Knowing Asher

Chapter|79|

I entered the private airport with him by my side. I pushed myself to continue the walk. Every step felt like pain to my heart.

This was it!

He was actually leaving.

I was losing him just like that!

"We would try to be in touch," he said for the nth time, turning to face me, and I nodded again.

We walked to where his parents were sitting. I tried to mask my emotions and forced a smile.

"Oh, Stephanie dear," his mom said and moved towards us. She hugged me tight, and I relaxed into the motherly embrace.

"I am sad that both of you have to separate. Trust me when I say there is no other way around this," she whispered into my ear, and I nodded in understanding.

"I will try to make it possible for the two of you to visit each other. He can come here and you can also visit him in Italy. He can actually show you around, Sicily," she said as she pulled back to scan my face.

I smiled at that thought, hoping it could actually happen.

She patted my hair, and I moved to Delaney. We hugged each other tight.
I was going to miss every single one of them so much.

"I will miss you," she whispered, and I mumbled the same.
She pulled away, and I crouched to Sydney's height.

"Ste!" She squealed and wrapped her small hands around me.

I forced a smile, knowing I would miss the bubble of sunshine so much. I would miss watching the little mermaid because of her. Her little hands and her angelic voice. I blinked my eyes a few times to stop the tears from flowing down.

"I will see you soon, right?" I nodded, not wanting to break her heart.

"Good!" She grinned, and I smiled at her.

"I want you to keep this doll." She said and pushed her Barbie doll into my hands.

"Why?" I was confused.

"I don't want you to forget me," I giggled a bit at her smartness.

"You are too smart for your age. I can never forget you," she replied with a toothy grin and wrapped her hands around me again.

I hugged her tight and pulled away, realizing it's time to let her go.
I got up, and she went back to playing with  her other Barbie doll.

His dad and brother gave me a nod, and I replied with a polite smile.

Asher pulled me to a corner and hugged me tight. I clutched the doll in my hands.

He pulled away and kissed me like he was saying goodbye. I felt a salty water on my lips, realizing I couldn't stop the tears.

It felt like the last kiss we would ever share. He wiped my tears with a sad look.

"We will figure things out together," I nodded and stared at him.

"Be safe,"I said as the speaker started blaring.

"You too,"he pecked my cheek and let his lips linger. He pulled away, and I sighed.

He gave me a nod, and I smiled in response.

It's time for them to board!

I walked out of the airport and entered the Audi.

I wrapped my hands around myself and placed the doll beside me.
I could still smell his cologne on his hoodie. We spent the last night together in my house. We just cuddled up and talked about the memories we created together.