"Jessica?" Ryan repeated. "What are you doing? And who?"
Jessica's face was white and she was staring at Ryan. Of all the times
for him to walk in. "Ryan…" Jessica trailed off. Jeremy stood up and
left as did Elizabeth leaving her and Ryan alone.
"Ryan," Jessica started. "There are some things we need to talk about."
Ryan joined her on the couch. "I already know, Jessica," he said
coldly.
"You know?" she said horrified.
"Yes, I know about you and Jeremy and what you guys have been doing
behind my back."
"How?" she gasped.
Ryan's eyes flashed. "I'm not stupid Jessica. We know each other pretty
well and I know when something's up. Also at the play, he was sitting
across from me and he came back from the dressing rooms just as you came
onstage and he spent the entire time looking at you."
Jessica was speechless. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"I was waiting for you to tell me," Ryan said. "I trusted to Jessica,
how could you do this to us
Jessica wiped tears away as she talked. "He was my boyfriend back in
high school and we ended pretty badly. And then he swept in here wanting
me back and I guess I was flattered and confused." Jessica grabbed his
hand but he pulled it away. That gesture made Jessica's heart clench.
"I ended it with him tonight. We're through."
"And that's supposed to make me feel better?"
"Of course not. However, I was going to tell you. I didn't want to keep
on lying to you."
"It's too late for that," Ryan said heartlessly.
"Being with him…It made me feel so guilty and miserable."
Ryan didn't say anything. "I thought we were happy with the way things
were going. Did I ever do anything-"
"No!" Jessica said vigorously. "It has nothing to do with you. I was
stupid and naïve and I want so bad to go back and change what I have
done. But I can't. I made a mistake. But we can fix and move on, can't we?"
Jessica said hopefully.
"I don't know," Ryan said looking away from her. "Relationships are
built on trust, Jess. How can I trust you after all this? But I still…care
about you."
Jessica gave him a small smile. "But trust can be regained."
Ryan nodded. "It can. But if I don't trust you then how will I know if
you won't do something like this again?"
"I won't," Jessica said. "I learned my lesson."
Ryan stood up. "Jessica, I need to be alone for a little while. I need
to decided what I want and what would be the best thing for us to do."
"But-"
"I'll call you soon," Ryan interrupted. He turned and walked out of the
house.
"But I love you," Jessica finished. But he could no longer hear her.

Elizabeth sat on a towel at Crescent Beach. After arriving to Jessica's
with Ryan, she knew that Jessica and Ryan had some issues they needed
to work out. Elizabeth hoped for the best because Ryan seemed like a
very nice and interesting person. She couldn't understand why Jessica had
tossed their relationship aside. If Elizabeth had a guy like Ryan, she
would be holding onto to him for dear life.
How had her and her sister managed to screw up so bad? When they were
little they used to fantasize about getting marriage right after
college. Over the years the guys had changed but Elizabeth and her sister were
always happy and in love.
She hadn't wanted to the return to her hotel yet. She had remembered
Crescent Beach from all the parties her senior year.
But coming here was bringing back a whole flood of memories from her
and Conner's college years: Watching a Charlie Brown Christmas in his
dorm, hiking on the Appalachians, studying together, and just being
together. But those days were over. Conner had moved on with Monique. He no
longer needed her.
"Is this seat taken?" a deep voice said behind her. She turned around
to see Conner standing behind her.
"No," she said gesturing next to her. "What are you doing here?" she
asked surprised.
"Sometimes when I'm confused or something I like to come here."
"Oh," Elizabeth said.
The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes watching the sun set.
Elizabeth began to shiver because the temperature had dropped.
Conner wrapped his arm around her. Elizabeth sighed and leaned her head
on his shoulder.
"This is nice," she murmured.
Conner and Elizabeth sat there quietly. Nothing needed to be said at
that moment. There were many questions Elizabeth had, but just being with
Conner made her forget every single one of them.

I hope you have enjoyed all these new chapters! Any reviews are appreciated.