Wherever You May Go

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So lately, been wondering
Who will be there to take my place
When I'm gone you'll need love to light the shadows on your face
If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all
Then between the sand and stone could you make it on your own.

Chris Ramsey stood in the window looking out the door wall of his grandiose penthouse wondering what it was all for as he reflected on his life in Port Charles. Sure, he'd had it all for the taking. The money, the power and the loathing of all those in Port Charles, but could that equate to real happiness? Somehow he'd always tried to convince himself that happiness didn't matter to him, yet as he sipped his martini and allowed his gaze to drift down to the photograph between his fingers, he realized that the only chance he'd had at happiness had slipped out of reach just a year ago.

With a heavy heart, Chris closed his eyes thinking of the good times gone by when he heard a knock on the door. Turning in the direction of the sound, he noted the time as he crossed his apartment carefully stepping out of the way of the boxes that lay before him. As he opened the door, he noticed his brother Jack standing there and he stepped aside allowing Jack access to the apartment.

"It sounded important," Jack offered taking a long look around as a frown swept over his features, "what's with all the boxes?"

"I'm leaving," Chris announced closing the door behind Jack as Jack spun around to see the seriousness on his face.

"I don't know," Chris shrugged, "but then again it doesn't really matter, now does it?"

"Chris, I don't understand," Jack frowned again, "why would you leave? What's going on?"

"It’s time for me to move on little brother," Chris explained simply crossing the room towards the bar where his martinis were chilling, "Can I offer you a drink?"

"Chris, I think you can offer me something more than a drink, like what prompted this decision," Jack looked to one of the boxes stacked before him. Noting the photograph on top of the box, he reached for it seeing Chris and Eve together in a round of laughter drinking martinis together, "is this why?"

"What?" Chris spun around to see Jack holding the picture before he let out a sigh, "let me pour you a drink little brother."

"Chris..." Jack began realizing Chris was ignoring his line of questioning as Chris returned with two martinis in hand.

"Have a seat," Chris instructed simply before he moved over to the leather sofa making himself at ease.

“Chris, look I know I haven’t been around lately, but for you to leave…” Jack started.

“It has nothing to do with you little brother and truth be told you’re the one thing I’m going to miss in this place,” Chris rubbed his temple, “but even when I’m gone you’ll survive. You’ve always been a survivor and I know that you’ll make it through my leaving.”

“Chris, you’re the only family I have left and if you’re leaving because of Eve, because of her being gone….” Jack shook his head, “I know you loved her, but she wouldn’t want you to give up your life like this.”

“Jack, I don’t have a life here in Port Charles. I never truly did,” Chris explained simply, “the only time I felt as if I was alive was when I was with her, but now, well now that she’s gone, it’s not doing me any good to sit here drowning in her memory.”

“Chris, we can get through this,” Jack began desperately, “we can find a way to help you heal and I’ll try to be there for you unlike before.”

“Jack, you’re a good brother. Don’t ever think that my decision was based on our relationship,” Chris smiled gently, “your finding me again was the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time, but that being said I have unfinished business elsewhere in the world.”

“Such as?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Chris pleaded with him, “that’s not what I had you come over for. I wanted to talk to you about a few things.”

“Chris, I’d really like to focus on your decision to leave,” Jack began to argue.

“Don’t because it won’t change my mind,” Chris shook his head, “you know how stubborn we Ramsey men can be and I’m not going to rethink this. It’s been a year since I lost Eve and the way I see it, there’s no point in holding on any longer.”

“Chris…” Jack began once more.

“Look little brother don’t make this any harder than it has to be,” Chris interrupted once more, “what I want to talk to you about is about your life, your future and what you need to do in order to see to it that you don’t end up like your big brother miserable and alone.”

“Chris, you’re not alone,” Jack argued.

“Yes, yes I am,” Chris smiled poignantly, “and somehow I think it was my destiny, but it doesn’t have to be yours. In fact, if nothing else, take what I’m going to tell you today and keep it with you for the rest of your life. If you do that, I’ll never be far from you and I’ll know that you’re going to have your own little slice of happiness in this world.”

If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low, I'll go wherever you will go

Chris paused momentarily searching to find the words that would reach his brother as he thought of the nightmare Jack’s life had been over the last couple of years. Finally as he let out another sigh, he spoke up, “Jack, look I know right now you’re feeling pretty jaded and confused, but I need to be honest with you. Being like me is the LAST thing you want to do. I took the easy way out where love was concerned and I lost everything. I lost the woman I loved because I was too damn afraid to tell her how I loved her. I was afraid to show her my heart and fight for her and in the end it was that foolishness that cost me everything in the end.”

“Chris, my love life isn’t the same,” Jack began to argue, “I told Livvie how I felt about her and even when she was Tess…” he trailed off, “I still lost her to Caleb.”

“No, you just stopped fighting,” Chris argued with him, “Caleb’s nothing and if you truly love Livvie like I believe you do, then don’t stop fighting for her. Don’t let this business about him coming back get in the way. Caleb’s dark and dangerous and he’s what she thinks she wants, but we both know that her heart belongs to you.”

“I used to believe that, but not anymore,” Jack shook his head, “I lost her for good Chris.”

“Do you still love her?” Chris arched a brow.

Jack nodded, “Makes me pretty damned pathetic huh?”

“On the contrary,” Chris offered, “it gives you reason in itself to keep fighting for her, to keep trying to get what it is that you both want. You had dreams of a future, a family and a happily ever after and the fact is she’s still your wife.”

“Chris, I married Tess,” Jack pointed out.

“No, you married Livvie and the good side of her,” Chris explained simply, “I thought it through and if you’re able to still love her after all of the things that have taken place, then don’t give up on love. Don’t stop fighting for it as it’s the one thing in this world that will truly set you free.”

“I can’t believe I’m hearing this,” Jack couldn’t help but let out an ironic laugh, “You hate Livvie and more so you hate the idea of being a sucker for love.”

“I know I said that there’s nothing worse than being a sucker for love, but I was wrong,” Chris explained simply, “because what’s worse is being a sucker for love and doing nothing about it. If you don’t take that step towards what you want, then you’ll wind up in my shoes. Trust me you don’t want to wait until it’s too late to give your heart to that woman you love.”

“I can’t believe this, but in a way you’re making sense,” Jack thought it over, “as much as I’d like to rid myself of Livvie, I know I’m not going to be able to.”

“Then maybe it’s time you show her that you’re not going to lose this fight just yet,” Chris rose from the sofa after finishing up his martini. Fishing into his pockets, he plucked out the keys to his apartment tossing them over to Jack, “do me a favor and keep this place as stellar as it looks right now. I have a reputation to uphold here.”

“Chris are you…..” Jack’s eyes widened.

“It’s yours,” Chris nodded, “I’m not going to need it after a few hours because I’m just about packed up here.”

