Memories of a Life That Never Happened

Chapter 110 - The Unspoken

"Morning!" Escobar stepped into the room and surprised Mica and Theo seating together on the couch. "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought Abel was here with you." 

"Mr. Ortiz." Theo stood up, a little embarrassed though he and Mica were behaving exemplarily. "I-I've heard about your wife. I'm glad she's doing better." 

Whether or not deserving his grudge, Theo was part of a family Escobar learned to despise.  

"Thank you," Mica's stepfather said crisply before his attention shifted to Mica. "Will you keep your mom company while she finishes her breakfast?" 

"Sure," answered Mica. "Be there in a minute." 

"Thanks. And we need to talk later." 

"Ok." 

Escobar glanced at the boy again. "Bye, Theo." 

"Goodbye, sir. Have a nice day." 

As soon as Escobar left the room, Theo sunk back on the couch.  

"Do you think he'll ever come around my last name?" 

Mica shrugged and reached for his hand, when she noticed something between them. 

"What's this?" she asked, pointing at the blue lump of cloth. 

"Oh, right. Sorry. I was so mad when I saw the two of you-."  

Mica was about to begin re-explaining what happened when he brought a finger to her lips. 

"I get it. I don't like it, but I get it." He offered her the bundle. "This is for you."  

As soon as she touched it, Mica recognized it. "Your t-shirt?" 

"You asked for it," he said, brushing his knuckles from her temple down to her jaw. "I thought I'd give it to you yesterday. You left before I had the chance. It has two things inside. One's for Julian, the other one's yours."  

Curious to find out what her gift was, Mica started unfolding it. 

"Don't," he put a hand over hers. "Wait until I'm gone." 

"I wish I had something to give you too," Mica said. She wished she had Theo's skill with words. She wanted to tell him how much this farewell was breaking her heart. She could fill the emotions taking over her like a tsunami. An unspeakable sadness surged up and out through her tears.  

"I must go. But I-," she sobbed. "I don't want to let the distance come between us."  

"Shhh." He scooted closer and dried her tears with soothing kisses. "It's ok. You'll be back. When you do, I'll be waiting. Count on that." 

"I'll miss you every day." 

"Me too. But I don't want you to be sad. I want you to travel and enjoy life. Don't let opportunities escape you. Allow the things you see to grow into you, make you stronger and wiser. But you got to promise me something."  

"Whatever you want." 

"Don't change who you are, Mica. Improve it. Don't let the expensive education and fancy people warp you into someone else. You're already so much better than they'll ever be. Change them instead." 

"Only if you promise you won't change either." 

Theo unwound her hand from the cloth and put them on his face. Blue eyes got lost once more inside green ones.  

"Will you still like me? Even after meeting a hundred guys like me?" 

"I may meet a thousand guys, Theo. None of them will compare to you. You're my happiest memories. You're the best part of my past. My hope for the future. Even if-." Her lips trembled and she bit them still. "Even if you end up changing your mind and we don't see each other again." 

He gave the saddest chuckle Mica had ever heard. 

"You think I'll forget you?" 

Mica shrugged and coiled next to him. Her chin rested on his shoulder.  

"Remember when you told me how you'll never forget the day you learned how to swim?" Theo asked, holding her tight. 

"Yeah. What about it?" 

"Well, I can never forget how you taught me to love. Mica-." He eased himself away from the hug to lean his forehead against hers. "I had a bad definition of life until you came into mine. I love you so much. You bet I'll be here when you return. I'm the one afraid to be left waiting." 

She let out a sound that was the synthesis of a sigh and a wail.  

"Well, we'll both have to wait a little." 

"Guess you're right," Theo simpered.  

"Mica?" they heard Jacira calling from another room. 

Quick as a bullet, Mica stood up and so did Theo. 

"Goodbye, Theo." 

"I think there's no word sadder than goodbye," Theo said. "It's funny." 

"What is?" 

"It's the first time I can really feel it weighting on me." 

"Mica? Where are you?" This time it was Julian's voice. Her brother's stumpy footfalls were growing louder. It was a matter of minutes, perhaps seconds until he found them.  

Time would never be enough for all they wanted from each other. 

"Honestly, I don't think I can say it." 

"Then don't," said Mica. "I'll see you around." Hands interlaced as her lips reached out to his.  

Theo could not bear to let her go and Mica could not leave without easing the pain with a kiss. As much as she fought the idea, this could be their last time together. Their lips parted and Theo kept his eyes closed. Maybe it would hurt less if he did not actually see her go.  

But there was one thing he managed to whisper before her hand slipped away and silence became his only company in that room.  

"See you. Every night. In my dreams. Until they come true."