I instantly felt guilty when Ava brought up Erin. I assumed it was because of last night at the water tower, but I was not going to let it bother me. That was Ava, never knowing exactly what she wanted. The hardest part in all of this is I know she loves me. I know it. I feel it. It just isn't enough, and never will be. She and Dalton are fated. After seeing them together in the battle, I knew that the Prophecy was true. You could see how much more powerful they were than any other. And when Ava and Hannah combined their powers with Dalton's, they were unstoppable. I believe they have the power to stop anything together.
I still wasn't sure of my place in Ava's life, but was certain that something inside me pulled me to her when she was in danger, and I will always be there to protect her. I left Shadow Hill to try and move on; because Ava Fox is not someone you get over. You just have to move on with that hole in your heart forever.
Ava danced at a gracious distance seemingly chatting casually with Christian. I cringed as he laughed along at her story, his eyes dancing as they searched her up and down. I was glad when I noticed Patrick had made his way onto the dance floor with Erin so that he was positioned next to Ava and Christian. Patrick the Protector. I smiled at my nickname for him knowing it is the perfect fit. He is the one person I know in the world would keep Ava just as safe as I would.
"I have spent the past year trying to get over you. I can't let myself go to that place again with you Ava. Sergio sees that. But know that whatever happens here, I expect nothing from you when we do get back. I swore to protect you forever Ava, and that's what I'm doing."
"Ava, open your eyes and look outside," Patrick whispered sweetly in my ear.
I wiped my tears away unsure of what I was seeing. Little white specks began to drift down from the sky slowly descending to the ground below. A swift wind brought more snowflakes falling gracefully to the earth, some being swept up against our window. The wind swirled the glistening snowflakes in a floating dance back and forth outside my window.
"The first snow," I said somberly wishing I could be running outside to make a snow angel.
"Your favorite time of year is the first snow. Perhaps Sergio will give us permission sometime after the party tomorrow to go up and have some fun if it sticks," Patrick said aloud making his intentions known so Sergio could pretend it was his idea tomorrow, falling right into Patrick's trap.
"That would be a dream come true," I hesitantly played along. If we have to put our plan into action I prayed we could all escape.
I should be happier knowing this could be coming to an end, but I don't want it to end if it means I have to leave without you, I sent my thoughts to Patrick.
I'll always find my way back to you Ava. Patrick wrapped me closer as we sat silently watching the peaceful snow fall