Author's Note:
Well, I thought that this was going to be the last chapter but I realized that I needed to clear up a few things before that happened. It would have made for an extremely long chapter but I didn't want that. So, I give you the penultimate chapter! Like I said before, there will also be an epilogue that you are not going to want to miss! Thank you for the awesome reviews for the last chapter! To Drumboy100, The Last Resort is a favorite of mine as well along with Secrets of the Nile. To Smithy, I gave some subtle hints, didn't I? To katnissta, rose12, ErinJordan, and max2013, thanks so much! The last chapter was such an emotional one but I'm sure this one might beat it at some point, hint hint. Anyway, enjoy the chapter and don't forget to leave your mark! Until next time!
Chapter Twenty
People turned her way as Nancy walked through the fellowship hall. After what she just experienced with Vanessa, Nancy was ready to be around others. It took over 15 minutes for her to get from the door to the other side of the room where Bess, George, and Dean were sitting with people stopping and talking to her along the way. She plopped down next to Dean who smiled at her.
"Phew! That was a task," Nancy said, wiping her forehead. She looked over at Dean. "I'm sorry I haven't paid much attention to you since you've been here."
"No worries," he beamed. "I've gotten to know your friends and Bess and George have been telling me some pretty amazing stories about you."
"Really?" Nancy cast a gaze over to her friends, her eyebrow raised. She noticed George was blushing slightly and had a feeling that her friend might have a crush on the young scholar. Nancy looked back to Dean sheepishly. "Would you do me a favor and get me something to drink and maybe a snack?"
"Sure, I'll be right back."
When he was gone, Nancy turned to George with a smirk. "Okay, spill," she ordered.
"How did you…" George blushed again. "Is it that obvious?"
"Please," Nancy made a noise. "If I can solve a mystery I can figure that out."
"Said the woman who can't make up her mind about a certain handsome detective," Bess retorted, her eyebrow raised.
"Shut up, Bess."
"You're not mad then?" George asked, looking afraid.
"Why would I be mad, George?" Nancy smiled. "He's sweet."
"But not your type," George finished her sentence.
"Right," Nancy agreed then looked surprised that she said it.
"Yeah, mm hmm," Bess said, leaning forward. "What was it he said this morning, George? Oh, that's right! He said that you and Frank were a good looking couple."
"You're right he did say that!" George said enthusiastically. "While we're on the subject, how is it between you too?" She wiggled her eyebrows.
"Stop that!" Nancy scolded, playfully hitting her friend. "I wasn't talking about Frank here."
"Yeah, but we are," Bess replied. "You two are meant for each other so quit stalling and get on with it!"
"It's complicated, Bess," Nancy replied, looking away.
"What's complicated about telling Frank that you love him, which I know you do," Bess shrugged. "You said it yourself that you can solve a mystery and pick out your best friend's crush on someone but you can't see it for yourself? You have been denying it since day one, Nancy Drew. There should be nothing stopping you from going over there and planting a kiss on him!"
"Bess!" cried Nancy. She wanted nothing more than for Dean to return at that moment and she searched the room for him. Her heart sank when she saw him talking to none other than Frank Hardy. She shook her head and muttered, "I can't. I just can't."
"What do you mean 'you can't?'" asked George. "I've never know you to back down from something that you want and I know you want him. Wait. That sounded bad. The point is that you two should be together. Why can't you see that?"
"I do see it, George," Nancy said softly, her eyes welling with tears. "There are things in motion that I can't control. I put his life in danger ever time I'm with him. It was a mistake to let him escort me into the church this morning. It was like I was giving him hope."
"Nancy, stop and listen to us," George replied, taking her friend's hands. "If this has anything to do with visiting Ned a few days ago, then screw it! Ned is not worth throwing away a life of happiness with the one you love. If you do, then he wins. I think Frank can handle himself, don't you? Besides, he has the backing of his family, as do you. We want you to be happy, Nancy and Frank makes you happy. You can't deny that."
"Speaking from personal experience, Nan," Bess stated, holding up her finger, "you don't let a good thing go. I've done it out of fear and I regret it to this day. Don't do that with Frank. I don't think he'll forgive you this time."
Nancy looked at the ground, thinking. She had everything planned out but she didn't expect her best friends to make her rethink it all. Not even Fenton Hardy was able to do that. Nancy knew Ned was loose and that he would be gunning for Frank if they were together. But then again, her ex would go after him even if they weren't together, as much as Ned hated Frank.
"Nancy?" George said. Nancy looked up. "I hope we're not losing you."
"What? No," Nancy smiled, shaking her head. "I was just thinking. I…I know what you're saying but I can't do it. I love him too much to see him hurt."
"So you're willing to crush his heart in order to save his life?" George said angrily. "I think you should let him decide that. It's his life too."
