After talking it over with Ezayne and pacing back and forth in her temporary home in the old industrial section of Metro City, Katelynn stared down at her cell phone which was opened to Jack’s contact info. All she had to do was write up a message and be done with it for now. Yet her hand trembled as she bit down on her lip. ‘Be strong. Be strong or how can you stand up to Psycho Delic?’ Taking a deep breath, she tried calming down and began writing up her message as eloquently as possible.
[Text] Jack it’s katelynn um I just wanted to say I’m so sorry and please don’t hate me. I know I’ve been making so many mistakes. I don’t deserve someone as wonderful as you. Ezayne gave me some advice and I know I should have relied on you like you told me in the past. I just felt that I was too dirty for you. It’s not that I didn’t trust you or want to rely on you but just that I felt you deserved better than me. I still feel that way but Ezayne said I shouldn’t let you worry.
I didn’t really mean to but just in that moment I was being so selfish when I thought I was doing good by saying goodbye. And then I thought about Ulric and Gail and felt so scared but I don’t want to be with you just because of them. It’s hard to explain but I really do want to be with you because I love you. im sorry im so sorry for everything. im just an idiot but i want to figure out how to make up for it. And yet sometimes I feel like I don’t even deserve it. But somehow I’ll try.
Don’t worry about me please. Once I’ve had some time to think and helped Grace I’ll come back. We can talk then and you tell me if you still want me or not. If you don’t I’ll understand. I have to be brave and you should to. Don’t ever forget everything I’ve told you about how wonderful you are and strong. Please. You deserve so much the world has to offer. I love you. -Katelynn [Sends]
It had taken all her strength but she had done it. She sank down to the floor and let out a deep sigh.
And, on the other side of the city, Jack received her message.
The artist could feel the sting of tears welling up in his eyes as he read the words, but he managed not to cry this time. God, everything she’d said made him want to run to her more than ever – to make it all better, make it go away.
But he couldn’t.
This wasn’t like when she’d been drugged. Katelynn had left by her own choice this time. He had no idea where to begin searching for her, and, while he hated to admit it, he didn’t have the strength right now to comb the city again.
And she was right. If they truly were meant to be together, it would have to happen because she chose it, not because of some obligation she felt to the future they’d had a glimpse of. He loved her too much to hold her to that.
He started to type a message in reply … but then stopped.
Maybe time alone really was what she needed. And if so, as much as it hurt, he would have to give it to her.
With a sigh, Jack deleted the text.
Wherever you are, Katelynn, I’d be with you if I could. Until we see each other again, please, be strong. You can get through this.
I believe in you.
Jack Maple 