Chapter 20
Angel was in his office looking out the window and thinking about things. He was lost in his thoughts when he heard a voice behind him. "You're still hooked on her, aren't you?" Angel turned around at the familiar voice that he never thought he would hear again.
"Cordy?" He said as he walked over to her. "You're awake? When did this happen?" Cordelia shook her head and walked closer to him.
"I can't stay long. I only came to talk to you." Angel still couldn't believe that she was standing in front of him, looking just as beautiful as he remembered. "I see how much you still love Buffy, but you have to let her go. This isn't healthy for you, Angel." Angel seemed to come out of his reverie when she spoke again.
"Why does everyone keep telling me that? I will always love Buffy, but I'm not in love with her anymore. I realize that now. I accepted her being with Spike even though I didn't like it at first. I realize that it's how things are supposed to be and I'm okay with it." Cordelia nodded.
"Well, that's good to know. It's nice that you and Connor are getting along now. I always knew you two could work things out." Angel nodded also.
"He's not the same person anymore and neither am I. It looks like he might have a girlfriend now. I just want what's best for him." He explained.
"I know that, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. Even though taking over Wolfram and Hart wouldn't have been my first choice, I understand. I get what you're trying to do here." She walked closer to him and touched his cheek. "I love you, Angel. I always will." Angel leaned into her hand.
"I love you, too. I really missed you, Cordy." Cordelia dropped her hand and gave him a soft smile.
"I missed you, too. I have to go now." Angel didn't like the sound of that.
"Why can't you stay?" Cordelia shook her head.
"This isn't my place, Angel. I don't belong here. I'm meant to do greater things and so are you, but this time you're going to have to do them without me." Angel felt tears in his eyes and he didn't care if she saw them.
"I don't think I can." Cordelia then kissed him on the lips for the last time. He kissed her back with all the love he still felt for her. She pulled away and rested her head on his.
"Yes, you can. You have Buffy to help you now. She's your link, Angel. You don't need me anymore, but I'll always be with you in here." She said as she touched his heart and he put his hand over hers. She pulled away from him and he turned to look out the window again. When he turned back he saw that she was gone. He then got the phone call that would change everything forever.