25 Minutes

Too Late

I found her standing in front of the church, the only place in Piltover where I didn't search. I kept a safe distance, leaning against an American Sweetgum, the leaves flashing its autumn color like my hair.

Caitlyn was... no, Caitlyn is happy. She's smiling genuinely.

For months, I contemplated. Contemplated how I left her.

I still remember how much she begged for me to stay that cold December night. The air was cold, but her fingers warm against my arm... gripping firmly, with purpose of not letting go.

With my back against her, my eyes start to squeeze out the tears I've been holding back.

I wanted to stay... I wanted to, I really do. I wanted to stay in Caitlyn's warm embrace. I wanted to feel her feather light touches against my cheek. Her soft kisses against my tattoos.

Her voice hoarse from all the crying, she begged for me to stay.

"Look at me! Was I nothing to you, VI?" She said in between tears.

"Vi, I love you! I love you so much that I am willing... I was willing to sacrifice everything for you! Was that all for nothing? Look at me!" Caitlyn screamed, forcing me to face her.

Still my back facing her, I gritted my teeth. If I face her, I might say things that I will regret later. "You love me too much, Cupcake. I think... that... it's time we move on."

I faced her, trying to maintain a stern face. I need to drive her away to not hurt her in the future, and I need her to loathe me.

"I... never... I never loved you", I said, avoiding her gaze. I don't want to look at her ocean blue eyes, that I might surrender, forget the plan and just kiss her.

"No, you're just saying that", her hand clasped against her chest with a disbelief look. I didn't say anything, turned and walked away from her. I can hear her call, scream my name, but I didn't dare look back.

A year has passed since that night, and now I see her in front of the church, about to get married. She is still as beautiful as the day that I lost her.

The bell chimed a cue for her to enter the church. I followed, still maintaining a safe distance. I sat at the farthest part of the church, barely where the light illuminates. Where I was positioned, I can still see her, walking down the aisle, right there I had a glimpse of her husband-to-be. Tall, dark and grinning... my heart sank. I should've known! It was Jayce, smiling at her as she walks down the aisle towards the altar. Despite Caitlyn's back against me, I can feel her smile back at him.

Had I not push her away, would she come with me?

Had I been honest with her, would she still be in my arms?

Had I told her the reason why I left was because Piltover's Mayor blackmailed me into dismissing Caitlyn as Sheriff if I don't leave the city?

Had I told her, had I been honest with her and told her how much I really love her... would it have been me instead of Jayce saying those vows in front of the altar?

I didn't notice the tears falling down my eyes. I didn't notice how my palms bled as I squeezed my hands too tightly, nails digging into my palms.

"I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife, you may now kiss the bride." The priest's voice echoed, piercing through my heart. Right then, I decided to leave, hopefully forever.

I'm late... too late. When I had made up my mind, I was too late. I wanted to tell her how much I loved her, and that I was sorry for the things I have done, but I was too late.

I walked out the churches door, glancing at Caitlyn one last time.

"I love you, always" I whispered, hoping that the wind would carry the words I uttered to her.

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"I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife, you may now kiss the bride." I closed my eyes, as Jayce cupped my cheeks and kissed my lips. I was hoping that when I open my eyes, I'd meet steel-grey eyes and a tattooed face.

I opened my eyes, brown eyes meeting mine, I smiled at him and turned to face the crowd. Everyone seems so happy.

Standing at the altar, as guests congratulate us newlyweds, I recognized familiar pink tresses in the crowd leaving the church.

She... VI... VI was here, but 25 minutes too late.