Robert was awakened in the dark hotel room by Georgie whimpering and moving next to him.  Just as he pulled her into his arms, she cried out, “No!” and then woke with a start, breathing heavily.

“It’s alright.  Your safe with me,” he said quietly into her hair, holding her tight to his chest.

“Oh, Robert,” she gasped, and put her arm around him so she could press herself against him more. 

He shushed her and stroked her hair, trying to soothe her.  Feeling her body trembling with fear, her heart pounding against his chest, made him feel terrible.  He wished she could sleep through the night without the bastard torturing her.  It gave him a small amount of comfort that at least she wouldn’t wake up screaming now that he was with her.  Perhaps one day she’d manage to recover enough she’d be able to beat the nightmares.

Within a few minutes, she relaxed against him with a sigh as her breathing became more normal.  When she went limp in his arms, he concentrated on her steady breathing until he drifted off as well.  He woke again to a room bright with the morning sun.  He was lying on his side pressed against Georgie’s back, his arm around her, his legs bent to follow the curve of her legs. 

He could tell she was still asleep and he stayed still so he wouldn’t disturb her, enjoying the feeling of being close to her.  She was his forever, he thought, his heart swelling with joy.  He felt whole again, like being with her completed him in some way.  When she began to stir, he gave her a gentle squeeze to let her know he was awake and she started to roll towards him while stretching her arms above her head.

“Good morning, Georgie,” he said with a smile.

“Good morning,” she replied happily.  He leaned in to give her a small kiss on her nose and she put her arms around his neck.

“Did ya sleep well last night?” he asked, with a grin and she grinned back at him, remembering their usual morning chat.

“Yes, Robert very well.  And did you sleep well?”

“Never better.  Best sleep of my life, I reckon,” he said, pulling her closer for a hug. 

She snuggled against him with a contented sigh and began rubbing her fingers over his chin, feeling his stubble.  He closed his eyes and breathed her in, reveling in the quiet moment. 

“I wish we could stay like this forever,” she said quietly.

“Yeah, me too,” he said, and tilted her chin up so he could kiss her. 

She slipped her fingers in his hair as she deepened the kiss.  He rolled over on top of her and she moaned softly, letting him know she wanted the same thing he did.  She clutched him to her tighter and began moving under him while their breaths came quicker.  Then the telephone rang loudly, making them jump.  They looked at each other with wide eyes, still panting when it rang again and Robert quickly reached over to the bedside table pick up the receiver.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Robert.  It’s May.”

“Oh, uh, hello,” he said, looking over at Georgie.  She unconsciously pulled the sheet up to cover herself and began blushing in an adorable way, having heard May’s voice. 

“We’re heading down to the lobby for breakfast, and wondered if you wanted to join us.”  Georgie nodded with a smile.

“Yeah, May.  Cheers.  We’ll be down –,” he said as Georgie threw off the covers and got out of bed.

“Where are you going?” he whispered, covering the mouthpiece with his hand while May said good bye to him.

“I have to take a shower, silly,” Georgie said playfully, while backing away from him completely naked and utterly beautiful.

“Wait.  No,” he groaned reaching out to her as she disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.  He hung up the phone and fell back on his pillow with a deep sigh.  “I was going to say we’d be down in a while,” he muttered to himself.

When the two of them were showered and dressed, they rode down the elevator hand in hand.  Every time Robert looked at her, he couldn’t help grinning and she did the same.  Off the lobby there was a large room set up with tables and chairs, and a long counter ran along one wall covered with a selection of simple breakfast foods.  The room was filled with families and couples eating and talking or watching a large flat screen TV that was playing a twenty-four hour news channel. 

When May and Marianne spotted them, they waved them over.  It looked like they’d already eaten and were finishing their coffee.  Each of them had been doing their usual morning reading but when Georgie bid them good morning, May closed her laptop and Marianne folded her newspaper.  They beamed as she gave each of them a hug and kiss.  Then they surprised Robert by getting up and giving him a hug and kiss good morning as well, making him feel slightly embarrassed.

