A Time to Remember

AUTHOR: Piper Fox
DISCLAIMER: See part one.

(Dec): A few weeks later . . .

"Don't you miss it?" Lucy asked.

"Miss what?"

"That feeling."

"What?" Carter was confused.

"You know, when you're a kid and Christmas is like the most exciting night of the year."

"Okay . . ." Carter gave her a suspicious look.

"That exhilarated feeling of fun, all the spirit of . . . the season . . ." she caught his eye "I guess not."

"You love Christmas, don't you."

"Yeah, just me and Mom. We would do everything together. The tree, the decorations, the shopping." She smiled at the memory.

"Christmas wasn't always a success when I was a kid."

"Oh, why?"

"The angry parents, annoying relatives, the inevitable family argument."

"I'm sorry . . . did you enjoy any holidays as a kid?"

"No," he said, shaking his head slowly. "Although there was one Halloween, I went around with my cousin, Chase, doing a bit of neighbourhood redecorating."

"You did?"

"Yeah, but we weren't very popular after that," he laughed.

Lucy giggled. "So you were a trouble making kid . . . I find that hard to believe".

'Her laughter is a nice change.' A small smile began to creep upon his face. "I'm going to miss you," he said, and the smile faded again.

Lucy was quiet again. "I know."

'What? Aren't you going to miss me too?'

"Oh God, I hate packing," she grumbled. "And this is only for a one week trip to see my Mom. Imagine what it's gonna be like when I finally move out of here."

"I can't bare to think about it." He laughed again. "Oh . . . I almost forgot." Jumping up, he rushed to his room and came back with a small parcel wrapped in shiny gold paper. "Here."

"Carter . . . I didn't expect a gift. I never got you anything," she confessed.

"Don't worry . . . think of it as an early going away present."

The doorbell to their apartment rang. "Thanks, I guess that's my ride," she said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "So I'll see you at New Year?"

"Yeah." Carter watched her go, unable to disguise the regret in his face.

(Jan): A few weeks later . . .

Lucy and Carter were waiting in the lounge at O'Hare airport. Lucy stared vacantly out at the crowds of people that were scurrying about the place. Her flight had been delayed, and Carter lingered on to keep her company.

"Passengers travelling on American Transair flight 623 to San Francisco . . ." the voice trailed off.

"That's me" Lucy sighed as she got up and stretched. They set off in silence.

"You're wearing it!" Carter said suddenly. "My gift I mean."

Lucy's hand flew up to her neck, to finger the silver locket around her neck. "Yes, thank you. I love it."

"Something to remember me by."

"Would I forget you?" Lucy remarked. "You might forget me!"

"I don't think so."

"Same here." 'This is so weird, I feel so strange.' Lucy told herself. "So this is it," she said, as they stopped.

"Yep." Carter shifted his weight uncomfortably. 'What am I supposed to say?'

"Goodbye John." She surprised herself by calling him by his Christian name. 'What's with that?'

"So you're certain about this?" 'OH MAN . . . what did you say that for?'

Lucy shook her head, not really taking in his words. "I need to do this". She stared at him, taking in the features of his face. Imprinting it in her memory.

"Bye Lucy," he said, calmly waving as she walked away. Suddenly, she turned back and ran into his arms.

"I'll miss you." Her voice choked on the words.

"Same here," he said, slowly pulling apart. "Stay in touch."

She planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you so much Carter, for everything". Then she took a deep breath, one last look and boarded the plane.

Lucy found her seat, sat down and closed her eyes. Her heart was hammering and she felt sick to her stomach. 'Keep it cool,' she encouraged herself. 'This is what you wanted . . . then why do I feel so awful?'

Carter watched the plane off into the distance and stared in disbelief at the empty sky. That was it. 'How come that was so hard? I never thought she would really go . . . but I couldn't have told her not to go because of me . . . or could I?'. 'Too late now.' He hung his head and left, with a gap in his heart.

'Goodbye Chicago, goodbye ER, goodbye Carter. . .' "I love you." She said it so effortlessly but as soon as it flew out of her mouth, she sat up, startled.

"Are you alright dear?" The old woman seated next to her asked politely.

"Y . . . yes I'm fine," she said decisively in her mind, but her heart knew differently.