"You're angry with me," Nancy stated, looking shocked.
"Yes, I am, Nancy," she answered. "You're playing with fire." George rose and gathered her coat. "Let us know when you decide to come home. Actually, don't bother, especially if you break his heart."
Nancy and Bess watched her go over to Dean and Frank then waved goodbye to the two men before leaving the room. Bess looked slightly uncomfortable but stayed, fidgeting with her purse.
"I'm sorry, Nan," she finally said after a few minutes of silence. "You know how George gets sometimes. We're just worried about you. Now that your dad is gone, we don't want you to be alone."
"I know, Bess," Nancy sniffled, wiping her cheek. "I'm an idiot in thinking that what I'm going to do wouldn't hurt anyone emotionally. I just…"
"Nancy, you do what you have to do, what you feel is necessary," Bess smiled. "George will be okay and so will you and Frank."
"Thanks, Bess."
"As for Dean," she sighed. "I don't think you have to worry about him. He's been really interested in George. I think he's more worried that he's going to upset you than anything else."
Nancy laughed, looking over to where Dean and Frank were talking. The two seemed to swiftly become friends. She quickly glanced away when Frank caught her looking at him.
"Well, I have to be going, Nan," Bess stated, standing. Nancy rose and gave her friend a hug, thanking her. "You be careful and let us know when you get home," she whispered.
"I will," Nancy whispered back. She smiled as her friend waved and walked away.
"Hi, Nancy," replied a soft voice beside her.
"Dean!" she cried, turning toward him. "I thought you forgot about me!"
"No, I didn't forget you," he smiled. He placed a plate of food and a cup in front of her and sat down. "I was just talking to someone for a little bit. I noticed George wasn't too happy when she left. Everything okay?"
"Yeah, we just had a…misunderstanding," she said before taking a bite of the sandwich. Nancy noticed he was looked a little nervous and smiled at him. "I don't know if you know this but I decided not to join the professor's team."
"You did?" he looked surprised. "Why?"
"I have my reasons," she said vaguely, looking away. "You don't have to act surprised, you know."
"You're right, I'm not surprised. Just a little bit disappointed."
"Right," Nancy winked at him. "So, did you convince a certain brunette to possibly join you in Arizona?"
"How did you… Nevermind," Dean shook his head. "You're not mad are you?"
"That's funny because that's the exact same question George asked me," Nancy laughed. "Maybe you two are meant to be. But no, I'm not mad. I'm happy for you, in fact. George is a really good person. You're lucky to have found her. Maybe that luck will rub off on me."
"Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate hearing that from you. I came here thinking that I could possibly have a chance with you and I find someone else. Go figure."
"Fate," Nancy shrugged.
Dean looked around then sighed. "You know, Nancy, there might be someone else out there for you."
"I know you were talking to Frank, Dean," she smiled. "I'm not blind."
"Yeah, he mentioned that he caught you staring at us," he laughed. "He seems like a good guy."
"He is," Nancy looked at her hands. "There are times that I don't deserve him especially now."
"I don't know what you mean."
"It's nothing," she waved her hand dismissively.
"There you go, being the mystery woman again." He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Bye, Nancy."
"Bye, Dean." Nancy watched him go over to Marcus and the two men left the hall. Sighing, she finished her meal, watching those who were still there. Some came over and spoke with her for a few minutes before leaving. It wasn't until the hall was nearly empty that Nancy left with Eloise and Hannah, the Hardys already leaving moments before.
That night, spirits were high as they celebrated Joe and Vanessa's news. The couple were elated as was Laura who bounded around, giddy to the point of exhaustion. Even Nancy had joined in, getting out several bottles of wine.
Frank stood in the corner, a wine glass in his hand. He was happy for his brother but he had his own longing. Casting a glance at Nancy, Frank was happy to see her smiling after the day she had. Although he saw her laughing with Bess and George earlier, Nancy seemed a little bit distant as compared to earlier but still happy for Joe and Vanessa. All day long, she held her head high, being able to keep her tears at bay. He had a feeling though that her actions were a façade. Even Nancy couldn't hold that kind of emotion in for long.
"Frank, everything alright?" his mother asked, looking concerned.
"Oh, yeah, Mom," he said with a smile. Laura gave him a knowing look and shook her head.
"Let everyone wind down from this," she said softly. "This is your brother's moment. Be happy." Laura leaned forward a little so that only he could hear. "And for God's sake, don't mess up again. You had better talk to her before we leave tomorrow."
"I will,"Frank said then stopped, surprised. "Wait, we're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes, your father has some things to take care of at the office," she said. "I thought you knew we weren't staying long after the funeral. Plus Vanessa wants to go see her mother and tell her the news."
