Free Parallel by Shana Chartier

Chapter One
    THEY SAY THE full moon brings completion to all unfinished things.
    Ava sighed, nestling into Mason’s warm embrace as they sat with their feet dangling off the lakeside dock. The lake itself was a glittering canvas of tiny waves dancing in the moonlight, singing to the tune of a happy heart.
    “What’s up?” Mason asked, nudging his shoulder against her. Ava lifted her head.
    “What?” she asked, gazing up at her love in adoration.
    “You sighed,” he replied, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his perfect lips. Ava pulled him closer. She had waited years to be able to touch Mason freely. No use in not taking full advantage of that now. She beamed, brighter than any orb in the sky.
    “I’m just happy,” she said on another sigh. Ava knew she should feel like a mushy, love-stricken idiot. All the stupid couples she used to watch made her want to gag when they got all ‘goo goo gaga’ on each other. Deep down in that place no one wants to acknowledge, she wanted it, too. It had taken her years to work up the courage to tell Mason how she felt. When he kissed her for the first time…first love isn’t universally famous for nothing! Never before had she felt her heart soar, her blood rush all through her body, her stomach flutter like a hummingbird’s wings.
    Yes, finally, everything was going right. Mason kissed the top of her head.
    “Hey, what do you say to a moonlight kayak ride to the bridge?” he asked, rising and holding out a hand for Ava to take.
    “I’d say last one to the beach loses!” she stage whispered, pulling his hand to launch herself up and dashing down the long dock toward her parents’ house. Ava wasn’t spoiled, exactly. She was privileged. Her father was a retired sea captain, and the house he chose to settle in before she headed to college was a stately mansion on a clear, clean lake. Warm lighting poured onto a pristine lawn that melted into a small lakefront painted with creamy sand and silt. Bobbing along the shore were two kayaks, one red and one blue, just waiting for them. Before she could step into one, Mason grasped her hand and pulled her in for a kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and fell even deeper in love. When he broke the kiss, Mason pressed his forehead against hers, holding her close.
    “I love you, Ava,” Mason whispered. She would never get tired of hearing those words. It seemed Ava would never stop smiling again.
    “I love you, too,” she said, giving him one more peck before loading herself into her kayak.
    The waters were tranquil as they paddled along, enjoying the sounds of nature. Ava skimmed her hand along the cool surface of the lake, her fingers still visible underwater. She could see the bridge towering over a small river.
    Bayer’s Bridge was an ancient relic, built of large gray stone. It was one of those scenic landmarks local photographers used to sell pictures to tourists and no longer in use for travel. The archway under the bridge formed a perfect crescent; with the right lighting the reflection of the water created a circle. She gasped. Tonight it appeared to be glowing. Eerie shades of blue wisped in and out of the circle. Or did they? At night, so many things were left to the imagination.
    Ava squared her shoulders. She wasn’t going to let childish fears take over. Anyway, Mason was by her side, gazing out at the circle with a faraway look in his eyes. He glanced over at Ava. His eyes looked…misty?
    “Another race?” he asked, though his voice seemed strange. Like two voices speaking at once. One the warm timbre that had won her heart, the other a beastly growl. Before Ava could decline and suggest they go home, he began paddling fiercely, leaving her far behind.
    “Mason, wait!” Ava cried. She began her own desperate paddle to try to catch up. The bridge loomed closer. Ava glanced into the water. Little wisps of blue light darted in and out of sight from beneath her boat. Her heart raced, though not