Chapter 1: 

Seven years. It had been seven years already and it still felt like yesterday as Eve Lambert looked out at the clear blue sky through the tiny window of the airplane. She heard the captain's voice over the intercom indicating that the plane would touch ground in less than twenty minutes. In less than twenty minutes she'd be there. Back in Port Charles again. Back to a life in which she'd almost forgotten until she'd received that memo a month back, the one reminder that the past wasn't as distant as she'd thought it to be. 

Eve closed her eyes remembering that clear, crisp winter morning. She'd been swamped with patients as the holiday season drew closer. Somehow the holidays always brought about depression in high quantities as the shortage of Christmas joy seemed to be ever present in the streets of Los Angeles. She could still hear the buzzing outside her office as Marie rang for her. 

''Dr. Lambert, you have a call on line two,'' Marie's voice spoke up barely audible over the sounds of the static in the broken down intercom system. 

''Thanks Marie,'' Eve replied reaching for the phone and putting on her best professional voice that she'd perfected over the years, ''Dr. Lambert here.'' 

''Eve, hey I'm glad I caught you,'' the familiar voice greeted her. 

''Kevin, hi. How are you?'' she asked a smile spread across her face thinking about how long it had been since she'd spoken to him. 

''I'm doing all right, and yourself?'' 

''Couldn't be better.'' She lied thinking about her own battle with depression as her days grew longer. 

''Liar,'' Kevin replied ever in tune with her emotions, ''Eve I can hear it in your voice that you're still not your old self.'' 

''Did you ever expect me to be again Kevin?'' she questioned seeing it was useless to fake it with him, the one person whom she'd remained in contact with after her abrupt departure from Port Charles. Changing the subject, she spoke into the line again. ''How are Lucy and the kids?'' 

''The twins are doing just fine. Why just the other day Lucy and I were taking Nathan and Katrina to kindergarten and you wouldn't believe how hard it was for us,'' Kevin began. 

''Kindergarten is a trying time.'' Eve added. 

''Especially for Lucy. I had to literally pry her away from them--tears and all,'' Kevin laughed lightly as Eve heard the sound of happiness in his voice that she'd missed over the years. ''They're truly remarkable children.'' 

''I don't doubt that as they're yours Kevin.'' Eve replied softly looking at the picture she had on her desk that Kevin had sent to her shortly after the twins were born. ''From what I've seen they both have your smile.'' 

''Yeah well I think Katrina has Lucy's fashion sense as she's already picky about her wardrobe,'' Kevin mused hearing a distance in Eve's voice. ''Eve, what is it? I mean really what's going on inside of you?'' 

''Kevin I've just been so swamped with work lately that I guess it's all starting to catch up to me with the holidays rolling around the corner. With Christmas less than a week away--'' 

''Speaking of work Eve, have you made your decision about the job offer?'' 

''Straight to the point, aren't we Collins?'' Eve asked knowing that there was more to this call than just catching up. 

''Look Eve I know that Los Angeles has been good for your practice, but we could use someone like you back on staff at GH. You wouldn't believe how hectic things can get around this time of year and with being the head of psychiatry around here, I almost feel as if I never get to see my family anymore.'' 

''So the real reason comes out. You want me back to ease your load, eh?'' 

''No Eve, it goes further than that. I think it's about time for you to come back again and reclaim your life.'' Kevin explained with a serious tone sensing her reluctance. 

''Kevin if you recall I left Port Charles to reclaim my life again, remember?'' 

''I know that you believe that Eve, but I still think there's a lot to be said,'' Kevin started as Eve recognized that psychiatrist tone in his voice. 

''Kevin I know you mean well, but my taking a staff position at GH now after all this time would only complicate things for everyone involved and at this point in my life the only person I'd be eager to see again is you.'' Eve answered flatly. 

''Then come back and see me if that's what it takes.'' 

''Kevin I can't make you my sole reason for coming back to Port Charles. What would Lucy think if she caught wind of my coming back to see you?'' 

''She'd probably go into a fit of jealousy,'' Kevin began with a hint of laughter, ''but after a few days she'd get over it and the two of you may be able to come to some kind of understanding about things.'' 

''Kevin, she was furious with me when I left after the way things ended with Scott,'' Eve reminded him thinking of how Lucy led the crusade to get her out of town. 

