I do not own any of the music, products or movies mentioned in this fic and as much as I wish I did.........I don't own GhostWhisperer or any of its characters, I do however, own those characters and storylines which appear in this fanfic, but not in the show. No copyright infringement intended!

This is it guys! I just wanna take some time to say thank you SO much to everyone who has stuck with HWC from beginning to end, your reviews inspired me to write a story which I've absolutely loved doing, and I hope you've loved reading. I know that it's a sad ending, I KNOW! Okay? LOL But it's not all sad, I want everyone to have a chance to heal by themselves otherwise they'll never work properly together, there will be a sequel called 'BitterSweet' which I'll begin posting soon, it won't be anywhere near as long as HWC LOL 50 frickin chapters dudes! I'm so stoked!!! Yay! Enjoy xx and please leave a final review!!! BTW this is VERY long compared to the rest because I hate rushed endings, I want to do this proplerly x I'm really not feeling great so please don't be too harsh lol x Happy New Year, I hope it brings you everything you dream of xxx

Melinda was awoken again at 10:00am by Olivia "how are you feeling this morning?" she asked, Melinda turned in the uncomfortable hospital bed and just gave a small nod, Olivia smiled "I'm glad sweety" she said softly, "we've packed up your stuff already, you just need to get yourself dressed and we can head out, don't worry about having a shower here, you can do that at home, we'll be there soon" she said, Melinda sat up slowly noticing that her chest was only a tiny ache now, her eyes tiredly for Jim but couldn't find him, "Jim's carrying your stuff down to the car, did you sleep alright?" she asked, Melinda grimaced.

"I'll miss you" she whispered, Olivia's gaze dropped to the ground "you...you still want to go" she said softly, Melinda nodded "I'm sorry Olivia, and I'm so grateful for everything you guys have done for me, I couldn't have gotten this far without you, but I need to figure this out alone, I feel like I've disappeared and I don't know when exactly it happened, everything I liked about myself is gone, I have to try to get that back, and I don't think I can find it here. I want to go back home for a little while, I'd like to say goodbye to my parents properly, then I want to start over, away from all the bad memories, you know?" she said while brushing her hair.

"Christopher spoke to Lisa last night Melinda, there's a problem, they don't have any available places in any children's homes for over 16's, right now, there's nowhere to go" she said softly, Melinda sighed "I'll live on campus if I go back to school, until then I'll find somewhere" she said, Olivia nodded "are you sure about this honey?" she asked, Melinda smiled "it makes me feel a little better, having hope that this might help, I'm searching for something I guess, I just don't know what it is yet" she said. "I'm gonna miss you so much, I liked not being the shortest member of the family" Olivia joked, Melinda shook her head "you still won't, I'm not leaving the family, just leaving home, I'll always consider you guys parents to me, and brothers and sisters, this isn't gonna change that" Melinda said softly, Olivia reached out and Melinda hugged her as tightly as she could "I love you" she whispered, Olivia smiled against her tears "I love you too baby" she replied "Come on then sweety, let's get going".

TWO HOURS LATER

Melinda was stepping out of her bath tub, the bandages had been taken off temporarily while she bathed and other than the bruises on her chest, she looked fine, so much better than the last time she had seen herself. Melinda had put on a little more weight and although much too small still, she looked a little less gaunt and her face had a radiant glow to it after a few days of rest and regular meals, she dried off quickly chuckling as her long wet hair tickled her back. "Mel?" came Jim's voice "naked!" she replied, the door opened and he poked his head through "was that an invitation or a 'get out'?" he asked hopefully, "come in" she giggled, he came in and eyed her towel "that's cheating" he complained, Melinda laughed and sat at her dressing table to dry her hair "you look great, you know" Jim said softly "thank you, I guess 'night of the living dead' isn't a great look for me after all" she joked, Jim gave her a small smile "you seem happy" he whispered, "I'm happy to be here, to be alive, to be well, to be free...just happy" she replied with a smile "I find that focusing on the positives helps me not to break down in tears every five minutes, but give me about an hour and I'm sure I'll be an emotional wreck again" she jabbed at herself, Jim chuckled "I'll set the timer and have a box of tissues waiting" he replied.

"So, Livvy told me that you're planning to live alone" Jim said, Melinda nodded "it's my only option right now, there's nowhere else for me to go" she said with a sigh, Melinda turned on the hairdryer and blew her hair out into soft waves quickly as Jim watched, "it looks beautiful" Jim whispered, Melinda smiled "are you okay?" she asked, he nodded "just scared I guess, when do you plan on...leaving?" he asked sadly, Melinda sighed "as soon as I can get my stuff packed up" she replied "but that will only be a couple of days!" Jim said in shock, Melinda looked down at the floor "I know" she replied quietly, "Christopher has the papers, Lisa faxed them over, she wants to see you when you get there, she told Christopher that since you won't officially be in care, it's not against any laws for you to stay with her for a while, she was hoping you might want to stay there while you're in California" Jim told her, Melinda smiled "you know, when I was at Olive Crest, I used to wish that Lisa would adopt me, I had this dream of her turning up one day and telling me to get my things because I was going to stay with her, I knew it couldn't happen, it's against the rules, but you can't blame a girl for dreaming, right?"

