Again, I can't thank you all enough for the positive reviews!!!!! Your
comments make my day! Okay, trying for lots of drama in this chapter, let
me know what you think.
Chapter 5
Leo had made it outside and down the first set of cement steps when Piper caught up with him. "Leo wait!" He kept walking. "Leo, wait, please!"
Halting his steps, he closed his eyes. Anger and hurt battling within him. He wasn't even sure he could turn around to face her.
"Please Leo, I'm sorry." The genuine remorse he heard in her voice made him turn around. Glad that he finally acknowledged her, she quickly hurried on. "I've been unreasonable lately and I'm sorry. You didn't deserve all the accusations and insults. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"You're obviously mad at me Piper. I just wish you'd tell me what I've done instead of just attacking me."
Looking down at the ground, because she couldn't bear the hurt mirrored in his eyes, she shook her head. "You haven't done anything. I think it's this whole situation."
She didn't have to elaborate. He knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Piper." He whispered her name with emotion.
The sound of a car pulling up next door, pulled her attention away. Dan was back and two days earlier than expected. Hopping out, he spotted Piper and waved, a huge smile on his face.
Without thought she smiled and waved back. Leo taking the whole scene in came to an important decision. A decision he knew had been inevitable had he been honest with himself all along. He began backing away as Dan strode over.
Piper, remembering Leo, looked back over and saw him moving away. "Leo."
A sad smile formed on his lips. "Don't worry Piper. This will no longer be a problem."
There was something in those words that made her heart stop. "What? What do you mean?" She called after him.
Turning his back to her, he didn't respond, but kept on waking down the path and onto the sidewalk. Fear filled her as she watched him go. She wanted to follow and ask him what he meant by his last comment, but Dan was there. He put his arms around her waist and turned her toward him. Bending down he kissed her. Inside, Piper asked herself if Dan's kisses had always left her feeling just a little empty.
Sometime later, Piper reentered the attic, having told Dan she'd love to spend the day with him, but she had made plans with her sisters. Leaving out the exact plans. Ever understanding, he said he'd see her later.
Pru and Phoebe looked up from the book when she walked in.
"Everything okay?" Asked Pru.
"Oh yeah. Just peachy." Each word dripping with sarcasm.
Deciding to ignore it, Prue nodded her head. "Well, Pheebs and I think we have plan.
Piper lowered herself onto the floor next to them. "Let's hear it."
It was the middle of the night as Phoebe strolled up the street. The sound of her stylish clogs, the only disturbance in the darkness. She hated when she had to play bait. Technically it was Prue's turn, but for the plan to work, Prue had to be elsewhere. It was also decided, that since the mist already knew her, it might be easily lured to her again. She wasn't panicked yet. Both her sisters were strategically stationed close by, however she still felt a little uneasiness.
It sensed the power again. Knew it was the same on and grew anxious for the food. Drawn to its prey, it whirled and rushed forward in anticipation.
Phoebe felt the familiar chill come over her. It was just like before. She knew it was close and it took all her willpower not to react. Out of nowhere her feet were encased in damp mist. Tendrils floated up lovingly to encircle her body. She shivered from the intense cold it invoked. As before, he legs went numb and then her arms as the mist caressed her body. Trying to keep her breathing even, but it was so difficult as she began to panic. Where were her sisters? Unable to move, she stood there, an easy prey for this beast. The first ribbons of mist entered his nostrils and she gasped in pain as it began its decent down her throat. Prue! Piper! Her mind screamed.
Prue and Piper had been observing from behind a building. The moment the mist made contact, Piper started to move. Prue put out a restraining arm. "Wait. Not yet."
Forcing herself to remain still, Piper watched. When they saw the mist begin to float in front of their sister's face and enter her nose, they went on the offense.
Phoebe began to gag as the damp substance traveled down her throat. She was so cold. Where were her sisters? She got her answer when she heard Prue yell out. "Now Piper!"
