As the school year went on, Robert found little change in his day to day living. Even though he had come to accept things as they were, Amy had a more difficult time tolerating the changes in their relationship. She missed the time they spent together and began to question why Robert could seldom find time for her.
Amy tried to keep her feelings to herself because she did not want to add more pressure to Robert since he often seemed to be under a great burden. Over the months,she often asked him if everything was alright and he always claimed to be "fine".
One day, when Robert found some free time, he called Amy to see if she was also available. When they got together, he admitted that he only could spend about an hour with her because, as usual, he was extremely busy.
Amy could no longer hide her resentment and said, "You've got to be kidding me! It seems like the only reason you want to see me anymore is so you can get laid!"
Robert said, "You can't possibly believe that. Amy, you know how much I love you and I wish I could spend more time with you, but it's just not possible. If you don't want to have sex, you could have just said so. It certainly wouldn't stop me from wanting to see you."
Amy responded, "It's not that I don't want to have sex, Robert. It's just that I don't want that to be the only thing we share. I miss being with you. And to be honest with you, I'm starting to feel used."
Robert felt horrible knowing that he had hurt Amy so deeply and said, "You're right. I've taken you for granted and I'm sorry. You don't even realize how much I need you and look forward to seeing you. Please forgive me."
"Of course I forgive you," Amy said. "I know it's not entirely your fault and that you're under a lot of pressure this year, but I wish you would let me help. I just want you to talk to me."
Robert thought about what Amy said and wanted to tell her everything. He was tired of being afraid and craved her support. He was beginning to have faith in the fact that Amy could make it all better. He was about to confess all of his secrets when he heard her start to speak first.
Amy said, "Robert, I can't help but think that school isn't the only thing that has you stressed out. Is something going on with your mother also? If so, then you shouldn't bear that burden by yourself. I don't want to sound cruel, but she's not your responsibility. I know you don't have the best relationship with your dad, but, if you want, my father could speak with him. That way, he'll make sure that your dad will take care of everything."
Robert's protective instinct took over and he said, "Amy, I've told you a million times. Everything is fine." He knew he had chosen fear over faith.
*****************************************
The final term of Year 12 finally came to an end and graduation day had arrived for Robert and Amy. Since they attended different schools, they agreed to spend the day with their respective families and meet up the following day.
Robert was relieved to hear that his father had planned on attending his graduation ceremony. This meant Robert had the perfect excuse for his mother not being there since everyone knew Sarah would not appear if Rowan was there.
As Robert waited for his father to pick him up, he couldn't help but wonder what would happen after today. Amy still had not made a decision as to which University she would attend. She had been accepted to a couple of different schools in other cities, but Robert was still selfishly trying to convince her to stay in Melbourne. The last few weeks had been so hectic for the both of them that they barely had time for each other. Amy decided to wait until after their graduation ceremonies to discuss it further and then she would make her final determination.
Suddenly Robert's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the telephone ringing. Even before he answered, Robert knew what the call was going to be about.
"Hello," he stated expectantly.
He heard Rowan's voice on the other end, "Son, I'm terribly sorry but a dire emergency has come up and I'm not going to be able to make the ceremony today. I'll try to catch up with you later, though. I promise to make this up to you. I must run now. I'll talk to you soon."
Robert went upstairs to change his clothes. He didn't really want to go to the stupid ceremony anyway.
*****************************************
The next day, Robert and Amy were finally able to spend more time together and talk about their futures. Regrettably, Robert was still in a sullen mood and was more quarrelsome than usual. Amy tried to ignore it at first, but ultimately her temper got the best of her. They had an intensely heated argument where everything they had kept bottled up in the previous months came spilling out. Unfortunately, Robert had a lot more bottled up than Amy and he said many things that left her in tears.
Robert immediately felt disgusted with himself for how he had treated Amy, but he thought it best if he went home before he made matters worse. He thought it was best to give her time to cool down before he apologized. He resolved to stop taking out his problems on Amy and to start treating her the way she deserved.
After spending a sleepless night agonizing over the previous days argument, the next morning Robert was determined to no longer give in to the fear which always controlled his life. He made a vow to himself that he was finally going to tell Amy the truth about his mother. For once in his life, he was ready to take a chance and trust someone.
Robert was getting ready to go see Amy when the doorbell rang. He smiled to himself, thinking it was just like her to be the first to want to make amends. He hurried to answer the door, but was shocked to find Amy's father on the doorstep instead.
"Oh, hi Mr. Cooper. Come on in," he said, curious as to why the man was there.
Mr. Cooper replied, "I'm not going to stay Robert. I just came to deliver a message from Amy. I'm not exactly sure what happened between you two, but yesterday she made the decision to move to Sydney to live with her brother. She's going to University there when the semester starts."
Robert was momentarily stunned. "When is she leaving?" he asked, hearing the crack in his voice.
"Well, that's just it," Mr. Cooper said. "She left early this morning. She asked me to give you this."
Robert looked down and noticed the letter in Mr. Cooper's hand. He reached out to take it, his own hand shaking slightly.
"Thank you," was all Robert could say.
After Mr. Cooper left, Robert went to his room and closed the door to make sure he wouldn't be disturbed. He opened the envelope and as he read the letter, tears began to well up in his eyes. He had to read it a second time to comprehend what it was saying.
She was sorry for how things had worked out, but thought it was time for both of them to move on. She didn't blame him and had no regrets. She would always remember the happy times they had together. She was gone and wasn't coming back.
His mother was right. People always leave.
For the first time in his life, Robert laid on his bed and sobbed.
