**I Can't Believe That I Was Letting Go** By: Nathalie

Chapter I
All the members of "Il Divo", where gathered together in the Studio in Gothenburg (Sweden) for the recordings of their new album. They had worked almost 24/7 for two weeks now and the exhaustion was visible on their faces when they were almost done for the day.

While David was singing his last part together with Urs behind the glass, Carlos and Sebastien where at the recording panels. Carlos turned in his chair when Inga, the studio assistant, walked in: “Carlos, Sebastien…” she said, “Simon just called and he wanted me to tell you all, to call him as soon as possible…He has an important announcement to make...” She added and smiled brightly while piercing her blue eyes at Carlos. Carlos lifted his eyebrow and smiled back at her;"Okay…we will call him back asap Inga, thank you!” his smile turned flirtatious and stared at here long legs as she walked away… Just before she turned into the hallway she flipped her long blond hair back…
”Oh Dios!” He sighed and turned to Sebastien who was staring at the panel board in front of him;” Have you seen the legs on this girl?” Sebastien didn’t answer which made Carlos frown. “Seb?”He asked while placing his hand on his shoulder. Sebastien suddenly looked up and gazed at him with questioning eyes…“ Are you okay amigo?”

After a moment of silence, he slowly looked up at him: “Yeah I’m okay…” he softly said and lowered his eyes. Carlos didn’t believe he was okay. He tilted his head slightly and searched for his eyes: “You are very good in staring at walls lately…” He remarked.

“Walls, floors, ceilings, people...” added David who overheard Carlos as he walked in. “He even manages to look through people these day’s” He added and grinned, but immediately felt sorry when he noticed Sebastien’s look on his face. Urs, who leaned against the doorpost, also noticed Sebastien’s face … He slowly, walked over to him and laid his hand on his shoulder: “Listen Seb. We’re all here for you, you know that don’t you?” Urs asked as he lowered his eyebrows…
Carlos and David kept silent and looked worried at Sebastien who glanced up. “I’ll be fine, really! Don’t worry. Just tired that’s all…” He finally said and tried to reassure them by forcing a smile onto his face. The guy’s nodded, but weren’t the least bit convinced. However, they silently agreed to let it rest for now. “Ok then!” Carlos said as he rose from his chair:” Let’s go and have some coffee! Inga told us that Simon called and that we have to call him back”. He turned towards the guys and wiggled his eyebrow as he continued:” It seems he has an important announcement to make!” and then smiled.

David and Urs smiled back at him and followed him out of the panel room. Sebastien however, remained in his chair and stared back at the panels… After a moment, he got disturbed in his thought by David, who stuck his head through the door: “Seb…, are you coming?”
Sebastien looked back and nodded: “yeah yeah, sure…” He softly said and slowly lifted his body from the chair… David walked slowly towards him, put his arm around his shoulders and looked at him as he searched for his eyes.... “It’s the girl at the airport, right Seb? “Sebastien stopped and looked at David as if he was just stung by a bee…”It’s okay Seb..” David softly said as he could tell by the look in his eyes he aimed at the right spot. Sebastien swiftly lowered his eyes as he slowly moved passed him without saying a word…

Urs was on his mobile phone talking to Angela, his girlfriend, in the conference room, while Carlos poured in coffee.
When they all were seated at the large table, David dialed Simons number and pressed the speaker button. Simon’s secretary Anne answered. “Hi David, I’ll put him through!” She said and the guys waited patiently for him to answer… After a moment of musical notes from: “Regresa mi”, Simon came on the phone. “Hey guy’s is everyone there?”
“Yeah Simon we’re all here!” Urs replied.
“Great! I have some wonderful news!" He said, sounding cheerfully. “I found the perfect photographer for the cover and promotional pictures for the new album, my friends!”
“That’s great!” Carlos replied. “Who is he?”
“She!” corrected Simon: “It’s a she! And I’m so thankful that I got to set a shoot with her, well almost that is…”
“What do you mean by almost”, asked David. “Well,” continued Simon: “I talked to her assistant, Marc, and he made a booking for the shoot for June in Siena in Italy, but she has to approve it still. It will take a few weeks since she’s somewhere on the New Zealand waters at the moment, doing a shoot for National Geographic.
I guess we have to hope and pray she’ll come home after this shoot and doesn’t take on another assignment from them. You see, she recently lost her husband in an accident and it seems she works a lot these days to get her mind of things”…
“Wow, that’s just horrible!” Carlos said. “Yeah it sure is…”Simon sounded compassioned. “However, Simon, why do you want her so badly? Can’t we just get another Photographer?” David asked. “Yes, why her...”Urs repeated. “I tell you why, because she is the absolute best!” replied Simon. “But she’s a nature photographer…” said Sebastien “I don’t understand…” All the guys looked over at Sebastien, a bit relieved he spoke…
“That’s something she loves to do but it’s not her main thing,” Simon answered. “She also Photographs for a lot of magazines and she’s done a lot of film and entertainment photography as well. She also photographed the covers of Andrea Boccelli and Ricky Martin, just to name a few.
She has a unique style, very sophisticated, classic, just what we need!” The guys looked at each other for a moment… Eventually Carlos lifted his eyebrows and finally said: “well okay, let’s do it then!”
“Great!” Simon sounded relieved, “So all we do is to keep our fingers crossed that she’ll approve the shoot. I’ll call you as soon as I hear something”.

They chatted on for a few minutes and Simon asked how the recordings were going… The guys told Simon they were progressing rapidly which pleased him…Simon told the guys about his ideas concerning the promotion of the new album, and the guy’s listened carefully…

Except for Sebastien, who seemed far away with his thoughts, as he stared again in silence…

Chapter II

(Two weeks before, at London Heathrow airport.)
The guy’s went into the premier lounge of British airways for their flights to Gothenburg. They were very exited about recording their new album there.

Carlos was chatting with Urs and David was joking about Sebastien’s new Hat. As they got in they were welcomed by a charming hostess of British Airways. They all sat down to relax a little. Except David who headed straight to the kids corner to play a game at the Play station.

Carlos was looking through a magazine and Urs was telling Sebastien a funny story about his sister.
Suddenly Urs stopped talking while he looked at the entrance of the lounge. When Sebastien followed his look, his heart skipped a beat and he forgot to breathe for a moment…

There she was…The most gorgeous women they had ever seen. She entered the lounge with a small boy about 7 years of age, holding her hand.

In the meantime, Carlos looked up from his magazine wondering why the guy’s were so silent all of a sudden. When he noticed where they were gazing at... he dropped his magazine.
The guys watched as the hostess immediately welcomed her and guided them to be seated at the other side of the small lounge. As she passed the guys they all gazed at her.

She was tall and slim and she had light brown long hair with lighter parts, slightly curled at the end. She was in her thirties and very well dressed. She had a sunglow and only wore mascara and some lip-gloss. Carlos noticed that every head was turning when she passed. Women and men...
She moved so gracefully that even a little girl stared up at her.

While they were passing, Sebastien noticed that the little boy was talking a language he did not understand he only could understand the word mama. He also noticed that she was looking very sad even though she tried to smile at the little boy when she answered him. When they sat down Carlos rolled his eyes;”Oh Dios, what a beauty…”Urs turned to Carlos and lifted his eyebrows; “Now, that’s an understatement!” Sebastien couldn’t keep his eyes from here….”I wonder where she’s from?”he mumbled quietly. Urs glanced at him; “She’s probably Dutch as far as I could hear….”He paused when he looked back at her…”I’ll bet the little boy is her son …They have the same eyes…”
“…..Married for sure!” Carlos said pitiful and sighed deeply.
Urs laughed and leaned over to him:” May I remind you Carlito, that you are attached...”
Carlos looked at Urs and lifted his hands“I know…but who could resist such a beauty!” Carlos defended himself before he looked back at her. Urs agreed silently before he took out his book out of his bag pack and attempted to read. After a moment, Carlos also picked up his magazine again and swiftly started to flip the pages.

Sebastien however, couldn’t keep his eyes off her and followed every move she made…He watched as she tenderly kissed the boy on his cheek before he went off to play in the kids’ corner where David was totally into a racing game. He vaguely smiled when he noticed the tender look on her face as she looked after him. Suddenly she turned her head and looked straight into Sebastien’s eyes… For a brief moment, their eyes met and although she was sitting across the lounge Sebastien instantly, felt lost in her dark brown eyes.

Suddenly she tore her eyes away from him… she lowered her head and looked a little shocked, or so it seemed…

A waiter who stopped at his table had noticed everything and leaned over to Sebastien: “She’s gorgeous isn’t she, sir?” Sebastien looked up at him and smiled: “Yes she certainly is!... Do you know who she is?” Sebastien asked while he glanced back at her… “In fact I do know who she is, sir,” the waiter answered while he started to clean the table. Carlos and Urs looked up over hearing what the waiter just said. “Her name is Lisa Amberville”, the waiter continued;” She was married to Benjamin Amberville, the offshore formula 1 racer. Who died tragically two months ago during a race in Anzio, Italy.” The waiter stood up straight and noticed the horror on the guys faces. He pointed at the game area before he added softly:” The little boy over there is their son Thomas.”
“Oh my God! ” Urs said; “that’s just terrible..” The waiter nodded while putting his cloth away:” Yes… it certainly is..” His voice sounded regretful. “Is there anything you’d like to eat?” The waiter changed the subject. The guy’s shook their heads in silence. “Okay then…” The waiter smiled and nodded friendly before he returned to the bar.
“That’s the reason she looks so sad …”Sebastien softly said while he kept his eyes on her…Carlos and Urs agreed in silence and also stared at her intensively while she was reading...

Chapter III

Thomas looked at David while he was sitting on a small chair playing a racing game on the play station.
He laughed about the fact that such a tall man was sitting in a Childs chair.
When David lost for the third time and he was just about ready to spill out the worst words, he noticed the little boy next to him… He looked at him and smiled regretfully, “I’m sorry, I just can’t seem to win this game…”
“Oh don’t worry.” The boy said, while smiling back at him.

“Hi I’m David “David’s smile got bigger when he reached out his hand. “I’m Thomas”, the boy answered while he shook his hand politely. David noticed the boy spoke with an accent. “So Thomas where are you from?” David asked. “I was born in Italy but my Dad was Canadian and my mother is Dutch.” Thomas answered.
David noticed the word “was” but decided not to ask any further.
“So what do you say Thomas? Shall we try to beat this game together?” David asked while he pointed at a small chair next to him. Thomas’s face instantly lit up; “Yes, let’s do that! “He said cheerfully and got seated before he grabbed the control panel David handed to him.

Meanwhile, Lisa tried to focus on her work she brought with her, but her mind kept wondering off….
She was working so hard since Benjamin’s death… She had travelled so much for her work, while leaving Thomas with her parents. Her father told her that she had to take some time off to spend with Thomas. And she knew he was right. That is why they were going to Ingrid, Lisa’s best friend and Ron, her brother in Law in Gothenburg for a few days before she had to get back for work… Work. That was all that kept her going these days.

She felt extremely exhausted but was so scared to calm down…afraid the pain would take a hold of her... Afraid she had to face to fact that she was a single parent now…and that she had no one to rely on anymore, she had to do everything on her own. Her dad had told her she needed to think about the future for her and Thomas, but Lisa didn’t want to think… Not yet….She wasn’t ready to think….She just wanted to be there for Thomas… He needed her…It was so difficult for him still, and even though she’d hardly acknowledged it, she knew that he was suppressing his grieve for her.

Yesterday when she thought she was alone in her study she’d took out their wedding picture out of her desk drawer, the one she’d put away right after his accident. She kept staring at it for a while before she put in back in the drawer and rose from her chair. Meanwhile Thomas had quietly walked in and found her silently crying: He ran up to her , put his little arms around her waist and looked up at her with watery eyes;
“ Please mummy don’t cry “he’d begged her with a smothered voice “ I know you miss daddy… I miss him too .. one day daddy will come back to us and then everything will be okay, I promise mummy… ”. Lisa remembered how he tried to smile through his tears in order to comfort her… Lisa couldn’t stop crying and sunk through her knees to hug him. Her heart broke into a thousand little pieces that moment. She still could not believe she had allowed herself to break down, although briefly, in front of him…

She needed to be strong for Thomas. After all… She was all he got left in this world…

Lisa’s thoughts got interrupted by the waiter who asked her if everything was okay.
As Lisa looked up at him she felt a tear rolling down her face, and quickly wiped it away…”I’m fine thank you…”She softly answered and forced a smile on her face. The waiter nodded friendly, pretending he didn’t noticed her tears and walked away.

Lisa sighed deeply and a tender smile appeared on her face when she looked at her son, who was obviously having a great time playing the racing game with David…

Across the lounge, Sebastien was still staring at Lisa. He too had noticed the tear rolling down her face when the waiter spoke to hear and it broke his heart seeing her grieve that way…

Suddenly the premier lounge was filled with an announcement through the speakers:
“All passengers for flight BA 778 to Gothenburg, We are ready for you to board at Gate 27. We wish you a pleasant flight.”

Lisa swiftly wiped her face once more before she rose from her chair, got her things and walked up to Thomas.
“Come on sweetie we have to board now”, Lisa softly said while she searched for the boarding passes in her purse. David turned around when he heard her voice, and by looking right at her he immediately rose and stared at her beautiful face…

“Mummy this is David, he’s my friend”, Thomas said to Lisa as he touched her arm. Lisa looked up and reached out her hand to David. “Hi David, I’m Lisa…Thom’s mother….”She added softly while giving him the most beautiful smile. David shook her hand and while he felt her soft slender hand in his, he’s still struck by the looks of her… “D-David…I’m David….Miller” David softly stuttered while he held on to her hand. “Nice to meet you…”Lisa said. “Likewise…” David almost whispered. A short silence followed and Thomas looked somewhat confused from David to Lisa and back. Lisa noticed his look and slowly withdrew her hand while she stroked her son’s hair. “ We need to get going…Thank you for letting him join you at the game!”Lisa smiled before she looked back at David, who instantly smiled back. “It was my pleasure…We almost won didn’t we Thomas?” David said as he looked down at him” Thomas nodded.” He’s a very good racer, you know!” David remarked as he looked back at Lisa..“I know….” Lisa softly said and stared lovingly at her son who reached out his hand to David; “I hope to see you again sometime David. I know we can win this game!” Thomas said convincingly. David gave Thomas a huge smile and shook his little hand;” I know we can Thomas!”David replied” I hope we will meet again soon. I had the best time ever!”
“Me too!” Thomas nodded while putting on his bag pack his mother handed to him.

After Lisa and Thomas said goodbye David stared after them as they walked towards the gate…

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. “Close your mouth David…”he heard Urs’s voice behind him
David glanced at him and laughed sheepishly…As he looked back, his eyes lingered at Sebastien who also stared at Lisa and Thomas’s direction from a distance…

“Shall we?” Urs asked while he looked at him with questioning eyes… David suddenly nodded, realizing they were on the same flight…

Chapter IV

Lisa and Thomas walked towards the plane. “Did you enjoy yourself?” Lisa asked. “Oh yes mummy, I have a new friend now!” Thomas replied. Lisa smiled at Thomas and cuddled him. “Well, that’s great sweetie!” “Good evening, Miss Amberville and Thomas so nice to see you again. Welcome on board!”. The steward said. “Hi Steven, nice to see you again!” said Lisa. “Let me bring you to your seat!” the steward said. When Lisa and Thomas where comfortable, Thomas started to yawn. “Can I close my eyes for a bit mummy?” Thomas asked. “Sure sweetie, go get some sleep...” said Lisa while kissing his forehead.

At that moment the guys entered the plane. Steven, the steward walked with them to the front of the plane and told them it was a full flight and asked if they had a problem if one of them would sit apart from the others…

At That point Sebastien noticed Lisa sitting a few rows to the front and there was an empty seat next to her. He immediately told the steward, without thinking, that it was no problem at all, and asked if he should sit over there, while pointing at the seat next to Lisa. The other guys looked at each other and David felt a bit jealous when the steward said; “If you don’t mind, that would be great!”

Sebastien looked at the guys and Carlos smiled and said; “Go, its fine…” and Urs agreed; “yeah go Seb, you lucky bastard!” he pushed him playfully and laughed.

They guy’s got seated and Sebastien walked slowly towards the row where Lisa was sitting.
He noticed that Thomas was fast asleep in the window seat and Lisa was reading some papers.

When she looked up and saw Sebastien she smiled at him. Sebastien got all weak at that point seeing her beautiful face up-close for the first time… Her eyes were even more beautiful than he thought, if that’s was possible…

“Do you mind if I sit here?” Sebastien asked. “No off course not”, Lisa smiled. Lisa knew that the face she looked at was familiar just as Davids face before but she just could not place them. Sebastien sat down and put his seatbelt on. He glanced through the small window and noticed the weather outside was quite bad.

Lisa got back reading through her papers. Sebastien looked at it but didn’t understand the language she was reading.

Suddenly the captain's voice echoed through the intercom: “Welcome onboard folks, my name is Brian Mc Bride and I’m your Captain on this flight. Sitting right next to me is Kevin Everett your co- pilot. We are running late, due to some very bad weather above the ocean I am afraid. I am expecting to take off in about 5 minutes from now. After takeoff, I’ll be back with some more information. For now we all wish you a pleasant flight”.

Lisa looked a bit worried… Sebastien noticed . “We’ll be okay, I’ll promise! “ He said and smiled tenderly at her.
Lisa looked at Sebastien and their eyes locked for a moment, then Lisa smiles vaguely and looked at Thomas who was sleeping like a baby…

Lisa was use to flying but she always was a bit nervous when she had or expected turbulence…

She sighed ....

Somehow, she felt surprisingly calm after Sebastien said that they would be fine….

Carlos also was a nervous flyer and asked the steward for a cognac, after he heard the captain speak. “Just in case..." he thought…
Urs was relaxed and closed his eyes while David was thinking about the meeting with Lisa he had earlier. He could not believe he acted so stupid and was lost for words. He always knew what to say, no matter how nervous he was…

At take off Lisa was a bit worried that it would wake Thomas, he obviously was very tired so she hoped he would sleep through the entire flight.
The plane made a lot of noise and when they where airborne the plane shook like crazy… she could hear a few people panic.
Lisa got a bit uneasy and Sebastien was aware of that and started talking to her to make her feel a little bit more comfortable…

“I’m Sebastien, by the way “. He said and reached out his hand. She smiled at him, gave him her hand and said “I’m Lisa, and this is my son Thomas” while looking at Thomas...
“Well, very nice to meet you Lisa”. Sebastien said and gave her a bright smile. Lisa noticed his eyes…she had never seen such green and tender eyes… It was hard for her not to stare at them…

Chapter V

The plane finally came to 10.000 feet and was trying to maintain cruising speed. The flight attendants where trying to serve drinks although the plane kept bumping tremendously. Carlos grabbed a flight attendant’s arm asking her for another cognac. His face looked very worried. David looked at Carlos, smiled and told him: “take it easy Carlito, we fly all the time.” “Yeah I know but it’s really bumpy this time.” Carlos said. Urs was trying to sleep a little, but was starting to get annoyed because his head kept banging against window. The flight attendant came back with the cognac and handed it to Carlos. David had put his earphone on to listen to some music. Then suddenly the plane dropped into an air pocket. Passengers were screaming, drinks where spilled. Carlos gave little scream, when he realized what he just did, he slammed his cognac down his throat and tried to breathe…

The Co-pilot told all cabin crew to take their seat and told the passengers that he and the Captain would do their best to fly them through the bad weather as soon as possible.

Sebastien looked at Thomas but he was in a deep sleep. Lisa looked frightened .

“Here”, Sebastien said, “take my hand. We will be okay; airplanes can stand a lot of pressure. Trust me…” Lisa looked up at Sebastien and grabbed his hand. Somehow, she believed him.
She held on to his hand and hid her face behind the other.

The plane was moving like on a rollercoaster. The engines made tremendous noises and the lights kept getting on and off.

Lisa glanced through her fingers and could hear a woman crying while her husband was talking to God.

Then again, the airplane dropped down.
Lisa tried hard not to panic; she forcefully closed her eyes and prayed they would be okay.
"Lisa, we'll be okay..."Sebastien tried to sound reassuring when he searched her eyes. Lisa looked at him and tried her best to smile, but Sebastien noticed the terror in her eyes and didn’t think when he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and drew her close. Lisa rested her head against his chest with her eyes closed.
Sebastien caressed her hair while he was talking to her silently.
Gradually, Lisa felt her body calm down a little even though the plane was still rocking like crazy.

They were like that for the rest of the flight.
Lisa even fell asleep for a little while.

When Sebastien noticed she was sleeping, he closed his eyes and carefully rested his head on hers, while he gently kept caressing her hair...

Chapter VI
When the plane finally came to a full stop at the airport of Gothenburg. Lisa woke up and find herself still holding Sebastien, she felt a little awkward when she realized she slept against the chest of a complete stranger even though it didn’t really felt that way. Sebastien looked at Lisa and smiled as she was getting up. “Are you okay?” He asked. “Yes, I am now, thank you”. She said and smiled trying to avoid his intense look… You could hear the relief from the passengers and crew. Lisa tried to wake Thomas. Meanwhile, Sebastien was feeling a little down, suddenly realizing that he might never see her again.

Thomas did not seem to wake up. “It’s so late for him, please let me carry him for you,” he said caring. Lisa nodded and smiled thankfully. Sebastien carefully took Thomas out of his seat and held him in his arms. Lisa looked at them and could not help the warm feeling she felt through her body.

Carlos was so relieved and a little light headed… “You look flushed, must be the Cognac, hey” Urs said and smiled while poking him. David stood up and looked to the front of the plane; he could see Sebastien holding Thomas while he was asleep. Seb’s head was resting against Thomas and he looked very happy.
He felt another wave of light jealousy…. Urs also looked at them and smiled.

All the passengers were getting off the plane. Steven, the steward smiled when Lisa and Sebastien walked out. “Goodbye Miss Amberville and Mr. Izambard” he said. “I’m sorry about the turbulent flight. Have a save trip”. “It’s okay Steven, thank you very much “Lisa said and smiled. Steven looked at Thomas who was asleep in Sebastien’s arms and smiled.

While Sebastien and Lisa walked through the airport a lot of people turned their heads, since they “looked” like such a happy family… They did not say much to each other as they were both in deep thoughts.
While they waited for their luggage, Thomas woke up and looked at Sebastien whit his big brown eyes. “Hi there, little guy, I’m Sebastien”, he said and smiled at Thomas.
Thomas was a bit confused, looked at Lisa, and then back to Sebastien who was still holding him.
”I’m Thomas”, he said with a sleepy voice... Lisa kissed his forehead and said;”hey sleepyhead are you awake finally?”, and smiled. Sebastien put Thomas down and lowered himself at eye level with Thomas “You where so very much asleep, we couldn’t wake you on the plane.”He explained,” And since you are such a big boy already, you where a bit heavy for your mum, so I carried you, I hope you don’t mind that Thomas?”, Sebastien smiled. “No I don’t mind” Thomas answered and smiled back.

Meanwhile Lisa got their suitcase and took Thomas his hand. She turned to Sebastien who felt awful knowing they would leave any second now.
She looked into his eyes, and he was trying to hold her look to remember everything about her.
“Thank you so much Sebastien for everything. I’m glad you where there with me...”Lisa said. She had that sad look again but smiled slightly. After a moment of silence Sebastien said; “I’m glad also Lisa, maybe we will see each other again someday..?” “Yes, maybe…someday…”She replied… He found himself staring at her face again. Then Sebastien turned to Thomas. “Take good care of your mum, okay Thomas..?”
”I will", Thomas said and shook Sebastien’s hand. Sebastien slowly looked back at lisa.. "Bye....” she said.
"Bye..."Sebastien quietly replied...

As they walked away, Sebastien’s eyes followed them and it felt like something just died inside him.
The other guys watched everything from a short distance and David was also still looking at them as they were going through customs.
Then Urs and Carlos Walked over to Sebastien. “Hey Sebjastien,ale youl okee?” Carlos asked with a drunken voice… Urs could not help but laugh. Sebastien turned to Carlos and looked at him with a frown… Urs who was standing right behind Carlos got on his toes and mouthed to Sebastien; “He’s sooo drunk” while making a drinking gesture. Sebastien smiled and looked away trying to find Lisa…

But she was nowhere in sight….

Chapter VII


De moment Lisa walked out of customs with Thomas. She spotted her best friend Ingrid together with Lisa’s brother in Law, Ron, Ingrid’s husband and Bjorn, their 8-year-old son.
Thomas started running into Ron’s arms as he got through his knees and Ingrid cried when Lisa walked up to hug her. Bjorn also was very happy to see his nephew.
After Ingrid let Lisa go, she hugged Thomas and Ron Hugged and kissed Lisa. He was so glad seeing them again.

Ron was Benjamin’s older brother and also was a formula 1 offshore racer, but had retired right after Benjamin’s accident. They really stood by her and Thomas, since Benjamin’s death and had arranged everything that had to be done for the funeral and so on...

Ron Loved Lisa so much from the first time he saw her and was very protective of her. Ingrid knew that his love for Lisa went far beyond “family love”, but she never confronted him about that. Maybe because she knew that after all these years Lisa still didn’t have a clue about Ron’s feelings for her. Benjamin once spoke to Ingrid about that and he seemed really worried. But he also knew that his brother would never hurt him, Ron knew very well that Lisa was his life.

Ron and Benjamin knew Lisa since she was 16 years old and still was attending school. From the moment Ron and Benjamin saw Lisa during a championship race in Venice, Italy, they were totally struck.

Since Ron dated Ingrid at the time, he had to reconcile with just looking at her. Benjamin however made every effort to conquer her. Lisa’ wasn’t very impressed. Even though he was extremely good looking; he was very tall, had a great body and had black hair and gorgeous blue eyes, and he could get almost every girl he wanted. But since Benjamin was 10 years older, Lisa didn’t really notice that he wanted more than friendship.
Her dad, Glen Mc Pherson, was also a very talented formula 1 racer and at that time he just won the Championship.

It took Benjamin 5 years to convince Lisa to go out with him and from that moment on Benjamin was the happiest man alive. His jealousy however was something Lisa couldn’t handle very well. Throughout their relationship, this really became a big problem.

They got married in Venice almost a year from their first date and it was the most beautiful day of their life. Benjamin made sure everything was taking care off.
A few years after they were married, Lisa got pregnant with Thomas. Their lives felt so complete…and it was…, until that horrific day in January.

Lisa just found out she was pregnant again and Benjamin couldn’t be happier. She almost never came to any of Benjamin’s races since she got so scared after seeing him crash a few times. This time however was very important for Benjamin since he had a good chance of winning the championship.

Thomas was with her parents back in the Netherlands since he had to go to school.
Lisa was at the PIT (a closed area for the pilot’s families and friends) talking to friends when the race started. Ron wasn’t racing since he was recovering from an injury he got last November. He had a bad feeling about the race but couldn’t place it very well. He made sure he told Benjamin and Ferry, his navigator, to watch the Valvoline boat with the two German pilots, as they would pull dangerous tricks repeatedly. Benjamin assured him they would be fine. He kissed Lisa and they got ready for the start.

While the race was on full speed, Lisa watched Benjamin’s boat and could tell he was at the top of the race. The speed was enormous. And Ron’s bad feeling got worse and worse, he stayed focused on Benjamin’s boat.

Ingrid was sitting behind Lisa and she asked her how the pregnancy was going. The moment Lisa turned to her to answer. She heard screams out of the entire crowd. She jumped up and looked at the sea….she searched for Benjamin’s boat but didn’t see him anywhere... The race came to a full stop and people started running to the shore.
She looked over at Ron and she noticed that tears were running down his face… Ron looked at her and took her hand still crying. Ingrid also cried at this point. Lisa still didn’t seem to notice that all the debris in the water was from Benjamin’s boat. She looked up and noticed a medical helicopter flying over to the spot near the shore where it could land.

When she looked back at the water she saw that two bodies were recovered out of the water into a rescue boat… Lisa tried to look more closely as she thought she saw Benjamin’s racing suit, since it was bright yellow it was very hard to miss… Frightened she looked at Ron who was now holding her close… She looked at Ingrid who had covered her face with her hands and was crying. Lisa looked up into Ron’s eyes…and asked Ron “Where’s Ben Ron? Tell me…?” Ron slowly looked at the rescue boat and Lisa’s followed his look…She quietly started crying …and looks back at Ron and cried; “no…..No….NO…NOOO.” her legs just went weak and she collapsed…..


Chapter VIII

They all walked out of the airport. The sky cleared a little. Ron carried Lisa’s suitcase and she told him about the horrific flight. Ingrid looks back to make sure that the boys where following, when she noticed Sebastien who was staring at them from a distance...

When she also noticed Carlos, Urs and David she got all exited. “Oh.. My..God…!”, she blurred out. “Something wrong hun?” Ron asked when he turned around. Lisa walked on with the boys who were so busy with sharing stories. “Look”, she said and pointed at the guys. “Where? “, Ron asked. “Over there…look!” Ingrid said impatiently. “It’s IL DIVO!!” she almost yelled. “Ron shook his head, smiled and said “I thought you spotted a ghost or something …come on..” Ron turned but while doing that, he did notice that one of the guys was staring their way … He chooses to ignore it and walked towards Lisa who was waiting outside…

After a moment Ingrid followed...

“What’s going on?” Lisa asked and smiled after seeing Ingrid’s glow on her face. “You are blushing”, Lisa, said. “You would never EVER believe who I just spotted inside!”, Ingrid said after she grabbed Lisa’s arm…”Well…, tell me! “Lisa said. “IL DIVO, it was IL DIVO, they are all there!” Ingrid said short of breath.

“Ron saw Lisa's face turn pale as she looked away…she walked a few steps and lifted her head as she just remembered… “Of course” she whispered… “What?” Ron asked. “They were on our flight as well” Lisa said when she turned around. “WHAT!” Ingrid asked with huge eyes. “You where on the same flight as IL DIVO?”, she asked again in shock. “Yes” Lisa answered totally calm and smiled. “In fact, one of them was sitting right next to me and helped me with Thomas when we landed” Lisa said. “WHAT???WHAT!!! WHICH ONE???”Ingrid yelled.

The boys had an enormous laugh about Ingrid’s reaction. “I think it was the French one, I didn’t asked really, but I do know his name was Sebastien”, Lisa replied and smiled again to see her best friend totally shocked. “AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME??? “Ingrid asked in disbelieve..
“I’m telling you now!” Lisa laughed. Ron looked at Lisa and he’s pleased to see Lisa laugh since a very long time….


Sebastien felt awful inside, she was gone, out of his sight, and he wondered if he would ever see her again… He could still smell her; her perfume was still surrounding him. When he just watch her walking out of the airport he felt a strong urge to ran after her but he knew that would be a weird thing to do…so, he just kept staring into the distance. Knowing that his life would never be the same...


The next morning in the studio’s apartment in Gothenburg, Sebastien opened his eyes and laid on his back with his hands behind his head staring at the ceiling when Urs popped his head through the door and asked; “Hey Seb you want some breakfast?”
“No thanks I’m not hungry.”Sebastien replied. He heard Carlos moan, “God I have the worst headache”.. He also heard David smirk.

Today was the start of the recordings for their new album. They had all the songs together and he was very exited to get started before. He even wrote two songs on the album. That always was his dream. But now he wasn’t so sure anymore he felt so low.

He kept seeing Lisa’s face and he couldn’t help wondering where she would be in Gothenburg or even how long she would stay here.. He also didn’t know where she lived.

Suddenly he slapped both his hands on his face, regretting the fact that he failed to ask her phone number…


Chapter X


The past few days flew by so fast; Lisa was sitting on a bench at the King’s park in Gothenburg while looking at Thomas, who was playing with his nephew Bjorn. They seem to have so much fun.

This afternoon Thomas and Lisa where heading back to The Netherlands where Lisa had to leave for New Zealand tomorrow for work... The thought of leaving Thomas again made her shiver... She is glad she finally got to spend some quality time with her son… They both avoid talking about Benjamin… It was so hard for them both, and Thomas didn’t want to make Lisa sad as she finally seemed to laugh again every now and then…

Lisa tried so hard to move on… Even though the idea was horrifying to Lisa…She was so scared that she would not be able to give Thomas everything that he needed…

The nightmares she had where just nerve-racking, every night she would wake up in tears, in the middle of the night… At those moments she felt so lost and lonely it scared her so much…

She kept having flashbacks of the last night she was alone at the hotel with Benjamin before the race... She remembered how he held her in his arms after making love, telling her the sweetest words and letting her know how much he loved her. He was so different like before, caring and concerned for her and the baby.
Lisa closed her eyes when she remembered how he used to place his head on her belly, trying to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. In the meantime, she would caress his hair…
She had felt so relieved that everything had worked out for them eventually…
…And for Benjamin…She had never seen him so happy …

While she was still gazing in front of her, Ron came walking towards her with a coffee in both his hands. He sat right beside her. He handed her a latte… “Thanks”, she smiled and lowered her eyes.

“Look at them” Ron said while pointing in the direction of the kids… “Yeah, they have such a great time together...” Lisa said.

She was so beautiful.., after all these years he still wasn’t used to her stunning appearance.

“How are you, Lisa?” Ron asked changing the subject…
Lisa looked up and lowered her eyes again while whispering...;” I’m okay….”
“Are you...?” Ron asked looking worried.

After a moment of silence, she put down her coffee and she answered while looking away:
“…I’m trying here, Ron... I really am trying….”.

He immediately felt sorry when he saw the tears rolling slowly down her face. He put down his coffee and wrapped his arms around her… holding her gently he softly whispered in her ear; “I know you do, sweetie….I know….”

Thomas and Bjorn were running towards them. Lisa wiped her face quickly…Thomas stopped suddenly, and started moving slowly towards Lisa…. “Mummy, are you okay..? “He asked. Lisa looked up and instantly forced a smile on her face and hugged him “Yeah sweetie I am…I poked myself in the eye ...I can’t believe how clumsy I get sometimes” Lisa said…Thomas gave her a big kiss “I love you mummy “he said… Lisa kissed him back “I love you too sweetie, “she whispered in his ear,” with my whole heart and more…”

“Okay! Who would like some ice cream?” Ron asked while he stood up and grabbed Bjorn. Lisa looked at Ron and gave him a -thank you- smile... He winked at her and of they went…

Later that day Ron, Ingrid and Bjorn waved them goodbye at Gothenburg airport as they boarded the plane to Amsterdam.
They all watched their KLM flight taking off.

Bjorn felt a little sad knowing he wouldn’t see them for a few months… He pressed his mouth against the window and flattening his nose in the process. He watched until the plane was so high that he couldn’t see it anymore.

Ingrid also didn’t look very happy, “I miss her already” she said looking at Ron, He pulled her close and hugged her...” I know sweetie me too”. He answered.

As they walked back to the car Ingrid asked Ron;” Do you think she will be okay?”

“Eventually, she will, it takes time Ingrid…a long time I’m afraid”, Ron said.

After a moment of complete silence:

“Did she ever talk to you about the baby?” Ron asked looking aside...
Ingrid shook her head...” No…, she never did...”…

Chapter XI


“Thomas…?” Jasmine called… “Thomas…? Come on pumpkin I have your lunch ready”

Glenn walked out the house into their huge garden were Jasmine had lunch ready at the table… It was a beautiful day and Thomas was busy catching butterflies with the net his granddad bought him the day before.

He gave his wife a tender kiss and cuddled her from behind. “It looks delicious darling,” Glenn said in her ear. Jasmine smiled vaguely but was too busy trying to get Thomas to eat his lunch.

Glenn smiled tenderly when he spotted Thomas who looked satisfied with his catch and immediately came running full speed to his granny while yelling “I’m coming Granny!! “

“LOOK!” He said out of breath, while showing the butterfly he captured to his grandparents. It had the most amazing colors and Thomas looked very proud.

“It’s beautiful Thomas!!” Jasmine said with a huge smile and kissed her grandson. “You have quite a catch there son,” Glenn said, while patting him tenderly on the shoulder.

“I’m going to set him free now so he can go back to his family” .Thomas said while he carefully released the butterfly.” I think he would appreciate that...” Jasmine tenderly said.

As they all watched the butterfly flew off, Thomas smiled and looked up to his grandparents and said;” Now his family will be happy again, that they have their daddy back...”
Jasmine just looked at him and couldn’t help her eyes welling up. Glenn put his arm around him and gave him a tender smile…

Glenn was glad that Thomas seemed rather happy these last few days. Last week when they brought Lisa’ to the airport he was so upset with her leaving.. He kept his arms around her neck and kept crying;”I don’t want you to go mummy, please don’t go mummy please…I’ll be good I’ll promise”.

Jasmine couldn’t stop sobbing and Lisa was very upset and ready to stay..

Glenn tried to take Thomas from Lisa’s arms but it was very hard to tear him off her.
Finally, when Glenn was holding him he kept his little arms reaching out for Lisa and kept screaming …”Mummy….MUMMY….”

Lisa looked at Thomas with her eyes open wide and had her hands before her mouth, sobbing silently.
Some people at the airport stared at them as It was heartbreaking to watch…
Jasmine took Thomas from her husband and lifted him in her arms, holding him so close and trying her best to comfort him while walking away…

Meanwhile, Glenn tried to convince his daughter that she should go.
He kissed her tenderly and hugged her. “Go sweetie…”He said.”We’ll take good care of him. ”

“I can’t leave him like this daddy.” Lisa cried. While looking after her mother, who walked in the distance, with Thomas still crying in her arms.

”Don’t worry honey he will be fine, I promise.” Glenn said while he wiped her tears away…”you cannot stay forever holding his hand Lisa. The work will do you good. Just call us as soon as you get there, okay sweetie?”

Lisa looked at her dad with tears still rolling down her face…” I love him so daddy, he’s everything I got.” Lisa softly said…

Glenn drew his daughter close, trying hard to hide the tears in his eyes. “I know, sweetie ...”Glen softly said and kissed her hair...”I know…”


Chapter XII

A few days had passed since Simon called the guys in Gothenburg. The album progressed very well. They were all very satisfied up until now. The songs they recorded so far were really amazing.
Although the guys looked very tired, they kept on working 7 days a week.

Simon was coming this weekend to see how things were going, and they were anxious to get as much work done as possible.

Carlos and Urs where behind the studio panels as Sebastien was singing his part together with David.

When they finished Urs said through the microphone, (so Sebastien and David could hear): “Okay that sounded good!. David it is a wrap for you. Now Seb, you sing the last line “Because I love you”, and then we take a break.”... Sebastien nodded and David stepped out of the studio so Sebastien could concentrate….

Carlos started the music and Sebastien waited to follow in…
After eight takes, the guys noticed that Sebastien looked very frustrated. Carlos kept saying patiently after every take: “No problem Seb, let’s do it again!”. Urs and David looked worried.

When he got his words wrong at the ninth take, He threw his headphones on the floor with force and walked furious out of the studio… The guys looked quiet at each other, when David finally said;” I’ll go…”

Carlos lifted his eyebrow and asked Urs: “do you know what‘s the matter with him…?” Urs lifted his shoulders and said; “I really don’t have a clue…It's late and he is exhausted I guess…we all are...” “Yeah, that must be it…” Carlos said. They both knew that something else was going on, they didn’t know what exactly. It was a big mystery to them. Even more, because he wouldn’t say anything. He kept making excuses when one of the guys asked if something was wrong. It was clear that he wasn’t his self since they arrived in Gothenburg.
He had his –ups-and-downs- like every one of them, but mainly he loved making fun. They always had such a good time together…

David walked into the lounge, were Sebastien was standing in the dark with his arms crossed in front of the window, staring in the distance…
David walked up next to him in silence, put his hand on his shoulder and the other in his pocket, following Sebastien’s stare outside .

They stood there in silence…

David knew what was bothering him. He saw it in his eyes every time he stared into nothing.

After a while, Sebastien lowered his eyes to the floor, he then looked up slowly and turned to David: “….Dave?” He softly asked,” Have you ever felt that you lost something you wanted so bad, but what was never yours to begin with?”

David slowly turned to Sebastien and noticed his eyes where full of tears.
“yes Seb…” He finally he answered with a soft voice:”I know the feeling…” and vaguely smiled at him...
David knew he was talking about Lisa and his feelings for her…but he kept silent

What nobody knew was that he felt exactly the same …


Chapter XIII

Marc was waiting at London Heathrow for Lisa’s plane to arrive.
He was Lisa’s assistant for many years now and he loved doing it.
He felt horrible for Lisa with al she had gone through the last few months. And he found it heartbreaking to see her so sad.
Although Marc wasn’t fond of Benjamin very much, he felt really sorry for her loss.
He knew how much she loved him and he’d always respected that. Benjamin was a very good dad to Thomas, no doubt about that.
However, his jealousy towards other men concerning Lisa was very unreasonable… Sure, she had many admirers but she was not even aware of that. She never ever looked at another man as long as he knew her… Benjamin did not think the same and always watched her like a hawk. Marc recalled how paranoid he used to get whenever she was away for her work.
He loved Lisa and Thomas very much. Even though he was gay, he always flirted with Lisa for fun. Lisa always teased him about making up his mind. “Gay or straight”. Even though she knew he was very, very gay…

When she called him yesterday she seemed really relieved about getting home. She missed Thomas very much, even though she talked to him on the phone almost every day. Her mother would fly to London tomorrow with Thomas and she could not wait to hold him again.

Lisa had told him that the photo shoot went very well after all and she seemed very pleased with the results.
Marc accepted the shoot without her knowledge because he thought it would be good for her. Gladly she agreed after convincing her several times… She had been in New Zealand for almost 3 weeks, and she was anxious getting home.
He knew she loved doing the shoots for National Geographic, as she loved nature and every creature living in it.

National Geographic was really pleased to have her and offered her a contract many times, but if she accepted she would have to move to North America and she really didn’t want that. Especially now, since her family and loved ones where mostly living in Europe.

Marc did not tell Lisa about the conversation he had a few weeks ago with Simon Cowell, Lisa knew Simon as he was a friend of her dad. Even though, she had only met him a few times. Marc knew that Simon secretly had a thing for Lisa, as he always looked at her a certain way when they met. But since Glenn was his friend and Benjamin was who he was, he never tried anything…

The few times he spoke to Lisa over the last two years he tried to convince her over and over to photograph the covers and posters for his new group. But since Lisa was ever so busy she always had to turn him down and referred to a friend of her who did the shoots eventually. Simon was satisfied but this time he wanted the best since the group did so well and their third album would be crucial for their success

Simon really was determined about getting Lisa as his Photographer for
Il Divo… And he kept calling Marc over and over again… since Lisa had no appointment in that period, He finally agreed to set a Booking. He told Simon that Lisa still had to approve the booking because of all that had happened. Simon understood and had agreed but Marc had heard in his voice that he wasn’t giving up easy this time…

While he waited he thought about how in the world he was going to explain this to her…


Chapter XIV

“Thank you for flying British airway’s again Miss Amberville, and welcome home.” The flight attendant said to Lisa as she walked towards the exit of the plane.
Lisa smiled politely and walked passed her. She sure was glad to be home again.

Marc stood on his toes trying hard to watch over the crowd in front of him. Finally he saw her and yelled while jumping and waving: “Lisa, Lisa over here honey!!!”

When Lisa looked his way she gave him the loveliest smile…He walked her way with the biggest smile and his eyes were glowing “There’s my princess” He said and hugged her. ”Hi there muffin”, Lisa said to marc while hugging him back. He tickled her; “I hate it when you call me muffin” “…he said and smiled.

She looked tired but he could tell that this trip did her good. She looked gorgeous and had a beautiful suntan that made her teeth look even whiter.

They walked to the car that Benjamin gave her for her birthday last November. Lisa loved her black Porsche Cayenne, with everything on and in it and Marc loved driving it when she was out of town.
While Lisa was driving to her home in London, Marc did not stop talking about his ex boyfriend who he hated and Lisa listened and smiled.

When they finally arrived, Lisa saw Carmen in front of the door to welcome her home.

Carmen was Lisa’s nanny when she was growing up. She was like a mother to Lisa. Carmen had never been married as she lost the love of her life when she was 20 years old. After Thomas was born, it seemed only natural that she became Thomas his nanny.

When Lisa walked up to the house Carmen spread her arms and said” welcome home dear” Lisa held her and suddenly started crying” Oh Lisa…it’s okay sweetie” Carmen said while rocking her..

Marc walked passed them silently and entered the house.

“I’m sorry Carmen, I don’t know why that happened “Lisa said while wiping her tears…
“ssssh…”Carmen said while she wiped her hair out of Lisa’s face and smiled.” Come on. Let’s go inside I have made some tea”. After they had tea, Lisa was in her study checking her mail when Marc walked in and asked…
“Can I have a word with you princess...?” Lisa looked up from her notebook and saw that Marc’s face was rather pale. ”Sure muffin, what’s up?” Lisa asked, while she got back at reading her mail.
“uuum…, well….I sort of did something….”Marc replied while looking away. Lisa smiled, looked up and held her head to one side when she asked “What did you do now?”
“Marc cleared his throat; ” Well…., you know you told me not to make anymore bookings for you without your knowledge?….and ummm”.
Lisa’s smile slowly disappeared “Oh no Marc don’t tell you made another booking?!”She asked while staring at him in disbelieve. “uum wel…”Marc felt serious discomfort “ I sort off….did…”He finally replied while lowering his eyes. Lisa slowly got up from her chair and turned around facing the window..
Marc felt horrible and started twitching his shirt.

Lisa had hoped she would have a few months off when she just got home to get herself together. She really needed more time to spend with Thomas. She worked non-stop after Benjamin died, except for their little break in Gothenburg but she still felt she was all out of energy.

” who did you make the booking for?” Lisa asked after a moment of silence.
“Well , you see….he was really determined and kept calling and calling and I really tried to hold things off until you would be back… but …”
“Who?” Interrupted Lisa…
“…Simon..…Simon Cowell…” Marc stuttered…

Lisa abruptly turned around and stared at Marc as he continued: “He really… wants you to shoot… Il Divo’s cover. …” She felt completely paralyzed… and all she got out was: “..Il Divo….?”

Chapter XV

It was a beautiful evening and Sebastien was strolling through Gothenburg. He was tired as he hardly got any sleep these days. Lisa’s face was in his mind the whole time, there never seemed a moment when he could think about anything else….

He knew he had to find a way to move on…as he probably would never see her again. These feelings scared him so much. He never felt like this before.

His mother was the only one who knew and this morning he spoke to her again. When she heard he still was feeling down, she told him:” you have to stop this Sebastien! Please….”
When he and Danique were together, he never felt for her this strong, he almost felt guilty realizing that now… He still stood behind his decision about ending their relationship. She really seemed to claim him in everything and at the end it drove him totally mad. He felt that it was over, months before he had the courage to tell her and when he finally did, she was threatening to kill herself, God, she totally lost it.

As he walked by a kiosk, he decided to look if they had a French newspaper. He asked the man if he had any, and he said: “One moment sir, let me look for you!”

Meanwhile Sebastien looked around in front of the kiosk and then, suddenly, he froze….
He could not believe his eyes…There was Lisa’s beautiful face on the cover of an English style magazine.
He didn’t think for a second, as he grabbed the magazine and threw much to much money on the counter and ran to the studio’s apartment, leaving the man from the kiosk behind, who was waving with the French newspaper in his hand.

When he got in his bedroom totally out of breath, he quickly turned on a light and sat on his bed. He stared at the cover of the magazine… Inside there was a small article and a picture of Lisa together with Benjamin and Thomas. By the look of it, the picture was taken on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean. They all were sun tanned.

He felt a stitch through his stomach by looking at the picture. They looked so happy.

Lisa was smiling into the camera while Benjamin was holding her and kissing her ear. Thomas was sitting in front of them with his little hands on their faces and looking up at his parents with a big smile.
The head said: Tragedy for Lisa Amberville, continues…

Sebastien began to read:

The nightmare doesn’t seem to end for photographer Lisa Amberville.31, And her 7 year old son Thomas. Lisa was hospitalized in Paris last month after she collapsed at the funeral of her beloved husband, Formula 1 offshore racer, Benjamin Amberville, who tragically died at age 41 during his championship race in Anzio, Italy. Sources told us that she eventually had lost the baby she carried after 4 months of pregnancy.


Sebastien moved his hand slowly and touched Lisa’s face.. ”oh my God…”he softly said “


Chapter XVI

The next morning 07:00 AM

Carlos was making coffee in the apartment’s kitchen while singing strong notes. Urs stood in front of a mirror and was brushing his teeth with one hand and with the other he slammed on the side of his head, as he just spotted a nasty curl.

David was pulling his sweater over his head while he walked through the living room when he bumped against the dining room table with great force. “S*&^$”, he blurted out “That hurt!” Urs laughed. And Carlos turned and lifted his famous eyebrow, and then continued singing again.

They all needed to be in the studio in 1 hour since Simon was on his way.

“Is Sebastien up?” David asked while he rubbed his hip. “I guess so but his door is still closed, maybe he's in the shower” Urs replied. Urs still was hitting his head. “You like that don’t you, Swiss boy?” Carlos grinned, as he walked by with coffee in his hand. Urs laughed.
David shook his head and smiled as he walked towards Sebastien’s bedroom door. He tried knocking softly, when there was no answer he walked in silently.

Sebastien was sleeping on his back with his clothes still on. David walked to the curtains and opened them quietly. When he turned around and bended over Sebastien to wake him, he noticed the magazine, he was holding in his arms. When he got closer to look at the cover his heart started skipping beats. “It can’t be….”he softly said to himself. Carefully he pulled the magazine under Sebastien’s arms and then stared at Lisa’s face. He turned slowly and lowered himself on the side of the bed. He opened the magazine and studied the article. His looked stunned and he was panting softly. When he heard Sebastien waking up he suddenly dropped the magazine and jumped up. Seb looked at David and he asked what time it was. David got himself together, smiled vaguely, and said. ”its 7:15 we have to be in the studio in 45 minutes…” Sebastien rubbed his face, “Okay I’m going to take a shower…” he said
”Ok, I see you in a bit then...” David said, and walked out of his room and closed the door.
He stood there for a while with his back against the door, shocked by what he just had read…

***
Simon entered the Studio and gave Inga a huge smile:” Hello there gorgeous, are the boys here already?” he asked while walking passed her to the conference room. “They are on their way, Simon” Inga answered, and smiled back at him. “Can I get you some coffee “She asked.
“Yes that would be lovely, thank you darling,” Simon answered.
At the Same time, David, Carlos and Urs came walking in. They shook Simon’s hand and he was very happy seeing them. “Where’s our French guy?” Simon asked while looking at the door. “He will be here in a minute”, Urs said

They all got seated and Simon asked the guys how things were going. They let him hear the songs they had recorded so far and he was very, very pleased. “You guys have made such a progress, I’m proud of you! I really am!” Simon said. “I guess we need one more week and then it’s all done!” Carlos said with a huge smile.

Sebastien came through the door and Simon stood up to greet him “How are ya Seb? “He asked while he shook his hand with both hands. Sebastien tried to smile,” I’m okay, a bit tired…”
“I can only imagine” Simon said, while stretching out his arm on Seb's shoulder. “I just heard the songs and I’m so proud of you all!” He said. “I’m glad, you are Simon...” Sebastien said.

As Sebastien and Simon got seated at the large table, Simon glanced at his notepad; ”Ok then! It seems we are on schedule here. And boy, do I have great news!" He smiled when he continued. “The shoot in Sienna is approved and that couldn’t make me happier. The shooting starts at June 14. And all tickets are taken care off so all you need to do is, take some rest and look absolutely smashing!”
Meanwhile, Inga came in with fresh coffee and put a plate with cake on the table. David grabbed a whole hand...
While Simon talked on for a while, Sebastien got very quiet and looked away…

Suddenly he remembered the conversation with Simon through the speakerphone a few weeks ago…
He lowered his eyes and his mind went off… then he heard a echo in his head
"It’s a she”… he remembered Simon said….photographer….just lost her husband…”
His heartbeat suddenly increased as he slowly stood out of his chair...

Everyone looked at him. He tried to catch his breath when he turned to Simon:” Do you know the name of the photographer…?” He asked with an unsteady voice.
Simon looked at him and raised his eyebrows:
“off course I know her name Sebastien….I knew her since she was 5 years old, I don’t think you know her though or maybe from the tabloids…. “Simon frowned when he noticed Sebastien pale face
Her name is “Lisa mc Pherson”…. Or Amberville really” he added..
Simon almost immediately turned to David who absolutely choked in his cake and Carlos started banging him on his back with great force…

Urs turned back to Sebastien who was still standing there paralyzed with his mouth open…

Chapter XVII


Marc was very relieved that Lisa finally agreed the booking the following day.
He wasn’t sure she would; considering the look on her face when he told her…
He still didn’t know why she was so terribly shocked though…
Simon on the other hand, was absolutely thrilled when Marc told him.
“YES!” Simon said with such a great force, marc thought he would explode!

Marc had many things to arrange before they would leave.
He told Angelica, who was Lisa’s secretary, to make reservations for the hotel and to book plane tickets immediately, for them and the rest of the crew!

Lisa always worked with a lot off staff as she wanted everything taken care off so she could totally concentrate on her work.. She was a perfectionist and was not satisfied easy. Everyone around her knew that. They also knew that the result of her work was amazing, every time again.

Lisa wanted to spend as much time as possible with Thomas before she would leave for Siena.
He would stay with Carmen this time in London. Normally when Lisa had to have to leave for a longer period of time Thomas would stay with her parents in the Netherlands but as he missed Carmen so much, he’d asked if he could stay in London and Lisa agreed to anything that made him happy these days.

Lisa softly closed Thomas his bedroom door. “Is he asleep, Lisa?” Carmen asked when she walked up the stairs with laundry in her arms. “Lisa smiled en said; “Like a baby..”
She always stayed with him until he slept; it became a regular thing since Benjamin passed away. “I will put this away and make us some tea” Carmen said and smiled. “I’ll make it!” Lisa said and she walked downstairs to the kitchen. When they sat at the kitchen table, Lisa stared into her hot cup of tea. Carmen saw that she looked confused. “Are you worried about Thomas that you have to leave for Italy tomorrow?” Carmen asked.
Lisa looked up but didn’t answer.
” That’s not really it…is it?” Carmen asked;
Lisa looked away… after a moment she looked back at Carmen: .
” I…I met this man on the plane….” She softly said.
Carmen’s eyes lit up.”You met someone?” She asked hopefully and smiled.
“Yes…, well….sort off…”He was sitting next to me during this horrible flight to Gothenburg…” Lisa said.
Carmen waited for Lisa to continue...” And…? “Carmen asked eventually…

“I was so scared and he was so kind to me and to Thomas…” Lisa continued while lowering her eyes.
“He had the sweetest eyes. For the first time since Benjamin died I felt save Carmen...”
Carmen put her hand on Lisa’s arm and said; “you feel guilty because you felt that, don’t you? “ Lisa nodded.
“Don’t sweetie, that’s a good thing!” Carmen reassured her… “
Lisa kept quiet en looked away...
Carmen decided to change the subject and said “Lisa, honey, It’s late, you should get some sleep, for tomorrow is another day and you really need your rest.” Lisa looked at her and nodded. She slowly stood up and kissed Carmen goodnight.

Lisa never was very talkative about her feelings, and Carmen knew that.
As Lisa got upstairs, she cleaned the kitchen and went off to bed.

Lisa entered her bathroom and took a shower. When she was lying in her bed she turned on her side and embraced her pillow with her arms. Hours passed as she finally fell asleep.

“I’m here Lisa!” said Benjamin.
Lisa turned around and saw him standing there in a distance with Thomas in his arms….
”Oh my god, this can’t be...” she said
Benjamin smiled and reached out his hand to her ….”I came back Lisa” …
She slowly started walking towards them….but as she came closer he turned slowly and walked away with Thomas… “Benjamin! Benjamin!, No…please give him to me! .come back!…come back!” Lisa cried, suddenly they vanished … She started running into a white fog that didn’t seem to end….….

Out of breath she opened her eyes, sat up in her bed…while She kept saying “Come back! Come back!”
It took her a while, to realize that it was all a dream and she started sobbing.
After a moment she wiped her eyes and got up slowly, she walked to her bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were all red. She lowered her eyes “it was a dream…only a dream” she continuously whispered to herself…

Chapter XVIII

As the plane was descending towards Rome airport, David looked out of the window.
He couldn’t suppress the nervous feeling he felt…

When they completed the album the guys had a week off before the photo shoot in Siena.
They all went back to their countries to be with their loved ones.

David thought about his fight with Mandy just before he left. He was glad to see her again but she felt as he wasn’t even there. She accused him of being oblivious concerning their relationship and truthfully…, he couldn’t blame her. It all felt different. As much as he loved her before he now wasn’t so sure anymore …

Sebastien was still sleeping and Carlos was telling Urs about his week with Geraldine and how much he had missed her. Urs felt exactly the same and he told Carlos he wished he had some more time with his girlfriend.

Sebastien opened his eyes when the plane touched down on the runway. He sat up immediately as he noticed that they had landed…

The guys were happy to see that he was back to his old self again since they met each other in London for their flight to Rome. Carlos and Urs thought it was because he saw his family again. But David knew that wasn’t quite the case…

As they arrived at the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena, Simon was already there to welcome them with a huge smile on his face..

They all greeted each other and entered the hotel. After they all got checked in they walked into they lounge where Marc was waiting for them together with Angelica.

“Guy’s I want you to meet the photographers assistant, this is Marc” Simon said. Marc stood up and smiled as he reached out his hand. “And this lovely lady is her secretary Angelica”. Angelica also stood up and greeted them with a huge blush on her cheeks.

Carlos noticed that Urs was staring at Angelica and poked him while whispering in his ear;” May I remind you sir, that you are attached…?” Urs laughed as he poked him back.

Sebastien was a little quiet again as he kept looking around. “Are you ok Seb?” Simon asked as they got seated. Sebastien turned to Simon and answered: “Yeah, yeah …I’m ok.”

Marc started talking about the program for the shoot. “Tomorrow morning we’ll do the first shoot at the Piazza Salimbeni. We start early at dawn since we want to use the light. “

“So, where is the photographer?”, Carlos interrupted…
Sebastien and David both looked up at Marc…

Marc answered: “Lisa is in Rome with Danilo, our light technician for the shoot, they will arrive here sometime this evening...” Sebastien looked away by the sound of her name…. “Who’s this Danilo….”David wondered “

After they had diner downtown they all walked back through the small streets of Siena to their hotel.
Marc and Simon where already back in the hotel to talk some more details about the shoot since Simon had to leave for London early in the morning.

It was a beautiful night; Carlos had a little too much cognac and sang to every women passing “Passeljaaa..” , while he leaned on Sebastien and David who couldn’t stop laughing . Suddenly he stopped and pointed at a small café
“Let’s awl have anotell dlink“.. he blurted out while waving his arms around..

David smiled and said “Carlito, no more cognac for you…” while he towed his arm. Carlos didn’t move and lifted his eyebrow and said while looking at Sebastien “Sebbie my fliend,jook at mee Im not dlunk…”
Sebastien took his other arm , smiled and said “Sure you’re not…!”
Urs was walking ahead with Angelica and they seemed having a wonderful time…
As they walked up the street of their hotel, David suddenly stopped… and softly said; “oh..my god….”! While letting go of Carlos. Carlos almost fell over and repeated David; “oh mly glod.!”
Sebastien was trying to prevent Carlos from falling flat on his face and looked at David and followed his eyes….

He saw Simon and marc in front of a car talking to a tall man in the distance.

Sebastien tried to look closer when he saw a women there.. She was standing with her back towards them and the tall man had a arm around her waist. Sebastien could tell she was tall and slim.

His heart started to skip beats…

Sebastien saw Simon kiss her on both cheeks and then he walked with them to the hotel entrance. As the woman walked up the stairs and turned into the light, Sebastien noticed her face….

Chapter XVIV
The next morning



The telephone was ringing in Sebastien’s room. He opened his eyes and turned to pick up the phone…”Allo..” He answered softly”. “Buon giorno sir, this is your wakeup call”, he heard a woman’s voice… “.ok….thank you..” He said and turned on his back.

He stared at the ceiling thinking about last night. When they finally made it to the hotel Lisa already had gone up to her room... Simon said she was really tired and that she would meet them tomorrow, he seemed a little flushed. Sebastien felt really disappointed he had missed her.
He thought about David…he also looked a bit disappointed…”He acted strange…,”he thought. David didn’t say another word after he saw that look in his eyes… Sebastien shook his head and got out of bed and took a shower…
The set was all ready at the Piazza when the guys arrived… David looked around but didn’t see Lisa anywhere… There were greeted by Marc and he introduced them to Brenda who did the make up for the shoot. Carlos asked Brenda if she had something for his headache…
Urs leaned towards Brenda and said “What he really, really wants is a cognac…” he said when he cracked up laughing. Carlos smiled vaguely and grabbed his head with both hands. Brenda smiled while looking at Carlos and said: “poor thing, come on…let’s see what I got!” He immediately had a smile on his face, lifted his eyebrow and followed Brenda while looking had Urs.
Urs went over to talk to Angelica …
David looked at them. He heard them talking and laughing next door in the middle of the night …He didn’t mentioned it to Urs though..

Marc started to talk to David about the shoot when the tall man greeted Sebastien. “Buon giorno! I’m Danilo, the light technician.” Sebastien turned at him and shook his hand. ”Sebastien Izambard”, he said.
“Nice to meet you Sebastien” ,he said and smiled at him.
“Likewise.” He lied and noticed at the same time Danilo’s face lit up as he looked passed him.
Sebastien turned around to see what he was looking at… and stopped breathing for a moment …
Lisa was walking towards them while talking to another woman with papers in her hands…
She looked absolutely stunning. She wore super fit jeans with a simple white blouse, her gorgeous light brown hair pulled back nonchalantly.
When Lisa was close by, she looked up and noticed Sebastien who was staring at her …
Lisa stopped as she stared back…
They stood there for a while both shocked even though they knew they would meet …
When Lisa noticed that the woman and Danilo were looking at them..she pulled herself together and smiled at Sebastien and reached out her hand. …”Hello sebastien…” She softly said.
After a moment holding her hand he’d recovered himself “..Hello Lisa….” He softly replied and gave her the loveliest smile…

Carlos looked over at Lisa from a small distance and poked Urs.
“Urs….Urs!...Look!”, he said while pointing at Lisa.
Urs looked back and after a moment he said a bit shocked. ”But that is….”
“Yes, that’s her…”,Carlos said…”That’s the girl from the airport!”

Angelica looked confused. “You know Lisa?" She asked at Urs.

Urs looked at Angelica, he lowered his eyes and looked up when he smiled..”Um..well…sort off I think…well, not quite, she looks… familiar!”
Meanwhile Carlos looked over at David who just stood there staring at Lisa and Sebastien…and then turned away…

Chapter XX.

The shoot progressed very well. Lisa was standing behind the camera taking shots as the guys walked towards her with their jackets over their shoulders.
The lighting was absolutely perfect, the guy’s looked absolutely smashing in their new Armani suits and Marc was deliriously happy about the shots taken so far. He kept telling the guys what to do: “David look at your right! "
"Put your chin up a notch, Carlos stop smiling. Yes Seb, that’s the look we need! Urs!, Urs!!!…Over here!….look that way!”

Lisa smiled while listening to Marc, he was always very passionate about his work and he knew exactly what Lisa wanted.

Angelica was standing behind Lisa and couldn’t take her eyes of Urs . She kept feeling shivers down her spine, he looked like a god in his black Armani suit.
Danilo, who stood aside was holding the light meter and told Carlos to step to his left as the sun was coming up and he needed the soft lighting on their face.

“Ok guy’s stop walking!” Marc said while he looked at de display on Lisa’s camera to see the last shot “Yeah this is good, “Marc said; “don’t move! Guy’s, look passed the camera towards Brenda over there!”
“No!!! Urs don’t look at Lisa, look passed her! ”Marc said while pointed at Brenda who gave them her loveliest smile.

Urs turned to Carlos and whispered; “How, in God’s name, can anyone look passed this woman….”
Carlos raised his shoulders and shook his head when he replied: “Impossible!, My eyes are locked on her…”

David and Sebastien looked at each other but didn’t say a word…

“Ok, this is very good!” Marc said and continued,” Now, Carlos Urs and Sebastien you can step aside! David, Lisa will only take you now! ”

As they walked to the side Urs said to Sebastien: I’m sure David won’t mind being taken by Lisa..” he said and smiled . Carlos overheard and smiled while he lifted his eyebrow and said to Sebastien in a low voice; ”I really wouldn’t mind if she took me.”
Sebastien tried to smile but didn’t really achieve.
He turned and looked at Lisa who was looking through the lens on top of her Hasselblad Camera.

David was standing in the middle of the piazza looking very tall and handsome. The soft light of the sun was touching the side of his skin. Danilo walked towards him to measure the light with the meter he held in his hand, while he clicked the meter under David’s face he noticed that he only had eyes for Lisa as he kept staring right at her while she was setting the camera… he didn’t notice Danilo at all .

Danilo finally looked at the measurement on the meter and told Lisa “All set..!” and walked away, while looking back at David who still was gazing at Lisa…

“Ok David that’s great, look right into the camera!” Marc demanded.
Lisa looked through her lens and took a few shots. The moment she zoomed in, she noticed David's eyes. Lisa froze as she softly whispered Benjamin’s name.
Because he didn’t hear the camera shutter anymore, Marc looked at Lisa who lifted her head slowly and looked right at David. David was close enough to see her beautiful eyes and he lifted his head slightly and as he looked right back at her.

“What happened” Carlos asked while he turned to Sebastien. Sebastien didn’t answer as he looked from Lisa to David and back to Lisa…
Urs also noticed them, when he saw the look on David’s face he said “Oh my...”

Marc stepped back quietly and leaned over to Lisa…
“Lisa? Lisa, princess…Are you okay? “Marc softly asked…
Lisa looked slowly at Marc and then she noticed everything and everyone was quiet and all eyes were on her and David… She slowly nodded her head and smiled vaguely.. “Yes…..yes of course!” She cleared her throat. ”I’m okay. Let’s move on…”

Chapter XXI


“Ok guys, it a wrap for today, tomorrow we go to the San Domenico church for the cover shots.” Marc said.
Carlos was talking to Brenda and Urs was telling Angelica a joke and she almost choked while she laughed …
Lisa was unlocking her camera as she looked up and saw David sitting alone on the side of a fountain looking at his hands, he looked quite sad she thought and she slowly started walking towards him.

“…Hi….”Lisa said when she was standing in front of him.
David slowly looked up and he seemed a little shocked. He then smiled and said “Hi…..”

He looked into her gorgeous brown eyes. She looked so beautiful it almost was unbearable.

Lisa sat beside him “Thomas asked me to tell you that he won the game eventually…” she said and smiled. David looked at Lisa and gave her a huge smile back “Really? WOW! He’s so good !How is Thomas?” Davis asked while he searched her eyes...

” He’s ok….”Lisa replied while she lowered her eyes.
She looked a little sad and David felt for her.

“Simon told us what you have been trough Lisa…I’m really, really sorry for your loss…”
Lisa looked at David and noticed he really meant it...

”Thank you David” Lisa softly said and looked away.
David slowly put his hand on top of Lisa’s hand. When he realized what he just did he pulled away and said: “I’m sorry Lisa. I didn’t mean to do that.” Lisa looked at David and touched his hand; “Don’t be David.” She said reassuringly “.It’s okay, really…”

Marc called Lisa and she said to David while she stood up: “I have to go, I’ll see you later…”
David smiled at her and said “I really hope so….”

As he watched Lisa walk away he noticed Sebastien who looked at him with a very serious face. David felt awful and stood up to walk towards him as Sebastien turned and walked away.

Back at the Hotel Carlos was on the phone in the lobby with Geraldine and Urs was about to leave with Angelica for lunch. David got up to Sebastien’s room; he really needed to talk to him. Several times he knocked on Sebastien’s door, “Seb, are you there? Please open the door, and let me explain…”

There was no answer…
Maybe he was so angry with him that he didn’t want to see him…
He got down to the lobby to have a drink in the lounge and to think things over. As he stepped out of the elevator, he saw Sebastien standing there talking to someone. As he got closer Sebastien turned around and looked at him still serious, David suddenly stopped, his mouth fell open and his face turned pale.

”Hi honey…SURPRISE!” Mandy said as she walked passed Sebastien towards him with her arms reaching out…

Chapter XXII


Carlos just finished his phone call as he turned around and saw David almost scared looking, while he was being smothered by Mandy…

“Ohh sweetie, I couldn’t leave you here al alone , I’m sorry I love you…”Mandy said to David. She held his head between her hands and kissed his face all over “I love you so much David…”She said between kisses “I do…I love you...”

David looked like he was about to freak out completely. He forced himself to stay calm. After a moment, he finally managed to tear himself away from her and looked at her with his eyes still open wide. “W-Why….w-what …h-how…”He stuttered with an extremely high tone in his voice…
Mandy looked baffled.
He forced a smile on his face and tried hard to act calm…”What are you doing here…silly?” He seemed relieved when he finally managed to make a whole sentence.

Carlos walked passed him while he whispered in his ear “You lucky dog! ”and grinned.

Mandy smiled at Carlos and turned to David, her face was a bit pale. ”Aren’t you happy David..?” she asked somewhat disappointed.
“….umm of course…of course I’m HAPPY!” He said, his voice riding in tone again and wrapped his arms around her while he smiled way to forced.

Sebastien was walking into the garden of the hotel and noticed Lisa who was talking on her mobile…
“Ok sweetie, say hello to Carmen for me and be good!” he heard Lisa say
Sebastien looked a bit shy as he looked at her while she turned around and noticed him.
He almost melted when he saw a smile on her face … “Hi....” she said.

After a short moment, he smiled back.“Hi Lisa…”
Lisa noticed that he felt somewhat uncomfortable and she started talking about Thomas.
Sebastien loved the way her face lit up when she talked about her son. He could tell that Thomas was her life.

After a moment, Sebastien asked Lisa if she had plans for the afternoon.She looked at him; “No …not really…” she said while lowering her eyes.

“I have rented a car and was about to drive to the beach. Would you like to come? He asked Lisa with questioning eyes. “Yes. I’d like that…”She answered and smiled… “Let me just get my things!.”

Sebastien could not believe she had just said yes, and felt his face turn red.

***
David was lying in bed and Mandy was in the shower…She had practically raped him when they entered the room earlier. He rubbed his hands over his face and shook his head… He got up and walked to the mirror he looked at his reflection, he looked awful.

After a moment he leaned in closer and stared at his eyes. ”What are you doing?”He softly whispered to himself. “what the hell are you doing….?”


Chapter XXIII

While Sebastien and Lisa were driving through beautiful Tuscany; they took turns at looking at each other without the other one notice.

They both smiled at each other when the radio started playing:” Ti Amero “
“I really love this song…”Lisa said And Sebastien smiled at her tenderly, he never felt happier in his life…

Sebastien parked the car at a beautiful deserted beach aria. They both got out of the car, took of their shoes and started strolling along the shore.
Lisa glanced at Sebastien and asked how things were going with Il Divo.
“We recently finished our third album in Gothenburg…” He said and smiled.
“Oh that’s why you went there! ”Lisa said while she looked at him.
Sebastien nodded and smiled again; “Yeah we recorded the whole album there.”He watched as she removed a string of her from her face before he continued.
“We’re hoping that the album will do well after the release in a few months. But I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…” he said while lifting his shoulders…

“I’m sure it’s even better than the previous ones.”Lisa reassured him and then smiled.
“I only heard a few songs of the Siempre album before, but I think you all have such wonderful voices and you blend perfectly together. This can’t go wrong.”

He thought it was so sweet of her to say that. He felt his heartbeat increase as he smiled and looked into her eyes…

Sebastien stopped walking and laid down a towel on the sand. He signed to Lisa to sit down and after she did he lowered himself next to her. It was so peaceful; all they could hear were the waves crawling up the shore.
They sat there, next to each other in silence, watching the ocean for a moment….
Sebastien slowly turned to Lisa: “Why were you going to Gothenburg…?” he asked.
Lisa lowered her eyes and slowly moved her hand over the sand.
Sebastien felt sorry he asked her, as he noticed her silence…

“I’m sorry Lisa, you don’t have to answer that…” Sebastien softly said while he stared at her.
“It’s okay “She said and put her arms around her shoulders and looked at the ocean then slowly turned at Sebastien and vaguely smiled..” We just needed a little break. ”She said quietly
“I understand….”Sebastien nodded.
“It really was an awful flight wasn’t it?” Sebastien said, trying to change the subject.

Lisa looked at Sebastien and smiled…”Yes, it was! I was glad you were there…”
Sebastien arched his eyebrows “Were you? ..really?” He asked as he looked into her eyes. “Yes!….really..” She answered quietly while she stared back in to his green eyes…

“God she’s amazing…” he thought. He felt like kissing her and then Lisa slowly lowered her eyes…
“You know?”Sebastien smiled. “Many years ago they found this shipwreck here.”
Lisa looked back at him.”Here on this beach?” Sebastien nodded. “It was buried deep in the sand. They discovered it was the ship of a lonely king who was sailing to be with his mistress.” Lisa’s eyes grew wide. “Really?” Sebastien nodded again and smiled when he noticed her expression. “Where was his kingdom?” She watched Sebastien think. “I’m not sure, I thought it was somewhere near Greece.” He said and pointed towards the east. Lisa followed his eyes, frowned, and pointed back. “Isn’t Greece that way?”Sebastien looked at her. “That’s where I was pointing.” Lisa laughed, “No you weren’t!” Sebastien started laughing as well, “Well back then continents where different.” Lisa laughed again: “But off course! “She mocked him. Sebastien grinned. “Anyway…”he continued, “You should know that the ship he used wasn’t very stable, not that many ships were around that time, but still his was the worst. His kingdom had lost all its money. His wife had died a few years before and he had met this beautiful girl right here in Tuscany when he was sailing around Europe right after his marriage. “Lisa frowned “But he was married!” Sebastien nodded, “He was, but he never wanted to marry his wife since he had never loved her, but his father insisted he did. She was the daughter of this wealthy aristocrat who would promise to donate loads of money if they would marry. Therefore, the king did what was best for his country and they got married.”Lisa nodded after his explanation and Sebastien continued: “His wife appeared to be very high maintenance, which drove him crazy. Therefore, he decided to sail away the day after. Telling her wanted to see the world. So, he’d set sail with only a few helpers and during a storm one night they stranded here in Tuscany. The next morning he spotted a girl who lived near this beach. She was walking solemnly along the shore. After he had watched her for a while, he approached her and the next few days they were inseparable and ended up having this seamless affair.”Sebastien smiled when he watched Lisa’s face glow.”However, after his ship was restored he had to leave again. The king was desperate to stay in touch and they wrote letters for the next year, until his wife died. After her death, he wanted to go back to the love his life, but the money was gone and his country was in depth. He bought a ship with his last money from this poor fisherman and set sail at night. It was right in front of this beach when another storm shattered their ship. “Lisa’s face turned sad. “And the king…? “
“He drowned…”Sebastien said regretfully. Lisa sighed. “That’s so sad. “Sebastien nodded: “Rumor has it that his ghost never left this beach and that you can hear him calling for her whenever there’s a storm at nighttime.”
Lisa winced while looking around. “That’s creepy…” She whispered. She looked back at him” Is it a true story?” Sebastien nodded a bit too eagerly and Lisa narrowed her eyes when she noticed he tried hard to keep his face straight. “You!!!” She laughed and started to pinch him.

After a while, they stood up and strolled back at the car. The sun was about to go under and the wind was increasing.

Suddenly Sebastien stopped en placed his hand behind his ear. “Did you hear something?”He joked. Lisa giggled: “STOP!!”She exclaimed and tickled him.
Sebastien smiled, he did not want to leave… His feelings for Lisa became stronger and stronger almost incontrollable… ”I have to do something…” he thought impatiently.
While they walked on Lisa stopped for a moment and looked at the red colored sun.
“Gosh, this is just breath taking!” Lisa said while she inhaled deeply.
Sebastien didn’t think and turned to Lisa and looked at her with penetrating eyes.

“So are you…..” he softly said while he gently touched the contours of her beautiful face with his fingers…

(From that moment on everything seemed to happen in slow motion….)
Lisa stared back into his eyes. He was so close that she could smell his scent.
Sebastien slowly leaned in towards her and moved closer and closer, while he kept looking into her eyes.
Lisa didn’t stop him and felt how his warm lips gently touched hers while he still touched her face with his fingers…

His lips felt so soft. Sebastien slowly put his other arm around Lisa and pulled her close while his lips were still touching on hers.

He kissed her tenderly and she responded by putting her arms around his neck and running her fingers slowly through his hair. As their kiss deepened Lisa felt the intense warmth of his body that was pressed against hers.

Then unexpectedly, Lisa let go and lowered her eyes.
Sebastien looked down at Lisa and as he slowly lifted her face with his hand he noticed a tear running down her face. She looked into Sebastien’s eyes”…I’m sorry….”She softly whispered.
He tenderly wiped the tear away, caressed her face: “It’s ok Lisa….”
He gently pulled her close and hugged her, kissed her hair while he kept saying;

...”It’s okay….It’s okay…”

Chapter XXIV
The next morning:

David just got out of the shower while he walked back with a towel around his waist into the bedroom.

Mandy was still asleep as he looked at her blond hair that was wrapped around her face. He worried about his feelings….After a moment he turned around and lowered the towel and got his clothes together…
Mandy opened her eyes and smiled while looking at David’s naked body…”Come back to bed…darling” she said with a sleepy voice. David turned around and smiled vaguely…”I can’t Mandy, I’m already running late.”
Mandy looked at him with a playful smile while she turned the sheets open. ”Are you absolutely sure…?”She asked while she tried to put on a sexy look.

David shook his head while he kept silent and turned to get dressed.

Mandy jumped out of bed and grabbed David from behind. ”Come on honey!” She moaned and tried to kiss him while she touched his body all over. David suddenly turned around and looked angry while he pushed her away. ”For God sake Mandy!!!”He yelled “.Leave me alone!”
Mandy stared at him with her mouth open. ”What the hell is going on with you?” she yelled back at him.
David rubbed his face while he looked at her in disbelieve.” You don’t get it, do you Mandy? Can’t you see? I’m working here, this isn’t a holiday for me!” David replied with a strong voice.
Mandy looked at him for a second and then walked away towards the shower without saying another word….

David started to feel bad that he got angry with her. He ran his fingers through his hair and said softly; …”Mandy? Mandy. I’m sorry….”

But she didn’t answer….

Sebastien slowly sat up on the side of his bed. .He didn’t sleep at all last night . He kept thinking about Lisa, her face, her scent, her smile…her gorgeous smile “….I kissed her…I really kissed her…..”He said to himself.

They got back late last night…
After Sebastien tried to comfort her after they kissed they walked hand in hand to the car. When they were inside the car, they started talking while the music softly played on the radio…
Lisa talked about her work and about Thomas and Sebastien talked about his mother and his music.

He remembered her laughing when he told her a funny story about his childhood. It felt good that he was able to make her laugh.He did notice she avoid talking about Benjamin and even though he was curious, he’d decided not to ask anything about him.
Finally when Lisa got tired Sebastien pulled her gently to his chest and she fell asleep for a while as he caressed and kissed her hair all over again like when they were on the flight to Gothenburg.

Sebastien closed his eyes and realized that from that moment on, he never would be able to let her go….


Chapter XXV
The shoot at the San Domenico Church progressed slowly. Carlos, who had to wait for his turn, was flirting again with Brenda, who kept blushing all the time. He was a real charmer.
Marc didn’t sleep very well as he was harassed by a persistent mosquito the entire night.
The result of his lack of sleep was a very bad mood that showed on his face.
Lisa was busy taking headshots of Urs who was trying to look serious but had difficulty doing that as Angelica kept making funning faces behind Lisa’s back.

Marc was about to lose his patience…

When Lisa noticed Marc’s angry look at Angelica for the third time around, she looked over her shoulder at Angelica who looked like the cat who just ate the canary. She shook her head and smiled.

She had noticed the chemistry between them, and it was obvious that Angelica was falling for him. Lisa also knew that Urs was involved with another Girl back in France. She could not help worrying about Angelica’s feelings; she really didn’t want her to get hurt …

“Urs please! Work with me here…”Marc moaned “And you!”He said while he pointed at Angelica “Go get some coffee…or something, look busy!!!.”

Angelica obeyed silently and smiled secretly at Urs, who watched her walking away.
Lisa couldn’t help but smile and got back to work. Within a few seconds, Lisa got the shots she wanted and showed them to Marc. “Thank god!!!” Marc exclaimed while he raised his arms to the sky…”Okay” He recovered himself quickly, “let’s get a move on!”

After Marc set Urs free he immediately went over to Angelica who was hiding from Marc in a dark corner and they walked away chatting and smiling with each other.
“Carlos!!!!” Marc said, “Get your but up here!!!”
Carlos nodded politely and made a dog sound (“Wraff”) as he graciously walked towards Marc. Lisa started laughing and so did the rest of the crew…

Meanwhile, Sebastien was sitting on the steps of a building across the Church looking at Lisa when David walked silently to him. When Sebastien saw him coming, he lowered his eyes.
David sat silently next to him and felt a bit nervous. After a moment he turned to Sebastien who started making writing signs with his finger on the ground.

“Seb….?.” David said. Sebastien turned to David and looked at him with questioning eyes. ”Seb…I…”
The serious look on his face caused David to feel uncomfortable.
He loved Sebastien like a brother and he hated the feeling that made him feel uneasy.
Sebastien looked away:”I know, you know…” he softly said.
David frowned:”What do you mean, you know…?”
“I know about your feelings for Lisa…” Sebastien said while he looked back at him.
David looked shocked and swiftly lowered his eyes.
After a moment David looked up to the sky. When he lowered them his eyes got stuck at Lisa who was standing in front of Carlos and was busy straighten his tie. Carlos looked at Lisa's serious face and smiled.
David looked away: “It’s not what you think Sebastien.” He finally said.
“Isn’t it…..?” Sebastien asked while he tried to look in Davids eyes…
David looked at him and Sebastien was trying to hold his look…

He could tell that David wasn’t telling the truth and that hurt him. At the same time, Sebastien noticed in the corner of his eye that someone was coming towards them. As he looked, he noticed Marc who approached David. “your next David…” He said and glanced at his watch.
David looked at Sebastien and he silently rose and walked away with Marc while he felt Sebastien’s eyes in his back….

