Satellite Souls

The Farewell

Fiona’s POV



“I could stay like this forever” I muttered gently in his arms, letting out a great sigh of relief.

Aiden chuckled, "I guess the neighbours can see us, but I'm too damn happy to care." Before he went, I walked him outside to the porch to bid him goodbye. I decided to skip work and spend the entire day with him. Deep down I knew Aiden wanted to go back and face his reality. I backed away from him, trying to keep my emotions at bay. I was aware of the dreadful days ahead, but my heart was still captivated in this pleasant bubble.

"I'll miss you," I finally managed to say. I looked into his eyes, curious as to what he was thinking.

“Hey, it’ll be for a few days at best and then it’s your turn to come pay me a visit” Aiden smirked pulling me in for a kiss.

“At the pavilion?” I asked enthusiastically.

“At the pavilion” Aiden replied and walked to his car to retrieve something from the dashboard. ”I almost forgot to give this back to you, I suppose Charlie would want it back”

He handed me the ring I had taken off the night prior. I glanced at the massive rock, which glistened brightly but felt dull in my palms.

“Yeah, he’s probably coming back in a week’s time. We’ll have a lot to talk about, so it might take more than seven days. I hope things go well on your end with Rebecca” I answered, my heart breaking for our partners. A part of me felt self-centred, but for good reason. If only they were aware of what we are already aware of. Maybe it's simply a sick part of my mind attempting to rationalize it. But all I could think about at this moment was how this was the first time I had chosen myself.

“Yeah I don’t think Rebecca is going to be too happy either” Aiden replied.

“I feel bad for you, she’s quite the catch” I tried to lighten up the mood.

“She probably is, but she’s not you. No one can ever make me feel the way you do, Fiona.” Aiden rocked me back and forth in his arms, as if there was music playing somewhere in the world that only we could hear.

“I love you Aiden” I whispered softly into his ears.

"I love you Fiona," he said, tears in his eyes, tucking the strands of my hair behind my ear.

We stared up at the night sky studded with stars as a shooting star flew by. Even at that moment, I could see how the following several years of my life with this man would go. I'd been so consumed by the dreams in the past that it's hard for me to imagine they'd ever come true.

“So more than seven days, you say?” Aiden asked curiously.

‘Yes, and then I’m all yours”

“It’s so long though” He complained.

“I know, I’ll really miss you” I kept saying it over and over again dreading that he has to leave and I’ll have to finally face the music.

“Okay, every time you miss me look at the brightest star in the sky and I’ll do the same” Aiden said optimistically.

“Orrr… I could just text you” I chuckled.

“Yes, but what if your phone is dead, what then huh?” He asked seriously.

“Fine I’ll look at the brightest star in the sky” I rolled my eyes at his fake scenario.

“That one” He points to a bright light in the sky and I immediately start crackling up. “What?”

“That’s the satellite, genius”

“Damn, I had my heart set on that one” He whined.

“Then let it be the satellite. I’ll look at the satellite when I miss you” I chuckled to myself, wondering where I might find a man who mistook the satellite for a star. I was already looking forward to making fun of it in the years to come.

“Ahh do I have to go?” He hugs me tightly.

“Yes you do, and this time promise me, you’ll actually go” I knew he would actually leave this time. He didn’t have to worry about me running off with Charlie. He just knew me too well to stay before and I’m so glad he did.

“Fine, I promise and promise me that as soon as you get things settled here, you’ll be on your way to me?” Aiden inquired, in need of reassurance.

“I promise”

He locked lips with mine and we kissed passionately for a while. Then a very reluctant Aiden finally made his way to the car and drove off. I watched him as he left already missing his presence. But this time, it wasn’t the gut wrenching feeling of letting go of the love of your life. It was hope that surrounded the atmosphere. Hope that gave me strength to face the upcoming week head on.

I stood outside for a while, staring at the satellite, which gave me a warm smile.

Dumbas. My Dumbass.

I headed inside and made my way to my room. The room smelled like him. I pushed aside the sheets and clothes on the floor and retrieved my dusty suitcase. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself as a runaway bride. But, at the very least, this bride was prepared to end things maturely in the hopes of avoiding serious consequences. At least, that's what I believed.

When I heard the front door open, I came to a halt in my packing. I dashed out, assuming Aiden had forgotten something and was using it as an excuse to see me one more time before leaving. But it was Lydia, much to my surprise. She was back from visiting her parents.