Chapter 16

Sydney's POV

She stood there for a moment, frozen in place. Then she realized what was happening. Sydney was letting him leave her for the second time. Shaking her head, she refused to let him go without a fight. Grabbing her keys, she hurried to her car. Running against the pouring rain, she got into her car and gunned the engine. Racing out of the parking lot, she saw his car in the distance and followed it. Ignoring the speed limit signs and traffic lights, she was determined to cut his car off.

The rain poured harder on her windshield. It was harder to see, but she didn't care. Nothing was going to stop her from getting to him. The first time she let him go was a mistake and she wasn't the kind of person who made the same mistake twice. Besides, she needed him whether he saw that or not.

Sydney passed by the van in front of her and was met by more traffic. At this rate, he would be on the plane before she could reach him. Los Angeles traffic was bad at times. Looking to the left, she spotted a motorcycle. It was one of those newer versions that were popping up everywhere. Quickly parking her car next to the curb, she walked over to the motorcycle and tried to start the engine. One of the many things she had learned from being a spy was how to hotwire a vehicle. Making sure to leave a note for the owner of the motorcycle, she put on the helmet and headed out into the traffic. Because of the vehicle's size, she was able to maneuver her way closer to Vaughn's car. She was almost there.

Vaughn's POV

He stared blankly at the car ahead of him. Fate really didn't want him to leave Los Angeles. At the rate this traffic was going, he might miss his flight. Part of him wanted to miss the flight and go back to Sydney, but the more logical thinking side of him knew that wouldn't be good. He had made his decision and he was going to stick with it.

Finally it seemed like the traffic was letting up and his car was actually moving again. Looking in the rearview mirror, he saw a blue motorcycle driving somewhat fast for city streets. He made a note to himself to keep an eye on it. Just then, the motorcycle crept up beside him and cut him off. Quickly pushing on the break, he was able to stop himself before he hit the driver. Breathing a sigh of relief, he looked up and realized that the driver was Sydney. Getting out of the car, he walked up to her.

"Are you crazy? I could have hit you."

"I knew you wouldn't. You have faster reflexes than that." He sighed and shook his head.

"Sydney, what are you doing here?" Why did he bother asking was beyond him. He knew why she was here. She wanted to stop him from leaving.

"I want you to stay." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"We've been over this. It won't work."

"Michael, I let you leave once before. I'm not letting you go again. We'll make it work. You'll see."

"How can you be so sure, Sydney?"

"Remember all we've been through? The many memories, accidents, and adventures we have had. Are we still here in one piece? Aren't we still as in love as we were in high school?"

He thought about it. They had been through a lot, but they had gone through it all together and survived. No matter what they would have each other. He realized then that if he left, it would never be the same. He would never be truly happy and she wouldn't be either. There was no point arguing with her anyways. Sydney was right. They'll make it work somehow.

"No." He smiled at her.

"No?" She looked at him confused.

"No, we're more in love than we were back then." Sydney smiled widely at him. He picked her up and twirled her around.

"Hey! Stop that! You're all wet." She giggled. He laughed.

"So are you." Just then they realized that not only were they blocking traffic, but causing a big scene as well. Sydney quickly moved the motorcycle off the road and got into Vaughn's car.

He looked over at her. "So where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere, but work." He laughed and drove to Griffith Park.

*Epilogue is next!