Revealing Kane

3 - Taking the Leap

When I return to the LeBon's after the shoot, I am emotionally wrung out. The questions about John set me on edge, and I couldn't shake that yucky feeling throughout the entire photography session. I hope the pictures turn out okay because I wasn't really feeling it.

I step into the house to familiar smells and sounds. This house has become my home away from home, and I'm grateful for Simon and Yasmin's hospitality. Yet, I've decided if I stay in London, it won't be in their house. I'm making enough money now to afford my own place. I just need to break the news to them.

I put my things on the steps and then head toward the kitchen. I can hear a conversation and quickly realize that I am the subject. I step back and hover in the hallway outside the door.

"She seemed off this morning. Something isn't right. Have you talked to John?" Yasmin asks, her concern for me evident in her voice.

"Nah. You know John can be a private bloke at times. I haven't seen him since he picked Ally up on Sunday morning. Do you think something happened?" Simon returns.

"I don't know," Yasmin sighs. "I truly wish Allison hadn't gotten involved with him. He's going to hurt her."

"Oh, I dunno. John's been much happier since they started messing about with one another. I think he really likes her. Like really really likes her," Simon tells her, and his words stab at my heart.

"She asked - no demanded - that I don't invite him to dinner tonight. I'm telling you, he hurt her. She was fighting tears this morning," Yasmin tersely tells Simon.

I miss John. I can't stop thinking about him. I wish we hadn't fought. No, I wish I had told him I loved him because I genuinely do. But he has shut me out of his life. I can't go on living this way. I have to pick up the pieces and move on.

"Hi, guys," I cheerily say as I enter the kitchen.

"Ally, hey!" Simon answers just as cheerfully and gets to his feet. I watch him shuffle over to the stove to attend to something in a pot, and then I sit in my usual spot at the table.

"How was the big shoot?" Yasmin asks.

"It was great, but I need to talk to you guys," I say and see two grim and concerned faces.

"Sure, Alls. What's up?" Simon asks as he returns to his seat.

"I'm going to move out. I'm going to get my own place. You guys have been fantastic, and I love you both, but I need to move out," I tell them.

Simon looks sad and concerned at my news. Yasmin, on the other hand, looks angry.

"What did he do?" Yasmin snarls.

I sigh as I fiddle with my fingers. Do I want to tell them? They were friends with John way before I came along. I don't want to disrupt that friendship. I just want to clear out of all their lives.

"We broke up-"

"I knew it!"

"It's my fault, and I just... I need to move on. I don't want to see him, but I don't want to harm your relationship with him. So, I'm going to get my own place. I thought about going home, but I love London, and my career is doing really well. I'm staying. For now," I tell them, and Simon is sadly nodding. Yasmin looks like she could kill someone.

"Allison, you tell me right now. Did John drug you again?" Yasmin snaps, but I quickly shake my head no.

"I promise he didn't. I'm just... Too immature for him. I don't really know how to be in a serious relationship. I don't want to hold him back," I explain, fighting the tears that are making my throat burn. "So, do either of you have any ideas of where I could find a decent apartment that's not too expensive?"

"I'll take you apartment hunting tomorrow," Simon promises, and I thank him.

The three of us have a nice dinner as I tell them about the shoot. I'm glad I can talk to them, but once I move out, I will cut those ties. I don't want John to be able to contact me through them.

By bedtime, I am wiped out by the day and its emotions. I drag myself upstairs and sort of go through my bedtime routine. I climb into bed and am asleep in a matter of minutes.

The following day, I awake wanting to get started on my new single life. I need to put John in my past so I don't wallow over him forever. I'm determined to be gone from this house by dinner time today. In fact, I don't even want Simon to help me find a place because I don't want John to know where I am. I just want to be gone.

I quietly get dressed and slip from the house. I've decided to go to Models One and ask there about apartments. They place all their models in living arrangements, so I'm sure they can help me.

Diane is pleasantly surprised by my presence but becomes concerned when I ask about places to live. I assure her the LeBon's have been fantastic, but I want my own place, and she understands. Within twenty minutes, she has the car taking me to a prospective apartment. I view it, and it is perfect. This will be my new home, and I'm actually excited to be on my own. Now, to move out of the LeBon's.

When I get to their house, all is quiet. I tiptoe upstairs and into my room. I will pack as quickly as I can and leave this afternoon. The sooner I am gone, the less chance I have of running into John. It's time I move on and grow up.

It doesn't take me long to pack, but as I go to leave, I wistfully look at the room one last time. This room has been my refuge for three months. I have been so lucky to know Yasmin and Simon. And I met John in this room. There are some great memories here, and I will miss it.

I lug my suitcases down the stairs and set them by the door. I have called for a cab, and it should be here any minute. I have to say goodbye to Yasmin. She has been wonderful to me. I walk back to the den and find her watching the telly.

"Yas," I say, and she looks up at me. "I found a place. I'm moving in today. I just wanted to thank you for everything. You've been absolutely fantastic, and I will miss you."

By the time I finish my little speech, I am fighting tears. Yasmin gets to her feet without a word and pulls me into a tight hug. I continue to fight the tears burning my eyes, but I know this is for the best. Yasmin walks with me to the front door, where I see the cab driver on his way up the stairs. I open the door and greet him, and then turn to Yasmin.

"Don't tell John I've stayed in London. Make him think I went home. I don't want to see him just yet. I need time. And I'll see you sometime. Bye, Yazzy," I say, give her one more hug, and step out of their house for the last time.