A/N: Oh, wow, I'm back! I've had a crazy last couple of weeks at UCLA, and things have finally calmed down a little, so I'm doing a little writing. I swear that I'm going to finish this story! Here is a short chapter, and I hope you like it. Also, MAKE SURE TO REREAD CHAPTER 9! I rewrote it pretty much so it makes a little more sense!

Adam and Stacey sat alone together on a bench swing in the Maguire orchard, gazing idly at the soft wind rustle the leaves of the various fruit trees. Anyone who glanced at them from a window inside the house would remark at how perfect they looked. However, Adam was a wreck—with each passing hour, Adam felt like every shred of potential happiness was slipping away from his grasp. He switched his gaze over to Stacey. Stacey was a great girl—in fact, most guys would figure themselves lucky to have her.

Stacey was pretty, Adam supposed—although in a way he had seen many times over.

She made him laugh all the time—although half the time the comedy was unintentional.

Stacey was smart and on her way to a career she liked—although she still insisted on acting weak and callow, as if she thought Adam thought that's how the traditional female should act.

But deep inside, Adam knew that there was nothing wrong with Stacey. The only real reason that he could not bring himself to love her was simple—she wasn't Tamsin. But that was the only reason Adam needed. He was sure that he could lead a comfortable, satisfying life with Stacey—or anyone else who happened to come along. But Adam knew that he wouldn't—he would choose loneliness instead as his penance.

"Adam?" Stacey's voice was unusually serious. "Are you okay?"

Adam's mouth set into a grim, straight line. "Stacey, there is something I need to talk to you about."

Stacey looked at him knowingly. "I knew it was only a matter of time before you finally figured it out. I've been waiting for you."

Adam was momentarily confused. "To do what?"

Stacey gazed out into the apple trees. "To break up with me."

Adam did a double take. "Wait... What?"

"I'm not dumb, Adam. I know that you're in love with Thomasin. I just wish that you had told me about her before you brought me here." Stacey sounded as mature and ostensible as Adam had ever heard her.

"I'm so sorry, Stacey." Adam was striking out left and right, it seemed like.

Stacey gave him a sympathetic glance. "You don't have to apologize—I'll survive. What are you going to do?"

Adam sighed. "There's really nothing I can do. The wedding is the day after tomorrow. All I can do is smile, put on a handsome tux, and wish Billy and Tamsin all the happiness in the world. I'm going to mean it, too, because they deserve it."

Stacey placed her hand on his. "Oh, Adam..." She gave Adam a hug and quietly walked away, knowing that Adam needed time alone.

Adam gazed out into the distance, watching the wind stir the leaves. It was then that he finally heard the noise that had been present throughout the conversation. Snip. Snip. Snip. Adam turned around to place the noise.

There Billy stood, not 15 feet away with garden shears, a basket full of pears at his feet. "Hello, Adam."

Adam knew that Billy had heard their conversation and took a deep breath.