Language: mild.

Sex: Yes, there is plenty of erotic sex in this update! Special Thanks: To all of the fans who continue to support the story. To all the Webmasters, who tirelessly work to support my writing passion. To Stoley and Monica who maintain both sites and to Julia for editing the story and to all three for their support!

NEW ADDRESS: Please take note that I have a new email address, as I will no longer use AOL's service. The new address is Cruise@clububer2000.com

Rayne sat out on the balcony in the darkness of the night and sipped the whiskey from her glass, staring blankly at the moonlit ocean. She slowly lifted the phone to her ear when she heard it ring and clicked the button. “Hey honey! I made it here fine.” Lark’s voice cheerfully greeted before Rayne could say anything.

“Forrest is dead.” Rayne grimly stated.

“What? How? Oh, my god Rayne I’m so sorry.” Lark stammered flustered by what Rayne had just told her.

“He was killed during an assassination attempt while I was gone.” She informed her and sipped her beverage, hoping it would dull the pain she felt.

“Oh, baby I am so sorry.” Lark tearfully answered. She felt a deep regret for Forrest. The way Rayne sounded on the phone worried her. “Are you okay?” She asked and before it came out, she wished she hadn’t of asked that question.

“Oh, I’m great Lark thanks for asking.” Rayne sarcastically and angrily answered.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that. It was a stupid question.” Lark replied apologetically and felt like an idiot. “Is there anything I can do?”

“It would be great if you were here, but I know that’s not happening.” Rayne answered resentfully, then stood up from the chair. She opened the sliding glass door and walked through the house towards the dining room.

“Rayne, I wish I could be there, but I can’t. I’m sorry you have to go through so much turmoil alone. I told you I couldn’t get out of this trip.”

Rayne poured another drink and sipped it as she heard Lark try and make reason of why she was gone. ‘Why couldn’t she have delayed the trip? I hear about celebrities doing it all the time?’ She wondered angrily and drank more of the whiskey. “Yep, I remember what you said.” Rayne condescendingly answered and padded through the house back to the balcony and sat down.

“We shouldn’t be taking this out on each other baby. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you.” Lark told her and hated the distance between them.

Rayne listened and tilted her head back, drinking the rest of her whiskey then looked back out over the ocean. “Yeah, you’re right we shouldn’t be doing this. I’m just really upset and it doesn’t help that you aren’t here. I shouldn’t be blaming you, but I need you.” Rayne apologized.

Lark listened to Rayne’s admission and silently cried harder, feeling guilty that Rayne was so upset and she wasn’t there for her. “I’m sorry you are so upset, that all of this has happened to you and that I’m gone. I wish I could change everything and make it better for you. Maybe I can try to get Elaine to arrange for me to come home earlier than originally scheduled or what if you joined me here?” Lark suggested and hoped she would accept the offer.

“I can’t. After Forrest’s funeral I have to go on assignment again and I won’t be back until our anniversary.” Rayne explained and closed her eyes, trying to not think of all the unpleasant thoughts.

“Okay, well aah…” Lark hesitated and fought her desire to angrily ask why Rayne couldn’t delay going back to work that soon if she was so upset over the deaths. She finally decided she didn’t want to fight with her over the phone. ‘This is just typical of her. She wants me to change my work duties to accommodate her, but she won’t change hers to meet me here.’ Lark furiously thought and inhaled deeply to calm her frustration.

“So, how was your flight?” Rayne flatly asked, changing the subject.

“Well, aah uneventful really.” Lark stammered, surprised by her question by changing the subject.

“I’m glad that you arrived safely. I’m going to bed. Give me a call when you get a break in your schedule okay?” She softly asked and headed into the house, closing the door behind her.

“Okay. Aah Rayne, call me if you need to talk no matter what time.” Lark offered.

“Thanks I will and I’ll talk to you soon.” Rayne answered and climbed into bed.

“Please give my condolences to Sandy. When will the funeral be?”

“Friday.” She mumbled softly.

“Okay, well remember. Call me at anytime and I love you very much.” Lark offered, her voice crackling with emotion and wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I will and me too. Bye.” Rayne answered, disappointed with Lark’s adamancy to stay there.

“Bye.” She signed off, but knew Rayne didn’t hear her as the dial tone sounded. “Oh, she’s so stubborn and frustrating!” Lark fumed and lay back on the bed. ‘I can’t let her stubbornness and selfishness consume me. I have work to do and I can’t be constantly feeling guilty for being here.’ She headed for the shower hoping the hot water would release some of her tension.

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

Rayne attended Forrest’s funeral and was quickly back at work. She was busy preparing details and with training agents that were new to her team in her ways of working, as she was the agent in charge. Initially, the work distraction did nothing to quell the fact that she was still upset with Lark and their short conversations on the phone reflected the conflict between them. Over the last week she poured everything she had into her work, hoping to forget about all the negative things that had recently happened. To her relief, it was working. She wasn’t as angry about everything that happened and her conversations with Lark were becoming warmer and longer with each call. After thinking about how wrong she had been with Lark and how much she loved her, she realized that Lark wasn’t the person she should direct her anger at and finally understood her reasons. It also helped talking her problems out with a fellow female agent. She had come to know and trust Danielle since she joined her team awhile back. Rayne felt comfortable around the woman to discuss what happened and it was a relief to talk with someone not so involved in her life about her frustrations in regards to Lark, and her inability to be there for her at such a tough time.

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

“Hey, Danielle. I need to go over the plans for when I’m away. I want to make sure that there are no mistakes made while I’m gone and I want to ensure that my instructions are crystal clear.” Rayne said and sat at the table, opening the file.

“Where are you going?” Danielle asked as she approached the table, pulled the chair out and sat down.

“I’m going back home for a few days.” Rayne answered, briefly looking up from the file at her then looked back down.

“Wow, how did you manage that?” She asked, jealous that she was able to get the time off.

“It’s mine and Lark’s fifth year anniversary. I asked for the time off a long time ago and I plan to surprise her.” She looked up and grinned excitedly.

“I thought you were still upset with her from the way she acted after your grandmother and Forrest passed away. Did I miss something?” Danielle asked confused.

“Yeah, well when I spoke to you about it I was hurt and upset that she wasn’t there for me, but it doesn’t change the fact that I love her completely. I’ve decided to forgive her and not allow it to be an issue between us anymore. I love her with all of my heart and that’s all that matters to me. I’m going to ask her to marry me.” Rayne grinned mischievously as she thought about her plans for their anniversary.

“Wow, she’s a lucky lady to have someone like you. I don’t know if I could have been so forgiving after being hurt like that.” Danielle admitted looking at Rayne then flicked her eyes downward towards that paper when Rayne glanced over at her.

“I love her and there’s no reason not to forgive her.” Rayne simply said and shrugged her shoulders.

“That’s great and you know, I guess I sound pretty shallow if I couldn’t forgive my lover for what you are doing with Lark. I guess if they cheated on me then that would be a different story. I’m not sure if anyone can be forgiven for that.” Danielle explained and coyly looked at Rayne for her answer.

“Yeah, that would be very hard and I’m not sure if I could forgive someone for that, but I know it will never happen with Lark.” Rayne assuredly answered.

Danielle’s eyes darted up at Rayne when she heard the comment about cheating. “So, what are your secret plans for your anniversary?” Danielle inquired intrigued by her plans.

“Well, my younger brother let it slip that she’s throwing a surprise anniversary party for us. Lark told me we were having dinner at the Boca Resort, but bonehead Jayce let the cat out of the bag that she reserved a ballroom for this huge elaborate surprise party. He didn’t even realize he told me because he was so drunk at the time and that’s why I kept the secret of me knowing to myself. Well, you’re the only other person who knows and I’m sure you’re not going to tell Lark.” Rayne explained with a snicker, as she was privy to what was going on and had her own sneaky plans.

