-- CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Farewell --
Disclaimers: Refer to Chapter One: Breathe
Author's Note: I decided to end this saga prematurely, as well, I also didn't really want to drag on the melancholy theme of this fic. I hope that the ending is worthy of the time that you have spent reading.
- SARA'S POV –
- Four Months Later –
Silence.
He sat on a large boulder, staring blankly at the sun's reflection on the water. His usual grin was upside-down while his eyebrows stayed furrowed at the deep silence and harsh chilly feeling he felt. A strolling breeze blew Lake Texoma's water. His subconscious was projecting the last time he sat on this very boulder with Sara and Jessica. In a desperate attempt to mend their marriage, he and Sara decided to take Jessie to Dallas, to this very same spot. Still present in his memory, he continued to stare at the sinking sun, reflective of what had transpired almost two years ago.
- FLASHBACK –
"Sara?" Nick said as he awoke.
He sat up and viewed his surroundings; in particular, he looked ahead at his daughter sleeping on her hospital bed. Two days ago, they had just returned from Dallas; and two days ago Jessica's condition turned for the worse. After arriving at the hospital, the doctors had given them the devastating news that they had long dreaded. Jessica was very weak, and they didn't give her more than several days to live.
He blinked several times to adjust to rays of light that filtered through the hospital room's blinds.
"Sara?" He called out again, titling his head to see if she was awake, she was, but she didn't respond. Suddenly, he felt a cold chill rush over his body – he knew what had happened. Slowly, he got up and walked over to his wife, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Silence.
For several moments, both parents stayed silent, staring at their daughter's peaceful demure.
"Goodnight, Jessie" he whispered. He placed a gentle kiss on Jessica's cold forehead while he said a silent prayer. "The angels will always be with you."
Teary eyed, he turned to look at his wife. Sara's eyes were bloodshot as tears slowly started to flow down her cheeks. In a swift motion, he wrapped his arms around her as they both cried, sharing each other's misery.
- END FLASHBACK –
He flinched as he heard the shrill sound of his cell phone ringing, "Hello?"
"Hi Nick, I think you should come back to the hospital now. Grams has been asking for you," his sister, Angela, said.
"I'm on my way," Nick answered.
So, maybe he wasn't in Dallas to reminisce; in fact, he was here to spend time with family. His Grandmother was very weak, and he has just flown in from Vegas two nights ago.
- SARA'S POV -
She sat in her dimmed living room, staring blankly at the soft rain that pitter pattered on her window as she listened to some soft music. In her hand, she held a glass of wine, a solitary glass of wine that she drank after long days at work. Around her were stacked and unopened boxes that she had never gotten the chance to unpack. This was just one of the many nights she had spent sitting in this very same spot, just thinking about the life, remembering the happier moments, longing for something more that what she had now.
Eight months after she and Nick had finalized their divorce, she had quickly packed her things and moved to Boston. She was bitter and angry -- she felt betrayed. She thought that Nick wasn't like the other guys she had date. She was wrong, and it made her sick that she didn't realize it sooner. She hadn't realize how she and Nick were not meant to be.
Farewell so long cause
I was wrong I guess
Farewell so long cause
I was wrong I confess
- FLASHBACK -
"This is a final boarding call for American Airlines flight 1856 passengers, flying from Las Vegas to Boston. The gate will be closing in several moments."
Sara breathed deeply, determined that this was the best choice, she knew that she had to get away, to start fresh. She stepped forward and handed the flight attendant her boarding pass.
"Thank you ma'am, enjoy your flight," the tall flight attendant said.
"Thanks," Sara replied softly.
"Sara!" a voice called out.
She recognized his voice, and quickly turned around, "Nick, what are you doing here?"
"Stay," he whispered.
"Nick," she, too, whispered.
"Please," he begged. "Stay, just for a couple of days."
"Nick, I can't. Besides, you don't have to come chasing after me, we're divorced, remember?"
"Sara," he repeated.
"Miss, we have to go," the flight attendant called out.
"Nick, I have to go, I'm sorry," Sara replied as she walked backwards towards the plane.
"Sara, I still love you," Nick called out.
She closed her eyes; it pained her to hear those words. It wasn't that she didn't believe him, nor was it because she didn't love him either, even just a little bit. It pained her because she was so hurt by his infidelity, so jaded by love, and so empty.
"Bye," she whispered, waving slowly as she continued moving towards the plane.
- END FLASHBACK -
'So now you're having doubts?' Sara's mind chided her.
- NICK'S POV -
"Nick? Is that you?" her soft southern voice questioned.
