Unconditional (Book Two)

25. Unexpected Listener

To the lack of words, I dig my hand on the pocket of my pants, and take out the other half of the necklace, letting it hang loose from my hand in the air.

"Because I have the other half."

Her eyes shift to the beautiful heart, it being reflected on the tear that falls through her skin.

"You still have it," she speaks, showing a weak smile.

"I've always had it. I didn't know why or from where but...last night, I-I might've gotten an idea..." I make a small pause, staring directly into her shining eyes. "Did I give you this necklace Amelie?"

But she can't seem to be able to speak. It is like if there was something or someone forcing her to swallow her words. Thus, the only thing she does is take her delicate hands on her neck and...

"I want you to keep it," she says, taking a sob, and handing me her half of the necklace.

"But—"

"It should remain together," she interrupts, as I take it slowly. "I must go."

But as she starts walking away again, I take her arm gently to make her stop. Why can't I just let her go? There's something that just doesn't allow me to do so.

"Amelie, wait."

She turns to me, turns to me with that same fear and hopelessness that shows in her deep, green eyes.

"You fear something. There is something that I can see has you terrified. We will get rid of it together."

"Jim, we can't beat that something," she says, taking a step to me. "We...can't."

"But what is it?" I ask with a little desperation. "I want to understand."

But Amelie does nothing. She just removes a tear from her face and looks down, hiding her face, ignoring the question. She acts strange, shakes, hides. I can't get to dig in my mind for something else than what's flowing.

"It's Colin isn't it?"

But she remains silent for a few moments, until she wipes another tear and looks at me in the eyes.

"Jim—"

"What is he doing to you?"

"We can't beat Colin."

But I take her right hand on my left, and lift her chin with my index finger with gentleness, as she takes in a sob.

"Yes we can," I say, fixing on her eyes.

Amelie shakes her head, removing her eyes from mine again, and pressing her lips together.
"We can't—"

"How are you so certain?! Why do you claim Colin has such power?!"

"Because he has it!" she speaks, as her eyes continue to drown in tears.

"And what makes you so certain?! I just want to unders—"

"Because we already tried once, Jim!!"

I feel a sudden confusion and surprise from her words. I can't get to speak a word, or at least process something in my mind.

"What do you mean we already tried once...Amelie?"

But she just stays there, looking at the ground.

"I have to go, Jim."

"Amelie! Expl—"

"Jim!" she says, looking at me again. "Just let me go, okay? Let me go. Build your life, be happy...because you can't build it with me."