Author's Note: Not a very wonderful chapter... in fact, I'm beginning to think this whole thing isn't very good... nevertheless, thank you for all your reviews!!

A Choice To Make

She made my heart beat faster… she made my fur prickle… I thought she was the right cat and the only one… and I never knew there could be two.

I have always felt something special about Daisy… I could understand perfectly why she left the Twolegs, and I knew that she shared the same heritage as me. Maybe that was what drew me closer to her, and what told me that she must join ThunderClan. When the other cats shunned her, I felt the need to protect her… somehow…

It could be because when we first met, she had fixed me with that trusting look, like she could trust me with her life. She wouldn't trust just any cat, and I couldn't let her down. She was alike me in various ways, and I wanted someone like that to go hunting with, or just spend time with.

Gradually, over time, I realized my feelings for her could be something more than just pity. I have never been one to think over stuff like my life depends on it, not like some other cats. I didn't think much of this emotion; I just flicked it away like I would a drop of rain.

The only thing I really bother to think over was Brightheart. The look in her eyes I would never forget. That hurt look. I couldn't understand why she was feeling so negative. Was it Firestar who offended her? A younger cat, perhaps?

Or… me?

There wasn't anything I could remember I did to ruffle her fur. But that didn't erase the image of her eyes. Maybe I was spending too little time with her.

It wasn't very pleasant, but I had to admit that I was spending more time with Daisy, and I even liked it.

Okay, so maybe I do feel something strong for Daisy. I could never forget her trusting look.

On the other paw, I could not take off the image of Brightheart's eyes away from my mind.

Someone… help. Help.

I'm trapped between those eyes… sandwiched in between… it's suffocating me… (A/N: --)

I felt myself swallowed by the darkness of confusion. I never realized I was hurting Brightheart… if I did, I should apologize. But how? She's all the time helping Cinderpelt, like… like she wanted to become medicine cat.

Much as I hate to say, Daisy is younger and prettier than Brightheart… oh I'm being such an idiot. Looks didn't matter. I said that myself before. But it wasn't only Daisy's looks… it was her personality and everything else.

Daisy's heritage and situation had stolen my heart… she was so like me, shunned by the Clan cats. And… she trusted me that much. If I were to go back to Brightheart, I'm afraid I can't look at the eyes of loss and betrayal she would give me.

At that moment, I stood up. Hesitantly, I took a step towards the nursery, knowing Daisy was inside with her kits. I could picture my future with her; we could be happy, and I would treat Mousekit, Berrykit and Hazelkit like my own. I would teach Daisy to hunt, fight, and I would do the same with her kits. We could go out on a tour together.

A purr formed in my throat and I let my paws take me all the way to the entrance of the nursery.

But a pair of eyes searing into my fur stopped me. Curiously, I turned my head and found myself locking gazes with no one else but my daughter. Whitepaw. Her face was expressionless, but her eyes betrayed dismay and hurt. I felt my heart lurch. I couldn't do that to her!

And what about the most important cat… Brightheart?

With a sudden jolt, everything rushed into me. I recalled how I felt when Brightheart was missing, how pain gripped me when she was torn apart, and finally, the rush of feelings that I would defend her for life; the rush of love that made me willing to give up my own life.

Tearing myself away from Whitepaw's stare, I looked to the ground. What happened to that noble young warrior?

I was so sure that my feelings for Brightheart were strong enough to survive everything. But I wasn't so sure anymore. Would our bond survive this new love I've found?

Swallowing, I turned away from the nursery. I swung my head towards the apprentices den, hoping for guidance from Whitepaw. But she was gone, her tail-tip disappearing into the apprentices den. The moon was shining dimly, and almost all the cats were asleep. I should sleep too. But not when my mind was still in such confusion.

I gazed towards the medicine cat's den, images of Brightheart's fur, her face, and all the moments we spent together flashing in my mind.

Then, I wondered why I had been such a mouse-brain. Sure, I felt strong affection towards Daisy. But how could I have forgotten Brightheart? Surely, all the moons we've been together would count for something?

I've only met Daisy… but I've known Brightheart for life. I still loved her… even though the feeling is no longer as strong…

I thought of Whitepaw. I thought of Brightheart's eyes and everything we did together, from the very start as kits, to right now, as warriors. The feeling inside me got stronger. At that moment, I could confirm one thing.

I still loved Brightheart, and as strongly as ever. It was just hidden; like snow hiding the forest ground… but the ground is still there, just like my love is still there.

Brightheart probably no longer sees it; I didn't too. But now, I could see it… all I need to do is brush away the snow and there it is, unchanged. Once new-leaf comes, there won't be any snow; and Brightheart will see that I still care.

Feeling more optimistic, I pushed myself up and padded towards the warriors den. I paused as I passed Cinderpelt's den, and blinked.

But I didn't go inside. Even though my heart insisted that I should tell Brightheart I love her right now, I decided to take it slowly. Step by step, I will make the ginger and white she-cat understand.

As I ducked my head to enter the warriors den, I thought I saw two pair of glowing orbs from the apprentices den, and those eyes held pride.

A/N: This could very well be the last chapter... I can't decide.