June 1995

The sun was shining brightly through the curtains of a room on the top floor of the hotel they found in London. The figure on the bed began to stir. Howard Dorough was beginning to wake up. Giving a sigh he reached over only to be surprised that his girlfriend was not next to him. Rubbing his eyes he sat up and looked at her now empty pillow only to find a note.

Howie
We have been together for four years. You have given me a feeling of love that I know no one will ever give. I am so sorry for not having the courage to say this to your face but I think it’s time we see other people. You have big dreams and I am only going to be standing in your way. Just know that you will always have my heart.
Love
Elizabeth.

With a look of confusion Howie read the letter over and over. His brow crinkled with both anger and sadness as he got dressed quickly and ran out his hotel room door. He had no clue what he was doing all he could think about was getting her back and into his arms again. What confused him more was the wording in her letter. He felt, in his opinion that he was the one holding her back not the other way around. On the contrary, he felt that she lifted him up to places he’s never felt before. Not knowing who else to turn to he ran to the only person he knew he could talk to.

He tripped over the plush hallway carpet as he came up to the familiar room number and knocked furiously on the door.

“Ashley open up please it’s an emergency!” he said

Alexander James “AJ” Mclean jumped up and looked around the room. He looked down at his girlfriend Ashley and cursed slightly shaking her awake. With no luck he gave a small groan as he put on his discarded Pajama pants and shuffled his feet to the door. He took a deep breath knowing that Howie would not be happy that a seventeen year old was going out with a twenty-two year old.

“Hey D! What a surprise what brings you here this morning?” He asked letting his friend in.
“What are you doing here? And where is Ashley?” Howie asked suspiciously forgetting for a second about his predicament
“Oh I was out late and Ashley let me crash on the couch you know She’s still sleeping, but I can give her a message is everything ok with you and Eli?” he said as he kept his cool
“She left me AJ.” Howie said as he looked down at the red carpet of the hotel room.

Alex gulped slightly. He knew he had to lie to him; he made a promise not to say anything about why Elizabeth left. Especially since Ashley would kick his ass if he told Howie the reason she left.

“I’m sorry many we didn’t hear anything about this, I can help you look for her.” AJ said as he heard the faint nose of Ashley waking up.

Ashley Montenegro sighed when she heard the voice of her best friend since high school and bit her lip. Passing her hands across her face she sighed and got dressed in a pair of slim fit denim and a loose tank top. Quickly brushing her honey colored long hair she walked out into the small living room of the suite. She cursed at herself as she saw Howie hunched over on the couch his head in his hands. Alex looked at her and she gave him a small shrug.

“Howie is everything alright?” she asked playing up her acting abilities.
“I know you know something Ash!” Howie said as he got up and looked at his friend.

Ashley sighed when she say the pain in his eyes. “Damn it.” she whispered as she sat on the couch next to him and put a comforting arm around his shoulders. Taking a deep breath Ashley gave Howie a comforting hug.

“Howie I’m sure whatever the reason Elizabeth left it was for a good reason, I mean you can’t expect her to go on tour with you all the time, and especially since she needs to finish school.” She said.
“But why couldn’t she tell me that herself instead of and I quote “I’m only going to hold you back” that makes no sense Ash!” Howie said as he got up frustrated.

Ashley gave AJ a look that explained that she was going to tell Howie what it was all about. AJ shook his head furiously only to stop and whistle when Howie looked at him strangely.

“Look D I have no idea what has been going on in Elis head but give her time to come around” Ashley said.

Howie sighed and got up off the couch making his way to the door. He looked back to his friends who gave him sad smiles and he disappeared into the hotel hallway.

“I love Eli like a sister; but, that was just wrong” He said as he pulled away from her and walked to the couch.
“I know but it’s her decision to make, her motives are very weird she needs to stop being scared….Besides I have no idea what she is scared of.” She said as she flopped down on the couch next to him.
“I think she’s scared of what he’s going to think of her.” Alex said.

Howie made it back to his room his legs barely able to keep him up from all the emotional stress he has gone through. He stared off into space as soon as his body hit the bed, His mind blank and his heart broken. All he could think about was ending his pain.

