Part 2

She didn't notice when the tears came. In fact, they didn't even cross her mind. Why should they? It seemed absolutely natural to her then to feel the soft dampness flow freely down her cheeks, long streaming strands that showed no sign of stopping. She just kept walking, refusing to let her mind sort through what had happened. She tripped often, her steps that had been so sure only minutes ago now unsteady and wavering.

Minutes ago….had it really only been minutes ago?

She kept to the path as well as she could. She focused solely on her steps, forcing all other thoughts from her mind. In this fashion she reached her room, and disregarding all night time rituals, even that of removing her dress, crawled into bed.

It was there that her tears began to flow freely. Abandoning her earlier conviction to not weep, she began to sob violently; the force of which shook her small frame. No further purpose. Had I truly meant so little. He was always so kind, so genteel, so seemingly concerned for my happiness. I had truly begun to think that maybe he...had come to love me. This last thought sent her into yet another torrent of emotion. How could I have been so stupid.

Erik had asked himself the same question.

Her teacher. I should have known. I did know. I always knew. She would never see me as anything, no, could never see me as anything more.

He had descended upon his lair like a madman; wrenching everything his hands could grasp unto the far wall, shattering everything within sight. This lasted only a few seconds, all of his anger slipping from him, as he slowly fell into a heap on the floor. He wanted to laugh. Ah wrath, my dear friend, why is it that you have abandoned me when I need you the most.

The next days passed in a bemused daze. Christine dove head first into making her final arrangements, while Erik stewed miserably in his own self-loathing; both cursing themselves relentlessly for what had transpired. Sunday night came all too quickly, the impending separation wearing heavily on them both.

This is it, Christine thought bitterly, the last time.

She walked in slowly; her steps measured….purposeful. She wasn't going to betray her pain at their parting, she would not allow herself to divulge how much she loved him. She had to be very careful, concise, making sure to give no hint of the truth lidded behind her eyes.

He looked up only slightly as she walked in, as was their routine.

"I trust you are well" he heard himself speak before the thought had even crossed his mind. It would be as it always was, he would make sure of that.

"Quite" she replied simply, an underlining tone of hostility clear in her voice.

He nodded, waving his hand, indicating for her to sit.

The same as always, she thought indignantly, as though nothing has happened.

"All of my preparations are complete".

He nodded.

"I'm leaving as soon as dawn breaks"

"I wish you well on your journey" he waved his hand listlessly, a motion for her to leave.

She blinked. Was he dismissing her? Just like that? Was that…was that how their relationship which had been a vital part of her life for so long…was going to end. She waited, wishing, desperately wishing, he'd say something more.

He said nothing.

It took every last ounce of her will not to run to him, entreat him to ask her to stay. But she made no movement. She sat wide eyed, torn as to what to do.

Still he said nothing.

So, she left. She spoke not a syllable more, and just simply left, not even taking a backwards glance as she walked over his threshold for the last time.

It took everything he had not to call out to her.

But, he knew there was no point behind the action. She was leaving in the morning.

It was too late.

She was lost to him.

I know it was short, but oh well. I'll probably have the next part up in a day or two.