We raced out of the building, hearing olafs furious shouts behind us. I looked down and realised I had unintentionally grabbed Jacques' hand. Raising my gaze, I noticed him smiling at me. And his smile... The most charming thing I have ever seen. I quickly let go of his hand, not wanting to make it awkward, considering that we weren't even dating. As I did so, I caught the smallest flicker of dismay in his eyes but he recovered quickly.
"We don't have much time," he said. He handed a leaflet to me, accidentally brushing my hand.
"Go to Caligari Carnival and speak to Madame Lulu. She will tell you all you need to know about VFD."
Jacques looked at me.
"Olivia? Are you alright?"
I look straight into his eyes.
"Promise me you'll rescue the children."
He returns my gaze. "I promise."
"Promise me you'll take care of yourself," I say, resisting the urge to grab his hands and never let go.
He smiles at my sadly. "Of course."
"Promise me we'll see each other again," I say, my eyes brimming with tears. For a moment he is silent. Then he grabs my waist and pulls me in. I can't believe what is about to happen. Then, in the most glorious moment, our lips meet and I almost forget the horrible situation we're in, and just feel the softness of his lips and the gentleness of his hands around my waist. A few tears escape my eyes. They land on his cheek and roll down. After a while, I pull away, breathless. Jacques gazes into my eyes and puts a soft hand on my cheek.
"This story isn't over yet," he says, his eyes full of unspoken emotion. I feel my face forming into a smile. Slowly, I slip into the taxi and wind down the window to see him properly one last time. He turns his head back to the jail.
"You need to go now," he whispers, worry in his eyes. He tucks a stray bit of hair behind my ear, smiling sadly. Trying to not cry again, I start the engine and face forwards.
"Farewell, Jacques Snicket," I say, my voice cracking with sadness.
He just gazes after me wistfully, as I drive off into the night.
