Tomorrow Is Not

Chapter 1

Literary Eden

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When I dream, I dream of him.

The crystal waters of the lake lap at my legs, wetting the silk of my skirt so that it clings to my skin. I stare at the golden horizon as it glints with sunset, holding my breath to keep my heart from splintering. Rose petals smudge against the sky, twirling with the lazy wind and catching in my loose hair. I wade deeper, feeling the cool water brush up over my thighs and for one, small moment, I want to sink into it and drown.

I think of Pippa, of her ghostly beautiful face pressed up against the ice, her violet eyes piercing me from their thick frame of lashes. I lay my palms softly against the surface of the lake, but the water doesn't ripple at my touch, it doesn't break and shimmer against the light. It is forever calm. A lifeless thing. Like Pippa. Like Kartik.

Kartik.

My heart slams into my ribs and I start, gasping at the pain. I fist a hand against my stomach and try to hold back the emptiness, but it is an overwhelming force. I can feel the sorrow fill me, slink in and weigh my heart like led. And now I know I am heavy enough to sink. I can drown.

His arms circle me from behind, the dark skin glowing in the dying sun, and I want to scream. One of his large hands folds gently over my fist and a lump forms in my throat, one I cannot shake.

Gemma.

I watch the horizon blur, my eyes warm with tears. His arms tighten around me, the embrace solid and firm. But not real. Never real. The dam inside me breaks and I crumble against him. I sob as I haven't in months, the loss of him like a blade between my ribs.

I'm here, Gemma. I'm with you.

No. I shake my head; today I will not accept the lie.

He turns me to face him and his beauty is still startling. Thick, black curls. Tan, handsome skin. Brown eyes that stare into mine, heavy with long kohl lashes. I feel my breath catch, my skin grow flushed from the subtle flames igniting in my belly. I touch his face, brushing my thumb across his lips.

He kisses me. And I forget. Forget that this is a dream. Forget that tomorrow I will wake to another drizzly, lonely day. This moment is real. Tomorrow is not.


This is most likely a one-shot. We'll see. Please review.