Impossibly Forever: Two Books in One (Impossibly Duology)

by Shane Morgan

  “Thank you for saying yes.”

  “You thought I wouldn’t?” her voice held a pang of concern.

  I exhaled my answer, “Kind of. I mean, you did say before how fast we were going.”

  “Well, I thought a lot about our relationship over the past few days, and I think we’re fine with the way it’s moving. I know you’re the only one I want to be with, so that’s why I’m okay with marrying you anytime soon.”

  “Anytime?” I raised an eyebrow and flashed a broad grin.

  “Why? When did you have in mind?” Now she sounded nervous.

  I stared straight ahead as I confessed, “I was hoping to have the wedding this summer.”

  “What? This summer?” her voice was peppered with surprise.

  “Well, yeah,” I let out a short laugh. “That’s what I meant by us getting an apartment and all…you thought I only wanted to get engaged to you but push the date for an actual wedding to God knows how long?”

  “Summer, huh?” she said in a near whisper. “I guess that’s okay. Still, how am I gonna tell Momma? She’s gonna freak out, not to mention my dad…Oh, Christ.”

  My stomach tightened. “Right, I’m supposed to talk to your dad and mom.” For some crazy reason, I’d hurdled over the respectable thing and not asked for their approval first before popping the question.

  “When do you want to tell everyone?” she asked.

  I lingered for a moment in thought. Then as we approached the intersection and having only another ten minutes before we arrived in Berlin Heights, I thought of something.

  “How about getting everyone together for dinner on my birthday, telling them then?”

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah, it won’t be so bad, right?”

  I glanced over in time to see her shrug, with a doubtful expression on her face. I hadn’t seen her so nervous before.

  “I’ll be okay,” I assured her. “Trust me.”

  She reached over and rested her hand on my thigh. “I trust you, Branden.”

  I covered her hand with mine, and we remained in silence the rest of the drive back.

  Moya let out a deep heave when I pulled up outside her house. Turning her head, she leaned over and kissed me softly on the lips before stepping out of the car.

  “Let me know when you get home, and…I guess we’ll talk some more about this,” she peered down at the ring on her finger.

  “Okay.”

  Then she twirled and walked up to her house, waving back at me before going inside.

  ***

  That evening, Ashton and I hung out in the den. It was his last day at home before leaving for Spain in the morning, and I figured he wanted to have a brotherly moment.

  “How was your little trip with Moya?” he asked, sprawled out on the leather couch as he continuously tossed a squishy stress ball in the air.

  I sat at the edge of the lounge chair across from him. “It was good.”

  “You two did it, huh?”

  Rolling my eyes, I fell back on the chair with my hands behind my head. “This is the one girl I refuse to tell you about what I did with her.”

  He shot up fast and eyed me with narrowed eyes. “Bro, I’m talking about proposing. Did you?”

  “Oh,” I laughed at myself. “Yeah. I did.”

  “And?” he waved his hand in anticipation.

  “She said yes.”

  “Oh geez.” He combed his hand through his hair and sank back on the couch, sighing.

  “But you can’t say anything to Mom. I’ll tell her myself.”

  “Right. Whatever.” Sitting up again, he said firmly, “I don’t get why you’re rushing things so much. I mean, what’s wrong with waiting for another year or two.”

  I sat up as well. “What’s wrong with this summer?”

  Ashton cocked his head to the side. “This summer? Really?”

  “Really. If you know someone’s right for you then why should you wait?”

  “You know what? Good for you. I just hope you have something more tangible than whatever it was our parents had, because it sure wasn’t love.”

  I dropped my eyes to the carpet. “Oh, I’m sure it was love at some point. Things changed for them, that’s all.”

  He scoffed, “Whatever. I don’t want to talk about love and relationships. Let’s go out somewhere and have a few drinks.”

  Getting off the couch, I followed behind as he treaded up the stairs.

  “You’re buying,” I declared.

