A.N: Hey guys, what's up? Yes, I'm still alive, and well…there's only a few more chapters until the end…and hopefully they won't be crappy. Thank you to everyone who has responded…

Synopsis: Last time, Hikari was dragged to Willis's place so he could rape her. Luckily, Takeru saved her before it was too late. Later, the two go to where Hikari's new job is, where Takeru meets up with Mark. The two had helped save Hikari the night before, but, since Hikari was drunk, her memories are a bit clouded. Takeru didn't tell her what happened the night before. Now that Mimi and Joe's wedding is approaching, what will Takeru do?…

11/13/05- Edited for grammar, spelling errors, and for consistency.

Italicized words: Thoughts, or the narrative.

Bold words: Might be pointing out certain words, like Japanese words.

Bold italicized words: The thoughts of Takeru's dark side.

And now, to present the sixth chapter of this fic…

"Second Chances are so Few"

By

Malcolm Yuy

Chapter 6: Going Home

What should I do? Should I tell her what happened? I fear what the result will be…

Still, she needs to know what happened…I can't hide it forever…Maybe I should confess when we get home…

After all, home is where the heart is…

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Takeru sighed heavily as he was finishing balancing the register. Earlier that day, the young man had worked himself to the bone, so that hopefully he could ask for time-off. After all, Mimi and Joe's wedding was coming up, and he needed time to prep. However, he didn't know if Dave would accept his proposal.

This sucks. The last thing I want to do is ask Dave for time off, Takeru thought, as he looked down upon the table. He heard the doorbell ring as someone entered the store. He grunted, before looking up at who was coming in.

Speak of the devil, Takeru's other half replied. The boy struggled to speak. Fortunately, Dave began to move his mouth.

"Hey T.K., how has business been?" Dave asked.

"Oh, um, okay I guess…" Takeru managed to mutter. He sighed tiredly as he looked away. Dave noticed this.

"Is something the matter? Anything wrong?" Dave asked. Takeru slowly looked back up to his boss.

"Well, I don't know. It depends," Takeru answered. Dave looked down towards the floor.

"Oh. Um, well…you can tell me then. After all, you have been a good worker, despite with you showing up late recently," Dave stated. Takeru sighed again.

"Sorry…Anyway, one of my old friends is having a wedding, and I…need time off. Normally, I wouldn't ask, but the wedding is going to be held back home, and I need enough time to prep. I really want to go to this wedding," Takeru explained. Dave nodded his head in agreement as he was listening to his employee. When finished, Dave contemplated, and finally, he came to a decision. Takeru was becoming nervous.

"So…can I get time-off?" Takeru asked. His heart was beating as he was waiting to hear Dave's decision. Dave sighed as he began to speak.

"I guess…you can go. How much time do you need?" Dave asked. Takeru's heart bounced joyfully as a smile came upon his face.

"Uh, I'm going to need next Wednesday and the rest of the week off," Takeru replied. Dave nodded. "Thanks," Takeru said.

"No prob. Now, go home. Oh, and your girlfriend's waiting," Dave said, as he pointed towards the door. Outside, Hikari was standing, waiting for her companion. Takeru blushed as he looked up.

"Okay. But, Hikari is NOT my girlfriend," Takeru said, as he went towards the back of the building to change clothes. Dave could only chuckle as Takeru left him.

"That's what they all say…"

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"Well, this is certainly a surprise," Takeru stated as he met up with Hikari. Hikari couldn't help but smile at the comment. "What's up?"

"Work was closed today, so, I decided to wait on you," Hikari replied, as the two began to walk. Takeru only scoffed. This made Hikari curious.

"What? What!" Hikari asked, placing her hands on her hips. Takeru couldn't help but chuckle.

"Oh, nothing. You know you don't have to do that," Takeru replied. Hikari took a step forward so that their faces were close to each other. This closeness was making Takeru nervous, as a blush crept upon his cheeks.

"I know that. But, I waited 'cause I wanted to," Hikari responded, leaning forward. A little bit closer, and their lips would touch…but of course, fate had to intervene. And it was in the form of Joe.

BEEP! BEEP! The sound of the horn rang through the air, as it made its way into the couple's ears. This snapped them out of their trance, and they looked over at where the sound originated. Sitting in a navy blue Honda Civic, with the window rolled down was Joe. He waved at the two.

