When Destinies Collide

by Shirl Rickman

  Any frustration I was feeling instantly dies, and I push myself up on my elbows to find Selene doubled over, holding her middle and laughing hysterically. So she thinks this is funny, huh? I watch her. I feel paralyzed as I follow the curve of her face, so I remain there on the ground, watching how beautiful she looks when she is unguarded and carefree. Suddenly, she catches my eye and abruptly stops as if just remembering I’m there.

  “Uh, sorry. It’s just that…that…well, you know you shouldn’t say fuck. It’s not very nice.”

  She looks so serious I almost burst into laughter myself.

  “Oh, really?” I say as I stand up and walk toward her until we’re toe-to-toe.

  We both put our hands on our hips, staring one another down.

  “And what is wrong with the word fuck?” I ask with emphasis.

  She twists her hair around her finger nervously. “Uh, it’s a bad word.”

  I nearly crack at the ridiculousness of this conversation and her reason. What are we, five?

  “Well, so is shit! And you say it all the time,” I respond.

  I got her there. She looks appalled. “No, it’s not! And…and I don’t say it that much!”

  She is so cute right now I don’t care how absurd this argument is.

  “Oh no? Then what would you call it?”

  She pauses for a minute, and I can see the wheels turning in her head for a comeback.

  “It’s…it’s a natural bodily function!” I can tell she feels like she just came up with the greatest comeback known to man. It’s so damn adorable. I let her bask in her glory for a moment before leaning in as close as I can get without our lips actually touching. I can feel her breathing speed up as it hits my face.

  “So is fucking,” I state candidly as I stare back into her eyes and feel a tremor roll over my body.

  Selene

  I CAN’T BREATHE. I LITERALLY think my lungs have forgotten how to function. Drake’s breath is a sweet mix of mint and a cherry cough drop. The scent continues to swirl around me, and I’m not even sure what we’re talking about anymore.

  Wait. Did he just say fucking is a natural bodily function? The realization of our entire conversation hits me, and I can’t hold back the bubble of happiness that pushes its way free. I bend over at the waist, holding my stomach in a hysterical fit of laughter. I’m pretty sure I just spit on Drake’s gorgeous face, because he is taking a step away from me.

  He is standing in front of me, blinking as if I’ve lost my mind. Then, suddenly, he doubles over in amusement, which only makes me laugh harder. I need to sit down, so I lower myself to the ground as Drake says, “So much for catching any fish today.”

  This only makes us laugh harder. I don’t think I’ve felt this carefree in…well, ever.

  “I’m sorry,” I apologize when I finally stop.

  It seems he is gaining his composure again as he takes a seat next to me. He shrugs his shoulders. “It doesn’t really matter to me, but I guess we will need to make it up to Mrs. D.”

  He is watching me carefully, almost as if I might break, then suddenly he turns back toward the water again. I look over at him then, and I can see his eyes are shimmering with unshed tears.

  “My sister and I used to come here all the time. This was our escape,” he tells me.

  “She’s the one who brought us here the first time. Your sister, that is—she brought me and my mama here. She told us it was special, and she felt she needed to share it with us.”

  I wipe a tear that slips past my lids. He stares at me again, but this time with a little confusion.

  “Why didn’t I ever meet you before, Drake? I never knew Lacey even had a sibling. Of course, I didn’t know her too well, but we did play together off and on over the years.”

  Drake lets out a sincere but clipped laugh. “You’re that girl.” He smiles, and it fills me with a warmth I never want to leave. “She talked about you all the time. Of course, I’m a boy and never really paid any attention. I guess we never met because I never came around back then.”

  “I’ve been so caught up in me I haven't had time to think of anything else. I haven't even asked Aunt Vi about Lacey. Why hasn’t she been coming over?”

  Immediately, I regret saying anything because Drake’s face suddenly turns completely white. I know I’ve said something wrong. “Dra—”

  “Selene, didn’t you know? Lacey died four months ago.”

