Chapter Four

 "Leia!" Sylvia screamed as she watched her friend collapse.
 They could do nothing but watch as her head hit the coffee table.  Sylvia 
 helped her get back up on the sofa while Greg got some ice.  When he got 
 back Leia was semi-conscious once again.  He held the bag of ice to her 
 forehead.
 "I'm not saying this to be mean, but if you don't pull yourself together 
 right now, I'm going to pour this whole bag of ice down your shirt."
 Leia struggled to bring herself back to full consciousness.  She stood up, 
 trying to get the blood flowing to her extremities.  She swayed a bit at 
 first, but was okay once her circulation was back.  Leia stared at Greg, who 
 was trying to comfort Sylvia.  Only glancing at them for a brief second, 
 Leia made her way to her room.  She locked her door, curled up in a corner 
 with a blanket, and let herself cry, wishing that Shawn was there instead of 
 the stupid blanket.  When the tears finally stopped she allowed herself to 
 slip into oblivion.  Her only tie to the conscious world was the blanket 
 that she had draped around her shoulders.  Greg and Sylvia both tried to get 
 her to come out of her room, but Leia declined.  Almost a full day passed 
 before Greg began to get angry.  Using his last option, Greg went to her 
 door and knocked furiously.
 "Either you come out here, and rejoin the land of the living, or I break 
 this door down once again, and pull you out myself.  Do you hear me Leia?"
 When silence followed his request, Greg backed up.  Getting a running start, 
 he charged at the door.  Leia opened the door just in time to jump back and 
 avoid being trampled.  Greg landed on Leia's beanbag chair.  Leia tried to 
 stifle her giggles but found the task impossible.  The harder she laughed, 
 the more the tears flowed.  Her laughter was contagious.  Sylvia took one 
 look in the room and started to laugh as welland it wasn't long before Greg 
 joined in.  Greg was the first to recover.
 "You do realize that it wasn't your fault, right?"
 "I guess I dosort of."
 "Listen, we can't bring him back.  Just be thankful that whom ever did that 
 to the drinks didn't kill you.  Can we get off the subject for a little 
 while?  I'm starving, and it's getting late."
 "Alright, I'll make supper.  You two just hang out until I call you.  Any 
 dinner suggestions?"
 With that tactical change of topic they channeled their energy into making 
 dinner.  Once dinner was out of the way they retired for the night.  Leia's 
 sleep was plagued with nightmaresbut they weren't her usual ones.  They 
 were of a very different nature tonight.  Bars.  She was on one side.  They 
 were all on the other.  All of them were.  Greg, Sylvia, Dane, Randy, Aunt 
 Sam, Uncle Rick, Shawnand even her mother and father.  Leia screamed at 
 them to come back, but it was as if they couldn't hear her.  She tore at the 
 bars, but they were too sharp for her, and she badly cut up her hands and 
 wrists.  She watched as her mother and father died in the crash once more..  
 Then she saw Dane as he sat there with his coffee, downing the whole thing 
 while she screamed at him that there was something wrong with it.  She 
 watched as Randy moved, but then suddenly she was being woken up.  It was 
 Sylvia.
 "Leia, are you alright?"
 "Hush.  You'll wake up Greg.  Please don't mention this to him."
 "What?  That you were having another nightmare?"
 "Yeah.  The last time I had nightmares, they sent me to a doctor.  They got 
 rid of the nightmaresand every memory that I had of my parents as well..  It 
 has taken me this long.  Just give me a little more time, okay?"
 "If you say so.  I can only promise that I won't bring it up, but if he asks 
 me what I know"
 "I understand.  You don't lie to him.  That used to be true for me as well."
 "Promise me that if they get any worse you'll tell him?"
 "I promise Syl.  Now, you'd better get back to bed, or he'll start asking 
 questions.  Night Syl."
 "Night Leia."
 Once Sylvia had left the room, Leia padded over to her jewelry box.  She 
 carefully opened the small locked drawer with the key around her neck.  She 
 took the small velvet bag out and studied its contents carefully.  Her 
 father's pocket watch had been given to Greg, but when he had started going 
 to the sector, Leia had hidden it away, afraid that he'd sell it the first 
 chance he got.  The other item in the bag was her mother's locket.  There 
 were two pictures in it: her parent's wedding picture and a photo of herself 
 and Greg when they were little.  Greg appeared to be three years and a few 
 months old.  That meant that Leia had to be a year old.  A tear dropped onto 
 Leia's hand and she put the locket away to keep it clean.  She put the watch 
 back as well, then closed and locked the drawer.  This done, she went to 
 bed.  Wednesday and Thursday passed by without much happening.  On Friday, 
 Leia went about things as if nothing were going on.  She stopped what she 
 was doing at four o'clock.  Leia showered, dressed, and at the stroke of six 
 there was a knock at the door.  Leia answered it, and was out of the house 
 before her brother and Sylvia had seen anything more than a flash of 
 raspberry, and a car speeding away.  Leia and Nick spent a lovely night out, 
 and arrived back at Leia's house before midnight.
 "I had a lovely time, Nick," Leia told him as they drove up to her house.  
 "Today is not a very happy day for me under normal circumstances, but you've 
 made this days memory most enjoyable.  Thank you."
 Leia leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.  Nick had a bewildered look on 
 his face.  Leia just smiled and hopped out of the passenger seat.
 "Can I call you later?"
 "Sure, I'd love that.  Make sure that it's after ten though.  After the wild 
 time we've had tonight, I won't be up until then."
 "Okay.  Goodnight Leia."
 "Goodnight Nick."
 Leia tried to sneak in, but the moment she opened the front door the lights 
 came on.  Greg stood near the light switch on the wall.  The look on his 
 face told her that he was upset, but she already knew that he would be.  
 Leia didn't wait to see what he would have to say.  She continued her trip 
 to her room and almost made it.
 "Don't you dare walk away from me."
 "What did you honestly expect from me Greg?" Leia began.  She knew what he 
 was mad about, but was unable to look at him.  "They were my parents too, 
 and I just didn't want to be alone tonight."
 "You wouldn't have been alone.  Sylvia and I would have been there."
 "You don't understand."  Leia shook her head in despair.  It was now or 
 never.  "For me to have stayed with you and Sylvia would have been the same 
 as being alone.  When you two are together, you disappear into each other, 
 and I can never tell where you begin and she ends.  Just go to bed."
 Leia walked into her bedroom, followed right behind by her brother.  She 
 stood there, knowing that he was behind her.  Greg finally enabled himself 
 to speak.
 "I never knew you felt that way."  Leia turned around and embraced her big 
 brother in a hug.  They cried until they couldn't cry anymore.  When they 
 finally calmed down, Greg looked at his little sister.  "I'm sorry.  I 
 honestly never knew.  It's just that not having you around tonight made it a 
 little harder.  I guess...I never thought about what you go through."
 He averted his eyes from his sisters gaze.  She didn't care.  She hugged him 
 tightly.
 "It's getting late.  Goodnight Greg."
 "Goodnight Leia."
 The next morning neither of them mentioned what had happened last night, but 
 Sylvia could tell by the way that they looked at each other that everything 
 was going to be better.  The weekend passed by quickly without any 
 happenings.  Leia spoke with her aunt and uncle, and they agreed that she, 
 Sylvia, and Greg would benefit from taking some time off.  It was this 
 knowledge that allowed Leia to smack her alarm clock off her nightstand, and 
 go back to sleep.  A blaring noise at around ten thirty prompted her to hit 
 her alarm clock that wasn't there anymore...but it wasn't the alarm that was 
 making all the noise.  Leia fumbled around and finally located the phone.
 "Hello?" Leia mumbled, still half asleep.
 "Leia?"
 "Hey Nick.  What's up?"
 "Did I wake you up?"
 "No," Leia lied.  "I've been up for a few minutes now, but I still haven't 
 completely woken up."
 "I know how that can be."
 "So, what's on your mind?"
 "What are you doing tomorrow?"
 "Nothing much.  Why?"
 "I was wondering if you'd do me the honor of spending the day with me."
 "Are you sure you want me?"
 "Yeah.  I called, didn't I?"
 "Okay.  I'd love to.  How should I dress?"
 Nick looked at the man standing next to him and stifled a laugh.  He calmed 
 himself down.
 "Something casual.  Make sure that it's suitable for this weather.  It's 
 pretty cold out."
 "How does Jeans and a shirt sound?  Casual enough?"
 "Perfect.  Be ready to leave at eight."
 "All right.  See you then."  Leia hung up the phone, then lay back on her 
 bed and snuggled into her blanket.  She was so happy that she barely heard 
 the rapping on her bedroom door.  "Come in."
 Sylvia slipped into Leia's room and shut the door behind her, then sat on 
 the edge of Leia's bed.
 "Don't worry.  Greg isn't up yet.  I was walking aroundand I heard you 
 talking to someone who I would bet a month's pay is most definitely male.  
 So, who is he?"
 Leia told Sylvia the basics on what she knew about Nick, and where they'd 
 met.  They continued talking until they heard a knock at the door.  The look 
 on Leia's face was one of apprehension.  She cleared her throat, and took a 
 deep breath.
 "Come in."
 Greg poked his head around the door, a look of annoyance on his face.
 "What are you two talking about?"
 "Oh, girl stuff," Leia answered, sharing a look with Sylvia.  "Anything I 
 can help you with?"
 "I was just wondering who was on the phone."
 "It was Nick."  The mere mention of Nick's name sent shivers down Greg's 
 spine.  He smiled, then left the room as quickly as he had entered.  Leia 
 looked puzzled.  "Did I say something wrong?"
 "I don't know," Sylvia replied.  "I'll go find out."
 Sylvia went after Greg and found him in the kitchen, chopping vegetables 
 with a fury.  Sylvia kissed him on the ear, and he jumped fifty feet off the 
 ground.
 "Are you trying to scare the life out of me?"
 "Are you trying to kill those vegetables?"
 "Aren't they dead already?" Greg shot back, continuing to take his anger out 
 on the vegetables.
 "Well if you keep that up, somebody else may be soon."
 Greg groaned, and Sylvia couldn't keep herself from smiling.  Greg rolled 
 his eyes and left the room, never putting the knife down.  Sylvia smile 
 faded from her face and she quickly became worried.  She followed after him, 
 keeping at a safe distance.  Greg suddenly landed flat on his back and was 
 quickly disarmed.  When he looked up to yell at Sylvia he was surprised to 
 see that Leia was the one squatting over him, holding the knife and 
 smirking.
 "I can't have you killing yourself, now can I?"
 Greg lay there staring back and forth between Leia and Sylvia, stunned that 
 his little sister had disarmed him so easily, never mind the fact that she 
 knocked him to the floor.  Leia got off of him and brought the knife to the 
 kitchen.  She finished chopping the vegetables that her brother had started, 
 then stuck the knife in the dishwasher.  Leia stared at the vegetables, 
 having no idea what her brother was going to do with them if anything.  Greg 
 walked in the room and stared at his perplexed sister.
 "What were you going to do with these?" Leia asked, motioning to the 
 vegetables.
 "I was getting a jump start on dinner.  You finished them?"
 "Yeah.  No offense, but I think you should avoid the knives until you, 
 Sylvia, and I talk."
 As if on cue, Sylvia walked into the kitchen and sat down on the stool.  
 Leia sat on another stool, and Greg took up the last vacant one.  It was 
 Sylvia who broke the silence.
 "So...what's for dinner?" she asked.
 Greg raised an eyebrow.
 "You're thinking about dinner at 11 in the morning?"
 "Usually it's you, big brother, who thinks about food all the time."  Leia 
 piped in.
 "Not!"
 "Yes it is!
 "Funny..."Greg mumbled
 "Listen, can we please all stop the bickering?  What we want to talk about 
 is why you're so mad all of a sudden."
 "You really want to know?  I am her brother," he said, pointing to Leia, 
 "and yet I have no clue what's going on in her life!  You both disappear 
 from time to time without telling me anything...and now Nick shows up on the 
 scene.  I've never even met him!"
 "You don't tell me what's going on in your life, so why should I tell you 
 what's going on in mine?  I'm a big girl!"
 "Both of you calm down right now!" Sylvia ordered.  "Listen, Leia and I have 
 been going to classes.  That's the reason that we've been disappearing from 
 time to time.  I think the only real reason you're upset is only because you 
 haven't met Nick.  Why don't we just invite him to dinner some night?"
 Leia's angered gaze fell upon her friends' face, but quickly softened when 
 she saw the real purpose behind that statement.  She and Sylvia shared a 
 knowing glance, and Leia knew she had to act quickly.
 "Alright, fine!  I'll contact him later.  Okay?" she asked, forcing herself 
 to smile.
 Greg was so wrapped up in his own anger that he didn't notice that his 
 sister's smile was counterfeit.
 "Fine," Greg said, cheering up.  "Who wants to help me make dinner?"  With 
 that crisis over, they set to the task of preparing dinner.  Sylvia helped 
 Greg with the meal while Leia took over the baking of the desert.  She 
 pulled out strawberries, and whipped cream.  "Are you going to cook with 
 those, or do you have another purpose in mind for them?"
 Leia shot him an annoyed look, then quickly cooled her temper.
 "I'm making strawberry shortcakes.  You know how much I love strawberries," 
 she added, giving her brother a look that shocked him to no end.
 Sylvia held back her giggles by masking them with a coughing fit.  The rest 
 of the day went by without any real complications.  When they finally sat 
 down for dinner around five that afternoon, everyone was in better spirits.  
 They were just finishing up desert when there was a knock at the door.  Greg 
 went to answer it while Leia and Sylvia cleaned up.  Upon opening the door, 
 Greg was surprised to find Randy standing outside.
 "Aren't you going?" Randy asked, quite perplexed.
 "Going where?" Greg asked, equally confused.
 "Mrs. Michaels tried calling you this morning, but she said the line was 
 busy.  Tonight is Dane's funeral."