  He smirked, “Yeah, right. I’m leaving tomorrow. You have to treat me.”

  “No way. You’re older.”

  When we reached upstairs and made our way down the hallway, Ashton paused at the front door and peered back at me with a serious look on his face.

  “Hey…”

  “What?”

  “I’m gonna miss my little bro.”

  I nudged his arm and urged him out the door. Ashton was never the sentimental type. He only gave you two sides of himself: fun or serious. Right now, I was happy he’d said that because I would miss him too.

  But as I closed the front door behind us, I replied instead with, “Don’t get all sappy on me,” choosing to keep the mood happy on his last night in Harrington.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

  Moya

  We were back to reality on Tuesday. It was the start of my second semester as a sophomore, and I’d be going to work at Claire’s clothing store in the plaza near school.

  Branden was back as well. I was excited about that, because even though I wouldn’t see him as much during the days, we could always stop by each other’s dorms or hang out after I finish working and he finished hockey training.

  Working at a clothing store was no different from what it was three years ago when I was in high school: keep a smile on your face, be helpful to customers even when they were indecisive and made you run back and forth to find the perfect shoes in a size smaller than what they wore.

  By the time I stopped working, I was spent and anticipated taking a warm shower and heading straight to bed. On my way back to campus, I started to send Branden a text and find out how his first day back went, when I bumped into a girl.

  “Sorry,” I apologized quickly, dropping to the ground to help her pick up her bag.

  She brushed my hand away in a polite manner, saying, “It’s okay, I’m the clumsy one.”

  Her voice was soft and friendly. I stood and regarded her appearance. She looked around my age, with long, copper blonde hair pulled up into a pony tail, an oval face with angular cheekbones, and a straight nose that hooked over thin pink lips. Were it not for her short height, she could pass as a model.

  “I should’ve been paying more attention,” I said.

  She smiled at me, revealing perfect white teeth, only her slit-like gray eyes seemed sad.

  “No, never mind,” she shook her head and continued walking, her eyes staring into space as she past me.

  I asked over my shoulder, “Are you all right?”

  She slowed to a stop. “I’ll never be all right,” she muttered. “I made a horrible mistake and it’s hard to fix what I’ve done.”

  Walking towards her, I had the sudden urge to help. “Well, maybe if you give it some time things will change.”

  Turning to face me, she shook her head slowly as she crossed her arms at her waist. “Mrs. McCarthy was right. You are a nice person.”

  I stepped back, surprised. “Who are you?”

  “Samantha.”

  “Branden’s ex?”

  “You got it.” Her eyes darkened, no longer sad, appearing angry now.

  “It’s quite a surprise, running into you. I stopped by the university earlier, hoping to catch Branden at his dorm, but instead I hear he’s at hockey training. I wonder if his parents know about this—”

  “What do you want?” I hissed. “Why are you visiting Branden?” I dropped my hands on my hips and sucked my teeth. “Look here, why don’t you get a damn life. Bran
den’s moved on—”

  “So he says. I don’t believe it,” she fired back.

  “Well, believe it. He loves me, he’s going to m—” I stopped myself, saying instead, “Your relationship is over. Don’t text him, don’t call him. Just get on with your life.”

  Samantha inched closer to me. Her eyes narrowed and her chest heaved as she spoke through clenched teeth, “What Branden and I had was special. I made the mistake of letting him go because I was afraid, but not now. I want him back. He should be with me.” She pointed to herself as she added, “He loves me.”

  I couldn’t believe what this chick was saying to me right now. She had some nerve. It was like I was in the middle of a Lifetime movie where the crazy ex-girlfriend didn’t want to let go and was set out on a mission to destroy my life, because Branden was my life.

  “You listen to me, wake up from that dream and step into reality. Branden is with me now. Our love for each other is way deeper than whatever you had with him, and the only way I’m letting him go is if he asks me to, which in fact, he never will. So back off or prepare for the hell I’ll be raining down on your ass if you don’t.”

