Page 129 of Twisting You

“He most likely told you that so you wouldn’t realize it was actually goodbye forever. I’m sure he was just trying to make it easier on you.”

“Easier on me?” I shook my head. “How does that make it easier on me? He’s leaving tonight and I’m never going to see him again.”

“This is why he didn’t tell you,” Dad pointed out, with a calm voice. “Chloe, you know it had to be done.”

“But that doesn’t mean I wanted it to be tonight.” I pulled away from Dad and quickly made my way out the front door. Running down the steps, I heard Dad yelling behind me, asking me where I was going. But right now I didn’t have time to stop, not when my mate was about to fly away forever.

I pushed people out of my way as I ran through the airport. I searched the thousands of people for Xavier. But I couldn’t see him.

I ran down the terminals, passing shops and cafes. Where was he? I looked over the tops of headsand still couldn’t spot him. I didn’t even pay attention to the glances I was getting from people as I rudely forced my way past them.

Then a familiar voice caught my attention and I came to a complete stop. Walking around a few people, my eyes scanned the seats. Then I found the source of the voice that would always stop me in my tracks.

Xavier was calmly separating Nathan and Charlie from each other. They seemed to be fighting. I was taking in every detail of Xavier, knowing that soon I would not be able to admire him.

I wasn’t sure how long I watched before Charlie’s little eyes landed on mine and he pointed, yelling “Choc!”

Xavier spun around, rising to his feet. My eyes wouldn’t leave his, though we both didn’t make a move to get closer.

Surely one more word had to be said. Surely there had to be more for us.

Boarding was being called over the speakers. I knew our moment was coming to an end. Emily was the one that pulled Xavier’s eyes from mine. The frozen state we were in for moments was now over.

I raised my hand, and he did the same. I noticed the peace in his eyes. He seemed glad that the last time we saw each other wasn’t overshadowed by a lie.

I watched him walk down the gangway with his family. His head turned over his shoulder and he shot me a small smile. As their bodies disappeared, I walked towards the window, looking at the plane they were boarding.

I didn’t know where they were going. I knew I could find out by looking at the destination board. But also I knew that it didn’t matter and it was for the best if I didn’t know.

He had to be with Emily, and finally he realized he had to let me go.

I leaned my head against the cold window and watched his plane take off into the night sky. The lights of the plane disappeared. It was painful, but what brought me little comfort was that he did this for me, because he did love me. And that fact made a small smile cross my lips.

He did love me.

***

I paused at my bedroom door. I was still coming to terms with the fact it was over. Finally opening the bedroom door, I closed it softly behind me and slowly I took in my room.

“Took you long enough.” Alec jumped off my bed, which was covered in junk food. “Ok, so I have every sweet thing you could possibly want, loads of chocolate. Tissues and heaps of girly movies, but most importantly...” Alec looked at me a little awkwardly, not sure what my reaction would be. “I’m here.” He opened his arms.

I launched myself into him, and his arms wrapped around me. I had him.

“Don’t worry, Chloe. You will get through this.”

I closed my eyes and held onto him closer. “How?” I choked.

“Time heals all wounds.” Alec brushed the hair from my face. “Trust me.”

“I know you’re right, but…”

“It doesn’t mean much right now,” Alec cut in, his face soft with kindness.

I nodded my head, and leaned my head back into Alec’s chest. “I don’t have to leave now. He’s gone.”

“Travelling is fun,” Alec said. “Plus I have been sort of looking forward to going with you.”

I pulled my head back and looked up at him, his strong arms still keeping me against his chest. Alec was comforting me, even though I was crying over another man while I was his girlfriend.

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