Chapter XXVI
David walked into the garden of the hotel and saw Mandy sitting there; slowly drinking her coffee.
He walked over to her and sat opposite of her. Mandy looked up at him but didn’t make a sound.

After a moment, David looked at her: “Mandy, we need to talk ….” He said, sounding concerned.
Mandy looked away and her eyes welled up: “Here we go…..” she softly whispered.
David briefly closed his eyes. He felt horrible; this wasn’t the way things were supposed to be. Everything kept going wrong over and over again.
He looked back at Mandy and noticed tears running slowly down her face as she looked down.

“I’m sorry Mandy, I really am…”David said and leaned over trying to touch her hand which she withdrew instantly.
“What happened with us David….?”Mandy softly asked as she looked into his eyes
David slowly shook his head and stroke his hands through his hair as he looked away.
“David, talk to me …please!” Mandy begged.
“I……I, don’t know….” David stuttered

Mandy rose and looked down at David.
”I guess I should pack my things…” she said
David nodded silently while he avoided her eyes…

Mandy looked up and blinked her eyes repeatedly, in order to push back her tears. She then slowly looked back at David:”I want you to know that I love you..…” She said with a smothered voice.”I always have…and I always will…”
David looked up at her with hurt in his eyes…”I know you do…” he softly said.
Mandy smiled vaguely while she tenderly caressed his face..
She then turned around and walked in tears into the lobby, unaware of Lisa whom she passed. Lisa followed her with her eyes while she got into the elevato. As the elevator closed, she saw her lowering herself to the floor with her hands covering her face…

Lisa turned and looked into the garden and saw David sitting there with his hands in his hair.
She hesitated for a moment before she walked slowly towards him. As she came closer she noticed his shoulders were trembling.
She silently stood behind him, and looked worried when she heard him softly crying .

She gently put her hand on his shoulder. David slowly looked up and looked shocked to see her there. Lisa got through her knees and looked into his eyes. He swiftly wiped his face and tried to smile at her.

Lisa didn’t smile back. She knew he was hurting and silently placed her hand on his face.
David stared at her eyes. He then slowly lifted his hand and touched hers.
They did not move and just stared at each other for a moment.
“Will you be okay?”Lisa finally asked. David managed to smile vaguely when he nodded slowly.
Lisa smiled.

She then turned her face slowly to the entrance of the hotel as she noticed someone was there.

Her smile slowly disappeared as she was looking right at Sebastien who stood there staring at them as if he was frozen.


Chapter XXVII
When Lisa got into the lobby she didn’t see Sebastien anywhere. She walked into Carlos, Brenda,Urs and Angelica and they asked her to come along for diner…
Lisa hesitated but finally agreed.

They went to a small restaurant where Carlos again could not stay off the cognac and at one point he started singing to Lisa.
Lisa really liked him; he really made her laugh.

Carlos was amazingly sober as they walked back to the hotel. It was a beautiful evening and Lisa could see a full moon among the stars…

They spotted Marc who was just coming out of a bar while he was being supported by Danilo.. He appeared to be very drunk which was a first. Lisa walked up to them and asked Marc if he was okay. Marc looked up and blurted out: hjeeee there’s my beautijful plincess, Urs laughed at Carlos and said: “Translate that will you…?” Carlos smiled and poked him.

“He had a hard day…” Lisa mouthed to Danilo. Danilo smiled at her: “So I’ve noticed…” he mouthed back and gave her a wink.

They all walked on and as they entered the hotel Lisa decided to go up to Sebastien’s room to see if he was okay.
As she got into the elevator, she thought about the look on Sebastien’s face. He seemed so hurt somehow. She didn’t understand. Also the way David told her to go after him and the worried look on his face when he said that.
She got out of the elevator and knocked on Sebastien’s door. After a moment she heard him walking towards the door. He opened the door and stared at Lisa. “Hey…”Lisa smiled. Sebastien didn’t smile back, turned around, and slowly walked towards the window without saying a word.

Lisa entered his room and closed the door.
The only lighting in the room was coming from the full moon.
She heard Jeff Buckley playing softly in the background.

“I missed you at Diner…”Lisa said.
“I wasn’t hungry…”Sebastien softly replied while he kept his back to her.
Lisa stood there in silence, and started staring at her hands, as she didn’t know what to say anymore.
Lisa slowly looked Sebastien’s way: ”well,…”She finally said.”It’s going to be a long day tomorrow and since It’s getting late, I guess should be going. “Sebastien kept quiet. “I’ll see you in the morning….” Lia softly added before she slowly turned around and started walking towards the door. Sebastien suddenly turned around : “Are you in love with him?” He asked.
Lisa stopped and turned: “What…?” she looked back at him.
“I asked you if you are in love with him…? “ Sebastien repeated while he looked at her intensively.
“In love with who…?.” She asked while looking confused.
“David….are you in love with David…?”
Lisa looked at him in disbelieve. Sebastien started walking towards her since she kept silent.
When he stood in front of her she could sense that he had been drinking. She looked at the small table and noticed a bottle of wine. She briefly closed her eyes before she looked back at him. His eyes were still focused on her….

“You have been drinking. I will talk to you in the morning…”she said
“I only had two glasses of wine, I’m not drunk. Look at me! ”he said,” Please, Lisa, I need to know…”
Lisa looked away and closed her eyes…
“I see….” He whispered and slowly turned around. He dropped himself on the side of the bed and lowered his head between his hands.

Lisa slowly walked up to him and gently started to caress his hair.

As he looked up, he noticed that she looked at him intensively. He slowly got up and touched her face while he stared into her eyes.
”God, Lisa! ”He suddenly gasped. “I can’t take this anymore.” He pulled her close and pressed his lips against hers. Lisa immediately kissed him back and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Their heartbeat increased and they started breathing heavily.
Sebastien turned while holding her and pushed her back gently on his bed.
He carefully got on top of her and looked at her face. “Let me love you, Lisa. ”He whispered to her out of breath, “Please let me love you ...”

Lisa looked into his gorgeous green eyes and touched his face as she kissed him. Their hands were touching each other all over as they slowly undressed each other.

...and finally, they passionately made love....

Chapter XXVIII
Sebastien didn’t want to close his eyes; he looked at Lisa’s beautiful face while she was sleeping in his arms, her breathing was so serene.
Gently he touched her face with his fingers. He still couldn’t believe that she was there beside him…

When they made love, they were completely locked in each other’s eyes. Lisa had tears in her eyes and he soothed her by telling her that it was okay while he kept caressing her face.

He gently held her close, so he would not wake her, and kissed her face. Then he finally closed his eyes and fell asleep …
The sun was shining on Lisa’s face when she slowly opened her eyes.
She noticed that two strong arms held her. When she turned quietly, she looked at Sebastien who was in a deep sleep…

Carefully she tangled herself out of his embrace, trying her best not to wake him.

She got out of bed, walked to the bathroom and stared at her face in the mirror.
Suddenly it all came back to her, Sebastien holding her strong and kissing her, her fingers that ran through his hair, his hands touching her all over, his naked body against hers, his scent, the words he whispered to her and the look in his eyes while he made love to her…

“Oh my God. ”she gasped, and almost instantly the tears were coming free from her eyes.
She walked back into the room, quietly picked up her clothes, got dressed, grabbed her shoes, her purse and left in silence…

The moment she got in her room she called the airline and asked the reception for a car…Then she called Danilo.
”Hello..? “Danilo answered with a sleepy voice.
”Dan, it’s me, Lisa…”She said with tears in her voice.
“Lisa?” Danilo jumped out of bed.
”What’s the matter sweetie…?”He asked worried.
“…Dan, please don’t ask questions, please, just listen…”
“…Ok, I’m listening.” he said.
“I’m going back right now…I did…I…did something…."She stopped talking and Danillo heart her crying.
“what did you do baby..? “ Danilo asked
Lisa couldn’t answer, she was so upset she could hardly breathe.
“Lisa honey, listen to me do not go anywhere! I am coming right over. ” he said.
”Danilo, No!” Lisa hurried to say, but he had already hung up.
Lisa lowered herself to the floor and broke down…

Meanwhile; Danilo grabbed his pants and hopped out of his room.
At The same time Urs stepped out of the elevator down the hall, wearing only his bathrobe not expecting anyone at this early hour, when he spotted Danilo still jumping with one leg in his pants.
“Oh…hi…Danilo” Urs tried to act calm”…I was...Just…..”Urs searched for words while he made heavy gestures with his hand.
Danilo finally got his pants on and started running passed him while a vague “hello “left his lips.
Urs lifted his eyebrows and stared at him as he rushed into the elevator…

Danilo got at Lisa’s room and noticed that her door was open. He silently got in and found Lisa still crying on the floor with her hands before her eyes.
Danilo hurried up to her and helped her on her feet.
“Lisa…honey, what’s wrong….?”He asked as he gently removed her long hair from her face.
She looked up at him, shaking her head. “I have to go Danilo…please don’t ask. I’ll explain later…”
He decided to let it rest since she looked so defenseless…
“Today is the last shoot at the beach.” Lisa sobbed while she wiped her eyes continuously, “you can do that….they are only group shots…Marc will help you… ” She added an still sobbed while she turned and got her things.

“I’ll... take you to the airport Lisa...” Danillo offered.
”No! Really it’s all taken Care of, my flight is leaving at 10...”
“What do I tell them Lisa…? “ Danilo asked.
Lisa looked at him. She sighed deeply trying to think of something.”Just…..Just tell them that something came up…” Lisa quietly answered...
“ok,” Danilo softly said. ”I’ll arrange everything.” He continued, while he gave a comforting smile.
Lisa grabbed her things, pulled herself together before she turned and looked at Danilo.
” Thank you…”she whispered while she kissed him goodbye and walked out of the room, straight to the elevator.
Danilo followed her and watched her while she got in.
When the doors were about to close he stopped them with his hands. ”Will you be ok…?”He asked worried.
She looked away for a moment and then nodded…”I’ll be ok…”she softly said. Danillo knew she wouldn’t be, but removed his anyway and stared at her while the doors closed.

Danillo rubbed his face and just stood there. After a moment he started to look around and decided to wake up Marc and the rest of the crew to inform them…


Chapter XXVIV
Danilo called everyone and told them to meet him in the lobby at once..
After he told Marc, Angelica and Brenda that Lisa was gone, they were astonished and kept asking Danilo why she left, since he didn’t knew the reason himself he told them what Lisa had asked him to.
When Carlos, Urs and David came down, they wondered why everyone looked so shocked.
“What’s going on? “Carlos asked.
Marc looked like he just gave birth to a melon and turned to him and told him:”It’s Lisa, she had to leave…”
David who overheard Marc and turned to him with a perplexed look.
Marc didn’t understand either since she always talked to him first and felt a little left out since she informed Danilo first instead of him.

“Who’s going to finish the shoot?” Urs asked
“I’ am “ Danilo answered. “Marc and I know exactly what we need to do so, everything will work out just fine.” He said reassuring. “I hope it’s nothing serious?” Carlos said while he lifted his eyebrow at Danilo.
Danilo turned to him and lifted his shoulders. ”I honestly do not know more Carlos.”
***
Sebastien was slowly waking up when he noticed that the other side of the bed was empty.
He abruptly sat up straight, looked around and noticed that all Lisa’s clothes were gone.
“Lisa…?” He called her name as he jumped out of bed and walked in a hurry to the bathroom…
“Lisa…? “
…for a moment he just stood there….
He leaned against the bathroom door and ran his hands through his hair.
“This couldn’t have been a dream.”He whispered.

He put on his jeans, grabbed a t-shirt, and rushed out to the third floor.

When he arrived at Lisa’s room he noticed a cleaning cart in front of it.
The door was open and he slowly walked in and called her name “Lisa…?”

Suddenly a cleaning lady stuck her head out of the bathroom door. “Can I help you sir…?”She asked with a strong Italian accent.
Sebastien looked confused.”I’m looking for Lisa Amberville…, this is her room.” He said puzzled while he was still searching the room with his eyes.
“Ah, no sir. Miss Amberville already left.” She said and smiled politely.
Sebastien immediately turned and gazed at her with his eyes open wide.” She what…?”
“She left, sir” The woman repeated gently but looked a bit shocked by the look in his eyes.
Sebastien shook his head in disbelieve,”this isn’t happening….tell me this isn’t happening.”He said to himself while he grabbed his head with both hands.
The cleaning lady looked concerned for him and didn’t really know what to say.

Then Sebastien turned away from her and started running for the door, once there he glanced at the elevators but decided to take the stairs down to the reception. When he arrived in the lobby, he rushed to the front desk.
”Sir…”He said out of breath…”Miss Amberville…which room?”
The receptionist shook his head.“Mr Izambard, I’m sorry but…..”
“She left Sebastien. ”he heard Danilo’s voice behind him, interrupting the employee.
He turned quickly and looked at him in disbelieve.
“No…no…she can’t leave…”He softly said and shook his head.
“But she did…she left Sebastien”. Danilo repeated as he looked into his eyes.

Sebastien suddenly grabbed him by the shoulders “ I need to know where she is Danilo.” Danillo gazed at him in silence with his eyes wide open. ” Where is she? You have to tell me where she is, “He said in a demanding voice… “Back to London, She’s on the 10 o clock flight, she’s gone Sebastien.”
Sebastien looked at his watch: 9:10; he started running for the door.
“You’ll never make it Sebastien!” Danilo called after him. But Sebastien didn’t want to hear.
Across the lobby, David had watched everything from a distance and turned slowly before he walked away.
Urs noticed the look at David‘s face as he walked by. He turned to the others and pleaded while he lifted his hands..”Can somebody please tell me what the hell is going on here..???”

Nobody answered….

As Sebastien got outside, there was a Cab waiting for another hotel guest. He didn’t think and jumped next to the driver. ”The airport! Please hurry! “He said to the driver who looked perplexed. “ NOW!!!, He shouted.
The Taxi driver looked at Sebastien‘s face and did what he’d asked him to. He trembled as he started to drive away in full speed.

Sebastien slammed his fist on the dashboard out of frustration which made the driver lean back. Sebastien glanced at him and excused himself.
Meanwhile, the car rushed over the highway towards the airport.
”Faster...please go faster…”Sebastien begged him. The driver nodded nervously and hit the gas pedal once more. When they arrived at the airport the Sebastien threw the driver some money and jumped out of the cab before it came to a full stop and immediately started running for the departures.

Totally out of breath, he arrived at the check inn counter off British Airways.

” The 10 0 clock flight to London. Which gate? “He asked out of breath.
“I am sorry sir…, the gate is closed, the aircraft is ready for departure.”The girl said while she looked at her computer. “I can put you on the next flight though. “She looked up and stopped talking when she saw Sebastien running for the gates, knocking a few people over on his way.
By now, the tears were running down his face….

When he arrived, they were just closing everything down.

”Please…I have get on that flight!” he pleaded. The employee turned her face towards the window where Sebastien just saw a BA flight at full speed down the runway seconds from being airborne. At that very same time he got through his knees, while he placed his hands before his eyes:” No Lisa, No…”He moaned with a smothered voice.

Chapter XXX
Lisa got out of the cab and walked through her front door.

Her eyes were all swollen and the entire flight she had gazed at nothing. Flight attendants kept asking her if she was okay and looked very concerned.

Lisa closed the front door and she leaned with her head against the door, still holding on to the doorknob.
Carmen just came out of the kitchen. Her eyes grew wide when she noticed Lisa. “Lisa…?” Carmen said, “I thought you weren’t supposed to come home until tomorrow...?” Lisa didn’t answer.
Her shoulders were shaking and Carmen heard her softly cry. ”Oh Sweetie what’s the matter..?” Carmen asked as she walked towards her. Carmen took her by her shoulders and she turned her around. Lisa tried to avoid her eyes. ”Lisa. Sweetie…What’s wrong?” finally, she slowly looked up with eyes full of tears. ”Oh my god….you’re a mess!” Carmen said and hugged her. Carmen took her to the kitchen and sat her down at the large table.
”I’ll make you some tea sweetheart, don’t you worry….Whatever it is, we will work it out!” she said while she put on the kettle.

Lisa could not bring out a word. She just sat there and stared at the wall…
Carmen was very concerned; she didn’t saw Lisa this way since Benjamin’s death. After an hour or so Lisa slowly looked at Carmen and softly asked:”Where is Thomas …?”

“He’s with a friend, he will be home at six…Do you want me to pick him up?” She asked. Lisa shook her head and quietly said;”No that’s ok….I’m going to take a shower….”

“All right, sweetie you do that. If you need anything, I am right here, okay. ”Carmen said while she laid her hand on Lisa’s arm and tried to look in her eyes. Lisa nodded before she rose and left the kitchen.
When Lisa got upstairs, Carmen walked to the study and closed the door… She quietly picked up the phone, dialed Ingrid’s number and waited impatiently for her to answer.
”Hello…?”Ron answered.

“Ron this is Carmen. Can I Talk to Ingrid...? “
“Carmen what’s wrong you sound worried is everything ok with Lisa and Thomas?” Ron asked
“Yes. Well, I’d really like to talk to Ingrid, Ron….”
“Oh.Okay then, hang on.”
Carmen heard Ron Calling Ingrid. Then she came on the phone; “Carmen? “
“Yes Ingrid, Listen. I’m very worried about Lisa…”
“What’s the matter with Lisa? Is she ok..? “Ingrid sounded anxious.
“Yes. Well no, that is just it… I don’t know...She just came home from Italy and she‘s totally upset about something but she wouldn’t say a thing to me. I did not know what to do Ing. ”Ingrid noticed that Carmen was worried sick “I’m on my way Carmen, I’ll ask Ron to take me to the airport immediately.” She hurried to say and hung up. Carmen stood there with the telephone still in her hand …She hoped she did the right thing by calling Ingrid...

***

It was late when David got out of the cab at the airport. He paid the driver and walked inside … He almost immediately noticed Sebastien who was sitting on a bench at the gate. He didn’t seem notice the people around him. David walked over to him and sat beside him.
Sebastien looked up. David could tell by the look in his eyes that he was hurting.
”Hey buddy…”David smiled while he put his hand on his shoulder. ”you’ve got everyone worried about you….”

Sebastien didn’t make a sound and lowered his eyes…

”Seb, come on talk to me!…I’m right here. We are buddies aren’t we..?” David asked with questioning eyes.
“She is gone David…”He quietly said. “she just walked away from: us…”
David looked like he didn’t understand.”What do mean by: us, Sebastien?”

Sebastien stared at David and finally, finally he started talking… He told David everything about the beach, their first kiss and about last night, that he could still feel her, the softness of her skin, the passion he felt while he made love to her, everything.
David felt like he was choking and felt sick to his stomach but manage to hold himself together.
He never knew that it had come this far between the two of them. He utterly tried to stay calm.
When Sebastien finally stopped talking, David saw tears in his eyes. He forgot about his own feelings and tried hard to comfort him. ”God Seb, I had no idea, I’m sorry...I am really sorry.”

After a moment of silence he looked Sebastien in the eyes:
“go!…go after her Seb!” Sebastien stared back at his friend for a moment, and finally nodded.

Chapter XXXI
It was almost midnight when Ingrid walked up to the front door. Carmen stood in front of the window and saw her coming. She opened the door; “Ingrid I’m so glad you are here!” Carmen said while she hugged her.. “Hi Carmen, where’s Lisa?”
“I guess she is asleep. ”Carmen answered. “When Thomas got home she looked happy to see him, but after she put him to bed she looked so sad again and kept silent and went to her bedroom. I don’t know what to do Ingrid!” Carmen almost started crying, she loved Lisa as if she was her own daughter.

“Don’t worry Carmen. I am here now. ” Ingrid said reassuring while she held Carmen’s hand.

Ingrid silently walked upstairs to Lisa’s bedroom and softly knocked…Since there was no answer Ingrid silently opened the door. There was no light on, Lisa was sitting in front of the fireplace and stared into the fire; ”hey sweetie…”Ingrid softly said. Lisa looked up and could not believe her eyes. Ingrid saw by the glistening on her face that she had been crying.

”Ingrid?” she whispered. ” Yes, It’s me,” Said Ingrid while she walked up to her. Lisa rose and hugged Ingrid while she broke down in tears.
Ingrid didn’t say a word and just hugged her back.
After a while Lisa looked at Ingrid and tried to smile, ”Carmen called you?”
Ingrid nodded. ”She’s so worried Lisa…”
Lisa turned her back to Ingrid: ”Oh God Ingrid, I don’t know what to do…I didn’t think… he kissed me and…it just happened…” Ingrid frowned, “What happened Lisa…?”
Lisa sat down and slowly told her everything that had happened back in Siena.
After she was finished Ingrid stared at her friend. “Oh my god..Lisa? ”She sounded perplexed.
“I hate myself Ing, .I feel like I have betrayed Benjamin and Thomas. ”Lisa said while she covered her eyes.

“No no Lisa, don’t say tha!.” Ingrid immediately replied as she sat down next to Lisa, stoking her hair. Ingrid then smiled tenderly and grabbed her hand. ” Lisa its okay, honestly, don’t be so hard on yourself… So you have made love to this wonderful man. You are a single woman Lisa so I can’t see what is wrong with that, do you? ”
Lisa looked back at Ingrid’s questioning eyes. It took her a moment before she finally shook her head and smiled.

They talked on until very late and Ingrid stayed with her until she finally fell asleep…


The next morning
Carmen was sitting at the kitchen table with Thomas who was eating his breakfast. Thomas kept talking to Carmen with his mouth full and Carmen was just about ready to lecture him about it as Ingrid came walking in.

”Hey you! ”Ingrid said while she tickled him.
Thomas Jumped off his seat when he saw her: “INGRID!!!” He yelled and hugged her tight.
He was so happy to see her.
Ingrid smiled and kissed him. ”How are you sweetie...?” She asked while she caressed his hair. “I’m okay. Where are Uncle Ron and Bjorn?” He asked while he looked up.
“They are still in Gothenburg sweetie. I’m sorry they couldn’t come…”
She noticed that he was somewhat disappointed and she changed the subject by asking him questions about school. As they talked on Ingrid took a seat and Carmen poured her some tea…
After a moment Thomas shoved away his plate and turned to Carmen.
“I am finished can I go now. Jamie is waiting next door, please…?”
Carmen noticed his mouth was still full but she couldn’t help but laugh. ”Okay then. Off you go! ” He gave her a big Kiss and waved at Ingrid. “See ya later Ing!.” He smiled and ran out of the front door.
Ingrid smiled to herself and lifted her teacup.
Carmen looked at her,”how is Lisa...?”
Ingrid put down her cup of tea and looked at Carmen and smiled:
“She‘s in Love Carmen…” She almost whispered.
Carmen looked at her in disbelieve “Lisa is in love…?”
“Yes!” Ingrid said, as her smile got bigger.
Carmen relaxed a little bit and a smile appeared slowly on her face…
At the same time they heard a knock at the front door.
Carmen wanted to get up but then Ingrid said; “I’ll go Carmen you stay and finish your tea.”

Ingrid walked towards the door, opened it and stood there unmoving as she stared him right in the face…
…Sebastien…..


Chapter XXXII
They all had two weeks off before they had to promote the new album, which was about to come out at the end of September. They could not complete the final day of the photo shoot because of Sebastien’s absence but Danilo and Marc had decided that they had enough usable material for the album.
If it appeared to be necessary, Angelica said, she would talk to Lisa about picking another date during their promotion tour for the final shootings.

Angelica looked disappointed and had tears in her eyes at the airport in Italy, as she said goodbye to Urs , who also didn’t look happy either.
Everyone knew that something was going on between them..
Just one look at them together and it was obvious that there was more than just friendship going on. Urs and Angelica however, kept silent about it.

When Urs walked toward the gate, he looked back at Angelica who couldn’t restrain herself any longer and started crying. Urs did not care about what the others would think anymore; he dropped his bag, ran back to Angelica and hugged her tight.

“Angie, this isn’t the end, you know.” He whispered silently in her hear as he caressed her hair. He then looked at back and her face between his hands,” I will call you as soon as I arrive okay? ”
Angelica looked him in the eyes and nodded:”I…I love you Urs.” She whispered.
Urs stared at her and felt like he was about to burst. He didn’t think as he suddenly pulled her closer and pressed his lips against hers.

Carlos and the others were totally bedazzled as they watched the two of them kissing as if there was no tomorrow.

***

David entered his apartment in London and listened to his messages on his answering machine.
He exhaled relieved, Nothing from Mandy only his mum, his sister and some fans that obviously got a hold of his private number.
He lowered himself on the couch and his mind drifted off.

After he convinced Sebastien to go after Lisa, he called Marc to find out where Lisa was living. He seemed a bit reluctant since he didn’t understand why David needed her address.
David didn’t know any other way to convince him so he sort of told Marc what was going on. When Marc finally gave him her address after a moment of complete silence, David was completely astonished to hear that she lived two blocks from their building in London.

Suddenly he heard a knock on his door…
David got up and walked toward the door to open it. He looked at into a pair of gorgeous hazel eyes who belonged to a beautiful girl with brown long hair.
”Hi, I’m so sorry to bother you “She excused herself, “but I just moved in next door and my power is down.” She looked a bit troubled.
” I’m Karen by the way.” She said and smiled at him while she reached out her hand.

David noticed she had an American accent as he realized he was staring at her; he recovered and gave her the sweetest smile while he shook her hand.
”Hi I’m David. Karen. Nice to meet you!
I know that face…she thought… Suddenly it popped in her mind.

”Oh..My God…you are…?”
David looked at her with questioning eyes and replied; ” David…I’m David.”
“Yes, Off course, David!” Karen eventually blurted out she looked a bit shocked.
“Well Karen…,”David smiled and grabbed his keys” I’m not that comfortable with power but, let’s see…”He said while he stepped out and closed the door.

While David was busy with the power supply, Karen stared at his back. She couldn’t believe that he was right here in her apartment. And on top of that he was her neighbor NEXT DOOR!!! She thought while grabbing her head.

Unexpectedly the light popped on.
”Well, look at that!”She nervously said while she looked up.
David turned around and looked up. He seemed just as surprised as she was.. ”Gosh I’m good!.” He softly said. Karen laughed because the look on his face.
”You are the best!! “Thank you so much David.”
“Oh it’s nothing…”He said and rolled his eyes while he smiled.

“So, Karen where are you from? ” He asked while he walked to her small kitchen to wash his hands.
“I just arrived here from Ohio. I got a new job offer here and I thought I’d give it try.”
“Oh wow! That is nice Karen! I’m sure you’re going to love it here.” He said and turned. Karen looked at his dripping hands and handed him a towel and as he was drying his hands, Karen thought to herself that she would never wash that towel again.

” Have you never been to London before? “ David asked as turned his head to her.
"No never my, first time here…”Karen answered, she looked like she had a permanent smile on her face.
“Well if there’s anything I can do, Just knock, you know where I live.”David said while he looked into her eyes.

“I…I do.”She stuttered, and almost immediately shook her head,” I mean, I will remember that. Thank you ...”
David smiled, pretending he didn’t notice her stuttering and walked out.
After she closed the door, Karen jumped and gave a little scream.
David overheard, stopped and turned to look at her door,
he could not help but laugh.

He knew that Karen recognized him.

Chapter XXXIII
Ingrid was in total shock but she finally managed to get out a soft “Hello.”
Sebastien smiled vaguely and lowered his eyes as he said : “Hi…”
Ingrid thought he looked extremely attractive …
Sebastien continued as he was still looking down:
“I-I have to talk to Lisa…”
“Yes, I know…”Ingrid replied and she smiled, she then stepped back ;“Come in Sebastien.”
Sebastien walked into the house and felt a bit uneasy.
”Just wait here and I’ll go get Lisa,” Ingrid said.
Sebastien looked up and nodded.

As Ingrid walked to the study, she passed Carmen who came out of the kitchen. She made almost invisible signs to Carmen that: he was the one!

Carmen slowly looked at Sebastien and walked up to him. When she got a closer look she realized she saw him before. ”Hello..I am Carmen. ”she friendly said and she reached out her hand.
Sebastien shook her hand and smiled back.” Sebastien..,”

“Well nice to meet you Sebastien, you look familiar.”She said while she held her head to one side.
”I do...? “Sebastien friendly asked.

Carmen thought he had the sweetest smile although she could tell he was sad and looked very fragile.

”Yes, you do.. I guess I saw you on the TV, is that possible? Are you an actor or a singer?
Sebastien, blushed and smiled again, “I’m not an actor, I’m a singer. I’m a member of Il Divo.“
Carmen raised her eyes; suddenly everything became clear.
”Off course…How silly of me.” she said while she shook her head slightly. She was still smiling at him.

***
“Lisa..?”
Ingrid said as she opened the door to the study.
Lisa turned around from her light table where she was just sorting out her contact sheets.
Ingrid stared at her for a second…
“What is it Ing?” Lisa softly asked while she turned back to the table.

“Ah..There’s….umm … someone here to see you….”
Lisa turned to Ingrid again and noticed she was a bit uneasy. She arched her eyebrows at her” Well let this: someone, come in!” she smiled.
“Don’t you want to know who it is?”Ingrid asked while she still stared at Lisa.
Lisa suddenly felt confused .” who is it then?” She softly asked while she stared back at Ingrid’s eyes.

A moment of silence followed and Lisa started to frown.
“Sebastien…., it’s Sebastien Lisa…”

By the sound of his name, she felt chills all over her body. She dropped the contacts sheets she was holding and looked in disbelieve at Ingrid.
She opened her mouth but no sound was coming out…. She then lowered her eyes and slowly turned her back to Ingrid.

“Lisa…? “ Ingrid sounded worried.
She didn’t answer…

Ingrid looked back as she felt someone was standing there. She looked right at Sebastien who stood behind her and obviously had overheard everything.

After a moment of silence, Lisa looked slightly back towards Ingrid but did not raise her eyes. “Please Ing…”she whispered…”Tell him I’m not here…”
“But you are!” Sebastien suddenly interrupted and walked inside.
Lisa abruptly stood up and turned to see Sebastien standing there in the doorway.
As there stared at each other Ingrid could feel the enormous tension that was present.
She slowly turned and silently walked out of the study, gently closing the door on her way out.

It felt like minutes were passing by as they just stood there facing each other in silence.
None of them seemed able to say anything…

Eventually Sebastien carefully walked towards her, “Why did you run from me Lisa…?” He softly asked.
Lisa lowered her eyes and then slowly looked up again…”Sebastien, you don’t understand.” She whispered.

He raised his hands as he kept his eyes on her. “No, you’re right Lisa, I don’t understand. Firs,t We make love and then I open my eyes and you are gone ! “ Lisa lowered her eyes and looked away.
“It was…..”
“What was it Lisa? ” Sebastien interrupted her as he looked at her intensively.

Lisa looked at him and noticed a confused look on his face.
“…a mistake…it was a mistake...” she stuttered.
“NO!!!” Sebastien raised his voice and shook his head as he turned his back to her. Then he faced Lisa again;”Don’t you say that!…don’t you DARE say that…!!!”
Lisa felt tears in her eyes as she turned around.
Sebastien also turned and walked a few steps and stopped as he turned back to her.
“…How can you say it was a mistake Lisa…..” Sebastien voice sounded softer.

Lisa raised her eyes to push back her own tears but it was too late …
Sebastien noticed that she was crying silently and that hurt him.
He walked over to her and gently turned her around.
Lisa tried hard to avoid his penetrating look. Sebastien carefully lifted her chin with his hand..
”Look at me Lisa…..Please!”
Lisa looked at his eyes.
”Don’t push me away ….”He whispered as he slowly caressed her face.
Sebastien noticed that the touch of his hand on her skin made her Shriver...
She still tried to avoid his eyes. Then Sebastien placed his hands around her face and forced her to look in his eyes.

“This isn’t a mistake Lisa. I Love you…I loved you from the moment I met you…” He softly said and leaned forward and kissed her passionately. Lisa did not push him away and closed her eyes as his hands slowly slide down to her breasts while he softly started kissing her neck.
Gradually he started to unbutton her blouse and Lisa moaned silently when she felt his hand on her bare skin.
He looked back at into her eyes and caressed her face before he kissed her again. They both lowered themselves to the floor and made love to each other right there….


Chapter XXXIV
Thomas came running into the house, “Carmen! Carmen!” He called out.
Carmen just came down the stairs and walked over to him. “Ssssh, Not so loud Thom!” She frowned.
“Look what I found!!” He said out of breath as he showed her his little hand.
Carmen leant over him and carefully he opened his hand , her eyes grew wide when she saw a little frog sitting there. Carmen instantly stepped back.”Oh Thomas don’t bring this in the house!”Carmen called out while she put on a face of disgust.

Thomas arched his eyebrows. ”But he was on the street! all alone!!…He looked so sad, Carmen!! He needs a new home! “
Carmen frowned, “Why do I get the feeling that his new home will be here Thom…?”
Thomas stared at her. “He has nowhere else to go Carmen! I will put him in the garden near the little pond, is that okay? Please say yes!”
Carmen smiled as she looked at his sad face she then kissed him and stroke his hair “fine!….But hurry , because you have to take a shower before dinner.”
Thomas his face lit up: “Thanks Carmen!” He said and kissed her back before he walked towards the kitchen.
Suddenly he looked back at Carmen: ”I’m going to show it to mummy first. ” he said and looked hopeful before he turned and walked towards her study.”

Carmen thought of Lisa and Sebastien who were still in the study. “Thomas no…!!!..” She suddenly said.
Thomas looked back at Carmen ...”Why not...? “He asked confused..
Carmen tried to look Calm and smiled... ”Mummy cannot be disturbed right now, sweetie… she… she is very busy… She will come to bring a kiss when you’re in bed, I’m sure !”
Thomas looked disappointed but then shrugged his shoulders and said:”Ok…” and walked to the Kitchen.

Carmen looked at the door of the study and sighed. She hated it that she had to lie to Thomas….

***
“Ok sweetie, I love you too… Put Daddy on the phone, will you?” Ingrid asked to her son.
Not much later Ron came on the phone.“Hey, love! How are things going with Lisa is she okay?”
“I’m fine thank you...” Ingrid replied a bit sarcastic.
Ron was silent for a moment: “I’m sorry….”He finally said,” I didn’t mean...”
Ingrid knew perfectly well what he meant but she choose to ignore it.

”Why is Bjorn still up Ron, he should have been in bed by now! ” Ingrid said still a little annoyed.
“He’s brushing his teeth as we speak Hun. I promise!” Ron said.
“Ok then...” she sighed….
“So how are things going?” Ron asked carefully.
“Well, I don’t know. I do know why she was so upset.” Ingrid continued
“Why was’ she...?”
“It’s a long story but, she met someone in Italy during the shoot there.”
“…really? Who did she meet?” Ron asked sounding a bit low.
“Sebastien Izambard, a singer from Il Divo. ” Ingrid said.
Ron kept silent as he remembered the guy staring at them at the airport when they picked up Lisa and Thomas.
“Ron…? Are you still there…?”
“…yes…yes I’m here…”He cleared his throat, ”Isn’t it a bit soon for her to...You know…?”
“NomI don’t think so Ron, she has to move on…you said it yourself! ” Ingrid answered.
Ron stuttered: “Yeah …I…I know ...but...”
“But what Ron?” She sounded irritated.
“…nothing..” he softly said.
He obviously felt beaten as he continued. “So…are they seeing each other…or..?”
“Yes they are.” Ingrid interrupted him: “He came to the house this morning and they still are in the study together.”
“Since this morning..???” Ron’s voice rose in tone.
“Yes Ron, since this morning! ”Ingrid repeated him. She felt disappointed about the way he reacted as she continued.
“I’ll arrive tomorrow at the 10 o clock flight, so please be there to pick me up, okay?”
“Yes off course…I’ll be there….” Ron answered and after a moment of silence, he told her that he loved her.
Ingrid couldn’t say it back. : “Okay then “She ignored his words.” see you tomorrow give, Bjorn a kiss from me…Bye!”
Ingrid turned the phone off, pressed her mobile against her chest and silently broke down in tears.


Chapter XXXV
David was watching a boring program on the television. He looked at the time: 07:00, He thought of the fact that he still had not eaten yet.
He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the streetlights outside. He didn’t feel like eating alone…
Suddenly he gazed at the wall. He then grabbed his jacket and hurried out of his apartment.

***

Karen was having a desperate fight with a paint bucket as she tried her best to open it. When she was about ready to explode with frustration it unexpectedly popped open and the paint spurted out!
She exhaled frantically …
Just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse, she heard a knock at the door. She rose from the floor, walked towards the door and opened it with a swing.
As Karen looked up her mouth dropped…
David stared back at her while and raised his eyebrows: “In the name of God...Who did your makeup? “ He exclaimed.
Karen slowly touched her face with her hand and she felt paint all over her face “Oh My God!” She blurted out.
David couldn’t help it and started laughing. Karen looked at his face and also started laughing.

“I’m sorry ...”David finally said when he wiped his laughing tears with a smile.
“It’s okay…”Karen smiled back.

David hesitated for a second; “I was wondering if you had diner already?” he finally asked.
Karen shook her head, ”No not yet! ” she answered while she stared at him.. ( OMG OMG ..OMG..) She thought and tried hard to act calm.
“Um well, I was just going out to have some and …well maybe…You would like to come? David stared at her with questioning eyes.
Karen’s heart skipped a beat and she answered as calm as possible: “Yes off course…I mean,…I would like that!”

David gave her a huge smile. ”Ok then! “ After a moment Karen still stared at him with a smile on her face..." David lowered his chin without taking his eyes of her. “Maybe you would like to change? You’re hair…Clothes…make up maybe...? “He asked while he grinned at her.
Karen looked down at her clothes and laughed.
”I guess that would be a good idea, I’ll be just a second!!”
“Please, no hurries...” David said and watched her ran off to her bedroom before he entered Karen’s apartment.

Once Karen was inside, she closed the door and got undressed while she walked towards the shower.
She washed herself as fast as she could, rushed out and grabbed a dress. When she got it on she looked at her reflection in the mirror and stared. She smiled and took a pose, then shook her head: “no, this isn’t right” she mumbled and took it off …. After five fittings, she finally felt comfortable in a simple white dress.
She brushed her teeth, combed her hair and quickly put on some lip-gloss.
Before she got out of the bedroom she gave herself one last look in the mirror and nodded with approval; ” this will do! ” she whispered to herself and grabbed her purse.

As Karen got out of her bedroom, she turned to David: “I’m ready...” She softly said and smiled.
David, who stood in front of the window, turned to look at Karen and he forgot to breathe for a moment.
Karen’s look turned a bit confused…”Do I still look weird…? “She asked uncertain.
David finally smiled and shook his head forcefully,”No! … You look... so …gorgeous...”
Karen sighed relieved and gave him a lovely smile.

***

The music softly played as Sebastien and Lisa were lying naked in front of the fire place, which was the only light source in the room…
They both were partly covered by Sebastien’s shirt. Lisa rested her head on his chest as she watched the fire, her fingers softly caressing his chest hair.
Sebastien also watched the fire and caressed Lisa’s back as he finally felt at ease again.
He turned his head, “I meant what I said; I Love you Lisa…I really do….” He softly said.

Lisa lifted her head and looked in his eyes. She rested her chin on the back of her hand and smiled vaguely as she caressed his face with her fingers from her other hand. Silently she followed the contours of his face.

When the radio started playing: Everytime I look at you.
He looked into Lisa’s eyes ; “This song is so true right now.”
"I love this song...” Lisa softly said.
Sebastien smiled at her tenderly and gently touched her lips with his index finger as he started singing softly to her..." Cos' everytime I see your face...My mind becomes an empty space ...And with you lying next to me...feels like I can hardly breathe...”
Lisa gave him a beautiful smile and Sebastien felt a warm glow through his body …
Suddenly, he grabbed her face with both hands and kissed her again.
Lisa lifted her body a little and responded his Kiss passionately.

Sebastien suddenly pushed Lisa back and looked at her intensively as they both were out of breath. Lisa stared back at him as she rested on her arms above him.
”Love me Lisa…..please, Love me...” Sebastien said with a tender voice while touching her lips.
Lisa answered by lowering her body on top of his and pressing herself against him. She pressed her lips against his while her fingers ran through his hair…
Sebastien held her tight with his strong arms and rolled her over while their lips stayed attached …. and he made love to her all over again….

Chapter XXXVI
David took Karen to his favorite Restaurant in London.
He was such a gentleman, as he opened doors for her while he graciously kept bowing as if she were a princess.
He even helped her when she got seated by holding her chair back while making funny comments with a strong English accent.
David loved it when Karen laughed and especially the way her eyes twinkled.
Karen kept pinching herself over and over again, afraid that she might wake up and would realize this was all a dream… They seemed so comfortable with each other’s presence and it felt like they knew each other for many, many years… After dinner when they were drinking coffee …They both seemed a bit disappointed that the evening flew by so fast...

David looked at Karen who stared into her coffee while she kept stirring her coffee …
He smiled and said: “Are you trying to work your way through the table, dear…?”
Karen looked up and smiled…. “David...?” she asked...
“Yes Karen…!”He answered while he kept a smile on his face...
“Don’t you have a special person in your live…?”
David’s smile slowly disappeared and he lowered his eyes as he thought of Lisa…
Karen noticed that he wasn’t feeling comfortable with her question as she said: “I’m sorry David …”
David looked up and interrupted her...”No …it’s fine, it’s just l...”
He vaguely smiled as he paused and looked away, he then looked back at Karen: “I want to be honest Karen, there is someone…but it’s very complicated…”
Karen lowered her eyes as she had hoped for a different answer…
David saw the sad look on her face and changed the subject.
”I really had a great time tonight…”He said and smiled at her as he searched for her eyes… Karen looked up and smiled back at him as she replied;”Me too….”

As they strolled back at their apartment block, David noticed that Karen was feeling chilled. He took of his coat and wrapped it around her …
Karen looked up at him and softly said:” No please…, you’ll get sick”
David smiled; “Well then you will have to take care of me if that happens...!” He said in a low voice
Karen started to smile and rolled her eyes: “I will…but don’t whine!”
“Well that depends…I love whining when I’m sick because then, I’ll get all the attention and I really like attention, especially from pretty girls like yourself...” David said while he wrapped his arm around her shoulders…
Karen Started Laughing: “I’ll bet you do!”
When they were standing in front of Karen’s apartment door, Karen turned to David and handed him his coat. She looked up at him: “Thank you David…”

“You’re very welcome miss….”David said while he gave her a huge smile.
Karen just noticed how tall he really was as they stood there facing each other…
”I really had a great time tonight…”Karen softly said.
David kept silent and stared at her face and slowly his smile faded.

Karen stared back at him and her heartbeat increased profoundly.
She felt how David’s hand touched her face as he started to lean towards her and gently kissed her on her lips.
Then David stepped back, looked deep in her eyes and smiled;”Bye Karen…”
He turned around and slowly walked to his apartment…
Karen lifted her hand slowly and touched her lips with her fingers as she watched David walking away …
Suddenly he stopped and turned back at Karen. ”Do you have to work tomorrow? “
Karen was only able to shake her head as she was still in shock….
David smiled “How about a London tour tomorrow? Would you like that? ”

Karen smiled and immediately started nodding her head …
David smiled back: “Good! I’ll pick you up at 10.”

Karen was still in a state of shock as she entered her apartment and leaned with her back against the door as she closed it. She stood there for a moment and raised her eyes as she softly mouthed a: THANK YOU!
Then a huge smile appeared on her face...


Chapter XXXVII
It was almost midnight and Lisa stared at the full moon through the window in the study, her arms wrapped around herself wearing Sebastien’s shirt, which was too big for her…

Sebastien looked at Lisa’s silhouette; he couldn’t get his eyes of her.

He slowly got up and held Lisa from behind as he kissed her neck. Lisa laid her head back on his shoulder and smiled…
“Je t’aime, Lisa.” Sebastien whispered.

Lisa turned and smiled as she looked in his eyes, they were so tender looking…
Sebastien gently removed her hair out of her face..
“I have to go back to Paris tomorrow as it is my mother’s birthday, will you please come with me Lisa?” he softly asked. Lisa looked away…”I don’t know Sebastien, I can’t leave Thomas again.”
“So, we’ll take him with us!” He said.
Lisa got silent and turned away from him.
“Lisa...?”
“Seb, it’s complicated…” Lisa turned to him again and stared at him for a moment…
“What is ...Lisa?” Lisa looked away: “its Benjamin …his funeral was there…”
Suddenly Sebastien remembered the article in the magazine he read about Lisa, while he was in Gothenburg. Benjamin was buried in Paris…

Sebastien turned pale and lowered his eyes: I’m sorry Lisa, I didn’t know...”
Lisa looked at him and smiled vaguely “You couldn’t have known Sebastien” and after a short silence, she added softly, ”I will go with you….”

Sebastien abruptly looked up at her.” Are you sure...? “Lisa smiled and nodded.
A huge smile appeared on his face as he held her face and kissed her.

***

When Lisa got out of the shower, she wrapped a towel around her body and walked to Thomas’s bedroom.
Lisa slowly opened the door and she quietly walked towards him.
Thomas had fallen asleep while he was reading his favorite book; Talking too Angels, that Carmen had given him short after Benjamin’s death. She gently got the book out of his arms and tugged him in; while she kissed his forehead . She smiled tenderly when she heard him silently snoring and carefully caressed his hair. She quietly left his room, closed the door and walked to her bedroom.


She stopped in the doorway and leaned against the doorframe as she silently watched Sebastien, who was sitting in a lounge chair in front of the fireplace watching the fire while he held a glass of wine in his hand…
He sat there in deep thoughts with only a towel around his waist and his hair still wet from the shower. He looked so handsome.
Sebastien turned his head and a smile appeared on his face when he noticed her.
”How long are you standing there beautiful?”He asked, as his smile got bigger. “Long enough...” Lisa softly said as she smiled back at him.

Sebastien placed his glass on the floor and gradually stood up while he kept looking at her. As he walked over to her, his towel dropped on the floor and he didn’t bother picking it up…

Lisa felt a rush through her body as her eyes went over his naked body… When he got closer, she smiled and lowered her eyes. Sebastien stopped in front of her and Lisa looked up at him. He didn’t make a sound as he untangled her towel which also fell on the floor. Their eyes stayed focused on each other as he wrapped his arms around her waist while he started kissing her gently. Lisa wrapped her arms around his neck and he lifted her and walked towards the bed where he gently laid her down on the cool sheets. He rested on his arms while his body was on top of hers.
He looked at her for a moment and then he started kissing her passionately…
Lisa felt how his warm hands glide over her body and they slowly made love that night all over again….

***

The next morning Lisa slowly opened her eyes, she was still in Sebastien’s arms, Lisa carefully turned her body, trying hard not to wake him.
She smiled as she gently touched his face with her fingers, his hair was very messy and he snored silently …

Lisa stared at him for a moment before she quietly got out of bed, took a shower, got dressed and went downstairs to the kitchen were Carmen and Ingrid were having breakfast…

“Well, hello there..!!!” Ingrid grinned
Lisa smiled and said “Good morning everyone!” She sounded very happy.
Carmen looked at Ingrid who raised her eyebrows and smiled to her, meanwhile Lisa got herself a cup of tea and sat down at the table.
“Did you have a pleasurable evening last night...?” Carmen asked while she looked at Lisa with her eyes open wide and a smile on her face...
Lisa smiled and lowered her eyes... “Yes…..”She softly said…

Carmen looked at Ingrid and lifted her shoulders ...

Ingrid turned to Lisa with questioning eyes,”Yes? Is that all you are giving us…? Come on, Lisa! “She laughed,”you can’t leave us here with just a, yes…”

Lisa looked at Carmen who was tapping her fingers impatiently on the table she then looked at Ingrid and started laughing too..
“Ok then…”Lisa finally said.”It was the best!” she sighed, “He’s so, WOW!” She said as she rolled her eyes, and they all started laughing…

Carmen had not seen Lisa this happy since a very long time and that really made her happy.

Thomas came rushing into the Kitchen and walked straight towards the garden door.
“Thomas...? “Lisa asked while arching her eyebrows.
”Mummy I have to check on my frog!”
“Your frog...?” Lisa asked confused as she looked at Carmen who rolled her eyes, “Yes my frog…”Thomas answered.” I found him yesterday he was all alone and I saved him. Now he lives in our little pond.” Thomas smiled.
“Okay, well do I at least get a kiss first...?” Lisa asked while she looked at him with a smile, Thomas smiled back and rushed to her. He wrapped his little arms around her neck and gave her a big Kiss. “Thank you, sweetie. Now go to your frog!” Lisa smiled and she patted his hair.

Ingrid looked at her watch, “I have to get dressed, I have a plane to catch.’ Lisa turned to her and grabbed her hand . “Thank you for coming Ing..I really appreciate it! ” Lisa softly said. “Anything for you sweetie, you know that! “Ingrid said as she stood up and kissed Lisa’s hair.

Carmen looked at Lisa who stared at her tea. She held her head to one side and asked:”What’s up honey.” Lisa looked up and smiled “Sebastien wants to take me to Paris for the weekend, and I said yes...” “Well that’s wonderful sweetie!”Carmen said while she smiled and laid her hand on Lisa’s arm…
“Yes...But Thomas...”

“Oh, Don’t worry about Thomas sweetie, he’ll be just fine! He has is frog now! “Carmen joked.
Lisa looked at her and started laughing.

***

Lisa left for the office. She had some business to take care of before she left for Paris with Sebastien later that day.

As she walked in Lisa noticed Angelica, who sat behind her desk going through some papers.”Good morning sweetie” Lisa said cheerfully.” is Marc in already? ” Angelica looked up and tried to smile as she softly said.”Hi Lisa, Marc’s in the darkroom.”

Lisa noticed that her eyes looked swollen and she looked very pale. Lisa walked up to her and laid her hand on her shoulder.”Angie? Are you ok? “Angelica nodded slightly as her eyes welled up. Lisa got through her knees and looked into her eyes. “Did you hear anything from Urs lately...? “
She lowered her eyes and shook her head.

Lisa felt bad for her; although she had been afraid, this would happen.
Lisa looked at her again, “You know Angelica, he has a girlfriend back in France…”
“I know, he told me...” Angelica softly said.
“I just thought that…” she suddenly stopped and lowered her head; Lisa noticed tears rolling down her face. “I’m so sorry Angelica, I really am.” Angelica looked up at her as she wiped her tears.”I will be fine Lisa, don’t worry. “She said and smiled slightly through her tears. Lisa looked very worried,” If there’s anything I can do, just let me know, ok sweetie?”
Angelica nodded... ”Okay, I will…”She softly said.

***

Carmen was cleaning the table as Sebastien came walking in. Carmen smiled at him and said “Good morning Sebastien”, did you sleep well?” Sebastien smiled back: “Yes very well, thank you!” he answered. Can I make you some breakfast?” Sebastien smiled politely: “No thanks! I will just have some coffee, please.”
“Take a seat dear...” Carmen pointed at a chair and turned towards the counter and made him coffee.
Sebastien thankfully smiled at her as she handed him his coffee. She sat opposite of him and started talking about the weather. Sebastien smiled constantly.
She loved his smile and thought he had such a warm personality.

Thomas walked into the Kitchen, looked at Sebastien, and smiled slightly as he could not exactly place him even though he knew he had seen him before.

“Do you remember Sebastien Thomas? “ Carmen asked. Thomas nodded as he suddenly remembered. He smiled “…you where on our plane.”
Sebastien smiled back:”Yes that’s right, I remember you being very heavy.”
Thomas nodded and stretched himself out: “I do eat a lot!” Sebastien laughed, “Carmen told me you have a frog...?”.Thomas his face lit up “Yeah, you wanna see it? “
“I’d love to!” Sebastien smiled

Carmen watched through the window how Sebastien kneeled down besides Thomas at the pond in the garden. Thomas kept talking as he showed him the frog and Sebastien looked very interesting, she could tell that Thomas felt very comfortable with Sebastien.

After a while Sebastien came back in and smiled: “He really adores that frog.”
Carmen rolled her eyes: “Oh God I know, it’s the only thing he talks about since he found it.”
“He’s a great kid!” Sebastien said as he sat down to finish his coffee. Carmen agreed: “He’s so much like Lisa when she was little…”
Sebastien looked at a big picture off Benjamin and Lisa on the wall, Carmen noticed him staring.
”That picture was taken during their honeymoon at the Virgin Islands...” Carmen said.

Sebastien lowered his eyes, obviously feeling uncomfortable. “They look very happy…,” he softly said as he glanced at her.
Carmen smiled vaguely "They were..., at that time anyway..."
Sebastien looked up: “Weren’t they after…? “

Carmen looked at him:”Well Sebastien, you see, Benjamin was not very easy going. He was very jealous and it only got worse and worse during their marriage. Especially after Danillo…” Carmen suddenly stopped talking and lowered her eyes.

Sebastien looked confused:” Danillo? Lisa’s light technician?”

Carmen looked shocked and tried to avoid his intensive look.
What happened with Danilo…? “Sebastien asked still confused.

Carmen finally looked up and took a deep breath: “ Danilo was Benjamin’s best friend but he was very much in love with Lisa. Everyone knew, except Lisa…”Carmen paused and briefly closed her eyes before she continued, “ One night when they still lived in Italy, she had a terrible fight with Benjamin and she went to Danilo’s house… Lisa was very upset and Danilo was there for her. She had no one else to turn to and they… ended up having an affair….”

Sebastien sat there with his mouth open staring at Carmen
He couldn’t believe what he just heard.. Lisa and Danilo…

Sebastien thought of the way Danilo kept looking at Lisa a certain way, he couldn’t really explain at the time but now it all became clear to him.

She was at his house the day they arrived in Siena and he had his arm around her when he first saw Lisa at the hotel... He felt a knot in his stomach and stared at Lisa's face on the picture at the wall while he slowly rushed his hands through his hair….


Chapter XXXVIII
Lisa had explained everything to Marc about her running off in Siena. As she left, he still looked puzzled… It seemed crystal clear to him that it was Danilo who made her run.
Although she never spoke about it, Marc knew about their affair a few years back.
Knowing how much Danilo loved Lisa, it only seemed natural to him that they eventually would end up together.
Marc did remember that Danilo said something about being worried about Sebastien and the way he looked at her… He could not believe he had missed that, obviously he was too busy with working his a** off.
He smiled when he remembered the look on Lisa’s face while she was telling him about Sebastien. She looked so blissful and her eyes got that sparkle again that she used to have all the time.

In the other office, Angelica stared at a piece of paper Urs had given her, with his cell phone number on it.

She glared at the phone. Angelica shook her head...”What are you going to say...?” She mumbled to herself. She tapped with her fingers on her desk as she tried to think. Suddenly she reached her hand to the phone and before she knew it, she had dialed the number and it was ringing. After a moment, she heard someone pick up.

” Avec Angela Bonjour!” She heard a women’s voice. Angelica sat there totally perplexed as she held the phone to her ear… “Allo C’est qui? Allo…? ALLO…?” After a moment, Angela quietly put the receiver down.
She was trembling like a leaf.
“Angela, Angelica, at least he couldn’t mess up the names if he calls us short” She thought and immediately realized how stupid that thought was.

***

“Who was that Angela?” Urs asked as he entered the room.
Angela was sitting on the couch as she picked up her book. She looked up and shrugged her shoulders,”I have no idea! Whoever it was didn’t spoke! ”
“I see.. “ Urs said as he walked over to the phone to check the callers ID.
“England…” He softly said as he recognized the country code from the number…
Angela looked up from her book and frowned; “What dear?”
Urs turned to her and smiled vaguely…”Nothing... ” he said.
Angela kept her eyes on him as she noticed his face turned pale. She felt somehow that Urs was not telling her everything…

When Urs left the room; Angela rose and picked up his cell phone. She searched for the number and pressed the dial button.
She brought the phone to her ear and waited impatiently…Then the call was answered;
”Lisa Amberville Photography, Angelica speaking!” She heard a woman say.
Angela waited a second and frowned; “Yes, this is Angela…Angela Buhler, you have called me earlier?”
Angelica’s mouth dropped…
“Hello, are you still there?” Angela asked “Hello…Angelica?”

Angelica did the best she could for the moment and she ended the call by putting down the phone. She slowly looked up, closed her eyes: “S**T…” She forcefully whispered when she opened them again.

Angela stood there, frowning at the phone, which she was still holding in her hand.
A strange feeling came over her…She put down the phone and walked to the bedroom where Urs was working out with heavy weights. She stopped in the doorway and looked at him…

He had his hair pulled back and wore a very tight black t-shirt on top of his jogging pants.

”Who’s Angelica, Urs…?”Angela suddenly asked as she looked straight at him.
Urs dropped the weights by the sound of her name and he stared at Angela with his mouth open….
Angela looked very serious: “Well…? Who is she?” She asked again while she crossed her arms firmly in front of her body.

Urs lowered his eyes and stood up slowly. Angela walked up to him so he could not turn away from her.
“I ask you again Urs… Who the hell is Angelica?”
Urs just looked at her questioning eyes but kept silent ...
“TELL ME!!!”She shouted.
Urs didn’t even blink his eyes.
Angela’s face was in total shock.. Finally, Urs looked away: “She’s a girl I met in Siena…” He softly said.

“You met her in Siena?” Angela asked. She tried hard to remain calm and did not take her eyes from him.
“We just had some fun, Angela...” Urs said as he lowered the weights that were still in his hands on the floor.

“Fun…you had FUN with her..? Angela asked sarcastic: “What kind of FUN Urs..?”
Urs looked back at her and sighed; “Just fun Angie, I felt very comfortable in her presence. She treated me as a normal person. “ Urs said calmly and looked away again.

“ Who doesn’t treat you as a normal person?” She asked puzzled. “Why does she call you here when…?” Suddenly she stopped talking and her eyes grew wide,” Oh my God “She gasped.” there’s more is there...?”
Urs stared back at her obviously lost for words; suddenly he felt Angela’s hand hit on his face with great force!

“YOU BAST*RD!”She yelled and ran out.


Chapter XXXIX
Lisa got home, entered the house and closed the door.

She stopped and opened her purse and put her keys in as she suddenly got thrown back against the front door by Thomas, who flew by with a toy gun in his hand followed by Sebastien who wore an army helmet on his head while he chased Thomas with a sword.
Thomas ran up the stairs as he playfully fired behind him towards Sebastien , who supposedly fell down on the ground presumed death.
Thomas grinned and stepped downstairs while he shouted: “Gotcha!”

Sebastien kept silent and remained very still. As Thomas was leaning over Sebastien, he could not stop grinning. Sebastien opened one eye and smiled big as he grabbed Thomas and started tickling him. Thomas laughed so hard that Lisa could hear him snore.

Carmen got out of the study and saw Lisa standing there looking very happy with a tender smile on her face as she watched Thomas and Sebastien play…
Carmen walked up to Lisa with a smile on her face, “They are like that all morning…” She whispered. Lisa looked at Carmen:” they really have fun together, don’t they?” Carmen nodded.”They certainly have!”

Thomas and Sebastien came off the floor as they noticed Lisa and Carmen.

Thomas was still laughing at Sebastien, who stood there looking innocent with his helmet still on, which was hanging to one side of his head by now. Lisa started laughing also.

Sebastien crossed his arms, trying hard not to crack up, as he raised his chest and looked serious at Lisa: “What’s so funny...?”
Lisa walked up to him and caressed his face “You!” She smiled tenderly at him.
Thomas looked from Lisa to Sebastien and back. Lisa noticed that Thomas looked a bit confused and suddenly pulled her hand back.
She didn’t know how to react for a moment… Then she got through her knees and stroke Thomas his hair while she kissed him. “Did you have fun? “She asked as she arched her eyebrows. Thomas smiled and nodded his head eagerly: Sebastien didn’t beat me once!”

“Well look at you! How could he...? “Lisa said and smiled back at him. Thomas glanced up at Sebastien who stroke his hair with a smile and Lisa noticed he was very proud of himself, which really pleased her.

“I’m going to check on Harvey now.” He said as he turned and walked to the Kitchen “Harvey...? Lisa asked after him. Thomas turned his head; “Yes Harvey! You know my frog...?” Lisa raised her eyes. ”O Harvey, off course!” she said and smiled again.

As Thomas was out of sight, Lisa exhaled. Sebastien smiled and lifted her head with his left hand to look into her eyes. By the look of the crooked helmet on his head, Lisa started laughing again.
“I think it looks very good on me...” He said as he acted proud.
“Anything looks good on you...” she said as she started to kiss him tenderly on his lips, Sebastien enclosed her in his arms and kissed her back passionately.
***
Carlos his phone was ringing as he entered the house. He quickly closed the door and picked up the phone “Diga me? “He said…”Carlos it’s me, Urs.”
“Amigo!! Como estas? “Carlos cheerfully said, with his strong voice as usual.

“Well I have been better…”Urs said.
”Hey what is up? you sound low...”Carlos said while he sat down.

”Angela walked out on me. I tried calling her but she won’t answer and I was wondering if you know if she called Geraldine...”
Carlos raised his eyebrow: “O Dios,….I don’t know Urs, Geraldine is still at the theatre.”

"Okay. Well I guess I just have to wait then…” He sounded disappointed..
“What happened?” Carlos asked worried as he got up.
He heard Urs sigh deeply;” It’s a long story but, to cut it short; somehow Angela found out about Angelica and she asked me who she was…”
Carlos frowned and started to pace the floor: “Tell me you didn’t….”
“I did…” Urs interrupted him: “… sort of...”
Carlos rubbed his forehead: “I see, well, did you talk to Angelica lately..?”
“No” Urs said and paused for a moment before he continued: …”I wanted to but I’m in the middle of a battle with myself here…On one side; I don’t want to lose Angela but on the other; I can’t get Angelica out of my mind Carlos…”
“Then you have a decision to make my friend…” Carlos said.
“I know, I know...” Urs his voice faded.
“Well “Urs continued, “I think I’m going to jump on my motorbike to clear my head.”
“You do that, call me later okay? “
“I will, Bye...” He softly said and ended the call.

Carlos shook his head: “girls… can’t live with them. But certainly can’t live without them…” he softly said to himself and smiled.

Carlos was singing on the top of his lungs while he was preparing a romantic diner.
Geraldine came through the front door and heard soft music playing..She hanged up her coat and entered the livingroom..she gazed as there where candles everywhere... As Carlos heard her come in, he slowly walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her tenderly...

“Hola, mi amor…”he softly said with a huge smile on his face. He turned her towards him and started dancing with her.
Geraldine pinched him playfully. ”Silly man!”
“Silly? Moi..? “He said as he lifted his eyebrow again. “Yes you!” She said as she kissed his chin.
Geraldine looked into his eyes, "You are in a romantic mood this evening.” She smiled.
Carlos smiled back and stopped dancing while he looked back into her eyes: "Your presence makes every man romantic.” He said while he caressed her face.

Geraldine blushed, It happened to her every time he did this, even after all those years...

Carlos stepped back and bowed gracefully while he kissed her hand. “Diner will be served shortly my lady.” He said in a very low voice.
Geraldine rolled her eyes and started laughing.


Chapter XL
David and Karen stepped out of the elevator…They had spent the entire day strolling through London and Karen’s feet where killing her…

David appeared to be a terrific guide, as he knew all the hotspots in town.. He took her everywhere from the Big Ben to Westminster Abbey and beyond.

They had such a good time together and Karen felt as if she was floating. She noticed David staring at her a few times with a smile on his face while she talked on and on. Her friends always told her that she was able to talk 1 hour in 15 minutes, as she was never shy for words.
David had offered to cook Karen diner, as he really bragged about his cooking skills and she gladly accepted his offer; she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.

While they walked to David’s apartment, he made jokes about her funny walk and Karen pinched him playfully.

David’s mobile phone started to ring as he opened the front door.
He stopped to get the phone out of his bag.
Karen noticed his face turning a bit pale as he watched on the display for the callers ID number.
”Aren’t you going to answer that?” Karen asked
David seemed a bit distracted as he looked at her:”…yes... Off course!” He hurried to say and smiled vaguely as he brought the phone to his ear.
Karen saw him running his hand through his hair as he lowered his eyes.
She quietly heard him answer as he walked towards the window:”Hello…?”
“David! It’s Seb.” He stopped and kept silent for a second, then he recovered himself “Hey buddy, how is everything going?”
Sebastien sounded really exited “I can’t tell you Dave, I’m so happy…”
David started walking while he felt a nauseous feeling overcoming him, “Really, that good huh?”
“Yes, I never felt better in my life. I’m taking her to Paris this afternoon for the weekend.”
“Wow Seb… I’m really happy for you.” He answered and tried to sound as if he meant what he just said.

“Dave..?” , “Yes…” He answered as he stared into nothing.
“Thank you for telling me to go after her.” Sebastien sounded serious and continued…: I am really glad you where there, I mean it... I Love you man!”

David lowered himself in a seat and rubbed his hand through his hair again. ”Me too Seb.., me too…Have fun in Paris and say hello to Marie for me! ” he softly said. “I will" Sebastien said and continued by saying;" I call you later my friend...”

Karen watched as David held the phone to his chin and stared outside. “Is everything ok David?” Karen asked a bit worried.
David turned his head to look at her, after a moment he nodded vaguely:”Yes. Everything is ok…” He then rose and smiled at her while he continued:” I promised you diner, didn’t I?”
Karen smiled back at him and answered: “You sure did, Mister Miller!”
David's smile got bigger as he put on a cooking skirt with a superman logo on it.
He looked at her and raised his eyebrows while he said with a funny Italian accent:
“Well prepare yourself for the one and only… Macaroni a la David!”
Karen looked at the funny expression on his face and started laughing.
***
Sebastien and Lisa walked hand in hand through customs at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France as Sebastien’s Best friend Laurent Le Ban welcomed them.

Lisa felt a bit shy as Sebastien hugged Laurent. He then took Lisa’s hand and smiled at his friend. “Mon Ami! I would like you to meet, l’amour de ma vie, Lisa Amberville ...”
Laurent was immediately enchanted by Lisa’s appearance and smiled charm fully as he reached out his hand to her “Enchanté Lisa”.
Lisa smiled at Laurent and shook his hand “Nice to meet you too Laurent” she said.

When they were driving through Paris, Laurent noticed how happy Sebastien really was. He was absolutely glowing. He also noticed how Sebastian continuously looked at Lisa, who seemed a bit quiet …

Laurent asked Sebastien how things were with Il Divo and Sebastien told him about the new Album. Lisa got more silent as they drove into the city and Sebastien noticed. He looked a bit worried as he grabbed her hand and asked her if she was okay.

Lisa slowly looked up at him and smiled as she silently nodded her head…

...Inside she was fighting to stay calm...


Chapter XXXX
Urs Was almost asleep when he heard the door close in the distance. He sat up in his bed and tried to listen more closely. He heard footsteps coming his way and recognized Angela’s silhouette as she entered the bedroom.
“You came back...” Urs softly said. Angela turned to him but did not speak…
Urs leant over to the side of the bed and turned on the light. Angela was looking at him and Urs saw that she had been crying.
He slowly turned the sheets open and got out of bed. He started to move towards her but Angela stepped back and quietly shook her head,:” No Urs.” She softly said. Urs heard tears in her voice.
Urs stayed where he was and looked at her…He felt awful seeing her like this.
Angela was a very strong personality and he almost never had seen her cry.The only time he did was after her mum died two years ago.

Angela turned around, opened the closet and pulled out a suitcase.
Urs looked scared. “Angela, please don’t walk out on us….please!”Urs begged.
Angela turned dropped the suitcase on the bed and shook her head “I’m not going to stay here and watch how you humiliate me with another woman. “.She said and lowered her eyes. She then opened the suitcase and whispered:”…I don’t deserve this...”

Urs raised his hands and grabbed his head while his eyes welled up: “God Angela, I love you…I love you!”
Angela smiled sarcastic: “You love me so much that you’ve betrayed me with another woman…” She looked up at him “That’s not love, Urs…” She softly added.
Urs felt completely helpless: “Let’s talk about it, Angela,” he said desperately,” I beg you. Please!”
Angela stopped packing and dropped herself in a chair: “okay,” She sighed” let’s talk about it! Was she good? “
Urs looked at her in disbelieve.
”Well was she…? “Angela arched her eyebrows.
Urs shook his head...: “Angela please!”
“You wanted to talk about it, so was she good? “Angela said while she kept looking at him very intensively…
Urs sat down on the side of the bed and looked away and kept silent for a moment… “She was….different…” He softly said.
Angela started to Shiver all over her body, as she realized that by saying that he just confirmed that he slept with her…
She felt as if the ground fell down beneath her …

After a moment of silence, Angela looked at him again and asked while tears where rolling down her face: “…do you love her…?”
Urs looked up at her: “...I don’t know….”
Angela felt like she could not breathe. She stood up and walked towards the bedroom window trying to catch her breath.
Urs walked to her and stood behind her.
He gently laid his hand on her back as he noticed that she was trembling….
Angela raised her hands before her eyes and broke down again…

Urs felt as if he was torn apart, he slowly turned Angela towards him .
She tried hard to avoid it eyes, as she could not bare his look.
He carefully started caressing her face: “I love you Angela….” He whispered and slowly enclosed her in his arms and gently kissed her neck.
Angela put her arms around his neck while she still sobbed,” I love you too.”She sobbed. Urs raised his arms and held her face between his hands he searched for her eyes and she slowly looked up at him… “Oh my God, What did I do…?”He moaned softly while he stared at her beautiful face.
He leant over and kissed her lips and she responded by kissing him back. Urs towed her gently towards the bed and laid her down.

His lips glided over her body as he slowly undressed her. Angela laid her head back and closed her eyes as she started to breathe heavily by the touch of his skin against hers, she didn’t wanted him to stop...

…and they made love as never before…

Chapter XXXXI
“Maman!”Sebastien said while he, Lisa and Laurent entered her apartment.
”Oh Sebastien, Mon Cherie...!”She called out, she rushed towards him to hug and kiss him.
“Bon anniversere! “Sebastien smiled.
Laurent also kissed Marie while he wished her happy birthday;
“Merci Laurent.”She said as she touched his face.
She looked passed Laurent and noticed Lisa standing behind him. “Well who is this beautiful lady?”Marie asked Sebastien.
"Maman, I like you to meet ...Lisa! “ He said as he tenderly took her hand.
Marie’s face lit up as she realized that this was “the Lisa “he talked about so much.. “Oh Lisa. It’s so nice to meet you at last!”Marie said as she spread her arms to hug her.
Lisa smiled and hugged her back and also wished her a happy birthday…

Sebastien could tell his mother approved of Lisa the minute she laid her eyes on her, and he smiled relieved.
They all went into the living room where they were greeted by the rest of the guests. Everyone had their eyes on Lisa and Sebastien as they all could see how happy they were.
Marie looked at Lisa, and could see that behind her smile she was still hurting. Marie felt for her, since Sebastien had told his mother about her and Benjamin.

They all got seated and Sebastien was immediately fired with questions about the band
He started talking about everything that had happened so far.
While Sebastien talked he couldn’t get his eyes off Lisa, who mingled very well with the others. Her French was extremely good; he didn’t knew that, since they only spoke English when they were together.

Marie noticed that especially the males where very interested in Lisa and that bothered her a bit, even though Lisa didn’t seem to notice that at all.

When Sebastien was in the Kitchen Marie came in and hugged him again. “It’s been too long, Cherie.” she said while she rearranged his hair.
“I know maman, I’ve been so busy, I’m sorry..”
Marie looked at her son and smiled when she said: “I know Cherie, you don’t have to explain…”
And she continued.”Lisa is a stunning woman, Sebastien!”
Sebastien sighed: “Yes I know, she still takes my breath away every time I look at her…"
”And everyone else’s in there!” Marie added, while she pointed towards the living room and smiled.
“Yeah, that happens anywhere she goes, I’m afraid,”
Marie lowered her eyes for a moment and looked back at Sebastien again..”Cherie, I know you do not want to hear this..., and I certainly don’t want to upset you... But, please be aware! ”

Sebastien looked confused.” Aware, of what...? “He asked while he lowered his eyebrows.
Marie stared into her son’s eyes“…Your friends, Family… basically anyone who’s male and straight Seb.”Sebastien glanced aaway and Marie grabbed his hand gently urging him to look at her. “Please don’t get me wrong Cherie, but every man wants a woman like Lisa, and they will do anything to achieve that, I’ve seen it happen, Sebastien.”

Sebastien knew she was revering to his dad who walked out with his mothers best friend who also was a gorgeous woman as well.

Sebastien looked away again and bit his lower lip.
Marie felt sorry she had brought it up.
”Sebastien , Cherie…”She said, while she touched his cheek..” I don’t want you to get hurt, I love you so much, you’re my son and I only want what’s best for you!”
Sebastien nodded “I know maman…” He softly said.

Laurent came walking in and noticed there was a bit of tension there.
“I need wine, and lots of it!”He smiled and tried to sound lightly.
Marie smiled and nodded at Laurent and then gave Sebastien a kiss before she walked towards the cellar.

Laurent looked at Sebastien, ”Are you ok?” Sebastien smiled vaguely: “Yes, I’m fine..” he softly said.
Laurent knew he wasn’t fine but After a short moment of silence he decided to let it be and changed the subject.
“Lisa’s absolutely gorgeous Seb, What on earth did you do, to make her like you!”Laurent smiled cynical. Sebastien looked at him and punched him playfully.

***

Urs awoke slowly and as he turned his body, he reached out his arm over to Angela, on the other side of the bed …As he moved his arm he felt nothing but empty sheets…
He opened his eyes and noticed Angela’s side of the bed was empty…
He sat up and looked around as he saw and heard nothing.
Suddenly, he started to feel chills all over his body.
He jumped out of the bed and walked straight to Angela’s closet. As he yanked the door open, he felt as if his heart stopped beating.

…The only thing that was there, ...were empty hangers…


Chapter XXXXI
Out of breath, but with a content look on his face, Carlos rolled on his back and turned his head toward Geraldine who smiled at him with loving eyes while she let out a sigh… She then closed her eyes and enjoyed the afterglow that she was feeling through her body.
Making love with Carlos always felt as passionate as the first time they ever made love to each other. He was able to look at her in a certain way as if he had not seen her for the last eight years of his life.
She always missed him so much when he was away for his work. She counted the hours, minutes and seconds until she would see him again.
When he joined Il Divo, a few years back, she was very concerned about the consistency of their relationship.
She knew the effect he had on women and knew that he really loved the attention he got from them. Carlos didn’t deny that he loved to flirt but also reassured her that she was the one he would come home to eventually… She tried hard to believe him and most of the time she thought that she could but somewhere deep down inside she still was terrified that one day he might give in, to another woman’s charms…

Carlos leant over and touched her face gently, he sighed and said: “God, if you only knew what you’re doing to me…I can’t get enough of you…”A huge smile appeared on her face as she turned her head and opened her eyes to look in his brown eyes. ”You make me a very happy woman, Carlos.” She said as her fingers followed the shape of his lips.
Carlos smiled tenderly and looked a bit shy…

Geraldine loved that about him, caressed his hair, and ended up playing with a curly lock on his forehead.
The weather outside was dreadful and she did not want to get out of bed.

”I could stay with you in this bed forever...” She softly said. Carlos smiled”I wouldn’t mind that either…”
“When do you have to go back...?” She asked as she lowered her eyes. Carlos watched silently how her face turned sad. He slowly raised his body on top of hers as he held her head between his hands so that she had to look at him … “Let’s not think about that now…”He said and started to kiss her lips.” I’m here now Geraldine, and I’m all yours…”

***
David opened his eyes but closed them again immediately as the sunlight, which shined bright through the living room window, was torturing his eyes. He must have fallen asleep as he found himself in an upright position on his couch. His back was killing him and his right arm felt completely numb. he looked at his side where he saw Karen, sleeping on his arm that rested on his lap.
He thought about last night, and remembered them talking all night. He looked down at her again and smiled as he gently removed a lock of hair from her face.

He couldn’t deny that he started to develop feelings for her…

After Sebastien’s call last night he felt pretty crushed, he hated the way he had to force himself to sound happy for him. He rubbed his face with his left hand. Thinking back, he realized that Karen’s presence last night was like a breeze of fresh air…She really got his mind of things. When she talked to him, he noticed she used many different expressions in her face to emphasize every word that came out.
She kept on laughing about his jokes and she really liked his cooking, he smiled “That’s a first!” He thought..

The truth was that he could not cook at all; the macaroni he made last night was the only thing that appeared save, as that was the only cooked meal that rarely gave him a burning sensation in his stomach afterwards. Mandy always teased him about his lack of cooking skills when they still were together, and whenever he offered to cook back home at his parents’ house, his mother would joke that she first had to inform the emergency room about them coming over after diner… His mother would then hug him and say that everybody has their own talents but that cooking wasn’t one of his, and always added that she loved him anyway…

Karen suddenly turned her head and looked up at David. ”Hey sleepyhead...!” He grinned
Karen smiled right away and started to stretch out as she asked:” what time is it?”
David turned his head at the clock” its noon!” He smiled as he looked back at her. Karen’s eyes grew wide and she looked at him in disbelieve.

David laughed, raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes: “I was awake for hours, but you sleeping on my arm, made it impossible for me to move...”
Karen started laughing as well and tickled him as she sat up.

He looked at Karen as she cleared her face from her hair. David looked into her eyes, his smile slowly fading… Karen looked back at him. They stared deep into each other’s eyes for a moment…

Suddenly David took a deep breath and grabbed her face with both hands and pressed his lips against hers. Karen didn’t want to think and ran her fingers through his hair as she passionately kissed him back.
David suddenly rose to his feet, fetched her hand, and towed her to the bedroom! When they entered David‘s breathing got heavier and he started to unbutton her blouse which didn’t happen smoothly because of the tiny buttons. He lowered his eyebrows and tried to concentrate, but it was no use. He left the blouse and started to unzip her mini skirt on her back but that also seemed easier said that than done, as the zipper was getting stuck halfway.

Karen felt as if her heart was coming out of her body as her hands were struggling with the zipper of his jeans who also seemed stuck. They both looked up at each other and started laughing.

Then David grabbed her blouse with both hands and tore it of her body. They continued to kiss each other heavily, as they both took of their own clothes in a hurry. David struggled to get of his blouse but his arm remained stuck! He didn’t bother anymore and threw himself against Karen who instantly fell back under his bodyweight. In a split second, he grabbed her tight and aimed for the bed for them to fall on but the bed was further away then he thought it would be. A loud noise followed when they both hit the floor with great force and Karen bumped her head against the side of the bed.

David looked shocked and asked out of breath if she was all right. Karen nodded “Okay, “he panted and smiled” where were we...?”Karen didn’t answer and grabbed his head again and kissed him passionately.

They passionately made love on the floor, then on the bed, again on the floor and ended in the bed again, both feeling completely exhausted and they finally fell asleep in each other’s arms…


Chapter XXXXII
It was late when they arrived at Sebastien’s apartment. They got into the elevator and Sebastien took Lisa into his arms.

“Did you have a good time, Cherie?” “He asked.
Lisa smiled and nodded her head. ”You have a wonderful family Sebastien, I really liked them, especially, François. He’s so …WOW!” she said as she rolled her eyes.
Sebastien looked shocked. He lowered his hands and turned a few steps and then turned back again, “François…really?” He asked in disbelieve.
Lisa nodded quickly while she looked at him with big eyes. He raised his eyebrows, pointed his finger at her, and said with a threatening voice “Now, I’m warning you Lisa! Don’t get any ideas! I will take him out if I have to.” He tried to hold the serious look “I’ will you know!” Lisa looked at him and laughed, “Oh Seb, he’s just a cat...” Sebastien raised his shoulders: “So? You don’t know what he is capable of Lisa; he can be very persistent if he wants something.”Lisa couldn't stop laughing. Sebastien couldn’t hold it anymore and also cracked up as well.

As they entered his apartment, he noticed that Lisa was getting a bit quiet and Sebastien thought she missed Thomas.
He had just renovated his apartment and Lisa seemed really pleased by all the space, since it was in the middle of Paris. Sebastien looked at Lisa while she slowly looked around. He walked over to her and took her hand as he guided her to a large glass door. “I have something to show you..." he softly said. He took Lisa out on the balcony, It was a starry night …He then turned her in his arms he stood behind her and kissed her neck as he pointed high in the sky, in front of Lisa , “Look!” He said.

Lisa looked up and her eyes lit up. ”Oh that’s beautiful...!"She gasped at the Eiffel tower, which had thousands of flickering lights on it. He turned Lisa around in his arms and stared at her beautiful face “I wished I could light up the sky for you like that Lisa, as you certainly lighted up my life, I love you so much...” He whispered. ”Lisa stared into his beautiful eyes, placed her hand on his face and vaguely smiled at him. Sebastien smiled back before he leant over and kissed her gently…

*The next morning*
Sebastien stuck his head out of the shower as he heard his phone ringing. ”Honey, can you get that...?” he called at Lisa.
Lisa turned and put down her coffee as she reached for his phone and answered: “Hello...?”
Nobody answered and Lisa looked up and repeated: “Hello?”

Finally she heard a woman’s voice: “I’d like to talk to Sebastien, please...!” Lisa raised her eyebrows by listening to the woman’s demanding voice.
“I’m sorry...” Lisa said while she tried staying polite, “He’s in the shower can he call you back?”
“No! Who is this?” Lisa felt awkward “I’m Lisa and you are...?” her voice sounded a little annoyed, but before Lisa could redo it, the woman had ended the call already. Lisa stared at the phone and shook her head.” Those fans...” She thought.

