"Anna seemed fond of you," my mother said as she set me down in the kitchen upon Cammie's leave.

"She's nice," I mumbled, only half paying attention to my mother.

Mom studied my expression, "Do you not like her, Zachary?"

I shrugged, missing Cammie more as time went on.

"Zachary," mom started, "what's going on?"

I shrugged, "I don't want to get married."

She sighed, "We already went over this. Anna is an insurance for if something were to happen to us and vice versa."

"Mom, we went to high school together, and never got along. How are we supposed to make a marriage work?"

She patted me on the shoulder, "You can learn to fall in love, Zachary."

I sighed as I went back to my room.

I didn't know how long had passed when my door slowly opened, "Zach."


"Both of you're going to be miserable if you don't take this risk," Macey said

"We're going to be miserable if I do take this risk," I countered.

Macey sighed, "Even if it ends the same way, at least you'll be happy for awhile!"

"Can I come in?" I asked, my voice too quiet that I doubted whether Zach heard it or not.

He wordlessly motioned to a spot next to him on his bed, "How was your day?"

I had to keep myself from laughing as I made my way across the room, "That has to be the most normal thing you've asked me."

"I missed you," he said, sincerity in his face.

I swallowed, "Promise me something."

"Anything."

I took in a deep breath, "What happens in this room now, doesn't change anything. It becomes a time that never existed, a fragment of imagination if you will."

Zach stared at me, "Gallaghe-"

"Just promise me."

He looked uncertain but nodded.

I stared at him for a moment, gaining the courage before pressing my lips to his.