A Few Steps To Your Heart

Chapter 47

10 months later...

Every student's attention was fixed on the clock behind Georgia instead of her as she concluded the school year, gathering their final test as their last assignment.

"And now, I wish you all a wonderful summer!" she exclaimed as the bell rang, prompting all the students to rush out, eager to go home and avoid spending another moment in class.

The students bid her farewell as she waited by her desk, watching them scatter. Despite her initial apprehension about returning to her job, she had done it, and done exceptionally well. Her treatment had proven effective, and she was embracing life once more, which had given her newfound strength. However, as the school year progressed, she couldn't help but occasionally wonder about Gavin. She hadn't dated anyone since their time together. She hadn't even felt inclined to do so, focusing solely on her work, finding happiness in her dedication.

After gathering her belongings and packing up, Georgia turned around and was met with a sight that caused her to drop all the papers she had just collected from her students. They scattered everywhere, but she couldn't come to terms with the reality before her—it was too astonishing.

"G-Gavin?" she stammered.

Standing right in the doorway was Gavin... he was standing! On his own two legs, supported by leg braces and two canes, but he was standing. She could hardly believe her own eyes, but no matter how many times she blinked, he remained upright.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Y-You're..."

He glanced down at himself before focusing on her.

"Yeah. It took time, but I did it, just as you always believed I would," he told her.

"B-But..."

"I know it's been a while, but I didn't want to come here until I knew I could be the person you deserve," he explained.

"I... don't understand. You... didn't move on?" she asked.

"No, God, no. You brought me a kind of happiness I haven't found with anyone else. You made me happy even in my darkest moments, and I wanted to prove I could be that person for you. I've worked on myself a lot, and I'm not just talking about my legs. I'm talking about becoming a better person, someone who deserves someone as kind as you."

Georgia didn't fully realize how much she had missed him until he appeared before her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she quickly tried to hide them as she began to cry. Gavin moved closer, using one hand to balance himself on his canes while he reached out to pull her closer. She clung to him and sobbed openly.

"Why are you crying? Didn't you want to see me?" he whispered.

"N-No, I did! I should have reached out to you. I just... I don't know why I didn't," she cried.

"No, I wasn't ready then, and you were starting a new life almost. But I hope it's not too late," he said.

"No, it isn't."

They continued to hold each other, savoring the moment, feeling as if every second they had spent apart had disappeared. Gavin stroked his hand through her hair, relishing the softness of it once more. He had missed her immensely, and the thought of holding her again was what had kept him going.

"Are you free tomorrow?" he asked, hearing her chuckle as she pulled back to look up at him.

"I'm free now, if you have something in mind."

He shook his head, then held up the envelope he had received with the wedding invitation. "I accepted long ago, but I added a plus one."

"Oh, so confident," she teased, and he chuckled, nodding.

"Will you go with me?"

"Yes, of course!"

Gavin pulled her closer, finally kissing her, feeling that all his hard work had been well rewarded. Georgia still made those sweet noises that drove him wild, but this was not the place for them to lose themselves in each other. He pulled back, smiling at her.

"I really missed you," he whispered.

"I missed you too."

"Shall we?"

She nodded, ready to leave, but then she noticed all the scattered papers. Together, they gathered everything before walking down the hallway side by side. Gavin moved a bit slower, so she made sure to keep pace with him, thoroughly impressed to see him in this state. Miracles truly could happen, she thought, as they walked together.