Chapter 1

          2002           

She closed her eyes as the salty sea air blew on her soft skin. She smiled softly as she felt familiar arms wrap around her waist. Leaning back she took in his scent and felt her heart flutter. The soft white dress she had on flowed around them as if playing with the wind. She could hear her children laughing in the background as she felt soft cool lips on her neck. All of a sudden the warm sunlight began to disappear and the clouds started to turn dark. She felt the arms around her disappear and she looked furiously for the man she loved to come back. Her children approached her and she felt her heart ache at their sad faces.

“Mommy, where did daddy go?” her daughter asked her  

“Yeah Mom, how come dad doesn’t love us?” one of her sons asked.  

She tried to come up with the words to tell them everything would be ok; But, for some reason her voice was lost. It wasn’t until she looked past her children that she saw him. He was standing there banging on an invisible glass that seemed to prevent him from being with her and the kids.  “That would be, because she never told your dad about you and she was being selfish” She heard from behind her. When she turned to see who the voice belonged to she felt herself fall into darkness.   

            Sitting up she awoke with sweat dripping from her brow. Taking deep breaths she brought her knees to her chest and placed her head in her hands. Seven years and she still wasn’t over the fact that she had left him. Giving a soft groan she tossed the covers off of her body and pushed herself off the bed. Putting on her robe she opened the curtains for a second to look at the sandy beach of the Hawaiian shore. She remembered moving to the day she arrived on the Hawaiian shores. Here she gave birth to triplets’ twin boys and their fraternal twin sister. Howard Dwaine Jr, Joshua Raul, and Jocelyn Faye were turning six years old in two weeks and just looking at the triplets made her heart ache for their father Taking in the sun light shining in through the window she closed the curtains in order to get dressed.             

         Marco sighed as he heard the footsteps coming from Eli’s room. He looked at the three chairs filled with the toddlers all happily talking to each other and giggling.

 “What are you guys talking about?” Marco asked as he brought out the last of the breakfast he cooked.

“Nothing” the triplets said all together.             

Marco raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled as he saw Elizabeth walking into the breakfast area and sat down next to Jocelyn and wiped her mouth clean of syrup.

 “I swear you guys get messier and messier everyday” She said as she tickled Jocelyne slightly.             

         Marco smiled as he saw Eli interacting with the kids. Usually, she would get sad about Howie but this year seemed different. Then he remembered that today AJ and Ashley were coming. It didn’t surprise them that they ended up being a couple since AJ and Ashley had the same style and mannerisms. Today was going to be special. She was going to make sure that the next two weeks were special for her kids. As they were cleaning up the breakfast table and putting the dishes in the sink for washing the Doorbell rang.  

“I’ll get it” The Triplets screamed at the same time as the dashed to the door.

“Hey no fair, that’s cheating Joshy!” She heard her daughter yell.

“Don’t call me JOSHY!” She heard her son say irritated with the nickname his sister came up with.             

         Marco sighed as he walked past the small wrestling match that was know going on and answered the door. He cleared his throat once he saw AJ and Ashley in a tongue wrestling match. AJ and Ashley pulled apart and looked sheepishly at Marco.

 “Sorry Marco, How are you man?” AJ said as he hugged Marco and walked in.

“I’ve been good, dating around town not to many closet boys out in the open” He said as he hugged Ashley.             

     They were interrupted by the triplets tackling AJ to the ground and giggling.

 “Uncle Alex, did you bring us presents?” Jocelyne said sweetly as she batted her eyelashes.

“I don’t know you’ll have to ask your Aunt Ashley” he said as he pulled the kids off of him and got up.             

         He looked around nervously and walked to the kitchen. It was amazing how he kept the secret from Ashley. He only hoped that tomorrow’s beach excursion was not foiled in anyway. He sighed as he looked at the baby pictures decorating the living area and marveled at how the kids looked like both their mother and father. He only hoped that Elizabeth wouldn’t blow her top if she found out what happened.

 “Hey Alex there you are” Elizabeth said as she patted him on the back.             

           Elizabeth had been the only one who refused to call him AJ and he liked that about her. He knew that Ashley loved him because she would only call him Alex when they were alone and intimate, but around their friends she was happy to call him AJ. AJ looked to Elizabeth and could tell right away that she was masking her true feelings behind her eyes.  

“Hey, yeah I was just taking in the scenery, you know all the touring and I can now finally take a deep breath” He said and hugged her tightly.

“I know, I let the kids watch you guys, and well they love seeing you guys perform” She said and he knew where she was going.

“He misses you” He simply said.

“I know, I can tell when he sings. You know full well why I did this though, if I hadn’t you guys wouldn’t have made it big” She said and looked away.