Sebastien came walking in with a towel around his waist and hugged her from behind. ”Come back to bed with me.” He whispered in her ear. Lisa turned in his arms and looked at his face. His eyes where glistening and he looked at her with this particular grin on his face. She smiled: “If you had it your way, we would be in bed the entire weekend!” Sebastien raised his eyebrows and still grinned: “So what if we would?” He asked as he gently bit in her earlobe. Lisa started laughing;“Sebastien, Laurent is waiting!”
He smiled secretly and turned her around. “You’ll be amazed to know how patient Laurent really is.” He whispered before he started to kiss hers neck. She tried to get out of his embrace but his arms where to strong, Lisa started to laugh again. ”Come on Seb...!” She called out. Sebastien raised his eyebrows and smiled as he looked at his lower body still holding Lisa. ”Well know that you just missed a huge opportunity.” Lisa also looked at his lower body and arched her eyebrows:. “Huge? Really? ” He raised his chest and repeated in a low voice “Really huge!” and then they both started laughing…

After a moment, their laughing faded out and Sebastien looked at her eyes as she lowered them.
“Seb?” She softly said before she looked back at him.” I know you really want to see your friends while you are here, but I cannot come with you. “Her face looked serious.
Sebastien opened his mouth to interrupt her but Lisa stopped him by putting her hand before his mouth “Please let me finish!”, she sighed slightly and continued. "There are some things I need to take care of while I’m here...”
“What things?” Sebastien asked looking a bit worried. Lisa looked briefly at her hands. ”Just some personal things…” she softly said.
“I could go with you!” Sebastien suggested. Lisa shook her head and avoided his eyes. ”No Sebastien, I really need to do this by myself.”
He knew it would be a bad idea to push her. So he tried hard to restrain his self from interrogating her.
“Okay…”He softly said and gently caressed her face and smiled.
As Lisa got dressed, he watched her closely. The words his mother said to him last night lingered in his mind,
”Be aware Sebastien…be aware”

***
Lisa stepped outside and put on her sunglasses. She raised her hand to hold a cab and one stopped immediately at her feet. She got in and the driver looked through his back mirror at Lisa:”Where to miss...?” He asked.
.Lisa softly answered without looking at him” Père Lachaise Cemetery, please.”
”Right away, miss!” And the cab drove off…

After a while the car stopped in front of the cemetery...

Lisa paid the driver and got out of the cab she closed the door and walked through the large gates.
The only sound she heard came from a bird who was singing in a tree above her.
This was her first time since Benjamin’s funeral that she was here again and Lisa did not feel well, she trembled as she came closer to Benjamin’s grave. She walked further through the long lanes of the cemetery and Lisa slowly raised her eyes to the sky above her and wondered if Benjamin would look down at her right now.
She lowered her eyes and prayed that he couldn’t…
He would turn in his grave if he knew what she was doing with her life right now. The thought of her and Sebastien crossed her mind and a feeling of utter shame overwhelmed her.

When she finally stood in front of his grave, her eyes went over his stone. She started reading:


N'ayez jamais peur, allez avec Dieu.
Reste dans la paix, moncheri

..........BENJAMIN THOMAS AMBERVILLE
12 January 1965............12 February 2006

Mari de Lisa Amberville
Et père de Thomas Amberville


She felt how tears started to fill her eyes.
“I’m sorry Benjamin…”she whispered softly, “I’m so sorry...”
Suddenly she covered her eyes and fell on her down knees in tears…

***
Sebastien was meeting Laurent for breakfast in a small café at the Champs Elysees. As he entered, Laurent noticed Sebastien was searching the Café’ with his eyes to find him. Laurent smiled and started waving his way. When he saw Laurent, he smiled vaguely and joined him. “Coffee...?” Laurent asked, “Sebastien looked up and nodded.
Laurent ordered coffee and turned back to Sebastien who looked a bit pale.”Where is Lisa?”He asked as he glanced passed him..
Sebastien stared at his fingers.”She had some business to attend to….” He quietly said. Laurent nodded and smiled.
“You really love her don’t you...?” Sebastien raised his eyes to him: “So much that it hurts…”
Laurent stared into his eyes for a moment, “Do you think she loves you back?”
Sebastien shrugged his shoulders,” I wish I knew. Until now she never said that she did.” He looked away and continued” I know it sounds strange, but I can feel that she does love me Laurent. It is just… She has been through so much she just needs time and I am right here to give that to her. ”
Laurent rubbed his face: “I hope you are right Seb, I really do ...,”
He continued as he grabbed his arm “I’m worried about you. Somehow, you look terrified. I’ve never seen you like this before.” Sebastien smiled vaguely. .”That’s because I never felt like this before Laurent…"He paused for a moment:"But you are right, Laurent I am terrified…terrified of losing her...”
***
Much later at the Père Lachaise Cemetery Lisa slowly looked up, she felt cold, as the air was getting humid. She had no idea how long she was sitting there in front of Benjamin´s grave. She raised her eyes and noticed that it was getting dark. She slowly got on her feet and stared at her husband’s grave for one last time.
"I love you Benjamin …”She whispered and felt her eyes starting to moisten.
“I always will…”She added and paused for a moment. Then she desperately started shaking her head”:
"I can’t do this anymore…" She cried silently.
She looked up took a deep breath and whispered with tears voice:

“… I have to let you go Benjamin ..., I’m letting you go…”`

Slowly she turned away from his grave and started to walk away. After a moment, she looked up and realized that the cemetery was covered in a light fog. She looked around her and shivered when she noticed she was the only one there. She wrapped her arms around herself and tried to ignore the frightening feeling she encountered. She started to walk faster and the clicking sound of her shoes on the grey cobblestones echoed around her.
When she turned and followed the path towards the exit, Lisa slowly looked up and suddenly stopped.
Chills went over her body as she noticed someone was staring at her through the fog in the distance. She squeezed her eyes a bit and tried to look closer, the fog was getting thicker and the only thing she could see was that the person eventually turned and slowly walked the other way …

Chapter XXXXIII
It was 9 pm and Sebastien was pacing the floor in his apartment with his mobile in his hand, he was bothered about the fact that Lisa still did not come home yet and wondered where she could be. He tried calling her several times but her phone was turned off.
He moved to the window and stared outside into the street. ”Where are you Lisa?” He whispered.
Suddenly he turned his head as he heard a knock on his door. Sebastien exhaled relieved, hurried himself to the front door, and swiftly opened it while he said; “Lisa, I was so wo...”
He stopped speaking as soon as he saw who was standing there.
”…Danique...?” he softly said.
Danique looked at him with raised eyebrows.”Well!” She said as she passed and entered “Hello to you too!” she sounded sarcastic.
“Danique, what are you doing here? “Sebastien asked while he still held the doorknob in his hand.
“Aren’t you happy to see me Seb..? “Danique asked while she slightly turned around to look at him.
Sebastien let out a sigh: “This is not a good time Danique...”
Danique rolled her eyes as she lowered herself on his couch.”Isn’t it…? I see, so who’s this Lisa person?” She asked with a mysterious smile on her face, “Does she make you happy? You don’t look happy Seb.”
Sebastien noticed she seemed amused, but decided not to answer.
"It seems that she likes to keep you waiting...” She continued as she crossed her long legs and leant forward ...”I’ve never kept you waiting.”She tilted her head and stared at his eyes.
Sebastien walked towards her: “Danique listen, I really need you to leave.”
Danique looked away and raised herself from the couch as she was now standing in front of Sebastien.
Sebastien could smell her perfume and stepped back.
She looked at him and slowly caressed his face “She will break your heart Sebastien…” She whispered.
Sebastien looked at her in disbelieve as Danique walked out.
”You don’t know her!”He called after her.
Danique stopped at the door and turned her head as she smiled vaguely towards him but kept silent.
She then closed the door on her way out.
Sebastien stared at the door in disbelieve.
He didn’t understand what she meant by that smile…

***

Angelica was resting on her couch as she tried to focus on a movie that she had rented…
Her phone started ringing and she raised herself as she sighed’
“Marc…for God’s sake, leave me alone just for one minute..” She complained to herself…
She reached to the phone in her kitchen and immediately started saying, “Marc! I swear I…”
“Angelica...?” a voice interrupted her.
Angelica gasped as she recognized the voice.”Urs…?” she softly asked.
”Yes, it’s me.”Urs answered.
Angelica’s felt her heart pounding as she lowered her self against the wall to the floor.
“Hi…It’s so nice to hear your voice,” she finally said.

”Same here.” Urs said. ”I wanted to call Angelica but…”He paused for a second: “How are you...?” he suddenly changed the subject.
“I’m ok, how are you?” she asked.
Angelica heard a sigh. “I’m okay…well actually not really okay...”
Angelica looked up “What happened?”
“Well, long story but Angela left me. She knows about us Angelica….”
Angelica bitted her lip as she didn’t know what to say,: “Urs, I’m so sorry …” she finally whispered.
“Yeah…”He softly said.”Me too.”
” So what now...?” Angelica asked him after a short moment of silence.
“I…really don’t know, what I do know is that I have to do something. “He said.
Angelica lowered her head and started to play with her hair as Urs continued; “I can’t go on like this…”
Angelica looked up and stopped twisting her hair; “what do you mean..?”
Urs took a deep breath, “I want to be honest with you Angelica, I have to…I like you, I really do.. But…"
Angelica held her breath by hearing the word "but" Then she heard him continue in a soft tone
"I love Angela, Angelica...I'm sorry but I do…”
Angelica felt her eyes well up as she had a bad feeling what he was about to tell her.
”Urs…I know you love Angela. “She softly said. ”I’m not asking you to make a choice here…” She added.
“I know Angelica but I have to, for me, for you…”
Angelica felt a tear leaving her eye and rolling down her face; “so. This is it then...?” she quietly asked.
”I am so sorry Angelica; it is just not fair to keep you hanging on here. I wish you only the best. And that’s not me…” Urs softly responded.
Angelica wanted to scream; But you are! You are the best for me!
Instead, she tried hard holding her tears by laying her head back against the wall and looking up.
”Angelica...?” He softly called her name.
”I’m still here…” she whispered. Urs could hear her smothered voice and he felt terrible. ”Please understand…I wish you the best, I do...”
“…I know Urs, its okay…I understand…”She lied.

After Urs had ended the call, Angelica forcefully closed her eyes and clenched the phone against her chest.
Suddenly her shoulders started to tremble and she dropped her head as she broke down in tears.
After a moment, she took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes.
She looked down at her belly and gently rubbed her hand over,
“We’ll be okay….You will be fine… " She softly cried…”I am still here, I’m right here…”


Chapter XXXXIV
The cab rushed through the dark streets of Paris, Lisa stared through the window as the buildings passed her by with high speed. She almost forgot how beautiful Paris was at night. As they crossed the beautiful Pont Neuf, Lisa noticed black clouds that filled the sky and made the lights in city even look brighter tonight…or so it seemed...

Lisa laid her head back and closed her eyes, she had a light headache and felt tired, but relieved somehow. The only thing she wanted to feel, see or hear right now was Sebastien…

“Rue La Marignan, Mademoiselle.”The cab driver said.
Lisa opened her eyes: “Merci.”She softly said and took her purse out of her bag.” c’est combien?..”

Lisa paid the driver and stepped out of the cab that drove off right after. She walked towards the front door while she searched in her purse trying to find her key.
All of a sudden she heard a woman’s voice;
“You must be Lisa...?” Lisa looked up and noticed the woman who obviously came from Sebastien’s apartment.
Lisa looked a bit confused.
The woman standing in front of her starts to observe her intently.
“I’m sorry,” Lisa eventually said. ”Do we know each other?”
The woman smiled slightly and flipped her long black hair back as she reached out her hand to Lisa,
“I’m Danique, hello!”
Lisa looked at her even more confused as she shook her hand.
“From Sebastien?!” She woman added.
Lisa lowered her eyebrows and shook her head slightly,” I’m sorry, but Sebastien didn’t mention you.” Lisa softly said.
“He didn’t..? “Danique asked and looked surprised.
“Well that’s very strange! We were together for such a long time!”
Lisa felt a bit embarrassed and Danique noticed witch made her feel more confident as she continued; "Well you know, men!”Danique smiled amused “They always have secrets. Comes with the package; I guess...”
Lisa smiled vaguely, but did not say anything.
“We decorated this apartment together, you know, we were so in love with each other…” Danique looked Lisa in the eyes suddenly her smile faded.
“Lisa, honey, you may think that you are the new love of his life. But just remember that Sebastien is very sentimental when it comes to me…”
Lisa shook her head.”What do you mean by that Danique?”
"What I mean Lisa, is that you might be in his head right now but I’m in his heart.”
Lisa stared at her penetrating blue eyes and noticed a grin appearing on her face.
“See ya around Lisa; enjoy him while it lasts.” Danique said before she turned abruptly..
Lisa watched her walking away on her high heels while she flipped her hair back again.
A lightning went through the sky followed by a thunder. Lisa took a deep breath and looked up as it started to rain. She tried hard to ignore the knot occurring in her stomach and entered the apartment building..

Lisa quietly closed the door as she entered the apartment. She looked around for Sebastien.

The only lighting in the room came from the streetlamps outside. The rain outside started to increase and Lisa heard the rain slamming against the windows.
She slowly walked over to the couch were she noticed Sebastien who apparently fell asleep with the phone still in his hand.

Lisa got through her knees and softly touched his lips. A warm feeling went through her body as she looked at the contours of his face, suddenly she felt scared thinking about the words Danique told her just now, what if she was right? Sebastien looked as serene as was his breathing.
Slowly, Sebastien opened his eyes and stared at her, he sat up while he kept his eyes locked on hers.
“You’re back...!” he softly said.
Lisa nodded and suddenly Sebastien pulled her close.
He held her so tight that Lisa felt that she almost could not breathe.
“Don’t ever leave me again like that…” He whispered in her ear.
Lisa held her head back and looked at his eyes. He looked so scared.
God, she loved him, she really loved him…
Lisa gently kissed his lips and Sebastien held her head between his hands and kissed her back passionately.
He pushed her back gently while he kept kissing her and laid her down on the floor while he leant over her.
He still looked so scared. Lisa started to take off his shirt and caressed his chest while she lifted her head to kiss him again. Sebastien closed his eyes and felt how Lisa’s hands explored his body.
Lisa smiled as she looked at his face. ”I love you Sebastien..” she softly said.
Sebastien opened his eyes and stared at her with his eyes wide open. Lisa noticed how moved he was by hearing those words from her. He stared at her while he gently touched her face. “Oh God Lisa “he suddenly gasped. “I love you too… I love you so much.” He quietly said with a smothered voice
… and kissed her all over again…

***

Carlos was packing his suitcase as Geraldine watched him silently while she leant against the doorframe with her bathrobe still on . She held a mug of coffee between her hands…Carlos knew Geraldine was very upset about him leaving.
He had to go back to England for the promotion of their new album and she knew it would be awhile when she would be able to see him again.
"Carlos?” Geraldine asked… “Yes”, Carlos said while he continued packing.
“Why don’t we get married?” Carlos looked up with a shocked look on his face.Geraldine noticed and felt really disappointed.

”Why… what for, I mean...Why??” Carlos asked while he raised his shoulders still looking at her.
Geraldine lowered her eyes…Carlos felt bad about sounding so cold and tried to smile gently as he walked towards her.

”Gerald…?”Carlos said as he lifted her chin... ”Look at me Carino...”
Geraldine looked at him with tears in her eyes.
”I’m sorry Carlos…but I really feel that I need more..” she said.

“But marriage doesn’t change a thing Geraldine…I never could love you more than I already do now..”

Geraldine walked passed him and stood with her back towards him.
“Why are you so scared of Marrying me...” She softly asked as she looked at her coffee.. Carlos turned and raised his eyes, trying hard to find the right words… He lifted his hands as he said, “Geraldine please! I just don’t see the point of marriage, we are doing absolutely fine. Marriage is just a piece of paper…”
Geraldine turned to him, “What if I need that piece of paper, Carlos..? “She asked while she held her head to one side.
Carlos raised his shoulders and opened his mouth but couldn’t find an answer…
Geraldine sighed and walked towards the door... ”ok, I got my answer, Thanks Carlos…”

Carlos stared at her in disbelieve..., as she walked passed him he grabbed her arm, his face looked very serious...” Don’t do this Geraldine…I love you, you know that….” Geraldine looked him in the eye “Do I…?
Carlos raised his eyebrow… Geraldine looked at his hand that held her arm… “Let go of me, Carlos…!”
He let go of her, and as she walked out he smacked his suitcase off the bed out of frustration…

***

Karen woke up, her head rested on David’s arm. She looked up and stared at David’s face as he snored silently…”Oh my god, it’s for real!”She whispered as she smiled. She couldn’t believe that she was in his bed… She pinched herself, “yeah, that hurt, all right!” she thought.

She laid back and thought about last night. She started blushing when she thought about the numerous times they made love…. He was so sweet and gentle and kept asking her if she was ok… Another smile appeared on her face…”he was in very good shape and soooo inventive…!”….she thought as she pulled the sheet up to her nose.

“Good morning, precious…”She softly heard David’s voice…

Karen looked at her side and looked at David’s sleepy eyes… he had a big smile on his face and asked; “We were very busy weren’t we..? “
Karen giggled: “Yes, we were!” She answered.
David caressed her face and looked at her eyes, “you’re so beautiful Karen...” he said. Karen blushed again “No I’m not…!”Karen said shamefully as she covered her face “David leant over her and pulled her hand away “Yes, you are…”He said as he stared into her eyes and smiled tenderly…Karen looked back at him and smiled also…David slowly pressed his lips on Karen’s mouth and his body moved towards her as he pulled the sheets back.

Karen wrapped her arms around his naked body and felt how his big hands started to move over her skin…


Chapter XXXXV
The weather was dreadful in London, even for English standards. The guy’s sat in the conference room in Simon’s office at Sony BMG. Simon told them about the busy promotion schedule for their new album.

Anne , Simon’s secretary, presented the album cover to the guy’s…The cover shot looked amazing and everybody seemed very happy about the pictures that were chosen. Simon kept saying that he was so pleased that Lisa agreed to shoot it. “God it’s everything I wanted for this album so refined and yet accessible, she’s so amazingly good, don’t you agree Sebastien?” Sebastien nodded and smiled, he felt proud somehow.

Simon didn’t know he was seeing Lisa and he was somewhat scared for his reaction when he would find out. He heard from Marc that Simon was more than interested in Lisa. He noticed Simon’s face lit up every time he mentioned her name and that bothered him tremendously…

“So, guys were back on track again! Steve, they are all yours!” Simon rubbed his hands and smiled as he gave the word to Steve who announced their upcoming public appearances for the next few weeks. While Steve was talking on, Sebastien looked at Carlos and rolled his eyes; Carlos let out a sigh and raised his eyebrow.

Sebastien couldn’t help but worry about their busy schedule; It was so tight that he wasn’t able to spend much time with Lisa. He knew Lisa had to get back to work also, she had to leave for Vancouver next Friday and he was afraid he wouldn’t see her that much for the next couple of weeks.

When they were done Steve and Simon left the conference room. The guys stayed for a little while longer to catch up. They all were glad seeing each other again after their little break. Sebastien kept talking about him and Lisa and that he never felt happier in his life…Carlos and Urs were very happy for him and told him so.

David tried his best to look as if he was happy for Sebastien but his euphoria about Lisa tore him apart inside…He still couldn’t bare the thought of Seb and Lisa together …

Urs was very quiet, he never was that loud but, the guy’s were worried about him as they all were aware of his situation.
“Did you hear anything from Angela yet?” Sebastien asked him. Urs looked up from his agenda and smiled vaguely…”No….” he softly said “I tried calling her but she won’t take my calls. I wish she would just listen to what I have to say Seb…”He added. Sebastien gently patted him on the shoulder” I’m so sorry Urs…”Give her some time…She’s hurt, it’s understandable….” Urs nodded...” I know…but it’s so hard...” Carlos looked worried as he overheard their conversation “She’ll come around Urs…she loves you… Trust me, I know she does…” he said reassuring.
Urs smiled thankfully and lowered his eyes as he asked Carlos “Did Geraldine hear anything from her that you know of?” Carlos his face turned serious as he stood up and turned towards the window while he put his hands in his pockets… “I don’t know….”He said, “She won’t speak to me either…”

The guys looked shocked at Carlos… “Why is that?” David asked with questioning eyes… Carlos turned and shrugged his shoulders while tried to smile his worried look away.. ”What can I say..? She wants marriage…”
Sebastien started laughing. ” Is that all? Well, then ask her amigo!” He said. Carlos raised his eyebrow and shrugged his shoulders again…“What’s the big deal, Carlos? You know each other now, for how long? It’s about time buddy…Seb’s right, just ask her and get it over with…” Urs said while he raised his hand. Carlos kept silent and lowered his eyebrows… David sat back in his chair “I know…!”He slowly said as a smile appeared on his face” you’re scared as hell….aren’t ya?” Carlos smiled vaguely and rubbed his forehead….”I guess I am…”he finally said. Urs gave David a meaningful look and smiled…

Carlos snapped his fingers as he changed the subject “I have an idea!” he smiled” Let’s all have diner tonight at Hakkasan in town, just the four of us …we’ll have some fun!…” Urs nodded, “good idea!” He said. Carlos looked at Sebastien who kept silent... ”Seb..?” He asked.. Sebastien started to play with his chair…”I …I don’t know…” He looked up and continued as he noticed the guys staring at him.” I really want to be with Lisa guys, I won’t be seeing her that much with our upcoming schedule and...” Urs interrupted him and said “Well then bring her along, it will be fun!” Sebastien smiled a bit relieved “Ok…I’ll ask her then..” .
“Excellent!” Carlos said as he turned to David and looked at him with questioning eyes..

David looked away and stuttered “I don’t know either..” Urs and Sebastien raised their eyebrows.. ”What do you mean you don’t know either..?” Carlos asked. David started to blush... “I sort of met someone...”
“Really?” Urs asked with big eyes as he smiled at him. “Yeah…”David said and smiled back...”Her name is Karen and she lives in our building…She’s from Ohio...”
“Oh my God David that’s wonderful!” Sebastien blurred out! “Yeah, but it’s still very fresh..” David said shy fully. Carlos started smiling too” That’s great Dave! So bring her along as well! “Yeah! “Urs and Sebastien said together. David smiled and nodded “Ok, I will give her a call...”

***

Geraldine walked into the lunchroom and spotted Angela immediately. “Hey sweetie, I’m so glad you called….” she said as she hugged Angela. Angela smiled “Thank you for coming Gerald…I really appreciate it!” She said. “No problem you know that, so when did you arrive in Madrid?” Geraldine asked while they both sat down...

“I’m here since Friday…"Angela said. She looked away as she continued..."I needed to get away..” Geraldine noticed that she had swollen eyes and looked worried

“Is it Urs..?” she asked. Angela nodded and tears appeared in her eyes...Geraldine realized it was serious and grabbed her hand…
”Urs…he ..”Angela stuttered and started to cry.. “Oh Angela, don’t cry…what could be so bad? Did you two have a fight?” Angela wiped her tears with her sleeve and looked at Geraldine who looked at her intensively... after a moment of silence Angela said with a smothered voice; ” He slept with another woman, Geraldine...” Geraldine couldn’t believe what she just said “Nooo Angela…?” Angela nodded “Yes..he did..”. “Oh Dios…who is she? Do you know her?” Angela shook her head “No. but I know it happened while the boys were in Siena for the shoot...”

Geraldine looked shocked... ”Are you sure? This isn’t something Urs would do Angela…” Angela lifted her shoulders and sobbed “I know…but he did Geraldine…He did …” Angela put her hands before her eyes and sobbed “What on earth did I do wrong Geraldine...? “Geraldine stood up and hugged her “You didn’t do anything wrong sweetie…I’m sure it was a mistake…Men are weak Angela, and some women will take advantage of that…”. Angela shook her head “I can’t believe I trusted him…I hate him so much, I really do hate him…” Geraldine looked at her, sighed and stroke her hair..
” you know sweetie…Hatred is a funny thing … It’s a very strong and passionate feeling Angela”
Angela looked confused at Geraldine …”What do you mean?” she asked. Geraldine smiled and held her head to one side
“I know you don’t want to hear this but…, You can only hate someone so intensively if you love that someone very much…”
Angela lowered her eyes and started to cry again…Geraldine held her close and told her... ”Ssssh...it’s okay Angela, let it out…it’s ok…”


Chapter XXXXVI
Lisa was sitting at her desk in her study, going through her mail when Carmen walked in with tea…
“Here you go sweetheart...”She said as she put the cup on her desk. Lisa looked up and smiled thankfully. “Thanks Carmen…” she said.

Carmen hesitated for a moment when she said; “Lisa…? Your parents just called, they are on their way over to pick up Thomas….”
Lisa looked surprised “Already? What happened to their holiday in Kent? I thought they weren’t coming until Thursday?”
Carmen smiled regretfully as she lifted her shoulders “Your mother said that they wanted to take Thomas to Ashford before they would go back to Holland with him ….”

Lisa sighed and looked a bit disappointed..
”Oh well…It will be fun for him.” Carmen said.
Lisa nodded vaguely... ”yeah I guess it will be.”
Lisa’s phone started ringing and Carmen said, “You want to answer that!...I’m going to prepare lunch…”
Lisa reached over to her phone “Ok, Carmen…Thanks again..”
Lisa was in thoughts for a second before she brought the phone to her ear. “Lisa Amberville” She answered…
“Hey princess!” Marc said, “How is my precious beauty today?
A smile appeared on Lisa’s face “Hey muffin…I’m fine how are you?”

“In desperate need of a loverrrrr “Marc answered with a very low voice, trying hard to sound sexy…”Aren’t you always...!” Lisa laughed…”How is Angelica?” She asked a bit concerned…”Not so well I’m afraid… , Urs called her a few day’s ago… He ended it Lisa…”. “Oh no……Lisa said remorseful...” “Yeah it’s so sad…” Marc said.
Lisa sighed” I knew this would happen…Where is she now?”
“I gave her a few days off Lisa…she’s at her parent’s house in Bath...I said you would be ok with that...” Marc said.
Lisa shook her head... ”No problem…Of course it’s ok…”

“Listen princess, the reason I called..” Marc said… “Everything is set for Canada, except the light technician from National Geographic cancelled and they have no other available…now, Danilo is in Argentina and he’s flying to Vancouver on Thursday to help you out…, I hope that’s fine with you?” Lisa’s mind drove off…
”Princess..?”, “Yes…”Lisa abruptly answered…
“Is it ok? Marc asked a bit confused…” sure its fine…it’s ok” Lisa stuttered…

As she put the phone down Lisa thought about Danilo and the night they made love. She had felt so vulnerable, and it felt right at the moment. However, afterwards she felt terrible. Not only because of Benjamin but maybe, even more for Danilo.
She knew about his feelings for her, and when they had made love, it made things even worse.
She could not think straight at the time and she realized it was one of the worst mistakes she had ever made.
After that particular night, they never spoke about what happened between them. Danilo knew she loved Benjamin very much and he had never asked her for an explanation.
After Benjamin’s death, he was there for her and she was so thankful he did not take advantage of her back then even though he knew he could.
Many times Lisa wondered if it wouldn’t be better to look for another light technician. But she also knew that Danilo was the best and that he would be irreplaceable.
That is why Lisa finally decided that she needed to clear things up before the shoot in Sienna. She went over to his house the day before. They had a long talk and Danilo tried hard to hide his emotions. She had explained to him that she loved him, but not in the same way, he loved her. She made it clear that she didn’t want to lose him as her light technician nor as a friend for that matter and asked him to understand that it would be nothing more than friendship between them.
Danilo seemed so disappointed. She remembered how he had just sat there with his hands in his hair. After a moment, he had tried to smile and told her that she did not tell him anything that he didn’t already know. He did admit that he had hoped for more, especially after Benjamin had passed away.

"I’m sorry Lisa...”He had said to her."I will always love you I cannot change that! But, I respect your honesty and I realize now that I have to find a way living my life without you.”
Lisa had looked up at him with tears in her eyes.”I am so sorry Danilo, I should have known better. The last thing I want is to see you hurt…”
Danilo had reach out his hand to her and gently touched her hair and smiled “It’s not your fault Lisa. It just happened...."He had lifted her chin and had looked deep into her eyes.”I will be your light technician and your friend and I will always be there for you. No matter what …”

Lisa had burst into tears after he said that and Danilo had hugged her.

Lisa suddenly looked up and smiled at Thomas who tried to sneak up at her with his hands secretly behind his back.. “Hey you!” She said. Thomas started laughing as he was caught, Lisa loved the way he laughed it reminded her of Benjamin his laugh was exactly the same, so contagious that you started to laugh also even if you didn’t feel like it… “What do you have behind your back, Mister Amberville? “Lisa asked with her chin up. Thomas also put his chin up and looked proud. ”It’s a present!”
“A present? And for whom might that be?” Lisa asked surprised.” For you, mommy!” “Lisa smiled and put her hands together” Oh my, I’m curious now!”She said. Thomas stretched out his arm and showed her a beautiful red rose as he ran up to her. Lisa smiled when she took the rose from his little hand,”Oh Honey, it’s gorgeous!” she said with a tender voice, “thank you!” Thomas sat on her lap and kissed her “I love you mommy...” He said. Lisa’s smile got bigger and she gently pinched his cheek “I love you to sweetie, with all of my heart and more.”

Thomas looked at her desk. ”What are you doing?” Lisa sighed…”well I have to work a little but I really don’t feel like working...,” she said with a sad face. Thomas smiled and Lisa started to rearrange his hair “Granny and grandpa are on their way….”She said. “Yes, I know Carmen told me…”He said while he started folding a piece of paper.
“When will you be back?”He asked without looking at Lisa.
”As soon as possible Thom...” she answered quietly. Her son’s face turned sad and Lisa swiftly smiled and continued by asking him; “Are you exited to go to Holland again?”
Thomas looked up at Lisa.”Can’t I stay here with Sebastien?I really like Sebastien.” he softly said.
Lisa stared at his big begging brown eyes.
“Sweetie, Sebastien has to work and Carmen is going to visit her relatives...” She regretfully said.
Thomas looked away and shrugged his shoulders. “okay, I will go with Granny and Grandpa then…”
Lisa turned his face gently towards her with her hand.”Thomas?…I know it’s hard for you to move back and forth but Granny and Grandpa love you so much and..”
“I know mommy” Thomas interrupted “It’s just ….”
Lisa looked worried. ”What sweetie, tell me!”
Thomas took a deep breath before he continued.” I know daddy is in heaven and I really do miss daddy. I think of him a lot ….”Thomas paused and looked up at Lisa, “Do you still think of daddy, mum?”

Lisa’s felt tears in her eyes and stared at his eyes…she wrapped her arms around him and held him close as she whispered, ”Off course I think of daddy sweetie, I think of him all the time…”


Chapter XXXXVII
The doorbell rang and Carmen walked out of the kitchen to open the front door, but suddenly got passed by Thomas on her way.

He swung the door open en called out “Grandpa!” Glenn looked at him and a huge smile appeared on his face. He leant over and hugged his grandson “How is my favorite grandson?”
“I’m fine Grandpa!” He said with excitement in his voice, he turned to Jasmine and put his little arms around her waist while he looked up “Granny!” Jasmine smiled and gently touched his hair as she kissed him on his forehead “Hello sweetheart. I missed you!”

Lisa came walking from the study and walked straight to her dad who spread his arms and smiled “Lisa, my little girl!”
“Hi Daddy!” she said while she hugged him. Lisa turned around and looked at her mother “Hello mother..” She softly said. Jasmine smiled vaguely, gave her daughter a formal kiss on the forehead before she turned back to her grandson again who was babbling on and on about Harvey, his frog.

Carmen noticed Lisa’s disappointment as she lowered her eyes and Carmen felt the urge to hug her. The relationship between Lisa and her mother was never that close as long as Carmen could remember. Her mother was always so judgmental about her daughter. No matter what Lisa did, she never approved and always kept her distance…
Glenn on the other hand, loved Lisa tremendously and always told her that she was his sunshine in his life. Unfortunately, Glenn was not much around when Lisa was younger because of his work as a professional off shore racer. They lived in a big House in the Netherlands surrounded by giant trees and far away from the outside world. Jasmine never approved when Lisa asked her mother if some of her friends could come over to play, and since Lisa was an only child, she became very lonely…
The reason why Jasmine acted the way she did towards her daughter never cleared for Carmen. It confused her even more that she was able to give love to Thomas who she genuinely seemed to adore…

The most heartbreaking memory Carmen recalled of Lisa and her mother was when Lisa was six years old and stormed into the house one day. She looked as happy and proud as she showed her mother a drawing that she made at school for mother’s day. Her mother had looked down at her and had not moved a single muscle in her face as she told her: You think I appreciate rubbish? You really should know better. Now throw it away and go practice your piano lessons!”

Carmen felt heartbroken, as she looked at Lisa’s big eyes who stared confused at her mother while she walked gracefully out of the room. That is probably the reason why Lisa was so fond of Carmen; she knew that Carmen loved her as if she was her own daughter. Jasmine noticed their special bond and confronted Carmen several times when Lisa was younger she made her very clear that Lisa should be taught discipline, and that Carmen should realize whom Lisa's mother was. Carmen would keep silent and ignored her lectures…

Carmen smiled tenderly when she looked at Thomas who got Harvey out of the garden and showed it to his grandparents. Jasmine’s face had repulsion written all over it but she tried to act calm. Carmen looked lovingly at Thomas while he was busy explaining his grandpa how hard it must be for Harvey, being a frog and all. Glenn always enjoyed listening to his grandson, especially since he seemed so passionate about everything he did.

Suddenly Carmen turned to Lisa and touched her arm “I’ll make us all a nice cup of tea!” Lisa smiled thankfully and Carmen turned to walk to the kitchen. Jasmine looked up “I’ll help you Carmen” she called after her and hurried over. Carmen looked a bit surprised but smiled politely.
Thomas tried to hold on to Harvey who suddenly decided that he was exposed enough and tried jumping out of his little hands.”I guess I better put him back now... ”Thomas said while he focused his eyes on Harvey. Lisa patted his hair and smiled... ”I think Harvey would like that sweetie…”

Glenn turned to his daughter and noticed she was glowing. He squeezed his eyes slightly and smiled as he asked her.”Something has happened with you…you’re glowing!” Lisa touched her face and smiled shy fully. Glenn grabbed her arm.. ”I’ll bet it has something to do with a certain trip to Paris last week?” he gently asked. Lisa looked surprised, “How did you know I was in Paris...?” She asked.
Glenn put his chin up, “I have my sources…”He secretly smiled. Lisa started laughing, “Can that source be pronounced as Carmen by any change daddy?” Glenn started laughing also and nodded. Lisa looked away for a second and then sighed and looked back at her dad. ”So much has happened …but I’m happy again daddy…I really am.” Glenn looked at his daughter for a moment and then he pulled her close and gave her a hug while he softly said:” I can tell, sunshine, I’m so happy for you, you deserve to be happy…” Glenn took a deep breath and smiled, “So what about you telling me who the object of your affection is?” Lisa started laughing again; her father always had a certain way with words.
”His name is Sebastien, He’s French and part of Il Divo.” Lisa softly said.
Glenn’s eyes got bigger “Simon’s Il Divo? “He looked surprised.
Lisa smiled “Yes...” She sighed again as she stared at her hands, “He’s so wonderful, he’s also great with Thomas" Lisa looked at her dad as she continued" I really hope you’ll like him as much as I do daddy”
Glenn smiled reassuring...
“Sunshine, “he said..." if he makes my little girl happy? He’s good enough for me already…”


Chapter XXXXVIII
David knocked on Karen’s apartment door but there was no answer…
As he turned around disappointed, he stopped as he noticed her while she got out of the elevator together with a man, who obviously was very charmed by her..David felt a twinge in his stomach...
They came walking towards him as they chatted along. David felt a bit uncomfortable and started to fiddle his coat.

Karen looked up and smiled at him “Hey you!” She said as she kissed his cheek.
David smiled vaguely and looked a bit confused at the other guy.
Karen followed his look and smiled “Oh this is Kevin, he lives on our floor as well!”
Kevin smiled and reached out his hand. “Hi!" he said," Nice to meet you finally …I heard you guys had apartments here but somehow I never ran into you before.”
David shook his hand “it’s a big building...” he said still feeling a bit uncomfortable.. Kevin turned to Karen:” well, Karen I’ll take you up on that lunch appointment!”
Karen smiled and said, “Okay…Bye Kevin.” Kevin looked at David and said "Bye! Good luck with your band!” David nodded and looked at him as he passed… Karen wrapped her arms around his neck and looked at him.”I missed you...”she softly said..
David looked at her and said in a high voice; “Lunch?”
Karen looked surprised “What?” she asked..
“Since when do you make lunch appointments with strange people, Karen?”
Karen looked confused as she lowered her arms and stared at him in disbelieve “David...don’t tell me you’re jealous? “
David lowered his eyes. ”No …” he shrugged his shoulders “Not jealous, just concerned that’s all!”
Karen smiled at him and kissed him on the lips. ”you’re so sweet, you know that?”
David looked at her and kissed her back… “So what are your plans for this evening?” she asked hopefully.David smiled “actually, I wanted to invite you for diner with the guys...”
Karen looked shocked “Diner…? With the guys? Really?” she asked a bit nervous. David nodded “Yeah! You feel like it?” Karen touched her face and looked down at her clothes.” I have to get changed first and …”
David smirked and wrapped his arms around her “don’t worry Karen. It is just diner with four superstars and guess what? I’m one of them…,” he said sarcastically.
Karen laughed. “You look fine, “He added swiftly “really! No need to get dressed up and look stunning… otherwise I might lose you to one of the others…” David grinned. Karen punched him playfully: “thanks a lot! That helps! ” she laughed.

***

Lisa was drinking tea with her parents at the kitchen table. Jasmine looked reserved at Lisa and said “Carmen told us that you were in Paris with this man…” Lisa looked at her dad who raised his eyes for good luck…Lisa sighed:”Yes...I was...He’s French and he’s wonderful.”
Jasmine put down her cup and sat back.”Really? …wonderful huh? “
Lisa nodded silently.”I see...” Jasmine continued:”And does mister wonderful have a name?”
Lisa looked at her mother, “Sebastien…his name is Sebastien...”
Jasmine straightened her clothes and looked at her daughter again.”Don’t you think it’s all a bit soon getting involved with a man like that?”
Glenn lowered his eyebrows and looked at his wife, “Jasmine…please! “
Jasmine gave her husband a meaningful look as if she wanted to say “What?”
Glenn shook his head,” She is old and wise to know what is good for her Jasmine! Stop treating her as a small child!”
Jasmine looked back at Lisa and said, “I really hope you realize that Thomas is still very hurt about Benjamin’s death…unlike yourself apparently…”
Glenn slammed his fist on the table: “Enough Jasmine!”
Lisa took a deep breath and got up to clean the table….

Meanwhile Sebastien entered the house and Thomas came running down the stairs “You’re back!” He called out as he ran over to hug him.
Sebastien smiled and got through his knees “Hey my friend how are you?”
“You have to meet Grandpa and Granny, Sebastien, they are here! “Thomas said cheerfully. Glenn got out of the Kitchen and smiled as he noticed Sebastien with Thomas. “You must be Sebastien!” He said as he walked over to greet him. Sebastien smiled politely as he shook his hand “Yes I am...” he said a bit shy.
”So nice to meet you Sebastien, I’m Glenn Mc Pherson, Lisa’s dad”
“Nice to meet you too Mister Mc Pherson.” Sebastien said politely,
Glenn patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile on his face “O call me Glenn, please. I feel old enough as it is.” Sebastien nodded, “okay, Glenn it is.” He smiled…

Jasmine came walking in and stopped as she noticed Sebastien. Sebastien smiled at her but Jasmine held her face straight. Glenn noticed his wife and called her over:" Jasmine, come and meet Sebastien…" Jasmine slowly walked over and reached him a cold hand…”Nice to meet you Mrs. Mc Pherson... “Sebastien said as he looked at her.
Jasmine nodded and said to Thomas "You have to get your things sweetheart, were leaving shortly."
Thomas nodded silently as he felt some tension.
When jasmine left Glenn looked at Sebastien and said “you have to excuse my wife.It very difficult for her still...”
Sebastien nodded.”I understand…”

Thomas turned around and looked at Lisa, who came out of the Kitchen “Hey mommy! Sebastien’s home!” he called out cheerfully.
Lisa came walking over and smiled as she looked at Sebastien and her dad: “I see you two have already met...” Sebastien’s face lit up while he looked at her and Glenn noticed that and couldn’t help but smile. Thomas looked up at Sebastien “I have to feed Harvey now, shall we play later?” Sebastien looked down, stroked his hair and smiled “I’d like that Thomas…”

Lisa could tell that her dad approved of Sebastien and felt really relieved. “I leave you guy’s for a minute…” He smiled”I will be in the Kitchen if you need me... ”
Lisa and Sebastien both smiled at him.

The moment they were alone, Sebastien grabbed Lisa and held her close while he looked into her eyes.She looked a bit tired but still so tremendously gorgeous, a warm feeling went through his body. He held his head to one side and asked her, “The guys invited us for diner, will you come?” Lisa smiled and nodded “As long as you’re there...”She softly said.
“ Did you miss me...? “He asked while he looked down at her. Lisa smiled and caressed his face.”Yes…God I missed you...!” She tenderly said. Sebastien stared at her sparkling eyes. He wanted to rip her clothes off and make love to her right there…

he took a deep breath instead and kissed her passionately…

***

Urs paced the floor in his apartment in London; he was about ready to leave for the restaurant but couldn’t make up his mind if he should try calling Angela again. Finally, he grabbed his keys and walked towards the door, suddenly he had a change of mind and turned … he grabbed his cell phone and dialed Angela’s number. The call connected but there was no answer. Urs raised his eyes and exhaled forcefully…Just when he lowered the phone from his ear he heard a soft; “Allo...?”
Urs abruptly brought the phone back to his ear. ”ANGELA?” He called out as he turned in circles.”Oh God...Please! Don’t hang up!”

Angela doubted if she should listen to Urs. In a reflex, she had answered her phone without looking on the display who called her.

“Angela please hear me out! I finished it with Angelica I swear I did. I called her and I finished it. I love you God knows I love you! ” Urs tried desperately to explain and grabbed his forehead.
Angela felt tears in her eyes and after a moment of silence, she almost whispered, “.I…I don’t know Urs…” Urs sighed, relieved that she said something.”I know Angela! I know you still love me...”
Angela didn’t answer and Urs sat down on his couch and stoke his hair as he laid his head back and stared at the ceiling… “Angela… I love you so much…you have to believe me! “
He leant forward as he continued; “I have a day off tomorrow, I’ll arrange a ticket Please come to London Angela..I’m begging you…” after a moment of silence Angela softly asked, “You want me to fly over to London tonight?”
“Yes Angela please, say yes…” Urs pleaded

Angela hesitated for a moment and looked up at Geraldine who stood in front of her
“Say yes….”She whispered to Angela as she leant forward “Say yes Angela!”…Angela lowered her eyes and thought for a moment… “Ok…” she finally said.
Urs jumped up “YES? Is that a yes Angela?”
Angela nodded but realized that Urs could not see her. She smiled vaguely and quietly said “Yes…it’s a yes…”

The moment Angela hanged up Urs got on his knees and shouted while he clenched his fists “YES! THANK YOU!’


Chapter XXXXIX
Carlos and Urs arrived at Hakkasan and the waiter showed them their table….As they were seated, Carlos smiled at Urs who looked much more relaxed “I guess you spoke to Angela? “He said. Urs nodded and smiled “Is it that obvious?” he asked… Carlos grinned, “So what’s new?” He asked. Urs sighed, “Well… she’s coming over tomorrow morning.”
“Really?” Carlos said surprised.
Urs looked at Carlos and smiled again as he noticed Carlos, lifting his left eyebrow so high, it almost seemed to disappear in his hair.
”I tried getting her on a flight out tonight but, I had no luck!”He paused for a moment and continued while he sat back and stroked his hair back, “I hope she won’t change her mind overnight though…”
“Don’t worry…I’m sure she won’t, Urs…”Carlos reassured him.

Urs noticed Carlos face turned a bit disillusioned.”You know, Angela is in Madrid at Geraldine’s,” Urs said. Carlos suddenly looked up at him.” I didn’t know that,” he softly said.
“Still didn’t call her, hey?” Urs asked. Carlos shook his head. ”No not yet…I think I will call her tomorrow.”
“Why tomorrow?” Urs asked while he looked at him. Carlos shrugged his shoulders and looked away “She’s on stage now…” he quietly said. Urs nodded “I see…”

Carlos looked up at the entrance and smiled as he pointed at David, who walked in with a beautiful lady on his side..Urs turned in his seat and spotted David with Karen. He smiled, as he turned back and raised his eyebrows at Carlos, “Well our friend has won a little jackpot there!” he said.
Carlos agreed with Urs and grinned.

David had a big smile on his face as he arrived at their table. He put his arm around Karen and pulled her close; “Hey Guys! I would like you to meet Karen! ”Karen looked impressed and smiled nervously.

Carlos and Urs immediately stood up and greeted her “welcome Karen! I’m glad you could join us.” Urs said while he shook her hand... Carlos leant forward, kissed her hand gracefully, and said “We’ve heard so much about you Karen…And if I may say…you look enchanting tonight... “David rolled his eyes and turned to Karen, “You may just ignore him if you like…”he whispered to her. Karen smiled and David pulled a chair back for her as she got seated.
”Well at least you’ve learned a few manners from us Davey… you still have a lot to learn, but it’s a start.” Carlos grinned. David punched Carlos gently on his shoulder as he walked passed him to sit on the other end of the table.

They started talking and Karen felt her body relax a little. They were so nice to her and Carlos was so funny, especially the movement in his eyebrows as he talked made her laugh.
Urs was just explaining Karen how hard it was touring with David and his practical jokes. David overheard, and smiled. As he looked up his smile disappeared slowly, when he noticed Sebastien coming towards them with a smile on his face while he held Lisa’s hand. David felt as if the ground beneath his feet washed away as they came closer. They looked so happy together… Karen noticed David’s stare and turned around to see what made that happen…Karen recognized Sebastien from the pictures but did not know the women by his side. ” she’s pretty...” She thought.

Lisa ‘s skin was tanned and her hair was put up , she wore a beautiful taupe colored dress which was cut very low, at the back and in front of her body.

David noticed that every head turned as they passed people by. “Hey mates! Sorry were late.” Sebastien smiled as they arrived at the table. Carlos and Urs looked up and both were gasping for a second as they noticed Lisa. They soon recovered and greeted Lisa.Carlos hugged her and said “God you smell so good, Lisa” while he held on to her. Sebastien tore him of Lisa and smiled. ”That’s enough Carlito!” Urs smiled, kissed her and told her how happy he was to see her again.

Karen looked at David who still was staring at Lisa’s face. Lisa looked at him and smiled as she leant forward to kiss him on the cheek “Hi David…”She softly said David pulled himself together as soon as he noticed that he was still staring and lowered his eyes while he said “Hey Lisa…”

David looked up at Karen who still looked at him a bit confused. David took a deep breath and pointed at Karen “Seb, Lisa, this is Karen!” he said as he smiled at her. Sebastien turned to Karen and greeted her with a huge smile “Hi Karen so nice to meet you!” Karen smiled and noticed his beautiful eyes, which made her weak as they looked at her intensively. Lisa also shook Karen’s hand and smiled at her “Hi Karen I’m Lisa.” Karen smiled back at Lisa and said “Nice to meet you too Lisa.”

They all seemed to have a good time, although Urs noticed that David was a bit quiet... It almost seemed to him as he felt uncomfortable.

Lisa and Karen chatted a lot and the guys noticed they really liked each other. Sebastien could not keep his eyes from Lisa. Urs smiled, leant over to him and whispered. "You need my glasses or what? She’s really there Seb, trust me! Now stop staring! "Sebastien looked at him and started to laugh.

Karen was telling Lisa about the paint explosion at her apartment the other day and Lisa couldn't stop laughing. David watched Lisa and smiled, she had a beautiful laugh. He lowered his eyes and his mind drove off...
Lisa asked Karen if she liked England and Karen told her she was very happy to be here. Karen was glowing when she told Lisa;" especially since I met David…"
Lisa looked at David and smiled. “I understand why...,” she almost whispered.

Sebastien leant over to Karen and asked her if David was behaving himself towards her. On the other side of the table Urs and Carlos had a heated discussion about musical notes and neither one of them was willing to give in.

Meanwhile Lisa still stared at David while he was twisting his watch. Slowly he looked up and noticed Lisa’s stare…It took his breath away, and his heartbeat started to increase.

For a moment, they seemed locked in each other’s eyes…

Eventually Lisa smiled vaguely at him and looked away.
Sebastien told David; that he really liked Karen and that he was very happy for him. David smiled at him a bit distracted and said “Yeah.Yeah she’s really great!”

Carlos called over a waiter and ordered a cognac.
The moment they heard Carlos order, Everybody stopped talking and looked his way ...David and Sebastien looked shocked at each other and said simultaneously: “Noooo…No cognac please!!!!…”

Lisa started laughing together with Urs..Karen looked a bit puzzled and asked what was wrong with Carlos ordering a cognac? Sebastien turned to Karen and said. ”Run while you can Karen! Cos' when he has finished with that cognac, you will be sorry that you didn’t! “Carlos started laughing and reassured Karen.”Do not believe him Karen! I’m a grown man and I can handle one cognac!"
David held up his glass while he looked cross-eyed towards Carlos and smiled sarcastically: “Sure you can! “

They all started laughing again and David blushed as he noticed that Lisa also laughed at him. .


Chapter L
Time flew by as they were still at Hakkasan’s restaurant.

Lisa took Sebastiens left hand and looked at his watch. She leant over to him and said.”I have to call Carmen, she’s about to leave now..I’ll be right back.. ”Sebastien winked at her and smiled tenderly “Hurry back Cherie!” Sebastien watched as she walked towards the lobby and so did David.
Lisa was searching for the number on her mobile in the lobby when Urs just came out of the toilets. He hesitated for a moment and walked over to her. Lisa who noticed him coming smiled at him. ”hey Urs…”she said. Urs smiled vaguely he waited for a moment and then softly said. “Lisa...? I wanted to ask you, how is Angelica doing?” Lisa’s smile disappeared slowly as she looked up at him. Lisa looked away and replied, “Not so good, Urs but I’m sure you already figured that out. “Urs looked serious and stroke his hair back.”Lisa, I never meant to hurt her…”Lisa interrupted him. ”But you did Urs…”She looked at his eyes and continued.”I am not going to lecture you here Urs…But you have to understand that Angelica is very dear to me. In my opinion you acted rather reckless by starting this fling with her while you were attached…” Urs nodded and lowered his eyes.. ”I know. And you’re absolutely right…I didn’t think…” Lisa noticed his remorse and she couldn’t help feeling some compassion. She touched his arm and sighed while she gave him a vague smile.” She’ll be okay, eventually …” Urs slowly looked up and Lisa noticed his eyes looked sad as he said, “I really hope so Lisa”
Carlos looked at Urs who sat down at the table looking a bit low. ”You’re ok, buddy? “He asked. Urs nodded and tried to smile.”I’m ok…”He softly said.
David looked towards the lobby and suddenly stood up while he looked at Karen. He smiled and said to her:”I’ll be right back.” Karen looked at him precarious with squeezed eyes.
”Where are you going?” She asked. David grabbed and kissed her hand as his smile got bigger.”Just to the bathroom.” He said and tried to walk away but Karen held on to his hand and looked at his eyes… David looked at her with questioning eyes “Do you want to join me?” Karen smiled vaguely and let go of his hand as she lowered her eyes.
Sebastien noticed Karen’s worried look and leant towards her you’re ok? “He asked concerned. Karen nodded and smiled at him.

David walked into the lobby and looked around. He saw Lisa who just finished her phone call. She turned and smiled as she noticed David who walked towards her with his hands in his pockets.”Everything ok with Thomas?” he asked. Lisa lowered her eyes.”Thomas is with my parents. That was Carmen.. She’s Thomas his nanny and she’s leaving tonight to visit some relatives …I just wanted to say goodbye to her. ”David nodded his head and smiled “I see…” Lisa looked up at him,”…but Thomas is fine. Thanks for asking” she softly added. David looked into her eyes and noticed a bit of sadness as Lisa tried to avoid his look. ”Karen is a lovely lady David.”Lisa said. David nodded slightly but kept silent as he moved closer to her and slowly lifted his hand to touch her face. Lisa slowly looked back into his eyes and felt a shivering by his touch. David tried to hold her look.
”… Lisa…I” He stuttered and Lisa felt as if she was clued into his gorgeous blue eyes.
Suddenly Lisa looked passed David and noticed Carlos who looked at them a bit puzzled. Lisa quickly stepped back and smiled vaguely at David. ”Sebastien must wonder where I am….”she softly said and lowered her eyes while she walked passed David into the restaurant…
Carlos watched her as she passed him by and looked back at David who obviously felt like he was caught.
Carlos slowly walked over to David and stared at him…”What are you doing Dave?” He asked.
David looked confused but did not answer as he turned slowly and rubbed his forehead while he closed his eyes.
***
It was late when Sebastien and Lisa got home.
Lisa searced for her keys while Sebastien paid the cab driver.
The house was dark and seemed abandoned.

Sebastien opened the front door and Lisa followed him inside…Sebastien was aware of the fact that Lisa was very quiet since they had left the restaurant. He watched her as she took off her shoes and slowly walked towards her…
He touched her face and looked concerned as he asked her if she was ok…Lisa looked at him and smiled.. ”..I have a slight headache… I guess I had too much wine tonight…But I’m ok….”

Sebastien looked at her intensively and lifted her in his arms without saying a word...Lisa wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her upstairs…
He gently laid her on the bed and looked back into her eyes as he caressed her face…

”I love you Lisa…I love you so much that it scares me…”Lisa looked at his eyes as she touched his lips… She rested her finger on his lower lip and slowly looked into his eyes…” I’m scared too… Sebastien “she softly said…

Sebastien noticed that her eyes welled up He held her head between his hands and gently pressed his lips on hers and they kissed passionately… They got undressed while their lips stayed attached. Lisa felt how Sebastien’s hands glided over her naked body..Suddenly Sebastien stopped and reached over to the bedside table and turned on the light..He looked back into Lisa’s eyes and whispered..

"I want to look at you Lisa..." Lisa looked at his serious face and kissed him tenderly ...They slowly made love that night and fell asleep in each others arms eventually...

“Mommy…. I'm here....Mommy..”

.Lisa felt terrified and turned in circles to try and find Thomas but she couldn’t see anything through the fog.

.” Mommy ..mommy…” Thomas his voice faded away…
Lisa started crying and screamed” Thomas!! Where are you? Tell me where you are!!!”
…but it remained silent……
Lisa gasped for breath and enfolded her arms before her chest as an icy cold wind suddenly made her shiver … ….
She squeezed her eyes as she thought she saw somebody looking at her from a distance... As the fog cleared up a little, she recognized Benjamin who slowly reached out his hand …”were save now Lisa…we’re save..”….he said…Lisa looked around as the fog seemed to close in on her again …She looked back at Benjamin who turned slowly and walked away from her while he took the hand of a little boy... Lisa fell on her knees and started to cry as she pleaded…”Benjamin Noooooo, come back… give him to me please!!!

Sebastien opened his eyes in a shock as he heard Lisa cry “…come back…come back..”
He sat up and grabbed Lisa “Lisa…Lisa honey wake up…” Lisa opened her eyes and looked at Sebastian’s intense worried look… Lisa was shaking all over body and Sebastien saw how frightened she was…Lisa placed her hands before her eyes and started crying again… Sebastien enclosed her in his arms and started rocking her gently while he caressed her hair..

”Ssshh….It’s ok baby..It’s just a dream ….Youre save.. I’m here..I’m right here…”

Chapter LI
Karen woke up and looked at her side …David wasn’t there…She slowly got up and grabbed a bathrobe and put in on. She walked towards the living room and stopped at the door as soon as she saw David sitting in a chair in front of the window… He stared outside and looked so far away…

Karen lowered her eyes and thought about last night…He was so quiet and hardly spoke to her at all from the moment they left the restaurant…When they got home he made love to her in silence and turned his back to her afterwards.. Karen never felt more hurt before... she almost felt used…… she knew something was wrong but she was afraid to ask him about it… she couldn’t shake of this weird feeling that Lisa had something to do with his quietness... She had seen the way he looked at her last night and it had bothered her very much..
She liked Lisa, she really did and she prayed she was wrong…

She looked up at David who still wasn’t aware of her standing there…Karen walked slowly towards him and got through her knees as she got to him….David slowly looked at her and smiled…”Hey sleepyhead..” he whispered.. Karen smiled back at him and caressed his hair..: Hey you!” David stared at her eyes for a moment and kissed her forehead as he gradually got up…“Coffee?”he asked
Karen nodded and David walked passed her towards the kitchen.. Karen got up and followed him She rested against the door frame and watched him as he poured water out of the kettle …”did you sleep ok?” she asked while she held her head to one side.. David shrugged his shoulders.. ”couldn’t sleep really…”he answered as he turned around and opened a cabinet and searched for coffee… when he found it he closed the cabinet door and looked at Karen who stared at him….He stared back at her and asked “are you ok?” Karen kept her eyes on him and said..”yeah…are you?” David lowered his eyebrows and said.. ”Yeah why wouldn’t I be…”Karen walked over to him and stopped in front of him as she looked up worried…”I don’t know…you tell me…” David felt awful about lying to her… He leant forward and gave her a kiss…”I’m ok….” He whispered….. and wrapped his arms around her and held her close…

Urs stuck his head out of the shower and heard his phone ringing… he got out of the shower, put a towel around his waist and walked to the living room to answered his phone….:”Urs..? It’s me Angela…." Urs looked at his watch and felt confused…”Angela? You’re suppose to be on the plane….!!” Angela paused for a second..”I know…but .. Something.. has happened…”she stuttered…Urs finally seem to notice how anxious she sounded “What’s wrong?? Where are you..? “ He could hear how Angela took a deep breath ….

”I’m… at the hospital Urs…” she said with a smothered voice…
Urs felt as if his breath was cut off.. ”Angela!! Are you ok?” he almost shouted as he grabbed his forehead…

Angela started to cry “It’s not me Urs…I’m fine…It’s Geraldine…” Angela almost couldn’t speak anymore..”she had an accident…” Urs felt paralyzed “Oh no…”He softly said

Angela continued sobbing” It doesn’t look good…You have to tell Carlos, Urs…we can’t reach him… Oh Urs I don’t know what to do..”Angela broke down and Urs couldn’t bare to hear her helplessness “Oh my God Angela.. ”He gasped but knew he had to take action… Urs started to walk to his closet “Baby listen to me…I’m going to Carlos right now ok?..I’m on my way!!!”…Urs threw away his phone and got dressed in a hurry he rushed out the door and ran to Carlos his apartment and started to slam on his door with great force while he shouted…” CARLOS!!! CARLOS OPEN UP!!!”…

Carlos finally opened the door and stared at Urs “What’s going on?”he asked… Urs stormed in and turned to him…Carlos looked at his anxious face and lifted his hands..”What..? “He asked desperately.. “Your phone is off..” Urs said totally out of breath…

Carlos lowered his eyebrows and grabbed his phone and noticed the battery was dead…he looked back at Urs who looked so pale he almost looked transparent… “We have to leave for Madrid right away. Something has happened…”Urs continued...
Carlos felt something was terribly wrong ….”Tell me what happened Urs..”He pleaded

Urs walked over to him and Carlos noticed his eyes welled up…
“It’s Geraldine Carlos..” Carlos looked shocked “What happened with Gerald..?”
Urs paused for a second and then continued …“She had an accident …”Urs shook his head it’s not looking good, Carlos…”

Carlos just stood there and stared at Urs with huge eyes…after a moment he turned silently and walked over to the kitchen….he rested his arms on the table and looked down…

Suddenly he lost it completely! He turned and started slamming the cabinets and smashed everything he could get his hands on to the floor …
Urs ran up to him tried to calm him down as he grabbed him from behind…. Carlos stopped and grabbed Urs his arms who held him tight...Carlos let his head hang down as his shoulders started to shrug tremendously ...Urs heard him cry silently as he shook his head..”Noooo God no… not my Geraldine…”

Urs just held him and said nothing…

Chapter LII
Sebastien looked at Lisa who was still asleep and breathed serene. He leant over her and softly kissed her face. She was so scared last night; it took Sebastien quite some time to calm her down when she finally fell asleep in his arms.” It must have been the most awful nightmare for her…”he thought…

His mobile phone rang and Sebastien quickly turned to answer, trying hard not to wake Lisa…He brought the phone to his ear and whispered “Allo…?” while he looked at Lisa as she turned on to her side…

“Seb…?It’s me, Urs…I’m at the airport…”Sebastien noticed he sounded upset, he got out of bed and walked out of the bedroom. “What’s the matter?” he asked…” Urs sighed and told him all about Geraldine’s accident …

Sebastien held on to the railing of the stairs and shook his head “oh my god…that’s just terrible…How’s Carlos?” Urs took a deep breath: “He’s calmed down a bit but he’s breaking up inside...” Sebastien looked down: “I can understand that…” he softly said. Urs talked on “Our plane is leaving shortly, and David is on his way over he’s on the next flight out, Maybe you..” ,Sebastien interrupted him: “ I’m on my way!” And hung up…

Meanwhile Lisa got out of bed and noticed Sebastien as he walked back into the bedroom... Sebastien looked very worried… He walked towards her and held Lisa close… “What’s going on ..?”Lisa asked while she looked up at him… Sebastien looked down at her and caressed her face ..”Geraldine…, Carlos his girlfriend, had an accident back in Madrid …It doesn’t look good. I’m on the next flight out with David…”Lisa looked shocked “Oh god ..”I’ll get dressed…I’ll drive you to the airport!” Sebastien prevented her from leaving his arms, shook his head and said “No Cherie, I’ll drive myself… I’ll be ok….you stay here…I’ll call you as soon as possible..”

***
Angela was sitting in the family room at the hospital staring numbness at her coffee witch she had enclosed between her hands... Geraldine’s sister looked after her mother who just had a sedative, given to her by a doctor, and finally seemed to calm down a little… Angela’s eyes burned and she felt as if she had no tears left anymore…Through the glass she noticed Urs who came storming through the glass doors down hallway and looked desperately around him … Angela jumped up and rushed out of the room… as soon as Urs spotted Angela he started running towards her…Angela also started to run and they fell in each others arms as Angela broke down in tears….
Urs soothed her... ”I’m here Angela…I’m here..”

After a moment Angela calmed down a bit and asked; “Where is Carlos..? “ Urs looked back and as Angela followed his look she saw Carlos talking to a doctor on the other side of the hallway behind the glass doors.. She stared at him... Carlos nodded constantly at the doctor who obviously explained Geraldine’s situation to him…she could tell from a distance that he was heartbroken.. His body language said it all...Angela wanted to hold him as he looked so vulnerable…

Urs took Angela over to a bench and they both sat down..” Do they know anything yet about her current situation..?” Urs asked...Angela shook her head: “No nothing yet… The last thing the doctor told us was that they where still operating on her and that they were fighting for her life…”Angela wiped her tears…Urs stroke her hair and softly asked ”Tell me what happened…” Angela started to sob again as she told Urs everything…

Angela and Geraldine walked home from the theatre together after her performance when Geraldine was called over by an old friend across the street She waved at him and told Angela she was just going to say "hello" for a second…as she crossed the street this car ,who seemed to came out of nowhere, hit her with high speed and Geraldine was dragged along for meters when it finally came to a full stop…Everybody screamed and people started running towards scene including Angela.. When she finally got to Geraldine she was covered with blood, but still slightly conscious, the only thing she said before she passed out was Carlos his name…

They both looked up as they saw how Carlos entered the family room. Angela saw that he was embraced by Geraldine’s mother… Urs turned his head to the other side and noticed David and Sebastien coming their way.. They both looked extremely worried… They hugged each other and David immediately asked if there was any news…Urs shook his head.. They all looked over to Carlos who came walking out of the family room and… Sebastien and David walked over to him instantaneously and hugged him…

The time seemed to crawl slowly as they sat there waiting… Carlos stared at the floor looking absolutely helpless…David turned his head as he heard footsteps coming towards them…He touched Carlos his shoulder who immediately stood up…It looked like the surgeon who was coming their way, moved in slow motion ..Sebastien noticed that his face looked very serious and stood up as well; he put his hand on Carlos shoulder and prepared himself for the worst…
Urs held Angela and both looked scared…

The surgeon stopped in front of Carlos, who looked at him with questioning eyes… “We just finished the operation"he said..." and she’s in the recovery room right now…” Carlos stuttered “So the operation went well?” The surgeon looked away for a moment but looked back at him as he said:
“She has lost a lot of blood, we were able to stop the internal bleedings but that doesn’t mean she’s out of the danger zone yet….” Carlos lowered his eyes. The surgeon paused for a second and said…”The next 24 hours are crucial…I wish I had better news for you Mr Marin…”

David noticed how Carlos his body started to tremble…”Can I see her…?”He softly asked…The surgeon nodded " off course…come with me…” he softly replied.Carlos looked at Sebastien who compassionately asked : "Do you want me to go with you...? “Carlos nodded slightly and they both followed the surgeon into the elevator…

As they walked through the ICU towards Geraldine’s room the surgeon explained to Carlos that do to the severity of Geraldine’s injuries they kept her in an artificial coma…

Carlos hesitated before he went inside... Sebastien looked at him and said “I’m right here if you need me my friend..” Carlos took a deep breath and opened the door and went inside. As the door closed behind him Sebastien started to pace the floor as he waited …and waited……

***
Meanwhile back in London, Lisa was packing for her trip to Canada as she heard the doorbell. She walked down the stairs and opened the door to see Angelica staring at her with puffy eyes “Angelica…?!”Lisa said as she hugged her… Angelica hugged Lisa back and smiled vaguely…”Do I interrupt? “Lisa took her hand “Off course not! Come in sweetie, I’m so glad to see you..!” Lisa took Angelica to the Kitchen and made them some tea… “Marc told me you were in Bath at your parents..?”
”I was…”she softly said… Lisa handed Angelica her tea and got seated at the Kitchen table…”So how are you Angie..?” Lisa asked as she looked at her. Angelica back at her and tears started to fill her eyes... she waited a moment before she said…”The reason I’m here Lisa…, is to tell you that I’m leaving Amberville Photography…”

Lisa looked shocked; “What? “Lisa sighed,“Angelica look at me!…Don’t quit!!!” Lisa tried to smile at her as she pleaded “I need you Angelica! You’re the only one I trust ,handling my arrangements… I’ll give you as much time as you need!”…Angelica lowered her eyes…”It’s not that I don’t want to work for you anymore Lisa…I just can’t…” Lisa searched for her eyes… “It’s Urs isn’t it?” Angelica nodded slightly and looked up at Lisa…She sighed and said: “It’s quite clear that Simon wants you to handle all of Il Divo’s photography now. As your assistant..., I’ll always be around at the shoots…”Angelica ‘looked away as she continued ..”Facing him is something I can not handle Lisa…especially..., now that…” Angelica didn’t finish her sentence…Lisa raised her eyebrows “What do you mean with, especially now?”
Angelica shook her head and Lisa noticed she put her hands on her belly…

”Oh my God she gasped…”Don’t tell me you’re…”
Angelica looked at Lisa and started to nod her head slowly as tears fell down her face…
”And Urs is the…?” Angelica smiled vaguely through her tears and nodded again….

Lisa sat back in her chair and covered her eyes “Oh my god Angelica!!! “
“I know... I know…” She softly sobbed…

***
Three hours had passed by since Carlos went in Geraldine’s room, Sebastien still waited patiently on the hallway while he looked at the medical staff who walked in and out of the room continuously… He talked to a nurse earlier who told him that nothing had changed Geraldine’s situation so far and that all they could do for now, is hope and pray that she would pull through…

…Sebastien noticed the door, witch opened slowly and Carlos came walking out. He looked defeated … Sebastien got up and looked worried… Carlos raised his eyes at him and started to shake his head as tears flooded over his face…

Sebastien immediately walked over and grabbed Carlos... who fell to pieces in his arms…


Chapter LIII
Lisa was stunned by what she just found out. This was something she never thought would happen... She thought about the conversation she had with Urs back in the restaurant the other night…She was certain about the fact that Urs still had feelings for Angelica. It was written all over his face …

She looked over at Angelica who sat there, still in tears, with her hands before her eyes…

Knowing Angelica the way that she did, she knew that this pregnancy must have been a complete shock to her… Even more because Angelica always told her that she loved having children one day but that she wanted to marry first!

A feeling of utter compassion overwhelmed her …She got up and walked over to Angelica’s side as she got through her knees…”Angie?” she softly said as she tried to take her hands away from her face…”look at me sweetie…”Angelica lowered her hands and slowly looked up into her eyes…

”Urs has to know, you know that don’t you?….”Angelica started to shake her head in despair.. ”No…I can’t do that …”
Lisa looked at her intensively. ”I understand that you’re scared Angelica… but don’t you think he has the right to know about the baby?” Angelica shrugged her shoulders as she lowered her eyes and said “It wil ruin his career Lisa, probably his life as well… ” Lisa stroke her hair “You don’t know that Anglica!”she said…Angela looked up…”My god Lisa! How did this happen..?”
Lisa smiled at her while she raised her eyebrows ….Angelica couldn’t suppress a small laugh and Lisa laughed as well…The worried look reappeared shortly on Angelica’s face and she took a deep breath ...”I guess it would be the right thing to do…” she softly said...

Lisa grabbed her hand and nodded her head slowly…”It is Angie…trust me”

Lisa turned her head towards the door as she heard the phone ringing…she turned back and stroke Angelica’s hair again as she stood up and said “I have to answer that sweetie…I’ll be right back..”

Lisa walked into the hall and reached for the phone: ”Lisa Amberville..” She answered…

After a short moment of silence she heard Sebastien’s voice: “It’s me, Lisa”
Lisa looked worried by the tone of his voice… “Seb, Are you ok? How’s Geraldine…?” after a moment she could hear Sebastien taking a deep breath ..” She was on the edge Lisa, put the doctor just told us she’s going to be okay …”
Lisa let out a sigh of relieve “Thank God!…How is Carlos doing?”
“Relieved but still very worried….he’s with her now, he won’t let her out of sight …”Sebastien said. Lisa lowered herself onto the bottom of the stairs.. ”It must have been awful for him..” she softly said… “Lisa…He was so scared of loosing her, I’ve never seen him this way before…I’ve watched how a strong man fell in to pieces in my arms …” Sebastien had tears in his voice and Lisa whished she was there to hold him…” Sebastien paused for a moment and then continued:” I got scared Lisa..I didn’t know how to comfort him…I didn’t feel I did enough for him…” Lisa heard his voice tremble..” Oh Sebastien please don’t say that! You where there for him …That’s what true friends do for each other…Just you being there is enough for him…I’m sure about that…” She reassured him. After a moment Sebastien softly said…” I hope you’re right,. I love you so much Lisa….”

Hearing him say that brought a smile to her face, she closed her eyes and answered “I love you” she never said anything that felt truer in her live….

The weeks flew by…
Urs and Angela had talked for days trying to mend their relationship. Although, Urs wasn’t able to block Angelica out of his mind completely, he tried every effort convincing Angela that he loved her. Angela really tried to believe him but deep down inside she didn’t know if she could ever trust him again… What she did know was that she loved him very much and so ,she agreed to give their relationship another try…

Geraldine recovered slowly and after three weeks she was released from the hospital.. As soon as she got home she started with the rehabilitation program and tried hard to assure Carlos that she was fine and that he should go back to London in order to join the guys with the promotion of their new album. Carlos finally agreed after he made absolutely sure that she was taken care off. In The following weeks He would flew back and forth between London and Madrid as much as possible.

David and Karen’s relationship seemed to be on hold, since David got back from Madrid…
Karen started her new job, and David was really absorbed by the promotion schedule…She worked daytime and David mostly worked nighttimes…In the weekends When they were at his apartment together, David felt exhausted most of the time… and he often would doze off in front of the television. When that happened Karen would always tuck him in and quietly sat beside him as she watched him sleep…
The few times that he didn’t fall asleep, they would make love to each other which happened passionately but Karen missed their talks, his jokes and his arms around her so much, that it hurt her.. She wanted to be with him so bad but she knew it would be a bad idea to claim him at this point in their relationship; the result was that they didn’t spend as much time together as she had hoped for.

Sebastien and Lisa didn’t see each other since the day that Sebastien left for Madrid .Lisa had to leave for Vancouver on the day that he returned, and they said their goodbye’s on the phone that day…They both felt terrible about the fact that they wouldn’t see each other for several weeks…Sebastien tried a few times to fly over to Canada, but his schedule was so tight that it was impossible for him to leave and that made him even more miserable than he already was … They would talk on the phone for hours each day.. Lisa tried hard to hold her tears every time they said goodbye to each other and Sebastien would feel helpless, he had to restrain himself so many times from running to the airport and just go to her no, matter what…The only thing that prevented that from happening was that he didn’t want to let the boys down … they missed each other tremendously…

Lisa entered her hotel room and kicked of her shoes, it was late and she felt as she was run over by a truck…
It had been a horrible day; she just heard that they probably had to stay for another week. The Whale shoot wasn’t going smoothly at all right from the start, due to bad weather and crew members getting the flew, they had to postpone several days of shooting…and it never seemed to end… Sebastien told her this morning that he was leaving for Paris… he had two days off and it was Laurent’s birthday…She felt a knot in her stomach as she almost felt jealous towards Laurent, she started to shake her head, “don’t act stupid Lisa..”She said to her self……
She turned her head and took a glimpse at the alarm clock: 11PM, to early to call Seb, she thought…She missed Seb and Thomas so much, and the thought of their disappointment about her having to stay longer made her eyes well up… She walked towards the bathroom, took a shower and got into bed and fell asleep…

“Don’t open your eyes mommy and count to ten..”Thomas giggled as he run away from her. Lisa started to count as she held her hands before her eyes. “nine…ten!, Here I come..”Lisa called out as she smiled and removed her hands….Her smile slowly dissapeard as she noticed she was surrounded by a white fog.. Lisa felt how Chills went over her body she looked around but didn’t see him anywhere the fog was getting thicker and she started to feel anxious”Thomas?”Thomas were are you? Come to mommy sweetheart” she felt as she had gone deaf as she heard no sound at all…
Lisa turned around abruptly as she suddenly heard Thomas call for her in despair…”Mommy…mommy” His voice started to fade away and She tried to look through the fog…Suddenly she noticed Benjamin in the distance walking away from her again as he carried Thomas in his arms… Thomas had his arms reached out to her as he cried for her:” mommy mommy…mommy…”Lisa started running towards them as she screamed for Thomas, but she couldn’t get closer …Benjamin didn’t look back and they slowly disappeared as the fog closed her in again …

Lisa opened her eyes, her body was soaked and she trembled all over…She looked around and as soon as she noticed she was alone she broke down in tears…After a moment she grabbed the phone and dialled a room number…”Hello?” Danilo answered…The only thing he heard was a woman in tears…As soon as Danilo recognized Lisa he jumped out of his bed….”Lisa?!” he said and looked very worried.. ”Lisa is that you sweetie, what’s the matter?…What happened..?” Lisa couldn’t talk …Danilo didn’t think twice, he threw down his phone and started to run for the door…he kept running until he stopped at Lisa’s room he started to bang on her door “Lisa..open up it’s me!!!”

Lisa run towards the door and opened it and fell in to his arms…


Chapter L IV
Danilo held Lisa close and tried to sooth her while he took her over to the bed…She was so upset, he felt how her entire body was shaking… After a while Lisa calmed down a bit and stared infront of her…Danilo stroke her hair gently and carefully asked: “Tell me what happened..?” Lisa slowly looked up at him..As Danilo looked into her eyes he almost could feel her fear…”I ..keep getting these awfull dreams Dan….”She stuttered…”About what..?” Danilo asked compassionately “About Ben and Thomas…and there’s always this fog… Thomas cries out to me but I can’t get to him, no matter what I try…and then he and Benjamin just seem to disappear…”Tears started to fall down her face again and Danilo enclosed her in his arms... ”I’ts a dream Lisa…Just a dream..” He reassured her…Lisa looked up at him and grabbed his chest…”I’m so scared Danilo…please don’t leave me here…”Danilo caressed her face and then hugged her..” I’m not going anywhere Lisa…I’m right here…”

He held her for over an hour and when she finally fell asleep in his arms, he gently laid her down on the bed and tucked her in as he sat beside her and watched her closely…

***
Sebastien entered the café at the Champs Elysees in Paris around noon, where Laurent was giving his birthday party…
Laurent spotted him right away, and hurried over to him…”Hey buddy!!! “He said as he hugged him..” Sebastien hugged him back and said:”Bon anniversere, mon Ami!” They were happy to see each other again. Laurent looked at him and grinned, “Now I can see the beast but where’s the beauty my friend?”..Sebastien started to laugh as he punched him playfully…Laurent patted him on the shoulder “Come on Seb say Hello to the others, everybody missed you!” Sebastien greeted his old friends and the party was on a roll…Sebastien had to tell everybody about him and Lisa and as he showed pictures of her and Thomas they all gasped by her beauty..Nollane, another close friend of Sebastien, said “You want to keep your eyes at her at all times my friend…”He raised his eyes and continued “I swear I would never close my eyes again If I had a girl like that..”Sebastien smiled vaguely and nodded…”I have to admit she gets a lot of male attention and that’s not always pleasant…” He paused for a second and then added: ”I do trust her though...” Nollane patted his shoulder “Well good for you Seb…I’m really happy for you!”Laurent interfered and grabbed Seb’s arm..”Come on Seb let’s jam a little ,for old time sake..” Sebastien nodded and turned to Nollane while he raised his eyebrows “Let’s do it!” he said…Sebastien picked up a guitar, Nollane got behind the drums as Laurent took place behind the piano…Everybody cheered as they started to play…and they all sang along when Sebastien started to sing “La vie en rose”…

***
David got out of the elevator in his building; he was in a bad mood… He walked towards his door and put in his key but stopped before he turned it.. He looked at Karen’s door and sighed as he lowered his eyes… …They hadn’t seen each other since last week when they got their first fight and he missed her tremendously…

Karen had made him a surprise dinner when he got home, but he felt so tired and he had asked her to leave him alone…Karen was so disappointed and confronted him about his feelings towards her…David looked at her in disbelieve but Karen insisted an answer from him.. David lost his temper and raised his hands as he asked her “What do you want to hear Karen, that I love you..?” Karen’s mouth dropped and she felt her eyes well up but she used all her strength not to cry…”Why are you doing this..? “She quietly said “Do you want to hurt me…is that it?” David stared at her and noticed he had hurt her tremendously and hated himself for that…after a moment he stuttered:”Maybe it’s best that we end this for now Karen… ” Karen felt as if her air supply was cut off…she gasped for breath as a tear came free from her eyes…”Is that what you want David..?” David felt a stitch in his stomach as he nodded silently… Karen turned slowly as if she was in trance she grabbed her keys and quietly walked out the door …David shivered as he looked at the door witch closed behind her with a hard noise…

David shook his head in disbelieve.. ”You’re such an a**whole “he whispered to himself
He looked up again and took a deep breath as he turned and walked over to Karen’s door…. He hesitated for a moment and then knocked silently on her door…there was no answer and he tried knocking louder this time … Suddenly he heard a woman’s voice behind him : “Are you looking for Karen? She’s not there...” David turned around and looked at her with questioning eyes…”Do you know where she is..?” He finaly asked. The woman smiled..”Yes, she's out with Kevin..he’s my brother, they seem to get along real nice…”David noticed a grin on her face and he looked as if he just spotted a ghost. The woman turned and walked towards the elevator when she waved at him and said..”I don’t expect them back any time soon …see ya !”and she got into the elevator , the doors closed right after her… David stood there still staring at her…

He remembered Kevin, he also remembered the way he looked at Karen…He clenched his fists and slammed on her door with great force…”NO!!!” he blurted out…

***
Sebastien and Nollane where chatting on the bar at the café as Laurent came over and tapped Sebastien on the shoulder…Sebastien turned around and looked at Laurent who seemed a bit worried…”What’s up Laurent?” Sebastien asked.. Laurent looked back at the entrance and Sebastien followed his look and noticed Danique as she was greeting some people…Sebastien looked back at Laurent who gasped : "I swear I didn’t know she was coming Seb..” Sebastien lowered his eyes and nodded “It’s oke…”He said..

Danique came over immediately as soon as she spotted Sebastien..”Hello Nollane” she said without looking at him. Nollane didn’t answer her… Danique focused her eyes on Sebastien “Hey there gorgeous…”She said while she put on a sexy smile.. Sebastien looked over his shoulder at her and smiled vaguely.. ”Hi Danique..how are you..?” Danique raised her eyebrows “I’m fine, thanks for asking…so, how are you Seb?” She asked a bit sarcastically while she looked at him with squeezed eyes.. Sebastien looked at her while he lowered his eyebrows..”I’m fine …in fact I’m great..” he answered a bit annoyed. Danique vaquely smiled at him and laid her hand on his shoulder “aren’t you going to offer you’re greatest love a drink”

Nollane looked at her in disbelieve..Sebastien hesitated but decided to act normal”What will it be Danique..? “he asked. “Red wine..as usual..” She smiled as she raised herself on a barstool … Sebastien ordered her a red wine and looked at his watch: 5 pm He calculated back and decided to try calling Lisa… He stood up and turned to Nollane and said” I have to make a call , I’ll be right back..” Danique watched at him as he walked towards the restrooms…Nollane leant over and said: “Why won’t you leave him alone Danique..?” Danique lowered her eyes and answered…” Why Nollane…” Nollane raised his eyebrows... ”Why? I can see what you are trying to do here Danique…and let me tell you: It’s not going to work!” Danique raised her eyes and looked at him...” You don’t understand Nollane…I love him…” Suddenly she looked vulnerable and Nollane almost felt sorry for being so harsh on her..he sighed and said “Danique…It’s over between you and Seb you have to accept that.. Seb went on with his live…and so should you….”He touched her hand as he continued “don’t do this to yourself…” Danique didn’t answer and lowered her eyes…

Sebastien dialled Lisa’s number and waited for an answer as he looked at his watch..”I guess it’s still early..”he thought and was about to lower his cell phone from his ear as he heard somebody answer..”Hello?” He brought back the phone to his ear as he lowered his eyebrows and said “Hello, Lisa? it’s me Seb… “ Sebastien didn’t hear anything and he repeated: “hello who is this?” Suddenly he heard a men’s voice..” It’s…Danilo..”Sebastien felt as he was stabbed in the back “Danilo?..”
“What are you doing there..?” Danilo cleared his throath..”I’m…I’m working here..” Sebastien fell back against the wall and raised is eyes in disbelieve…He couldn’t believe he was there, Lisa didn’t say anything about Danilo being there with her…A strange feeling came over him..

