Always You

Chapter 23

Holly giggles as Declan says, "oh really? Is that how you want to play?." Declan wrestles her to the ground as she feels her body tingle. Declan whispers in her ear, "I wish I could have you right here and now, Holls." Holly looks at him with a playful twinkle in his eyes suggesting, "how about we cool off with a swim then?". Declan removes his t-shirt as they run into the water which is warm as they look at each other under the moonlight. Declan asks, "are you up for a race like old times, babe?". Holly answers, "that depends... what do I get if I win, Declan?". Declan says, "you will have to wait to find out." They both soon start swimming as Holly pulls down Declan's trunk and swims faster. Declan stops saying stunned, "hey! what the hell, Holls!". She seizes the moment, diving headfirst onto the sand as Declan follows behind a moment later, pulling up his trunks. Holly laughs saying, "you look sexier without it on, Dec". Declan bends down and carries her saying, "you're a little cheater, babe". Holly tries to free herself as Declan runs into the water carrying her and drops her in. Holly says, "ugh! that was not cool, Declan". Holly looks around to see Declan is not with her as she calls out, "Declan! Declan! where are you?!." A few moments later Declan emerges and moves toward Holly who says, "that was not funny, I thought something had happened to you". Declan wipes her tears, and his lips meets hers hungrily saying, "I would never leave you again, Holls". Just then something catches Holly's eyes as she stops saying, "oh my god, is that a.... baby turtle?! Declan, it's going the wrong way! We have to help the little creature." Declan turns saying, "I'm way ahead of you, babe." 

Declan leaps off into the sand to the baby turtle's rescue. Holly watches Declan chase after the little creature and feels her heart melt in the moment. Declan soon cradles the baby turtle in his arms who then closes his eyes soothingly as Declan rubs it's shell saying, "you're an adorable cute, little guy". The baby turtle opens it eyes as Declan gently sets it into the ocean and it swims away. Holly comes over sadly saying, "I wish it didn't have to go....". Declan says sadly, "I wish you didn't have to go, Holls." They share a long look as Declan runs to grab their towel and head for a quick shower saying, "It's getting late I should probably take you home, Holls". Holly nods and they soon get changed before driving back home; Tiddles purrs as Holly feeds him some treats before looking at Declan asking, "can you take care of Tiddles for me? my mom is going through a lot, and I think it's best if he stays with you". Declan holds Tiddles in his arms like a little baby and rubs his stomach gently as Tiddles purrs happily. Declan replies, "of course Holls, I will take care of Tiddles". Holly heads upstairs and brings down her suitcase and bag before Declan brings it to the car and they drive off. Soon in the airport Holly is waiting to board as Declan says, "so, your mom is picking you up, right?". Holly nods answering, "you have already asked me this like five times already, Declan... she will be picking me up". Declan sighs sadly saying, "I'm sorry babe, I just hate that I am not coming with you, I want to make sure you're okay". 

Holly softens looking into Declan's sad eyes saying, "I know and I'm sorry too, this is really hard on me too, Dec". Declan is understanding saying, "I know it is, and that's why I got you something special...". Holly wonders what it could be as Declan pulls out a box from his jacket and gives it to Holly. Holly opens the small red pandora box with a golden bow to reveal a silver butterfly necklace. Holly was amazed by the gift as Declan says, "I want you to keep this necklace... so you will always think of me when we are apart". Holly has tears of joy in her eyes saying, "Declan, this is so gorgeous... I will wear it every day, will you put it on me?". Declan replies, "of course I will, I am so happy you like it, Holls". Holly turns her back, moves her hair to the side allowing Declan to fasten the necklace behind her neck; she feels his breath and gets goosebumps. Declan says tearfully, "I am going to miss you so much, Holls". Holly turns saying, "I am going to miss you too, Dec". She finds Declan's eyes filled with longing and gives him a warm kiss clinging onto him like she will never let him go. Just then there is an announcement calling the flight to Toronto as Holly lets go and boards the plane.