Gone

Just knowing that he was about to see his parents again, Erik’s mood had improved significantly. He got up before everyone and packed as much as he could into his bags. He was a little sad about not being able to take his xbox but, overall, he was confident in what he was doing. The thought of a new adventure wasn’t scary to him and he was ready. His family was his home and he couldn't wait to be there again.

Eliza had been up crying most of the night and was looking a little rough this morning. Her eyes were dry and itchy from the lack of sleep and her throat burned from fighting away her tears. Everytime she thought about leaving Jacob, it felt like someone was squeezing her heart in her chest with their bare hands. She wished she was stronger, that she could be the type of woman who could lead a pack with Jacob...but she just wasn’t. She didn't want to spend her life being unhappy and she didn't want that for Jacob either. She wouldn't doom him to a life with a woman he would never be able to make happy.

Eliza didn’t have much to her name and didn’t have much to take. She hadn’t been born in this realm, didn’t have any roots here. Just Jacob and Haldir.

Jacob came to help her go through Marissa and his parents belongings to decide what to take with her. Over the years, Logan had pampered Tessa with jewelry and clothing. Jacob was sure she’d want that. Logan wasn’t a man who cared about material things. Jacob stuck to the basics and just packed some basic clothes and some of the gifts Logan’s kids had got him over the years. Those gifts were more precious to Logan than anyhting else he owned. Marissa would be growing through her things quickly, so Stella bought her a bunch of outfits to take along as well as the things that they had bought her for her birthday.

“All their lives shoved into these little bags, it doesn't really seem possible,” said Jacob as he shoved the clothes down and pulled the zipper closed.

“This isn’t their lives Jacob, you and your siblings are their lives. These are just things,” said Eliza dryly as she folded Marissa’s clothing. She wasn’t really in the mood for conversation. Everytime she got close to him, caught a whiff of his scent or he talked to her, the pressure in her chest grew again. She was on the verge of tears and was fighting it with all she had.

"It's just that they worked so hard all my life for all of this. Do you think they'll regret it? Leaving." Jacob asked.

"No, I don't. All of this stuff isn't worth Tessa and her children's lives Jacob. I'm sure that Logan is at peace with his decision."

Jacob took a deep breath and said,“Eliza, can’t you just stay for a while, just try this out? I need you. ”

Eliza blew out a long breath then without looking up said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. We shouldn’t get closer Jacob. It’ll just make it worse when I finally go. This is already hard enough.”

Jacob knew she was right. He thought if he could get her stay just a little while, that he’d be able to convince her. That if they became intimate, she would never leave. He felt kind of slimey even thinking it. Jacob didn’t want to use tricks to keep Eliza.

He walked over to her, lifted her chin so their eyes met and said, “I don’t regret meeting you honey. I didn’t think I’d ever feel anything for anyone again until you came into my life Eliza. If you want to go, I won’t try to stop you. But, I want you to know that I love you. I don’t want anyone else and I can't stand the thought of you with someone else. If you ever want to come back, don’t even think about it, just do it.” Then he kissed her one last time. He grabbed the the sides of her head in his hands and felt her soft hair around his fingers. Smelled her apples and cinnamon swirl around them as his tongue rubbed against hers. There was electricity in that kiss. It made his lips numb and his face tingle.

Eliza wrapped her arms around Jacob’s back and rubbed her hands along his back. She wanted to remember every inch of him, taste and smell. She knew it would have to last for a lifetime.

Jacob finally released her from his lips and held her nose to nose. “I love you. I will always love you. Don’t ever forget that.”

“I won’t Jacob. I love you too.”

“I have something else for you to take with you Eliza.”

Jacob picked up the bags from the bed and then they both walked downstairs where Haldir and Erik were waiting. He sat the bags down on the floor then walked to the foyer and got Eliza’s cradle.

“I thought maybe your dad could fix it back up,” he said as he handed it to her.

Eliza smiled through her tears and said, “Oh yes, I’m sure he’d like that very much.Thank you.”

Jacob went to Erik and hugged him close. “I love you kiddo. I’m sure gonna miss you. You watch after my girl and give Momma a kiss for me. And tell my baby sister and brothers all about me.”

“I will. Don’t worry,” said Erik as he fought back his tears.

Jacob slapped Eriks back then let him go.

Jacob blew out a breath through pursed lips and ran his hands through his hair. “You guys better get going,” he said as he leaned in and kissed Eliza’s cheek.

Eliza looked at him and smiled. She was sure about this. It hurt but it felt right.

Haldir put his hand out to Jacob. Jacob shook it and said, “ I’ll see you around you old bastard.”

Haldir chuckled and said, “Yes , you will,” with that devilish grin that screams ‘I know something you don’t ‘. Then Jacob handed the bags over to Haldir and put one over Eliza’s head and across her chest.

Haldir took Erik’s elbow and they began to mist away. Right before she completed the transition, Eliza kissed the pads of her fingers and blew them at Jacob. He felt that all the way in his soul.

And Just like that, they were gone. Jacob felt nauseaous. It was like an elephant was sitting on his chest as his throat started to burn and his eyes welled up with tears. He fell back onto the couch and looked around the empty house where just aweek or so ago his whole family was seated around the dining table. Everything he loved was gone.