Diana nervously fumbled with her keys until she found the right one. Her heart had been pounding since leaving Paradise Island and she hoped that when she opened this door that Drusilla would be on the other side waiting for her.

She had too much on her mind and felt her head was going to explode if one more thought or anxiety were to trespass.

The door unlocked and she pushed it to. Stepping inside, she dropped her things over to the side quietly as she listened for some indication she wasn't alone in the house. She heard not a sound, but nevertheless went from room to room searching.

Nothing at all appeared out of place. And her heart sank into her stomach upon finding the kitchen spotless. If there had been one tell-tale sign, it would have been here, she thought recalling how she had found her kitchen the first time Dru had popped in unexpectedly.

The bedrooms she found to be the same. None of the beds looked slept in and there were no clothes left out and scattered about.

Diana was very worried now. Where could she be? Was she not able to find the house? Had something happened to her before she could find it? There were a million such questions racing to be answered first.

She heard a soft thud from the other room. Was that the front door closing, she thought? She ran to the foyer to find Drusilla reaching for a hanger in the hall closet to hang up one of Diana's jackets.

Nonchalantly, Drusilla turned to her sister and smiled.

"It's about time you made it home!"

Diana's blood was boiling at her sister's lack of consideration. She was unable to speak she was so upset.

Drusilla noted her sister's state of agitation and quickly began doing damage control. But before she could get too far, Diana found her voice.

"Drusilla, if I were not so relieved to find you alive and safe, I would certainly kill you myself! You have shown a total lack of respect and consideration for not only me but also your mother. I cannot believe you have been so immature..."

Drusilla was stunned to be receiving such a tongue lashing as this from her older sister.

"But, Diana..."

Diana was determined not to allow her any slack. "How could you do this to your family? Mother has been worried sick as have I and you... you walk in acting like nothing at all is wrong."

Diana paused to take a breath and suddenly didn't have the heart or energy to pursue it further. Instead she took a couple of steps backwards and collapsed into an oversized chair, eyeing her sister in a disapproving manner.

Drusilla didn't dare attempt an explanation, fearing that Diana would explode again. But she found she didn't have to.

"Dru, it can't go without saying that what you have done is very inconsiderate... but at the same time, I know why you did it and I am very grateful. Mother even suspected that her own stubbornness was what led you to do what you have. But I wish you would have talked to me first."

"I know. But there just didn't seem to be any other way. I talked with mother and she just wouldn't give in. I didn't mean to cause you any more problems or worries, I... just wanted you to be happy and where you truly belong. I'm sorry. I guess I am just as impulsive as I've always been. But I have been trying to work on it. Really!"

Diana couldn't help but laugh at Dru's contrite defense.

"Come over here!" Diana exclaimed.

Drusilla went over and sat on the arm of the chair.

"Do you think it would be alright for me to stay for awhile, since I am already here?"

Diana cut her eyes at her sister.

"What?" she cried and then sighed deeply.

"Well, I don't see why not. But I believe it will be up to mother to decide. Right after I make a quick phone call, I'll contact her and see. Alright?"

"Thanks, Diana."

Diana went to the kitchen and grabbed the phone. While dialing the familiar number, she wondered what she had missed while she was away...

"Dale, it's Diana. I just wanted to let you know that I am back in Los Angeles..."

Diana instantly got the impression something was wrong. Dale really didn't sound like himself. He seemed reserved and had answered very brusquely.

"Is everything alright?"

"Uh, everything's fine, Diana. When can we expect you back at the office?"

"Well, that's the real reason for my calling. I have some personal business to attend to so I'm going to take a few more days, if that is alright."

"That would probably be for the best. I mean..."

"‘For the best'?"

Although Dale tried to explain away his remark as referring to something other than what he intended, Diana was now certain there was something up and he obviously was not going to tell her what it was.

"Okay then... I guess I'll see you in a couple of days?" Diana said.

"Fine. Good-bye." And there was a click.

Diana stared at the phone in her hand.

"What was that all about?" she mumbled out loud.

Drusilla, who had come up behind her inquired as to what was wrong.

"I don't know exactly. That was my boss, Mr. Hawthorn. He acted very strange and when I asked him about taking a few more days, he said that it would probably be for the best... It was almost like he had caught himself saying more than he should have and then tried to give me a ridiculous excuse for why he said it."

She shook her head slowly. Maybe she should go on in anyway to see what was going on...