SECRET

where one ends, another begins.

Karin and Kymora were ready to go their separate ways after a much needed chat between sisters. Karin was leaving feeling encouraged to right her wrongs and set everything straight... with everyone. She was on her way to meet Rome at his hotel room, nerves wrecked her stomach but she knew she had to do this. She owed it to him.

Before they depart, Kymora had something to give to her sister.

"Hey sis, I have something for you." Ky spoke as she popped her trunk open to retrieve the item.

"Oh yeah what's that?" Karin asked suspiciously.

Kymora pulled out a medium sized safe box. She Carried it walking back over to her sister, who's eyes were squinted not knowing what it was or why she was giving it to her.

"I found this in the attic last week. It's locked with a combination, I couldn't figure out the code. I asked mom and she said she didn't know it either, that it belonged to dad and knowing him and his secrets he kept, he purposely made it something she would never be able to guess..." she trailed off. "I don't know what could be inside, but if it's locked I'm sure it's important. And I know somewhere in that head of yours, you are the one with the code."

Karin reached out the grab the box from her sister. She didn't know what to say, but she was definitely curious of what was inside. "I'll try and let you know." She responded going to place the box in her trunk now.

"Good luck with Rome. Just be genuine and honest. I know you really liked him and cared for him, but if your feelings for Chris exceed that, you have to let him go." She gave her sister a warm hug, "I love you."

"I love you too." Karin responded before letting go and getting in her BMW.

As Karin stood at the door of Rome's hotel room, she hesitated to knock. She was scared to face him honestly, not really knowing what she was going to say, and not knowing how he would react. All she hoped for is that she wouldn't have to experience the anger she had never saw from him til that night.

She lightly tapped on the door with the tips of her nails. After a few moments she realized that he probably didn't hear her weak attempt to notify him of her arrival. She built up enough courage to knock with more force.

It took no time for the door to swing open, and he stood in the doorway, avoiding eye contact with her, allowing her to enter.

She sighed, slowly walking into the room. The hotel was nice, modern and updated, but she felt guilt that he even had to resort to booking a room after flying all the way from New York to surprise her. She stood there awkwardly with her back turned waiting for the door to shut and for him to guide her.

"We can just sit here." He finally spoke motioning her to the small seating area with two couches and a coffee table.

"The floor is yours." He spoke again sitting on the couch opposite of her looking her dead in the eye for the first time.

She took a deep breathe, deciding to just let her words flow. "Okay.. um so I guess I'll start off with an apology. I know it might not mean much to you right now, but I am so deeply sorry for betraying you, cheating on you, and hurting you." Her voice was low and spotty, she wasn't able to make eye contact as she spoke playing with her fingers that rested in her lap. "What I did.. it wasn't planned. It wasn't intentional. We-" she paused to take a deep breathe. "Chris and I have a short history of talking that never went anywhere. He wasn't in my life at all when you and I met. When he popped back up, I offered him a friendship only. That night was the first time it had ever happened while I was with you. Nothing excuses it. I don't really know what else to say. I regret it. It was a mistake and I'm extremely embarrassed and ashamed that I could even do anything like that to you." She stopped there allowing him to process and respond.