Part Sixteen



"We don't really know each other at all, do we?"

Her words echoed in his head. Over and over again. She was right. They DIDN'T know everything there was to know about each other. But that didn't mean he didn't want to find those things out. He wanted her in his life. By his side. Going back to Harmony.ALONE.wasn't going to make that dream come true. A dream he didn't realize he'd had until it was too late.

He sighed heavily. Blinking open his dark eyes and gazing at the ocean's blueness below. Pulling the teddy bear out of its hiding place. Catherine's enormous green eyes had been so sad. So solemn as she'd presented her prized friend to him. "Keep him," she'd whispered. Clutching Sheridan's hand tight. "Catherine," he protested. But she laid a tiny hand on his arm. "He'll watch over you."

He was going to miss that little girl. He hoped.it didn't matter what he hoped anymore. Because he had thrown it all away. With a few careless words. A blink of the eye. Catherine was staying in Paris. With Sheridan. And he might never see either of them again, he thought miserably.

"Do you trust me?"

What a hypocrite, Luis. You asked her for the world. And she gave it to you. But then you went and broke her heart. Because.because why, dammit? She possessed an amazing strength within. But her heart was so fragile. And you shattered it into a million pieces.

Goodbye wasn't supposed to hurt so much. Was it? He could still hear the flutter of her heartbeat. Still feel the her warm body against his as he hugged her in farewell. Tears glittered in her blue eyes. He wanted so badly to kiss them away. Kiss her until he wiped away the scars. The reminders that this "thing" between them.this thing that consumed them never really stood a chance. Without trust. But he didn't. She'd trembled as he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. And sobbed. "Luis."

"We don't really know each other at all, do we?"

Those words stabbed him in the heart. Again and again. He clenched his jaw. The frustration too much. The ache overwhelming. Stop it, Luis. Just stop it. What's done is done. Now you have to move on. "Move on," he mumbled. Shoving his hands in his pockets with a sigh.

He pulled the crumpled paper out slowly. Barely breathing as he recognized the familiar scrawl. The simple word. His name. Enough to make hope rise in his heart again. With shaking hands, he unfolded the note. And began reading.

@@@

Luis,

You're leaving tomorrow. Leaving us. And I realized I don't want to let you go. But I also know it has to be this way. For now at least. Luis.I can never thank you enough. You've saved my life a thousand times over. And for that, I'll be forever grateful. I just know your good deeds won't go un- rewarded. Next time I see you, you'll be Detective Lopez-Fitzgerald. I don't know anyone who deserves it more. Harmony is lucky to have you. You'll see me again, Luis. I think Catherine will like Harmony. I love the sleepy little town. It's home. Where my heart is. Believe me when I say this.I LOVE you. And I'm not willing to give up so easily. NOT without a fight. I want to learn every little thing about you. My heart just needs time. I think you can understand that. I guess this is where we part ways, Officer. Think of me.

Love,

Your Spoiled Princess

P.S. You never told me why.

@@@

Luis smiled. Folding the paper carefully and putting it his jacket pocket. Close to his heart. He couldn't wait to tell her why.

THE END