I wrote this a long time ago, back when OLTL was doing the "Love Crew" storyline. There was a segment on the show where Nick was taunting Marcie about her weight. I was hoping and praying that a great storyline would come of it, but as usual for OLTL back then, they went in a different direction. I decided to write my own version of what might have happened.

I must tell you that this story is VERY long (I got carried away!), but I hope you will enjoy it!

Just The Way You Are

Chapter 1

Marcie flipped through the pages of Craze, stopping to read the article for a third time. Her stomach growled and she covered it with her hand. It had been six hours since she had eaten, and she was famished. It would be so easy to get up and walk to the kitchen for a slice of that mouth-watering pizza. Jen and Riley had practically begged her to share it with them, but Marcie flatly refused. Turning down food was difficult; especially when she was hungry.
Her stomach growled when she imagined how wonderful a slice of pizza would taste. Just the thought of mozzarella cheese smothered over rich tomato sauce made her mouth water.

She walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator only to withdraw her hand seconds later.
Forget it! She would just feel guilty afterward, so what was the point of eating? With a frustrated sigh, she returned to the living room. The magazine still lay face down on the carpet. She sat on the sofa and re-read the article that had become so familiar. The words on the page seemed to scream out at her, taunting her insecurities... low-carb, beautiful, thin, sexy, swimsuit, and weight-loss.

Her stomach reminded her again that she was famished. However, Nick had made some hurtful comments about her weight while they were at the work site, which had ruined. When they returned home, Jen did her best to cheer Marcie up, but it was no use. Marcie had quickly changed the subject, happy to listen to Jen talk about Riley and not about Marcie’s weight. Jen’s friendship with Riley had bloomed, and Marcie was so proud of Jen for trying to change.

Suddenly, her mind was flooded with memories....

She drifted back to the day of Jen’s dad’s funeral:

"Food isn't the answer, Marcie!" Jen had said when Marcie encouraged her to eat. God, how those words stung. But then she laughed, remembering how she had gone to Angel Square... and ended up kissing Joey! He certainly was surprised, but the person she surprised the most was herself.

The memories continued as images of Al filled her mind, warming her heart. He had defended her so many times against the painful comments people made about her weight. Especially that creep Bradley White, who got Al hooked on drugs.
Then there was Gabrielle. She told Marcie that Al had "put her in her place" when she commented on Marcie's black dress at dinner one evening. The thought made her smile. God, how she missed Al.

And finally there was Michael. She blushed, just thinking about him. He was so wonderful. There was only one thing... he didn't know how deeply Nick's comments had hurt her about her weight. The issue of her weight had never come up, and there was no need to discuss it. She knew he loved her. And she loved him... so much. She really needed him right now... to feel his comforting arms around her.

"Marcie!" Nick's voice boomed in the doorway. She turned to see him smiling at her, but she knew he was just there to torment her. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for what he was about to say.

"Hi Nick." She said, trying to sound cheerful.
"Marcie!" Nick said again. "You're reading a magazine? I thought you'd be eating again. You seem to enjoy it."
Marcie felt her throat tighten and tears filled her eyes. She wanted to say something to him, but as usual, she was at a loss for words. If she had said anything, she would have started to cry in front of him, and humiliate herself.

Suddenly very depressed, she made her way toward the stairs. Just as she was about to walk up the stairs, the front door opened. She could hear Jen and Riley laughing, obviously having a good time.

"Hey, Marcie!" Jen said.
"Hi." Marcie said, unable to look at Jen. Her voice was barely audible and she knew it gave her away.
"Marcie?" Riley said, as he walked over and put his hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Marcie turned around, cursing to herself when she felt a tear escape and slide down her cheek.
"Yes, I'm fine." She said, knowing that Riley probably couldn't hear her. "Thank you."
Riley looked at Jen with concern. Jen walked over to Marcie. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Marcie felt more tears sliding down her cheeks. Angrily she brushed them away. "Nothing Jen! Just leave me alone!" she said, as she bounded up the stairs.

Chapter 2

Jen and Riley looked at each other. "What was that all about?" Riley asked.
Jen shrugged. "I don't know. I'll go up and talk to her." She put her hand on the railing and began to walk up the stairs, stopping when she felt Riley's hand on her arm.
"Jen, wait..." Riley said as Jen turned around. "I think she wants to be alone." Then, seeing the worry in Jen's eyes, he added. "Just for a little while. She'll be okay."
Jen sighed. "She looked really upset, Riley." she said hesitantly.
"Just give her some time." Riley said, ushering Jen into the living room.

They sat on the sofa. "I had a really good time today." Jen said, referring to their date.
"Me too. And you're still here." Riley said, leaning in for a kiss.
Jen wanted to give into the kiss, but she knew it would lead to something they might both regret. She forced her mouth away from his. "I thought you just wanted to be friends." She said.
Riley sighed, and then laughed. "Oh yeah... I did say that, didn't I? God I’m an idiot!"
Jen laughed. "Yeah, you are!" she said, hugging him. She leaned against the back of the couch, and then suddenly sat up when she felt something behind her.
"What's this?" she said, pulling the magazine out from behind her. The pages fell open to the article that Marcie had been reading.
"Oh God." Riley said, glancing at the article. "Look at this...Another one of those articles that says that all women should be thin and perfect. No wonder there are so many insecure people in the world."
"Riley..." Jen said, looking at him. "This was in here earlier when Marcie and I were talking. I saw her reading it before I went upstairs to take a shower."
"Yeah, so?" Riley said.
"So, Riley I think she was reading it because of what Nick said to her." Jen said.
"What did he say?" Riley asked.
"Don't you remember? At the site this morning, when he told her she needed to lose some weight?" Jen said.
"She's still upset over that?" Riley asked.
"Well, she told me that she was on a diet and that she's not happy with the way she looks. Plus she wouldn't eat any of that pizza with us, remember?" Jen said.
Riley stood and pounded his fist into his hand. "Man I would love to kill Nick right now! Where is that loser?" he said, looking around the room.
"Riley, stop!" Jen said, pulling him back onto the couch. "Don't stoop to his level."
Riley sighed. "You're right."
"I hope Marcie's okay." Jen said.
"She'll be fine." Riley said. "She's a good person and she's a lot stronger than she used to be. You're her best friend. If she needs someone, she'll come to you."
"I hope so." Jen said. She stood and stretched. "Well, I'm tired. I'm going to get some sleep." She walked to the doorway and turned to face Riley.
"Me too." Riley said as he turned out the light and followed Jen upstairs.

CHAPTER 3
Marcie lay on her bed, feeling faint with hunger. She sniffed, rubbing her red, puffy eyes. She looked around the room until she focused on the picture that sat on her dresser. Finally she crossed the room and picked up the picture, planting a kiss on the image. "I love you, Michael”
Her dizziness returned, and she knew she’d better eat something. Throwing on her robe, she crept down the stairs through the darkness. Silently she walked into the kitchen. This time, she didn't hesitate before pulling open the refrigerator door. The pizza box was still there, and she could feel nausea settling in her stomach; a sure sign of severe hunger. Her hands shook as she pulled out the box and sat it on the counter. Finally she picked up a slice of pizza and brought it to her mouth.

"Eating again?" A voice said from the doorway. She must be hearing things. She opened her mouth and started to take a bite, when the light flipped on, revealing Nick, standing in the doorway, smirking at her.
"Shut up, Nick!" Marcie said, forcing her lip not to tremble.
"What's wrong, Fatso? Are you gonna cry?" Nick said.

There was that word again... Fatso... Marcie wished the lights were out so that Nick couldn't see how upset she was.

"Go to Hell, Nick!" she yelled, not caring if she woke anyone up.
Nick scoffed. "What a loser! What guy would ever want to date you?" he muttered, thinking that Marcie couldn't hear him.

Marcie watched as Nick turned and left the room. She could hear his footsteps as he walked up the stairs.
Angry tears burned her eyes and she shoved the pizza into the trash.
Damn him!
A sob caught in her throat and she no longer wanted to eat. She turned out the kitchen light and ran upstairs to her room, sobbing into a pillow. Thank God Shannon was over at Eve's tonight. She needed to be alone.

Well, that wasn't quite right...

She needed Michael...

CHAPTER 4
The breakfast table was crowded as usual, and Nick grinned at Marcie. As soon as they made eye contact, Marcie looked away.
"Ready to 'chow down', Marcie? Oh, wait. I forgot. You're always ready." Nick said.
"Will you give it a rest, already?" Jen yelled.
Riley stood and grabbed Nick by the shirt collar. "Man, I am gonna knock you into the middle of next week!" He said angrily.
"HEY!" Roxy yelled, startling them all to silence. "This ain't a boxing ring, and I ain't a ringmaster, so KNOCK IT OFF!"
"Riley, I'm fine." Marcie said.
Jen gave Marcie a sympathetic glance. "Marcie, you've barely touched your food!"
"Oh..." Marcie said, looking at Nick, then down at her bowl of cereal. "I'm not really hungry."
"Marcie, you must be starving!" Jen said. "You hardly ate anything yesterday."
"I'll be okay." Marcie said.
"All right, Love Crew!" Roxy yelled. "Time to get movin'!"
Everyone groaned and headed for the door. Marcie was overcome with dizziness and grabbed the back of a chair to steady her.
"Marcie!" Riley said as he ran over and held her to keep her from falling. He looked at Jen with concern. "Marcie, are you sure you're all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you." Marcie said as she made her way to the door.
Jen sighed and put her arm around Marcie. "Come on. Let's get this over with."
The door closed as they headed for the work site.

CHAPTER 5
They arrived at the construction site, groaning when they saw the amount of work to be done.
"Aww, Man!" Harrison said. "There's more work here than there was yesterday!"
"Well that's why you're here, isn't it?" Ron said, putting his arm around Harrison and smiling.
"Ron!" Marcie said; running to hug her brother. She really wanted to talk to him about Nick, but this wasn't the time. They had to get to work. Feeling Marcie's trembling body, Ron brushed the hair out of her face. "Marcie, you're shaking. Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine, Ron. Don't worry about me." Marcie said.
"Marcie... You'd tell me if something was wrong, wouldn't you?" Ron asked, afraid that his sister wasn’t being honest.
"Yes, Ron! I'm fine! Stop fussing over me! You're as bad as Erik!" Marcie said, surprising herself when she laughed.
"Okay, then..." Ron said as he kissed Marcie on the head. "Get to work!"
Marcie smiled and walked over to where Shannon was flirting with Nick.
God, not him again...
As usual, Shannon wasn't working.
"Shannon! You know the rules! Everyone works, or we all fail!" Marcie said.
Shannon scoffed. "Get real! There's no way we're gonna finish this stupid building anyway, so what's the point?"
"The point is that I want to graduate, even if you don't!" Marcie yelled. How could Shannon possibly be related to Michael? They were as different as night and day!
"What are you majoring in, Fatso? Food 101?" Nick said as he and Shannon fell into a fit of hysterical laughter.
"Gee, Shannon. I thought you were supposed to be my friend!" Marcie said as the tears spilled onto her cheeks.
"What does that mean?" Shannon asked.
"Nothing, just forget it!" Marcie said as she walked away from them.
If Shannon wasn't related to Michael, Marcie would have really let her have it.
The day dragged on and on. Marcie was beginning to think it would never end. She was overcome with relief when Roxy announced to everyone that it was time for lunch. . She grabbed her brown bag and found a secluded spot behind the work site. She didn't feel like talking to anyone. She just wanted to be alone.
Sitting on a wooden box, she opened the brown bag and pulled out a turkey sandwich, some chips and a soda. Un-wrapping the sandwich, she was finally able to eat in peace. The first bite was so good, that she had almost forgotten what it was like to enjoy eating.

Without warning, her mind drifted back to the last time she heard that name...
Those jerks Deke and Madison had called the police station, pretending to be Al. She didn't know which hurt worse... being so gullible to think that Al had actually called her, or being labeled as fat.
Suddenly, she wasn't hungry anymore and she stuffed the barely-eaten sandwich into her bag, wiping the tears away with her hand.

CHAPTER 6
Michael stood in the hospital waiting room and looked at his watch. It was only noon. The day had been slow and he was missing Marcie like crazy. He didn't know how much more of this he could take. Being without her was making him nuts. She was his whole life, and he hated being away from her even for a second.
He hesitated before opening his cell phone and dialing her number. If he couldn't see her, he at least wanted to hear the sound of her voice. A knot formed in his stomach when the phone began to ring, and he smiled when she answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Sweetie. How are you? I've missed you." Michael said.
"I've missed you too, Michael." Marcie said.
Michael noticed the quivering in her voice. Something wasn't right.
"Sweetie, are you okay? You sound sad." Michael said, wishing he could hold her in his arms. He heard her sniffle.
"Yeah, Michael... I'm fine. It's these darn allergies." Marcie said.
Michael knew she was covering up something but he didn't want to pressure her.
"Maybe you should have those checked out." he said, playing along with her explanation.
"Okay..." Marcie said quietly. The pain in her voice traveled straight to his soul.
Michael sighed, not knowing what to say. She was hurting and he wished he knew why.
"Marcie?" he said after a long silence. "Sweetie, are you still there?"
"I-I've gotta go, Michael." Marcie said.
"Okay, Sweetie. I love you, Honey." Michael said.
"I love you too, Michael." Marcie said her voice breaking as she hung up the phone.

Michael shook his head. God, he wanted to be with her. She needed him. And he needed her... so badly.

"Dr. McBain to ER, Stat! Dr McBain to ER, Stat!" the voice over the intercom said.
Michael sighed, as he raced into the ER, feeling guilty for wishing he was somewhere else...

CHAPTER 7
Marcie sat, holding her cell phone as the tears blurred her eyes. She sobbed into her hand, not caring if anyone was looking. God, when was this day going to end? She couldn't take this anymore. She looked at her watch, realizing that she had been sitting alone for much longer than she was allowed for lunch. However, she doubted anyone realized that she hadn’t returned.
Standing, she picked up her uneaten lunch and sat it next to her purse. Then she walked over to the site and began moving the wooden planks, separating them into piles for the construction workers.
The sun beat down, causing her to wipe the moisture from her forehead. It sure was hot. How could anybody stand this heat?
Rex walked around, flaunting his bare chest in front of Jen. Marcie rolled her eyes, smiling when Jen brushed Rex off, causing him to get angry.
Serves him right. He was such a jerk.
Marcie bent over to pick up another wooden plank, when she was overcome with nausea and dizziness. The sky seemed to grow darker and darker, until there was no light at all...

Chapter 8
"Marcie?" Jen called, wondering where Marcie had gone. Something was definitely wrong, and she began to worry. Marcie barely ate breakfast, and then she disappears at the work site. It wasn't like her at all.
She walked around, seeing the neat piles of wooden planks, stacked according to size, and she smiled. That Marcie... she was always doing her best in everything. No wonder Michael loved her so much.
Turning the corner, she saw what looked like a shoe, lying on the ground. Slowly, she moved closer, gasping in horror at what she saw.

"Marcie!" she screamed, as her entire body began to tremble.
Riley rushed over to Jen, but stopped suddenly when he noticed her horrified expression.
"Jen, what happened?”
Jen pointed to Marcie, lying on the ground.
"Oh my God!" Riley said, dropping down to Marcie's side. He turned her over, noticing that her skin was warm. He took her face in his hand, patting it gently.
"Marcie, honey? Can you hear me? It's Riley."
Tears streamed down Jen's cheeks when Marcie didn't respond.
"Somebody bring me a wet cloth, NOW!" Riley yelled as he continued to pat Marcie's face. "Marcie, honey, wake up, please!"
Jen could barely see as she dialed the hospital's number on her cell phone. Please be there, Michael...
The phone rang, and Jen's heart raced as she waited for the hospital to answer.
"Llanview Hospital.” The receptionist said.
"I-I need to page Dr. Michael McBain. It’s an emergency."
"Okay, Miss. What is your name?"
"Uh, Jen... Rappaport." Jen said, knowing her voice was shaking as much as her body was.
"Please hold." The receptionist said.

Jen watched as Riley talked to Marcie, begging her to wake up. Damn it, what is taking that receptionist so long?
"Okay, Miss Rappaport. I've had him paged. It should be just a few minutes."
Jen sighed. "Okay. Did you tell him it was urgent?"
"Yes, he's probably getting the message now."
Jen paced the area waiting for Michael to come on the phone. Instead she heard another voice.
"Miss Rappaport?" The man said.
"Yes, I need to speak with Dr. McBain right away." Jen said.
"Dr. McBain's extremely busy with a trauma case right now." the man said. "I'm Dr. Wilford. Is there something I can help you with?"
Jen sighed again. "No. this is extremely important, okay? Can you give him a message?"
"Yes, of course." Dr. Wilford said.
"I’m calling about Marcie Walsh. She's just passed out, and we're still trying to revive her."
"Oh I'm afraid Dr. McBain won't be available for quite a while. You should call 911." Dr Wilford said.
Jen turned to find Riley blotting Marcie’s face with a cool, damp cloth.
"I think she just got overheated." Riley said.
"Is-Is she all right?" Jen asked.
Riley turned to see Jen crying. "Jen... “He said, giving her a sympathetic look.
"I-I called Michael at the hospital." Jen said in a shaky voice.
"Is he coming?" Riley asked.
"I don't know. They said he’s extremely busy, but...” Jen said.
"Damn it!" Riley said. "We need him now!"

Having just heard about his sister, Ron rushed over to Marcie. “Can you hear me?" Riley handed Ron the cloth and he ran it over Marcie's face again. "Go get her some water, okay?" Ron said. "She's dehydrated."
Jen ran to the cooler, filling a cup with ice water, and rushing back over to Ron. "Here." she said, handing him the cup.
"Thanks, Jen." Ron said, taking the cup. He poured some of the ice cold water onto the cloth and blotted Marcie's face. He sighed with relief when Marcie moved her head. "Honey, it's me, Ron."

"Ron..." Marcie said faintly. Suddenly she sat up and looked around, giving Ron a worried look. "Where am I?" she asked.
"You fainted, honey." Ron said. "You must have gotten overheated. Just sit here and drink this water. You'll be fine." He stroked her hair, holding the cup to her mouth while she took a drink.

Jen walked around, wiping the tears from her face. Just then she spotted Marcie's lunch sitting by her purse. She picked up the brown bag and looked inside. "Oh God..." she said, realizing that Marcie had barely touched her lunch.
"Jen..." Riley said, walking up to her. She turned to look at him, and he smiled sadly at her, brushing away her tears.
"Oh Riley!" Jen said, burying her head in his chest. He held her tightly while she cried. "It's okay, Jen. Marcie's gonna be okay."
"No..." Jen said, causing Riley to let go of her.
"Jen, she'll be okay. She just got overheated." He saw the fear in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked, running his fingers through her hair.
"Riley, look at this!" Jen said, handing him the brown paper bag.
"Looks like lunch." Riley said.
"Yeah, it's Marcie's lunch!" Jen said. "Look, she barely even ate one bite!" She started to cry again. "Something's really wrong."
"Did you get a hold of Michael?" Riley asked.
"No." Jen said.
"Let's get her over to the hospital. He's probably there. He'll take care of her." Riley said.
Jen looked at him, and his heart ached, seeing how scared she was. "Jen, she'll be okay." He said quietly as he kissed her cheek. "She's gonna be fine."

But Jen wasn't so sure...

CHAPTER 9
"I'm such an idiot!" Jen said out loud to no one in particular. "I'll just try Michael on his cell phone."
Jen held Marcie's cell phone in her hand, scrolling through the list of numbers. Finally... Michael McBain's name scrolled across the screen. Jen pushed the button, praying as the phone began to ring.

"Hi Sweetie!" Michael said.
Jen closed her eyes. Michael must have looked at his caller ID and thought it was Marcie calling. She suddenly felt very guilty. She should have called from her own phone.
"Michael? It's me, Jen."
Michael chuckled, as though he were embarrassed. "Sorry Jen. Why are you calling me on Marcie's cell phone?" There was a pause, and Jen could hear him gasp slightly. "Wait. Jen, what's wrong? Is it Marcie?"
"Did you get the messages I left for you?" Jen said. "I talked to a Dr. Wilford. He told me you were really busy."
"Damn it!" Michael said. "Who the hell does he think he is, forgetting to give me my messages?"
"Michael, about Marcie..." Jen said.
"What happened, Jen?" Michael asked.
"Well, she passed out a few minutes ago at the site." Jen said.
"What? Is-is she alright?" Michael asked, becoming frantic.
"She's awake now." Jen said. "Riley and Ron took care of her, but we were gonna take her over to the hospital, so you could look at her."
"I don't understand. Why would she pass out like that?" Michael said.
"Well, Riley and Ron both think it's from heat exhaustion..." Jen said.
"But you think it's something else?" Michael said, finishing her sentence.
"Yeah. Um. It's hard to talk right now. I'll tell you when we get to the hospital. We're leaving now." Jen said.
"Okay, Jen. I'll be waiting. Michael said.
Jen hung up the phone and left to go to the hospital with Ron, Marcie and Riley. She crossed her fingers, praying that Michael would be able to help.

CHAPTER 10
The hospital doors slid open, and Michael dropped his paperwork when he saw Jen walk in with her arm around Marcie. He ran over to them, taking Marcie in his arms.
"Come on, Baby. I've got you." he said, kissing her. He held her tighter, when she almost collapsed into him. "I'm gonna take her to the ER. Where are Riley and Ron?"
"Oh, they're parking the car." Jen said. "They'll be right back."

"Tell them that Marcie’s in the ER, and to meet me there. I'll be there in a few minutes. I want to make sure she's okay. Then I'll talk to you about what happened, okay?" Michael said.
Jen nodded. "Sure. We'll meet you in there."
Michael led Marcie through the hallway and into the ER. He laid Marcie down on one of the available beds, gasping when he felt how warm she was. "Baby..." he said, kissing her lips.” Sweetie I'm here."

Marcie sat up and looked around. "Michael?" she said weakly.
"Yeah Sweetie. I'm here." Michael said. "I'm not going anywhere."
He thought about their earlier conversation on the phone. He should have known that something wasn't right. He remembered how sad she sounded toward the end. He could have sworn he heard her voice breaking. Just the thought of her being sad broke his heart.
"Michael, I don't feel well." Marcie said, holding her stomach.
"Okay, Sweetie, hang on." Michael said, running to get a nurse. The nurse came over and helped Marcie out of bed. "We'll be right back, Dr. McBain." she said to Michael.

Michael walked into the lobby just in time to see Jen, Riley and Ron coming toward him.
"Hey Riley." Michael said. "Thanks so much for bringing her here."
"Absolutely. I'd do anything for her." Riley said.
Michael shook Ron's hand. "How're you doin’, Man?"
Ron smiled. "Well, I'd be better if Marcie was well again. How is she?”
Jen and Riley nodded in agreement.
"I'm not sure yet." Michael said. "She seemed pretty nauseated, so the nurse is taking care of her. Any idea what caused this?" He asked, writing on a clipboard.

"Yeah. I do. Nick is the cause of all this!" Jen said; the anger evident in her voice.
"Who's Nick?" Michael asked.
"Nick's the jerk who works with us at the Love House." Jen said.
"Yeah." Riley said. "He's been harassing Marcie for days about her weight. I'd love to kill him. He tears into her every chance he gets."

"So why did she pass out?" Michael wanted to know.
"Well, she's been pretty upset over this." Jen said. "Michael she's hardly eaten anything for two days now."
"Are you sure?" Michael asked. "That's not like Marcie. She's pretty confident in herself. That's what I love most about her."

"Yeah, well Nick ruined that in a big hurry." Jen said. "He even commented on her weight at the breakfast table this morning."
Michael nodded. "That must be why she sounded so upset on the phone at lunch today. Did she eat anything today?"
"She didn't eat her breakfast, and she only took one bite of her sandwich." Jen said. "She wouldn't even eat any pizza with us last night."

"Okay." Michael said, writing on the clipboard. "I'll go check on her again. Did you guys want to see her?"
"Yeah." Ron said. Riley, Jen and Ron all followed Michael into the ER and over to Marcie's bed.

"Hey, Sis. How're you doing?" Ron said, taking Marcie's hand.
"Oh, I'm okay." Marcie said. Her skin looked extremely pale, but no one mentioned it.
Ron kissed Marcie's cheek. "You're gonna be fine, Marcie. Michael's gonna take care of you."
"Okay..." Marcie said, her voice trailing off.
"Bye, Sis." Ron said, kissing her again.

Riley kissed Marcie on the forehead. "You had us worried there for a little while." he said with a smile. "Don't do that again, okay?"
"Thanks, Riley." Marcie said.

"Jen..." Marcie said, noticing that her best friend was holding her hand.
"Hey, Marcie." Jen said, as a tear ran down her cheek.
"I'm fine, Jen." Marcie said weakly.
Riley took Jen and led her away from Marcie. "We'd better go." He said to Michael.

Michael smiled. "Don't worry. I’ll take care of her." He saw the worry in Jen's eyes, and added. "I love her too much to lose her."

Jen smiled. "And she loves you, Michael. More than you could ever know."
"Thanks, Jen." Michael said, smiling at her.

He held Marcie's hand as he watched Jen, Riley and Ron walk out of the ER.

