Quantum Entanglement: Howzer and Aurelia

11. Divergence

Aurelia wrapped her arms around herself, huddling against the base of the tree in a feeble attempt at consolation. The tears flowed freely now as she let out all of the confusion, hurt, and sadness that had been pent up inside since last night, taking deep, shaky breaths as she silently cried. She watched a pair of the long-necked birds perusing the pond together, moving their necks in sync, and felt an aching emptiness where her heart had been full and warm the last time she'd been here.

A familiar crunch of someone moving through the branches startled her, and she saw Howzer pushing through into the clearing. She had specifically checked the Senate session schedule, and he should have been tied up there for at least a few hours more. Quickly wiping the tears from her face, she leapt to her feet, rage overtaking the sadness.

"Get out of here, Howzer," she said, her voice breaking without her permission.

"I will. I'm sorry. I mean, just listen..." he began, reaching a hand toward her.

She smacked it away as hard as she could, relishing in the flinch that crossed his face, "I don't want to hear it. You know what speaks louder than words? Actions. And you spoke very clearly last night." Without waiting for a response, she charged through the bushes back to the main path, walking as quickly as she could and refusing to look back.

The sound of his footsteps approaching fueled her indignation, and she stopped and whirled to face him as he ran to catch up. She clenched her fists tightly at her sides, feeling a strong urge to punch that fresh little face of his. He stopped a few feet away, hands in the air.

"Please. Listen to me. I'm sorry. I didn't mean--"

"Mean what? To lead me on for so long? For me to lose my job? To pretend and then throw it in my face?" she demanded, eyes welling with tears again. "I thought you were different," she finished, her voice frustratingly squeaky with emotion.

"You lost your job?" Howzer said in surprise, a look of sadness flitting across his face. "I'm so sorry. I was--"

"An ass. An oblivious little moof-milker," she volunteered, opening her mouth for more. But he stepped closer, hands still in the air, almost desperate in his insistence to get through to her.

"I'm leaving for Ryloth tonight!" he spluttered, and she snapped her mouth shut in shock. Flooded with anger and hurt, she tried to make sense of his words.

"Why?"

"Change of station. Sprint put in a good word for me and I'm going to be in his unit. Time to blast some Seppies, finally!" He was bordering on excitement when he remembered the situation between then, toning it back down quickly. "I just wanted to make things right before I left."

Aurelia lifted both hands to her face, pressing and rubbing her eyes and cheeks. She took a deep breath, dropping her hands to her sides and looking up at him sadly.

"Okay, thanks for telling me. Take care," she said, turning to continue on her way.

"Wait!" Howzer exclaimed, taking a few quick steps after her and grabbing her upper arm, "Please..."

She yanked her arm from his grasp, stopping to face him again. His eyes were pools of emotion, accentuated by the concerned tilt of his eyebrows and the tension in his lower lip. She felt a wave of electricity wash over her, hating that it did.

"It's probably best this way," she said, eyes hard. "You've got your glorious purpose ahead of you. Go end the war."

"I'm sorry I hurt you," he said softly, "I just--"

"Stop trying to explain it, Howzer. It is what it is. Be safe out there. And tell Sprint I said hello." And with that, she turned and continued toward the edge of the park, walking confidently to hide the fact that her face was melting into a pained contortion of sadness, anger, and grief.

Howzer remained still, staring after her until she disappeared from view. He dropped his gaze to the ground, angrily kicking a nearby rock, then slowly began trudging to pack his things.