Golly Jeepers! Thanks so much for the reviews!!! Here's chapter 4. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 4
"Did you forget some…" Brennan lost all ability to finish the sentence as she saw Booth standing in front of her.
For a brief moment time stood still, she couldn't speak or move although her mind was screaming for her to run. Booth finally broke the spell that seemed to be holding her captive as he reached for her. Her mind and body acted in unison. With every ounce of strength she could collect, she threw the door shut with a resounding bang, following by the click of the deadbolt.
Her pounding heart struggled to stay in the confinement of her body while her feet had obviously turned to stone. Then the roll coaster began. She had played out the scenarios in her head of how she would react if and when he returned, but that was two years ago; two long years ago.
Leaning against the oak colored door, she allowed the emotions to wash over her. She remembered the hurt she felt as she woke up in the hospital only to find out that Parker was dead and Booth was gone. She remembered the pain as Cullen told her about the relationship she and Booth no longer shared. Last but not least, the sorrow of realizing that she had taken Parker away. Sliding down the door, Brennan crumpled to the floor as the tears spilled from her eyes.
Booth stood on the opposite side with his forehead pressed to the cool surface of the door. This wasn't going like he'd hoped, but a part of him was not surprised. After all he had left her. Reasons, excuses, or best intentions didn't matter and he knew this. Figuring he had done all he could do, Booth decided it was time to leave, but not before he told her how he felt.
"Bones…Temperance…I don't know if you can hear me, but there's something I have to say," he began trying to build up courage. "There's a lot of explaining I need to do, but the most important thing is…I love you."
He stood waiting for a moment; willing the door to open. Hoping that somehow his words had made the whole world right and she would jump into his arms, but that was highly unlikely. This was Dr. Temperance Brennan; the one person in the world who could make it on her own, all alone.
Booth lingered a moment longer, ensuring that his daydream was just that…a dream. Pulling away from her door, he heard an unmistakable sound.
"Temperance," he soothed, "is that you? Please let me in. Don't do this."
"Booth," she choked out through sobs, "just leave."
Giving a sigh, "I'm not leaving." Even his own words sliced at his heart.
"I don't know why," she responded; her voice thick with tears. "You do it so well."
He couldn't find words to reply. She was right; he had left her at a time he needed her most and she needed him. What words could ever explain that away? That was his problem; there were none.
Sliding his hand down the door as tears mimicked the same path on his face, he found the only words he knew to say. "I'm so sorry, Temperance, I'm so sorry. I know you need your space; time to figure this all out. But I want you to know, I'll never give up on us."
He paused a few moments hoping for a reply or the click of her lock, but nothing. Booth turned his heavy feet and made his way off the porch toward his SUV.
Hearing his footsteps retreating from her door, she softly whispered, "There is no us. Not anymore."
Booth sat in the driver's seat just watching her house. It had been two hours since he'd stepped off the front porch. The house remained the same. No light came on; no lights were tuned off. She hadn't passed by a window; not a curtain had moved. He wanted to go to her to comfort her, but he knew there was no getting in. She wouldn't let him inside her house much less her heart.
Booth finally left an hour or so later after the living room fell dark and an upstairs light flickered on. He would be back in the morning. This was not over yet.
From the doorway of her room, she watched out the window as his SUV started up and pulled out onto the road. She knew he had been waiting. Waiting for hope she wasn't willing to give.
Too tired to change, Brennan curled up in the middle of her bed. She was exhausted, but her mind refused to let her rest. Racing through the past two years, she could remember every phone call, every unreturned message she left, and every night she spent alone.
oOo Flashback oOo
"Dr. Bones," Parker questioned, "What are we doing here?"
Giving him a smile, she answered, "We've got to pick up a present for your Daddy."
"At the hardware store?" he asked, quite confused.
"Yes," she stated, "and it's sort of a gift for you too?"
He titled his head and flashed her the Booth smile, "What is it, Dr. Bones. You can tell me. I promise my lips are sealed."
Not able to resist, she gave the secret away, "Well, we've got to pick up a set of keys and some paint samples."
Noticing the confused look returning to Parker's face, she continued with her explanation, "I thought it would be nice if your Dad and I moved in together and since your dad and I love you so much, I want you to be part of our new home too. Would that be okay?"
Grinning from ear to ear, Parker exclaimed, "You bet it would! But why do you need paint samples?"
"I figured you should get to pick out the color of your own room," she answered as a smile spread across her lips.
She couldn't remember ever being so happy.
oOo Back to Present oOo
The ringing of her phone snapped Brennan back to reality. Looking at the caller ID, she yanked the phone toward her ear.
Okay...tell me what you think? Want some good news, I have the next chapter ready. :)