Part 3




I followed him, not seeming to have a choice in the matter. My last thought before entering the strange, slick, black coffin was of Addi’s lips. I wished to taste the round formation of the flawless pink mouth but my wish came in vain.
I vanished into darkness. I tried to stay calm enough to focus, to see if there was any pain. The longer I waited for the pain, the more I felt that I was floating. It was such a unique sensation that I didn’t quite know how to react. The floor beneath my shoes didn’t seem to exist.
When I thought about that, I also realized that the coffin itself didn’t seem to exist anymore.
I slowly shifted—lifting one arm to the side. Nothing was there to push against my movement.
A light in the distance caught my attention.
I briefly wondered if I’d died.
But that idea was overruled when I saw Harley standing under what looked to be a lamp post.
The image was immensely far from me.
As I waited, the scene ahead began to expand, headed in my direction.
When it was close enough to reach to, I had to shield my eyes from the level of sudden brightness.
Then I was there. I stumbled for my footing and Harley didn’t turn to help or welcome me.
I glanced over my shoulder, expecting to see a wall of darkness. Instead I saw things that were unfamiliar to me. Large buildings that were taller than anything I’d ever seen, with bright lights coming from their glass windows.
The starless night sky filled the scene around these towers. Sounds that were similar to trumpets blowing, came from somewhere far off. So many trumpets. One sounding after the other like the people wielding them were angry.
We were on a bridge made of stone. Benches sat on the sides near the railing and lamp posts illuminated our way.
“What is this place?” I breathed.
I stared in the direction my friend was looking.
“I have no idea…” he said this as if it were a question.
“How do we…” I swallowed. “Get back?”
I knew he wouldn’t know the answer so I let the question hang.
Snow chilled our faces and tickled our exposed skin. We were alone on this bridge. But more importantly, I was without Addi.
I turned and started aimlessly running at full speed.
Harley followed, jogging behind me.
“Where are you going?” He shouted.
“I have to get back to her!” And I ran faster.
“Make a wish!”
I halted immediately. My gaze dropped to the ring on my finger.
“Wish for the same thing. Wish for her to find us,” I ordered.
He closed his eyes, complying.
The blue glow brightened the shadows on our faces.

**

Addi was in her room, unable to sleep from another night of dreaming she would lose the love of her life. Tonight--more than any other night—this feeling grew into an unbearable fire in her heat. She had to see him. She had to make sure he was still hers.
The girl walked out of the confines of her room and drifted hastily through the black hall. She carried a single candle but even its light didn’t help her feel safe. Her bare feet were merely soundless against the cold stone floor.
After what felt like an eternity, she was at his door.
Addi gave a soft knock on the wooden frame and waited.
She knocked a little harder. Still nothing.
She couldn't bear the thought of leaving now. Not with him being so close to her reach.
The door made a squeaking sound as it opened. She cringed, hoping not to wake him if he was asleep.
But as she shined her light over the bed, the covers were unoccupied.
“Seth?”
Something glinted in the corner of her eye. She raised the candle closer to the object. Its black exterior played the role of a tinted mirror.

**

I had my eyes tightly shut, afraid to open them. Afraid our plan wouldn’t work.
Harley glanced around. His voice was dejected when he said, “It’s not working.”
I hurled a curse at him. “Try again!”
A few quiet seconds passed.
“Still nothing,” I heard him whisper.
My strength to compose myself wavered. My features rearranged themselves into an expression of total despair.
Than a soft, heavy breathing came from behind me. The figure stumbled through the snow.
I risked a glance. And there she was. Her white nightgown swayed in the breeze, her blond curls brushed along her cheek, and her eyes were wide.
I charged for her, picking her up and spinning her around and laughing like an idiot.
She clung to me with just as much fervency.
“What happened? I don’t understand…” Addi looked fearfully at our surroundings.
“Hey!” Harley called, beckoning us with his hand. “Look.”
We walked to the railing. I draped my arm around my love in an effort to keep her warm.
Peering over the edge, we witnessed two young people kissing on the beach. They were sitting in the cold sand and looked to be as in love as Addi and I were.
“I don’t want to go back,” Harley announced.
My brow furrowed. “Why?”
“I have a feeling we’re safe here.”
I couldn’t argue with that. Then I realized the obvious. We would, indeed, be safe here. Add and I wouldn’t have to deal with the judgment of her father and I could escape the job I hated.
To my surprise, Harley removed his ring.
“What are you doing?” I protested.
The ring went flying through the air and hit the snowy sand below—not far from the couple.
“It’s time someone new finds the pleasures and tortures the rings can bring. What do you say, Seth?”
I paused for a long moment; Addi having no clue as to what was going on.
“You’re right,” and I took off my ring.
I stroked the silver with my thumb, staring at it for one final time. Then it was soaring on the air and landed not too far from Harley’s.
I turned to Addi, holding her face in my palms. “Marry me. We’re fee now.”
A wide smile covered her previous curiosity.

The End