A/N: Sorry it took so long to update. I'm sort of stuck and I have tons of other stories I'm writing that are original fictions, including a murder-mystery comic I'm writing with my friend. Anyway, I was overwhelmed by the responses I've gotten. Eight reviews on the first chapter for my first story? It did loads for my self esteem. Thanks all of you who read and added my story as a favorite. That made me feel amazing.

Sorry this chapter is short. I like short chapters. It keeps the suspense alive. And plus, I didn't have too much inspiration on this. School's back in and I'm a bit busy. But here it is!

"Hi, Mare." He couldn't think of what to say. Should he apologize for not being there? Should he tell her how much he loved her? Should he ask if she loved him back?

"It's so weird to hear your voice." Mary-Lynnette chuckled, but it was a weak one.

There was a short silence. Ash could hear Mary-Lynnette's unsteady panting, which sent nervous ripples down his spine.

"I'm…sorry I wasn't there today…I…"

"You forgot." She said bluntly.

"It's not like I didn't care…I just…I've been thinking about you and lost track of time." Mary-Lynnette didn't answer. She paused, and every second that she remained silent sent Ash's heart pounding even harder.

"I understand…somewhat." She said finally. "So…are you coming? At all?"

"I am. I have to. I promised. I…I can't really stand another minute alone here…"

"You're not alone." Mare corrected. "You're staying with your father, right?"

"That counts as alone." Ash chuckled. "But anyway…I miss you."

"I miss you too." Ash glowed. Those few words were all he needed. Though missing him was not remotely the same as still loving him, it was a step in the direction Ash wanted. Ash sat back down at his desk, and opened the laptop that rested there. Opening the internet browser, he found himself on a flight-booking site, and began to set a flight for Montana.

"I'll be there tomorrow. I promise, Mare. I'm leaving tonight. I'm going to see you again. And I'm going to show you how much I missed you, whether you like it or not. You'll see."

"I'm sure you will, Ash. I…can't wait until you get here." Her voice wavered a bit. She probably tried to hold it back, but Ash noticed.

"You won't have to wait much longer. I swear. I need to go, Mare. I love you."

There was another long silence. "I…I…bye, Ash." The call ended, the damning numbers flashing menacingly on the cell phone's screen, mockingly telling him that she had hung up.

Ash sighed as he crossed the room to his closet to pull out his suitcase. Ash highly doubted that Mary-Lynnette could ever love him as much as he loved her. He knew that part of her hated him. The humanitarian part that could never forgive him for all the people he'd hurt, mistreated, and broken. He remembered facing those very people. He remembered their former bright faces in their minds, and when he faced them again…he saw the never-ending misery he had inflicted on them. It was enough to torture him inside for the rest of his existence. He wasn't sure how he could ever live with himself. He could understand why she would want nothing to do with him. He wouldn't blame her. He could only blame himself.

Ash threw the suitcase on his bed and opened it up, rushing to his drawers and tossing clothes from the drawers to the suitcase. Ash wasn't sure if Mary-Lynnette truly cared to see him, but by the gods, she would.

Like? Or Not? Please say your thoughts in the Review Box! Come on! It's down there! Just CLICK! PLEASE! Love you forever???