The Other Side (Wings of Two Duet #2)

Prologue

You told me to write them, so here they are.

It’s always so easy for me to listen to you. Even when you’re not near, I can still hear that egotistical streak in your voice. The one that knows I’m going to eventually realize you were right all along.

I hate that.

I always hated that.

For once, can’t you just let me remain stubborn? As soon as I stepped foot on Monroe campus, I had everything I ever wanted staring back at me. Funny enough, it wasn’t the brick or arched windows of the administration building that stole my attention.

It was almond-shaped green eyes and sunflowers.

Honorable mention: fingerless gloves.

Like a light switch, my happiness flicked to anger.

After everything, you’d think we would be granted a bit of mercy.

That the forces above would make sure we held hands on this side.

That we experienced all of this together because we didn’t know any other way.

I used to think creating this thing would only remind me of what’s gone, but I wonder about you anyway.

Every damn day.

I can’t shake you.

I wonder if you’ll keep your promise like I did mine.

Maybe that’s the reason I’ve taken almost ten years to start this little project.

I didn’t want to cave because I wanted you to bend first. Maybe I was too proud.

Too proud to bare my heart knowing there’s a chance you found another flight in the sky.

But the thing about a pair of doves? They move as one. More rhythmically in the silence. Every year away from you, the quiet grows overwhelming until I can hear your voice again. That’s when your sound greets me the most—in the silence.

When I’m at peace.

And it dawned on me that I don’t just know what true peace feels like.

I know it’s the color green because of your eyes.

When I dream of our kisses, I know it tastes like a blend of mint and spice.

It smells piney because of our former safe haven.

And it sounds like the beats of your heart.

Considering the number of times my cheek was cemented to your chest, it’s only fair that I memorized that melody. Wouldn’t you say so?

I’ve had it all along.

I was never without.

For that, I guess I sort of owe you one.

I’d like to believe that as I’m cutting up cardstock and stocking up on glue sticks for you, you’re traveling closer to me. My soul tells me you are, but that could just be the tiny dreamer in me.

I’m hoping there’s a sign that blows your way to nudge you a bit. Although, I’m not sure how forceful the gust needs to be since I don’t know how tall or strong you are now. That’s something else I wonder about—what you look like when you’re miles away.

Do you look like you’ve lived a whole other life without me?

Or do you look bittersweet?

If I had to summarize all of these experiences I’m about to share with you, that’s what I’d call them—bittersweet.

You’re going to see smiles from ear to ear and my head cocked back in laughter, but don’t be fooled. I could’ve grinned a couple inches wider and laughed a couple decibels louder.

I know this because I did many sunsets ago.

I guess I’ll have to wait for those experiences to return to me when your wing touches mine.