“I wish you’d reconsider,” Jack started as he stood up to face his brother, “I wish you’d stay.”

“As I said before, I have something else to face off in another place,” Chris reached out to hug his brother, “but I’ll keep in touch.”

“You’d better,” Jack returned the squeeze, “because I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too,” Chris confessed realizing this may be the last moment he’ll share with his brother and in that thought he realized that life as he once knew it was coming to an end.

And maybe, I'll find out
A way to make it back someday
To watch you, to guide you, through the darkest of your days
If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all
Then I hope there's someone out there
who can bring me back to you

Chris Ramsey boarded the flight out of Port Charles taking his seat as he looked to the ticket in hand. Wondering if he was doing the right thing as he planned his adventure to Europe, he closed his eyes imagining what he must do. Lost in the moment, he sank back into his chair thinking of the days that might’ve been had he just opened his heart to love.

If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low, I'll go wherever you will go

“Daddy, daddy!” a tiny voice cheered out as Chris looked up from his newspaper seeing the small dark haired girl standing before him with impatient eyes, “daddy, you promised me we could go to the zoo. Daddy!”

“Did I do that,” Chris teased setting the newspaper aside tucking it under the side of his chair before he lifted the small girl up into his arms, “because I can’t remember doing that.”

“Daddy,” she laughed lightly snuggling into him her laughter warming his heart as he held her, “I’m going to tell mommy that you’re being a jokester again.”

“A jokester,” Chris laughed heartily seeing the sparkle in the small girl’s eyes, “well how about I stop being the jokester and start being the tickle monster,” he tickled at her as giggles spilled from her lips.

“What’s going on in here,” a voice rose from the hallway as Chris looked up to see Eve standing in the doorway leaning up against the frame with a curious grin over her features.

“Daddy’s being the tickle monster,” the little girl explained looking up to her mother, “he says he doesn’t remember promising to take us to the zoo today.”

“Is that so,” Eve arched a curious brow, “well your daddy likes to tease us, doesn’t he?”

“Yes he truly does,” the little one nodded, “I don’t think that’s very nice or very fair.”

“Me neither,” Eve decided as she stepped in closer towards the chair, “but maybe it’s time we give daddy a little bit of what he’s given us.”

“Why do I feel like I’m about to be ganged up on?” Chris asked seeing the wicked glimmer behind Eve’s eyes.

“Oh I wouldn’t consider it being ganged up on,” Eve smiled wider as their daughter rose up towards her mother and Eve leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“Okay,” the little one nodded as she turned to Chris and on the count of three she and Eve started a tickle attack on him.

“Hey now,” Chris laughed heartily as his girls tickled him, causing him to tumble to the floor, “what happened to playing fair?”

“We Ramsey gals don’t play fair,” Eve reminded him simply as their daughter gazed down at him.

“Do you remember the zoo now?” she asked.

“As a matter of fact,” he nodded, “I do.”

“Good then I’ll go get your jacket,” she cheered as she rushed out of the living room.

“You know she’s got your enthusiasm and energy for life,” Chris touched Eve’s cheek.

“She’s got your spunky side,” Eve offered with a tiny laugh, “but I do love it.”

“I love you,” Chris cupped her face in his hands as she lay over him on the floor, “I’ll always love you, Eve.”

“I love you too,” she whispered leaning down to kiss him as the fantasy that played out in his mind faded out leaving him alone once more on the plane with nothing but what might’ve been.

“Oh Eve, Chris sighed as he thought of how things had turned out so awful for them. Opening his eyes he looked around the first class section of the flight seeing other passengers finally boarding as he realized this was going to be a long flight. Somehow leaving Port Charles might not be just what he’d hoped it to be.

“How am I ever going to get past losing you,” Chris sighed thinking of how he’d felt the moment he’d heard that she’d died in the accident. If only he’d stopped her…if only he’d told her…if only…his life was full of regret.

I know now, just quite how
My life and love might still go on
In your heart, in your mind I'll stay with you for all of time

Reaching into his pocket, Chris withdrew the engagement ring he’d purchased for Eve. He thought of the joy he’d felt in that moment when he’d bought it for her. How he’d wanted to share the world with her, to have her know just how much she’d meant to him all these years of knowing her. Still as he looked to the green gemstone, he thought of the exquisite beauty it represented as he’d imagined Eve wearing it on her finger as his wife.

“We could’ve had it all,” Chris whispered to himself, “but I swear to you Eve, no matter where I go, I’ll never let go of you. Never!”

If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low, I'll go wherever you will go

Chris turned his eyes to the window again thinking about where his road may take him now as the world was without Eve. Sighing as his own misery took over him, he felt someone bump into him.

“I’m sorry,” the voice explained, “I believe you’re in my seat. I’m supposed to be by the window.”

“What?” Chris questioned lazily as he looked to find a woman standing beside him in the isle way struggling with her suitcase.

“Let me help you with that,” Chris rose from his chair realizing this was indeed going to be a long flight as he scooted out into the isle way to help her.

“Thanks. This thing is being a real pain,” she explained stepping aside as Chris hoisted the suitcase up into the compartment.

“You just have to fight with it sometimes,” Chris offered with a shrug, “just a little push and boom, we’ve got it,” he stepped back seeing she’d started to go into the seat as he followed in behind her, “these places never have enough room.”

“No, I suppose they don’t,” she turned to face him as their eyes met and a gasp fell from his lips.

“Eve,” he questioned in confusion recognizing the beauty before him as his heart leapt in his chest.

“Do I know you,” she smiled at him gently as a man walked down the isle bumping Chris forward into her.

“Eve, is it you?”

“My name is Eve,” she nodded in response, “and you…..your eyes. Something about you. Have we met before?”

A smile touched over his lips, “I don’t believe this is happening. You’re really here. You’re Eve Lambert and you’re here.”

“Yes, I am,” she nodded in response, “and you are?”

“Chris Ramsey,” he offered his hand to her, “but you already know that.”

“Do I?” she raised a curious brow, “so we have met before in another lifetime perhaps?”

“In another lifetime,” Chris began as she slid into her seat.

“You’ll have to forgive me but I’ve been in the hospital for a while and I don’t quite remember things like I used to.”

“That’s alright,” Chris smiled at her, “perhaps you just haven’t found the right person to give you the answers.”

“And you are that man,” she smiled at him.

“Why yes I am,” he offered excitedly realizing his luck was changing.

If I could turn back time
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could make you mine
I'll go wherever you will go (2x)

I've been alone with you inside my mind
And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
I sometimes see you pass outside my door
Hello, is it me you're looking for?

Chris sat for a long moment lost in the silence as his gaze remained fixed on the woman seated beside him. Her eyes, her dark eyes had captured his breath stealing it from his lips as he couldn’t help but reach out to her touching her hand. She seemed a bit surprised by the gesture at first, but after a moment a soft smile touched over her lips and she spoke once more.

