Prologue
"Haydence," a soft voice called to the rugged boy seated by the large stained-glass window. It was clear that he was still sulking. "Oh cheer up," she begged as she stepped up to his side. He turned his pink cheeks away from her caring gaze. Just the mere thought of her leaving made him shudder. This was one thing she would not sway his decision on. "I can't stand to see you like this, Hayde." She placed a warm and familiar hand on his broad shoulder. He shook it off and crossed the room.
"I'm the one leaving and you're taking it worse than me," she moaned. “Please don't look so glum. Do you think that I want to abandon the place that I've spent all seventeen years of life in? I promise I'll visit you often and I'll never forget….you."
She choked on the last word, realizing what she would be leaving behind. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought of the life ahead of her. What if she did forget about him? She couldn't bear letting herself be happy without him. But her father needed her. She couldn't just let him go to Venice to fend for himself.
She observed his shoulders fall as he released a long sigh. He faced a wall covered in books, trying to avoid her hypnotic eyes.
"I'm sorry I've been acting so horrible to you,” he said as he turned around and walked over to her. He placed his large hand in hers. "It's just that I'm going to miss you, Natalie. Miss you dearly. Being alone here is going to be a train wreck for me. You are the only one who understands me. Why can't you just...just stay?" He whispered the last word.
"My Dad needs me. You know that,” Natalie explained for the hundredth time.
He rolled his eyes. "Your dad is old enough to live by himself. He can't keep depending on you for everything."
"I'm all he's got! Since the accident he hasn't been the same! He’s heart-broken, Haydence!" She yelled. Hot tears stung the corners of her eyes. She yanked her hand from his.
"Wake up, Nat! It’s been twelve years! Clearly he's using you as an excuse not to do anything!" his tone increased unexpectedly. He tried to calm himself. The idea of making Natalie cry made him furious. He knew that he was going to hate himself for this later but he couldn’t let Natalie go. It was impossible.
"Besides,” she said, her voice calmer now, "Dad wouldn't let me stay here when he's going half-way across the world. You know that."
"Maybe he would..." Haydence said, taking her hand. "I'm quite certain ,actually..."
Her brows drew together in confusion. "What are you talking about, Hayde?"
He looked deeply into her eyes and said, "I love you. Natalie Kisa Bradley," he got down on his knees, "will you marry me?"
She felt her face flush. It suddenly became very hard to breathe. Her knees gave out and she collapsed into his arms.
"Breathe, Natalie!" Haydence demanded.
Tears streaked her pale cheeks.
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