Michael looked at Marcie, and his heart warmed when she smiled at him. "I love you, Baby." He said, grinning as he leaned over and kissed her passionately.
"I love you too, Michael." Marcie said, as he held her close.
"You'll be fine, I promise." Michael said. "I'm gonna go talk to the nurse, and I'll be right back, okay?"
Marcie nodded and leaned back on the pillow, as though she were exhausted.

Michael walked over to the nurse, holding his clipboard. "Excuse me; can I talk to you about Marcie Walsh?"
The nurse nodded. "Yes, of course. She was very ill a few minutes ago, but..."
"But what?" Michael asked.
"It seemed like she hadn't eaten in quite a while." The nurse said. I tried to get her to eat some crackers, but she kept saying "No food, no food."
Michael sighed. "Thank you, for taking care of her."

He looked at Marcie again. He had to get to the bottom of this, and he knew just where to start.

Chapter 11

"Come on, Sweetie." Michael said, walking Marcie to the front door of the Love House.
Marcie sighed. "Michael, I really don't want to go back here."
Michael leaned over and kissed Marcie tenderly. "It'll be okay." he said, smiling at her.
Reluctantly, Marcie followed Michael inside. "Michael..." she said as the anxiety grew within her.

"Marcie, how are you?" Jen asked as she and Riley walked up to hug her.
"Oh, I'm okay." Marcie said. "I hate being away from the site, though. I really want to graduate, or my dad will kill me!"
Michael ran his fingers through her hair. "Sweetie, everything will work out, I promise." he said, giving her another tender kiss.
Marcie caressed his cheek, but turned away from him when she saw Nick coming down the stairs.

"What's wrong, Sweetie?" Michael asked, noticing the pained expression on her face.
Jen rolled her eyes. "Here comes trouble." she said to Riley.
Riley nodded. "Yeah. He'd better not try anything or he's going to have to answer to me."

They all stared as Nick approached them.

"Well!" Nick said when he saw Marcie. "If it isn't Fatso!"
Michael grabbed Nick by the collar. "What did you just say?"
"What, are you deaf? Can't you see how fat she is?" Nick said, smiling when he saw the hurt in Marcie's eyes.
Jen put her arm around Marcie, as Marcie buried her head in Jen's shoulder.

"Man, I warned you!" Riley said as he punched Nick in the jaw, watching him stumble.
"Everyone STOP!" Marcie yelled. "Just stop it!"
"Let me guess. You must be Nick." Michael said.
"Yeah, I'm Nick. Who the hell are you?" Nick said, rubbing his jaw.

"This is Dr. Michael McBain. Marcie's boyfriend." Jen said.
"Wait a minute..." Nick said as he looked at Michael. "You're the boyfriend? Wow! What'd Marcie do, pay you to go out with her?"
"Damn you!" Michael yelled. "Get the Hell out of here!"

"I'm going to the kitchen." Marcie said, as she left the room.
"Don't eat too much in there." Nick said. "We don't need a food shortage around here."

Michael was fuming. "I said.... GET THE HELL OUT!" He opened the door and shoved Nick so hard that he fell onto the ground. Finally he slammed the door and pounded his fist on it in a fit of anger.
"It's okay, man." Riley said, putting an arm around Michael's shoulder.
"Where does he get off, talking about Marcie that way? I love her!" Michael said.
"I know. Listen, he's just a jerk. Marcie's strong, though. She's become a lot stronger since the two of you hooked up together." Riley said. "She'll get through this."

Michael walked to the kitchen and pushed the door open, peeking inside when he saw Marcie crying in Jen's arms.
"Marcie, don't listen to Nick." Jen said. "He's just a stupid jerk."
"But he's right." Marcie said. "I'm fat and I-I'm ugly..."
"Marcie! That is not true! Why would you say that?! You're smart, funny, and the best friend anyone could have! Michael loves you so much. He told me how he feels about you in the hospital today. He was really worried about you and so were Riley and I." Jen said.
Marcie looked down at the ground. "He says he loves me but I just don't know..."
"Trust me; Michael loves you more than anything." Jen said, hugging Marcie. Jen turned, surprised to see Michael standing at the doorway. She started to say something, but he silenced her with a finger to his lips.

Michael went back into the living room and put his face in his hands. Dammit! What did this Nick moron done to the woman he loves? How could she possibly think that he doesn't love her?

He knew he'd better think of something brilliant to show her how much he loves her, or risk losing her forever...

Chapter 12

Michael walked into the kitchen, being careful not to startle Marcie.
"Hey, Sweetie." he said when she looked at him. "Are you ready to go?" he reached over and ran his hand down her cheek. His heart warmed when she smiled at him.
"Yeah. Let me get a few things together." she said.
Michael followed her up the stairs. "I'll help you. Then we can leave, okay?"

As they reached her room, Marcie looked at him. "Michael, I really don't like it here. No one likes me."
Michael's heart ached, hearing Marcie talk about herself this way. Maybe this was more serious than just her feelings being hurt.
He looked into her eyes, and smiled as he took her face in his hands and kissed her so tenderly that the feeling lingered on her mouth even after he pulled away. "Sweetie, I love you. You know that, right?"
Marcie smiled and Michael took her in his arms when her eyes filled with tears.
"I love you too, Michael." he heard her whisper as he held her close.

***Michael opened the door to Marcie's room and they went inside. Shannon was sitting on the floor, listening to a CD.
"Hey, Shannon!" Michael said.
"What are you doing here?" Shannon asked.
"Just waiting for Marcie." Michael said; smiling at the woman he loved so deeply.
Shannon's eyes widened when she noticed that Marcie was packing a bag.
"What the hell is this? She yelled.
"Marcie's gonna stay with me for a few days." Michael said.
"Whoa... wait a minute!" Shannon said. "Why does she get to leave?"
Michael watched as Marcie looked away from Shannon. Boy, his cousin really got on his nerves sometimes. "Shannon! Knock it off!" he said.
"Suit yourself!" Shannon said, throwing her backpack on and walking out of the room in disgust.

"Well, I'm ready." Marcie said smiling at Michael.
"Me too." Michael said, bringing his lips to hers once more. "I can't wait to have you all to myself."

CHAPTER 13
"We're home, Baby." Michael said, nudging Marcie out of her sleep. He smiled thinking about how wonderful it felt to have her sleeping on his shoulder as they drove home.

They got out of the car and walked into the Angel Square Hotel lobby. Nigel looked up, surprised to see them.
"Why Dr. McBain! Miss Walsh! What a nice surprise!" Nigel said. "Miss Walsh, I thought you'd be at the house with Roxanne."
Michael looked at Marcie and put his arm around her. "Ah, Marcie wasn't feeling too well, so I'm going to keep an eye on her for a few days." He said, trying to sound professional.
"Oh! Very well then." Nigel said.
"See you later, Nigel." Michael said as he took Marcie's hand and led her up the stairs to his room.

"Okay, Sweetie." Michael said as he unlocked the door and pushed it open. He closed the door, glad that no one was around.
"Well..." he said, grinning slyly at Marcie. "Alone at last." he walked over to his dresser and lit a candle, hoping to improve the mood of his drab hotel room.
He moved toward her, capturing her lips with his. He could feel his insides burning with the urgent need to show her how much he loved her.
He wanted her: body and soul.

Marcie smiled as he took her hand and eased her down onto the bed. Her emotions whirled and skidded as Michael's lips came down on hers, and she gave herself freely to the passion of his kisses.
"Marcie..." Michael breathed in-between the kisses that Marcie hoped would never end.

Slowly, Michael unbuttoned his shirt, smiling when Marcie slid the shirt off his body and down his arms. She ran her hands over his smooth, tanned skin, causing Michael's resistance to shatter into a million pieces. He smiled at her. God, she was beautiful... His hands made their way to her blouse, and his fingers trembled as he began to undo the buttons one by one.

Abruptly, Marcie covered his hand with hers, and sat up. Her eyes were blinded by tears. "Stop it, Michael!" she said.
"Sweetie, what is it?" Michael asked. He leaned over to kiss her but she pushed him away.
"Michael, I said 'stop'!" Marcie said, as the tears spilled onto her cheeks.
"What's wrong?" Michael said, in that soft, sexy voice that she loved. However this time, it only brought her pain.
She stood and began to button her blouse, doing her best to control her emotions that were whirling inside of her.

"I can't do this, Michael!" Marcie said.
"Marcie, please tell me what's bothering you! I love you!" Michael said.

"Don't you see?" Marcie said, beginning to sob. "Nick was right. I'm fat and ugly!" Without waiting for Michael's reaction, she ran out of the room and slammed the door behind her.

"Marcie! Sweetie, wait!" Michael yelled down the hallway. "Baby, please!" He shut his door, and sat down on the bed, burying his head in his hands. The tears in his eyes were making their way down his cheeks, and he wondered how in the hell he was going to make her realize that she was his life, his whole world, his future...

His heart squeezed in anguish when he thought of how much she was hurting right now. He had to get through to her... somehow...

CHAPTER 14
Marcie's hands trembled as she opened the door that led to the rooftop. Tears choked her as she walked outside, feeling the rush of fragrant air on her face. The roof was still wet from the fresh summer rain, and the crisp, clean aroma filled her senses.

She walked over to the edge of the rooftop, gazing at Llanview Hospital in the distance. She smiled as she remembered how Michael had saved her life when Dr. Long pushed her over the edge. She trembled, realizing that she could have lost Michael forever. She was so scared. Michael was too. His loving words echoed in her mind: "Sweetie, we almost lost each other. But our love is too strong for that. Our love is stronger than anything."

None of that mattered now, though. Why had it taken her so long to see that Nick had been right? She was overweight and unattractive, and right now she didn't like herself at all. Why couldn't she be thin and beautiful like Natalie, Jessica or Jen?

She came to the spot where she and Michael had made love for the first time. The thought of his loving touches, warm kisses and gentle words wrapped around her heart, releasing all the pain she felt inside. She sat on the ground, pulling a blanket around her and cried herself to sleep.

Nick's voice filled her head with those harsh words... Fatso, overweight, ugly, loser..., which were repeated over and over. Suddenly she saw Michael looking at her, pointing and laughing as he said the words she hated so much....

Marcie awoke with a start, shivering with chills that she knew had nothing to do with the air around her. It had been a dream, but it seemed so real...

"Michael, I need you..." she sobbed, knowing he wouldn't come looking for her.

CHAPTER 15
"God, I hope she's okay." Jen said as she and Riley sat in their room, talking about Marcie.
Riley reached over and took Jen's hand. "She will be. Michael is with her."
Jen sighed. "I know..." she said as they walked into the hallway and down the stairs.
"What's wrong, Jen?" Riley asked.
"Nick really hurt her with his comments. Marcie is strong. A lot stronger than she used to be. Mainly because of Al. Now that she has Michael, she's a completely different person. I don't want Nick to change her back to the way she was." Jen said.
"You're a different person, too." Riley said.
"And I'll always be grateful for that." Jen said, smiling at him.
Riley blushed. "I didn't do anything."
"Riley, are you kidding? I owe my life to you!" Jen said.
"Jen, don't you think you're being over dramatic?" Riley asked.
"No." Jen said, taking his hands in hers. "No, I don't. Riley you're the only guy I've ever been just friends with. I was thinking about what you said, before and I don't want to rush into a romantic relationship right now that could crash and burn just as it gets started." She laughed when she saw the disappointment in Riley's face.

"I'm sorry, Riley." Jen said.
"Don't be sorry." Riley said. "I love hanging around with you, talking about things I can't talk about with anyone. I don't want that to change because we rushed into a relationship."
"Thanks, Riley." Jen said, hugging him.

"Hey, where's the fat girl?" Nick said from the doorway.
"Shut the hell up, Nick." Jen said.
Riley stood and walked over to Nick. "Man, if I didn't think I would get arrested, I would kill you right now!" He yelled.
"Fine." Nick said, fuming as he left the room.

Riley and Jen sat on the stairs. "One of these days, that jerk is gonna go too far!" he said to Jen.
"Riley, we have to do something!" Jen said. "If Nick doesn't stop harassing Marcie, there's no telling what it will do to her. Look what it's already done."
"I know..." He said, rubbing her shoulder. "We'll talk to Viki tomorrow. I'm sure she'd love to know what Nick's been up to."

Jen put her hand on her forehead.
"Are you okay?" Riley asked.
"I'm still really worried about Marcie." Jen said.
"Jen..." Riley said, holding her close. "Marcie will get through this."
Jen sighed. "I hope you're right."

Chapter 16
Michael ran out of his room, and into the hallway. "Marcie!" he yelled, hoping she could hear him.

His head spun with thoughts of her. Why was this happening? They were so in love. Why would she doubt that now? He knew that she loved him. He could feel it in his soul. It was amazing to him that a love as deep as theirs even existed.

Suddenly, he knew where she was. He ran up the stairs and his heart throbbed with love for her as he reached the rooftop door. He could feel a knot inside his stomach as he pushed the door open and stepped outside. It was then that he realized that he was more nervous than he had ever been in his life.

He couldn't blow this. Not now...
Marcie was everything he had ever wanted and he couldn't lose his only reason for living.

He approached the setting where they had made love on that rainy, starry night. It was then that he sighed heavily with relief when he saw her, wrapped in the blanket, sleeping peacefully.

Michael walked over to Marcie and kneeled beside her. He smiled, watching her for several moments. Her red hair spilled out onto the blanket, resembling streaks of flames in the moonlight. Overwhelmed by her beauty, he couldn't resist the urge to run his fingers through her gorgeous, silky hair.

The moment he touched her, she rolled onto her back. "Michael..." she breathed, still asleep. Her face glowed in the moonlight, and his resistance was shattered once more as his lips touched hers in a kiss as gentle as a summer breeze. When she opened her eyes, he smiled at her.

"Michael, what are you doing here?" She asked, sitting up and pulling the blanket around her.
"Sweetie, I was worried about you." Michael said. "Why did you leave?"
Marcie looked away, and he could see the sadness that lingered in her eyes.
"What is it?" he said, caressing her shoulder.
"I can't talk about it." Marcie said, starting to cry.

"Come here, Sweetie." Michael said, taking her in his arms. He could feel her fingers against the bare skin of his back and shoulders. "Baby, don't cry." He said, feeling her tears melting against his chest. "I love you, Marcie. So much."

When Marcie finally pulled away from him, he could see that she was exhausted. The air had grown cold, and it felt as though it might rain. The thought of being in the rain with her again caused his mouth to curve into an unconscious smile. The doctor in him knew that it was best that he take her to his room. She had barely eaten and he wanted to persuade her to get some nourishment before she really became ill. He could tell that her weight had dropped slightly, and her skin had paled some.

"Let's go back inside." Michael said.
"Okay..." Marcie responded in a soft, small voice.
He pulled the blanket off of her, and held her close as he walked her back into the hotel...

Just as the rain came....

CHAPTER 17
Michael lay in the darkness, listening to the rain falling outside of his window onto the city streets below. He could feel the rhythm of Marcie's breathing as he held her in his arms. She turned on her side, as he snuggled up next to her.

Unable to sleep, Michael quietly moved off the bed, trying his best not to wake her. He stood and walked over to the window, watching the raindrops splatter onto the window sill. He turned to find Marcie sitting upright in the bed, clutching her stomach.
"Michael..." she said, doubling over in pain.
"Sweetie! What's wrong?" Michael asked, running to her side.
"I-I don't feel very good." Marcie said.
"Where are you hurting, Baby?" Michael asked. He felt her forehead, startled by how warm it was. "Oh God. You're burning up." he said, pulling her toward him. "Here, lie back down."
"I can't!" Marcie said, beginning to cry. She climbed out of bed and ran to the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

"Marcie!" Michael shouted, frantically trying to decide the best way to help her. Taking her to the hospital was out of the question. This rain would only make it worse. He picked up the phone and called in an emergency prescription to be sent to his room ASAP for Marcie. Simple aspirin wouldn't be enough to bring Marcie's temperature down.
"Sweetie, please. Open the door!" He yelled again. He wanted so desperately to make her well again.

Several minutes passed before Marcie emerged from the bathroom, looking paler than he had ever seen her.
"Marcie?" He asked, raising her chin so that she was looking at him. "Baby, it'll be okay. I'm gonna take care of you. Don't cry. Please."
His heart ached as he tenderly kissed the tears on her cheeks.
"Come on, Sweetie." he whispered, guiding her to the bed. She leaned back on the pillows and almost instantly fell asleep. Michael smiled at her as he stroked her hair, wishing he could do more to help her.

He peered out the window, noticing that the rain had subsided. He looked over at Marcie, knowing that this whole illness was due to her lack of having proper nourishment. Anger began to surface when he thought of that jerk Nick, hurting Marcie the way he had. He had to get her to eat without her thinking that he would be ashamed of her. He glanced at his watch. It was pretty late-after 1am. But food would be the only thing that would calm Marcie's nausea, and dizziness.

Picking up the phone again, he dialed John's cell phone.
"McBain." John said.
"Hey John. It's Michael."
"Michael, why are you calling so late? Is it mom? Is something wrong?"
"Sorry, Man. I didn't mean to scare you, but actually, yeah. Something is wrong."
"What can I do?" John said.
"I need a huge favor, man." Michael said.
"Um, I was just about to leave the station and go back to the hotel. I'm pretty beat. Another tough case. God, they just never end." John said.
"Marcie's really sick and I need to get some food in her before she gets any worse. I'd go myself and get something for her, but I can't leave her alone." Michael said.
"Is she gonna be okay?" John asked.
"I'd die before I let anything happen to her." Michael said, feeling his composure start to break as he stroked Marcie's burning forehead.
"I know you would, Michael. Um, there's not much open this late, but I'll see what I can do. I'll be there in a half hour." John said.
"Thanks, Man. I owe you one." Michael said, sighing with relief.
John laughed. "I'll hold you to that, little brother."

Michael hung up the phone and walked into the bathroom. He doused a towel in cold water and brought it over to Marcie, gently blotting her face and neck. He trailed kisses along her skin as it cooled, smiling as she sighed softly. "Don't worry baby. You're gonna make it." he whispered. "Our love is deep enough to get us through anything."

CHAPTER 18
A knock on the door startled Marcie awake, and she looked around in a panic.
"It's okay, Sweetie." Michael said, running over to her. "It's just John."
He went to answer the door, smiling when he saw John standing in the hallway, holding two brown bags.

"Here you go." John said, handing him the bag. Antonio was at the station, so he got Carlotta to let him open the diner and I picked some soup for Marcie. That's what doctors recommend, right? Chicken soup?"

Michael laughed. "Yeah. That and a few other things! Thanks man. I really owe you for this. What's in the second bag?"
John looked at the bag, almost forgetting that he was holding it. "Oh, as I was coming home, someone from the hospital said to deliver this to you. What is it?"
Michael opened the bag and pulled out the bottle of small pink pills. "This is for Marcie. She has a really high fever and she's been really nauseated all night."

John looked over at Marcie who had gone back to sleep. "So how's she doin'?"
Michael sighed. "Well, if I could just get this fever to go down, and get her to eat something, she'd feel a whole lot better. Or at least I would."
"She'll pull through it." John waved. "Take care, little brother." He began walking down the hall.

"John, wait!" Michael said.
John turned around and walked back to Michael's door. "Yeah?"
"Can I talk to you for a minute? I know it's late, but I really need someone to talk to."
"Sure." John said. "Let's go in my room so we don't disturb Marcie."
Michael hesitated, looking at Marcie, who was sleeping soundly. "I don't know. Maybe it can wait."
"She'll be fine. Just tell her you'll be in my room for a few minutes. She'll come and get you if she needs you." John said.
"Okay." Michael said. "I'll be right back." He went inside his room, leaving John standing in the hallway.

"Sweetie?" he said, kissing Marcie's face and neck. "Baby, wake up."
Marcie jolted awake. "What happened?" she asked. He immediately felt guilty, when he saw the panic in her face. "Nothing, Baby." He trailed kisses down her shoulder all the way to her hand, and when she smiled, he kissed her mouth as well.

He walked over to his dresser and took the bottle out of the brown bag, shaking two pills into his hand. Marcie watched as he filled a glass with ice cold water from his mini refrigerator, and handed it to her as he sat on the bed. "Marcie, I want you to take these pills, okay? They'll help your nausea and fever."
"Okay..." Marcie said, in a shaky voice.

Suddenly, he remembered that John was standing outside waiting for him. "Sweetie, I'm gonna go to John's room for a minute, okay?"
The panic returned to her face, and he kissed her lips reassuringly. "It'll only be for a few minutes."
He saw her nod nervously.
"Sweetie, it'll be okay. I love you." He kissed her tenderly, smiling as she took the medication and sat the empty glass on the nightstand next to her.

Michael watched as she snuggled into the blanket and went back to sleep. He blew her a kiss before closing the door behind him.

CHAPTER 19
"Hey, John I'm sorry." Michael said, stepping into the hallway. "I had to give Marcie that medication."
"Don't worry about it." John said. "Let's go talk for a minute and then you can get back to Marcie."

Michael followed John to his room, sitting in a chair by his bed.
"So what's on your mind, Michael?"
"Well, it's Marcie."
John chucked. "I should have known."
"Yeah, I guess that was pretty obvious, wasn't it?"

"So how did Marcie get so sick? Is it that virus they keep talking about at the hospital?" John asked.
"No. This is stress related. She hasn't been eating, and it worries me." Michael said.
"What's the problem?" John asked.
"Well, she's staying at that 'Love House.' You know, where Shannon is." Michael said.
"Oh yeah. It's been so quiet around here lately that I almost forgot that Shannon was gone!" John laughed.

"Well, she's a saint compared to this Nick guy. He's been tormenting Marcie about her weight, and it finally got to her. Jen and Riley called me this morning because Marcie passed out at the worksite." Michael said.
"Wow, and they think it was because of Nick?" John asked.
"They thought it was from the heat, but when she got to the hospital, the nurse told me she had a heck of a time trying to get Marcie to eat anything." Michael said.

There was a long pause.

"What is it, Michael?" John asked.
"Well, I was thinking about Marcie refusing to eat at the ER. John, she doesn't think she's attractive and she thinks I don't love her." He sighed loudly.
"Did she say that?" John asked.
"Yeah, she did. When I brought her here, we were getting intimate and she put the breaks on, telling me she couldn't go through with it because she was 'fat and ugly'. It broke my heart, man." Michael said.

John said. "Remember when kids in high school used to do that to the kids in Special Ed?"
"Yeah." Michael said. "I was one of them, remember? I still regret that to this day. I was such a jerk back then."
"Man, I wanted to tear them limb from limb when I saw how those kids were hurt by that." John said.
"Well you definitely tried that with me!" Michael laughed.
"Almost succeeded too!" John said with a smile.

John looked at his watch. "Marcie's probably worried about you."
"Oh God..." Michael said, unable to believe that he had actually forgotten about her. I'd better get out of here."
"Yes, please! I'm exhausted!" John said, shoving Michael out the door.

Michael turned to John. "Hey. Thanks so much for what you did for me, man. I really do owe you one." They shook hands, and patted each other on the back.
"No problem." John said. "What are brothers for?"

John smiled as he watched Michael walk down the hallway back to his room. "Take care, little brother." he said into the emptiness

CHAPTER 20
Michael walked back into his room, closing the door behind him. Marcie sat up and smiled when she saw him.
"Hey, Sweetie." he said. "I'm sorry if I woke you."
"I was up." she said.
"I didn't mean to leave you for so long, baby. Are you okay? Is the medicine helping?"
"Yeah, a little. I'm still kind of queasy though." Marcie said.
"You really need to eat something." Michael said. He pulled the soup out of the bag and heated it in his microwave.

Marcie cringed when he brought over the steaming hot soup. "Here you go, Sweetie." He said, handing her a spoon.
"What's wrong?" He asked when she turned away.
"I can't!" Marcie said, starting to cry once more.
"Sweetie, please. You have to eat something. I can't stand to see you this way." Michael said. "You must be starving, Baby."
"I'm overweight. I don't need any food." Marcie said.
Michael closed his eyes. Damn it! "Marcie, please. Eat just a little. I promise you'll feel a whole lot better."
"Didn't you hear what I said?" Marcie asked. "I weigh too much!"

"Marcie, stop it, please!" Michael begged. "I can't stand listening to you talk about yourself like that. You are beautiful. Inside and out."
Marcie shook her head. "No, I'm not..."
Michael sighed. What was he going to have to do to make her understand? "Marcie, I love you! There's a reason for that."

"Yeah, you felt sorry for me, because of Al." Marcie said.
"I love you for YOU. Not Al, not anyone. Yes, I felt horrible when he died, because I know how much you loved him, but I would never think of you as a charity case. You're my whole world, Marcie." Michael said.

"Really?" Marcie said, grinning sweetly at him.
"Yes, really." Michael said, tossing her onto the bed, and kissing her passionately.

Suddenly he remembered that she wasn't feeling well, and sat up.
"What is it, Michael?" Marcie asked.
"We shouldn't be doing this. You're still pretty weak." Michael said. "Sweetie, will you please eat some of this soup? John went to a lot of trouble to get it for you."

Marcie sighed. "Okay."
"Great." Michael said, smiling at her. He took the bowl and opened the lid, and began feeding Marcie the warm soup.
He was overcome with relief when she finished the entire bowl.
Thank God. Hopefully this was over.

