Page 106 of Reluctant Chemistry

“Positive. Now, let’s go to bed.”

“But we haven’t had any dinner. Well, only those horrible falafel wraps at the hospital.”

He laughed. “Okay. I’ll pop some bread in the toaster while you peel and slice the bananas.”

She leaned forward and whispered, “Have I ever told you you’re sexy as fuck, my ex-teacher?”

Luka picked her up, tossed her over his shoulder, and carried her through to the bedroom. “No. Never.”

“Put me down.” She giggled. “What about our toast?”

“It can wait.”

Epilogue

Dearest Anna,

Sorry it’s been so long. Life’s been crazy here on earth-side, so I have a lot to tell you. I went to the river yesterday and found the largest, flattest rock I could carry. I hope it’s big enough for all the words I’ve been saving for you. I might have to fill both sides.

Luka and I are officially a couple after exchanging key rings on Christmas Eve. I gave him a key to the Kombi, and he gave me one to his house. He set me free, and I came back to him. I’m so happy I did. It’s been six months now, and each day we find out new things about one another. He calls me his sexy as f@#k ex-girlfriend when we’re alone, but I still like Hot Chopper Guy for him.

I moved in with him between Christmas and New Year. It’s a neat place to live. Spacious and light and restful, and I feel at peace here. Luka’s even putting in a tennis court for when I get the strength back in my shoulder. He wants me to teach him how to play.

If someone asked me to describe the feeling of my new home, I could sum it up in one word: serene. Just like that little church at Koro Bay when we spent the weekend with your uncle’s family.

What a great trip that was. Remember that Sia song, ‘Chandelier,’ we sang on the way? Whenever I hear it—even now—I think of you and that trip. Over the past few months, Luka and I have been on two road trips to Sandwater Bay. Not only is it our special place, but it’s also where I feel especially close to you.

Travis got married. Did you know that? His wife is lovely, and while he’s still a bit of a jerk, I’m pleased for him. They have a café and make amazing vegan treats out of chickpeas and tahini and pulled ‘pork’ sliders using banana skins (I kid you not). You’d love it.

Molly’s relationships continue to go from good to really awful in the space of a long blink. She meets guys at gigs and falls head over heels. But they never last. It’s sad for her because I know how much she wants to settle down and have kids. That might sound old-fashioned, but it’s not a bad thing.

Speaking of kids, Mitch and Tayla welcomed a baby girl on Christmas Eve. Her name is Storm Ivy Harrington, and she’s just beautiful as you can imagine. Liz is pregnant again with a baby boy and due in the Northern autumn. She and Ally still live in London. I miss them terribly, but the chances of either of my sisters ever living in New Zealand again are slim to none.

And do you remember Levi Hokianga, that little shit of a kid that lived next door to the orchard and always got detentions? Anyway, he’s in law school now. Who would have thought that one up? He’s turned out to be a really neat guy. Then again, I always did have a soft spot for him.

So, life is good. I love my Chopper Guy, the Kombi is all shiny and new, and my family’s well. Also, I started a new business—my own range of organic skincare. It’s called Botanical Ce. It’s been so much work, and some days in the beginning, I wondered what I’d gotten myself into, but now sales are growing so rapidly, I can hardly keep up.

My one wish is that you could be here to share in my happiness and volley a few tennis balls back and forth. I miss you so much, Anna. Every single day.

I have to sign off now before I start blubbering. We’re going up to the falls for a picnic in the Kombi later, and I will throw this into the veil. Promise me you’ll catch it.

All my love,

C. xoxo

The End