After hours of discussion, Mom and Dad had finally come to a decision. They had decided that I could go, but that Anne would not be able to. Anne, of course, was absolutely devastated. I was very happy that I could go, but at the same time I felt guilty for getting to go when my sister could not. For the moment, however, I pushed that feeling down and went to call Taylor.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Tay. It's me."
"Hey, Moni! Are you coming over?"
"Well, I have some news for you, but I guess it can wait till I get there. I'll be there in a minute!"
I hung up and quickly left to go to Taylor's. As I strolled up the sidewalk, the door opened before I had even rung the doorbell.
"Hi, Monica!" said Taylor.
"Hi! Were you watching for me or something?" I asked, coming inside.
"Yep. I just couldn't wait to see you!"
We sat on the couch. "Now," Taylor began, "what is this news you have?"
"News?" I joked. "Did I say something about news?" At a groan from Taylor, I relented. "Okay, okay. Yes, I have some news. I'm coming with you!"
"Coming with me? What do you mean by..." Taylor trailed off as the light dawned. "Oh...the tour???" I nodded. Taylor yelled happily and threw his arms around me.
For a while, we talked happily about the tour. Then I glanced up at the clock.
"Tay, I have to go. I have to study for finals. I'm only taking two...German and American History...but I still need to study, for History at least. See, we only have to take two finals, and I knew I needed to raise my grade in History."
"Then why did you pick German? I know your grade is high in that class."
I laughed. "Because my teacher makes us take the test even if it's not required, even if we are exempt, so I just decided that I might as well let that one count."
"Well, after this, you won't have to worry about finals for six months!"
"I know," I smiled as I walked to the door. "Bye," I called as I left.
"Bye," Taylor replied as I closed the door.
When I got home, I opened my history book, but I just couldn't concentrate. My thoughts were going in circles...first to the upcoming finals, which led to the thought that I wouldn't have to worry about finals anymore, which led to Taylor, which led to feeling guilty about Anne, which led to feeling guilty about not studying, which led back to history. But my mind only stayed there for a minute before it drifted again, in the same cycle. I firmly pushed my thoughts towards history, but they refused to stay put.
I decided to try listening to music. It had always helped me concentrate before; there was no reason it shouldn't this time. I turned on the radio, only to hear none other than Hanson's newest single. This of course immediately turned my thoughts back to Taylor. Deciding that music would not work this time, I turned off the radio and returned to my studying.
After about fifteen or twenty minutes, I finally gave up on studying. I had too much to think about. I knew that I wanted to go with Taylor more than anything. But I also knew that Anne was my sister, and that I loved her. Even if Taylor and I somehow did not stay together, I knew Anne would always be there. We did have our occasional fight or more, but when we weren't fighting, we were really close. I didn't want to lose that...but I loved Taylor, and I didn't want to lose him, either. I didn't know what to do.
After many long minutes of thought, I made the hardest decision I had ever had to make. Before I could change my mind, I quickly left the house and went to Taylor's.
Taylor answered the doorbell, looking surprised to see me. "Monica? Weren't you studying?"
I sighed as I followed him inside. "Yeah, I was, but I couldn't concentrate. I decided I had to talk to you again...there's something I have to tell you."
"Go ahead...I'm listening." He smiled and took my hand.
I couldn't do it. I just couldn't. I reminded myself that I had to; that it was the only decision I could have made. I took a deep breath and began. "Taylor...I can't go with you."
Taylor was silent for a minute. "Why?" he asked finally. "Why?"
"I just can't. It's not fair to anyone."
"What do you mean?" he asked. "It's fair to us, isn't it?"
I smiled sadly. "Not really...we'd have to part after the tour ended, and it would be all the harder. And it's not fair to Zac or Anne or Isaac. Every day, Zac and Anne would be reminded that they were apart, while we were together. And Isaac...he's been through enough in his search for Jamie. He doesn't need to be reminded every day that he hasn't found her yet, when his younger brother has already found someone."
Taylor thought for a moment, then bowed his head in acceptance. "You're right, Moni. I'm sorry."
"So am I, Tay," I said sadly. "So am I." I could tell that he was uncomfortable now, probably thinking of what could have been. I put my arm around his shoulders and said softly, "I think I should go now."
"I guess so," Taylor replied.
I left the house, then hurried home before my tears could spill.
I had just settled down in my room when someone knocked on my door. I opened the door; it was Anne.
"Phone," she said.
I went and picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi, Monica."
I had not expected to hear that voice on the other end. "Hi, Randall. What's up?"
"I was just wondering if we could get together sometime to study for the German final."
"Sure. When would be a good time?"
"Tomorrow afternoon?"
I thought for a minute. I didn't think I had anything else to do. "Sure, that would be fine. I'll meet you at the library at 3, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks."
"No problem. Bye!"
"Bye, Monica!"
The next afternoon, I got in the car and headed for the library. I was looking forward to this; maybe it would take my mind off of all that had been happening. But I wasn't counting on that happening; nor was I counting on what did happen.
I parked the car and went into the library where I joined Randall at a table. We opened our books, and I started quizzing him over the stuff we'd need to know.
After about 45 minutes, Randall and I decided we had done enough studying. We gathered our books and left the library. I had just turned to say goodbye to Randall when I heard a voice.
"Monica?!?!"
I turned around, and gasped in shock at the sight of the person standing there.
Chapter 48 - The Last Chapter!!
Love Takes Time
Story Page
Back Home
