Falling from the Top

Chapter 28

Etienne's PoV

Etienne, it's me. I have to tell you something. Look, I know this is sudden and that I should've told before but I couldn't. Not after... nevermind. Here it goes.

I'm at the airport and I'm leaving. For Paris.

You can't imagine how much it hurts to leave but I have to. I saw you and Allie. I know you guys kissed. Maybe it meant nothing, maybe it did. But I can't live with this doubt. I'm sorry.

Please don't blame yourself for anything. I'm leaving and yes, you were an important part of that decision but it's not just about you. You know me better than anyone. I trust you will understand my reasons.

My mother encouraged me to leave. I think she's afraid that if I stay, I'll end up like her. Unhappy. Lonely. And I fear that too.

I knew that if I stayed, I could never break free of who I was. The demon that brought hell to earth. I changed, because of you, and knowing that that's the only way that people will ever see me,... I just can't. I need this new start.

You can probably hear me crying right now. I bet the people around are totally judging. But I couldn't care less.

Anyway, I am sorry for not telling you. I fear your reaction, especially after what you said about Jack. There are no excuses, though. And I know that you probably hate me right now,... Anyway, my flight is going to board any minute now.

I wish you all the good in this world. It needs more people like you. And I'm persuaded that you'll do great things. My future Einstein.

Oh and please find a nice girl at university. Someone who actually deserves you. But not Allie, you're way too good for her. And for me.

Anyway, I have to go.

I love you.

Bye.

My world shattered. Broke down. And not only my world, it took me with it. I dropped the ice cream I held. Lulu looked at me funny and I grabbed her hand, leading towards our mother who was lying on a towel, a few feet from the beach.

"I have to go. Can I have the car keys?" I spoke fast, my hand shaking and my feet unstable. I didn't even think. I just had to see her, stop her, do something!

My mom gave me a weird look, just like Lulu had. I ignored and took the keys from her hand. Murmuring a yes, I headed to the parking lot.

It seemed to take me forever to find our car. Once I got in, my hands shook so bad I could barely put the key in the ignition. I press my foot on the accelerator.

Once I was on the autoroute, I tried to ring Ariana up but she didn't answer. Her phone wasn't even on. I was near the airport.

I went fast, probably too fast but I still tried to respect the speed limit. I parked randomly and just as I was exiting my car, my phone rang. I rushed over to where it was sitting on the passenger seat and grabbed, filled with hope.

Allie.

Once again, I threw my phone in my pocket, my heart full of despair. The ringtone stopped.

I walked to the entrance looking frantically at the panels announcing her flight. Eight flights for Paris! I didn't even know what company she was taking. What time. I knew nothing. She had kept me in the blue on purpose.

My phone rang once more. That twinkle of hope still sprung up. But it fell back instantly.

"AVA! HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME?!" I screamed into the phone.

Her voice was calm and clear when she answered. "Well, I'm telling you now. She left, ok? She didn't want to be stopped. She knew you would try to stop her. Accept it, Etienne."

"That's absolute bullshit. She told me that already and it's still bullshit. She said I wouldn't be supportive. But I am. I would've," I took a deep breath. "Just tell me her flight number."

I heard her huff and puff, asking Jelena for the flight number and huff some more. Finally, she whispered it through the phone.

"Why are you whispering?" I asked.

She answered gruffly. "So that Ariana's supersonic ears don't hear my treason."

It nearly made me laugh. Nearly. "Thanks. I'll call you back later."

She hung up after saying,"She knows what she's doing. Your time to move on."

I looked once more at the panels, eyes wide open. Finally, I found it. Leaving.

No!

I threw my phone against the wall and a woman came up to me, asking me if I was okay. I nodded, but I couldn't hide the fact that I was kneeling on the floor, tears streaming down my face uncontrollably.

She left me. For good. I swear I could've strangled her right now. If only I could see her...

I didn't understand. I knew her reasons. Her dream. Her need for freedom. I just didn't understand why she never included me in them. Why, Ariana, why?

Was I not good enough. I should've told her about the kiss. I should've. Too late.

Always too late.

My heart hurt like nothing before. It was weird because suddenly it felt as if I couldn't breathe properly and that my actual heart was breaking. I rested my head on the floor. How I wish I could hold her right now. Kiss her. Hug her.

How I wish I could've told her, "I love you too."

My heart is breaking for Etienne right now. Don't worry it is not the end! I'm not ready to let them go yet. Can't wait to see you all in their next chapters!

Love you,

THgirl2000