A/N: Surprise! So I was able to update quickly because this chapter isn't that long. And guess what? There is only one more chapter after this! It's all done, so the sooner you review the sooner I'll post it! Thanks again to everyone who has reviewed. You make my day :)
16. Before I Lose You Love
I looked around and saw a golden clock hanging high on a wall. It was 11:50. I stared at it, wondering how time could have flown by so quickly. Did I really only have ten minutes left?
I pulled away from Aaron. "Could we go outside? I'd like to...talk." I tried to sound casual so he wouldn't worry.
"Of course." He led me by the hand across the floor. Two guards opened a pair of ornate glass doors for us and we stepped out onto a secluded patio. The moon shone high above us and illuminated the garden below. I breathed in the cool night air as Aaron faced me. He gazed expectantly into my eyes, taking my hands in his.
"What did you want to talk about?"
"Lets sit down," I said, pulling him over to a stone bench.
We sat down, and I chose my words carefully. I knew I didn't have time to explain everything. I looked up and saw him staring at me curiously. His piercing blue gaze sent a wave of heat across my cheeks, but I didn't look away. I committed his face to memory, wondering where to start. He deserved to know the truth. I had to do this right.
"Aaron," I began softly. "This has been the greatest night of my life. Thank you so much for inviting me."
He smiled, and I melted. "I'm glad you're having a good time."
But time was running out. I had to hurry. "Did you know tomorrow's my birthday?"
Aaron raised his eyebrows. "No. Briden, that's wonderful! I guess I'll be the first to wish you a happy birthday." He beamed excitedly. My heart sank.
"Yes, well, I have something to tell you. You see... I've been keeping a secret from you, too." I watched his expression change to bewilderment.
"I don't have much time, and it's a long story, so I'll be quick."
"I don't understand..."
I dove in. "My family died in a fire when I was ten. I would have died too, but two fairies saved me with a spell." I paused. I was feeling light-headed.
"A spell?"
I continued. "This spell would keep me alive until my 21st birthday. Once I turned twenty-one, the spell would cease to work, and I would have to find something else to sustain me." I became dizzy. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Aaron was staring at me intently, clearly baffled.
"Aaron. I love you."
His blue eyes widened. "What?"
I looked up at him and brushed the hair away from his face.
"I love you," I repeated. "You are much more than a friend to me, even if you don't feel the same way. I just wanted you to know that."
"Briden, I—"
"Shh. I don't have much time."
"Briden, what are you—" I put a finger to his lips.
"Aaron—" I paused again, feeling a sudden cold envelop me as I drew in a shaky breath. I looked at my hands and saw that they were shaking. My head began to ache, along with my back.
Suddenly, a distant clock struck midnight. Each chime boomed across the garden and pounded in my ears. Time was almost up. "I love you," I whispered. "I am so lucky to have known you." I felt tears in my eyes, but I smiled. "Thank you for making my life, so, happy." These last words were a struggle, but I continued to smile. I didn't want him to see me sad.
Aaron stared at me with uncertainty. "Why are you saying goodbye?"
I could feel it now. As the clock struck a fifth and a sixth time, my body succumbed to more and more pain. I felt like I'd fallen out of a building, just how I'd felt eleven years ago. Then the pain started to fade, along with everything else. I was dying.
I felt my body collapse. Aaron caught me and pulled me into his arms. "Briden, what's happening?" he said with alarm. "Are you okay?"
I gazed up at him. "I'm, great," I panted. As the moonlight grew darker and darker, I focused on Aaron's face.
"Briden? Briden stay with me," he pleaded. He stared at me frantically, unsure of what to do. The look on his face broke my heart.
"I love you," I whispered once more into his ear as he held me close. Then the clock chimed a final time, and I took my final breath. I smiled, everything faded, and the last thing I saw were horrified circles of blue...
I would never forget those blue eyes.