Throwing her hands out, Piper froze the cloudy being, thus keeping it from invading their sister's body further. When they were sure they had immobilized it, Prue waved her arm, causing the pool of mist to eject itself from Phoebe and land a few yards away. Prue frantically called for the 'potion'.
Pulling a pink glass vial from her pants pocket, Piper threw it so it landed directly in the middle of the mist. There was a loud explosion and a bright reddish orange flash followed. The girls tried to shield their eyes from the sight, but were able to see bits of gray, murky matter fly in different directions. When everything cleared, there was no sign of the deadly predator, only a black smudge mark on the pavement from where the vial had made contact.
Remembering their sister, the two ran to where she had fallen. Gasping for air, Phoebe lay shivering on the ground. "Y-y-you get it?" Teeth chattering.
"We got it." Confirmed Prue. "Come on, let's get you home and warmed up."
At first, all Phoebe could do was nod in agreement. When they got her to her feet she whispered. "Next time you're the bait."
Prue smiled at her sister's comment. Only Phoebe could still have a sense of humor after all she had been through.
Leo glanced up at the clock again. He'd been doing so for the last couple of hours. It was now just after one in the morning and still no call from the girls. The club had been pretty busy, which helped him get through the waiting. It was times like these when he really wished he had his wings back. He hated feeling so helpless, especially when he knew the sisters where in danger. The sound of the phone ringing, broke through his thoughts.
Holding up the black cordless phone, Mike yelled over the noise of the crowd. "Leo, it's for you."
Wiping his hands on the towel tucked at his waist, Leo hurried over. "Thanks." Taking the phone, he plugged his other ear so he could hear. "Hello?"
"Hi Leo, it's Prue. We're fine."
"Thank God." He replied and let out a sigh of relief.
"Yeah, it was a bit close, but everything went off as planned. "We're pretty sure that thing is history."
"I never doubted you'd take care of it. I'm just glad you all are all right."
Yawning came from the other end of the line. "Well, it's late and we're beat."
Smiling into the phone he said. "Get some sleep, you deserve it, and thanks for letting me know how it went."
"No problem. Night." Prue yawned back.
"Night." He hung up the phone, and felt like a huge weight had been lifted, from his shoulders. It was true, he had complete faith in the Charmed One's, but anything could go wrong. His relief did not last long however. This problem had been solved, but the other still remained. By tomorrow that problem too would be taken care of. His heart sank at the thought of it, but knew this was for the best for everyone involved. Of course he wondered if this was for the best, then why did he feel so miserable.
Piper woke up earlier than she had wanted to. Last night had been exhausting and nerve wracking. She planned to sleep in late, however her mind was of a different opinion. Rolling over, she squinted at the small clock on her night stand. It read nine seventeen. She considered rolling back over to try and fall back to sleep, but she really did need to get to the club. Not only was it payday, which meant checks to make out, but she had to make out the new schedule and tally the week in the books. Those things couldn't wait just because she spent the night destroying an evil creature thus making the world a safer place. Sitting up, she pulled the long tresses of her hair out of her face. Rubbing her face she thought of the other little thing she needed to take care of. She needed to talk to Leo. Not only to apologize again for how she had been acting, but to find out what he meant by his last comment yesterday. She had wanted to question him more then, but Dan was there, and well, enough said. Throwing back the covers, she slipped on her slippers and headed for the shower.
Leo hadn't expected to sleep last night, not with everything weighing on his mind. So he was surprised when he had drifted off. Granted, he hadn't slept long, but enough. Getting up, he went to the closet and threw on a blue long sleeve sweater and pulled on his favorite pair of jeans. Running a careless hand threw his hair. He bent down and grabbed the duffle bag sitting at the bottom of the closet. Opening it up, he began taking his belongings from the closet and placing them in the bag. There wasn't a lot to pack, so he was finished quickly. Going over to a small table by the couch, he picked up a few items lying there. When he had packed everything up, he went to his make shift bed, which was the couch. Pulling up the sheets and blankets, he folded them into a neat pile at the end of the couch. Lastly, he set the pillow on top. Giving the room a quick survey to make sure he hadn't left anything and everything was in its place. With one last backward glance, he left the room that had been his home for the past few weeks.