"Hey, you two need a ride?" Joe asked. The two nodded, which then caused Joe to smile in response. "Then get in." The two then made their way into the car, sitting down and strapping themselves in.

"So, what have you two been up to lately?" Joe asked, looking at the two through his front-view mirror. The two teens blushed before responding.

"Oh, you know, getting ready to go…I can't wait to go home!" Hikari exclaimed. Takeru looked down towards the back of the passenger seat, sullen. Hikari looked to her right and frowned when she saw the look upon his face.

"Takeru, what's wrong?" Hikari asked. Takeru just sat there. Hikari waved a hand in front of his face, but with no results. The boy still just sat there, unaffected by Hikari's gesture. This was making the girl concerned, as well as infuriated. She then leaned in and gave Takeru a peck on the cheek. This made the boy snap out of his reverie.

"Huh?" Takeru asked, blushing when he felt something warm graze his cheek. He then looked over at Hikari. "What?" he asked.

"What's wrong Takeru-kun? You seem…I don't know, depressed?" Hikari asked. This made Takeru frown.

"Oh well…I was just thinking about home. If you were mad at me, just imagine how everyone else feels! They must hate me for not talking to them," Takeru replied, looking down towards the floor of the car. Hikari frowned as she placed her hand atop of Takeru's. Her eyes then widened as she remembered what Matt had told her, about giving Takeru his e-mail address. She felt a sudden pang of guilt.

Crap, I forgot to tell him. Well, I guess I'll have to deal with it when we get home, Hikari thought, as she turned her attention back towards her love interest.

"That's…that's not true. I wasn't really that mad at you, just disappointed that you didn't call or e-mail me when you had the chance. Although, I should've done the same too. It's just that-"

"We get caught up in our daily lives. School, events, friends, family…when you're preoccupied, you tend to momentarily forget friends that aren't there with you," Takeru replied, cutting off Hikari in mid-sentence. The girl could only nod.

"Besides, have you seen the weather in New York? It's terrible, 'specially during Winter Holidays," Joe replied, as he turned the car to the right. This made Takeru remember one memory in particular. Hikari looked at the boy as he just zoned out.

"What? What is it?" Hikari asked. Takeru looked over to his female companion.

"I'm remembering when I tried to go home for Winter Holidays, so I could…see you…and the others…"

---FLASHBACK BEGINS---

Now, you're probably thinking, why didn't I go with Mimi and Joe? Well, they did offer for me to go with them a few weeks earlier. But, I didn't want Mimi to help me more than she already has. So, I worked for a few weeks, and saved the money for a round trip.

Finally, I'm here… Takeru thought, as he finally made his way into the airport, coming in from the cold outside. He carried his suitcase, a duffel bag, and a backpack. In the duffel bag contained the gifts that he bought for his friends and family. After going through security, the young man finally made his way into the terminal, and situated himself within a seat.

Good thing I got here ahead of time, Takeru thought, as he looked out the window. Thoughts of his loved ones began to circle around in his head. But the two people he wanted to see most were…

Onii-chan…Hikari…I miss you two the most. I can't wait 'till I get home… Takeru thought, smiling as he envisioned his two loved ones. He could imagine being with them, telling them how much he missed both of them. Unfortunately, his moment of suspended happiness was going to be denied. For a few moments later, a heavy blanket of snow began to fall.

Uh oh…I hope my flight doesn't get cancelled, Takeru thought, as he saw the snow fall. The airport intercom then came on.

"Attention, Flight 43-A has been delayed. Please wait until we confirm that the plane has landed safely. Thank you." Takeru then grimaced.

"Great, just great. Now I have to wait. I just hope the plane arrives on time," Takeru replied to himself…

…Three hours had passed, and now the young man was getting impatient. He was about to go to the monitors to check on the flights, when suddenly the intercom came on to answer his wonderment.

"Attention, Flight 43-A to Tokyo has been cancelled, along with Flight 35-B to Germany. Again, Flight 43-A to Tokyo has been cancelled, along with Flight 35-B to Germany. We are sorry for the inconvience." This response infuriated the young man.

