Two years later... Yale music conservatory...

"Mmmm... You play beautifully..." Betsy sighed as Dennis hit the piano keys, filling the rehearsal room with the strands of Heart and Soul.

"Thank you, Honey." He said, pausing to kiss her. "You know... I even have my first performance! I can't believe that I'm finally going to be paid for doing what I

love."

Betsy smiled and threw her arms around him. "Oh, Dennis! That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!"

Dennis' heart warmed at her affection. "Thank you, Sweetheart." He took her in his arms and kissed her.

"So what concert hall is going to be fortunate enough to have the famous pianist Dennis Reed playing to a sold-out crowd? She asked, running her fingers through

his blonde hair.

"Well, actually... It's not a concert hall." Dennis said.

"Oh... Well, wherever it is, I'm sure it'll be a smashing success!"

"It's bound to be, even without my being there." Dennis said with a smile.

"Really? Why?" Betsy asked, trailing kisses down his neck.

"Well, it'll only be a failure if anyone objects." Dennis said, taking her in his arms.

Betsy gave him a quizzical look. "Objects? To what?"

"To the marriage."

"What are you talking about? What marriage?"

"Melissa Regan and Joe Baxter. I'm performing at their wedding." Dennis said proudly.

"Dennis!" Betsy said, abruptly pulling out of his arms.

"What's wrong?"

"Um... Nothing. How much does it pay?" She asked, turning away and crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"One hundred and... fifty dollars." Dennis said slowly, rising from the piano bench.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I'm happy for you. Really." She said.

Dennis laid a gentle hand on her shoulder "Betsy..."

The gesture caused her to turn around, startling him when he saw tears in her eyes.

"Sweetheart, you're crying." He said reaching out to brush a tear from her cheek.

"Come here. What's wrong?"

He wrapped his arms around her, dismayed when she pulled away. "What's gotten into you?"

"Just forget it, okay?" she asked tearfully.

"You burst into tears for no reason after you were so happy just a few minutes ago. How am I supposed to forget that?" Dennis asked. "You'd think after two

years together, you'd trust me."

"That's right, Dennis! Two years!" Betsy yelled, startling him with the outburst.

"Betsy, why are you so emotional today?" Dennis asked. Then, a horrible thought crossed his mind. "Oh dear God! Please don't tell me that you're..."

"I'm not pregnant; Dennis if that's what you're concerned with!" She said, finishing his thought.

The relief he felt was enormous. "Oh, thank God. Because I just can't handle that kind of responsibility right now."

"Of course you can't." She said.

"What does that mean?" he asked.

"You're too wrapped up in your music to notice, right? I'm happy for you, Dennis. I really am. I'm happy that you're finally getting recognition for your music, no

matter how small, and-."

"Betsy, I-."

She held up her hand to stop him. "Look, I love you Dennis. And if two people are in love... well, there comes a time when they should make a commitment to each

other. A lifelong commitment."

"But Betsy, what about your education? And mine?"

She sighed and leaned against the piano. "I've done a lot of thinking about this and I've come to a decision."

Dennis swallowed hard, almost afraid of what he was about to hear. "Okay..."

"Either make a commitment or we're through." She said flatly.

"What?"

"I mean it! I'm tired of waiting around. I need stability in my life; not this boyfriend/girlfriend stuff. So let's either get married or break up for good."

"Oh... But Betsy..."

"Let me guess... You can't make that kind of commitment right now."

"Well, it's not that I don't love you, Sweetheart; because I do. It's just... what about my music? What about your dreams?"

Betsy sniffled, ignoring the tears that fell onto her cheeks.

"That's what I thought. Goodbye Dennis."

Dennis watched, heartbroken as the woman he loved walked out of the rehearsal hall... and out of his life.