“There’s truly something about your eyes,” she began after a slight pause, “Chris.”

“Eve, you have no idea how long I’ve waited to find you--to see you like this again and when I’d thought that you’d died…”

“Died,” she frowned slightly, “I’m not dead.”

“No you aren’t,” he reached out to touch her cheek feeling her tense up at the movement and he withdrew his hand, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s just…” she felt herself at a loss as her pulse raced in her chest, “you say you know me and I feel as though you and I should say something, as if there’s more to this story yet…” she lowered her eyes momentarily, “we’ve only just met.”

“No, see that’s where you’re wrong,” he shook his head, “Eve, you and I aren’t strangers on a plane. We’re so much more than that. We’re friends…the best of friends and the truth of it all is…” he took in a breath contemplating the words that had haunted him for so many nights gone by.

I can see it in your eyes
I can see it in your smile
You're all I've ever wanted, (and) my arms are open wide
'Cause you know just what to say
And you know just what to do
And I want to tell you so much, I love you ...

“Yes?” Eve questioned watching him closely as his fingers reached for hers seeking out some kind of connection between them.

“You said you were in the hospital,” Chris remembered her words, “how long have you been there?”

“I…I don’t know,” Eve confessed with a sigh, “as I said before I don’t know much about anything before this last week. It was as if I was frozen in time in this darkness and then the next thing I know someone finds me down in the Port Charles park in this tattered gown and they took me to the hospital,” she felt a heat rise over her features, “I shouldn’t be telling you this. I hardly know you.”

“No, that’s where you’re wrong,” Chris shook his head, “you do know me inside and out. Eve, I don’t know what’s happened to you, but what I do know is that you are my best friend in this entire world,” he could see the confusion behind her eyes as he continued, “You’re Evelyn Rae Lambert and you are the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.”

She felt a nervous laugh build inside of her, “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me…at least from what I can remember.”

“Eve, there’s so much more you need to know, but first,” Chris hesitated, “tell me more about your stay in the hospital,” he sensed her hesitance as he squeezed her hand once more, “please.”

“As I said I woke up in the park confused and lost,” Eve explained simply, “they took me to one of the county hospitals and I was there for a week or so…at least I think that’s how long it’s been as time isn’t exactly something that you’re aware of in those places. Anyways to make a long story short, after going through multiple interviews and examinations, they brought in someone who’d run a set of prints on me when I was brought in to the hospital. They said I was Eve Lambert and then well, then I had this,” she reached into her pocket for the plane ticket, “other than what I was wearing, this was all that I’d had with me.”

“A plane ticket,” his eyes glanced it over briefly as she nodded.

“The doctors wanted me to stay in the hospital considering I didn’t have my memory with me, but I had a feeling that this ticket was the key to uncovering the truth about what’s missing from my life. From my past and yet,” she offered a soft smile, “suddenly here I am and there you are.”

“Imagine that,” Chris couldn’t help but smile as he thought of the nights after endless nights he’d dreamt about this moment, about having her back in his life again. It all seemed too good to be true, but realizing that if this was a dream, there was something that he couldn’t allow to pass him by because if he’d wake up only to find himself alone again, he needed to reveal his heart to her, “Eve,” he started.

“Yes?” she met his dark eyes as her pulse thumped at the way his eyes were searching hers.

“There’s something you need to know,” Chris reached out to her touching her cheek with his index finger as he lazily swept a strand of hair from her face. He could see she was visibly shaken by the simple gesture as he leaned in towards her, “I have a secret.”

“Oh,” she curled her lips with the sound as he nodded in response.

“That’s right,” he inched in towards her, “and it starts with you and this moment.”

“Chris,” she began feeling the warmth of his breath upon her as she leaned in closer to him.

“I know you don’t remember much of anything, but there’s something I need you to know before this moment passes us by,” he whispered warmly over her lips as his heart pleaded with him to break his silence at long last, “I love you.”

I long to see the sunlight in your hair
And tell you time and time again how much I care
Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow
Hello, I've just got to let you know

“You love me,” she questioned in a whisper as he remained still just above her, his lips a whisper away from her as her heart pounded within the confines of her chest revealing a familiarity that she hadn’t anticipated coming this close to on this airplane.

“Yes,” he confessed at long last, “I do. I love you so very much that when I lost you it broke my heart into pieces. I couldn’t live without you in my life. I felt so empty, but then when I was ready to give it all up, suddenly here you are…”

“Here I am,” she felt his eyes reaching down deep into her as he pressed his soft lips against hers in a gentle kiss awakening sensations from deep inside of her that she hadn’t been aware were with her when she’d boarded the plane. The warmth of his touch, of his loving kiss awakened her inside and filled her with an intensity that flowed through every inch of her craving him in ways she hadn’t dreamt of before this moment.

'Cause I wonder where you are
And I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely, or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart
For I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying, I love you ...

As they parted, Eve felt her lashes flutter as a heat rose within her soft features. Chris cupped her face in his hands savoring the moment between them before he pressed his forehead gently against hers and a sigh escaped his lips.

“Why are we escaping to Europe,” Eve questioned breathlessly as he held her, “what are we running from together?”

“Eve, I didn’t plan this,” he confessed seeing the confusion behind her eyes as he traced the outline of her cheekbone, “I never imagined that I’d see you again in this lifetime and even now I don’t know if I’m dreaming of if this is some kind of miracle that someone’s given me.”

“Maybe it’s a little bit of both,” Eve offered in a whisper reaching out to him once more, “perhaps this isn’t an escape after all.”

“What would you call it?” Chris questioned as her thumb traced over his lower lip.

“A beginning,” Eve whispered unable to resist the urge building inside of her as she leaned forward coaxing him into another longing kiss as the key to opening a piece of the past lay before them.

Hello, is it me you're looking for?
'Cause I wonder where you are
And I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart
For I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying ... I love you

That I'll have your heart for always
And you want me by your side
Whispering the words I'll always love you

Eve looked over at her companion thinking about the words he’d said to her as their journey began. She’d been so lost and in thinking of how determined she’d been to make this flight it seemed that things were finally making sense. Reaching out to lace her fingers with Chris’s she broke the silence between them.

“How long have you loved me?” Eve questioned turning to face him in her seat.

“Longer than you ever could’ve known,” Chris admitted his voice tight with the strain of the passion he’d been holding back for so very long, “and when I thought I’d lost you…”

“You speak of my death, but here I am,” Eve offered lightly, “how is it you believed I was dead?”

“There was an accident,” Chris explained thinking back to the day his life had been ripped apart, “it was a rainy day and then you were gone. No one told me or else I’d have been there. I wasn’t told until they’d said you were gone, but here you are,” Chris reached for her once again, “Eve, when I thought I’d lost you, my heart was so closed off. I tried to do myself in with anything I could think of because the idea of living a life without you…”

“Chris, I just wish I could remember more,” Eve sighed as she leaned in towards him laying her head on his shoulder despite the strangeness of the situation, “if you and I had felt a love like you say….”

