Part Three

Blayne's eyes opened slowly. She smiled as the light of day verified that the woman that had filled her night was indeed in her arms this morning. Blayne's arms tightened around Gabriella as she pulled her even closer. Her eyes closed in pain.

Every morning Blayne woke smiling, her nights filled with dreams of the woman that had taken possession of her once cold and analytical mind only to be forced with the reality of her aloneness every morning as the cruelty of the morning light taunted her. The light illuminated the darkness, it also made it abundantly clear that the oneness she felt in her dreams had only been that, a dream. The light brought to her the cruelty of her aloneness. But, this morning it was different….

Gabriella snuggled closer to Blayne as if knowing that her lover needed the warmth of her body. Her eyes fluttered opened and they were met with turbulent eyes.

Blayne could not hide her emotions. She was filled with need, want and fear; all which showed in her expressive eyes. Her lips were about to speak when Gabriella silenced them with a caress.

Gabriella's hand caressed her face lovingly and sensually and as she did her mouth came up to kiss the lips that called out to her.

Blayne didn't allow herself to think. Nothing mattered to her anymore. She no longer needed answers. Questions could wait. The truth of her reality no longer mattered to her; all she recognized and cared about was to satisfy the ever growing hunger to connect with the woman in her arms. Her desire to become one with Gabriella was undeniable and irresistible. Their joining was worth anything. It was worth everything.

So instead of questions and answers there was only the need to satisfy the incredible longing that threatened to overcome both of them.

Much later they both held onto one another in silence. Both sated, enjoying the warmth that touching brought.

Nothing matters, Blayne told herself over and over again. Nothing matters.

The ringing telephone cracked the fragile band that held them together. And like a thief it stole the priceless.

Gabriella reached to answer it.

"Don't," Blayne's voice pleaded softly.

Gabriella turned to her. When she saw the tear filled eyes of the woman in front of her she felt the pain in her own chest as well. The oneness is broken they both communicated silently to one another. Gabriella went into Blayne's waiting embrace.

Blayne held her tightly to her as tears ran down her face.

"Blayne…" Gabriella began to say but was not allowed to continue.

"Don't…" Blayne again pleaded softly as she held her tighter still. "Not now…later."

Gabriella looked up and met the tear filled eyes.

Again Blayne asked, "later."

Gabriella nodded and kissed her lips lightly. At that moment the telephone began ringing again. It continued to do so on and off for the next half-hour. Finally Blayne's arms released her.

"It seems the world will not take no…," Blayne said accepting the inevitable.

Gabriella sat up and picked up the ring telephone.

"Hello."

"Why didn't you answer? I have been ringing you for at least twenty minutes. The hotel said you were in your room." Joseph said irately.

"I was taking a shower." Gabriella said quickly. "Why are you calling?"

"Do I need a reason to call you Gabriella?"

"Usually you do, yes."

There was silence between them for a moment then Joseph picked up the conversation again in a conciliatory manner.

"Perhaps," he conceded. "We are all packed."

"Is all the flight information still the same?"

Blayne then sat up on the other side of the bed with her back to Gabriella.

"Yes, we are all confirmed."

"Good then I'll meet you all at the airport this evening and we can go on from there,"

"All right. Elle is here and wants to talk to you."

"Okay, put her on," Gabriella ran her fingers through her hair and pulled the sheet up to cover her breasts.

The act did not go unnoticed by Blayne. The sheet became a visibly wall. It was as real as the world that conspired to separate them at that moment.

"Mom?"

"Hello Elle, how are you sweetheart?"

"Okay. Do I have to go?"

"Yes, Elle."

"Why?"

"Elle please…"

"Daddy says I have to act this way and that. I don't want to go!" The girl complained and the usual strain that seemed to show of late was quite visible to her mother in her voice.

"Elle, you just be yourself." Gabriella said softly.

"But daddy…"

"Daddy is wrong. Just be you Elle." Gabriella reassured her daughter. "You are a lovely young woman, just be you honey."

Blayne got up and walked up to the window.

Gabriella saw her as she walked up to the window naked and stood silently looking out.

"Elle put daddy on the phone."

"Okay mom, see you later."

"I love you sweetheart."

"Love you too mom. Here's daddy."

"Hi." Joseph said as he got back on the phone.

"Joseph she is nervous. This is hard for her; she is insecure enough. Just let it be okay?" Gabriella said irately.

"I just asked her to behave." He said defensively.

"Just lighten up okay. I'll see you all tonight."

"All right."

Gabriella hung up the phone and just sat quietly for a moment with her back to Blayne.

"How is your family?" Blayne asked braking the silence.

"Elle and her father seem to clash over everything." Gabriella answered.

Both women still had not moved.

Blayne took a deep breath and dove in.

"Why did you come?" As Blayne asked she turned to face Gabriella.

Gabriella turned to her still sitting on the bed.

"Because I need this as much if not more than you," she said as her eyes filled with tears that threatened to fall any minute.

Blayne went to her immediately. She knelt in front of Gabriella and took her hands, holding them in hers with a desperation that frightened her. Gabriella kept staring at their hands.

"Stay with me," Blayne pleaded softly. "Please…on my knees….I beg you…please, please stay with me…" she finished saying as she held back a sob.

Gabriella's eyes immediately looked up and saw the tears running down Blayne's face. She could see the pain in those eyes that she so dearly loved.

"Stay with me…stay with me," Blayne asked yet again unable to veil the desperation in her voice as she waited for an answer.

Gabriella's hand went out to caress the beautiful face of the woman that knelt in front of her. How could she tell her? How could she make her understand?

"I can't…" Gabriella's words cut Blayne through the heart. She visibly flinched and an audible intake of breath from Blayne sounded like thunder to Gabriella's ears. In that moment she knew she had broken the heart that just a moment ago had beard itself to her and had begged her to stay and love her.

"Blayne…" Gabriella began to say when Blayne stood up and put as much distance between them as possible. "Blayne, I can't…"

"You don't need to say anything. Words are overrated. No is quite sufficient." Blayne said coldly with her back to her.

"I wish I could…"

"Like hell you do!" Blayne turned to her accusingly. "You got what you wanted. I fucked you and you got to fuck me." Blayne started picking up her clothes.

"It wasn't like that…" Gabriella began to say softly.

"Wasn't it!" Blayne turned to her again.

"You know it wasn't." Gabriella met her eyes as she said it.

"What was it then? Love? You called me to come and fuck you in a hotel room and you are meeting your children and ….your husband!" Blayne growled as she pulled at the sheets.

Gabriella stood up and covered herself with the sheet. Blayne walked up to her and pulled it off. "Ashamed of your nakedness? You weren't ashamed last night or this morning when we were FUCKING!"

"Stop it Blayne, please," Gabriella pleaded as the tears began to fill her eyes again.

