the back of my taxi, crying, it’s usually a guy that’s to blame.” he replied.

Kristina was almost home. In the twenty minutes that she’d been sitting in the taxi, Urs had already tried calling her five times; but she didn’t pick up. She had let it ring off until the answer phone had taken it. As soon as Kristina had got in to the taxi, she had given up fighting back the tears and now she was in no state to talk to Urs. And what was the point? It would be the same question, one that she couldn’t answer. Kristina let it ring off again.

“So what happened?” the taxi driver asked. “Did he forget your birthday?”

“No.” Kristina said, forcing a smile.

“Lovers tiff?” he continued. “Another woman?”

Kristina didn’t answer.

“I guess I hit the nail on the head.” he commented, when Kristina hadn’t answered.

“It’s not what you think.” Kristina replied.

“So you didn‘t argue?” he asked. “And it’s not another woman?”

“No, not really.” Kristina replied.

“So why won’t you talk to the poor guy?” he asked.

“I just can’t.” Kristina said, putting her mobile back in her bag, when it started to ring for the seventh time. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me.” the taxi driver said, looking in his rear view mirror at her, as they pulled up at a set of traffic lights. “In this line of work, you get to hear a lot of crazy stories.”

“It’s a long story.” Kristina replied. “And it’s complicated.”

“It always is.” he replied. “So come on, you’ve got ten minutes before we get to your street. Give me the short version and tell me why you’re crying.”

Kristina started to tell him, everything that had led up to that night, how she finally admitted her true feelings for him, but now he insisted on knowing why Kristina hadn’t told him until then.

“So why don’t you just tell him?” he asked, when Kristina had finished explaining it to him.

“I can’t.” Kristina said, shaking her head. “If I do that, I‘ll ruin any chance of us being together.”

“From what you’ve just told me, love, I think you might have already lost him.” he commented. “Just tell him what this Marius guy told you. If it’s true that he’s only with you because of who you look like, then isn’t it better that you put and end to all this? Then the two of you can go your separate ways and get on with your lives.”

“See, that’s just it.” Kristina said, leaning forward and resting her arms on the passenger seat. “I don’t want us to ‘go our separate ways’. After the accident, it didn’t matter to me that I looked like Aimee. But if I tell him… what if he wants nothing more to do with me? What if he never wants to speak to me again?”

“Then I guess that’s a chance you’ll have to take.” he answered. “Be honest with him, surely he deserves that much?”

“He does.” Kristina sighed, as she sat back in her seat. “But I don’t know if I can bring myself to tell him.”

“When do you leave London?” he asked.

“Sunday morning.” Kristina replied, just as her mobile started to ring yet again.

Kristina took the mobile out of her bag, and looked at the display; it was Urs.

“Him again?” the driver asked.

Kristina nodded, biting her lip.

“Answer it.” he said, encouragingly. “You don’t have to tell him now. But don’t ignore the guy.”

Kristina flipped open the mobile, took a deep breath before pressing the answer button.

“Hello Urs.” she said, quietly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~

When Kristina had left, Urs had started to head inside when someone started calling his name. Urs stopped in the porch, hoping that it was Kristina. But it wasn’t, it was Stephanie.

“Go home, Stephanie.” Urs said, as he pushed the door open.

“Urs, I need to talk to you.” Stephanie said, following Urs inside.

“I’m not in the mood.” Urs replied, now heading for the elevator.

“But it’s important, Urs.” Stephanie said, pulling on his arm. “I have to tell you something.”

“Let go of me.” Urs said, shrugging her off him. “I’m not interested in anything you have to say. Not after the way you treated Krissy.”

“But Urs, please.” Stephanie continued. “It’s about Marius.”

“Go home!” Urs said, stepping in the elevator. “Tonight has been a bad night, and I can’t face talking to you right now. Just leave me alone.”

Urs leant against the elevator walls, and watched Stephanie disappear out of sight, as the doors closed on her. As soon as Urs got inside his apartment, he found his mobile and dialled Kristina’s number. While it was ringing, he headed for the laundry cupboard and took out a clean towel, and started drying his wet hair. This was his eighth time of trying Kristina’s mobile but he was determined to talk to her. Urs sighed when the phone stopped ringing, thinking it was going to go to answer phone again; but it didn‘t.

“Krissy?”

“Hello Urs.” came the quiet reply.

“Krissy I’m sorry.” Urs said, sitting down on the bed. “Please come back, let’s talk.“

“Urs, I can’t.” Kristina replied, rubbing her fore head. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore tonight.”

“Okay, we don’t have to talk about it, but please come back.” Urs pleased. “Or did you want me to come over there?”

“No, Urs.” Kristina said, getting her purse out of her bag. “It’s late, we can talk tomorrow.”

“Krissy, I promise I won’t mention it again.” Urs sighed. “Forget I even asked it.”

“How can I?” Kristina asked. “You said it had been bothering you for a while. You can’t forget it just like that, you‘re always going to be thinking about it.”

“You’re wrong. I can forget it.” Urs said. “It doesn’t matter, I love you.”

“I love you too, Urs, but I need time to think about this.” Kristina explained. “I need to get things straight in my head. I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

“When?” Urs asked. “Can we meet for lunch?”

“I can’t.” Kristina answered. “I’m spending some time with Abigail, and helping her get the last minute things set up for the Ball.”

”Okay.” Urs sighed. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Goodnight Urs.”

“Goodnight Krissy.” Urs said, reluctantly.

Kristina closed her mobile, and handed the money to the driver.

“There, that wasn’t so hard was it?” he said, with a smile.

“I guess not.” she smiled back.

“If everything in life was easy, then it wouldn’t be much fun, would it?” he said, handing her, her change.

“My life’s been far from easy.” Kristina replied, putting the money back in her purse and taking out her keys. “And I don’t seem to be having any fun.”

“Think about it though.” he continued. “If everything in life was simple, and you didn’t have to fight for something, then it wouldn’t be worth having it, would it? If you didn’t have to struggle to get something you want, then how could you ever appreciate it?”

“Are you sure you’re a taxi driver and not some kind of… therapist?” Kristina joked, as she opened the car door.

