W.I.T.C.H

Chapter 14

All Good Things

Heatherfield

Taranee Cook walked through the park, her hands in her pocket and the latest BoyZilla song playing through her headphones. Her spending most of the day outside was all part of Will's plan. Normally, Taranee wouldn't have minded. After all, this was the warmest day in months, and she liked the way the park looked near the end of winter. But she couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't where she should be. Spending the day walking through the park just felt like a waste of time. Not only that, but Will wanted her to do it tomorrow, and possibly the next day too. Some way to spend a weekend. She should be doing something more productive. Maybe it was time she did…

Raphael Sylla walked through the park, trying to look casual. He had followed subjects tougher then Taranee before. This should just be an easy mission, a 'walk in the park', so to speak. But if there was one thing he had learned from the last couple of weeks, there were no easy missions. Not when it came to these girls. Still, its not like she knew he was following her. And he was certain no one was following him, not unless they were invisible. But that was impossible.

Hay Lin invisibly walked through the park. Her head was swimming. Her job was to follow Sylla, who was following Taranee. That meant she had to keep an eye on Taranee, who was at the south end of the park, and Sylla, who was at the north end of the park. Not only that, but because she was invisible, she had to dodge couples and dog walkers who didn't know she was there.

"Hay Lin! Can you hear me?" It was Taranee, speaking to her telepathically.

"Yeah, I can hear you." Hay Lin thought back, "What is it?"

"I need you to not follow me for an hour tomorrow." Taranee thought.

"Are you sure?" Hay Lin thought, narrowly avoiding an old lady, "Will wanted me to keep my eyes on you all weekend."

"I don't care." Taranee thought back, "I need you off my back tomorrow. Just for an hour."

"Should I ask her why?" Hay Lin thought to herself.

"No, you shouldn't" Taranee thought to Hay Lin.

"Oops. Sorry." Hay Lin forgot that Taranee could hear all of her thoughts. "All right. If it's that important."

"Thanks Hay Lin."

Hay Lin was pretty sure she knew what Taranee wanted to do. She was going to confront Nigel. Hay Lin thought about her own boyfriend, Eric Lyndon. She had to admit, she was thinking of telling him about the Guardians as well, but that was before everything went wrong between Taranee and Nigel. Now she wasn't sure she wanted to risk it. She snapped out of her thoughts and realized that she had no idea where Sylla or Taranee were. She sidestepped an elderly couple and went back on the hunt.

Meridian

Caleb was walking down a hallway when a fold appeared in front of him. He instinctively went for his sword, but put it away when he saw who was coming through.

"Cornelia? What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to see you, handsome." Cornelia said as the fold closed behind her. She walked up to Caleb and gave him a hug and a kiss.

"Really?" Caleb asked.

"Yes." Cornelia said, crossing her arms. "Is that so strange?"

"Well, to be honest, yes. Are you sure Heatherfield isn't under attack?" Caleb said.

"Yes, I'm sure." Cornelia said. "I've come to see you. I… miss you. I hardly ever get to see you outside of battle."

Caleb looked at her as they started to walk down the hallway. Although he didn't know about Taranee and Nigel, he could tell she was troubled.

"Cornelia, are you sure you're okay with me staying on Meridian? I know last time…"

Cornelia took a deep breath.

"No Caleb, I'm not okay with it. I hate not being able to see you, and I hate not knowing whether or not you're safe. But I know it's something you have to do, and it's something you need to do. So even though it sucks, even though it hurts, I can deal with it. Because I love you. And at the end of the day, that's all that really matters."

Caleb wanted nothing more then to hold her and kiss her at that moment, but a voice from behind stopped him.

"Cornelia! Caleb, did you tell her, did you tell her!" It was Elyon, running towards them.

"Hey Elyon!" Cornelia said. "Tell me what?"

"I have a new boyfriend!" Elyon said.

"That's great Ellie!" Cornelia said, giving her friend a hug. "Anyone I know?"

"His name's Dee!" Elyon said, "He's a doctor, he's really cute, and we found him in the Infinite City!"

The last remark caused Cornelia to raise an eyebrow.

"Come on, I'll tell you all about it." Elyon said with a laugh.

The two girls left, leaving Caleb alone once again. He smiled. He remembered what it was like when he first met Cornelia. He was glad Elyon was feeling the same thing. And if anyone deserved it, it was Elyon. He smiled again; after all, this is what he fought for.

Heatherfield

The next day, Taranee walked towards the underpass. She tried not to look nervous; she tried not to look scared. Instead, she tried to look determined and strong. She knew she wasn't pulling it off. Surly Nigel had to see the fear in her face. She became even more scared when she saw Nigel. He seemed to be hiding his emotions well. Taranee looked in vain for any signs of a decision in his face.

"It's been almost a week since we last talked." Taranee said. "Have you figured out anything?"

"Yes, I have." Nigel said. Taranee knew exactly what was coming next. Nigel didn't need to say anything else, but he did anyways.

"Here's what it comes down to. I'm so proud of you and what you've done, and I'm amazed at how strong you are, but that's just it. I'm not. I spent the entire week worrying about you and what you were doing. I couldn't take it. If I'm your boyfriend, it's going to drive me insane. I just can't take it." He reached over and held her hand. "I still care for you, but I can't be the person you need me to be. I hope you do find that person, because you deserve him. But it's not me. I'm just not strong enough. I'm sorry."

Neither of them said anything for a while. They both just sat there in silence.

"Is that how you feel? I mean, are you sure?" Taranee said, holding back tears.

"Yes." Nigel said.

"Then… I guess we're done."

She stood up. She promised herself she wouldn't cry in front of him, and somehow managed to keep a calm face. She gave him a hug, and a soft kiss on the cheek. Then she turned around, walked away from him, and as soon as he was out of sight, burst into tears.