“Please, Tanya.”

I looked over into his piercing, butterscotch eyes and knew I had no choice.

“Yes, there is always a choice.”

“No, not with you, Edward.” I took a deep breath.

“The reason you saw things that way in my mind is because that’s what I wanted you to see. I didn’t want you to hear the true extent of my feelings for you.” I began, staring at two ants in the grass; one following the other every where it went.

“I did this because, if you rejected me…when you rejected me, it wouldn’t hurt as bad. I could live with it if you merely thought it to be a “crush”, but if you had known the true depth of what I felt, and still chose…well, its no matter now, your choice is made. At least I have some of my dignity left.”

I sighed, twisting a blade of grass between my cold fingers. I tossed it in the air and watched as the wind carried it about the yard. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. I didn’t’ want the pity I knew would be brimming in his eyes.

“Look at me, Tanya.” I could not disobey the authority in his voice. I lifted my eyes reluctantly to his. There was no pity there, simply a bright curiosity.

“What?”

“Show me.” he breathed.

“Show you what, Edward?” I loved the way his name rolled off my lips; tinged with the faintest of Russian accents, almost lost to me now. His mouth pulled up into a wry smile.

“I like it as well.”

“What do you want me to show you, Edward?” I rolled my eyes, but smiled.

“Show me, or tell me, if you prefer, how you truly feel.” His voice was pleading, as if there was some underlying reason to his curiosity.

“You know me to well.” He mused. He was right about that. I knew him well enough to know that bearing my soul would not give him what he wanted.

“Tanya!” My eyes raced to his, alarmed by the pain in his voice.

“Please.” His eyes smoldered under the dark lashes, melting my resolve.

I knew then, that there was no turning back. The flood gates were opening and I knew that from this point on, our relationship would never be the same.