“Well, I guess this is goodbye, then. It was wonderful to have been here, not only because I found Raif. I’ll miss you all.” I gave them both hugs, belatedly wondering where Michael was. As if reading my thoughts, he showed up.
“I hope I’m not too late. I think I had one too many drinks in celebration last night.” His cheeks flushed.
I hugged him, whispering as quickly and quietly as I could, “Thank you. There are some left on the camera. Can you show him after I’ve gone?”
“Of course,” he mumbled his reply. He picked me up and spun me in a circle playfully before setting me back on my feet. I had to laugh at his free spirit.
Raif was my last goodbye. I looked at him, knowing words would never be enough. My heart was breaking. I desperately wanted to stay with him, but knew it wasn’t an option for us. His people needed to surface, mine needed their history, knowledge, and magic, even if we didn’t know it. I tried to hold on to the thought that it was only temporary, that someday I’d see him again.
I stood a breath away from him, taking him in one last time. My gaze swept up his strong chest, remembering how safe and comfortable I’d felt in his embrace. I caressed his broad shoulders where I’d placed my head and listened to the rumble of his voice. His beloved face couldn’t hide any emotion from me and he was struggling to maintain composure. His captivating teal eyes were swimming with tears that he refused to shed. I knew he’d love me for eternity, as I him. We’d be together again someday. We had to.
“Raif,” I whispered. I couldn’t get any further as he swept me into his strong embrace, squeezing me as though he couldn’t pull me close enough. He gradually released the pressure so I could breathe and stroked his hands up and down my back. They moved up, fisting my hair, forcing my face to tilt and grant him access to administer a passionate kiss. He put all the love he felt for me into that kiss. It was carnal, possessive; a kiss that claimed me as his in every possible way. I kissed him back just as fiercely. I could feel the tears he’d tried to hold back streaming down his cheeks. If I had tears, they’d have mingled with his.
“My amada, Eu te amo. A miña vida está completa. Ata o dus eu te amo. My beloved, I love you. My life is complete. I will love you for eternity,” I whispered to him in a choked voice in both of our languages. It was more romantic in Atlantean, but I wanted him to know that I understood him from before. He was too choked up to say anything, but I could feel his love in my heart. We’d be linked forever. I had to let go. When I turned, Cleito was weeping and Atreyu and Michael couldn’t keep their faces dry. I gave them all a weak smile and walked toward the fountain. Just as I stepped into it, I looked one more time at my alma xemelga, my soul’s mate. I blew him a kiss and took the final step.
I woke with a start. Everything hurt. I felt the grime of the asphalt under my hands and knees when I pushed myself up. I wrapped my arms around my shivering body, unsure and frightened. Steadying myself along a wall, I walked toward the lights and noise I could hear in the distance. I was in an alleyway that opened into a very large shopping district. The shops were starting to close as night descended. I knew I wanted to be inside, I just didn’t know where to go. A man wearing a uniform approached me, asking questions I wasn’t sure how to answer.
“Miss, are you all right? What is your name? What are you doing here?”
“Igimamablm.” My throat hurt like I’d swallowed the gravel I’d woken up on. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Where am I? I think I’m lost.” It felt like I’d swallowed a jellyfish, but at least I could speak. I didn’t sound like me, but I couldn’t completely remember how I was supposed to sound. I felt as if someone had ripped out my heart and replaced it with knives. I just wanted to curl up and die from the intensity of the pain.
“Miss, you’re in Bermuda. How’d you get here? Do you have your passport?”
“I don’t know how I got here. I don’t even know who I am. Bermuda sounds familiar though,” I replied, trembling.
“Well, let’s get you to the station and into some clean clothes. Beverly should have an extra pair of sweats for you. Can you remember anything?” He asked gently, helping me to stand without the aid of the wall.
“No,” I choked out.
I wanted to cry as I clutched his arm but suddenly remembered I didn’t have tears. My throat hurt from talking and my head was starting to pound. I wasn’t sure where the idea that I could no longer cry came from, but I was certain that it was true. I was also certain that I’d given up my tears for something important.
The officer walked me to the station as I tried desperately to remain upright. My head was starting to hurt as much as my chest. I had the vague sense that I was grieving. I felt a sense of confusion and