"Thank you, Michael." Marcie said, smiling at him.
"I love you, Sweetie." Michael said as he kissed her before she drifted back to sleep.

CHAPTER 21
"Jennifer! Riley! How nice to see you! Please, have a seat." Viki said as Jen and Riley walked into her office and sat down.
"Thanks." Jen said as they sat down across from Viki.

"So how is the Love Center coming along?" Viki asked with a smile.
"Um, great!" Jen said, looking at Riley.
"Jen, what is it? Is something wrong?" Viki asked, seeing the concern on Jen's face.
Jen sighed. "Well, it's Marcie."
"What's going on?" Viki asked.

"Mrs. Davidson, remember last year when Madison Kensington tricked Marcie into pledging Sigma Delta Delta and Marcie went through that hazing?" Jen asked, remembering how Marcie was late to her wedding.
"Yes, unfortunately, that incident is still very fresh on my mind. We are taking every precaution here at Llanview University to make sure that never happens again." Viki said. "What a horrible ordeal to have to go through."

"Well, it's started again. At the Love House." Jen said.
"What do you mean?" Viki asked.

Unable to say anything, Jen looked at Riley.

"Mrs. Davidson, Nick has been harassing Marcie ever since this Love House started, and he's really laying into her." Riley said.
"What's he done?" Viki asked as she grabbed a notepad from her desk drawer and began to write.
"Well, he's made some pretty horrible comments to and about Marcie regarding her weight." Riley said taking Jen's hand when he saw her eyes fill with tears.

"Oh dear." Viki said, putting her hand on her heart.
Immediately, Jen stood and walked over to Viki."Mrs. Davidson, are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine." Viki said. "I'm sure his comments are very hurtful to Marcie."

Riley shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "There's a lot more to it than that." He said.
"Really?" Viki said.
"Marcie passed out at the site." Riley said.
"Oh my God! Why didn't anyone tell me?" Viki asked, feeling her heart rate increase.

"Well, we thought it was heat exhaustion, and we got her to wake up, but we took her to the hospital so that Michael could make sure she was okay." Jen said.

"Dr. McBain, right? That must be why he called me to make sure it was okay if Marcie was gone for a while. Of course I gave my permission. I don't want any of my students working if they aren't well. How is she doing?" Viki asked.

Jen looked away as Riley squeezed her hand, smiling knowingly at her as a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Jen, what's wrong, honey?" Viki asked.
"There's more." Riley said.
"I'm listening." Viki said.

"She thinks she's overweight, and that she's ugly. That's what Nick has been pounding into her head. Almost every chance he gets, he makes a comment. I knew that she was hurt by them, but all of a sudden she stopped eating. She barely ate anything for a few days. That's why she's staying with Michael." Jen said.

"This is horrible." Viki said. "We have to do something about this. Has Roxy been involved in this?"
"Well to tell you the truth, we didn't ask her to help. She was there when Marcie passed out. So was Ron. He was the one who revived her. “Jen said.
"Thank God for that." Viki said. "So is there anything else I should know?"

"I think that about covers it." Riley said.
"Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention." Viki said shaking Riley's hand as they walked to the door. "I'll get to the bottom of this."
"What about Nick?" Jen asked.
"He and I will definitely be having a talk. Soon. In the meantime, let me know how Marcie is doing and what Nick says to her. I'll need to know so that I can take the appropriate action." Viki said.

"Thank you, Viki. So much." Riley said.
"Anytime. That's what I'm here for." Viki said.

Seeing the concern in Jen's eyes, she put her hand on Jen's shoulder. "Honey, Michael will take good care of Marcie. He's a wonderful doctor. He was so kind to me when I was with Dorian in the hospital visiting Ben. He's the one who told me to get my heart checked. Thank God I did."

"We'll see you later." Riley said as he walked Jen out of Viki's office and closed the door.
They walked outside onto the campus grounds, holding hands. Suddenly, Jen stopped and put her face in her hands, sobbing.
Riley immediately took her in his arms, rubbing her back. "Its okay, Jen. She'll be okay...."

He hoped to God he was right.

CHAPTER 22
The room glowed brightly with the morning sun, bringing Michael awake. He opened his eyes, smiling when he turned to find Marcie lying next to him. How could he ever have deserved someone so wonderful?

He leaned over her and kissed her cheek, sending more kisses to her neck, watching as she began to stir. His mouth moved down the length of her arm, and he swore he could feel her trembling. Finally she rolled over, revealing her beautiful face. Michael couldn't resist bringing his lips to hers, as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Michael..." Marcie sighed, before he stopped her words with another kiss. She opened her eyes to find him smiling at her.
"God you're beautiful..." Michael said, before kissing her again. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he had to fight like hell to keep from giving into his need for her.

Suddenly, he remembered the events of the night before. God, why was he such an idiot? He was a doctor! She was so sick last night and he realized that he hadn't even bothered checking to see if she was okay. He pulled away from her and placed his hand on her forehead, relieved to find that it was cool. Thank God... she was better. "How are you feeling, Darlin'?" he asked.

"Oh... much better." Marcie breathed, surprising Michael when she pressed her lips to his, causing his heart rate to increase beneath his chest.
"Your fever's gone." Michael said, touching her forehead again.
"Thank you so much Michael." Marcie said.

"Baby, you don't have to thank me. I'd do anything in the world for you. You know that, right?" Michael asked, realizing he had told her those same words just a few months ago.
Marcie nodded. "Yeah, I do." She smiled at him as he pressed his nose against hers, holding her close.

"I love you so much, Marcie." Michael said as they lay on the pillows gazing into each other's eyes. He stroked her smooth face bringing his lips to meet hers yet again.
"I love you too, Michael. It's hard to believe sometimes, you know?" Marcie said, sitting up and leaning her head against the headboard.
"What is?" Michael asked, as he sat up and ran a finger through her hair.
"This! You and me!" Marcie said.
"Why is that so hard to believe?" Michael asked, kissing her cheek.
"Well, I just never thought anyone else would ever love me again." She said, looking away.
Michael sighed. Damn! Just when he thought Marcie was over these feelings of insecurity.
"Sweetie, what do I have to do to make you realize how much I love you?" he asked, kissing her lips.
"I know you love me, Michael." Marcie said with a sigh.
"But you don't really feel it, do you?" Michael said.
"I-I guess..." Marcie said.
"Marcie..." Michael said.

"Oh my gosh!" Marcie exclaimed as she climbed out of bed. "What time is it?"
Michael glanced at the alarm clock by his night stand. "It's about 10:30." he said.
"I need to get to the police station!" Marcie said.
"Marcie I don't think you should be going back to work just yet. John and Bo will understand. You need your rest." Michael said.
"Yeah, well I also have to pay for my classes, Michael! I can't do that if I don't go in to work." Marcie said, disappearing into the bathroom.

Michael changed his clothes and sat on the edge of the bed. What the hell was going on here? He thought he had gotten through to her, and the way she kissed him this morning, he thought that she finally realized how much he loved her.

Finally Marcie came out of the bathroom dressed for work. "You look beautiful, honey." Michael said, pulling her onto his lap and kissing her passionately.
"Michael, please. I'm anything but beautiful." Marcie said.
"Baby, is that what you think?" He asked as he kissed her again.

"Um, I've really got to get to the station. I'm late as it is." Marcie said, glancing at her watch.
"I'll drive you." Michael said
"I can walk." Marcie said, picking up her purse.
Michael put his hand to his chest. "Well I would feel a whole lot better if I drove you, okay?"
"Alright." Marcie said, smiling at him.
He put his arm around her and they walked out the door, headed for the police station

CHAPTER 23
Michael laced his fingers through Marcie's and they walked down the hallway into the police station. "Sweetie, I still don't think you should be working. You were pretty sick last night." Michael said.
"I'll be okay." Marcie said.

They walked into the station as John stood up from his desk. "Marcie what are you doing here?" He asked. Michael gave him a look of understanding.
"John stop worrying about me! I'm fine!" Marcie said. She put her purse down on her desk and turned on her computer. "I'm really sorry I'm so late. I hope it wasn't swamped."

Bo came out of his office, stopping when he saw Marcie sitting at her desk. "Marcie, what are you doing here?" he asked.
"That's exactly what I want to know." John said.
"Well, I missed so much work and I'm gonna have to work like crazy to get caught up." Marcie said.
"Don't worry about that." Bo said. "The important thing is that you don't have another relapse."
"I'm fine, Bo." Marcie said as she pulled some files out of her desk and began to enter the information into the computer.
"Okay, but you take it easy today. If you feel any sickness at all, promise you'll tell us okay?" Bo said.
"I will." Marcie said.

Michael walked over and sat down in the chair next to Marcie. "I'm gonna hold her to that, because I'm gonna be calling her every hour on the hour till she's sick of me.” He said.
"Michael, I could never be sick of you." Marcie said.
Michael blushed. "You are so romantic." he said, putting his hand on her neck and bringing his lips to hers.

Antonio said as he pushed open the door. "Man, what a day! It's not even lunch time and the thugs are out in full force already."
"Yep, but otherwise, we'd be out of a job!" John said.
"Hey Marcie..."
"Let me guess... 'What am I doing here?'" Marcie said, laughing at him.
"How'd you know what I was going to say?" Antonio asked as his face filled with surprise.
"Well, I've heard the same question twice now." Marcie said, glaring at John as she laughed. John threw up his hands in mock surrender and walked away.
"They're just concerned about you, Sweetie." Michael said as they kissed again.

John cleared his throat. "So Michael, are you and Marcie gonna act like the lovebirds you are all day or are you gonna let Marcie get to work?"
Marcie blushed and went back to her data entry.

Michael stood and glanced at his watch. "I really should get going. I have some rounds I need to do. I'll come back and get you later, okay?" He said to Marcie.
"Okay." Marcie said smiling at him.
"Now, you be sure and take those pills, alright?" Michael said.
"I will." Marcie said.
"And if you feel any headaches or nausea or you start feeling dizzy, call me immediately or tell John and Bo. You promise to do that for me?" Michael asked.
"Yes, Michael. Now get to work!" Marcie said with a grin.
"I love you." Michael said, leaning his forehead against hers.
"I love you too." Marcie said as Michael put his arm around her and kissed her passionately.
"Oh God..." John said, rolling his eyes as he walked into Bo's office and closed the door.
"Bye, Sweetie." Michael said, walking to the door and blowing a kiss to her as he left.
"Bye Michael." Marcie said, returning his gesture.

Marcie sighed. Michael always knew how to make her feel so good. So why did she still feel miserable? Nick, that's why. Sooner or later, she'd have to go back to the Love House. She hated that place. It felt like a prison. It was bad enough that Nick found it fun to make her feel bad, but she had to room with Shannon. Talk about torture.

The thought made her laugh as she turned back to her data entry.

CHAPTER 24
(Earlier that morning...7am)
The students in the Love House ran down the stairs, racing to see who could be first at the breakfast table.
"I'm first!" Julie yelled.
"Hold your horses!" Roxy said. "It's not going to walk away. At least I don't think so."
"Roxy! You cooked! What happened?" Riley asked as he and Jen walked into the kitchen.
"What? I can cook!" Roxy said. "Ain't you ever had a Rodi burger?"
"Well, you told us that you weren't going to do any cooking and we had to find our own breakfast." Riley said.
"Yeah, well that was just for show. I had to look like the figure of authority, you know." Roxy said.
Jen looked at Riley and tried not to laugh.

They sat down at the table and Julie's eyes widened in horror at the steaming plates bacon, eggs and sausages. "What the hell is this?" she asked.
"What does it look like, caviar and champagne? It's breakfast!" Roxy said.
"I can't eat this stuff! I'm a VEGAN!" Julie yelled.

"Oh God, here we go again." Riley muttered to Jen.
"Get a grip, Julie." Shannon said. "If you don't like it, don't eat it!"
"Yeah, right. Do you know how long it is until lunch?" Julie said as she sat down at the table and moped.
Jen smiled at Riley. "Um, I think there's some cereal in the cabinet, Julie." she said.
"Thanks." Julie said, glaring at Shannon. "At least some people respect my lifestyle!"
Jen leaned over to Riley. "No, actually I was just trying to get her to shut up!" she whispered as she and Riley both laughed.
"What the hell is so funny?" Nick said.
"None of your business." Jen said.
"So where's the fat one this morning?" Nick said, glancing at the empty place at the table.
"Nick, shut up!" Riley yelled. "Man I am NOT in the mood for that this morning!" He sighed as Jen rubbed his neck.
Nick shrugged. "What can I say? The girl is fat!"
Riley stood up so fast that his chair fell over backwards. Jen picked it up, watching as Riley reached over the table and started to grab Nick by the collar.
"Riley!" Jen yelled pulling Riley back into the chair.
Roxy walked over to Riley.

"Well!" Rex's voice said from the kitchen doorway. "What's going on in here?"
"Nothing man." Riley said.
"Didn't look like nothing." Rex said.
"What happened?" Roxy said, bringing over the pot of scrambled eggs and scraping them into the bowl.
"Nothing, according to Riley." Rex said.
"Hmm... Doesn’t seem like there's much love going on in the Love House." Roxy said.

Jen looked at Rex uncomfortably, holding her empty plate. "Well, I'm finished. I'm gonna get to the site." She walked over to the sink and washed hers and Riley's plates,
"Yeah, me too. Riley said. "Anyone else coming?"
Everyone groaned.
"Aww, come on! It'll be fun!" Jen said a little too enthusiastically.
"Yeah, whatever, Rappaport!" Hudson said.
"Hey, it's a lot better than being cooped up in a stuffy classroom all day." Mark said.
"Thank you, Mark!" Jen said, patting him on the back.

"Have fun, kids!" Roxy yelled as the students grabbed their lunches and walked into the living room. She sighed and put her arm around Rex. "What do you think?"

"I think they're all nuts!" Rex said.
"Yep, I definitely think you're right!" Roxy said. "Now get out of here!" She said, pushing Rex into the living room.

Chapter 25

"Llanview PD, how may I direct your call?" Marcie said into the phone.
"Hey, Sweetie! How are you?" Michael said.
"Michael, I'm the same as I was the last two times you've called! I'm fine." Marcie said, smiling as she ran her finger over Michael's picture at her desk.

"Are you taking your meds?" Michael asked.
"Michael, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine!" Marcie said.
"Marcie..." Michael said in his best doctor-like tone.
Marcie sighed. "Yes, doctor, I'm taking my medicine. I just took one a few minutes ago!"

Michael laughed. "Well that's good, because I want you with me for a long time, okay?"
"Michael, I'm not going anywhere." Marcie said.
"I know, Sweetie. I'm... sorry I said that. It's been crazy here at the hospital. One of my patients just died." Michael said.
Marcie's heart ached, hearing the sadness in his voice. She picked up Al's picture, and rubbed the smooth wooden frame with her fingers.
"Michael... I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" Marcie asked.
Michael sighed loudly. "Yeah, I'm fine. It was just a shock. She was doing so well, and then this. We had her in the virology unit where they treat the infections. They did a transplant and we thought it would work out, but..." his voice trailed away.

Marcie put her hand over her chest, as a feeling of dizziness came over her. She knew it had nothing to do with last night, though. Without warning, her eyes filled with tears, and she looked at Al's picture again, cringing when a small sob escaped her throat.

"Marcie?" Michael said. "Baby are you okay?"
"Yes, Michael I'm fine. I-I better go. Bo's calling me." Marcie said as her voice began to quiver slightly.
"Sweetie? What's going on? Are you feeing sick again?" Michael asked.
"Um, well I'm a little dizzy, but I'll be okay." Marcie said, standing up and holding her desk for support.
"Let me talk to Bo, okay?"
"Uh, yeah. Let me transfer you." Marcie said.
"Sweetie?" Michael said, before Marcie could push the transfer button.
"Yeah?" Marcie said.
"I love you." Michael said.
"I love you too, Michael." Marcie said, pushing the transfer button just as her voice broke.

Marcie stood up and had to grab onto a chair to keep from falling. Realizing the file folder was still in her hand, she turned around to the filing cabinet and, overcome with memories of Al, leaned against the door and began to cry.

Chapter 26
"Buchanan." Bo said as he picked up the phone.
"Hey Bo, it's Michael."
"Michael! Calling to check up on Nora and I? Because we don't seem to have that virus, so please don't make me stay over there again!" Bo said.

John laughed and walked out of Bo's office, closing the door.

"No, I wasn't calling about that, but how are you, by the way?" Michael asked.
"We're fine as far as I can tell, but I'll let you know." Bo said.
"Okay that's good." Michael said. "I was really worried there for a while." Michael said.

"So what's on your mind, Michael?" Bo asked.
"Well, it's Marcie." Michael said. "Is-is she doing okay?"
"Yeah. She's been working hard and she hasn't mentioned anything about any sickness or anything." Bo said.
"And you're sure she's okay?" Michael asked. "Because I just got off the phone with her and she sounded upset.
"Really? She seemed happy a little while ago. I can go check on her again." Bo said. "Can you hang on for a second?"
"Sure Bo." Michael said.

Bo pushed the hold button and then walked out of his office door, closing it behind him.

Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27
Antonio and Jessica laughed as they entered the police station.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Jessica said. "Paul really said that when you tried to arrest him?"
"Yep, and I thought he was stupid before. Now I'm convinced he's psychotic!" Antonio said as they laughed again. "What kind of idiot would say something like that to a police officer?"
"Exactly." Jessica said. "I mean I don't know what Natalie sees in him, he..."

She stopped suddenly when she saw Marcie standing with her back to the filing cabinets, sobbing.
"Marcie!" Jessica said as she and Antonio ran over to her.
"Are you okay?" Antonio asked, putting a hand on her back.
Marcie turned around. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Oh, Marcie..." Jessica said throwing her arms around Marcie. She looked at Antonio when Marcie began to cry on her shoulder. "Get my uncle Bo." she mouthed.
Antonio rushed into Bo's office, just as Bo opened the door. "Marcie?" he said, running over to her. "What is it? Are you feeling sick again?"
"No..." Marcie said.
Bo looked at Jessica. "What happened?"
Jessica touched Marcie's forehead. "Are you sure you're okay?" She asked.
Marcie could only nod.

"I'm gonna go to the bathroom and wash my face." Marcie finally said, wiping the tears away as she walked out the door.
"What happened?" Bo asked again.
"Um, I'm not sure. Antonio and I walked in and she was leaning against the filing cabinets, crying." Jessica said.
"I think she really needs to go home. She's been here for six hours and I don't want to stress her out anymore. I'll tell Michael to come and get her." Bo said, walking back into his office. "You guys, make sure she's okay."
"We will." Antonio said.
"Of course, Uncle Bo. Thank you." Jessica said.

Marcie patted her face dry with a paper towel, but it didn't succeed in stopping the tears from falling. Damn! Why did she have to start crying again? Everyone was already worried enough about her.

Sometimes she wished she could forget about Al all together. But that was impossible. He was the best thing that ever happened to her. Well, until Michael that was. But Al, he showed her what true love really was.
Michael loved her. He said he did. Why would he lie about that? Deep down, though she knew that he felt that he owed it to her because he was there when Al died.

She dried her face again, horrified to find that her eyes were all red and puffy. She sighed, and walked into the hallway.
"Marcie?" John said, when he noticed she'd been crying. "What's wrong? Are you sick?"
"God! I just wish everyone would stop asking if I'm alright! I'm fi-" She sat down on the bench and buried her head in her hands.
"Marcie?" John said, sitting next to her and putting his arm around her. She leaned against him crying onto his shoulder.
John looked puzzled. He rubbed her shoulder as she cried. "It'll be okay..." he said.

CHAPTER 28
Bo picked up the phone and hit the hold button. "Michael are you there?"
"Yeah Bo." Michael said.
"I think you need to come get Marcie." Bo said.
"Why? What happened? Is-is she showing signs of the illness again?" Michael asked, growing worried.

"I don't think so, but she's pretty upset. Jessica and Antonio found her crying when they came into the station."
"Crying? Why? What happened?" Michael said. "Did that idiot Nick come by?"

"Who?" Bo asked.
"Oh never mind. Listen Bo. I've had a really bad day myself, so I'll be right over." Michael said.
"Okay Michael. And thanks." Bo said.
"Bo, take care of her until I get there, okay?" Michael said.
"Absolutely." Bo said. "We won't let anything happen to her."
"Thanks, Man." Michael said as Bo hung up the phone.

Bo walked out of his office. "Where's Marcie?" he asked Jessica and Antonio.
"Well, she said she was going to the bathroom but she's been gone for a while." Jessica said. "I'll go check on her."
Jessica left the office and walked out into the hall.

Jessica's heart fell when she saw John comforting Marcie.
"Marcie? Hey... don't cry, please." Jessica said, looking at John.
"Marcie? Maybe you should go back into the office now." John said.
Marcie wiped her eyes. "Yeah, you're right."
They stood and Jessica put her arm around her as they walked back into the office.

Marcie looked away when she noticed Antonio and Bo looking at her. "Please don't ask if I'm okay again. I'm fine." Marcie said.
"I won't. Antonio said hugging her. "I just care about you, Marcie."
"Thanks." Marcie said.

"Marcie, can we talk for a minute?" Jessica said.
Alarm filled Marcie's face when she looked at Bo. She just knew she was going to be fired. "
I-I'm sorry Bo. I know I should get those files entered. I'll do it now." She said, turning to walk to her desk.
"Marcie, it's okay. Go ahead." Bo said smiling at her.
"Come on." Jessica said, taking Marcie's hand. "Uncle Bo, can we use your office?" She asked.
"Yeah, that's fine." Bo said. "I need to go out for a few minutes. Tell Michael I want to talk to him when he gets here and that I'll be right back."
"Sure thing." Antonio said, watching Marcie and Jessica go into Bo's office and close the door.

Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29
Michael ran down the hallway, headed for the police station. Please, don't let Marcie be sick again... He prayed.

"Marcie!" he yelled as soon as he reached the station. His heart sunk when he didn't see her anywhere. "Where is she?" he asked frantically.

"She and Jessica are in Bo's office." Antonio said. "Bo wanted to talk to you. He'll be back in a minute."
Michael sighed. "Is Marcie alright? God, I was so worried about her." He laughed. "I'm always worried about her, aren't I?"
"Yeah, but that's what happens when you're in love." Antonio said. "I'm pretty protective of Jessica myself."

"Hey, Michael." John said. "What's up?"
"Bo called and asked me to come get Marcie. She's okay, isn't she?" Michael asked.
John smiled at the worried look on his brother's face.

"You're really in love, aren't you?" he asked.
Michael smiled. "You haven't figured that out, man?"
John laughed. "Actually, yes, I had. I just wanted to see if you were going to admit it."
"It's weird, you know? These past five months have been the best of my life. Marcie...she's just amazing. I've never met a more caring and loving person, ever. She caused me to do a 180, that's for sure!" Michael said.
"I have no idea what you mean by that, but if you mean that she's changed you, you're right." John said laughing. "I hate when you use medical talk."
Michael narrowed his eyes and smiled. "John that wasn't..."
"I know..." John said.

"So, um... Bo said that Marcie was upset." Michael said.
"Yeah, she was pretty broken up about something. Jessica said that she and Antonio saw Marcie crying and when I saw her in the hall, I asked if she was okay and she got irritated with me. Then she just lost it. Any idea what that was about?" John asked.
Michael shook his head. "No..."
"Well, it must have been pretty big because I've never seen her just lose it like that in the office, you know?" John said.
"Oh man...” Michael groaned, putting his hands behind his head.

Bo walked in the office. "Hey Michael, thanks for coming."
"How's Marcie?" Michael asked.
"Michael, she'll be fine!" John said, putting his hand on Michael's arm.
"You're right." Michael said. "It's just that she sounded really upset when I was on the phone with her."
"She was pretty upset when I went to check on her." Bo said. "What happened?"

"I-I don't know. I just called to check on her and she sounded pretty cheerful. I was telling her about how one of my patients died today." Michael said.
"Oh man. That's rough." John said.

"Yeah, this woman was in the virology unit with that mysterious virus that's going around. I was treating her and we ended up having to do a heart transplant, and..."
Michael stopped suddenly when he saw Bo's face turn ghostly white.
"My God..." he said, burying his face in his hands. He stood and pounded Marcie's desk with his fist, producing a loud, vibrating sound.

"Michael, what is it?" John asked.
"Damn it! I'm such an idiot! I never think!" Michael yelled.
"Michael, what are you talking about?" John asked again. He looked at Bo.
"Bo, I'm sorry, Man. I should have never brought that up." Michael said.
"Will someone please tell me what in the hell you two are talking about?" John said, his voice rising.

"Al Holden." Michael said.
"You mean, Gabrielle's son?" John asked, looking at Bo.
"Yeah. He got that infection and Gabrielle gave him part of her liver and..." Michael's voice trailed off.
"It didn't save him." Bo said.
"God, no wonder she sounded like she was crying when she hung up." Michael said. "Damn it!"

"It's okay, Michael." Bo said, patting him on the shoulder. Jessica was a good friend of Al's. They're in there talking right now. Jessica will be able to help her out."
"God, I hope so, because I just keep making things worse." Michael said, gazing at Bo's office.

