Mental [#Wattys 2015]

Chapter 13

I remember the first time he looked at me.

The way the thunderstorms in his eyes seemed to subside when he looked at me. It was the only way I see wanted to be looked upon.

And now, we're approaching the last.

After an in depth analysis of my brain by the Eye Doc, I waited patiently for the verdict. And then it came-I'm getting out.

It's scary to think that a place hat has been a home to me for months, will soon be in my rear view mirror. I can't believe it.

And neither can my friends.

Mel teared up at the news. Marbles went from excited to depressed. Tink was elated that I was going to be free. Tesla told me he never wanted to hug someone so much.

And well, Blue? Blue put on the best smile, and gave me a kiss on the cheek, before escaping to the roof.

I don't know how life will be once I'm out. My mom will come pick me up, drop me off at home before heading to Vegas for a "vacation". I haven't talked to any of my friends since I was first sentenced here. I'm not sure if I have any anymore. But the thing is, I don't mind. I met the best people in my life here, at Northbranch. My adventures, although a roller coaster of emotions, is what will make me a better person.

I go to my room to pack up my things, until I hear a knock on my door. I turn to see Blue, shyly smiling as he holds a crumbled piece of paper in his hand. "Don't read it until you leave," he says. I take it from him, before wrapping my arms around him.
"I'm not going to leave you here, okay? I'm coming back for you. And will go live in some crappy apartment, and you can pursue any career you want. And I'll become an artist. And Mel will live with us. We'll be a family. Okay?"

I feel wetness on my shoulder, and he nods quickly.

****
"Tessa Lynn, please report to the front office," the intercom wheezes out. Here we go.

With my friends by my side, we walk to the front office-hand in hand.

I turn to look at my team, the people that had my back from the beginning. First was Tink, I wrap my arms around her. "Thank you for making Ricky happy," she whispers. "Take care of him when I'm not here," I whisper back. She nods, stepping back.

Marbles comes out, tackling me with love. "Hey, don't let the world tell you who you are, okay?" I say to her. She nods, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "Don't forget about us," she says quiet enough for only me to hear.

I turn to Tesla, blowing him a kiss. He shakes his head, taking a big breath, he squeezes his arms around my torso. Everyone gasps. "I was deciding what I would regret more; getting germs on me, or not giving you a goodbye hug. I finally heard what you said. I'm not letting my disorder control me." He embraces me, sobbing into my shirt. I start to cry as I look at the most beautiful group of people.

"Alright, Tes, it's my turn," Mel says sweetly. He gives me one last squeeze before letting go. Mel takes out a necklace she made in Crafts. "It's not much, but a little piece to remember me by." She clips it around my neck, and I look down at the mismatch beading. Every couple spaces is a picture of my friends. She kisses me on the cheek, squeezing my hands.

I look over the group, realizing Ricky isn't here. The Eye Doc comes up, grabbing my bags to take to my mom's car. "C'mon honey," my mom says. "No, I have one more person to say goodbye to." I race up the stairs to the roof. And sure enough, there he is. Sitting on the ledge.

"You weren't going to say goodbye?" I ask quietly. "I can't watch the love of my life leave me." I sob, breaking down in front of him. "I'm not leaving you, Ricky. I love you. Okay, I love you. Please, please just say goodbye." He turns around, realizing the hurt in my voice. He quickly holds me in his arms, "I love you, Tessa Lynn. Thank you, for fixing my broken heart. Thank you, for mending my wounds." I smile up at him, as he traces the trails of my tears. "I didn't do anything but push you to mend yourself, Blue." He nods, tilting my head, and leaning down to kiss me. In the dim light of the sunset, I hold onto the last piece of my puzzle. Slowly, I let go. "Let's go downstairs."

I look at the lineup of perfect souls in front of me. My mom takes my hand, and I wave to these souls as I walk through the doors. The last thing I see is Ricky. His eyes are not stormy, but a gentle rainstorm. As if nature was crying for our broken hearts. And then he takes off. He runs towards me, guards grabbing at him, but he's too quick. He holds my head in his hands, taking in my features. "Write me, visit me, just please, don't leave me." "I never will," I tell him. The guards watch our encounter, as if stunned that two people could be so involved in each other. "Read my note." He whispers. "I love you, Luna," he tells me. The Eye Doc orders the guards to bring Ricky back in. The guards take Ricky's arms, and he slumps in their grasp. I duck in to the car, waving goodbye to everyone, and heading into the sunset.

As my mom drives, singing along to some song on the radio, I unwrap the note Ricky left me.
It reads:
My dearest Tessa,

I'm looking at the sunset. I was always amazed at how the colors melded into one another without really changing it's own properties. I guess, in a way, it reminded me of you and I. We've melded together--you not only changing parts of me; but of yourself. Molded together so that every piece of me fit you perfectly. Sunsets never last long, their colors only enjoyable for a moment until it's all dark. But even in the dark, the stars still flicker. And the moon still shines. Your my sunset, and I'm the stars in your dark. Maybe there is a God, because I know I'm blessed to have you. Ars mordeni out there, Tess. I'll see you soon.

Love,
Blue

I hold the note against my heart, and watch the sunset fade into dark.

"I'll see you soon."

A/N

I'm heartbroken that the story's over. But, I'm writing one more chapter. I want to leave Ricky and Tessa up to the readers imagination. But, I can't let go just yet. See you in the next, and final, chapter❤️