______________________________________________________
~March 1998, Toronto, Canada~
They strolled together side-by-side, each consumed by their own individual thoughts.
Although they'd only known one another for a short couple of months and their friendship was still so new, the silence between them was a comfortable one. She knew he must be excited, for this was the big break for which he'd been waiting. And even though they were going their separate ways - her heart breaking because of it - she was happy for him. He deserved it. He deserved all the success in the world.
"What's your name in the WWF going to be again? I forgot..." she suddenly spoke.
"Edge," he replied, arching a brow as he turned to gaze into her face. "Weird name, huh?"
She shook her head, raising one hand to run her fingers through her long brown hair.
"Actually, I like it."
"You do?"
"Yeah - it's cool and unique." She squinted at him before her eyes widened as they took in his handsome form with appreciation. "I think it suits you." A lovely grin spread across her face.
"Hmm..." Now a grin came to *his* face, and he eyed the young woman with wonder. And shit... He was *really* going to miss her. While he was joining the World Wrestling Federation, she - another up and coming wrestler - was trekking down to Mexico. She was going there alone, she didn't speak Spanish, and he thought she was crazy - crazy and wonderful. And damn if he wasn't going to miss her something awful... He couldn't believe she was leaving tomorrow. If only there were more time.
It wasn't fair... *Life* wasn't fair, she couldn't help but think. She knew what they both were embarking on were two great opportunities, but it all felt as though it were happening so quickly - *too* quickly. If only she'd trained more before, had honed her wrestling skills to the point that the WWF would have no choice but to hire her. She could have been going there with him. If only they had met earlier and had established a relationship long before he'd been accepted and hired by the prestigious company.
There were about a half-million 'if onlys' that crossed her mind, but they were moot points. Things were the way they were, and they weren't going to change.
Almost timidly, she cocked her head to one side to eye him and caught the young man gazing at her. She wondered what was going on in his mind. Then, as though reading her thoughts, he spoke.
"Hey, how about we go out tonight, since it's your last night in town?"
Despite the sadness that was plaguing her deep down, she smiled softly again.
"Aww... I'd really like that," she said.
"Good..." he said with a smile. "We'll paint the town red." He ran a hand through his long blond hair as the emotion took hold of him. Damn it, he was going to miss her so much. He couldn't imagine not seeing her regularly anymore after today, not seeing her beautiful face and smile, not hearing her voice and sweet laugh in person. They would keep in touch - at least that's what *he* hoped, but chances were they would slowly drift. And before too long, the phone calls, letters and emails would become less and less frequent... And she would forget all about him. It hurt like all bloody hell just to think of it.
One thing was for certain - he was going to make the most of his last night with her...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~That Night~
They returned to the small apartment he was renting, both of them exhausted. Nonetheless, they'd had a fun evening of clubbing and drinking. He wasn't much of a drinker himself, but she had surprised him with the tequila - her beverage of choice.
"Let me get you some coffee..." he insisted. She wasn't completely drunk or anything, but she looked sleepy enough that she could use some.
"Nah... Thanks, I'm okay," she replied, a soft smile on her face.
The young man studied her for a beat. Maybe she could just come in for awhile and then he could take her home. But damn it, he didn't want her to go...
They stared at each other in silence for a moment before she ducked her head. She fought back the tears she felt threatening her, then sniffled and met his eyes again. She blinked at what she saw in them.
Then, before she could utter a single word, the blond man surprised the hell out of her - he kissed her.
She found herself responding immediately, her arms going up and around his neck, a soft gasp escaping her as she felt his tongue brush against hers. His hands tangled into her hair as he groaned into her mouth.
Reluctantly, he broke the kiss, his arms still around her waist as she stared into his handsome face with shock.
"Don't go... Stay with me tonight...?"
His words were a cross between a statement and a request, but she didn't have the heart to deny him. Eagerly, she inched toward the open door, pulling him inside with her, and they kissed again as he kicked the door shut.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She awoke at daybreak, her eyes fluttering open slowly as she realized she was not alone. Then it all came back - she'd stayed here, spent the night with him. They'd made love...
She could hardly believe it. Although she didn't regret the night of passion they'd shared, it tore her heart to pieces that nothing more could ever come of it. She was leaving today, and she might not ever see him again.
Tears blurred her vision as she gently untangled herself from his embrace and rose, nude, from the bed. She located all of her garments on the floor and began to quickly dress, her gaze never leaving him. He was sound asleep, golden hair fanned out on the pillow.
She had to get out of here now, while he was still asleep, or else she would *never* leave. But there was one thing she needed to do first...
Somehow, she managed to keep her sobs silent as she reached into her purse for the pen and small sheet of folded paper.
Then, slowly, the tears nearly obliterating her vision, she quickly began to write him a goodbye note.