I had never seen that expression on his face before...a combination of anger, confusion, shock, and most of all, hurt. "Monica, how could you?" he moaned, closing his eyes and shaking his head in disbelief.
I moved towards him. "Taylor, it's not what you think..." I began, putting my hand on his shoulder.
The eyes opened, two icy blue gems. I flinched away from the expression I read in those eyes. "Monica, don't even start making excuses," he said harshly. "I didn't understand before what exactly it was you were doing. I do now."
"Taylor, no!" I cried. "I was just --"
"I don't care what you say you were doing," Taylor interrupted, "but I know what you were really doing. I never meant anything to you; you only liked me because I was famous." My protests were drowned out as he continued, "Now that I'm going to leave soon, you are moving on to another guy, to use him just like you used me."
I stared at him, too numb to move. How could he say that? How could he accuse me of using him? I loved him; surely he knew that? I felt the blood drain from my face. "Taylor, please!" I pleaded. "Please, just listen."
"Why should I listen to you?" he exploded, the ice in his eyes replaced by flashing blue fire. "You'll just lie to me like you've lied all this time! You never even loved me; you just loved my fame! Well, Monica, I've had enough."
Tears running freely down my cheeks now, I begged, "Taylor, please. I do love you."
Taylor looked me in the eye, then said a single sentence. Two words only, but they would change my life forever. Eyes once more cold as ice, he said firmly, "It's over."
I felt my world collapse around me. I couldn't see; couldn't speak; couldn't move; couldn't even think. One thought only ran through my head, mocking me: It's over. My life was over. My world was gone. I had nothing left. Taylor was gone. I fell to my knees, sobbing, as Taylor left me.
Somehow, I must have managed to get up and go home, though I had no memory of doing so. Taylor's words continued to pound in my head: It's over. It's over. It's over. I couldn't cry anymore. I felt numb inside. I didn't care about anything anymore, except that Taylor had left me.
This numbness continued through the week. I managed to get through finals somehow, and even thought I had done well on them. I went to Capital as usual, though my heart was not in it.
Finally, it was Saturday, the day the Hansons would leave. Mom, Anne, Michelle, and I went to the airport to see them off. I hadn't wanted to come, but Mom insisted.
As we approached the gate through which the family would be boarding their plane, I felt my heart sink. I looked up to see them waiting for us. Michelle and Isaac moved slightly aside to say goodbye. Anne and Zac left to say their goodbyes privately. For a second, I was left facing Taylor. I quickly went to say goodbye to the younger members of the Hanson clan. I hugged Jessica and Avery, wishing Avery good luck on her gymnastics; tried to hug Mackie, who ran away and wouldn't let me, so I had to settle for ruffling his hair and shaking his hand; and kissed Zoe on the top of her head. Then I moved on to Zac, who had separated from Anne long enough to say goodbye to the rest of us.
"Bye, Zac," I said, hugging him.
"Bye, Monica," he replied, for once being serious.
After that, I went to Isaac. "Bye, Ike," I said.
"Bye," he said, still looking a little distracted.
I put my arms around him. "Don't worry, Ike," I said. "You'll find her."
Finally, I approached Taylor. I met his eyes; he looked away. I walked up to him. We stood there for a moment, neither knowing what to say. Finally, I broke the silence.
"Taylor...I'm sorry this had to happen."
"I am, too, Monica," he said sincerely. A single tear rolled down his cheek as he continued, "I really did love you, you know."
"Taylor, I loved you, too. I still do." Now the tears began falling from my eyes as I pleaded, "Please, Taylor...can't you give us another chance?"
"Monica, I wish I could. But it wouldn't work. After what happened Sunday, I don't think I could trust you anymore. I wish I could...but I can't."
Just then, the boarding call was given for families with small children. Taylor turned to go, but before he could, I took his hand. The tears were running freely now. "Taylor, please!"
He pulled his hand away. "Goodbye, Monica," he said, and left, not once looking back.
Taylor Hanson left that day, and he took my heart with him, leaving me with nothing left but a broken heart.
Epilogue
Love Takes Time
Story Page
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