A/N Update. The last chapter. Yes, we are finally here boys and girls. Whilst I say this is the last 'chapter', there will be an epilogue to follow this. After you read what's written, you'll probably understand why.
On that topic, my one time 'Beta' reader expressed a concern over what I've done with this chapter. I'm not going to go into depth over what it was because I want you to read the story. But I thank her so very much for taking the time to help me out in my hour need, and for telling me straight what she thought. If anyone does want an explanation as to 'why' about anything in this chapter, send me a PM/mail and I will happily discuss it with you.
I can't tell you guys what an amazing journey this story has been, creatively, personally and emotionally. I am so grateful to each and every single one of you who has read this story - who has been with me every step of the way. Your support and encouragement really has been a source of strength to me for this story. So many times I've considered pulling this story, but there was always someone posting a review/sending a PM or e-mail to tell me how much they've connected with what I wrote. As a writer, that to me is the biggest compliment I could ever receive.
My thanks go to Angelicbeing510, BabyJ76, Edge'sLady1981, HellCat's Punk, JamesPotterEvans, Kaikan, Matty1, Mrs Bridget Orton, Tacoto the 12, Unleashed From Within, Vera Roberts, Wrestlemania21, buff vamp, grleviathan, keddie6, pinkstarsx, shannygoat, xXx Miss Pedigree xXx - all of you amazing people have this story as a favourite. Thank you so much.
Thanks to DJFireHawy, Disaray, McCool144, SRC, cenauniversitygrad, coldhOpe, deathrockersux, losingmymind2, Tay and bryanmandingo. You've got my story on 'alert', or you have reviewed my story. Thank you for your dedication and support.
Alhazred - Thank you so much for your e-mails. Your words truly touched me, and validated everything I have done with this story. I'm very much looking forward to reading the story that has been 'ten years in the making'.
Kim - As ever, you have been with me from the very beginning. You are always reviewing everything I write without fail. Thank you so much for being with me from the beginning.
Vera - As always, I am in awe of your talent. Your reviews have been a source of inspiration and strength to me, and I can't ever thank you enough. It's because of you that this story is finished. Thank you.
Rae - Like I've already told you, you deserve credit for this story as much as I do. You've been there since I came to FF, and as ever you are a source of constant guidance. I could not have done this without you, and hope you'll accept my humble dedication of this chapter to your name.
Shanny - My favourite slash writer. Like I've told you a dozen times, you have inspired me so much with all works, (not just 'The Edge…') to continue this story and to better it. You have a such a knack for 'people' that I am always trying to live up to your praise. In actual fact, I'm just in general awe of the greatness that is your writing. So, I would like to dedicate this story in its entirety to you. Thank you for everything.
Thank you to every reader out there who doesn't have me listed for anything, or who hasn't reviewed. As you number into the hundreds, I can't individually thank you all like I want to. But thank you for reading this story. I really hope you've enjoyed the journey we've all taken together.
So, on with the story…
Softly, Ashley's shaking knuckles rapped against John Cena's door. From the inside, she heard the deep tone of his voice, giving her permission to come in.
Pushing the door slightly open, she peered into the room. Smiling softly, John was hurriedly packing clothes into his suitcase. He hadn't looked up to see Ashley's meek face poking through the door. Slowly stepping into the room, she pushed the door closed behind her, eyes watching John as he failed to notice her.
"So that's it? No goodbye? No explanation?" John immediately straightened, looking up to see Ashley's tear filled eyes.
"Ashley…" A world full of realisations hit John with the force of a truck. In all the chaos and insanity that had been his relationship with Morgan, he hadn't once thought about Ashley. She hadn't crossed his mind once. Sure, he had been worried into sleepless nights about how Jeff would react. But through the midst of the drama, even he had failed to even consider how Ashley would cope with the news.
"So you do remember who I am." She smiled bitterly, wrapping her arms around her body.
