A past encounter
By Lori Gazdagh						Accueil   Home

She entered the lobby of the hotel and walked up to the reservation desk. "Welcome to the Hotel Andalucia. How may I help you?”" asked the woman behind the counter. "I have a reservation. The name is Mrs. Capwell, Mrs. Santana Capwell." The lady behind the counter typed in the name and then looked up. "Yes, I see that you have been booked into room 1150." She handed Santana a key and said, "We hope you enjoy your stay here in Santa Barbara and please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help make your visit here a pleasant one." 

After Santana placed her belongings into her room, she sat on the bed and starred out the window. The pale blue sky and radiant sunshine was in stark contrast to the dark mood that she was in. After months of planning, she was one step closer to getting what she came for. Arriving in Santa Barbara satisfied her. Now all she had to do was execute her next move. She grabbed her purse, closed the door and headed for the elevator. She walked up to the concierge and politely asked, "Excuse me, but can you tell me where I can go for a nice dinner? I'm looking for something that has perhaps recently opened. I just love trying out the hottest places when I come to visit." 

"There is a place called The Courtyard that just opened up around the corner on State Street. It serves a delightful Spanish cuisine. The atmosphere is festive and the music is wonderful.”" Santana smiled and said, "Sounds great. Thank you.”" 

Santana looked around the restaurant and was pleasantly surprised by its authenticity. The maître d' greeted her warmly and asked her how many were in her party. "Oh, I'm just meeting someone at the bar so I'll wait for him there.”" The maître d' shook his head in acceptance and then stepped away from his podium. As Santana walked by, she glanced down at the reservation list. To her amazement she saw the name Mr. and Mrs. Capwell penciled in at 7:00pm. Wow, what luck. I'm not even in town no more than an hour and I'm about to meet my target. With an air of arrogance, Santana walked to the back corner of the bar, ordered a glass of Sangria and listened to the music as she waited patiently for the Capwell's arrival. 

CC opened the glass door and stepped into The Courtyard. The aroma of fine cuisine, the hum of voices and the sound of music enveloped him. The maître d' welcomed him and confirmed his 7pm reservation and then stated, "Your date is waiting for you at the bar." CC thanked him and then looked over to the bar area. His eyes came to rest on the woman whom he was meeting. She was dressed all in black, which highlighted her soft, blonde hair and alluring, blue eyes. He strolled over to her and from behind he leaned over and kissed her on the neck. Sophia spun around and said, "Hi darling." She wrapped her arms around her handsome, husband's neck and planted a kiss on him. After they parted, CC sat down in the bar stool next to Sophia and licked his lips. "Mmm, you taste good.”" A coy look came over Sophia's face and she replied, "You can thank Michael." 

CC leaned back, raised his eyebrows and asked, "Excuse me? Who is Michael and why is he kissing my wife?”" Sophia pursed her lips and replied, "He's the one that fixed me the Margaritas. You taste the drink, not the bartender.”" Then she gave him a wink. CC rolled his eyes at how he just got played by his gorgeous wife. Sophia just smiled and then reached over and brushed her lips against his. Then she whispered, "You're the only one that my lips belong to. I don't see anyone else but you so no need to ever feel jealous.”" She then pointed to his wedding ring and simply stated, "You see this ring; it's just like my love for you. The circle of love can't be broken.”" He simply replied, "You are one of a kind Mrs. Capwell and I love you very much.”" 

Unbeknownst to the blissful couple, they were being scrutinized from the other side of the bar. They were too busy with each other to notice anyone else around. If only they could have seen the daggers that were shooting from Santana's eyes every time she watched them touch. 

After CC and Sophia finished another round of Margaritas', Sophia excused herself to go and reapply her lipstick. 

Seeing Sophia get up and walk to the restroom gave Santana her chance to make her move. She slid off of the bar stool and casually walked around the bar to where CC was sitting. He seemed lost in his thoughts as he twirled his wedding ring around his finger. "Hey, don't I know you?”" Santana exclaimed. She tired to keep her voice light and full of surprise. 

Just as Sophia emerged from the lady's room, she caught sight of a woman talking to CC. She was tall, had long, black hair and olive skin. She sensed a feeling of familiarity and then her eyes narrowed as it suddenly dawned on her who this woman was. It was none other than Santana. Why would she be back in Santa Barbara while Rosa is in Spain for a month visiting family? Last I heard, she supposedly moved back home to Sevilla. More importantly, why is she standing so close talking to my husband?

She weaved her way through the crowd on the dance floor and walked right up to CC and kissed him on the temple. She wanted to pretend that she didn't see Santana standing there. "I'm back darling. Did you miss me?" 
"Oh, honey look who's in town,”" CC commented. Sophia turned her head to the left and looked at Santana. With sarcastic eyes and a dry tone to her voice, Sophia asked, "So what brings you back to Santa Barbara? I know your mother is in Spain. A family reunion, right?" Just then Sophia purposely placed her left hand up on CC's bicep. She wanted to make sure that Santana saw her wedding ring. 

Santana replied in a flat tone, "Hello Sophia. Yes, you are correct that my mother is in Spain visiting with our family. I'm back here just for a short visit to catch up with some old friends and then I'll be heading back home." As Santana was speaking, Sophia kept rubbing CC's arm. The glitter from Sophia's ring caught Santana's attention and she couldn't help but look down and see the huge diamond setting that wrapped around Sophia's finger. "Oh, I see that you are married. So who's the lucky man?" She chuckled at her own joke, but neither Sophia nor CC laughed with her. 