“Eve,” he lifted her eyes to meet his once more, “that’s just it. I was foolish and afraid. I didn’t tell you the truth about my feelings for you. I’d kept them inside and then by the time I’d finally found the strength to reveal my heart you were gone, but I swear that I‘ll never make that same mistake again. I‘ll never hide my heart from you because you hold the key to my happiness.”

And forever I will be your lover
And I know if you really care
I will always be there

“Chris, I just….” Eve began once more as he silenced her with a soft, savory kiss.

“You are the only woman I’ve ever loved and if I wake up right now from this dream, then I need you to know just how much I love you.”

“This isn’t a dream,” she shook her head gently, her hair tickling over her shoulders as her dark eyes filled with curiosity and confusion, “Chris, I’m alive and somehow we’re here together. I know that this sounds crazy, hell, if feels that way, but in being here with you…”

“Yes?”

“Something seems so familiar, so welcome,” she searched for the words, “so very right.”

“That’s because this is right. Eve, there are so many memories we shared, so many moments when it seemed as though we’d finally come full circle, but then fate always stepped in and got in the way,” Chris explained simply, “but no more. I won’t allow fate to tear us apart again…not when I have you next to me like this.”

Now I need to tell you this
There's no other love like your love
And I, as long as I live,
I'll give you all the joy
My heart and soul can give

“I just wish,” Eve began with a sigh, “I know that there’s more to this story, more that I should know, that I should remember…”

“It’ll come back to you in time,” Chris encouraged thinking of the weight of the situation, “when this plane lands we’ll be able to sort things out in a clearer light. We’ll be able to piece things together and when we do, I’ll help you regain what you lost.”

“What if I wasn’t meant to regain it,” Eve questioned after a long pause, “what if all that I’m supposed to know is what exists right in this moment?”

“Is that what you believe?” Chris asked seeing something building behind her beautiful features.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged contemplating the thoughts swirling through her mind, “but something tells me that finding you was on the path I was destined to be on. Crazy isn’t it?” she felt a blush coming on as she looked away.

“On the contrary, I think it makes perfect sense,” he lifted her eyes to his once again, “we make perfect sense.”

“Do we?” Eve asked a bit unsure as she leaned into his touch.

“You tell me,” Chris challenged his kisses beckoning a sense of purpose and reason in her.

Let me hold you
I need to have you near me
And I feel with you in my arms
This love will last forever

“Hmm,” Eve purred against his lips as they parted, “I’d have to say I felt something there.”

“A good something?” Chris questioned lazily dragging his thumb across her lower lip as he noticed a color rise in her soft features.

“I tend to think so,” She nodded eagerly, “I have so many questions, so many things on my mind that I’d want to know…that…”

“I want to give you all the answers,” Chris promised in a whisper, “but first, I think I’m going to take a trip to find the flight attendant because there’s something I think we need.”

“Chris,” Eve watched him rise from his seat, “where are you going?”

“I’ll be right back,” he promised stepping in the isle as Eve watched him walk away wondering if perhaps this was the start of something wonderful for her. Reaching for his jacket as she noticed it slowly falling from the seat, she caught it and a small box fell from inside one of the pockets.

“What is this?” she questioned as she collected the small box in her hands. Gently easing it open, her eyes widened as she noticed the beautiful ring before her. It seemed to shimmer and shine with a force of it’s own as she curiously tugged it out of the ring box holding it in closer for a view wondering what Chris was doing with such a beautiful ring. Upon taking a closer look, she noticed the inscription upon it.

“Eve, I’m yours for always,” she read aloud, “with all of my heart. Love Chris,” she smiled as she realized that this ring was meant for her. Somehow he’d carried it with him hoping she’d return to him, but how could he have known that…her thoughts lingered on as she heard footsteps beside her. Looking up Eve offered a weak smile to explain.

“This just fell out of the pocket and…” she stopped as her eyes fell upon the stranger before her.

“Well hello,” he said taking a seat beside her, “it’s been a long time Evelyn.”

“Who are you?” she questioned a bit uneasy as she shifted in her seat, “Someone was sitting there.”

“I’m aware of this,” he shook his head dismissively, “but right now you shouldn’t be worrying about him. What you should be thinking about isn’t who I am, but more so what I want from you and the truth is that I do indeed want something and I intend to get it.”

Because I'm truly
Truly in love with you girl
I'm truly head over heels with your love
I need you, and with your love I'm free
And truly, you know you're alright with me

Chris felt a proud smile tug on his lips as he’d managed to get his hands on something that would do until he and Eve were able to have their martini nights again. Smiling at the idea of having her back in his life again, he thought of all the things he’d share with her. Making his way back to his seat, he slid in beside her thinking to the future for the first time in a long time.

“Sorry for taking so long,” he began apologetically looking over at her, “but I had something special made up for us.”

“How thoughtful,” the woman beside him replied as he found himself staring at the barrel of a gun.

“How did you…” he eyed the gun closely, “where’s Eve?”

“What? No hello from you,” she shook her head, “Chris I think I’m offended.”

“Where is Eve? What did you do to her?” he questioned his voice rising a bit as she poked him in the ribs with her gun.

“All in good time,” She promised with a wicked laugh, “but first I think we should reconnect for a little while,” her grin widened, “and here I thought meeting up with you again was going to be an unpleasant experience. Then again, I suppose for you it might be, but for me, I’m rather enjoying this.”

“What have you done with Eve?” he questioned again impatiently.

“You’ll find the answer to that question if and only if you play by my rules,” she informed him in a menacing tone, “so tell me Chris, are you ready to be a good boy and behave or should we just find a way to keep you from Eve forever this time?”

“Doree,” Chris felt her eyes piercing his as he took in a breath, “how did you find me?”

“Did you really think you’d be that hard to find,” she shook her head with a haughty laugh, “you really have underestimated me Chris.”

“Where’s Eve?” Chris questioned ignoring her tone as he thought to the woman he’d been with moments earlier, “what have you done with her?”

“You know I never would’ve had you pegged for a romantic,” she laughed bitterly, “considering with us, you were anything but into romance.”

“Doree, I won’t ask you again…”

“Chris, you aren’t in a position to be giving out orders or making demands,” she reminded poking his ribs with the gun once again, “now are you?”

“Doree, listen I don’t know who you’re working for or what this is about…”

“Oh you’ll know soon enough,” she promised with a wicked grin, “although you know I must admit I’m very disappointed in you. Your obsession with Eve has brought about the worst in you. Here you are ready to give your life up entirely for this woman who’d have done anything but loved you over the years. Chris, does that make any real sense to you? I mean if you take a moment to think about it, you’ll see that clearly you’re not thinking straight.”

