Sami and Austin - Parts V and VI

Lucas paced around his hotel room. He had been leaving messages for Sami all day but they kept missing each other. He was worried about what was going on. When the phone finally rang, he grabbed it. "Hello".

"Well, we finally get to talk to each other", Sami said cheerfully.

"Yeah, yeah. What's going on there?"

"Relax Lucas, everything is fine."

"I'll relax when you fill me in. What have I missed. I'm so sorry I had to leave you there to handle things by yourself."

"You haven't missed much. Kate had me worried for a second the other night but it all worked out."

"What happened? I knew she was setting me up. What did she try to do?"

"Nothing. That's just it. I thought she was up to something and she wasn't. It was really weird. In a way she helped us out. She sent Austin on an overnight business trip. He left this morning and he won't be back till sometime tomorrow."

"She what? How can you be so calm about that? Carrie and Austin are probably planning some romantic getaway! Have you lost your mind?" Lucas was frantic.

Sami laughed. "Don't worry Lucas. That was what I thought but you won't believe what happened."

Lucas was ready to scream. "Sami, if you don't tell me everything, and I mean every detail, right this minute I'm getting the next flight home so I can wring your neck!"

Sami laughed again. Lucas was kind of cute when he was frantic like this. "Ok. Kate called last night and asked Austin to go on a business trip. Carrie had come over to visit me and she was standing right here listening. I panicked at first too because I thought Kate was trying to help Austin and Carrie get away together. But Austin told her he couldn't go because Wendy was out of town and there wouldn't be anyone to help me with Will. Then Carrie started to tell Austin that it must be important for Kate to ask him to go. I was thinking fast at that point trying to find a way to keep Austin from going but I didn't need to. He kept saying he couldn't go. Then Carrie said that SHE would stay with me and Will so he could go. So I know that Kate wasn't up to anything and there's no way that Carrie is meeting Austin because she'll be here with me."

Lucas let out a long sigh. He hadn't realized he had been holding his breath. He was relieved. "You had me worried for a second. Wait a minute, where's Carrie at right now?"

"Well, she said she had some errands to do so she took Will a little while ago so I could have some time to myself. Before you freak out again, the PI is following her. She's been at Salem Place most of the morning shopping."

"Ok. So how did Carrie and Austin act around each other?"

"Austin was real upset when Carrie showed up. She told him she couldn't stop coming to see me because it might make me suspicious because we've been so close. It looked like they didn't want to be around each other. I think Carrie is upset with Austin for breaking up with her. I don't think she can forgive him this time."

"Well, she won't. Not if we have anything to say about it. It sounds like you've got everything under control. I'll be home in a couple of days. We'll plan our next move then."

"Yeah, at some point I have to let Austin know my memory has returned. I don't want him staying with me just because he feels guilty."

"Sami, you have to be careful about that. Once Austin realizes you have returned to your old self..."

"Lucas, I am not stupid. I said let him know my memory has returned. When I'm finished Austin will see how remorseful I am. He will realize that I have changed and I'm not like that anymore."

"Well, you still have to be careful. How are you going to convince Austin that you're not manipulative any more?"

"Why Lucas, I'm surprised at you! I had a major life changing experience. I almost died and lost my memory and the use of my legs. Of course I've changed. It was my deceptive nature that led to my accident in the first place."

"Ok, I'm convinced. But do it slowly. If you recover your memory all at once it will look suspicious."

"I know. I already have the first phase planned out. I'm going to have a "memory flash" tonight. I figure it will be less suspicious if I have memories return while Carrie is here too."

"Sounds good. Look, I've got an early meeting. I'll be home in a couple of days. Talk to you later."

Sami smiled as she hung up the phone. Everything was going perfectly. When she made Austin realize that she was a changed person it wouldn't be long before he fell in love with her.

Carrie had wandered around Salem Place for hours. She had bought things she needed and things she didn't need. She had even bought things for Will and now they were eating lunch. Finally, she called Kate's office and asked her secretary to put her through to Kate.

"Kate Roberts"

"Kate, it's Carrie. I'm bored out of my mind. I've shopped for hours. How long do you think I should stay away from the apartment?"

"I'd wait a little while longer. Why don't you go visit your grandparents? I bet they would love to spend some time with Will."

"Yeah, it might be just the thing to cheer them up. They're really upset about Marlena. I really wish she was here now. If you're right about Sami then Sami's gonna need her."