Jim watched as Melinda disappeared into her closet and he listened to the wardrobe door sliding smoothly, he walked towards it and paused in the doorway, Melinda was staring at herself in the mirror, only wearing panties and a bra, purple lace that offset her pale skin beautifully "you okay?" he asked, Melinda nodded slowly "I guess, I just...the scars will always be there, they're small and easily covered, but I'll always know..." she whispered, Jim walked up behind her and she could smell his shower gel and shampoo which made her smile a little "you're perfect Melinda" he whispered, she shook her head in protest but he kissed her neck and nodded into it "perfect" he whispered again. Jim reached out for the t-shirt she had picked out a bright pink one that Said 'Victoria's Secret' on it in italic black script, he pulled it over Melinda's head and she pushed her arms through it slowly to avoid the ache in her chest, Jim then helped her step into a pair of shorts which were now too big for her and so sat low on her hips.

"Will you eat dinner?" Jim asked worriedly "no, we will" Melinda replied, Jim smiled "do you promise me that you're gonna look after yourself when you're away? You won't stop eating or taking your meds?" he asked seriously, Melinda nodded "this is all about getting better, in every way" she agreed. "You ready?" he asked "sure", they had already been greeted by everyone with hugs and kisses which Melinda had happily accepted and returned but Melinda knew that everyone was waiting for her to come back downstairs so that they could talk properly.

"How does spaghetti sound?" Olivia asked as they hit the bottom of the stairs, Melinda smiled "delicious" she replied quietly, "I'm so hungry" she sighed, Jim chuckled and poked her stomach "you've got a full year of eating to catch up on" he said with a smile, Melinda giggled "I'll try not to do it all at once" she joked. "Someone's happy" Olivia noted with raised eyebrows, Melinda nodded "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, and although I know it'll be awful...I really want to be able to say goodbye to...my mom and dad properly, I never had a chance before" she whispered. "We understand" Olivia replied gently, "will you tell your old friends that you're back?" Alexis asked from the kitchen, Melinda shook her head "I don't want them to...see me like this" she said with her eyes downcast "but maybe someday, when I'm a little more me again, I miss them".

"What about school, will you go back?" Mitch asked, Melinda nodded "I'll find a college, live on campus, try to get my grades up again", "dinner's ready" Christopher announced as he finished dishing it up, "will you sit in the dining room with us? Or would you like to eat upstairs?" Olivia asked, Melinda glanced at Jim "down here's fine" she said with a nervous smile, they all sat around the table and the mood changed noticeably, everyone was nervous, of how Melinda would react to eating dinner with them, of how the conversation at some point would turn into an early goodbye, each sad about losing a sister, daughter, friend, and soul-mate. That's how Jim saw Melinda...she was his soul-mate.

"That was really nice" Melinda said with a smile as she finished, she had eaten almost all of her dinner which had made everyone feel a little easier, Jim kissed her head "well done" he whispered, "right, well, Melinda...we have your papers, all you need to do is sign and take them with you when you go home, we'll have your car brought over for you, you have to call us, it's not optional. Do you understand?" Olivia asked fiercely, Melinda gave a nervous glance in Jim's direction feeling her heart break at his pleading gaze "Melinda? You will call us at least once a week to let us know how you're doing, I will be speaking to Lisa every day that you're in California, and you must let us know where you go afterwards, you may need to do this alone, but you're still only a child and I can't have you wandering the earth by yourself" she insisted, Melinda couldn't help but smile at her motherly panic "promise" she agreed, Jim seemed to let out a long breath he had been holding.

"Right, everyone is going to help Melinda pack, if you're doing this, we're doing it together" Olivia said with a sincere smile "are you sure don't want to wait a few weeks?" Mitch asked hopefully, Melinda smiled "I'm ready". "Let's go then" said Christopher, everyone traipsed upstairs grudgingly "you have to come and visit" Holly insisted, "maybe someday I will" Melinda replied gently, "girls, you can make a start on clothes, boys you can pack up any other stuff, Melinda, are you sure you want to do this so soon?" he asked, Melinda nodded. "I'll book...your flight" he said with a sad sigh, they reached Melinda's room and everyone got to work. Jim captured Melinda's hand and pulled her into his arms "I love you Melinda, please..please don't do this" he whispered in her ear, Melinda's face crumpled and she leaned into him "I love you too...and I'm sorry Jim, but I have to go" she replied "I have to".

