11 December 2007
"I know emails are super cool, but don't bother with them. Just remember to write lots of letters, Barney. Lots and lots and lots of letters."
"I will. And promise me you will remember to write back."
"I promise."
"Good."
Feeling nostalgic, Robin let out a sigh, reaching out to give Barney's tie a little tug. "You know… I will miss you. I think I will miss you quite terribly."
"As will I." He replied swiftly and suddenly raised a hand in the air, excited as a five year old. "London! Robin, God, you are doing something with your life! You are destined to do big things, I can feel it …I just hope you don't forget to remember me." Spreading his arms, Barney smiled almost idiotically, willing for her to come into his embrace, trusting that she would. And she did.
Smiling in return, Robin found herself safe in his arms, the smell of his cologne familiar and overwhelming. Over the years, his hugs had always been a sign of comfort and reassurance, and upon realising these hugs would be something she would have to live without for the next… Well, who knows how long, she felt a pang of sadness pierce through her.
Burrowing her head in his chest, she closed her eyes, murmuring. "I won't, as long as you don't."
Everywhere, there were people rushing. Pilots, stewardesses, businessmen, families, people of all kinds, all rushing, as if time was going especially fast for them. And there they stood, in the middle of the departure hall, in a tight embrace, the two desperately clinging onto each other and onto each and every last memory they share. From an onlooker's point of view, they were just another two people about to say goodbye at the airport on a busy weekday. Nobody around thought of their exchange as peculiar, but then again, nobody actually knew them, nor do they know the feelings they harbour.
Barney paused, unsure of what to say next, a silent struggle pulsing in the air-conditioned hall. He was not taught what to say in these situations. It was hard for him, and he knew that it was hard for her, too.
"Be safe, but most of all, have fun. Have the time of your life. I'll be thinking of you all the way across the ocean. Goodbye, Robin."
"You do something with your life as well, buddy. And I'll be back in the blink of an eye. Goodbye to you too, Barney."
"I hope so. You should go now; the gates will be closing soon. I don't want you to miss your flight."
Holding a smug grin, Robin felt her heart ache. "You know, something tells me you do in fact want the plane to fly away before I step into the gates just so I can stay." She let out a hefty laugh. "Okay, I'd better get going soon or I'll really miss my flight. I can't say this enough - I'll miss you."
Barney nodded half-heartedly, his mind fluttery with thoughts. Do I say I love you? ...No, that would probably send the wrong message and it would just make the situation awkward. A simple goodbye would suffice, he thought.
"All right, you really should. And as for me… Gosh, I miss you already. But I've got to set you free, you amazing little bird, you. Goodbye, Robin Scherbatsky."
"Goodbye, goodbye."
And with that, she pulled away from him, breaking the once intimate hug and at the same time taking a piece of his heart with her. It hurt, but he knew that was just the way life worked. In this vast sea of people, nobody would ever have it easy; and whoever said they could otherwise would be dirty liars.
Taking it all in, he watched her go, clumsily collecting her suitcase, flashing a bittersweet smile and a final wave of goodbye. And he waved back, praying with all his heart she would have a safe flight and that she would remember him.
As her silhouette vanished into the large crowd, he felt a sudden stab of remorse.
He knew it. He should have said I love you.
Taking out his phone quickly and fumbling with the keyboard, he sent her a simple message consisting of the three words he was sure he would regret if left unsaid, and made his way to the exit. He walked out of the airport through the big, bold glass doors that led to another world, his worries, at the same time, escaping through the doors, just like the way he had, fading away into the broad daylight.
The second he sighted a yellow vehicle, he yelled 'cab!' and jumped in, ready to go home, the whole time his heart rumbling. He was still not entirely sure why he had sent that text message. Was it so important that he had to send her a message to remind her of how fond he was of her? He buckled his seatbelt and felt a trill coming from his phone.
It was a reply from Robin.
He perked up at the sight of her name appearing on his mobile, just like he has always had and probably always will, for the rest of his life. Opening the incoming text message and tugging at his collar with the strangest sense of ease, he gave a small smile as he scanned through the contents of the message, all his doubts suddenly erased.
'Love you too.'