Hey everybody! I have another chapter for you! It's the chapter of Jeremie and Aelita's wedding! Yay! Woohoo! It's not all sunshine and rainbows though. Well it's not all darkness and gloom either. All I'm saying is that it's got a good bit of story progression in it dealing with Yumi and Ulrich. So here we go.

Chapter 23: Doing What's Best

It was night filled with much anticipation. It was the eve of the most important day of Jeremie and Aelita's life. After going through the rehearsal several times (and calming Aelita's nerves), the gang decided to celebrate by going out to eat. Then it would be time for the bachelor and bachelorette parties! Or as Odd called it, "The Last Day of Real Happiness." . . . Sam slapped him.

"I can't believe that out of all of us, you two are getting married first." Sam said.

"Well it's not like they had any competition." Sissi said. "I mean, Ulrich's horrible in choosing women. Odd's too immature to really think about these kinds of things. Yumi makes men cry. And I've been a loner for a very . . . very long time."

"There's always applesauce." Ulrich said as he stabbed his salad with his fork. "You can marry that." Sissi flicked a pea at his head.

"I'm just glad that you all are here." Aelita said. "I'm so lucky to have such great friends and such a great soon to be husband." She sniffled. "I-I can't believe that my life is filled with so much joy . . . I-I could just cry."

"Please stop doing that Aelita." Jeremie moaned. "The point of marriage is not to cry at everything."

"I know. But I'm so happy," she cried.

"Well I was supposed to married already." Ulrich mumbled as he played with his mashed potatoes.

"Once again, bad taste in women," repeated. Ulrich flicked a pepper at her.

"Kids, stop throwing your food at each other." Yumi chided.

"Yes, Mom," Ulrich and Sissi chimed.

"Ulrich?" a short woman around their age called. She just so happened to be walking by their table when she stopped and did a double-take at the handsome brunette.

Ulrich and the others looked over to her, and Ulrich's eyes grew big. "Heidi?"

"It is you!" Heidi remarked. "I haven't seen you in years."

"Yeah, not since . . . we broke up," grew quiet.

"Yeah. I've been meaning to talk to you, but I just never got around it.

Ulrich looked up at her and took a deep breath. "Can we talk now?"

"Are you sure?" Heidi looked around at his friends. "I don't want to interrupt."

"No. We should do this now. It has been a while." Ulrich stood up from his seat and walked over to a more secluded area with Heidi in tow.

When they were well out of earshot from anyone, Heidi started off. "It's good to hear your voice."

"It's good to hear yours. You sound more confident."

"And you sound happier." They stared at each other.

"You also sound less vindictive," Ulrich said watching her closely. Heidi hung her head.

"You're talking about that call with Emily?"

"Yes. I heard the tape months ago. When I found out she was cheating on me. I found the original and I heard the entire thing. What surprised me the most was the fact you of all people actually commended what she did." Ulrich was glaring at her. But his face softened when he saw the sorrow and anguish in her eyes. "Did I really hurt you that badly? Did I turn you into something so cruel?"

"To say that it was all you would be wrong. I hadn't forgiven you when she told me what she was up to. I thought you deserved it. I never would have thought that you would've actually lasted so long with her."

"I was desperate." Ulrich said as he leaned against the wall. "I wanted to believe that I could fall in love and make it work. I mean, with the way things fell apart between us, I didn't want to give up so easily."

"Why did you give up at all?" Heidi asked, her voice cracking. "I never would've thought you would leave me so easily. And you did it so heartlessly."

"I just . . . I didn't think that you were happy with me."

"I was. I loved you with all of my heart. And I was trying so hard to make it work, Ulrich."

Ulrich frowned as he stared at the floor. "I thought you wanted out?"

"I wanted out of the business." Heidi explained. "I wanted out of all the publicity and all of the accusations. It was hard."

"But I told you we would go through it together! When I asked you to marry me, I meant it. I wanted to make you happy. I wanted you to be with me always."

"Ulrich the reason I struggled wasn't because of you. Well, not you, yourself. It was the baggage that went with you that tore me down." Ulrich was confused.

"What baggage?"

"I guess you never realized, but dating you is very tough for the girl. Especially one you're about to marry and just so happens to be your co-worker."

It registered with that last comment. "Heidi, you should know that you weren't "sleeping your way to the top." Anyone should've know that! I didn't own the business then. We were both still mailroom techs."

