by Andi Loveall
“See,” he went on. “Everyone wants to make life seem complicated, but here, I’ve learned it’s really not. It’s simple. It’s an ongoing quest for food, love, and a bed to sleep in. A quest to avoid boredom. To find some sort of meaning in all the bullshit we go through. And you know what? This place has all of that covered and then some. Coming here and meeting all of you has made me feel like the luckiest duck to ever cross the pond. So bless you and thank you. May our paths cross again.”
The cheers went on and on as the glasses clinked together, everyone hooting and hollering and hugging one another and wiping away tears.
It was happening. They were having their final meal.
Every bite was a luxury, an ongoing pleasure that he never wanted to end. After this, food would be a twenty-four hour airport sushi lounge, granola bars, and a rectangular plastic-wrapped microwave meal. After that, it would be something new entirely.
Walter and Raven told him that he was always welcome back. There was work to be done in the fall and winter. Chopping firewood. Helping to keep the wood stoves going. And making cakes, of course. Hopefully, business would be up and running by fall. She had stayed up late the night before, imagining all the Christmas varieties they could explore.
They were also thinking about starting a new project next spring. A small house down the hill—a nifty little efficiency loft with skylights and solar panels. Once it was built, it would potentially be available to any one of them. The goal was to expand the community while still keeping a close tribe.
“No pressure, of course,” Raven said. “If your journey needs to take you elsewhere, you go and promise us you’ll never look back.”
Devin felt something around his ankles and looked down to see Mo purring and looking up at him. He reached down, petting him until he collapsed to the ground and rolled out of reach. Mo was enviable in the same way as Aaron—for being happy just where he was. He never dreamed about India. He never felt the calling of something bigger than himself. He once knew life on the harsh streets, but that was long forgotten. Now, this was the only place in his reality, and he would likely spend the rest of his life here, chasing bugs, scaring birds, and sleeping the day away.
They hung out at the table as long as they could, having second and third helpings of the food and multiple cups of coffee or tea. The painful awkwardness thickened in the air as it got closer to noon. It was time to say goodbye, but no one seemed to know how to begin.
“Be good out there,” Panky said, walking over and giving him a hug. She leaned in toward his ear. “You’ve really got her attention now. Don’t fuck it up.”
“I won’t,” he said. “Good luck on your mission to change the world.”
He moved on to Rocky, who came at him with a grin and a handshake.
“Have fun in India, man. And remember what I told you: If you meet a hot girl from Belgium named Marie, watch your wallet. She isn’t from Belgium, man. And her name … it’s probably not even Marie.”
“Got it. Thanks. Take care, dude.”
Raven was waiting for him. He stood in front of her, shaking his head.
“I’m at a loss for words,” he said.
“We don’t need words.”
“Thank you for everything,” he said, hugging her.
“Have the time of your life.”
He smiled. “I already did.”
“We’ll go ahead and get this loaded for you, son,” Walter said, taking his pack and nodding toward Cora. “Take your time.”
They all shouted goodbyes as Walter and Lucius went out the door. Devin took one last look at the others, and then he and Cora followed them.
They walked slowly, letting Walter and Lucius go ahead.
“You could ride with us to the airport if you want.”
“I know,” she said, taking a shuddery little breath. “I just don’t think I can handle a couple more hours of knowing this is coming.”
“Yeah. Same here.”
“Will you email me when you get somewhere?”
“Of course. And then I’ll be off, in search of your gifts.”
She laughed. “ … Hey Devin?”
“Yeah?”
“I wanted you to know … I thought about it, and I decided I’m gonna tell Raven about the letter.”
“Really? That’s awesome. I’m so proud of you.”
“Do you think she’ll be mad?”
“No. She’ll be thankful that you told her.”
She smiled and looked down. “We’re going to town for the fireworks tonight. I’ll be thinking about you, up there in the sky.”
“I’ll be thinking about you, down here safe and sound.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“Don’t cry.” He laughed, pulling her into a hug.
They stood there, gripping each other. She took his hands and held them over her heart.
“Now that I’ve met you, nothing is ever gonna be the same.”
“Nothing ever is,” he said.
“It’s gonna be good though, I think.”
“Which part?”
“All of it.”
She pulled him close, kissing him. He cherished her soft lips, not understanding how he could be parting from them, releasing her, and beginning to walk away. Yet, he was.
“I love you,” she said. “Please come back for me.”
“Just you wait.”
He walked backward, watching her grow smaller in his vision. When he was almost to the car, he paused, knowing he would always remember her like this: cowgirl boots, pretty long hair, and a smile, sad but beautiful.
This love was something sacred, he was sure of it now. Something from a world so magical that everything went in slow motion. Butterflies. Wind. Wild horses, running through the meadows. A world where epic music played while he fought in some sort of battle. In that world, the battle was one he would always win because he knew he would always come home to find her waiting for him.
In this world, he was just going to have to wait and see.
He turned and walked on, refusing to look back. Walter and Lucius were waiting with the engine running. He hopped in, giving a little motion. It was time to do this thing.
They were halfway down the driveway when he heard something behind them. He twisted around in the seat to see Cora, waving her arms and running like the wind.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stop!”
“What in tarnation … ” Walter muttered, starting into the brakes.
Devin opened the door and jumped out, skidding on the gravel of the driveway. She caught up to them, stopping a few feet away.
“I changed my mind,” she said, her voice wavering. “I want to ride with you to the airport.”
He felt the heartbreak rush over him, but it was the best type of heartbreak possible.
“Well then,” he said. “Get over here.”
She leaped into his arms, and he picked her up, putting her in the backseat and kissing her through her tears. Walter and Lucius just chuckled, watching them in the rearview mirror.
“A twenty-year-old Gemini girl,” Lucius said. “I told you.”
They were just prolonging their suffering—Devin knew that. But for now, and for the next two hours, they would be Devin and Cora on a road trip, talking and laughing and listening to music as beautiful North Carolina passed them by.
He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, feeling the softness of her hair beneath his fingertips. Life was a cruel beast, and God was laughing, but the possibilities really were endless.
THE END
ANDI LOVEALL
Andi Loveall grew up in the blistering heat of California’s Central Valley and has since traveled far and wide in search of adventure and romance. From the steamy streets of Bangkok to the dancing fireflies of the Appalachians, the places, people and things she has seen have convinced her of two things: Life hurts no matter where you go, and the world is a crazy-beautiful place.
A freelance writer by day and storytell
er by night, Andi is on a mission to create characters that come alive in worlds she can’t quite reach. When she’s not writing, she’s usually hula hooping, dying her hair bright colors or making delicious home-cooked meals for herself and the people that she loves.
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Table of Contents
Chapter One—Leaving
Chapter Two—Arriving
Chapter Three—Loving
Chapter Four—Fighting
Chapter Five—Seeing
Chapter Six—Giving
Chapter Seven—Being
About the Author
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