  “If he asks you to,” was all she murmured. Perhaps that was the only part she allowed herself to hear.

  Twisting, Samantha glared at me one last time before continuing on her way. Hopefully this would be the first and last time I’d see her.

  ***

  “Say what now?” Vanessa was revolted. I’d told her about my encounter with Branden’s ex. We were now roommates.

  “Mmm-hmm,” I gazed back at her from the closet, putting my curls up in a silk hair wrap. “I couldn’t believe it either.”

  “But girl, how did she even know what you look like?”

  “Mrs. McCarthy must have shown her a photo,” I explained. “She mentioned hearing about me from her.”

  “Dang,” she exhaled. “That sounds suspicious. If they’re no longer together, why’s his momma still buddy-buddy with her? Did you tell Branden?”

  I shook my head, “No. He’s at training.”

  Getting up from the chair, she walked over to her bed and slid under the covers, all the while making the tsk-tsk sound.

  “You’re nice. If I was in your shoes, and that chick came at me with that bullshit, I would’ve whooped her ass.”

  “Oh geez,” I chuckled, lying on my bed. “She didn’t attack me, Nessa. And I don’t want to go beating up anyone for no reason.”

  “For no reason?” She shot up on her elbows. “Girl, she’s threatening to take your man. That is more than enough reason to—”

  “I gave her a warning. I think that’s enough.”

  “Humph, if you say so. But when she comes at you again, give me a call.”

  Vanessa reached over and turned off the lamp on top of the desk, putting us in darkness with only the bright blue moon shining through the curtains.

  “I got it handled,” I muttered, closing my eyes and drifting off to sleep within minutes.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

  Branden

  My doubts proved to be useless. The moment I entered the ice rink, it was as easy as breathing. I skated like a pro, revisiting skills I hadn’t used in so long. From the pleased expression on Coach Evans’ face, I knew I’d impressed him too. And it only took me less than an hour to convince him how good I was.

  I’d officially joined the school team by Wednesday. Moya would be just as elated when she heard the news. As for my parents, I still needed to clue them in on what I’d been up to. Mom had an idea I was trying to play again when she’d found the letter from the school’s athletics department, but she didn’t know I’d actually gone through with my plans in spite of her disapproval.

  Whatever.

  It was my life, and I was going to live it and enjoy it my way.

  Speaking of enjoying life, Moya was on her way over to my dorm. I’d showered fast when I came back from hockey practice to straighten the room for her arrival. I didn’t want her thinking I was a slob with clothes thrown all over the place. I sprayed some air freshener to eliminate the smell of sweat too.

  When she knocked lightly on my door, I glanced over my shoulder to make sure everything was okay before opening it.

  “Hey, babe,” she smiled.

  There was something indescribable about seeing the person you loved after going a day and a half of not seeing their face. And when Moya slipped past me inside my room, time slowed down for me. An animalistic feeling crawled over my skin. I had to be inside her now.

  I closed the door fast and wrapped my hands around her, gripping her tightly from behind. She gasped in an exotic way, inducing my desire.

  I whispered in her ear, “I missed you.”

  She laughed, as if she intended to drive me even crazier. Pulling out of my hold, she turned and said, “I missed you too.” Then she kissed me, in the most hot and heavy way she could, while grabbing at my sweatshirt and tracing my abs.

  We made love again, and ended up falling asleep in each other’s arms. I woke up past midnight to turn off the light in the room, slipping back under the covers with Moya afterwards. She moaned awake then rested her head on my chest, no longer fearful that I wasn’t fully healed.

  I listened to her heavy breathing, sounding as if she was troubled about something.

  “How’s work going?”

  She answered in a mellow tone. “It’s okay.”

  “Hmm…” I ran my hands down her smooth arm. “Anything else you want to tell me?”

  She eased up and peered into my eyes. “I saw Samantha yesterday.”

