Shay knocked on the door of Jo’s room. She’d just finished her move to National City and was eager to see Jo again. The scrappy younger woman was always a joy to see. She had been so brave in the Battle for National City, and Shay was glad that she’d been able to repay Jo a little bit for that bravery by helping her get off the streets and into this halfway house. She’d meant to visit more, but well New York City was literally on the other side of the country to National City and Shay had a full time job. All of that had changed now though. Getting to see Jo more was just another bonus of her move to National City. Shay knocked on the door once more. “Firecracker, it’s me! C’mon, I got a surprise for you!”
“No one has heard from you for over a year. You just left without a word. I know you’re still out there - somewhere. Alive. The Professor has confirmed that too, but he still won’t tell me where you are. I’m leaving soon too - It’s time for me to move on too...Goodbye for now, Gemma. Hopefully.... Uhh.... Till we meet again.”
BEEP
The last beep did not sound as hollow as it had the first couple of times nor did it sound as if it was mocking Claire when she spoke too much and it got to interrupt her. For once it sounded just like it was supposed to sound - like a stop. A full stop. Period. An ending. Still Claire could not help but look down at her phone hoping to see Gemma’s caller ID show up on the screen, but as usual nothing happened. The screen remained black and Claire bit down her lip before putting her phone back into her pocket. With a sigh she sat down on one of the chairs and looked around. It had been stupid to hope that Gemma would call back. Why would today be any different from the rest?
Claire had within a few days decided that she would leave the Mansion and try search for Gemma. Initially she had decided against trying to find the other, but she could not shake off the feeling that the other needed her. Still she knew that she would probably never find Gemma - it would be sheer luck if she suddenly bumped into her. She did not even know where to start looking. Her father had suggested the West Coast and since Claire did not have anything better herself, she had just nodded.
It had all been happening too fast. Claire did not feel like she had had a chance to say goodbye or even get ready herself. Still she had managed to show up at the airport with her baggage and her passport and now she could only wait to board the plane. Looking around the airport, Claire wondered where other people were headed. If they were leaving for vacation or returning home. For once it felt weird just waiting. She had been waiting for Gemma for over a year, but without any luck. Still she had been waiting patiently. She knew the other would never just leave her for good - not like that although sometimes she had her doubts. Now she was anxiously waiting in the airport. She was finally doing something - something other than just waiting. It was something new and Claire felt anxious. It was like she knew something would happen. She could feel it. Something would happen and she hoped that meant she would find Gemma.
Finally Claire was called for boarding and she bit down her lip before standing from the chair. It felt weird leaving the Mansion and all the others behind. For a moment Claire hesitated. Even if Kate was busy and she had promised that she would visit or they could call, Claire already missed her. She could already feel the familiar pain in the chest and felt tears starting to well up in her eyes. Blinking a few times, she pressed her lips together before heading towards the plane. It took her a few deep breaths, once seated, for her to feel okay again. It would be okay.
She would be back.
“Did you not have any doubts about leaving just all of sudden? Did you just decide to leave or did you think it through - made a plan? Did it take more than just a day? I don’t know if I’m just stalling trying to stay behind....”
“I don’t know if I can do like you have done. I can’t just leave without a word.... But I cannot leave with saying goodbyes too? I wouldn’t want to leave then....”
“I’m back at the Mansion. Just to get my stuff. The Professor let me keep the room for now - he’ll call me if they need it. I’m back for one last time for now. I don’t know if I’ll return - if I ever will.”
“Tomorrow there’s no work at the flower shop. I think that I might go back to the Mansion tomorrow. I need to get my things.... I’ll go somewhere else, I think....”