 "Are you kidding?  When?  Where?"
 "From six to seven tonight, over at the funeral home."
 "Listen, why don't you come in?  I'll let Sylvia and Leia know.  It 
 shouldn't take us too long to get ready, and we can all go together."
 "Sure," Randy said, entering the house.
 Leia and Sylvia walked in, not finding anything wrong with Randy's all black 
 attire, since there was seldom any other color that their friend would wear. 
   Sylvia looked to her fianc for an explanation.
 "Mrs. Michaels tried to contact us this morning when you were on the phone, 
 Leia.  Dane's funeral is tonight."
 All the color drained from Leia's face, and she turned an unhealthy shade of 
 white.  Leia quickly made her way to the nearest bathroom and quickly lost 
 her supper.  She hurried and went straight from the bathroom to her bedroom, 
 locking the door behind herself.
 "Leia?  Are you alright?"
 Sylvia spoke in hushed tones, knocking on Leia's door.  Leia opened the door 
 a crack, and it was swiftly pushed open by an extreme force.  Moments later 
 Leia found herself knocked on her butt, Greg, Sylvia, and Randy standing 
 over her, looking on in concern.
 "Don't look so surprised that I'm on the floor.  If you hadn't tried to 
 break my door in it never would have happened."
 Sylvia ushered Greg and Randy out of the room, then came back in.
 "Listen, are you alright?" Leia nodded.  "We'll all get changed and meet you 
 in the den.  Okay?"
 Leia nodded, and Sylvia left the room, closing the door behind her self.  
 They all met in the den about ten minutes later.  Leia walked out dressed in 
 a short black skirt, a form fitting black top, and black boots.  Greg stared 
 at his little sister in shock.
 "What do you think you're doing?"
 "What does it look like?  I'm going to a funeral."
 "In that?" Greg asked in shock.
 "These are the only decent black items of clothing that I own.  Besides, I 
 don't see you complaining about Sylvia's skirt which is much shorter than 
 mine."
 Greg let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head.  Randy said nothing.  He 
 left the house for a moment, then returned with a long black cape draped 
 over his arm.  He held it out for her to put on.
 "Thank you Randy," she said, slipping on the cape.
 Greg still disapproved of her outfit, but stayed quiet, thankful that Randy 
 had easily diffused the situation.  They headed for the funeral, and made it 
 over there just moments before the service had started.  Once the service 
 was over the guests, which only amounted to close family and friends, 
 started to leave.  Sylvia's head was throbbing, and she was quickly becoming 
 cranky.  Greg, Leia, and Randy wished to stay later, but they were worried 
 that she wouldn't get home safely.  They asked Mrs. Michaels if she would 
 drop Sylvia off at home for them, and she agreed, saying she'd enjoy the 
 company.  They stayed for a few hours, paying their last respects.  It was 
 getting kind of late.  Greg's watch read quarter after eleven, and they 
 decided it was time to go.
 "Are you two ready?"
 "Yeah, I guess so," Leia responded sadly.
 Randy put an arm around Leia's shoulders and led her out to the car.  Leia 
 gasped in shock.
 "What's wrong sis?" Greg asked as he finally caught up with them.  Leia 
 pointed to Randy's car.  The tires had been slashed, and so had his spare 
 tire.  "Okay...it looks as if we're going to have to walk home," Greg 
 announced.
 "Gee, you think so?" snapped Randy
 "Who would be mean enough to slash tires in the parking lot of a funeral 
 home?" Leia asked no one in particular.
 "I have no idea.  Come on.  Let's get going."
 The night was cold and dark, only a few slivers of moonlight brightening up 
 the alleys.  Greg had a sinking feeling that they were being followed, and 
 he tried to push it to the back of his mind as a product of this unusually 
 creepy situation, but something just wouldn't let him calm down.  He strayed 
 from his usual paths, taking Randy and Leia through some of the weirdest 
 routes he could think of.  It was then that he picked up on what it was that 
 wasn't settling right with him.  He listened closely.
 "RandyLeiacome closer," Greg whispered.  Leia and Randy edged closer, 
 keeping up their walking pace.  "Someone's following us."
 Leia stared at her brother in horrified shock.  Suddenly someone jumped out 
 of the shadows and ran at Leia, a giant sword pointed straight for her 
 heart.  Greg acted instantly, pulling his sister aside and drawing his own 
 sword, which had been concealed under his black cloak.
 "Randy, take Leia and run!" Greg shouted, drawing all of the attack at the 
 moment.
 "I'm not leaving," Leia announced, "And if I know Randy, he's not leaving 
 either."
 It was at that moment all hell broke loose.  Leia felt something hit her in 
 the back of the head and she fell to the ground in a heap.  She unable to 
 get her mind to focus, she followed her instincts and rolled off to the 
 side, the knife being thrown at her missing her by only a fraction of an 
 inch.  She grabbed the knife where it fell and threw it back at her 
 assailant, hitting him in the shoulder.  She kicked him in the solar plexus 
 and sent him flying across the alley to smack into a broken light post.
 "Leia!  Go use the police phone!  Call the cops!"
 Leia knocked over a few guys and broke away from the fight, running several 
 blocks until she came upon a working police phone.  After she sent a 
 distress message to the nearest station, she turned around, preparing to go 
 back and help.  She spun around only to find herself surrounded by five men 
 with swords.  Leia let out an involuntary shriek, and unknowingly backed 
 herself into a corner.  She tried to dodge the swords, but found it to be a 
 difficult task when five blades were coming at her at once.  One of the 
 blades grazed her neck, leaving a trail of blood to mark its path.  She 
 flinched in pain as another sword cut her leg.
 "I'm sorry, Greg," she murmured to herself as the third sword headed for her 
 heart.
 She watched as her assailant was suddenly skewered by someone else's sword.  
 When he dropped to the floor, Leia saw Randy's frame outlined by whatever 
 light was left.
 "Leia?  Can you get up?"
 Her assailants turned to look at the very angry man now standing before 
 them.  Leia took the opportunity to get herself out of the corner.  She 
 limped off while Randy fought her former assailants.  Out of nowhere a young 
 blond boy walked into their sight and they turned their attacks on him, 
 killing him on the spot.
 "Kris!  No!" Randy screamed.  He ran over and cradled his young friend, and 
 was soon killed as well.
 "Randy!" Leia screamed.  She tried to get back to help him, but the police 
 sirens scared his attackers and they ran off.  Leia watched as the cops ran 
 over to where Randy and his friend Kris lay dead, Kris cradled in Randy's 
 arms.  Leia felt herself being sweeped off her feet and she started to fight 
 back but couldn't.  All of her strength was gone.
 "You're bleeding!" Greg screamed, rushing his sister over to the ambulance, 
 which had just pulled up.
 The technicians patched her cuts up, informing them that if they had been 
 any deeper she would have needed stitches.  Once she was all patched up they 
 took care of the cut by Greg's eye, as well as the one on his lip.  The 
 police officers had long since pronounced Randy and Kris dead at the scene 
 of the crime, and they were taken away in body bags.  The police officer 
 that was just going off duty volunteered to drive Greg and Leia home.  It 
 was almost two in the morning when the car stopped in front of their house.  
 Leia was half asleep, her head resting on Greg's lap.  Greg thanked the 
 officer, then lifted Leia into his arms and carried her over to the house..  
 Greg never needed to knock or search for his keys because the lights were on 
 and the door was open before he even got half way to the front door.  Sylvia 
 stood there tying the sash on her robe.  She watched as Greg carried Leia 
 the rest of the way into the house.  Sylvia closed the front door, then went 
 and turned down Leia's bed.  Leia was still partially awake, but the 
 painkillers they had given her in the ambulance were starting to take their 
 toll, and she began to doze off.  Greg started to help his sister out of her 
 cape, but she resisted.  Leia held on to Randy's cape with the last of her 
 energy.  Greg decided against taking it away from her.  He removed her boots 
 from her feet, then placed her under the covers.
 "It's my fault...he tried to save me...they killed him..." Leia mumbled, 
 then fell fast asleep.  Greg covered his little sister with a warm blanket.  
 Kissing her on the cheek, he shut the light and closed her door, following 
 Sylvia to their room.  Sylvia turned on the bedside lamp, then sat next to 
 Greg on the bed.  He looked as if he'd been to hell and back.  Greg took his 
 sword out from under his cape, then took an old rag and cleaned the blood 
 off of it.
 "What on earth happened?" Syl asked, staring wide eyed at the blood.
 "We were attacked.  They slashed our tires, followed us part of the way 
 home, then attacked.  Randy saved Leia...and then died saving his friend."
 "Randy's dead?" Syl asked in shock.
 "Yeah.  He and Kris were taken away in body bags."
 Sylvia buried her head in Greg's shoulder and let the tears flow.  Greg lay 
 down, taking Sylvia with him.  He turned her around in his arms so that they 
 were spooning.  He lay there content, holding her close to him.
 "You are my teddy bear.  You keep me safe from my dreams."
 Sylvia smiled to herself through her tears.  She reached over and shut the 
 light out, then threw a blanket over them.


 Chapter 5

 When Greg awoke the next morning he felt like hell.  His head felt as if it 
 had been run over by a Mack truck, and he was very aware of every muscle in 
 his body...but only because they all hurt.  Greg stretched and glanced at 
 Sylvia who was sleeping soundly next to him.  Deciding against waking her, 
 Greg carefully got up, took a shower and changed his clothes then went to 
 check on his sister.  He peeked inside her room, then did a double take.  
 Leia's bed was empty and unmade.  Her clothing, from the previous night, was 
 thrown on a pile in a corner.  There was iodine, gauze, tape, and peroxide 
 in a pile on her bed, and her old bandages were thrown in the trash.  Greg 
 checked her closet and breathed a sigh of relief, noticing that only one top 
 was missing.  Greg closed her door back over, then made his way to the 
 kitchen...then made a hurried tour of the rest of the house.  He finally 
 returned to his room and awoke Sylvia.
 "Syl.  Wake up, please," Greg pleaded.
 Sylvia wearily opened her eyes, focusing them on him.
 "What is it Greg," she asked, yawning.
 "Leia's missing.  Do you know where she might have gone?"
 "In the condition she was in last night?  I have no idea..." then it 
 suddenly dawned on her," Wait!  I know where she is...sort of.  Leia has a 
 date with...Nick," Sylvia admitted reluctantly.
 "Nick?  She went out with him in her condition?  I don't believe this.  
 Where did they go?" he asked, becoming impatient.
 "I don't know.  She didn't know, so she couldn't tell me."
 Greg shook his head in aggravation.  He sat on the edge of the bed, 
 grumbling and growling about his irresponsible sister.  This went on for the 
 rest of the day...and well into the night.  It was around two am when Leia 
 and Nick finally got back home from their date.  The lights were off, and 
 all was silent.  Everyone had already gone to sleep...or so they thought.
 "Come on, let's go in the back way."  Leia said.
 "Um, why?" he asked.
 She grabbed his head and planted her lips softly against his.
 "Because, silly, we don't want to wake up my brother."  She kissed him 
 again, firmer this time- and he kissed back with a passion.  He started to 
 caress her more when she pulled away, leaving his tongue hanging out- to his 
 surprise.  "Nick.... I've got a better idea."
 He just stared as she turned around and, with a wiggle of her ass, went over 
 to the door of the house, but suddenly the lights came on and there, dark 
 and foreboding, stood Gregory.
 "So you're Nick...."
 "Big brother, what the HELL are you doing up at this hour?"
 "Waiting for a little girl who has no idea what kind of trouble she's in.  
 As for YOU," he turned to Nick, "why on earth are you taking out a little 
 girl?"
 "I am not a little girl!  I am a twenty year old woman!"
 "Let's not get into THAT right now, Leia!"
 "Big Brother!" Leia interjected, "this is MY life and I will see whomever I 
 please."
 "Not if I have any say in it."
 "We'll see about that.  Come on, Nick.  Let's go."
 "You're not going anywhere with him," Greg stated, the veins in his forehead 
 pulsing.
 "Your sister just told you that she wants to go with me.  What part of that 
 was the hardest for you to understand?"
 "If you don't leave right now, you will regret it."
 "What are you going to do to me?  Call my mommy?"
 Greg leaned back, then swung at Nick's head, but Nick easily blocked it as 
 if he were expecting it.  With a quick twist, he turned and elbowed Greg in 
 the stomach- but found nothing but well-trained rock-hard abs.  Greg's knee 
 came up and Nick was sent sprawling across the yard.
 "I will not let you touch my sister!"  Nick responded by charging at Leia's 
 brother.  Greg just grabbed him and flung him into the wall.  Leia stared at 
 him in astonishment.  She moved closer to Nick to see if he was all right..  
 "Leia, either you get inside the house right now, or I will do more serious 
 damage to this guy.  The choice is yours."
 "Can't I at least check his eye?  Please?  You owe me that much."
 "Fine.  Then you're going in the house."
 Leia moved over to Nick and leaned close, making it look like she was 
 checking his eye.
 "I'll call you later.  He can't stop me," she whispered in his ear.  Placing 
 a kiss on his eye, she glared at her brother.  "I hope you're happy."
 "Just remember that things aren't always going to go your way."
 "They're not?  Well, we'll just see about that."
 Leia ran into the house and was behind her closed bedroom door before she 
 allowed the tears to run free.  She flung herself on her bed and cried, 
 ignoring Greg's knocks and threats of breaking the door down a second time.  
 Greg finally gave up and went to his room.  Sylvia was awake and trying to 
 concentrate on her novel, but found the task next to impossible with her 
 friend wailing in the next room.  One glance told Greg that Sylvia was not 
 happy.
 "I had to do it.  It was for her own good."
 Greg made no more attempts to talk about the subject.  Picking up his 
 magazine, he channeled his energy into trying to read.  Around an hour or so 
 later, the wailing stopped.