"What? No! Ugh!" Takeru exclaimed, as he angrily made his way toward the entrance of the airport. He stayed there, until the blizzard calmed down. Then, he left to go back home, solemn and depressed…

---FLASHBACK ENDS---

"That's what happened? Really?" Hikari asked. Takeru could only nod. "I'm sorry Takeru. If I'd known that, I would have opened your present that you sent me," Hikari replied. When Takeru didn't come home, he had sent his presents, along with an apology note, to his friends. Unfortunately, Hikari was too angry to open it, so she left it in her room, where it was forgotten.

"That's okay. After all, I'd probably do the same thing if I were in your shoes," Takeru sympathized. He grinned at Hikari, his hand still atop of hers. Hikari could only smile back. Little did she know that Takeru was smiling not just because he tried to sympathize with the girl, but also because of the gift he sent her. It wasn't the gift she was actually SUPPOSED to receive. Her actual present was still in Takeru's room, lying in his dresser.

"Well guys, we're here. You can go now," Joe replied.

"You're not comin' with us?" Hikari asked.

"No, I still have work to do. I'll see you two later," Joe replied. Takeru and Hikari nodded as they stepped out of the car. They thanked Joe for the ride, and then made their way towards their residence…

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…Days had passed, and it was finally time to leave. Takeru and Mimi's bags were placed near the door. Mimi was doing last minute preparations, and would be back shortly, which left Takeru and Hikari to…themselves. Hikari was finishing packing up, while Takeru as leaning against the doorway, arms crossed. He had a smile upon his face. Hikari looked from her suitcase to Takeru.

"What are you smiling about?" Hikari asked.

"Uh, I was just thinking…" Takeru trailed off, looking to his left. Hikari stopped what she was doing to put her hands on her hips, as she stepped closer to the young man. This close proximity was making the young man blush.

"About you…" Takeru thought. What the boy didn't know was that he actually said it out loud. This made Hikari blush as well.

"Really? You were thinking about me?" Hikari asked. This question was making Takeru really nervous. He didn't know what to do.

Well, I guess I have no other choice. Here goes…

"Well, um, that is to say…um…I-"

"I'm back! Come on guys, it's time to go! We only have half an hour to get to the airport!" Mimi exclaimed, as she made her entrance. Takeru's blush faded, and the two teens looked down at the floor. As Takeru lifted his eyes to look at the girl, he couldn't help but notice her expression.

She looks disappointed…Could she?.. Takeru's thoughts were cut-off when Mimi entered the room, placing her hands on her hips as she saw the two teens just look at each other, as Hikari turned to look at Takeru. Mimi then snapped them out of their reverie.

"Guys…hello? HELLOOOO!" Mimi screamed. This immediately made the two snap, with them looking at Mimi. The two blushed. "Good. For a moment, I thought you two were dead. Now come on, let's go. We only have a limited amount of time to get to the airport," Mimi said. She then walked back to the entrance. The two teens sighed.

"Well…let's go. Are you ready?" Takeru asked. Hikari nodded. "Great, then let's book it!" Hikari nodded again as she grabbed her bags, and the two then met Mimi at the door, with Takeru grabbing his luggage. And then together, the three left the apartment, locking the door behind them as they did so…

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"Hey Joe!" Mimi shouted, as she ran to her fiancée and soon-to-be husband, dropping her bags as she did so. Joe enveloped her in a warm, tight embrace. Takeru and Hikari could only look at the happy couple. Little did they know that were thinking the same thought at that moment.

Man, I wish I could be like that with Hikari, Takeru thought.

I wish I could be like that with Takeru, Hikari thought, as she glanced to look at Takeru, noticing that he was looking at the happy couple. Hikari then nudged him in the chest.

"What was that for!" Takeru asked. Hikari just giggled.

"Nothing…it just seems to me that you were zoned out," Hikari replied. Takeru mumbled as he and Hikari picked up their bags and made their way over to the terminal. After sitting for about twenty minutes, they got up as the plane had arrived. They then made their way into the plane, with Mimi and Joe taking one area and Takeru and Hikari in another. Takeru stepped aside as he let Hikari have the window seat.

"Why thank you Takeru-kun," Hikari replied, as she smiled at him. She then took her seat, with Takeru sitting beside her. The girl then yawned.

