Page 46 of Part of Forever
He leads me to the backyard, toward Kenny and Micah’s clubhouse. It used to be their dad’s shed until he converted it into a space for them to be loud and crazy—outside of the house. I shiver in the cool ocean breeze as he pulls me inside.
It looks nothing like it did the last time I saw it, when it was covered with toy trucks and beanbag chairs. Now there’s fairy lights all around the floor and a pile of blankets made into a makeshift bed in one corner. His guitar is resting on the ground next to it.
“I thought tonight would be a good night to share an original with you.” He leads me to the pile of blankets and we both sit. He runs his hand through his hair, the way he does when he gets nervous.
“I wrote this song right after the Fourth of July last year, when you left for Paris,” he says, and I hear the unsaid meaning in his words, when he thought that all of this was going to happen back then. “I was missing you a lot, and at the time, I thought we were going to be together when you got back. Life didn’t work out that way, but I’m glad you’re mine now. It’s not quite finished, but I’ve got some of the lyrics done.”
I smile. We’ve been able to move on from the past. We’re together now. “I don’t think anyone has ever written me a song before.”
He gives me a shy smile. “This one’s for you, darlin’.” He winks, and then he closes his eyes and starts to play.
We’ve been young and reckless
With you standin’ in that dress
Everything’s been all a mess
But now you’re mine
Took forever for us to come ’round
Scared of taking chances, puttin’
Our hearts on the line
But now you’re mine
I’m grinning like a fool by the time he’s finished. “Wow!”
He ducks his head like he’s embarrassed. “Good wow?”
“Great wow!” I scoot over so I can give him a hug once he sets his guitar down. “That was incredible. I need you to do that all the time now. I loved having my own private concert.”
He wraps an arm around me. “Who knew it would be this easy to get you to fall in love with me?” From where we’re sitting, I can see out the small window, where the full moon is shining bright.
“Nah, I don’t know if this would have worked. I had to fall in love with you first. I just didn’t realize that’s what I was feeling.”
“Still, I should’ve just sang for you,” he says, pulling me closer. I feel his lips press against my hair and I let out a sigh.
“Why do you think I made that rule in the first place?” I tease.
“You’re the worst.”
“But I’m yours now, or maybe you’re mine, so it all worked out, right?”
“It all worked out,” he says, and I’m hoping he’ll kiss me, but instead he pushes himself off the ground, holds out his hand to me, and helps me up. “Now let’s get you home and back in bed to rest.”
I stand on my toes and give him a quick kiss, my heart thundering in my chest. “I have one more thing I need to tell you.” My voice is barely more than a whisper.
Concern flits across his face.
“It wasn’t my appendix, it was a tumor,” I whisper. “They got it all out. I may have to go back in for more blood work and tests,but the doctor said everything looks good and I might not even have to do chemo.”
He stares at me.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” I glance down. “I just didn’t want to be the sick girl again. You know?”
He nods, slowly. So slowly that I know I’ve ruined everything.