 "At least she fell asleep," was all that Sylvia said.  She laid her book 
 down, turned off the light, and rolled onto her side so that she was facing 
 away from Greg, and promptly fell asleep.  Greg shortly followed in suit.  
 It was around five in the morning when the phone rang unexpectedly.  Leia 
 rolled over and picked up the receiver, and Greg picked up the phone a split 
 second later.
 "Hello?" Leia said in a weary voice.
 "Leia?  It's Nick."
 "Nick?  I thought I told you I would call you.  It's not safe for you to 
 call here.  My brother could hear."
 "I know...but I wanted to make sure that you were alright.  He didn't hurt 
 you, did he?"
 "Nick..."A sudden sneeze took Leia's attention from the conversation.  
 "Bless you."
 "I didn't sneeze," Nick confessed.
 "Neither did I," Leia informed him.  It was then that she heard another 
 sneeze, but it came from the room down the hall...Greg and Sylvia's room.  
 "Greg!  Get off the phone!" Leia fumed, getting angrier by the minute.
 "Either you get off the phone with Nick right now, or so help me I'll..."
 "You'll what?" Leia challenged.
 "Keep it up and you just might find out."
 "Nick...I'll call you back.  My brother and I need to have a little talk."
 "Are you sure you want to hang up?  Should I call the police?  I mean...look 
 what he did to you.  Those cuts were pretty deep."
 "How many times do I have to tell you?  I was in a fight...but Greg was on 
 my side.  He didn't do this to me."
 "Leia, I'd suggest that you stop discussing that right now and hang up 
 before I get REALLY angry."
 "Nick...please.  I'll call you later."
 "Alright," Nick said, and he reluctantly hung up.
 "Greg!  I am going to go back to sleep!  You and I will discuss this when I 
 wake up!  Maybe by then my temper will have cooled."
 "We will discuss this right now!"
 Before Leia could say another word Greg hung up the phone.  She could hear 
 his angry strides carrying him to her bedroom.  She reacted as quickly as 
 she could and slammed the door shut...but couldn't lock it in time.  They 
 fought back and forth, pushing the door with almost equal force.  The more 
 she fought, the more the cut on her leg began to bleed.  She tried to take 
 all pressure off of it, but only succeeded in loosening her grip on the 
 door.  Greg burst into the room, sending Leia flying against the wall.  She 
 grabbed her nearest scarf, tying around her leg in an attempt to stop the 
 bleeding.  Greg's mood went from anger to worry as he watched the puddle of 
 blood near his sister become larger and larger.  Greg forgot his fury and 
 knelt down next her, taking the scarf out of her hands.  He placed it just 
 above the cut and put pressure on it.  The bleeding soon stopped, but Leia 
 was severely weakened by the loss of blood.  It had been almost a half-hour 
 since she had hung up with Nick, and Leia was already beginning to see what 
 he meant.  She felt woozy, and her body ached like she'd been thrown down a 
 flight of stairs.  Leia tried her hardest to keep her wits about her.  She 
 edged her back up the wall in an attempt to get up, but couldn't get enough 
 strength together and slid back down.  Greg ignored Leia's protests and put 
 an arm behind her, helping her to her feet.  She swayed a bit, but Greg 
 managed to help her get to her bed with minimal hassle.  He set her down, 
 then set to work cleaning and bandaging the cut which had long since stopped 
 bleeding.
 "I can't believe you," Leia said once she found her voice.
 "You can't believe me?  I can't believe you.  I told you not to call him....I 
 told you to stop seeing him...but you never listen to me, do you?"
 "I don't want to argue right now.  Let's do what I originally suggested.  
 Let me go back to sleep, and we'll talk when I wake up.  Maybe we'll both be 
 in better frames of mind."
 "Fine with me.  I hate to fight with an unarmed opponent," he shot back, 
 knowing that it was a low blow.
 Leia shot him a glance, but said nothing.  Greg cut the last piece of tape, 
 then helped his sister into her bed.  Leia pulled her blanket over herself 
 as Greg shut the lights and closed the door over.  She curled herself into a 
 little ball, and soon fell asleep.  It was light out when she woke again, 
 but it was later than she'd bargained for.  The clock on her wall read 
 2:46pm.  Leia bolted up then fell back, all of the blood circulating 
 irregularly through her body.  Once her circulation leveled itself out she 
 sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.  The house was 
 abnormally quiet, and Leia was beginning to get worried.  She located her 
 crutches from the time she'd sprained her ankle, then used them to get 
 herself into the den.  Sylvia was sitting in the den, talking frantically to 
 someone on the phone.  When she looked up and saw Leia she calmed, said good 
 bye, then hung up the phone.
 "Greg!" she screamed.  "Leia's up!"
 Greg came barreling through the house.  The sight of his sister standing on 
 her feet with the use of crutches calmed him down.
 "Are you okay?  We thought you were never going to wake up."
 "I'll be fine...I just need a glass of juice to get my blood sugar level 
 back up."
 "One second," Greg said, disappearing into the kitchen.
 He came back with a large glass of juice and a cupcake.
 "Thanks."
 Leia finished both the juice and cupcake quickly.  Sylvia almost laughed.
 "If you can still eat like that, you'll be fine."
 Leia hobbled around the house for the rest of the day, and Greg avoided the 
 topic of the phone call.  This cease-fire went on for a few days.  It wasn't 
 until Sunday that Nick called Leia again.  Greg and Sylvia had gone out to 
 do some food shopping, and Leia stayed home to rest her leg, which was 
 healing nicely.  The ringing phone interrupted her bath.  Leia shut off the 
 water and picked up the portable phone.
 "Hello?"
 "Is that you Leia?  Is anyone else home?"
 "Nick?  No, no one else is home."
 "Are you okay?  You sound strange."
 "I'm fine.  I'm sorry that I haven't called you sooner.  I've been under 
 constant supervision because of my leg."
 "What happened to your leg?"
 "It's a long story.  I just basically over-exerted myself and ended up 
 re-opening the wound on my leg."
 "So, is everything okay now?"
 "Yeah.  Syl and Greg are just a little nervous about leaving me alone.  They 
 went food shopping.  They'll be back any minute now."
 "Can I meet you somewhere?  I need to see you again."
 Leia paused, a feeling of apprehension sweeping over her.  She pushed her 
 worries to the back of her mind and took a deep breath.
 "Sure.  I'd love to see you again.  Where can we meet?  I'm free all the 
 time lately, so all you have to do is say when and where."
 Leia cursed herself for sounding too desperate.
 "Do you remember how to get to the Dragon's Lair Club?"
 "Honestly?  No."
 "That's alright.  Would you mind going there?"
 "Not at all, but I need to create a ruse.  I need to get someone to lie for 
 me.  Someone to tell my brother that I'll be with them."
 "What about your brothers fiance?"
 "She can't lie to him.  It's not in her to lie."
 "Don't you know anyone else?"
 "Only...that's perfect!" Leia shouted.  "Nick, I've just figured out the 
 answer to our problem.  I know exactly what I'll tell them.  So...when shall 
 we meet?"
 "Today's...Sunday, right?  How long will it take you to set up the ruse?"
 "Next to nothing.  Can you meet me at The Nautilus?"
 "That place?  Are you sure?"
 Leia smiled to her self, knowing it was the only place she wouldn't be 
 recognized.
 "I'm sure."
 "I thought you said you'd been hurt."
 Leia paused for a moment, unwilling to admit that she hadn't thought of 
 that.  She shrugged off her worries, knowing that her leg would be all 
 right.
 "I can protect myself if the occasion arises.  Besides, we won't be staying 
 there long."
 "Fine.  I'll meet you at The Nautilus.  Shall we say tomorrow?"
 "Sounds good.  Nine thirty?"
 "At night."
 "Now I KNOW that you've gone crazy.  If we go there at night..."
 "Listen...do you want to see me or not?"
 "Of course I do..."
 "Nine thirty.  Don't worry.  I'll be careful."
 Leia hung up the phone, then pulled the plug on the drain.  She wrapped 
 herself in a towel, then grabbed her crutches and hurried into her room.  
 Hot tears scalded her cold cheeks as she struggled to keep herself calm.  
 She locked her bedroom door, then forced her legs to carry her to her closet 
 without the aid of crutches.  She put on her pajamas, then crawled into her 
 bed and hid her head under the covers.
 **********************************************************************
 Loud knocking.  Leia yawned and rubbed her eyes.  It was darker out.
 "Oh no.  I fell asleep," she whispered to herself.
 The knocking was getting louder and louder.  Leia stared at her crutches, 
 damning herself for leaving them by the door.  She cleared her throat, then 
 took a deep breath.
 "What is it?"
 "Leia?  Open this door right now."
 "Greg...I'm fine.  Just let me go back to sleep."
 "Not until you open this door."
 Leia rolled her eyes, then got herself up and limped over to the door.  She 
 opened the door to find a very upset Greg standing there.  Sylvia was no 
 where to be seen.
 "Where's Syl?"
 "She's making dinner.  She told me to go get you."
 Greg pushed past his little sister and turned on the lights, making a mental 
 survey of the room.
 "Would you mind getting out and leaving me alone?"
 It was her choice of words that struck him funny, and nothing else.  She 
 hadn't yelled at him for being protective for days.  Not since...Nick.
 "You spoke to him, didn't you?"
 Leia knew he'd ask that, so she never flinched.
 "Spoke to who?"
 "You know very well who I'm talking about."
 "Oh...the doctor said that I'll be fine.  These headaches I've been..."
 Greg looked at her perplexed, but decided that his sister couldn't possibly 
 lie to him.
 "Are you hungry?" he asked, cutting off her sentence.
 "A little."
 "Come on.  Sylvia's making lasagna."
 Greg started to leave, but turned back to say something.  That was when he 
 noticed.
 "You're not using your crutches.  Did the doctor tell you it was okay?"
 "No..."
 "Then why aren't you using your crutches?"
 "I...never mind.  You wouldn't understand.  Just hand them to me, okay?"
 "No, I won't never mind.  Tell me."
 Sylvia chose that moment to butt in.
 "If you two are done arguing, would you mind coming inside and having 
 dinner?"
 "Gladly.  Would you just hand me my crutches?"
 Sylvia handed them to her, and Leia followed her without another word to 
 Greg.  Dinner passed by in silence, and Leia excused herself early.  She 
 went to bed early, praying that she'd fall asleep fast.  Leia curled herself 
 into a ball, wishing that all of the pain swirling inside her would just go 
 away.  She hated lying to Greg, hated it with a passion, but she could see 
 no other way out.  She couldn't take the pain any longer, so she began to 
 cry.  It was the most pitiful cry Greg and Sylvia had ever heard.  Leia had 
 tried to quiet her sobs, but only succeeded in making them more 
 heartbreaking.  Sylvia and Greg exchanged glances.
 "You head to bed.  I'll be there in a little bit," Greg told Sylvia.
 Sylvia stared on in surprise as Greg walked off to see what ailed his 
 sister.  He gently knocked on her door, not wanting to upset her any more 
 than she already was.  When Leia didn't respond, Greg opened the door and 
 went inside.  She looked so small and helpless, curled up in a little ball.  
 The pillow she had hidden her face in to try and muffle her sobs was now 
 visibly soaked.  Greg didn't know what to say.  Then he remembered some 
 advice Sylvia had given him earlier that day while they were shopping.
 "Syl, what should I do?  Leia and I always seem to fight.  I never seem to 
 say the right things to her.  I want to help my little sister, but she 
 always seems to push away."
 "Greg...listen to me.  There are some times when you'll upset her no matter 
 what you say.  When that time comes, and you want to help, just let her know 
 you're there.  You may think it's not enough, but you might surprise 
 yourself."
 Greg pulled his thoughts back to his sister.  He walked over to the edge of 
 her bed and sat down.  He just sat there, not knowing what to do.  Leia 
 looked at him through tear filled eyes.  She said nothing.  She simply 
 crawled over to where he was sitting and threw her arms around his waist, 
 burying her face in his chest.  Greg held his sister close, letting her cry. 
   Leia sobbed violently.  Her brother's soothing touch was her only line to 
 sanity.  She cried until she finally passed out from exhaustion.  Greg lay 
 his sister back on her bed, then covered her over with her blanket.  He 
 kissed her forehead, then left her room, closing the door over behind 
 himself.  Sylvia was reading a novel when he finally got to the bedroom.  
 She glanced up as he entered, putting her book away, her curiosity visible 
 on her face.  One glance at him told her that he wasn't angry.  Greg simply 
 went over to the bed and lay down next to Sylvia.  He kissed her deeply, 
 then lay his head on her chest.
 "Thank you," he said, then fell asleep moments later.
 Leia woke up mid scream, her body shaking violently.  She stared around her 
 room, wishing that she could calm down.  Greg and Sylvia were in her room 
 moments later.
 "Is everything alright?" Sylvia asked her eyes wide as the harvest moon with 
 worry.  Greg's eyes were wide as well, but with a mix of curiosity and 
 concern.  Leia shot Sylvia a glance.
 "I'm fine.  Please you two, go back to bed."
 "Why don't you tell him why you were screaming?" Sylvia questioned.
 "I saw a spider.  Are you happy?"
 Greg took a close look at his sister's face and knew she was lying.
 "Come on.  Out with it.  What caused you to scream?"
 "I had a nightmare...but I honestly don't remember what it was about.  I 
 woke up only moments before you two got in here."
 "Leia, why don't you tell him the truth.  You know that he only wants to 
 help."
 "I AM TELLING HIM THE TRUTH."
 Greg looked from his fianc to his sister, a perplexed look on his face 
 quickly being replaced by anger.
 "What's going on?  What are you two hiding?"
 "Nothing," Leia answered, challenging Sylvia to go against her word.
 "Syl?" Greg asked questioningly.
 "Nothing," Syl replied, then turned on her heel and stormed out the door.