  I’m seized by an incredible sense of anguish. I can’t believe Aunt Vi didn’t tell me. I’ve been so caught up in my own grief I never saw it in Drake, but now…now I see every bit of despair in his eyes I hadn’t noticed before today. This explains every lost look I wondered about last night over dinner. Lacey was Drake’s twin, and a piece of him is missing.

  Without realizing it, tears begin streaming down my face until I feel his hand cupping both cheeks and wiping the tears with his thumbs.

  “Selene, I didn’t mean to make you cry. I didn’t realize you were close to Lacey.”

  I look into his eyes and shake my head. “No, it’s not that. I mean, I’m sorry for your loss, and it does make me sad to hear about Lacey. It’s just I realize how lost in my own grief I’ve been, and I didn’t even notice yours.”

  He drops his hands and chokes out the words. “What do you mean you’ve been caught up in your grief?” His eyes are glistening again with tears that just won’t seem to fall.

  “Drake, my mother died. It’s why I’m here…why I’m living with Aunt Violette now.”

  A shocked look crosses his features. “Don’t worry about me. I’m sorry I didn’t know about your mama.” He swallows hard before continuing, “What about your dad?”

  “He didn’t want me. Honestly, I don’t think he ever wanted me.”

  Another tear slips down my cheek, and I wish like hell I could take it back so he wouldn’t see my father’s lack of parental love has such an effect on me. Again, Drake reaches up and cups the side of my face. I lean into his hand a little and close my eyes, shocking myself that I’m beginning to relax to such intimacies.

  “I can’t imagine anyone not wanting you.” His voice sounds low and raspy, and I look up at him again.

  We both stare at one another for a moment before he pulls his hand back and stands up. I sit there watching him, still a little stunned by our close and honest conversation.

  “Okay, up, Chandler! We’re getting up, and we’re fishing if it’s the last thing we do. We promised Mrs. D a fish dinner, and that’s what we’re going to give her.”

  He is talking loudly, and the sound of happiness in his voice would never give away the seriousness of our conversation only moments ago. I stand slowly, wiping the dirt away from my shorts and hands. “Well, if you don’t quit talking so loud, you’ll scare the fish off again!”

  As I pick up my fishing pole, I look back up and notice Drake shaking his head, grinning. “You really are a smart-ass, Chandler, aren’t you?” Then he casts his line back out into the river and turns away from me.

  Maybe Mama was right; letting someone in isn’t as scary as I imagined.

  Drake

  THE SIZZLING AND POPPING OF fish frying is almost as appealing as the smell of dinner wafting through the windows from the kitchen. I take another long drink of my tangy lemonade as I watch the sun set behind the hills just on the other side of the river. I stretch my legs out in front of me and rock myself as the music drifts out the windows from inside.

  I haven't actually enjoyed myself in a while. It feels good. Smiling, I think about our day, remembering the way Selene looked when she reeled in her first fish or the way she giggled when I couldn’t get mine off the hook.

  “You know, if you keep smiling like that, I just might wonder what secrets you’re keeping.”

  I turn my head at the sound of her voice. “No secrets here. Just thinking about our day.”

  A blush creeps across her cheeks, and she quickly says, “Yes, well, speaking of our day, Aunt Violette says it’
s time to eat. I set the table in the dining room so come on.”

  I sit for a moment longer then push myself out of the chair and head for the house. Selene and Mrs. Durham are carrying dishes into the dining room as I enter.

  “Drake, be a dear and grab the pitcher of lemonade for me,” Mrs. D says as she balances two plates in one hand while holding the door for Selene with the other.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I reply as I grab the pitcher and follow them into the dining room.

  Everything is set neatly on the table, and the white and red gingham tablecloth gives a picnic feel to the place. This is something I feel is uniquely Mrs. D. She is the only person I’ve ever known who can make any setting feel like home.

  I’m about to tell them how great everything looks when I notice them both sitting and holding hands. Each of them reaches out their empty hand for me to take. As they look at me, they both grin, so I sit down and take both of their hands in mine. I watch them close their eyes, and Mrs. Durham says a blessing over the food, the town, Selene, and even me.

