Chapter 10
I
It's Always Hard To Say Good-Bye
There was a buzzing noise that filled the room with sound. Instinctively Duncan rolled over and felt the night stand for the alarm clock. His fingers fumbling with the off button as he turned off the alarm. Peeking with one eye, he could see that the clock number said it was 11:00 a.m. in the morning. Rolling back over, he places his arm around Rhiannon and pulls her close to him snuggling up to her and enjoyed having her in his arms. He laid there for a few minutes just listening to her breath as she slept. As he held her, his mind went over the events that happen last night not regretting one ounce of it. It felt so very right to him.
Slowly Duncan forces himself to move his arms away from Rhiannon and gets out of bed. Moving sheepishly to the window, he pulls back the curtains and looks out at the mountains basking in the sunlight. It looked like it was going to be a wonderful day. Sighing, he knew that some how that wasn't going to be true. Duncan knew everything that had happen the last couple of days was going to come to a head today. He silently wishes that he could stop the day up coming events and just freeze time. Walking over to the bed, Duncan stood there and watched Rhiannon sleeping. It looked like it was a restful sleep, one of peace with no nightmares. He decided to let her sleep. It was something she desperately needed. With a day like the one she will have today, Rhiannon needed all the rest that she can get. Leaning down, Duncan gently kisses her forehead. Then quietly he tips toes to the bathroom, shutting the door softly.
Turning on the water, Duncan gets into the shower. Letting the hot water soak into his skin as his mind drifted to what he learned about what Victor has done to Rhiannon. He knew that there was so much more to their story that he will never know. So much she kept buried. But she would have to deal with her past to deal with her future. It was something Duncan knew all to well. Once he came face to face with his pass, he was better able to understand what he is and what he has become. Duncan knew Rhiannon had to face her demons. He knew that it was something she would have to do all on her own. That all he could do is be there and help her the best that he could.
Duncan turned and placed his hands onto the wall as he let the water run over his head. He knew that he had to stop Victor. But how? One thing kept crossing his mind was no matter what he decided, Rhiannon was going to be playing a big part in the demise of Victor. For it started with her, and it must end with her. He just couldn't figure out how. How can I keep her safe if Robbins uses her to get to me? Duncan knew that would be a big part of Victor plans, to use her to get back at him. As he finished showering, he was beginning to think she was right. That some how Victor had her ether way. No what he did she was right in the middle. There was nothing he could do to stop it. Duncan decided right there that no matter what happens he would not let Victor take her head. Her mortality was something else. It was her immortality that meant more. For Rhiannon has centuries to live and lives to be lead.
Meanwhile as Duncan was trying to make sense of what his choices were, Rhiannon was awakened by the sounds of water. Taking her hand, she runs her hand down the length of the bed where Duncan had been sleeping. Slowly she opens her eyes to make sure what she was feeling was right. Even though the side of the bed where Duncan had been sleeping was still warm it was empty. As she fully wakes up, Rhiannon realizes it was Duncan who was taking a shower. Rhiannon couldn't help but smiled to herself at the thought. Looking over at the night stand, she notices the time on the alarm clock said it was eleven thirty. Oh Shit! She couldn't believe that was the right time. Shaking her head, Can't make love all night and expect to get up on time.
Rhiannon laid there smiling as she replayed in her mind at what happen last night. How Duncan touched her with gentleness, caring and with love, it was something that she has never quite experienced before. He was touching her soul. Most of all, he was taking her heart. Rhiannon reluctantly got out of bed and picked up her nightgown. Placing it over her head, it cascaded over her body. Rhiannon thought to herself how she wanted more of Duncan. It wasn't so much about the sex. It was because she craved his being. He made her feel whole when she was with him, that all the puzzle pieces actually fit. It was something that she never felt about someone before.