"But let's face it, I was insulted by the media. They called me a goldigger; they called me an overambitious tramp; I was called so many names. No one at the office treated me the same—they didn't even look at me the same way! But I wanted you to believe that I could handle it. Because I knew you wanted a strong woman for a wife. And I wanted to be strong for you. But every day came with a worse insult; a worse glare; and just more resentment."

"But shouldn't have meant anything! It was lies! I know you weren't marrying me for money or for a better position! I know you loved me for me! But you acted so sad. You were closing up; you didn't even come to me about it anymore! Why didn't you?"

"It was just the same thing over and over again." Heidi didn't know how she was keeping the tears from falling. "I was burden to you—I know you're going to say that I wasn't, but I know I was. I was brining you down. I realized that with this business . . . with your rich heritage . . . and with my weak skin, I couldn't live in that world that you do. You have to deal with businessmen and women who are cutthroats. And I know I could've chosen any job, but what we didn't realize then was that being with you means having to deal with the media. And let's face it, the media acts like a bunch of rumor-spreading girls—and it's a million times worse, cruel, and unforgiving. I couldn't handle it. I knew that I could never get used to it. But I just kept telling myself that as long as it was for you—as long as you were happy, I was willing to do go through it."

"But I didn't want that for you." Ulrich grabbed her by the shoulders. "I wanted both of us to be happy. I loved you so much. And I knew too that it was hurting you. I wanted you to come to me. And truthfully, I didn't know how to handle it myself. I got scared. I didn't know what to do. I thought that the only way to end your pain was to end the relationship. And then I realized that being with me wasn't the best for you. I wanted things to work out between us so badly." Ulrich could feel his own voice cracking. "You were the only woman that I ever thought things would go right with. The only one who never cheated on me or used me. But you were too frail. And it was hurting you. Being with me was hurting you. And I didn't want that for you. It's not so much that I want strong woman. It's that I need one. Someone who can stand on their own and take the abuse. I just wish that I was stronger then. If I was, I could've done something. I wouldn't have given up so easily."

"But that was all you could ever do." Heidi finally said. "It wasn't your fault that we broke up, Ulrich. It wasn't my fault. I'm not used to the cutthroat world. I never had to get used to it. You did and made you withstand such verbal abuse. But it was a completely different world when we announced the engagement. That was we took when we dated. We knew it was going to happen because we were co-workers. But we greatly underestimate just how vicious the media would be. And it only made everyone else all the more vicious. The realize that now. I realized that you did what was best for us both. I hate the world you're forced to live. I hate that you have to deal with this everyday. We come from two different worlds. And because I'm too sensitive. Because I'm so emotional, I couldn't make the transfer from my world to yours. I hated you for so long when you left me. But I forgive you for what you did because it was the only thing you could do. And I'm sorry I made you feel like such a monster for doing it." They both smiled at each other. Their eyes were glistening with tears that just didn't want to fall.

Heidi then looked at the table with his friends. They were eating and talking to each other—they were doing their best to not look at them in curiosity. Sissi was taking long, obvious glances. Their eyes met. Heidi smiled at her and waved. Sissi took a sigh of relief and waved back.

"So you and Sissi are still friends, huh?" Heidi asked, now changing the mood.

"Yeah. She's a sister, definitely."

"Too bad you can't marry her."

"I could. It would just be too awkward."

"That's not it. Well it's not all of it. You're in love with that girl that you were also sitting next to." Heidi said. She was talking about Yumi. She too was glancing at the pair. But her glances were more subtle, and it was the kind of glancing that girlfriend normally does when a boyfriend is talking to an ex. "She really cares about you." Heidi finally said. Ulrich smiled.

"Yeah, well we're not going out."

"Why not?"

"Well . . . she's my secretary." Heidi stared at Ulrich. "What?"

Heidi burst out laughing. "Wow! When went up the ladder, I guess the job your lover would have went up too. But that's so cliché!"

"I know." Ulrich mumbled as he rubbed the back of his neck. "But I do love her."

"She makes you happy?" Ulrich nodded. "Is she tough?"

"Shoot, she can be tougher than me at times." Heidi seemed impressed.

"Ulrich, you can't afford to mess things up with her."

"What do you mean?"

"You can't go out with her. Not yet. You can't let her go through what I did. And seeing as she's your secretary, and you're the owner now, they'll coming after her even harder."

"Well then what am I supposed to do?" Ulrich said, annoyed.