"I am so sorry," John began. Dropping a tee shirt he had been holding, John moved towards her. She immediately backed up against the wall, her back connecting with a muted thud. "I'm sorry." John repeated. "You shouldn't have found out the way you did. I should have told you sooner. I didn't think…"
"No. You never do. That's your problem." Ashley licked her lips in a lizard like fashion. "You don't think about how your actions hurt other people. You just go straight ahead without caring. As long as you get what you want, it doesn't matter who else gets hurt in the process."
John's eyes shifted downwards to study the carpet. "Wait, that's not true." Ashley corrected herself. "You did care. You were cut up about how what you did broke Jeff Hardy's heart. But not once did you think of me in all this. Admit it. You didn't even think of my feelings through any of this."
"It's true." Ashley was taken back slightly by John's candid honesty. "I didn't think about you at all. And I'm sorry."
"Why?" Ashley's face broke into a river of tears, "You asked me to marry you John, and I said yes. How could you have done that if I mean so little to you?"
"I don't know," John spoke softly, trying not to look in her eyes, "things got out of hand. I should never have asked you to marry me. I should never have started things up between us again. I was lost and afraid of being alone. But that doesn't mean I had a right to use you like I did. I'm sorry Ashley."
"You keep saying that, but it doesn't make a difference!" Ashley was practically screaming. "You're all so sorry about what happened, but it hasn't stopped you from carrying on has it? The entire time we were together, you were sleeping with Morgan?"
"It wasn't like that. We weren't having an affair Ashley." John tried as best to explain the complicated nature of his relationship to Morgan before everyone had found out.
"But you wanted to, didn't you? You wanted to be with him, more than you did with me." Ashley took a step further into the room.
"Yes." Slowly sitting down onto the bed, John rested his hands on his lap. Turning to face the wall, Ashley pounded her hands against it.
"So that's it then. You and I are finished. All over some stupid kid," Ashley spat, "you're pathetic, you know that?"
Anger flared to life in John's veins. "Don't you dare take the high ground with me Ashley. Don't forget who cheated on who to begin with. If I was in the right state of mind at the time, I would never have taken you back in the first place. If anyone is pathetic, it's you for coming crawling back to me."
Instantly regretting the harshness of his words, John could do nothing as Ashley turned to face him, hatred boiling in her veins. "It's because I love you. Don't you get that? I love you John, and god help me I still to do." Rushing across the room, Ashley sat next to John on the bed. "We can work through this. I still want us to be together. We can still be a couple, if you just -…"
"No Ashley." With his large hands on her shoulders, John slowly pushed her back. "That's not going to happen. I'm in love with Morgan. He's the person I want to be with, and I'm asking you to respect that." Ashley's expression was blank. "He's meeting me at the airport later tonight, and he's coming with me to Carolina. Nothing will change how I feel about him."
Standing up from the bed, Ashley looked as though she were about to collapse into a heap of sobs on the floor. Instead, she reared her hand back, bringing it back to connect a hard slap across John's face. Immediately regretting her actions, Ashley could only look fearfully into the cold expression in Cena's eyes. "I think you need to go."
"John, I'm sorry I-…"
"Ashley, please leave. We're through." Standing up from the bed, Cena turned his back to her, continuing to sort through his case. Taking a few steps back through the room, Ashley's attention was caught by the flashing light of John's phone. Resting on top of a chest of drawers, it continually blinked a blue light. Oblivious to it, John continued to freeze Ashley out. Picking up the phone, Ashley's face snarled with disgust as she saw Morgan's name flashing on the display.
What happened next, Ashley could not explain, even to herself. Holding the phone in her hand, she suddenly dropped it into her purse. Looking back at John, he still hadn't turned around. Walking to the door, she looked back at John one more time. "I'm sorry…"
With no response from John, she stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind her.
"Come in!"
Jeff Hardy's southern tinted voice sounded muffled. In his hands, he held a collection of clothes - shirts, tops and pants of various materials and designs, a myriad of looks and 'statements'. Precariously balanced across his knee was an open duffle bag, into which he desperately tried to stuff the clothes.
