Charming

Copyright © Susan Kaye Lopez, 2010

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictiously and anyresemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Chapter 1

It took three different psychics in two countries before I began to realize something was up. I was on the train traveling from France to Italywhen I had my first encounter. It was midway through a three week European vacation that my grandparents had been promising me since I wassmall. Knowing my fascination with history, art, and architecture they had given me and my best friend Rylee the trip of a lifetime. We had stayed inall the cities I had dreamed of visiting, in accommodations fit for a princess. Two of our hotels had even been actual castles. Gran and Grandadtraveled through Europe yearly, so they were wonderful guides. They knew the best restaurants, the best places to shop, and how to speak French,German and Italian with the locals.

While my parents were wonderful, they were also college professors who preferred to stay home and live life through their books. Mygrandparents on the other hand were young at heart and could hold their own with anyone from my generation. Gran always kept up with the currenttrends and Grandad always knew what was up in pop culture, sometimes even more than I did. All of my friends adored them and envied our closerelationship, and I knew I was lucky to have them in my life. Most weekends I would stay with them in either their Palm Springs home or their cabin inthe mountains near Big Bear. I had my own room in both and they let me redecorate whenever I felt the urge; often times seasonally, as I wasalways changing my tastes and never could commit to a favorite color scheme. Currently my room in Palm Springs was a hippie bohemian stylewith shades of purple, jade and magenta, while my Big Bear room was far more conservative and stuck to a black and white motif. Gran said thiswas because I hadn’t figured out what I really like yet. She also said this was why I had never committed to having a boyfriend…but enough aboutthat.

When I graduated from Saint Elizabeth High School three weeks ago they had presented me with the itinerary for this trip and told me I couldbring a friend. I didn’t have to think twice about who to bring, as my best friend Rylee was the natural front-runner. As an only child, I thought of hermore like a sister than a best friend and we were compatible for everything, especially traveling. So far the two of us had been having the time ofour lives, with the exception of the complaining about missing her boyfriend, Trevor. In typical Rylee fashion, she had dropped her Blackberry off ofthe top of a double-decker bus while trying to take a picture of Big Ben and had been a wreck ever since not being able to keep tabs on hiswhereabouts.

We were on our way to Rome when the first encounter occurred. It had been three hours since we had left Paris and we still had quite a ways

to go. I hadn’t noticed the hours that had passed because I had been wrapped up in a sketch I had been working on since leaving Amsterdam aweek ago. Riley waved her hand in front of my vision trying to pry my attention away from my sketchpad. She had her iPod on and pointed out thewindow at the scenic Italian countryside that had lost my attention after the first twenty minutes, but still seemed to be captivating hers. I looked overat Gran who was playing Sudoku and Grandad who was fast asleep and laughed to myself at their predictability. It was as I watched them that I wasovercome with the uncomfortable sensation that someone was watching me. I glanced around subtly, trying to identify my observer. My eyes landedon an elderly woman across the aisle and ahead of me a couple of rows. Her black eyes stared at me like black coals juxtaposed against her paleand weathered skin. Her grave face and solemn expression made it impossible to tell if she was sixty years old or one hundred. I looked at her as ifto tell her to stop looking at me, but she didn’t seem to take the hint. Goosebumps swept over my skin as I realized she had no intentions of lookingaway.

Rylee elbowed me and I jumped, startled. I looked at her and saw that she had noticed what was going on.

“Sophie, do you see that old lady staring at you? What do you think she wants?” she said, attempting to whisper but coming closer to a softyell because of the volume of her iPod in her ears.

“I don’t know but she’s freaking me out. Maybe she thinks I’m someone else?” I whispered back. I casually readjusted my long, dark pony tailsuddenly feeling self-conscious.

“Don’t look now! Keep looking at me, she’s getting up. Maybe she’s getting off at the next stop,” Riley whispered hopefully. I kept my eyes onher face and my heart sunk into my stomach when I saw her eyes widen in shock and felt a cold hand on my shoulder. Twisting around to confronther, my heart thumped unevenly as I finally met the woman face to face. Time seemed to stand still as she studied me intently without saying a word.It felt as though she was trying to read my mind. Finally, unable to stand it any longer I broke the tense silence.

“Can I help you?” I asked.

Her reply was raspy and sent a chill down my spine. She spoke rapidly and urgently in Italian and I instantly regretted my decision not tolisten to those language tapes that Gran had bought for me.

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand you. Do you speak English?” I asked.

She let out an impatient sigh, obviously frustrated by my lack of comprehension. I was still feeling confused, a million questions racingthrough my mind, as I again felt a hand on my arm. This time the touch was warm and familiar.

“Sophie, what is going on?” Gran said, her voice sounding protective. She quickly switched her tone to one of suspicion as fluent Italianrolled off her tongue, assumedly asking the old woman what she wanted. The woman spoke back to Gran, her agitation showing as her handsspoke their own language. She obviously wanted to tell me something but the language barrier was stopping her from successfully being able to doso. The woman gestured toward me several times as my Gran listened and replied in short, dismissive, tones.

“Gran, what is it? What does she want?” I asked, desperately curious.

“Don’t mind her Sophie, she is just trying to make money off of you,” Gran explained as the woman watched my face.

“Make money? But how?” I was really baffled now.

“She’s a gypsy, a fortune teller, and she says she needs to tell you something.”

“What?” I squeaked, fear and curiosity rising.

“She isn’t making much sense. I don’t know what she is talking about,” Gran replied before rattling off another sentence or two in Italian,gesturing with her hands for the old woman to go away.

Stubbornly the old woman shook her head and speaking frantically reached out and touched me, brushing the air beside me as if somethingwas there. She repeated the motion looking at me intently as she did this, trying to make me understand.

“Gran, please just ask her what she wants me to know,” I said sharply, my voice sounding as panicked as I suddenly felt.

“She just keeps saying something about you needing to know someone is here.”

“Who Gran? Who’s here?”

“Sweetheart, nobody’s here. She is a crazy old woman and she is just trying to get a rise out of you so you will pay her to tell you more. Now,sit down and if she doesn’t leave I will go and get help.”

As I sat down the woman seemed to accept her defeat, turning to go back to her seat. She started to walk away but quickly turned backaround and walked over to me once more, putting one of her bony hands on my heart and again motioning to the space beside me. It seemed likeshe was indeed trying to tell me someone was there or something. She did this one more time and then turned and walked away.

Gran watched this final exchange and shook her head in disapproval. “It’s okay now Sophie,” she said, trying to comfort me. “Gypsies areinevitable when you are traveling through Italy. At least she didn’t try to steal your bag.”

Gran returned to her Sudoku as if nothing had happened and Grandad continued to snore, having missed the whole thing. I looked over atRylee who ran a nervous hand through her wavy blonde hair.

“Oh my god Sophie, that was so creepy. What do you think she was trying to tell you?”

“I have no idea, but it freaked me out. You don’t think she is really psychic do you?” I asked because, while I didn’t believe in fortune tellers orpsychics, for some reason I felt like she had meant what she said. I believed her, even though I didn’t want to.

“Of course not!” Riley said, obviously trying to convince us both. “I just hope it doesn’t give you nightmares. If it were me, I wouldn’t be able tosleep for days!”

“Well, we are safe there,” I laughed. “I’ve never remembered a dream in my life.”

“I can’t believe that I never knew this about you! You’ve never ever had a dream?” she asked incredulously.

“Nope” I replied. “Not one.”

Chapter 2

Six weeks later the old gypsy and her ominous message were far from my mind as I dropped yet another back-breaking load of mybelongings on the floor of my new dorm room. Move in day on a college campus was completely unlike what I had imagined. The sheer number ofparents, students, siblings, boxes, suitcases and bicycles was mind blowing. The lines for the rickety old elevator were wrapped outside thedoorway and around the building, making what should have been a five minute trip from the car to the dorm room take forty five. Multiply that by thefive trips mom, dad and I had made and we were all agitated, exhausted and overwhelmed. Several times I caught a look pass between my parentsthat said they were ready to have this much looked forward to but dreaded day end, even if it meant leaving their only offspring to fend for herself.

“Well, Pumpkin…” Dad said, tucking his tools into mom’s purse. “Your TV and DVR are up and running. The fridge is on. I wouldn’t open thedoor for a couple of hours so that your Diet Cokes can get nice and cold. Anything else you need me to do before we head out?”

I looked around at the private room that was about to become my home for the next several months. Its bare walls, gray industrial carpetingand drab brown furniture didn’t help the discomfort I already felt about being left alone on this alien campus. The only element that distinguished theroom from a prison cell was the multi- colored bedding my mom and I had picked out to cover my extra long twin bed. As the florescent lightsbuzzed above our heads, I knew I would have to throw some artwork on the walls immediately or I would go mad.

“No, I need to go to the pizza thing they are throwing for my floor so I can start to make some friends,” I said with fake enthusiasm. I knewgoing in that if I wanted to have a private room it would require a bit more effort on my behalf with forging friendships since there would be no instantbonding with a roommate. While I usually am one to shy away from putting out extra effort in any social capacity, the only child in me couldn’t resistthe option of having my own space. My parents had agreed and even insisted on investing the extra money to make sure I had a single dorm room.

“Okay then, we will let you get to it. We love you sweetheart. Call us before you turn in tonight, alright?” Dad said as he wrapped me in a bearhug. He released me and I melted into my mother’s softer, yet no less constricting, embrace. I held on to her tightly as I breathed in the comfortingscent of her perfume. I would miss that smell.

“I love you Sophie. I’m going to miss you so much!” she said, her voice cracking and the tears beginning to flow.

“Oh Mom, don’t! You’re going to make me cry too.”

“Too late!” Dad laughed and reached for the brand new box of tissues next to the bed. He passed them to us with a smile, although I swear Isaw the glistening of tears in his eyes too.

Finally alone after their departure, I let out a heavy sigh and lay down on my rock hard mattress. Closing my watery eyes, I concentrated onhappy thoughts and fought the urge to indulge myself in a good, long cry. Swollen eyes would not make a great first impression and I needed to getout there and socialize. I didn’t come to San Diego to hide in a dismal dorm room, but I wasn’t quite ready to jump right in either. Maybe a walk oncampus and some fresh air would help me acclimate to my new surroundings. Grabbing my cell phone and the student I.D. that would also functionas both my room key and meal ticket, I headed outside to explore my new home.

The college campus was small but lovely, with graceful Mediterranean architecture and pristine landscaping. As I walked around, I couldn’thelp but feel as though I were on a movie set. The students looked like your average southern California college kids, all wearing a uniform ofshorts, t-shirts and flip flops. I looked down at my own outfit, cutoff denim shorts and a flowy, white top with strappy sandals I had bought while I wasin Italy, and decided it would serve well enough in helping me blend in and look the part. I caught a few students looking at me as I strolled thecampus and we exchanged nervous smiles. I wondered if they wished that they could go home as badly as I did.

I spied a vacant bench and settled in next to an idyllic looking fountain. I took a couple of deep breaths like I would if I were in yoga class tocenter myself and relax, and surprisingly it began to work. I knew that if I could just trick myself into feeling calm, the excitement I had felt the weeksbuilding up to this moment would resurface. I was just about to head over to the student store and see if I could find a couple posters to begindecorating my barren walls when I was startled by a small dog barking at me. I looked down and saw a tiny black and white Chihuahua, with its taildown and teeth barred, growling fiercely. I looked to its owner for help, but she seemed to be in some kind of trance. The owner was a tall blondewoman who was decked out in exercise wear. She appeared to be so fixated on me that she was completely oblivious to her yappy little pest.

“Um… Hello. Dogs hate me. Sorry. I don’t know why but they always bark at me like this.” I explained in an attempt to break her trance. Itseemed to work. She shook her head and smiled.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to do that, sometimes I can’t help it - occupational hazard!” She laughed and tried to shush her dog, “Spike!Stop! It’s alright! He’s friendly! Leave him alone!”

My eyes widened at her use of the wrong pronoun and she grimaced. “Hey, I’m so sorry, I don’t usually do this. I know you’re not a ‘he’. Iwasn’t talking about you.”

My head swung around to confront the person she referred to but there was no one else around. I felt myself become increasingly confusedas I waited for her explanation.

“Okay, I don’t usually do this. I normally let my clients come to me, regardless of what I happen to see… but I am afraid I can’t help myself thistime. You say dogs always bark at you, right? How long have you noticed that?”

“For as long as I can remember. My parents had to get rid of their Schnauzer when I was born because it never stopped barking. There hasnever been a dog that didn’t bark or growl at me.”

“Wow… Okay… can I sit with you for just a minute?” She seemed friendly enough so I silenced the small part of me that wondered if I shouldget up and leave and motioned for her to take a seat next to me.

“My name is Kara,” she said. At closer look I saw that she was quite pretty and had an inviting smile.

“I’m Sophie,” I said, extending my hand.

“It’s really nice to meet you Sophie. I know this is strange but I feel I should tell you something that I would want to know if I were you.”

“Uh yeah, what’s that?”

“Well for one thing the dogs haven’t been barking at you. They are barking at a spirit that’s beside you.”

“Spirit! What kind of spirit?” I asked, the words blurting out without my control. My mind instantly flashed back to the train in Italy and the oldgypsy’s frantic attempt to tell me something.

“Sophie, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. It’s okay, really, he’s a friendly spirit.”

She said this casually, as though it were supposed to make me feel better. Spirits following me around? What part of that was supposed tobe reassuring? “Who is it? How come he’s with me? Why can’t I tell he’s there?” I looked at the bench beside me and saw nothing. No one washere but Kara and I. I felt my heart begin to beat faster.

“Calm down, Sophie” she said with a laugh. Clearly she could see that I wasn’t stomaching the information well. “Let me concentrate and I’lltell you what I see... On the house!” she added with a grin. Was she having fun scaring the crap out of me?

“Please, can you just make it go away? What does it want?”

“Don’t worry. Here, hold my hand and take a deep breath. Let’s just sit here silently while I read you, okay?” She held my hand tightly andclosed her eyes while I took a deep, shaky breath and waited for her to speak.

“First let me explain that I’m not a medium who can communicate with spirits. I can see them clearly but I can’t make contact.”

“But you told your dog he was friendly,” I said, realizing how silly I sounded.

“Well, he is. I can see him and I can sense by his energy that he’s a good spirit. He’s absolutely gorgeous too, if that makes you feel better.”

“Great, so I have a hot guy following me around and I can’t even see him!”

“He just laughed at that. He is obviously someone close to you, if you could see the way he watches you it is quite sweet. Did you lose aboyfriend Sophie?”

“You mean, did he DIE?!” my voice squeaked and I realized I was doing a terrible job of calming down. “No. I’ve never even had a boyfriend,ever. I’ve never met anyone I really liked that way. Late bloomer, my mom says. Besides, you said he’s the reason that dogs hate me right? Thatmeans…oh my god…. has he been here all my life?”

“Good point! Okay, so you didn’t lose a boyfriend. Let me do something here. Let me concentrate and see what comes to me. I love solvinga good mystery.”

I continued letting her hold my hand and “read me.” I didn’t see where I really had a choice in the matter. Obviously someone was with meand suddenly I was desperate to know who and why. She would have my full cooperation. “Okay, what do I do?”

“Just stay still and breathe slowly. Try to relax. I’ll do the rest. I will tell you what I feel and you simply tell me if I’m right or not.”

Kara then seemed to relax herself. She took both of my hands in hers and closed her eyes. Looking around self-consciously, I was relievedno one was nearby to witness this.

“First of all, you are an old soul Sophie.” I rolled my eyes. It figured a psychic would confirm something my parents had been telling me mywhole life. “You are very smart and creative. You have no brothers or sisters and you are close to two sets of adults. Are your parents remarried?”She opened her eyes and looked at me quizzically, waiting. Realizing she wanted me to answer I shook my head no. I didn’t want to give her help. Iwanted to see if she was for real.

“Well, then if it isn’t that or… Oh! I see it now. Grandparents, but not your average kind, they are like a second set of parents to you. You staywith them often?” I was impressed so this time I answered her question with a nod.

“Your parents and grandparents are your closest connections. You have friends, but only one who is especially close, more like a sister thana friend. She’s not near right now, she’s in… let’s see... Arizona!”

“Wow! You are good. She’s at college in Arizona.”

“Don’t tell her but she will be back in California next semester. She’s going to hate the desert!”

This detail seemed especially possible. I had tried to talk Rylee into going to San Diego with me but she had been set on the school inArizona since freshman year when someone told her it was a party school with the hottest guys.

“Sophie, have you been drawing in sketchpads? For like, years?”

Again I nodded, no longer surprised. “You draw lots of landscapes and fanciful scenes of castles and gardens, but mostly you draw a boy?His detail is amazing. He’s tall with wavy, blonde hair, dark blue eyes and dimples. He’s really handsome. You draw him all the time, not just insketchpads but on your school notebooks and any scrap paper. You call him Charming?”

“Yes, Charming is just my version of what the perfect guy looks like. Why? Do you see me meeting someone who looks like him someday?” Iasked, hopeful.

“No.”

Her response hit me surprisingly hard. I felt disappointment well up. I had gotten my hopes up for a minute.

“Sophie, don’t freak on me here, but your spirit…” Kara started, suddenly trailing off in thought.

“Yeah, what about him? Is he gone?” I asked, hoping she would tell me this encounter had spooked him away.

Suddenly the look on Kara’s face became more solemn. “Sophie, the spirit is Charming.” As soon as she said this her eyes searched minefor a reaction.

“What?” I whispered, feeling goose bumps break out all over my body.

“Sophie, listen to me, your spirit, the one by your side, looks exactly like the sketches you draw of Charming. You have been drawing him allalong. Are you sure you don’t know him? Think hard.”

“I told you I don’t know him! I never knew anyone who died and he’s dead right?”

Kara nodded this time and I continued.

“I started drawing Charming when I was really little and I simply never stopped. I thought I created him. I never ever felt like I knew him. Heisn’t real Kara, he’s from my imagination.”

“No, he’s not. He is here with you and I assure you I am not imagining him. Neither are all those dogs your entire life. Think about it Sophie.Maybe now that you have this knowledge it will begin to become clear. That happens sometimes.”

“I’m scared.” I said the words softly, and no truer words had ever come from my mouth. I was terrified.

“Sophie, you mustn’t be afraid. He’s not going to hurt you. You should see his face, he was horrified when you said that. Whoever yourCharming is, whatever reason he is here, he definitely loves you. I can feel it.”

“Loves me? I can’t feel him, I don’t know him. If someone was with me my entire life why wouldn’t I feel it?”

“Maybe he’s not ready for you to know. Maybe it’s enough for him to just be with you. Honey, all I do know is you are not alone and you areloved, and love is never a bad thing.”

“Kara, what do I do now? Now that I know he’s there how am I going to be able to see him?”

“He can hear you sweetie. And the only way I know to hear him would be to see someone who can help the two of you communicate. I wish Iwere able to, but it is beyond my ability. Let me give you my card. Feel free to call me anytime, on the house. Oh, and there’s one more thing. Yourgrandma is going to be just fine. You can tell her I said the doctor is wrong.”

“What? Gran’s not sick!”

“Exactly. She will be fine, like I said. You can tell her, it will ease her anxiety. I better run. It was a pleasure meeting you Sophie. I look forwardto talking to you again soon.”

Kara left and suddenly I was alone on the bench, silently watching the fountain and trying to feel the presence of Charming next to me.Nothing had changed, I still felt alone. I believed Kara. I believed he wouldn’t hurt me, and I even believed he cared for me. I just didn’t know why.

Chapter 3

I had a few uncomfortable moments later that night. Who am I kidding, I had a horrifying anxiety attack. I had stopped in at the pizza partyafter my encounter with Kara. I felt an urge to be with other people, to not be alone with my new side kick. I was able to put on my game face as mydad would call it and introduced myself to several kids, most of whom I could see myself being friends with. One girl in particular named Danicaactually made me laugh and forget my troubles for awhile. It turned out she was from LA also and we had a lot in common. It probably helped thatwe were both home sick at the moment and it felt good to talk about it. She introduced me to her roommate Tiffany and I made plans to meet themthe next day at the dining commons for lunch. Going back to my room I called mom and dad and was met with the news that Gran was told she mayhave cancer. Mom hated to tell me on my first night away from home but knew she could not keep me in the dark about something so important. Isuddenly realized that if there were even the slightest doubt that Kara was a psychic I had just been given proof that she was the real deal.

“Mom, she’s going to be fine. I know she is. You have to believe it too.” I spoke the words in my most confident tone and wished I couldexplain why I was so sure, but it would upset her more if I did.

Getting off the phone with mom and dad I called Gran and Grandad. I wanted to tell Gran what Kara said. I decided to edit the part aboutCharming, at least for tonight. I was holding on by a thread and Gran did not need me breaking down right now. Explaining to her my encounter withyet another psychic actually got through to her and Gran seemed to relax as we talked. I told her Kara was dead on about everything she told meand by the time we hung up I knew Gran believed she would be just fine. I knew that I should call Rylee too, but I was exhausted both mentally andphysically from my crazy day and just couldn’t tell the story tonight. Unlike my folks and gran, Rylee would get the entire story. I told her everything.Nothing was kept secret between us. Texting her instead, I asked her to let me know a good time for her to talk tomorrow, then turned off my phoneand plugged it in to the charger.

It was as I removed my shirt, throwing it in the bright green laundry basket on my closet floor, that the anxiety hit. It came with the suddenrealization that if Charming was always with me and could see me, then I was undressing in front of him. Not just right now, but always. That meanthe had seen me in my most private, personal moments. He’d seen me throw up when I had the flu, singing and dancing in my room, crying my eyesout when I was sad, wearing my head gear when I had braces… The humiliation was endless. It was unbearable. He could see me right now, thehorror clear on my face. Could he read my mind too? Would I never, ever be free of his presence?

Pulling my most modest pajamas out of my drawer I turned off the overhead light and fumbled clumsily in the dark trying to get them on andstubbing my toe painfully on the end of the bed. I was almost grateful for the pain because` it allowed the tears to start and once they did I criedloudly and endlessly until exhausted, I slept.

~

I sat up in bed, calmly aware that my ugly dorm room had morphed into a spacious room filled with expensive antique furnishings and ablazing fire crackling and popping in a stone fireplace. A real fire, not gas logs that turned on with a switch like I’d grown up with. I was obviouslydreaming and somehow this thought did not bother me at all even though I had never dreamed before. I ran my hand across the beautiful goldenquilt that covered me and noticed that someone was sitting in one of two upholstered chairs in front of the fire. I felt no fear, I recognized that goldenblonde head and I smiled when I heard him speak .

“Come sit with me Sophie,” he said softly. I knew that voice, knew it instantly and intimately. A feeling of pure joy filled me and I threw backthe covers and jumped carefully off the tall four poster bed. I looked down in awe at the delicate silk and lace gown I wore, its modest lines coveringme from throat to toes, my fingers peeking out of its bell shaped sleeves.

Tiptoeing to the empty chair I sat down and let my gaze fall upon Charming. Drinking him in, I stared at his living, breathing beauty come tolife. Every single feature I had lovingly drawn, my pencil demanding perfection, sat here just inches away. There wasn’t a feature I had forgotten, orgotten wrong. My prince, my Charming, my creation, was looking at me, the love in his eyes clear and honest making my cheeks burn and mystomach flutter.

I loved him. I knew this. I knew the feel of his silky hair beneath my fingers, knew where my head would rest on his chest when he held me. Iknew his smell and the taste of his mouth. He was my life, my heart, my universe. The man of my dreams-literally.

“Hello Sophie,” he smiled and his dimples deepened. His navy eyes studied me and I wanted to stay here under his gaze forever.

“Charming, I don’t know what’s happening. Where are we and where have you been?”

“Do you remember anything at all about us?” he asked, the hope clear in his voice. He leaned close and reaching over enclosed my hands inboth of his. His touch felt electric and my heart raced in response. I nodded.

“What?” he asked. “What do you remember? This room, do you recognize it?”

“No. Where are we?” I asked, my eyes reluctantly leaving his to look around me, trying to recognize anything that might stir a memory.

“This is your room.”

“My room! How?” I was confused and for the first time felt a little uneasiness at my apparent amnesia.

“Do you know me?” he asked another question without answering mine.

“Yes, of course, you’re Charming.” I knew this. “I’ve been sketching you all my life.”

“Do you know why you’ve been sketching me?”

I frowned and wrinkled my forehead in confusion. I knew him, yet I couldn’t answer the simplest question.

“Because you are my soul mate, I just haven’t found you yet.”

“No Sophie. You have found me. Do you remember any of our dreams?”

“No, I’ve never had a dream before, ever.” I said this with conviction. This I did know. I was sure of that.

“Yes, you have dreamed before. The first time you were only five and I found you in the nursery of this house drawing pictures. I sat down anddrew with you and asked if you knew my name. You nodded and said ‘you’re Prince Charming. Can I just call you Charming or do I have to sayPrince every time?’ I tried not to laugh and told you that you could call me whatever you like. I said you could call me Charlie if you wanted to. Youlooked at me with your big dark eyes and said. ‘No thanks, Charming.’”