"You two have to grow. She needs to learn how to take care of herself without having to depend on you. And you have to learn how to take care of her when she does need you. But that's not all. When they attacked me, it was because I had no experience. I was trying to make my way through the business world, but by dating you, they made it look like I couldn't do anything. She has t be able to do a lot."

"She's the secretary. She's pretty much the second head."

"That's only unique to your business. Secretaries aren't normally responsible for so much. You know that. And they won't be concerned about the reality of the matter—obviously. She'll need real experience in handling this company. She needs to know what she can do on her own when you're not there all day. I don't really know how you'll go about doing that, but just starting now, they'll tear her to shreds."

Ulrich swallowed. "You're right. I don't know if she'll be abused as badly as you make it out, but this isn't something that she need to deal with if we ever do date. And let's face it, there's already rumors about us. They're not that big or anything, but she will face that terrible abuse. I don't want her quitting on me because of it. I don't want things to go the way they did like last time."

"Then hopefully you two can go the distance." Heidi said as she smiled at him. They hugged and went their separate ways.

While all of this was going on, the others decided to distract themselves with idle chit-chat . . . They just needed somebody to get it started.

"So . . ." Odd started. "The wedding's tomorrow!"

"We know." Jeremie mumbled.

"Yeah." Aelita stated.

"Duh." Sam said. Yumi and Sissi were avidly staring at Ulrich and Heidi.

"So where's the honeymoon?" Sam asked, making the cute, nerdy couple blush.

"Well, um, I booked a hotel in France." Jeremie mumbled.

"Ooh! Are you going to Paris? They got great food there!" Odd exclaimed.

"That's very romantic." Sam stated. Yumi and Sissi ate their food, taking long glances at Ulrich and Heidi. They seemed sad, as if they were longing for something.

"So long is the honeymoon?" Odd asked.

"It's two weeks." Aelita answered.

"I'm jealous." Sam stated. "I wish I could go to Paris: the most romantic place in the world."

"Well maybe you could if the right person comes along." Jeremie hinted. Odd stuffed his face so he wouldn't have to talk.

"Well actually, I'd rather go to Cali and soak up some sun." Sam stated.

"That's fun!" Odd stated, spitting out bits of food.

"How cute. They already picked their honeymoon spot." Aelita cooed. "Oh you two should get married! What're you waiting for?"

"I dunno. What are we waiting for, Odd?" Sam hinted.

"I gotta go to the bathroom." Odd said as he stumbled out of seat and ran to the toilet. The others except for Sissi and Yumi laughed. The said girls were now taking long sips out of their drinks and looking at Ulrich and Heidi from the corner of their eyes.

"Really, guys. Stop watching them!" Sam snapped. The girls finally turned to the others.

"You should leave Ulrich alone." Jeremie suggested.

They both glared at the others. "It's his ex! Can't be good!" they chimed.

"Okay, I get why you're spying, Sissi," Aelita stated. "Ulrich's like your brother, you know Heidi, and so you're concerned on what's gonna happen with him. But you, Yumi. Why are you so concerned?"

"I don't want him to get hurt." Yumi said bluntly. "I'm not going to lie. I care about him deeply. I love him, and while I don't see us getting together, I just want him to be happy."

"It's not as much fun teasing you about your love if you admit it so williningly." Sam stated.

"That's why we should stick to teasing her when Ulrich's around." Aelita stated.

"That's very nice, Yumi, but trust me, the history between those two runs deeper than even the history he had between Emily." This sent chills down people's spines.

"Deeper?" Yumi repeated. "No. You can't be serious."

"I am. I don't feel like I should talk about it. It's something that Ulrich should disclose." When Odd came back to the table, he was greeted with a rather ominous silence as everyone ate quietly. Yumi and Sissi were still glancing. At one point, Sissi waved at Heidi. She actually felt happier, and her worries started to drift away.

Ulrich came back, and he had a smile on his face. "Sorry about that." He said.

"Oh, it's nothing." Aelita said.