Glancing over his shoulder, he looked surprised as Morgan appeared. He was still dressed as Jeff had seem him earlier, his hair ruffed over the top his head. Hands pushed firmly into the pockets of his jeans, that alone - if not the expression on his handsome features - let Jeff knew he couldn't be coming with good news. Even after the altercation downstairs with Ashley, somehow Jeff had been secretly hoping this moment wasn't going to come. The moment when the love of his life told him he was leaving.
"You're early," Jeff muttered, allowing the duffle bag to drop to the ground, "I thought we were going to meet at nine? Doesn't matter I guess. I have something for you." Jeff's hand reached around to his back pocket. The tips of his fingers brushed against the envelope tucked there. He stopped however, as Morgan spoke again.
"Jeff," Morgan began hesitantly, letting the door to Jeff's hotel room click to a close behind him. "There's something I have to say…so I guess, I'm just going to come out and say it, okay?" Jeff nodded mutely, slowly lowering himself to be perched on the edge of his bed. Both jade green eyes rippled with nerves as Morgan took in a deep breath.
"First of all, I owe you and apology. For everything that has happened over all this time. I know it can't change any of the stuff that I did, or make it any less worse, but I really need you to know that I'm sorry?" Jeff nodded slowly, letting Morgan continue. "Okay…here it comes. I'm not coming to Carolina with you…I'm going with John."
Jeff couldn't hide the wave of emotion that rode over his face, pulling at the curve of his mouth. His hand gripped the envelope even tighter as remained in silence. "After everything that happened between us today, I realise now that John is the guy that I want to be with. I'm in love with him Jeff, and I always have been. I'm lucky that he still wants me, considering what I've put him through. I need to make up for lost time with him now…all I can think about is being with him." Realising perhaps he was 'gushing' to the wrong audience, Morgan rocketed back on topic. "It's my fault things got so far between us and I wish I'd had the guts to stop them earlier, but I didn't. That doesn't excuse any of my behaviour, and I know it makes it all the worse for you, but I've done so much lying I have to be honest, with you if no one else."
Jeff licked his lips slowly, as though trying to take in the words spoken to him. Somehow, knowing this was coming made it even worse. "I have no right to ask this Jeff, and I can't believe that I'm saying it," Morgan approached Jeff, slowly sitting down on the bed along side him. Reaching forward, he took Jeff's hand into his own. "But I really hope one day, we can be friends. If you can find it within yourself to forgive me for what I've done, and move past all the hurt I've caused you…I really want us to be friends."
Jeff looked into Morgan's eyes, the jade pool narrowing in bewildered confusion. "If that's too much for you, I totally understand, and I'll keep my distance from you if that's what you want." Carefully, Morgan slid the ring off his finger. The silver band, given to Morgan by Jeff as a sign of his devotion, rested in the palm of Morgan's hand as he offered it back to Jeff. The wrestler made no attempt to take the ring from Morgan. Understanding this, the singer took Jeff's hand in his own, placing the ring there.
Smiling sadly, Morgan wrapped his arms around Jeff's neck, hugging him close. "I'm sorry." Morgan's voice was a whisper. And yet, it turned to life a cold resilience inside Jeff. It felt as though his heart were turning to stone in his very chest, seeping out into his chest and beyond. Everything that he had ever felt for Morgan was dying inside his heart, turning his very blood to ice. For the very first time since it had all come during John's rant, Jeff understood. It was over. As Morgan pulled back from the hug, it took all of Jeff's self-control not to sneer. "I have to go Jeff. Did you say you have something for me?"