Putting on her robe, she walked over to the desk and wrote him a quick note. As she lays the pen down, she listens to see if the shower was still going. My what a long shower. As she smiles to herself. Rhiannon understood in her heart why, knowing that he had a lot to deal with and a lot to absorb. As well as she did. Rhiannon knew just as well as Duncan that their lives will never be the same. Especially after today is done. Hoping deep within her heart, Duncan was right. But she didn't really have a choice but believe that he was right. That he was the one that had to deal with Victor. Taking one last look toward the bathroom, she quietly walks over to the bedroom door and leaves the room.
II
Walking out of the bathroom, Duncan discovered that Rhiannon had left. He walks over to the desk and sees her note. After reading it, he smiled.
Good morning Highlander,
I went to get dressed and talk to Mama. Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you. Thanks again for last night. See you soon.
Forever Always,
Rhiannon
Forever Always. Duncan repeated softly back to himself. He has only known her for a few days, but it felt like a whole lifetime. As he got dressed, his thoughts turn to fate. Whether it was fate or destiny, he wasn't going to let her slip away. It had been to long since he felt like this. What he needed to do was to clear his mind. Put things in perspective. Duncan decided to go outside and meditate. It was something that he had been neglecting the last couple of days. He needed to get his mind and soul into one place, to gather all his strength and anchor it.
Making his way around to the back of the house, he notices how much cooler it is. Last night's storm had cooled off the mountain ranges off leaving freshness in the air. Duncan lays out his blanket and gets into a meditating position. Taking in a few deep breaths and letting it out slowly trying to get his mind to clear and get it into focus. However, with every attempt of doing this, his mind would wander. It would go back and forth between Rhiannon and Victor. He couldn't clear his mind without the other appearing into it. It was frustrating him terribly. Finally deciding, to let his mind do its own thing. Taking a slow deep breath in and holding it, Duncan would let his mind flood with a thousand thoughts. After his mild filled, Duncan slowly let all the air escape from his lungs. As he did all the thoughts that were coming at him began to rush out of him like the air leaving his lungs. Duncan continued to do the breathing exercises until his mind cleared completely, until his mind finally came to complete peace.
All this time, Rhiannon stood at the window in her room watching Duncan. She wasn't quite sure what he was doing at first, then suddenly coming to the realization that he was meditating. A Scotsman meditating? Now I have seen everything. The more she learned about Duncan, the more he astounded her. He is definitely an old soul. She shuddered at the thought, not really knowing why. Rhiannon shook it off and finished dressing. Then returned back to the window noticing that Duncan was now in deep meditation. Rhiannon stood there and shook her head. I hope he doesn't think I'm going to do that! She stood there trying to picture it herself doing what he was doing in her head. The picture of her sitting in a zen mode caused her to laugh out loud. "It will never happen, isn't no way." Deciding in that moment that was enough meditating for anyone body Rhiannon went on downstairs.
When she went into the kitchen to go out the back door, Mrs. Taylor was sitting at the table drinking a cup coffee and reading the morning paper.
Mrs. Taylor looked over the paper at Rhiannon and with a smile she said, "Well good afternoon Rhiannon."
"Not quite Mama, I have at least five more minutes." Rhiannon replied laughingly.
Rhiannon decided that she had better say good morning before she went outside to poke fun at Duncan, Rhiannon pours herself a cup and walks over and kisses her mother on the cheek as she sat down in the chair next to Mrs. Taylor.
"So what is that glow about this morning Rhiannon?" Mrs. Taylor inquired.
Rhiannon blushed, "No reason."
"Okay, if you say so." Mrs. Taylor replied even though she had a feeling as to why Rhiannon was in the mood she was in.
Trying to change the subject Rhiannon asked, "So have the rest of your guests check out yet?"
"Not yet . . . the couple with that cute little boy is still here. They're leaving tomorrow." Mrs. Taylor said as she acted like she was still reading the paper.
"Hmm.…diehards huh?" Rhiannon asked.
"Yeah, they want to see the award assembly tonight . . . The town council moved the main event to this afternoon, so that they can have one more night for the fair." Mrs. Taylor replied.
