Mary Madigan is sitting near the living room window in the middle of the night. Looking outside. Thinking about Wayne.

She sighed. Before she could do anything else, she heard the floor creak behind her. She turned her head and saw Henry walking toward her.

Mary sighed again and put a hand to her chest, "Goodness. You scared me. I...I thought you were Wayne."

Henry shook his head, "No." He made another step toward her, "Can't sleep? I can't either."

Mary shook her head, "No."

Henry took another stop until he was very close to her, "Can I sit by you? Or do you need to be alone?"

She shook her head, "No honey, come sit by me."

Henry sat down beside her and looked out the window. The full moon shining brightly. After a moment of silence he sighed, "I know why you're sitting here."

Mary nodded, "I miss Wayne."

Henry put a comforting hand on her shoulder and said, "Wayne's a big boy now. I know he'll come back. Maybe he needed some time to himself."

Mary glared at him, "For several days? Why wouldn't he just take his phone with him? Doesn't he know that the police are looking for him? His face is all over the news and no one hasn't even called us yet."

Henry nodded, "Well....I...I don't know."

Mary was about to cry and she said in a trembling voice, "This is all our fault."

Henry's face went wide, "What?"

She went on, "Wayne's gone now and we didn't try hard enough to help him. He's depressed about Joanna, that's why he left....I'm...I'm afraid that he has...He has..." Then she buried her face in her hands and started sobbing.

Henry said in a soothing voice, "Mary, I know Wayne didn't kill himself. He's out there, I can feel it."

Mary pulled her head away from her hands and asked, "How do you know? I'm trying to believe it."

Henry said, "Cause he's our son. He's smart and he's stronger than we both think. He's still alive up to this day. We both know him all too well."

Mary looked out the window and said, "I'm afraid we'll NEVER see him again. Our only son."

Henry reached over and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tight, "Don't say that honey, of course we will."

She buried her head into his neck and sobbed some more. While she was sobbing, he looked out the window. Hoping that he's right.

That his son will return. He can feel it.

*****

The morning finally came and me, Neal, Amanda, Cody, and...Sierra are getting ready to fly back to the dragon city.

Since this is Amanda's first time riding on a dragon's back, I've been teaching her the basics.

While Amanda is in front of me I said, "All you have to do is tuck your legs and get a good grip on Neal's neck and you're ready to go. Pure and simple."

Amanda nodded, "Sounds easy enough. I REALLY hope I don't fall off his back."

I said, "Well you could sit with me on Sierra and hold me tight. Really it's fine."

Amanda shook her head, "No, it's ok. I want to ride on Neal. Don't want to hurt Sierra's back with us two riding on her."

I giggled, "Yeah considering that she's old, she would be bitchin."

Amanda laughed, "Hey she keeps saying she's not old."

I shrugged, "Well she acts like an old bitch so..." Then I giggled again.

Amanda slugged me, "Wayne, treat her with respect!"

I laughed, "Oh I will." Then my thoughts went back to last night. When Sierra confessed her love to me. 

I...I didn't mean to hurt her. But....I can't do it. I can't be with her that way.

Now I just feel so guilty, for hurting her. What have I done to her, walking away from her like that? I'm such an idiot.

I mean, I know I care about her, but just as a friend. But she thinks about me in a different way. Me and her didn't talk to each other all morning. Basically she has been giving me guilty looks. Thinking that it's her fault. That she drove me away.

I was just shocked by her confession. And I just said no to her.

God she must be so sad right now. I didn't mean to hurt her, but she's a dragon. And...I don't think I can be with her. I'm not Eric, he's a different person than me.

I can never replace Eric. That's one of the reasons why I've said no to her.

I'm a human and I care about her as a friend, and she's a dragon and that's the way it has to be.

I don't want to hurt her, but I feel like I don't have a choice.

I'll talk to her later about it. I hope she doesn't hate me for rejecting her.

She wouldn't, but...What about me? How would I feel about her now?

No Wayne. You care for her and you have to make it right. You have to amend your friendship. You have to apologize for walking out on her and you have to say you're sorry and you can't be with her. Set her straight.

Be a man!

Amanda looked at me and said, "Wayne, are you ok?"

I shook my head from those thoughts and said, "Yeah sorry, what did you say?"