"Stop? Shouldn't you have said that last night? " Blayne took a deep breath and released the woman that was now sobbing in front of her. "All right, all right…"

Blayne dressed quickly and as she was about to leave she stopped for a moment in front of the door not daring to turn and face Gabriella and yet not able to just walk away from her. She had no shame, no pride left in her, and knowing it hurt her. She shut her eyes and said the words her soul wanted voiced and cursed her self for it. "Call me soon?"

"Yes." Gabriella answered softly.

Blayne had never turned. Her eyes shut again with the pain of the answer and then walked out of the room. As Blayne walked out into the hallway she pulled out her sunglasses from her pocket and putted them on. Her eyes were now shielded from the world.

She got on the elevator.

A woman got on before the elevator reached the lobby and she admired the dark haired beautiful woman with the sunglasses leaning on the corner. She also noticed as she exited the elevator how she proudly and arrogantly raised her shin as if preparing herself to face the world. The effect that Blayne caused with her looks was always that of aloof beauty and an arrogance that came only with those that knew they were few and ruled the world. The woman blinked in surprise as the image she had in her mind of Blayne Anberville shattered when she saw the tears that escaped the veil of the sunglasses and roll down the beautiful cheek.

The effect Blayne left behind with the stranger was one of wonder and curiosity. That could not have been Blayne Anberville. That cannot be the cold woman that I have been told about. And yet it must be her. Tara shook her head and looked up again to see the figure disappear out of the hotel. I look forward to meeting you more than ever now Blayne, more than ever. Your tear has intrigued me. Perhaps this trip to Boston will be more than I hoped for. Tara smiled to herself and walked out of the hotel. She had shopping to do. After all, she had just found something that had awakened her and she must get just the right outfit to play the game.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Diana waited excitedly; she had gotten to the restaurant purposefully early. Her face lit up with a big smile as she got up and hugged her sister.

"I'm so glad we could do this," Diana said as she released Gabriella and they both sat down.

"It's good to see you too Diana. This place is wonderful," said Gabriella, as she looked around admiringly.

"Sandrine's is wonderful. I always stop for lunch here when I'm in Boston. Raymond is a wonderful chef. You must try his famous Flammekeuche." Diana said enthusiastically.

"Flamm…what?" Gabriella laughed.

"Flammekeuche, it's a sort of pizza-quiche with bacon, onion and lots of cream."

"Sounds wonderful. Do you know the chef?" Gabriella laughed. "You sound like a fan."

Diana joined in the laughter. "Yes, Raymond is a doll. He opened the restaurant a few years ago. Sandriene's is one of the little treasures of greater Boston."

"I love the décor." Gabriella said as she looked around. "The slate blues and hanging plates, its lovely Diana. Thanks for inviting me."

"I'm glad you came." Diana said as she put her hand over her sister's and smiled.

At that moment the waitress appeared and they ordered some white Cabernet-Sauvignon. The waitress went to get their wine order when Diana waived to someone behind Gabriella. She was waving them over to their table.

"This is my surprise." Diana said as she got up and Gabriella turned to come face to face with Blayne who was looking down on her with lifeless eyes.

Blayne walked into the restaurant and looked around the room. When she spotted her sister she froze for a moment. The other woman sitting on the same table had her back to her, but she would recognize Gabriella anywhere and a part of her hurt in knowing and acknowledging that. She took a deep breath and starting walking towards Diana with a smile on her face. She however felt her resolve waiver when Gabriella turned around and saw the unguarded look in those beautiful blue eyes.

"Hello Gabriella." Blayne said politely and put her hand out.

Gabriella placed her hand in Blayne's silently.

"Oh come on you two. Hug, we are all sisters."

Blayne held onto Gabriella's hand. Gabriella got up as if in a trance and went into Blayne's arms. She shut her eyes tightly and allowed her body to melt into the arms of the woman that had held her through the night.

Blayne broke the embrace by pulling away. "Hello little sister," she said softly.

Diana smiled.

Gabriella still facing Blayne was about to speak when Blayne moved away to sit down next to her. Gabriella took in a deep breath and turned with a smile on her face as well.

"We just ordered some wine."

"I can't, I have a meeting after lunch." Blayne cut in.

"Okay, we were thinking of order the..." Diana began to say.

"The Flammekeuche?" Blayne said looking at the menu.

Diana smiled indulgently. "Yes, you remembered."

"Of course," Blayne said looking up. "You order it every time we meet here for lunch."

The waitress brought the wine and took the lunch order from the three women. Gabriella had hardly said anything.

"What time are Joseph and the children arriving?" Diana asked.

Blayne's head looked up immediately. She waited holding her breath.

"Ahh….they arrive at 6:30 this evening." Gabriella answered not daring to look in Blayne's direction.

"I can hardly wait to see them. Blayne you will absolutely love Elle and Christopher." Diana said looking towards Blayne now. She was surprised to see the expression in Blayne's face.

"Blayne?" Diana asked as Blayne only stared at Gabriella.

Gabriella stared on the tablecloth. Again, Diana just didn't understand what was going on.

"Why are they coming here?" Blayne asked Gabriella ignoring Diana completely.

Diana looked from Blayne to Gabriella understanding less and less.

"Why?" Blayne asked again.

"They are coming to meet daddy, Blayne." Diana answered.

Blayne looked towards Diana then back to Gabriella who looked up and met eyes full of disbelief, hurt and a coldness that scared her.

Diana didn't like what she was seeing at all.

"I…" Gabriella began to speak and then looked back down at the tablecloth again.

"I think it's very nice of Gabriella to do this for Daddy," Diana interjected.

Blayne continued to stare in disbelief then suddenly began to stare at the water glass in front of her. Diana could see the uncertainty and something else she could not understand going through Blayne's semblance in front of her. Her sister was growing pale and Gabriella looked like she was about to bolt any moment now.

"I thought you guys liked each other," Diana said sadly.

Both Blayne and Gabriella remained silent.

"I want both my sisters to like each other." Diana murmured sadly. "I will need both of you when Daddy…" she trailed off.

Both Blayne and Gabriella looked up towards Diana.

Blayne put her hand over her sisters. "You won't be alone Diana."

"I know." Diana looked up with eyes filled with tears. "I love both of you. I just want you two to remember that we are a family."

Blayne nodded.

Gabriella smiled and ran her hand along her sister's arm. "Yes sweetheart." Gabriella said reassuringly.

Blayne looked up with such yearning at Gabriella. Gabriella was looking at Diana but Diana saw it before Blayne released her hand and straightened up.

"Well here comes our lunch." Blayne gave the waitress a brilliant smile.

All three sisters played at being polite throughout lunch. Diana seemed happy enough.

As they were finishing their lunch the inevitable question arose.

"Will you be coming tonight or tomorrow to the house?" Diana asked Blayne innocently.

Blayne looked at her sister and saw the look of apprehension on Gabriella's face.

