Prologue
Kristin hurriedly ushered her sisters, while she carries her baby brother towards the attic. Her twin, Karlyn, turned to her. They looked exactly alike, except for their eyes. While she had her father's emerald ones, Karlyn have eyes as brown as their mother's.

"Why are we going to the attic?"

Ever the clueless one, Kristin sighed at her sister's innocence. Being the elder twin by four minutes, she is technically the eldest in the family. And Karlyn always acknowledged that. She sometimes acted as if she doesn't know anything and she followed her around just like the rest of their siblings. She said she doesn't like to worry about everything so she would rather let Kristin think about everything.

"It's Mom." She could only reply. She saw Leigh glanced at her, as well as Leighanne. Leighanne is only two years younger and their parents probably just blinked and out came Leigh. Then, four years passed and their sister Natalie was born and then three years after, their youngest and only brother, Nicky, was born.

Nicky cried when they reached the attic. All four of them fussed over what is going on. Leigh gave the feeding bottle and tried to feed their brother. Nicky stopped crying. "He's only hungry."

Karlyn looked at the diaper. "It's full, Kris."

Kristin kissed her brother on the forehead. "Help me change it," she said. For a ten-year-old like her, many were surprised that she already knows how to take care of her family, especially their baby brother. Little they know that she needs to grow up and learn fast because she realized that she should not expect anything from their mother. Laura Montgomery loves them but she has ambitions to be an actress. While their father was away in Washington as an army officer for the government, their mother would be busy with her travels to California for auditions and small acting stints. She would leave the children to a nanny she hires every time she's in California. Their mother always wanted to be an actress and despite having six kids, she still looked beautiful. Her body is still fit.

They were ready to change the baby's diaper but they need the wet wipes and Kristin forgot to bring it. Volunteering to go back to Natalie and Nicky's room, she quietly went down the attic. She heard their parents fighting again. It was always because of her mother's ambitions. Her father would always support his wife but he also wished that she would take care of their children. He was mostly not around because he was assigned in Washington.

"But what about me, Hardin? You've had your dream. You defied your father because of that. You turned your back from what your rich parents could offer you. And I'm still here, stuck in this big house with kids to take care of. I want to pursue my dream. Please, allow me to go there for at least six months." She heard her mother said.

Six months? That is long. She won't be here for Christmas and for Nicky's first birthday in January.

"That's too long. Our kids are still young. You're their mother. Can't you set aside your dream first?" Her father said.

"You're so unfair, Hardin. You know, if you're not so sex-starved every time you go home from Washington, we wouldn't have six kids!" Laura exclaimed. "Why don't you call your goody sister and let her take care of the kids? I won't pass the chance this time. I've got a call from my agent. I'm leaving."

Kristin sniffed when she heard that. Her parents are separating?

"I'm unfair? I'm not the one to blame for having six kids. Laura, if you choose to leave now, you'll no longer have a place to come back." Hardin threatened. Kristin felt the silence between her parents.

"Fine! I'm leaving the kids to you, too!" She heard her mother said afterwards. There were footsteps and she was about to run back to the attic to hide when her mother saw her, sitting down on the floor. "Kris?"

She glared at her mother. "I hate you, Mommy." And with that, she ran off towards her siblings, who have no idea that their family is about to change forever.



>> 1

1
Kevin glanced at the other end of the aisle to see his ex-girlfriend, Karlyn, holding hands with Paul, his fellow football player. He didn't notice the speaker on the stage announced that the graduation rites are over until the students stood up and cheered. He looked up in the sky and silently muttered a thanksgiving prayer.

He looked around and smiled as the people who knew him came up to congratulate him. A woman stood on his way and gave him a quick peck on the cheeks. It's Darlene McKay, his classmate in Physics.

"Congratulations, Kevin. See you tonight at the party?"

"I don't know if I'm coming actually, Darlene." Kevin replied. He heard from Keith that this woman likes him. He didn't take advantage though. He has other priorities to settle with and he had to deal with them now. Time is precious for him.

"Oh," Darlene's smile faded. "That's too bad, 'cause I'm looking forward to be with you tonight. Some other time, okay? Before we both leave for college."

"I don't think so," Kevin muttered. Darlene kissed her once again on the cheeks then turned to leave.

Kevin then, went straight to his family who were waiting for him.

"Hey, Kev!" Keith, his best friend, called out. Keith looked at Darlene who walked away, then back to Kevin. "She's really pretty, you know."

Kevin turned around just in time to see Keith threw something at him. He quickly caught it and realized that it was the silver necklace he gave Karlyn for their first month of being together. He saw Karlyn in a far distance with a group, probably her family. She didn't even bother to introduce him to them when they were still together. He looked back at Keith. "Where did you find this?" He asked instead of commenting on his friend's statement.

"On the grass, when you broke up. I happened to pass by the field and saw her walking off and threw the necklace aside." Keith said. Kevin drew a deep breath. "You give it to the next lucky woman, Kev. Someone for keeps, you know," Keith added.

"Thanks, man," Kevin said and briefly hugged his best friend.

"Are you sure about your plans, Kev? Your father will be very surprised to hear about it. He would rather see you going to some business or engineering school or something."

"I've already decided on this, Keith. Besides, I wanted to be a pilot." Kevin replied. Keith looked at him. "I know, but it isn't what you think." He added when he read Keith's look. "I'm not going there just because I've been dumped. That surely sounds pathetic, isn't it?"

"Whatever you say, man," Keith said. He greeted Kevin's family as soon as they reached them. Kevin's family consists of his father, Admiral Matthew Richardson of the US Navy and Dean Ann Richardson of the University of Central Florida, and his brothers, Tim and Jay.

"Where are your parents?" Matthew asked his son's best friend.

"They are over there, sir," Keith replied, pointing to his parents, who are waving at them. "And I really must be going now. Excuse me," he smiled politely. Kevin's siblings greeted him as soon as his best friend left. Matthew proudly patted his youngest son on the shoulders while Ann hugged him.

Kevin cleared his throat to catch his family's attention. Everybody looked at him. "Well, what a day!" He smiled. "This is really something I look forward to. And I would like to tell this as soon as I have the courage to tell you, Dad, Mom." He looked at everyone. He took a deep breath. "What I've been meaning to tell you is that I decided to enter the US Air Force. I enlisted myself and I am going to be on training by next week."

Everyone stared at him as if he had spoken a foreign language.



~~~



"Where is he?" Ann asked her husband. Matthew Richardson gripped his wife's hand tight as they went inside the car. He picked up Ann from the university where she used to teach as soon as he learned that their son, Kevin, has been sent to the hospital after an air accident occurred while he was on duty.

"I was told that he was sent to the hospital for examinations and for full recovery," Matthew replied, as he soothes Ann's worries. "And that he's going to be alright except that..."

"Except what?"

Matthew drew a deep breath as he looked at his wife. Ann is still beautiful, after all those years they have been together and married. Their children were all grown up, and they were still together as a family. It's something he's been proud of, an achievement as a person and as a man who deeply loves his family. And what happened to their youngest son, Kevin, was a major blow for everyone. They always looked out for each other. That's how close they are as a family. Kevin is a pilot for US Air Force and they began to worry for his safety ever since he was deployed in the war zone.

Among their children, he is the only one who entered the United States Air Force to serve the country like his father, Retired Admiral Matthew Richardson of the US Navy. Kevin was doing a special mission when his engine malfunctioned and plummeted in a wide open field near the airbase. He was reported badly injured even after he had ejected himself from the crashing plane. He fortunately survived but had to be pulled out from the troops and to be sent back home to the US.

"He's been given a temporary leave from the service because of his injury," Matthew told his wife.

"No! Kevin loves his job very much." Ann cried. "It doesn't matter to him if he's injured or not."

"Yes," Matthew hugged her. "They have to do it to give him time to heal his wounds."

"He probably knew about it already, Matt."

"Sure thing, dear. I'm afraid how hard this will be for Kevin."

"But I'm still glad he didn't lose his leg."

"Yes, he didn't." Matthew assured her. The car reached the area of the hospital where several members of the press already gathered outside and being prevented by the police from coming into the medical building. As soon as the car stopped in front of the hospital, Matthew helped his wife out of the car. They ignored the reporters who welcomed them and they were immediately ushered inside the hospital.







>> 2


























2

"What are you going to do with that?" Kristin raised an eyebrow when she saw her brother, Nick, went inside the house, bringing along a strayed kitten he must have found somewhere.

Nick stopped, looking as if he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "I'm going to give it a bath." He replied.

"Get it out of the house, Nick. You don't give a kitten a bath. They do it themselves." Leigh said when she passed by.

Nick pitifully looked at the kitten in his hand.

"Can I just keep -"

"No!" All of his sisters said at the same time. Kristin had her hands akimbo. She grabbed her bag.

"I'm expecting that I won't be seeing that kitten in this house when I get home, Nick. Dad and Natalie are allergic. And don't you have school today?" Nick could be a headache sometimes. Their youngest fifteen-year-old brother gets himself in trouble most of the time. He is a smart guy but he liked doing extracurricular activities more than academics. He likes basketball and theater more than fighting his way against mathematics and science.

"I'm going to school." Nick scratched his head and went out of the house. Kristin followed him, while her other sisters, Leighanne and Leigh have already left to go back to the university. She spotted Natalie walking out of the house as well.

"Kris. Where's Dad?"

"He only left a note. He went to the diner." She replied. "And you? Are you going to school now?" Natalie nodded. She is in her senior year. She's a consistent honor student, the most behaved among the siblings. She doesn't get into trouble unlike Nick. He, being the youngest and the only boy among the siblings, has been spoiled a lot by their father. "I can drop you there." Kristin added.

"Thanks." Natalie pulled out a paper from her binder and gave it to her. "Can you also please sign this? I forgot to ask Dad last night. It's a permission slip for our class field trip."

Kristin read the letter first. "I don't remember giving you forty bucks for this trip, Nat." She looked at her sister.

"I saved up and used some for it. I didn't go last year and for the last time, I wanted to go."

Kristin smiled as she signed. "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to give you. You could always ask me when you needed money, okay?"

"I don't want to be a burden to you. I know that you're trying to support everyone in this family because of the way Papa tries to discipline us. This is the only way I know to help. Dad won't let me take a part-time job yet at the diner until I'm done with my final exams for graduation."

Kristin was speechless. She always thought that her siblings never cared about what she does for them but here is Natalie, telling her how her frustration made her decide to do something in her own way. "Thank you, Nat."

Natalie smiled. She glanced at her watch. "I need to be in school in thirty minutes. Let's go." She walked ahead. Their Dad's old car is parked at the garage and this is what Kristin uses in going to work. She bought a car but she lent it to Leighanne and Leigh for their trips to the university. It was only a thirty-minute drive. They decided not to live in the dormitories because it costs too much. The two decided to spend the excess money that their father gave them for tuition fees to buy school books and other related stuff instead.

Kristin is grateful that her sisters understand their situation, on how their father taught them to be frugal and disciplined. They can't just live off from their father's monthly pension or the revenues they get from the diner, or even the money that their grandparents in New York were sending them monthly. Their grandparents were from an old rich family in New York, and members of the city's elite society but despite that, they were living a simple life and away from the attention that comes along for being a Montgomery. As for them, money is something they have to use wisely. Their father made sure that they know the importance of having anything they want but had to use it wisely. It was a discipline he instilled in them since they were young.

"So what's up at the restaurant?" Natalie asks when they already hit the road.

"The usual. I'm planning to experiment on a new recipe, inspired by Dad. I'm going to call it Hardin's Delight." Kristin grinned.

"Sounds cheesy," Natalie snickered, knowing their father's penchant for cheesy sandwiches.

"I know. Anyway, let me see what I can do then I'll let you know. I want something new in our menu. We're also planning to add a pastry section soon, where guests can choose their cakes and other sweet stuff for desserts." Kristin honked when the car in front of her seemed so slow.

"Good to hear that."

"What are your plans for college?"

Natalie sighed. "Well, I was thinking about an Education course."

"You're planning to be a teacher?"

"Yeah."

Kristin glanced at her sister. "Wow. You know, you've got brains for everything."

"Thank you." Natalie smiled. "By the way, I got a scholarship from the University of Central Florida. I know it's far but I hope it will be okay with Dad. Anyway, everything's free, except dorm and some stuff, of course." She glanced at her eldest sister.

"It's alright with me. I hope the same goes with Dad, too. I think I'm sure of it. He only wants what's best for us and if it makes us happy, I think there's no problem." Kristin said. "Are you sure about UCF?"

"Yes." Natalie reached out and squeezed her sister's arm. "I'm going to be fine, Kris. Thank you for always looking out for us."

Kristin smiled. Among them, Natalie is always vocal about how she appreciates the things that Kristin does for the family.

"Here we are." Kristin stopped the car in front of the school. "Bye, Nat. Thanks."

Natalie only winked and went out of the car. Kristin stayed for a while, composing herself. After a few minutes, she began to drive and went to her father's diner.

When she got there, she saw how busy the place is. She saw her father smiling as he passed the orders to the waitresses, and at the same time, he is talking with his longtime friend, George. The place is packed with people from the nearby office buildings for breakfast.

"Hi, Dad." Kristin winked and kissed her father on the cheeks. She sat on a stool by the counter, beside George.

"There's my girl. Good morning, darling." Hardin placed a steaming mug of coffee in front of his daughter. "Are they all gone?"

"I dispatched them as per your instruction," Kristin joked. "Nick found a stray cat somewhere and wanted to keep it. Everyone disagreed and Nick knew he lost it, especially when I told him that you're allergic. I know he is planning to ask you about it and charm his way to get what he wants later." The two men laughed.

Hardin shakes his head. "He might try again, Kris." He chuckled. He placed a plate of tuna sandwich in front of her. "Have something first before you go to your restaurant."

"You made this?" Kristin began to eat. She didn't have the chance to eat because Nick swept the breakfast table all by himself again. He's a growing boy all right, but very inconsiderate. His sisters were pissed off earlier except her. It always amuses her whenever she prepares breakfast. He may never say it but Nick loves every food she cooks.

"Yup. I anticipated it already. Nick and his big appetite, the pandemonium at home once Leigh finds out that she was only left with half of a hotdog and nothing more." Hardin laughed. They turned when the diner's door opened. Three tall and well-built men and a red-haired pregnant woman entered. A waitress immediately ushered them to the only vacant place in the diner.

"Hey, Kris. They were good-looking. Pick out one among them and let me see if I can introduce you," George said when she stared at the newcomers.

Hardin noticed his daughter's interest. He shakes his head at his friend's joke. "What's up, Kris? Did you know them?"

"No." Kristin replied and turned back to her coffee and sandwich. "Alright. Before we were interrupted, I'd like to tell Dad that Natalie got a scholarship in UCF. I think it's alright but what about you, Dad?"

Hardin's brow creased. "UCF? Hmmm..."

"What is she going to take?" George asks.

"Education." Kristin sipped her coffee.

"Teacher? Hmmm..." Hardin said.

"What do you mean by that, Dad?"

Hardin shrugged. "I'm just thinking. She's always a very interesting young girl. UCF is not a problem with me. Remind me to talk with her later."

"Just don't tell that I told you. Act innocent."

Hardin looked at his daughter for a moment before he shakes his head and turned to the waitress' orders. He took the order slip and relayed it to the kitchen staff.

They turned when they heard a crash nearby. One of the waitresses accidentally dropped an empty plate.

"Drinking water, please," came the request from the table of the three men and the pregnant lady. Kristin decided to help out and went to get a pitcher of water, four glasses and went towards the group's table.

"Here's the drinking water you requested," she said. The three men immediately turned to her. If she wasn't able to control herself, she might have gasped aloud.



