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Date Posted: 18:29:55 03/05/01 Mon
Author: LaTwigg
Subject: REPOST: Adieu, Adios, Au Revoir Ch 6-10


CHAPTER SIX
*Almost made you love me
Almost made you cry
Almost made you happy, baby
Didn't I didn't I
You almost had me thinkin'
You were turned around
But everybody knows
Almost doesn't count
Almost heard you saying
You were finally free
What was always missing for you, baby
You'd find it in me
But you can't get to heaven
Half off the ground
Everybody knows
Almost doesn't count
I can't keep on lovin' you
One foot outside the door
I hear a funny hesitation
Of a heart that's never really sure
Can't keep on tryin'
If you're looking for more
Than all that I could give you
Than what you came here for
Gonna find me somebody
Not afraid to let go
Want a no doubt be there kind of man
You came real close
But every time you built me up
You only let me down
And everybody knows
Almost doesn't count
Maybe you'll be sorry
Maybe you'll be cold
Maybe you'll come runnin' back, baby
From the cruel cruel world
Almost convince me
You're gonna stick around
But everybody knows
Almost doesn't count
So maybe I'll be there
Maybe I'll see ya 'round
That's the way it goes
Almost doesn't count*
"Lexie, Lexie, how is she?! How is Carrie?"
"Before I tell you anything Austin I want you to take a deep breath and sit down. You won't help anyone by
hyperventalating."
"Okay, I'm sitting, now would you please tell me; I really, really need to know."
"I know you're worried Austin. Look, I'm sorry we couldn't let you in there with her but it would have been too
crowded."
"Enough with the small talk Lexie. How are Carrie and the baby."
"We did everything we could to stop the contractions but it didn't work and we had to deliver."
"And?"
"And Carrie is resting comfortably."
"The baby?"
"The baby girl weighs barely a pound; we put her directly on an incubator."
"A girl? Will she live?"
"To be absolutely blunt with you Austin it does not look good. She is very tiny and there's no telling what kind of
health problems might arise. Her chances are probably no better than 70/30."
"Oh Lord! Does Carrie know?"
"Not yet. She sensed there was something wrong and was so hysterical that we sedated her. We'll tell her when she
wakes up in a few hours."
"Can I tell her?"
"If you want to. Austin, I'm aware that this is none of my business but I feel I have to ask--"
"She's Mike's."
"You knew?"
"Yes, so did you?"
"Of course. How did you know?"
"Lex, Carrie and I hadn't been together in months, it wasn't rocket science. Carrie decided to take your advice and
not tell Mike. She figured it would hurt him too much to have to choose between his two children."
"Oh, well, I have a feeling I was wrong. I have to go talk with Craig. Word is bound to get out soon. I'll leave you
alone."
"Okay, first, could you take me to the baby?"
"Of course Austin."

"Mike? Can I come in?"
"Sure Robin, go right ahead."
"So, how's it going?"
"Why do you do this Robin?"
"Do what?"
"Ask simple questions hoping to trick me into giving you bigger answers."
"Because I'm worried about you and about Jeremy too."
And why might that be?"
"Because you're closed off. Jeremy doesn't understand why you're not thrilled to see him. If you won't open up for
you do it for him. Now, tell me the whole truth about why you came here. I know it wasn't just because you wanted
to spend quality time with our son."
"I fell in love with a married woman; we had an affair; it went public; I lost my job. I think that pretty much covers it."
"Does she have a name?"
"Carrie Reed, but you would know her as Carrie Brady."
"Little Carrie Brady?!"
"She's not so little anymore. She's quite the lady."
"Why'd you leave her?"
"LOOK ROBIN ENOUGH! I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT ANYMORE!!!!!!!"
"Sorry, I'll go. When you are ready to talk you know where to find me."

It had been three agonizing days and still there hadn't been any change. Ever since they released Carrie the day before
she had sat next to the little girl in NICU. Austin had tried to comfort her but she wanted nothing to do with him.
"I wish I could help you Carrie. It kills me to see ou like this."
"Austin? I thought I'd find you here. Who were you talking to?"
"Hi Sami. No one, just myself."
"How's Carrie?"
"I don't know; she won't let me near her."
"What are you going to do?"
"The only thing I can do."
"Are you sure Austin. Is that really what you want?"
"No, it isn't what I want but it's what Carrie needs. This is Mike's little girl Sami and whether she'll admit it or not
Mike is the only one who can help Carrie get through this. She thinks he's the only one who could possibly
understand. He's wht she's needed all a long. I was kidding myself to think that she and I could start over when he
left. Carrie will never love anyone but Mike."
"So you're really going to call him. When?"
"Right now. Will you excuse me Sami?"
"Of course." She watches him proceed down the hall. "I hope you know what you're doing Austin because all hell just
might break loose if Mike comes back. But it might help you and me though."

