"When were you gonna tell me, Nancy?"

The young sleuth could hardly meet Ned's eyes as she sat across from him in one of the nicest restaurants in town. Champagne and flowers had been on the table when they arrived and the level of attentiveness of the staff told her they had been alerted to the occasion. This on top of her celebrity status as a detective, Nancy felt like a bug under a magnify glass. Other patrons looked and whispered and she noticed several high status citizens that were clients of her father's.

"Must we talk about it here?" she asked softly.

She had known when Ned picked her up something was wrong. His smile was strained, their conversation on the way to the restaurant stilted. Why had he kept this date? Did he mean to publicly humiliate her? She immediately chided herself. Ned would never do such a thing. He just couldn't contain his hurt and for this she could not blame him.

"Would you have ever brought it up if I hadn't?"

Guilt and shame sloshed in her stomach.

"I didn't want to hurt you again."

"As if hearing rumors from Deidre wouldn't hurt me. Especially when they are partially true."

"You talked to Dad again?" She couldn't keep the slight accusation out of her tone.

It was Ned's turn to scowl.

"I would've come straight to you if you didn't avoid me constantly."

"Are we ready to order," asked a waiter causing the couple to jump.

"Uh yes," Ned replied and quickly ordered for both of them.

Once the waiter was gone Ned leaned forward. He studied Nancy so intently she shrunk in her seat.

"I remembered Sonny Joon when he came to your house that night."

Heat rose up in her face.

"Did you? May I ask what you remembered? Not whatever Dad has told you since."

"He highjacked that Pacific Run show you were on. Almost got you killed riding on a raft through underground rapids."

"Kiri almost killed us not Sonny," Nancy was quick to defend and instantly regretted it.

She wished she hadn't taught Ned so well. He could see how deeply disturbed she was by the topic of Sonny Joon.

"I sensed something was off that night at your house. I could see the tension between you and your father. I thought it was only because he didn't like Sonny or perhaps of the potential of a mystery he brought with him," Ned paused and Nancy held her breath. "But after what I heard from Deidre."

"Ned, we both know Deidre can be dramatic."

"So you deny that you were walking in the park with Sonny and he was holding your hand."

Words of explanation would not come. Her silence spoke volumes to poor Ned who seemed to deflate.

"Do you return his feelings, Nancy."

She gapped at him.

"I...I...don't know what I feel."

Ned looked so hurt she wanted to cry. Why couldn't she just tell him the truth? Why couldn't he realize it on his own that she couldn't be what he wanted.

"You have to decide, Nanc. You can't keep this up."

The food arrived and they ate in silence. The champagne went untouched and the flowers were left behind. Nancy refused to look around the room as they left. The car ride was just as silent as dinner and as the couple mounted the steps to the porch Nancy could feel the tension in Ned. Hand on the doorknob she turned to say goodnight. Shock filled her as she saw Ned on one knee holding a small box.

"Ned," she choked.

"Nancy, I know things have been hard. I know you're confused. But its okay I know you'll want more time before we make that big step down the aisle. But I want some assurance, Nan. I want to know that I'm not crazy for thinking we can still be together. We've loved each other for so long. I've never loved anyone but you."

Nancy wanted to stop him. He was tearing at her heart. Her mind was trying to convince her to say what she couldn't. It was practical. It was safe.

"Will you marry me, Nancy Drew?"

He stared up at her as he opened the box revealing a diamond solitaire. It glinted in the porch light but instead of seeing beauty Nancy saw a trap. She saw her wings being clipped and cage bars the color of gold closing in on her.

"I'm sorry, I can't."

Ned frowned and slowly stood.

"Can't or won't?"

"Both," her voice was so hoarse. Tears welled in her eyes so Ned became blurry before her.

He reached out and touched her cheek.

"I love you, Nancy. I will always love you."

She could not take anymore. Turning Nancy fled into the house and up to her room. She locked the door and refused to open it to even Hannah, who pleaded with her. She sobbed into her pillow until no more tears would come. She had finally told Ned the truth. But she felt no sense of release only that of impeding doom.