~~~



"Here are the files," Leila told her friend, Kevin, as she, Jay, Kevin and Tim are all seated at the diner in town for a brief meeting. They were devising a plan for a business that Kevin wanted to venture. His brothers offered help and as Jay's best friend, they called her to give some tips. She's a business graduate from Wharton.

Kevin looked first at Leila, who is very much pregnant, and then went to read the feasibility studies she prepared for them.

"These are good," Kevin said. Tim agreed. Their food arrived at last and they all started to eat. The quick service in the diner is something they came for when they decided to go out for breakfast.

"How's your leg?" Jay asked Kevin.

"I'm doing fine so I stopped going to the physical therapist," Kevin replied.

"Why?" Jay asked once again. "You need it, bro."

Kevin waved his hand. "No, thanks. I could manage on my own." He said stubbornly. "When this heals, I'm reconsidering about going back to the Air Force."

Tim frowned and sighed. "So what's the point of starting up a business when you're going back there anyway?" he shakes his head.

Kevin heard that and ignored Tim. He doesn't want Kevin in the government service or be deployed in to the war zone. If Kevin would argue, they will begin another debate on the issue. He didn't want it now especially when they are in the public place.

"Here's the drinking water you requested," Kevin heard the voice and looked up. Tim and Jay did the same and they were surprised to see Karlyn working as a waitress in the diner.

"Karlyn," Kevin said. The woman looked at him and only smiled before she went off. Kevin and Tim looked at each other. Having the close age gap, Tim went with Kevin at the same high school. He knew about his brother's ex-girlfriend, Karlyn, who dumped him for another man. Worst, it was Kevin's co-player in football. They learned that all along, those two were fooling behind Kevin's back. And only before graduation, Kevin received the stab in the back when Karlyn announced that they were over. Tim saw how devastated his brother was. Kevin hit it hard on Karlyn. Jay, on the other hand, was briefly introduced to Karlyn when they were still dating then.

"Is that her?" Tim asked Kevin. The past tension was already forgotten. Jay and Leila turned to look at the waitress who served them.

Kevin shrugged. "Maybe." He looked once again at the woman and saw her looking back at him. Their gazes met for a while before the woman turned to the two old men with her.



>> 3


























3

Alyssa turned when she heard somebody arrived and saw her friend, and business partner, Kristin. She looked shocked as she only sat on a chair in their office. "Hi and good morning, too. Is there anything wrong, Kristin?"

"Huh?" Kristin looked up. She shakes her head. "No. Nothing major..."

Alyssa raised an eyebrow. "Who's that guy?"

"Why do you think I'm thinking about some guy?"

"You're not like that when you have problems with your family. You talk nonstop when it comes to them."

Kristin sighed heavily. Alyssa watched the confusion on her face and then the hesitation to speak up. She wondered what is causing her to be this confused. She has known Kristin almost her whole life. She witnessed her struggles and sacrifices for her family. She was never lucky with her love life as the guys she dated never understood her devotion in taking care of her family. Alyssa knows that only a special one will come her way and will understand and accept everything about her, the one who will take care of her and will love her. That will be the right man for Kristin.

"Promise me that you won't tell this to anyone, Alyssa." Kristin finally said after a long moment of silence.

"Alright," Alyssa said with a raised eyebrow. "I promise.

Kristin pondered for a moment. "Well, it's about this guy. He's not just some any other ordinary guy." She bit her lower lip. Her friend only silently listened as she went on. "I recognized him because he's Karlyn's ex-boyfriend. I used to like him then, when they were still together but I can't do anything because he's hers. I don't want to jeopardize my relationship with my twin by going after him."

"And?"

Kristin looked at her. "And I saw him again and he's there and my heart beats fast and I was surprised that I don't know what to do for a moment." She sighed. "God, he's still gorgeous. You should have seen him. His name is Kevin."

"I don't know what he looks like."

Kristin smiled. Alyssa was amazed by the light she saw in her friend's eyes. This is something new. It has been a long time since some guy occupied her busy life.

"So what are you going to do?" She asks Kristin.

"I don't know. I don't know where to find him, what he has become." Kristin's face went sad. "I wished there would be some divine intervention and we'll meet again."



~~~



Kristin went in the house and saw Nick cleaning up the living room. "That's odd. Why are you doing that?"

The blue-eyed teenager rolled his eyes. "I just want to."

"No, you don't just do it." Kristin shakes her head. "Anyway, do whatever you want to. I'll just make dinner."

"Natalie's already done with it, Kris."

Kristin stopped on her tracks. "Oh, ok. I'll just go upstairs and change."

Nick looked at her. He shakes his head. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"Huh?" Kristin paused. "What?"

Nick looked helplessly towards the dining area. "Can somebody help me, please?" They heard laughter. It wondered Kristin why it seemed there are people in the dining area. She went down the stairs and followed Nick.

"Surprise!"

"Oh my God! I forgot!" Kristin felt so embarassed. She actually forgot her own birthday. She was overwhelmed by her family's concern that she could not help herself but cry. "I'm sorry that I forgot..."

Hardin hugged his eldest daughter. "No, don't be sorry. It's your birthday." He was followed by her siblings. George and his family were there too, as well as the families of the staff at the diner and at the restaurant, their neighbors, some longtime friends and Alyssa, who is the one holding her birthday cake. They began singing as she comes near.

Kristin blew the candles, "Thanks everyone," she turned to Nick. "I knew there's something unusual when I saw you arranging those pillows back there!" Her brother only gave her an innocent smile and embraced her. "Oh, Nicky!" She felt blessed that she has a family who loves her.

Everyone started to indulge themselves with the food prepared and set on the long dining table. Kristin noticed that they were a combination of diner's special offers and the restaurant's special dishes. While everyone was busy, Alyssa pulled her best friend aside.

"I have a surprise for you."

"Isn't this enough already? Thank you." She hugged Alyssa.

"I bought you some pretty dress upstairs and I want you to wear it later."

"Are we going somewhere?" Kristin asks.

"We're going to a club. You need to go out and dance the night away."

Kristin smiled and hugged her again. "Thanks, Alyssa. I'm excited. I'm really looking forward to it."

Alyssa winked at Kristin's sisters. They already talked earlier about taking her out. She's been busy for some time now and they thought that taking her out tonight will be an introduction to her gift that she will be receiving tomorrow. Hardin bought her a new car and it will be delivered by tomorrow.







>> 4


























4

"So, what are we going to do about it, huh?" Kevin asked in a seductive tone as he danced with a brunette he only met at the club. His best friend, Keith, invited him to loosen up and took him to a famous club in town. Kevin left his best friend a few moments ago to dance. Probably by now, Keith was already found a woman to flirt with.

The pretty brunette turned to him. She lightly touched his crotch and smiled. "I don't think you're already allowed to embark on such an activity, Officer."

Kevin chuckled. The woman recognized him. He was aware of the publicity he had when he came home after the air accident. "Wow, it's amazing that you're watching the evening news." She actually seemed the type who doesn't. He bent down to nibble her ear. The woman chuckled as her hands roamed his fine, sculptured chest.

"It's amazing you're here." She replied and met Kevin's lips in a hot, feverish kiss. The dance music went on, but the two were dancing slow, flirting with each other. "How about a night at my apartment?"

"Not now, Miss." Keith suddenly interrupted the two. Kevin smiled when he saw his best friend. Without a word, Keith pulled him away. They left the woman in haste. "C'mon, I want you to see who's back in town." They walked through the bodies of people clung together then Keith suddenly stopped. "There. See that? Karlyn Montgomery."

"Oh. I saw her on the other day already, working as a waitress in a diner." Kevin smirked then turned to leave. But Keith held him back.

"She's alone, man."

"Keith, I moved on. I really don't care about her anymore." Kevin turned to look at Karlyn once again. The place is becoming crowded every minute. But to himself, he also wanted to walk up to her and talk to her. This is probably his chance. "Thanks, man." Kevin gave in then walked towards Karlyn. He didn't know why he couldn't resist her when he saw her again.

"Karlyn. It's nice to see you once again." Kevin started. The woman in prospect turned to him with a smile, and then it turned into surprise.

"You're the man at the diner." Karlyn said.



~~~



Kristin heard Kevin laughed. It gave her a moment to pacify her shock. Of all the people in the club, she bumped into the person she's been wanting to see again. She took a mild perusal at his appearance. He looked handsome even in a simple jeans and a shirt with collar. He must be drunk already, but she could not smell the heavy scent of the spirits in him. He actually smelled damn nice, and sexy. She looked at those wonderful green eyes. Kevin called her Karlyn once again, her twin sister's name. He mistook her for her twin sister.

That's sad. Disappointing. Didn't he recognize that she's different from her twin? But the other question is, did Karlyn even tell him that she has a twin? It seems like she didn't.

"Really, Karlyn. You got sense of humor now." Kevin said.

"H-hi, nice to see you again." Kristin said, allowing herself in this little charade. They might not be seeing each other again anyway. "What's your name again?"

Kevin looked at her intensely, that Kristin felt herself blushed. She is really attracted to him. "Alright, I'll join you with this little game you're having. I'm Kevin Richardson, your former high school classmate and ex-boyfriend." He extended his hand to shake hers.

Kristin tried not to widen her eyes in awe. She's still overwhelmed for the fact that this man has been her twin's boyfriend. She wondered what were the things he saw in Karlyn that he liked. Anyway, there are really lots of things in which she didn't know about her sister. Karlyn ran away from home after her high school graduation. Everyone was worried until after a month when they received a call from their mother that Karlyn was with her. She was already living with their mother and had no intentions to go back to them. Kristin never saw her identical twin again. Her reflection in the mirror won't help either. Maybe Kevin will serve as help for her to know her twin, and probably might be able to see Karlyn once again.

"Who are you with at the diner on the other day?" She asked Kevin.

"My brothers and a friend." Kevin frowned. Kristin knew that her question was stupid. If she will be pretending to be Karlyn, she should not ask obvious questions that an ex-girlfriend should already know. She should be careful next time.

"How about if we get out of here?" Kevin asked in a loud voice. The party in the club is heating up. "Some place quiet so we can talk more."

"I'm not sure. I'm with a friend and my sisters," Kristin said.

"Really? I never met your family. Can I meet them?"

"No." Kristin immediately answered. "I mean, some other time. They are just going to torment us with some questions I don't want to answer."

When Kevin shrugged, Kristin sighed in relief. "Okay. Can you tell them that you will leave with me?"

"Wait." Kristin went off to find Alyssa, Leighanne and Leigh. When she found them, she immediately told them about meeting a guy she knew back in high school and asked her to go out for a walk. They were hesitant to let her go.

"I'll be back, promise. I'll just talk to him outside." She tells the three women and then, she went off. She left them wondering over what was happening. This is her chance to be with Kevin, on the night of her birthday. She's not asking too much. Only a little time with him is enough. And then she will no longer ask for a new car or something, she thought wildly.

When she gets back, she saw Kevin smiling at her. He extended his hand and took hers. "Come on," he said. He turned to a man in a near distance and nodded at him. His friend probably, Kristin thought, as she smiled at Kevin's friend. The man only nodded then turned away. She and Kevin successfully made their way out of the club and toward a Hummer. Kristin whistled impressively when she saw the large vehicle, which was the latest in its kind. She looked at the man she's with. Apart from the dim lights in the bar, she finally clearly saw the his face. That's why the Richardson name somehow rang a bell on it. She knew Kevin but not his last name and she realized that his face was similar to the one she saw last month. This is Kevin Richardson, the famous injured Air Force pilot and son of the respectable retired Gen. Matthew Richardson, a member of the armed forces just like her father. Oh my God. They have something in common.







>> 5


























5

"How are you?"

Kristin turned to Kevin. She met his look. Call her crazy but she have always loved this man. When she thought she could no longer see him, she decided to give up and move on. "I'm fine."

They ended up in a coffee shop nearby. Kristin hoped that her friend and sisters will not start looking for her. She wanted to stay and spend time with Kevin as much as she could. Perhaps tomorrow, they may not see each other again.

"And you? What have you been doing lately?" She asks him.

"I'm on a temporary leave from the Air Force. I've had an injury."

"But you're not wearing your cast, or you don't have a cane and you even drive. You're still the stubborn man I knew," Kristin shakes her head.

"I'm fine." Kevin smiled. The service crew arrived with their coffee orders. When he left, Kevin turned back to Kristin. "How about you? What do you do now?"

"I work at a restaurant." She only replied.

"Oh. Then what are you doing at the diner when I saw you there?"

"I only helped out a friend," Kristin said. Well, it was partially true. She knew the waitresses at her father's diner. "Things were in chaos that time when Jean dropped the plate and you were asking for drinking water. I decided to help."

Kevin stared at her. "Well, that's new. Actually, I didn't expect it from you. Surely, you have changed."

"I'm different." Kristin tells him. She really wanted to tell the truth now. She wondered what will be his reaction.

"Yes, you are, from the last time I saw you. Your hair is more blonde now. Your smile is different. There is something more in your eyes..." Kevin stared at her. Kristin smiled but deep inside, her heart is beating so fast. Did he already realize that she is not Karlyn?

"So you're telling me that I'm different?"

"Yes, but maybe because I haven't seen you in a long time and I'm just realizing it now that you're much beautiful than you were in high school. Tell me, Karlyn. How long have you been with Paul before you actually broke up with me?"

"Huh?" Kristin panicked. What is he talking about? She didn't know any Paul and worst, is Kevin talking about Karlyn cheating on him with Paul? Why would she do that? Kevin seemed to be an amazing guy.

"Paul, the guy you've been with when you cheated on me." She saw his jaw clenched.