 "You'd better get back to bed as well.  You two have a very busy day ahead 
 of you tomorrow."
 "Do you know something I don't?"
 Leia simply smiled.
 "You'll find out tomorrow.  Goodnight."
 Greg watched his sister rebuild the wall around her heart as she turned away 
 from him and tried to fall asleep.  He went back to his room only to find 
 Sylvia sitting on the bed, thoroughly upset.
 "Darling, what's wrong?" Greg asked as he sat himself next to her.  He put 
 his arm around her shoulder, cradling her to his side.
 "I need to tell you something, but I know that it will cause trouble."
 "Does it concern Leia?"
 "Yes."
 Greg sighed.
 "You have to tell me.  I know that we're both concerned about Leia...and if 
 my little sister's having problems I need to know so that I can help her."
 Sylvia eyed Greg warily.  Deciding there was no other way she sighed.
 "Leia's been having nightmares lately."
 "I know..."
 "No.  You don't.  She's been having them almost every night.  I've woken her 
 out of one or two of them, but they still come back."
 "Are you sure?"
 "Yeah.  She made me promise that I wouldn't tell you.  She didn't want you 
 to worry..."
 "And send her to get help.  Am I right?"  Sylvia nodded her head.  "Fine 
 then.  I'll treat this as if you had never told me.  If Leia doesn't want my 
 help then I'm not going to offer it."
 Greg kissed Sylvia on the cheek, then lay back and went to sleep.  Sylvia 
 followed suit.  Leia, on the other hand, just couldn't calm her mind.  She 
 tossed and turned, praying for sleep to take her.  She was finally so 
 desperate that she didn't know what else to do.  She wandered around her 
 room on her crutches, gathering all the items she had ever been given by 
 Shawn, or borrowed from him.  She put them all in a red bag and put it in 
 the corner.  It was around five in the morning when Leia finally gave up on 
 sleep.  She lit a nearby candle so that she wouldn't wake everyone else up 
 by turning the lights on.  Setting the candle on the side, Leia filled her 
 tub with hot water and added a touch of bath bubbles then stripped and 
 lounged in the tub.  She lay there until the water became unbearably cold..  
 Grabbing her hot pink robe, she tied it around her waist, then threw a towel 
 around her hair and went back to her bedroom.  She crawled under her 
 blankets and quickly fell asleep.  The sunlight shining directly on her face 
 was what awoke her from her sleep.  Leia shaded her eyes and carefully sat 
 up, feeling quite contented.  She stifled a yawn with the back of her hand, 
 then stretched sleepily, every muscle in her body aching.
 "Leia?  Are you up yet?"
 Leia bolted awake at the sound of her brother's voice, which originated from 
 directly outside her door.
 "I'll be out in a minute Greg!  Don't you dare come in!"
 "Why not?  What are you hiding?"
 "I'm not hiding anything.  I just need to get dressed."
 Greg sighed.
 "Is someone in there with you?"
 "No.  I promiseI'll be out in a few seconds."
 "Fine."
 Leia dressed her self as quickly as she possibly could, then hobbled out of 
 the bedroom on her crutches.  She almost fell as the crutch snagged on the 
 edge of her skirt.  Greg caught his sister before she fell, then helped her 
 regain her balance.  He followed her to the kitchen, watching over her 
 closely as if she would shatter at any moment.  Breakfast was taken in 
 silence, and Greg watched over his little sister closely.  This went on for 
 the rest of the day.  Around Five Leia dressed herself in an outfit she had 
 not worn in two years.  The halter-top fit her even more snuggly now that 
 her bra size had increased.  She slipped on the daisy dukes, then pulled her 
 thigh high boots on, taking care not to disturb the bandage on her leg 
 covering her almost healed wound.  She made her way into the den with her 
 crutches and the red bag full of Shawn's items.  She lay the red bag down on 
 the sofa, then called a cab.  She was almost home free when Greg walked into 
 the den.  He did a double take when he saw his sister.  A moment later the 
 cab honked its horn and she grabbed her bag.  Greg grabbed hold of Leia's 
 wrist, restraining her.
 "What do you think you're doing?"
 "I'm returning these things to Shawn."
 "And the outfit?"
 Leia smiled evilly.
 "I want to make him suffer."
 Leia wrenched her hand from his grasp and left.  Greg stood there in shock, 
 knowing that Leia wasn't like this normally.  He got on the phone with Shawn 
 immediately.  Shawn's answering machine picked up.
 "Shawn? Damn it!  Pick up if you're there!"
 Moments later the phone clicked.
 "Greg is that you?"  Shawn asked, sounding quite groggy.
 "Are you drunk?" Greg asked.
 "Yeah, why?" Shawn asked, sighing.
 "Leia's on her way over."
 Shawn bolted up and hit his head on the floor lamp.  He muttered some curses 
 then retrieved the phone from where it fell.
 "Are you sure?  She's headed here?"
 "She just told meand you might find her outfit quite familiar.  Remember 
 that top that was shredded two years ago?"
 "Yeah" Shawn replied warily.
 "She bought another top a few days later so that our aunt and uncle would 
 never know that there had been amishap with it.  She left the house in that 
 exact outfit only moments ago."
 Shawn swore under his breath, staring at the empty bottles on the floor.
 "ListenI have to go.  If she really is coming over here then I have to hide 
 these empty bottles.  I'll call you later."
 "Okay.  Good luck."
 Shawn hung up the phone with his best friend, then rushed around his house 
 collecting the bottles.  He had the den cleared moments before there was a 
 knock at his front door.  Shawn answered the door without looking through 
 the peephole.  Leia took one look at Shawn and knew that he was drunk.  She 
 didn't say a word.  Balancing her self on one crutch, Leia handed him the 
 red bag then turned around and headed back to the cab.  Shawn just stared at 
 Leia in shock as she got back into the cab and drove away.  Leia watched the 
 perplexed look on Shawn's face as she drove away.
 "Driver, take me to the Nautilus," Leia requested.
 The driver simply nodded.  The driver stopped outside the industrial sector, 
 refusing to go inside.  Leia paid the cab driver then exited the vehicle.  
 She stared at the entrance, a feeling of dread sweeping over her.  Leia 
 abandoned her crutches at the entrance, then went the rest of the way on 
 foot.  She stalked through the dark alley's, making her way to the Nautilus. 
   A tap on her shoulder sent her jumping three feet off the ground and she 
 whirled around, ready to defend herself.  Nick jumped back, not expecting 
 this sudden attack.
 "Leia!  It's me."
 "Nick!  Help!" Leia said, trying to regain her balance, but finding the task 
 almost impossible because of the pain being generated by her wound.  She 
 started to fall but Nick caught hold of her, swinging her into his arms.
 "Leia?  Listendo you mind if we get out of here?"
 "Gladly."
 Nick carried Leia to his car and helped her into the front seat.  He 
 retrieved her crutches and threw them into the back of the car, then hopped 
 into the drivers' seat and drove off.  The Dragon's Lair club was at one of 
 its low points when they got there.  Leia and Nick were seated in a secluded 
 corner and the waiter took their order.  Leia sipped at her drink, staring 
 at the olive.
 "Gorgeous, are you all right?"
 Leia glanced up.
 "Huh?  What's the matter?"
 Nick smiled.
 "I was asking if you were all right."
 "I'm fine.  Just thinking," Leia replied.
 They spent the rest of the evening talking about insignificant things.  
 Around Four in the morning Leia began to yawn.
 "Leiabefore I take you homeI was just wondering if you'd accompany me on a 
 trip I have to take.  You see, I have to go to Soda Fountain on business, 
 and I'd like you to come with me."
 "To Soda Fountain?" Leia asked, half asleep.
 "Yeah.  Will you?"
 Leia stared at him, her eye lids becoming heavier the longer she sat there.
 "Let me think about it, okay?"
 "Sure."
 Nick paid and came back for Leia.  She had only been sitting there alone for 
 a moment, but she was already fast asleep.  Nick swung her into his arms and 
 carried her out.  It was barely light out when they finally arrived at 
 Leia's home.  Nick gently shook Leia's shoulder.
 "Leia?  We're home."
 Leia sleepily opened her eyes and stared up at Nick.
 "Already?"
 "Yeah.  Where are your house keys?"
 Leia searched her purse, then handed her house keys to Nick.  Nick swung her 
 into his arms and carried her up to the house.  He opened the door warily, 
 but soon relaxed when he noticed that no one was home.  Nick set Leia down 
 on the couch and covered her with the quilt that was on it.  He set her 
 purse down on the coffee table, then lay her crutches next to the door.  
 Putting Leia's keys back into her purse, Nick locked the door behind him 
 self and drove away.


 Chapter 6

 Leia felt someone shaking her shoulders and she bolted awake.  It was 
 several hours later, and the sun had long since fully risen.  Leia struggled 
 to focus her eyes on the person who was shaking her.  She found herself 
 unable to focus and quickly became nauseous from the rough jerking 
 movements.  Leia gave up on focusing and grabbed her stomach, praying that 
 who ever was shaking her would stop before it was too late.
 "Leia, is your stomach bothering you?"

 Leia quickly recognized the voice of her best friend Sylvia.  Leia could 
 only nod her head.  She moaned in pain as her stomachaches got worse.  A 
 cold wash cloth splashed her hot forehead and she shivered.
 "Lay back and relax sis.  The doctor's going to be here very soon."
 Leia did as her brother told her, leaning back on the pillows that he had 
 placed behind her.  Once the doctor got there they moved Leia into her 
 bedroom so that the doctor could check her out.  He came out fifteen minutes 
 later, a knowing look on his face.
 "Doctor, is my sister going to be all right?"
 "She'll be fine.  She just needs some rest, that's all."
 "What's wrong with her?"
 "Your sister has a 48-hour virus.  She should be perfectly fine by tomorrow 
 night."
 "How did she get sick?"
 "Everyone who set foot in The Dragon's Lair club last night seems to have 
 picked up the virus.  Just see to it that she drinks a lot of fluids, keeps 
 warm, and rests.  I wouldn't be too surprised if she has a bit of a hang 
 over to add to her misery."
 "Thank you so much for coming over."
 Greg showed the doctor to the door, then stormed back to where his fiance 
 was watching over his sister.  Leia could tell that Greg wasn't in the mood 
 to listen to reason when he entered the room.  Sylvia knew by the look on 
 Greg's face that he was out for blood.  Greg mumbled angrily under his 
 breath, pacing back and forth like a tiger ready to pounce, and was quickly 
 making Leia dizzy.  She fell back against the pillows on her bed, closing 
 her eyes to wait for the dizzy spell to subside.  Greg's look momentarily 
 went from anger to concern and back again.
 "Damn it!  Why?"
 Leia held her hand to her head, rubbing her temples.  She took a few shallow 
 breaths, and gathered her wandering thoughts.
 "I just did, all right?  I think you should just be happy that I didn't stay 
 at the Nautilus."
 Greg could no longer reign in his temper.
 "The Nautilus?  Have you completely taken leave of all your senses?"
 "I can take care of myself!  I don't need you watching over me at every 
 turn!  Damn it, I'm not a baby anymore!"
 "Don't you get it?  What could a guy like that want from you other than 
 sex?"
 "What?  You don't think it's possible that he could just want to be friends? 
   Is sex what everything adds up to in your eyes?"  Leia ran her fingers 
 through her hair.  "Just stay out of my life!"
 "Fine!  That's just fine!  You think you know so much?  Go ahead!  I'd like 
 to see you survive two weeks without my help!"
 It was at that moment that Leia recalled the invitation that Nick had given 
 her.  Nick.
 "Oh my god!  Syl, could you hand me the phone?"
 Sylvia tossed the cordless phone at her friend.  After a few failed 
 attempts, Leia finally got the phone to dial Nick's number.  An unknown male 
 answered.
 "Hello?"
 "Is Nick there?"
 "He's not feeling very well.  Do you want to leave a message?"
 "Just tell him that Leia called to find out if he was all right."
 "Leia?  You're Leia?"
 "Yeah.  Why?"
 "I'm Nick's brother Paul.  He's been asking me to call you for the last 
 twenty minutes but I couldn't find your number."
 "Nice to meet you Paul.  Listen, could you have him call me when he's 
 feeling better?"
 "No problem."
 "Thanks.  Bye."
 "Bye."
 When Leia hung up the phone she noticed the absence of her brother.  Sylvia 
 stood at the door staring at her friend in disbelief.
 "Why don't you just tell him the truth about everything?" Sylvia questioned, 
 then went after Greg.
 The next 48 hours were spent in almost complete silence.  Leia only spoke 
 with Sylvia when she brought her soup.  Sylvia continued to try and convince 
 Leia to talk to him, but soon found that this was an impossible task.  It 
 wasn't until the doctor checked her out on Thursday that Leia fully 
 understood how upset Greg really was.  The doctor walked out into the den to 
 talk with Greg once the exam was finished.
 "She should be fine now.  It appears that the virus has run its course, and 
 she seems to have regained her strength."
 "Thank you doctor."
 Greg went out back to practice his sword fighting.  He didn't even say a 
 word to her before he left.  He had hacked his sparing dummy to bits before 
 long.  Leia watched him through her bedroom window.  She backed away 
 quickly, worried that he'd catch her watching him.  When the phone rang 
 about an hour later Leia answered it instantly.
 "Leia?  Is that you?"
 "Nick?  Yeah, it's me."
 "How are you feeling?  You sound tired."
 "I'm fine.  What happened to your trip?"
 "We're still going.  We'll be leaving tonight."
 Leia hesitated, then shrugged off her worries.
 "Do you still want me to go with you?"
 "Yeah!" Nick said, his shock and happiness clearly obvious in his voice.
 "I'd love to.  What time does the plane leave?"
 "We're taking our charter, so it leaves whenever we get there."
 "Would it be too much of a problem for you to pick me up here around 
 midnight?"
 "No problem."
