Invisible Future

by Lindsey Anderle

  “Oh, Abby,” Lane said, scooting closer to me. “Don’t you remember me telling you? You interest me.” He laid a hand on my cheek, which I couldn’t help but lean into. “I’ve never met anyone like you. I want to know you better. To make you feel safer than you have been feeling. Ever since we met the other night, you’ve been on my mind.”

  My breath hitched. I’ve never had someone declare any sort of feelings for me before. Certainly not such strong feelings. It was a novelty for me.

  “I can’t stop thinking about you, either,” I whispered. The expression lighting up Lane’s face was enough to satisfy me. I now knew for sure that Lane was interested in me. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was petty of me to secretly gloat that I was right, and Lane liked me rather than Whitney.

  I leaned my head back on the couch. “I think I just need to sleep now.” Everything seemed to be crashing down on me at once, and I couldn’t deal with it where I was right now. Definitely not with someone who didn’t know my secret.

  That was another thing. Did I explain everything that had happened to me to Lane? Except, I couldn’t. I could only imagine what he would think after I told him everything that had occurred. I didn’t want to scare him away.

  I stood up and swayed, and Lane was immediately there, helping me to stay upright.

  I pushed his hands away. “I’m fine, I can do this,” I insisted.

  Lane looked like he was about to protest, but Whitney chose then to walk back into the living room to join us.

  She looked back and forth between us before taking control. “Okay, Lane, you go. Abigail, I’m going to get you to bed.”

  Lane stepped toward me. “Let me just say good night, please.”

  I nodded at Whitney, who headed toward our two bedrooms, down the hallway.

  Lane kept his distance until Whitney disappeared, and then he stepped closer to me, leaving no space between us.

  “Please, let me help you,” Lane pleaded.

  “Do you even know what you’re wanting to do? I know you say you want to know me, make me feel safe, and that I interest you. But you don’t really know me. Not really.” I shook my head. “We met days ago, and we didn’t even talk then. You were too busy with Whitney. And I was talking to your brother, you know, Kent?”

  Lane narrowed his eyes at me and smirked. My breath caught, I hadn’t seen this before. Did he have to be so damn good looking? I asked myself.

  “You won’t scare me off,” Lane remarked.

  I took a shaky breath. “Okay.” That’s really all I could say. I didn’t want to argue with him anymore. This day had taken all the energy out of me.

  Lane smiled at me. “Well, okay then.” He took my hand, bent down, and kissed it.

  I was not expecting that at all. And yet, it seemed totally appropriate.

  Whitney conveniently came into the room and broke up whatever kind of moment we had been having.

  Lane nodded at me, waved at Whitney, and left our apartment.

  I looked at Whitney. “Let’s talk about this weirdness tomorrow. This night has been too much for me.”

  She nodded and put an arm around my shoulders, steering me to my room. “I’ve laid out your pajamas, and your sheets are pulled back. I will turn off your light for you when you’re ready.”

  My eyes teared again as I hugged her quickly. “Thank you,” I said. “I couldn’t be here without you.”

  Whitney was quick to push her emotions down, but not before I saw her swipe a tear off her cheek. “Just get in bed, so I can go lie down, too.”

  I changed out of my clothes and into the pajamas Whitney had laid out for me. I had barely touched my head to the pillow before she had turned off the lights and I was drifting off to sleep.

  Chapter Three

  I rolled over and groaned. The light was painfully bright against my closed eyes. I opened them a sliver and immediately scrunched them closed again.

  My head was throbbing, reminding me of the slightly insane events that had taken place last night.

  I groaned again. “Please let me have dreamed all that,” I pleaded. Had I really hallucinated an entire dream world whose only inhabitant was me? Obviously, I had just succumbed to the pain that the migraine had given me, and I was also feeling overwhelmed about the note.

  I slowly sat up, wincing at my sore muscles. I stayed like that for a minute, willing myself the energy to get all the way out of bed. Finally, I made it up and stretched, working out all the kinks in my back and neck.

  I put on my slippers and headed toward the kitchen. There were already heavenly smells coming from there, drawing me closer.

