AN: Sorry there was no update yesterday! But remember my cough? Yeah. Turned out to be bronchitis. Who knew? But thanks to some antibiotics, I'm off the couch and in a chair, which, if you saw me yesterday, you would know is a very big step. Also, my parents decided after over a year of our TV acting funny (it randomly turns off, and you have to smack it to make it come back on. Wow. I just had a redneck moment there), today was the day they were going to take it in. Grr. Oh well. Thanks to all who wished me luck for the solo. We dedicated it to Mr. McLean. They asked us to sing it at his funeral today, but obviously I couldn't go. Sad! Wonder who took my solo ... unimportant! What is important is that I am now back to writing. So here is the chapter with the big reveal ... don't hate me. Thank you for all the reviews. Time for the anons:

socogal – I think I'll stick to ducking all the same. I'm very sorry about the hard objects that hit you. I'd make a joke about that explains a lot, but never having met you, I feel this may be inappropriate. Can I join in? We'll see, shall we? I've never actually seen Robin Hood, but I've seen Men in Tights, which is damn hilarious. Much love for Mel Brooks! "We'll bless them all till we all get vershnicked!" Though that's most likely not how you spell it. Ah, well. Don't worry about the lack of well-roundedness. Your reviews are much more amusing. I realize this. It's one of those things me and Mark share. Cap'n Crunch ROCKS! Even more so when the only cereal your parents let house is made out of either whole wheat or some other type of grain. Ew! What's the good without the cinnamon swirls?

maureen – Hee. Your name's Maureen. Sorry, anyway ... Hee. Well now there's another chapter to help your confusion. Thanks very much! Here's more ...

Disclaimer: If I owned Rent, I'd be able to afford top notch doctors and get really good cold medicine, and would not have bronchitis. Hint: Bronchitis? Majorly sucks.

Candlelight Confessions

Abby stared at herself in the mirror. She could see the tear stains on her face and the redness of her eyes. He'd know something was wrong before she said anything. God, this was horrible. She looked horrible. That wouldn't be very helpful in making sure he didn't dump her. Was there even a chance that he wouldn't? Probably not, but she couldn't help wishing there was.

"Sweetie? You need to leave if you're going to get to Mark's on time." Joanne sounded hesitant. Abby knew she had probably heard her crying earlier. There was nothing else for it. She stood up, straightened her shirt, and opened the door. Joanne's widened as soon as she saw her. "Oh, Abby! Come here." She pulled her in for a hug. "Baby, what's the matter?"

"Mark's gonna dump me," Abby mumbled into her shoulder, sniffing a little.

"What? Why?" Joanne tried to reassure her. "Of course he wouldn't! I know Mark's not the brightest, but even he wouldn't dump you!"

"No, you don't understand." Abby pulled back and wiped her eyes. "Joanne, I ..."

Joanne put a hand over her mouth. "It's ok. Tell Mark first. It's only fair."

Abby nodded. Then she looked at Joanne with eyes full of hesitant hope. "Maureen used to cheat on you and you forgave her. Why?" Seeing Joanne's look, she added quickly, "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said that!"

Joanne shook her head. "No, it's ok." She thought for a moment, her eyes distant. "I guess I always knew she was worth it. And that she'd come around in the end. Which she did." She looked at Abby again. "Does that help?"

"Yeah. I think it does." Abby grinned a watery grin. "I guess I'd better go."

"Good luck, baby." Joanne gave her one last hug before watching Abby head out the door.

Abby thought about what Joanne had said all the way to Mark's building. Was there any chance that Mark would be able to forgive her the way Joanne had forgiven Maureen? Was she worth that? It had only been two weeks, and she was already head over heels for this guy. What was she going to do if he didn't want her anymore? What if this was too much to forgive?

She was at the bottom of his building, looking up at his fire escape much too fast. She felt the need to bolt. She turned to leave, but remembered Roger's words. "But you have to tell Mark. Or I am." He deserved to hear it from her. She had to give him that much.

She made her way up the indoor stairs as slowly as she could. When she finally reached his floor, she saw Roger, Mimi and Maureen standing in front of the door. Roger, looking extremely uncomfortable, reached out and briefly grasped her shoulder. Mimi pulled her into a hug and murmured, "It'll be alright, chica. You'll see." Then the two of them walked down the stairs, leaving Maureen, who immediately hugged her.

"What am I going to do, Mo?" Abby whispered into her ear.

"Tell him the truth, Abs. If he gives you a hard time, I'll break his camera," Maureen joked lightly, with worry in her eyes.

Abby giggled, a little watery. "Thanks Reen." She looked at the door. "I'd better go in, huh?"

"Yeah." Maureen kissed the top of her head, then opened the door and Abby went through.

The first thing she saw was the candles. They were everywhere. They made even the loft look beautiful. Then she saw the table. Instead of Cap'n Crunch, there was chicken and bread (which looked fresh). And in the middle were flowers. Daisies, true, and in a mug, but flowers.

"Abby?" Mark emerged from his bedroom. "Hey!" He walked over to her and kissed her deeply. Pulling back, she saw his face shining with joy and pride at what he'd done. Then his face wrinkled as he took in her appearance. "What's wrong?"

She couldn't help it. He looked so sweet, concerned about her. She began to cry again.

"Abby? Oh my God, what's going on?" He pulled her onto the couch and held her for a moment.

She finally pushed him away gently. "Mark. Mark, there's something I need to tell you."

He started to look a little worried. "What is it?"

She sniffed. "Just know that I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I didn't know how. And I'm so sorry to do this to you."

He pulled back slightly, looking very worried now. "Abby, what's going on."

She looked down at the couch. "I'm HIV positive." She looked up at his shocked face. "Mark, I have AIDS."

AN: So quite a few you guessed it. I'm getting under my table. Please don't throw anything too hard at me. I'm sorry this was so short. I planned for last chapter and this chapter to be one, but I didn't have time to finish it, so they became two. Again, I reiterate: don't hate me! Love? Hate? Please review!