2000

The hotel they both were in suddenly went dark. Holly was in the staircase when it happened and took a tumble. "Can someone help me?" She shouted in the dark, not sure anyone would even find her.

Robert heard her calling out. He knew he should stay away but he couldn't. He wouldn't leave her needing help. He went into the staircase and saw her on the ground.

Holly just felt a presence. She was trying to check on her leg. "I took a tumble when the lights went out. Can you at least help me up."

He shouldn't. He really shouldn't but he couldn't leave her here alone. He got down to look at her ankle.

Holly could make out his face. She gasped, figuring Robert's spirit was here to help her. She threw her arms around him. "Oh I knew you would help me."

Robert hugged her back, he was playing with fire but what else could he do. "Always." Robert knew she thought he was his spirit. He would play along.

Holly looked at Robert as he took her shoe off to look at her ankle.

"I always knew these heels were dangerous." Robert quipped as he did his best to examine her ankle in the dark. He placed a kiss on it.

Holly didn't know what to say. She had so much but it was all going blank. "Robert?"

Robert looked up at Holly, seeing the vulnerability in her eyes. "Yes, luv?"

"Are you proud of me? I know you wanted better for me. I did, too, but I always hoped you would understand the choices I've had to make in life." Holly said to him, hating every minute of having to.

"I want better for you but I am proud you are surviving. Don't ever doubt that. I love you." Robert moved his hand up to stroke her cheek.

Holly had tears falling from her eyes. "I love you too." She leaned in and kissed him.

Robert kissed her back, there was no way he couldn't or wouldn't. This was the love of his life. He wanted to stay with her, take her away from all this but he knew he couldn't.

The lights came back on as the two stopped kissing. "I've got to go." Robert told her.

Holly fought back tears. She didn't want him to leave. "I wish you didn't."

Robert about broke. How he wished he could stay. "I wish I didn't either. Just remember I love you, no matter what, and who you are, Holly Scorpio." Robert gave her one last kiss as he heard someone coming down the stairs. He had to get out and that's exactly what he did.

"Ma'am? Do you need help?" The hotel employee asked.

"Just standing please." Holly told the stranger, Robert's words meaning everything to her.