“You don’t know the first damn thing about Eve,” Chris snapped back at her, “she’s a good, kind hearted woman…”

“Blah, blah, blah,” she ignored his words, “She’s really got you snowed, doesn’t she?”

“What have you done with her?”

“I should’ve killed the bitch the first chance I had is what I should’ve done,” She offered simply, “Then maybe you’d have a much better chance at a normal life than you’ve got in this moment. You know I really thought when you and I first met that there was something fun about you, something exciting, but you really are a loser, aren’t you Chris?”

“I want to see Eve,” Chris remarked simply straining to keep his cool considering the situation, “where is she?”

“She’s around,” Doree shrugged her shoulders, “but first,” she leaned forward sticking him with a needle as Chris felt his gaze drop to his arm where she’d poked him.

“What have you…” his voice trailed off as his vision grew hazy and his head dropped.

“Nighty-night Chris,” Doree whispered watching him fall to a drug induced sleep beside her.

Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
An endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
And you it's only seed.

Eve tossed and turned feeling a weight over her as her eyes opened and she was surrounded by darkness. Sitting up from the bed she’d found herself upon, she reached for the emptiness beside her wondering how she’d found herself in such a position. Her head swirled, her pulse raced and the world was filled with an uncertainty. Gasping for breaths, she feared she’d been swept back into the nothingness her life had been before her bold move toward taking that plane ride. That had been the only moment that life had seemingly made sense, but now she was left with an emptiness as if it had all been an illusion.

Sighing as she sought out some kind of light within the blackness that surrounded her, Eve reached out across the bed hearing a clinking sound as she touched what appeared to be some kind of night stand. Reaching further she found a lamp upon the table and much to her surprise a light filled the room surrounding her as she wondered where she was. She looked at her appearance as she lay beneath the tangled sheets and as she raised her palm over her chest feeling the white silken gown she was dressed in, something else captured her attention--the jade colored ring on her finger.

“So it wasn’t a dream,” she gasped in realization as she touched the precious stone thinking of the plane ride and the journey that had lead her to Chris. Somehow she’d made it past the darkness, back to someone who’d cared about her, a man who’d loved her and yet, she thought to herself as she touched the ring once more, she was trapped once again in a place where confusion engulfed her within it’s suffocating grasp.

“Chris,” she whispered out to the only person who’d held the key to her heart, “find me,” she pleaded wondering just where she’d wound up as she hoped love would be enough to bring them together again.

It's the heart, afraid of breaking,
That never learns to dance.
It's the dream, afraid of waking,
That never takes a chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
Who cannot seem to give.
And the soul, afraid of dyin',
That never learns to live.

Chris felt a headache coming over him as he heard the faint sound of laughter in the distance. Opening his eyes, he found himself suddenly in the on call room sprawled out upon the sofa as the laughter resumed. Looking above him, he saw Eve leaning over him, her hair tickling against the side of his face as she leaned down to kiss him playfully.

“I thought you weren’t ever going to wake up silly,” she teased further as she kissed him once more.

“Eve, wh-what happened,” he questioned in confusion, “one minute we were on the plane and then….”

“What plane?” she asked innocently as she pulled back, “you were sleeping on duty again. How many times do I have to tell you that you shouldn’t be doing that?”

“I guess I was just really tired,” Chris confessed sitting upright as he rubbed his head, “I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”

“It’s because you’ve been working too hard lately,” Eve urged making herself comfortable beside him, “though maybe this will help,” she offered a couple of yellow pills holding them out to him, “have these.”

“What are they?” he asked with a slight groan, “they’ll clear your head.”

“Okay,” he accepted the pills feeling a chill rush over him as he looked to her again, “Eve?”

“Yes?” she questioned brightly.

“Tell me how many coronas did we really have last night?” he asked giving her a sideways look as her laughter bubbled over him once more.

“Chris, stop joking and just take those,” she urged again, “you’ll feel much better after you do.”

“Will I,” Chris sat up straighter, “Eve, seriously how many beers did I have?”

“One too many from the looks of it,” Eve finally blurted out.

“Well you know me. Though you’d think I could hold all my alcohol after all of our corona nights together,” Chris popped the pills into his mouth as her eyes remained fixed on him.

“Too much beer is never a good thing even if we enjoy them with one another,” Eve offered simply, “I always tell you that you drink too much.”

“Perhaps I do,” he shrugged his shoulder back, “but even you know that my margaritas are to die for.”

“That they are,” she agreed with a nod dropping her head back on the sofa as he reached out to her seizing her in his arms.

“Who are you?” he questioned harshly, “where’s Eve?”

“What?” she blinked back at him as he squeezed her harder, “Chris, what are you doing?”

“Where is Eve? What have you done to her?” He asked again in a harsher tone as her features slowly transformed and he realized he was looking into Doree’s eyes, “What the…” he released her leaping to his feet as the on call room was suddenly transformed into a cold, white lab type room with only a couch in the middle of it.

“You look like you’re having the shock of your life,” Doree laughed heartily as she rose to her feet again, “somehow I think he underestimated you.”

“Who’s he?” Chris asked his voice tight with tension, “What do you want?”

“Haven’t you figured it out yet,” she shook her head in disapproval, “you know Chris, the sooner you start thinking straight, the easier this will be for us all.”

“How can I think straight with you drugging me,” Chris challenged, “what were those pills?”

“Something to help you sleep and believe me you’ll need all the rest you can get by the time he’s through with you.”

“Who is he?” Chris asked again urgently.

“You’ll see soon enough,” Doree watched him closely as he took a step towards her before stumbling to the ground. She stepped over him a laugh playing up from her lips as she made her way over towards the doorway. Looking over her shoulder she shook her head thinking about the things that lay ahead for Chris Ramsey.

Hearing Doree step out of the room, Chris lifted his head tossing the yellow pills aside as he took in his surroundings. The room was the generic white and gray with no real sense of life--just a cold place where someone clearly could keep him in a controlled environment. Shaking his head as he wondered just who Doree was referring to, he thought of his time on the plane with Eve. His thoughts were jumbled, but kissing her, holding her felt somehow very real, so very right as he reached into his jacket pocket withdrawing the ring case that lay hidden inside of it. Opening the box, he realized it was empty as his thoughts lingered back to Eve as he wondered if what he’d experienced was reality or only his mind playing tricks on him. Either way, he decided he wasn’t going to stick around this place to find out. He had to find a way to get out of this hell Doree had brought him to.

When the night has been too lonely,
And the road has been too long,
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong,
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows,
Lies the seed, that with the sun's love,
In the spring becomes the rose.

Eve paced around the room, feeling the tension building in her shoulders as she reached out to the walls seeing the flat, white surface continuously throughout the room. Somehow she’d imagined to find some kind of opening or door, yet there was nothing to indicate how she’d come to be in such a place. A chill washed over her as her pulse raced in her through.