“So that’s where I got it. Probably all those princess movies I was always watching. Your name is Charlie?”

He nodded and I ached at the sadness that flashed in his eyes. I wanted to remember for him even more so than for myself.

“I don’t remember this room. I don’t remember anything except the feelings you make me feel. I know I love you but I don’t know how thiscould be. I know your face like I know my own. I draw you constantly and I have all my life. You are my Charming, simple as that.”

“Oh, Sophie, if only it were simple. I can tell you what I know and maybe it will help it come back to you.” I don’t think he realized how tightly hesqueezed my hands as he spoke in a rush, anxious to share everything he knew with me.

“We’ve known each other Sophie. Loved each other completely, which is why you are able to feel that love yet forget our past. We were sohappy once, it was a perfect life in nearly every way. When we left that lifetime you were born into this one but something went wrong, because Iwasn’t. I’ve been here next to you all your life. You can’t see or hear me but you draw me and so you do remember, just not everything.” He lookeddown at our joined hands then back into my eyes.

“Oh, Charming, why haven’t I felt you there? I should have felt you!” I ached with regret that I had missed his presence all this time.

“It’s enough that I’m with you. I can’t ask for more than that…it’s everything to me. And there have been other dreams Sophie, you just neverremembered when you awoke.”

“So you mean I won’t remember this one either?” Sadness welled up and I felt tears threatening to spill.

“I don’t know, but while I’m able I want to tell you that I don’t watch your private moments. I swear to you I would never take advantage of thissituation.” He grinned and I felt blood rush to my cheeks with embarrassment as I remembered my freak out of last night.

“But you can read my mind right? Because I did not say anything out loud.”

“I can hear your thoughts, yes, and I can speak to you in dreams, that seems to be the extent of it.”

“Can I touch you Charming? Before I wake up and forget you again?” I asked boldly, I wasn’t sure why but I needed to touch him.

“I’ve waited a lifetime to hold you again,” he said simply as he stood up and pulled me into his arms. Holding me tightly, I felt him kiss the topof my head and I looked up into his eyes and suddenly his lips found mine and we were kissing. My first kiss, only it wasn’t. It was passionate andfamiliar and perfect and over before I wanted it to be.

“Sophie, we are almost out of time” he whispered breathlessly. “Please sweetheart, please remember me when you wake. Remember us.”

Chapter 4

I awoke remembering the dream and scrambled to grab a notebook and a pen recording every detail frantically lest I begin to forget. Once Ihad the words down on paper, I relaxed and lay back down a smile on my face. I replayed each moment, especially the kiss, in my mind. I glancedat the clock and saw that it was barely five a.m. and wondered if I could fall back to sleep. Could I dream again? Man, had I been missing out allthese years. If dreaming could bring Charming and I together then I planned on going to bed a lot earlier from now on. I laughed out loud in myhappiness and realized my lips felt tender and swollen. The kiss was real, that was for sure. I could feel the proof of it.

“Charming,” I spoke in a loud whisper although I knew he could hear my thoughts, “I remember!” Knowing intuitively he’d be as happy as I atthis amazing development I rolled over and remembered every minute detail again and again. Every moment was crystal clear. I began to wonderabout the beautiful bedroom we’d been in. Had it really been mine in our past? What had my name been? Was I exactly the same now as I hadbeen then? So many questions flew through my mind and the one who knew all the answers was right here beside me with no way to speak.

“Charming, we have to find one of those mediums Kara was talking about. I may not be able to see you except in dreams but I will find a wayfor us to communicate when I’m awake!” With that it hit me, where did I go to find out anything I wanted to know? I grabbed my trusty Mac lying nextto my bed and an hour later I had found numbers for three mediums in the San Diego area and ordered eight books on past lives. Closing mycomputer I took a diet soda from my mini fridge and turned to my right side to speak to Charming again. Realizing he was actually on my left Iturned the other way. Freezing in my tracks, chills going up my spine I grasped what had just happened.

“Charming,” I said, nearly yelling, “I can feel you! I know where you are!” I laughed aloud with joy unlike any I had ever felt before and knewwithout a doubt that he was joining me. I didn’t quite know what to do next. I couldn’t call the mediums this early and my classes began this morningso I would have to deal with normal life soon. I decided to get ready for my day and go have breakfast. I needed to carry on, life would continue as ithad, but I would now share it with Charming at my side.

Attending my first college class a few hours later I tried to keep myself present. I listened as my Psychology professor went over his six pagesyllabus. I think I succeeded fairly well, I heard enough to know it wasn’t going to be my favorite class. As soon as we were excused I found anempty bench and checked my schedule. My next class wasn’t for an hour so I pulled out my cell phone and called the number of the first medium Ifound. I didn’t know what a psychic’s business hours were, but it was 9:30 so I felt that it was a respectable time to call. A voice mail answered thefirst number, so I hung up and quickly dialed the next one. This time someone answered, but said that they were house sitting and the owners wouldnot be home for three weeks. Starting to get discouraged I tried the last number and exhaled in relief when a cheerful voice answered.

“Hello? This is Melissa.”

“Uh… hi... I was calling to make an appointment?” My voice raised the words into a question.

“Of course! When would you like to come over?” Her voice sounded friendly and I relaxed a bit.

“As soon as possible.”

“Sure, that would be just fine. I have an opening at three this afternoon.”

“Great! Thank you! Can I ask you how much you charge?” Not that I really cared, I would spend every penny of the money I worked for thissummer to get to communicate with Charming.

“Why, it’s your lucky day. I am running a special. Normally it’s 100 dollars a session, but for customers who will need multiple meetings it ishalf off. I hope that is within your budget, I know college students don’t have a lot of disposable income.” She laughed and so did I to be polite, butall I could think of was how could she know I was a student and that I would need multiple sessions. She gave me her address and I hung up,simultaneously nervous and excited.

I was dying to tell Rylee about everything that was happening, but it would have to wait. By tonight I would have a lot more to tell. I looked updirections to Medium Melissa’s house and sat through Sociology before meeting Danica and Tiffany for lunch. We had a nice time talking aboutpeople they had already met in the dorms and a couple reality shows we all watched. The conversation was light and comfortable and I really likedthem both. It was a little bit easier to pay attention in Art History, as this would be my major and I found the subject matter fascinating. When I wasdone with classes for the day I hurried back to the dorm. I traded in my backpack for my handbag and headed to the parking structure and my babyblue Volkswagen beetle. It was a gorgeous sunny day, but I didn’t bother with putting the top down. Melissa lived in Pacific Beach, which was only ashort drive from campus. I was so distracted I didn’t realize her proximity to the ocean and the lovely view until I walked up to her porch. The homeshe lived in was older but beautifully maintained and when Melissa opened the door I saw the same could be said for her. She wasn’t young, but Iwasn’t good at judging age. She was definitely a little older than my parents and they were in their mid forties. She was dressed up like she wasgoing to a business meeting, although her greeting was anything but formal.

“Hello Sophie! It’s so wonderful to meet you!” She took my hands in both of hers and gently pulled me inside. Her living room was completelywhite, white walls with white sofas, sitting on a thick white shag rug. “Please sit down. Can I get you anything? Water, tea? I’m sorry that I don’t haveany diet soda in the house…” She trailed off and I wondered if she knew about my diet soda addiction.

“No thank you, I’m fine. Thank you so much for finding time to see me on such short notice.”

“I’m happy to. Would you like to tell me why you are here or would you like me to just jump right in?” She smiled and I smiled back nervously. Ialready knew I liked her.

“Jump in. Please.”

“Okay, well normally someone comes to me hoping to talk to a loved one on the other side. Sometimes I’m able to make contact, sometimesnot. I don’t have a lot of control over the situation usually. Now you, Sophie, are different because you have brought your loved one with you.” Shesaid the words matter-of-factly and as if it were no big deal that she could see Charming come through the door with me. Still, I wanted to makesure she really saw him.

“Can you describe him for me?”

“Yes, of course. He’s tall, about 6’1”and he has wavy blonde hair and blue eyes. He has the most adorable dimples when he smiles, and hemust be about 21. Does that sound about right to you?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what he looks like. I have only seen him in dreams though.”

“Well, I am looking at him right now and I can see that he is in love with you. It’s completely obvious.”

I felt my cheeks burn as I blushed. “Can you ask him what I dreamed about last night?” I wanted to make sure that she could communicateclearly with Charming and this seemed a good question to start with.

She paused and looked directly at the spot where I felt Charming was and then answered. “He says you met in your old bedroom from thelife you lived with him and he kissed you in front of the fire.”

“Oh! You can really hear him!”

“Yes, loud and clear. He says go ahead and ask him whatever you like.”

“Ask him what my name was.”

“He says you are Sophie to him now, but your name was Lily. His name was Charles or Charlie, but he likes the name you have given him -Charming.”

“Were we married?” This question was one I was dying to know.

Again Melissa hesitated and listened to the voice only she could hear, nodding her head.

“Almost, he was killed the day before the wedding.”

I felt shock and sorrow at those words. My heart ached with loss as if it were happening now. “That’s horrible! When did this happen? Andwhat happened to me after he died?”

“He says not to feel so sad. It was over 150 years ago and all that matters is that you are together now”

“What happened to me after?” I asked again, knowing it wouldn’t be a happy ending.

Melissa looked sad herself as she relayed Charming’s words.

“After his death you were inconsolable. You refused to eat and couldn’t sleep. A few weeks later you got a simple cold and it turned intopneumonia. It took you quickly.”

My heart tried to wrap my head around this information, but it was hard to comprehend the death of oneself in a past life. I felt more sorrowabout his death than mine. I somehow knew I hadn’t wanted to live without him.

“Did I have a family, any brothers or sisters, did he?”

Melissa waited, listening intently, no hint of any emotion on her face. I felt impatient and annoyed that I could not ask all these questionsdirectly myself. Then finally she spoke.

“Sophie, he’s told me something that may be a shock for you, so I want to caution you that telling others about this may not be prudent. Theyprobably will not believe you. Unless you find it necessary for them to know it may be better to keep it to yourself for the time being. Just think aboutit.”

My heart lurched and thought to myself “what now?” but calmly said, “I promise I will. Tell me.”

Charming was on my right side and I felt myself leaning in his direction wishing I could grab his hand and hold it tightly. He must have readmy thoughts because he seemed to be solidly against my side. I could feel no space between myself and where I knew he was.

“Charming says that you grew up on estates that bordered one another. He was three years older than you and until you were about fourteenhe thought of you as a little girl, and quite the pest because you had a crush on him since you were tiny. You were constantly under foot becauseyour dearest friend was his sister, Charlotte. What he told me that I thought would shock you is that his sister is with you in this life also.”

I felt hot all over and wondered if this is what one felt before they fainted. “Where is she?”

“Away at school. Charlotte’s name is now Rylee.”

I think I knew before she said it. Who else could it have been? Rylee and I had been inseparable since preschool.

I took a deep shaky breath. “Are there more?”

“Yes, but only two. He says he doesn’t know Rylee’s parents in this lifetime or yours, but he knows your grandparents very well because theywere your parents in the past. He says you were an only child then just as you are now and you had an incredibly close relationship with them.”

I felt, well, I felt strange. Numb, almost. I must have been in shock. It was a lot to digest and I was so grateful to receive it. I was simplyoverwhelmed and I was embarrassed when tears began to blur my vision then pour unstoppable down my cheeks.

“I’m sorry,” I blubbered. “I don’t know why I’m crying…”

Melissa pulled me into a strong embrace then pulled back to look into my eyes.

“Sophie, this is a shock, but Charming says he wanted to tell you here because you might doubt it in a dream. He thought knowing they’dbeen with you might make you feel less alone in this strange situation. He also says he believes both Rylee and your Grandmother will believe you ifyou choose to tell them, but that your Grandfather will not. He says you have learned more than enough for today. He loves you and hopes to talk toyou tonight in your dreams.”

I nodded as I fought to stop the flow of tears. It was hard because I really wasn’t ready to stop. This was all so unbelievable and it still scaredme.

“I know it is unbelievable and scary.” Melissa spoke, repeating my thought. “It is also amazing and wonderful to see how the strength of lovecan work against all odds. Charming’s love is the purest I’ve ever felt and I’ve been doing this a long, long time - since before I was your age. Let’sstop now. Come back next week and we will find out what you want to know. Please remember to be patient. He’s been here all along and you hadno idea. The dreams will come.”

I didn’t see where I had any other choice in the matter. I reached for my purse and pulled out the fifty dollars I’d tucked in the inside pocketand handed it to her. It seemed so little for what I’d just received.

“Thank you Sophie. It’s quite enough. Don’t give it a thought.” Melissa said, reading my mind again. “Let’s plan on every Monday at threeo’clock if that works for you.”

“Thank you for being so much help, Melissa!” I smiled gratefully as she hugged me goodbye. Then I managed somehow to get myself in thecar, back to campus, and into my room before collapsing from mental exhaustion. I fell asleep for a couple of hours and slept, dreamless and deep.I awoke feeling refreshed and hungry and headed over to the dining commons where I ordered a burrito and french fries, adding a large diet cokeand an enormous chocolate chip cookie to complete my purchase. I didn’t feel like watching what I ate tonight. I felt like I had burned a millioncalories today through sheer emotion. Who needed the gym?

Chapter 5

Seeing my best friend’s face on the computer screen that night made me realize just how much I’d missed her.

“Sophie, this sucks! We should be roommates right now, not watching each other from a billion miles away. What was I thinking cominghere? I hate Arizona, it’s like 116 degrees and look at my hair! I can’t do anything with it, the dry air has made it limp!”

I had to laugh as the words tumbled out of Rylee so fast I couldn’t keep up.

“You look great to me Ry, but I miss you too. I wish you were here. You’d love San Diego.”

“How are the guys there? I haven’t seen a single guy as cute as Trevor here,” she said with disappointment.

Trevor and Riley had broken up the night before she left for Arizona. She didn’t want to be tied down in a long distance relationship. Trevorwas now away at school in Oregon.

“They are great, I guess. I haven’t been paying too much attention. I’ve been having my own long distance relationship.” I said the wordslightly but got the reaction I had expected.

“What? Long distance? With who?!” The words screeched out of my computer speakers and I winced while turning down the volume.

“Well, it’s a long, unbelievable story. You have time to listen to it tonight?” I asked looking at her shocked face. Her perfect, naturally wavyblonde hair did look limp. I thought about what Kara had said.

“Of course I have time. Spill it.”

“Oh, and Rylee, you might want to fill out an application to transfer here next semester. I don’t think you will be there all year.”

“What? I’ve only been here two weeks! Don’t you want me to give it more time? You are usually the practical one, not me.”

“Sure, give it more time if you want to. It’s just that this psychic I met told me you would only be in Arizona one semester.”

“Psychic? Wait! Back up. Start at the beginning.”

I decided to give her the edited version of events so as not to freak her out and calmly told her about my encounter with Spike, thechihuahua, and his owner, Kara, the psychic. I think she was relieved that someone validated the fact that she did not belong in Arizona. In fact, shewas more into that part of my tale than the part about a second psychic seeing someone standing next to me. But then I really shocked her.

“Ry, you know all my sketches of Charming? How long do you remember me drawing him?”

“I don’t remember when you didn’t draw him, why?”

“Okay, this is where it gets weird. Just have an open mind because you are going to think I’ve lost mine.”

“Just tell me.” She was staring at me and I could see I had her full attention.

“Kara said the spirit beside me is Charming.” I paused to let this sink in and the astonished expression on her face must be the same one Ihad on mine when I’d received this news.

“Well, how did she know about Charming? Were you sketching when the dog started barking at you?”

“Nope, that would’ve been too easy. She just asked if I drew a lot in sketchpads and described him to me.”

“Okay, I’m freaked out. You have been drawing the ghost beside you all this time? That is creepy, Sophie.”

“Well, actually, if you met Charming you would think it was romantic” I replied, not taking any offense to her words. “There’s a lot more if youwant to hear it.” Of course she did and I filled her in on my dream and my visit to Melissa, all except the part about her being Charming’s sister. Iwanted to tell her that when we were in person.

“Sophie! No wonder you never like any guys! You’ve had your soul mate with you all along. That explains a lot. Wow, you are right, this isromantic!” Her enthusiasm grew as she began to believe my tale.

“It is, at least, Charming is. But this not being able to communicate with him or see him unless I’m sleeping isn’t. Now that I know him I justwant to be with him.”

“I’ll bet! It is a little bizarre. How will you ever get married or have kids when he’s here but not really here?” She frowned with worry and Isighed.

I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I hadn’t thought any farther than tonight’s dream and seeing him. Never being able to marry him, raise a familytogether, well that thought was beyond me, it was unbearable, confusing and heart breaking. I wanted all that, but only with Charming. Somewhereinside I was certain he was my only love, there was only him, there would always only be him. How could I be so certain after one dream and aconversation through a psychic medium? I don’t know how I knew, but I did.

“Hey, Soph, I didn’t mean to upset you. Are you okay?” Rylee’s voice brought me out of my contemplation and I answered her honestly.

“I don’t know. I need to go Ry. I’ll text you tomorrow. Okay?” I smiled to reassure her but she knew me better than that, she knew me betterthan anyone in either one of my lives, and suddenly, whether it was fair or not, I needed her to know.

“Rylee, there’s something else. I was going to wait to tell you but I need you to know.”

“What else?!”

“In my other life I had a best friend named Charlotte, she was Charming’s sister.”

“Should I be jealous?” Rylee laughed, trying to lighten things up.

“No, not unless you envy yourself. You are Charlotte. You are Charming’s sister. You’ve always been with me, always been my best friend.”

“Oh my god!”

“But Rylee, if we’re both here together why isn’t he here too? I mean, all the way here like you and I. I want him here Rylee, so badly.”

“He’s really my brother? My name was Charlotte? That’s crazy! Remember my Cabbage Patch doll?” she asked excitedly. That might soundlike a strange question but I knew exactly what she meant. We had been about six when Rylee wanted a Cabbage Patch doll and her mom hadtaken the two of us to three toy stores and read her the names of each doll until finally she found the one she wanted. Her mom asked her why shehad searched so hard for a doll with curly red hair. Rylee had looked at her, a serious expression on her little face and said, “I didn’t want one withred hair, I wanted one named Charlotte.”

“This whole thing is insane! I don’t remember any past life or any brother. You’d think if we had both lived in another time one of us wouldremember something!”

“I know, right? I don’t get it either, but I believe it all.” I felt so much lighter just being able to talk about it with Rylee.

“Sophie, you haven’t told anyone else any of this have you?”

“Of course not, they’d put me in a mental hospital! I’m only going to tell you and Gran. What do you think she will say?”

“Well, there’s only one way to find out and the worst that can happen is she doesn’t believe you. Knowing Gran, she will.”

“That’s what I think too, but there is one more thing that I learned…”

“More? Okay, just tell me.” She looked like she was waiting for someone to give her a shot.

“It’s just that, well, Charming said that he didn’t recognize your parents or mine from our past life but that he did know gran and granddad.

“Were they your grandparents then too?”

“Nope, they were my mom and dad.”

“Holy shit! Guess that explains why you have always been so close to them. I totally think of them as your second parents. Sophie, this wholething is…I don’t even have a word for it.”

“Exactly! Me either! I better go try to sleep. I have a lot of questions for Charming.”

“Okay, I can’t wait to hear all about it in the morning. Oh, and does my brother have a name? He couldn’t really be called Charming couldhe?”

“His name is Charlie.”

“Charlie?! Oh my god, do you remember…”

“Yes!” I said, cutting her off. “I remember your fish. Charlie one through 12!”“This is so bizarre!” she exclaimed.“Ya think?” I smiled and blew her a kiss. “Night Ry! I’ll tell him you said hello.” And with that I closed my computer and turned off the light.

Chapter 6When my eyes opened the next morning I stretched lazily and glanced at my clock. 7:15, good I didn’t have to be at class until 9:30 so I

wouldn’t need to rush. I lay there a few moments before it hit me, hard. Panic filled me as I realized I had slept soundly through the night. Norecollection whatsoever of having a dream. Disappointment weighed me down and the tears began to pool, making everything blurry. Once upon atime I had rarely cried and now all of a sudden I was getting pretty good at it. I concentrated hard and felt Charming right beside me. I rolled overfacing his direction. Whispering aloud, although he could easily listen to my thoughts, I said.

“Charming, I didn’t dream about you and now I have to get through a whole day before I get another chance.”I tried to imagine Charming’s reply to my words. I knew he’d probably tell me that it would be okay and to remember what Melissa said about

being patient. Did Melissa know that there would be no dream last night? I wish she would have just come right out and told me so I wouldn’t havegotten my hopes up.

I showered and threw on white shorts and a navy and white striped tank top, pulling my hair up in a ponytail so I wouldn’t have to blow dry it. Ifelt a little better when I thought I could call Melissa and make another appt. for today. Why did I have to wait until next week? I had plenty of money.Melissa could tell me what Charming was thinking, get the answers to my endless questions. I applied a quick coat of mascara to my already blackeyelashes and some peach lip gloss before grabbing my cell phone from the charger. I looked up Melissa’s number and pressed the talk button,listening to it ring several times until finally voice mail answered.

“Hello, you have reached Melissa Montgomery. I will be traveling out of the country this week and unable to return calls. Please leave amessage and I will get back to you when I arrive home on Sunday. Thank you, and have a wonderful week.”

I clicked the phone off without leaving a message.“Damn it!” I pouted, and threw myself down on my bed. “What am I going to do now?” I allowed myself only a few minutes to wallow in self pity

before dragging myself out the door. Classes would be a much needed distraction.I sat through Math and while the teacher started in on our first lesson, a review that thankfully included things I already knew, I doodled

Charming’s face in a variety of expressions. The girl sitting next to me leaned over and whispered.“He’s hot, who is he?”“My boyfriend,” I whispered back and smiled. I had never in my life said those words before. It felt good, really good.After class, I had an hour break so I decided to grab something to eat. It wasn’t crowded, so I didn’t have to wait long for my cheese

quesadilla and fries. I sat outside at an empty table on the patio to enjoy the beautiful day outside. This time of year they all were and I decided anafternoon at the beach would further lift my spirits. Danica had told me about a park in La Jolla where a lot of the kids went to study and I decided I’dcheck it out, maybe do some sketching.

I was halfway done with lunch when someone said “Is this seat taken?” and I laughed when I saw Kara standing there, again decked out inworkout wear. “Hi! Where’s Spike?” I asked as she pulled out a seat and opened a water bottle.

“Oh, he’s home, I can’t bring him if I run. I let him go on walks, they’re more his speed. How’s everything?”“Good.” I replied. “I took your advice and found a medium. Her name is Melissa and she’s great!”“Wonderful. You are going to be able to learn a lot that way. Of course, your dreams are going to be the best part.” She smiled and kept

talking, “You’re bummed out because you didn’t dream last night, right? Your buddy is nodding his head.”I turned my head quickly to my right where I felt Charming and wished for the millionth time I could see him too.“Hang in there. You’ll see him soon.”“Tonight?” I asked hopefully.“Yep! I think so!”“Kara, thank you!! I’m so glad I ran in to you!”“Well, I kind of ran into you, remember? I had this strong feeling that you could use a friend and a little peek into the future. This is a crazy ride

you’re on, but worth it I would say!”“Totally, but Kara, how will it end? Will he always be here?”“Slow down Sophie. Let’s take this a day at a time. I am psychic but I’m not God. I can see some things and others I have to wait for. I do see

that he’s meant for you and I see happiness and love for both of you. Now if that means only at night in your dreams I’m not sure. I can’t see the pathit will take right now, but when I can I promise you will be the first to know. Okay?”

“Fair enough. Thank you.”“You’re welcome. Well, you have class and I’ve got to run, literally. You are going to the beach this afternoon, but how about some shopping

tomorrow? We could walk the mall and you could pick up those sunglasses you’ve been wanting.”I hadn’t mentioned any of this to her and I laughed at the way she could know everything about me. It was oddly comforting. “What do you

think I’m going to say?” I teased. She laughed.“3 o’clock is perfect! I’ll drive over and pick you up in front of the fountain where we met. Will that be okay?”“Perfect.” I replied, and with a hug we were off to our respective activities. My day had suddenly gotten a whole lot better and I knew

Charming’s had too.~

I awoke slowly, conscious of the sound of splashing water and the happy chirping of birds. I was lying on my back and saw through a canopyof oak trees that the sky was a clear, bright blue. The air was hot and heavy with humidity. I must have fallen asleep reading as there was a heavyleather bound book open across my chest. Sitting up I saw I was wearing a white cotton dress that was pulled up showing my calves and bare feetand my hair fell over my shoulder in a braid, much longer than my hair had ever been.

My hair reached mid-back, but now it touched my waist.Another splash made me look up and forget all about my hair. My heart ceased to beat for a moment as rising out from a beautiful pond was

an even more beautiful Charming.Wearing only what looked to be cut-off grey pants, he smiled his gorgeous, dimpled smile at me and shook the water from his golden hair.