“You’re secret’s safe with me.” Danielle reassured her with an exuberant smile and mockingly crossed her heart.

“So, I’m going to call her and tell her that I won’t be there, but in reality I’m going to surprise her.” Rayne explained with a sly grin.

“She won’t leave after you tell her you won’t be able to make it will she?”

“Nah, she’ll stay at the party long enough for me to get there.” Rayne answered assuredly.

“Well, she’s going to be excited, especially when you pop the question.”

“Oh, definitely. Lately, she has been talking more about us getting married and I’ve been really evasive because I want to surprise her with the proposal.” Rayne informed her with a mischievous grin.

“She’s one lucky lady.” Danielle answered smiling.

“No, I’m the lucky one.” Rayne grinned happily, thinking about how much she loved Lark. “Hey, can you give me a ride to the airport?”

“Sure, no problem.” Danielle eagerly answered.

“Great, okay, so back to the plans.” Rayne chuckled and pulled a paper out of the folder.

“Oh, yeah. Work.” Danielle laughed, as did Rayne, looking over the plans Rayne drew up.

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

“So, how have things been between you and Rayne?” Elaine asked hesitantly, hoping that they had made amends.

“It’s better, but I still have this feeling that she’s having a hard time forgiving me for not being there for her after grandma Taye and Forrest passed away. On top of that, I tried to talk to her about getting married repeatedly and she has changed the subject every time!” Lark answered, upset with Rayne’s behavior in her latter statement.

“Hmmm, that’s strange. I wonder why she’s being so evasive?” Elaine asked, confused.

“I’m not sure and every time I talk to her about us having children and getting married she’s kind of casual about it. Maybe it’s not something she wants to do anymore.” Lark whined troubled and hurt by Rayne’s evasiveness.

“Have you flat out asked her if those are out of the question now? Maybe you’re reading into her actions or intentions mistakenly.” Elaine suggested, knowing Lark’s history of jumping to the wrong conclusion when it came to Rayne.

Lark gave her a menacing sideways glance. “Ask her if marriage and children are out of the question? I believe she gave me that answer with her vagueness every time I have brought it up.”

“Okay, sorry I asked.” Elaine apologized and conceded, throwing her hands up from the angry tone in Lark’s voice.

“I’m sorry I’m being such a bitch, but the way she’s acting is really bothering me and it has gotten worse since the last time we discussed this very topic. I just get frustrated by it and talk about something other than the two of us when we speak by phone.” Lark answered, sadly.

“As it would for anyone Lark. I understand completely, but I still think you need to be persistent with her and explain how you feel. Don’t let her change the subject.”

“I’ve tried and I’m tired of doing so.” Lark answered, exhausted by her efforts with Rayne. “I’m tired of the constant evasiveness from her and it translates to rejection. It’s that she doesn’t want those things with me anymore I know it. Maybe it’s that she just can’t forgive me for not being there for her.” Lark surmised and stood up, forcefully shoving the chair in towards the table to release her tension.

“I don’t think so. Rayne loves you very much and you are both made for one another. You’re just having a rough go of it and you need to talk everything out. How many times do I need to tell you that? Who knows, maybe she has something special up her sleeve for your anniversary.” Elaine added with a hopeful grin.

“I doubt it. The only thing I want is her love and affection, not her rejection. It’s what I need.” Lark softly admitted as tears welled in her eyes.

“I know that’s what you want honey, it’s what everyone in a relationship wants, but maybe the way Rayne is acting is her way of dealing with grief and she’s taking it out on you or you think she’s taking it out on you. Everyone reacts in a different way when they grieve which might be the reason she’s so evasive with you. Maybe you are feeling guilty for not being there and you’re reading into something that is just not there.” Elaine gently suggested.

“Great, so now you think I’m an ass for not being there too? I couldn’t be there.” Lark angrily and defensively shouted.

“Lark, calm down. I know better than you that there was no way of getting you out of that promotional tour and I don’t think you’re an ass. I think that you jump to the wrong conclusions and read into things that might not be there. Need I remind you that you acted similarly at your first anniversary and I was right then?”

Lark sighed and looked down at the ring on her finger that Rayne gave her then. She smiled remembering that night fondly and realized that she did have a way of over reacting. “Maybe you’re right.” Lark admitted looking at Elaine.

“I know I am. This is my suggestion and I highly recommend that you accept it.” Elaine chuckled as did Lark and moved closer to her, wiping away her tears. “After the big bash, sit down with her and tell her what you want in regards to marriage and a family. Find out if she does have some residual resentment for you for not being there and if so, work it out. You love each other very much and I’ve never seen two people more right for one another.” Elaine kindly suggested and hugged her friend.

Lark welcomed the comforting hug and reciprocated it. “Thanks.” Lark warmly smiled, grateful she had a close friend like Elaine.

Elaine broke the hug and grinned. “Don’t forget I have to go out to LA again for a few days. They have me going from coast to coast now that you have made me a famous agent with your smashing success and they’ve given me more people to represent.” Elaine dramatized her last sentence and chuckled as did Lark.

“You will be back for the party right?” Lark asked as she walked towards the door with Elaine.

“I’m going to damn sure try. I’ll give you a call if I can’t make it. Call me anytime if you need to talk okay?” She offered and smiled, adding a wink.

“I will, thanks and have a safe trip.”

“Thanks and remember everything will be fine between you two. I’m sure of it.” She reassuringly smiled and kissed Lark on the cheek. “Bye.” She waved after exiting the room.

“Bye.” Lark smiled and waved closing the door when Elaine was out of sight. ‘I hope you’re right Elaine. I don’t know how I will react if she tells me she no longer wants children and marriage, or me for that matter. She better not have any problems getting here for our anniversary either.’ She thought and stood upright when she heard someone knock on the door telling her they were ready for her interview.

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

The two weeks passed quickly and Rayne was eager to get to the airport for her ride home to surprise Lark. She was very excited about it and grew more anxious by the minute. She felt the butterflies in her stomach do swan dives at the thought of seeing her lover. She quickly jumped out of the car when it stopped and headed for the trunk to get her luggage. “Danielle, I can get those.” Rayne told her after unloading the luggage and seeing Danielle pick a bag up.

“I don’t mind.” Danielle offered with a smile and lifted one of her bags.

“Okay, suit yourself. Thanks.” Rayne conceded with a grin, happy for the help and headed towards the private jet parked on the tarmac waiting for her. She handed her luggage to the baggage handler and turned to Danielle. “Now, make sure the plans are followed as I drew out and there won’t be any problems. Call me if you have any questions.” Rayne ordered, not wanting any problems with their assignment while she was gone.

“We will. Now go and have a good time.” Danielle smiled and shooed her away with her hand, chuckling.

Rayne laughed and waved, “Bye,” grinning wickedly and quickly scaled the steps to the plane.

Danielle waved as she watched Rayne board the plane. She crossed her hands over her chest as the plane revved up the engines. She glanced towards the pilot who looked at her and gave him a slight smile. She turned her attention back to where Rayne was sitting and waved one last time with a smile. She waited until the plane was finally out of sight and headed towards the car, picking up her cell phone to make a call.

***********

“Hey, Lark! How are you doing?” Elaine cheerfully asked when she heard Lark answer the phone.

“I’m stressed out! Where are you?” Lark fretfully answered while scanning the expensive ballroom and trying to make sure her plans for the party were followed as she instructed.

“I’m stuck in LA. I’m so sorry.” Elaine apologetically informed her and cringed, hoping Lark wasn’t going to flip out and be more stressed.

“Oh, no! I was hoping you would be here.” Lark whined disappointed.

