Betty & James

Chapter 15: exile

"I hate the ending."

Betty ran towards James. She hugged him tight and never wanted to let go like before. August was in India for a business trip. His daughter was away and married to Bill. It was 24 years. 24 years apart from each other.

"I missed you," Betty said with happiness in her voice. "Perhaps we both hate how this ended." James then noticed the wrinkles on her face. His gaze and sweet disposition made Betty happy again.

"Probably... I've been in love with you since we were 16. But after all that had happened. I forgot what you did with August. You know I'm sick right now and can die any moment soon."

James Robison,
and
Betty Freeman.

Two lovers who had been cursed by reality.
Of how things turned out to the worst. How Dylan and Betty's wedding never happened. Dylan married some other girl named Natasha. Then had a son named Bill Blake. Bill inherited a huge amount of riches. And now Betty and James finally reunited.

Both of them are bidding their farewells after years apart.

"I got the cardigan you gave me when we were seventeen." James hugged her and then kissed her forehead.

"We'll still remain good friends and that is important to me." Betty then kissed James' cheek. It made him blush.

"Let's watch a free movie together?" James asked. Betty nodded in agreement.

"How about La la land?"Betty asked him, this movie personally resonated with her.

"I've seen that before and didn't like the ending."
They went inside the mall and watched together. Betty fell asleep on his shoulder. He didn't realize she wasn't breathing anymore. That she aged like fine wine but got spilled far from his fingertips. The movie they watched also had a tragic ending.

Betty didn't get to see it.
She's sick enough to fade away.

She died silently on his right shoulder. James cried and calling out her name was his very last word.

©️Exile by Taylor Swift:

can see you standin', honey
With his arms around your body
Laughin' but the joke's not funny at all
And it took you five whole minutes
To pack us up and leave me with it
Holdin' all this love out here in the hall
I think I've seen this film before
And I didn't like the ending
You're not my homeland anymore
So what am I defendin' now?
You were my town
Now I'm in exile seein' you out
I think I've seen this film before
Hoo, hoo-ooh
Hoo, hoo-ooh
Hoo, hoo-ooh
I can see you starin', honey
Like he's just your understudy
Like you'd get your knuckles bloody for me
Second, third, and hundredth chances
Balancin' on breaking branches
Those eyes add insult to injury
I think I've seen this film before
And I didn't like the ending
I'm not your problem anymore
So who am I offending now?
You were my crown
Now I'm in exile seein' you out
I think I've seen this film before
So I'm leavin' out the side door
So step right out
There is no amount
Of cryin', I can do for you
All this time
We always walked a very thin line
You didn't even hear me out (you didn't even hear me out)
You never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)
All this time
I never learned to read your mind (never learned to read my mind)
I couldn't turn things around (you never turned things around)
'Cause you never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)
So many signs
So many signs (you didn't even see the signs)
I think I've seen this film before
And I didn't like the ending
You're not my homeland anymore
So what am I defending now?
You were my town
Now I'm in exile seein' you out
I think I've seen this film before
So I'm leaving out the side door
So step right out
There is no amount
Of cryin', I can do for you
All this time
We always walked a very thin line
You didn't even hear me out (you didn't even hear me out)
You never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)
All this time
I never learned to read your mind (never learned to read my mind)
I couldn't turn things around (you never turned things around)
'Cause you never gave a warning sign (I gave so many signs)
All this time (so many signs)
I never learned to read your mind (so many signs)
I couldn't turn things around (so many signs)
'Cause you never gave a warning sign (never gave a warning sign)

The song played as an ending. James brought Betty to the hospital. It was all too late. He will miss her no matter what.

He never told his wife and daughter about his love for Betty Freeman.
About how he was exiled by society after his scandalous affair with August.
- - - - - - - -
Life just happens so unexpectedly. You won't even realize the impact you give on others' lives. Betty and James did happen in the past. Until the tables turned until the glass dropped unto the ground.

Death will take people you love.
You will stand the test of time just like James.
You will give a chance to forgive those who wronged you like Betty.
You will find someone who'll accept you like August.

Remember, you aren't alone in this world. You can have friends or none. It's up to you and it is your choice whether you like folklore by Taylor Swift or not.

Love develops pain.
Pain within love triangles.
Pain within society shapes our beliefs.

People tend to forget the little things around us. This story... Will forever remain as a memory. A memory shared by your favorite singer, Taylor Swift.
- - - - -
James Robison then moved on with his life. He even tried his best to never forget.
All the people in his life come and go.

Especially, Betty,
he will never forget about her.
And this is where his story ends.

This is where his relationship with Betty was kept a secret from his daughter. And in his last words, he would call out her name.

"Betty..." And in the whip of his air and soul floating away from his body. Betty met him there and they both walked their way to a path called the bridge of life and death.