In the Rain
by Theresa Gallo

---

BRRIINNGGG!

"Buchanan," Kevin answered his phone. "WHAT!?" Cassie turned curiously. Kevin's face grew concerned and he shouted rapidly into the phone. "What happened? Where are you?" Cassie began to worry as she watched Kevin close his eyes in what looked like pain. "I'll be right there!" Kevin hung up the phone and grabbed his coat. He started to run out.

"Kevin? Kevin, where are you going?!" Cassie called to his retreating back. But Kevin couldn't hear anything but the nervous beating of his heart. Cassie hesitated only for a second before grabbing her coat and racing after him. There could be a major story breaking, she couldn't miss that! But when she got outside, all that remained were the screech marks that Kevin's tires had made as he'd sped away. Cassie jumped into her car.

"Kevin!" Cassie yelled as she ran through the airport. She had just found Kevin ready to board a plane after the practically impossible task of following him. "Kevin, wait!" Kevin stopped abruptly and whirled around. Cassie looked at him then glanced up at the sign. He was going to Texas.

Cassie approached him slowly. She was startled by the tears that glistened in his eyes and stopped. Kevin looked at her sadly, then glanced toward the plane outside. "What's wrong?" Her eyes widened as a horrible thought entered her mind. "Did something happen to Duke?" Kevin nodded and Cassie's hand flew to her throat. "Oh my God, what happened? Is he OK?"

"I don't have time to explain. I have to get on that plane." Kevin paused. "Every second counts." They remained silent, staring at each other.

Cassie took a deep breath. "When do you think you'll be coming back?" As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted how selfish she sounded. She knew he had to be with Duke, but she couldn't bear to be away from him.

"I don't know if I can come back at all."

Cassie stopped breathing for a second. She couldn't hold back the sob that escaped her when she finally exhaled. The tears fell freely from both of them now. Cassie and Kevin gazed at each other, both full of sadness. Then they ran across the gap that separated them. They fell into each other's arms, Cassie held him tightly, feeling like she would fall if she let go...Kevin kissed her cheek, her hair...their tears mingled together as Kevin pressed his cheek against hers to whisper in her ear.

"I have to go," he told her, his voice breaking.

Cassie sighed. "I know." She knew he had to be with Duke, but it was so hard to let him go, thinking it might be the last time she'd ever touch him. Now Kevin sighed as he gently took her arms away.

"Goodbye Cassie." He turned and walked down to the plane. Cassie stood and watched, wanting to see him as long as she could. Then Kevin stopped. Cassie held her breath as he turned. Even though she knew he had to be with Duke, part of her couldn't help wishing that Kevin would run back and hold her again, kiss her again....

But he didn't. He only gazed longingly at her from across the distance between them. Kevin didn't know if he'd ever see her again, he had to look at her beautiful face just once more. Then he took a deep breath and boarded the plane.

Cassie felt like falling on her knees and crying. She walked unsteadily to a seat and collapsed. Then it finally registered. Kevin was gone. And she'd never told him exactly how much he meant to her. The feelings that had built up inside of her needed to come out or she'd explode. And there was only one person to tell right now.

"God," she sobbed. "I know that I am the last person in the world that you should do anything for. I'm being incredibly selfish, I've lied to my husband, I'm in..." She paused and looked up. "Just please let Duke be OK. I know that Kevin has to be with his son right now, but I can't help this empty feeling I have when he's not with me. I want to be with him so badly, it's like I don't even care what happens to the rest of the world. We're the only people that exist. Andrew and I never had the connection that I feel with Kevin." She poured her heart out in whispers to God, knowing she'd probably never get to say any of this again. Cassie felt so relieved that her feelings were finally being let out. "Ya know, sometimes I can't help dreaming about Kevin just picking me up off the ground and whisking me away from everything else in this life." Cassie smiled at the thought. "I don't know how this happened. I mean, one minute I was covinced that Kevin Buchanan was my worst enemy, my biggest competition...and the next minute, I'm sure that he's supposed to be my soulmate. And I don't even believe in that stuff." Cassie ran her fingers nervously through her hair. "And now I'm not sure of anything except that I can't fight this anymore. But now it's too late to tell Kevin that I'm in love with him." She lowered her head and let the tears fall to the floor.