24 hours later

Melinda's flight was booked for 5:00am the next morning and her possessions had all been taken in a removal truck except for the things she had in her suitcases. Melinda had signed up for a full programme at the Metropolitan Arts Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, She would be living on campus and studying Literary arts, Performing Arts- Music, Dance, Drama, and a night course in Classical Piano. Lisa had arranged to pick her up from the airport drive her to the school so she could unpack everything and tour the campus before she would go and stay with Lisa for the two weeks before school started. Being in Phoenix meant that she would be near enough to home that she could see Lisa whenever she wanted, and visit her parent's graves as often as she could.

Everyone had exchanged long tearful goodbyes with Melinda, presenting her with gifts and hugs and kisses, they had all disappeared over the course of the evening to give her and Jim some time alone. At 6:00pm Melinda was just finished getting changed after a long soak in the tub, wearing a pair of black high-waisted skinny jeans over a satin purple camisole with a lace neckline, she applied some light make up and straightened her long hair ready for the next day "I can do this" she whispered to herself as she glanced around the bare looking room, "I can do this" she repeated as though she were trying to convince herself, a quiet sob escaped her throat and Melinda pressed a hand to her mouth.

Tears began rolling fast down her cheeks and she couldn't help but break down as her shoulders shook with her cries, "it's so hard" Jim whispered as he appeared beside her, she continued crying into her hands until Jim pulled her easily into his arms and carried her to his own room, "you'll stay in here tonight?" he asked hopefully, Melinda nodded into his chest and let him lay her down gently on his bed "I thought, after my parents died, that I would never be happy again. You proved me wrong Melinda, you've made me so happy, just thinking about you can put a smile on my face, so thank you, because you saved me too Melinda" Jim whispered, Melinda cried even harder and lay her head on his chest "I love you" Jim said with a kiss to the top her head, Melinda couldn't bring herself to speak and so just touched her hand to his chest knowing he would understand.

It took a long time for Melinda to calm down but eventually her sobbing slowed to occasional sniffles, she sat on her knees at Jim side and pulled the ring chain over her head and slid the ring off of it, kissing it quickly she slid it onto her ring finger and held her hand out to Jim "maybe we don't have to end this" Jim whispered as he traced the design on the ring, Melinda met his gaze and he smiled "you can do your semester at college and then I'll come find you, I'll just turn up on your doorstep with a bunch of roses and pray that you haven't moved on" he whispered, Melinda shook her head "I don't think I ever will" she replied quietly, "then why Melinda? Why are you doing this to us?" he asked brokenly, "don't make this harder than is already is Jim, just let me go, and one day you'll be okay again, I promise" she insisted. "Can we go somewhere?" Jim asked a few seconds later, Melinda nodded and took the hand that he held out for her, Jim put on his sneakers and Melinda grabbed a pair of black and white converse from her suitcase, "where?" she whispered. Jim turned around and held her face between his hands kissing her softly "where we were happy" he replied sadly.

Jim pulled his jacket on and gave Melinda a huge sweater that drowned her petite frame, he grabbed a huge blanket and she followed him out of the house and through the woods knowing where they were going, the sun was just setting and the sky was a perfect palette of blues, pinks and purples. They walked until they could hear the sound of water running, Jim led Melinda the last few steps until they were facing the stream "remember the times we had here, the times you used to laugh...we had fun...together" Jim whispered, he spread the blanket out on the warm grass and lay down, Melinda lay right on top him and he chuckled "will you ever forgive me?" Jim asked, Melinda shook her head "I never blamed you in the first place Jim, never. This wasn't your fault, you couldn't have known what would happen that night Jim, I don't feel like anything that happened was because of you, stop beating yourself up, I'm alive, I'm okay now, I'll be better one day" she said sincerely. Jim nodded "I guess, I just feel like...like I made this happen, I'm the reason you're leaving. Just please Melinda, promise me that you'll take good care of yourself, that you'll try your hardest to be happy again, and that you'll try your hardest to come back to me...because I can't lose you for good Melinda, I just can't" he insisted, "I promise you Jim, we'll be okay" she replied, "no. No, Melinda, promise me that we'll be together" he pleaded, Melinda gazed into his eyes for a second before nodded "we will Jim, I promise, we'll be together again" she said sincerely.

They lay there until the sun had completely disappeared and the air became chilly "we better get back, you shouldn't be out here in the cold" Jim whispered, Melinda didn't reply and he couldn't help the way his heart raced in panic thinking of the night they found her, her face bloodied, her body bruised, her eyes closed- he shook the horror from his mind and told himself to remember that she was okay, she had only fallen asleep, Jim gently lifted her off of him and wrapped her in the blanket before picking her up and walking quickly back to the house. "Jim" she whispered in her half awakened state "I'm here baby" he replied gently "I love you" she whispered before her breathing evened out and he knew she had gone back to sleep.

