~ LOVE IS BLIND ~

***** CHAPTER 23 *****

While Kristina had been sitting in the car waiting, she had heard raised voices between Marius and Urs but hadn’t dared to look back and see what was going on. She only hoped that it wasn’t anything to do with her; she didn’t want to be the cause of an argument between Urs and his friend. The fifteen minute drive from Charles de Gaulle Airport to where Urs lived had been tense and in that time Marius had bombarded Kristina with questions; her home, her family, David, the baby, her job.

Urs kept throwing Marius angry looks, he knew what he was up to. He was trying to show Urs that there was no way Kristina had feelings for him and that being with her was an impossibility. Kristina had a boyfriend with a baby on the way and a life in another country which didn’t include him.

Kristina had sensed something between Marius and Urs as soon as they got in to the car and by the glares she had seen Urs give to Marius while giving her the Spanish inquisition, she now knew that she was the cause. But she had absolutely no idea as to why Marius was taking a dislike to her. She only hoped that the evening would pass quickly.

Urs unlocked the door and let Kristina go inside first. Marius and Urs glared at each other, neither saying a word as they followed her.

“Do you mind if I call David?” Kristina asked. “I just want to let him know I got here safely.”

“Sure, you can use the phone in here.” Urs replied. “Me and Marius will take these upstairs and give you some privacy.”

While Kristina was on the phone to David, Marius was still trying to talk sense in to Urs.

“This is a bad idea, Urs.” Marius said, as he put Kristina’s bag on the floor. “I don’t like it.”

“I’m not asking you to like it.” Urs said, putting the suitcase on the floor. “But will you at least trust me to do the right thing?”

“As long you still know what the right thing is.” Marius said, sarcastically. “You’re not acting yourself just lately and I blame it all on her.”

“When you say ‘her’ I take it you mean Kristina.” Urs snapped. “She does have a name you know. And I don‘t want you blaming her for anything, just be nice to her. If you can‘t do that then I suggest you leave. Now!”

Marius wasn’t about to leave the two of them alone for the whole evening, he was just going to have to bite his tongue and keep his opinions to himself.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be my usual pleasant self.” Marius replied, jokingly, trying to make light of the situation.

Urs gave a weak smile, but he knew Marius was still unhappy about Kristina staying with him. He didn’t want Marius giving Kristina a hard time.

The evening had passed without any incidents, much to the relief of Kristina. The threesome had enjoyed a home cooked meal, made by Urs and they had spent the next three hours talking and getting to know each other.

Marius had noticed several times that Kristina had almost been falling asleep, he wasn’t sure if it was a sign to leave. But it was getting late and if she was genuinely tired he could only do the polite thing and say goodnight

“Well, I guess I should be going then.” Marius said, as he looked at his watch and got up from the couch. “It’s been nice meeting you Kristina and if I don’t see you before you leave then I wish you a safe trip home and I hope the pregnancy goes well for you.”

“Thank you.” Kristina replied, frowning slightly as she kissed him goodbye. “It was nice to meet a friend of Urs’.”

There’s that look again, Marius thought to himself as he looked at Kristina. Urs also noticed the look on her face this time, as Kristina frowned. Maybe she wasn’t happy about being pregnant or maybe there was something wrong with the baby. Neither Marius or Urs asked her about it.

After Marius had left, Urs and Kristina had only been talking for a few minutes when he noticed her yawn.

“Are you tired?” Urs asked.

Kristina nodded. “A little. Would you mind if I went to bed now?”

“Of course not.” Urs replied, getting up from his seat. “Come on, I’ll show you which room is yours.”

Urs led the way and Kristina followed behind him.

“Here you are.” Urs said, as he opened the door for Kristina.

“Thank you.” Kristina replied. “It looks lovely.” she said, as she looked around the room. Then she saw her luggage on the floor.

“Oh, I almost forgot to give you this.” Kristina said, as she knelt down and took something from her bag.

“My cufflink!” Urs said, smiling as Kristina handed it to him. “Thank you. I really did think I was never going to see it again.”

Kristina watched Urs as he looked at the cufflink. She remembered him telling her it was a present from his girlfriend.

“You must love her a lot.” Kristina said quietly.

“Love who?” Urs asked, looking puzzled.

“Who ever gave you that?” Kristina replied, nodding at the cufflink. “It must mean a lot to you.”

“Yes, it does and I’ll always love her.” Urs replied, looking at Kristina. “She’ll always be a part of me.”

Kristina couldn’t help feeling a little jealous about who ever it was Urs was talking about. Jealousy was a feeling that was new to her. Kristina had seen several photographs in the living room of Urs and a woman. She couldn’t help but ask herself where this woman was now? Kristina was curious but didn’t feel comfortable asking him about it.

Urs put a hand up to Kristina’s face and gently caressed her cheek. “Are you okay? You look a little sad.”

“I’m fine, honestly.” Kristina said, putting her hand on Urs’. “I’m just tired.”

It was true, Kristina had felt tired, but as soon as Urs had touched her something went off inside her and she had never felt more awake. Her breathing was becoming a little faster and she could feel her pulse racing. It was happening all over again, the night they first met. What was it about this man that made her feel like this?

Urs was longing to kiss Kristina but he knew it would be wrong. Yet he could sense something happening between them. He wasn’t going to say or do anything, not until he knew for sure how Kristina felt.

Kristina was trying to control her breathing, hoping that Urs wouldn’t notice the effect he was having on her. She kept looking at him, waiting subconsciously for him to kiss her.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Urs asked again. “It’s just that I noticed you looked a little upset earlier on when Marius mentioned your pregnancy. Everything’s okay with the baby isn’t it?”

Kristina could feel the tears starting to sting the backs of her eyes, she fought desperately to stop herself from crying in front of Urs.

“I’d rather not talk about the baby just now.” Kristina asked, gently removing Urs’ hand from her cheek. “Do you mind if I just go straight to bed?”

Urs noticed the tears in Kristina’s eyes and decided not to ask her any more questions.

“Of course I don’t mind.” Urs said softly. “But I’m always here if you want to talk.”

“Thank you Urs.” Kristina said, placing her hand on his arm. “And I really appreciate you letting me stay here tonight.”

“It’s my pleasure.” Urs replied, smiling at her.

The two of them then stood looking at each other. No words were spoken, but the looks between them seemed to say enough.

“Krissy I…” Urs was interrupted by the phone ringing. “I’d better go and answer that. If you need anything my room’s only next door. Goodnight Krissy.”

“Goodnight Urs.” Kristina said, following him to the door.

Urs looked back and gave one last smile, before Kristina closed the door. She turned around and leant against it, letting out a huge sigh. She really did need to remember how to breathe when she was around that man. There was something about him that made her feel different, she just couldn’t explain it. Her breathing was starting to return to normal and Kristina had changed into some pyjama bottoms and a tank top. No sooner had her head hit the pillow Kristina had fallen asleep.

************************

“Where is she?” Marius asked.

“In bed.” Urs replied.

“Whose bed?” Marius asked.

“You’re not funny.” Urs snapped.

“I wasn’t trying to be funny.” Marius said. “It was a simple enough question.”

“She’s in her own bed.” Urs replied. “Are you happy now?”

“I still don’t like it.” Marius said, worriedly. “What you’re doing is wrong, Urs. I just know something will happen.”

“So what do you want me to do? Chuck her out on the street.” Urs said, sarcastically. “Just because you think I can’t control myself.”

“Don’t be stupid, Urs.” Marius snapped back. “I’m not expecting you to do anything of the sort. But I just wish you had let her check in to a hotel, like she planned to.”

“If she didn’t want to stay with me, she could have easily said no.” Urs replied. “But she said yes, so deal with it.”

“I’m not going to get in to another argument, Urs.” Marius said sighing. He knew it was pointless. “I’m going to say goodnight. Just give me a call in the morning and let me know what happens.”

“Why?” Urs asked. “Did you want to hear all the juicy details?”

“Now you’re the one who’s not funny.” Marius replied. “Goodnight Urs.”

Urs hung up the phone and made his way to his room. He stopped at Kristina’s door. Leave her Urs, he thought to himself, if it’s meant to be, it will happen one day, just give it time.

Urs continued to his room, he changed in to a pair of pyjama bottoms and got in to bed. It took him a while to get to sleep, knowing that the woman he loved was only a few feet away from him and that tomorrow he would have to say goodbye to her again.

***** CHAPTER 24 *****

Kristina had only managed to sleep for two or three hours when she woke up and couldn‘t seem to get back to sleep. All Kristina could think about was David and how he had begged her not to go to Paris. When she had spoken to him on the phone earlier he had sounded upset and Kristina couldn’t help feeling guilty when she heard the sadness in his voice. She wished she had taken his and Dr Slater’s advice and stayed at home.

It was no good, Kristina couldn’t sleep. She got out of bed and quietly went down stairs. Kristina didn’t usually drink but she needed something to take her mind off things and help her relax. She opened the drinks cabinet and at first all she could see there were several bottles of wine, but then she spotted a bottle at the very back. It was Bourbon. Just what I need, she thought to herself as she took the bottle and a glass from the cabinet.

Urs woke with a start, he thought he heard something. After laying there for a couple of minutes, and hearing another noise, he sure that someone was downstairs. He quietly got out of bed and made his way out on to the landing. He stood at the top of the stairs and could see a light on downstairs and hear movement. He looked around for something to arm himself with but there was nothing. He decided just to go down and see what it was. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw Kristina kneeling down on the floor.

“Krissy? What are you doing?” Urs asked, as he walked over and knelt down beside her.

“I’m sorry.” Kristina replied. “I knocked a vase over. I hope it wasn’t expensive.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Urs replied. “That can easily be replaced. Here, let me do that.” he said, carefully picking up the glass and putting it on the table. “I don’t want you cutting yourself.”

“I’m sorry.” Kristina said again, her words a little slurred. “I feel really bad about it.”

Urs stopped what he was doing and looked at Kristina. He could smell something on her breath.

“Have you been drinking?” Urs asked.

“I needed something to help me sleep.” Kristina said she stood up.

Urs noticed her stagger backwards and grabbed hold of her. “Exactly how much did you have to drink?”

“Just a couple of glasses.” Kristina replied, hanging on to Urs. “I think I need to sit down.”

Urs helped her over to an arm chair and sat down on the small coffee table opposite her.

“I don’t want you to think I’m telling you what to do, but should you really be drinking in your condition?” Urs asked, as Kristina picked up a glass and took a mouthful of whisky.

“And what condition might that be?” Kristina asked, not looking at Urs.

“You’re pregnant.” Urs replied. “I can’t believe you’ve forgotten that, so why are you drinking?”

“I couldn’t sleep.” Kristina said, looking at Urs.

“Why couldn’t you sleep?” Urs asked. “Is there something on your mind? I meant what I said earlier, I’m always here if you want to talk.”

Kristina didn’t reply, she sat looking at the glass in her hand.

“Is it the baby?” Urs said, quietly. “Is there something wrong with it?”

“There is no baby.” Kristina replied, before taking yet another mouthful of drink.

Urs was silent as he sat and watched Kristina pick up the whisky bottle and fill her up glass.

“Can I ask what happened?” Urs asked in a low voice. “Did you miscarry?”

“Nothing happened.” Kristina replied, shaking her head. “There was no baby to lose.”

“I don’t understand.” Urs said, looking confused. “I thought you were pregnant.”

“So did I.” Kristina replied. “But the lab mixed up the test results.”

“That’s not so bad is it?” Urs said, resting a hand on Kristina’s knee. “What I mean is you can still have children, can’t you?”

“I guess so.” Kristina replied. “But we weren’t trying for a baby.”

“So what were the test results for?” Urs asked.

Kristina didn’t reply.

“I’m sorry.” Urs said. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s okay.” Kristina replied, looking at Urs. “I went to see the doctor because I kept getting bad headaches. But then they gave my doctor the wrong results. I’m not pregnant.” Kristina took a deep breath before she continued. “I have kidney failure.”

There was a moment of silence as Urs took in what Kristina had just told him.

“Does that mean dialysis?” Urs asked.

“My Doctor thinks it might be too far advanced.” Kristina replied, shaking her head. “It would work for a while but then…”

“What about a donor?” he asked, quietly.

“I‘ve already asked my sister.” Kristina replied. “She‘s coming to New York on Friday to see if she’s a match.”

“Please Krissy, put the glass down.” Urs said, as he leant forward and put his hand on hers. “You really shouldn’t be drinking this.”

“Why not?” Kristina snapped. “One drink won’t make any difference.”

“I think you‘ve had more than one drink, Krissy.” Urs replied. “Please, put the glass down.”

Urs went to take the drink from Kristina. “This isn’t going to help, Krissy. Just give me the glass.”

“NO!” Kristina yelled, struggling with Urs as he took the glass from her. “Give it back.”

“I’m only trying to help, Krissy.” Urs said as he put the glass down on the table, and stopped Kristina from picking it up. “Drinking has never solved anything.”

“If you want to help then tell me, why did this happen to me? Because I don‘t understand.” she sobbed. “What am I going to do if Abigail isn’t a match?”

“I’m sure she will, Krissy. But will you calm down?” Urs said, grabbing her wrists as she tried to hit him.

“Calm down?” she screamed. “Don’t you get it, Urs? If I can’t find a donor I could be dead this time next year.”

Urs wrapped his arms around Kristina, holding her tightly, as she broke down in tears. Urs couldn’t believe this was happening. He never dreamt that he would find anyone else after losing Aimee, but in just five days, he had fallen in love with Kristina, only to find out she could be dying and that he could lose her too.

***** CHAPTER 25 *****

Kristina couldn’t stop crying. Urs had made her move to the couch so that he could try and comfort her properly. Eventually the effects from the drink and the crying had worn her out and Kristina had fallen asleep in his arms. Urs didn’t want to move, he wanted to stay there all night, holding her for as long as he could, knowing that he might never get this chance again. But Urs knew that he had to take her upstairs where she would be more comfortable.

Urs was about to pick up Kristina when the doorbell went. He looked at his watch; it was 3am. Who the hell’s that? he thought to himself.

Urs looked through the peephole in the door.

“Oh crap.” Urs muttered under his breath. “I really don‘t need this right now.”

“Urs!” Stephanie said, banging on the door. “I know you’re there.”

Urs didn’t want Stephanie’s banging on the door to wake up Kristina but he also didn’t want Stephanie to see Kristina there. By the sounds of it, Stephanie was also drunk.

“Urs, are you going to let me in?” Stephanie yelled.

Urs opened the door. “Okay keep your voice down, some people are still trying to sleep.”

Stephanie pushed past Urs as he opened the door. “So is she still here?” Stephanie asked.

“Is who still here?” Urs asked.

“Don’t give me that.” Stephanie snapped. “I came round to see you earlier but as I got here, I saw you, Marius and Kristina arrive. And I know Marius left hours ago, so where is she?”

“Kristina’s asleep.” Urs said, quietly. “I don’t want you bothering her, so leave her alone.”

“Why is she here?” Stephanie demanded.

“If you must know she’s here to see a client.” Urs replied, desperate to get rid of Stephanie. He didn’t want her causing any trouble.

“That still doesn’t explain why she’s staying here, Urs.” Stephanie said, sarcastically. “Is there a sudden shortage of hotel rooms in Paris?”

Urs wasn‘t going to tell her why he had invited Kristina to stay. “Look, what did you come here for, Stephanie?”

Stephanie moved closer to Urs, reaching out and placing a hand on his bare chest. “Why do you think, Urs? I came to see you. I want to be with you, you know how I feel about you.”

Urs gently removed Stephanie’s hand from his chest. “I know, Stephanie. But I don’t feel the same way. I don’t think I ever will.”

“It’s her isn’t it.” Stephanie spat. “She’s got you falling head over heels for her and I can’t even get you to stumble.”

“Stephanie, you’re talking in riddles.” Urs said, ushering her down the hall. “It’s obvious you’ve been drinking and I can’t let you go home like that. You can stay in my room tonight and sleep it off.”

“And where’s she sleeping?” Stephanie said, turning to face Urs.

“In the spare room.” Urs replied. “Where did you think she would be sleeping?”

Stephanie shrugged her shoulders. “So where will you sleep?”

“I’ll sleep on the couch.” Urs replied.

As Urs guided Stephanie to the stairs, she looked across the living room and saw Kristina asleep on the couch. Urs noticed her look at Kristina. He turned and smiled to himself, at seeing her still sleeping peacefully.

“Come on, I’ll show you where you can sleep.” Urs said, as he gently took hold of Stephanie’s arm.

“Why can’t you love me, like you love her?” Stephanie asked, tearfully.

“What makes you think I love her?” Urs asked, as the reached the top of the stairs. “I’ve never said anything about Kristina.”

“I can tell.” she replied, sadly. “I can see it in your eyes when you look at her.”

“I’m sorry Stephanie.” Urs said, softly. “I can’t help how I feel.”

Urs showed Stephanie to his room. “You can sleep here tonight.”

Stephanie turned to face Urs. “Can I ask you something?”

Urs didn’t want to upset Stephanie any more than she already was, so he nodded. “Sure.”

“Does she feel the same way?” Stephanie asked. “Does she love you too?”

Urs had been asking himself that same question for days and he still didn’t know the answer.

“If truth be told, Stephanie.” Urs said, sighing. “I honestly don’t know.”

Stephanie and Urs said goodnight and Urs made his way back downstairs to get Kristina.

She was still fast asleep on the couch, he didn’t know whether to wake her or not. He decided she would be more comfortable upstairs and bent down, carefully lifting her up in his arms; Kristina subconsciously putting her arms around his neck.

Urs carried Kristina back to her room, and as he pushed the door open with his foot, she stirred slightly, nestling her head in to his shoulder. Urs smiled as he looked down at her in his arms, feeling the warmth of her body against him. He had dreamt of holding her close again. Urs had often thought back to the night they had first seen each other and danced together. He had wanted to hold her for so long, but he only wished it were under different circumstances.

Urs gently laid Kristina down on the bed, and pulled the bed sheet up over her. Urs then bent down and looked at her face, brushing a stray hair out of her eyes.

“David?” she mumbled sleepily.

“No it’s me, Urs.” he whispered. “You fell asleep on the couch.”

“Urs? What are you doing here?” she mumbled again. “You’re in Paris.”

Urs quietly chuckled to himself. It was obvious that she was half asleep and explaining it all would be pointless. He lightly ran the back of his finger down her cheek. Her skin was smooth, warm and soft to the touch. She probably didn’t realise how beautiful she was; or just how beautiful he thought she was.

“Go to sleep Krissy.” he said, leaning closer to her. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight David.” she mumbled.

Urs smiled.

Stephanie had got out of bed to see Urs again, but stopped at the doorway of Urs’ room when she heard voices; she looked through the crack in the door.

“Goodnight Krissy.” Urs said, before gently kissing her on the cheek.

“I love you.” she said, sighing.

Urs looked at Kristina, his heart almost breaking when he realised he might never hear her say those words again; least of all to him.

“I love you too.” he murmured softly.

Stephanie turned and went quietly to her room, cursing under her breath.

***** CHAPTER 26 *****

When Kristina woke, her head was thumping and her throat was dry. She opened her eyes and squinted, trying to focus on her surroundings. At first she didn’t recognise the room but then she remembered where she was. As her vision became clearer she noticed someone in the chair by the bed; it was Urs. By the looks of it he had fallen asleep there and she wondered why he was still there and not in his own room. But for Kristina, those questions were soon forgotten as she cast her eyes over his body.

He was still only wearing the pyjama bottoms but he had a blanket pulled over him which had fallen down to his waist. His chest was well defined, with a light dusting of hair and his arms were toned. She loved his hair, the thick dark curls which seemed to have a mind of their own as he slept. But Kristina’s eyes stayed focused on his face, it was if she had to keep looking at him, remember everything about him, she didn’t want to forget a single detail. Kristina found herself wanting to reach out and touch him. It was only when Urs started to wake up, she realised what she had been thinking and was sure Urs had seen her looking at him.

Urs smiled at Kristina. “Hey, how are you feeling?” he asked quietly, taking the blanket off him and standing up.

Kristina swallowed hard, as she watched him stretch, showing his toned body off even more.

“Okay I think.” Kristina replied. “But my head hurts and my throat is sore.” she added, as she put a hand up to her head.

“That’s what happens when you drink your way through a bottle of Bourbon.” Urs said, as he sat down on the side of the bed.

Kristina looked at him, confused.

“You don’t remember what happened last night?” Urs asked.

Kristina started to panic. What had she done last night? Why was Urs in her room? Surely they hadn’t… no, if they had, he would be laying next to her, not sitting in the chair.

Urs blushed, almost as if reading her mind. “Don’t worry, it’s not what you’re thinking.”

Kristina smiled, feeling a little embarrassed that he guessed what was gonig through her head.

“You really don’t remember anything about last night? “Urs asked again.

Kristina sat up in bed. “I remember waking up, and not being able to get back to sleep. Then I went downstairs and… oh….I remember.” Kristina blushed again. “I’m sorry for breaking that vase.”

“Do you remember what you told me?” Urs asked in a low voice.

Kristina thought about it for a moment, it was slowly coming back to her. She had told Urs about the mix up with the test results. He knew she was ill. Kristina lowered her eyes and looked away from him. She hadn’t meant to tell anyone. She didn’t want people knowing and fussing over her, acting like she was some kind of freak.

“Krissy?” Urs said, putting his hand on her arm. “It’s okay you know, I won’t tell anyone. And I‘m not going to start treating you any differently.”

Kristina looked up at Urs and smiled. She wanted to cry and she had tried so hard to look brave in front of Urs after being so weak last night; but she couldn’t stop the single tear from running down her cheek.

Urs moved closer to her and put his arms around her; this time Kristina put her arms around him too. In some ways it was a relief to have someone else know, maybe it was because she wasn’t with David. She needed to feel safe, but she didn’t know if she felt safe because it was Urs that was holding her or if anyone holding her would make her feel this way.

