"No!" Eva woke with a start. She switched on the lamp that was beside her bed and struggled to catch her breath. Her satin night gown was soaked with sweat. She threw back the sheets and swiped the wet hair away from her face. She looked over at the glowing digital display of her clock. "Damn it!" It was just after three in the morning and this was the second time tonight that she awoke with a start.

As if not being able to sleep wasn't bad enough, she had no memory of what she'd been dreaming about. These nightmares or whatever they were had started taking their toll on her. She'd been notably irritable, and that wasn't fair to anyone who had to be around her.

She leaned back against the headboard. Her breathing steadied, but she was wide awake now. She pulled her knees up to her chest and thought about all she needed to do today. Worst case scenario, she'd just get a really early start to the day. At least it was a Friday and she'd have the weekend to recover.

She climbed out of bed and looked at the sheets that were soaked with sweat. A quick shower and a change of clothes would remedy her wet gown, but he wasn't in the mood to change the linen. It was a good thing that she'd still had a guest bedroom setup from when her mother had come to stay with her.

She rolled her eyes at that and decided to get to task. She didn't want to think about that unpleasantness. She took a very brief shower and resigned herself to dealing with her hair later. It would be a crinkly mess in the morning, but it was unavoidable. She slipped on an old t-shirt and a pair of sweats. Now she was starting to get sleepy again.

She started to make her way to the guest bedroom when the shadows of the tree outside her window startled her. She walked briskly back to her nightstand and grabbed the cold handle of her Ruger GP-100. If it wasn't for her magnum, she was sure she wouldn't be able to sleep at all.

By the time she made her way downstairs, she was practically sleeping on her feet. She put her gun on the nightstand farthest away from her. She pulled the sheets back and she was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Eva yawned and stretched. Surprisingly, she felt totally rested. She tossed back the sheets and frowned at the sound of her ringing telephone. Who in the world would be calling her this early, and why?

She didn't get to the phone before the answering machine picked up and it was for the best. The sound of Layla's excited voice played through her answering machine.

"Hey Evangeline, it's me...Layla. Not like I need to tell you that. I thought I might be able to catch you before you were off to work, but I guess not. Anyway, I'm just calling to check in. Mom's been worrying about you. You know she worries if she doesn't hear from you at least once a week. I'm not trying to pressure you or anything, but if you could just give her a call. Just so she'll know you're okay. We know this is hard for you. It's been hard on all of us. We really miss you. We all want what's best for you. We wish you'd come home. Anyway, I love you and I hope to hear from you soon."

Eva sighed and felt a headache coming on. She was really tired of having guilt trips laid on her. It took a few moments to dawn on her, but she realized that Layla or her mother always called around the same time every day.

"Shit!" She looked at the time on the answering machine. She hadn't heard her alarm since she was sleeping in the guest bedroom. She picked a fine time to sleep in. She analyzed the situation and calculated that if she rushed she could still make it to work on time.


John rode silently in the back of a taxi and tried to tune out the ramblings of his driver. He'd been polite and engaged him in conversation for a while, but the man started rambling on about government conspiracies and John grew silent. It made him think of his time with the bureau and as of late John wasn't interested in thinking about the past.

"Looks like we're about here." The taxi slowed to a stop outside an old building downtown.

John looked outside the window of the taxi. The rustic feel of the small town was already starting to feel like home. Hell, any place that wasn't Llanview would do.

"Thank you." John pulled out his wallet and peeled off a few bills and handed them to the driver. "You can keep the change." John grabbed his duffel bag that was on the seat beside him and slung it over his shoulder as he climbed out of the car.

"Is that you Mack?" John looked over his shoulder. He hadn't been called that since he was a uni. "I didn't recognize you with all that hair, princess." The tall blond man with a stocky build pulled John into a brotherly hug.

"Gunner, it's been a while?" John hugged his old friend and smiled at the memory of all the trouble they'd gotten into. He was John's oldest friend. He and John were the only two from their crew that hadn't ended up dead or in prison.

"Too fucking long, Mack." He patted John's shoulder and took in his appearance. "You're looking rough man. No worries though. A few months out here and you'll have forgotten all of you troubles."

John was silent at that statement. He'd never been big on talking about his feelings, and Gunner knew that better than anyone else. "Just looking for a change of scenery."

"That all you brought." Gunner motioned to the bag on John's shoulder.

John nodded. "For now, mom will ship the rest in a few days."