  My eyes narrowed in my confusion. “Where? How did you even know it was her?”

  Sitting up on the bed, she brushed back her loose curls. “I bumped into her at the plaza. She knew what I looked like, and turns out she was waiting at your dorm for you yesterday.”

  I sat up as well. “I’m sorry, babe. My mom invited her to the house a few times without my knowing and probably showed her your photo. I’m sorry she’s being a pain. I thought after the last time she stopped by that I’d made it clear—”

  “Your mom must really like her, if she keeps inviting her over. Sounds like she’s hoping you’ll get back together.” Her eyes drifted away from mine, piercing the blue circles on my sheet. “What was all that then? Why did she pretend to warm up to me?”

  I brushed her cheek, saying, “That was a stupid mistake on her part, and she really does like you, babe. It’s just she and Sam hit it off when I was dating her. They used to go shopping together and all that crap so it’s not easy for her to forget that. My mom likes anyone willing to rub up to her and kiss her ass, which was basically what my ex did.”

  She looked at me and shrugged; a frown still on her face. I reassured her even more, “Don’t let that stuff bother you. We’re going to get married, remember? It’s you and me forever, Moya, and no one’s going to come between us.”

  Finally she smiled, leaning in for a soft kiss on my lips. “You’re right. I’m only pissed your ex can’t get it through her head. Anyways,” she positioned herself on top of me. “Forget about it. Let’s focus on us right now.”

  And so I did. I allowed her to take full control, placing my hands on her butt and closed my eyes to drown in the utmost pleasure she was giving me.

  It was as if we were drunk on love when the heated moment ended. Breathless, we lay on our sides and stared dazedly into each other’s eyes. My lids started to feel heavy.

  I fought off sleep, wanting to gaze into her beautiful eyes for as long as I could after experiencing our incredible intimacy once again. Only when Moya’s eyes slowly began to close, I couldn’t resist sleep any longer. Finally giving in, I slipped away in seconds, where her face haunted my dreams.

  ***

  I went home for the weekend, going in search of Mom the moment I entered the front door. I found her in the den, walking on the treadmill.

  “You showed Samantha Moya’s photo?” I asked in a flat tone.


  She stared at me with a blank expression, and then it was as if a light bulb went off in her head. “Oh…yes. That time when—”

  “See,” I brushed back my hair, frustrated. “This is why I need you to stop butting in, trying to mold everything and everyone into what you think is best.”

  “Branden, it was before we had that talk about giving Moya a chance. I haven’t said anything to Samantha since.”

  “But the damage is already done. If you hadn’t convinced her to pursue me then she wouldn’t be causing trouble for my relationship now.”

  Mom paused for a moment before saying, “I’m sorry to hear that, Branden. I spoke to her about it too, so I thought she’d be moving on.” She fixed the hair band on her head. “Guess I was wrong.” Her voice was laced with regret. It relaxed my tone.

  “Just don’t make decisions about my life anymore. I’m old enough to do that for myself.”

  She nodded, holding her hands up in peace. “Of course, from here on out I am completely mum to whatever.”

  That reminded me. “I guess I should tell you I joined the hockey team.”

  To my surprise, she didn’t get upset. If anything, she seemed unfazed. “Well, I was expecting to hear that any moment now.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  “No.” She walked over to the couch and plopped down. “I was in your room the other day, putting clean towels in your bathroom. Then I saw that jersey Moya gave you for Christmas.”

  I walked over to the couch and sat down beside her.

  She continued, “It’s the first time since you got sick that I’d seen a hockey jersey hanging on your wall and I felt…happy. I started to remember when you were little, and how excited you were when you discovered the sport. You got so good at it and your father and I were very proud.

  “Then when you found out you were sick and had to stop playing, I watched that light fade away…” She choked back tears and clasped my hands into hers. “I want you to be happy again, sweetheart. I don’t want to take that joy away from you now that you’ve found it again.”