Chapter 12

Vaughn, please look at me, Sydney cried, her voice not much above a whisper.

He looked over to the chair next to him, where she was sitting. The look in his eyes was not one of love as it had been days before, but of hurt and betrayal. It brought another set of tears to Sydney's eyes, and they trailed down her cheeks even though she tried to hold them back.

Why are you here? Vaughn spat.

I have to make you understand-

Understand what? How you let my father's killer escape? How you practically did everything but drive her to the damn airport? Or is that the real reason you're here? Is she in the bathroom waiting for me to board my plane?

That's not fair.

Vaughn shouted angrily. He looked around as people began to stare at them. He looked back at Sydney and quieter said, Like anything you have done is fair. After what you did, I don't have to be fair' to you anymore.

Just stay. Don't take this transfer. We'll work it out.

How are we suppose to do that? There's nothing left of us anymore. You killed us. Derevko was just an accessory this time.

Sydney began to weep, not bothering to fight it. She was losing the best thing in her life, and she couldn't do anything to stop it. The voice over the intercom announced they were boarding Vaughn's flight. He got up, without looking at Sydney, and began walking to ticket counter.

Sydney bolted up and grabbed his arm. Please, don't go, she pleaded, I'm sorry, please don't go. Please.

I have to, Vaughn replied, softer. I can't look at you without seeing what you've done. Tears started to well up in his eyes. They were both heartbroken, and couldn't fix it.

He released his arm from her grasp. They looked into each other's eyes for the last time, then he walked away onto the plane. Sydney collapsed onto the floor, sobbing, and watched his plane take off.

Sydney woke up suddenly, breathing hard. She looked around, but all she saw was another hotel room. She struggled to remember where she was. Florence. Where it all started.

Here's another blanket, Vaughn said draping it over Sydney as he walked into their last hotel room. He sat down on the bed next to her. He reached for the box of Band-Aids on the night stand next to the bed. Vaughn reached under the covers and pulled Sydney's left arm out. He tenderly replaced the blood soaked bandages on the tips of her fingers.

What day is it? Sydney asked, wondering if she had made it back to the day of her biggest mistake.

We have one more day, Vaughn replied. He placed her left arm back under the covers, and took out her right arm, repeating his previous actions.

I'm not going to make it.

Yes you are, Vaughn said, wanting to ignore the obvious. Instead of putting her arm back under the covers, he held her hand, willing her to stay longer.

Vaughn, I can feel it. It will be soon.

I know.

Everything will be okay, we'll make it back to each other.

Vaughn replied quietly. He stared at their hands, holding on to each other.

Sydney said. He looked up into her eyes, seeing there was one thing that held her here. I need to tell you I'm sorry.

No you don't, tears brimming his eyes, blurring his vision.

Sydney soothed, caressing his cheek. Yes I do. I'm sorry for betraying you, and forcing us to do all of this to take it back. You were right, I killed us. I'm so sorry.

It'll be alright, Vaughn said. He gazed at her face, and saw she was at peace, for the first time in a very long time.

Vaughn, I love you.

I love you too, Syd. She slowly closed her eyes and smiled. She took her last breath and exhaled. Vaughn gently touched her face then scooped her body into his arms. He held her as tightly as he could as his body shook with sobs and tears flowed from his eyes.