  Whitney was at the stove, flipping bacon over to its other side. There was a jug of orange juice on the counter plus a pot of coffee heating up.

  She looked up and saw me. She motioned to the orange juice with her spatula. “Have something to drink. I bet you need it.”

  I poured a cup of coffee and added sugar and creamer to it. Taking a deep sniff, I closed my eyes and sighed, “Just what I needed.” I lifted the cup to my lips, but before I could take a drink, I saw the time on the microwave and let out a small shriek.

  “Oh my God, Whitney, why didn’t you wake me up? I was supposed to be at work an hour ago!” I was about to launch out of my chair before I saw Whitney smile.

  “It’s okay! I texted your boss on your phone last night and told her you were taking a couple of sick days for your migraine.”

  I relaxed back into my seat, wishing for my thudding heart to relax too. “Thanks a lot, Whitney. You’re a lifesaver.”

  She flipped the bacon onto a plate and then added eggs in the pan, scrambling them. “No problem. I figured after yesterday you needed some time off.”

  I nodded and took a drink of my coffee, savoring the rich taste. I could use some time off work. That’s what caused so much of my trouble in the first place. I had so much to think about that I probably wouldn’t be able to get any work done at all.

  Whitney served the bacon and eggs, along with biscuits that had been in the oven. I looked it over appreciatively, knowing this was Whitney’s way of mothering me. I ate too much of everything, but I felt no guilt. I was sure I would stress it all out later.

  I helped Whitney clear the dishes and then we took our coffees to the living room. Sitting on opposite ends of the couch, I felt like I could finally talk about the events of last night.

  I launched into an explanation of what had prompted me to run out in the first place. The helplessness and aloneness I felt, because I couldn’t truly turn to anyone for help. How I felt half-crazy just thinking about it.

  Whitney stayed quiet and watched me while I talked, drinking her coffee and nodding occasionally. It felt good to unburden myself to her.

  Whitney furrowed her eyebrows, thinking. “How did Lane find you though?”

  “I’m honestly not sure. I think it was a coincidence. I was sitting at a corner and he came up to me.”

  “Pretty major coincidence,” Whitney said, raising her eyebrows in speculation. “He just happened to be there?”

  I shrugged. “I totally agree. But all in all, I’m happy he was there to help. I’m not sure I would’ve made it home otherwise.”

  Whitney smirked at me. “Oh, yeah? Were you gonna go all damsel-in-distress on him? Gonna have those big, strong arms carry you home?”

  I rolled my eyes and laughed. “Wow, Whitney. No, that was definitely not the plan!”

  Whitney shifted on the couch, getting into a more comfortable position. “Seriously, though. He does seem very into you. How do you feel about that?”

  I looked at her closely to make sure there weren’t any hard feelings left about Lane. But she seemed genuinely interested.

  Taking a deep breath, I said, “It scares me, to be honest. The guys I’ve dated in the past were never serious. And then here comes this guy who I met days ago and he’s already more serious about a relationship than any of those other guys ever were.” I rubbed my hands on my
face, trying to think. “Is that insane? Does that make him sweet or creepy?”

  Whitney smiled at me. “Girl, just go with it. It’s easy enough to get rid of him if you want to. I say ride it out until you’re done with it.”

  “That’s true. And I’ll tell him you wanted to do a double date with his brother.”

  Whitney threw a pillow at me. “Oh, very funny! I’ll pass on that, thanks.”

  I laughed, throwing the pillow back. It felt so good to sit here and joke around with Whitney. But I couldn’t entirely forget about my situation.

  I sobered up quickly, my smile dropping.

  Whitney noticed the change in my demeanor and asked, “What’s wrong? Something else happen? A new note?”

  I shook my head. “No. But I didn’t tell you everything that happened last night.”

  I told Whitney about my dream while I was unconscious. “I was alone, nobody was there. It was so unnerving. I tried to call you, but all I heard on the other end was beeping.”

  Whitney tilted her head, confused. “Beeping? What kind of beeping?”

