Only For You

XXII) Nicholas- Last Kiss

I held Marion tightly in my arms as we hugged and hugged. Our hearts were aching and breaking all at the same time. We didn't want to let go because we knew what that would mean: the possibility of never seeing each other again. Women begged for their husbands and boyfriends not to go, but we all knew what had to happen. I knew my soul would feel so empty without her. I cried too as I held her trembling body. I could feel her pain -it was so deep inside her. I couldn't stop us splitting, but that's what had to happen. People around us cried and cried. The feeling was deeper than any other sadness ever. I've spent how long trying to fight for a second chance after what I've done, and Marion has given me that second chance. Heck she's such a good person that she would give me a third and a fourth. Angel by Sarah McLachlan played in the final moments before we all had to say goodbye before parting ways. That song really hits hard in my heart. "Marion, you're my angel. You know that, right?" I whispered after breaking the hug. Her face looked broken. She looked more broken than a shattered porcelain doll. "Nick, Nick, Nick, please. You're mine too. You know that right? I know we've only known each other for a month now, but I've never... ever felt this way. Please I don't want to die and I don't want you to either." Her body was shaking in shock. We were losing each other: me losing her and her losing me.

The song got louder as it seemed that other people were disappearing. Marion and I just stood there. The pain etched deeper and deeper. "I swear in my life that I will always love you Mar. We're going to be far away for now, but I promise I'll come back for you." I said as I caught the tears from her eyes. "Nick, that can only be if we both survive." Her lip quivered back and forth trying to show her brokenness. "It'll be alright." I said as the song neared the end. The knife jabbed deeper in my side knowing this could be our end and Marion will never be a Schneider. I planned on marrying her, but the war turns cutthroat... painful.

She took a breath... before our arms locked one more time. We weren't ready to let go yet. My eyes burned from all of the tears. The music stopped and we all knew it was time. "Mar I love you." I said in her ear. "I love you too Nick." She said as she was practically crying, shocked, and breathing heavy. "Alright Lieutenant Schneider get over here." A sharp voice called. "I have to go mar." She broke down even harder. "Please." She yelled. I touched her jawline with my right hand and my left hand touched her back and I gave her one last kiss -the best and most caring I could give. Her tears stained my cheeks. I began to walk away as I slowly let go of her hand. I walked a few steps away from her, then I turned around and saw her mentally and emotionally battered. She gave me a salute -she saluted a German pilot. She closed her eyes, sat in a chair, and cried. That was the last I saw of her and it was most likely the last time I'd ever get to see her again. It hurt as I had to turn away from my Angel, my American Angel.