Author's Note:If you've read my previous story, "Changes," this is more or less the same thing. Except that this story takes place during scene we don't see in "Goodnight, Seattle." It's Frasier's thoughts as he drives to the airport, preparing to leave Seattle. Enjoy, and please review! :)
The last time I made a drive to the airport like this was eleven years ago. Leaving Boston was difficult, but I knew it was necessary. I finally realized I was spending every night listening to the same guys, in the same bar, telling the same stories. So I returned to Seattle, hoping to start yet another new chapter in my life. I took my father in because I thought that was what a "good" son should do. I had no idea it would have such a profound effect on our entire relationship. Until I came back here, I never realized how much was missing from my life. Now I feel like I can pursue this new opportunity in San Fransisco without feeling any guilt whatsoever. This is not like when I moved to Boston so long ago, completely cutting myself off from my family. My one regret is that I'll miss watching my new nephew grow up. But I know Niles and Daphne don't really need me anymore. Not like they used to, anyway. David could not be in better hands.
If I'm really honest with myself, the the thing I regret most about this decision to leave Seattle is moving even farther away from Charlotte. For so many years, I've been trying to find a woman who can share my life. I'd be lying if I said I don't envy the way Niles and Daphne look at each other. What they have is really special. I don't think I've ever looked at a woman the way Niles looks at Daphne. Not even Lilith. But I think I could look at Charlotte that way. These last few weeks with her have been wonderful. But we both knew it would end eventually. And maybe a clean break is best for both of us. So why is it that when I'm on my way to the airport, headed for a great new job in San Francisco, all I can think about is Charlotte? I've let a lot of good women go in the past eleven years. Maybe it's time I made a choice, like the one Niles made when he stopped Daphne from marrying Donny years ago. It's easy to see neither of them would be happy if he hadn't done that.
"Welcome to SeaTac airport, how may help you?" the gate agent asked when I walked up to her counter.
"I'd like to know when the next flight to Chicago leaves."
The End