“Maybe I should give it a go.” he laughed. “My true calling! Hey, good luck with…Uri?”

“Urs!” Kristina giggled, closing the door. “His name’s Urs.”

“Well good luck.” he said, leaning out of the window. “I hope it works out.”

“Thanks.” Kristina replied, as she stood on the kerb and watched the taxi pull away.

She turned and made her way up the path, tired and confused. Kristina had a feeling tomorrow was going to be a long day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~

Kristina had spent the day with Abigail, but in the end, she didn’t need to help with setting up for the Ball. There wasn’t a lot to be done, as Anna had arranged nearly everything, because Abigail still wasn’t feeling well. So they had spent the day at Abigail’s apartment, relaxing, talking and watching television. She had eventually left to get ready for the Ball.

Kristina took off her long black cloak and handed it to Tyler.

“Wow!” Tyler said, letting out a slow wolf-whistle. “You look…great!”

“Thanks.” Kristina said, blushing. She had been a little wary about wearing this costume, as she thought it showed off too much flesh, but Abigail had somehow managed to convince her that it was perfect for her.

Kristina had come as a Genie, wearing red bikini bottoms which tied up at the sides, covered by pink sheer open panelled harem pants, which had a long slit down the side, from her waist to her ankles. She had a matching red halter top, with a pink veil and pink armbands, from her elbows to her wrists.

“So what are you, a belly dancer?” Tyler asked.

“No, I’m a genie.” Kristina laughed. “And what are you? A cat burglar?”

“Very funny.” Tyler smirked. “You know very well, who I am. You chose it.”

“I think it suits you.” she said, giggling. “But just watch where you point that sword, Zorro!”

Kristina and Tyler made their way to the entrance of the Ball room and were greeted by Abigail and Carlos, who were dressed as Beauty and the Beast.

“Well, what do you think of it?” Abigail asked. “I think Anna’s done a wonderful job.”

“It looks amazing.” Kristina said, looking around the hall.

Anna had certainly outdone herself. Each wall was lined with life size classical statues and columns, each lit up with flame effects, and the ceilings had large chandeliers and glamorous masks hanging from them. In several corners of the room, small alcoves with couches were strategically hidden behind white drapes for those who wanted a little privacy and ‘atmosphere’ smoke, drifted across the floor. The large round tables could seat eight people and were covered in black and gold silk-velvet table linen. There were ice sculptures, chocolate fountains, a cocktail bar, and flowers and balloons everywhere. Abigail had asked Madame Endora to come along for the evening and give tarot readings, and a magician was also chatting with guests and performing tricks. The waiters were on stilts, serving drinks to all the guests. At the far end of the hall was a small stage, where the live band were performing. A photographer had been hired, and was told to make sure everyone had at least one picture taken, as a memento of their evening.

“Come on.” Tyler said, taking Kristina’s hand. “Let’s dance.”

Kristina let Tyler lead her to the dance floor, just as a slow song started to play. He slid his arms around her waist and Kristina rested her hands on his shoulders. As they slowly started to dance, Kristina could now see the entrance of the ball room, and could now see every guest arriving. Her eyes were instantly drawn to a handsome man dressed in black, from head to toe, complete with black shades. Kristina was sure she recognised him. As he walked across the room, Kristina continued to watch him, not taking her eyes off him for a second. But then he stopped, turned and smiled at her. She knew that smile, those dimples. It was him. It was Urs.

***** CHAPTER 125 *****

Urs continued to smile at Kristina. She smiled back at him through her veil. He looked absolutely gorgeous, his hair pulled back in a ponytail, dark glasses, the tight black trousers and shirt, and the long black coat. It was so obvious who he was meant to be. Neo, from The Matrix.

*Thanks to Ursybabe for making the C&P*




Tyler noticed Kristina smiling and looked over his shoulder, to see who she was looking at.

“I hope he’s not going to be a problem tonight.” Tyler commented.

“Urs?” Kristina said, frowning. “Why should he be a problem?”

“No reason.” Tyler said, shrugging.

“What happened between you two the other night, when you drove him home?” Kristina asked.

“Why do you ask?” Tyler said, turning them around, so Kristina could no longer see Urs. “What’s he said?”

“Not much.” Kristina replied. “But I know he got out of the car, before you reached his apartment. Did you argue?”

“Hang on, when did you speak to him?” Tyler asked. “He didn’t come round to the house again, did he?”

“No!” Kristina said, quickly, suddenly realising her mistake. “I... I went to see Abigail today, and I saw him coming out of his apartment. He mentioned it then.”

“Oh.” Tyler said, satisfied with her answer. “Well, I’ll admit we did have a few words but do we really have to talk about him tonight? This is a party and parties are supposed to be fun.”

“Sorry.” Kristina said, forcing a smile.

They continued to dance, but every now and then Kristina would catch glimpses of Urs, out of the corner of her eye. She was hoping to talk to him at some point during the evening but she didn’t know how she was going to manage it with Tyler there. There was no way that they would be able to sit down and talk about their relationship, while Tyler was around. She had been thinking about it last night, until she had eventually fallen asleep. Urs loved her and she loved him, so what was the problem? The problem was that Urs had wanted to know why she hadn’t told him before. Urs said it didn’t matter anymore, but Kristina couldn’t help wondering, if at some point down the line, that Urs would bring it up again, wanting to know why she hadn’t told him. By that time it would be too late, Kristina would be too in love with him, to tell him the truth and she was worried that it might somehow come between them.

“Hello Mic!” someone said, tapping her on the shoulder.

Kristina didn’t need to turn around, to know that it was Natty.

“Hello to you too, Mic!” Kristina replied, pulling away from Tyler and hugging Natty. “Or should I say Catwoman?”

“Natty will be fine.” she laughed.

“Ooh I love the whip.” Kristina commented, suddenly noticing it.

“Yeah me too.” Natty grinned. “I’m thinking of asking the hire shop, if I can keep it.”

“If you love it that much, I’ll buy you one.” a young man, said seductively in her ear, as he stood behind Natty.

“Kristina, Tyler, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Natty said, slipping her arm through the young mans, who was now standing beside her. “This is Luke and as you can see he‘s my Batman for the night. Luke works at the recording studio and he’s been helping me with my album.”