Chapter 30
"Here, Marcie. Sit down." Jessica said, guiding Marcie to the chair across from Bo's desk. Jessica pulled up another chair and sat down next to Marcie.
Jessica reached over and took Marcie's hand. "Hey... Marcie? What's wrong? I haven't seen you this upset in a long time!"

Jessica handed Marcie a Kleenex as Marcie blew her nose. "Thanks." she said.
"No problem." Jessica said. "Why are you so upset?"
"Oh, nothing. It's stupid." Marcie said.
"Come on, I doubt that." Jessica said, brushing a stray lock of hair from Marcie's face.

Marcie sighed. "Okay. Michael called and was telling me about a patient of his that died, and it reminded me of Al."

"Wow. Al Holden. I haven't thought about him in a long time." Jessica said.
"Yeah, well I think about him constantly. Even when I'm with Michael." Marcie said. "Sometimes I feel like he's with me all the time, looking out for me."
"Yeah. I know what you mean. He was my best friend. I miss him so much." Jessica said.
"I never thought I would love anyone after Al died." Marcie said.

"But Michael changed all of that, didn't he?" Jessica said.
Marcie nodded and looked away.

Marcie, what is it?" Jessica asked.
"Oh, I don't know." Marcie said. "Sometimes, it's just... Well, I feel like Michael just likes me because he feels sorry for me. Because of Al."
"Marcie, Michael would never do that!" Jessica said.
"I know..." Marcie said. "But why else would he be attracted to someone like me?"

Jessica sighed. "Marcie, what are you talking about?"
"Michael's a doctor and he's gorgeous and smart and I'm just fat and ugly and I'm flunking out of school." Marcie said.
"Marcie! I've never heard you talk like this before. Why would you doubt that Michael loves you?" Jessica said.
"Well, because it's true." Marcie said.

"No, it's absolutely not true and you know it!" Jessica said. "Marcie you are wonderful. You're such a good friend to me, and you are really well-liked at the police station. Antonio is always telling me about how you went out of your way to help someone when they need it or working extra shifts to cover when they get really swamped here."

She paused for a minute.

"You wrote an entire manuscript. That's amazing! I wish I could do something like that. John was telling us how proud Michael was that you wrote it. He was just blown away by your writing ability and said he's gonna be the first one in line to read your book when it's published!" Jessica said, relieved to see Marcie smile.

"Thank you, Jessica." Marcie said.

"You're welcome, Marcie. Anytime. I mean, if you need anything you can talk to me. My mom is the same way. I mean I know you're stuck in that Love House, but at least Jen and Riley are there."

Marcie sighed. "Yeah, and Nick."
"Who's Nick?" Jessica asked.
"Oh, just the person who made me realize that I'm fat and ugly." Marcie said.
"God! Why would anyone say that?" Jessica said, growing angry.
Marcie shrugged.
"What kind of a jerk gets off talking to you like that?" Jessica said, standing up. God, no wonder you're so upset."
"It's okay." Marcie said.
"Marcie, that's a horrible thing to say to someone! Wow, I just can't believe that!"
She reached over and took Marcie's hands. "Marcie you are not fat, or ugly or stupid! I will always be grateful to you for trying to keep me from getting hurt over Antonio's undercover work. I know you were just trying to help."
"Yeah, but I didn't do a very good job, did I?" Marcie said.
"Yes, you did. I mean, I found out anyway, but just knowing you were trying to keep me from getting hurt really means a lot to me." Jessica said.

Jessica looked out the window of Bo's office, noticing Michael and John. "Oh, it looks like Michael is waiting for you."
They both stood.
"Marcie are you going to be okay?" Jessica asked.
"Yeah, I think so. Thank you, Jessica. I feel a lot better." Marcie said.
"Anytime, Marcie." Jessica said, hugging her.

Marcie opened the door. "Oh, Marcie?" Jessica was saying.
"Yeah?"
"Al used to tell me all the time how much he loved you. You made him so happy."
Marcie smiled and hugged Jessica again. "Thank you."

They walked out of Bo's office as Jessica shut the door behind them.

CHAPTER 31
Michael sprang to his feet as Jessica and Marcie emerged from Bo's office.

"Marcie, thank God!" he said as he ran over and took her in his arms. "Sweetie, I was so worried about you!"
"I-I'm okay." Marcie said, wiping the tears from her face.
"Baby, I'm sorry for being such an idiot, okay? I can't believe I hurt you like that. God, I am so sorry." Michael said.
"It's fine. I'm okay." Marcie said.
"No, Marcie. It's not fine!" Michael said as he caressed her cheek. "I'm so sorry."

"Maybe you should take her home, Michael." Bo said.
Marcie began to panic. "But Commissioner, what about my schedule sheets? I haven't even started on them and..."
"Marcie..." Bo said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Let Michael take you home, okay? The schedule sheets can wait. I want you to get well, okay?"
"Well, I'm not sick and it'll just take a few..." Marcie said.
"Marcie!" John said. "Go home with Michael! He's had a rough day and he could use the rest. So could you."
"Well... Alright." Marcie said. "Just let me get my purse, okay?"
"Sure, Sweetie. I'll be right here." Michael said.

Marcie walked over to her desk and picked up her purse. Without meaning to, she glanced at the picture of Al and immediately her hand went to her chest.
"Marcie!" Michael said, running over to her and putting his hands on her forearms. "What is it?"
She put her hand on her face and began to cry again. Michael peered over her shoulder, muttering when he saw the picture of Al. "Great.” he said, looking at John and Bo.
"What's wrong?" John said.
Michael sighed. "She's looking at a picture of Al Holden. God, she was right about me, I am a jerk!"

"Sweetie, its okay, just let it out." Michael said, holding her so tightly that he thought she would vanish if he let go. He swayed back and forth, stroking her hair.

Jessica sighed. "I'm sorry Michael. I really thought that I helped."
"You did Jessica. Thank you... I think she's just a little emotional right now." Michael said.
"Well, I should have done more." Jessica said as she walked out of the station.

"Honey, wait!" Antonio said, running after her.
Jessica stopped in the hallway and sat on the bench. "What is it?" Antonio asked.
"Oh, I just..."
"What, honey?" Antonio asked. "Why was Marcie so upset?"
"Well, Michael said something to her that reminded her of Al, and it brought back some memories of when he died." Jessica said.
"Is that why you're upset?" Antonio said, rubbing her back.
"Yeah, a little. I mean, Al was my best friend, and I hadn't thought about him in a really long time." Jessica said.
"It's okay, honey." Antonio said, pulling her close to him.

"Okay, Sweetie." Michael said. "Let's get out of here." he gently pulled out of her arms, and smiled as John came over and gave her a hug.

"Michael, don't blame yourself for this. You didn't know." Bo said.
"Yeah, but I keep doing this to her. Reminding her of Al Holden. She loved him so much and I know it's painful for her. I'm not making it any easier on her, with my constant reminders." Michael said.
"Marcie knows you didn't mean it. And I'm okay with it too. I guess it hit just a little too close to home." Bo said.
"Thanks, Bo. And again, I'm so sorry." Michael said shaking his hand. "I'll try to keep Marcie from working too hard but you know how she is."
Bo laughed. "Yeah. I do. Okay, go on and take Marcie home."

Michael walked over to Marcie and held out his hand. "Come on, Sweetie. Let's go." His heart warmed when Marcie smiled and laced her fingers through his.

Chapter 32
Michael followed Marcie into the diner to a secluded booth in the corner.
"What are we doing here, Michael?" Marcie said with a sigh.
"I wanted to buy you dinner, Sweetie." Michael said, kissing her.
"Thank you." Marcie said, feeling a strange sense of uneasiness come over her.

Carlotta came over to their booth and handed them two menus. "Michael! Marcie! I haven't seen you two in a while! Can I get you something?"
"Yeah, I'd love an iced tea." Michael said. "What do you want, Sweetie?"
"Oh, just a diet soda, thanks." Marcie said.
"Okay, I'll be right back to take your order." Carlotta said, turning to go to the kitchen.

Michael laughed. "Since when do you drink diet soda?"
"Well, I have one every now and then." Marcie said.
Michael immediately regretted the joke when he saw the hurt in her eyes. He took her hands across the table and laced his fingers through hers.
"I'm sorry, Sweetie. I was just kidding." he said.

"Here you go." Carlotta said, sitting the drinks on the table.
"Thanks." Michael said, taking a large sip of his iced tea. "I was really thirsty."
"Well now." Carlotta said. "What can I get you?" She pulled out a note pad and pen, prepared to take their order.
Michael looked at Marcie and smiled. "Marcie and I will have two cheeseburgers with fries. Oh, and two sundaes for desert."
Carlotta smiled as she wrote down the information. "Yeah, I should have known. You two order the same thing every time you come in here. I'll be right back."

"Carlotta, wait!" Marcie said, before Carlotta had a chance to leave.
"Something else, Marcie?" Carlotta asked.
"Order anything you want, Sweetie." Michael said. "My treat, remember?"
"Um, I'll just have a small salad. Oh, and a side of cottage cheese. Forget the burger and the sundae." Marcie said.
"Okay, I'll go turn this in." Carlotta said, going to the kitchen.

"Marcie are you sure? What about our burgers? We always order the same thing, just like we read the same books when we can't be together. Here, let me get you a burger to go with your salad." Michael said, turning around to try and get Carlotta's attention.

Marcie's mouth began to quiver. "Michael I said that's all I wanted!" Marcie yelled, embarrassed when she saw the other customers turn to look at her. She saw Michael staring at her in shock, and she could feel her heart racing. Tears fell onto her cheeks as she grabbed her purse and stood to leave. "I-I'm sorry, Michael. I can't stay here."
"Wait, Marcie!" Michael said, running to the door and flinging it open. "I'm sorry, Sweetie!" But it was too late.

"Is everything okay?" Carlotta asked, putting her hand on Michael's shoulder.
"Have-have you put those orders in yet?" he asked.
"The kitchen's a little backed up tonight, so it will be a little longer than usual for your burgers, okay?" Carlotta asked.
"Um, actually..." Michael said, rubbing the back of his neck uncomfortably. "I-I need to leave. I'm sorry, Carlotta. I-I just have to go." He handed her five dollars and pushed the door open, slipping outside, hearing the familiar bell chimes as the door closed behind him.

Chapter 33


CHAPTER 33
Marcie sat in Angel Square, praying that these embarrassing tears would stop. Instead, they fell... blurring her vision.

Al, where are you? She thought, wishing he was there to hold her in his arms. God, she missed him... the way he smiled at her, told her she was beautiful, and called her his girl...

She wished that she hadn't gone to pieces at the police station. Michael hadn't meant to hurt her. Suddenly she felt guilty, remembering that he had been telling her about his patient dying. Losing someone, even someone you barely know, couldn't be easy. Unfortunately, she had experience in losing someone you love so much. Michael must hate her. It seemed like she was always ruining things between them, and if she didn't stop, she would lose him forever.

Images of Michael entered her mind. She didn't deserve him. Then again, she didn't deserve Al, either. But somehow, true love found a way to survive. And she never dreamed she'd find somebody to love ever again.

Michael...
He was amazing. He went out of his way to get Simply Red to play at Capricorn just for her. All he was trying to do is make Valentine's Day really special for her. And he had. It was the most incredible thing anyone's ever done for her. Then she had a strange thought. It was something that Al would do.

Her hands buried in her face, she barely noticed the soothing movement on her back.
"Marcie?" the voice said.
For one stupid second, she thought it was Al. But that was crazy. Al was gone... forever...

She looked up to see Michael, watching her with concern. He rubbed her back and brushed a lock of hair from her face.
"I'm sorry, Michael." Marcie cried as he wrapped his arms around her. She sobbed into the smoothness of his strong chest, feeling the soft fabric of his shirt against her skin.

"Sweetie..." He said, cupping her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Baby, I'm the one who's sorry. There's no reason for you to apologize for my stupidity."
"Michael, you're not stupid." Marcie said, reaching out to touch his face.
"Yeah, but I keep screwing things up and it tears me apart to keep hurting you like this." Michael said.

"I was the one who was insensitive." Marcie said. "Michael, I'm so sorry about your patient."
"Oh God. I had forgotten all about that!" Michael said.
"Until I brought it up." Marcie said. She stood and walked over to the fence, grabbing the bars with her fingers.

"Sweetie... “Michael said, walking over to her. He put his hands on her shoulders, causing her to turn and face him, and then walk away.
"Marcie, wait a minute!" Michael said. He followed her to the center of the square, and stood behind her, enveloping her in his arms. "Please... don't feel guilty about anything. This was my entire fault. And I'm sorry about the diner, too. I..."
Marcie turned around, silencing him with a kiss.

"So do you believe me now? That I love you?" Michael asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Unsure of what to say, Marcie ignored the question.
"Marcie?" Michael said, gently touching her chin with his fingertips.

"Michael, really. I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to freak out about Al."
"Don't worry about it, Sweetie." Michael said as he took her hand and led her to Gabrielle's bench. They sat down and he put his arm around her, smiling as she snuggled into his chest.

"I love you, Michael." Marcie said, raising her head to look at him.
His face spread into a smile. "I love you too, Marcie. So much." he said as he leaned toward her covering her soft lips with his. His heart warmed when he heard her quiet laugh.

Marcie looked at him and sighed. "God, I feel so bad."
"About what, Sweetie?" Michael asked, stroking her hair as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Leaving Carlotta like that." Marcie said.
Michael couldn't help but grin.
"She's been so good to me." Marcie said. "I mean, she gave me the job at the diner, and she didn't freak out when I took off so many times after Al died. She put up with all the times I broke plates, coffee pots, glasses... or when I would sit for hours, listening to the Voice of the Night, or..."

"Sweetie..." Michael said, laughing as he touched her lips with his finger.
Marcie looked at him, embarrassed that she had become a chatterbox once again. "What?" She asked.

Michael smiled as he softly kissed her lips. "Why don't we go back to the diner and get that salad you wanted?"

"I love you, Michael McBain..." Marcie giggled as she drew him into a kiss that sent his emotions into a state of utopia.

Michael leaned his forehead against hers. "I love you too, Marcie. Come on, let's go." he said, as he took her hand and they walked back to the diner.

CHAPTER 34
The summer heat shone down on the construction site. "God, I miss Marcie." Jen said as she and Riley lifted the heavy bricks from the pile.
"I do too." Riley said, smiling at her. "She should be back soon. Roxy said that Viki called her."
"Thank God Michael was there when we took her to the hospital." Jen said. "I don't know what I would have done if..."
"Its okay, Jen." Riley said, hugging her.

Nick paraded in front of Jen, showing off his bronze chest.
"Get out of my face, Nick!" Jen said, shoving him away.
Irritated, Nick walked up to Jen and stood face to face. "What did you say?"
"You heard her." Riley said. "Get the hell away. Do some work for once!"
Nick lunged at Riley, but Jen pulled Riley out of the way, just as Nick swung his fist. "See, Jen. I thought you only went for hot guys. What are you doing with this loser?"
Riley made a fist. "Man, you are gonna wish you had never been born!" Suddenly he saw Roxy coming toward them and shoved Nick aside. Killing Nick wasn't worth it. He wanted to graduate.

"Hey, what are you kids doing?" Roxy asked, eyeing Nick suspiciously.
"Just havin' a little fun." Nick said.
Riley scoffed. "Yeah at the expense of Jen." He said, looking at Jen.
Roxy walked over to Nick and ran her finger down his bare chest. "Hey, you know... you're kinda cute." she said, smiling sweetly at him. "What do you say you and I meet after work at the Love Shack? Alone."
Jen's eyes widened as she looked at Riley.
Nick blushed. "I'll be there! What time?" His face split into a wide grin.
Roxy laughed. "How about ten minutes to NEVER?" She shoved him before she walked away.

Riley, Jen and Hudson rolled with laughter. "Man, she got you good!" Hudson said.
"Alright, Roxy!" Riley said, giving her a high five.
"Do I got it, or do I got it?" Roxy said.

"Stupid broad!" Nick muttered, causing Roxy to turn around.
"Yeah, well I may be stupid, but I ain't mean!" She walked over to him, and poked him in the chest with her finger, causing him to flinch.
"What are you talking about?" Nick asked.
Roxy looked him in the eye. "I know all about what you've been doing to Marcie Walsh."
"Hey, I haven't done nothing to her!" Nick said. "What in the hell are you talking about?"
Roxy poked him in the chest again, smiling slyly. "First of all, it's 'I ain't done nothing to her' and yes you have! Ron told me all about how you've been harassing Marcie because of her weight."
A mock look of horror came over Nick's face. "What? I never said a word to that fat..."
"Hmmm... Just as I thought." Roxy said. "You listen to me and you listen good. Marcie's a friend of mine and her boyfriend, Dr Michael McBain lives in Nigel's hotel. If I hear about you upsetting her again, you'll have to deal with Nigel and believe me, you don't want that!"
Nick's mock look turned to genuine fear. "Oh... Is this Nigel... is he a big guy?"
"Oh yeah!" Jen said. "Huge".
"He'd tear you limb from limb!" added Riley.
"I am so out of here!" Nick said, walking back to the work site.

"Thank you, Roxy." Jen said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Sure, anytime." Roxy said. "So... how's Marcie doin'?"
"I don't know... I'm really worried about her." Jen said
"Well, if she's with Dr. Michael, he's probably treating her with Love Potion Number 9, if you know what I'm sayin'!" Roxy said.

"Well, that certainly was interesting!" Riley laughed.
Jen laughed and hugged him. "Tell me about it."
Riley leaned down and put his hand on the back of Jen's neck. Their faces moved closer together until she could feel his breath on her lips...

"Alright, kids!" Roxy yelled. "It's quittin' time!"
Riley and Jen blushed and stepped away from each other.
"Well... " Riley said nervously. "I guess we'd better get our stuff together and get home. I'm beat."

"Yeah." said Jen. "I guess we should." Riley walked past her, as his hand brushed hers, sending her mind reeling with emotions.

CHAPTER 35
"Sweetheart! What a pleasant surprise!" Viki said as Jessica walked into her office.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Mom, you look really good today." Jessica said, hugging Viki. She knew that her mother could sense that something was wrong.

"Jessie, are you okay?" Viki said, proving Jessica right.
"No, not really." Jessica said.
"Okay, want to tell me about it?" Viki said as they sat down.
Jessica sighed. "Well, it's Marcie."
"Really?" Viki said. "That's odd, because Jen and Riley were in here yesterday, concerned about Marcie as well."

Jessica sighed. "Thank God. Mom, I'm really worried about her."
"Is this because of Nick?" Viki said.
"Wait, how did you know that?" Jessica asked.
"Well, honey, I just told you that Jen and Riley were here." Viki said.
"Oh, right. How stupid of me." Jessica said, putting her hand on her face.
"Honey, I'm sorry. I'm just a little cranky today. Please, tell me what's on your mind." Viki said.

"Well, Antonio and I came into the station and I noticed that Marcie was crying. I took her into Uncle Bo's office and she said that Michael had called her telling her about a patient that died."
"Oh, that must be very hard for him. I remember how very sweet he was when Ben..." Viki paused for a few seconds, unable to speak.
"Mom?" Jessica said, running to Viki's side.
"I'm fine, sweetheart. Go ahead." Viki prompted.
"Well anyway, when Michael was talking about this patient, Marcie said it reminded her of Al Holden." Jessica said.
"Oh how awful! Well, I'm sure he didn't mean it." Viki said. "I can tell how much they love each other because of the glow on their faces when they're together."

Jessica smiled. "It's sweet, isn't it? I was so worried about Marcie when Al died, because she was so deeply in love with him. I miss him like crazy. I'm so glad she's found someone knew, and Michael's changed so much since he met her."

"So what has he done?" Viki asked.

"No, no!" I'm not trying to say anything bad about Michael. It's Nick." Jessica said. "Did they tell you what he's been doing to Marcie?"
"Yes, and I'm very angered to hear that this is going on during the Love House project." Viki said. "I intend to put a stop to it immediately."

"Mom, Marcie was really distraught over this, and I don't think it was just because of being reminded of Al. Nick's comments must have really hurt her. I hadn't seen her that upset since Al died." Jessica said.

"Well, Nick and I are going to have a long talk, that's for sure. And believe me, he's going to regret that he ever hurt one of my students." Viki said. She picked up the phone and looked at Jessica.

"Hello? Yes this is President Victoria Davidson. I need to speak with the athletic department right away."

CHAPTER 36
Marcie was filled with anxiety as she and Michael stood in front of the Love House.
"What's wrong, Sweetie?" Michael asked.

"I really don't want to go back in here." Marcie sighed, knowing that she would have to endure more harassment by Nick.
"Marcie, you have to!" Michael said. "It's the only way you'll be able to make up those classes that you failed!"
Marcie gasped at his harsh words and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Thanks a lot, Michael!" she said as she walked away.

"Oh God. Marcie, I-I am so sorry! I didn't mean that." Michael said. He reached out to touch her shoulder but she moved away.
"So do you hate me now?" Michael asked.
"What do you think?" Marcie said as she turned around angrily.
Michael sighed. "I don't blame you. I'm a real jerk."
"Yeah, you are, Michael!" Marcie yelled.
Michael reached over and touched her cheek. "But I'm a jerk who loves you."
When Marcie smiled, he leaned over and kissed her tenderly.
"Do you forgive me?" Michael asked.
"What do you think?" Marcie said, laughing when Michael kissed her again.

"Shall we?" Michael said, reaching to open the door.
Marcie groaned. "I don't know..."
"What's wrong, Marcie?" Michael asked. "Is it Nick?"
"He hurts my feelings." Marcie said.
Michael smiled, even though he was hurting for her inside. "Come here, Sweetie." he said, holding her in his arms. After a few minutes, he let go.

"Are you ready?" Michael asked.
"I don't know..." Marcie said, looking away.
Michael took her face in his hands, kissing her soft lips. "Everything will be okay." he said gently.
Marcie smiled and nodded nervously. "Okay." Her hand shook as she opened the door. She could feel Michael's hands on her shoulders as he guided her inside. They stood in the foyer, just as Roxy came down the stairs.

"Well, look who's back!" Roxy exclaimed, throwing up her hands. "Hey Love Crew! Marcie's back!"
Jen and Riley jumped from the couch where they were watching TV.
"Marcie!" Jen said hugging Marcie tightly. "Oh my God, I was so worried about you!"
"I'm fine!" Marcie said. "Michael's done enough worrying about me to last a lifetime!"
"Sweetie, I will never stop worrying about you." Michael said, laughing as he leaned over to kiss her.
Riley shook Michael's hand. "Thank God you were there for her, Man."
Michael smiled. "Well, I owe you big-time for bringing her in."
"No. You don't owe me anything." Riley said, putting his arm around Marcie. "I'm just glad she's okay."
"Well, I am too, because she means the world to me." Michael said, smiling as he reached for Marcie's hand.

Marcie cringed when she saw Nick come down the stairs. He stopped suddenly when he saw Marcie standing with Jen, Riley and Michael.
"Well! The fat lady returns!" he said.
Michael felt the anger rising inside him. "Damn it, Man! I told you to stop this!" he said, shoving Nick. "She's not fat, so leave her alone!"
"It's okay, Michael..." Marcie said, staring at the carpet as Jen put her arm around her.
"Marcie, are you kidding me?" Michael said. "That jerk has no right to talk to you like that! He..."
Michael stopped suddenly when he heard the door open.

"Nick Messina!" Viki said, walking over to him. "Just the person I wanted to see."
Nick swallowed hard. "Why? Is-is something wrong? I didn't do anything!"
"Let's go discuss this in my office, shall we?" Viki said.
Nick laughed. "I can't now, because I have to go practice. Coach Carmichael..."
Viki smiled. "Believe me... " She said, putting her arm around Nick and walking him to the door. "Coach Carmichael will definitely understand." ‘

CHAPTER 37
"Are you feeling a little better?" Michael asked as he and Marcie sat on the couch.
Marcie smiled and touched his cheek. "I'm always better when I'm with you!" she laughed when Michael put his arms around her, kissing her passionately as he gently moved her body onto the couch cushion, until he was practically on top of her.

"Oh, God! I'm sorry!" Mark said as Michael and Marcie quickly sat up.
"Uh, no problem, Man!" Michael said, feeling his cheeks grow warm.
"Um, Mark, this is... my boyfriend, Michael." Marcie said as she stood up.

Mark shook Michael's hand. "Nice to meet you." Michael said.
"Yeah, you too. Marcie here, she's really been great in all of this." Mark said, looking at Marcie. "Well... I'll leave you two alone. It was nice meeting you, Michael."
"You too, Mark." Michael said, shaking Mark's hand again.
"Um, I'm gonna go to my room." Mark said nervously. "See ya, Michael."
"Bye Mark!" Marcie called to him as he turned to leave.

Michael smiled and leaned his forehead against hers. "So now... Where were we?"
Marcie wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "I think right about here..." she laughed as she brought her lips to his, gasping lightly as the sensation of his kiss sent tingles through her body.

The familiar sound interrupted their kiss.

"Oh man!" Michael said, glancing at his pager. "It's the hospital. I have to go."
Marcie sighed, which made Michael smile. "Okay..." she said.
Michael took her hand and they walked to the door. "I'll call you later." he said, kissing her. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Marcie said, smiling as she watched him walk to his car.