         That caught him as strange since she never looked away when she would talk to him. It was this that told him that there was more to her just picking up and walking away and he was going to find out the real reason why. Giving her a smile he looked to the kids who were enjoying the company of their Aunt Ashley and Uncle Marco’s stories.

 “I’m going to step outside for a minute I’m going to call my mom and let her know we got here safely” he said as he stepped out into the back porch.             

      Taking a deep breath he took out his cell phone and dialed the familiar number.  

“Hey, we made it ok. We are going to be at the beach tomorrow near her house” He simply said and listened to what the voice on the other end had to say “Yeah dude just make sure you don’t make a scene” he said and hung up the phone.

“Who was that you were talking to?”  He heard the voice from behind him making him jump. “Oh that was no one just letting my mom know that we made it Marco” He said simply and walked back inside.              

          That night Marco kept a close eye on AJ as they ate dinner. He could tell that he was anxious about something and he was going to find out what. After dinner they all retreated to the living room where they watched Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. AJ sat next to Ashley with his arm around her shoulders, Marco sat in his favorite chair and Elizabeth sat on the couch next to Ashley with Joshua and Jocelyn on either side of her and Jr, was sitting on the floor his head leaning against her shins. It wasn’t long before the credits were rolling and the Kids had fallen asleep. AJ and Marco took it upon themselves to carry the triplets to their beds. AJ made two trips as he carried Jocelyn to her room and came back for Jr as Marco had just finished placing Joshua in his bed. Elizabeth had woken up when she felt the kids being moved and sighed. She thanked both her friends for their help and retired to her room for a well deserved rest. 

Chapter 2

     The next morning Alex awoke to the sound of giggling and bed jumping. He groaned as he got up and tackled the first of the triplets he could grab and tickled the profusely. He gave a small yelp as he was attacked by the other two and it turned into an all out morning tickle war. It wasn’t until he heard the click of a camera that he called for a cease tickle and looked over at the door to see Ashley, Elizabeth, and Marco laughing and holding two types of cameras, a video camera and a photo camera.

“I better not see that video all over the internet” He said warningly and got up off the bed.

“Don’t worry, I promise it will not leave this house” Elizabeth said as she walked out of the room already dressed in her swim suit and a pair of shorts and a loose tank top over it.            

        Alex rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and take a quick morning shower before putting on his swim trunks and a t-shirt. He looked at the alarm clock on the night stand and sighed as he realized that in two hours the man who should be here would be. He only hoped that they wouldn’t kill him for what will transpire. Shaking the thoughts out of his head he put on his flip flops and joined the group for breakfast before heading out for a nice walk to the beach.             

        Walking down the sidewalk they passed a lot of locals who waved and smiled at the group. Elizabeth waved back asking how their mornings were and wishing them a very good day. As the group got closer to the beach, Marco and Alex stayed behind to talk. 

 “OK what is going on, I know that you were not talking to your mother last night so spill” Marco said as he made sure Eli was out of ear shot.

 “Ok if I tell you promise me you won’t freak out?” He said looking pleadingly at Marco.            

      Taking a deep breath Alex closed in and whispered his secret into Marcos ear. Marco’s eyes grew wide. He could not believe what he was hearing. He looked to Alex and was at a loss for words.  

“I just couldn’t hide it, He caught me talking to you and he heard me mentioning you name and Eli’s so he made me spill” Alex said as he and Marco reached the sandy beach. 

“Oh this is going to be one of those days” He said as he and AJ reached the girls and helped them set up camp.             

        It wasn’t long before the group was in the water splashing around and chasing after the kids. Elizabeth took a deep breath and told the rest of the group she was going to the beach blanket to get some sun. Walking back she began thinking about Howie and what would have happened if she had told him of the three miracles they had created together. Would that be married and happy, sitting together on the beach watching their children grow up? It was a question she asked herself every year. What she didn’t realize was that someone was approaching the beach blanket from behind her. They had recognized the contours of her back and the color of her hair. They could never forget that shape and the hair. Slowly approaching the blanket, the mysterious stranger came to a stop and took a deep breath.

 “Hi Ells” They said softly.       

