The Science of Sacrifice//Book Four

Chapter 27~ One Last Guinness

Teddy's P.O.V

"I really wish that this wasn't happening, Teddy."

"Believe me, Molly. You're not the only one."

I looked over my shoulder to where Sherlock was waiting in the car, his face hidden. He had already said goodbye to Molly, kissing her cheek and thanking her for everything she had done, and now it was my turn. We stood on the pavement, Molly's eyes wet with tears, mine red from using them all up before hand. I pulled at the sleeves of John's jumper, rubbing the material between my fingers before letting go. Molly noticed this and with a sad smile she placed a hand on my upper arm comfortingly.

"I'll look out for him, Teddy," she said. I nodded, sniffing before looking up at her, forcing a smile on my face.

"We never did get to have that coffee," I told her with a little laugh. She smiled warmly, shaking her head and giggling. 

"We'll have coffee when you get back," Molly replied. "I'll have it all ready. Two sugars, right?"

"Right."

I stared at her, my lips a thin line as I tried to stay strong. It was so difficult, having to say goodbye. I knew it would be. I mean, Mrs Hudson had been a blubbering mess when I told her and she nearly made me break down in tears. I loved her more than I loved my real mother, truth be told. That had been hard. Saying goodbye to John...
I shuddered mentally, closing my eyes tightly. The memory was still fresh and still too painful to bear.

Now I had to say goodbye to Molly, one of my closest friends. I could still remember the day we met when she had come rushing into the bathroom after Sherlock had insulted her boyfriend (who turned out to be Jim. Still, at the time it would've hurt).

"Molly?"

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to say... to say thank you. For everything. For being my friend, for helping Sherlock, just... thank you," I said. Molly nodded, wiping away her tears that had begun to fall. With a heavy exhale Molly threw her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. I returned it equally, burying my face in her shoulder, trying to remember everything I could about her, putting it away for a rainy day.

"I wish..."

"I know."

I pulled away, holding her at arm's length and using my index finger to wipe away her tears.

"Take care, Molly."

"You too, Teddy."

I smiled once more at my friend, cupping her face with one hand, before turning and heading towards the car without looking back. It was the same thing with John: If I looked back, I would crumble and cave. So I opened the door and climbed into the car without a glance back at Molly, my eyes closing as I shut the door. I didn't open them until we had driven down the street and around the corner. It was only then that I trusted myself entirely. I opened my eyes and found Sherlock staring at me. A spasm of pain crossed his face but then it quickly disappeared as he pulled on a mask.

"Back to Mycroft's? Your motorbike is there and ready to go," Sherlock said. I shook my head, looking down at my phone.

"No. Drop me off at the pub, I'll take a taxi back to Mycroft's."

"What's waiting for you at the pub?" Sherlock asked. I smiled softly.

"A tall, cool Guinness, I hope. And a friend."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"I went ahead and ordered you your drink," Lestrade told me as I slid into our booth. I smiled at him, taking a sip of my drink before setting it back down on the table.