It was a couple minutes before Kalia could make her way back up into the cozy room that made up Darin's living space. She was standing awkwardly on one foot by the bed when she finally pulled her eyes to read the words on the page.

To Whom it may Concern,

Kalia Dalton(known to you as Lia from what we've heard) has been residing at St.Bobbits Academy. She in fact not an orphan and has foolishly ran from her civic duties by running off. We are sorry for your time and expenses and will see that you are thoroughly compensated for. We will be picking her up next week for her wedding was rescheduled 14 days from now.

Elenor Dalton

A tear spilled down her stricken pale face and she gasped for a breath and sat heavily on the bed. Her eyes raked over the page even as it fell from her hands and glided towards Darin before resting on the floor between them
Her eyes were cast on her hands still as she continued to take in shuddering breaths.

*GASP*

Darin eyes grew concerned as her expression changed, an the tear slid down her cheek. He watched the letter fall to the floor, and deftly picked it up as he sat beside her on the bed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Quickly, he read the note, his brows drawing together as he did so.

She let his wrap an arm around her but she was too shocked for move and kept staring at the window, silent tears trailing down her face as gasping breaths attacked her body.
"I'm going to be married in 14 days..."

Darin just nodded and wrapped his other arm around her, holding her close to his chest and burying his face in her hair. He just got her back, he didn't want to lose her.

And with both arms around her, Kalia finally broke down into loud choking sobs as her arms finally came to her and she clung to him. Her face pressed to his face as tears ran rivers down her face.

Darin held her tightly, rocking her back and forth as she cried. He again cursed the fact that he was mute. He couldn't do anything to help her, couldn't whisper soft words saying it would be all right, even if it wouldn't.

"Oh Darin..." she sobbed "What am I ever going to do?" Kalia knew he couldn't give her and answer and she didn't expect one but she couldn't help but ask. "I can't marry Coleman....I just can't!"

Darin just sighed and looked at him with solemn blue eyes that looked brighter than usual. He couldn't do anything, he knew. Her parents would come in a week's time and she would leave, and that would be the end of it.

Looking up at him with wet blurry eyes she raised her lips and pressed them to his, her tears streaming down his cheeks. The kiss was too rough, too emotional and Kalia broke the kiss with a heart wrenching sob "i'm sorry...." she squeaked as she rested her head on his shoulder "I'm so so sorry...." her body shook with uncontrollable sobs