Stay [a Roman Reigns story]

13 Goodbye

"If I may introduce myself. My name is Agent Gulch from the USCIS. I actually came here for an unannounced background check, but that has now become unnecessary. I'm glad I don't have to come back another time. It was annoying enough not to find anyone when I was here 2 days ago," the woman said as she walked up to us.

"Agent Gulch, at least give us a chance to explain what-" Roman began immediately.

"So you can feed me your lies, Mr. Reigns? I don't think so. I had justified doubts about your story before. Since I have already spoken with your former boss and supervisor. My visit here was to gather evidence of the authenticity of your relationship. Such as shared photos, message histories, how well you know each other, and of course, interviewing your circle. And so on.

But since there won't be any.... Thank you for saving me a lot of work. Now all I have to do is inform you, Miss Müller, that your application for adjustment of status and a green card has been denied. You should also know that you now have 24 hours to voluntarily leave the United States. If you do not do so, we will have you arrested and placed in deportation custody. Here is the form that airport authorities will fill out to confirm your departure.

 Oh, and Mr. Reigns? Please don't be surprised if you get a fine from our agency for attempting to mislead," the woman said as she reached into her briefcase and pulled out an envelope and pushed it into my hand.

And with that, she turned on her heel, leaving the three of us in shock. I couldn't believe what had just happened here. Now it was really over. Gabriel had won after all and I lost more than I had expected at first.

For the next hours I hardly noticed anything. I was completely numb and somehow it was as if I had cotton balls in my ears that muffled everything around me. By now my eyes were red and swollen from the silent tears I could do nothing about. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay where I was. 

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"I'm so sorry, Pumpkin. I'm so sorry. I'm going to miss you so much." Summer whispered in my ear as she hugged me tightly as we stood outside the door the next day waiting for my cab to take me to the airport.

"I'm going to miss you too. You have no idea. I wrote you a note with my contact information in Germany. It's in the kitchen. Take good care of your family, okay? Of all of them!" I replied with a sniffle.

Summer eventually loosened her embrace and then wiped the tears from my cheek as she tried to smile at me. But just like me, she failed to do so.

"Summer, can you give us a minute?" asked Roman then.

He tried to be strong, but I immediately saw him struggling. Summer nodded and then went back into her brother's house. Roman came up to me and immediately wrapped me in a bone-crushing hug. I could feel him trying to breathe calmly, to no avail.

"Are you sure you don't want us to take you to the airport?" he asked quietly.

"I would love that, but we both know you'd be surrounded by your fans. Besides, I don't want to be standing at the airport sobbing. Listen Roman.... I'm so grateful to you for the last few weeks. You have no idea how much I'm going to miss you." I whispered in his ear as I clung to him.

"I don't want you to leave... stay with me... please!" he replied in a rough, barely controlled voice.

"I wish I could.... I wish I had a choice!" I cried.

"DJ... I love you." then Roman said after a few moments of silence.

I pulled back a little to look into his wonderful, deep, warm eyes. I swallowed as I was overcome by my feelings for this unique person, this great man.

"I love you too, Roman," I whispered as I cupped his cheeks and then pulled him down to me.

I pressed my lips to his. Love and gratitude and sorrow and despair flowed through me as I wished for nothing more than to melt into him and just disappear. To go where no one could find us. Unfortunately, this was a wish that was shattered as soon as the arriving cab honked behind us.

The driver loaded my suitcases into the trunk as I was still in Roman's strong arms. I heard Summer, who had come back to and, sniffling softly.

"Goodbye." I breathed as I reluctantly climbed into the cab.

As soon as we were out of sight of the house, my last walls came crashing down and I let it all out. I felt empty and lost. How was this ever going to change?