"So the main event isn't tonight?" Rhiannon asked sounding a little upset.
Placing the paper down, Mrs. Taylor could see that Rhiannon was upset. "What is it Rhiannon, What's wrong?"
It was like all the air was let out of her balloon. She wasn't counting on the time to be moved to the afternoon. She thought she had a little more time to think everything through before she faced Victor.
" I'm supposed to meet Victor after his round . . . to sign the papers for the house." Rhiannon replied with sorrow in her voice.
Mrs. Taylor took a deep breath. She knew that it was going to happen, but she didn't think it was going to be so soon.
"Rhiannon, maybe you should wait . . . or see if you can do it tomorrow after the fair ends." Mrs. Taylor said.
"He wants to do it now." Rhiannon simply replied.
"Well . . . he can wait. He'll get this all soon enough . . . Victor can wait a few more days." Mrs. Taylor said with anger in her voice.
There was a moment of silence between them. Rhiannon knew that there was no way of really telling her what was going on or what going to happen. It was killing her. She decided that she had to let her have this one decision. To give her this one moment of solace in thinking that for now, Victor can just hold off on the signing. Just so that Mrs. Taylor could feel like she has some kind of say so of what going on.
Rhiannon sighed, "Yeah your right Mama, he can wait. Whether we do this today or tomorrow or even a couple of days from now, he knows he owns this . . . (tears began to build) I don't see why he couldn't wait a few more days for the papers to be signed."
Mrs. Taylor got up from her seat and moved behind Rhiannon. Placing her arms around her, "Rhiannon don't blame yourself for this . . . You did your best. (kissing the top of her head) That's all that really counts."
"But this is our home . . . our life. (Turning around and hugging her mom) I let you down." Rhiannon said as tears flowed down her face.
"Rhiannon . . . you never let me down. (Placing her face in her hands) We both knew this was a long shot . . . You tried, and that means more to me than this old house." Mrs. Taylor said as her own tears flowed.
Rhiannon heart was broken. She wanted so badly to tell her mother the truth. That it had nothing to do with her. That she wasn't really going to lose the house. That it was all about Rhiannon. That she was immortal and that it was about a stupid game with stupid rules. But she knew deep in her heart and her soul she could never tell her this. It would put her life in danger. It would make her question her beliefs. That was something Rhiannon never wants to happen. Some things are better if not known.
Pulling away from Mrs. Taylor, "You know that I love you Mama, that no matter what I always will."
"I love you to Rhiannon . . . Now stop this. Life is too short. We will be just fine . . . I promise. " Mrs. Taylor said trying to convince her
Rhiannon got up and placed her arms around her mom. She was saying goodbye. She knew that this could be the last time that she will ever see her. That she just wanted her to know that she loved her, just in case.
"I just wanted you to know that." Rhiannon softly said.
"I do baby . . . I do." Mrs. Taylor said hugging her back wondering where this was coming from.
Pulling away from her, Rhiannon put on a fake smile on her face. Deciding she needed to change the subject just in case she spilled everything. "Have you seen Duncan out in the back yard yet?"
"No why?" Mrs. Taylor asked, knowing that Rhiannon was changing the subject.
"Come here (grabbing her hand) and take a look at this." Rhiannon said as she took her to the kitchen window.
Mrs. Taylor stood there looking at Duncan. She tilted her head to the side then to the other side not quite sure what he was doing. "Why is he doing that?"
"Meditating I guess . . . but you know something (smiling widely) I think enough is enough for one day . . . don't you?" Rhiannon said mischievously,
"Yeah . . . you better go out there and stop him before the neighbors start talking." Mrs. Taylor said laughingly.
Rhiannon took one more look at her mother and kissed her on the cheek "Okay . . . I'll see you later."
Mrs. Taylor watched as Rhiannon as walked out. Suddenly a feeling came over her that for some reason, her daughter just said goodbye to her. She couldn't explain why she felt that way but she did. It scared her, knowing deep in heart that Rhiannon was keeping some thing from her and whatever it was, it was really bad.