”Why are you answering Lisa’s phone..where’s Lisa..?”He asked…Danilo was seeking for the right words but couldn’t find them..”She’s here…but she’s still asleep Sebastien…” Sebastien felt as if his worst nightmare was about to come true he got through his knees and grabbed his head as he stuttered with a smothered voice..”Don’t tell me… you slept together…?” …Danilo was in shock and after a moment he answered softly “We.. did…..but..”…That was all Sebastien heard before he slammed his phone against the wall with great force while he shouted “NOOOOO “He lost it and started to bang the walls…Laurent and Nollane came rushing in as they had heard tremendous noises coming from behind the door. Sebastien turned and looked at them as he helplessly lowered him self against the wall while he shook his head in despair and the tears filled his eyes …They rushed over to him and Laurent wrapped his arm around him…. Danique came running also and stopped as she stared at Sebastien while he was sitting on the floor with his hands in his hair…Laurent looked at her as if he wanted to say: do something!!! …

Danique didn’t think and rushed over to him, as Laurent moved over Danique grabbed Sebastien and pulled him close …He grabbed her arms and he broke down…

***
David sat on his couch and stared at the television, he tried to concentrate on the movie that was on but he kept getting flashes of Karen and Kevin together…He had tried calling her several times but she didn’t answer his call…He stood up and walked towards the window and stared outside…He felt so much anger towards her “How could she do this..?”he thought… He turned and grabbed his phone and tried to call her again but got no answer… He looked at the time at noticed it was after midnight…He started to pace the floor as his anger started to build up…After an hour or so he heard voices coming out of the hall way…he rushed to the front door and tried to listen he recognized Karen’s voice…a wave of jealousy took over as he heard her laughing… After a short while he couldn’t hear them anymore.. He didn’t think as he got out of his apartment and walked over to Karen’s door…

He hesitated again and then knocked. He heard her footsteps as she came towards the door ..He straightened his close before the door swung open. Karen looked at him in with Raised eyebrows…David’s face was dead serious”Are you alone?”He asked. Karen nodded “We have to talk “he firmly said as he passed her and got inside.. Karen stood there perplexed as she stared at him..” Do you have any idea how late it is..?” She asked him…He ignored her question... ”Where were you Karen? “ Karen lowered her eyes... ”I was out…” she said as she looked back at him “…not that its any of your business..” She added quietly... David walked over to her and looked her in the eyes..”I can’t believe you are doing this to me..”He said .Karen raised her shoulders... “Doing what David?” . David shook his head “You! Going out with this creep !!! ”Karen’s mouth dropped…”I beg your pardon!!!” She gasped…”That creep! As you call him, is Kevin! And he’s a very nice man..” She said as she looked at him in disbelieve … David’s face got irritated and he squeezed his eyes when he asked her “Well was it good Karen..?” ...Karen couldn’t believe her ears.. ”David, please!” She pleaded.” ANSWER ME!” he shouted while he grabbed her.

Karen stepped back and her face got angry too “YOU!” she yelled as she pointed at him “How dare you questioning me!!!” She walked passed him and stopped in front of the window as she tried to calm down… David took a deep breath and turned towards her still angry “Just tell me Karen !! ...I have a right to know where I stand..” Karen turned abruptly and shouted as she raised her arms “WHERE YOU STAND? “ She started to laugh sarcastically and did her best to sound calm as she continued…”You are unbelievable…you know that? "She tried to catch her breath and looked back at him with questioning eyes... "You wanted to end our relationship for now, remember that David???” David lowered his eyes as his anger started to fade slowly…Karen fought against her tears as she raised her arms again and pleaded “What do you want from me David…?” ...David looked up at her and slowly started to walk towards her…”I want you…."He softly said" I love you Karen…, I really do....”.
Karen’s tears started to roll down her face and she shook her head and lowered her eyes as her shoulders started to tremble …
David stopped in front of her and gently lifted her chin with his hand….”I’m so sorry Karen…Please look at me..” he said with a smothered voice...
Karen slowly looked into his eyes witch started to well up…”I didn't think,I was a complete jerk…I love you…” ...He leant forward and repeated softly: “I Love you..” And pressed his lips on hers while he enclosed her in his arms…

Karen felt as if she was melting and surrendered to him completely as he slowly started to undress her…


Chapter LV
Danilo was in the bathroom leaning with his back against the wall, while he gazed at the phone that was still in his hand: The connection got cut of and the last thing he heard from Sebastien was a loud scream…

Danilo shook his head and got through his knees …He desperately tried to recall what he had said to Sebastien… After a moment it all came back to him, it also cleared up for him, why Sebastien reacted the way that he just did…Danilo pressed his hand against his forehead and closed his eyes while he held his head back: “What have I done…?” He softly asked himself…He slowly opened his eyes and looked back at the phone: “I have to call him back…”He thought.

Frantically he started searching through Lisa’s phone for Sebastien’s number…When he found it: he took a deep breath and pressed the dial button…He waited as he bitted his lower lip…He heard a woman’s voice telling him that the number couldn’t be reached right now…He got up and quietly opened the bathroom door a bit, he looked over at Lisa who was still asleep…He exhaled relieved and silently closed the door. He started to pace the floor as he tried to think…He looked back at Lisa’s phone and started to search through her numbers again, hoping to find another telephone number of Sebastien… When he came across Sebastien’s home number in Paris he raised his eyes up for support and pressed the dial button again… while he waited, he quietly repeated to himself “please be there Sebastien…Please be there….”

… But there was no answer…

***
It had taken Sebastien a while before he was able to calm himself…He still sat on the floor with his head between his hands as he tried to breathe… He didn’t really seem to notice Danique, who was still sitting beside him and gently kept stoking his hair… After a moment Danique laid her hand on his arm and softly asked:”Seb…? Was that Lisa, on the phone?”

Sebastien looked up at her and she noticed his face was distorted with pain … He slowly looked away as he kept his silence… “Seb?” Danique stroked his hair again…”If you tell me what’s wrong sweetie, maybe I can help y…”

Sebastien didn’t let her finish as he abruptly got up and walked out….Danique also got up and followed him… When she came through the door, she stopped for a moment and followed Sebastien with her eyes…Sebastien walked straight for the bar, he passed Laurent and Nollane but didn’t say a word to them… He waved at the waiter and ordered a red wine witch he immediately slammed down his throat. He put down the glass and ordered another one… Laurent and Nollane looked at Danique with questioning eyes…Danique raised her shoulders and shook her head to them, as she still didn’t know quite sure what was going on:She was certain it had something to do with Lisa, but what? In the meantime, Sebastien kept ordering drinks one after another…

Finally Laurent decided that he couldn’t watch it any longer, and went over to Sebastien and grabbed the glass out of his hand, just as he was about to drink it… Sebastien looked up at Laurent and raised his eyebrows… Laurent noticed his eyes where full of tears…”Seb…you don’t want to do this!” Laurent said. Sebastien lowered his eyes and a tear rolled down his face…Laurent put his arm on his shoulders and asked: ”What ever happened in there buddy? Is it Lisa…?”
Sebastien slowly looked up at him and said with a smothered voice “It’s over Laurent…It’s all over….” He looked away and continued while he gazed in front of him.. ”My mother was right…Nollane was right…” He started to laugh sarcastically “even Danique was right” his face turned serious again and he continued”…everybody warned me Laurent… but I didn’t listen…” He shook his head and softly repeated: “I didn’t listen…”

Laurent looked worried; he had never seen him so devastated… “I’m so sorry Sebastien…”he said.
Sebastien nodded and lowered his head as he softly said “Me too…I’m sorry I didn’t see this comming...”He took a deep breath and said: “ I guess I deserved this…” Laurent wanted to tell him that he was wrong but had no chance as Sebastien suddenly stood up and turned to Laurent: “I’m off Laurent! Sorry about this….”
Laurent shook his head “Don’t be sorry Seb…Let me take you home..”Sebastien looked at him and shook his head “No Laurent..Absolutely not!”He patted him gently on the shoulder as he tried to smile and said.. ” Hey, It’s your birthday buddy!….I’ll be fine..” Laurent wasn’t sure if he would be ok, but he knew Sebastien was determent…Laurent hugged Sebastien and so did Nollane…He walked passed Danique without saying goodbye to her and left the café …

Danique who hadn’t moved, walked over to Laurent and Nollane…”Will he be ok?” Danique asked as she looked very worried. Laurent looked at her and shrugged his shoulders “I have know idea…I hope so…”Danique turned and said “I’m going after him!” Nollane prevented her from walking out by grabbing her arm.. ”Don’t Danique! “ Danique turned to him and raised her eyebrows…” I’m going after him Nollane!!! He shouldn’t be left alone right now!” she sounded confident…
Nollane looked at Laurent who raised his shoulders … Danique looked from Laurent to Nollane and pulled her arm back and walked out…

***
Marc was just getting out of the shower as he heard a knock on his door. He grabbed a bathrobe and walked towards the door as he put on the robe… He stopped for a second as he tied the robe and opened the door…”Danilo?!” he surprisingly said. Danilo looked at him and said “I have to talk to you!” and he walked passed Marc as he entered.
Marc looked after him and raised his eyebrows as he quietly said: “Sure. Come in...”
He closed the door and turned around… Danilo started to pace the floor again and Marc watched him as he put his hands in his pockets.He raised his shoulders and asked: “So what’s the matter with you..?” Danilo stopped and looked up “Something has happened. And I need your help.” Marc put up his chin and looked surprised “Ok. Let’s hear it…”

Danilo told him everything from Lisa’s nightmare to Sebastien who had called… when Danilo was finished; he waited for Marc to say something… But he didn’t, he just stared at Danilo…
”Well?” Danilo asked, “Say something!!!” He almost begged.
Marc lowered his eyes for a moment and then looked back at Danilo again…”Does Lisa know that Seb called?” he asked.
Danilo shook his head “No, she’s still asleep…She can’t know, Marc!”
Marc nodded his head..”I agree!”, Danilo looked desperate when he said: “Nothing happened between us Marc…you have to believe me!
Marc looked surprised again…” I never insinuated that something did happen Danilo..”…
Danilo nodded his head: “Good! Just want to clear that up!”

Marc started to think and after a moment he said: Ok! Listen! I will handle Sebastien..In the meantime, you make sure that she doesn’t talk to him before I do…”
Danilo looked frightened: “How, on earth, am I supposed to do that???”
Marc waved his arm. ”I don’t know… make something up! Just make sure she doesn’t call him!!! “ Danilo nodded : Ok, I will do my best…” .
“Good! Marc said “Now I have some calls to make, so get your butt back to Lisa before she wakes up…” Danilo did what he said and walked out as Marc walked straight to his phone…

***
Sebastien entered his apartment and leant against the door with his eyes closed…He felt as if he was loosing his sanity and that his life had ended…He felt dizzy and sick to his stomach…He never felt more miserable in his life.

From the moment he laid his eyes on her at the airport, she started this fire inside him. Lisa was all he ever wanted, and he was the happiest men alive when they got together…But now their relationship seemed nothing more than a huge plastic bubble filled with air, that had exploded in his face…

He slowly opened his eyes and gazed into the living room as his eyes got stuck on a picture of Lisa and Thomas on his dresser…slowly he walked towards it, reached out and took the picture in his hand… He stared at Lisa’s beautiful face as tears filled his eyes.. His fingers slowly moved over her face …”why Lisa…? Why….? “he said with a smothered voice “I loved you...I would have given you my life …” He lowered his head and his shoulders started to shake as he broke down…After a moment, he looked back at the picture, witch looked blurred through his tears… Suddenly He raised his arm and smashed the picture against the wall with tremendous force…
”I LOVED YOU!!!” He shouted and fell through his knees….

***

Karen woke up and looked at her side, David wasn’t there…for a moment she was afraid that it was all a dream until she noticed a red rose on his pillow with a small note underneath. She turned over and picked up the note and started to read…


Good morning beautiful,

I hope you slept well, I know I did….
I needed to do something important and I didn’t want you to wake up.
Please don’t go anywhere; I’ll be back soon….

With all my Love,
David

P.S. I’ve made you some breakfast, it’s on the dining table…(I hope you like it )


Karen picked up the rose, she closed her eyes…. the delicate scent brought a smile to her face…

Chapter LVI
Karen finished brushing her teeth and bended over the sink to rinse her mouth. As she came up she glanced in the mirror and had the fright of her life…

David, who had sneaked up behind her, smiled at her through the mirror…. The moment she realized it was him she grabbed her chest and tried to breathe… David walked up to her and hugged her from behind…”I’m sorry sweet heart, didn’t mean to scare you….” Karen turned around in his arms and said with a straight face “David? Next time, please tell me that you’re coming so I can prepare my self…”. David laughed while he looked at her face: “Okay, I will!” Karen frowned: “It’s not funny David...” David made his eyes big and put on a dead serious face: “Off course it’s not funny Karen… who’s laughing?” Karen smiled and shook her head …David pulled her closer as he grinned: “Coffee dear?”

Karen nodded and turned towards the mirror as she started to brush her hair … David turned around and walked out of the bathroom. Karen watched him through the mirror as he looked back and pointed at her “you should have seen your face though ...Now that’s funny!” He started to smirk again. Karen squeezed her eyes and threw the brush playfully after him…David jumped away and grinned at her in disbelieve... “You really have to practice you’re aiming skills dear, that was not even close…” Karen turned and looked simulated annoyed at him …

As David giggled and run out, Karen walked into the bedroom and started to dress herself…When she had finished her make up she looked up from the mirror as she heard David who shouted:“I’m coming over!!!…I’m almost entering the bedroom!!! Karen smiled and turned as she watched David walking in with his head held low, looking very humble. “I come in peace!” He said with a funny voice while he handed her her coffee …Karen couldn’t hold it any longer and cracked up…

***
Sebastien sat on his couch with his head between his hands…Visions of Lisa making Love to Danilo kept torturing his mind and he tried to get them out by shaking his head forcefully….The phone kept ringing, but he didn’t feel like talking to anyone…

He lifted his head as he heard footsteps down the hall…short after that he heard somebody knocking at his door… he sighed and lowered his head again… “Sebastien? Open up...It’s me!” He heard Danique’s voice through the door..He lifted his head and looked back at the door “GO AWAY! “He shouted…He heard her knock again “Seb, Please…let me in …I’m not leaving this door until you open up…” Sebastien shook his head and sarcastically said to himself “Great, just what I need right now...”.

He stood up and walked to the door, “Danique…not now!”he said as he swung the door open…Danique stared at him and noticed his eyes where puffy…”Seb..you can’t expect me to leave..I’m worried about you…” Sebastien lowered his eyes, turned and walked towards the window where he stared outside with his hands in his pockets… “Danique slowly entered and closed the door…”

The phone started to ring again…Danique looked at the phone and then to Sebastien who didn’t move… `Aren´t you going to answer that?” she asked..Sebastien looked back at her and then he walked over to the phone and pulled out the plug…” Guess not…” Danique silently said as she looked towards the kitchen where she could still hear the phone ringing … Sebastien slowly turned again and walked back towards the window where he continued to stare again… Danique looked at his body and she could tell he was heart broken…She slowly walked towards him and stopped behind him as she laid her hand on his shoulder…

” Sebastien…I know Lisa h …” Sebastien suddenly turned and looked at her with his eyes full of tears…” Don’t you ever mention her name again!!!” he said with his face full of anger.. ” I’m…ssorry..” she stuttered… Sebastien noticed her scared expression and took a deep breath..” Sorry..” he whispered as he lowered his head..” It’s just that..” Danique stopped him by shaking her head…” you don’t have to explain Sebastien..I understand… I can see she hurt you pretty badly…”

Sebastien slowly looked up at her ...” I loved her Danique…I really loved her."he quietly said. Danique noticed he tried hard to fight his tears but couldn’t prevent a tear rolling down his face as he continued: “. I thought she loved me too…It’s all a lie Danique …” He lifted his hands in desperation and said with a smothered voice…” I don’t know how to breathe without her …” she felt genuinely awful for him…she lifted her hand and gently touched his face as she kept her eyes on him…” Seb, You probably don’t want to hear this...But she doesn’t deserve your grief….” she softly said “you’re such a wonderful man …and so easy to love…” Sebastien looked back in to her eyes again and they stared at each other for a moment…

Danique gently caressed his face and Sebastien closed his eyes and thought of how Lisa use to touch his face … Danique watched him as he held his head back a little while his mouth slightly opened….

She remembered how it felt when he used to kiss her with those lips and before she knew it she closed her eyes and leant over…

As her lips touched his, Sebastien opened his eyes and gazed at her…another vison of Lisa and Danilo flashed his mind and then suddenly he grabbed Danique and kissed her passionately, Danique wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close…He lowered his mouth and started roughly kissing her neck, Danique held her head back and breathed heavily while he started to tore her clothes of her body…

***
Back In Madrid, Carlos walked from the kitchen into the living room holding two cups in his hand…Geraldine who was resting on the couch smiled as she watched him walking in and sat up…” You spoil me…” she smiled when he handed her a cup … “you deserve to be spoiled ...” he lovingly said as he sat beside her…

Geraldine was making progress in her recovery. She still needed crutches to walk but her visible wounds where almost healed, and Carlos couldn’t be happier that she was doing so well…

Carlos looked at her and started to caress her face…” God your so beautiful Gerald..” He whispered… Geraldine turned her face to him and smiled…” I love you Geraldine ...” He added. Geraldine noticed his serious expression and softly replied: “I love you too, with all my heart...” Carlos leant over and put his cup down on the side table. He looked back at Geraldine and raised him self from the couch…Geraldine watched him as he tried to get down on one knee but almost lost his balance in the process…When he finally achieved to keep his balance he gently took Geraldine’s cup and also put it on the side table, he then turned back at her and held her hand… Geraldine just seemed to realize the position he was in and she gazed at him while she looked shocked “Carlos what are you doing..?” She softly asked…

Carlos looked at her intensively and squeezed her hand slightly as he tenderly smiled at her…” Geraldine..?” He cleared his throat and Geraldine’s heart started racing...” I love you so much…When you had the accident, I was so scared of loosing you…I’ve never been more scared in my life….I…” his voice started to smother. He looked down for a moment and then looked up at her again as he continued “It made me realize that I could never life without you…You are my life Geraldine, my oxygen…the wind beneath my wings…” his eyes welled up and he lowered his eyes for a moment and looked up at her again with questioning eyes as a tear came free from his eyes..” …will you please marry me, my love…? “

Geraldine held her head to one side…she bitted her lip to fight her tears as she touched his face with her other hand and smiled tenderly… “Yes….Off course I will marry you...” she said as she leant forward and kissed him tenderly on the lips…


Chapter LVII
Angela was sitting on the floor in front of the fire place staring into the fire… she reached over to the couch and grabbed a blanket to cover her legs…The weather outside was terrible, pitch black clouds filled with huge rain and thunderstorms where passing over…Angela watched how the rain slammed the windows…She felt so sorry for Urs, who insisted to go out and get them some breakfast…He had been so sweet to her since they got back from Madrid, it really felt as they were closer than before…

Angela looked back at the door as she heard a knock…She stood up and walked towards the door ..When she opened it she looked at Urs, who stared at her looking like a drowned cat holding two bags... Angela held her hand before her mouth and tried to hold her laugh.. Urs didn’t move a muscle as the water dripped from his nose…”It’s raining a little..” he softly said….
Angela thought he looked so adorable, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his wet face: “Oh you poor thing!!!” she said …Urs was trying hard to keep the bags straight...” Angie, sweetheart I have coffee in those bags…” he stuttered as she was still smothering him…Angela stepped back and looked a bit shocked: ”O yes! Off course...I’m so sorry…”she gently said as she took the bags from him… Urs took of his coat and entered the apartment ...”I think It’s probably a good idea if I change first…”he softly said as he walked towards the bedroom…..Angela looked back at him and smiled: she loved him so much….

After they had breakfast, they cuddled each other in front of the fire place as they both stared into the fire… “Did you eat enough? “ ...”Urs asked as he looked down at Angela . Angela looked up at him and nodded as she smiled, suddenly she looked serious at him: “, I would really like another Latte from Starbucks though …” Urs looked outside through the window where the rain was still pouring out of the sky, he looked back at Angela and frowned “Really?” . Angela batted her eyelashes and put on her sweetest smile.. ”Yeah, I would really appreciate that…”Urs looked a bit puzzled “Ok…I guess I will get one then..” he said… As he tried to get up, Angela grabbed his shirt and started laughing.. ”No stay!!! I’m just kidding…” Urs looked at her and also started laughing “Oh! You are bad…” he said as he pulled her close and kissed her…

The phone started to rang and Urs reached out one arm while he continued kissing Angela… As he got the phone in his hand, he slowly pressed a button and slowly brought the phone to his ear… He tried to answer in between kisses….”hewoo…” He said… Angela ignored that he was on the phone and started to kiss him more passionately….
Urs tried to listen... ”Urs…? “He heard a woman’s voice… Urs suddenly jumped up, hitting Angela unintentionally during the process, and looked shocked….
Angela stared at him with huge eyes… Urs noticed her face and covered the phone with his hand as he tried to smile… he softly started to stutter” I… have to… tttake this call, honey….I’ll …be rright back…” Angela watched him in disbelieve as he walked towards the bedroom in a hurry….

Urs closed the door:“Angelica?”He wishpered… “Yes it’s me…”she softly said...”I’m sorry …did I call on a bad time? “ Urs cleared his throat... ”Ah..no ..well..um…how are you…?”
“I’m ok…well…sort off…that’s why I’m calling really…I’m fine..but there’s something I need to tell you…” she said as she sounded a bit insecure…
Urs frowned..”Oh I see…well..Is it important? Can it wait?” . Angelica’s voice started to soften: ”yeah…I guess it could wait ..”She said…Urs noticed another tremble in her voice and looked a bit worried: “I’m free tomorrow. So maybe we could meet somewhere?” , “yeah tomorrow is fine..” Angelica answered a bit relieved.. ”Ok..let’s see… around noon. At Barney’s? You know where that is, don’t you? “.”Yes, in Bayswater right? “…Urs smiled: “Yeah that’s right…so I’ll see you there?” “Yes…I’ll see you there then …bye Urs…” . “Bye...” he softly said …

Urs took a deep breath as he lowered the phone; hearing her voice again made him feel confused. He wondered why she needed to speak to him…He closed his eyes thought of her beautiful face, her smile, her touch...”Urs?” he heard Angelica call him…Urs opened his eyes and shook his head….
After a moment he opened the bedroom door and tried hard to smile as he came out…Angelica was sitting on the couch as she looked at him with questioning eyes…Urs felt uncomfortable by her look but recovered himself as he raised his shoulders: “that was my sister…she had a fight with her boyfriend…”

Angela lowered her eyebrows… ”Really? Witch sister? “
Urs looked at her with big eyes… ”Wich sister…?”he repeated her words as he tried to think what to say…
Angela still looked at him the same way…Urs tried not to stutter when he finally said “H…Helena …it was Helena…” He then tried to smile again and changed the subject…”I ‘m making some tea…would you like some?” He could see by the look on her face that she wasn’t buying a word that he just said…

Angelica finally smiled vaguely and nodded.. ”yeah…tea would be nice….”

Urs felt terrible… He was such a bad liar…
He smiled back at her and turned and walked towards the kitchen as he felt Angela’s eyes in his back…

***
The weather was also very bad on Vancouver Island, where Lisa and the crew where just getting off a zodiac boat…They had been searching for transient Orca’s, but they had only spotted the residents.

The waves where awful out at sea, Lisa and most off the crew where used to bad weather and high waves except for Marc who usually would stay on shore when they did photo shootings at sea. This time he decided he would come along since the weather looked rather good when they left and he was quite sure that it would stay calm…however, When they arrived at open sea he got the fright of his life when he looked at the high long waves in front of them and the dark clouds in the distance…Lisa noticed his anxiety, and tried to reassure him that he would be ok… He wanted to believe her but it took him exactly 2 waves to become extremely nauseas…

Now that they finally got back and he was standing on solid ground with both feet, he still felt the waves in his legs … Lisa noticed Marc looked a little greenish… She looked worried and asked as she laid her hand on his shoulder “Are you ok muffin?” Marc looked at her and shook his head as he suddenly ran away holding his hands before his mouth…Danilo also noticed Marc and turned to Lisa as he smiled..” I guess he won’t be joining us for dinner…” Lisa shook her head and smiled: “ I guess not…”

Danilo watched Lisa as she walked a few steps while she took out her cell phone from her pocket and dialled a number… Danilo tried to think of something to say to her in order to prevent her from calling, but nothing popped up…
Lisa brought the phone to her ear and started to walk in small circles as she waited… Danilo watched her anxiously … After a moment Lisa gazed at her phone…, she then sighed as she slowly put her phone back in her pocket …Danilo raised his eyes and sighed relieved… He looked back at Lisa and couldn’t help feeling guilty.. ”Is everything ok, sweetie..” He asked ..Lisa shrugged her shoulders and tried to smile …”I can’t seem to reach Sebastien…I’ve tried calling him several times since this morning…His mobile is off , and he’s also not home…” Danilo looked away for a second and then looked back at her and smiled when he said..” He’s probably out with his friends you know, maybe he turned his phone off by accident "…Lisa stared at him and noticed he felt a bit uneasy…

finally she smiled at him and said : “yeah…, yeah…that must be it…”
Danilo bitted his lip as he watched her turn slowly before she walked away...

***
Sebastien slowly opened his eyes but closed them right away as he grabbed his head…he had the most terrible headache….While he held his head with both hands, He tried slowly to sit up in his bed … He slowly opened his eyes again and tried to handle the hard sunlight that shined in his face since he apparently had left his curtains open last night…As he opened the sheets and sat on the side of his bed he noticed he was completely naked…For a moment he looked puzzled , then he suddenly felt something move on the other side of his bed…He slightly turned his upper body and looked back…

His mouth dropped as he gazed at Danique’s naked body…..

Chapter LVIII
David and Karen where having coffee at the dining table in David’s apartment …

…”Tara, from human resources, does her work so bad...and I mean really bad, David …The other day, Martin, who appears to be the office slave around there, walked in and…..”

David watched Karen silently, as she was telling him all about her new job. A smile appeared on his face, he loved the way she used her hands to emphasize certain words… Karen went on and on: “and you never guess what Tara said to him…”, David’s smile got bigger “I’ll bet your going to tell me …” He said tenderly…Karen wanted to continue but noticed his expression as she looked at him she opened her mouth to tell him what Tara had said, but instead she tilted her head and smiled “Why are you smiling?” David grabbed her hand “I’m smiling because you’re so sweet when you talk like that...” Karen frowned “Like what…?” she looked a bit puzzled…David grinned and leaned over to kiss her…
Karen forgot Tara and kissed him back…after a moment Karen smiled and lowered her eyes…”I talk too much huh?” David shook his head and smiled “No, you don’t …” David gently squeezed her hand and said: “Now tell me what this Tara person said?” Karen looked up at him and smiled…”…umm I forgot ...”she softly said….
David started to laugh and Karen laughed also...

After a moment David stood up and stroke Karen’s hair as he said: “I’ll be right back.” Karen looked at him with questioning eyes… ”Where are you going?” she asked… David smiled again but didn’t answer her .Karen followed him with her eyes as he walked to the bedroom “David?” She called. But again he didn’t answer…after another moment he walked back in while he secretly held his hands behind his back…Karen looked puzzled and David started to smile as he noticed her face… He slowly walked towards her as his smile got bigger…”I have something for you. “He whispered…Karen’s eyes lit up. ”Really? What is it? “She asked impatiently…Suddenly David’s face got serious.. ”I’m not sure if I should give it to you though….: Karen looked at him with big eyes “Why?” He shrugged his shoulders and looked away…”Maybe you don’t like it…” Karen looked surprised “Why wouldn’t I like it? “….David’ pretended to look sad.. ”I don’t know….It’s just..” Karen couldn’t hold her patience any longer “OH COME DAVID!!!” She pleaded… David started to grin “OK then…but don’t say I didn’t warn you….” Karen started to wiggle on her chair as she shook her head ..”I promise I won’t…” David held his chin up and said “Ok then ...close your eyes…and no peaking!!!” Karen squeezed her eyes as she reached out both her hands.. ”Ok the're closed!!!” She said…

David searched her eyes and grinned again as he slowly placed an envelope in her hand palms…”Ok...you can open your eyes now.” Karen gazed at the white envelope in her hands and then at David : “What is it?” she almost whispered… David smiled again as he got seated ...”I don’t know Karen! Open it!!!”…Karen looked back at her hands and slowly opened the envelope…when she looked inside she found two tickets from British airways…She looked back at David and gazed at him “Whaaa?” she gasped ….David laughed and grabbed her hand as he said to her …”You might want to call your work Karen, because I’m taking you to Venice tonight…” Karen eyes got even Bigger “WHAA??? “She repeated… ”Venice? As in Italy???” she stuttered… David nodded “Yes…I hope its ok?” Karen couldn’t believe it. ”OK? You’re asking me if that’s OK?”

David looked a bit confused at her: “Yes… Is it..?” Karen dropped the tickets and jumped up from her chair and almost choked him as she squeezed him…”OH DAVID!!!” She yelled…David hugged her back and laughed.. ”Okay…I’ll take that as a yes!!!”

***
Urs couldn’t get Angelica out of his mind and found him self staring into nothing as he heard Angela yell: “OH MY GOD!!!” from the kitchen: Urs jumped up and hurried to the kitchen to find Angela on the phone with a huge smile on her face…

Urs looked at her and raised is hands as he whispered “What??” Angela waved at him as she continued her phone call…”I am so happy for you! Okay, I’ll put him on…” Angela still smiled as she handed the phone to Urs…”It’s for you..” she almost cheered…Urs looked at Angela wondering why she looked so happy…Angela signed to him to answer the phone…”Hello?” he finally said …”Amigo!!! It’s me your most handsome friend..”Carlos sounded happy…Urs smiled”Hey buddy, what’s going on?” He heard Carlos took a deep breath “She said yes… Urs…were getting married!” He cheerfully said “
A huge smile appeared on his face as Urs turned to Angela who still looked happy as she clapped her hands, he turned back and said: “OH WOW, that’s fantastic!!! ..Congratulations, my friend!” . “Thank you!! I’m the happiest man on this planet!” He almost shouted. Urs smiled again” well you where made for each other…I’m really happy for you!!! Did you tell the guys yet?” Urs asked. Yeah I talked to David but I can’t seem to reach Seb though..” Urs frowned: Yeah I also tried to call him this morning but got no answer…Maybe he is at Marie’s house?”.
“No I called her and she hadn’t seen him yet.” Carlos sounded a bit worried…
“Well maybe he’s at Laurent’s then, or we could try Lisa…she probably knows where he’s at?” Angela who jumped around him distracted Urs “Let me talk to Geraldine” She whispered. Urs smiled “Carlos, Angela wants to talk to Geraldine…Let me know when you reached Seb ok? And give my love to Geraldine…” . “…Ok I will… I’ll put Geraldine on. Talk to you later Urs!”

Urs gave the phone to Angela and noticed how she kept jumping as she started to talk to Geraldine...Urs smiled and shook his head as he walked out of the Kitchen…

***
Lisa was talking to Thomas on the phone as Marc came walking into her hotel room… Lisa looked up and smiled vaguely at him…She lowered her eyes and said to Thomas:”Ok sweetie, I will call you tomorrow…Give my love to Granny and Grandpa and be good!!....I love you…Bye sweetie”

Marc smiled at her and asked: “Is everything okay with Thomas? “ Lisa nodded and smiled as she looked at her phone…she looked back at him and asked: “How are you feeling?” Marc raised his eyes: “Oh much better…trust me!” Lisa started to laugh. ”well I see have you’re normal colour back..” Marc shook his head “I can’t believe how you can coop with such waves..”. Lisa shrugged her shoulders “You’ll get used to them… eventually...” She smiled.
Marc started to laugh “Eventually huh? Well.. I’ll pass. If you don’t mind...”

Lisa’s smile disappeared slowly and Marc looked worried…”Still nothing from Seb huh?” Lisa looked up at him and shook her head... ”No nothing...” she whispered. Marc lowered his eyes and sighed… “Well, I’m sure he’s fine princess… “He lied and felt a knot in his stomach…
Lisa looked away for a moment and then back at him as she softly said “I ‘m so worried Marc…Carlos called earlier asking me if I knew where Seb was...” Marc looked shocked “Really?” Lisa’s eyes welled up as she noticed his face.. Marc recovered himself and tried to smile reassuring..: Lisa honey…don’t worry, I’m sure he’s just out with his friends..” Lisa nodded as she lowered her eyes slowly… Marc’s heart was breaking seeing her so desperate, and he knew he had to do something. Fast!

***
Sebastien was staring at himself in the mirror in his bathroom…He never looked more awful in his life… He lowered his head and closed his eyes … Bit by bit he started to remember how he and Danique had sex last night…He also remembered that Danique kept telling him “Stop saying Lisa Sebastien! I’m Danique …Danique…”…

He pressed his eyes together as he felt tears in his eyes and started to shake his head ...”No ..No…No…God No...” He moaned

The phone started to rang again in the kitchen.. He slowly opened his eyes and looked back at his reflection in the mirror as the tears rolled over his face … He took a deep breath and slowly started to walk towards the kitchen…He waited a moment before he decided to answer…

“Allo?” He softly said…
“SEBASTIEN?” Marc shouted “OH thank GOD SEB, It’s me MARC!!! I’ve tried calling you so many times…”
Sebastien closed his eyes and held his head back…”Marc….I can’t talk..” Sebastien softly answered.
“NO SEB, DON”T HANG UP, PLEASE LISTEN!” Marc shouted again…Then he cleared his throat and tried to sound more calmly as he continued…”Danilo told me what happened, Sebastien… And its not what you think!!” Sebastien’s face got angry and his eyes welled up again “Not what I think, REALLY MARC!!!”
“No it’s not, you have to believe me …nothing happened seb, I swear!!!” Marc said, trying hard to get through to him…
Sebastien clenched his fist as he started to shout:” HOW CAN YOU SAY NOTHING HAPPENED MARC? SHE SLEPT WITH THAT BASTARD!” Sebastien slammed his fist against the wall with tremendous force.
“SEB, Calm down and hear me out Please!” Marc pleaded…
Sebastien looked up as he tried to breathe…finally he exhaled and said: “Whatever…It doesn’t matter anymore Marc…”
“No, it does matter Sebastien!!!” Sebastien frowned. And Marc went on” Did you know that Lisa has nightmares?”.After a moment he softly answered:” …Yes...Yes...she had a terrible one... just before she left..” ...
Marc sighed again: “Then you also know that she is really upset when she has them…” Marc continued “The other night She had a nightmare Seb , it was awful and she called Danilo in despair because she was absolutely terrified…” Sebastien slowly looked up and stared in front of him as he kept quiet…”You see?…Nothing happened between them… Danilo stayed with her that night until she finally fell asleep…he didn’t want to leave her alone Sebastien so he stayed by her side in her room….”

Sebastien closed his eyes and recalled Lisa's anxiety that night when he was with her...He slowly opened his eyes and felt as if the ground washed away beneath his feet…

”Seb? Are you still there? Seb?” Marc asked….

Sebastien didn't hear Marc, instead he had a flashback off him and Danique together...
he started to shake all over his body ….
Suddenly he dropped the phone and ran towards the bathroom where he just made it to the toilet before he vomited.

***

In the living room, Danique looked up as she overheard Sebastien being sick in the bathroom…
she looked extremely pale and slowly closed her eyes as she silently lowered the phone from her ear……


Chapter LVIV
It was a starry night and Karen and David strolled romantically through the narrow streets in Venice… David had his arm around Karen’s shoulder and every now and then he gently pulled her closer as he smiled down at her… Everywhere they looked people were holding hands, caressing or kissing each other...

The romance and the splendour of the city were overwhelming… The street lanterns lighted the ancient buildings and the canals so delicately that it almost looked mystifying, as it revealed the rich Venetian history…

Karen felt as if she was floating, the constant twinkling feeling that rushed through her body since last night when they’d arrived felt like a drug. … Their hotel was absolutely magnificent, not to mention their enormous suite which had the most amazing colours and a giant chandelier as an eye catcher. All the furniture was Venetian handmade and the masterpiece in the suite was a huge four-poster bed with draperies and many pillows. The ceiling was sky high and decorated with ancient ornaments. The large windows were partly covered with gorgeous drapes that were so heavy that they had staff on call just to close them for you, as it was almost impossible to close them yourself without catching a hernia.

It was always her wish to visit Venice one day and now that she was here with the man she loved, it was absolutely” picture perfect” for her.

David smiled and pointed towards the sky, “Look Karen!”He said. Karen followed his look and noticed a bright light crossing the sky, “Make a wish, sweetheart…! “He softly said as he kissed her hair. A smile appeared on her face as she closed her eyes and squeezed them tight... She slowly opened her eyes and looked into his eyes…. “Did you make a wish? “He asked, she nodded and smiled. He raised his eyebrows and looked at her with questioning eyes: “Am I in it?” Karen shrugged her shoulders and tried to look indifferent: “Maybe…”She teased him. He looked at her with squeezed eyes “I’ll better be in it!” he laughed and started to tickle her… “STOP David!” she laughed. He smirked as he pulled her close again and they strolled along walking over the San Marco square…

When they arrived in the middle of the square, David stopped and took Karen’s hands in his. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled lovingly ….”Shall we dance…?” he softly asked.. Karen raised her eyebrows, looked around and smiled back at him…”But there’s no music…” His smile got bigger as he wrapped his arms around her.. ”Oh yes there is…Trust me Karen, you just need to close your eyes and listen carefully...” Karen felt if she was melting in his arms, she smiled again and tilted her head to one side and slowly closed her eyes …David pulled her gently against his chest and started to move slowly as he quietly started to sing the lyrics of “The man you love”. As soon as she heard his voice Karen’s smile got bigger… she slowly opened her eyes and gazed up at David as he sang…He gazed back at her still singing as he slowly touched her face. His voice sounded so wonderful that Karen felt shivers down her spine…
They slowly twirled across the square, they didn’t notice all the people that had stopped and stared at them as they only had eyes for each other. When David finally stopped Karen smiled tenderly at him.“That was the most romantic thing anyone ever did for me David…” He smiled and bowed his head slightly as he kept looking into her eyes, he looked so tall and handsome that it bedazzled her. Karen tenderly started to caress his face, “I love you David…” she whispered…David took her back in his arms,” I love you too Karen” he whispered back. His smile slowly faded as he leant over and pressed his lips on hers…Karen wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

People started to applaud and Karen and David looked up... As soon as David noticed the applause was for them, he bowed gracefully towards them… Karen blushed and started to giggle. After a moment, David pulled Karen closer: “I think we could use some privacy” he whispered in her ear. Karen smiled and nodded slightly…David wrapped his arm around her and they walked back to the hotel, while David kept kissing her the whole time.

***
Dark clouds filled the sky above Paris, Danique was standing in front the living room window and silently watched how the clouds slowly started to release the raindrops, which touched the glass and immediately glided downwards.

She felt so empty inside, she’d hoped that last night would bring them back together again and that everything would be as it used to be between them… but it all fell to pieces after that particular phone call she’d overheard. She blinked her eyes a few times trying to push back the tears, as she suddenly heard Sebastien’s voice softly calling her name:”Danique?”
She closed her eyes for a moment and sighed deeply before she turned around ….

Sebastien was standing at the front door totally dressed with his keys in his hands, ready to go out.. he still looked extremely pale and his eyes didn’t have their usual glow as they where gazing at her. “Where are you going?” she softly asked, Sebastien noticed the utter disappointment on her face and he tore his eyes away from her as he started to stutter: “…I have to do something, Danique…” he carefully looked back at her as she nodded silently keeping her eyes locked on him. He closed his eyes and started to shake his head. ”I’m so sorry Danique…” he looked back at her again and continued “I know I messed things up for you… but also for myself…”he looked away and almost whispered “ I wasn’t thinking clear…I should have known better…”.She slowly tried to force a smile on her face and softly said” you don’t have to explain Sebastien…” Her smile faded as she lowered her head and continued: “…I know you love her and not me…I knew it all along….It’s just…”She paused for a second and looked up at him again..” I was hoping for something that could never happen…I see that now Sebastien…” Sebastien watched her vaguely smiling as tears started to roll down her face …He slowly walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her ,holding her close…Danique closed her eyes and rested her face against his chest , letting her tears flow and Sebastien tried to sooth her... “You are special Danique"He wisphered..."..no matter what people say..you deserve someone special but that someone isn’t me…..” Danique wanted to scream “But, It is you…!” instead she started to cry more intensely and Sebastien held her silently …

After a moment she stepped back and brushed her eyes with her hands, she looked up at him smiling vaguely
” You can go now, I’ll be ok…”, he leaned back and looked worried at her “are you sure?” she nodded and tried to smile “yeah, I’m sure.”

He then slowly turned and walked a few steps before he stopped , raised his eyes for a moment and turned back to her “…There’s only one thing I need to ask you Danique…” he softly said. Danique nodded as she looked away and said; “Don’t worry Sebastien...I won’t tell…” He nodded slightly and clenched the keys in his hand as he walked out of the door.

Danique walked back towards the window watched as Sebastien got in his car and drove off... When his car was out of sight, her shoulders started to shrug as she lowered herself to the floor and broke down …

It seemed like hours passed when she finnaly calmed a bit. She wiped her eyes with her hands and slowly looked back towards the kitchen as she overheard the phone rang ... She was still trying to catch her breath as she wondered for a moment if she should answer...Instead, she got up and started to collect her clothes, got herself dressed and left.
***
An announcement sounded through the speakers at Vancouver’s international Airport:” This is the final boarding call for flight BA 87 to London, Passengers need to board immediately at gate 7.”

Lisa lowered the phone from her ear and shook her head “where are you Sebastien?” she whispered…Lisa looked up as she overheard Marc calling her name as he came her way….”we have to board princess..” he smiled. Lisa nodded “I know, just give me one second…” She looked back at her phone and searched through her numbers…Marc smiled as he shrugged his shoulders: “Sure princess, no problem! I just tell the captain to chill and he’ll hold the plane for you! I’m sure the other 356 passengers are more than happy to wait for you...” He joked as he raised his chin and turned slowly … Lisa looked at him and started to laugh while shaking her head “ok…you win!” she leant over and grabbed her bag .Marc smiled and wrapped his arm around her as they both walked into the gate. He knew she was still very worried about Sebastien, but he felt a bit more confident that everything would be ok now, since he explained the situation to Sebastien over the phone earlier… or so he hoped…

Marc went into the aircraft first and was greeted by a friendly stewardess.
Just when Lisa was about to follow her phone rang, she looked at the display and noticed a number that didn’t look familiar, she doubted for a moment if she should answer…The stewardess noticed her hesitation and leaned slightly forward “ Miss, you really need to board now!” she tried to sound friendly. Lisa looked up at her and smiled as she nodded…She had one foot in the airplane when she suddenly had a change of mind she turned and pressed a button and brought the phone to her ear “Hello?” she said. The stewardess was getting impatient “Miss, Please Miss….”She sounded annoyed…. Lisa looked back at her and nodded as she held up her hand giving her the “one second “sign…

“Lisa? ,…It’s me Seb…” Lisa raised her eyes “Sebastien ? …”She gasped…”Oh my god are you ok?...
I‘ve tried calling you so many times…..” Sebastien heard her voice trembling and he felt as if someone stabbed a knife through his stomach…he cleared his throat and started to stutter, “Yes…yes I’m ok sweetie… My phone…it…umm…broke down….” Lisa started to cry silently and Sebastien felt even more terrible…”Lisa…honey …please don’t cry…” His voice sounded smothered… Lisa looked back as she was tapped on her shoulder by the stewardess who looked really annoyed by now. “Miss I’m very serious, if you do not board right now, we have to leave without you.” Sebastien overheard the stewardess through the phone.. ”Lisa go honey…I’ll be at the airport tomorrow, I’ll promise. I love you..” The stewardess noticed her face and couldn’t help feeling sorry she raised her arms and signed “I’m sorry…” Lisa nodded at the stewardess and turned to enter the plane as she tried to breathe she told Sebastien: “ok…I’ll see you tomorrow…I love you too …” … When Lisa was inside she immediately got seated by a steward in business class……

The stewardess raised her eyes and thanked the lord as she closed the door ….

***
David opened his eyes and looked at Karen who was staring at the ceiling with a smile on her face... It felt like a long time ago when David felt this relaxed… He turned on his side and touched her face: A penny for your thoughts..?” David said as he smiled to her.. Karen looked back at him and smiled “I was just thinking that I really could get use to this…” ..David smiled as he raised his body on top of hers and looked her in the eyes while stroking her hair his face started to look more serious as he asked…”Karen?” Karen raised her eyebrows “David?” she asked back, and David started to laugh…I’m trying to be serious here Karen..” he said. Karen put on a serious face and said with a low voice... ”Ok. I’m serious!” David shook his head and smiled… he looked back at her and took a deep breath as he started to touch her face with his index finger... ”I was just thinking….” Karen raised her eyes again... ”Oh…”she said as she widened her eyes… David tried to ignore her expression “I was thinking..” he continued “that maybe we could.. you know….” Karen noticed he started to stutter and he looked so cute….” Maybe we could. What? “She softly asked as she ran her fingers smoothly through his hair…He tried avoiding her penetrating look as he said: “Well...maybe we could....live together..” Karen tried to catch her breath and looked shocked “Really?” she gasped… David bitted his lip as he looked back at her and silently nodded…”Only if you want to of course…no pressure…” He tried to sound relaxed... Karen looked at him in disbelieve for a moment...Then a huge smile appeared on her face: ” Oh David of course I want to live with you!!! “She grabbed his head with both hands and David started to smile relieved. Karen pressed her lips on his and after that she hugged him so tight that he almost choked… “Karen sweetie…I can’t breathe…” he gasped. Karen started to giggle as she let go of him to see if he was ok... ”I’m sorry…I’m just so happy!!!…”She blurted out…

David smiled again and started to kiss her passionately.


Chapter LVV
Marie was sitting at her kitchen table together with Laurent and watched her sons back as he slowly lowered the phone from his ear.

She was lost for words when Sebastien had told her everything that had happened earlier. From the moment he walked in together with Laurent she knew something was terribly wrong, He did his best to act normal but she knew him better then he knew himself... He was devastated by what he had done and even though she told him how she felt about all this, it hurt her tremendously seeing him suffer like that…

She looked back at her son and noticed he still stood there staring at the phone in his hand...” Cherie..?” Marie asked. Sebastien turned slowly and Marie and Laurent noticed tears rolling down his face…Laurent stood up and walked towards him... He gently put his hand on Sebastien´s shoulder and softly said: "Seb, some on buddy…" Laurent felt so sorry for him, he felt how he his body was trembling and persuaded him to sit down... When he finally sat down Marie leant forward and touched his hand “Cherie, what did she say?” Sebastien looked at his mother with glaced eyes and stuttered: “She started to cry…" He took a deep breath: "Oh maman…How can I ever face her again?” He asked desperate.

Marie sighed and shook her head as she touched his face. ” You need to tell her the truth Sebastien…” Sebastien shook his head forcefully: “ NO!...” His voice started to smother as he continued: “She will leave me…I couldn’t bear that….”

Marie’s face got serious: “ Sebastien listen, she will find out sooner or later … ….Even if Danique will keep quiet, which I strongly doubt knowing her for the woman that she is: Women sense these things Sebastien.. “

Sebastien looked at Laurent who looked back at him: "I Think you’re mother has a point there Sebastien…” He said…. Sebastien closed his eyes as he lowered his head ….” She will leave me ….” He repeated… Marie sighed deeply and looked at Laurent ,who shrugged his shoulders not knowing what to say….She looked back at her son..

” Cherie, you need to sort things out…and since you are flying back to London tonight, it will give you some time to do just that…”She squeezed his hand as she continued..” I know it’s hard Cherie, and because you are my son and I love you very much I will support you now matter what you decide to tell her…I know that you love her very much and of course you are scared, that’s understandable… And I know what you think, that what she doesn’t know can’t hurt her…Cherie, even if she never finds out the truth …, the truth will haunt you as long as you and Lisa will be together…I beg you Sebastien think about that!.”

Sebastien raised his hands in despair “But maman..you don’t understand…” Marie shook her head as she interrupted her son: “ Believe me Sebastien I do understand…Your fear is that she will leave you …But, You don’t know if she would actually leave you if you would tell her the truth Cherie…on the other hand if you don’t tell her and she finds out later, the chances of her leaving you then are more likely…”

Sebastien gazed at his mother without saying a word…

Marie went on: ”Cherie, you made a mistake and that mistake can’t be swept off the table like a bunch of crumbs…”She leant forward and touched his face as she looked at him more intensively…” All I ask is that you seriously consider the consequences before you decide to tell her or not….”

Sebastien nodded silently and his eyes started to well up again... Laurent was feeling terrible for his friend ,he had nothing to ad by what Marie just told Sebastien…So he leant forward and gently patted his shoulder letting him know that he was there for him….Sebastien grabbed his arm and thanked him with a vague smile…

Marie watched them silently and smiled: Sebastien and Laurent were such close friends that they never needed many words to let the other one know that they would support one another no matter what… ….

Sebastien turned to his mother and grabbed her hand..."I'm sorry maman...I never ment to let you down....Je suis trés desolé..." He tried to smile, but his tears revealed his suffering...

Marie's eyes welled up as she couldn't bear his pain any longer..she raised herself from her chair and hugged her son intensively… “ Mon Cherie...Tu est mon coeur ,...Tu est mon coeur...” she wisphered with a smothered voice… Sebastien tried to speak but instead he broke down in her arms...

***
Angelica sat at a small table at Barney’s staring into her coffee…she tried to calm down, but the thought of seeing Urs again made her shiver… she couldn’t stop fiddling her hair… she looked up through the window and watched a man smoking a cigarette across the street and felt like having one herself, which was ridiculous…Not even because she was pregnant but she never smoked a single cigarette before in her life……

She glanced at her watch: 11:45, “15 more minutes…”she thought and sighed as she slowly looked up… Suddenly her eyes got bigger and she felt her heart skipping a few beats as she noticed Urs looking her way as he was standing in the doorway … He slowly removed his sunglasses revealing his penetrating brown eyes…

It flashed her mind how gorgeous he looked…He had his hair pulled back, and wore tight bleached jeans with his black and white cowboy boots, on top he wore a tight white long sleeved shirt that revealed his trained body underneath…

They just stared at each other for what seemed like eternity…when Angelica finally managed to smile vaguely at him… Urs smiled back …It’s been so long since they last saw each other back in Siena, Urs almost forgot how beautiful she really was… He lowered his eyes as he slowly walked towards her… when he arrived at her table he looked back into her eyes, which made Angelica feel uncomfortable… finally she managed to whisper a soft ” Hi…” Urs smiled vaguely as he tried to recover himself: “Hi Angelica..” He whispered back…and leaned over to her to kiss her on the cheek , Angelica felt a bit clumsy as she turned her head the wrong way so they bumped their heads against each other…They both started to laugh nervously…

Urs sighed and focused once more at her eyes..” You look good Angelica….” He softly said. Angelica smiled nervously again: “ So do you…” she softly said as she lowered her eyes…
Urs looked around : There were too many people there ..” he thought. He looked back at her and said..” shall we go for a walk?” Angelica nodded silently , grabbed her bag and followed Urs outside…

As they strolled through Kensington Park, Angelica looked up at the sky: the dark clouds looked threatening and it wouldn’t be long before they would release the rain… Urs smiled at her as she squeezed her eyes while looking up “ I missed you…” he softly said…Angelica looked shocked hearing that ,and Urs noticed... He lowered his eyes and continued: ….”I’m really glad that you called Angelica…” … Angelica also lowered her eyes and smiled “I truly hope you still feel the same way after I tell you the reason why…” she thought…

They both were aware that they were searching for any meaningfull things to say, unfortunately without success…

Urs started talking about two ducks who were chasing each other in the pond and Angelica pointed out the large amount of birds in a certain tree…

After a few moments the clouds burst and heavy rain started to fall….Angelica tried to cover her head with her coat and Urs didn’t think as he imidiately grabbed her hand and started running for a deserted porch in the distance dragging Angelica behind him as she desperately tried to keep up … When they finally arrived, they climbed the few steps and looked up at each other…they both were soaked and out of breath … Urs noticed the water that dripped from angelica’s face and couldn’t suppress a laugh…Angelica looked at him and put her hands on her hips…”Are you laughing at me Mr. Buhler?” Urs tried to look serious “No..no of course not…you look so…adorable…” Angelica punched him playfully and started to laugh as well, finally it felt like the ice was broken between them …

Angelica recalled how they used to laugh with each other when they were in Siena, and instantly felt sad because she had to miss that for such a long time…

A thunder could be heard in the distance and the rain started to increase even more... Urs looked up at the sky…: “Well that doesn’t look good… we will be here for a while I’m afraid….” Angelica nodded and sat down on the bench and Urs sat beside her….They both watched as the rain started to form small ponds on the paths…

During the silence Angelica tried hard to find the currage she needed so badly ...A few times she opened her mouth but no sound would come out.... “Urs…?” She finally said without looking at him…Urs turned to her and looked at her with questioning eyes…”Yes…?”..... Angelica slowly looked up at him “...Don’t you want to know the reason why I called you?” she asked a bit reluctant …Urs shrugged his shoulders…”I don’t know…I never really thought about that anymore….”He paused for a second and looked into her eyes …”I ‘m just really happy to see you Angelica…” he softly said as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently…

Angelica didn’t really answer and Urs noticed her face turned sad…he looked worried …”There’s nothing wrong with you, is there…?” Angelica sighed and lowered her eyes…”No..I’m fine..”She softly replied. Urs sighed relieved and smiled “Good…you had me pretty worried there for a second…”

Angelica didn’t smile back at him and Urs got worried again…”Angelica..? What’s the matter …?” Angelica avoided his look and felt how her eyes welled up she repeatedly blinked her eyes to push back the tears….Urs searched her eyes and an awkward feeling came over him… he slowly stood up and got through his knees in front of her, he took her head between his hands and forced her to look at him.. ”Angelica I know something is wrong…please…talk to me sweetheart…you’re scaring me…” He pleaded…. Angelica felt lost for words…she couldn’t do anything but look at his face which turned pale…after a moment her shoulders started to shrug and she started to cry silently, Urs shook his head as he didn’t understand her sadness…”Angelica? I’m begging you ….Please?”.

She took a deep breath and slowly looked into his eyes as she started to stutter : “They reason that I called you… is that…” She paused for a moment and Urs waited patiently for her to continue...” I’m….I’m pregnant Urs…..” she finally said with a smothered voice… Tears rolled over her face as Urs still held her head and looked at her in absolute astonishment….”You’re pregnant…?” He gasped….Angelica sobbed and nodded silently…

Urs felt as if he was paralized...Very slowly he lowered his hands from her face and looked away without blinking his eyes…


Chapter LCI
Time was passing by and the only sound that could be heard was from the raindrops that fell on the roof of the porch in Kensington Park.
Angelica was still sobbing silently as she gazed at Urs his back as he stared silently into the far distance …
His silence scared her… She had opened her mouth a few times but she didn’t know what to say to him… The look she saw in his eyes earlier was a look she would never forget…

After another while Urs turned around and slowly looked at Angelica … She noticed his eyes had no sparkle and his face looked extremely pale… He kept staring at her without saying a word…Angelica raised her hands in despair:”Please Urs…say something.. ”she begged…
After a moment Urs slowly tore his eyes away from her…He walked a few steps and raised his eyes and looked at the sky for a moment, he then turned back to her and whispered with a smothered voice as he shook his head.. ”I’m sorry…” Angelica looked at him in disbelieve as she didn’t understand his words and exclaimed….”Urs..?”

Urs rubbed his forehead as he lowered his eyes and shook his head again…:” I’m sorry Angelica..I’m so sorry…” He repeated as he marched down the steps of the porch and started to walk away in a hurry…Angelica got up and called after him with a suffocated voice : “Urs… please don’t walk away….please…URS…” But it was no use as Urs didn’t look back … Angelica broke down, she grabbed her belly with both her hands as she stared after him through the rain …

***
Carlos his sister watched how he and Geraldine kissed each other passionately at Madrid Airport... It looked like forever when they would come off each other…She rolled her eyes and laughed: ”Oh Dios..get a room you two! “…Geraldine started to laugh at her words, Carlos turned to her and raised his left eyebrow “Gloria, if you a bothered by a man kissing his wife, then by all means turn around..” he said with a straight face…Gloria smirked “you aren’t married yet hermano!” Carlos smiled and turned back to Geraldine and took her back in his arms: “Not yet, but we will be soon, and I for one can’t wait to make this gorgeous woman my lawfully wedded wife…” Geraldine caressed his face and smiled: Te guiero, mi amor..” , Carlos leant forward : “Yo tambien…eres mi vida para siempre ..” He whispered and kissed her again… Gloria rolled her eyes again and looked at her watch…” Unless you have a desire to run after your plane down the runway, I suggest you let go of her now …” Gloria sighed…

Carlos glanced at his watch: “Mierda!!!” he gasped… Geraldine grabbed his bag, handed it to him and strokes his face again “Hurry carino…I’ll see you in a few weeks in London…” Carlos nodded and kissed her again: “I Love you! Promise me you will take it slow arranging the wedding and all?” Geraldine smiled “Don’t you worry I’ll be fine ...”She looked at Gloria and then back to Carlos... ”I’m in good hands.” He smiled at Gloria and kissed her cheek “Look after her Gloria.”Gloria smiled at her brother: “you know I will.” she said reassuring. Carlos nodded and turned back to Geraldine and gave her one last kiss before he hurried himself towards customs…

When he got through, Carlos looked back and blew a kiss to Geraldine who blew one right back…As they waved at each other, Gloria noticed Geraldine’s eyes were welling up… Gloria wrapped her arm around her shoulder and smiled “You’ll see him in a few weeks Gerald…”Geraldine looked at her and nodded as she lowered her eyes…”I know… I miss him already… I just wish I could go with him…” she softly replied. Gloria pulled her closer.” I know carino, but the doctor said that you still need your rest. Besides, we have a lot of arrangements to do for the wedding…” Geraldine nodded and slowly a smile appeared on her face…

***
David turned the key of his apartment while Karen was standing on her toes trying to kiss his neck.. When they got in, David closed the door with his foot and dropped the bags. He grabbed Karen and enclosed her in his arms while he kissed her passionately… They where disturbed by a knock on the door…Karen moaned “Not now!!!” David smiled at her and gave one last kiss before he walked towards the door…Karen sighed and picked up the bags and walked towards the bedroom while smiling back at David who was whistling at her sexy walk…He sighed and smiled as he opened the door…

His smile slowly disappeared as he looked at Urs who stood there totally soaked and looking miserable….”Urs? What on earth happened to you?” David blurted out… Urs lowered his eyes…”I’m sorry, I know you and Karen just got back…but I really have nowhere else to go…I really need to talk to someone David…” David realized it was serious “Of course buddy…” he stepped back “Come on in!”
At the same time Urs entered the apartment Karen came out of the bedroom with laundry in her hands…she looked at Urs and noticed his devastating expression… Karen looked shocked at David who shook his head, while raising his shoulders… Karen looked back at Urs who tried giving her a smile as he softly said “Hey Karen…” but didn’t really achieve…Karen forced a smile on her face and tried to sound cheerfully as she said: “Hi Urs….” Urs started to stutter “I ‘m sorry I didn’t mean..” Karen interrupted him with a big smile “I was just leaving for my apartment…” she glanced at the laundry in her hands and smiled at him again while raising her eyebrows “ You would be amazed to see how much laundry one can produce in only two days..” Urs nodded and vaguely smiled at her as she passed him and walked for the door..
David looked at Karen as she passed him and mouthed “Thank you…” to her … Karen nodded and smiled…David knew she understood and loved her for it…

He closed the door behind her put his hands in his pockets and slowly walked towards Urs who stared outside the window… “Where’s Angela, Urs?”… David carefully asked…”She’s at the apartment…”he softly answered as he kept looking outside…” everything ok between you two?” David asked further….Urs slowly turned around and looked at David and nodded vaguely again…David lowered his eyebrows and leant forward “Urs, talk to me man…”

Urs lowered his eyes and searched for words…after a moment he looked up again: “You remember Angelica right?” David nodded: “Yeah Lisa’s assistant…” Urs nodded “Yes…Lisa’s assistant.. ”he repeated…he paused for a moment before he continued “I just saw her and…” David shook his head as he interrupted him “I thought you ended it with Angelica Urs…” Urs lowered his eyes again as he nodded “Yes we did…it’s just that…”. “What Urs?” David looked confused and looked at him with questioning eyes Urs looked down and took a deep breath…: “She had something to tell me….” He continued…He slowly looked into Davids eyes who stared at him intensively..” She….she’s pregnant David….” He stuttered…

David eyes got bigger and his mouth dropped as he lowered himself on the couch….”I know…”Urs softly replied to David’s expression…He lowered his eyes again and looked terribly worried….

After a moment of silence David looked up at Urs : “ have you decided yet what you are going to do?” Urs shook his head and started to pace the floor…”You still have feelings for Angelica, haven’t you?” David asked.

Urs stopped and turned to David who looked at him with questioning eyes…He slowly started to nod his head…He paused for a moment before he softly said: ” Chosing Angela made sence to me since we go way back and I thought my feelings for Angelica would fade eventually in time…But seeing her again made them come back even stronger….”He sighed deeply and went on ” …I feel like I’m torn inside David…… From the moment I met Angelica I was drawn to her like a magnet… I couldn’t think straight…” David listened patiently as Urs continued.. ”The worst thing is that, other than I told Angela, I never really felt guilty being with her in Siena and I still don’t…. She’s so different from Angela, she let’s me be me…Angela is a complicated person…although I genuinely love her I feel like I need a manual in order to understand her…”

David nodded as he understood exactly what Urs was saying “I had the same thing with Mandy, Urs..” Urs stared at David..”And you ended it with Mandy…”He softly recalled “ David looked at his friend “…Yes I did…but something happened that made me realize I just didn’t cared enough for her…Other than you Urs, I was absolutely convinced that I didn’t want to go on with Mandy….” Urs rubbed his face and slowly shook his head: " You are so right... I'm not sure what I want with Angela ,David ...."He then closed his eyes and gasped: “ Oh my god Angela…she will kill me if she finds out….”

He then raised his hands and looked at David:”I can't believe I got myself into this mess...I really F***** up this time David..." He shrugged his shoulders ..." I really don’t know what to do …, what should I do?…” he sounded desperate….
David rubbed his forehead and raised himself of the couch and put his hands in his pockets he looked out the window and then turned to Urs…”I wish I knew what to tell you Urs…There’s one thing I would never do though… and that is turn my back on my child “
Urs nodded silently… David put his hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eyes.. ”It may seem hopeless but every downside has an upside…”David smiled as he gently patted his shoulder as he continued by saying: “Urs, my friend the fact is that you’re going to be a daddy.."David's smile got bigger as he repeated: " You’re going to be a daddy...”

Urs stared at his face and looked astounded..It took him a moment before it finally seem to hit him…. His legs started to feel like jelly and he grabbed his head as he got through his knees and gasped with a smothered voice:

”Oh my god…I’m going to be… a father…”

Chapter LXII
David got through his knees and looked at Urs who rested his head between his hands…David realized that he was in a state of shock…and put his hand on his shoulder “Urs…I’m sorry, I never ment to upset you…” Urs slowly looked up and David noticed his eyes were full of tears…Urs took a deep breath “I’ts not your fault David…I don’t know …I didn’t realize until now…”He didn’t finish his sentence and looked away as tears came free from his eyes….

David never had seen Urs in tears before and for a moment he didn’t know how to react…
“ Give it some time Urs…” he finally said as he patted his shoulder…Urs nodded vaguely and got up, he wiped his eyes and walked towards the window and stared outside…
The silence that followed was disturberd by the phone which started to rang…

David got up and reached out to pick it up “David!” He answered short.”Hey Angela…” David said with a loud voice ,making sure Urs overheard...Urs looked back at David and shook his head forcefully…
David lowered his eyes and said:”I see …well.. I’m sorry Angela…I…I didn’t see him…”

Urs turned back and sighed relieved as David said goodbye to Angela and hanged up the phone…
David turned to Urs who stared outside the window again…” Thank you...” Urs whispered without looking at him… David shrugged his shoulders…”It’s ok….”He replied. David walked a few steps in the direction of Urs and tilted his head slightly:” You have to face her sooner or later …you know that don’t you?” He quietly asked…
Urs turned slowly and nodded while looking at him: ”I know…”He softly said…”I just need some time to figure things out…”
David nodded:”I understand…”…After another moment of silence David asked “So, Where’s Angelica now?” Urs lowered his eyes and shrugged his shoulders..” I wish I knew…..” He looked back at David and continued “I walked out on her David….”He shook his head..
”I can’t believe I did that…” he added remorsefully …

“I’m sure she didn’t expect you to jump for joy, Urs…”David said reassuring.. Urs rubbed his face…” I know…, but you should see her face….she was so devastated…”He raised his eyes for a moment and then continued “Oh God David….She must think I don’t want anything to do with her or the baby….” David walked over to Urs and grabbed his arm…”But that isn’t the case, is it Urs..? Urs shook his head and bitted his lower lip…David leant over to him ” Then go to her Urs! Let her know how you feel… “

Urs hesitated for a moment, before he softly said: ” I don’t know where she lives David…”.David lowered his eyebrows and thought for a moment….”You know her last name, right? “ he asked as he looked up at Urs. Urs nodded. David walked over to his desk and grabbed the phonebook and handed it to Urs… Urs grabbed the book and started to search through the pages…after a moment he asked David for a pen and wrote down the address…He got up and walked for the door but stopped for a moment and turned back to David : …”Thanks David…” he softly said… David waved his hand and smiled at him…”Don’t mention it….Now go!”

***
Carlos entered his apartment, lowered his bag on the floor and pressed the voicemail button on his phone. There was a message from Steve that he and the others were expected at Sony BMG tomorrow at 3 for the setting of the final tour dates…

Carlos sighed and sat on his couch... Their new album did well and there were busy times ahead for them, they would tour for 6 months all over the world and wouldn’t have much time off… He hoped and prayed that Geraldine would be able to join him for a few weeks during the tour…But he knew it all depended on her recovery… They already had a date in mind for their wedding but he needed to confirm with Simon and the others before it could be definite…

He raised himself off the couch as there was a knock on his door. He opened the door and looked at Sebastien, a huge smile appeared on his face “Seb how are ya buddy!” Sebastien smiled back and hugged him…”I’m ok…”he lied. Carlos stepped back, letting Sebastien enter…

”So how are you?” Sebastien asked as Carlos closed the door…he turned to him and his smile got bigger: “Never been better…I’m getting married Seb.” Carlos sounded exited.
Sebastien looked at him with big eyes “Really? “Carlos nodded “Yeah I can’t believe myself but she said yes my friend” Sebastien gave him a hug and said “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both..,” he tried his best to sound happy … “Thanks my friend!” Carlos cheered. “Would you like a beer?” Sebastien shrugged his shoulders “yeah why not..” he answered…
“So when did you came back?’ Carlos asked as he walked for the kitchen…”Just now…” Sebastien answered… Carlos looked back at him, raising his eyebrow:“Really? Me too! Too bad we missed at the airport we could have split a cab…” Carlos smirked.
Sebastien started laughing.. ”your still cheap Carlos!”
Carlos shrugged his shoulders "Yeah well Old habbits die hard!" he defended himself and smiled as he handed Sebastien a beer.
Sebastien grinned and followed Carlos into the livingroom , they both sat down at the dining table... “Since you are here I take that Lisa isn’t back yet?” Sebastien looked up at him and shook his head,.. “No ..She’s arriving tomorrow... ”He softly said. Carlos raised his eyebrow: “you must miss her tremendously…” Sebastien nodded:”Yeah…I do…I really do…”.
“So what happened in Paris?” Carlos asked unexpectedly.
Sebastien looked shocked by his question…Carlos noticed but didn’t think anything by it and went on:” We tried calling you several times but your phone was disconnected somehow…I also called your mom and Lisa but they couldn’t reach you either…” Sebastien stared at him for a moment… Carlos noticed by his look that there was something going on and raised his eyebrow “Are you ok?” He asked.

Sebastien looked away and nodded slightly…Carlos was sure he wasn’t but decided not to push for answers and so he changed the subject :” Did you get Steve’s message? “He asked . Sebastien looked back at Carlos “Yes he said….and tried to smile as he tilted his head slightly: “I guess the holliday’s are over…” he added

***
Angela lowered the phone from her ear and sighed…”Where are you Urs?” She felt pretty frustrated …He had told her this morning that he had an appointment around noon, but it was 8 pm now and she still hadn't heared from him….
She glanced at her suitcase, and lowered her eyes in disappointment…. He had promised her that they would make it a special evening tonight because she had to leave tomorrow for her tour with the orchestra…

He knew they wouldn’t be able to see each other for weeks…and that made her even more upset…. Especially since the tour of Il Divo would soon start as well… Their tour schedules were so tight that it almost seemed impossible for Angela to meet up with Urs. Her only hope was that Simon would give them a few days off in between but knowing him, she knew that probably won’t happen…

She tried hard to push back her tears and clenched her fists as she started to pace the floor in the apartment… ”Where are you?’ she exclaimed
Suddenly she turned towards the phone as it started to ring…she marched over and picked it up “Hello?” she almost shouted….

”It’s me, Angela…”She heard Urs his voice…”Where the hell are you URS? I’ve tried calling you over and over…” she shouted….

After a short moment of silence urs stuttered: “I’m sorry Angela…I’m in a cab….It will be a little while longer before I come home….”
Angela was reaching her boiling point: ”Why didn’t you call??? May I remind you that I’m leaving tomorrow Urs,”
“I know…I know….There’s just something I really need to do now…I will be home as soon as possible. I promise...” He said….Angela’s face turned red with rage: “You know what Urs? DON’T BOTHER!” she shouted and smashed the phone down…

Urs stared at his phone and sighed as he lowered it in his hand and stared outside. She was mad and dissapointed and he knew it...He alsmost felt ashamed as he didn't really care ... his mind was pretty occupied with someone else...

The cab came to a full stop and the driver pushed a button on the meter and said: “Here we are Sir, 221 Oxford Street…”

Urs paid the driver and got out of the cab…He hesitated for a moment before he closed the door behind him..When he finally did the cab drove off and Urs looked around…
The street seemed abandoned and he slowly moved towards number 221 he looked at the mailboxes for Angelica’s name when a man came walking out and held the front door open for him..”Here you go sir..” Urs looked back and nodded friendly as he grabbed the door and entered the building…He got into the elevator and pressed 3 ..As the doors closed and the elevator started to move he felt slightly nauseous….

The elevator came to a stop and as the doors opened,Urs got out and walked toward Angelica’s door…He took a deep breath before he knocked….he stepped back and waited patiently as he stared at the door but there was no answer …he knocked again, but slightly harder this time….But still there was no answer…”Angelica?...Angelica..?”He called as he knocked again…

Suddenly he heard a woman’s voice behind him: “She isn’t there, dear…” Urs turned and looked at the friendly face of an old lady whith a shoppingbag… Urs tried to smile: “Are you sure..? “ he asked. The old lady nodded friendly and replied “Yes..I’m her neighbour and I’m feeding Mr. Bojangles…”Urs looked at her with questioning eyes..” Her cat ..” The old lady added. Urs smiled and nodded “I see….Do you know when she will be back..?” He asked her…The old lady shrugged her shoulders…”I don’t know, dear …She didn’t say…she went to see her parents…”
Urs stared at her and felt terribly disappointed…The old lady noticed and hurried to say: “I’m sure she won’t be gone too long…”
Urs tried to smile again and said: “…Well, thank you ..”. “Your welcome dear... “said the old lady and felt sorry for him as she watched how he got into the elevator with his head held low…

Urs leant against the wall of the elevator and raised his eyes…when the elevator doors started to close he suddenly stepped forward and put his foot between the doors …the doors opened again and Urs hurried out of the elevator and looked around for the old lady… Down the hall he spotted her and he started running towards her… The old lady noticed him and looked surprised as she stepped back... ”I’m sorry miss...” Urs said out of breath…”I forgot to ask you...Do you know where her parents live?” The lady smiled and nodded... ”They live in Bath, dear…On Hamilton road…” Urs smiled and leant forward and gave her a big kiss on the cheek and said: “Thank you so much….” Urs left the lady in astonishment as he ran off…

***
The next morning:
Sebastien looked at the arrival screen at London Heathrow…Lisa’s flight was delayed and wasn’t expected to land for another 40 minutes…

He strokes his face and tried to calm down…He still didn’t feel well, and felt extremely nervous about seeing Lisa again..… He lowered his eyes and slowly walked towards Starbucks and ordered a tall Latte…

As he waited for his coffee a few ladies recognized him and walked up to him asking him for his autograph…He forced himself to smile and posed politely for pictures and signed everything they handed to him..
While he was signing, more women gathered around him….
One woman mentioned to him that he looked a bit tired…He smiled and joked to her, that: all his girlfriends were to blame for that...
The woman blushed and smiled a bit disappointed .Sebastien noticed and leant forward: "I'm joking off course.." He whispered. The woman sighed relieved and smiled back at him… Another woman asked why he was at the airport…He smiled again and told her that he was waiting for someone to arrive…The woman squeezed her eyes and asked:”Someone special, Seb? “

All the females waited eagerly for his answer…He doubted for a moment before he smiled shy fully and nodded slightly…At that very same moment you could hear sounds as: Ohhh.. and Ahhh, from the small female crowd…”Here you go sir , One tall latte..” The employee said … Sebastien turned his head at the employee and smiled: “Thanks!”… He handed a woman back her signed t-shirt “Thank you Sebastien” she smiled while gazing at him ...”My pleasure!” he answered smiling as he turned and got his coffee… Meanwhile one woman pushed herself forward through the crowd and held up a French newspaper …”Is this her Sebastien?” she asked cheerfully and looked at him with questioning eyes… Sebastien stepped back to look at the front-page picture she had shoved under his nose….

Sebastien gasped for breath as he stared at the picture of him and Danique together at the bar in Paris where Laurent had his birthday two day’s ago… they seemed to have shot the picture at the right time from the papers point of view… as they sat closely together and looked deep into each others eyes, or so it seemed… The head said

: Sebastien Izambard ( Il Divo) back in love with former girlfriend …

If you didn’t know any better you could think He and Danique looked lovingly at each other when in fact he was being annoyed by her at that very same time… …He couldn’t believe his eyes…”is it Sebastien? Is that your new girlfriend?” The woman asked impatiently...He looked puzzled at her “wh..where did you get this…”The woman was a bit shocked by his facial expression… as she pointed back at the kiosk..
Another woman clenched his arm and asked the same question: …“Is it true Sebastien…?” Eventually he shook his head and forced a smile on his face as he softly said: No…no… They couldn’t be more wrong I’m afraid…Please ladies if you will excuse me I have to go now…”

He slowly moved through the crowd and wasn’t aware of all the hands that touched him as he got through… His heartbeat increased like crazy as he rushed towards the kiosk…The woman behind the counter smiled at him: “How can I help you sir?” She friendly asked…Sebastien took out his wallet ”How much for the newspapers ...”he asked out of breath as he pointed at the French papers which laid in front of the kiosk for every one to see…”. “That would be ₤1, 50 sir…” Sebastien looked annoyed “I asked newspapers, I want them all…how much?” The power of his voice scared her a little. The woman started to stutter : ...”But mister…Are you certain th….”She suddenly stopped as she recognized his picture on the front page… she gazed back at him and noticed his face looked really angry by now…She swallowed and tried to smile friendly as she got her calculator: ”I’m sorry huh….Let’s see there are 20….” Sebastien put down his coffee with force and threw hundred pounds on the counter: “That should cover it then...” He cut her off as he lifted all the newspapers and walked outside. The woman from the kiosk watched him in disbelieve as he threw the papers in a litter box with force…. He entered the airport again, walked straight back at the kiosk, where the lady still gazed at him..She stepped back as he leant forward to pick up his coffee… he noticed she looked a bit scared and mumbled something that sounded as “Thanks “and walked away…

The Lady sighed relieved as she lowered her shoulders and finally started to relaxed a bit…


Chapter LXI [/b]
“Ok I hope your right Laurent…I will you too, talk to you soon…” Sebastien lowered the phone from his ear and sighed.

Laurent told him that their friends were calling him asking about the picture in the paper… Sebastien got frantic and begged Laurent to buy all the papers he could get his hands on. Laurent tried to calm him down and told him that wouldn’t be possible as they were all over Paris, France and abroad by now. Laurent reassured him and told him that he was in London, that Lisa probably would not buy a French newspaper, and that it will all be forgotten tomorrow. Sebastien realized that there was not much that he could do besides hope and pray that Lisa wouldn’t see one, so he forced himself to calm down a bit and after a while he finally managed to do so.
He looked at the screen and then to his watch:”Just a few more minutes “he thought… he laid his head back against the seat and took a deep breath… He thought back at how he reacted just now at the kiosk…he closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head…,”You jerk!” he softly said to himself.

He glanced back at the woman in the kiosk and noticed that she still looked a bit shocked as she arranged the papers in front of her kiosk. A tremendous feeling of guilt came over him.
He looked in front of him and spotted a flower shop. He hesitated for a moment as he rubbed his face and got up and started walking straight towards the shop. Once he was inside a girl came over to him and friendly asked if she could be of any help… Sebastien smiled and pointed at a few buckets which were stuffed with red roses:” I would like those red roses please…”
The girl glanced at the roses and then back to Sebastien:”You mean all of them sir?” she asked a bit puzzled. Sebastien smiled and nodded: “Yes, all of them.” The girl raised her eyebrows and took a deep breath “Ok then!”She smiled as she called towards the back of the shop for help. Sebastien walked over to the counter, grabbed a card, and started to write something down. After a moment, the counter was overflowing with 5 huge bouquets. The girl looked up at him and friendly asked:”Anything else sir?” Sebastien nodded and looked at the bouquets:”If you would be so kind to deliver them immediately to the lady at the kiosk, near the entrance?” He asked as he pointed outside. The girl glanced at her college who shrugged his shoulders …she looked back at Sebastien “Off course sir…” she smiled. “Excellent!” Sebastien called out and smiled back. He held up the card and looked at her:” This has to go with it.” and then handed it over to her. The girl nodded politely as she took the card from him. Sebastien paid the large amount, and thanked them again before he walked out of the shop. Back in the hall, he looked at the arrival screen and searched for Lisa’s flight. His heart started to pound as he stared at her flight number that was followed by the lighted word: “Arrived”

***
Urs slowly opened his eyes the light that shined through the bedroom window made him close them again and grabbing his head with both hands. He had a tremendous headache…
He slowly turned his head and noticed that Angela had already left. He slowly raised himself from the bed, walked to the bathroom, opened the cabinet with the mirror, and grabbed a bottle of aspirin. After he swallowed two aspirins with water, he closed the cabinet and stared at his reflection in the mirror.

After he’d ran out of Angelica’s building he stopped a cab and got in .He told the driver to drive him to Bath. .The cab driver looked at him as if he was out of his mind, which was not very far from the truth. After a moment, he realized that maybe it was not such a good idea after all, especially since Angelica was staying at her parents and him arriving there at a late hour wouldn’t probably be appreciated.
That is why he told the driver to head for Chelsea instead…He would go home and face Angela.

Before he turned the key of their apartment, he took a deep breath and prepared himself for the worst scene, but when he entered, he found her curled up sleeping on the couch, covered by a blanket.
He felt overwhelmed by guilt as he stared at her face. He noticed that she had been crying and almost automatically kneeled down by her side and gently stroked her hair.
She slowly had opened her eyes and he whispered to her that he was sorry. For a moment, he thought she was going to slap him, but strangely enough, she just stared into his eyes for a moment before she got up and took his hand and guided him to the bedroom where she started to undress him without saying a word. They silently made love and afterwards Urs fell asleep in her arms.

He slowly sat up on the edge of the bed and shook his head in disbelieve, as he did not understood her reaction at all last night… After a moment he got up, grabbed his pants and searched through his pockets…he pulled out the note where he had wrote down the address of Angelica’s parents… He stared at it for a moment before he glanced at the alarm clock, picked up his phone and started to dial David’s number.

***
David opened his eyes and blinked a few times as Karen, who was leaning over him, gently patted his face: “Davy…wake up sweetie. It’s Urs on the phone.” David slowly sat up in his bed and stroked his face before he took the phone that Karen handed to him. ”Yeah Urs..” He said with a sleepy voice. ”Hey Dave, sorry to wake you. I need your car.” David lowered his eyebrows.. ”Okay, sure…”he finally said “Mike has the keys downstairs.”
“Okay great! “Urs said. “Everything ok buddy?” David asked. “Yeah..Yeah, I’ll explain later.”,Urs said in a hurry before he hanged up.

David stared at the phone in his hand and looked surprised. Karen came out of the bathroom with her bathrobe on and looked at him “Everything ok?” she asked.

David had not told Karen anything about his conversation with Urs, not because he didn’t want her to know but simply because she hadn’t asked.

David looked at Karen and nodded “Yeah I guess so...”He replied and smiled as he watched Karen crawl over the bed towards him. She climbed on his lap and looked into his eyes with a huge smile on her face. ”What’s so funny?” he asked as he threw the phone on the bed and grabbed her waist as he laid back…Karen grinned: “Your hairdo in the morning is…” ,her hands started to rub his chest as she looked playfully into his eyes… David smiled and squeezed his eyes: “Are you laughing at me?” Karen looked innocent and batted her eyelashes:” I love you, you know…” her hands moved through his hair: “..Just the way you are…” she added and started to grin again… “Yeah right!” David chuckled as he threw her back and started to tickle her all over. ”NOOooo Stop David pleeease..” Karen laughed. ”Say you’re sorry!” David smirked as he went on. ”sorry…SORRY…”Karen laughed harder. David climbed on top of her and held her hands behind her head with one hand as he went on tickling her with the other: “What was that? I can’t hear you Karen!”
Karen almost peed her pants, “SOOORRRYYYY” she shouted. David stopped and looked into her eyes as he was still grinning. ”That’s not fair!!! “Karen exclaimed. ”You are much stronger than me…” David grabbed her face and forced her to look at him as he grinned again: “That’s right! I’m stronger, smarter...taller..” his voice started to fadeout and his smile slowly disappeared as he paused for a moment..
He stared deep into her eyes as his hands started to caress her face,” and loving you more than ever…” he added softly as he leant over and pressed his lips on hers….

