Date: 01/05/2001
From: SouthernSlider

FRIDAY!!!!!!! Happy weekend everyone.
-------------------------------

Chapter Six

Colin stood at the door saying his final goodnights to Kelly when his eye caught Remmy’s slumped figure in the chair. Kelly felt him tense and turned to follow his line
of sight.

“It seems my sister’s double is causing a little turmoil in all of us.” she said.

“I think so. Remmy loved her as much as Quinn. This is very hard on both of them.” He directed his attention back to Kelly. “And for you as well, I am sure.”

Colin could see her trying to fight back the tears. He reached up and traced his thumb across her cheek as one escaped. He then took her in his arms and held her close,
saying no more.

Kelly closed her arms around his waist, laying her head against his chest. He was so warm and comforting. If she could no longer have her sister in her life, thank
goodness, she had this wonderful man.

They stood as one for several minutes before Kelly finally pulled back and managed a weak smile to let Colin know she was okay. She knew he was worried about his brother and friend. She didn’t want him fretting over her too.

“I’ll be fine, Colin. Besides, we won’t be here much longer. The doctor will clear Conie any day now, and then we can move on. Wade will, again, be a bittersweet
memory.”

She stood on tip-toe and kissed Colin lightly on the lips. He was reluctant to end it, but didn’t try to prolong it when she stepped back and into the bedroom.

“Goodnight,” she whispered.

She let her fingertips slide slowly over his hand as she pulled away. He suddenly felt cold and alone when her touch was gone and the door closed. Kelly had become to
mean so much to him; she was so much a part of him now. He felt like only half a person when she wasn’t around.

He stared at the door for a moment, as if he expected her to open it again, but when she didn’t, he turned toward Remmy. Was that the way he and Quinn felt without
Wade? Were they only half alive without her presence?

***

Remmy contemplated his afternoon and evening. Within minutes of saying hello to Wade, it had felt so right -- so comfortable. He had been nervous as he watched her
walk through the park, but the minute he heard her voice, the discomfort disappeared, and was replaced by contentment. If only it were really her. If only she were still with them, life would be so different.

He smiled as he remembered her voice, her smile, their conversation. Then without warning, Quinn’s image popped into his mind. Should he tell Quinn of today’s
encounter? Would Quinn chastise him for fantasizing? No, he wouldn’t say a word. It would accomplish nothing. He would keep this to himself -- if he could control the guilt. That had to be the feeling deep in the pit of his stomach, or the same question wouldn’t keep invading his thoughts.

“Remmy? Are you all right?” Colin was beside him out of the blue. Remmy jumped and sat up at the sound of his name being said.

“Sure, Farm-boy. Just day-dreaming.”

“About Wade?”

Remmy looked at him, wondering if his thoughts were really that obvious, or if Colin’s observance was so accurate because she was on everyone’s mind.

“About a lot of things, really. And, yes, I guess she is part of it.” He couldn’t bring himself to say she was his sole focus at the moment.

“I understand.” was all Colin said in response. He placed his hand on Remmy’s shoulder and squeezed lightly to emphasize his two words. Remmy looked up and gave
his friend a half-hearted smile, and hoped the word ‘guilty’ wasn’t flashing all over his face. “I hope you will be able to get some sleep tonight.”

“I’m sure I can manage, Farm-boy.” He rose from the chair. “In fact, I think I’ll try to do just that, right now. Let’s both turn in.” He slapped Colin’s back as they headed for their bedrooms.

Remmy would try to get some rest, but he was sure there would be many more thoughts about today and his date tomorrow before sleep would claim him. And delving
through those thoughts would be much easier from his room, alone, in the dark. His guilt could then bounce off the walls if it wanted to and not be noticed by the others.

***

On the other side of town, a restless Wade tossed and turned as she tried to rid her mind of the day’s events. Images of Quinn floated in and out. Remmy’s smile and
soothing voice hovered over her and kept sleep at bay. Their whole conversation played over and over in her mind.

Just as she would start to feel nostalgic and warm, the realization that it was only temporary would set in. They weren’t hers. She was alone on this world for the rest of
her life. She couldn’t get caught up in old memories. Her mind couldn’t get the best of her and fool her into thinking things could be right again with these doubles.

Why, oh, why, did she agree to have lunch with him tomorrow? It wasn’t harmless, as she had tried to convince herself when she accepted his invitation. It could
-- and probably would -- be very painful.

Maybe she just wouldn’t show up. But then he would show up at the Sassy Brass to find out what happened. Then she would have to deal with things in front of Tony and
the others. No. Better to meet Remmy in private. I’ll have a quick lunch with him, and tell him -- what? That being in his company breaks my heart? She rolled over on her stomach and punched the pillow in frustration. What can I possibly say to the man that won’t hurt his feelings? I am so crazy for letting myself get involved.

The war within her raged on for the better part of the night, until she was too exhausted to fight any longer. She finally gave up, and drifted off to sleep not long before the sun began to paint the sky a dusky rose.
------------------------------

See you guys tomorrow.

Previous post #s: P,1)2532 2,3)2536 4)2540 5)2544

SS

*sigh*

Date: 01/05/2001
From: DieselMickeyDolenz

So sad to see all these people pining for each other when those they seek are only moments away. Another well written episode, SS.

DMD

Ohhhhhhhh

Date: 01/05/2001
From: Missye

Oh please oh please allow them to find out soon. It is tearing me up inside. I was never one to deal with literal irony very well. Can't wait to read more.
Missye

Just awesome

Date: 01/05/2001
From: dellyone

SS,
You do know how to keep the audience glued to their seat. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story with us.

dellyone

How Long

Date: 01/05/2001
From: sliderlynn

before Quinn and Wade get together?? I sure hope it is
soon. I also hope that Colin and Quinn will patch up
their differences. I can't wait to read the next chapter.
It gives me something to look forward to after a hard
day's work. Keep going SS.

Original URL http://www.scifi.com/bboard/browse.cgi/1/5/1095/3087
Nominated by DieselMickeyDolenz