Heartbreak Hotel

Posted on Sun Feb 17th, 2019 @ 6:20pm by Ensign Connor Turner & Candy Templeton
Edited on on Mon Mar 11th, 2019 @ 2:27pm

853 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Mission 2: Into The Breach
Location: Candy's Quarters
Timeline: MD05 - 1230

Candy and Connor watched as Cat left them to their own devices. Candy sat back down on the bed and patted the space next to her, instructing Connor to sit, which he did after some hesitation.

He started, "Hol, er, Candy, I really have no idea what to do or say. Part of me wants to take you into my arms and kiss you like there is no tomorrow. Another part of me is so angry that I don't know what to do. I've waited for you for two years, Hol, Candy. And now, you're telling me that everything I knew about you is a lie."

"Not everything, Connor. I loved you. I still do. It is why I had to leave."

"That makes absolutely no sense!" Connor shrieked. "None at all!"

Candy took Connor's hands and placed them in hers. Her brown eyes were like deep unescapable pools of liquid, as she met Connor's eyes. "I'm a reporter, Connor. My life is about finding the stories. I dig to find the truth. You're an engineer and to stay with you, I would have to give up my job unless I wanted to report news that was about as interesting as the weather. There's nothing on Earth but the United Federation of Planets. I could not chase down Ambassadors for stories without going to their homeworlds. You're an engineer. Everything has its place. How could I live that life with you, Connor? I had already stayed six months past my assignment. I was getting passed over. I had stayed for you, Boo. I love you."

"I love you, too, but, but.... I don't know how to handle this. What would you do in my situation, Hol, er, Candy?"

"I don't know," Candy admitted. "Then again, there is probably more to tell before you make any sort of decision." She tightened her grip on Connor's hands. "And you should know the full truth before you make any decisions." Her voice faltered and her lips quivered as she started. "I...I told you that I will dig to find the truth. I'll do anything. I mean anything, Boo."

Connor's eyes grew wide, understanding what Candy meant. He tried to pull his hands away, but Candy kept them tight. "Why, Hol, Candy? Why?! I've been true to you all this time."

"I told you why, Connor." Her eyes found their hands. "I'm not proud of it, if that helps. Of course, I never thought I would see you again, either." She looked back into Connor's eyes, her eyes getting as large as an anime character, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "I never wanted to hurt you. I'm so, so sorry, Connor."

Connor looked away. "I'm so torn," he admitted. "A half an hour ago, I would have done anything to just be with you and now...."

"If you would have given anything to be with me, then be with me, Connor. You have no idea how badly I would love to be with you."

"Not as bad that you had to shag someone for a story," he countered angrily, pulling his hands away and standing up. "I was going to propose to you, you know? But now I know why you never wanted to meet my parents."

Candy gasped. She never considered that as an option in her life. "Connor..." she started before the tears stole away her voice.

Reflexively, Connor turned and brushed away some tears from Candy's face. "I need some time. I need some air. I don't know what I need but I know if I stay here...." He choked up.

"When will I hear from you?" Candy pleaded.

"I...I'm...I'm not sure, Candy," he said, for the first time saying her real name first. "I just know if I look at you, I will forget everything and right now.... Right now I don't know that I should or could. I need to think without you." He took several steps towards the door.

Candy's tears flowed freely now. "I wish I could express how sorry...."

"I know," Connor countered. "I just don't know if it is enough."

Despite the tears, Candy told Connor, "I'm proud of you."

"What?" Connor asked, surprised.

"I'm proud of you," she replied through tears. "Standing up to me. Leaving Earth. You've come a long way. I don't blame you, Connor. I don't think I would give me a chance either, were the positions reversed."

Connor stopped and stared at Candy, wanting to take her into his arms and make everything better. He had stood his ground, however. He did not know what to do. So, he remained frozen.

"Go," she told Connor. "I will wait this time," Candy said sniffing, her mascara starting to run.

Now, being told to go, Connor could not decide whether to follow Candy's instruction and his initial instinct or to stay. He took a step forward towards Candy bringing a little light to her eyes. He then firmed his resolve and turned on his heels. Without another word, he left, leaving Candy sad and proud, her tears flowing freely.

 

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