[b]Chapter LXIII
Sebastien was waiting impatiently as people where getting through customs, most of them looked quite tired. He searched for Lisa but did not see her anywhere… He was so eager to see Lisa again that he almost forgot all that had happened while she was away …After a while, he spotted Marc who walked towards him with a smile… They shook hands as they greeted each other. Marc noticed Sebastien’s eyes were going back and forth: “Lisa is coming Seb… Angelica called her when we landed; Lisa told me that she sounded quite upset. so, she’s still at the gate talking to her, she won’t be long, I’m sure.”
Marc noticed Sebastien being very nervous as he nodded. Marc leaned towards Sebastien “Seb?” He softly said ““Danilo wanted me to tell you that he is very sorry about the confusion that he has caused..."Sebastien lowered his eyes and smiled vaguely. " Lisa doesn’t know about what happened Seb….” He added. Sebastien looked back at Marc and stared into his eyes for a second before he lowered them again and nodded vaguely.

After another moment he noticed Sebastien’s eyes got locked on something in the distance and he followed his eyes and watched how Lisa came through customs, dragging her suitcase behind her.. She looked up and stopped for second as she stared back at Sebastien….Sebastien felt short of breath by looking at her…”My god. She’s so beautiful “He gasped.. Marc smiled and patted his shoulder: “what are you waiting for Seb? Go to her!” and he gently gave him a little push.
Sebastien walked towards Lisa and Lisa started to move also. As they came closer, Sebastien started running towards her and Lisa let go of her suitcase and fell into his arms as tears started to roll over her face. Sebastien closed his eyes and buried his face in her hair as he held her tight. ”Oh god I missed you, “Lisa sobbed. Sebastien looked at her gorgeous face and felt how tears filled his eyes.” I missed you too …I Missed you so much.”His voice sounded smothered. He held her head between his hands as he started to kiss her passionately, Lisa wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. People stopped and stared at them. Marc noticed that someone was photographing them up-close and for a moment, he looked worried. Sebastien and Lisa didn’t seem to care as they were all caught up in each other… Suddenly Lisa leant back and grabbed his face with both hands and forced him to look at her…” I was worried about you...,” she sobbed. Sebastien stared into her eyes again and shook his head as he stuttered “I know…I'm sorry...I’m so sorry Lisa….” He caressed her face and looked into her gorgeous brown eyes.”I want you all for myself, let’s get out of here.” he softly said. Lisa smiled through her tears and nodded as she kissed him again.

Sebastien grabbed Lisa suitcase and wrapped his arm around her and pulling her tight as they walked towards Marc, who smiled at them. Sebastien looked at him with questioning eyes: “Do you need a ride?” Marc shook his head “No I’ll be fine. You love birds need your time alone...” Lisa leant forward and Kissed Marc on the cheek…”Thanks muffin…I will see you tomorrow then. ” Sebastien shook Marc’s hand: “Thanks for taking care of her…” he said.Marc gave him a reassuring smile: “Sure!” he softly said as he patted his shoulder with his other hand.

As Sebastien and Lisa walked towards the exit, they approached the kiosk. Lisa noticed the counter was covered under bouquets of red roses:”I guess she has an admirer…” she smiled as she pointed at the Lady who was just reading the card that was attached to one of the bouquets... Sebastien followed her look and noticed the woman whose mouth dropped as soon as she looked up and spotted Sebastien. Sebastien mouthed: “sorry” to her without Lisa noticing and gave her a wink and a huge smile appeared on her face as they passed her by.

***
Urs drove slowly over Hamilton Road in Bath… Suddenly he noticed a man who was walking his dog on the side of the road. He stopped the car and lowered the window on his side: “Excuse me sir...?” He called over to the man as he held up his hand and smiled. The man smiled back and walked towards his car: “Yes, can I help you?” he asked friendly. Urs showed him the paper, “I’m looking for the Spencer residence...?” The man smiled bigger as he pointed behind him: “You are right here sir.” Urs looked behind the man and looked at a huge Victorian house covered in trees and flower baskets. Urs smiled politely: “Thank you so much “he said and nodded as he put the car in reverse. The man saluted him and walked on. Urs parked the car on the street a few meters back from the house, stepped out and closed the door. He hesitated for a short moment before he walked up to the house…As he stood in front of the house he took a few deep breaths, collected his courage, knocked on the door and did a step a back as he waited. His heart started to pound as he heard footsteps inside, coming towards the door.

The door swung open and he looked at a sophisticated man, who he presumed must be Angelica’s father. The man looked at him with a questioning look: “Yes?” He asked with a low voice. Urs cleared his throat: “good day sir! My name is Urs Buhler…I’m here to see your daughter: Angelica?” The man stared at him in astonishment and Urs felt pretty uncomfortable under his look. After a moment, the man’s face got serious “So you are the famous mr. Buhler?” Urs slightly raised his eyebrows; it flashed his mind that he must be aware of the situation. Finally, he nodded vaguely and stared back at the man without saying a word. “Who’s there Brandon? “He heard a woman’s voice. The man looked back for a moment but didn’t say anything and turned back to Urs…The woman came walking out of a room and glanced at Urs and then looked up at the man as she put her hand on his arm…”Brandon?” she asked? The man pointed at Urs “This is Mister Buhler. He’s here to see Angelica, Lucy.” He said without looking back to his wife. The woman also started to stare at Urs …”Well..” she finally said and a vague smile appeared on her face…”I’m sure she will be pleased to see you, Mister Buhler ….Angelica is in the garden, If you will follow me? “She softly said as she stepped back .Urs nodded friendly and walked past the man who watched him without moving a muscle in his face.”Please forgive my husband; he’s very protective of his daughter.” She apologized for him as she led him through the kitchen. Urs smiled politely “of course I understand ...”He smiled. She opened the kitchen door and let him pass: “Angelica is in the back. ”Urs nodded again,”Thank you Mrs. Spencer…,”He said. The woman closed the kitchen door behind him and watched him as he walked through the garden.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this, Lucy.”She heard her husband say who suddenly appeared behind her. She turned around and looked up at him: “Oh come on Brandon! It’s good that he came, don’t you agree?” She said as gave him a reassuring smile. Brandon shook his head: “He’s in a band, Lucy! Those guys are busy with being famous. They don’t have time for long time girlfriends, let alone babies…” He moaned. Lucy looked up at her husband and shook her head in disbelieve as she passed him.

Urs walked through the garden and looked around for Angelica. “She’s in the back…,” he repeated to himself. He looked up and his heart skipped a few beats as he noticed her sitting on a bench staring into to pond…
As he came closer he noticed she still looked really devastated, and he felt a stitch through his stomach….Urs stopped as he was still a few meters away from her ”Angelica..” He softly said
Angelica looked up and her mouth dropped as she looked at Urs….”Urs…” She gasped. Urs slowly started to walk towards her and as Angelica saw him coming, she slowly shook her head as she put her hands before her eyes and started to sob silently… Urs sat beside her and pulled her close, Angelica grabbed his chest and exclaimed “I’m sorry Urs…I’m so sorry...” Urs rocked her gently and started to caress her hair: “No sweetheart, I am …I’m sorry…”He whispered. After a moment, Angelica wiped her eyes and looked into his eyes: “I doubted if I should tell you Urs, but Lisa convinced me that it would be best if I did… “Her voice faded slowly as she noticed Urs’s face turned pale:”Lisa knows?” He softly asked. Angelica nodded vaguely before she lowered her eyes.. ”Yes…I had no one else to turn too…” She softly replied. Urs nodded slightly as he grabbed her hand: “It’s ok Angelica. Lisa was right. I’m glad you told me…”Angelica slowly looked back at him and He paused for a moment before he continued: “I was shocked….”He tried to smile ...”In fact I still am …but…” Angelica interrupted him…”I know you love Angela, Urs…And I don’t expect you to leave her or anything…I will raise this baby …” Urs interrupted her back by enclosing his hands on her face and looking at her with penetrating eyes. ” you think I would leave your side Angelica? I would never do that.”Angelica watched his eyes as they started to well up “I’ll be there by your side Angelica. We are in this together, you, me and the baby…” Tears started to fall down her face as she struggled to breathe: “…Urs, you need to think this over….”She stuttered. Urs shook his head:”I already did Angelica…”
He lowered his hands and grabbed hers and looked back into her eyes.” Everything will be ok Angelica…I promise you that…” he softly reassured her as he gently squeezed her hands.

Chapter LIV
The black Porsche Cayenne raced over the M4 highway towards London. While driving, Sebastien could not keep his eyes of Lisa who was talking on the phone to Ingrid. Despite the fact that she just had been nine hours on an airplane, she still looked extremely beautiful… He watched her how she threw her head back as she started to laugh at something that Ingrid said to her.
God, how he loved her: he thought.
He tried hard to ignore the knot that persisted in his stomach from the moment he saw her at the airport. He had twisted his mind over and over again if he should tell her what had happened in Paris… Finally, he decided to keep quiet even though he knew he was taking a huge risk by doing that… The chance of losing Lisa when he would tell her, made him feel so incredibly terrified that not telling her seemed to be his only alternative.

He leant forward and gently grabbed her hand, Lisa looked up and smiled tenderly at him as she said goodbye to Ingrid: “Ok ...I will see you tomorrow Ing, have a safe flight.” Lisa said. Sebastien looked at her with questioning eyes as she lowered the phone from her ear and put it back in her purse. “Is Ingrid coming over tomorrow?” He asked. Lisa nodded and smiled vaguely: “Yes, Ron is going on a camping trip with Bjorn and she really hates being alone …” Lisa noticed how Sebastien lowered his eyebrows and let out a sigh:”you don’t mind, do you?” She asked as she tilted her head slightly and looked at him with questioning eyes. Sebastien glanced at her before he got his eyes back on the road: “I guess we won’t have much time alone then...” he replied " as usual...." he softly added.
Lisa heard the sarcastic tone in his voice and she slowly released her hand from his and silently started to twiddle her hair. Sebastien glanced at her and noticed her discomfort…He smiled vaguely and took her hand back in his and squeezed it gently as he searched for her beautiful eyes that were hidden behind her black Chanel sunglasses. ”I’m sorry Lisa…,”He said.”It’s just that…” He sighed and looked away before he continued...: “We haven’t seen each other for weeks and the tour starts next week … I really hoped we would have some time together…” He looked back at Lisa and watched as she slowly took of her sunglasses and looked up at him. ”I know ...” she whispered and lowered her eyes again and started to play with his fingers as she shook her head…“I’m sorry ….I didn’t really think about that…I…”.Her voice faded out softly. Sebastien raised his hand and touched her face briefly as he tried to smile reassuring: “It’s ok Lisa….It’s ok…” he softly said, his smile faded as his he rested his hand back on the wheel and silently focused his eyes on the road.. Lisa sighed and closed her eyes for a second before she stared outside as they entered the city.

***
Thomas looked impatiently through the hallway window for Lisa and Sebastien to arrive, and as soon he saw Lisa’s car drive into the street, he started to ran for the door as he called Carmen “Carmen Their here!!!, Their here!!!” Carmen came walking out of the Kitchen as she dried her hands on a towel: “Careful when you cross the street Thomas!” She called after him but Thomas did not hear her as he already rushed through the door. Lisa noticed Thomas coming as Sebastien parked the car and as soon as the car stopped Lisa jumped out and got through her knees allowing Thomas to run right into her arms. ”MUMMY!” He called out. Lisa wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes for a moment “Oh sweetie, I missed you so much “she exclaimed and stroke his hair and kissed his cheek….”I missed you too mummy!!!“He said and almost immediately turned his head and noticed Sebastien, who just closed the car door, smiling at him.”SEB!” Thomas blurted out and he ran over and jumped into his arms.
”Hey! My friend!” Sebastien smiled. “I missed you Seb!” Thomas sounded exited. Sebastien’s smile got bigger and he stroke his hair:”Me too Thom! How’s Harvey doing?” Thomas smiled big:” He got FAT!” He called out and Sebastien laughed “Really? A fat frog, huh?”
Thomas nodded and grinned “Yeah! He’s huge! “He signed with his hands as his eyes got bigger and Sebastien started to laugh again.
He really loved that little boy.
”Wanna play some soccer later on? “ Thomas looked at him with questioning eyes. Sebastien glanced at his watch and nodded at him as he stroke his hair: “Ok..Just a quick one then! Thomas started to jump up and down;”Ok great!. I’ll have to finish my play station game first, I’m winning so it won’t take to long ...”He smiled and started running towards the house as he almost ran over Carmen who came walking towards them. ”SORRY CARMEN!” He shouted back at her while he kept on running. Carmen smiled and spread her arms out at Lisa “Darling I’m so glad you’re back, we missed you!” Lisa smiled and gave her a hug: “Hi Carmen, me too.. How was your holiday? “She asked.

Carmen smiled and looked at her: “It was wonderful seeing everyone again. But I have to say, three weeks is more than enough! ” she laughed as she rolled her eyes. Lisa started to laugh at her expression:"Well I hate to say.But I'm glad hearing that.” she said and gave Carmen a kiss before she turned and walked back towards the back of the car for her luggage. Carmen turned to Sebastien and hugged him: “Sebastien! I’m glad to see you again.” She smiled. “Likewise Carmen.”He smiled back.
Carmen looked at his gentle face and noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes: “You look tired …Are you eating well Sebastien?” She asked worried as she briefly touched his face.
Sebastien smiled and winked at her: “Not since you went away Carmen, I really missed your cooking.” Carmen smiled and squeezed his cheek playfully: “still quite the charmer I see.” Lisa came walking towards them and Carmen turned to her and smiled:”let’s go inside sweethearts, I’ve made tea!” Sebastien took over the luggage Lisa held in her hand and they both followed Carmen inside.

***
Simon was zipping his coffee as David and Carlos came walking into the conference room at Sony BMG’s “There are my Guy’s!”Simon called out and smiled as he got up and reached out to shake their hands…Not long after that, Urs walked in followed by Steve and greeted everyone… Simon looked around and glanced at his watch: “ I see everyone’s here except for Seb..” he told Steve… Steve nodded : “ I’m sure he’ll be here any minute now, Simon “ He replied…
Simon leant over the table and pressed the button on the intercom:
“ Anne? Could you bring in some fresh coffee please?” , “Right away Simon!” She answered quickly .Simon Turned to Carlos and grinned as he patted his shoulder.. ”Steve told me the great news that Geraldine is going to make an honest man out of you!” Carlos smiled and nodded “Yeah…She’s willing to give it a try..” He smiled and Simon hugged him “Congratulations my friend!!! ...It’s about time you two tied the knot...” “Thanks Simon” Carlos said.” So did you set a date yet?” Simon asked. Carlos hesitated for a moment before he answered: “We have, but it depends on the final tour dates...” Simon smiled:” I see… well, that shouldn’t be a problem Carlos. We’ll fit it in!” He reassured him…..

Meanwhile, Urs was looking through some papers as David walked up behind him: “Did you find Angelica? “He asked him… Urs turned suddenly and stared at him briefly before he nodded slightly: “Yes…” he softly said and lowered his eyes and started to twist the papers in his hand…David searched for his eyes.”And…?” he looked at him with questioning eyes… Urs smiled vaguely as he continued: “She’s coming to London tomorrow… and then we’ll take it from there …” David nodded and smiled “Good I’m glad Urs….You did the right thing going after her...” Urs nodded and paused for a second before he looked back at David : “ I’m thinking of buying her a house, David …” He softly said…” she’s living in a small apartment on Oxford…it’s too small to raise a baby there…” he added…David lowered his eyebrows… “What are you going to say to Angela? “David asked a bit worried…. Urs looked puzzled as he shrugged his shoulders “I haven’t really thought about that yet… ”
They both turned as they heard Simon blurt out: “ Ahhh Coffee!!!” Anne walked in and smiled at Simon. “Sebastien is on his way up, Simon.” she said as she walked over to the table and poured in coffee for everyone… “Ok, thank you Anne, you’re the best!..” Simon smiled at her briefly before he turned towards the guys: “shall we get seated? “He asked as he pointed at the large conference table. As Urs , Carlos and David got seated, Sebastien entered the conference room and excused himself for being late as he greeted Simon and Steve and sat down…Simon looked at him intensively for a moment and noticed he looked extremely tired … finally he sighed and opened up his agenda “ Ok then! The final tour dates!!!…We have: Europe, Australia, Canada and the US, The dates for Australia and the US are already set and great news: six are already sold out!” Simon talked on about the tour and its details as everyone listened intently...Except for Sebastien who wasn’t really paying attention as his eyes got locked on a newspaper beneath Simon’s agenda….

***
Lisa was sitting next to Thomas on his bed as he was reading his favourite book to her…She gently stroke his hair as he did his best to speak out the words correctly… After he finished the page Lisa glanced at his alarm clock:” Ok. Sweetie….you have to get some sleep now…” she smiled as she took the book out of his hands..” Just one more page, mummy… please? “Thomas begged…Lisa shook her head…” No Thomas...it’s nine already…you really need your sleep…school is starting tomorrow..” Thomas moaned as Lisa turned open his sheets. “I hate school!!!” he exclaimed…Lisa smiled as she demanded him to get under the sheets and stroke his hair; Thomas looked at her with questioning eyes “Didn’t you hear me? I hate school Mum...” he repeated. Lisa tucked him in and leant forward to kiss his forehead “I heard you sweetheart, but you know that without education you can’t become a pilot, and that is what you want isn’t it? …..” Thomas frowned and shrugged his shoulders “ I ‘m not sure anymore. Maybe I’m going to be a singer like Sebastien..” Lisa tilted her head slightly and looked at him “ Sebastien also had an education Thomas…” Thomas shook his head forcefully “No he didn’t…he taught himself!!! …” Lisa opened her mouth but closed it almost immediately as she didn’t know what to say back to him since he was telling the truth... Instead she sighed and rolled her eyes…” Thomas, please!” she moaned… Thomas lowered his face under the sheets and grinned: “Gotcha!” He blurted out. Lisa squeezed her eyes as she noticed she was being bullied…she leant forward and tickled Thomas “ You little monster..” she laughed…Thomas started to squirm and laughed so hard his face turned red…after a moment Lisa kissed his cheek , stood up and stroke his face “ Goodnight sweetheart…I love you..” Thomas smiled at her and waved with his little finger “Love you too mummy..” Lisa closed the door behind her…She leant against the door for a moment: Thomas loved fooling her and he always achieved doing that…. a smile appeared on her face as she walked downstairs…

***
Simon sat back in his chair and slapped his hands together: “Ok then ...I guess we settled the rest of the tour dates and public appearances during the tour ….So you leave for Sydney this Monday and the tour starts from there…I suggest you all take your rest until then and look your absolute best!...Leaves me with nothing else except wishing you guys a smashing tour and make me even more proud …”he smiled when he added:” if that’s possible” The guys nodded and got up and thanked Simon … After they all chatted on for a while longer Sebastien glanced at his watch and told the guys he was leaving…. Simon, who just ended a phone call, overheard Sebastien and walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder: “Seb..can I have a brief word with you in my office before you leave..?” Sebastien turned to him and hesitated for a moment before he nodded…

Simon closed the door as they both entered his office and pointed at a chair in front of his desk..” Sit down...” He said..Sebastien sat down and took a deep breath as he closed his eyes for a second. Simon sat at his desk and cleared his throat before he looked up at Sebastien : “ How’s Lisa..?” he asked..” I heard you two are very close these days…” Sebastien smiled vaguely and nodded slightly as he lowered his eyes… “Yes…Yes…we are….” Sebastien felt uneasy and Simon noticed..he kept his eyes on him as he continued: “You know Sebastien..Lisa is a very special lady and she’s gone through a lot…” Sebastien nodded again as he tried to avoid Simon’s intensive look: “I know “he softly said…… Simon lowered his eyes and took a newspaper out of his drawer and laid it in front of Sebastien on the desk…:” Explain this to me Sebastien…” He said… Sebastien slowly looked up and stared at the picture of him and Danique on the front-page of the French newspaper … Sebastien took a deep breath and raised his eyes…as he already was afraid this would happen….. “Tell me, Sebastien that this isn’t what I think it is….” Simon sounded worried… Sebastien slowly looked up: “I love Lisa Simon…I really do….” Simon lowered his eyes and leant forward: “I’m sure you do Seb… …but that’s no explanation...” Sebastien felt a knot in his stomach and started to shake his head as he pointed at the newspaper:” This means nothing…I swear Simon..” He raised his eyes and looked at Simon as he continued: “Lisa is everything to me… something happened that made me uncertain about our relationship for a moment..and Danique is my ex..she was there and….”, “ Does Lisa know?” Simon interrupted him…Sebastien shook his head and looked frightened...” She can’t know, Simon…” He stuttered… Simon rubbed his face and looked back at Sebastien: “It’s in the paper Sebastien..many people have seen this. And since you’re in the public eye…there’s a chance she will find out…

Sebastien’s eyes started to well up he lowered his eyes as he nodded his head…After a short moment of silence Simon continued:…” ….I like you Seb, I really do…but …” Simon bitted his lower lip and paused for a moment…: “Lisa is very dear to me …I know her all her life…In fact I love her, If she wasn’t married to Benjamin back then.. I….” Simon didn’t finish his sentence as he noticed Sebastien looked shocked by his words…Simon realized what he just had said and lowered his eyes…”As you may have noticed…. It’s very hard not to fall in love with her Seb..” he added softly….Sebastien stared at his face as he couldn’t believe what Simon just told him.. “ Sebastien…Simon took a deep breath and raised his hands as he sat back in his chair: “…don’t get me wrong…I won’t try anything with Lisa…I never did…My feelings for her is something I’ve learned to live with….!” Simon stared at sebastien’s face for a moment before he got up and turned his back towards him…:” God Sebastien!” he sighed….”, You have the love from a woman that every man desires, he slowly turned back at Sebastien and looked at him: “don’t you see?....you will always be uncertain about your relationship with her ,as she will be chased after by every straight man on this earth…But the fact is that she loves you …” Sebastien kept quiet as he looked away…

“ I know you’re scared of loosing her, I know I would… ….” He paused for a moment and glanced outside before he looked back at Sebastien: “don’t let that fear guide you…as there will always be someone else waiting to jump in and take over when you least expect it….

***
It was late when Sebastien entered the house…the house was dark and Sebastien figured that Lisa must be asleep already…

He still was confused about what Simon had told him…He never could have guessed he had those feelings for Lisa…It had scared him even more… It really looked like every man was chasing after her…

He took a deep breath and put his keys on the side table by the door and walked down the hall …when he got at the stairs he turned his head as he noticed a vague light coming from the living room… he slowly walked towards the living room and slowly opened the doors ..Lisa was sitting with her legs curled up on the floor, in between the large pillows in front of the fireplace…. Her beautiful skin was glistening by the delicate light of the fire, she was wearing her bathrobe and her hair was wet. as she stared into the fire, she slowly touched the edge of her glass with her fingertips … Sebastien stopped in the doorway and stared at her for a moment before he quietly walked up to her ..Lisa turned her head and a smile appeared on her face as she saw him coming.. …Sebastien looked at her intently as he lowered himself in front of her and touched her face…. Lisa ran her fingers through his hair and looked back into his eyes…”Hey you!”she softly said and smiled…. Sebastien kept silent as he took her glass out of her hand and put it on the side table before he stared back into her eyes…Lisa caressed his face when suddenly she noticed his eyes where welling up…” Seb..?” she asked softly..Sebastien lowered his eyes and took her hand and brought it up to his mouth…he gently started to kiss her hand and pressed it against his face as he looked back into her eyes…Lisa smiled tenderly at him and released a sigh…” You look tired..” she whispered..” let’s go to bed…” Sebastien shook his head..” I don’t want to sleep tonight…I want to look at you..” he softly said…Lisa touched his face ….Sebastien slowly pushed her back into the pillows that lay on the floor and he slowly opened her bathrobe revealing her naked body underneath …he quietly leant over her and slowly touched her breasts…Lisa felt how her body started to tremble by his touch she closed her eyes and laid her head back as her she started to breathe more heavily while moaning his name “ Oh Seb..” …Sebastien watched her closely as his hands started to glide down her body…She opened her eyes and grabbed his head and pulled him close…she pressed her lips on his and he started to kiss her back passionately…in between kisses she took of his shirt and Sebastien struggled to take off his jeans without releasing his lips from hers…when he was naked Lisa pulled him on top of her and enclosed his face between her hands…and looked into his eyes…” I want to feel you Seb…Make love to me right here…..” she gasped…Sebastien didn’t need to hear that twice and started to kiss her intensively while he pressed his naked body against hers …

It didn’t take them long before they both reached total ecstasy as they passionately made love to each other over and over again …

Chapter LV
Lisa reached out her arm towards the bedside table and pressed the button to set off the alarm with her eyes still closed…Slowly she opened her eyes and glanced at the alarm clock: 07:00…."It was time to wake up Thomas" she thought. She looked at the bedroom window and noticed that the weather outside was dreadful …. Lisa sighed and turned on her other side and stared at Sebastien, who was still very much asleep. She lowered her eyebrows and silently reached out her hand and touched his lips with her fingers…

He still looked so very tired, and she was extremely worried about him. "He was so different since she got back," she thought… He seemed so caring and calm at one side and yet so distracted and agitated on the other…. she had never seen him this way before…

”Oh Seb…What’s the matter with you?” she whispered softly as she caressed his face…

It was very late Last night when they got upstairs, they made love again and he looked into her eyes the whole time while he kept telling her over and over again how much he loved her. Afterwards, she felt how his body trembled when he held her in his arms and as he gently caressed her hair, Lisa swore she heard him softly crying…She tried to look at his face to make sure, but he wouldn’t let her as his strong arms enclosed her even more … “Don’t leave me Lisa….Don’t you ever leave me..” he kept telling her silently with a smothered voice…

Suddenly Lisa looked up as she noticed the bedroom door opened slowly… Thomas stuck his head around the door and smiled at her…Lisa noticed he was about to say something and she brought her finger to her mouth “ sshhhh” she said softly while she pointed at Sebastien… Thomas nodded and mouthed to her that he was hungry…Lisa smiled and mouthed back that he should go downstairs and that she was on her way… Thomas smiled at her and nodded again before he silently closed the bedroom door…

***
Karen walked into the bedroom holding two cups of coffee in her hand…Even though she’d woke him up 30 minutes ago, David was still laying in bed with his eyes closed… Karen sighed as she put down the cups on the bedside table… She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head slightly as she watched him for a moment…Suddenly she frowned and leant slightly forward as she thought she heard a snoring sound coming from him: “I don’t believe it!...” she said to herself…..

She squeezed her eyes for a second and then climbed over him on the bed and started to jump up and down. David ,who woke because of that, opened one eye and looked at Karen who stopped suddenly and leant slightly over him trying hard to look innocent as she put her hand before her mouth: “Oh I’m sorry…Did I wake you?” A smile appeared on his face as he closed his eye again…Karen started to jump again and suddenly David grabbed her leg so she fell down on the bed, “HEY!!!” Karen called out .then he lifted himself and threw himself on top of her, in a split second he grabbed both her wrists and held them locked together in his hand above her head so she couldn’t escape “Not again David!!!” She moaned. David looked deep into her eyes: “Lesson number one! Never…and I mean never ever wake me…. unless you’re completely naked!” He grinned…. Karen smiled “you dirty, dirty man…” she blurted out.

David smiled and started to kiss her neck “oh yes. Go on...I love it when you talk to me like that….”he joked…Karen started to giggle as she started to squirm beneath him…:”David!!! “She shouted. David stopped and looked at her with questioning eyes: “Yes dear?” he calmly said… Karen started to laugh: “Oh my god…You are the worst!..” she said as she finally managed to get loose , She crawled underneath him and got of the bed. “Come back here!” David grinned at her. Karen looked at him and started to shake her head as she tried to look serious: “David hun, aren’t you forgetting something? It’s moving day today! Carlos can be here any minute now and you…You are still naked in bed!” She started to sound a bit desperate.

“I am naked! “David confirmed.” So should you be, right here...” he grinned as he patted his hand on the mattress by his side...” Karen started to roll her eyes when suddenly there was a knock on the door…Karen looked at David in disbelieve as she pointed towards the front Door.” Now that’s Carlos, David!!!” She exclaimed. David started to laugh at her expression: “Ok you win!” He said as he got up “this time...” he added as he looked back at her while he walked towards the shower.. Karen put her hands together and raised her eyes briefly: “Thank you “she softly said before she turned and walked towards the front door…

“Hi Carlos, come in!” Karen said, as she tight her hair back...Carlos smiled at her “Hey Karen!” He noticed her face was blushed and he raised his eyebrow as he gazed around: “I hope I’m not interrupting ...?” he asked. “No you’re not! “Karen smiled: “Just struggling to get that Big Baby dressed...” She added as she pointed towards the bedroom… Carlos shook his head and started to grin: “I feel for you Karen! Raising David is a huge task!” Karen rolled her eyes: “Tell me about it!” she smiled: “Coffee?” She asked as she headed for the kitchen. Carlos nodded: “sounds great Karen!”
“Hey! Carlito!!!” David smiled as he walked into the living room while tucking his shirt into his jeans... Carlos smiled back at him: “Hey baby!” He said as he smiled at Karen who walked in and handed Carlos his coffee… David noticed they exchanged looks and raised his eyebrows: “Did I miss something?” he smiled.. “No!” Karen and Carlos both said at the same time and started
Laughing…

***
Thomas was eating his breakfast at the kitchen table as Lisa poured herself a cup of coffee…
Then the Kitchen door suddenly swung open and Carmen rushed into the Kitchen as she tied her bathrobe… As soon as she saw Lisa and Thomas she excused herself: “I’m so sorry Lisa..” she stroke her face “ I overslept tremendously…I don’t know how…” . “It’s ok Carmen…” Lisa interrupted her and gave her a smile…” Here! “She said and handed her the cup with coffee she just poured in for herself…” Carmen smiled thankfully as she sat down at the kitchen table still looking a little disturbed… Thomas smiled at Carmen: “ Mummy made me breakfast Carmen so you could sleep a little longer!” Carmen strokes his hair and smiled at him. He glanced at Lisa who was pouring in another cup of coffee for herself, before he leant over towards Carmen and whispered secretly, so that Lisa couldn’t hear: “I do hope this doesn’t happen often, Carmen. I love mummy but she doesn’t make breakfast as well as you!” Carmen’s smile got bigger and she leant over to him: “It won’t happen again Thomas ...I’ll promise!” She whispered back as she gave him a wink.

When Lisa turned and walked towards the table, she noticed something was going on between them: “Is everything ok?” she asked as she sat down.. Thomas and Carmen swiftly looked at each other before Thomas said: “I was just telling Carmen, how delicious this breakfast is mummy! “,“really?” Lisa smiled as she winked at Carmen before she turned back to Thomas and added:” Maybe we should let Carmen sleep longer every morning then” …” Huh?” Thomas looked at her with big eyes. Carmen and Lisa both started laughing at his expression…Lisa leant forward and took his hand: “Don’t worry sweetie, Carmen will make you breakfast again tomorrow!” she smiled…Thomas sighed and a smile of relieve appeared on his face…

“So did you have a good time with Granny and Grandpa?” Lisa changed the subject. Thomas nodded “Yes…but I did miss you mummy...” he replied softly…Lisa stroke his face “I missed you too sweetie…” She smiled tenderly at him. Thomas leant back and stroke his tummy “ I have eaten enough mummy…” He sighed “I really liked it though “He added swiftly. Lisa smiled and glanced at her watch before she looked back at him: “Ok, go get dressed pumpkin.”

Thomas jumped off his chair and walked towards the door, when he opened it he looked back at Lisa and paused for a moment before he asked out of the blue: “Is Seb going to be my daddy, mum?” Lisa turned in her seat and stared at Thomas who looked at her with questioning eyes…for a moment you could hear pin drop…

“I …I …...” Lisa started to stutter…

Thomas interrupted her: “I wouldn’t mind mum. I like Seb to be my daddy!” He smiled as he turned and walked out of the door… Lisa slowly turned back in her seat and stared at Carmen… Carmen noticed how shocked Lisa looked, she leant over the table and stroke Lisa’s hand: “Lisa? Its ok sweetie…he really adores Sebastien…That’s a good thing!” she smiled. Lisa lowered her eyes and after a short moment she smiled vaguely..” I know. It’s just…so unexpected..” She softly said as she looked back at Carmen... Carmen’s smile got bigger:” Children always are…..” She replied. Carmen stood up and kissed her cheek: “More coffee?” She asked as she walked over to the sink. Lisa nodded… Carmen walked back to the table and handed Lisa her cup…

”At what time is Ingrid coming?”she asked as she got seated…:” Her plane is about to arrive around noon. But she won’t be here until 6, she had some business to care of first.”. “I see…Well I’ll make sure the guestroom is ready then.” Carmen smiled...

After they chatted on for a while, Lisa glanced at her watch: “The school bus can be here any minute now, I’ll better check if Thomas is ready…”she said as she got up.. “I’ll do it Lisa!"Carmen hurried to say. Lisa shook her head and signed with her hand: “No Carmen, It’s ok..” She smiled “Finish your coffee…”

When Lisa got at the stairs, she called up for Thomas…, but there was no answer: “He’s probably playing his play-station game again” she thought and sighed… She turned and walked towards the living room down the hall. Just when she was about to open the living room doors she glanced towards the end of the hall: and froze…

Her eyes where locked at Benjamin’s office door, which stood open… Lisa hadn’t been in there since Benjamin died: that room was filled with memories of him which where much to painful for her to remember… When they came back from Benjamin’s funeral in Paris, Carmen locked his office for her and gave Lisa the key…She knew Carmen was the only one who cleaned it from time to time and Lisa thought that she was the only one who knew where Lisa had hidden the Key…

Lisa took a deep breath and slowly started to walk towards the office door….She paused for a moment before she pushed the door further open and stared at Thomas who was sitting in Benjamin’s big office chair behind the desk…Lisa leant against the door frame as she kept her eyes on him: …He looked far away with his thoughts as he was staring at a photo frame, he held in his hands… Lisa sighed: Seeing him sitting there in that big chair made him look so vulnerable. She thought. Although he didn’t spoke much of Benjamin anymore lately she knew he still missed him tremendously…

Thomas was everything to Benjamin and vice versa…They both loved harassing Lisa with their practical jokes…And they would always chase each other around the house, playing a certain soldier game which Thomas loved. Although it drove Lisa mad most of the time she had missed those noises in the house: until Sebastien came into their lives…. Without knowing it himself, Sebastien filled the emptiness; Benjamin had left behind…, for her but especially for Thomas…He always made time for Thomas to play with him, even though he hadn’t any time to spare… She knew that Thomas clung to Sebastien very much. It had worried her at first, she was scared Sebastien might feel oppressed by that, but he didn’t seem to mind at all….

Lisa slowly entered the room and Thomas looked up….”MUM!” He gasped and Lisa noticed he looked shocked… Lisa walked towards him, turned the chair towards her and got through her knees as she looked up at him: “Are you ok?” She asked looking concerned. Thomas nodded vaguely: “yes mummy…I was just asking daddy a question..”he softly said as he looked back at the frame… Lisa looked at the frame and noticed it had a picture inside of the three of them… Lisa smiled and looked at his face: ”What were you asking sweetheart?” she softly asked. Thomas looked back at her: “I asked if daddy wouldn’t be mad that I love Sebastien now “he softly replied. “I still love daddy, mummy…I really do…but I also love Sebastien now…I wish he could be my new daddy , but I’m afraid that daddy will be angry with me for that… he might think that I don’t love him anymore…”He added… Lisa felt her eyes well up and tried hard to push back the tears…she slowly took his little hand in hers and smiled at him:” I know for sure that daddy wouldn’t be mad at you for that Thomas…he loves you and he knows you love him very much…” Lisa told him with a reassuring voice….Thomas looked at her with big eyes:” Do you really think so mummy?: he asked…”I know so!” She smiled….
Thomas sighed and slowly a smile appeared on his face…

”THOMAS!!!”, They heard Carmen’s voice: “WHERE ARE YOU SWEETIE, THE SCHOOLBUS IS HERE DARLING!”

Lisa smiled and lowered her eyes for a moment before she looked back at Thomas. ”Time to go sweetheart, you don’t want to be late…”she smiled tenderly at him… Thomas nodded and gave her a kiss before he got out of the chair and walked passed Lisa..: he stopped at the door for a moment and looked back at Lisa: ”I love you mum…I love you very much!” He said as he smiled at her.. ”Love you too sweetheart…with my whole heart and more…”Lisa smiled back….

After Thomas had left the room, Lisa slowly rose and stared around the room… Everything in the room was the same as when Benjamin was still alive….She touched a pile of papers on the corner of his desk… and closed her eyes for a moment:Those, where the approval rapports for his new boat..., the same boat that had killed him…. she thought

She wrapped her arms around herself as an awkward feeling overwhelmed her all of a sudden…It was almost as if she felt Benjamin’s presence in the room….She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath… “Don’t be silly Lisa...” She whispered to herself…. She turned and slowly lowered herself in his chair… and stared at the photo frame on the desk that Thomas held earlier…

Lisa was holding Thomas on her arm and Benjamin held Lisa and al three of them where laughing at the camera….

A vague smile appeared on her face as she remembered where that picture was taken: It was 2 years ago on Christmas eve, when it suddenly started to snow they had woken up Thomas and went for a walk in Kensington park, together with Carmen who took this picture of them….

…They were so happy back then…: She thought as she exhailed forcefully.

Her eyes glanced around the desk and silently she started to open the desk drawers one by one… When she got at the upper left drawer she frowned as it seemed stuck, she tried to pull it but there was no movement.. She pushed the chair back and leant forward… When she got a closer look she noticed that the drawer was locked… She sat back in the chair for a moment and glanced around the desk again… She then started to open the boxes on the desk to look for the key, but soon discovered that there was no key to be found…

“Lisa?” Lisa jumped up in her seat and grabbed her chest as she noticed Carmen “Oh my god ...You scared me! “Lisa gasped…Carmen smiled:" I’m sorry sweetheart, I noticed the door open … I didn’t expect you here…”She said… Lisa nodded:” I know. I didn’t mean to come here.. But Thomas was…so…” Carmen looked puzzled as she interrupted her:” Lisa, honey… you don’t have to explain to me why you’re here...” Lisa smiled: “I know…”she softly replied… Carmen entered the room: “I know Thomas comes inhere sometimes Lisa…”She started to shake her head.. ”I really don’t know how he gets in …and I really didn’t want to ask him either…Maybe I should have told you Lisa…”She said regretfully.. Lisa lowered her eyes and shook her head: “No Carmen ...it’s ok... he has every right to come in here if he likes…” Her voice faded slowly...

After a moment of silence Carmen said: “I was wondering if I should make Sebastien some breakfast?” Lisa looked up at Carmen and shook her head again...” No that’s ok Carmen…he’s probably still a sleep…”. Lisa lowered her eyebrows “He looks so tired...” she added looking concerned.. Carmen nodded: “I also noticed that..” she replied and paused for a moment before she continued:.. ”Well I’m off t the grocery store then” she smiled, turned and walked towards the door…”Oh Carmen?” Lisa asked. Carmen looked back at her with questioning eyes.. ”You don’t happen to know where the key from this upper drawer is, do you?” and pointed at the desk... Carmen raised her eyebrows and shrugs her shoulders... ”No...I have No idea...” She answered… Lisa smiled at her and shook her head:”Oh well…doesn’t matter really….” She softly said.

As Lisa followed Carmen out of the office and closed the door behind her…she couldn’t help wondering what made Benjamin lock that drawer…

Chapter LVI
“I love you too Carlos…ok, mi amor, I talk to you tonight!” Geraldine closed her eyes and lowered the phone from her ear….She pressed the phone at her chest, raised her eyes and smiled: “YES!!!” she called out…. Gloria walked into the living room and gazed at Geraldine who looked deliriously happy: “well you had some good news! I presume…” she smiled. Geraldine turned and walked towards her with a huge smile on her face, she grabbed Gloria by her hands:” It’s all set Gloria! Carlos just called; Simon is giving the band one week off between the Aussie and the US tour …. We are getting married next month, Oh god can you believe that???” Geraldine sounded exited. ”Ohhh Geraldine!!! That’s wonderful!!!” Gloria blurted out and hugged her… Suddenly Gloria stepped back and looked puzzled at Geraldine…”What?” Geraldine asked a bit confused while she raised her hands...Gloria took a deep breath and started to rattle: “Oh my god, we have so much to do Gerald! And we have so little time!!! The invitations have to get out as soon as possible! We have to call the caterer! Your dress!!! The cake!!! Carlos his suit!!!! And…” “Gloria!”Geraldine shouted at her to get through…. Gloria suddenly stopped talking and gazed at her in total shock…Geraldine stroke her arm, smiled and shook her head:” Calm down!!!…There’s plenty of time …” Gloria shook her head in disbelieve:”I can’t believe you are so relaxed all of a sudden…” she said.. Geraldine sighed:” I’m getting married to the man I love Gloria…” she smiled as she continued: ”I don’t care about my dress or what Carlos will be wearing….”She started to shrug her shoulders ”Hell, he could wear his boxers for all I care, as long as he says: YES…!!!“ Gloria started to laugh and Geraldine grabbed Gloria’s hands again and looked deep into her eyes: “Were finally getting married Gloria!!!….That’s all that matters!!!” She almost whispered. Gloria nodded and smiled back at her…”You’re right Geraldine…” She leant forward and hugged Geraldine again: “Oh god I’m so happy for you both!” she exclaimed….

***
Urs frowned as he lowered the phone from his ear …. He dropped himself on the couch and took a deep breath as he stared into the distance… He had called Angela and told her that they needed to talk… He knew she had the day off tomorrow and asked her to fly to London tonight… Angela sounded upset and insisted that he would tell her over the phone… She figured that he’d probably intended to break up with her, and she’d rather heard it right away …After Urs reassured her that that wasn’t the case, she finally agreed….

The thought of telling her about the baby made him feel extremely nervous…

Suddenly he looked up as there was a knock on his door…He glanced at his watch: 10:00 o clock…”That must be Angelica…”he thought…He rubbed his face and took another deep breath before he rose and walked towards the door…

Urs opened the door and looked at Angelica who seemed a bit uncomfortable as she tried to force a smile on her face…”Hi Angelica…..”He softly said. “Hi” Angelica whispered so softly that it almost couldn’t be heard… He stepped back and gestured to her to come inside… Angelica hesitated for a moment before she walked slowly passed him… Urs softly closed the door and turned towards her…”Would you like some coffee, or something else?” He asked…Angelica turned and shook her head.. ”No Thanks... I’m fine…” she smiled vaguely… Urs stared at her and Angelica noticed…she hurried to lower her eyes… Urs noticed her discomfort and walked towards her as he pointed at the couch: ”sit down…” he smiled…Angelica lowered herself on the couch and started to stare at her hands…Urs sat next to her and grabbed her hand…”How are you feeling?” Angelica looked up …she felt distracted by his hand that held hers and the touch of his skin made her shiver…”I…I’m ok…”She finally stuttered. Urs frowned as he watched how she slowly retrieved her hand …after a moment of silence, Urs noticed that she gazed at a frame on the dresser that held a picture of him and Angela together … finally it occurred to him why she acted so distant…he figured that this apartment, where he lived with Angela must gave her a sense of awkwardness.. He looked back at her and smiled: “Do you want to go anywhere else…we can go for a walk if you like?” Angelica shook her head ...”No…it’s ok Urs…” she smiled…

Urs leant towards her:”I’ve been thinking Angelica about the baby and all…” Angelica looked up into his eyes and waited for him to continue... Urs felt distracted for a moment as he stared into her beautiful eyes…He finally cleared his throat and continued: “I think that you can’t raise a baby in your apartment….”
Angelica raised her eyebrows:” Why not? It’s a three bedroom apartment Urs…It will do… “ Urs shook his head forcefully:” No Angelica! It’s too small and besides, there’s too much traffic... it will wake the baby!”
A smile appeared on Angelica’s face: “Oh Urs…the baby will get use to the sound I’m sure...” She reassured him softly…

Urs paused for a moment as he lowered his eyes: “Angelica …The baby need’s a garden where he or she can play….and a playroom and….” Urs stopped and sighed before he looked back into her eyes:” I’ve spoken to this realtor; her name is Jennifer Carson… She showed me this house ….It’s very spacious… It has a huge garden, and it’s very close to schools and parks….”

Angelica stared at him with her mouth open…” Urs..I can’t let you buy me a house...” she finally gasped….
Urs grabbed her hand again: “Why not Angelica?” he whispered… “ I…I…” Angelica stuttered… Urs squeezed her hand gently: “Angelica it’s the least I can do…I’m not only doing this for you but also for our baby… …I’ve made an appointment on Tuesday ….I don’t want to push you or anything Angelica, but I’m begging you, to take a look …” Angelica looked at his questioning eyes..: “But your leaving for the tour on Monday…” She softly said... Urs nodded:” I know, but I will keep in touch…And if you like it, you just say the word and I’ll handle it from there….It would really give me a piece of mind...Please say yes Angelica?” Urs looked at her intensively and Angelica hesitated for a moment before she smiled vaguely: “Ok…” She softly said…Urs exhaled forcefully:” Thank you…” he said and smiled relieved…

Then they both looked at the door as they heard knocking…Urs looked back at Angelica and noticed she looked uncomfortable again…He gently stroke her hand: “ It’s probably David..” He said as he got up and walked for the door to open it...

Urs opened the door and Carlos rushed in “ I”M GETTING MARRIED my friend!” He blurted out. Urs smiled at him: “So the date is final?” “YES!!!” He almost shouted.” Simon gave us a week off between the Australian and the US tour and its all happening in that week!!!” Carlos looked so exited that it was contagious, Urs patted his shoulder: “WOW, that’s terrific!!!” … Carlos nodded and smiled as he suddenly noticed Angelica sitting on the couch...

His smile disappeared slowly as he raised one eyebrow and looked back at Urs… Urs noticed his surprise and hurried to say: “You remember Angelica, don’t you?” Carlos cleared his throat and smiled vaguely “Sure, sure… Hi Angelica…” he finally said to her… Angelica slowly rose and smiled a bit uncomfortable: “Hi Carlos...” She softly said….Carlos tried hard not to look puzzled:” I’m sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt…..”Urs shook his head: “you’re not Carlos…” “I was just leaving…” Angelica filled in and grabbed her purse. She smiled again and continued: “I see you getting married…Congratulations!”. Carlos nodded politely: “Thank you Angelica… “
Angelica hesitated for a moment: “well. I really should be going…” She finally said as she walked passed Carlos… “Urs grabbed her arm by the door: “I call you tomorrow Angelica…” He softly said. Angelica nodded: “ok…bye…” She softly smiled and Urs smiled back at her…

After she left Urs turned back towards Carlos. …” What are you doing? I thought you and Angelica were history…” Carlos stared at him in disbelieve… Urs rubbed his forehead: “we are…we where…it’s complicated… something unexpectedly happened…” He stuttered…. Carlos frowned:” What???? You ended up in bed together?” Urs shook his head as he frowned back: “No Carlos!!” Carlos raised one eyebrow: “Then what??” He asked as he raised his hands… Urs stared at him for a moment before he lowered his eyes: “Angelica is pregnant, Carlos…” Carlos lowered his eyebrows: “NO! Don’t tell me it’s yours???….It can’t be…” He gasped… Urs tilted his head:” Now why can’t that be Carlos.I did sleep with her in Siena remember?” Carlos started to laugh sarcastically: “Obviously you did…” His laugh faded as he continued:” But how can you be sure that you are the father Urs…She could have slept with the whole Italian soccer team there, as far as you know…” Carlos his voice sounded harsh… “Oh COME ON CARLOS!!!” Urs shouted and looked angry at him. “Angelica doesn’t sleep around. She isn’t that kind of girl…” … Carlos wasn’t impressed by his anger as he shot back at him: ”You hardly know her Urs!!!…How on earth can you be sure that she didn’t just point you out as the father just because you’re in the band???” Urs pointed forcefully at his own chest: “ I know ok Carlos?” He couldn’t believe that Carlos said that and grabbed his head and repeated:” I know…” Carlos lowered his eyes for a moment… he then looked back at Urs who looked defeated and suddenly he felt extremely guilty about falling out to him like that. Carlos started to shake his head:” …”I’m sorry man… “ He sighed deeply and continued:” I shouldn’t have said that. It’s just that I care about you… you’re like a brother to me Urs...” He softly said… …” Urs stared at his face and sighed as well as he calmed down a bit… “Its ok Carlos...” he finally whispered…

He knew that Carlos always had a tendency to blurt things out without thinking... Whenever he did that, his words could smash in like a meteor and crush you… but never intentionally though…Urs and the others knew that his intensions where always good...

After a moment of silence they both had calmed down….Carlos looked at Urs and asked:
“What about Angela? Does she know..?” … Urs shook his head: “No…but I’m telling her tonight…” Carlos rubbed his forehead: “Oh god urs…” He softly said:” I hope you realize what you are getting into…” Urs nodded:” I do…..” He replied…” I can’t hide from this Carlos…I have to face it….” Carlos took a deep breath: “What about the others?” Urs ran his fingers through his hair: “David knows, but I haven’t told Seb yet ...” Carlos kept his eyes on him:” Are you going to leave Angela?” he asked. Urs shook his head:” I really don’t know…I hope not..I love Angela…I do…but…” “You also love Angelica...” Carlos filled him in.

Urs looked up at him and nodded slightly as he lowered his eyes…


Chapter LVII
Lisa pushed the door open and slowly walked into the bedroom…Silently she walked over to the bed but noticed the bed was empty…

Then,Lisa got the fright of her life, when two arms suddenly embraced her from behind….”Shhhh…it’s only me…”Sebastien whispered in her ear as he held her tight…

Lisa sighed relieved, closed her eyes and laid her head back as Sebastien started to kiss her neck…She felt how his hair, that was still wet from the shower, touched the side of her face… Her hand reached backwards for his body, and she felt how he was completely naked…
Then Sebastien turned her suddenly in his arms and kissed her passionately on the lips. Lisa wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back…After a moment, Sebastien slowly lifted her and carried her over to the bed where he laid her gently down and caressed her face as he rested on his arm above her and looked into her eyes… She held her head back and looked at his face: “Aren’t you hungry?” she softly asked as she gently touched his lips. Sebastien nodded his head: “I am hungry… for you …” he added softly...
A smile appeared on Lisa’s face and she started to run her fingers through his wet hair… Sebastien leant over to her and kissed her passionately again as his hands disappeared under her bathrobe….

last night repeated itself right there... as they made love all over again…

***
Karen signed with her eyes over to David: “Watch that dresser David!” She sounded out of breath...
David, who walked backwards, looked back and nodded. Karen used all her strength to hold her end of the television up ….”Oh my god David! I can’t hold it ANYMORE!!!” She exclaimed… David looked at Karen’s red face.. ”Just a few more centimetres Karen hold on!…YOU CAN DO IT!!!…were almost there!!!” he tried to encourage her, but unfortunately the television was already slipping through her hands…

David tried to lean backwards to relieve the weight and to find balance but it was of no avail, in a split second the television smashed on the floor… Karen brought her hand to her mouth and looked shocked at the broken screen from the television on the floor…”Oh no!” Karen started to sob and David hurried over to her ... He took her in his arms and soothed her:”Ssssh…its ok Karen…don’t worry…” Karen looked up at him as tears rolled over her face:”I’m not very good at this David…I really tried...But it slipped. It was too heavy…” she sobbed and David felt sorry for her…he gave her a smile and wiped her tears with his hand...” It’s just a television Karen…Television’s can be replaced...” he tried to sound reassuring but Karen was inconsolable and started to sob again… David pulled her closer and started to kiss her hair…

Suddenly they heard Carlos who managed himself through the boxes at the front door and walked back into the apartment….”So how are you guys doing inhere…? Are you coping without me? “He grinned…: “Oh…I guess not...” Carlos said when he noticed the television on the floor…Finally he looked up and noticed Karen, who was still in tears in David’s arms…Carlos raised his eyebrow:”Everything ok?” he asked David... David nodded and smiled:”Karen couldn’t hold the television any longer. She’s a bit shaken up, that’s all...” David signed at him that she was also very tired. Carlos smiled and stroke Karen’s hair: “Don’t worry carino…its ok…Carlito is here now!” Karen looked up at Carlos and started to laugh through her tears… Carlos gently pinched her cheek...” I think you need a break! Why don’t you get us some coffee from Starbucks and David and I will finish up here….ok?” “I think that’s a marvellous idea!” David smiled and caressed Karen’s face... Karen nodded and smiled thankfully as she wiped her tears…

***
Lisa laid with her head on Sebastien’s chest and played with his chest hair…”At what time is Ingrid coming?” he asked as he caressed her hair… “Around dinnertime…”Lisa softly said…Sebastien held his head further back and tried to look at her face”I was thinking, since the weather cleared up.. Maybe we could have a barbeque in the garden…we could invite the guys over?” Lisa smiled up at him…”That’s a great Idea Seb…I’ll ask Carmen to do the groceries…” she said and tried to sit up but Sebastien held her down...” Sebastien shook his head: “why don’t we do the groceries together? “Sebastien smiled…Lisa raised her eyebrows and looked up at him..:”Are you sure..? “Sebastien nodded: “Yes…it will be fun…Doing groceries can be very sexy….”he smiled and wiggled his eyebrows which made Lisa crack up…..

***
Carlos and David were sweating as they moved the last pieces of furniture…. Karen walked back in and sighed relieved when she noticed everything was standing in its place …”Oh you guys!!!” she called out…David and Carlos turned to her and gave her a conceited smile as they both made a bow towards her… She started to laugh and walked towards to Carlos who she kissed on the cheek…”Thank you Carlos you are my saviour!” she softly said… “Anytime Karen..” he replied and blushed.. “Ahummm…”she heard David clear his throat loudly so she could hear…She turned around and looked at David who tried to look oblivious as he started to whistle a melody… Karen started to laugh and got on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck.. ” You too sweetheart…Thank you!..” she whispered… David enclosed his arms around her..” I love you David..” Carlos felt as if he was invisible when David smiled, leant forward and pressed his lips on karen’s mouth … When the phone started to rang.. Carlos raised his eyebrow as he looked at David and Karen who where still very busy kissing each other... ”Do you want me to get that..?”Carlos asked …There was no answer and Carlos smiled and started to shake his head as he walked over towards the phone and picked it up…. Karen finally released herself from David’s arms and glanced at the starbucks bag... she looked back at him and smiled “Coffee?” she asked.. David nodded as he stroke her face.

As Karen turned David looked back at Carlos who was on the phone…”Hold on Seb…I’ll ask…” Carlos looked at David and smiled: It’s Seb... He’s inviting us to a barbeque at Lisa’s…you feel like it?” David stared at Carlos…And Carlos raised his eyebrow as he noticed David’s shocked face…. when he finally managed to open his mouth, Karen beat him to it and replied…”That would be lovely …Tell him we will be there Carlos!” David looked at Karen who was busy holding the Starbucks cups in her hand… Carlos was back at the phone with seb and he overheard him telling Seb about the wedding…

David sighed relieved as he was certain that Karen missed his dazed look just now…


Chapter LVIV
“ING!!!” Lisa called out as`she came walking out of the Kitchen and smiled at Ingrid who was just hugged by Carmen…She hurried herself down the hall and spread out her arms towards her… Ingrid’s eyes welled up as she noticed Lisa coming her way…
Carmen stepped aside and smiled as they both hugged each other…

Suddenly they all looked up as Thomas came storming out of the Kitchen followed by Sebastien. Thomas giggled as Sebastien finally got a hold of him….”Gotcha!!” He called out and started laughing as well… Suddenly they both noticed that they weren’t alone and they both started to smile and greeted Ingrid…Not long after that: Thomas punched Sebastien playfully and started running towards the stairs…: Sebastien raised his eyebrows and smiled as he bowed slightly while placing his hand on his heart:” Excusez moi, ladies. I have a mission to accomplish I’m afraid...” He then turned and started to run after Thomas who started to giggle again as he raced upstairs… Ingrid started to laugh:”Oh my god Lisa. You have two children now!” Ingrid said as she grabbed her hands, Lisa rolled her eyes and smiled..:”I know!!!”

Carmen smiled at them and leant forward to pick up Ingrid’s bags:” I will take this to the guestroom Ingrid” “Oh no I can do that Carmen!!!” Ingrid hurried to say. Carmen laid her hand on her arm and shook her head..: “No Darling. You go with Lisa to the backyard… you two have a lot to catch up on...” she smiled and walked away.

Ingrid looked back at Lisa’s face and noticed she finally looked at ease since Benjamin passed away…Ingrid squeezed her hands and smiled at her:”You look good….You look so happy Lisa…” Lisa smiled back at her: “I am Ing…I really am…” she softly said as she looked into her eyes… Lisa noticed that even though Ingrid smiled at her, she looked sad underneath…”So how are you?” Lisa asked as she tilted her head and looked intensively at her… Ingrid lowered her eyes and shrugged her shoulders…”I’ve been better Lisa... ”She softly said and tried to smile vaguely as tears filled her eyes…Lisa’s face got worried: “Oh Ing…what’s the matter?”She asked as she wrapped her arm around her shoulder…Ingrid cleared her throat and Lisa noticed she tried hard not to cry…”I’m not going to ruin your evening Lisa…” she softly said and forced a smile on her face…”I’ll be fine…I’m really glad I’m here…” she added and tried to sound excited…Lisa lowered her eyebrows: “I’m always here for you... you know that don’t you? …” She pulled Ingrid closer” I love you as if you were my sister.. ”Ingrid nodded her head:” I know Lisa…. And I love you too….” Ingrid hugged Lisa and Lisa hugged her back…

The doorbell rang and Lisa gave Ingrid a kiss before she opened the door…:”Hey Beautiful!” Carlos smiled at her “Carlos!! It’s so good to see you!” Lisa smiled back and gave him a hug… “David and Karen are on their way Lisa” He said as he entered and handed her a bouquet of flowers… Lisa pressed her nose into the flowers: “Thanks Carlos... They’re lovely!” Carlos smiled: Not as lovely as you are Lisa…”He charmed her. Lisa blushed slightly as she closed the door behind him: “Carlos I‘d like you to meet Ingrid Amberville, my sister in law” she said as she pointed towards Ingrid… Carlos raised his eyebrow and turned to Ingrid: “Very nice to meet you Miss Amberville” he said with his low voice and smiled, as he leant forward and kissed her hand gracefully… Ingrid smiled shy fully: “You can call me Ingrid...” she softly said… Carlos wiggled his eyebrows at her: “Ok Ingrid! And you!!…You can call me Juan.....: Don Juan!” He joked… and Ingrid and Lisa both started to laugh…

Lisa took Carlos towards the backyard and introduced him to Carmen who seemed very impressed by his Latino looks…Lisa noticed and she and Ingrid exchanged meaningful looks as they both smiled at each other and sat down…
Sebastien entered the Garden followed by Thomas who held on to his hand... He smiled as soon as he saw Carlos and gave him a hug and congratulated him with the wedding date.... Then, Sebastien introduced Carlos to Thomas who almost immediately took Carlos his hand and showed him " Harvey", his frog...

Not much later the doorbell rang again and Sebastien looked at Carmen who was about to stand up: “I’ll go Carmen...” he smiled and walked into the house…

Lisa and Ingrid smiled at Carlos who looked a bit desperate as Thomas laid the frog in his hand…”Now, don’t squeeze him Carlos.. I know he looks Fat but he’s very fragile.. Ok?” Thomas looked at him with questioning eyes “Ok!” Carlos nodded and tried hard not to look scared when he noticed Thomas released his hands from the frog …

Meanwhile,Sebastien walked back into the garden: “Look who’s here!!!” Sebastien smiled as he pointed towards David and Karen who walked in behind him…Lisa smiled as soon as she looked up at them.. she immediately rose out of her chair and walked towards Karen with open arms and Hugged her.

“DAVID!!!!” Thomas shouted over from the back of the garden and started to run towards him leaving a desperate Carlos behind…

As soon as Carmen noticed Carlos she hurried over to him and took the frog from his hands: ”I’m so sorry Carlos..” she smiled.. He really adores that frog…” Carlos sighed relieved:” so I’ve noticed.. Thank you Carmen! ” he smiled. Carmen noticed he looked at his hands and leant towards him: “You can wash your hands in the kitchen..: She whispered…Carlos nodded and smiled again “Good idea!” he said and walked away.. Carmen sighed as she stared at him: “Oh dios…”She said to herself...” what a gorgeous man…”Suddenly she noticed she still had Harvey in her hands: “Now it’s time for you to grow up and become a prince for Carmen, you hear? “She said to Harvey who gazed patiently at her with his bold eyes…Carmen realized she wasn’t going to get a response from a frog and shook her head as she put him down…

Lisa had introduced Karen to Ingrid and the two of them where chatting as if they knew each other for ages…Lisa smiled at them and turned to Sebastien who was standing behind the barbeque together with Carlos wearing a cooking skirt.. He explained Carlos how to fire a barbeque: “Seb it’s electric!” Lisa overheard Carlos say.. Sebastien looked dead serious and pointed at Carlos with a spoon: “Carlito my friend…It may seem easy but it’s not!!! ...I was taught by the famous French barbeque cuisine back in Paris… So I’m specialised in this, Trust me!!!… Just stand back: watch and learn!!!” Carlos raised one eyebrow and watched intensively how Sebastien leant forward and looked very concentrated… He looked swiftly at Carlos: “are you ready...?” He asked and looked at him as he was expecting a drum-roll…
Carlos nodded and also leant forward and watched as Sebastien slowly reached out his hand and turned the switch on: Carlos stared at him in disbelieve and Sebastien cracked up…

Lisa shook her head and started to laugh as well…”Sebastien and its humor…" she thought…
He was the one who laughed the loudest at his own jokes…she loved that about him…

She looked back and noticed that Thomas was still babbling on to David who seemed very happy to see him again…David was smiling at Thomas and listened patiently to him as he sat through his knees…
Lisa stared at them and smiled…
It had been awhile since she saw David, He looked good and well rested… She noticed that she was very pleased to see him again…

Lisa walked over to them:”If you let him he will claim you all night..:”She smiled at David as she strokes Thomas his hair... David looked up at her and she noticed he looked a bit nerveous..He rapidly stood up and stared at her… “Hi David..”She finally said…David took a deep breath and smiled at her: “Hey Lisa…How are you?” he stuttered slightly… Lisa smiled back at him and said: " I'm good..." They stared briefly at each other before Lisa got through her knees and smiled at Thomas as she caressed his face:”Seb is waiting for you sweetie, you told him you would help him remember?” Thomas nodded and smiled at David: “Don’t go away yet, ok David?…I have to cook now…but I’ll be back later ok?” David gave him a huge smile and strokes his hair: “Ok buddy…I'll be right here!”he said and watched as Thomas ran off towards Sebastien…

Lisa got up and smiled again at David: ”I’m sorry David.. He really adores you…”Lisa excused her son for claiming him…David shook his head: “I don’t mind Lisa…He’s a wonderful boy…”Lisa smiled at him and nodded: “yes. He is wonderful…” she softly said as she lowered her eyes, David stared silently at her face for a moment before Carlos patted him on the shoulder:” Davy my man! “He smiled. “Did you tell Lisa about our moving skills?’ Lisa looked up and smiled a bit puzzled “Moving skills???” She asked with questioning eyes. David lowered his eyes and smiled vaguely as he seemed a bit off balance. “Yes” Carlos smiled at her “Karen moved in with Davy here today…” and patted his shoulder… Lisa looked surprised at David: “Oh wow that’s great….Congratulations David!” David nodded silently and Lisa smiled “I’m sure you will be very happy together David…”She added. David nodded “Thank you Lisa...” he softly said and smiled vaguely at her… Lisa ignored the stitch that she felt through her stomach and smiled at them both:" Well, I'd better go and give Carmen a hand..." she excused herself...David nodded and Carlos noticed how he watched her intensively as she walked into the house...

***
It was already sunset when Sebastien finally took of his cooking skirt and poured himself a glass of wine and joined in at the large table as he sat next to Lisa… Carmen brought Thomas to bed, who struggled at first. After David had promised him that he would pick him up to play sometime, he finally agreed to go upstairs…

The candles in the garden where flickering in the evening breeze and soft music was playing in the background..…The temperature was pleasant and everybody was having a great time…

Ingrid blushed while listening to Carlos who was charming her with his jokes…
And Karen told Lisa all about her accident with the television this afternoon… “It just slipped right through my hands “Karen said to Lisa whose mouth dropped: “Oh my god, Karen…”she gasped.” Exactly! That’s what I said!!!” Karen replied…

David glanced at Sebastien and they both smiled looking at their women as they overheard them talking…
“So I called Urs but he couldn’t make it tonight...” Sebastien changed the subject. “Yeah I know.. Angela is flying in tonight…”David replied… Sebastien lowered his eyebrows:” I thought she went on tour with the orchestra?” he said… David nodded:”She is... But he asked her to fly in, since we are leaving on Monday and he wanted to tell her before we leave…..” “Tell her what?” Sebastien asked confused.. David noticed that he didn’t know and started to tell him everything about Angelica and their baby… After David was finished Sebastien stared at him in disbelieve: “Mon Dieu…!”He softly said…David rolled his eyes: “I know…can you believe that?” Sebastien shook his head and David noticed he looked very distracted all of a sudden…

David leant over to him..”Seb? Are you ok…? “ Seb gazed up at him and finally he started to nod his head slightly.. ”Yeah ..yeah…I’m ok…” he tried to force a smile onto his face but David knew something was bothering him tremendously….


Chapter LXI
Urs felt restless…he tried to watch a program about motorbikes, but his mind kept wondering off… He glanced at his watch and sighed as he stroked his hair back…. Suddenly he heard a key turn in the front door lock and he jumped up … The door slowly opened and Angela walked in silently and closed the door behind her… Angela turned and gazed at him without saying a word..: she looked tired and Urs noticed she had been crying…. Urs hesitated for a moment before he walked over to her, pulled her close and hugged her: ”Hey sweetheart ..” he whispered…Angela closed her eyes as soon as she felt his body pressed to hers….Urs stepped back and enclosed her face between his hands and looked into her eyes: ”I missed you…”he softly said… Angela lowered her eyes, to prevent her from getting lost in his eyes …

Urs always, had a certain way of looking at her…It always made her weak and he was very aware of that…He would always do this when she was angry at him or after they had a fight, he forced her to look at him and then he would just stare silently into her eyes…Normally it wouldn’t take longer than a few seconds before she totally surrendered to him…

Angela tried to step away from him, but Urs wouldn’t let her…:
”Urs..let me go!” Angela demanded…

Urs closed his eyes and lowered his head as he released his hands from her… Angela sighed and walked over to the window…. “So, how long are you going to keep this up Urs..?” Urs turned and looked at her with questioning eyes “Keep what up?” he asked… “THIS!!” Angela shouted as she turned and stared at him in disbelieve “This façade…YOU!!! ….Acting like everything’s ok, when its not!!!” Urs noticed she was trembling and he lowered his eyes in silence…

Angela closed her eyes for a moment before she continued in a calm voice:”Do you really think that I don’t know that something is terribly wrong with us Urs ?...”Urs looked back at her and he noticed her eyes were welling up…:” I’ve watched you Urs and I know that you’re mind is somewhere else … The past few months when we were together it was like you were not even here… “ Urs lowered his eyebrows and rubbed his forehead….”Angela….I love you..” he started to stutter….” Angela started to shake her head: “Please don’t do this….” She begged him…

Urs nodded his head slightly: he couldn’t take her agony any longer and knew he had to come out and tell her…

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a second …”Angela…”he softly said.. ”You’re right…something is going on…”he finally said..

Angela looked up and gazed at him in silence…

Urs tried hard to avoid her look as he continued…” I know I’ve been acting out lately….But before I tell you the reason why…I need you to understand that I truly, deeply love you Angela…” Angela nodded her head “ok…” she whispered nervously… Urs stared at her for a moment before he finally found the courage to speak out: “The other day when I got a call and I told you it was my sister?...I lied, It wasn’t my sister…It was Angelica….”

Angela felt as if her heart stopped beating…:”Are…you seeing her again..?” she gasped.. Urs shook his head forcefully: “No! No.It’s nothing like that Angela!” He rushed to say. He paused for a moment and watched how Angela’s body was shaking…: “The reason she called, was to tell me that she’s….”

He suddenly felt as if he was choking and he gasped for breath…Angela begged him with her eyes to go on…:
“She’s…pregnant Angela…”He finally said with a smothered voice…

Urs grabbed his head in despair with both hands as he watched how Angela fell through her knees and covered her face as she broke down in tears….

***
Everybody was closely listening to Carlos as he was telling a story about an incident with a certain fan during a beneficial live performance, last year in London:

A female fan was pointing at him the whole time during their performance of: “Feelings” and Carlos smiled while singing and started to point back at her… He noticed that the Fan started to shake her head and started to point at her pants. Carlos smiled again and held up his thumb: letting her know that he really liked her trousers…Carlos moved over the stage and the fan followed him in front of the stage as she waved at him to get his attention. When Carlos looked at her again he noticed she was signing with her hands, and Carlos thought she really liked him so he signed back and smiled again at her… The fan started to shake her head forcefully and Carlos imitated the shaking with his head as he serenaded her … Then more fans gathered in front of him and they all started to point at him. Carlos was really having a blast and pointed back at all of them ,feeling very proud that he had so many admirers during that show, all the more because Urs was normally the favourite...

“Any way!” Carlos tried hard to hold his laughter as he continued..: “When the song was over and we got backstage, David pointed down at me, asking me if:the fifth member did enjoy the show… Finally I looked down: and stared at my open zipper!!! “

Everybody cracked up!!! Sebastien was leaning over Lisa as a tear rolled down his face from laughter…Carmen was waving with her hands: begging Carlos to stop talking as she almost peed in her pants… And Karen grabbed David as she almost fell off her chair laughing…

It al took them quite some time to recover, and when they finally did: Lisa glanced at her watch and smiled. She got up and tapped her wineglass with a spoon: “Everybody?! May I have your attention please??? “It got silent and everybody looked at Lisa who was smiling. She bowed slightly:”thank you...” she softly said and everybody smiled at her...

Lisa smiled again and glanced around the table: ”As some of you may know …I have a very special person in my life…" her voice sounded fragile.."A person who always stood by me, no matter what… A person I can always count on to be there if I need her…”Lisa’s smile got tender as she turned to Carmen whose eyes welled up as she stared lovingly at Lisa…”My dearest Carmen…”

Lisa took a short moment before she continued:” …I never thanked you properly for all the things you’ve done for me…You’ve helped me and Thomas through our darkest hours…When I couldn’t see straight anymore, you were there to guide me…When I fall apart you are always there to pick me up…You’ve been more than a mother to me Carmen, and to Thomas…” Lisa paused for a moment and watched how Carmen struggled to hold back her tears… Sebastien noticed and grabbed Carmen’s hand over the table for support. Lisa lowered her eyes for a second and then looked back at Carmen as her voice started to tremble: “Everybody chooses their own life…But you Carmen, You choose us above a life of your own…and I could never put into words how great full I am for that…” Karen and Ingrid wiped the tears from their faces and Lisa tried hard to push back her own . She cleared her throat as she glanced at her watch again and smiled as she looked back at Carmen:” It’s midnight Carmen…”she whispered, and walked slowly towards her… Carmen Rose and looked at Lisa who grabbed her hands and smiled tenderly at her: “Happy birthday …” She softly said…

Everybody’s mouth dropped for a moment, even Sebastien’s, as they all were totally surprised, hearing that it was Carmen’s birthday…. Lisa hugged Carmen who hugged her back as she started to sob..
Meanwhile the others started to cheer loudly as they raised from their chairs …After Lisa let Carmen go... Carmen stroked Lisa’s face and thanked her:”That was so beautiful darling…I love you so…” Lisa smiled and kissed her again…”I love you too Carmen….”She softly said….
Sebastien moved in front of Lisa and grabbed Carmen “Bon anniversere, Carmen!!” He smiled and hugged her as he kissed her cheek…The others gathered around and also congratulated Carmen…

Meanwhile Carlos grabbed a bottle of champagne, opened it and handed everyone a glass…when he poured everyone’s glasses he raised his own and shouted: “A toast!!! To my fellow Spaniard: the lovely and charming CARMEN!!!!” He pointed at Carmen with his glass, bowed gracefully and blew her a kiss…Carmen blushed and a huge smile appeared onto her face as everyone started to sing “Happy birthday…”

When they where finished with the song, Carmen looked absolutely flushed and thanked everyone Sebastien turned to her and took her hand…: “I’m so sorry Carmen…”he smiled “I had no idea it was your birthday…”Carmen smiled and stroke his face..: Don’t worry Sebastien..I never celebrate my birthday… and Lisa knows that but she tricked me…”she winked and Sebastien laughed as he hugged her again.

Carlos came over and he wiggled his eyebrows at carmen: “There’s our birthday girl….”he smiled and Carmen blushed again…
Sebastien thought for a moment and turned to Carlos…”Carlito! Since we didn’t buy Carmen a birthday present maybe we could …?” Sebastien didn’t finish his sentence and Carmen noticed he signed to Carlos who nodded back at him…
She looked back at Sebastien with questioning eyes.. Carlos and Sebastien smiled secretly at each other … Sebastien kissed Carmen on the cheek and told her that he would be right back…Carmen watched as he walked over to Lisa, whispered something in her ear and walked into the house and came back with his guitar… Carlos took Carmen’s hand and sat her down..: “Wait here!”he whispered to her and walked over to David…
Karen and Ingrid smiled at Carmen and Carmen started to look puzzled as she tried desperately to figure out what was going on..
After a moment Carlos, Sebastien and David gathered in front of Carmen and smiled at her… Sebastien winked at Lisa who walked over to Carmen and got through her knees at her side Carmen smiled tenderly at her and stroked her hair , Lisa smiled back and took her hand in hers…Sebastien put one leg up a chair and rested his guitar on his knee.. ”Dear Carmen…”David said as his smile got bigger:” Normally we do this with the four of us... but since one of us couldn’t be here tonight : we truly hope that three will do it for you…”

Lisa glanced at Carmen who blushed as she put her hand in front of her mouth in astonishment… David reached over and kissed Carmen’s hand gracefully:” This song is from Lisa to you Carmen…happy birthday…” he smiled… Carmen stared at Lisa: “Oh Lisa… Thank you sweetheart…”she gasped. Lisa noticed her eyes welled up and she leant over and gently kissed her cheek as Sebastien started to play his guitar ….Ingrid and Karen started to cheer but stopped as soon as they noticed Sebastien opened his mouth and started to sing the first lyrics from: Por Ti Sere’



Cuando me vi
Desnudo y sin aliento
Arando un mar
Desierto y sin amor
Cuando pensé
Que mi alma había muerto
Llegaste tu
Como la luz del sol
(David)
Por ti seré
Más fuerte que el destino
Por ti seré
Tu héroe ante el dolor
Yo sin ti estaba tan perdido
Por ti seré mejor de lo que soy
(Carlos)
Por ti seré
Mas fuerte que el destino
Por ti seré
Tu héroe ante el dolor
Yo sin ti estaba tan perdido
Por ti seré mejor de lo que soy

(Carlos,David and Sebastien tohether)
Por ti seré
Mas fuerte que el destino
Por ti seré
Un héroe ante el dolor
Yo sin ti estaba tan perdido
Por ti seré mejor de lo que soy

Por ti seré
Por ti seré
Un héroe ante el dolor
(David)
Yo sin ti estaba tan perdido
(Carlos)
Por ti seré mejor de lo que soy
(Sebastien)
Por ti seré mejor de lo que soy


After Sebastien’s voice faded out Karen and Ingrid started to applaud very loudly as they tried hard to hold their tears… Carmen who was in tears and speechless hugged Lisa and Lisa hugged her back…Right after that Carmen stood up and hugged Sebastien “Oh thank you so much!!!” she sobbed: “It was our pleasure Carmen” Sebastien smiled.. Carmen hugged David and Carlos as well and she kept telling them how beautiful the song was…
Karen and Ingrid walked over to Carmen and did their best to calm Carmen down….

Meanwhile, Sebastien stared at Lisa, who just wiped her tears with her sleeve…He lowered his Guitar on the floor and slowly walked over to Lisa.
Lisa looked up at him and smiled as she started to caress his face:”thank you …that’s was so beautiful…” she glanced at carmen.. ”Look how happy she is... You’ve made her evening…and mine...” She added…”This was the first time I heard you guys sing together live. And I think you’re awesome!” she smiled… Sebastien enclosed her in his arms, pulled her closer and looked deep into her eyes…”You are awesome…” he whispered as he kissed her forehead before he looked back into her eyes:” When you spoke those words too Carmen tonight, you looked so vulnerable…I guess I never realized what you and Thomas really went through until tonight….”He softly said…Lisa lowered her eyes and smiled … she slowly looked back into his eyes and touched his lips…: ”we are fine now…thanks to you Seb…” she softly said…Sebastien’s eyes started to well up as he stared at her beautiful face…”God, how I love you…Lisa” he gasped… Lisa touched his face and closed her eyes as she leant over and pressed her lips against his and kissed him passionately….Sebastien lifted her slightly and kissed her back as he pressed his body against hers…

Ingrid smiled at Karen and pointed towards Lisa and Sebastien , Karen turned her head and smiled as well as she watched them …She turned her head to the other side and looked over at David who was standing alone in a dark segment of the garden..

Karen narrowed her eyes to look closer and then:… her smile slowly disappeared as she noticed how crushed he looked while he was staring with tears in his eyes at Lisa and Sebastien who where still kissing each other passionately……

Chapter LXII
“I’m sorry Angela….”Urs’s voice sounded remorseful…”I’m so sorry…” Angela was still crouching on the floor with her hands before her eyes and the sound of her sobbing was absolutely heartbreaking… Watching her break like that, made Urs feel totally powerless… He forcefully closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to push back his tears…After he took a deep breath he opened them again and walked over to Angela...He got through his knees and gently started to caress her hair …”I’m sorry…I’m so sorry... ”He kept repeating himself….

After a moment Angela slowly got up and walked away from him…”Angela: please! Say something…”Urs begged as he rose from his knees…
Angela slowly turned around and stared at his face…:

He looked crushed and Angela saw the misery in his eyes…

She lowered her eyes for a moment as she tried to breathe…”There’s nothing more to say…”She softly said as she looked back at him…Urs started to shake his head: “Don’t say that Angela…We can get through this… “Angela looked at him with questioning eyes…”How Urs???” She gasped as she raised her hands “You’re becoming a father to a child that isn’t ours…”Urs grabbed his forehead:”...I...I...” He started to stutter but stopped as he heard how Angela started to sob again…

Urs walked over to her and tried to hold her but Angela slammed his arms away
“Get away from me!!!” she cried. Urs stepped back and looked at her in total agony: “Angela I love you!!! “He pleaded...

Angela wiped her face slowly as she looked into his eyes: “When you told me you had an affair, I felt as if my world stopped turning… But when you begged me to come back? I tried to forgive you…It was so hard Urs! But I did…I came back…I forgave you! I loved you!!!” She exclaimed…

” At least I thought I did …” she added softly as she lowered her eyes. She slowly looked back at him:

“Remember how You always told me that you would slay dragons for me if you had too?…”Urs nodded silently as tears filled his eyes…: “…I always believed you…”she softly said and lowered her eyes..

Urs noticed how her voice trembled as she continued:

” But now I realize that those words were meaningless…”Angela looked back at him: ..And that hurts!!!….”She exclaimed….

Urs bitted his lip as a tear rolled down his face, he stared at his hands for a moment before her looked at her with hurt in his eyes:” I still would slay dragons for you Angela….If you just let me…” He softly added with a smothered voice….Angela gazed at him for a moment; she then looked away for a second and wiped another tear from her eyes… After a moment of silence she looked back at him and continued in a calm voice:

” You’re having a baby with the woman you had an affair with… And I….”She started to sob again:” …I hate you for that….”Urs reached for his head: ”No…Angela...Please…: “I hate you for betraying us!” She interrupted him:” …for destroying the future I saw for us…. I always thought that our love would be unbreakable….But you broke it when you let her into a world that should have been ours!!!”

Urs stepped forward and desperately tried to hold her, but Angela stepped back and shook her head forcefully as she looked away…: “No Urs…I can’t do this anymore…”

She looked back into in his eyes as she continued with a smothered voice:
” This is where we end…I’m…I’m leaving you…”

Urs shook his head forcefully and felt how tears started to fall from his eyes as he watched defeated how Angela picked up her bag and walked towards the door…”…Angela don’t go!!! I will do anything you ask me too…I’m begging you…Please don’t leave us….”he cried.. Angela looked back and although it broke her heart as she watched Urs cry..she sounded dead calm as she looked into his eyes:….

” There is no “us” anymore Urs…you’re the one that left “us” before I did….” She whispered and walked out of the door...

