Carter
I WATCHED MY girl walk with her father toward their gate, smiling as she blew a final kiss and then disappeared from my sight. I stamped down the pain of losing her, reminding myself that I’d see her again in a year and I’d finally be able to tell her how I felt. I’d kept my adoration of her quiet because she was young, sheltered, and the epito of a good girl. It wasn’t as though I was a bad boy... far from it, but I didn’t want to be the one to take her virginity before she was ready, especially since her father would kill if I did.
I wanted the timing to be right... when we were ready to make a life together. I’d dated a few girls, screwed a few girls, too, but it didn’t take long for to realize there would never be anyone else for . Cassidy Dennis was mine. She had been since she was six and she would be until she was ninety-six. She was my best friend and I would wait for her as long as she needed to.
Arriving at my truck, I swore when I couldn’t get the door open. I’d lovingly restored my 1971 Ford pickup with my own two hands, and the occasional passing of a wrench or sothing from Cassidy. I’d always considered the truck just as much hers as mine, considering we’d talked for hours while I worked on it, but I still had a few things I needed to fix, including a sticky lock.
It took a few minutes, but I managed to get the door open, and climbed inside. I started the engine and forced my desolation away. Cassidy would call tomorrow, I’d hear her voice, and I’d know she was safe. I wished I’d been the one to go with her, but it didn’t surprise that her dad had taken up that responsibility. Her family was close, and Mr. Dennis wasn’t about to let his baby go out of the country without fully vetting where she’d be living, who she’d be living with, the faculty and school.
I sighed. Cassidy had been gone fifteen minutes and my heart was heavy. As I reached for my wallet to pay for airport parking, my hand caught the chain I’d slipped into my pocket. At the end hung a nut and bolt, threaded together. I smiled and pulled it out, looping it over my neck. I’d kept it hidden from Cassidy because I’d had one made for her as well. A far more feminine version, granted, but matching all the sa. I’d sneaked it into her carryon as she checked two bags at the ticket desk and I couldn’t wait to hear what she thought.
My heart lightened as I headed ho. I could do this. One year would go by quickly and we’d be able to pick up where we left off. It was our way and I knew nothing would change that.
Cassidy
I stared out the plane window and forced myself not to sob as we took off. Dad was on the aisle seat and we’d been pleasantly surprised to find that no one was between us.
"You okay, honey?" Dad asked.
I grimaced and turned to face him. "Is it wrong to feel like my heart is breaking?"
"Not at all." He smiled. "I promise, you’ll be fine."
"But will Carter?"
"He’s made of tough stuff, Cass. He’ll be fine too." He took my hand. "Just focus on this year and if you’re ant to be, you’ll be. I know those are just words to you, but when you get so distance, things will be clearer."
I nodded, although, I knew he’d never understand. He was cursed (he said blessed, but I personally think he just replaced the word to convince himself) with a house full of won and womanly emotions, which ant drama was prevalent. Most things for my sisters, Shannon and Mia, were emotional tens (on a scale from one to...) when it ca to boys and life. I was far more even-keeled, but that also ant I didn’t openly share my love of Carter with the world. I did to my mom, but Dad’s eyes would glaze over and Mom said he was going to his happy place when my sisters started in on their emotional blackmail, so Dad didn’t know about the extent of Carter.
I turned back to the window and as soon as we were cleared to use our electronic devices, I pulled my backpack onto my lap and unzipped the front flap. Tugging out my iPod, I found a little wrapped package with Carter’s distinctive script scrawled on the front.
I ripped it open and forced myself not to totally break down at thirty-five thousand feet. I pulled out a feminine but very sturdy silver chain that had a threaded nut and bolt, a pair of ballet slippers, and a mini dog tag hanging from it. It had been wrapped in tissue paper with a note.
To my favorite nut, here’s a few things to rember by. Kick ass in Paris and rember I’m just a phone call away. Love you, Cass
Love, the best bolt you’ll ever know, Carter
"What’s that?" my dad asked.
"A little surprise from Carter." I handed the chain to him and he smiled before handing it back.
"Clever," he said.
"That he is." I secured it around my neck and found myself reaching for it several tis during the flight. I couldn’t wait to call him and tell him how much I loved it and him. I didn’t care that I was leaving for a year. I wanted him and if I had to wait for him, I would. Now I just had to convince him I was the one for him. That would prove harder.
Still, I had a smile on my face as I drifted off to sleep, my hand over the charms that had settled over my heart. Appropriate.
Little did I know, my phone call to Carter the next day would be too short to tell him anything substantial and the last ti I’d hear his voice until I returned to the States. In less than a year, my safe little world would be rocked to its core.
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