Life after High School. Is it scary? You bet.

By Risty Maskell and Silver15

Disclaimer: Nope, not ours

Summary: No idea

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(Billee's POV)

When Jaime finally came back, Emma wasn't with her. She told us that Emma just needed some time on her own. She had that right, all the way here; Emma had been quiet and withdrawn. Boromir looked upset too. I didn't know what had gone on but I could see that it was hard for both of them.

Finally Jaime and Frodo left for their honeymoon. Jamie hugged me tightly and told me to keep an eye on Emma. I promised her that I would.

Not long after they had left, Boromir disappeared too. I gave Colan to Legolas and went after him. I found him in the stables, saddling his horse, his bag on his back.

"Boromir!" I called, running up to him. "Where are you going?"

"Home to Gondor" he replied sadly. "Let's face it, Emma doesn't want me here and it's too hard for me to be around her now anyway. If I go, it will give both of us some time to think"

"You are a wonderful man, Boromir," I told him softly. "She's very lucky to have you and I know that she will come to realise that in time"

"That's what I'm hoping" Boromir mounted his horse and looked down at me. "Because I will never stop loving her. If you need me, just give me a call"

"Will do," I promised. "See you around"

When he had gone, I went to find Emma. She was sitting in the grounds under her favourite tree, with both Laddie and Sol-leks lying by her side. She looked really down, but she wasn't crying. That was a good sign. She looked up as I approached her.

"How are you feeling?" I asked carefully. "Why did you…?"

"I honestly don't want to talk about it," she told me, shaking her head. "Not yet"

"Boromir's gone, you know," I said. "He said that if you change your mind…"

"It won't happen" she said firmly. "I'm sad that it had to be like this and I'm sorry that I've hurt Boromir but…but it's for the best"

"I know" I nodded. "And if you ever do want to talk about it, we'll be here for you. Me, Legolas and Elrond. You can always talk to us"

"Thanks Billee" she gave me a ghost of a smile and lowered her head. "I…I think I need to be alone now"

I nodded and began to walk away. As I reached the main door, I turned back and stood there quietly for a moment, just watching her. She seemed cold and uncaring but I knew that it was just an act. I had become an expert at noticing the signs of depression and I knew that Emma was slowly slipping back into her old ways. If that happened, then none of us would be able to reach her. All I could do was hope that she would confide in one of us before it went too far…