Kristina could tell that Natty was attracted to him and she understood why; Luke was extremely good looking. He was a few inches taller than her, with short brown hair, tanned skin and soft brown eyes. When he smiled, he had a cheeky look about him.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Luke.” Kristina said, as he kissed her on the cheek.

“Nice to meet you.” Tyler said, shaking his hand.

“Likewise.” Luke replied. “It looks like it’s going to be quite a night. I hear your sister arranged it all, Kristina.”

“Well she had a lot of help from Anna, Tyler’s sister.” Kristina explained. “She actually owns this chain of hotels and let us have this room for free, this evening.”

“I’m sure it’s going to be a great hit with everyone.” Luke commented. “Now if you’ll excuse us, this young lady promised me a dance.”

Kristina and Tyler watched, as Natty and Luke walked in to the middle of the dance floor.

“Did you want something to drink?” Tyler asked, as they made their way over to one of the tables, where David and Angie were sitting.

“Pineapple juice, will be fine for me, thanks.” Kristina replied, as Tyler pulled out a chair for her. “With ice, please.”

“Sure, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Tyler said, nodding at David and Angie.

“Hey you look great!” David and Angie said in unison, as Kristina sat down.

“Thanks!” Kristina smiled. “You two look fantastic. Let me guess, Christine and the Phantom?”

“Well, you know how much I love Phantom of the Opera.” Angie said, grinning. “So when David asked me if I wanted to come with him and I could decide on our outfits, how could I ‘not’ choose this?”

“So what do you think of your outfit, David?“ Kristina asked.

“What do I think?” David asked, with raised eyebrows. “I’m dressed up as an eccentric, physically deformed genius. I hate it.”

“Don’t worry, he’s teasing.” Angie giggled. “Before we left, he told me he loved it.”

“He always did like dressing up.” Kristina joked.

“Hey, if you two ladies are going to start comparing notes, then I’m off to the bar.” David said, laughing. “I need a drink.”

“So are you all set for New York?” Angie asked. “I bet you’re excited, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Yes I am.” Kristina said, sounding a little distant. While Tyler was away, Kristina took the opportunity to quickly scan the large ballroom, looking for Urs. He was now sitting several tables away, with Simon, Julianna, Sebastian and Laura.

“You don’t sound it.” Angie commented. “Everything okay? You look a little… distracted.” Angie finished, as she followed Kristina’s gaze. “Ahh, say no more.”

“What?” Kristina asked, still watching Urs.

“David told me.” Angie replied.

“David told you what?” Kristina frowned, now looking at Angie.

“He told me that you still have a thing for Urs.” Angie replied.

“Well, he had no right to tell you that.” Kristina said. “It’s private.”

“I’m sorry.” Angie apologised. “It’s just that he was worried about you and we got talking and he told me everything.”

Kristina suddenly felt guilty. David had been worried about her, and that’s why he had told Angie. It wasn’t just idle gossip.

“No, I’m sorry.” Kristina said, smiling. “I’m the one that should be apologising. It’s just… everything’s such a mess and it‘s starting to get to me.”

“Do you think that you and Urs will be able to sort things out by the time you leave?” Angie asked.

“I don’t know.” Kristina said, truthfully. “I hope so.”

“Here’s your drink.” Tyler said, placing it in front of her and sitting beside her.

“Thanks Tyler.” Kristina smiled. “Have you seen your sister at all? I wanted to thank her for arranging everything this evening.”

“I saw her a minute ago.” Tyler said, scanning the room. “Oh there she is.” he said, pointing to the table where Urs was seated. “But why don’t you leave it until later. It looks as if she’s busy talking to Simon the moment.”

“Okay.” Kristina said, reluctantly.

She was hoping to use Anna, as an excuse to talk to Urs. But it seemed Tyler had other ideas and he wasn’t going to let her out of his sight. She knew why he had suggested leaving talking to Anna, until later.

“Come on.” Tyler said, getting to his feet and taking Kristina’s hand. “Let’s dance again, I love this song.”

“Urs?”

“Huh?“ Urs looked around and saw Julianna watching him with a worried expression on her face.

“What’s wrong with you this evening?” Julianna asked. “It’s like you’re on another planet.”

“Sorry.” Urs said, looking away as he watched Kristina and Tyler dance.

“Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?” Julianna asked, moving her chair closer to Urs.

“As if you don’t already know.” Urs replied, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.

“Kristina?” Julianna asked.

Urs nodded.

“What happened, Urs?” Julianna asked. “You seemed so happy last night, before I left. I thought you and Kristina were getting on better than ever.”

“We were.” Urs replied. “And then I went and opened my stupid mouth and ruined it all.”

“What did you say?” Julianna asked. “Surely it can’t be that bad.”

“I wanted to know why she felt that she couldn’t tell me she loved me until only recently.” Urs replied, finally looking back at Julianna, when Kristina had Tyler disappeared out of sight. “I wanted to know why she kept denying it, why she lied to me.”

“Is it really that important to you?” Julianna asked.

“Why does everybody keep asking me that?” Urs said, frowning. “Yes, it was important to me last night, but not anymore, because it upset Krissy and that’s why she left early. But I have to know why she lied, it just doesn’t make sense. If she loved me, why couldn’t she just tell me?”

Juliana nervously bit her lip, when she remembered the conversation she had overheard between Abigail and Kristina the day she arrived in London, and her conversation with Marius. Should she tell Urs, what she knew? If Kristina and Urs really were in love with one another, then it was only right that she tell him, before Kristina left. She couldn’t keep something like this from him any longer.

“Urs, I… ” Julianna hesitated. “I think I know why Kristina didn’t tell you.”

“You do?” Urs said, puzzled. “How would you know? Has she said something to you?”

“Not exactly.” Julianna said, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. “Do you remember the day I arrived in London and I mentioned that I saw Kristina and Abigail in the elevator?”

“Yes, I remember.” Urs said, Julianna now getting his full attention.

“Well…” Julianna paused. “Urs, please don’t be mad at me for not telling you this sooner.”

