Chapter 22. Here it is. Enjoy. This MAY be the last chapter to this story... but at the end you'll get more 'infos'.
Please review.
Disclaimer: I don't own the TT.
Kori woke up, lying down on the floor. She looked up at the ceiling and felt right at home. Getting up she looked around at the overflowing trashcans and recycling bins. Her paintings were gently wrapped in a piece of cloth and placed in a big suitcase with other clothes and items, next to the door.Right next to it was smaller suitcase and her purse. Everything she needed was neatly packed.
She yawned and stretched.
She wasn't leaving much behind, but what was staying here would be everything she worked for. So according to her, she was leaving a lot behind.
But she had to move forward and to move forward you always have to give up a little something. She had to learn it the hard way though…
She got up lazily and walked like a zombie to the kitchen counter. She leaned on it and picked up the several envelopes filled with money and other souvenirs given to her by some friends she went to meet yesterday and the day before just to say one last goodbye.
If they asked her why she was leaving she would just answer:
''To meet family''…
Or ''to continue her studies''…
After placing the envelopes in her purse she rubbed her temples called the dog. In only a few seconds the blond fur ball came running towards her. She smiled to it and tied a leash to it's collar. She realized that her voice echoed in the apartment.
It was so………. Empty.
She looked around.
Kori was soon ready to go.
Taking off the giant shirt she slept in, she grabbed a pair of jeans, a little black t-shirt and her converse.
Then she walked back to the counter and sat down.
She grabbed the glass of water that was just standing on the counter since yesterday and drank a bit. Then looking at the phone that sat there, staring at her like always, came a blinking red light… Lowering the phone's volume she gently pressed on the little red button, waiting calmly… with absolutely no facial expression.
She felt drained and tired…
Nine new messages. To listen, press 'skip/next'. To delete press 'delete'.
It was two messages more than yesterday…
She pressed the button 'skip/next' and listened to the first message…
''Hey Kori it's Richard. I was just kind off worried 'cause you're not answering and you were supposed to be back by now. Anyways, I'm just sorry for the other night at Bruce's place. And talking about Bruce… he found the body. But Bruce is a good guy… he's on our side… I think. He chuckled… Call me back as soon as you can, you know how to reach me. ''
She pressed delete.
''It's Richard again. He chuckled again… God she missed that laugh… Bruce called me few minutes ago. They identified the person in the pool, you'll never—''
Furiously, she grabbed the newspaper lying next to the phone. Of course she knew who was lying in the pool… and with that front page, who wouldn't notice? She read the title written in big, bold letters:
"BODY FOUND IN WAYNE MANSION'S POOL, FLOATER IDENTIFIED TO BE: KARMEN ANDERS."
Then a photo under it pictured Karmen handcuffed, her wet hair falling flat on her face. She shook her head and threw the paper on the wall. Papers flew everywhere, causing a true mess.
She listened to the next message…
''Richard here… hemm… I know it seems stupid to keep on calling you but… I'm worried… I also had some news… I thought that you might want to know about this.. euhh.. Xavier might soon be released… since they didn't find anything against him. But it's not certain… There's a possibility—''
Delete.
''Kori, I'm worried. Call—''
Delete.
''Where are—''
Delete.
… and so on… for nine messages… only Richard's voice could be heard on each. She deleted every message, not even taking the time to listen to them because she already knew what each one would say.
She sighed.
The phone rang… once… twice… she looked at the small screen and Richard's phone number appeared… she quickly bent down and unplugged the phone. The ringing stopped. She calmed down a bit.
She breathed…
Then grabbed her cell phone to call for a taxi. She had to go. Fast.
But someone knocked at her door. Once… twice… Richard screamed Kori's name. Startled, she ran towards the door and opened it a bit. She looked at Richard thru the small opening.
''Hey…''
With force, Richard pushed the door open. It slammed on the wall and an angry Richard stepped in, looking around. He was surprised at how empty the apartment was. He looked at her and spotted a suitcase then he looked back at her.
''What's going on?'' he asked with a cold voice.
Kori felt her heart on the edge of exploding. She tried to say something, but couldn't. This wasn't supposed to happen.
''Didn't you get my messages?''
She didn't respond. She just looked away. It's been a while since she felt like a small child getting punished for lying or playing a bad trick.
''Why didn't you answer the phone when I called?''
She stayed silent.
''Why?!''
Sigh.
Then with a broken voice he said, ''You're leaving, aren't you?''
She looked up at him. ''I have to.''
