He put his foot on the accelerator, close to tears. He had to get out of there. He couldn't let Kirsty see how upset he was. He felt so cruel throwing her out of the car. All the things that he had said. They had hurt him as much as they had hurt her. He couldn't stand seeing her upset. He wanted her to understand why he was doing it. She would hate him now. And now she thought he hated her. And he didn't. He loved her so much. More than anything. That's why he had to do this. He didn't deserve her. He wouldn't ever be able to give her what she deserved. A stable home. A dream home. He remembered how they had laughed about their dream home on their first night at the orange orchard. A digital wide screen tv, stained glass windows. She had been so hopeful. He couldn't bear to tell her that she'd never get her dream. So long as she was with him they'd always be short of money. Living in disgusting shacks, a dangerous life. They'd never be able to relax. Kirsty would never be able to buy all the things she wanted. They could never afford to go on proper dates. They'd only have each other to turn to for support. And if something went wrong they were doomed.

Kirsty watched as Kane started his car. She couldn't believe what had just happened. Before she had fallen asleep they had just been happy with each others company. She had been a bit upset about her family but she was sure that they could work through it as a couple. She had woken up to a nightmare. Kane had totally changed. He was no longer been the guy she had known for two months. He had been so hurtful and she couldn't understand it. She couldn't understand what had changed between them. Didn't he love her anymore? Did he hate her for phoning home? What had she done wrong? His words rang through her head. "I never want to see you again". Had he meant it? She had just wanted to cling onto him. For him to hold her. To say he didn't mean it. But he had thrown her out of the car and thrown her bags out after her. She didn't know what to do.

Kane's car spun round and skidded off up the road before shuddering to a halt. Kane collapsed over the wheel, sobbing uncontrollably. He had tried so hard to put on a tough front. But he couldn't do it. He didn't want to leave her. He didn't want to spend his life without her. He knew it was selfish. She deserved a family to support her. The life of her dreams. And he was sure she'd end up hating him later for taking away all of her opportunities.

Kirsty gazed at the car, not knowing what to do. It was only a hundred yards away. She stumbled blindly towards it. The door opened and Kane staggered to his feet. They gazed at one another. Kane was still crying. Kirsty had never seen him like this before. She didn't know how to react. He was usually so strong.



"I'm sorry... I can't... I can't do it... I didn't mean it... I don't know what to do..."



Kane was choked. Kirsty ran up to him, throwing her arms around him, hoping that he wouldn't reject her again. He collapsed into her arms, clinging onto her tightly, trying to shut the world out. He knew he shouldn't be doing this but he couldn't bring himself to drive away from the best thing that had ever happened to him. The love of his life.



"I'm so sorry Kirst... I love you"



Kirsty's heart leapt. Relief swept over her body. It was so good to hear him say that. She still didn't understand why he had thrown her out but this wasn't the moment to ask. She buried her head in his shirt, the events of the past day racing through her head. She couldn't bear to think what might have happened if Kane hadn't turned up when he did at the orchard. A knight in shining armour. She hated herself for calling home. For worrying them. What could they have done to help her anyway?



"What now?"



Kane's voice was steadier now. She didn't reply. She didn't want to think about it. Part of her wanted to go inside and let the family know she was alright. Part of her wanted to drive away with Kane again.