  When she’s done, Selene gives my hand a light squeeze before saying, “Dig in.”

  Throughout our dinner we talk and stuff ourselves full of delicious food. I can’t remember the last time I sat around a dinner table and actually had a discussion, especially one that wasn’t centered on politics or my planned future. When I can’t take another bite, I stand up and begin clearing the table.

  “Drake, you stop what you are doing this very instant!” Mrs. D demands as she places a hand on my arm. “You caught this meal, so I expect you to take Selene out to relax on the porch. I’ll clean this up.”

  I look over at Selene, and she just shrugs her shoulders before leaning down and kissing her aunt on the cheek.

  “You heard her, Mr. Thomas. It’s time to relax!” Selene teases as she sticks her arm through mine and pulls me with her toward the door.

  Pushing the door open, we step out into the night air. The sun is barely over the horizon, so we’re still able to see our surroundings.

  “Let’s go for a little walk,” she says, turning her face to look up at me.

  She is so beautiful I can only nod my consent. It feels good being with her. I think this just might work out after all.

  Walking around to the front of the house, I come to a dead stop when I spot a car sitting up the street that looks familiar. I pull abruptly away from Selene, causing her to stumble a little, but she catches herself.

  “Drake! What the shit! You almost knocked me down!”

  I can hear the amusement in her voice, but I feel nothing except dread in the pit of my stomach. She looks up at me, and her contentment begins to fade.

  “Dra—” she starts, but I quickly cut her off.

  “You know, I just looked at the time, and I really should be going. I…I’m sorry.”

  I can’t even look her directly in the eye, so I keep my eyes down. She looks up at me, and just when I think she is about to say something and call me out for my abrupt change in mood, she looks over her shoulder and turns back to me.

  “Okay, Drake,” she says, nodding her head slightly. “Whatever you need to do.”

  I know she can feel my panic, but I’m glad Selene is going to let it pass. I just can’t talk about this now. I need to leave as quickly and quietly as possible, because I’m 100% positive my mother’s car is parked up the street.

  Selene

  WHEN DRAKE SAID GOODBYE, HE hurried off toward his truck, and I rushed inside. I was trying not to feel hurt, but I know something is wrong. I just don’t know what it is, and I hate he felt like he couldn’t tell me. I hold the soft linen curtain in my hand as I peer out the window at Drake’s retreating figure. The uneasiness in my stomach intensifies with each step he takes away from the house. I’m not sure what changed, but something did.

  A hand gently squeezes my shoulder. “What happened? Did something happen between you two?”

  Aunt Violette always gets right to the point. I let the curtain fall and shake my head.

  “No, he just suddenly said he had to go. I don’t know, Aunt Vi. I thought my life was complicated, but Drake Thomas is definitely giving me a run for my money.”

  Aunt Vi lets out a long, sympathetic sigh. “Selene, I hate that you see life as complicated. I’m sorry for all you have been going through, but you’re right. Drake Thomas is most likely only going to cause you more complications.”

  I begin to defend him, but she keeps going before I can say a word.

  “Now, don’t get me wrong. He is a sweet, loyal, and hardworking young man…now. Maybe he has always been just like Lacey, but that family…it’s tainted by all the wrong things, if you know what I’m getting at.”

  I lean in and hug her. “I think I do, Aunt Vi, and that’s exactly what worries me. The only problem is I think Drake Thomas is one complication it’s too late for me to avoid. I like him, and he’s my friend. Plus I’m excellent at handling anything that’s thrown my way.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that,” she says as she pulls back, brushing the hair out of my eyes. “You’re a good girl, Selene. Always have been. Drake is a good kid, too. He carries a lot on his shoulders for a young man of his age…a lot of guilt and heartache.”

  When I look into Aunt Vi’s eyes, it seems she is trying to tell me something about Drake. I know about Drake and what he is going through… Does she?