CHAPTER 38
Marcie sighed with relief as Roxy announced that it was time for lunch.
"Thank God! I'm starving!" Jen said as they sat at the picnic bench.
"Marcie! Is that all you're having for lunch?" Riley asked as he looked at Marcie's small fruit salad. "
Jen playfully jabbed Riley in the side. "Riley!" she said under her breath.
Realizing what he had done, Riley touched Marcie's hand. "Oh God, Marcie. I am sorry."
"It's okay." Marcie said, smiling at him. Just then her cell phone rang and she flipped it open.

"Hey gorgeous." Michael said. Marcie's heart fluttered at the sound of his warm voice.
"Just a minute, okay?" Marcie said into the phone.
"It's Michael." Marcie said to Riley and Jen. "I'll be right back." She got up from the table and walked over to the wooden boxes and sat down.
"Hi, Michael..." She said dreamily.
"How are things going?" Michael asked.
"Fine..." Marcie sighed.
"What's wrong, Sweetie?" Michael asked.
"Oh, I just miss you." Marcie said.
"I miss you too, Marcie. I wish I could be there with you." Michael said.

"Me too." Marcie said. "So how are things at the hospital?"
Michael sighed. "Oh... crazy. In fact..."
"What, Michael?" Marcie asked, beginning to feel tense.
"I don't think I'm gonna be able to get out of here tonight, Sweetie." Michael said.
"Oh..." Marcie said glumly.
"Baby, I'm really sorry." Michael said, hearing the disappointment in her voice. "I'll make it up to you, I swear."
"Sure, Michael. Whatever." Marcie said.
"Marcie, you know I love you, right?" Michael said, worried that he had upset her. "I'll call you when I can."
"Okay. I love you too, Michael. Bye." Marcie said, closing her cell phone.

Marcie sat, feeling dejected, even though she knew that Michael felt bad about not being able to see her. For some reason, however, she couldn't stop the annoying feelings of vulnerability that were creeping inside of her.

"Hey, Marcie? What are you doing over here all by yourself?" Mark asked as he walked over to Marcie.
"Oh, nothing." Marcie said.
"Mind if I sit down?" Mark asked.
"Sure." Marcie said.
"Listen, I'm really sorry about barging in on the two of you." Mark said.
"Forget about that." Marcie said. "Believe me, it's not the first time that's happened. In fact, Roxy's done it tons of times!"
Mark laughed. "Really?"
"Yeah..." Marcie said, tugging at the strings of her hooded shirt.
"That must really be annoying." Mark said.
"Definitely!" Marcie laughed. "But we should be used to it by now."

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence.

"Your boyfriend seems nice." Mark said.
"Yeah. He's great. I love him so much." Marcie said.
"Hmmm... " Said Mark, studying her face. "You don't look very happy about it."
"Oh, is it that obvious?" Marcie asked, looking at him.

"You looked pretty happy when I saw you earlier." Mark said. "What? Did you guys have a fight or something?"
"No..." Marcie said.
"So, what happened?" Mark asked.
"Mark, I don't mean to be rude, but I really don't want to talk about it." Marcie said.
"Sometimes talking about it helps." Mark said.

Marcie sighed. "Okay."
"So where did you and Michael meet?" Mark asked.
"At the hospital." Marcie said.
"Oh, were you a patient?" Mark asked.
"No, actually my boyfriend Al was, but..." Just saying Al's name made Marcie's heart ache.
"But what?" Mark asked.
"He-he died." Marcie said.
"Oh. I'm sorry." Mark said. "So what's going on with you and Michael?"
Marcie shrugged. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you look pretty upset." Mark said.
"I'm okay." Marcie said.
"Are you sure?" Mark said. "Because I'm a good listener."

"Well, it's just that since Nick's been making those comments about my weight, it just makes me wonder if Michael really loves me the way he says he does."
"Nick's a jerk. Don't listen to what he says." Mark said.
"Yeah, but most of it's true." Marcie said.
"Come on! It's not! You're beautiful!" Mark said.
"Nah, you're just saying that." Marcie said, smiling at him.
"Marcie, I barely know you. Do you think I would say that just to impress you? You know how I am..." Mark said, nudging her arm.
Marcie laughed. "No, I guess not. Thank you."

Mark smiled. "It's the truth."
"I guess." Marcie said.
"What, Michael doesn't think you're beautiful?" Mark asked, bewildered by the thought.
"I think Michael would like me a lot better if I was thinner." Marcie said.
"Oh, I doubt that. I think he loves you just the way you are." Mark said.
"Yeah? How do you know that?" Marcie asked, smiling at him.
"Well, I did barge in on the two of you, remember?" Mark laughed.
"Oh yeah. Sorry if we embarrassed you." Marcie said.
"I'm not embarrassed, trust me." Mark said. "But I did notice how kind and sweet he was to you. You don't see many couples as happy as you two looked." Mark said.
"Yeah, it's weird, you know?" Marcie said.
"What's weird?" Mark asked.
"After Al died, I didn't think anyone would ever love me again." Marcie said.
"Wow, he must have been really special." Mark said.
"He was." Marcie said as Al's face filled her mind.

"I'm sorry. So what were you saying about being weird?" Mark asked.
Marcie laughed. "No, I said it was weird that Michael loves me."
"Why?" Mark asked.
"Well, because he's a doctor and he's so successful and I'm just..."
"Beautiful? Smart? Funny?" Mark offered.
Marcie blushed. "Come on..."
"What? I'm telling the truth. And if Michael can't see that, he's crazy." Mark said.

"Okay Kids! Get back to work!" Roxy yelled.
"I guess that's our cue." Mark said. "So do you feel better?"
Marcie smiled. "Thanks, Mark." She said, hugging him

Marcie grinned as she carried her empty bowl and soda can and shoved it into the trash. She walked over to where Jen and Riley were finishing the last of their sodas.
"Marcie! Where have you been?" Jen asked.
Marcie could feel the heat rush into her cheeks. "On the phone with Michael."
"All that time?" Riley said. "Wow!"
Jen smiled. "Marcie! You're blushing.
"That must have been some phone call!" Riley said.
Marcie grinned. "Oh, it wasn't the phone call..." Without another word, she turned and went back to work.

CHAPTER 39
"What? You can't be serious!" Nick yelled at Viki and Coach Carmichael in Viki's office.
"I'm sorry, Nick. I'm afraid I am." Viki said.
"Why?" Nick yelled again.
"Because you blew it, Son!" Coach Carmichael said, looking Nick in the eye. "You had a perfectly good chance to pass this assignment and now you've blown it. You're off the team!"
"Oh man! This is so unfair!" Nick said, pounding Viki's desk with his fist.
"Well, Nick was it fair for you to harass Marcie Walsh about her weight on a daily basis?" Viki asked.
"What?" I never did any such thing!" Nick yelled.
"According to my witnesses, you have." Viki said.
"What witnesses?" Nick asked.
"Let's see..." Viki said. "Well, for starters, Dr. Michael McBain, who happens to be Marcie's boyfriend, told me that Marcie passed out at the site from malnutrition. He ended up taking care of her for a few days because she became very ill."
Nick scoffed. "And your point is? That's only one guy."
"Well, I also had a visit from Jen Rappaport and Riley Colson, who were very concerned about Marcie. They said that because of your actions, Marcie became very depressed and was refusing to eat which is how she became ill. And lastly but certainly not least, my daughter Jessica is a very good friend of Marcie's she came to me with concerns as well. She was very upset over this."
"So how is that my problem?" Nick asked.
"Watch it, Messina!" Coach Carmichael said.
"Nick it's your problem because all of this could have been avoided. The Love Center project was created so that students could learn to work together and respect one another." Viki said.
"So what does that mean?" Nick asked.
"It means, that not only are you off the team next fall but you will also fail this project." Viki said.
Nick's jaw dropped. "So does that mean that everyone flunks because of me? Hey, you can't make me the bad guy!"
"No, Nick. It does not mean that everyone else fails. Ordinarily that would be the case. However, given the sensitivity of this situation, this will only affect you." Viki stood and showed Coach Carmichael the door.

"So what am I supposed to tell everyone?" Nick asked.
"Just tell them the truth. You're facing the consequences of your actions. Goodbye, Nick." Viki said, pointing to the door.

CHAPTER 40
"Dr. McBain?" Dr. Kingsley said. "Do you have the file on Ms. Bennett?"
"Yeah, right here." Michael said, handing Dr. Kingsley the file. "It's so strange..."
"What is?"
"These test results. They seem inconclusive." Michael said.
"How so?" Dr. Kingsley said, glancing at the report.
"Well, if you look right here, it says that Ms. Bennett's heart rate was normal but by the time they started the procedure, it had elevated to dangerous levels and that's why she went into shock." Michael said.
"Wow, I wonder why Dr. Fredrickson didn't notice that during the surgery." Dr. Kingsley said. "Nice work, Dr. McBain. I'll look into it."
"Keep me posted, okay?" Michael said.
"Sure thing, Doctor." Dr. Kingsley said. "Now go finish your rounds."
Michael smiled as he walked over to the rack of charts and began searching them for the name of his next patient.

"Oh hey, Dorian. Um, I mean Ms. Lord." Michael said when Dorian passed by.
"Michael, it's Dorian, please! You're making me feel older than I am!"
"Well you don't look that old to me." Michael laughed.
"Oh Michael, you're such a flirt, but you only have eyes for Marcie, right?"
Michael's face turned crimson as he laughed.

"Oh! My gosh, I almost forgot!" Dorian said. "I just saw Dr. Kingsley in the hallway and he told me that you pointed out the error on Ms. Bennett's chart."
"Yeah. I thought it was a little strange that no one noticed that, even in her post op. I thought he should know." Michael said.
"Well that's wonderful, Michael! I'm very impressed with the work you've done here at the hospital. I was so worried about the hospital's reputation after the whole Dr. Long incident but now I'm so proud of what we've been able to accomplish." Dorian said.
"Thanks, Dorian." Michael said. He glanced at his watch. "Well, I guess I should get back to my rounds."

"Well, you've been here for a while now. Why don't you take a break?" Dorian said.
"Are you sure?" Michael asked, worried about his patients.
"Michael! You deserve it! Go on!" Dorian said.
"Thanks. I won't be gone long." Michael said.
"Go on, take all the time you need." Dorian said.

"Okay, thanks." Michael said. "I could use the rest. I'm pretty beat already." He walked to the lobby and sat down, grateful to be off of his feet for a while. He laid his head back and closed his eyes, hoping to get a few minutes of sleep before his next rounds. He was awakened by the sound of his cell phone.

"Dr. McBain." he said warily into the phone.
"Michael." the sweet voice on the other end said.
"Hey Sweetie! What a nice surprise. I was thinking about you." Michael said.
"Really?" Marcie said. Michael smiled at the excitement in her voice.
"Yeah. Listen, I'm sorry about before. I was really hoping to get out of here so I could be with you." Michael said.
"Am I bothering you by calling?" Marcie asked.
"Sweetie, no. You could never bother me." Michael said. "Although I do have to go in a few minutes. My break's almost up. I really want to get out of here, because I'm so exhausted."
"Okay. I won't keep you long. I was just calling because..." Marcie began.
There was a long pause and Michael began to get worried. "Marcie? Sweetie are you okay? Hello?"
"I'm here, Michael." Marcie’s soft voice said.
"I'm listening, Sweetie. You were calling because..." Michael prompted.
"Oh. I was just calling... because I love you so much." Marcie said.

Michael could feel his senses reeling, reviving his energy. Suddenly he was wide-awake.
"Marcie.... I love you too. So much. Thanks for calling. I miss you." Michael said.
"I miss you too, Michael." Marcie said.

"Michael..." Dorian said, walking over to him. "I'm sorry to disturb your break, because I know you're tired, but Dr. Kingsely wants to talk to you in more detail about Ms. Bennett."
"Okay. Tell him I'll be right there." Michael said.
"HELLO, MARCIE!" Dorian yelled into the phone.
"Hi Dorian!" Michael heard Marcie say. He covered the phone with his hand. "Marcie says hello." He told Dorian.

"Sweetie, I'm sorry. I have to go." Michael said. "I'll call you as soon as I can. "I love you."
"Bye Michael. I love you." Marcie said as the line disconnected.
Michael stared at the phone for a few seconds thinking about Marcie until he realized that he had to go see Dr. Kingsley.
She was definitely doing better. He could hear the change in her voice and he was relieved beyond belief. Still he had to find a way to show her how much he loved her.

Suddenly, he had the perfect plan.

CHAPTER 41
Michael was exhausted by the time his shift ended, and he really wanted to go home and go to bed. However, he had something special to do first.

He opened the door to Ultra Violet, as the blaring music hit him like a freight train. He walked inside, wondering why the music was so loud when there was no one in sight. Just then he spotted Rex, walking toward him.

"Hey McBain!" Rex yelled. "We don't open for another six hours. What the hell are you doing here?"
Michael sighed. No wonder Marcie hated Rex so much.
"I want to ask a favor!" Michael yelled, trying to be heard over the music.
"What?" Rex yelled back.
Michael rolled his eyes. "I SAID I WANT TO ASK a... favor" he yelled, just as Rex turned down the music.
"Okay, say it again nice and slow." Rex said. "I didn't quite catch all of that."
Michael sighed. "For the third time I want to ask a favor."
"How much cash have you got?" Rex asked.
"What?" Michael asked.
"I need to know how much cash you have before I commit to anything." Rex said.
"Fine, you'll get your money, I just..." Michael said.

"How much?" Rex demanded.
"Whatever you want, I'll give it to you." Michael said.
"Alright. Lay it on me." Rex said.
"Well I want to do something really special for Marcie. Right here at UV." Michael said.
"Wait! Marcie? As in Marcie WALSH?" Rex said.
"Well, who did you think I was talking about?" Michael said. Boy Rex sure was annoying. "Yes, of course Marcie Walsh!"
Rex put his hand on his chin, pretending to be in deep thought. "Hmmm.... Let me think. No way!" He said, turning and walking away.

"Damn it, Rex! Will you drop the attitude for one second and help me?" Michael pleaded. " I told you I'm willing to pay."
"No. Forget it. No way am I going to even PRETEND to do something special for Marcie Walsh. No way." Rex said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to this CD." He walked over to the CD player and the volume increased to an irritating level.

Michael held his ears and walked to the door. "See if I help you the next time you need a doctor!" he said, knowing that Rex couldn't hear him. He sighed as he stepped outside. He'd have to find another way. And soon.

CHAPTER 42
"Okay, babes and brunettes! Oh, and blonds too. IT'S BREAKFAST TIME!" Roxy shouted from downstairs.

"Ohh.." said Riley. "Did she cook again?"
"If she did" Jen said. "I'm staying in bed. I'll wait till lunch. I don't care if it is Friday." She turned over and adjusted her pillow. Thank God for single beds. What was Roxy thinking, making her room with Riley? Suddenly, she realized that her attraction to Riley was getting harder and harder to deny..

The sound of a banging pot startled Jen out of bed. "Alright people I ain't got all day. I have people with amputations to take care of at Foxy Roxy's!"

A door opened. "Don't you mean, appointments?" Julie groaned from her room.
"Oh yeah. That too." Roxy said. "Ten minutes gang, and I mean it. If you're late for the site, it's my backside on the line and let me tell you, it looks a lot better now than it did in 2004."

"Roxy, it is 2004!" Hudson said.
"Oh, right. Whatever. Okay, ten minutes, people. Move it or use it!" Roxy said.

"Don't you ever learn?" Shannon said opening the door and peering into the hallway. "It's move it or LOSE... oh, never mind. It's like talking to a brick wall."

"Leave her alone, Shannon." Marcie said, laughing as she ran a brush through her hair.
"Oh yeah, you don't have to worry about anything, do you?" Shannon said.
"What are you talking about?" Marcie asked.

"Well, Michael is one of Roxy's tenants at the Angel Square Hotel and you're Michael's girlfriend, so I'm sure she's gonna let you off easy." Shannon said.
"I doubt that." Marcie said. "Besides if that were the case, you'd be off easy too, because you are Michael and John's cousin. AND Eve lives with Roxy! Or at least she did. I really miss her."
"Yeah whatever. At least I don't have her to jump down my throat, too." Shannon sighed.

Roxy banged the pot again and Marcie jumped at the loud noise. "I guess we'd better get down there or Roxy will have a fit." Marcie said.
"Forget it!" Shannon said. "I'm not eating that CRAP again. It tasted like shoe leather!"
"Suit yourself." Marcie said. "But it's a long time till lunch."

Marcie opened the door and followed everyone downstairs. "Don't eat too much, Walsh." Nick said as she moved passed him. "You're not the only one here you know. If you want more food, try the grocery store. You could have a feast in there."
"GO TO HELL, NICK!" Marcie yelled as she walked into the kitchen.

"Is he insulting you again?" Riley said as he put a hand on Marcie's shoulder.
"Don't worry about it. I'm fine." Marcie said softly. At least she had Michael...

They all sat down for breakfast, and Roxy began dishing out the scrambled eggs.
"Wow, Roxy! This is twice in one week that you've cooked. Are you ill or something?" Hudson asked.
Everyone laughed.
"Yeah, Roxy. What's the reason for this delicious meal?" Mark asked helping himself to some bacon.

"Oh, yeah. That." Roxy said, dramatically pushing a lock of curly hair away from her forehead. "Well, you see... tonight's a big night."
Riley choked on his orange juice and looked at Jen. "Did she actually blush?"
Jen laughed. "Yeah, I think so."

"So, Marcie..." Nick said, looking at her plate. "You're not eating much. Expecting to hit the buffet line later? That's the spirit. Save up some room. God knows there's plenty of room inside of you."
Riley pushed his chair back, making a loud scraping sound on the hardwood floor. "Man, I should just kill you right now."

"Yeah, knock it off, Messina. I'm sorry, Marcie." Mark said, taking her hand.
"So what, now you're flirting with Marcie?" Nick said. "Wow, your taste in women really has you scraping the bottom, doesn't it?"
Mark and Marcie looked at each other with understanding. He could see the hurt in her eyes and could swear that he saw the beginning of tears. "Well, Nick. If you mean beautiful women, then I think my taste is rather exquisite." He sighed when he saw Marcie smile as an escaped tear slid down her nose.

Viki walked into the kitchen, bringing them all to silence. "Good morning crew." she said cheerfully. "I came to inform you that Nick will no longer be a part of this project. He is hereby suspended from Llanview University as of this very moment."
"What? Hey wait! You can't do that!" Nick said, jumping from the table.
"Well, as President of the University, I'm afraid I can, and I have. I warned you, Nick. Harassing people about their appearance is just as hurtful as physical abuse. Even more so in my book." Viki said, looking at Marcie.
"I'll be setting up your paperwork with Roxy so you can move your things out immediately." Viki said to Nick.
"Now, I believe the Love project is waiting." Viki said as she walked out the door.

No one said anything for a moment. Finally Hudson spoke. "Whoa, that was deep!"
"Tell me about it." Jen said.

"Well..." Riley said to everyone. "I guess we should get moving. The longer we wait, the longer it will take to get it done. Besides if we finish early, we'll have plenty of time to party tonight."
Everyone cheered in agreement. "Yes! Hot guys and skinny women!" Shannon said. She looked at Marcie. "Present company excluded."
Riley and Jen looked at each other with amazement.
"SHANNON!" Jen yelled, putting her arm around Marcie. "You're supposed to be Marcie's friend! What would Michael think about your insulting her?"
"You know what? The hell with Michael! In fact, the hell with all of you!" Shannon said, storming out of the house.

"Great, just great!" Riley said.
"Marcie don't listen to her. She's a spoiled brat. I can't believe she just made that comment. Believe me, Michael and John are gonna hear about this." Jen said.
"Jen, you don't have to go to all that trouble." Marcie said.
"Marcie it's no trouble. Besides, what are friends for?" Riley said.
"I'm alright." Marcie said.
"Okay." Jen said, rubbing Marcie's shoulder. "Well, finish your breakfast and come on. We've got a ton of work to do."
It's okay. I'm finished." Marcie said.
Jen looked at Marcie's full plate of food. "Marcie, you've hardly touched your food! Remember what happened last time? You ended up in the hospital!"
"Jen, I'm fine!" Marcie said, angrily standing up and walking to the living room. She grabbed her lunch and began walking to the site.

Jen and Riley looked at each other. "What's up with that?" Riley asked.
Jen shrugged. "I don't know. She seemed pretty happy yesterday. God, I hope this isn't starting all over again."
"I know..." Riley said, putting his arms around Jen and holding her.

CHAPTER 43
"Thank God, it's Friday!" Riley said, as he helped Marcie and Jen lift the heavy bricks from the ground. "I am actually gonna be glad to play a double set with Midnight Logic tonight. It'll take my mind off of all this stuff."
"Yeah, me too!" Jen said smiling at Riley. "I can't wait to hear your new songs. You guys always sound great. Are you coming, Marcie?"
"Oh, I don't know..." Marcie said.
"Why? It'll be a lot of fun." Jen said.
"Okay, I'll think about it. I'm pretty tired, though." Marcie said.

Just then, Jen's cell phone rang. "Oh hang on a minute. Let me get this." She looked at the caller ID, shocked to see Llanview Hospital's number. "Wow. It's the hospital. Wonder what that's all about?"
"I hope it's not your mom." Marcie said, reaching for Jen's hand.
"Thanks." Jen said as she walked over to the corner and flipped open the phone.

"Come on, Marcie. Let's get some of this done. The sooner the better I always say." Riley said.
"Okay." Marcie said, bending over to pick up a large cement brick.

"Hello?" Jen said into the phone. "Michael, hi! What's up?"

Marcie immediately turned her head and listened.
"Really? That's great!" Jen was saying. "Yeah, I totally remember that. We had a great time, didn't we? I can't believe you pulled that off. That was so amazing! I wish we could do that again sometime."

Marcie looked at Jen in amazement. What was she talking about? She put the brick down that she was carrying and quietly walked over to Jen, hiding behind some wooden beams.

"So how are things at the hospital?" Jen said. "Crazy, huh? Yeah, I can imagine with all the kids out of school and wanting to get drunk every night. Oh God, please don't bring that up. I am totally over that! I can't believe I almost drank myself to death! If you hadn't been there... Well, thank you. I will. I promise."

Marcie gasped. No... Jen couldn't be talking to Michael, could she? Her Michael? She could feel a lump forming in her throat. She should just walk away and help Riley, but something was making her stay and listen to the conversation.

"Sure that sounds great! No, I'm sure I can do that. I'll take care of it, okay? I promise, don't worry about a thing. Tomorrow night? Yeah. I'll be there. I'll call you and let you know when, okay? Thanks for calling." Jen said. "Yeah, you too. See ya later." She closed the phone and walked over to Riley.

"Is everything okay?" Riley asked.
"Yeah, that was Michael." Jen said. "Where's Marcie?"
"I don't know... she was just here. I think she went to get a drink or something. I'm roasting. Do you want anything?" Riley said.
"Sure, I'll take a soda. Thanks." Jen said.

Riley walked over to the cooler, when he saw Marcie standing in the corner. "Hey, there you are. We were wondering what happened to you. Are you alright?" Riley said.
Marcie could feel herself shaking with uncontrollable anger but she didn't want to let it spill out. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just wanted a soda."
"Help yourself." Riley said, pointing to the cooler. "At least Roxy didn't bring beer this time. President Davidson was not too happy about that!"
Marcie laughed, even though she didn't think it was the least bit funny.

Angrily, she opened the cooler and pulled out an ice cold soda. The melted ice it sat in ran down her arm, sending chills up her spine. However, she knew the chills were because of something else.

She couldn't believe it. Why had she even thought for a minute that Michael might find her attractive? How could he just call Jen like that, when he knew that Marcie would be there as well? He knew how much that would hurt her. He'd been hurting her a lot lately...

Her mind drifted back to the day she found them kissing in Rodi's. How could he have done that to her? She knew he felt badly about it. He told her over and over how sorry he was... and she believed him and had forgiven him. So why now?

She looked over at Jen and Riley who were laughing and having a "grand old time". Some friends. Jen was probably telling Riley all about her conversation with her best friend's boyfriend. Correction: Her ex-best friend... They seemed to have forgotten all about her, so Marcie walked over to another part of the site, and pretended to be sorting through the piles of rubble.

She constantly touched her cell phone, hoping that it would ring. Michael had to call her. He always called her. Maybe the hospital was busy and he would call her later. But wait... Hadn't Jen mentioned that the hospital was crazy when Michael called? So why did he have time to call Jen and not her?

Angry tears burned her eyes. She thought about talking to Mark again, but she didn't want anyone to see her like this. It was so embarrassing to cry all the time. She was sure Nick would have plenty to say about that.

She glanced at her watch. There was only an hour left before quitting time. Forget it! She thought. She clutched the soda can tightly in her hand. Looking around to see if anyone was watching, and then silently slipped away, headed for the house. No one would miss her anyway.

CHAPTER 44
Marcie walked in the house and slammed the door. The tears that burned her eyes were running down her cheeks. At least now she could be alone. She ran up the stairs into her room, throwing herself on the bed, sobbing.