Morgan looked innocently at Jeff, hands fidgeting nervously on his lap. Jeff's hand grasped at the envelope in his back pocket. Slowly, Jeff started to pull it out. Somewhere, a soft, sneering voice in the back of his head stopped him. Why should Jeff give Morgan the envelope? After he had just broken his heart in one easy sweep, why should Morgan be happy? He didn't deserve to be loved. He deserved to feel as bad as he was making everyone else feel. Maybe everything Ashley had said was right. Jeff did have a decision. Everything he wanted rested in the palm of his hand. Yes, he had to do something unequivocally wrong to get there, but wouldn't the outcome be worth it?
Jeff licked his dry tongue over his lips. Surely he could make things right. If John was just out of the way for a while, maybe Morgan would see how good he was with Jeff. Maybe he could see things how Jeff saw them, that they were supposed to be together.
Resolve slowly began to build in Jeff's chest. After all, why shouldn't he do something for himself for a change? After everything he had been through, after all the heart ache and betrayal he had felt. After everything Morgan had done, Jeff had still been willing to him back, to let the past go to save the love he thought they shared. Why should Jeff always play the responsible, understanding person? Why couldn't he, just for once, do what he wanted? What was it they said about the nice guy always finishes last? Why couldn't Jeff Hardy be the one who got the love of his life in the end? Even if he had to be the proverbial 'bad guy' to get there, but the ends would justify the means.
Everything in Jeff's head told him he could sacrifice his own happiness for a second time. But Jeff's heart would not hear of it. It truly was hanging on by a thread, and seemed to weight heavier on the judgement. Morgan would probably hate him for doing something wrong to preserve their relationship, but he would come around in time, wouldn't he? Morgan would see that they were meant for each other. And if he didn't? Well, maybe there wasn't a need to tell him at all.
"Jeff?" Morgan's voice sounded uncertain, as he had watched the range of emotions play over Jeff's face. "What is it?"
Shaking his head, Jeff sighed softly. "Nothing."
With a soft nudge, Jeff pushed the envelope back down inside his pocket. His eyes stared expressionlessly at Morgan, his entire face devoid of emotion. Morgan's own face showed a mask of confusion. "Huh? I thought you said -…"
Morgan became cut off as Jeff spoke again. "I mean nothing important, just…" Reaching down to the side of the bed, Jeff pulled a jacket Morgan had left in his room a few months ago. "…just your jacket. I figured you'd want it back."
Morgan smiled as he nodded. Taking the jacket out of Jeff's hands, Morgan stood up from the bed. Walking across the room, Morgan stopped at the door to turn back to look at Jeff. "Goodbye Jeff."
A ghost of a smile crossed Jeff's lips as Morgan slid out of the room, closing the door softly behind him. Jeff sat in what seemed like an eternity of silence. His heart pounded in his chest. His own conscious screamed at him, demanding to know what he had just done. Getting up from the bed, Jeff walked across the room, towards the mirror hanging on the wall. It had been a split second decision. For the first time in his life, Jeff had let his heart over-rule his head. Guilt seethed through his veins, twisting his thoughts. Studying his reflection for a moment, Jeff cried in sheer frustration. What have I done? Throwing his fist forward, he punched the mirror with everything he could. The reflective object shattered into a myriad of tiny shards, spilling to the ground.
Morgan was already bouncing down the corridor, heading towards the elevator to hear the noise. Stepping into the carriage, he pushed the button for the lobby. Checking his watch, Morgan saw how short he was running on time. The plane would be leaving in less than thirty minutes. He had to get his behind down to the front desk to collect his ticket and get to the airport. Relaxing back against the hand railing, Morgan smiled softly to himself. For once in his life, things were falling into place. Everything was going his way, and he was truly happy. Picturing John waiting for him when he arrived in Carolina brought a broad smile to Morgan's lips.
Still grinning as the carriage reached the bottom floor, Morgan was close to skipping as he exited. Moving across the lobby floor, he approached the desk with almost nauseating invigorance. Drumming his hands on the surface, the rather bemused Concierge stepped forward. His eyes widened for a split second as he easily recognised the smiling face of Morgan Lee. Swallowing, his eyes darted around the lobby, as though he were expecting John Cena to appear out of nowhere. "Can…can I help you sir?"