“Krissy, it’s alright if you want to cry.” Urs whispered into her ear, as he held her. “I won’t think any less of you.”

Kristina pulled away slightly, her hands resting on his shoulders, and looked at Urs. “How do you do that?” Kristina said, softly.

“Do what?” Urs asked, his arms still around her.

“You always seem to know exactly what I’m thinking.” she replied. “It’s almost like you’re inside my head, reading my every thought.”

“I don’t know. Maybe it's magic.“ Urs replied, smiling. “Can you read my mind? Tell me what I’m thinking.”

Urs looked straight in to Kristina’s eyes with a look of love, and she looked back at him. There was that look again, that feeling, every time they looked at each other she felt something. There was something calming and peaceful about it. Kristina’s breathing was starting to get a little faster and her gaze went from his eyes to his lips. She had only met Urs five days ago and hardly knew him, so why did she have the strong urge to kiss this man?

Urs felt that same connection as Kristina looked at him. He could hear her soft breathing getting faster and her eyes were now on his lips. He was waiting for her to kiss him, he didn’t want to force her into anything; he would wait for her to make the first move. But she didn’t, because there was a knock on the door; it was Stephanie.

“Morning.” she said, cheerfully as she opened the door. “I’m just about to make some coffee, anyone want a cup?”

Kristina pulled away from Urs, surprised to see Stephanie. “Not for me thanks.” she replied, feeling embarrassed that Stephanie had found her and Urs so close.

“Urs?” Stephanie asked, looking at him.

“It’s ok, just let me get changed quickly and I’ll make it.” Urs said standing up. “I’ll see you downstairs.” Urs said, smiling at Kristina. She nodded.

Urs left Kristina’s room and she got out of bed. She then noticed Stephanie was still standing in the doorway.

“Does David know?” Stephanie said, scowling at Kristina.

“Know what?” Kristina asked, looking puzzled.

“About you and Urs spending the night together.” she replied.

Kristina walked over to Stephanie. “You’ve got it all wrong, nothing happened, he slept in the chair.”

“And you expect me to believe that?” Stephanie spat. “I‘ve seen the way you two look at each other.”

“I’m sorry Stephanie, but I think you’re imagining things.” Kristina replied, sounding shocked. “Now if you’ll excuse me I want to get dressed.” Kristina closed the door on Stephanie.

While Kristina was getting washed and dressed she thought about what Stephanie had said to her. She could understand why Stephanie had thought they had spent the night together, but it was true, Urs had slept in the chair; although Kristina still didn’t know why. But as for the way they had been looking at each other, what did she mean? As Kristina opened the bedroom door she started thinking back to when they had first met; but she walked straight in to Stephanie who had been waiting outside for her.

“So when are you going to tell David about you and Urs?” Stephanie said, blocking Kristina from passing.

“I’ve already told you, there’s nothing going on between me and Urs.” Kristina said, as she tried to get past Stephanie.

“So what was he doing in your room all night?” Stephanie asked, grabbing hold of Kristina’s arm. “I heard you both talking and I heard what you said. I know you love him.”

“I don‘t know what you heard, or what you thought you heard, but I don’t love him.” Kristina said, as she shook her arm loose from Stephanie’s grip.

“So why did you say it then?” Stephanie snapped. “Or do you enjoy playing with people’s feelings?”

“Say what?” Kristina asked as she pushed her way past Stephanie. Kristina had absolutely no idea what Stephanie was talking about.

“I heard you tell him you love him.” Stephanie replied. “And he said he loved you too. So go on, tell me I’m still hearing things. Tell me I imagined it all.”

“I… I never… I don’t…” Kristina turned round to face Stephanie, shaking her head in disbelief. “I never said that.”

“You’re a liar, Kristina.” Stephanie spat, pushing Kristina on the shoulder. “I heard you say it and I heard Urs say it too. Because of you I’ll never have him.” Stephanie continued pushing Kristina backwards, but Kristina was in no mood to fight back. She was in shock at what Stephanie was telling her. Urs loved her, it couldn‘t be true. “Urs loves you and you don’t deserve him.” Stephanie said, raising her voice. “You don’t deserve, David. And you sure as hell don’t deserve to have his baby.” Stephanie added, as she gave Kristina another hard shove causing Kristina to stumble backwards and lose her footing at the top of the stairs.

Urs had been downstairs in the kitchen, making coffee, when he heard someone scream. He rushed out of the kitchen to find Kristina laying at the bottom of the stairs and Stephanie standing at the top.

***** CHAPTER 27 *****

“Krissy? Krissy can you hear me?”

Kristina could hear someone saying her name but she didn’t want to open her eyes. She was trying to concentrate on where the pain was coming from, she felt sore all over, every part of her ached.

“Krissy?”

Kristina slowly opened her eyes and saw a face looking down at her.

“Urs… ” She said quietly.

"Okay, stay still.” Urs said, as Kristina tried to move. “Does it hurt anywhere?”

“Yes.” came the faint reply.

“Where?” Urs asked, looking worried. “Where does it hurt?”

“I don’t know…all over.” Kristina replied, trying to sit up again. Urs noticed her wince as she grabbed her arm.

“Is it okay?” Urs asked, gently touching her arm. “Have you done something to your arm?”

“I think I’ve sprained my wrist.” Kristina said, holding her arm.

“Try and move some of your fingers.” Urs said, watching her hand.

Kristina tried to move her fingers and cried out in pain.

“I think you’ve broken it.” Urs said, looking at Kristina. “We’ll have to go to the hospital. But what happened? How did you fall?”

As Kristina tried to stand up she saw Stephanie standing over her.

“I slipped.”

“Here let me help you.” Urs said, as he put an arm around Kristina’s waist.

“I’m fine.” she snapped. “I can stand up on my own.”

“Don’t be silly.” Urs replied. “You’ve just had a nasty fall.”

“It’s my wrist that’s broken, not my leg.” Kristina said, pushing him away.

Urs let go of Kristina and stood back, shocked at the way she had reacted to him helping her. Kristina looked at Stephanie.

“I’ll go and get the car keys.” Urs said quietly, leaving Stephanie and Kristina alone together.

“Why did you lie to him?” Stephanie asked, glaring at Kristina. “You and I both know you didn’t slip.”

“It was an accident.” Kristina replied. “I know you didn’t mean to push me.”

“You think?” Stephanie said, laughing. “Then you’re not as clever as I thought. You needn‘t think I‘m going to say thank you for not telling Urs.”

“I don’t expect you to.” Kristina replied.

“So why lie?” Stephanie asked again. Kristina didn’t reply.

Urs then returned with the car keys and looked at Stephanie and Kristina. “Everything okay?”

The two women nodded. “Okay, let’s get you to the hospital. I’ll see you later Stephanie.”

“You don’t want me to come with you?” Stephanie asked.

“No, why don’t you stay here.” Urs replied.

“I hope the baby is okay.” Stephanie said, as she glared at Kristina. Both Urs and Kristina looked at Stephanie, as they suddenly realised she still thought Kristina was pregnant. But now wasn’t the time to tell her.

Urs started up the car and they left for the hospital. Neither of them spoke.

Kristina was thinking back to what Stephanie had said. She had to be lying, Urs didn’t love her and she love didn’t love him. They hardly knew one another. Stephanie must have heard wrong, but Kristina didn’t see Stephanie last night. The first time she saw her was this morning, when she woke up. When did she arrive? And if Stephanie loved Urs why would she make up something like that? What happened last night between her and Urs? What wasn’t Urs telling her?

“Do you mind if I put the radio on?” Urs asked, trying to break the silence that had now become uncomfortable.

Kristina shrugged. “It’s your car, not mine.” she replied, as she continued to stare out the car window.

Urs glanced at Kristina. Why was she acting so strange towards him?

***************

Urs and Kristina had been sitting in the hospital for almost an hour, waiting to see a doctor.

“How’s the wrist?” Urs asked, warily.

“How do you think?” Kristina replied. “It hurts.”

“I’m sorry.” Urs said, quietly, as he lowered his eyes to the floor.

“What are you sorry for?” Kristina asked.

“I invited you to stay with me.” Urs replied. “If it wasn’t for me, you could be staying in a nice hotel with room service and not stuck here waiting to see a doctor.”

“It’s not your fault.” Kristina replied. “I slipped, it’s my own fault.”

Urs looked at Kristina. “Are you sure about that?”

“What do you mean?” Kristina asked, trying to avoid looking at Urs.

“Are you sure you slipped?” Urs replied. “Did you and Stephanie argue?”

“What makes you think that?” Kristina asked, desperately looking around for a doctor so that she didn’t have to answer any more of Urs’ questions.

“I thought I heard raised voices when I left you two alone earlier. And I saw the looks you two were giving each other.” Urs paused before continuing. “Did she… did she push you?”

“You’re insane.” Kristina said, still avoiding eye contact with Urs. She hadn’t looked him in the eyes since they had left for the hospital. She daren’t look at him in case it was true; the way she felt when she looked at him, was it love? It scared her, to think that Stephanie might actually be right and that Urs also loved her. It wasn’t possible, Kristina was with David, she loved him, not Urs.

A doctor finally came out to see Kristina and they both stood up.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Urs asked.

Kristina looked in his direction, but still couldn’t look him in the eye.

She shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine. Why don’t you go and get something to eat.” Kristina followed the doctor and Urs stood watching her as she disappeared around the corner.

************************************

An hour later, after having x-rays and her wrist put in a cast, Kristina came back to find Urs sitting in the same spot where she left him.

“Are you alright?” Urs asked, as he stood up to meet her.

“I’m fine.” Kristina replied. “It was a clean break, but can we just get out of here. I hate hospitals.”

Urs smiled weakly, Kristina was still being off with him and he didn’t know why.

As they walked back to the car, Urs kept glancing at Kristina.

“Have I done something to upset you?” Urs asked, gently putting his hand on her arm, causing her to stop and face him.

“No, nothing.” Kristina replied, as she glanced at him quickly and then looked past him, over his shoulder.

“So why won’t you look at me?” Urs asked, sadly. “You’ve hardly said two words to me, and you seem angry with me.”

“I’m not angry with you, Urs.” Kristina replied. “I’m angry with myself.”

“I don’t understand.” Urs said, looking confused.

“I should never have come here.” Kristina said, as she turned and started walking towards the car. “I should’ve stayed at the hotel, then none of this would have happened.”

“None of what?” Urs asked, catching up with her. “The accident? Stephanie? Last night?”

Kristina stopped and turned to face Urs. “What happened last night Urs? What haven’t you told me?”

Urs shook his head. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Stephanie says she overheard us talking last night.” Kristina replied. “But I don’t remember Stephanie being there.”

“She showed up after you fell asleep on the couch.” Urs replied. “She was drunk, so I let her sleep in my room. What did she say to you?”

“Nothing.” Kristina replied. “It’s not important.”

“Krissy I….” Kristina interrupted Urs.

“Just answer me one question.” Kristina said quietly, finally looking at Urs. "Why did you sleep in my room last night?"

Urs looked at Kristina. What could he say? He wanted to tell her he loved her, that he couldn’t stop thinking about her, that he wanted to be with her. But he had promised Marius he wouldn’t say anything, not until he knew how she felt about him. Yet he didn’t know if or when he would see her again, he had to tell her.

“Krissy.” Urs said softly, as he put a hand up to her face and gently caressed her cheek. “I think you know why.”

“We should go.” Kristina said, stepping back from Urs. “I…I need to go back to your place and get my things. I still have to meet my client.”

“Krissy, can we talk about this?” Urs said, as he unlocked the car.

“Urs, can we please go?” Kristina said. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’ve also got a plane to catch.“

“Krissy, please.” Urs said, as he opened the door for her.

“There’s nothing to talk about, Urs.” Kristina replied before getting in to the car.

Urs closed the door and made his way round to the drivers side. He got in to the car and they drove back to Urs’ place in complete silence.

***** CHAPTER 28 *****

When Kristina and Urs returned from the hospital, Stephanie was sitting in the living room waiting for them.

“I didn’t expect to see you back here so soon.” Stephanie said, surprised to see Kristina. “Is everything okay with the baby?”

Kristina didn’t answer. “Excuse me, but I need to go and pack.”

“Do you need any help?” Urs asked.

“No I can manage.” Kristina replied, as she made her way upstairs.

“What’s her problem?” Stephanie said, looking at Urs. “She didn’t seem too happy.”

“Neither would you be if you’d just fallen down the stairs and broken your wrist.” Urs snapped. “You say some stupid things sometimes, Stephanie.”

Stephanie shrugged her shoulders as she watched Urs walk by in to the kitchen. She wasn’t going to follow him, she would let him cool down a bit.

While Urs was downstairs in the kitchen, Kristina was struggling to pack her case. She didn’t want Urs or Stephanie to help her pack. She just wanted to be alone. Kristina knew what Urs was going to say. She could tell by the look in his eyes, that Stephanie was telling the truth. But she didn’t want to hear it. As soon as he said those three words it would change everything between them.

Eventually Kristina gave up trying to neatly pack her suitcase and ended up just dropping everything in to it. She looked around the room one last time, making sure she hadn’t left anything before making her way downstairs.

“Are you ready to leave?” Urs said, as he saw Kristina coming down the stairs.

“Yes, I think I’ve got everything.” Kristina replied, before glancing at Stephanie. “It was nice to see you again, Stephanie.”

“And you.” Stephanie replied. “And who knows, if David gets the part for the new play, we might see a lot more of each other.”

"Great, that’s just what I needed to hear!", Kristina thought to herself as she politely smiled at Stephanie.

A few minutes later, Urs and Kristina were in the car, heading to the Hotel Bastille, the hotel where Kristina was due to meet her new client.

“Did you want me to wait outside or shall I come in with you?” Urs asked as he parked opposite the hotel.

“It’s up to you.” Kristina replied, as she struggled to undo her seatbelt with one hand. “I don’t know how long I’ll be, so maybe it‘s best if I call a taxi.”

“Let me do that for you.” Urs said, as he undid her seat belt and leant across her, putting the seatbelt back. “And it’s not a problem, I’ll wait until you’ve finished and then I’ll drive you to the airport. “

Kristina turned away, so that she wasn’t facing him. She still couldn’t bring herself to look at him, scared of what she might see. Urs noticed her look away from him and he felt saddened that she couldn’t even look at him. What was wrong with her? What had happened in the last few hours? They were getting on fine and then she just changed.

“Krissy, please look at me.” Urs said quietly. "Please..."

Kristina slowly turned to face him. She could see the hurt in his eyes. Kristina hated herself for being so mean to him but she had to let him see that nothing could happen between them.

“What‘s wrong?” Urs asked softly. “We were getting on fine this morning. What happened?”

“Nothing happened, Urs.” Kristina replied. “And nothing will.”

“Krissy, we need to talk about earlier.” Urs said, pleading with her.

“Why?” Kristina snapped. “I don’t know what you expect from me, Urs.”

“That’s why we need to talk.” Urs replied, placing a hand on her arm.

“Not now, Urs.” Kristina said, pulling her arm away from him as she opened the car door. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be late.”

“When then?” Urs asked. “When can we talk?”

“Why can’t you let it drop, Urs?” Kristina said, raising her voice. “There’s nothing to talk about. Just leave it.”

Kristina got out of the car and Urs quickly followed her inside the hotel. He knew she felt the same way but she wouldn’t admit it. He could understand her not wanting to tell him she felt the same way, she was still with David. But if she did really love him, he couldn’t let her go back to New York without talking about how they felt for each other.

“I think that’s him.” Kristina said, nodding at a young man in the bar. “You can wait here if you like.”

“Krissy, I’m sorry.” Urs said, sadly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’ll see you later.” Kristina replied, quickly glancing at him.

Urs watched as Kristina walked over to the young man, before taking a seat in the bar. He didn’t want to sit too near to Kristina and her client, but he found a seat where he could keep her in his view.

*******************************

“Kristina Sanders?” the young man said, smiling, as he held his hand out to her.

“Yes, you must be Sebastien Izambard.” Kristina said, shaking his hand.

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” Sebastien replied, gesturing for her to sit down. “I’m sorry I had to keep changing our appointment but I had few things come up that I couldn’t change.”

“That’s fine.” Kristina replied, taking a seat. “I know how busy things can get.”

“What did you do to your wrist?” Sebastien asked, as he sat down.

“I slipped down the stairs.” Kristina said, nervously covering her wrist.

“Sorry.” Sebastien said, when he noticed Kristina looking a little uncomfortable. “I'm too nosy for my own good.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Kristina replied, smiling at him.

“Would you like a drink before we get started?” Sebastien asked.

“Just a mineral water for me, please.” Kristina replied.

While Sebastien went to get them both a drink, Kristina couldn’t help but look round to see where Urs was. He was now sitting at a table behind her, over by the window. She watched him, staring out the window Kristina felt awful again at being so rude to him. But she had to do it, it was for their own good. Urs then looked over in her direction and caught her looking at him. He smiled at her before she quickly turned away.

“Here you go.” Sebastien said, when he returned to the table with their drinks.

“Thank you.” Kristina said, before taking a sip of water.

Kristina and Sebastien spent the next two hours talking about Sebastien’s song writing and then discussing the type of work that Sebastien wanted to do; he told her about his ambition to have a solo album.

“Can I ask you a question?” Sebastien asked, when they had finally finished.

“Of course.” Kristina replied, taking another sip of water.

“Have we met before?” Sebastien asked. “I know that sounds like some awful chat up line but I’m serious. You look familiar.”

Kristina shook her head, laughing. “No, we haven’t met before. And you’re right, that does sound like a bad chat up line. I would expect something different from a Frenchman.”

Sebastien laughed. “I don’t suppose you have a sister?”

“Sorry?” Kristina said, looking confused. “Why say that?”

“I met someone a few days ago, her last name was Sanders.” Sebastien replied. “Maybe she’s a relation.”

“I doubt it.” Kristina said, laughing. “What’s her first name?”

“The man she was with called her Abby.” Sebastien said, as he downed the last of his drink.

Kristina looked at Sebastien. “I do have a sister, but her name’s Abigail. No one has ever called her Abby though. The man she was with, what did he look like?”

Sebastien shrugged his shoulders. “Mid-thirties, slim, dark wavy hair, tanned. I wasn‘t really paying that much attention to him.”

The description he gave her didn’t sound like anyone she knew.

“I think he might have been Spanish.” Sebastien added.

That’s when Kristina realised; this must have been the hotel that Abigail had stayed in while hiding from Brian. It was possible, his house wasn’t too far away and she could have easily walked here.

“You know him?” Sebastien asked, as he saw the look on Kristina’s face.

“I know of him.” Kristina replied. “It looks like you did meet my sister after all.”

“Wow, it’s a small world!” Sebastien exclaimed. “Who would have thought it. Would you say hello to her for me?”

“Of course I will.” Kristina said, nodding. Kristina then glanced at her watch before looking back at Urs. He was still watching her.

Sebastien looked over in the direction where Kristina had been looking.

“I’m sorry, do you have to be somewhere?” Sebastien asked.

“I have a plane to catch.” Kristina replied. “I’m flying back to New York this afternoon.”

“Well, I’ll let you go then.” Sebastien said, standing up. “Thank you for your time.”

“Not a problem.” Kristina replied. “I just hope I can help you.”

Kristina and Sebastien said goodbye and she walked over to where Urs was waiting for her.

Urs looked up from the magazine he was reading.

“Are you all done?” Kristina nodded, and gave a weak smile. “Come on then, let's get you to the airport.”

Kristina followed Urs out of the hotel and to the car. He didn’t say another word to her.

***** CHAPTER 29 *****

As they made their way to the airport Kristina and Urs hardly exchanged two words for the entire journey. Urs was dreading saying goodbye to Kristina. He didn’t want her to leave, not while things were like this, with her hardly talking to him.

The two of them made their way into the airport terminal and headed for the check in desk. They still had some time to spare before Kristina’s plane was due to take off so they had decided to sit down and get something to eat and drink. Kristina and Urs somehow managed to talk, neither of them mentioning the earlier conversation at the hospital or the hotel.

“Will you tell me the truth?” Urs said, suddenly changing the subject. “Did Stephanie push you?”

Kristina looked at Urs. She didn’t want to tell him the truth. Urs was bound to ask why Stephanie had done it and that would mean telling him that she knew he loved her. Yet she didn’t want to lie to Urs either. Kristina nodded, as she lowered her eyes.

“Yes.” Kristina replied, quietly, as a tear ran down her cheek.

“Tell me what happened.” Urs said softly. “She can’t have pushed you for no reason.”

There was a moment of silence before Kristina finally spoke.

“Stephanie heard you last night. She heard you when you told me you loved me.”

Urs turned a ghostly white. But then he realised he didn’t have to keep quiet any longer. There was no reason to. Stephanie had already told her.

“It’s true, I do love you.” Urs said, putting his hand on hers. “I think I have since the moment we met.”

Kristina lifted her head and looked in to his eyes. She quickly pulled her hand away.

“Don’t you believe me?” Urs said, frowning as Kristina got up from her seat.

“I should start making my way to the gate.” Kristina said, not answering Urs.

Urs got up from his seat and followed Kristina.

As Kristina reached the gate she turned to face Urs.

Urs looked down at her and smiled.

“I want you to have this.” Urs said, as he handed her a small piece of paper. “It’s my mobile number. Will you call me? Let me know how things go.”

Kristina nodded and put the piece of paper in her pocket .

Kristina looked up at Urs again, he was still smiling at her. She couldn’t help but look in to his eyes and in that one moment, Kristina knew that she loved him too and Urs could see the love in Kristina’s eyes.

She longed to kiss him, and Urs could sense it. He felt the same way too.

“I love you and I know you love me.” Urs whispered, as he cupped her face in his hands. “You don’t have to say it but I saw it in your eyes, the night we met, and I can see it now.”