"It just that, I haven't seen her in a long time." It became apparent that Ulrich intended to tell the gang about Heidi. Everyone stopped eating—even Odd—to listen. "She's the only woman I came the closest to marrying. We were engaged too. But it could've never worked." The gang was silent. "We met as co-workers. My father was still the owner at the time, and we fell in love. Even when we were dating, people attacked her. They called her a gold digger and accused her trying to get ahead through a romance with me." Ulrich hung his head. "It was hurting her. I was there for her to console her and encourage her. When we got engaged, it just got worse. The media got involved and made her look completely incompetent. And she wasn't a great employee, but we were starting out in college, and she wasn't the most experienced. I tried to comfort her, but it got to be too much." Ulrich shook his head. "She wasn't used to that kind of world. She wasn't tough enough, but she was willing to hang in there for me. It was never about money. She quit the company, and got another job. I knew that being with me was hurting her. She was happy with me, but her reputation was destroyed and her self-confidence was greatly diminished. She was hurting herself to be with me. I didn't want her to do that. I broke it off. She was so angry. Remember that tape that contained Emily's phone chat?" Ulrich asked.

"The one where she's talking to a girl about cheating on you?" Yumi asked.

"Yeah. That was her." This took everyone by surprised. "She was so angry, that she believed I deserved it. And in a way I suppose I do. I've been so anxious to make a relationship work. I rushed the one I was with Heidi, and to go out with Emily (they were friends actually) was a horrible mistake. I should've known it wouldn't work with both of them. Heidi was a strong, tough woman, and Emily was a party girl at heart. And I wasn't strong or wise enough to handle the situation with Heidi better."

"But she let Emily cheat on you." Sissi seethed.

"She didn't think it would last. It shouldn't have. I've been cheated on so much that I got a sixth sense for cheating. I knew she was cheating on me, and I was deluding myself into thinking she wasn't. I didn't even believe my childhood friend." Ulrich said as he looked towards Sissi. "I just don't want to be alone. But I let that blind me. I let it ruin my life. I can't afford to do that anymore." Ulrich's voice cracked. "But I know what I need. I need a woman who can take care of herself. Someone who I can trust, and someone who can withstand the media's rumors. I'd like for her to help in the company, so I do want a good businesswoman. I just can't make the same mistakes anymore."

"You won't." Sissi said quietly. "I won't let you, anyways."

"Yeah, we'll make sure you end up with the right girl." Jeremie offered. Ulrich smiled at his friends. He felt like he could be with the right woman. He already had one in mind. He just wondered if she was willing to make the sacrifices that was required of her.

With the dinner over, it was soon time for the much anticipated bachelor and bachelorette parties. It was actually a neat idea that Sam and Odd came up with. Seeing as both Jeremie and Aelita absolutely refused on a raunchy party, they decided to have both parties in the same place. One side would be for the girls and the other for the boys. Eventually, of course, both parties would merge. Everything was going well, and while she seemed to be having fun, Sam and Aelita knew better than anyone that Yumi's mind was off in another world.

The Japanese girl was on the balcony of the building they rented when the two girl decided to join her. "Enjoying the view?" Sam asked as she leaned on the rail next her.

"Yeah."

"Don't tell me you're sad that I'm leaving the apartment." Aelita said.

"I am, but that's not what's on my mind." Yumi said as she gave the pinkette a hug. "It's what Ulrich said."

"Did he say he loves you?" Sam squealed.

Yumi snorted. "No. At the restaurant. About how he needs a strong woman."

"Oh yeah, that's definitely you." Aelita said.

"No it's not." This baffled the girls.

"What do you mean?"

"He needs someone who can handle the media just as much as he can. Someone who can handle people in general. He said he needs someone who can be on their own."

"And you don't think you can do those things?"

"You have dealt with the media whenever you got hired." Aelita pointed out. "I mean, you had no experience at the time, and media jumped on that."

"And you're the reason the business is now in Japan! You brought Ulrich Sony." Sam stated.

"And you managed to get him to believe that Emily was cheating on him, and not to mention you put up with the BS of businessmen and women on a daily basis. You're perfect for him."

"It was the freaking tabloids; he didn't have any experience at the time so it really didn't matter; my nationality was key factor in bringing in Sony because I already knew how to bring them there; he was just in denial about Emily so it didn't take much; and I'm crueler than any of those business people, so that was never a factor. But I'm still a bit ignorant in the overall business world. I got manipulated by William, Emily, and even Zander. I'm not at strong as you think I am. You should know that I can and have hurt from the words of others. Maybe not as badly as Heidi, but I'm not all stone."

"So what are you saying? You and Ulrich shouldn't be together?" Sam asked.

Yumi shook her head. "I could be. But even if I tried, I don't think we'll be together."

Aelita sighed. "You still think he doesn't love you?"