How could Michael do this to her? He told her he loved her! Why would he say that and then stab her in the back? And with her best friend! He told her that kissing Jen didn't mean anything to him. Yeah right, so why was he calling her? They were obviously planning on meeting somewhere.

She laid on her back, staring at the ceiling. She could feel the tears running down the sides of her face, and landing on her neck. Sighing loudly, she sat up and walked over to the dresser, opening the drawer.

Marcie reached in and pulled out a white box. Her fingers flipped through the pictures until she found the one she wanted. She pulled it out, smiling when she saw Al's gorgeous face, grinning at her. She ran her finger over his face, remembering how gorgeous he looked in his red shirt. He was wearing it the night they went to Ultra Violet. That moron Deke had spiked her drink with LSD and Al was frantic. She sighed, wondering how she could still be so gullible as to let people run over her the way she had with Deke.

The only problem was that she never dreamed that Michael and Jen would do the same thing.

Al would never do this. He loved her so much. She wondered how she was able to get on with her life. It seemed impossible. God, she'd do anything to have him back, just for a minute. If she hadn't been so stupid, she would have never gone into the alley after the Search and Destroy contest, she wouldn't have been thrown in that dumpster, and never would have killed Al by giving him that infection.

Tears choked her as she turned over on her stomach and she laid her head on the pillow. She held the picture in her hand, sobbing into the pillowcase.

Oh Al... I need you....

CHAPTER 45
Marcie's hands shook as she opened the CD case. Her quivering mouth curved into a smile when she read the inside cover: Marcie's Mix.
She opened the CD player and inserted the CD as it snapped into place. Instantly the familiar song filled the room as a wave of memories washed over her.

"Marcie's Mix?"
"Yeah. It's all the things I want to say to you, but... I don't know... The music seemed to say it better."
"I'm glad you're not mad at me."
"Mad at you? Marcie, I love you."
"For real?"
"Oh, it's definitely real."

It was unbelievable... someone loving her so much. She closed her eyes, picturing Al in his soft blue t-shirt, smiling at her. Even when she doubted herself, he made her feel loved... Something she never thought would happen.

She was so immersed in memories that she barely heard the knocking on the door.

"Marcie!" A faint voice said.
Marcie picked up Al's picture, holding it close to her heart. Suddenly, the door opened, startling her. Al's picture fell from her hand and fluttered to the carpet. Nervously, Marcie shut off the music, leaving an eerie silence in the room.
"Oh, thank God! We've been looking everywhere for you!" Jen said, running over to hug her.
Marcie abruptly pushed her away. "Just leave me alone, Jen!"
Jen's face filled with shock. "What happened? What's wrong?"
"Just go away and leave me alone!" Marcie yelled as the hot tears spilled from her cheeks. Suddenly she didn't care who saw her cry.

"Marcie..." Jen said, walking toward her.
"Get out! I never want to talk to you again!" Marcie yelled.
Riley ran up the stairs. "What's going on?" He asked, seeing the frightened look on Jen's face.
"I-I don't know!" Jen said. "I've never seen Marcie so upset before."

"Marcie, honey what happened?" Riley asked, walking into the room.
Marcie sniffed. "Yeah, like you don't know! Nice try! God, I can't believe I fell for this twice!
"What are you talking about?" Jen asked.
"You and Michael!" Marcie yelled.
"Michael? What..." Jen asked, stunned by Marcie's accusations.

"I really thought that you were my friend but now I know why. You were just using me!" Marcie yelled as the tears choked her voice.
"Marcie, I..." Jen said, hearing her own voice begin to shake.
"What? You couldn't believe that Michael could actually love someone like me? You just waited until I was so in love with him that I couldn't stand it, and then you took it away! I really thought you had changed, but I should have known better! Just go away and leave me alone! You make me sick!" Marcie turned away, sobbing.

Marcie, wait..." Jen said, just as Riley pulled her away. He led her into the hall and quietly closed the door.
Jen leaned against the wall and began to cry. "Jen, Marcie’s really hurting right now. Come on, it'll be okay." Riley said, pulling her into his arms.
"How, Riley? She hates me! She thinks Michael and I..." Suddenly she knew why Marcie was so upset. "Oh God.." she said, putting her hand over her mouth.

"She thinks you and Michael what?" Riley asked.
When Jen began to cry harder, he held her close and rubbed her back. "Let's go back to the room." he said softly.

They walked into their room and sat down on the bed. Jen grabbed a pillow, stretched herself out on the bed and began sobbing into the pillow.
"Oh Jen..." Riley said as he sat down next to her and stroked her hair. After a long while, Jen sat up and looked at him. Riley smiled at her, gently brushing away her tears.

"What happened?" He asked as he caressed her cheek.
"I-I'm not sure." Jen said. "She must have heard me talking to Michael when he called this morning. But Riley I swear, we never..."

"Jen, I'm sure you didn't do anything wrong." Riley said.
"Well, she has every right to hate me." Jen said. "I made out with Michael right there in Rodi's. I..."

Riley leaned over and covered her mouth with his, letting his lips linger on hers for longer than he meant to. They pulled apart, staring at each other's eyes; neither one of them able to speak.
Jen looked away shyly, and then back at Riley when she felt his fingers running through her hair. "Are you gonna be okay?" Riley whispered.
Jen smiled through her tears.
"I'm gonna go check on Marcie. It will be okay, I promise." Riley said as he gently kissed her cheek.

Riley stood and walked out the door, peering at Jen from the doorway. An unexpected but familiar feeling came over him and he shuddered, trying to make it go away.

Chapter 46
Marcie sighed and turned her CD player back on, letting memories of Al fill her mind once more. She picked up the picture of Al that lay on the floor and gently sat it back in the white box.

Her cell phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She walked over to her dresser and picked up the phone, glancing at the display screen. Her throat went dry when she saw Michael's cell phone number. She could feel her heart beat faster with every ring. She couldn't talk to him. What would he possibly have to say to her? There was no explanation that would make her believe that he still loved her. She knew that the minute she heard his voice, she would go to pieces all over again.

She had to find a way to take her mind off of him. Glancing around the room, she spotted her green checkered notebook and began skimming the notes that she had composed for her re-write. Her mind drifted back to the day in the diner when Michael gave her back the novel. She was so hurt by his comments and suggestions and even more shocked that he had criticized almost every page. She had gotten so fed up with it that she had run out of the diner, and had to get some fresh air. He practically tore The Killing Club apart at the diner, criticizing every little thing. Still he apologized, very sweetly in fact, and once she got home and started reading over his comments, she realized that he was right.

Michael...

Marcie stuffed the novel back into the drawer, unable to read anymore without thinking of Michael. The phone rang again, sending her pulse racing as she glanced at the display and saw Michael's number. Why was he torturing her like this?

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. She stood and walked over, trying to control the shaking of her hand as she opened the door.
"Hey, Marcie." Riley said, standing before her. "Can I come in?"
Marcie nodded and opened the door wider as Riley stepped inside closing it behind him.
"How are you doing?" Riley asked. The minute the words were out of his mouth, her cell phone rang again.
"Did you want to get that?" Riley asked.
"No..." she whispered, knowing that it was Michael again.
"Okay, that's fine." Riley said. "Marcie... Michael loves you. I'm sure of it."
"I lost him, Riley..." Marcie said trying to choke back a sob.
"Come here." Riley said holding her in his arms. He rubbed her back while she cried, and he was hurting for her.

He knew that Marcie's pain wasn't just caused by hearing Jen on the phone with Michael this morning. It was something much deeper. Nick had no idea what he had done to Marcie by making those comments about her weight. He had hurt her deeper than anyone could have ever imagined.

Jen was hurting too. Riley could tell the vast difference in Jen since she and Joe split up. She was happier, more caring... generally a better person. Joe was good for her, but Jen had admitted to trying to be something she wasn't around him.

Riley could really see that by how upset Jen got over Marcie's accusations. Whether or not they were true, Riley didn't know, but he did know that Jen cared about Marcie very much. They had been friends for so long that it would take a lot to break their bond. Just like the friendship he had with Jen. She helped him in so many ways.

His breakup with Flash was extremely hard, and she cared enough to let him talk through it. Jen was incredible... she listened without judging, she let him be himself without his having to put on an act.
Wait... Why was he thinking about Jen? He was supposed to be helping Marcie. She was the one who was hurting. He pulled away from her and looked into her eyes.

"Hey, I know! Why don't you come to Ultra Violet tonight and watch Midnight Logic?" He asked.
"No, I don't think so." Marcie said. She really wanted to be alone tonight.
"Come on. It'll take your mind off of things. I hate to see you hurting like this."
Marcie smiled. "Okay, I'll think about it."
"Great. I know you'll give an honest opinion about how bad we sound tonight." Riley said.
Marcie laughed. "Riley, you'll be great! I can't even imagine Midnight Logic sounding bad!"
"Oh... just wait!" Riley said standing up to leave. He walked to the door and opened it.

"Riley?" Marcie said.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
Riley looked puzzled. "For what?"
Marcie smiled. "For making me laugh. I didn't think I was ever going to be able to do that again."
Riley smiled. "See you tonight?"
Marcie nodded. "Okay, that sounds like fun. I'll be there."[/COLOR]

CHAPTER 47
Marcie pushed open the door to Ultra Violet as she sounds of Midnight Logic filled the room. Riley stood on the stage, singing his heart out. He made frequent eye contact with the crowd, but every once in a while, Marcie noticed him giving Jen a loving glance. Riley really liked her. She was happy for him. He deserved someone in his life. But Jen... well, Marcie just couldn't think about that right now...

Threatening tears filled her eyes, but Marcie refused to let them fall. Determined to actually have a good time, she tried to take her mind off of Michael (and Jen) and just enjoy the moment. She waded through the crowd, finding a seat at a table across from the stage. The song ended and the club exploded in applause.

"We're gonna take a short break and then we'll be right back, so don't go anywhere! Something special is on the way and trust me, you don't want to miss it!" Riley said as the crowd cheered.

Riley walked off the stage and over to Marcie. "Hey! You made it!" He said, hugging her. "What'd you think?"
"Wow! You guys were great!" Marcie said.
"Thanks. You know... I definitely think we'd sound a lot better if you'd join us." Riley said.
"Oh no..." Marcie said, feeling her cheeks grow warm. "You guys don't need me."
"Well, at least think about it, okay?" Riley said.
"I don't know..." Marcie said reluctantly.

"Marcie..." Riley said, putting his hands on her shoulders. "You have an incredible voice! You don't give yourself enough credit."
"Yeah? Well what's the point?" Marcie said. "Michael doesn't love me anymore so there's no sense in trying to make myself look good or sound good to anyone. I really don't even like myself right now." The threatening tears filled her eyes again and she managed to force them away, except for one that trickled down her nose.

"Oh Marcie..." Riley said, as he held her close. Suddenly Marcie could no longer stop the tears from falling and she could feel Riley stroking her hair as she leaned her head against his chest.

"All right, Llanview!" Rex yelled into the microphone. "How about some more Midnight Logic?" The audience roared with cheers and applause.

"Listen, I've gotta go, okay?" Riley said, looking into Marcie's eyes. The pain he saw there, crushed him to pieces. "Marcie..." he said, lightly touching her shoulder. "You are incredible; don't let anyone ever tell you any different."
"Riley..." Marcie said, looking away.
"Marcie, you are sweet, thoughtful, caring, and beautiful and one of the best people I know, okay? And I really mean that." Riley said.
Marcie smiled. "Thanks, Riley." She hugged him tightly.
Suddenly the crowd began to cheer, yelling Riley's name over and over.
"I think they're waiting for you!" Marcie said.

Riley ran onto the stage as the crowd yelled and cheered with approval. "How are you guys doing?" Riley yelled, smiling when he heard more screams and applause.
The band began to play a favorite number and immediately Ultra Violet became a dance party, with couples dancing to the vibrant beat of the music.

Everywhere Marcie looked she saw couples dancing... holding each other, laughing... couples in love.
What am I doing here? She thought. Pain stabbed at her heart and then quickly faded away. Before she realized it, the song ended and Riley was at the microphone making an announcement.

"Okay, Llanview! I promised you something special, and it's about to happen. I promise you this will be like nothing you've ever seen before at Ultra Violet, but I definitely hope it won't be the last time. So let's get started...."

The crowd cheered and then immediately stopped at Riley's request. Marcie looked around in astonishment, wondering why the room had suddenly grown so quiet. Something big was definitely about to happen.

"All right." Riley said quietly. "To make this work, I need to have your help. I'm gonna ask everyone to step away from the stage and clear a path right in front for me." The crowd migrated to the back of the room, leaving a large empty path in perfect view of Marcie. The room darkened and whispers of conversation could be heard throughout the crowd.

The audience gasped in amazement as dozens of balloons fell from the ceiling like giant raindrops, blanketing the floor in a rainbow of color. A spotlight illuminated the base of the stage, causing Marcie to squint at it's brightness.

She didn't notice the figure coming toward her until a hush fell across the room. The spotlight dimmed and she found herself face to face with Michael, who handed her a large bouquet of beautiful pink roses. Her entire body began to tremble when he smiled at her.

"Michael..." Marcie said, barely able to raise her voice above a whisper.
He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently as their fingers laced together. Neither of them spoke as he led her down the pathway and up onto the stage, ignoring the scattered cheers and whispers of the crowd.

They faced each other, blissfully unaware of the stares they were receiving. Michael grinned shyly, taking her free hand and interweaving her fingers with his.
He pulled her hand toward his mouth, kissing it softly before rubbing its gentle softness on his cheek.
"Marcie..." He said, realizing he should have done this a long time ago.
"Michael, what is this?" Marcie asked as tears of happiness slowly made their way down her cheeks.
Michael's face softened when he saw her crying. "Sweetie, please don't cry." He whispered.
"I-I'm sorry..." Marcie said.
Michael smiled and leaned over to kiss her warm lips. "Baby, don't be sorry... ever."

The applause from the audience propelled him back to the present and he looked around uneasily, wondering how he was going to manage to get through this. He had to. This was for Marcie. He waited until the applause died down before he spoke.

"Marcie.. I-I just wanted you to know how much I love you."
He looked around the room, smiling when he heard sighs of approval.
"Actually, I wanted everybody to know. Sweetie, look.... I... I'm so sorry for everything I've done to hurt you."

"Michael..." Marcie began.

"Sweetie, the day I met you... it changed my life. I had no friends, I was selfish and I didn't care about anyone. Not my patients, my family or even myself. You changed all that. You gave me a family, made me realize that being a doctor is more than just a job, and most importantly, you made me believe in myself.
I thought I knew what love was, but until I met you, the word love had no meaning to me. My world consisted of me feeling sorry for myself and bringing everyone down with me. Now, you're my world."

Scattered cheers and yells filled the room, but Marcie couldn't tear herself away from Michael's gaze.

Tears glistened in Marcie's eyes and she could see him smiling as he reached over and touched her cheek with his fingertips. She could feel him squeezing her hand gently. She smiled and reached out to touch his face with her other hand, sighing when he placed a gentle kiss in her palm.

Michael waited for the silence to return before he spoke again. When he did, he spoke only to her.

"Baby, it breaks my heart to hear you say that you aren't attractive." Michael said.
Marcie looked away briefly, but Michael's hand cupped her trembling chin, turning her face toward him.
"Marcie, you are beautiful, inside and out. To hell with what Nick or Shannon say. You're perfect, just the way you are." He smiled when Marcie blushed beneath her tears.

"Marcie, I love you! I want to tell you that in front of everyone, so that you'll realize that I'm telling you the truth. I've loved you from the minute you saved my life in Angel Square. If you hadn't come along, I'd probably be dead now."
He sighed. "Look, I know I was a total jerk when we first met, but you changed all of that. You, Marcie, are what makes my life worth living. I love you so much, Sweetie."

A smile spread across Marcie's face and she opened her mouth to speak. Seconds later, his lips were on hers as he crushed her to him. Her mind seemed to spin out of control as her desire for him suddenly faltered and she gave herself freely to the passion of his kiss.

Applause thundered through Ultra Violet and Marcie could taste the saltiness of her tears as the slow, lingering kiss continued, holding nothing back.

CHAPTER 48
The crowd cheered as Midnight Logic finished their set. "Thank you, Llanview!" Riley yelled into the microphone. "Don't even think about leaving, because the evening's just getting started!"

Michael and Marcie sat in the corner booth, as their foreheads touched, smiling at each other. Michael gently rubbed the back of Marcie's neck, bringing his lips to hers, leaving her breathless once more. She snuggled against him, laying her head on his chest.

The music of a slow, sentimental song spread throughout the room. Michael grinned at Marcie. "Would you like to dance?" he asked; his voice smooth and warm.

Marcie smiled and felt his whisper-soft kiss on her neck. "The only place I want to be is in your arms." she said, surprised at the silkiness of her voice.
Michael took her hand and led her to the dance floor, never taking his eyes off of hers. He encircled her waist with his hand, pulling her toward him. She took his strong, gentle hand caressing it with her thumb as she wrapped her arm around his waist, gazing at his handsome face. Slowly they began to move to the music and she leaned her head against his chest. She sighed, feeling the beat of his heart, sure that its rhythm matched her own.

She raised her head and looked into his eyes. "I love you, Michael." she said, as his mouth slowly descended to meet hers in a crushing embrace. She closed her eyes when the world began to spin out of control around her. Their lips parted ever-so slowly and she reached for his cheek, gasping with pleasure as he captured her lips with his once more.
"I love you too, Marcie." Michael said; his lips brushing against hers as he spoke.

Marcie felt more loved than she ever had in her entire life. She glanced over at Jen, and her head began to swirl with doubts that she just couldn't push away. Even now. She had to know the truth.

"Michael?" she said, softly.
"Yeah, Sweetie?" he whispered, breathing a kiss into the hollow of her neck.
Marcie swallowed hard. "What about you and Jen?"
Michael raised his head, surprised at the question. "What?"
"I want to know what will happen between you and Jen now." Marcie said, not wanting to hear the answer.

Michael smiled, seeing that familiar look of insecurity in Marcie's eyes that he loved so much and yet filled him with so much pain. "Sweetie, there is no 'Jen and I', there's only you and I. No one else..." His lips slowly descended to meet hers in a gentle embrace.
"Really?" Marcie asked, hating that she was letting her insecurities control her once more.
"You are the only woman I could ever want, and will ever want." Michael breathed into her hair. "Just you. No one else..." he repeated.

"B-but I heard Jen talking to you on the phone at the site." Marcie said, wishing she could just accept the fact that he loved only her.

Michael sighed, shuddering to think what Marcie thought when she realized that he'd called Jen.

"Sweetie..." he said, cupping her chin tenderly in his warm hand.
"I mean, H-how did you do all of this?" Marcie asked stroking his cheek with her fingertips.

Michael laughed. "I wanted to do something special for you, so I came here and tried to talk to Rex. He was such a jerk about things that I called Jen. I figured that if anyone could convince him to help me, she could."
Marcie sighed. "Oh God..."
"What is it, Sweetie?" Michael asked, running his hand down her cheek.
"Jen. I was so mad at her when I thought that you and she... Oh never mind." Marcie said. "It doesn't matter."
"Sure it does." Michael said.
"Well, I said some pretty terrible things to her, and I think I've lost her friendship forever now." She looked down at the floor, but Michael could see the remaining touch of sadness that still lingered in her eyes.

The song ended, and he held her close. "Go talk to her." he whispered. "I'll be right here, waiting for you until you come back. Take all the time you need."
Marcie smiled. "I love you so much, Michael." She stood on tiptoe, touching her lips to his.
Raising his lips from hers, Michael gazed into her eyes. "I love you so much too. Now go find Jen."
"Okay." Marcie said, unable to tear her eyes away from his as she turned to search for her best friend.

CHAPTER 49
Nervously, Marcie scanned Ultra Violet, praying that Jen was still there. She smiled when she saw Riley talking to a member of Midnight Logic.

"Riley?" she said shyly.
"Hey, Marcie! Wow, Michael really went all out didn't he? That was incredible, what he did for you." Riley said.
"Yeah, he is pretty wonderful, isn't he?" Marcie said, smiling dreamily.
"Well, he's just smart when it comes to women." Riley smiled, rubbing her shoulder. "Man, I am exhausted. I can't wait to get back to the house and crash."

"Riley?" Marcie asked again.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You were going to ask me something, weren't you?" he said.
"Have you seen Jen?" Marcie asked.
"Yeah, I think she stepped out back for a minute. She said she wanted to get some fresh air." Riley said.
"Or to get away from me." Marcie sighed.

"Hey.." Riley said. "Look at me."
"Yeah?" Marcie said.
"You are Jen's best friend. She's not gonna dump a friendship like that over a misunderstanding." Riley said.
"But I said so many horrible things to her! I don't blame her if she never forgives me." Marcie said, hearing the panic in her voice.
"Marcie... Trust me, Jen has changed. You've seen it. Believe me, she will understand. She was so upset this afternoon after your fight, because she felt responsible. Neither one of you was at fault. Hey, if it would have been me, I might have been a little jealous, too." Riley said. "Now go find her."
Marcie laughed. "That's what Michael said."
"I think you two just need to talk. It will all work out, I promise." Riley said. "Hey, where is Michael anyway?"

Marcie glanced across the room where Michael sat at their booth, talking to Jessica and Antonio. Just the sight of him made her knees weak. He was so incredibly handsome. She could still smell the scent of his cologne that remained on her clothes. After what he had done for her, she knew that she'd never doubt his love for her again.

"Well, I'm gonna go find Jen." Marcie said to Riley.
"Great. Tell her I'll be over taking to Michael if she needs me." Riley said.
"I think she really does need you..." Marcie said, smiling when she saw his puzzled look.

She walked to the back door and went outside to find Jen. She looked around, worried when she saw no sign of her friend. "Jen? Are you out here?" Marcie said.
Jen walked up to her. "Hi." She said, worried of what Marcie must think of her.
"Jen, can I talk to you?" Marcie asked.
"Sure." Jen said. They went inside and sat down on two chairs that sat by the back door.

"Did you help Michael plan all of this?" Marcie asked.
"Well, he called me and said that Rex wasn't really willing to help him out and that all Rex was interested in was the money. He wanted me to talk to him, so I did. Rex was cool with it after that. He even gave Michael a break on the price." Jen said.
"It means a lot to me." Marcie said.
"Yeah, well I screwed up. Big time." Jen said.
"Hey, Jen. No. You didn't. It was my entire fault. I got the wrong idea and I shouldn't have and I said some terrible things to you." Marcie said.
"Well I deserved them all and worse." Jen said.
"Jen, stop. Please! Look, I was so hurt by what Nick said that I just convinced myself I was worthless. I hate that feeling. That's why I loved Al so much. He showed me that I'm better than that. Michael has too. I can't believe that I ever doubted that he loved me. I hurt him so many times." Marcie said.
"I should have told Michael that I would go by the hospital and talk to him there. I had no idea you were standing there. I can't imagine what it must have sounded like. God, Marcie. I'm so sorry. I know that you were so hurt over what happened between Michael and I last time and..." She stopped when she saw Marcie's hand on her wrist.
"Jen, will you stop! I am completely over that! I overreacted and I wanted to apologize for hurting you." Marcie smiled when she saw Jen sigh.

"Okay. I'll accept your apology... but you have to accept mine too!" Marcie laughed and hugged Jen tightly. "Come on, let's go back to Michael and Riley."

CHAPTER 50
Marcie laughed as she kicked the balloons with her foot, sending them sailing through the air before they fell to the ground.

"It's so great to see you so happy again." Jen said as they sat at a small table.
"I know... " Marcie said. "Just this morning, I felt like there wasn't much worth living for."
Jen sighed and put her arm around Marcie. "Wow, this is so great!" She said, looking around the room. "Michael is really in love with you. He was so happy when I told him I would talk to Rex about setting all of this up. You're so lucky, Marcie... He's amazing."

Marcie looked at Jen, surprised to see the sadness in her eyes. "What's wrong, Jen?"
Jen sighed. "Oh, I don't know.." She said, watching Riley and Michael who were absorbed in conversation at the corner booth.

"Jen, come on." Marcie said, already knowing what the problem was. "Just tell Riley how you feel."
"Yeah, right! And then what? Face more humiliation and rejection? Marcie, I just can't take that anymore!" Jen said.
"Well, you told me that you said something to him before, right?" Marcie said as she laid her hand on Jen's.

Jen nodded but said nothing.

"So, what's so wrong with trying again?" Marcie asked.
"Because it'll just be a repeat of what happened before. He'll ignore me for two days and then tell me he wants to be "just friends"." Jen said.
"There's nothing wrong with just being friends with a guy." Marcie said. "I hated Michael when I first met him because of what he said about Eric. But, after a while, he kind of pulled me into his life." She giggled, feeling her cheeks grow warm.

"So, what happened?" Jen asked.
"What?" Marcie said, confused by what Jen meant.
"Well, I mean, how did you go from being friends to what you are now?" Jen asked.
Marcie smiled and shrugged. "It's weird but I have no idea!" She laughed when Jen looked at her as though she were crazy.

"Okay. Well it was Valentine's Day and we were at Capricorn. Michael was driving me nuts and begged me to dance with him. Simply Red was there and they played my favorite song, so I agreed. Suddenly, I get this strange feeling and I ended up running out on him." Marcie said.