Amanda said, "I said, you've been acting weird this morning. I mean you haven't talked much today and not to mention you've been avoiding Sierra. I thought you two are close?"

I smiled and nodded, "Yes! Of course we are."

Amanda frowned, "Wayne...What's up? What's the matter?"

I wanted to tell everyone what happened last night. But I couldn't because it was a...Private moment.

I grinned at her and said, "I'm fine Amanda, really I'm fine."

Amanda continued to stare at me and then she smiled, "Well alright if you say so." Then she asked, "Anyways, Wayne, when I get to the dragon city, won't the dragons who live there hurt me? I'm pretty nervous."

I nodded, "I don't blame you, but don't worry. We won't let anyone hurt you. If anyone does, then we'll make sure they'll pay for it."

Amanda smiled and then she wrapped her arms around me for a hug. My face went wide with shock and she said, "Thanks Wayne. No one never protected me like you and your friends do."

I smiled and returned the hug. Sounds like she has been through a lot. I wonder what happened to her?

Cody came around the corner and giggled, "Hey lovebirds, did I interrupt anything?"

Me and Amanda both looked at Cody and we pulled away from our hug. Amanda said, "Lovebirds? I haven't even got to know Wayne yet, you dirty lizard."

Cody glared at her, "For the last time, not lizard. Dragon."

Amanda put her hands to her hips and muttered, "Look like a lizard to me."

Cody said, "Why I oughta-"

I interrupted him, "So are we ready to leave yet?"

Cody snapped out of his anger and nodded, "Yep we're ready. I have to admit, I miss home already."

Amanda said, "Well this is the first time I'll be in your home, and I'm still nervous."

Cody grinned at her, "Ah, you'll love it! You get to love the sights and there's even this restaurant called the Braveheart. Trust me, the food there is good!" Then he licked his chops.

I giggled and picked up her bag that she was hitchhiking with, "Alright guys lets go." And with that me, Amanda, and Cody went to where Sierra and Neal are waiting.

They are in a big round clearing in the middle of the woods. And when I got close to Sierra, the guilt that I've had about her came back to me in an instant. God this is going to be hard. 

I shook my head when I walked toward her. No Wayne, you have to be strong! I walked until I was close to her. 

Sierra looked at me and I could see that in her eyes that she feels sad and she also feels guilty. I'm very sorry, Sierra.

I really am.

Sierra lowered her head to my level and said, "Hey."

I looked down at the ground, "Hey."

Sierra tried to think of something to say and then she said, "Look Wayne...About...Last night, I'm-"

I raised one hand to stop her right there, "Sierra...Can we talk about it later? Just not right now."

Sierra pleaded, "But Wayne-"

I sternly said, "We'll talk about it later. Just not in front of the others."

Sierra was about to argue, but then she looked at the others and she knew I was right. She closed her eyes and sighed, "Ok, we'll talk later about it."

I smiled and then I reach out to pet her nose, "Thank you." 

Sierra looked like she wanted to break down in front of me, but instead she learned into my touch, she silently muttered, "Wayne." Then I could have sworn I saw a single tear fall down her face.

That really broke my heart. Sierra...I'm so, so sorry.

I'm breaking her heart, but I can't be with her that way. She's a dragon and I can't do it. I'm not Eric.

I mean if I did start something like that with her, would it even work out? It probably won't. What would my mom and dad think? That's the other reason why I didn't want to be with her that way.

She belongs with Neal. They look cute together anyway. After all Neal loves her. She needs to be with him.

I'm sorry, Sierra. But you have to find someone else.

I lowered my hand when I was done petting her nose and said, "You ready to leave?"

She nodded, "Lets go home."

Then that was my cue to climb on her back. I grabbed her wing joint and I hurled one leg over her back and sat on her back. Ok, made it.

I looked to my left and I could see that Amanda with her bag on her shoulder is climbing on Neal's back. She fell off and fell on her ass and she got back up. Neal was just giggling.

Amanda glared at him and said, "Hey you big fat show off. Instead of laughing, help me up!"

Cody bounded to her, "Here I'll help!" Amanda had to step on Cody's back, just so he could give her a boost, and when she was close, she grabbed Neal's wing joint and hurled her leg over Neal's back and sat down on his back. 

