A/N I am so, so, so sorry for the long wait, everyone. I've been caught up with family issues, and some school stuff. I finally managed to squeeze this update in. However, my beta has not seen this yet, and therefore all errors are my own, and it is also quite likely that there will be errors. Feel free to point them out, I'll correct them immediately.

Thanks to all reviewers!

Disclaimer: I own nada!

Vanessa stared straight ahead out at the traffic that crowded the New York street. She was looking at it but not really seeing her mind was a million miles away reliving memories of a time long since past. She was dimly aware of Phil on the phone in the seat next to her speaking rapidly to one of their friends; she couldn't be sure which one. She had grabbed Phil and rushed to the car as soon as she had hung up with Callie, not pausing for even a moment to consider the magnitude of what had occurred. They had been caught in the traffic swell for upwards of half an hour and there was nothing to indicate that they would be moving any time soon. And with that thought she allowed herself to sink into her subconscious, recalling the last time she had seen Joe.

She hadn't told anyone but she had been the last person to see him before he ran away. She couldn't help but think that she might've been able to stop him, but when she saw him there and he'd looked at her with a look of utter helplessness, and pleading she had given in; despite the fact that she could literally feel her heart breaking in her chest.

Flashback

"Joe?" Vanessa asked stepping in front of her long-term boyfriend and blocking his path as he stumbled away from his house with a single duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He tried to brush past her but she stopped him, laying her hand, fingers spread out, on his chest in a silent gesture to get him to stop. "What are you doing?" She asked apprehension oozing from every pore in her body as she met his eyes. He kept eye contact for only the briefest of moments before he glanced nervously to the side.

"I'm leaving." Joe said flatly his eyes now fixed on a point just above her head.

"What?" Vanessa asked a roaring in her ears, she was positive that she was hearing things. He definitely had not just said he was leaving.

"I'm leaving." Joe repeated, speaking slower this time.

"I'll come with you." Vanessa replied refusing to acknowledge the possibility that he meant that he was going anywhere other then for a walk, to clear his head or something.

"No, Van, I'm leaving. As in, I am leaving Bayport, for good." Joe explained softly looking as though saying it caused him physical pain. He took a deep shuddering breath and drank in the sight of his house for a moment, memorizing every detail as he waited for her to respond.

"No." Vanessa answered. "You're not."

"Listen…" Joe trailed off abruptly. "Just for a minute, please." He asked softly when she glared at him stubbornly.

"Fine." Vanessa agreed grudgingly.

"I- I can't be here anymore," He said stumbling over his words. "It hurts so much, Van, and my Dad he blames me for Frank's death, and I just can't stay here, hell I don't really blame him, I mean I know it's my fault…but hearing him say it…" He trailed off again and swallowed before continuing. "Please, Nessa," She stared at him unyieldingly. "Please, just let me go." He turned the full force of his baby blue eyes on there and she was forced to choke back a sob as she saw the raw pain that rested in the beautiful orbs. She could never refuse him. He offered her a small smile, and pulled her into a hug, her arms tightened instinctively around him not wanting to let him go. "I love you, Vanessa." He said pulling away. She couldn't let him go it was too soon, she pulled him back toward her and kissed him desperately wishing that she could keep him here. He broke the kiss after a few moments and pulled away from her. This was goodbye. "I'm so sorry, Van." He said finally and turned away from her and walked at a rapid pace away from her.

Vanessa sunk to the sidewalk as soon as he was out of sight. As she allowed her sobs to overtake her, she couldn't help but see memories, memories of happier times, when they had all been together…when they had all been alive. She allowed herself no more then ten minutes to cry over the loss of the love her life before she pulled herself up from the ground and walked back toward the house. She would keep his secret. She would let him go.

End Flashback

Vanessa had told no one of Joe's leaving. She allowed them to discover the truth on their own. She would keep her promise, she would let him go.

"Vanessa??" Phil's worried town broke through her thoughts. "Are you okay?" He asked. She took a deep breath and blinked several times finally realizing that the traffic had cleared and a line of cars was stationed behind her honking their horns to express their displeasure. The blonde glanced down at her hands and noticed that her knuckles had gone white from clenching the steering wheel. She methodically unclenched her fingers one by one and began to inch forward down the still crowded street. It occurred to her after a moment that she had failed to answer Phil's query. Said person was staring at her worriedly.

"I'm fine." She finally mumbled. He looked doubtful but didn't press her for further information. That's what she had always loved about Phil, he never pressed, he waited for you to come to him. "So, what did you find out?" She questioned pasting a fake smile on her face. Phil sighed but allowed her to change the subject.

"Well, I got a hold of Tony at Mr. Pizza and he promised to meet us…there, and he also said he'd call up Biff and get him as well. Chet got in the car as soon as he heard what I had to say, and he's on his way down. He's bringing Liz." Phil answered.

"Good, that's good." And with that the car lapsed into silence once more. Each occupant caught up in their own thoughts.

A/N Review, please. I shall spend all weekend updating to try and make up for the long wait I left you with.