"I'm so sorry Carrie. You're going through so much right now. How is the search going? Has John gotten any leads on Marlena's whereabouts?"

Carrie couldn't tell Kate what John had found out. John needed time to find more evidence. It was starting to look like Kristin had something to do with her kidnapping. "He has gotten a few leads but nothing positive yet. I haven't said anything about it to Sami though. She really misses mom. She really handled the whole affair situation better this time. I hope that she'll have a better relationship with Marlena now."

"Well, she might. It would be nice if Sami came out this with some good changes. Listen, you go over to your grandparents. Give Sami some more time alone. We can't catch her if you're there, she'll just keep pretending to have amnesia."

"Ok. I'll talk to you later."

Carrie was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't notice Mike until they literally ran into each other. "Oh, Carrie. I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It was my fault. I wasn't paying attention."

"Where are you headed?"

"I'm taking Will over to the pub to visit grandma and grandpa. I'm staying with Sami tonight because Austin had to go on a business trip. I thought I'd give her some time to herself so I took Will for a while."

"Wow, that's gotta be rough no you. Why did Austin ask you to do it? He knows how tense you've been about Sami."

"He didn't ask me. I volunteered. I do love Sami and we used to be close. I'm really hoping we can remain close when her memory returns. Sami had a lot of hostility towards me. I'm hoping we can get past that."

"Well, I hope you're right. A lot of times patients like Sami come out of these situations a changed person. Severe trauma has a way of making you look at your life choices."

"That's good to hear. I've got to get going. I won't be able to go jogging with you tomorrow. I don't know what time Austin will get back."

"No problem. We'll do an extra mile the next day. I'm headed for the hospital. I'll see you later." Mike watched Carrie as she walked away. He kept thinking about how lucky Austin was even he didn't realize it. If Carrie loved him the way she loved Austin... He stopped himself from finishing that thought. Carrie loves Austin, he told himself. Why couldn't he stop thinking about her? He went to the hospital. He had been working a lot more than usual lately. It helped him keep his mind off Carrie.

Kate was tempted to go visit Sami. That would be a sure way to get her to hang herself. But it was too risky. Sami could reveal her secret. Or worse, realize what she was up to and reveal her secret to her children. They would hate her if they found out. No, Sami could never find out that Kate had brought her down. She had to make it look like she was trying to help Sami. It was the only way to keep her secret safe. She couldn't let her children find out.

Carrie stayed at the pub for a couple of hours before she headed back to Sami's. She hoped that she had been gone long enough for Kate's plan to work. Sami was cooking when she arrived. "Sami, you didn't have to do that. I would have made dinner."

"That's ok Carrie. I want to do as much for myself as possible. Did Austin tell you I can take some steps now? I'll be out of this chair in no time."

"That's great! I'm so glad you're getting better. At least let me help you with dinner."

"Ok". Sami hated to admit it but she was enjoying spending time with Carrie. Now that she was sure it was over between Carrie and Austin she was enjoying having a relationship with her sister again. Carrie was feeling the same way. They were having a good time and it was just like when they were younger. Carrie hadn't realized how much she had missed her sister.

"I wish mom were here. That would make this evening perfect", Sami said. She meant it too. That was another good thing that had happened because of the accident. She had been able to forgive her mother and John. It felt good to be able to talk to her mom.

"I know what you mean. Marlena would love this. I'm so glad you were able to forgive her about the affair with John. You know they really do love each other."

"What do you mean?", Sami had to play dumb. She didn't want Carrie to suspect anything. She had to make her "memory flash" look real. "If mom and John are in love then why is he with Kristin?"

"Well, it's a long story. Basically, Kristin tricked Marlena into telling John it was better they were friends."

"Kristin? Why? How?"

Carrie told Sami what she knew about the situation. She told her about Kristin's lies, the letter, and Kristin using her pregnancy to keep Marlena silent. Sami was stunned. Carrie had just shown her how to convince everyone that she had changed. She knew exactly how to handle revealing her "returning memories".

Kate returned from her meeting feeling triumphant. She had Sami now. She just needed a little more evidence before she could blow Sami out of the water. And the best part was that Sami would never know that she had been the one to do it. She would think that Kate was helping her because of the secret. It was perfect. Lucas would be home soon, she hoped he didn't find out either. She had to find a way to help him move on with his life and get over his obsession with Carrie. Helping him with his career was a start. Right now she had to concentrate on the situation with Sami. It was almost over and Sami was going to lose.