"I-I'm sorry, Kevin," that's all she could say. She didn't know what happened and since he brought up the topic, she will not be surprised if the night will be over for them any minute now.

She looked up when his hand took hers. "It's the past. We're so young then. We matured now. I was thinking if we could be friends again."

Kristin bit her lower lip. "You're giving me another chance?"

Kevin gripped her hand. "Yes."

Kristin drew a deep breath. "Thank you." She shook his hand. "Friends."

"Friends." Kevin smiled. "So tell me more about what happened to you after high school."



~~~



Kristin is trying to think about where to go. After coffee, Kevin decided to take her home but she doesn't want him to take her exactly to their house. She doesn't want to complicate her charade by letting him know where she lives. Her siblings, especially Nick, might ruin her moment.

"Where?" Kevin asks again.

There is one house, she thought. "Go left on the next corner. The blue house on your left, that's my place." Kevin followed her directions. When they reached the blue house, Kevin went down to open the door for her.

"Nice Hummer, by the way," Kristin said.

"I only borrowed it from my Dad. I don't have a car," Kevin smiled. "I'll walk you to the door."

"No, it's alright. I'll be fine. They're probably sleeping already. I don't want to wake them up. Maybe next time," Kristin tells him. She looked up at him. "Thanks for the time. Hope to see you again."

Kevin looked at the house. "Are you sure? I don't want to be rude. And the lights are still on."

Kristin saw it too. "They left it on because I'm still not home." She touched his arm. "It's alright, Kevin. Don't worry. I really appreciate of you taking me home. I just don't want to disturb them."

"Alright. Goodbye," Kevin leaned down and kissed her on the cheeks. He traced her face with the back of his hand. "I'm glad we've met again." He turned away and walked back to the car. When the car was gone, Kristin started walking away. The door of the blue house opened and George came out.

"Kristin. I thought I heard someone outside." Her father's friend said.

"Hi, George. I was just taking a walk."

George looked at his watch. "At two in the morning? Did your father knows about this?"

"No. I just wanted to walk and clear my head." She replied. "Sorry to bother you, George. Bye." She continued walking.







>> 6


























6

"Whoa! That's a nice smell," Tim exclaimed as he entered the kitchen and greeted Mrs. Burns, their resident cook at the house.

"That's not from me, Tim. Kevin cooked breakfast today." Mrs. Burns told him then went to the breakfast table to continue preparing it.

"He did?" Tim couldn't believe it. He glanced at his watch. It read as seven in the morning, which is unusual for Kevin who went out last night with his best buddy. Usually, he would still be in bed, snoring.

"Yes. And he's humming some silly song." Mrs. Burns added. "That man must have had an overdose of antibiotics, Tim. Go check on him. There's a different person invading my kitchen."

Tim laughed as he walked his way towards the kitchen. Kevin is in there and he is actually singing his own version of a Michael Jackson song. "I thought you will be going home to your own pad, Tim." Kevin said before his brother could say anything. Trust Kevin with his sharp instincts, Tim thought.

"Mom was having difficulty in breathing last night and I immediately rushed here when Dad called." Tim replied. Kevin turned to him. Tim is a resident doctor in a nearby hospital.

"How is she?"

"She's doing fine. She was only exhausted and Dad panicked immediately when she told him that she couldn't breathe easily." Tim replied. Kevin drew a deep breath. "Don't worry. Mom's fine. She's far from having a heart disease. I assure you that."

"Thanks, Tim." Kevin patted his brother on the shoulders.

"Hey, I only did what I gotta do." His older brother replied and took a tray. "Let's prepare her a breakfast-on-bed meal, courtesy of Kevin. What's up with you anyway? Were you at the club with Keith last night? I thought you will be staying over at his apartment. You always does. How was it?"

Kevin placed a plate with two garlic bread and omelet for their mother. "Karlyn was at the club last night and she and I had a long talk as if we've been in good terms when we last saw each other." He replied. Tim prepared a freshly squeezed orange juice while Kevin included two pancakes on the plate.

"Really? How is she?"

"She seemed like a different person, you know, as if she doesn't know me at first and even asked what my name is." Kevin replied as he gave a whole plate of spam to Mrs. Burns to place at the breakfast table. Then, the old woman left them alone.

"That's Karlyn, full of surprises," was all Tim could say.

Kevin nodded. "She said she's now working at a restaurant. Knowing her, she wouldn't be doing those kind of things."

Tim laughed. "Don't patronize her too much, Kev. We don't know yet what happened to her after your graduation. I lost contact with her friends ever since, while you went on your way to your military school."

Kevin didn't say anything. Karlyn must have turned out to be a different person as time goes by. He knew how much his brother hated Karlyn for being a jerk to Kevin in high school. He couldn't blame Tim. Karlyn has been really nasty way back in the past.

But why did he feel wonderful after his reunion with her last night? Kevin looked up in the sky through the large kitchen windows, as if he could find the answers.



~~~



"What happened last night?"

Kristin glared at Leighanne for asking it out loud. She turned to Leigh who chuckled, on the other hand. They were preparing breakfast. The other two, Natalie and Nick, already left for school. She thought that neither of the two will bring up the topic of what happened last night.

"What did I do? I was only asking," Leighanne sets down her mug of coffee. "When you said that you only wanted to talk with some guy, we weren't expecting you to come back immediately. We continued to party without you. We got home and you weren't here yet. Dad asked us and we only said that you were still with Alyssa."

"You owe us one," Leigh pointed out. Kristin received her father's gift earlier. It's a black BMW for her birthday. Nick was the most excited among them when they presented the gift. He even asked their dad if he will get one when he turns eighteen. "So what happened?"

Kristin looked at Leigh and sighed. "Oh, it's embarassing. Promise me not to tell this to anyone especially to Dad." The two, who almost have the same names, looked at each other.

"So what is it?" Leigh asks.

"Well, I met this guy that Karlyn used to date in high school. He thought I was Karlyn so I played along."

Leighanne frowned. "Why did you do that? That's not right."

"I like the guy since high school. When I saw him again, I told myself that just this one chance, I will talk to him. I didn't have the chance to do that then because he was with Karlyn." Kristin reasoned out.

"Still, it's not right," Leighanne argued. "You're fooling the guy. What if he finds out the truth? It will be very embarassing plus instead of having a new friend, you will have an enemy. Worst, it's the guy you like."

"That's true. Did he take you home?" Leigh sits down on the stool by the counter.

"Yeah. But I took him to George's house. Aw!" Kristin glared at Leighanne who gave her a smack at the back of her head.

"That's really stupid of you, Kris. What if Kevin comes back there and found George? He will know the truth." Leighanne glared back.

"I doubt it. It's not as if he would rekindle an old flame. Karlyn dumped him for someone else. So I guess he doesn't want anything to do with 'me' anymore."

Leighanne took a bite of hotdog. "Well, let's hope that it happens that way, otherwise..." she shakes her head.

Kristin frowned but she knows that her sisters are only concerned. As for her, she's not expecting that Kevin would like to see her again.



~~~



"Your eldest got something going on," George said.

Hardin turned to his friend after he gave a waitress the customer's order. "What are you talking about?"

George sipped his coffee first. He smiled when the retired general tapped his fingers impatiently. His former comrade's weakness was always his children and he was always concerned whenever they were involved.

"Some guy dropped her last night, in front of my house," George tells Hardin.

"What's going on?"

"You tell me, Hardin. Kristin thought I didn't know. I saw the man's car. It's a Hummer, must be Richardson's or Peter's. They were only one of those who can afford it, aside from you, of course." Coming from the band of uniformed armed forces, they knew their comrades within the vicinity. The two mentioned were retirees as well.

"I chose not to indulge myself with some flashy modes of transportation," Hardin said. It would have been easy but he doesn't want his children to get used to having an easy life even though they knew that they can have anything they want if they will only ask. He disciplined them to work hard if they want something. He wanted them to know anything about life and not just to serve it to them on a silver platter. He started the diner business as a means for them to work if they want something or to save their money. He sent them to the schools they want. Kristin, being the eldest, felt responsible to be the role model for her siblings and provided them what they need as long as she could give it to them. Looking back at what she does since she graduated, this is the only time he heard about a new man in her life again.

"Peter doesn't have a son but three daughters," he tells George. "Richardson has three sons and that's all. I don't know if Kristin is going out with anyone. She probably met him at the place where they went to last night."

"So it's a Richardson," George smiled at his friend teasingly. "This is new. Your daughter is dating."

Hardin smirked. "I wonder why she isn't telling."







>> 7


























7

Kristin watched as the young man turned around and looked all over the restaurant. What is he doing? She thought. A waiter walked up to her, which interrupted her study of the man.

"Ma'am, Arthur Richardson is here." Alfred, the waiter, told her discreetly.

She is not aware of who Alfred was talking about. "Who is he?"

"The man in a red shirt, together with a companion." Alfred replied. "He owns another new restaurant near the mall, which is absolutely being flocked by customers."

"Oh, I see. A Richardson?" She asked the waiter. Alfred nodded. She saw Arthur, who is also the same man she's been looking at earlier. Such a young man to own a business. What is he doing in the restaurant? Spying? He's probably Kevin's cousin.

Kristin decided to walk over to Arthur as a waitress. "Excuse me, Sirs. May I take your order?" She asked him. Arthur looked up to her and smiled. Hmm, members of the Richardson family must have been all good-looking, Kristin thought. This young brunette has blue eyes, a cute smile and a charming face. His companion, on the other hand, is a charming fella too.

"Yeah. I'll take these." Arthur pointed out the specialties on their menu. His companion ordered likewise. Rich kids, Kristin thought as she walked off after a few minutes. That man probably had lots of money and had his mind set to his business and its competitors.

It was around ten minutes later when she heard another order from Arthur's table. When she went to see who came, her eyes grew wide. It was Kevin. He saw her and waved.

"Who's that hunk waving at you?" Alyssa asks, suddenly appearing beside her.

"Kevin Richardson." Kristin waved back. Without thinking, she went to the table. "Hi. Good day."

"Hi. So this is where you work..." Kevin nodded approvingly.

"Yes. What do you think?"

"The place looks great and organized. The blue motiff is relaxing to the eyes. I never thought you could take this. You hate blue; you'd rather have pink." Kevin said.

Karlyn loves pink, Kristin thought. "That was before," she tells him. She watched as Kevin stood up.

"Can we talk? Uhm, outside?"

Kristin glanced at Alyssa then, back to him. "Sure, no problem." She followed him outside the restaurant. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I would like to invite you, after work, to go to the park with me." Kevin smiled.

"The park?"

"Yes. Why?"

Kristin drew a deep breath. "You're not mad at me?"

"No." Kevin frowned. "Why should I?"

"I was thinking about what happened in the past."

Kevin took her hands. "Listen to me, Karlyn. I don't care about it. I believed that we've moved on. Let's start again. I admit that despite the years that passed between us, I realized that I still like you, a lot. And I'm taking this chance again if you will let me."

Kristin can't take her eyes off on Kevin. Oh my God. Leighanne and Leigh are not going be very happy when they hear about this...



~~~



Kristin never thought she will appreciate the park when Kevin took her for a walk. Kevin used a cane today to support his walk and Kristin was there to support when he needs it. Thankfully, they didn't face any problems in walking. They found a tree that provided a good shade. Kristin suggested that they settle down there to spend the early afternoon. She doesn't want him to push further on walking. He said he gave up in going to his therapist which was a stupid thing to do. Kristin didn't voice it out though. She realized how stubborn he can be when he wants to be.

Kristin explained to Alyssa what was happening when she went back to the restaurant and her friend reprimanded her for her actions. Alyssa told her that she had to tell the truth now that she is not Karlyn but Kristin is not sure if she's ready to do it.

"Why did you become a part of the Air Force? Is that really what you want?" She found herself asking him.

Kevin smiled. "Yes. I was always fascinated about flying. It's a dream come true for me. During my time there, I always look forward to special missions and the dogfights. Others say that since I love flying so much, I should have been an airline pilot instead but I want to serve the country so I opted for the Air Force."

"I would love to see you in your uniform. I always feel proud about men and women in their uniforms."

Kevin didn't reply on that. Instead, he takes her hand again. "And you? How long have you been waitressing?"

Well, it's time to make up for her lies, she thought. "I only do that when we are undermanned. I co-own the restaurant with a longtime friend." Kristin tells him.

Kevin nodded. "I see. Did you know that my cousin Arthur was fascinated with the interiors of your place? He kept on praising it earlier and he loves the food. He was considering some minor changes in his restaurant because of you." He chuckled. "You inspired him."

"He looked young. How old is he and how long has he been in the business?"

"He's only twenty-two, still in college. He recently inherited his mother's business after her death."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Kristin felt him gripped her hand.

"Yes, I am too. We're still feeling the loss. My aunt was a great person." Kevin turned to her. "I'm really surprised by how you have changed since high school. You told me before that you want to go to California to see your Mom. You want to be a part of the showbiz. But you're here with your family and you even owned a restaurant."

"I'm different." Kristin only said. There's a deeper meaning to that word for her. She's different from Karlyn. She drew a deep breath. She needs strength to tell him that she's a different person. She is not Karlyn. He needs to know the truth. "Kevin, I-"

"Karlyn-" Kevin said at the same time.

Kristin bit her lower lip. "You go first."

Kevin is staring at her. "No, I don't have anything to say. I only want to do this..." And then he leaned closer to kiss her on the lips.



~~~



Jay plastered a big smile on his face when he saw his father walking towards Kevin's room but the smile suddenly faded. Matthew is frowning like mad and Jay knew his father too well.

"Did you know about this?" Matthew asked his son. Kevin was tending the garden with their gardener that morning when he accidentally tripped and had fallen on his face. He couldn't stand after that because his leg hurts, which makes him unable to move further. There was no one in the house except the housemaids and James, their butler. Their mother is still at the university where she was invited as a Guest Speaker, while their father was at the office. James immediately called Tim for an emergency, and the latter relayed what happened to his father. Kevin was now confined in his room. Matthew was furious when he learned that his youngest son stopped going to his therapist and would not use his cane sometimes.

"I'm fine, Dad. I can even walk. I don't need a therapist," Jay heard his youngest brother replied to their father.There were a lot more argument behind the door, and then he saw his dad coming out of Kevin's room.

"He told us last week, Dad." Jay replied. Matthew glanced back to Kevin's door and then back to Jay.

"Tell James that Kevin is not allowed to leave the house until I said so. The therapist will be here tomorrow." Then, Matthew walked off, muttering about stubborn sons and ill-mannered attitudes. Jay shook his head then proceed to Kevin's room. He knocked first before he enters.

"I don't want visitors. I'm a kid and I'm grounded," Kevin growled sarcastically on the other end. Jay chuckled then went inside.

"Yeah, right. You screwed it up, Kev. Dad's mad. You'll be on a temporary hold order for not following his command of habitually going to the therapist," Jay teased. Kevin grunted. Tim carefully placed his leg on a pillow, then after a few check-up, he went back to the hospital.

"Go away, Jay. And bring your tattooed ass out of here," Kevin retorted. Jay only laughed.

"Oh, before I forgot. Guess what? James told me that Karlyn called a while ago and asked for you." Jay said, then turned to leave. But Kevin stopped him.

"What did she say?"

Jay turned back with a silly grin on his face. "Oh, my brother is interested. I better tell Mom about this," He began rubbing his hands together. He ducked when a pillow came flying towards him.

"What does she wants? What did James tell her?" Kevin was surprised by his sudden interest to the woman who broke his heart so bad, that he wanted to give up on everything before.

Jay shrugged. "James told me to tell you that he told Karlyn that you're at home and sick and hinted if she would like to visit you some time." He teased his brother once again and he received a pillow flying towards him again in return. But he could see a little smile on Kevin's face and he left the room with content.



