Page 114 of Rumi: The Hawthornes

Bird was passed out on the couch by the time everyone had finally said goodbyes and left. When the front door finally closed behind the last person, Ash and Nova stood in the living room looking shell-shocked.

“They meant well,” I said dumbly, glancing down at Bird.

“Club always comes through.” Ash smiled sadly. “Thank you for letting us stay the night, Rumi.”

“Of course,” I replied instantly. I suddenly felt awkward and presumptuous. I’d needed Nova close, and I hadn’t even asked what Ash wanted to do. Maybe she would’ve rather stayed in a hotel room. As I opened my mouth to offer to bring her somewhere else if she’d be more comfortable, she spoke.

“It’s good for the kids to wake up somewhere familiar,” she murmured, coming toward me. She reached up with both hands and cupped my face. “You’re a good boy. Don’t stay away so long next time.”

“I’m not goin’ anywhere,” I choked out.

“I know.” She let go of my face and walked toward Nova. “I’m going to get changed and lay down, okay?”

“Alright, Nanny,” Nova said softly, gripping Ash’s hand for a moment before letting her go.

Then it was just me and Nova and snoring Bird.

“Brenna left some pajamas for Nana,” Nova said, looking toward the guest room. “Can I borrow something of yours?”

“Of course.” I burst into motion, hurrying toward my room. When I got to my dresser, I paused, staring. I must have been there for a minute, because eventually Nova followed me.

“You get lost?” she asked from the doorway. She came closer. “What’s that?”

“Me and you,” I said softly, looking at the framed photo on my dresser.

Me, Micky, and Nova were in a small plastic pool in our underwear. Micky was in the background, a wide smile on his face, mid jump, with water splashing up from his feet. I had no memory of Nova back then, but her face was unmistakable. She was turned sideways laughing at him, her hands photographed mid clap.

But the most telling part of the photo was me.

I was staring at Nova, a goofy smile on my face. No interest in whatever wild thing Micky was doing, completely focused on the girl laughing in front of me.

“Oh, my god,” she said, reaching out to touch the picture. “I don’t remember this.”

“I don’t either,” I croaked.

“I knew we went to Nana’s every summer,” she said softly. “I guess I didn’t realize we spent time with you guys. We were so cute. Look atyou.”

History seemed to be repeating itself, because I couldn’t look away from Nova.

“You’re so cute.” She looked up at me and went quiet.

“I’m starin’ at you.”

“I see that,” she murmured.

“Never stopped.”

“Rum,” she breathed.

“When I thought you were hurt,” I said roughly, shaking my head. “Jesus, No.”

“What are you saying?” she asked softly.

“Why the fuck aren’t we together?”

She jerked like I’d poked her. “You know why.”

“Tryin’ to find a reason,” I replied with a humorless laugh. “Can’t think of one.”

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