(Two Days Later)

"We're home, Baby." Michael said, nudging Marcie awake. The drive to the Angel Square Hotel was peaceful. As soon as he had gotten her into the car, Marcie had fallen asleep on his shoulder. She was still very weak as he helped her out of the car in the hotel parking lot.

"We're almost there, Sweetie." He said as they slowly climbed the stairs. Michael unlocked the door and pushed it open, leading Marcie into the room.
"Just lie down, okay?"

She did as he asked, grateful to be in a safe place. She was almost asleep when she felt Michael climb onto the bed next to her. She moved closer to him, snuggling into his arms.

"Thanks for buying me lunch, Michael. And for letting me stay here with you."

Michael smiled and ran his finger down her cheek. "You didn't eat much. Are you sure you're okay, Sweetie?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Marcie said timidly. She could sense Michael staring at her. When she turned her face toward him, he cupped her cheek in his hand and kissed her. At the touch of his mouth on hers, her pulse quickened, and she tilted her chin to the ceiling, sighing when Michael trailed kisses down her neck.

"Michael..." She breathed, clutching him toward her.

The kiss deepened, and suddenly he was unbuttoning her shirt. He kissed her neck, making his way down to the crevice below her collarbone. Marcie turned her head, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror;

The lacy camisole that was so tight, the spaghetti straps dug into her shoulders. Why didn't she listen to the sales person and buy a bigger size? She closed her eyes as Michael continued to kiss her chest. His hands went around her waist, gently sliding the satin material upwards...

Fatso!

"Stop it, Michael!"

Abruptly, Marcie sat up and pushed Michael away; hot tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?"
When she didn't answer, he reached for the satin camisole and kissed her smooth skin.

Her hand went forcefully to his wrist.

"Michael, I said STOP!"

Her outburst startled him. "Marcie, what's the problem?"

"I'm the problem, Michael! Look at me! I'm fat!"

Michael sighed. "Sweetie, don't..."
"Don't what, Michael?" She said as her voice broke even further.

"Don't tell you the truth? That I'm a fat cow?"

"Marcie, is this about that guy, Nick?"

She looked away, as more tears came.

"Marcie, that guy is a loser. Don't listen to him. Listen to me! You're beautiful and I love you! Isn't that enough?"

Marcie couldn't bring herself to answer, and the look on Michael's face told her everything she needed to know.

"It's not enough, is it?" He asked quietly.

She watched in dismay as he stood and walked to the door. "Michael, where are you going? I-I'm sorry, I just..."
"I'll be back in a little while." He said "Bye Marcie."
When she closed the door behind him, the noise it made felt like a blow to her heart.

And then she could hold her emotions in no longer...