The Final Rose

Chapter Sixteen: Follow Your Heart

A/N: I know everyone is terribly upset that Candace went home -- she's become a fan favorite and a favorite of mine as well. But believe that her going home had purpose ... as this chapter will demonstrate. Enjoy!

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I began packing my suitcase, wistfully staring at the empty space on the other side of the room where Candace's things had been. After the rose ceremony she'd been given just enough time to throw her belongings into her suitcase before leaving the house and returning to the real world. Upon her departure, those of us who remained had been given instructions to pack up our own bags. We were leaving Orcas Island in the morning.

Receiving another rose had been bittersweet knowing that Candace would no longer be around. With the exception of Stephie, I hadn't really bonded with any of the other girls, and spending more time with Lee was ill-advised. I didn't know what I was going to do.

Two white vans arrived in the morning to drive the twelve of us to the airport. The car ride was filled with quiet excitement and speculation about where we might end up next. We dutifully boarded the chartered plane, and once we were in the air, a familiar voice came over the airplane's loud speaker.

"Welcome aboard, ladies." It was Jacob.

From the seats surrounding me, the other women began to speculate. Was Jacob actually on the plane or had they recorded his voice?

"We're currently cruising at a comfortable 35,000 feet. Once the captain has turned off the seat-buckle sign, feel free to move about the cabin. So sit back, enjoy the flight, and in a few hours we'll be landing in sunny St. Kitts."

I had never heard of St. Kitts before, but the other women seemed excited about the information. More alcohol bottles were opened and champagne flutes were passed around, but this time no one bothered me when I refused the beverage.

I sat alone in my aisle, which was fine with me. Stephie and Lee shared a nearby row and were engaged in an animated conversation. I hugged myself, chilled by the recycled air blowing in my face. In the absence of anything else to do, I shut my eyes and fell asleep.

I woke up, some time later, to a single finger stroking down the side of my arm. Lee's smiling face greeted me when I opened my eyes. She'd taken over the empty seat beside me.

"Hey, sleepy-head," she said in her gentle, soothing voice. It was the voice of a natural nurturer. I was sure she must have been the most popular teacher at her school.

"Hi." I choked on the word.

"They're passing out sandwiches. I didn't want you to miss lunch."

I sat up straighter in my seat. "Oh. Thanks."

"What can I get you? Ham? Turkey?"

"Oh, you don't have to--."

She cut me off with a firm hand curled around my forearm. My gaze went to where our skin connected, hers pale pink and mine a darker tan. I didn't think I'd ever get used to how touchy-feely she was all the time.

"I'm on the aisle, it's more convenient," she reasoned.

"Ham would be good, thanks," I allowed.

She left her seat momentarily and returned with two cellophane-wrapped sandwiches and two apples. I dug into my sandwich, not realizing how hungry I'd actually become until the food was in my hands. Stephie had made breakfast that morning, as was her tradition, but rare for me, I hadn't had an appetite. Candace's abrupt departure had upset me more than I could have anticipated. Hours later and stranded in the air, my hunger had returned.