The Longest Time

By Jared Vaughn

Meet Charlie, a little boy with big dreams and an even bigger heart. When Lisa moves in next door, they begin a friendship that will change their lives forever. As time goes by, and they travel different paths, it becomes clear that some things were meant to be...if it's not too late. Filled with exciting twists and surprises, Charlie’s journey will make you laugh and cry as he overcomes the odds to discover the reason for the secrets he carries. The secrets that could change everything. Celebrating the power of love, dreams, music, friendship, and family, The Longest Time is a unique story of hope that you’ll never forget. Readers of all ages unanimously agree that they "couldn't put it down!"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jared Vaughn
• Release date: May 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463692066

Jared Vaughn

Jared Vaughn is the author of the acclaimed novel The Longest Time. It's a nostalgic story about a unique boy named Charlie, whose love for his childhood friend Lisa leads him to fulfill a heroic purpose. Readers of all ages have unanimously agreed that they "can't put it down," and are eagerly awaiting the sequel, Another Time. He loves to encourage dreamers in his writing workshops and panels at comic cons and libraries, with a special emphasis on the youth. Jared's vision extends beyond The Longest Time series with his company, Time Honored Productions. The summer of 2018 will mark the debut of several exciting releases from Time Honored. Free Time Tales is a collection of short stories by new writers, featuring a new story from Jared called Invisible Touch. Also featured in Free Time Tales is a young lady with her own book on the way. Tobias' Travels is a delightful story for all ages about a little robin who goes a long way. Cleverly written by Shoshanna Aaliyah and beautifully illustrated by Ray Gordon with Alli O'Neal, this is the first book in history written and illustrated by three teenagers. But it doesn't stop there-- a coloring book version will be available as well. In addition to his writing and publishing, Jared is known for his cosplay. He has appeared at many conventions as Marty McFly beginning on Back to the Future Day, October 21st, 2015. He's quick to make you laugh with his impressions and costumes from all three films, often accompanied by Doc Brown. His cosplay has also included Clark Kent, Neo, George McFly, Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts, Inigo Montoya, Count Rugen, Ernest P. Worrell, Louis Tully, Robin, Ted "Theodore" Logan, The Hamburglar, Gomez Addams, the highly original Mario McFly, and many more still to come. Whether he's riding a hoverboard or writing a story, Jared Vaughn is always looking for new ways to express his creativity and spread the Power of Love. He encourages you to take Doc's advice--"The future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one."

Book preview

It all started with a boy who loved a girl. It was June of 1972. Kansas was known for hot summer days, but this one was particularly sweltering. It was enough to keep everyone in Charlie’s neighborhood indoors. Everyone but the crickets whose song seemed to be calling out for water. On any other day, Charlie could have been doing what any other five year old would have done. He could have taken his toys outside to play, he could have blown dandelions into the wind, or maybe he could have just watched the ants scurry about. The neighbors could have been mowing lawns, tending to gardens, and taking walks around the block. Not today. No, sir, any day but today. That was a day to appreciate fans and air conditioners. The grass would have to keep on growing, the dandelions would have to stay intact, and the ants would march home without an audience. This would just have to be a lazy, uneventful summer day for all. Charlie didn’t mind too much, though. There were other things he could do inside. His active little mind could always find something to think about, and his active little hands could always find something to do. He was a very smart little guy, always curious and discovering new things. He heard the sound of a big truck outside. He ran to the front door and opened it, looking through the screen door. He left that door shut, so he wouldn’t let all the cold air out, as his dad would say. Like any other five year old, no one had to tell him more than seven times. Charlie discovered that it was a moving truck that was making all that noise. The house next door had been empty for a while, and now there would be new neighbors for Charlie to meet. He wondered if there would be any kids to play with, since there weren’t any on their block. Just then, a lady came out of the truck and helped a little girl down to the ground. The girl ran around the front yard giggling and laughing without a care. Charlie’s eyes just soaked it all in. The way the sun danced through her golden hair. How her dress twirled as she spun around. Then there were her sparkling eyes. But most of all that smile. A smile that was so big and happy that it could melt the iciest heart. Charlie knew that in all five years of his experience that this little free spirit was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen and ever would see. His mom came up behind him, and looking through the screen door said, She’s a pretty little girl. Looks like she’s your age, too. He just smiled without saying a word. In his head, he agreed--but you wouldn’t hear him say it out loud. This curious little boy discovered something new that day. Something that was about to change his life in ways he would have never imagined.

Each day after that first time he saw the little girl, Charlie would look for the moving truck. After several days of patiently waiting, the truck was back. Once again, the girl ran around and laughed, and Charlie smiled from afar. He wasn’t imagining things—she was every bit as perfect as he remembered.

