A Minute Before Midnight

~Chapter Four~

"What do you mean he's leaving?"

I could hear Ash's voice, talking to the Queen. Apparently Finn had notified her too. I stepped into the kitchen, looking at the Queen, and making sure my eyes never rested on Ash. I went straight for the coffee. I dumped some sugar in it from the dispenser and creamer, then poured the coffee in. I stirred it, dropped the spoon in the sink, and turned as I sipped from it. I looked up from my mug to see both the Queen and Ash staring at me.

"What?" I asked.

The Queen frowned. "Finn is leaving. Tonight."

I nodded. "I know. He told me last night."

"Last night?" Ash demanded. "Why was he with you at night?"

"Is it any of your business?" I asked haughtily. I couldn't help but feel the same as I had yesterday. Ash was always like this. Always possessive, but never doing anything about it.

"Princess," the Queen snapped. It was the first time I'd ever heard her sound angry. "Do not play games for your own pleasure. Answer Ashton's question."

I was shocked; both by the assumption I took pleasure in this and by the use of Ash's full name.

"He wanted to tell me he was leaving. That is all." I muttered.

The Queen sighed. "I sense you and Ashton have some unfinished business. You will tend to it. Do not come to me until you are finished. You are both giving me a headache." The Queen left, and I watched her retreat, amazed at how perceptive she was.

I sighed. "Ash-"

"I'm surprised. You would make me jealous for your own fun?" His voice actually sounded hurt, and I rolled my eyes.

"You were jealous even before I said anything. And I'm not yours to be jealous over. Unless you do something about it, I highly recomend you stop."

Ash was silent. I had the feeling he wasn't going to say anything. I set the mug down and began to make my way out. I passed him, half expecting him to grab my hand or something, but he didn't. I spun back around.

"See? You do this every time. Why do you do this to me? You don't know how bad it hurts to watch you do that. To stand there and say nothing, even after I give you chance after chance." I shook my head. "It makes me sick."

His dark eyes were shocked, but I didn't stay to stare. I spun on my heel and strode away, all the way to my room.

***

I camped there for most of the day. It was almost five in the afternoon when I decided to apologize. I made my way to Ash's room. The door was closed, and it took me a moment to gather the courage to knock. After a moment, I did it, holding my breath. The door swung open.

"Can I help you?" A woman stood there, blonde and pretty. I swallowed, then shook my head.

"Um...no, I..." I shook my head. "I was just...no, sorry, wrong door." I forced a smile, and turned away, clutching my chest. I heard the door close behind me, and I walked as fast as I could to my room without running.

I slumped against the wall, not holding back the tears now. I leaned my head against the wall, closing my eyes.

I'm not sure how long I sat there. It had to be for a while, because next thing I knew, Finn was there.

"Claire?" He sounded concerned. By then, I had moved my position. Now, I was lying on the floor on my side, clutching my chest as if my heart would climb out at any moment.

"I..." I choked on a sob.

"Claire..." Finn picked me up, carrying me to my bed and setting me down. "I just came to say goodbye." He tried to smile for me, but it didn't help much.

I didn't know what to say. I steadied my breathing and looked up at him. "Goodbye," I whispered.

He sighed, raking a hand through his hair, much like Ash always did. "You're making me feel guilty about leaving. Why are you crying anyway?" He sat down at the edge of the bed.

"It's a long story." I muttered. My breath was still a little unsteady and my hands shook uncontrollably.

"Maybe another time, then?" He asked gently.

I shook my head. "I think we both know there won't be a next time."

He frowned. "I wish I could stay. But I think we both know why I can't."

I nodded. "I'm fine."

"No offense, but you don't look fine, Princess."

"Well I will be. You're not really making it any easier."

"Then I'll go. Goodbye." He stood up, and my eyes followed him to the door.

"Bye," I whispered as he shut the door behind him.

A/N: Shortest, most undescriptive chapter so far, but...I'd been having sort of a writer's block. This was kind of like a filler chapter. Anyway, next chappie will be longer:)