       Elizabeth froze in fear at the sound of the mysterious voice. A million things ran through her head. She was too scared to turn around and face him. How did her find her? Did he know why she had left him all those years? The questions came at her one after the other and she debated on whether she should look at him or not. Taking a deep breath she stood up slowly and found the courage to face him. Her heart pounded in her chest. The sound of his voice still made her melt. Turning around she marveled at how much he had changed. Seeing it on video did him no justice. His hair long and straight, his skin was still as tan as ever. She felt her breath get caught in her throat. He stood there in a pair of tan Dockers and plain white button down shirt with a pair of leather loafers. It took her a small while before she found her voice and spoke.

 “Hello Howie” she said softly not having the courage to look her in the eye.

“You’ve changed” he said simply as he took a few steps towards her.    

          He marveled at her beauty. Her hair once short now long and flowing down to her back, Her ballerina legs were as slender as ever, and her body as fit as he remembered. He couldn’t help but want to touch her again after seven years of not being able to hold her. It took all of his strength to not rush to her and lift her up in his arms and spin her around; but, he knew he couldn’t.  

“I want an explanation, I need to know why you left me” He said

“I can’t” she whispered

“What do you mean you can’t? You left me high and dry Elizabeth. I deserve an explanation” He said with a slight raise in his voice.      

        Elizabeth winced at the way he raised his voice. She knew he only raised his voice when he was really hurt and angry. Yet, she still needed to keep the secret, it was the only way. She was about to tell him to leave when Jocelyn came up to them and hugged her mother.

 “Mommy who is he?” She said simply looking at her mother and the man who looked like one of Uncle Alex’s Friends.

“Mommy?” Howie said as he raised his eyebrow to Elizabeth.     

         She closed her eyes waiting for the blow to hit him. She knew it would have been a matter of time. She swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat and waited for his realization.

“I’m a father?” He whispered as he looked at her.       

       Elizabeth was in a total state of shock and a simple nod was her only reply. She knew it was a death sentence but she could only hope he would forgive her in time.  

Chapter 3

            Howie could only look at Elizabeth and feel his heart break even more. She knew, all this times, all these years, she knew he was going to be a father and she kept it from him. He had never felt so betrayed in his entire life; especially, from someone he once considered his best friend. Then he saw them, his so called brother and band mate and the two he considered his best friends too. They were all in on the secret and they kept him in the dark.

“You kept this from me all these years?” He said hoarsely fighting the tears of pain wanting to come out.

“Howie I…”

“No, you have hurt me more than I could ever imagine” He said “And you guys” He continued, “How could I have been stupid enough to consider you my friends” He said as he began to storm off.       

       Elizabeth stood there her mouth opened in sadness slightly as she watched him run away. She knew it was for her fault that he now hated her and she felt the tears well up in her eyes.  Taking a deep breath she looked to Alex, Ashley, and Marco and kneeled down to Jocelyn’s level.  

“Sweetie I need you to stay here with your Aunt and Uncles ok?” she said as he daughter nodded.

“The same goes for you boys stay here and be good” With that she ran off after Howie.         

     Looking around she tried to figure which way he had taken. Giving herself time to think, she decided to try going to the right and following that path. Her flip flops made it hard for her to run so in a quick bolt of insanity she stopped momentarily to take them on a go for a bare foot run. Any chance she got she asked the passerby’s if they saw the man she was looking for; but, she had no luck. She was about to give up hope when she spotted him at a nearby tiki bar. Putting her sandals back on her feet she slowly walked up to him.

  “Howie” She said softly.

“What do you want? Haven’t you broken my heart enough to satisfy you?” He said as he took a big gulp of his drink.

“I didn’t mean to break your heart, I swear. I was so scared of what it would do to your career to your dreams. I was going to tell you, the night I came back from the doctor, but……” She stopped herself and looked away.

“But, what?” Howie said as he slightly started to slur his words. 

“Nothing, you wouldn’t care anyways. If you want to meet your kids…if you have the time to stay for two weeks and get to know them their birthday is coming up” She said softly and handed him a paper she had grabbed to scribble her address on.         

     Without another word she turned and headed back towards the beach. She let the tears fall, tears she thought were gone. It was the most painful day of her life and she didn’t know if it would ever go away. It wasn’t until she noticed Alex walking up to her that she hugged him tight and sobbed. Alex held on to her for support as they walked back to the house where Ashley, Marco and the kids were waiting for her. Alex stopped just before the door and helped her dry her eyes.  

“It’s going to be ok, he’ll come around soon” He said as he gave her one last hug.  