~~~



Kristin drew a deep breath as she rang the bell at the gate. Jay's instructions on where they live were clear. She still wondered what prompted her to call the number that Kevin gave her from the last time they were together. Probably it was instinct that told her to just grab the phone when she felt like calling him and ask if everything's fine. She suddenly felt that something could be wrong, and she was right. Jay told her that Kevin had a minor accident at home and was ordered for bed confinement until he will be able to walk well again. Upon hearing this, Jay added that Kevin would appreciate if someone like her would visit him at home. She said yes, and that's what she's about to do right at this moment.

Kristin silently muttered a prayer before she rang the bell once again. There was a scrambled line and a few voices before she was asked. "Who is it?"

"It's Karlyn Montgomery - "

"Come on in," the man on the other line cheerfully interrupted her. Kristin heard the gates clicked and slowly opened. She drew a deep breath as her charade went beyond her expectations. She's entering the personal life of her twin's ex-boyfriend. She might meet anyone in his family too.

Kristin walked along the way lined up with trees towards the main house. Kevin's family is really rich. A big house stood in the middle of the property, which is surrounded by trees and plants. It looked so beautiful, so homey. A Corvette and the Hummer is parked in front when she reached the main house. When she reached the foyer, an old man opened the door and greeted her.

"Good day, Miss Montgomery. I'm James. If you will follow me this way," James said to the beautiful woman he saw from the gate's camera earlier.

"No need, James." Jay said, patting his favorite old man, then smiled at Karlyn. "I will take her to Kevin. Thank you."

"Alright. I will go and ask someone to prepare something for our lovely guest." James said, giving Jay a knowing glance and then left.

"Thank you so much, James," Jay added to the retreating butler. Then he turned to Karlyn. "Are you ready?"

"I'm Karlyn," Kristin said with a nervous smile.

"I know. Don't you remember me? It's Jay." He shook her hand. "Anyway, it's been a long time since we met. I know we didn't see each other a lot back then but I will never forget a beautiful woman." Kristin felt that Jay could possibly some sort of a playboy but she liked this man instantly. She followed him upstairs towards Kevin's room. Even the interiors of the big house made quite a good impression on Kristin. It's so big, simple but elegant.

"I was thinking if your family will be going to the charity ball this weekend. They took our services to cater the event," Kristin said to ease the tension she's feeling right now.

"Oh, yes. Dad and Mom never missed it. Kevin mentioned that you now owned a restaurant. You're full of surprises nowadays, Karlyn." Jay replied as they stopped in front of a large mahogany door. "Ready?"

"Is he in a right condition? I mean, his temper - "

"He will not raise a voice to a woman," Jay winked at her. Kristin tried to smile. Jay has just implicated that Kevin is not in his best mood right now and the only way to prevent his rising temper is to have a woman stand in front of him. Kristin felt like going into a lion's den when they finally entered the room. Kevin saw her instantly and straightened himself on the bed.

"Hi, Karlyn. Uh," Kevin struggled himself to sit up but Kristin stopped him.

"It's alright. I won't be long anyway." Kristin said. "How are you?"

"I'm having a hard time moving my legs but I'm fine. I'll live," Kevin chuckled but Kristin saw that he is in pain.

Jay cleared his throat after he put the pillows Kevin has thrown to him earlier back to the bed. "I'll leave then." He told them then went out of the room faster than Kevin could imagine his brother would.

"Please take a sit here," Kevin patted the side of the bed where he asked her to sit. Kristin hesitated at first then slowly walked over and sits beside him.

"These are for you," Kristin said and gave him two boxes of peanut butter cookies she only baked this morning at the restaurant. "They are peanut butter cookies."

Kevin smiled wide. "Wow, you still never forget that these are my favorite."

Kristin stared at him. That's just purely coincidence, she thought, as she watched him excitedly opened the first box and took a bite with one of her baked pastries. "I baked those myself at the restaurant."

Kevin looked at her. Did she say something wrong? Kristin thought nervously. "I didn't know you knew how to bake, or might as well know your way around the pantry, Karlyn."

"Well, I really changed. Let's drop the subject. We've been through that many times." They smiled. "Uh, you got something on your lower lip," and without thinking, she wiped a cookie crumb off Kevin's lower lip. It was too late to realize what she's done. Kevin caught the hand on his lips and kissed it. Mesmerized by the small act, Kristin stared at him as his face went lower and closer to her face until their lips met in a scorching kiss that took their breath away. The kiss grew deeper, there was a groan but Kristin couldn't tell if it was from her or Kevin's. All that matters is being in his embrace, loving that wonderful feeling of being wrapped in his arms, kissing him so hard that it hurts both of them.

"Karlyn," Kevin groaned. Upon hearing that, Kristin stopped the kiss instantly. This is not good. He called her by her twin's name because she is what he thought she is. "Karlyn?"

Kristin shook her head. I'm Kristin, not Karlyn, she thought but couldn't say the words out loud. It would only mean the end of everything wonderful right now. She's starting to fall for this man but had to hold back. Charade's not over yet. She looked at Kevin. "I can't, Kevin. We're here in your house. I can't do it right here, right now," she tried to say. In response, Kevin pulled her closer to him and they stared at the TV, holding each other quietly.







>> 8


























8

"You mean, Karlyn was there to visit Kevin?" Tim asked Jay once again. His brother called him at the hospital and told him about the woman's visit.

"Yes, I told you that already, brother. So, how about dropping by tonight at dinner? Karlyn's probably be joining later because I figured she's still in Kevin's room and -"

"Kevin's room!" Tim frowned.

"Hey, what's the matter, bro? Jealous? I saw Karlyn and I could say that she's still a stunner, you know."

"You have no idea," Tim muttered. "I'm sorry, Jay, but I can't join you at dinner tonight. I got business to attend to."

"Alright, man," then the line went off. Tim found what he's been looking for in his phone book and dialed a number. After a few rings, a man picked up.

"Vin, it's Tim. I got business for you." He immediately said when he called his friend at the private investigation agency. "I need your services to investigate a certain Karlyn Montgomery. I got this terrible hunch about her and concerning my brother..." He knew that something is different with that woman. He didn't want his brother to get hurt again.



~~~



Kristin walked towards her car. She should be in Dylan's Wall in twenty minutes to meet Alyssa. They are usually there for their weekly leisure of wall climbing. Right now, she's been busy in the restaurant that she forgot it was already half past eight in the evening. Alyssa is probably there already and waiting for her. She went ahead because she went to the meeting with the organizers of the forthcoming charity ball while Kristin was left to look after the restaurant. When the two of them are not in the restaurant, their assistant manager, Bill, was usually the one taking over the business.

When she reached her car parked beside the restaurant, she saw a piece of paper tucked in her windshield. She read it and quickly looked around.

'Who are you, Kristin Montgomery?'

~~~

"Pineapple juice," Kristin ordered instead of her usual cappuccino at the coffee shop. After a few minutes, they settled themselves on a nearby couch with their orders. She and Alyssa were done wall-climbing.

"This is weird. Who would possibly do that to you?" Alyssa asked after she read the note.

Kristin shrugged. "I don't know. No one knows about me except you and the two Leighs."

Alyssa raised an eyebrow. "Hey, watch out, Kristin. I won't do this to you.'

"I know," Kristin said. "I was thinking. There must be probably someone out there who saw me and thinking that I was Karlyn but noticed a difference and was now thinking otherwise. I'm starting to get nervous, Alyssa. Maybe I should tell Kevin about me soon."

"Could it be him and he's just playing tricks on you?" Alyssa thought for a while. Then she nodded. "Yeah, maybe you should tell, Kristin. Before everything goes out of control."

Kristin sighed and she cast a worried look to her best friend. "I only hope Kevin would not be so mad about this." She tried not to cry. Alyssa gave her a firm hold in the hand, assuring her that she will be with her all through the way.







>> 9


























9

"Karlyn? Is that really you?"

Kristin bit her lip as she slowly turns around to see a blonde woman, probably of her age, staring at her in confusion. She only smiled. "Hi," she managed to say.

"You didn't tell me that you're back. We only talked last night over the phone. How's Los Angeles?" the woman continued. So, Karlyn is calling this woman? If she did, why can't she call them too?

A name, please. Hint me a name for her, Kristin silently prayed. "Still overpopulated." She replied. She eyed the woman with curiosity; this person could be the one who sent her a note the other day.

"Oh, okay. That's cool." The woman said. Kristin tried not to laugh at the reply. Overpopulated LA is cool? "Hey, there happens to be a small baby shower for Alisha this coming weekend. I forgot to tell you that last night. Please come. She'd be so glad to see you again."

"I hope she's having a baby girl this time," Kristin said.

The woman's eyes widened. "Yes! She did. I went with her for an ultrasound and the doctor said that it's going to be a girl. We knew how Alisha wanted to have a girl in a long time." Kristin only nodded with that. Things are getting complicated if she will stay longer with this woman. Where's Kevin by the way? She went with him to a thrift bookstore to purchase an old book, and then went to the flea market to find something for his airplane collection. That's where the woman saw her.

"I got it," Kevin said proudly, interrupting the two women. The other woman's eyes widened once again when she saw Kevin who looked at her. Oh my God, Kristin thought. She could feel thoughts running through the woman's head right now. The woman is the type of person who will act friendly with someone then goes behind stabbing that very same person in the back. Is this the type of friends Karlyn had?

"Oh, hi, Casey. How's it going?" Kevin greeted the woman cheerfully. He has his cane that he uses to walk. Kristin knew he hated it, but his father insisted he uses it. She already met Matthew and Ann Richardson on the same day she visited Kevin, and even spent the rest of the night of dinner with them.

"She's fine. Casey was only asking me about a party this weekend." Kristin said before Casey could say anything. "It's nice meeting you once again, Casey. I'll call you about that party you're talking about. Bye." Then she quickly took Kevin away, leaving the more confused woman behind.

"So, what can you say about coming with me to see a photo exhibit in the university next week?" Kevin asked.

"Sure," was Kristin's reply.

Kevin smiled as he reached for her hand and holds it firmly with his.

Meanwhile, Nick was about to walk away after buying ice cream when he saw a familiar blonde head. He ducked in a nearby cart then slowly peeked out to check if his sister is still there. What is she doing in the flea market and who is that man with her? He watched as Kristin smiled up to the man. They were holding hands. The man is good-looking and he seemed to like his sister.

A smile slowly dawned in Nick's face. Their sisters must know about this.



~~~



Kristin got home and saw Nick chewing the other end of his pen while he's concentrated on his homework. Natalie is reading something in the couch. The two Leighs, as she fondly calls them, is in the kitchen, making dinner.

"Is Dad home?" She asks.

Nick looked up and grinned. "Not yet." He watched as his sister went up the stairs to her room. He turned to Natalie. "Did you know that Kristin is probably getting married soon?"

"Huh?" Natalie looked up from the book she is reading.

Nick nodded and winked at her.

"Why did you say that? Kris doesn't even have a boyfriend."

"That's what you think. I saw her yesterday at the flea market." Nick replied.

"Flea market?" Natalie chuckled. "And what are you doing there? What time?"

"After school, of course. I just passed by to look at something. Then, I saw her. She's walking hand in hand with this tall guy."

"Nicky! You haven't thrown the trash yet!" They heard Leigh exclaimed in the kitchen. Nick rolled his eyes as he stood up and went out of the house. Natalie sets aside her book and went to the kitchen. Leighanne is preparing the table for dinner while Leigh has just finished transferring the food into the plate. It's spaghetti night.

"Nick was telling me about seeing Kristin and a guy somewhere." Natalie helped set the table. The other two looked at each other.

"Where?" Leighanne asks.

Natalie told them what Nick told her. When the youngest one entered the back door, Leigh cornered him quietly. "You went back for the guitar?"

"I like it, Leigh. If only Dad would let me do some part-time so that I can save and buy it..."

"We can work on that," Leigh said and walked away. Leighanne casts them a curious look.

"What are we going to do? That's the only way." Nick followed his sister towards the dining area after he washed his hands. "Sometimes, I don't understand Dad. He's got money but he doesn't want to buy the guitar for me." He stepped back when Leighanne turned to him.

"You really don't get it, do you?"

Now, all of his sisters were facing him. He doesn't get it. Their father is already retired, got lots of money in the bank and has been receiving his huge amount of pension monthly. He also knew that they have a set of rich grandparents who live in New York with their aunt. In spite of that, Nick didn't feel having an easy life. He couldn't have what he wanted. Kristin had to loan money from their father to be able to start with the restaurant business with Alyssa. She also had to work hard to buy herself a car before their father bought her a BMW as a birthday gift. Leighanne will be graduating soon and will be planning to go to Georgia after she landed in a job that offers high pay. Leigh found a part-time job for summer that will help her save money for internship in South America. Their father only offered plane tickets and one-month payment for the place she will be staying. Other than that, she's on her own. Lastly, Natalie studied hard and was able to get a college scholarship in a university in Florida. She will be off as soon as she graduates.

"Yeah, I don't get it." Nick glared at Leighanne. "I'm sick and tired of him teaching us lessons." He stomped off and left the room. The three women were quiet as they continued preparing the dinner table. When they heard the front door opened and closed, they looked at each other. Their father is here.

"Don't say a word," Leighanne told her sisters. She smiled. "Hi, Dad. You came right on time. Dinner is served." She kissed her father on the cheeks after Leigh and Natalie.

"Where's Nick and Kris?" Hardin asks. He sat at the head of the table.

"Hi, Dad." Kristin came and kissed her father too.

"Where's Nick?"

"I'll call him," Leigh said and left. Oblivious to what happened, Kristin sits beside her father. They waited for the two to come down. They will eat together whenever everyone is at home for dinner. And then Hardin would usually ask each one of them about how their day has gone.

Hardin glanced at his eldest child. There is definitely a glow in her eyes. He smiled. He wondered what is going on between her and a young Richardson. He wanted to ask but he felt like it would be better if she will open up the topic herself, when she's ready.

He turned when his only son sits at the other end of the table. Something's wrong. He glanced at Leigh.