''Eve, it was seven years ago. A lot has changed.'' 

''Not that much Kevin. I know Lucy and something like that in her mind is unforgivable.''

''Motherhood can change a person Eve. Lucy's matured and believe me, even if she holds a grudge, I'd like to see you again. It's been too long.'' 

''Indeed it has,'' Eve sighed leaning back in her chair. 

''At least consider it. That's all I ask.'' 

''You're asking a lot Kevin.'' 

''I realize that, but you know I wouldn't be asking unless I truly needed you Eve.'' 

''I know Kevin and I'll see what I can do.'' 

''I hope you come around Eve because it would be great to have you back.'' Kevin added hopefully. 

''No promises Kevin,'' Eve reminded him. 

Now sitting on the plane, she wondered why she'd followed through and accepted the position. She knew this was a mistake, but now so close to her return in Port Charles, she knew she couldn't back down. The hospital was expecting her to check in by noon and Kevin had agreed to take her to lunch. Lunch in Port Charles......at the Grill. That ought to be interesting, she thought to herself. She closed her eyes remembering the last time she'd been at the Grille. 

''A toast,'' Scott's voice rang out gleefully, ''to my beautiful wife.'' 

''Scott,'' she began watching him rise from his chair to capture the attention of others in the room. 
''Attention everyone,'' Scott began clearing his throat, ''tonight I'd like to call your attention to this beautiful woman over here next to me, my wife Evelyn.'' 

''Scott please,'' 

''Don't be shy Eve. Get up!'' Scott urged tugging on her armand pulling her next to him. Raising his glass he turned to her. ''To my beautiful wife who's zest for life has brought life again to this old heart of mine. I know we didn't exactly have the greatest of beginnings and I know that life with me can be a bit of a rough ride at times, but I'm going to enjoy every minute of it savoring our time together because I love you Hot Tamale.'' 

''Aww......'' the crowd cooed as Scott raised his hands in the air silencing them before continuing. 
''Eve from the moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you- -something special about us and though it took me a while to get back to my senses, here we are together at last as it should be.'' 

Eve smiled at him thinking of how many times she'd heard the words in her dreams wanting Scott to say that to her so many times, and now it was a reality. She looked at his sparkling eyes for a moment before casting a glance across the room noticing Chris hovering in the corner watching her intently. 

''What is he doing here?'' she thought to herself trying to remain focused as Scott continued praising her to the rest of the room unaware of the truth behind her eyes. She felt her heart racing and panic overtake her as she met Chris' penetrating stare. He knew the truth, as did she, but now she couldn't let it get to her. Not when she finally had everything she wanted. She saw the look of desperation in Chris' eyes as she turned to her husband promising herself that she'd never lose him again, never let the past catch up to them, or keep that one night from making their marriage work. 

''Scott I....'' Eve had begun eyes filled with tears feeling speechless for once in her life as he pulled her into an embrace. She looked at Chris for a moment watching him turn away as she continued. ''I love you too.'' 

''Forever Eve.'' Scott whispered in her ear. ''That's what I give to you.'' 

''Forever,'' Eve repeated holding him close to her. 

Now sitting on the plane, she felt chills in the air and a warmth in her heart thinking about their first anniversary as husband and wife. Everything had started out so simply and easily enough after Kevin and Lucy had found their way back to one another leaving she and Scott to rediscover the love they'd had for one another. That night at the Grille, everything had seemed so perfect, so right and nothing would ever change what they had. Their love was solid, something that had overcome so many obstacles--something that would last, but like everything else in her life, it came crashing down around her at the break of the evening. 

''We're losing him!'' Ellen's voice rang clear as day. 

''No!'' Eve cried out unable to accept that answer as she worked on the child on the operating table. He was just twelve years old--one of Serena's playmates in fact and watching this child expel his last breath from his lungs as they turned off the respirators was too much for her to handle. She pulled herself out of the ER unable to think clearly as the sight of that child was too much for her. She had tried to fight the feelings inside of her, but the image stayed with her haunting her thoughts. Rushing to her office, she'd closed the door behind her hoping to rid herself of the life she'd been unable to save--of the parents of that child who'd be morning their son they'd never be able to hold again, never be able to hug again or tuck in good night. 