 "I'll be ready.  Don't beep the horn.  I'm going to let everyone sleep.  
 Okay?"
 "Sure.  I'll see you tonight.  Bye."
 "Bye."
 Leia hung up the phone, then pulled a pad and pen out of her nightstand and 
 started to make a list of necessities.  Once her list was finished Leia 
 began to pack.  She continued until there was a knock at her door.
 "Leia?  Sylvia made dinner.  Come eat."
 Leia hid her bags in her closet, then threw her robe on and went inside.  
 She ate dinner in silence, not even daring to look at Sylvia.  She cleaned 
 her dishes then returned to her room, locking her bedroom door behind her..  
 Greg followed his sister and found that she had locked her door.  He was 
 going to bang on the door but Sylvia shot him a glance that told him to let 
 it go.  Greg sighed and walked away.  Leia finished packing her bags and set 
 them right by her bedroom door.  She changed her bandages and dressed 
 comfortably in jeans and a sweater.  Pulling her hair back in a ponytail, 
 Leia applied a little bit of lip-gloss.  She quickly glanced at the clock 
 and noted that it was only a few minutes to midnight.  Leia's apprehension 
 began to grow as the seconds ticked away.  To calm her self, she packed her 
 mother's locket and her fathers pocket watch into her bag as well as her 
 photo albums.  She peeked out the window and saw Nick's car pulling up 
 outside.  She quickly took most of her bags out to the car and handed them 
 to Nick.  While he packed them in with his Leia went back to get her last 
 bag.  She looked at her room, which was now almost completely empty except 
 for a few things that just wouldn't be practical to take with her.  She 
 wiped a tear from her cheek and laughed at herself, unsure why she felt this 
 way.
 "After all," she thought to herself, "I'm only going to be away two weeks.."
 Leia found herself unable to check her tears and they came in a steady 
 stream.  She cleaned her face up the best she could, then went back outside 
 and got in Nick's car.
 "Are you all set?"
 "Yeah.  I was just wondering..."
 "What?"
 "Could we stop by my aunt and uncle's house?  I'd just like to say goodbye 
 to them.  I haven't seen them in a few days."
 "No problem.  Just show me the way."
 Leia guided Nick to the house that her aunt and uncle had moved into a few 
 years ago.  Leia knocked on the door.  It was silent for a while, then she 
 noticed a small light go on.  Her uncle Rick answered the door.
 "Leia?  Is everything okay?"
 Leia forced herself to smile.
 "Yeah.  I just realized that I never told you I was going out of town."
 "Out of town?  When will you be back?"
 "I don't know right now.  Just tell Aunt Sam that I send my love, okay?"
 Rick hugged his niece to him.
 "You know I will.  Be careful and enjoy yourself."
 "I love you Uncle Rick."
 Rick stared into Leia's face.
 "I love you too, little one.  Your mom and dad would be so proud of the 
 woman you've turned into."
 "Thanks.  I've got to go.  I'll call you soon."
 "Okay.  Night Leia."
 "Night Uncle Rick."
 Leia waved goodbye to her uncle, then got back into the car and they drove 
 off.  Leia slept for most of the plane ride.  It was the knocking at their 
 front door that awoke Greg from a sound sleep.  He pulled himself out of bed 
 and answered the door.  Shawn was standing outside, and he looked like hell 
 warmed over.  Although he was no longer drunk, he was considerably hung 
 over.
 "Greg, I really need to talk to Leia.  Can you please get her for me?"
 "I'll go wake her up.  Just give me a minute."  Greg padded down the hallway 
 to Leia's room, and tried the doorknob.  Finding it locked, Greg began to 
 pound on the door.  "Leia!  Get up and open this door!  Shawn's here to talk 
 to you!"  Greg banged on the door for several minutes, then decided to 
 threaten her.  "If you don't open this door right now, I'm going to break it 
 open like I did the last time."  The lack of response was the last straw.  
 Greg backed up, then took a flying kick at the door.  The wood shattered 
 into pieces.  Greg looked at the mound under the covers in the bed.  "You 
 know, Leia, it's incredibly juvenile of you to act like this."  Greg pulled 
 the covers down, only to find a few well-placed pillows under it.  "Shit!  
 Sylvia!"
 Greg ran down the hall to his room to awaken Sylvia.  Sylvia looked up at 
 him groggily.
 "What's going on?  Why are you shouting?" she asked bleary eyed.
 "Leia's not in her room."
 "Are you sure?  Go back and check everywhere.  You know how she can be if 
 she doesn't want to talk."
 Greg rushed back into Leia's room.  Upon checking her dresser and closet, 
 Greg noticed most of her things were missing, including the velvet bag that 
 he knew she kept their mother's locket in.  He walked back into his bedroom, 
 where a perplexed Sylvia and Shawn were talking.
 "She wasn't there?" Sylvia asked, bewildered.
 "Nope.  Wherever she is, she took our mother's locket with her.  Where could 
 she be?"
 "Oh jeez!"
 "Syl, is there something you're not telling me?"
 "Promise you won't be mad?"
 "I hate it when you say that.  What am I going to be mad about?"
 "Yesterday, when you went outside to practice with your sword, she called 
 Nick."
 "How do you know?"
 "I tried listening at the door.  All I could make out was that she was 
 talking to him."
 "She's with him," Greg deduced without any further thought.  "Anyone know 
 his last name?"
 "No one does.  Even Leia doesn't know."
 "And she left with him?"  Shawn shook his head at the incredulity of the 
 situation.  "I knew she was upset, but this isn't like her."
 "I knew something like this was going to happen."
 "How could you, when I don't even think she knew?  Can you tell me that?"
 "If I could, I'd have all the answers right now.  I say we search around for 
 anyone who saw her late last night into early this morning."
 They continued to ponder where she could have gone well into the afternoon.  
 Greg went to see his aunt and uncle.  Shawn took a photo of Leia to the 
 airport to see if anyone there had seen her and Sylvia stayed behind just in 
 case she phoned.  Shawn had no news to report.  Greg's news was not a good 
 tiding.
 "I spoke with my uncle.  He told me that she went to see him and my aunt 
 late last night.  She said goodbye to them, telling them that she was 
 leaving town.  They don't know where she went, or when she'll be back."
 All the color drained from Shawn's face.
 "Fine.  If she wants to disappear off the face of this earth then she has my 
 blessing to do so.  I'm not going to let her whims bother me in the least..  
 I'll talk to you later Greg."
 Shawn burst out of the room, slamming the front door behind him self.
 "WellI think he took that pretty well," Sylvia said to break the silence.
 They continued to search for clues as to her whereabouts for several days..   
   It wasn't until Monday that they received a phone call from Leia.  It was 
 around three when the phone rang.  After accepting the charges on the 
 collect call, Sylvia heard the sound of her friend's voice.
 "Syl?  Is that you?"
 "Leia?  Where are you?"
 "Sylvia...I need you to just trust me.  I'm safe.  I'm with Nick, and I 
 didn't want you to worry.  Don't tell Greg I called."
 "Leia...please.  Tell me where you are."
 The phone line clicked dead.  Sylvia fought with the operator to find out 
 where the call had originated.
 "I need to know where that call came from.  My friend has been missing 
 several days."
 "Let me see...ah, here it is...the call originated from a hotel in Soda 
 Fountain."
 "Soda Fountain?  How many hotels are there?"
 "I have no idea.  Can't help you any further."
 Syl hung up the phone, a look of exasperation crossing her face.  Greg 
 entered the room and saw the look on her face.
 "Are you all right?"
 "Leia called."
 Greg's eyes bugged out and he felt his blood race through his veins as the 
 adrenaline took over.
 "She did?  When?  Did she say where she was?  Is she okay?"
 "She's finebut no, she didn't say where she was."
 The sudden light that had momentarily lit Greg's eyes quickly dimmed and 
 extinguished itself.  He began to pace the floor again, just as he had been 
 doing since Leia left.  Sylvia longed to be able to erase the worry from his 
 heart but knew that there was only one thing she could do to complete the 
 task.  She'd have to go after Leia.  Greg was in a mood for the rest of the 
 day, and well into the evening.  It wasn't until they were getting ready for 
 bed that Sylvia couldn't take his attitude anymore.
 "GregI know how to find out where Leia is," Sylvia informed him, leaving 
 out the fact that she had already accomplished the task.  Greg's mood 
 quickly perked up.  "I'm going to go looking for her."
 Greg's mood made the sudden change from optimistic to annoyed.
 "You are not going after her!  Tell me where she is and I'll go after her.."
 "Maybe you should learn to mind you own business!" Sylvia screamed.
 "You are my business!  Don't forget that I am your fiance!" Greg resounded.
 "Well maybe if you listened to me the first time, you wouldn't have to be in 
 this argument!" bellowed Greg, "I mean Leia's a big girl, but boy she can 
 act dumb sometimes and I don't want you to follow her!"
 "Well why not? Leia is one of my closest friends! If it wasn't for her I 
 probably wouldn't be here today!" "That's what I'm afraid of!"
 The look on Greg's face changed from anger to sorrow, then to pure lustful 
 evil, but Sylvia was too angry to notice.  She continued her rage as if 
 nothing had changed in her adversary.
 "I can't believe that you would go as far as not trusting me!" Sylvia 
 continued her tirade, "Why would you even...."
 "You know I never noticed this before, but you are totally cute when you're 
 angry," said Greg huskily.
 He grabbed her around her waste and pulled her closer to him, but she was 
 certainly not in the mood- and slapped him square on his cheek.
 "What was that for?" he asked, coldly.
 Sylvia just turned away.
 "You're not even worried about your own sister."
 "I AM! But she's getting herself in a lot of trouble, I can feel it, and I 
 don't want you to get hurt."
 "Hey, I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself." she declared.
 "God," he sighed, "you look so sexy when you're mad."  Suddenly Greg stood 
 up and held Sylvia, his front to her back.  She was stunned into an 
 immovable silence.  As his breath fanned her ear, his words were rough and 
 so urgent she could barely hear them.  "I need to hold you, Sylvia."
 It sounded like a desperate plea dragged from the darkness.  His arms slowly 
 wrapped around her, across her breasts and gripped her shoulders.  Then his 
 head lowered so that his lips were pressed to her throat.
 "Greg, I have to go," Sylvia groaned.
 "Where?"
 "To find Leia..."
 "She can wait a minute."
 His tongue outlined the curve of her lips.  In a slow, lush motion his hand 
 slid down her stomach and covered her softness.
 "No," Sylvia said.
 "So this is what you want?  Tell me...you're so beautiful," he murmured as 
 he watched his hand slide over her breasts covered in cream lace.  She 
 moaned deliciously and closed her eyes.  "No," came his sultry command.  
 "Not yet."  His broad hands caressed her stomach, then slid languorously 
 over her hips to her thighs, and his fingers dipped between them.  Sylvia 
 pressed back against him. Then his touch rose again, the heat of it searing 
 her skin as his fingers came together and slid downward beneath the edge of 
 her panties.  Sylvia's breath caught as he touched her downy softness.  
 "You're so hot," he whispered, "and wet."
 He circled the bead of her sex, and her legs threatened to fold.  Just the 
 sight of themselves in the mirror, together, his hands intimately on her 
 body, was more erotic than she'd ever known.  Then he slid a finger inside 
 her and stroked, feeling her body grip and flex beneath his touch.  He 
 tipped her head back and took her mouth, his kiss slow and drugging.  His 
 knee situated itself between her legs and he was able to feel the exquisite 
 heat of her center bearing down on him.  Sylvia reached around to him and 
 called softly to him so he slowly lifted his gaze to hers.  She slipped her 
 hand inside his jeans.  He was bare, and she filled her palm with his 
 warmth.  She stroked him gently, listening to his breathing change.  He 
 became harder in her hand.
 "Oh Greg," she breathed, "Tell me you want this as much as I do."  He 
 swallowed thickly.  The air crackled, then exploded.  He suddenly dragged 
 her to him, covering her mouth again with his.  "Make love to me, Greg."  
 Sylvia brushed her breasts against his chest and he gripped her tighter and 
 sank his fingers inside her softness, stroking her wildly.  She arched, 
 bending back as his mouth found her nipples, working the tender tips into 
 soft, sensitive buds.  The heat of her sex warmed his groin.  His jeans felt 
 like paper.  He dragged Sylvia over to the edge of the bed.  Her legs 
 dangled over the side of the mattress as he placed her there.  She spread 
 her thighs and captured him between.  She ducked her head down and covered 
 his flat nipple with her lush mouth.  He captured her mouth once more, 
 scraping his teeth over her mouth, her chin, down to her breasts, sucking 
 one and then the other, before finally gliding his tongue down her stomach.  
 He glanced up, then tasted her, scooping his hands beneath her buttocks and 
 lifting her to the heat of his mouth.  She moaned, and when he flicked his 
 tongue Sylvia shrieked his name.  He dragged his mouth across her thigh, 
 biting her flesh, devouring her lush body with his mouth.  "I want you right 
 now, Greg.  Don't deny us this.  I need to feel you inside me.  Please"
 "Wrap your legs around me," commanded Greg.
 She did and he lifted her up to him, then pressed her back against the bed.  
 The heat of her burned him and he shuddered poised.
 "Now, Greg, please..." In one thrust, he filled her deeply.  He withdrew and 
 pushed, groaning weakly with ever slow motion.  She sensed his restraint.  
 "Harder, Greg.  I want all of you.  Don't hold anything back from me.  
 Please."  Greg hesitated, and Sylvia knew she'd have to make him lose his 
 control.  She pressed her heels into the bed instinctively and lifted her 
 hips, settling him fully inside her body in one hard thrust.  She set the 
 pace herself, grinding her pelvis against his.  He quickly lost all control. 
   Greg's hard thrusts sent her soaring above reality.  She was living and 
 dying, unable to catch her breath.  Greg groaned and shuddered as he was 
 engulfed by some unexplainable tremor that surpassed physical satisfaction.  