"I don't think so. I have to catch up on some things I put off yesterday." Blayne answered with a touch of sarcasm."

"But Blayne, couldn't you have arranged something?" Diana insisted

"How could I since I didn't know Diana." Blayne sounded exasperated.

"I thought that Daddy…." Diana trailed off in confusion.

Blayne looked accusingly towards Gabriella unable to hide her resentment.

"I'm sure he said he was going to tell you." Diana insisted.

"Perhaps it skipped his mind." Blayne simply answered and began eating again. Yeah, right. Nothing escapes Arthur. Damn this whole thing. Blayne looked up to Gabriella. I hate you for putting me in this position. I hate myself more for letting you. I don't want to love you. I don't want to love you! Blayne looked back at her food again as her thoughts kept invading her mind and would not let up their lamentation.

"Well, can't you try to get away for a little bit?" Diana wanted more than anything for Blayne and Gabriella to get along. She just didn't understand why they couldn't seem to get passed whatever it was that had become a visible wall between them.

"No, I don't think so, sorry." Blayne said as she looked up, trying to smile.

"It's okay, Blayne is busy. Perhaps another time." Gabriella finally spoke and assisted.

"Yes, another time Gabriella. When will you be coming back to Boston?" Blayne asked with a forced smile, both she and Gabriella knew what she was asking.

"Soon. I promise." Gabriella said and looked back down to her lunch.

"I will hold you to that." Blayne added seriously.

Diana looked from one to the other.

Gabriella looked up and nodded. "Yes soon. I promise."

Blayne turned and smiled so that Diana was pleased and Gabriella went back to her lunch.

Diana simply didn't understand them and she wanted to desperately. Gabriella and Blayne made no sense to her at all. And Blayne was certainly not acting herself these days. Blayne had changed. Diana looked at her sister for a moment, yes, something had changed in Blayne; she seemed sadder somehow. She had noticed it after that day that she found her on the floor of her room weeping. And then she saw glimpses of it in London. Blayne's eyes were alert as they had always been but there had been unguarded moments that Diana was taken aback by the incredible look of sadness in those expressive eyes.

In London she had actually tried to talk to Blayne but to no avail. Blayne simply wasn't talking and Diana knew instinctively that something inside of her was dying. Perhaps it had been the news that their father was dying or even the shock of finding out about Gabriella but somehow Diana didn't think so. Yes, those things had surprised them all but there was something else that was happening inside Blayne and it was taking its toll.

Blayne finally said her good-byes and left the restaurant. Gabriella and Diana agreed to meet later at the house after she picked up her family at the airport.

Both Blayne and Gabriella seemed to be running Diana thought to herself. Before leaving Sandrine's she stopped and said hello to Raymond.

Diana was not going to give up in getting her two sisters to get along. In a short period of time she had begun to love Gabriella and her children. And she recognized that Blayne had been right. Whenever she called Gabriella her sister made the time to talk to her and she liked and needed that. Diana also knew that the closer she was getting to Gabriella the distance between her and Blayne seemed to be growing.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blayne walked into her office and passed her secretary without so much as a word.

Carla her private secretary walked in behind her and closed the door.

"Your three o'clock is here."

Blayne turned towards her and looked at the notes she had made on a file on her desk.

"Tara Montgomery right?"

"Yes, she is here representing AMAG. I put the file on your desk and the notes that you had made for this meeting. Is there anything else before I bring her in?"

"Just give me a few minutes Carla." Blayne said as she removed her jacket and began to look through the notes.

"Yes, Ms Anberville." Carla walked out closing the door behind her.

A few minutes later there was a small knock on the door and Carla showed in Tara Montgomery.

Blayne walked over to the woman and brought her hand out. "Please come in Ms Montgomery. How are you? I am …"

"You are Blayne Anberville." Tara said with a bright smile as she took Blayne's hand and held it. "The pleasure is mine I assure you."

Blayne smiled and pointed to the chair in front of her desk. Tara looked around the office.

"Why don't' we sit on your couch instead. It will make it more….cozy, don't you agree?" Tara asked charmingly.

Blayne was surprised but smiled and nodded her head. "If you like."

Tara sat down and crossed her legs. She smiled when she caught Blayne looking at them.

"Let's talk business then shall we Ms Anberville." Tara said softly and again gave Blayne a disarming smile.

Blayne could not believe what she thought she was seeing. The woman was openly flirting with her.

"Yes of course Ms Montgomery. We want to…"

"Please call me Tara." She said as she put her hand on Blayne's leg.

"If you like."

"I like very much. Are you busy for dinner Ms Anberville?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chaz thought they were a gruesome circle at dinner. Joseph was obviously pleased to be there; he never stopped trying to engage and impress Arthur in something or another. Diana spoke amicably with Gabriella and her mother who seemed to be happy enough these days. The girl named Elle was brooding and the boy, Christopher wouldn't stop talking to him.

"I don't have any other uncles." Christopher said to Chaz.

Chad looked down at him trying to control his obvious dislike.

"Yes well, you have one now don't you?"

"You have any other nephews?"

"No."

"Christopher do you like horses?" Arthur asked his grandson who suddenly smiled from ear to ear and nodded.

"If your parents are agreeable maybe we can go riding tomorrow, would you like that?"

"Yes Grandfather, that would be awesome."

Both Arthur and Abigail laughed at the boy's enthusiasm.

"How about you Elena?"

"My name is Elle!"

Everyone's attention turned towards the moody child.

"I'm sorry, Elle." Arthur said conciliatorily.

"Elle apologize this instant." Joseph insisted.

"Why?" The girl lashed out. "I didn't want to come."

"Elle!" Joseph stood up.

"Joseph leave it alone." Gabriella said angrily.

"It's all right. Elle has a right to demand to be called by her name." Arthur tried to intervene.

"Elle apologize this instant." Joseph insisted.

Elle got more upset by the second. She didn't want all this attention. Everyone was staring. She got up and ran out of the room.

"You don't know when to ever stop do you!" Gabriella said accusingly at Joseph as she went after her daughter. Joseph sat down and all conversation seized at the dinner table.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blayne was pulling into the driveway when someone ran in front of her car.

"Oh my god!" She stopped abruptly and stared at the girl frozen in fear in front of her car.

Blayne got out and grabbed the girl harshly and turned her around to face her.

"What did you think you were doing?" Blayne shook from fear and so did Elle.

"Elle! Oh my god Elle!" Gabriella had seen the whole thing and ran towards them.

Blayne looked at the child in her grasp and stared at her as if looking at something foreign. She released the girl as soon as Gabriella reached them. Gabriella took Elle into her arms.

"My god Elle, what were you thinking." Gabriella was trembling with fear as she held her daughter tightly to her.

Blayne stared at mother and child for a moment. This was Gabriella's child. She met Gabriella's eyes for a moment before walking over to her car and getting in again.