  I shrugged. “I have no idea. But the weird thing was that it seemed connected to my heartbeat. It sped up, the beeping sped up. Held my breath and it slowed down.”

  Whitney sat back. “Like…a heart-rate monitor?”

  I looked at her, frozen. “No way. Besides, it was just a dream. My brain was making up crazy things.”

  “You’re probably right,” Whitney nodded. “I’m sure it was just a crazy migraine dream.”

  “Yeah,” I said slowly. “I was thinking about that stupid note all night. That must be the reason.”

  So why did that thought make me so uneasy? Surely that’s all there was to it?

  I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. “Okay, we need a new topic. This is starting to depress me.”

  I got up and went to my purse, grabbing Lane’s note from it. Plopping back down on the couch, I handed it to Whitney. “Tell me what you think about that.”

  Whitney took the note and read it. “Wow. He gave you his number?”

  “Yeah. I haven’t called him though.”

  “Why not? You totally should.”

  “Well, I’m not supposed to make the first move, am I?” I sighed. “I’m hopeless at these things.”

  Whitney handed back the note. “My opinion? He made a huge move last night. He stayed with you and brought you home. If that’s not a first move, I don’t know what is.”

  I considered that. “Okay,” I said slowly, “but what do I say?”

  “Just ask him out. To dinner. Or coffee. That’s a pretty neutral place.”

  I picked up my phone. “Okay. I can do this.” I started to dial. Three numbers in and my fingers were trembling. I slammed the phone down on the coffee table.

  “Okay, no. This is a bad idea.”

  “Oh, no you don’t.” Whitney grabbed my phone and dialed Lane’s number.

  “What are you doing?” I was panicking now, trying to grab back my phone. “Stop doing that!”

  Whitney grinned, dancing out of my grasp. “This is happening! Don’t fight it!” She pushed the phone at me. “It’s ringing!”

  “What! I can’t believe you! That was completely—”

  “Hello?”

  I froze. Lane had answered.

  “What do I say?” I hissed at Whitney.

  “Hello?”

  Whitney was gesturing at me to say something.

  “Hi, Lane? It’s Abigail.”

  “Abby?” Lane’s voice warmed up. “How are you?”

  “Um, I’m better. I was just calling to say thank you for last night.”

  “Of course. I’m glad I was around to help you.”

  Whitney was waving her hands at me again. “Coffee!” she whisper-shouted at me.

  “Yeah, so I was wondering if you wanted to meet up for coffee sometime. Maybe later this week?”

  “How about today? I’m free.”

  I looked at Whitney for help. “Today?”

  Whitney emphatically nodded her head yes.

  “Yes, that’s fine.”

  “Great. I’ll come pick you up around eleven.”

  “Okay. Eleven is fine.”

  “Sounds good. And Abby? I’m really glad you called. Bye.” Lane hung up.

  I stared at my phone and then at Whitney. “We have a date today.”

  Whitney shrieked and clapped her hands. “Yay!”

  “I can’t believe you made me do that! It was horrifying!”

  Whitney laughed. “Hey, it worked. You’re seeing him again!”

  I felt the panic set in again. “Oh, God, I am.” I sank down onto the couch. “What do I do now?”

  “Well, first, take a deep breath and calm down. Then, go shower and get ready!”

  “Okay. I can do that.”

  After showering and doing my hair, I went to my closet and stared at my clothes. Nothing to wear. I finally chose a pair of jeans, a black shirt, and black flats.

  Whitney popped her head in the door. “Oh, cute! That’s perfect!”

  I let out a relieved breath. At least I had one thing going for me. I went to the living room and started pacing. I don’t remember ever being this nervous for a date before. I also don’t remember liking a guy this much before, either.

  Whitney came in and forced me to sit down. “Breathe, Abigail. It’s just coffee. You’ll be fine.”

  “You’re right. I don’t know why I’m so jumpy.”

  The doorbell rang. I jumped up, my heart pounding. Whitney made a stealthy exit down the hall to her room.

  I opened the door and saw Lane standing there. My breath caught in my throat at seeing him. He was wearing jeans, boots, and a green button-up shirt. He looked amazing.

