CHAPTER TWO

The party, at Rose's new bar, had already begun when Bosco and Faith finally arrived. He was surprised to see so many people there, apparently he had more friends than he thought or they could have just been there for the free booze, anyway the bar was filled.

Bosco was in the spotlights the entire evening which didn't make him feel quite at home but after some drinks he started to enjoy it, especially the attention of his fellow female officers.

Faith noticed it too. Although she wanted badly that everything would go back to normal, she didn't want Bosco in his normal behaviour concerning the lady's. They had never been this close like in the last few months and she liked it. He had only eyes for her which made her feel loved again. She kept him in her eyesight every time a girl would come up to talk, flirt or for whatever other reason. Whenever he saw she was looking, he would wave at her or smile. Sometimes he actually came over to ask if she's having a good time, leaving his future prey in the cold.

"Hey Maurice. How are you baby? Not too tired?" His mother asked concerned. When she looked in the same direction he was looking, she knew why he was distracted and didn't repeat instantly to her question. "Have you told her yet?"

He took a sip from his beer, sighted and said: "No, I haven't"

"Maurice, waiting isn't going to solve anything. The longer you wait, the more it will hurt for the both of you. You need to tell her now. For Gods sake, you're leaving in the morning."

"Don't you think I know that Mom. But look at her. She's been smiling the entire evening. I haven't seen her like this in a long, long time. I'll tell her after the party."

"Fine, it's your decision to make, just make sure she hears it from you. In the meanwhile, why don't you ask her to dance."

"Ma, you know I don't dance."

"Mrs Boscorelli, may I have this dance.". Rose smiled, got from behind her counter, walking towards the 'dance floor' with Swersky on her arm.

"Thank God for that" Bosco said to himself.

"Hey stranger." He turned around to see his favourite girl smiling at him. "Where's the girlfriend?" She asked playfully.

"What the blonde? Oh not my type." She sat down next to him, sipping from his beer.

"Faith," he took her hand. " I need to talk to you. Let's go outside."

"Oo it's freezing out here. Can't we talk inside." He takes off his jacket and helps Faith put it on, after that he keeps rubbing her arms hoping she would get warm.

"Thank you, so what is so important that we have to leave the party where it is actually warm" She was curious but that quickly changed when she saw he preferred to look at the ground instead of her. A sad expression appeared on his face "Boz, what's wrong." His eyes met hers.

"I'm leaving."

"What, like on holiday?" She smiled

"No, for good."

That was exactly the kind of thing she didn't want to hear. She was confused by what he just told her. She didn't know what to do: should she slap him, cry, wish him the best. So many emotions went through her head. She couldn't think straight. The only thing she could do was shaking her head in disbelieve "You're kidding right."

"I'm not and I'm sorry. I understand if you're angry but I.."

"Angry?? How about pissed- off and you're sorry. I guess that makes everything alright. Bosco I just got you back and now you're leaving me again."

"I have to Faith. I'm just sick and tired that people either feel sorry or find me a freak."

"Bosco, nobody thinks you're a freak."

"Look at me Faith, I'm a monster." He ripped of the bandages and revealed his scar. "This scar will never go away." He pointed at it with his finger while his eyes filled with tears. So did Faith's.

"Remember when you didn't want anyone to know about your cancer? You didn't want to be treaded differently well neither do I. When I see the guys all I see in their eyes is compassion, they feel sorry for me. I don't because you're standing here in front of me. I just want a fresh start. And I have nothing that keeps me here. Do I?"

"What about your mom or your job? We worked so hard on getting you better again so you could go back to work."

"I didn't pass Faith. I failed at the range. All I'm aloud to do is administration and I'm not planning on doing that."

"We can work on it Bosco. We'll practise at the range every day for an hour or two. Just give it some time. And give your scars time to heal as well. Your doctor said it would take a while for it to get better. I'll be there for you every step of the way."

"No. You've been through enough because of me. I always got you in trouble. I.."

Davis poked his head out the door and said Bosco was needed inside. Bosco looked at her and said he wasn't finished talking yet. She nodded and said she would be there in a few minutes. Rose, who had witnessed the last part, came outside to try to cheer her up.

"Hey honey. How are you doing?" Rose asked concerned, letting her hand rest on Faith's back. "I… I just can't believe he's leaving.' She started to snob.

"I know, I know." "How can you let him go? I mean can't you forbid him."

"Oh Faith, believe me I tried, oh I tried. But you know him, when his mind is made up. Anyway you're talking to the wrong person. I'm not the one who can make him stay."

Faith wiped her tears away and looked at Rose. Rose gave her a yes nod but before Faith could respond, Davis appeared again saying Swersky was going to speech. Rose walked towards the door, turned around and said: "You can give him a reason to stay."