Matters of Fate

Chapter 2

I couldn't control the laughter bubbling beneath my ribs. My breath hitched in my throat, and tears started to form around the brim of my eye.

"Y-You can't b-be serious, r-right?," I said, between fits of giggles.

"Oh, I'm definitely serious." Caspian spoke, in low syllables and unbridled admonishment.

With that, my laughter ceased and I stared at him blankly.

"What?" I said, a thick undertone of incredulity present.

"You heard me."
He continued, "One year. On Earth. Take away lover boy's pain."

"But h-how?" I responded, my brain muddled and my heart beat spasmodic.

"Now, what kind of Guardian Angel would I be if I did everything for you?"

I glared at him, but the gaze held no animosity.
"Can't you just cut a brother some slack?"

Caspian chuckled, and said, "You've got to do this on your own. If I helped you, it wouldn't work. That's the thing about Fate, you seal your own."

"That's comforting.", I mumbled.

"We leave in one day."

"Wait, we? I thought you said you couldn't help."
I scrunched my eyebrows, a clear sign of my confusion.

"I still have to be there in case you mess up."

"Oh." I responded.

"Well, I'll leave you be. You need time to mentally and physically prepare."

"What do you mean?"

Caspian raised his eyebrows, as his eyes grew, and like lighting, he vanished into thin air.

Seconds passed. Caspian returned clad in one beautiful grin.

"I forgot something...", he said, a playful lilt to his voice.

"...And that is——?"

"Your clothes, products, personal belongings a many. Oh my, silly me. Here you are."

And as he finished, he handed me a bundle of something large and indecipherable.

I took it inquisitively, and began to peel back the strands securing the mass.

My heart fluttered at the sight. Lay in my hands were a couple of my favorite shirts, some basketball shorts, and my phone.

I dropped the bundle, and ran towards Caspian. I was inches away from hugging him, my arms still suspended in mid-air when
he disappeared.

My face dropped, and I spun around.

There, sat Caspian in his beanbag chair. He tilted slightly with this feet curled up, and one hand propped on his hip. The other hand held his pen secured gently between his lips.

"Wo there, cowboy. I don't do physical touch."

"Your loss. I give the best hugs."

"Trust me, I'll take your word for it."

I scrambled to my phone, and with ease it turned on. I didn't understand. Had they not cancelled everything?

"They did everything they could."

I turned toward Caspian. "What?"

He sat up, elbows perched on his knees, and chin on knuckle.

"To keep your memory alive."

How did he know these things?

"Magic."

"What?"

"I know by magic."

I narrowed my eyes, and muttered, "bullshit."

He chuckled, stood up, and sauntered to my window-wall.

"You better make things right." He whispered.

I dropped my head, my phone still clasped tightly between my tan fingers.

"But how? I don't even know him."

"That's why you have one year. I think i've given you an abundance of time."

I ran my hands down my face, and replied, "But won't everyone see me?"

I saw some sliver of sadness flash across Caspian's eyes, but before I could recognize it's depth, it was gone.

"Nope."
He continued. "Only The One can see you." The pain etched into his words spoke volumes.

"So you speak from experience?" I inquired.

"I do."

I could have sworn that those two words accompanied a tear. I could have sworn. That was the only time I'd see Caspian cry.

Caspian turned on his heel, and spoke steadily, "Anyways, I'll leave you be."

I nodded my head although I knew he couldn't see me. He took my silence as subtle acquiescence.

Before he could snap his fingers, he said, "And Charlie?"

"Yeah."

"Pray."

And then he was gone.