Amanda let out a whoosh of air and smiled down at Cody, "Thanks."

Cody beamed at her, "Don't mention it. I owe you one for not kicking me in the eggs last night."

Neal and Amanda laughed. Amanda said, "Well you're welcome, pal!"

Neal snorted, "Well looks like you've made a friend."

Amanda patted Neal on the neck while she was on his back, "Ah, you're my friend too."

Neal looked over his shoulder and grinned, "Why thank you, little one!" 

I hollered at them, "Alright guys, are you ready?!"

They all said it, "Ready!"

Then I said to Sierra, "Alright, lets go home."

Sierra flapped her wings and soon Cody and Neal joined in. All of us were off the ground and soon we were over the woods.

I could see from right where I am, that Amanda while riding Neal is surprised that she's so high. I giggled. Now she knows how I feel. When I flew for the first time on Sierra. I'll never forget that night.

Finally all of us flew forward and I could hear Amanda shrieking in fright, by how fast we're flying. I could even hear Amanda saying this to Neal, "You scaly son of a bitch!"

We all laughed at her reaction. She'll get used to it, sooner or later. 

Because we'll be in a city full of dragons.

*****

About a couple hours later, we were over the mountains on our way to the dragon city. The world shifted at first and then we could see the dragon city skyline. 

When we got close to the wall outside the city, we all landed outside the city.

I got off of Sierra and landed hard on my feet. I looked at Sierra and grinned, "Flying really doesn't get old to me."

Sierra grinned right back, "Glad you're still enjoying it." Then she looked away from me.

I sighed. Well at least I tried to cheer her up for now. I'm not sure that any amount of singing would ever fix her broken heart. 

Poor girl.

I whirled around and Amanda slid off Neal's back and was breathing heavily, still shocked about her first flight on a dragon's back.

Neal looked back and lowered his head to her level and asked, "So...How was the flight?" That's when Amanda looked at Neal and slapped his nose. He cried out, "Ow!" Then he put a paw on it, "Damn it! What did you do that for?!"

Amanda shot a glare at him, "How about when I almost fell off your back when you were playing a joke on me you motherfucker! I almost died."

Neal's face went wide and he defended, "Can you take a joke? I was kidding, since it's your first flight."

Amanda put her hands to her hips, "Well next time, don't play a joke on someone like me."

I giggled while me and Sierra walked to them and I said, "Yeah Neal, you should've learned your lesson by now, don't screw around with a female."

Neal glared down at me, "Traitor." Then all of us laughed.

When we were done laughing, Amanda looked in awe at the city, "Wow. Is...This the wall that surrounds the city?"

Cody sat down on his haunches beside her, "Yep that's it. Pretty cool huh?"

Amanda just stared at it, frowning, "It looks like a fortress."

I laughed, "Yeah, that was my first thought when I came here." Then I walked to her and said, "You ready for this?"

Amanda looked so nervous, I didn't blame her, "I'm scared."

I nodded, "I know you are, but believe me this place is amazing. You will love it, trust me. And I promise you, no one will hurt you."

Amanda looked into my eyes for another moment. She threw her bag on her shoulder and sighed, "Alright, lets go."

I smiled and then all of us walked to the big gate and one dragon saw us coming and it opened the big gate for us. We walked through it onto the streets of the city and then the big gate closed behind us.

Amanda was really in shock and awe by what she saw. She saw a lot of dragons walking and soon they stopped when they saw her. Another human in their city other than me. 

Soon some of them walked up to her and started to smell her. Amanda tried to push one of them away.

I giggled. Poor Amanda, getting a lot of attention from a lot of dragons.

Neal pretty much backed them away when he got between them and Amanda, "Alright everyone make way for the new human! Treat her well!"

The dragons who were bothering her, went back to what they were doing and then we kept on walking.

I sighed. Well so far so good. Amanda is taking this quite well.

Wonder what'll happen next?

*****

The old magenta dragoness I named Joanna, saw Amanda for the first time and her eyes went wide, "Wayne, who's your friend? She looks new here."

I laughed, "Oh yeah she's new here." I introduced Amanda to Joanna, "Amanda, this is Joanna. Joanna, this is Amanda. She's the one who owns the Braveheart."