His body was so perfect he could get a modeling contract tomorrow. How did I rate such perfection? He came towards the wool blanket I wassitting on and plopped down next to me, shaking his head and spraying me with water droplets. Before words came out of either of our mouths wewere kissing and I was praying I’d never wake up. We kissed until we were both breathless and Charming’s lips traced a path of small kisses downmy neck and back up to my ear where he whispered “you’re here.”

I smiled and wrapped my arms tighter around him. “And I never want to leave.” We held each other, kissing until we were both breathless.“I love you, Sophie. Do you recognize this place?” he asked, with a hopeful note in his voice.I sat up, reluctantly letting him go and looked around. It truly was one of the most picturesque sights I had ever seen. The huge oaks

surrounded the sparkling pond, their branches reaching across to touch and provide a natural umbrella.“No,” I said sadly “I don’t remember it, but it’s so beautiful.”“As are you,” he said simply. Then we were kissing again, more urgently as if we were running out of time, which of course we both knew we

were.“Charming… I want to stay here. I want it all back, I want my memories. I only know that I love you and I can feel that with all of my being. How

can I be so sure, know it so completely and remember nothing?”He pulled me closer, if that were possible, and I clung to him as he spoke. “I don’t know sweetheart, but if it helps you I can tell you about us.

This place, this was our favorite spot. We would meet here often and you would bring a picnic and we’d read to one another and swim, and holdeach other like this. This is where I first kissed you and where I asked you to be my wife.”

“Oh!” I cried, looking up and feeling bad for both of us that these memories, so precious, had been taken from me. I could see in his eyeshow much he wanted me to remember. Knowing exactly what I was thinking he cupped my cheek gently.

“It’s alright, Sophie. You may never remember us when we were Lily and Charlie, and it saddens me, I admit. But it’s time for Sophie andCharming now. We need to make new memories while we are able. If these dreams are all we have so be it. They are more than I could haveasked for. We must make them ours.”

I took his hand from my cheek and kissed his palm. “You’re right. I’m so happy to be here with you in this perfect place. It’s so different fromyesterday, sitting on the grass in La Jolla, with all the people around. The ocean is so tranquil, but there was just this loud, busy mass of humanitysurrounding us.”

“Oh, I don’t know. It’s not private like this, but I enjoyed being able to watch the craziness swirling around you while you tried to read yourhomework. You know what I find most interesting about the time you live in?”

“What’s that?” I asked, curious.“Tattoos.”“Tattoos! Why?”“Well, because everyone seems to be getting them and it’s such a personal expression yet so public because everyone sees them. I find it

fascinating to see what meant so much to a person that they’d display it for a lifetime.”“Wow, Interesting.”“What? You don’t like tattoos?”“I just think it’s become a really huge fad and everyone is going to regret marking up their bodies someday.”“Well some people overdo it and then I agree, but one or two meaningful ones? That would be okay.”“Well, if you were able, would you get a tattoo?”“Yes, I would.” He smiled and his dimples deepened.“Really? And what would it say?”“It would say Sophie” he said seriously, staring into my eyes.I laughed, but butterflies flew in my stomach. “And where would you put it?”“Right here” he stated simply, touching the left side of his chest over his heart. Suddenly, my opinion of tattoos had changed dramatically.“I’m starting to think you’re earning your nickname.” I smiled, he laughed and the kissing commenced again. Then all to soon he was

whispering against my mouth.“We’re out of time. I’ll be with you. I love you Sophie.” And I opened my eyes to the dorm room ceiling.“I love you too Charming.” I said aloud.

Chapter 7Classes went by slowly but smoothly and I was happy when 3 o’clock finally rolled around and I was waiting for Kara at the fountain. A sleek

black Mercedes Benz pulled up and Kara waved happily from behind the wheel. Hopping in, I greeted her.“Hi! Wow, psychics must make a great living! Your car is awesome!”“Thanks! Yeah, I have been pretty fortunate that my gifts have given me a great livelihood. That’s mostly from my book sales and seminars. I

don’t do too many private readings, they drain my energy.”“I didn’t know you wrote books!” I exclaimed in surprise.“I sure do. It’s fun and I can help reach a lot of people and share my expertise with them. I love to help guide them on their spiritual journey.”“Well I know you have definitely helped me! I’ve never asked you, but are you married? Do you have children?” I realized how little I knew

about my new friend.“No, and no, not unless you count Spike,” she laughed. “I was engaged for a short time, but I knew he was planning on cheating on me before

he even did. Sometimes I’d rather not be psychic, believe me!”“That’s awful. Can you see your own future?”“Not usually. That would be cheating I guess. Sometimes I’ll get a certain feeling that something big is coming and that is pretty exciting.”“I don’t know what Charming and I would have done without you.”“Oh,” she said as she pulled into a parking space at the mall, “you two would have communicated sooner or later. I just got things rolling.”“Maybe, but I am so glad you and Spike took that walk!”“Me too. Hey, that wasn’t coincidence. I was meant to meet you that day. You have no idea how much of life is meant to happen.”The conversation soon turned to more normal subjects and we spent the next two hours gushing over shoes, clothes and accessories. I

bought the sunglasses that I had been wanting and Kara bought three pairs of jeans and a jacket. We finished the day over salads and I was backin my dorm in time to call both my parents and grandparents and then end the evening with a video chat with Rylee. By the time I got in bed, I wasexhausted and fell right to sleep.

~

It was a moonlit night, cool but not cold and I stood with my arms resting on a balcony railing looking out over the grounds of what must havebeen a plantation or huge estate. I could see stables, buildings, gardens, and somewhere in the distance I heard a waltz playing. Looking down, Isaw I was wearing a gorgeous rose silk ball gown that fell off my shoulders and reminded me of something Scarlett O’Hara would have worn inGone With the Wind. I glanced up at the millions of stars twinkling above and smiled as I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist frombehind.

Sighing contentedly, I snuggled back into Charming’s chest, heart racing as he rained kisses down my neck. Twirling around to face him Iwrapped my arms around his neck and greeted him with a kiss.

“Hello,” I smiled up at him.“Hello,” he replied, his eyes boring into mine. “You look breathtaking tonight, Sophie. May I have this dance?”“You could if I had any idea how to dance, much less waltz. I’ve never danced before.”“Actually you have, many times, right here, with me. Let’s see if it comes back to you.”Before I could take a breath he drew me tightly against him and I found myself floating gracefully around the verandah.“You see, some things you never forget.”“Or perhaps you are just amazing at leading.” I laughed and joy filled me completely. We danced until my feet were sore and then he took my

hand.“Come, let’s go have a rest.” Leading me to a staircase that took us down to the lawn I half ran to keep up with him as he pulled me toward

an enclosed gazebo surrounded by a lush, fragrant garden. Entering, I saw a blanket had been laid down and a picnic sat ready nearby. The fullmoon gave off just enough light to see our perfect surroundings.

“Would you like me to light some candles?”“No, this is perfect.” I grabbed handfuls of my beautiful but very full skirt and plopped onto the blanket, yards of fabric bunching around me. “I

so love these gowns but they aren’t as practical as my shorts and tank tops.”“I have to admit I’m partial to your modern wardrobe myself” Charming said as he sat as close to me as my dress would allow. “I must also

admit I would like to wear the casual clothing I see on your campus.”“I wish… Oh, I have to stop saying that, I’m just so happy to be with you now, and you look so amazing in that suit by the way. I’d love to have

a picture of us together.”“You could sketch one of the two of us. That would be even better.”I smiled at him, and had my sketch book been close at hand I would have already started.“Charming, I can hear the music and we’re obviously dressed for a special occasion. Where are the guests? If we went inside could I see

them? Could they see me? Would they know me?”“Whoa, so many questions! In your dreams we seem to be in places that were special to us both in our lifetime. But Sophie, they are dreams

and I’m afraid that if we were to walk inside to see who’s here and find out if they can see the two of us you’d simply awake and the dream wouldend. Our time together is so precious. I don’t want to risk that, do you?”

“No!” I stated emphatically. “Do you remember me wearing this gown? Have you seen it before? It’s just lovely.”“It pales in comparison to you, my love. Do you even know how beautiful you are my Sophie? I do remember the night you wore it. It was the

night I could tell everyone we cared about that you had agreed to be my bride. I have never been so proud, or so happy. I knew I was the luckiestman on earth.”

“There you go again, earning your nickname.” I teased him, feeling so full of love and wonder at this boy who stood before me. He was mine,heart and soul, and I was so blessed. His perfection wasn’t limited to the exterior, he was just as wonderful on the inside. His eyes sparkled in themoonlight and he raised my hand to kiss my palm.

“You didn’t say anything about your engagement ring. What do you think, too old fashioned for your present day?” I must have lookedconfused because he laughed at me and turned my hand over kissing each finger.

The twinkle of diamonds shocked me as I stared at the lovely ring on my finger. How had I not noticed? It was a beautiful white gold settingwith a large heart shaped diamond surrounded all the way around by smaller diamonds. It was stunning and definitely timeless. In fact, I had alwaysloved it and had tried it on many, many times as I was growing up.

“How did you get this?”I questioned him, surprised.“I had it made for you.”“My gran’s ring? It’s mine? Are you sure it’s the same one?”“Positive.”“I love this ring. My gran says it’s been in granddad’s family for generations… Wait!”I said struggling to remove it, “did you have it

engraved?”I tried to see but the light was too faint.We both spoke at the same time, “beyond forever.” Our eyes met and only mine held a question.“Whenever I told you I loved you, you would look at me with those big brown eyes and say “forever?” and I would always answer beyond

forever.”“Wow, you meant it didn’t you?”Nodding his head he lowered his face to meet mine and I melted into his arms. We seemed to spend a majority of my dreams kissing and I

was definitely okay with that. I thought he was telling me the dream was ending when he said“I love you, Sophie.”“Forever?” I whispered.“Beyond forever,” he replied and my eyes opened to the sight of my clock radio flashing 6:00. I raised my hand to see if my ring was still

there, but of course it wasn’t. How could it be when it was two hours away on my grandmother’s hand where it had been for the past 52 years.

Chapter 8It was a classic southern California day, sunny, hot and not a cloud in the perfect blue sky. As soon as my classes ended for the day I was on

my way to La Jolla. Finding a spot in the grass, I laid out my blanket and pulled out my sketchbook, losing myself in the memory of last night’sdream. Two hours later I had several complete drawings of Charming and three of the two of us. Seeing myself looking like a perfect southern bellegave me a strange feeling of déjà vu. Of course, it could have been simply because I had the knowledge that I had lived in that era, but Charmingnever said it was the south. I just knew somehow that it was. I was getting a strong Georgia vibe but I’d never been there or anywhere in the south soI could be just guessing. I hadn’t noticed Charming having an accent either. He spoke in a very polite, slightly formal way which definitely didn’tcome from this century. He brought an all new meaning to the term old fashioned.

My reverie was interrupted by a dog’s frantic bark. Here we go again, I thought, looking up into the face of a less than friendly bulldog.“I’m sorry, I don’t know why he’s barking like this. Stop it, Max!” I looked past the fierce looking animal to the tall, cute guy holding his leash. I

noticed he had a sleeve of tattoos and thought Charming was most likely fascinated, having learned of his interest in the tattoo trend.“Hey, it’s okay. Really. Dogs always bark at me.”

“Really? Why is that?”“They can tell I’m a cat person, I guess.” I smiled at him. “Cool tattoos.” I remarked, changing the subject.“Thanks, they’re all done for Beatles songs.” He proceeded to explain each tattoo and I saw how each one ran into the next from wrist to

shoulder. They were very detailed and beautifully rendered.“You must have gone to a really good artist,” I said, impressed.“I went to Pen to Skin in Pacific Beach. Nobody is better than Travis. He does incredible work.”“I can see that. I will remember that, thanks.” I closed up my sketchbook and smiled at him.“Are you an artist?”“No, an amateur. I love to draw.” I stood up and began to fold my blanket, putting all my things in the big wicker tote I brought.“Well, nice chatting with you.” I dug my keys out and started to walk away.“Hey, wait! My name’s Colin. I’m in your Psych class…”“Really? Well, nice to meet you. I guess I will see you in class then.”I was afraid he was trying to hit on me when he stopped me one more time. I turned back again, not smiling this time.“I didn’t get your name,” he said with a friendly smile.“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Sophie.”“See you in class, Sophie!”“Yeah, see you. Bye Colin.” I hurried across the grass and headed for my car, half expecting him to stop me again. He didn’t and I was glad,

he was very nice but I was not interested in getting to know him or any other guy.Driving back to campus I called Gran and Granddad and asked them if they felt like having company for the weekend. They were surprised I

was ready for a visit so soon into the semester and I assured them I couldn’t wait to get there. I was really anxious to talk with Gran and maybe tryher, or rather, our ring on again.

I joined Danica, Tiffany and some of the other girls from our floor for dinner and tried to enter into their happy conversation. I knew I hadalready alienated myself from the group, it was obvious that fast friendships were already underway. Bonding happened quickly when you live insuch close quarters and although typically I would have rather not put out the effort, I wanted to have a couple people I could call friends in the dorm. Ilaughed when they laughed, and feigned interest when the conversation turned to guys. I even scored brownie points when I told them I had met upwith a guy from my class at the beach and how nice he was. When I told them his name was Colin, two of them squealed. Apparently he was prettypopular already and had some really hot friends too. Whatever worked, I thought, and gave a secret sigh of relief when the meal was over and weheaded back to the dorm. Saying goodnight I closed myself into my private room and buried my head in my books, studying until my eyes grewheavy as did the large lit book on my chest. Dropping it to the floor I rolled over and turned off the light, smiling as I closed my eyes.

~My back was pushed up hard against a tree, my fingers woven into Charming’s silky blonde hair, his hands cradling my face as we kissed.

Gentle kisses gave way to stronger ones and soon we were both breathless and panting.“Hi,” he grinned.“Hi,” I grinned back, happiness pure and complete making me feel light headed. Breaking my gaze from his navy eyes, I forced myself to

take in our surroundings. We were on a road of sorts, more of a lane I think, lined on both sides by giant oaks, dripping moss, their regal branchesmeeting overhead. I looked at Charming to inquire about the picturesque locale.

“Where are we?”“This is the road that runs between our families estates. Look behind us and you’ll see my home.”Twirling around I saw a stately mansion, all red brick and white columns, surrounded by flowering gardens. The yard seemed to go on

forever and two beautiful white horses were grazing on the grass.“Wow!”“You like it?”“That is the most beautiful home I have ever seen in my life! This place is just amazing. You have to admit it’s a little different from the tiny

Spanish style stucco house I grew up in!”“Well, it’s a different time. Your little house sitting in Santa Monica is probably worth more than this one is today, considering this is rural

Georgia and nowhere near a large city.”“Yeah, but still! What a magical place to grow up. What are we doing here?”“We are taking a walk. We used to walk from my house to yours and vice-versa all the time. They’re about a mile apart and we’d have a bit

of privacy to talk and…” he kissed me again, slowly and thoroughly.Pulling apart reluctantly he took my hand and we began a slow, leisurely stroll. I checked out today’s wardrobe, a pretty lavender dress made

of some kind of eyelet fabric, puffy sleeves and a low cut bodice. I had to admit these dresses were growing on me.“You look enchanting,” Charming smiled.“Why thank you!” I smiled up at him and playfully dropped into a curtsy.“You are quite handsome yourself!”I laughed. I meant it. The well fitting dark grey pants and simple white cotton shirt he wore fit him like a

glove. We continued our playful banter, just enjoying one another’s company when Charming’s tone changed.“Sophie, I need to ask you something.”My eyes flew up to meet his and the usual dimples were gone, replaced by a solemn expression. I stopped walking and clutched tighter to

his hand as I faced him.“What?” I asked, alarm raising my voice.Disengaging his hand from mine he held both of my shoulders gently as he looked at me with such tenderness my heartbeat raced.

Moments passed as my eyes questioned his.“Sophie, yesterday when you were at the beach and you met the guy from your psychology class, Colin.”“Yeah, what about him?” I asked impatiently, wondering what he had to do with anything.“Well, I think he was interested in you and I don’t blame the guy one bit. But I want you to know if you would like to go out with him, or anyone

else, I would understand.”“What are you talking about? You can’t possibly think I would be interested in anyone else, do you?”“No, I mean, I know you believe we are meant to be together and I know we have a history of loving one another, but just a short time ago you

did not even know I existed. You couldn’t feel me beside you, and the dreams, well, only I remembered them.”“Yes, but on some level I knew. Charlie, I knew! Think of my sketches. I’ve been drawing you my whole life. I’ve never so much as had a crush

on a boy in eighteen years!”He was smiling and I crinkled my brow in confusion. “What are you smiling about?”“You called me Charlie. It just shocked me. It’s been so long since I’ve heard my name from your lips. Not that I don’t like being called

Charming. I do. You can call me whatever you like. But as much as I love being by your side Sophie, and being as much a part of your world aspossible, I miss our old life, my Lily. You are Lily, as much as you are Sophie. You are one and the same.”

His lips met mine and once again my thoughts ceased and I lost myself in his kisses, until he murmured, “It’s almost time...”“No! Not yet! I want to stay!” I clung to him as tightly as I could and suddenly I was awake , hugging my pillow in a death grip.“Oh, Charlie…” I whispered, “I wish I could stay asleep forever.” I felt sad suddenly and forced myself to get up and get started on another

day. The sooner I did, the sooner I could climb in bed and dream.

Chapter 9I doodled Charming’s face from every angle during all my classes, my mind reliving my dreams in perfect detail. When I went back to the

dorm that afternoon the box of books I’d ordered on past lives awaited me and I spent the next several hours reading. Fascinating true accounts ofpast lives and the people who lived them kept me turning pages rapidly. I learned how people can live several lives, often with many of the samepeople only in different roles. A sister in one life might be a neighbor in the next, a husband could be a teacher. What I thought was beyond belief -Rylee being my best friend 150 years ago, my grandparents being my parents- turns out wasn’t so weird. It happens all the time, most people justnever know.

The one thing I couldn’t find any similar case to was, of course, what I wanted to know the most. Nowhere in any of the books was there amention of my situation with Charming. I was apparently in uncharted territory and that worried me. I was so afraid of losing the dreams, thus losingmy contact with him. I had never thought of myself as a fearful person, thoughtful and cautious, yes, but not fearful. Now my fears made mevulnerable in a way I’d never known. Loving someone obviously did that and I understood the emotion for the first time. Song lyrics made sensesuddenly, as did the heartbreak I’d seen some of my friends go through. I now feared that pain and loss, and I would do anything in my power tokeep and protect this new found, or excuse me, newly remembered love.

I closed the last book and tossed it with the others on the floor . My head was so full of new information that I needed to take some painmedication for the throbbing headache I’d acquired. Dinner time was long past and my stomach rumbled its complaint. Digging through mybackpack I recovered a granola bar and half a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie left over from lunch. They would get me through until breakfastand I made a mental note to stock some snack foods in my room. I had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time I got distracted and missed a meal.

Pulling my overnight bag out of the closet, I began to pack for Palm Springs. I wanted to get an early start tomorrow. I wouldn’t need much forthe weekend other than a bathing suit, my walking shoes, shorts and a sundress. Before I zipped up the bag, I threw in a textbook to read poolsideand put it ,next to the door with a note to remember my phone charger.

Washing my face and brushing my teeth I could feel Charming next to me and I smiled, excitement bubbling up.

“Charming, I can’t wait to see you in my dreams!” I said aloud. Then cuddling contentedly under my blankets, I closed my eyes and picturedhis.

~

The scent of roses enveloped me and I suddenly found myself in an enchanting garden, roses of every color and variety growing lush andabundant. I was sitting on a bench that must have been placed so one could enjoy this feast of sight and scent. I looked down to see what I waswearing today. The gown was simple, but stunning, with yards and yards of snow white cotton highlighted with a bright scarlet sash around the waistthat tied into a bow at my side. The same full puffed sleeves and low cut bodice I seemed to favor made me wonder if all my gowns, or at least amajority of them, were cut from the same pattern and then made in a variety of fabrics and trims. I was gazing at the flats that reminded me of theballet slippers I had worn when I was little, when dozens of roses in a rainbow of colors were laid in my lap.

“Oh!” I cried, startled, and looked up into the laughing face of Charming. “Thank you!”

“You are very welcome,” he smiled at me.

I raised them to bury my nose in their velvet petals when I cried out again, this time in pain.

“Ouch!”

“What is it?” he asked, kneeling down, alarm darkening his expression. He quickly removed the roses from my arms and laid them down onthe bench beside me so he could lean in and examine the tiny cut on my cheek. Wiping a spot of blood gently away with the sleeve of his crispwhite shirt, he lightly kissed the cut.

“Oh Sophie, I’m so sorry! I should have warned you there might be thorns.”

“I’m fine.” My eyes were full of him, his beauty so distracting, that I felt no pain at all. He kissed the scratch again, then peppered my face withdozens of light kisses.

“Where are we Charming?”I whispered, feeling embarrassed because I knew he could hear my heart exploding in excitement from hiskisses.

“We’re in your mother’s rose garden.”

“It’s so lovely! She must have been an amazing gardener!” I looked around at literally hundreds of flowering bushes, all perfectly maintained.

“She supervises two gardeners who work out here every morning. They are in charge of keeping all the vases in your home filled and makingsure the dead flowers are removed and the plants are pruned to her specifications.”

“Wow! They’re amazing.”

“Their beauty cannot hold a candle to yours. You take my breath away, still, after two lifetimes. I love you Sophie.”

His lips met mine and I melted into his arms. Minutes later I reluctantly pulled away. I needed to talk to him and I knew I could use up ourwhole dream kissing. Not that that was a bad thing, but I had a few questions before we headed to Palm Springs tomorrow.

“Charming? When we get to Gran and Grandad’s what do you think I should tell her?”

“Well, it depends,” he said looking into my eyes and tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “You could tell her what is happening and Ithink she will believe you. Remember, she understood the gypsy on the train in Europe. She seemed pretty shaken up at the time. When she hearsabout Kara and Melissa she is going to listen, I’m certain. I don’t know what she will be able to do aside from listen, and it may upset her. It’s a lot todigest.”

“Tell me about it!” I raised my eyebrows and grinned at him. “Maybe it’s selfish of me to bother her with it. But after all, she was my mother.Maybe she would want to know that.”

“True, and it would give you someone to talk to besides Charlotte, I mean Rylee,” he corrected himself.

“Charming, where do you think this is going? Do you think that when I die we will get another shot at being together?”

“That is all I could ask for Sweetheart, but you have a whole life time ahead of you now, in this time. I don’t want you to waste it. I don’t want toslow you down or interfere with your life.”

“You are not interfering, Charming! You are everything I want in this life, the only thing that matters to me now. I’m just so sad that I haven’t feltyou all along.” He looked at me with such tenderness that I felt tears fill my eyes. Blinking to try and stop them from falling he gathered me tightlyagainst him and I rested my head on his chest.

“I love you, my sweet, sweet Sophie.” I smiled at his words and the race of his heart beats under my ear. I was so happy to know I wasn’t theonly one getting excited here.

“I love you too,” I whispered.

“Neither of us knows where this is going or what time has in store for us, but if I can be here with you like this in your dreams, it’s enough. Iget to spend my days right next to you, sharing your life, your joys, your sorrows. Then while you cannot see me, you can at least feel me there. Youknow I am beside you and have always been there next to you. That, my love, is enough. It’s more than enough. Loving you, knowing that you loveme? That is our miracle. Our love is so strong I have followed you through lifetimes to keep from being separated from you. There is nothing I wouldnot do to get to you.”

“I love you just as much. I feel so blessed that I get this chance to see you, touch you, and just be here with you. It scares me, this happiness.It’s so perfect, so fragile, I can’t even bear to think about you not being here.”

“If it is up to me, I will be by your side always, just know that. Know that if one day, god forbid, I’m not with you, it’s beyond my control and I willtry with all my might to return to you.”

“Charming, don’t even say it. I couldn’t bear it, not now that I have finally found you.”

“You are right. We must not waste a moment. Let’s not even think of it, let’s live each day as it comes, each one is a gift that fate has givenus.”

“I tipped my head back to look up into his face and he leaned down to kiss me. Wrapping my arms around his neck I clung to him, my fearsof losing him making our kisses even sweeter, more intense. Just as he began to lower us to the ground, our mouths still joined, I found myself back

in my dorm bed.

“Damn it,” I cried. I would never get used to being forced away from Charming. Rather than lay stewing in my disappointment, I got up anddecided to get ready to go to the desert. Grabbing my toothbrush I squeezed my tube of toothpaste and started to brush my teeth when I froze,staring at the evidence that my dreams were definitely for real. The tiny cut on my face made me smile.

Chapter 10

The drive to Palm Springs was an easy one. Two hours, no traffic to speak of, and I was pulling into the driveway of Gran and Grandad’scountry club home. Although it was most definitely the desert, their home sat in an oasis of bright green grass and palm trees, on the 12 th hole of aworld class golf course. September was still a summer month in California, and this was most true here where temperatures can climb to 118.Happily, Gran had informed me they were expecting a cool 95 degrees, perfect with the dry heat for tanning poolside. When the high temperaturesinvaded in July and August, I would visit them in the mountains, their cabin sat right on a lake with its own dock. My grandparents had a prettywonderful life.