"A 'strange feeling'?" Jen repeated.
"Oh yeah but there's more!" Marcie said, laughing. "Somehow, he followed me to Angel Square and I started feeling dizzy and light headed. The next thing I knew, I could see things in him that I never saw before. Something different. For the first time since Al died, I felt really really happy. Jen, it was the strangest, most wonderful feeling in the world!"

"And after that you just knew that you were in love with him?" Jen asked.
"Well, it took me a long time to tell him, but when I did the words just came out of my mouth like "I love you" was the most natural phrase in the world." Marcie said, dreamily, remembering the afternoon they spent in his room.
"Sure..." said Jen, looking away.
"Jen! Don't be so negative about this!" Marcie said. "Just give it time and don't rush things. We'd better go see what Michael and Riley are up to. They're probably worried about us. She grabbed Jen's hand, pulling her.
"Marcie, slow down!" Jen laughed.

"Hey Jen!" Riley said when he saw Jen and Marcie slide into the booth; Jen next to Riley and Marcie next to Michael.

Marcie grinned when she saw Michael smiling at her. He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. "Hi." he said, almost shyly, touching his forehead to hers. She giggled when Michael put his hand on the back of her neck pulling her toward him for a kiss.

Riley rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. "You guys act like you haven't seen each other for a year!" He laughed.
Marcie touched Michael's face and gazed into his eyes. "It sure feels like it." she said, touching her nose to his.
"I love you, Sweetie." Michael whispered as Marcie ran her hands through his hair and kissed him again.

Jen stared at them, then suddenly slid out of the booth.
"Where are you going?" Riley asked.
"Oh.. I'll be right back." Jen said, avoiding his concerned look. Quickly she began to walk away.
"Is she alright?" Michael asked.
"Beats me." Riley said.
"I'll go talk to her." Marcie said, sliding out of the booth.
"No, Marcie." Riley said, grabbing her hand. "I'll go."
"Thanks, Riley." Marcie said, smiling at him. "You're a good friend to Jen. She really needs you right now."

Marcie slid back into the booth, next to Michael. "Is everything okay?" He asked, kissing her cheek.
"Yeah. I think so. Or at least it will be." Marcie said, smiling as she watched Riley walk onto the dance floor in search of Jen.
"What about you? Are you okay?" Michael asked.

"God, Michael. I-I can't believe you did all of this for me!" Marcie said.
"Well, I love you! I just wanted to make sure that you knew it." Michael said, kissing her hand.
"I love you too, Michael. But this.. This was amazing."
"You're amazing." Michael said, leaning over to kiss her. He smiled when a dusty rose filled her cheeks. "You're so adorable when you blush."
"Oh really?" Marcie said, laughing.
"Yeah, let me make you blush again." Michael said, kissing her until she was breathless. He leaned into her until she was pinned against the leather seat, running her fingers through his hair.

"Michael..." she said in a soft voice.
"What, Sweetie?" Michael asked, while trailing kisses down her neck and throat, smiling when he heard her gasp at his touch.

"Oh... Never mind." She said giggling as she fell against the leather seat.

CHAPTER 51
"Jen! Wait up!" Riley yelled, running to catch up with her.
"What, Riley?" Jen said, as she stopped and turned around.

A tense silence filled the space between them.

"Fine. Just forget it." Jen said, turning to walk away.
"Jen will you wait a minute?" Riley yelled as he grabbed her arm and swung her around to face him.
"What do you want, Riley?" Jen asked, angrily.
"You've been acting weird ever since I finished my set with Midnight Logic. What's the matter?" Riley asked.
"Nothing..." Jen said, as she looked away.
"Is it Marcie? Jen, I know you two had a fight, and..."
"We're fine, Riley!" Jen yelled, avoiding his eyes.
Riley took her chin in his hand, forcing her to look at him. "You don't look fine. What's wrong?"
Jen shrugged. "I don't know... I-I guess I'm just a little jealous."
"Of?" Riley prompted.
"Well, of those two!" Jen said pointing to Michael and Marcie who were playfully kissing in the corner booth.
"What, Michael and Marcie?" he asked, watching as Michael leaned over and tenderly kissed Marcie. Seeing Marcie so happy warmed his heart.

Suddenly he knew... "Oh..." he said, looking into Jen's eyes.

A slow song began and their eyes locked. Riley cleared his throat. "Do you want to dance?" he asked shyly.
Jen nodded. "Okay..."
Riley took her hand and led her to the dance floor. Nervously he put his arm firmly around her waist as they slowly moved to the music. Jen's heart beat wildly as she rested her head on Riley's chest. She could see Rex watching them, but she quickly averted his gaze.
"Jen?" said Riley, touching her cheek.
Jen looked up at him. "Yeah?"
"Um..." Riley's throat went dry and the words he wanted to say just wouldn't come out.
"What is it, Riley?" Jen asked.
Riley looked into her eyes, unable to help himself as his mouth came down on hers, tasting the sweetness of her lips. All the emotions he held deep inside suddenly rushed to the surface, leaving him with an incredible sense of need. Realizing what he had done, he forced his lips away from hers glancing nervously at her.

Jen put her trembling fingers over her mouth. "What was that about?" she asked, unable to keep her voice above a whisper.
Riley put his hand behind her head, entangling his fingers in her soft, blond hair.
"Riley..." Jen said staring at him in amazement.
Their lips brushed against each other and Jen's breath caught in her throat as his mouth captured hers, exploring her soft, pink lips again and again.

The song ended and he slowly pulled his mouth from hers, leaving them both light headed. Riley sighed deeply. It was now or never...
"I-I'm sorry about that." he said.
"Sorry about what? Riley, what are you talking about?"
"Kissing you. I..." Riley stammered, angry with himself for making this so difficult.
"Riley, just say it!" Jen said.
"Okay, look. I know that I said that I wanted us to be just friends, right?" Riley said.
"Yeah. I agreed to that. Just friends." Jen said.
"But you don't really like that, do you?" Riley said.
"Riley, what are you trying to say?" Jen's chest filled with nervousness.

"Jen, I think I'm falling in love with you." Riley said.
Jen stared at him in disbelief. "What?"
"I'm crazy about you. I've felt that way for a long time, but I was afraid to say anything. After what happened with Flash, I didn't want to lose your friendship too." Riley said.
"Riley, I..." Jen said.
"Look. I'm sorry to spring that on you like this." Riley said. "It's just..."
"Don't apologize." Jen said, pulling him into another kiss.

Jen looked into his eyes, amazed at what just happened.

CHAPTER 52
Marcie wove her fingers through Michael's, resting her head on his strong chest. He kissed her hair, causing her to look at him as his mouth covered hers, hungrily. The scent of his cologne wafted through the air, sending her emotions whirling out of control. She held him tighter, wanting to stay like this forever.

The romantic music continued to fill the room, making them feel as though they were the only ones on Earth. Michael smiled when Marcie began to sing along with the music, not realizing that he could hear her. She had the most beautiful voice he'd ever heard. He still regretted missing her performance at the Search and Destroy contest. Riley told him that Marcie really impressed the crowd, and it was no surprise to hear that she had won. He would have given anything to be there. But, he had missed so much work recently that he didn't want to let Dorian down.

Suddenly Marcie gasped. "Oh my God!"
"What's wrong, Sweetie?" Michael asked.
"Look! Oh, Michael I can't believe it!" Marcie said; her voice almost childlike.
"What is it?" Michael asked, searching the room.
"Over there! Look!" Marcie pointed to Jen and Riley, who were dancing slowly to the music as they shared an intimate set of kisses.
"Wow!" Michael said, smiling at them. "How in the heck did that happen?" His eyes narrowed as he paused, wondering what she'd been up to.
"Marcie... Are you responsible for this?” He asked, touching his nose to hers.
Marcie blushed. "No! Okay, well, maybe I gave a few hints along the way, but isn't it so romantic?"
Michael smiled as he leaned down to kiss her. "You're so romantic."

"This is the best day of my life." Marcie said.
"Oh Sweetie, that..." Michael said, touched by her words, not noticing that she was still speaking to him.
"This... well, it's more than I ever dreamed before. I never imagined that anyone would love me enough to tell all of Llanview!" She said, giggling as she kissed him.

"Sweetie, if I could tell the whole world how much I love you, I would." Michael said, reclaiming her lips.

The song ended, but they continued to move back and forth, letting the moment last a little while longer.
"Do you want to get out of here?" Michael asked.
"Only if I can be in your arms all night." Marcie said, kissing him.
"Baby, that's the only place I want you." Michael said, smothering his last words on her lips.

CHAPTER 53
Marcie and Michael stood at the front door of the cottage, lost in each other's arms.
"Do you want to come in?" Marcie asked, breathless from their endless stream of kisses.
"Are you sure it's okay?" Michael asked, finding it impossible to take his lips off of hers.
"No, but who cares?" Marcie said, causing them both to laugh. As quietly as possible, she inserted the key into the lock, and turned the doorknob. Slowly she pushed the door open, wincing at the loud, creaking noise it produced. Reaching behind her, she took Michael's hand and led him into the house.

"Which way is your room?" Michael whispered, sending Marcie into a fit of laughter. In an effort to silence her, he pressed a finger to her trembling lips. When she still giggled, he stopped her with a kiss.

"It's this way." Marcie said, trying like crazy to stop her laughter from escaping her quivering mouth. Their fingers entwined and he followed her up the staircase. They reached her room and she fumbled with the lock. She gasped when she felt the intoxicating sensation of his lips against her neck and shoulders.
"Michael..." She whispered, fighting to catch her breath.

Suddenly, she turned around and a look of alarm crossed her face.
"What's wrong?" Michael whispered.
"What about Shannon?" Marcie breathed as his warm, moist lips trailed over her skin.
"Shannon who?" Michael asked, running his fingers through her hair. The question made her giggle and she playfully punched him in the arm.
"Shannon? Your cousin? My roommate?" Marcie said hearing her voice rise an octave.
"Oh yeah..." Michael said, ignoring her worries as his mouth continued to explore her neck and throat. "Forget about her."
"Yeah, well wh-what if she catches us?" Marcie asked, gasping as Michael tilted her head back, and massaged her throat with his mouth.
"Who?" Michael asked, completely lost in the moment.
"Sha..." Marcie's voice quivered when his mouth met hers in a fiery embrace.

"Open the door." he breathed into her neck.
Her hand shook as she unlocked the door. Michael pushed her inside and slammed the door behind him, relieved to find that the room was empty. At last, they could be alone. They kicked off their shoes and found their way to the bed. Marcie fell back onto the pillows, as Michael's strong body covered hers. When she thrust her fingers through his dark hair, causing him to shudder with desire for her.

"Sweetie, I love you so much." He whispered. The sound of his voice shattered her emotions. "I-I love you too, Michael." she said, feeling tears fill her eyes. The instant they reached her cheeks, Michael's mouth was kissing them away.

Marcie tugged at the bottom of his shirt, hearing his breath catch as he pulled the shirt over his body and tossed it on the floor. Her gaze traveled across his bare, tanned chest. Unable to help herself, she reached out and ran her hand across his muscular stomach, making its way to his chest, and over his broad shoulders.

Michael pulled her to him, kissing her hungrily; wanting her more than he ever thought possible. His hands trembled as his fingertips touched the pearly white buttons of her blouse, undoing them one by one. Marcie grinned and slid the blouse off her body. Michael could feel the silkiness of her pink camisole against his chest, and the touch of her fingers on his back was almost more than he could bear.

"Make love to me, Michael..." She breathed, giving herself passionately to the warmth of his kisses.
"With pleasure." he said, trailing kisses from her shoulders down to her wrists.

Minutes later, their bodies came together in a wall of searing heat, shattering them both into a million glowing stars....

CHAPTER 54
The room was dark and quiet. Michael kissed Marcie's forehead, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. He had no idea what time it was and he really didn't care. Marcie moved slightly, and he shivered as her hand brushed against his chest.

This must be what Heaven feels like. They had made love before, but it was never like this. Marcie was perfect in every way. If anyone should be doubting their own worthiness, it should be him; not Marcie. He knew that he could never be the kind of person that Al Holden was. Marcie loved Al so much that he could still see the hint of sadness in her eyes whenever she mentioned Al's name. She was right... if it hadn't been for Al, she and Michael might never have met.

Marcie changed his whole life. Not just his attitude, but his world as well. He never even knew that someone like Marcie existed, and he thanked God every day that she came into his life. Most of all, she worked through the pain of losing Al and found her way into Michael's heart.

He heard her sigh and he caressed her arm with his hand. Her delicate skin felt so good next to his. He never dreamed that it could be like this. Ever. They shared the deepest love possible and he was never going to let her go.

His heart raced when he heard voices in the hallway. Quickly he climbed out of bed, being careful not to disturb Marcie, and pulled on his clothes. He walked over to the door, and could hear Shannon and Nick talking and laughing. He began to panic as a key was inserted in the lock and the doorknob began to turn.
Just play it cool. Don't freak out. It'll only upset Marcie. A twinge of guilt overcame him. Damn! Why didn't he suggest that they go to his room? Ironically, with Roxy living at the cottage, there was no chance of her barging in the way she conveniently did at times.

He looked over at Marcie, who became instantly wide awake .
"Michael, what's going on?" Marcie asked, seeing that he was dressed.
"I think Shannon's home." He whispered. "It'll be okay."
"Oh my God!" Marcie said, pulling the blankets around her. "What time is it?"
Michael looked at the clock. "3:30 Am. Three-thirty? What in the hell is she doing coming home so late? She's just a kid!"
The door opened and Michael stroked Marcie's hair, kissing her cheek when he saw the look of panic cross her face.
"What the hell?" Nick yelled, staring at them both.
Michael looked at Marcie and kissed her cheek. "I'll take care of this." he whispered.
Shannon pushed Nick out of the way and walked into the room. "Oh my God!" she yelled. "What in the hell is going on here?"
"Shannon, keep your voice down. It's after 3. What are you doing home so late?" Michael said.
Shannon scoffed. "Oh! What am I doing here? The question should be 'What are you doing here?'

Nick started to laugh when he looked over at Marcie and then at Michael. "Wow, McBain, you must really be desperate!"
Michael walked over and grabbed Nick by the throat. "You- Go to hell! I thought you got suspended so why are you here?"
Shannon smiled sweetly. "Oh. He's with me."
"It figures." Marcie said as she grabbed her robe and inconspicuously put it on. "I'll be right back." she said, kissing Michael as she grabbed her clothes and went into the bathroom.
"Where have you been, Shannon?" Michael asked.
"Well, not that it's any of your business, Michael. But we were at the Hookup."
"Okay, whatever. Just get the hell out, okay?" Michael said.
"Hey, it's my room too! Marcie's the one who should leave." Shannon said.
"Yeah. It's making me sick to look at her." Nick said.
Michael pulled Nick out into the hall and grabbed his neck. "You leave her alone you jackass!" he yelled. Rage came over him as he made a fist and punched Nick in the nose, sending him reeling to the floor.

A door opened and Riley peered into the hallway. "Hey what's going on?" he asked.
"Just giving our friend Nick here a little lesson." Michael said.
"Way to go, man!" Riley said, giving him a high-five.
"Hey, listen. I'm sorry if I woke you up." Michael said.
"Don't worry about it." Riley said. "In fact, Jen's still asleep. I swear I think she could sleep through anything."
"Are you alright, there Nick?" Riley said, smiling as he watched Nick pull himself off the floor.
"Shut up!" Nick yelled. "Where the hell is that fat..."
Riley walked over to him and grabbed him. "Don't you dare touch a hair on her head, Messina!"

Marcie came into the hallway, fully dressed. She froze when she saw Nick's bleeding nose and black eye. "What happened?" she asked.
"It's okay, Baby. Nick won't bother you anymore." Michael said kissing her.
"You're dead, Walsh. I'm reporting you to President Davidson and you'll flunk for sure." Nick said.
"What?" Marcie gasped. "Oh God!" she said turning to look at Michael. "My dad will kill me if I fail!" She could feel Michael massaging her shoulders.
Nick laughed. "Well you should have thought about that before you bribed the doctor here into sleeping with you (in a home environment, I might add) and then had him attack me!"
"Marcie, don't listen to him. He's just full of hot air. He won't do anything." Riley said.
"The hell I won't!" Nick said. "Just watch me!"


Marcie's lip trembled. "Um... you'd better go, Michael."
"Are you sure, Sweetie?" I don't want to leave you here with him." Michael said, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Why don't you come stay with me tonight?"
Marcie shook her head. "No.. I don't think that's a very good idea, Michael. Please?"
Michael sighed and grabbed his wallet, stuffing it in his pocket. He took her hand and they walked down the stairs. "Sweetie, are you sure you don't want to stay with me?"
"I can't, Michael." Marcie said as her voice trembled.
Michael sighed. "Well, okay, but you call me if you need anything. Anything at all and I'll come running."
Marcie nodded as a few tears spilled onto her cheeks.
"It'll be okay, Sweetie. I promise." Michael said kissing the tears away.

They walked outside and stood on the porch, closing the front door behind them.
"I love you, Michael." Marcie said as they stood outside at the door. The night air wafted around them, causing Marcie to shiver.
"Are you cold, baby?" Michael asked, rubbing her arms.
"Only because I'm not in your arms." She said, smiling.
"God, I'm sorry it turned out like this." Michael said.
"Don't apologize. It was wonderful.." Marcie said.
"Yeah it was, wasn't it?" Michael smiled.
"Hmm hmm..." Marcie said kissing him.

"Are you sure you're gonna be okay?" Michael asked glancing at her with concern.
"Yeah. I'll be fine." Marcie said.
Suddenly she remembered Nick's threat."Oh who am I kidding, Michael? I won't be fine! Nick's gonna tell President Davidson and my dad will kill me when I fail."
"Sweetie.." Michael said, taking her face in his hands and kissing her gently.
"You're not going to fail."
"How do you know that? He threatened me. Didn't you hear him? God, Michael. This is my entire fault!"
"No, Sweetie. It's not. It's nobody's fault." Michael said, kissing her lips once more.
"But Michael.." Marcie stammered.

He placed his hand around her neck and pulled her close. "Baby..." He said, kissing her mouth. "We're just two people who love each other that shared something incredible together. It's no one's fault."
Marcie blushed. "Really? You thought it was 'incredible'?"
Michael smiled when he saw a smile tremble over her lips. "Well, maybe incredible isn't the right word..."
"Oh..." Marcie said, looking at the ground.

Michael put his hand under her chin, turning her toward him. "I think unbelievable is the word I was looking for."

Marcie giggled as his mouth came down on hers and she found herself wrapped in his arms.

CHAPTER 55
Marcie lay in the warmth of her bed, staring into the darkness. The music from Shannon's headphones swirled around the room and she wondered how Shannon's hearing could stay in tact, listening to music so loud. Michael probably tried to tell her until he was blue in the face but with Shannon there was no getting it through her thick head. Not to mention the fact that it was 4:30am.

Finally, the music stopped and the room grew quiet. Marcie sank her head back into the pillow, as her mind burned with the memories of that evening. Michael had said all the right things and touched her in all the right places; especially her heart. She had never felt so loved; so special, until she met Michael.

Her cell phone rang, startling her. "Who the hell is calling so late? Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?" Yelled Shannon.
"Knock it off, Shannon!" Marcie yelled back. "You've kept me up with your music for nights on end, so cool it!"
"Whatever." Shannon said. "I'm gonna see if Nick is still awake." Marcie heard Shannon get up and walk to the door, slamming it behind her.

The phone rang again, and she flipped it open.
"Hello?" she said into the phone.
"Hey, Sweetie. How are you?"
Marcie's heart melted at the sound of Michael's voice.
"Michael..."
"I'm sorry to call you so late. Did I wake you?" Michael said.
"No, but I wish you were still here. I miss you." Marcie said.
"I miss you too. I wish I were there too. I knew we should have gone to my place instead. I'm so sorry, Sweetie." Michael said.
"No, Michael. I loved it, really." Marcie said.
"I love you." Michael said. "As a matter of fact, I'm crazy about you!"
"I'm crazy about you, too." Marcie laughed, feeling her cheeks warm, even in the darkness.
Michael sighed. "I think, really that I'm gonna go crazy without you! I'm at the hospital right now and I don't know how long I'm gonna be here. They paged me on my way home. That's why it took me so long to call you."
"I'm glad you did." Marcie said.
"Yeah, me too. I just wanted to hear your voice again." Michael said. "Hey, is Shannon there?"
Marcie sighed. "No, she got mad about the phone ringing so she said she was going to see if Nick was still awake."
"Good, then at least we can be alone again, even if it's on the phone." Michael said.

Marcie picked up Michael's picture from her nightstand and ran her thumb over his face. Unexpectedly, memories of the threat that Nick made entered her mind and her chest tightened, realizing that she was probably going to fail this project. Her eyes filled with unwanted tears, and she sniffled, knowing that Michael could hear her.

"Sweetie?" Michael said. Marcie could hear the concern in his voice.
"I-I'm here." she said, hearing her voice start to break.
"Marcie, what's wrong?" Michael asked.
"N-nothing." Marcie sniffled. "I-I'm okay."
"Oh Sweetie, please don't cry." Michael said.
"I-I'm sorry." Marcie said.
"Baby, don't be 'sorry'. What's wrong?" Michael asked.
"Oh, just the thought of Nick and how he's going to cause me to fail this project! Michael, I can't take that!" Marcie said.
She could hear Michael sigh. "Honey, everything will be okay. Really. Look we'll make sure that Viki knows the truth if it comes to that."
"O-okay..." Marcie said hesitantly.
"I wish I was there to hold you in my arms." Michael said.
Marcie sniffled again. "Me too, Michael. You always make me feel so safe."
"I love you so much, Sweetie. I need to get back to work, okay?" Michael said.
"I love you, too. Michael." Marcie said.
"Sweet dreams, baby." Michael said.
"They will be, because I'll be dreaming of you. Bye." Marcie said as she closed the phone.

CHAPTER 56
"Hey Walsh!" Roxy yelled from downstairs. "Get your butt down here, NOW!"
"What does she want?" Jen asked as she came out of her room.
Marcie sighed and closed her door behind her. "Beats me."
"WALSH!" Roxy yelled again.
"I'm coming!" Marcie yelled back as she started down the stairs.
"Marcie, wait!" Jen said, running after her. "I'm coming with you." They ran down the stairs coming face to face with Roxy.

"You're in big trouble, Walsh!" Hudson said.
Marcie rolled her eyes. "Don't you have something better to do? Like find a cure for mono?"
Riley, Jen and Mark burst into laughter. "Woo! She got you good, Prescott!" Mark said.
"Shut up, Mark!" Hudson said. "I still say you're in for it, Walsh."
"Mind your own business!" Marcie yelled.
Shannon scoffed as she came down the stairs. "Humph! You sure weren't minding your own business last night, now were you?"
Marcie looked away with embarrassment.
"What was that all about?" Riley asked.
"Never mind." Marcie said. "Okay, Roxy! I'm here! What's so important?"
"Well, I..." Roxy stammered.
"Come on, Roxy! Out with it! We need to get to the site!" Marcie yelled. Now she knew how Michael felt about Roxy driving him crazy all the time at the hotel.

Roxy sighed. "Okay. Well I hate to be the one to break the news, since you're Ronnie's sister and all but..."
Marcie froze. "Is-is it Ron?"
"No! No no no no no!" Roxy said. "It's not Ron."
"Then what? Roxy!" Marcie said.
"Well it's about your handsome doctor." Roxy said, taking off her glasses and cleaning them on her shirt sleeve.
"Oh my God! Michael? What happened? Is he okay? Where is he?" Marcie asked, feeling her lower lip begin to tremble. She walked around the room, trying to absorb the news.
Jen, Riley, Shannon, Marcie and Hudson looked over at Roxy who had focused her attention on a hairstyle magazine lying on the coffee table. "You know, I would look dynamite as a redhead, don't you think?"
"Roxy! What is it?" Riley yelled.
"What?" Roxy said, looking up in a daze.
"What are you trying to say? Did something happen to Michael?" Riley said.
He saw Marcie begin to cry. "Oh my God. He wanted me to stay with him and I kicked him out... Oh God. This is my entire fault. I knew this would happen!"
"Marcie, Marcie. It's okay." Riley said, coming up behind her and massaging her shoulders. I'm sure Michael's just fine."
"Okay..." Marcie said, wiping her eyes with her hands. "I'm sorry."
"Roxy, for God's sake. Just tell me what in the hell is going on with Michael. You're scaring her to death! Did something happen to him?"

"You better believe something happened to him." Roxy said.
"Oh my God, I can't go through this again!" Marcie started to cry again and turned into Jen's open arms, sobbing as Jen rubbed her back.
Riley walked over to Roxy and grabbed the magazine from her hand, slamming it on the coffee table. "Damn it, Roxy, if you don't tell me what's going on I'm gonna report you to President Davidson."
"Or better yet, Commissioner Buchanan." Jen said.
Roxy's eyes lit up. "Oh! I just remembered! President Davidson wants to see you before you go to the site today."
Marcie lifted her head and listened. "Why? Am I in trouble?"
Roxy shrugged. "I don't know. She said it was about your Dr. McBain."
"Why?" Marcie asked again.
"Who knows? She just said to be sure and give you the message." Roxy said.
"Took you long enough." Mark said. "What do you think you're doing, trying to scare her to death? Did something happen to him?"
"Who?" Roxy asked.
"MICHAEL!" They all yelled.
"Oh yeah. The love doctor. Yeah, something happened all right." Roxy said, grinning.
The group was silent, waiting for her response with angry glares.
"He got lucky last night! That's what happened. Talk about afternoon delight! Although it wasn't really afternoon, was it? Midnight lovin' will do that to a person." Roxy laughed, and studied her nails. "Speaking of midnight lovin' I should call Nigel and see what he's up to."