Gabriella and Elle walked back inside as Blayne drove her Arnage T towards the garage area.

When she got out of the automobile she looked at her hands and noticed how they shook. She then put them in her pockets and walked up towards the house.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When Blayne finally walked into the house they were all in the grand room having coffee. Arthur looked surprised and Diana smiled.

"Blayne." Diana said as she walked over to her sister and hugged and kissed her.

Chaz smiled to himself and walked over to get a drink from the crystal decanter that had just been brought in.

Joseph stared at the woman in admiration and recognition.

"I'm so glad you came Blayne." Diana said as she walked her sister over to Gabriella and Joseph. "Come and meet Gabriella's family."

Gabriella seemed to pale and Elle leaned against a corner brooding. She didn't like the lady that had shaken her outside after almost running her over.

"Blayne this is Joseph, Gabriella's husband." Diana made the introductions.

Joseph put his hand out. Blayne extended hers as well.

"Hello." Blayne said politely.

"The pleasure is mine. I must admit the resemblance is uncanny Gabriella," he said as he turned towards his wife.

"Excuse me?" Blayne said with her hand still in Joseph's.

He turned back to her again still not releasing her hand.

"My wife has a bust of you in her studio."

Blayne pulled her hand out of his and looked at Gabriella who met her eyes. Gabriella broke the connection as she smiled and looked towards her husband.

Diana jumped in trying to brake the awkward silence the fell between them.

"Well perhaps when it's done you will let us see it. I don't think I saw it when I was at your home." Diana questioned.

"Gabriella is very private about her work. I think I got a preview because I surprised her one afternoon." Joseph said as he stared at his wife.

Arthur walked over. "Blayne, how wonderful that you could make it."

Blayne turned towards Arthur and instantly he could see that she was angry at him.

"Hello father," she greeted him politely.

"Well, well, well the whole family together." Chaz said as he poured himself yet another drink. "This is going to be a very interesting weekend. Don't you think so Blayne?" Chaz taunted.

"Chaz I can see that you are the same boar as ever." Blayne challenged him.

"Where will you be sleeping tonight Blayne?" Chaz asked venomously.

"All right you two, don't start up." Abigail said as she slid her arms into Chaz's arm. "What ever are you talking about?"

"Chaz!" Arthur intervened.

"Still brooding because I knocked you down on your ass Chaz?" Blayne taunted him right back.

"Enough you two!" Arthur jumped in. He wanted the situation controlled.

Joseph just stared from one to the other not understand a thing. Diana noticed how Gabriella paled and tried holding her hands to stop their shaking.

"Be good Chaz." Abigail implored him.

"Yes mother." He said giving her a charming smile. "Blayne's a big girl after all isn't she?"

"And ever more successful at it then you." Blayne couldn't stop herself.

"Chaz! Not another word. Blayne that's enough. Do you really want to pursue this here and now?" Arthur reminded her.

Blayne looked around and saw the face of the girl and the young boy staring at her curiously. She shook her head and walked away towards the crystal decanters and poured herself a drink.

"Good." Arthur said taking a deep breath. "You must pardon these two Joseph."

Joseph smiled at Arthur. "I understand Arthur, my brother and I are the same. We never stop competing." Joseph added as he smiled.

Blayne turned to him with a smile of disgust. Gabriella did not fail to notice.

"Blayne come here and meet the children," said the Diana as she took her sister by the arm. "What the hell is going on between you and Chaz these days?" She asked under her breath as they both walked towards Christopher first.

"This is Christopher." Diana said with a smile.

Blayne smiled and put her hand out to the handsome little boy.

"Yeah, that's me."

"You are taller than I imagined." Blayne said.

The boy smiled proudly. "Grandfather is taking me riding tomorrow." Christopher said the excitement evident in his voice.

"Is he now? Are you a good rider young man?" Blayne was enjoying talking to the little boy. Diana walked away leaving them both in a very animated conversation. She also noticed that Gabriella would always turn every so often and look towards Blayne.

Elle remained separate and apart. Gabriella went over to her daughter.

"Do you want to go to bed sweetheart? Are you sure you weren't hurt?"

"I'm okay." Elle said frowning towards Blayne. "Who is she mom?"

Gabriella looked towards Blayne who was now talking with Abigail and Christopher.

"She is Abigail's daughter and Diana's sister."

"Is she your sister too then?"

"No." Gabriella answered softly still looking at Blayne.

Elle looked towards her mother now. "I saw the bust of her in your studio."

Gabriella smiled and looked towards her daughter. "Did you?"

"She looks different in real person though. You made her look…I don't know, she seemed different."

Gabriella smiled secretly to herself and looked back towards Blayne and this time a pair of eyes looked back at her as well. For a moment both just looked at each other basking in the memories if only for a second or two.

"Elle are you going riding tomorrow as well?" Chaz's words next to her broke her contact with Blayne and Gabriella looked from Chaz to her daughter.

"I guess."

"I shall pick out a special pony for you tomorrow then." Chaz said charmingly.

The evening dragged on until finally Gabriella excused herself and left to put the children to bed. The other adults remained over their coffee and their drinks.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blayne had just gotten into bed when she heard a soft knock on her door. She frowned thinking that it was Chaz for another round of taunting. She yanked the door open.

"What do you want?"

She went silent when she saw Gabriella standing in front of her. Gabriella walked in passed her.

Blayne closed the door and turned to her in disbelief.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I don't know. Why did you come?" Gabriella turned around and asked her.

"How could you bring him here?" Blayne asked her in disbelief as she got closer. "How could you bring him?" Blayne demanded. The betrayal that she felt was audible in her words.

"I …I had promised Arthur that he could see the children." Gabriella said lamely. Her eyes pleaded with Blayne to understand.

"You brought him here!" Blayne spat out the words in disgust.

"I want you."

"I can't believe I've let this happen." Blayne turned away from her and ran her fingers through her hair. She felt tired and beaten suddenly. She closed her eyes and just wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.

"I want you. I don't love him." Gabriella insisted as she reached for Blayne.

"But you go to him!" Blayne turned around and snarled at her. "You go to him."

"I'm right here." Gabriella said as she closed the distance between them. "I'm right here with you."

Blayne pushed her away. "Sure, long enough to pacify me and to go back to his bed." Blayne covered her face for a moment and began to feel the desperation in her building. "I can't do this. I can't."

"Blayne…"

Blayne turned to her and stared as Gabriella opened her robe and let it fall to the floor. "I am yours my darling. I am here and I am yours."

Blayne shook her head as Gabriella approached her. "No…"

"I belong to you Blayne. I belong to you." Gabriella said softly as she pressed herself against Blayne and her hand caressed her face. "I belong to you."