Sophia quickly spoke up, "Yes, that's right Santana. CC and I are married now . . . and forever. You know that we've never been apart for very long. We just wanted to make it official again.”" With a weak smile, but a bit of sarcasm in her words, Santana looked only at Sophia and replied, "Well, I hope it lasts this time around.”" 

It was now CC who spoke. "There's no worry about that.”" He picked up Sophia's hand and kissed her ring finger. Sophia looked tenderly into CC's eyes. He continued, "We are stronger now than ever before and she will be my forever love and my forever wife.”" Sophia leaned into him and kissed him gently on the lips. The sight of them kissing right in front of her made Santana's stomach churn, but she managed to squeak out, "Then I'm happy for you both." 

"Thank you," said Sophia. She tired to sound polite even though she felt an uneasiness stirring in the inside. 

Santana looked at her watch and then said, "I have to run now, but since I happened by chance to see CC while I was on my way out, I thought I would just stop by and say a quick hello." She looked directly at CC and stated, "It was so nice to see you again." 

"Nice to see you too. Take care and tell the family we wish them well.”" CC kept his words generic and tried to sound respectful even though he was feeling angry that Santana had been so cold towards Sophia during this whole exchange. 

Santana turned around and headed for the door. While CC and Sophia were sitting back down, they didn't see Santana slip behind some plants and bury herself within the shadows of the dance floor. 

"Wow, how bizarre was that to see Santana after all this time? Not to mention the coincidence of seeing her in this restaurant. It appears that she was alone too,”" pondered Sophia. "Yeah, it was kind of awkward seeing her again,”" said CC. "That's one part of my past that I want to forget.”" 

At that moment, old feelings of jealously roiled within Sophia. Maybe the alcohol was intensifying those feelings, but suddenly she had no desire to keep their reservation. She looked at CC and said, "Darling, let's forget about dinner and go home . . . and, um . . ." She didn't finish her sentence, but instead placed her hands on CC's thighs and leaned into him and gave him an intense kiss and then wrapped her arms around his neck for a comforting hug. She was about to let go when something caught her attention. She looked across the dance floor and thought she saw Santana standing behind a large potted palm. Still feeling bitter about the recent conversation with Santana and feeling the effects of the Margaritas', she kissed CC again as if in rebellion to Santana and then quickly glanced back to where she thought she saw her standing, but Santana was no longer there. 

Santana paced in the hotel room as the fury inside her swelled. She could not stop replaying the sight of Sophia kissing CC. How dare Sophia kiss him like that? Didn't she realize that CC belonged to me? After all, I'm his wife. I'm Mrs. Santana Capwell. The more she thought about Sophia being with CC, the more determined she was to get her away from him. I have to make Sophia jealous and make her think that CC and I are back together. Just wait until my plan comes together. Santana laid on the bed and closed her eyes. Her foggy mind began to conjure up images about how she was going to spend her new life in Santa Barbara, how she was going to redecorate the mansion and what a good wife she was going to be to CC. 

After Mr. and Mrs. Capwell arrived back at the mansion, Sophia politely excused herself and went upstairs to change into something more comfortable. CC dimmed the lights in the living room and lit a few candles. He sat down on the couch and removed his shoes. Sophia crept down the stairs and silently walked up to the back of the couch. She placed her hands around CC's eyes and bent down so her mouth grazed his ear. In a soft, breathy whisper, she said, "Guess who lover?"

"Could it be Mrs. Bunbury?”" CC asked in turn. Before she could answer, CC reached behind and took Sophia by the arm and pulled her around to the side of the couch so that she came to a rest on the arm of the sofa. In his field of vision, all CC could see was this incredibly breathtaking, sexy, enchanting, striking woman wearing a red satin negligee. With a slight pull of her arm, Sophia fell backwards into CC's waiting arms. Without further words, CC kissed his wife. After a few minutes of teasing each other through their sensual kisses, Sophia leaned back and asked CC, "How would you like a massage Mr. Bunbury?”" CC countered, "Is there a masseuse in the house?" Sophia replied, "You are looking at her. By the way, it's been said by a certain man in my life that I have magical hands." "Magical hands you say,”" replied CC. 

"Yep, with these hands, I will make you forget about all of your troubles and only think of me." She then placed her hands on his shirt and slowly began to unbutton it. As each button came undone, Sophia slipped her hand beneath the fabric and glided her fingers across CC's pecs. When she unbuttoned the last one, she lightly spread kisses up his chest and then looked into his eyes and said, "Now kind sir, will you please make yourself comfortable and lay down on this couch so I can let these magic fingers do their job?" Even though he didn't want to remove his wife from his lap, he obeyed his seductress. He removed his shirt and settled down on the couch as he had been instructed. Sophia sat next to him and began to move her hands slowly up CC's back. She massaged his shoulders first and then worked her way down his lumbar. She repeated this maneuver a few more times until CC could no longer stand not being able to see his lady in red so he flipped over and took Sophia by her arms and brought her down for a feverish kiss. He worked his way down her neck and then across her shoulders before stopping to say, "The magic worked. All I see is you. All I ever see is you. Now let me show you how I intend to pay you for your services." They both stood up and headed up to their bedroom. 

As the morning sunlight cast a warm glow over Sophia's closed eyes, CC snuggled a little closer to his sleeping wife and then reached around and lightly ran his fingers down Sophia's cheek. Sometimes he just needed to touch her to confirm that she was real and by his side as his wife. It was times like these that he was so grateful that he had been blessed with being able to spend the rest of his life with the woman he was now holding in his arms. Being married to her was a gift from God and he intended to treasure that gift for the rest of his days. 