"Should I go out there and run around with her? What if she doesn’t like me?"

He had all these questions and second guesses for days and now he needed an answer. He wanted to just go for it, but he ultimately came to the conclusion that he would just be in the way while her parents moved their things into the house. The little girl even started to carry a few small items, too. He thought that maybe he should see if he could help. He slowly cracked the door open and put his foot forward…but then his mom told him that it was time for supper. That was that. He wistfully said for no one else to hear, Maybe next time.

THE LONGEST TIME

The next day after lunch, Charlie’s mom started baking cookies. Now, for a five year old boy like Charlie, there’s hardly a better thing in all the world than when Mom is baking cookies. And there’s hardly a bigger test of patience in all the world than waiting for those cookies to finish baking, especially when they’re chocolate chip. The smell alone gave him a sugar rush. Patience was something Charlie was already learning lately, but come on--enough is enough.

He was practically drooling when Charlie asked his mom, When will they be done?

She smiled and answered him, In a few minutes…but you can only have one. They’re not for you. I’m baking them for the new neighbors. We’ll give them a little time--I know they’re busy. We’ll just take the cookies over and welcome them to the neighborhood. In the meantime, while you’re waiting oh, so patiently for your cookie, I have something we can do.

Charlie watched as his mom went over to the record player and pulled out an album. Dad just bought her A Song for You by The Carpenters, and it seemed as if she was going to wear it out already. She cued the needle to the second song. He knew exactly what she was up to. She grabbed his hands and they started to dance as Top of the World played. What kind of dancing was this? Neither was sure and it didn’t matter in the least. They were all over the place. They were smiling, laughing, dancing… and they were happy. Especially Charlie. Here he was with the best mom in the world, having fun, about to have an outrageously good cookie, and he was soon going to meet the girl next door. What a perfect song for a perfect day. It’s exactly how little Charlie felt. He was, indeed, on top of the world.

The time had finally come: time to meet the neighbors. Charlie’s mom was wearing one of her best dresses. Charlie was wearing his nice church clothes, as he called them. His hair was perfectly combed, teeth brushed to a shine, and his shirt was tucked in. Normally, he would be a little irritated at such social precautions put upon him by his mother, but this time he didn’t mind. He didn’t utter one word of complaint. He actually agreed that they should look their best, so that they would make a good first impression. This wasn’t just anyone, you know. This was the prettiest girl in the whole world. He really should look his best if he was going to be in her presence. She didn’t need to see him in shorts with his dirty knees. If he was dressed up like he meant business, then maybe she wouldn’t even see how nervous he really was under this façade. He was quite nervous about this first meeting, and rightfully so. This was very, very important. This could make or break the whole thing. He was a shy boy as it was, and this was going to take a lot of courage. But at least he looked good, smelled good, and had his mom there with him. But most importantly of all, they came bearing cookies. The very best you can possibly eat—Mom’s chocolate chip. His taste buds were still dancing from the one he had earlier. Who in the world could possibly resist a big bowlful of the things? Though still nervous, Charlie’s confidence did rise a little as he thought about all that they had to offer as they walked over to the house next door. A nice, well-dressed boy with a nice, well-dressed mom and a bowlful of chocolaty goodness. They wouldn’t even know what hit them.

Charlie’s mom knocked on the door. There was no turning back now. The little girl’s mom opened the door. Charlie hadn’t really paid that much attention at first, since he was overwhelmed by the daughter, but now that he saw her mom up close, it was clear where the good looks came from.

Hello, we’re from next door, said his mom, grinning from ear to ear. I’m Ilene Jordache, and this is my son, Charlie. We just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood, she said, as she handed over the goodies.

The girl’s mom took the cookies and replied, Thank you very much! That’s so nice of you! I’m Annie Duvall. Come on in. The house is a disaster, but I’m sure you understand.

They stepped into the house and saw boxes everywhere. Ilene said, We don’t want to take up your time—I know you’re awfully busy.

Annie replied, Not too busy to meet the new neighbors! Besides, my husband went to the store for a few things and I could use the company. Have a seat. The furniture is about the only thing that’s not still in a box around here.

They all sat on the couch. Annie looked at Charlie and said, You are a very sharp-looking, handsome little man. How old are you?

Five, he said as he started to blush.

Well, what do you know about that? My daughter is five. I think she’s playing with her toys in the other room. LISA!! COME MEET THE NEIGHBORS!!

The suspense had been killing little Charlie. All this time and now she was about to grace them with her presence. He even knew her name before meeting her. Lisa. Lisa Duvall. Why, even her name was pretty. She sounded quite proper…maybe French or something. If she was half as nice as her Mom, then she would definitely be a keeper. Then it happened. She came running into the room…and they were now graced. The hair, the dress, the eyes, and that smile that could melt stone were all present and accounted for in one tiny, little package of wonderfulness.