When it closed behind her she heard Urs cry out a forceful: “Nooooo” followed by a loud noise that sounded like something was smashed against the wall…

***
Carmen helped Thomas with his coat and strokes his hair: “Bye sweetie, have a nice day at school!” she said and leant over to kiss Thomas his forehead. ”Bye Carmen!” he said and walked out of the door towards the school bus… “Oh, and Thomas? “She called after him:” Eat you’re lunch, don’t trade it for sweets you hear?!” Thomas looked back and grinned while nodding as he waved to her… Carmen sighed and smiled and waved back until the school bus was out of sight. She closed the door when the phone started to ring. Carmen reached over and answered it:” Amberville residence, this is Carmen speaking…” Carmen frowned as she heard nothing: “Hello is somebody there?” She asked as she looked up and listen more carefully….Suddenly she heard a woman’s voice:” I need to talk to Sebastien!” the woman’s voice said. Carmen noticed the woman had a strong French accent...” I’m sorry but Sebastien is still asleep. Can I take a message?” , “Eh..No…no…”she stuttered ... “Are you related to Sebastien?” Carmen asked as she started to get suspicious…” suddenly the call got disconnected and Carmen frowned as she stared at the phone in her hand…

***
Laurent and Nollane where just finished with the rehearsals for their new show. They where chatting with the cast backstage when suddenly Nollane looked up and noticed Danique standing there in the distance staring at Laurent who obviously hadn’t noticed her yet…Nollane excused himself to his colleagues and walked over to Laurent He grabbed Laurent’s arm and pointed silently towards Danique…. Laurent lowered his eyebrows and walked silently towards her…:” Hey Danique, what brings you here?..” he asked and looked suspicious at her…

Danique lowered her eyes as she seemed a bit uneasy…”I need to talk to you…”She softly said as she looked back at him…Laurent shrugged his shoulders: “Why do you need to talk to me? “He asked surprisingly .Danique’s eyes darted back and forth: “Can we go somewhere more private Laurent?” Laurent looked back and noticed Nollane stared at him with questioning eyes…He sighed and turned back towards Danique…”Look Danique…if this is about Sebastien and the picture in the paper of the two of you…” Danique shook her head…”No it’s not about the picture…”She interrupted him… Laurent frowned: “Then what? “ He watched as Danique hesitated: “I need you to get in touch with Sebastien Laurent…I really need to speak with him….It’s really important..” She added… Laurent shook his head :”You know I can’t do that Danique, and I won’t…I thought he made it perfectly clear to you that sleeping with you was a big mistake and that he’s absolutely not interested in you anymore….” Danique shook her head as she was getting quite desperate: “I’m pregnant Laurent!!!” She blurted out loudly enough for everyone to hear…

Nollane dropped his coffee and Laurent’s mouth dropped…
A deadly silence followed and everybody stared towards them…

Laurent’s face got angry and he grabbed her arm and dragged her towards another room…he slammed the door behind her as they both got in and turned rapidly towards her while he looked furious: “I can’t believe you would sink this low Danique!!! Did you really think you could pull this off???” Laurent shook his head in disbelieve… Danique grabbed his arm: “Laurent. Please it’s true…” Abruptly, he released his arm from her grip: “SHUT UP!” he yelled at her. Danique stepped back and looked at him in terror… “I’m not going to let you do this to him …YOU HEAR!!! “He shouted”…He’s gone through enough because of you, He loves LISA! NOT YOU!!! ” He pointed forcefully at her and Danique started to sob….Laurent paused for a moment, he turned his back towards her and tried hard to calm himself down but he was raged with anger… He raised his eyes and smiled sarcastically:” You should have seen him Danique after you tricked him into your bed…” he turned back towards her and added:” I’ve never seen a grown man more remorseful …”

Danique started to shake her head:” It wasn’t anything like that Laurent…”She cried….

Laurent’s eyes where shooting fire as he stepped towards her again:” How on earth can you say that??? “He stepped closer to her and went on:”Nollane told you not to go after him, but you didn’t listen, did you???… He was very vulnerable at that moment and YOU knew that!!!! You saw him falling apart after the phone call and you couldn’t wait to take advantage of that!!!” He clenched his fists and whispered through his teeth: “and I Danique? …I hate you for that…”
Danique looked anxious at his eyes and she knew he meant every word…” Because of you he betrayed the woman he loves more than life itself… You broke him Danique, The next morning he was standing at my door…And as he told me what had happened…I could only I watch how my best friend fell in to pieces right there …And he’s still picking them up as we speak…” Danique was shaking all over her body and tried to avoid his penetrating eyes…Laurent terrified her... She had never seen him this angry… “w…what should I do then???” She stuttered.. Laurent raised his chin and said with a deadly calm voice: “I suggest you get an abortion…”Danique screamed “NOooo!” Laurent stared at her: He was shocked himself that he even mentioned that. Especially since he was strongly against abortion...

He bitted his lip as he was sorry, but he couldn’t get those words out of his mouth…Instead he turned and walked for the door….Danique raised her hands in total despair “Laurent don’t leave. I’m begging you….you have to help me!!!” She cried out…
Laurent turned slowly and looked at her dead calm without any emotion in his face: ” Stay away from Sebastien and from Lisa…..If you ever mention anything to the press or to anyone else that matters… I swear Danique..I will do anything in my power to expose you for filthy liar that you’ve become…”

Danique gasped at him as he left the room. As soon as the door closed behind him, she dropped on her knees and broke down…


Chapter LXIII
Urs opened his eyes, slowly rose and sat on the side of his bed… He glanced around the room which was a complete chaos …
Everything in the room was broken and torn off the walls… Suddenly it all came back to him:

”This is where we end…I’m leaving you Urs…..I’m leaving you...I’m leaving you…” Angela’s words echoed in his head.

He closed his eyes and grabbed his head as he tried hard to hold back the tears …
After a moment he sighed deeply and glanced at the time: 10:00 am. They had to leave for Australia today and he didn’t even pack yet… He turned his head as he heard a knock on his door, he rose from his bed and walked towards his front door and opened it slowly and stared at Carlos who looked extremely worried by the look on his face.

“Is Angela with you?” Carlos asked softly as he looked carefully at him…Urs lowered his eyes and strokes his hair back as he shook his head slightly…He then turned and walked back in and Carlos followed him inside. “Oh Dios” Carlos gasped as he noticed the ravage….” I guess it didn’t go so well huh?” Carlos asked as he turned at Urs who looked completely lost… Urs slowly looked up and stared at his face: “She left me Carlos…it’s…it’s over…” he stuttered. Carlos shook his head: “God Urs…I don’t know what to say….I’m so sorry...”Urs nodded as he started to stare at his hands and Carlos noticed his agony…” …I know you don’t believe this right now…but you’ll be okay….you will Urs….” He softly said. Urs‘s eyes welled up by Carlos his words… He slowly looked up at him and after a short moment he whispered with a smothered voice: “I want her back…”Carlos heard the desperation in his voice and silently walked over to him. He wrapped his arm around his shoulder and said: “I know Urs…I know …”

***
David walked from the kitchen into the living room holding two cups of coffee in his hand…He smiled at Karen who was sitting in her bathrobe at the dining table with her legs curled up…

She smiled vaguely at him as she took the cup that he handed to her…”Thanks” she softly said as she lowered her eyes. He sat down and stared at her as she started to stir her coffee…

He noticed she had been awfully quiet from the moment they came home last night, he thought it was because he had to leave for the tour this evening…

He slowly leaned over to her and reached for her face as he searched her eyes …”Hey…”he softly said…” look at me Karen….”Karen slowly looked up at him…”
“I will be back before you know it…”He said reassuring and smiled at her. “I know..” Karen nodded vaguely as she lowered her eyes again... After a moment of silence he noticed that Karen’s eyes where welling up…. “Karen? Honey…what’s the matter….?” He asked worried as he grabbed her hand. Karen glanced at him and almost immediately pulled her hand back and silently rose from the table… David lowered his eyebrows as he felt a bit puzzled. He turned in his chair and watched her as she walked towards the bedroom…David sighed and after a moment he followed her…

He stopped in the doorway and noticed she was staring outside through the bedroom window. “Karen?” he looked at her with questioning eyes.. He heard Karen take a deep breath and watched her turn to him as she stared into his eyes... ”I’d like to know where I stand David...” She finally said…David shook his head in disbelieve:”Where you stand? What do you mean Karen?” Karen looked away for a moment shook her head and took a deep breath : “Never mind…” she softly said… David lowered his eyebrows again and walked over to her: “No Karen tell me…What you mean??? …”Karen looked back at him and stared into his eyes for a moment…finally she smiled vaguely and avoided his look: “It’s…its nothing…”She stuttered…”I’m just having one of those day’s I guess…one of those day’s when I feel insecure about everything …”

David looked worried as he slowly enclosed her face between his hands and forced her to look at him “Is it me?...do I make you feel insecure…?” he stared at her with questioning eyes...
Karen slowly shook her head “..No…no….” She lied. A vague smile appeared on her face as she was captured by his gorgeous eyes.. ”I…I Love you so much David...” She softly said. David strokes her face and smiled relieved at her as he lowered his hands to her waist and pulled her closer…” I love you too Karen …I really do...” He whispered as he leant over and tenderly started to kiss her lips…

***
Carmen was pouring in coffee when she noticed Ingrid who came walking in. “Good morning Carmen” Ingrid smiled “Good morning Dear, did you sleep well?” she asked and Ingrid noticed she sounded very cheerful. “Yes I did...” Ingrid said as she walked towards the table and sat down “You are cheery this morning…” Ingrid smiled. Carmen looked at her with questioning eyes:”Am I?” She asked... Ingrid grinned... ”Yes…And I think I know the reason why that is…I saw you flirting with a certain Spanish guy last night” Carmen noticed that Ingrid was looking suspiciously at her...Carmen raised her chin as she walked back to the sink “You mean Carlos???” She tried to sound light... “Yes I mean Carlos” Ingrid grinned and noticed Carmen started to blush... “ Oh don’t be silly…He’s old enough to be my son….”She smiled a bit nervous as she walked back and handed Ingrid a cup of coffee…”Oh Come on Carmen!!!” Ingrid blurted out. Carmen started to smirk…”Ah well…he is quite cute I guess..” Ingrid nodded forcefully: “Oh yes!! He is!!!” and they both started to laugh.

They both looked up as they noticed Sebastien who smiled as he walked in:”Bonjour ladies!”.

” Good morning Seb” Ingrid smiled. “Morning Sebastien"Carmen smiled as well…"Is Lisa awake yet..? “she asked… Sebastien shook his head... ”No she’s still a sleeping beauty…”He smiled and walked over to the sink and poured in some coffee …

“So what were you girls grinning about?” He asked as he slightly looked back at them “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”Carmen answered as she looked at Ingrid who started to grin again…”Sebastien turned, lowered his eyebrows and smiled suspicious as he noticed them exchange looks before he sat down and started to zip his coffee…

“ Oh before I forget; A lady called for you earlier Sebastien…”Carmen said… suddenly Sebastien looked up at Carmen and frowned :”Who was it?” He asked a bit puzzled... Carmen shrugged her shoulders “I have no idea; she didn’t say…I noticed she had a French accent though…” Carmen added. Sebastien swiftly lowered his eyes and Carmen noticed he looked a bit pale… Ingrid who also noticed Sebastien’s discomfort swiftly exchanged looks with Carmen. Carmen leant forward and touched Sebastien’s hand: “Sebastien? Are you ok..?” she asked. Sebastien slowly looked up at her and tried to smile:”Yes...Yes I’m fine...” He said but noticed he sounded a bit nervous…

“So you guys are heading for “down under” today huh?” Ingrid smiled as she tried to change to subject… Sebastien nodded as he enclosed his cup between his hands:”Yes…Were leaving tonight…”He smiled…

Carmen raised herself from the table: “Well …I’m off to the grocery store…” Ingrid and Sebastien nodded and smiled at her…Carmen stopped at the door and looked back at Sebastien:” I’ve put your clothes in the dressing room dear; everything is ironed and clean… “
Sebastien smiled at her:”Thanks Carmen …you spoil me!” Carmen smiled back at him:”After last night, I can’t spoil you enough Seb.” She winked at him and left the kitchen…

”She does that you know…She loves to spoil the people around her...” Ingrid smiled at Sebastien Sebastien nodded”So I’ve noticed…she’s so caring...” he smiled. “Yes. She certainly is ...”Ingrid agreed.

“So are you exited with the upcoming tour…?” Sebastien sighed and nodded his head: “Yeah I guess …but …I really don’t want to leave Lisa to be honest…” Ingrid noticed his disappointment “I understand that…” She said…” Maybe she could fly in sometimes...” she tried to sound optimistic… Sebastien shrugged his shoulders…” I don’t know. She’s almost fully booked for the next few months…She promised me that she’ll try though…..God I hope she will...” He added softly… Ingrid sighed and smiled “I’m sure she will do her best…She adores you Sebastien….I haven’t seen that from her for a long time.. You make her very happy …” Sebastien looked at her: “You really think so Ing?” Ingrid noticed he sounded a bit uncertain... “Yes..I do…” She smiled reassuring…Sebastien noticed that her smile disappeared slowly as she continued: “You have to promise me one thing though….” Sebastien nodded as he looked at her with questioning eyes...” Don’t hurt her Seb… She’s been hurt too many times...” She added softly as she lowered her eyes… Sebastien felt a stitch through his stomach which he tried to discard…There was a silence that fell between them and Ingrid knew why that was… She slowly looked up at Sebastien and noticed he was staring into nothing…Slowly Sebastien looked back at Ingrid:” I love her Ing…I love her so much…” He softly said.

Ingrid lowered her eyes “Everybody does Sebastien… Everybody does” She repeated.
Sebastien frowned slightly by her words as he swore he noticed a bit of sarcasm in her tone…


Chapter LXIV
Karen was holding David’s hand as he was checking in at the British Airways counter at London Heathrow: “Here you go sir. I hope you have a very nice flight” the hostess flirted with him as she handed him his boarding pass… “Thank you..” David winked at her and Karen noticed the hostess started to blush which made her feel slightly jealous… David seemed totally unaware of the situation and picked up his bag and threw it sideways over his shoulder before he wrapped his arm around Karen’s shoulder and kissed her hair… David pulled her closer as they slowly walked away to join the others at the security check. Karen glanced back at the hostess and noticed the vicious look that she got from her, Karen tried to ignore it but deep down inside she couldn’t help feeling a little amused by that…

***
“Bye Lisa ...”Urs said as he hugged her briefly.. “Bye Urs ..”She smiled and turned towards Sebastien who was sitting through his knees and almost seemed in tears as he held Thomas close who was sobbing on his shoulder: “Don’t go Seb..,. Please don’t go …” Thomas cried… Sebastien looked at Lisa who also had tears in her eyes as she watched her son clench himself to Sebastien…She put her hands in front of her face and tried hard not to burst into tears…

Carlos who just said goodbye to Ingrid looked over at Lisa, he couldn’t bear seeing her upset and walked towards her and wrapped his arm around her… “It’s ok Lisa…Carlito is here… “He said as he pulled her closer…

Sebastien closed his eyes for a moment before he leant back and forced Thomas to look at him by enclosing his face between his hands… When Thomas looked into his eyes, the tears flooded over his cheeks and It broke Sebastien’s heart seeing him so sad. Sebastien cleared his throat: “Thomas listen to me …Will you promise me something? “He asked as he looked intensively at Thomas. Thomas nodded his head as he tried to catch his breath…”You are the man in the house now…you have to watch over Mummy and Carmen for me while I’m gone okay Thom?” Thomas wiped his face with his little hands: “Okay …I will…”He finally said with a smothered voice… Sebastien smiled at him and stroke his hair tenderly: ”I knew I could count on you!” he softly said ..

Steve was glancing at his watch and told Urs it’s was time to go…Ingrid overheard him and walked over to Sebastien and Thomas. She reached out for Thomas his little hand as she leant over to him:” Come on sweetie, it’s time to let go…Sebastien has to leave now…” she softly said… Thomas looked up at Ingrid and looked back at Sebastien: “Will you call me?” He asked… “Off course I will….I will call you everyday Thomas I promise!!” he softly said … Thomas looked at him as tears started to roll over his face again..” Don’t forget about me ok? I love you Sebastien… “He softly cried…” I love you too Thomas…I love you very much...” Sebastien replied and gave him another hug.

Ingrid took Thomas his hand and slowly took him away from Sebastien who slowly rose from his knees as he watched Thomas walk away with Ingrid…
He took a deep breath and watched Lisa for a moment who was being hugged by Steve: ”Bye Lisa…”Steve said when he let her go… “Bye Steve, look after them for me okay?” she asked. Steve gave her a reassuring smile: “Don’t you worry about a thing Lisa… I’ll make sure they’ll come back in one piece…”
Lisa smiled thankfully and looked at Sebastien who came walking towards her.

Carlos, who stood next Lisa, noticed Sebastien coming and hugged Lisa swiftly and kissed her goodbye before he stepped aside….

Sebastien took Lisa in his arms and looked into her beautiful eyes, he felt a stitch through his stomach when he noticed Lisa’s eyes well up:” God I’m going to miss you both so much..” He gasped as he pulled her close… Lisa closed her eyes and smelled his scent…”We’ll miss you too Seb...” Lisa whispered with a smothered voice… Lisa slowly opened her eyes and glanced over Sebastien’s shoulder. She noticed Steve was getting a bit impatient as he kept glancing at his watch… She slowly released herself from Sebastien’s embrace and looked at him and noticed a tear rolling down his face…Lisa tried to smile as she caressed his face ..”You have to go now Sweetie...” She whispered... Sebastien closed his eyes briefly before he looked back at her..:
“I really don’t want to go Lisa…” His voice sounded smothered…
Lisa stared at his face and saw that he meant it… She slowly ran her fingers through his hair:”Yes you do Sebastien…This is what you do…what you love …” Lisa softly said…Sebastien touched her face and shook his head:”Not as much as I love you…” he whispered…
Lisa leant forward and kissed his lips…Sebastien wrapped his arms around her and answered her kiss passionately… After a moment Lisa stepped back and touched his lips….”We’ll be right here waiting for you…”
She smiled at him but Sebastien noticed the sadness in her eyes…

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder:”I’m sorry Sebastien but we have to go now…” Steve interrupted them carefully.

Sebastien nodded slightly without taking his eyes from Lisa…He kissed her passionately once more before he leant forward and slowly picked up his bag… He stared back at her face and took her hand as he slowly started to walk backwards: ”I love you Lisa…”He whispered before their hands slowly lost touch……A tear came free from Lisa’s eyes : “I love you too…” she quietly said …

Steve noticed that Sebastien was upset and compassionately wrapped his arm around him as they walked towards security… Sebastien looked back once more and blew her a kiss…Lisa blew one back and slowly wiped her face…

Lisa slowly turned and looked over at David who was holding Karen close.. She was in tears and David tried his best to comfort her… Steve came walking out of the security check to get him and David nodded at him…Lisa noticed he said something to Karen who started to shake her head at him and clenched herself to his chest..

Lisa knew exactly what they where feeling and smiled tenderly at them…
David caressed Karen’s hair and looked over at Lisa…
When she noticed Steve was getting irritated she walked over to them: “Go David...” she whispered to him while she slowly took Karen from his arms and held her close… David smiled thankfully at Lisa and touched Karen’s face as she grabbed Lisa’s arms and started to cry harder…

David closed his eyes in agony for a moment and leant over to Karen and kissed her hair: ”Bye sweetheart “he whispered.. He touched Lisa’s arm and smiled tenderly at her…”Bye … he said…”Lisa smiled back at him “Bye David…” as he slowly started to walk backwards he mouthed: .. “Thank you ...” to her before he turned and started to run towards Steve ;who obviously sighed relieved…

When they where gone Lisa took a deep breath and looked at Karen who was still in tears…
Karen slowly looked up at Lisa:“I’m so s..sorry Lisa…”She sobbed..

Lisa smiled and stroke her face: “its okay sweetie…I know what your going through…” Lisa opened her purse and handed Karen a tissue… After Karen blew her nose, Lisa wrapped her arm tenderly around her shoulders: “Let’s get out of here… I’m sure Carmen has made some tea for us… We surely could use that, don’t you agree? ” she softly asked… Karen nodded and smiled thankfully at her as they both walked towards Ingrid and Thomas who were waiting outside for them…

Chapter LXV
Lisa was tossing and turning in her bed: she felt exhausted but couldn’t sleep …

She reached to the other side of the bed and took Sebastien’s pillow and held it against her chest and pressed her nose in it…She closed her eyes as she picked up his scent…
She missed Sebastien so much, and the thought of not seeing him for a while made her feel nauseas…
She opened her eyes and glanced towards the bedroom window…, she had left the curtains open and noticed there was a fog outside…
She rubbed her face, turned on her back and stared at the ceiling…

After they came home from the airport, Carmen was waiting for them: with Tea indeed…
It did calm them down a bit as they all sat down at the kitchen table... Karen and Lisa even started to make jokes at some point; about them removing the spider webs between their thighs while David and Seb were gone… Carmen and Ingrid laughed so hard that they almost choked their tea…
After dinner Lisa brought Karen home. They really seem to get along really well. Karen kept thanking Lisa and they agreed they should get together more often while the boys were on tour…

Lisa glanced at the time: 3 am… She sighed deeply and figured that it was no use laying there.. She slowly rose from her bed and grabbed a bathrobe, put it on and got downstairs…
She walked into the kitchen, turned on a small light and made herself a cup of tea and sat down at the kitchen table… She enclosed the cup between her hands and stared into it…
She thought about Thomas…

He was still very upset when Carmen brought him to bed earlier… Carmen tried her best but couldn’t console him… Lisa walked into his room and felt helpless seeing him that upset: She asked Carmen to leave and tried her best to soothe him herself: without any luck, really… She had tried everything from reading his favourite book to him to telling him jokes, but nothing seemed to cheer him up one bit..

Finally she had put the DVD on Sebastien had given Thomas, from his musical: “le Petit Prince”
By hearing Sebastien’s voice Thomas finally seemed to calm down a bit, she laid next to him in his bed and held him close and caressed his hair until he finally fell asleep…

He loved Sebastien so much that it scared her sometimes…
She looked up and stared at the picture on the wall of her and Benjamin together…

Several times she had watched how Sebastien stared at that picture when he thought she didn’t see…. He never said anything about the pictures in the house… but she knew it bothered him to see her and Thomas with Benjamin together on each and every one of them…

Lisa sighed: “Maybe it’s time to take them out of sight …”she thought

She sat back in her chair and put her leg up... she slowly turned her head and glanced outside the large window … As she stared into the foggy darkness for a moment, her mind drifted off again…

She thought about Benjamin…: “If only you could see me now Benjamin…”she thought… She couldn’t help wondering if he would be happy for her… Lisa sighed deeply: Knowing Benjamin… she really doubted he would …
That was the reason she still felt guilty for loving Sebastien the way that she did…

She never thought she could ever feel this way again … Right after Benjamin’s death she felt like a robot… Thomas needed her more than ever and he was the reason that she kept going.… Benjamin was gone but she and Thomas were alive, although at times she felt as if she had died with him. After loosing the baby she totally collapsed… She wanted that child so badly, but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.. She felt as if she was being punished for something, but couldn’t figure out why..

And then Sebastien came into their lives and for the first time she felt alive again…
And even though her mother disapproved of her relationship with Sebastien so soon after Benjamin’s death… She choose happiness instead of grief…She had been miserable for such a long time and she really wanted to move on with her life, she had to… for herself but also for Thomas…

***
After a while she lowered her eyes for a second and brought her cup to her mouth as she zipped her tea… Still in thoughts, she lowered her cup and slowly turned her head and looked outside through the window again…

Then…. Suddenly….: she froze!
Her eyes got locked on a shape in the darkness…..
It still was foggy outside and it flashed her mind that she probably imagined it…

She tried to blink her eyes several times in order to focus at the shape…
Very, very slowly the fog seemed to clear around the shape and she felt shivers down her spine when she noticed a person who stood there dead still looking her way...

As if she was in trance, she clenched her cup of tea in her hand and slowly rose from her chair and walked in slow motion towards the window without looking away ….
When she stood in front of the window she touched the glass with her free hand and slowly started to wipe the window in order to clear her vision...

She narrowed her eyes and noticed the person who seemed male, slowly turned and started to walk away from her …
Before he vanished into the fog; he turned and looked back at her... Lisa noticed that his face was partly covered with a dark cloth... She desperately searched for his eyes... Then suddenly; for a split second his eyes locked hers.... Lisa felt as if her air supply was cut off.. Her body started to shake tremendously and she lost the grip in her hand which caused the cup to slide through ... A loud noise followed when the cup splashed into pieces on the marble floor...

...Those eyes…
...She recognized those eyes….

***
Meanwhile, Ingrid sat up in her bed as she thought she heard a noise downstairs… She tried to listen more carefully but couldn’t hear a thing anymore...
Anyhow, she turned the sheets open and got out of bed. She walked towards the door but then turned back and walked towards the dresser and grabbed a baseball bat …"Just in case.."She thought.
She clenched the bat in her hand before she slowly opened the door and walked into the hallway and walked down the stairs... Suddenly she stopped when she noticed a light that came from under the kitchen door…
She hesitated for a moment and said a little prayer before she walked towards the kitchen door... She clenched the bat tighter in her hand and slowly pushed the door open…

As soon as she entered she noticed Lisa who was sitting on the floor with her head in her hands surrounded by pieces of porcelain..

” Lisa???” She softly said…Lisa didn’t answer and Ingrid noticed she was shaking tremendously…. Ingrid immediately dropped the bat and rushed herself over to Lisa… She got through her knees and stroke Lisa’s hair: …”Lisa what’s the matter?? What happened??” Lisa still didn’t answer..

Ingrid noticed she was shaking so bad that it really worried her , she grabbed Lisa’s head and forced her to look at her…"Lisa look at me??" Ingrid begged...

When Lisa finally looked at Ingrid she looked so traumatized that it really scared Ingrid…”LISA!! LISA. Please say something!!! TALK TO ME!!!” Ingrid shouted but it looked like Lisa didn’t even hear her…

Ingrid turned her head towards the kitchen door as it suddenly swung open… Carmen came rushing in with a tennis racket in her hand… She threw away the racket as soon as she noticed Lisa who was being held by Ingrid who looked quite upset…

“LISA?!” Carmen exclaimed as she hurried over to her…Carmen got through her knees and stroke Lisa’s face but Lisa didn’t seem react to anything… She just trembled severely and gazed into nothing… Ingrid started to cry “Carmen what’s wrong with her..?” she asked and sounded anxious…

Carmen had seen Lisa like this once before and she knew Lisa was in a complete shock.. ”Call a doctor Ingrid, the number is on the refrigerator..” Carmen said to her with a calm voice as she sat next to Lisa and pulled her close….Ingrid looked at Carmen “NOW!!!” Carmen shouted at her and Ingrid hurried towards the refrigerator, grabbed the phone next to it and dialled the emergency number…

As she was waiting impatiently for someone to answer she looked back at Carmen who was rocking Lisa like a little child…
“Shhhhh…”she heard her say ..”its okay sweetheart Carmen is here…Carmen is here.”


Chapter LXVI
De lights inside the plane got dimmed and most of the passengers in business class where asleep or where about too…
They still had 7 hours to go before the plane would make a stopover in Singapore where it would be refuelled. From there on they had another 8 hours to go before they would arrive in Sydney…

Carlos was tired but never managed to fall asleep on an airplane unless he took a few of his notorious Cognacs.
He tried to focus on an in-flight movie that he had selected on his screen… He couldn’t wait until they would land, he really detested flying...

He knew from the start of the band that there would be some travelling involved… But he never imagined they would spend most of their time in the iron tube during their tour…

“Would you like some more coffee Mr. Marin?” A flight attendant smiled at him. Carlos looked at her and smiled back:”No thanks, I still haven’t finished this one..” he said.
The flight attendant nodded friendly and walked away. Carlos sighed and reached for a letter inside his pocket...
Geraldine had sent him a poem the day before and he had read it several times since then…
He loved the way she wrote and how she always managed to touch his heart with her words over and over again… He loved her so and couldn’t wait to marry her next month…

Suddenly he heard a tinkling sound; he looked up and noticed the seatbelt sign was lighted… He sat straight in his chair and reached for a flight attendants arm that was swiftly passing through the aisle…: “what’s going on???” He asked and couldn’t suppress an anxious look. The flight attendant smiled friendly and patted his arm:” Not to worry Mr Marin, It’s just a precaution for some slight turbulence…It’s nothing I’m sure…” after the flight attendant left, Carlos started to jerk his seatbelt to make sure it was fasten enough…

Sebastien, who sat next to him, glanced up from his music sheet as he overheard Carlos just now: “It’s nothing Carlos. Relax!” Sebastien smiled and continued to make notes on the paper… Carlos took a deep breath and glanced over to David who sat across from them and slept like a baby..:”Is he ever awake on an airplane!?” Carlos exclaimed . Sebastien looked back at Carlos and shrugged his shoulders:”I don’t recall seeing his eyes open during any flight really…he seems to drop in a coma from the moment he the plane starts to move…”
Suddenly the plain wiggled from left to right. Carlos eyes got huge : “Slight turbulence?! My a**!!!” He blurted out and clenched his hands around the armrests, Sebastien couldn’t suppress a laugh:”Come on Carlos…Breathe!!!” Carlos swiftly looked at him before he leant forward to take a bottle of pills out of his bag… He opened the bottle and swallowed three pills.. : “Didn’t you take them already??” Sebastien asked with questioning eyes … Carlos smiled nervously: “Yes but the doctor said I could take another dose in case of an emergency…” Sebastien lowered his eyebrows.. : “I see... I guess the minor motion in your coffee would be that emergency right Carlos? “Carlos nodded forcefully: “Oh YES!!!…”He almost shouted and squeezed his eyes as he pushed his head against the back of his seat… Sebastien shook his head in disbelieve and smiled….

He looked back at his music but lowered it almost immediately as he couldn’t seem to concentrate… He laid his head back and turned to Carlos who’s mouth dropped open and softly started to produce snoring sounds... “Those pills are good…!!!” He thought and smiled…

He looked passed Carlos and his eyes rested at Urs who sat on the other side of the aircraft …He looked pale and Sebastien watched how he stared silently through the small window into the darkness… Carlos had told Sebastien earlier that Angela had broken off their engagement and although he never really liked Angela that much, he really did feel sorry for Urs.
Sebastien lowered his eyes and stared at his hands….

All of a sudden he felt a hand on his arm and he looked up and noticed the flight attendant who friendly smiled at him: “Can I get you anything Mr. Izambard? “She softly asked. Sebastien smiled back at her and Shook his head:” No I’m fine, thank you…” He said…. After the flight attendant left he closed his eyes briefly and sighed…

“So much had happened for each and every one of them individually in the last six months that it almost felt surreal. “He thought
They all had looked forward to their second world tour, but now when they were almost at the launch: he knew that each of them would rather be elsewhere at the moment …

He thought about Lisa and Thomas… Having to leave them behind was even harder than he ever could have imagined… Lisa and Thomas meant the world to him and he felt incredibly lonely without them by his side….

Sebastien recalled Thomas his sadness when he said goodbye to him earlier and although it broke his heart seeing him that way, he couldn’t deny the special feeling that came over him when he felt how his little arms clamped around his neck… He loved Thomas and he caught himself sometimes wishing that he was his own…

Sebastien sighed, turned his head and started to gaze out the window….
He knew that Thomas still loved Benjamin very much, and he tried hard to respect his feelings…, even though he had his own thoughts about Benjamin…

Sometimes when Sebastien and Thomas were alone, Thomas would talk about the memories he had about Benjamin and although Thomas tried to tell him differently, Sebastien noticed that most of them weren’t that good …
He told Sebastien how Benjamin used to start fights with Lisa about very small things… .Apparently the small things varied between Lisa coming home late and Lisa smiling and talking to other men….

There was one particular story Thomas told him, that kept lingering in his head ever since:

one night when his parents where at a party Thomas woke up as he heard loud noises coming from downstairs in the middle of the night. He told Sebastien how he left his bed and rushed himself towards the balustrade and watched silently how Benjamin shouted as he was smashing furniture through the hallway downstairs. Lisa was watching Benjamin anxiously from a distance and pressed herself against the wall… Suddenly Benjamin turned and came towards her and slapped Lisa in the face for no apparent reason … Thomas told him that he watched how Lisa was covering her face with her hands and silently cried while his father viciously kept calling her bad names and threatened her that he would take Thomas away from her if she would ever leave his side again…

Sebastien rubbed his face in frustration when a vivid picture of that entered his mind…
Lisa never really talked about Benjamin to him and he really never dared to ask. He couldn’t help wondering though why on earth Benjamin would hurt Lisa that way especially since he was told that Benjamin had loved her tremendously…

A loud snore made Sebastien turns his head…He lowered his eyebrows as he noticed the sound was coming from Carlos … David woke up and looked back at Sebastien, his expression was annoyed… Sebastien pointed silently towards Carlos and whispered: “I guess we have a spare engine here…” David glanced at Carlos and watched how his head fell on his chest …A smile appeared on David’s face and he started to shake his head in disbelieve…

Suddenly Carlos's snoring increased and David lowered his eyebrows “What on earth makes him produce that sound??? David asked: “I guess it’s the sedative he took just now… “Sebastien tried to explain.. “How many sedatives did he take? Did he swallow the bottle??? ” David sarcastically asked “He’s going to wake all the passengers Seb…”He whispered. Sebastien shrugged his shoulders.. ”I know David…What do you want me to do?” He asked as he raised his hands. David started to wave his hand towards Carlos:”Wake him up, Wake him up Seb!!!” He whispered forcefully.. Sebastien started to wiggle his arm as he leant over to Carlos: “Carlos? Wake up amigo… Carlos???...Carlos!!!” Sebastien tried hard to keep his voice down he put his hand on Carlos his shoulder and started to shake his body. “Carlos!!!!!” Sebastien started to giggle as Carlos didn’t react one bit…

David frowned, took a deep breath, released his seatbelt and rose from his chair.. he leant over Carlos and started to slap his face: “Hey!!! Lawnmower….!! “ David shouted … Sebastien started to crack up since Carlos still didn’t seem to show any sign of awakeness.. Instead the snores got louder and louder and the sound was deafening … People started to turn in their seats and looked pretty annoyed.. Urs came over and looked at David with questioning eyes “What’s up with el Toro here…?”He asked and glanced at Sebastien who laughed so hard , he couldn’t sit up straight anymore …David opened his mouth to Urs but Sebastien Laughter caught him and he too started to crack up ….Meanwhile Carlos started to make pig sounds and that was all it took for Urs to start laughing aswell….

A flight attendant came over and kindly requested if they could keep it down… David, Urs and Sebastien tried to restrain their laughter… wich made Carlos his snoring sounds more loudly than ever….”I’m sorry miss…”Urs laughed “We are doing our best to wake him…” The flight attendant watched Carlos before she glanced around the cabin: each and every passenger looked disturbed… “He’s bothering the passengers “She kindly explained … David looked at her in disbelieve: “Really!?” he asked with a high voice… The flight attendant noticed a bit of sarcasm in his voice, but forgave him since he looked quite desperate… Sebastien noticed David was about to snap and jumped in by explaining to her that Carlos took a sedative earlier because he was a nervous flyer..: "...Honestly miss,...we tried everything to wake him.. But he's totally out of this world...." Sebastien regretfully said. The flight attendant glanced back at Carlos and couldn’t suppress a laugh when she watched how Carlos fell over Sebastien’s lap and picked up the snoring sound again... ”See? ” Sebastien exclaimed and he raises his hands in despair… The flight attendant nodded and smiled “I’ll be right back “she said… David, Urs and Sebastien looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders...Sebastien used al his power to lift Carlos from his lap and David and Urs helped him by pulling his arms… When the fight attendant got back she held a wet towel in her hand… Urs didn’t think and grabbed the towel out of her hand and smashed it on Carlos’s face…

”EHWAAaah…”Carlos moaned… and opened his eyes. “Finally!!! “David blurted out and pressed his hands together.Carlos looked at him with drooling eyes: “Why diss you wake mie???” he asked with a drawling voice..
"Because you sound like you were sawing a forest Carlito…”David laughed… The flight attendant Leant forward and gently laid her hand on Carlos his arms… Carlos turned his head slowly and looked at her …A smile appeared on his face as soon as he spotted the fight attendant. He tried to look sexy while raising his eyebrow….”Heloooo” He said with a low and flirty voice…
Urs rolled his eyes:”Now is not a good time Carlos!!” He said…
“Is there something you would like sir? “The flight attendant friendly asked.

Carlos raised his finger: “Yessss.. I whoujld ljike eee Cognac pl….”
“NO!!!” the guys cut him off simultaneously. Urs turned towards the Fight attendant “Coffee would be nice, Thank you...” He smiled friendly at her… David sighed deeply and returned to his seat as did Urs… Sebastien picked up his music sheets and sat back in his chair… “That wasss a vely nice ladie…I thjink I.m going to fjirt with herr..” Carlos blurted out as he raised his eyebrow towards Sebastien.. sebastien looked at him in disbelieve : “You can hardly keep your eyes open Don Juan….!” Sebastien exclaimed. He sighed , put his hand on Carlos his forehead and pushed it against the back of the chair:” Go back to sleep Carlito…” He calmly said and a deep sigh released his body…

***
Ingrid just got off the phone with Ron and turned to Carmen… “He’s coming over..” she quietly said. Carmen noticed she looked a bit disappointed. “That’s so sweet Ing…Is he bringing Bjorn?” She asked and tried hard to sound optimistic.. Ingrid looked up at her and nodded slightly… “Well that’s good... Thomas will be pleased to see his nephew again…”She said. Ingrid didn’t answer and Carmen watched as she started to pace the floor in the hallway…

Suddenly the bedroom door opened slowly and out came the doctor who just closed his bag… “How is she?’ Carmen asked and sounded worried.. The doctor waited until he silently closed the door . He turned to Carmen and tried to smile reassuringly: “I’ve given her a strong sedative and she’s asleep for the moment…” He said… Carmen nodded and lowered her eyes as she tried hard to push back her tears... “Is she going to be okay???” Ingrid asked… The doctor shrugged his shoulders: “At this point I really can’t say… She ‘s pretty traumatized …Whatever she encountered last night, really scared her tremendously…” Ingrid lowered her eyes and started to stare at her hands…” I will be back later this afternoon to check on her…”The doctor continued... ”in the meantime I suggest that someone stay’s with her in case she wakes up. That shouldn’t be for a few more hours though...” he added. Carmen nodded “Ok, thank you so much .. I will walk you out…”she vaguely smiled towards him before she accompanied him downstairs…

Ingrid hesitated for a moment before she silently opened Lisa’s bedroom door… Ingrid slowly entered the room, she closed the door and watched Lisa as she was in a deep sleep…. She picked up a chair in the corner of the room and quietly walked over to the bed and sat down beside her… She looked extremely pale, but still gorgeous…she thought…

She watched her breathing for a while and Ingrid felt how tears started to fill her eyes “Oh God ..Lisa..” She gasped and slowly took Lisa’s hand in hers before she lowered her head: “..I’’m sorry…I’m so sorry….” She quietly sobbed…


Chapter LXVII
“This way Miss Spencer...” The realtor smiled friendly as she opened the door…
Angelica followed her through the house….Marc, who was asked to come along, Walked silently behind her, he noticed Angelica was getting more and more subdued as they walked through each and every room… It was a huge house and Marc couldn’t believe these houses even existed in London…

“Now this would make a lovely nursery...” The realtor looked back at Angelica before she opened the double doors… Marc followed the realtor inside: “Oh god Angelica this is beautiful…”he gasped as he twirled around the room and looked up to the ceiling which was light blue and had numerous painted clouds on it…

Angelica was still standing silently in the doorway with her purse clenched in front of her chest …She seemed hesitated to enter.. Marc lowered his eyes and gazed at her..: Angelica? Sweetie? Are you feeling ok? “He asked as he looked worried... The realtor turned and also gazed at Angelica with questioning eyes…. Angelica cleared her throat and nodded her head briefly: “Yes….I’m ok…It’s…its lovely…”She hurried to say as she peaked inside and forced a smile on her face…

The realtor noticed that she felt a bit awkward:”well…”She smiled...” since this is the last room of the house, I will leave you for a moment so you can decide if this house could be the one for you…”
Marc smiled at her: “Okay, Thank you…” he said. The realtor walked towards the door and smiled as she passed Angelica: “Take your time Miss Spencer…I’ll be right outside if you have any questions.” “Thank you...” Angelica softly said and smiled back at her as she lowered her eyes …

Marc walked over to Angelica and searched for her eyes: “So?” He tilted his head:”What do you think Angie…?”
Angelica looked up at him and sighed deeply:” I don’t know…its…its so big…”
Marc rolled his eyes: “Yeah you can say that again... You and Urs could have 10 kids in this house” He joked… Angelica stared at him in disbelieve…
” I’m sorry Angie... It was a joke…” He hurried to say as soon as he saw her facial expression… Angelica smiled vaguely: “It’s ok…” she sighed and slowly entered the room…

“It’s a wonderful house Angie…” He said and did his best to sound optimistic...

Angelica turned to him and nodded slowly:” It is… But…”
“But what, Angie? “ Marc asked as he slowly walked towards her…
Angelica’s face got serious and she desperately raised her arms:” How can I accept this Marc? Tell me?” She exclaimed. Marc looked at her and smiled:” You say Yes to Urs..that’s how…”

Angelica started to shake her head:” I don’t want to live her all by myself...” Her voice sounded smothered…. Marc came closer and laid his hand on her belly: “Sweetie you won’t be living here alone…” He softly said and smiled tenderly at her…” In a few months this house will be filled with the most beautiful miracle of life… your baby…” he whispered…

Angelica lowered her eyes and gently strokes her belly ….” I know…” She softly said. She slowly looked up at Marc as tears filled her eyes…..” But will its daddy be here as well..?”
Marc looked at her for a moment before he opened his mouth… He felt he needed to say something but the sadness in her eyes made him change his mind. He slowly lowered his eyes in silence as he had no idea what to say to her ….

***
Carmen opened the front door: “Ron! “She gasped and hugged him immediately: “Oh I’m so glad you’re here…” she exclaimed…
Ron hugged Carmen back and whispered: “Me too Carmen…me too”
Carmen looked over his shoulder and noticed Bjorn standing behind him. She swiftly wiped her face and tried to smile: “Hey sweetheart” she got through her knees and hugged him. “Hi Carmen...” He smiled “Where’s Thom?? “ Carmen rose from he knees, smiled and pointed inside… He’s in his playroom Bjorn… You know where it is, don’t you?” Bjorn nodded and looked up at his dad: “Go pal!” Ron smiled as he strokes his hair…
They both watched silently how Bjorn ran inside…

Carmen stepped back and held the door open so Ron could enter…: “How’s Lisa Carmen...” He immediately asked as he got inside. Carmen slowly closed the door behind him and turned … She noticed how worried he looked… She sighed and strokes her forehead:” Nothing changed Ron…” Her voice sounded smothered as she continued “She woke up briefly an hour ago, but she didn’t say a word… I was by her side but she looked at me as if I wasn’t there … “

Ron lowered his eyebrows:” What did the doctor say Carmen?” Carmen shrugged her shoulders “He just left ... He gave her another sedative for the night …” Carmen paused for a moment before she continued: “He wants to wait until tomorrow morning, if there’s no change in her situation he wants to admit her into the hospital…” Carmen lowered her eyes and shook her head in despair…” I…I don’t know what to do Ron…” She stuttered:” Thomas keeps asking for her…I didn’t know what to tell him so I told him Lisa’ was tired….” Ron nodded as he understood “and then there’s Jasmin…she called earlier and I didn’t know what to tell her neither, I just made something up… “ Carmen took a deep breath and continued: “ …..and Sebastien… Oh my god Seb…..He doesn’t know yet… he….” Carmen didn’t finish her sentence… Suddenly her shoulders started to shrug as she put her hands before her eyes … Ron took her in his strong arms and rocked her gently...” It’s ok Carmen…shhhhh… It’s ok...” he whispered…

***
It was rather late when Ingrid found herself sitting on a bench in a deserted Kensington Park…
She just sat there for quite some time now ,gazing into nothing …
She felt as if she was choking earlier and needed to get out of the house in order to clear her head…
The nauseas feeling in her stomach persisted … She knew she had to get back sooner or later...

“What if she’s awake?” She asked herself .
The thought of facing Lisa made her feel scared stiff ……
Ingrid started to shake her head in despair:
“…she knows…” she whispered to herself “...She knows…” ….

A Shriver went through her body and she covered her mouth with her hands and closed her eyes in agony as tears started to flow over her face…

“Oh God please help me…” she cried and raised her eyes towards the dark sky in despair…


Chapter LXVIII
Ron silently opened the door and entered Lisa’s room…

The room was practically dark, the only lighting in the room came from the full moon that scattered its white light through the window and delicately lightened Lisa’s beautiful face as she lay there sleeping serenely...

After a moment he slowly started to move towards the bed…

He slowly got through his knees and stared at her face …
Seeing her again made him struggle for breath…
He tilted his head slightly as He reached out his hand and gently touched the contours of her face…

she was so gorgeous that it almost became painful to look at her…
After all those years he was still longing for her…

Ron closed his eyes for a moment to push back the tears in his eyes… He then took her slender hand in his and slowly brought it to his lips before he opened his eyes and stared back at her face again…
A tear came free from his eyes as he gently caressed the back of her hand with his cheek…

“Oh Lisa….”he whispered with a smothered voice … “Look what they’ve done to you…”

***
The seatbelt sign went off and the flight attendants started to move through the aircraft.. Sebastien looked at his side and smiled.. Carlos didn’t had a clue that they had just taken off Singapore airport as he was still very much asleep as was David who was covered under his blanket …

“Another 8 hours…”Sebastien sighed and rubbed his face…

He turned his head and looked at Urs who was staring out of the window again. He hadn’t closed his eyes from the moment they left London and Sebastien noticed he looked even more devastated than before …

Sebastien released his seatbelt and walked over to Urs. He sat down next to him and leant over: ”Hey my friend…”He softly said.. Urs looked back as if he was disturbed…”Oh ..hey …” he finally said and tried to smile… “Aren’t you tired..?” Sebastien asked as he looked at him intensively.. Urs lowered his eyes shook his head: “Not really…” he softly answered.

Sebastien looked briefly at his hands before he turned back to him: “Carlos and David told me about what happened Urs….I’m so sorry…I know how much you loved her…. “He regretfully said. Urs stared at him and Sebastien noticed that his eyes welled up…”I don’t know what to do Seb…” he softly said, his voice sounded anxious... ”.I … I can’t believe I acted so impulsive …”

Sebastien nodded as he understood:” What about Angelica…?”He asked. Urs glanced through the window for a second before he looked back at Sebastien: “I feel obligated to look after her and the baby...It’s the least I can do Seb... It’s not her fault… “He added quietly and lowered his eyes…

”I agree…And I think your doing the right thing there Urs..." Sebastien glanced through the cabin before he turned back to him:"Do you love her? “He asked as he looked at him with questioning eyes…
”I think I do… but then I think I don’t and that I just have a crush on her.. “ He paused for a moment before he continued…”My love for Angela is so strong. I never realized how much I loved her until she left me… It all fell together, right there… I love Angela… but it’s too late now…” he said and exhaled forcefully…
“It’s never too late Urs…you ca…… “ "Yes it is Seb…”He interrupted him…”I’ve not only managed to screw my own life up but also those of Angelica and Angela…” His voice sounded smothered…”Everything seemed so balanced in my life before…and now….”He didn’t finished his sentence and Sebastien watched how he struggled for breath…

He lowered his eyes for a moment: “I know what you’re going through Urs…”He finally said as he looked up…”I had my own share of screwing things up …” Sebastien's voice slowly faded and he lowered his eyes…

Urs looked up at him with questioning eyes…” What are you talking about? You are doing so well with Lisa and Thomas…I’ve never seen you so at ease... “He said.
Sebastien sighed and shook his head:” Nothing is what it seems Urs, trust me……If Lisa ever finds out what I did…She….” He suddenly stopped.
“What do you mean? “Sebastien paused for a moment before he looked back at Urs..:” I slept with Danique when Lisa was in Canada Urs... “

Urs lowered his eyebrows: “You what?! “ He gasped
Sebastien closed his eyes and shook his head in disbelieve... ”I thought she had betrayed me…I totally lost it and couldn’t think straight anymore…”
He started to tell Urs everything from Danilo answering Lisa's phone to the picture in the French paper of him and Danique together...

Urs looked at him in disbelieve…”Oh my god Seb..I had now Idea….”He gasped and noticed Sebastien eyes welled up...
Sebastien tried to hide his sadness with a forcefull smile: ”See? You’re not the only one who screwed things up here ….”

Urs lowered his eyes for a moment…” Oh my god Seb...if she finds out” He said as he looked back to him.. Sebastien took a deep breath….”then I will loose her forever…”He finished the sentence for him… “…I hope you realize that one day she probably will find out …” Sebastien shook his head in despair: “I pray everyday that that won’t happen...” he softly said.

Urs nodded his head as he looked away….
“I know the feeling…”He said…”I pray everyday that I will wake up soon and realize that this was just a bad nightmare… “Sebastien kept quiet as his mind wondered off...

Urs slowly looked back at him and he noticed a tear rolling down Sebastien's face...
He grabbed his arm as he leant over:”Seb…Tell her! … Don’t wait till the last minute! … Don’t make the same mistake I did! …If you love her and I know you do, you have to tell her Sebastien!!! “His voice sounded soft but firm…

Sebastien looked briefly at him before he stared back at his hands…” I know” He softly said ...”I know…”

***
Ron was standing in front the kitchen window staring outside when Carmen walked back in … Ron turned his head and looked at her: “Are the boy’s finally asleep?” he asked. “Almost...” Carmen said and smiled vaguely at him as she walked over to the sink...” Obviously they’ve missed each other very much…” Ron said as he walked over to the kitchen table…. “I’m sure about that...” Carmen replied as she poured herself a cup of tea… Ron sat down at the kitchen table and started to stir his tea… ”They are so much alike Ron…” Carmen said as she walked towards the table and joined him…” If one didn’t know any better you’d think they would be brothers….” She smiled. After a short moment, Carmen’s smile slowly disappeared as she looked at Ron, who turned pale as he kept silent… Carmen watched as he leant back in his chair and started to rub his face in agony…or so it seemed…
She tilted her head as she stared at his face…”She went for a walk….”She suddenly said. Ron looked puzzled at her:” Who went for a walk?” He asked. “Ingrid! You’re wife? … Just in case you where wondering...” She added and looked at him in disbelieve…. “Oh…I see” He softly answered. Carmen noticed he tried to smile but no smile came through… Carmen frowned: “I hope everything is ok between you two..?” Ron looked briefly at her but kept quiet… Carmen felt the urge to push for some answers but decided not to since his silence told her that he didn’t want to talk about it…

She remembered that from Benjamin: If he didn’t want to discuss certain matters he used to hold his silence as well…
Although Ron and Benjamin seemed totally different, their habits revealed they were really much alike…

The phone started to ring and Carmen raised herself from her chair… “I’ll be right back ...”she said. Ron nodded slightly and watched her leave….

When the doors closed behind her; he turned his head and stared at the large picture of Benjamin and Lisa on the wall … “Lisa looked so happy…”He thought….

After a moment he felt how his eyes started to well up…

He slowly lowered his head and closed his eyes as he tried to breathe…

“Damn you Benjamin…..”He whispered and clenched his fists... ”Damn you!!!”

Chapter LXVIV
Karen walked from the elevator to her front door while searching her key’s in her purse…”Hey Karen!” She heard a men’s voice.. She looked back and noticed Kevin standing in front of the elevator… “Hi Kevin. How are you?” she smiled. “I’m ok… So how are you?”He asked as he walked over to her. “I’m fine…”she smiled again...”Just searching tiny keys in a huge purse...” She added and rolled her eyes…
Kevin smiled and stared at her face for a moment… “I see you moved in with David..” He finally said.. Karen nodded:” Yes…” she softly said. Kevin lowered his eyes and for a moment there was silence…Karen noticed Kevin started to feel a bit uneasy but tried to ignore It.:” Ah. Got it!!” She blurted out and held up the keys.. Kevin started to laugh at Karen’s conceded expression.. ”Well...” Karen said and smiled again:”I guess I’m off ….” Kevin nodded “Yeah …I guess I’m off as well…to the grocery store...” He added and held up his shopping bag… “Well see you around then…”Karen said. “Yeah…nice to see you again…”He softly said. Karen turned and looked back as she smiled:”Same here... Bye…”
“Bye ...”He said and held up his hand which Karen didn’t see since she already was on her way…
Kevin watched her walk towards her door for a second before he entered the elevator…

Karen was struggling with the key to get it in the lock…”Stupid lock...” She mumbled…
She stepped back holding the key in her hand and looked at in the light…”Wrong key…” She said to herself... ”Good move Karen…”She shook her head in disbelieve as she started to search through her purse again…
While searching, she glanced up through the hallway when suddenly, she noticed Urs’s apartment door was open… She got her hand out of her purse and slowly walked towards his apartment… She slowly pushed the door further open: “Oh my god…”she gasped as soon as she looked at the broken furniture that was build up in the corner next to the door…

Karen glanced through the apartment and noticed a woman sitting on Urs’s couch with her head lowered holding a frame in her hand: “She must be Angela...”She thought and wanted to turn around queitly when she suddenly heard the woman softly crying. She changed her mind and turned back... She softly knocked on the side of the door... The woman raised her head and slowly looked at Karen...Karen noticed her mascara was run through and by the look of it she was devastated…

“I’m sorry…”Karen excused herself:” The door was open…I didn’t mean to…”She didn’t finish her sentence …The woman kept staring at her and Karen tried to give her a smile:”I live next door….I’m Karen…David’s girlfriend?” The woman nodded vaguely...” You must be Angela...” She smiled... She nodded again before she lowered her eyes and started to Sob…
Karen didn’t think, she dropped her bag and hurried over to her…”Oh Angela …Is it Urs?” She asked regretfully:” I know you miss him…I miss David terribly already…They will be back soon…Don’t worry…” Karen started to rub her back… Angela looked at her as tears flooded over her face…” You don’t understand…” she sobbed”.It’s over between me and him…”Karen looked shocked,”What do you mean? …you had a fight?” Angela started to laugh sarcastically through her tears.. ”close…”She softly said….”Oh Angela every body’ fights…”Karen tried to make her feel better ...”You can work it out. I’m sure…It can’t be that bad now can it?” Karen looked at her with questioning eyes. Angela looked back at her and sniffed her nose: ”Karen?” she asked as she wiped her face:” You love David right? ”Karen looked at her puzzled: “Yes “she nodded “Off course..”
“Ok Angela said…Now Imagine the worst thing that could happen to you , and how that very same thing scatters you’re future in one second…The future you saw for the both of you…together…. … and when you get there Karen?.... add one baby….” She softly added.

Karen’s mouth dropped.. ”You’re pregnant???” Angela shook her head forcefully:”Not me Karen…his other girlfriend…”Karen gazed at her in disbelieve.. ”You mean that Urs…? “Angela nodded…”So he’s ..?”Angela nodded again and started to sob intensively….Karen looked away slowly and lowered her eyes… she knew something was gong on with Urs…but this …”Why didn’t David tell me ? “Karen thought in disbelieve…. Karen looked back at Angela and sat next to her on the couch…”Oh god...Angela …no wonder you’re so upset…” she said as she tried to sooth her…

***
Sebastien and David supported Carlos ,who seemed completely drunk, when they stepped out of the elevator on the ninth floor of the Radisson hotel in Sydney… Urs held the cardkey in his hand and walked in front of them and glanced at the room numbers..

“I can’t believe you let him out of youre sight ..”David mumbled to Sebastien as they dragged him out of the elevator… Sebastien looked at him with questioning eyes..”I just looked away for one second David…And before I knew it he was at the hotel bar holding a Cognac in his hand..” David shook his head in disbelieve “Don’t tell me he ran from you..he can hardly stand Seb..”David said and sounded annoyed…”Since you seem to know everything, maybe next time you should watch him yourself …”Sebastien shot back…”

Urs looked back and lowered his eyebrows “That’s enough…Stop it..both of you!” Urs sighed and shook his head …

Most off the time they where as brothers but sometimes they really could get on each others nerves…Especially David and Sebastien… When they were at it ,they really managed to hold it up for a long time since they both were stubborn as hell…

As they continued their way Carlos, who was obviously having a blast on his own , started to sing Tom Jones’s Sexbomb and started to wiggle his hips as he almost fell over “Work with me here Carlito!” David moaned as Carlos fell through his knees “How long do those pills work?”Sebastien asked…”Too long! “David said as he noticed Carlos looked at him in a strange way… “Hewlooooo” Carlos blurted as he wiggled his eyebrow and looked at David…”Oh my god is he flirting with me???…”David gasped as he looked shocked at Sebastien.”I’m afraid it looks like it..”Sebastien said and smiled..”Well it’s official then..he’s totally gone!..” David exclaimed and shook his head… Urs looked back and grinned “Well he likes blondes…” he said which resulted in an angry look from David… . “I sjing espcjially fjor youuu” Ok? Yjou ljike?…” Carlos blurted out as he tried to keep his eyes open…”No Carlos you don’t want to do this, trust me…..Im David…Daaavid…” he articulated slowly.. “Daaavidd…”Carlos repeated as they walked further …Sebastien cracked up …”Help me remember we get those pills out of his bag..He can’t be trusted with those” David said . Urs looked back :”At least one of us is having the time of his live…” he grinned…

“920, this is it Urs!!!” David almost shouted as he signed with his head.. Urs looked back, frowned and looked at the cardkey..: ”Ah yes..you’re right!”He said and turned to open the door...
David and Sebastien put Carlos in bed, and as soon as head touched the pillow he started to snore again…”Tell me this isn’t happening... ”David exclaimed as he raised his arms… Urs patted his shoulder compassionately …”I’m afraid it is Dave…”He said regretfully and smiled… Steve walked in from next door and he glanced at the bed as he heard Carlos snore loudly..
“He even snores in baritone...” Sebastien said as he pointed towards Carlos…“can’t you switch his frequency?” Steve asked as he lowered his eyebrows…”He’s going to wake the whole floor…”
”Yeah he will...” Urs said and smiled…”Goodnight fellas…I’m going to catch some sleep..” Urs said as he walked towards the door.. "Me too.."David said and followed Urs . Steve looked at Sebastien ,who picked up his back, in disbelieve:”Don’t tell me You’re leaving me here with him? I’m sleeping next door for god sake!!!.. I can’t sleep with this torture sound ..” Sebastien patted his shoulder as he passed Steve “Goodnight Steve… "He calmy said:" I’m down the hall if you need me ..”He added as a smile appeared on his face ….” “Oh nooo….Don’t do this…”Steve exclaimed throwing his head back… After he watched Sebastien leave he sighed deeply and turned back to Carlos who just turned his volume up a notch….

***
Ingrid entered the house silently...The house was dark and silent…. She walked upstairs and hesitated for a moment before she slowly opened Lisa’s door… A stitch went through her stomach as soon she noticed Ron sitting next to Lisa holding her hand and slowly caressing it… Ron didn’t notice her as he looked far away with his thoughts... She stared at him for a moment and wondered if she should say something…instead she quietly turned and closed the door …


Chapter LXX
The sun shined through the bedroom window and Ron slowly lifted his head from the bed and opened his eyes as he heard someone opened the door… ”Ron…”Carmen whispered "The doctor is here…”
Ron nodded silently and gazed at Lisa who was still asleep… Quietly he let go of her hand, and briefly caressed her face before he raised himself from the chair beside the bed and walked towards the door... Carmen noticed he looked exhausted… “Did she sleep through the night?” The doctor asked as he walked through the door …Ron lowered his eyes for a second and shook his head: “She woke up twice, she didn't say anything but seemed very upset …. “He paused for a moment before he continued...” I tried to sooth her ,but it seemed as if she looked right through me...”Ron looked worried and the doctor noticed...” It’s the sedative Ron…don’t worry...That’s quite normal... ”He added and tried sound reassuring… Ron nodded vaguely and swiftly looked at Cramen who noticed he wasn’t convinced..

After the doctor entered the room she turned to him and smiled: “Come ..I make you some breakfast..”Ron gazed at her for a moment:”I..I’m not hungry..” he softly said. Carmen tilted her head and wrapped her arm around his shoulders..” Oh come on..you need to eat Ron…There’s nothing we can do for Lisa at the moment ..She’s in good hands..” She said . Ron hesitated for a moment but finally gave in and walked with her downstairs….

***
Karen stepped out of the shower, dried herself and put on a bathrobe. She walked quietly into the living room and looked over at Angela who was still asleep on the pullout sofa…

Last night after Angela had calmed down a bit, she helped Angela to collect her belongings and helped her box them. The movers would come early in the morning to pick them up.
Angela didn’t want to stay in Urs’s apartment, she told Karen she would check into a hotel. Karen didn’t think it was good for her to be alone at a time like this, considering the state she was in, and finally convinced Angela to stay at their apartment…

Karen decided to make some coffee for herself and turned to walk towards the kitchen when the phone started to rang…She hurried herself to the bedroom and took it from there: ”Hello?” she answered ..
Karen ?? It’s me, David…”
“Oh Honey!!!” She smiled as she dropped herself on the bed: ”How was your flight? I hope it wasn’t too long… Aren’t you tired?” Karen noticed she was babbling on and took a deep breath before she softly said”I’m sorry Hun…” She overheard David laughing.” Its okay sweetheart. I’m fine… Can’t sleep though. But I slept quite a bit on the plane. So how are you? Missing me yet?” She heard him chuckle.
“Nah…not really…”She sounded quite bored. “Really?” His voice went up a few octaves. Karen started to laugh: “Off course I miss you…what did you think?” David sighed “you scared me…”He softly said. “I’m sorry sweetheart I was just joking…”She sounded regretfully. “Ok then…you’re forgiven...”He laughed.
Karen glanced at her watch “What’s the time over there? “ There was a short silence before David answered: It’s seven over here...”
“Oh my God!" Karen blurted out " And you didn’t sleep all-night? You have a whole day ahead of you…” Karen sounded worried... ”Sweetie its seven at night…I’m on the other side remember??” Karen slapped her forehead and squeezed her eyes in disbelieve for a moment: “..I knew that of course..” she finally said and tried to sound confident” David laughed: ”Sure you did ..” A smile appeared on Karen's face as she felt busted.

She paused for a moment as her smile slowly disappeared …”God I miss you so David ...”She softly said and gazed in front of her … “I miss you too sweet heart…”He answered and noticed she sounded a bit low...” So how are things over there…? “He changed the subject and tried to sound cheerful.
“Well nothing much really… "Karen rolled her eyes as she continued "I have to work in a few hours: half day so that won’t be too hard….”she paused for a moment before she continued:” Angela is here…” she softly said: “Angela? Urs’s Angela???” He asked as his voice rose in tone again.” Yes….She was collecting her things last night in their apartment …”

Karen told him the whole story and when she was finished David kept quiet...

”Dave??” Karen asked as she looked up “Yeah I’m still here…”He said...
“Why didn’t you tell me about Urs? “David noticed she sounded slightly annoyed... ”I don’t know... You never asked… And I guess I never thought of it since you didn’t knew Angela …” He defended himself…”But I know Urs David…” Karen explained.” Yeah you’re right... I’m sorry. It’s just… He was devastated about what happened…and…”
“It didn’t just happen David...he obviously made it happen…” Karen interrupted him. “Karen, please! You don’t understand. He’s so miserable about everything , he loved Angela, in fact he still does .. but sometimes...”
“Sometimes, what: David? Are you trying to tell me that it could happen to us???” Karen sounded upset and David sighed deeply “No…!”He exclaimed… “Then: what?” Karen wide her eyes in disbelieve: “If you would just let me finish, Karen!!” David started to shout. “Look, If you think that I …”Karen didn’t finish her sentence as she suddenly realized she was shouting back at him…. Karen bitted her lip and sighed..” I’m s—s-orry David..” She stuttered. She heard David take a deep breath: “Never mind I have to go…I call you later…” “David WAIT! “Karen shouted into the phone, but he already hanged up….
Karen lowered the phone from her ear, closed her eyes and tried hard to push back the tears “Why did you do that???” she whispered to herself…

Karen walked back into the living room and saw Angela who tidied the couch.. “Hey..” Karen said as she swiftly wiped her face . “Did you sleep okay?” Angela smiled as she straightened her body “Yeah, as could as possible…” she softly said “would you like some coffee?” Karen asked. “Yes, coffee would be nice… Karen nodded and smiled as she got into the kitchen and poured Angela some coffee, as she walked back in she handed Angela the cup before they both sat down at the dining table.. “So how are you feeling?” Karen asked as she tilted her head slightly… “I’m ok…I guess…”She smiled vaguely…”Thank you Karen… ” she softly added. Karen waved her hand “Ah don’t mention it…its ok… “She smiled. “David just called...”Karen changed the subject…”It seems that they all are suffering from the time difference..” Angela looked up “yeah should take them a day or two….Normally..” she added and tried to smile again…”were you ever at their concerts?” Karen asked…Angela nodded” Occasionally…It’s fun but very tiring…I mean, they change countries faster than you can blink you're eyes…”Karen laughed.. ”They didn’t had much time for us though" Angela continued..."So we had to make our own fun…”
“Us?” Karen asked …”Yeah Geraldine, Mandy and me….
” Mandy? As in..." Angela looked up from her coffee as Karen suddenly stopped :" David’s former girlfriend...” Angela filled her in, but immediately felt sorry as she noticed the look on Karen's face. She lowered her coffee and shook her head.”I’m sorry Karen I didn’t mean too ...” Karen smiled:” It’s ok…David never really mentioned her but I know they where together for quite some time..” Angela nodded “Yes, they where. But things just didn’t work out for them at the end… The last thing I heard is that she moved back to Australia…”
Karen looked up as if she was being pinched “Australia…?” Angela nodded: “Yes she’s from Australia. I thought you knew..” Karen gazed at her “N—n-no…I didn’t “She stuttered Angela noticed she was shocked and laid her hand on top of hers. ”Karen? I know what you’re thinking…But I wouldn’t worry…Its over between them. And if you know David the way that I do … over is really over with him...” Karen sighed and tried to act light: “Of course..”She smiled and waved her hand briefly. ”I’m not worried “she smiled and ignored the twitch in her stomach…

”So…”Karen sat back and tried to relax her body:” did you all get along? ” She asked as she put a smile on her face...Angela smiled back:” yeah we did… .Except for Geraldine and Danique ..” Karen looked at her as she raised her eyebrows:" Danique ? “ Angela nodded: "Yeah Sebastien’s former girlfriend... She was always very jealous of the female fans.We tried to tell her not to worry over and over again but that didn’t help…It did get annoying at times. At the end Geraldine couldn’t stand her any longer since she would stir things up really bad…She would pick fights with Seb just before they went on stage. And at the end Steve decided she wasn’t aloud anywhere near Seb at the venue. So I guess you can fill in what the result of that was…”Angela rolled her eyes and Karen smiled… “Yeah…well he is with Lisa now, and they are very happy together…” Yeah I heard" Angela said " I haven’t met her though. But Urs told me she’s quite stunning…”

Karen paused for a moment as she lowered her eyes…”Yes…yes she is… “She softly said. Karen sighed and tried to force a smile on her face: “So what’s Geraldine like? “She asked “You haven’t met her yet? “Angela looked at her with questioning eyes. Karen shook her head. “Well you would like Gerald, she’s so sweet and always cheerful and kind.. She’s my best friend… Angela paused for a moment before she added “My only friend these days…”Angela tried to smile but her sadness came through....
“Are you going to their wedding next month?” Karen asked “Angela nodded…”I’m her bridesmaid...” She softly said… Karen tilted her head slightly: “ You know that Urs will be there…”Karen carefully said.
Angela slowly looked up at her “I know….” She lowered her eyes for a moment before she looked back at Karen” I just hope that he won’t bring her….I can’t …”Angela’s voice faded out…. Karen shook her head “I'm sure he would do that to you Angela….” Angela sighed deeply and closed her eyes briefly:” I certainly hope not...” She smiled vaguely…”It’s hard enough seeing him there...” she added…
Karen looked at her face and noticed she looked sad again… ”You know….” Karen softly said.” David told me that Urs was feeling miserable...” Angela looked up “He deserves to feel miserable…”She sarcastically said: “Sorry Karen…”She added softly…” I didn’t mean to sound so harsh…” Karen leant over the table and strokes her hand: “Its o.k. I understand you’re angry…I know I would...” she said and gave her a smile. “I am scared Karen?” Angela’s voice started to smother. “Scared of what?” Karen asked as she slowly sat back. “I’m scared I will never get over him…Since he’s in the public eye and all ...And if the news gets out of the baby…”Angela stopped and Karen noticed tears in her eyes… “You still love him…don’t you…” she softly asked...Angela looked up at her and nodded silently… Karen shook her head and sighed “You need time Angela … Both of you…You both love each other...Maybe there's a way...” Angela wiped her eyes before she shook her head and interupted her:”It’s no use…I could never forgive him Karen….”Karen slowly lowered her eyes and nodded quietly as she understood…

“Well...” Angela glanced at her watch and sighed: “I’ guess I’m off.” She smiled and rose from her chair “Don’t you want to change or shower.” Karen asked. Angela shook her head…”No...I’m taking a shower next door. I’ll be fine.” She smiled as she picked up her purse ...”Thanks again Karen for everything..” Karen nodded and smiled as she walked Angela to the door: “I guess we wil see each other at the wedding then...” Karen smiled as she opened the door. Angela nodded: “I guess we will…Bye Karen…” she said and walked out… “Bye Angela…” Karen softly said and slowly closed the door…”

Karen closed her eyes for a moment as she leant against the door... The last thing I heard is that she moved back to Australia...” she heard Angela’s words bounce back in her mind… She slowly opened her eyes and hesitated for a moment before she turned and walked towards her phone…She dialed David’s number and brought the phone to her ear and started to pace the floor…

”Please answer David….”she whispered. “Please…”

***
The doctor came walking into the kitchen and Ron Jumped up:” And???”.. he blurted out.The doctor smiled...” She’s awake and calm…” Carmen sighed and raised her hands: “O gracias a Dios…” she softly said.
Ingrid came walking in but Ron completely ignored her: ”Can I go to her?” He asked. ”Yes… yes off course. Just don’t fire her with questions. Okay?” Ron nodded as he passed the doctor and rushed up the stairs… Carmen noticed Ingrid who gazed after him in confusion...

Ron silently opened the door and smiled as soon as he saw Lisa who sat up in her bed .. “Hey gorgeous he whispered as he entered the room…”Hey...” She softly said and a vague smile appeared on her face… Ron leant forward and kissed her forehead.... “I was worried about you..”he said and a brief smile appeared on his face. “How’s Thomas?” Lisa asked as she looked up at him … “He’s fine they are next door playing with James… “Ron answered. “They? Is Bjorn here? “
“Yes...” he nodded and noticed a vague smile on Lisa’s face…” Do you want something to eat …tea? or…” Lisa slowly lowered her eyes :"I’m fine...” she said and her voice softly faded… “So how are you feeling?” he asked as he lowered himself on the side the bed. “Still a bit dizzy …” she quietly said “Did Sebastien call?” She asked as she looked back at him. Ron lowered his eyes as he felt a stitch through his stomach by the sound of his name:”No…”He finally said…
Lisa sighed and closed her eyes briefly…
” You gave us quite a scare ...”Ron changed the subject and watched as she looked away and started to gaze out of the window…”I need you to do something for me Ron….”She softly said as she kept gazing outside...
“Sure. Anything…”He said and looked at her intensively…
“I need you to go back to Gothenburg and take Thomas with you…” Ron lowered his eyebrows and shook his head briefly: “Why?” Lisa slowly looked back at him and Ron gasped when her eyes locked in his...” I need some time on my own…Will you do that for me? …”she softly asked and Ron noticed her eyes welled up…He lowered his eyes and cleared his throat…”Sure…whatever you need Lisa..”
“Thank you...” She softly said ans smiled as she briefly touched his hand… After a moment of silence Ron slowly raised himself from the bed and walked towards the window, Lisa watched silently as he put his hands in his pockets and started to stare outside…
”So when are you going to tell me what ‘s the matter between Ingrid and you…?” Lisa softly asked. Ron looked back at her briefly and lowered his eyes slowly before he looked back outside…He took a deep breath before he shook his head: ” It’s over between us Lisa…” he softly said….”Why...What happened?” Lisa frowned. Ron slowly turned and looked at her….After a moment he looked away for a moment... “Its…It’s just not there anymore ….She doesn’t love me…” He slowly looked back at her and Lisa noticed that tears filled his eyes…”It was all a façade Lisa… our whole marriage…everything...” He suddenly stopped talking and Lisa shook her head in disbelieve…”Oh Ron… Don’t say that...Ingrid loves you…”A smile appeared on her face before she continued…”How can’t she? ...You gave her Bjorn….” Ron lowered his head:”Oh Lisa…”he said and his voice sounded smothered…”If you only knew…” Lisa tilted her head “What? ... What Ron?” She repeated and tried to search his eyes…”Ron lifted his head and exhaled forcefully…He looked at Lisa who looked at him intensively with her brownish eyes…”Its not important now…”He tried to force smile onto his face…Lisa sighed: ”Listen Ron...Whatever is going on, you will work it out…you have to…You have a wonderful boy together who needs you both as his parents…”
Ron nodded vaguely and tried to avoid her eyes…” Maybe you need some time apart Ron…"Lisa continued"Ingrid can stay here..…” Ron started to shake his head “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea Lisa...” Ron slowly looked back at her ” Why not? It will give you some time to think things over…” Lisa explained. “But you…you aren’t well Lisa…you should think of yourself...” Ron said as he pointed at her... “Ron, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine…” Lisa‘s voice sounded soft as she lowered her eyes….

Ron looked at her and he noticed she looked pale…”What happened Lisa...” He finally dared to ask… Lisa slowly looked at him and he noticed she looked disturbed….”I…..I…Thought I saw something……” she stuttered without taking her eyes of him…Ron walked over to her and lowered himself at her side of the bed…”What did you see…?” he asked as he took her hand in his…”Lisa paused for a moment and Ron wondered what was going through her mind…Lisa obviously felt uncomfortable as she swiftly looked away from him “…I…I just got scared for a moment that’s all… I’m okay now… It was nothing…”
Ron narrowed his eyes and looked at her intensively…”You collapsed Lisa…people don’t collapse from nothing….”
Lisa shook her head as she gently released her hand from his...” I don’t want to talk about it...” she softly said…
Ron closed his eyes for a moment and restrained himself from asking any further by clenching his lips…Finally he sighed and looked back at her…”Okay Lisa……But you have to promise me that you won’t go chasing ghosts…”
Lisa swiftly looked back at him and she noticed he lowered his eyes immediately… “What do you mean…?” She asked in disbelieve…
Ron kept avoiding her look as he rose from the bed and walked to the door…”You know exactly what I mean Lisa…”he softly said and swiftly looked back at her before he left the room quietly…

Lisa shook her head as she gazed at the closed door.. Something told her that he knew something that she obviously didn’t…

***
Carmen handed Ingrid a cup which she silently took from her hands and sat down… Carmen noticed her hands where shaking…”Are you okay? You look so nervous...” Ingrid looked up and forced a smile on her face... ”I ...I didn’t sleep well that’s all…”she said…. Carmen lowered her eyes :”That’s not it …there’s something you’re not telling me here..” Carmen thought… Ron is staying away long …Maybe I better check and see if everything’s all right…”She said as she rose from her chair…Carmen stopped her by grabbing her arm “No Ing… ” Ingrid looked at her in disbelieve…Carmen rose from her chair and looked down at her: “I don’t know what’s wrong with you Ingrid…but I don’t want you anywhere near Lisa until you calm down…Do you understand?" Carmen’s voice sounded firmly. Ingrid nodded silently and Carmen walked out. Ingrid looked puzzled as she didn’t expect Carmen to talk to her that way…

After a moment the kitchen door swung open and Ron stepped inside….Ingrid suddenly jumped up from her chair and stared at him …. “H… how is she…?” She stuttered. Ron lowered his eyes and walked to the sink... ”She’s ok…considering the state she’s in...” Ingrid watched him for a moment as he poured in a cup of coffee...She lowered her eyes and stared at her hands which she barely could hold still... ”D-did…she say anything…?”She quietly asked...Ron sighed deeply as he turned to her and silently looked down at her in a denigrating way “Ron, please!!! You’re scaring me…!”She exclaimed almost in tears… Ron put down his cup on the sink and looked back at her...

”You're filthy secret is safe…”He finally said…”For now…”he added and walked out of the Kitchen…

Ingrid gazed after him in silence and as soon as the doors shut behind him she started to shake over her whole body…


Chapter LXXI
Carmen silently opened the bedroom door and smiled as soon as she noticed Lisa, who was on the phone… Carmen walked towards the bed, leant over and quietly kissed Lisa’s forehead. Lisa smiled at her before she talked back into the phone:”Okay daddy, have a great holiday…I will… Talk to you soon…Bye…”.
Lisa pressed the button on her phone and Carmen stroke her hair as she lowered herself on the side of the bed. “How are you feeling sweetheart?” Carmen asked as she looked at her tenderly. Lisa nodded slightly “Much better …” Carmen sighed relieved: “So when are they going away?” Carmen asked as she glanced at the phone which Lisa held in her hand. “Tomorrow morning… they are finally going for the Caribbean Cruise...” Carmen smiled “So your mum finally gets her way…” Lisa rolled her eyes: “Doesn’t she always… I’ll bet she blackmailed him.. ”Lisa said as she narrowed her eyes… Carmen started to laugh: “It wouldn’t surprise me if she did… So how long are they gone..?”
Lisa shrugged her shoulders as she put down the phone on the bedside table: “a month or so…” she softly said. Carmen sighed as she stroked Lisa’s hair back: “Well since you’re dad is retired, he probably will be able to relax a bit …” Lisa smiled and nodded as she agreed. Carmen looked at her and tilted her head slightly:”I’m so glad you’re doing better sweetheart, you scared us…”Lisa nodded and looked away:”I know… I’m sorry…I got scared for a moment... but it turned out to be nothing.…” She added as she looked back at Carmen who looked at her intensively…
“Are you sure? …” Carmen asked as she touched her hand.
Lisa swiftly lowered her eyes and Carmen noticed she swallowed and nodded swiftly as she tried to put on a comforting smile: “Of course I’m sure Carmen….” She looked back at her “I’m okay…honestly...” Carmen lowered her eyes and smiled…” Okay sweetheart. If you say so….”

Carmen looked back at her and changed the subject...” Shall I make you something to eat?” Lisa shook her head “No I’m fine…”she softly said and lowered her eyes. Carmen noticed she looked pale…” I asked Ron to take Thomas with him back to Gothenburg tonight….”She softly said and raised her eyes back at Carmen. Carmen lowered her eyebrows:”Are you sure Lisa? I mean, Ron and Ingrid seem to have some issues with each other…” Lisa nodded: “Yes they have… They just need some time apart, I’m sure…I suggested that Ingrid stay’s here …As for Thomas, I think it will do him good spending some time with Bjorn…”Carmen nodded “Okay…It will be fun for him ..He loves Bjorn and Gothenburg for that matter…”Carmen tried to sound optimistic. Lisa smiled “Yes…he does...” Her voice slowly faded… Carmen raised herself from the bed and smiled down at her:” Well I guess I’d better start packing Thomas’s things then...” Lisa nodded and smiled vaguely…

Carmen walked towards the door but stopped just before she opened it she turned slightly back and looked at Lisa who was staring at her nails:”I’ll be downstairs if you need me…” She softly said … Lisa glanced up and nodded slightly and Carmen noticed she forced a smile on her face…
She turned back quietly, left the room and silently closed the door

Carmen sighed and lowered her eyes for a moment…

Lisa obviously looked better but Carmen knew she was capable of putting down a perfect act if necessary…
She used to that with her mother a lot when she was younger and with Benjamin as well when she was older…
Whenever she was in distress she would pull this, in order to fool everyone around her, which she always seemed to accomplish…
Carmen discovered it was her way of protecting her loved ones or disguising her anguish, frustration or fear…

Somehow Carmen had a strong feeling it was fear that made her do it this time…

When she started to walk towards the stairs she suddenly stopped and turned her head as she thought she heard a noise coming from Thomas his room…
She slowly turned and tried to listen more closely which confirmed her suspicion…
She lowered her eyebrows and slowly moved towards the door…As she came closer the noises became more distinct and Carmen thought she recognized Ron’s voice whispering forcefully at someone… She tilted her head silently against the door and heard the sound of shoes moving swiftly over the wooden floor .

For a moment that was all she heard…

…”You promised me dammit…!!!” she heard Ron’s voice again and pressed her ear firmly against the door in order to get a better sound…
After a short moment of silence she heard his voice again”... I don’t care….I won’t let you do this, you hear??? … This is the last time …I can’t hold this up any longer Dunk. Yes he is…. But stay away….” He obviously was talking to someone on the phone; Carmen shook her head as she didn’t have a clue who he was angry at…” Then try harder!!!” She suddenly heard him shout and immediately the footsteps came towards the door.

Carmen jumped back and wanted to turn but the door already swung open…” CARMEN!!” Ron gasped and looked caught… “Carmen tried to look calm and raised her chin at him: “Ron…” she calmly said… “I ...I was just …” Ron stuttered and Carmen noticed his face turned red… Carmen looked straight at him which made him feel even more uncomfortable….” Don’t tell me you are having an affair Ron?” Carmen asked without taking her eyes from him… Ron swallowed swiftly and tried to catch his breath…” I...I guess I have… I…I don’t know what to say….” He finally said. Carmen lowered her eyebrows...” I think you’ve said enough. No wonder Ingrid is so upset…Shame on you Ron...” Carmen's face got angry and Ron sighed somewhat relieved or so it seemed to Carmen… “I’m very disappointed in you…How could you? You are a father and you have a lovely wife…You must be mad jeopardizing all that…” Ron tried to avoid her look “I’m sorry Carmen; I don’t know how it happened… I‘m ending it. I promise… “He looked back at her and smiled regretfully: “Please don’t tell anyone Carmen, especially Lisa and Ingrid …” He pleaded.

Carmen paused for a moment and looked away…
She sighed before she looked back into his eyes:” Okay then… I’ll keep my mouth shut…But you have to promise me that you’ll end it with this other woman …” Ron nodded forcefully: “I WILL, you have my word ….” He reassured her…
Carmen turned abruptly and walked towards the stairs...

She looked back at him and noticed he sighed again.
For a second Carmen wondered if he was being truthfull...