Feeling the warmth of the sun's rays, along with CC cradling her close to him, Sophia felt so secure lying in his arms. She almost didn't want to wake up for fear that this was all just a dream. Some days, it felt as if her and CC had never been apart, but other days, she didn't want to leave his side for fear that he would disappear. Even though she had faith that he wouldn't leave her, sometimes the sight of him just walking away to another room hurt so much. She opened her eyes slowly and twisted her body around so that she was facing her one true love. "Good morning," she said. "Good morning sunshine,”" he replied. "I hope you had a restful sleep.”" She smiled and replied, "Oh, yes, indeed I did. This is my favorite way to wake up. You know, it's like these past eleven months of being married to you has been like a rebirth. We have come to really appreciate, respect and love each other. I don't think I've ever been more in love with you as I have been this past year.”" 

CC gave Sophia a tight hug and said, "My darling wife, I couldn't agree more. You are everything that I've ever wished for. Waking up next to you each day is like the perfect dream coming true every morning. There's an openness and honesty between us. We are so comfortable with each other. On that note, let's plan to do something relaxing today so we can just enjoy being together. I'll go down and read the entertainment section to check out what is happening in Santa Barbara." 

"Sounds like a plan, but first I'm going to take a quick shower and then I'll meet you downstairs for breakfast." Sophia gave CC a quick kiss and headed to the shower. 

As CC was walking down the stairs, the doorbell rang. He opened the door to a delivery guy. "Are you Mr. CC Capwell?" inquired the young man. "Yes, I am,”" replied CC. "Then I have a delivery for you.”" He handed CC a long, white, rectangular box with a red ribbon tied around the center. CC thanked the man and then closed the door. He untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a single red rose. There was a small card lying next to it. He opened the envelope and removed the card. All that was written was, ‘thank you for last night'. It was signed with just an S. A smile broke across his face and he looked up the stairs in the direction of Sophia. At that moment, he was filled with utter joy. He was so impressed with how Sophia took the time to send him this thoughtful present. 

Upon reaching the atrium, Sophia was about to head in the direction of the dining room, but something caught her eye. She looked over to the table and saw a single red rose in a vase. She looked curiously at the flower and then read the card that was propped up next to the vase. She thought, who is S and why the thank you card? Why did this person send this to the house? She thought for a second more and then it dawned on her who it was. She clenched her jaw and then marched into the dining room. 

CC was sitting at the head of the table drinking his coffee. He looked up as Sophia entered and a big grin spread across his face as he said, "Thank you sweetheart for the lovely rose. I was so surprised by your . . . ." His sentence was cut short by Sophia's stinging words. "So what did you and Santana talk about before I came back to the bar?" 

As if he had just been physically struck by her hand, CC sank back in his chair and said, "What? What are you talking about? What does Santana have anything to do with you sending me the flower?"

"I didn't send you the flower!”" barked Sophia. "The S is not me. I'm guessing that the S is Santana so again, what did you say to her last night that would prompt her to send you a thank you like that?”" 

CC stood up and walked over to Sophia and said, "Honey, I didn't say anything to Santana that would ever make her do something like that. Right before you came back, she had just walked up to me and said hello. I was so shocked to see her and so all I managed to say was hi and then asked her why she was back in town. She was in the middle of telling me that she came back to visit a sick friend and then that's when you walked up to me." He could see how tight Sophia's face was and continued. "You must believe me that I didn't say anything to that woman that would provoke her to send me a flower and a thank you note."

Sophia could see that CC was genuine and she let out a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry CC for accusing you like that. It's just that seeing her last night just brought back so many unhappy memories. I guess I wasn't prepared to run into her and so after seeing that flower and reading those words, I thought maybe you had said something that she misinterpreted." 

"Sophia, I swear to you that I was just as shocked to see her as you were. I think it's kind of strange that she would come back here while her mother is in Spain. I'm not sure if I believe her that she came back here to visit a sick friend, but whatever the reason, I just hope I don't see her again.”"

Sophia shook her head in agreement. "Yeah, I agree with you. I too am wondering why she's back in Santa Barbara and I hope she goes back to Spain real soon.”" She paused for a second and then added, "I just remembered something. After Santana said she was leaving the restaurant, I think I saw her again. The details are kind of fuzzy from the Margaritas', but when I leaned over to you; I thought I saw her lurking around on the other end of the dance floor. That's right, I was hugging you and then I happened to look in that direction and saw her standing there starring at us. I kissed you and when I opened my eyes she was gone. I just brushed it off as mistaken identity, but now that I'm more focused, I'm sure that it was her. Seeing us together like that may have sparked something inside her. She makes me nervous CC. Please promise me that if you see her in town that you won't even look her way. I don't want her to be encouraged to come anywhere near us, our children or this house."

CC looked into Sophia's eyes and stated, "Yes, I promise you, but I'm sure she doesn't want anything to do with us, especially since she knows now that we are married."

"I'm sorry CC to feel so insecure, but you just don't know how much it hurt me to see you go back to her when you thought she was pregnant. You have no idea how cruel she was during that time. She made no effort to hide her disdain for me since she knew deep in her heart that you never stopped loving me or would ever stop loving me. I just don't want her to ruin anything for us or try to scheme her way back into your life. I know how manipulative she is. I've been the victim of someone like her who toyed with my emotions and broke my spirit. His name was Ken." CC winced since hearing that creep's name made him recoil. 

Seeing CC's reaction, Sophia continued, "The reaction you just had is the same one that I have whenever I hear Santana's name." 

