It was supposed to be a Wednesday much like any other Wednesday but it turned out to be a day like no other. Early Tuesday morning in the wee hours, Memphis Kramer had arrived on a red eye at O'Hare airport. She had taken a cab back to the home she shared with her boyfriend. She had let herself inside with her key, hoping and praying that he was still asleep. His never ending insomnia had him pitter pattering about in the dawn. He had been happy to see her and she had been greeted with a smile and kisses. Exhausted, she had headed straight to their bedroom where she had collapsed. Mental and physical exhaustion was one thing but sleep also brought about much needed escape.

She didn't want to deal with her life. She didn't want to deal with the decision she had made. She didn't want to deal with Phil. In fact, she didn't want to deal with anything. Figuring she was out of it, an unsuspecting Phil had left her be, joining her much later in the morning as he curled up next to her. They had slept all day and quietly watched movies and ordered pizza in that evening. Once again she had purposely avoided making love to him. As they lazed in the bed they shared, she couldn't help but look over and know that when they'd had sex four days before, it would be the last time they ever would. She hadn't realized it at the time and resting beside her in the moment, he had no idea. Memphis cradled the pillow close as she closed her eyes and tried to remember every detail. It had been passionate but slow, him thrusting softly inside her. The whole time he had been on top, holding her close, kissing her neck and lips, grunting in pleasure, occasionally whispering in her ear. A wave of sadness washed over her. She wished then she had known it would be the last time. Maybe she would have paid more attention. Despite everything, she did love him and always would. It would be nice to freeze that hour or so in time and treasure it forever because soon nothing would ever be the same.

By Wednesday he had awakened early, full of energy. He and Memphis had put in a hardcore fulfilling workout at the local gym they liked to frequent together. Afterwards, they walked around the city hand in hand, ate at one of his favorite taco stands, and caught a local Indy show backstage where Phil's best friend, Scott "Colt Cabana" Colton was headlining. The night was capped off with an AFI concert, one of Phil's favorite bands. It was an unusually perfect day. In fact, he couldn't remember being so relaxed and having such a good time. His hip was almost completely rehabbed and he was mere weeks away from returning full time to wrestling in the ring. He was in a good place and it had a lot to do with Memphis. He had found a good girl who meant the world to him. Life was good.

"It was a great day, Dollface. I think there is another Law and Order SVU marathon tonight. How's about we lay around, see what Benson and Stabler are up to for a couple hours, then end the night with a marathon of our own?"

Memphis bit her lip. The four walls were closing in.

"Physical therapy is over pretty soon, huh?" she asked out of the blue.

"Yep. Don't get me wrong, I dig running my mouth will Cole and Lawler on RAW but being inside that ring, rasslin'…that's my life. That's what I was meant to do."

"I, I just wanted to say that I'm really proud of you. I know the injury has been tough, both mentally and physically. You've gone through a lot but through it all, you kept your head up, did what you had to do. And it's all for something you love. Your sacrifice, your dedication, your hard work, your integrity…God, Punk, I respect you so much for that."

"Memphis…"

"I'm serious. You're always honest and upfront and you worked for everything you ever got. And even the nights when your hip hurt so bad that I saw tears in your eyes, you never took one pain pill because it goes against everything you believe in. And you always stand up for and stay true to your beliefs. I, I have always admired that about you. And no matter what happens, please know, you have to know how much I love you. I do. I love you, Punk," her voice cracked with real emotion as she threw her arms around his neck.

He raised one eyebrow and gave her a sincere smile.

"Aw shucks, Dollface," he kidded. "I don't know where the hell all this is coming from but I'll take what I can get. I love you, too. I am a lucky man and you know how I feel about luck but uh, what else can I say because I have the sweetest girl ever. You're so good to me, babe. You take care of me, you're always there for me and you actually give a shit about how I feel and what I do. It's kind of cool for me cause I've never had that kind of compassion before. It's amazing. You're amazing."

She felt like she might faint.

"Punk…"

"I'm gonna grab snacks for tonight. Pretzels, Pepsi…what else you feel like?"

"Punk, I have to tell you something," she looked away.

"Shoot."

She grabbed on to the counter for support.