“What are you talking about?” Urs asked, still confused.

“I overheard them talking.” Julianna said, still fidgeting in her seat. “They were talking about Marius.”

“Marius?” Urs interrupted. “What’s he got to do with this?”

“How well do Marius and Kristina know each other?” Julianna asked.

“Not very well.” Urs replied. “They‘ve only met the once and that was the time Krissy came to stay with me in Paris.”

“So they’ve never argued?” Julianna asked. “They’ve never had a disagreement or have any reason to dislike each other?”

“No, not that I know of.” Urs replied. “Look, why are you asking me this?”

“Because Kristina made a comment that although she didn’t like Marius, he had done her a favour.” Julianna replied. “He’d stopped her from making a fool of herself, by telling you that she loved you.”

“So hang on.” Urs interrupted again. “Krissy doesn’t like Marius? And what‘s all this about her making a fool of herself?”

“From what was being said between her and Abigail, I got the impression that she had spoken to Marius maybe a day or two before I arrived.” Julianna answered. “And he told her… he told her that you weren’t really in love with her.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m completely lost.” Urs said, frowning. “Why would he tell her something like that? And why would she believe him? Krissy’s not that gullible.”

Julianna didn’t answer straight away. She was worried what Urs’ reaction might be, when she told him what Marius had done.

“Julianna?” Urs said, warily. “What else was said?”

“Marius told Kristina, that the only reason you showed any interest in her was because…” Julianna paused again. Was she doing the right thing? She didn’t want to bring back any painful memories for Urs. But she had gone too far to stop now, she had to tell him.

“Julianna? Because what?” Urs prompted her.

”Because she looked like Aimee.” Julianna finished, quickly. “Marius told her that she looked like Aimee and that you could never love her, when you still loved Aimee.”

“I don’t believe it.” Urs said, shaking his head in disbelief. “Marius… Marius wouldn‘t do that.”

“It’s true.” Julianna replied. “I went to see him. I told him what I‘d heard and I asked him if there was any truth in it and he admitted it.”

“But it still doesn’t make any sense as to why he would do something like that,” Urs said, still shocked. “He knows how much I love Krissy and she doesn‘t look anything like Aimee!”

“Well he seems to think he’s done you a favour by keeping her out of your life.” Julianna explained. “He said you’ll be better off without her; that she’s only after your money.”

Urs fell silent. Surely Julianna was wrong, Marius wouldn’t do something like this would he? Urs started to think back to the times when he had spoken to Marius about Kristina. He had always been trying to talk Urs out of seeing Kristina, but he thought Marius was doing it because he was concerned about Urs getting hurt. The more Urs thought about it, the more it made sense. Marius had never approved of Kristina, just like he had never approved of Stephanie. But Urs remembered the way he had ‘interrogated’ Kristina when they were leaving the airport. Could he really have said those things to Kristina? What else had he told her, that he didn’t know about?

“Urs?” Julianna said, worried, when she could see his jaws clench and the muscles in the side of his face begin to twitch.

“I’m going to see him.” Urs said, getting up from his seat and picking up his crutches. “I’m going to ask him what the hell he thinks he’s playing at.”

The colour drained from Julianna’s face, when she suddenly realised that Marius was staying in this exact same hotel, where the party was being held.

“Urs, wait for me.” Julianna said, quickly getting to her feet and following him to the elevator. “I don’t want you doing something you might regret.”

“Oh don’t worry.” Urs said, through gritted teeth. “If it’s true, I won’t regret it for a second.”

“Urs, I don’t like the way you’re talking.” Julianna said, as they got in to the elevator. “You’re not going to do anything stupid are you?”

Urs didn’t answer. He was trying to control his breathing, not to mention his temper, which was starting to build up inside him. The more and more he thought about it, the more it made sense. That’s why Marius had come to London. He had gone to see Kristina, to ruin things between them. He’d planned this all along.

The doors opened and Urs headed straight for Marius’ room, with Julianna close behind.

Urs started banging on the door.

“Urs, calm down.” Julianna said, worriedly as Urs continued to bang on the door. “If I’d known you were going to act this way, I wouldn’t have told you.”

“No, I’m glad you did.” Urs replied, looking at Julianna. “This little game of his has gone on long enough.”

“Hey what’s all the noise….Urs!” Marius said, after opening the door.

“Tell me it’s not true.” Urs said, pushing Marius hard on his shoulder, causing him to stumble backwards in to the room.

“Urs?” Marius said, frowning. “What’s wrong?”

“Why? Why did you do it?” Urs said, slamming the door behind him.

“Do what? I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Marius stuttered.

“Don’t lie to me!” Urs yelled, as he pushed his crutches away and lunged for Marius, grabbing him by the throat and pinning him against the wall. “I know what you did. I know what you told Krissy.”

“I... I haven’t told her anything.” Marius squeaked, looking to Julianna for help. He had never seen Urs this angry before.

“Do you really expect me to believe that?” Urs spat. “I know you’ve never liked her. God knows why, because she’s never done a thing to you.”

“Do you really want to know, Urs? Do you want me to tell you?” Marius said, suddenly finding his voice. “Then I’ll tell you. You’re too good for her Urs. I don‘t know what you see in her. She‘s nothing like Aimee. How can you forget about her, just like that? You promised Aimee you would always love her.”

“Don’t you dare bring Aimee in to this.” Urs said, glaring at Marius, but not releasing his grip on his throat. “I’ll always love Aimee, but Aimee’s dead. Nothing can bring her back. Do you expect me to live the rest of my life alone?”

“Oh so now you’ve found Kristina and your life is complete once again.” Marius sneered. “How sweet! But she’s an insult to Aimee’s memory. I was wrong about you, Urs. You and Kristina deserve each other. I loved Aimee more than you ever could. But you were my friend and I could see you made her happy, that’s why I never told her how I felt about her. Perhaps if I ‘had’ told her that I loved her, we would be together and she would still be alive today.”

“Why you…” With his teeth clenched and nostrils flared, Urs drew back his fist.

“Now Urs, wait you.. you don’t want to do anything stupid.” Marius panicked, stammering as he put his hands up to protect himself. “Let’s talk about this.”