"Sleepy? You know, if you want, you can take a nap. I'll make sure to wake you up when we get home," Takeru suggested. Hikari could only smile at the thought as she tilted her head towards the boy.

"That would be great Takeru…would you mind though if I used your shoulder as a pillow? These seats are a little rough, dont'cha think?" Hikari asked. Takeru blushed.

Is she flirting with me again? Takeru thought.

Only in your dreams buddy, the dark side of Takeru's mind replied. Takeru just shrugged it off. "Uh sure, I don't mind," Takeru said eagerly, maybe a little too eagerly. Hikari could only smile as she laid her head upon his shoulder, tilting it back a little bit, giving the boy a kiss on the neck. She then tilted her head downward.

"Thank you, Takeru-kun…" Hikari murmured, before falling into a peaceful slumber, her head nestled into the crook of Takeru's neck. Takeru could only smirk in reply.

She likes me! She likes me! Takeru's light side shouted. His mind began to imagine all of the possibilities of this situation. He began to imagine all of the things he and her could do together, share together. He just sighed happily at those thoughts. However, his dark side just had to get his two cents in.

You don't know that. Sure, she might sound flirtatious, but she isn't. She only values you as a close friend, nothing more, Takeru's dark half replied. His light side just smirked.

Just wait 'till we get home, then we'll see who's right…

Are you saying what I think you're saying? Takeru's dark half asked.

Hai. I'm going to confess my love to Hikari…

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Hikari was nudged awake, as her eyes slowly opened to have her view her surroundings. She then looked around, before turning to her right to look at Takeru, who had a grin on his face. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Why are you grinning at me like that?" Hikari asked.

"Eh, I don't know…maybe 'cause I know something you don't," Takeru answered. Hikari just rolled her eyes.

"Like what?" Hikari asked. Takeru could only smile as he leaned in closer, their faces only a few inches apart.

"We're home," Takeru whispered. Hikari could only cry out in joy.

"Really? Finally! I can't wait to see Tai and the others!" Hikari exclaimed. This comment only made Takeru frown. Hikari noticed this. "What's wrong Takeru-kun?" Hikari asked.

"What if…what if Matt and the others are cold to me? I couldn't handle that…" Takeru trailed off. Hikari then took her hand, slipping it under Takeru's chin, lifting it up to look her in the eye.

"Takeru, I'm sure that Matt and the others wouldn't be that way…oh! I just remembered, Matt said hi…and I have his e-mail…" Hikari replied, blushing, giving herself a mental hit for forgetting to tell him. Takeru just sighed tiredly.

"Isn't it a little late for that? I'll just ask Matt…when I see him…" Takeru replied. Hikari only nodded. Takeru was right, after all. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get off this plane!" Takeru exclaimed, as the two got up. They then made their way off the airport, and towards the terminal…

Takeru sighed heavily as he and the others made their way into the terminal. He felt anxious, and nervous. What if the others gave him the cold shoulder? What if Matt didn't want to talk to him? The young man couldn't take that. He then looked to Hikari, who seemed to have a lot of energy on her hands. He then smiled to himself.

I have to do this, for everyone else. And if not for everyone else, then I'll do this for Hikari…I just hope the others aren't mad at me, Takeru thought, as he and Hikari, along with Mimi and Joe finally made their way into the terminal. Takeru looked around as he saw familiar faces, faces that he had not seen for an entire year. Immediately, four people caught his eye. Matt, Sora, Tai, and Daisuke. He then forced a smile on his face, as he and the others stopped to face the others. Sora was the first to react as she ran to embrace her best friend.

"Mimi!" Sora exclaimed.

"Sora!" Mimi was then embraced by her friend, as the two were smiling after not seeing each other for a while. They then released their hold upon one another. "So Mimi, are you ready to get married?" Sora asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be. Hey everyone," Mimi replied.

"Hey," everyone responded in unison. The others then crowded around Mimi and Joe, asking them questions, some of them being serious, and others as just being the butt of a joke. Takeru and Hikari just hung back, watching the scene, both with a smile upon their faces.

"You think that'll be us someday?" Hikari asked, blushing as she realized what she just said. This knocked Takeru for a loop as he looked straight at her.