As I got out of the car, Grandad came pulling up in his golf cart, and Gran came out the front door. Greeting them happily, I threw my bag inthe cheery room that belonged to me and joined them out on the patio for lunch. After bacon and tomato sandwiches with avocado, made by Granbecause they were my favorite, I changed into my bikini and spent three hours lying in a lounge chair by the pool. I jumped in the water every twentyminutes or so to stay cool. I had always been lucky, I tan easily and quickly even through the sunscreen Gran insisted I wear. While I lay there, lettingthe sunshine deepen my already golden brown tan, Gran, protected from the sun by the brim of a large hat, pruned her flowers and cut rosemaryand basil for our dinner. The orange, lemon and lime trees were picked and she planted a few annuals she had bought to fill in some empty spacesalong the borders of her garden. It looked perfect, and on a much smaller scale, reminded me of the garden she had in our past life.

Later, after I had showered and dressed, I sat at the granite island in the kitchen and talked to Gran while she began her preparations fordinner. Grandad had taken his golf cart back over to the driving range and I knew this was my opportunity to talk about Charming, if indeed I wasgoing to do it. Feeling his presence at my side gave me courage and I carefully began.

“Gran, there’s something I need to talk to you about, but it has to be kept just between us.”

Gran’s brown eyes widened and she wiped her hands on her apron, waiting for me to start.

“Remember the gypsy on the train in Italy?”

“Of course.” I could see by the tightening of her expression she remembered perfectly.

“Well, I have talked to two other psychics since then and they saw the same thing that she saw. They saw someone standing next to me. ButGran, not just someone, they saw the boy I’ve been drawing all my life. They saw Charming. They both described him perfectly.”

“How can that be?” Gran asked, her voice quieter than usual, almost whispering. I worried about shocking her or scaring her, Gran wasgetting older after all.

“There’s more. I’ve seen him too Gran. His real name is Charlie and he was my fiancé in a past life. My name was Lily then. And Gran,” Idecided to just jump right in and tell her everything, “you were there too. You and Grandad were my parents, not my grandparents. We lived on abeautiful plantation. Gran, the most amazing thing, is that your ring was my engagement ring. Charlie had it engraved for me.” I was talking too fast,letting it all out while Gran stood there, still as a statue, listening.

“Gran, Charlie had a sister named Charlotte. The thing is, she is with me too, she’s Rylee! We were each other’s best friend in that life too.” Istopped, waiting for the words to digest, words that I knew had to make me sound like I was nuts. Gran stayed silent, her eyes dropping to study herring.

“Did you marry him, this Charlie?”

“No, Gran. He died right before the wedding.”

“How?” her questions seemed to be leading somewhere, was this a test?

“In a hunting accident.”

She nodded. “And this Lily? What happened to her?” She questioned me, not referring to Lily and I being one and the same, she wasn’tready for that yet.

“I mourned for him, I couldn’t eat or sleep. I got sick and it turned into pneumonia. I died, not long after he did.”

My answers must have satisfied her as she held her hand up for me to wait and hurried into the office, coming back moments later with a filefull of yellowed papers.

“This is the family genealogy for both sides of Grandad’s family. Your great grandmother told me a story similar to what you just told me. Shewas giving me a history lesson about my ring.” My eyes took in the sparkling diamond as Gran searched through the papers.

“Here it is. Lily Katherine Lancaster. Born February 1s t, 1841.” My intake of breath was audible as Gran and I looked at one another in shock.February 1s t was my birthday, in both lifetimes.

“Died September 30, 1859.”

“Who were my parents?”

“Alice Mary Monroe and Walter Thomas Lancaster. Lily was their oldest child. They had a son, Lawrence, one year after she died.”

“Gran, you were Alice Mary Monroe. He told me. He knows you.”

“This ring, he told you about having it engraved?”

“Yes. He would say beyond forever when I would ask if he would love me forever.”

Gran slipped her ring off her finger and handed it to me. I took it and after looking at the words still clearly engraved I slid it on my finger. It fitperfectly. “I’ve always loved this ring.”

“You used to tell me it was yours when you were only three. I’d say ‘No Sophie, it’s Gran’s ring.’ You’d cry and cry and say ‘No! Mine!’ We allthought it was cute. I wonder if your memories were still with you then…”

“Oh Gran! You believe me!”

“Of course I do. That gypsy told me you drew pictures of the man beside you. Told me you had drawn them all your life. She frightened me, Ididn’t want to frighten you sweetheart. I was glad she said it all in Italian. I’ve been wondering about it ever since.”

“Don’t be afraid, Gran. Charming has been with me all of my life. I just wasn’t able to feel him until now. He loves me and doesn’t know whyhe wasn’t born in to this lifetime. We can talk in my dreams, and Gran, you should see the home we lived in, it’s so beautiful. Your gardens wereamazing. One of your roses cut my cheek last night.” I pointed to the tiny cut on my face. “In my dream Charming put all these roses in my arms andwhen I went to smell them I got scratched by a thorn. It was there when I woke up this morning.”

“Sophie, this is all impossible, but I believe you. What I don’t know is what it means for your future. Why are you seeing him now?”

“Neither one of us know. But I’m so happy Gran. I feel like I am complete. I’m just going to live one day at a time, one dream at a time andlook at them all as a gift, a miracle.”

“I’m glad you are happy Sophie, but what kind of future will you have if he is a ghost? No children, no husband, alone. Once granddad and Igo, and your mom and dad, you will be all alone. It is not supposed to be this way.”

“Well, I’m not sure why it is, but I’m glad it’s the way it is. Gran, Charming is all that I want. I will never be alone now, he will always be right bymy side.” I gestured to my side and seeing my face light up made Gran understand I meant what I said.

“Well, I wish I could remember being Mary Alice and having you for a daughter. I knew I loved you in a special way. You are closer to us thanany of our friends’ grandchildren are to them. I just thought we were so fortunate to have our beautiful granddaughter. And I still do. Lily, Sophie,daughter, granddaughter, whoever you are to me, I love you!” She embraced me then and I hugged her tightly. Pulling our ring off my finger, I handedit back to Gran.

“Oh Sophie, keep it. I’m leaving it to you anyway. It belongs with you now.”

“No, Gran. I want you to wear it, what would Grandad say? But maybe you will let me wear it when I visit?”

“Of course! Wear it while you are here. Can this Charming of yours hear us talk?”

“Yes, he hears everything he just can’t join our conversation.”

“Well, Charming,” Gran spoke seriously to the empty space next to me, “I’d like to tell you that I know exactly what you look like. I’ve seen yourface in millions of drawings and Sophie tells me we knew each other well in a past life. I hope that you will love and protect her always and I amsorry you are not here in the flesh. “

You would think it would be corny or weird seeing my Gran speak to someone who, for all appearances, is not there, but I knew he was and Igot slightly choked up.

“Thanks Gran. I knew you would believe me, Charming said you would. He also said that Grandad wouldn’t.”

“Well, if he says so we won’t try to tell him. He is not as open minded as I am, and I don’t want to worry him.”

The two of us jumped as the front door opened and Grandad came in from golfing. He looked hot and rumpled due to the heat and headedtoward the kitchen.

“Well, what are my two favorite ladies making me for dinner?” he questioned, opening the fridge and pulling out a beer.

“We are having caprese salad, rosemary potatoes, and you my dear, are grilling us filet mignon. If you have any room left after that I have anangel food cake with orange frosting for dessert.”

“Sounds delicious! Hey, what are these doing out?” he asked curiously, touching the scattered pile of genealogy.

“Oh nothing, we were just looking at the family tree. Sophie was asking about it” Gran answered in a nonchalant tone. She quickly gatheredup the papers and tucked them back in their file.

“Studying your past at school sweetheart?” Grandad asked me.

“Yeah, Grandad,” I smiled honestly, “I am.”

~

Rain splattered angrily against the pane beside the window seat where I sat, a large volume of poetry lying open in my lap, a stack of booksbeside me. A shock of lightening brightened the room momentarily, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. Jumping in alarm, the book tumbled tothe ground and as I leaned over to retrieve it my eyes widened at the beauty surrounding me. I was in a large but cozy library, the walls filled withbookshelves from floor to ceiling. There were two sofas with overstuffed pillows in a paisley fabric, and a large ornately carved desk with a leatherchair. Candles provided the perfect ambiance for the stormy day, and I took it all in, as usual recognizing nothing but assuming I had once knownthis room well. Just as I began to wonder where Charming was, I looked toward the door and there he stood leaning against the wall, arms crossedcasually, grinning as he met my eyes.

“Have you been there the whole time?”

“What do you mean, you’ve just begun to dream. I was just remembering all the afternoons the two of us spent in this library. You have noidea how wonderful it feels to be back.”

He smiled and quickly crossed the room pulling me to my feet and wrapping me in his arms. I clung to him for a perfect moment, no soundexcept the rain and the beat of his heart.

“I don’t need anything else,” he whispered against my hair. “Holding you is enough. You have no idea how frustrating it is to be right besideyou every moment and not be able to touch you, feel your warmth…”

Oh, believe me, I know exactly how frustrating it is! At least you can see me, I would kill to be able to see you there next to me. I pray we geta lifetime together again someday.”

“Sophie, I pray for that too, but you must live your life now. Don’t waste it because of me. I know we keep going over this but it’s so important.Your happiness is everything to me.” His arms squeezed me tighter.

“Well you ARE my happiness”” I whispered, and disengaging myself from his embrace, I took his hand. Weaving our fingers together, I ledhim to one of the sofas, pulling him down beside me.

“Charming, what did you think about my talk with Gran?”

“I thought it went amazingly well. I was fairly certain she would be receptive to the information, especially after the encounter with the gypsywoman. I knew she understood her far better than she let on at the time. I see why she thought she was protecting you by keeping it from you.”

“What about the genealogy papers? Wasn’t that amazing to see proof? It gave me chills seeing my name-at least my old name-on thosepapers.”

“Sweetheart, I’m glad you feel better seeing it but I never needed any proof. I knew exactly who you were, who you still are.”He tipped my chinup with the tip of his index finger and leaning in, kissed me softly.

“I know. I guess proof wasn’t the right word. It just made me feel connected, seeing Lily’s name there on a paper that leads right to my namenow in this life. My birthday being the same in both lifetimes…its almost overwhelming if you think about it too much and I can’t think of anythingelse.”

Lightening lit the room again and this time the thunder was right on its heels. Shivering at the surprise of it, I moved closer to Charming.

“I certainly don’t remember this weather! I’m a California girl now, we get earthquakes not storms like this. They are quicker and gone assoon as they start.” The rain hit against the window in a downpour so strong that I feared the glass would break. I scooted closer still.

Laughing at my nervousness, he lifted me into his lap my dark blue dress spilling around us both like a blanket. Nuzzling my neck hemurmured that I smelled good and the storm was forgotten as I was once again lost in the glory of his kisses.

Between kisses he whispered, ”I love you.”

Knowing my line now I said, “forever?”

“Beyond forever…” I smiled and my eyes suddenly opened to bright desert sunshine.

Chapter 11

Saturday in the desert was spent much the same as it was on all my weekends in Palm Springs. We had a tradition that we loved andrepeated faithfully. First, upon rising, I’d go to the kitchen where Grandad would be making breakfast. Today it was pancakes and sausage and thethree of us laughed and chatted as we ate. After dishes were put away and the kitchen was clean we headed out for our three mile walk, watchingour path for golf balls that had found their way off the course. It was fun, almost like an Easter egg hunt, and we never came back empty handed. Wehad done the ball hunt since I was old enough to walk with them and Gran said the money they saved on golf balls over the years funded ourshopping trips, which came after we showered. Grandad would stay behind and golf or read or watch some sporting event on television while Granand I hit all our favorite shops and then went out to lunch. Today was no different. We settled ourselves at a sidewalk café, several shopping bags atour feet and ordered ice teas and chopped chicken salads.

“Thank you, Gran! I love everything!” Everything referred to the new white bikini, two pairs of shorts, three tops and sandals Gran had justbought for me.

“You’re welcome. I really think you should have bought that little dress too. It really wasn’t that short and it looked great on you, you are builtjust like a model. If I were as thin as you I would show it off every chance I got.”

“You bought me enough Gran.”

“Well, we should hit the bookstore on the way back. Grandad ordered a book and they called yesterday to say it was in.”

“You know I love bookstores! Although I have enough reading to do this semester to pretty much guarantee that I won’t be reading forpleasure until Christmas break.”

When Gran and I pulled into the driveway an hour later I squealed in surprised delight when I saw my parents’ car parked in front of thehouse.

“Mom and dad are here!” I was thrilled, it felt like months since I had seen them.

“They wanted to surprise you. They decided to drive down and stay the night.”

“Well they did!” I said as I collected our bags and hurried up the walk. Mom and Dad met us at the door and after hugs and kisses we all satout on the patio and talked until dinner time, when we all went out for Chinese. It was so great to be with them and I was aware every moment ofCharming sharing the evening right by my side. By bedtime I was excited to dream of him, feel his arms around me. But I didn’t dream that nightand the tears that threatened the next day when I headed back to San Diego and college were partly because I was leaving my family, and partlybecause I hadn’t got to see Charming.

Driving back, I spoke aloud to Charming even though he could easily hear my thoughts. If anybody noticed me talking to myself I figured theywould think I was talking on my cell phone.

“Charming, I can handle all of this; that I don’t get to see you, hear you, touch you, until I meet you in my dreams. It’s enough, it’s everything!But when I don’t get to dream I just feel destroyed. I try to be mature and deal with it, but I get so disappointed.” I felt tears well up and I blinkedquickly trying to stop them.

“Look at me, crying like a baby because I didn’t get to see you last night. This is crazy. I’m crazy. I’m not a crier, I’m not emotional. I’m the onewho’s there for Rylee when she’s having a meltdown over a boyfriend. I’m the one who is giving the pep talks and the common sense advice. I’m notthe one who needs it.”

I hesitated, knowing instinctively what Charming would tell me, how his dark blue eyes would darken even more at my distress. I didn’t wanthim to worry about my mood or my sanity.

“I’m okay, Charming. I’m a big girl and I know that you are here, I feel you, I do. I just needed to vent. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. Really. Ismiled at the empty seat beside me and pictured him smiling back. What I wouldn’t give to be able to reach over and hold his hand.

I reached for my iPod and put on my favorite Ron Pope playlist, his beautiful lyrics even more meaningful to me now that I was in love.Singing along, the rest of the drive went smoothly and I was really mellow by the time I pulled into the parking structure. I was going to get used to my

new life with Charming, because even though it was unusual and disconcerting sometimes, I had never felt this way about anyone and this feelingwas worth it. And it was almost bedtime. Time to try again.

~

The air was thick with humidity and I waved a paper fan with one hand as I held my long heavy hair off my neck with the other. It had to beover 100 degrees as I pulled the yellow eyelet up over my knees hoping to let some air circulate beneath all the dress. Really, how did women everwear so much fabric? This gown alone would make a dozen sundresses.

I pushed back with my leather flats and let the porch swing I was sitting on glide back and forth. The breeze it provided felt nice and I wasgrateful that the porch swing was in the shade. Somehow I knew the interior of the house was warmer than my current location. The sound of ahorse galloping made me stop, jump off the swing, and rush to the stairs that led to the lawn.

I laughed and waved at Charming as he rode up on the back of a gorgeous white horse, exactly like the one I often drew him upon. Pulling onthe reins he hopped down gracefully and I jumped into his arms hugging him and kissing his cheeks .

“I missed you so much!”

“I missed you more,” he chuckled and picking me up off the ground he spun me around. “Come with me to the stables,” he said, holding thehorses reins in one hand, mine in the other.

I felt so content, so blissful, to be here holding his hand walking across the lawn. I didn’t feel the need to fill the space with words. I justwanted to savor the moment, feel his hand real and warm holding tightly to mine. See his dimples deepen as he smiled down at me. I watched himtake care of his horse and then my heart skipped a beat as he turned his attention to me.

“You don’t remember, but we used to ride our horses all the time. We’d always climb up in the hay loft when no one was looking,” he saidleading me over to the ladder. We made our way up to find hay and a blanket folded on a bale which Charming spread out for us to sit on. Hewatched me as I surveyed the area, searching my memory for any hint of recollection.

“I don’t have any memory of it but this place is pretty cozy. What did we do up here?” He laughed at my question and answered.

“Pretty much the same thing we did anywhere we were alone together. Hold each other, plan our future, declare our love and …” He pulledme down so we were lying on the blanket and I lost myself in his kisses. After a few minutes he whispered in my ear.

“I think it’s time… I love you Sophie...”

~

Sitting up in my twin bed my clock said it was time to get up. I sighed feeling sad my dream had ended and then remembered what day itwas. Monday meant I got to see Melissa and talk to Charming! My spirits brightened as I stretched and then I laughed aloud as a piece of hay fellfrom my hair.

Chapter 12

I sat doodling images of Charming while I waited for my Psych class to begin. Lost in thoughts of last night’s dream, I jumped when someoneinterrupted my musings causing my pencil to draw a crooked line across my sketch.

“Hey, Sophie!” The guy from the park with the Beatles tattoos stood above me.

“Do you mind if I sit by you?” He asked this as he took the seat beside me and pulled a laptop out of his backpack. I struggled to rememberhis name.

“Oh hi…” Nope, it wouldn’t come to me. It didn’t matter, he didn’t even notice as he leaned over and examined my sketchpad.

“Whoa! Did you draw that? You’re really good. How do you know Ethan?”

His comment lost me. “I’m sorry, who are you talking about?”

“Isn’t that Ethan?”

“No, I don’t know anyone named Ethan.”

“Really? Well, he’s a buddy of mine. That looks a lot like him, except Ethan’s hair is really short. Sorry.”

“That’s okay.” I smiled and replaced my sketchpad with a notebook from my book bag.

A tall blonde walked in the door and stopped at our seats.

“Why are you sitting in the front, Colin?” she asked as she headed to the back of the lecture hall. He simply dismissed her with a shrug, but Iwas grateful for the memory jog. Colin! That was it! He had a bulldog named Max.

“How’s Max?” I asked him trying to be friendly. Truthfully, I liked sitting alone and I wished he’d take his chatty self and go sit with that girl inthe back of the class. The teacher cleared his throat and began a lecture that stopped any further conversation. I resisted doodling as I took notesfeeling like my new buddy Colin was watching me.

After class ended Colin asked if I wanted to grab some lunch in the dining commons but I declined, explaining I had homework to finishbefore my next class. We parted ways and I thought about Charming. I knew he would think Colin was hitting on me, but I really doubted that. Hewas a friendly guy, and while good looking, I saw him as just a new friend. I needed a few of those.

The day seemed to drag on endlessly until finally I found myself parked outside Melissa’s home ten minutes early. I had a small notebookwith questions I wanted to ask Charming and I sat going over them while I watched the minutes slowly pass. Finally it was three and I knockedeagerly on her door.

Melissa opened the door with a friendly greeting, once again dressed in a fashionable business suit, her brown hair pulled up in a bun. Shelooked more like a lawyer than a medium. But then, how would I know what a medium should look like?

“Come in, Sophie! How was your week?” She led me to her overstuffed white couch and I sat down and quickly gave her an update on mydreams and lack of them. I also shared my talk with Gran and how amazing it had gone.

“I know your disappointment can be great when you don’t get to dream about Charming, you so desperately look forward to seeing him andhave to wait another entire day to try again. But Sophie, this situation is so unique that you must learn that it will only help you to remain calm andrational instead of letting everything become emotional. Realize that the dreams that have begun so recently may not be able to happen everysingle night. Maybe there is a reason for this that we can’t know. You must center yourself and stay calm, deep breathing helps and meditation. Iknow it sounds simple, but it works. It puts you in touch with your inner self. Perhaps that might also help you remember moments in your past life.You could really benefit from a yoga class too.”

“Oh, I love Yoga! Mom and I took classes while I was in high school.”

“Great! There are a couple of really good instructors here in the San Diego area, I will give you their numbers before you leave today. Moreimportantly, the main thing is that you have the knowledge now that Charming exists. You have ways of communicating with him, two different ways. Now you need to use any tool at your disposal to help you keep it together and not get overwhelmed. The fact that you can feel Charming next toyou? This in itself is extraordinary, a true gift. The dreams are the icing on the cake.”

“I know that, Melissa. I’m really grateful and I try to not let it destroy my day because I don’t dream of him, I really do. I just can’t seem to helpit. This is all so new to me, all these feelings, and when added to the unusual circumstances, I get a little freaked out. The only way I can explain it isthat I felt like my life was on hold until I met Charming. Now that he has come into my world I feel so much, I love him so much! It’s hard for me to putinto words. It’s only frightening because it’s so fragile and important. I have to keep myself from worrying every moment. I am trying hard to staypositive, I just feel really vulnerable.”

Melissa nodded her head as she listened to me then turned and smiled at the space beside me as if involved in two different conversationsat once.

“Oh!” I cried. “I almost forgot I could be talking to Charming right now! What is he saying?”

Melissa laughed at my enthusiasm. “He says he wants me to make sure you know that he is supportive of anything you decide to do and ifyou ever feel sad about not getting to dream, know that he is beside you equally disappointed.”

“I do know that Charming. This is even harder for you I’m sure. Please forgive me for being selfish and only thinking of myself.”

Melissa listened intently and repeated his words. “He wants you to know he will be just fine. Please don’t worry about him. He wants to talkabout Colin.”

“Charming, that is a waste of our time! We only get this short time to talk and you want to waste it talking about a stranger?”

“He says it is quite obvious that the guy is interested in you and he feels like he is preventing you from having a normal relationship. Who isselfish now?”

“This is crazy, we get to talk and we are making Melissa relay our first fight? Charming, think about this, you can read my every thought right?Then if that is true you already know what my feelings are and you know perfectly well that I have none whatsoever for Colin. Why are you doingthis?” My voice was raised and I was really feeling annoyed. I frowned while I waited for Melissa to tell me what he was saying.

“He says please calm down. Don’t get upset. He knows you love him and you know how much he loves you. He just wants you to promisehim something.” Melissa spoke calmly and looked at me intently making me feel like an over emotional child.

“Promise him what?” I asked suspiciously.

“If he should ever disappear from your side, if the dreams go away, you will find someone to care for. You won’t waste your life hoping hecomes back.”

“If that happened would he try to move heaven and earth to come back to me?” I asked, knowing full well he would.

“He says of course!”

“Then why is he saying that? Does he know something that I don’t? Is there some reason to say this?” The words flew from my lips, panicfilling me, making my knees feel wobbly and my heart beat race. I was going to lose it right here in front of Melissa. It couldn’t be helped. I did notcare.

Melissa put her hand on my arm and stared into my eyes. “Whoa, slow down, Sophie. You are jumping to conclusions here. Let him answerbefore you panic. Panic helps nothing, it only makes things worse. Now, Breath.”

I met her eyes, took a deep, shaky, breath and tried to hold it. Attempting it again, I slowly got a hold of myself.

“I am so sorry, Melissa, I know how I must seem to you. He just worries me when he says things like that. If he thinks he’s not going to be ableto stay with me I really do need to know.”

“He says he is sorry that this whole conversation got blown out of proportion and that he will be by your side always if it is up to him. He hasevery hope of spending your entire lifetime by your side. He loves you beyond forever.”

I smiled, feeling better. “I love you beyond forever too.”

“Now he says ask him the questions you wrote down in your notebook. He would like to answer them for you.”

I had completely forgotten the silly questions I had scribbled down. They were just random things I had wondered about us. “That’s okay. I’drather hear whatever he wants to tell me.”

“He says he liked your questions and will answer them for you now. First you asked his full name. It is Charles Andrew Fields. You liked theidea of your name being Lily Fields, you thought it sounded like a place, not a person. Second question, his birthday was April 7 th and he was 21when he died. Third, your wedding was to have taken place August 15 th. You both chose that day because it was the anniversary of your first kiss.Fourth, his parents were Thomas and Helena Fields and they thought of you as their other daughter. You and Charlotte were so inseparable thatsometimes he would get jealous of his own sister.”

I laughed at that and thought of Rylee. It made me miss her a lot.

“He says that he misses Rylee too since she has been gone. He says Charlotte and Rylee are exactly the same person. He is glad she willbe transferring back next semester.”

I asked several more questions and by the time Melissa was done with our session I felt happy and connected to Charming. My fears wereput to rest and I had nothing but the most positive thoughts about where I was and where I was going on this journey.

“Thank you, Melissa. Thank you for helping me through my little panic attack, and for making me see things clearer.”

“You feel free to be yourself in front of me, Sophie. I don’t judge. I think you are handling this situation remarkably well. You both have to bepatient with each other and have faith. I have a strong feeling about the two of you.”

“Can you see our future?” I asked, hopefully.

“I see you as soul mates, and I see that you are meant to be together. I don’t see that changing.”

“Thank goodness,” I sighed with relief.

I paid Melissa and got the number for her yoga instructors and told her I would see her the following Monday. Then I – I mean we - headedhome.

Chapter 13

Back in the comfort of my cracker box room, alone with Charming, my invisible prince, I tried to apologize. Speaking aloud, but in a voicejust above a whisper, I lay on my back on my rock hard mattress, hugged my feather pillow to my chest and spoke.

