A New Beginning

SUNSET CENTRAL FANFICTION

Life After The Cave In
By Deb

This is my first try at fanfic and I only started watching Sunset Beach the first of this year, so be patient with me. Since I don't know all the history surrounding the characters, my story begins in the cave, after the explosion.

Introduction: Antonio & Gabi have been trapped in together and as all their devoted fans know, consummated their love for each other.

Ricardo is trying desperately to dig them out. He has gotten within hearing range and has told them to hold on, that he's almost to them. They frantically throw on their clothes, having been shaken abruptly out of this dream trance they're in from their lovemaking.

Ricardo has thrown in the rope and tells Antonio to tie it around Gabi's waist. Antonio does so and Gabi starts the perilous journey up.

Of course, the above is the real story that the SB writers did. This is where MY version of the story begins.

Antonio holds his breath as they pull Gabi up, praying with everything in him that she will make it out safely. He doesn't care for his own safety but Gabi MUST make it out alive. Antonio would gladly exchange his life for Gabi's for he knows he could never know another moment of peace if Gabi doesn't survive.

Halfway up, something happens - the earth starts shaking and debris is falling all over. Antonio moves under a ledge and is safe but is praying, "Dear God, please save Gabi. Take me - Take me, but please save Gabi!!!"

Then, Gabi is hit with a big rock that falls on her and knocks her backward. She is dangling in mid air unconscious, held only by the rope.

Antonio looks up and screams in agony at what he sees: Unconscious, Gabi's limp body is swinging perilously through the air, supported only by the rope. Ricardo screams out:

Ricardo: Gabi, Antonio, are you okay? Tell me you're okay!!!!

Antonio: Ricardo, Gabi's been hit by the debris. She's unconscious! GET HER OUT NOW!!!!!

Ricardo: The opening is still here but if I pull her right now, T, it may cave in and You'll be stranded again. To get you out safely, we need to do some more Work up here.

Antonio: NO!!!!!! It doesn't matter about me! Just pull her out NOW!!!!!

Ricardo hesitates a minute but then starts pulling the rope up. They pull Gabi out safely but she is still unconscious. Casey carries her out to waiting paramedics while Ricardo rescues Antonio.

The paramedics are working on Gabi when Ricardo and Antonio stumble up. Everyone is trying to grab Antonio to hug him but he is trying desperately to get loose to get to Gabi.

Antonio: "Gabi ЕЕ Is Gabi okay?"

But Antonio's pleas are lost in the chaos of the moment. Besides, Carman has her rescued son in a death grip that not even Sampson could get out of!

Meanwhile, Ricardo is by Gabi's side as the paramedics work on her.

Ricardo to the paramedics: How is she? Is she going to be okay?

Paramedic: It's too soon to tell. We have her stabilized. We have to get her to Hospital.

As they load her in the ambulance, Ricardo gets in and holds Gabi's limp hand as they begin the trip to the ER. Antonio again, is trying desperately, to get loose to get to the ambulance but they are gone before he can get there.

SCENE 2 begins at the hospital ER.

The paramedics rush Gabi into a treatment room and as Ricardo tries to go in, they stop him. He struggles with them to get in but the doctor tells him firmly that he will have to wait outside. They will come out and give him a report as soon as they know something.

Ricardo is pacing the waiting area as the paramedics come in with Antonio. Antonio is only scratched up and is walking on his own. As soon as he sees Ricardo, he bolts over to him.

Antonio: "What's the report on Gabi? How is she? Is she okay?", he pleads Frantically.

Ricardo: They don't know yet. They're still working with her. You need to go in And be checked out yourself, man. You've been through a lot.

Antonio: "No, I've got to find out how Gabi is first."

Ricardo: "T, there's nothing you can do right now. There's nothing either of us can Do right now except wait." "And pray. Talk to your boss Е. You've Got connections with Him. He'll listen to you. Tell him we need Gabi."

Antonio: I don't know how much connection I have with Him right now but I will pray. "Promise me you'll come in where I am and tell me if you get a report."

Ricardo: "I promise. Right now you've got to take care of yourself."

The paramedics lead Antonio off toward a treatment room but he is still looking back at Ricardo, not feeling good about leaving until he finds out about Gabi.

