Heiser-The-Facade - Sparkling Eyes

"It's not your fault," he said, trying to comfort her. "You aren't to be blamed.""Then why did you do it?" she sobbed.Brian thought f o r a moment. "It was just ... the right thing to do. I knew youweren't going to make it to the jeep.""It makes no sense," she said through her tears. "I've treated you horribly—deliberately, too. You were right the other night, you know. I wanted to ruin you, to makeyou a hypocrite in front of every-one. I've thought about it every day since the firstmeeting. And then you take everything I've dished out and do this. You should have letme die.""That's ridiculous," he replied. "I made the right choice, and would do it again.""Didn't you hear me?" she said, exasperated. "I said I wanted you to fall.""I heard you," he said gently."You must be high," she sniffed. "Nothing you're saying makes sense.""I hate to sound preachy, but 1'd like to think I did what Godmwould haveexpected me to do. You're not to blame since there's no blame to go around. As far as theother things you've done since we've been here ... well . . . look at me," he requestedfirmly.Melissa hesitated, but lifted her head and looked into his eyes. There was no angerin them, only compassion and understanding."Are you listening?"She nodded."I forgive you," he smiled. She closed her eyes and dropped her head."Look at me," he insisted again. She complied, reluctantly. "Did you hear me?"She nodded again."Just so we're clear, and can leave all this behind," Brian added, "1 want you toknow I'm not holding onto any of it; it's forgotten. When we see each other, you needn'tfeel any shame. If you've learned anything about me at all, you know I'm not a liar. Youcan believe me when I tell you that I forgive you—completely."Melissa closed her eyes once more, squeezing the tears from them. She rose fromher chair and threw her arms around his shoulders and embraced him tightly. She sobbedopenly, her head pressed to his chest. Brian hadn't expected the display of emotion, andwas uncertain how to respond. Cautiously, he placed his good hand on her head, andstroked her thick, auburn hair softly, waiting for her to regain her composure.After a few moments her anguish subsided, and she lifted her head and lookedinto his eyes. "I'm so sorry . . . thank you," she whispered, touching his face."You're welcome," he acknowledged quietly, his skin flushing at the unfamiliarsensation."I've never met anyone quite like you," she continued, in the same position."You're not like ..." she abruptly stopped. A distant gaze appeared on her face, followedquickly by a painful frown, and she pulled away from him."I'm listening . . . you can trust me.""I know . . . I guess I owe you an explanation.""You owe me nothing. You better remember that or be prepared to put up withmy reminding you all the time.""Okay," she forced a smile, and sat back in her chair, looking at the wall to theside of the bed."You really don't have to tell me anything; I just thought it might help."228