I’ve messed everything up again. I shouldn’t have said anything. It wasn’t fair on him. I couldn’t make him choose so I’ll make the decision for him. I couldn’t expect him to pick me over then, they’re his girls, but I wished he would. I hate myself for it, I’m hurting him. I can’t do it any more. I’m driving a wedge between them. It would be better if I weren’t here.

She sat on the edge of the bridge and swung her legs over.

They’d be so much better off without me; I only get in the way.

She shuffled closer to the edge, her heart racing as she looked down at the angry river raging below.

“Gemma!”

I’m delusional. I can still hear his voice going around in my head. I don’t want to leave him but I have no choice.

“Gemma please come back over this side so we can talk.” She couldn’t find the energy to speak.

We can’t talk; I can’t see that torn look in your eyes. I can’t make you choose and it’s killing me. You can do so much better than me.

“Please, you can’t do this. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’re perfect; I couldn’t find anyone more perfect for me than you. I’ve never been happier in my life. I can’t live without you Gemma, I love you.”

She felt his warm hand on her shivering arm.

“I’m…Sorry.”

“I forgive you just, please, come back over this side of the bridge.” She could hear his voice breaking as he held out his hand.

“But Emily…Sam…”

“Will be okay once I talk to them. It’ll be okay.”

He tightened his grip on her arm slightly to lift her back over then pulled her into his arms, holding her close with his arms wrapped about her waist.

“I didn’t know what to do…” She sobbed gently into his chest as he stroked her hair soothingly.

“You don’t need to do anything, I love you Gemma, always have and always will. You mean the world to me, I can’t lose you.”

“I’m tearing your family apart…”

“You’re not, my family could never be whole without you. I’ll talk to the girls, they’ll understand. I’ll make this work Gemma, you mean far too much to me for me to just let you go.”

He stroked her cheek gently, calming her with his touch.

I went back to his. I knew I shouldn’t but I love him so, so much I just couldn’t say no. And he loves me too, could it be true? I must be dreaming, but, I can’t be. I can feel his soft, protecting arms around me and I can hear his gentle, steady heartbeat. I shouldn’t be here but I am, and I’m not going anywhere.