Blayne's mouth trembled as she felt Gabriella's hand behind her neck pulling her mouth closer. Blayne's eyes closed at the instant of that union. Her arms came up and pulled Gabriella tightly to her.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the early hours of the morning Gabriella left Blayne's room. She closed the door behind her, ran her fingers through her hair and straightened her robe as she walked down the hallway into her room.

Diana had woken up with a headache and had gone down to the kitchen for a warm glass of milk. On her way back to her room she saw Gabriella walking out of Blayne's room and for some reason remained silent. She stood frozen in the spot for a moment and didn't understand because, somehow something didn't add up. Blayne must obviously be up so she walked over to her door and let herself in without knocking. She wanted to make sure her two sisters hadn't had another fight.

"I knew you would come back." Blayne said from the bathroom. The door was ajar. "Come on and take a shower with me; I promise to be good." Blayne walked out of the bathroom naked with a sultry smile on her face that disappeared the minute that she came face to face with Diana. Both women stared at one another without being able to utter a single word.

Diane suddenly seemed confused and walked out of the room quickly unable to look Blayne in the eye. Blayne stood frozen by the door frame unable to breathe.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Oh my God! Oh my God! Diana kept saying to herself over and over again. She walked into her room and closed the door behind her. Taking in a deep breath she leaned back. Diana needed to feel something solid behind her because she was sure if she didn't she would just collapse. I must be wrong. I just misread it all. She argued with herself.

She shook her head as if to dispel what she knew to be the truth.

Oh my God!

Diana walked over to the bed and sat down looking straight ahead in utter shock.

Blayne and Gabriella are… she shook her head again.

She suddenly got up and started pacing.

Oh my God!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Diana walked down to breakfast wondering how she was going to face them both. She walked into the dinning room and saw almost everyone serving themselves breakfast.

"Good morning darling." Her mother said to her and Diana smiled.

She looked around and noticed the Blayne was not down yet. Gabriella was helping Christopher serve himself some eggs from the serving tray.

Gabriella looked in her direction and smiled at her then turned towards her son again.

At that moment Blayne walked in. Diana went over to the buffet and started serving herself some breakfast.

"Good morning Diana." Gabriella said as she went to pour herself some orange juice next to her sister.

Diana was silent and didn't answer.

"Are you okay?" Gabriella asked concern evident in her voice.

Diana looked at her and searched her face.

"I didn't sleep well." Diana said suddenly. "How about you?"

Gabriella seemed confused. "I slept just fine."

"Did you?"

"Yes."

"Diana." Blayne said behind her.

"I saw you this morning." Diana said still looking at Gabriella, ignoring Blayne.

"Diana." Blayne insisted.

"I don't understand." Gabriella said looking from Diana to Blayne.

"I saw you," was all that Diana kept saying.

"Diana, let me talk to you." Blayne tried to redirect the conversation. "Diana please, not here." Blayne insisted.

"I saw you leaving Blayne's room this morning." Diana saw the confirmation she needed in Gabriella's face.

"I…yes, I went to talk to Blayne early this morning." Gabriella said suddenly.

"Too bad you couldn't stay for the shower." Diana blurted out.

Gabriella became paler. Blayne pleaded with her sister. "Diana its not what you think please, not here."

Diana looked around and nodded. She walked away from them and sat down at the table and began to talk to Elle. Blayne stood in front of Gabriella shielding her from the others as she spoke to her.

"I will talk to her." Blayne said softly trying to give Gabriella the courage not to fall apart.

"How? How did she…" Gabriella muttered in a daze.

"She walked in after you left and I said some things from the bathroom… I thought it was you and I walked out naked." Blayne looked down for a moment.

Gabriella looked up at her at that moment. "It's not your fault."

Blayne looked up and her eyes expressed the pain she feared to voice.

"This was not your fault. We will figure something out." Gabriella said compassionately. She felt guilty enough about Blayne already without laying this on her as well.

"I will try and get her away from everyone after breakfast. Diana tends to act out when she is confused." Blayne said and stared at Gabriella for a moment. "I need to know that you will be here if …"

"There will be no if…we have to fix this." Gabriella said nervously. "Joseph will take my children away from me Blayne. There can be no ifs."

"No, there can't can there?" Blayne said sadly and walked over and sat next to Diana.

Little was said by any of the three women over breakfast. Gabriella kept looking at Diana but Blayne seemed depressed and didn't look at her.

When breakfast was finished Gabriella noticed when Diana and Blayne walked out together. She took a deep breath and began to breathe easier.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I thought I knew you." Diana said softly as she was pealing the petals off a flower she had just plucked from the garden.

"You do know me." Blayne said sadly.

Diana looked up to meet her sister's eyes. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"

Blayne took a few steps away and ran her fingers through her hair before she sat down on a bench near by.

"Tell you what that Gabriella and I…? That's not exactly something that …" Blayne just trailed off.

"Yes that and the fact that you are obviously interested in women." Diana said as she sat down next to her. "Why didn't you trust me? I know that I'm not exactly what you would want in a sister but, I would have kept your secret Blayne."

Blayne turned towards Diana and saw the hurt in her eyes. "You are the only sister I have and the only one I would want. I didn't tell you because there was nothing to tell." Blayne took a deep breath. "I mean, I …yes, I have been attracted to women on and off in the past but nothing ever came of it." Blayne stood up nervously. "With Gabriella it was something I just couldn't…."

"You just couldn't what? Did she?"

"No!" Blayne turned towards her sister. "I mean, I am the one that…" Blayne just couldn't find the right words.

Diana waited patiently.

"I couldn't stay away from her." Blayne said as she lowered her head. "I didn't give her a chance to think and I don't think I even gave her a chance to take a deep breath. I need her Diana."

Diana stared at her usually controlled sister and saw the same thing she had seen that day that she found Blayne crying on the floor in her room. Diana saw the desperation clearly in Blayne's demeanor and she could hear it in her voice.

"That day!" Diana said suddenly.

Blayne looked at her now with tear filled eyes.

"That day that you were so upset and I found you….that day you and her?"

Blayne nodded. "I love her Diana. I need her so much I have no power to stop myself. All she has to do is call and I go running." Blayne said shamefully.

"Does she love you?"

"I don't know. She says she does. I think she does." Blayne voiced the insecurities that tormented her soul. "I don't think she really knows."

"Blayne you have to walk away from this. It can't end well, you must see that." Diana was the voice of reason that she didn't want to hear or recognize.

"I can't." Blayne said softly and in resignation as she got up. "Will you keep our secret?" Blayne looked towards her sister and waited patiently for an answer.

Diana saw Blayne differently now. She saw the strain that was visible in the usually confident semblance. She also saw the stress and the need for understanding in Blayne's eyes. Blayne had always been there no matter what; she couldn't just bail out on her now.

Diana nodded and Blayne visibly relaxed.