Jim balanced her carefully in his arms while opening the front door, Olivia's head whipped around and her face was a picture of panic as she looked at Melinda, "she just fell asleep Livvy, don't worry" Jim whispered, Olivia clamped a hand over her chest and let out a breath of relief "how's she doing?" she asked, Jim smiled "she seems a little happier, knowing that she's going to near home brings her peace, I can't fight that" he whispered, Olivia smiled "we'll all miss her Jim, but we'll have her back here someday, we won't let her slip away that easy" she said with a smile which Jim returned. "Goodnight Olivia" he said softly, "goodnight darling, is she staying with you?" Olivia asked, Jim nodded with tears in his eyes "last night together...this hurts" he said with a nod before turning up the stairs and heading into his room, glancing at the clock he noted it was only after 8:00pm. Melinda reached out for him in her sleep as he lay her down and Jim kissed her head, he pulled her shoes off and kicked off his own before heading onto her room to get some pyjamas, he went towards the closet and froze when he remembered that it was empty, slowly he turned to the open suitcase on her bed and smiled at what was on top of it, she had a stack of photographs, all of which he had copies of too, all of the best times they had shared, he picked up one and admired Melinda's smiling face "one day I'll see you smile again Melinda Gordon" he whispered determinedly before setting it down and picking up a pair of shorts and a black t-shirt that she had left out.

"Mel?" he called quietly, she opened her eyes slowly "mmm" she mumbled "I uh..I have your pyjamas..I wasn't sure if I should...do you mind?" he asked, Melinda smiled "thank you for asking Jim, but you don't have to...I'd never say no" she replied quietly, Jim smiled down at her and undid the buttons on her jeans before sliding them easily down her legs, Melinda pushed herself up while he was folding the jeans on the end of his bed, she reached out and stilled his hand with her own, Jim looked at her questioningly and she smiled serenely before leaning forward, Jim eyed her lovingly as she ran her hands through his hair and tugged at it lightly "I'll miss that, promise me you won't cut it short" she requested, Jim nodded and Melinda raised up on her knees, she pressed herself close to him before capturing his lips with her own, she bit his bottom lip gently before smiling against him, Jim wrapped his arms around her and held her close as he kissed her back, Melinda could feel the difference in the kiss, it wasn't just sweetness and love, it was sadness and pain and desperation...they were saying goodbye.

A single tear rolled down Melinda's cheek and Jim wiped it away with his thumb, "don't cry baby, we'll be okay, I'll find you" he whispered, Melinda nodded "don't give up on me Jim, I'll make myself better, I'll fight as hard as I can and I'll come back to you I swear, one day I'll come back" she said, "one day you'll be mine again" Jim mumbled against her lips, Melinda pulled back and held his face between her hands "I'll never, never stop being yours Jim" she said fiercely, he smiled and kissed her again gently pushing her back to the bed, Melinda pulled her top over her head and wrapped her arms around him, Jim kissed her deeply and lost his hands in her hair, he trailed kisses from her face down her neck to the new bandages that Christopher had put on her after her bath, "you're still hurt" he whispered against her, the pain in his voice told her exactly what Jim was thinking "this was not your fault Jim, you didn't do this to me" she insisted, "but I did Melinda, you told me to stop and I held you down to give you that damn injection, you screamed Melinda, you screamed" he said shaking his head before pressing more kisses to the bandage.

Melinda pulled him up to her "stop, stop it" she demanded "you can't blame yourself" she insisted fiercely, Jim kissed her lips slowly and held himself over her so as not to hurt her with his weight. "I'm going to miss you so much Melinda" Jim whispered against her "I'll miss you too Jim, this hurts" she said softly. "Can I come to the airport with you?" he asked, Melinda shook her head "Jim, don't, it will just hurt you even more" she pleaded, he shook his head "worth it" he mumbled against her lips quietly, "are you sure?" Melinda asked, Jim nodded and kissed her again "I have to be there, I want to say goodbye properly, I need to" he insisted "fine, but you're gonna have to watch me walk away Jim, are you sure you can handle that?", Jim sighed "no" he whispered "but I'll do it anyway".

Melinda's face crumpled and she burst into tears "hey, sssh, you're okay Melinda, it's okay" he soothed as he pulled Melinda on top of him and wrapped his arms around her, "we'll be okay, everything's gonna be okay" he repeated over and over, a desperate mantra he knew brought little comfort to either of them.

"Are you guys awake?" came Olivia's quiet voice, "yeah, hold on" was Jim's tearful reply, Jim pulled Melinda's pyjamas on quickly and kissed her head just as Olivia walked in, she sighed as she took in the scene before her "are you okay?" she whispered, Jim shook his head and held Melinda tighter against her sobs "Melinda...baby" she whispered as she sat down beside them.