"Sophia, darling, you have nothing to fear or feel insecure about. I love you and only you. I will never do anything to jeopardize our love for each other. Okay? I am deeply sorry for all of the hurt that I caused you. I'm sorry that you are feeling this way now, but you have nothing to worry about honey. She can't hurt us. All she did was send a flower. I'm sure she will just take care of her business and then leave town"

Sophia stepped towards CC and hugged him. "I sure hope you are right. Now let's try and forget about all of this and get on with our day.”" CC hugged his wife tightly and replied, "Okay darling. I love you." "I love you too,”" Sophia replied. 

After they finished their breakfast, the Capwells decided to drive to the beach to spend the day walking and shopping along the boardwalk. In between visiting the shops, they took a stroll to the ocean's edge and just gazed out into the tranquil, blue water. The beach always reminded them of their first wedding. As the salty sea lapped up to their feet, CC wrapped his arms around Sophia and held her close. After the morning's chaos, he just wanted her to know that she need not worry about anyone else. Sophia reached up and grasped CC's arms as they held her tightly across her chest. She wanted to let him know that she appreciated his love. They knew each other so well that sometimes they didn't even have to speak the words I love you.

Upon their return home later that evening, Sophia noticed a small package on the table in the atrium. It was occupying the same space where the rose had once been. She looked at CC and asked, "So now what's this?”" Shrugging his shoulders, CC replied, "I have no idea so let's open it and see what it is.”" The box contained a bottle of perfume. The perfume that Santana used to wear. The note read, "I thought this might remind you of me. Thanks for everything darling.”" It was again signed S. 

CC's face hardened and he shouted, "Alright, now this is going too far! I don't know what game this woman is trying to play, but this is not going to continue! I refuse to be intimidated by her. I'm calling Cruz to have him find her and tell her to leave us alone!" 

"I knew it! I knew she wasn't going to stop!" yelled Sophia. She then turned away from CC. She became pensive for a moment and then bluntly stated, "For the life of me, I just don't understand why people feel the need to destroy the love that we have. First it was Lionel, then Gina and then Pamela. The worst of all was Ken, who came very close to ending everything.”" She turned back to face CC and finished by saying, "I'm just so tired of our past encounters coming back with this revengeful nature. What do they think they can gain by breaking us up? Is it power, money, prestige, because it surely isn't love. We are just two people trying to get through this life together. We've been through so much so why can't people just leave us alone?”" 

CC walked up to Sophia and took her hands and held them to his heart. "Baby, I don't know what their motivations are. Perhaps it's just jealousy since they know what we share is real and long lasting, but I can assure you that Santana will not succeed in whatever plan she has concocted. I have faith that Cruz will get to the bottom of this.”" He kissed Sophia's hands and then walked over to the phone to call Cruz.

Seeing the Capwells arrive at the mansion gave Santana a chill of excitement. She watched them as they had walked in the door. She imagined the look on their faces as they saw the next surprise that awaited them. If only she could see their reaction, but just knowing that it would make Sophia mad was all worth it. She savored the idea of CC enjoying her gift and finally realizing who his true wife should be. With the fantasy swirling in her mind, Santana made her way out to the front gate and left the Capwell residence. 

Two hours later, CC opened the door and welcomed Cruz into the house. "Hi Mr. C." "Hello Cruz. Did you find out anything so far?" As CC spoke, Cruz walked into the living room, where he found Sophia sitting on the couch with a worrisome look on her face. "Hello Sophia. How are you doing?" 

"Hello Cruz. Thanks for coming over. I'm doing okay. Any news?" Cruz sat down on the chair and CC took a seat on the couch next to Sophia. 

Cruz took a deep breath and then said, "Well, I see the worried look on Sophia's face and I hate to add to it, but it looks as though Santana is up to something. The guys at the station were able to come up with a few facts. The first being that her family had no idea that she left Spain. When we called them, they were quite worried about her disappearance, but then relieved that she seems to be okay by the description you gave to us. Secondly, the airline ticket she used was only a one-way to Santa Barbara, so the story that she told you that she was only here for a short time to visit friends looks to be a lie. Thirdly, and perhaps the most disturbing, she registered at the Hotel Andalucia under the name of Mrs. Santana Capwell."

"Oh my gosh!”" exclaimed Sophia. "From the moment I saw her at The Courtyard, I had this sinking feeling that something wasn't right with her. The tone in her voice should have told me right then and there that she was up to something devious.”" 

CC reached over and took Sophia's hand. "So, what do we do now Cruz?" asked CC. 

"Well, Mr. C., I have men out there watching the hotel and will keep track of her every move. We can't approach her since she hasn't done anything illegal. For now, I would suggest that you two lay low and not go out to any restaurants or stores that you would think she would visit. I especially would not go out alone. Please tell the rest of the family to watch for anything strange and just stay well aware of their surroundings. Let us know immediately if anything at all seems out of the ordinary"

"Oh, great, we have to be prisoners in our own home because we don't know what this crazy lady's next move will be!”" yelled CC. Sophia squeezed CC's hand in hopes of calming him down a little bit, but CC just continued. "What is wrong with her and what does she want with us?" CC's tone dropped slightly as worry worked its way in. "Cruz, do you think this is a case of revenge? What can I do to protect us?"

Cruz replied, "I can understand why you would be angry and concerned, but we have men that will be guarding your house and bodyguards that will follow you if you do go out. At this point, we don't know what her motivation is, but I did find it strange that when you were at the restaurant she concentrated mostly on you and had a sarcastic tone with Sophia. I also found it peculiar that Sophia saw her lurking in the shadows after she said she was leaving. This might not be a revengeful situation, but more of her trying to reclaim the life that she almost had with you.”"

