A sad story about the choices we make in life. Enjoy.

For Loafer, just because.

Disclaimer: Not mine!

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Shawn Spencer inhaled deeply as he parked his motorcycle and removed his helmet.

For the first time in five years, he was back in Santa Barbara. He had spent the past five years traveling across the country, much like he'd done right after he graduated high school. Except then, it was for fun and excitement. This time, it had been an attempt to escape the pain of his girlfriend dumping him.

He ran his hand through his mussed hair, then walked up the path that led to a large, two story house. He had gotten her new address from Gus, since Gus kept in contact with her after Shawn left in the middle of the night. He had been devastated by the blow that came from nowhere. He had genuinely thought they were happy. How had he been so wrong?

Twice he almost turned around, but finally he reached the door. It took several minutes for him to summon the strength to knock, but eventually he lifted his fist and rapped against the door.

There was a crash from inside, followed by a voice that was all too familiar to him. He swallowed hard, nearly turning to make a run for it. But then the door swung open, and he came face to face with the woman who had crushed his heart.

Juliet stared at Shawn, her breath caught in her throat. "Shawn…"

"Hey, Jules." He caught sight of her heavily swollen stomach, and his heart lurched. "How are you?"

"I'm good."

"Mommy!"

Two blue eyed little boys appeared by Juliet, and they both stared up at Shawn with scrutinizing expressions.

Shawn watched them for a moment, then looked at Juliet. "They're cute."

"Thank you, Shawn."

"Juliet, I have to get going," a booming voice called,.

Shawn swallowed hard and forced a smile as Carlton Lassiter came to the door.

He didn't seem to notice Shawn as he kissed Juliet and touched her stomach. "Boys, behave for your mom."

"Yes, Daddy," the two chorused.

Finally Lassiter looked at Shawn, and both men stared at each other. "Spencer."

Shawn nodded. "Lassiter."

Juliet rested her hand on Lassiter's arm. "Have a good day at work." She kissed him softly.

Lassiter returned the kiss, then reluctantly let her go. He gave Shawn a look as he passed the younger man.

As Lassiter walked away, Shawn looked at Juliet. She seemed so happy… "Look, I have to go, Jules."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for coffee, Shawn? I'd like to catch up with you."

"Maybe another time," he said wistfully. But he knew that time would never come. There were dates you planned and kept, and dates you knew you would never keep. "It was good seeing you, Jules. You look beautiful." He hesitated before leaning forward and kissing her cheek.

Juliet smiled and watched as he turned around and walked back down the driveway. "Goodbye, Shawn," she whispered. She ushered her sons inside, then closed the door slowly.

Reaching his motorcycle, Shawn looked back at the house with tears in his eyes.

"Bye, Jules."

The End.

A/N: Don't kill me! LOL. Merry (early) Christmas, and happy holidays! Thanks for reading, and please review!