“I know sweetie, but I can’t get there. Listen, calm down and take a deep breath. Everything will be perfect for the party. I can tell by the flustered tone in your voice, that you are ready to flip out. Let the party planners worry about making everything perfect, that’s what you paid them all that money for.”

“I guess I should but you know me. I will stop worrying once Rayne gets here and the party gets started.” Lark sighed, feeling more relaxed hearing from Elaine.

“Go have a drink or two to calm down. Then have a wonderful time and an even better time with Rayne after the party.” Elaine suggestively chuckled and laughed harder when she heard Lark giggle.

“I can’t wait for after the party.” Lark admitted and blushed from what she had planned for Rayne.

“I’m sure you are ready for it to happen now.” Elaine laughed. “Okay, go get a cocktail and shower everyone with that lovely charm of yours. Remember no compromising pictures or statements in case any of the paparazzi crashes the party.” Elaine reminded and chuckled.

“Yes boss and I’m going to take your suggestion of a drink or two to calm down.” Lark laughed and headed towards the bar. She turned when she saw someone out of the corner of her eye and smiled, then waved when she saw Jayce enter the room with his parents. “Well, Rayne’s brother and parents are here. I’ll give you a call later and let you know what happens.” Lark told her and whispered to the bartender for her to make a Cosmopolitan.

“I sure will and have fun. Bye.” Elaine laughed and clicked the phone off.

Lark clicked her phone off and sipped her drink, then headed over to greet her guests.

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

“Hey, Lark. Everything looks wonderful. I’m sure Rayne is going to be very surprised.” Maria, Rayne’s mother, was looking with a smile at the elaborate ballroom’s decorations.

“Thanks, I hope she is surprised.” Lark grinned proudly and moved her cheek towards Jayce who leaned to her, for a kiss. “Hey, handsome.” Lark greeted with a giggle and put her arm around his back, patting him.

“You look stunning Lark.” He complimented admiring her gorgeous outfit. “Wow, you look so hot in that red cocktail dress Lark. Too bad you’re with that rotten sister of mine or I’d snap you up.” He added with a laugh.

“Thanks.” Lark bashfully grinned and leaned her head against his arm, squeezing him for a hug.

“Hey Lark.” John, Rayne’s father, greeted with a kiss.

“I’m so glad the both of you could make it.” She replied and wrapped her arm around his waist, pulling him closer for a hug after relinquishing her hold of Jayce.

“I hear this is the event to be at if you are a somebody.” He grinned and laughed when he saw Lark blush from the comment.

“Oh, come on where did you hear that?” Lark nervously laughed looking up to him.

“I just made it up!” He teasingly told her with a sly grin as the group laughed.

“Go get a drink, they are on me!” Lark suggested chuckling and pointed towards the bar.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Jayce commented with a laugh as he and his parents headed towards the bar.

Lark watched as they walked away and giggled, happy they were there. She saw another group of guests arriving and headed over to welcome them.

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

Rayne was growing weary of the long flight and was ready for it to land so she could see Lark. She turned the light on above her and pulled out the ring she planned to give her, staring at it, and smiled when it sparkled in the light. She thought of how excited Lark was going to be when she proposed to her and went over how she was going to ask Lark in her head. She chuckled when she felt a rush of nervousness consume her just as it did on their first date. She smiled, fondly remembering that time and every other wonderful day they spent together since that point. ‘I know it’s been rocky lately because I was being so stubborn, but I am going to make up for that as soon as I see her. I can’t wait to hold her in my arms and tell her how much I love her.’ Rayne thought and sighed, wishing she were already there. She looked down at her watch, noting that they should be there very soon and fumed that the pilot was cutting it close to the time she needed to arrive. ‘Okay, it’s time to put my plan into action with Lark. Everyone should be there by now considering I should be arriving for our supposed dinner date with Lark in the next hour.’ She lifted the phone to her ear and after dialing Lark’s number, anxiously waited for her to answer.

Lark heard the phone ring and fumbled to look at the number. Realizing that it was Rayne’s number she rushed outside of the room so she wouldn’t hear the loud music playing. “Hey honey.” She cheerfully greeted into the phone after putting it to her ear.

“Hi baby. Aah, I have some bad news.” Rayne told her and tried to play it off without giving it away that she was on her way there.

“What?” Lark sighed worriedly.

“I’m not going to be able to make it tonight. I won’t be there until tomorrow. I’m really sorry honey.” Rayne explained, trying to sound apologetic.

“I don’t believe this Rayne! It’s our anniversary and you promised you would be here this evening.” Lark angrily shouted into the phone and nervously looked around, hoping no one was hearing her conversation. She saw a phone booth and stepped inside, closing the door for some privacy and sat down.

“I know sweets and I’m sorry. I’ll be there in the morning though.”

Lark rested her head in her hand that leaned against the ledge dejected and angry that Rayne would not be there. “That’s not good enough Rayne. You made a promise to me that you would be here this evening and now you won’t be able to make it.” Lark angrily shouted into the phone, feeling her heart racing from her anger.

“I know and I will be there, but it’s going to be in the morning. I’m sorry Lark.” Rayne apologized and grinned knowingly that she would be there before Lark thought she would.

“Okay, whatever Rayne. I’ll see you in the morning then.” Lark coldly told her and clicked the phone off.

“Lark? Are you there?” Rayne asked growing nervous from Lark’s tone of voice, then heard the dial tone. ‘Damn, she is really mad. Maybe I should tell her that I was going to surprise her and that I’m on my way there.’ Rayne worriedly thought not expecting that reaction from Lark and punched her cell number into her phone.

‘If her job is more important than our anniversary, she can stay there. I’ve had it. Let’s see how she likes the rejection of not speaking to me on the phone.’ Lark angrily fretted and turned the phone off.

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

Rayne dialed her number again and waited for Lark to pick up, but was connected to the voicemail. ‘What the hell?’ Rayne thought and dialed the number again getting the same result. She repeatedly dialed her number and got the same result each time. She left messages and grew more worried by the minute. She tried her phone one last time and was disconnected. ‘What is wrong with this damn phone?’ She inwardly questioned and looked at the phone. ‘Shit, the battery is dead. Why in the hell didn’t I charge it before I left?’ She irritably scolded and felt her heart racing fearfully from not being able to reach Lark. ‘I fucked up big time. Damn it. What was I thinking? What the hell is taking us so long to get there?’ She stood up, heading towards the cockpit to find out. ‘If we land in the next few minutes I’ll be able to make it like we planned, well just a few minutes late. I just hope that Lark doesn’t leave from being so mad at me before I get there.’ “Hey, when will we be landing?” She asked, peeking her head into the cockpit.

“I’m sorry Agent Donovan, but we received a report of bad weather and we had to alter our course so we are going to be delayed for our scheduled landing.” The pilot explained looking over his shoulder at her.

“Is there any way you can hurry it up? I should have been there by now!”

“We will try, but we can’t promise anything.”

“Just do it.” She angrily demanded and closed the door. “Damn this plan is all messed up. I thought I would tell her I wasn’t going to be there, but show up shortly after the call and sweep her off her feet. What was I thinking?” She mumbled in a panic, pacing the length of the plane to work off her frustration. She stopped at the table and lifted the dozen of red roses she had there and smelled them. She sniffed the roses and smiled, knowing how much Lark loved to receive flowers and how much she loved to see Lark’s reaction when she bestowed them on her. “I’ll be there shortly baby.” She softly said and laid the flowers back down, wondering if she made the right decision with her supposed surprise.