Sami was in an awful good mood, Lucas thought to himself. He had gotten a message to call her after his last meeting. "Ok Sami, what's going on? Why are you so happy?"

"Well, I took the first step in "recovering" my memory last night. I told Carrie that I remembered the rape and most of the events that followed and how angry I was with her."

"Wow! I knew you were going to reveal your memory was back but that is unbelievable. Why did you pick that memory to reveal first?"

"Because that was when my problems with Carrie started. I mean, I know now that she didn't hurt me intentionally but at the time I felt betrayed. If it wasn't for her being in love with Austin I would have told her I forgave her a long time ago. Besides, it was a perfect "bonding" moment between me and Carrie. She was so sweet and understanding. It was kind of like when we were younger. She bought the whole story and believes I have changed."

"Sami, you haven't changed a bit. I don't see how you're going to convince anyone you have. What you did to Carrie last night just proves it. The rape was hard on her too. You know that Alan was after her and that's why he raped you. Carrie has always felt guilty about that."

"That's why I chose to reveal that memory first. It was a way to let Carrie know that I'm not angry about that anymore. Besides, I have changed. That's why I'm doing this. I don't want to lie to Austin anymore. Lying is what caused me to end up in this wheelchair in the first place. Austin would have believed me about the car if he trusted me. Once I have "recovered" my entire memory and proven to Austin that I have changed, I am never going to lie to him again."

"You mean, you'll never get caught again. You'll lie if something threatens your relationship with Austin."

"Lucas, there is nothing to threaten my relationship with Austin now that he's ended it with Carrie for good."

"Sami, don't you realize what could happen? Austin could see this as a sign of hope for him and Carrie. Once you've recovered your memory he can get the annullment and marry Carrie."

"I thought of that. I'm not going to get my memory back all at once. Just a little at a time. I'm being careful not to "remember" that Carrie and Austin were a couple. I only "remembered" that he was there for me after the rape and tried to protect me."

"Ok, but he could still see it as a sign that there's hope for him and Carrie."

"Well, I'm hoping that his guilt over the accident and mine and Carrie's improved relationship will hold that off for a while. Besided, I have nothing to worry about as long as I'm in this wheelchair. He's too afraid of being like Curtis to leave me until I'm completely recovered."

"That's only a temporary solution. We'll have to put our heads together when I get back tomorrow. We have to keep Austin thinking that Carrie is moving on with her life, with Mike."

"Of course, I knew you'd understand what needed to be done. I'll see you tomorrow."

Lucas smiled as he hung up the phone. Sami's plan was risky but it just might work. As long as they kept Austin and Carrie apart. Poor Mike, he was falling for Carrie but he didn't have a chance. Lucas knew he could win her away from Mike with no problems. Things were going to be great. His career was taking off, thanks to his mom, and Carrie would soon be his.

Kate was thrilled to see that Carrie had brought Will with her. She and Victor spent some time with him and then Kate took him to the nursery to play with Phillip. While she was gone Carrie visited with Victor.

"I'm so glad you're doing so well Victor. Kate is so happy."

Victor just smiled and nodded. He wrote on his pad, "Kate told me about your plan. I'm going to help."

"Oh, I wasn't sure if she would tell you or not. Are you sure you're up to it?"

"Yes, he is", Kate said as she walked into the room. "Victor had a wonderful idea last night. But before I tell you I need to explain something. Carrie, I wasn't completely truthful with you. Sami can't know that I'm involved in exposing her."

Carrie was confused. "Why?"

Kate handed Carrie the folder and explained why she had been so nice to Sami since Thanksgiving. Carrie was surprised. She hadn't understood Kate's change of behavior then, but she did now. "Kate, why didn't you just tell us?"

"I'm not sure how Austin and Billie will react to that information. I know I should tell them and I will but I need time to figure out how. And I'm afraid of Lucas' reaction. We've had a strained relationship and I'm just beginning to repair it. So, I'm asking you not to tell anyone about this and to help me prevent Sami from finding out about my involvement in the plan."

"Alright, Kate. But, you have to tell them eventually. I won't keep this secret forever. I'll give you time to figure out how to do it but you have to tell them about this."

