Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 43

Aurora

"Aurora? What are you doing out this late?" He spoke, the sleep sounding visible in his voice.

"I need to talk to you." I told him quietly. He stepped to the side, letting me inside his house. I carefully walked in and waited for him to lock the door. I followed him into his living room, taking a seat on the couch. He sat down next to me, waiting for me to begin explaining my reasoning for showing up to his house this late.

"I want to start off by saying that you are the most incredible person ever. And not only since moving to California, but ever since I first met you ten years ago. You helped me through so much that I could never repay you for. You and your family loved me unconditionally like I was a part of the family. You guys made me feel like I belonged and for that I want to say thankyou."

"Aurora, what is this about?"

"I've made my decision." He sat up at the words leaving my mouth. His eyes now losing their sleep. He scooted closer to me, placing his hand on top of mine that was resting on the couch. A quiet whimper left my mouth as I looked down at our touching hands. The tears filled my eyes before dropping down onto his hand.

"I'm not the one you want to be with."

I struggled to look at him, his hurt filled words feeling like a pang to my heart. "I love you so much Odysseus. Please know this. I've thought so long and so hard before making my decision. I want to thank you for being there for me when he wasn't. For doing all the things for me that should've been his responsibility. I love you Odysseus, so much. This wasn't an easy choice to make. But, Harry is the one I am in love with. He makes me happy in ways I can't explain. I don't think I'll ever truly stop loving him."

"It is not love if this person is constantly hurting you Aurora. He's made you cry countless times and when someone makes you cry more than they can make you smile then that is not love. Getting lied to and humiliated is not called love."

"Please don't make me feel worse than I already do."

Slowly he began to move his hand away from mine. His eyes flicked up, boring into my own. "He's going to hurt you."

"That's love. Love is pain. Love is giving someone the power to destroy you but trusting them not to."

"He's destroyed you more times than I can count. Just because you love someone does not mean you belong with that person. Love is not the only thing you need in a relationship. You need someone who understands you, respects you and makes you feel like you are worthy. You can't stay in a relationship with someone only for the sole purpose of loving them. Two people can love each other and still not be together. Love is not pain. Love is kind. It's patient."

Odysseus words were going in one ear, but I was struggling to let them stick. His words were true. I just couldn't bring myself to believe them. I didn't want to.

"If in the end we can't be together, I want you to know that I'm glad you were a part of my life. But also know, if and when loving him becomes too painful, I'll be here waiting for you."

I took Odysseus words into consideration. I didn't want them to foreshadow the future. I know loving Harry wasn't going to be easy. The love came with pain, but it wasn't anything I couldn't bare. I've learned to deal with it.

"Don't wait around for me Odysseus. I want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy."

"You make me happy."

I reached over for his hand, gracefully taking it into mine and holding it with care. "I'm sorry." I squeezed his hand once more before letting go. "I should get back home."

He stood up as well and followed me to the door, "You should know, the more chances you give someone, the less they begin to really value you."

I stop in my tracks, my back faced to him as he continued to speak. "You need to learn to love yourself Aurora. Then and only then you'll see how comfortable he's become with disrespecting you. He knows you won't ever walk away from him. Because you've given him so many chances. He's not afraid of losing you because he knows no matter what you'll always come crawling back. Don't let him disrespect you like that Aurora. You deserve someone who can make you forget that your heart was ever broken. He's not that person."

"Thank you for looking out for me Odysseus. I'll be going now."

"Let me drive you. It's late."

I smiled at him wholeheartedly, "Thank you, but I'll manage. It's not a far drive."

"Okay then. Let me know when you get home."

"I will. Bye Odysseus."

"Bye."

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