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

Lark wiped the tears from her eyes and decided she was going to have fun despite of Rayne’s absence. She stuffed her cell phone in her purse and inhaled deeply, to collect herself. She smiled entering the room as if she were the happiest person on earth and headed straight for the bar. ‘If they only knew what was going on?’ “Cosmopolitan, please.” She ordered and impatiently waited for her drink, tapping her fingers on the bar. ‘What in the hell do I tell all these people who came here for a surprise party?’ She inwardly wondered and grew angrier with Rayne that she wouldn’t be there and put her into that embarrassing position. ‘To hell with being embarrassed by her not being here she’s the one that looks like the fool, not me.’ Lark angrily reasoned and lifted the drink, downing it. She placed the glass down on the bar and turned to the bartender. “Another, please.”

“Yes ma’am.” She answered with a chuckle at how Lark drank it so quickly and began to make a new one.

“Is everything alright Lark?” Shayan asked as he approached the bar, noting the pensive expression Lark possessed.

“No, your sister won’t be here. She can’t get here until tomorrow.” Lark informed him, with an annoyed tone in her voice.

“I’m so sorry. But, I thought she said she would be here?” Shayan asked, surprised that sister wouldn’t be able make it on such a special occasion.

“Yeah, so did I.” Lark sardonically commented and motioned for another drink after quickly finishing that one. “She made a promise to be here and broke it, but that’s no reason for anyone else to not have fun.” Lark spitefully quipped and grabbed her drink, heading for the podium to make the announcement that the guest of honor would not be there.

‘Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lark that mad. My sister is in deep shit now.’ He thought, concerned by Lark’s angry demeanor and listened as Lark made the announcement that Rayne would not make it. He looked around the room when he heard a disappointed sigh and worried about why his sister wasn’t able to attend the party. He smiled slightly when Lark invited everyone to stay and enjoy the party despite Rayne’s absence. ‘I don’t know what Rayne was thinking, but she has pissed Lark off that’s for sure.’ He thought and watched as Lark motioned for the DJ to start the music, before heading to the closest bar for another drink. He walked over to his family’s table and stood next to Holly who was sitting in the chair looking up at him.

“What’s going on with Rayne?” His mother questioned, confused by what was going on with her daughter.

“She called and told Lark that she wouldn’t be able to make it here until tomorrow.”

“I can’t believe she didn’t make here. I hope everything is alright.” Maria worriedly responded. “John, give her a call.”

“I got a message that the cell phone is turned off.” He answered with a shrug of his shoulders.

“Oh, I hope she’s okay.” Maria anxiously said.

“She’s fine. If something happened we would be one of the first one’s to know.” John reassured his wife, patting her on the hand for comfort. “She’s probably delayed by work. Don’t worry.”

“I’ve never seen Lark that pissed off before. Rayne’s in major trouble.” Shayan replied staring at Lark from across the room and sipped his cocktail.

“Oh, yeah.” Jayce sarcastically added and watched as Lark leaned against the bar drinking another Cosmopolitan.

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

Rayne continued to nervously pace the length of the plane, chewing on the inside of her mouth and thought about flying the plane so they could get there faster. She checked her watch for the millionth time and noted two hours had passed. ‘What in the hell are they doing? Flying around the world to avoid the bad weather?’ She angrily wondered and headed back to the cockpit. “How much longer?”

“We are making our descent now.”

“It’s about frigging time.” She incredulously retorted and walked back to her seat. She sat down and latched her seat belt, in preparation for landing. She stared out the window and rubbed her hand across her face in frustration. Her stomach was in knots from her nervousness, her anger for being late and for her stupid plan. She rubbed her forehead and closed her eyes, going over how she was going to ask Lark to marry her. The bump from the plane landing brought her out of her thoughts and she looked out the window. ‘Let’s hope she’ll have me after this fuck up I’ve done.’ She inwardly worried and unbuckled her seat belt as the plane pulled up to its private hangar. She grabbed her bags and put the strap over her shoulder waiting near the door. Once the plane stopped the co-pilot exited the cockpit and she stepped back so he could open the door. She glanced inside the cockpit and smiled towards the pilot as he lifted his cell phone to his ear. “Thanks and sorry for being so impatient.” Rayne apologized for her grumpy behavior. ‘Damn, I didn’t even think to ask if they had a phone I could use.’ Rayne shook her head at her stupidity and inability to think clearly to find a solution to the problem when her plan fell through. ‘Stupid, stupid. That kind of thinking could get you killed at work. Wake up and think clearly, idiot.’ She admonishingly thought.

He smiled and waved, answering, “No problem,” as Rayne exited the plane. “Hey, we’ve just landed.” He said into his cell phone and clicked it off. He walked to the door of the plane and watched as Rayne ran towards her car that she left there before her trip. “Well, let’s get everything situated and head out.” The pilot told his co-pilot with a smile and both headed back to the cockpit.

Rayne fired the engine on the car and squealed the tires when she took off. She plugged her cell phone into the cigarette lighter to charge it and sped out of the airport. ‘I can’t believe I was so delayed. Shit! Okay, well the drive there doesn’t take that long. I just hope she’s still there.’ Rayne inwardly groused and rationalized the time for the drive after checking her watch.

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

“Lark, I’m heading upstairs for the evening. Why don’t you stay with me because you are in no condition to drive?” Jayce offered, trying to steady himself from swaying.

“We are both in no condition to drive Jayce. You’re just as drunk as I am! Lark sloppily answered and laughed, as did Jayce. “Hey, where are your parents?” She asked, looking around, trying to steady herself in the chair and keep from falling over.

Jayce started laughing and stumbled into the chair, catching himself before he fell. He and Lark laughed harder when he plopped in the chair. “Silly girl, they left an hour ago!”

“Damn, I totally forgot! Hey, where did everyone go? I’ve been busy talking and dancing with my new good friend for the past couple of hours that I didn’t see everyone leave. Oh, what is my new friends name?” Lark questioned and laughed at her forgetfulness, noting there were just a few people left at the party. “Where did she go?” Lark asked looking around, as did Jayce. “Oh, there she is. She had to make a phone call.” Lark pointed out and waved when she saw her.

“Come on Lark, stay up in my room tonight.” Jayce offered and grasped her hand, helping her to stand.

“Now Jayce, you know your sister would not be pleased if she were to find out that you were hitting on me.” Lark laughed and looped her hand around his arm as they unsteadily walked towards the door.

“I know; that’s why I’m not doing it. She would kill me. I’m concerned and I want to make sure you are safe.” Jayce grinned and stopped outside the door.

“I’m fine. I want to go home.” Lark answered, waving him off.

“You can’t drive, here let me have them call a cab for you.” Jayce offered, and pointed towards the concierge.

“I can give her a ride home.” The woman eagerly offered when she approached the pair.

“Hey, that’s my new friend. She can give me a ride home.” Lark pointed towards her and laughed.

“Are you sure?” Jayce skeptically asked, concerned for her safety. “Let me get you a cab, Lark. You don’t know this woman very well.” He told her in a whisper and started to walk away, but was stopped by Lark.

“I’ll be fine. We’ve been talking for the most of the evening about work and our partners. I’m sure she’s harmless.” Lark waved his concern off and chuckled kissing him on the cheek. “Bye handsome.” She whispered and quickly walked away following the woman.

“Call me and if I don’t hear from you in ten minutes I’m sending the police to your house!” He shouted out, watching the pair as they exited the hotel and saw her wave.

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

The woman held the door for Lark after the valet brought her car around and closed it behind her after she slid into the passenger’s seat. She tipped the valet and hopped into the driver’s side then started the car. “What’s your address?” She asked, turning to Lark whose eyes were barely open.

“Oh, aah 47 Seaside Drive. Take A1A north and you’ll see Seaside drive. It’s only, oh, aah about five minutes away.” Lark slurred trying to keep her eyes open, but was unsuccessful in her attempt.