“Talk?” Urs snarled, his eyes narrowing. “You want to talk? I think you’ve done enough talking don’t you?”

Urs drew his fist back again, but this time someone stopped him.

“Don’t do it, Urs.”

Urs looked over his shoulder. It was David. Julianna must have gone to get him, and he didn’t even notice her leave.

“Come on, Urs. Let him go.” David said, keeping a tight hold of Urs’ wrist. “Why don’t you go and find Krissy? Someone still needs to explain all this to her, before it’s too late. Forget about him.”

“He’s right.” Urs said, now looking back at Marius, releasing his grip on his throat. “You’re not worth it.”

As soon as David had let go of Urs‘ wrist, Urs grabbed Marius by his shirt and swung him around, throwing him to the floor.

“But if you ever, and I mean ‘ever‘ come near me or Krissy again, I swear, no one will stop me next time.” Urs spat, as he stood over him, breathing heavily. “I’ll kill you. Do you understand?”

Marius nodded quickly, his eyes bulging with fear.

David handed Urs his crutches and followed him out of Marius’ room, making their way back downstairs to the ballroom.

“Where’s Julianna?” Urs asked, as they got in to the elevator.

“She went downstairs to find Natty.” David replied, pressing the button for the ground floor.

“Why?” Urs asked, still breathing heavily, but his temper now subsiding.

“Because I told her to.” David explained. “Julianna was worried what you might do to Marius, that’s why she came to get me.”

“You should’ve let me hit him.” Urs said, through gritted teeth. “After what he’s done, he deserves it and I would‘ve felt a whole lot better.”

“That’s all very well.” David answered. “But it wouldn’t have changed anything. Anyway, I told Julianna to find Natty, because I think it‘s best that she tells Krissy what Marius has done. You‘re certainly not in any fit state to tell her.”

“There’s nothing wrong with me.” Urs insisted. “I‘m fine!”

“You need to calm down, Urs.” David said, as the doors opened. “Let’s go and get some fresh air and then we can go and find Krissy.”

***** CHAPTER 126 *****


The evening seemed to be dragging and Kristina wondered if her and Urs would ever get a chance to talk. She was beginning to feel smothered, with Tyler constantly following her and watching her every move. But Tyler’s father had called him on the mobile; it was something important about the move. Half way through the call, Tyler’s phone had died, leaving him no other choice than to go to reception and finish the call. So now Kristina had some time alone and was looking for Urs.

“Hey, what’s up?” Natty asked, gently nudging Kristina, who was standing at the bar. “You look fed up.”

“I am.” Kristina sighed. “I was hoping to talk to Urs, but Tyler won’t give me a minutes peace.”

“Where is Tyler now then?” Natty asked.

“He went to make a call. His father needed to talk to him but his mobile died on him.” Kristina explained. “But now I can’t find Urs, which is just typical.”

“Let me go and see if Julianna knows where he is.” Natty said, spotting her at the door way. “Stay here, I‘ll be back in a minute.”

While Kristina was waiting for Natty to return, she took a seat on one of the bar stools and ordered herself a drink. From where she was sitting, she could see Julianna and Natty deep in conversation and wondered what they were talking about. After several minutes, she was starting to become impatient; how long did it take to find out where Urs was? Kristina continued to watch them, when suddenly they stopped talking and Natty slowly turned and looked in her direction, with a strange expression on her face. Kristina instantly thought something must have happened to Urs. She quickly got up from her seat, placed her glass on the bar and started walking towards them, her pace quickening with each step.

“What is it?” Kristina asked, as she approached them. “Why are you looking at me like that? It’s Urs, isn’t it? Something’s happened.”

“Kristina, why don’t we go somewhere else, where we can talk.” Natty suggested, gently taking her by the arm. “It’s too noisy here.”

“But what about Tyler?” Kristina asked. “He’ll wonder where I am.”

“Don’t worry about Tyler.” Julianna replied. “I’ll make up some excuse and here, take this. It‘s the key to my room, you can talk there.”

“Thanks.” Natty said, taking the key from Julianna, before leading Kristina to the elevator.

“Natty, you’re scaring me.” Kristina said, now worried. “Is Urs okay?”

“Urs is fine.” Natty said, reassuringly. “But there is something I have to tell you.”

“What is it?” Kristina asked, impatiently, as she unclipped her veil. “Why can’t you tell me now?”

“Let’s just wait until we get to Julianna’s room.” Natty replied, as the doors opened and they stepped inside the elevator.

As soon as the doors re-opened, Kristina quickly stepped out.
“Which way?” she asked.

Natty looked at the number on the key fob and then checked the numbers on the doors.

“It’s this way.” Natty replied, pointing along the corridor.

In less than a minute, they had found Julianna’s room and they were inside.

“So, are you going to tell me what this is all about?” Kristina asked, folding her arms across her chest. “Why did we have to come up here?”

“Because there’s something I have to tell you, Kristina.” Natty replied, removing her mask, and placing it on the small lounge table. “I didn’t think downstairs was the ideal place to talk.”

“What did you want to talk about?” Kristina asked. “You said Urs was alright, didn’t you?”

“Yes, Urs is fine.” Natty smiled. “Why don’t you sit down?”

Kristina didn’t move, she continued to stare at Natty. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to hear what Natty was going to tell her and she had an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

“Kristina, please.” Natty said, sitting down and pointing to the chair opposite her. “What I have to say is important and I need you to sit down and listen.”

Kristina slowly walked across the room and sat down in the chair.

“Okay, I’m listening.” she said, now more worried than ever.

Kristina sat waiting, patiently, for Natty to explain what they were doing here. But Natty was having problems finding the right words.

“Natty, what is it?” Kristina asked. “You’re really starting to worry me.”

“I’m sorry, Kristina.” Natty said, smiling. “It’s just that after what Julianna has told me, I don’t quite know where to start or what to say.”

“Well, just tell me what Julianna told you.” Kristina suggested, shrugging her shoulders.

“Okay.” Natty said, slowly nodding her head. “As you know, I went to see Julianna to ask her if she knew where Urs was and she did. He had gone to see Marius, he‘s staying here in this hotel.“

“And?” Kristina said, when Natty paused for a moment.

