For The Last Time

"I am done."

"What?"

"Walter," she says, her voice sounding silky. I know she wants something, but what? A reaction, maybe. "We are over."

"What do you mean, over?" I say, feigning ignorance.

"I mean, this is the last time you are going to see me."

"Where are you going?"

"Nowhere. But I won't be, you know, seeing you anymore."

"Seeing me?"

"Dating you, you idiot!"

"What?"

"You. And. I. Are. No. Longer. Dating."

"What?"

"I'm breaking up with you! For the last time!"

"What do you want, Jessie? A reaction?"

"I'm serious!" Her voice falters for an instant, only an instant, but it's enough to prove her guilty.

"Seriously. What do you want?" She pauses, realizes the game is up. Her face turns dark with seduction. Her goal has changed.

"What do you think I want? You, dummy." I stare at her, as if uncomprehending, waiting for her to reveal her trump card and give up the pointless chase. I am no longer running after the goal. I'm standing stock still. So when will she turn around and tell me the truth?

"Seriously, Jessie? You think I'm stupid enough to fall for your games a third time? Just tell me what you want and I'll leave." Her face turn desperate.

"NO! No, you can't leave!"

"Uh... okay? So what do you want?" She's silent, all facade gone, and she seems to be speechless. I've rendered her speechless, and I take a small amount of pride in that."Jessie...?" Suddenly, she begins to choke.

"Walter! Walter, he-" She cuts off mid-help and sits up straight.

"Sorry," she says. "I must have swallowed weird."

"What do you want?"

"Oh Walter, poor, poor Walter. All along, there's only one thing I want." She looks at me expectantly. "Your death." And then she lunges.