The Relapse (Candice and Jeff)

"I can't help it...I just....I thought I was stronger...better..." he told her.

"You are stronger, you are better. You don't need those stupid pills." She said, wrapping her arms around him. "You've got me."

"you mean I've still got you?" he asked with an almost bitter chuckle.

Candice pulled back and stared at him, a bit hurt. "You didn't think I was going to up and run did you?"

"No..." he said, seeing the look on her face. "I just thought maybe you'd realize that I wasn't worth all this crap."

"Jeff, you're worth ten million piles of crap." Candice said. "I don't care if I have to brow beat you into rehab or whatever! I love you! And I said yes when you asked me to marry you, because I want to spend the rest of my life with you. If that means I've got to go through crappy patches like this, then I'll do it. I'll cry, scream, shout, whatever it takes to get you through this, but I'm not going to turn my back and walk away."

He felt a few more tears scape as he pulled Candice into a tight embrace. "I love you...so much baby...I'm so sorry...I'll get better...I promise..." he swore to her as he took in her scent.

Candice sighed and hugged him back. "I love you too. I know you will."

He grabbed one of the bottles. "This could have been my third strike at work..." he said more to himself.

"Now do you understand why I freaked? You'd be hurting more than just me." Candice said.

"I thought I was better..." he said softly. "Why can't I do it?"

"You can do it." Candice said. "You just have to find something else to immerse yourself in when things get tough. Baby, that's what I'm here for. I know you can do it."

"Thanks baby..." he said, leaning his head on her shoulder. "I love you."

"I love you. And you're welcome. I'm always here for you, you know that." Candice said.

"I know...I just...I just thought I could do it by myself..." he told her.

"You can, but I can make it easier on you." Candice said.

"I thought I couold handle everything on my own...since...I know we're getting married and I know we love each other but...I've still always had to deal with this on my own...so I guess that's why I didn't tell you anything...I'm sorry..." he said softly.

"It's okay. I know now, and now I can help you." She assured him. "If you'll let me."

He nodded. "Alright..." he said grabbing one of the bottles. "I guess I should start by getting rid of these, huh?" he chuckled a little.

"That would be a very good start." She giggled.

"Alright..." he said softly handing him those damned bottles. "Can you throw these away? Or hide them where I can't find them?" he asked softly.

"Oh and CAndice? Please don't tell Matt...or any of my sisters?" he asked softly.

"Sure Baby, just promise me it's the last time." She asked nervously.

"I promise...if I...if I break this promise...you can take that ring off your finger." he said softly.

"Don't! I never want to take it off." She shook her head vehemently. "I don't ever want to lose you, ever."

"I know...believe me, I don't want you to...but that's how serious I am..." he said taking her hands in his.

"I'm not going to be stupid and lose you..."

[[hey should we bring in how jeff chopped off his hair? lol]]