III
Rhiannon made her way around back where Duncan was meditating. She stood there for a few minutes watching him. Not being able to take it any more Rhiannon decide it was time to for him to stop.
"Hey good looking, can you come out to play."Rhiannon asked teasingly.
Duncan didn't reply. He just kept meditating. This of course aggravates Rhiannon knowing that he had heard her. However, she didn't notice that he had one eye peeping at her. Duncan closes it quickly when she sat down next to him. She waves her hands in front of his face. No response.
"Duncan Macleod." Rhiannon whispered softly in his ear.
It was the strong southern accent that got him. Duncan started giggling as he quickly grabbed Rhiannon and he placed her on his lap.
"Good morning or should I say afternoon." Duncan said as he leans in and gives her a teasing kiss.
"You heard me the whole time didn't you?" Rhiannon asked.
Duncan didn't reply he just nestled into her neck, softly kissing it. Rhiannon in return situates herself so that she is straddling Duncan.
"Are you comfy?" Duncan said with a smile.
"Not as well as I would like." Rhiannon responded as she moved her hips to get into a better position.
Once she was comfortable, she decided to tease Duncan back. Rhiannon leaned in and started to softly bite at his neck.
"Ouch !" Duncan said as he smacked her ass.
"Hey . . . now you started it." Rhiannon said as she laughed.
Duncan loved to tease Rhiannon just to hear her laugh. Her laughter was contagious. He gives her a small kiss on her neck again as he let his fingers gently run up the side of her ribs tickling her. She laughed a little louder. In returned she gently bit his neck sending chills of excitement down his spine. Duncan knew that they had better stop or they were going to go at it again. Right there in front of everyone.
"Okay . . . I quit." Duncan said trying to pull away.
"Oh yeah? (kissing him teasingly on the lips) And what are you going to give me if I do?" Rhiannon inquired as she leaned back in to kiss his neck.
"The world my lady . . . the world." Duncan said as he lifted her off his lap and laid her down on the blanket.
Rhiannon's heart just skipped a beat. I bet you would. Somehow she knew that it was true if he could. She runs her hand through his hair Then she kisses him with a little more passion than before. Duncan in returned kissed her passionately back. Then moving her hair to the side, he started to kiss her down her neck letting his hands travel down her leg.
They were both so into the moment that neither had heard Ross come around the corner of the house. He stood there for a few minutes and smiled. Never has he seen Rhiannon be like that with anyone, to be so happy and in love, that she didn't care where she was and whom she was showing it to. There was a glow about her. Today it shone very brightly. Noticing it was getting a little hot and heavy, Ross decided to clear his throat. Both turned to looked over at him. Their faces were flushed with excitement and embarrassment.
"There is such a place as the bedroom for which you two were going to do." Ross said teasing them.
Rhiannon blushed. Duncan smiled and winked at him as he lay down next to her.
"I guess I came in the nick of time?" Ross said teasing them both a little bit more.
"You never did have good timing." Rhiannon said sarcastically.
"Oh sure Rhiannon, I have enough to keep you out of trouble." Ross replied. It caused Duncan to giggle.
"It's not that funny." Rhiannon said as she slapped him on the chest.
"Oh!" Duncan uttered as he clutched at his chest.
"This is not fair guys . . . Two against one."Rhiannon pleaded. Both Ross and Duncan laughed at her.
"Okay I'll quit, before you get mad." Ross said teasing her.
Ross went and sat down next to them. In the midday sun, the bruises on his face could be clearly seen on his brown skin. Even though they were slowly starting to fade. It broke Rhiannon's heart to look at Ross.
"So how are you feeling?" Rhiannon inquired.
"Doing a lot better today Baby Girl, it's just all bumps and bruises . . . I'll be okay," Ross said as he winked at her.
Rhiannon looks over at Duncan. He could tell she was blaming herself for what happened.