~~~



"Really?" Hardin drew a deep breath. He stayed in the kitchen after dinner to talk with the two Leighs, who are the ones in charge for tonight's dinner. They told them about Nick's outburst earlier.

"He doesn't get it, Dad," Leigh shakes her head. She returned the damp cloth to its place and then stood by the counter with their father. The rest of their siblings were somewhere in the house. Natalie and Nick were up in their rooms while Kristin was out with Alyssa, but the two Leighs thought that she was only with Kevin.

"You may want to talk to him, Dad." Leighanne suggested. "I noticed that he's flunking two subjects, Math and Science. He was more focused on his other school activities."

"And he's also eyeing this guitar in the flea market." Leigh added.

Hardin quietly patted his daughters and then turned to leave. He went upstairs and saw the door of Natalie's room is open. He knocked first. He saw Natalie turned.

"Hi, Dad. Come in."

"What are you doing? Homework?" Hardin sits on the edge of the bed.

"Nah. I'm done. I'm just reading some magazines. What's up?"

"I should be the one asking that," Hardin smiled at her.

"I'm fine. I already told you my plans for college."

Hardin took something from his pockets. "Oh, about that," he opened his wallet. "I opened an account for you. Here's your ATM. So that you won't have a hard time in Florida."

"Oh," Natalie was surprised. She stared at her father. "Thanks. Are you sure?"

Hardin laughed. "Yes. Why not? You're my daughter. You need it. Didn't the two Leighs tell you that they have it too?" Natalie shook her head. "Yeah, I knew they won't care to tell you. Very typical of them." He said. "So back to you. I just want to say that I'm happy for you. I'm always here to support you. Hmm?" He kissed her on the forehead.

"Thank you, Daddy." Natalie hugged and kissed her father.

"Alright, go back to whatever you're doing. I'll be leaving you." Hardin stood up. "Spend your money wisely, Natalie."

"I will always remember that."

Hardin nodded. "Good." He left the room. He walked in the hallway towards Nick's room. He could hear a Journey song inside. He knocked and waited for a moment. But the door didn't open. Instead, Nick asked.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Nick." Hardin heard the door being unlocked. It slowly opened.

"Hi, Dad."

"Can I go inside and have a little chat with you?"

Nick opened the door wider, admitting his father in the room. The wall had some posters of Nick's favorite football and basketball players. On the other side of the room is the long study table, against the wall, where a book was open, Mathematics. Nick turned off his music player.

"How's school?"

"It's okay, Dad."

"I received a call from school the other day. They told me that you cut classes twice this week. And you're failing Math and Science. What's going on, son? Do you have problems?" Hardin looked at his son. His children are getting older before his eyes.

Nick hesitated to speak for a moment. He stared at his father and then looked away. "I love music. I want to go to Music and Arts school than finish high school."

"Is that the reason for everything that's happening in school?" Hardin calmly asked. If there's one thing to deal with his children and their issues, it was always about doing a calm approach on it. They appreciate it if nobody raises their voice at them and rather be peacefully confronted about it.

Nick bit his lower lip. "I'm in a band." He looked back to his father. "I'm sorry, Dad-" He stopped when his father shook his head.

"Is that what you really want?"

"Yes."

There was silence between them. "I dreamed of you becoming a doctor, or lawyer perhaps, not a musician." Hardin looked at Nick. "I know how important this is to you right now but I want you to promise me something." When Nick didn't reply, he continued. "Finish your schooling, that's all. I want you to finish everything. It doesn't matter if you're going to a music or arts school. Just promise me that you will have a degree."

"I promise, Dad."

Hardin stared at his son and then, he nodded. He stood up to leave the room. He turned when his son called him.

"Thanks, Dad."

"Don't fail me, Nick."

Nick saw the sad look in his father's eyes and he felt guilty for being the cause of it. He knew how his father tried to take care of them, no matter how hard it was. As a single parent, it was remarkable to see how they grew up so well. Their father kept them in a good pace, growing up with discipline and sense of responsibility. Nick realized he had those but somehow forgot it when he became involved with the band. It suddenly felt humiliating that he is doing this to his father, after what he has done for them. They were taught to live a life where they have to earn the things they want to have and it was good. And it's important. It was meant for them. He got it now. He understands it now.

"I won't fail you." He said as his father went out of the room. He took his bag and gets his notebook. He didn't want to lose his father's trust. He will not take it for granted.







>> 10


























10

Kristin stared at the man in front of her as soon as she took the seat on the opposite side of the table. The man in front of her is probably older than her father. The face is a little familiar to her.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Kristin." The man said, who introduced himself as Dean Arkin.

"You looked familiar." Kristin still feels that there's something unusual with this meeting.

"I'm a director in Hollywood."

"Are you going to talk to me about scouting for location in a movie?"

Dean smiled. "No. I'm not doing that today. Can we give orders?" He raised his hand and a waiter came. When they were done, Kristin faced Dean again.

"So what do you want?"

"I'm your real father."

"How?"

Dean stared at her. "You knew that Hardin isn't your real father. Am I right?"

"It doesn't matter." Kristin said. She didn't have to tell this stranger how much she knew about the man she thought was her father. Hardin Montgomery has been very kind to her and she loves him and she will do anything for him in return. It doesn't matter if she wasn't his real daughter for she felt that she was still treated as his eldest child, loved her, clothed her, sent her to school. She is fortunate to grow up with the selfless gentleman who was left responsible for five children who were not even his own. Yes, she knows that much.

"What do you want to do now, after finding me and telling me the truth?" She asks Dean.

"I want you to go with me to California."

"It's impossible. My life is here with the family I've known all my life. I don't know you and I don't trust you. How did you know that I'm your child? How much do you know about my mother?" Kristin asked.

"Laura told me. We were together before you were born plus, I had you investigated."

Kristin's lips formed a thin line. "Did you even know that my mom was married when you were together?"

Dean shakes his head no. "She's a struggling actress, even now. I fell for her and I was never married because of her. It was a joy that I learned that we had a child. I wish you could come with me to California."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you but I won't go with you. Please. Don't make this hard for both of us. We can see each other but the person I grew up with is my father, even if not biologically."

"Please give me a chance to be your father, to have a child, to hug my daughter," Dean's voice is almost pleading.

Kristin controlled herself from her tears. "You know that this is becoming unfair. You come here and tell me that you're my real father and then want me to go back with you to California when I have my life here. It's not easy as it seems. Please understand. I don’t want to hurt the man who took care of me."

Dean stared at her for a while. She realized the familiarity now. They have the same eyes, but she couldn't give in and grant his wish for her to go with him. She felt him reached her hand. "I'm sorry, Kristin. You're right."

Kristin quickly wiped a tear.

"I understand."

She nodded. "Thank you."

Dean smiled. "Let's just have lunch and talk about you. I want to know more about you."

Kristin smiled back. A thought suddenly came to mind. "I have a twin." She saw him paused from drinking his water. He's obviously surprised. He didn't know that.

"Really?" He stared at her. "Does your twin looks like you?"

"Yes. She's with Mom, in LA." She replied. "

Dean was silent for a moment. "Do you think I can see her?"

"Actually, I don't know," Kristin shrugged. "Her name is Karlyn. We haven't seen each other since we graduated from high school."



~~~



Kevin stopped from putting the two boxes at the back of his brother's pick-up truck when he saw Karlyn at the corner of the street. He saw her walked out of a restaurant with an older man, who had the same features as her. He is probably her father.

He turned to his driver to look after the truck and started towards Karlyn and the older man. He saw her hugged the man. She watched him went in the car and drove off.

"Karlyn," he called.

Karlyn seemed surprised when she saw him. He couldn't blame her. He greeted her with a kiss.

"Is that your Dad?"

Karlyn only smiled as she turned to where the car has gone. "What are you doing here?"

"Just doing some errands. Let's go to the park later," he saw her laughed. Can she blame him when he always liked to be in the park? Aside from their large backyard, it's the next peaceful place he ever wanted to go to.

"Sure. Let's have a picnic?"

"I'll just bring a blanket and we'll lie on the grass. I have things to say to you." He tells her.

"Okay."

"See you at five? Same place." Karlyn pulled him for another kiss. Of course, he will not resist that. He is looking forward to spending time with her tonight.

"Hey."

They pulled apart when they heard a voice beside them. He saw a young man, probably in his early teens, standing beside them. "Nick!" Karlyn exclaimed.

"I knew it. You're hiding something from Dad." The young man said. Kevin chuckled. So this is Karlyn's brother.

"So I assume you are the brother." He said.

Nick turned to him. "Yes. Hi. I'm Nick." They shook hands. "Are you dating? Where did you meet her?"

"Yes, since high school," Kevin replied all his questions with amusement. He looked down to the young man. "How old are you?"

"Fifteen."

"High school?"

"Yeah. Hey, it's Saturday. Give me some slack." Nick turned his cap around. "Do you play video games?"

"No."

"Nick," Karlyn tried to interrupt. "What are you doing here?" Her face is deep red. "I thought you're working at Dad's."

"Well, it's lunch time. I just dropped by at the flea market then I thought of passing by George's hardware because Dad asked me to buy something." Nick got bored by his long explanation. "By the way, I have to go. It's nice meeting you, Kev. Hope to see you soon."

"Wait," Karlyn called her brother. She turned to Kevin. "I'll go ahead too." She smiled. "See you later." She kissed him on the cheeks.

"Bye," then Kevin watched them go. Nick rode with Karlyn in her new car, in which she told him was a gift from her father on her birthday. He forgot about that. So in return, he prepared something for her at the park. He is looking forward to what is going to happen later.



~~~



"Don't ever tell anyone about Kevin." Kristin tells Nick when they get inside her car.

"Why?" Nick asks while he puts on his seatbelt.

"Because I'm not yet ready." She can only say.

"Aren't you too old for that drama, Kris? You're what? Thirty-eight?" Nick chuckled. She hit him in the arm. "Ouch! So what's the problem?"

"I'm not ready. He's a great guy. I don't want to jinx the moment." When Kristin glanced at her brother, he was grinning. "Come on, Nick. I'm serious here. I'm asking a favor. Please. Do this for me."

Nick stared at her for a while. "Can you buy me a guitar?"

Kristin pouted her lips as she thought about it. "I don't want to bribe you, Nick. You know that's not the way I roll. Besides, Dad already allowed you to work part-time at the diner."

"I know. I'll pay you, for every penny I'll earn at Dad's."

"Why do you want it? You like music?"

"I wanna sing and play." Nick only replied. Kristin glanced at her brother. There was his usual puppy dog eyes that she could never resist. He is the baby of their family and she always loved indulging him until he stepped into puberty. She wanted him to learn to get something he wants by working hard for it.

"Most of the artists started that way. We want you to finish school, Nicky." She didn't hear a reply. "Please promise me, Nick."

"I promise. Don't worry, Kris."

The car was stopped at the corner. She turned to him. "I will hold on to your word. Now, where are we going to buy a guitar?" She saw his eyes light up.



~~~



'I know who you are.'

"This is getting freaky, Kristin." Alyssa said after reading the latest note her friend got. This time, Kristin received one again, tucked on her wiper. Kristin was nervously chewing her nails off, watching Alyssa pacing back and forth in their office and trying to think who could do that to her. She dropped by the restaurant first before going to the park to meet Kevin.

"Did you meet any of Kevin's family?" Alyssa asked her.

"Well, I had dinner with them and met their butler, James. What could make me more suspicious than that?"

Alyssa turned to her. "Stop biting your nails," she told her. Then she began pacing again. "I think that if Kevin already mentioned you to them, then maybe someone from his friends might have known you before and became suspicious of your sudden appearance from nowhere. Then he might be the one terrorizing you in order to get the truth out from you."

"I don't know. Maybe, that Casey woman who saw me at the flea market. She was Karlyn's friend back in high school." Kristin informed Alyssa.

"Maybe. What if you don't see Kevin for a while?"

"Should I? I don't know if I can do that."

"Kris..." Alyssa rolled her eyes.

Kristin thought for a while. "Kevin told me stories once about the times that he and Karlyn had in high school. Karlyn was the popular cheerleader once. And a good student too. Aside from that, nothing more."

"Then maybe you should take it slow for now."

"I can't. I got scheduled dates with him next week. And I'm meeting him later at the park."



~~~



Kevin holds Kristin's hand firmly with his as they strolled the park and found a nice bench. They sat together and watched people passed by them. Kevin gave her a surprise picnic, in which he prepared the food himself - complete with a small post-birthday cake.

She realized how he loved going there. It was two weeks after his accident. He went back to his regular appointment with the doctor and he cannot leave the house without as simple as a cane. General's orders, Kevin told her. She understood that. Sometimes, her father would use a military approach to discipline them. It was probably the way the soldiers were with their families. They get used to all those drills and protocol in the service that sometimes, they tended to adapt the ways to their families.

She looked up in the sky. "The sky's so beautiful with all those stars," she whispered.

"It's more beautiful when you're among the clouds," Kevin added. "It's one of the overwhelming feeling I've had when I'm flying. I felt I belonged in the sky, floating in the clouds, then looking down over the land like I'm looking at a Lego play set." They smiled.

"It was also like being on top and fulfilling your dreams." Kristin added. "I wished you could take me some time to the clouds with you."

Kevin kissed her cheeks. "Some time, Karlyn. I'll take you to the sky with me."

Kristin bit her lower lip as Kevin reminded her once again of her deception. This isn't going to work, she thought sadly. Only as when she's starting to fall in love with this man, her lie goes deeper. She had to tell him the truth now.

Kevin took a necklace from his pocket. "Remember this? I gave this to you when we were in high school."

"Where did you find this? How?" Kristin asked him. It was too late to realize that she should know what happened considering that he gave it to her.

"Keith gave this back to me. He found it on the ground where you threw it. I'm giving this back to you, Karlyn." Kevin wears the necklace to Kristin's neck. "I love you, I guess you know that already." Kristin felt his kiss once again, but she had to stop them. It's hurting her to lie to him. She must tell him the truth about her and her twin Karlyn.

"Uh, Kevin..."

But Kevin turned when someone called, who has interrupted what Kristin was about to tell. It was Tim, walking towards them. "What?"

"Can I talk to you?" Tim glanced at Kristin.

"Can we do that later? As you can see, Karlyn is with me."

