Free Kiss On The Bridge by Mark Stewart Page A

trying to
sound confident. “Wade, I’ll start swinging. When I say, just let
go.”
    Wade slowly shook his head. His mind slipped
into overdrive, desperately searching for a solution, well aware
he’d been in tighter situations.
    “If you want to pray to the man upstairs now
might be a good time,” called Anneli.
    “Okay, I’m ready,” called Wade.
    “You sound a little perplexed. Don’t worry,
it’ll work out, trust me.”
    Wade picked up on the terror in Anneli’s
voice. Something sounded wrong, of what, he didn’t know. Before he
could think of what it might be, Anneli started swinging.
    The half cut rope quickly frayed more from
the extra strain. The wind intensified further, howling through the
metal structure. The tops of the trees were being bent halfway to
the ground. The lightning flashes came every few seconds. The
thunder could be felt through tower.
    The ache in Wade’s arm rapidly developed into
excruciating pain. He estimated in seconds his shoulder might be
wrenched from its socket. In desperation he glanced around the area
for something else to help save them. His gaze zeroed in on the
jutting out bolt Anneli spoke of. The rope must be hooked when he
dived over the side. If Anneli mistimed her swing the bolt could be
used for the perfect back up plan. He didn’t have time to go
through the entire scenario so he prayed the rope will stay strong
enough. “Wait a few extra seconds,” he called.
    “No, it’s now or never.”
    Even though Anneli didn’t weigh much, the
strain on Wade’s shoulder from the swinging motion seemed to be
taking its toll. He needed to let go.
    Wade dug his heels in, setting himself to
dive. He vaguely remembered hearing Anneli’s voice yelling,
‘now.’
    Everything happened at once. Wade let go of
the only hand hold which helped to keep them alive. His body
lurched forward at the same time Anneli swung back for the beam in
front of her.
    The rope tightened, pulling Wade towards the
edge and perhaps certain death.
    In the seconds leading up to this maneuver
being played out, Wade ironed out his backup plan. Deep down he
hoped he didn’t have to risk the highly dangerous stunt. If there
was more time to prepare he’d have thought of something else. He
wanted to kick himself for placing Anneli in such a disastrous
predicament.
    Anneli swung too hard. Reaching out for the
beam her hands slipped off the cold wet surface of the metal frame.
She started to plummet towards the ground. Realizing Wade might
soon follow, her eyes widened in fear.
    ‘If I’m about to die I’m unusually calm,’
Anneli thought. Goose-bumps erupted on her arms. Her long black
hair hung heavy. Water dripped from off the tips. The only thing
she could focus on was the ground rushing up to meet her.
    Using his toes for a springboard, Wade dived
for the edge of the structure. He concentrated on the foothold
sticking out. He gritted his teeth, focusing on the rope as it went
from slightly slack to over tight. He dived over the side of the
structure. A torrent of water followed him towards the ground. If
he timed his backup plan to perfection the rope will be snagged on
the foothold allowing him to open his arms and collect Anneli when
they collided. Doubt over his plan made his stomach turn into
knots.
    ‘What if for some unforeseen circumstance the
rope missed the foothold?’ The thought struck Wade hard. Either
way, in seconds he’d know the outcome.
    Wade felt a huge tug. He opened his arms to
collect Anneli. She crashed hard into his chest, locking them into
a swinging embrace.
    “Nice catch!” exclaimed Anneli.
    “You missed the handhold you were aiming
for.”
    “It was wet.”
    Lightning pierced the sky over their heads
again. Another deep rumble came louder. The wind speed seemed to be
doubling every few minutes.
    When the duo caught their breath, Wade pushed
Anneli towards the metal structure. She clung to the main beam and
slowly descended, taking extra care.
    Eventually they