Olivia touched Melinda's back and she let go of Jim's shirt to hold Olivia's hand, their fingers laced together and Olivia lay down beside Melinda wrapping her arms around her from behind "you'll be okay Mel, I know it" she whispered, Christopher knocked on the door gently and stepped in "do you mind?" he asked, Melinda's crying continued and so he shut the door behind him and sat on the end of her bed "you know, we'll see you again soon...and you can come back here anytime you want Melinda, whenever you're ready" he said softly, Melinda nodded tearfully and sat up "thank you..for everything" she whispered, Christopher reached out to her and Jim helped her sit up slowly, "I'm gonna go make some hot cocoa, you guys want some?" Jim asked, Melinda gave him a small smile and nodded while the others declined. Melinda leaned into Christopher's open arms and he wrapped them around her gently "will you be okay Melinda? Are you ready to be alone?" Christopher asked desperately, "I'm ready...but still scared" she whispered.

Christopher smiled gently "you'll be okay Melinda, you're a strong girl, and if it ever gets too much for you, you know you've always got a place to turn and a family who loves you" he whispered. Melinda nodded and rested her head against his chest "I need to do this" she whispered, "I should let you get some sleep" Christopher said, he kissed the top of her head and gently lay her down "goodnight baby" he whispered tearfully, Melinda nodded "goodnight..dad" she replied, Olivia kissed her cheek "Melinda, I love you" she sobbed, "mom...I'm so sorry that I'm doing this to you...I love you too, both of you" Melinda replied sadly. The two of them left Melinda alone with her tears and soon after Jim returned with two huge glasses of hot chocolate, "you're hurting so much...I wish there was something I could do" Jim said as he sat down beside her and stroked her hair.

"There is" Melinda whispered, she sat up and wiped the tears from her face, Jim eyed her questioningly "what?" he asked, "say goodbye" she whispered, Jim shook his head "I can't Melinda, we can't, let's not make it any harder" he pleaded, Melinda leaned closer and laced her fingers together behind Jim's neck "I need to hear you say it" she whispered, Jim sighed "goodbye" he whispered, Melinda bit back tears and nodded "I can do this" she replied. Jim leaned in and caught her lips "I love you Mel" he whispered, "I love you too Jim, you know that, right? You know how much I love you?" she asked desperately, Jim nodded "I know" he agreed with a nod, Melinda cupped his cheek with her hand and traced his nose with her thumb, Jim lifted his hand on the opposite side and mirrored her as she ran her fingers gently over his skin memorizing every line, after a while Melinda let her hand fall from his face and ran it over his chest pulling him down with her, Jim wrapped his arms around Melinda and turned them so she was on top of him to avoid putting any pressure on her.

Melinda unwrapped the bandage around her chest and took a deep breath at the relief, she pulled her t-shirt up a little and winced as she caught sight of the bruise across her ribs, Jim held her hips and kissed the bruise gently, "love me" Melinda whispered in his ear as he kissed her neck, Jim pulled back and looked into her eyes "are you sure?" he asked, Melinda nodded "I want to" she whispered, Jim smiled widely and slipped a hand under her tiny black t-shirt and pulled it up at the back "me too" he replied, Melinda sat up with him and pulled her arms out of the top before Jim slipped it over her head.

"Careful" Jim mumbled as he lowered Melinda down to the bed gently, she smiled at his concern and tugged at the bottom of his t-shirt "off" she mumbled against his neck, Jim pulled if off easily and did the same with his boxer shorts, Melinda bit her lip and reached out to stroke him with one hand while running her fingers through his hair with the other, Jim moaned and kissed Melinda deeply, her fingers grasped at his hair as their tongues battled for power, Jim ran a hand down Melinda's perfectly flat stomach and slid her shorts and panties down, she slipped them over her legs and let them fall to the floor.

"Jim" she moaned into their kiss as he nudged her legs apart and lay between them "are you okay?" he asked, Melinda nodded and he reached underneath her to unclasp her bra, she shrugged out of it and Jim slid it slowly down her arms "you're perfect" he mumbled against her skin as he kissed from the curve of her throat down between her breasts and back up to her lips, Melinda bit her lip hard as he slid a finger slowly into her, her breaths became shallow as Jim added a second finger and began a slow rhythm.

"I love seeing you like this" Jim whispered as Melinda twined her fingers into her hair and tipped her head back, she moaned in response and pushed her hips against Jim's hand, he kissed her neck and picked up the pace suddenly making her gasp and open her mouth as she moaned his name quietly, "don't stop" she mumbled almost incoherently as Jim's fingers found a place that made her head swim, Jim pushed harder and Melinda let out a small scream of pleasure as her orgasm rocked through her body, "I love you" she whispered, Jim claimed her lips in a heavy kiss and smiled at the blush across her cheeks, he kissed each one, then her nose, then her forehead, and finally her lips again.