Amanda smiled up at Joanna and said, "Hello there! Wayne and Cody here have told me a lot about you."

Joanna smiled and lowered her head to Amanda's level, "Why, I'm not surprised. I am the most nicest dragoness in this city after all."

Cody exclaimed, "Yes you are!"

Joanna cocked her head at Amanda, "Where did you come from? How did you end up meeting Cody and Wayne?"

Amanda just shrugged, "Well...I just found them."

Joanna giggled, "Well sometimes fate has a weird way of having friends meet up for the first time and get together." Then she looked at me, "Even meeting this handsome human here."

My eyes went wide. I didn't mind that she called me handsome before, but now ever since Sierra's confession, now it just feels...Awkward to me. 

But I didn't say anything and smiled at her, "Thanks Joanna."

Joanna beamed at me, "No problem hon!" Then she raised her head and said, "So I'm sure you all are hungry! After all you've left the city for two days."

Cody licked his chops, "You better believe it old one, I'm hungry and I missed the food here!"

Joanna laughed, "Well then follow me to your table. And you Amanda, don't be shy here. I know you're new here, but just because we're dragons, doesn't mean we'll hurt you."

Amanda just nodded, "I know. I know that from experience."

Me, Amanda, and Cody followed Joanna to our table and we all sat down. Joanna said that she would be back with our drinks and she left.

Soon we ordered our food and we started eating. Amanda ate the soup that she ordered and let out a satisfied hum, "Hmmm, really tastes good. I really have no idea this place existed, and the food here tastes good."

I grinned at her while I was eating, "Glad you're enjoying it."

Cody licked his chops after he ate the meat, "Ah, yes, I really missed my favorite meat! And yes, Amanda, told you the food here is great!"

Amanda laughed and patted him on the shoulder, "I know pal. This place is amazing! The décor and all that, it's perfect! Kinda makes me feel like I'm eating back at our world. Like I'm in a human civilization."

I smiled, "Me too, in fact I feel like I'm home already."

Which it's true. I do feel like I'm home where I belong. Like I belong in the dragon city. Like I'm one of them.

Like I really belong here. I'm home.

We ate and chatted for a while and Joanna came back sat down on her haunches near the table and chatted with us as well.

Joanna grinned down at me and asked, "So hon, did you decide when you wanted to sing in my restaurant?"

My eyes went wide. Crap, with all the drama that happened in the woods, I completely forgot! I looked up at Joanna and said, "Well...Since I'm back from my trip, when do you think I should sing?"

Joanna thought about what day and nodded, "I would say...Tomorrow night. All you have to do is be here ten minutes early before you get on stage and you should be ready to go. You sure you're up for it?"

Honestly I wasn't in the mood for thinking about singing, I was still thinking about Sierra. I hope she's ok. I should be talking to her right now! 

But I didn't want to leave Amanda alone without at least trying to give her a tour in this city. I know Cody would have done it, but...I wanted to go with them, just to make sure that Amanda doesn't get herself into any trouble.

I mean Cody is small and what if the bigger dragons wanted to kill her and Cody wouldn't defend her? I guess I would've helped.

Joanna actually lowered her head to my level and she nudged me with her nose, "Hon? I said are you up for it?"

I looked at Joanna after she done that. Well I'm sure that things will work our in a heartbeat. I'll say yes. I just hope I'm up to singing to a bunch of dragons in one restaurant. 

I smiled and nodded, "Yeah, I'm up for it."

Joanna beamed, "Wonderful hon! Well I need to get back to work, talk later, young ones!" Then she bounded off to another customer who just came in the restaurant.

After Joanna left, Amanda frowned at me and asked, "Wayne, do you sing?"

I smiled at her and said, "Yeah I do."

Amanda smiled, "Wow, I didn't know that! I never thought you were the singing type."

I giggled, "That's what most of the people from where I'm from used to say."

Amanda giggled as well, "Well I'm one of them."

Cody grinned at me, "Yeah Amanda, according to Sierra, he sings in front of her! She even says that he's a good singer!"

Amanda had a curious look on her face, "But wait? Joanna said you're singing here?" Then she pointed to the stage, "On that?"

I followed her gaze and nodded, "Yep that's it."

Amanda muttered, "Hmmmm, I didn't know that dragons could even sing."