  It kills me I can’t say anything about what I saw. I’m scared to say anything and scared to keep it to myself, but I’m more afraid of Drake never forgiving me for breaking his trust. It’s a chance I’m just not willing to take, because regardless of whether I’m ready to admit it out loud, Drake is important. I’m just not sure what he is beyond that, and the more I think about it, the more I worry just how important he is becoming to me.

  Selene

  TWO WEEKS AND A DAY. This is the length of time that has gone by since I’ve seen or spoken to Drake. It isn't like he didn’t call. He did, but it wasn’t to talk to me. He only called to make his excuses to Aunt Vi for not being able to make his usual weekly visit with her.

  I don’t know what happened. I’ve gone over and over in my head what I could’ve done. I know he’s avoiding me. I just can’t figure out why. I’ve gone through many emotions over Drake’s sudden disappearance. Anger has definitely made its presence known. I’ve been so angry with Drake for pulling me into his life and then leaving without a word. It is exactly why I tried holding back. Most of all, I’m mad at myself for allowing my guard to drop and opening up to the possibility of…friendship.

  Who am I kidding? I opened myself up to the possibility of more.

  So here I am, standing in the middle of the crowded hallway of my new school, alone. One would think I’m a huge beacon of light shining brightly with the way everyone is staring at me. As everyone passes, I see them look briefly in my direction then quickly look away. As much as I hate to admit it, I search through every face that passes me, and none are his. It's probably best this way.

  Putting my head down, I walk in the direction of the school office. I can only hope I will be able to avoid Drake entirely, because I’m not sure how I’ll feel about seeing him, especially if he continues to avoid me.

  Drake

  I’M NOT SURPRISED I CAN spot her out of all the heads bobbing up and down, making their way to their first-period classes. I haven't seen her in two weeks, and now I’m standing only fifteen feet away from her. I’m having trouble remembering why I’m staying away from her in the first place.

  I watch her glance around as everyone is passing her, and I can see the fear she is so desperately trying to hide. Is she searching for someone? Is she searching for me? My heart speeds up a little at the thought. Then the shadows return to her eyes, and she puts her head down before walking through the crowd.

  I feel a little disappointment, but what do I expect when I haven't spoken to her in weeks? I have my reasons. I knew that night when I left that if I didn’t hide the
way I felt about Selene, she would end up getting hurt. And hurting her is the last thing I want to do.

  Selene

  I MADE IT THROUGH MY first three classes without seeing Drake. I’ve walked through the halls and into each room in anticipation of coming face-to-face with him.

  As I head to my last class before lunch, someone bumps into me, knocking my books from my arms. “Sorry,” echoes through the hallway as the guy continues running. I watch him in shock until he disappears around the corner. Turning back to pick up my things that now scattered across the floor, I nearly bump into a petite blond girl smiling brightly while holding my books out to me.

  “Hi. You’re the new girl, right? I mean I know you are because…well, I know everyone since I’ve lived here my whole life. Anyway, I wanted to introduce myself and see if you wanted to sit with me at lunch. I’m Emme.”

  I’m not sure I’ve ever met someone who talks this fast, yet I still caught every word. She’s still smiling as I take my books.

  “Uh…umm…hi, I’m Selene…and…uh…no.” Her happiness fades, and I suddenly realize she thinks I’m declining her invitation. “No, what I mean is…no, I don’t have anyone to sit with at lunch.”

  Her face lights up again. “Oh, good!” she says as she slips her arm through mine. “I took a look at your schedule when I picked it up, and we have next period together. It’s fate!”

  I can’t even form words or thoughts to respond, so I just allow Emme to drag me to class. I’m pretty sure my mouth is still hanging open. What is even happening?

  Emme continues to lead me down the hall, chatting away. Although I’m not even sure what she is saying, because I’m still looking for Drake in the sea of teenagers we pass. Not one face is his. Maybe he didn’t come to school today. Perhaps I could ask Emme, but I don’t know her well enough, and she will probably get the wrong idea. She will probably think I like him. When we enter the classroom, I look around. From the back of the room, a tall, muscular guy with dark hair looks up, and a smile spreads across his face.