Kristin felt some tension in the air. She didn't know why she suddenly felt nervous and it's because of Tim. This is her first time to meet him because he wasn't around during the family dinner at the Richardson house. There's something in him that might probably jeopardize her secret.

"Yeah, I can see that. Don't mind it. I'll talk to you later. I'm going back to the hospital." Tim said. He glanced at her for one last time and then walked off without bidding goodbye.

Kevin shakes his head. "Tim is weird sometimes." He muttered. He turned to her. "The necklace looks great on you..." Kristin only smiled. She lost her confidence to tell the truth again.



~~~



Tim drew a deep breath as he read Vin's report regarding 'Karlyn' Montgomery. The real Karlyn Montgomery is in Los Angeles. She's been there for many years now and hasn't gone back since. So the woman who was posing as Karlyn is actually her twin sister, Kristin Montgomery. The twins have been separated when Karlyn ran away and went to their mother, a small-time actress in California.

Tim looked at his friend, Vin. "Thank you so much, Vin. I know I can really count on you."

"Anything, doc. Thanks for the job. I have to go." Vin said with a smile as he excused himself and left Tim's office.

Tim looked once again at Kristin's photo on the folder. "Kristin Montgomery, quite a brave woman. Why are you deceiving my brother?" He muttered with a slow shake in the head.







>> 11


























11

Everyone almost jumped in surprise when they heard Leighanne opened the front door and threw a box outside. There was a sound of shattered glass. Nick was out immediately to see what she threw.

"What's going on?" Kristin asked her sister. Leigh peeked from the kitchen to check what the commotion is all about. Natalie was standing nearby. Their father peered through his glasses, as he was reading the daily paper.

"Just a prank from some guy," Leighanne muttered and went upstairs.

Nick was back, carrying the remains of what was thrown. It's a snowglobe.

"I received a package yesterday from Brian. That must be it," Leigh said.

"Brian? What is he thinking this time?" Natalie shakes her head. Leigh shrugged.

Kristin looked at them. "Who's Brian? That guy who teased her in high school? The one she went out with at the prom?"

"Yeah," Leigh and Natalie said at once. And they laughed together too.

Hardin was even smiling. "I think I'll talk to Harry about his son courting my daughter."

"Brian didn't like me. And I hate him, too!" Leighanne said from the top of the stairs. They heard the door slamming. Kristin knew that Brian and Leighanne dated once in their lives but she didn't know how they broke up. She wondered what is going on now between her sister and that Littrell guy. Leighanne is not in the mood, so she will not try to pry for now. She went to kiss her father.

"Where are you going? It's already eight in the evening." Hardin asks her.

"I'll just drop by the restaurant to double-check on the stuff we're going to buy tomorrow, Dad. I'll be back in an hour or two." Kristin went out. He heard the car engine came to life. He turned to Natalie and Nick who were watching the TV.

"Did you know who's that guy dating Kristin?"

The two turned to him. "You knew?"



~~~



Kristin rested her head on top of her office desk as she still feels the pain in her lower back. It was not dysmenorrhea as she was just finished with her period. She wiped her tears. She was waiting for Alyssa, who was outside and looking for her car keys. She's going home early.

The door opened.

"Thank God, Alyssa. I really wanted to go home." She groaned.

"We'll go to the doctor first before I take you home."

Kristin looked up when she heard Kevin's voice. She didn't protest when he carried her in his arms and took her out of the office and towards the back of the restaurant where his car was parked.

"Your leg..." She tried to say.

"I've been to worst than this, Karlyn."

Kristin didn't care about his mistook of her identity right now. She's in pain. She wrapped her arms around his neck. She began to cry as the pain continues.

"I'm gonna drive," she heard Alyssa said. Kevin gave the key to her friend. Kevin carefully gets inside the car without letting her go. She drew a deep breath. She was literally on his lap. His arms were around her.

"It hurts," she whispered. She loved the feeling of comfort and security in Kevin's arms. She never felt it to any guy she dated before and those were something she really looked for in a guy. She got used to being the independent woman who knows what she wants, gets what she wants without having to consult anyone or having anyone beside her. Now, being in Kevin's arms made her want to surrender to him every freedom that she has, as long as he is there beside her. Kevin made her feel that things are going to be fine as long as she trusts him. And she did.

"Could it be appendicitis?" Kevin wondered.

Kristin shrugged. There was another shot of pain again. "Alyssa, can you call Dad?"

"I already did, sweetie," Alyssa said in front.

"Thanks." Kristin felt Kevin kissing the top of her head. She closed her eyes again. "I love you, Kev." She said without thinking twice. It just came out suddenly from her.

Kevin hugged her tighter. "I love you, too, Karlyn."

Alyssa couldn't help but looked at the rearview mirror and saw the seriousness in Kevin's face. She saw him embracing her friend and kissing her forehead. He gently wiped the sweat and hugged her tighter. She wished that things would have been different and Kristin was not pretending to be her twin.



~~~



"You've got to believe me, Kev." Tim told his brother as he followed Kevin towards the grand staircase. He was lucky to find his brother in their parents' house. Now that he did, he immediately told Kevin on what he found out about Karlyn.

"Why? Why should I believe you?" Kevin asked and gave Tim a cold glare.

"Because I want you to hear the truth that the Karlyn you've been going out with was actually not the real Karlyn." Tim replied. "Now, tell me one good reason why you should not believe what I'm telling you."

Kevin frowned. "Why? Because I know from the start, since we were in high school that you never liked Karlyn because she dumped you for me."

"That's bullshit, Kevin. Shit!" Tim couldn't hold his temper anymore for his stubborn brother who won't listen to him even after when he told him and showed him the evidences of what he learned about Kristin. He lightly pushed his brother to remind him that he is really going to press the issue and it is the truth. He didn't do it hard. He is not going to fight unfairly to someone who can't manage to walk fully on his own.

But it seems like Kevin has more strength than Tim gave him credit for. Kevin threw his cane and jumped over Tim. The two fell down on the tiled floor and struggled on hitting each other. James, who was watching and waiting for the two to get off on each other's neck, finally saw the moment he feared to happen. The brothers are trying to hurt each other.

"Hey! You, two!" James pulled Kevin from his older brother. Tim helped James by pushing his brother back and away from him and crawled himself away from Kevin.

"Didn't you believe me then that there were no hurt feelings when she chose you over me instead?" Tim's loud voice came along with his harsh breathing. His nose is now flaring with anger. "I'm only here trying to protect you from that lying, conniving witch that you called Karlyn. That's her twin sister, Kristin. She's the eldest daughter of a retired general. I'm sure Dad knows her father."

Kevin shook his head. He let himself go from James' firm hold. "I know that already."

Tim stared at his brother.

"And I want you to back off and stop spying on my affairs," Kevin said in a final tone then left before Tim can have the chance to ask how did Kevin knows.



~~~



Hardin silently watched over his daughter as Kristin takes her rest after a successful operation. She had appendicitis and she came to the hospital right in time. She was groaning in pain and it was because the appendix already bursted and if they didn't seek immediate medical help, the poison would have spread the body. Kristin decided and allowed for a surgery as soon as possible.

"Dad..."

Hardin turned and saw his other daughter, Natalie. She sat beside him on the couch. He puts his arm on her shoulders and kissed her temple.

"How are you, Dad? You can go home to rest and I'll stay here." Natalie tells him.

But he shook his head. "I will stay, darling. I never wanted anyone of you inside a hospital and despite knowing that Kristin is already fine, I don't want her out of my sight."

Natalie didn't say anything.

"Where's that Richardson guy?"

"He didn't return, Dad, after he came out here and talked to you. What did you talk about?"

Hardin smiled at her. "It's a secret."

"Well, I was only curious. Kevin seemed angry when he walked out of this room."

"Who wouldn't be?" Hardin saw worry crossed his daughter's face. "Why, Natalie?"

"Please don't be mad at Kristin. She only happened to be in love. I just knew. I'm glad to see that glow in her eyes everyday and I can't blame her if she was able to lie. She's still a good person and she surely have a reason for doing that." Natalie said.

"Tell that to Kevin Richardson."

Natalie bit her lower lip. How?



>> 12


























12

Kristin wondered why she did not see Kevin at the hospital. She missed him already. She was already discharged a few days ago and was advised to stay at home for two weeks to recuperate. She tried to call Kevin but he is not answering her calls. Could it be that he already found out his secret? Could it be that he's so mad at her and he couldn't bear to even see her?

What is she going to do? No one told her if they met Kevin. She lost consciousness when she reached the hospital until she woke up for a while and the doctor informed her about the need for surgery. After that, she never saw Kevin again.

Her musings were interrupted by a soft knocking on the door.

"Kris, dinner's ready. I'll help you," it's Natalie. She was always there if she needs help. It's her first time to go down for dinner.

"I'm fine." She slowly stood up. "Thanks, Nat." She tells her sister. Natalie didn't say anything as she walked ahead. Kristin saw her paused and was about to say something and then, decided to go. When she went down, she noticed that everyone was already in the dining area. She stiffened when she heard the familiar laugh. Kevin. Her heart beats fast. Why is he here?

She saw Nick was showing something to Kevin while Leighanne was telling him one of her infamous corny jokes. Leigh was even standing beside Kevin. What is happening here? Natalie seemed to be the only one uncomfortable with the situation.

They heard someone cleared his throat. She turned and saw her father behind her. Everyone stopped what they are doing. When Kevin saw them, he greeted her father before turning to her, and he immediately went to her and led her to her seat.

"How did you know I'm seated here?" She asks him. He pulled the chair that is on the edge of the table. She sits beside her father, whose position is at the head of the table. Leigh sits opposite hers. Leighanne, who is usually seated beside her, is now beside Leigh. Natalie is sitting beside Nick at the other end of the table.

"They told me." Kevin occupies the one beside her.

Kristin looked at everyone who went on their own way to start the dinner. She caught Nick sneaking a glance at Kevin.

"Nick, I heard about the pregnant woman earlier," Hardin said as everyone started to eat.

"What happened?" Kristin asked. Thank God for her father who is trying to make a diversion from the awkward situation she's into right now.

"There's a woman who fainted this late afternoon at the diner," Leigh answered. "Nick just came from school."

"I was at the bank when it happened." Hardin said.

"I took her to the nearby empty booth and shouted orders to Linda and Kate about water and a piece of cardboard," Nick replied while he is focused on the steak in front of him.

"What do you need a cardboard for?" Kristin asks.

"To fan the lady," Nick looked at her. There were exchanged amused glances between the two Leighs. "I asked Kate to call for the doctor."

Kristin saw the proud face of their father. "He already knows how to handle the situation." He whispered to her.

Nick looked up. "What can I do? I grew up surrounded by girls. It was probably instinct."

"Where is she now?" Kevin asked.

"Her husband picked her up. I didn't let her go until no one picks her up. I gave her one full meal, on the house," Nick grinned.

Hardin raised an eyebrow. "Am I gonna deduct it from your salary?"

"Dad!" Nick whined. "I need the money."

"I'm just joking," Hardin chuckled.

Leigh patted his brother's hand. "You did it for humanitarian reasons. Don't worry, Nick," she chuckled. Kristin could not share the amusement. Kevin's presence beside her is still overwhelming. She wanted to ask why is he there but she doesn't want to ruin the mood, especially when her family is eating. She will confront him later.



~~~



"Can we talk?" Kristin asks Kevin when the dinner finally ended. Leigh took the plates from him and went to the kitchen. He nodded and followed Kristin. They went to the front porch.

They stared at each other for a long time and now, she saw the anger in his eyes. "Why?" He spoke first. "Who are you?"

"I'm Kristin, Karlyn's twin."

Kevin turned away. "I wasn't really planning to go here after what I learned," He looked at her. "But your father invited me. He thought we have to talk."

"I'm sorry. I did it because..." Kristin bit her lower lip as tears fell, "it's because..." She looked at him and she ran out of words. His angry face scared her.

Kevin frowned. "You know what, Kristin? I'm so mad right now, that I can't even stand to be here and talk to you. I felt so betrayed. I felt like a fool. You lied to me and that's one thing I really hate."

They stared at each other for a long time.

Kristin cleared her throat. She managed to stop herself from crying. She raised her chin. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I only wanted to know something about my sister, what compelled her to move to California. I didn't really mean to hurt you in any way."

"You won't know anything from me. We were over even before high school graduation." Kevin drew a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I can't stay any longer." He started to turn away.

But Kristin caught her hand and pulled him for a deep kiss. He kissed her back but not for long. He pulled away and before she could react, he walked towards his car. Kristin watched him get inside. The car stayed there for a few minutes. She wished he would come out to go back to her. But when the engine started, she knew that will be her saddest goodbye.

"I love you, Kevin..."



>> 13


























13

Jay nodded at Tim when Kevin arrived at the barbecue cookout. The family gathered in the garden. Tim drew a deep breath and looked at Jay again. Everyone learned about the little fight that he and Kevin had a few days back. Their father called them both and received a sound reprimand about the matter. Matthew also added that he intends to investigate about Karlyn to stop further issue from both of them. Kevin and Tim didn't say anything about it. There is no need for that but judging by their father's mood, they knew better and would rather remain silent. Before they left the study room, their father made sure that they make amends and will talk about any problem without resulting to violence again.

"I don't feel any good towards that Karlyn, Jay. She hurt Kevin once, and it led our brother into going to military school and left the company to us." Tim replied. Jay rolled his eyes. He heard about that issue many times before.

"Are we going to talk about this responsibility thing again?" Jay whispered. Being the eldest brother, he should be the uptight one. But it was Tim who seemed to worry about a lot of things.

"Shouldn't we?" Tim said. "I don't like Kristin, at least for Kevin. There's something in her I couldn't suppress."

"Are you only jealous, and wanted her for yourself instead?"

"No, Jay. No. It's not that. I don't like her." And with that, Tim left his brother.

There was sudden commotion that made everyone turn to see, and was surprised. A woman was walking towards them, being followed by the guard from the gate, who is obviously still trying to stop her.

Everyone was surprised to see someone who looked exactly like 'Karlyn.' They already knew the truth about Kristin, but not everything. Kevin will not speak about it. They knew how mad he is about the situation and they knew enough to try not to press the matter. No one wanted to be at the end of Kevin's anger.

"I'm sorry, sirs, but she forced her way in here. She said her name is Karlyn Montgomery." The uniformed guard told them. Matthew nodded and calmly muttered his thanks to the security.

"He is right, I'm Karlyn Montgomery, the real one." The woman said.

Tim stood up and went near the scene. He met Jay's look and he shrugged, implicating that he has nothing to do with it.

Kevin glanced at his family. "I will take care of this." He went to Karlyn, took her elbow and they went away. "What are you doing here?"

"I want you to know that the one you've been going out with was my twin sister, Kristin."

"You said that already, in front of my family, as if you have the right to barge here and tell that fact. Aren't we over already, Karlyn? You don't have to state the obvious. I'm sure you already know what happened between me and your sister. That's the reason why you came here but really, it's already pointless."

Karlyn stared at him for a moment, surprised at his behavior towards her. "I didn't do anything to you, Kev. Are you mad at me too?"

"I don't like the way you arrived here as if you have the right. I don't want you causing trouble with my family. I know what I'm doing. I know about the trouble caused by your sister. I suggest that you leave." Kevin said coldly.

There was confusion in Karlyn's eyes at first. She tried to reach for him but he stepped back. "I'll tell them that I'm leaving."

"You don't have to. No one cares. I'm sorry, Karlyn. You really should go."

Karlyn didn't have a choice. She turned and walked away. Kevin's family didn't say anything when he went to the other way and back toward the house.