''Answer,'' she whispered dialing Scott's hotel room hoping he'd pick up. After four rings the service came on and she hung up feeling completely alone and shaken by the memory of that poor boy. Sinking to the floor, she fought to keep herself together unaware of the rapping at the door. 

''Eve,'' Chris spoke up seeing her sitting near her desk crouched up on the floor. He moved towards her after locking the door. ''Eve talk to me.'' 

''Chris, that boy....that poor little boy.'' 

''There was nothing more you could do Eve. You did the best you could.'' 

''But my best wasn't good enough.'' Eve cried as he sank to the floor holding her in his arms. ''That child is gone because I wasn't fast enough.'' 

''Eve, it's not your fault. I was in there and I saw everything you tried to do for him, but it was too late. The brain damage was just too extensive.'' Chris informed her seeing the tears fall from her face. 

''Where is Scott? Why hasn't he come home yet?'' Eve questioned sobbing into his chest. ''He was supposed to be leaving Boston by now. I was suppose to be with him on our cruise and not here like this....not letting that child die.'' 

''Eve shh!'' Chris whispered wiping her tears. ''Don't put this on yourself. You're not to blame. Why can't you see that?'' 

''Chris if I hadn't put in for this time and just went to the airport on Tuesday like I'd promised Scott I would, I wouldn't be here. This wouldn't be happening......'' she trailed off lost in a despair as the teardrops fell. 

''Eve, is this about the boy or about us?'' Chris asked seeing her look away. 

''Chris we shouldn't have made love again. I told you the last time that we were through, that it couldn't happen again--that I wanted to make this work with Scott. It never should've happened.'' she replied unable to meet his gaze. ''I made a commitment to Scott.'' 

''But we both know how you feel about me Eve. Even you can't deny how right it feels when your in my arms.'' Chris urged reaching out to her. He felt her freeze under his touch struggling to keep from letting her emotion show. ''Eve that boy had nothing to do with what's happening with us.'' 

''I know Chris, but maybe if I was more focused--if I'd only keep my mind on work and my marriage instead of concentrating on covering up our rendezvous, then maybe things would be different.'' she answered hastily finding any feeble excuse in her attempt to push him away. 

''Don't do this Eve. I love you and I know that you love me too. You've already proven that time and time again.'' Chris continued reaching out to her feeling her shut him out. 

''It was a mistake.'' 

''A mistake? Eve the only mistake you made was marrying Scott . I begged you not to run away after the first night we'd made love, but yet you did......'' Chris started pain in his voice.

''Chris I made a commitment to Scott. I had to follow through because I love him.'' Eve snapped back hastily. ''He and I have gone through so much to be together.'' 

''So much that you're willing to push happiness aside just to say that you've finally landed Scott Baldwin--that you finally won. Eve what you and I have is real and I love you.'' Chris insisted forcing her to meet his gaze. ''Nothing is going to change that--not a piece of paper, not Scott Baldwin, and not this willingness of yours to push what we have aside.'' 

''Chris I'm married now. We don't have a choice anymore.'' Eve cried unable to believe she'd let things go this far. ''This can never be.'' 

''Then tell me you don't love me. Tell me that everything we've shared together was nothing more than a mistake and I'll walk away Eve. I'll let you go as soon as you tell me you don't love me.'' Chris challenged watching her sobs deepen. ''Say it Eve. Tell me you don't love me.'' 

''Chris you know that I can't do that--'' 

''Why Eve?'' 

''I don't want to get into this.'' she insisted looking away. 

''Admit it Eve, you need me as much as I need you.'' Chris announced reaching out to her. ''Say it.'' 

''I do Chris. I need you.'' she admitted feeling the tears escape down her cheeks as the admission became too much for her to bear. She sobbed lightly feeling his lips meet hers again. Feeling the heat of his touch against her she melted into him knowing that this was the last place she should be as their kisses deepened. 

''Tell me Eve. Tell me how much you want me--that you need me as much as I need you.'' Chris breathed pulling her into his arms and carrying her over to the couch in the corner of her office. He moved in above her kissing her again. 

