Lonnie had decided to go after all. Jay knew that she would. That morning, he looked into her eyes, and knew the truth. This the was the perfect way to spend their final night together. Even though they did nothing, Jay was happy to hold her all night. He kept her close for as long as he could, and today would be the day he let her go.
She ate breakfast with him early and soon left to get her things packed. Jay watched as she went. He offered her help, but she refused. She took her dry clothes and walked back to her dorm. Before he knew it, Jay was accompanied by Mal. He knew she was an early riser, and hoped she wouldn't see Lonnie, but he was sure she did.
"You know she's going to miss you too," Mal said as she round the counter and poured herself a bowl of cereal. Jay didn't really know before. That was why it was hard for him to think about. She wouldn't come back to him, but now, he felt differently.
"I know," Jay talked in a low voice.
"At least you still have Dizzy," Mal sat down across from him. "She'll need someone to spend her summer with."
"Right," Jay nodded. He thought about what his summer was going to look like. He thought about VK day, and was a little excited. The pain of Lonnie's absence would cease, he knew that. But it would take a long time. He knew that too.
They all gathered in front of the limo. A trailer was filled with equipment behind it. Lonnie had made an attempt to carry her bags herself, but of course Jay wouldn't see it happen. He came by early and carried them for her. She was so lucky to have him, and he knew how much she had cared for him. Last night couldn't have been a more perfect way spent.
Once the bags were loaded, it was time for her to say goodbye. She turned to Ben, her oldest friend here. She smiled and hugged him quickly. "I hope you and Rose continue to resolve everything." Lonnie told him, and she had meant it. Ben grinned and nodded. Mal was next. She wrapped her arms around the purple hair girl. "Thank's for giving me pretty hair."
"No problem," Mal laughed a little. Lonnie was always grateful for her friendship with Mal. It opened her eyes to what real friendship was.
Carlos. Lonnie didn't know what to say to him, he was the most quiet of the group, but opened his arms to her. "I wish I could take out with me. You would've been a good team member for this." She had hmi for a short time, but he really excelled in sword fighting.
"I did learn from the best," Carlos grinned. She gave him an approving nod.
She held Evie tight. "I'm going to miss your fashions," Lonnie told her. She thought about the wonderful colors and fabrics of Evie's creations she wore to many events. "I hope your fashion shop really takes off."
"Well you have a little surprise in your bag," Evie gave her a wink. Lonnie was already excited.
"Oh," Lonnie looked down at Dizzy,"Dizzy." She pulled the girl close to her. Lonnie thought about all the times they shared only in the past few months alone. The parties and wars she's experienced. It felt like such a long time ago already. "You better keep Jay in line until I come back. Are you up for the challenge?" She looked up at Jay. His face had a smug smile.
"Of course I am," Dizzy folded her arms,"You've got nothing to worry about here." She nudged the boy next to her playfully. Lonnie knew the girl would keep her promise.
"I'm glad to here it," Lonnie smiled. She rose to her feet. Her eyes gazed upon Jay's face. It looked cold and emotionless. As soon as he met her eye, his expression melted into deep sadness. Lonnie couldn't help the tears springing to her eyes. They stood there for some time. Others in the team scurried behind them, but the couple didn't move.
"Aye captain," a boy's voice called,"Its time to go." This is when Lonnie heard Jay sniffle. He pulled back, his eyes filled with water. He kissed her passionately. Lonnie threw her arms around her neck and return his action. They had never kissed like this before.
Jay said when they finally separated,"I'm going to miss you."
Lonnie kept her body close to his. "I'll text you when I get the chance. Until then, here." She pulled out a stack of envelopes of her bag. They were mostly letters of how much she was going to miss him. Jay looked down at them, and his shoulders dropped. Lonnie was confused as he laughed. "What?" Lonnie smiled for the first time today.
"We're too alike," Jay pulled a rubber banded stack of envelopes. Her heart melted at the sight. He wrote her letters too. This didn't help her leaving. she wanted to stay with him, but her future came first. They exchanged letters and embraced one last time.
"I love you so much," Jay whispered. "Remember that when you're the champion of R.O.A.R."
"I love you too," Lonnie let no more tear fall down her face before she pulled back. She picked up her bag, still holding Jay's in the other. He squeezed it before he let go of her. "Goodbye! I'm going to miss you all so much!" She put on a smile and wiped the tears falling from her eyes. She forgot about everyone else around them until they came into her view.
"Bye!" they all said together.
"Safe travels!" Ben called out. Lonnie looked back before she climbed into the back of the limo. She gazed out the window. Jay's eyes met hers and she gave a little wave. The vehicle began to pull away. She looked back to see Jay continued to watch. Dizzy now hugging his waist.
Lonnie's heart sunk. She knew she would see him again,but it seemed an eternity away. She looked down at the envelopes in her lap. The way her name was spelled in his messy handwriting, brought a curve to her lips. She would never forget his love for her. Even when she became a champion.