There was no denying it. Anyone could see they were in love.

Urs put his arms around Kristina and pulled her close to him, gently kissing the top of her head. Kristina placed her hands on his hips as he held her, inhaling the scent of his skin. She didn’t want to leave but she had to.

“Stay here with me.” Urs whispered in her ear. “You just have to say it, Krissy. Just say those three words.”

Kristina pulled away and looked up at him.

“I can’t Urs.” she said, faintly. “I still love David and David loves me, I can’t hurt him.”

“But you do love me, don’t you?” Urs asked, as he caressed her cheek.

Kristina closed her eyes as she took Urs’ hand from her cheek and kissed his palm, a single tear running down her cheek. More than you’ll ever know, she thought to herself.

Then came the announcement they had both been dreading; Kristina’s plane was boarding.

“I have to go.” she said, stepping back from him.

“Krissy don’t….” Urs said, pulling her back to him.

“Urs don’t make this any harder for me.” Kristina said, her voice trembling.

“But I love you.” Urs said softly, as he wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t leave.”

Kristina wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him but found herself not wanting to let go.

“I’m sorry.” she whispered in his ear, before she pulled away and quickly kissed his lips, tears now falling freely from her eyes. “I have to.”

Before Urs could say another word, Kristina had turned and hurried through the gate. Urs watched her walk away from him, seeing her turn back and look at him one last time. He smiled and continued to watch Kristina walk away from him until he eventually lost her in the crowd.

“I’m not going to forget you, Kristina Sanders.” he said to himself. “One day…one day you‘ll be mine.”

***** CHAPTER 30 *****

Now that he finally knew the truth, Urs decided to confront Stephanie. He couldn’t believe how Stephanie could be so cold and ruthless and pretend as if nothing had happened. As he walked back to the car, Urs put his hands in his jacket pockets and then felt something. He pulled the object out of his pocket. It was a woman’s ring. As he looked at it closely, he noticed two initials engraved on the inside of the ring; KS.

Urs smiled to himself. Kristina had put it there without him realising. One day he would see her again and return it, just like she had returned the cufflink to him. Urs slipped the ring on to his little finger and headed back to the car.

Kristina had now boarded her flight and was sitting on the plane, thinking about how she had left Urs. She had come so close to staying with him but she knew she had to leave. How could she ever think of leaving David? Nothing had changed between them. Kristina still loved David but it was completely different compared to the love she felt for Urs. Kristina sat looking out the window, with tears still flowing and her fingers on her lips, as the plane started to taxi down the runway. It was only a quick kiss but she would never forget the feeling of his lips on hers, warm and soft. She had wanted to kiss him properly but couldn’t bring herself to do it, not while she was still with David. As the plane took off, Kristina looked down below, wondering where Urs was now and what he was doing; little did she know that he had stopped to look up as a plane flew over him, wondering if it was Kristina’s.

*********************************

Several hours later Kristina’s plane landed at JFK. She thought about calling David but she was tired and just wanted to go straight home so she took a taxi. Kristina was exhausted and looking forward to getting some sleep. She had managed to rest for a while on the plane but she didn’t get a peaceful sleep, she was troubled by her feelings for Urs.

It wasn’t long before the taxi pulled up outside the apartment building. The elevator was out of service but somehow Kristina managed to make it up the stairs with her bag and suitcase to her and David’s apartment, with a broken wrist. She still didn’t know how she was going to explain it to David.

Kristina was too tired to look for her keys, so she rang the buzzer and waited for David to answer. But she was greeted by a handsome man whom she didn’t recognise.

“Kristina!”

Kristina peered over the shoulder of the stranger standing in front her.

“Abigail!” Kristina exclaimed, when she saw her sister coming towards her. “What are you doing here?”

The man stepped to one side and let Kristina pass and brought her luggage in, while the two sisters hugged each other.

“Carlos thought it would be easier to get an earlier flight.” Abigail replied. “And to be honest I just wanted to get here as soon as possible. But what happened to you?” Abigail asked, when she saw her sister’s wrist.

“Oh nothing, it was an accident. It’s so good to see you.” Kristina replied, hugging her sister again.

Just then David appeared in the doorway.

“Krissy!” he said, rushing towards her with a huge smile on his face. “Why didn’t you call me from the airport, I would have come and got you.”

“I just wanted to come straight home.” Kristina replied, as she pulled away from Abigail and walked toward David.

“What the hell happened?” David said, when he saw her wrist. “I thought Urs was supposed to be looking after you?”

“It’s not his fault.” Kristina said, a little defensively. “It was mine. I slipped down the stairs.”

“You should be more careful babe.” David said softly as he pulled her into arms. “You‘ve already got enough to be dealing with.”

David noticed her frown.

“I’m sorry Krissy.“ he whispered. “How are you feeling?“

“A little tired.” she replied. “And the headaches haven‘t bothered me much.”

“I’m glad you’re okay.” David said kissing her softly. “I just can’t believe you’re finally home. I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too.” she said as she looked up in to his eyes. It’s not there, she thought to herself. She loved David and she could see David loved her, but she didn’t feel the same connection that she did with Urs.

“Kristina?”

Kristina turned around to see her sister standing next to the stranger who had answered the door.

“I’d like you to meet Carlos.” Abigail said, smiling at him.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Carlos.” Kristina said, holding her hand out.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Carlos replied, taking Kristina’s hand and kissing her on the cheek.

“I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for Abigail.” Kristina said, blushing.

“No thanks is needed.” Carlos said, as he turned and smiled at Abigail.

“Do you mind if I speak to my sister for a moment?” Kristina said to Carlos.

He shook his head. “Of course not.”

“I won’t be long, David.” Kristina said, turning to David and gently kissing him.

Kristina took Abigail by the arm and led her in to the kitchen.

“So that’s Carlos?” Kristina said, as soon as they were alone.

“Yes.” Abigail replied. “Why?”

“I didn’t realise just how good looking he was.” Kristina replied.

“Hands off, he’s mine!” Abigail said, smiling.

“Okay, okay, I’ve been warned!” Kristina said, laughing as she held her hand up.

“He’s amazing.” Abigail said, beaming. “I’ve never been this happy with anyone before.”

Abigail then noticed the expression on her sisters face change.

“What’s wrong Kristina?” Abigail asked.

“Nothing.” Kristina replied, smiling.

“Come on Kristina.” Abigail said, closing the kitchen door. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s nothing wrong.” Kristina said, as she turned away and went to the fridge, taking out a bottle of water.

“I don’t believe you.” she said, taking the bottle from Kristina and opening it for her. “Something’s bothering you.”

“Thank you.“ Kristina said, as she took the bottle from Abigail.

“I’m your sister.” Abigail said, as she went to the fridge and took out a bottle of water for herself. “And you’re not fooling me for one minute.”

Kristina lowered her eyes to the floor. How could she tell her sister about Urs? Would she understand? She didn’t know but Kristina had to tell someone how she felt and she knew she could trust Abigail not to tell anyone.

“I’ve met someone.” Kristina said, before taking a mouthful of water.

“Met someone?” Abigail said, looking puzzled. “What do you mean by that?”

“I met someone at the Tony Awards on Saturday.” Kristina replied. “He’s the one I stayed with in Paris.”

Kristina could tell what her sister was thinking by the look on her face.

“It’s not what you’re thinking.” Kristina said, quickly. “David knows I stayed over, it’s all above board. He’s a friend of Stephanie’s, the woman I told you about, the one who got David an audition.”

“Oh okay.” Abigail replied. “So what’s the problem then?” she asked, before taking a mouthful of water.

“I think…no, I know…I’m in love with him.” Kristina said, glancing at her sister.

“You’re what!” Abigail exclaimed, almost choking on her drink. “Be serious woman.”

“I love him Abigail.” Kristina said, looking at her sister.

“Oh my God, you are serious, aren‘t you!” Abigail said quietly.

Kristina nodded and took another mouthful of water.

“So tell me about him then?” Abigail said. “Who is he?”

“His name’s Urs Buhler and he‘s a singer.” Kristina said, a smile starting to appear on her face.

“And?” Abigail said. “What else?”

“He’s 28, he’s from Switzerland and he’s just… he’s just perfect.” Kristina replied, now with a huge smile on her face. “He has a gorgeous smile, dark curly hair and the most beautiful hazel eyes, every time I look in to them I get this feeling that I… I can’t explain it.”

“Does he feel the same way?” Abigail asked.

Kristina nodded. “He told me he loved me at the airport.” she said, quietly.

“Does he know you love him?” Abigail said. “Have you told him?”

“I couldn’t say it.” Kristina said sadly. “It wouldn’t have been right, not while I’m still with
David.”

“What are you going to do?” Abigail asked, as she stood next to her. “Do you still love David?”

“Of course I still love him.” Kristina said, with tears in her eyes. “But it’s not the same kind of love that I feel for Urs.”

“So what are you going to do?” Abigail asked again. “Are you going to leave him?”

“No, I can’t leave him.” Kristina replied. “My feelings for David haven’t changed and I need him now more than ever.”

“Are you going to see Urs again?” Abigail asked.

Kristina shrugged her shoulders, before taking the piece of paper from her pocket. “He gave me his mobile number and asked me to call him. He wants to know how things go with the tests.”

“Will you call him?” Abigail said.

“I don’t know.” Kristina replied. “Maybe I should just leave things as they are.”

“It might be best.” Abigail said, placing a hand on her arm. “Let’s just get you well first.”

“You won’t say anything to David will you?” Kristina asked, worriedly.

“Of course not.” Abigail replied. “But if you ever need to talk you know where I am.”

“Thanks Abigail.” Kristina said, hugging her sister.

The two sisters walked back in to the living room and joined David and Carlos.

***** CHAPTER 31 *****

Over the course of the next few weeks, Kristina and Abigail had been subjected to various tests, counselling and questions. The majority of questions had been directed at Abigail, making she was aware of the risks involved and that she was ready not just physically for what was major invasive surgery, but also mentally. They explained that the operation would take around two or three hours and that at the end of it, both of them would be left with a small scar, about two or three inches long. The tests had come back all clear and it was confirmed that Abigail was a perfect donor for her sister.

It was now the morning of the operation and both sisters had been put on IV drips. They were waiting to be taken down to surgery.

“Are you okay?” Kristina asked, as she looked across at her sister in the bed next to her.

“Yes. You?” Abigail replied.

“Petrified.” Kristina said nervously giggling.

“Me too.” Abigail said laughing.

“You don’t have to do this you know.” Kristina said.

“I want to.” Abigail said, looking at her sister. “It might be months before they find another donor, months you might not have.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better sister.” Kristina said, as she held her hand out to Abigail.

Abigail smiled as she took her sister’s hand.

“How are you two lovely women today?” Carlos said cheerfully as he and David walked in to the room.

“We’re fine.” Abigail replied as Carlos bent down and kissed her.

David walked over to Kristina’s bed and kissed her before crouching down beside her.

“How are you doing beautiful?” he asked, as he took her hand.

Kristina smiled. “I’m okay, a bit nervous.”

“Well don’t worry.” David replied. “It will all be over soon.”

“All ready?” the nurse asked, as she entered the room.

Kristina and Abigail nodded.

Carlos and David gave their women one final kiss.

“Okay then.” the nurse said, as another nurse appeared and they started to wheel the beds out of the room. “It‘s show time.”

********************************************

It had been almost three hours since Kristina and Abigail had gone in to the operating room. Carlos and David had been sitting outside waiting for news of their condition. Several doctors and nurses had come and gone but they never said anything, they smiled politely and then disappeared.

“Will you sit down, Carlos?” David said, as he watched Carlos pace up and down. “You’re making me dizzy.”

“I’m sorry.” Carlos said, sitting down next to David. “But I can’t just sit here and do nothing. Surely we should have heard something by now.”

“They’ll let us know soon.” David said, putting a hand on Carlos’ shoulder. “I’m sure everything is alright.”

“How can you stay so calm?” Carlos asked.

“Believe me, I‘m anything but calm.” David replied, putting a hand on his stomach. “I couldn’t even eat breakfast this morning.”

“Me too.” Carlos said, as his stomach growled. “But that’s because I didn’t want to eat in front of Abby. It didn’t seem fair to eat in front of her, when she wasn’t allowed to eat before the surgery.”

David was just about to reply when the doors to the operating room opened and a surgeon appeared. Both Carlos and David stood up.

“Mr Miller? Mr Marin?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m Mr Miller.” David replied, shaking his hand.

“Mr Marin.” he said, shaking his Carlos’ hand. “I’m Doctor Franklin. I supervised the operations.”

“How’s Kristina?” David asked.

“She’s doing very well.” Dr Franklin replied. “We won’t know for awhile if the transplant was a success but all the signs show she should make a complete recovery.”

“And how is Abby?” Carlos asked.

“Why don’t we sit down over here.” Dr Franklin said, leading Carlos to a chair.

“What’s wrong?” Carlos asked worriedly. “What’s happened?”

“Let me explain.” Dr Franklin replied, as they both sat down. David stood beside them.

“Both the operations went well.” Dr Franklin said, patting Carlos on the hand. “But Abigail had a few problems.”

“What sort of problems?” Carlos asked, now looking at David.

“For some reason Abigail had a bad reaction to the anaesthetic.” Dr Franklin replied. “It’s what we call an anaphylactic reaction. When we initially tested for allergies there was nothing to suggest this might happen.”

“But she will be alright won’t she?” Carlos asked.

“The next few hours are critical.” Dr Franklin replied. “I’m not going to lie to you Mr Marin. This is life threatening.”

“You mean she could die?” David asked in a low voice.

Dr Franklin looked at David and nodded. “But she’s in good hands, we have some of the world’s best doctors here.”

“I want to see her.” Carlos said getting up from his seat.

“You can’t see her just yet.” Dr Franklin replied, standing up. “They need to get her settled in to ICU.”

“I want to see her.” Carlos said, firmly. “Now.”

Dr Franklin reluctantly escorted Carlos up to ICU while David went back to Kristina’s room and waited for her to be brought back.

***************************************

Kristina had woken up feeling groggy; she couldn’t feel any pain but she did feel uncomfortable.

“Krissy?”

Kristina looked in the direction where the voice came from and saw David. He got up from the chair and sat down on the bed beside her.

“How are you feeling?” he asked softly.

“It feels a bit weird.” she mumbled, trying to remove the oxygen mask from her face.

“No leave it on.” David said, carefully putting it back. “You‘ve got to keep this on for just a little longer. So you‘re not in any pain?”

Kristina shook her head. “I thought it would hurt.”

“The doctors said you might start to feel some pain once the anaesthetic wears off.” David told her. “If it starts to hurt let me know and they can give you something for it. Okay?”

Kristina nodded and smiled, holding her hand out to him. David took her hand and kissed it. Kristina then looked across to where Abigail should be but she wasn’t there.

“Where’s Abigail?” Kristina asked, looking back at David and noticing the expression on his face changing. “David?”

“Abigail had a bad reaction to the anaesthetic.” David replied faintly.

“Will she be alright?” Kristina asked, sounding worried. “Is it serious?”

“She’s very ill, Krissy. She‘s in intensive care.” he said quietly. “All we can do is wait but the doctors… hey where do you think you’re going?” David said, gently pushing Kristina back down on the bed.

“I need to see her.” Kristina said tearfully. “If it wasn’t for me she wouldn’t be ill now.”

“Don’t be silly.” David said, wiping a tear from her cheek. “You’re in no state to go anywhere right now and the doctors are doing everything they can for her.”

**************************

While David was trying to comfort Kristina, Carlos had just arrived at ICU with Dr Franklin.

“This is Abigail’s room.” Dr Franklin said, stopping outside a door. “But before you go in I want to warn you, there are a lot of machines and equipment in there. It might look scary but everything is there for a reason and that reason is to help Abigail.”

“I understand.” Carlos replied. “Can I go in?”

Dr Franklin nodded and Carlos opened the door.

Dr Franklin had warned Carlos about the equipment and the machines but nothing had prepared him for what he saw. Never ending tubes and intravenous lines were attached to her and Abigail was connected to what Carlos could only assume was some kind of ventilator. He slowly made his way towards the bed and sat down beside her.

“Abby.” Carlos whispered as he gently brushed a stray hair from her pale face.

But Abigail didn’t respond. All Carlos heard was the continuous humming and beeping of the machines.

Carlos moved to sit down in the chair and rest his arms on the bed. He couldn’t stop looking at Abigail, his Abby. He couldn’t lose her, not after all she had been through, not now they were finally together. Tears filled his eyes as he continued to watch Abigail, the woman he loved more than life itself. Carlos eventually fell asleep, holding on to Abigail’s hand, praying she would survive the next few hours.

***********************

It was 8pm and the nurse had come to check on Kristina’s condition. She was just about to leave when Kristina spoke.

“Excuse me.”

The nurse stopped and turned around. “Is everything all right?”

“I need to make a phone call but the phone number is in my bag.” Kristina said, pointing to the small cupboard in the corner of the room. “Would you be able to get it for me?”

“You really should be getting some rest.” the nurse replied. “Can it wait until morning?”

“No, please.” Kristina replied. “It’s important.”

The nurse went to the cupboard and took out Kristina’s bag.

“Just promise me you will go straight to sleep when you’ve finished.” she said, as she handed it to Kristina.

She smiled at the nurse. “I will. Thank you.”

The nurse left Kristina in peace to make her phone call. She nervously dialled the number.

***** CHAPTER 32 *****

“Hello?” said the sleepy voice.

“Urs?”

“Krissy!” the voice said, now sounding wide awake.

“I’m sorry.” Kristina said apologetically. “I forgot it would be late over there. I didn’t mean to wake you up.”

“Don’t worry.” Urs replied. “It’s just good to hear your voice again. I was wondering when you would call. How are you?”

“I’m fine.” Kristina replied faintly.

Kristina had missed hearing his voice, the strong Swiss accent and mellow tones. She smiled as she suddenly pictured him tilting his head to the side, pursing his lips and giving a small shrug. It was strange, the things she remembered about him but didn't notice at the time. Kristina hadn’t spoken to Urs since they said goodbye at the airport. She had started to dial his number on several occasions but always put the phone down before she finished dialling. She had wanted to speak to him for so long but now she didn’t know what to say to him. Kristina just needed to hear his voice.

“Krissy, are you still there?”

“Yes I’m here.” Kristina replied.

“So how are you?” he asked. “How did the tests go?”

“The tests went well.” Kristina replied. “Abigail was a match.”

Kristina could hear Urs give a sigh of relief. “Abigail’s your sister, right?”

“Yes, my sister.” Kristina said, weakly. “We had surgery this morning.”

“How are you both?” Urs asked.

“We won’t know for a while if it was a success.” Kristina replied, trying to fight back the tears. “But they seemed pleased with everything so far.”

Urs sensed something was wrong. “Is everything okay, Krissy?”

Kristina didn’t know where to start, she felt guiltridden.

“Krissy?” Urs said softly. “Tell me, what’s wrong.”

“Oh Urs, it’s Abigail.” Kristina said as she started to break down in tears. “She reacted badly to one of the drugs and now she’s in ICU. It’s all my fault. I should never have asked her to do this. If it wasn’t for me she wouldn’t be sick. I put her life at risk to save my own. How could I do that to my own sister?”

“Krissy please don’t cry.” Urs said softly, his heart breaking at hearing Kristina so upset. He desperately wished he could be there to comfort her and take all the hurt away.

“If Abigail is anything like you I know she’ll pull through. You‘ve got to be strong, Krissy.”

“I can’t Urs, it’s all my fault. It should be me there, not her.” Kristina said between sobs. “If she dies I’ll never forgive myself.”

Urs was beside himself, hearing the woman he loved in tears and talking this way. He was so far away and there was nothing he could do; or was there?

“Krissy, I want to come to New York. I want to see you.”

“No, I can’t let you to do that, Urs.” Kristina replied, shaking her head as she quietly cried.

“I want to be with you.” Urs said softly. “I want to be there for you.”

Kristina was longing to see Urs again but she knew it wasn’t wise for them to meet.

“Urs, I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Kristina said regretfully, as she wiped her eyes.

“I need to see you Krissy.” Urs pleaded.

“Urs I….”

Urs interrupted Kristina. “Please, say you’ll let me come Krissy.”

“I don‘t know, Urs.” Kristina answered, giving a small sniff.

“What hospital are you in?” he asked.

Kristina paused for a moment before answering. She knew it was wrong but she had to see Urs.

“Lenox Hill.” she said quietly.

Urs smiled to himself. “I’ll get there as soon as I can, okay?”

“Okay.” she replied, a faint smile appearing on her face at the thought of seeing him again.

“Now get some rest.” Urs said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Urs?” Kristina said.

“Yes Krissy?” Urs said softly.

“Urs I… I do…. nothing, it doesn’t matter.” Kristina said quickly. “Goodnight Urs.”

“Goodnight Krissy.”

Urs waited until he heard the click and then the dial tone before hanging up. He was sure Kristina was going to tell him she loved him and he wanted nothing more than to hear Kristina say those words. But he knew it wasn’t the right time. He wanted so badly to see her face when she would acknowledge she loved him and above all, he wanted to be there in person when she told him.

************************************

Carlos woke up hearing voices. He looked up and saw a nurse and Dr Franklin on the opposite side of the bed. He instantly assumed the worst.

“What’s wrong with her? What’s happened? Why didn’t somebody wake me?” Carlos said worriedly.

David then entered the room.

“Mr Marin, calm down.” Dr Franklin said, walking round the bed to where Carlos was.

“Abigail has made considerable improvements during the night. I can safely say that she’s out of danger but I would like to keep her in ICU for a little longer.”

Carlos stood up and shook Dr Franklins hand. “Thank you, thank you.” he said, tearfully.