"I just don't see me with anyone right now. But just to be the kind of woman that Ulrich needs . . . I love that idea. It could make him love me. And overall, I want the best for him. If I want to be with him, I want to enter in knowing that there no doubts."

"So how are you going to become this perfect woman for Ulrich?"

"I'm going take the job." Yumi stated. "On the day after tomorrow, I'm going to leave for Tokyo. I'll be able to get all of the experience I need. The media there will have a field day talking about a woman having such a high position. I'll be underestimated by my peers, so I'll know how it feels to prove them wrong. And I'll have a better knowledge of the business world. If I ever date Ulrich, it's going to be hard to even put up a good argument as to why we shouldn't be together."

"Do really have to do all of that just grow?" Sam asked.

"Yes. I'm not taking the permanent position. I'll come back. Ulrich said it would be about a month."

"Is that all it's going to take? And will grow enough in that time?" Aelita asked.

"I'll be better than I am now."

"I just have this feeling that you'll be there longer." Sam said.

"Maybe I will be. But it's not like I'll be there for like years."

"I don't want you there for even one year." Sam stated.

"Me neither." Aelita agreed.

"Well that makes three of us."

"You got our family and friends there too. So we're not too worried."

"Yeah, but I'm leaving my two sisters." Yumi said.

"I'm leaving my two sister too." Aelita said.

"And I'm just being left." Sam stated. The girls laughed.

"It's okay, Sammie."Aelita said.

"Whatever. You're not being left to pay an entire month's rent, and possibly for several months to come."

"Oh well. Sucks for you." Yumi shrugged, and Sam glared at her.

"Well when you marry, you tend to live with your husband." Aelita stated.

"And I'm working on trying to get a potential boyfriend here." Yumi pointed out.

"Men. They're the ruining of my life!" Sam exclaimed.

"Well hopefully a certain man will come along and make everything better." Yumi cooed.

"I wish Odd would propose. I feel like my life's stuck on pause." Sam commented.

"Give him time. He's just nervous." Aelita said.

"He probably can't believe he's still been in a relationship for this long." Yumi stated. "He's probably trying to fool himself into thinking that you guys haven't actually lasted for two years, and it's all just a big joke."

"I'll kill him." Sam muttered. The girls laughed. "So when are you going to tell Ulrich your decision?"

Yumi frowned. "I could tell him now, but I kinda want to wait 'til tomorrow. He'll be talking about it all night and all day if I tell him now. So I'll tell him when he finally asks."

"You just wanna enjoy these last few days without him acting sad and forlorn." Aelita accused.

"Fine. Whatever." Yumi admitted. She stood up and went to rejoin the party. Her two friends laughed at her blushing face as they followed her.

Finally, the moment that everyone had been waiting for had come. It was Aelita and Jeremie's wedding day. The bride was a giddy, bubbly mess. The groom was a nervous wreck. Everyone was scrambling around; making sure everything was in perfect order. Jeremie was swaying on the spot as he stood there at the altar in front of the minister.

Ulrich and Odd stopped by to give him some words of encouragement. "Hey, buddy! Ready for today?" Odd said as he slapped Jeremie on the back.

"I think I'm gonna throw up." The nerd said as he paled.

"Oh, come on, Jer. At least you made it to the altar. I've never gotten that far and I've been engaged twice."

"And he's supposed to have no trouble with the ladies." Odd added.

"Yeah, well the day itself is even worse, Ulrich. I don't know if you'll have it in you." Jeremie sighed.

"Well when you're as rich and sexy as I am, you have the trouble of being too rich and sexy."

"Stop saying stuff to make you feel better. It's pathetic." Odd said.

"Oh shut up! It's the truth. You should have nothing to worry about, Jer. You're not a nerd that landed a cutie like Aelita. That's quite the accomplishment." Ulrich congratulated.

"Well that makes me feel better." Jeremie joked. "I was smart in picking you to be the Best Man."

"Well do you really think you could've trusted Odd with anything?"

"Hey! I can be reliable." The blonde whined.

"Well it's almost time. Calm down, Jer. She loves you." Ulrich said as he patted him on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, Aelita was having her make-up touched for what seemed like the thousandth time.

"You look hot, now get off the chair and let's get this wedding started." Sam snapped.

"Are you sure I look good?" Aelita asked, frowning.

"Hold on. Let me see something." Yumi said as she came over to the bride. She then grabbed Aelita's veil and covered her face. "Your make-up's fine! You look great!" Sam laughed.

