Time to step up

[Akirapryde]

Rebecca took the blow in kind, more out of surprise than any over all plan. But she knew where it came from. She stumbled back and looked at him with a twisted smile on her face, "can't just ignore it, can you" she said speaking of the anger. "lust and rage" she added as she raised her hands in submission. "Two powerful drivers of emotions. We are not so different."

She turned and walked over to breakfast bar and picked up a small candle holder. It was one of the trinkets that Richard had thrown. "You know what it feels like to face these emotions. I provoked you" she said bending over and picked up the holder with great care. It was the only item in the room that she seemed to really care about. She picked up both broken pieces with care. "With a great deal of effort, I provoked you. For me, there is no provocation. It just is there. Each and ever day, its there staring me in the mirror." She set both pieces on the breakfast bar.

She turned once more to face him. "I can't promise to never screw up again. But I can promise to keep trying." She reached up and touched her bruised face and felt the blood from her nose. "That is, if you will lead us" she added.