"Hey," Rusty called to Sharon as she entered the apartment around eight. "Everything okay? You look beat."

Sharon kicked off her shoes by the door, dropped her purse on the island stool then crawled to the couch. "I'm fine, Rusty, just a long day. Did you have dinner already?"

"Yup. You want me to get you anything?"

"Uh maybe a glass of wine? Red please. Did you finish your homework?"

"Yes, Sharon," Rusty rolled his eyes. He poured Sharon a full glass. "Andrea isn't home yet. She didn't call or anything. I tried calling but she didn't pick up. Maybe you should call her or something." Rusty carried the glass carefully to where Sharon was curled up under a blanket. She looked paler than usual and her mind seemed far away.

"Sharon, are you sick or something? You look really pale." He moved closer to her, placing the back of his palm against her forehead but she hit it away. Shocked, Rusty looked at her as she stood from the couch and made her way to her bedroom.

"Rusty it's a school night so you should go to bed now. And I don't want to hear any complaining," she commanded, his groaning falling on deaf ears.

"Fine. He stormed off to his room, slamming the door behind him.

It was now 11:30 and Sharon hadn't even begun falling asleep, not that she couldn't; but her mind was replaying everything that happened in her office today. The entire situation was so bizarre that she was not sure if it really happened or if she was in a really messed up dream. What was she thinking dropping this bombshell now? What was she expecting from me? Is Andrea even coming home tonight? Sharon sighed shakily, finally letting the tears flow. It felt good letting it all out in the confines of her own space, with no one around to console her or pity her; it was the last thing she needed right now. She needed to think this through carefully. How should she proceed?

The bedside table beeped. 12 o'clock and still no sign of Andrea. Sharon decided maybe she should give her a call, try to smooth things out a little before their inevitable discussion tomorrow. When there was no answer after her fourth try, Sharon began to worry.

"Rusty?" Sharon knocked lightly before opening. "Are you awake?"

"I am now," he grumbled as Sharon entered. His back was turned to her; she was a little put off by it but decided against giving commands right now. She moved in closer and sat on the edge of his bed.

"I'm sorry for getting angry at you earlier. It's just been one of those days but it was no excuse for my behavior. You were just worried about me and I'm happy and relieved to know that you've got my back." Rusty turned then just in time to see Sharon wipe a wayward tear that escaped her eyes. He felt like such a jerk being harsh with her now; he knew something was off and yet he still gave her a hard time.

"I'm sorry too Sharon. Is Andrea home yet?" Sharon's mouth twitched ever so slightly but her face remained blank. She didn't bother answering because she knew he knew the answer already. He continued.

"You two got in a fight today, huh? I guess she isn't coming home tonight?"

"I don't know, Rusty, I don't think she is. But" Sharon added while rising from Rusty's bed, "I think I should go find her and talk to her. I just came to tell you that."

"Okay. Hope you two make up," Rusty added awkwardly. Sharon smiled while brushing a hand through her hair.

"Thanks Rusty. Go back to sleep now. And sorry again for waking you and- I guess manhandling you earlier." She chuckled while Rusty rolled his eyes.

"Whatever Sharon. Just go find her."

"Okay," Sharon replied as she turned on her heels leaving for her car.

Sharon entered the bar; something she never did since separating from her husband a long time ago. She hated when things Andrea did reminded her of him, like coming to this very same bar after a very stressful day of work. The only thought providing some sort of solace is the fact that Andrea only came here when stressed but Jack never quite needed a reason. Sharon continued dwelling on her thoughts while scanning the bar for her blonde. When she spotted her target (it wasn't that hard to find Andrea who clearly stood out among the many uniformed cops), she inhaled strongly and briskly walked over.

"Hey there," Sharon greeted sitting down on the bench opposite Andrea's.

"What are you doing here?" Andrea replied.

"You don't think I could possibly sleep not knowing if you're okay, do you?"

"I don't know, you seemed to be very preoccupied when I left your office today." Andrea turned back her attention to her beer. Sharon sighed dejectedly.

"I guess I deserved that. I'm sorry for pushing you away."

"Sharon, I don't want or need any apology from you. It is way passed that," Andrea slightly shouted, slightly slurred.

"I know, I know. I am trying to have every perspective of this situation before I make any decisions."

"What the hell does that mean? This is exactly why I couldn't stay in your office any longer than I did. I couldn't stand watching you console her. Did you even think about how I felt being there?" Now it was Sharon's turn to raise her voice ever so slightly.

"Of course I did! I couldn't stop thinking about how this would affect you." She paused. "Sometimes I don't know what you want from me, Andrea."

"You don't know what I want? Fine, I'll spell it out for you." She took another swig at her bottle before continuing. "I want you to stop thinking about Sharlene. I want you to stop patronizing her especially since you know I have a problem with it. I want you to fully move on and make me your only love interest."

"You are the only person I'm in love with Andrea."

"Then show me. Prove it to me. I want Sharlene out of our lives. I don't parade my exes in front of you. Show me the same respect." Sharon could tell Andrea was insecure about the whole situation so she tried putting her mind at ease.

"Alright. I hear you Andrea and you're right. I should have never entertained her at all. But this goes two ways, Honey. For this to work, you need to trust me. I'll never leave you and I'll try my best to never hurt you. Sharlene's in town for the trial so let's just get this hurdle over with and then our lives would return back to normal."

"You are still missing the point! I don't want to just leave this hanging in the air until she leaves. I want you-no I need you to cut all ties with her for good. I need to know for sure that your relationship is over or else, I don't know. I can't and won't share you with anyone Sharon." Sharon took hold of Andrea's hand and locked eyes with hers. The complete conviction of Andrea's words scared Sharon; this was the end of the line. Sharon knew Andrea was frustrated enough to end their relationship if she didn't cut all ties with Sharlene. And if she had to choose between Sharlene and Andrea, of course she would choose Andrea. She couldn't live without her even if she tried. All she needed to do was prove to Andrea that she was in this for the long hall as well and that no one could change that.

"The next time she calls- and she will because I told her I needed to check her story out- I'll let her know that I cannot see her again or even be her friend. I will have nothing more to do with her. Is that good enough?"

Andrea smiled and answered, "Yes."

Sharon breathed a sigh of relief. It was moments like this that she knew Andrea really cared about her, moments when she easily forgave her, trying to make things work. It wasn't that she didn't trust Sharon; it was just difficult falling this deeply in love with someone who still had so many years of baggage. A marriage that was not technically ended, and now Sharlene, it must be frightening not knowing for sure that you are loved just as much by your partner as you love them. She was jumping into this with no safety net and fully emotionally vulnerable, knowing that Sharon had all these strings still attached and might be reeled back in by one of them. It was now apparent to Sharon why Andrea would be this possessive. Right there and then, Sharon needed to make it abundantly clear that she would give up anything for Andrea, no matter the cost. But at this present moment, all she needed Andrea to be safe at home in their bed.

"I would love to take you home with me tonight. I don't think I could ever sleep without you next to me again." Sharon said while caressing Andrea's hand.

"Okay, but you'll have to help me. I think I had a few drinks too many." Sharon helped Andrea up and escorted her to the car. By the end of this week, Sharon was determined to have this entire situation sorted out.