“Charming, I am sure you know that I feel like a complete idiot for melting down in front of Melissa like that. You’ve seen me all of my life andyou know me better than anyone, even Rylee. I am not an emotional girl. I’m not. I weigh things out carefully. I’m not impulsive. I’m not dramatic. I’mnot that girl!” If I had been standing I would have probably stamped my foot. I was completely disgusted with my lack of self control.

“Is this what love does to people? Does love make them vulnerable and afraid? It has so much power over me because I would lay down anddie if it went away. Isn’t that what I did when I was Lily? You died, so I did too? Was I this pathetic then? I bet I was stronger as Lily, because I couldsee you, touch you, and I didn’t have to know what horrible things were awaiting us. That is how it should be. That’s where that saying ‘ignorance isbliss’ comes from. Lily and Charlie, you and I, were a love story that turned suddenly into a tragedy. Now our story has evolved into a new age ghoststory. It’s scary to be us and all we want is to be together, and to be able to love one another. Why can’t we have that? A simple life… A happy life.Just you and me, a house, a dog, and a couple of kids who look like us. What wouldn’t you give for that Charming? Because that is all I want for thetwo of us. I want us to be bored and boring. I want us to be a normal couple who argues and laughs and grows old together with their grandchildrenaround them. Damn it, Charlie, we deserve it!”

I stopped ranting and silence surrounded me. I could guess what Charming thought but I couldn’t hear him. I couldn’t see him, or touch him. Iached to do all those things. I felt the tears well up and hated myself for the self pity I was feeling. Hadn’t I just promised Melissa to get a handle onthis? I was letting everything get the best of me.

“I am better than this!” I said, as I sat up and wiped my eyes. Taking a few deep breaths I decided to do something about it.

“I’m starting to hate this room. We are going to walk over to the commons and get some fresh air.” I said to both of us. Throwing my pillowaside, I grabbed my key and slammed the door behind us.

Once outside I did feel better. It felt good to be amongst people. I loaded a tray with a piece of pepperoni pizza, fries, and my new addiction,a jumbo chocolate chip cookie. I couldn’t get enough of them, probably a result of all the stress. I grabbed an empty booth and waved at Danica andTiffany who were near the exit emptying their trays. My smile felt stiff and forced and I thought how glad I was that I’d missed having to join them. Iglanced at the entrance and was shocked to see Kara flying through the doors, heading straight for me. No workout clothes today, she wasdressed conservatively in black pants and a white blouse, her hair pulled sleekly back.

“Kara, hi! What are you doing here?” I was both happy to see her and leery at the same time. She sat down across from me and her eyeswent back and forth between my face and the invisible one beside me.

“Okay Kara, you are freaking me out. Speak.”

Seconds ticked by and finally she opened her mouth. “Sophie, I could feel you having a fit or something. I was giving a reading to a client andI just kept being pulled to your energy. I wasn’t very effective for the poor woman I’m afraid. Charming has the most concerned expression right now.What the hell happened?”

“Nothing, really. I’ve just been going through a little bit of angst. Hey I am still a teenager you know.” I said in my defense and hoped I didn’tsound as lame as I felt.

“It’s more than that and you know it.”

“No, it’s just me trying to live in two worlds. Now I know how Spiderman must have felt. I’m a nerdy college girl by day and at night I’m asouthern belle with my prince Charming by my side. It’s messing with my head, and it scares me, Kara. I’m so scared he will disappear. I’ve livedwithout knowing he existed my entire life and now I will die if he ever leaves me. I feel needy and insecure like one of those girls I hate and avoid atall costs.”

“I’m pretty sure anyone in your position would feel the same way. Welcome to love, it’s a rollercoaster, yours is just one of the biggestrollercoasters in the world variety.”

“You can say that again!” I took a big bite of my pizza and gestured to my plate. “Want a fry?” I said, mouth full.

She frowned down at them but still popped one in her mouth and chewed. “These things are dangerous. Don’t they have anything healthy inthis place?”

I pointed to the salad bar that I had yet to sample. Yes, I was definitely a stress eater.

“You are just lucky you are so thin. If you want to stay that way I’d avoid these enormous cookies.”

“I know, I will, just not tonight.”

“When is the last time you went on Facebook?”

“Why? Did you send me a friend request?”

“No. I don’t use that thing, but kids your age certainly do. I’m sure you are neglecting all your normal pre-Charming activities. Am I right?”

“This conversation isn’t fair. You’re a psychic. You are better at lecturing than my mom.” Kara laughed, and I relaxed a little.

“Sophie, I’m not trying to be your mom. Hell, I’m not old enough for one thing! Big sister, maybe. Anyway, I feel a certain responsibility to youand your friend here.” She gestured to my invisible boyfriend and I took another bite of my food, listening.

“I am the one who started this. Don’t get me wrong, it would have happened anyway, but I got the ball rolling, so to speak. Anyway I think weboth would consider each other friends now. Am I right?”

I nodded.

“So, friends look out for one another and add a psychic twist and you can understand how I feel when something’s up. You are going to ruineverything by being so manic about Charming. Slow yourself down and see where it goes. Let it evolve organically.”

“Organically? You make my life sound like produce.” I objected.

“You know what I mean. Chill. Relax. Mellow out and enjoy the ride, Sophie. Don’t be such a control freak, you are not in control of this.Accept it and you will be happier. You could ruin everything and enjoy nothing if you stay on this path. I know this. I’m a psychic, remember? I’mtelling you, no, I’m warning you.”

Her eyes looked into mine, her expression communicating even more than her words and her words had sunk in. Big time.

“I’m going to change my attitude, I swear. I’m signing up for yoga classes and I’m going to hang out with the dorm kids more. I’ll even go onFacebook, but to be honest I have never spent a lot of time on there.”

“Okay, well good. I knew you’d be reasonable but it has to start now. Not next week. Stop moping and fretting and jump back in to normal,”she said, making quotes with her fingers as she said it. “Charming has been part of your daily life all along remember. Oh, he’s smiling at me.”

She smiled back at him and I gave them both my most innocent smile and took a giant bite of my cookie.

~

I was on my knees, yards of pale pink cotton gathered around me, my arm in a bush picking a fat ripe blackberry. There were hundreds ofthem and a brown wicker basket beside me was nearly filled to the brim. Suddenly a buzzing bee landed on my arm and I shrieked.

“Hold still, I’ll get it.” Charming’s voice said from above me. Kneeling down, he flicked the bee away and leaned in to kiss me gently.

“Hi,” I smiled at him and watched his mouth as he popped a berry in it and chewed. “Hey, we haven’t washed those yet!”

Laughing, he picked another one and held it to my lips.

”Live life on the edge Soph,” he challenged me and I bit into the juicy berry. “You have been eating these off the vine all your life. These areyour favorite.”

“Really? I don’t think I’ve ever had them before. At home they come in little square containers that cost like six dollars each. Mom never buysthem. These are amazing.” I looked around and saw we were in a wooded area with a well worn path. “Where are we?”

“Behind your house, not too far from the rose gardens,” he answered, giving me a reference point. I was becoming somewhat familiar withmy old home.

“It must have been so wonderful growing up here with you. It’s so beautiful, and you are so beautiful,” I said looking into his gorgeous blueeyes. He kissed me again and all was right in my world. I just wanted to stay forever. I started to wonder while I was kissing him about doing otherthings besides kissing, wondering when we’d get beyond this. Kissing him was awesome, but surely we had done more than that. I was becominganxious to move it up a step.

Suddenly Charming laughed into my mouth and pulled back. Damn, I had forgotten that he could hear my thoughts. And they made himlaugh? Great. I frowned at him, my brows crinkling in confusion and embarrassment.

“Sophie! I’m sorry! I’m just…you shocked me. Sweetheart, when you were Lily you would never have even thought that way. It simply wouldn’thave happened. Why do you think we were getting married so young?”

“Really?”

“Wel,l partly. I wanted you so much and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious to be able to sleep with you as my wife. It was a different time, mylove. You have no idea.”

“So, we’ve never slept together.”

“No.”

“We have only kissed, that’s it?”

“That is it.”

“Wow, this is interesting. So, we have spent two lifetimes as virgins?”

“I’m afraid so.” He laughed and I joined him. No wonder I always woke in the middle of kissing him. He stood up and helped me to my feetwiping the loose dirt off of my pink dress. Leaving the full basket on the ground he held both of my hands in his.

“You are simply perfect, Sophie. I love everything about you. I wish you could hear my thoughts when we are in your world when I am hearingyours. If you could keep hearing how much I love and adore and want you then you would not have a moment to spend being afraid I will disappear.Take comfort in knowing that you are mine, as I am yours. Across lifetimes, defying reason and fate, I am here. We are together.

“I love you, Charlie Fields. You turn me inside out. You take my breath away. These dreams are my heaven.”

“I know, love, they are the same for me. Don’t waste time wishing we could stay here, don’t try to change anything. Just be. I’m here, and I’mthere. We are always together. Please let that be enough.”

“Let it be enough? It’s everything. I get what you and Melissa and Kara are all trying to tell me. I get it, Charming.” Suddenly, finally, I really didunderstand. I was undermining my own miracle with my immaturity. It was like a light went on. And the fear that had been clawing at me went away. Itsimply evaporated.

Reaching up to wrap my arms around his neck and pull his mouth to mine I lost myself in his kisses until one more time I sat up, lookingaround at my real world. I smiled and stretched and relished the crazy life that was mine.

Chapter 14

Rylee called me as I was heading out of the dorm to my first class.

“Hey! Kind of early for you isn’t it?” Rylee loved sleeping in and hadn’t scheduled a single class this semester that started before noon.

Her laughter filled my ear and made me smile. “Ya, well mom and dad woke me up to tell me they are going to buy me a ticket to San Diegothis weekend if you aren’t too busy for company. They want me to check out your school and see if I would be happier there.”

“No way!” I squealed with excitement and a couple guys walking near me turned to stare. I didn’t care, I was so happy. “That is so awesome.When are you coming?”

“I can fly out Thursday evening and come back on Sunday afternoon.”

“I can’t wait! I miss you so much, Ry.”

“Me too. I will get my ticket right now and send you the itinerary later. Should I bring anything special?”

“No, just make sure you bring your bathing suit, we will definitely end up at the beach.”

“The beach sounds amazing. You have no idea how I miss it. I hate the desert, it is such a sick joke, all this sand and no ocean.”

I laughed and we said our goodbyes. A visit from Rylee was just what I needed. I put my cell phone in my pocket and was still smiling when avoice startled me.

“Well, somebody is in a good mood this morning.” I jumped, as Colin laughed.

“Hi Colin. Yeah, I am. That was my best friend, Rylee, she is coming out for the weekend.”

“That’s cool. Where does she go to school?”

“Arizona , but she is trying to transfer out next semester.”

“Really? I‘ve got lots of friends who go to school there and they all love it.

“I know a lot of people who love it too, but she hates the desert. We grew up together at the beach and she will be happier here. We’ve beeninseparable since pre-school so I am glad she wants to check our school out.”

He smiled, “That would be cool then.” We started to head in two different directions and before we parted he stopped me.

“Hey Sophie, I’m having a party at my house on Saturday. Why don’t you come and bring your friend.”

“Thanks, maybe I will.”

“Cool. I will give you the address in class tomorrow.”

Waving at Colin I headed into my class thinking now Rylee could compare the parties at her school with the ones here. She would love that.Far more social than I, she would enjoy every minute and I would put up with it for her.

Hours later, as I finished my last class for the day, my cell phone rang. It was mom letting me know Gran’s medical tests had all turned outokay. I sighed happily, although thanks to my personal psychic I already knew she would be fine. I filled mom in on Rylee coming to visit and I couldtell she was as happy as I was about it. My parents weren’t ones to worry, they knew I was both responsible and not terribly adventurous. In highschool they had actually encouraged me to go out on Saturday nights instead of hanging out with them. Not that they didn’t love my company, theyhad told me, it was just important for me to have fun with people my own age. Rylee and I hung out a lot, but I always had to share her with her latestboyfriend. She seemed to have been in a steady string of six month romances since ninth grade. The longest one actually made it to 10 monthsduring our junior year. He was a senior and she dumped him the day he got in to Notre Dame. When I asked her why, she had said there was soway she was going to be in a long distance relationship from California to Indiana. When I reminded her he still had several months before heactually left she looked at me like I was crazy. Long distance relationships were unfathomable to her, even ones that hadn’t happened yet.

I had my first assigned paper of the semester to write so I spent an uneventful few hours in the library. I didn’t mind, libraries were one of myfavorite places actually. My stomach let me know I’d worked through dinner and I grabbed a sandwich to go from the dining commons. Turkey andavocado on whole grain, more my usual fare than the burgers and fries I had been comforting myself with lately.

Eating in front of my laptop, I followed Kara’s advice and checked into some of my normal pre-Charming activities. I went on Facebook andsaw I had several friend requests from people I had met here in the dorm and in classes. Accepting them all I then checked my email and a coupleof blogs I liked to read. I gave these only half my attention, the other half was watching the clock for bedtime. Rylee called with all her flight detailsand we talked a bit about what we would do. Aside from touring the campus and Colin’s party, which I kept for a surprise, there were so manyoptions to choose from. The San Diego Zoo, Sea World, beaches, Balboa Park and the museums, shopping, the beach. It would take her a twoweek visit to see it all. I especially wanted her to meet Kara and I told her I would try to arrange dinner one of the nights. By the time we saidgoodbye it was well past a presentable bedtime. Yawning, I fell right to sleep.

~

I was standing at the bottom of a sweeping staircase, drawn to the sound of a piano, its haunting melody calling me. With one hand on thecarved cherry wood banister, the other holding up the mint green and white striped dress I wore so I wouldn’t trip, I hurried up the steps and down along hallway. The notes grew progressively louder until I stood in the doorway of what must be a music room. A harp stood next to a piano whereCharming sat playing, eyes closed, fingers flying across the keys. The song was eerily familiar, yet I didn’t know it. He played on for several minutes

until he opened his eyes and saw me standing there.

“Sophie, how long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to learn one more reason to love you. That was so beautiful. You are so talented, Charming.”

“Do you remember it?”he asked, his eyes searching mine.

“It sounds so familiar. I loved it didn’t I?”

“You did.”

“What is it called?”

“Lily’s Song”

“No wonder it sounds so familiar. Did you write it?”

He nodded, then stood and met me as I crossed the room. Pulling me against him I wrapped my arms around him and laid my head againsthis heart.

“Charming, I know I sound like a broken record, but I want to stay here with you and be Lily again. I want all my memories back.”

Kissing my hair he replied, “Sweet Sophie, I wish I could give you all our memories, there are so many and they are all so precious.”

The sadness in his voice took me by surprise and my only wish was to see him smile. “Charlie, I’m here. We’re together. What shall we do?Let’s not waste a moment of our time together being sad.” I looked up at him and wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Tell me where I am,” I requested as he smiled at me.

“This is the music room in my house. The piano is my escape I guess you could say. I play it when I’m sad or bored or worried. Music cantake it all away. It puts everything into perspective.”

“And the harp?”

“The harp is Charlotte’s. My parents wanted her to play, but I’m afraid she is not terribly interested, which simply makes her terrible.”

Laughing at the thought of hyper Rylee playing a harp made me understand why Charlotte was not into it.

“My sister would rather be jumping the horses or planting in the garden. Indoor activities don’t hold her interest.”

“Nothing’s changed. Are you excited for her visit?”

“Yes. It’s only been a few weeks since I last saw her and I never realized how much I would miss her.”

“Me too, actually.”

“It should be fun. She will love San Diego.”

“I can’t wait for her to meet Kara and see what she says about her future. I will bet you that no matter what she tells her she will try torenegotiate her reading.”

“Poor Kara, be sure to warn her.”

Smiling up at Charming I was taken aback by the intent way he was studying my face. Did I imagine that I saw a glistening of tears in thosenavy eyes?

“Charlie, what’s wrong?” My heart lurched in dread, fear causing it to race.

“Nothing, nothing is wrong. I just feel, after all this time, so taken aback by how much I love you, how very much you mean to me Sophie.” Hishands reached to cradle my face and he leaned in to rest his forehead against mine. “The words I love you just seem so inadequate, yet there areno better words to express it. You are my love, my best friend, my soul mate, my life.”

My eyes now held tears too as I spoke. “We are one heart, Charming. We just are. We are the luckiest two people in this world, or any other.”

There was no more talking then. His mouth enveloped mine and time stopped. I don’t know if it was moments or hours later when I awoke,but I awoke smiling and in awe of love.

Chapter 15

By Thursday afternoon I had the weekend planned and all my homework for both Monday and Tuesday’s classes completed. I was asexcited as I had been waiting for Santa when I was small as I waited impatiently for Rylee at the baggage claim. Jumping up and waving as I sawher descend on the escalator, she did not notice me at all as she smiled up at a tall dark haired guy. Watching them take their phones andobviously exchange numbers I glanced to the space where I knew Charming stood and rolled my eyes. Only after the guy went off in a differentdirection did she finally look around for me.

“Sophie!” she screamed and ran straight for me wrapping me in a hug. “Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m here! I already love it! I don’t want togo back!”

Laughing we headed out to my car and threw her bag in the back seat. “Oh I have missed Sofibug too!” She said referring to mypersonalized license plate that came with my car when my parents bought it for me. It was slightly embarrassing at first, but we had definitely grownfond of calling her Sofibug over the years. “Can we put her top down?” We also referred to my car as a she. No boy car would want to be a babyblue beetle.

“Of course we can. Hop in.”

“Oh my god! I almost forgot! Where is he?” She practically yelled and I was confused.

“What are you talking about?”

“My brother, where is he? Is he here? Can he hear me?”

I smiled. “Of course he’s here, and yes he can hear you and see you. He’s right here on my right side.” I gestured to my side and watched hertake off her sunglasses and squint trying to see him.

“You can’t see him Ry. But he’s here, believe me.”

“Well hello big brother!” she kissed the air and laughed. “Maybe you should come visit me in a dream too.”

“I’m sure he would if he could control it, Ry.”

“I always wanted a big brother and to think I had one all along. But you can’t bring any cute guys home.”

Rylee laughed again and totally serious asked as she reached for the door, “Does he get the front seat? Should I get in the back?”

“You are fine, Ry. Remember he has been with us all our lives, you don’t need to act any different now. The only thing that has changed is thatwe know he is here.”

“Okay, cool,” she said and happily got in.

I realized then that something was different now. I searched Rylee’s face for Charming’s features, looking hard for the family resemblance.But while Charming was tall and lean, Rylee was short and curvy. Where Charming’s eyes were a deep, navy blue, Rylee’s were a pure baby blue.Her smile was just as perfect, but she hadn’t been blessed with those heart stopping dimples of his, and her hair was a shade lighter than hisgolden blonde. Still, how had I not seen as I drew Charming’s face millions of times growing up that the shape of their face was identical. And had Inoticed? Well, I would have assumed I had just subconsciously borrowed that feature.

“You have no idea how happy I am to be here Sophie! A month in Arizona felt like a year. I will never complain about being hot in Californiaagain.” She shuddered and reached out to turn on the radio.

“You really hate it, don’t you? I know how unhappy I would be if I were stuck in a place where I didn’t fit.”

“Well, yeah, I really hate it. Except for a few friends I’ve made, and that a couple of my classes are pretty cool, everything else sucks.”

“Well you have an entire weekend to spend hopefully falling in love with San Diego.”

“Where should we begin?”

“Are you hungry?”

“When have you known me not to be? What’s for dinner?”

“You get to choose. I thought we could go for Mexican, but I know where we can get Italian, Greek or maybe salad. Name your craving.”

“Mexican sounds perfect. I brought my fake I.D. I could totally go for a margarita.”

“There is no way that you look 21 but hey, I’m driving, so go for it!”

To my surprise the I.D. didn’t even raise an eyebrow and we talked and stuffed ourselves with nachos and guacamole. Two peacharitas forRylee and a steady parade of diet sodas with lime for me, we topped off the meal by sharing a deep fried ice cream and I felt completely content tobe reunited with my best friend instead of staring at her face on a computer screen while being miles apart.

During the ride back to campus Rylee told me all about her conversation with the hot guy on the plane. His name was Blake and he was inLaw School. She said he asked her to go out with him tomorrow night, but she had told him she was spending every moment with me. She did tellhim however, about her transferring here in the spring and they had exchanged numbers.

“Rylee, I have a surprise. We are going to a party Saturday night.”

“What? You hate parties Sophie!”

“Yeah, but you love them and a really nice guy in my psych class named Colin invited me and told me to bring you too. He has these amazingtattoos of Beatles songs, wait until you see them. There will be lots of guys for you to meet there I’m sure.”

“Guys for me to meet, what about you?” she asked innocently, and then realized her mistake quickly.”Oops! Sorry Sophie, sorry bro, this isgoing to take some getting used to.”

Laughing, I agreed. “It has definitely taken some getting used to. It’s overwhelming to think about, but he is worth all the weirdness.”

“Whoa, you really love him, don’t you?” I felt her study my profile trying to wrap her head around it.

“Rylee, I love you for being so understanding and believing what you can’t see just because I tell you it’s true.”

“Sophie, you are the sanest person I know. If you say that it’s happening then I know that it is.”

“Thank you, Rylee. I’m sure Charming would say thank you too.”

We were both silent for awhile as we arrived on campus and pulled into a parking space. Rylee grabbed her bag and asked as we walkedthrough the parking lot. “Sophie, ask my brother if I had a boyfriend in our past life ,would you?” I smiled and nodded and then began pointing outthe sights as we headed to my dorm. Getting off the elevator I saw Tiffany and Danica coming down the hall towards us. Introducing them to Rylee, Iwas secretly happy they had such good timing. It made me look like I had friends here, when really they were the only ones I had gotten to know onmy entire floor.

Unlocking my door, I pushed it open and welcomed her to my room.

“This is so tiny! I thought my room was small,” she exclaimed, throwing her bag down on the floor.

“Yep, but it’s a single, remember? The other rooms are larger, but they all come with a roommate. I’ll take this.”

“Well, we won’t be in here much and who needs a big room anyway? No roommate makes it totally worth the smaller size. But wait, Sophie,will you be my roommate if I get in next semester?”

“Of course!” I laughed and just like we had done on hundreds of sleepovers since we were four, we put on our pajamas and talked until wefell asleep.

~

I was sitting on a blanket in the grass under a huge oak tree admiring the magnificent beauty of the enormous white columned mansion thatwas Charming’s home. The sun was warm and the shade overhead was welcome as I lay back and stared at the white puffy clouds unlike any I hadseen in the clear, California sky. I felt happy and relaxed when I was suddenly pounced upon by a wiggly puppy, all paws and tongue. Sitting up andlaughing at the adorable spotted beagle, I saw Charming holding it’s littermate in his arms.

“Hi. Where did you find these guys?” I asked, petting my new friend, amazed that he wasn’t frightened and growling at me. Plopping downbeside me he kissed my lips briefly and grinned.

“The hunting dogs have litters often and you love to go play with the puppies. Your mom hates it when you sneak them into the house. She isused to it though. You have been doing it since you were six.”

“Well, they are precious. I never get to go near dogs anymore, thanks to you.” I said, with a smile.

“I know and I am so sorry about that.” I looked at him and saw he was serious.

“Really, Charming? It is not your fault!”

“I know, I just know how much you loved dogs and it has been so strange seeing them afraid of you…of us.”

The puppies began to play with one another and we watched them role around, their funny little barks making us laugh.

“So, what do you think about Rylee being here?” I asked as a puppy licked my face.

“I think she is the same old Rylee-slash-Charlotte and it is great to have her here. It is weird that she knows I am here, but I feel bad becauseI can tell she is having a hard time comprehending the whole thing. Can’t say that I blame her though.”

“She is trying so hard. Is there any way you can get in to her dreams?” He shook his head and I asked the other question she wanted toknow. “Did she have anyone special that she dated?”

“No. She is really nearly identical to Rylee. Charlotte is just as boy crazy and trust me the boys are just as crazy about her here as they are inyour world. Every guy around her ends up falling for her, and that includes one of the stable boys. Our mom almost had a heart attack when she sawCharlotte flirting with him. She spoke to our father about it and the poor guy was gone the next day. Charlotte pouted for a week. She really is justCharlotte like you are just Lily. She is smart and full of life. You know what I mean?”

“Yeah,” I nodded,” I do. Thank god she is your sister or I might get jealous!”

Charming laughed and pulled me down on the blanket, making me forget everything but this perfect moment and the two of us. This statelasted a few minutes until I felt a warm, wet tongue in my ear and a tug on my hair. Laughing Charming disengaged the little guy’s paw from my hair

while I tried to get the other one to stop worshipping me with his tongue. I started to ask Charming if we could put them back when I felt myselfshaken rudely and instantly awake.

~

Opening my eyes, I saw Rylee’s face over mine. “What? What’s wrong?!” I asked disoriented and alarmed.

“You were laughing and thrashing around. What is going on?”

“Oh, nothing, Charming just brought puppies and they were licking me and one got his paw caught in my hair.”

