Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Agnes stood with her back to Jared, a silence stretching between them before she finally broke it. "I guess it's time I moved out, Jared. We're just not cut out to live under the same roof."

Jared felt a wave of disappointment crash over him, though he had anticipated this reaction from her the moment the words left his lips.

"Is it Ryder you're worried about? Or are you just too scared to live with me?"

His voice had taken on an icy edge.

Agnes turned to face him. "Jared, it's not about being scared or worrying about Ryder. I just don't want to. I've just clawed my way out of a mess, and I don't plan on getting mired in another one. I can't figure you out. You keep coming up with excuses to show up, what's it really about? Can't let go of me? You're always so hot and cold. Some choices, once you make them, you shouldn't regret them, okay?" But Jared suddenly stood up. "But I do regret them, Agnes. I regret everything!"

She froze, rooted to the spot, unsure of how to react as her heart began to race, threatening to burst from her chest.

Jared was already by her side, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into a kiss that felt like the culmination of pent-up emotions and the victory of impulse over reason.

For a moment, Agnes was stunned, her mind a blank slate until Jared's taste filled her mouth, and she realized she too was overwhelmed with longing. She didn't want to push him away; she wanted to cling to him for eternity.

But Agnes came to her senses. She knew that falling for him again would just be repeating past mistakes.

Still, she pushed Jared away.

He stepped back, looking at her with a look that bordered on resentment. His gaze made her feel guilty, as if rejecting him was a sin.

But why should she feel guilty?

"Jared, let's just keep our distance, okay?" Agnes said.

She went to her room to pack. Jared left even quicker. By the time Agnes emerged with her suitcase, he had already driven off.

Sighing, Agnes felt torn. Staying seemed wrong, but leaving felt just as bad. Still, she left. Jared had mentioned he was struggling with insomnia and that he slept better here. So she would let him have the place.

With her suitcase in hand, Agnes looked back at the Pritchard Mansion, feeling lost.

Where to now?

She decided on a hotel and rented a suite, planning to stay for a few months. The suite was furnished with a kitchen. Opening the empty fridge, she thought she might as well stock up for her extended stay. At the nearby supermarket, she bumped into Kerri Bradford. It had been a while since she'd last seen Kerri. They had touched base during the centennial celebration at their old school.