*************************************

While Carlos was being given the good news, Kristina was thinking about everything that had happened over the last few weeks; finding out she was ill, asking her sister to be a donor, falling in love with Urs and now this. It was her fault all this had happened. Kristina should never have gone to Paris, she should have stayed in New York with David like he asked her to. But no, she had doubted David’s love for her and she wanted to see Urs again, that‘s why she had gone to Paris and then called him last night. God had tested her and she had failed. Kristina had been selfish, she was only thinking of herself when she should have been thinking about Abigail and what she was asking of her sister. Now Abigail was sick. It was God’s way of punishing her. Kristina had never been a great believer in God but she just hoped he was listening to her now. She made a promise to God there and then, if he let her sister live she would tell Urs they could never see each other again. She loved David and she could never hurt him, not after all he had done for her.

“Please let my sister live, please.” Kristina whispered.

************************************

“Will you stay with her ?” Carlos asked. “I need to get something?”

“Of course I will.” David replied. “Take your time, you could do with a break.”

“Thank you.” Carlos said as he got up from his seat and left the room.

Carlos had taken the elevator down to the ground floor and was looking for the hospital gift shop. He was about to ask someone where it was when he noticed a sign pointing to his left. He made his way over to the gift shop and started to look for something to give Abigail. Carlos knew exactly what he wanted but he didn’t know if they would have one. Then he saw it.

“Is she okay?” Carlos asked as he walked back in to Abigail’s room.

“She’s fine.” David replied, getting up from his seat. “She’s still asleep. Listen, do you mind if I go? I want to let Krissy know Abigail is okay.”

“You go my friend.” Carlos said, putting a hand on David’s shoulder. “Thank you for staying with her.”

“Anytime.” David said, as he left and made his way back to Kristina’s room.

Carlos nodded before turning to look at Abigail. She was definitely looking better than she had done yesterday and the colour was starting to return to her cheeks.

**********************

Carlos had been sitting by Abigail’s bedside for several hours. The nurse had suggested he go home and get some rest but he refused to leave her. Carlos was starting to doze off when he felt something touch his hand. He looked up and noticed Abigail was awake.

“Abby!” he said softly, as he moved close to her. “You’re awake at last.”

“Carlos, you’re here.” she replied weakly.

“I told you I would never leave you.” Carlos said as he stood up and gently kissed her. “And I meant every word.”

“How’s Kristina? Is she okay?“ Abigail asked.

“She’s doing fine.” Carlos said, stroking her hair. “The doctors are very pleased with her condition.”

Abigail smiled, knowing that her sister was doing well.

“How long have I been asleep?” she asked.

“About 36 hours.” Carlos said, frowning.

“So long?” Abigail said, sounding surprised. “Is that normal?”

Carlos shook his head.

“You had a bad reaction to the anaesthetic.” he said faintly. “For a while they didn’t think you would make it through the night. You really scared me Abby. I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.”

“You don’t get rid of me that easily.” Abigail said, smiling as she gently squeezed his hand.

Abigail then noticed Carlos looking for something in his jacket pocket. “What are you doing?”

“I have something for you.” Carlos replied. “That’s if you want it.”

“What is it?” she asked.

Carlos held out a child’s small plastic ring.

“I know it’s not much but I wanted to do this properly.” he said, as he got down on one knee beside the bed.

“I love you Abby.” he said softly. “Almost losing you made me realise how precious life is and that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Abby… will you marry me?”

Abigail looked at Carlos and started to cry.

“Is that a yes or a no?” Carlos asked, getting to his feet as he took a handkerchief from his pocket, gently wiping her tears away.

“It’s a yes.” Abigail said, smiling through her tears. “Yes I will marry you, Carlos.”

***** CHAPTER 33 *****

“Abby?”

Abigail turned to Carlos.

“Are you alright?” Carlos asked.

“Yes I’m fine.” She replied, taking his hand.

“Are you sure?” Carlos said, sitting down next to her. “You look worried.”

“Not worried. I was just thinking, that‘s all.”

“About what?” he asked,

Abigail was silent.

“I‘m sorry, I should not have asked.”

“That’s alright.” Abigail said, smiling. “I was just thinking about Kristina.”

“She’s alright isn’t she?” Carlos said.

“I hope so.” Abigail replied.

“Can I help at all?”

“If I tell you, you have to promise you won’t say a word to David or Kristina.” Abigail said seriously.

“I promise.” Carlos said, with his hand on his heart.

Abigail took a deep breath.

“Do you remember the night you met Kristina for the first time?”

Carlos nodded. “That was the night she had just come back from Paris.”

“That’s right.” Abigail replied. “She stayed overnight with a friend of a friend, that David knows through work.”

Carlos moved closer, listening intently to what Abigail was telling him.

“Kristina had already met him at the Tony Awards in New York with David just a few days before going to Paris. He‘s a singer, his names Urs Buhler.”

“Did something happen?” Carlos asked.

“Not exactly.” Abigail replied.

“So what does he have to do with Kristina?” Carlos asked, looking puzzled.

“The night Kristina got back from Paris, she told me she had fallen in love with him.” Abigail said looking at Carlos. “Apparently he feels the same way.”

“Oh.” Carlos said, shocked. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Me neither.” Abigail said, smiling weakly.

“But Kristina got back from Paris almost two months ago.” Carlos said. “What made you think of this now?”

“I remembered Kristina telling me that Urs gave her his mobile number.” Abigail replied. “He wanted to know how the tests went. I just thought about it now, with the operation being over. I don’t think she’s phoned him.”

“So she still loves David?” Carlos asked.

“I think so.” Abigail said sighing. “She hasn’t mentioned Urs since the night she got back. Maybe she didn‘t love Urs after all.”

“Abby, you didn’t have to tell me that you know.” Carlos said, gently squeezing her hand.

“Why wouldn’t I?“ Abigail asked.

“Because that’s something your sister told you in confidence.” Carlos replied.

“I know.” Abigail said, smiling. “But I love you and after all you’ve done for me, it just doesn’t seem right to lie to you or keep any secrets from you.”

Carlos smiled at Abigail and put a hand up to her face. “I love you too.”

Carlos then leant in and softly brushed his lips against hers, before pulling away.

“I can’t wait until I can call you my wife.”

*********************************

“David quietly opened the door to Kristina’s room, he didn’t want to wake her. But she was already awake. As he looked round the door, he saw Kristina smiling at him.

“Hey, beautiful. I thought you might be sleeping.” David said, closing the door behind him.

Kristina shook her head. “I can‘t sleep.”

“How are you feeling now?” David asked he bent down and kissed her.

“Okay.” she replied. “It hurts a little but they’ve given me some more painkillers.”

“What did Dr Franklin have to say?” he asked, sitting down on the bed beside her.

“He said I can get out of bed later.” she replied.

“So soon?” David said, sounding surprised. “You’ve just had major surgery.”

“Apparently they encourage it.” Kristina said, shrugging her shoulders. “But the best news is that he thinks I should be well enough to go home tomorrow.”

“That’s brilliant news.” David said, grinning. “I’ve got some good news too.”

“Abigail?” Kristina said.

David nodded. “The doctor said she’s out of danger but they‘re keeping her in ICU for a little longer. She‘s going to be fine.”

“Oh thank God.” Kristina said, as she put her arms around David’s neck. “I thought I was going to lose her.”

While David was holding Kristina, he didn’t see the look of sadness on her face when she realised that God had kept his side of the bargain, by letting her sister live and when Urs arrived she would have to keep hers.

************************************

Later that afternoon, Dr Franklin had given Kristina the all clear and that she was able to get out of bed. The first thing Kristina had done was ask if she could go and see Abigail in ICU. He said yes.

Kristina had made her way to ICU and the nurse then showed Kristina to Abigail’s room.

“Hey little sis.” Kristina said, as she stuck her head round the door.

“Don’t tell me you’ve come back for my other kidney?” Abigail said jokingly.

“I see someone has still got their sense of humour.” Kristina replied, walking over to the chair by the bed. “I’m glad to see you’re alright now, you had me worried.”

Abigail smiled. “It sounds like I had everyone worried.”

“It’s only natural.” Kristina said. “You‘re loved by a lot of people.”

“Including Carlos.” Abigail said, grinning.

“He told you he loved you?” Kristina said, with eyes wide open.

“He did more than that.” Abigail said holding her left hand up.

Kristina looked at her sisters hand. “He didn’t?”

Abigail nodded. “He did.”

Kristina quickly got up from her chair and hugged her sister.

“I hope he’s going to replace that ring with a real one when you get out of here.”

“I don’t care.” Abigail said. “He gave it to me from the heart, that means more than a diamond ring.”

Abigail had told her sister everything about how Carlos had proposed but then she noticed her sister was quiet and looked distant.

“What’s wrong?” Abigail asked.

Kristina turned to face her sister. “I phoned Urs last night.”

“I thought we had decided to leave things as they were.” Abigail said frowning. “Why call him?”

Kristina shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

“What did he say?” Abigail asked.

Kristina got up from her seat and walked over to the window.

“He said he wanted to see me.” Kristina replied. “He asked me if he could come to New York.”

“I hope you told him no.”

Kristina didn’t answer.

“Kristina?” Abigail said quietly. “Please tell me he‘s not coming here.”

Kristina continued to stare out the window.

“You haven’t mentioned him since you got back from Paris.” Abigail said. “I thought maybe you had forgotten about him.”

Kristina turned to face her sister, tears streaming down her face.

“I can’t forget him Abigail. How can I? I love him. I’ve thought about him every single day. But then I see David and I realise how lucky I am to have him and that I love him too.”

“Come here.” Abigail said softly. Kristina sat down on the bed and the two sisters hugged.

“You need to make up your mind Kristina.” Abigail said pulling away. “David or Urs. It’s not fair on either of them, they both love you.”

“I know.” Kristina replied, wiping her eyes. “But I’ve made my decision.”

“You have?” Abigail said. “Who?”

“When Urs comes here I’m going to tell him that we can’t see each other again.” Kristina said regretfully.

“But what happens if David sees him?” Abigail asked. “Won’t he wonder how Urs knew you were here?”

“I don’t know.” Kristina said. “I didn‘t think of that. I just needed to hear his voice last night. I thought I was going to lose you. That‘s when I made my decision.”

“To stay with David?” Abigail asked. Kristina nodded. “What made you choose David?”

“I made a promise.” Kristina replied.

“A promise? A promise to who?” Abigail asked.

“A promise to God.” Kristina said, getting up from the bed. “I promised that if He let you live, I would never see Urs again.”

“Kristina I understand why you made that promise.” Abigail said quietly. “But you can’t stay with David if you don’t love him.”

“I do love him Abigail.” Kristina said, walking back to the window.

“But do you love him as much as Urs?” Abigail asked.

“I made a promise.” Kristina said firmly. “You’re alive and that’s all that matters to me.”

Abigail knew that there was no way she could make her sister see sense. She only hoped that in time Kristina would realise her mistake.

***** CHAPTER 34 *****

As soon as Urs had finished speaking with Krissy the night before, had he phoned the airport and booked a ticket for the next available flight. Urs had hoped to arrive sometime in the morning but due to bad weather in Paris his flight was delayed. It was now late afternoon, Urs didn’t want to waste any more time so he had left his luggage in a locker at the airport and then caught a taxi. The taxi pulled up outside Lenox Hill Hospital and Urs made his way inside. He couldn’t wait to see Kristina again.

Urs found out which room was Kristina’s and stopped outside the door. He wasn’t sure if he should go in, maybe David was with her. He couldn’t go in, he decided to wait awhile and see if David appeared. Then he would make a decision. Urs turned to leave and bumped in to somebody; Carlos.

“I’m sorry.” Urs said, looking at Carlos. “My fault.”

“That’s alright.” Carlos replied. “Are you here to see Kristina?”

“Yes, how did you know?” Urs asked.

“Lucky guess. I‘m Carlos.” he said holding his hand out to Urs. “Abigail‘s fiancé.”

“Urs.” he said, shaking Carlos‘ hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Urs?” Carlos said, with raised eyebrows. “Kristina’s not in there at the moment. The doctor gave her the all clear to get out of bed so she went to see Abigail. But why don‘t you come in? I know she will be pleased to see you.”

“No it’s okay.” Urs said, quickly. “She might be tired. I’ll come back later.”

“Alright.” Carlos replied. “Would you like me to give her a message?”

Urs thought about it for a moment. “No, no thank you.”

Urs turned and quickly made his way to the elevator.

Carlos watched Urs leave, wondering if he should tell Kristina that Urs had visited. He decided to tell Abigail first and went back to her room.

*****************************

Carlos knocked on the door and found Kristina still with Abigail.

“I’m not interrupting anything am I?” Carlos asked, when he noticed Kristina looked upset.

“No, come in.” Kristina said standing up. “It’s time I left.”

“You don‘t have to leave Kristina.” Abigail said, taking her sisters hand.

“It‘s okay.” Kristina said, smiling. “I know Carlos probably wants to spend some time with you. And I might go and have a lie down. I’m feeling a bit tired.”

Kristina hugged her sister and said goodbye to Carlos before going back to her room; unaware that Urs had just left the hospital.

“Is she alright?” Carlos asked. “She looked as if she’d been crying.”

“She had.” Abigail replied. “Kristina phoned Urs last night.”

“Ah, that explains it.” Carlos said, sitting on the bed. “I just bumped in to him outside her room.”

“Urs? He’s here?” Abigail asked.

“He was.” Carlos replied. “But I told him Kristina was here with you and he said he would come back later. I take it David still doesn’t know.”

Abigail shook her head.

“So what’s going to happen with those two?” Carlos asked. “If she loves Urs why is she with David?”

“Kristina said she loves David.” Abigail replied, as she played with the ring on her finger. “She’s decided to tell Urs that they can’t see each other anymore.”

“But I thought Kristina told you she loved Urs as well.” Carlos said, looking puzzled.

“She did.” Abigail said, sighing. “But she made some stupid promise to God that if He let me live she would never see Urs again.”

“It’s not stupid, Abigail.” Carlos said, putting his hand on Abigail’s. “She made that promise with the best of intentions. Now you have to respect her decision.”

“I do.” Abigail said tearfully. “But what if she’s not happy?”

“I know it’s hard Abby.” Carlos said as he wrapped his arms around her. “But Kristina is the only one will know if she’s truly happy.”

*******************

Urs looked at his watch. It was now 9pm. He had waited for David to leave Kristina’s room before going in. David had been gone over an hour and Urs couldn’t see him coming back this late so he made his way to her room.

Urs quietly opened the door and looked inside. Kristina was laying on her side, facing the door. He quietly closed the door and walked over to the bed, crouching down beside her. She looked so peaceful when she slept and still as beautiful as ever. He gently brushed a hair from her face and she stirred. She opened her eyes and saw him.

“Urs you’re here?” she said sleepily. “But it’s late.”

“I told you I would come.” he whispered.

Kristina smiled but then she remembered her promise.

Urs saw her smile disappear.

“You’re not pleased to see me?” Urs asked quietly.

Kristina nodded. “Yes. I am, but you shouldn’t have come, Urs.”

“I told you, I wanted to be here for you.” Urs said softly. “I needed to see you.”

Kristina smiled.

“I hear Abigail is going to be alright.” Urs said.

“How did you know?” she asked.

“I came here earlier.” Urs replied. “I met Carlos, your sister’s fiancé. He told me you were with Abigail so I decided to come back later.”

“Oh. He never mentioned it.” Kristina said. “How are you?”

“I’m alright.” Urs said quietly. “But I miss you.“ There was a few seconds of silence. “How’s your wrist now?” Urs asked.

“I finally had the cast removed last week.” Kristina replied. Again there was silence. “How’s Stephanie?”

Urs took a deep breath. “I haven’t spoken to her since the day you left.” he replied. “I confronted her when I got back from the airport. Of course she denied it at first but then she admitted pushing you. I told her I didn‘t want anything more to do with her.”

Kristina didn’t know what to say next. She was so happy to see Urs again but she made a promise to God and he had kept his side of the bargain. Now she had to do the same.

“Urs…”

Urs looked at her, showing her that ever present look of love in his eyes.

Kristina could already feel her eyes stinging with tears. This was going to be one of the hardest things she had ever done in her life.

“What’s wrong, beautiful?” he whispered, seeing the look of sadness on her face.

“Urs, we can’t do this.” Kristina replied faintly.

“Do what?” he asked, looking confused.

“We can’t see each other again.” she replied, as she turned away from him and sat up in bed.

“What are you talking about?” Urs said, getting up and sitting down on the bed beside her.

“We can’t see each other again.” Kristina said, looking at him. “It’s not right.”

“I don’t understand.” Urs said. “I thought you loved me.”

“Urs, I love David. I don’t know why you think I love you.” Kristina said firmly. “I’ve never said those words to you.”

“But you have never denied it either.” Urs said sadly. “Can you look me in the eyes and tell me truthfully that you don’t love me and that you don’t feel anything for me?”

Kristina held her breath as she turned and looked in to his eyes. She couldn’t deny how she felt about Urs and she was sure that he could still see her love for him in her eyes. But she turned away after a second, unable to look in to his eyes any longer, when she saw the hurt and confusion in his.

“You do love me don’t you.” Urs said softly. “So why are you doing this?”

“It was a test.” Kristina said quietly. “And I failed.”

Urs shook his head. “You’re not making any sense.”

“It was a test and I failed.” Kristina said again. “I should have been thinking about my sister, not you. That’s why she was sick. It was God’s way of punishing me. So I made a promise. A promise to never to see you again if He let my sister live.”

“But… you can’t mean it?” Urs said, shaking his head in disbelief. “Why would you make a promise like that?”

“Because I don’t love you Urs.” Kristina said, hating herself for lying to him and hurting him. “But I love my sister, she will always come first.”

“I can’t believe what I’m hearing.” Urs said, still shaking his head. “Krissy I love you and I know you love me.”

“But I don’t love you Urs.” Kristina said forcefully, surprising herself when she heard the strength in her voice. “I’m sorry.”

“But at the airport, I saw it, I saw it in your eyes.” Urs said, his voice quivering. “You’re lying. Why can’t you be honest with me? I love you. The only thing that’s kept me going all these weeks is the thought of seeing you again.”

Kristina didn’t know how much longer she could control her tears and she couldn’t bear to see Urs this way.

“I think you should go, Urs.” Kristina said softly.

Urs hung his head, tears rolling off his cheeks and on to his shirt.

Kristina bit her lip, she desperately wanted to hold him, wipe away his tears and tell him that she didn’t mean any of what she said, that she wanted to be with him, that she loved him. But she couldn’t.

“It’s for the best.” she said quietly.

“Tell me you love me.” Urs said faintly, as he lifted his head up. “I need to hear you say it once, then I’ll go. I promise.”

Kristina longed to say those words to him but she couldn’t. She loved him so much but to tell him she loved him and then make him leave would be even more cruel.

Kristina shook her head. “I don’t love you Urs, I’m sorry.”

Urs put his hand in his pocket and then gently placed her ring in to the palm of her hand.

“I think this belongs to you.”

He put a hand up to Kristina’s face and caressed her cheek, before lightly running his thumb across her lips.

“I love you.” he said smiling at her as a tear ran down his cheek.

Kristina closed her eyes as Urs leant in and kissed her on the cheek.

“Always.” he whispered in to her ear.

Kristina could feel her throat tighten as she tried to swallow, her eyes stinging and her heart breaking as Urs said those words to her, before turning and walking towards the door.

He stopped and for a moment Kristina didn’t think he was going to leave. But he did. He opened the door and walked away without looking back.

As soon as the door closed, Kristina laid back down on the bed and buried her face in the pillow to muffle her sobs.

“I love you too, Urs.” she cried to herself. “I love you too.”

Urs was standing outside Kristina’s room. He leant against the wall and slowly slid down it, staring blankly ahead as the tears started to roll down his face. He put his head in his hands as a feeling of emptiness took hold of him.

“What kind of cruel game is God playing?” he asked himself. A year ago He had taken Aimee and now tonight He had taken Kristina.

***** CHAPTER 35 *****

Carlos and Abigail had started planning their wedding as soon as Abigail was fit to leave hospital. That was four weeks ago and now everything had been arranged.

Kristina was to be Abigail’s maid of honour, David was to be Carlos’ best man and they were to be married in a small church called the Chapel of San Isidro.

Abigail’s parents were having problems getting to Spain. They had booked a flight out to Spain the previous day but there had been strikes at the local airport. They had spent the last twenty fours sitting in an airport waiting for the strike to be cancelled. Abigail was beginning to panic.

“What happens if they don’t get here on time?” Abigail asked, looking round at Kristina.

“They will.” Kristina replied. “Now will you stop worrying and turn round.”

“But what if they don’t?” Abigail said, worriedly. “Who’s going to give me away? I can’t walk down the aisle on my own!”

“Well… David can you give you away.” Kristina replied, as she tried to pin her sisters hair up.

“How can he do that when he’s going to be best man?” Abigail said turning around again.

“Abigail!” Kristina said throwing her hands up in the air. “Now I’ve got to start all over again.”

“I’m sorry.” Abigail replied. “But I can’t help worry.”

“There’s nothing to worry about.” Kristina said, sitting down next to her sister. “If it comes to it, David can give you away. Who says he can’t do both jobs?”

Abigail smiled. “You’re right.”

“I’m always right.” Kristina said smiling. “Now, are you going to let me finish your hair?”

***************************

Kristina had just finished her sisters hair when there was a knock at the door.

Both sisters turned around to see David standing there.

“Can I come in or are you talking ‘girl talk’? he asked, grinning.

“Come in David.” Abigail replied. “There’s something I need to ask you.”

Kristina walked over to David. “I’m going to leave you two to talk, I still need to check on a few things before the wedding.”

“Okay, I’ll see you shortly.” David said, as he leant down and kissed Kristina. “And you look beautiful.” he whispered.

Kristina smiled and looked up in to his blue eyes. “I love you.” she whispered.

