AJ stood up and walked to the window, staring as the wind blew briskly through the yellowing leaves. He watched as the petals blew off, one by one, from a bright pink hibiscus. He closed his eyes painfully. "I ruined her," he murmured.
"What do you mean?" Kevin asked, moving to stand next to AJ.
"She's.... I..." AJ closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I hurt her... God, I hurt her so much," he whimpered. "I... I never meant to... but..."
"Shh, it's ok. AJ, we understand. Look, everything will be ok. Everything will work out," Howie said, putting his arm around his younger friend.
AJ sighed. "I wish I could believe you, D... I wish I could." He pulled away from Howie to sit on the bed, burying his face in his hands.
Howie nodded and let out a soft sigh, turning to lay his forehead on the window. "Please, Lord, help them both," Howie prayed under his breath. He shivered as he heard AJ's soft crying. Taking a deep breath, he walked over to the bed and took the crying Boy into his arms. AJ buried his head in Howie's shoulder, ashamed at himself for all the crying he had done.
Meanwhile, Jessica looked up at Nick. Gently, she brushed away the few tears that had slid down his face. He stared at her, his big blue eyes meeting hers. "Why are you crying, Nicky?" she asked softly, pushing a strand of blonde hair behind his ear.
"I care about you, and AJ, so much... It hurts me to see both of you hurting. I just wanted you to be happy... and all that did was cause pain," he murmured.
"Nick, this isn't your fault," Brian whispered. "It isn't anyone's fault."
"But..." Nick tried to protest, but Brian shook his head.
"Look, don't cry so hard over lil' ole me, k?" Jessica murmured, leaning her cheek against his. "I'll be fine..." she paused, standing up. "Goodbye.... Remember that I love you so much..." She walked out of the apartment slowly, whispering to them, "I'll miss you," so softly they could not make out the words.
Brian took her place on the couch and pulled the trembling blonde into his arms.
"Something's not right," Nick murmured.