Chapter 2

The week had gone by too fast. There was so much Michaela had to arrange before she would leave tomorrow. She hadn't even seen Sully the last few days. But now he was picking her up from campus, this way she could take the rest of her belongings to Rebecca's home. More important was the time they could spend together.

While they were driving, she noticed he didn't take the normal route. "You'll see soon enough," was the only answer she got.

And indeed, after a few minutes she started to recognize familiar surroundings. Her heart swelled up with love.

They reached the foot of the mountain. Sully looked at her with love in his eyes before he got out. Opening the door for her she saw he was carrying a backpack. She was curious but knew she wouldn't get an answer. They walked up the path of their mountain. Both had been there together a few times since they declared their love for each other.

Reaching their destination, Sully started pulling a blanket from his bag. Michaela was focused on the view; it still took her breath away. When she looked at Sully she saw him sitting on the blanket. Michaela sat down next to him. For a moment they just enjoyed the surroundings.

"I haven't been here since you joined me on Valentine's Day," Sully broke the silence.

She looked surprised.

"Don't have a reason to come without you," he explained.

"Oh Sully, I'm going to miss you so much. Eight weeks is such a long time. I wish there was a way for us to meet somehow."

"We'll get through it," he assured.

She felt sad. He took her hand and kissed it. "I'll call you every day." He promised.

"I know you will and I will too, but it will be different." Tears were welling up in her eyes.

He hugged her tightly. They remained like that for a moment.

Michaela backed away a bit but stayed close to him. "Why don't you come and visit us in Boston? I can show you my hometown." She was getting excited about the idea.

"I'd like that. But how would I come up with the money for a plane ticket and where would I stay?" He didn't want to disappoint her but he knew it would never happen. "I'm sorry, Michaela. I can't stand the thought of not being around you either; holding you, talking to you." He edged closer. "Feel your skin." He touched her cheek. "Kiss you." His lips softly touched hers.

Michaela blushed. She could never be that open about her feelings for him. She was taught not to speak about them. Her parents had been married for almost 40 years. She knew they had a good marriage but it was never discussed.

"I didn't mean to embarrass you, I just love being with you." Sully said.

"I know," was all Michaela could say.

The sun began to set in the sky. Both knew time was running out. Sully had so much he wanted to tell her, but didn't know how. "I want you to have something, so you won't forget me," he started.

"I will never forget you!" Michaela stated.

"Take it anyway; I hope you like it." Now it was his turn to blush. He handed her his present.

When she opened the wrapping she saw a handmade box with a mountain on it. She already had tears in her eyes.

"Just open it."

When she lifted the lid she was amazed at what she saw. It was a colourful bracelet with wooden charms on it. She saw a B.

"Because you are beautiful, and when you call me Byron it doesn't sound weird," Sully explained.

Michaela laughed but returned to the charms. There was a tree.

"Where we first met."

She saw a heart.

"You hold my heart."

The last one was a mountain. "We're sitting on it."

Both smiled. "I've never seen something like this before." Michaela was astonished.

"Made it myself," Sully said quietly.

"Really?" she wondered.

"Yes. Snowbird taught me how to make the bracelet, and Cloud Dancing how to carve," he explained.

"Could you please help me put it on?" Michaela asked. "I will never take it off." She hugged him and initiated a kiss to let him know how thankful she was.

***

Two weeks had gone by since Michaela left. It was worse than Sully imagined. Although the Centre and college was closed, he was sitting under their tree. It was as if his thoughts about her became stronger when he was at this spot. He hadn't heard from her today. He tried to call her but got no reply, and he began to worry. As if on cue his phone rang. He didn't know the number but answered anyway. "Hello?"

"Sully, it's me," Michaela said.

"Hey beautiful! I was getting worried."

"I'm sorry Sully, my mother dragged me out my room this morning. I didn't even have the chance to change or get my phone," she apologized. "Oh, how come?" he replied.

"She's planning this coming out party for a daughter from a family friend. The tailor was here to get my measurements for my dress." She sighed. "What kind of party?" Sully asked. He never heard of it.

"It's a tradition. When a girl turns 16 they give a party to let everyone know she's available," she explained.

"At 16? Isn't that a bit young?" Sully asked.

"It was done in the 19th century, these days it's just something where people can show off. I hate these things," Michaela replied.

"Did you have one?" Sully was interested.

"No, I went with my father to the children's ward to volunteer. My mother didn't talk to my father for a week. I still think she resents me for it."

"So why are you going now?"

"Because Rebecca convinced me it would be nice to spend some time with the family. And the money they raise is going to a children's hospital. Anyway, I don't care much for this party. How are you?" she changed the subject.

"Fine, have my things packed. As you know we're leaving tomorrow to see Cloud Dancing and Snowbird," Sully answered.

"Yes, I remember. I hope I will meet them someday." Michaela said thoughtfully.

"You will."

"Mike, are you coming? They are starting again," Sully heard a male voice. "Be there in a minute, William!"

"Who's William?" Sully wanted to know. "Oh, he's the brother of the girl who turns sixteen. We're practising for a dance." She sighed. "I wish you were here so I could dance with you."

"Does he know you are taken?" Sully was getting worried.

"Of course! Besides I don't think he likes me. He doesn't even look at me," Michaela pointed out.

"He better not." Sully was serious but Michaela didn't hear it.

"Michaela! They already began!"

"Yes mother, I'm coming." Michaela sighed. "I'm sorry Sully but I have to go. I talk to you later. Give my love to your family. Love you." With that she was gone before he could reply. Sully looked at his phone and had a bad feeling in his stomach but dismissed it and thought of his upcoming trip to his friends.