Author's Note: My muse has been gone for quite some time. Sorry sbout that, but I'm never gone for good. I haven't been too inspired lately by what I see on TV, and I haven't had any time at all to watch wrestling but that won't stop me from writing. I plan to update all of my stories, and hopefully this one will be updated fairly regularly. So, please, don't stop reading and don't forget about your favorite stories.

"I missed you when I was away. I really wish you would have gone, but I guess I understand why you didn't. You have your life and I respect that.."

Eyes staring up at the vast blue sky and my ears attempting to close up as those words were spoken. I was trying to isolate myself. Who knew it would be so difficult this time when I had done it so easily in the past? I was used to wearing my heart on my sleeve but the vulnerability I was surrounded by was astounding, even for me. The pounding Florida sun was tearing me apart. My stomach was boiling as it churned with nervousness and my body was exposed for all to see as my skin began to toast from the sun's contact.

"But I don't want to be apart from you ever again. I want you to be with me, Trish."

It's been two whole months since he left me. Two whole months I've been empty and lost. Maybe just lost. I feel guilty that it's in the back of my mind all the time. I feel guilty that when he's lying next to me he knows I'm with someone else. I wonder where he is right now, although it's probably not hard to guess. He's in Austin, Texas, I know for a fact. I was talking to Lillian the other day and she told me. Her voice was soft and sympathetic. She told me she would tell him I was doing okay, but I know she won't be able to. I don't remember the last time he's acknowledged me.

We spoke about a week after our fight, but it was a two minute conversation. "This might not mean anything now but I know that he meant something to you and I know that you care about him. I can't sit around and wait for you to choose between the two of us." My eyes were tearing up and even though I tried to turn away from him all I could see were his eyes. "You know what you're doing, Trish. I'm not going to let you push me away for someone that's going to hurt you."

He was wrong. I haven't been hurt yet, and I'll never let myself get hurt again. I can't let myself get hurt again. I don't know how much of my heart is left for me to waste.

"I guess I should get to the point. I mean, there is a point. I promise," he chuckled nervously. "I've decidedI want you to be my wife, Trish. There. I want you to marry me."

I could feel my skin burning. Was it the sun, his eyes, or my hope exploding?

I said yes.

I forgot that all bad apples rot eventually.