“Class, open your textbooks to page number 279,” Mr. Sandberg said from the front of the room. “Mr. Mathews, you can share with Miss Harper for today. I’ll have a book for you tomorrow.”
My heart jumped to my throat. Jet began scooting his desk closer to mine, and I thought I might faint from his sudden nearness.
“I think he said to turn to page 279,” Jet said, his voice even more hypnotic than in my dream.
I hesitated in reaching out to turn the pages of my book, still overcharged by all that was taking place, unable to process how this was even possible. Jet laughed and reached out for the cover of my book at the same time I did. His hand gently brushed against mine by accident and that was all it took, mere contact, for my mind to become flooded with more memories. Actual memories of the two of us, at least I thought they were.
“You remember me,” he whispered against my ear. “I hoped you would.”
I blinked and turned to glance at him, my heart pounding rapidly. “How,” I whispered, breathless. “It was just dream… Wasn’t it?”
He shook his head slightly and smirked. “Not at all.”
I stared into his eyes and the memory of the last time I’d seen him played through my mind—how my living room had changed into a wooded area with a flowing river—the scene of Jet’s murder. My breath hitched. “It was him in Purgatory, wasn’t it? The one who beat you.” The words sounded strangled as they fell from my lips. I knew what I was saying was true, that it had actually happened, but a part of my mind was still hung up on how it was possible.
Jet’s eyes flashed at my words. “Yes.”
“What happened? How are you here now?” I asked, my voice just above a whisper.
Jet smiled the same cocky smile from in my memories, the one I’d always loved. “I forgave him and he offered to take my place. It was an even trade and I was given a rewind, too.”
Staring into his jewel-colored eyes, I was reminded of our spot on the beach and a conversation that seemed like a lifetime ago.
“
But I can tell you this, you will always be with me, Rowan, always—right here.” He pulled away and drew my hand up to cover his heart. There was no heart beating rapidly beneath my palm, but I knew exactly what he meant—I would always be weaved within the threads of his soul.
I could say the same about him.
“Good, because that’s right where I always want to be.”
And it was still true.
~ The End ~
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Writing this novella has been a journey. An intense series of twists and turns, ups and downs, until I finally felt I had gotten it right. For those of you who first read about Rowan and Jet back in August of 2011, I apologize for taking so incredibly long to get Hereafter in your hands, but I thank you for your patience.
Thank you to my supportive, loving family who don’t always get my crazy, creative mind, but never fail to cheer me on when I’ve completed yet another project of mine.
Thank you to Alyssa Rose Ivy for her enthusiasm toward this story and each of her kind comments. You boost my writing confidence each time you read another project of mine.
Thank you to all of my readers. I hope you have enjoyed yet another story of mine. Stay tuned. There will be many more in the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is an instant coffee lover with an obsession for spiral bound notebooks and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.
Find out more about Jennifer Snyder’s next book on her blog:
http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com