Looking up at the clock in the bar, he knew Piper would be in soon. Today was her paperwork day and she normally came in early. Of course she had spent last night fighting evil, but knew she wouldn't let that get in the way of her responsibilities to the club. Pulling up a seat at the bar, he waited. He took this opportunity to prepare himself, although he didn't really think that was possible. Knowing this was the right thing to do didn't mean it was an easy thing to do. In fact, this was probably the hardest thing he's ever had to do.
Piper dreaded the mound of paperwork she knew was waiting for her on her desk as she pulled her jeep into the parking lot. Rachel had taken up a lot of the slack, but there were some things she still needed to do herself. Opening the entrance door, she came down the stairs and was surprised to see Leo sitting at the bar. Well, now was as good as any to give her apology.
He looked up as she came off the last step and there was something hiding in his eyes. It made her stomach tense just a little. Something was wrong. She could feel it. Her eyes were drawn to the duffle bag sitting by his feet and the feeling intensified. The knot in the pit of her stomach tightened.
"Hey." She greeted cautiously.
"Hey." Was his quiet response.
Not really wanting to know, but finding herself asking anyway, she said. "What's with the bag?"
Solemn green eyes looked back at her. "I'm leaving."
Giving her head a slight jerk, she asked. "What?"
Clearing the emotion out of his throat, he repeated. "I'm leaving Piper."
"I don't understand."
"Don't you?"
"Leo, if it's because of what I said yesterday, I didn't..."
He didn't let her finish. "It's not about yesterday. It's about the whole situation." Turning his eyes to the ceiling , trying to keep his feelings in check, he went on. "I know me being here has been awkward for you and I appreciate you giving me a place to stay, but we can't go on like this. I can't go on like this." Moving his eyes to her again, they glistened with unshed tears. "I had hoped, thought, that we'd get another chance to be together."
"Leo." She interrupted.
Raising a hand, he halted anything more she planned to say. "No, let me finish. I know that's not going to happen. I get it, honestly I do. You're with Dan now. He can give you the normal life you so desperately want. The life I couldn't give you. Dan's a good guy and I know you're happy. That's all I've ever wanted for you."
By this time, her eyes were swimming with tears and her stomach was a twisted mess. "I don't know what to say?"
Shaking his head, he replied. "There's nothing to say. You've found your life Piper. Now I have to find mine."
"Where will you go?"
He gave his shoulders a slight shrug. "I'm not really sure. Maybe someplace not so crowded. Someplace completely different, like Montana or Wyoming. A place where a person can breath and think. I'm hoping there is plenty of need for an ex-angle who is also a handyman." He tossed her a weak grin.
She returned it, acknowledging his small attempt at humor, but there was no way to mask the devastating repercussions of this conversation.
"I want to go by the manor and say goodbye to Prue and Phoebe before I head for the bus station."
She knew she should say more, something, anything, but her throat had closed up, making it almost impossible to speak. "Will I ever see you again?" She finally managed.
Getting to his feet, he moved closer and gently cupped the side of her face with the palm of his hand. "I don't think so. It's better this way." His eyes were still moist and full of unspoken emotion. "Be happy Piper."
A single tear escaped her eyes and tracked down her face. He brushed it away with the pad of his thumb. Unable to resist himself, and knowing it would be the last time, he bent his head down. Brushing his lips ever so gently against hers. It was brief and sweet and it would have to last him the rest of his time on this world.
Pulling back, he sent her a pained smile. "I'll love you. Always." Dropping his hand from her face, he reached down and picked up his bag. Without a backward glance, he walked up the stairs.
