The Constant

Chapter 43

RYKER POV

I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face for the first time in weeks. That was until I saw a text from Bea. 

Bea: Last night was nice. I think we still have a few things to discuss. Meet me at the diner at 8?

The text was sent from the middle of the night making me think she was really analyzing everything a lot. I quickly sent her a yes in reply and looked at my clock. It was almost 7:30 now so I quickly hopped out of bed and got changed. 

---

When I arrived at the diner, I saw Bea already sitting at a booth in the corner of the restaurant. She looked like she was deep in thought, which only made me more nervous. 

I walked up to her and she looked up and smiled at me. "Hi Bea," I greeted. 

"Hey," She replied softly. 

I didn't know where we were at, but luckily she stood up and hugged me. As we broke a part we each took a seat across from each other. It was silent for a moment before she spoke up. "So last night...' 

"Was great." I answered. 

She smiled, 'It was. I just want to take this slow and I want to talk about some things." 

I nodded, my heart was beating harder now, but I took the chance and grabbed her hand. "You can tell me anything Bea, and I want whatever you want and are comfortable with".

"Well first I want to say that last night was great for me too, I really missed you. But I want to tell you that I made my decision to go to school in New York City. It's just with everything that's happened this year with my Dad, moving, my brother, us, I just needed to do something different, something for me".

I was a little taken aback. On one hand I was glad she wasn't regretting last night, but now she was going hundreds of miles away. "Wow... when did you decide to go to New York City?" 

"Actually, right after that day in the parking lot with you, me, and Jared". 

That felt like a punch to the gut. I caused that pain to her and I drove her there, but I wanted her to be happy and to do what she wanted, her happiness made me happy. "That's great, I think you'll do really well there".

She visibly relaxed and a smile spread across her face. "Really, you think I'll do good there?"

I smiled and squeezed her hand, "Of course, you will! You're amazing".

"So, I guess the only other thing I think we should talk about is us. I mean graduation is like two weeks away, do you want to try being together again? We're going to be so far and-'

"I don't care if you were going to a different continent, I want to be with you. It's as simple as that".

"I missed you Ryk." She said to me. 

My heart swelled at the way she looked at me, the way she once looked at me before everything happened. "You won't ever have to again. I won't let you down again".