Riley let out an enormous sigh. "You know, Roxy. I really like you but sometimes..."
"Riley let it go. It's okay." Marcie said. "Let's get to the site."
"Are you sure you're alright?" Riley asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. I just got a little freaked out, that's all." Marcie said.
"Let's get out of this 'fun house'" Jen said.
"Bye Roxy!" Hudson yelled. "Hope to see you soon... NOT!"
They all grabbed their lunches and walked out the door slamming it behind them.

The house empty, Roxy picked up the magazine. "Hmmm... bouncy brunette or platinum blonde? Oh! Or a feisty redhead. You know, Marcie's a red head and Dr. McBain is really cute..." She flipped back her hair and gazed into the mirror. "Wow, look at that gorgeous face."

Chapter 57
Marcie's hand trembled as she knocked on the door of Viki's office.
"Come in." Viki said.
"Hi, President Davidson." Marcie said.
"Marcie! So nice to see you! Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat."
Nervously, Marcie sat down. She shifted uncomfortably in the chair, twisting her hands in her lap.
Viki smiled at Marcie's uneasiness. "Honey, it's fine. There's no need to worry."
"Oh, okay." Marcie said anxiously.
"Marcie, the reason that I've asked you here is to talk about a very serious issue." Viki said as she stood and walked around the room. "It was the strangest thing. Nick Messina came by my office this morning. In fact he was waiting for me when I arrived. I told him that he wasn't allowed at the school during his suspension, but he was very insistent. He told me some very interesting things about the goings-on at the cottage."

Marcie swallowed hard. Damn that Nick! "Yes, President Davidson."
"Well..." Viki continued. "I was just wondering what your involvement in all this is."
"Involvement?" Marcie asked.
"Yes. He mentioned that Michael McBain was over rather late last night." Viki said.
Marcie looked at President Davidson in amazement. "Um, President Davidson, Michael and I are adults and-"
Viki held up a hand to silence her.
"Marcie, I don't need an explanation. I'm very well-aware that you are an adult as well as everyone on this project."
Marcie was horrified with herself for speaking to President Davidson that way. However, she never dreamed that Nick would stoop so low as to tell President Davidson something so private. "I-I just meant-"

"Marcie, you're not on trial here. All I'm trying to do is to find out why Nick was at the cottage in the first place. He wasn't supposed to be there and he definitely wasn't supposed to be out with Shannon McBain. I'm afraid he's facing expulsion for violating the rules of our agreement a second time."

"Wow." Marcie said. "I don't know what to say."
"Well, I'm only telling you this to verify that he was in the house that night with Shannon McBain." Viki said.
"Um, yes. Michael and I had just gotten back from Ultra Violet and Nick was there with Shannon, having a good time from what we saw." Marcie said.
"What time was this?" Viki asked as she wrote on a yellow legal pad.
"It was a little after 3am when we... I saw Nick. He and Shannon were standing in the hallway laughing." Marcie said.
Suddenly she felt her cheeks grow warm when she thought of the evening she had spent with Michael in her room. Just the two of them. Alone... Michael's lips on hers...
Viki began to speak again, jolting Marcie out of her thoughts.

"... Wanted to tell you since Nick had been so cruel to you for making those horrible remarks about your appearance. No student should ever have to go through something like that." Viki was saying.

Marcie gasped. "How did you know about that?"

"Jen and Riley came by shortly after you went to the hospital from passing out at the site. Jen was very, very worried about you. And Michael called me a few times as well to update me on your progress. Even Jessica stopped by. She said that you and she had been having a long talk about what happened. I'm sorry Nick put you through so much pain, Marcie. That wasn't my intention when I started this program." Viki said.

"Thank you." Marcie said, shaking President Davidson's hand.
"Well..." said Viki, glancing at her watch. "I guess you'd better get to the site." She stood and escorted Marcie to the door.

"Thank you, President Davidson, really." Marcie said.
"My pleasure, Marcie." Viki said as Marcie turned to leave.

CHAPTER 58
Marcie arrived at the site, greeted by Jen and Riley.
"Marcie!" Jen said, as she and Riley ran over to her. "How did it go with President Davidson? Is everything okay?"
"Actually, everything is great!" Marcie said, unable to keep the smile out of her voice.
"Really?" Riley asked.
"Yeah. Oh my God! You'll never believe it! Nick is gonna be expelled for being at the cottage with Shannon last night!" Marcie said.
"Seriously?" Jen said. "Wow! Thank God for small miracles. Marcie I'm so sorry he tormented you the way he did."
"Me too." Riley said, putting his hand on her shoulder.
"Thanks, but I'll be okay." Marcie said.

"What was all this about Michael?" Riley asked.
"Oh, she told me that Nick told her about Michael coming over last night." Marcie said.
"What? Oh my God." Jen said. "What did you say?"
Marcie laughed. "I didn't have to say anything."
"Meaning?" Riley prompted.
"Meaning that when Riley went in to tell Viki about Michael and I, he was actually violating one of the rules which was not to associate with anyone from the Love House or be anywhere near it." Marcie said.
Riley laughed. "All right!" He said, slapping Marcie and Jen high-fives.

"Well, we'd better get back to work." Jen said, picking up three paintbrushes and handing two of them to Marcie and Riley. They began to paint the wall with a beautiful coat of cobalt blue.
"Hey guys..." Marcie said, turning to Jen and Riley.
"Yeah?" Riley said.
"Listen, I'm really sorry for freaking out about Michael the way I did this morning." Marcie said.
"No, Marcie. Don't worry about it. You were upset. Roxy is the one who should be ashamed for making you think the worst." Riley said. "I still can't believe she did that!"
A hint of sadness crept into Marcie's heart. "Well, it's just that, for a minute... I thought that..."
"You thought that something happened to Michael and he would end up like Al." Jen said, putting her arm around Marcie.
"Yeah." Marcie said, looking at the ground.
"Hey, it's alright." Riley said. "I went through the same thing when Flash sent me that letter..." He turned and walked away.
"Oh, hey Riley. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring that up."
"You didn't." Riley said, smiling when Jen rubbed his back.
"Um, guys?" Marcie said, when they had resumed their painting.
"What?" Jen said.
"President Davidson told me how you were worried about me and you came to see her. That... really means a lot to me, so.. Thanks." Marcie said. She walked over to Riley and Jen and hugged them both. There was something different about the way Jen and Riley looked at each other, and she couldn't help but smile.

"Soooo..." Marcie said with a grin. "What's going on between you two?"
"What do you mean?" Jen asked, barely able to look at Riley.
"Hmm... I've seen the way you two look at each other." Marcie said, making Riley blush.
"I'm really glad to see you so happy again, Marcie." Riley said, happy to steer the conversation toward Marcie instead of himself and Jen.
"Thanks. If it weren't for Michael, I don't know if I could ever be happy again." Marcie said.
"He's a great guy." Riley said.
"Yeah." Marcie said dreamily. "I miss him so much."

Jen and Riley looked over at the entrance to the site and smiled. Marcie had already resumed her painting.
"Um, we're gonna help Roxy with that sheet metal, okay?" Jen said, smiling at Riley.
"Yeah, that's fine. I'll just be here painting." Marcie said.

The morning was growing warmer by the minute and she wiped the back of her hand on her face, leaving a blue streak of paint on her cheek. She dropped her paintbrush into the can, and looked around for a towel to wipe her hands off. As she turned around she gasped, finding herself in Michael's arms.
"Michael!" she said holding him tightly.

"Wow, you look amazing in blue." Michael said, kissing her.
"What? "Marcie looked at her lavender shirt, and then at Michael, puzzled. "Michael, I'm not wearing blue!"

Michael bent down and grabbed a white cloth, dipping it into the water and squeezed off the excess water. He brought it to her face and gently wiped the blue paint from her cheek; showing her the blue-stained cloth when he was finished.
"Michael..." Marcie said, laughing when he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately.
"When do you get off?" He whispered.
"About an hour." Marcie said.
"Want to meet me in Angel Square?" Michael said.
"Sure, that's my favorite place to be... besides in your arms that is!" Marcie said.
"Okay, I'll see you then!" Michael said, as he gave her a kiss that told her that the next hour couldn't go by fast enough.

CHAPTER 59
Marcie's heart rate increased as she made her way into Angel Square, knowing that she would see Michael. She was surprised to find that it was deserted, although she was glad for the chance to be alone.
She sat down on Gabrielle's bench and ran her thumb over the plaque. God, she missed Gabrielle. Almost as much as she missed Al. Gabrielle had done as much for her as Al had, if not more. Gabrielle got Marcie her job at the LPD, helped her out after Al died, and, perhaps the greatest gesture of all, persuaded Marcie to become Al's tutor.
Who knew where Marcie would be if it weren't for Al? She wouldn't have experienced that incredible feeling called love, and she definitely wouldn't have Michael.

Gabrielle and Michael had met only a few times but he seemed deeply upset over her death. Marcie still couldn't figure it out. He barely knew her. John told her at the LPD once that on New Year's Eve, he found Michael crying in the hallway, right after Gabrielle was pronounced dead. The thought of Michael being so distraught over a patient's death, broke Marcie's heart, and she had to fight back the urge to cry. She wished that she could have been there when Gabrielle died, to hold Michael and kiss his pain away.... the way he'd been there for her so many times...

A loud banging noise hurled Marcie back into the present. She looked up and her stomach tightened when she saw Nick stagger into Angel Square. Nervously, she looked around, praying for any sign of Michael.

"Well..." Nick slurred. "What... have we here?"
Marcie's heart beat even faster as Nick moved closer to her.
God, Michael.. please get here...
Without warning, he sat down next to her on the bench, close enough for her to smell the alcohol on his breath. The scent made her stomach churn with nausea.

"Now... is it just me... or have you gained weight?" He reached for her shoulder but she pulled away.
"Leave me alone, Nick. You're drunk." Marcie said as she stood and walked over to the statue of Luna.
"Hey, Baby! Is that any way to treat your old friend, Nick? I'm just trying to help. Here's a helpful word... diet."
Marcie turned to leave when she felt Nick grab her arm.

"Let go! You're hurting me!" Marcie yelled, wincing at the sharp pain in her arm.
"Like hell I will!" Nick yelled, as his temper flared.
Marcie's breath caught in her throat as he grabbed her shoulder and began to shake her. Then she felt herself being thrown onto the concrete, landing with a hard thud.
"You got me expelled you fat, stupid..." Nick was saying.

Marcie lay there, afraid to get up for fear of what he might do to her. Suddenly she heard another voice.

"Leave her alone, you drunk! What in the hell do you think you're doing anyway?"
Marcie looked up, dizzily to see Todd shaking Nick. He offered Marcie his hand and helped her up.
"Are you alright?" Todd asked.
"Yes, thank you." Marcie said, hearing the tremor of her voice.
"You're sure now?" Todd asked, putting his hand on Marcie's shoulder.
"I'll be fine. Thank you so much." Marcie said.
"No problem. I'll just get this jerk over to the Llanview PD." Todd said, grabbing Nick by the forearm.
"And while you're at it, you should tell President Davidson that Nick was found drunk in Angel Square." Marcie said.
"Wait a minute..." Todd said, glaring at Nick. "You're that jerk that Viki told me about. The one who's been tormenting Marcie and works at the Love Project, right?"
Nick struggled to get away. "Like I would tell you!" he said cringing as Todd tightened his grip on him.
"Are you gonna apologize to the lady?" Todd said
"Hell no!" Nick yelled. "Why should I apologize to that fat..."
"Come on, loser. Let's go." Todd said. "Take care, Marcie.
"Thanks, Todd." Marcie said, watching as Todd dragged Nick out of Angel Square.

"Marcie!"
Marcie turned around, relieved to see Michael walking toward her.
"Michael!" she said, throwing her arms around him.
"Sweetie, I'm so sorry I was late. I got held up at the hospital and I just couldn't get away and..."
"Shhh..." Marcie said, putting her finger to Michael's lips. "Don't talk. Just hold me..." She breathed, melting into his arms.

"Okay..." Michael said, wrapping his strong arms around her as he stroked her hair. He could feel the wetness of tears on his neck as he held her. "I'm here. I've got you."

"Baby, are you okay?" He said, after a long while.
"I-I think so." Marcie said. She pulled away from him and he brushed the tears from her cheeks.
"Sweetie, what is it?" Michael asked. He grew concerned when she flinched as he lightly touched her arm.
"Marcie... he looked at her, and gasped as he saw the purple bruise beginning to form on her arm.” Sweetie, oh my God! What happened?" He leaned over and gently kissed the bruised area, letting his lips linger on her skin.
"Um... it was Nick." Marcie said as the shakiness in her voice increased.
What? Nick did this to you?" Michael said his voice filling with anger. "Where is that..."
"Michael, it's okay!" Marcie said, grabbing his hand. "Todd took him to the LPD."

"God, I'm sorry I was late, Sweetie." Michael said.
"I'm just glad you're here now." Marcie said. She wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him toward her as she pressed her open lips to his. The kisses made her feel light-headed as she felt his fingers running through her hair, sending chills down her body.

"So..." Michael said, gazing into her eyes. "How about if I buy you dinner? My treat?"
Marcie grinned and leaned her forehead against his. "I love you, Michael McBain."

CHAPTER 60
"Get in there, you jerk!" Todd said to Nick as he pulled him into the police station.
"Todd!" John said, looking up from his desk. "You're the last person I ever thought I'd see in here."
"Yeah, well I found this loser in Angel Square. He's drunk as can be and he was trying to hurt Marcie Walsh." Todd said.

John immediately stood and walked over to where Todd was standing. "Well, well! Nick Messina. What were you doing to Marcie, Nick?"
"N-n-nothing. I didn't do anything to that lazy, fat little..." Nick slurred.
John grabbed Nick and shoved him against the wall, winding him.
"Don't you EVER talk about Marcie Walsh that way again, okay?" John yelled. The thought of Nick insulting his brother's girlfriend made him shake with rage.

"What's going on out here?" Bo said as he and Nora came out of Bo's office.
"Todd Manning? What are you doing here? I'm sorry, did you have an appointment with Evangeline? Because she had something to take care of."
"No, actually I'm here because I found Nick here drunk in Angel Square. He was trying to hurt Marcie Walsh." Todd said.
"Really." Bo said.
"Oh my God. Is she okay?" Nora said.
"Yeah, I think she'll be okay. I heard Michael yelling for Marcie as I was leaving so I'm sure he's taking care of her." Todd said.
"Well thank God you were there." Nora said.
"Kind of ruins my reputation, doesn't it?" Todd said, smiling.
Bo and Nora laughed. "Yeah." Bo said. "I guess it kind of does. Let's take this punk into my office and see what he has to say for himself." He walked over and grabbed Nick by the arm, shoved him into the office and slammed the door.

"John, are you alright?" Nora asked.
John put his hand behind his head. "Uh yeah. I'll be fine. I just got a little flared up, that's all." He turned to Todd and extended his hand. "Todd Manning... I never thought I'd say this, but thank you. You may have saved Marcie's life."
"No problem." Todd said, smiling as he shook John's hand.
"Okay, get out of here. Go home to Blair." John said, smiling.
"Yeah, until the next time I get arrested." Todd laughed.
"Yeah. The next time." John said as he laughed.

CHAPTER 61
Michael and Marcie walked into the crowded diner, taking a seat at a booth near the window. Michael smiled warmly at Marcie as he gently took her hands across the table. He could see the worry in her eyes and he wished there was something he could do to make her feel better.

"Sweetie, are you sure you're okay? You got pretty banged up out there. I feel like it's my fault. I'm really sorry I was so late." Michael said.
"Michael, stop worrying about me! I'm fine. I can take care of myself!" Marcie said.
"I know..." Michael smiled and rubbed her hands with his thumbs. "I just love you so much, Sweetie. I-". His cell phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

"Michael McBain." Michael said into the phone.
"Hey Michael. It's John."
"Oh hey, how's it going?" Michael said, as Marcie smiled at him.
"Good, Good. Listen. I heard about what happened to Marcie in Angel Square. Is she okay?" John said.
"Yeah. She's a little shaken up and her arm's bruised pretty bad, but she'll be fine." Michael said.

Marcie looked up, and mouthed "Who is it?"
Michael waved his hand at her and returned his attention to the phone call.

"Hey, how did you know about that anyway?" Michael asked.
"Well believe it or not, Todd Manning brought Nick Messina into the station just a few minutes ago." John said.
"That's amazing that Todd would do something like that." Michael said.
"Yeah. I couldn't believe it either." John said. "Listen, we're gonna keep Messina locked up overnight, since he's pretty sloshed. Believe me, we're gonna do our best to make sure he never hurts Marcie like that again." John said.
"Thanks, John." Michael said. "Talk to you later, okay?"
"Oh and Michael?" John said.
"Yeah?" Michael said.
"Tell Marcie that she doesn't have to worry about Nick anymore." John said.
"I'll tell her. Take care, okay?" Michael said.
"Okay. Bye Michael." John said.
Michael closed his cell phone.

"What was that all about?" Marcie asked.
"Well..." Michael said. "That was John. He said that Todd Manning brought Nick into the station, and they're gonna keep him there overnight. You don't have to worry about him bothering you anymore."
Marcie sighed. "I-I don't know, Michael. He still lives at the Love House."
"Baby, if he tries to hurt you again, physically or emotionally, I will personally see to it that he pays." Michael said, kissing her hand.

"Michael! Marcie! How wonderful to see you again! Carlotta said as she came up to the table and handed them both menus.
"Hey, Carlotta!" Michael said. "I'll have-"
"Wait, let me guess..." Carlotta said. "A cheeseburger, iced tea and a sundae for desert, right?"
"Yeah, how'd you know?" Michael laughed.
"So what'll you have, Marcie?" Carlotta asked.
"Marcie wants a diet soda and a green salad and a side of cottage cheese." Michael said, smiling at Marcie.
"Great! I'll be right back." Carlotta said. Before she could leave, Marcie grabbed her arm.

"Carlotta, wait!" Marcie said.
"Yes, Marcie?" Carlotta said.
"I changed my mind." Marcie said.
"Oh! Okay. What would you like instead?" Carlotta asked.
Marcie looked at Michael and smiled. "I want a cheeseburger with lots of fries and a chocolate shake. Extra chocolate!"
Carlotta laughed. "Now that's the Marcie Walsh I remember! I'll get it right away." She picked up their menus and turned to go to the kitchen.

Michael's heart warmed when he looked at Marcie.
"Michael, why are you staring at me like that?" Marcie asked.
"Sweetie, you didn't have to order that just to please me. I'm sorry for that comment I made about the salad last time." Michael said, taking her hand.
"It's okay. Marcie said. "Besides, I'm starving!"
"Really?" Michael said. "Oh Marcie, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that!" He stood and walked over to the other side of the booth, sliding in beside her. "I love you, Marcie." he said, impulsively taking her in his arms. He could hear her gasp and then giggle as he leaned over and kissed her, until her red hair flared across the leather seat.

"Here's your dinner." Carlotta said, surprising them both as she sat the plates on the table.
Michael sat up quickly, trying to hide the redness in his face. "Um, thanks Carlotta. I'm famished." Embarrassed, he walked back to his seat and sat down.
"Enjoy kids." Carlotta said, laughing as she walked away.

Michael picked up his cheeseburger and took a bite. "Oh man! Now that is a cheeseburger!" He picked up a napkin and took a bite. "I don't know how anyone could ever go back to eating fast food after they've had one of Carlotta's cheeseburgers!"
He watched with amusement as Marcie devoured her cheeseburger and fries as though they were the most delectable foods she had ever eaten. He was filled with unimaginable relief as she finished the whole plate. Seeing her happy about eating again made him happier than he could ever imagine.

Marcie pulled the chocolate shake closer to her and began to un-wrap a straw. Sticking it inside, she took a sip and she seemed to melt with pleasure.
"You know... That shake looks really good." Michael said, grinning mischievously at her.
"Here." she said moving the shake closer to him. "Try some."
"Thanks, Sweetie." Michael said.
Suddenly she pulled the shake away. She smiled as Michael looked at her, bewildered.
"Sweetie..."
"I have a better idea." Marcie said. She grabbed a straw from the dispenser and un-wrapped it, pushing it into the shake.
"Now why didn't I think of that?" Michael said as he leaned across the table and touched his forehead to hers, sharing the chocolaty shake with her.


THE END

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this story. I had forgotten how long it was! I'd appreciate any comments you might have and I hope you enjoyed it!

Andrea

Hey You:)

This is awesome....it was awesome when i read it for the first time....and just as awesome when I read it today....Great Job...looking forward to reading more of your wrighting.:D

:thanks: :yourock: :bighug:

I wrote this a long time ago, back when OLTL was doing the "Love Crew" storyline. There was a segment on the show where Nick was taunting Marcie about her weight. I was hoping and praying that a great storyline would come of it, but as usual for OLTL back then, they went in a different direction. I decided to write my own version of what might have happened.

I must tell you that this story is VERY long (I got carried away!), but I hope you will enjoy it!

Just The Way You Are

Chapter 1

Marcie flipped through the pages of Craze, stopping to read the article for a third time. Her stomach growled and she covered it with her hand. It had been six hours since she had eaten, and she was famished. It would be so easy to get up and walk to the kitchen for a slice of that mouth-watering pizza. Jen and Riley had practically begged her to share it with them, but Marcie flatly refused. Turning down food was difficult; especially when she was hungry.
Her stomach growled when she imagined how wonderful a slice of pizza would taste. Just the thought of mozzarella cheese smothered over rich tomato sauce made her mouth water.

She walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator only to withdraw her hand seconds later.
Forget it! She would just feel guilty afterward, so what was the point of eating? With a frustrated sigh, she returned to the living room. The magazine still lay face down on the carpet. She sat on the sofa and re-read the article that had become so familiar. The words on the page seemed to scream out at her, taunting her insecurities... low-carb, beautiful, thin, sexy, swimsuit, and weight-loss.

Her stomach reminded her again that she was famished. However, Nick had made some hurtful comments about her weight while they were at the work site, which had ruined. When they returned home, Jen did her best to cheer Marcie up, but it was no use. Marcie had quickly changed the subject, happy to listen to Jen talk about Riley and not about Marcie’s weight. Jen’s friendship with Riley had bloomed, and Marcie was so proud of Jen for trying to change.

Suddenly, her mind was flooded with memories....

She drifted back to the day of Jen’s dad’s funeral:

"Food isn't the answer, Marcie!" Jen had said when Marcie encouraged her to eat. God, how those words stung. But then she laughed, remembering how she had gone to Angel Square... and ended up kissing Joey! He certainly was surprised, but the person she surprised the most was herself.

The memories continued as images of Al filled her mind, warming her heart. He had defended her so many times against the painful comments people made about her weight. Especially that creep Bradley White, who got Al hooked on drugs.
Then there was Gabrielle. She told Marcie that Al had "put her in her place" when she commented on Marcie's black dress at dinner one evening. The thought made her smile. God, how she missed Al.

And finally there was Michael. She blushed, just thinking about him. He was so wonderful. There was only one thing... he didn't know how deeply Nick's comments had hurt her about her weight. The issue of her weight had never come up, and there was no need to discuss it. She knew he loved her. And she loved him... so much. She really needed him right now... to feel his comforting arms around her.

"Marcie!" Nick's voice boomed in the doorway. She turned to see him smiling at her, but she knew he was just there to torment her. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for what he was about to say.

"Hi Nick." She said, trying to sound cheerful.
"Marcie!" Nick said again. "You're reading a magazine? I thought you'd be eating again. You seem to enjoy it."
Marcie felt her throat tighten and tears filled her eyes. She wanted to say something to him, but as usual, she was at a loss for words. If she had said anything, she would have started to cry in front of him, and humiliate herself.

Suddenly very depressed, she made her way toward the stairs. Just as she was about to walk up the stairs, the front door opened. She could hear Jen and Riley laughing, obviously having a good time.

"Hey, Marcie!" Jen said.
"Hi." Marcie said, unable to look at Jen. Her voice was barely audible and she knew it gave her away.
"Marcie?" Riley said, as he walked over and put his hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Marcie turned around, cursing to herself when she felt a tear escape and slide down her cheek.
"Yes, I'm fine." She said, knowing that Riley probably couldn't hear her. "Thank you."
Riley looked at Jen with concern. Jen walked over to Marcie. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Marcie felt more tears sliding down her cheeks. Angrily she brushed them away. "Nothing Jen! Just leave me alone!" she said, as she bounded up the stairs.





i am literally crying right now this is so moving... this story is so good. I love OLTL but this story is BETTER THAN THE ACTUAL LOVE CREW STORYLINE!