“Chris, where are you,” she questioned desperately holding on to the only thing that had kept her sane over the last day. Somehow she’d wanted nothing more than to be a part of the life she’d left behind, but now as she remained trapped, she had to wonder what kind of life it had been. Who would do something like this to her? Why would they want to keep her away from the truth about her past? Who had that man been that had taken her from where she’d been on the plane and brought her here and more so why couldn’t she remember how she’d arrived in such a place?

“You aren’t going to be a victim,” she reminded herself sharply as a sound rumbled from above her causing her eyes to shift towards the drop ceiling. Following the noise, she stepped around the room moving towards the bed when suddenly a loud crashing sound filled the room and a body dropped onto the center of the mattress causing her to gasp in shock.

Rushing over towards the bed, Eve’s eyes fell upon the man that had dropped before her. She searched the room for some kind of weapon to fend him off as she wondered if he’d been the man to bring her to this place, but as soon as she circled over towards the night stand, he turned to face her and a sigh of relief escaped from her lips.

“Chris,” she breathed a sigh of relief as she hurried in beside him reaching out to him as he lay covered in dust and pieces of dry wall, “are you alright?”

“Eve,” he touched her cheek gently, “it’s really you, isn’t it?”

“Of course it’s me,” she nodded in response wiping the white from his face as their eyes met, “who else would it be?”

“I wasn’t sure,” he began noticing the ring on her finger as his hand pressed in over hers, “Eve, how?”

“I found it in your jacket on the plane,” she confessed a heat rising over her features as he laced their fingers together, “it fell out and then I was nosy and I put it on…”

“It looks beautiful on you,” Chris admitted with a half smile despite the strange situation they were in, “it was always meant to be on you.”

“Then I’ll always wear it, but first,” she paused thinking about the situation, “What were you doing up there?”

“Trying to escape,” he stated simply.

“Alright, but where are we? How did we get here?”

“I was hoping you’d be able to shed some light on that,” Chris answered with a frown, “I went to get us some drinks and then when I returned my ex-girlfriend was in your seat.”

“Ex-girlfriend,” she frowned slightly, “when you left I was looking at the ring and then this man sat beside me and the next thing I know I wake up here…”

“Who was the man? What did he look like?” Chris questioned, “did he tell you what he wanted?”

“I don’t know,” she confessed shaking her head, “I hadn’t seen him before…at least I don‘t think I had. He didn’t look familiar to me and I told him it was your seat but he called me by my name and then…”

“It’s okay,” he embraced her holding her as if he’d never let go, “we’ll find a way out of this, out of here.”

“How can we do that if we don’t even know where here is?” she hesitated, “Chris, are we in some kind of trouble?”

“More than you can even begin to imagine,” a voice spoke out from across the room as their eyes fell upon their captor and they realized they were in deeper trouble than either one of them had imagined.

“You,” Chris gasped at the sudden realization of what was happening as he stiffened on the bed beside Eve.

“Chris, you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” the man chuckled in amusement as his eyes cast over upon Eve, “and you, oh Evelyn, how I’d hoped that we’d have a more rewarding homecoming after I went through the trouble of saving your life like I did during that accident,” he shook his head as a frown touched over his lips, “after all we’ve been through together you’d think a little gratitude would be in order.”

“She doesn’t owe you anything,” Chris wrapped his arm around Eve protectively, “don’t listen to him. He’s nothing to you.”

“Nothing?” he raised a curious brow, “is that any way to talk about the man who fathered her child?”

“What?” Eve blinked back at him in confusion, “Chris, what is he talking about?”

“Oh Evie, how I’d hoped you’d remember the good times we shared,” the man shook his head, “and to think of all those nights I read to you in the hospital, whispered words of love to you and prayed for your safe return.”

“Like hell you did,” Chris hugged Eve closer to him before taking a step forward putting a distance between himself and the man who’d kidnapped them, “you did no such thing. Eve this man is pure evil. He‘s David Bordiso, a man that tried to destroy you back in Port Charles. He went out of his way to try to hurt you time and time again.”

“Funny coming from you,” DV shook his head letting out an ironic laugh before focusing his attention upon Eve, “did your boyfriend tell you how he shot me? How he was trying to ‘defend’ your honor the night he gunned me down?”

“Gunned you down,” Eve repeated in confusion.

“That’s right,” Doree stepped into the room smiling wickedly, “Chris here shot him in an attempt to save your pathetic life for reasons that I’ll never quite understand.”

“Doree there’s nothing to understand,” DV shrugged his shoulders, “a man obsessed would go to great lengths, which is why I’ve brought them both here today.”

“What do you want?” Chris questioned tightly.

“You owe me Chris for the millions that I offered you in exchange for the information we shared,” DV adjusted his tie, “and given what I can give you this time around in bringing back Eve, I think a deal is well in order.”

“Eve and I are getting out of here and there isn’t a damn thing you can do to stop us,” Chris argued with him reaching out to Eve, “let’s get out of here.”

Eve rose from the mattress staying close to Chris as she looked beyond him towards the open doorway.

“You two aren’t going anywhere,” DV instructed as Doree aimed her gun at him, “because I’m not finished with you yet.”

“We’re finished with you,” Chris snapped back at him.

“On the contrary,” Doree stepped forward, “you aren’t going anywhere until you listen to what he has to say. If you walk out that door, Chris you’re not going to like what happens next.”

“I get to take Eve home and live happily ever after,” Chris replied simply, “end of discussion.”

“End of discussion?” DV chuckled in amusement, “do you have any idea of what’s waiting for you back in Port Charles?” he shook his head, “no I suppose you don’t, do you? Well, maybe I should just give you a little update on the situation. Right now you’re Port Charles most wanted…the both of you,” DV paused for effect before continuing, “you see last night we had a very disturbed mental patient break out of the county hospital furious with her husband for having moved on after her supposed death. The said husband had moved on with the woman’s worst enemy and there was an attempted homicide along with a kidnapping.”

“Attempted homicide?” Eve gave him a strange look, “I haven’t hurt anyone.”

“No, you haven’t, but they don’t know that,” DV smiled motioning towards Doree.

“The gun that was used to shoot DV here was also used in the murder attempt,” she explained brightly, “and it has Chris’s prints on them not to mention that we have evidence that you and Chris worked together to fake your death in order to find a way to pave the way for this kidnapping as you feared that no court would give you custody of your son.”

“Son. I have a son?” Eve blinked back at him.

“That’s right you do and if you ever want to see him again, you’re going to do exactly what I say,” DV stated simply, “because from here on out I am the one in charge and you both have just become the latest reluctant addition to my team of professionals here.”

“What do you want?” Chris questioned taking in a breath.

“It’s quite simple really,” DV smiled wickedly, “I want to take back what’s rightfully mine and Chris you are just the man to do it.”

