Epilogue
Epilogue
Charlotte
Astrid finally rode a train with me, all the way from North Dakota to Boston.
We waited until she got released from the hospital first though.
It was hard to explain why she was covered with bruises, and why I was dripping blood that wasn’t mine, but eventually the doctors just shook their heads and gave Astrid some much needed pain meds.
I called Derek from the lobby. It took ten minutes for him to stop screaming long enough for me to say anything, and another twenty for him to stop crying.
Once he was calm, he wired me the money for the train tickets.
A few days and several transfers later, he’s screaming at me in person before wrapping me in his arms. Licorice happily licks Astrid’s palm.
Bitch didn’t even notice I was gone, ungrateful cat.
She makes it up to me by sitting in my lap the entire cab ride back to the cafe.
I move back in with Astrid, content to wake up every morning to the smell of hot chocolate and the loving caress of her hands.
But today is the big day. I take a breath and walk through the doors. Astrid squeezes my hand, giving me a burst of confidence. She looks beautiful in her white dress. I turn to the man standing between us.
“One library card application please.” My chest is tight, my palms are sweaty.
“Absolutely.” The elderly gentleman smiles as he grabs a form. “Name?” Astrid holds her breath.
“Charlotte Jennings.” I say calmly. Boom. Nailed it. He doesn’t have to know how long I practiced in the mirror last night. That is, until Astrid starts cheering next to me.
“Yes!” She pumps her fist. “That’s my girl!”
I laugh and pull her in for a kiss, her enthusiasm infectious. The man slides the clipboard across the counter, unsure what to make of Astrid’s crazy reaction. We fill out the application, and I leave the building holding a brand-new library card.
“Heck yes!” Astrid gives me a high-five.
“Driver’s license and a library card.” I smile, feeling proud of myself. “What’s next on my mission to reenter society?”
“The IRS.” Astrid wags her finger at me.
“Fuck no.”
“What about getting your GED?” She offers instead, trying not to laugh.
“Yeah.” I nod my head. “That sounds great.”
Astrid leans toward me, eyes closed. I cup her cheek in my hand and brush my lips against hers, teasing her with a slight electrical charge. She jumps back, startled by the shock. I throw my head back, laughing as she rolls her eyes. I’ve been laughing a lot lately. So has Astrid.
“Come here, you jerk.”
She weaves her fingers in my hair, pulling me into her. I oblige, holding her body flush against mine. My lips meet hers, and this time, a different kind of spark runs through my body. No more running. No more hiding. Just the two of us, wrapped in the arms of the other.
From now until forever.