“Kristina, the day Julianna arrived in London she overheard you and Abigail talking in the elevator.” Natty explained. “She knows what Marius told you, about Aimee. Julianna knows why you felt you could never tell Urs that you loved him.”

Natty watched the colour drain away from Kristina’s face in seconds, leaving a stunned expression on her face.

“Please don’t tell me that Julianna told Urs.” Kristina said, weakly. “If she’s told Urs, he will never want to see me again. He’ll be so hurt and embarrassed when he realises that I know the real reason he has feelings for me.”

“Kristina, Julianna had to tell him.” Natty replied, getting up from her seat.

“No she didn’t.” Kristina said, shaking her head. “There was no need for him to ever find out. Julianna must know that I would never hurt him, but now we‘ll never be able to start any kind of relationship.”

“Kristina, I haven’t finished yet.” Natty said, kneeling in front of her and taking a firm hold of her hands. “Listen to me, please.”

“Julianna’s ruined everything, hasn’t she?” Kristina said, as a lump started to form in the back of her throat. “You’re going to tell me that he doesn’t want to see me again.”

“You’ve got it all wrong, hun.” Natty said, gently rubbing the back of her hand. “I have a feeling that when Urs has finished talking to Marius, he will most definitely want to see you. In fact, I think we would have a hard time trying to stop him.”


“How can you say that?” Kristina asked. “I must be the last person he wants to see, now that he knows what Marius told me.”

“Kristina, Marius…” Natty paused and she instantly felt Kristina’s hands stiffen. So she gave them a gentle squeeze before continuing. “Marius hasn’t been entirely honest with you, Kristina. He lied to you.”

“I don’t understand.” Kristina said, shaking her head in confusion. “Lied about what?”

“Aimee; he lied about Aimee.” Natty replied. “You never told Urs that you loved him, because Marius led you to believe that you looked like Aimee and that’s the only reason Urs had any interest in you.”

“But it’s true.” Kristina replied. “And Urs told me himself, that he will always love her.”

“That part may be true, but I can assure you, you do not look like Aimee.” Natty replied. “Julianna told me that you and Aimee couldn‘t be more different, when it came to looks.”

“I don’t understand.” Kristina said, her eyebrows furrowing. “If that’s true, why did Marius say that to me? Why did he lie? Why let me think such a thing?”

“I don’t know.” Natty answered. “But I’m guessing that’s going to be one of the first questions Urs will be asking Marius.”

“I can’t believe it.” Kristina muttered, her breathing becoming laboured. “They lied to me, they both lied to me.”
“Kristina?” Natty said, suddenly becoming worried. “Who else lied to you? What do you mean ‘both’ of them?”
“Stephanie.” Kristina answered. “She told me exactly the same thing, in Italy.”

Kristina inhaled deeply and blew out a sigh, trying to ease the queasiness in her stomach.

“Kristina are you okay?” Natty asked, now concerned by Kristina’s appearance.

“I don’t know.” Kristina replied, closing her eyes. “I feel sick.”

“Let me get you some water.” Natty said, quickly getting off the arm of the chair and opening the mini-bar.

She took out a bottle of chilled water and opened it, before handing it to Kristina. “Here, drink this, but not too fast, just take small sips.”

Natty sat and watched Kristina take several small sips from the bottle, and the colour slowly started to return to her cheeks.

“Do you feel any better?” Natty asked, taking the bottle from Kristina and replacing the lid.

“A little, thank you.” Kristina smiled.

“You’re welcome.” Natty said, placing the bottle on the table before turning around to face Kristina, with a huge smile on her face. “I guess you and Urs will have a lot to talk about now.”

“Yes… yes, we will.” Kristina said, quietly, as it slowly started to sink in.
“Kristina, you don’t feel sick again, do you?” Natty asked.

“No, I don’t feel sick.” Kristina said, smiling. “Natty, I… I want to see Urs.“

“Come on, then.” Natty said, picking up the room key. “Let’s go and see if we can find him.”

Kristina followed her to the door, but Natty then stopped and turned around, heading for the lounge table.
“I almost forgot my mask.” Natty said, putting it back on. “And you’d better put your veil back on, no one is allowed to unmask until midnight.”

“It hardly seems worth it.” Kristina said, as they walked out in to the corridor. “Everyone knows who’s everyone is.”

“Yes, but rules are rules.” Natty replied, locking the door.

“But rules are made to be broken.” Kristina said, gently poking Natty in the ribs. “Or have you forgotten?”

“Hey!“ Natty giggled, poking her back. “This is one rule you’re not allowed to break. Now put it back on.”

“Happy?” Kristina asked, as she clipped the veil back in place.

“Very.” Natty replied, as they stepped in to the elevator. “And you?”

“I will be.” Kristina said, smiling to herself. “Just as soon as I see Urs.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Can we go back in yet?” Urs asked, with his hands clasped in front of him, his elbows resting on his knees and his good foot, tapping impatiently on the floor.

David had led Urs through to the grounds at the back of the hotel and they were now sitting in the small rose gardens.

“No, you still need to calm down, Urs.” David replied.

“I told you, I’m fine.” Urs said, looking at his watch and then the door.

“Look at you, you can’t sit still. ” David commented.

“Well what do you expect?” Urs said, rubbing his forehead. “I’ve just found out that my best friend has done his hardest to ruin my relationship with Krissy. She‘s supposed to be leaving for New York in a few hours. I have to talk to her.”

“And you will, but only when you’ve calmed down.” David answered. “There’s still plenty of time.”

“Did you know that he was the first one that I told about Krissy?” Urs asked. “He was the one person that I thought would understand.”

“No, I didn‘t know.” David said, shaking his head.

“He thought I was mad to fall for someone so quickly.” Urs continued. “He told me to forget her, that I could never have a relationship with someone I’d only spoken to for a few hours, someone who lived in another country and who already had a boyfriend.”

“The boyfriend being me.” David said, smirking.

“I’m sorry, I didn‘t think.” Urs said, frowning as he turned and looked at David.

“It doesn’t matter.” David said, reassuringly. “That’s all in the past now.”

