Chapter 36

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She awoke to the sound of his snoring. At first, she didn't know where she was, only that her face was resting on skin, and she was naked. She opened her eyes, and she was curled up under a warm blue blanket, her limbs intertwined with his. She forced herself to look up, and she realized she was in bed with the infamous Greg House. Then, the memories came flooding back, and she smiled, sadly.

He snorted in his sleep, drawing her closer to him. She listened to the thump thump of his heart, allowing herself to smile.

The sex had been incredible. Just remembering it made her chest tighten and a warmth flood her lower abdomen. He was an incredible, considerate lover. He had made her feel like no one had made her feel before.

Then she realized that he was leaving in the morning.

And there was no room in his life for her.

She disentangled herself from him slowly. She looked at his handsome, aristocratic face for a few moments, so peaceful in sleep. She burned that image into her mind; she wanted to carry that image of him forever.

She slowly began to gather her things, and she dressed, reluctantly. She realized that her shirt was downstairs. She didn't want to walk down there in her bra, so she looked around the room, spotting a black t-shirt in the corner, hanging off the floor lamp by his bookshelf.

She slipped the cool, cotton t-shirt on, pulling it up to her nose. It smelled like him, and that made her smile. She glanced around the room, her eyes falling back on his sleeping form.

They never would have made it. She knew that. They were young and stubborn and impetuous. They'd flame out in a year or so, but she still felt horrible that she was just leaving him in the middle of the night.

She spotted his organic chem text laying on the by the bookshelf, and she opened it. She picked up the pen laying beside it, and she bit her bottom lip. What to say, what to write?

Finally, she scribbled a simple Thank you for the tutoring. I'll take these memories, and hold them close for the rest of my life. I'm sure we'll meet again. ~Lisa

Blinking back tears that threatened to fall, she slipped out of the apartment, leaving him sleeping deeply, alone.

He awoke the next morning, a smile on his face. He reached over, then realized the bed was cold and empty. He sat up, more alert. He had been hoping for a morning delight, a continuation of where they left off last night, but she was gone.

The realization that she left in the middle of the night sank his heart. He fell back against the pillows feeling very alone.

Later that day, he was tossing his books into a cardboard box. He hadn't called her, hadn't talked to anyone. He packed, his blue eyes clouded with hurt. He saw that his organic chem book was open. He saw her message scrawled in the cover.

At first, he didn't know what to feel. Anger, hurt, warmth at seeing her writing, they all flooded his senses.

But, he was his father's son, and anger won. He chucked the book across the room, breaking a glass framed autographed poster of Eric Clapton.

Alec came rushing up the stairs at the sound of the crash. "What's going on, dude?"

Greg shook his head, "nothing, man. Absolutely nothing." He looked at his friend, his gaze cold. "The sooner I get the hell out of this town, the happier I'll be." He shoved some more books in the box.

Alec walked over to the mess, and he picked up the book. He turned to Greg, his gray gaze full of concern. "Oh man, I'm sor..."

"Don't say it!" He snatched the book out of Alec's hand. "Just fucking don't say it. It's not a fucking problem anymore." He crammed it in the box, and he took it downstairs, loading it in his car.

Alec followed him out, and he watched him load up his car.

After all the boxes were loaded; Greg was leaving the furniture behind. They stood there, silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. Then, Alec dug into his pocket, and he handed Greg a wad of cash. "Found a buyer for your bike. You got five hundred bucks out of it. Enjoy your new life."

He went into the apartment, and Greg got into his car, wanting to leave the memories behind.

A/N-

Just a short little chapter to wrap things up in the past. That's right. This part of the fic is done! Sorry it was so short...

There is still a bit more in the present, so stay tuned...:-)

Thanks, and I hope you all enjoyed!