To Mahine and Raquella: I do feel bad for putting Elyon through all that but she'll get over it. It's not like she has a choice. I know there's so much grief around but it'll lighten up. Now that Caleb's finally come to his senses. And about Nick, I don't know why Jessica ditched him. I fell sorry for her, though. She has to pay him because she makes more money than he does.

Chapter 6 What's Left of Me (Nick Lachey)

"Cornelia." She was back. She was back and Cornelia had had enough. Slowly, with much difficulty, she scrambled to her feet. She leaned on the cave walls for support. She was unused to lifting her own weight, despite how light she'd became. "There's someone I'd like you to meet."

"Go away!" Cornelia tried to shout. What came out was a feeble whimper. She struggled along the wall, trying to decide what route to take. Anything to get rid of Nerissa. All memories of previous failures were forgotten. She had only one thought in mind, and that was to hide, to avoid the wretched old hag that had made her hate her own very existence.

"Isn't it so tragic she doesn't want to see you?" Nerissa purred. "I'm sure you must be heartbroken."

Caleb stared at his mother in loath and repulsion. "What have you done to her?" he growled.

Nerissa threw back her head and laughed. "It's not what I've done to her, my son," she whispered maliciously. "It's what you've done to her. If I were her, I might not want to see you either."

"Well lucky for me," Caleb snapped, "you're not Cornelia!" He ran off, all the while thinking, I'm coming, Cornelia. Don't worry. I'm coming.

"Dear, dear. It seems that I have struck a nerve. I'll find him eventually. And as for her, she can't elude me forever."

Beads of sweat were rolling down Caleb's face as he started to pant. He didn't care where he ran. In his gut, he knew he'd find Cornelia. Somehow. He had to. "Cornelia!" he shouted, hoping for an answer, hoping he wasn't too late.

He thought he heard a commotion towards his left. He took that path (you can't really call it a path, but whatever) and prayed it was the right one. There she was.

Like a beacon in the sunrise, she stood there. Without her, Caleb couldn't think of a reason for living. Not a single one. But seeing her in such a state left him desolate in despair. Her clothes were frayed and tearstains framed her face instead of the once soft and smooth hair that now merely resembled bits of hay. Her skin was pale and pallid from not seeing daylight and her eyes were sallow and downcast. All the color had left her mouth except for a light magenta that still barely lingered.

She took one look at him and was rooted to the spot. Caleb rushed to her side, just as she collapsed. He kissed her cheeks and held her close to him, trying to chase away the misery she had to face for the last few weeks and whatever Nerissa was telling her that ate away at her from the inside.

She tried to smile, but it looked more like a frown since her mouth was so unaccustomed to the happiness that she once had, washed away like years of dirt and grime on a sidewalk. He stroked her hair lovingly. Her eyes were closed. "I'm so sorry," he whispered. "Please, forgive me."

Cornelia did manage as smile this time. A weak one. "I knew you'd come back for me." Though their troubles have not ended, for one peaceful moment (as Cornelia passes out) as well as the dismal cave, they were in heaven.

sniff, sniff I think this deserves a moment of silence. (And a heck of a review.)