“Okay.” The woman answered and hoped she was giving her the correct directions. She looked at Lark and saw that she was passed out. She lifted her purse and pulled out her wallet, looking at her driver’s license. ‘Wow, she was right about the address.’ She chuckled inwardly surprised that she would remember her address in her condition and placed Lark’s wallet back in her purse. She followed Lark’s directions and found the large house quite easily. ‘Nice place.’ She thought approvingly driving through the posh neighborhood and parked the car in the driveway. She exited the car and walked around to Lark’s door, opening it. “Lark, we’re at your house.” She told her and patted her arm. “Come on Lark.” She coaxed, trying to wake her.

“Huh? Oh, okay.” Lark mumbled and looked around, noting she was home. She moved her feet out of the car and struggled to stand. The woman helped her out of the car and closed the door behind her.

“Whoa, easy there.” The woman told her when Lark’s legs went out from underneath her and she caught Lark before she fell.

“I’m having a hard time walking.” Lark laughed, attempting to put one foot in front of the other with great difficulty staying awake.

“Here, this might help.” The woman suggested and put Lark’s arm around her neck, then put her other arm around Lark’s waist carrying the limp woman towards the door. She steadied Lark and unlocked the door after retrieving the keys from Lark’s purse. She carried Lark inside and closed the door behind them.

Lark struggled to stand and leaned against the couch as she fumbled through her purse for the phone number to the resort. She lifted the business card with the number and grabbed the phone, punching in the number to the resort. “When Jayce said he would call the police, he meant it.” Lark informed her with a laugh. “Yes, I need the room of Jayce Donovan please.” Lark cordially asked and waited for him to answer.

“Hello.” Jayce barely greeted.

“I’m home safe and sound. Bye.” Lark clicked the phone off unable to keep her balance when the couch moved from her weight leaning against it and slithered to the ground with a giggle.

“Whoa, let me help you.” The woman offered and reached down to help Lark.

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

Rayne screeched the tires when she came to a stop in front of the exclusive resort and hurried out of the car. “If I’m not back in five minutes park the car.” She called out to the valet who nodded in acknowledgement when she ran by and rushed through the doors. “Excuse me, what room is the party hosted by Lark Morgan in?” Rayne asked the Concierge out of breath.

“Uhmmm, the Grand ballroom just around the corner.” He told her after checking his list and pointed in the direction of where he was referring.

“Thanks.” Rayne replied and rushed towards the room. She burst through the doors to find only the DJ still there. ‘Shit!’ She inwardly cursed and headed towards the DJ who was packing up the equipment. “Excuse me, can you tell me about what time Lark Morgan left?”

The DJ checked her watch and looked at her. “She left about fifteen minutes ago.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Rayne called out after turning and heading towards the door. She ran to the car, pulling out some cash for the valet. “Here you go.” She offered and handed him the money before climbing into the car.

“Thanks!” He gratefully called out with a grin from the large tip.

She sped the car out of the parking lot towards their home and wondered how her precise plans had gone so fowl. ‘I never thought that the damn plane would be delayed so long.’ She steered the car down the street to their home. She sped into the driveway and parked the car. “Whose car is that?” Rayne mumbled wonderingly, seeing an unfamiliar car in the driveway and didn’t give it a second thought, thinking it was probably Jayce’s rental car and that he had given Lark a ride home. She grabbed the roses from the seat and quickly headed into the house. ‘Okay now calm down and take a deep breath. Apologize for the fuck up of not being there, ditch your brother and then ask her to marry you.’ She inhaled deeply to calm her racing heart. She exhaled and opened the door with her keys. The house was dark and she surmised that Lark was in bed. ‘Well, I guess Jayce is sleeping over tonight.’ She surmised unhappily considering it looked like everyone was asleep and still assumed that the car in the driveway was his. She placed her keys on the table and walked through the foyer, then headed down the hall towards the bedroom. ‘Lark, will you marry me? Lark, will you be my partner for all of eternity? Lark, will you forgive me for being such an ass and marry me anyway? I think that pretty much sums it up, you’re an ass!’ She thought with a chuckle nervously going over how she would ask Lark to marry her and inhaled deeply to settle her pounding heart, reaching for the bedroom doorknob.

Rayne exhaled and opened the door to the shock of her life. She stood in the door staring, not wanting to believe what she was seeing. She blinked repeatedly hoping it would clarify what she saw which didn’t work and felt the blood drain from her body. She lowered her arm that held the roses and dropped them to the floor, stunned by the fact that Lark was in bed naked with another woman. Lark turned her head towards the door when she heard it hit against the wall and strained to open her eyes. “Rayne!” She shouted excitedly and sat up, then looked to see a woman in bed with her. “What are you…?” She attempted to ask and wasn’t sure why that woman was there or what had happened. She turned back to Rayne and saw her walk away. “Rayne, wait!” She shouted and jumped out of the bed, stumbling then grabbed the sheet to cover her. She was snapped out of her drunken stupor in a hurry and ran down the hall towards Rayne who was reaching for her keys on the foyer table. “No! Don’t leave!” Lark tearfully shouted and ran to her, grabbing her arm to thwart her departure.

Rayne’s head snapped around and flashed a menacing look at Lark when she felt her touch her arm. She was hurt, numb, devastated, and could barely look at the woman who had just ripped her heart out. She jerked her arm from Lark’s grasp and turned her back to her, walking to the door. She violently opened the door, slamming it against the wall and stormed out of the house.

“Rayne, don’t do this.” Lark tearfully pleaded, trying to keep up with Rayne who walked towards the car in a hurry. “Is this what you want?” Lark asked as Rayne looked up from the door, staring at her briefly and sat in the car. “No, please!” Lark pleadingly shouted, crying. Rayne started the car and hit the gas pedal, screeching the tires as she backed out of the driveway. She slammed the car in drive and smoked the tires when she hit the accelerator. “No! It’s not what you think.” Lark kneeled to the ground and cried harder. “How could this happen? I couldn’t have.” Lark cried in disbelief of what just happened. “I have to call her.” She said and ran towards the house, bumping into the woman there.

“Lark I’m sorry for what happened, but you told me that you wanted to be with me.” She tried to explain.

“Get the fuck out of my house!” She angrily told the woman and shoved her out the door, slamming it behind her and locking it.

“No problem.” The woman casually replied with a smirk and headed towards her car, leaving in a hurry.

Lark punched in the numbers to Rayne’s cell phone and heard it ring with no answer, “Answer! Rayne, what have I done?” She asked, crying harder and was connected to her voicemail. She punched in the number again. “I’ve got to find her.” Lark shouted waiting for her to answer the phone and ran towards the bedroom to dress. ‘Where would she have gone?’ She wondered and quickly dressed as she received the voicemail again, then redialed the number desperate to contact her.

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

Rayne screeched the car to a halt and pulled it off the side of the road. “Fuck you Lark, fuck you! I don’t want to talk to you and won’t pick up no matter how many times you call me!” She shouted looking at the phone and seeing it was their home phone number again. “You made your decision and fucked that woman!” She angrily accused towards the phone as it rang repeatedly and as if Lark could hear her. She threw the phone against the windshield with all her mite, shattering it into pieces. She leaned her head on the steering wheel and panted heavily, trying to calm the fury that boiled deep within her. She had never felt so much pain from being betrayed in her life and wasn’t sure how to deal with it. She broke down and cried uncontrollably and pounded the steering wheel, until her hand could no longer take the abuse. “How could you?” She angrily shouted trying to make sense of what Lark had done to her. “I’ve had to deal with the deaths of the people I loved dearly in my life and the pain I felt then is nothing like this pain. I feel like my heart has been ripped out!.” She said aloud, sobbing harder each time she saw the image of Lark in bed with another woman. Then leaned her head on her arms that were crossed over the steering wheel.