CC sat back and let Cruz's words sink in. After a few seconds, he looked in Sophia's direction and asked, "If your theory is true of her wanting her old life back and living in this house again, then I think I need to protect Sophia. After all, it would be Sophia who would be standing in her way.”" 

Suddenly Sophia turned and looked at CC. Her eyes began to brim with tears and she just shook her head in disbelief. "Oh CC, I can't believe this is happening to us. I am really frightened.”" CC reached over and gathered Sophia in his arms and then said, "Baby, I promise you that I won't let that evil witch hurt either of us."

Cruz then spoke, "Sophia, CC is right. We won't let her do anything to hurt either of you. I know it's going to be difficult, but please don't worry so much. The only thing she has done is send a few harmless items. I've contacted the florists and told them not to send any packages to the house. Trust me, we have every angle covered.”"

Sophia lifted her head from CC's chest and looked at Cruz. "Thank you for all of the research you did on such short notice and for taking all of the measures in trying to help us." 

"No need to thank me Sophia. I'm just doing my job. There's an added twist that you're my family so I will do everything I can to keep you two safe. I just hope that with all of this extra security that Santana will get the hint that she will not be able to gain access to this house or to either of you. I pray that it will be enough for her to give up and go back home." Cruz paused a second and then added, "I need to make a quick trip back to the station so I will talk to you two later.”"

CC stood up and walked Cruz to the door. Before Cruz left, CC looked at him and said, "Thank you for everything that you've done for us tonight. I trust that you are doing all that you can, but know that I too will have my own men watching this house. There is nothing that I won't do to safeguard Sophia or my children."

"Yes Mr. C., I know you will do what you think is right, but please just let us do our job. We'll do whatever is necessary to protect you and make sure that Santana doesn't go to any extremes.”" Cruz then walked out. 

CC closed the door and walked back into the living room and sat next to Sophia. He leaned forward and dropped his head into his hands. He rubbed his face, inhaled deeply and then just stared out across the room. He finally broke the silence and said, ‘You know that my first instinct is to secretly get you out of this house and fly you off to some remote location until all of this clears up, but since you are my better half, I will ask you first and will only go through with that plan if you say so.”" 

Sophia wiped away a tear and quietly replied, "Thank you for asking for my opinion and as much as I appreciate you thinking of my safety, at this point, we don't know who Santana is targeting. I would only agree to go if it would include you, the children and our grandchildren, but since that is not logistically possible to do tonight; we will stay in this house and continue being the matriarch and patriarch of this family. As much as we need to keep each other safe, we need to be there for the family as well.”"

CC sat back and sank into the pillows and thoughtfully said, "It's amazing how so much can change within twenty-four hours. I am so sorry that this is happening. I'm so sorry that my past mistake is coming back to haunt us."

It was Sophia's turn to lend some reassuring words. "You don't need to apologize CC. Of all people, I understand the most about past encounters resurfacing and I know all too well about how the past can come back to ruin the future. We will get through this, but unlike the past, we won't make the same mistakes as we did before. This time, we will get through this together.”"

CC turned to his wife and pulled her close to him. He gently wiped away another tear and then looked into his wife's sad eyes and told her, "Do you have any idea how much you mean to me and how much I love you?”" A small smile broke on Sophia's face and she replied, "Of course I do since I feel the same way. We just need to provide each other with as much strength and support as possible to weather this storm. Yeah, I admit that I'm scared of what Santana has planned or will be planning, but I also know that by being united, we can get through this as one and then can go back to living our life."

With pride in his voice CC said, "You know something, you are one smart lady and I am very blessed to have you in my life. I would do anything for you and will stop at nothing to shield you from harm."

"I know you would baby and I thank you for that. For now, let's just do as Cruz said and keep out of sight around town and hopefully Santana will either go back home or trip herself up and do something illegal so the police can arrest her.”"

CC gave Sophia a reassuring squeeze and said, "Sounds reasonable. Now, why don't we get ready for bed? I'll have Maria bring us up a bowl of popcorn and we can sit up and watch old movies to take our minds off of this subject.”" Sophia nodded in agreement and then stood up. She walked to the stairs, but turned around when CC called out her, "Sophia, I love you more than words can say and I promise to keep us safe.”" Sophia replied, "I know you will.”" Then she continued on up to their bedroom. 

Watching the movie and being next to CC helped to calm Sophia's nerves. She was starting to feel tired from the day's events so she snuggled close to CC and laid her head on his chest so she could hear his heartbeat. CC wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Feeling his arms encircle her made Sophia feel so loved. She quietly said, "Please don't let go." CC replied, "Honey, I won't." After a few seconds, Sophia fell into a restless sleep. 

The clock read 3:17am. The silence of the night was shattered by the ringing of the phone. Both CC and Sophia awakened with a jolt. Sophia reached over and picked up the receiver. With a groggy voice, she said, "Hello." She didn't hear a voice say hello in return so she hung up the phone. Ten seconds later, the phone rang again. It was CC this time that reached over and picked up the receiver and just slammed it down. He then pulled the cord out of the base of the phone and rolled back over. 

"Oh, great, now she's playing the stalker role right down to the tee," Sophia said angrily. "First she sends gifts in hopes that I will become jealous and now she wants me to believe that you two are having this mysterious affair by having secret phone calls in the middle of the night. She wants me to get mad and walk out of your life for good. Sounds like a bad plot for a B movie." 

"Honey, I am just as angry and just as frustrated as you are. I think she has some serious psychological issues and we have unfortunately become the targets of her convoluted fantasies,”" remarked CC. 

With a heavy sigh, Sophia laid her head back on the pillow and said, "Lets just try and go back to sleep since I'm exhausted and heaven only knows what tomorrow has in store for us." 