She watched in stunned silence as he opened the door and walked out into the daylight. The door closed and he was gone and out of her life. Knees giving out, she fell onto a chair. Raising her hand, she placed trembling fingertips to her lips. Closing her eyes, she relived the feeling of his lips touching hers. The feel of his warm mouth on hers and the utter tenderness it caused. All the tears, which had been pent up, came rushing forward. They streamed down her cheeks, her mind numb from emotional overload. Trying to sort through it all was impossible. Only a single thought managed to navigate itself through all the turmoil. 'Leo was leaving'. Part of her knew this needed to happen. If she and Dan were ever going to have a normal relationship and be truly happy, then she couldn't have Leo in her life. Ah, but her treacherous heart felt something else. The complete devastation and loneliness at the loss.
She didn't know how long she sat there unseeing, unhearing. The phone rang and she jumped as the sound reverberated around the room. Letting it ring, she didn't want to talk to anyone. Rising to her feet, she felt her legs moving of their own accord until she stood at the door of his room. Placing her hand on the doorknob, she hesitantly opened the door. The room appeared as if it had never been lived in for the past few weeks. Everything was neat and tidy, even the bedding had been piled at one end of the couch. Walking over to the closet, she saw it was completely empty. No evidence that Leo had ever been there. Moving toward the couch, she sat down and picked up the pillow, which had been placed onto of the sheets and blankets. Hugging it to herself, she inhaled his scent, in turn causing fresh tears to fall. Bringing her legs up underneath her, she snuggled into the pillow and lay down. Emotionally and physically spent, she asked herself a question she was not sure she wanted the answer to. If Dan had told her he was leaving and she would never see him again, would she feel the same despair? She only had to consider it for a moment. No, she would not. She would be sad, because he was a wonderful guy who always treated her with respect and love, but she would not feel as if her world had come crashing down around her. Admitting, she was more in love with the normal life Dan represented than the man himself. Images of Leo floated across her mind's eye and she let herself remember.
Chapter 5
Leo had made it outside and down the first set of cement steps when Piper caught up with him. "Leo wait!" He kept walking. "Leo, wait, please!"
Halting his steps, he closed his eyes. Anger and hurt battling within him. He wasn't even sure he could turn around to face her.
"Please Leo, I'm sorry." The genuine remorse he heard in her voice made him turn around. Glad that he finally acknowledged her, she quickly hurried on. "I've been unreasonable lately and I'm sorry. You didn't deserve all the accusations and insults. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"You're obviously mad at me Piper. I just wish you'd tell me what I've done instead of just attacking me."
Looking down at the ground, because she couldn't bear the hurt mirrored in his eyes, she shook her head. "You haven't done anything. I think it's this whole situation."
She didn't have to elaborate. He knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Piper." He whispered her name with emotion.
The sound of a car pulling up next door, pulled her attention away. Dan was back and two days earlier than expected. Hopping out, he spotted Piper and waved, a huge smile on his face.
Without thought she smiled and waved back. Leo taking the whole scene in came to an important decision. A decision he knew had been inevitable had he been honest with himself all along. He began backing away as Dan strode over.
Piper, remembering Leo, looked back over and saw him moving away. "Leo."
A sad smile formed on his lips. "Don't worry Piper. This will no longer be a problem."
There was something in those words that made her heart stop. "What? What do you mean?" She called after him.
Turning his back to her, he didn't respond, but kept on waking down the path and onto the sidewalk. Fear filled her as she watched him go. She wanted to follow and ask him what he meant by his last comment, but Dan was there. He put his arms around her waist and turned her toward him. Bending down he kissed her. Inside, Piper asked herself if Dan's kisses had always left her feeling just a little empty.
Sometime later, Piper reentered the attic, having told Dan she'd love to spend the day with him, but she had made plans with her sisters. Leaving out the exact plans. Ever understanding, he said he'd see her later.