"Thank you."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Blayne walked back into the house and Gabriella's eye immediately connected with hers. Blayne nodded and Gabriella smiled and turned to continue speaking with Abigail. Diana noticed the whole silent communication and saw her sister walk slowly out of the room. Blayne walked as if she had the weight of the world in her shoulders and Diana frowned.

Diana walked over to Gabriella when she saw that Abigail had gone to speak with Joseph and Elle.

"I don't like what you're doing." Diana said to Gabriella point blank.

Gabriella's shin stuck out. "This is not your concern Diana. Blayne and I are both adults."

"You will end up destroying her and she will let you because she loves you." Diana said angrily.

"I love her too. I don't want to hurt her." Gabriella insisted.

"Do you? Do you love her Gabriella?"

"Yes I do." Gabriella confirmed.

"Then leave her alone."

"I can't." Gabriella said softly as she looked down.

Diana took a deep breath. "People thought that just because Blayne was so sure of herself and so smart that she had no feelings to hurt. When she was in high school she was the valedictorian, at college she excelled in everything. Her intelligence has always separated her from people. They all saw her as just a highly developed thing that could brilliantly solve any solution, and usually did, with no feelings to hurt. But I saw her disappointments when she failed the limits she set for herself. I was the one that would sneak in her room and hear her cry herself to sleep." Diana looked at Gabriella and saw the tears building in her eyes and then she said the thing that she knew would strike the last blow home. "And I held her as she sobbed that day when you were here last. What did you say to her that day Gabriella? Did you use her and just walk away?"

Gabriella's lips trembled and Diana realized that that was exactly what must have happened.

"You are the only person that can really hurt her; I can see that." Diana tried to appeal to the woman she thought her sister to be. "You have reached inside her. Blayne is the best of us. She is better than all of us put together. She is something fine and noble; they don't make them like her any more. You have obviously taken something precious from her by making her your lover. Will you leave your husband for her Gabriella? or will you just keep her around as your whore?" Diana saw the shock register in Gabriella's eyes. "Don't kill her spirit; she will never recover from that."

Gabriella took a step back and away from Diana. She covered her mouth at the horror that the words had made clear to her. Diana had voiced the truth and all she could do was walk away. She couldn't even be angry because ultimately she had to recognize that Diana was right. She had used Blayne without any thought. All she had thought about was her need not Blayne's. Suddenly the room made her feel closed in and she fled very much the same way Blayne had only minutes earlier.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Gabriella instinctively knew where Blayne would be. She opened the door to the library and saw the woman she was looking for deep in thought standing by the window looking over the lawn. Gabriella walked up behind her and put her hands through Blayne's arms and around her stomach and pulled her to her taking in a deep breath. Blayne's body recognized her immediately and simply allowed herself to just lean back and feel the woman she loved envelop her in the intimate embrace.

"How I needed to feel your arms around me my love." Blayne said breathlessly as she wrapped her arms around Gabriella's. "Gabriella, I love you. God how I love you."

Gabriella kissed the side of Blayne's face. "As I love you."

"What are we going to do? I can't let you go." The desperation began to come through in Blayne's voice.

"We have to be careful. No one can suspect."

Blayne turned around suddenly and searched Gabriella's face. "How long do you think we can get away with this?" She asked in disbelief.

"No one can know Blayne. I can't risk loosing my children. You know this." Gabriella insisted as well.

"I don't want that. But you have to see that this… this is not enough. When will we see each other again in a week? A month? Two months?"

"I don't know." Gabriella turned her back to her.

"Don't you want to see me?" Blayne could hear how pitiful she must sound.

Gabriella turned around to face her again. "You know I do. Surely you know how I feel? I love you. I love you, I do."

"Not enough to stay with me." Blayne said angrily.

"I want to be but I can't."

"Can you honestly tell me that this arrangement is enough for you?" Blayne waited.

"For now it must be."

"For now?"

"Yes, for now."

"And when will it change?"

"I don't know." Gabriella answered in exasperation.

"What am I to you Gabriella?"

"What do you mean?"

"What am I?"

"You are the one I love."

"The one you fuck." Blayne stated coldly.

"Yes, fine the one I fuck!" The minute she said the words she regret it.

Blayne left the room before Gabriella could speak. "No, you are my love." Gabriella whispered to herself as she began to cry in earnest.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Arthur saw as Blayne ran out of the library like the very devil was chasing her. He turned towards the library and went inside. Instinctively he knew that Gabriella would be there.

He walked in and saw Gabriella crying. Arthur walked up to her and touched her shoulder gently. She turned to him with tears running down her beautiful face. The understanding and sadness she saw in his eyes was more than she could take, and the walls that kept her controlled emotions confined fell apart.

Gabriella went into his open arms and wept as he held her tightly. Arthur stroked her hair trying to console her. This was the first time he held his daughter.

"Why can't she see that I need her as much as she needs me." Gabriella sobbed in her fathers shoulder."

Arthur stiffened for a moment and understood what must have occurred.

"Blayne sees things perhaps too clearly sometimes. She never sees the obstacles just what is needed and sets a path." He said sadly.

Gabriella pulled away from him slowly wrapping her arms around herself.

Arthur watched her as she took a few paces away and seemed to stare in front of her.

"She doesn't understand that what we want just can't be." Gabriella voiced the sadness she felt overwhelming her soul.

He just listened not voicing his thoughts on the matter. This was the first time that his daughter had reached out to him.

"I hurt her. I said such an ugly thing to her." Gabriella covered her mouth to control the sobbing. "God I hurt her." She covered her face.

Arthur walked up to her and put his arms around her and she turned and buried her face in his chest.

"How could I hurt her like that?" Gabriella cried.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Elle had walked out looking for a quite place. She didn't like being in that house with all those people. They didn't like her and she didn't like them. Her Aunt Diana seemed nice enough but she wasn't too crazy about Chaz. The man that was her grandfather seemed okay but she just didn't really know him. And Blayne Anberville she was sure she didn't like at all. After she had almost run her over she had scared her half to death.

Elle had wondered into the garages behind the house. She saw cars that she didn't recognize but what caught her attention was the restored Harley Davidson to one corner of the garage. There were a few other motorcycles but the Harley left her speechless. Elle walked around it admiring the big machine. It was the most impressive bike she had ever seen. Her fingers went out to touch it.

"Don't touch that!" Blayne shouted

Elle jumped in fear and withdrew her hand immediately. She turned towards Blayne and upon seeing the eyes filled with anger directed towards her she took a step back.

"I'm sorry…" Elle was about to walk away when Blayne put her hand on Elle's shoulder.

Elle turned towards Blayne with her face down in submission.

"Look at me," Blayne instructed in a softer tone then previously.

The child raised her head, defiantly with a frown on her face.

Blayne smiled, "that's better, never allow anyone to bully you."

Blayne turned and began walking away leaving the child with a confused and curious look on her face.

"I don't like you!" Elle yelled.