20 minutes later, the doctor comes out to speak with Ricardo, who by this time has almost worn a hole in the carpet from his constant pacing.

Ricardo: "How is she, doc? Is Gabi going to be okay?"

Dr.: "We think so. She has a bad concussion. She's still unconscious but we Expect she'll come out of it. We just have to wait right now and see What happens. I'm moving her upstairs to a room. You can see her as Soon as they have her settled.

Ricardo: "Thanks Doc"

About that time, Antonio comes up the hall. He sees the doctor leaving and rushes to Ricardo.

Antonio: "How is she Е. How is Gabi?"

Ricardo tells Antonio what the doctor told him and they go upstairs together. As they get to Gabi's room, a nurse stops them.

Nurse: "Sorry, but only one can go in at a time."

Antonio: "Of course. You go in Ricardo. I'll wait here."

Ricardo goes in and Antonio waits anxiously outside the door.

Then, Antonio goes down the hall to the Chapel and enters into a pew. He drops to his knees and begins praying: "Please God ЕЕ please let her live. I know what I did was wrong. I sinned - against you and against my brother Е.. but PLEASE, I beg you, don't punish Gabi for my sin. Don't let that be my atonement! Anything else, but PLEASE, don't take Gabi!!!!!!"

Antonio prays desperately for 20 more minutes, begging God to spare Gabi's life. Then Ricardo, who has been searching for Antonio, walks in.

Ricardo: "I thought I'd find you here."

Antonio: (almost afraid to ask) ЕЕ How is she? How is Gabi?

Ricardo: "She's still unconscious but I just know she could hear me. I told her how Much we all love her and that she has to fight to get back to us. I don't Know Е. I just think she heard Е. I think she knows what I said." "God, T Е.. I just love her so much. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to Gabi."

Antonio: Trying to comfort Ricardo while hurting desperately himself: "I know You do. She did hear you, Ricardo. I'm sure of it. We just have to Keep telling her how much we love her. She'll fight to get back to us. Gabi's a fighter! We just have to have faith Е.. in God and in Gabi!"

Ricardo: You want to go in and see her?

Antonio: Yeah. Is it okay to go in now?

They walk down the hall together and Antonio goes into Gabi's room alone. He turns pale as he sees her and the shock of the situation really hits him. He could lose Gabi for ever!

He goes over to the bed and sits on the edge and gently takes her hand.

Antonio: "Gabi, it's Antonio. You've got to listen to me now Е.. you've got to Trust me. You can get out of this Е.. you can. We need you, Gabi. We Need you back to us. I need you. You've got to fight! You have to fight, Gabi! Please fight! If not for yourself Е.. for me. Please, Gabi, please fight."

I don't know what will happen when you come to Е. When this Nightmare is over. I don't know if you'll feel the same way about Me that you did in the cave Е.. or ЕЕ if you'll be racked with guilt Like I am right now Е.. over what we've done to RicardoЕ.. but Whatever happens Е.. Gabi, I love you. I will never stop loving you.

Maybe you'll choose to stay with Ricardo. I don't know how this will All end up, but I just want you to be alive and well and HAPPY. Whatever you choose, I'll be okay Е.. as long as I know you're happy.

Please come back to us, Gabi. Please come back!!! " (Ricardo walks into the room. He sees how emotional and distraught Antonio is.)

Ricardo: She'll listen to you, T. She respects you. Tell her how Much I need her.

Antonio: She hears us. She'll fight, Ricardo. She'll fight to get back to those she loves.

Ricardo: You should go home and get some rest, T. You look worn out. I'm going to stay here tonight with Gabi. I'll call you if there are any any changes. (Antonio looks doubtful.) I promise I'll call. Go home - there's nothing you can do here tonight.

Reluctantly, Antonio leaves.

As you remember, in the last scene, Gabi was in a coma in the hospital after having been hit in the head with a huge rock in the cave. Ricardo has spent the night by her side, hoping she would awaken from the coma. As this scene opens, Antonio, who Ricardo had sent home to get some rest, arrives back at the hospital (looking as sexy and wonderful as ever!!!!!!)

Ric: T. You're back! Did you get any sleep?

Antonio: A little. How bout you? You look exhausted.