She turned her head to the side, and looked out of the window towards the ocean and had a flashback of the horror she saw at her home. She thought of the woman touching, kissing and making love to Lark and it infuriated her, sickened her. Lark was the only woman that she had ever truly loved with her heart and soul and had ever given her heart, body and soul to unconditionally. She had made plans to grow old with Lark and love her more each day, sharing so many beautiful times with her until they left this earth. She had believed that Lark wanted the same. ‘Well, I thought she did, that bitch!’ She angrily cursed. ‘I’m going to be sick.’ She realized and opened the door, quickly jumping out of the car. She leaned over and became sick, thinking again of the strange woman with Lark. She violently vomited with each thought. She stood up and walked around trying to calm her nausea and anger. “Why?” She furiously shouted questioningly and kicked the door of her car in with the bottom of her foot, repeatedly until she lost her balance and fell. That angered her more and she jumped up, pounding on the roof of the car repeatedly, denting it and ended her fury on the car after putting her fist through the back window. The sound of the breaking glass broke her rage and felt better about releasing her anger. “I will never love another like I did Lark, nor will I be in another relationship ever again.” She vowed aloud, disillusioned with love and commitment after the horrible incident Lark had done to her. She climbed into the car with a renewed out look on life and sped off.

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

Lark continued to call Rayne’s cell phone with no answer and headed towards the garage. She opened the door and turned on the light, finding no car there. “Damn!” She shouted and ran through the house to the front door. Once outside she became extremely nauseous and leaned over vomiting in the bushes. “I can’t lose her.” She sobbed harder and threw up again. She stood up when she felt better and headed down the walkway, and sighed disgusted that her car was not there. ‘My car is at the damn resort!’ She remembered dismayed and headed back in the house. She dialed Rayne’s phone once again and received a message that the cell phone was turned off. She felt exceptionally dizzy and wobbly. She held her head and staggered towards the couch, plopping down on it. ‘Oh my head, it’s killing me! I’m so dizzy and the room is spinning! I’ve never been so drunk that I’ve passed out. I’ve been so drunk before that I should have been dead and but I never passed out. What the hell was in those drinks?’ She wondered, trying to fight off the dizziness and leaned her head back against the couch, closing her eyes in hopes that the room would stop spinning. “Rayne, Rayne.” She sobbed uncontrollably and passed out again.

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

Rayne pulled into the driveway and screeched the tires, coming to a violent stop. She slammed the car into park and killed the engine. She didn’t know where to go or what to do anymore. ‘I feel like crawling under a rock so no one will ever find me.’ She distraughtly thought, and stepped out of the car. ‘That fucking bitch, how could she ruin our wonderful life like that? I loved her so much, more than life itself. I took a chance on her and love again. I gave her a part of me that I never wanted to give anyone else. How could she do this to me?’ She angrily and hurtfully questioned, slamming the door as hard as she could. She began to cry harder and felt her legs grow weak, remembering what she had just seen over and over again. She sat down on the ground and leaned against her car. She bent her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She leaned her head down on her arms and wept for the life and love she just lost.

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

“What was that noise Shay?” Holly worriedly asked, sitting up in the bed and glanced over at her husband that was looking out the window.

“It’s Rayne.” He answered seeing his sister sitting beside the car and grew concerned.

“What is she doing here? I didn’t think she was coming home until tomorrow.” Holly asked confused and sat up in the bed, growing more alarmed.

“I’m not sure, but I’m going to find out very quickly.” He answered softly, having an uneasy feeling about what was going on with his sister and quickly donned a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, then slipped on his sandals before heading out the bedroom door. He quickly padded through the house and exited, walking around the car and saw his sister sitting there crying. He looked at the damage to the car and quickly rushed to her and knelt down beside her. “Rayne, are you okay? Where you in an accident?.” He gently asked to not startle her when he placed his hands on her arms. She looked up at her brother and quickly engulfed him in a tight hug, finally seeing something that was comforting to her. He wrapped his arms around her surprised by the hug. “Hey, what’s going on?” He softly asked growing more concerned by the way Rayne was acting. “Where you in an accident?” He asked again, leaning back and looking at her. She shook her head no and moved to stand up. He helped her to her feet and pushed her dark hair off her face. “What’s going on? Tell me.” He worriedly asked and gently demanded as his heart raced with fear.

She inhaled deeply and exhaled hard, forcefully blowing out her breath. She sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Lark cheated on me.” She mustered and tried to fight the tears that trickled down her cheeks embarrassed that she was an emotional wreck in front of her brother.

“What? No, I can’t believe that. Are you sure?” He asked, flustered and bewildered by what she just told him. He moved his hands down her arms and grasped her hands.

“Oh, I saw it with my own eyes Shay.” Rayne told him, with venom in her voice.

“What in the hell happened?” He asked confused and angry. He felt something wet on Rayne’s hand and looked down, moving her hand towards him. “Oh, my god Rayne. What did you do to your hand?” He asked, seeing the swollen and bloody appearance of her hand.

“Huh?” She asked, snapped out of her daze. She was still so bewildered that everything seemed like a bad nightmare and as if she didn’t know where or who she was anymore. She looked down at her hand and moved it back down. “I guess I hurt it when I put my fist through the window.” She casually answered, not feeling the pain in her hand. It was the least of her concern at that moment.

“Come on, we need to clean this up. You may have broken your hand.” He led her towards the house.

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

“What’s going on? Rayne, what happened?” Holly anxiously asked, when she met them at the door.

“Oh, nothing really. Except that Lark just destroyed our life together by cheating on me.” Rayne sardonically answered when she passed by her.

“What?” Holly asked, shocked by the news and turned watching them walk towards the kitchen table. She closed the door and walked over, sitting next to Rayne as her husband grabbed a towel to clean Rayne’s hand. “I can’t believe that Rayne.”

“Believe it Holly, I caught her in bed with another woman.” Rayne reiterated, looking up at her then back down when her brother wiped the blood off of her hand.

“Just now? What did you say?” Holly asked shocked by what was happening.

“Nothing, I just walked out.” Rayne callously answered and shrugged her shoulders.

“Maybe it was a mistake Rayne. I know she was upset that you weren’t going to make it for the party, but I can’t believe that she would turn to another. What are you doing here now anyway? I’m so confused.” Holly explained and questioned, befuddled by everything that was going on.

“Well, ding bat Jayce let it slip that she was having a surprise party for us and I devised a plan to surprise her. I told her I wouldn’t be there so I could walk in and sweep her off her feet, but it looks like someone else beat me to it.” Rayne explained and grew angrier at her own comment.

“I cannot believe that Lark would turn to another. Let me try to call her and find out what happened.” Holly suggested flabbergasted by the news and attempted to stand to get the phone. She was stopped by Rayne when she grabbed her wrist.

“Don’t call her. I don’t want her to know where I am.” Rayne coldly told her, staring emphatically at her sister-in-law to get her point across.

“Okay.” Holly nervously answered and sat back down, never seeing so much anger and coldness in Rayne’s eyes as she was witnessing right then.

“Rayne, we need to get your hand checked out at the hospital. You need to have the glass removed and stitches for this cut.” Shayan advised her and pressed the towel down on her hand to stop the bleeding.

“Whatever. As long as I don’t have to see that bitch again.” Rayne angrily retorted.

“Mommy, what’s going on?” Brandon sleepily called out as he padded down the hall.

“Don’t let him see me this way.” Rayne nervously pleaded with Holly when she looked at her.

“I won’t.” Holly answered reassuringly and quickly stood up, heading down the hall to attend to her son before he saw his aunt.

She headed towards the garage door and exited the house, waiting at the car for her brother who ran to the driver’s side. He unlocked the doors and slipped into the driver’s seat. He turned and backed the car out of the garage to the street, then sped away from the house.

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

The ride to the hospital was quiet and he was glad that Rayne had calmed down from earlier. Yet, he worried that she could have been holding everything in and shutting off her emotions, just as she did after Karen died. He glanced over at her and saw that she was lost in her thoughts staring out the window. ‘Damn it Lark. What the hell were you thinking?’ He angrily wondered concerned for his sister. He was still shocked by what had happened and was having a hard time believing that Lark would do something like that to Rayne.

