Author's Note: Are you enjoying this? I know its much more cut and dried than "Tales from the Cretaceous" but I just can't put that kind of time and effort into this one. Hopefully it will be a nice read. Not as much detail but enough to get across the emotion and action. Review if you like it. Reviews are the reason these stories get posted. Thanks!

Chapter 8 – Heartbreak

Connor ran for blocks trying to get away from his pain, but it was no use. He spotted a park bench under the trees and slowed to a stop. He sat down and pulled his knees up to his chin. Feeling miserable, he wrapped his hands around his legs and buried his face in his arms. He rocked his body as tears silently streaked down his face and vanished into the fabric of his shirtsleeve.

Loving Abby hurt so much, but he didn't know how to stop. Wiping his eyes, he decided that he had to figure out a way to get on with his life. He couldn't quit the ARC. He had promised Nick that he would finish his work and no matter what else happened, he would keep his promise.

With a heavy sigh, he realized that the best thing would be to stay away from Abby for a while. If he could eat and sleep away from her, it might help him get over his feelings.

"What now?" he said to himself. He wouldn't go to Jayne. It wasn't fair to her. He had really tried to be a good boyfriend to her, but his heart was still so tied up with Abby, he had to be on his own for a while. He would have to explain to Jayne soon, but not tonight.

Feeling a little calmer, Connor stood up and slowly walked toward Danny Quinn's flat.

Danny opened his door to a very sad looking Connor Temple. "What happened to you? You look terrible."

"Thanks much," Connor said with tiny smile. "Would it be O.K. if I spent the night?"

Danny looked him up and down before giving him a sympathetic look, "Oh… girl trouble. Yeah, of course you can stay here. Mind if I ask what happened?"

Connor hesitated before saying, "Not tonight. Let's just say that I won't be hanging around with Abby or Jayne for a while."

"O.K., we'll leave it for now. You can sleep in the back bedroom," Danny said. "And you're welcome to stay for as long as you need," he added kindly.

Connor nodded his head and followed Danny down the hall. Danny handed him an extra blanket and pointed to the bedroom, "Let me know if you need anything."

Connor shook his head, "I'm fine. Thanks, Danny."

Danny clapped Connor on the shoulder and then went back to his own bedroom, silently wishing Abby would figure out her feelings and put the poor boy out of his misery.