Soulmate

Karter

"I was so worried that my soul mate was in an abusive relationship. Turns out she is just a kinky bitch who likes to be choked." A stranger jokes as I walk through the park.

I pull my hoodie tighter around my myself trying to protect my skin from the chilling fall air, cursing myself for, once again, not wearing a heavy jacket.

"Damn it. I swear I have the clumsiest soul mate. They are always getting bruised." Another stranger sighs. I look down at my feet.

How weird is it that this is the system. That instead of being connected to our soul mates just spiritually we are connected by bruising. As in every time your soul mate gets a bruise it shows up. Typically no pain is felt, on a rare occasion it is, but scientists have yet to figure out why. But it will show up out of the blue, in the exact shape and place that it occurred on your soul mate.

"Caelyn!" I hear a loud thud and turn around to see my friend Karter lying on the ground laughing.

"Babes." I sigh and bend down to lift her up. "How are you?"

"Bruised, but okay." She laughs and looks at her skinned up knees.

"I worry about you, girl. Please be more careful."

"You know I couldn't, even if I tried."

"You could try." I shrug. "Also wear is your coat and pants?" I look at her in just her t-shirt and shorts.

"I just left the gym and saw you walking and wanted to say hi, I feel like I haven't seen you in ages."

"Karter, I saw you yesterday for three hours."

"And?"

"Fine. Where's PK?" She loses the spark in her hazel eye and looks down.

"Work." PK is Karter's boyfriend of five years. I don't really know much about him, I've only met him a handful of times and he's been aloof. Karter usually gushes about how great he is, but when I say I worry about her, I mean in more ways than her absolute lack of grace.

"Karter, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Are you lying?" She smiles sadly.

"Yes, but I don't want to really talk about it right now. I just wanted to see you. I don't want to trouble you with my problems."

"I'm already troubled." I laugh humorlessly. "But, if you don't want to talk about it I will not push you."

"Thank you."

We walk along the sidewalk talking about the passed day since we last saw each other. I can't help, but swoon every time she smiles up at me, her bright smile and the way it reaches her hazel eyes makes my heart feel at home. She is my best friend.

"PK should be home soon, so I better head that way. Bye Cae, Thank you for always being so great." She turns away and slowly walks down the sidewalk her shoulders hunched down. Karter turns her head back to me, her eyes widen when she realizes I'm still watching her. I fight the urge to look away and wave at her.

She sheepishly waves and again turns away to continue walking. I watch her for just a moment longer before turning and walking home.

I sit up in pain and a cold sweat.

"Aghh!" I cry out and lift my ratty old dr. pepper t-shirt. There is very large bruise forming on my stomach and there is a ringing in my ears. I gingerly climb out of bed, trying oh so hard not fall over. I slide my finger tips along the wall until I feel the light switch I flick it on, blinking rapidly to make the black spots go away.