Chapter Twenty-Three

David The time came when I made an abrupt, if not foolish decision. Anya still lay, sleeping without a sound among scattered and tossed pastel sheets. Her head lay upon a soft white pillow, and her dark hair spread across her face a little, crossing Anya's sealed eyes. My plan was this: I would do as Alex asked. When Nicole was dead, I could leave the country and assume a new identity; perhaps with Anya. Away from Alex and Calico, I hoped the entire affair would become a shadow in the past, and everything would be all right. I wouldn't have to run anymore, wouldn't have to steal, and Alex would have no reason to betray me to the police as I had filled my position he had appointed. With my earnings, I could live my life.waking up each morning, drawing breath, and painting. My award for a job well done for Alex would be enough for me to not have to steal anymore, meaning I would live no more lies.except for that of my name. The ordeal would settle itself, so I hoped. And if not.I would resolve the matter myself. I went to the airport; taking nothing with me but some cash for food in the city and a ticket to get there with. I bought a round-trip ticket and took flight five minutes later. I was going back, but would certainly return for my friend. On the plane, I closed my eyes a minute, remembering what had happened in the room before I left in a cab.

* * *

Anya had woken when my lips brushed against her forehead for a good-bye kiss. She looked up at me, the confusion in her beautiful eyes glistening as I tried to think of an explanation to offer her. I could think of no propaganda that would suffice in the state of affairs I was in. So I told her the truth. "I'll be back in a few hours, I promise." I had swallowed hard and blinked before sluggishly continuing. "I'm gonna be fine, I'm just going to resolve all this and talk to Alex for a while." Not knowing what else to say, I began to ascend to my feet, but was held back at the slight touch of Anya's hand on my turned back. Sighing and distraught. I responded by facing her again. Anya's hand moved to my right hand and held it while her left cover shifted the covers over her so it was made possible for her to stand. Eyes directed in the floor's general direction, Anya nodded eventually. As I had begun to leave, taking the gesture as a dismissal, she startled me by quickly walking around me and stopping me. It was then that she pressed her mouth to mine in a kiss of passion. I accepted it and returned the favor, while snaking my arms about her in a loving embrace. My lips began slowly to part, but I stopped myself then, stepping back to break the kiss. I had known then that I had to go; I knew what I had to do. And nothing- not even my smolderingly ardent feelings newly directed at Anya-nothing could stop me. Still holding Anya, I looked at her repentantly; my eyes rose to meet hers, and I tried to smile, giving her something to remember me with until I returned. "I-"I began to apologize, only to have my friend's hand cover my mouth and stop the words from coming. She nodded in reassurance, and overwrought a grin. Her eyes lit up a little, and that was all the permission I needed to go. "Just come back alive." She ordered, staring at me, still smiling. "Of course." Again, a sigh escaped me. Before walking through the door and leaving her alone for a time, I had kissed Anya lightly on the cheek.

* * *

On the plane, nearly half an hour later, I could still nearly feel her in my arms. I could almost taste her kiss; I could almost smell her at my side. Then I opened my eyes.and remembered where I really was.where I was going.