“David, you do know that nothing ever happened between me and Krissy, don’t you?” Urs said, ever so quietly. “Despite what Krissy may, or may not have felt for me at the time, she was always faithful to you.”

“I know.” David smiled. “We talked. She told me everything.”

“Everything?” Urs said, surprised.

“If you mean, did she tell me that she called you? And that you came to see her when she was in hospital, then yes, everything.” David replied, noticing the look on Urs’ face. “And I’ve told you, it doesn’t matter.”
“Are you sure?” Urs asked. “I mean, I don’t know how I would feel about this whole situation; working with a guy who’s admitted he’s love with your girl friend.”

“Except Krissy isn’t my girlfriend anymore.” David replied, getting up from the bench. “She hasn’t been for a long time and besides, I’ve got my eye on someone else.”

“Oh?” Urs said, reaching for his crutches. “Do you mean Angie?”

“You’re quick, aren’t you?” David smirked, as he held out his hand and helped Urs get to his feet. “Come on, I think you’ve calmed down enough now. It’s time we found Krissy.“

“Finally!” Urs said, following David back inside. “If you were going to keep me out here much longer, I was seriously considering using one of these crutches on you and making a run for it.”

“Well, that’s really convinced me that you’ve calmed down, Urs.” David chuckled. “You know, perhaps we should stay out here a little longer.”

“Don’t even think about it, Miller!” Urs said, waving a crutch at him. “They might not look it, but if used properly, these things are lethal weapons.”

“Yeah, except you’ve only had those things five days.” David laughed. “And I don’t think you’ve quite mastered them yet.”

“Give me time.” Urs chuckled. “I’ve got to use these things for another two or three months.”

“Remind me to stay out of your way then.” David laughed, as he held the door open for Urs.
“Where do you think she’ll be?” Urs asked, as they walked through the hotel lobby.

“I’ve no idea.” David replied. “Let’s try the ballroom first. If she’s not there, I’ll try calling her mobile.”

They went back to the ballroom, as David suggested. Urs and David entered the large room and started walking through the crowd.

“I can’t see her.” Urs said, starting to panic, after looking for several minutes. “I can’t see her or Tyler. You don’t think they’ve left already, do you?”

“Of course not.” David replied, hoping and praying that he was right. “Krissy wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye first.”

David then spotted a familiar face.

“Urs, look!” David said, pointing to the bar. “Isn’t that your sister?”

“Where?” Urs asked, looking in the direction that David was pointing.
David looked at Urs and sighed.

“Urs, how many Cleopatra’s can you see?” he asked, shaking his head.
“None.” Urs replied. “It’s too dark.”

“Well take those stupid glasses off then.” David laughed. “I’m surprised you haven’t walked in to something.”

“Yes, that’s Julianna.” Urs said, after pushing his glasses back on his head. He waved to her, to get her attention but Julianna had already spotted them and was on her way over.

“Where’s Krissy?” Urs asked, looking over Julianna’s shoulder, hoping to see her following.
“I think her and Natty are still upstairs.” Julianna replied. “I gave Natty the key to my hotel room. I suggested she take Kristina there and explain things.”

“Good idea.” David nodded. “What about Tyler?”

“I told him that Kristina was feeling tired and that Natty had taken her home.” Julianna replied. “I said it was probably best to leave her.”

“Which room are you staying in?” David asked.
“I’ll take you there.” Julianna said, turning and heading towards the exit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Kristina couldn’t get back to the ballroom quick enough for her liking. The elevator ride seemed to take forever, stopping at nearly every floor, people blocking her way as they made their way back to the ballroom to find Urs.

“Kristina, wait for me.” Natty said, struggling to keep up with her. “I can’t run in these heels.”

Natty wasn’t sure if Kristina heard her, or was deliberately ignoring her. Either way, it didn’t matter, because Kristina didn’t slow down, continuing to rush down the corridor, intent on finding Urs. Kristina stopped at the entrance to the ballroom and spotted Urs straight away. His jet black costume made him stand out in the crowd, against all the other brightly coloured and sequined costumes. He was talking to Julianna and he had his back to her. Kristina continued to watch him, waiting for him to turn around and notice her.
Julianna, David and Urs then all turned and started to walk in their direction., That’s when Urs saw Kristina and stopped dead in his tracks. Their eyes met, intense blue and deep hazel, locked on to one another. Neither of them moved.

***** CHAPTER 127 *****

“What are you waiting for?” Natty whispered, gently pushing Kristina forward. “Go and talk to him.”

“I can’t.” Kristina whispered, not taking her eyes off Urs. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Well ‘Hello’ might be a good place to start.” Natty replied.

Kristina was about to speak, when the music changed to a slow song; one that she recognised.

“Can you look after these for me?” Urs said, finally looking away from Kristina and handing his crutches to David. He then carefully took three small steps towards Kristina and held his hand out to her. “They’re playing our song, Krissy.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkLq71IgIb4

Kristina took a step closer to Urs and placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor; his long fingers entwined with hers. Urs looked over his shoulder at her, as they slowly made their way through the other couples on the dance floor. She smiled nervously, still not quite believing what was happening, he smiled back, gently squeezing her hand.

Urs eventually stopped and pulled her to him, slipping his arms around her waist and resting his hands on her lower back. Kristina placed her hands on his shoulders and looked up at him, sighing as she caught the familiar scent of his cologne.

“You remembered the song.” Kristina said, finally managing to speak.

“I’ve never forgotten it.” Urs smiled. “It was the first song we ever danced to.“

Kristina rested her head against his shoulder and smiled, thinking how good it felt to be in his arms again, to feel his body against hers.

“Do you remember the last time we were like this?” Urs murmured, against her cheek, holding her close to him. “Do you remember the first time we danced together?”

“Yes, I do.” Kristina smiled, looking up at him. “And you said you were a bad dancer.”

“I still am.” Urs said, quietly laughing.

“Well, I think you have an excuse this time.” Kristina giggled, looking down at the cast on his ankle.

“But I’ll only be able to use that excuse for a few more weeks.” Urs said, smirking. “Then you’ll remember how bad I really am.”

