When Lucinda snapped back to reality, she rushed into the apartment and grabbed her keys. What kind of friend would she be if she didn't go to the hospital straight away? Merrill would wonder where she was, so she drove there in a daze, the steering wheel barely registering under her fingers as she made turns. Thankfully the hospital wasn't far, just a ten minute drive and she was there.

At first, Aaron tried to get her to leave the Emergency Room by getting the nurses to escort her out. However, they sensed that the situation was being manipulated by Aaron and that Lucinda placed no harm being there. They told Aaron that the waiting room was a public place, and Lucinda didn't pose a threat, but if he wanted they could keep her from actually going in to see Merrill. Aaron reluctantly went with that option.

As they waited for an update on Merrill's condition, they sat on opposite ends of the waiting room in silence. The sounds from a T.V playing the local news, thankfully distracted Aaron, while Lucinda occupied herself by attempting to read a home and gardens magazine. Nevertheless, she could feel Aaron's glare on her every now and again. It was funny, because there was once a time Lucinda enjoyed having Aaron stare at her, but not anymore. Now she wished he would just pull his lip over his entire face and swallow. Taking a chance, she glanced up from the magazine and met his gaze.

"This is unbelievable," he growled with a shake of his head, but Lucinda didn't reply and simply turned a page in the magazine. "You've been spreading those legs of yours for my dad. Haven't you?"

That did get her attention.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Aaron sneered. "The only reason I can see my dad leaving his farm and driving all this way out here is if you're giving him a taste of what's inside those jeans. It's disgusting and you're disgusting."

Feeling ballsy, Lucinda leaned forward and grinned. She wasn't going to let Aaron intimidate her. Instead she would give him a taste of his own medicine. "I guess I just couldn't help myself, and as they say, 'like father, like son,' but in your case they're wrong. Your dad is Bigger. Better. In every way."

Aaron stood up from his seat, his tall form towering over her before moving to the seat next to her. He was trying to intimidate her, so Lucinda held her chin high and didn't waver her stared-down from his. Then without warning, he shoved his hand between her legs and grabbed her crotch firmly, causing Lucinda to gasp in shock. She tried shoving his hand away, but he shifted and held her arms down to the chair.

"Aw, what's the matter?" Aaron asked mockingly as he brought his face close to hers. "You used to love it whenever I snuck my hands up your skirt in public. Don't be shy now."

"Let go of me!"

Pressing his hands down harder by her wrists, he said, "You've never been a good liar, Lucinda. I know your head still buzzes with the memories of what I used to do to you. I saw it in your face that day at the restaurant. You wanted me then, just how you want me now. Admit it, you do."

"Let go!" Lucinda growled again but Aaron only pressed his hands down harder as he leaned into her ear.

"I can still hear your trembling voice moaning my name desperately while digging your nails into my back. You always did like it a little rough. I doubt my father could ever arouse such an animalistic desire from you, the way I did. He's old and probably needs viagra, so let's be honest, you're not sleeping with my dad, so what is it then? How did you meet? Who is he to you?"

"What's going on here!" said a stern voice.

Both Lucinda and Aaron snapped their heads toward a nurse who was standing in the waiting room with hands on her hips. Aaron quickly let go of Lucinda and stood up from his seat. He adjusted his collar as he cleared his throat.

"Can I see my father now?"

"No," the nurse replied, her stern tone still in tact. She craned her neck around Aaron and landed her eyes on Lucinda. "Is everything ok?"

"Of course it is!" Aaron barked.

"I wasn't asking you." The nurse folded her arms and turned her attention back to Lucinda. "Ma'am, are you ok, is this man disturbing you?"

"Yes, I'm ok. He's my ex..." Lucinda replied. "And thank God for that."

"Good." The nurse nodded. "I just came to say to both of you that a few tests are being done and then you'll be able to go back and see Mr. Merrill. In the meantime..." she glared at Aaron. "Keep your hands to yourself. I'd hate to have to call security." Then to Lucinda she added, "I'm not far if you need me."

After two hours, Aaron was finally allowed to see his father and Lucinda sat on edge, wondering if her friend was alright. A while later, she looked up to see a family rush into the ER, their expressions wearing the same tired and anxious look as hers. As she shifted her attention back to the magazine in her hand she overheard one of them explaining at the nurses station how they rushed over on a private plane.

