THE BLEEPS?

[heron]

I think Arik tried hard to stay off the booze, and did, I believe, go back off after his time with you, Scott, so... He was also controlling, and the abuse was waiting to happen, right behind his smile. I could see it. I tried hard not to, because... well, I don't know why. I wanted to believe as others did, and mistrusted myself, but I know this stuff, through and through, and shouldn't have. He's had it rough, I know, but as has been noted by a few above, you be a grownup, and you deal with your shit. He has a lot of potential, I suppose, but more work than he's been willing to do, so far, before he's going to be a fit partner for anyone, including himself.
Toni is going to be OK, I think. She'd said this couldn't happen again, and when it did, she left. Good on her. For others of us, it takes way too many times.