“It’s not going to be ok, he hates me” She said softly as she took one last deep breath and faced the door.      

        Opening the door Elizabeth walked in only to be talked by her kids. Giving a small sigh hugged them tightly and walked towards the couch to sit down. Marco had taken the liberty of setting a glass of water on the coffee table for Elizabeth.

“Thanks” she whispered.      

        Taking a small sip she placed the glass on the table and placed a hand over her eyes. She smiled when she looked at her children. She could feel the tears start to blur her vision as she looked at their faces. They even reminded her of him, and it broke her heart even more that she would have to tell them that their father is in town.

 “Mommy, are you ok?” She heard Howie Jr ask her.

“I’m fine baby, why don’t you guys watch TV while I talk to your Aunt and Uncles ok?” She said as she got off the couch and joined the adults on the terrace.      

       Reaching the terrace she walked to the empty chair next to Marco and sat down. She stayed silently watching the waves crashing on the shore as the sun began to set. She could feel the other three just staring at her, wondering what she was thinking about. It was a few more minutes of silence and she finally found the courage to speak.  

“I gave him the address to the house and told him the kid’s birthday would be in two weeks” she said softly.

“Eli, Hun, I know you still love him, but you really should tell him about…..”

“No! I will not, all he needs to know is about his kids and know that they love him. We are most certainly never going to be together again I know that for sure, he hates me” she said interrupting Marco and looking at him.

“What what are you talking about?” AJ asked.

“It’s nothing Sweetie. It will be said when the time comes” Ashley said as she gently rubbed AJ’s shoulder.      

        Elizabeth stayed silent as the other three began talking about the upcoming events, dropping the subject of what transpired seven years ago. Taking a deep breath Elizabeth began to relax and join in the conversation of planning the triplet’s birthday. They never noticed the figure walking along the side of the house looking at Elizabeth.  

“Hey guys” Howie said as he placed his hands in his pockets and walked towards the group.

“Hey” They said.       

      Howie noticed Elizabeth had stayed quiet and stared off into the horizon. He slowly walked up to them and looked down at the sand. He could feel the tension in the air and silently vowed to make the best of the situation.   

“Can I speak to Ells alone guys” Howie said hoarsely calling Elizabeth by the nickname he gave her.   

        She noticed everyone looking at her and she snapped out of her day dream. She noticed Howie looking at her and the others waiting for an answer.  

“Yeah guys go on ahead I’ll be fine” She whispered.      

        She smiled at Ashley, Marco, And AJ as they walked into the house. There they were alone, and both holding back emotions that they have kept hidden for a long time. They stayed in that uncomfortable silence, Elizabeth watching the horizon and Howie watching Elizabeth. It took a few moments before Howie decided to sit on the chair next to hers and clear his throat.

 “I guess we should talk” he said

“I suppose we should” she said continuing to avoid looking at him.

Chapter 9

            Finishing the class Elizabeth hugged her students and wished them a good evening. Looking at the clock it was now time for the more advanced teacher to take over. Elizabeth cleared the way for Mrs. Lorenzo and smiled at her kids and left the studio.

“You really like what you do” Howie said and smiled.

“I do, it took me a while and a couple of years of working two jobs and continuing school” she said softly.

“I’m sorry I said anything” Howie said softly.

“No Howie wait….I didn’t mean to make you feel bad, but it’s just that’s what I went through” Elizabeth said.

“Why? Why couldn’t you just come to me?” Howie said softly.

“Look, you were at the top of your career, I would have ruined it” she said as they stepped into the office.

“You don’t know that” Howie said as he closed the door.

            Taking a deep breath Howie took her hand in his and with his other hand gently caressed her cheek. He didn’t know what possessed him to do it but he couldn’t help himself.

“Don’t….” Elizabeth started to say.

“Don’t what? Don’t love you? Don’t try to work things out?” He said softly as he pulled her close.

“Howie this isn’t the time or place” She said trying to pull away.

            Howie licked his lips and pulled her in. Their lips crashed and for a second Elizabeth started to resist but she slowly started to let go and listen to her heart. That one simple kiss made her head swim, she snaked her arms around his neck and was going to deepen the kiss when a small voice rang in her head.

“If you get back together with him, I will make sure to take your kids away”

“No, we can’t” She said and pushed him away. “I’m sorry Howie I don’t feel that way anymore” she said as she opened the office door and walked out.