"Lexie, could I use your phone to make a long distance call? It's really important."
"Of course. I'll give you some privacy." She closes the door behind her."
"Okay Austin, can you really do this? Can you really call the guy who will take Carrie from you once and for all.
Forget it Austin. She's already gone. Just pick up the phone and dial. If you love her at all you can do it for her."
He takes a deep breath and slowly punches in the digits, hesitating between each one, always thinking of hanging up.
The phone rings and a part of him prays no one answers. Then someone picks up. "Hello, can I help you?"
"Could I please speak to Dr. Mike Horton?"
"This is Mike."
"Hello Mike, it's Austin from Salem. I need to talk to you..."
*song is titled Almost Doesn't Count by Brandy

CHAPTER SEVEN
*How do I get through the night without you
If I had to live without you
What kinda life would that be
Oh I need you in my arms, need you to hold
You are my world, my heart, my soul
If you ever leave
baby you would take away
everything good in my life
and tell me now
How do I live without you?
I want to know
How do I breathe without you?
If you ever go
How do I ever, ever survive
How do I, how do I, oh how do I live
Without you
There would be no sun in my sky
there would be no love in my life
there'd be no world left for me
And I, baby, I don't know what I would do
I'd be lost if I lost you
If you ever leave
baby you would take away
everything real in my life
and tell me
How do I live without you
I want to know
How do I breathe without you
If you ever go
How do I ever, ever survive
How do I, how do I, oh how do I live
Please tell me baby how do I go on
If you ever leave
baby you would take away everything
need you with me
baby don't you know that you are
everything good in my life
And tell me now
How do I live without you
I want to know
How do I breathe without you
if you ever go
how do I ever, ever survive
how do I, how do I, oh how do I live
How do I live without you?
How do I live without you, baby?
How do I live without you?*
"Austin?!" Mike had to grasp the side of his desk to steady himself. It had been months since he'd had to hear that
name. Why the h*** was he of all people calling him? "Mind if I ask why you're calling?" He struggled to keep his
voice calm. Whatever the reason, Austin needn't know how much he had caught him off guard.
"I know I'm probably the last person you wantto talk to and actually the feeling is mutual but I needed to call you."
"Out with it Austin. I don't have the time."
"You have to come back toSalem. It's Carrie."
'Oh God no,' he thought, his heart jumping out of his throat. 'Please please don't tell me something has happened to
her. I couldn't live with myself knowing I should have been there.' "What about Carrie? Is she hurt?! Please tell me
she isn't hurt."
"Carrie is fine Mike, well, physically at least but she needs you. Look, that's all I can tell you over the phone. John's
plane will meet you at the airport in a few hours. Carrie will explain everything once you get here. Don't worry,
someone will meet you in Salem."
"Can't you tell me anything else?"
"No. Just pack what you need and come. I'll talk to you when you get here. See you then Mike."
"Wait--. Darn, he hung up. Well he sure didn't tell me much but it must be important if Austin, of all people, called me.
I guess I'd better pack my bags."

When Austin hung up the realization hit him full force. Mike was coming back to Salem. The very Mike Horton whom
he had found in bed with his wife and who had played a major role in the break-up of his marriage. What was he
thinking? He still loved Carrie and his only chance at reviving their relationship was if Mike was thousands of miles
away. Yet he had told Mike to return. Maybe he really had taken one too many blows to the head like some people
suspected.
"You know why you called him Austin. You did it because you love her. It's that whole cliche about loving someone
enough to let them go. Carrie wants to be with Horton. You can't help that but if you want her to be happy this is the
only option."
"Boy, talking to yourself again, should I refer you to my mom?"
"Hi Sami. what are you doing here?"
"Lexie told me you were here. So you really did it huh?"
"Yep and no one had better EVER call me selfish again."
"When is he coming?"
"He should be here some time tomorrow."
"What'd you tell him?"
"All I had to say was that Carrie needed him."
"Are you okay with this?"
"Not really but if it will bring Carrie back I'll do it. I've come to terms with the fact that he's the one who can make her
smile."
"What about you? You deserve to smile too."
"I know and I will again someday."

