I turned and walked away, leaving Xavier behind. My father’s suffocating grip on my arm guided me toward the car.
I felt numb, my heart heavy.
As we drove away, I glanced back at the duplex, the building fading away. There wasn’t any sight of Xavier, and it hurt to sense he was giving up. Or isn’t he? I really don’t know.
I didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye to the girls; they would be devastated when they wake up without me beside them.
This can’t be happening.
“We’re going to Paris, Sarah. You’ll be safe there. We’re better off without him.” My father’s voice cut through my thoughts. His words felt like acid in my throat. I turned to him, my face twisted in a mix of anger and desperation.
“Safe from what, Father?” I demanded.
My father’s expression remained unyielding. “From Xavier. From his influence on you.”
I felt a surge of indignation. “You don’t even know him,” I spat. “And you claim he is your best friend.”
My father’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “I know enough. He’s not good for you, Sarah.” He snapped, turning to face me in the backseat.
I shook my head, tears welling up. “You’re wrong. Xavier loves me.”
My father’s voice turned cold. “Love? You call that love?”
I felt a pang of frustration. “Father, what’s wrong with you?”
“Sarah, don’t you dare talk back to me like that.” He spat, his voice trembling in anger. Then his expression softened, even his voice. “You’ve changed; you’re not the Sarah I remember.”
I chuckled bitterly. “Yeah, his love changed me. Are you happy now? I will be the Sarah you always remember without him. Way to go, Father.”
My father’s eyes flashed with anger, but I saw a flicker of sadness beneath.
“Sarah, stop this,” he pleaded. “You’re tearing us apart.”
I laughed, a harsh sound. “You’re the one tearing us apart, Father, with your selfishness and control.”
My father’s face twisted in pain. “I’m doing this to protect you, Sarah. Xavier’s so-called love-”
I shook my head, incredulous. “I will say this again: you don’t know anything about Xavier.”
My father’s voice dropped to a whisper as he massaged his temples. “Sarah, when he turns 80, you’ll be 40.”
“And how is that your problem?” I spat in anger and defiance, slumping back in the seat.
But my father continued, ignoring my last statement, his words relentless.
“We’ll start fresh in Paris. Leave this all behind.”
I refuse to feel defeated. I’ll make his life in Paris a living hell that he’ll regret ever keeping I and Xavier apart.
——–
Paris. A city of romance and dreams.
But without Xavier, it meant nothing. The Eiffel Tower’s iconic silhouette, the Seine River’s gentle flow, the charming cafes-all would be hollow without Xavier by my side.
The flight attendant’s voice interrupted my thoughts, her cheerful tone a stark contrast to my despair. “Welcome aboard, please fasten your seatbelts.”
I gazed out the window as the plane took off, watching the ground beneath me disappear, leaving Xavier, my heart, and my life behind.
The city’s lights blurred together, a kaleidoscope of memories I’d shared with him. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as the plane soared into the night sky, carrying me further away from the only place I’d called home.
Tears streamed down my face as I continued watching the city fade into the distance.
I felt a hand on my shoulder, my father’s burning touch.
“Sarah, please understand,” he whispered, and I shrugged him off, my anger boiling.
“Leave me alone,” I spat.
The flight attendant’s voice came over the intercom again.
“We’ll be serving lunch shortly. Please select your meal option.”
I ignored her, lost in my thoughts.
Xavier’s promise echoed in my mind. At least the promise I think he made to me.
“I’ll always find you, Sarah.” I hope so, because only God knows what I’ll do in order to get my father to change his mind.
I held onto those words-the words I wanted to hear from Xavier, even though he didn’t practically say them.
My only hope.
As the plane soared through the night sky, I made a vow to myself. I’ll find a way back to Xavier.
No matter what it takes.
My father’s voice broke the silence again.
“Sarah, eat something. You must be hungry.”
I turned to him, my eyes cold. “I’ll never forgive you for this,” I said, making sure he understood he had shattered my heart.
My father’s expression faltered. “Sarah, please…”
But I cut him off. “You’ve ruined my life. You’ve taken everything from me. And I will never forgive you.”
The flight attendant approached, concern etched on her face. “Is everything okay here?”
My father forced a smile. “Yes, everything’s fine.”
But I knew it wasn’t.
Nothing would ever be fine again.
“We’re not fine,” I raised my voice a little, and the flight attendant’s eyes locked onto mine.
“Is there something I can do to make you more comfortable?”
I shook my head and shrugged. “Just leave us alone.”
My father’s grip on the armrest tightened. “Sarah, stop being dramatic.” He warned, and I turned to him, my eyes blazing.
“You have no right to call me dramatic. You’re the one who’s tearing my life apart.”
The flight attendant intervened.
“Sir, maybe you should give your daughter some space.”
My father’s face reddened. “This is none of your business.”
But the flight attendant stood firm, her face turning serious. “I’m making it my business. Sir, please calm down.”
The tension in the air was palpable as I leaned back, my eyes fixed on the window.
Xavier’s face haunted my thoughts.
Would I ever see him again?
The flight attendant returned with a blanket.
“Here, dear. Try to get some rest.” I nodded, grateful for her kindness.
As the plane soared through the night sky, I made a silent vow.
I’ll escape Paris.
I’ll find my way back to Xavier.
No matter what it takes. It’s better I don’t wait for him in a flashing armor to come save me.