Our whole journey out to LaGuardia was eerily quiet. We didn't really talk. It was awkward. We both knew we might not see each other for a very long time, maybe even forever. She was worried about airport security and catching her flight on time. I didn't want her leaving, wanted to start over, patch things up--but things were out of my hands. Then Aaliyah said, "Bob, I really appreciate you dropping me off. I wouldn't have let just anyone do it. I'm sorry I lost it for a moment back home."

"Oh, don't worry about it. Traveling is stressful. I understand," I'm out of words when I need them most. "It's not that," she retorted, "I was hoping we'd get a bit more time." But time ran out, and we were beyond the point of return. I knew there was no reset button on this one. We got into the airport and I helped her with her suitcases. I turned back and she jumped and hugged me, teary-eyed. She gave me a kiss on my cheek and said, "Thank you... for everything."