Nine
Caden
Iwalked back inside the shed and flipped on the lights. I pressed a button, and the monitors lit up with images of the cabin. All was quiet. I checked the perimeter scans, no one out hiking or sledding too close on a Christmas morning. No assassins waiting in the snowy banks ready to take out my girl or me.
I checked theinterior angle through the bedroom door. The bed was empty. I took a cursory look around the cabin—no sign of her.
I checked the outside camera and spotted an image dressed in full-on snow pants and a red parka. Her head covered in a white beanie with a fuzzy ball on top. She stomped hard in her snow boots. She stuck to the path, staying in my footprints when she could.
I smirked and watched her until her image disappeared from the camera’s view.
I waited.
A soft knock rang through the shed. I shuffled down the hall and opened the door. She didn’t say a word—she just walked past me into the middle of the room. Her eyes scanned the cameras, but she didn’t acknowledge them. The monitors didn’t seem to surprise her.
“Merry Christmas.” Amari pulled off her hat and gloves and laid them on the table.
“To you, too.”
“You left before I could give you your gift.” She pulled a box out of her pocket and held it out.
“I thought last night was my gift.” I smirked and took the box.
She tilted her head.
“Last night was more for me.” She smirked and blushed.Her eyes dartedaround.
I untied the little red bow. We both watched it drift to the ground. I lifted the lid. Inside was a bracelet made of stainless steel rope braided together. It was rugged, but expensive.
She took it out of my hands and opened the clasp. I extended my wrist and attached it. It had some weight.
“You like it?”
“It’s cool.” I dropped my hand, and the bracelet thudded against my hand. It felt like a grip around my heart. A reminder she would always be near me. It felt more like a goodbye gift. I rubbed the back of my neck and waited for her to speak.
She gripped the table edge for support.
“Last night was amazing, but if you’re having second thoughts this morning…” she stammered and cleared her throat, “if you don’t want to be with me, I understand. I’m fine with that.”
She looked up and away.
“Not fine with it, but I’ll accept it.” Her other hand traveled to her hip. “I just want you to know that I know you’re lying. I know you love me. So, tell me the truth. I can take it.” She tilted her head and smiled. “It better be a pretty damn good reason, too.”
“Amari.” I sighed.
“You’ve never lied to me—don’t start now.”
“I want to be with you. I want you so much and you know it, but it doesn’t mean I get to have you. Wanting something and having something are two different things.”
“If I want you too, then what’s the problem?” She stepped towards me.
I sat on the edge of the bed.
“You have another life waiting for you, and I don’t play a part in that life.” I rubbed my hands together. “It took me a long time to accept it. Now you have to accept it too.”
“Is this about JohnnySinezilio?”
My eyes grew wide. I looked up at her.