"That's smart thinking."

"You two are no help." Aelita said as she hunched her shoulders.

"Jeremie won't know even know what to do with you." Yumi finally said.

"Let's hope he does, or that'll be one sad honeymoon." Sam stated.

"Sam! That's inappropriate!" Aelita said, blushing.

"Well you have from now until you get to the hotel room to get over it."

Aelita glared at the two. "You're just jealous I'm getting married first." She then beamed. "I'm getting married! We can start a family now. Maybe we'll have a lot of kids! What if we have twins? We'll grow old together. We'll be sitting in rocking chairs, holding hands."

"How sweet. Well know that it all starts now, Aelita. I wish you the best of luck." Yumi said. "It's time to get ready though. The music's starting!"

Everything went smoothly. The only hiccup was when Jeremie almost fainted at seeing Aelita, and when he fumbled through putting the ring on her finger. Aelita was in tears the whole time. The kiss was a simple peck. It was so cute, sweet, and innocent—a kiss that greatly defined this couple.

It was now the reception, and everyone was having a great time. Aelita was clinging onto Jeremie as if he'd disappear if she'd let him go. Jeremie had a goofy smile on his face. He was just glad that the hard part was over and done. When they were only a couple hours in, Yumi and Ulrich found time to sneak off and talk.

They were in a secluded hallway that opened out to a pretty patio set. "So today's the day." Ulrich said. "We gotta talk about the job, Yumes. It's now or never."

"Yes. I've made my mind." Yumi said firmly as she looked at him in the eye.

"So what is it? Are going?" Yumi nodded.

"It's for the best. We can have everything done faster if I oversee it. I brought them to the table, and I want to see it through."

Ulrich smiled. "I'm actually glad. I was going to suggest you go." This took Yumi by surprise.

"Why? You tired of me already?" she said, raising an eyebrow.

"A little." Yumi hit him on the arm. "I'm kidding!" he said raising his hands in surrender. "It's just that with you being the secretary and all, you kind of need to prove it to everyone once and for all that you deserve the position. This is a good way to show anyone who questions your aptitude. You're the second in command. It's not really something that secretaries are used to being, so you'll need to get all the experience you can get."

"I see. It's all for the sake of the business. I was thinking of the same thing too. I do need to grow." There was a lingering silence between them.

Neither one admitted it, but the reason they wanted Yumi to take the job was so she could make things easier if a relationship were to happen. Neither believed that the other was even thinking the same thing. But what scared them was that with them now agreeing to separate themselves, there was a chance that things would change between them. Someone could easily find their way into the heart of the one they loved. It scared them. A lot can happen in a month. And that was just the least amount of time she'd be there. She could be there for several months. It surprised them, but when they realized that they wouldn't be together, it hurt them in a way they never felt pain before.

"You could be there for several months." Ulrich finally said.

"I know. We got a call from Nintendo. Do you want me to handle them?" Yumi asked.

"You'll be there longer than a month if that's the case." Yumi nodded. "And you know if those two decide to partner with us, the rest of Asia is sure to fall in line. You plan on handling all of that don't you?" Ulrich asked. Yumi stared at him. She was trying to find some hint of longing for her in his eyes. He was looking at her in way that she'd never seen him ever look at a woman.

"I do plan on it."

"That could be a year."

"I'll be there for at least half a year to a year. I'm not taking the permanent position obviously. I want to handling all of the partnerships and merges." Yumi stated. Ulrich swallowed.

"You'll do well." Ulrich finally said. "You'll be leaving tomorrow morning. The sooner you get there," Ulrich took her hand and pulled her into a hug, "the sooner you'll come back." Yumi stepped onto the patio, and looked out at the beautiful scenery. Ulrich wrapped his arms around her waist from behind her. He placed his chin on her head and looked out at the scenes of nature as well. Yumi leaned back, resting her head on his firm chest. She breathed in his scent as he did hers. It was their goodbye to each other. No words were needed. Just this moment was enough. And maybe it would be enough to make the other remember them.

Okay! Finite! It's done. I think ending it here will be good. I was going to have a scene at the airport, but I think this is much better. I know some of you might be upset with Yumi going to Japan, but it's all for the plot. Don't worry. This is the time skip I was talking about (if you can remember when I mentioned it). The next chapter will summarize that year, and then we'll have Yumi back again.

So I'll see you in Chapter 24: How Do you Measure a Year?