She stopped and pointed towards him:” Set it straight Ron…I’m warning you…” Ron nodded again “I’ will Carmen ...I will…”

After Carmen got down stairs Ron raised his eyes and exhaled forcefully:
“That was close…” He whispered…” Very close…”

***
Back in Australia:
Sebastien opened his eyes and looked at the time: 02:32 AM. He started to calculate back and grabbed the phone, dialled Lisa’s number and laid back in his pillow: …. “Amberville Residence Carmen speaking...”
“Carmen!!! It’s Seb...” He heard Carmen scream: “Oh Sebastien!!! Sweetheart, how are you???” Sebastien smiled:” I’m okay, still a bit tired but it will pass soon…” He heard her sigh: “Poor thing…Make sure you eat well ok?” Sebastien smiled again:” I will Carmen… I promise!” He answered.

He loved the way Carmen was concerned about him, it reminded him of his mother…

” Take care darling, I will put you through to Lisa now, one moment... ” Carmen said “Ok Carmen, bye…” He said as he rose from the bed and waited impatiently for Lisa to answer…” Sebastien??? “He heard Lisa say…” Oh Lisa….” He gasped and threw his head back and closed his eyes by the sound of her voice…”It’s so good to hear you’re voice… I wanted to call sooner but it was so late already …” He explained.
“Its okay, sweetie…how are you?” She asked…
” I’m ok I guess, but missing you like crazy…” He softly said and bitted his lip...” I miss you too…” She replied softly which caused butterflies rushing through his stomach… “So how are you?” He asked…
Lisa paused briefly “I’m okay….” She finally answered “Everything is ok…”

Sebastien frowned as he heard in the tone of her voice that she wasn’t that ok as she wanted him to believe…He doubted for a moment if he should ask further but finally decided not to…

” How’s Thomas? “He asked instead “Thomas is fine he’s playing next-door with James, Bjorn is here so they have a lot of fun….” Sebastien frowned again: “Bjorn? I thought he was camping with his dad..” He sounded surprised. “Yeah…he- he was…but Ron came over last night and brought him along…” He heard Lisa stutter and another strange feeling came over him… “Is everything okay?” He asked as he stared out of his hotel room…
“Yes …yes off course…”she hurried to say and tried to sound light. Sebastien was certain something was going on:“ So Ron’s there too? “He asked as he started to walk around… “Yes…but he’s leaving tonight again with Bjorn…” He heard Lisa take a deep breath before she continued “It seems that he and Ingrid are going to some rough times… I suggested that Ingrid stays here to give them some time off each other….”
Sebastien glanced up: “That’s sad to hear “ He said...” Thomas will be disappointed to see Bjorn leave so soon...” He added…
He heard Lisa hesitate for a moment…: "Thomas…Thomas is going with them…” She finally said. “Why? Doesn’t he have to go to school?” He asked in disbelieve... “Yes. Well it’s almost school Holliday and Thomas really missed Bjorn. And since I have to work a lot I thought it would be fun….” She lied…
Sebastien paused for a moment and grabbed his forehead as a strange feeling came over him …”Lisa?” He finally asked:” You would tell me if something was going on, wouldn’t you?”
Sebastien heard Lisa laugh slightly:” Of course I would…There’s nothing going on Seb…Everything is fine…” He noticed she was trying hard to convince him ...

He sighed deeply and closed his eyes for a moment: "Maybe his feelings where wrong, maybe everything was really fine and he was just over reacting..."He thought...

” Ok sweetheart…"He finally said" Give Thomas a kiss from me and tell him to have a good time there…” his voice sounded soft… “ I will…” She answered and Sebastien noticed she sounded a bit relieved.
“So what are you guys doing tomorrow? Lisa asked, changing the subject. Sebastien ran his fingers through his hair and sighed: “ We have to go to the venue to check out the décor, and doing some sound checks... After that we have nothing really planned….I guess I’ll be thinking about you the rest of the day, whishing you where here …” He softly added… “I wish I was there with you…” She quietly said.
“I can’t tell you how happy that would make me…”He answered as he lowered himself on the bed and rubbed his face… ”So you think there’s a chance you could come over for a few day’s?” He asked as he closed his eyes briefly…
“I honestly do not know. Marc made several appointments, and a few of them I certainly can’t cancel… I will do my best though….I’ll promise…”
After a while Lisa told him that she had to go: “I will call you tomorrow sweetie…” Seb softly said...” Okay …” Lisa softly said...” I love you Lisa…” He said and felt tears well up in his eyes...” I love you too…” Lisa softly replied and Sebastien heard her voice sounded smothered….” Bye…” She softly said … Sebastien closed his eyes as he didn’t want to end the call...He restrained himself and finally managed to say goodbye and after Lisa hanged up he lowered his head and tried to breath…” God how I wish I was there…” He softly said…

***
Lisa got out of bed and paced the floor as she held the phone clenched in her hand…She was crying and never felt more terrified in her life…
After a moment she wiped the tears from her face and tried to breath...

She hated that she lied to Sebastien…But she felt she had no choice…She really didn’t want to worry him since he was obligated to do the tour…

She finally managed to calm down a bit and exhaled forcefully before she dialled the office number…” Amberville photography, Marc Jennings speaking “ Lisa started to pace the floor again :”Muffin it’s me….” She softly said...”
“Princess how are you?? Carmen told me you weren’t feeling well...” Lisa raised her eyes: “I’m ok now…” she lied again and looked at her watch… “I’m glad you are still at the office... I thought you’d be gone by now…” She heard Marc sigh:” Well I had some catching up to do “He said...” I went with Angelica to see the house…” Lisa stopped pacing and sighed as she remembered: “Ah yes that’s right …And? …” She asked and tried to sound interested…” Well it’s a beautiful house.” Marc said” but she’s a bit reluctant in accepting it …” Lisa started to nod her head:” Well I think she should take it anyway ...” Lisa said ….” Same thing I told her” Marc said as he raised the tone in his voice… “Listen muffin the reason I called… I need you to make me an appointment with Steven Albright…tonight. …”
Marc kept quiet… He knew Steven was an old family lawyer of the Mc Pherson’s and after Lisa got married she held on to him … He had called her several times after Benjamin’s death in order to discuss Benjamin’s will…but she kept holding it off…

”Why tonight” He finally asked ...”Don’t ask Marc just do it ok..?” She asked. “Okay...sure. I will get back to you right away...” He said and Lisa sighed relieved “The number is in my rolodex…you’ll see it… Thank you Marc…” She softly said and ended the call as she turned towards the window and gazed outside …

***
Ingrid was standing in front of the kitchen window when Ron walked back in… Ingrid turned around and gazed at him… “I just called the airline, I’m going back to Gothenburg and I’m taking the boys with me…” He said. “Thomas is going as well?” She asked as she looked at him with questioning eyes…
Ron nodded: “Lisa wants some time on her own…”I see…” She softly said and looked away for a moment...” I’ll get my things then…” she added softly and started to walk for the door…”That won’t be necessary…”Ron calmly said as he looked straight at her. Ingrid suddenly stopped and stared at him in disbelieve “You’re not going anywhere...” He added. Ingrid raised her hands in despair:” Why not Ron??? I can’t stay here for ever…” Ron lowered his eyes:” Lisa wants you here…and so you will stay here…” he softly said… Ingrid slowly walked back to the kitchen window and gazed outside for a moment before she gradually turned back to him: “What do I tell her …?” Ron Raised his chin and looked back at her:” The truth would be good…however you’re lies are holding up pretty good these day’s so you might want to hold on to them…”
Ingrid’s eyes started to well up and Ron started to laugh sarcastically:“ I don’t know why you look so down Ingrid….You have a great opportunity here to ruin another person’s life, that must be thrilling for you. Especially since this person loves you even more than I ever did …."He paused for a moment and tilted his head as he kept his eyes focused on her:"Now that’s even better isn’t it Ingrid?”
Ingrid started to cry : “ Ron please stop…” She exclaimed.

Ron sighed deeply and started to shake his head:” I don’t really care Ingrid and it doesn’t really matter weather you tell her or not…” His voice sounded calm and calculated:” .She will find out the truth sooner or later..” Ingrid started to tremble and Ron noticed… He slowly moved towards her: “I for one can’t wait till that day comes Ingrid…” He continued“…She will finally see you for the person that you really are…And she will despise you like I do Ingrid…for the rest of you’re life…” Ingrid slapped her hands before her eyes:” Please stop!” She cried “I can’t take this anymore…”

Ron straightened his body and ignored her tears” I want you out of my house and out of my life…” he calmly added. Ingrid slowly lowered her hands and gazed at him: “But where will we live?”
“We?” He asked sarcastically …” You can’t be serious if you think I would allow Bjorn to live with you…” Ingrid’s mouth dropped...” But...I’m his mother...” She gasped... “He stay’s with me and that’s final!!!...” He almost shouted and turned away from her.

Ingrid started to panic: “But Ron B …”

Ron didn't let her finish as he turned back to her in a split second which made Ingrid stepping back in fear … He raised his hand to her and looked at her with angry eyes:
” DON’T YOU DARE!!!” he shouted “ DON"T YOU DARE SAY IT OUT LOUD!!!...”
Ingrid felt how her body was shaking and decided anxiously to keep her mouth shut…
Ron lowered his hand and breathed heavily without taking his eyes from her…” That boy is all I have left…” He hissed at her and Ingrid noticed his eyes welled up before he turned and walked silently out the door…

***
Later that afternoon Ron left with Thomas and Bjorn. Lisa noticed that Ron acted indifferent towards Ingrid. Even when she said goodbye to Bjorn and couldn’t hold back her tears, Ron ignored her as if she was wasn't even there.
Lisa hugged Thomas and tried hard not to cry:” Have fun sweetheart...” she smiled. Thomas kissed her again and told her to ask Sebastien if he would call him in Gothenburg..” I will sweetheart…” she said and caressed his face…

Lisa knew he was excited to go, gladly he wasn’t aware of anything that was going on…

Carmen felt reluctant in letting him go but kept it to her self and tried to be happy for Thomas...
After they left Ingrid started to cry and Lisa hugged her...” It’s okay sweetheart…shhh...” She soothed her…"Everything will be okay...trust me.."
Carmen also felt sorry for Ingrid and stroke her hair as she cried on Lisa’s shoulder…” I’ll make us some tea…” She said and looked at Lisa who nodded…

Chapter LXXII
Lisa parked her car in an upper side of London and walked up to the huge mansion where she was welcomed by an older man who stood in the doorway and smiled at her: “Lisa!! Darling it’s so good to see you!” He said and spread his arms towards Lisa, who smiled back at him: “Hello Steven…” She said and gave him a hug. Steven stepped back: “Come in sweetheart, Loraine isn’t here, she’s on a holiday with a friend, and she will be disappointed that she missed you...” He said as he closed the door behind her. “How is Loraine?” Lisa asked as they walked through the hallway towards his office. “Oh she’s fine…still ordering me around as usual…” He smiled.
“Take a seat Darling.” He said as he pointed at a leather chair in front of his desk… “Thank you Steven, for seeing me…I know it’s late...” Lisa said as she lowered herself in the chair. He smiled as he waved her worries away “ Ah…don’t worry…I’m an old workaholic...you know that... So …” he said as he got seated...” how are you and Thomas?” Lisa smiled slightly …” We are fine…” Lisa’s voice faded slowly and Steven looked at her intensively over his glasses… “Tell me what’s bothering you sweetheart…How can I help…”

Lisa took a deep breath and looked away for a moment…” There are a few things I need you to do for me Steven… “Steven sat back in his chair , folded his hands and nodded:” I’m listening…” he calmly said. Lisa cleared her throat.” I want you to sell all assets Benjamin and I owned together …” Steven raised his eyebrows…” Everything?”
Lisa nodded:"Yes. Everything.. I want it all gone: The house in Lugarno, The Chalet in Switzerland The apartment in Paris, Benjamin’s boats, The Yacht in Naples... Everything!” She answered.

Steven looked at her silently for a moment: “Thomas was born in the Lugarno house wasn’t he ?…” he finally asked.

Lisa nodded: “ Yes he was….But besides that I have bad memories of that house and since it’s vacant it will only cost money…”
“You could sublease it...” Steven suggested. Lisa shook her head “No….I want it gone….” Steven looked at her with questioning eyes:“Where will you and Thomas live? “
“I will keep the house here in London, I’m not sure for how long, but we will live there for now…”

Steven nodded and sighed: “I see… However for some assets, Thomas is the beneficiary… “Lisa nodded:” I know …but since he’s a minor I have the supervision until he turns 21. Can’t I sell it and reserve the money on a closed account for him?” Steven nodded slightly: “I guess that would be an option...” He said as he leaned forward:” It looks like you’re burning history here, the one you had with Benjamin...” He quietly said...” Lisa lowered her eyes: “I suppose I am…” she softly said.

Steven looked at her for a moment before he rose from his chair and walked towards his archive…He searched trough the maps and lifted one up... After he read the front-page he walked back to his chair and opened it on his desk as he sat down…

” Ok let’s see…” He said and started to leaf through the file. Lisa waited patiently until he finished going through the papers…

After a moment he sighed and sat back as he lifted his glasses and put them on his head. “I don’t understand…” He said and looked puzzled... “What is it ?"Lisa asked
“The Paris apartment isn’t listed in here…”
Lisa lowered here eyebrows: “That’s odd! … We lived there until his accident… “
Steven nodded as he looked up at her: “I know… Have you ever been there after his death..? “Lisa shook her head:” No …but I send Ron and he supervised the shipping of the furniture.. It’s vacant Steven, I’m sure …” Steven shook his head again :” It’s not inhere, Lisa… This file contains all you’re assets; maybe Benjamin sold it before his death…”

Lisa shook her head forcefully: “No! He would never have done that without consulting me first. He bought that apartment for our anniversary….He loved that apartment Steven!... He wanted us to live there permanently….”

Steven started to rub his chin as he sat back…

Lisa was getting restless as she moved to the edge of her seat:
” Maybe the file is still with his lawyer in Rome…” Lisa said. Steven shook his head: “No! That’s not possible; Roberto Sorrento sent me the file and Benjamin’s will right after his death Lisa”
“Well then he must have forgotten to put it in Steven…Or maybe he held it back on purpose!!! “Lisa said and looked at him in disbelieve…Steven noticed Lisa’s amazement… “I will call Roberto first thing in the morning Lisa… Let’s not jump to conclusions untill then…Maybe it just slipped through...” He tried to reassure her… Lisa finally released a sigh:” Okay… You're probably right..."She softly said…”

Steven looked at her and tilted his head: “Are you sure you want to do this Lisa?’” He asked. “
Lisa nodded forcefully:“Never been surer in my life Steven… “She answered and rose from her chair… Steven nodded and rose as well :” Ok then. I will put the wheels in motion ASAP.”
Lisa smiled relieved and hugged him: “Thank you Steven… I’ll hear from you then?” She asked as she let him go… Steven nodded: “I will call you as soon as I know something darling… Tell Thomas I said Hello...” Lisa nodded as she walked out: “I will Steven ...Give my love to Loraine. Bye...” She smiled and waved at him…

Steven waved back and silently watched her leave through the hallway and sighed… “Oh Lisa…I hope you know what you are doing…” He softly said to himself as he silently closed his office door…

***
Angelica woke up from the sound of her alarm clock; she slowly rose from the bed, walked towards the window and held one curtain back as she blinked her eyes and glanced outside: “Rain...” She sighed. She slowly walked towards her bed and tidied her sheets when suddenly she stopped and started to run towards her bathroom while pressing her hand against her mouth, just in time she reached the toilet where she fell on her knees, leaned over and threw up…
After everything was out, she slowly rose and sighed deeply as she stumbled to the sink…” God…how long is this going to last…” She exclaimed as she turned the water open…

Since the last few day's morning sickness was one of the discomforts she had to deal with. Being pregnant wasn’t all: pink clouds and sunflowers, so she discovered…

After she brushed her teeth she turned on the shower and lowered her nightgown… Just when she was about to step in her phone started to rang… She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her body as she hurried herself back to the bedroom…

“Hello?” She answered. “ It’s me Angelica, Urs…”
She gasphed for breath by the sound of his voice:"Hey…” she finally managed to squeeze out…”
“ Hey..” He repeated ...” I hope I’m not calling to early…?”
Angelica cleared her throat while she lowered herself on the side of her bed:” No…no not at all…I was awake already..” She hurried to say. “Good!” She heard him smile:” So how are you both feeling?”
“Besides: my usual morning sickness? We are fine…” She smiled. “Oh yes of course…morning sickness. That must be awful...” He sounded worried. “Ah well, you get used to it trust me…” She tried to sound ligt.
“Well I hope it doesn’t last too long...”
“I’m sure it will pass...” She said and smiled again. Angelica rose from the bed and stroke her hair: "How are you?" She asked. "I'm ok...Still adjusting to the time difference...So how was the house? Did you like it?” He changed the subject. Angelica bitted her lip for a moment: “It’s…its huge...” She smiled. “I know. But its great isn’t it?”
Angelica sighed : “Yeah…it is Urs…” she softly answered. “ I’m so glad Angelica…I will call the realtor and tell her it’s a done deal!” Angelica squeezed her eyes: “Oh Urs I don’t know…” She sounded doubtful. “What’s the matter Angelica?” He asked softly. “I – I still feel I can’t accept it..” She stuttered. “Oh yes you can…we’ve been over this Angelica... It’s ok trust me … I will call you as soon as possible…” He reassured her. “I ... I don’t know what to say...”
“You don’t have to say anything… Just make sure you take it slow ok?” Angelica sighed and smiled: “Ok…” she silently gave in…

After they said goodbye Angelica couldn’t stop staring at the phone….” Oh my god...”she finally gasped as she looked at her belly…” I guess you’re daddy just bought us a house…”

It was around 9:30 when Angelica entered the office, she still felt a little stunned about Ur’s phone call just now… As in trance she walked over to the coffee machine and grabbed a cup. Brenda passed by and said hello to her but Angelica was to caught up in her thoughts. Brenda stopped and walked back: “Good morning sunshine...” She whispered in her ear. Angelica let out a little scream as she grabbed her chest. Brenda stepped in front of her and smiled: “Hey it’s me…” Angelica sighed and smiled:” I’m sorry Brenda… good morning..” Brenda patted her shoulder: “Welcome back..” She grinned and walked away. “ Are marc and Lisa in already?” Angelica asked as she looked back at Brenda who turned and kept moving backwards: “ No not yet..” she smiled and turned back just before she entered her office …

Angelica sighed, grabbed her coffee and walked to her office.. She threw her purse and coat on a chair and sat down at her desk… She zipped her coffee as she grabbed some contact sheets from the corner of her desk: Lisa’s last assignment for Vogue, and started to select them for Anna Wintour so she could make her selection…

While she was looking at them on the light box, Marc came running in.. “Angie?!” He gasped "Did Lisa come in yet, did she call??? “
Angelica looked back at him and noticed he looked quite upset... “No..” she softly said as she turned her seat towards him:"Why?’ she asked as she lowered her eyebrows.. “

Marc walked towards her “You are not going to believe this!!!” He said as he slammed a copy of: the Sun, on her desk…

Angelica slowly raised from her chair and picked up the copy … she looked at the FrontPage which had a large head that screamed:


“French Divo deceives Lisa Amberville…”


Underneath there were three pictures: One quite large of Lisa and Sebastien kissing each other passionately at London Heathrow, Next to it there was a smaller picture of Sebastien together with a strange woman. (Angelica noticed they seemed quite absorbed by each other…)
At the bottom of this picture there was this small picture inserted, of the same woman while she left an apartment building… Angelica started to read:.

(“French Divo deceives Lisa Amberville…”)


Insiders told us that from the moment the 33 year old French crooner, Sebastien Izambard ( Il Divo) laid his eyes on the gorgeous Lisa Amberville, he pulled out all his smooth tactics to conquer the heart of the 30 year old desirable Top photographer.
Two months ago Izambard moved in with Lisa and her son Thomas (from her marriage with Offshore racer Benjamin Amberville who died tragically last February during a championship race in Anzio, Italy) Rumour has it that Lisa is totally unaware of Sebastien dark secret that he still hasn’t broken the ties with his former French girlfriend (make-up artist) Danique Le Fevré.
Two weeks ago, when Lisa was in Canada working for; National Geographic. Izambard flew to Paris and attended a birthday party from his close friend: Laurent Le Ban.

French Paparazzi photographer Pierre Grosjean:” I took this picture at a café on the Camps Elysees where the party was held… Izambard and Le Fevré were all over each other.. And it was obvious that she and Izambard where still romantically involved. Later that night they took of together and headed for Izambard’s apartment. Danique Le Fevré didn’t leave the apartment until the early hours of the next morning…


Angelica turned back at Marc and stared at him with huge eyes: “Oh my god…”She gasped… “Where did you find this???”
Marc looked as shocked as she did: “Down the street at the kiosk …there are all over the place Angie… Can you believe it???” He asked in astonishment as he raised his hands...
Angelica shook her head slowly as she lowered her eyes and gazed back at the paper...” I can’t believe that Sebastien would do this…”She softly said… “Me neither Angie..but look! Look at the pictures!!!” He almost yelled as he tapped his finger on the paper..

Angelica looked up and stared in front of her: “Oh god… Lisa…”


Chapter LXXIII
It was still early in the morning when Karen jogged up the street and gradually slowed down as she approached the apartment building.
She lowered the hood from her sweater as she walked towards the elevator doors and pressed the button next to it. She leaned forward and rested her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath…

“Hey Karen” She heard a men’s voice. Karen rose and put her hands on her hips as she noticed Kevin who smiled her in a jogging suit. “Hey..” She panted. “I see you also had you’re morning run?” she said as she pointed at his jogging suit. “Yeah...” Kevin said. “Well you still can breath, so I guess you’re in better shape then I am...”Karen smiled. Kevin shrugged his shoulders:”Ah well, I run 5 miles every morning…” Karen rolled her eyes “Oh my…I ‘m not that far yet.” Kevin looked at her eyes and forced a smile on his face when she looked back at him. Meanwhile the elevator doors opened and they both got in.
Karen stepped forward and reached for the buttons, but Kevin beat her to it: “Allow me!” he smiled and pressed 10.
Karen leaned back against the wall when the elevator started to move slowly… She finally was able to breathe normally again.
Kevin smiled nervously as he stood next to her, he silently moved closer until his shoulder touched hers, which was a little too much for Karen’s taste. She smiled vaguely at him and stepped aside… Kevin looked at her intensively and Karen started to feel uncomfortable under his stare…
“So ...”He finally said, “I guess David is having a blast in Down under huh?” Karen turned her head: “I’m sorry?” She asked as she raised her eyebrows. Kevin smiled: “You know, with all the female attention he’s getting from the Aussie girls…” Karen lowered her eyes and glanced at her hands as shekept silent… “Must be hard for him to resist Karen...” He added as he rolled his eyes. Karen looked back at him and lowered her eyebrows: “What do you mean, exactly Kevin?” Kevin cleared his throat:” What I mean is: when the cat is out of the house, the mice dance Karen!” Karen looked at him in disbelieve: “And I’m supposed to be the cat in this little fraise?” Kevin looked up:”Exactly!!!” He laughed and lowered his eyes.
Karen's eyes widened: “I beg your pardon Kevin! For your information: David doesn’t sleep around!” Kevin raised his eyebrows:” With all do respect Karen! But I think I know David longer than you…” Karen shook her head: “No you don’t! When you first saw him, he was with me...I was there when you told him that you've never met before Kevin!”
” Maybe, I lied, Karen...” He chuckled as he turned his head and looked at her. Karen watched how his smile faded as he started to move closer to her…”Kevin you’re scaring me!” She said and noticed her voice trembled. Karen kept moving backwards as he kept moving closer and finally, she ended with her back against the wall. Kevin looked down at her and smiled secretly as he raised his finger and slowly touched her face. "I've seen you look at me Karen...We could do each other a favor..."He panted..."David doesn't need to know.."He added and leaned forward. Karen’s eyes widened and she started to gasp for breath… “Kevin stop it!!!” She begged and prayed silently the doors would open… Kevin ignored her plead and tilted his head as his finger started to slid down her chest…"You know you want it Karen... " he wisphered.

Suddenly the elevator doors opened and in a split second, she pushed Kevin forcefully back and started to run down the hall towards her apartment… While running, she reached for the key in her pocket . When she reached the door she swiftly opened it and got in ... Just before she closed the door she glanced towards the elevator , but Kevin was nowhere in sight… Karen slammed the door in the lock and leaned against it with her head.She started to shake her head in disbelieve ... She felt out of breath again and noticed that her body was shaking…

Karen closed her eyes for a moment and worried if she might have lead him on in anyway...

This was typical for Karen. Everytime something bad hapened to her, she started to question herself first... Her dad used to joke that if a stranger jumped infront of an intercity train in her presence, she surely would blame herself that she didn't tried to stop it...

Suddenly she shook up as her phone started to ring… she closed her eyes for a moment and slowly started to move towards the phone … “H-hello...?” She stuttered. “Karen?” She heard a woman’s voice. “It’s Miranda from the office?” A sigh of relieve left her body “Yes.. Hi” She gasped as she lowered her self on the couch.. “Hi… Martin ask me to call you, he wanted me to tell you that you’re expected early today...” Karen lowered her eyebrows and glanced at the clock, she didn’t have to work until 2. “W—why...?” She finally asked. “Well I don’t know. I’m just the messenger here.” She laughed. Karen kept silent as he mind drove off.

This happened regurlurly lately even on her days off Miranda called and told her she had to fill in for someone… “Karen? Are you still there?”
“Yes…”Karen finally said. “So I’ll see you in, let’s say: 20 minutes then?” Karen started to shake her head slowly... ”No…”she softly said. “I’m sorry what did you say Karen?”
Karen took a deep breath: “NO Miranda ...I said No!”
“Oh …I see…”Miranda said. “Well Karen I’m afraid you can’t say no… You aren’t running the business you know…..”
“Maybe not your business, But I run my life” She said angry “Oh …Right! Well… what do I tell Martin hen?”.
”Tell him that I quit!” Karen blurted out and slammed down the phone...
“I hated that stupid job anyway...” She whispered.

She sat back and covered her eyes with her hands for a moment… Suddenly she rose, grabbed the phone and dialled Lisa’s number. “Amberville residence, Carmen speaking…”
“Carmen Hi, This is Karen from David...”
“Hello dear how are you?” Karen smiled “I’m fine thanks, is Lisa there?” She asked.
“I’m afraid you just missed her dear,” Carmen ‘s voice sounded regretfully,” She’s on her way to the office. She can be reached at her mobile though... Do you have the number?” Karen nodded “Yes I got it! Thanks Carmen ...”

After she ended the call, she dialled Lisa’s mobile number and started to walk around as she waited for her to answer…”Lisa Amberville...” She heard her say... “Lisa it’s Karen…”
“Hey Karen, so good to hear from you, how are you? …”
“I’m ok…I’m sorry to bother you ... But do you have to name of the hotel where the boys are staying?”
“Yes, the Radisson…They’re staying at the Radisson …Why?” She finally asked…
“I’m leaving for Sydney tonight …”Karen said… Lisa kept quiet for a moment… ”Are you sure Karen?..”
“Yes I am!” Karen replied and started to tell her everything that happened to her, from the call last night from David to what happened just now... that and the fact that she missed David tremendously..” shouldn’t you first call the police Karen? ..”Lisa sounded worried. “No Lisa…I’m not spending my time on that creep…All I want is to be with David …”
“I understand Karen…” Lisa voice sounded soft. Karen paused for a moment...”Do you think he’d be happy to see me Lisa?” She finally asked. “I’m sure he is Karen…It seems like you’ve already made up you’re mind. So go...Don’t question David’s feelings for you Karen...I know that he loves you...” Karen smiled thank you Lisa! I needed to hear that...” She softly added and sighed relieved.

***
Lisa sighed as she lowered the phone… She felt a slight envy that Karen was going to be near Sebastien instead of her… After she parked her car she got out and pressed her key to lock it… “Good morning James!” She smiled as she entered the building... James, the porter, looked up from his paper and looked shocked when he noticed Lisa... ”G- Good morning…!” He finally said and smiled slightly as she passed him …
Lisa lowered her eyebrows, as she noticed his hesitation, and walked towards the elevator…

When the elevator reach the 12th floor, Lisa stepped out and walked passed Brenda who stood at the copy machine, “Hey Lisa…” She smiled vaguely. Lisa smiled back and noticed she looked a bit shocked as well “What’s with everyone today..?” She thought as she shook her head and entered her office.
When she sat down at her desk, she reached over to her phone and started to answer some calls… After a moment she noticed Marc who walked in, together with Angelica…
Lisa smiled at them as she said goodbye to her client on the phone..
Marc and Angelica didn’t smile back and Lisa frowned as she lowered the phone from her ear… ”What’s the matter with you? You both look as if you’ve seen a ghost…” She smiled. Marc and Angelica exchanged looks for a moment and Lisa’s smile slowly faded as a strange feeling came over her… She slowly rose from her desk and stared at them… ”W—what’s the matter?” She slightly stuttered… Marc silently turned and closed the door…”We have to talk to you Lisa…”He softly said…
Lisa looked over at Angelica who started nervously fiddling her hair as she lowered her eyes… “Talk to me about what?” Lisa asked and looked at them with questioning eyes. Marc hesitated as he twisted a paper in his hands….Lisa looked at him with begging eyes…”Marc Please!!!” She exclaimed…

Marc slowly started to move closer… “We thought you might want to take a look at this...” Marc softly said as he placed a copy of The Sun in front of her on her desk and silently stepped back… Lisa slowly lowered her eyes and stared at the FrontPage…

After a moment Angelica started to bite her lip as she watched how Lisa gradually lowered herself in her seat, grabbed her head while her face slowly turned pale…


Chapter LXXX
Time slowly passed by as Angelica and Marc stared silently at Lisa who just sat there; staring at the pictures on the FrontPage while holding her head in her hands …

Marc closed his eyes for a moment while biting his lower lip… He didn’t understand why she was being punished like this, the tragedies in her life seemed to follow one another in high speed and he knew she didn’t deserve this at all... He loved Lisa so much and he knew her better than anyone else… She was a good person, always willing to help other people, especially when they were in need.
The only mistake she ever made was loosing herself whenever she was in love … It happened with Benjamin before, and now with Sebastien …
He couldn’t comprehend the idea of Sebastien betraying Lisa like this, It made him furious. He trusted Sebastien, his feelings towards Lisa seemed so sincere. Obviously the pictures proved that he couldn't be more wrong and he blamed himself that he didn’t see this coming…

Marc opened his eyes and looked at Lisa, who slowly sat back in her chair. She silently turned her head and started to gaze out the window...

Marc turned his head and looked over at Angelica who started to move closer to Lisa’s desk….
“L-Lisa?” Angelica finally stuttered …Lisa slowly looked up and stared at her,with questioning eyes …”I’m...I…I’m so sorry...” She gasped… Lisa didn’t move a muscle and kept quiet as she gradually lowered her eyes …

“Angie…?”Lisa finally said without raising her eyes…”I would like to have a word with Marc if you don’t mind…”Angelica raised her eyebrows “Yes…of course…”She softly said “If there’s anything you need…I’ll be outside…” She added. Lisa nodded silently and slowly rose herself from her chair… Angelica swiftly looked at Marc who smiled reassuring ….
After Angelica left, Lisa slowly started to move towards the window...
Marc watched silently as she took a deep breath and placed her hand against the window… “Lisa…”marc finally said…”Maybe you should talk to Seb first...”
Lisa turned slowly and Marc stopped talking as soon as he noticed the tears in her eyes…”What did I miss here Marc? How could this be?” She softly asked as she looked at him with questioning eyes. Marc gazed at her and felt as if he was choking :"I... I honesty don’t know Lisa…”He truthfully said.
Lisa shook her head in disbelieve:”Sebastien would never do this to me…Would he?” Marc swiftly lowered his eyes and shrugged his shoulders:” Lisa…I wish I knew what to tell you…”He softly stuttered…

Lisa lowered her eyes… “He loves me…I know he does….” She whispered…
“But the pictures… What about the pictures Lisa?” Marc carefully asked.
Lisa looked up at him and he noticed she was gasping for breath…

After a moment of silence Lisa looked away for a moment…
”This Danique… she… She’s his ex girlfriend Marc…”She looked back at him and continued…”I… I’ve met her. She’s vicious…She would do anything to get him back… She probably called the Sun, just to stir things up...”Lisa stopped talking as she tried hard to hold back her tears… “God I hope you are right Lisa…”Marc said and Lisa heard the agony in his voice...

”I Know I'm right Marc... Seb is the most sensitive man I’ve ever met in my life …I Mean “Smooth Tactics?” Sebastien? Using smooth tactics?” She looked at him in disbelieve as she pointed towards the paper on her desk…” He didn’t trick me into loving him… I loved him from the moment I met him…”She raised her eyes and sighed desperately” He’s so easy to love Marc…”She started to shake her head: “It’s just a filthy lie…That’s all it is… a filthy lie…“

Marc looked up and noticed she tried hard to convince herself..
It broke his heart seeing her suffer like this and for the first time in his life he decided to hold his thoughts: “I guess you’re right lisa…”He finally said.. “I mean… ”He paused as he forced a smile on his face..” It’s the SUN for crying out loud! Their job is to create stories…They aren’t interested in the truth Lisa…That’s for sure…” He added and smiled.
Lisa stared at his face… She knew he was trying hard to make her feel better, but he couldn’t fool her…She knew him too well:he wasn't convinced at all…

After a moment she lowered her eyes …
“I Love him Marc…”She softly stuttered"I love him so much that it hurts.."
Marc’s smile slowly disappeared:”I know you do Princess…”He softly said. She looked up and Marc noticed the tears rolling down her face as her body started to tremble…”.I’m so scared Marc…”She silently cried…”What if I’m wrong? What if it’s true …?”

Lisa covered her face and Marc hurried himself over to her and took her into his arms…. “Oh Princess….Don’t do this to yourself … Just talk to him…..”He whispered

***
Back in Australia
The black Mercedes Van turned and drove over the parking lot of the venue… “Look Carlos!!! Girls!!!” David grinned as he pointed towards a small female crowd that had gathered at the gate of the private parking area. They started to cheer as soon as they spotted the Van… Sebastien, who sat in the front, looked back at Carlos who produced strange sounds... He smiled compassionately at him as he grabbed his head in agony… Steve, who sat behind Carlos on the last backseat, leaned forward and patted his shoulder: “Poor thing! I’ll bet the eyebrow wiggle would be too much for you right now! I’ll bet a Cognac will sooth it, hey Carlos?” Steve chuckled. ”Not now… Maybe later…” he moaned and closed his eyes as he laid his head back against the seat…
“Guy’s have some compassion for our Carlito here!” Urs smiled, who sat next to Steve. He leaned forward to David and looked serious at him: “Dave my friend, be a good sport, take out the bottle you stole from his bag and hand the poor thing a sedative or two…” Everybody in the Car started to laugh including Carlos.

Sebastien waved at the crowd as they approached the gates and the women where jumping up and down trying to look in the back of the car as it passed, which wasn’t easy because of the dark sealing on the glass…
When the driver parked the car, the guys stepped out, which resulted in loud cheers from the crowd.

After they greeted their fans they entered the venue, Carlos grabbed a crew members arm, who passed by:”Coffee, I need coffee” He gasped. The crewmember lowered his eyebrows and looked at him as if he was a stalker. He doubted if he should tell him that serving coffee wasn’t his job, but he changed his mind when he noticed the severity of Carlos’s situation: “Right away Carlos!” He smiled compassionately and walked away.

A few minutes later Steve showed the guy’s the new décor… They all had seen the sketches back in London, but seeing it build up made a huge impression on them …

The stage looked absolutely magnificent: The background, floor and the huge stairs where black, with large white roman pillars, which seemed to change colors during the show… There was a large out walk from the main stage that ended halfway into the auditorium in order to reach more people during the show. The introduction movie would be projected at the large screens behind de orchestra, which where made from paper, where they would step through when there pictures would finally reduce to their size at the start of their first song…The whole scene shone romance in optima forma…
“And?” Steve finally asked. “What do you think? “
"It’s awesome! “Urs sighed and the rest of the guys agreed. “I think so too...” Steve smiled and put his hands together. “Okay then! Let’s do some costume fittings and after that we’ll do a short sound check. The guy’s nodded and followed Nadia, who was in charge of the costumes…

Sebastien was finished quickly and walked over to the coffee maker down the hall when Steve came walking towards him… ”Seb? You left you’re mobile in the dressing room …You have one missed call and I thought you might want to call it back since it could be your sweetheart…”He smiled and handed him his mobile…
Sebastien smiled back and put down his cup: “Merci…” he said as he looked at the display and noticed his mother called him...

He redialed and waited as he picked up his coffee again… “Sebastien?” he heard his mothers voice… “Mamman!! “ Sebastien smiled. “Oh Cherie, finally!!!… Did you talk to Lisa??? Sebastien lowered his eyebrows as he heard she sounded upset. “Yes! Last night… Why?” He asked. “ So you didn’t talk to her today? “ Sebastien started to shake his head in disbelieve:”No! ..What’s the matter???…” He heard his mother hesitate and a strange feeling came over him…”Mamman???..Is something wrong..?” Marie sighed deeply:”Cherie..ecoute!…Aunt Rosalie called from London… She told me she had a copy of a English paper... and ....there’s this article in it Sebastien…”
“Oh no…”He gasped and felt a shiver through his spine … “OUI Seb!!!…"His mother almost shouted "It’s about you , Lisa and... Danique” Marie started to cry …”Oh Sebastien …It even shows pictures!” Sebastien felt absolutely paralyzed as his worst nightmare just became reality…
”Sebastien??? Sebastien???” Marie called…
Sebastien tried to open his mouth but no sound would come out…
Gradually, his face lost all color as his coffee fell through his hands and splashed onto the floor …


Chapter LXXXI
Ingrid entered the house and noticed Carmen in hallway, staring at the phone in her hand.”Carmen?” She asked... “Are you okay?”
Carmen slowly looked up and Ingrid saw her face looked pale…”Sebastien just called…”She quietly answered…”He..he sounded so upset He needed to talk to Lisa…He was almost in tears Ingrid…I don’t understand….” She added and shrugged her shoulders.Ingrid lowered her eyes and hesitated for a moment before she looked back at Carmen and reached out her hand in which she held a newspaper…”I do…”She softly said.

Carmen slowly walked towards her and looked at her with questioning eyes when she took the paper from her hand …”Oh Dios…”Carmen gasped when she looked at the front page.
After she read the article she gazed up at Ingrid and placed her hand against the wall to prevent her from falling through her knees …
”I know…” Ingrid whispered.
The phone started to ring again and Carmen seemed frozen …
”You want me to answer that?” Ingrid asked. Carmen finally shook her head and handed Ingrid the newspaper before she walked back to the phone…
”Amberville Residence..”She softly answered. “Carmen? It’s Karen…Is Lisa there?” Carmen shook her head and glanced at Ingrid who looked at her with questioning eyes while she twisted the paper between her hands…
”No….No Karen she’s…..”Carmen took a deep breath... ”She’s at the office I guess…”
“No she isn’t I tried her office and her cell phone…”Karen said and Carmen heard she sounded upset… ”Carmen?” Karen continued” I’m at the airport and I just bought this newspaper, The Sun, to be exact… There’s this article…”Carmen closed her eyes and nodded her head in despair... ”I Know…”She interrupted Karen...”Does Lisa know???” Karen asked. Carmen kept quiet as she shrugged her shoulders…

Ingrid noticed tears running over Carmen’s face and that she struggled for breath to speak, she walked towards her and gently took the phone from Carmen’s hand :”I’ll take it Carmen..” Ingrid whispered .
Carmen nodded silently and took a handkerchief out of her skirt and placed it before her eyes… Ingrid brought the phone to her ear and sighed:” Karen? It’s Ingrid….”
“Hi Ingrid…I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to upset anyone “Karen said…”It’s just I bought this paper and there’s this article on the front page...”
“Yes…We saw it…”Ingrid said” I don’t know what to say Karen...We are as shocked as you.”
Ingrid said and watched how Carmen slowly walked towards the kitchen...”Do you think it’s true Ingrid…?” Karen asked. “God I hope not Karen…Poor Lisa…”Ingrid quietly said and glanced at the paper in her hand… “I tried calling Lisa, Ingrid, but she won’t answer her cell phone... I’m worried ...” Ingrid raised her eyes “I know ...Me too…Me too… If she saw it she must be devastated… “Ingrid shrugged her shoulders and continued:” I guess there’s nothing we can do now Karen…I will Call Marc maybe he knows something…”
“Okay…my plane isn’t leaving until eight, Call me if you know something okay Ingrid?”
“I will…”Ingrid said..”I will…” After she lowered the phone, it almost immediately started to ring again…Lisa shook her head and answered it “Hello?” She softly said. “Lisa?” she heard a man’s voice ask. “No Lisa’s not here I’m Ingrid her friend…”She said and frowned.
“Oh sorry…My name is Simon Cowell , Do you know where she can be reached?” Ingrid shrugged her shoulders “I honestly don’t know. I’m sorry.. Can I take a message?”
“Yes please t ell her to call me as soon as possible…” Ingrid nodded “I will tel her...”
”Okay thanks…bye ...”

As soon as she put down the phone it started to ring again …and from that moment one it seemed like all hell broke loose! The phone kept ringing all morning... Every acquaintance from Lisa, close and far wanted to talk to her, as well as distant relatives and friends…
Ingrid was getting quite desperate as she had no idea what to tell them … When reporters from other newspapers started to call, Ingrid completely lost it and started to shout at them …Carmen hurried herself out of the kitchen and watched how Ingrid started to cry…

She didn’t think and hurried herself over to her , grabbed the phone out of her hands and pulled out the phone plug…”That’s enough sweetheart.. “She said and wrapped her arm around her shoulder…”Oh Carmen…What’s going on??? Where’s Lisa???” Carmen tried to hide her fears and forced a smile onto her face… ”I don’t know sweetheart but she will come home soon…In the meantime let’s try and stay calm shall we?’ Ingrid nodded silently and walked with Carmen towards the kitchen…

***
Urs walked into the hallway of the venue and noticed Sebastien sitting on the floor against the wall holding his head between his hands…
By the look of his shoulders it seemed to Urs that he was crying...Urs lowered his eyebrows and hurried himself over to him and got through his knees “Seb?????” He asked worried “What's going on?” Sebastien looked up and Urs saw tears rolling over his face, he looked absolutely helpless. Sebastien opened his mouth and tried to speak but no sound came out, instead he leaned with his head back against the wall and pressed his eyes together while shaking his head in despair… ”Seb? Seb…talk to me what happened...” Urs almost shouted…
Carlos walked across the hall and also hurried over as soon as he saw Sebastien together with Urs…”Oh God what’s the matter?” Carlos asked as he got through his knees and glanced at Urs who started to shrug his shoulders… ”Sebastien?” Carlos grabbed his shoulder and forced him to look at him…”Tell me buddy…what happened ? Is it Marie?” Sebastien slowly opened his eyes and shook his head again…”L..Lisa….”He gasphed… “What happened with Lisa??”Urs asked as he lowered his eyebrows... “Sebastien tried to breathe when he looked at Urs…”It’s out Urs…It’s all in the paper in the UK…Everything….” Urs’s eyes got wider and his face turned pale: “Oh my god Seb ...”

Carlos looked from Urs to Sebastien and back at Urs... ”What’s out??? “He asked with a questioning look.. Urs shook his head:”I’ll explain later…Let’s get him outside ...”Urs said as he rose and grabbed Sebastien’s arm… Carlos rose as well and helped getting Sebastien on his feet…
David walked out of the dressingroom and watched as Urs and Carlos supported Sebastien as they walked towards the door…”What’s with Seb?” He asked as he ran towards them… Carlos looked at him and shrugged his shoulders…”Something with Lisa….”He said…

“LISA????? DID SHE HAVE AN ACCIDENT?????” David started to freak out and Urs frowned as he watched him:”Lisa’s fine…” He hissed as he opened the door and helped Sebastien getting through….David glanced at Sebastien and noticed his devastation…. “THEN WHAT???” He shouted and started to tremble over his body…”Carlos let go of Sebastien as soon as he stepped out, and grabbed David by his arms: “DAVID Stop it!!!" He shouted.
David looked at him with huge eyes… ”Sebastien is upset, can’t you see?? And your not helping here …I don’t know what happened David…but you heard Urs, Lisa’s fine …Now calm down!!!” He demanded before he turned and walked outside leaving David behind who watched him as he walked over to Urs and Sebastien ….

“What’s going on? “Steve asked who came walking towards him… David lowered his eyebrows and glanced at Steve who stared at him with questioning eyes…David shook his head: “I don’t know …”He mumbled and turned and walked away as he took out his cell phone and dialed a number…

After a moment in the open air, Sebastien finally was able to breathe normally again…Carlos noticed that Sebastien hesitated to talk and he figured that Urs knew obviously something he didn’t…
He glanced at Urs and leaned over to Sebastien: “I’ll get you some coffee…”He said to Sebastien as he patted his shoulder…
Sebastien nodded quietly and watched Carlos walk inside…”I’m so sorry Seb…” Urs regretfully said. Sebastien closed his eyes and started to shake his head: ”It’s over Urs….I’ve lost her …”He whispered. Urs shook his head.” You don’t know that Seb…Maybe she will give you a chance to explain…”Sebastien looked up at him and Urs noticed the tears in his eyes...” She won’t answer her phone Urs…I tried calling her over and over…I called her office but Brenda told me she left …” Urs nodded his head slightly.. ”If she’s read it she will be upset Sebastien… That’s unavoidable …Give her some time first Seb…”
Sebastien shook his head forcefully “I don't have time Urs...You don't understand! I need her to know that it was all a mistake Urs…I love her…She’s …”He didn’t finish his sentence as he felt as if he was choking…
”There’s not much you can do right now Sebastien…I Know it’s hard but you just have to wait…”
“I can’t wait Urs….I need to go to her before it's too late...” Sebastien shook his head in dispair.
Urs lowered his eyebrows…”Seb think about this…The tour starts in a few day’s, you can’t fly in and out like that…you’ll never make it back in time …”

Sebastien gazed at him in silence … He knew Urs was right…but the thought of him being stuck here while his future with Lisa fell into pieces, made him feel tremendously nauseous…
After a moment Sebastien lowered his eyes and started to shake his head…”I need to get out of here…I can’t breathe..” He panted and started to walk away…
Urs shouted after him “Seb NO!! Don’t do this …”Urs begged him…
Meanwhile, Carlos and Steve came walking outside and watched as Sebastien walked away….”SEBASTIEN?” Steve called after him…

But Sebastien didn’t look back…he kept on walking and shortly after that he started running….and kept running..untill he was out of sight…

Steve and Carlos turned to Urs with a questioning look on their faces ….“What’s going on????”Steve asked….Urs slowly turned and looked at them with a traumatized face… “I’m afraid he’s flying back to London…”urs quietly said.. “HE WHAT??” Carlos almost shouted…
Steve looked shocked at urs and noticed he was dead serious:”Airport…we have to go to the airport…He can’t leave now, we have to stop him… Simon is going to lynch me…”He gasphed.
Urs ran his fingers through his hair as steve grabbed his phone and started to make some phone calls…

“Urs?” Carlos asked as he walked closer: “What on earth is going on?” Urs looked at him and sighed before he calmly told him everything….
When he was finished Carlos stared at him in disbelieve…
”Oh Dios…I had no idea….”He softly said.
”I know…me neither….He’s desperate Carlos…”Urs sounded worried
“Yes he is…”Carlos said and looked away for a moment…”He will fly back Urs…We need to find him before Steve does Urs…” Urs nodded and they both hurried to the van, Leaving Steve behind who watched them driving of as he turned….

***
Marie paced the floor in her Paris apartment holding the phone in her hand…she tried calling back Sebastien over and over again but he didn't answer…

“Cherie please answer.. ”She prayed as she redialed his number and brought the phone to her ear… After she lowered the phone again she heard the doorbell rang…She hurried herself towards the front door and started to cry as soon as she noticed Laurent standing there..
“Marie, Qu'est-ce qu'il y a? “He asked as he wrapped his arms around her… Marie told in tears what happened and Laurent was absolutely shocked…
He took her to the kitchen and sat her down…
”I can’t reach him Laurent!" Marie Exclaimed as she raised her hand in despair…”Oh my god…he must be absolutely devastated Laurent…He loves her so much!”
Laurent nodded his head and sighed deeply as he lowered himself into a chair…He rubbed his face and looked back at Marie who blew her nose in a tissue…”I’m so worried Laurent” Marie sobbed…” Lisa will probably leave him now and he’s in Australia and can’t do anything from there… “Laurent listened patiently and patted her hand “I know Marie….I know…It’s horrible…”
“Maybe I should go to London and talk to Lisa and explain to her what happened…That it didn’t mean anything and that he loves her and not Danique...” Marie said as she looked back at Laurent…” I know you mean well Marie but I don’t think it’s wise…Lisa must be devastated…”Laurent remarked and rubbed his forehead.
“I’ll bet Danique called that newspaper …"Marie's voice sounded angry" God she’s ever worse than I thought she was” …
“She’s desperate Marie…”Laurent said “Especially now since...” Laurent didn’t finish his sentence and Marie noticed he closed his eyes as he obviously said something he whised he didn't …

”What do you mean with: especially now..?” Marie asked as she looked at him with questioning eyes…
Laurent bitted his lower lip and shook his head… ”I’m afraid the incident with Danique’s got a tail…”He softly said…
”What kind of tail?” Marie lowered her head and searched for Laurent’s eyes…
After a moment he slowly looked up at her and took a deep breath… ”A few weeks back, Danique came to the Casino after the try outs…She….she told me that she was…”Laurent paused for a moment and he noticed Marie’s mouth dropped…”No….” She gasped.
”Yes,…she's pregnant Marie…..”Laurent regretfully said…
Marie slowly rose from her chair and walked over to the sink where she supported herself by placing her hands on the edge: ”Why didn’t Sebastien tell me??” She whispered with tears in her voice…
”Sebastien doesn’t know Marie…”Laurent said as he looked back at her … Marie turned and looked at him in astonishment: “He doesn’t???” Laurent shook his head and lowered his eyes…”I’m to blame for that Marie….I didn’t believe her and told her that she was a liar ….However..” He continued as he looked back at her ”I spoke to her mother yesterday and it seems she was telling the truth…”

Marie lowered her eyes and shook her head in disbelieve...” O mon Dieu……”She moaned…”Oh Mon Dieu…Sebastien…”

***
Urs and Carlos ran through the airport and looked around for the Quantas counter. “Over there!!!”Urs said as he pointed to his leftside. Carlos turned and followed Urs in a hurry…
”Hi…”Urs panted as he reached the counter and tried to smile at the employee: “I need to know if someone checked in just now… His name is Mr. Izambard and should be on the London flight?”Urs gave her his sweetest smile but that disappeared slowly when he noticed the woman friendly shook her head..”I’m very sorry sir, but we’re not aloud to give out information about passengers…” Urs closed his eyes for a moment and sighed:”You don't understand! It’s an emergency…”
The woman smiled regretfully and shook her head again. “Again..I'm so sorry Sir…”
Suddenly Carlos jerked Ur’s arm..”Urs look!”He said as he pointed towards a lounge…”He’s over there!” Urs followed his look and nodded slightly at the woman behind the counter..”Thanks..anyway..” He said and followed Carlos ,who already was on his way, in a hurry…
When they arrived at the lounge they slowly walked over to Sebastien who sat in a chair with his hands in his hair..
”Seb?” Carlos softly said as he got through his knees. Sebastien slowly looked up and looked at them. He looked horrified and his eyes where all red. “Seb?…Urs told me what’s going on…” Carlos said .
Sebastien rapidly lowered his eyes and sighed desperately...
“I know your hurting right now amigo…”Carlos regretfully said “But think about this…We have a tour here… Fans will be disappointed Seb…”Sebastien nodded his head:“I know…”He softly said and raised his eyes..” I’m sorry…I really am…But I can’t be on stage like this… let alone sing…"He looked back at Carlos and continued:"I’ll be back as soon as possible, Trust me…I’ll be on time for the show on Saturday…..” Urs sat beside him and placed his hand on his shoulder … ”Sebastien? Come on! …You know that’s not possible! It’s a 22 hour flight!” Sebastien looked at him: “I’ll make it… ”He softly repeated…

Suddenly Urs’s phone started to rang and he reached into his pocket and pressed a button: “Hello? “ He said. “Urs? its Simon…”
Urs’s face looked shocked and Carlos and Sebastien noticed…”Simon…Hi…”He stuttered. Carlos glanced at Sebastien who had fixed his eyes on Urs…”Is Seb there?” Simon asked. “Yes…yes he is..but I’m not sure he could come to the phone right now…Something happened Simon…”Urs said and lowered his eyes…

Sebastien slowly rose and silently took the phone from Urs’s hand “Simon its Seb….”He calmy said….”Seb…How are you? “Simon asked. “Not so good..” Sebastien quietly said and rubbed his forehead…
“I know…”Simon’s voice sounded somewhat regretfully…”I hate to tell you I told you so….”He softly added…Sebastien sighed and closed his eyes in silence…
”Listen Seb…”Simon finally said…” Steve told me that you wanted to fly back…” Sebastien nodded “I’m sorry Simon…I know the tour starts shortly…But I have to go to her…”He exclaimed. “I will be back in time…I promise you…”
A short moment of silence followed and Sebastien hesitated to speak…”You’ll better be back in time…. Don’t make me postpone the Sydney show Seb…”He finally said. “I won’t...” Sebastien softly said …”I promise you…”

***
It was almost midnight and Ingrid and Carmen where quietly sitting at the kitchen table when they finally heard a key turn in the front door…
Carmen glanced at Ingrid and Jumped up , Ingrid followed and they both walked rapidly towards the hallway where they suddenly stopped as they noticed Lisa who leaned with her back against the door … Slowly she raised her eyes and stared at them in silence… She looked terrible and Carmen noticed she had been crying.

“Carino…We where so worried.” Carmen exclaimed and carefully walked towards her... Lisa lowered her eyes as soon as she noticed Carmen coming her way….”I’m sorry…”She softly said… Carmen smiled vaguely, hugged her and stroked her hair: “It’s okay…I’m glad you’re home sweetheart….” She tenderly said. "Are....are you okay?” Ingrid asked as she looked shocked at Lisa…
Lisa nodded silently and took a deep breath…
”Sebastien called Lisa….”Carmen said and tried to sound calm… Lisa didn’t say anything and after a moment of silence she looked up and Carmen and Ingrid noticed tears in her eyes…

“I need some time on my own…”She said...”I’ll be in my office…”Carmen nodded silently and both her and Ingrid watched as she slowly started to walk away…

Chapter LXXXII
It was after midnight when Lisa was sitting in a lounge chair in front of the fireplace in her study, with her legs curled up under a blanket…

She stared into the fire and every now and then, she slowly wiped a tear from her face…
She just couldn’t shake the thought of Sebastien and Danique together.
What if the story was true?
She twisted her mind wondering if it could be...

Lisa slowly picked up the newspaper she took from her office and started to stare at the pictures on the front-page...
The second picture must have been taken at the time the Sun stated since she recognized the watch she gave him just before she left for Canada…
Then, there was Danique in the same picture who smiled as she leaned over to Sebastien and looked deep into his eyes.
What made the picture even worse, was that Sebastien smiled back tenderly at her.... Lisa closed her eyes in agony for a moment before she opened them again and started to stare at the smallest picture beneath...

In the picture Danique was leaving Sebastien's apartmentbuilding early in the morning... It had to be taken around that same time as the other one …She was certain about that since she regonized the contractor in the background, who was in charge of the renovation of the apartment next to Sebastien's…

Lisa lowered the paper in her hands and gazed into the fire as she recalled how she couldn’t reach him when she was in Vancouver and how distracted he looked after she got back…
Was his phone really broken like he said? Why didn’t he call her from his house phone?

The more she thought about it the more she started to believe the story could actually be true…

A shiver went through her spine and she closed her eyes… “Oh my god…”She gasped and covered her face with her hands as she tried to breathe…

“You might be in his head right now… but I’m in his heart Lisa…” Danique’s words echoed in her mind...

She forced herself to open her eyes as her mind started to torture her with flashes of Sebastien making love to Danique …

Did he tell her the same words he told her when they made love? Was everything a game to him? Did he really love her as much as he said? She even started to wonder if he really loved Thomas…She tried to shake the thought immediately since the look on his face whenever he was near Thomas , revealed his love for him …But then… How well did she really know him? Would he really be able to fake his love for a child? Was it all an act..???

There were so many questions...And the thing that scared her the most was that she wasn't sure if she wanted them answered...

Lisa pulled the blanket up to her chin as she felt how her body started to tremble...

***
“Here you are Miss Larossa… Have a nice flight…”The British Airways employee handed her a boarding pass and Geraldine smiled friendly as she took it from her hand: “Thank you…”She softly said and turned towards Gloria, Carlos’s sister… “Are you absolutely sure about this Gerald?” She asked as she looked worried at her. Geraldine nodded swiftly and smiled as she kissed her cheek “I’ll be fine.. Don’t worry …”She said.Gloria frowned as she tilted her head: “Wouldn’t it be better if you call Carlos and let him know that you’re coming?”

Geraldine smiled…
Gloria was always very concerned about her but after the accident she was even more concerned about her …And her making a long flight at a time like this obviously didn’t help her to unwind…

“No …”Geraldine reassured her… ”I want to surprise him Gloria…” Gloria sighed helplessly as she noticed Geraldine was determent… “Okay then… Well, be careful... And remember to exercise your leg during the flight, like the doctor said...” Geraldine smiled again and stroked her arm:” I will, I will…” She leaned forward and picked up her hand luggage … “Now, don’t you forget to bring my dress to London next month Gloria…Otherwise I have to marry Carlos in my Pj’s ..”She joked and leaned forward to kiss her cheek. She hugged her and walked towards customs:”Bye “ She waved back” See you at the wedding!” Gloria tried to ignore the stitch in her stomach and waved back until she didn’t see her anymore…

After Geraldine got through custums, she walked towards a coffee shop and passed a kiosk on her way… Her eye caught the front – page of an English newspaper and she suddenly stopped and stared at Sebastien's picture together with Danique it in total astonishment… She slowly lifted the newspaper and started to read the article...
”Oh Dios…”She finally gasped…”That witch!”

Carlos told her how happy Sebastien was since he met Lisa. And although she never met Lisa, she knew she had to be a lovely person since Carlos really liked her, unlike Danique who he detested… She knew Danique far too well and knew she was twisted enough to be responsible for that article…

She remembered how Danique completely lost it, when Sebastien broke up with her. She kept begging Geraldine to talk to him and after she realized that Geraldine didn’t care, she started to harass Angela and after that even Mandy, David’s former girlfriend. She stalked Sebastien for months and she didn’t give up until Steve threatened to sue her…
Sebastien didn’t have a clue that she was doing all that, as they all decided not to tell him since she had given him such a hard time already during the last weeks of their relationship. God she despised Danique so much, and now this! She tried hard not to give in to the urge to call her up as she probably wouldn’t be able to hold her voice down… She sighed deeply “Poor Seb...” She whispered and sighed before she continued her way…

***
“Come back ….Please!!! Come back…”Lisa cried.

She swiftly opened her eyes and panted tremendously…Her body was soaked and she gazed into the dark study. She must have fallen asleep as the fireplace was out and the only light came from the moon that shined through the window. When she realized she had another nightmare, she started to shake over her body…

The fog was there again. And Benjamin…Benjamin was there again... It felt so real, that it still scared her…

She didn’t understand why she kept having those nightmares over and over again. It was so vague and yet so real…

She swiftly closed her eyes again and suddenly the face in the garden flashed through her mind..., there was fog…thick fog that slowly closed in … She covered her eyes and started to cry silently…
Why was all this happening to her? She knew that what she saw in the garden that night couldn't be possible and she had tried so hard to block it out of her memory…
But those eyes…Those eyes...they looked so real….nobody had those eyes…Benjamin’s eyes…
After that night she avoided looking at his his face in the pictures that were everywhere in the house …

It took her a while to calm down when she slowly rose and glanced at the clock…She narrowed her eyes and saw it was 5 o clock in the morning…
She wiped her face with her hands and walked towards the large window as she embraced herself… When she arrived infront of the window, She
hesitated for a moment before she slowly raised her eyes and forced herself to look into the garden…

Finally, a sigh of relieve left her body as she noticed there was nothing there…

She slowly turned and lowered herself at her desk…She leaned over and turned on the switch from the lamp on her desk. She quietly stared in front of her and noticed from the corner of her eyes, the photo frame on her desk, which held Benjamin’s picture. She took a deep breath before she slowly turned her head and dared herself to look…

Lisa took that picture when they where at the apartment in Paris, not long before his accident… She used to love that picture since his laugh looked so genuine..
But now she looked at it through different eyes... His tremendously blue eyes seemed to pierce hers in a strangely unpleasant way and somehow his smile didn’t look so genuine anymore...

She closed her eyes for a moment and sighed deeply…

She loved Benjamin back then, but her love for Sebastien was so much more intense and that scared her tremendously… Her mother kept reminding her vividly that she walked into his arms way too soon after Benjamin’s death…

She wondered if she did… Falling in love with Sebastien happened as fast as lightning struck. She had no control over her feelings and it didn’t bother her one bit that she didn’t, since loving him felt so comfortable …Or so it seemed…
She slowly opened her eyes and rubbed her face…
She couldn’t bare the thought that his love for her might be disingenuous… Lisa sat back in her chair and raised her eyes…

Maybe this was her punishment for her ignorance …
Loving Sebastien as if she was blindfolded and not being able to see him for who he really is… Making love to him in a way she never did to Benjamin…
Giving all of her to him, more than she ever could with Benjamin…
Maybe there was life after dead after all, Lisa thought..., and maybe Benjamin was getting back at her by haunting her from the death…

Lisa lowered her eyes and slowly started to shake her head:”It wasn’t real Lisa…It’s all in you’re mind… ”She quietly whispered to herself…

Suddenly she looked back at the frame and in a split second she grabbed it, opened a drawer, threw it in and closed it rapidly …
Her heart was racing and she tried hard to stay calm…
She sat there for awhile when she slowly looked back at the drawer…She then looked away for a moment as she suddenly remembered the closed drawer in Benjamin’s desk…
Lisa looked up and stared at the door …She then rose and walked towards a small closet in the corner of her study…she got on her toes and grabbed a key from the top shelf and walked out of her office, down the hall towards Benjamin office…She placed the key in the door lock and turned it quietly. Lisa closed her eyes briefly before she lowered the handle and entered the dark office…She turned on a small light by the door and slowly walked over towards his desk and got behind it…Her eyes glanced over his desk and some strange feeling came over her when she noticed all his things where out of place…

The approval papers of Benjamin’s boat weren’t there anymore
The frame which held the picture, Carmen took of her together with Thomas and Benjamin was also missing…She was sure it was there before… “Maybe Carmen removed it… ”She softly said.
Deep down inside she knew Carmen was known for her accuracy when cleaning. She never ever removed items, whether it was a paperclip or a couch, without asking Lisa first…
She also was certain Benjamin’s brown box, in which he held his passport and credit cards was there before…

Lisa frowned and briefly shook her head... “You must have been mistaken...” She reassured herself and tried not to think about it anylonger. She forced herself to focus on the second desk drawer instead, and slowly got through her knees in front of it… It still was locked and Lisa started to open the drawers beneath, in order to find something she could force the drawer with… Finally she found a solid silver letter opener. She looked at it for a second before she placed it between the small gap above the drawer… The desk was handmade from solid wood, and Lisa wondered if the letter opener wouldn't break if she used more power... It didn't took her long to decide it didn't matter as long as she got that drawer open.She clenched her teeth as she tried to twist the letter opener with force in between… It hardly moved, but she refused to give up…
She rose and used all her strength which caused a string of hair falling before her face, she swiftly stroke it back and continued to force the letter opener in between

…After a while the drawer finally started to move…

She pulled the handle and leaned back with all her strength…
Then..., suddenly… it popped open and Lisa swiftly placed her hand behind her against the window to prevent her from falling back…

She tried hard to catch her breathe as she looked into the open drawer…

It was practically empty...,except for this large brown envelope…
She slowly leaned forward and reached out her hand to take it out...
For a moment Lisa stared at the envelope in her hands...She then opened it and took out an official document and a letter... Lisa slowly started to move as her eyes glided over the document....
After a moment , she lowered herself in a chair and started to struggle for breath...
"No..This...This can't be happening..."She gasped and slowly released the paper from her hands...
She covered her mouth and shook her head in despair as tears started to fall from her eyes..

"NO BENJAMIN ..OH GOD NO..!."she cried...


Chapter LXXXIII
David was standing in the shower with his head held low and his hands spread out against the wall, he barely moved as the hot water glided over his back…

He had tried calling Karen at the apartment several times but there was no answer and her mobile was switched off. He figured she had to be disappointed about the way he had spoken to her over the phone the other day. He felt terrible and couldn’t believe how cruelly he had treated her.

He felt absolutely exhausted that day, but he knew it was a lame excuse... She really didn’t deserve to be treaded that way…

He slowly laid his head back and closed his eyes as he felt how the water caressed his face…

He thought about the last time they made love before he left and how she’d silently cried afterwards and told him over and over again how she was going to miss him.
He’d held her close and caressed her face as he spoke soothing words in her ear…After a while he carefully joked that she’d better not run off with the milkman while he was gone, otherwise ,he swore to her ,that he would hunt down every milkman in the area. Karen looked at him and couldn’t suppress a smile through her tears… “Don’t worry “She’d smiled…”I’ll be here…right here…” He remembered how smothered her voice sounded.

David sighed thoroughly and silently prayed that she would wait for his return, in spite of his behaviour, as the thought of loosing her made him feel scared…

God he missed her…he really, really missed her…

After he turned off the water, he heard a knock on his room door.
He slid open the shower door, stepped out , grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist as he walked out of the bathroom. While he walked towards the door he swiftly ran his fingers through his wet hair before he swung it open:

“Hey…” Urs smiled vaguely and immediately walked passed him. “Hey…”David replied. He closed the door and turned around “So did you get a hold of Seb?” He asked as he looked at Urs who stopped in front of the window and gazed over Sydney’s harbour with his hands in his pockets. “Yeah…we found him at the airport… “Urs quietly said and hesitated for a moment before he continued…”He’s on his way back to London David…”Urs sighed before he turned towards David, whose mouth had dropped in the meantime:

“Are you kidding me?” He asked in astonishment, “What about us? What about the tour?”

Urs looked away for a moment: “He promised us he would be back in time David…” Urs’s voice sounded as calm as always and he looked back at David who felt everything but calm and covered his mouth and started to shake his head in disbelieve as he lowered his eyes for a moment …

“I understand that you are worried about the tour …” Urs tried to reassure him as he leaned against the window and crossed his feet “He had to go back Dave… you’ve seen him.., he’s a total mess …”

David looked back at Urs and a frown appeared on his face: “I’ve seen that he’s a mess Urs and everyone seems to know why that is, except for me…”Urs watched David quietly as he rose his hands in despair and looked at him with questioning eyes… “I know…”Urs mumbled and cleared his throat as he walked over to a chair and lowered himself in it.

David watched Urs as he started to play with his ring that Angela gave him two years ago, David briefly wondered why it was still on his finger…

After a moment Urs slowly looked back at David” Last time, while Seb was in Paris, something happened…”
David focused his eyes on Urs as he calmly started to tell him everything that had happened…

As Urs was talking David‘s face turned from shocked to angry and by the time he was finished David paced the floor with clenched fists “What on earth was he thinking “ he exclaimed. “He couldn’t think at that time David…He..…”Urs tried to explain but David didn’t give him a chance: “You know?” David raised his voice “He doesn’t deserve her Urs!!! “
“David come on!… Calm down…”Urs’s voice sounded firm “Everybody makes mistakes and Lisa’s means the world to Seb…He loves her endlessly…”
David rolled his eyes: “Obviously! ...”he sarcastically said. Urs suddenly rose from his chair and looked at him furiously “What’ the hell is the matter with you David?” he shouted. David rapidly looked back at Urs and his face turned pale as he noticed the anger in his eyes…

Urs closed his eyes for a moment as he tried hard to calm himself down…“Don’t you think I know what’s going on here? “he finally continued as he looked back at David . David didn’t move and stared silently at his face…Urs tilted his head and pointed towards him “I see the way you act whenever she’s near you …I see how you follow her with your eyes whenever she moves…I see…”Urs paused for a moment and sighed deeply before he continued “I see the way you’re longing for her David ...“

David’s emotions left him speechless and after a moment he tore his eyes away from Urs and took a deep breath before he lowered himself in a chair…

Urs realized by the look on his face that he hit a sore spot with what he just said…He know he sounded harsh and felt bad for a moment but knew he couldn’t stop now…Someone had to tell him and he promised Carlos he would do it…

After a moment of silence Urs slowly walked towards him and sat in the chair next to him. He leaned over and searched for his eyes…”I’m not saying this to make you feel bad David…I just need you to realize what you’re jeopardizing here…”He softly said “I’ve watched how you slowly pulled yourself back from Sebastien whenever he approached you during the last few months….Seb’s your friend David …”

David nodded his head silently;”Sebastien knows something is going on David,... he’s not stupid.” Urs continued” Lately, he kept asking me if everything was all right between you and Karen … You don’t talk to him anymore except if you really have to…He’s worried about you … He loves you David…. “

David felt how his eyes welled up as he stared at his hands…
”I..I love him too..” He quietly said as he slowly looked back at Urs…”I know you do…”Urs replied…” You have to stop this David I’m begging you…Lisa belongs with Sebastien, and we should be here supporting him no matter what …”

David nodded his head again and Urs noticed he was trying hard to hold back his tears…”You’re right …I’ve been a jerk…” His voice sounded smothered. Urs smiled... ”We all are... every now and then… "he added.
David smiled back vaguely and sighed deeply as he rubbed his face…

”So how’s Karen?” Urs changed the subject.
David looked back at Urs and shook his head;”I ..I wish I knew …The last time I talked to her was two days ago…I...” David didn’t finish his sentence and looked away...

"Karen loves you so much David…"Urs sighed and paused for a moment "I’m afraid that you don’t see her for the girl she really is …She adores you but you are keeping your distance by pushing her away. Don’t throw her love away for someone who could never be yours…”Urs’s phone started to ring but he didn’t took notice, he leaned towards David as he continued:” You are searching for love in the wrong place David …The love you need is surrounding you for months now…But you need to open your eyes to see it,...otherwise ...it may not be there for much longer…"

David nodded silently and briefly closed his eyes as he knew that Urs was right…

After a moment Urs rose and patted his shoulder before he silently left the room,... leaving David behind who stared aimlessly in front of him…

***
Ingrid tied her bathrobe as she got down the stairs. It was still very early and she didn’t sleep at all last night as she couldn’t clear her head.
When Ingrid entered the Kitchen she noticed Lisa who was standing in front of the kitchen window.
Her hair was pulled back and She was wearing the same clothes she wore last night except for Sebastien’s navy blue vest which covered her shoulders … She had her arms folded in front of her chest as she aimlessly gazed outside…

“Hey sweetie…”Ingrid softly said as she looked at Lisa … Lisa didn’t move and Ingrid tilted her head as she slowly started to move towards her but stopped at the kitchen table, Ingrid noticed she looked very tired and figured she must have stayed up all night.
“Honey...Are you okay? Didn’t you sleep at all?” She asked as she looked worried at her…
Lisa kept silent and Ingrid watched as she slowly took a deep breath while lowering her head…
“Lisa? You are worrying me…”Ingrid quietly said.
“Am I...?” Lisa calmly said without looking at her…
Ingrid nodded her head and cleared her throat as the tone her voice made her feel very uncomfortable…
“Yes…yes you are…”She finally stuttered. Ingrid heard how Lisa quietly let out a sarcastic laugh as she glanced at Ingrid and shook her head. Ingrid frowned as she didn’t understand her response and watched her face suddenly turn sad...

“Isn’t it funny.. how sometimes the people you love and thought you could trust endlessly, turn out to be the ones hurting you the most …”Lisa softly said as she stared back outside.
Ingrid frowned… ” What do you mean sweetheart?” she asked. Her voice sounded unsteady and she tried to ignore the cold shiver that passed her spine…
Lisa's eyes started to well up and Ingrid noticed... She also noticed she did everything in her power to hide it...

“There are only a few people I trusted completely in my life Ingrid…"she finally said" and you were one of them… ”she softly added
“Were….?” Ingrid asked and tried to hide the tremble in her voice as she continued. “Lisa honey…what’s going on here?”
After another moment of silence, Lisa lowered her eyes and slowly turned towards Ingrid: “Why don’t you tell me?” She softly asked as she slowly raised her eyes and looked straight at Ingrid …
As soon as Ingrid saw her cold expression she felt as if lightning had struck her where she stood …
Lisa noticed her shocked face and she slowly walked towards the table without taking her eyes from her; “Why don’t you tell me what you’ve been hiding all these years from me Ingrid…?’Lisa asked sharply.
Ingrid tried to move but here legs felt paralyzed…
After a moment she slowly managed to step back and gasped for breath “I…I have no idea what you’re talking about Lisa...” She stuttered.

“Really?” Lisa asked acidly as she looked at her with narrowed eyes.
Ingrid swiftly lowered her eyes and shook her head “I …I’m not hiding anything, Lisa…Not from you….I …I love you...” She hurried to say as she started to look at her hands.
Lisa didn’t say anything and for a moment a complete silence filled the room…
Ingrid dared to look back at Lisa again but immediately wished that she didn’t as soon as she noticed Lisa was still staring at her…

Lisa finally lowered her eyes and walked over to the sink where she picked up the brown envelope. Ingrid watched her silently and saw how she hesitated for a moment before she turned and slowly walked back towards the table...

She Opened the envelope and took out a white document and placed it silently on the table in front of Ingrid …
”I guess this proves how much you love me……”Lisa calmly said and looked up at Ingrid who started to tremble all over her body…

After a moment, that felt like an hour, she gradually lowered her eyes and stared at the white document….
Lisa leaned forward and whispered: “I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s hard for me to believe you Ingrid..., after I discovered that my husband is your son’s father… ”
Ingrid gasped for breath and covered her mouth as she lowered herself in a chair.

Lisa didn’t feel any compassion when she looked down and watched how Ingrid closed her eyes in agony and broke down while her body started to shudder violently ...


Chapter LXXXIV
Lisa silently turned and walked back towards the window where she stopped and watched the raindrops glide down against the glass while the sound of Ingrid’s sobbing was the only thing that could be heard.

After a while the sound stopped and Lisa focused her eyes onto the sky: a new day was dawning …

She closed her eyes as she wiped away a single tear that slid down her cheek….

She slowly turned and watched Ingrid who was staring in front of her with swollen eyes as her body still shivered…

”you must really hate me…”Lisa almost whispered as she slightly tilted her head.

Ingrid glanced at Lisa and tried to speak but only managed to shake her head in despair…Lisa hesitated for a moment as Ingrid’s agony was almost unbearable for her to see. “You…off all people Ingrid…I trusted you…” Lisa’s voice sounded hurt.

Ingrid slowly looked up at Lisa and noticed how her body trembled…

“L … Lisa…It happened only once,” she stuttered” You have to believe me…It was only one time. I swear…It didn’t mean anything.…”

Lisa looked at Ingrid’s eyes which begged her for forgiveness...

“Does Ron know that Bjorn isn’t his?” Lisa wanted to know.
Ingrid shook her head forcefully.. ”Not until a few weeks ago….”Her voice trembled and she glanced at her hands before she cleared her throat and looked back at Lisa “We wanted to have another baby…but I didn’t get pregnant. “A vague smile appeared on her face as she continued “After a while, Ron got worried and wondered if it might had something to do with his age… I waved his worries away and told him that we just had to be patient …However…” Her smile faded slowly and her face turned back to sadness as she looked away ”He got himself tested without me knowing it .Apparently the test results shown that he’d been sterile all of his life…”

Lisa lowered her eyes and when Ingrid looked up she saw that she was appalled by what she just heard…

“I‘ve never wanted this to happen Lisa…”Ingrid hurried to say “I never meant to hurt you or Ron for that matter…”
“But you did…”Lisa rapidly responded and Ingrid watched as her facial expression froze…

They stared at each other for a moment before Lisa tore her eyes away from her…

”I want you out of this house…and out of my life..” Lisa calmly said and slowly looked back at Ingrid who started to shake her head desperately..

”No Lisa..., please don’t say that!” She started to sob as she continued “Let’s talk about this… We can work this out...Please Lisa”

“There’s nothing more to say …”Lisa softly said and tried hard to hold back her own tears:

“You pretended you were my friend for all these years …I truly believed you were the one I could trust no mater what…but you’ve hurt me … and I…I will never forgive you for that..”

Ingrid watched Lisa as she lowered her eyes and silently walked passed her…
“LISA WAIT!” Ingrid‘s voice sounded desperate.
Lisa stopped at the door and looked back at Ingrid who swiftly lowered her eyes.
“I know I hurt you and I hate myself for betraying your trust Lisa…”She slowly looked back at Lisa and gasped for breath:
“ God knows I wanted to tell you so many times Lisa...But Benjamin asked me not to…”Ingrid desperately raised her hands “If you want me to leave… I’ll leave! But please hear me out first!”

Lisa hesitated for a moment and Ingrid noticed.

“Benjamin was devastated after we slept together…And when I told him I was pregnant he was crushed and he begged me to keep silent about it…..He loved you Lisa…”Ingrid’s voice calmed “He loved you so much that it tore him apart inside… “

Lisa opened her mouth to speak but Ingrid swiftly raised her hand: “No please! Let me finish Lisa…”She rushed to say.

Lisa stared at her for a moment, before she lowered her eyes and slowly moved towards the kitchen table… Ingrid slowly turned and watched her as she placed her hands on the table and slightly leaned forward while closing her eyes.

”I know that loving him became hard for you after his jealousy took over Lisa, and I don’t blame you “She added immediately” However I do blame you for staying at the surface…You choose to step aside when he needed you the most … He yearned for you Lisa …”Ingrid continued” But you! You pushed him away, causing his insecurity to increase even more …When he was racing at one side of the world you were working on the other ... Ben gave you the world and all he ever wanted in return was for you to love him back…”
Lisa turned to face her: “I loved Benjamin Ingrid “Lisa exclaimed.
Ingrid shook her head: “No you didn’t …”She quietly said.. ”you stopped loving him shortly after you got married and everybody seems to know that but you Lisa…He often told me that he knew the reason why you stayed was because you got pregnant with Thomas…I knew he was right , although I never told him he was…”

Lisa stared at her speechless for a moment…
”Thomas was the best thing that ever happened to me Ingrid…And yes!, I thought about leaving him…But I didn’t , I stayed …”

Ingrid nodded: “Yes you did Lisa…”She softly said.” You stayed. But not because you loved him or because you where pregnant if you ask me….You where scared, ‘cos you knew Benjamin would never let you leave…”

Ingrid paused for a moment before she continued “I know how possessive he was of you Lisa, but I also know that he had his reasons…”

Lisa narrowed her eyes: “What are you saying that I provoked him?”
“Yes…in a way you did… Men always loved you Lisa…Wherever you go, men swoon over you … I’ve seen it happen. And you took advantage of that whenever it was convenient to you…”

Lisa started to shake her head: “That’s not fair Ingrid!!”

“Isn’t it? Ingrid asked acidly “ You should have seen him Lisa when he discovered you slept with Danilo…You turned his worst nightmare into reality that night… He felt old and wanted to end his life, and you,… you didn’t even care about his feelings”

“Don’t you dare throw this in my face …”Lisa rose her voice “You have no idea how hurt I was back then...I didn't plan to sleep with Danilo Ingrid…Benjamin was drunk and he got violent that night...I managed to get out of the house and I had nowhere else to go...Danillo was there for me... I was desperate...” Lisa raised her eyes as she paused for a moment while Ingrid stared silently at her “The fact is.."She finally continued as she looked back at Ingrid" that you had the love from a man who adored you Ingrid,! And it was you Ingrid, who betrayed him with his own brother… not me … “

Ingrid’s face turned vicious: “Ron….? Ron didn’t love me Lisa …He never did!”Ingrid clenched her teeth:” he loves you!” Lisa lowered her eyebrows and watched Ingrid in disbelieve as tears rolled over her face…”That’s shocks you doesn’t it?” Ingrid cried “That’s right Lisa…All he ever wanted was you!…You have no idea how it made me feel when I heard him calling your name whenever he made love to me!... Whenever you would visit his eyes where locked on you! He even couldn’t hide the fact that he adored Thomas more than Bjorn because Thomas was a part of you!” She shouted.

Lisa shook her head in disbelieve: “You are such a liar!” She shouted back
“Am I? “Ingrid asked sarcastically as she pointed at herself…
”Yes you are!” Lisa still shouted” Ron loves Bjorn Ingrid, and he doesn’t love me that way, it’s all in your mind!”

Lisa walked a few steps and tried to catch her breath before she faced her again…” Its pretty obvious you wanted Benjamin instead of Ron “She added,” and the fact you choose to stay with Ron makes you the hypocrite here!”

Ingrid shook her head and smiled sarcastically through her tears”
Even now, you have no idea what you’re capable of do you? “

Lisa frowned but kept silent

“I wonder....If I'm the hypocrite in this scenario, what are you then?...I suppose you think you are the saint ? Well, I'm sorry to dissapoint you but you are everything: but, Lisa.... You slept with Danilo, broke Benjamin’s heart on the side and after Benjamin died you couldn’t wait to throw yourself in Sebastien’s arms who gladly enclosed you! So much for a being a saint huh?”

“Oh my god Ingrid..” Lisa shouted furiously” could you sink any lower??? “
“Can you??? “Ingrid shot back as the fire shot out of her eyes…
Suddenly they got interrupted by the kitchen door, that swung open and Carmen appeared in the doorway…
Lisa and Ingrid both looked up and noticed her staring at the both of them in total astonishment as they both breathed furiously.

“What’s going on here???” She asked as she slowly entered while her eyes darted from Lisa to Ingrid.

Lisa and Ingrid swiftly glanced at each other and Carmen felt the tension between them and realized something was terribly wrong.

When they both kept silent, Carmen slowly moved in between them …”I don’t know what this is regarding to “She calmly said “And I'm not sure I want to know...."She added "However..., I suggest you work this out without killing each other… I will not tolerate it, you hear? ”

Lisa nodded silently as she lowered her eyes and sniffed forcefully.

