Page 17 of Something Like Daybreak
Michelle stood up. “I always wanted more for him. We’ll finally be able to leave the pain of that loss behind.”
“There aren’t any guarantees,” Marcello warned.
“But we’re strongest when we’re together,” Tim said, launching to his feet. “I know we can get it right. Starting with that group hug!”
There were an awful lot of arms to arrange as they pressed their bodies together, but they laughed and cried while trying to figure it out. And it felt good, if not complete, because part of their soul family had left already. They would be together again soon enough, no matter what happened in their new lives, because their bond transcended the physical, linking them together with the most mysterious and eternal force in the universe. Love.
Chapter Five
Ben stood outside of the house that he’d grown old in, feeling as though he was about to embark on a trip. Which he supposed he was. Just not the sort that required his mail to be held, or for a pet sitter to stop by.
“You’ll check on the animals after we’ve gone?” he asked.
“Yes,” Allison said patiently. “Although we’ve already been over this. Marcello says they can find their own way to us, and considering that they don’t need food or water…”
“Right.” Ben laughed and shook his head. “This is so weird.”
“But also exciting,” Allison said. “We’ll have more adventures together!”
“I hope we get to be best friends again,” Ben said. “I can’t imagine it any other way.”
“Brother and sister?” Allison suggested.
“Too much sibling rivalry. Besides, you’ve always been my friend. I can feel it.”
“So can I,” Allison said, her voice cracking. “I don’t know why this is so emotional. We’ve done it before, even if the details elude us. And we’ll see each other again.”
“The sooner the better. You’re leaving tomorrow?”
Allison smiled. “My parents are so excited. They’re like little kids.”
“Theywillbe little kids,” Ben said. “I’m looking forward to that part. Remember how amazing holidays used to be?”
Allison nodded. “I miss finger painting and pudding cups.”
They both laughed, wiping the tears from their eyes. Then she noticed something behind him, rolled her eyes, and smiled. “Time to go, Ben. Your ride is here.”
He didn’t turn around, wanting one last look at his best friend while everything was still the same. He knew they would be able to return to who they had once been, but he was certain it would never be the same again. Much like life itself. Every moment was precious and fleeting, with no promise of what would come next.
“I love you, Allison,” he said.
“I know,” she said when embracing him. “You’re part of my heart too.”
They continued to hug, Ben unable to find the strength to let her go. But then, she had always known what he needed. “I better check on the dogs,” she said. “Make sure the back gate is closed.”
The dogs could run right through the fence, not caring what it symbolized.
“Until our next duet,” Ben said as she turned away.
Allison began to sing as she went inside, Ben picking up on the tune and harmonizing. He swore he could still hear the song, and her voice in his head, as the front door clicked shut. Ben finally turned around and laughed. Tim was leaning against a black sports car with a cocky smirk on his face.
“Ready to go, Benjamin?”
“Aren’t you worried that someone from school will see you?” Ben asked as he approached.
“Nah,” Tim said. “Two of the most popular kids are in the backseat.”
“And it’s really cramped back here,” Greg said, rolling down the window. “Hurry up!”