"Come on, let me show you around." He motioned for John to follow him. They walked off to the side of the building and up a flight of old metal stairs. Gunner opened the door and stepped in ahead of John.

John couldn't hold back his laughter as he stepped inside his new home. The large studio apartment was like a throwback to Gunner's old room. The walls were plastered with posters of half naked women.

"What? You don't like pussy." John rolled his eyes and they both laughed.

Gunner was raised by his father after his mother succumbed to her cancer. His father was a man's man and that was why Gunner was so crass. His father was an ex-marine and Gunner was like a soldier who needed training. It was no surprise to John when he followed in his father's footsteps.

"Feel free to decorate as you will. I really don't give a shit." Gunner had moved only moved to Washington at his father's request. His father was dying, and he wanted to be close to him in his final days. After his father died, he decided to stay for a while. His father had bought the building and opened the bar more than a decade ago. Gunner was just so proud of his father's success, so he didn't want to let the business go. He figured leaving it in John's hands would do them both some good.

"I was really sorry to hear about your dad. Sorry that I didn't make it here for the funeral." John knew that Gunner had only stayed here as long as he had because he was still coming to terms with losing his father.

"Well I didn't exactly expect a dead man to attend." He was referring to John's brush with death and then the confusion that ensued after he was presumed dead. "Smoke?" He held out a cigarette for John.

John shook his head and then walked further into the apartment. He'd have some cleaning to do before he could settle in and call this place home.

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Caitlin made you quit." Gunner stuffed the cigarettes back into his pocket. "heard about what happened to Katherine. The family must have been devastated. Don't ever let anyone fool you into believing life is fair."

"Yeah." John was back to one answer mode. Though he and Gunner had lost parents tragically at young ages, they dealt with loss completely different. Gunner's father, who'd never been emotional, wept openly and celebrated the short life of his bride. He never let Gunner hide from his emotions claiming that it was disrespectful to his mother's memory.

Eve had a completely different approach. She had to be strong for her sons in a time of uncertainty. Despite her inner turmoil, she hid her emotions and carried on as she saw fit. It was only later that she saw how that approach had damaged her children.

"Same old John I see." Gunner scratched the top of his freshly shaved head and stared over at John. "I won't lecture you or anything like that, but I strongly suggest that you get the fuck over it, John. You never really dealt with your father's death or Caitlyn's and look at what it's cost you. I know that shit hurts; you know I do. We lose good people every day. We honor them by remembering them in a positive way." John was one of Gunner's closest friends. He had always tried to help John heal, but he'd never been able to get through to him.

"This is you not lecturing me." John swiped his hair out of his face and looked over at Gunner. Funny how he didn't seem to age at all. "I know you're trying to help, but..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know John. You have to find your own way." Gunner looked down at his watch. It was time for him to go. He wished he and John could spend more time together, but they were different now, and it was best if they lived apart.

"I owe you big for this." John knew Gunner had been keeping in touch with Eve and that's the only reason why he was here.

"If you really want to pay me back, you'll try, and you know what I'm talking about." Gunner stood and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Oh yeah and some advice about running the bar."

"Hey, it's not exactly like I need it. This isn't my first time at the rodeo." John smiled at his friend. He was going to back to serve the government, and in his line of work there were no guarantees.

"I'm sure you know the mechanics of running a bar, but you've not had to deal with Diva." Gunner smiled wickedly. "She's not like any woman you've ever met before. I can guarantee you that much."

John raised his eyebrows. "Now I'm interested."

"God, what I wouldn't give to feel her long legs wrapped around my waist. Anyway, as long as you keep her happy you'll be in business." Gunner pursed his lips remembering all the times that she'd shut him down. It would have been a fun game only he'd really wanted her, and she never gave an inch.

"No, I am not going to cater to some barfly who missed her big break on Broadway. She can shape up or she can ship out." John used one of Gunner's father's famous quotes.

"You say that now, but I'm serious John. She packs the house.. Everybody loves her. Plus, she's got a hell of a voice." Gunner knew John had a way with the ladies, but even he would have a hard time getting a handle on Diva.

"We'll see." John wouldn't go back and forth. It was going to be his way or the highway.

"Okay, I've got a plane to catch." Gunner walked over to John and gave him another hug. "Be happy John."

John simply nodded in response. He watched as Gunner walked to the door. He wished they had more time. Gunner looked over his shoulder and smiled at John. "If you fuck her, I want to hear all about it."

"Sure thing." John laughed and that was it. Gunner closed the door behind him and left John alone in his new home. This place had been a healing ground for him, and he hoped it would be the same for John.