            Howie stood there confused as to what just happened. He was positive that she was giving in. It was just weird that she would say that. He needed to find out what was going on. Taking a small breath he was about to head back outside the office when his cell phone rang.

“Hello?” he said softly.

“Howie? Dude, where are you and AJ man?” it was Nick.

“Hey we’re in Hawaii, I found Eli and Marco and AJ and Ashley knew where they were the whole time” Howie said.

“Oh wow, cool, hey do you mind if I join in, we don’t have to be in the studio for another three more weeks” Nick said.

“Yeah sure Nick you can come, There is just one thing you need to know” Howie said.

“What’s that?” he said softly.

“I have Kids, and they’re six years old” he told Nick.

“Wow you have Kids…wait a sec? You mean Kids, as in plural with an S at the end of Kid?” Nick asked.

“Yeah, she had triplets” he said and sighed.

“Oh dude, wow you had triplets with Elizabeth wow. Hey wait” Nick said and Howie heard the phone exchanging hands.

“Howie its Kevin wherever you are we are going to catch up with you guys” Kevin said and hung up.

            Howie looked at the phone and raised a small eyebrow. He thought that it was weird that Kevin, Brian and Nick would ask for while they were on break. There was definitely something going on and he was going to do everything in his power to find out what. Shaking his head he dialed Alex’s cell phone number.

“Talk to me” He heard Alex say.

“We have visitors coming” He said.

“Wait you men the guys are coming?” Alex asked.

“Yes, and Kevin sounded really weird on the phone” he said.

“Ok, I’ll call them up and give them the details I guess” Alex said softly.

            After hanging up with Alex, Howie went back to the front desk and waited for the rest of the dance classes to finish for the evening. Elizabeth had decided to observe the Hawaiian Folklore class after the heated kiss with Howie. She wasn’t paying that much attention to the class at the moment. All she could think about were how soft his lips felt on hers. She missed it so much. Shaking from her thoughts she tried to focus on the girls who were working hard on learning their routines. She smiled at their progress and congratulated the teacher on a job well done. Getting up she smiled at the girls and walked out the door.

“Hey, the other guys are coming” Howie said softly.

 “Oh ok, cool I haven’t seen them in a while” she said avoiding his gaze.

“Eli about the kiss, I……” 

“It’s ok it was a onetime thing, it won’t happen again right?” she said interrupting him

“Uh, yeah right, a onetime thing” Howie said softly.

            Elizabeth smiled and walked past Howie as Jr, Joshua, and Jocelyn walked out of the class. It wasn’t long before the last of the students were out and it was time to close the studio. Elizabeth went around making sure nothing was left behind and if there was anything that was forgotten it was placed in the lost and found box. Howie had taken it upon himself to sweep the floor and tidy up the chairs. The kids looked at both their mother and father and then at each other.

“What do you guys think?” Joshua said to his brother and sister.

“I think he wants to take us away from Mommy” Jocelyn said and frowned.

“You heard mom no one is taking us away from her” Joshua said.

“What do you think Jr” Jocelyn asked her silent brother.

“I don’t know, I think we should give him a chance and if he does hurt Mom, then we can just not talk to him” He said softly as he looked at his hands.

            The triplets all nodded in agreement and waited for their parents to finish what they were doing. It wasn’t long and they were off on a nice moon lit walk home.

“I was wondering if I could take you and the kids out for dinner” Howie asked softly.

“I think that would be nice, Marco is on his date with a guy he met and Ashley and Alex are probably having a picnic in the back porch” she said softly.

“Ok, what do you say we let the kids pick” he said and smiled at the kids.

“I want to go to Kamea’s Restaurant” Jr said softly.

“Ok let’s go” Elizabeth said as they led the way to a small restaurant filled with the locals.

            Howie noticed that a lot of the people knew Elizabeth and hugged her softly. The kids greeted the familiar faces and Howie stood in the background watching them interact. He felt out of place and he felt awkward. It wasn’t long till Howie saw himself shaking hands and getting complimented on the well behavior of his kids to which he beamed with pride that his kids were being well raised. He never doubted Elizabeth and he knew why he loved her still. They were soon shown to a small table close to the windows so that the kids could look outside.  Not long they were looking over the menu and ordering their food and having dinner like a normal family. But that didn’t last long as Jake the kids PE teacher spotted Elizabeth and walked up to the table.

“Hey guys sorry for interrupting, Elizabeth I know you are having dinner but could I talk to you for a sec” Jake said softly ignoring the harsh looks Howie was throwing at him.