"Come again?" he asked. Either he was hallucinating, or the girl of his dreams was implying what he thought she was implying. He hoped it was the latter.

"Oh, it was nothing Takeru, nothing…" Hikari waved it off, dismissing the thought. Takeru then looked down towards the floor.

"Oh…okay then," Takeru replied. Hikari noticed this, as she looked at him, before looking down at the floor.

I'm sorry Takeru. Do you…do you really wish we could be like that? Hikari asked in her head, as she looked back up at him. Right as she finished that thought, she noticed the others advancing toward them. Takeru noticed this too. Matt, Sora, and Tai were at the head of the group, as they stopped to look at the two. It had suddenly grown quiet in the terminal, as Matt and Tai were having a staring contest with their respected siblings. A moment later, the silence was finally broken.

"Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to give me a hug?" Tai asked. Hikari smiled as she ran to embrace her brother. He caught her with open arms.

"I missed you Tai. How are you?" Hikari asked, as she relished in the arms of her older sibling. Tai just smiled down upon her.

"Fine, as always. I missed you too Kari. But, I wonder how Matt and T.K. will handle this reunion," Tai said. Tai and Hikari then looked up at the two blondes, as they were still staring at each other. The others just continued to watch this scene. Finally, one of the brothers spoke.

"Something must have really been holding you so that you wouldn't talk to me for a year, eh?" Matt asked. Takeru just stood there, shocked that Matt had said something. Matt just shook his head as he grinned at his younger sibling. "Well, aren't you going to give your brother a hug? You at least owe me that," Matt said. Takeru then smiled, as he made his way over, and briefly embraced his older sibling. The two then released their hold on each other.

"I'm sorry I haven't talked to you Matt," Takeru managed to say.

"Don't worry T.K., I understand. Just as long as we can start a line of communication now, everything will be all right," Matt replied. Takeru just smiled.

"That will be fine. Just fine." The others then made their way around Matt, Tai, and their siblings, and began to ask them questions. Izzy was the first one to ask.

"Hey Kari, have you and T.K. opened that box yet?" he asked. Hikari blushed, as Takeru turned to look at her.

"What box?" Takeru asked.

"Uh, oh yeah…no, we haven't," Hikari answered. Izzy's face faulted.

"Oh, then don't worry about. Open it 'later', if you know what I mean," Izzy replied. Hikari nodded. Yolei then went up and leaned into Hikari's ear.

"Have you told him yet?" she asked. Hikari blushed as Yolei stepped back, and quickly shook her head. Yolei just shook her head in disappointment. "Hikari Hikari Hikari…I'm disappointed," Yolei replied. Again, Hikari's companion was lost.

"Tell me what? No one seems to tell me anything around here!" Takeru exclaimed. The others just laughed around him. He just sighed tiredly.

"Let's stop picking on him. Now, let's go everyone!" Mimi exclaimed. The others nodded as they made their way toward the baggage claim. Everyone began to walk, with Sora, Mimi, Joe and Izzy in the front, Cody, Yolei, Ken and Hikari in the middle, and with Matt, Tai, Takeru and Daisuke in the back. Tai and Matt made their way around Takeru, which made the boy ponder. After all, when your brother and his best friend are near you, something bad is usually planned…

…"So T.K., have you told Kari yet?" Matt whispered, making his younger sibling blush at the mention of her name. Tai and Daisuke only grinned.

"Uh no…I've tried a hundred times, but every time we get close, something interrupts us," Takeru whispered back, glancing to look at the subject of the conversation. She looked radiant as she was currently catching up with Yolei, Ken and Cody, talking about how different New York was from Odaiba. Takeru then glanced back down to the floor.

"Well then, why don't we arrange a little somethin'-somethin'?" Daisuke asked, whispering as well. Takeru just blushed. "Oh, come on Take, it's the perfect time, the perfect setting…you're home, she's home, and it's Joe's and Mimi's wedding…" Daisuke trailed off. Takeru blushed again, before sighing.

"All right, all right…But, we're doing this my way," Takeru replied. The other guys smiled.