“I love you too.” he said, as he caressed her cheek.

Abigail watched as Kristina and David kissed and then Kristina left.

“Is she okay?”

“She has her moments.” David replied. “Some days she’s fine, others… she just sits there. She won’t talk, she hardly eats, she stays in bed all the time. I don’t know what to do.”

“What did Dr Franklin say?” Abigail asked.

“He seems to think it might be depression.” David replied, as he sat down next to Abigail. “He said it is possible after major surgery but unless she goes to see him he can’t say for sure.”

“And she won’t go?” Abigail said.

“I’ve tried.” David said, sighing. “But she refuses. She says nothing is wrong.”

The two sat in silence for a moment.

“Come on.” David said, cheerfully. “You were going to ask me something.”

Abigail turned to face David. “Okay, you know how there’s all this business at the airport and our parents can’t get a flight out here?” David nodded. “Well, I know you’re going to be Carlos’ best man but if they don’t make it here on time would you give me away?”

“You’re asking me to walk you down the aisle?” David said, surprised.

“There’s no need to look so shocked.” Abigail replied. “Why wouldn’t I ask you? You’re almost family. Please say you’ll do it.”

“I would be honoured.” David said, hugging Abigail.

“Watch the hair.” Abigail said, laughing. “If you mess it up, you can tell Kristina why she has to do it again.”

“Well I’d better go.” David said as he stood up and walked to the door. “I need to check on your future husband and make sure he hasn’t gotten himself in to any trouble.”

Abigail looked at David, with eyes wide open.

“Don’t worry!” he said putting his hands up, laughing. “I‘m sure he‘s fine. He’s probably still in front of the mirror playing with that kiss curl of his to get in to any trouble.”

“Hey, don’t mock it.” Abigail said laughing. “I love his kiss curl.”

“Okay, okay, that’s enough.” David said as he opened the door. “I’m going before you start getting all mushy on me.”

Abigail picked up a cushion and threw it at David who ducked behind the door.

“Missed.” he said laughing as he stuck his head out.

“I won’t next time, Mr Miller.” Abigail shouted as David shut the door.

*******************************

“Are you nearly ready?” David asked, as he walked in to Carlos’ room.

“I think so.” Carlos replied.

“Well you had better be.” David said, walking toward Carlos. “You have a beautiful bride waiting for you.”

“Does this look alright?” he asked pointing to his tie.

“Let me fix it for you.” David said, as he straightened his tie.

“Carlos will you stand still?” David said.

“I can’t help it?” Carlos replied. “I’m so nervous.”

“Well you know how to cure nerves, don‘t you.” David said, as he finished straightening Carlos’ tie.

“No, how?” Carlos asked.

“Well, my dad told me that the best way to get over nerves is to picture everybody naked.” David replied.

Carlos looked shocked at David’s reply.

“You think that will cure my nerves?” Carlos asked. “Picturing the padre naked? And why would I want to imagine you naked?”

“Okay, bad suggestion.” David said laughing. “Why don’t you just imagine Abigail naked.”

Carlos wiggled his eyebrows. “That might work.”

*************************************************

“Ready to become Mrs Marin?” David asked as they stood outside the small chapel.

“Ready.” Abigail said quietly. “But I only wish my parents could be here to see me get married.”

“Carlos has arranged for someone to record it so they won’t miss out completely.” David said, squeezing her hand.

“I know, but it’s not the same as having them here.” Abigail said, sadly.

“Hang on!” a voice shouted.

Abigail turned to see her and Kristina’s father helping their mother up the small cobbled path to the chapel.

“Panic over!” her father said, somewhat out of breath.

“You’re here!” Abigail exclaimed as she threw her arms around her fathers neck.

“Only just.” he replied as he hugged Abigail and then Kristina.

“You both look lovely.” their mother said, looking at their dresses. “It will be your turn next Kristina.”

Kristina gave a weak smile at her mother.

“Let’s get Abigail married first before you start marrying me off mom.”

“I guess you won’t be needing my services anymore.” David said, as he winked at Abigail.

“You don‘t mind do you David.” Abigail asked, frowning.

“How can I deny a father that honour?” he replied. “I’ll go and tell Carlos the good news.”

David escorted their mother in to the church before taking his place beside Carlos as his best man.

“I can’t believe my little girl is getting married.” Said Abigails father, with tears in his eyes.

“Don’t dad.” Abigail said smiling. “You‘ll have me crying in a minute and then I‘ll ruin my make up.”

“I‘m sorry.” he said as he took her hand. “I can’t help it.”

The music then started up and Abigail’s father started to walk her down the aisle.

As the music started to play Carlos looked round to see Abigail coming towards him.

She looked more beautiful every time he saw her.

When they reached the end of the aisle, Abigail’s father gave her hand to Carlos and took his seat next to their mother.

Abigail looked up in to Carlos’ eyes. She couldn’t believe she was finally going to be his wife.

“You look like a princess.” he said softly, as he kissed her hand.

*******************************

The wedding guests stood in silence as Abigail and Carlos said their vows.

“May I have the rings please?” the Padre asked.

David gave him the rings.

The Padre took one of the rings and gave it to Carlos.

Carlos, repeat these words after me.

“I, Carlos Marin, take you Abigail Lisa Sanders, to be my wedded wife.”

Carlos slipped the ring on to Abigail’s finger as he repeated the words.

The Padre then have the other ring to Abigail.

“Abigail, repeat these words after me.

“I, Abigail Lisa Sanders, take you, Carlos Marin, to be my wedded husband.”

Abigail repeated the words as she slipped the ring on to Carlos’ finger.

“Carlos, do you take Abigail as your wife?” the padre asked.

“I do.” Carlos replied.

“Abigail, do you take Carlos as your husband?” the padre asked.

“I do.” Abigail replied.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you for the time as husband and wife, Mr and Mrs Marin.”

“You may now kiss the bride.” the padre said, nodding at Carlos.

Carlos looked at Abigail as he cupped her face in his hands.

“Happy?” Carlos asked, softly.

“Very.” Abigail whispered.

Carlos leant then down and kissed his wife.

***** CHAPTER 36 *****


“Are you ready to leave, Mrs Marin?” Carlos said, as he put his arms around Abigail’s waist.

“Yes.” Abigail replied, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I can’t wait until it’s just the two of us.”

“Can I ask you something before we leave?” he asked.

“Of course.” Abigail replied. “What is it?”

“Why did you choose Paris for our honeymoon?” Carlos asked, quietly. “After everything that happened there with Brian, I would have thought that would be the last place on earth you wanted to go.”

“Because I want to make new memories.” Abigail replied. “With the man I love.”

Carlos smiled. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Once or twice.” Abigail said, as she smiled back at him.

Carlos bent down and covered her lips with his.

Abigail then pulled away. “If you don’t stop that we’re going to be late for our flight.”

“You spoil all my fun.” Carlos said, frowning.

“There will be plenty of time for fun in Paris.” Abigail said, giggling.

“What are we waiting for then?” Carlos said, as he took her hand. “Let’s go!”

Carlos and Abigail made their way downstairs to where a small party of friends and family had gathered to see them off. They thanked them for the presents and after saying goodbye to everybody Abigail announced she was going to throw the bouquet. All the women crowded around Abigail.

Kristina wasn’t even looking at Abigail when she threw the bouquet, so she jumped when it hit her and she somehow caught it. Kristina blushed and smiled as the women congratulated her and then she looked at David. He had the biggest smile on his face. How could she ever think of leaving him? She loved him.

Abigail joined Carlos by the car and everyone followed. The newlyweds posed for a few more photos before getting in the car and Kristina stood watching them. I wonder if I’ll ever get married, she thought to herself. Kristina’s thoughts then turned to Urs, his smile, his laugh, his eyes, his touch. Kristina had tried to forget him but she couldn’t. He was the first thing on her mind when she woke up every morning. She couldn’t forget the look on his face when she told him she didn’t love him. That same look on his face haunted her at night, she couldn’t sleep, she couldn’t live with herself for causing him so much hurt. Kristina sat on the wall as she watched the car drive away; her sister and Carlos starting their new life together.

“Are you coming inside?” David asked.

“I’ll be in shortly.” Kristina replied, smiling. “I just need to be on my own for a moment.”

“It’s okay.” David said, as he bent down and kissed her forehead. “Carlos will take good care of her.”

Kristina watched as David walked back inside the house.

************************

Abigail looked back through the window of the car and saw her sister sitting on the wall.

“Stop the car!” Abigail shouted to the driver.

“What!” Carlos exclaimed. “Why?”

“Just stop the car.” Abigail said, looking at Carlos. “Please.”

“Can you stop the car please.” Carlos said to the driver.

“Abby, what‘s wrong? Have you forgotten something?” he asked.

But Abigail had already got out of the car and was running back to her sister.

“Kristina!”

Kristina looked up to see Abigail running towards her. She stood up and ran to meet her sister.

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

“Nothing’s wrong.” Abigail replied.

“Then why have you come back?” Kristina asked.

“Don’t talk, just listen.” Abigail said, putting her hands on Kristina’s shoulders. “Because of Carlos, I know what true love is and if you love Urs the way I love Carlos then you need to find him. I know you love David too but if you think Urs is the one, then you can‘t let him go. You need to tell him you love him.”

“But I can’t.” Kristina said, with tears in her eyes. “It’s too late.”

“It’s never too late, Kristina.” Abigail replied. “You love Urs, don’t lose him.”

Carlos then called out to Abigail. “Abby, we need to go now if we want to catch that flight.”

“I won’t be a second, Carlos.” Abigail said, as she turned back to face Kristina. “Please Kristina, do it for me. I know you made that promise because of me but I don’t want you to be unhappy. Will you call him?”

Kristina nodded. “I will.” she said quietly.

“Promise?” Abigail said softly.

“I promise.” Kristina replied.

“Okay.” Abigail said as she hugged her sister. “I have to go now. I’ll see you when we get back.”

Once again Kristina watched Abigail and Carlos as they got in to the car and drove away.

************************************

It had been almost twenty four hours since Carlos and Abigail had left. It was late on Sunday afternoon and Kristina was still in bed. David had wanted to go out but Kristina had told him she didn’t feel well, so she had convinced him to go out and have some fun with friends. Kristina couldn’t find the energy to do much these days, the simplest of things seemed to be an effort. Even things she used to love doing couldn’t seem to make her happy.

David had tried to convince her to visit Dr Franklin but she had seen enough of doctors and hospitals over the last three months. Kristina rolled over on to her side and looked at the phone. She had promised Abigail she would call Urs but she still hadn’t done it. She wasn’t sure if she should but Kristina had made a promise to her sister. But then she had also made a promise to God. Kristina got up and went to get Urs’ phone number from her purse before going back to the bedroom and sitting on the edge of the bed. Kristina picked up the phone and dialled the number Urs had given her. It rang and rang until eventually someone answered.

“Hello?”

It was a woman’s voice. Kristina didn’t answer.

“Hello?”

Kristina still didn’t answer.

Then came a mans voice in the background. “Who is it?”

“I don’t know.” came the woman’s reply. “There’s no answer.”

“Here let me have it?” said the man. “Hello?”

Kristina could clearly hear the voice now. It was Urs. She was about to say hello but then what did she say next? What if the woman who answered the phone was his girlfriend? What if he had found someone new? Kristina couldn’t tell him how she felt, she couldn’t disrupt his life again. It wouldn’t be fair. Or maybe he didn’t love her anymore.

“Hello?” Urs said again.

“Just hang up Urs.” said the woman.

Urs then heard then click and the dial tone. Who ever it was had gone.

“Krissy…” he whispered in to the phone.

***************************************

That same day, Abigail and Carlos had been enjoying a day out in Paris. They decided to have a meal in one of the restaurants in the Eiffel Tower before going outside to admire the view.

“I never realised Paris was so beautiful.” Abigail said, as she looked down from the Eiffel Tower.

“It’s not as beautiful as you.” Carlos murmured, as she stood behind her and put his arms around her waist, gently resting his chin on her shoulder.

“You say the sweetest things.” Abigail said, as she rested her head back on his chest.

“And they are all true.” Carlos replied, before kissing her neck.

Abigail turned around in his arms so she was now facing him.

“I love you.”

“And I love you too.” Carlos said softly, as he cupped her face in his hands. “Now be quiet and let me kiss you.”

Abigail smiled as her husband kissed her at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

England, UK, 2004

“Carlos, it’s good to see you again.” Simon said, as gestured for him to enter the room.

“And you too, Simon.” Carlos said as he shook hands with Simon,

“And who might this be?” Simon asked, looking at the young woman beside Carlos.

“This is Abigail.” Carlos replied. “My wife.”

“Ah, so you’re the one I’ve heard so much about.” Simon said, as he greeted Abigail.

Abigail blushed before looking at Carlos.

“Please take a seat.” Simon said, as he sat down on the couch, “As you can see you’re the first ones to arrive.”

“Are we early or are they late?” Carlos asked, checking his watch.

“You’re early” Simon said, laughing. “But don’t worry.”

Abigail and Carlos sat down opposite Simon.

“Do you mind if I smoke?”

Abigail and Carlos shook their heads.

“Disgusting habit I know.” Simon said, lighting up a cigarette. “But in this job you need them. Where are my manners? Can I get either of you two a drink?”

Carlos was about to answer when there was a knock at the door.

“Excuse me.” Simon said, as he put his cigarette down and got up to answer the door.

“David, how are you?”

“Great thanks Simon.” he replied.

Abigail recognised the voice and turned to see David standing at the door.

“David?”

David stepped in to the room.

“Abigail?”

“You two know each other?” Simon asked.

“David used to date my sister.” Abigail replied quietly.

“Oh, that’s not a problem is it?” Simon asked, when he noticed the look on her face.

“Not for me.” David replied. “It’s lovely to see you again Abigail.” as he kissed her on the cheek. “And you Carlos.” he added as he shook his hand.

“You know Carlos as well?” Simon asked, with raised eyebrows. “Well that makes things a little easier.”

David was about to shut the door when another man appeared in the doorway.

“I’m not late am I?” he asked. “I didn’t realise how much traffic there was in London.”

“You’re just on time, Sebastien.” Simon replied, grinning, as he shook his hand. “Come in and meet the others.”

Sebastien walked in to the room and then he saw her. The woman he met in the Hotel Bastille all those years ago.

Abigail couldn’t believe her eyes. It was him. It was the Frenchman that had asked her so many questions when she was hiding from Brian.

“Hello Abigail.” Sebastien said, holding his hand out to her.

“Hello Sebastien.” Abigail replied, taking his hand as he kissed her on the cheek.

“Well, well, this is becoming quite some reunion by the looks of it.” Simon said, scratching his head.

“Aren’t we still missing someone?” David asked. “Where is he?”

“I don’t know.” Simon replied. “I was led to believe he was a bit of a stickler for time keeping. But while we’re waiting for him let me get you all a drink. What will you have?”

“You couldn’t tell me where the ladies are could you?” Abigail asked.

“Of course.” Simon replied. “Turn left as you go out of here, down the hall and left again, can’t miss them.”

“Thanks, I won‘t be long.” Abigail said, before leaving the room and following the directions Simon had given her.

As Abigail turned the corner someone ran straight in to her.

“I’m sorry are you alright?” he asked, worriedly. “I didn’t hurt you did I?”

“No, I’m fine.” Abigail replied. “Just a little winded but I’ll live.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“I’m sure.” Abigail said laughing.

“I‘m really sorry but I‘m running late.” the man replied. “And I‘m never late. Ever.”

“There’s no need to explain.” Abigail said smiling.

“I don’t suppose you know where I can find Simon Cowell’s office do you?” he asked.

“Actually I do.” Abigail replied. “I’ve just come from there. I‘ll show where it is if you like?”

“Thanks that would be a great help.” he replied.

“No problem.” she said holding her hand out. “By the way, I’m Abigail. Abigail Sanders. I mean Marin. Abigail Marin. I’ve only been married four years, you would think I’d remember my name by now.”

“Sanders?” he said with raised eyebrows.

“Yes. Why?” Abigail said. “We haven’t met before have we?”

“No, no we haven’t.” he replied. “My name’s Urs. Urs Buhler.”

As soon as Abigail heard the name she knew who he was. It had to be him. It had to be same Urs Buhler that Kristina knew. How many professional singers called Urs Buhler could there be?

“Come on, I’ll show you where Simon is?” Abigail said as she turned and made her way back to Simon’s office.

Abigail opened the door and went inside with Urs following behind.

“Guess who I ran into.” Abigail said as she entered the room. “Or should I say who ran in to me?” she added as she turned and smiled at Urs.

“Urs!” Simon exclaimed. “I’m glad you could join us.”

“I’m sorry Simon.” Urs said, shaking his hand. “I’m really sorry, I’m never late but you wouldn’t believe the morning I’ve had.”

“No apologies needed.” Simon said, slapping him on the back. “Just glad you’re here. Now that you’re altogether let me introduce you to the others.”

“Well, me and David have already met.” Urs said as he nervously held his hand out to David. “It was a few years ago, I’m not sure if you remember.”

“Yes, I remember.” David said smiling, as he shook Urs’ hand. “You’re Stephanie’s friend, Krissy stayed with you didn’t she.”

“That’s right.” Urs replied. “How is she?” he added in a low voice.

David glanced at Abigail. “I don’t know.” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “We broke up almost four years ago. We didn’t keep in touch.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t realise.” Urs said.

“That’s alright.” David replied. “You weren’t to know.”

“Urs.” Carlos said holding his hand out. “We met briefly I think.”

“Yes, yes we did.” he replied, warily, hoping that Carlos wouldn’t mention where. He didn’t know if David was aware of his visit to see Kristina in hospital. But to Urs’ relief, Carlos didn’t mention it.

Sebastien and Urs were then introduced to one another.

“So everyone knows someone here.” Simon said laughing, “One way or another. I can see this is going to work out just fine, one big happy family. This calls for champagne.”

While Simon opened the champagne, Abigail had gone back out in to the hall. She took out her mobile and dialled the number she knew off by heart.

“Hello?”

“Kristina, it’s Abigail.”

“Hi Abigail, what’s up?”

“What are you doing right now?”

“Nothing much. I was thinking about going to the gym a bit later….”

“Okay forget about that.” Abigail interrupted. “Get yourself down here now.”

“Where?”

“Where do you think? The Sony BMG offices.”

“Why? What’s happened?”

“He’s here Kristina.”

“Who is?”

“Urs, he’s here.”

There was silence at the other end of the phone.

“Kristina?”

“Yes… I… are you sure it’s him? I mean, you’ve never met him.”

“Yes I’m sure. Carlos recognised him.”

“Oh.”

“So are you coming?”

“I don’t know Abigail. It was a long time ago.”

“Don’t talk daft. You still love him don’t you?”

“You know I do. But what if he doesn‘t love me?”

“He asked about you?”

“He did?”

“Yes and David told him that you broke up.”

“David?”

“I was going to tell you… David’s another member of this group that Carlos is part of. So is Urs. You’ve got to come here Kristina please. This is your chance to make things right.”

“Abigail I don’t think…”

“Kristina are you going to come here or do I have to come and get you?”

“Okay, okay I‘ll come.”

“Alright. I’ll wait for you outside.”

Abigail said goodbye and put her mobile away, as she went back in to Simon’s office.

“Everything okay?” Simon asked, when he saw her come back in to the room.

“Couldn’t be better.” she replied, as she took a glass of champagne.

***** CHAPTER 38 *****

Kristina got out of the taxi and looked up at the Sony BMG offices. She was about to see Urs for the first time in over four years. She felt sick with nerves. Kristina had no idea what she was going to say to him, she wasn’t even sure if he would talk to her. Abigail then appeared on the steps outside the main building and Kristina made her way over to her sister.

“Hi.” she said as she hugged Abigail.

“Hi Kristina.” Abigail replied. “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

“I nearly didn’t.” Kristina replied.

“Why not?” Abigail asked. “This is what you’ve been waiting for isn’t it?”

“Yes but…”

“No buts.” Abigail interrupted. “You’ve already wasted enough time.”

Abigail took her sister’s hand and led her inside the building.

“Simon’s office is just down here.” Abigail said, pointing to a big black door at the end of the hall.”

“I’m not sure I can do this, Abigail.” Kristina said, stopping suddenly in the hallway.

“You want to see him don’t you?” Abigail asked. Kristina nodded. “Then what’s the problem?”

Kristina couldn’t explain it to her sister. She would never understand. There were so many things stopping Kristina from walking through that door. Four years was an incredibly long time. People change, she had changed. What if he doesn’t feel the same way about her anymore? Maybe she doesn’t feel the same and she’s just been fooling herself all these years. She was scared to find out what might happen after all this time.

“Where are the toilets?” Kristina asked faintly. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Abigail quickly showed her sister where they were.

“Will you be okay here for a moment?” Abigail asked. “They’re probably wondering where I’ve got to.”

“You go.” Kristina replied. “I’ll stay here.”

“Okay.” Abigail said hugging her sister. “I’ll come back in few minutes.”

Abigail went back to Simon’s office and Kristina went in to the ladies.

Four years was just too long to try and fix things now. Too much time had passed. Kristina splashed some cold water on her face and then looked at herself in the mirror. You can’t do it, she told herself. Just leave. Kristina knew her sister was trying to help but she couldn’t see him again. She would leave a message at the front desk and ask them to let Abigail know she had gone home. Kristina picked up her bag and walked out in to the hall and bumped straight in to somebody, dropping her bag on the floor. Kristina started to apologise as she knelt down to pick up her bag.

“I’m sorry I….”

“Hello Krissy.”

Kristina looked up and looked straight in to his eyes.

“Urs….” Kristina murmured.

“I hope this isn’t going to become a habit.” Urs said, as he bent down and started putting things back in her bag.

“A habit?” Kristina said, puzzled. “I don’t understand what you.…”

“Us bumping in to each other this way.” Urs replied, not making eye contact with her. “This is how we first met or have you forgotten?”