"Cassie."

Cassie lifted her face abruptly. Then in a strangled whisper, "Andrew."

Andrew stood over Cassie, his eyes fiery, a look of betrayal....

"Did you just...," Andrew couldn't even choke out the rest of the words. He didn't exhale for a long moment. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

"Andrew, I am so sorry," Cassie sobbed. "Please let me explain. I didn't --"

"I think," he cut her off, "that you've said enough." He sat down, his eyes now glassy. Cassie felt as though Andrew was looking right through her. She shivered. She reached out to touch his shoulder. "Please," he said in a low voice. "Don't touch me."

(Background music--words may not be exactly right!)

"What did you think I would do at this moment
As you stand before me, tears in your eyes
You found you another, and you just don't love me no more."

"Andrew, I didn't mean for this to happen," Cassie cried. "Kevin and I just started getting closer and... Andrew, I tried so hard to make our marriage work. I tried so hard to fight what I felt for Kevin, hoping it would just go away. But it didn't. It only got stronger."

"What did you think I would say at this moment
When faced with the knowledge that you don't love me no more
Did you think I would curse you, or say things to hurt you?
Come on, you know me better than that..."

Andrew tried in vain to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. "I should've seen it coming, but I didn't want to. I just closed my eyes and let it happen because I didn't want to see what was going on. Because I love you so much." He wiped his eyes, and Cassie took a deep breath. An announcement came over the sound system and Andrew stood up.

"This marriage is over."

"And you just don't love me no more."
With one last sorrowful look at his wife, Andrew walked away.

Cassie slept at the rectory, since Andrew was gone on business and wouldn't be back until the next afternoon. She needed to spend more time with River. She was sure that Andrew was going to fight for custody. The thought made her tremble. The next day, Cassie called in sick and stayed with River. She needed to tell him.

"River, Mommy needs to talk to you about something." River took a bite of his grilled cheese sandwich, an innocent smile on his face.

"What is it?" Noticing the serious look on Cassie's face, he asked, "Haven't I been good?" River looked at her with wide eyes.

"Oh, honey," Cassie smoothed his hair, "You are my little angel. And you always will be. OK?" She paused, a lump starting to rise up in her throat. "No, you didn't do anything wrong, River. But Mommy...Mommy is going away."

"Are we going to Disneyland?" River asked, getting excited.

Cassie smiled through her tears. "No, sweetie. I'm the only one going away and I'm not going to Disneyland." She paused and took a deep breath. "River, Daddy and I aren't going to live together anymore."

River looked down at his plate. A tear fell to the table and Cassie's heart broke. She'd known that he'd be sad, but she hadn't known exactly how much it would tear her apart inside to see him cry. The last thing in the world she wanted to do was hurt her beautiful child. Then River, his head still down, asked, "Why?"

Cassie lifted his face and gently brushed away the tears. "River," she started, not sure exactly what to say.

"Did I do something, Mommy? Wasn't I good enough? I was a good boy, wasn't I?"

Cassie exhaled a breath she hadn't even been aware she was holding. "River, you did absolutely nothing wrong, OK? This isn't your fault in any way. Sometimes people just decide that they can't live together anymore. If two people have problems, it's better if they're apart. It doesn't mean that they don't love each other or their precious children anymore. Do you understand?"

"NO! I don't want you to go away, Mommy!"

Cassie's tears came quickly and freely as she cradled her child in her arms. "Honey, I am going to do my very best to be able to stay with you. But I will never keep you from seeing your father, OK?" River sobbed and Cassie held him close to her, unable to let him go.

Later, Cassie was packing upstairs. She'd called Dorian and was staying with her until she could find her own apartment. Cassie placed each item into the suitcase carefully, as though they were so fragile, they would fall apart any minute. Then she picked up this morning's Banner. She stared at the paper, thinking about Kevin. She had no idea how long it would be until his byline appeared again, or IF it would appear again....The words became blurry as she glared at the newspaper, and she cried.