He grabbed her shoulders. ''No! You don't have too.''
She sighed and rolled her eyes. ''Richard! You just don't understand!''
He shook her slightly. ''I do understand. Me, Bruce, Rachel; we can protect you. We'll help you. You don't have to leave. Your life is here.'' He said, trying desperately to convince her.
She pushed him away. ''STOP! Stop it! Damn Richard! I have nothing here! Everything that I'll leave behind me is just a pile of dust, okay? I'm just sick of being here. I'm sick of this life. I'm sick of Karmen ruining my life and I'm sick of myself. I've got to go, it's a decision I had to make.''
Silence…
She looked at the floor then back up at him.
''…and you've got to let me go. I can't live like this. It's killing me.''
He furiously looked around. ''…and what about me? Don't you think it's killing me? A little more and you'd be saying that you were sick of me… except if you already are. Thanks for making me be a part of the dust you're leaving behind.''
She wasn't sick of him! She was in love with him!
''NO! That's not what I meant! Ughh…''
Richard's eye expressed hurt and pain. ''Then start saying what you mean, since this seems to be our last time together.''
She bent down to grab her purse and her suitcase but Richard gently grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. ''You're my queen Kor, and I'm your king.''
''It's time for the queen to get the hell outta here.''
''Then I'll come with you.''
Kori tried to keep her tone down. ''It's not that simple.''
He placed an arm around her waist and pulled her even closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck with a bit of regret…
''Kori, I love you.'' He simply said.
She remained silent after hearing those words. They tore her to pieces… she was leaving and he just told her that he loved her. He just told her the one thing she wanted to hear in such a long time and it had to be NOW.
''I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner… you just mean so much to me. I never loved someone like you, ever. I don't want to loose you.''
''You're not loosing me.'' she smiled.
He smiled and looked in her green orbs and pressed his lips against hers. She didn't hesitate to respond with as much heat. It hurt her so bad…
Damn life.
Damn destiny.
Damn stalkers.
Damn Richard's hot lips and strong arms.
He slipped his hand under her shirt but she pulled away and stared in his perfect ocean blue eyes with a smile tugging the edge of her lips. ''I love you so much Richard.''
He brought his mouth to her ear, ''I told you that I'm your king.''
She smiled.
''So I'm coming with you.''
She hesitated for a moment… then nodded.
''When are you leaving?''
Kori put her pencil down and sighed. She had been writing all evening long and it had just turned 9:52 pm. She grabbed her cell phone and called for a cab, then grabbed her apartment keys. Her purse on her shoulder and her cell phone now in the bottom of her pocket, she bent down and took her suitcase and with her free hand, grabbed the leash and walked to the door.
She opened the door and walked out. Memories flowed in her mind, happy and sad. She hated leaving like this but she had no choice… did she?
Kori looked back and smiled sadly. Then she shut the light and closed the door for the last time, locking it behind her. She was convinced that she would never come back…. She couldn't.
Goodbye apartment.
She sighed and looked at her dog and smiled. It looked back at her and sat there. She shrugged and took a step to Richard's apartment door and pressed her ear against it.
Good. Richard wasn't back yet.
That meant she didn't have a lot of time. She turned the doorknob but it was locked. So she searched in her hair for a hairpin. Finding one, she grabbed and tried to open the door. It was a matter of few seconds to open the door and to walk inside.
She didn't have much time since Richard would soon be coming back from Bruce's house. She was convinced that he would want a good night's rest to catch his 'supposed' flight with Kori the next morning……..
She walked over to the small hook on the wall where he hung all his keys and searched for hers. Recognizing the spare key Wilson gave to Richard in case of emergencies for her place, she grabbed it and ran out the door, leaving a white envelope on Richard's kitchen table.
She picked up her suitcase, the dog following her not far behind. She hurried down the stairs and pushed the door open, leading her to the first floor. She quickly walked down a long hallway. She remembered the words Wilson had told her the first day she moved in,
''Down the hallway, only door to your left.''
Getting there, she knocked on Wilson door. She shivered and waited for him to answer. But nobody was there. She knocked once more…. No response. Slowly, she turned the doorknob. To her surprise it was open. Silently walking in, she made her way to the living room coffee table and placed both pair of keys on his table. She thought that he would understand that she was leaving.
But something caught her eye. She looked back at the coffee table and examined it. There was a cold cup of tee, a magazine, a pair of gloves… She raised an eyebrow and turned the leather gloves over. Pictures of dods were sewed on the gloves. She remembered her first encounter with the stalker.