Cody said, "Well...Dragons try to find good entertainment, but not a lot of us do sing."

Amanda frowned at Cody, "Why? Don't you know music?"

Cody shook his head, "Not really. I don't even know what music is. I mean, our kind kinda does have music. But I'm sure it's not like yours. It's just...Tell her, Wayne."

Amanda looked at me and I said, "What he's trying to say is they don't have the kind of music like we do. They don't play instruments and they don't even have radios. They don't have technology here. Obviously enough. They're...Not good at making up songs."

Cody cocked his head, "Which I still don't know what all that is."

Amanda asked, "So wait, then how are you going to sing if you don't have technology?"

I smiled, "That's easy. The stage has this very strange old gem that some dragon found so many years ago. And that is used for entertainment in this place. The gem can actually read a person or dragon's mind and the gem can actually play what the person or dragon is thinking or something like that, whatever music they're thinking. That gem can make your voice louder so everyone can hear you."

Her face went wide, "Really? A gem can do that? How is that possible?"

I shrugged, "Just pure magic, I guess. No one, not even Joanna knows why. Once I'm up on that stage, I'll think of a human song and the music that comes from the song will play and everyone, including you will hear it. The gem does all the work. At least that's how I describe it."

Amanda asked, "So they're no mics and they're no machines?"

I shook my head, "Nope, just the gem."

Amanda smiled, "Pretty interesting."

I nodded in agreement, "Yep it is."

I hope I'm up for it.

*****

When me, Cody and Amanda were done eating, we said goodbye to Joanna and left.

Amanda beamed while she is walking, "God the food was great! Whoever cooks the food in that kitchen or whatever, I should thank him for it!"

Cody bumped his head on her shoulder and said, "Told you you'll like the food! I always eat there!"

Amanda looked at him and nodded, "I can tell. You eat there all the time and it's no wonder you're getting all fat."

I laughed and so did Amanda, while Cody glared at her and said, "I'm not fat! I'm in tip top shape." Then he puffed up his chest while he walked, walking like a proud dragon that he is.

Amanda whispered to me, "Your friend really has a ego."

I giggled and whispered back, "Actually I thought that Neal has an ego, but good to know."

While we were walking, and speaking of egos, I stopped in my tracks when I saw the mayor's son, the red dragon who bullies me, coming towards us.

Cody hissed at him and got in between the mayor's son and me and Amanda. Cody growled, "What do you want? We're not in the mood for bullshit. If you're gong to pick on my friends, then you better pick on me. Because I won't let you hurt them."

The mayor's son sat down on his haunches and cocked his head at Amanda, "Hmm, another human? A female huh? I never met a human female before."

Cody growled again and then I said, "You better listen. I don't know what you're thinking, but I can say that it's dirty. So if you're thinking about trying anything with Amanda, don't. Cause we won't let you."

Amanda's face went white, "Wait, he's planning to do WHAT to me?"

The mayor's son shook his head, "No, besides that I'm not into humans." Then he looked at me, "Can I...Talk to you?"

I frowned, "Why?"

The mayor's son said, "In private?"

Honestly the guy wanted to talk to me about something, he...Didn't look pissed off or anything. I guess it's because of Sierra's threat to him the other day before we left the city has gotten to him, maybe.

I sighed and then I looked at Amanda and Cody and said, "Hey Cody, take Amanda to the motel. I'll catch up."

Cody while he stood between us looked at me with a conflicting look in his eyes, "You sure about this?"

I nodded, "Don't worry about me. I...Think he wants to talk." I looked up at the mayor's son, "Is that right?" He nodded and then I looked at Amanda and Cody again, "Go ahead, I'll catch up later."

Cod finally relented and he left with Amanda. Cody growled at the dragon bigger than him as he walked by. Amanda looked back at me for the last time before she left. 

Now me and the mayor's son are alone and then I glared at him and shrugged, "All right, what do you want?"

The mayor's son curled his tail around him and said, "Look, I need to...Apologize."

My face went wide and then I asked, "Apologize?"

He clarified, "For my behavior. About how I've treated you. I never should have treated you that way, never should have got you into trouble."

