When I wake up the next morning, I'm shocked to find Bai Lei sleeping on the floor next to the couch. I slowly sit up and gently place the fluffy blanket over him. Why was he sleeping out here? And without a pillow or blanket?
Was he trying to get sick? Or was he just trying to make me feel bad? Well, if he was, it was working... I felt guilty watching him sleep... I quietly creep off the couch and head to the bathroom but I stop short. I turn to look back at him...
He sleeps on his side facing the couch with a slight frown on his handsome face. I feel a ping of guilt as I turn around and disappear in the bathroom. I take a quick shower but when I step out of the bathroom, I find Bai Lei up and standing at the window overlooking my small backyard.
I bit my lip and try to remain calm... strip poker was a mistake. I should have run Ted and the others off yesterday... I sigh and walk into the kitchen with an awkward smile. "Are... are you hungry? Do you want to eat before we head to the office?"
He keeps his back to me as I begin making me something to drink. "You really can't wait to send me back..." He says in a low voice. I pause and turn to him with a frown as I say "It's not like that... I'm... sigh, I'm just trying to make things right again. You don't belong here..."
Bai Lei turns to face me with a blank look as he says "Let's just get this over with." We stand there staring at each other for several silent seconds before I go back to my Coke. I lift the glass and drink half of it before saying "I'll get dressed. Give me five minutes."
I then turn around and walk to my room to change. I throw on a pair of dark jeans and a white hoodie before tying my long hair into a bun. I walk out to find Bai Lei waiting for me by the door with a calm, cold face.
I sigh again and walk out with Bai Lei following me closely. It was still early so it wasn't very busy, allowing us to get to the office in just seven minutes. Ted and the others were already there and drinking their morning coffee with long, haggard faces.
Nick leans on his desk moaning in pain as Ted boots all the computers up. When they see Bai Lei and I walk through the door, they all look slightly shocked. "Hey... I wasn't expecting you two until later..." Ted says as his eyes jump back and forth between Bai Lei and I.
I give him a look of disapproval as I say "You all know he has to go back... why is everyone making me out to be the bad guy?" Ted's frown grows before he says "No one said anything about you being a bad guy..." I clear my throat and mumble "Sorry..."
I'm being overly sensitive... but why? Why do I feel so guilty?? Ted starts everything up and punches in the correct codes before looking back to me and saying "It's ready when you are... Uh, we're gonna step out for breakfast."
Nick groans and says "Didn't we already have breakfast? Why don't you guys go without me..." Ted walks over and pulls Nick up by the collar as Chase nods to Bai Lei before leaving. Ted gives Bai Lei an awkward smile and nod before leaving with Nick.
Bai Lei walks over to the lockers and changes back into his original outfit. When he comes back out he reminds me of the first time I met him... I look down at my feet and take a deep, calming breath.
I turn back to Bai Lei and say "Well, let's go. I'm pretty sure Ren is worried sick about you." Bai Lei remains quiet as he follows me over to the game cube. I punch in a few codes and open the door before turning to look at him.
His dark eyes watch me with a solemn look as I try my best to remain positive. "Well, all you have to do is step in. I will take care of everything else on my end okay? Uh... take care over there okay?" I say awkwardly with a smile.
Bai Lei's eyes remain solemn as a bitter smile tugs at his lips. "Will you ever come back? You know, to visit?" He asks in a soft voice. I struggle to keep my smile in place as I shake my head and say "It's too dangerous to keep this link open. It was never supposed to happen in the first place... everything will be destroyed once you go back."
Something shifts in Bai Lei's eyes but he quickly lowers his head, instantly hiding it. He nods once before stepping into the cube. I look at his strong back once more before slowly shutting the door. Something about the image seems to engrave itself in my head.
I lift my shaky finger to the start button but find myself hesitating. Come on Nova... what's wrong with you? You couldn't wait to get away from him! I grit my teeth and hit the button before quickly stepping back. My heart races as the machine quickly boots up.
A flash is seen before quickly fading away leaving nothing but silence as the machine begins to shut down. My heart beats fast and my chest begins to hurt. I step forward with shaky hands and quickly open the door. Empty.
He's gone... finally gone. I grit my teeth and clench my fist as I step back. I look around the office before quickly leaving. I don't want to wait for Ted and the others to come back... I just want to go home.