AN: Thanks so much everybody!! I can't believe you guys even care like you do!! I know you've put up with a lot because I HAVEN'T UPDATDED!! I'm so sorry!! It was my internet access, it was all messed up, but it's cool now! I just want to say that you guys rock and I would be nowhere without you! Except wallowing in a puddle of self pity. Okay, I'm about to have a lot of time on my hands (sort of) so if you put me on your favs or author alert (this is not a ploy) or contact me by email, I'll try to read at least one of your stories (if you have any)!! Okay, here's the chapter!

Leo could feel his heart pounding, like it was about to burst out of his chest. He hadn't believed in love at first sight, he really hadn't. Until he met her. Now he would give up the world for her. He would die for her. All for the woman who hated him. He'd actually gotten down on his knees and prayed for her to arrive at the airport.

But she probably wouldn't.

Sure, he could always fly back, but this was more symbolic than practical. This was the end of all ends. Leo closed his eyes.

"Leo?"

Leo's eyes flew open to see Piper standing there, a boy holding on to either hand.

"You—You came!" he exclaimed. But then he noticed the sad look in her eyes. They just shared a glance, all his pain mirrored back at him.

"Leo, I'm sorry. I just can't…" Piper put her head down as tears started to trickle down her sun kissed cheeks. "I just can't. I've been through too much."

"Piper—" Leo was more desperate than he'd ever been in his life.

"No, Leo. I'd never be at peace with you. Every morning when you climb out of bed, I would be gripped with fear, wondering if you'd come back that evening. And every night, when we make love, all old memories would come flooding back to me. I can't do it, I just can't."

By now tears were pouring down her face, dripping onto the low cut t-shirt. He was

crying as well. "Piper, please." He begged. "Please, give us a chance."

Piper sniffed. "Leo, there is know us. I can't do this."

Didn't look out below,

Watch the time go right out the window.

Trying to hold on, but didn't even know

Wasted it all just to watch you go…

I kept everything inside

And even though I tried

It all fell apart.

What it meant to me

Will eventually be

A memory of a time…

"Piper, I can't just let you leave. I already made that mistake once, I'm sure as hell not gonna do it again."

Piper narrowed her eyes at him confusedly. "Leo, what are you talking about?"

"When I let the love of my life leave me all because of a career."

Piper laughed tearfully. "Leo, I'm not going to leave with you. I can't.

Remembering all the times you fought with me,

I'm surprised it got so far.

Things aren't the way they were before,

You wouldn't even recognize me anymore.

Not that you knew me back then,

But it all comes back to the end.

"Pipe—"

Piper shrugged. "Leo, no. We both know how terrible it'll be. Let's just…leave this, huh? It'll be good for both of us." A whole new wave of tears dribbled down her face.

Suddenly, it dawned on him. "Is there someone else?" He asked sadly.

Piper's chin trembled. "I don't know. Maybe."

"But why? Why would you pick him over me?"

Piper turned around to walk away. Then she looked at him over her shoulder. It was at this point that time seemed to stop. Everybody in the airport froze. "Because." She said slowly. "Because it's easier to love him than it is to love you."

Piper walked away. As he watched her walk, all of it came flooding back. That pain, the fights…But the love…Undeniable. She was perfect.

Leo turned to board his plane. He took the flight back to New York.

AN: -----wipes away tears-----Okay peeps, we have one chapter left and I think it will be a blowout. The ending is how you say…Bittersweet. Just don't get pissed. I think you'll understand. But then, some people are so judgmental…