Look After My Heart

Emily and the others were waiting at the train station for the train that would take them out of this Obsidian Angel-infested town. They left the apartment and rushed to this location after Tara bandaged and put ointment to Emily's back wounds, which stung like hell. Emily firmly held Hayden's hand while observing another train go by, serving as a reminder that they still had thirty minutes till theirs did. Until then, she needs to stay alert and hold Hayden's hand tightly. On an adjacent bench, Loren and Trent sat close, leaning their heads against one another's shoulders. As long as the Obsidian Angels didn't discover them first, it didn't matter that they couldn't join them until they boarded. Tara and Xavier stood on either side of the train station, keeping an eye out for any potential spies. They couldn't afford to reveal their whereabouts to the enemy. Hayden became more agitated as the train's arrival time approached.

"What is it?" With a sidelong glance at him, Emily asked.

Hayden curtly said, "Nothing," but then added, "I just need to use the restroom, so please excuse me."

Emily regarded him suspiciously as he marched toward the boys' restroom. After the lie he had told her earlier, she couldn't get rid of the impression that he was concealing something. Why would Hayden make up an excuse about having to go to the bathroom? What did he actually do?

"What's going on?" Xavier, who had now appeared next to her, questioned.

Emily let out a sigh. "I'm not certain... but I'll find out.

Determined to confront him as soon as he came out, she rushed to the boys' washroom and waited outside the door. In one way or another, she would force him to tell the truth. Unfortunately, when Hayden failed to return after 10 long minutes, her plan was foiled.

Xavier came over to her once more. "Why is he taking so long?"

Emily shrugged, her anger exploding. "Beats me." Her teeth grew longer as she spat out the words since she was so angry and frustrated by this point.

Her mentor said, "I'll go check it out," and entered the restroom.

After a few minutes, he came back by himself with a note. The subject of how Hayden had gotten out of the bathroom without her noticing was still open to discussion.

Emily unfolded the card with shaking hands and read the words in Hayden's handwriting.

Greetings, Emily

I apologize deeply for this, but I'm at a loss on what to do. I was powerless to stop you from getting wounded. Even worse, I was to blame. I have a solution because I can't allow you to be harmed again. You won't suffer, and I won't die a horrible end, if I get rid of the world before the Obsidian Angels can. Everyone benefits. I regret once more for this, but I think this is the only and best option for us to resolve this amicably.

Love

Hayden.

P.S. You will be sorely missed. I've left my heart with you; take care of it.

Emily crumpled the note in her fists and gritted her teeth. I think Hayden is kidding. Freedom was so close to them! How could he believe that this was the best way to deal with their situation? She would slap him for his foolishness once she located him; it might even make him more sensible.

"Do I need to gather the troops?" Though Emily realized he intended to assemble everyone for a search party, Xavier asked in jest.

"No," Emily replied. "I am fully aware of Hayden's location."

"Oh, really?" Xavier asked, obviously puzzled.

Indeed. Emily urged him to accompany her, and they hurried from the train station. She guided him down a shadowy alley and opened a gateway to take them to her destination. Emily could only conclude that this had better not be a practical joke since she would much prefer think Hayden was making a mean joke than acknowledge that he might actually be serious.

Gazing down into the rushing river below, Hayden stood on the brink of the bridge. At some point during the night, the world was completely dark with neither the moon nor any stars to light up the sky. He inhaled deeply. For himself, his friends, and Emily, he could do this. This was the proper decision. Emily wouldn't have to endure any more suffering if he were gone. He wouldn't have to suffer a slow, horrible death, and Loren and Trent could carry on with their regular lives and foster their developing affection. What was preventing him, then? What spoiled the ideal jumping moment? About five feet distant, a black-haired female who appeared ready to kick his butt fell through a portal. She recognized him instantly and came up to him, her face stormy.

"What are you doing?" With a gentle yet lethal tone, she made a demand.

"What are your thoughts?" In the hopes that his stern tone would agitate her enough to leave, Hayden retaliated. She clinched her teeth in irritation, as if it were working.

She sighed, "Please assure me that you won't make me remove my jacket and show off my wings." "Because if you jump, that's what will happen."

Hayden said nothing, his determination unflinching.

"Really, it's pointless, so don't even try," she said obstinately.

"No, this method works better. We're not going to win," Hayden said.

"So giving up is your only option?" She gave a snort.

"Yeah, I suppose," Hayden grudgingly acknowledged.

Her words were sharpened by wrath as she asked, "Do you realize how selfish of you that is?"

"No, it isn't. I won't hurt you any more if I pass away right now," Hayden shot back.

What are you trying to say? She tilted her head and murmured, "You've never hurt me," her face changing to one of bewilderment.

Indeed, I did. "I was the reason they whipped you," Hayden admitted, his voice laden with guilt.

"Please, they've already slapped me for a mistake! It's not a huge deal," she said with a sour laugh.

"It is," Hayden countered. "I don't want to hurt you any longer."

"But if you jump, you will. "Hayden," she whispered, her voice so low he could hardly hear her, "your death will cause me much pain."

Hayden sneered, "You'll get over it," even though her statement caused him to feel pain in his chest.

"You won't! In a bitter tone, Emily said, "I'll never 'get over it.'" Her voice broke with grief. "I won't have anyone if you die."

Hayden noted, somewhat perplexed by her intensity, "You have Loren."

Emily softened her tone as she said, "Yes, but she doesn't like me like you do."

"Remember how you once stated that you didn't want me in your life? When did you cut me off from you? Hayden pushed her away again, challenging her. Before he jumps, he would prefer that she depart.

"I didn't think our relationship could succeed at the time! When I didn't want to care about you at all! You taught me how to trust, even if I didn't want to care about you because I was afraid. It was you who showed me love and made me believe that I was greater than this manifestation of evil! It was you who taught me that no matter what challenges I face, I should never give up! Hayden, it was you that persuaded me of love. You did it. So, where is Hayden right now? Emily's voice trembled with real emotion as she demanded.

Her speech was the longest and most passionate Emily had ever spoken, and it hit Hayden like a lightning bolt. Even though he hadn't intended to hurt her so much, he was still in shock over what he had done to her.

"I am aware of everything I said and did for you, and I am aware that what I am doing now goes against everything I have said and done. However, circumstances have changed, and I don't deserve to put your life at danger for me. Even though I did some wonderful things for you, my main concern was how to maintain our relationship in spite of all the obstacles, even though I knew the results would be harsh. Emily, I should never have fallen in love with you. You must now deal with whatever severe judgment the Queen renders you as a result of me, and the thought of that makes me cry. Hayden's voice cracked with the weight of his shame as he confessed.

Emily quietly protested, "No." You had us on your mind. of myself. Hayden, even after you discovered what creature I am, you stayed with me because you knew I needed you. For me, you were there. And I can't let a great buddy like you go through this. Come down for me, please.

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she reached out with a begging gesture, her resolve wavering. Given that Emily still needed him, how could Hayden have believed that leaving Earth would be the best course of action for her? When he saw the whip markings on her back, his mind swung to the gory, bloody sight, and his heart tightened.

After muttering, "I'm sorry, sweetie, but my mind is made up," Hayden jumped from the bridge's edge.

"No!" Behind him, Emily yelled, but it was too late. Hayden was already falling, bracing himself for the eventual blow of his demise.