"So Ross . . . What are you up to today?"Duncan asked changing the subject.
"Just rest and relaxation." Ross replied.
"Good choice." Duncan simply said.
Ross got this suddenly got a somber look on his face. They both knew what the next question was going to be. Ross didn't know any other way to ask. It wasn't in his nature to beat around the bush about it.
"What time are you to meet Victor to sign the papers for the house?" Ross bluntly asked.
"Well it was supposed to be after the round tonight . . . but they changed the time to five for that . . . and moved up the award assembly to tonight. I guess it will be after that." Rhiannon replied as she gave Duncan a look of concern.
Duncan was a little taken back about the time change. Hoping that Rhiannon was right and it was going to be after the awards. But he had a plan to stop them from meeting period. So it didn't matter to him, what time it was going to be.
Breaking the moment of silence among all of them, Ross asked. "You're (pointing at Duncan) going with her right?"
"Yes I am. There is no way she is going to go alone." Duncan directly said.
Ross smiled. That is all he wanted to hear. He knew that she would be safe with Duncan there. There was another moment of silence. However, this time with there were glances between Rhiannon and Ross. Duncan could tell that Ross wanted to talk to Rhiannon alone. But also he could also tell that Ross didn't want to intrude. Ross stood up as did Duncan. Duncan stretched out his hand and helped Rhiannon to her feet.
"Ahhhh . . . Rhiannon I got a few phone calls to make. I'll back in few minutes." Duncan said as he winked at Ross. Ross smiled in return. He was glad that Duncan took the hint.
"Oh . . . okay." Rhiannon replied being a little confused.
Duncan reached his hand out to Ross, "Take care of her okay." Ross shook his head okay as he shook Duncan's hand.
"See you (kissing her on the cheek) in a little bit." Duncan said.
"Okay." Rhiannon said blushing.
IV
After making their way to the front porch, Duncan went on into the house as Rhiannon and Ross went to the end of the porch and sat down on the swing. They sat there in silence for a few minutes watching the cows out in the field swinging on the swing. It was Ross who finally spoke first. He was full of a lot of questions and along with a tell all about Duncan.
"I take it things have gotten more involved between you and him." Ross asked coyly.
"Yes . . . it has. More than you know." Rhiannon answered.
Rhiannon so desperately wanted to tell him everything. She needed his advice in the worse way. But she wasn't sure if she should. Ross on the other hand could sense there was a lot more going on than being in love. There was a sudden awkwardness that filled the air between them. Again Ross broke the silence between them.
"Rhiannon (stopping the swing) is there something wrong?" Ross inquired.
Before Ross knew it Rhiannon was crying, It wasn't some thing that Ross was accustom to. Rhiannon just didn't cry like that, not unless someone had hurt her or something was seriously wrong. Ross places his arms around her and held her. He let her have a good cry before he asked again.
"Okay . . . now, what is it?" Ross said as he pulled her away from him.
"Oh Ross . . . I don't even know where to begin or if I should even tell you." Rhiannon said, as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
Ross looked deep in her brown eyes, "Rhiannon . . . you have known me half of your life . . . you know you can trust me. (reaching up and wiping the last tear from her eyes) So quit beating around the bush and spill the beans."
It was like a dam erupting. The floodgates had been open and there was no turning back. Rhiannon knew she was taking a chance telling Ross everything. Duncan warned her not to tell anybody, but she trusted him with her life. Ross has saved her life in ways that no one ever had. He always was there to help her pick up the pieces of her life and put them back together. To Rhiannon, it wouldn't be right not to tell him. She needed to tell him her about herself and what she was along with what Duncan and Victor are. He had to know.
Rhiannon slowly started telling Ross everything about immortally. So much information was coming at him at one time, it was overwhelming him. But he sat there and patiently listening to every thing she was saying. He just couldn't believe what he was hearing. Immortality, Duncan, Victor, it just didn't make any sense. But in some small way it did. Something deep inside Ross told him, that what Rhiannon was saying to him was the truth.