“No.” Kristina said weakly, as she continued to stare at him. “No, I hadn’t forgotten.”

Urs looked at Kristina as he handed her bag back to her.

“I think everything is there.”

“Sorry?” Kristina said, not taking her eyes off him.

“Your bag?” Urs said, with raised eyebrows.

“Oh… yes…thank you.” Kristina stuttered, as she took the bag from him.

Urs stood up and held his hand out to her.

Kristina couldn’t move, all she could do was look at him. A lot of things might have changed over the last four years but her feelings for Urs hadn’t. Kristina still loved him.

“Are you going to stay down there all day?” Urs asked coldly.

Kristina took Urs’ hand as he helped Kristina to her feet.

“Thank you.” she said, feeling a little embarrassed at the way Urs had spoken to her.

Kristina knew she had hurt Urs and she didn’t expect them to be on the best of speaking terms but she hadn’t expected him to act so distant towards her.

Then came the uncomfortable silence. This was what Kristina had been dreading.

****************************************************

“And this lovely young woman is Saskia. She will be looking after the legal side of things.” Simon said, as he introduced her to the others.

“Anything that needs your signature, Saskia will be checking first; contracts, copyrights, the usual things.”

Saskia greeted everyone in the room.

“I’m sorry Simon.” Saskia said. “But I really need to talk to Urs. Do you know where I can find him?”

“I think he was going to use the phone down the hall.” Sebastien replied. “His mobile wouldn’t work, I can show you where he is.”

“Thanks, that would be great.” Saskia replied.

Sebastien and Saskia left the others to find Urs.

****************************************************

“How are things with you?” Kristina asked nervously, desperate to break the silence.

“Fine.” Urs replied. “I’ve been in Holland the last few years singing with the Netherlands Opera. How about you?”

“Things are good.” Kristina lied. Over the last four years she had gone through depression, split up with David and lost her business. Kristina had finally ended things with David after she realised it wasn’t fair on him. As much as she loved David she couldn’t forget Urs.

Kristina had decided to make a new start in a new country and after visiting friends in London two years ago, she decided London was the place for her. She now had a full time job as a publicist in the city.

“Glad to hear it.” Urs replied, with a blank look on his face.

This couldn’t be the same Urs that Kristina knew. She looked in to his eyes but couldn’t see anything there, no emotion, no feeling, no love.

“Urs, there you are!”

Kristina and Urs turned to see who had called him.

“Kristina it’s great to see you again.” Sebastien said, kissing her on the cheek.

“You too, Sebastien.” she replied.

“You two know each other?” Urs asked, looking at Sebastien.

“Kristina’s company used to represent me.” Sebastien replied.

“Oh of course.” Urs said, glancing at Kristina. “I remember now.”

“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” a young woman asked, standing behind Sebastien.

Kristina hadn’t noticed her straight away, she had been looking at Urs. The young woman stepped forward. She must’ve been about 30, petite, dark brown shoulder length hair, light skin and dark green eyes.

“I’m sorry.” Urs replied, stepping aside. “Saskia this is Kristina, someone I met a few years ago. Kristina this is Saskia. My girlfriend.” he added, as Urs slipped his arm around Saskia’s waist.

***** CHAPTER 39 *****

“It’s lovely to meet you.” Saskia said, holding her hand out to Kristina.

“And you.” Kristina replied faintly, as she shook Saskia’s hand. “If you’ll excuse me but I have to be somewhere and I‘m already running late.” Kristina said, as she tried to hold back the tears. She then turned and hurried down the hallway, down the stairs and in to the reception.

“Kristina!”

Kristina turned around to see her sister running after her.

“Kristina wait!”

But Kristina didn’t wait. She carried on through reception and walked out in to the street, looking for a taxi.

“Why didn’t you wait?” Abigail said, as she grabbed her sister’s arm. “You must’ve heard me calling you.”

“Leave me alone.” Kristina cried, shaking her arm loose from Abigail’s grip.

“Kristina what’s wrong?” Abigail asked. “Why are you crying?”

“What do you care?” Kristina said, as she tried to get the attention of a taxi across the road. “This is all your fault.”

“What’s my fault?” Abigail said, blocking her sister from crossing the road.

“I saw Urs.” Kristina said, tears running down her face. “He hardly said two words to me. And when he did talk to me he didn’t have a nice word to say. Oh and then he took great delight in introducing me to his girlfriend.”

“He has a girlfriend?” Abigail said, shocked. “I’m sorry Kristina, I didn’t know. If I did, I wouldn’t have told you to come.”

“Whatever!” Kristina said, looking for another taxi.

“Don’t take this out on me!” Abigail snapped. “I was only trying to help. You had enough chances with Urs. Why didn’t you call him? Heck, you had four years to tell him you loved him.”

“I did call him.” Kristina said, looking at her sister. “I promised you I would.”

“But you told me you didn’t.” Abigail said, looking confused.

“Well I did.” Kristina replied. “But a woman answered. It was probably Saskia, his girlfriend. He seemed to get over me pretty quickly didn‘t he.”

“Are you sure it was his girlfriend?” Abigail asked. “It could have been anyone.”

“It doesn’t really matter who it was, does it?” Kristina said as she hailed another taxi. “He’s with Saskia now.”

“But I’m sure he still loves you.” Abigail said.

“Not any more.” Kristina said, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “I could see it in his eyes. He doesn’t love me.”

“But Kristina you don’t know that.” Abigail said, trying to hug her sister. “You have to go back and talk to him.”

“Just let me go, please.” Kristina cried, as she pushed her sister away. “You don’t realise how hard it was coming here today and you have absolutely no idea how I feel. It's all so easy for you. You’re happily married and I‘m alone. All alone.”

Abigail stepped aside and watched as her sister got in to a taxi and drove off.

Unknown to Abigail or Kristina, Urs had been watching the whole incident from Simon’s window above.

“What are you looking at, Urs?” Saskia asked, as she walked over to join Urs by the window.

“Nothing worthwhile.” Urs replied, turning to Saskia and smiling at her. “What do you fancy doing tonight?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“How about a nice quiet night in.” Saskia replied. “It’s been ages since it was just the two of us.”

“Sounds perfect.” Urs replied, as he bent down and brushed his lips against hers.

David had also been watching what was going on from another window. He thought he recognised the woman in the street below but didn’t realise who it was until he saw Abigail go over to her. It was Kristina. But why was she crying? What was she doing in London? And what was she doing at Sony BMG?

**********************************************

“Are you sure you are alright?” Carlos asked Abigail, as he sat down beside her and pulled her in to his arms.

Abigail had come back in to Simon’s office in tears and Simon had let them use the office next door for some privacy.

“I’ll be okay in a few minutes.” Abigail replied, as she leant her head against his chest. “I hate it when we argue, I thought I was doing the right thing by telling Kristina to come here.”

“You weren’t to know what was going to happen.” Carlos said, trying to comfort her. “I’m sure she will realise that you were only trying to help, when she’s calmed down.”

“You really think so?” Abigail asked.

“I’m sure of it.” Carlos replied. “How long have we been married now?”

“Four years.” she replied. “Why?”

“How many times have you and Kristina argued and you’ve always made up the same day?” he asked.

“This is different Carlos.” Abigail said, quietly. “I’ve never seen her this upset. Not since the last time she saw him.”

“Things will sort themselves out.” Carlos said, gently stroking her hair. “They always do.”

“But what happens if they don’t?” Abigail asked. “I know for a fact she still loves him and I’m sure he still loves her.”

“You can’t force it.” Carlos replied. “If they love each other like you say they do, then love will find a way. It just might take some time.”

“It’s been four years, Carlos.” Abigail replied, sighing. “How much more time do they need?”

David had gone to look for Abigail and find out what was wrong with Kristina. He went to knock on the door but paused when he overheard Abigail and Carlos talking. Kristina was upset because of him? But how? He didn’t even know she was in the same building until a few minutes ago. Did she still love him? David wanted to know the answers but decided now wasn’t the time or the place to ask those questions and went back to the others.

******************************************

When Kristina arrived home she had gone straight upstairs and laid down on the bed, crying. She had finally managed to get her life back to some normality but now Urs had shown up again. Kristina’s first reaction had been one of shock, when Abigail had told her that he was at Sony. She knew it was a bad idea to see him after all that had happened between them but somehow she had let Abigail convince her otherwise. Kristina should have trusted her first instincts. Urs had found someone new and now she had to live with the fact that he no longer loved her. Reality hit Kristina when she looked in to his eyes desperately searching for the connection they once shared but it wasn’t there. No look of love, not even hate, just emptiness.

To make things worse there was a strong possibility that the two of them would meet again. Urs and her brother-in-law were now both in Il Divo. Kristina knew from Abigail that Carlos had to stay in London to work on songs for the new album for the next few months. Arrangements had been made for all members of the group to live in London and that’s why Abigail had come with Carlos. The album would be recorded in Sweden after Christmas but until then, Kristina would just have to do her best to avoid him.

******************************************

Abigail and Carlos had gone back to Simon’s office to join the others. But Abigail then left Carlos and Sebastien talking when she decided to try and phone Kristina. She wanted to make sure she was alright.

“So how do you know Abby?” Carlos asked Sebastien.

“We met a few years ago in Paris.” Sebastien replied, sitting down. “We only spoke a couple of times but she made a lasting impression on me.”

“Me too.” Carlos replied, smiling as he thought of Abigail. “That’s why I married her.”

“You look familiar.” Sebastien frowning. “Have we ever met? I mean before all this Il Divo business.”

“No, I don’t think so.” Carlos said, sitting down next to Sebastien.

Sebastien continued to look at Carlos and then it dawned on him.

“I remember now.” Sebastien said, pointing at Carlos. “You were the guy at the hotel.”

“What hotel would that be?” Carlos asked as he picked up his drink.

“The Hotel Bastille.” Sebastien replied.

Carlos glanced at Sebastien. The only time that Carlos had been to The Hotel Bastille was when Abigail had been staying there, hiding from Brian. As far as he was aware no one knew where she had been staying so how did Sebastien know?

“Did we speak?” Carlos asked. “Because I’m sorry but I don’t remember you.”

“No we didn’t.” Sebastien said, leaning forward to pour himself another glass of wine. “You and Abigail were leaving for Spain the morning I saw you. You seemed to be in a hurry.”

Carlos didn’t reply.

“I take it you and Abigail still live in Spain.” Sebastien said, when Carlos didn’t reply.

“Yes.” came the short reply from Carlos.

“Whereabouts?” Sebastien asked.

“Why do you ask?” Carlos said abruptly.

“I’m sorry.” Sebastien said, surprised. “I was just trying to make polite conversation. The four of us are going to be spending a lot of time together over the next few months. It might be longer if this is a success. I thought it might be a good idea to try and at least get to know one another a little better.”

“I’m sorry.” Carlos replied. “I didn’t mean to sound rude but we have our reasons for keeping Abigail’s life private.”

“Abigail’s life?” Sebastien asked puzzled. “Why not your own?”

Carlos didn’t answer.

“I’m sorry I’m doing it again.” Sebastien said frowning. “I’m asking too many personal questions.”

“No it’s alright.” Carlos replied, sighing. “It’s just that Abigail has been through a lot and I don’t want anything to mess things up.”

This time Sebastien didn’t answer for fear of asking another question and upsetting Carlos.

“You’re right.” Carlos said, sitting back in his seat. “We could be spending months, maybe years, living in each others pockets. If I tell you it’s because Abigail seems to like you and I believe I can trust you to tell no one.”

“I won’t say a word.” Sebastien replied. “What ever you tell me now stays between just you and me.”

Carlos started to tell Sebastien everything that had happened.

“You mean he hit her?” Sebastien asked, shocked.

“Yes.” Carlos said quietly as he stared down in to his wine glass. “How a man can do such a thing I will never know.”

Sebastien sat in silence, waiting for Carlos to continue.

“Abigail and I first met online and we became good friends. She told me about Brian, her boyfriend, how he was violent towards her, abusive. But there was nothing I could do to help her. I was in Spain and she was in Paris.”

“So what happened in the end?” Sebastien asked, “I mean how did you two meet?”

“We were talking online when Brian saw her in the internet café.” Carlos replied. “She somehow managed to get away from him and contacted me. I arranged for her to stay at the hotel and flew out to see her the following day.”

“I guess that’s why she lied about her name.” Sebastien said, thoughtfully.

“I don’t understand.” Carlos said, shaking his head. “Lied?”

“Yes.” Sebastien replied. “The first time I met Abigail was in the bar at the hotel. She was on her own, playing the piano. We started talking and I was probably asking too many personal questions as usual. When I asked her what her name was she gave me some other name. Kate I think. But then I saw her with you the following morning and you called her Abby. I always wondered why she lied.”

“Well now you know.” Carlos said sighing. “Brian had a lot of contacts in Paris. She was worried that someone might see her and tell Brian where she was. In fact I vaguely remember her telling me that a strange Frenchman had been asking her lots of questions.”

“That would be me.” Sebastien said, laughing.

“Do you mean strange or French?” Carlos asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

“I can see the four of us are going to have a lot of fun.” Sebastien said, grinning. “I’m looking forward to this.”

***** CHAPTER 40 *****

It had been a week since Sebastien, Carlos, David and Urs had been officially introduced to each other as being the new popera group, Il Divo. They had all been given keys to their own apartment in the same building as one another and had spent the first day getting settled in. But the following day they had been given instructions to start working on the new album. Simon had already composed a list of songs which he wanted to them to experiment with. He had also involved several well known producers and song writers, explaining what he was looking for with the new genre of music.

***************************************

Urs was playing the piano, while David sang along and Carlos and Sebastien were discussing who should sing what lines in Mama.

David stopped singing and looked over at Carlos and Sebastien.

“I hope it’s not always going to be like this.” he said to Urs as he leant on the piano. “I don’t know how much more of their bickering I can take.”

“Why don’t we take a break?” Urs replied. “We don’t seem to be getting anywhere fast.”

“Good idea.” David replied, as he went and sat on the couch.

“Hey you two!” David yelled. “Give it a rest will you.”

Sebastien and Carlos stopped arguing and looked at David.

“Maybe if you helped us rather than sitting on your backside we might actually finish this.” Sebastien snapped. “Simon wants to hear this and we can’t even agree on who’s going to sing what line.”

“We’ve been at this for hours.” David replied. “We need to have a break before we end up killing each other.”

“David is right.” Carlos said, turning back to Sebastien. “We’re not solving anything by arguing. Let’s try it again later on.”

Sebastien dropped the lyric sheets on the table and picked up his jacket.

“I’m going for a walk. Give me a shout when you want to start again.”

“Things aren’t going too well are they.” Carlos said sighing. “I don’t think this is what Simon had planned when he came up with this group.”

“I don’t think any of us did.” Urs said, as he sat down in a chair opposite David. “No one’s ever done anything like this before, it’s new to all of us. We’ll figure it out eventually.”

“I’m glad you’re so confident about this.” David said laughing. “We’ve been here one day and we’re already at each others throats.”

“If you don’t mind I’m going to call Abby.” Carlos said as he picked up his jacket and headed for the door. “I’ll keep an eye on Sebastien while I’m at it, make sure he doesn‘t wander off.”

“And then there were two.” David said sighing after Carlos had left. “If you want to go as well, I don’t mind. You don‘t have to stay here, I‘ll be alright on my own.”

“No, it’s okay.” Urs said, as he leant forward and poured himself a glass of water. “I’m alright here.”

“I thought you’d want to go and see that lovely girlfriend of yours.” David replied. “What’s her name? Saskia?”

Urs nodded, before taking a mouthful of water.

“It must be good having her working nearby.” David said, leaning back on the couch. “With her being our lawyer I guess you can see her whenever you want.”

“Not exactly.” Urs replied. “Her schedule is pretty hectic and we‘re not her only client. Sometimes we don’t see each other for days.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” David said, apologetically. “I didn’t realise.”

“It’s not a problem.” Urs said. “We always manage to spend time together somehow.”

“So… do you have anyone back in America?” Urs asked, looking across at David.

“Not at the moment.” David replied. “Just as well I suppose. If Il Divo takes off then it could mean going on tour and travelling all over the world for months at a time. That would be a strain on any relationship.”

“Is that what happened with you and Krissy?” Urs asked.

David didn’t answer.

“I’m sorry, that was rude of me.” Urs said, noticing the frown on David’s face. “I shouldn’t have asked. It’s nothing to do with me.”

David shook his head and smiled.

“It’s okay, it’s no big secret.” he said sighing. “I guess some of it had to do with my work, my career was just starting to take off. But I think most of it was because of her illness. I don’t know if she told you she was ill."

Urs nodded. “She told me when she stayed in Paris.”

“Well anyway, Krissy ended the relationship.” David continued. “She said she wasn’t happy anymore, that things just weren’t working for her. I think the surgery had something to do with it, things changed when she came home from hospital.”

“Do you think you’ll ever get back together?” Urs asked.

“I don’t know.” David said, thoughtfully.

“Do you want to?” Urs said.

“Are we all ready to start again?” Carlos asked, as he and Sebastien walked back in to the room.

“I’m ready when you are.” David replied standing up.

Urs followed David back over to the piano and sat down, wondering what his answer would have been if the others hadn‘t returned.

Sebastien and Carlos took off their jackets and joined David and Urs by the piano.

“Maybe we are doing this all wrong.” Sebastien said, as he picked up the lyric sheets.

“What do you do mean?” David asked.

“Why don’t we try another song.” Sebastien replied. “We’ve spent ages on the same song and got no where. Let’s try this one.”

“Regressa a Mi?” Urs said as he took the music sheet from Sebastien.

“Well it’s a song we all know.” David said. “So all we’ve got to work out is who sings which part.”

“Sounds easy enough.” Carlos replied. “Why don’t we all take turns in singing the whole song?”

“What good will that do?” Sebastien asked.

“It’s all very well knowing the song.” David replied. “But you might not be able to sing certain parts. Carlos has a very deep voice and mine’s high. At least that way we will narrow down what parts we know we can’t sing.”

“He has a point.” Urs said, as he started to play the intro.

“Okay let’s give it a go.” Carlos said.

Finally they all agreed on something and five hours later they had managed to sing Regressa a Mi the whole way through, as Il Divo.

********************************************

“I know you’ve only just got in but did you want to go out tonight?” Saskia asked Urs.

“Do you mind if we don’t?” Urs said, taking off his jacket. “Today’s been a long day and I’m really tired.”

“I don’t mind.” Saskia replied walking towards him. “I just thought you might like to go out have some fun, you‘ve been working so hard. We could go dancing.”

“You know I can’t dance to save my life.” Urs replied chuckling, as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“I know.” Saskia said, sliding her arms around his neck. “But I knew that would put a smile on your face.”

“Have I ever thanked you?” Urs whispered to her.

“Thanked me for what?” Saskia asked.

“Just for being you.” Urs replied. “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Saskia smiled up at him. “Why don’t you go and have a shower and I’ll cook dinner.”

“Deal.” Urs said, before leaning down and kissing her.

While Saskia started preparing dinner, Urs made his way to the bedroom. He kicked off his shoes and laid back on the bed thinking about Kristina. Urs wanted to know what Kristina was doing in London and what she was doing at the Sony offices the day she bumped in to him. A small smile crept across his face as he thought about the time they had first met and she had bumped in to him. It all seemed so long ago.

It was a long time ago, he thought to himself. It was four years ago. In that time, Urs had moved on with his life. He moved to Holland to sing with the Netherlands Opera and then met Saskia. Saskia had been working for a law firm in Amsterdam when they met through a mutual friend. It was a long time before Saskia and Urs started a relationship, Urs hadn’t been able to forget Kristina and was adamant he would never get hurt again. But then Saskia was different. She wasn’t like Stephanie, she didn’t force him in to anything, trying to make things to happen, they just did and he trusted Saskia. But it wasn’t an instant attraction between them, unlike Kristina. No matter how much Kristina denied it, he knew that they once shared something. Urs wondered what his life would be like now if Kristina had told him she loved him. Would she have left David? Would they be together? Would they be married? Would he be a father? Urs had so many questions but none of them were important any more. He had Saskia, he loved her and she loved him. Saskia was the most important thing in his life now.

“Urs?”

Urs opened his eyes to see Saskia standing by the bed.

“Dinner’s ready.”

“So soon?” he asked.

“It’s been an hour.” Saskia replied. “I thought you were going to have a shower.”

“I must have dozed off.” Urs said, as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. “It doesn’t matter, I’ll shower after dinner.”

Saskia watched Urs as he ate. He was quieter than normal and at times he looked distant.

“Is everything alright?” Saskia asked.

Urs looked up from his meal.

“Fine, why do you ask?” he replied.

“You look as if something’s bothering you.” Saskia said, putting her hand on his. “Are you worried about something? Is it the group? Are you having second thoughts?”

“No I’m not having second thoughts.” Urs replied, smiling. “I’m just tired.”

Urs looked in to Saskia’s eyes. He knew Saskia loved him but he didn’t see that shimmer, that sparkle that Kristina had. He missed having that connection, the feeling that he and Kristina shared but Saskia meant the world to him. Urs didn’t know why Kristina was in London but what ever the reason, he wasn’t going to let her ruin things between him and Saskia.

***** CHAPTER 41 *****

Kristina knocked on the door to Carlos and Abigail’s new apartment. She had come to apologise for the way she had spoken to Abigail that day outside the Sony offices. A week had gone by and they still hadn’t spoken. She knew Abigail had called her several times but Kristina felt ashamed at the way she had spoken to her sister and was too upset about Urs. Kristina had thrown herself in to her work, early starts, late finishes, anything to keep her self busy and try and keep her mind off Urs while she was awake. But she couldn’t escape him, even when she slept, Kristina dreamt of Urs. Sometimes when she woke, for a split second she would feel like the happiest woman alive, believing she and Urs were together. But then she would realise it was just another dream, yet somehow it felt real, which left her feeling low for the rest of the day. It was almost like God was teasing her, saying this is what you could have had, only to snatch it away from her.