"Yes," Morgan smiled brightly. "There should be something left for me under the name of John Cena? My name is Morgan Lee?" Morgan smiled as the Concierge glanced over Morgan's shoulders. Coming down the steps was a rather ashen faced Jeff Hardy. Keeping his back pressed against the banister, he watched the interaction from afar.
"I don't think so sir." The man behind the desk made a show of searching beneath the counter for an item, knowing full well he had been paid to hand it over earlier. "No sir. Nothing at all."
Morgan face creased into a mask of confusion. "I don't understand…" Scratching his head, Morgan ran over the last conversation he had with John. He was sure he had said it would be left under his name. "Nothing at all?" The concierge shook his head, guilty straightening his tie. "Is there anything under my name? Morgan Lee?"
Sighing, the blonde haired man looked behind the desk again, even looking at the shelves attached to walls behind him. "I'm sorry sir. Nothing for either name. Perhaps you were mistaken?"
A slow burn of panic took hold in Morgan's chest. "I don't understand…no he said it would be here. Would you please check again?" The man did as he was asked, coming back with the same result. "Could you ask someone else? Maybe he left it with some other person and they've put it somewhere?"
"No sir. I've been at the desk all day. No-one else would have taken anything. Only me." The concierge did his best to sound as relaxed as possible. Inside, he felt as though every eye in the building was on in.
"You're sure…there's nothing at all?" Morgan's voice sounded desperate, a million and one horrible thoughts rushing through his mind. What if he changed his mind? What if John decided Morgan had waited too long, or this wasn't what he wanted after all? Had he been lying to Morgan the entire time?
The slow shake of the man's head seemed to confirm Morgan's nightmare. Mumbling 'thank you' Morgan stepped away from the desk, eyes downcast as he tried to understand what was going on. Behind him, the concierge breathed a sigh of relief, busying himself with another customer. Before he knew it, Morgan was stood in the centre of the lobby. Forcing himself not to panic, Morgan dug his hand into the pocket of his jeans. Retrieving his cell phone, he flipped it open, dialling John's number. Silently, Morgan begged Cena to pick up.
"I'm sorry. The cell phone you have tried to reach is switched off. Please try again later."
Exhaling rapidly, Morgan snapped his phone shut, squeezing it tight in the palm of his hand. Rubbing his fingers furiously against his temples, he didn't know what to make of the situation.
"Morgan!"
Glancing up across the lobby, Morgan smiled as best he could as he saw Candice Michelle approaching. "Candice, hi"
Embracing the singer, Candice smiled back at him. "It's great to see you. How have you been? How are you after that whole…thing at your party?"
"I'll be alright…" Morgan swallowed slowly, as though he were trying to force down gravel, "listen, I hate to be rude…but have you heard from John at all? I kinda really need to talk to him…?"
As Morgan looked hopefully into her eyes, Candice seemed to consider it for a moment. "He checked out two hours ago."
"Two hours ago?" That didn't make sense to Morgan. As far as he was aware, John should have already flown to Carolina. Had John lied about that too?
"Yeah," Candice confirmed with a nod, "it was really strange actually. He was supposed to be on the same flight as Randy and Dave, but he changed it at the last minute. Vince was so pissed. But John said he had to catch the later flight. Didn't really say why."
Morgan's mind worked quickly. "So he's still at the airport?" He couldn't keep down the tone of hope in his voice.
"For now yes. But the flight leaves in about thirty minutes…why?" For the first time in their conversation, Candice seemed to pick up on the sense of desperation in Morgan's voice.
"I need to get to the airport." Mentally chastising himself for not booking a taxi in advance, Morgan headed for the exit.
"You'll never get a cab now Morgan," Candice called after him, making the singer stop dead in his tracks, "it's crazy out there."
