The Searching Secret

Chapter 31

I awoke a few hours later, with my hand still tightly clutching the necklace from Jay. The memory from the night he gave it to me floated through my head, making me feel hopeful that this wasn't really the end. I laid there for a while letting the events of the morning run through my head. When I heard I strange sound coming from Jay's room, I jumped out of bed. I couldn't help but think, maybe he didn't actually leave.

I tried to use the door that connected our rooms, only to find it locked. Without wasting any more time, I opened my door to the hallway. I didn't have to go far to see the house cleaning cart outside of his room. When I pecked in, I saw a lady vacuuming, and quickly identified that as the sound I heard.

I rushed myself back into my room and closed the door. I leaned up against it and took a few quick breaths, trying to keep more tears from escaping. Jay had left. His room had been empty long enough that they had already started getting it ready for another guest. He left. . .

I took one last deep breath and then started to pack my things. I couldn't stay here much longer, especially since this place was connected to so many memories with Jay. I knew I couldn't really blame him for leaving. I mean, how could I expect him to stick around while I chase after some other guy. It would only break his heart even more. But, I guess I was hopefully. His presence spoiled me, and I didn't want to give it up.

When I was finished packing, I took one last glance around the room, and allowed myself one last moment of sorrow over Jay's departure. I recalled sitting with him on the patio one night, watching the sunset, in his arms. However, that time was over now. I quickly wiped away the lone tear, that had escaped, and closed the door on that life. That wonderful life I have been escaping to with Jay. He was gone now, and I was, once again, on my own.

I walked up to the receptionist, to give him my key, and check out. He didn't say much when he took it, but when he finished entering somethings into the computer, he finally spoke. "I hope you enjoyed your stay."

"Thanks," I mumbled back, as I turned to walk away.

"Oh, wait, Miss," the man called from behind me. When I turned back to face him he continued. "The young gentleman you were with, who check out earlier, he left this for you," he explained, holding a folded piece of paper in his hand, that was stretched out towards me.

I quickly grabbed the letter from him. "Thanks," I mumbled again, and walked away.

I found a seat in a secluded area of the hotel lobby, and stared at the folded paper in my hands. I sat there for a moment, trying to convince myself to open it. I wasn't sure what I would find inside. Finally, with shaky hands, I unfolded the paper. Inside I found a short note.

Riley,

I was able to get a ticket on the next flight home, so I took it. I am sorry for how things ended this morning, but I can't stick around, while you are so focused on him. I just cant', it hurts too much. I hope you understand, and I hope you stay safe..

- Jay

I sighed, as I let the paper fall in my lap. I did understand how he was feeling, more than he would know. Yet, I knew now things would never be the same between us. To Jay, I had made my choice and I didn't choose him. I didn't know where my conversation with Evan would lead me, but I knew going back to Jay was no longer an option.

The rest of the afternoon I mostly spent on the beach, or wondering around the boardwalk. I refused to let my mind wonder anywhere near Jay, or this past week. Instead, I focused on the future. It wouldn't be long until I would be meeting Evan, and finally hearing the truth about what had happened and what's going on. It wouldn't be long until I knew where Sam was, and why he left in the first place.

Around five thirty, I could no longer wonder around aimlessly, and decided to just sit in my car, with my sketchbook, to wait out the last chunk of time before I left. I was trying my best to capture the beauty of the beach, and was finding it nearly impossible. After a while, I gave up and just sat there soaking in the sun. It didn't take long for me to drift off to sleep.

I was sitting on the beach as the sun was raising in front of me. I didn't know exactly why I was here. In fact, so much of me felt like I should leave, and go back to where I came from. Yet, I didn't. I continued to sit watching the waves, as if I was waiting for something to happen.

Finally it did. "I heard you were looking for me, Love," Evan's voice came from behind me.

I quickly turned around, refusing to waste anymore time. "I was, but I already found you. We already had this conversation."

"I know." He smiled, as he took a seat beside me. "I just thought it would be poetic. Besides, I am pretty sure, I am the one who found you."

"Whatever," I said, with a roll of my eyes. "All that matters is, that soon you will finally be telling me the truth about everything."

"About that. . ." Evan said very slowly.

"Nope, there is no backing out of it now."

"Riley, you have to listen to me, now. It's very important that you hear what I am saying. Don't go to meet me," he said clearly, his eyes never leaving me.

"And why would I listen to you? Your just a dream. Your just trying to make me doubt myself."

"I am serious, Riley. Stay with Jay, get away from here, anything. Just don't come."

"This is ridiculous," I said, more to myself than Evan, as I stood up and moved away from him.

""Love, where are you going?" Evan asked, afraid he was losing me.

"Away."

A/N

Riley's world is about to change. Can't wait for you to find out what happens next!

Today's question: What are you most excited to do this Christmas? (5 answers to get next chapter today and believe me, you want the next chapter)