Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“You are sure this will work?” Star asks as I set up the electromagnet. I have two of them. I figured that with two boosts, it might create something closer to a portal. A stargate, like Marty said.
I couldn't even say if that matters or not. I'm not sure of anything.
My finger on the switch of one magnet, I look up at Star. He stands in front of me, shirtless, eyes on mine, hands clenched into fists.
His skin is bright blue today. A perfect sky.
I straighten away from the machine.
Star shakes his head slowly. “I do not want to go.”
I step around the machine to get to him, putting my hands on his shoulders. I want to touch every inch of him, to memorize the feel of him.
“You have to. If you stay here…” I can't bring myself to say it.
His dark eyes travel over my face. A tear slides out, iridescent, shining like a ray of sun. I reach up to brush it away.
“I’ll be happy knowing you exist somewhere, Starlight. That you're up there and okay.”
His chin wobbles. “Perhaps I will not be okay without you.”
“You will be. I know you will.”
His hands come up to fist in my shirt. “Mason, please.”
I press up on my tiptoes and kiss him. This time, when I taste salt, I'm not sure if it's his tears or mine.
I can't look at him when I step back. I keep my eyes on the ground as I turn back to the machine closest to us. My throat is so tight I'm afraid I might vomit. My hand shakes as I turn on the first magnet.
I walk over to the other magnet and set my finger on the switch. I take a deep breath and look up at him. I can’t keep myself from it. Just one last glimpse.
His eyebrows curve in, like confusion, like sadness. Like desperation. I feel it echoed in my own skin.
I squeeze my eyes shut and flip the switch.
When I open them again, he's gone.