"Ok. Then we're agreed. Now, Victor's idea is for Sami to think that he engineered this plan. She made the mistake of revealing to him that she knew my secret. She did it while he was confined to his bed, unable to move or speak. She was gloating over her hold on me. It was a huge mistake on her part because she underestimated Victor. She assumed that he probably didn't understand her or wouldn't remember, but he did."

"I knew Sami could be cruel but this..."

"Well, I'm afraid there's more", Kate went to her desk and pulled out an envelope. "I received this from the PI I hired. Our plan is working. Sami is exposing herself. Even as we speak, we're gathering more evidence against her", she opened the envelope and gave its contents to Carrie. There were several typed pages and a tape. "You don't need to listen to the tape. I had it transcribed."

Carrie read the transcription of Sami's telephone conversation with Lucas. By the time she was finished she was crying. "I almost fell for it again! Oh, Kate, you should have heard her last night. She was so convincing. Remembering the rape and...", Carrie choked on the words, "asking me to forgive her for treating me so badly."

Kate hugged Carrie. "So, that's what she's up to. She wants everyone to think she has changed because of the accident. She knows she can't fake the amnesia forever and she thinks that Austin will fall in love with her if she's changed."

"When I planted the bugs in her apartment and on her phone part of me was hoping you were wrong Kate. The other part of me wanted you to be right so Austin and I could be together but I was hoping that she really had changed. I can't believe how evil she has become. I thought she was bad before but..."

"That's why we have to stop her. We have to use her own words against her. We just have to decide how to reveal this to Austin."

Carrie sighed, "Austin will be devastated. He felt so guilty about the accident and she is using his guilt to hold on to him. We have to expose her soon."

"You're right. She's moving forward faster than I thought she would. I've got it. We'll have a dinner party here."

"Just like before?"

"Just like before. I want everyone here so Sami can't wiggle her way out of this."

"Ok, but what's the reason for the party?"

Victor spoke up. "Me."

Kate looked at him and knew what he was thinking. "Of course, Victor can send the invitations and we don't know why. That's what you have in mind, isn't it darling?"

"Yes", Victor handed Kate a note he had been writing while she and Carrie were talking. "Sami has to think this is my plan, my idea. I will be the one to expose her. But I'll give her the opportunity to tell the truth first. You just get me a few minutes alone with her and she'll know it's all over."

Carrie was confused. "How would you get Sami to tell the truth? She's come so far in her lies and she thinks she's won."

Victor wrote something on his pad and handed it to Kate. As she read it tears formed in her eyes but she was smiling. Carrie took the pad and looked at it. On it was writted a single word.

"Blackmail"

"Victor, I know you're angry with Sami for blackmailing me but we can just expose her. We don't have to go that route."

"Victor's right, Kate. Sami deserves it. I want to see if she'll tell the truth on her own."

"Alright. I wish we could do this right away but I want to get some more evidence on Sami first. There can't be any cracks for her to slip through."

With the plan settled they sat down to discuss the details. They didn't want Sami finding a way out of their trap. They planned the dinner and made up a guest list. They invited Shawn and Carolyn, John and Kristin, Marlena (just in case John found her), Lucas, Carrie, and Mike. Carrie was to tell Mike what was going on and bring him so Sami and Lucas would think their plan was working. Kate hated to do this to Lucas again but he was helping Sami. She hadn't known about his involvement the first time but this time was different. He had to know he couldn't get away with this kind of behavior. They left the date of the dinner open. Kate would fill that in when she felt there was enough evidence to use on Sami. Carrie helped them for a while but soon she had to take Will home. Austin would be home soon.

Austin was on the plane returning to Salem. He hated to admit it but he had enjoyed being away from Sami. He had missed Will but it had been a relief to spend time away from Sami. He wished Carrie could have gone with him but he knew they would never be together again. She hadn't said anything to him about the night he ended it yet. He hoped she would accept it but he had a feeling she would put up a fight. He had to stay strong and stick to his word. He couldn't hurt her anymore. She deserved better than that. She deserved to be able to live her life and not put it on hold for him.

"This is your captain speaking. We will be landing in 5 minutes. Please put your seatbacks and trays in the upright position."