Surprise. Surprise.
She felt relieved to know that she was right all along. That Xavier going to prison was a set-up to get Wilson off the hook; that first-floor was so obvious since the beginning; that Wilson was a sicko. It was an emotion of relief mixed with anger, but no surprise. The best part was she was right… and she knew it.
But Wilson just got away with it.
She walked out the door, reminding herself to stick to her guts the next time she would be stalked. She picked up the suitcase and ran to the door. She pushed it open and stepped out on the sidewalk, waiting for her ride. The dog calmly walked towards her and sat down. She picked up his leash and stood there.
She had one more stop before heading to the airport.
Kori looked down the street and saw two blinding lights heading her way. She narrowed her eyes and hoped it wasn't Richard… after all it was almost 10pm and he should soon be heading back… The taxi made it's way to her and stopped. She smiled to the cabby and opened the back door. The dog jumped in and waited politely for Kori. She made her way to the trunk and knocked a few times on it. The cabby understood and opened the trunk from a button in the glove compartment.
Kori placed her luggage in the trunk, slammed it shut and sat in the cab. The driver greeted her with a smile and listened to where she wanted to go. He immediately took off as Kori looked out the window.
They drove by miss Erwolf's and mister Esor's houses. They continued straight ahead and look a left, passed the burnt Gotham high. They then turned right at the second street after the GPD then continued straight ahead for few minutes. Then he came to a complete stop.
''I'll be right back.''
She opened the door and got out and made her way to the Prison entrance. She pushed the heavy door open and walked over to the first Information Booth she saw. ''Excuse me..''
The man looked up at her. ''Yes? You would like to see someone?''
She nodded. ''Xavier Redd… he's supposed to be here for some time.''
He tipped few words on his computer and clicked few times. ''Yeah Xavier Redd… his jail time is soon done. They're letting him get out early.''
She raised an eyebrow. ''How come?''
''I can't release information miss.''
She shrugged. ''It's okay.. can I see him now?''
He nodded and handed her a form to sign. ''Sure just sign here… but only relatives are allowed. No friends or coworkers.''
She smiled politely back at him. ''Oh I'm not a friend… I'm his girlfriend.'' She signed the form. ''Thanks.''
She walked away accompanied by another security guard. They walked down a hallway and he opened a door. She saw Xavier sitting on the other side of a glass window. A chair waited for her.
''Your girlfriend is here, mate. '' said the security guard with an Australian accent.
Xavier raised an eyebrow. ''What girlfriend?'' he said before seeing Kori walk in the room. Then he mouthed 'oh'.
She sat down facing him and smiled.
''Does this mean we're really going out?''
Kori stared at him with a shut-up-look on her face. ''I just had to see you.''
''I knew you had feelings for me Kori.'' He joked. ''This orange jump suit does turn the chicks on…''
She giggled and sadly smiled. ''No seriously, I'm leaving.''
He didn't understand and his facial expression spoke for him.
Kori sighed. ''I'm heading to the other side of Gotham. It's someplace close to Jump City. I might have a job as a painter at one of Rachel's friends businesses. I'll find myself a place there and I'll move on.''
''And Richard…?''
''He must be at his apartment by now, 'cause he was at Bruce's place. I think he was saying his last 'goodbye''s or sumthin' since he's supposed to take the plain with me tomorrow to leave…with me… which is not going to happen.''
''…''
''I'm gonna be long gone when he's going to notice that I left without him. I didn't even tell him where I'm leaving. I just said that I'd meet him at his place tomorrow morning and that we would leave together. It was the only way I could end it.''
''Don't you love him?''
''I do…''
''So? I don't get your point.''
''My point is he is part of the past, part of this side of Gotham that I am leaving. He brings back to many memories. I just have to start over. No Richard. No stalker. No Karmen. You heard about my sister right?''
He nodded. ''Yeah. But I don't agree—''
''Not a lot of people do. But Xavier, you're my best friend and I trust you to keep you mouth shut or else I'll seriously bite your ass off.''
''Scary thought.''
''That's why I don't want you to say a thing. And by the way, I've got to change, get a job. I'm chocking on this side of Gotham. I just couldn't take it anymore. And Richard well, he'll find another girl… he is Gotham's most 'handsome bachelor' after all. I also have other friends waiting for me on the other side of Gotham.''
''Where will you be staying?''
''At friend's house… Roy Harper. I don't think you know him but anyhow. He's a good guy. Funny too.''
