Olympus Drive Book 3: According to Plan

Chapter 64

Hugh

"I know you can hear me," I say, as Neil stands with his back to me, looking in the fridge. He closes it slowly.

"I know you can hear me. I'm still here. I know you know that," I say, "Come on. Come on. Didn't I mean more to you than this?"

"Why can't you just leave?" Neil asks, turning around, his eyes filled with tears.

"Because I'm still holding onto you," I say, taking a step closer.

"Why didn't you go?" he asks, stepping away, "You should have gone."

"No, I shouldn't have. Because I'm not done---why didn't you believe in me? Why haven't you been looking for me? You said you'd be there---you said you'd be there for me, forever—and you won't even talk to me," I say, my voice cracking.

"I was there---who do you think held you while you died?? I watched, I held you while you died and you were scared---but now you won't go on," he says, tears running down his face, "I came and I held you and watched you die---watched you leave me. How do you think that made me feel when all I want is you back?"

"You what?" I ask, "You---you were there---?"

"After she poisoned you. She called me. She was scared, she said she knew about us—and had for some time. And she killed you—because you confessed to kill them---how could you do that? How could hurt Meg and Daisy and Travis?" he asks, sobs catching in his throat.

"I was---mind controlled. I don't know how it's not—very clear on the other side."

"Why won't you go on then?"

"Because I missed you goddamn it! I missed you---I wanted to say goodbye," I say, reaching out a hand, "Please."

He looks at me, shaking.

"Please, don't leave me alone—I'm tired—I'm so tired of being alone," I say, "Just stay with me tonight."

"Me too," he says, quietly.

"What?"

"I miss you too. I was scared."

"You don't have to be scared of me."

He takes my hand, gently. I smile as his warm fingers warp around mine.

"Hi," I say, smiling a little.

"Hi," he says, smiling past his tears.