Ric: Yeah, I couldn't sleep. I just keep looking at her thinkin she's going to Wake up any minute. I just keep playing all these memories of me and Her through my mind - all the happy times we've had together. T, I can't Lose her! I just can't!

Antonio: No one's going to lose Gabi, Ricardo. You've got to have faith Е. In God And in Gabi.

Have you talked to the doctors this morning? Ric: Yeah, about an hour ago. He said there's nothing to panic about right now. The first 48 hours are the most crucial. If she doesn't wake up within the next 36, then he says we need to worry.

Antonio: She will, Ricardo. She'll wake up before then Е. I know she will.

You need to go home and get some sleep yourself. Look at you - you're Totally exhausted.

Ric: I'm okay. I don't want to leave her.

Antonio: I'll stay. I mean it, man, you go home and catch a few hours sleep. If She comes to or anything happens, I'll call you immediately Е. I Promise.

Ric: Well Е.. okay. If you're sure you don't mind, T.

Antonio: Get out of here. I'm fine.

Ric: Okay, but I'll be back soon. And CALL me if anything happens, okay?

Antonio: Okay!

Ricardo leaves. Antonio sits down on the edge of the bed and gently takes Gabi's hand. He then gently caresses her cheek.

Antonio: Gabi ЕЕ It's me Е.. Antonio. I'm here, Gabi Е.. I'm here.

If you can hear me, Gabi Е.. please wake up. We need you so badly here. Ricardo's a mess and I ЕЕ. I ЕЕ need you Gabi.

Maybe you're scared and confused because you're not sure how to deal with what happened between usЕ.. but we'll work through it Е.. together. Just come back to me ЕЕ please.

I don't know Е.. how I could go on, Gabi Е.. if anything happened to you. As a priest, I'm trained to be strong Е. to have faith that God will give me the strength to handle anthing but Е.. I don't feel strong now Е. I just want you back.

As wrong as it may be, the truth is that I love you Gabi and nothing can Change that.

As Antonio is talking with Gabi, she starts to waken but fights it because she is having the sweetest dream she could ever imagine Е.. she is in some type of dark place and she is scared but thenЕ. Antonio is there Е.. and he's holding her and comforting her. Then, they begin to kiss and then Е.. they're making the sweetest, most passionate love she's ever known. It's as if she's waited her entire life for a feeling like this. And as she starts to waken, she fights again because she doesn't want to ever wake up from this dream. But then, the pain hits her. Her body and her head feels like a freight train have run over her. As she slowly opens her eyes, she sees Е. Antonio. He's there, holding her hand. But she's not sure if it's really him or just part of her wonderful dream.

Gabi: (in a soft, sleepy voice) Antonio?

Antonio: Gabi!!!!! I've been waiting for you. I knew you'd come back to us. I knew you'd fight to get back.

Gabi: Where am I? What happened? My head hurts so bad!!!

Antonio: Everything's going to be alright now, Gabi. You got hit in the head by a Big rock while they were pulling you up out of the cave. You've been in A coma but the doctor says you're going to be fine. You're going to be Fine.

Gabi: (falling back to sleep) I'm glad Е you're here, Antonio. Stay with Me until I fall to sleep again Е. Okay?

Antonio: I'm here, Gabi. I'll be right here. You just rest so we can get you home. I'm not going anywhere.

As Gabi falls back to sleep, Antonio gives thanks to God for bringing Gabi through the ordeal. After she drifts off, he goes to call Ricardo to give him the good news. The scene begins the next morning. Gabi had come out of her coma the day before while Antonio was at her side. Antonio called Ricardo with the happy news and an overjoyed Ricardo rushed to the hospital to be with his beloved Gabi. Having caught a few hours sleep while Antonio was with Gabi, Ricardo spends the night at the hospital by Gabi's side and Antonio goes home.

The next morning, Antonio is at the hospital bright and early. As he opens the door to Gabi's room, he sees Ricardo sitting on the edge of Gabi's bed, holding her and the two are talking softly. Antonio starts to leave but Ricardo sees him.

Ricardo: Antonio. Come back. Come in, man.

Antonio: I don't want to interrupt.

Ricardo: You're not interrupting. Good at Gabi!!! Almost as good as new!!!! Doesn't she look great, T?