I was about to say something, but he lifted one paw to get me quiet, "Look human, I was...Wrong about you. My father hates humans. He hated them for a long time. And I was raised to hate them, but now I think it's wrong to treat you that way. The way your blue friend protected you, I know that you're not as evil as I thought. You didn't do nothing wrong, and I was being an asshole, and I've started something that wasn't your fault. Look...Can we...Start over?"

I backed away one step from him. He wants to start over now? He...Seems to be telling the truth. I can tell by the look in his eyes. Guess he really learned a valuable lesson.

Maybe I will give him a chance. I don't think he should be alone forever. Maybe he could use a friend.

I smiled at him and patted him on the shoulder, "Yeah...I guess we can. And...I'm sorry I didn't make a good impression on my end."

He giggled, "Well I'm an asshole most of the time."

I said, "Well you don't have to be, and you don't have to hate my kind as well. My kind has completely changed. And...You don't have to do what your father tells you, you can be your own person. At least start a new life for yourself. Hell you don't look too young, at least go do that. Alright big guy?"

The mayor's son smiled and nodded, "Maybe I will. I'll think about it. I mean, my father wants me to be the mayor one day and maybe I'll do that too. But...Maybe I'll think about doing something else."

I nodded, "You do whatever you want. Anyways I need to get going." I was about to walk past him when I said, "Stay out of trouble." Then I kept on walking.

I was walking away when he said, "Hey I've heard you're planning to sing at the Braveheart, I'll be seeing you there!"

I looked back. I grinned and gave him a thumbs up. Then I moved on.

*****

I looked at Eric's crystal pendant in my paw, just thinking about him.

I was laying on the pile of furs in my motel room, just feeling like I want to be alone. I looked at the balcony window and sighed. It's night now.

Eric...What would you do? What would you do if you were in my paws?

I now had a sad look on my face, and looked down at the crystal pendant again. 

Wayne has rejected me and it's all my fault. I should've known he would say no. I didn't think it through.

It's just that Wayne was so sad about Joanna's death and he REALLY thought that it was his fault that she died. And how he described her death...It's horrible.

No human should go through like she did. And no human should be alone just like Wayne. It's not fair!

I shut my eyes tight. Wayne...I'm sorry, Wayne.

I didn't mean to frighten you. I could still remember how shocked you were last night. 

I still remember after he left me alone, I cried into my paws. Immediately after he left me.

I'm sure Wayne feels guilty, but I feel guilty the most. It's my fault. If I didn't have those feelings for him, then none of this would be happening.

But I did have those feelings and I've tried to pursue them and I've drove Wayne away. The one human who has made me happy since Eric died.

I didn't tell Neal this after Wayne left me alone. Neal does know that I love Wayne, but I didn't tell him what happened. I don't want him to know that Wayne doesn't want to be with me. I don't want Neal to feel sorry for me.

I'll never forgive myself if Wayne doesn't talk to me anymore.

I could never hate him if he rejected me. I'm a dragon and he's a human, nothing can change that. He's not Eric.

Ancestors, why didn't you make Wayne a dragon instead of a human? I love him! This is all your fault!!

While I was moping, I heard someone making small footsteps toward me, "Sierra?"

I looked and my heart jumped when I saw Wayne has entered my room.

Wayne...

I only stared at him, while the inside of me is feeling happy that he's here. I said, "Wayne, what are you doing here?"

Wayne took one step toward me and responded, "I...Came to talk to you."

I gestured my paw toward him, "Well talk away, I'm not planning on doing anything tonight." Then I put on a smile and it washed away in an instant.

Wayne scratched the back of his head and said, "Look...This is really hard on me. I mean, you know me...I don't want to hurt you."

I nodded slowly, "I know."

Wayne went on, "And...You know I would do anything to make you happy too, right?"

I nodded twice, "Yes, you would."

Then he looked down and said, "But...What I can't do...Is fall in love with you. I can't be with you that way."

My heart dropped once more, but no tears formed...Yet.

He said, "Sierra...I can understand why you want me, you want me because I remind you of Eric. Hell we hardly become separated from each other. We talk all the time and we hang around all the time." He took another step toward me, "Listen...What I'm trying to say is...I can't replace Eric...I can't be HIM. I can't be who you want me to be. Nothing will bring him back and I think you need to move on from him."

I shook my head, "Wayne, that's not what this is about."