"Ms. Williamson, Ms. Williamson." Evangeline kept walking briskly hoping that whoever was calling after her would get the hint. She could hear heavy footfalls behind her and knew exactly who it was; the one person she couldn't blow off.

She stopped and plastered on a fake smile before turning to greet her boss. "Principal Moore, I'm sorry I was lost in thought and didn't hear you." She stared down into the gray eyes of the little old woman and knew she wasn't buying that story for even a second.

"I understand. It's Friday and I'm sure you're gearing up for the weekend." She smiled at the students that passed them in the hallway. "I know it's short notice, but I know I can count on you to be a chaperon for school band tonight. Mr. Davis is out with the flu, and the kids don't want to miss this game. I'd ask someone else, but with your musical background I figure that you'd be more suited."

Evangeline smiled politely and hoped that the annoyance wasn't showing on her face. She thought about it for a moment. She had a performance tonight, so chaperoning at the game would cut into her preparation time. Putting the needs of others over her own was a thing of the past, so she would have to disappoint. "No, actually I won't be able to stand in Mr. Davis's place. I'm sorry but I have plans that can't be rescheduled on such short notice."

"Well darn, I guess I'll have to find someone else." She smiled politely before setting off to find a stand in. Eva smiled at her politely and knew that she'd make her pay later. She shrugged it off and headed for her car.

"Eva! I'm glad I ran into you." Eva bit back a sigh of frustration as she ran into Jill, Ms. Dunning. She was a petite woman with long blond hair and bright green eyes. She was beautiful but her quirkiness and clumsiness seemed to cancel that out. For whatever reason, she'd taken a strong liking to Eva.

"Hey Jill, what's up?" Eva kept walking at a medium pace so that she'd at least get to her car before she was accosted by another staff member.

"This?" She held out two tickets in front of Evangeline and narrowly missed bumping into a student. "I remember you said you'd wanted to go and see this, so I thought we might go together."

Eva cursed under her breath for even bringing it up. Now she'd have to think of a way to say no. Of course, she was drawing a blank and if she didn't say something it would just be awkward. "Yeah sure. That'll be fun. Maybe we can make a day of it." Eva smiled in her face and saw how happy Jill was. She didn't feel bad at all that she would end up canceling abruptly.

"Great, well have a good weekend. I'll call you about the details." She decided not to keep Eva any further knowing she had a long drive home. "Drive safely."

"Bye." Eva climbed into her car and tossed her briefcase onto the passenger's seat. She couldn't wait to be home. She loved her job but dealing with the drama that came with it was almost too much. Here they were supposed to be the adults, but a lot of the teachers were just as bad as the kids.

"Stop it. Just let it go." Eva told herself. She vowed not to let her work life spill over into her personal life. Not that she had much of one, but that was irrelevant. She was happy and that was all that mattered.

She caught a glimpse of her crinkly hair in the mirror and frowned. She wasn't in the mood to spend a long time flat ironing, but she always had to look her best. Tonight would be no exception. She smiled at the thought of getting to relax for the weekend. She had a feeling that tonight would be very exciting.

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John had just finished cleaning his new apartment and taking down all of Gunner's posters when his cell phone alarmed started to chime. "Already?" It had been four hours since he'd started cleaning, and he hadn't realized that he lost so much time.

He looked down at his watch and double checked the time. He'd met most of his staff and they'd all told him to beware of Diva. He just laughed it off, but they all seemed pretty serious. He'd decided that he would go and meet her when she was rehearsing and that was in about thirty minutes. He'd have just enough time to shower and shave.

He'd taken longer than he planned in the shower. He kept letting himself get distracted by this "Diva" character. He found himself wondering what he was going to say to her or how she would react to him. "Get it together, John." He looked at himself in the mirror and smoothed his wet hair back. After his luck with women, the last thing he needed was to get into another relationship; especially a woman named Diva.

He checked himself out in the mirror one final time. He'd opted to wear a blue button up shirt a pair of black jeans and a black blazer. At least he was trying to add a hint of color to his wardrobe.

He headed downstairs remembering to lock the door behind him. John smiled at a few college aged kids that passed him on the sidewalk. He was glad that his bar didn't cater to the under 21 crowd. The last thing he wanted was dealing with drunk and hormonal teenagers.