They stood awkwardly while the older women grinned at them, then Marianne urged them to get breakfast.  After looking over what was available, Robert made tea and helped himself to a bowl of cereal.  Georgie got her usual coffee and toasted a bagel. 

When they were settled at the table with the two older women, Marianne said, “It’s wonderful to see you looking so happy, Georgie.”

“It’s wonderful to see both of you looking happy,” May added. 

Robert felt even more embarrassed to be the center of attention.  He glanced at Georgie and she smiled shyly at him, before dropping her eyes to the bagel she was spreading with cream cheese, letting him know she felt the same way.

“Well, I just wanted to say,” May continued heartily.  “Robert, you’re welcome to stay with us for as long as you need until you get settled.”  He looked up at her with surprise, then looked at Georgie.  She looked surprised as well and then worried.

“Uh, May?  We decided we’re going to live in England,” Georgie said quietly.  “So Robert can start school this fall.” 

“Oh.  I thought – I mean, that’s – nice,” May stuttered.  

She managed a small smile but Robert could see how troubled she was and he suddenly felt terrible.  During his time in Chicago, it was apparent how much Georgie still struggled to cope.  Of course May would be worried how she’d fare once she was living with him again, especially after how badly things had turned out the first time.

“May, I want you to know I’m going to take care of Georgie properly,” he said firmly.  “I’m going to help her find a therapist and we’ll be going together as well – as a couple.”

“Oh, well.  I’m – glad,” May said, not sounding entirely convinced and picked up her coffee cup, he suspected so she wouldn’t have to look at him, making him feel even worse.  Then Georgie reached out and took May’s hand.

“I know it’s going to be hard when I leave,” she said gently, beginning to tear up and May looked at her with watery eyes.  “But it’s not like last time.  We’ll be in touch every day.” 

“But what about your education?” May asked plaintively.  “What are you going to do about your G.E.D.?”

“Robert’s going to help me with that too.” 

“I’m sorry I’m acting like this,” May said wiping her eyes with a napkin.  “It’s just – I’ve only had you back for a little while.”

“I know,” Georgie said gently.  “I’ll still be a part of your life.”  Georgie took Marianne’s hand with her other hand.  “You’re my family.  Nothing is going to change that,” Georgie said, looking at both of them.  All three of them were fighting tears now and Robert struggled to keep his emotions under control.  “I’ll be back to visit as much as I can and – you can visit us in England.”

“Yes, you should definitely come,” Robert added emphatically.  “I know my parents would love to have you stay with them – and we’re not that far from London.  We can show you around.”

“See?” Georgie said with a smile.  “It won’t be that bad.  I promise.”

“Okay,” May said with a wobbly smile and wiping her eyes again.  To Robert’s relief, she seemed convinced.  After a moment of awkward silence, Marianne quickly changed the subject, reminiscing about what it had been like to visit the Falls with her family as a child.

As soon as they were finished eating, the four of them left the hotel and started walking down the hill towards the Falls.  Robert took Georgie’s hand in his and when she smiled at him with her face glowing, he felt deliriously happy.  The late morning sun shone in a deep blue sky, the attractions and shops they walked past seemed especially colorful, and Georgie looked beautiful as she walked beside him.  She beamed at him when she noticed him watching her, letting him know she was just as happy as he was.

When they reached the pavement that ran along the Falls, Robert put his arm around Georgie’s waist, keeping her close while they walked slowly.  It didn’t matter that they’d been there the day before, he could look at the spectacular view forever and never tire of it.  May and Marianne walked ahead of them arm in arm, sharing their own intimate moment.  When they paused, Georgie turned towards him and put her arms around him, leaning against him with a satisfied sigh.  They held each other until the two older women moved on and he reluctantly let go so they could follow. 

After they’d walked a bit, May and Marianne suggested they ride the tourist boat to the base of Horseshoe Falls and Georgie excitedly agreed.  While they waited in the queue, they stayed close to each other and held hands, never wanting to break the physical contact.  Just before they got on the boat, the Maid of the Mist, they donned blue disposable rain slickers with hoods that more closely resembled large bin bags with holes for their arms and head.  Georgie couldn’t stop laughing at how ridiculous they looked in them.

