Chapter 569: Goodbye
I didn't go back to Harvard right away. The Kennecott twins wanted to watch over Liam in the cavern for a few days. And I needed to stay near him.
When I finally went home to my house, collapsed on my own bed, the quiet night outside soothing me close to sleep, I was thankful for the break. Shenka returned to school, promising to catch me up on work if it killed her. I wasn't worried, not really.
If I failed Elemental Interactions, it wouldn't be the end of the world.
Snort.
When I felt him in the back yard, tears welled in my eyes, but my body was already moving, carrying me down the stairs and to the door. I sat next to him in the chill September night, my hip tucked against his on the bench, so familiar, this meeting place, it almost felt like it would never end.
But everything ends. Everything. Eventually.
Quaid slid his arm around my shoulders and I settled against him, though without romantic intent. Just a comfortable, calm and soothing moment, two friends supporting each other. Sharing the stillness without needing a thing.
Until he spoke.
"I felt his love for you." His deep voice rumbled from his chest, leather jacket creaking as he shifted just a fraction. I turned to look up at him, to feel the warmth of his breath on my face as he met my eyes.
"He said the same thing." I touched the stubble on Quaid's cheek with my fingertips, the chase of magic racing through me and to my toes. My demon hummed her discontent, but sadly pulled back as I let my hand drop.
Quaid nodded, jaw working.
"Thank you," I said. "For being there for me. When I really needed you."
He shrugged. "I seemed to be more of a hindrance than a help," he said.
"Not this time. You have no idea." I leaned my head against his shoulder. "It means a lot to me, Quaid. To know I'm not alone."
My magicks hugged me gently. Never alone.
"You know I love you," he said. "And every day I struggle with the choice I made."
"I know," I whispered. "But Quaid, no matter how much we want to hold on to each other, there's comes a time when we have to admit it's done." I couldn't believe I said it. That I was so calm about it. Would probably sob my heart out later. But, for now, I meant every word.
And he knew it, from the way his magic retreated from me, his body tensing. He didn't pull away physically, still cradling me against him, but the last of the magic that held us together was broken.
"What I felt in him... he really loves you." He sounded like he just admitted that truth to himself. "And he'll take good care of you. So I don't have to worry."
I laughed. "Like I need someone to take care of me."
Quaid kissed my temple. "Syd," he said. "Someone has to."
"All I ever wanted was for you to be there," I said. "And you were, this time. But I need someone who always will be."
Quaid stood, pulled me up beside him, hugged me to his broad chest while his heart beat against mine before letting me go for the last time and stepping away.
"Be happy, Sydlynn Hayle," he said.
I sat there a long time after he was gone, trying to decide if the ache in my chest was real or just regret.
Regardless, Quaid and I, after all we'd been through, were finally done.
***