"I'll drive you." Jeff didn't realise he had spoken until he saw the look Morgan gave him. Honestly, he didn't know where the words came from. Well, that was a lie. Jeff knew damn well where it came from. He was consumed with guilt for lying to Morgan. Hopefully he would be able to work up the courage to tell the truth on the way to the airport.
"Are you sure?" Morgan sounded sceptical. And with good reason. Jeff wasn't exactly his first thought when it came to people to reunite him with John. For him to be offering now, seemed almost too good to be true.
"Sure. It's not a problem." Jeff took a step closer to Morgan. "Friends, right?"
Morgan nodded rapidly, waving briskly at Candice before turning to jog towards the exit. Candice looked quizzically at Jeff. Feeling himself blush, he turned and ran after Morgan.
Drumming his hands against the surface of the counter, John looked back down through the departure lounge. It was getting close to boarding time, and there was still no sign of Morgan. Checking his watch again, John could feel the sweat breaking out on his brow.
Where was he?
John never considered himself to be a paranoid person, but this was really starting to get to him. I knew I should have waited to meet him after the show! John's last minute change of plans was starting to worry him. He hadn't heard from Morgan since their last moment in the club. He had done everything he said he would. He had bought the ticket and left it at the main desk in the hotel for Morgan to collect. So why wasn't he here yet? Had he changed his mind? Had he decided that he would rather be with Jeff after all? Clenching his fists at his side, John felt an icy wave of fear scratch at his heart.
No. That's not possible. Morgan loves me…doesn't he?
Lost in his own thoughts, the sound of approaching footsteps brought a smile to John's face. Looking up, he felt his heart falter slightly as the downcast face of Ashley drew nearer.
"John," she began, taking a hesitant step closer. In each hand, she held her bags. "I can't leave things the way they were."
"Ashley, there's nothing more to say now. I've apologised for everything that went down. But torturing yourself over it is just stupid. You need to accept the fact that I'm in love with Morgan. I want to be with Morgan."
"And I do. I understand that John. I may not like it, but I at I'll do my best to be okay with it. I'm just hoping you and I can be friends through all this." Ashley looked hopefully up into John's eyes. Hesitating a moment, John slowly took the petit blonde into his arms, hugging her tightly against his chest.
"I'd love for us to be friends Ash," he whispered softly, "when we get to Carolina, we can sit down and just talk, if you want?" Ashley nodded softly, stepping out of John's embrace.
"Okay. That would be nice." Overhead, a voice chimed out over the departure lounge. They were calling for the last passengers flying to Carolina. From behind the desk, a woman eyed John, as it to ask him if he was getting on the flight. "That's you, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but Morgan isn't here. He's supposed to be flying with me." Taking a step past Ashley, John peered down into the airport, looking for any signs of Morgan. Narrowing his eyes slightly, there was none to be found.
Shifting her feet nervously, Ashley looked back down the airport, then towards the John. "I didn't want to say this John. Coming from me it sounds awful…" John turned back to face Ashley, a bemused expression on his face. Not knowing where the words were coming from, Ashley couldn't stop them. And part of her didn't want to. "But I don't think Morgan is coming. I saw him at the hotel…I saw him with Jeff. He went to Jeff's hotel room earlier…" The lie tumbled over Ashley's lips with far too much ease.
Ashley's voice trailed off as a startled expression crossed John's face. "What? What do you mean, went into Jeff's hotel room?"
Ashley softly bit down on her bottom lip, as if keeping back her own stream of lies. "They sort of looked like…like they were making up?"
John shook his head furiously. "I don't believe you. Morgan wouldn't do that. He loves me. We're supposed to be flying together…we were supposed to…" John's head twisted from side to side, silently begging to see Morgan come running down the corridor towards him. He could already picture the smiling face, the apologies for the show running on causing him to be late.
"I'm sorry John. He's not coming." Ashley shook her head softly, softly trying to guide John towards the desk.