It was even more impressive to be riding through the churning water so close to the Falls.  Once the boat reached their destination, it remained stationary so everyone could get a good look, but it was impossible.  There was so much mist being thrown in the air by the tons of falling water that keeping his eyes open was impossible, but Robert didn’t care.  It was just another excuse for him and Georgie to cuddle, even if they had to do it wearing their ridiculous blue bin bags. 

Over the next several hours as they visited different attractions, Robert noticed Georgie was particularly attentive to the two older women, quickly agreeing to whatever activities they suggested and periodically asking if they needed to rest.  He knew she wanted to make sure May and Marianne didn’t overexert themselves too much trying to keep up with them, but he also suspected part of it had to do with the conversation they’d had at breakfast.  It had no doubt made Georgie acutely aware her time with them was limited. 

The women decided they wanted an early dinner and Robert was happy to agree.  It would mean he and Georgie could retire to their hotel room early, an extremely appealing idea.  They ate at the Skylon Tower, a restaurant almost 80 stories high with a slowly revolving dining room.  Over the course of their meal, they got a fantastic view of the Falls as well as the distant skyscrapers of the city of Toronto.  

“When is your flight on Thursday, Robert?” May asked when they were served their dessert.

“Uh, it’s at 11 a.m.,” he said, surprised by the sudden question.

“Oh, not that early then.”

“Uh, no, it isn’t,” he said, dropping his eyes to his plate as he suddenly felt awful. 

He didn’t want to leave, not without Georgie, but it wasn’t like he had a choice.  She couldn’t leave so soon.  She would need time to prepare for the permanent move to England.  He knew he should feel grateful.  The fact that she was joining him at all was a far better outcome than any he could’ve hoped for. 

But the truth was he had things he had to take care of too.  For one, he had a job to get back to.  He was determined to make as much money as possible before autumn and the school year started so he wouldn’t be as much of a burden to his parents.  He had to choose a university as well as finding out what options Georgie had to pursue her education.  Another priority was to find a therapist before she arrived so they could start sessions as soon as possible.  After how badly he’d screwed everything up with her the first time round, he was determined to do everything differently this time. 

“We’ll want an early start tomorrow so we should plan to eat breakfast as soon as they open the room,” May continued, interrupting his thoughts.

“Alright,” he said to his plate at the same time Georgie said a quiet, “Okay.” 

When they exited the restaurant, Robert was ready to follow the women back to the hotel when Georgie spoke up.

“I want to go back to look at the Falls, Robert.  I mean – it’s our last time,” she finished quietly. 

“Alright,” he quickly agreed, somewhat reluctantly. 

“Try not to stay up too late,” May said.

“We won’t,” she replied, after giving each of them a hug and kiss.

Once the women were on their way, they turned for one last walk down the hill.  When they stopped at Horseshoe Falls, she leaned into him and held him tight but instead of watching the water, she buried her face in his neck.  He rubbed her back, feeling the tension in her body.  After several minutes, she still seemed tense with her face in his neck, and he started to get concerned. 

“What’s wrong, Georgie?” he asked quietly, and she pulled away from him looking grim.

“I wish I was going with you.  It feels like –.”  She stopped and sighed deeply as she looked away.  Now he understood.  She was feeling exactly what he was feeling.

“Like what,” he prodded when she didn’t continue.

“I don’t know,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.  “Like this is – the end.”

“You know that’s not the case,” he said firmly.  “You’ll be coming to join me.”

“I know.  It’s stupid,” she muttered, still not looking at him.

He hated hearing her talk about herself like that, and he was about to say it when he hesitated.  They’d had this conversation enough times in the past it had become a pattern.  Saying it again would simply be slipping back into how he’d always dealt with her, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.  Now was the time to start doing things differently.   

“Maybe –,” he said, trying to think of something.  “Maybe you should buy your plane ticket before I leave.”

“What?” she asked, looking startled.

“If you get your ticket before I leave, then it won’t be the end, will it?  You’ll know exactly how many days before you see me again.”  He was relieved when her face lit up with the most beautiful smile.