At first Lucinda didn't even realize who they were, until her eyes landed on a familiar face that belonged to George, Sylvia's husband. Her stomach immediately churned as recognition sunk in and she recalled several occasions of laughing over drinks with him and Aaron after work. Apparently he recognized her too since George's face went equally pale as his eyes met with hers. It made her wonder who else knew about Aaron's affair with her?

Lucinda's attention shifted to the woman who was nodding to one of the nurses as she listened to what she was most likely explaining about Merrill's condition. It was Aaron's wife and she looked just as elegant as that day in the restaurant, with her hair styled in a sleek french twist and tailored pantsuit. Lucinda couldn't help but look down at her own outfit which was a plain white t-shirt, jeans with tears at the knees and flip flops. Her hair was up in a messy bun after rushing out of the house and there was most likely eye makeup smudged around her lids. She knew she looked like hell in comparison.

Trying to return her focus to the magazines, she pretended to be engaged in an article about how to choose the right color of potted flowers to decorate an outdoor sitting area. Except, the burning she felt on the side of her face forced her to make eye contact with the woman that had sat down next to her.

"The nurse told me you're my father's friend. Linda, right?" said the petite brunette with green eyes.

"It's Lucinda, but yes, I am his friend."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, Lucinda... I'm Sylvia." She extended her hand.

"It's good to meet you."

"You too." Sylvia smiled. "How is my father doing so far?"

"I wouldn't know." Lucinda half smiled.

"You haven't gone in to see him?"

"No."

"Well have they at least given you an update?" Sylvia asked, puzzled, her eyebrows bunching together.

Lucinda looked at her own nervous hands which fidgetted at her fingernails, picking off the polish. "No. I'm not allowed to go in."

"Why?"

"Well... um... your brother..."

Sylvia closed her eyes and muttered a curse under her breath. "He's being an absurd asshole. Come on, I'll take you in."

Sylvia stood up and extended her hand for Lucinda to grab, but Lucinda shook her head from side to side.

"Only family is allowed right now. It's what Aaron requested."

"Oh just ignore him." Sylvia batted her hand. "He's being overly protective because he doesn't know you. Come on. If he puts up a fuss I'll deal with him."

Sylvia wasn't taking no for an answer as she pulled Lucinda up from her seat. George quickly stood and tried to get his wifes attention, but she paid him no mind. Lucinda could only assume that maybe he wanted to stall Sylvia or slyly convince her not to take her in. She pulled Lucinda all the way through the double doors to patient care, and all the way over to the area where Merrill was being kept.

It was a long room which had many beds and individual curtains that allowed each patient privacy. Some of the curtains were open and Lucinda saw an elderly woman grimacing as she held her stomach. Another bed had a screaming toddler getting poked with needles while his mother shed tears by his side. Sylvia dragged Lucinda along as she searched for Merrill, until they ended up at the third to last bed. She parted the curtain which startled Aaron who was seated next to Merrill as if in a deep discussion.

"Daddy..." Sylvia gasped, and tears instantly filled her eyes. "What happened?

"I'm alright kiddo," he said with a scratchy voice as he sat up. "No need to cry over me. How did you get here so quickly?"

"Private plane thanks to George and Aaron's boss. Can I hug you?"

"Of course, Sylvia."

She rushed to him and threw her arms around him as her crying increased, but through it she managed to say, "I brought someone to see you, Dad."

Sheepishly, Lucinda stepped out from behind the curtain and presented herself while avoiding Aaron's gaze. A tiny smile lifted on Merrill's mouth as he blinked slowly and waved his hand which had an IV tube sticking out of it. A heart rate monitor was attached to his index finger. Sylvia went to Lucinda's side and placed her arm around her.

"Poor girl has been in the waiting room, worried sick!"

"I'm glad you're here," Merrill rasped.

"You can't be here," Aaron exhaled angrily, before standing up and closing the curtain on them both, shutting them out.

For a brief moment, Sylvia stood frozen with her nose skimming the scratchy curtain fabric, but then her temper flared. She threw the curtain open again but Aaron tugged it closed again. Back and forth they both tugged and pulled, until the both of them practically tore it down.

"That's enough, Sylvia!" Aaron growled. "I don't want her here. She's caused enough trouble!"

"Like what!" Sylvia exclaimed. "How did Dad have this attack? I'll bet its because you got him worked up!" She poked her brother in the chest, but Aaron twisted Sylvia's fingers back.

"Get her out of here, Sylvia!"

"What are you fiiive!" she yelped, as she ripped her hand free.

"Get her out of here!" Aaron repeated.