“There was nothing bad about dancing with you that night.” Kristina smiled, looking back up at him. “It was perfect.”

Urs placed a soft kiss on her forehead, and Kristina rested her head against his shoulder again, as they slowly moved to the music. Kristina giggled, when Urs moved his hand, lightly brushing his fingers over the bare skin of her waist.

“I’d forgotten how ticklish you are.” Urs chuckled, the playful glint in his eyes sparkling in the dim light.

“Don’t start getting any funny ideas.” Kristina smirked.

“Believe me, tickling you was the furthest thing from my mind.” he said, giving her a mischievous grin. His eyes travelled over her outfit, resting on her cleavage. Kristina caught his stare.

“Back up here, Buhler.” Kristina said, placing a finger under his chin.

“Just admiring your costume.” Urs said, winking at her. “I’ve never danced with a Genie before.”

“Can’t say I’ve ever danced with Keanu before.” Kristina giggled. “Or is it Neo?”

“Take your pick!” Urs grinned.

“Hmm, what if I don’t want either of them?” Kristina asked, trying to keep a straight face. “Neo lives in a fantasy world and I’ve heard Keanu can be quite boring. They‘re not the only men out there, you know.”

“You’ve had a better offer?” Urs asked, raising his eyebrows. “I’m deeply saddened.”

“Well, there is someone that‘s caught my eye.” Kristina replied, smirking. “He’s Swiss and...”

“Swiss?” Urs interrupted. “Say no more. You can’t go wrong with a Swiss man, they‘re perfect, in every way.”

“Every way?” Kristina said, giving him a cheeky smile. “I find that hard to believe.”

“Well, believe it or not, underneath this outfit there’s a rather nice Swiss guy.” Urs grinned. “Perhaps I could prove it to you?”

“What exactly did you have in mind?” Kristina replied, trying not to laugh. “I think you and me might be on a different wavelength.”

“Don’t give me that.” Urs chuckled. “I’ve seen you checking out my butt remember. I know what you’ve been thinking.”

Kristina was now blushing profusely as she remembered the tight jeans he had worn earlier that week. She was about to reply, when the song ended and she saw Natty getting up on stage.

“What’s she doing up there?” Kristina asked.

“I’ve no idea.” Urs replied, shrugging his shoulders.

“Good evening everyone, I hope you’re enjoying yourselves.” Natty said, after lightly tapping the microphone. “I won’t keep you too long, but if you’ll allow me, I would like to sing a song for you. It’s one that a very dear friend of mine wrote, for someone special in her life.”

Natty glanced at Kristina as she said this and it suddenly hit her what Natty was going to do.

“No!” she mouthed to Natty, giving her a warning look as she went to make a move towards the stage.

“Where are you going?” Urs asked, pulling her back to him. “Stay with me, I want to hear this.”

“But you don’t understand, it’s…” Kristina stopped mid-sentence.

“It’s what?” Urs asked.

“It’s my... ” Kristina paused. “It doesn’t matter.

“This will be the first time that she has let anyone perform one of her songs, so I’m very honoured to be singing this for you tonight.” Natty continued.

Natty then looked behind her at the small band, and gave them the signal for them to start.

As the music started up, Urs moved closer to Kristina and slipped his arms around her waist, lightly resting his chin on her shoulder, with his chest against her back, gently swaying to the music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWwRb2A9idY

Why did I choose you?
What did I see in you?
I saw the heart you hide so well
I saw a quiet man who had a gentle way
A way that caught me in its glowing spell
Why did I want you?
What could you offer me?
A love to last a life time through
And when I lost my heart so many years ago
I lost it lovingly and willingly to you
If I had to choose again,
I would still choose you
And when I lost my heart so many years ago
I lost it lovingly and willingly to you
If I had to choose again,
I would still choose you...

Kristina could feel the tears pricking the backs of her eyes. She loved what Natty had done with her song and she was singing it beautifully. But that wasn’t the only reason that she felt like crying. As Natty came to the end of the song, Kristina gave a small sniff and wiped the first tears away.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Urs whispered, placing his hands on her shoulders and turning her around to face him. “Didn’t you like it? I thought it was wonderful. No one has ever written a song about me before.”

“You know?” Kristina asked, as a another tear slid down her cheek. “Natty told you?”

“Don’t be angry with her.” Urs smiled. “She was only trying to help. Now are you going to tell me why you‘re crying?”

“It all came back to me, how I felt the night I wrote that song.” she answered, closing her eyes and lowering her head. “You told me you would always love me. But then you told me you didn’t and… I’d never felt so lost or alone.”

“That’s all going to change now.” Urs said softly, pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her, lightly placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Is it?” Kristina asked, resting her head against his shoulder as another slow song started to play.

“Krissy, you must know by now that I love you but….” Urs paused. “…but maybe I haven’t made it very clear.”

Urs tightened his hold on her, when he felt Kristina tense up in his arms. Kristina was afraid of what he might say next.

“I don’t want you to go, Krissy.” Urs murmured, his lips gently brushing against her ear, as he spoke. “Stay with me.”

He felt Kristina relax in his arms and heard her give a small sigh but she didn’t answer him.

“Krissy?” he said, pulling away from her and looking at her questioningly.

Kristina tried to speak, but couldn’t. A small sob caught in her throat and tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Let me make this easier for you.” Urs said, leading her to the edge of the dance floor. “You’ve seen the movie, The Matrix, haven’t you? Morpheus gave Neo a choice.”

Kristina nodded, as Urs scooped out a handful of M&M’s from a bowl on one of the tables and picked out two, putting the rest back. Urs then held his hands out to Kristina, with one red sweet in one palm and one blue sweet in the other.

“If you want to stay here with me and give this relationship a go, take the blue one.” Urs said, holding his hand out. “Or if you want to go to New York with Tyler and forget all about this evening, take the red one and we don‘t ever have to see each other again.”

Kristina looked at each sweet and then Urs. It wasn’t a hard decision. She picked up the blue sweet and took a step closer to Urs, so they were now only inches away.

“Now what?“ she whispered.

“I think it’s time we left.” Urs murmured, lightly brushing his lips against hers, through her veil. “Right now.”