"Yeah, it's me. Hi Grams," Nick replied, reaching out for his grandmother's soft hands.
"Come here, let me get a good look at my youngest grandchild." Nick complied. "Uh huh," she said, after observing his unshaven face, and slightly slender body.
"I don't like the sound of that," Nick kidded, quite sure that he was about to hear an earful from his grandmother.
"Well, if you took better care of yourself, maybe I wouldn't have to say anything at all," she corrected sternly. "If you keep up whatever it is that you're doing to yourself, you're going to have more wrinkles than your grandma."
"Isn't that a good thing then? Because my Grams doesn't have any wrinkles, she's still as beautiful as ever," he replied in a little schoolboy manner.
"Well, at least you still have the Stokes charm," she replied.
Nick smiled, "I'm okay, Grams, don't worry about me. We're all here to take care of you."
"Nick, I'm not getting any better, and I don't need a doctor to tell me that," she answered in a confident tone.
"Ah, but you underestimate being a Stokes." Nick smiled. She too smiled, continuing their candid banter.
"How's Sara?" she asked, catching Nick off guard, but he stayed calm.
"Well, last I heard she was still heading up the forensics unit in Boston."
"Have you talked to her since she moved?"
Nick shifted uneasily in his chair, remembering the many times that he had wanted, planned, and chickened out of calling his ex-wife. "No, not since she left Vegas."
"Be honest, do you still love her?"
Nick took a moment to gather his scattered thoughts. "Well, we've gone our separate ways, and let's just say that I've accepted the fact things happen for a reason, that this is how it's suppose to be."
Silence.
The elder Stokes stared at her grandchild for several moments.
"You know, I mean, who am I to disturb fate?" Nick answered cleverly.
His grandmother stayed silent.
"Well, I will always love Sara, she played a very large role in my life."
"Nick, you're my favorite grandson and I want you to be happy. I have something to ask of you…"
"Grams," Nick said, shaking his head, not wanting to hear another word.
"Now listen, I've never asked you for anything. When your grandfather died, I hoped that before the Lord would take me, that I would make sure all of my grandchildren are happy. I know that you and Sara have your differences, and I know that it's not going to be easy to get her back. You really hurt her. You were happy. Don't you think you deserve a second chance to be happy? I mean, who am I kidding, I'm tired Nicky, it's time for me to rest…"
"Grams, don't say that," Nick replied, kissing his grandmother's hand.
"I want you to be happy, so I want you to do just one thing for me," she paused. "I want you to find Sara -- I want you to go home."
- SARA'S POV -
I miss the way you are
I miss the way you dance with me
I miss the way you are
I miss the way you dance with me
- FLASHBACK –
"What are you smiling about," Nick asked wonderingly.
"Nothing," she replied, placing her head on his shoulder. They fit perfectly; it felt natural.
He was caught off guard, but he continued to dance. He simply smiled.
"He's really not that great," Nick changed the subject.
"What?" Sara called, head still sitting on his shoulder.
"He used to pick on girls in high school," Nick revealed, stopping Sara from uttering any words. "And, he was pretty friendly on campus in college," he continued desperately.
"Nick Stokes, are you jealous?" Sara teased, picking up her head, and staring closely at his eyes.
"Me? Jealous? No, just telling you the facts," he denied. "You know, in case-" he began to babble.
"Oh-my-god, you are," Sara smiled.
"No," Nick lied.
"I think he's kinda cute, pretty smart, and did you see those muscles," she winced. 'Ouch' she mouthed. Her words were probably more piercing that she had imagined, but her tone was still playful, her intent to tease Nick.
With eyes focused on Sara, Nick's eyes voiced pain from her comments. He didn't say a word, he'll let her say whatever she wanted.
"Don't worry, you'll always be my man from Texas," she teased. She titled her head back as she laughed aloud.
There was silence, as both of them smiled and continued dancing.
"So you're into cute guys, sculpted muscles, and a brain," Nick joked.
"Only the ones who can dance," she whispered in his ear. The fine hair in on the back of his neck stood. 'Damn,' his mind whimpered.
Finally, for the last time before the music ended, he twirled her, cradling her in his arms as he dipped her for the finale. They both smiled as Sara came face to face with Nick.
- END FLASHBACK –
Of all the memories they had together; between work and family, it was this specific dance that Sara always remembered. It happened at Michelle's wedding, back when they were just two friends in Dallas for a wedding. This was where it all began, from Nick's homecoming, their first dance together, and to this moment. Everything was supposed to be perfect, but in all of it, she never really got her happily ever after. Maybe she wasn't supposed to.