"I love you too" Jim whispered against her as he slipped his fingers out of her and held her waist gently "my heart won't leave yours" Melinda said quietly, Jim smiled "my heart's glad to hear it" he replied with a lopsided grin that gave her butterflies, "are you ready?" Jim asked, Melinda nodded and lifted her hips to his in invitation, Jim kissed her and laced his fingers with hers as he slowly slid into her.

Melinda whimpered quietly at the slight pain and Jim kissed her "are you okay?" he asked, Melinda nodded and he wiped a newly forming tear from the corner of eye "sure?" he whispered, a smile broke across Melinda's face and she rocked her hips against his eagerly "I'm sure" she replied.

Jim pulled almost all the way out of her before slowly pushing back in, "Jim" Melinda mumbled as he moved against her, Melinda reached up and ran her thumb over Jim's bottom lip, he smiled at the gesture and bit her finger lightly as he thrust into her, Melinda moaned at the double sensation and he gave her a smug grin.

Jim sped up a little and kept a steady rhythm and Melinda held onto his broad shoulders for support as he began moving harder against her, she began circling her hips in time with him and Jim ran a hand from the back of her thigh to the back of her knee and lifted her leg allowing him to reach even deeper within her, Melinda hooked that leg over his back and threw her arms above her head.

Jim kissed Melinda hungrily as he felt himself losing control, she smiled against him and scratched his back lightly with her long pink-painted nails, Jim moaned into her mouth as he reached his release, "Jim!" Melinda screamed as she followed, Jim bit Melinda's lip as she rode out her second orgasm arching her back against him and moaning breathlessly, Jim held her close to him and rolled onto his back so she was laying on top.

He stroked her hair lovingly as she lay her head on his chest "I never wanna let you go" he whispered, Melinda sighed quietly "ditto" she murmured quietly and Jim could hear the sadness in her voice, "you'll always be my girl Melinda" he whispered, "and you'll always be my guy" she replied with a kiss to his chest, "at college...how long is your course?" he asked, Melinda began tracing a neat pattern on his stomach "the longest is eight months" she replied, Jim nodded "do you think...maybe you'd come back after that?" he asked trying not to sound too hopeful to avoid making her feel pressured, "No, I can't. Tell me something Jim, after everything that's happened, everything with us...everything with...with them..." she paused with a shudder as she thought about it, "...do you really want me? I don't just mean now...I'm talking about what you said when you gave me this" she said pointing to her ring "...you said forever...do you still want that?" she asked, Jim nodded without hesitation "more than anything in this world Melinda, it's all I want, all I'll ever want" he insisted pleadingly.

"Then you'll let me go, you'll let me find myself again and you'll stop trying...trying to make me feel even worse about all this than I already do, you're hurting me Jim, you're hurting yourself, so just stop, please. I can't take this anymore, this is exactly why I'm going, I need to be away from people needing things from me...needing me to talk, needing me to smile, needing me to get better and get over it and be someone that I'm not" Melinda pushed herself up and wrapped the sheet around her naked body turning away from him, "okay" Jim whispered.

Melinda sighed and he pulled her into his arms and lay down stroking her hair gently "I'm letting you go Melinda, I'm saying goodbye" he whispered tearfully, Melinda reached up and touched his cheek "thank you Jim", "We'll make it through this Melinda, we'll be together again, happy, free. I'll make it happen" Jim whispered, Melinda smiled "I love you Jim, I'll never ever stop, I swear" she promised, "I love you too baby, that will never change" Jim said. He continued stroking Melinda's hair gently lost in thought until he realised that Melinda's breathing was slow and even "good night, my love" he whispered before turning the light out and pulling the covers over both of them.

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
Far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Well, every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure

Cradling her in his arms he knew the next day would be the hardest he had faced since his parents had died. Jim couldn't stop the tears as they flowed fast down his cheeks, every now and then Melinda would stir and he would whisper gently in her ear, trying his hardest not to fall asleep because he didn't want to waste a single moment he had with her.

Don't wanna close my eyes

Don't wanna fall asleep

Cause I'd miss you babe

And I don't wanna miss a thing

'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing

"I'm scared" Melinda whispered in her sleep, Jim kissed her head softly and rubbed her arm "me too baby" Jim replied though he knew she couldn't hear him "I say I understand why you're doing this, but the truth is...there's a part of me that doesn't, I wish I could, but it's just so hard to think of not having you here, not being able to hold you. I just wish there was another way...something I could do..." he trailed off with a choked sob and buried his face in Melinda's hair, despite his attempt he could feel the sleep catching up to him. "You're everything I love Melinda, everything I want, everything I need, I wish I could be the same for you, but I guess I'm not enough. I couldn't save you then, and I can't save you now." Jim closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of Melinda's strawberry shampoo, he couldn't fight the tiredness much longer "I love you Melinda" he mumbled just before sleep claimed him.