"What's your problem? She's Dad's friend and he wants her here, so why don't YOU leave!"

Being fed up, Aaron pushed past his sister and grabbed Lucinda's arm. He jerked her away so hard that Lucinda nearly tripped over her own feet. As he dragged her away she helplessly looked over her shoulder at Merrill who was struggling to get out of bed. His heart monitor began going crazy with beeping noises as his heart rate started spiking. Two nurses rushed past Aaron and Lucinda and headed into the room towards Merrill's bed.

"My wife and kids are here, you need to leave, NOW. I'm not asking," Aaron said through clenched teeth.

His face was inches from Lucinda's and she could even feel the vapor from his breath on her forehead. How could someone she once loved so much, stare at her so viciously now?

"What the hell is the matter with you!" Sylvia scolded as she walked into the hallway where Aaron stood with Lucinda. "And get your damn hands off of her!"

"I told you that she needed to go," Aaron replied. "She corrupted Dad's thoughts. Made him think he's invincible. I bet she's tried to seduce him too like some little whore!"

"You're acting insane!" Sylvia hissed and began prying Aaron's fingers loose from Lucinda's arm. "I don't understand what your problem is." She wedged herself in front of Lucinda, blocking her from Aaron. "She is Dad's friend. His friend, ok?"

"It's ok," Lucinda said. Her voice sounding so small as she was trying her hardest to not cry. "I'll just leave. I can come back later..."

"I'm having him transfered into the city as soon as possible!" Aaron barked. "Lord knows what kind of treatment Dad will get if he stays here, with these... hippie doctors! And I sure as hell don't want you anywhere near him, Lucinda!"

"Oh stop it!" Sylvia slapped Aaron's face, catching all three of them by surprise.

"You don't understand, Sylvia," Aaron said more calmly as he held his cheek. "I had an affair with this woman several years ago."

"What?" Sylvia blanched, and stepped aside to look Lucinda up and down.

"I didn't know he was married," Lucinda whispered.

"Well did you know that my father is his father!?" Sylvia thrust her finger towards Aaron, but the tenderness from her face was gone. It was replaced with a disgust so strong that Lucinda felt it might combust her from the inside out.

"No." Her eyes began pooling with tears, causing her sight to blur. "When we met those years ago, he told me his name was Sam and he never said he was married or had a family... I just found out this morning who he really is."

Sylvia looked to the floor with her eyes scanning about. "I'm not sure what to believe, but maybe Aaron is right. Maybe you shouldn't be here."

"I understand." Lucinda wiped her eyes. "I'll leave."

As she made her way towards the exit, she heard another slapping sound. When she turned back to look, she could see Aaron holding his cheek again with Sylvia shaking her finger at him, scolding him. With a deep sigh, Lucinda pushed through the double doors leading back into the waiting room, where she flashed her eyes at Marie and then to George. It seemed as if Marie wanted to say something to her, but Lucinda just wanted to get out of there, so she kept walking.

On the way back to her apartment, she felt so lost. Merrill was her friend, yet she managed to hurt him, even if it wasn't intentionally. There were moments at stoplights, where she thought it was all in her head but then the light would turn green, a car would honk at her and she would remember that Aaron or Sam, really was Merrill's son. By the time she pulled up to her apartment it was past eight at night and like an alarm bell, she realized that Merrill's stray dog had been home alone, all day.

She turned off the ignition and breathed in and out for a moment. When she finally entered her apartment, Raif was inside, sitting on the couch waiting for her. Her shoulders dropped, since she wanted nothing more than to just be alone and go to bed. She wasn't mentally ready to face whatever happened between him and Rachel.

"Where have you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you all day," Raif said with a hint of anger in his tone.

Lucinda walked passed him and headed straight into the kitchen, remembering how Merrill's dog was probably starving. She reached for the dog food but Raif interrupted her.

"I already gave her food."

"Oh."

Raif narrowed his eyes at her. "Are you not going to explain where you've been all day?"

"At the hospital!" Lucinda shouted.

"What?? Are you alright?" He reached for her, but Lucinda pushed Raif's hands away and then began walking to her bedroom.

"Merrill had a heart attack," she said over her shoulder.

"Oh my God. Lucinda..." Raif tried to reach for her again as he trailed behind her. "Is he ok?"

With an exhale of frustration, she turned around and stared up at Raif with venom in her eyes. "Maybe you would know for yourself if you hadn't been too busy with Rachel."

