Silence engulfed the room, leaving its harsh sting in the air.
"She accepted me."
It hung in the air, a burden on Will's shoulders. She accepted Jem. Will could not believe the drastic change in events. He recalled the moment he left Woolsey's apartment the other night.
The door shut with a click behind him as he walked towards the gate, glimmering in the stars. The big balls a flame illuminating the deep blue sky. He could have sworn the stars weren't shining with the same intensity when he first arrived. But he didn't care. Happiness exploded from every pore on his body. He felt like he could fly, his heart taking an airy beat, sailing over the moon. He never felt so free in his life.
And all he could see was Tessa. The intelligence shining in her warm, grey eyes. The feel of her skin brushing against his. The light sound of her voice, what a pleasing sound it was. And her laughter, oh god her laughter. The laughter that could light up the world. That caused his world to burst into a sea of warmth. And it was all waiting for him at the Institute. And before he knew it, he was racing towards her, with a smile so wide that his cheeks hurt. But he didn't care. Nothing mattered but Tessa.
I love her.
And now, sitting in the dining room, the moment seemed so far away. He remembered his joy slipping away, as he tried desperately to cling on. It's too late. He didn't care that he destroyed his life by pushing his family away. All he could think of was a second chance to reattach the pieces of his life, forming a new picture. But those three words shredded it away.
He kept his face down, his eyes refusing to look at hers, afraid of losing his composure. Jem's announcement still hung in the air. Still awaiting a reply.
He felt a tug on his eyes that finally made him look up. And there he met her eyes. Those warm grey eyes, wide and pleading. He found himself stand, his hands clasping a glass of wine. His eyes still on Tessa.
I love her.
"I do not know two finer people," he said, "and could not imagine better news. May your lives together be happy and long." He exclaimed. He would do anything for them. His parabatai. His Tess. Even if he had to lie to himself. His eyes moved to Jem. "Congratulations brother."
And he meant it. For he wanted Jem to be happy. He wanted her happy. And this was the most painful sacrifice he had to make for the ones he loves. More painful than they know. More than they will ever know. More than she will ever know.
I love her.