This is Lisa. Lisa, meet Mrs. Jordache and her son, Charlie.

Lisa said, Hi, Mrs. Chortash and Charlie. Nice to meet you.

She held out her little hand to Ilene, who was giggling about the mispronunciation of her name. She shook her hand and replied, Nice to meet you, too, Sweetheart! You are a very pretty girl and so polite. I bet you’re a really good girl.

Thank you, she said as she also started to blush.

She then held her hand out to Charlie. He was so nervous, he almost forgot what to do. He shook her hand and—whoa. He was actually holding her hand. It didn’t last long, but it was something he knew he would want to do again sometime.

Nice to meet you, he managed to get out of his mouth. Want a cookie?

YEAH! I thought I smelled them.

Annie laughed and gave a cookie to Lisa, who ever so politely turned into a cookie-eating monster for a moment.

What do you say? Annie asked Lisa.

She let out a barely recognizable Thank you through her cookie-stuffed mouth.

Annie said to Ilene, Definitely a good choice for making new friends.

Lisa then said, Mom, can Charlie come play with me?

Of course, if it’s okay with his mom.

Ilene said, That is the best idea I’ve heard in a long time. You two have fun—but be careful.

They then ran into her room. The two moms stayed and talked about whatever the heck it is that adults talk about. Charlie didn’t know, nor did he care. He had more important business that needed his attention.

Her room was yet another showcase for boxes. Only a few had been opened so far, the contents of which were lying on the floor. At this point, Charlie’s nerves were staying pretty much at the same level of anxiety, and he tried desperately not to show it. He was so excited to actually get to spend time with her that he didn’t even care what they did. She probably only had girlie toys like dolls, but he didn’t even mind. He would do whatever she wanted. She might make him have a tea party, or do things to his hair, or do some other kind of unspeakable feminine act that he would not be able to explain to his mom—and especially not to his dad. No, sir, whatever happened in this room would have to stay in this room, he was afraid. He never was in such a position before, being thrust into a new culture. He could only go by what he saw on TV. Whatever humiliation might befall him, however, would be but a small price to pay for the pleasure of her company. It all felt like a dream. And if he was dreaming, he didn’t want to wake up.

What do you want to play? she asked.

Now, that question threw him for a loop. He just assumed that she would just grab some stupid doll and shove it in his hand and say, Here ya go! Now change her diaper. But that wasn’t what happened. He could choose! But he’d better pick something good. She seemed to like him so far, and he didn’t want to do something to mess it all up now. His eyes darted around the pile of toys to spot something that looked remotely masculine. He saw a big car. Bingo! That ought to work.

How about this car?

Okay, she said as she pulled it from the pile. But then she started adding dolls to it! Bless his little heart, he tried. But it was okay. They would still have fun.

She said, They could be a family and they’re moving.

Here’s the house, he said, as he pulled a dollhouse from the pile.

Boy, his mom better not walk in on this scene. He would be embarrassed for life. Lisa was making vroom sounds for the car and doing little voices for the people…just like Charlie would always do at home. Maybe this isn’t so bad after all, he thought.

We’re finally here at our new house in Kansas, the Mom voice said.

They started adding furniture to the house.

It sure takes a while to get from California to Kansas, said the little girl voice, which, for some reason, was higher than Lisa’s natural voice.

But now I can start my new job, said the husky Dad voice.

I hope I can make some new friends, said the little girl voice.

Then she pulled out a boy doll from the pile. She had everything in there. She gave it to Charlie. Now he knew exactly what to do.

Hi, I’m your neighbor. I brought some cookies. Want to be friends? he said in a curiously deeper voice than his own.

Cookies?! exclaimed the little girl voice. Far out! Of course I want to be friends with you!

They looked at each other and laughed. Then she stood up and touched his arm.

TAG! You’re it!

And she was off. He took off after her. He didn’t know if he would ever in his life be able to keep up with her, but it would always be fun trying.

Charlie and his mom stayed there for an hour. For a kid, an hour feels like three hours, but this one felt like five minutes. That night, he knelt by his bed with his mom to say his bedtime prayers.

I know what you’re thankful for tonight, Ilene slyly told Charlie. It’s okay to admit it. God already knows.

He was so embarrassed. What could he say to such a thing? She continued, Someone someday—probably at school—will say something to make you think that boys and girls aren’t supposed to get along and that girls have cooties. I think you realize already that it’s not only false, but a friendship with a girl can be a very good thing.