When Cassie was finished packing, she descended the stairs. The doorbell rang. "The babysitter," Cassie muttered to herself as she rushed to the door. She would say one last goodbye to River, and then leave before Andrew came home. She didn't want to face him.

Cassie opened the door and stood like a deer caught in headlights.

"Andrew," she said, surprised.

"Who were you expecting? Kevin? Mr. Love of your Life? Sorry I disappointed you, Cass!" Andrew spoke through gritted teeth, his voice full of venom.MO< "Andrew, please. Does it have to be like this?"

"Gee, Cassie, I don't know. Maybe I should be a little nicer. Hell, why don't I go over and shake Kevin's hand, try to be his friend. Just act a little more like the fool you seem to think I am. After all, I closed my eyes to everything else before. Why shouldn't I act like a jerk and forget it all now?" His words were caustic and they frightened her. "You're the one who made it like this, Cassie. And I can't forget anything. Now, can I get into my house?" He glared at her.

Cassie moved aside, shocked at the tone his voice had taken. "Andrew," she pleaded as he sat down on the couch, "I do love you. You have to know that." Andrew was silent for a long moment. Then he took a deep breath, and spoke, his voice calm.

"Cassie, don't make this harder than it already is." He spoke quietly and avoided her eyes.

(background music)
"Did you think I could hate you?
Or raise my hands to you?
Now come on, you know me too well."

Cassie walked to the door and placed her hand on the doorknob. But something made her turn back to look at her husband just once more. Andrew gazed at her, sadness and longing shining in his eyes.

"How could I hurt you?
When, darling, I love you
And you know I'd never hurt you."

"Andrew," Cassie murmured, tears coming down to stain her cheeks. "Please..forgive me. I will always love you."

"I know," he whispered, "but not the way you love him. Not as much as you love him."

"What do you think I would give at this moment?
If you'd stay, I'd subtract 20 years from my life
I'd fall down on my knees, kiss the ground that you walk on
If I could just hold you again."

Cassie stared at him for a moment, then took in a deep, ragged breath. "Goodbye, Andrew." She picked up her suitcase and walked out. Andrew put his head in his hands.

"Why are you doing this to me," he whispered to himself, his voice choked with sorrow. Then the door opened again. Andrew turned around and stood. "Cassie!" He smiled and started to walk toward her. But Cassie stopped him. The smile slowly vanished from his lips.

"Tell River I love him." And she walked out of his life again, this time forever. Andrew sank back down to the couch and cried.

"I'd fall down on my knees
Kiss the ground that you walk on
If I could just hold you.....
Again."

The next day, Cassie pulled herself together as best she could and went to the Banner office. She had tons of work to make up from the last two days. Cassie caught herself staring at Kevin's empty desk a few times, but told herself to concentrate on her work so she wouldn't miss him as much. Besides, she reminded herself, he didn't say he was never coming back. He wasn't sure how long he'd be there. For the millionth time, Cassie wished she knew what was wrong with Duke. Then maybe she'd know if Kevin was coming back. No, not if! she chided herself, When! He's coming back, but Duke needs him right now.

Cassie ended up staying after hours, finishing up some articles. She was almost done when she heard the tap of high heels as someone entered the office. Tea. Cassie rolled her eyes.

"Kevin?" Tea called. Her eyes roamed the office until they settled on Cassie at her desk. "Oh," Tea began distastefully, "Hello, Cassie."

"Tea," Cassie responded tersely, her eyes never leaving the computer screen.

"Is Kevin here? We had a standing date, I was supposed to meet him here." Tea continued to search the office as though Cassie had hidden him somewhere.

Cassie stopped typing, Tea's question reminding her once again that Kevin was gone. Her eyes began to glaze over with tears, but she blinked them back and turned to face Tea.

"Kevin's not here. He left," Cassie informed her coldly. She stood up to get some papers from another desk.

