Skipping Forward

by Bethany Wicker

  I was proud for not shedding any tears. “But I can’t get that time back. This just doesn’t make sense. It’s time we go see those friends of yours. Maybe they have some answers. Maybe they can help me.”

  “Molly, we’ve already visited them. They didn’t have any clue about it. They don’t know anyone else like you.”

  “We went to see them already? When?”

  “About two weeks ago. They were amazed by you, but weren’t much help. You said the trip didn't do you any good.”

  “Have I been smiling or still upset these past months?”

  “You’ve been happy. You had closure with your brother before the accident and at his funeral.”

  “His funeral? I couldn’t even look at him during his funeral.”

  “Yeah you did, Molly. You stood at his side to say goodbye. You said it helped more that you ever could’ve imagined.”

  “Do you think there’s any way to get that time back or at least the memories?”

  “You could probably go back and relive, but you might change things.”

  “I wish I had your gift and could see it play out through your memories. I’m such a fool.”

  Rhett pulled me into his arms. “You aren’t a fool. You just wanted more time with your brother. That’s human nature.”

  “Are we still just as close as I remember?”

  “If you’re asking whether or not I still love you, the answer is yes. You’re an amazing girl, Molly. You were just dealt a bad hand, but don’t let that bring you down. Your gift is incredible even if you don’t see it.”

  “It’s most certainly not. I can’t save my brother. I’ve lost several good memories. I’m apparently supposed to be happy, but I still feel just as depressed. How is any of this incredible? It’s a complete mess. Have I gone back to school?”

  “Of course you have.” Rhett’s eyes knitted together in confusion. “Why wouldn’t you have?”

  “From what I remember, everyone kept giving me their apologies and it was too overwhelming. I couldn’t even listen to the teachers when they were talking.”

  “You have straight A’s right now and I’m very jealous about it.” Rhett chuckled.

  “This isn’t funny, Rhett. I’m sick of losing bits of my life. I’m like a puzzle with some pieces missing. I’m never skipping again. You have to help me control it.”

  Rhett still had his arms around me and he tightened them. “I will. You’re going to be okay. How about we go inside and get that glass of milk you wanted?”

  I shook my head. “I’m over it now. Let’s go watch a movie or something.”

  “I think I can handle that. I’m sure your parents will join us too.”

  And he was right. The four of us watched a comedy and it calmed me a little. It was odd, but nice to have Mom and Dad hanging out with us.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The next day, Autumn came over. Apparently we planned a girl’s day today and Rhett was refusing to let me out of it. I really just wanted to play sick.

  “How you doing, girlie?” Autumn smiled.

  I tried to smile back, but knew it was strained. “I’m doing good.”

  She frowned. “Doesn’t sound like it. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Let’s go do this.”

  Geez, could I sound any less enthusiastic?

  “We don’t have to go it you don’t want to.”

  Dang, I was hoping she’d miss that tone.

  “She wants to,” Rhett stated. “She needs to.”

  “He’s right.” My smile was a little stronger this time. “It’s been three months so it’s about time I get out there.”

  I kissed Rhett goodbye and Autumn and I piled into her car.

  “You skipped into the future, didn’t you?” Autumn asked as soon as we pulled out the drive.

  “How’d you know?”

  “Molly, we’ve been best friends for years. I know you better than you think. It’s written all over your face.”

  I grinned for real this time. “I missed you.”

  She laughed. “Did we not hang out before or something?”

  “Not really to be honest. I locked myself up in the house and avoided school.”

  “It’s so crazy that you skipped so much because you’ve been at school for the past two months. You’re even doing good in it too. How much time did you jump?”

  “Two months.”

  I didn't mention traveling to the past because I didn't want to have to explain myself.

  “Two months?” she exclaimed. “Holy crap. And you don’t remember anything from that time?”

  “I wish I could say I did.”

  We didn’t say anything after that. I didn’t even know where we were going until we parked in front of the movie theater. I hadn’t been in a while, but Autumn and I used to come here all the time. It was one of my favorite places. It was a movie theater and a restaurant. A one stop destination.

  “Too bad we aren’t old enough for a drink because I sure could use one.”

  Autumn quirked her eyebrows at me. “Since when do you drink?”

  “I don’t.”

  She hugged me tight. “Let’s go watch that new chick flick that’s out. We haven’t been here in a while either. Still want to split the shrimp quesadillas like we used to?”

  “You know it.”

  We hooked arms and skipped into the theater. People were looking at us, but neither of us cared. Autumn brought out my old self from before the accident. It was refreshing and healthy. The movie was a romantic comedy and had me laughing more than I had in a while. My sides were hurting by the time we were leaving.

  “So, you and Rhett are close, huh?”

  “Yeah, we are. I think he’s the one. He’s been so amazing and has really helped me through Maddox’s death.”

  “He cares about you too. I can see it in his eyes every time he glances your way. Does he know about your ability?”

  “Yeah, and he believes me too.”

  “Well, then, marry him.”

