Page 134 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“Did ya win the lottery?”

“Lottery? What’s that?”

Justin glanced at Travis, who shrugged. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Not likely,” Travis said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t know what it was.”

“What is it?” she asked.

Travis shook his head. “Nothing important.”

Justin studied her for a long moment, then shook his head. “So, why’re you so happy?” He laughed. “You got a new boyfriend. That must be it.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” she muttered, and turned away to stretch.

Travis sighed. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”

Justin looked confused.

“Her lover.” Travis rolled his eyes. “Asshole.”

Anna spun back around to stare at Travis, her heart pounding in her chest in fear for him. “Please don’t say such things.” She shook her head, hating the tears that filled her eyes. “Please. You’re the only one I have left. You and Jenna.”

Travis frowned and gave a sharp nod and started to stretch, muttering under his breath.

The room was dark, but she knew exactly where she was. She knew his scent, even after all these years. The door stood ajar and a sliver of light crept into the room, allowing her to discern a vague shape on the bed.

She smiled at his sleeping form. She wanted nothing more than to run her fingers through his hair. But...

Hadn’t she had a dream where they could touch? She carefully sat down on his bed and reached out to touch him, but his hand snaked out and grabbed her wrist.

“Oh!” His grip was firm and warm.

His eyes snapped open and he looked just as surprised as she felt. “Anna?” He sat up, not letting go of her wrist.

She stared at his hand and then looked into his face. He was also staring at his hand, and then he slowly brought her hand to his cheek.

“Alex...” Her palm grazed his beard. It was scratchy, but she didn’t care. She didn’t care that the dreams weren’t real anymore. His phantom touch was better than anything in real life.

He released her wrist and tangled his hand in her hair, as he had last time, and pressed his lips to hers. They were the same lips she had kissed so many times, only now they were surrounded by tickling hairs. If the kiss hadn’t been so desperate, she would have giggled at the sensation. As it was, all she could think of was his lips against hers, his hand in her hair, her hand on his face.

“I love you, Anna.” She could hear the desperation in his voice.

“I love you, Alex,” Anna whispered with the same level of desperation.

They gazed into each other’s eyes, their foreheads resting against each other. He looked like he wanted to say something, but hesitated.

“What is it?”

“I will be free soon. I will come for you.”

Anna leaned away. “Why do you say such things?” Tears filled her eyes. “You’ll never return, Alex, and I’m okay with that now... I think.” She didn’t feel so okay with that at the moment, though. She shook her head. “I miss you,” she added in a whisper.

He grimaced and closed his eyes for a moment. “You’re right, Schatzi. I shouldn’t say such things. I’m sorry.”

A pain seared her head, and she grabbed it and bent over.

“You need to go, Anna. Dream of me again.”

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