Austin prepared for the landing with a heavy heart. He would be home soon. It was time to return to the real world and Sami. He was looking forward to seeing his son but he was trying not to think about Sami. He had finally figured out how to avoid making love with her. Kate's research had paid off. She had given him the leads to find the information he needed. He could avoid it without hurting Sami's feelings now. He just needed to talk to Mike first to get what he needed. He knew he was probably going to be stuck with Sami forever but he could never love her. His heart would always belong to Carrie.

Sami was preparing for Austin's homecoming. She didn't think anything would happen but she had gotten the go ahead from her doctor today. She had made enough progress physically to be able to make love with Austin. He didn't have to worry about hurting her. She knew that he didn't love her yet but she had to act as she would have if she had amnesia. A few weeks ago she wouldn't have thought twice about asking him to make love because she didn't know about him and Carrie. She had to keep acting like she didn't know. In a way this was a test. She wondered how committed he was to staying with her. She could still hear the words he had said the night he ended it with Carrie. She was his punishment. How far was he willing to go to help her recover her memory? Carrie would be back soon. She wasn't going to say anything to Carrie about this. She had decided to try and get along with her sister now that she wasn't a threat anymore. She wasn't going to rub it in about her and Austin. She had made all the preparations for a romantic evening. Austin's favorite dinner served by candlelight, soft lighting in the bedroom, and as soon as Will was asleep she would make her move. She didn't want to get her hopes up but she was already looking forward to having Austin's arms around her again. And this time he wouldn't be drugged. She smiled as she finished getting ready. Her husband would be home soon.

Carrie dropped Will off at Sami's and went back to her apartment. She promised Sami she would be back later to help her tell Austin about her memory last night but she couldn't stay there right now. She was too upset over what she had learned from Kate. If she stayed at Sami's she would reveal their plan. She wasn't as good at lying as Sami was. She needed some time to calm down and prepare herself. She would go back to Sami's when Austin got home and help her tell him about the memory as quickly as she could. She hated lying to Austin but she knew that he wouldn't leave Sami unless they proved beyond a doubt that she was faking. She took a long hot bath to help her relax. Then she called Mike and made a lunchdate with him for the next day. She was going to tell him everything about Kate's plan so he could help her. She was surprised to find out that Austin was there. "I thought Austin would come home as soon as he got back. What's he doing there?"

"I can't tell you that Carrie. That would be breaking patient-doctor confidentiality. I can meet you for lunch tomorrow though. I have a light schedule."

"Great. I have something very important to tell you", Carrie frowned as she hung up the phone. Austin had asked Mike to be his doctor. Was something wrong with him? She had to catch him before he got to the apartment to find out.

Austin thought Carrie had decided to move on with Mike. He was jealous but he reminded himself that he had no right to feel that way. He waited as patiently as he could until Mike got off the phone with Carrie. "So, Mike, do you think you can help me out?"

"I have to admit Austin, this is a strange request but I understand your situation. You have come up with a creative way to avoid being with Sami."

"It's the only way to avoid it without her getting suspicious. I don't love Sami and I can't make love with her. Right now I can use her physical disabilities but she's made so much progress that it won't be long before she'll be able to make love. I want to be ready for that."

"Ok, I'll help you. I can't give you any official documents but I can back you up if Sami asks me. I can justify that because of your situation and her amnesia. But there will be no paperwork or official diagnosis."

"I think your word will be good enough for Sami. She'll understand when her memory returns. I think she's really changed."

"Well, I hope your right. Now, I've got other patients to see. Have we covered everything?"

"Yes. Everything you need to know is in those papers I gave you. Thank you so much Mike."

"No problem. I'll do whatever I can to help. See you later."

Carrie met Austin as he was leaving the hospital. She had rushed over here to catch him. "Austin, why did you need to see Mike? Are you alright? Are you sick?"

"I'm fine. I'm not sick", just seeing Carrie took his breath away.

"Well, then what were you doing? Mike said you were his patient."

"In a way I am", Austin explained his plan to Carrie. After all, she had been the one to alert him to this particular problem. If it hadn't been for her he wouldn't have thought about it until it was too late.

"That's amazing! Mike agreed to help you?"

"Yes. He can't give me anything official but he can tell Sami if she asks him about it."

"That's great. Austin, about the other night..."

"Carrie, I'm not going to change my mind. I have to let you go on with your life."

"No, you don't. But I'm not going to argue with you. You'll change your mind on your own. We belong together, you'll see", Carrie walked away and left Austin to think about what she'd said.