  I choked on my spit. “We haven’t even graduated high school yet. You’re crazy. We haven’t even been dating that long.”

  She giggled. “I didn’t mean right now. I just don’t think you’re going to find another guy who believes you and is willing to work with you. It isn’t easy when you skip and we have to play catch up. I love you girl, but sometimes, I was ready to break up with you.”

  “Well, I’m glad you didn’t.”

  It wasn’t my place to tell her about Rhett’s ability. He didn’t even want his parents knowing, so it didn’t feel right sharing his secret with Autumn. Maybe one day, but not today.

  I pulled myself out of my thoughts when I realized Autumn passed up my exit. “Where are we going?”

  “We have one more stop to make. This is the most I’ve see you smile in a while and I’m not ready to give it up just yet.”

  “Now you sound like Rhett. He’s always saying cheesy things like that.”

  “I want to be your maid of honor when you get married.”

  I blushed. “Can you stop bringing that up? We’re still young and don’t know each other well enough to commit to spending our lives together.”

  “At least you’re being smart about it. I can’t fault you for that. I’m just saying that when it does happen, I want to be the maid of honor.”

  “Deal, now where are we going?”

  “That, my good friend, is a surprise.”

  She didn’t cave the whole way, but I recognized the path she took. Like I expected, she pulled up to a gravel drive that led to the local river. Not many people knew about this place and we always claimed that it was our secret hideout, but we hadn’t been here in years. It hadn't changed a bit. The rocks outlined the water perfectly, as if it’d been drawn in a painting. Autumn and I got out to sit on the bigger rocks.

  “Man, we haven't been here in forever.” The memories of us hanging out flashed through my mind.

  “I know. Remember whe
n Maddox insisted on us taking him here back when we used to ride our bikes?” Autumn reminisced.

  A sharp pain went through my chest, but I pushed through it. I could do this. “Yeah. That was before he got into those video games. We actually brought him here too.”

  “It was the only time we ever did, but it made his day,” Autumn finished.

  “It did. How’s your brother doing?”

  “He’s getting sick of me smothering him, but I can’t help it. Seeing you go through Maddox’s death put things into perspective for me. I’m sorry if you aren’t ready to talk about him. Just let me know and I’ll change the subject.”

  “I think I’m going to be okay. I need to embrace that it’s been three months, even though it’s easier said than done.”

  “Well, I’m here for you girlie. Whenever you need me. I know you have Rhett, but you have me too. I’m surprised your dad actually lets him sleep over. Are you guys doing anything?”

  My ears were probably glowing scarlet at that. “No. We just go to sleep. At least in this timeline that’s how it is and I’m perfectly fine with that. Neither of us are ready.”

  “You mean to tell me that you changed things when you went back and one of those things was your v-card?”

  “Autumn,” I chided. “Don’t say that so casually.”

  “Details. Now,” she demanded.

  After a few more minutes of persuasion, I caved and told her everything. Everything that happened on this timeline and the other one.

  “So which outcome do you like better?” she questioned curiously.

  “That’s a dumb question. This one obviously.”

  “But you don’t even remember meeting his parents.”

  “There will be plenty of time for that. I feel so bad for Rhett because they’re never around. I think that’s why he tries so hard to impress my parents. He knows they’re in the picture for good and he wants their approval.”

  “Yeah, but every boyfriend wants their girlfriend’s parents to like them.” Autumn rolled her eyes.

  “Not in the way Rhett does. I think he genuinely wants them to like him as their own son. It’s like he’s searching for approval.”

  “I know there’s something you aren’t telling me about him, but I hope you’ll share the juicy details one day.”

  “What on earth do you mean by that?”

  Autumn shrugged. “I’m simply saying that there’s some reason you told him about your time skipping problem that you haven’t told me. Don’t worry. I’ll get the details one day.”

  She was most likely correct on that assumption, but it wouldn’t be today. I wouldn’t spill a word until I had Rhett’s approval.

  “Let’s go in,” Autumn stated suddenly.

  “Into the water? But it’s chilly out here and we don’t even have a bathing suit.”

  “So? That’s never stopped us before.”

  I chewed on my lip. Half of me wanted to do it and the other half was totally against it. The half that was for the swim won and like old times, Autumn and I splashed around in the river until we were too cold.

  ~*~

  “Thank you,” I told Rhett as we were eating dinner that night at my house. Mom and Dad had gone out so we had the place to ourselves.

  “For what?” he asked through his food. A bit of bread even came flying out.

  “Really?” I quirked an eyebrow.

  “Hey, that’s what you get for talking to me while I’m eating. Now, what exactly are you thanking me for? Not that I’m not enjoying it.”

  “Oh don’t let your ego grow now. I’m simply thanking you for making me go out. I was even able to talk about Maddox.”

  “I knew you would be fine.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “I’m going to skip the ‘you just did’ part and say of course.”

  “Why do you stay over here every night?”

  “Getting sick of me already?”

  I shook my head. “It’s not that. In the previous timeline, the reason you slept over in the first place was because I was upset and so were my parents.”

