She had done more writing in her journal in the present month. It seemed that she had alot more to say , thoughts to note down and setting herself free from what would potentially hold her down.

Her journal was almost full and strangely enough, she liked that. It meant that she felt at ease to express herself more, though in words.

She found herself biting down on her pen, as her eyes skimmed through, the last paragraph. The ending was much more lighter than previous, meaning she was in a much better mood.

The past months had been a struggle indeed, dealing with loss, fighting to overcome the many battles that gripped each part of her. Victories came in small portions but oh, did it make all the difference to feel lightness, within her.

Things were never the same again that was obvious. Everyone who survived Paradise Island, dealt with things differently. It felt like a learning experience for her, as she witnessed her friends and love, deal with things.

Parts of her past, the dark parts of her life were fully exposed. She could no longer hide that part of her like she did before. What surprised her the most, was how one time, Anna mentioned that she now understood her better. Kate had expected blame, which she would have understood, because at some point, she felt like she'd brought that darkness into their lives.

All those those washes away, as Anna expressed admiration towards Kate, for her bravery and for being a survivor. Kate had let out a sob right there and then, to which Anna responded by pulling her into an embrace.

After that conversation, parts of her views changed. She breathed easily now and sleep no longer felt like a chore. She was still in middle of her healing journey and this time, she took her time, making sure to endure it all so nothing lingered.

A giddy smile took over her features, when she drew a heart next to Nick's name. Nothing had changed, her heart still flipped at the thought of her him, his name put a smile on her face, just like it did when she saw it displayed on her ringing phone.

" How is it possible that you know the right moment to call?" She asked out of curiosity.

" You were thinking about me?" She could hear him smile from the other end of the line.

" I never said that." She denied, her tone playfull.

" You missed me."

"Don't flatter yourself too much mister." Her face heated up, feeling called out.

"I can't help but feel damn lucky, knowing that you think of me as much I do about you."

" You're being unfair." She whined.

" What did I do?" He asked, sounding amused.

" Don't act oblivious. You know your words are dangerous towards this heart of mine." She admitted with a blush.

Gosh, she couldn't hold back her tongue. The truth was at the tip of her tongue.

" Well I should be the one to complain."

She frowned slightly. " And why is that?"

" You stole my heart. Now there's no more room for another."

" Stop." She warned him, though she didn't want him to.

She felt like her heart was beating too fast and his words were not helping. Nick had a way to make her feel all mushy, which took time for her to recover.

He affected her in more ways than one.

" Okay, I'll stop. Don't want to give you a heart attack."

" Oh shut up!" She bursted out laughing.

He loved hearing her laugh. It was like music to his ears.

It did something to his heart, knowing that she was laughing more, after what she had been through.

" Nick?" She called him, wondering why he was silent now.

" Hmm?"

" Is everything okay?"

" Yeah, everything is just fine."

" Okay, so what were you saying about giving me a heart attack Mr smooth criminal?"

This time, it was him who let out a genuine laugh.

Everyone waited in bated breath, watching the scene unfold infront of them.

" I can't believe you are making me go through with this." Julie's father said as he stared at the rainbow coloured cake, that Julie had made.

It didn't look bad but knowing Julie, she added something that would ruin her first try.

"You're the one who volunteered honey, don't blame us." His wife said, holding the camera towards the scene.

She wanted everything recorded. She was ruthless like that.

" You tricked me!" He complained.

" How so?" She challenged.

" Your kisses. You know how I fall weak to the knees each time---"

" Oh just!" She wavers him off, no doubt blushing hard.

There was a chorus of ' oohs' and 'aahs'  from the girls, that followed.

"Come on dad, it's a cake."

" I'd like to see you try."

" I did, last week. The cookies remember?"

" You took it like a champ." Kate chimed in.

She nodded. " I did." She sounded proud.

" But almost didn't make to the bathroom." Kate added.

Her cousin stuck out her tongue to her but Kate chuckled, shaking her head.

" Okay, here I go." Her uncle squared up his shoulders before picking up the fork.

" Stop right there!" Julie said, appearing by the doorway. " I've got another volunteer. A willing one." She said proudly.

Max peeked his head in, before waving sheepishly.

" Did you kidnap him this time?"

" No." Julie shook her head.

" Let me guess, you mentioned Kate and he agreed."

A confused frown appeared on Max's face this time. " Don't you need my help?" He directed the question to Kate.

She couldn't hide her smile because of how cute he looked.

" I think my cousin is the one who needs help, no, a volunteer."

She walked over to him and gave him a side hug. " Care to explain?" He asked, patting her head after she pulled away.

A part of him still saw Little Amy, that's why it felt natural to pat her head like in the past.

" Well son, it's just a little tasting. I'm sure you can handle that." Her uncle said, moving off the chair, leaving it vacant for Max.

" I'll bake those chocolate chip cookies you like so much, after you taste it." Kate resorted to bribery, seeing as time was wasted.

