Ranger's Apprentice - The Afterwards

Ch. 13

Maddie spent the rest of her day talking to Jason in the meadow. They talked for hours about Maddie's decision. It was obvious Jason had been hoping to talk her into staying. Finally, Maddie stood up.
"I'm sorry Jason." She said. He stood up and pulled her body to his own. He was half a head taller then Maddie, so she had to look up at his deep blue eyes.
"Maddie..." He said. Maddie closed her eyes. Jason put his forehead on hers.
"I love you," he said. "I know you're going to be the one I'll always love. Please, Maddie. Please. Don't leave me."
Maddie began to shake. She didn't know what to do. Will and her father needed to learn a lesson. They couldn't just barge into her private life. But she also didn't want to leave Jason. Here he was, spilling out his feelings, risking all his emotions being hurt, just to keep her here with him.
And Maddie knew she felt the same about him. She loved him, and she always would.
As she thought these things, an idea formed in her head. She leaned over to whisper in his ear. She didn't want Will to hear this part of the plan.
"Come with me." She said. Jason pulled back, only enough to look at her.
"Go with you?" He repeated. Maddie nodded eagerly, but kept her voice low.
"Yes. My dad ordered you to be my escort. To make sure I'm safe. And he excused you from battle school until I'm healed. So, come with me."
Jason thought it over several times. He finally sighed.
   "You're not going to change your mind, are you?" He asked.
   "No," she admitted.
   Jason leaned in and kissed her softly. When he pulled back he said, "Then I guess I have no choice but to accompany you."
   Maddie smiled. For the first time, she knew what she doing was right.