"What?" he asked, puzzled. "I thought you were ok with me spending time with Gavin? Rachel was just there, just to be there, I guess."

Lucinda smirked. "Just to be there? That's what you call her walking around in nothing but your t-shirt!"

"What are you talking about?" Raif drew his head back, shaking it, but like a coward, Lucinda darted into her bedroom, shutting the door behind her

"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE," she shouted.

"Lucinda!" Raif pounded on the door. "Open the door. Come out and talk to me, please?"

"GO AWAY," Lucinda shouted.

"I don't understand what's going on. Please, can we talk about this?" Raif pleaded. "Don't shut me out. Don't get inside your head. Talk to me."

Sliding her body down to the floor, she let herself sink to her knees. "Go away," she whispered to herself.

She squeezed her eyes tight and tried counting to herself as Raif's pleading continued in the background. By the time she opened her eyes again, she realized she had dozed off on the cold floor. Everything was silent and the clock on her nightstand read midnight. She pulled herself to her feet and then crept into the living room slowly, making sure Raif wasn't lingering around. When she saw no one, she walked over to the pit bull, lifted her up with a grunt and carried her back to bed with her. For the rest of the night, Lucinda felt the comfort of the dog's warm body next to her and it was enough to lull her back to sleep.

🌊🌊🌊

When Lucinda awoke in the morning, it was with an overwhelming sense of anxiety. The daylight was creeping in through her window, taunting her to open her eyes. She looked to the alarm clock which said it was five and even though she had only slept a few hours, she knew she needed to get up. Pressing her forearms into the mattress, she pushed up and then got into a kneeling position. Looking across the bed, she spotted the pitbull tucked under her blankets at the edge. She sighed, reluctant to completely get up, but scooted off the bed anyway.

The anxiety was all over her. In her limbs. In her stomach. Deep in her bones. She wasn't sure whether she needed to puke or just curl into fetal position and hold herself until the feeling went away. It didn't help that the pit bull lay in complete bliss as it stretched its legs sleepily. The dog yawned and then closed her eyes to continue snoring. Right then Lucinda decided she had to get out and not just for a jog, or for a long drive, but simply leave Breeze Bay. For how long? She didn't know, the only thing she could control at the moment were her hands as she packed a luggage and gathered the dog's belongings.

In one swoop, she and the dog were in the car by five fourty-five. She had no idea where to go, but she shifted the car into gear and pressed her foot on the gass pedal. She drove through town and onto the main highway, following the road until she could no longer see the ocean in her review mirror. The highway weaved its way through the mountains, cutting deep grooves of pavement into stacks of rock for miles. Then the road leveled out, revealing flatland of dry grass and wild flowers. The sun was behind Lucinda, rising higher into the sky, and the higher it got, the farther away she became from Breeze Bay.

By the time the sun finished setting and the moon took over to shimmer in the sky, Lucinda found herself turning onto the driveway of her home back in Redwood Village. With her luggage in hand and the pit bull by her side, she turned the key in the doorknob and opened the door to her home. The door creaked as it welcomed her into the darkness which smelled musty since fresh air had not circulated in her home for months. She swept her fingers across the furniture as she wandered from room to room and they had collected dust from not being cared for.

Then Lucinda went to her room and as she turned about, taking in the sight of her belongings, she felt overwhelmed with emotion that she couldn't even pinpoint. She was sad and angry, yet happy all at the same time to be far away from Breeze Bay. It almost felt crazy to be back in her home and feeling slightly comforted considering it was once a place where she felt lonely. A home she once left behind without a second thought.

Then Lucinda's eyes narrowed on the dish of tiny pebbles she used to collect from the bridge. They sat on her nightstand, almost twinkling under the ceiling lights.

She stomped over to them, grabbed a handful of the pebbles and thrust them across the room. Then she grabbed the dish, slamming it onto the floor and sending the remainder of the pebbles scattering in endless directions. Tears gathered in her eyes, her throat tightened and then a guttural cry escaped from deep within her. Then another sob. And another. The tears kept coming, her chest heaving with every cry. Lucinda let her legs give and she sat on the edge of her old bed, holding herself.

Not the least bit frightened by the outburst, the old dog pounced onto the bed, crawled over to her and then wedged her head under Lucinda's arm. It remained there on her lap as she cried, as if the old girl sensed that Lucinda needed the comfort. In that moment, the dog's sweet gesture was exactly what she needed. As she began stroking the dog's fur, she decided to put off her worries for the morning.

For now, she was home again. Even if it was a reluctant return.