The final chapter in the Adrianne and Trevin series. There will be more to come - taking place both before and after this series.
Trevin and Adrianne sat in the small, back corner in Giordani's. The main course had disappeared long ago, and now the two picked at a shared chocolate brownie/ice cream dessert. The conversation had been relatively light so far, Trevin doing everything possible to keep the spotlight on Adrianne. The less he had to talk about Horizon and the things that happened to him since then, the better.
"So where are you headed next?" Adrianne asked before putting a spoonful of vanilla ice cream in her mouth.
Trevin shrugged his shoulders, but it was more a gesture of awkwardness than anything else. "Believe it or not, I got a scholarship to the University of Texas in Dallas. I'm starting in March - taking a short mini-term first." He interjected the last part to explain why he was starting in the middle of a normal semester.
Adrianne's expression showed her surprise - and delight. "Trevin! That's great!" she cried happily. "I'm so proud of you!"
Trevin grinned sheepishly and blushed under the praise. He understood her surprise. He hadn't exactly been a straight A student back then. "Thanks."
"What are you going to major in?" Adrianne asked as she gave his arm a squeeze.
Trevin again shrugged his shoulders, this time because he really didn't know the answer. "I'm not sure yet. I'm leaning in two directions - either psychology or social work of some kind."
Adrianne smiled at him across the table. "Those are both very admirable jobs, and I know you'd do great at both of them. You've really got a lot to offer the world. You're gonna do great things, Trevin. I know it."
Trevin didn't blush this time under the praise. He raised his hazel eyes to Adrianne and his expression turned serious. "Do you really believe that?"
Adrianne looked at Trevin and she could tell he wasn't looking for some cookie-cutter response. "I really do," she answered honestly. "I know you have a good heart, Trevin. I've always known that. I didn't have many really close friends back then because... well, let's face it, there weren't very many kids that were worth it. You were different. I knew it from the moment I met you."
Trevin watched her as she spoke. The way she held direct eye contact with him convinced him that she believed every word she said. Without a second thought, he leaned over and planed a soft sweet kiss on her lips. He knew in the back of his mind that this was more than likely the last time he'd ever see her. He felt a pain in his heart, one surprisingly similar to the day he'd realized that he would never see Jade again. When they pulled back, Trevin looked at Adrianne and with only a slight hesitation, asked her, "Stay with me tonight?"
Adrianne didn't answer right away. She truly felt she'd already given him too much of herself. Even still, Adrianne felt the same unpleasant tug that this would be the last time they'd see each other. After what felt like a long time, she finally nodded her head.
Trevin paid for the meal and the two left the small restaurant hand in hand. Adrianne followed Trevin to the motel and waited silently as he opened the door. They both dropped their coats on the small chair by the door once they were inside. Trevin sat down on the edge of the bed. Adrianne moved to stand in front him. She reached out her hand and lightly touched his face, running her finger down his cheek. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her waist, but made no attempt to move any farther than that. He didn't want sex this time. He just wanted to be with her - to hold her in his arms for the night and pretend just for a little while that his life was different than it really was. He moved away from her but took her hand and pulled her to lay down on the bed beside him. He wasn't sure how long he'd laid there, his arms wrapped around as he listened to her breathe. He knew it was a long time, but eventually his eyes grew heavy and sleep finally took over.
XXX
Trevin awoke late the next day. It was sell after noon before he stirred. He thought what a cruel twist of fate it was that now he was the one waking up to a piece of paper instead of a warm body next to him. Adrianne's flowing handwriting covered the page with words of how wonderful he was how she'd never forget him nor the last two weeks with him. He started to crumple the letter in a balled up fist, but relaxed as he stared at the paper. Getting a taste of his own medicine was bitter, but he couldn't exactly blame her for it. Trevin rubbed the paper on his leg to smooth out as many of the creases as possible and packed the small note carefully in with the rest of his things.
He checked out of the motel and turned onto the highway heading South. He wanted to make a quick stop in California - just because he'd never been there before - then it was on to his new home in Texas. After his cell phone being turned off for exactly one week, Trevin finally turned it on. He waited while it turned on and booted up all its little internal programs. He dialed the number slowly and held his breath while he listened to it ring. The call was answered on the third ring.
"Mom?"
Illusions (Part 4)