Pru and Phoebe looked up from the book when she walked in.
"Everything okay?" Asked Pru.
"Oh yeah. Just peachy." Each word dripping with sarcasm.
Deciding to ignore it, Prue nodded her head. "Well, Pheebs and I think we have plan.
Piper lowered herself onto the floor next to them. "Let's hear it."
It was the middle of the night as Phoebe strolled up the street. The sound of her stylish clogs, the only disturbance in the darkness. She hated when she had to play bait. Technically it was Prue's turn, but for the plan to work, Prue had to be elsewhere. It was also decided, that since the mist already knew her, it might be easily lured to her again. She wasn't panicked yet. Both her sisters were strategically stationed close by, however she still felt a little uneasiness.
It sensed the power again. Knew it was the same on and grew anxious for the food. Drawn to its prey, it whirled and rushed forward in anticipation.
Phoebe felt the familiar chill come over her. It was just like before. She knew it was close and it took all her willpower not to react. Out of nowhere her feet were encased in damp mist. Tendrils floated up lovingly to encircle her body. She shivered from the intense cold it invoked. As before, he legs went numb and then her arms as the mist caressed her body. Trying to keep her breathing even, but it was so difficult as she began to panic. Where were her sisters? Unable to move, she stood there, an easy prey for this beast. The first ribbons of mist entered his nostrils and she gasped in pain as it began its decent down her throat. Prue! Piper! Her mind screamed.
Prue and Piper had been observing from behind a building. The moment the mist made contact, Piper started to move. Prue put out a restraining arm. "Wait. Not yet."
Forcing herself to remain still, Piper watched. When they saw the mist begin to float in front of their sister's face and enter her nose, they went on the offense.
Phoebe began to gag as the damp substance traveled down her throat. She was so cold. Where were her sisters? She got her answer when she heard Prue yell out. "Now Piper!"
Throwing her hands out, Piper froze the cloudy being, thus keeping it from invading their sister's body further. When they were sure they had immobilized it, Prue waved her arm, causing the pool of mist to eject itself from Phoebe and land a few yards away. Prue frantically called for the 'potion'.
Pulling a pink glass vial from her pants pocket, Piper threw it so it landed directly in the middle of the mist. There was a loud explosion and a bright reddish orange flash followed. The girls tried to shield their eyes from the sight, but were able to see bits of gray, murky matter fly in different directions. When everything cleared, there was no sign of the deadly predator, only a black smudge mark on the pavement from where the vial had made contact.
Remembering their sister, the two ran to where she had fallen. Gasping for air, Phoebe lay shivering on the ground. "Y-y-you get it?" Teeth chattering.
"We got it." Confirmed Prue. "Come on, let's get you home and warmed up."
At first, all Phoebe could do was nod in agreement. When they got her to her feet she whispered. "Next time you're the bait."
Prue smiled at her sister's comment. Only Phoebe could still have a sense of humor after all she had been through.
Leo glanced up at the clock again. He'd been doing so for the last couple of hours. It was now just after one in the morning and still no call from the girls. The club had been pretty busy, which helped him get through the waiting. It was times like these when he really wished he had his wings back. He hated feeling so helpless, especially when he knew the sisters where in danger. The sound of the phone ringing, broke through his thoughts.
Holding up the black cordless phone, Mike yelled over the noise of the crowd. "Leo, it's for you."
Wiping his hands on the towel tucked at his waist, Leo hurried over. "Thanks." Taking the phone, he plugged his other ear so he could hear. "Hello?"
"Hi Leo, it's Prue. We're fine."
"Thank God." He replied and let out a sigh of relief.
"Yeah, it was a bit close, but everything went off as planned. "We're pretty sure that thing is history."
"I never doubted you'd take care of it. I'm just glad you all are all right."
Yawning came from the other end of the line. "Well, it's late and we're beat."
