Chapter 69:
"You're going to leave soon, aren't you? You aren't in my equations as much." Brigid said quietly. She and Larten were in the kitchen alone while Erin showered. Larten diverted his eyes.
"Yes. It is time I returned to the Cirque. I have completed my mission."
"When will you be back?"
Larten was silent.
"But you have to come back!" Brigid said earnestly, her hazel eyes glistened with tears. Larten was taken aback. Erin he expected tears from but not Brigid.
"Have you told Erin?"
"No." Larten said quietly.
"You have to come back and visit us. You can't just disappear forever! Not after all we've been through together."
"It may be best for you two to forget me."
"Oh shut up, that's total bullshit and you know it." Brigid snapped. "So, you're saying you'll just forget about us then? Just like that? None of our time has meant anything to you?"
"Of course it means something to me." Larten snapped back.
"Then you have to promise to come visit us when you can."
"It could be years."
"Doesn't matter. You have to promise you'll visit when you can." Brigid pushed.
Larten opened his mouth to answer but he heard Erin coming down the stairs. She entered the kitchen and could feel the tension.
"What's wrong?" She asked worriedly.
"It is nothing. Brigid and I were just…talking." Larten said handing Erin a cup of coffee.
"Okay, if you say so." Erin said, confused. Larten could feel Brigid's eyes on him. He knew he needed to tell Erin but part of him also didn't want to. When was the last time he had been this happy? When was the last time he had been so…loved? His chest was heavy.
"What would you like to do tonight?" Erin said breaking the silence.
"Well I need to get upstairs and do homework so I'll leave you two alone." Brigid walked to the stairs, turning around she mouthed "promise" to Larten before giving a small, sad smile.
As she disappeared upstairs Larten turned to Erin. "Shall we sit on the patio?"
The two walked outside together, sitting on the patio swing. Larten wrapped an arm around Erin who immediately relaxed against him, enjoying the closeness of his body. They sat in silence for quite some time before Erin spoke.
"You're leaving soon. I saw it." She whispered.
Larten swallowed hard. "Yes."
Erin placed a gentle hand against his face. "From the very beginning I knew you would have to leave but I regret nothing in loving you. I'll always love you and you'll always have a home here."
Larten gripped her hand and brought it to his lips. "I will always remember your love."
Erin smiled sadly rubbing his cheek with her thumb. "Good." She brought her lips to his giving him a sweet kiss. Larten held her face against his kissing her deeply. They broke apart looking into each other's eyes. Larten wiped a tear away.
"Erin…"
"No, it's okay." Erin wiped at her eyes. "I won't cry when you leave. I don't want that to be your last memory of me."
Larten softly smiled before kissing her on the forehead.
"Let's go back inside. I still need to feed you. Whatever you want." Erin said forcing herself to smile cheerfully.
"It will be hard returning to the Cirque and not have your exceptional cooking."
Erin laughed. "Well, then, let's go." Larten nodded and smiled. Erin was laughing and not crying and he was thankful. She was beautiful when she laughed.
The two stood and entered the house together.
Erin, Brigid, and Larten stood in the garden, the moon bright above. This was the fated goodbye. Brigid threw herself at Larten hugging him tight.
"You'll visit, right?" She whispered.
"Yes, I promise." Larten said wrapping an arm around the girl.
Brigid sniffled and stood back.
Larten turned to Erin. Her eyes were slightly misty but she was keeping her promise of not crying. She smiled as well as she could.
"You'll always be welcome here. No matter how many years pass. Never forget that."
Larten tipped her chin up. "A vampire's memory never forgets."
They slowly closed the distance between them, he kissed her slow and deep. Erin's hand cupped his face as they kissed. When they parted, Erin smiled at him and took a step back.
"Goodbye, Larten."
"Goodbye." He said softly. His heart hurt but this was it.
Larten jumped the fence and disappeared into the night.
A boy in a bright pirate costume and shaggy dark hair looked shocked.
"Why are we going there?"
"There is no we. I am going. You will be staying here at the Cirque under a watchful eye while I am absent."
"What?! Why am I not coming?"
"Because you are not needed."
Darren crossed his arms. It didn't make any sense.
"But why are you going?"
Larten cleared his throat. "I am going to see a friend." He said quickly.
"You mean like the guy at the morgue?"
"Yes."
"But I was with you then. And Evra and I were with you when you were hunting Siobhan in your hometown. Why not now?"
"Because, once again, you are not needed. Now leave."
Darren threw his hands up and stomped out of Mr. Crepsley's van. He would get to the bottom of this. Why would he not be coming along? Why was Mr. Crepsley so damn cryptic? Could it be that Gavnur is there or another vampire general? Darren quickly turned on his heel and hurried to his tent to pack.