Tess's POV
Six days since I've last spoken to Matthew, other than the obligatory "Excuse me" in the halls.
Fifteen days until my nineteenth birthday.
Less than one month for Matthew to make his decision. Or so I've heard from the palace gossip.
I can't believe it's been more than a week already. Everything seems normal again, yet so unfamiliar at the same time. I still expect Eva to peek around the corner or Michael to wave from the archery range.
It has been long enough that I don't feel anything but emptiness. I still have dreams of Eva, and there aren't enough words to describe how strange they are. Sometimes we're just talking in the beach, or maybe roaming the seemingly empty palace. She always tells me to forgive Matthew or to get back together with him.
But last night had been a new kind of peculiar. She was with Michael that time, hand in hand, waiting for me in front of a house the color of a yellow primrose in the early spring. It looked new, the sun shining on it as if it was made to be noticeable. There was a cozy-looking tire swing in the front. They were just standing there. I tried getting them to talk, but they looked around and laughed as if they thought they were schizophrenic but knew they weren't and dismissed the idea. It really frustrated me.
So now I'm in the gym, doing what I seem to do best.
Punch, punch. Right hook, left hook. A low whistle greets my ears from behind. "Someone's mad."
I roll my eyes and turn around to face Jerome. "What do you want?"
He holds up his hands defensively. "Nothing. Yeesh, woman. No wonder Matthew broke up with you."
Ouch. That was a really low blow. The hurt must be showing on my face because Jerome comes nearer. "Tess, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it seriously. When I'm under stress..."
"You make fun of everything," I say, cutting him off. "It's fine. I get it. Too serious for you, brush it off. I know what you mean." I'm rambling now, but Jerome stops me by putting a finger on my lips.
"Easy, Fire Girl." He embraces me and I wrap my arms around his chest, just glad that I have a friend who's there for me. He rests his chin on my head and I sigh.
"As much as I love Matt, I don't know if I can forgive him that easily."
I can almost hear the gears turn in Jerome's head. "You love him." I nod beneath his chin. "Does he know?"
"Yes. I fought with him last night and it slipped out."
"Huh. Not really something that slips out when you fight with someone."
I jokingly push Jerome's chest. "Shut up, Jer" I say, feeling a little better.
He smiles a little and kisses my cheek like a brother. "I have to go, but I'll catch up with you later, okay?"
"Okay."
"Don't hurt yourself, Fire Girl," he says over his shoulder.
If I don't hurt anyone else first.
Matthew's POV
"We're going to France, Matthew," Father says, not bothering to knock on my door.
I look up from my desk and frown. "What?"
"We're leaving for France, tonight at seven." Father walks to sit on the edge of my desk. "We're having a meeting with the king of France. I'm sure you remember him from..." Father rubs his jaw, trying to remember the last time we had seen the French king. "Oh, never mind. I just wanted to notify you that we'll be there to resolve some things." He looks away and mutters, "And interrogate."
"Father, how long will we be there?" I ask, concerned about a certain date approaching.
"About six to seven days, Son. Wouldn't want to miss Tess's birthday, now would we?" He winks jokingly and I roll my eyes, smiling along the way.
"No, we wouldn't want that."
There's a lull in the conversation.
"Well, you better pack, Matthew," he says, clapping my back and turning to leave. "We have an hour before the flight."
"Wait, Father," I say suddenly.
He turns. "Yes?"
I bite my lip in hesitation. "How do you think I can apologize to Tess? I know what I want to say, but I, uh, don't really know how to say it. To her face."
Father smiles a little. "Well, Son, maybe you should write a letter or something. I tried conveying my feelings to your mother once. It was as embarrassing as hell to write, but I think it was worthwhile. Plus, Tess has about a week to mull over your words."
I nod, considering it. I'm not a softy, but Tess is right; sorry isn't enough. "Sounds kinda good, actually," I say, getting out a fresh piece of paper. "Thank you, Father."
He smiles and leaves the room after saying, "Any time, Matthew."
Tess's POV
Matthew and the king don't show up for dinner. I'm slightly worried as I leave the dining hall until I see Matthew at the foyer of the palace.
"Hi," I mumble.
He doesn't turn as if he doesn't notice me, and I'm contemplating saying it again, but he says, "Hey."
I cross my arms, not quite knowing what to do with my hands. "So what's up?"
"I'm leaving for France," he says quietly.
I gasp. "When?"
"Tonight, in a few minutes. I'm just waiting for Father."
The talk dies, and the night sounds of owls and crickets fill the muggy air. "When will you be back?" I ask.
He smiles dryly. "Long before your birthday, love."
I can only nod. I don't know what force pulls me to him. I end up wrapping my arms around Matthew's neck. He tentatively returns the hug, though I can tell the hesitation is for my sake. "Promise me you'll come home safely. You and your father," I whisper into his ear.
He nods against my hair. "I promise."
King Maxon walks out then to join Matthew. A car rolls up on the driveway, awaiting its two passengers that are worth more than any diamond.
Matthew presses a tender kiss against my temple, and he picks up his suitcase. Again, I'm not sure what forces me to do this, but I give the king a loose hug. He chuckles. "Please return home safely," I say, embarrassed as I pull away.
"Of course, my dear. And you stay safe too." He smiles and enters the car.
I wave until they're out of sight.
I return to my room, and in the middle of collapsing in bed, I find a crisp, white envelope on top of the blue velvet covers. The front neatly says Tess in fancy script. I open the letter, both anxious and excited to see what is written inside.
Ooh cliffie. And yes, I know. I stole the letters thing from The One. If you haven't read the book yet, 1. I'm so sorry if this spoiled anything for you and 2. I'M SHUNNING YOU UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK. Love you!
ReadLikeYouMeanIt- Yeah, I don't really deal with racism, but I'm kinda racist against myself... Whoops? Boys... Some disappoint and some make us wish we were better. Ugh.
prnamber3909- Who's your favorite OTP? :P
PokemonLuver151- Look at my profile :)
ilona18- That was me so I guess I have a temper.
lilythemermaid- Ugh Swedish guy. HAHAHAHA What a grapefruit. Funny. Lucas and I talk about you at school all the time it's hilarious. :P LOL
agb1700- Thank you so much! Your reviews make my afternoons better!
Lucas- Haha I'm so surprised you care. So do you ship them? *wiggles eyebrows*
Guest- OMG when I saw that last one, my heart stopped altogether then I somehow lived and it's beating much faster... Is that normal?
Thank you for the reviews/follows/favorites you guys! This makes me really happy, so keep reviewing! I want to get to 300 reviews for this story before it ends. I think I've said that already, but oh well. The next story will be called "The End". So yeah. That's all I got. :)
Love ya!- AcademicGirl