She gave me a confused look and I just laughed. “Never mind, I guess you had to be there.”

“I wish I could have been! You with a dog, I would love to see that!”

“I asked Charming about you and he said you and Charlotte are exactly alike. You were really popular with the guys just like you are now andyou even got some poor guy fired from his job in the stables because you flirted with him!”

“No way!” She smiled like I told her something she should be proud of.

“Yep, way! It reminded me of the time you got that lifeguard in trouble at the beach.”

“That was not my fault Sophie! He shouldn’t have been talking to me instead of watching the water, besides nobody would have known if thatwoman had been watching her kid, it would have been her fault if he drowned.”

“Well he nearly did drown as I recall. Anyway…geez, it’s early!” The clock said 7:30 and we had stayed up until 2:00 talking.

“Can you go back to sleep?” I asked, hoping she would say yes, but knowing we were both too wide awake.

“Nope, can you?”

“I guess not.”

She stood up stretching. “I’m kind of hungry, how about you?”

“We could go out for breakfast before we hit the beach.”

“What are you waiting for, let’s go!” Laughing at my best friend, I hopped out of bed and got ready for our day.

Chapter 16

Three hours later I found myself lying on a beach towel, my toes digging in to warm sand. I placed my hand over my stomach to feel what Iimagined was the result of my massive French toast breakfast but thankfully it was still flat. Smiling, I lifted my head to watch Rylee walking along thewater’s edge. She never had been able to lie still for a long period of time, so she would walk awhile then come back and lay on her towel and thenstart the whole thing again. The soft breaking of the waves was one of my favorite sounds in the world and laying my head back down I closed myeyes in complete relaxation. Who needed yoga? Nowhere else in the world made me feel as calm or as centered as the ocean. Maybe it wasbecause I had grown up in Santa Monica, mere blocks from the beach. My normally olive skin loved the sun and I used minimal sunscreen despiteknowing all the hazards of sunbathing. It was my one vice. I didn’t smoke or drink. Okay, diet soda isn’t healthy either, but if you count that and ayear round tan you have pretty much named my bad habits. It could be worse. I hadn’t actually tanned aside from my trip last weekend to Gran andGrandads since arriving at school. I did not count sitting at the park by the ocean sketching because I wasn’t in my bikini then. This was just utterrelaxation and I wondered if I fell asleep here could I dream of Charming? If I could nap and be with him I would become a Benadryl junkie and sleepmy life away!

“Are you asleep?” Rylee questioned me in a soft voice, plopping down next to me and reaching for the sunscreen.

“Nope, just relaxed and lethargic from all that breakfast.”

“Me too. But now we won’t need lunch so we can lay out longer.”

“Good point.” I replied, opening my eyes to watch her apply sunscreen. Rylee had a system. She always sunbathed for an hour withoutprotection then lathered on the lotion the rest of the day. She swore her method gave her the perfect color and you couldn’t argue with her results.Some blondes turned pink and stayed pink until they faded back to white. Not Rylee. She had been blessed with just the right amount of melanin.She tanned a perfect golden brown. So did her big brother.

“What time are we meeting the psychic for dinner?”

“Ry, she is a psychic, but she is also my friend and her name is Kara, I told you that. We are meeting her at 7:00 at Aladdin, it’s a really goodMediterranean restaurant”.

“I‘ve never even met a psychic, much less had dinner with one, I can’t wait!”

“She is really cool, very upbeat and fun. I like her a lot and you will too. I’m sure you will learn a lot about yourself. She is amazing, she reallyhas a gift.”

“She won’t tell us anything bad will she? I don’t want to know anything but the good stuff.”

“I’m sure there is nothing bad to tell Rylee. She is not like that gypsy in Italy. She is pretty and normal. No way could you tell there is anythingdifferent about her. You’ll see, there is nothing to be nervous about.”

“If you say so” she replied dismissively. Changing the subject to what she would wear to Colin’s party tomorrow night, I let her chatter washover me while I closed my eyes and let the sun do it’s magic. Feeling warmth envelope me and the energy of Charming close to my side, it was aperfect moment. A perfect day, and it flew by as we wrapped up our tanning session around three and headed back to campus to shower andchange. We were ready in record time so we decided to go early and walk around before dinner.

When we approached the restaurant I saw Kara waiting inside. “There she is” I told Rylee, and she took in the tall pretty blonde dressed inthe best designers from head to toe.

“Wow she is gorgeous and I have always wanted that Chanel bag. I can’t believe she is a psychic.”

“Ry,” I nudged her, “Shhh.”

Kara noticed us and approached, smiling.

“Hi Sophie!” she hugged me and then turned to Rylee and hugged her too. “Nice to meet you Rylee, I’ve heard a lot about you!”

“It’s nice to meet you too!” Ry smiled, and I knew this dinner was a good idea.

Once seated we ordered drinks and an appetizer of hummus and pita bread and Kara waited for the waitress to walk away before shespoke.

“Charming looks happy tonight” she said, and she said it as casually as if she were commenting on the weather.

Rylee’s eyes grew big.“You can see him? Right now?”

“Yep, I can see him as clear as day. I can’t speak with him however. If I could read lips I suppose I could, but unfortunately I can’t do that. I canask him yes or no questions if you have any.”

“Ask him if he loves Sophie.”

“Ry!” I interrupted.

“Ask him something harder,” Kara said. “We all know the answer to that one. He is nodding and smiling anyway.”

“Okay, let’s see, did he have fun at the beach with us today?”

Kara kept her eyes to my left and nodded “yep”.

“Does he want me to move here and be Sophie’s roommate?”

“Yes again.” Kara smiled.

“Rylee, why don’t we just let Kara talk to us” I said, trying to hint that maybe Kara didn’t want to be used as a translator.

“Why? Ask him if we are annoying him.”

“He is shaking his head no and smiling at you” Kara continued, obviously not bothered by Rylee.

“See, Soph! He probably likes being included in the conversation. He must get bored just being stuck to your side all the time.”

I didn’t know if I should be insulted by that comment when Kara said “nope!”

“Boring is the last thing I would call this!” I said.

“Oh! I know!” Riley said, ignoring me completely. “Does he think I look exactly like I did when I was Charlotte?”

“Yes,” Kara said, nodding.

“And Sophie looks exactly like Lily?”

Again Kara nodded with a grin. She certainly was a good sport.

Finally the waitress returned setting down Kara and Rylee’s iced teas and my diet soda. She returned seconds later with hummus and freshbaked pita bread.

We took a break from interrogating Charming to enjoy the hummus and decide what we wanted to eat. Only once the waitress had returnedand taken our orders of tikka chicken and falafel did we go back to our conversation.

“Kara, are you getting anything interesting about me with your psychic intuition?” Rylee asked, completely serious and I laughed, I couldn’thelp it. Kara gave me a look that seemed to say it was okay, and she spoke.

“Actually Rylee, I am. I can tell you that you are going to love going to college in San Diego. You will appreciate it even more because youwere so unhappy in Arizona, but it doesn’t take a psychic to tell you that. I can also give you some exciting news. You will have someone specialwaiting here for you. I am not talking about Sophie either.” She smiled and we both took in the shock on Rylee’s face.

“Really?! You mean the hot guy I met on the plane? Blake? He goes to Law School here.”

“No,not Blake. You are going to meet him tomorrow actually.”

Rylee choked on her iced tea. I patted her on the back. “You mean tomorrow I will meet him? I will fall for someone here the way I fall foreveryone right? Not like fall in love right?”

“No, I mean just exactly like love. You will meet the love of your life tomorrow.”

We looked at Rylee’s face and waited for a response. I don’t think she even blinked. She looked scared and like she was in shock. I grinnedat Kara.

“Wow Kara, I don’t think I have ever seen Rylee speechless in our entire lives.”

“Well love is a pretty huge deal Sophie, as you know. Maybe I should not have told you Rylee, you would have found out for yourself.”

“No, no, now I will be able to choose my outfit more carefully. But how will I recognize him? I’m sure I will see a lot of guys tomorrow and thereis that party tomorrow night. What if I end up with the wrong one.”

“You won’t, but I can tell you what he looks like if it makes you feel better.”

“Oh, my god! Is he cute? What is his name?” She was bouncing in her chair as the waitress delivered our meal.

“I don’t know what his name is, my gift doesn’t present itself in that way. Names don’t always come to me, but I can describe him to you. Hehas a really distinct feature, a few actually, and yes he is really cute.”

“Okay, well, Sophie what do you think? Should I know ahead of time? Is that cheating?”

“I say go for it! I would want to know.”

“Do you think I should Charming?” Rylee asked, looking at Kara for his answer.

“He’s nodding yes.”

“Okay then, tell me.” She braced herself, taking a breath and holding it. We both laughed at Rylee’s expression. She looked like she waswaiting to get a tetanus shot.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah… tell me,” she finally exhaled and looked at Kara solemnly.

“You are going to meet your true love at that party tomorrow night and you will recognize him by his tattoos.”

“Tattoos? But lots of guys have tattoos.”

“Well, he has one arm sleeve with tattoos that have a theme to them. They are all related to Beatles songs.”

It was my turn to choke on my drink. “Oh my god!”

I knew Rylee’s true love. Two pairs of eyes stared at me. Charming would probably make three, but he knew who it was too.

“Ry, you are going to fall in love with my friend Colin! He is really, really nice and Kara is right, he is really cute too.”

Kara and I couldn’t help laughing at Rylee’s expression. I thought she might faint, all the color she had gotten today at the beachdisappeared.

“Kara, are you sure about this? How long do you see me with him?”

“As far forward as I can see, which means I don’t see you breaking up, ever.”

“Oh, wow” Rylee said, not in a happy way. I think she was in shock. Long relationships obviously frightened her.

“You are going to be happy about it. Your silly rule about not dating anyone longer than six months will fly out the window. You will see. Youare going to be a great couple.”

“If you say so…” Ry said. I could see her doubting Kara’s psychic ability just a bit and so, of course, could Kara. She waited to make sureRylee swallowed before she casually gave her more information.

“I know you are planning to wear your hot pink dress tomorrow night but I think you should definitely choose the new blue one. It shows offyour eyes and after all, tomorrow will be a night that Colin will remember for the rest of his life.”

Rylee’s jaw dropped and we all laughed, Charming included.

Chapter 17

Getting Rylee through the next day was a challenge. She fretted and questioned Kara’s psychic abilities over and over again. We hadplanned to spend the day at the San Diego Zoo and buy year round passes so we could go whenever we wanted. I could tell she was no longer intoit that morning. To tell the truth I had woken up dreamless this morning and did not really want to go either. We made quite the pair. As we walkedfor literally miles all over the zoo, only half paying attention to the animals around us, we both would have rather not been there. I tried here and thereto alleviate her doubts and fears, but I was exhausted and ready to pull my hair out and hers too by the time we got back to the dorm.

When it came time to dress for the party I watched her choose the dress that Kara recommended and then stress over her makeup.

“Listen Ry, let’s not go. If Colin is your soul mate you will meet him eventually. Let’s just go to dinner and a movie instead. Maybe tonight istoo soon for you.”

“What? Sophie, I have to go! I can’t ignore that I am supposed to meet him. What if my entire future shifts because I didn’t go? What if it ruinsboth of our lives?” she exclaimed dramatically.

I sighed, and took a deep breath. “Well, I just don’t want you to do something you are not comfortable with. Remember that nobody has givenColin a heads up, he has no idea his whole life is about to change.”

“Lucky…” Ry whispered under her breath as she applied a second coat of mascara.

Laughing, I left her in front of the mirror and went to change into a short, white dress that made my tan look even darker. I hoped thatCharming would like it. I pulled my hair into a loose braid over my shoulder and sprayed my Chanel cologne. Rylee finished her primping and turnedto me.

“How do I look?” She spun in a circle, just like I had seen her do countless times as we grew up.

“Perfect. You are gorgeous. Kara was definitely right about one thing, Colin will never forget that dress.” It clung to her curvy figure in all theright places. More guys than just Colin would fall for her tonight.

When we were safety belted into the car, the printed instructions to Colin’s house situated between us, I realized my chatty BFF wascompletely silent. This was a first and I wanted to tease her, but the expression on her face stopped me. I opted to turn on the radio and let the rideremain quiet.

Colin lived with a couple of roommates in a house they rented a few blocks from the beach. The directions were simple and it took us notime to get there. Locating the house was easy, as there were kids spilling out of it onto the lawn and in the open garage. Finding parking was thechallenging part, and we ended up having to walk two blocks uphill to get there. Neither of us was anxious to get there so we didn’t complain.

Music could be heard as we approached and I searched the faces for a familiar one. Entering through the garage into the kitchen, there wasa long line waiting for the beer keg on the counter. Squeezing through the mass of people, we passed into what must have been the family roomand I spotted Colin on the couch playing guitar. Turning to point him out to Rylee, I saw there was no need. She stood rooted to the floor, her eyeswide and a smile on her flushed face.

“Sophie, that’s him isn’t it?”

She didn’t even figure it out from the tattoos, as he was wearing a long sleeve plaid shirt.

“Yep” I smiled. “Come on, I will introduce you.”

She put her hand on my arm stopping me. “No. Let’s wait and see if he notices me.”

“Okay, whatever you want. Do you want to get a beer?”

“No, I’m good. Let’s just hang out in here and watch him play…”

Besides Colin, there were two other guys playing to quite an audience. I had to admit they were pretty good. A girl stopped next to me andsmiled.

“Hey, you’re in my psych class!” I introduced both myself and Rylee and learned her name was Katie.

“Did you guys write on the wall yet?”

“Write on the wall?” I asked, confused.

“Yeah, in there,” she pointed to the room that must have been the living room once upon a time but now held a drum set and assortedmusical instruments.

“Is Colin in a band?” I asked her.

“He plays and sings his own songs. He doesn’t have a band, he likes playing solo.”

“He’s a singer too?” Rylee spoke up.

Katie nodded, “he‘s awesome.”

As if he heard us Colin started to sing, his voice clear and low. He sounded better than a lot of famous singers and I was impressed. Hefinished one song and was just beginning another when he stopped abruptly and stood up, his gaze glued to the girl on my right. Rylee, frozenexcept for the hand that reached over and squeezed mine, stood still as he approached us. It felt like slow motion as he said hello to me and gaveme a hug his eyes never leaving Rylee’s face.

“Wow, you are amazing Colin,” I said, meaning it.

“Thank you Sophie, I love to play.” He stood there waiting for me to introduce him, but I must have hesitated a second too long because hereached his hand out to Rylee and introduced himself. Rylee answered and I backed away.

Katie was still there and I asked her to show me the wall she had mentioned. Our exit went completely unnoticed.

The wall Katie had been referring to was the largest wall in the living room, its expanse broken only once by the doorway we entered through.There were several baskets containing markers, pens, crayons and pencils on the floor and two small footstools. At first glance there seemed to beno free space at all it was so covered with autographs, doodles, cartoons, symbols, and quotes. It was chaotic and messy and so artistic that Iloved it and its concept. This house was a rental and I knew that the day would come when they would leave here getting rid of all of this with twosimple coats of paint. The thought made me sad.

I didn’t hesitate for long, instead searching for enough room for one of my sketches to fit. Finding just the right spot just left of center abouttwo thirds of the way up the wall, I pulled a step stool up and reached for a pen. Standing on the stool, planting my left hand on the wall to steadymyself, I went to work on drawing a sketch of Charming smiling, right between a peace sign and a quote by Albert Einstein. I was almost done whena voice startled me. Looking down I saw a scruffy, unshaven guy holding a cup of beer in one hand and an orange marker in the other.

“I’m sorry?” I asked, not having understood what he had said.

“I said when did Ethan have that long hair? He always keeps his hair buzzed.”

“This isn’t Ethan,” I stated, annoyed.

“Well it looks exactly like him- must be his doppelganger then. Who is it?”

“His name is Charlie and he doesn’t live in California.”

“Oh yeah, where does he live?”

“He lives in… he lives in Georgia.” It was not a lie, I visited him in Georgia most nights after all. This seemed to satisfy Scruffy as he startedto draw, poorly, an orange surf board. But he had made me curious about whoever this Ethan guy was. Isn’t that the name Colin used when hethought he knew who I was drawing? I wanted to see this guy to see what features he shared with Charming. I was sure that he must have only apassing resemblance.

“Is Ethan here?” I asked Scruffy.

“I haven’t seen him yet, he may show up later.” With that, he threw his marker back into the basket and stumbled out of the room.

Forgetting Scruffy, I lost myself in my drawing until I was satisfied that I was finished. After it was completed, I signed my initials underneathand carefully stepped down from the stool. Glancing at my watch I saw it was still early and rather than go join the party I decided to go from one endof the wall to the other and just examine all the art. I thought maybe I would copy this idea one day. Or maybe just designate one wall just for my ownprivate use. This was so much more fun than using a sketchpad.

The wall entertained me for far longer than it probably did most people. This was much more fun to me than mingling with a bunch of drunkenstrangers. I knew that wasn’t a great attitude, and that I should try to participate in college life. But parties were never my thing and Rylee was the

only reason I had come tonight. She had been chatting happily with Colin for quite some time and I decided to hunt her down and tell her I wouldcome back and pick her up later. I could still make it to the library and get some things done. Turns out I didn’t have to go looking for her becauseshe found me.

“Sophie!” Rylee broke my concentration as she threw her arms around my neck and hugged me. “Oh my god, he is amazing and wonderfuland so cute. And talented! Did you hear how good he was on the guitar? He even sings!”

“Where is your new found soul mate?” I teased.

“A neighbor came over to complain about the noise and he is asking everyone to quiet down before the police come by and shut the partydown.”

“Oh, okay. Kara really knew what she was talking about didn’t she?”

“I’ll say! I will never doubt another thing she says. I wanted to ask you something. Colin wants me to stay with him tonight . He will bring meback in the morning, but we have so much to talk about and I have to leave so soon. You don’t mind do you Soph?”

“Of course it’s okay. You don’t need my permission. I don’t blame you a bit. Have fun and call me in the morning. I’m going to head out then.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Positive, don’t be silly.”

“Okay then, do you want us to walk you to the car?”

“ No. There are loads of people around, I will be fine.”

“We hugged and she ran off to look for Colin and I was leaving the room when my eye caught a haiku poem written in small near perfectpenmanship. I traced my fingers over the words as I read them.

Owner of my soul

Her beauty leaves me breathless

My Lily, my Love

At the bottom of the poem in letters so small I had to squint to read them it said. “Ethan.”

I don’t know why it touched me so, the sentiment of so few words, or the strong emotions that they conveyed, but my heart caught at theromantic gesture. Of course, being that my name had once been Lily probably had a lot to do with it. Still, I almost felt like Charming had reachedout and written it to me. This Ethan had more in common with Charming than his good looks. I really hoped I would run into him one day.

~

I was alone in the woods, in the midst of trees and shrubs growing thick and wild, no discernable path in sight. The wind, warm but strong,blew my hair across my face and caused branches to sway wildly. Dark ominous clouds overhead threatened rain and twilight would soon give wayto a starless night.

Gathering handfuls of the full grey skirt I was wearing, I chose a direction randomly and pushed through the trees, pulling my dress along withme as it snagged and caught. I heard a rip and kept going, cursing the ridiculous style I had been forced to wear in the past. I was not afraid. Iwaited for Charming to appear as I continued to search for an end to the woods or at least a path I could follow. A rustling sound behind me mademe twirl around; expecting Charming to be standing there, but it was some unseen creature scurrying to evade the storm.

A hint of uneasiness wormed its way into my brain and I tried to ignore it. Being afraid would not help me find Charming. Where was he?How had I spent this much of a dream without him? Why would the circumstances be so unpleasant?

When a drop of water landed upon my cheek at the same time a far off clap of thunder rumbled I quickened my pace and felt relief well upwhen at last I entered in to a clearing. Rushing now, my torn dress held up to my knees, I didn’t see the fallen log until I landed hard on the other sideof it. My palms stung from the impact and I raised them to examine them and screamed in horror at the sticky red blood that covered not just mypalms but the front of the skirt of my dress. Was it mine? Was I hurt? I searched for an injury but found none, wiping my hands frantically against mydress to clean them. I looked down at the ground where I had fallen and screamed again. The puddle of blood covering the ground was so large thatsurely whoever or whatever it belonged to had not survived it. Fear consumed me now and I closed my eyes and opened my mouth screamingCharming’s name, my voice competing with and losing to the wind and the rustle of hundreds of trees.

Then suddenly I heard his voice calling my name and I was swept up in Charming’s arms. “What is it Sophie, are you alright?” He held me sotightly and protectively I could only bury my face in his shoulder and listen while he murmured words of comfort in my ear.

“It’s okay, I’m here now. You’re okay Sophie. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I shivered and clung to him finding my voice. “Whose blood is it? What does it mean?”

Grasping my shoulders tightly he pulled back and looked at me seeing my grey dress covered in red. Looking down he took in the log andpuddle spreading across the ground.

“Oh my god I don’t understand. Why are we here? What purpose does it serve for you to dream of this?”

“What? Where are we? You know whose blood this is?” I looked into his stunned face his eyes frightening me more than any amount of

blood could.

He nodded and folded me back into his embrace clinging to me until I felt like we were one being.

“Sophie, the blood belongs to me. This is where I died. The day before our wedding we had a hunting party for all the guests. There was anaccident, someone’s gun went off… I died instantly.”

I clung to him so alive and warm and real in my arms and then I cried. For Lily. For Charlie. For me. I soaked his shirt with my tears andsobbed until my throat was hoarse. I awoke with my pillow drenched, my eyes swollen and my heart broken.

Chapter 18

My Sunday was ruined. I just prayed Rylee in all her excitement wouldn’t notice my puffy eyes or fake smile. I counted the hours until she flewback to Arizona. I needed to be by myself. I needed to see Kara. Rylee’s bliss at finding Colin was wonderful and I looked forward to theirrelationship-just not today. Today I was worried about Charming, my nightmare and the reasons behind it. Today I needed to figure out what itmeant and what I could do about it.

I got two text messages while I was in the shower and I answered each as soon as I read them.

The first was from Rylee and said “Going to brunch with Colin. Want to join us?”

“Thank god!” I said aloud and typed back, ”Thanks, but I just ate. Have fun you two!”

The second was from Kara.”You need me. Meet at our fountain in ten.”

“Thank god!” I said again, throwing on the first thing I could find in my closet, grabbing my sunglasses and room key and flying out the door. Ididn’t wait for the elevator, choosing instead to race down the four flights of stairs and speed walk across campus. Kara was sitting on the bench bythe fountain, a pensive look on her face.

I hugged her and waited for her to tell me what she knew.

“I don’t know what’s up. You just popped into my head and I knew I needed to get here. Charming looks as upset as you do. Fill me in.”

I cringed when she said that about Charming, but how could he not? Something was changing and we didn’t know why. “I had a nightmare. Iwas lost in the woods alone and fell into a huge puddle of blood. Charming found me and when he saw all the blood he recognized that it was theplace where he died. He was shot and killed there the day before our wedding.”

“That is disturbing. Why would it be important to re-visit something so horrible?” She asked this question not expecting an answer.“Charming I don’t get it. You don’t either do you?”

He must have shaken his head because she nodded, “Well, lets see. I’m still seeing you two together always. That should give you somecomfort. I feel like I’m missing all the pieces but the ending is still the same.”

I sighed loudly and relaxed a little. This did bring me comfort. Charming wasn’t going anywhere. I could handle anything as long as I knewthat. “

Kara patted my hand sympathetically and said, “Rylee is with Colin. At least you won’t have to worry about getting her back to the airporttoday.”

“No, she is at brunch with him and then he will bring her over here.”

“Nope, he is going to take her to the airport too. He will invite you to go along but you will say no.”

“Oh, really? Okay then, that’s good.” I felt tired suddenly, really tired.

“Colin is going to be good for her. I see him and Charming being close.”

“Close how? How could that ever happen?”

“I don’t know actually. It just popped into my head. Charming is looking at me with a question on his face. I just feel a tight connectionbetween them.”

“Well that’s weird.”

“Maybe he will just feel friendly toward him because he is so good to his sister. We’ll see how it goes,” She looked a bit perplexed, whichworried me.

“Kara, what should I do now? What would you do?”

“Exactly what you have been doing all along. Enjoy what you can, try not to fret about what you do not understand. Live your life, love and feelloved.”

“You really see us together in the future?”

“Absolutely. No doubt at all.”

“Well then, that is good enough for me. I will try to calm down. Charming, you should too.”

“He is smiling at you. I think he’s feeling better too.”

“Thank you again Kara. I feel much better. Actually, I just realized I’m starving. Want to join me in the dining commons?”

“How can I resist those fries?”

During lunch Rylee texted and asked if Colin could take us to the airport. I smiled at Kara and quickly told Ry that it was fine with me if theywent alone. I totally wanted them to. She did not argue, just as Kara said she wouldn’t. After lunch we went out for frozen yogurt, Kara’s treat. I couldtell she was trying her best to distract me and I happily let her. Being with Kara was comforting. I especially loved when she would ask Charming heryes or no questions, including him often. She was kind, as well as gifted, and I thought he must love her the way I did. I felt bad for him, always stuckto my side where no one was able to see him. It had to be sad for him.

