Free Kismet by AE Woodward Page B

the fastest ride into the city ever, until I realize that I must have fallen asleep. I look around me, noticing the lush green grass and the beautiful lines of marble headstones. We’re really here. My heart jumps into my throat and I want to cry, but I can’t.
    “Listen, Katie,” Parker interrupts my thoughts. “I don’t know what you want me to do here, I’ll do whatever, but you’ve got to let me know what you want from me.”
    Why is he here? What do I want from him? I’m not really sure myself. Up to this point, I’ve told myself that he was just the first person to pop into my head when asked who I wanted to go with me. It was as simple as that. No further explanation needed. But I know I’ve been lying to myself.
    Parker is the only person who will do what I want. He’ll leave me alone, because that’s what he does best.
    I look into Parker’s eyes. He’s obviously longing for me to give him something, but how can I help him when I can’t even help myself. I’ve made a mess of my life and I need to deal with the repercussions on my own.
    The deep sigh alerts me to the fact that he’s realized that I’m not going to be much help to him. “I brought you something,” he says, pushing himself back with his legs, allowing himself room to dig into his jean pocket. After a moment he pulls out what appears to be a black string and dangles it between his thumb and forefinger. Three silver squares catch the remaining sunlight and I suck in a hasty breath, snatching it from him. Cradling it in my hands I look down at that all too familiar bracelet.
    I revel in amazement. I completely forgot about this bracelet—the one that Parker gave me when I was six, during the first time episode of anxiety and mutism. I’d just started school and had completely shut down. He gave it to me in the hope that it would give me the strength I needed. He even took the time to pick out the sterling silver squares with the letters K, T and P on them.
     
    “I thought maybe if you knew that Tommy and I were always with you then you might feel a little stronger and you might start talking again,” he says as he ties the string around my wrist.
    I smile as he fumbles with the strings. “Dad made me change a lot of oil so that I could buy this for you, Katie. I hope you like it.”
    I want to tell him I love it but I can’t muster the strength, even though he’s tried to give me all he can. Instead, I thank him the only way I know how. Once he’s finished tying it, I throw my arms around him and hold on tight.
     
    I vowed that day to never let him go. But I had, and my world went to shit because of it. He takes the bracelet from my hand and ties it around my wrist while I stare at him, completely dumbfounded. “When I got the call, I dug around for it,” he explains. My face flushes with embarrassment as I remember throwing it in his face not so long ago. “I thought maybe you could use a little strength today.”
    In a move that surprises us both, I lean over and kiss his cheek. I can’t dwell on it though. I didn’t come here to think about us, and all the times we had in the past. I came here to say good-bye to my family. Gathering my thoughts, I shake my head clear. I appreciate that Parker is trying, but it’s a little too late for me.
    I make a move for the car door but he grabs my hand, preventing me from leaving. A pained expression is painted across his face. “Katie, you’ve gotta start by making every moment count.”
    My breath catches in my throat. Parker is dredging up the past, and it brings too many feelings with it, but I know he’s right. I’m letting time slip by, and I haven’t really thought about it. The clock keeps ticking, but I’m stuck in place.
    Forcing a smile, I work up the courage to move again. Getting out of the car, I start walking toward the plots that I know belong to them. The car door slams behind me and I turn and signal with my hands for Parker to stay put. He accepts my