Smiling into the phone he said. "Get some sleep, you deserve it, and thanks for letting me know how it went."
"No problem. Night." Prue yawned back.
"Night." He hung up the phone, and felt like a huge weight had been lifted, from his shoulders. It was true, he had complete faith in the Charmed One's, but anything could go wrong. His relief did not last long however. This problem had been solved, but the other still remained. By tomorrow that problem too would be taken care of. His heart sank at the thought of it, but knew this was for the best for everyone involved. Of course he wondered if this was for the best, then why did he feel so miserable.
Piper woke up earlier than she had wanted to. Last night had been exhausting and nerve wracking. She planned to sleep in late, however her mind was of a different opinion. Rolling over, she squinted at the small clock on her night stand. It read nine seventeen. She considered rolling back over to try and fall back to sleep, but she really did need to get to the club. Not only was it payday, which meant checks to make out, but she had to make out the new schedule and tally the week in the books. Those things couldn't wait just because she spent the night destroying an evil creature thus making the world a safer place. Sitting up, she pulled the long tresses of her hair out of her face. Rubbing her face she thought of the other little thing she needed to take care of. She needed to talk to Leo. Not only to apologize again for how she had been acting, but to find out what he meant by his last comment yesterday. She had wanted to question him more then, but Dan was there, and well, enough said. Throwing back the covers, she slipped on her slippers and headed for the shower.
Leo hadn't expected to sleep last night, not with everything weighing on his mind. So he was surprised when he had drifted off. Granted, he hadn't slept long, but enough. Getting up, he went to the closet and threw on a blue long sleeve sweater and pulled on his favorite pair of jeans. Running a careless hand threw his hair. He bent down and grabbed the duffle bag sitting at the bottom of the closet. Opening it up, he began taking his belongings from the closet and placing them in the bag. There wasn't a lot to pack, so he was finished quickly. Going over to a small table by the couch, he picked up a few items lying there. When he had packed everything up, he went to his make shift bed, which was the couch. Pulling up the sheets and blankets, he folded them into a neat pile at the end of the couch. Lastly, he set the pillow on top. Giving the room a quick survey to make sure he hadn't left anything and everything was in its place. With one last backward glance, he left the room that had been his home for the past few weeks.
Looking up at the clock in the bar, he knew Piper would be in soon. Today was her paperwork day and she normally came in early. Of course she had spent last night fighting evil, but knew she wouldn't let that get in the way of her responsibilities to the club. Pulling up a seat at the bar, he waited. He took this opportunity to prepare himself, although he didn't really think that was possible. Knowing this was the right thing to do didn't mean it was an easy thing to do. In fact, this was probably the hardest thing he's ever had to do.
Piper dreaded the mound of paperwork she knew was waiting for her on her desk as she pulled her jeep into the parking lot. Rachel had taken up a lot of the slack, but there were some things she still needed to do herself. Opening the entrance door, she came down the stairs and was surprised to see Leo sitting at the bar. Well, now was as good as any to give her apology.
He looked up as she came off the last step and there was something hiding in his eyes. It made her stomach tense just a little. Something was wrong. She could feel it. Her eyes were drawn to the duffle bag sitting by his feet and the feeling intensified. The knot in the pit of her stomach tightened.
"Hey." She greeted cautiously.
"Hey." Was his quiet response.
Not really wanting to know, but finding herself asking anyway, she said. "What's with the bag?"
Solemn green eyes looked back at her. "I'm leaving."
Giving her head a slight jerk, she asked. "What?"
Clearing the emotion out of his throat, he repeated. "I'm leaving Piper."
"I don't understand."
"Don't you?"
"Leo, if it's because of what I said yesterday, I didn't..."
He didn't let her finish. "It's not about yesterday. It's about the whole situation." Turning his eyes to the ceiling , trying to keep his feelings in check, he went on. "I know me being here has been awkward for you and I appreciate you giving me a place to stay, but we can't go on like this. I can't go on like this." Moving his eyes to her again, they glistened with unshed tears. "I had hoped, thought, that we'd get another chance to be together."