It was midafternooon and the Alamain jet was rapidly approaching Salem. A little too rapidly for the liking of its lone
passenger. Truth be told, Micheal William Horton had no desire to go back to Salem just yet. He knew he wasn't
ready and he knew Salem wasn't ready either. He was not looking forward to facing his family again, vindication or no
vindication. That's what Gran had made him understand, that although Ali may have set him up for the sexual
harassment suit she had not forced him into bed with Carrie. He had done that of his own free will and it was the reall
reason he had lost his job in the first place, although Ali certainly acted as a catalyst. He'd have to face it all again soo:
the now lost legacy, the hospital, his friends, Austin (he'd have to finally thanking him for the rather significant gesture
of saving his life) and Carrie. That was the worst. He'd have to face Carrie with all the many ways he had failed her
and to top it all off he still had no idea why he was going back at all. Austin had been very cryptic about it but when it
concerned Carrie Mike had never been able to say 'no'. 'Well Austin, I hope you know what you're doig because I'd
hate to come all the way back and have Carrie turn me away.'
"Pilot, when are we going to land?"
"In about half an hour Dr. Horton."
"Great, just great," he said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Carrie watched her little daughter from beside the plastic case. She looked almost like a china doll, so small and
fragile. She could barely see her from behind the tubes and tape. Carrie wished there were more she could do than
just pray. It seemed so hugely unfair to her. After the initial shock had subsided she had wanted this baby more than
she had ever wanted anything before. This little angel was all she had left of Mike, the one true love of her life and
now she risked losing her too. She didn't know if she could take it; it would be like losing him all over again. Austin
and her family were trying to help her but she didn't want their help. She blamed them for all of this. If they had been
more understanding and accepting of her love for Mike and his love for herhe never would have left. And if Austin
had never left with Sami she would never have admitted her true feelings for Mike to herself or anyone else. Yet she
was not sorry for the affair, only sorry that it had only lasted the one night. For a single night she and Mike had
belonged only to each other and that night they created a miracle, this little life that had grown out of their love and
that had helped Carrie survive the past few months wihout Mike.
She knew she should tell him and she wanted to but her fierce pride was stoppinh her. Lexie was right, how could she
ask Mike to give up the new life he had just begun. Laura had told her how happy he was and the insecure part of
Carrie figured he and Robin were rekindling their old flame. She was afraid that she would tell him and he wouldn't
want to come back and at the same time she was afraid that he would return and find that Salem no longer had
anything to offer him. As each day wore on it got harder until she knew it was too late and she could not tell him. But
oh how she needed him! She need to feel his strong arms around her, telling her with their touch that they could get
through this together. Why hadn't she signed those d***** papers sooner! Maybethen she could have convinced him
he didn't need to leave. But it was all too late now. All she could hope for was that her baby girl would live so Carrie
could tell her what a wonderful daddy she had.

The hospital corridor had never seemed this endless to him before. Austin still refused to tell himwhy he had brought
him here. He was anxious to know why Carrie needed him. Couldn't they get there any faster?

Carrie looked up at the sound of frantic footsteps outside the door. Someone was in a hurry. Her breath caught in her
throat when she recognized Austin. But it wasn't her ex-husband who caused her to gasp; it was who he was with.
"Mike?!?!"
* song is How Do I Live
Leann Rimes

chapter eight
*Don't leave me in all this pain
Don't leave me out in the rain
Come back and bring back my smile
Come and take these tears away
I need your arms to hold me now
The nights are so unkind
Bring back those nights when I held you beside me
Un-break my heart
Say you'll love me again
Undo this hurt you caused
When you walked out the door
And walked outta my life
Un-cry these tears
I cried so many nights
Un-break my heart
My heart
Take back that sad word good-bye
Bring back the joy to my life
Don't leave me here with these tears
Come and kiss this pain away
I can't forget the day you left
Time is so unkind
And life is so cruel without you here beside me
Don't leave me in all this pain
Don't leave me out in the rain
Bring back the nights when I held you beside me
Un-break my heart
Come back and say you love me
Un-break my heart
Sweet darlin'
Without you I just can't go on
Can't go on*
"Mike?!" She couldn't believe her eyes. SHe closed them, shook her head and looked again; then she squinted. It
sure looked like Mike but how could he be back in Salem and what would he be doing at the hospital? She didn't
really want to believe it was him. How many times had she sworn she saw him and minutes later been disappointed
when it wasn't? Each moment like that was like losing him all over again. No, it wasn't him; it couldn't be. It was just
some visitor she'd imagined was him because she needed him so much but it wasn't real and she wouldn't let herself
believe that it was. Instead she focused her attention to her daughter who was fighting for her life before she had even
begun to live.