~~~



Kristin was surprised when she opened the door and looked as if she was staring at the mirror. Karlyn is back and she is standing in the front porch of the house. "Karlyn, this is a surprise."

"Yes, it is." Karlyn raised an eyebrow. She surveyed her twin. "What came into you to do that to me and Kevin?"

"Huh?" This is her first time to see her twin after so many years since she ran away. It hurt her to think that she will only come home in such situation involving Kevin. It was as if there was no reason for her to come back at all.

Karlyn slapped her.

"What the..."

"He's mine!"

"How could he be yours when you were over years ago?" Kristin turned her back to her twin and went inside the house. She was touching her cheeks. That hurts and it hurts more that her twin did that. But she will not retaliate.

"Well, what's mine will always be mine," Karlyn said. She was not contented from the slap. She even pulled Kristin's hair and made another slap. That was so unexpected that Kristin did not have the time to react. She slipped and fell down on the floor. She was holding her cheeks.

"Hey!" It was Leighanne. Her eyes were raging with anger. She pulled Karlyn away from Kristin and pushed her. "Who are you to do that to Kristin?"

"I'm your sister, her twin."

"Bitch! You were never our sister. Get out!" Leighanne pushed her again.

"You cannot do that to me."

"Yes, she can do that," Leigh said, coming down the stairs. "Get out of here, Karlyn. We already forgot you're our sister since that day you walked out of this house."

Karlyn looked from one sister to another. She turned when Kristin stood up. "Kristin..."

But her twin did not say anything and turned away. Karlyn glared at them. She could not believe that this is happening. "You're gonna regret this!" She exclaimed and went out of the house. She met her other siblings, Natalie and Nick. They were surprised to see her but they did not say anything. Kristin is standing by the front door. Natalie and Nick stepped aside to give way for Karlyn. "I don't need anyone of you!"

"Go to hell!" Leighanne shouted back. Kristin raised her hand to stop her angry sister. Karlyn looked at them for the last time and went to the car and drove off.



~~~



Hardin found his children in the living room. The only lights were coming from the lamp on both sides of the sofa. The TV is turned off. They were just there, sitting. "What happened here? Have you had dinner already?"

Kristin stood up and greeted her father. "Did you already eat?"

"Yes." Hardin looked at his children once again. "What's going on?"

Leighanne stood up. "Karlyn was here." She figured that Kristin will not tell it to their father, so she did. She relayed what happened earlier. "She has no right to do that."

Hardin did not know what to say. He turned to Kristin. "How are you?" He did not approve of what Kristin did to Kevin. He reprimanded his daughter about it. He was also aware of their 'breakup'. It hurt him to see his daughter cry but she also brought it upon herself.

"I'm fine, Dad. Don't worry. I'll fix your dinner," Kristin stood up. Hardin did not miss the scratch on her face. They heard her work in the kitchen.

Nick stood up and followed his sister. "I forgot the trash, Kris," they heard the young man said.

"Right, Nick. And while you're at it, get rid of the leaves in the front yard, too." Kristin said.

Hardin sits beside Natalie on the sofa. "Did she say something about going back here?"

"I highly doubt it, Dad," Leighanne replied, sitting on the other side of him.

"Her behavior earlier was far from going back here and far from reconciliation," Natalie added.

Hardin nodded. He excused himself and stood up. He went to the kitchen to talk to Kristin. He found her taking out a plate of pasta from the microwave. "Take a seat, Dad," she smiled at him and placed the food on the counter. "How's your day?" She poured pineapple juice in a glass for him. Trust Kristin for putting others before herself first, he thought. She was never the selfish one. The one she did with Kevin was the only thing he remembered that she has done wrong. But was it her fault to fall in love and went on pretending? Sure, lying was wrong and she was sorry for that but no one could blame her for falling in love despite that.

"It's fine. George was looking for you. His birthday is coming soon and he's requesting for a cheesecake," He said.

"Even if he didn't ask, I'll still make one for him," Kristin went to wash an apple and started eating it. They were silent for a while.

"How are you, Kris?"

Kristin stopped midway in biting her apple. She looked at her father. "I'm fine," she smiled bitterly. "I guess I deserved everything that happened. I betrayed Kevin's trust and I, somehow, used my sister. I'm fine. I'll get through this." She drew a deep breath. "I heard Kevin is leaving. He won't be back to the Air Force soon but I heard he's going somewhere."

"I'm sorry to hear that, sweetheart."

Kristin nodded. She quickly wiped a tear that fell. "I'm sorry too. It's really embarassing. I'm really ashamed about what I did. I'm trying to face my brother and sisters, pretending that it didn't happen but it's really shameful." From behind her, she felt a pair of arms wrapped around her. It's Nick.

"No, it's okay. Please, don't cry," he tells his sister. Hardin watched them. Nick is going to be a real ladies' man someday. He knows how to take care of the women around him. "I'll no longer give you a hard time. I will even sleep beside you tonight, Kris."

Kristin laughed this time and playfully ruffled Nick's hair. Her brother can be really sweet sometimes. She tried to kiss him on the cheeks but Nick pulled away.

"Alright, I'm taking back what I said." Nick stuck out his tongue. Hardin shakes his head. He silently finished his meal. He will not press about the matter to Kristin for now. She is a strong woman. When she said she is fine, she's probably trying to and it's her subtle way of telling them to give her space. He is going to give that.



>> 14


























14

Kevin went down the horse. He brought it back to the stables and removed the saddles. Danny, the young man who takes care of the horses, volunteered to do the task instead. A few minutes later, Kevin is walking back to the house where he saw his aunt standing by the porch and watching him approach.

"I received a call from James, your butler. He said that the Air Force called. You have an order to return by the first week next month." Mharge tells her nephew.

Kevin nodded. "Thank you." He took off his hat.

"What are you doing here in my ranch, Kevin?" Mharge asked. Kevin looked at his aunt. She is the youngest sister of his father. She's a wealthy widow who now owned and managed this enormous ranch in Texas, along with her sons. The responsibility was used to be her late husband's but it became theirs when Marco Johns died of cardiac arrest.

"I thought Dad told you that I'm here for vacation."

"He did but you don't seem to be on vacation. You're working. You went with the employees yesterday to harvest the crops. You went to herd the cattles with them today. Last week, you went with Stephen to talk with some of his clients. What are you doing?" Mharge raised an eyebrow.

Kevin laughed. He kissed his aunt on the cheeks. "I'm only trying to be productive. I just can't sit around and do nothing, even if I'm on vacation."

Mharge stared at him. Then, she shook her head. "If you've already thought a lot about it, try going home and go to that woman you left behind if you think that only she can make you happy. Obviously, you're trying to punish yourself. Obviously, you have feelings for her."

"I do not have." Kevin frowned.

Mharge only grinned and went inside the house. Kevin sits on one of the chairs in the front porch and looked on to the wide green fields of his aunt's family ranch. He chose to be in Texas, away from his family, from the pressures of the family business and the forthcoming order of the US Air Force and from Kristin.

He will definitely be going back to the service next month. He will not ignore the order. But it seems like he could not feel the drive to be in the Air Force anymore. He didn't want to go. He wanted to stay and be with his family and friends, doing normal things. And he also remembered Kristin.

He admitted to himself that he missed her. Is he ready to forgive her for what she's done? It was not as if she committed some heinous crime. She lied about being who she is. And it wondered him that in spite of that, he missed her. How could he possibly felt that after all the deception? There is this pain in his heart that hurts so much but then, could feel so much for her. He was blinded by his anger when he left and now that he is far away, he realized how much he wanted to see her, to hold her, to see her radiant smile, the twinkle in her eyes, the vibrance of her voice, her soft touch...

Kevin closed his eyes. He loves her. He fell in love with the person, not with the name. Despite the deception, his heart only beats for her. It doesn't matter what she did. He accepts her faults. He is willing to forgive her. He can forget everything.

He stood up just as when his aunt came back to the porch.

"Have you decided?" Mharge asks her nephew.

Kevin nodded and hugged his aunt.

"Go for it, Kev."



~~~



Alyssa thanked the waiter when he placed down the desserts they ordered. She turned to Kristin's sisters who dropped by to visit them at their restaurant. Leighanne's face was full of curiosity and Alyssa was always amazed by her personality. Leigh was laidback and she was observing the place, like she usually does. She seemed to be in the habit of people-watching. Natalie was excited at the cheesecake in front of her so, she set aside the book she brought with her and began to eat. The three women looked at her with amusement.

"It's her favorite," Leigh said with a grin.

"I know," Alyssa smiled.

Leighanne looked at her. "So how's Kristin? Is she so busy with work that she could not leave it even when her sisters are here?"

Alyssa drew a deep breath. "I couldn't stop her. Your sister needs all the time and space right now to think about what happened. I'm giving her that whenever she's here but I won't let her go over that. She will need us too. Soon, she will have to stop sulking about the past and move on."

"Kristin was wrong about what she did but we cannot blame her for falling for that guy. I only wish they could talk and make amends." Leigh said.

They fell silent for a while.

"Oh my, God..." Alyssa is looking at the entrance. The other women turned.

Kevin saw them and walked towards them.

"Hi. Sorry for the interruption but is your father in the diner?" Kevin asks them. The sisters only nodded in affirmation. He smiled. "Thank you."

"Aren't you going to stay? Don't you want to talk to Kris?" Leighanne asks him after she recovered herself from being mesmerized. Kevin is a handsome guy. No one can blame her, she thought amusingly.

"Where is she, by the way?" Kevin looked around. He takes off his sunglasses. The women thought how ruggedly handsome he is but he is off-limits. He was already Kristin's. Right now, they can only enjoy the sight. He is wearing a shirt with collar, tucked in a well-fitted jeans and a pair of brown leather shoes.

Natalie was the one who spoke while others continued to survey the man. "She's inside." She said in between her bites of the cheesecake.

Kevin nodded. "Thanks. I will talk to her but I need to see your father first." He winked. "Bye, ladies." He excused himself and walked off. Some female guests there would take a second turn to the handsome pilot.

"Yum..." Alyssa giggled. "If Kristin won't have him, I will gladly take him anytime."

"Too bad, Kristin got him first," Leigh said with a chuckle. "And I don't wanna think about anything carnal. He's probably going to be our brother-in-law soon."

"He seemed confident to talk to Dad," Leighanne mused. "He's into something."

"I'm looking forward to whatever it is," Natalie said as she took another slice of the cheesecake.

Leigh noticed her sister. "Hey, leave something for us."

"Well, I thought you're going to talk all day and you ordered this exclusively for me only." Natalie said and pushed the cheesecake towards them. "Leave two slices for me."

Leigh looked at her sister. "If you gain weight, don't blame us."