“Uh yeah sure, Excuse me” she said and walked with Jake away from the table.

“Mommy sure like him” Jocelyn said in a soft sing song voice and then giggled.

“He seems nice” Howie said simply to his daughter “So, why don’t you guys tell me what your favorite thing in the world is” He said wanting to get to know his kids.

“I like Drawing and Ballroom Dancing” Joshua said simply as he looked at his father.

“I like Barbie’s, Dancing and the beach” Jocelyn said and then started humming to herself and tried to annoy Joshua.

“I like surfing, and modern dance” Jr said as he looked down at the table.

“Wow, that is great, I would love to see you guys perform and maybe we can hang out a little more” Howie said softly.

“I guess” The triplets said together.

            Howie smiled and started to make funny faces and the kids all laughed, easing the tension between them. It wasn’t long until the triplets where telling Howie stories and jokes and they were getting along.

“Hey guys, what is all the laughing about?” Elizabeth asked.

“Nothing” They all said together.

“So what did you and Jake talk about?” Howie asked innocently.

“He asked me out on a date this Friday” she said softly.

“Oh well that’s nice” he whispered.

            The triplets looked from their mom to their dad and then at each other. They were all thinking the same thing. Their dad was still in love with their mom.   

Chapter 10

After dinner they walked back home in silence. The kids on the other hand where whispering amongst themselves. It wasn’t long before their walk took them to a small park where the kids dashed to the playground.

“Hey you guys come on; it’s too late to play in the playground now.” Elizabeth said.

“Awwwww, Mom, please just ten minutes.” They said at different times.
Elizabeth looked at Howie who looked to the kids.

“Your mom is right you guys we have a big day tomorrow and you have school to go to, if you have finished all your homework and……” he stopped halfway wondering if they had dance lessons to go to.

“You guys don’t have dance tomorrow, your dad and I can bring you, I think Uncle Marco needs to spend some time on his own at the studio, Plus I don’t have any classes to teach so I think it’s ok.” she said and looked at Howie.

“Ok” They said and mumbled slightly as they continued to walk down the street.

“Thank for helping there Howie.” Elizabeth said and smiled.

“I think it was time I started to act like a dad and just leave you to your space.” he said as he avoided looking at her.

They walk to the house seemed long and slow as they walked in silence. The kids looked back to their parents and back to the sidewalk in front of them. They were glad to have a dad, and maybe everything would turn out ok.

“Do you think Dad will move out here now that he knows about us?” Jr quietly asked.

“I don’t know. I guess it would be cool, and then again he could ask Mom if we can visit him during the year” Joshua said.

“I don’t want to leave Mommy all alone. She needs us and besides I like it here I don’t want to go anywhere else” Jocelyne said stubbornly.

It wasn’t long before they reached the house and stepped inside. Ashley and Alex seemed to be in their room and Marco looked like he wasn’t back yet. The triplets all rushed to their rooms and got ready for bed. Howie got ready for another night on the couch and Elizabeth made sure the kids had done all their pre bed rituals. Once the kids were tucked into their beds Elizabeth decided to check on Howie. She walked into the living room only to find that Howie had gone out to the back porch.

“What are you thinking about?” She said softly making him jump.
“Just how different things would have been if I had kept looking for you?” He said as he looked to her.

Elizabeth walked towards him and stood next to him watching the waves roll in; she loved that sounds and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. She noticed Howie’s eyes were staring at her. She cleared her throat gently and looked to him.

“Howie, what we once had is not going to comeback” she said.

“Why? Why can’t it come back? My feelings never left, I was hurt, I was angry, but a part of me never stopped loving you. Why is that so hard to believe?” He asked her as he took a step closer to you.

Elizabeth took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Because I don’t love you” she said and hurried back into the house before he could say another word.

Rushing to her room she closed the door and locked it behind her. Tears began rolling down her face as her heart broke. There was no way she would lose her kids, even if it meant never being with the man she loved. She covered her mouth with her hand as she sobbed and slid down the door. If she was ever going to make sure that she kept her kids she needed to push him away. Gathering herself she walked to her bathroom and splashed water in her face.

Howie knew she was crying, he could tell when he listened through the door. No matter what he was going to find out what was happening to his Ells. He just had to play the game. Taking a deep breath he laid down on the couch and stared at the ceiling before falling asleep.