"Okay Austin, now I want an explanation and this time you're not going tell me that Carrie or anyone else will fill me
in. Since you obviously know what the deal is you'll tell me and I do mean now."
"All right, all right. I still think you should hear this from Carrie but since she most likely isn't redy to tell you I'll do it."
"hold on a second. Carrie doesn't know I'm coming?"
"She didn't want anyone to tell you."
"Then why did you?"
"If yo'd shut up long enough for me to tell you everything ould be a whole lot clearer."
"Okay, I'll stop."
"Now where do I start, well I guess the first thing you need to know is that jsut after you left Carrie found out she was
pregnant."
"What?! Um...Uh...who is...?"
"Really Mike, yo need to ask? Carrie and I hadn't been together like that i months."
"If I'm...then why..."
"She was going to tell you but you had left her and when she talked to your mom she told her that you seemed
surprisingly happy with your new life. Carrie got it into her heaqd that you didn't love her anymore and she didn't want
to disrupt you life. SHe convinced herself that you would be coming out of duty and would resent her for it."
"That's crazy."
"let me finish. For a while I agreed to raise your child with her but then I'd wake up to her clling out your name and I
realized that I was kidding myself if I thought we could still have a future. I told her how I felt about it but while we
were talking she went into labor, two months too early. Mike, your little girl is one the other side of that wall, fighting
to stay alive. I'm sorry."
"A girl...I have a girl?"
"Carrie's there too; you should talk to her."
He needn't have bothered saying it because no sooner had he begun the sentence, Mike had already walked through
the door.

"Carrie?"
She looked up and stared at him in utter disbelief. "Mike? It can't possibly be you; you're in Isreal."
"I was until Austin called me and told me you needed me."
"Oh MIke," she cried, letting him take her into his arms. "I thought I didn't want you to come but oh, I'm so glad you
did."
Mike gestured towards where their baby was lying. "Is this...?"
"Our daughter. I'm sorry I didn't tell you Mike but I thought it would hurt you; I thought you'dbe happier in Isreal."
"Carrie, I made my mom and the rest of my family believe I was happy but I've never been more miserable in my life.
I wanted to come back to you but I convinced myself that you were back with Austin."
"You're not far from the truth I'm afraid. I was so lonely and scared that I turned to him, sort of like I turned to you
when he was with Sami." It was only for the baby's sake; he knew that I could never love him as much as I love you."
Mike pulled up a chair and sat down. When he touched the glass a pained expression took over his features. "Does
she have a name?"
"No. I couldn't bring myself to name her without you and I'm afraid that she mgith not live very long. Her chances
aren't that good."
"She should still have a name," his voice was shaky. "I don't want her...my daughter to leave this worldwithout a
name. Besides, I know this little angel has a purpose on this world. After all, she already brought me back to you.
Have you given any thought to a a name?"
"Not really. I kept telling myslef that when I called you we would talk abouta name. I'd always planned on calling you
Mike; I just never got up the courage to do it."
"It's okay Princess. WHy don't we name her Alissia, sort of after Gran. I wish we could call her Ali for short but
instead we'll call her Lissie."
"That's a beautiful name Mike and how about Micchelle for a middle name? Maybe then she'll have her father's
kindness and strength of spirit."
"I was going to suggest Caroline but Michelle is fine."
"Alissia Michelle Horton, I like it."
"Horton, you're giving her my name?"
"Of course Mike. You're her father and she's very lucky to have a dad like you. Mike, I never planned on keeping her
from you I was just scared and proud. I thought you didn't love me anymore."
"Carrie, my heart would have to stop beating for me to stop loving you."
"Mike I can't tell you how much I've missed you. I never thought I'd see you look at me like that again."
"Like what?"
"With you blue eyes gazing into mine so deeply I swear you can read my soul." Instead of using words he responded
to her with a kiss they had both been waiting for for a long time. It was sweet and soft at first, then became slowly
more passionate, expressing the hunger that had been building inside both of them. Unfortunately it was interrupted by
the sound of a heart monitor flat lining. Carrie clutched onto Mike and cried. "No, please no. Mike, it's Alissia.
Medical personnel rushed into the room and Mike and Carrie were lead outside. Mike wrapped his arm around
Carrie to protect and comfort her like he often had in the past. Tears were running down his cheeks freely. "Dear
God, don'ttakeAlissia," he whispered. "Please, please don't take my daughter."