Rayne sat staring out the window and felt numb from what had transpired. ‘Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that Lark would cheat on me. How could she do this to us?’ She questioned, with no plausible answer coming to mind and turned to her brother who touched her on the arm.

“We’re here.” He gently told her and opened the door, stepping out.

She turned to look out the window and saw the hospital before her that she was so oblivious to when they pulled up. She opened the door and stepped out, closing the door behind her, before heading into the hospital.

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

Rayne received five stitches in her hand and was relieved to find out she didn’t have any fractures. The ride back to her brother’s house was pretty much the same as it was on the way there, quiet. Shayan wasn’t sure if he should say something and try to get her to talk some more or just let her talk when she was ready. He decided the latter.

‘I still can’t believe that she would cheat on me. The wonderful life we made with one another is no longer and our dreams together are gone. I need to get away from here as soon as possible. I don’t want to be constantly reminded of our life together here until I have come to terms with everything that has happened and can handle being in that environment again.’ Rayne decided what she needed to do, drop off the face of the earth as far as Lark was concerned. She didn’t want to see her, talk to her or hear about her. ‘She made her bed, now she can lie in it and face the consequences of her actions, without me being in her life. She can experience the pain of me not being there, like the pain I feel as if she has stuck a dagger through my heart.’ She spitefully thought and snapped out of her thoughts when she heard her brother say something. “Huh?” She asked puzzled by what he had said to her.

“I told you that we were home.” He answered with a slight smile.

She looked around and noted that they were at his house. “Shit, I was so lost in my thoughts that I had no clue where we were. Sorry.” Rayne answered, slightly flustered.

“It’s no problem. Do you want to talk?” He asked, hoping she would get some things off her chest.

“Actually, I have made a decision as to what I’m going to do Shay, and I need your help to accomplish that.” She stared at him in the eye to let him know she was firm about what she was going to tell him.

“Okay.” He agreed and readied for what lie ahead.

“I want to fall of the face of the earth as far as Lark is concerned and that means that I don’t want to see or talk to Lark and I don’t want to hear about her from anyone else. I know the family is close with Lark and she loves the boys, as they love her to. They are going to be heart broken by our break up and I don’t want to cut them off from her. That should make the changes in our life easier for them. If you and the rest of the family don’t want to associate with her or if you want to, I don’t care. If you and Holly decide to allow her to see the boys, that’s fine with me and I won’t feel betrayed by you both if you do so. I would hate to keep Brandon and Cole from not seeing her. I know they love her very much. I ask that I not hear about her from any of you and I would appreciate you or the family not telling her anything about me, especially where I am or how to contact me.” Rayne adamantly explained.

“I respect your wishes Rayne and I’ll speak with Holly as to how we will handle the boys with Lark. Right now, I am so mad at her for hurting you the way she did, that I would rather her not see the boys or us for that matter. You’re right that the boys love her very much and their lives would be too disrupted if she were suddenly cut off from them. I will pass on your wishes to the rest of the family, but why not tell them yourself?”

“After our conversation ends in this car, I don’t want to discuss her anymore.” Rayne answered, firm about her decision.

“I take it there is no chance for a reconciliation?” He asked, hopeful that she wouldn’t go ballistic at the mention of it.

“No chance at all.” She decisively answered and added, “I would appreciate it if you passed on my wishes to the family. I know it’s a lot to ask of you and I’m sorry to lay it on you, but I would be very grateful if you could do that for me.”

“It’s not a problem. You’re my baby sister and I will do anything for you.” He smiled slightly.

“Thanks.” Rayne smiled and blushed appreciative of what he just admitted to her. “Also, seeing as how you are my attorney.” She added with a sly grin for asking so much of him and continued, “I would like for you to arrange for Lark to keep the house, everything within it and the money in our shared bank account. I don’t want any of it. I’m going to call the bank and ask that my personal checking account be closed and open a new one, as I’ve left everything at the house. I would appreciate it if you could pick up my mail tomorrow and I will contact the post office for a change of address. I guess that’s about it.” Rayne explained and shrugged her shoulders with a blasé attitude. She wanted to leave everything about her life with Lark behind her even if it meant losing money and personal possessions. She didn’t care about that, she just wanted to forget about her and what happened as soon as possible.

“You got it, but what about your clothes or any other personal items of yours at the house?”

“She can either keep them as a reminder of me, that hopefully will be a haunting reminder of what she did, or she can box them up and give them to you or she can throw them out. It makes no difference to me one way or the other.” Rayne casually told him.

“Okay, I’ll get on that first thing in the morning. Well, that’s about five hours from now.” He grinned, checking his watch.

“I’m sorry to have disrupted your evening like this, but I didn’t know where else to go. I really appreciate you taking me to the hospital, for being there for me and for handling my affairs. I know it’s a lot of shit for you to handle, but I really need to distance myself from her and that means totally cutting myself off to her. I’m going to emphasize that at work so she can’t find me through them either. I know they will hold my confidence no matter who asks for information about me. I’m sure she will try hard and use any available resources to find me.”

“I’m your brother and that’s what family is for, to be there through the good and the bad times. You don’t have to apologize to me at all. I love and care for you and I’m glad that you came to me for help.” He wholeheartedly admitted and took her face in his hands, pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

Rayne smiled and looked up at him after the kiss. “You’re the best and I love you too.”

“So, where are you going? I need to know where to find you.”

“I’ll get a new cell phone tomorrow and give you the number to reach me. I’m going back to work, which thankfully is out of the country and far away from here so I don’t have to be reminded of what happened for quite some time.”

“Fair enough and I promise to fulfill your wishes if you do one favor for me.” He asked with a sly grin.

“Okay.” Rayne agreed with a slight smile.

“You won’t shut us all out like you did when Karen died and if you need to talk about what happened you won’t hesitate.” He asked, hoping she would seek help; the help she was going to need to make it through that rough ordeal.

“I’m going to try to not do that again and I will talk to you about what happened if I need to.” Rayne reluctantly agreed, knowing she didn’t want to talk or think about Lark any time soon. She wanted to put her in the past and move on as quickly as possible, ‘after all that’s what Lark did with the other woman, she moved on.’ She angrily thought, hoping she could easily do that.

“Well, let’s get some sleep then. I’m sure you could use some.” He suggested with a warm smile.

“I’ll see what I can do. I have to call work and arrange for a flight in the morning to get back to my assignment. I need to get my luggage out of my car.” She thought out loud as they exited the car.

The pair carried her luggage to the house and settled her in the spare room. “Try to get some sleep and take care of that hand while you are gone.” Shayan suggested and ordered, pointing at her injured hand.

“I will.” She chuckled and hugged him. “Thanks again.” She softly said, reveling in the comfort of his hug.

“You’re welcome. Now go to sleep.” He smiled breaking the hug and walked out of the room.

Rayne spent the night making the pertinent arrangements for a flight back to work for the next day and tried to push her thoughts of Lark out of her mind every time they attempted to creep in. She laid back on the bed exhausted and sighed, wishing she did not have to go through any of this. She closed her eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.

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

The next morning Shayan took Rayne to purchase a cell phone and then drove her to the airport. He helped her with the luggage to the plane. After loading them, she turned to him and smiled. “Thanks bro. I’ll see you soon okay?” She confirmed and hugged him.

“You got it and take care. Call me when you get there.” He smiled breaking the hug.

“I will and thanks again for everything. Oh, I called the car dealership and arranged for them to pick up the car for repairs. Do you mind if I have it delivered to your place when it’s finished until I return and can pick it up?”

“Sure, no problem.”

