"Nicole!"

Eric's scream pierced through her like a bullet. It was an awful sound and she had to get away. Unable to stomach Eric's screams, Nicole ran down the winding path, tears blurring her vision. She ran until her lungs burst. She finally stopped for air, when she saw her car, parked under a big oak. Holding onto the roof for support, Nicole took in great gasps, her throat burning red hot. The air was cold and windy. She peered up at the sky overhead which was a swirling mass of iron grey clouds. It seemed the weather was also in mourning for what she had just done.

"Damn you Brady," she said as tears gushed down her face. "Damn you for doing this to us." I'm so sorry Eric. I'm so sorry.

Her hands shook as she tried to use the keys to open her car door. She kept missing the key hole, so the keys tapped against the metal, leaving small scratches. Great, this was just more of her bad luck.

She slammed both fists against the window in frustration and slid down unto the ground. This was where she always seemed to end up. At the bottom. Every time she found a sliver of happiness, something would always come up and snatch it out of her reach.

First, Chole had lied about her daughter and had had done everything in her power to keep Holly from her. Even though she had forgiven and made peace with her old friend, the pain of her betrayal still stung. Then there was Deimos. Even though he was now cold in the ground, he had destroyed her chances of reuniting with Holly sooner. He'd even gone to extreme lengths such as kidnapping her to win her back. And now Brady, who had surprised her most of all, turned out to be the true monster hidden under her bed all along.

Deep down, a part of her believed she truly deserved this. She had done the unimaginable. Hurting a man who had stood by her and helped her reclaim her child. If it hadn't been for Brady, she would have never known the truth about Holly. She would have gone on with her life, unaware that she and Daniel had created their own little miracle. And how had she repaid Brady's kindness? She'd slept with his brother.

Nicole knew there was no excuse in the world to justify her behaviour, but she couldn't help but give into her feelings and make love to Eric. She'd been hiding from herself how she'd really felt for so long, it had felt so right. Eric had been so honest, declaring his love for her; expecting nothing in return. It was like a switch had turned on inside her, and she'd had to be honest with Eric as well as herself.

Instead this time there was no honesty but lies. She had become the monster to push Eric away. Like a film, she replayed in her mind the exact moment the light went out in Eric's eyes. His face a mask of pain, his voice filled with anguish as he tried to make sense of her complete 180.

She beat a fist against her chest, trying to massage out the guilt and pain swirling around in her heart. The pain was excruciating beyond anything she had ever known. She had hurt the man she love so badly. When enough time passed, he would no longer love her. She sobbed. The thought of Eric hating her sent a cold chill down her spine.

The wind became rougher pulling at her blouse. Rain started to fall in earnest. She remained on the ground, not caring that she was getting wet. She wished the rain would wash away the events of the last twenty-four hours. She would have broken things off with Brady first and then run to Eric.

However, she doubted things would have been different. Brady would have been furious either way and he seemed determined to see her and Eric suffer. A few minutes later the thunder rumbled. She couldn't stay here on the ground any longer. She had to go.

She stood up weakly, her pants soaked, and her blouse stuck to her like a second skin. The rain beat down on her neck like little pellets as she jammed her car keys into the keyhole.

Blinking back tears, she took her cell out of her purse that on the passenger's seat. Chloe had texted her. Hey Nicole, Holly was a little fussy earlier but she's sleeping like an angel now. I was thinking I could bring her to Eric's to save you the trouble. What do you think? - Chloe

Dread swelled up within her. She dropped her cell on the seat. She couldn't confide in Chole. She couldn't confide in anyone. She would have to tell another lie, take Holly and disappear.

One last time, she looked back towards the winding path that lead to the farmhouse. She gripped the steering wheel hard, willing herself to put the key into the ignition and drive. But a part of her was crying out. Run back to Eric and tell him the truth. Tell him everything about Brady's manipulation. How he was holding Deimos's murder over her head.

It's too late. The damage has already been done. Even if I went back, Eric wouldn't want to be with me. I crushed his soul. He hates me. Also, she couldn't risk the implication of another investigation. No judge in the world would give her another chance. She would lose Holly permanently. She couldn't let that happen. But you will lose Eric forever a small voice whispered. Will you be able to live with that?

"I have to," she said out loud to herself miserably.

Nicole rested her head on the steering wheel and took a deep breath. The rain came down heavily, pelting the windshield and windows with the ferocity of a lion. With a heavy sigh Nicole pushed the keys into the ignition. The engine gave a soft growl and then amped up. Goodbye my love.

She got ready to move off. Her car had moved only a few inches when something flew right in front of her. Nicole pressed the brakes, her car hitting something solid. Her purse landed on the floor. What was that? She peered through her windshield and her heart stopped. Through the rivulets of rain sliding down her windshield, she saw a lone figure, his hands on the hood, hair slick with rain, eyes grim with determination.

It was Eric.