Lying close to you
Feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together
And I just wanna stay with you
In this moment forever, forever and ever

Melinda sat up and glanced at the clock, 2:30am, she looked down at Jim, fast asleep, and her eyes filled with tears quickly -I'll miss you so much baby- she thought as she touched his warm cheek, Melinda padded into her own bathroom and showered quickly glad that the sound of the water drown out her gentle sobs. As she stepped out she could hear Jim's shower running, she dressed in a cream vintage lace camisole that clung to her tightly, she pulled on a short black leather jacket with rolled sleeves and a pair of dark gray distressed skinny jeans, she curled her hair softly and applied her makeup, angrily slamming a hand down in her dresser in frustration as the tears kept rolling down her cheeks -what do you want from me?- she asked her reflection in thought -I'm doing this for you, leaving him...leaving everyone behind...what else can you take from me?- her tired eyes glared back at her, she lay her head on the dresser "Melinda?"

Christopher hung back in the doorway with tears in his eyes, Melinda didn't respond and kept her head down "how you feeling?" he asked gently, she still didn't move, he shook his head and walked in, kneeling down behind her he pulled back Melinda's shoulders a little to force her to sit up, he sighed at the tears rolling fast down her face, "talk" he whispered, Melinda glanced at him in the mirror and shook her head, he nodded in understanding and stood up to go but paused at the door "we need to leave" he told her before picking up her suitcases and heading back downstairs.

Melinda burst into tears as he walked out and ran her fingers through her hair –this is all my fault, I'm hurting everyone, everyone who tries to help...I can't do it anymore...I'm making the right decision, I need to go...alone- she thought sadly. Melinda grabbed her hand luggage and ran from the room without looking back, "woah, slow down ba-" Olivia began but Melinda ran straight past her and grabbed Christopher's car keys off the counter "Melinda NO!" Olivia yelled but she was already out the front door and out into the pitch black, she threw her bag into the trunk of the car and climbed into the drivers' seat planning to go alone, she couldn't face the thought of having them watch her walk away, watching her plane take off, she rather go by herself.

Just as she got the key in the ignition a pair of strong arms pulled her from the car roughly and spun her around, she found herself staring into Jim's angry tear-filled eyes, he was holding her by the shoulders tightly and set her down in front of him "no" he said firmly, she pulled away from him but he wouldn't let go "NO" he yelled louder, Melinda cried harder as he shook her while he spoke "listen to me Melinda, you're not doing this alone, you can't go by yourself, what the hell were you planning to do? Were you just gonna take off and leave us all behind without a goddamned backward glance? No! This is not how it's going to happen Melinda, we love you. We're going to come with you, and I'm gonna hold your hand while we wait for your flight, and Christopher is gonna hug you and kiss you and tell you how much you mean to him and Livvy, and Olivia will cry her eyes out while we watch your plane take off, but we want to. We want to see you go, to say goodbye, so don't you dare try to take that away from us" he demanded.

Melinda couldn't stop crying but stopped struggling against him and he pulled her into his arms "don't you dare" he repeated in a whisper before pulling her back and shaking his head, he held the back door open for her and climbed in after, Olivia sat in the front passenger seat and smiled gently at the two of them in the rear view mirror, Melinda continued sobbing into Jim's chest until he shuffled over and pulled her down so she was laying with her head in his lap, he slipped his fingers into her hair and massaged her head gently as she cried, Christopher joined them in the car and rubbed his eyes, without a word he shut his door and took to the road.

It only took an hour on the deserted freeway and they were soon in JFK airport standing in line at the counter for American Airlines flights, "morning, could I see your ticket and passport please" the woman behind the desk chirped, Melinda handed her the documents and waited while she tapped away at her computer "okie-dokie sweety, you're boarding in half an hour at gate 12, you'll need to show this on the way in" she said handing her a newly printed boarding pass, Melinda nodded solemnly and turned away to walk back to where Olivia, Christopher and Jim were waiting.

"This is a luggage call for American Airlines flight 34 boarding at 4:30am, please proceed to luggage check in immediately" came a chipper voice over the tannoy system, "I'll do it" Christopher said, he picked up Melinda's suitcases and went up to the desk, the man behind it sent Melinda's bags through a scanner and loaded them onto a conveyer belt "thank you sir" he said with a smile, Christopher sat back down and laced his fingers with Olivia's trembling ones. Melinda's phone rang and she rummaged around in her purse for it, pressing the accept button she held it to her ear "hi honey it's Lisa, I just wanted to let you know that I'm up and ready to head to the airport to pick you up, there are no delays so you should be here in a couple of hours, I'll meet you right outside the gate when you get here just look out for me, you're flying 1st class so you'll be at the front of the crowd, are you alright?" she asked gently, Melinda didn't respond and Lisa sighed "I thought not, you'll be okay sweety, I'll take care of you, I'll see you soon baby, can I talk to the Jenner's?" she asked, Melinda handed the phone to Christopher and lay her head on Jim's shoulder.

