Author's Note: Thanks so much for the reviews! You guys make me want to keep going! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: You know the deal…

Chapter 3

I head home with a weight lifted off of my shoulders. For the first time in a long time I know exactly what I want and I'm going to do everything in my power to get it.

I pull into the parking lot of my apartment complex and sit there for a long moment, the words of the note still captivating me. I take a deep breath and step out of the car and head into the building.

The doorman gives me a smile and I manage a small nod. My legs don't want to move and I have a sick feeling in my stomach. I know with all my heart that I'm doing the right thing, but that doesn't make it any easier. Breaking someone's heart, even if it's for your happiness, is still painful on both parties.

I reach my door and wait outside. I'm so close to chickening out, but then I pull Syd's note out and a new found confidence washes over me. With a heavy hand but a not so heavy heart I open the door.

"Where have you been!" Lauren practically screams at me. "I've been worried sick about you! I called your cell phone 10 times and got no answer."

"I'm sorry, I should've called. Weiss insisted I stay over, I really wasn't in any shape to be driving home."

"So, you get totally wasted and don't even have the decency to phone me?"

I look down at the ground.

"God Michael," she says rubbing a hand over her face, "I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but I'm not sure I can put up with this behavior much longer."

She looks at me and I know that she is expecting me to apologize and take her into my arms…not this time.

"Lauren," I say softly, "We need to talk."

Her eyes widened as I motioned for her to sit down on the couch next to me. I let out a long sigh as I try to figure out the best way to say what I need to say.

"Lauren…"

"Michael."

I sit there a moment longer. "I really don't know how to say this to you."

"Say what?" she asks, and I can detect a hint of anger in her voice.

"That this isn't working."

She looks taken aback, like she hadn't actually expected me to say it. "What do you mean?"

"Come on Lauren. You can't be blind to the fact that things haven't been going well with us for some time."

"Ever since she came back."

I feel the anger rising inside me, but I remain calm. "It was long before that."

"What?"

"Sydney coming back is not the only reason for our problems."

"But it's the main one!" she says angrily as she abruptly rises, "I could never compete with her, could I? She's perfect in your mind and no one will ever be good enough."

"This is all my fault, Lauren."

"You're damn right it is," she yells as tears begin to glisten in her eyes. "I've worked so hard at making this marriage work, and you've done nothing!"

"Do you not think I've tried to make it work?" I ask unable to contain my anger.

"Honestly, no I don't."

"You know that's not true. I distanced myself so far from Sydney to make things work with you, that it nearly killed her. Do you understand that? I was willing to sacrifice her happiness and mine to make you happy." I pause, "I'm not willing to do that anymore."

"So you're ending things?"

"This isn't a surprise. In fact it's been a long time coming."

She sits down again and speaks quietly, "I always thought we could make it work."

I sigh, "So did I. But this isn't fair to either of us. You deserve better, someone who loves you with all of their heart. And I deserve to be happy," I think about that for a minute and smile. "I know it may sound selfish, but I really do deserve to be happy."

"And being with Sydney will make you happy?"

"Absolutely," I answer without hesitation.

She nods. "I guess that's it then."

"Lauren..."

She interrupts, "Michael, you're right. I do deserve better."

The words sting but she's right. "I never meant to hurt you."

She manages a tight forced smile, "I know you didn't."

We sit in an awkward silence for a moment. "I guess I should grab some things and see if I can crash at Eric's."

"That would be for the best."

I get up and pack a few necessities, and head back into the living room. Lauren is sitting where I left here staring off into space.

"Are you going to be ok?"

She gets up. "Yeah, things are going to be fine."

I give her a small hug. "I'll be in touch."

"Just let me know what I need to do to get this finalized as soon as possible."

I nod and exit the apartment. I get to my car and sit in the driver's seat for a moment. I do hate that I hurt her, but it's about time that I start thinking about me.

I drive over to Weiss' and remember that I forgot to call him. I don't worry about it though, I'm sure he won't have a problem with me crashing on his couch for a bit until I can get things sorted out.

I walk up the steps and knock on Weiss' door. It takes a minute for him to answer.

"Whoa, Mike…back already?"

"Umm, yeah. Did I wake you?"

"Nah, come in." He notices the suitcase. "Alright, what's with the suitcase?"

"Lauren and I have decided to get a divorce."

He looks at me with his mouth hanging open for a moment, "Are you serious?"

"Yeah. We talked this morning and decided it would be for the best."

"Geez man. I don't know what to say. Is this what you want?"

"Definitely."

"Then, congrats…even though it sounds weird to be congratulating someone on getting divorced."

I chuckle.

"Does Syd know?"

"Not yet, and don't tell her. I want to do it myself, and in person."

Weiss nods. "Well, I guess the suitcase means you assumed you could crash at my place."

"Weiss…"

"No, no. It's ok. I mean, I was supposed to have some hot chick over tonight, but whatever, you can stay."

I grin. "Thanks."

"So, how are you going to tell Syd?"

"I have something in mind."

I finally woke up after sleeping for what seemed like forever. Feeling extremely lazy and unproductive I decided that a run was in order.

I changed into my jogging gear, grabbed my mp3 player and headed out of my apartment. I was almost halfway to the stairs when I turned around because something had caught my eye.

A small piece of paper had fallen from the door onto the ground. I picked it up and opened it.

-Meet me at the pier. Seven o'clock. Tonight-

I recognized the writing instantly, and opted out of my run.

I collapse on my couch with my heart beating faster and faster. I'm not sure exactly what this means.

It was either going to be something good or bad…

…I was praying for the former.