''So you're not coming back.''
She shook her head. ''No…well not for the next few years anyway… but you can call me if you want. Okay?''
''Got it miss.''
She got up and smiled sadly at him. ''Remember, don't say a thing.''
''Laters Kori.''
She turned away and exited the room.
Richard entered his apartment and sighed then smiled. He calmly walked in and threw his coat on the couch then walked over to the kitchen and grabbed the loaf of bread and threw it on the counter. He went to fetch the cheese but turned around and attentively looked at the counter. Something was … different.
He finally noticed the white envelope. He picked it up and looked at it from all sides. He saw his name written on one side and smiled, recognizing Kori's delicate handwriting. He opened it and two pages fell. Words were written everywhere. He picked them up from the ground and his heart skipped a beat when he saw that all the pages were full of writing. He placed everything back in the envelope and put it in his pocket, then ran to the phone.
He dialed her number and waited for an answer. Nobody… Nothing…
Richard made his way to the hook hung on the wall and started to search for Kori's apartment keys. It wasn't there. He looked on the floor, on the coffee table, on the counter… Nothing. Something was wrong.
He only had one last way to get in her place… He made his way in his room and opened his closet door. Throwing everything out he went on his knees and saw the whole that had been there for such a long time. He clenched his fist and punched the wall. It easily broke and he forced his way through.
He pushed some of her shoes out of his way and opened the door. Kori's room seemed empty… intact. Getting up and opening all the lights his heart skipped a beat when he saw that her luggage was gone, that the dog wasn't there and that everything seemed… dead.
No Kori, no keys, no answer on the phone… he understood and wondered why the hell she did this to him. Car keys in his pocket, he ran out the building and to the parking lot. Sitting in his car, she slammed the door shut and made his way to the airport.
He had no clue where she was heading too since she was supposed to tell him the next morning. He had no clue if she was already gone, but he had to try. She was slipping away and he couldn't let her do that.
His tires squealed as he took off and zoomed fast in the empty streets of Gotham. He rushed by the red light and didn't care about the horns or the people cussing at him. He only had to do one thing, even if it were his last…..
Kori had been patiently waiting in line for her turn to by a ticket. She hoped that she wouldn't miss her plane…. And that Richard would be fast asleep, dreaming about leaving with her tomorrow. She knew he wasn't stupid. He would figure it out. But when…
Her turn had come and with great relief she asked for a ticket to the man that had his back to her on the other side of the counter. He turned around and an eighteen-year-old dude with short spiky green hair greeted her with a smile. ''Well if it isn't Kori; little miss I'm-running-away-or-so-it-seems.''
''Gar! You work here?''
Surprise, surprise it was…
''Uh, yeah. It's not because we're Halloween that I'm hearing this stupid costume.'' He said pointing to his green jacket and striped tie. ''I hate ties…. And I hate people who don't tell me where they are going and why.''
''Ehh… it's a long story Gar. But I'll call you okay? Just don't tell anyone. I'm going to get a job, move on… and most of all I'm in a HURRY.''
''And you didn't tell me!?!''
''Well, no.''
He handed her the ticket. ''Then call me when you get there. I don't want you to miss your plane anyways… I say you hurry or else you're gonna miss it.''
She giggled. ''One last thing Gar… my dog. Do something with it will ya? You work here, you deal with it.'' She giggled once more.
Garfield took the dog and handed it to another coworker then handed a form to Kori. She filled it in less then a minute and gave it back to him. ''I'm in a hurry….''
''I can see that…''
She picked up her luggage and kissed Garfield on the cheek. ''Thanks Gar! I'll call you promise!'' she said walking away, a smile printed on her face.
''Yeah…'' he said smiling, trying to push away few tears. ''You've grown up so fast, it just seems like yes— YES! How may I help you?'' he asked the next customer who had him by the collar.
Kori rolled her eyes and walked to an empty seat. She sat down and nervously looked around. Grabbing her purse, she took a book and started reading… but she couldn't quite focus. Instead her eyes drifted away from the words. She looked at the screens announcing the upcoming flights, then at the TVs saying the weather. She sighed and tried to calm herself down.
Taking deep, slow breaths she managed to stay calm… for a minute or two. She didn't even know WHY she was nervous. She shook her head repeating 'stupid Kori'. Then a voice could be heard in the whole airport. The voice announced that all the people taking the next flight should board. It was her flight.