Eve opened her eyes feeling herself lost in the past as memories of making love to Chris flooded her mind. The way his skin felt pressed to hers, his lips, his warm breath and sensual touch on that night they'd had together in her office giving in to the desires that had been burning inside of them every time they were alone together--the way they'd managed to burn one another to the core every time they'd make love, the desperation and longing that overtook everything else making it seem so right every time they were together. 

That night had seemed so perfect as the night hours slipped into daybreak. The two of them had spent countless hours in her office letting the heat between them keep the fire burning long after she'd first entered to be alone. 

''I love you Eve,'' Chris breathed still holding her close to him. 

''I love you too Chris, but that doesn't change anything.'' Eve replied knowing that this couldn't last. ''We can never be.'' 

If only that had been true--if only she'd left it at that, but no, she couldn't just let him go. When Scott returned she'd tried to be the perfect wife, avoiding Chris as much as possible and spending her time making it up to Scott in her own little way, but as things grew rough between her and Scott, history began to repeat itself and she discovered that old habits would die hard, but this time--this time it wasn't as simple as before. 

''Chris this can't keep happening,'' Eve explained feeling the warmth of his body against her as they snuggled underneath the sheets together, ''It isn't fair to you or Scott for me to let this happen again.'' 

''Forget about fairness Eve. I'm not going to give you up and if this is the only way I'm going to have you then so be it. I won't lose you again.'' Chris informed her pressing a kiss to her lips as the bell rang. 

''Who could be here at this hour?'' Eve asked hearing the ringing continue. 

''I don't know, but whoever it is, I'll get rid of them.'' Chris informed her slipping out of bed and closing the door behind him. 

Eve lay back in Chris' bed looking up at the ceiling feeling a strong sense of guilt at the way things had come about with her sneaking around making up excuses to be with Chris. She hated lying to Scott, but with him being out of town lately, it made it easier on her--it was almost too easy when she'd heard the screaming. 

''Where is she Ramsey? I know she's in here somewhere!'' Scott's voice rang out interrupting her thoughts as the bedroom door burst open and Scott entered the room. 

''Scott!'' Eve gasped pulling the sheet up over her. 

''Eve,'' Scott replied feeling the word sting his throat as he stared at his wife in another man's bed. ''How could you?'' 

''Scott, I can explain,'' she began desperately. 

''Damn you Eve!'' Scott cursed turning to Chris and punching him in the face before storming out of the apartment. 

''Wait!'' Eve cried out chasing after her husband clinging to the sheet as they met in the hall. 

''How could you? Lucy told me time and time again that this was going on, but did I believe her? No, I wanted to believe that my wife wasn't cheating on me-- that our vows meant something to one another, yet here you are in his bed playing the role of his whore.'' Scott screamed at her in a rage. 

''Scott if you'd only let me explain.'' Eve started feeling the walls closing in around her. 

''Explain? Eve what I saw in there was more than anything you could say.'' Scott snapped at her his eyes full of tears as his body shook with anger. He took one last look at her as the elevator doors opened and he turned away. 

''Scott I love you,'' Eve pleaded desperately watching him. 

''You should've thought about that before you jumped into his bed Eve.'' Scott informed her, the elevator doors closing behind him signaling the end of something special--the end of life as Mrs. Scott Baldwin and the end of Port Charles as a week later she was gone leaving nothing behind her but a trail of broken hearts and bad memories as she disappeared. 
 

Eve wiped at the tears in her eyes as the flight attendant passed by checking the seat belt of a child in the row across from Eve's seat. She closed the journal in her hand that she hadn't been reading. She took in a breath not really sure what to expect after her seven year departure. Other than contact with Kevin, she'd made a clean break from it all, scraping up as much of her pride after the speedy divorce Scott slapped her with and leaving Chris without even so much as a good-bye knowing that she'd hurt him as well. 

Now thinking about this job, about this chance to pick up where she'd left off, she wasn't sure this was the right thing--if anything she was terrified more than anything else. Kevin hadn't kept her filled in on much more than his life with Lucy and the kids via her request, but now as the plane touched ground, her thoughts were consumed with Scott and Chris wondering what had become of them, what directions they'd gone into as those seven years passed by. She knew that nothing was as it had once been, but she wasn't sure of what terrified her more--the past or the future. Closing her eyes, she knew that at this point in time now that she was back in Port Charles, only time would tell....