Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Cliff and York heard the commotion and ran out.

"Jesus, what's going on here?"

"Have you guys lost your minds?"

"Break it up, now! Murray! Corley!"

Each of them grabbed one of the fighters, with Cliff trying to soothe Murray. "Chill, Murray. Take a deep breath, man!"

York implored Corley, "What're you doing, Corley? Since when do we settle things with fists?"

Murray and Corley shouted, "Let go of me! Back off!"

But as both men seemed poised to dive back into the fray, Cliff and York knew they couldn't let go.

"Spill it. What's this all about?" York's eyes darted between the two.

"We're all buddies here. There's no need to ruin the vibe!" Cliff tried to smooth things over.

York reminded, "Murray, it's Corley's birthday. Whatever it is, it can wait till after today."

Corley wiped the blood from his lip, shooting Murray a look before smiling. "I meant every word I said. I've thought it through, and you have no say in this."

With that, he turned to Roseanne, who stood there, pale and shocked. He took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders gently. "Are you alright? I didn't mean to scare you. Let me take you home."

Cliff and York were shocked at the sight. What the hell was happening between Corley and Roseanne? So, that was the reason for Murray's meltdown?

Roseanne finally snapped back to reality. As Corley reached for her, she subtly stepped back, removing the jacket and handing it back to him.

"No need. t get home by myself. And I don't want to be pulled into your mess again. I'm not a toy for you to fight over." And then, she looked up firmly. "And let's not contact each other anymore."Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Her words were meant for Corley and Murray, standing not too far away, eyes red with anger.

"Anne..." Corley started, looking down, "I'm sorry. I didn't think things through today. If I've caused you any trouble, I'll make it up to you..."

Roseanne cut him off, "If you want to make it up to me, stay away from me."

If she had been confused and upset before, she was calm. Roseanne knew it wasn't her fault.

Corley's impulsiveness and Murray's

rage had nothing to do with her. She was an innocent bystander. So, she refused to carry the burden of their guilt and embarrassment. She only wanted to rid herself of the trouble these two men had caused.

But Corley wasn't about to let her go. He contrived meetings and planned encounters, all to spend time with her. And now that he'd finally made his move, he wasn't about to let her walk away from his chase. "Anne, you can reject me, but pursuing you is my right."

Roseanne was in disbelief. Did he really want to make things worse? Wasn't this mess already out of hand?

Predictably, Murray's already stormy expression darkened even more. "Corley, I'm still here. Think twice before you talk!"

Corley shrugged. "We've fought. We've argued. Time to face reality."

"I'm out of here," Roseanne said, turning to leave.

But Corley wasn't about to give her that chance, reaching out to catch her shoulder.