"Oh, really, well...he probably changed his mind and wants to meet at the carriage house." She stared pointedly at Cassie and then put on a fake smile. "You know, he probably doesn't want to waste time getting to the more..interesting aspects of the evening."

"Ugh, please," Cassie muttered under her breath, unable to hold it back.

"Excuse me?" Tea asked, taking a few steps toward Cassie. "What did you say?"

"You must be hearing things, Tea. I didn't say a thing." Cassie gave Tea a sickeningly sweet smile equal to the one Tea had put on before.

Tea arched one eyebrow. "Get over it, Cassie."

Cassie stopped sorting through papers and breathed loudly in frustration. "What ARE you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Tea said, narrowing her eyes.

"No, Tea, actually I don't. I have nothing to 'get over'."

"You just can't stand seeing Kevin with someone else, can you? You're just upset that you don't have him at your feet to string along anymore!"

"Oh, shut up, Tea!" Cassie raised her voice, exasperated. "You have no idea what you're talking about as usual."

"Don't I? Cassie, he doesn't love you. He's forgotten all about you."

Cassie just shook her head and sneered." Oh, I see, and you think Kevin loves you?"

Tea smiled again, this time a sly smile. "That's right, Cassie, so get OVER him!"

"You need to get over YOURSELF, Tea! Why would anyone even want to be in the same room with a heartless witch like you?!"

"Kevin doesn't seem to mind." Tea looked straight into Cassie's eyes, intent on making her suffer. "In fact, we've gone a LOT further than just being in the same room together, you know that."

"Did I say witch?" Cassie laughed as she approached Tea. "I'm sorry, I meant bitch." And Cassie slapped Tea across the face. "Get out of my face, Tea."

"You have everyone fooled with your sweet, feel-sorry-for-me act, including Kevin," Tea cried, her hand pressed against her now red cheek. "He doesn't know what you're really like."

"Tea, get out before I kick your butt out myself." Tea had no choice and scurried out. "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out," Cassie muttered.

A Month and A Half Later - Midnight

Cassie sat on the window seat in Dorian's house (is there a window seat? oh who cares!), taking a break from packing. She had found a nice apartment on the west side and was movin gin the day after tomorrow. Cassie stared out the window, watching the raindrops as they fell against the glass. A flash of lightning brightened the dim room for a second. Cassie dragged herself off the seat and turned on the radio.

"You're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore
It would be so good to see your face at my door
And it doesn't help to know
You're so far away."

Cassie looked up sadly from her suitcase and switched the radio station, hoping to find a song that didn't hit so close to home. She couldn't.

"Why didn't I say the things I needed to say?
How could I let my pain tell me to wait?
Now my world is just tumbling down
I can say it so clearly, but you're nowhere around."

Cassie sighed and looked into space, remembering....

"Maybe this is reality, and the world we left behind, maybe that's the mirage." She remembered the explosion that had gone off inside of her when Kevin had brought his soft lips down to hers...

"Do you really hate me?" They'd been in the woods. Kevin was holding her in his arms. So close.....

"And I have no passion?" he'd challenged her in the stateroom on the Orion. Their first real kiss. He'd pulled her to him, his mouth covering hers. She'd escaped from everything else in the world as they fell to the bed...

"Oh, God, you are so beautiful." Cassie's robe had slipped below her shoulders in the steamroom. Kevin had stared in admiration, always making her feel beautiful. She'd tried to cover up, but Kevin had stopped her. "Don't," he'd whispered, coming closer. She'd felt an ache deep inside and her heart had raced, as he'd moved in to kiss her....

A knock on the door interrupted her memories and she became aware of her surroundings once more. Mariah Carey played softly from the radio now. She approached the door.

"Soft, heavenly eyes gazed into me
Transcending space and time
And I was rendered still
There were no words for me to find at all
As I stood there beside myself
I could see you and no one else."

Cassie turned the knob and pulled the door open. She found herself staring into a pair of deep, green eyes. Eyes she'd almost lost herself in so many times. Eyes full of sadness and love.

"Kevin."

"Hi, Cassie," Kevin smiled forlornly.

