Chapter 204 See You Later

Chapter 204 See You Later
\[Lilah’s POV\]

“We’ll see.”

It’s all I can say to Jeremiah’s request and after that we just talk about normal things. Only when we hang up do I suddenly feel the weight of his absence start to settle in me.

“He’ll be back.” Collin assures me, understanding my shift in mood. “And when he returns, you’ll be able to stick together like before, well,” he continues, clearly considering his words. “Not as close, but you get the idea.”

“Yeah,” I sigh, knowing what he means. “This time we will be proper friends.”

A few days pass after that and when the day of Jeremiah’s departure arrives, I convince Collin to take me to the airport to see him off.

I know it isn’t the best of ideas because there is a chance that his parents may be present, but I can’t just let him leave without telling him safe flight and see you later.

When I arrive at the airport, I find Rika waiting for me and when she spots me, she starts waving.

“You would think that the two of you are already the best of friends.” Collin points out as he takes the scene in.

“Be good,” I warn him and then head in Rika’s direction.

When we reach her, she calms down and then nods toward the ticket station where Jeremiah is grabbing his ticket.

“He’ll be right back.” She says like the perfect fiance. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course,” I smile.

Honestly, I was up on the fence until the day of about whether I should come or not, but now that I was here, I was relieved that I did, but something bothered me a bit.

Frowning, I start to look around and when Rika notices, she shakes her head.

“They didn’t come.” She tells me. “They and Jeremiah aren’t exactly on the best of terms right now.”

“Why?” I ask and when Rika gives me a pointed gaze, I understand.

“Oh.”

Instantly, I feel a pang of pain shoot through me because the last thing I want to do is cause Jeremiah and his parents to be on bad terms.

Maybe I should just end things and…No…Why should I have to? I understood their reasoning for not wanting anything to do with me now, but I was a victim too.

Dammit. I hated this, I hated that even now I was causing Jeremiah problems.

“Lilah.”

The man in question’s voice rings out, drawing me from my spiral and when I turn my gaze in the direction it came from, I find him hobbling toward me.

“You came,” he smiles and I feel my heart squeeze painfully. “Thanks.”

“Of course,” I smile. “How could I not come and see you off?”

“You’re on bedrest, right?” He asks, turning his gaze to Collin. “I’m more surprised you let her leave.”

“Well,” Collin shrugs. “Lilah is her own woman and can make decisions for herself.”

At his words, I roll my eyes, because all the way here he made it clear how he didn’t think it was necessary.

At least he is trying to act cordial. I sigh inwardly. Hopefully he would calm it down with the jealousy once Jeremiah found someone.

As this thought hits, I turn my gaze to Rika who remains silent. She’s standing right beside Jeremiah and seeing them there together I can’t deny that they look good together, but would they end up becoming something more in the future? I wasn’t sure, but I could hope, right?

“Anyway,” Collin says. “What time is your flight?”

“About an hour from now.” Jeremiah responds. “What? Already ready to leave?”

“Well,” Collin responds, not bothering to hide the fact that he does. “Lilah shouldn’t be out and about for too long.”

I once again roll my eyes over Collin’s trying to act mature. Honestly, he was the oldest of all of us and acting the most like a child.

It’s your fault. I remind myself. If you didn’t use Jeremiah in the beginning to stop thinking about Collin he wouldn’t be like this.

Or would he?

I look to the man in question and when his gaze meets mine and a gentle look flashes in those eyes of his, I realize that even if I didn’t he would be like that.

He just likes me too much. I think, my cheeks flushing and when Rika coughs, I’m reminded that we aren’t alone.

“I’ll be fine for that long.” I say slowly, collecting myself while hoping I’m not too red from embarrassment. “I’ve been stuck in bed for days.”

“And you’re going to continue to be stuck in bed until Vincent says it is okay for you to move around.” Collin reminds me.

“I get it,” I sigh. “Anyway,” I continue, turning my attention to Jeremiah. “Try to come back soon, okay? I’ve got some months left until I give birth, but I would love for you to be here when the twins come.”

“I’ll do my best,” Jeremiah assures me. “And if I’m not back by then, I’m sure Rika will take lots of pictures for me.”

“Of course,” Rika beams. “Consider me your replacement Jeremiah for the time being.”

“I would never do that,” I tell her. “You are you.”

I’m probably overdoing it in what I’m saying, but after Jeremiah insisted that I keep her company, I couldn’t hide the worry that I feel for her. I mean, Jeremiah didn’t usually stick his nose in other people’s business, so there had to be a valid reason for him to ask such a thing.

Just what is she going through? I wonder, eyeing the woman who is acting cool, calm, and collected. What’s your story?

“I know,” she says now, but I see a strange emotion flash in her eyes. “But I’ll still do my best to make sure that he gets to see the birth if he doesn’t return.”

“See that you do,” Jeremiah agrees. “And you,” he says, turning his attention to me. “Stay out of trouble, alright?”

“Of course,” I smile. “There’s not much I can get into with Collin watching me like a hawk.”

“You never know.”

As Jeremiah speaks, I get a feeling that there is something more going on behind his words than he is letting on and I immediately find myself wishing I could read his mind.

“Anyway, I should go ahead and head toward the terminal.” The man in question says breaking the silence that has fallen around us. “Be good and I’ll see you later.”

“Yeah,” I smile, feeling a knot suddenly forming in my throat. “I’ll see you later.”

Nodding, Jeremiah lifts a hand and gives a small wave before turning and starting to move. As he does, I keep my gaze fixed on his back until he disappears from sight.

“It’s gonna be alright,” Collin tells me, his arm wrapping around my shoulders. “Time will fly, you’ll see.”

“Yeah,” I murmur. “I know.”

I did know, but even then, my emotions were getting the better of me.

Stupid pregnancy hormones. I think, needing something to blame all these ridiculous emotions on. You’re turning me into a crybaby.