Chapter 50: Chapter 50

2 months later...

She folds the last dress and puts it on top of her suitcase with the rest of her clothes . With a heavy but happy heart, she zips the suitcase close and dropped it on the floor.

Looking around the room, Alice didn't want to leave but it's what she decided because that’s what’s best for her. She doesn't belong here. She doesn't belong in the outside world. She belongs with her family and her kind—even if it meant she'll never get a mate. She'd rather be with her family and friends. She's safer there.

She slides open the door and stepped out to the balcony. The rain had stopped and what's left of it was the cold breeze and the smell of rain. She smiled, inhaling the scent—she loves the smell of rain.

She took steps towards the ledge and grabbed it as she looked down the street. She could spot the coffee shop. Her smile fades because she didn't even tell Ryan she was leaving. She couldn't find the bravery to tell him ever since they talked things through and they were in good terms.

She knew he wouldn't like the news and he'd be more disappointed if she leaves without telling him goodbye.

Today was a Wednesday and she should be at work—he had dropped a couple of texts and phone calls but she didn't respond to him. She actually thought of leaving without saying anything but it wouldn't be fair to him.

Brooke knew she was leaving but she didn't know she wasn't coming back. She might come for holidays or just to visit but she has the answers to her questions and curiosity.

"Hey."

She turned around to see Max standing by the doorway. She smiled at him, "hey." She observed his fit and he was obviously ready to hit the airport.

"Ready?" He asked her as he approached her. She took a deep breath and nodded. Her eyes were getting watery for no reason.

"Never thought it would be this hard," she said and chuckled anxiously. It feels like she's leaving home all over again.

"You're always welcome whenever you're looking for a hiding spot." He extend his arms and she went in.

She never thought she'd get affected by this place but it really feels like she's leaving her home again. She feels safe here—Max made it safe for her.

"You'll be fine," he assured her, stroking her back.

A short moment later, she moves back, wiping the rest of the tears off her cheeks. "I ruined your shirt... again."

He looked down and laughed. "It's fine." He waved it off and guided her out.

Max locked his apartment door just as the elevator dinged open. They looked at it and Ryan walked out.

She could see the fear and dejection in his face from afar when he saw the suitcases standing in the hallway.

As he approached them, his heart raced, like a runaway train, going faster and faster.

Max looked at her to see if she was okay with it. "I'll meet you in the lobby," she said, patting his back. Max nodded and grabbed two of the suitcases to take downstairs. He told her he'd send someone to get the rest before he made his way to the elevator.

Ryan had his eyes on her the whole time while he impatiently waited to hear what she has to say. "You're leaving?" He asked immediately when she looked at him.

She gave him a smile that didn't reach her eyes. It's obvious that she's sad about it also but leaving is the best choice she'd ever made in her life. She doesn't belong here even though New York feels like home. Well, the people she met here made it feels like home.

"Max's mom is getting married in a couple of weeks," she said, shoving her hands in her jacket pocket.

He shakes his head and she knew it meant that he doesn't believe it. "You're not coming back, are you?"

Ryan has a problem of denial and attachment issues. He's clingy and needy—it's better that she kept things simple between them.

"I told you I wasn't staying here forever. I don't belong here," she said simply. She was staring at the elevator, hoping someone would come get the rest of her suitcases and she'd follow them.

"But..." his words falter as he looked down at the rest of her suitcases. "Will I ever see you again?"

She looks at him with a straight face. She wasn't about to make him any promises. She doesn't think she owes him one. He's Ryan and he's just someone she knows as her neighbor and boss. That would never change.

The only thing that changes now is he's no longer her neighbor. Or he's no longer her neighbor and her boss. And she can't see herself calling him her friend because he still flirts with her and brings her flowers. She doesn't like that he buys her stuff especially the flowers.

"I don't know..." she sighs, running her warm fingers down her face. She clench on her neck to suppress the intense lump that was clogging her throat.

"Look, I should just go, Ryan. I'll see... some other time." She makes way to the elevator but he grabs her wrist gently and pulled her back to where she was standing.

"Don't forget about me... please."

She searches his eyes and they held nothing but innocence and sincerity. Maybe she could make him that one promise. Of course, she would because Ryan is one of the people that made her fall in love with New York. He's the reason why she met Brooke and he's the reason why she started loving coffee.

"Call me whenever you need someone to talk to," she said and stood on her toes to kiss his cheek.

She gave him one last smile and one last look before she walked away and he didn't stop her. She was a bit relieved that he didn't stop her again.

The elevator opens and a guy in jumpsuit appears. "Alice," he said, offering a smile to her. She smiled back. "Hey." She had met him a couple of times before and he's one of the building's cleaner.

"Hold the door for me?" He rushed to get the remainders of her suitcase before meeting her by the elevator. She pushed the floor button, Ryan stare surging in the back of her neck.

It felt like the doors took forever to open. When it did, she hurriedly entered but didn't turn because she doesn't want to make eye contact with him.

She sighs and turned around when the door finally closed and they were gliding down.

Max was talking with Ben when they reached the ground floor.

When Ben smiled at her, she felt the urge to tear up as her emotions filled the entire room. "Oh Ben," she said, tilting her head and pursing her lips.

"I know kid, I'll miss you too." He patted her back.

They head out of the building together with Ben and he bid them farewell.

Alice took a huge breath and buckled her seatbelt.

"Ready?"

She looks at Max and beamed before she nodded her head.

It's going to happen even if she wasn't ready. They're still leaving even if she doesn't want to. It's a little too late to step back.