“Whatever you just thought about, Charming is shaking his head sternly at you.” Kara informed me. I laughed and felt better.

We finished our yogurt and it was time for Rylee to pick up her bag and head for the airport. Kara needed to get home to Spike and Ithanked her for coming to my rescue once again. I truly couldn’t handle my life without her and I told her so.

“What do you say I join you when you see your medium tomorrow? I would like to meet her and hear what she thinks about your uniquesituation. I would also like to network with her a bit. I am sure we know a lot of the same people.”

“I would love that!”

“Okay then, it’s a date. After, let’s grab an early dinner. Greek food sound good? You need something healthy to balance out all the fries andcookies you eat.”

Hugging me goodbye, she turned to leave before abruptly turning back and saying one more thing to both of us. “Listen you two, if you haveanother nightmare tonight stay calm. Try to figure out if it is telling you something important. Be a detective, see if there is anything that might helpus put things in their place. So far all the dreams have given you glimpses into the life you once shared and helped you reconnect in your love.Seeing where his life ended was scary, but it was an important part of your history together. Why all the bloody detail, well that was just unfortunate.It was over the top and unnecessary if you ask me. It also makes me think that something has shifted, something is changing. Just try to be calm,not all change is bad. We will figure it out.”

“Okay, I will. I promise.” We said goodbye until tomorrow and with another hug she left. I walked into the dorm, saying hello to people Ipassed and ran into Rylee and Colin at the elevator.

“Hey guys, perfect timing!” They greeted me with matching smiles, holding hands and I felt a tiny bit lonely after they grabbed her bag andquickly headed for the airport.

Before they left Rylee kissed and hugged me tightly, whispering in my ear, “I love you Sophie! Thank you for everything, and thank Kara too.I’ll be back soon. I promise.”

Colin stood watching us, Ry’s bag over his shoulder, and he smiled at my best friend. “Thanks for sharing her Sophie.”

“No problem Colin, see you in class tomorrow?”

“You bet, ready Rylee?” One more hug and they closed the door leaving me alone. Alone with my own soul mate, the only place I wanted tobe.

~

I stood in complete awe of my reflection. Never in my current lifetime had I looked so, well…stunning. Giving credit its due, it was the dress Iwore that allowed me to use such a word. If the gowns I’d worn in my former life had been pretty and reminiscent of Scarlet O’Hara, then thisconfection was worthy of Cinderella. I felt truly like a princess in what must have been my wedding dress. Beautiful and elegant like something from

a fairytale storybook. White of course, and made of silk, tulle, and thousands of tiny pearls, the bodice was lower than anything I had ever wornbefore, making my average B cups look abundant, the waist so tight I would not be able to eat or drink a thing while wearing it, and the skirt madefrom layer upon layer of frothy tulle was so full I wondered how my father would fit next to me to walk me down the aisle.

The realization hit me that the wedding had never actually taken place, and that instead of the honeymoon I must have dreamed of andlooked forward to, I had instead buried my beloved. I had gone to a funeral that I had to get through and survive, before I too, had died fromheartbreak. Why was I wearing this gown now and how could I remove it by myself?

I suddenly wanted nothing more than to be free of the gorgeous, but tainted, dress. I put both arms behind my back and felt the tiny buttonsthat imprisoned me. There was nothing I could do without someone to unbutton me. I was becoming anxious and looked around at the room I hadpreviously not paid an ounce of attention to. I had been too busy paying attention to my own reflection.

I was in a large room with a work table, sewing machines, and baskets of trims and scraps. It was a sewing room, that was certain and themirror in front of me had a large raised area before it where I stood and had previously had my clothing altered. The room had no windows and Isuddenly felt claustrophobic. For the first time in a dream I had the uncomfortable sensation that I needed to awake, but there was no way to stopthe dream’s progress. There could be no good in Charming seeing me this way, dressed as his bride, his wife that never was. What could be thepurpose of such a cruel scenario?

Opening the door, I found myself in a hallway that I walked slowly down, curious as to what I would find. I heard no sounds and peered into thefirst doorway I reached. A large kitchen appeared and I thought how I had once known this place well. The cook had obviously been busy, as freshloaves of bread, rolls, pies and cakes lined the counters. There was so much food that I wondered if this was the weekend of my wedding and thefood was to feed all the guests. Had I entered the dream the day of Charming’s death? I didn’t stay to investigate further. Leaving the kitchen Imaneuvered the enormous skirt of my gown down the hall and opened the heavy wooden front door. I peeked outside, surveying the verandah until Iwas sure I saw no one around. After confirming the vacancy, I hurried outside and shut the door behind me, looking in every direction as I wasunsure of where to go and what to do until I awoke, which would hopefully be soon.

Following the porch around to the back of the house, I saw to my alarm that Charming was heading straight for me atop his white horse.Unable to hide myself, I knew it was inevitable that he see me standing here in all my bridal glory. I waved and hoped the sight did not cause him toomuch pain.

Pulling on his horse’s reins, he stopped at the stairs and jumped down, remaining rooted in place. His face gave nothing away but hisdistance showed me he was disturbed by the sight of me.

“Charming, are you alright? I’m so sorry that you have to see me in this dress.” I took a step towards the stairs. Still not saying a word, hestared, but his blank expression changed to one of tenderness and I saw a glimmer of a tear fill his eyes until one tear rolled slowly down his cheek.He just stood there, as still as a statue, more tears joining the first. I couldn’t breathe as I waited and my eyes also filled as I watched him cry,unembarrassed before me. My heart caught in my chest, aching for him, knowing how hard it was for him to see Lily in her wedding dress.

“You are Lily, Sophie,” he said quietly, hearing my thoughts.”And you are the most beautiful sight that I have ever seen.” He said it softly asthe tears fell freely, his hands wiping them away as we both suddenly moved towards one another. Meeting at the bottom of the steps we clung toeach other desperately. My mind refused to focus and I kept wondering why I was here in this wedding dress, what could it mean? First the blood,and now the dress that was never to be worn, what would be next?

“Shhhhh… Sophie,” he quieted me though I had said nothing aloud. “It’s alright. We will be alright. Please don’t worry. We are together andyou are the most beautiful bride. Let me tell you what I had planned to say to you on our wedding day in front of our friends and families.”

I looked up at him curiously and he pulled his arms from where they had been holding me and reached out to hold both my hands in his. Thenhe gazed solemnly into my eyes.

“I had asked the minister to let me say something before he pronounced us man and wife.” He squeezed my hands tightly and took a shakybreath, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Lily, I have known you all my life, and I have watched you grow up from my sister’s annoying best friend who followed me around everywhereI went into the woman who I love with all my heart and all my soul. You are my best friend, my soul mate and the wife that I will love and cherish for therest of my days. You are my every heart beat and the reason that I breathe. I love you. I love you forever. I love you beyond forever.”

His words made my knees week and he had to practically hold me up as his mouth met mine and I tasted the salt of his tears. He kissed meas I knew he would have on our wedding day, with all the passion and promise of a union that would have been perfect, perfect because it wouldhave been ours. Our eyes opened and found one another after the kiss ended, and the emotion I saw in his navy eyes made my heart race. I achedwith love for him, now understanding perfectly and completely the miracle of his following me through time.

I opened my mouth to tell him exactly that as he suddenly began to fade from before my eyes, and his body, pressed against mine,evaporated. I cried out his name over and over until I found myself in my bedroom, alone. Heart pounding, relieved to be out of the confusing dream,I felt for Charming’s reassuring presence beside me and felt nothing. Jumping up, I concentrated on feeling him to no avail. I was alone. My life hadjust become its very own nightmare.

Chapter 19

I felt numb. I can’t quite explain the sensation. I wasn’t freaking out and I no longer cried. I was calm and controlled and completely protectedfrom feeling anything. It must have been shock, but I wasn’t able to recognize that fact at the time. My mind knew that Charming’s abrupt exit frommy life wasn’t going to go over well with me so it took over and put me on auto-pilot. Still, I wasn’t functioning well enough to sit through my classes.Nor was I able to identify whether I was hungry or not, so I did not eat. I simply remained in my room, lying on my bed until the clock told me it wastime to shower, dress and see Melissa. I did remember that Kara had planned on joining me today so I stood outside and waited for her at ourusual spot by the fountain, jumping in when the black Mercedes pulled up to the curb.

“Hi,” I greeted her quietly. She studied my face and said hello and waited for me to spill. When I didn’t, she spoke.

“I don’t know what it means Sophie, but I don’t want you to panic. I still see him with you in your future. Whatever this is, I think it is temporary. Iknow it is.”

I watched her expression as she spoke, looking for signs that she was lying and she was just afraid to tell me he was gone for good, hewasn’t coming back. She looked concerned, worried even, but she was telling me the truth. I said nothing. There was nothing to say. I would wait. Iwould just have to wait. She asked me for directions to Melissa’s house and I told her as we drove. We pulled up right on time.

Melissa greeted us warmly and seemed pleased to meet Kara. Their chatter flowed around me, but I wasn’t listening to their words. I sawtheir eyes meet and silent concern for me passed between them.

I spoke then, to both of their relief.

“He’s gone. I was dreaming and he just faded from my view and when I woke he wasn’t beside me.”

“Well, do you want to tell us about the dream? Maybe it will explain what’s going on,” Melissa prompted, while guiding me to the couch.

“Okay. I was wearing the wedding gown Lily was going to wear to their wedding. I’m sorry. Charming hates when I talk about Lily like sheisn’t me. Anyway, I was admiring my dress and realized it would disturb poor Charming to see me wearing it, but there was no way to take it off bymyself. The room was making me claustrophobic so I went outside. Charming cried when he saw me. He cried and it broke my heart. Then he toldme that he had written vows for our wedding ,and he spoke them and kissed me and I was finally able to understand how powerful his love for mereally is, and I could see it being able to bring him to me through time, and then he just faded away. He’s gone.”

Getting all that out made it feel more real and I sat back in utter exhaustion. How would I stay strong enough to survive all of this?

“Well,” Melissa said slowly, “he isn’t here with you today, but I’m sure he will return Sophie. I am sure there is a reason we are not able to seehim right now and we will find out someday soon.”

Kara started in as soon as Melissa stopped speaking. “Yes, and I still see you with him in the future. You know I am never wrong. I haven’tbeen so far, right? I do see it, soon, in this lifetime. Hang on to that. I promise you it’s the truth.”

“You are right, Kara,” Melissa answered for me. “I feel a strong connection between them as well. This is only the beginning of your journeywith Charming, Sophie, not the end.”

I looked from Kara to Melissa and I tried to smile for their sake. “You two are so wonderful. I don’t know what I would do without you. Thankyou. I do believe you and I know Charming wants me to be strong right now. I will try my best, I really will. It’s just hard, ya know?”

They both nodded their heads and Kara looked at Melissa then me as she spoke.

“First thing’s first. You need to stay healthy and strong for him when he returns to you. That means you have to eat.”

“I eat,” I said.

“Not today you didn’t,” she said, knowing full well I hadn’t.

“And you have to keep your brain strong too. You know Charming would be devastated if he thought you quit going to class because of him.You have to keep going on with your regular life, it’s non-negotiable.”

Geez, having psychics for friends was worse than having your mom watching over you.

“Please, Sophie, I care about you. I am not trying to mother you.”

Great, she was as bad as Charming about reading my mind!

“I know you do, and I care about you guys too. I could not survive any of this without you.”

“So let’s try extra hard to make Charming proud and honor him by taking care of what he loves most- you. Okay?”

“So,” Melissa said, cheerily, “What do you say we cancel our Monday sessions and replace them with Monday dinners here at my house.We will all get together and you can sample my cooking. I’m a gourmet chef in my down time.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea Melissa. I’m in,” Kara smiled.

“Me too.” I couldn’t help but smile. I felt a lot better when I was with these amazing, gifted women. I had so much faith in them and I wouldcontinue to until Charming came back. Because I had to believe he would get back to me, somehow. The way I looked at it I had two options, beingmiserable and dying inside or believing in the miracle that Charming was. My choice was obvious.

Chapter 20

I watched Rylee’s face later that night on my computer screen. She had greeted me happily and filled me in on what I had missed over theweekend. She was excited and I fed on her positive energy.

“Sophie,” she said with such happiness, “I can’t tell you how much I adore him! He’s beyond amazing! Do you know he has never been inlove either? He has been in lots of short relationships just like me. Neither of us has ever felt like we did when we saw each other at the party. Westayed up until five in the morning just learning everything we could about one another. He was a perfect gentleman; he didn’t try to take advantageof my being there all night. He really was a sweetheart. We have so much in common, it is so cool! Even if Kara hadn’t told me about him being theone, I swear I would have known anyway. When it’s right it just is. You know? Of course you do!! What am I thinking? Is my big bro happy for me?”

“I’m sure he is. He loves you so much, just like I do. We both know that Colin is the right guy for you, he’s great!” I tried to smile, but she knewme better than anyone.

“Sophie, something’s wrong, what is it?” she asked with a frown on her face, alarm setting in.

“Rylee, Charming is gone. I had a dream and saw him fade away and when I woke he was just not here.”

“Oh no!” she shouted. “How can we get him to come back? Talk to Kara, ask her to help you. There has to be something she can do.” Thewords rushed out of her and I felt my anxiety escalate. I needed her to stay calm, for both of us.

“Kara and Melissa are both sure he will be back. I have to just stay calm and hope they are right. It has been a whole day without him and Ifeel so lost Ry. I miss him.”

“I know you do. I do too. Just knowing about him, I feel connected to my big brother, I really do. I was going to see if you wanted me to flyback and stay with you again this weekend.”

“Really? Oh, Ry, that would be awesome. I hate being alone. I feel really lost.”

“I will be there Thursday. I was going to hop between you and Colin but you need me more. I will tell him it’s a girl’s weekend.”

“No, don’t do that! You two need your time too. Let us share you. Okay?”

“Okay, but if you need me to stay with you the whole time you know I am yours.”

“I know. Thank you, Ry.”

“Don’t thank me, that’s what best friends are for.”

Chapter 21

I decided I needed to be as rational as possible, remain on my self-imposed auto pilot as long as I could. I mean, really, what had changed? Icouldn’t feel Charming anymore, he wasn’t with me. What did that mean in my normal everyday life? When he was here we couldn’t speak and Icouldn’t see him. I went to classes, did my homework, and lived a fairly normal life, right? I would now do the exact same thing and do it as best Icould until Charming finally returned. How hard could that be? If I just knew when he’d be back it would be so much easier. But, looking at the brightside, thanks to Kara, I knew at some point he would definitely be back. I could survive anything as long as I knew that. I could wait forever.

The dreams were a different story. The dreams had been my way of being with Charming, they had let me get to know him all over again. Ihad lost my memories of our past life together but each dream had given me back a tiny glimpse of what had been. Having the dreams stop wasthe hardest part of this whole thing. I dreaded falling asleep now. I didn’t want to awake realizing the dreams were gone too. Part of me would haveeven taken more nightmares just to hang on to what little of him I could.

Since I awoke and realized I could not feel him there beside me there had been no more dreams. Four days had passed and I fought withthe depression that threatened to overwhelm my self control. By Thursday afternoon I was so exhausted that I dragged myself through the airport. Iwaited for Rylee, all the while giving myself an inner pep talk, trying desperately to drum up some enthusiasm where there was none at all. I hadwanted her to visit, needed her to, but I was just empty.

Watching Rylee come down the escalator I waved and gave her my biggest smile. This time there was no hot guy to distract her attentionand she waved back enthusiastically.

“Sophie!” she cried and hugged me as if I hadn’t just seen her a few days ago.

“Welcome back!”

“Thanks! I’m so happy to be back! Arizona is even more unbearable now because I keep counting the minutes until I could return to you andColin!”

Colin had an afternoon class on Thursdays so he was going to meet us for dinner in Old Town at a Mexican restaurant. We headed for thecar, Rylee texting as she walked.

“He just got out of class and he says he’s on his way.”

“Perfect.” I replied. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to have dinner with him by yourself? I don’t want to be a third wheel.”

“Sophie! That is so stupid. Colin was your friend first, remember? We want you to be there. You guys have to get to know one anotherbecause we are all three going to hang out all the time when I move here.”

“Okay, I was just asking,” I said, not arguing. I just didn’t feel up to it. Not the arguing or the dinner.

“Sophie,” Rylee said as she was getting into the car, “are you eating? You look skinnier than usual and you can’t afford to lose any weight.”She studied me critically.

“Ry, you have been gone five days. I’m eating fine. Stop it.” I thought for a moment and realized the only thing I had eaten this week weregranola bars I had bought to keep in my desk in my dorm room. I hadn’t eaten today at all and I still wasn’t hungry. I would have to remember tomake myself eat.

“Well, you look like you have lost weight since Sunday. I can totally see your ribs in that t-shirt. Starving yourself won’t bring my brother back.He would be so unhappy with you if he were here. I am going to be on your back for him until he can get back here himself.”

“Rylee, I appreciate the concern but I am fine. I promise. Charming will be back soon and in the mean time I am just busy with school.Sometimes I forget to eat when I’m studying. It’s no big deal, really.”

“You can’t fool me Sophie. I’ll be watching you.”

I glanced over and saw her expression and laughed. This was role reversal for sure. I was the one who looked after her, not the other wayaround. Now I’d have to choke down dinner when I had no appetite at all.

We changed subjects, thankfully, and made it to the restaurant at the same time as Colin. He swept Rylee up in a huge hug and greeted mewith a regular one. Once we were seated and had a minute to study the menu Rylee smiled happily.

“This is so great!! Being here with the two of you is awesome. I can’t wait until I live here and we can hang out all the time.”

“Neither can I!” Colin exclaimed, his happy face matching Rylee’s. “Sophie, do you want to stay in the dorms next semester or live offcampus? I know of two houses that are going to be available to rent. One of them is really close to mine, a buddy of mine is graduating early ,andthe other is only two blocks from the school. I can arrange for you guys to see them if you would like.”

“Thanks! I haven’t really thought about that yet. I just assumed I would give up my single for a double room with Rylee. It would be fun to be offcampus in our own place. I guess it would depend on the cost and if we could talk our parents into it.”

I looked at Rylee for her take on it and she spoke up. “My parents will probably be up for either one as long as Sophie is with me. We’ll haveto ask them soon so the places don’t get taken.”

“Whoa…slow down. You haven’t even got your transfer yet. I’m sure we will probably have to stay in the dorms for the rest of this year. But wecan plan ahead for next year, right?” I hated to always be the sensible one, but I knew I was right. We had plenty of college years left to experience

living on our own. Dorms were convenient and self contained. We didn’t have a lot to worry about there. No commuting, no grocery shopping, orcooking, and a lot less to clean. I think we had it pretty good for now.

“You’re right,” Colin agreed with me. “Besides, you two can hang out at my house any time you feel like getting away from the dorms.” Hesmiled at both of us.

“I really like your house.” I told Colin. “Especially the wall, that is the coolest thing I have ever seen. How did you ever come up with the idea?”

“Oh, when I was growing up my parents had guests sign a wall in our kitchen when they came over. It was cool, and all my friends loved it. Itwas just signatures, nothing like my wall, but I wanted to copy it on a grander scale. I saw your drawing. You really have to meet my buddy Ethan oneof these days, the resemblance is pretty amazing. He hasn’t been around much lately. He has a girlfriend that is keeping him pretty busy, hasn’teven introduced her to us yet.”

“I would like to meet him just to see the similarities.” I said, meaning it. Just to see someone who shared some of Charming’s features wouldbe comforting.

“Who’s ready to order?” Rylee interrupted, seeing the waitress heading our way. They both ordered the house specialty, carnitas and Iasked for a small bowl of chicken tortilla soup while Rylee stared me down. I pretended not to notice, besides I liked tortilla soup, and after nothingbut granola bars for four days I didn’t want to overdo it.

There were no lulls in the conversation and I found myself enjoying Colin and Rylee’s company, a lot. We laughed and chatted and the soup Ihad ordered was delicious and went down well. By the time dinner was done I felt almost like my old self, happy and relaxed. When they talkedabout going to a movie I bowed out, saying I was tired but that they should definitely go. Rylee tried to talk me into it but could tell that there would beno changing my mind. We had planned to go to the beach again tomorrow so I suggested that if she wanted to stay with Colin over night I would justpick her up in the morning from his house. They both loved the idea and walked me to my car. Hugging them both I headed home, as I began tothink of my little room, and I felt better than I had all week.

Chapter 22

The beach was as much of a tonic for me as ever. September in California was a perfect month; hot, sunny and all the tourists had goneback to wherever they had come from. This meant Rylee and I had an almost private beach this morning when we arrived. It was almost an identicalday to the one we had spent here a week ago. Nothing was different except the color of our bikinis. Today we both wore shades of blue, mine royaland hers turquoise.

“Sophie, do you know what we should do tomorrow?”she asked.

“What?” I asked, laying on my stomach, my head resting on my crossed arms, facing her.

“We should drive up to Disneyland for the day. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

Disneyland was one of our favorite places. Rylee and I had had year round passes all of our lives and once we could drive we went at leastonce a month, sometimes twice.

“I would call our moms and have them meet us there, but I didn’t tell my folks I was coming back this weekend. I was afraid they would tell menot to.”

“You didn’t? You should have told me! What if I had told my mom and then she told yours?”

“You didn’t, did you?”

“Well, no, but you need to tell me next time just in case.”

“Yeah, your right, but what about Disneyland? Want to go? It would be so fun and it would cheer you up for sure.”

“Oh, so that’s why you want to go!” I was actually touched that she was plotting something to raise my spirits.

“Well, yeah, that was part of it, but I want to go too. We haven’t been in forever. The last time was Grad Night and that was three months ago.When have we ever gone that long without our ‘happiest-place-on-earth’ fix?”

I laughed and warmed up to the idea. “What about Colin? Does he want to come with us?” Surely he already knew about this plan.

“He said he would love to but he has a rehearsal for a show he’s going to play in next week. He will be busy all day and I just thought it wouldbe fun.”

“Your right, it would. Count me in.” I smiled and rolled onto my back. Making sure I tanned evenly on my front and back was an old habit.”

“Want to ask Kara to come along? “

“I would except she is doing a work shop in San Francisco this weekend. Besides it’s harder to go with an uneven number of people.Somebody will have to ride by themselves on all the rides.”

“Good point. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. So it will be just the two of us like old times.” Rylee sat up and smiled at me. I smiled backfeeling happy for a moment, letting my ever present worries about Charming slip to the back of my mind.

“Oh, and Sophie, what do you want to do tonight? Colin was wondering if we wanted to go to see one of his friends perform at a little clubdowntown.”

“Oh no, you go with him Ry. Thank him for me but I think I’ll go to bed early if we are going to spent the day at Disneyland tomorrow. I haven’tbeen sleeping all that well.”

“Are you sure Sophie? It might be good for you to get out and meet some more people. You are turning into a hermit.”

I laughed. “Rylee, I’m fine. The only reason I’m not a hermit is because I grew up with you forcing me to be social. Look at my introvertedparents. It’s my nature to be a loner.”

“True, but I want you to come with us.”

“Let Colin have you to himself tonight and tomorrow we will ride on Splash Mountain twice if you want.”

That made Rylee laugh and I smiled. Splash Mountain used to scare me and Rylee would beg me to go on it with her until I gave in. It stillwasn’t my favorite ride but I rode it for her.

“Deal!” she put out her hand and I shook it.

Chapter 23

The car ride to Disneyland was unusually quiet and I kept glancing at Rylee while I drove, wondering what was causing the worried look onher face. Rylee answered my questions with one word answers and I frowned in confusion. Rylee was never quiet, and no one would ever call herintrospective. There was something bothering her that hadn’t been there yesterday when I dropped her at Colin’s house. Had he done something toupset her so early in their relationship? Had I misread him when I had thought he was perfect for my best friend? After I watched her change thesong on my Ipod for the tenth time in as many minutes I couldn’t take the silence any longer.

“What’s going on, Rylee?”

“What? What do you mean? I am just really excited to get there.” she said forcing fake enthusiasm. I pretended to believe her and kepttalking.

“Me too. How was your night last night?”

“Good. Colin’s friend was such a good singer. Colin joined him on stage for two songs. I wish you had been there.” Her words soundedsincere.

“So, everything is okay between you and Colin?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the road.

“Of course! Why wouldn’t it be?”

I couldn’t hold back any longer. I spilled the words I was holding in. “Because you have barely said two words since I picked you up. Youkeep fidgeting with the Ipod and usually you could care less what song is on because you are two busy talking over it. Something is bothering you,so tell me what it is. What’s wrong?”

She paused as if deciding whether or not to tell me what was upsetting her. Then, suddenly, she must have made up her mind because herwords came out in a rush.

“Sophie, I saw this guy last night at the club,” she hesitated, as if uncertain she wanted to tell me after all.

“Yeah, you saw a guy…” I started her sentence for her.

She nodded and began again. “It was when Colin went on stage with his friend. I thought I would get him a bottle of water in case he wantedone on stage. I went up to the bar and accidentally bumped into this guy’s back. I apologized and he turned around and looked at me and said “noproblem.”

