Page 139 of The Other Side

Too damn much.

“I know that’s what you’re gonna do! And I swear, if that’s the way it’s gonna be on the other side, don’t ever think we’re gonna have a relationship past these goddamn pine trees! Ever!”

“I know you better than you know yourself, Callie.” My eyes connect with the solemn tint in Brant’s eyes. “Who’s to say you won’t make the same decision, huh?”

His voice is tattered with torment. Fear and desperation swirl through his tone, and the sound strangles my soul.

“You need to trust me, Brant,” I whisper.

“He’s what you always wanted, Cal,” he says. “You always desired the shinier things. Everything that was the complete opposite of what you had.” Brant’s head dips as he waves a hand over the length of him. “He’s the complete opposite of me.” His stare lands on mine again, his throat pushing through a knot. “Those are the two sides. The only problem is I know which one you want more.”

A quiet breath rolls from my parted lips. The pieces of my heart flake as I sprint my gaze along his tense face.

“Do you have everything you ever wanted, Callie?” His question tilts every dream I ever had on its side. “It’s ironic, isn’t it?” he adds, searching each contour of my face. “Out of everything I’ve been given in the last ten years, none of it compares to what I was granted on the other side.”

The other side.

A tear settles in the pocket of my eye, and his head gently wags.

“You add everything up on this side, and it still doesn’t equate to what we had over there.”

We’re parked in place, our breathing falling in sync. Our hearts beat in a staggered melody—a discordant motion when I realize how much our perceptions have drifted apart since we were kids.

I’m an inch away from him, but our wings detach anyway.

“Goddammit, I’ve tried to find a love like that here. I swear, I have,” he breathes, straightening up. “It doesn’t work.” Then he’s pivoting to snatch a piece of paper off the butcher block counter. When he returns to me, he’s dangling the sheet between us. “For what it’s worth. If you have the time to swing by.”

That’s all he says before dropping it in my hand and walking off.

Kids believe in everything. They believe in Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and a lot of other magical concepts. Like the fact that they’re invincible. Too powerful to be defeated by any outside threat. Then when those children grow up, they become more aware of their surroundings. They feel less indestructible as they transition into adulthood.

But for me?

Brant reversed the spell.

If you asked me back then, I’d tell you dreams are just dreams. They’re imaginary. Impossible to manifest to life.

If you asked me now, I’d tell you they’re one wish away from being real. Because I’ve seen the impossible happen against all odds.

Since we were eight years old, our worlds were crafted together every step of the way. Until we made our way out of Willowhart. The pieces of our lives were sewn together so that our armor was thicker. Because of that, we stood a chance.

I finally look down, flipping the piece of paper in my hands before reading the printed side.

Mr. Beckett,

We would like to congratulate you on your recent nomination for Long Island’s Thirty Under Thirty Class of 2019. The Thirty Under Thirty awards honor young professionals who are dedicated to their work and versatile in many areas. We hope that you will join us for a formal dinner at The Larkwood Manor to accept your award and recognition. Specific details for the event can be found below:

The Larkwood Manor

May 28th from six o’clock to ten o’clock in the evening

Cocktail Hour

Please RSVP by May 23rd

Sincerely,

Chamber of Members of Woodbury