Antonio: She ЕЕ she looks wonderful. You look like you're feeling much better Today, Gabi.

Gabi: Yes, much. I'm sorry - I remember you being here yesterday but I was Out of it when you were here. Thanks for being here for me, Antonio.

Ricardo: I know Е. My brother is always looking after you, isn't he? I don't know What I did to deserve a brother like Antonio!!!!

Antonio: (guiltily) Me either, Ricardo.

Ricardo: I'll tell you what, since Antonio's here to keep you company, I think I'll Go down to the station and see what's happening there. The Chief's been Really understanding but I should probably check in.

Gabi: That's fine, Ricardo. I'll be fine. I want to talk to Antonio anyway.

Ricardo: Yeah, I guess you two have a lot to talk about, having nearly died together In that cave. I guess you have a lot to thank Antonio for, too, for taking Care of you down there.

With Ricardo gone, this is the first time that the two lovers have really been able to really talk since their rescue. They gaze into each others eyes for a few moments, each uncertain as to how to begin or what to say.

They're both feeling so many emotions right now: love - uncertainty about their future - guilt over what they've done to Ricardo - relief over making it out of the cave alive.

Antonio: I'm so glad you're okay, Gabi. You really had us worried for awhile.

Gabi: I know you were here while I was in the coma, Antonio. Thank you. You Don't know what it meant to me to have you here Е. To see you when I Came toЕ..

Antonio: I was always here, Gabi Е.. even when I wasn't physically here Е.. my Heart was here. We thought Е. We thought we'd lost you.

Gabi: I know it sounds crazy Е.. but when I was in the coma ЕЕ I had all These dreams. In one, I felt like I heard you calling me backЕ.. You Told me you ЕЕ you told me Е. you loved me Еand needed me to Come back.

Antonio: That wasn't a dream, Gabi.

Gabi: Then you really said those things?

Antonio: Yes.

Gabi: Oh, Antonio. That's what gave me the strength to come back.

Antonio squeezes Gabi's hands and they gaze into each other's eyes. (You know how those two do that ----- it's SOOOOOOO sexy!)

Gabi: Antonio, I've been thinkin a lot today. I'm glad you're here Е.. because We really need to talk.

Antonio: I know. We need to discuss what happened between us down there Е. What we felt then Е. What we feel now.

Gabi: Yes, we do. But first, I want to talk to you about Ricardo. Antonio, I've Really been thinkin about this and I have to tell Ricardo what happened Е That you and I made love.

Antonio: Are you sure that's what you want to do, Gabi? I mean, I agree - I'm Willing to take responsibility for what happened down there. But I was Also willing to keep quiet so you could preserve what you and Ricardo Have together. I thought that was what you would want.

Gabi: I appreciate that you were willing to do that for me, Antonio. But no Е I've really given this a lot of thought and I'm quite certain of what I Have to do.

Gabi: I don't know what the future will hold for you and me, Antonio. But Whatever we decide on that Е.. I still need to be honest with Ricardo About what's happened.

I can't look at Ricardo Е.. I can't hold Ricardo Е.. My God, I can't make Love to Ricardo ЕЕ and pretend that everything is the same Е. Because It's not, Antonio ЕЕ and it never will be again. Everytime Ricardo Holds me or makes love to me Е.. I would see your face, Antonio.

(Writer's Note: My Gabi is totally Unlike the Gabi on the Show that has NO problem whatsoever in forgetting poor Antonio and making it with Ricardo like nothing EVER happened!!!!!!! As you may guess, this REALLY TICKED ME OFF!!!!!!)

Antonio: If you're sure that's what you want to do, Gabi. Just be sure because once We confess this Е.. there's no turning back.

Gabi: I knowЕЕ. But I really have no other choice, Antonio. Ricardo Deserves better than being second best.

I still care about Ricardo Е.. and he deserves the truth. I have to tell Him the truth.

Antonio: It will destroy him Е. What we've done to him, Gabi. We've betrayed Him Е in the worst possible way.

Gabi: I know. I have no idea how to tell him. I'd give anything in the world If I didn't have to hurt Ricardo.

Antonio: There's no way out of it, Gabi. The only way to protect Ricardo is to keep What happened between us secret.

Gabi: And I can't do that.

