Hi, I'm back again with the next instalment of "Can't Turn Back" - as usual, hope you enjoy...

Joey inhaled deeply and began: "Mai, before I make any decision to forgive you, I must know one thing. Da question that has been on my mind since you sided with Valon and gave my soul to Dartz - why did you do dat? Why, Mai?" Joey's face was serious and confused. Mai's brow furrowed at the awkwardness of that question - she had feared he would ask her that. She sighed and started to explain, "Joey, I was manipulated by Valon to think that it was your all your fault - of course, it wasn't, it was my own self centred needs. I was led to believe that I was always in yours, Yugi's and Kaiba's shadow, and somehow I blamed you so I didn't have to blame myself. But I am sorry, I regretted it as soon as it happened. I felt awful holding your body as you lost your soul, I practically cheated. It was an unfair game, you were really weakened after you last duel against Valon, especially since you used yourself at one point. You did all that for me yet I threw it straight back in your face, how could I? Please forgive me".

A reassuring smile spread across Joey's face. "Mai, everybody makes mistakes - I should know, I've made so many big mistakes personally, I couldn't count dem on two hands." His expression changed to guilt. "To tell the truth, dats why I am here now - another screw up."

"Oh, that didn't sound good. Whatever it is, I'm sure we can sort it out."

Joey said with a melancholic air, "No, dis time I really went too far."

"Tell me and I might have a solution."

Joey tried to suppress a guilt ridden lump in his throat, "Well, I have lived wid my dad for ages since I was ten, when he and my mum broke up. My Mom took my sister Serenity, and I lived with my dad. Soon after, my dad started to blame me - he was always angry with somthin', mostly with me. He thought it was my slip-up, because I was always getting into fights and shopliftin'. The thing is I did it because he drank our money all the time so there was no other option, food has to come from somewhere. So as a result of dat, I had a criminal record before I was eleven, he thought I did that because of me, not him. He said dat was why mom left, me, apparently I was too much for her. He started using me as his personal punch bag, calling me names, making me feel like dirt." Joey paused, the tears running down his face, "so I lost it - I felt I should show him what it was like." Joey's voice cracked. "The police are now looking for me; I'm the prime suspect as a result..."

"You ran away," finished Mai, "but Joey, you could go home with me - I'll be there, explain to the police, they are more understanding than you would think."

"No, remember I already have a whole cloud of criminal offences hanging over me, I'm sure to go down, I can't turn back."

"Joey, I will help you when you are ready."

"Thanks Mai" he said softly. He looked at her intently, and Mai could practically feel herself melt under his gaze. Her violet eyes locked onto his brown eyes, the colour of melted chocolate; he gently tilted her chin upwards and kissed her lips tenderly, his slightly cracked lips against her flawless lips. Joey wanted to stay this way forever, he felt on top of the world, and from the way Mai was returning the kiss he was sure she felt the same. After what felt like a sweet eternity, they slowly pulled away...

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