Beautifully Damned

thirty-one: goodbye

wildest dreams by taylor swift

Imogen.

I sighed, waking up next to Maxime. Usually he was the early bird, but he slept in, which I was grateful for, I couldn't say goodbye to him. His hands were tangled in my hair, my head placed on his chest, I traced his tattoos for what would be the last time. I slowly got up, grabbing my clothes looking at him one last time, before I rushed out.

My flight was in an hour and I went to my suite, showered and got ready. I had my security load the car with my bags, as I checked out and said goodbye to Danielle, before walking out. The SUV pulled off, I stared out the window. On the way, I really thought about my time here and how it changed me.

I was threatened with tears but breathed out and swallowed my tears. As mad as I am at him, I do love him, but it doesn't change who he is. There was a very large part of me that wished Maxime would come, tell me he loved me and convince me to stay. But even then, I knew I would self destruct in a matter of time. I was damaged, it felt like I was just existing.

We reached the airport, through all the traffic. I boarded my flight on the Private plane, as my bags were loaded. A flight attendant approached me, handing me a phone. I assumed it was Dominique.

"Hello" I spoke

"You didn't think you could leave without saying goodbye" A voice spoke

"Last night was goodbye" I rebutted

"Imogen, you know what I mean. Danielle notified me that you checked out. I'll meet you there okay? I'm on my way" He pleaded

"...Don't " My voice broke "I have to go"

He sighed "I know"

The pilot spoke indistinctly, the silence of the call made my eyes swell with tears, "Just, take care of yourself" I spoke

I laughed as the tears fell against my will, I heard the phone start to break up, "Max?"

"You—until next time..." Was all I could make out

I sniffed, "In your dreams" I joked

The static lingered long on the line before he spoke, "I—" the phone lost signal and hung up.

I waved the fight attendant down, and handed her the phone as I mouthed 'thank you'. I looked out the window as the plane started to accelerate. As we lifted off, I felt my chest begin to get lighter. Immediately I started to sob. I couldn't control it, it was like it's been built up for weeks.

The tears eventually stopped after hours, but the stares from staff didn't. I dozed off for the remainder of the flight.
————

I woke up at the landing of the plane. Holding my carry on, I waited until I was instructed to get off the plane. Yasmin held up a sign in the airport, I smiled seeing her so happy. She ran into my arms, making me drop my bags.

"Babe! I missed you so much" She gushed

She squeezed me tight and I only managed to let out a 'hey'. Finally, she got off of me and walked towards the car.

"Okay, spill" She said

I raised my brow, "You've been gone for weeks and you think I wasn't gonna ask?"

I sighed, putting on my seatbelt before we pulled off.
————

Yasmin helped me get settled into my loft over the week as I told her everything. I was on edge since reporters and paparazzi were crawling all over my place. She updated me on her relationship with Antoinette. She was on tour with her band and they broke still remaining friends. I was impressed at the way was taking it until she mentioned they fuck every time they're together.

I was on the way to Zenith headquarters, I'd made up my mind. I needed time away from the spotlight, so I was going to talk to Dominique. I walked into the building going up the elevator. I greeted everyone as I passed the offices leading towards her office. I knocked before entering.

"Hey Mini" I said

She got up and came towards me, welcoming me in her embrace, "Imogen, hey. Welcome home. How are you?" She held my hands

We walked to her couch and took a seat. I vented to her and told her what I wanted. She was completely understanding and supportive of my choice.

"Okay, take all the time you need. Your job will be right here when you're ready" I hugged her as I made my way to the door

Now that I had her approval, I was content in my choice. I fastened my coat and walked out the building. I instructed my security to take me home. I texted Yasmin and found out she was already at my house.

Treading into my building, I went to my loft and saw Yasmin eating pasta. I set my coat down and grabbed my laptop, sitting next to her.

"So you're really leaving huh?" She said between bites

"Just for a little bit" I corrected

I booked a fight for tomorrow, sighing as I knew I had to do this for me. I walked to my room and repacked a bag, one big suitcase. Yasmin helped me pack and told me she'd take me to the airport.

There was a thought that I was making a bad move but I had no choice. I felt like I was dying inside and this was the only thing I could do to remedy the pain.
————

We walked into the airport. Yasmin handed me an envelope, "This was hand delivered...I couldn't help but look at the mailing address" She said

I sighed, looking at the letter, before stuffing it in my bag. I kissed Yasmin goodbye, "Knock em dead" She said with tears in her eyes

I smiled before walking onto the plane. I sat first class, requesting a seat by myself. I put on my headphones and looked out the window. I opened my computer, figuring this was a perfect time to let out my creative outlet.

The plane lifted off and flight attendants came to ask what everyone was drinking. I ordered a ginger ale, before going back to type on my computer. I thought about Maxime, the letter and the last words he tried to say.

I typed for some time, drawing up ideas before I pulled out my neck pillow to relax. I pulled out the letter, seeing his handwriting. I didn't have the guts to read it, I needed to hear it in person. The flight went by fast and before I knew it we were disembarking the plane. I caught a cab, and as the drove me around, I looked at all the places that were so familiar. I smiled, feeling like I'd never left.

I put my sunglasses on and tried to breathe, as I felt anxious. The ride was short and I made my way out the car. As I walked to the doorstep, I couldn't help but think to myself, 'am I doing the right thing?'. I dragged my luggage and took a deep breath before I knocked on the door. I smiled as the door swung open.

"Imogen?"

"Hi Mom" I said
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YALL THOUGHT

Now let's check on Maxi bc ugh