Is There More?
Author: Knowhere
Chapter 19: Epilogue—Solace
Rating: Pg-13
Disclaimer: Nothing
AN: I guess I really don't have the words for this last author's note, so I'll let it be brief with a simple 'thank you.'
Summary: AU. College life is a journey of ups and downs; are Rory and Jess ready to take on what life is about to throw at them including a prospect of a new relationship, or will they choose the path of friendship like they did years ago? Literati.
The rain is now falling heavily—soaking the earth and drenching its inhabitants. I look around at the people rushing with their umbrellas trying to beat the rain. I inwardly laugh at those people because they act as if the rain would hurt them. Why don't they stop to enjoy the rain? Stop to enjoy the feeling of being cleansed and renewed? I glance up and see nothing but gray; there is no sun but there is also warmth that is unique only to the rain. I lift up my hands and remove the hood that I wear. The water attacks my hair and it mats to my shoulders, but I just tuck the excess strands behind my ears. I continue my slow walk around the city. Nothing can compare to this feeling. It's odd to think that I always equate rain with comfort. Maybe it's because the rain holds so many memories for me. I used to stay in my bed looking out the window, listening to the natural music. I remember that whenever it rained, I would also go the diner and find him. He would pour us a cup of coffee that we would share and he always pulled out a book and read to me even after the diner closed. We would sit in the corner booth, huddled on one side, with me listening to his voice—that soothing and calming sound that is even better than the rain. I also recall that later, I would crawl into his bed when it rained. Even though at that time we were strictly just friends, I would find comfort in his warm arms on rainy nights.
I'm still walking aimlessly around and I turn the corner, letting my feet take control. They take me straight to a cozy diner that I've never seen before and I push open the door, taking a seat in a corner booth. I order a cup of coffee and I just sit and warm my hands on the side of the cup. He used to do that a lot; he liked the warm feeling of the cup against his palms. The water is subtly drying off my body now and I feel empty without the rain. It's still falling steadily and I can see right out the window that the gray sky has now turned black. My coffee is empty now and I leave the money and tip on the table, wanting no one to disturb my train of thought. I open the door once again releasing me into the rain and I'm happy for this silent companion.
The city comes alive with lights and the rain doesn't stop the flow of life. I shove my hands into my pockets and my arms bend in angular forms as I maintain my pace. I pass the park and I go to sit on one of the benches. The wood is certainly soaked but I don't care enough to even move. I found him on a bench once. His back was turned to me and he was reading a book, and I just timidly walked up to him and said hi. There was no turning back after that. We came back years later for a date; it recreated that one day we spent together in the city. I slouch on the bench and see that the pigeons are scrambling for shelter; they take flight to escape the rain.
The memories are too much and I abandon my bench. I keep walking and I'm suddenly aware that I am really tired. Turning at the corner once again, I take the path on the left and I end up in front of the building. I push open the door and silently head to the elevator. After all those years of climbing stairs, I'm grateful for the elevator. He used to hate those stairs. The lift dings at floor nine and I step out and turn right. I take out my key and slip it into the lock, freeing the apartment. It's dark inside except for the tiny red light on the coffee maker that promises life in the morning. Softly shutting the door behind me I register that it's ten o'clock and I prepare to get ready for bed.
I slip into underneath the covers and the bed shifts beneath me. I climb in and lay down on the left side of the bed. The comforter is warm to my skin and I'm thankful for the relief that it brings. I can still hear the rain falling outside and I hope that it will continue into the morning. There's still so much more I want to remember with my companion.
The bed shifts once again, radiating from the right side but my back is turned. Arms reach around my waist and they find their destination as they lock and pull me close. I sigh and smile at the response. Fingers stretch to brush aside my hair at the nape of my neck and a kiss replaces their resting place. "I missed you."
"Yeah."
"Where did you go?"
"I went out for a walk." My answer is simple yet vague in its completion. But no further answer is required because it's understood that I need to remember in the rain. I still continue to think of him even though I'm no longer in contact with the rain. I bring up my left hand and twist around the elegant ring that resides on my finger. I come to a final resolution. I no longer need the rain to remind me of memories of us—I can do that all on my own. He was right; I tested the winds and I flew with the conviction of success. I'm ready to show the world what I'm made of; I'm ready to say that I am not scared of the unknown that lies ahead of me. "I love you Jess."
"I know." He tightens his hold on me and he forms his body to perfectly compliment mine from behind.
In the end, he was right once again. Months didn't make him change his mind. He's right by my side as I'm finally prepared to take on the world. And yet here in the falling rain, I still can find the solace that I searched for all my life, right here in his warm arms.
—End—
AN: Well, there is no more. I know I didn't leave things extremely concrete, but personally I like being able to leave some things up the reader. On that note, please understand my reasoning and that there will be no sequel. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have. I've got some ideas floating around in my head; and when I finally make my decision I would be extremely grateful if you would look out for it. Thank you.