David sat up on the bed, breathing heavily, sweat beading on his forehead. He'd had the same dream, almost every day, since he'd left New York. He wiped at the sweat. Tonight he would at least be able to try and see Alyssa; he only hoped that there was a chance that she would forgive him. As his breathing slowed, he realized that he could still smell Alyssa's scent. He froze as his hearing picked up the distinct sound of her footsteps. Moving quickly, he got off the bed, out the bedroom door and stopped at the head of the stairs.
Alyssa considered going up to the bedroom, but somehow couldn't face the emptiness of that particular room. Instead, she made her way to the fireplace and lit it to take the chill from the room. She looked around, unsure of just where to start searching for information. Leaning against the mantle, she whispered, "Where, David? Where are you and how do I find you?"
She hugged herself. "I know we said that we would only be friends, and I tried to not fall in love, but I couldn't help it. I know that I'm not beautiful, and I never expected you to return my feelings." Alyssa said to the air. "In that letter you left for me, you made it clear that we were only friends, or at least you only thought of me that way. But, I loved you then, and I still do." Her voice dropped on the last words to a bare whisper. She didn't know why she was talking aloud, but she just felt as if she had to. She shut her eyes; it almost seemed like she could feel David looking at her.
David felt the knot in his chest ease as he heard Alyssa's words. He couldn't take his eyes from her. She was even more beautiful than in his dreams. He shook his head as he heard her say she wasn't. Silently, he went down the stairs and approached her. He stopped about three feet from her. "To me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world."
Alyssa whirled around. For an instant she wasn't sure if the pale form before her was real or just her imagination. "David?" she questioned. As he took a step closer the light from the fire behind her splashed across his features. "David!" She blushed as she realized he'd heard what she'd said.
David closed the space between them. He brushed a loose strand of hair from her face and allowed his hand to linger in a tender caress. "Alyssa, I've made many mistakes in my life, but never one as bad as leaving you." he said, tears filling his eyes. "I've missed you every minute since that night. You've haunted my dreams and my waking hours. Please, Alyssa, try and find it in your heart to forgive me for being a fool?" He lifted her hand to his lips.
Alyssa could feel her legs trembling. She looked into David's face and felt her heart well up with emotion. "I forgive you, David,β she murmured.