CC replied, "Alright sweetheart. Please know that I do apologize for all of this.”" He reached out to Sophia to try and comfort her, but she only shrank away from his offer. He retreated back to his side of the bed and just looked out the window into the night sky. He said a silent prayer for this nightmare to end and for Sophia to forgive him for the pain he has yet again caused her. 

The gift of a new day was not as rejuvenating for CC or Sophia as they would have hoped. Since their sleep had been interrupted by Santana's prank calls, both were tired and so neither felt like talking much. Sophia was furious by the whole situation and just wanted to call Ted, Kelly and Mason as soon as she could to warn them about Santana. CC was guilt ridden by what Sophia was feeling and livid for what Santana was putting them through. He just wanted to call Cruz to get an update. 

Later that morning, Sophia went looking for CC to ask him if Cruz had any further news, but she couldn't find him in the house. She then stepped outside of the patio doors and found CC sitting in a chair just gazing out into the back yard. Sophia walked up to him and began rubbing his shoulders. "Did Cruz provide you with any new details?”"

CC continued to look out into the landscape and replied, "He said that she checked out of the hotel. That could be good news that she has given up and is going back home or it could be that she has decided to just go somewhere else. So far she hasn't checked into another hotel. It's a wait and see game and you know me, I'm not all that patient, especially when I feel cornered." 

"Just have trust in Cruz. He'll make sure we are all okay.”" Sophia paused for a moment and then with sincerity in her words, she said, "Honey, I'm sorry for being so distant last night and this morning. I know it's not your fault that this is happening. I'm just upset with Santana and I want to protect my family. I'm sorry for being aloof. I know that we need each now more than ever.”"

Feeling grateful after hearing the words that Sophia just spoke, he reached around and pulled her onto his lap and tightly embraced her. "Please forgive me for hurting you like this.”"

Sophia pulled back and looked into CC eyes. "You haven't done anything wrong so please don't feel like you need to take the blame for this. You haven't hurt me at all. You have done nothing but love and protect me. Like I said last night, we need to stick together.”" She gave him a kiss then said, "You know what, I have an idea. I think we need to invite the kids over tonight for a quiet dinner. I would feel so much better if we were all together under the same roof where I can see that they are all safe."

"What a great idea,”" responded CC. "We can just relax and enjoy a nice evening with the family. Let's set dinner for 7:00pm." 

After dinner commenced, the family migrated into the living room. That is when the doorbell rang. Maria opened the door to find a FedEx delivery man asking her to sign for a package. Maria accepted the package and closed the door. The label indicated that the recipient was Sophia Armonti. Puzzled by the incorrect last name, she walked into the living room in search of Sophia. Julia and Sophia were standing by the fireplace conversing so Maria walked up to them and excused the interruption and then handed the package over to Sophia. 

Julia noticed the veil of worry that now shrouded Sophia's face. With much trepidation, Sophia tore away the paper and lifted the lid of the box. Upon seeing what was inside, she dropped the box and its contents onto the floor and let out a gasp of horror. Cruz, Mason, Julia, Ted, Kelly and CC all looked down at the floor and saw six black roses scattered about the tiles. CC rushed to Sophia's side and held her close. He then noticed a card lying next to the rug. He bent down and picked it up. There was only one word written in black lettering – Checkmate. 

Fury boiled within him and his body tensed with raw anger. "This woman is insane! I refuse to let her keep invading my house with these petty gifts and now threatening us. Cruz, I swear I'm going to go out and find Santana myself and do whatever I need to do to make her leave Santa Barbara!" shouted CC. Cruz picked up the box and inspected the label. He just shook his head at how Santana was just not giving up. He was worried by the word Checkmate and suspected that something was going to happen very soon. 

"Alright Mr. C, please calm down. Getting upset is not going to solve the situation," Cruz said in a calming voice. 

"Cruz, I have to side with CC on this,”" voiced Sophia. "I'm fed up with her intimidating my family and now making a clear threat that she is about to cause us harm. She needs to be stopped now!" 

"You're right," replied Cruz. He then turned to the rest of the family and instructed them to walk through the house to make sure everything was in its place. He asked them to shut any windows and lock all doors. He radioed his crew and told them to check the grounds. He walked out the front door to inspect the driveway and nearby property. 

Sophia and CC remained in the living room and was in the middle of cleaning up the roses, when the phone rang. Without thinking, Sophia reached behind her and picked up the phone that was on the desk. "Hello." 

"Just the person I wanted to talk to. I hope you enjoyed the lovely present I sent," stated Santana with coldness in her voice.

Hearing Santana's voice enraged Sophia. "Santana, I have had enough of you. Just leave us alone. I don't know what you came looking for, but you are not going to find it here,”" Sophia said harshly. CC immediately stood up and went over to Sophia. 

"You know perfectly well what I want. I want the life that you stole from me! That is why I came back to Santa Barbara. I want what is rightfully mine!" screamed Santana. 

"Alright, that is it. Whatever game you are playing it is going to stop right now. Get this through your head. You are no longer a part of CC's life. You may have won a few battles in the past, but I have won the war. You are now just a casualty. You could have never created the long-lasting memories that CC and I took a lifetime to make. I'm his wife and the mother of his children.”" 

Santana interrupted, "Well, he and I almost had a child.”" 

Sophia countered, "Almost is the key word. I'm sorry for your loss, but there was a reason for that miscarriage. I just feel bad that you thought that bringing a child into this world was your only way at attempting to keep my husband." 

"He wasn't your husband at the time Sophia," Santana stated candidly. 

