I love Cartwills too much, so have an idea for another Karen and Derek story, which I hope you'll enjoy! Usual format, lol! :)


PROLOGUE

She looked down at the water below. It was so still, disturbed only by the tears falling from her face, causing tiny ripples on the surface. Karen had always loved this little bridge. Ever since she was little she had spent endless hours here, dreaming. Dreaming of her future. Dreaming of Broadway. And it was here that he had proposed to her. Here because he knew how special a place it was to her. And here she was now, at the very moment her dreams had all fallen apart.

"Karen?"

Ana came to sit next to her, both their legs dangling over the edge, their arms hooked over the lower railing.

"Everyone's looking for you" Ana said softly, after a while.

"I just wanted to be alone for a bit" said Karen. "I can dream here, and I don't want this to be real" she said, her voice breaking as she leant her head against Ana's arm. "How could he do this Ana? How could he? I, I thought he loved me!"

"I don't know sweetie, I don't know" said Ana quietly, as Karen sobbed into her best friend's comforting embrace.

They sat a long time until Karen calmed enough for Ana to suggest they make their way back to the marquee.

"I can't!" said Karen. "All those people. I can't face them."

"Come on!" said Ana, standing up and reaching down to take Karen's hand. "Girl, you go back in there with your head held high. I know it'll be tough, but we'll be here for you, all the way. You have so many people here who love you.

"Except the one person I wanted here more than anyone" Karen laughed bitterly, as she reached up to take Ana's hand.

"There!" said Ana, as she wiped the tears from Karen's face, tidied up her hair, and tried to wipe away some of the mascara that now stained her white dress. "You scrub up pretty well for a jilted bride!" she smiled. "Come on girl" she said, leading Karen back across the bridge. "Let's get back before Bobby cleans the place out of booze. I don't know about you but I sure as hell need a stiff drink!"


"Last call for Flight 306 to New York" announced a voice over the tannoy, as Derek slowly made his way to the desk with his boarding pass. He still had time to turn back ... if he wanted to. Of course he wanted to, but he couldn't.

"Enjoy your flight Mr Wills" smiled the attendant, as Derek made his way onto the plane. He thought of Karen, and his heart broke at thought of how much pain she must be in right now. He only hoped one day she would be able to forgive him ... no, scrap that! What he had done was unforgivable. He only hoped that one day she'd find true happiness with a better man than him. "I'm so sorry sweetheart" he whispered quietly as he sank into his chair, tears forming as he buried his head in his hands. "I'll always love you."