"Because, you didn’t do anything wrong," Annabelle assured her with her usual clear, strong conviction.

Simone reached out, holding Annabelle as close as she could, softly resting her lips against her ear. "I love you," she whispered.

Annabelle nuzzled her nose further into Simone’s neck, as her tears began anew. "I’ve been waiting for you to say that," she choked out her confession.

"I know. I’m sorry you had to wait so long."

The two women stood holding each other, their hearts and bodies sagging with the relief that comes from knowing they were not going to have to say that final good-bye. But, then Simone opened her eyes and looked up, and her body stiffened as she saw a man dressed in a black suit standing at the foot of the stairs to her house.

"Annabelle?" She whispered her question as she took a step back, not taking her eyes off the stranger.

Feeling the rush of cool air the instant Simone stepped away, Annabelle followed her eyes.

"Oh him."

Simone’s eyes flicked to Annabelle, and then quickly back to the suit.

"Simone, I will be back…I promise," Annabelle said quickly, trying to ease the fear in Simone’s eyes.

"He’s here for you?" Simone asked in confusion.

"My mother is afraid that her opponents might hear something about us and come looking for a story." She reached out and caressed Simone’s bare arm with her fingertips, causing goose bumps to break out on the older woman’s skin. "She was so cool about what happened at the school, so I promised her that after today, I would not see you again until I turn 18."

Simone’s eyes shot up, once again fearing the loss of not being able to see Annabelle…touch Annabelle. "Oh…" was all she could manage to get out before her throat tightened, tears filling her eyes.

Annabelle felt the same fear, the same sadness as Simone, but was determined that their last moments together before her temporary self imposed isolation from this beautiful woman, would not be morose.