"Okay . . . Slow down for a minute Rhiannon . . . You're telling me Duncan showed you that he was immortal." Ross asked.
"Yes . . . Ross, he walked over to my sword picked it up and drove it right into his heart." Rhiannon said, as the picture of it in her head was just as clear as the moment it happened.
"There's no way . . . (shaking his head) . . . It was probably a trick Rhiannon. Maybe it was smoking mirrors or something." Ross said trying to explain away what she was telling him.
"Ross . . . I know he was dead because I pulled the sword out of him. (pausing to get her composer) Then maybe . . . five, ten minutes later Duncan started to breathe and look right at me!" Rhiannon said trying her best to convince him.
This was too unbelievable to Ross. He sat there listening to her, not really wanting to believe any of it. Rhiannon went on explaining how Duncan sensed it in her. That when you're immortal, you can feel the other coming. She went on and tried to explain to him about the game and how there can be only one. Then only to give Ross another blow, when she tried to explain about Victor. Now he was having hard enough time believing everything else, but now holy ground and Victor. It was getting way too deep.
"Okay . . . If that was the case Rhiannon . . . and Victor is what you say he is . . . " Ross started to say but Rhiannon interrupted him before he finished.
"An immortal." Rhiannon stated as matter of fact.
"Don't you think that he would have just taken your head? ... Then just took the land?" Ross asked.
"That is the million-dollar question Ross . . . The only thing we can think of is that it is because I'm not an immortal yet . . . and it's all part of his game. (taking a deep breath) I don't know . . . But it's all true. You have to believe me, Ross. I wouldn't . . . couldn't come up with this without it being true. My imagination isn't that good." Rhiannon said as bluntly as she could trying her best to get her point across to him.
They sat there in silence for a few minutes, letting Ross soak it up everything Rhiannon just told him. Knowing Ross the way she did, Rhiannon wasn't sure if he thought she went nuts. She hoped against hope that he believed her. Rhiannon needed Ross to believe her. She had no one else other than Duncan she could trust. She needed her best friend to believe her. As she sat there studying his face, it was unclear if he did believe her.
"Ross . . . believe me. I haven't gone crazy. (looking into his eyes) I really need a sane voice in all this. I need you to believe me. It's important to me that you do." Rhiannon begged him.
Ross placed his arm around Rhiannon and smiled. Even though he thought the whole idea of immortality, to live forever just to fight to be the one was crazy, something inside compelled him to believe her. Ross knew there was no way Rhiannon could have dreamed this up. She was too insistent. Reaching up he cupped her face in his hands, so that he could look into her eyes. Ross could clearly see that she believed everything she was saying. There wasn't any other choice but trust and believe what she had said was true.
"I believe you Rhiannon . . . I don't know how or why . . . but I do believe you." Ross said sincerely.
They sat for a long while talking. Talking about everything that has happen to her the last couple of days. Discussing how her life was know going to change. That once she became immortal, everything will be different. She will be different. That she will have to fight for her life. That's when the topic of her dying came up.
"You know once it happens, I might have to appear dead to everyone . . . especially if it happens in front of anyone." Rhiannon tried to explain.
Ross looks at her in disbelief. "You mean when you turn immoral you have to give up everything . . . Walk away from everyone you know."
"It's the only way . . . Not only for my protection but as well as everyone I care about." Rhiannon said, giving Ross a stern look.
Ross became very quiet going over the reasons she told him. Then a thought occurred to him. "Okay . . . But isn't there a way around it? I mean if no one sees you become immortal, couldn't you still have your life a while longer? ...I know eventually you will have disappear, but would it have to be right away?"
Rhiannon didn't think of that. What if no one knew that I died? I could at least live out this life until after Mama goes. Her mind went into a thousand different directions. The thought that she could actually be there for her mother and still be a part of her life, sent a flood of relief through her. Rhiannon's main worry was and always has been her mother. But then again what if it puts her mother in danger. Duncan told her about how much his mortal friends were always in the line of fire because of his immortality. She was very confused.