She held in her laugh when his face lit up. Ever since he got a taste of them, he's life was never the same again.

Before they knew it, he sat down and had the first taste.

They watched as he chewed slowly. His face was blank, not giving anything away.

" How is it?" Julie asked anxiously.

He swallowed and turned to them.

" It's okay."

They dramatically sighed in relief, which amused Max.

" Oh success!" Kate's uncle clapped his hands. " I say lets not miss out too."

Julie rolled her eyes at her father's boasting, when he was too chicken to have the first taste.

" Is it that good or you're being too kind?" Kate said out of earshot, when Max made his way to her side again.

" It's really okay. Though I must say, she was really generous with the peppers."

Kate's eyes widened.

" Wait, why do I taste peppers in here? Am I too old or are my tastebuds not functioning well?" Her uncle asked.

Everyone turned to Julie, whose eyes had widened after she'd had her own taste.

" Uh, I say we pretend that peppers aren't in there, hmm?"

" Julie!!" Everyone said in unison, before they burst out laughing.

................

He stared long and hard at the picture in hand. Only he knew of its existence and he preferred it that way. It fed into his secret longing of what was impossible now.

And it was all because of them, no, her.

She, with the others were to blame for everything being taken from him, but mainly her. He no longer had the chance to be happy, to experience what it meant to be part of a family.

They didn't know, that the one whom they name called, tarnished his name and cursed, along with many other things, was his only family.

His brother.

There wasn't much resemblance between them, which made it easier to blend in with no suspicion. With enough time spent around him and a thorough observation, one would see small similar traits.

His brother, however, never wanted anyone to find out about their relation.

In his own words, ' It's better this way. There's less talking and eyes.'

All his brother ever desired was a bit more love, the kind to fill the void in his heart. Unfortunately none understood him. Since he was young, he'd been misunderstood, and that resulted to him being name called.

Shade, as he'd liked to call himself, the one he related to due to their stories, a character similar to his life. He identified himself as this character, as an escape from the life he despised.

It had been a few months, 6 to be exact, when Shade had finally accomplished his mission. Sadly, too much stood in the way and like every tragic story, he lost his life, his beginning. 

Now here he was, on his own little mission, to seek revenge for his beloved brother. He was taken away too soon and that was a crime itself. He'd taken notes from his brother's movements. Like his brother, he'd do things quick, in and out.

Shade might have moved with the shadows, but he was different. He'd blend in with them, just like he'd done in the past month. It wasn't easy to build a life for himself, but he managed.

Now with Shade gone, his life filled with more purpose, one he intended to fulfill.

" Excuse me?" His whole body tensed when he heard that all too familiar voice.

He replayed it in his recorder, more times than he could count.

It was unfair that it sounded sweet to his ears, that troubled him greatly.

" Yes?" He turned around to face her, his main focus.

The sun kissed her dark curls, making them seem more shiny. She smiled brightly at him, despite him being a stranger.

No matter how long time had passed, he was still a stranger.

Her smile could light up the whole room, making many fall under her spell. He fought hard against himself,  dismissing the smile that had almost broke out on his face.

" Is Austin in?" She asked.

" In there." He pointed towards Austin's office. " He's busy with a call."

" Oh, I shouldn't disturb him." He caught her mumbling to herself, a cute frown displayed on her face.

" I'm sure he'll be done soon." The words slipped out.

He couldn't help himself.

" I guess I can wait." She said, looking up at him.

His breath caught in his throat, when  her eyes met his for a brief moment.

As if he sensed that he was the subject of their conversation, Austin came out of his office.

Her best friend, calling out to him, gained their attention. Kate watched in amusement as Austin tried to discreetly fix his hair, while Anna walked towards him.

It entertained her too much,  to see them act as if they weren't affected by each other's presence.

While she watched them, he watched her.

He couldn't look away.

' You were trouble for my brother, I see that you might be the same for me too.'

His stare was intense, burning even, and maybe that was the reason she turned to him. " Thank you for your help."

Her politeness was an added bonus to her character.

" Come on Kate, someone's buying us lunch!" Anna's voice cut in and diverted Kate's attention.

He watched as she walked away, joining her friend. His breath caught in his throat, when she suddenly glanced over her shoulder and acknowledged him, once again. " Bye Dane!"

Confliction like no other, pierced through him throughout the day. He'd been left to look after the shop, since Max was off today.

She only called his name but that seemed to be enough to confuse him. Irritated, he pulled out the picture from his pocket and stared for a long time.

He felt relieved, knowing that this picture would always remind him of why he was here.

He was here to remind them, that it was all far from over. With him around, now the Dark Paradise would begin.

*********************************

Now my work here is done.

It was nice for a while to go through the story, with fresh new eyes.

A little note: Changes were made and those who are familiar with the story, will probably pick up on this. I hope you are satisfied.

To those who are new, I think I feel better knowing you are reading this version.

Thank you to everyone who showed love to this story before and even now. You guys are great.

Lets meet each other in another story.