Antonio: Well, when you tell him, I want to be with you. We should tell him Together. What happened was just as much my fault Е. Actually more My fault, because I had feelings for you before you did for me. It's Not fair for you to face the music alone. We'll tell him together.

Gabi: That's probably best, Antonio, because besides being hurt and Disappointed, Ricardo is going to be furious. Not only at me but also At you.

Antonio: And I don't blame him a bit. He should be.

Gabi: It's probably best if we both deal with his anger in person, from the start. I know if I told him alone, he would go find you immediately, anyway.

This isn't going to be pretty, Antonio.

Antonio: I know. But you're right. We're doing the right thing.

When are you planning to tell him?

Gabi: I'm not sure Е.. probably soon after I go home. I don't want to wait.

(at that time, Ricardo comes in)

Ricardo: Hey guys!!!! Why so serious? There's nothing to be sad about!!!!! You're both safe and our life is going to finally get back to normal now!!! We should be celebrating!!!!

(Gabi & Antonio look sadly at each other, knowing that life is going to be ANYTHING but normal.) Truth or Dare When we last left our favorite lovers, Gabi was in the hospital and she and Antonio had decided that they had to come clean with Ricardo about all that happened between them.

The next day, Gabi was released from the hospital with a clean bill of health, however Ricardo was still worried and had her stay over with him for a few days. Gabi spent the entire first day home trying to decide how she could break the news to Ricardo. Although she was no closer to an answer than before, she knew they had to tell Ricardo ASAP so she called Antonio and asked him to come over that evening so they could tell Ricardo together.

The scene opens with Antonio arriving at Ricardos. He knocks at the door and Gabi lets him in.

Antonio: Hey. Where's Ricardo?

Gabi: He's not home from work yet. But he knows you're coming over. He Should be home any minute.

Antonio: Does he know why I'm coming over?

Gabi: No. I told him we had some things to discuss with him. He questioned Me a lot - you know how he is Е. But I put him off. He has no idea what We're about to hit him with.

Antonio: Gabi - are you sure? Are you sure this is what you want? There's no Going back once we tell Ricardo.

Gabi: I know, Antonio. And I'm petrified. Ricardo is going to be furious, not to Mention hurt. And your mother already hates me Е. Once she hears About this, she'll be camped out on my doorstep casting hexes on me.

But what about you, Antonio? You'll be hurt more by this than me. What happens when your parishioners find out? And what about your Mother and Maria? Will they hate you for what you did to Ricardo? We both have a lot to lose but you have so much more to lose than me.

Oh my God, Antonio. What if the Catholic Church throws you out of the Church?

Antonio: I don't think that would happen. But they will see that I have a lot of Atonement to keep me busy Е.. which I deserve.

As for my Mother and Maria Е.. I don't know. All I know is I'm going To accept responsibility for what I did and whatever happens will have To happen. That's the price I'll have to pay.

Gabi: So, you're sure you're okay with what we're about to do? You're willing To make that sacrifice.

Antonio: I think we're doing the right thing, yes. And I'll deal with the Repercussions.

Just then, Ricardo comes in.

Ricardo: Hey guys!!!!!! How's my favorite girl and favorite brother? (hugging Gabi)

Gabi: You're in a good mood!

Ricardo: Why shouldn't I be? You're here, safe with me again and I'm NEVER Going to lose you again!!!! I've got a great family!!! A decent job! And Е. I've just had a great day!

Gabi: (looking very guilty and dismayed) Oh.

Ricardo: So how was your day. How are you feeling?

Gabi: I've had better days but I'm fine.

Ricardo: So when is our celebration going to begin. That's why you brought Antonio over, right? To celebrate the two of you getting out safely And your being out of the hospital - right?

Gabi: Not exactly.

Ricardo: Where's the food? This is no party!!!!!

Gabi: Ricardo, come over here and sit down. Antonio and I want to talk with You. There's no party. We just needed to talk with you.

Ricardo: Listen guys. I know that what you guys went through together in that Near death incident in the cave is something I could never understand. I've never been through anything like that so I couldn't understand. But you don't have to worry. I know that's something you two have To work out. I'm fine with that Е. I understand.

Gabi: No, you don't understand Ricardo. You don't understand at all.

Ricardo: What Gabi? What don't I understand? You're worrying too much!