Pulling open the side door, he entered the bar through the delivery entrance. He smiled at the couple of employees that were stacking cases of alcohol in the back. With his staff, he really didn't need to do much work. Gunner had left the place working like a well-oiled machine, so John would be able to be as hands on or as hands off as he needed. He poked his head into his office and remembered that he'd need to spend some time down here cleaning up as well. It was surprising that Gunner could keep the place running so well while keeping such poor records.

Otherwise, things were going okay, and he was actually excited about tonight. This is how he thought it would be when he bought Rodi's, but he was involved with Blair and there was that thing with Marty. He shook his head and reminded himself that tonight was a new beginning. He wouldn't bring his baggage from Llanview here.

That would have been a lot easier to do, but the music being played by the house band had him doubled over like he'd just been punched in the gut. That was their song. Well, it was never officially their song, but he'd always thought of it that way.

The last thing he wanted to think about was her. She hated him now, and it wasn't like he could blame her. He'd let her down in so many ways and each time she'd forgiven him. Except for now, that is. His luck had run out with her, and maybe it was for the best. No matter what he felt for her, he would never allow for the possibility of forever. Since their first encounter, he'd been counting down the days before she came back to reality and realized that he just wasn't good enough for her.

He stood up straight and blew out a steady breath. He couldn't keep overreacting like this or he really would be a head case.

"Boss you okay." John's baby-faced bartender looked at him warily.

"I'm fine." John smiled slightly hoping that he didn't look as bad as he felt. "Must have been something I ate on the plane."

"You should head over to Barbara's cafe. It's open all night and she's got soup in there than can cure any illness. I swear it." He patted John on the shoulder before getting back to his original task.

John didn't want to be an ass, but there was no way he was about to sit through some non-Evangeline rendition of that song. He walked away from the storeroom into the actual bar area, and his heart dropped into the pit of his stomach.

It was her. Evangeline. She was here. "Diva?" He leaned back against the cool brick wall and was transported to the past as he listened to her soulful serenade. He watched her on the stage and couldn't understand what she was doing here. Last he heard, she was in California looking for a new beginning.

Questions aside, she was still absolutely breathtaking. Her hair was longer now, but still in the same layers as before. She was skinnier now too, not that she'd need to lose any weight. He knew she was probably still recovering from her coma. Who know how long and if she'd ever be back to the Evangeline that he knew so well. He'd settle for one that didn't hate him.

He'd listened until her song was over, and he found that he was the only one clapping. That got her attention. She smirked looking over at him and approached. Her smiled seemed to fade with each step and by the time she'd reached him. She was just frowning.

"So, you're the new manager?" Her tone was not amused. She folded her arms and tapped her finger impatiently on her arm. She recognized that stare, and suddenly she was in a bad mood. It really was a small world. The bassist approached from behind and held his hand out for John. "Don't tell me. Don't say a word. Let me guess."

John frowned at her statement. He was about to speak up confused, but she spoke first. "Jonathan, right?"

"Close. It's John." John shook the man's hand who had introduced himself as Sean, but he wasn't listening. He couldn't take his eyes off Evangeline. "Uh, it was nice meeting you. Diva, may I speak with you privately. I have some things I need to discuss with you." She nodded once and allowed John to lead the way.

He led her to his office and closed the door behind them. "Johnathan?" He wasn't amused. She could hate him; that he understood, but to pretend that she didn't even know him was downright insulting. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in California." He studied her face and could tell that she didn't want to play that game. "Okay. How about another line of questioning, Diva? That's your name now? What's with pretending you don't know me?" He could guess that his presence here might interfere with her Diva persona.

Eva chuckled softly and nodded her head. "Wow, I guess I didn't give my mother or Layla enough credit. I thought the cat would be out of the bag by now." Eva leaned back against John's desk and studied his face. All she could focus on were those piercing blue eyes.

"Yeah, well Mikey always said I was slow, so you'll have to fill me in," John snapped at her unintentionally. It wasn't as if she'd done anything to upset him, but just being here with her was maddening. He came here to get over his life in Llanview, and that definitely wouldn't happen if she was around.

"As you well know, I woke up from my coma a little over two years ago." Eva watched his face as she continued to speak. She wanted to gauge his reaction. "What you don't know is that I'm not the Evangeline Williamson that you know? I mean, we're the same person, physically. When I woke up on that warm July day I'd been given second chance at life; only not my own."

"Evangeline, I really don't know what the hell you're talking about. How about you cut to the chase already?" She was talking in circles and that was pissing him off. She'd never been on to beat around the bush before.

"Evangeline has amnesia, so everything that was Evangeline Williamson is gone. For all intents and purposes, she's dead."