I took a deep breath and let it all out. “Ashley, I do love you. So much. I’d love to start over with you again, but-“ Ashley cut me off. “BUT? But what, Spencer?! There can be no but, it’s simple! We were meant to be together from the start!” “BUT,” I began again, “I still think we need more time. Time to make sure I really am what you want, so we don’t rush into anything, and to really prove to me in every way that you love me and you won’t ever hurt me like that again. Ashley, you sounded so sure I was the only one you wanted before, but you still screwed up.” Ashley came over to me and got down on one knee and took my hands in her hands. I widened my eyes in surprise. “Spencer Carlin, I am begging you, on my knees, to give me one more chance. All I need is one last chance. I swear to you, I will never break your heart again. I love you more than anything or anyone else on this Earth, and if I ever hurt you again like that, I will personally kill myself. You don’t even have to send Glen over to break my neck. All you have to do is take me back. You won’t regret it, I promise.” She said, looking up into my eyes with tears in her own. I could see the sorrow and regret that she felt for having made the wrong choice the first time around, but also the intense love for me in her eyes as well. But did that guarantee me freedom from any more heartbreaking? I felt a stab of guilt strike me right in the heart. I had to tell her the other thing, or should I say, person standing in the way of me getting back with her. “Ashley, there’s also something else.” I whispered gravelly.

                Tears still streamed down her beautiful face. I felt my eyes start to get a little watery as well. “I, I’m sorry Ash, but- ” “What is it Spencer?” “I love her too.” I blurted out as quickly as possible, looking away. “You what? No. That can’t be true. Ashley grabbed both of my arms. You love me, Spencer. You said it yourself.” “Ashley,” I said, tears welling in my eyes. “I love Carmen too.” “I don’t want to break her heart, I .. I love her too.” I repeated. Ashley’s eyes widened in shock, and I could see the pain register across her face. “Then, are you saying you won’t take me back because you love her?” “No, it’s just… I don’t know Ashley. I love both of you. I don’t know what to do.” Ashley looked up at me, shoulders slumping in defeat. “It’s not possible, Spencer. We’re meant to be together. You know it as well as I do. Even if you do love her, it can’t compare to the love between us.” She said wearily.