She got up and walked over to the metal detectors. She handed her luggage to some security guard as she passed in a metal detector. It took only few minutes till she was reunited with her luggage and making her way outside to get on the plane.
After Richard had parked his car he ran towards the airport and pushed the door open. He ran between all the people and all the animals, suitcases and children. His 'pardon's and 'excuse me's weren't enough to prevent people from cussing and yelling angrily at him.
He saw Garfirled at a counted and ran over to him. Gar on the other hand just saw a crazy man with dark hair running towards him. Right before he called for security he recognized Richard. ''Richard! Where are you going? It seems like everybody's leaving on a plane! What the hell is going on? In that case, I'll hop on a flight myself!''
''GAR! Where's Kori? Did you see her?''
''… I said I want an explanation!'' he puckered his lips.
''Gar please. I'm not in the mood. Tell me where she is.''
Garfiel looked away. He couldn't just leave him pleading there…… He pointed to the left. ''But you need a ticket dumbo.'' He said handing him one free. Richard grabbed it and made a run for it. Gar just stood there. ''YEAH. YOUR WELCO— yes how may I help you?''
Ticket in his hand, Richard ran towards the metal detectors and ran passed them. The detector beeped and three security guards went to his pursuit. Richard looked at his watch and rolled his eyes…….
Looking behind him, he saw three security guards running, screaming 'stop' or 'hands in the air'. People gasped and moved out of the way. Richard looked ahead and saw the glass door where all the passengers would make their way to board the plane. And there he saw her : Kori. She was smiling, showing her ticket to a young man who then let her through.
He tried to scream her name but no sound managed to get out of his mouth. She was right there… she was leaving, without him. Running towards the door he waved his ticket in the air screaming; ''Wait! I have a ticket.'' But the young man had already closed the door.
He got to the long glass window, which played the role of a wall between him and Kori. He smashed his fists against it but it didn't break. He only managed to get Kori's attention. Startled, she turned around and looked at the man who was looking at her with two broken blue eyes.
The man had let her through. She was happily heading towards her new life. But guilt was still ruining the moment… Kori knew that this was what she had to do… But in the middle of her thoughts a noise came from next to her. The glass vibrated. She turned around, her heart beating like crazy and looking into two blue orbs.
Her jaw wide open she didn't know what to say or do… Richard was there, ticket in his hand, tears in his eyes. She was so close to leaving… her plan would have worked… she thought that this break off would end everything. She hoped that he would have grown up. Looking at him sadly, she knew that she had just broken the heart of the one she loved so much.
Richard looked back at her astonished and deeply hurt. She approached the glass wall and started at him. He looked at the floor then back at her. She looked at his hand and saw the envelope and the letters that she had left on his counter. He slammed it on the glass for her to see.
She abruptly turned her head to the side and looked away. ''You were my queen. My everything.'' She could hear his voice… it sounded like a whisper. ''And I was supposed to be your king.''
She took a step back. ''It's time for the queen to get the hell outta here.'' She answered with a small, sad voice.
He shook his head in disappointment. The only thing he ever needed was walking away. He looked at her with pleading eyes but she only took another step back. ''No. Come on Kori.''
She sniffed. ''It ends here.''
He shook his head in disapproval.
''I'm sorry.'' she mouthed.
Turning her back to him, she walked away. It hurt more than she thought.
The security guards gently grabbed his arms then tightened their grip. They snatched his ticket from his hand and led him to the exit. He didn't even get to read the destination on the ticket…
Outside, he walked to his car and drove back home.
Calmly.
…With himself…
… No Kori in sight.
As he entered the parking area, he parked his car at his normal spot. He looked at his watch. It was 12:22am. He sighed turned the car off. Sitting back in his seat, he pulled out the envelope from his pocket then stared at her letter.
Not knowing what to find in it he started to read even though he was afraid of what would be written.
He had nothing else to loose..
Okkayy… that's that…
Was it good? Please tell if you liked it, if you didn't like it… I really wanna know.. please please please. it would really help be a better writter...
This was the last chapter…. Unless you wanna know what's written in the letter haha… or unless you want a sequel!
SO! Here's poll for y'all:
POLL1: Do you guys wanna know what's in the letter??
a)nah not really
b) YAH
POLL2: Should I make a sequel for this story???
a)nah, not really
b)YAH YAH!!
Please answer to both…
One last small word: thanks to all who reviewd, yoo guys don't know how much I appreceate it! BIG HUGZ! Except to those who don't want one… sniff
Cryingdove, XOXO!