“Great and don’t let Jayce drive it especially after it is fixed.” She answered grateful for his hospitality and chuckled at her last comment.

“Oh, no. He’ll have to take a cab with the way he drives.” He laughed.

“Well, I’ve got to haul ass.” She told him after hearing the plane’s engines start up. “Thanks again and I’ll talk to you soon.” She smiled and hugged him once more.

“You’re welcome and hang in there kiddo. Things will get better.” He told her and warmly smiled, breaking the hug.

“I hope so.” She added with a slight smile and headed up the stairs to the plane. She looked back and waved, smiling gratefully. ‘Good-bye, old life and hello to the new one.’ Rayne inwardly said, distancing herself from her old life.

He smiled and waved back, hoping her wounded psyche would be able to withstand its latest set back. He feared she would do as she always had in rough times, cutting herself off to the world. He watched as the plane headed out of sight and headed back to his car. ‘Now, I get the daunting task of seeing Lark.’ He thought and sighed dismayed, knowing that was not going to be easy.

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

Lark had spent the majority of the morning and early afternoon vomiting and desperately calling anyone who could know where Rayne would be. But no one answered her calls. She figured they were screening her calls for Rayne’s sake. She stood at the sink and leaned against the wall for support from feeling so weak while she brushed her teeth. She hated the person she saw in the mirror and looked away. She couldn’t believe she had done something that horrible to Rayne and grew angrier when she thought about how Rayne just walked out without talking to her about it. ‘We could have worked this out, but she left.’ She tearfully thought and rinsed the toothpaste from her mouth. ‘After all that we have shared and how much we love each other why would she just leave like that? She’ll forgive me and come back, I’m sure of it. We’re meant to be together and this can be worked out. I know it.’ Lark confidently thought, hoping that was true and heard a car pull up. ‘It’s her!’ She excitedly thought and ran to the front door, quickly pulling it open. “Rayne?” She enthusiastically said and sighed disappointed when she saw who was at the front door.

“Nope, it’s me.” Shayan replied and looked at her, trying to bite his tongue and not lash out at her for what she had done to Rayne.

“Where’s Rayne? Is she okay? Is she with you?” Lark anxiously fired off multiple questions before he could answer and looked past him towards his car to see if Rayne was there.

“Rayne is gone and why would you think that she would be okay after what you did to her?” He irritably asked, unable to check his anger with her at that moment.

“I’m sorry. You’re right, she can’t be okay after what happened.” Lark solemnly agreed and rubbed her pounding head, realizing how stupid the question was. “I’m sure I’m the last person you want to see right now.” Lark replied and looked up at him.

“Well, considering the circumstances, yes you are the last person I want to see right now, but my sister asked me to do her a favor and that’s what I’m going to do no matter how angry with you I am. May I come in?” He asked with great restrain, gesturing towards the inside of the house with his hand.

“Oh, yes please, I’m sorry.” She answered, flustered and sick from everything that happened. She stepped back as he walked past her and closed the door behind him.

He walked in and sat on the couch as Lark sat in the recliner next to him. He looked up at her and found it hard to, as he felt betrayed by Lark as well. He had accepted her into his family as his own sister and her recent actions infuriated and hurt him. “Listen, Lark, Rayne asked only that I pick up her mail and she wanted the house, the belongings and the money in your joint checking account to remain with you. I’ll send over some papers to have her name removed from the account. ” He explained and looked down at his hands nervously rubbing them together from the awkwardness.

What he said hit her like a rock and she felt her eyes water uncontrollably. She looked at him, then downward as the tears fell unchecked. “That sounds so final.” She softly commented.

“Well, that’s the way she wanted it, Lark. She told me that you could either keep her personal belongings or box them up and give them to me. It was your choice.”

“Did she not want to try and work this out?” Lark asked in a sob peering up at him.

“No, she didn’t.” He grudgingly answered, knowing it would hurt her. He hated the fact that this was happening to them and was concerned for Lark despite his anger towards her.

“Wow.” Lark sighed dismayed that her wonderful life with Rayne was over and stood up, turning her back to him. She moved her hand that trembled to her mouth to conceal the sound of her sob and cried harder. She inhaled deeply to regain her composure and turned to him. “Where is she? I need to talk with her and try to explain. Maybe we can work this out. I know we can.”.

“She asked that her whereabouts be kept a secret from you, Lark.” He stood up. “Listen, I would love nothing more than for the two of you to work this out, but my sister is hurt and angry and just wants to be left alone. I have to respect her wishes and so do you. Try to understand the way she feels Lark.” He explained and reluctantly rubbed her shoulders, conflicted by comforting her and hurting her.

“I understand.” Lark deceivingly answered, upset that Rayne would so easily walk out on their relationship. She knew that they could work it out if only Rayne would give her a chance. ‘She owes me that much. We are soul mates, completely in love and meant to be together. This is a horrible thing that happened, but if she loves me as much as she has always professed then we can work this out. I’m going to find her and get everything straightened out.’ She confidently thought and slightly smiled looking at Shayan. “I’m sorry for what has happened and I hope that your family can forgive me one day.”

“I’m sorry too and we will sure try to. I spoke with Holly in regards to you seeing the boys and…” he attempted to explain and was stopped by Lark’s loud gasp.

“Oh, god. Please, don’t keep me from the boys. I know I don’t deserve to be in their lives after what happened, but I love them so much.” Lark tearfully pleaded and felt her heart race at the thought of not seeing them again.

“Let me finish.” He halted her, raising his hand up and continued, “We agreed that the boys would be devastated if you were shut out of their lives and we will allow you to be a part of it on one condition.”

“Anything, just name it.” Lark excitedly agreed, waiting to hear what he had to say.

“The condition is that you don’t ask us where Rayne is or about her.”

“Okay, I’ll do it.” Lark agreed, thankful that they were going to allow her to see the boys and still have a relationship with her.

“I have to get going. Could I please have her mail?” He asked, feeling more uncomfortable. He wanted to leave so he could deal with his own emotions towards Lark and find some way to forgive her.

“Aah, sure.” Lark hesitantly agreed and walked towards the table where she tossed the mail earlier. She shuffled through and sorted out Rayne’s mail from hers. She lifted the stack up and stared at Rayne’s name there. She lightly rubbed her finger over Rayne’s name and felt a catch in her heart that Rayne was no longer there. She brushed away the tears that streaked her face and sniffed back the remaining ones as she turned to Shayan. “Here’s her mail.” She replied and handed it to him.

“Thanks. I’ll talk to you soon.” He slightly smiled feeling awkward with their interaction and headed towards the door as Lark followed him.

He reached for the door and opened it, then looked back as Lark said, “Thank you for allowing me to see the boys.”

“Lark, we are very angry with you right now, but we still love you and that won’t change. We are trying very hard to forgive you and it will take some time. We talked about cutting you out of our lives, but didn’t want that for our sake or the boys. We hope that you and Rayne work everything out, we really do.” He wholeheartedly admitted hoping that when his sister calmed down that she would realize her relationship with Lark was worth saving no matter what the circumstances were.

“I appreciate that immensely and please, when you talk to Rayne tell her to call me. I know we can work this out.” She pleadingly asked.

He swallowed the lump in his throat and slightly smiled, knowing well he couldn’t do that considering the demands his sister made that Lark was not to be mentioned to her. He slightly waved and exited the house, quickly heading to his car.

Lark closed the door behind him and leaned against it. She slid down the door and put face in her hands that now rested on her knees, crying uncontrollably. After a few minutes of sobbing hysterically she wiped her face and stopped. “Stop this, I’m going to find her and work this out! She shouldn’t have left! She should have given me, us, another chance. She will come back to me and we will be together again, I’m sure of it.” She confidently thought and stood up with renewed confidence that she would soon have her love and life back.

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April 2002