 His strength was drained, his passion spent.  He rolled to his side and 
 gathered her close, placing a light kiss on the velvety curve of her neck..  
 His voice thick and husky, Greg whispered something in Sylvia's ear that she 
 barely heard.  "Hmm?" Syl asked, her mind still floating amongst the clouds.
 "I love you," he repeated again.
 "I love you too," she finally replied breathlessly, but Greg had already 
 fallen asleep.
 The next morning, it was already bright out, and Greg awoke with a start.
 "WhaWhat time is it... 12:34! Syl, why didn't you wake me up?" He looked 
 around for Sylvia, but she's nowhere in sight. "Sylvia!" he screamed, but to 
 no avail, as there was no response. That's when he noticed it there, on the 
 nightstand. It was a note, in Sylvia's handwriting. Right next to it was her 
 engagement ring: Gregory, I'm very upset with you for the way you've been 
 treating your sister. I don't want to have to know any guy who's like that, 
 but I guess I have no choice. I'm going to find her- Soda Fountain awaits.. 
 -Sylvia "Oh... no...." Greg dropped to his knees. "Now I've lost them 
 both..." He crumpled up the note and shoved it in his drawer. Most of 
 Sylvia's stuff was still there, but not all of it, Greg realized.   He 
 stared at the empty closet space, still unable to believe that she would do 
 this to him.  He didn't move from where he was sitting until the phone rang. 
   He rushed over and answered it.
 "Hello?  Hello?"
 The click on the other end echoed like a gunshot.  Greg got up and paced, 
 feeling useless.  He reluctantly got dressed but sought no nourishment.  He 
 located Leia's keys in her desk, then rolled her motorcycle out of the 
 garage.  He was gone moments later.
 **************************************************************************
 Leia bolted awake.  She shivered from a sudden onslaught of cold air from an 
 unknown source. Leia decided that the air conditioning must have been turned 
 on suddenly.  She grabbed her bathrobe off the chair next to her bed and 
 wrapped it around her self.  There was a knock on her door moments later.
 "Yes?"
 "Are you decent?"
 "Sure, come on in."
 Leia rubbed the bits of sleep from her eyes.  The most wonderful smell hit 
 her nose and she sniffed hungrily.  She had been there four days already and 
 she still hadn't gotten used to Nick spoiling her.
 "I hope you're hungry.  I made breakfast."
 Leia sat up and accepted the tray from Nick.  She dug in without thinking 
 twice and Nick smiled to himself.  Before he knew what had happened Leia 
 made a mad dash for the bathroom.  She emerged a little while later looking 
 pale.
 "There was whole milk in it, wasn't there."
 "Yeah."
 "I'm allergic," was all she said.
 Nick helped Leia into bed.  He bumped into Paul on his way out.
 "Is she dead yet?"
 "Hush!"  Nick pulled his brother away from the door.  He lowered his voice 
 to a whisper.  "Not yetbut don't worry."
 "Don't tell me you didn't even try!"
 "She's allergic to whole milk.  The poison wasn't in her system long enough 
 to do anything but make her sick."
 "Is she awake?  Can I meet her?"
 "I supposebut why would you want to?"
 "I'm just curious about the girl who has you almost as tongue tied as 
 another certain female"
 Nick turned three shades of red while Paul turned three shades of green.
 "Leave her out of this!  If you want to meet Leia I'll introduce you."
 Paul simply smiled and gestured at the closed door.  Nick knocked gently on 
 the door, praying that Leia had fallen asleep.  He soon found that lady luck 
 was not with him today.
 "Yes?"
 "Leia, It's Nick again.  My brother Paul would like to meet you.  Are you up 
 to it?"
 "Sure.  Come on in."
 When Nick and Paul entered the room Leia was sitting up in bed, a few 
 pillows propped behind her back for support.  She had long since shed her 
 robe and covered herself with her sheet.  Paul easily made his way over to 
 where Leia was.  He stopped in his tracks a few feet from the bed.  The 
 sunlight filtering through the windows made Leia's light brown hair shine 
 like gold.  Paul was entranced, captivated by the angelic creature sitting 
 on the bed.  He walked over to her and kissed her hand.
 "My name's Paul.  It's a pleasure to meet you."
 "It's a pleasure to meet you as well," Leia replied.
 Paul's manner was so sweet that Leia couldn't help but blush.  Nick walked 
 over, breaking the spell.
 "I think you've embarrassed her enough for today.  Come on Paul, I need your 
 help."
 Paul released Leia's hand.
 "I will see you later."
 Leia smiled as the two men exited the room.  She gathered her things and set 
 up a bath.  The cool water was a much-needed balm for her senses.  She 
 lounged back and closed her eyes, willing her mind to calm.  It gave her no 
 such relief.  She could not help but think of her brother.  She had this 
 overwhelming feeling that he was in trouble.  When the water became too much 
 for her to tolerate, Leia wrapped herself in her bath towel and drained the 
 tub.  She was padding back into her room when everything started to spin.  
 Grabbing onto the nearest object, Leia tried to catch herself but only 
 succeeded in knocking over the chair.  The moment she hit the floor 
 everything went black.  When she awoke it was late in the afternoon.  She 
 struggled to stand herself up and succeeded after one or two tries.  She 
 carefully walked over to her dresser and picked out something to wear.  
 After she had dressed she descended the hotel stairs in search of her 
 companion.  She found Nick, Paul, and another man sitting at the bar.  Their 
 conversation came to a halt when she came over.
 "So, you finally decided to join us, sleeping beauty."
 "Very funny Nick.  I'm sorry it took me so long to get down.  What are we 
 having for dinner?"
 With that crisis put aside Leia became absorbed in everything else.  They 
 ate then went down to the beach.  Nick was called away unexpectedly so Paul 
 offered to walk her back when she was ready.  They sat on the sand and 
 talked until long after the sun had set.  When Leia found herself yawning 
 for the fifth time she decided that maybe it would be best to retire for the 
 night.  Paul walked her back to her room.  Before he left he planted a soft 
 kiss on her cheek.  Leia closed her door over, unable to calm her racing 
 heart.  Nick watched as his younger brother walked away from Leia's room 
 with a smile on his face.  Nick followed his younger brother.  He finally 
 caught up with him before he went into his room.
 "Paul, I think we need to have a talk."  Nick followed his brother into his 
 room and shut the door.  Paul turned to face Nick, looking more perplexed 
 than usual.  "You've got to listen to me.  I don't think you fully realize 
 what's going on.  Leia is to be killed.  That was the reason we brought her 
 here.  I want you to stay away from her."
 Anger burned in Paul's eyes.
 "Why can't we just brain wash her?  There's no real reason to kill her.  We 
 could turn her to our side."
 "You don't seem to understand.  If she's still alive, that means that Greg 
 can still get her back.  If we kill her, we weaken Greg significantly."  
 Paul turned away from his brother in a huff.  "I've been hired to do a job.  
 You are my brother and I don't want to hurt you, so you'd better stay out of 
 my way."
 Nick said no more.  He turned and left the room, closing the door behind 
 him.  He returned to Leia's room and knocked softly on the door.  Leia 
 opened it moments later.  She stepped back to let Nick in the room.  Paul 
 watched as his brother entered Leia's room and shut the door.  It was almost 
 an hour later when Nick finally left.  As Nick left he glanced at his 
 younger brother.  The glance said more than a thousand words could have, and 
 Paul finally understood what was going on.  Nick's cell phone went off and 
 moments later he rushed out to his car and drove away.  Leia and Paul 
 retired for the night.  It was a piercing scream that awoke Paul from his 
 sound sleep.  He knew instantly that it was Leia.  He raced out of his room 
 and knocked frantically on the door.  Leia let out another piercing scream 
 and Paul shoved open the door.  He ran to Leia's bedside to check and see if 
 she was okay.  When he realized that it was a nightmare he tried to wake her 
 from it.
 "Leia," he called, nudging her gently.
 Leia quickly bolted awake.  Her eyes darted straight to him and she stared 
 at him like a scared rabbit.  Paul sat on the edge of the bed and held out 
 his arms.  Leia crawled into the embrace without a second thought.  She 
 buried her head in his chest, letting the healing tears flow free.  He held 
 her, rocking back and forth and whispering soothing words in her ear.  Once 
 her tears calmed Paul tried to get her mind off of her nightmare.
 "Leia, can I ask you a question?"
 Leia looked up at Paul, unwilling to move her head off his chest at the 
 moment.
 "What?"
 "What do you really see in my brother?"
 "Huh?  I don't get what you mean?"
 Paul smiled.
 "You're a great kid.  Why do you bother wasting yourself on my brother?"
 "Wasting myself?  I'm still confused."
 "Why would you sleep with him?  You deserve better than what he can give 
 you."
 Leia's eyes went wide.
 "I didn't sleep with him."
 It was Paul's turn to look shocked.  He tilted Leia's face in an attempt to 
 read it better.
 "Then what were you two doing in here tonight?"
 "He apologized for allowing himself to be called away.  He said that we'd 
 spend the day together tomorrow."
 "He did?  How nice," Paul said, trying to disguise his anger.  "So, you two 
 really don't do anything?"
 "If you're asking 'do we sleep together', then the answer is 'no'."
 Paul smiled to himself.  Leia yawned, rubbing her eyes lightly.
 "Sodo you love him?"
 Leia got up off the bed and went by the balcony doors, staring out into the 
 dark night.  The only light was that of the moonbeams shining through her 
 windows.
 "Honestly?  No," Leia admitted, a frown creasing her forehead.
 Paul suddenly got an idea and followed Leia over to the balcony doors.  He 
 tilted Leia's head up and kissed her softly on her lips.  Leia's head was 
 still fuzzy with sleep.  She went with her instincts and kissed back.  Paul 
 lifted Leia into his arms and carried her back over to the bed.  Paul didn't 
 bother going back to his room.  He closed off the lights, put Leia down on 
 her bed, then lay down right beside her making no further attempt to do 
 anything.  When he finally awoke it was early in the morning.  Paul 
 stretched contently, then forced himself to get up.  He stood by the bed 
 watching Leia sleep.  She looked so peaceful, curled up in a little ball 
 like a cat.  The sounds of a car pulling up informed Paul that it was time 
 to leave.  He kissed Leia on the cheek then left the room, closing the door 
 behind him.  He had almost made it to his room when a familiar voice stopped 
 him in his tracks.
 "Paul!  Wait up!"
 Nick ran down the hall to catch up with his brother.  Paul turned to face 
 him.
 "Why are you still in your clothes from last night?" Paul questioned.
 "I could ask you the same question," Nick countered.
 "I was just too tired to change out of them last night."  He paused.  "I 
 heard you pull away late last night and was just wondering if everything was 
 alright."
 "I had a fewthingsto take care of before my outing with Leia today."
 "What kind of things?" Paul questioned, anger seeping into his voice.
 "Remember what I said little brother.  She will die.  You can not do 
 anything to change thatand you will find that if you try anything, you will 
 suffer the same fate as her."
 Nick flashed a smile at his brother, then walked past him and headed for his 
 bedroom.  It wasn't long before Paul heard the shower running.  Deciding to 
 worry about everything later, Paul went into his room and started his shower 
 as well.  Leia yawned and stretched, feeling more calm and content than she 
 had in years.  She blushed at the thought of last night, thankful that Paul 
 was too much of a gentleman to take advantage of the situation.  The imprint 
 of a head on the pillow next to hers told her that he had stayed the night. 
 She took a quick shower, got dressed, and dried her hair.  She was just 
 about to head downstairs for breakfast when there was a knock at her door.
 "Are you ready?"
 Nick smiled at her, offering his arm to her.
 "Ready for what?  You never did tell me what we were going to do today."
 "I just figured that I'd show you around."
 "Alright.  That sounds great," Leia said, thankful that her jet lag was 
 gone.
 Leia took Nick's arm and followed him to his car.  They went to a caf for 
 breakfast, then walked through an outdoor market.  Leia brushed a lock of 
 hair back from her forehead.  The weather was much warmer here than back 
 home.  Nick suddenly noticed her discomfort.
 "Why don't we get you some clothes more suitable for here, huh?'
 "I didn't bring much money."
 "That's alright.  It's my treat."
 Leia thought about refusing, but one look at his face, and she knew he 
 wouldn't take no for an answer.             "Okay, so where do you want to 
 go?"
 Nick simply smiled, grabbed hold of Leia's wrist, and pulled her along with 
 him.  The buildings passed by in a whir, and she lost track of where she was 
 being taken.  When they finally reached the store, Nick led her around to 
 the back entrance.  A few raps on the door, and they were led inside by a 
 tall, burly man.  He led them through several rooms, finally stopping in one 
 with no windows.  Nick led Leia to a seat, and then left her alone in the 
 room.  Leia couldn't tell how long she waited in there, but it seemed like 
 an eternity until Nick came back.  He had four dresses hung over his arm.
 "Okay.  Why don't you give this one a try," he said, motioning to a sundress 
 with spaghetti straps.
 "Where?"
 "Why, right here.  That's why you're in a room with no windows: It's more 
 private."
 "That's what I'm worried about," she thought to herself
 Leia took the dress out of his arms.  She said a silent prayer, then pulled 
 her arms into her shirt.  Slipping the dress over head, she maneuvered until 
 she had switched clothing without baring herself too much.  She turned away 
 from him.
 "Can you get the zipper for me?"
 "Sure."  Nick set the dresses down on a chair, then turned to help Leia.  
 His hands lingered at the small of her back as he eased the zipper up.
 Leia twirled around once, looking to Nick for approval.
 "So, how does it look?" she asked, trying to conceal her trembling.
 "Looks good to me," he replied, his gaze not fixed on her face.  "Do you 
 want to try on another one?"
 "This is fine," Leia replied, knowing that if she tried on another dress her 
 safety might be compromised.