John's breath came in rapid gasps. This was all wrong. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. "Excuse me sir," the woman from behind the desk had approached John, nervously checking her watch, "but we really do need to get moving. If you're coming with us to Carolina, please could you follow me? We really can't delay the plane anymore."
With a pained expression on his face, John looked at the woman. His steely blue eyes conveyed a heart full of fear and disappointment. It was crunch time. And Morgan wasn't here. Pulling the baseball cap off his head, John ran his hands over the short length of hair on his head. What was he supposed to do? Get on the plane, and leave without Morgan? What if what Ashley said was true? If Morgan really wanted to be with him, then he would have been here. What if Morgan had gone back to Jeff? If he waited to find out, John knew he would look the fool. And he was tired of looking foolish.
Not to mention he would probably lose his job. Word had gotten back to Vince of John's outburst during Jeff's engagement party. He had received notification that he was expected in Vince's office at nine am tomorrow morning. Showing up late to your own firing for no good reason wouldn't exactly help your case, would it?
Sighing sadly, John could only predict the worst. Morgan wasn't here. John had done everything asked of him. He had bought the ticket, left it at the desk. All Morgan had to do was pick it up and meet him. And he had failed to do even that. If there was anyway to tell someone it was over, this had to be the simplest way. Not to mention the cruellest. It was Morgan and Jeff now.
Grabbing his backpack, John shrugged it onto his shoulder. Slowly, he began walking towards the terminal desk, as if giving in to his fate. The woman attending the desk looked relieved, ushering John towards the door. Stopping, John cast one final look down into the empty airport. Tears glistened in his eyes, unexpectedly tugging at Ashley's heart strings. Her mouth slid open, as though she were about to tell John what she had done. Everything inside her screamed for her to say something.
"If Morgan comes…give him this. Tell him I'll be at the hotel like I said. Tell him…" John's voice trailed off. Taking his hand out of his pocket, John through a small black box towards Ashley. Catching it in her hands, her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.
But words didn't come. As John brushed away a single tear from his cheek, he pulled his hat down low over his eyes. Turning, he headed down the corridor, never looking back.
Ashley's heart pounded in her chest as the attendant closed the door behind John, locking it into position. Smiling at Ashley, she went about her business. Looking down at the box in her hands, Ashley snapped it open. Resting on a pale purple cushion was a silver ring. A plain band, Ashley gently lifted it out of the box. On the inside, she could make out an engraving. The single word 'forever' was etched into the silver band.
Placing her hand on her chest to steady her breath, Ashley couldn't believe what she had just done. Placing the ring carefully back in its box, she slid it into her purse. Knowing she had done some awful things in her life, Ashley counted cheating on John being one of the worst. But lying to John? Letting him get on the plane thinking the love of his life wasn't interested, when she knew full well he was? Deliberately keeping him apart from the person he loved? That was a new kind of low, one which she had never thought herself capable of.
It's not like he's some kind of saint, Ashley reminded herself. John was perfectly happy to have an affair behind her back, lying day by day to her face. That was something Ashley had never done. Besides which, it was not as though John had showed any kind of remorse for his actions. Maybe it was his turn to feel heartbroken. Maybe it was his turn to feel regret for things he should have done and said.
And it's not as though they would have lasted together anyway. Ashley took in a deep breath. Of course that was right. John and Morgan weren't right for each other. He would see that. He just needed time. Reaching into her pocket, she retrieved John's cell phone. It was still switched off. Wondering if Morgan had indeed tried to get in contact, Ashley half-thought about switching it on to check.
The clattering footsteps coming down the hallway caused Ashley to look up. Sliding the phone back into her pocket, Ashley could already make out Morgan's face. And he wasn't alone. Running behind him, looking like a deer in the headlights, was Jeff Hardy.
Recognising Ashley from afar, Morgan's pace slowed as he saw her. Feeling uncomfortable, Morgan didn't see any point in beating around the bush. "Ashley, where is John?"
Swallowing softly, Ashley looked from Morgan to Jeff. The latter avoided eye contact at all costs. "He's gone Morgan. Gone to Carolina."
