Page 79 of The Otherworld

She’s even prettier than I imagined. Long, wavy hair that looks brown until the sunlight turns it to gold. Eyes like crystals, blue or green—I can’t tell which. She’s wearing a white dress, which makes her look like an angel. I can’t believe I’m looking at her. I can’t believe she’s looking at me.

She’s real.

She’s beautiful.

I don’t know how to thank her. Words don’t cut it. All I can do is walk up to her, walk into her, and hug her. She laughs her adorable little laugh and wraps her arms around me, pressing her face to my chest.

“Thank you,” I rasp, all choked up. Her hair smells amazing, and it feels like silk between my fingers. For a moment, we just hold each other, and I can’t help noticing how good, how right she feels in my arms.

26

Goodbyes

ORCA

Jack Stevenson is like a wild gust of wind off a restless sea. He’s not quite as tall or as muscular as his brother, but they share similar features, the same pronounced jawline and the same handsome smile.

“I can hardly believe you’re real.” I laugh.

Jack steps back to look into my eyes. “And so are you! My parents almost convinced me that you were just a figment of my imagination.”

“At first, I feared you were a figment of mine.”

Jack is about to reply when Papa appears beside us, apprehension creasing his brow. He looks Jack up and down, then extends a hand for him to shake.

“I’m Lawrence. Orca’s father.”

I catch a glint of irritation in Jack’s eyes as he shakes Papa’s hand. “Hi. I’m Jack. Orca’s told me a lot about you.”

Papa frowns, puzzled, and turns to me. I know what he’s thinking—how on earth did I tell Jack a lot about anything?

“Oh, I forgot to mention—I talked to Jack over the phone. That’s how I learned about Adam going missing in the first place.”

This new piece of information makes Papa stiffen and look at Jack differently. He says nothing else—only nods and strides back over to Adam.

“Anyway, Orca,” Jack huffs, shaking his head. “This is your island, huh? It’s… got a nice view.” He casts a glance over the expanse of glittering water.

“Yes. A very nice view,” I agree, still looking at him.

“But no pizza.”

“No.”

“And no video games.”

“No—”

“And no friends.”

“You’re my friend. And Adam’s my friend, too.” I glance at the ledge, where he is still talking with my father, silhouetted by the morning sun.

What is Papa saying to him?

I tug my gaze back to Jack. “So, there. I have friends.”

His smile fades. “It’s not the same when we’re on two different islands. Plus, you don’t even have a phone. I won’t be able to talk to you.”

“Perhaps Papa will let me use the satellite phone,” I offer hopefully. “I can ask him. I’m sure once I explain the situation, he’ll let me use the phone to talk with you and Adam… occasionally.”

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