So farewell my love cause
I was wrong I guess
Farewell so long cause
I was wrong I confess
Sara had spent the last few hours reminiscing about her past; actually, it was more like reminiscing about Nick. She couldn't deny the fact that she will always love Nick. Despite all the hurt she felt, he still held a good portion of her heart. She realized just how much Nick had become a part of her; in fact, it took her a while to get used to not having a great home cooked meal, or have someone give up eating a little meat, or even simply getting a phone call just to say hello.
'I miss that bastard,' she thought bitterly, despite the prominent smile on her face.
I miss the way you are
I miss the way you sang with me
- FLASHBACK -
"I don't want to talk about this," he simply replied.
"Maybe we should talk about it, especially since it involves Jessica and me. I think we've let this sleep for too long," Sara answered, walking furiously towards the stairs. Nick continued to walk up the stairs, still silent. "Where did you take your whore this time? Where did you take Mia? Some cheap motel off the Strip? Huh, Nick?!"
"Sara, stop," Nick answered.
"Mommy!" Jessica's voice pleaded. She was in the backyard, playing in the tree house that Nick, Greg, and Warrick managed to put together.
"I think it's time we take a break away from this," she continued. She then slowly walked down the stairs and when she reached the bottom of the staircase, she gave Nick's still figure a final glance.
- END FLASHBACK -
I miss the way you are
I miss the way you sang with me
- FLASHBACK –
"I want a divorce!"
"Whatever you want!"
- END FLASHBACK -
God, she was bitter, she was robbed. She never thought that she would be a person to be divorced and worse, to lose her husband to another woman in the wings. For a while, she wrestled with the idea that maybe, she had drawn such a high standard for herself, and even for Nick. That maybe she had made him out to be more that what he really was. Maybe she deserved everything that has happened, maybe there never was a happy ending for them.
I never ask you for…
That fancy dress to wear
And a ceiling made of stars
And all I got was this broken heart from you
She was awakened by a soft knocking, tapping away. Somewhat in a daze, she looked at the clock on the fireplace mantle and groaned -- it was five in the morning. She glanced outside to see that the rain had stopped; leaving a semi-lit sky with the sun flirting to rise.
The soft tapping continued.
"I'm coming!" She called out. Hesitantly, she got off the couch and was careful not to knock down the half-full bottle of wine beside the coffee table. 'Who in the world would be knocking this early in the morning?'
As she walked towards the door, she experienced a certain calming sensation takeover her body -- a certain familiarity. Cautiously, she looked through the peephole; quickly taking a step back with eyebrows furrowed. Speechless, she stood motionless while her heart went into quickened.
It was him.
She continued to stare at the door's locks, only to be roused by the soft rapping at the door. Finally, after much delay, she unlocked the door and swung open the door.
"Nick," she said, in a whisper.
The man smiled. "Hi, can I come in?"
"Sure."
FIN
A/N – I know that was very long (longer than usual) but I just wanted to tie everything together. It was very crucial for me to bring bits and pieces together because I think that with most sequels, the translation is usually missed. I hope this piece had enough substance and continuity, and I hope that you didn't require taking any meds to keep up with the flashbacks. Thanks so much for my constant critics; I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post names, but I will anyway – MissyJane, EmmyMik, Kady Rilla Wholi, PeTiTe, Candace, Emily, A Bloom, adpi24, Mooose, Nepeace, Jorja Fox, LynnM, cRaZyPiXiE, Nikkd03 (sorry, I couldn't use your song, somebody already used the song for another fic) and especially to those who have stuck it out. Thanks as well to my betas, Kelly (you rock!), the sisters Karen and Steff (y'all are just awesome) thanks for helping me out during the drama, during the 'what-am-I-going-to-do-if-TPTB-decide-on-a-GS-pairing-and-put-the-kibosh-on-NS-and-I-never-finish-my-fic' moments. LoL.
The song is by Rosie Thomas, it's called Farewell. The ellipse near the end is for the lyrics that I cannot, for the life of me make out. It's a great song that I stumbled upon, but unfortunately, I've had no such luck finding the song's lyrics. However, if you know the song's lyrics, especially the part that goes into that part, please email me at oceanwave888hotmail.com and I'd be glad to fix the lyrics. FYI, I also do not own, claim to own, nor am associated with Rosie Thomas or her record label. The song Farewell, is the property of Rosie Thomas and whoever else is associated in producing such a great song.
Also, I don't own the rights to any brands/labels that you recognize (i.e. American Airlines), they are the property of their respective owners. And I do not claim to own any of it.
Love it, loathe it, review it. oceanwave