As if his heart stopped in his chest, Morgan felt light headed. "But…I don't understand. He was supposed to leave me a plane ticket…we were supposed to meet up," Morgan's voice became distorted by emotion as tears bubbled in his eyes. "Candice said he changed his flight…that he was waiting…"
Ashley softly shook her head, clutching her hands together as if to hide their shaking. "I'm sorry Morgan. But he changed his mind." Guilt stabbed at Ashley's chest as tears pooled into Morgan's eyes. "He told me tell you…he said…" Morgan's eyes looked desperately into Ashley's for some glimmer hope. And she knew it wasn't too late. It wasn't too late to make this right. "…he said he was sorry, but he made a mistake."
"I don't believe you…" Morgan didn't bother trying to hide the tears running down his cheeks, "I don't believe you! Why didn't he tell me himself?"
"John thought it would be easier for a clean break Morgan," Ashley felt as though her tongue were turning black in her own mouth. And she still didn't stop lying. "He hopes you can respect that."
Staggering backwards, Morgan collapsed into one of the seats. Dropping his head into his hands, he sobbed softly. Everything had fallen into place, making a horrible nightmare picture. John had changed his mind. He didn't want to be together after all. He had flow without Morgan after all. There was no ticket left at the Concierge's desk. There was no future. It was over. Crying softly, Morgan's hands ran back through his hair. The little voice of self doubt in the back of his head practically chuckled with glee. I told you so. You took a chance on someone you loved, and looked what happens Morgan. They abandon you.
As if coming to life, Jeff slowly lowered himself into the seat next to Morgan. Gently putting his arm around the singers' shoulders, his eyes burned into Ashley. Shrugging off Jeff's arm, Morgan got up from the seat. Wiping away the tears from his eyes, he took several steps back. "I'm sorry Jeff. This…this doesn't change anything between us…I think I need to be by myself…thanks for the ride."
Looking at both Ashley and Jeff, Morgan slowly turned on his heel. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he began walking back down the way he came. Glancing out of the large window to his left, Morgan saw a plane taking off from the runaway. Lowering his head sadly, Morgan continued to walk, never turning back.
Standing in silence, Ashley watched Morgan leave, as Jeff held his own head in his hands. "It'll be okay Jeff. Everything will be okay."
Jeff shook his head. He was a terrible person, and he knew it. He'd had so many changes to tell Morgan the truth, and he didn't. Out of some misguided bid for revenge, or was it really desperation to keep Morgan? It didn't matter now. He had done this. He had deliberately made sure he kept Morgan and John apart. There was a special kind of hell reserved for people like him. And Jeff felt like he was there right now. His actions were the lowest of the low, and were ones he could never take back.
"It'll be okay Jeff," Ashley assured him, "he'll come around. And we can go back to the way we were. He just needs time…you'll see…" Ashley's voice slowly faded to nothingness.
Glancing up at Ashley, Jeff laughed bitterly. "The lies we tell ourselves…" Not able to keep eye contact with Jeff, Ashley looked down guilty. Silence fell between the pair, leaving them very much alone, even to each other. John and Morgan were gone. And they still remained by themselves. John and Morgan had no future now, thanks to their combined actions. They had collectively and separately made sure of that.
What have I done?
"It'll all be okay…" Ashley repeated, to no-one in particular. Jeff shook his head, gripping his purple hair between his fingers. Silence polluted the space between them once more. Icy cold tears spilled out over Jeff's cheeks, making tiny splatters against the floor below.
Ashley slowly wrapped both arms around herself, in a futile bid to keep the chill she felt from her soul. "It will be okay." Somehow they both knew, it never would.
A/N First, please don't throw anything. Secondly, in answer to popular demand, I am considering the idea of a sequel. As much as I stand by my end, I'm a hopeless romantic. More will be revealed in the Epilogue. As ever, I disclaim. Please, as it is the last chapter, leave me a review!