| "Ayzlin? You okay?" Jeff asked. Ayzlin wiped the tears that had covered her face. She leaned up against the outside of the building. "He's leaving." "Oh. I see. What decision did you want him to make?" "I don't know. I hadn't really thought about it, I guess. I want him to be happy Jeff, I really do, but I'm afraid I'll lose him. Do you know how many pretty girls there are in Florida?" she exclaimed. "Ayzlin, Peyton's not going to leave you. He loves you." "I know. I'm just scared, I guess. I don't like that he's leaving, because what if one or both of us decides we can't handle a long-distance relationship?" "We'll handle it," Peyton said, suddenly showing up. "I'm going to go call Amber," Jeff said, leaving. "Jeff, wait," Ayzlin called after him. "Amber?" He gave an obnoxious smile. "Didn't she tell you? We've got a long-distance relationship." He flipped open his cell phone and dialed the number as he walked back into the studio. "Peyton, I want you to be happy. You're right. We'll be okay." "Now that's my girl talkin'," Peyton smiled. He hugged her close and kissed her. ========================================================================== Later that week, Peyton was leaving for Florida. Ayzlin didn't know when her new career would allow her to see him again. She watched out the window as Peyton and his mom packed the U-Haul for the trip. There was a knock on her door that interuppted her silence. "Come in." "Peyton's about to leave, Ayzzie," Nick informed her. "Okay. I'll be right down." "Ayzlin, I'm sorry." "For what?" she asked. "For not believing Peyton cared about you at first. I was wrong. I'm sorry," Nick apologized. "It's okay Nick. I forgave you a long time ago. Except now, I'm thinking you're right. Peyton keeps saying we'll be able to keep this relationship up, and I want to believe it, but Bubby, something doesn't feel like it's going to be okay." "I know Ayzlin. These kinds of relationships aren't easy. But you and Peyton will work everything out. And if you don't end up together in the end, God has someone he's going to put you together with. He'll be a good man, and he'll love you." Ayzlin smiled. "Thanks Nick. I'm gonna go down there now." "Peyton," Ayzlin said, getting his attention. "Hey baby. I've gotta leave in about five minutes." "Yeah, I know. I'll miss you," she said. "I'll miss you too," he replied, hugging her. The couple hugged until Megan called for Peyton. "I've got to go." Ayzlin took the ring Peyton had given her off of her finger and placed it in the palm of his hand, closing his fingers around it. "Don't forget me," she begged. "Promise," he whispered in her ear. He pulled away from the hug and got into the car. Ayzlin watched him drive away. "I love you," she whispered as a tear, followed by many more, fell down her cheek. |