Blayne stopped and turned around. "That's your right." Blayne began walking away again. As she was walked away she spoke to her. "I'm going to take out the Harley in about an hour. If your mom lets you I'll give you a ride and you can see how she handles."

Blayne did not wait for a reply and continued walking away as a smile appeared on her face.

Elle watched her not understanding whether she wanted to like her or not. She thought for a moment whether she should go for a ride on the Harley with Blayne Anberville or not. The child looked towards the bike in admiration; hesitating only for a moment than took off running to ask her mother 's permission.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Mom!" Elle was yelling as she entered the house.

Gabriella went out of the library seeking her daughter.

"Elle? Are you all right?" Gabriella held onto her daughter's shoulder.

Elle was trying to catch her breath. "Mom…."

"Honey, just take a deep breath…are you okay?"

"Mom, can I go on a ride on her bike? Please mom…please." Elle begged her mother.

"Elle what are you talking about?"

Arthur walked out of the library and smiled at his excited granddaughter.

"Please mom…please?" Elle insisted.

"Elle, what are you talking about?"

"I think she is talking about Blayne's bike, right?" Arthur joined them asking his granddaughter.

"Yes, it's incredible. She says if you say its okay she will give me a ride. Please mom, please?" Elle began all over again looking at her mother and pulling at her arm.

"What do you mean a bike?" Gabriella asked suspiciously. "As in a motor cycle?"

Elle shook her head up and down with a big smile on her face.

"Please mom, oh please."

"Elle, I don't think so. It's not safe." Gabriella hated denying her daughter the pleasure she saw in her face. Elle rarely expressed such interest in anything these days.

Immediately the child looked forlorn. At that moment Blayne was coming down the staircase. Gabriella looked up as Blayne was walking down leisurely. She was wearing tight black leather pants and jacket. Blayne seemed like something wild and untamable and for a moment she forgot to tell herself that she must hide what she felt like doing to the woman coming down the staircase. Blayne's eyes never left hers.

Elle looked towards the staircase sadly.

Blayne walked up to the small group. "My father will tell you that I have never had an accident on the bikes."

Elle looked from Blayne to her mother. "Please mom."

"No."

Elle took off running.

"Elle! Elle wait." Gabriella went after her daughter.

"I didn't mean to…" Blayne said as she stared after Gabriella.

"Gabriella is very protective of her daughter. The child is very withdrawn." Arthur added.

"She's just afraid." Blayne said distracted as she stared after mother and child.

"What is she afraid of?" Arthur looked at Blayne with curiosity.

"Everything, she's thirteen." Blayne still stared at the door that both Elle and Gabriella had run out of.

"Blayne…?"

Blayne faced her father. "Yes?"

"Are you all right?" Arthur touched his daughter's arm.

Blayne looked down then met his eyes again. "What is all right?"

"Blayne…"

"No…" Blayne said as she walked out of the house.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Elle?" Gabriella walked up to her daughter slowly.

"I don't fit anywhere…" Elle sobbed. "I want to go home."

"Elle… come here baby." Gabriella reached out to her daughter.

The girl turned away then suddenly ran into her mother's embrace and cried even harder.

"Elle." Gabriella caressed her daughter's hair softly and kissed her head. At that moment the roar of the motorcycle got Gabriella's attention. Blayne was pulling out of the garage and stopped looking towards her.

Gabriella smiled and raised her daughter's face. "Go…listen to what Blayne tells you."

Elle's features where instantly filled with joy. She kissed her mother and ran towards Blayne.

Blayne got off the bike and helped Elle with her helmet. She then got back on helping the child climb in behind her. Before pulling out Blayne looked towards Gabriella for a moment then the bike and its two riders pulled out of the driveway.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"It's a nice bike." Elle said sitting next to Blayne on the grass. They had stopped after they had ridden for a good hour.

"Thanks. You like it, huh?"

"Yeah, it's awesome." Elle said excitedly.

Blayne couldn't help but smile at the excitement emanating from the girl in front of her.

"What grade are you in?" Blayne said looking towards the horizon.

Elle took a deep breath and looked from Blayne to in front of her as well. "I'll be starting high school in the fall."

Blayne looked at the girl then back at the horizon again. "Scared?"

Elle was about to give her usual smart mouth answer when she looked at Blayne. Suddenly she realized that Blayne was really asking her. She wasn't laughing at her or staring like most people did when she told them.

"Yeah." Elle said softly looking down at the ground at her feet.

"You can tell your mom you don't want to go and she will understand." Blayne said softly as she turned to look at Elle now.

"My dad will get mad. He made all the arrangements." Elle got up and took a few steps away and turned her back to Blayne. "They fight a lot. I don't want them to fight because of me."

"I'm sorry."

Elle nodded. "My mom likes you."

It was Blayne's turn to stare at the ground as Elle turned around to face her.

"I saw the bust of you." Elle waited to see Blayne's eyes rise to meet hers.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah… that's how I know she likes you." Elle said seriously.

Blayne's head turned to the side. "I went to high school when I was thirteen too."

"Did you hate it?" Elle asked

"Yeah." Blayne kicked the ground with her boot then she got up a well. "Why do you hate it?"

"I won't know anyone. All the kids will make fun of me."

Blayne turned sad eyes towards the girl. She knew the pain of being different only too well.

"Talk to your mom." Blayne said again softly. "She will understand."

"Maybe."

"Come on let's go before your mother thinks I've kidnapped you."

Elle looked towards Blayne and they both laughed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"You let her what?" Joseph could not believe what he was hearing.

"Blayne will take good care of her."

"What is happening with you? We have always thought that motorcycles are dangerous. I can't believe you allowed it." Joseph walked away from her furious.

Gabriella sat down on the bench. Why had she allowed it? Because Elle had seemed happy and happy was not something Elle had been for a long time. She desperately wanted to reach her daughter. It had been such a long time since she had understood what her little girl needed. She was loosing Elle and she knew it. Joseph was just too blind to admit it. Elle had an incredible mind but where as once it was filled with curiosity and wonder these days all Elle seemed was sad and depressed.

"Mom, grandpa and I are going to go fishing want to come?"

Gabriella suddenly noticed Christopher next to her and smiled. "I'm sorry sweetheart I didn't hear you."

"Want to come fishing with grandpa and me?"

Gabriella smiled and looked up at Arthur who suddenly seemed pale.

"Are you feeling all right?" Gabriella asked as she got up.

"Yes, I'll be fine. I am going fishing with my grandson."

Gabriella saw the sadness hidden behind the smile. He wanted to spend as much time with his grandchildren as possible. Time was the only thing he didn't have.

Gabriella nodded sadly. "Don't stay out too long."

Arthur smiled and nodded. "Come on Christopher. Have I told you about the trout I caught at your age?"

"How big was it?"

Gabriella smiled sadly as she saw them walking away.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I don't know how you two think you are going to pull this off." Chaz said mockingly as he walked up to her in the garden.