“That’s a great idea!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.  “Let’s do it right now,” she said when she released him.

“Right this minute?” he asked, laughing.

“Yes!  We can borrow May’s laptop.  Please?” she pleaded, practically jumping. 

“Of course!” he agreed happily.  Now that it included getting her alone in the hotel room, it sounded like a very good idea indeed.

While they walked up the hill as quickly as they could, he felt a sense of pride.  He realized he’d broken the pattern and been able to turn the situation around.  Now instead of Georgie feeling badly about herself, he’d refocused her attention.  They borrowed May’s laptop along with instructions for how to access the wireless internet.  Once they logged on and found the website for the same airline he was using, he suggested she start by looking for a flight two weeks after his.

“What?” Georgie asked. 

“The prices will be more expensive if you make it any sooner,” he explained.

“No, Robert!  I can’t wait that long,” she said, blinking hard.  Seeing the pain in her eyes was too much.  He’d seen enough of it to last a lifetime.

“If you think it’s too long, then it’s too long,” he said firmly.  “How long do you think you need to prepare.  You’ll probably want to pack some things and have them shipped, yeah?  Maybe there’s other things you’ll need to do.”

She looked at him intently while she thought, then said, “One week.”  He was dismayed.  That was going to be an expensive ticket.

“Are you certain?”

“Yes,” she said firmly, her eyes letting him know she meant it. 

“Alright.” 

While he helped her purchase the ticket, he felt lighter, as if a burden had been lifted off him.  He realized in that moment that he’d needed this as much as Georgie.  Now when he thought of leaving in two days, the pain and sadness he’d felt before was much lessened.  While Georgie returned May’s laptop, Robert set the alarm on the clock radio to wake them early.  As soon as she returned, Robert didn’t waste another moment getting them settled in bed, snuggling with her under the covers.

“I’ve been waiting all day for this moment,” he said, smiling at her.

“Oh, Robert,” she laughed, before she slipped her fingers in his hair to pull him down for a kiss.

The next morning, the alarm clock rudely awakened them out of a sound sleep.  Robert reached over and slapped it hard with his hand to shut it up, then rolled back towards Georgie to resume holding her.  She snuggled against him with a contented sigh and he stroked her hair, enjoying a few stolen moments of closeness. 

When she started to pull away, saying, “We really should get up,” he released her even though he didn’t want to.

“Yeah, I reckon you’re right,” he said, feeling disappointed when she pulled off the covers, exposing her beautiful body to him.  At least he had one more night with her before he left, he thought, trying to console himself, but it didn’t help much.

As soon as they were dressed, they went down for breakfast, arriving just as the double doors to the room were being opened.  May and Marianne were there already, looking cheerful and wide awake along with a few other elderly early risers.  He and Georgie immediately went to fix their usual morning hot drinks to help them wake up. 

Once everyone was settled at the table, they talked about the drive home and how much fun they’d had on the trip.  As soon as the older women were done eating they left to pack their bags and encouraged Robert and Georgie to finish as quickly as possible, eager for an early start to their eight hour drive home.

It didn’t take the two of them long to finish and they gathered the remains of their meal on a tray.  Georgie wanted to get a cup of coffee to go and Robert took their rubbish to the bin.  He waited for her at the entrance to the room, thinking about how beautiful she looked as she walked towards him. 

After all the months of pain and sadness, it was wonderful to see her face relaxed and glowing, her vivid blue eyes full of happiness as she smiled at him.  Then he glanced over her shoulder and it suddenly felt like the walls of the room were closing in on him as steely deep set eyes blazing with anger met his. 

Oh, God.  It’s him, he thought with horror as he struggled to get oxygen in his lungs. 

It was the fucking bastard. 

****

At last, Robert and Georgie get their happily ever after and then . . .  

What do you think is going to happen next?  I’m dying to hear your theories so please let me know.  I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you did, please consider voting for it.

Dedicated to @Maya_2011  I am thoroughly enjoying her wonderfully well written story, Vengeance Upturned, about a troubled young woman struggling with herself while on a quest to seek out and kill the men who murdered her brother.  Oh, and it's got some romance too.  ;)  LOL