"Ah, you see, that's such a moot point since we may not have been married in the legal sense, but his soul and my soul have never parted. We are intertwined in body and in spirit. You were only exercise during my absence. You may have tried to brainwash him with your seductive ways, but the truth always prevails. He was only using you as a distraction from me. Did you know that on his birthday two years ago, he and I kissed passionately? We probably would have made love that night, but we needed to discuss a few things first. He and I were planning on getting back together, but unfortunately, it was the next day when I found out that you were pregnant. What a stupid ploy to try and keep him. The fact is you never had him to begin with. You obviously know that what I speak of now is the truth since you wouldn't be playing these childish games. Accept your fate Santana. CC and I are a constant and are linked together forever. You are powerless to break that chain. Now just please leave us alone. Take your broom and go back to Spain and create your own life and stop living in the past!”" Sophia didn't give Santana a chance to respond since she slammed the phone down. She turned around and leaned into the waiting arms of CC.

"I'm sorry CC. I just couldn't help myself. I'm sure I just made things worse, but I had to do something. She needed to hear the truth,”" confessed Sophia. 

CC looked into Sophia's eyes and said, "Honey, its okay. I'm actually quite impressed by your words and your conviction. I only hope that it will be enough to make her realize that Santa Barbara holds nothing for her.”" 

Mason, Kelly and Julia walked back into the room and CC filled them in on the phone exchange that had just transpired. CC heard the front door open and assumed it was Cruz returning from outside. His eyes widened with fear as he saw Santana walking towards him with a raised gun pointing at him. 

‘That's right CC, you should be afraid,”" stated Santana in sarcastic manner. The rest of the family all turned towards Santana and a wave of terror spread over them. CC pulled Sophia close to him and wrapped his arms around her tightly. Sophia clung to him.

Santana looked at the family and said, "Listen up Capwells, take a seat on the couch and don't say a word. This gun is loaded and I have no reservations about discharging it." In her delusional state of mind, Santana didn't notice that Ted was not in the room. She has been watching the house for hours and knew all of the arrivals. 

CC and Sophia tried to move as one unit over to the sofa, but Santana halted them. "Not you two! CC, you move over to the chair and I want Sophia to come over to me." Her eyes glinted with hatred.

CC counter demanded, "No Santana. I will not let you do anything to my family. Just please turn around and walk back out of here. Don't do anything stupid." 

"CC, you are in no position to make demands or to tell me what to do," Santana said flatly. She didn't want to engage in further dialogue regarding this point so she stomped over to Sophia and grabbed her by the arm and ripped her out of CC's grasp. 

As Ted was coming down the hallway, he stopped in his tracks as he caught a glimpse of a woman with long black hair standing in the entryway to the living room. He saw his mom standing in front of her. The woman was pointing her hand towards the living room, but from his angle, he couldn't see what she was holding. He inched his way forward to get a closer look. To his shock, he realized that it was Santana, but what was she holding in her hand and why was she standing behind his mother's back. He only waited a second longer before he saw a gun shaking in Santana's fingers. With that realization, he stepped back into the shadows of the hallway. With his back up against the wall, he dropped his breathing to almost silent so as not be detected in any way. He began to slide his body across the wall towards the study. He needed to find Cruz immediately! 

"Now, I want all of you to stay right where you are while Sophia and I walk out of this house," stated Santana. She began moving backward and CC watched in horror as he saw her grab Sophia's left arm and yanked it hard up behind her back. Sophia's knees buckled and she let out a screech of pain. 

"Shut up Sophia!" screamed Santana as she pulled Sophia back up. CC, seeing his wife in misery, lurched forward instinctually, but Santana waved the gun at him and pulled Sophia's arm up even harder. "Stay right where you are CC," hissed Santana. Sophia winced in agony. Tears were now streaming down her pained face, but she never lost eye contact with CC. She mouthed ‘I love you' in fear that she would not survive this psychotic moment from Santana. CC yelled at Santana, "Please take me! I'm begging you. It's me that you want! Leave Sophia out of this!”"

Santana was seething with hatred and she spit out, "Yes, you are correct, I don't want Sophia. I want to get rid of Sophia. She's the only thing that is keeping us apart. With her gone, you and I can share the life that was meant to be. CC, I love you and I know you love me. Why can't you see that? You used to love me so much and I know we can be happy again. I can give you the child that Sophia made me lose.”"

Mason, Julia and Kelly remained motionless on the couch, but were puzzled by the incoherent sentences spewing from Santana. They always suspected that she had a dark side, but could have never imagined that it would manifest itself in this manner. 

CC decided to play her game. "Santana, you're right. You've made me realize that I do love you and that we can be happy together. Why don't we just leave this house and go away? We can get married and live wherever you want.”" CC tried to sound as convincing as possible even though the lies that were spilling from his lips were about to gag him. 

Sophia just cowered and tried not to shake as her body was overcome with pain and anguish. She was hoping that CC would continue to talk so that Santana would be distracted by him. She didn't want to provoke Santana into hurting her any more. 

CC began to walk slowly towards Santana and Sophia, but Santana was leery so she continued to walk back towards the door.

CC continued, "Santana, please believe me that I have no life here. You and I need to leave this house and start a new life. I know that it's what you want and that is why you came back to Santa Barbara." 