Wayne asked, "Then what is it?"

I lowered my head to his level and I nuzzled his chest and said, "I love you, Wayne."

He sighed and then he started to pet the top of my head, stroking it, "Ah Sierra. Don't make it harder than it already is."

I pulled away a bit and looked into his eyes, "Wayne...Of all the time we've spent together, don't you feel anything like I do? Don't you feel...Love towards me?"

He shook his head slowly, "I...I don't know what I'm feeling anymore. Other than guilt, I don't know."

I sighed and pulled away from him and just looked down at him, "I can't change you, Wayne. Only you can decide what you want."

Wayne nodded, "That's right, and only you can too." He walked to me until he was close to my body and he started petting me. He apologized, "Listen...I'm very sorry for what happened. I really am. Do you hate me?"

I shook my head, not looking at him, "No...I could never hate you. I never would."

He smiled, "Thanks, it means a lot to me."

I still didn't look at him and asked, "Do you hate ME?"

Wayne replied, "No."

I asked again, "Do you?"

Wayne assured me, "No, I don't. Believe me I don't hate you. What you've felt toward me, it's understandable."

I shut my eyes tight.

He asked, "Listen Sierra, do you love Neal?"

I didn't say anything and he went on, "Then you have to try to be with him. I know he still likes you. Hell you've told me he wanted you at the park one time and you've rejected him because you were thinking about Eric. Well now's your chance to make it right."

I twisted my head to look at him and Wayne said, "Promise me you'll find happiness with someone else. Just for me, ok? Promise?"

I nodded, "I promise." I glanced away for a second and then I looked down at him, "Wayne?"

He looked at me, "Yeah, Sierra?"

I stuttered, "Can you...Can you ever forgive me?"

He smiled and then he walked in front of me. I lowered my head to his level and then he kissed my nose, "I forgive you."

That actually made me feel better a little bit and I smiled at him, "Thank you...I don't want to lose you."

He petted my nose, "You wouldn't have to worry about losing me. Because you won't." He continued to pet my nose and then he looked into my eyes and grinned.

I said to him, "What?"

He said, "You know...I keep forgetting to say this to you, but...Your eyes...They look...Beautiful."

That stung my heart a bit. That's the exact same thing that Eric said to me years ago. But I won't tell Wayne that. I only muttered, "Thank you."

He kissed my nose again, "Just remember what I told you, find Neal and at least try to be with him, alright?"

I put on a smile for him, "Ok."

He backed away from me and said, "Besides that, you want to know what else will make you happy? I'm going to sing at the Braveheart tomorrow night."

I beamed at him, "That's great!"

Wayne asked, "Will you be there? To watch me sing?"

I nodded, "I wouldn't miss it."

He smiled, "Good. Then maybe you can have Neal watch me with you. It would be the perfect date night."

I stared at him a bit before I said, "Sure, sounds good to me."

Wayne backed away from me, "Well I need to go."

My face went wide. He's not sleeping by me? I asked, "You don't want to stay with me?"

Wayne said, "Well...I think we should have some time apart from each other. I'm going back to MY motel room. Okay? At least for one night, I'm...Still kinda worked up about last night, and itt still feels kinda...Awkward."

I looked at my paws, "Oh."

He asked, "Are you going to be ok?" I nodded, and then he smiled, "Ok. I'll talk to you tomorrow, ok? And don't worry I'll sleep by you tomorrow night and things will be back to normal, I'm sure of it. Okay?"

I nodded again, "Alright Wayne."

He waved at me, "Goodnight." And with that he whirled around and walked out of the room.

Not very long after he left, I said this out loud like he was still here in front of me, "You're wrong, Wayne."

I sighed, "I didn't fall in love with you because you remind me of Eric. I fell in love with you because of YOU. You're better than him. You have a lot of spirit and courage than anyone I know. You understand me, just like him, but it's a different kind of understanding that you have. You read me well."

My throat started to tighten, "And about Neal...He doesn't want me anymore. Because he wants me to be with you. He understands my feelings. I don't want to be with someone else. And I wish...I wish you could understand mine." I closed my eyes tight, my tears falling down my face.

Then I buried my face in my paws and started sobbing.

Wayne...I can't let you go.

I love you...I love you so much.