'No. I can't lose another one'
She was sitting on the edge of the bed, clutching a photo frame. It was of them, the three of them. Impossible, she thought. When Alex had began asking questions about his father, she had Odie manipulate and merge a photo of Archie with one of her and Alex. He was smiling. He used to laugh. Laugh if he read something funny. Laugh when they pulled a prank on Neil. Laugh everytime she laughed. She smiled. He was always there. Always at her side. To help her. To support her. To humour her when she was upset. Where was he now? Not at her side, that's where. Not here to help her find their son. Not here to support her and keep her strong. Not here to stop a small tear escape and trickle down her face, glazing over her pale cheeks. She remembered that night, the night he disappeared. Years of lust and longing dissolved to let loose masses of vibrant emotions that dared them to touch, taste, feel what they had wanted for so long but both too cowardice and proud to admit. Why had they waited so long? Why had they only a brief speck of happiness? Her head fell to stare down at the photo again.
'I'm sorry, Archie' She whispered, as another tear traced her cheek, rolling to her top lip, clinched tightly to the bottom.
'Ahem'
She swung her head up towards the doorway. Atlanta stood timidly ladled with a tray of food.
'Um, Theresa told me to bring you some food...in case you were hungry.' The elder of the two continued staring for a moment, before placing the photo frame face down on the bedside cabinet and wiping the tears away.
'Oh, thanks. But I'm not that hungry.'
'Oh...well I'll leave it in here. Just in case.' She laid the tray down on the bed slowly and carefully, before turning and returning the way she had come.
'Thank you.' She turned her head and smiled weakly.
'Atlanta?' She turned again, with a inquiring but comforting look on her face.
'Tell him. Don't waste time.' They maintained eye contact, not blinking, more searching each other. Reminiscing and gazing into the future at the same time. The younger turned back and rushed out of the room, without looking back. She closed the door carefully and stood leaning her head against it. Taking a deep breath, she stepped back to begin her way back to the others, only to see the man who engaged her mind at that very moment.
'So how is she?' Archie inquired, walking towards the girl.
'Um...oh, well I think she's ok but...' she studied his face.
'But what?' he worryingly asked, his concerning glance bringing him closer to her. She felt his breath wisp back uncontrollable strands of red hair. She gulped back her fear.
'Arch...' she stood paused for a moment, breathing in his tender gaze. '...um nothing. It's just...'
'Just what?' He placed his hand on her forearm, gently gliding his thumb up and down, his touch driving her crazy. They're eyes connected as their chests showing every breath flowing in and out. She broke it and looked away. A tear materialised out of the corner of her eye. He raised his other hand to cup he cheek, using his thumb to wipe away the lonely droplet. She looked back up at him.
'Archie...Don't you ever go anywhere.' She ordered thrusting her arms around his neck tightly. She tucked her head into his neck, his lips resting on his smooth ivory skin, as she breathing in his scent. With only a second of delay his hands began to caress her back, embracing her tightly.
'I'm not going anywhere.'
