And this time…there she is.
Chapter 37
Ella
December 27th, 2008
Saturday
The air is cold, but the sun is out in New York City, and I have a picnic blanket.
The pizza I just had for an early dinner was deeply satisfying, and I have a chocolate bar waiting back at the hotel for later.
The characters in the book I’m reading are about to realize there’s magic in an apartment where they’re falling in love across time.
What a great day this has been.
My mom always says that travelling feels like being a child all over again.I smile.I know what she means.
A butterfly flutters close to my dress, and I lift my head.
And then…
Our two light, spontaneous smiles intersect.Soundless at first.
For a time, life kept weaving our paths together in the most unexpected ways.And now, years later, it has done so once more, without warning.
I stand up, my eyes locked on his, not letting him be a mirage.“I can’t believe that...”I say, in a confused tone, waving my arms around, mirroring the astonishment and shock stirring inside me.
“It’s been almost ten years,” Miles says.“And now it certainly feels like we’re living in a movie.”
My smile grows.
Chapter 38
Ella
December 27th, 2008
Saturday
Here we both are.Standing on the lawn, in the middle of an immense garden, in the great unknown city of New York.The two of us, who once became unknown to each other.
“Ella,” he calls my name, as if a recognition to himself that I am me.“What are you doing here?”
“I landed yesterday.I’m going to a work conference,” I explain.“What areyoudoing here?”
I think I’m daydreaming.Sleepwalking.Feeling the cold winter air against my ears and living in a dream.
The world suddenly seems so small and life so imaginary.
“Wow.I moved here,” Miles says, beginning to answer the various questions that swirl around in my mind.“About five years ago.”
“After Cadence?”
He keeps his eyes fixed on mine.
Yes, I know which college he went to.Miss Amara had waited for me to ask that question.And when I did, she told me.