  “You were upset, which was the reason I slept over. When your parents found out that mine were never home, I think they sort of felt bad for me and overlooked me sleeping over. I also promised your dad that we wouldn’t do anything. Actually, the fifth night I slept over, he pulled me aside and lectured me on responsibilities and respecting his daughter.”

  He started laughing when I smacked my forehead in embarrassment.

  “He did not.”

  “Yeah, he did and you confronted him the next day because you overheard the whole thing. The roles were reversed that night and it was pretty entertaining watching you and your mom scolding your dad. It made me feel welcomed even after the accident. It also was the start of your family’s healing process. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

  “Do you only like me because I’m like you?”

  “Where is all this coming from? I can’t believe you’re still insecure. I thought you were getting over your fears about our relationship.”

  “The girl you knew on this timeline may have, but I’m not her. I can’t just jump in and be happy and unafraid because I was before. I don’t know that part of our lives.”

  “I know. I just keep forgetting. Molly, I care about you for you. We’ve already said we love each other and you being from a different timeline won’t change that. You’re still the same girl even though you're not ready emotionally to accept me.”

  “Ugh, I’m so weird.”

  Rhett laughed heartily at that. “That you are, but so am I. It’s one of the reasons we work so well. You don’t remember it because of the time skip, but we actually had a smelling contest to see who had the better nose.”

  “We did? Who won?”

  “I did,” he stated proudly.

  I chewed my lip. “I don’t believe you. Guess we’ll just have to hold the competition again. I missed out on so much.”

  “Don’t worry about that. We’ll just make more memories. It’ll be fun to watch you relive everything too. It keeps things exciting.”

  “At least one of us in this relationship can think optimistically.”

  “It just balances out your pessimism.”

  I stuck my tongue out and he copied the motion. There was a question I really wanted to ask and knew it would be awkward. It was why I hesitated, but I needed to know the answer. His eyes widened before I’d asked it.

  “We actually took a shower together before? Dang I’m in the wrong time. Can we go back together?” He beamed.

  He’d read my mind.

  I giggled at that, but my neck burned at the thought. “No way. That was the most awkward thing ever, more so for you. You were like a statue.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to have a take two of that scene.”

  “Not happening buddy. Not for a long time at least. I’m actually glad it didn’t happen because I shouldn’t have let myself become so vulnerable.” I lowered my voice to a whisper, “Could you see me naked when you looked at that memory in my mind?”

  He winked. “I could’ve, but didn’t. I want to see that in person for the first time. I can wait.”

  “It might have to wait until we’re married.”

  “I’ll live.”

  “You’re ridiculous. I’m going to take a shower. You can stay here.”

  “Aye, aye captain.” He saluted me and I just rolled my eyes. He was such a cute little loser.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The rest of the school year passed by in a blur. I didn’t do too well with my grades, but my teachers were lenient considering the circumstances. They worked with me and gave me bonus credit opportunities. I wasn’t sure how I got straight A’s in the time I skipped.

  It was now summer and I was finally feeling like my old self again. The house still felt empty without Maddox in it, but Mom and Dad were doing okay. I was worried that Maddox’s death would lead
to them fighting. Instead, it brought them closer and that made me a little happier.

  Autumn spent more time with her brother now after witnessing my situation. We didn’t hang out as much as we used to, but that didn’t make us grow apart. We were still just as close as always. I missed our girl days. That moment in our hideout by the river was the last one we shared.

  Rhett had been a trooper these past months. He’d stuck by my side throughout the mood swings and being a homebody. He didn’t leave me no matter how annoying or boring I was and I owed him for that. He proved that he really did love me and it was my turn to show him.

  Rhett had still been staying with us and my parents turned a blind eye to it. We still hadn’t done the dirty and neither of us were in any hurry to. I wasn’t emotionally ready for that step and he wasn’t pushing it. I felt bad because he had gotten used to how I was before I time skipped. I wasn’t over Maddox’s death, but pretending to be okay just made everything spiral out of control and I became more upset and even enraged, but that was greatly improving.

  Our last day of school was today and Rhett needed to stop by his house for more clothing and other items he didn’t specify. I made him bring me to my house first, claiming that I was ready to get back to bed. Truth was, I wanted to get home so I could surprise him. I did my hair in a fancy up-do that Autumn taught me a while back and I slipped into the black dress I wore on our first date. It was time for me to rejoin society and Rhett assisting me was the perfect way to do it.

  Rhett’s expression when he came into my room made it all worth it. His eyes nearly popped out of his skull and his mouth dropped open.

  “What’s the occasion? Did I forget our anniversary or something?”

  “That’s the first thing you have to say?” My eyes narrowed playfully.

  “Let me backtrack that. You look great. What’s the occasion?”

  “No specific one. I just wanted to thank you for all you’ve done and thought we would start making memories instead of me being trapped in past ones. Let’s go out to eat.”

  “With the way you look, I’m taking you to a high class restaurant.”