CHAPTER NINE
Marlena walked down the hospital corridor, expecting to find Carrie, keeping her constant vigil at her daughter's side.
Instead she saw Mike in Carrie's place, hunched over in a chair with his head in his hands. She couldn't tell if he was
sleeping or not. His presence there both surprised her and didn't, all at the same time. For the past several months she
had clung to the hope that this baby was Austin's although she knew the odds were against it. It wasn't because of
some dislike for Mike, on the contrary, she was imply wary of what would happen when the word got out. So far the
press had left Carrie alone because without Mike around they had bigger stories to tell but Mike's return to Salem
would have the same effect as flying another banner above the town, one that said "Mike Horton: father of Carrie
Brady's illegitimate child." It would destroy Carrie to go through all that again and Marlena did not doubt that it would
destroy Mike too, not to mention the burden this innocent child would have to bear.
She stood at the window, not sure what she should do next. Admittedly she had been less than kind to Mike prior to
his departure. At the time she hadn't believed that Carrie really loved Mike and not Austin. She had disregarded the
parallels between their situation and hers and John's. It had frightened her to think of Carrie having the same
conflicting emotions that she had felt herself once. But when Mike left Salem and Carrie behind it became all too
clear, to everyone, that her love for him was genuine and deep. Unfortunately the realization had come too late and
Marlena feared that Carrie might never forgive her.
"Well, you can't just stand there forvever. You will have to face Mike sometime and now is probably better than any
other. It would be prudent to talk to Mike for the first time alone, when Carrie isn't around." With a sigh she pushed
open the door and walked over to him. "Mike, Mike are you awake?"
"Huh? Oh, Marlena. U, now I am."
"I'd ask what you're doing here but that's pretty obvious so instead I'll ask you where Carrie is."
"oh, she's sleeping in a room down the hall. She was pretty upset last night so Lexie gave her a sedative."
"Yes, I heard there was a cirsis last night. I came to see how she was."
"Yeah, Lissie's heart stopped beating; it was pretty tense for a while."
"Lissie?"
"Yeah, we named her Alissia Michelle. We didn't want her to die without a name."
"That's a beautiful name. How are you Mike?"
"Rather tired I'll admit. That's the first time I've slept since Austin called and told me Carrie needed me. It's not every
day you fly home and find out that you have a baby girl and she may die."
"I'm sorry Mike. Austin called?"
"Strange isn't it? I should have given him more credit. He's not a bad guy and I feel bad that I hurt him."
"Is that why you left?"
"In part. I needed to figure out why I did the things I did. I needed to understand how I could have hurt my family like
I did. Before I could face Carrie again I had to be able to face myself. I'm sure you agree."
"I did, at first, but Carrie was devastated when you left. She hasn't been the same since."
"Marlena, you don't need to be nice. I know you don't think I'm good enough for her."
"On the contrary. At the time I didn't think your love was good for either one of you. And I wasn't far from the truth,
you were both hurt a great deal. But I admit I was wrong to treat you like I did. You didn't deserve my contempt. It
was in fact, rather hypocritical of me."
"It's all right Marlena. I understand where you're coming from."
"I hope everything works out for you both."
"So do IMarlena, so do I."

"You're awfully quiet Austin. Are you thinking about Carrie? Wait, I take that back, of course you are."
"I can't keep anything from you can I Sami? I care about her, I always will. I just hope everything will work out and
she can be happy."
"What do you mean you hope? Mike's back; her life should be nearly perfect."
"But what if Mike doesn't stay? How will Carrie handle losing him again?"
"You really think Mike would just leave his daughter?"
"Well, he did leave his son to come here. No matter what happens he's going to have to choose between Jeremy and
the baby."
"I never thought of that."
"I guess I'm just starting to wonder if bringinh Mike back here might have been the cruelest thing I could have done to
Carrie."
"Or the best. No matter what happens later she needs him now to help her get through this. Where are you going?"
"To see Carrie, and the baby."

"Carrie? Sorry if I woke you."
"No, I was just getting up anyway. I only slept because Mike and Lex made me. What brings you here?"
"I heard something happened with the baby last night. Is she okay?"
"For the mometn she's all right but last night reminded me that it's still touch and go and I could lose Alissia at any
moment."
"You named her Alissia. That's very pretty. How are you doing?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Because we're all worried. You've had to contend with a lot lately. Have you talked to Mike yet?"
"No Austin, I haven't seen him in months so I I decided not to say a word to him. Of course I've talkedto him."
"What I meant was, have you talked about what's going to happed after all this stuff with Alissia is over. Have you
asked him if he's going to stay in Salem?"
"No."
"Well maybe you should. Other wise youwon't know if he'll eventually got back to Isreal. That is after all his home
now."
"Mike would never leave me and Alissia."
"Carrie, he already did leave you once remember?"

CH 10
"I thought we'd gotten past this Austin. You're the one who brought Mike back. WHy did you do that if you didn't
want he and I to be together?"
"I'm not a saint Carrie. The last thing I want is for you to be with him. I want you to be happy because I care about
you. I brought him back because that was the only way you'd be happy. I'd have done anything to make you smile
again."


(continued)

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