The Girl and the Naga

Chapter 20

Alec and I headed back towards the cave, our home. As soon as we got back, I knew I had to take care of some things.

"I need to go talk to Leif," I told Alec when we got back.

"Why?" he asked, more curious than anything else.

"I just need to tell him something," I said.

I walked over to the clearing where I could usually find Leif. I didn't have to wait long before he jumped down in front of me.

He noticed my sad expression immediately.

"You're choosing him, aren't you?" he asked sadly, though he already knew the answer.

I nodded my head, smiling sadly at him.

"I was afraid of that," he said, also smiling sadly.

"I really care about you, I do. I just don't think you're the right one for me," I explained.

"I guess I understand," he said, looking down.

"Hey, we can still be friends," I told him, lifting his head up to look into my eyes.

"I would like that," he said, smiling at little.

We stood there, smiling at each other through pained expressions for a moment before his face broke out into his old mischievous grin.

"You know, just because you chose him doesn't mean I won't try and change your mind," he said.

"I expected as much," I said, smiling.

"And he better treat you well, or I may have to take matters into my own hands," he said.

I laughed, enjoying his happy attitude despite the fact that I had practically broken his heart.

"Thank you," I wasn't really sure what I was thanking him for, but I felt I needed to all the same.

"You're welcome," he replied.

We stood there silently, neither one of us knowing what to say.

"If you ever need help, just call me. I'll be there, watching over you," he said.

"I'll keep that in mind," I replied.

Leif looked somewhere behind me. I turned and saw Alec standing just behind a tree, watching us silently. I smiled at the sight of him.

"Well, I guess I'll see you around," Leif said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah," I replied.

I stood on my toes and lightly kissed his cheek.

"Is that goodbye?" he asked.

"No, it's thank you, for everything," I answered.

"Bye Leif," I said, turning around to go back to Alec.

"Bye Fae," I barely heard him reply.

I took Alec's hand and smiled at him, and we walked back to the cave.

"So remember what I said about finding 'the one'?" Alec said.

I looked up at him and waited for him to finish. He pressed his lips against mine in a soft, caring kiss before he answered.

"Found her," he finished.

I smiled and blushed.

"I found him too," I replied.

He picked me up and kissed me without abandon.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt truly happy.

The End. 

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