I check my reflection on the window, making sure my hair isn’t out of place and I don’t have anything on my face. I had already checked in the mirror, but I’m a little anxious and need to do something with my hands.
My nerves are shot, my heart feels like it’s in my throat, and my stomach is fluttering incessantly.
“Danny…” Relief coats my sister’s voice. As I turn, she wraps her arms around me, squeezing the life out of me. “I’m so happy you’re back. How are you feeling?”
I texted her before coming to the aquarium to make sure they’re actually here. She asked if I wanted to wait until they left and Josie got home, but I can’t wait anymore. I need to see her.
I return it, making sure I don’t mess up the tulips I got for Josie. “I’m okay. I’m sorry about how short I was with you. I didn’t mean?—”
“It’s okay. I’m not mad. You did piss me off, but I guess I’ll give you a pass this time,”
“So I can keep letting youborrowmoney?” I teasingly say.
“Exactly. You know me so well.” I hear the smile in her voice.
I let go, eyeing the large building with trepidation.
“Don’t be nervous. The worst that’ll happen is that she’ll tell you she doesn’t like you.”
“Jesus Christ, Pen, you’re not helping.” I glare at her.
She laughs. “Relax. It’s going to be okay, I promise. She’s where the jellyfish are at.”
I nod, not answering because my tongue feels heavy. So I wave goodbye and make my way inside. It doesn’t take long for me to find the jellyfish exhibit. I blow out the breath I didn’t know I was holding when I spot her.
I don’t stagger or stall because I need to be close to her. There’s a deep, aching yearning in my bones and my cells, and every molecule inside my body that pulses, prays and craves to be next to her.
My vision tunnels, my brain shutting out everything around me except for the only person who matters.
She doesn’t notice or feel me standing behind her; she stays rooted in her spot like she’s zoned out.
“I miss you,” she quietly says to herself.
I resist the urge to pull her to me and stand next to her. “I missed you too.”
She goes unnaturally still, not turning to look at me.
“Hi, Jos.”
When she lifts her head and her eyes collide with mine, hot adrenaline shoots throughout my body. Everything in me is racing, but my mind is steadily in place. I’m not floating or barely holding on, I’m grounded and I’m not touching her.
Her lips part and eyebrows pull in, creating a deep crease between them. She takes two steps back and my heart drops.
I—
Josie throws herself against me, circling her arms around my shoulders. She clutches onto me like she’s afraid I’ll let go of her, but she’s sorely mistaken if she believes I’ll ever let that happen.
59
JOSEFINE
“I’m sorry,”we synchronically say.
“Don’t—” we say in unison. “I—” And again before we go quiet and continue to hold one another.
“I swear if I’m dreaming…” My voice quivers.
“You’re not. I’m right here. I’m right here, Josie,” he whispers against my hair. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
