Frasier began to pace the room, anxiously awaiting his flight which was in two hours. Charlotte would be home soon, and he dreaded with all of his heart what he had to tell her.
There would be, could not be no choice. He'd found the love of his life with Charlotte, but his father needed him. True, Frasier had provided him with a place to live for over 11 years, but the things that his father had taught him, well, there just were no words to describe the gratitude Frasier had for Martin for giving him back his life. After Frasier's divorce from Lilith, he'd found himself somewhat broken. If it weren't for his taking in Martin, he would not have had the chance to heal a relationship that had been in desperate need of mending. And of course, without his father, Frasier also realized that he might not have become as close to Niles during the years. Yes, his father needed him, and he knew what the right thing to do was.
"Hey honey, how was your day?" Charlotte cheerfully announced as she walked in the door.
"Charlotte...please, sit down. We need to talk."
"What is it? Is something wrong with your job? Have you been let go?"
"I'm afraid it's more serious than that. True, I will not be returning to the station. As a matter of fact, I'm leaving Chicago...permanently."
Starting to cry, Charlotte begged of him. "What is it? I thought you were happy with me! Have I done something wrong, have I hurt you in some way? Please tell me. I would do anything to remedy this if you'll just tell me what's going on."
He took her hand. "I cannot discuss what is going on, only that it is a personal matter."
"Is it another woman? I always knew there would be another woman..."
"No, Charlotte. Believe me there is no other woman. Give me some time and I will try to explain things to you the best I can. But right now I just need some time and some space. I have some major decisions to make with my life, and I just...well there is no other way to get around this I suppose. I have to go home."
"But I thought this was our home!"
"It is. Was. Is. I'm sorry, Charlotte. I truly wish there were another way around this. Now I suppose I should go pack. I'll have arrangements made for the rest of my belongings next week."
He walked away, leaving his sobbing girlfriend to try to figure out what she'd done so wrong that things had come to this.
00000
As Frasier finished packing a week's worth of clothing and other important belongings, he'd realized that he'd almost forgot the most important belonging of all. In his top drawer he reached in and grabbed the engagement ring that he'd been planning on giving to Charlotte for some time now. Yes, he sighed, perhaps it was better that he'd never gotten around to it. After all, if the ending of a relationship was touch, how difficult would a broken engagement be? It was better for Charlotte that she never found out about his intentions. So without saying another word, he took his suitcase and left for the airport, without looking back once at his broken hearted girlfriend. Some illnesses truly left their mark for the worse.
TBC
