The cab couldn't get her home fast enough. Melony stared out the window recalling her run in with Edge earlier. If he had suspected anything, why wouldn't he tell it? No one could possibly understand the burden she had carried all these months. The fights with herself trying to figure out the right thing to do. However, in the end the choice had been made for her.

June17, 2008

The rain pounded against the windows as thunder rattled the glass. The air was filled with tension as she stood with her back to him. Their arguments usually came and went but something about this one was different. She could tell by the way he chose not to fight to prove his point.

She was struggling to keep it together. All they seemed to do lately was fight. She didn't know if it was the stress of them working too much on separate brands or if there was more to it. Either way it wasn't the first time she had felt cold and alone even with him being in the same room.

He gave her a speech about not being able to give her what she wanted. How he couldn't be there for her. He needed time to sort though things. His dad was sick; he didn't have time to juggle his rising career and a committed relationship. There were only so many hours in a day after all.

Before he even opened his mouth, she knew what was coming. She felt it in the pit of her stomach. He raked a hand over his short hair and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Tears filled her eyes as she wrapped her arms tighter around herself.

"Melony, I just can't do this anymore. I've asked for some time off and I'm going back to Canada to be with dad. I hope you understand."

She wanted to scream. To protest. To beg him to stay. However, deep down in her heart she knew they needed time apart. He needed to be with his dad and she needed to let him go. Stress had forced them to forget how to live and more importantly how to love.

He waited for her to say something, anything. But she remained with her back to him.

"Mel, this isn't good bye. We've been through a lot and I don't want to throw everything we have away but I just don't know what to other than leave."

She watched the raindrops splatter against the patio door and dissolve into a trail of water. She wanted to dissolve and melt into the ground. Her heart was breaking on the inside.

"Say something Mel, please."

She turned around finally facing him. Misty blue eyes met his. "Call me and let me know you made it safely."

He nodded solemnly. "I will." He turned to leave and only managed about three steps before he turned to face her one last time before he left. "Mel, I love you. Never forget that."

"I love you too Christian."

The cab driver slowed down and turned into her driveway bringing her out of her thoughts. Melony handed him a wad of bills, grabbed her bags and swiftly walked up to the front door. Mel noticed that the nanny, Miri's car wasn't in the driveway. She dropped her bags just inside the door and walked into the kitchen. There was a note on the table from Miri. Apparently, she had taken Elle to the park and shopping.

Mel wanted to call Miri and demand she bring her baby home now. She needed to hold Elle and be with her. The small bundle was a constant comfort in her life. But the rational side of her knew that wasn't the right thing to do. Instead, she used the time to make calls, send faxes and grab a bite to eat.

She had just grabbed a deli platter out of the refrigerator and was attempting to slap together a sandwich when the doorbell interrupted her. She reluctantly dropped her bread and walked over to the front door. To her surprise there was a huge stuffed lamb and a gift bag sitting on her porch. She knew immediately whom it was from even though there was no card. And her suspicions were soon confirmed when Shane Helms came around the corner carrying an arm full of bags.

"Here let me help." She ran over grabbing two of the bags so he could manage to see the steps.

"Thanks. Where's my favorite girl?"

"Apparently I didn't take enough bags. Can't you see me? I'm right here." She laughed and stuck her tongue out.

Shane set the bags down on the counter and dropped his overnight bag on the floor. "I warned you, once I held little bit in my arms you were being demoted to second favorite.

"Fine." She playfully pouted. "Miri took her to the park and shopping. They should be back in a little while."

Shane popped a piece of cheese in his mouth before going back and retrieving the oversized lamb and the gift bag. He placed the stuffed animal at the end of the sofa, brought the gift bag into the kitchen, and placed it in front of Mel.

"What's this?" She looked up at him.

"Just open it." He set about fixing her sandwich and one for himself as well. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as she pulled out the bottle of imported wine and a small box.

"Shane!" She jumped up from the table and threw her arms around his neck. "It's perfect! Thank you!"

He laughed as he lifted her from the floor.” You’re welcome! I had to bring something for my number two girl." He kissed her forehead and let her down so that her feet were once again touching the floor.

She placed the necklace with the heart shaped locket in his hand, turning her back to him so that he could place it around her neck.

Their friendship had grown so much over the years. So much so, that Shane was a constant in her life and Brielle's. He had been there for her when no one else was. He was in the delivery room when Elle was born, he was there for every doctor's appointment, he was even there when she had colic and only his singing would soothe her.

Their closeness had often made them the victim of good-natured teasing from their friends and co-workers. Some even went so far as to make assumptions that Shane was Brielle's father. The three of them did make a nice family portrait but that was a line neither of them wanted to cross.

Neither of them would deny their feelings for the other but they also wouldn't discuss those feelings either. They preferred to keep things just as they were. Sometimes you didn't need words to convey feelings.