"Sweet…" was all Daisuke could say, before they finally made their way over to the baggage claim…

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Takeru sighed heavily as he finally dropped his suitcase in his old room, opening it to hastily unpack. In the middle of it, he couldn't help but hear a giggle, and looked up. Leaning against the doorway, beautiful as ever was Hikari. She was just smiling at him. "What?" Takeru asked. After hastily making his way into the apartment, he found out that his mom was gone on some trip for the newspaper. Luckily, she would come back in time to see Mimi and Joe's wedding, along with seeing her two sons. This left Takeru and Hikari by themselves. Again.

"You know how cute you look when you're concentrating on something?" Hikari asked, blushing. Takeru could only blush in response.

"Uh, really? You know, I think…I think you look…uh," Takeru was at a loss of words. Unfortunately, the young man didn't notice how close they were now, since Hikari had made her way over to him. She then took her hands, putting them onto his face, and tilting it towards her. She then looked into his eyes.

"How do you think I look Takeru?" Hikari asked. Takeru blushed even more as he looked back at her. Nothing could describe to him how beautiful she was at that moment. So, he said the best thing that could describe what he thought.

"Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful," Takeru replied. He then leaned in to intercept Hikari's awaiting lips, as she closed her eyes. The young woman wrapped her arms around his neck in response, pulling him closer, their bodies being pressed together. Their lips were barely a millimeter apart. All Takeru had to do now was move his head a little forward, and they would make contact. Unfortunately, the other part of his mind decided to intervene at this moment.

Hello? Are you going to tell her about Willis? his dark half asked. Takeru turned his head, causing Hikari's lips to graze his cheek as he did so. Hikari then opened her eyes, and looked at him, shocked. Tears began to form in her eyes. Her hold on him began to loosen as well.

"Wait, Hikari…there's something I need to tell you. It's about what happened back at that party," Takeru replied, tightening his hold on the girl. She decided to keep her hold on the young man as it was. She was beginning to get concerned.

"What, what is it?..wait a minute, now that I think about it, I don't really remember anything after Willis asked me to dance," Hikari replied. Then, something hit her. Like a wave. All of a sudden, memories began to pour themselves into the girl's head. She began remembering everything her mind had suppressed before, and was now even more than shock than she was before. She then loosened her grip on Takeru, before separating from him altogether, and slowly began to back away. Tears began to fall from her eyes.

"Wait, Hikari! Please, let me say what I need to say!" Takeru exclaimed. The girl began to cry even more.

"Tell me what? That your 'good friend' almost raped me, and you didn't tell me what happened the night after, when my memories were hazy? Takeru, how could you?" Hikari asked. Takeru was about to respond when the door opened, and Ms. Takaishi came in, with her suitcase and her purse, apparently back from her trip.

"Hello, anyone home?" Ms. Takaishi asked. She then walked over, and then saw Hikari and Takeru standing near his room. "Oh, hello you two," Ms. Takaishi replied. Takeru and Hikari looked over to their elder, and nodded in response.

"Hello, Takaishi-san (Ms. or Mr.)," Hikari responded.

"Hello Mom," Takeru replied. Ms. Takaishi looked at the two, and then noticed that Hikari was crying.

"Kari, is there something the-"

"I'm sorry Takaishi-san, but I need to leave. Goodbye Takeru," Hikari stated, before adbruptly making her way out of the apartment. Takeru chased after her.

"Hikari, wait! I can explain!" Takeru exclaimed, before Hikari had closed the door in front of him as she left, slamming it in his face. Takeru could only look down at the ground, now in a mix of anger and depression. He then banged in his left fist onto the door.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it all! Why did this have to happen? Why now?" Takeru asked. Ms. Takaishi went over to comfort her son.

"Takeru, what just happened? What happened between you and Hikari?" Ms. Takaishi asked, looking at the young man. Tears began to pour out of the young man's eyes as he looked at his mother.

"I think…I think I may have lost her…"

Well, that's the end of that chapter! Here's a prelude of things to come:

Next chapter: Now that Hikari knows what had transpired at the night of the party, how will that affect her relationship with Takeru? How will Takeru handle it? Can the two reconcile their problems, and is there still a chance for them to be together? And what about Mimi and Joe's wedding, what will happen there? All this and more and will be answered…

Don't forget to read and review! Ja ne!- Malcolm Yuy