"I know that but I just didn't think it was tomorrow," he said, looking over at Nancy who was talking enthusiastically to Vanessa. His heart dropped when he realized he would have to talk to her once and for all within a matter of hours. Deciding to do it first thing in the morning, Frank nodded to his mom and sucked down the rest of his wine nervously.
After everyone went to sleep, Frank laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling, the rain outside tapping the window. He couldn't sleep, his thoughts roaming in all directions. A creak in hall interrupted his thoughts and he quickly got up out of bed. Checking the time, he noticed it was 2:30 in the morning and pulled on a shirt over his bare chest.
Frank opened the door, thanking God that it didn't make a noise and started down the stairs. The kitchen light was on but no one was there. He noticed a stack of envelopes and a cell phone on the table, a duffel bag in the hallway. The basement door was ajar and he crept down the stairs. Hearing a noise behind him, Frank turned to see the safe room door open, the inner door cracked. He knew there was only one person who could be in there and muscled up the courage to finally talk to her, even if it was the middle of the night. As Frank pushed the door open, Nancy looked up from the desk, startled that he was there.
"What are you doing down here so late, Nancy?" he asked. Frank noticed that she was dressed, her passport and a small stack of money were sitting on the desk though she quickly gathered them. "Are you going somewhere?"
"I have to go, Frank," she said softly, rising from the chair. Nancy walked around the desk, heading for the door. Frank moved in front of her just before she could move past him.
"Talk to me, please," he pleaded. Frank tried to look her in the eye but Nancy avoided his stare.
"Frank, please don't make this any harder than it already is," she replied.
"What do you mean?" he asked, confused and hurt. "What is it that you want, Nancy? I thought we were doing pretty good today and now you're leaving without even saying goodbye?"
"I'm sorry about this morning. It should have never happened the way it did!" Nancy cried moving away from him. "This cannot happen right now!"
"What not happening?"
She looked up into his eyes for the first time since he found her in the safe room. Frank could see the turmoil and he knew he wasn't going to be able to stop her from leaving. "You're really going, aren't you?"
"I wanted to leave before you had the chance to talk to me," Nancy said, tearing up. "It was so I wouldn't have to say something that will make you hate me."
"Nothing is going to make me hate you, Nancy," Frank said, stepping toward her. "I love you. I always have and I'll never stop. I know you too well, Nancy. We've been denying these feelings since…Mount Mirage. You can't stand there and tell me you feel otherwise!"
"Frank, I…" Nancy's mouth moved but nothing came out. She struggled to find the words but she knew what he said was true. Her heart wanted to stay but her mind kept repeating Ned's words. Nancy's heart skipped a beat as Frank stepped toward her again and wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her closer to him. She didn't stop him when he leaned forward. Her eyes closed, heart pounding. The kiss lasted only seconds but Nancy felt a jolt of electricity, the same jolt she felt years ago with their first kiss.
"I've been wanting to do that for so long," Frank said breathlessly.
Nancy was crying, her heart breaking at what she was about to say. "Frank, I'm sorry," she sniffled, looking up at him.
"For what?"
"We…we can't be together," she finally admitted.
"Tell me why," he said, determined.
Nancy turned away and put her hand over her mouth to stifle the cry that wanted to escape. Her fear wasn't of him insisting her to stay but that she would if he asked her to. Her thoughts were interrupted when a phone chirped with a message. Nancy looked down, reading the message. Frank noticed instantly that it was a burner phone, one that was used when someone didn't want their location to be found. "I have to go," she said suddenly, starting for the door but Frank took her hand.
"Why do you need to go?" Frank said softly. "This is where you should be, with me. I don't want to lose you again, Nancy. Please."
"If you really love me, you'll let me go."
Frank looked into her eyes and let go of her hand. She left the room and slowly went up the stairs to grab her duffel bag. Without taking an umbrella, Nancy rushed out into the rain toward the waiting taxi. She was just about to get in when Frank ran up behind her and turned her around to face him.
"You can't just leave, Nancy," he said over the drone of rain. They were both instantly drenched. "Everything will be the same even if you stay. There's no escaping reality. Tell me why. I won't accept 'I can't.' You're not leaving me. Not now."
Nancy bit her lip and looked away. When she turned back to Frank, tears were freely flowing down her already drenched face. "I just watched Dad die," she admitted, a revelation that even Frank didn't know about. "I can't bear the thought of watching you die too. I love you so much that I can't fathom a day without you but we can't right now. Go. Live your life. Don't let me be the reason why you stopped living. I'm sorry, Frank."
She stood on her toes and kissed him once more. He held her close, not wanting to let her go. When Nancy finally pushed away, she was still crying. "I will always love you, Frank," she said before getting into the taxi.
He stood watching the car go down the street and disappear around the corner. Frank still loved her though his heart ached for her. Whatever the cause was as to why Nancy left, Frank was determined to find out and get her back. He wasn't going to let her go.