"I can't do this," she whispered.

He stopped and looked at her.

"Fine," he dramatically rolled his eyes. "No SVU, you win. I'll let you pick what we watch but I swear if your turn to the Golden Girls or In The Heat of The Night, I can't guarantee that I won't barf. Seriously. How much cock can those old broads actually get and more importantly, why is there so much fucking crime in, where the hell did that show take place? Sparta Mississippi? Dude, more shit happens there than L.A., Chicago and New York combined. I liked Carroll O'Connor much better as Archie Bunker anyway."

She looked at him and saw the happiness and hope in his eyes, she heard it in his voice and it destroyed her that in a few seconds she was about to take it all away.

"No. I, I can't do this. Us. Me and you, Punk. I, I can't. We can't."

"Okay," he chuckled. "You win. You can watch your stupid shows."

"Punk, you're not listening to me…"

He looked at her and one glance in her eyes, he knew something was wrong.

"Dollface…"

"I am so sorry…"

Phil walked over to her and put an arm around her slim waist, using his right hand to tilt her chin upwards to look at him.

"Hey," he spoke in a soft voice. "It's okay. Talk to me, babe. Whatever is going on, you know you can come to me. We'll talk about it. We'll get through it. I don't want you to be upset."

"We have to break up," she began to cry.

"Memphis…"

"No! I am a horrible person. I did so many bad things. You deserve better, you deserve so much more. Punk, you gave me everything…and I…I, I gave you betrayal."

His body visibly stiffened.

"What are you talking about?" he asked after a few seconds.

Tears streamed down her face.

"I, I have something to tell you…"

"What?"

The words seemed to choke in her throat.

"I can't be with you anymore because…because…"

He shoved his hands in his pockets, swallowing hard.

"What is it, Memphis? Or maybe I should ask who is it?"

His voice was eerily calm.

"I am so, so sorry…"

"Is it someone else?"

"Punk..."

"Answer me. Is it someone else?"

"This is so hard for me," she wiped at her eyes. "This is the hardest thing I've ever done."

"It's not that hard. It's a simple question. Yes or no."

Her whole body trembled.

"Yes," she said in a barely audible voice.

Phil Brooks had always considered himself a man in control. Just minutes before he had been on top of the world. Now his whole world had fallen apart, been ripped out from underneath him. He felt like everything was suddenly spinning dangerously out of control. It had always been difficult for him to express his true emotions openly and freely. From the minute he had met Memphis, he had liked her. He had trust issues from previous relationships but he had allowed himself to trust her, to love her. And now she was crying, confessing the worst possible sin.

"Who?" he questioned.

"Please…"

"Who?" he repeated in a much firmer voice.

Memphis began to shake. She couldn't do it. She couldn't bring herself to say it.

"I can't," she shook her head.

"I want to hear you say it."

"Punk…"

"Is it Orton?"

"I, I'm sorry…"

"I don't want to hear your weak ass apologies. I want to know. Is it Randy Orton?"

"Yes," she whispered.

Phil nodded before chuckling sarcastically in spite of the situation.

"Yeah. Of course it is Orton."

"I swear I did not mean for this to happen…"

"Did you fuck him?"

"I don't want to hurt you with the details," she answered meekly.

"It's a little late for that one, Dollface, don't you think? Or maybe you weren't thinking at all. Or maybe you were just thinking about yourself."

"Punk…"

"How long has this been going on? How many times?"

"Just once. It, it happened a month ago, just one time and I am so sorry because we, I didn't plan it…"

"Oh that's convenient. La dee fucking da. That makes it all better cause you and Orton didn't plan it. What did you do, trip, fall and accidentally land on his hard cock?"

"Punk…"

"Now it makes sense, that's where you learned all these new tricks in bed. I'm thinking you wanted to make me happy, spice up our relationship when the whole time you're just busting out the new moves your sleazy little lover man taught you."

"It wasn't like that."

"How could you do that, Memphis? To me, to yourself? What the fuck were you thinking, sleeping with me and sleeping with him? I'm here being faithful to you and you're out dicking around on me this whole time with that nasty motherfucker of all people. On top of losing my girlfriend, now I have to worry about diseases and shit?"

