Title: Remember You

Author: Angel LeeAnn

Rating: PG

Summary:  Years after finding their way off the plateau, Roxton wanders the streets of London while thinking of the woman (Marguerite) who'd stolen his heart.

Disclaimer:  I borrowed Roxton and Marguerite.  They do NOT belong to me.

NOTE: This so far is – I think – my best fanfic.  So, if requested, I would gladly add onto the story.  Yet, it works perfectly as a stand alone, so I may leave it has it is if people like the ending.

THE STORY:  (Epilogue?)

When I'm walking these deserted streets, I count my steps as I drag my feet.  The moonlight shines from its royal perch high in the dark, cloudless sky.  It's moments like these – right out of the blue – that I remember you.  Not that I could ever forget you.  No, you're always hovering somewhere nearby, but I usually deny you passage into my thoughts.

You see; you broke my heart.

Don't worry, though, because I'm healed now.  I don't lie awake at night anymore agonizing over you.  I have learned how to move on.  And now we're far apart.  In fact, for all I know, the seven seas and the stars of Heaven separate us.  I suppose it's better this way because if I were ever to bump into you then I may lose the control I've so carefully built around my tears.  It's not that I miss you: not tonight.  Not anymore.  But the tears would be more of a baptism: washing away the years of pain I know I would see reflecting from your eyes, the mirror image of my own pain.

I don't blame you for never writing.  And I hope you've never been hurt by not receiving a call.  I am curious, though.  Do you still have dreams?  Did they all come true?  Does it ever seem that you'll never survive?  Do you ever miss me the way I do when I remember you?

I round the corner just as the light mist of rain begins to chime against my hand crafted cane.  My limp is hardly noticeable these days for my posture is stiff and I shuffle my feet instead of taking regular steps.  My cane and I have fallen into a steady rhythm: click, swish, click, swish, click, swish… 

I think you would be proud of me.  I've faced my demons and cast away my ghosts.  I've given up the past (if you can believe that).  I'm no longer controlled by guilt or the anguish of what could've been.

Yet, still…

I pause halfway across the cobblestone road.  Slowly, ever so slowly, I turn and follow the streetlamps further and further away from town.  There's only one place I want to be.  I eventually reach the beach and kick off my shoes, my toes sinking into the cool, damp sand.

At the edge, the waves gently roll up over my ankles and then slide back.  I gaze out through the darkness, over the ocean that had taken you away.  It's been ten long years, but I still remember every curve and line of your face.  I'd asked you to stay, knowing you wouldn't.  I remember how you'd touched your soft hand to my face; your eyes glazed with unshed tears.  You'd whispered 'I'll remember' and then boarded the ship, vanishing from my life as though you never existed as more than a phantom in a dream.

I close my eyes as I bow my head.  I lied.  I do miss you.  There's an ache seeded in my soul where you had once been.  Will you ever return?  Do you even miss these arms?  Ever subconsciously place your fingertips to your lips, remembering the feel of my kisses?

No.  You'd come crashing into my life, enchanted me under your spell, and then slipped away on breeze.  And I know you'll never come back. 

A desolate tear glides down, disappearing into the sea of raindrops.  I drop my cane and wade further away from shore.

I duck my head under the waves and the last thing I remember is you.

END STORY

Or is it?