Part Two

Zechs leaned over the small face, pulling his slender finger through the black trendle that traced across her eye. Shit. I can't believe I've stooped this low and hit someone. And after the way I felt about the guy who hit me. How stupid this is... I've become too common.

We've found the mother, Sir, the doctor said walking in and he sat down in a chair and started scratching notes.

Aa. So, she'll be coming soon, correct?

The doctor nodded silently.

Zechs' brow furrowed and he looked at the young girl sleeping.

Noin's eyes, Noin's face... Noin, Noin, Noin... she couldn't be Noin's, could she? But how possible? Or do I just miss her?

There is a father, isn't there?

Yes, I don't think he'd be coming though, your lucky to have insurance, Sir.

Zechs nodded and his eyes calmly lightened when someone entered the room. That dark black hair, shaded by sunglasses, that green blouse and tight black jeans... Noin...

She rushed over, pulling the glasses off and rushed to the bedside, embracing the sleeping child. Zechs' eyes grew wide and he stared at her.

Your very lucky Ma'm, your kid only has a few bruises and her right arm is broken, it could be worse... much worse...

Noin's eyes were full of love, and she stoked the tiny daughter's hair.

What happened? her voice was a little worried.

Zechs stood to his feet.

Let me explain--

Noin's eyes lit up as she recognized him.

she cried. I haven't seen you for so long and I've missed you! Lord, what are you doing here?

Zechs smiled mildly, feeling a little crushed.

Been a long time, hasn't it?

This is my daughter Hayley, she just turned 5. Did you see the accident?

Zechs' throat choked up. So this is her daughter. Humiliation welled up inside of him just then.

Well, to be honest with you it was me. I... it was my accident. I'm sorry, Noin, I'll pay for all expenses...

Noin's eyes flickered.

No... no, that's all right. I can pay for everything, don't worry... Noin's eyes flashed deep blue, and Zechs' gaze followed her movements as she stroked at the child's face, and ran her fingers through the darkened hair.

Zechs watched her for a few moments more, wanting to say something, so many questions now, erupting in his head, wanting to roll them all out across his tongue, but he sat silently. He knew he'd meet up with someone sooner or later, and he had planned out his distant conversation the entire time. No words. No, he couldn't have words. He couldn't bring himself back to what once was. Finally:

he said his voice clearing up, How are you? Its been seven years, seven long years... his voice cracked a bit staring at her through bright eyes.

Noin faced him, her features lightened and she gave a small smile.

I'm happy Zechs. So much more happy. Ever since the war ended, ever since everything stopped, my life has changed... she smiled up at him, and his heart seemed to slow a bit. She did look very happy. It's ridiculous to say this but I'm glad you got in that car accident, this way I've been able to see you. I was worried, I thought that you'd been long gone, dead... or something worse...

Zechs watched her carefully and nodded.

Well truthfully, I've been through a lot these past seven years but not all that is important now. Will your daughter be all right? Should I drive you home? Zechs said not knowing what else to say, and in concern, as she reached out her hand to him, squeezing his own.

I live out of state, actually, we were just visiting. I'm sure Percius will pick me up, but of course after Hayley is well enough to go.

A strange aching feeling rose up in Zechs' chest, and he simply raised his brow, and gave her a look of confusion.

Oh, well of course, she said her voice filled with a lightness.

Noin has changed... she's really changed...

Percius is my husband. I'll have to have you meet him. He's wonderful, he was an old soldier that I met several months after the war, but we started to date, and shortly after he asked me to marry him. He's kind and warm hearted and we shared some of our experiences in the war. He told me nearly everything about him as well as being open with me... its amazing what can happen in so few months. Noin smiled, thinking inside herself, rather than actually responding to Zechs. Then shortly after we got married, I had Hayley. She's very sweet and full of excitement when she's more active. She has her father's eyes...

Zechs watched her ramble on, his face straining to keep its simple stance. Noin's words had trampled him. A strange feeling rose up in his throat as he stared forward, but Noin could still see it, the coldness reflecting from his eyes.

I'm really happy for you Noin, your daughter is very beautiful... he forced a smile. You sound very happy.

Noin smiled and put her hand on his shoulder.

Zechs, I realize your not as happy for me as I'd wish you to be, somehow I expected this. One day we would meet again and you would have waited or expected me to wait. But that isn't how it works. I never waited and life went on. She paused and wrapped her slender arms around him.

Zechs received the hug and tucked the wisp of hair away from her eyes and behind her ear.

I know, things change.. times change... people change, he said his voice still ever cold. Noin looked past the deepness of those eyes for a long time.

Zechs... and to think for so long I've admired you, wished to be in your arms. But now everything is different. I'm married. I'm... married. It's almost hard to realize, and Hayley. I've hurt you.... haven't I? No. Not me, you've hurt yourself... its not my fault you've been gone... so long... And all along I thought it would be I waiting for you. Waiting for us. And here it was you, waiting sweet Zechs.

Noin gave his hand one last squeeze, and smiled pulling away.

Zechs, everything has changed. It has changed us and sometimes things end up too late. But that certainly doesn't mean that we can't be friends, keep in touch? Maybe we should have lunch and review these past 7 years...

But, your daughter, I can pay for all the damages... Zechs said, and while Noin tried to protest he pressed a fifty dollar bill in her hand.

But, Zechs... I-

he said sternly.

Well, then you'll have to at least have lunch with me. We should talk, it would be good to catch up on life.

I have to get somewhere. I was on my way to visit someone, I hope it'd be all right if I left you here with your daughter..

Noin looked at him curiously for a while longer but deciding against it, she didn't protest.

Nervous? Is he... with me? So much has changed... Zechs Her eyes pleaded Zechs, hoping somehow to reach him. To let him know they were still friends, but his eyes gazed back, blankly.

Zechs, go ahead. I know this is rough for you... she smiled idly. Will you give me your address or phone number at least? Just so I could get a hold of you?...

Zechs gave a cautious grin, on his heel and turned his back to her.

You won't need them.

His steady voice echoed, even after he opened the door and quietly let it shut behind him.

The steady rhythm of beeps monitored her daughter's heartbeat, and she stared silently at the flushed face of the small girl.

Zechs... why does it have to come to this? I never brought myself to think of you... I couldn't bring myself. And then you were gone. Missing. You were old news. Things came into my life, but now you won't even attempt to be a part of my life. Vanishing... why does it have to come to this...

Zechs, my friend... farewell, Noin said bemused.