Her body shaking, Jessica moved up the pier. She stopped dangerously close to the edge, a queasy feeling engulfing her stomach. She could feel her heart beating incredulously as she contemplated her decision.

She told herself repeatedly that it wouldn�t hurt too badly. It wouldn�t be half as bad as the pain her mother inflicted on her. She would feel really cold for a few seconds and then everything would go black and it would all be over. The pain wouldn�t be able to hurt her anymore if she couldn�t feel it.

She stood there, her mind made up, yet unable to move her legs. Is this the answer? She wracked her brain desperately begging it to tell her what to do. Her mind however, was uncooperative.

Suddenly, the frightening image of her mother�s angry face loomed before her. Jessica shivered unhappily as she silently relived all the torturous moments her mother had put her through time and again. The tears poured down her face ceaselessly as she thought about it. She couldn�t take this. It hurt too much.

She stood there trying to think of anyone who would care if she was gone. She couldn�t think of a single person. Nobody�s life would be effected if she wasn�t around.

In that one second, Jessica came to a conclusion. No amount of crying would make matters any better. The only way everything would hurt less was if she couldn�t feel. This was the only possible solution to her problem.

It was all up to her now. One step and it would all be over. One step and she wouldn�t hurt anymore.

I have to forget about her. She�s not mine anymore, Nick berated himself for the millionth time. Although he knew he had to stop thinking about her, he couldn�t. She had meant so much to him. With a sigh, Nick began walking down the beach. He headed towards the pier. The view from there was magnificent. Hopefully it would serve to calm him down some.

As Nick walked, he kept his eyes averted to the ground. He watched, fascinated by the sand as it moved beneath him. As he drew closer to the pier, he raised his eyes slowly from the ground.

The pier loomed in the darkness a few feet ahead of him. As his eyes focused upon it, Nick felt the blood drain from his face. His whole body froze and for a few moments he was oblivious to all else around him. All he saw was her.

Perched at the edge of the pier, she stood her arms spread wide as she stared down at the vast water. Nick traced the outline of her slim, curvaceous figure delicately with his eyes. Even after all these months, her figure was unmistakable. Nick watched silently as her blonde hair billowed in the wind behind her.

He stood awestruck, completely magnetized by her presence. It wasn�t until he finally snapped out of his trance that he realized exactly what she was doing. Nick felt his heart speed, as his breathing became shallow. A thin layer of perspiration broke out upon his upper lip.

I have to stop her. She can�t do this to herself. She can�t do this to me.

Jessica�s breathing came in short, rapid gasps as she stood with her arms spread in the air. This was it. There was no turning back now.

Her mind raced as a million different thoughts and images flew through it. Visions of her father, Miranda, her mother and a countless number of her mother�s unsavory companions appeared before her. The hot tears continued to pour freely down her face as she realized that they had all hurt her. Whether it was directly or indirectly, each person�s face that she saw had affected her life adversely.

The only rationale that Jessica could come up with for their hurtful actions was that somewhere along the line, she had inadvertently done something unforgivable. These pained feelings were in some sick, twisted way a punishment for her actions.

Despite the fact that Jessica was aware that she was to blame for everything she was feeling, she wanted it to stop. If she didn�t do it herself, the pain and loneliness would surely end up killing her.

Lowering a trembling hand, she brought it to her face. Hastily, she wiped her tears with the shaking hand. She told herself to be strong. In a matter of seconds it would be over.

Closing her eyes tightly, Jessica took a deep breath and prepared herself for the icy sensation she would feel as she hit the water.

Confused, Nick furrowed his brow. He had to save her, had stop her. He couldn't just stand by and watch.

Somehow, through the thick haze of confusion occupying his mind, his brain told him to move. He began stumbling uncoordinatedly down the beach slowly at first. Soon, he picked up speed and began running towards her. Sand sprayed in all direction as Nick ran quickly, the wind assaulting his face. He slowed and mounted the pier, out of breath. Panting, he moved towards her quietly, careful not to startle her.

Jessica remained near the edge of the pier, her arms still suspended in the air and eyes closed. She was completely oblivious to Nick�s presence as she stood entranced by her own thoughts.

With closed eyes, she gingerly took a small step forward with her right foot. Her left foot remained upon the pier as she teetered unsteadily back and forth. Her breathing became laboured and shallow once again. This was it. There was no sense in prolonging it anymore. It was time.

Nick watched her, his mind reeling and his heart thudding maddeningly against his chest. As Jessica moved, a low moan escaped Nick�s throat. �Rianna! No!� Nick bellowed out in into the darkness as he lunged towards her.

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