"I don't care." Natalie gave them a wide smile. "I love eating."



~~~



Kristin paused. Two kids were running toward her. She went on the side and let them pass. She could hear them laughing as they talk about some cartoons on TV. She continued to walk. She decided to go to the park. She wanted to forget but she could not. She can't get Kevin out of her mind. Going to the park was something they love to do and she thinks that if she will go there everyday, even if to remember, then probably someday she might go numb. And then she can move on.

She saw the familiar bench, their bench, and continued to walk on. She needs time and space to heal her broken heart.

She saw an old couple on another bench. They looked so sweet together. She wondered how long have they been married. They looked so in love with each other. The woman glanced at her and she smiled. The couple smiled and waved back.

She continued walking. When she turned on a corner, she saw a crowd. There was an elaborate preparation on the green field. Like some of the onlookers, she joined.

A man was standing alone. Since it was already evening, the spotlight was focused on him. He was smiling. And then, a woman came running and stopped. She gasped aloud. Kristin knew what was about to happen. She took her handkerchief to prepare for her tears.

It was a touching moment. The man takes out the bouquet of flowers that he hid behind him. As he walked towards the woman, who was meeting her halfway, a string quartet appeared from somewhere and began playing a love song. The two met on the grass field. The man gave the flowers and they talked silently. The woman was crying but looking at the man's eyes, Kristin saw that this one is promising forever to the woman and he is going to protect and love her. Kristin wiped her tears. She noticed that most of the people watching were touched too.

And then it happened. The man went down on his knees and proposed to the woman. The string quartet was now joined by a group of singers who sang the words to the music they were playing. The woman was crying with so much happiness now as she nodded. She accepted the proposal!

Who wouldn't be? Kristin thought. She wiped her tears. She envied them. The man stood up, wiped his now fiancee's tears and kissed her. And then there were butterflies came flying around. The man took so much effort for this proposal.

The witnessing crowd clapped their hands. The park suddenly have a romantic mood. Some of the couples who witnessed the proposal felt the love and also kissed. The group of singers continued to sing beautifully. Kristin sat on a nearby bench and silently watched.

She is still dreaming of love and happiness. But how or when or who could that be?



>> 15


























15

Kristin woke up the next morning and decided to go to the restaurant early and assist with the marketing of ingredients with the chef. She wanted to make something new, like a brand of sandwich or pasta, that they can add in the menu. She will let Alyssa and the chef taste it.

She went to the common bathroom in the hallway to take a shower. Judging from the mess along the hall, she assumed that her siblings were already up and about in the kitchen. She cleaned up first. Afterwards, she went to take her bath.

When she was done, she went on her way back to her room. But before she gets in, she heard noises downstairs. They seemed to be having fun. She immediately dressed up to see what's going on.

She heard Leigh's laugh and then Nick's excited narration of something that happened to him in school. And then there was a man's laugh. She stopped. Wait, Kevin is here? Her heart suddenly beats fast. What is he doing here again? Isn't he mad at her? Why is he here?

She went to the kitchen and found all her siblings on the kitchen counter, having breakfast together. Kevin was the only one standing. He is wearing an apron and he is serving them with food. They all turned when she got there.

"Have breakfast," Kevin said with a smile as he pulls one of the high chairs. "Sit here."

She quietly went to sit. There are questions in her eyes. But her siblings seemed to ignore her questioning look.

"So as I was saying," Leighanne continued, "I saw Brian's sneakers at the foot of his locker and I picked it up and threw it on top of the lockers." She chuckled. "Poor guy. He kept on looking for it and when someone pointed to where it is, he couldn't reach it. He was so small."

"If I know you more, I'd say that you like him," Kevin said. He placed a breakfast plate in front of Kristin. She decided to act cool and ignore the tension.

"Oh, she does," Natalie said, "She's just denying it."

"Please," Leighanne rolled her eyes. "He's stupid and arrogant."

"He was her date at the senior prom," Leigh told Kevin.

Kevin laughed. "Really? That's weird."

"Exactly!" Leighanne exclaimed.

"How did that happen?" Kevin asked, full of interest. Kristin quietly eats her breakfast. Kevin placed a glass of orange juice for her.

"I don't-"

"Coffee?" Kevin asked her. She only nodded. He went to get some. "Continue, Leighanne," he tells her sister as he wants to hear the story of Leighanne's prom date with her 'mortal' enemy. Kristin thought her sister liked Brian a lot. The prom date-thing only happened because of an auction. Leighanne was a part of a charitable organization in school who had a program prior to the prom. She happened to become one of the girls who were out for bidding, a chance to be prom dates, in exchange for money to be donated to the charity. They didn't know why Brian joined the auction for her. He shelled out five thousand dollars for that but it was a love-and-hate relationship between them. Brian and Leighanne hated each other and they loved to torment each other. That's how Kristin saw it. She noticed that one can't get through a day without giving the other a hard time. She also knew that once upon a time, they were together but she didn't know what happened on how and why they broke up. Leighanne doesn't want to talk about it.

"Here it is," Kevin interrupted her thoughts with a steaming mug of delicious brewed coffee. She could not help but sigh. Nick, who is sitting beside her, chuckled.

"He did something with my milk too. Yum!"

"I don't see anything different from that milk." Kristin said.

"It's fresh milk, from my aunt's farm." Kevin looked at everyone. "More breakfast, ladies?"

"I'm full." Natalie stood up. "Uh, thanks, Kevin. Gotta go." She grabbed her things and went out.

Nick stood up too. "Thanks, Kev. See you when I see you." He rushed out too.

Kristin looked at her other sisters, whom she caught to be staring at her. "What?" She asks them. She saw Kevin smiled and helped himself with some pancakes. He even sits beside her.

"Nothing." Leighanne said. She winked at Kevin and then left the kitchen. Leigh was finishing her breakfast and when she did, she began to talk to Kevin about job openings related to her course. Soon, the two were so caught up with their conversation that Kristin felt that she had to leave. But as she was about to get out of the kitchen, Kevin called her.

"Are you going to work?" He asks her.

"Yes." Kristin fixed her look on him for the first time.

"Take care." Kevin stared at her for a while and then, turned back to Leigh.

"Thanks." Kristin left the room.

Leigh watched Kevin. She chuckled. "You're crazy."

Kevin shakes his head. "Nah, just in love."

"So what are your plans?" Leigh asked him. She was only making up the conversation earlier when Kristin was there. She wanted to ask Kevin why he arrived at five in the morning earlier, spoke with their father before he left to go to the diner. Kevin went to prepare breakfast for everyone afterwards.

"I'm going to serve everyone first."

Leigh raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"I'm going to serve everyone first. I want to do that. I want to show you how much I love your sister by serving you."

"You don't have to do this. She loves you."

"I know, Leigh, but it was something that I want to do. I want to show you how much I love your sister, and also you as her family. I'm very happy to do this for you." Kevin said.

"You're both lucky to have each other, that's all I can say. Oh, and also," Leigh met his look, "I don't want you to hurt my sister. If you will ever hurt her, you will answer to us. You will never see her again."

Kevin nodded. "I understand. I have received some threats from your father too. But I assure you that Kristin will be well-taken care of. She will be loved."



~~~



"Thanks, Kris. I really appreciate this." Jim, one of the cooks, said when he tried to borrow money from her. He ran out of money for his weekly allowance while going to night school. "I'm going to pay you back once I received my salary at the end of this month."

Kristin nodded. "Take care, Jim," she smiled at the young man as he excused himself and leave the office. She returned to reading some files. The door opened again. "Jim, can you bring-" She stopped when she saw who came in.

"Yeah, it's me, Kris."

"Karlyn..." Kristin puts down her pen. What is her twin doing here? She drew a deep breath. They stared at each other for a long while. Her jaws clenched. "I'm sorry, Karlyn, for pretending to be you. I know that's what you want to hear, the reason you came here for. It wasn't really intended at first but things came out of hand and I can't tell him the truth until I was rushed to the hospital."

"How did you meet Kevin Richardson?"

Kristin sighed when she remembered Kevin once again. She remembered the look in his eyes, the anger at her deception. With his parting words almost a month ago, he clearly doesn't want anything to do with her again. Now, it wondered her why he comes in the house everyday and serves her family.

Karlyn smiled bitterly. "He's a wonderful man," she said when her twin did not reply. "It was my mistake when I dumped him in high school. He was so mad at me, and I couldn't bear to look at him straight in the face because I screwed it all up with him. I went out with his close friend."

"Karlyn!"

"That was all in the past. I was so young then, so full of excitement and determination to explore different kinds of things. But I also regretted letting go of him. He's a wonderful guy." Karlyn walked towards her. She invited herself on a chair and continued, "So, it's your turn to tell me how did you meet Kevin."

Kristin stared at her sister. She's glad to see her twin once again. She missed her. But she couldn't help but wonder about her presence in her office right now. The last time they were face to face, Karlyn slapped her and pulled her hair. It hurt her a lot, not only physically but emotionally. She didn't expect her twin could do that. In spite of what Karlyn did, Kristin could not be mad enough to push her out of the office. "It started on the night of our birthday. Alyssa took me to a club around here. I met him there. He thought I was you."

"And you did not correct him because..." When Kristin did not say anything, Karlyn shakes her head. She noticed it before. She didn't voice it though. Kristin respected her relationship with Kevin, that even though she likes her boyfriend, she didn't try to do anything to get him from Karlyn. "As days went by, you found yourself falling in love with him," Karlyn concluded.

"It doesn't matter now. Kevin hates both of us." Kristin coldly replied.

"If he does, why did he comes over the house everyday? As far as I know, if he told you that he never wanted to see you again, he meant it. Believe me. He told me that too. But he was always there for you."

"He's just always there but he didn’t say something about what happened." Kristin said. There was silence between them again. She looked away from Karlyn and stared at the notepad in front of her. She feels awkward being with her twin. She hasn't seen her for years and although they were connected at birth, even looked the same, she felt she is with a stranger now. "What are you doing here?"

She looked up when Karlyn reached for her hand. She felt a tightening on her chest with her twin's gesture. She tried to pull it back but Karlyn held it tighter. "I'm sorry, Kris. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for hurting you."

"Why are you doing this?" Kristin asked instead.

Karlyn sighed. "I know that I'm not exactly an angel to you because of all the things I've done but please believe me when I say that I am sincerely sorry, for everything... For leaving you, for hurting you, for saying bad things to you."

Kristin gave her a look of uncertainty.

"I can't blame you, Kris..."

"Yeah, I'm sorry, too. I don't know if I will believe you. It was a surprise after all." Kristin squeezed her twin's hand and then, she pulled back.

Karlyn lightly bit her lower lip. Tears began to fall. "I miss you."

Kristin stood up. "I'm sorry. I just don't know how to believe you..."

"I'm so sorry, Kris..."

"I know."

"Please help me with Dad and with the others."

"I will try." Kristin exhaled deeply. "Don't worry." She knew her twin to be somewhat dramatic when apologizing. She didn't know what made her do this. She had to be careful. Although she is happy that Karlyn is here, hopefully for good, she didn't know what she will do if her mother will be back, too.



~~~



"I'm sorry, Kevin," Tim started as he entered Kevin's room. Kevin looked at his brother. "I'm sorry, too, Tim."

Tim quietly sat on the small sofa nearby. "So, you really have fallen for her."

Kevin smiled bitterly. "But I'm still a loser, you know." He said with a sigh. "Although I visit their house everyday, I can't get myself to make a move to tell her that. I'm afraid."

"What is there to be afraid of?"

"She might not take me back."

"Are you kidding?" Tim grinned. "You're always there at their house, wooing her family who seemed to have already liked you. It was rare for a man to do that to a woman and her family but you did. You're showing her how you love her and her family. That's something, you know."

"Well, you can't help it if I feel insecure..."

"The only answer to your problem is to tell her. Don't be afraid. Tell her that you love her. If she no longer feels the same way, then at least you tried..." Tim patted him on the shoulders. "Goodluck, bro. Are we going to hear wedding bells soon?"

Kevin looked up to his brother. Wedding? He imagined himself waiting for Kristin at the altar. His heart swelled. He imagined little kids, their children, running around.

"Oh my, you have that look," Tim chuckled. "You sure?"

"I think so. I love her."

"Well, make it sure first. You have all the time in the world. Is she willing to be an army wife? You're going back to the airbase next week, right?"

Kevin drew a deep breath. "Yeah, I almost forgot about that. I've decided to do my last mission and then I'll be retiring early. I'm gonna join you and Jay."

Tim stared at him. He didn't expect it from his youngest brother. "You sure?"

Kevin nodded. "I can't leave Kristin again. That would be torture." They both turned when there was a knock on the door. Tim opened it and revealed James.

"Hey, James!" Tim smiled at the butler.

James looked at Kevin. "You have a visitor, Kevin. She says she is Karlyn Montgomery."



>> 16


























16

Karlyn continued fidgeting as she waited for Kevin's arrival. She was ushered inside a room full of sofas. The room is beautiful and it clearly depicted how wealthy Kevin's family is. They even have a butler.

She came to see him and ask for forgiveness. She wants to do it now that she have the opportunity. She didn't tell Kristin but she will be leaving for Australia soon. She did not become an actress just like everyone thought she would be. She struggled to work and study in LA. She graduated with a degree in media arts. She got a job in a cable network and then with some twist of fate, she was offered to work as a travel journalist in Sydney. She accepted, without the knowledge of anyone in her family, even her mother.

It was a mistake to go to her mother. Laura Montgomery acted like a single woman who parties and dates anyone despite her age. She never thought about being a mother who left six kids in Kentucky under the care of a kind man, her husband. Karlyn realized how it was wrong that she went to look for her mother. And it was her pride that she never went back. After a year of staying with her mother, she left and decided to live on her own. She went to various jobs and enrolled herself in a night school. She studied for almost five years until she graduated, and she cried on that day. She missed her family and she wanted to go home. But she had to prove something to herself first before she goes back.

When she did, she learned about Kristin's deception towards Kevin. It angered her, immaturity sank first. Her reasons were irrational. She knew it was wrong so she went back to ask for her twin's forgiveness. It was hard but knowing and trusting that her twin has a kind heart, it will be easy. She was not wrong about Kristin. Her twin will even try to help her talk to the rest of the family. Right now, she had to make amends with Kevin first.

Her musings were interrupted when the door opened and revealed Kevin. She immediately stood up. She didn't know if she will smile at him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to say sorry, Kev. I sincerely apologize for everything, for what I did to you in high school and to Kris. I'm so sorry." Karlyn said. She noticed the look of surprise from Kevin. It was unexpected from her.

"Why are you doing this?"

Karlyn tried not to smile. Kevin asked the same thing that Kristin did.

"I'm leaving, really. But before I do, I want to make every thing right here. I want to leave knowing that I am in good faith from everyone of you." She noticed that Kevin never stepped further to get near her. She remained to where she stood as well.

"It's the past, Karlyn. I admit that I dwelled on what was then but when I met Kristin, it didn't matter anymore. I was very mad at her when I learned that she's lying but I couldn't help myself, I love Kristin."

Karlyn smiled. She quickly wiped the tears that fell. "I'm glad that you love her now. I'm glad that you're no longer mad at her. That's what I wanted to hear from you."

Kevin raised an eyebrow. "Who are you and what did you do to Karlyn?"

"Hey, I'm trying so hard here. I'm so desperate to have your forgiveness. Don't joke on me about this, Kevin." Karlyn cried. She's struggling to make things right. She only hoped that these people would believe her.

She was surprised when Kevin now stood before her. She looked up. "If that's the case, then I'm forgiving you." She heard him say.

Karlyn wiped her tears and hugged him. "I'm so sorry, Kevin. Really, I am. And all I wanted now is for you and my twin to be happy."

Kevin hugged her again. "Where are you going?"

Karlyn drew a deep breath. She hoped that things will be fine between her and her family soon.



~~~



"There's a customer on the table near the jukebox asking for water," Hardin told the waitress and gave her a pitcher of water. When he turned to the other side, someone puts a velvet box in front of him. He saw Kevin smiling at him.

"What is that?" Hardin asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm going to ask your daughter to marry me." Kevin replied.

Hardin did not say anything and turned away. He began wiping the counter.

"I'm going to ask for your blessings, Sir," he heard Kevin say.

He stopped and looked at the man again. Kevin looked nervous. There was a pleading look in his eyes, too. This man is in love with his daughter. But Hardin knew that he had to know some important things first.

"What about your duty to the country?" Hardin asks him. They stared at each other for a moment and he saw the sure confidence in Kevin's eyes. Hardin went around the counter and faced Kevin. "Let's go to that empty booth over there."

Kevin followed Hardin. When they are finally seated, he received an intense scrutiny from Kristin's father. A waitress promptly served each of them a mug of brewed coffee.

"Do you think that my daughter is ready to be an army wife? You will not always be around for her. Duty to the country always comes first. Are you ready to be away from her whenever duty calls? You see, I've been through that and look what happened." Hardin shakes his head. "It was partly my fault but I just can't do anything now..."

There was silence between them. Kevin understands what Hardin is trying to tell him. It will be hard and he knows that he had to trust himself and Kristin to make their marriage work. It will still take a long time before he leaves the Air Force and until that time comes, he will go through the times that he had to be away from Kristin. He only hoped that she is ready to have that kind of life.

"I will never know if I don't ask her, Hardin. I'm making myself ready for whatever that will entail us. I will put my trust and loyalty in this relationship that I'm planning to have with her. Right now, I'm gonna ask you and then later, I'm gonna ask her." Kevin replied.

"Promise me something, Kevin, when you marry my daughter."

"Of course, Hardin. What is it?" He turned when George stood by the table. Hardin invited him, to be a witness to Kevin's promise.

"Take care of my daughter and love her with all your heart. Let her always know that."



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Epilogue





THE END