"CC, I've waited so long for you to say those words. I've replayed them in my head thousands of times. I just knew in my heart that you and I belonged together forever. You have no idea how I've dreamed about us being married and spending the rest of our lives as the perfect couple." By this point, she reached the door. While dragging Sophia with her left hand, she tried to open the door with her right hand, but it was too awkward since she didn't want to turn the gun away from CC. She decided to stretch her leg out behind her to catch the door to open it further since she didn't shut it all the way when she stormed in. Suddenly she lost her balance. CC seized the opportunity and risking his life, as well as Sophia's, he leaped forward. He grabbed Santana's right hand and shook it hard enough so that the gun tumbled to the floor and slid out of reach. The shock of CC pushing her forced Santana to release her grip on her hostage. Sophia stumbled forward and then quickly moved towards the living room into the arms of Kelly and Julia. 

Just as Santana and CC were about to struggle, the door flew open. Cruz and six other policeman surrounded Santana. CC stepped back and watched as the police apprehended the woman he once cared about. "No, you can't do this. CC loves me. He just said so. I'm his wife and the mother of his children. I'm the real Mrs. Capwell," rambled Santana.

"Get her out of here!”" declared Cruz. He looked at CC and asked, "Are you okay?”" CC nodded yes. "I've already called an ambulance for Sophia since Ted told us what was going on." CC turned around and ran to the living room towards Sophia. He wrapped his arms around her, but she cried out in pain. He released her, but tried to comfort her with his words. "An ambulance is here honey and you're going to be okay. Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry she did this to you.”" Sophia was in too much pain to acknowledge CC's concern. The paramedics rushed in and began to assess Sophia's vital signs. 

As the doctors were triaging Sophia, CC paced in the emergency waiting room. Mason, Julia, Kelly and Ted waited along with him and were anxious to learn about the status of their mother. The nurse walked out and told CC that he could see his wife now. CC glanced back at his family and told them to just give him a few minutes before they hurried back to see her. 

When CC pulled the curtain back, he saw Sophia sitting on the bed with a sling wrapped around her shoulder and arm. He immediately approached her and sat next to her. Sophia looked at the intense grief on CC's face and said, "Ah, darling, I'm going to be okay. I have strained muscles in my arm and back, so I'm really sore, but I'll be fine in just a few weeks.”" Without giving him a chance to reply, she leaned forward and kissed him. "You are my knight and shinning armor and I am so grateful that you were there for me. Thank you.”" 

CC looked lovingly into his adoring wife's eyes and said, "My darling Sophia, I can't express how proud I am of you. You were so strong and brave. I am so sorry she disrupted our lives and caused you so much pain." He placed his arms around her, but was careful not to touch her left arm. He continued, "I'm just thankful that she didn't do anything" . . . his voice cracked and he choked back tears . . . "do anything more to hurt you.”" Sophia laid her head on his chest and began to sob. CC couldn't hold the tears in anymore either and just let go. The thought of something worse happening to Sophia made him shake uncontrollably. They both embraced each other and let their emotions run freely. 

Two weeks later, life was beginning to have a sense of normalcy. Sophia was just finishing her last therapy session with the physical therapist. Her shoulder and back were all but healed. They received word that Santana was in a mental health facility in Spain undergoing intensive treatment. The news provided some relief to the Capwell family. CC had been so attentive to Sophia since the incident. He played the nurse role quite well and responded to all of her requests. She appreciated his kind offers, but felt the most relaxed when she was just near him. 

As Sophia began to drift out of the cozy dream she was enjoying, she could sense that morning was nudging her to wake up. She burrowed down into the blankets to try and recapture the fantasies of her night waves, but her senses were being tickled by the aroma of breakfast. Just as she opened her eyes, she saw CC coming through the doorway with a serving tray adorned with a colorful floral bouquet. "Good morning sweetheart. I thought I would provide a proper breakfast to my queen,”" is how CC greeted her.

‘Oh, how sweet. CC, you don't have to keep treating me like a patient. I'm fine now, really,”" Sophia remarked. She was so touched by his thoughtfulness and generosity. "The flowers are gorgeous."

"Just like my wife,”" CC said matter of fact. He placed the breakfast tray in front of Sophia and along with the flowers; the tray contained a small, red velvet box. "I know that our anniversary is only a few weeks away, but I wanted to do something special for my valentine." 

Sophia picked up the box and slowly opened it. Inside was a silver key. Before she had a chance to ask a question, CC reached over to the nightstand and opened the drawer. He removed a rectangular, wooden box and handed it to Sophia. "This is what the key is for." Sophia held an ornately decorated black jewelry box that CC had flown in from the Orient. She unlocked it and gently lifted the lid. Tears began to trickle down her cheeks as she looked in amazement at a ruby heart pendent that was encircled with diamonds. CC looked at her and said, "Whenever you wear this, you will be reminded that my heart is yours forever and that you are my precious, exquisite jewel. You have my heart completely. You always have and you always will. We are as one. You are me and I am you. Nobody has ever touched my soul like you have. You know me better than I know myself and I can't imagine spending even a second without you. I love you dearly.”" He removed the necklace and placed it around Sophia's neck. It sparkled brightly in the morning's golden glow.

Choking back the tears, Sophia looked into the eyes of the man she has loved practically her whole life and said, "CC, I can't thank you enough and not just for the precious necklace, but for being by my side. Being married to you has been the most thrilling experience in my life. Thank you for all of your love and for sharing your life with me. I will never stop loving you.”" She reached down and placed her left hand over his left hand so that their wedding rings were touching. "These symbolize you and me, which equals us. There is no greater joy than the sense of knowing where you belong and I belong to you forever and always.”" She picked up the tray and placed it on the nightstand and then turned to her husband. "I love you CC Capwell." Channing Creighton smiled and replied, "I love you even more Sophia Capwell." They sealed their love with a tender kiss. Sophia leaned back into the pillows and gently pulled CC down upon her and then with unfiltered passion, Sophia and CC consummated their lifetime of love for one another.