So, I know it's been like a bajillion years since I've updated, and I'm genuinely sorry. I have no real excuse; life just interrupted the story. But, for anyone still interested, here is some new stuff. And I promise to finish the story in a timely manner (scout's honor).
Conrad's POV
"What?!" I lurched from the bench I was sitting on. "Why would you even suggest that? Of course I didn't cheat on you." I saw a look of relief in her eyes, and I realized exactly how my nervous behavior affected her.
"Well, what else am I supposed to think when you act like a scared puppy around me?" She sighed in frustration. "Just tell me what's going on."
I let out a small breath and grabbed her hand before walking toward the water. "Okay, well a few months ago I applied for this study abroad program in Spain. I got a phone call earlier today that I got accepted into it." I involuntarily tightened my grip on her hand when I thought about the next part I needed to tell her.
"That's great!" Belly exclaimed. I looked at her and saw the genuine smile on her face. "Conrad, that's awesome. Why wouldn't you want to tell me? Congratulations!"
I looked at the horizon when I muttered my next words, "The program lasts a year, and I would leave in a week."
Belly's POV
I felt my heart fall in my chest, the relief that first washed over me replaced with dread. "A year? In a week?" My mind couldn't begin to comprehend what Conrad was saying. I just got him and it seemed like he was telling me that I'd lose him just as soon as he became mine. "Well, you'll be home for the holidays, right? Like Thanksgiving and Christmas? Presidents' Day is important," I concluded, with a nervous laugh. He just looked at me with a sad smile.
"I haven't committed to it yet. I can turn down the offer," he said. I felt my heart crack a little. I knew it was a losing battle either way: If he went to Spain, he'd take my heart with him, but not me; if he stayed, he would probably begin to resent me and I'd probably resent myself for making him miss such an incredible opportunity. I chose the lesser of the two evils. Looking him in the eye as steadily as I could, I told him, "That's silly. You can't turn down such an amazing experience."
Conrad's POV
I felt my heart fall in my chest at her simple assertion. I watched emotions play across her face as she took in my news, until it finally settled on determination. I knew she wouldn't ask me to stay, and I was grateful for that, if not a little saddened. The thought of her asking me stay held a little excitement in it because then I'd know she really loves me. But her not asking me to stay, that said more—that told me that she loves me just as much as I love her. I looked at the steady determination in her face and fell in love just a little bit more.
"I don't want to leave you," I whispered, stroking her hair. The look in her eye told me that she wanted it even less than I did. But it also told me what I'd been both dreading and anticipating to hear: I was going to Spain for a year, and Belly wasn't coming with me.