Lessons Learned

Part 3

I fell to the ground, landing on top of Zayn. He was panting, his face flushed from the dash across the stage.

"Get off me," I pushed him away and stalked over to the far corner of the stage. I proceed to stand there and pout.

After about ten minutes Zayn cautiously wandered over. "I'm sorry Annabelle, but you can't go out there. I had to stop you."

"Why can't I go out there?" His words from before still stung, but I pushed the dark thoughts aside.

"Because if you go out there, that's it. There's no chance of living, no chance of dying. You implode. Boom, gone."

"That doesn't sound too bad. It makes more sense than this."

"No!" Zayn grabbed my arm and held me back. "Please don't. Please. There's still time to save you."

"Don't you get it? I don't want to be saved!" I felt the hot tears begin to prick at my eyes. "I don't want to hurt anymore."

Zayn placed one hand on each of my cheeks, forcing me to look him in the eyes. "Annabelle you are funny, sarcastic, curious, beautiful, and your potential is limitless. You weren't meant to die. The world needs you."

"The world is full of people better than me," I reached up and removed his hands from my face. "Stop lying to me."

This time I didn't run away from him. I walked slowly, climbing off the stage and heading into the sea of seats. I kept walking, not looking back. Finally I reached the last row. Once there I curled up in one of the plush seats. Only then did I let my tears fall.