Chapter 11

Kevin sighed as he looked at Nick and Brian. He hadn't told anyone that he knew why Elizabeth had left. Hell he heard the whole conversation and the threat made against her. Even though he had begged her to tell Howie she made him promise not to tell anyone about what he heard. He couldn't help but worry about what would happen now that Howie had found Elizabeth and his kids.

"You doing ok there Kev?" Nick asked as he snapped Kevin out of his thoughts.

"Yeah Nick I'm fine, Just thinking about what to say when we get there" He said quietly

"What do you mean by that?" Nick asked as he gave Kevin a questioningly look.

"I don't know what I think about this whole situation that's all" Kevin said brushing Nick off.

Just then the pilot announced that the plane would land shortly and for everyone to put on their seat belts. Brian looked to his cousin questioningly and wondered what was going on in his head. He only hoped that this whole drama would be over and he could see Leighanne again.
Back in Hawaii, Howie was nudged gently by Joshua to wake up.

“Dad, wake up” he whispered

“Is everything ok?” Howie asked

“I want to show you something” he said as he pulled his dad up from the couch.

Joshua lead his father to the back porch and out onto the beach. In the distance Elizabeth sat staring off into the horizon. Howie stopped just a few feet away from her. Joshua looked at his father’s face and sighed. Whatever happened between his parents he felt they needed to just fix it.

“Dad, you should keep trying to talk to her” Joshua said as he started to push his father towards his mother.

“Ok, Ok don’t push” Howie said as he slowly walked towards Elizabeth and sat next to her.

“What brings you out here at this time?” He said softly.
“I couldn’t sleep” she said simply

“I know you said you don’t love me, but I can at least help you out as a friend” He said.

“I know, I was so excited when I found out I was pregnant, I knew we weren’t married but I didn’t care, and then I realized that, you guys were just starting to make it big, how would that look? So I just left” she said softly. At the same time leaving out the part about being threatened.

“I guess what’s done is done” Howie said knowing full well what she wanted for now.

“Alex told me Kevin, Brian, and Nick are on their way” she said

“Yeah, they will be really surprised” He said.

Just as the sun began to rise Elizabeth laid down and placed her head on Howie’s Lap. With a soft sigh she fell asleep from exhaustion. Howie smiled and gently picked her up. Joshua had already gone back inside and to his room. Carefully Howie brought Elizabeth back into the house and placed her on her bed in her room. Not being able to resist him gently kissed her forehead and whispered to her.

“I love you Ells, no matter what happens between us you still have my heart and soul” and with that he walked out of the room and headed back into the living room only to have his children waiting for him.

“Daddy, are you going to take us away from mommy?” Jocelyne asked as she held on tightly to her stuffed bear.

“Of course not sweet heart, I would never every think about taking you away from your mommy, she is the sweetest best mommy in the world” he said as he hugged his children.

“Does that mean you and mommy are going to get back together?” Howie Jr asked.

“I don’t know about that son, I think we will leave that up to your mommy” Howie said as he looked at the time on the clock. “Why don’t we get breakfast going for everyone, we’ll let mommy sleep in for today” He continued as he made his way into the kitchen with the triplets.

The smell of bacon eggs and pancakes soon filled the air waking up Marco, Ashley, and Alex. Marco helped the kids get ready for school as Howie cleaned up after their breakfast. Making sure everything was cleaned and the kids had all of their things, Howie decided to walk the kids to school today. On their way the kids showed Howie all of the neighbors and their favorite spots. Just as they got to the school Howie noticed Jake the kids P.E teacher.

“Ok, kids why don’t you guys go in I need to talk to your P.E Teacher for a second” He said and walked towards Jake.

“Look bra I don’t want any trouble” Jake said

“I only came here to apologize and to tell you to take care of Elizabeth, she is the best girl in the world” Howie said as he started to walk away.

“Don’t worry, I will take care of her” he said and walked towards the school.

Howie couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something off with Jake. However, he didn’t have enough evidence to think otherwise. He would just have to keep a sharp look out for anything off. In the distance Jake watched as Howie walked away. He took out his cell phone and dialed the familiar number.

“It’s me” he said losing the surfer accent.

“It looks like Elizabeth and Howie have parted ways, but I am not sure he

will let her go” He said to the person on the other line.

“Do whatever you have to do to keep them apart” Said the person on the other line.

“No problem” Jake said as he hung up the phone.