 "Okay.  You can wear that one home, unless you want to change back."
 "Not if this dress were on fire," she thought silently.  She shook her head 
 no.
 "Very well.  Are you ready?"
 "Yes, I suppose so."
 Nick picked up the dresses, then went to the door.  Leia tried to brush past 
 him, but he grabbed hold of her hand.
 "You're shaking," he said, staring at her slightly trembling hand.
 "It's cold in here," she lied.
 Nick moved her into the crook of his arm, trying to warm her up.
 "Better?"
 She nodded even though it was a lie.  Nick led her out of the room, and back 
 through the corridors.  He handed something to the burly man at the door, 
 then led her back outside, taking the other three dresses that he held in 
 his arms with him.  They took another series of alleys as they made their 
 way back to the main street.
 "Achoo!"
 Greg sneezed and jerked forward, taking Leia with him.  It was that instant 
 that Leia heard something dart past her ear, and then she heard a blood 
 curdling scream.  Leia whipped her head around only to find that a woman who 
 had been walking near them had been shot in the heart, and was now lying 
 dead before them.  Flashes of memories started assaulting Leia, and she 
 screamed hysterically, holding her hands to her ears.  Everyone within 
 hearing distance came running...including the police.  Nick knew he had to 
 think quickly.  He swung Leia into his arms and ushered her through the 
 crowd of people.  An officer stopped them.
 "Sir, what happened?"
 "Officer, you must let me through.  That woman over there was shot...and my 
 girlfriend is terrified.  Please.  You must let me through."
 The officer took one look at Leia and waved them along, following the rest 
 of the officers to the crime scene.  Nick took Leia back to the hotel and 
 brought her to her room.  Her screaming had since then ceased, and she was a 
 little woozy.  Nick put her down on the bed and covered her with the covers. 
   When he started to go, she caught the edge of his jacket.
 "Please be careful," she pleaded, then soon fell off to sleep.
 Nick closed the door behind him self and returned to his room.  Paul and 
 Eric were playing cards.  Paul had a satisfied look on his face.
 "So...you sneezed.  You're lucky the others don't know yet.  They've still 
 got to kill her brother, and I don't think they'll appreciate having to 
 worry about Leia becoming a problem," Eric stated as Nick was closing the 
 door.
 "I'm sorry, okay?  Don't worry.  She has no idea that the bullet was meant 
 for her."
 "How do you know that?" Paul asked curiously.
 "Just before I left her, she asked me to be careful."
 "You've got her wrapped around your finger, don't you," Paul said, a hint of 
 anger hidden under his statement.
 "I told you.  I know what I'm doing."
 One look at his little brother and Nick was convinced that Paul had 
 something to do with his messing up the murder.  Paul said nothing.  He 
 smiled at his brother, then went back to playing cards.  Nick stormed out of 
 the room.  A piece of lint was on the corner of his shirt and he brushed it 
 off.  The moment his hand touched his shirt a small spray of dust flew up in 
 his face and he began to sneeze.  Eric eyed Paul warily, listening to Nick 
 sneeze.
 "It's your move, Eric," Paul informed him with a smile.


 Chapter 7

 It had been hell for Greg since Leia ran off and Sylvia followed.  Since 
 then, Greg took up old habits that he had stayed off per Leia's request.  
 With Leia gone, quickly followed by Sylvia, he went into relapse: going out, 
 drinking, and getting into trouble.  It was 1 hour past midnight, and it was 
 drizzling in the slums of the Industrial Sector of the city.  He wore his 
 father's sword underneath the black cloak that guarded him from the night..  
 He was also fairly drunk.  Leaving the motorcycle in a safe place, Greg 
 walked down the back alleys, dimly lit, with the light reflecting off of the 
 damp stone, making the ground appear to be laced with gold. The cold, dank 
 smell lifted off of the concrete in a mist that enveloped everything close 
 to the ground. One might have found solitude at this time of night...but not 
 in this part of the city, and Greg knew it.  This was the time when all the 
 real action happened, when you had to keep your wits about you.  He knew 
 this.  He had considered the slums his home for the years after his parents 
 died...up until he almost lost Leia...and met Sylvia in the process.  But 
 now they were both gone...and he roamed the familiar paths once again, 
 seeing both old friends and new faces. Many greeted him as another lost 
 soul.
 "Hey you...Are you...Greg?"
 "Who are you..."
 "Greg!"
 "Andrea!" he exclaimed.
 He grabbed the woman in an embrace that might have killed a bear.
 "Oh my goodness, Greg, where have you been all this time?" she asked, "I 
 heard that you got married!" She suddenly became sad, "Is it true?" she 
 asked with a worried look in her eyes.
 "No, Andrea, I was engaged, but she left me to go after my sister." he 
 responded sadly.
 Andrea tossed her red hair out of the way, looking much happier.
 "Oh, so that's what happened, eh? Lost her to your sister, I see..."
 "It's not like THAT!"
 "Uh huh." she responded, "Right!" Andrea winked at him. "Anyways hun, now 
 that she's outta the picture, why don't we get together and, you know, hang 
 out like we used to? It'll be fun!"
 She looked at him with big, gleaming, hopeful eyes. He only looked down at 
 the ground.
 "Andrea, I'm sorry, but I really loved her. I can't possibly get back into a 
 relationship-"
 "Are you saying that you won't have sex with me again?"
 "WHAT?!" he yelped- completely taken by surprise.
 "Yeah," she leaned a little closer and whispered in his ear, "you heard me 
 hun.  I know you want to.  I know you can't resist this body.  I can't 
 resist yours either."
 She started to nibble on his ear, but he pushed her away.
 "Andrea, I can't possibly do anything with you." he said.
 Andrea slowly licked her lips.
 "Oh, I'm sure I can change your mind."
 She planted a kiss on his lips.
 "No, I can't..." he tried to say, but he quickly found his own tongue 
 blocked off by hers instead.
 This time, however, he didn't resist. They stood together, in the rain, in 
 the darkness, for minutes, gently fondling each other, as they had done in 
 the past.
 "Come on," she finally said, after what must have seemed like an hour, "I 
 know a better place than the middle of the street." She led him into the 
 bowels of the city, and as they walked, it began to rain harder. It made 
 Greg think back to the first date he and Sylvia had...how beautiful she 
 looked completely drenched.  In a moment of sadness, he almost thought about 
 taking off his engagement ring, and he almost cried, thinking about the note 
 and the ring Sylvia left behind when she left. Now here he was, following an 
 old flame to an unfamiliar part of the city, with only trouble in his 
 future...more than he could possible imagine. Andrea took him into a dimly 
 lit warehouse, deep in the industrial sector of the city. Andrea wasted no 
 time getting to the foreplay, kissing and licking his neck as she struggled 
 to remove his clothing. His cloak and her pants came flying off. He was 
 almost reluctant as she undid the sash that held the sword at his side and 
 threw the blade away. Greg grabbed her firm, bare ass as he slowly started 
 kissing down from her neck to her chest, at least that much that exposed by 
 the undone buttons, leaving a glistening trail as he went further, until he 
 stopped, square between her small, supple breasts. Andrea let out a loud 
 sigh. "Ah, I see you remember how much I liked that... " She groaned, gently 
 pushed him to the ground. "Just lay back sweetie, I remember what you like 
 as well..."
 "Oh no...." he thought to himself, "I can't do this, it's Sylvia I love, not 
 this, this.... Wench." But he didn't complain as she worked her magic with 
 her hands, down on his throbbing manhood, and planted a gentle kiss on its 
 end. "Oh god this is wrong," he thought to himself.
 Then, she stopped, and sat on his chest, grinding her pelvis into his 
 abdomen, her juices freely flowing and leaving his stomach wet and slippery. 
 Andrea moaned in sheer delight.
 "Hey Greg...." she whispered, "I got a little surprise for you...."
 That's when it struck him that something was very, very wrong. Probably the 
 knife that appeared in Andrea's hand tipped him off, or maybe the fact that 
 all the lights came on. With less than a moment to act, he prayed silently, 
 hoping that Sylvia would forgive him for what he was about to do. With a 
 powerful thrust, he jerked his pelvis up- and his member entered a place it 
 was never intended for. With pure shock, disgust, and horror, Andrea jumped 
 off of him, screaming.
 "Oh my god!  My ass!"
 Then he heard them:  multiple gunshots, bullets ricocheting around him as he 
 ran for his sword and his pants.  He dove behind a block of rates and 
 quickly pulled on his pants.  The firing stopped and all was quiet- but not 
 to Greg. He heard everything. His senses were heightened, and he listened.
 "There's 5 of them, " he said to himself, "that makes Andrea and 4 
 thugs...."
 "We know you're in here Hamilton! By now, Nick has taken care of your bratty 
 sister. It's time to finish the job."
 "Leia!" he screamed to himself.  Whatever restraints and feelings he had for 
 Andrea were gone.  With his pants on, Greg silently rushed to his left, 
 dodging around crates left and right, until he found his first target. 
         "Wha...ugh!" his throat made a short sound where a head used to be.
 Greg jumped and ran across some low crates. Not long after, he found 2 big 
 guys with guns.
 "Ayah!" Greg screamed. The two men turned around, firing their weapons, 
 however Greg was airborne above them. A flip and a twist, and he landed on 
 his feet, his adversaries before him, their guts spilling out onto the 
 floor. With barely a sweat broken, he ran on, listening intently to the 
 sound of Andrea screaming back where he made his first kill. "No" he said to 
 himself, "I'll go for the other one first..." Finding that guy was an 
 accident. Greg had the sword extended to his right, and the thug just walked 
 into the way. Then Andrea was in his sights. "Andrea!" he yelled, "Where is 
 my sister?" She didn't respond. Then, she threw her dagger at him. In a 
 flash, he caught it and threw it back at her.  The dagger hit her squarely 
 in the heart and she collapsed. "Why did it ever have to come to this, 
 Andrea?" he asked He walked over to where she lay on the ground. "Whereis 
 my sister?" he asked.
 "I...loved you...but I can't have you..."
 "Where is my sister?"
 "... Soda... Fountain..."
 Those were her last words.
 "Oh, my god, Soda fountain is a place... AND SYLVIA'S WITH HER!" He ran out 
 of the warehouse and down the street as fast as he could. "Sylvia! Leia! I'm 
 sorry! I'm coming! Please god, keep them alive until I can get to them....."
 Greg ran back to where he had hidden the motorcycle and drove off, leaving a 
 trail of smoke behind himself.  He urged the cycle to go faster, racing down 
 the streets at break neck speed.  It seemed like an eternity before he got 
 to Shawn's house.  He banged on the door with his fist, ignoring the knocker 
 that was plainly visible.  Shawn opened the door a crack, peaking his head 
 around the corner.
 "Greg?  What are you doing here at this hour?  You look like hell!"
 "Can I come in?  I need your help."
 Shawn gave him a look.
 "I'm kind of busy at the moment."
 Greg glanced past his friend to see a long legged brunette sitting on the 
 couch.  His gaze turned from annoyance to anger.
 "Fine!  I'll go find them myself!"
 Greg started to storm off but Shawn stopped him.
 "Them?  Did you say THEM?  Who are THEM?"
 "Sylvia went after Leia.  They're both in dangerif they're not dead 
 already."
 "Dead?  Are you kidding?"
 "I wassomeoneout of no where"
 Greg found himself unable to make a complete sentence.  Shawn instantly 
 understood what was going on.
 "Someone attacked you, didn't they."
 Greg nodded.
 "I was set up.  They told me that Nick took care of my sisterbut I don't 
 know if she's really gone.  Sylvia went after her and told me where she 
 went.  I need to know if you'll help me save them."
 "Give me one second?"
 Shawn said something to the girl sitting on the sofa.  She glared at him and 
 stormed out.
 "What was that all about?"
 "Never mind that.  I'll help.  What do you have in mind?"
 Greg filled him in on his plans and they set to work.

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

 "GREG!" Leia shrieked.
 Leia bolted up in bed, her body shaking violently.  She tried to calm 
 herself but she found the task impossible.  Before she knew what hit her she 
 was lifted into strong arms.  Paul held her close to him, rocking her the 
 same way he had only the other day.  He sat against the headboard of the bed 
 with Leia in his arms.  Grabbing the nearest blanket, Paul covered them both 
 over.  Leia rested her head on his chest.  She listened to his heartbeat, 
 which was almost as erratic as hers was.  Paul held her, whispering soothing 
 words in her ear.  When Leia finally calmed down Paul tried to get up.  She 
 clung to the waistband of his pants, her eyes pleading with him not to leave 
 her.  Paul found he could not resist her unspoken plea.  He lay down, 
 pulling Leia with him.  Paul put his arms around her waist, pulling her 
 close to him.  Leia snuggled closer to him, absorbing his warmth and 
 strength.  They lay like that for several hours and watched the sun set 
 through her balcony window.   It was around eight when Nick got back from 
 his errands.  He went in search of his brother.  Finding Paul's room empty 
 Nick suddenly knew where he could find his brother.  Nick walked down the 
 hall to Leia's room and knocked.  Paul glanced at Leia.  He reluctantly let 
 go of her and went to answer the door.  Nick hid his anger when Paul opened 
 the door.
 "Do you guys want me to have them send up some dinner?"
 "That's not necessary.  Leia has calmed down quite a bit, so I think we can 
 have dinner downstairs.  Are you okay with that?" Paul asked, turning to 
 Leia.
 Leia simply nodded.
 "We'll be downstairs in a minute," Paul informed Nick.  He simply smiled at 
 Nick, then closed the door in his face.  Paul headed back over to where Leia 
 was sitting.  She looked tired, scared, and lonely.  "Are you going to be 
 all right?"
 "I'll be okay.  Thanks."
 Leia slid off the bed and headed for the closet.  Once she changed out of 
 her dress and into a blouse and jeans, she and Paul headed downstairs.  