"No, no, I didn't give you any disease, I promise."

"Well ain't that good to know," he spat. "Thanks for the concern and consideration. Really. My dick and my immune system sincerely appreciate that. Good looking out."

"Please don't. God, I know you're hurting right now…" she reached out to him.

He instantly jerked away from her.

"You bitch," he gave her a look of pure disgust. "I loved you and I trusted you and I thought we had something special."

"We did. It wasn't you…"

Phil felt his blood beginning to boil. He didn't want her to apologize or cry or patronize him any further. She came towards him and he pushed past her, his anger spiraling out of control. He was mad. If Randy Orton were there, he could have killed him with his bare hands. And though he thought violence against women was repulsive, it was taking every restraint he had left not to pummel Memphis. Needing to channel the rage somewhere, he unleashed his fist against the wall.

"Fuck you, Memphis! Don't come at me with that bullshit, don't touch me, don't try to make this better!"

"I can't," she started to wail. "I know you must hate me and that hurts but you can't possibly hate me anymore than I already hate myself. I know you don't believe me, I know you don't want to hear it but I am sorry and I did not mean to fall for Randy. It all happened so fast. We were enemies, we were friends and things just started to happen and I tried to stop it, I tried to fight what I was feeling but I, I couldn't. I should have been honest with you, I should have told you and I shouldn't have slept with Randy but it happened and I wish it didn't and if I could take it back I would, if I could make your hurt go away, I would but I can't and I am so sorry for that. Punk, please!"

He wiped his mouth with his sleeve.

"Well, the truth is out now," he started to calm down a little. "I hope you feel better."

"I don't," she answered truthfully.

"Well as of now your feelings don't really matter that much to me anymore. Loving you, taking care of you, being your friend, listening to your problems, putting up with your drama and bullshit? That's over now. I'm off the hook and thank goodness for that one. Go be Orton's problem."

"Punk…"

"This conversation is over. I have nothing else to say to you. I don't want to talk about it or hear your lame ass apologies and excuses. I just want you out of my life."

"Please…"

"I mean it, Memphis. You need to figure out where you're going to live cause I want you out of my house. You've got 30 seconds to grab your stuff and whatever you can get with two hands, you can have. The rest will be sent to you."

She knew he meant it and she couldn't much blame him. Trying to somewhat compose herself, she grabbed the keys to her Audi and reached for her jacket and purse. This was it. She had dreaded the moment but it was inevitable. And despite his reaction, he needed to hear the truth.

"I, um…"

"Get the fuck out."

She nodded, tears streaming.

"I'm sorry."

He waited until she got to the door.

"Memphis?"

She stopped, her legs trembling.

"Yeah?" she whispered, too upset to turn and face him.

"You sold out for a magazine and some money and now you've sold out for Randy Orton. I guess this whole time I should have treated you like the hooker you are because when it comes down to it, Dollface, he was right all along. You're a whore."

His words stung harder than if he'd punched her right in the face. The door closed behind her and she was gone. Her car cranked, then pulled out of the driveway and Phil was left with sadness, anger, loneliness, and utter disbelief. His worst fears had come true. He hadn't been paranoid or jealous or over possessive. He had been a man simply trying to protect what was his from an evil Viper just ready to pounce and prey. The woman he had given his heart to had lied to him, cheated on him. And now she was gone. The void, the hole in his heart was tangible. Tears filled his eyes and there was no shame in letting them fall. He was hurting like he had never hurt before.

As Memphis drove away from Phil, away from her new home and the life she had just built, sobs racked her body. As the lights of the Chi-town city limits disappeared behind her, she pulled off the dark interstate. She had done it and it was truly the worst moment of her life. Fear and uncertainty now consumed her. What would happen next? Randy was the epitome of uncertainty and now she had just lost the best friend she ever had. In love, she and Phil had shared a deep and passionate union. Now that she had betrayed him it was crystal clear he was capable of hating her with the same force and intensity he had once loved her with. For Memphis that was a terrifying concept. There was a thin line between love and hate and she had crossed the line with Phil on one side and Randy on the other. And now Memphis, scared, hurt and alone, was trapped in limbo.