lost

bonus chapter

1 year ago before jasper went missing.

        “hey, val?” jasper asked hesitantly.

        “hm?” i responded, flipping through magazines to search for coupons.

        “what do you think the future has in store for us?” he asks, as he brings up a hand to rub the back of his neck.

        i stop mid-flip, letting the page fall down on its own. i reach out to grab his hand and he looks at me questioningly.

        “are you worried?” i ask, as i smooth out shapes on his palm. i notice he’s much more relaxed now and he sighs, closing his eyes for a second before opening them.

        “i guess, i—“ he stops for a minute to take a breath before he asks, ”do you think we’ll still be best friends, no matter where we are?”

        “of course, why wouldn’t we be?” i ask, as i look into his jade eyes for emotion, for something.

        “i’m scared,” he admits. ”i’m scared of growing up and moving out, getting a job and having to be independent and i just… what if we don’t get into the same college or—“

        i cut him off by sliding my arms around his waist and hugging him. he reacts by putting his head on my shoulder and his lips rest on the crook of my neck.

        “it’ll be okay,” i reassure. “we’ll be fine and we’re not going anywhere. we’re here to stay and we’re best friends. we’ll always be best friends no matter the distance.”

        “i’m scared to lose you,” he whispers, and i feel his warm breath fan against my neck and his lips moving with the words and i try to cover up a shiver.

        “i’m not going anywhere,” i say, as i lean back and grab his face in my hands. “i’m right here. forever. okay?”

        he drops his gaze down to my lips, and i swear i feel my head spin. but before he brings them down to my own, he redirects his lips to my forehead and leaves a delicate kiss.

        “promise?” he asks, as he gives off one of his bright smiles that could make even the sun look dull.

        “promise.” i say, leaving a bright smile of my own.