"I haven't thought of that possibility . . . But maybe we should wait and see what happens before I decide . . . There is way to many variables that could happen. I think the best bet is to wait and see how this all plays out first before I make any decisions about walking away from this life." Rhiannon said as she thought about what Ross said.
Ross could live with that answer even though he felt a little selfish. He still wanted her to continue to be part of his life regardless if she was indeed immortal or not. They have been best friends since she was a small child.
"I just have one more question to ask?" Ross said.
"What is that?" Rhiannon wondered.
"No matter what happens . . . whether you become immortal or not . . . (His voice breaking) That we never lose each other . . . " Ross couldn't finish the question. There was too big a lump in his throat.
Tears started to swell in Rhiannon eyes. "I promise Ross . . . you will always be a part of my life Ross, forever and ever. No matter whether I am immortal or not . . . That's why I had to tell you. I couldn't picture my life without you in it. (Taking a deep breath) Now my turn . . . Will you watch over Mama when the time comes that I can't do it any longer."
"You didn't even need to ask." Ross answered as he reached around her and hugged her.
It was a load off Rhiannon's mind knowing that Ross would be there no matter what. That he'll take care of her mother and other matters. Now she can concentrate on what she had to do. They sat there for a while longer talking about them their lives and everything else. That was when the topic of Victor and Duncan came up. Rhiannon explained that Duncan felt that Victor was coming for her. That Duncan was going to challenge Victor in order to try and keep her out of the game until she was immortal and ready to play the game.
"You act as though you're going to die today, Rhiannon." Ross said with a voice of concern.
A look came over Rhiannon's face that made Ross's skin crawl.
"It's just a feeling. Ross . . . I can't explain it. I just want everything settled just in case I do become immortal. It's all coming to a head today . . . With Victor forcing my hand . . . I just want to make sure everything is settled." Rhiannon replied.
"But you said that Duncan was going to deal with him . . . (looking at her with confusion) You don't think he can take him do you?" Ross asked bluntly.
Rhiannon paused for a moment, "It's not that I don't think he can . . . it's just what if he doesn't . . . What if . . . " This time it was Ross who interrupted her.
"Rhiannon there is too many what ifs. If you play that game, you know that it will drive you crazy. You said you trust Duncan (Rhiannon shook her head) Then trust he knows what he is doing. He has been playing the game a lot longer than you have known about it. Just trust that he can and that he will." Ross said with a voice of reason.
They just sat there and gently rocking back and forth, watching the cows continue to graze in the field, both of them deep in thought. Both playing the what if game in their heads. One thing was for sure Rhiannon was glad that she told him. There wasn't one ounce of regret. Whether or not he believed her still remained to be seen, but at least if it does happen, Ross will know and understand. That she didn't have to lose him after all this was all said and done. That they can remain best friends for the rest of his life. For Rhiannon, life without Ross would be too unbearable.
Ross decided he needed to lay down. He wasn't sure if it was an information overload or the beating that he took, but his head was hurting something bad.
Ross got up and leaned down and kissed Rhiannon on the cheek. "I'm going on in and lay down for a while . . . I'll see you later on."
"Okay . . . (before Ross could turn around and walk away Rhiannon grabbed his arm) Ross . . . You know I love you."
"Same here Baby Girl . . . same here." Ross replied as he helped Rhiannon up.
They hugged each other for what seemed like eternity. Nether of them wanting to let go. Pulling away, Ross kissed Rhiannon's forehead and walked away. As he came to the front porch door he turned and looks at Rhiannon and smiled. Ross was feeling it too. Something terrible was going to happen today. One sure thing he could count on that for the both of them, their life was definitely going to change. In ways, which he could never possibly imagination his soul was screaming it. Ross takes one last look at Rhiannon before he goes in the house. Imprinting the image of her standing there into his mind, knowing that it may be the last time they ever see each other.