"Leo." She interrupted.
Raising a hand, he halted anything more she planned to say. "No, let me finish. I know that's not going to happen. I get it, honestly I do. You're with Dan now. He can give you the normal life you so desperately want. The life I couldn't give you. Dan's a good guy and I know you're happy. That's all I've ever wanted for you."
By this time, her eyes were swimming with tears and her stomach was a twisted mess. "I don't know what to say?"
Shaking his head, he replied. "There's nothing to say. You've found your life Piper. Now I have to find mine."
"Where will you go?"
He gave his shoulders a slight shrug. "I'm not really sure. Maybe someplace not so crowded. Someplace completely different, like Montana or Wyoming. A place where a person can breath and think. I'm hoping there is plenty of need for an ex-angle who is also a handyman." He tossed her a weak grin.
She returned it, acknowledging his small attempt at humor, but there was no way to mask the devastating repercussions of this conversation.
"I want to go by the manor and say goodbye to Prue and Phoebe before I head for the bus station."
She knew she should say more, something, anything, but her throat had closed up, making it almost impossible to speak. "Will I ever see you again?" She finally managed.
Getting to his feet, he moved closer and gently cupped the side of her face with the palm of his hand. "I don't think so. It's better this way." His eyes were still moist and full of unspoken emotion. "Be happy Piper."
A single tear escaped her eyes and tracked down her face. He brushed it away with the pad of his thumb. Unable to resist himself, and knowing it would be the last time, he bent his head down. Brushing his lips ever so gently against hers. It was brief and sweet and it would have to last him the rest of his time on this world.
Pulling back, he sent her a pained smile. "I'll love you. Always." Dropping his hand from her face, he reached down and picked up his bag. Without a backward glance, he walked up the stairs.
She watched in stunned silence as he opened the door and walked out into the daylight. The door closed and he was gone and out of her life. Knees giving out, she fell onto a chair. Raising her hand, she placed trembling fingertips to her lips. Closing her eyes, she relived the feeling of his lips touching hers. The feel of his warm mouth on hers and the utter tenderness it caused. All the tears, which had been pent up, came rushing forward. They streamed down her cheeks, her mind numb from emotional overload. Trying to sort through it all was impossible. Only a single thought managed to navigate itself through all the turmoil. 'Leo was leaving'. Part of her knew this needed to happen. If she and Dan were ever going to have a normal relationship and be truly happy, then she couldn't have Leo in her life. Ah, but her treacherous heart felt something else. The complete devastation and loneliness at the loss.
She didn't know how long she sat there unseeing, unhearing. The phone rang and she jumped as the sound reverberated around the room. Letting it ring, she didn't want to talk to anyone. Rising to her feet, she felt her legs moving of their own accord until she stood at the door of his room. Placing her hand on the doorknob, she hesitantly opened the door. The room appeared as if it had never been lived in for the past few weeks. Everything was neat and tidy, even the bedding had been piled at one end of the couch. Walking over to the closet, she saw it was completely empty. No evidence that Leo had ever been there. Moving toward the couch, she sat down and picked up the pillow, which had been placed onto of the sheets and blankets. Hugging it to herself, she inhaled his scent, in turn causing fresh tears to fall. Bringing her legs up underneath her, she snuggled into the pillow and lay down. Emotionally and physically spent, she asked herself a question she was not sure she wanted the answer to. If Dan had told her he was leaving and she would never see him again, would she feel the same despair? She only had to consider it for a moment. No, she would not. She would be sad, because he was a wonderful guy who always treated her with respect and love, but she would not feel as if her world had come crashing down around her. Admitting, she was more in love with the normal life Dan represented than the man himself. Images of Leo floated across her mind's eye and she let herself remember.