A Decade Mistaken

e fell over the

tions, never getting seriously involved. Everyone

es. Was this whole charade just his way of redefining our connection while offi

topher quickly stepped and invited ev

out of consideration for my feelings. Even when Jace

m the corner of my eye, trying to discern if his smile for me was any diff

slammed the table and stood up, saying, "Jace, you jerk! All these years,

ie down, and I asked Nanny Lilah We

at Jace's sleeve, looking aggrieved and saying, "Dear Jace,

l him "Dear Jace" in that sweet tone, Jace would sternly tell them that only Sandra could call him that, and

such terms of endearment fro

e, saying, "Sandra, I've made it clear. I on

and asked, feeling as if he had be

ng?" Jason's voice sudde

o reality. "I'm sorry, Sandra

r the sound of something

ace was my unattainable dream, while I was nothing more than a passing breeze in h

taying any longer

ne calm and steady as he said, "Colin has been promoted

news, but I could

go for a wa

ad, the crisp March br

gure in a military uniform appeared before me. I

crinkling with a smile, sayin

his short hair neat and clean, with his shoulders and neck held straight. Dressed

been a whil

Colin went ba

vis Family, always the exempl

kind to everyone. He would stand up for us when someone bullied us, prepar

and was assigned to a post elsewhere after gradua

o retrieve a drone stuck in a tree, one careless step, and I fell

back then, the years apart had i

the night was

u out here?

g a walk,"

all red," he looked into my eyes, a smile tu

to handle sympathy. I lowered my h

hest, saying, "There, there, just le

s lost your cool when it comes to him. Come on, let's get back at him," his voice deep an

me alone, the alcohol making me fall

was woken by several

ristopher's anxious voice

ppened?"

got home and took off his uniform, he gave Jace a good beat