  “Hi,” I said, a little breathless.

  “Hi,” he smiled. “You ready?”

  I nodded and grabbed my purse. “Ready.”

  We left down the elevator, not talking. I was feeling pretty awkward about this whole thing. Stepping outside, Lane took my hand in his and directed me toward his car, opening my door for me.

  “In you go.”

  I blushed and sat down. Breathe, Abigail. It’s just a guy, it’s just a date. Take it easy.

  Lane got in and we started down the street. “So, you’re feeling better? You were pretty out of it.”

  I nodded. “Yeah. A good night’s sleep is all I needed, I guess. Sorry for all the trouble I caused you.”

  Lane waved his hand at me. “No trouble at all. I’m glad I was there to help.”

  I was glad he had been there too. Even though it had been extremely embarrassing.

  Lane pulled into a trendy little coffee shop and helped me out of the car. Going inside, I noticed they had decorated the place in earth tones and flowers everywhere. There was a counter in front of us that had a display of pastries and muffins that smelled incredible. Tables and couches were spread around the rest of the shop, somehow giving the impression that each place to sit at would give all of the guests their privacy.

  We ordered our coffees and some pastries and sat down at a corner table. The shop was about half-full, making me wonder how many of them were skipping out on work like I was.

  “So, tell me about yourself. I think I heard you say you’re an editor?” Lane asked.

  I nodded, picking at my raspberry pastry. “Yes. I work at Voodoo Publishing. I read the manuscripts and I help out with the storylines and check them for all sorts of errors.” Errors like life-changing magic notes. My throat felt like it was closing up as I remembered that.

  Lane didn’t seem to notice my reaction. “Well that seems like a cool job. I used to love reading as a kid, but kind of grew out of it as I got older and discovered other things I could do. Especially after I learned how to drive.”

  I laughed at that, imagining Lane as a teenager driving around in a truck. I figured he had to be a truck kind of guy. We talked about all sorts of things, and I felt myself relaxing more as ti
me went by. It turned out we had a lot in common, and he had a great sense of humor, making me laugh often.

  I was in the middle of a story when I heard my mom say, “I love you, Abigail.”

  I dropped my cup, spilling coffee everywhere and I jumped out of my seat, scanning the coffee shop for her. Where was she? I just heard her!

  Lane’s voice finally penetrated the fog in my head. “Abigail? Abby? What’s going on? Are you all right?”

  I turned to him, dazed. He was cleaning up my spill with some napkins and he was looking at me, confused. I felt tears welling up in my eyes, and I attempted to blink them away. Oh God, I’m going crazy. I suddenly felt so exhausted. I was tired of hearing and seeing things that only I could hear and see.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t do this.” I bent down to pick up my purse and stood up. “I’ll get a taxi back.”

  I rushed to the door, weaving my way between tables. I could hear Lane calling my name, trying to reach me.

  I got outside and practically ran to the street, silently praying for a taxi to come my way. Not seeing any, I started down the sidewalk in the direction we had come from.

  A hand grabbed my arm and pulled me around roughly. “What the hell, Abigail?” Lane asked, anger written all over his face.

  I took a step back, slightly scared. Shaking my head, I said, “It doesn’t matter. I think I’m going mad. You don’t need to be around that. Find someone better.”

  Lane took a step toward me. “But, Abby—”

  “I can’t. I’m so sorry.” I turned around and walked as fast as I could down the street, trying not to draw attention to myself. By now though, I was fully crying, and I could feel my face turning red as I kept wiping at it.

  Why was this happening to me? I didn’t understand it. I didn’t deserve this. And Lane, did I really have to freak out in front of him? He probably thought I was crazy now. I would never see him again, not that I could blame him.

  It took me over half an hour, but I finally made it back to my apartment. Unlocking the door, I stepped in and saw Whitney in the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. She motioned with her eyes to the living room, as if to tell me to go in there.

  I looked in and felt my stomach drop in surprise at seeing Lane in there. He was looking down at his phone, typing something into it.