Eve sat in the small chair in the corner of the room stewing over what had been presented to her and Chris. DV had insisted that she be returned to the room as Chris remained to listen to the details of his dastardly plan. Hating every moment of it, Eve rubbed her hands over her arms trying to get warm again as a chill rushed over her. Closing her eyes she struggled to remember where she’d been before now and how she’d gotten to this place.

I used to cry myself to sleep at night
But that was all
Before he came
I thought love had to hurt to turn out right
But now he's here
It's not the same
It's not the same

Eve opened her eyes finding herself in a small loft apartment. Curiously she blinked again as she looked around the quiet living room wondering how she’d come to such a place.

“I was wondering when you’d get back to me,” a voice called out to her as Eve looked up to see a gray haired man standing over by the kitchen counter cutting a sandwich in half.

“Who are you? Where am I?” Eve questioned wearily as she rose from the chair, her eyes sweeping over the furnishings before she turned her attention back to the man before her.

“My my time has done a number on you,” he shook his head poignantly, “I’d hoped I’d given you good instructions in coming back, but it would seem I’ve failed.”

“I’ll only ask you this once more,” Eve gave him a look, “who are you?”

“Eve,” he eyed her intently, “just think for a moment. Really think about what you’re asking, or better yet, take a good look around this place. That should surely bring something to you.”

As soon as his words ended, Eve heard the door opening and she saw a mirror image of herself entering the small apartment. She had a child in her arms and a diaper bag draped over her shoulder as tears streamed down her face.

“What is this?” Eve questioned wearily as she watched the woman cross the room over towards the sofa passing right through her as though she hadn’t existed.

“Take a good look,” the man took a hearty bite of his sandwich, “it’s a glimpse.”

“Of what?” Eve questioned in confusion.

“Your life,” he paused, “or at least the one you left behind,” he explained as Eve looked to the woman before her.

“It’s okay Danny,” she tried to soothe the crying child hugging him closer to her as his tears overcame him, “mommy isn’t going to let anything hurt you. I swear to you that I won’t let anyone harm you in any way,” she continued behind tears, “you are everything to me and I fought too hard to get you here into this world. I won’t let anyone take you from me again.”

A moment after her words there was a knock on the door and panic washed over her features. She reached for her son setting him down carefully in her playpen as she surveyed the small apartment. Reaching for her oversized purse, she made her way towards the front door peering into the peephole before setting her purse down. Opening the door she let out a relieved sigh, “Oh it’s you.”

“I got here as soon as I could,” Chris offered stepping into the apartment, “what’s wrong?”

“Everything,” Eve sighed, “nothing. I don’t know.”

“Hey,” he reached out to embrace her as tears fell from her cheeks, “what’s going on?”

“It’s Ian,” Eve cried out sobbing into his chest unable to contain herself, “he’s with Amy and I can’t help but get this sinking feeling that I’m losing him all over again. That somehow my love isn’t enough for him.”

“Eve, if he’s not going to stand up and be here for you and Daniel during a time like this, then he’s a bigger fool than I thought,” Chris urged her to meet his eyes once again, “I mean that Lambert.”

“I just wish I could understand why Ian doesn’t want our relationship to be like he promised it would be. I mean what’s wrong with me? Am I so repulsive that the man I love must always turn away from me? That somehow they all keep running back to Lucy?”

“Oh sweetie,” Chris lifted her chin as his finger tips brushed over her damp skin, “Ian’s the problem, not you.”

“Then why am I always feeling like the loser,” she sobbed gently as he squeezed her in his arms.

“You aren’t a loser in my eyes. You’ll never be a loser as you’re the most incredible, wonderful woman I know,” he whispered as Eve stood watching the shadow of her past unfold before her very eyes as her former self hugged Chris tightly.

He fills me up
He gives me love
More love than I've ever seen
He's all I've got
He's all I've got in this world
But he's all the man that I need

The scene shifted as Eve found herself in a new place, decorated by the feel of Christmas, only while the spirit seemed evident it was more so a thing of the remains as she noticed the darkness behind the window. She searched for any answers she could find from the man who’d spoken to her moments earlier, but she was alone--at least that’s what she thought before the soft sounds of moaning came from above the couch before her. Spinning around Eve noticed some movement behind a blanket before her head popped out and a giggle spilled from her former self’s lips.

“That was incredible,” the former version of herself giggled snuggling into the arms of the man beneath her.

“I aim to please,” he boasted proudly as Eve stepped around to get a better look at him realizing that it appeared to be a younger version of Chris, “and who’s to say martinis and destruction don’t bring about fun for us?” his fingers emerged from beneath the blanket as he cupped her face in his hands, “I told you that we’d be magic together.”

“And I told you that you’d be trouble,” she chuckled with a light slur as she reached out onto the coffee table retrieving the half empty glass upon it. Nearly toppling off of the couch, she let out a gasp as Chris caught her by the waist, the blanket falling a bit in the process.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going,” he questioned drawing her up against his chest once again as their eyes met, “you asked me before if I did nothing for you?”

“And I stand corrected in that assumption,” Eve raised the glass to her lips before offering it to him once again.

“I don’t mind if I do,” Chris smiled seductively as he captured the glass in his hands and he finished off the remainder of the martini. Once he’d emptied the glass, he winked at her before nudging her slightly, “watch this,” he encouraged as he threw his arm back and tossed the glass into the burning fire place.

“Oh wait, I have something better,” Eve dipped her fingers onto the floor seeking out an ornament and tossing it towards the direction he’d sent the martini glass in. As it exploded against the wall she laughed in her drunken state as he nudged her again.

“Oh I’ve got an even better one,” Chris promised as she turned to face him again.

“Oh?” she arched a curious brow as he collected her mouth in a heated kiss causing her to let out a soft moan as her arms wrapped around him continuing the kiss until it left them both breathless. After a moment she parted from him ever so slightly as a smile swept over her features, “so you do, don’t you?”

“And there’s more where that came from,” Chris flipped her onto her back as she erupted in a series of giggles.

“You truly are trouble,” she laughed as he collected the blanket once again.

“And you just love trouble, don’t you?” he teased kissing her playfully.

“Guilty as charged,” she encouraged him as she reached over his body for the blanket covering him as the scene faded before Eve and transformed into the morning light. She watched as the blanket came down a bit and as the silence filled the room, she watched her former self scurry around the living room picking up her clothing and carefully setting it back to right as she looked over at Chris. With a sigh, Eve’s former self picked up his shirt taking in it’s scent before her gaze traveled lazily over Chris’s beautifully naked form.

“This is for the best,” she whispered to herself stepping forward as Eve watched her former self coax a still drunken Chris back into his clothing in an attempt to erase the moment from their memories entirely.

“And so you can see that you aren’t the only one with lost memories,” a voice whispered over Eve’s shoulder as she looked to find the gray haired man standing behind her offering a skeptical eye, “although it would seem that your reasoning for taking his was less than altruistic, huh?”