When I looked at his face I swear I almost passed out. The bartender asked me what I wanted, so I told him and when I turned around again Isaw him going out the door. I almost ran after him to get another look at him but I just stood there.”

“Who was he? Why did he upset you so much?” I asked her, confused, thinking he must have been one of her many ex-boyfriends.

“I don’t know who he was, but I know who he looked like. That’s what startled me so much.”

“Who?” I asked feeling her anxiety and knowing exactly what she was going to say.

“He looked exactly like your drawings of Charming.”

“Exactly?” I asked ,feeling chills break out all over my body. I shivered despite the eighty nine degree day.

“Pretty close. He didn’t have the same hair, his was short. It was only a moment and it was dark, but he had his face. It was weird, when heturned around and I saw him your drawings flashed in my mind. Honestly, he looked just like him.”

“It couldn’t have been him Rylee,” knowing it couldn’t, but wishing it could. God how I wished it were.

“I know, of course it wasn’t him. He didn’t look at me like he knew me. I was a complete stranger to him, he didn’t give me a second glance. Ifit was him he would have recognized me, I’m his sister for heaven’s sake.”

“True. There is no way in the world it was him. It is just a huge coincidence that he resembles Charming. I even think I know who it was thatyou saw. Colin and one of Colin’s friends saw my sketches and thought I was drawing a friend of theirs. His name is Ethan. I haven’t seen him.”

“They were right! The resemblance is incredible. He looks like a modern version of Charming. He was gorgeous Sophie.”

“Wow, okay, that is weird. But Ry, like you said, he would know you and he didn’t recognize you at all. I heard about the guy when Charmingwas beside me all the time, so it is just a really strange coincidence, it can’t mean anything.” I clinched the steering wheel tightly, wishing I waswrong but knowing I wasn’t. It was a cruel twist of fate, nothing more. I didn’t want to see him at all.

“You are probably right Sophie. I hope you never run into him. I think it would be hard for you to see someone who resembled Charming.”

“It would be so strange. Part of me would love to see anyone with his features, but another part would be afraid to. I just miss him so much.”

“I know you do Sophie. I think you are holding up great. He will be back. You and I both know Kara is always right, and she doesn’t doubt it atall. We just have to wait and be patient. Look for ways for the days to pass quickly.”

“Well, I think today will pass by pretty well,” I said, as I pulled into the Disneyland Parking lot.

Chapter 24

I was in line for the Peter Pan ride when I decided to get a tattoo. Rylee and I had covered Adventureland and New Orleans Square firstwhile lines were the shortest. Now, after having lunch at the Blue Bayou restaurant overlooking the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride we were inFantasyland. Peter Pan was my personal favorite and apparently many other people’s too because no matter how crowded or uncrowded the parkwas or wasn’t there was always a long line. Rylee was telling me all about Colin’s life story when I saw a girl wearing shorts and a halter top twopeople ahead of us. On her side, just above her waist she had a tattoo. It was a drawing of a woman’s face and it was beautiful. It hit me then that Icould get one too. A tattoo of Charming would be even more beautiful and it would keep him close to me. He was already a part of me emotionallyand now he would be part of me physically as well. I elbowed Rylee and gestured toward the girl. She didn’t catch on at first and raised hereyebrows in a question.

Whispering in her ear I told her to check out the tattoo and after gazing at it she looked at me in confusion. “What about it?” she whisperedback.

“I’m getting a tattoo of Charming. Just like hers, in the same spot. What do you think? It’s a great idea, right? Will you go with me when I haveit done?”

“You never liked tattoos before. Are you sure that this is a good idea?” she looked at me as if she feared I was crazy.

“It’s the best idea I’ve ever had. I’m going to go to the place Colin went for his. His tattoos are amazing. I’m serious Ry, will you go with me?”

“Of course I will, when?”

“As soon as I can make the appointment.”

“It will hurt,” she said ,hoping I would reconsider.

“It’s worth it.”

“Your mom and dad will freak out.”

“They won’t even know it is there, it will be under my clothes.”

“It’s permanent. You will have it for the rest of your life.”

“Exactly.”

Once I had made my decision I felt a great sense of peace. My choice to tattoo Charming upon my body made me happy and I wouldwelcome any amount of happiness I could capture. I admit I worried about what Charming would think when he came back and saw what I haddone. But I reminded myself that he had a fascination with tattoos. Besides, what could be more romantic than putting your soul mates face on yourbody for all time? Rylee, on the other hand, did not seem to approve, despite the fact that her new boyfriend had a full sleeve of tattoos on his arm. Irespected her opinion, though it would have no bearing on my decision. Nothing would change my mind. I would begin tomorrow to choose whichout of my hundreds of sketches would be the one I would use. Maybe I would draw one more just for the occasion. It might take me a few days tocome to a decision.

As we walked back up Main Street later that evening, tired but happy, we talked about all the times we had spent here and the times ahead.

“Thanks, Rylee. This was the best day I have had since Charming disappeared. It was a perfect escape from real life. I didn’t realize howmuch I needed it.”

“I’m glad, Sophie. I knew this was the only place that might take your mind off your problems for awhile. I have to admit I am used to youhandling my crises, not the other way around. I certainly owe you a few.”

“I couldn’t have handled any of this without you. You really are a lifesaver, Ry. You knew just what I needed.”

“The Happiest Place on Earth works every time!” We laughed and she hugged me, making me so thankful for my best friend.

Chapter 25

My week dragged by, each day feeling like ten. Classes were attended, homework completed, meals eaten. I slept deeply, no dreamsinterrupted my slumber. I awoke well-rested and lonely. I made my appointment with one of the two artists that Colin had recommended and myexcitement for my tattoo was the only thing that made me feel anything.

After careful deliberation I had decided on a sketch. It wasn’t as hard a decision as I expected. I chose one I had drawn the day after thenight I first dreamed of Charming. The pictures I drew after the dreams began showed a depth of emotion in his expressions that the previous oneslacked. Whenever Charming looked at me his heart had shown through. Charming never attempted to play games or hide his feelings, and I smiledthrough tears as I looked through the dozens of examples in my sketchbooks. His love was so evident and I was anxious to see his likeness on myskin.

Colin was enthusiastic about my visit to the tattoo parlor and it gave us something to bond over besides my best friend. He patiently told mewhat to expect from start to finish and it made the mystery of the process disappear. I was never afraid of the pain, but he explained that it didn’t hurtnearly as much as people imagined it would. He said to keep in mind that the finished product would make any pain I did feel completely worth it.

Thursday afternoon came along at last and I was happy to once again arrive at the airport to wait for Rylee’s arrival. Having her around hadbeen my lifeline and I was relying more and more on her for my emotional support. If my leaning on her was a burden she never showed it. Kara hadbeen out of town most of the week, she was just getting back today, so I had felt unusually alone. But we would all be going to dinner tonight and Iwas looking forward to being with them both. Their growing friendship with one another was the icing on the cake.

For the third week in a row I found myself standing near the baggage area, eyes searching the elevator of travelers for her face. Wavinghappily when she finally appeared, she smiled and waved back.

Heading for her quickly I hugged her tight. “Welcome back again!”

“You mean welcome home. I already think of this as home and Arizona as a business trip I have to get through every week!” We laughed andshe met my eyes asking, “You still ready to ink up your body tomorrow?”

“You bet! Thank you for going with me. It will be so much less scary with you holding my hand. You will distract me from the needles and theblood,” I said, only half kidding.

“Oh gee, sounds like fun,” she grimaced and we both laughed.

“Are we meeting Kara for dinner?”

I nodded my head as we headed out the door, “Indian food. That okay?”

“Sounds great, I’m starving!!”

“Good, we’ll meet her there now. Too bad Colin can’t make it. I wanted them to meet each other.”

“I think he wishes he could be there too, but the rehearsal is important. He is really getting a lot of shows lined up. He wrote a new song forhis show Saturday and he says it’s about me!”

“That is so romantic! I can’t wait to hear.” I unlocked the car and after tossing her bag in the back seat we headed to meet Kara. We foundparking quickly, which wasn’t easy downtown, and got to the restaurant just ahead of Kara. When she arrived and we were seated and had ourdinner ordered she surprised us when she spoke.

“So Sophie, are you nervous about tomorrow or is that just excitement I am sensing? The needles don’t hurt too bad, at least mine didn’t.”

“You have a tattoo, Kara?” Rylee asked.

“Three.” Her answer made Rylee and I look at one another in surprise. She kept talking, “The one on my wrist was the only one that reallybothered me.”

She unbuckled her white oversized watch and showed us the delicate key tattooed there. “The other two are on my hip and the back of myneck. They are small too. You will love yours Sophie, and it will be beautiful. He will do a perfect job on your sketch. Don’t worry, you will never regrethaving it done.”

“Are you sure about that Kara?” Rylee asked, skeptically.

“Rylee, you are so against Sophie getting this tattoo because it doesn’t match up with your image of her. This means a lot to her, and she willstill be the same girl. And so will you, after you get your own tattoo soon.”

“What? I’m going to get a tattoo? No way!”

“Yes you will. You and Colin are going to get each other’s names on your ring fingers.”

“Seriously?” Her face looked shocked and she hesitated, taking the idea in. “That is kind of cute actually.” We could see her warming up tothe idea.

“You will put a ring over it when you are around your parents.”

“That is crazy, but a good idea. My folks would flip out.”

“Yes, well, Colin would be disappointed if you mention this right now. He hasn’t even come up with the idea yet,” Kara smiled, and Rylee andI looked at each other and laughed.

“I won’t say a thing, I promise,” she said, before turning to me. “Soph, I am so sorry that I haven’t been very supportive of this idea. I have awhole new attitude, you’ll see.”

“Thanks Ry, but it’s fine if you have your own opinion. I know that I would never have entertained the idea even two months ago. I see why thewhole thing freaked you out.”

The conversation turned to other topics and I was able to forget everything but the friendship we shared. I was so grateful for both of them.Kara had fast become a dear and trusted friend and I loved her. As we picked at dessert and were getting ready to leave Kara spoke one last time,her words aimed at me.

“Tomorrow will be a big day Sophie, one you will never forget.” Her words held a curious weight and I felt that she wanted to say more butheld back. The moment passed and I forgot all about them as we all parted ways and headed to our respective homes.

Chapter 26

I awoke with the usual let down feeling, an actual ache in the pit of my stomach because once again I had failed to dream. Stretching, Iforced my eyes open and focused on the clock next to my bed. It read 7:45 and I sighed. Rylee and I had stayed awake talking until 2:30 and I hadhoped to sleep in this morning. Remembering that today was tattoo day I smiled, a bit of excitement nudging the ache in my stomach aside.

My appointment was not until 1:00 and it would take a couple hours to complete. I planned on eating a light lunch and taking four pain killersbeforehand to take the edge off. Since I was having the tattoo done on my torso, I decided on wearing shorts with a bikini top under a button upshirt.

Sitting up quietly, trying not to wake Rylee sleeping on an air mattress next to my bed, I reached for my sketch book and flipped through thepages just to make sure I had made the best choice. Staring at Charming’s face drawn from every angle in every expression made me miss himdesperately. My eyes pooled with tears at the gentle way he always looked at me. When would I see him look at me again? Had Kara not told meshe saw him coming back I don’t think I could bear this separation. I just focused on one thing every morning when I awoke. I was one day closer toCharming’s return and I prayed that day would be soon.

“Sophie, why are you awake already?” a sleepy Riley murmured from the floor.

“Oh, I’m sorry Ry. I didn’t mean to wake you. I woke up and couldn’t fall back to sleep.”

“Are you nervous?”

“No, not really. I thought I would be, but I’m fine. I just can’t wait to have it done.”

“Okay, good. I don’t want you to be afraid.”

There was only one thing that truly frightened me about getting through this day. Once I had my tattoo what would I focus on next? What woulddistract me until Charming returned? Would he return to the Sophie he knew or a mere shell of a girl who wasn’t strong or brave enough to wait, wholet separation destroy her? How pathetic was the girl he loved?

“Ry, I think we should go take a walk on the beach and then go get breakfast instead of lunch. What do you think?”

“I’m in. I’m starving.” She stood up and began to fold her blankets while I quickly made my bed and went over to the closet to choose a redand blue plaid shirt to go over my white bikini top. I pulled a pair of white shorts out of my dresser drawer and headed to the bathroom for a quickshower. Ry took an even quicker one after me and we were out the door in record time.

“It’s a perfect morning for the convertible,” Rylee said looking up at the bright blue sky. We walked towards the parking structure, the sunalready hot on our skin.

“We might as well take advantage then,” I said, and we drove with the top down, “Go Radio,” one of our favorite bands, blaring on the stereo.I pulled into a parking space in front of the park where I did a lot of my sketching and studying.

“This is where I met Colin,” I said, pointing to the grassy area that overlooked the ocean. La Jolla was a favorite with both tourists and locals,and the grass was already filled with people parked on their blankets ready to spend the day in this gorgeous spot. We started walking and whenour stomachs couldn’t hold out any longer, ended up at a charming little restaurant with an outdoor eating area looking over the ocean.

“It’s like paradise here. When I move we should do this every Saturday. We could make it our ritual. We could bring Colin and Kara too!”

I nodded at Rylee silently praying that Charming would be here also.

“Definitely, we should plan on it. I love this place and I have been here a lot since school began. I love sketching at the park. Even reading forschool is fun when you’re sitting in such a beautiful spot. Although, sometimes I end up studying my surroundings more than my textbooks.”

“I could totally see how that would happen. Think how tan we will be though. It’s so hot in Arizona that it forces me to stay indoors. If it weren’tfor visiting you I wouldn’t have any tan at all.”

“Well, you and I learned an important lesson. We learned we are California girls and we need to be near the beach. After all, it’s all we haveever known. In this lifetime, anyway.”

“True,” Rylee replied, smiling. Our conversation was interrupted by her phone ringing.

“Colin,” she informed me after glancing at the screen, “he’s up, finally.” Her face lit up as she read his text message and I watched her reply,genuinely happy for my best friend.

“He says he can’t wait to see the tattoo this afternoon.”

“Tell him he will be the first one I show it to.”

She continued to text as we paid the bill and walked back to where we left the car. She wanted to go shopping so we went to a little boutiqueKara had recommended and shopped until it was time to head to my appointment.

“I was beginning to worry just a little bit, my stomach feeling queasy, when my own cell phone rang and I read a text from Kara.

“Deep breaths! It will be beautiful!”

I smiled and typed back my response. “Thank you Kara! You are always there when I need you. Love you!”

Chapter 27

Pen to Skin looked exactly like Colin had described it. Small and clean, with two work stations divided by a partition. A tall, dark haired,heavily tattooed man in his thirties was working on a girl’s ankle and he turned to greet us when we came through the door.

“Hi, I’m Rick. One of you must be Sophie.”

“That would be me,” I smiled. “This is my friend Rylee, here for moral support.”

“Well, I will be with you soon, go ahead and look at our work while you wait if you like.” He gestured to the photo albums that sat on a tablebetween two chairs.

“Okay, thanks.”

Rylee and I sat down and opened the top album, marveling at the detailed artwork that had been done on an assortment of body parts. Weknew from Colin that Rick and Travis were amazing artists and the best at their craft. Travis had done all of Colin’s work, but when I called and onlyRick had an opening for today Colin had assured me that I would be thrilled with his work. If these photos were any indication, he was going to be right.

Opening the second album, Rylee exclaimed aloud at the photo of Colin’s arm. There were several close up shots of each section of his fullsleeve. I relaxed with each page I turned, knowing I was in excellent hands.

When the girl’s tattoo was finished, I waited while she paid Rick and had my sketch ready when he finally invited me to have a seat at hisstation. We discussed my sketch and exactly how I wanted it placed and he patiently went over his process with me. Rylee, careful to stay out of hisway, stood on my other side anxiously twisting a piece of her long, blonde hair around her finger. You would think she was the one lying in the chair. Iwas prepared to answer questions about Charming, who he was, and was I sure I wanted to wear his likeness on my skin for the rest of my lifetime,but Rick didn’t ask a thing. He just focused on his craft.

When the tattoo was finally underway I took deep breaths and tried to adjust to the rhythm of the constant sting of the needle, my handsqueezing Rylee’s as she tried to smile reassuringly. I think she felt more pain than I did. It did hurt, but it wasn’t anything that I couldn’t handle. Asick part of me welcomed it. Pain was my constant companion these days, ever since I awoke to find Charming gone.

Rylee relaxed as she got used to the process and asked Rick questions. He didn’t seem to mind, and answered her in detail. I paid littleattention to their chatter, concentrating instead on the needles sting and the warmth of Rylee’s hand clinging to mine. It felt good to connect withsomeone. I had been feeling completely disconnected to my world and trying desperately not to show it. Rylee was the only one who kept mefeeling like myself. Kara kept me connected to Charming and our future. I needed both of them in order to carry on and start each new day. WhenCharming returned to me I would still be his Sophie, thanks to the two of them.

Rylee’s phone gave a chirp and she looked at me.

“Colin? Go ahead and answer it. I’m fine.”

She looked at me and I could see her indecision. Rick’s voice broke her spell.

“I’m nearly finished here. She’s been a champ and I’m done with the worst of it,” he said taking a towel and wiping off the blood that hadbeaded up as he worked.

“Go!” I dropped her hand and shooed her away towards the door where she slipped outside the tiny shop to talk.

No sooner had she left but a man nearly covered in tattoos entered.

“Hey, Rick,” the man greeted my tattoo artist. Smiling at me, he walked over to look at Rick’s progress. He stared, picking up my sketch lyingon Rick’s work table and studied it. Putting it down, he spoke.

“So, you must be Lily.”

Startled, my heart missed a beat, then raced. I could hear it pounding in my ears.

“Excuse me?”

“I’m Travis. I’m the one who put the lily on Ethan’s shoulder.”

There was that name again. Ethan. The guy resembled Charming, wrote poems about a girl named Lily, and now a tattoo? I felt faint, thecoincidences becoming too great for well…coincidence. I heard Rick break in and say.

“Nope, this is Sophie.”

“Oh, hey, I’m sorry. I saw the drawing and thought it was Ethan. Who is this?”

He picked it up and looked at it in confusion.

“His name is Charlie,” I replied, my head still trying to sort out the Ethan connection. Maybe I should track him down in person. Once I did andsaw the difference between them I would feel better.

“Is Charlie a twin?” he persisted.

“Not that I know of, no.”

“Wow, the resemblance is remarkable, all except for the length of the hair.”

“All finished,” Rick interrupted. Travis put the sketch down.

“Great!” I heard myself say, looking at it in a mirror he handed me. He had captured him perfectly, Charming’s beautiful face a part of me forthe rest of my current lifetime. For now, it was enough.

I could see Rylee pacing the sidewalk back and forth as she talked to Colin, something obviously upsetting going on. I quickly pulled on myshirt, careful not to touch my plastic covered tattoo and hurried to pay Rick so I could leave and find out what was happening.

“Everything okay, Ry?” I asked. I hoped she wasn’t already fighting with Colin. I needed him to introduce me to his friend Ethan. Today.

She looked at me, her face pale. “Sophie, something weird is going on. Really, really weird.”

The alarm in her voice made me freeze. “What?” I asked quietly, somehow knowing it had something to do with me.

“It’s Colin, he’s freaking out. A friend of his is suicidal. He is telling Colin about this girl, he loves her so much and she is gone and he can’thandle it. He thinks if he dies he can get to her.”

I froze on the side walk. I couldn’t move. “Why does he think that?”

“He’s been having these dreams. About a past life and the girl he loved. Her name is Lily.”

“What is his name?” I asked, knowing good and well the answer.

“Ethan.”

“He’s Charming. Rylee, he’s here. Oh my god. I have to see him. I have to see if it’s really possible, if he recognizes me. Call Colin back. Tellhim to make sure he doesn’t leave. Tell him we will explain later and not to tell Ethan anything.”

Rylee made the call as we hurried down the block to where we had parked. When we got there my bug was blocked in its parking space bya sleek black Mercedes.

Kara rolled down the window and shouted, “Get in! We’ll come back for it!”

“You knew!” I said, sliding into the passenger seat while Rylee got in the back.

“I finally have all the pieces. I was pondering why I could see you and Charming together in the future when he was so absolutely gone fromyour side. Then I kept getting this strong friendship vibe between Charming and Colin. None of it connected at first. Suddenly it finally becameclear.” She stopped in mid explanation to ask directions and then continued.

“While Charlie was here with you and filling you in on your past life in your dreams, Ethan was finding out about you from Lily in his. Crazy, butit makes perfect sense, right?”

I nodded, but I was having a hard time wrapping my head around it. “But Kara, if Charming was with me, by my side, how was he alsoEthan?”

“A part of each of you stayed with the other, you couldn’t bear to be parted. It happens sometimes, but it is a tough thing to comprehend.”

“You didn’t know, did you?”

“ Even we psychics need help sometimes with putting the picture together. That’s where Rylee’s phone call made it all fall into place.”

Pulling up to Colin’s house in the daylight I could see the driveway held his black mustang, but there was another car parked there, a whitepick-up truck. My mind flashed to Charming atop his white horse and I chuckled under my breath. White horse, yes, but white truck? That would takesome getting used to.

“What is so funny?” Rylee asked, anxiety causing her voice to rise and I felt bad for dragging her through all of this.

“Nothing, I’m not sure my legs are going to hold me up. I’m so scared, what if he’s not really him. What if we are wrong? I don’t think I can...”

Kara took my hand and squeezed it tightly, “You aren’t wrong Sophie. Go!”

“Are you coming?” I looked at the two of them, wanting them to join me for moral support.

“No. We’ll wait here. Go!” Rylee insisted.

I took a shaky breath and blinked quickly to stop the tears that suddenly threatened. Getting out of the car I bumped my side against the doorand winced as it pressed against my tattoo. The pain helped ground me. I was so light headed. Anxiety attacks had nothing on this feeling.

Forcing my feet forward I entered the garage and quietly went in the kitchen door.

I heard him before I saw him. The voice was familiar, but the accent was off. Once old fashioned and proper, now all California boy. He wasdistraught and as I neared the family room door I heard his words.

“I can’t do this, Colin. I can’t live without her. She’s my life. She is the only thing I want, the only thing I need.”

And then, I saw him. Sitting on the edge of the couch, elbows on his knees, head in his hands. He didn’t just look like Charming. He wasCharming. His beautiful hair cut short, a golden brown tan, and wearing clothing he had never worn. Shorts, t-shirt, bare feet. It was him, a modernsurfer boy version, but him.

“Ethan, it will get better man. Maybe she’ll be back,” Colin consoled his friend.

“She can’t. Colin, she wants to be here but you don’t understand…the whole thing is just impossible.” His defeat and despair tore at myheart, and then Colin noticed me standing there.

Putting my finger to my lips he nodded and I motioned for him to come into the kitchen. Standing up, he walked toward me, Charmingnever noticing, his head still buried in his hands.

“Ry’s outside,” I whispered and I saw him take in my unbuttoned blouse and the clear plastic over the likeness of his friend. Nodding, heleft me alone. Not alone. I would never be alone again, not now.

I walked toward him slowly, my heart pounding so loudly that surely he would hear it. Maybe he did, because as he lifted his head my tearsblurred my view as his anguished expression changed into one of pure joy.

“Lily?” he said, standing, taking a step towards me, his deep blue eyes filling with tears.

“Charlie?” I replied as I walked the rest of the way into his arms. Neither of us spoke as we clung desperately to one another, his heartbeat pounding against my ear.

“How? Oh baby, how is it possible? This isn’t a dream, is it?”

“No. I’m really here and so are you.” I held him tightly, ignoring the pain from my raw tattoo. I was afraid to loosen my hold. He kissed myhair and I breathed him in, his familiar scent calming me, welcoming me home.

Looking up at him, tears trailing down my cheeks and his, we smiled.

“My name is Sophie now.”

He nodded, “I’m Ethan.”

He lowered his mouth to mine and kissed me as he had in my dreams. It was literally a dream come true.

“I love you,” he whispered against my mouth between kisses.

“Forever?” I asked.

“Beyond forever,” he promised.

Acknowledgments

It only takes one person to write a novel, but many more to make it worth reading. Several people helped along the way and I would like tothank them all.

First and foremost, I want to thank my amazing family. Megan and Morgan, without the two of you this book would never have been written.Your input, editing and ideas were priceless. Tino and Mason, thanks for being supportive and part of the team! I love you all “beyond forever.”

Friends and family members took the time to read, critique, and edit various chapters of Charming, and I appreciate each and every one ofyou! Big thanks go to Diana Harris, Danielle Roake, Veronica Speck, Brendan Jackson, Christine Parke, Marion Peterman, Leigh Peterman, andmy parents, Bill and Darlene Graves.

During this process I gained all new respect for the importance of the Book Cover. Thank you Theresa Jackson at Orchard View Color forcreating the perfect cover for Charming!!

You can follow Susie Kaye Lopez on Twitter @Susieshops

You can email Susie Kaye Lopez at Susieshops@aol.com

Table of ContentsUntitled