I looked at James, so glad to finally be back with him, after five years dealing with his death. We were together forever. Surrounding us, were green hills and beautiful flowers. We danced around them, music coming from nowhere as a light rain came down. James kissed me softly, and I hugged him tight. “You left me...” I whispered, a tear falling down my cheek, as the memory of all the pain I’ve been through flashed through my mind.
“I know, I just... I just couldn’t deal with being old and frail anymore. I’m sorry.” he answered back, and kissed me again.
I smiled, and pushed the pain behind me. “I’m just glad we are together.”
REWIND
I looked at James my husband, my love, my life. He was dead after seventy-six years of marriage. He died of old age, but if that was true wouldn’t I be dead too? A tear dropped off my wrinkly face, and my heart burned as the missing him came.
“Mom, he’s gone... Lets go.” my daughter Grace whispered, her twin brother Lucas looking ahead blankly.
I took a deep shuddering breath, kissed my James goodbye on his lips, and left.
REWIND
“Now son, just as I taught your uncle and mother, I will teach you how to fish alright?” James said, looking at our five year old grandson with happiness lighting up his eyes.
I looked at him and laughed. “Oh darling, you know that Ben would never be good at fishing. He does not have enough patience for that!” I exclaimed, kissing James on his cheek. Even after forty years of marriage, the sparks still ignited.
“Oh fine, then what do you suppose we do?” he asked me, ruffling Ben’s soft blonde hair.
I thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Whatever it is boys do these days! Watch a movie, do a puzzle... But you have to be ready to leave in two hours because we are visiting Grace because visiting hours are going to start then, and we also need to visit Lucas because he called and said his wife finally had her child also! So Ben, are you excited that you’re going to be a big brother?” I asked, feeling James intertwine his fingers in mine.
“No, all Mary does is cry and cry...” Ben whined, his small arms crossed.
James laughed, a deep laugh that still sent shivers down my back, and squeezed my hand. “Ben, got any girlfriends?” he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes when he looked at me.
Ben blushed and left the room, muttering something about having to use the bathroom.
“I love you...” James whispered to me, electricity tingling between us as he kissed me on the lips.
REWIND
“Twins... Beautiful twins...” I murmured, holding Lucas and Grace in my arms. I was no doubt red in the face because I had just given birth, and it felt at least ninety degrees in the hospital room.
“They are amazing...” James whispered, looking at me with total adoration.
“”If only- I mean- My parents would’ve loved them.” I answered back, my voice breaking as the tears fell. The pain of losing them was still fresh in my mind, as I looked at my beautiful babies.
James hugged me, and kissed me on the lips. “Sh sweetie... Don’t cry...”
REWIND
“We gather here today, to mourn the lost of two dearly loved people. Terri and Dave were...” the priest went on, but I couldn’t pay attention.
My parents were gone. It only took one small car crash to take them away from me. And the only person I had left, was James. The one person who has stood by me for years, and years. My best friend, my husband.
“Oh darling, it’s okay...” he whispers, and kisses me on the lips. My tears taint the taste of him, making it salty.
The grief slowly enfolds me so tight, I can barely breathe.
Tears linger on my eyelashes, and I hug James to me. The only thing holding me from shipwrecking with sadness.
REWIND
“You may kiss the bride.”
James enfolded me in his arms and we kissed, the sparks igniting again. When we separated, there were cheers and I blushed deeply.
We walked past my parents, and they both had tears in their eyes. “We love you sweetie...” my dad said, smiling happily.
I said that I loved them too, then continued walking with James toward our future.
REWIND
“I am happy to graduate the Seaway High School senior class of 1983!” Principal Jay said, his eyes lit with excitement.
Everyone of my class took their blue and threw them into the air with a yell.
I turned toward James, my best friend, and smiled. “We actually made it.” I whispered, looking at him underneath my thick black eyelashes. “Who knew?”
James laughed, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw his smile. If only he felt the same way about me as I did him. “Yeah, isn’t that surprising? And now, you and I, get to go to college together.” he answered back, his signature mischievous glint in his eyes.
I laughed at him, then quieted quickly. Just go for it... I thought to myself. I leaned toward James, and kissed him flat on the lips.
Instantly the sparks came, and I jumped back with surprise. My cheeks started to burn red, and I looked down. “Uh, I’m sorry...” I mumbled.
I looked up, and James was just staring at me with surprise. Then, he leaned forward and kissed me back. “Don’t be... I’ve been trying to muster the courage to do that to you for years.” he answered back. And so, we kissed again.
REWIND
“Now Ally, you’re going to meet someone new today okay? His name is James, and he is two years old just like you!” My mommy said, looking at me with adoring eyes. “In fact, you two share the same exact birthday!”
I giggled, and held up my Barbie. “Mommy, is he here now?” I asked, my voice high and excited.
I heard the doorbell ring, and ran over to the huge red door. I couldn’t reach the doorknob yet, but mommy said I would be able to in a couple of years.
When my mommy opened the door, I saw the boy. His hair was brown and short, unlike my blonde hair that was down to my chest. His eyes were a deep blue, mine a deep green.
As soon as I saw him, I knew. We were going to be together forever, a perfect fit.
REWIND
At 12:04 a.m on February 3rd, 1963 two babies were born. They were born in the rooms next to each other, one named James and one named Ally. When they were brought to their cribs at the hospital to sleep the next day, they were placed right next to each other.
And, if you looked close enough, you would see their hands intertwined as they slept.