Gabriella's eyes went up to the sky and back down again in exasperation before she turned towards Chaz.

"What ever are you talking about Chaz?"

"You and my sister." he said as he bit into an apple. Chaz seemed relaxed and handsome as usual. How he could say such insensitively cruel things and yet manage to look like it was just light conversation Gabriella would never understand. What seemed to disarm her about Chaz constantly was how much like Blayne he looked; there of course is where the resemblance's stopped.

"I still don't know what you are talking about."

"Okay, keep playing your little games. I just hope I'm around when it blows up in your faces." Chaz laughed loudly.

"Chaz are you behaving yourself?" Diana asked suddenly standing next to both of them.

"Me?" He asked incredulously. "You mean our big and little sister don't you?"

"Chaz you are being a boar again."

"Fine look the other way if you want to." Chaz walked away from them.

"Are you all right?" Diana asked Gabriella.

"Chaz is someone I won't miss when I leave here."

"That's not what I meant." Diana sat down on the bench. "I love you both you know."

Gabriella smiled and sat down next to her sister. "I know." She had known exactly what Diana had meant.

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know." Gabriella was about to say something when she heard the roar of the motorcycle pulling into the driveway. "Blayne and Elle are back." Gabriella said as she got up.

"Gabriella?" Diana reached out for her sister's hand.

"Yes?"

At that moment Joseph was walking towards them. Diana released her sister's hand. "I think Joseph is angry."

Gabriella turned towards her husband as Elle and Blayne were walking towards her and Diana.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Elle go inside." Her father instructed.

Elle looked up at Blayne who nodded. She then looked towards her mother who caressed her face and smiled at her. "Go on sweetheart. You can tell me all about your ride later."

Elle walked towards the house.

"I don't want my daughter riding a motorcycle." Joseph said harshly at Blayne whose face became cold as steel.

"Joseph, I gave her permission." Gabriella intervened.

"You made a mistake. I don't want Elle on a motorcycle."

Diana wanted to disappear. She was becoming more nervous by the second as she saw the expression on Blayne's face.

"You don't make all the decisions where the children are concerned. Elle was actually happy. Didn't you notice? When was the last time she seemed happy to you Joseph?"

"A lot of difference that would make if she were dead!"

The noise of the slap to his face left everyone in shock.

"Don't you ever say that! Never say that!" Gabriella was yelling.

Joseph stared at her as if she had lost her mind. "What's the matter with you these days?"

"Don't you say that my baby will die. Don't you dare say that ever!" Gabriella began crying in earnest.

Joseph stared in disbelief. "I didn't mean it like that. I…"

"I love her. I would never intentionally put her in harms way." Gabriella turned her back to him and continued to weep.

"I know that…. I didn't mean to…" Joseph seemed genuinely sorry.

Blayne stared at them and realized that there was something more going on then just her taking Elle for a ride.

Joseph tried putting his arms around his wife. Gabriella pulled away from him. "Don't!"

"Gabriella, I said I was sorry." He tried getting closer to her again.

Blayne stared not understanding what was happening.

"Don't touch me!"

Joseph's hands suddenly lowered. He took a deep breath and spoke softly to her. "I never blamed you. I swear I never blamed you."

Gabriella looked away.

"I loved her too. It wasn't anyone's fault." Joseph said sadly then walked away.

Blayne looked at Diana and saw the same question in her eyes.

Gabriella looked at Blayne with tear filled eyes. Blayne stared back for a moment then walked away as well. She wasn't about to give Gabriella a chance to hurt her again if she could help it.

Gabriella closed her eyes as tears escaped them.

"She's hurt." Diana said softly trying to console her sister who seemed even more upset as she watched Blayne walking away from her.

"Yes, I know. I hurt her." Gabriella turned suddenly and walked towards the house as well.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dinner was a solemn affair. Elle kept looking up from her father to her mother who barely spoke. Christopher was the only one talking excitedly about his adventures while fishing with his grandfather.

"I wish you could all stay longer," Arthur said to Gabriella.

"The children have school."

Joseph was about to speak then Gabriella added. "I also have meetings scheduled with the gallery for my upcoming exhibition."

Blayne looked up but said nothing.

"You'll let me know when and where?" Diana asked her sister. She wanted Gabriella to know that although she didn't approve of her relationship with Blayne they were still sisters.

Gabriella smiled at Diana and nodded.

"Are you and Blayne taking out the sail boat tomorrow?" Abigail asked her husband. "Perhaps the others would like to go as well."

Elle looked up immediately. "Mom?"

Gabriella smiled indulgently at her daughter and nodded.

"Why don't you go with her. I'll stay with Christopher," Joseph turned to Arthur to explain. "Christopher gets sea sick."

"I get sea sick too…. I'll wait here on land." Diana laughed.

Arthur laughed too remembering the last time he had taken Diana out on the boat and the disastrous outcome.

"What time are we going?" Elle asked excitedly.

"We sail at nine am. Have you sailed before?" Arthur was pleased to have finally been able to engage his granddaughter in conversation.

"No, not really. Will we go out far?"

"Blayne and I usually go out to a nearby island. We'll be gone most of the day." Arthur was pleased. He turned towards his daughter and surprised both Gabriella and Blayne. "Come with us Gabriella."

"Yes darling why don't you." Joseph encouraged her.

"Perhaps she doesn't like sailing." Blayne said curtly as she looked up challenging Gabriella to argue with her. She knew she was annoying Joseph but she didn't care; she wanted as much distance as possible between Gabriella and herself.

"Yes why don't' you." Chaz said enjoying the discomfort.

"Please mom….come with us." Elle asked softly.

Gabriella looked at Blayne and then smiled at Elle and nodded.

After the coffee was served Blayne excused herself saying that she had calls to make.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Gabriella had tucked the children into bed and was changing when Joseph came up behind her and tried taking her in his arms. She immediately walked away from him.

"Please don't," she said as she pulled her robe closed.

"We have to talk about this." Joseph said softly.

"There is nothing to talk about," she answered as she began to fidget.

He knew only too well the signs of her reaction. The doctor had said it would take time. But, it had been a year already and nothing seemed to change if anything things had gotten worse in the last few months.

"I think we should go to therapy together," Joseph said suddenly.

"Why bother…"

He stared at her for a moment before speaking. "Because a marriage includes sex with your husband."

She turned to him and searched his face. "Do you love me Joseph?"

"How can you ask?"

"Do you love me?"

He looked at her and took a few steps away then faced her again. "Yes, I love you."

"I don't think you do," she said sadly to him.

"We've had a few bad times but all couples do sometimes but, yes Gabriella I love you very much. I'm sorry if you've ever doubted that," he said taking a step closer to her.

Gabriella turned her back to him. "I'm sorry Joseph," she said as she walked towards the door.

"Did you ever love me?

Continued in Part Four