Gabi: No, Ricardo Е.. there's things you don't know ЕЕ

When we were in the cave ЕЕ.. we thought we were going to die ЕЕ..

Ricardo: I know, Gab. I know how hard that must have been for you.

Gabi: It was hard ЕЕ it ЕЕ.. Ricardo, when you think you're going to die, You do things you might not do otherwiseЕ.. You're not always thinking About all the repercussions Е.. about who might be hurt Е.. you're just Trying to liveЕЕ to Е..

Antonio: Let me give this a try, GabiЕ..

Ricardo, what Gabi is trying to say is that while we were in the cave, we Did some things that we regret now Е.. things that are going to hurt People ЕЕ. Things that are going to hurt Е.. you.

Ricardo: I don't have any idea what you're talking about, guys. I just think you're Taking everything way too seriously. You may have said things in there That you wouldn't say now. Anybody would. You thought you were Going to die. But that was yesterday. This is today.

Antonio: Yes, this is today Е.. but Gabi and I have to still live with what happened Yesterday because it didn't just affect us Е.. it will affect you too, Ricardo, and for that, I'm more sorry than you will ever know.

Ricardo: But Е..

Antonio: Ricardo, please Е.. let me finish. This is hard enough Е. Just let me finish.

I have had feelings for Gabi for some time.

Ricardo: I know you guys are close. I'm glad. You've been my best friend since We were kids. Nothing pleases me more than having you and Gabi be Friends.

Gabi: (unable to take it any longer) Ricardo, Antonio and I made love while we were trapped!

Ricardo looks confused ЕЕ

Ricardo: I don't understandЕ..

Antonio: Ricardo, I made love to Gabi in the cave. And we had to tell you Е.

Ricardo now looks stunned and can't utter a word.

Gabi: Ricardo, you have to understand that we didn't plan what happened. It Just happened. We didn't mean for it to happenЕ..

Ricardo is no longer pale as a ghost. It has finally hit him what Gabi and Antonio are telling him and his blood pressure is starting to rise fast!

Ricardo: (with his head in his hand, getting angrier and angrier) You didn't PLAN it Е.. you didn't MEAN for it to happen ЕЕ (starting to shout now) What The Hell difference does that make?????

Gabi: Ricardo, we thought we were going to die Е..

Ricardo: (Interrupting Gabi) Does that make it okay, Gabi???? Is that the Excuse you're using to make yourself feel okay about what you Did??????

Antonio: No, Ricardo, there is no excuse for what we did. We know that. No one's trying to make Excuses Е. We just want you to understand how this happened.

Ricardo: (shouting) Yes, please do that Е.. Make me understand how this happened!!!!!!

Gabi: Ricardo Е.. Ricardo: (Interrupting Gabi and really shouting now) YOU keep quiet, Gabi. I'll Deal With you later. Right now - this is between ME AND MY BROTHER. I want To hear from his own mouth how he could betray his own brother!!!!!

Antonio is at a loss for words because he knows how he's betrayed Ricardo.

Ricardo: I might expect this from someone else Е. But YOU, Antonio? I want you To look me in the eye and tell me how you could do this to me Е. Let's not even get into the fact for now that you're a PRIEST Е. Let's just focus on the fact that MY BROTHER slept with my Girlfriend!!!!!!!!!

How was it for you, Antonio? Did you think about me at all while You were making love to Gabi? Is it better when it's your brother's Girl?

Gabi: Ricardo, please Е..

Ricardo: And YOU (pointing at Gabi)!!!! How was it making love to MY BROTHER??? Is he a better lover than me?????

Gabi: (very upset now - near the verge of tears) Ricardo, DON'T.

Ricardo: So what are the plans now? Are you two planning to ride off into the Sunset together?

Antono: No one is planning anything, Ricardo. We just felt like we had to tell you Everything.

Ricardo: Well, how noble of you, little brother!!!!

Gabi is crying softly now.

Gabi: Ricardo, we never meant to hurt you Е. I swear to God.

Ricardo: Oh, which God is that? The God that Antonio made vows to?

Antonio: Ricardo ЕЕ

Ricardo: (shouting) JUST GET OUT - BOTH OF YOU! No more excuses!!! I Can't even bear to look at your faces!!! You disgust me!!!! Both of you!!!