“Who are you?” Eve eyed him wearily, “and why are you showing me this?”

“To remind you what you’re here for,” he answered simply, “and perhaps one more glimpse will give you that,” he offered as she suddenly found herself in the center of the busy hospital corridor.

“What is this?” Eve looked around watching the doors fly open as a patient came in on a stretcher, “oh my God, someone’s been hurt. I have to do something.”

“They have it under control,” the man reached out to her tugging her in the opposite direction as he took her down another hallway.

“But…”

“The others will take care of it,” he explained leading her to a door, “but what’s in there is what you must see. That will give you a glimpse of something that will explain more than I can offer you.”

“But…” Eve started turning around to see the man had left as she reached for the door opening it to find herself and Chris in a heated discussion with one another.

“What do you mean you’re leaving town?” Chris questioned his voice tight with tension, “Eve, you can’t be serious.”

“Why can’t I? Ian’s my husband and we’re finally getting our chance at having a happily ever after together. I have to take it,” she argued.

“Even after all he did with Amy? Look Eve, I don’t care about that story Amy told us, Ian’s not the guy you think he is…” Chris pleaded with her.

“He’s my husband and I won’t let you talk about him that way,” Eve snapped raising her hands in the air, “I won’t hear it.”

“Well maybe it’s about time you should,” Chris reached out to her capturing her arm, “Eve, look at me.”

“Chris, just don’t,” Eve faced him before her gaze lingered to his hand on her arm, “don’t do this.”

“Eve, I know you want to be happy. I know that you want to believe that you and Ian can have that fairy tale romance, but how can you be so sure that he’s not going to hurt you again? A dog doesn’t change his ways and Ian Thornhart’s promises won’t change what he’s done to you.”

“Chris, I have to trust that his love can be enough for me. I was the one who pushed him away…” Eve began desperately.

“No, Ian pushed you away when he slept with Lucy. If you were my wife…” he paused choking on the words as his hold on her loosened.

“But I’m not your wife,” Eve pulled her arm away from him as a sigh escaped her lips, “I made my choice.”

“But not based on all the facts,” Chris pleaded with her, “not knowing the truth.”

“And what truth is that?” Eve questioned as he stepped back turning away from her, “Chris?”

“Never mind,” Chris shook his head in resignation, “have a nice trip.”

“Chris, come on. You know I can’t just leave town with you upset with me. I mean sure we’ve had problems, but this is my honeymoon. Ian and I are finally going to have that romantic getaway that we’ve waited so very long for. No more distractions or interruptions from the outside world. We can be the family we’ve always wanted to be at long last.”

“For how long?” Chris challenged, “how long before it’s all taken from you? How long before Ian messes up again?”

“He wouldn’t do that to me. He doesn’t want us to lose each other. When I suggested a divorce…” Eve explained simply.

“Eve, he doesn’t want a divorce. Ian wants his cake and to eat it too. He wants to have you under his terms. He wants you to be what he expects you to be--not what you are. He doesn’t want the woman so full of spirit and life that I know you can be. He doesn’t want that from you. He wants the you that you’re pretending to be on the outside, but Eve, with me you don’t have to pretend. I know the real you.”

“Chris, why are you saying this?” Eve gave him a sideways glance.

“Eve, you know,” he met her curious eyes.

“No, I don’t know,” Eve shook her head, “you’re my best friend, but why tell me this now that I’ve told you that I’m about to go on my honeymoon with the man I love--with my husband.”

“Because I can’t let you leave now that I have this feeling that…” Chris hesitated for a moment.

“That what?”

A pained expression crossed over his features as he opened his mouth to speak. His words formed on his lips as Eve’s pager started buzzing.

“That what Chris?” she questioned reaching for her pager as she noticed the page, “Chris, there’s an emergency and I’m needed…”

“Go on then,” Chris let out a breath.

“Are you sure? I mean if you have something to say…” Eve felt the pager go off again.

Chris shook his head in response, “Just have a nice honeymoon, Eve.”

“I’ll give you all the juicy details when I get back,” she smiled at him before turning to the door. Stopping as she began to open the door, she looked over her shoulder throwing one last look in his direction before offering, “I’ll see you later Ramsey.”

“Later,” he waved, “and by the way Eve, I just thought I should let you know…”

“Yes?” she asked with a smile.

“If this thing with Ian doesn’t work out,” he paused, “well, I’m always here for you,” he finished lowering his voice.

“I know that Ramsey and don‘t worry this time I won‘t be returning with a broken heart. The way I see it those days are over at long last,” she smiled with a wave leaving him to watch her walk out of the on call room as he let out a soft whisper to himself.

“Not for me,” he sighed looking down to her jacket still laying on the back of the sofa as he reached for it, “if only…”

Suddenly as Eve felt his sorrow, she realized she was back in the room DV had locked her away in. Flashes of her life passing her by as her death also returned to her. She saw the sadness, felt the pain of the loss those she’d loved experienced and suddenly as she recognized the man who’d been talking to her earlier as Ed, her mission became painfully clear to her.

“I’m here because Chris is going to…” a gasp rushed over her as the door opened and Chris was pushed inside.

“Chris,” she rushed up from the chair she was sitting in in hugging him tightly, “you’re here.”

“Eve, of course I am,” he hugged her in response, “hey what happened?”

“Chris, you can’t do what DV wants you to do,” she met his confused eyes, “Chris, you can’t let him blackmail you into anything.”

“Eve, I’m trying to get us out of here,” Chris explained simply, “I’ll do whatever it takes for us to be safe.”

“Chris, I have all I need when I’m with you,” she touched his face gently seeing the love behind his eyes, “you’re all I could ever need.”

“You’re all I could ever need as well,” Chris offered seeing the tears building behind her eyes, “hey…”

“Chris, I love you,” Eve confessed tears spilling down her cheeks, “I’ve always loved you and I was too stubborn to admit it before, but I can’t hide from it anymore.”

“You remember?” he searched her eyes.

“More than I thought I ever could,” she nodded, “and I know how you wanted to tell me…how you wanted to show me that you loved me before the accident, but I was too stubborn and foolish to listen, but I’m listening now. I’m hearing everything you’ve said and what you haven’t said. I love you Chris Ramsey.”

“I love you,” he kissed her tenderly, “and I promise you that I will get us out of this.”

“You might be in over your head this time,” Eve whispered against his lips as she hugged him, “and promise me that whatever happens I won’t lose you. I didn’t come back to lose you again. I refuse to allow it to happen.”

“You won’t lose me,” Chris whispered holding her tightly as Eve realized that despite the reasoning Ed had in bringing her back again, she was going to use everything in her to save Chris at any cost.

And in the morning when I kiss his eyes
He takes me down
And rocks me slow
And in the evening when the moon is high
He holds me close
And won't let go
He won't let go