"You're back," she breathed happily, still somewhat in shock.

"Mom told me you were here. Why aren't you at the rectory?" Kevin asked tentatively.

Cassie ignored the question. "How's Duke? Is he OK? What happened?"

"Duke's much better now. He...he got hit by a car. He was playing with his friends....the ball rolled away.." Kevin closed his eyes and swallowed, the thought sending a chill through him. "He ran out into the street. The car came out of nowhere...Lee Ann came running out from inside the house...she'd been watching out the window. It was a hit-and-run."

"Oh, God," Cassie closed her eyes, feeling the pain. She touched his shoulder and he looked up, the rain soaking his hair. She took her hand away. "How badly was he hurt?" Cassie stepped closer, the rain falling upon her now.

"He had a lot of bruises," Kevin spoke slowly, his voice cracking. "All over his arms, scratches on his face. He was..." Kevin stopped again, a lump rising in his throat. "He was in a coma for two and a half weeks. I stayed next to him every minute, thinking how scared he must've been seeing that car come at him, wondering if he could sense me beside him, if he could hear me, what was going on, when he'd wake up...."

Cassie sighed. "Kevin, I'm so sorry. It must've been horrible to sit there and watch your child struggle for his life." She could see now that his eyes were red, but the rain mixed with any tears that fell.

"As I sat there, thinking about everything, something hit me. I would die if Duke didn't make it. Especially since I was never really there for him. I found myself wondering if he knew how much I loved him, if he knew how incredibly sorry I was for not being with him..."

"I'm sure he did, Kevin. Duke could never think you didn't love him. I'm certain he knew." Cassie stepped closer again, searching Kevin's face with her eyes.

"Cass," Kevin started, taking her hand nervously in both of his. "On the plane home, I started thinking again. About how awful it would be to lose someone I love without ever telling them."

Cassie drew in a sharp breath and held it. What was he saying? Was he...

"Cassie, I don't want to lose you. Ever." Kevin gazed deeply into her eyes. "Especially without ever letting you know...without ever telling you..." He closed his hands more tightly around hers.

"What are you trying to say, Kevin?" Cassie touched his cheek with her free hand and waited, millions of feelings welling up inside of her.

"I'm saying I love you, Cassie.... I have never loved any woman as much as I love you. Not even close," he smiled. "I've loved you ever since I looked into your eyes that day in the woods, maybe even before that. But in that second I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you."

Cassie couldn't even feel the rain anymore. Every part of her was numb with an intense joy. The feelings inside of her came up in a burst as she pulled Kevin toward her. Her soulmate. Their lips came together and there were fireworks. Cassie felt herself tingle down to her very soul. She was kissing the man she loved. The man who loved her.

Cassie broke away from him reluctantly,smiling at the pleasantly surprised look on Kevin's face. "In case you didn't get that," she grinned, "I love you, too. For so long, Kevin. I can never get you out of my mind or out of my heart. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you."

Kevin caressed her face, wet from the raindrops. A thought came back to him. "Why aren't you at the rectory?" he asked softly. Cassie sighed.

"Andrew was at the airport. After you left, he saw me crying...he heard me saying that I love you." Cassie put her arms around his neck. "With all my heart."

Kevin pulled her close again,not intending to let go. The rain was letting up. They slept outside on a chair, their arms around each other. When they woke up, the rain had stopped and the sun shone brightly upon them.

~ The End ~

My name is Theresa Gallo and I'm 14 years old. I am President of the Kevin/Cassie Forbidden Love Fan Club online. I love writing K/C stories, and they are the best couple ever! I love cats, reading, writing of course, hanging out w/ friends, iceskating, basketball, and Kevin Stapleton :) And your opinion is important to me, so please tell me your thoughts on any stories I send in, everybody! Since I'm only 14, I don't have much of a bio. Um, I went to the city-wide Spelling Bee! I got 2 scholarships to H.S. (I didn't apply for the other one) and um, that's about it :)I'll close with my fave saying..Kaparina!! (Those who know me know what that means, and if you're really a K/C fan, you should, too!)