 Dinner was eaten in almost complete silence.  Nick watched Paul and Leia 
 like a hawk.  Everyone finally headed to bed.  It wasn't long before 
 everyone had fallen asleepeveryone except for Nick.  He paced his floor, 
 damning himself for feeling the way he did.  He finally decided what to do 
 about ithe'd simply take care of his own needs, and to hell with everyone 
 else's plans for once.  He threw his robe on and headed for Leia's room.  
 When he knocked on the door he heard someone walking towards it.  Leia 
 greeted him moments later.
 "Hey Nick!  What's the matter?  Can't sleep?"
 Leia motioned for him to enter.  He only hesitated for a moment, then 
 entered.  She closed the door behind him, locking it.  He followed her onto 
 the balcony.  Nick very calmly slipped his fingers beneath the silk straps 
 of her nightgown.  Before she could react, he shoved the panels off her 
 shoulders and pulled the top down to her waist.  Her pale breasts were bare 
 in the moonlight.
 "Very nice," Nick said, bent her back over his arm, and took her nipple in 
 his mouth.  Nick raised his head and looked down at her.  Leia was staring 
 at him, her eyes wide, bewildered.  He felt slight quivers going through her 
 body.  "You're very lovely, Leia," he said, and looked down again at his 
 hand cupping her breast.
 Leia felt sexy, and she wanted him, wanted him more than she ever thought 
 she would.  What she felt most of all was surprise.  She wanted him to do 
 more.  She was standing in the moonlight letting a man she barely knew 
 fondle her breasts and it was wonderful.  She suddenly felt very much a 
 fool, standing there half-naked, Nick completely in control, completely 
 dressed.
 "This has gone far enough!" Leia informed him.
 When he didn't acknowledge that she had even spoken, Leia took a deep breath 
 and let out an ear-piercing scream.  Moments later her door was broken down 
 and Paul came rushing in.  He took one look at her standing there trying to 
 cover herself, and Nick standing next to her holding his ears, and he knew 
 without asking what was going on.  He picked his brother up by his collar 
 and tossed him out into the hallway.  He returned to her room a little while 
 later, his jaw bruised and his eye blackened.  Leia went over to him without 
 a word and hugged him to her.  Leia's breathing was borderline 
 hyperventilation.  She couldn't calm herself, and soon became very dizzy.  
 Paul caught her up in his arms before she could fall.  He sat on floor with 
 her in his arms, her head resting against his chest.  He knew the moment 
 that she passed out because her arms fell away from her chest.  He grabbed 
 the blanket off her bed and wrapped her in it.  The next thing he knew it 
 was morning.  He and Leia had long since sprawled out on the floor.  She had 
 managed to cuddle in so close that her arms were underneath him.  He 
 carefully rolled back, releasing her trapped arms.  Leia protested, pulling 
 the blanket even tighter around them.  She nuzzled her head against his 
 chest.
 "Leia?" Paul called, shaking her gently.  "Leia, it's time to wake up."
 Leia strained her eyes against the bright morning sun.  She stretched and 
 yawned, trying to completely wake up.  She glanced up at Paul.
 "Is it really time to get up?"
 Paul nodded.
 "I was thinking that we'd have breakfast out in the hotel's garden.  How 
 does that sound to you?"
 "Sounds great!"
 Paul got up then helped Leia to her feet.
 "I'll meet you once I get dressed, okay?"
 Leia nodded.  Paul kissed her cheek, then closed the door behind him.  Leia 
 showered, then dressed herself in a simple sundress and awaited Paul's 
 return.  He was there moments later, his hand behind his back.  Leia's 
 curiosity got the best of her and she tried to peek around Paul's back to 
 see what he was hiding.  This led to a tickle war.  Leia laughed so hard 
 that she began to cry.
 "Okay!  Okay!  I give!  Just stop tickling me!" Leia begged breathlessly.
 Paul smiled, happy to see her in good spirits.  He handed her the flower 
 that he had been hiding behind her back.  The orchid was one of the most 
 beautiful things she had ever seen.  Its scent was intoxicating.  Leia 
 entwined the flower in her hair with Paul's help, and they went down to 
 breakfast.  They sat in the garden under a tree, a blanket spread out with 
 their breakfast on top of it.  It was around nine when Nick awoke.  His head 
 hurt like hell and he knew he had bruises all over from his altercation with 
 Paul.  Nick walked to Leia's bedroom and found that her door was open.  She 
 was no where in sight, but her clothing from the previous day had been 
 thrown on a pile on her floor.  He went over to the balcony to look for 
 Leia, only to find that she out in the garden, engrossed in conversation 
 with his brother Paul.  He found he had to calm his temper and remind 
 himself that he was here to do a job.  He went back to his own room and 
 emerged half an hour later freshly showered and dressed.  He watched Leia 
 from a distance, not wanting her to sense his presence.
 As Sylvia's boat pulled into port, she stared at her surroundings.
 "So, this is the place they call soda fountain."  Sylvia retrieved her bags, 
 then went up to one of the villagers.  "Excuse me, but where might I find 
 the nearest hotel?"
 "There is only one hotel around here miss." Sylvia looked at him in shock, 
 so the man elaborated.  "We don't get that many visitors.  Just follow that 
 street about four blocks."
 "Thank you, sir."
 Sylvia gathered her belongings, and started heading in the direction she was 
 shown.  As she neared the large building with an Inn sign on front, she 
 noticed her friend.  Leia stood among some nearby shrubs, smelling the 
 flowers and conversing with a man who was not Nick.  Nick, Sylvia noticed, 
 was watching Leia from a distance.  Leia looked up and saw her friend.
 "Sylvia!" Leia exclaimed in delight.  Leia ran over and embraced her friend. 
   "Why are you here?  Does Greg know?  You didn't tell him where I am, did 
 you?"
 "No.  In fact, he doesn't know where I am either.  I have been sailing on 
 that damn boat for almost a week.  Where can I get some tea?"
 "Just follow me."  Leia led Syl to the hotel bar.  Leia ordered a big pot of 
 tea, and she sat with Sylvia, chatting about everything.  Sylvia found that 
 Leia's mood was steadily improving.  "I thought you didn't care", Leia 
 admitted, unable to look Sylvia in the face.
 Sylvia hugged her friend tightly.  When they pulled back both Leia and 
 Sylvia were crying.
 "How could you think I wouldn't care what happened to you?"
 "It's hard to explain.  You've been so centered on Greg lately as he was on 
 you.  Everyone else has been dying left and rightand I just felt like I was 
 losing everyone.  BesidesI was partially right.  You carebut Greg 
 doesn't."
 Sylvia didn't know what to say.  Nick joined them moments later, and two men 
 accompanied him.  The relations between the brothers were tense but civil..  
 Leia tried to break the ice.
 "Sylvia, I would like you to meet Nick, Paul, and Eric.  Paul is Nick's 
 brother, and Eric is a good friend of theirs."
 "It is nice to meet you all."
 Eric kissed Sylvia's hand.
 "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
 "Like wise."
 "Leia, I have some fabulous news.  There is to be a Halloween costume ball 
 in three days, and I wanted to know if you wish to go."
 "Really?  Can Sylvia go as well?"
 "Of course.  Is that a 'yes' that I see in your eyes?"
 "You know it is.  Yes, we'd love to go."
 "I'll take you two for your costumes tomorrow, alright?"
 "Great! In the meantime, I'll get Sylvia settled in.  She can stay in my 
 extra bedroom."
 "I'll see you later."
 Nick placed a kiss on Leia's cheek.  He then left the room, followed closely 
 behind by Eric.  Paul kissed her cheek as well, then chased after his 
 brother and friend.
 "I have to hand it to you, boss.  You sure have her convinced that you're 
 the good guy.  I am impressed," Eric said once they were out of hearing 
 distance.
 "Never forget that.  I can convince anyone of anything."
 Once Syl was unpacked, she and Leia went to sit out on the deck.
 "Syl, did you mean it when you said Greg doesn't know where you are?"
 "I left him a small note, and put my engagement ring with it for safe 
 keeping.  You know the people on the boats.  If you're not careful, they'll 
 steal the rings right off your fingers."
 "Sowas he mad?"
 "He's not coming after you, if that is what you mean.  In fact, he tried to 
 forbid me to come after you as well."
 "That couldn't have gone well.  Is that why you left?"
 "I left because I was worried about you."
 "I'm going back in a week.  What's to worry about?"
 "Are you kidding?"
 "No.  Nick and Paul are here on business, and I've been keeping them company 
 on their off hours."
 "So you're not staying here permanently?"
 "Nope.  I just needed to go somewhere and cool off.  Besides, I'm not really 
 surebut I think I'm falling in love."
 "Love?  Are you nutty?"
 "Listen, how else would you explain how I feel around him?  My pulse raises, 
 and I get really nervous."
 "Either you're in love, or you're scared."
 "I think its love.  Isn't he handsome?"
 "Nick's not bad looking."
 "Not Nick, Sylvia.  Paul."
 "Paul?"
 "Yeah.  I really want this to last, Syl.  Not like what happened to me with 
 Shawn."
 "Listen, let's stay off that subject for now.  Can I use the phone?"
 "Sure.  Go ahead."
 Syl tried dialing Greg at home, but no one picked up the phone.
 "That's strange.  He's not home."
 "Why is that strange?  You said he wasn't coming, and he's not worried, so 
 why would he be home?  He's either at work, or out with his Shawn."
 "It's his off day.  He should be at home."
 "Syl, you need to relax.  Take it easy.  Let's go for a swim."
 Sylvia pushed her worries to the back of her mind, and nodded the 
 affirmative to her cheery friend.  They spent most of the afternoon 
 swimming, or lounging by the pool.  Leia stared off into space, her mind a 
 million miles away.  She lay there staring at the clouds, Sylvia sitting 
 only a few feet away.  Sylvia was doodling...and all of her doodles 
 resembled someone who was never far from either of their thoughts.  An 
 ominous shadow blocked the sun and Leia shivered, knowing without looking 
 that Nick had just moved next to her.
 "Hi Nick," she greeted him, still looking up at the sky.
 "Did you and Sylvia have a nice afternoon?" he asked, glancing at Leia's 
 companion.
 He smiled, turning his charm on like a faucet.  He kissed Leia gently on the 
 cheek.  Paul made his way over Leia's side.  He greeted Leia with a kiss 
 that would have taken anyone else's breath away.
 "I missed you," he said, his voice just barely above a husky whisper.
 Leia shivered.
 "May we take you ladies to dinner?" Nick asked, trying to hide his temper.
 "Sure.  Why not?"
 They went back to their room to change.  While they were there, Sylvia tried 
 the house one more time.  No one answered.  As a last ditch attempt at 
 contacting him, Sylvia called Leia's aunt and uncle.  An unknown male 
 answered the phone.
 "Hello?"
 "Hello.  Who is this?"
 "My name is Ian.  Are you looking for Rick and Sam?"
 "Yes, I am."
 "Miss, how do you know them?"
 "They are my fianc's aunt and uncle.  Why?"
 "If you speak to him any time soon, tell him to come home.  His aunt and 
 uncle are dead.  They were killed."
 "Oh my god."
 Sylvia put the phone back in its cradle.
 "What is it Syl?"
 "Your aunt and uncle are dead."
 Leia swayed, then passed out cold on the floor.  She regained consciousness 
 moments later, and got herself to her feet.
 "What about Greg?  Where was he when this happened?"
 "They don't know where he is."
 "He's probably out with Shawn again," Leia said in disgust.  "I can't do 
 anything for them now, so we might as well go have dinner."
 Leia and Sylvia dressed and were escorted to dinner by Nick, Paul, and Eric. 
   They walked along the beach, picking up stray seashells as they went 
 along.  It was getting very late when they finally returned back to the 
 hotel.  Leia and Sylvia said their goodnights and retired to their room.  
 They readied for bed quickly, not saying much.  Sylvia was sound asleep the 
 moment her head hit the pillow.  Leia sat down on the edge of her bed, 
 perplexed by the feelings washing over her.  The realisation that her aunt 
 and uncle were dead hit her like a tidal wave.  Leia fell to the floor, 
 shaking uncontrolably.  She tried to scream, but her throat would allow her 
 no such noise.  Leia began to sob violently.  Her lungs couldn't fill up 
 completely with air, so her chest began to tighten, and she felt herself 
 suffocating.  It was only by a stroke of luck that Leia knocked into the 
 table beside her bed.  The lamp teetered, then smashed against the floor, 
 echoing down the halls like a gunshot.  Leia watched as her last bit of 
 oxygen left her body.
 "Goodbye Greg," she whispered with her last bit of strength.
 Leia passed out unconcious on the floor.  Paul knocked furiously on the 
 door.
 "Leia?  Damn it!  Can you hear me?"  When there was no reply to be had he 
 got a running start and broke the door down.  The moment he looked inside he 
 knew that the lifeless figure on the floor was Leia.  He searched for her 
 pulse but found none.  He knew Nick wanted her dead.  It was what made his 
 next move even harder to do.  Paul tilted her head up.  He breathed into her 
 mouth, watching her chest rise.  He acted quickly, giving her CPR.  Almost a 
 minute had passed and he still couldn't get her to breath.  He pounded on 
 her chest, trying to get her heart going.  "Damn it!  Breath!"
 He slammed his hands down on her chest and she gasped, trying to breath.  He 
 checked for her pulse and was surprised to find that it was beating strong 
 beneath his hand.  He pulled her into his arms.  Paul held her close to him, 
 thriving off the feel of her breath grazing his chest.  He simply sat there 
 with her, not knowing what to say.
 "Thank you," was all Leia said before she fell into an exhausted but healthy 
 slumber.
 Paul stood with her in his arms and carried her back to her bed.  He covered 
 her over and left the room, closing the door over since its lock was now 
 broken.
 "Nick's going to kill me," Paul whispered to himself, then went off to bed.