Right well, this is the last chapter of this story. I'd just like to say thanks to all my reviewers!
Chapter 24 – I Promise.
Four thirty that afternoon the gang were sitting silently in the common room, ignoring the smug looks the Guy and Vaysey were shooting them at every opportunity.
"I guess this is goodbye," Robin said shortly, examining his watch.
"We'll see each other in the holidays," Will protested.
"And may be we'll get expelled," Allan said, grinning.
Robin groaned, "Someone promise me they'll stop Allan from blowing up the school!"
"I promise," Marian said quietly.
The brunette hadn't said anything up until now. Robin knew they needed to talk in private. He glanced at her and they got up in unison, like a silent message had passed between their tear glazed eyes.
They walked silently to the grounds. Wandering aimlessly through the forest where the punch had sealed his fate.
"I just want to say…" Marian said shyly, "I've never felt like this about anyone, I…I…I really think I…I think I love you…"
Robin's eyes opened wide in shock and Marian began to gabble, blushing furiously, "I shouldn't have said that, forget it. I was joking! Honest…"
"It's ok Marian," Robin beamed at her, "I love you too."
They stared at each other intensely for a moment before there lips met and they silently wrapped their arms around one another, enjoying the others embrace.
XXXX
Half an hour later everyone was outside the school, ready to wave Robin off. They each gave Robin a hug, Marian was last and she slipped a note into his hand as they squeezed each other tightly, but she said nothing.
"Bye guys!" Robin called, getting into the back of the car next to his suitcase, the note held tightly in his grasp.
"Bye!" They all waved and shouted, false smiles on their faces, as the engine started up and Robin was driven away down the drive, away from his friends, his life and his love.
He quietly opened his left hand, hoping not to draw the attention of his parents, who had only said one sentence since he had first seen them, 'we're so disappointed in you.'
The note was crumpled and small. The writing inside was neat and written in a black biro.
You are the one I love,
We are meant to be together.
Do not give up hope.
We will be together, forever.
Robin smiled at the beauty of those words, tears dripping down his cheeks.
"We will be together Marian," he thought, "I promise."