Carmen looked from Lisa to Ingrid and she nodded aswell...

After a moment of silence Carmen sensed that they both started to calm down a bit…

”I‘ll be upstairs….In the meantime ,I trust you sort this out together… ”Carmen firmly said and quietly left the kitchen…

After Carmen left, Lisa started to move silently towards the window.
Her headache was getting unbearable and she started to rub her forehead…

Ingrid hesitated for a moment before she turned towards Lisa and stared at her back…”I’m sorry Lisa..” She quietly said... ”I never should have said that…” Her voice sounded remorseful.

Lisa glanced at her side and closed her eyes for a moment…She took a deep breath and turned ”I made a terrible mistake when I slept with Danillo Ingrid…I know that I've hurt Benjamin…But he hurt me too…He never trusted me Ingrid…No matter what I did…I felt suffocated ..I…”

Lisa didn’t finish her sentence and lowered her eyes…

Ingrid stared at her face for a moment before she shook her head in despair:

”I know he suffocated you at times….But still….I don’t understand Lisa…You had it all… You had the love of a man who every woman adored but couldn’t reach …However; you managed to tie him down … Every woman watched in envy when he fell at your feet from the moment he met you…and I...I was one of them…"

Lisa swiftly looked up at her in astonishment while Ingrid started to sob and lowered her eyes in shame:

” Yes you were right Lisa…I wanted Benjamin, I know its wrong but I couldn’t help it…I loved Benjamin …I loved him from the moment Ron introduced us…And I never felt more helpless in my life when I could only watch how Benjamin slowly pined away while he desperately held on to something that wasn’t there anymore. Meanwhile he ached in silence as he waited for some affection from the only woman he adored in his life...You Lisa… ”

Ingrid paused for a moment and looked back at Lisa who slowly shook her head as she was lost for words once again…:

Ingrid looked at her helplessly: “Lisa?”…Ingrid softly said as she slowly moved towards her…“You can blame me for sleeping with Benjamin, but don’t blame him…I’m begging you …”

Lisa kept her silence as she walked towards the table and lowered herself in a chair…She rested her head in her hands and quietly started to sob…

Ingrid watched her in agony for a moment as she fought against her own tears ... She walked towards lisa and sat next to her...

“ You know Lisa…”She silently said as she leaned forward “Anzio was supposed to be his last race…He told Ron he wanted to retire for you …”

Lisa slowly looked up at her with a confused look as the tears flooded over her face..

“He knew you were terrified when he raced especially since he got into the formula 1… He wanted to end his career with winning that final championship for you, so you would be proud at him again…”

Ingrid struggled for breath and looked away for a moment before she continued…

”Your pregnancy gave him hope Lisa, and he carefully started to believe that everything would work out eventually between you two …All he ever wanted was for you to forgive him for the mistakes he made ..” She exclaimed.

Lisa finally lowered her eyes and felt absolutely paralyzed…
A short silence descended between them as they both sobbed quietly…

”I’m sorry Lisa…”Ingrid finally said after she calmed down a bit…”I’m sorry about everything….I know it’s hard for you to believe but I love you Lisa…I’m not proud at what I did…and believe me… I suffer from the mistakes I’ve made…Ron left me and I can only hope and pray that Bjorn will forgive me when he finds out…”

Ingrid started to sob again and Lisa almost started to feel sorry for her…

After another moment of silence, Ingrid wiped her face and slowly rose from her chair…”I will pack my things and leave…” she softly said and silently hoped, against better judgement, that Lisa would ask her to stay…

Lisa slowly looked up at her and silently nodded and watched as Ingrid slowly walked towards the door…

Ingrid stopped at the door and looked back at her one more time …”Just one more thing…”She said” I truly hope it will work out between you and Sebastien Lisa…He loves you and I know you love him….Don’t make the same mistake twice Lisa…. Hear him out before you judge him …” she added quietly.

Lisa wanted to say something but changed her mind…Instead she slowly lowered her eyes and closed them in despair…

Ingrid felt as if someone was chocking her..."Goodbye Lisa.."she gasped and hesitated for a moment before she finally opened the door and walked out while the tears flooded over her face…

Chapter LXXXV
“Welcome to Australia Miss Larossa “the man at immigration smiled at her as her handed her back her passport. “Thank you!” Geraldine smiled back and carefully got through her knees to pick up her bag.

As she walked through the gate, she opened her purse with her left-hand and tried to put in her passport that she was holding in the same hand. When she finally managed to slid it in, she bumped into a young woman who also wasn’t paying attention as she was struggling holding her three bags. “OH…I’m so sorry!” The woman apologized and smiled regretfully. ”Oh, no… I’m sorry” Geraldine signed with her hand and smiled back friendly. “I’m trying to do four things at one here... “
“Like me!” The young woman rushed to say and smiled “I hope I didn’t hurt you..?” she added swiftly as her face turned worried. “No you didn’t “Geraldine’s voice sounded reassuring. They both smiled at each other and Geraldine noticed the woman stared at her.

”Well...” Geraldine finally sighed as another smile appeared on her face. “The only thing I need now is my luggage...”.
”Me too!” The woman exhaled desperately before she started to look around.” Geraldine glanced at her bags in disbelieve “Do you have suitcases as well???” The woman nodded shamefully and looked at her side “I guess I did pack a bit heavy for my trip.. “ she mumbled. Geraldine laughed “Well at least you’ll know what to wear.” The woman rolled her eyes; “I honestly doubt it “She smirked and both started to laugh.

After a moment Geraldine looked at her and tilted her head: “You’re American?” She asked and sounded interested.
“Yes I am, but I live in London at the moment… Where are you from?” she asked back. “I’m from Madrid..” Geraldine replied “But my future husband lives in London...” She added. After a short moment of silence the woman reached out her hand and smiled friendly; “My name is Karen by the way.., Karen Russell” Geraldine dropped her bag and reached out her hand: “Nice too meet you Karen “She smiled back “I’m Geraldine…..Geraldine Larossa...” Karen’s mouth dropped: “Really?” She asked in astonishment as she slowly let go of her hand. Geraldine frowned slightly and nodded vaguely as she didn’t really understand her reaction. “I thought you looked familiar…”Karen continued and sounded cheery…”I do?” Geraldine asked, still surprised. “Yes! You are Carlos Marin’s girlfriend right?” Geraldine nodded again and a huge smile appeared on Karen’s face “I live with David…David Miller?” Karen looked at her with questioning eyes...

”Ah of course...” Geraldine raised her eyes and smiled before she looked back at her and stroke her arm. “It’s so nice to finally meet you Karen ... Carlos told me so much about you.” Karen smiled shy fully and Geraldine noticed she blushed “So you’re here for the kick off as well? “ Geraldine looked at her with questioning eyes. Karen lowered her eyes and hesitated for a moment before she vaguely smiled “Yes…well…”She slowly looked back at Geraldine... “David doesn’t really know I’m here. I sort off jumped on a plane…”She added and started to shrug her shoulders.. ” I wanted to surprise him...”
“Well!” Geraldine smiled “That’s makes two of us then..” Karen widened her eyes.” You mean Carlos doesn’t know either?” Geraldine laughed and shook her head “No he doesn’t …He would have stopped me if he knew, I’m sure… “Karen‘s expression got worried “Because of your accident …? “She added and Geraldine nodded.”But I’m fine… really...” She rushed to ad when she noticed her worried look sustained... “Well I’m glad you are feeling better “Karen finally smiled. Geraldine smiled back and knew instantly why David liked her. “Do you have transportation? “Geraldine asked. ”No. not really...” Karen replied and glanced a bit desperate at her bags “I suppose they don’t have a metro here? “ Geraldine laughed as she touched her arm “You should come with me Karen…I have a car waiting…” Karen’s eyes lit up “Really? Oh that would be great! “Karen sighed relieved and Geraldine smiled again “I meet you outside then…” she said as she picked up her bag and turned. “ You know Steve don’t you?” She asked as she looked back at Karen. Karen stared at her with huge eyes... ”O-Only from pictures...” she finally said
“Good! “Geraldine laughed “Just look for him when you get outside… He knows my little secret.” she added and winked as she walked away…

***
Marie stepped out of the cab and walked towards the apartment building on Saint Michel. When she got at the main entrance she leaned forward and read the nametags. “There you are...” She sighed and pressed the button next to a tag and waited impatiently: “Allo?” She heard Danique’s voice through the speakers “Danique it’s Marie, can I come up?”

After a moment of silence the buzzer sounded which caused the door to open. Marie got inside and walked towards the small elevator. She felt a bit uncomfortable as the elevator started to move…When it reached the fourth floor, it stopped and the doors opened. Marie took a deep breath before she pushed the safety screen to one side and stepped out. She looked down the hall and noticed Danique, who was already waiting for her… ”Bonjour Danique...” Marie softly said and walked towards her. Danique tried to smile but only a vague one came through…She noticed she looked pale and for a short moment she felt sorry for her “We need to talk Cherie...” Marie carefully said as she lowered her eyebrows. Danique lowered her eyes and nodded silently as she stepped back, so Marie could enter …After Marie entered, her mouth dropped instantly as soon as she noticed all the clutter in the apartment. Danique noticed Marie looked shocked and she tried to ignore the twitch in her stomach as she closed the door.

She closed her eyes briefly before she turned and walked towards the living room. Marie closed her mouth and tried to hide her shock as she followed Danique silently… “So,how are you Danique?” Marie asked as she looked at her intensively.. Danique glanced at her and shrugged her shoulders “I’ve been better Marie...” She softly said and slowly moved towards the window.” So, what brings you here?” She asked as she opened the curtains. “Laurent told me what happened Danique.. That’s why I’m here…”Danique turned and looked at her in disbelieve... ”Laurent? He told you about…” She didn’t finish her sentence “You’re pregnancy? Yes…”Marie added as she leaned over the couch and shoved aside some clutter before she lowered herself on it… Danique looked away and when Marie looked back at her she noticed she started to feel uncomfortable “Is it true?..” Marie asked as she tilted her head. Danique slowly looked back at Marie and nodded her head “I’m due in February next year...” Marie’s face turned pale and Danique noticed she struggled for breath.” So you’re keeping the baby?” Marie finally asked as she raised her eyebrows “Off course I’m keeping the baby..” Danique said and sounded amazed by her question” I want this baby Marie…And I’m sure Sebastien wants it too…”

Marie stared at her face for moment “Are you sure it’s Sebastien’s
“She calmly asked.” Yes…”Danique rapidly answered “no doubt about it…Seb is he only one I’ve been with…”She added. Marie sighed deeply and shook her head without taking her eyes from her “Sebastien doesn’t love you Danique…He loves Lisa…Have you thought what this will do to him? “ Danique kept silent for a moment and stared at her hands before she looked back at Marie and looked into her eyes “He will be shocked I’m sure…”Her voice sounded unsteady “ But… I know he will be there for his baby...” She softly added.

“You seem awfully sure about that..?” Marie said and looked at her intensively as she narrowed her eyes. Danique avoided her look by lowering her eyes.. “I know this comes as a surprise Marie…”Danique continued as she walked towards a chair and lowered her body in it “But yes.. I’m sure he wants this baby as much as I do…”She looked back at Marie and smiled vaguely as she placed her hands on her belly “Our child is conceived with love Marie…He always wanted children…that’s all he ever talked about when we were together “Marie frowned: “When you were together? You aren’t together anymore Danique… And Yes. He loves Children. However he doesn’t love you…that’s all in the past ...”

Marie kept looking at her and noticed her face turn sad when she slowly turned her head and started to stare outside.” I believe he does…”She softly said “This baby will change everything..”

“Yes it will...” Marie agreed “But, if this is your way of getting Sebastien back, I have to disappoint you Danique..I know my son… “Danique’s eyes started to well up as she looked back at Marie “I’m not having this baby aborted Marie.. “She softly said. Marie shook her head “I never said you should Danique…”Marie’s voice sounded somewhat reassuring. “I just hope you understand that Sebastien will not return to you because of the baby…” Danique bited her lip and Marie noticed she wasn’t convinced at all.”… Raising a child is a huge task Danique…”Marie continued…”…and doing it as a single parent even more…I hope you realize that I’m not just saying this to hurt you Danique…I know…I’ve been there…”she softly added.

Danique clenched her lips and paused for a moment ....” I’m sure Sebastien will be there for his child…”She softly said and looked away. Marie heard her voice sounded smothered and watched as she wiped away a single tear that rolled down her cheek.

“Why did you turn to the news papers Danique?” Marie changed the subject. Danique looked back at her and raised her eyebrows “I never talked to the papers Marie…Some journalist just wrote it.” Danique noticed Marie raised her head as she didn’t believe a word she just said. “Well maybe you should know that the same story appeared in the English paper yesterday, it included Lisa...” Danique’s face got surprised. “Does it also say that I’m pregnant? “ Marie frowned as she noticed the sudden excitement in her voice ”No…” She firmly said and tried to stay calm before she continued…”…but it got pictures… Sebastien is very upset Danique…And I assume Lisa will be as well “Danique nodded silently and Marie swore she noticed a vague grin…”I need you to keep quiet about you’re pregnancy for now…”Marie said as she slowly rose from the couch: “Sebastien has a lot on his mind right now and since the pregnancy’s still fragile I suggest you keep your mouth shut until things will clear up for him… In the meantime I want you to stay away from his life and think this through Danique…and I mean really think this through…If Sebastien finds out he surely wants a maternity test…” Marie looked at her intensively and watched how Danique nodded again and swiftly looked away holding a straight face …

***
Carmen was sitting at the kitchen table, staring aimlessly in front of her as tears rolled down her face …. She clenched a cup of tea between her hands as her mind drove off…

She recalled Ingrid’s devastation,earlier, when she came down the stairs holding her suitcase. When Carmen asked her why she was leaving she broke down in tears. “I’m a terrible person Carmen..” Was the only thing she said before she walked out!

She started to look for Lisa and eventually found her sobbing in her study as she frantically removed all Benjamin's pictures from each and every photoframe in the room. It took her quite some time to calm her down.
At first Lisa refused to tell her what was going on but she persisted and Lisa finally told her about Ingrid and Benjamin. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It all changed when Lisa showed her Bjorn’s birth certificate… She felt as if she was struck by lightning and for a moment she felt completely paralyzed .When it finally sunk in, she had to sit down and tried hard to stay calm for Lisa’s sake..
“Please Carmen, remove all the pictures in the house and clear out Benjamin office” She had begged her and almost immediately started to hyperventilate after that. She started to panic..” Please Lisa, You need to calm down!!!” She had exclaimed. “I have to get out of this house...” Lisa panted desperately. She begged Lisa not to leave this way but she didn't listen and watched helplessly as Lisa ran out of the house, jumped into her car and drove off...

Suddenly the sound of a closing door brought her back to reality… Carmen swiftly wiped her face before she lowered her cup and rose from the table.
“Thank god! She came back...” she softly said to herself while she hurried towards the hallway …

When she opened the kitchen door , her mouth dropped as she stared at Sebastien’s face…


Chapter LXXXVI
“Sebastien …”Carmen gasped and placed her hand in front of her mouth as she tried hard to hold back her tears.

“Hi Carmen..”Sebastien’s voice trembled and Carmen noticed he looked extremely pale …
”I…I need to see L-Lisa….”He said as he lowered his eyes and started to stare at the keys he held in his hands…

He looked so vulnerable that it scared Carmen…

She slowly lowered her hand … “S-she isn’t here Sebastien…She ran out…I don’t know where she is…”Carmen softly said and noticed her voice sounded smothered. Sebastien looked up and stared at her…

He finally noticed how devastated she looked…

”She read the paper..?” he gasped…
Carmen nodded silently and watched as Sebastien started to struggle for breath…

”But as far as I know, that’s not the reason she left Sebastien…”Carmen hurried to say and paused as she shook her head in despair and started to sob..” So much has happened since you left Sebastien…” she exclaimed and covered her face with her hands.

Sebastien couldn’t bear seeing her in tears and hurried himself over to her and took her in his arms…

” S- She had a fight with Ingrid…She betrayed Lisa Seb…” Carmen sobbed and Sebastien stepped back and looked at Carmen “What do mean? How? “He asked and sounded extremely worried as he searched for her eyes...

“Bjorn and Thomas are brothers Seb…Ingrid had an affair with Benjamin..…”Carmen looked up and noticed how Sebastien’s mouth dropped ... After a moment she lowered her head as she couldn’t speak anymore …

Sebastien grabbed Carmen's arms and forced her to look at him: “Carmen listen! I need you to think! Where can she be …? “

Carmen shook her head..”I-I don’t know..Seb…She isn’t at the office because Marc called several times already..”She looked scared “M-maybe she’s at the Cottage…”

Sebastien looked confused: “The cottage? “

Carmen nodded: “Yes…Glendale Cottage...It’s in Kent…She inherited that cottage from her grandmother…She never could sell it since she used to go there if she wanted to get away from things…Seb I'm... “.
“Does it have a phone? “ Sebastien interupted her...Carmen shook her head “No …No power or phone lines…It’s very deserted Sebastien. I don’t even know exactly where it is…”

Sebastien inhaled forcefully through his nose as he tried to think... “I need to find her…”He finally gasped and walked towards the key box on the side table…”Did she took the Porsche? “He asked as he turned to Carmen …
She nodded…

”I need your car then, Carmen!”Sebastien firmly said.
Carmen nodded and walked over to him . She grabbed some keys out of the box and handed them to him…”It’s the grey Volkswagen in front of the house..”She said as she pointed towards the front door…
Sebastien leaned over and kissed her cheek… ”I’ll be back ...with Lisa ,Carmen….” His voice sounded calm...

Carmen nodded and started to sob again as she watched Sebastien leave in a hurry…

***
De car stopped in front of the Radisson hotel in Sydney. Steve got out and opened the trunk; a bellboy rushed over and started to unload the luggage. “The Louis Vuitton goes to room 920 and those 5 pieces go to 984 Steve said as he pointed towards Karen’s luggage and nodded friendly as the bellboy looked at him somewhat surprised.

Geraldine noticed Karen hesitated to get out and she turned to her and placed her hand on her arm “You can’t stay in the car forever Karen...”Geraldine smiled “It’s going to be okay ...He will be happy to see you. Trust me…”.
Karen sighed and forced a smile on her face…”Maybe this isn’t such a good idea Geraldine...” she softly said and lowered her eyes.

Geraldine noticed she had tears in her eyes…

“Honey, listen to me…”Geraldine grabbed her hand and looked at her with a comforting smile “What’s the worst you think could happen?”
Karen slowly looked up and shrugged her shoulders before she turned her head and looked at her:”I..I’m scared he doesn’t want me here…”she almost whispered.
Geraldine sighed and shook her head: “I ‘ve never seen you and Dave together Karen…But I know from what Carlos told me that he adores you! Now ,I know David... and he’s the sweetest man…but also very honest Karen. If he didn’t want you here he wouldn’t live with you in the first place…”
Karen blinked her eyes and a weak smile appeared on her face..” I hope you’re right Geraldine..”
“I know I’m right Karen!”She smiled reassured at her “Come on! Let’s sweep them of their feet…” she winked and opened the door…

Steve just got off the phone in the hotel lobby as Karen and Geraldine walked in… “Right” Steve smiled and looked exited as he turned to Geraldine.
“Carlito is with Urs at the beach Gerald.. I’ll walk with you, unless you’d like to change first? “
Geraldine’s eyes started to twinkle when she shook her head.”No...I’m fine “she smiled...

Steve turned to Karen and smiled compassionately at her. ”Dave is in his room Karen.”He gave her a wink and handed her a card key…”Room 984…” he added and watched Karen hesitating before she finally took the card out of his hands.

Steve noticed she trembled. He knew she was worried about David’s reaction about her being here…

“He will be pleased Karen..” Steve smiled as he patted her shoulder…She gave him a nervous smile and turned towards Geraldine and sighed as she straightened her body “Wish me luck? “Geraldine started to laugh “Good luck Karen… “She winked.

Karen nodded “you too ...”she softly said and slowly walked towards the elevator …

***
Sebastien leaned over the wheel, searching for road signs as he slowly drove over a small country road.. He was getting more desperate by the minute. He had asked so many people along the way if they knew where Glendale cottage was, but know body seemed to have heard of it...

He glanced up and noticed dark clouds gradually filling the sky…

As he lowered his eyes and looked in the distance, he noticed a local farmer on a tractor in the field with his dog sitting next to him as he was plugging the land.

He sighed deeply and said a little prayer before he parked the car on the side of the road and got out.

He waited impatiently for a car to pass by, before he was able to cross the road. The farmer shut down his engine as he noticed him coming his way..

“Sorry to bother you sir…”Sebastien said politely “Do you know where Glendale cottage is by any chance? “His face looked hopefully..
The farmer raised his eyebrows as he looked at him “You mean Elizabeth’s place!? “
“Elizabeth?” Sebastien repeated and looked confused…
The farmer nodded as he came down from his tractor: “Yes! Elizabeth mc Pherson! She owned Glendale…” He added.

As soon as Sebastien heard the name Mc Pherson, his face lit up.. ”Yes! …Do you know where it is...?” The farmer smiled as he turned slightly “It’s the cottage over at the beach…”He said as he pointed backwards.
“How do I get there? “Sebastien asked as he started to walk backwards.

“Just follow this road for another 10 miles or so , then turn left and follow the unpaved road all the way up to the beach …It’s the only house there ..You can’t miss it.”He smiled friendly and watched as Sebastien took a bow and thanked him relieved before he turned and started running back to the car…

***
Angelica lowered the phone and sat back in her chair as she strokes her face. The reporters wouldn’t leave her alone. They kept firing questions about the article in the newspaper and were persisted in getting some answers… Angelica tried hard to stay polite but their rudeness was unbelievable and she was getting desperate.

She looked at her watch and noticed it was already noon… “Where are you Lisa…”She softly asked to herself…

She turned her head and saw Marc, who entered her office and looked worried… “I just got off the phone with Simon…”He said as he stopped in front of her desk “You are not going to believe this! Seb’s on his way...” He raised his eyebrows as he looked at her.

Angelica looked surprised “Oh my god…”She gasped…” Well…. I guess it’s a good thing…” She added softly as she looked away.
“Is it? “ Marc asked ironically as he searched for her eyes...

Angelica looked back at him and lowered her eyebrows “Oh Marc come on! You can’t blame him for trying! By the way…, we have no idea if the story is accurate Marc! We should give him the benefit of the doubt... “

Marc shook his head: “Him coming over all the way from Australia after being there for only three day’s and with the start of their tour ahead..., Is enough proof for me that the story is actually true Angelica…He betrayed her and now he’s desperate ‘cos his secret came out!”

Angelica’s mouth dropped and she stared at him in disbelieve: “You know Marc? Sometimes you are a real jerk!” She shouted as she rose from her chair…
Marc looked at her with widened eyes.. ”I’m a jerk??? I think you're making a mistake here Angie.. Sebastien is.... ”Suddenly he stopped talking as he noticed Angelica’s face turning pale as she crunched and grabbed her belly… ”

Marc ran around the desk and grabbed her by the shoulders.”Angelica???? Are you okay????” He sounded extremely worried…
Angelica tried to speak but her face was contorted with pain. Marc looked down and noticed blood dripping on the carpet…”Angie! ...You’re bleeding!!!”….He gasped. ..

“My baby….my baby...” Angelica started to cry silently as her body started to fold…

“Brenda!!!!!...BRENDA!!!! Marc shouted as he tried to hold Angelica... Brenda ran inside and instantly looked shocked as she watched Angelica passing out in Marc’s arms...

“CALL AN AMBULANCE BRENDA!….NOW!!!!” Marc shouted helplessly as he lifted Angelica in his arms...
...

Chapter LXXXVII
David was sitting at the edge of the bed as he lowered the phone from his ear.. He frowned and stared at his phone which he clenched between his hands…
Karen still didn’t answer her phone and he was getting worried…
He had lost count of the times he’d tried to call her…

“Karen adores you David… but you are keeping your distance by pushing her away. Don’t throw her love away for someone who could never be yours…” Urs’s words echoed in his mind…

He closed his eyes in agony and threw the phone to the other side of the bed and covered his face with both hands…

Suddenly, he heard knocking on his door…He slowly opened his eyes and sighed deeply before he gradually rose and walked towards the door… He lowered the handle with one hand and stroke his hair back with the other as he opened the door…

He felt his breath falter when he looked at Karen who stared at him with her beautiful hazel eyes…
”Surprise…”she softly said and David noticed she was measuring his reaction when he stared at her in disbelieve..
“Oh My God! “He gasped “KAREN!!!
In a split second he stepped forward and took her in his arms as he buried his nose in her hair…

Karen closed her eyes and released the air from her lungs as tears started to roll down her face…

”Oh David …”She sobbed .
David stepped back and held her head between his hands as he looked into her eyes:”I called you so many times …I was worried about you!” He almost whispered.

Karen sniffed her nose as she lowered her eyes: ”I’m so sorry…" She paused for a moment as she looked back into his eyes.."I needed to see you David! I was so scared in coming here…I-I was afraid you wouldn’t want me here...” Her voice sounded unsteady
David looked at her with huge eyes: “Didn’t want you here??? ...Oh Karen…”he smiled ...”Off course I want you here…”He gently caressed her face and noticed a weak smile appearing on her face ...
”I-I missed you so much …”She still sobbed.

David’s smile slowly disappeared …He lowered his eyebrows and looked at her with penetrating eyes for a moment before he slowly pulled her closer…

”I missed you too…”He softly said and leaned forward and pressed his lips on hers... He then lifted her gently and carried her inside...He closed the door with his leg and walked towards the bed without taking his eyes from her... When he reached the bed he put her down and stroke her hair back as he looked at her face..

”David I…” Karen’s voice faded as David placed his finger against her lips…”Ssshhh “He whispered softly as he looked deeper into her eyes…

He gently pushed her back on the bed and carefully got on top of her…He lifted his body slightly by placing his hand next to her head on the bed…
He lowered his eyes and quietly started to release her blouse from her jeans.. He looked back into her eyes and started to unbutton her blouse One by one … A shivering went through her body when she felt his hand touching her bare skin and slowly found its way to her breasts…

David didn’t take his eyes from her and watched how she closed her eyes and laid her head back as she moaned his name…

"God you're so beautiful Karen.."David panted... and his eyes glanced over her body...

Karen opened her eyes , placed her hands around his face and forced him to look at her..."I want to feel you David...Make love to me..."She whispered ..."Please... make love to me..."

***
It looked like the winding unpaved road was never ending… The sky seemed black and the rain was pouring out of the sky… Sebastien wiped the windshield with the back of his hand and tried to keep the car on the road as it was hard to distinguish the road from the land because of the amount of rain that gradually submerged the area…

As he drove on, he thought about what Carmen had told him. He never would have guessed Ingrid would be capable of hurting Lisa the way that she did…They seemed so close…

He felt a nauseous feeling by the idea that Lisa read the article on top of all her misery …

He knew he made a tremendous mistake by not telling her before, he knew that all along but he just couldn’t bare the thought of hurting her…
So, he tortured himself by choosing to keep silent and made every effort in trying to erase the memory out of his head…
Although, he knew deep down inside, that would be impossible to achieve...

Every time she looked at him he was terrified his eyes would reveal his betrayal…
Every time she told him she loved him he felt a piece of his heart break with guilt…
And Every time he watched her sleep in his arms at night , he would caress her face as tears rolled over his face…

It was tearing him apart...and he felt exhausted...

He took a deep breath and exhaled forcefully…
He knew it was out of his hands now; he had to take the blame…
The only thing he needed to find was the strength to tell her the truth… And he would suffer the consequences along the way, knowing that she might leave him…

The thought of that brought tears to his eyes…

Suddenly a lightning hit the field next to him, followed by a deafening thunder.
Sebastien wiped his face and lowered his head while trying to look through the heavy rain that pattered his windshield…

The road curved and Sebastien finally noticed the sea that appeared in front of him in the distance…
He desperately searched the area with his eyes but immediately felt discouraged as it seemed totally abandoned…
Then.., he noticed small woodland alongside the shore.

He pressed his foot down the gas peddle and felt how the car started to slip... He clenched his hands around the wheel and finally managed to retrieve control…

When he got closer he noticed a white shimmer through the leaves… He drove the car up until the road ended, got out of the car and slammed the door before he started to run through the rain…
As he entered the forest he noticed the small cottage covered in ivy…
He ran up the front door and thought he smelled burning wood …He hesitated for a moment and looked around... Lisa’s car was nowhere in sight…

He closed his eyes for a second and took a deep breath before he knocked at the door....

The sounds of the rain overcame the sound of his knocking and he slowly grabbed the door handle and pressed it down …

The door creaked as he slowly pushed it open…
He immediately noticed a shimmering light glancing underneath a wooden door in the hallway…As he slowly approached the door; he heard the sound of crackling fire and he felt how his heartbeat started to increase.
He slowly pushed open the door and released a sigh of relieve when he looked at Lisa..., who was crouching on the floor in front of the fireplace…

It was unbearable to him how fragile she looked and he was on the verge of tears…

After a moment he finally was able to move and when he entered the room the wooden floor beneath his feet made a squeaking sound which caused Lisa to look up…
Sebastien stopped moving and he felt a shiver through his body as his eyes met hers…
She looked exhausted and the grief in her eyes pierced his heart…
For a moment they seemed locked in each others eyes … Sebastien watched how she struggled for breath while her eyes filled with tears…
As Sebastien finally started to move towards her, Lisa closed her eyes and lowered her head in despair…
When he heard her silently crying he rushed over to her and carefully enclosed her in his arms…
Lisa grabbed his shirt instantly and pressed her face against his chest…
All the tension that was caught up inside her body came free, right there… and she fell into pieces in his arms…

“I’m here….”He whispered to her with a smothered voice...”I’m here …” He kept repeating and released his own tears as he rocked her gently and caressed her hair…


Chapter LXXXVIII
Urs and Carlos were jogging along Sydney’s shore. Urs glanced at Carlos who was already getting out of breath.

“Come on Carlos! “Urs encouraged him while he increased the tempo a notch. Carlos’s legs felt like logwood and he felt stitches in his side.

“This can’t be good.. ”Carlos panted and rolled his eyes as he tried to keep up… He started to point backwards but almost lost his balance doing that :“I think I’ve lost my feet back there Urs. “He moaned”. I can’t feel them anymore “.
Urs looked back at him and started to laugh as he watched Carlos dragging his body along while his feet barely came off the ground: “Oh come on Carlito , you can do it!…Just imagine: You chasing a lovely chica!”

…”Lovely chicas never run from me Swiss boy…They run at me.”He panted…
“Off course they do..."Urs laughed and rolled his eyes…"I'll keep it down so you can keep up . Just stay behind me and…”Urs didn’t finish his sentence as he watched in amazement how Carlos suddenly straightened his body and started running like a young stallion, released in the meadow for the very first time…

Urs looked confused but that confusion didn’t last long...It all cleared up when he looked in front of him and noticed two young women strolling along the shoreline…

As they came closer Carlos wiggled his eyebrows and smiled flirtatious at them while a deep “Hellooo “came from his lips.

The women started to giggle and Carlos followed them with his eyes as he started to run energetically passed them. Urs shook his head in disbelieve... :”You are unbelievable…Just unbelievable…” he grinned. Carlos glanced at him and started to grin as well….

Carlos’s adrenaline rush didn’t last long…The moment the women were out of sight, he stopped and leaned forward placing his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath…:”I think I’ve had enough exercise for today…!”
Urs looked back and noticed Carlos's face looked like it was about to explode any minute now…
He stopped running and turned to him: “You can’t be serious Carlos…We’ve just started…you where doing so well…”He said as he raised his arms desperately.
Carlos looked up at him in disbelieve “You gave me a whole Sydney tour just now…Where you planning ahead to Ayers Rock or what?” He asked, still out of breath…
Urs walked over to him and laughed “ Not that far!…However, a few more miles wouldn’t hurt you Carlito…”
“A few more miles??? A few more miles and I’ll be singing from my coffin next Saturday…”
Urs cracked up as a vivid picture of that entered his mind..
Carlos straightened his body and watched in disbelieve how Urs placed his hands on his belly from laughter...
“I can’t believe that you’re amused by that… “Carlos exclaimed “I’m serious here Urs!”
Urs looked at his red face and tried hard to hold his laughter “I’m sorry amigo…I realize it must be hard for you to keep up with me…That’s okay…After all, you are slightly older…” Urs rose his eyes and looked innocent…

Carlos lowered his eyebrows and shook his head...” Knowing you are from Switzerland…? I’ll forgive you for saying that...!” Carlos sounded sarcastically.
Urs’s mouth dropped “What is that suppose to mean????” Carlos looked at his puzzled face and grinned…

Whenever Urs would get on his tail he always threw such phrases at him which left him baffled every time, exactly what Carlos needed to shut him up …And it always paid off…he was such an easy target…

“Come on! Let’s take a break...before we jump into a cab to the hotel “Carlos added and smiled as he patted his shoulder and pointed towards pile of big rocks.. Urs sighed deeply and finally decided to follow him as he knew he wouldn’t get an answer from him…

After they both sat down, Carlos looked at Urs who turned quiet as he watched the waves crawl up the shore…

“Did you hear anything from Angela? “He asked quietly...
Urs glanced at Carlos and shook his head as a sigh released his body.. “Apparently she moved out her stuff the other day….”He softly replied and closed his eyes briefly…
Carlos bitted his lower lip and lowered his eyes: “Who told you she did? “ He finally asked as he looked back at him...

“David…” Urs’s quietly said “She’d spend the night at David and Karen’s apartment the other day…”Urs paused for a moment before he continued “She obviously couldn’t stand staying in our apartment...” Carlos watched Urs’s face turn sad. He placed his hand on his shoulder and sighed “…I’m sorry Urs…I know how you wanted things to be different…” Urs nodded silently as he started to stare at his hands ..” You’ll be okay you know…” Carlos tried to reassure him…” There’s someone back in England waiting for you…”A vague smile appeared on Urs’s face …

"I know..” he softly replied ”I know..….”

After a moment of silence Urs looked passed Carlos and noticed two people walking towards them from a distance…He tried to look closer by narrowing his eyes and he eventually recognized Steve …just when he was about to point him out to Carlos his mouth dropped ”Oh my god …”he thought . And his surprise translated itself into a smile that appeared on his face when he recognized Geraldine walking next to him …

He looked at Carlos who was staring at a sailboat which was sailing towards the sunset...
”Heard from Geraldine lately? “Urs asked as he tilted his head. Carlos shook his head as he gradually lowered his eyes: “I tried calling her earlier but she wasn’t there..”
“I know..." Urs softly replied…
Carlos turned to him and looked at him with questioning eyes…
A smile appeared on Urs’s face: “She can’t be there when she’s here Carlos…” he calmy said...
Carlos watched as Urs’s eyes looked passed him…Carlos followed his look and gasped for breath as his eyes got locked on Geraldine who started to run towards him “Oh Dios…”he panted and almost imidiately jumped up and started running towards Geraldine who smiled while tears flooded over her face …

Urs rose and smiled tenderly as he watched them falling into each others arms …

***
Sebastien opened his eyes and noticed the other side of the antique bed was empty… He got out of bed and frantically started to search each and every room in the cottage… When he finally reached the living room and noticed she wasn’t there either… He lowered himself helplessly on the couch and started to gaze aimlessly in front of him…

”Did she leave him? Was this the end? “ He wondered...

A feeling of utter fear overwhelmed him…
He leaned forward and grabbed his head with both hands as he tried hard to restrain himself from loosing his mind…
He closed his eyes and tried to remember what happened last night…

He recalled the way she’d looked at him when he entered the room and how her delicate body trembled as he took her in his arms while she broke down …

He recalled how she clenched herself against his chest and silently kept crying out his name…

He felt how the grief ,she suffered, crawled up inside his body and gradually tore him apart inside…

It seemed like hours had passed when she finally calmed down and eventually fell asleep in his arms…
He’d carefully lifted her body and had carried her towards the bedroom where he’d gently laid her down…
He grabbed a blanket from a chair in the room and tucked her in so she wouldn’t be cold…
When he finally laid his body next to hers he couldn’t stop staring at her face…

Her skin looked so pale and dark circles where visible under her eyes…He’d never seen her so devastated before and he never felt more scared in his life …

He remembered how he gently removed a lock of hair from her face and when his fingers started to follow the contours, the tears rolled over his face…

Sebastien opened his eyes and rose from the couch…
He got outside and walked around the cottage hoping to find her car somewhere…

Just when he was about to give up his eyes lingered on something that looked like a barn…Sebastien started running and when he got closer he sighed relieved when he noticed Lisa’s black Porsche was parked in it …

He swiftly started to look around him but everywhere he looked the sight was blocked by the trees…
As from nowhere the wind build up the sound of the ocean and Sebastien started to run trough the woods ...

When he finally reached shore... He saw her…sitting on a tree stump down at the deserted beach…
He felt his heart pounding in his chest by the sight of her fragile body…
He watched for a moment how her eyes gazed over the ocean while the wind played with her long light brown hair ...

Sebastien hesitated for a moment before he slowly got down the stairs ...

He swiftly ran his fingers though his hair and took a deep breath as he walked towards her through the sand...

"Hey..."he softly said and smiled tenderly at her as he sat beside her...

Lisa glanced up at him and Sebastien thought he saw a vague smile passing her face before she silently looked back at the ocean...
She seemed so distant and calm.. Almost unnaturally calm…

Chapter LXXXVIV
Carmen answered the phone in the hallway: “Amberville Residence, Carmen speaking”
“Carmen, this is Steven…Steven Albright..” Carmen raised her eyes as she remembered him “Oh yes Steven, hi! How are you?” She asked. “I’m okay …I need to talk to Lisa, is she there?” Carmen noticed he sounded worried: “I’m sorry Steven she isn’t here…I’m not sure when she’ll be back…”
“I see…” he said and a short silence followed…”Can I take a message Steven?” Carmen finally asked..
“No…no just tell her to call me as soon as possible Carmen…”
“Okay I will…” Carmen replied and wrote down his number on a piece paper before she hung up…

She lowered herself in a chair and wiped her forehead as she stared at the piece of paper she held in her hand…She kept wondering what could be so urgent when suddenly the doorbell rang .
She rose from the chair and walked towards the door …

When she opened the door she looked at Marc’s shocked face... “Lisa…Is Lisa here…?”He gasped for breath …
Carmen shook her head and noticed he was sweating she knew something must be terribly wrong since she never saw Marc this upset… “What happened?“ Carmen asked and held her breath…”Oh god Carmen ...”Marc almost started to cry…”I need to find her…Its ...Its Angelica….”

***
Thomas opened the door and looked at Ingrid “INGRID!!!” He called out and hugged her…
“Hi sweetie,..”She forced a smile on her face and stroked his hair back when she looked down at him.
“Where’s mummy?” he asked as he looked passed her… Ingrid cleared her throat and did her best to sound calm.”Mummy couldn’t come, sweetheart. She had some things to take care off…”
She noticed Thomas his face turned sad and she got through her knees and looked into his big brown eyes.. ”I know you miss mummy Thom…She misses you too…and I’m sure that she will come and get you soon..” Thomas nodded and smiled vaguely at her ...

”How’s Harvey? “He asked and Ingrid smiled when she looked into his questioning eyes: “Harvey got big Thomas…He’s so big he can hardly jump anymore ...”
Thomas‘s eyes got huge “Really?” he asked surprised Ingrid smiled and nodded: “Carmen is taking good care of him sweetheart don’t you worry …

“MUMMY!!!” Ingrid rose and smiled as Bjorn came running towards her.
“Oh pumpkin!” Ingrid called out and got through her knees to hug her son: “I’ve missed you so ...”She kissed his hair and tried hard to hold back her tears
“I missed you too mummy…are you going to stay?”Bjorn asked as he stepped back and looked at her. Ingrid lowered her eyes for a moment “I … I don’t know sweetie …” she softly said and forced a smile on her face before she looked back at him…

The boys both looked back when they heard Ron calling them. When he entered the hallway Bjorn ran up to him and grabbed his shirt: “LOOK daddy!!! Mummy’s home !!!…” and pointed towards Ingrid. Ron looked down at Bjorn and stroke his hair :“I see that!!!”He smiled and got through his knees: “I need to talk to mummy, so go and finish your lunch okay?”

Bjorn nodded and called over Thomas …
Ingrid and Ron both watched as they ran towards the kitchen …
When the door closed behind them Ingrid grabbed her suitcase and entered the house.. Ron didn’t say anything and watched as she lowered her suitcase in the hallway after she'd closed the front door…

Ingrid slowly looked up at him and noticed he still was angry with her: “I…I’m not staying don’t worry …"She hurried to say...She paused for a moment before she added softly ;"I only wanted to see Bjorn and pick up some of my things...”

Ron nodded vaguely while his expression kept frozen…”I need the key's to the Cabin Ron ...” Ingrid said as she picked up some mail from a sidetable .
Ron suddenly looked shocked “You can’t stay in the Cabin …”He hurried to say … “Why not? Ingrid looked suprised and lowered the mail in her hand as she stared at him …”That Cabin belonged to my parents Ron!” Her voice sounded annoyed.

”I know …It’s yours…But I …"Ingrid noticed he was searching for words..."A friend of mine is staying there ...” He finally stuttered and Ingrid's look got confused “What friend?” she asked as she lowered her eyebrows.
Ron waved his hand: “Just a friend …You don’t know him…He won’t stay there long though …” Ron felt obviously uncomfortable and Ingrid noticed his eyes darted back and forth “…You can stay here for now….I knew you where coming …”
“You did? “Ingrid asked. “Did Lisa call you?” Ron shook his head “No …Carmen did …She told me everything …”
“I see “Ingrid silently said and Ron noticed her eyes welled up…”Did she call at all?”Ingrid asked..
Ron nodded: “She called for Thomas yesterday …Thomas told me that she sounded sad... “He added and looked hurt.
Ingrid started to sob “Oh god Ron I feel so helpless…They way she looked at me…as if I was a stranger to her…”
“Can you blame her?” Ron asked as he lowered his eyebrows and raised his hands …
Ingrid shook her head in despair and covered her eyes as her sobbing got more intense.

Ron almost felt sorry for her…he sighed and made a attempt to move closer but suddenly seemed to change his mind and froze…
After a moment Ingrid wiped her face and shook her head “I’m so worried about her …”She said with a smothered voice ...”
“Are you really?” Ron asked as he narrowed his eyes...
“Yes I am…”Ingrid replied somewhat astounded...”Especially since the article appeared in the Sun …” she softly added.

“What article?” Ron asked and Ingrid noticed by the look on his face he didn’t know what she was talking about …
“There was this article in the Sun, about Sebastien having an affair with his ex girlfriend...” Ingrid explained.
“And did he? “His voice sounded troubled. Ingrid shrugged her shoulders “I don’t know Ron. I do know he flew over from Australia to be with her …he should be there by now… “ she added.
“THAT BASTARD!!! “ Ron shouted out of frustration. “On top of everything she’s been through! …I knew this guy was bad news!!!”
“You don’t even know him Ron!”Ingrid sounded irritated..” He is a sweet guy and I know he loves her tremendously and I for one have a hard time believing he actually did that!”

Ron decided to keep silent but Ingrid noticed by his expression he thought differently …

” Well…I won’t bother you any longer …I will be staying at the Plaza “Ingrid softly said as she picked up her suitcase.
“NO!…” Ron rushed to say.

Ingrid looked up at him with questioning eyes "What now?" she looked desperately...
“I need you to stay here …with the boys that is …” Ron added swiftly.
“Are you going somewhere? “
Ron nodded ...”I need to go to Paris for a few days …I’m leaving tonight”
“What’s in Paris?” Ingrid got curious and noticed Ron's expression suddenly turned annoyed... He started to shake his head as he walked passed her “That’s not your business anymore …” he mumbled and got upstairs….

Ingrid lowered her eyes and sighed deeply...”Right…”She silently said and lowered herself at the bottom of the stairs…

***
Sebastien couldn’t take his eyes of Lisa…
He opened his mouth several times in an attempt to break the silence between them but no words would come out of his mouth…
As time passed by he found himself searching for words, but everything that entered his mind seemed inappropriate to say…

The wind suddenly increased and as Lisa and Sebastien looked up , dark clouds drifted slowly above them and gradually absorbed the daylight …

Lisa wrapped her arms around herself and started to rub her upperarms…Sebastien took off his vest and placed it gently over her shoulders: ”Here…”He softly said and felt a warm glow as Lisa briefly smiled thankfully at him before she looked away again ...

Sebastien sighed deeply and looked back at the sky.. “We should go inside Lisa; it won’t be long before the rain will fall…”
Lisa looked at him and noticed he looked tired, … When Sebastien slowly looked back at her he watched Lisa swiftly looking away…

She rose and enclosed Sebastien’s vest tighter around her shoulders…”We should….go inside..” She added softly without looking at him…

Sebastien nodded and rose…He gently placed his hand on her back as she walked up the stairs in front of him, towards the cottage… Almost at the same time Sebastien closed the cottage's front door, the clouds started to release the rain…

Lisa walked silently towards the living room and started to light the candles; Sebastien watched her silently before he walked to the fireplace and made a fire…

The crackling sound of the dry wood that quickly caught fire lessened the sound of the rain falling on the cottage roof…
Lisa lowered herself on the couch and leaned forward as she slowly rubbed her face with both hands…

As Sebastien stared at her he realized she didn't wore Benjamin's ring anymore...

He finally tore his eyes away from her and put some more wood into the fire before he rose from his knees and sat next to her.

After a moment of silence Sebastien turned to her and carefully took her hand in his… “I’m so sorry about what happened with Ingrid Lisa….”Lisa slowly turned her head and looked silently into his green eyes…She could tell by the redness in his eyes he had been crying before and felt a twinge in her stomach…
They stared into each others eyes for a moment before Lisa finally lowered her eyes and released her hand from his...

“That’s not the reason you’re here…is it?” She finally whispered and slowly looked back at him and watched as he avoided her look this time…
”No…it isn’t…”he softly said before he rose from the couch and silently walked over to the fireplace where he rested his arms on the edge of the large mantelpiece…

Lisa noticed he closed his eyes and shook his head briefly before he turned back and looked straight into her eyes …

”I...I think you know why I’m here….” He stuttered and Lisa realized he looked terrified…
”Because of the article….”Lisa filled in. Sebastien nodded silently and Lisa watched as he closed his eyes again... in agony this time...

Lisa rose from the couch and slowly moved over to him…She tenderly placed her hand on his cheek and a comforting smile appeared on her face…”Don’t worry about that Seb…..I know it isn’t true…”

Sebastien's face looked hurtfull when he gently took her hand from his cheek without taking his eyes from her...
Lisa felt how he pressed her fingers against his soft lips …He lowered his eyes, opened her hand and moved his lips to the centre of her hand and forcefully closed his eyes for a moment as he gasped for breath…

”Seb…?”Lisa asked and looked confused ...

When Sebastien didn’t answer she felt a shiver crawl up her spine and suddenly she got terrified…
Sebastien brought her hand back to his cheek and slowly opened his eyes and looked down at her…

Lisa felt her body starting to tremble as she noticed his eyes welled up and tried hard to hold back his tears…

Lisa tilted her head and tried to smile as she kept her eyes on him.. ”It was all a lie... "Lisa repeated "...Wasn't it?"

Lisa’s voice sounded unsteady and tears filled her eyes when he just stared paralized at her without blinking his eyes…

Lisa's smile slowly faded and she stared powerless into his eyes :” Please Sebastien! "She begged..."Please... Tell me it was all a lie …”

Sebastien felt how her hand started to tremble on his cheek…
He took a deep breath and slowly started to shake his head...

”I..I can’t…”He finally whispered and his voice sounded suffocated…

It felt like someone stabbed him through the heart when he watched Lisa's devastation in her eyes...She froze completly for a moment while she struggled for breath ...

Sebastien's tears came free from his eyes... when he felt how Lisa slowly withdrew her hand from his cheek as if she’d just touched something contaminated...


Chapter LXXXX
As in trance Lisa walked over to the window and stared outside…

She had trouble breathing and her body was trembling …. She tried hard to prevent her emotions overpowering her sanity…

Lisa heard Sebastien silently crying in the background but Lisa couldn’t bring herself to turn around… it felt like she almost was oblivious to his grief…

She raised her eyes and watched the rain fall monotonously …
It started to rain more heavily and Lisa ‘s eyes spotted a single daffodil that bravely tried to endure the battering rain…She wondered if the rain was aware of its capability to wash things away as if it never had existed...

For a moment she wished the rain would wash her memories away…The memories of her and Sebastien together…

She seemed totally unaware of the tears that rolled down her face until she heard Sebastien’s smothered voice…

“Lisa I’m so sorry…I beg you to hear me out…I know it’s terrible what I did but I never intended to… Of all the people I know you are the last one I wanted to hurt… You have to believe me… “He pleaded.

Lisa slowly turned around and Sebastien gasped for breath when he noticed her tears ….

“I... I called you in Vancouver and Danillo answered your phone…”Sebastien tried desperately to explain… “You were asleep…I thought you two slept together… And I….I lost it Lisa….”

Lisa looked totally perplexed; “Why? …Why would you assume I slept with Danillo?” she quietly asked with a smothered voice …
Sebastien briefly looked away: “Carmen accidentally told me you slept with him during your marriage with Benjamin…” Lisa lowered her eyebrows and looked at him in disbelieve for a moment..” So you alleged I would do the same to you whenever I had the chance…?”

Sebastien quickly shook his head “No…No Lisa…I jumped to conclusions when he answered your phone. I got drunk and couldn’t think straight anymore….”

Lisa closed her eyes in agony for a moment. She took a few deep breaths before she looked back at him…

“You thought I had betrayed you…So… you turned to her instead of me…”She almost whispered and Sebastien heard the devastation in her voice…

”I was desperate Lisa! And Danique....she…she was there ….I… “Sebastien stopped talking when he noticed the repulsion on her face….

They silently stared at each other for a moment…

“I suppose if the article wasn’t published …you’d probably still pretended nothing happened…” Lisa quietly remarked

“I wanted to tell you so many times Lisa… “Sebastien’s voice trembled…”But I was scared…scared that if I told you you’d leave me …. So I pushed it away… And I know now that by doing that I’ve hurt you even more… And I ... I hate myself for that “

He paused when he saw Lisa’s face got contorted with pain…
She lowered her eyes while wiping away a single tear that rolled down her face …

Sebastien felt cold shivers crawling over his body as her suffering was unbearable for him to watch…

He desperately pointed his hand towards her and tried hard not to cry “This…this is what I was afraid of …Seeing you suffer… like this… Because of what I did to you …God Lisa ..Please! Tell me what I have to do to make it better…I’ll do anything...” He pleaded and started to shake his head as tears started to flood over his face “Anything….”he repeated.

Lisa slowly raised her eyes and looked back at him…, he stared at her with begging eyes and looked absolutely crushed and Lisa felt as if somebody was choking her …

”…I remember when I looked into your eyes the first time we met… ”Lisa smothered “ And I ...I thought that a man with such tender eyes could never hurt a woman he loved…”Lisa couldn’t speak anymore and she covered her mouth and started to cry…

Instinctively he started to move towards her but stopped the moment Lisa shook her head in despair ….

”No…”She sobbed “Stay away from me…”
Sebastien still tried to reach out to her but Lisa stepped back…

“Lisa…”Sebastien’s voice sounded suffocated“Lisa please…Don’t push me away …You and Thomas mean everything to me... I would sacrifice my life if I could undo this…I…I can’t breathe without you Lisa….I..”

“What do you want from me..? “Lisa exclaimed as she looked back into his eyes.. “You! …I want you Lisa…That’s all I want…For you to forgive me….I didn’t know what I was doing… I swear…I can barely remember making love to Danique..”

Lisa forcefully started to shake her head “I don’t want to hear it!” she raised her voice and grabbed her head…

”Lisa, I need you to know that it didn’t mean anything…I don’t love her…I love you …you Lisa!…”

“I can’t do this anymore…”Lisa cried helplessly…”It’s over…I want you to leave…”

“NO…!!!”Sebastien shouted, grabbed her by her shoulders and pinned his eyes at her “…I’m not going anywhere…YOU HEAR!…I’m staying here…right here!!!…”

In a split second Lisa pushed him away and looked up at him furiously “Its over between us ! She shouted “Sebastien looked intensively into her eyes and silently shook his head “I’m not letting you go!” He firmly said and all of a sudden she came at him and started to batter his chest with her fists “ GO AWAY! …I HATE YOU!…”She cried hysterically “I hate you…I HATE YOU!”

Sebastien enclosed her forcefully in her arms and held her tight as tears rolled over his face “ LET ME GO! “Lisa screamed and used all her force to push him away “ LET ME GO!!! …”

Sebastien held her tighter and shook his head:”NO!”He shouted with force and used all his strength holding her tight…
”I hate you…”Lisa still kept struggling to come free from his arms…
”I will never let you go!…”Sebastien cried while clenching his teeth together.. ”We belong together…I love you…I love you..” He endlessly repeated those words to her while Lisa broke down in his arms...

She sunk through her knees and Sebastien lowered himself to the floor with Lisa in his arms… relieved she finally gave up her struggle ….

Sebastien closed his eyes forcefully as he felt Lisa's body shaking uncontrollably...

Time passed by slowly... and gradually Sebastien felt how her body started to calm down

”I hate you...” She softly kept repeating these words while crying wholeheartedly …. Sebastien buried his face in her hair and rocked her gently in his arms… “No you don’t…”He whispered …”You love me…I know you love me...”

They both cried silently and after a while they both started to calm down a little bit….

Sebastien loosened his arms, leaned back and enclosed her face between his hands…
The tears still rolled over their faces and Lisa closed her eyes in agony when he forced her to look in his eyes…

”I will give up anything and everything in my life for you…I swear to you...”Sebastien cried…”Look at me Lisa…”He begged and Lisa slowly opened her eyes…”We belong together Lisa...God.. I love you so much…"He gasped..."I’ve been in love before…but I‘ve never loved someone this intense Lisa…I Wouldn’t know how to live anymore if I haven’t got you…”

His voice choked and he suddenly pulled her close and gave into the urge he felt in his body and forcefully pressed his lips on hers…

At first Lisa held back and tried to push him away but Sebastien wasn’t giving her a chance…

Finally, Lisa released her muscles and surrendered to him…
Sebastien felt how she slid her arms around his neck and replied his kiss…

They kissed each other passionately ,almost aggressively, releasing all tension between them…

After a while ...Sebastien rose , lifted her body and carried her to the fireplace where he gently laid her down on the large pillows that laid in front... He got on top of her and passionately kissed her as tears still flooded over his face…

Lisa tasted the saltiness of his tears and couldn’t stop crying herself as his lips descended to her neck…

”Seb please stop…”…Lisa sobbed... but didn’t make any effort to push him away this time…


Chapter LC
Lisa closed her eyes and felt how Sebastien slowly unbuttoned her blouse…She moaned silently when his warm hands touched her bare skin and gradually started to explore her body…

Her heart was yearning for him but the thought of him and Danique together wouldn’t leave her mind…

By the time Sebastien’s hands reached her breasts, she grabbed her head and forcefully pressed her eyes together… “No…No…”Lisa exclaimed and suddenly pushed him away before she rose and pulled her blouse over her breasts. “I can’t…I can’t do this…” She panted while tears flooded over her face…

Sebastien watched her face in agony and felt a stitch through his stomach when she turned away from him… He rose from the carpet and rubbed his face in sorrow…

He knew he should have known better than to force himself on her …

”Lisa I’m sorry… ” he pleaded … “I didn’t think…I..”
Lisa suddenly turned and looked into his eyes…
”This isn't going to work Seb..."She sobbed” I can't pretend everything is all right when its not..."

Sebastien stared at her eyes in anguish and struggled for breath as his eyes filled with tears…

"I love you Sebastien...” Lisa still sobbed” ..I do... and I wish I could forgive you ...But I have to be honest with myself this time..."She paused for moment and briefly looked down before she wiped her eyes and looked back at him..." Even though I realize Danique probably took advantage of the situation, I know I never would be able to get past this ...”
Sebastien still stared at her and slowly shook his head…"Don't do this Lisa...I'm begging you..."

“Can’t you see? “Lisa exclaimed ”This will always stand between us..."
"Only if you let it..."Sebastien pleaded...
Lisa swiftly shook her head "I would always question you whenever you’re on tour with the guys or anywhere else ...I can't live like that..., and neither should you ..." She added quietly and almost imidiately started to sob again as she watched how he forcefully closed his eyes for a moment while his shoulders started to shudder...

"Please Lisa...Don't leave me...."He begged. His voice sounded suffocated ... He looked back intensively into her eyes, stepped towards her, reached out his hand and placed it carefully on her face: "I love you ... I know we could get through...we are stronger than this!"
Lisa stared at his tortured face and felt cold shivers crawling up her spine before she tightened her arms around her body"I can’t ..." She finally sobbed and tore her eyes away from him… ” Please leave…”she begged him softly and closed her eyes …

Sebastien gradually lowered his eyes and slowly withdrew his hand from her face.

He turned silently and walked in slow motion towards the side table were he grabbed the keys to Carmen’s car… As he clenched the keys in his hand he felt paralyzed and was unable to move…He just stood there frozen...staring at the keys in his hand while the tears in his eyes blurred his vision …

Something in her eyes just told him she really wanted him to leave...He closed his eyes in despair as he realized his worst nightmare was about to become reality...

She was pulling herself away from him and there was nothing he could do about it... He felt as if his blood flooded out of his veins right there...

He hesitated for a moment before he slowly walked back at Lisa who was staring outside through the window while her body shuddered…

“Are you sure this is what you want..?” His voice faltered when Lisa slowly turned and looked into his eyes.
He noticed her shallow breathing and Sebastien swore he saw her hesitating which caused his heart to race hopefully, but all of it vanished in vain when she gradually started to nod her head…

“…okay…”He whispered and lowered his head defeated while tears rolled over his face…

“Oh Seb…”Lisa suddenly cried out and clenched herself at his chest…Sebastien immediately wrapped his arms around her and held her tight as he buried his face in her hair…They both cried as they held each other tight and neither of them felt the strength to let go…

After a while, when they finally calmed down a bit ,Lisa slowly opened her eyes and looked over Sebastien’s shoulder as she thought she heard a sound coming from the hallway…

Lisa's body startled when she noticed a silhouette of someone standing in the doorway…Sebastien leaned back and noticed Lisa’s shocked face, he instantly looked back ,following Lisa’s gaze, and as soon as he spotted the shape he swiftly turned around, pulling Lisa protectively behind him…

“Who’s there?!”Sebastien’s voice sounded firm…

Slowly the person stepped forward into the shimmering light of the fireplace and Lisa stepped aside and released a sigh of relieve….Sebastien lowered his eyebrows”Marc…?” he gasped …
“I..I’m sorry Seb….."Marc started to stutter and Sebastien noticed he looked bewildered...” I didn’t mean to sneak up on you…but I knocked and there was no answer and the door was open…”Marc looked over at Lisa and stopped talking as he noticed her devastated expression…”Are you okay? “He asked worried. Lisa nodded swiftly “What’s the matter Marc...? “ She asked with a unsteady voice, knowing by the look on his face something had to be wrong …

” Its Angelica…”
“Angie?”Lisa asked and looked worried. Marc swallowed and nodded his head: “She…she’s is in the hospital Lisa.. she …”
“Oh my God…!” Lisa gasped and raised her hand and placed it in front of her mouth…”Sebastien lowered his eyebrows and looked confused” What happened? Is she okay??? .. “

Marc opened his mouth but closed it again while shaking his head…”I ..I don’t know…” his voice weakened…

Sebastien felt how Lisa grabbed his arm…”Seb? I need to be with her…” Sebastien looked at her and noticed the terror in her eyes. He tenderly placed his hand on her face before he grabbed a vest and placed it around her shoulders ...”Let’s go!” He said resolutely and grabbed her hand before they walked towards the door…

***
The taxi came to a full stop in front Quay’s restaurant in Sydney …

”Here we are mate!” The driver smiled through the rear mirror before he leaned forward and pressed the meter “That’ll be 12, 50…"
David smiled at Karen who was glowing as she looked lovingly at him…he paid the driver, opened the door and stepped out…
The driver also got out and reached out to the back door…”I got it!" David smiled at him as he hurried around the back of the cab and opened the door. “At your service Miss Russell…” He said with a strong Australian accent. Karen started to laugh as he reached out his hand and gracefully took a bow…
Karen placed her hand in his and got out of the car…

“Have a pleasant evening.” The driver smiled and winked at Karen before he closed the backdoor and got back behind the wheel.

As the cab drove off David pulled Karen in his arms and looked down at her…”Have I already told you how gorgeous you look in that stunning red dress of yours?” Karen shook her head forcefully and smiled…
”I see...” David chuckled and pulled her closer “Well in that case Miss Russell, Let me inform you that you are the prettiest woman in Sydney right now…” Karen batted her eyelashes “you really think so..?” she asked brightly…
David gently kissed her lips…”I really know so!” He smiled before he lowered his arms and took her hand…” Let’s hurry!” David whispered in her ear" The sooner we eat the sooner I have you to myself again…” Karen got on her toes and kissed him "I'd like that... "She smiled and wiped a spot of lipstick off his cheek...

They walked inside and entered the elevator…
As the elevator moved up David couldn’t keep his hands of Karen…
”David! ..You'll ruin my make up!” Karen moaned as he kissed her face.. David looked into her eyes and smiled “You don’t need make up baby…” he lovingly said as he caressed her skin.
Karen felt a warm glow through her body while she looked into his blue eyes…

“I love you David…”She softly said. “I love you too …”He whispered and pressed his lips on hers…

The elevator stopped and David and Karen slowly walked out while their lips stayed attached… As soon as the doors closed behind them they heard a familiar voice:” Oh Dios! Get a room you two…”

David broke off the kiss, turned and smiled as soon as he noticed Carlos who came out of the men’s room with a huge smile on his face… “ Look what I found !!!” David smiled big as he grabbed Karen’s hand and raised it … “

"You lucky dog! “Carlos smiled and walked towards Karen her and gave her a big hug… “Gerald told me you met at the airport…"
David eyes got huge “Geraldine’s here as well?” Carlos grinned “Yes!” He patted his shoulder “You’re not the only one who got lucky here my friend “
David still looked amazed and turned to Karen “So You met Geraldine?” Karen nodded and smiled: “Yes We did…We ran into each other at the airport”She turned to Carlos and smiled “she’s so lovely Carlos, such a beautiful lady!! “

Carlos wiggled his eyebrow “I know…”he said with a dark voice and pointed at her…”So are you by the way…Look at you! You look stunning tonight Karen! “He placed his hand on her waist while his eyes glided over her body.. “Okay, okay! She got you’re point there!” David blurted out and pushed him back playfully…
Carlos chuckled and offered Karen his arm: “Would you do me the great honour of guiding you to your table?…” Carlos asked gracefully as he smiled at Karen. Karen nodded politely and slid through her arm before they walked towards the restaurant. She smiled back at David who shook his head in disbelieve and started to roll his eyes …

When they entered the restaurant, Karen was greeted by Urs and Steve. Geraldine rose and smiled as she almost immediately got hugged by David…”God it’s so good to see you Gerald! “David smiled as he kissed her cheek while holding her waist “Ahhh that’s enough American pie.” Carlos exclaimed while he jerked David’s arm …
Karen started to laugh when David refused to let go off Geraldine…
He winked at Karen before he leaned forward and sniffed Geraldine’s neck “God you smell nice Gerald! Is that the new perfume I send you? “Geraldine threw her head back and started to giggle and that did it for Carlos!
“He’s just getting back at me because I hugged his girlfriend!” Carlos exclaimed and raised his hands in despair…Urs patted Carlos his shoulder and looked at him with a straight face: “Relax Carlito, sit down and have a Cognac... or a sedative, ...or both, what ever suits you at this moment!”

Steve and David both cracked up while Carlos shook his head in disbelieve. Karen raised her eyebrows at Geraldine who shrugged her shoulders as she didn’t get that remark either.

After they all got seated Steve leaned forward and smiled at Karen “Worried for nothing huh..?” He softly said. Karen nodded and smiled back at him “Absolutely!” She replied and sighed relieved as she placed the napkin on her lap.

As the evening progressed and the Australian wines flowed richly, the tour stories came about…

Karen had such a great time as did the others; Karen noticed that even Urs, who obviously wasn’t feeling well, laughed at times which made her smile…

She liked Urs, he was such a gentle man, far more serious than the others but very handsome and kind…She could see why Angela still longed for him even though he had betrayed her with another woman …She knew the other woman worked for Lisa and they met during the cover shoot in Siena and from what Angela told her she figured this woman knew that Urs was involved but seduced him anyway… She wondered what bothered him the most…loosing Angela or having a baby with another woman…Both sounded equally appalling to her and obviously Urs was having a hard time dealing with both… Her thoughts were interrupted by Carlos who wrapped his arm around her shoulder and told her how thrilled he was that she and Geraldine were joining them on the tour…

After dessert they all ordered coffee and David and Steve couldn’t help teasing Carlos about his Cognac adventures…
Geraldine couldn’t hide her curiosity any longer and leaned towards David “What did Carlos do with the Cognac?” Steve overheard and shook his head while trying to hold his laughter as he came in-between:” The question should be: what did the Cognac do to Carlos?” Carlos shook his head and smiled like he had a toothache “Gerald , carino…don’t even bother to listen to them…”
“Oh come on Carlos I want to know!” Geraldine laughed. Carlos lowered his head and looked at her as he raised his eyebrow “No you don’t ...trust me!… I tell you after we are married! “Carlos added softly.
“It can’t be that bad now can it? “Geraldine looked at David who rolled his eyes “Its bad all right Gerald…” Urs started to laugh “He’s right Geraldine! You’d probably call off the engagement when you hear about it!”

Geraldine sat straight and looked at Carlos “Okay that’s it! “She firmly said “What the hell happened???”

Carlos sighed and gave David and Urs a nasty look before he swallowed and forced a smile on his face …”It wasn’t that bad Carino…I had a little too much Cognac when we arrived here… that’s all! “

“That’s all???? David looked at Carlos with huge eyes and turned to Geraldine “He forgot to tell you that he had taken several sedatives during the flight. He..”
“We had turbulence!!! You know I can’t handle turbulence Gerald!!!” Carlos interrupted quickly and tried desperately to explain.”

“Not turbulence Carlos ,a- minor -movement- of -air “ Urs corrected him while making quote signs in the air , which made Karen crack up already.

“Oh my god Carlos, how many did you take?” Geraldine wanted to know. Carlos released the air between his lips and shrugged his shoulders…
“Too much! “Steve filled in for him and laughed.
“ He woke the entire airplane with his snoring “David added.

"Talking about turbulence!! "Steve roared with laughter.

Carlos shook his head and sat back. He gave up the fight as he knew it was no use to try and save his reputation …

Geraldine looked at Carlos and shook her head in pity as she smiled at him …”Oh Carino…”
“I was just very tired...“Carlos whispered and tried to look innocent. Geraldine laughed and lovingly caressed his hand.

“After we landed he got lost in the hotel lobby “David continued “By the time we found him in the hotel bar holding a Cognac in his hand, he was sedated and drunk!”

“Bad combination! “Steve exclaimed with laughter as he slammed the table with his hand.

“He flirted with me Gerald! I swear he did! He wiggled his eyebrows and started singing Tom Jones and he flirted with me!!!” David's voice went up a few octaves which caused Geraldine cracking up from laughter… “Noooo I didn’t! “Carlos called out desperate. “Yesss you did!!! “David and Urs said simultaneously and gave each other high fives, while cracking up!

”Sex bomb! Sex bomb! “Steve started to sing while shaking his hips in his chair. Karen almost peed her pants when David wiggled his eyebrows, crossed his eyes and blurted out a dark “Hewlooo” at her. Everyone cracked up again, except for Carlos who just sighed and kept shaking his head while everyone laughed their heads off…

The waiter came over and looked surprised at Carlos: “Is everything alright here sir?” he asked politely while he glanced around the table.

Carlos nodded slowly “Don’t mind them..” He softly said while waving his hand …”I took them along because the mental hospital thought they could use a break…I guess it’s time to bring them back now…” The waiter started to laugh and nodded politely “I will make up the bill right away sir ..”

“Please hurry!” Carlos whispered before he turned back and waited patiently for the laughter to fade out, which apparently wasn’t going to happen soon as they now started to take turns in acting like Carlos. Geraldine rose and imitated his leaning back when he reached forceful notes and David joined her and tensed his left hand while singing “Passeraaa” in baritone…

Carlos didn’t care anymore and sat back while nodding politely at other guests who started to turn in their seats…


Chapter LCI
The black Porsche cayenne raced over the highway towards London. Sebastien looked into the rear mirror and saw Marc’s car following closely behind them.

He glanced at Lisa who stared silently through the side window while she slowly twirled a string of hair through her fingers… She had not said a single word from the moment they got into the car and left the cottage…
He had called the hospital from the car earlier trying desperately to get more information about Angelica’s condition but they refused to give him any since neither he nor Lisa was related… Finally he had to give up and after he ended the call he noticed Lisa tried her best to hold herself together but it was obvious to him she was close to her breaking point...

Sebastien briefly closed his eyes and prayed everything would be okay with Angelica…, he seriously doubted she could take any more grief…

De digital car clock made a beeping sound and Sebastien watched as the clock changed to 3PM sharp. Just a few more hours before he would have to fly back to Australia…
The thought of leaving Lisa made him feel sick to his stomach. He knew if he would leave this time, she would not be there if he got back, the break up would be definite, and he would have to live his life without her, which would be no life to him at all... Nothing else mattered to him anymore; the tour, the band, their success, and even the guys…
Without Lisa and Thomas, everything was worthless …

“Seb you have to exit here!” Lisa’s soft voice brought him back from his thoughts. “Ah yes…”Sebastien smiled regrettably and swiftly changed lanes. Lisa vaguely smiled before she stared back outside again… Sebastien stepped on the break and waited until he could drive onto the roundabout… “Are you okay?” He softly asked as he carefully looked at Lisa…. Lisa nodded silently without looking back at him… After a few miles of silence, the car phone started to rang… They both stared at the board computer, which showed:” Thomas” as the callers ID on the display…

Lisa froze and instantly Sebastien stroke her hand… “It’s okay…” he tried to reassure her “W-What do I say to him?” Lisa asked with tears in her eyes…
Sebastien looked away for a second before he pushed the button on the wheel “Hey Thomas!” Sebastien tried his best to sound cheerful. “SEB????” Thomas almost shouted through the speakers “Is that you?” Lisa noticed a smile appearing on Sebastien’s face “Yes Thom, it’s me….How are you buddy?”
“Oh SEB I’m okay! Are you with mummy?” Sebastien and Lisa swiftly changed looks… “Y-Yes…Yes I am…”He finally answered, “She’s right here beside me… We are in the car… ”Hi sweetie..” Lisa softly said.. “MUMMY!!! Mummy you have to come and get me, I want to be with you and Seb..I miss you both so much..” Sebastien watched as Lisa bitted her lip while fighting her tears..”Thom…we miss you too…”Sebastien finally answered “And mummy will come and get you soon…” Thomas kept silent for a moment… ”Will you come with mummy?” he finally asked….Sebastien paused for a moment…”Please, will you Seb?” Thomas asked softly ” I ..I can’t..…I’m afraid I have to go back tonight…I..” Sebastien stopped mid sentence as he suddenly felt lost for words..”Seb has a tour remember sweetie..” Lisa rushed to fill in…” Can’t we go with Seb then mummy…? Please?...I really want to go…” Thomas begged …” …I’m afraid that’s not possible sweetheart…” Thomas sighed disappointedly “So are you having fun? How are Bjorn and Ron? “Lisa tried desperately to change the subject…”Ron‘s not here …He had to go to Paris …” Thomas‘s almost whispered. Sebastien lowered his eyebrows “Who’s there with you then? “he asked worried?” Ïngrid is….”Thomas replied and Seb watched Lisa gasp for breath…” I see…”Seb tried to fill the silence while he kept his eyes on Lisa who slowly recovered... ”I-I will come and get you as soon as possible sweetheart…”Lisa fought her tears..”I will call you tonight okay?” “Okay…”Thomas quietly said. “Will you call me as well Seb?” Thomas asked hopefully. Seb closed his eyes in agony for a moment “..I ..I will call you when I’m in Sydney Thom…”He finally said with a smothered voice…”

“Okay…” Seb and Lisa heard tears in his voice..” I...I love you Seb…”Thomas quietly said

“I..I love you to you… I love you very much….”Sebastien’s voice choked and Lisa watched as a tear rolled from his eyes….

***
“Rrrrroom service, Sleeping beauty!” Karen heard a strong Australian accent close by… She opened her eyes and stared at David’s blue eyes…”Are you finally awake?” He grinned as he leaned over her…Karen grabbed her head and moaned…”Hit the bottle to hard again there did ya? David joked sarcastically knowing she must have a terrible hangover from the wine they kept pouring her last night… Karen lowered her eyebrows while lifting a pillow and smacked it on his face… David grabbed the pillow and laughed, “I think someone could use a painkiller…”He whispered as he handed her a glass and a aspirin… “Oh God, thank you….” Karen smiled and tried to sit up but grabbed her head again as it felt like a huge stone moved inside… ”Easy there pumpkin…”He tenderly said as he helped her to sit up…” Karen smiled thankfully and David stroked her head as she took the aspirin…” So did you have fun last night?” He asked. Karen nodded “Oh yes, I think I never laughed as much…”She grinned. “I’m glad...” he replied and looked lovingly at her…”So, are you hungry?” Karen’s eyes got big “What you got?”
“HAHA…What haven’t I got…” He bravery answered as he jumped of the bed and walked towards the cart… He removed a napkin and presented her the food “We got… EGGS! Scrambled, sunny side up , With bacon, without bacon…pouched…you name it! I got it! “ David rattled on and Karen started to laugh as he swayed his arms over the food like a maniac… “You are crazy..” She shook her head in disbelieve.. David crawled to her over the bed “Crazy… with love...” He whispered as he leaned forward and kissed her…

A little while later, after they had breakfast in bed, Karen slightly started to feel better… “Thank you she smiled as she looked at him…”My pleasure…”He smiled back…”So…? What are your plans today? he asked as he wiped his mouth with his napkin…”Gerald and I are going to explore the shopping area in Sydney..” She smiled and rolled her eyes from excitement “Really? “ He asked surprisingly. Karen nodded swiftly ..”Should I be worried?” He asked as he narrowed his eyes… Karen laughed “Don’t worry… I won’t buy anything…”
“Ofcourse not…”David overreacted “Honestly David ..”Karen looked at him with huge eyes “Don’t you believe me ?” David looked at her with a straight face; “But off course I believe you sweetheart, why wouldn’t I? … “ Karen giggled and poked him playfully …”Just so you know…”David continued” British Airways has a strict baggage allowance…” Karen lowered her eyebrows “what is that supposed to mean?” David drew her closer to his chest and tenderly kissed her hair “Just don’t make me charter a cargo plane…” He lifted her chin and looked into her hazel eyes “Will you promise me that much? …” he asked and battered his eyelashes like she used to do…” “Okay…I promise..” She laughed and caressed his face… “I’m very glad to hear that..” he smiled and tipped her nose with his finger before he reached for the phone that started ringing “ David..” He answered…”Steve...yes….okay….I’ll be down in 20 minutes...” David lowered the phone and sighed. Karen looked sad “Are you leaving me already? “ she asked as she stroke his hair… David turned to her and looked regrettable “I’m sorry baby…but we have Interviews ….lots and lots of them ...”

***
The elevator in St Mary’s hospital stopped moving at the third floor…As soon as the doors opened Sebastien and Lisa rushed out and hurried them selves to the counter where a nurse was giggling on the phone. “I’m sorry Miss “Sebastien excused himself as he leaned over the counter. The nurse covered the phone with her hand and she looked obviously annoyed about the interruption.
“Yes!?” She said with an inappropriate air… Sebastien didn’t take notice about her attitude and smiled friendly.” We are looking for “Angelica. … Angelica…? “Seb looked at Lisa who realized he needed her last name: “Spencer!…Angelica Spencer…” She filled in and nervously started to look around.
The nurse looked on her computer screen and entered Angelica’s last name in the computer. After she pressed the enter button, she leaned forward and stared at the screen while she picked up her conversation on the phone…Sebastien and Lisa briefly changed looks when the nurse started to giggle about having pork chops for dinner, Sebastien wondered what on earth could be funny about that… It looked like she took forever to find her name and Lisa was getting agitated…Seb noticed and started to rub her back…

After a few minutes she finally lowered the phone and looked back at the screen: “Ah yes!…Here she is…”She brightly said and clicked her mouse…
She stared back at the computer screen and as time passed by Lisa wondered if she had to translate it from Chinese first…”So… where is she?” Lisa finally asked while sounding annoyed. The nurse looked up from her computer screen and looked at her over her glasses that rested on the tip of her huge nose…”Are you related?” she asked acidly. Lisa shook her head and when the nurse gave her “a too bad for you” look she released a sigh from disappointed… ”She’s a very close friend… ”Seb filled in…
“I’m sorry sir , I can’t give out any information to anyone who isn’t related.”
“Can you at least tell me if she’s okay then?” Lisa asked. The nurse raised her chin and looked passed Lisa as if she was not there which annoyed her even more, “Lisa started to wave her hand in front of her face …Miss… over here! I asked you a question…” The nurse looked at Lisa’s face which showed everything but friendliness. She sat up straight and started to look at her nails “You should learn to calm down first miss..”She said calmly and raised her chin once more before she looked back at Lisa” you’re not being polite you know…I don’t talk to people who haven’t got the decency to be polite” Lisa slammed her hand on the counter which made the nurse jump up in her seat “Polite??? You are talking to me about politeness??? Lisa clenched her teeth together and Seb noticed she was about to explode… He swiftly grabbed her and held her back. “Listen miss!…”His voice grew stern as he leaned over the counter ”We are not here to argue with you, even though you seem very keen in provoking one… “He added sarcastically “Miss Spencer is a very close friend of us and she’s pregnant with my best friends baby , so I’m sure you understand how extremely worried we are about her… Now we would really appreciate it if you or anyone else for that matter would be so kind to tell us how she’s doing…”

The nurse gave a sigh and shook her head” … I doubt the Doctor will approve…But …I’ll see what I can do” she finally said and reached for the phone. “Thank you!!!” Sebastien almost shouted “You’re too kind! ”He added with a touch of sarcasm that everyone around picked up, but the nurse who gave him a nod and a vague smile before he turned to Lisa
“Oh I could just strangle her!!!” Lisa whispered furiously through her teeth. Seb noticed she was trembling with anger, drew her close and kissed her hair: “Not now sweetheart…” he calmly said “maybe later….” Lisa couldn’t suppress a smile when she heard him say that… She closed her eyes and for a split second, she forgot all her worries.

“LISA!” Lisa turned when she heard Marc’s voice calling her name … “Thank God! “he panted… “It took me forever to get here… Sebastien lowered his eyebrows as he looked at Marc’s flushed face…”Where were you?” He asked” You drove behind us hen we got here..”
“I know …”Marc still panted and rolled his eyes..”I took the wrong entrance and since the elevator wouldn’t come down, I took the stairs…” Lisa smiled compassionately and briefly stroked his face …”So do you know something? “Marc hurried to ask. Lisa’s face turned upset again ;“That nurse wouldn’t give us any information since we’re not related…She’s looking now for a doctor, who treated her but…” Lisa stopped talking as she noticed Marc’s eyes locked at a doctor who walked down the hall: “Jeffrey.. ”He suddenly said . Lisa and Seb looked at him confused “Who’s Jeffrey?” Sebastien asked “Over there! Jeffrey Mathews! I know him… Just wait, I’ll be right back!” He added swiftly and ran off…

Lisa took out her phone and tried calling Angelica’s parents again…After a while she sighed and lowered the phone from her ear...” They are probably here or on their way already…”Sebastien tried to comfort her… Lisa nodded silently and started to pace the floor… After a moment, Sebastien noticed Marc coming down the hallway with the doctor at his side…

He touched Lisa’s arm, she turned and followed Sebastien’s look…
Marc looked pale as snow and his look was worried… “Lisa, Seb this is Jeffrey Matthews, Angelica’s doctor… Lisa silently shook his hand as did Sebastien…”So how is she? “Sebastien asked … The doctor looked worried“: Angelica suffered from severe maternal blood loss caused by what we call Placenta Previa…”Lisa and seb looked confused “Is she going to be okay?” Lisa asked. “The doctor shook his head; “I honestly don’t know miss… She lost a lot of blood, we gave her a blood transfusion, but the bleeding didn’t stop until now…”
“What about the baby? “Sebastien asked. “She’s still pregnant at this point but if the bleeding persists, I’m afraid we have to do an emergency caesarean ...” Lisa stared at him for a moment” That means she will loose the baby...” she finally gasped …
Doctor Mathews nodded “I’m afraid so…” He softly said …
Lisa bitted her lip as tears started to fill her eyes… “What if the bleeding stops?” Sebastien asked. “In that case …she must keep absolute bed rest and we would try to prolong the pregnancy with medication until it reaches 36 weeks , after that the baby must be delivered through a caesarean as well …” Lisa stared at Marc who had tears in his eyes ….They all kept silence for a moment: “Can we see her?” Lisa asked with tears in her voice… The doctor nodded vaguely “Not too long though she needs her rest…” ..Lisa nodded silently as she understood... Marc walked over to her and grabbed her arm “You’ll go…I’ll wait here in case her parents get here…” Lisa nodded silently again before she walked over to Sebastien who wrapped his arm around her before they followed the doctor …

***
The rain poured out of the sky in Paris when the Cab came to a full stop... "Voilà monsieur..."the cabdriver smiled friendly and pressed the button on the meter "C'est 12 euro s'il vous plait..."
Ron leaned forward and paid the cabdriver before he got out… He hesitated before he slowly moved towards a grand front door of a Parisian house… He watched the cab drove off and slowly got a key out his pocket... He stared at it for a moment before he put it in the lock ... just as he wanted to turn the key the door swung open …”Dunk…!” Ron softly said as he looked up…

”I can’t believe you still call me that…”A dark voice replied…