"I'm just telling you how I feel!" Natalie snapped before she could stop herself. Without a cup to hold, her nails dug into her palms as she reined her emotions back in. The anger was gone as quickly at it had come, but there was a sense of sorrow in its place.

She swallowed and lowered her gaze again. "I'm sorry. I tried to figure out a way to bring this up without... this but I guess that was too optimistic. I'm sorry, I really am."