“Kristina!”

“Hi Carlos.” Kristina said, giving him a hug. “You’re looking very smart tonight, off somewhere nice?”

Carlos nodded. “I‘m taking Abigail out for a meal. She‘s been a bit down since last week.”

“I’m sorry Carlos.” Kristina said, lowering her eyes. “That’s my fault.”

“Don’t worry.” Carlos told her, placing a hand on Kristina’s arm. “Abigail told me what happened, I can understand why you’re upset. But I know she’ll be pleased to see you.”

Kristina smiled. “Where is she?”

“She’s in the bedroom getting ready.” Carlos replied.

Carlos showed Kristina to their bedroom and left the two sisters to talk in private. Kristina lightly tapped on the door and opened it.

“Kristina!”

“Hi Abigail.” Kristina said quietly. “Can we talk? I won’t keep you long, Carlos told me you’re going out for a meal.”

“Of course we can talk.” Abigail said, smiling as she walked toward Kristina. “I’ve always got time for you, you’re my sister.”

“I wanted to apologise for the way I behaved the other day.” Kristina said in a low voice. “I know I was out of order, talking to you that way. I realise now that you were only trying to help but when I found out about Saskia…”

“You don’t have to apologise Kristina.” Abigail said hugging her sister. “I know how hard it must’ve been for you, seeing him with her.”

Kristina pulled away from her sister, with tears in her eyes.

“What are you going to do?” Abigail asked.

“About what?” Kristina replied.

“About Urs. You still love him, that much is obvious.” Abigail told her. “But are you going to fight for him?”

“Fight?” Kristina said, sounding a little confused.

“Kristina, come here.” Abigail said, as she walked over to the bed and sat down.

Kristina followed her and sat down beside her.

“I know Urs is with Saskia now.” Abigail told her. “But you two were meant to be together. It might have taken you a while to realise it but Urs once told you he loved you, so he must‘ve known it was true.”

“He might have loved me once.” Kristina replied faintly. “But not anymore.”

“Kristina, you can’t think like that.” Abigail said, taking her hand and squeezing it. “Talk to him, tell him you love him. Make him see that it’s you he should be with, not Saskia.”

“I can’t do that Abigail.” Kristina replied. “He’s with Saskia now. She seems really nice and it wouldn’t be fair on her.”

“Fair?” Abigail said surprised. “You were still with David when Urs told you he loved you. Was he being fair to David? Or you for that matter? And it‘s not fair on Saskia if he‘s only with her because he thinks you don‘t love him. That‘s why you‘ve got to tell him.”

“Look, I’m sorry Abigail.” Kristina said, getting up from the bed. “I don’t want to get in to another argument over Urs. Can we just forget about him?”

“Sure.” Abigail replied. “If that’s what you want, then I won’t mention him again.”

After saying goodbye to Abigail and Carlos, Kristina was now waiting for the elevator. She felt a lot happier, knowing that her and Abigail were talking again. But she was worried that Urs might appear from somewhere and she really couldn’t face him just yet. She was still trying to get used to the fact that he had found someone else. Kristina was considering taking the stairs, when the doors opened and Kristina was greeted with a familiar face.

“Hello Krissy.”

“Oh crap.” she thought to herself.

***** CHAPTER 42 *****

“You’re not going to say hello to me?”

Kristina was about to reply when someone else spoke first.

“Excuse me, can I get past?”

“Double crap!” Kristina thought to herself, as Urs appeared.

“Krissy.” Urs said, quickly glancing at her and giving her a small nod before turning away.

“Urs.” she replied quietly. Kristina watched as Urs made his way down the hall.

“Friend of yours?”

“None of your business.” Kristina snapped, trying to keep her voice down so that Urs wouldn’t hear.

“Hey it was a simple enough question sweets.” Harvey replied, shrugging his shoulders.

“I’m not your sweets, Harvey.” she said, glaring at him.

“You used to be.” he replied.

“Yes I used to be.” Kristina said. “At least you got that right.”

“What’s with the attitude?” Harvey asked, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. “You never used to be so uptight.”

“Uptight?” Kristina said, surprised. “I’m not uptight.”

“You could have fooled me sweets.” Harvey mumbled, with raised eyebrows.

“Excuse me.” Kristina said, pressing the button for the elevator. “But I’ve got things to do.”

“Well how about we meet up sometime?” Harvey said, pushing himself off the wall. “Catch up on old times.”

Kristina didn’t reply. She couldn’t believe that Harvey was here. She hadn’t seen him for over 6 years and now he had to show up here of all places.

“What do you say sweets?” Harvey said.

“If you call me sweets one more time I’m going to….” Kristina could feel her blood boiling.

“You’re going to what?” Harvey asked.

“Forget it.” she snapped, as she stabbed at the elevator button again. Come on what’s taking so long, she thought.

“I didn’t forget you.” Harvey said. “I thought about you everyday.”

“Yeah right.” Krissy said, glaring at him. “So why didn’t you call me? Why didn’t you write? Why didn’t you come home?”

“Things made it impossible sweets. I was on the road all the time.” Harvey replied. “I tried calling you but the number was disconnected.”

“That’s because I couldn’t afford to pay the phone bill you idiot.” Kristina snapped. “You were too busy living the highlife while I was working my butt off to pay for your stupid music equipment, as well as keep a roof over my head.”

“Hey if it’s money you need then I’ve got plenty.” Harvey said, taking his wallet out of his pocket. “How much did you want?”

“I don’t want your damn money Harvey.” Kristina said, raising her voice. “It’s too late for that. Just leave me alone.”

“But I want to make it up to you sweets.” Harvey said, putting a hand up to her face.

“Don’t touch me!” she snapped, pushing his hand away. “And stop calling me sweets.”

“You really do have an attitude problem don’t you?” Harvey spat, grabbing her wrist. “I can have any woman I want now. I have women falling at my feet.”

“So what are you doing here then?” Kristina asked, trying to pull herself free. “Why don’t you go and pester them instead?”

“You really have changed Kristina. You used to be so nice.” Harvey said, sneering at her.

“Don’t you mean gullible, naïve, young and stupid?” Kristina asked, sarcastically. “I’ve grown up a lot since then. I’ve realised how stupid I was to ever get involved with you and I pity the poor woman you’re with now.”

“I’m beginning to wonder what I ever saw in you.” Harvey spat, his grip tightening on her wrist.

“Let go, you‘re hurting me.” Kristina cried, now trying to prise his fingers from her wrist.

“Krissy? You okay?”

Kristina and Harvey turned to see David. The elevator had finally arrived.

“David.” Kristina said, giving a sigh of relief.

“Is he bothering you?” David asked, looking at Harvey.

“Don’t worry, I’m leaving.” Harvey said, glaring at Kristina as he let go of her wrist.

Kristina and David watched as he walked down the hall and disappeared around the corner.

“So who was that?” David asked when Harvey was out of sight.

“Harvey.” Kristina said quietly, rubbing her wrist.

David was silent for a moment. “Harvey? You don’t mean the Harvey that…”

“The one and only.” Kristina replied.

“Oh.” David said, looking at Kristina.

The two stood in silence for a moment before David spoke.

“I guess Abigail told you that I’m part of the same group that Carlos is in. Il Divo?”

Kristina nodded. “Yes, she told me. Congratulations!”

“Thanks.” David said, smiling at her.

The two stood in silence again.

“I wondered when we would meet.” he said quietly. “I often think of you and wonder what you’re doing now.”

Kristina looked at David and smiled but couldn’t stop the tears, slowly rolling down her cheeks.

“Oh Krissy.” David said softly, as he put his arms around her. “I didn‘t mean to make you cry.”

“I’m sorry, David.” Kristina said, wrapping her arms around his waist. “It’s not you. It’s just been a bad week and then seeing Harvey and… and other things.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” David asked, pulling away slightly and looking down at her.

Kristina shook her head. “It’s okay David. I’ll be alright in a bit.”

“Come on.” David said, taking Kristina’s hand. “My apartment is right here. You can come in and freshen up. Then if you’re feeling up to it you can beat me on the Playstation.”

Kristina smiled through her tears and couldn’t help giggling, remembering all the times he had sworn her to secrecy, promising not to tell his friends that she had beaten him at every game.

“You always did know how to make me laugh David.” Kristina told him. “Even when I didn’t even feel like smiling. Thank you.”

“Hey that’s what friends are for.” David replied, as he gently squeezed her hand.

Unknown to them, Urs had been standing at his door listening to the whole conversation. He wanted to know who Harvey was and why he had upset Kristina so much. But right now Urs was more concerned about David. Was he still in love with Kristina? Did she feel the same way? Urs watched as David and Kristina disappeared in to his apartment before he quietly closed the door.

***** CHAPTER 43 *****

After closing the door, Urs went and sat down. He felt guilty for not helping Kristina. It was obvious she was having problems dealing with Harvey but Urs was scared that Kristina might refuse his help. She would have every right to refuse his help after the way he had treated her the other day. Urs couldn’t explain why he had acted that way. He didn’t love her anymore but that was no reason to be so cold to her towards her. By the time Urs realised that he was being silly for not going to help Kristina, David had already shown up and ’saved the day’.

***********************************

“Are you feeling better now?” David asked, as Kristina walked in to the living room.

“Yes thanks.” Kristina replied, sitting down on the sofa next to him. “I feel a bit silly now, crying like that. I don’t know what came over me. I thought I was okay seeing him again.”

“Was that the first time you’ve seen him since… you know.” David asked.

Kristina nodded.

“Maybe it was just the shock more than anything.” David said. “Was he here to see you?”

“No, he didn’t give me that impression.” Kristina said, thoughtfully. “Anyway, how would he know where to find me? I don’t even live here, I was visiting Abigail.”

“He could have followed you.” David said, shrugging his shoulders.

“No.” Kristina said, shaking her head. “I think it was just bad luck that I ran in to him. But enough about him, I should get going. I‘m sure you‘ve got things to do.”

“Actually I haven’t.” David said, quickly. “If you wanted to… I mean… if you haven’t got anything planned, did you want to stay for dinner? We could get something delivered.”

“Well if you’re sure…” Kristina said.

“I wouldn’t have asked otherwise.” David replied. “So you’ll stay?”

“Yes. I would love to stay.” Kristina replied. “But first, tell me what have you got in the kitchen?”

David looked confused.

“Have you everything I would need to make your favourite meal?” Kristina said, smiling at David.

“You mean pizza?” David asked, grinning.

“Yep, so have you got everything I need?” she replied.

“You bet I have David.” he replied, walking towards the kitchen. “You wouldn‘t believe how many times I‘ve tried to make it since…”

David stopped when he realised what he was about to say.

“…since we broke up?” Kristina continued for him.

“Yes.” David said, quietly. “I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for David?” Kristina asked. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.”

“I guess I can’t help feeling that I did something wrong.” David replied. “Did I say or do something that pushed you away, something that made you stop loving me?”

“I never stopped loving you, David.” Kristina replied, walking over to him. “You didn’t do anything wrong, believe me.”

“So why did you end it?” he asked, sounding confused. “I still don‘t understand.”

Kristina was at a loss for words. She couldn’t tell David the truth; that she still loved him but loved Urs even more and that was why she had left.

“Things happened that… just changed things for me.” she replied, feeling guilty about lying to David but not wanting to hurt him with the real reason.

“You mean the surgery?” David asked.

Kristina didn’t reply.

“I never said anything but… you were different when you came back from the hospital.” David said faintly. “You seemed so distant at times. I wanted to help but you refused to accept anything was wrong, it… it broke my heart to see you like that.”

“I’m sorry David.” Kristina said sadly, placing a hand on his arm. “I never meant to hurt you. But I had my reasons for leaving, believe me, it was for the best.”

“Do you think we would still be together if it wasn’t for the surgery?” David asked, cautiously.

Kristina thought about what David had asked her. If Kristina had never been ill, Urs would never have visited her in hospital. But things changed several weeks before then. Things were never quite the same as soon as Kristina found out that Urs loved her.

“Maybe.” Kristina replied, thoughtfully. “Who knows?”

“I never stopped loving you either.” David said quietly.

Kristina looked up at David and smiled when she saw his face. He was still the sweet, kind and most gentle man she had ever met.

Neither of them spoke as they continued to look at each other. David put a hand around her waist and slowly drew her closer to him.

“I meant what I said, Krissy.” David said softly. “I never stopped loving you.”

“David I don’t think we…”

“Don’t worry.” he said, interrupting her. “I know we can’t go back to how things used to be but we can still be friends can‘t we?”

“Absolutely!” Kristina said, before standing up on tip toe and giving him a friendly kiss on the lips. “I know it’s partly my fault but we should’ve stayed in touch. I’ve missed talking to you.”

“Same here.” David replied, as he and Kristina hugged. David’s stomach then started to growl causing them both to laugh.

“Come on Miller.” Kristina said, taking his hand. “Show me this kitchen of yours and let‘s get you something to eat before you pass out.”

***********************************

“You’ve no idea how much I’ve missed your cooking, Krissy.” David said, collapsing on the sofa with his hand on his stomach and a satisfied look on his face.

“Well don’t get too used to it.” Kristina said, placing a bottle of coke and two glasses on the table. “It’s your turn to cook for me next time.”

“But you know I can’t cook.” David replied laughing, as he opened the bottle. “Are you sure you want to risk it?”

“If it’s that bad I‘ll let you buy me dinner instead.” Kristina said. “Have you ever thought about taking cooking lessons?” she asked, giggling.

“Hey I’m not that bad!” David said, pouting at her. “It’s edible and it fills the gap.” he added, patting his stomach.

“Well you’re still alive so I guess you’re doing something right.” she said, winking at him as she took a glass from him. “But I still think you should get cooking lessons.”

“Enough talk about food, you’re making me hungry again.” David said, getting up from the couch. “Let’s see if you’re still as good as you think you are.”

“I don’t think, I know.” Kristina said, giving him a huge grin, as David handed her a controller to the Playstation. “Prepare to have your butt whooped again Miller.”

*********************************

“How do you do that?” David asked, frowning. “I’ve been trying to get past that level for days.”

“But it’s easy!” Kristina exclaimed. “Look, when you come round this corner, don’t brake, just take your finger off the accelerator button, turn in to the corner and let it slide, then turn and straighten up! See! It’s easy!”

“You’ve played this before haven’t you.” David said, getting up from the couch.

“David, I haven’t touched a PlayStation in four years.” Kristina said laughing.

“Okay how about an X-Box?” David said, as he picked up the coke bottle and went to pour another glass for each of them.

“Why can’t you just admit it, you’ll never be as good as me.” she replied, as she held out her empty glass. “Looks like we’re all out.” she added, when David found the bottle was empty.

“I’ll go get another one.” David said, getting up from the couch. “Why don’t you have a look on the TV and see if there’s a movie worth watching.”

While David went to get another bottle, Kristina picked up the TV remote and started flicking through the channels. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun. Kristina hadn’t dated anyone since David and it made a nice change to enjoy some male company. It was especially nice to spend time with David, someone who knew her so well and she didn’t have to put on an act. She was genuinely enjoying herself.

“Did you find anything decent to watch?” David asked, returning with another bottle of coke.

“Nothing much.” Kristina replied. “I don’t suppose you’ve still got Star Wars on video?”

“I’ll be right back.” David replied, before handing Kristina the bottle of coke.

Several minutes later, David reappeared.

“Star Wars trilogy on DVD.” David said, grinning as he held up the box. “I bought it last month but haven’t had a chance to watch it yet. It‘s got all the extras and interviews on it.”

“Well what are you waiting for?” Kristina replied. “Let’s watch it.”

*******************************

Several hours later, David woke up with a numb arm. He went to move but found Kristina fast asleep, laying against him. He looked at the clock; it was 3am. David carefully moved away from Kristina, managing not to wake her and got up from the couch. He turned off the TV before looking back at Kristina. David knew that things would never be the same between them but he was just glad they had managed to talk and put everything behind them. He was happy they could still be the best of friends.

David bent down and carefully picked up Kristina, trying not to wake her.

“Urs…”

David stopped where he was and looked at Kristina. She was still asleep but starting to stir.

“I’m sorry I hurt you.” Kristina mumbled.

***** CHAPTER 44 *****

David didn’t move for a moment, he was waiting for Kristina to say something else. But she didn’t, so David continued carrying her in to the guestroom. He gently placed her on the bed, slipped off her shoes and pulled a blanket over her before going to his own bedroom. What did she mean? How did Kristina hurt Urs? David got undressed and climbed in to bed thinking about what Kristina had said. David had lots of questions and he wanted answers.

**************************

Kristina opened her eyes and looked at the alarm clock; but it wasn’t there. Kristina sat up in bed and looked around the room, she didn’t recognise it. The last thing she remembered was watching a video with David. She must have fallen asleep and David let her sleep in here. Kristina glanced at her watch, it was almost 7.00am, if she didn‘t hurry she would be late for work. She slipped on her shoes and quietly opened the door just in case David was still asleep.

“Morning.”

Kristina jumped as she came face to face with David.

“David, you scared the life out of me!”

“Sorry.” David said, quietly laughing. “I didn’t mean to make you jump. I was just coming to wake you up. I wasn‘t sure what time you had to be at work.”

“I’m not due to start until 9 o’clock.” Kristina replied. “But I have a tonne of work to do, I really should be there now.”

“At this time of the morning! David said shocked. “You‘re not going anywhere until you‘ve had something to eat.”

“David, I’m fine.” Kristina said, glancing at her watch again. “I can get something at work.”

“I’m not arguing with you, Krissy.” David said, taking her hand. “I know what you’re like, you’ll get to work and forget. You won’t eat anything until lunchtime.”

Kristina sighed and let David lead her in to the kitchen. He was right. As soon as she got to work Kristina would get caught up in meetings and phone calls.

“Have you got your tablets?” David asked, turning to face Kristina.

“They’re in my bag.” Kristina replied. “I’ll go and get them.”

“No, you sit down and eat.” David said, pulling a chair out for her. “I’ll get them.”

Kristina sat down and smiled to herself as she poured some juice in to a glass. She was surprised that David had remembered. Ever since the transplant, Kristina had to take tablets everyday to prevent rejection of the kidney. At first Kristina couldn’t get used to it, and the special diet she had to follow. But now it was just another part of her daily life and she didn’t give it a second thought. Kristina still had regular check ups to make sure everything was fine. By taking the medication to prevent the kidney being rejected, it meant that her body’s immune system was weakened a little and she had to be careful.

“Here you go.” David said, placing her bag on the table before sitting down opposite her. “Have you had any problems since the transplant?”

“I’ve had a couple of scares.” Kristina replied, as she picked up her bag. “Nothing to worry about in the end, they just changed my medication. Sometimes I get high blood pressure and they just change the dosage.”

“That must be hard on you.” David replied. “I thought the transplant would mean that you wouldn’t have any problems.”

“But I haven’t had any real problems.” Kristina replied. “I’ve had it pretty easy. Taking a few tablets every day for the rest of my life is nothing when you think about what could have happened.”

“When you put it like that…” David started to say.

“Hey let’s not talk about this.” Kristina said, handing a glass of juice to David. “I’m starving, let’s eat.”

“If you’re not careful you’ll end up like me.” David said, grinning as he took the glass from her.

“You mean a jolly giant?” Kristina said giggling.

David stuck his tongue out.

“You know what I mean missy.”

David watched Kristina as she took a slice of toast from the plate and started to butter it.

Kristina noticed him watching her.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, as she bit in to the piece of toast.

“Is everything okay?” David replied casually. “I don’t mean work, I mean… you know.”

“No. I don’t know what you mean.” Kristina replied, looking slightly confused. “What are you talking about?”

“I saw you at the Sony offices last week.” David replied. “You were outside with Abigail.”

“You mean you saw us arguing?” Kristina asked. David nodded. “Sisters argue, you should know, you’ve got two of your own.”

“I know.” David replied. “But you looked pretty upset.”

“It was nothing.” Kristina replied. “We’ve made up now. That’s why I was here last night, I came to apologise.”

“It must have been some argument.” David said, a little shocked. “You left it a whole week before apologising. What was the argument about?”

“If it’s okay with you, I‘d rather not talk about it.” Kristina replied, taking another piece of toast.

“Was it about Urs?” David asked, cautiously.

Kristina quickly looked at David. “Why would you think that?”

David leant back in his chair and sighed.

“Did you know that when something is bothering you, you always talk in your sleep?”

“I don’t, do I?” Kristina asked. “Since when?”

David shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. But when we were together, if you something was worrying you, you would talk in your sleep.”

Kristina carried on eating her toast, wondering if she had been talking in her sleep when she was with David, before they broke up.

“You were talking in your sleep last night.” David said, quickly glancing at Kristina as he picked up a slice of toast. “That’s why I asked if everything was alright.”

Kristina didn’t reply.

“Aren’t you the least bit curious to know what you were saying?” David asked.

“Not really.” Kristina replied, not looking at David. “I was probably talking nonsense. Like you said, I was asleep. Who knows what was going through my mind.”

Kristina was very curious to know what she had been saying but was worried what David might say. She was still wondering why he had asked about Urs. Could she have said something about Urs in her sleep?

“I think you do want to know.” David said. “I know if I was talking in my sleep, I would love to know what I said.”

“I don’t want to know.” Kristina said firmly. “Can we just leave it at that?”

“No. I want to know who or what has upset you.” David said, looking at Kristina.

“Who said I’m upset?” Kristina asked, pouring herself another glass of juice. “And what’s with all the questions?”

David placed a hand on Kristina’s arm.

“Krissy, we were together long enough for me to know when something is upsetting you and when you’re lying to me. I just want the truth.”

