Chapter 13-Say Goodbye

Things are changing,

It seems strange and,

I need to figure this out.

You've got your life,

I got mine.

But you're all I cared about.

The next morning, the girls and Mia were having to leave. The three waited for the governmental car to come and get them. But then Skyler and Emily went to the backyard to spend what was meant to be their last moments with Swindle.

"We don't wanna leave, Mr. Swindle" Emily started to cry.

"It's okay guys, we'll see each other again, I think" Swindle didn't wanna feel bad around them.

Yesterday we were laughing.

Today I'm left here asking,

Where has all the time gone now?

I'm left alone somehow.

Growing up,

Getting older.

I don't wanna believe it's over.

Skyler and Emily went to Swindle's hand and he held them to his spark. He didn't want to believe it was over. He'd be separated from them. Swindle loved these girls, more than anything. He didn't want them to leave him, but it had to be done to save them.

"I'm gonna miss you guys" Swindle said.

"I know, we'll miss you too" Skyler replied.

"We love you, Mr. Swindle" Emily dug her face into his metal.

"Yeah…I love you guys too".

"We'll always love you, Swindle".

Don't say goodbye.

'Cause I don't wanna hear those words tonight.

'Cause maybe it's not the end for you and I.

And although we knew,

This time would come for me and you,

Don't say anything tonight.

If you're gonna say goodbye.

He didn't know what to say. He just loved them. Tears threatened, but again he held them back. He didn't want this to end, but it was going to have to. Swindle just wanted to stay there, never wanting this to end. A very awkward silence reigned. They all had so much to say, but didn't know how to say it.

Do you remember,

In December,

How we swore we'd never change?

Even though you're leaving,

Our feelings,

Would always stay the same.

"Hey guys, maybe we should make a promise" Skyler came up with an idea.

"To do what?" Swindle asked.

"First, not to forget what we've been through or what we have. Second, let's not change how we feel about each other. Of course, Em and I are sisters, so we're always gonna be feel the same no matter what. But what about you, Swindle?".

"I'm not gonna forget. How can I?" Swindle asked.

I wish we could be laughing.

Instead I'm standing here asking,

Do we have to end this now?

We both know what we've gotta say.

Not today,

'Cause I don't wanna leave this way.

"Yeah, let's do that" Emily said.

"Sounds like a plan. Alright, I promise never, ever to forget what we have here and what we've been through. I promise I'll see you guys again. And I will never, ever give up on finding you if I have to".

"Yeah, we promise the same thing" Skyler replied.

"We totally agree with you. We hope you'll be okay".

Don't say goodbye.

'Cause I don't wanna hear those words tonight.

'Cause maybe it's not the end for you and I.

And although we knew, this time would come for me and you.

Don't say anything tonight,

If you're gonna say goodbye.

"Yeah, I'll be okay. Don't worry about me".

"Swindle…I want you to have this" Skyler dug her hand in her pocket and took out a black velvet box.

Skyler opened the box and it revealed a beautiful gold necklace. The chain was long compared to most others, and its pendant was a gold flower with a ruby center. It was a real ruby.

"What's it for?" Swindle asked.

"To remember our promise".

And if it's over,

It hurts but I'm giving you my word.

I hope that you're always happy like we were.

Happy like we were.

Mia came around to the yard. "Girls, our ride's here".

"NO!" Emily held on to one of Swindle's fingers tightly.

"We have to go, Emily" Mia told her.

"We can't go, Miss Mia" Emily cried.

"Go" Swindle put the girls down, "You have to. Be happy guys, and don't worry about me".

Don't say goodbye.

'Cause I don't wanna hear those words tonight.

'Cause maybe it's not the end for you and I.

And although we knew,

This time would come for me and you.

Don't say anything tonight,

If you're gonna say goodbye.

"But Mr. Swindle-".

"No buts, Em. I'll be fine. Don't worry" Swindle took up the necklace, "Thank you Sky".

Mia and Emily left, but Skyler stayed behind. "Please take good care of that. It was my mom's. I love you, Swindle".

Skyler hugged his leg. "I wanna start dating again, Swindle. All thanks to you".

Yesterday we were laughing.

If you're gonna say goodbye.

Today I'm left here asking.

If you're gonna say goodbye.

And although we knew,

This time would come for me and you,

Don't say anything tonight.

If you're gonna say goodbye.

"You're welcome. I guess I'll see you later, eh Sky?".

Skyler nodded. "Yeah".

She started to take off, but Swindle's voice stopped her.

"It's worth it after all, Skyler".

Skyler turned and saw Swindle looking like he was on the verge of tears.

"For what?" she asked.

"To make oneself loved".

"I know. I love you, Swindle. Please, wherever you go, be happy".

"I will".

Swindle nodded and started crying as she left. He really hadn't needed them, but he wanted them. It was okay to let go now. It was also okay to be sad as well. Wherever they were going, he was sure they'd be safe.

A/N: Yep, this is the last of the chapters. Now I gotta make the epilogue. I do not own this song. It belongs to the band Skillet. You oughta listen to it. It might bring you to tears to actually hear the song. Sorry if this did make you cry.