"Okay, thanks Lisa, bye" Christopher ended the call and handed the phone back "she's looking forward to seeing you" he said distantly, Melinda nodded and leaned further into Jim, "Melinda, I'm sorry" Olivia cried, Melinda sat up and looked at her questioningly "I'm sorry that we let this happen to you, that we weren't there, that we couldn't stop it...I'm sorry that we don't know how to help you get better and that you have to leave to do it...I'm sorry that I've been such a bad mom to y-" Melinda shook her head in protest and wrapped her arms around Olivia, "I'm sorry baby, Melinda I'm so sorry" she sobbed. They sat like that until Christopher spoke "we'll always love you like a daughter Mel, and you only have to call and we'll be right there with you, always" he said gently, Melinda nodded and he wrapped his arms around both her and Olivia "be safe baby, God...please be safe" he whispered, she leaned into him and he kissed the top of her head.

"This is a boarding call for American Airlines flight 34, could all passengers please proceed to gate 12, I repeat, this is a boarding call for American Airlines flight 34, could all passengers proceed to gate 12", Melinda gasped and Olivia's sobs became harder "I love you Melinda" she whispered, "Mel..." Jim said gently, Christopher released her and she turned to Jim.

"Melinda, before I met you I had lost myself, and you helped me to find my way back to who I want to be, I'm so sorry that I...I couldn't do the same for you, I'd give anything to be all you need, but I know that what you need...it isn't here, I just hope you find it Mel, because you deserve it, you deserve to be happy" he whispered Melinda cried into his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her, "baby I love you so much, and you've got to remember that" he sobbed, she nodded and touched his chest, he smiled through his tears "you'll be okay Melinda, you're the strongest person I've ever met" he said kindly.

"This is a final boarding call for American Airlines flight 34, could all passengers please proceed to gate 12"

Melinda looked up at Jim and nodded, he pulled her face to his and kissed her desperately, he arms wrapped around his neck and Jim lifted her off the ground their lips never leaving each other's. "I'll see you soon baby girl, I swear to God this is NOT goodbye" he growled, she gave Olivia and Christopher a final hug before picking up her bag and heading to the gate with them behind her "you call us as soon as you get there Melinda" Christopher said firmly, she nodded and glanced at the line of people getting their passes checked before walking through the outside terminal and onto the tarmac. Olivia and Christopher nodded tearfully and turned to leave with a final 'I love you', "I love you Mel, forever" Jim whispered, he kissed her one last time and held her close to him, the line of passengers was coming to an end and they knew she had to go.

"Bye baby" he whispered in her ear before letting her go, Melinda gave him one last kiss before handing in her pass and heading out to the plane. People glanced her way subtly as tears streamed down her cheeks, they reached the plane quickly and Melinda scrubbed at her eyes as she climbed the portable staircase, she got to the top and was greeted by a male flight attendant "1st class cabin is to your left ma'am" he said politely, she nodded thanks and made her way to her seat, she was on the side that faced the terminal and she could just imagine Jim through the glass wall, he was standing with his hands linked behind his head as she knew he did when he was upset, Melinda settled down and put her i-pod headphones on, as she pressed play on the song 'Missing-Evanescence' she closed her eyes and watched as her imaginary Jim reached out to her as if asking her to come with him. "Ladies and gentleman, welcome to American Airlines flight 34, please remain in your seats and fasten your lap-belts, we are preparing for take-off".

Melinda glanced tearfully at Jim's sad face in her mind and shook her head –I'm sorry, I can't- she thought sadly, he touched his hand to the glass and watched her turn away slowly. The plane engines came on and Melinda bit back more tears trying to focus on her projection of Jim, he looked up at her through the glass with pleading eyes –I love you- he cried.

Melinda opened her eyes and touched her hand to the little round window by her seat, as they began to move down the runway she turned so that she could still see the building, faster and faster they moved along the tarmac as she watched out the window trying desperately to focus on where Jim would be standing even as they got so far away that one window of the terminal was indistinguishable from the next. As they neared the end with a small jolt the tires left the ground and they began the climb, Melinda closed her eyes and pictured Jim's face again, she imagined reaching out to stroke his cheek. Melinda stared down at the airport as it became smaller and smaller to her, she wiped the tears from her cheeks and took a deep breath "I love you too" she whispered.