Gabi: (crying) Ricardo, please let me explain Е..

Ricardo: (shouting) GET THE HELL OUT !!!!!

A shaken Antonio and trembling Gabi reluctantly leave as they know there will be no reasoning with Ricardo tonight. He needs time to absorb the shock of what they've told him.

As they close the door, they hear glass shattering as Ricardo hits his fist into a nearby lamp which hits the floor and shatters into a thousand pieces Е. Like the life that Gabi and Ricardo had togetherЕ.. shattered into a thousand pieces.

Living With the Truth When Chapter 5 ended, a furious Ricardo had just thrown Gabi & Antonio out after they came clean to him about making love in the cave.

Outside his door, a stunned and hurt Gabi is crying softly in Antonio's arms as he tries to comfort her.

Gabi: (crying) Oh my God, Antonio, that was the most terrible moment of my Entire life! Ricardo hates us Е.. we'll never be able to face him again!

Antonio: (holding Gabi in his arms and stroking her hair as she cries) Don't cry, Gabi. Ricardo won't hate us forever Е.. he's still in shock. Anyone Would be. He needs time to get over the shock of what we told him.

Gabi: No, Antonio. Did you see HIM in there? I've never seen Ricardo that Angry Е. Or that hurt! We've DESTROYED him!!!!! We can never make up to Ricardo for what we've done to him!!!!!

(still crying) Oh my God Е. What have we done, Antonio? What have we done?

Antonio is at a loss for words to comfort Gabi.

Antonio: Come on, Gabi Е.. let me take you home. (leading her away) Come on Е..There's nothing else we can do here. Let's go home.

By the time they reach Gabi's place, she has stopped crying but is still very upset. Antonio goes in with Gabi because he doesn't want to leave her while she's so upset. They just sit silently for awhile, each replaying in their own mind the events that took place that evening.

Then, Gabi holds her head in both hands and starts to cry again. Antonio moves over to the sofa and holds Gabi. He can think of nothing he can say to ease her pain. It's so frustrating for Antonio because he's a Priest and has always known the right words of comfort in the past, but Antonio is going through his own private Hell right now.

He also knows he shouldn't be here with her. What if Ricardo decided to come and talk with Gabi and found Antonio there? It would just add fuel to the fire. But Antonio knows he can't leave Gabi alone like this tonight. So he just holds her Е.. all night, until she finally cries herself to sleep. Finally Antonio drifts off, with Gabi still in his arms, on the sofa. But there will be no restful sleep or sweet dreams for either Gabi or Antonio this night.

The next morning, Antonio goes back to the church. Alone, Gabi just sits and tries to think of a way to make sense of it all Е.. a way to make Ricardo understand how it all happened Е.. a way to make Ricardo understand how sorry she is for the pain they have caused him. But there is no answer.

Soon, she hears a knock on the door.

Gabi: (running to the door) Ricardo? She thinks maybe Ricardo has come to discuss things now that he's had Time to think and calm down. Now she can explain everything Е. Why It happened Е. How it happened. She'll make Ricardo understand.

But when Gabi opens the door, Carman is standing angrily on the doorstep!

Carman: (staring daggers at Gabi) YOU!!!!!!!! I KNEW you would destroy my Family. I TOLD THEM and NO one would listen to me!!! I KNEW you Were evil. You never loved Ricardo. And you didn't love Antonio. You Just wanted to see if you could seduce Antonio!!!! And NOW you'll be The ruin of BOTH of them!!!!!

Gabi: I know you're not going to believe me so I don't know why I'm even Telling you this Е.. but you DON'T have the facts Е.. you DON'T know The circumstances!

Carman: I know that you have torn my family apart!!! Ricardo and Antonio will Never be close again BECAUSE OF YOU!!!!!!! You never think of Anyone but yourself, Gabi, and your own selfish needs!!!!!

You haven't heard the last of this, Gabi!!!! You will PAY for what you Did to my sons!!! You will PAY Е. The cards say so!!!! You think you Will inch your way back into Ricardo's life but he will NEVER forgive You for what you did! And GOD will never forgive you for causing My Antonio to break his vows!!!!! I hope your life is a living Hell, Gabi!