Kristina put her glass down and leant back in her chair, sighing. She knew that once David had his mind set on something he wouldn’t give up.

“What do you want to know?” Kristina asked.

“Firstly I’m going to tell you what you said in your sleep.” David replied. “And then I’d like to know what it means.”

Kristina could feel her heart racing, she was dreading hearing what David was going to say. If it was true, what he had told her about talking in her sleep when she was worried or upset about something, it could only be about Urs; and she was right.

“You said Urs, I’m sorry I hurt you.” David told her, with raised eyebrows. “And I want to know what you meant by that.”

What could Kristina tell him? She couldn’t tell him the truth, it would mean hurting him and they had only just become friends again but she couldn’t lie to him either.

David leant forward on the table, with his arms crossed, still looking at her.

“I’m waiting.”

***** CHAPTER 45 *****

“I should go.” Kristina said, getting up from her seat. "I'll be late for work."

“You’ve got ages.” David replied, quickly standing up. “It’s not even 7.15am yet. You said you don’t start until 9am.”

“I don’t.” Kristina replied. “But I’ve got to get home and have a shower and change. I can’t go to work in yesterday’s clothes.”

“You’ve still got enough time to do that.” David said, gently taking Kristina’s arm and leading her in to the living room. “Kristina. Sit down and tell me what you meant, about hurting Urs.”

Kristina couldn‘t remember the last time David had called her by her proper name; Kristina. He had always called her Krissy. He only ever called her Kristina when he was angry or upset about something. She knew this wasn‘t a good sign.

“I don’t know what I meant by it.” Kristina said, nervously as she sat down. “I was asleep, it could mean anything.”

“Kristina, when I saw you at the Sony offices last week, you were crying.” David said, sitting down opposite her. “You said that you and Abigail were arguing but I want to know what about. I overheard Abigail and Carlos talking about you, how you were upset about seeing someone again after four years. I thought they were talking about me. But they were talking about Urs, weren’t they!”

“I… I don’t know.” Kristina stuttered. “I don’t know who they were talking about.”

“Kristina, please don’t insult my intelligence.” David said, putting his head in his hands. “If something happened between you and Urs, I want to know.”

“Nothing happened.” Kristina replied, lowering her eyes to the floor. “Nothing at all.”

“Then why would you be so upset at seeing him again?” David asked.

“I’m not upset.” Kristina replied. “Why would I be upset?”

“I don’t know.” David said. “That’s why I’m asking you now! What were you and Abigail arguing about?”

“Nothing.” Kristina said again. “It was nothing important. I can’t even remember what it was about, it was so silly.”

“Kristina, you’re lying.” David said, getting agitated. “Why can’t you be honest with me?”

“I am.” Kristina said, not able to look at David.

“What happened with you and Urs in Paris?” David asked, faintly.

“Nothing!” Kristina said, raising her voice. “Why won’t you believe me?”

“Because there’s something you’re not telling me!” David said, also raising his voice. “You were different when you came back from the hospital but I was thinking about it last night. You started to change before then. You were acting strange when you came back from Paris.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Kristina said, standing up. “How can you possibly remember what happened after so long? It was years ago!”

“Sit down!” David said, sternly, pointing to the chair. Kristina sat back down, shocked at the way David was acting.

“I remember it very clearly.” David said, glaring at Kristina. “I loved you. I still love you and when someone you love starts to change you can’t help but wonder why. You said you loved me and I believed you. But there was something you weren’t telling me and you still refuse to tell me even now.”

Kristina didn’t say a word. She continued to sit in silence, looking at David.

“I want to know the truth.” David said, slowly. “Did you sleep with him?”

Kristina hung her head and took a deep breath. “No. No, I didn’t.” she replied weakly.

Kristina couldn’t believe this was happening; she thought all of this was behind her. She had always been faithful to David and she thought he knew her better than to ever cheat on him.

David looked at Kristina, he wasn’t sure if she was telling the truth. Why wouldn’t she look at him?

“Look at me Kristina.” David said. “Say it again and look at me when you say it.”

Kristina looked up at David and looked him straight in the eye.

“No, I didn’t sleep with him.” she said firmly.

David shook his head.

“You don’t believe me do you!” Kristina said, getting up from the chair. "You still don’t believe me. How could you think so little of me?”

“I don’t know what to believe.” David said, standing up. “Please just tell me the truth, what happened with you and Urs?”

“Nothing happened!” Kristina said, trying to hold back the tears. “I was faithful to you the whole time, David. I loved you. I would never cheat on you. I didn’t sleep with him. Why won’t you believe me?”

“When did you see Urs?” David asked.

“What?” Kristina said, now wondering where this conversation was going. “What do you mean?”

“When did you last see Urs?” David replied. “Did you see him at the Sony offices last week?”

“Yes.” Kristina said. “I met him and his girlfriend. Sebastien was there too.”

“And what about before then?” David asked. “Before Sony. When was the last time you saw him?”

“Why are you asking me all these questions?” Kristina said, walking out of the living room. “I don’t have time for this.”

“Why won’t you tell me?” David said, as he followed her out of the living room. “It’s a simple enough question. When did you last see him?”

Kristina didn’t want to answer him. Kristina couldn’t tell David that Urs had been at the hospital. That would only mean more questions.

“Why were you crying the other day? Tell me.” David demanded. “What did Urs say to you that upset you so much?”

“He didn‘t say anything.” Kristina replied, as she walked into the kitchen and picked up her bag. “He introduced me to his girlfriend and that was it.” Kristina replied, almost choking on her reply. “I have to go. I’m going to be late.”

“He must have said something else.” David replied, taking hold of Kristina‘s arm. “You’re getting upset just talking about him.”

“No I’m not.” Kristina snapped, trying to blink away the tears. “Right now, you’re the one that’s upsetting me.”

“Last night it was Urs that was upsetting you.” David yelled. “Why else would you be talking about him in your sleep?”

“I don’t know.” Kristina said, shaking her arm free from David’s grip.

“You’re still lying to me.” David said, blocking the doorway. “What did he do to upset you?”

“He didn’t do any thing.” Kristina said, struggling to hold back the tears. “It was the other way around.”

“So how did you hurt him?” David asked. “Tell me!”

“Because I lied to him.” Kristina said, turning away from David.

“Lied to him about what?” David asked, before grabbing Kristina’s arm again.

“Let me go, David.” Kristina said, pleading with him. “I need to go.”

“Not until you answer me.” David said, starting to raise his voice again. “Lied to him about what?”

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Kristina cried, tears starting to roll down her face. “The damage has already been done.”

“What damage? You’re not making any sense.” David yelled. “If there's nothing going on between you two, then why are you so upset about hurting Urs?”

“Because I love him!” Kristina yelled back.

***** CHAPTER 46 *****

“I have to go.” Kristina said shaking her arm free from David’s grip and walking back in to the living room.

David followed her.

“You love him?” David mumbled.

“I didn’t mean for you to find out like that, I’m sorry.” Kristina replied. “But you wouldn’t leave it alone.”

“How long have you been in love with him?” David asked, quietly.

Kristina picked up her jacket and started to put it on.

“You’re not leaving yet.” David said, walking towards her. “You can’t say something like that and then leave. We need to talk.”

“I have to leave.” Kristina replied. “We can talk about it later but right now I have to get to work.”

“No.” David said, blocking her way as she tried to leave. “It’s been four years. I’ve waited long enough. I want answers.”

“David, please get out of my way.” Kristina said, trying to push past him.

“Don’t you think you owe me some sort of explanation?” David asked, still not letting her pass.

Kristina slowly turned around and walked back to the chair and sat down. David was right; she couldn’t drop a bombshell like that and then walk out on him.

David walked back in to the room.

“Well?” he said as he sat down.

“Where do you want me to start?” Kristina asked as she took a tissue from her bag and started to wipe her eyes.

“At the beginning.” David replied. “How long have you been in love with him?”

Kristina wasn’t sure exactly when she had fallen in love with Urs. She had often thought about it, trying to pinpoint the exact moment. She knew when she first laid eyes on him that there was something different about him, the way he looked at her, the way he made he feel but she never once thought it was love; least of all love at first sight.

“A while.” Kristina replied.

“How long is a while?” David asked. “I want an honest answer.”

“I don’t know exactly.” Kristina replied faintly, with a glazed look in her eyes as she thought about the moment they first met. “Maybe the first time I saw him… but I don’t think I realised it until I was leaving Paris.”

“So we were still together?” David said, weakly. “You’ve been in love with him all that time and yet you stayed with me. Why?”

“Because I loved you, David.” Kristina replied. “I couldn’t leave you, not when I still loved you.”

“But you did though.” David said, sadly. “You did leave me.”

Kristina stood up and walked over to where David was sitting and crouched down in front of him.

“David… I stayed with you because I loved you. You have to believe me.”

“But you loved Urs as well.” David replied. “Why didn’t you leave me and be with him? Or didn’t he feel the same way? You only stayed with me because Urs didn’t want you.”

“It wasn’t like that, David.” Kristina said, placing her hand on his arm. “Please let me explain.”

“Go on then.” David said, with tears in his eyes. “Tell me why you settled for second best.”

“David please listen to me.” Kristina said, wiping his tears away. “You were never second best. Before we met, I’d never loved anyone as much as I loved you.”

“Until you met Urs.” David said, hanging his head.

“David please…” Kristina wiped her own tears away, seeing David so upset was unbearable. “I knew I had to choose between you and Urs and I chose you David. I chose you.”

“So why did you leave?” David asked, looking up at Kristina. “If you loved me so much, why did you leave me?”

Kristina looked down at the floor. She didn’t know what to say without hurting him any more.

“You made a mistake, didn’t you.” David said quietly. “You realised you’d chosen the wrong man.”

Kristina put her arms around his neck, holding him tightly.

“I’m so sorry, David.” Kristina cried. “I never meant for any of this to happen. I was telling you the truth last night, when I said never stopped loving you. I didn’t want to hurt you but I knew I wasn’t being fair on you, by staying with you. That’s why I had to leave.”

“You should have told me the truth.” David said, tears still rolling down his face. “I would’ve understood. Yes, I would have been hurt but what do you think it’s done to me these last four years? I couldn’t understand what I did wrong.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I wish I could turn back the clock.” Kristina said, pulling away from him. “I wish I could make it all better. I never wanted any of this to happen.”

“So what happened with you and Urs?” David asked. “Why aren’t you two together anymore?”

Kristina stood up and sat back down in the chair opposite David.

“I’d like to know, Krissy.” David said looking across at her. “What happened when you left?”

“Nothing happened.” Kristina replied, looking back at David. “I’m telling you the truth.”

“You and Urs never got together?”

Kristina shook her head.

“Why not?” David asked.

“I’m not sure this is such a good idea.” Kristina said, getting up from her seat again.

“No, please stay.” David said, reaching for her hand as she went to walk past him. “I want to know what happened. I still want to know why you’re upset. Please, sit down.”

Kristina sat down but this time she sat next to David.

“When did you last see Urs?” David asked. “You still haven’t told me.”

Kristina still felt a little awkward talking about Urs to David but she also found it a relief to be able to tell him the truth.

“I only ever saw him once after Paris.” Kristina replied. “He came to see me in hospital, the day after the transplant.”

“How did he know you were there?” David asked, looking confused. “I didn’t know you two kept in touch.”

“We didn’t.” Kristina replied. “Not really. He gave me his mobile number the day I left Paris. He wanted me to let him know how things went with the tests. I phoned him after the operation. I was upset about Abigail; I thought I was going to lose her.”

“So why did you phone him? You could’ve called me.” David said.

“I don’t know.” Kristina replied. “I wanted to phone him and let him know what happened but then… but then I told him about Abigail and I ended up telling him everything.”

“And that’s when he decided to come and see you?” David asked.

Kristina nodded.

“So what happened when he got there?”

“We talked for a few minutes… and then he left.” Kristina said quietly.

“And that was it?” David said, with raised eyebrows. “He flew all the way from Paris to New York to talk with you for just a few minutes and then leave? Somehow I don‘t believe that.”

“It’s true, David.” Kristina said, turning to face him. “I told him we couldn’t see each other again. I told him that I loved you and that I wouldn’t leave you.”

"You really told him that?"

Kristina nodded.

“So he loved you?” David said. “He actually said it to you?”

“Yes.” Kristina replied weakly. “He didn’t mean for me to find out but Stephanie told me.”

“Stephanie!” David exclaimed. “Was there anyone who didn’t know about you and him? I suppose your sister knows.”

Kristina didn’t answer.

“Great. I’m guessing she told Carlos as well. My girlfriend falls in love with another guy and I’m the last one to know.” David said, leaning back in his seat. “I must have been blind.”

“David please.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” David said, putting his hand on her arm. “I was the one that wanted you to talk about it. Go on. What happened afterwards?”

“There’s not a lot else to tell.” Kristina replied. “I phoned him once, to tell him… to tell him…”

“That you loved him?” David continued. “That you made a mistake?”

Kristina slowly nodded her head.

“Yes. I wanted to tell him the truth. I lied to him. I told him I didn’t love him. I was horrible to him, David.”

“And? What did he say?” David asked.

“A woman answered the phone.” Kristina said, looking away from David.

“So you didn’t get to speak to him?” David said.

“Well, he came on the phone… but I didn’t know what to say to him.” Kristina replied. “I thought maybe the woman was a girlfriend.”

“So because a woman answered the phone, you didn’t speak to him?” David said, looking puzzled.

Kristina nodded. “Yes, I didn’t know who she was.”

“And because of that, you didn’t speak to him, you didn’t tell him how you felt?” David asked. “And now years later you see him here? That’s why you were so upset the other day. Why didn‘t you just call him back?”

Kristina looked at David and tears started to roll down her face.

“I don’t know.”

“Come here.” David said, taking her in his arms. “Look at us two, a couple of cry babies.”

“I’m so stupid.” Kristina said, hugging David. “I should’ve called him back.”

“You’re not stupid, Krissy.” David said, hugging her. “You did what you thought was right. You didn’t want to ruin any relationship he might have had and you did what you thought was right by breaking up with me. I understand now.”

“You do?” Kristina said, looking surprised. David nodded. “And you don’t hate me?”

“Of course I don‘t hate you.” David said, smiling at her. “I think you’ve suffered enough these last few years, don’t you?”

Kristina frowned and looked away from David.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, noticing the look on her face.

“I still love him.” Kristina replied weakly.

“I know.” David said, quietly laughing. “You made that pretty clear when you screamed it in my ear.”

“I’m sorry.” Kristina said, blushing.

“You don’t need to apologise.” David said, hugging her. “But what are you going to do?”

“About what?” Kristina asked, looking puzzled.

“Urs, silly.” David replied. “Are you going to tell him how you feel?”

“I can’t.” Kristina said, getting up from the couch. “He’s with Saskia now. He seems happy and I don’t want to cause trouble.”

“I think you should at least talk to him.” David said, standing up. “It might clear the air between you two.”

“No, it’s been too long.” Kristina said, picking up her bag. “He doesn’t love me anymore, I can see it in his eyes. And I don’t think he was too pleased to see me the other day. I’ll just keep out of his way.”

“Well I hope that doesn’t mean that you’ll avoid me just because of him.” David said, following Kristina to the door.

“I don’t understand.” Kristina said, turning to face him.

“We’re both in Il Divo or had you forgotten?” David asked. “I’m hoping we can still be friends and hang around together. It might mean you bump in to Urs now and again though.”

“I’m not going to let him come between us, David.” Kristina replied, smiling at him.

“Glad to hear it.” David said, smiling back.

“Now I really need to go.” Kristina said as she opened the door and stepped out in to the hall.

“Can I call you later?” David asked. “I‘ll take you out to dinner seeing as you don‘t have any faith in my cooking abilities anymore.”

Kristina giggled. “I never said that, David. I just suggested that you might want to try cooking lessons.”

“Same thing.” David said, shrugging. “Now, are you going to give me your mobile number?”

“Okay okay, geez you’re so impatient!” Kristina said, writing her number down for him. “There you go, don’t lose it, I know what you’re like. In fact give me your number as well.”

David wrote down his mobile number and handed it to Kristina.

“I’ll call you later, alright?” David asked.

“Okay.” Kristina replied as she hugged him. “I’m sorry about everything that happened, not just this morning but before.”

“Don’t worry.” David replied, hugging her back. “Let’s just start afresh.”

Kristina kissed David goodbye and made her way down the hall to the elevator. As she stood waiting she heard someone walk up behind her and turned around to see who it was.

“Oh crap… not again.” she mumbled to herself.

***** CHAPTER 47 *****

As soon as Kristina saw Urs she felt a mixture of emotions, her love for him, panic about what he would say or do and then hope; maybe he would tell her he still loved her. But by the look on Urs’ face she knew that wasn’t about to happen. Kristina quickly turned around as the elevator doors opened and stepped inside; Urs followed her. Urs was wearing trainers, shorts and a tank top, she guessed he was going running. She could see that he looked after his body and it certainly paid off. Kristina found it hard to take her eyes off him. But the thought of being in such a confined space with Urs was making Kristina feel uneasy, she was seriously considering walking straight back out and taking the stairs.

“You can leave if you want.” Urs said, holding the doors.

Kristina looked at the doors, Urs obviously didn’t want to be that close to her.

“Or would you rather I left?” he asked.

“No.” Kristina replied, weakly. “I’ll leave.”

Kristina moved towards the doors.

“You’ll do no such thing.” Urs said, taking hold of her arm as he let the doors close. “We’re both adults, surely we can share an elevator.”

“Why did you suggest it then?” Kristina said sharply.

Urs shrugged. “I just wanted to see what you would do.”

Kristina looked away. They had been together for less than a minute and he had already managed to make her look stupid.

Urs let go of Kristina’s arm and she stepped back in to the corner of the elevator. Why did she have to fall asleep at David’s? If she had gone straight home she wouldn’t have to be here with Urs.

“I’m guessing that since you are still wearing the same clothes as yesterday, you got pre-occupied and couldn’t find your way home last night.” Urs said, glancing at Kristina.

Kristina glared at Urs. He had some nerve. Who did he think he was making such personal comments?

“What’s with the face?” Urs said, coldly. “Is David slacking off in that department?”

“When was it exactly that you became a self absorbed jerk?” Kristina asked, sighing as she leant back on the wall. “Was it when I told you that I didn’t love you?”

“You know the ‘bed head’ look really suits you.” Urs said, ignoring her last remark.

“Thanks.” Kristina said, running her fingers through her hair. “Personally I think I look my best when I’ve just rolled out of bed. Too bad you’ll never be the cause of this look.”

“What makes you think I would want to be?” Urs asked, folding his arms across his chest. “Maybe a few years ago but not anymore.”

“So were you lying when you said you would always love me?” Kristina said, her eyes fixed on Urs.

There was a moments silence before Urs replied.

“People say a lot of things they don’t mean.”

There was another moment of silence. If only Urs knew that Kristina had also said something she didn‘t mean, all those years ago.

Kristina was desperate to get out of the elevator. His behaviour towards her was making her mad, but also having Urs was so close to her was driving her wild. She wanted to reach out and touch him so badly that she was shivering with the effort of stopping herself. Urs must’ve have seen her shaking, but misread the reason why.

“This is ridiculous.” Urs said, as he hit the emergency stop button on the control panel.

A look of panic flashed across Kristina’s face.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Kristina asked, reaching out to hit the start button.

“Leave it.” Urs said, grabbing her wrist.

“Let go of me.” Kristina said, trying to prise Urs’ fingers from her wrist.

“We need to talk.” Urs said, still holding her wrist.

“Now is not the time or place.” Kristina said, trying to pull away from him as he took hold of her other wrist.

“I don’t think there’s ever going to be a right time for us, Krissy.” Urs said pulling her to him. “Look at you, you’re shaking. You can’t bear to be near me and you‘ve yet to say a nice word to me.”

“I could say the same about you.” Kristina snapped, as she turned her face to the side. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him, knowing that if she did she wouldn’t see that look they once shared. It was no longer there and it broke her heart to know that it would never return.

“Do you hate me that much?” Urs murmured, his voice trailing off, uncertainty tainting his voice as he released her wrists.

“I don’t hate you.” Kristina replied. “I’ve never told you that.”

“True.” Urs said. “But you haven’t told me you love me either.”

Urs continued to look at Kristina, waiting for some kind of reaction from her. But there was none.

“Why can’t you even look at me?” Urs said, quietly.

“I’m going to be late.” Kristina said, hitting the start button on the elevator.

Neither of them said another word, as the elevator continued. Kristina was starting to get used to being so close to Urs and she had managed to control the urge to reach out and touch him. All she could feel now was anger at the way he had spoken to her. She knew she had hurt him but there was no need for him to act this way. As soon as the doors opened, Kristina stepped out in to the hall.

“Just one thing.” Urs said, gently taking hold of her arm.

“Be quick.” Kristina said, sharply. “You’ve already made me late.”

“Why are you here?” he asked.

“I was visiting my sister last night.” Kristina replied. “I met David on my way out, not that it’s any of your business.”

“No, I didn’t mean that, I meant London.” Urs said. “Why are you here in London?”

“I live here. Why?” Kristina replied. “Did you think I came here just to see you?”

Urs shook his head.

“No.” Urs lied. “I thought maybe…”

Urs stopped mid sentence. She was right. He did think she had come to London to see him.

“You’ve got a very high opinion of yourself, Mr Buhler.” Kristina said, removing his hand from her arm. “Now if you’ll excuse me.”

Urs stepped out of the elevator and watched Kristina disappear down the hall.

He had managed to stay calm and in control of his feelings until he realised how hard his heart was beating. Kristina was the only person that ever had this effect on him. He thought of the few times they were together and how he was afraid that she would be able to hear how hard his heart was beating. He quickly disregarded those thoughts and told himself it was nothing. He went for his morning run and tried his best to forget everything that had just happened. But he knew it was impossible.