Chapter Eight: Goodbye

Erik and Lisa returned to the catacombs after Lefevre had given his announcement. They both seemed satisfied with what he was saying.

“Well,” said Lisa, “I hope he’ll be true to his word.”

“I shall make sure he is.”

“Yeah,” she said, raising her hand up to the un-masked portion of his face. He shut his eyes as she ran her hand down his cheek, still relishing in the feel of her touch. He breathed deeply, and took her hand in his.

“Do you really have to leave?” he asked.

Lisa sighed and nodded. “Yeah, I do…but, we’ll meet again. I promise.” She squeezed his hand and pulled him into an embrace. He shuddered and held her tightly.

He suddenly jumped. “What is that?” he asked, pulling away.

“What?” she replied, then felt something warm around her neck. That was where she was keeping the key to her friend’s time machine. She pulled out the chain where the piece of metal was dangling. The key was warm and glowing, signaling the return of her friend. However, he could land anywhere.

She clenched a fist around the key. “He’s coming for me.”

“No…”

“I’m sorry, Erik, I – ” She broke off as a voice sounded in her head.

Lisa? I’m waiting where I dropped you off.

Yeah, okay.

“Lisa…?” Erik prodded.

“Yeah…he’s over at the Louvre, waiting for me.”

Erik was silent for a moment, then grabbed a cloak and hat. “I shall go with you.”

Several minutes later, Erik and Lisa were walking hand-in-hand through town towards the Louvre gallery. Erik had his hat pulled down low over his head and his head bent low to keep everyone’s eyes off of him.

Once inside the building, they made their way to an area with a little alcove. Inside that alcove was a blue box.

“What is this?” Erik asked.

“A time machine. It belongs to my friend. He’s inside.”

Erik tightened his grip on her, unwilling to let go. The door of the box opened and a voice came from inside. “Come along, Lisa. We have to go.”

“Hang on,” she said and turned to Erik. Her hearts gave a pang when she saw his eyes glistening with tears. “Erik…please don’t cry…I can’t stand it.”

“Lisa, please…” he pleaded. “Don’t leave me…or take me with you.”

Out of the question! her friend shouted telepathically to her.

Shut up! she shouted right back, getting annoyed. I know he can’t come with us.

“Erik, if you could come, you know I would. We’ll meet again, I promise. Ask Cesar to bring you to me. He knows how to find me. All animals do.”

“Come along, Lisa,” said her friend once more.

“All right!” she hissed over her shoulder. Sighing, she pulled Erik close and hugged him tight. He was shaking terribly. Hugging her back, unable to stop himself, he began to sob. This, in turn, caused Lisa to start to tear up. “Oh, Erik, please don’t,” she said.

He couldn’t help it. “I just found you…you’re the only person to shoe me true compassion…true…love…”

“I know, Erik.” She pulled away and looked him in the eyes. “I promise we’ll see each other again. Ask Cesar. He’ll bring you to me. Okay? You’ll see.” She wiped the tears from his eyes.

He caught her hand, pulled her close and kissed her. Lisa fully expected for them to become linked right then and there, but there was no pop. It was strange, but maybe he wasn’t really as in love with her as much as he said he was.

She didn’t have time to ponder it, now. Her friend was waiting and he wasn’t going to wait forever. He was growing impatient with the sentiments.

“Don’t forget me…” he begged.

“Never. Don’t you forget me,” she replied. Huh. That sounded familiar.

“Impossible.”

She started to pull away. “ ’Til we meet again, Erik. ’Til we meet again.”

End chapter eight.

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