Carman storms out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Meanwhile, Maria, who has also heard what happened, goes to the Church to look for Antonio. She finds him at the Altar on his knees praying. He is deep in prayer and doesn't hear his sister come in.

Maria: Antonio?

Antonio: (looking up) Maria?

Maria: Antonio, I know what happened. Ricardo told us this morning.

Antonio, are you okay?

Antonio: Am I okay? It doesn't matter if I'M okay. I'M the one that betrayed My own brother. I DESERVE to suffer! You should be comforting Ricardo, not me. I don't deserve your concern.

Maria: Oh, Antonio. Don't say that Е.. you're my brother, too, and I love you Е No matter what. You should know that.

Antonio: Even NOW? Е.. knowing what I did??? You can love me after I betrayed Ricardo? Then you're a much better person than I am, Maria.

Maria: Antonio - I know you didn't sleep with Gabi to hurt Ricardo. It was A mistake. Yes, you're a Priest Е.. and yes, you're Ricardo's brother Е But you're also human. You make mistakes just like everyone else.

Antonio: Yes Е.. but the mistakes I made may destroy my brother's life.

Maria: I'm so sorry, Antonio. I wish I knew what to say to make you feel Better. All I know to say is that I love you Е. No matter what has Happened. I love you and I love Ricardo. I just hope to God that We can get this all straightened out. Just give it time, Antonio.

Antonio: And Mom? What does she say about all of this?

Maria: (hesitating) She's Е..she's angry! She's doesn't blame you, though. She blames Gabi for "seducing" you. In fact, as soon as she found out She headed over to Gabi's to give her a piece of her mind.

Antonio: Oh no. That's the last thing Gabi needs right now.

Maria: I know but there was no stopping her. You know how she is, Antonio - especially when it comes to Gabi.

Antonio: Yes, I do.

Maria: I'm going to leave you to your prayers, Antonio. I didn't mean To interrupt them but if you need to talk Е.. or need ANYTHING Е. You know where I am. (hugging Antonio) I'm here for you if you need me, Antonio.

Antonio: That means a lot to me, Maria.

Maria looks sadly back at her brother and leaves the Church. Antonio goes into his office and picks up the phone to call Gabi.

Antonio: Gabi, it's Antonio. Maria was here. She said my mother was on her way To confront you.

Gabi: Yeah Е.. she's already been here.

Antonio: I'm sorry, Gabi. Maria said she blames you entirely for thisЕ. I'm sorry You had to listen to all of that. I just found out or I would have stopped Her before she got to your place.

Gabi: It's okay. She had a right to be angry. And she was RIGHT - I've broken Up her family. I've come between you and Ricardo. She will never Forgive me for that. I'll never forgive MYSELF for that.

Antonio: She had no right to blame this all on you. I was just as much as fault Е. More, in fact.

Gabi: She's your mother, Antonio. She loves you. She can't focus that anger On her son.

Antonio: Still Е. I'm sorry because I know you're already in enough misery today Without having to listen to that.

Antonio: You know Е.. we still need to talk about Е. About us, Gabi. About what Our future will be.

Gabi: (looking very tired and worn out) I know, Antonio. We do. But not Today Е. I just can't even think straight right now. Can we wait a Couple of days?

Antonio: Yeah Е. You're right. That's probably best. We're both too upset right Now to be making those kinds of decision.

Gabi: Yes we are.

Antonio: I thought Ricardo might have calmed down and come to talk with you.

Gabi: No. He hasn't. I don't think he will. I don't think he EVER wants to speak to me again.

Antonio: We just have to give him time, Gabi. He's been through a real shock.

Gabi: I know.

Antonio: Are you going to be okay today? Do you need me to come over?

Gabi: No Е. I think I really just need to be alone. I need some time to sort Things out. But thank you, Antonio. Thank you For offering.

Antonio: If you change your mind Е. If you need me, you'll call?

Gabi: Yes, I'll call.

Antonio: Okay. I'll talk to you later then, okay?

Gabi: Okay.

As he hangs up the phone, Antonio realizes how glad he is that he and Gabi are putting off their discussion about their future as he has NO IDEA himself about what he thinks they should do. He has a lot of praying and repenting to do before he makes that decision. Antonio goes back into the church and begins praying again.

Life After the Cave In part 2