He looked up at her and smiled. Then he bowed his head and closed his eyes. Thank you, God, for Mom and Dad and chocolate chip cookies. Thank you for my new friend, Lisa. I pray that we will always be friends. Thank you for the best day I’ve ever had in my whole life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Amen! That was very nice, Charlie. And you know what? I think this is only the beginning. There’s something special about the two of you. I saw it right off. You two will have quite a time together. I feel it in my heart.

How could he argue with that? Mom was always right. But he didn’t want everyone to know how he felt about her. Being friends was one thing, but more than that was just too embarrassing. But somehow Mom knew. She didn’t say it in so many words, but he could just tell. Almost like she could read his mind. Mom was always right.

She gave him a little kiss and said, Good night, my little man.

He climbed into bed, but he wasn’t sleepy. How could he sleep? It was like trying to sleep on Christmas Eve—impossible. He was so excited about the whole day. He kept reviewing every detail in his mind. There was nothing he would want to change even if he could. It was truly a perfect day. He didn’t just get to meet that pretty girl next door--she turned out to be ten times sweeter and ten times more fun than he imagined. She wanted to be friends just as much as he did! He was right about her all along. From the second he first saw her, he knew. He wasn’t ready to tell her or admit it even to his mom, but he knew. With no one else around, just Charlie and God, Charlie got down on his knees again.

Thank you, God, for bringing me Lisa. I promise I’ll take good care of her.

He got back into bed. With parents like these and Lisa next door, Charlie Jordache had everything. He really was on top of the world. And to think, tomorrow could be just as good as today—maybe even better. This was definitely going to be a happy life. Everything else that follows will get complicated, but the beginning of the story is quite simple. It’s what is at the heart of this whole story. It all started with a boy who loved a girl.

CHAPTER 2

The next day was much like the previous one, much to Charlie’s delight. Except this time, there was a lot more time with Lisa. Dad was going to be at work again all day, so Charlie’s mom told him that they would help the new neighbors with their unpacking. He was glad to see that the two moms had really hit it off. That could only mean good things for his new friendship with Lisa. As the adults reduced the cardboard population of the household, Charlie and Lisa played. It was another scorching summer day, but he knew that Lisa was used to a warmer California environment. Charlie never complained about the heat, since he was just happy to be with her. They played tag, making Charlie it most of the time. That girl sure could run. They played hide and seek, which was a more successful game for him. He could always hear her trying to hold back her giggles as she was hiding. She never did figure out that he really didn’t have trouble finding her as he led her to believe. They would play outside for a while, then go inside and play with toys, then sometimes play with toys outside. Yes, they explored all possibilities of how to play. They did this all day long, every day, all summer long. When it rained, it didn’t stop them. They just did it all indoors. Sometimes they were at her house, sometimes at his, and once in a while, they even went to the park. Every day, wherever they were, it was essentially the same--running and playing, laughing and talking. They talked about all kinds of things. They knew what each other liked and didn’t like and the kinds of things they dreamed about. Her outgoing nature had pulled him out of his shyness whenever she was around. He was a lot more relaxed around her than when they first met. He was much more used to her, yet appreciated her more each day. He never got tired of her, even if she did wear him out. She could play in the dirt, and he still saw her beauty. She could tell the same stories and jokes again and again, and he still listened and laughed as if it was all new to him. He wasn’t sure what a cootie was, but he was totally convinced that she didn’t have one. If someday she was diagnosed with cooties, he would love her anyway. She was the most wonderful thing in the world, and he loved everything about her. He was constantly amazed that they were best friends. He thanked God for her every day. Charlie was a good little actor, never showing anything he didn’t want her to see. He never told her that he loved her or even hinted at such a thing. He knew that they were young and had plenty of time for that later. Right now they were kids being kids, having the time of their lives.

It was the middle of August now, and there was one event that Charlie had been anticipating all year—going to school for the first time. He and Lisa talked about it many a time, and now that long-awaited day had arrived. Since this was the very first day, Annie was taking Lisa, but thereafter she would ride with Charlie and Ilene. Annie was a stay-at-home mom, and Ilene taught the first grade, so it was prearranged that since Ilene would still be at work while the kids were getting out of kindergarten at noon, that Annie would pick them up and bring them both to her house. Charlie looked a lot like he did the first time he went to Lisa’s house, with his hair combed just right and shirt tucked in, except this time he was wearing shorts. Lisa was wearing a brand new dress for the occasion, with her hair accentuated with a little bow. Charlie was very nervous about this big event, but at the same time, very excited. He had been to the school before when his mom showed him around, but this time he wouldn’t be just a visitor. He would be an officially recognized student, with all the responsibilities and benefits in kind. When they got to the school, Charlie and Lisa stood at the front door together as their moms took pictures. The moms kept commenting on how grown up they were becoming and how time flies. Charlie wholeheartedly agreed within himself, and he couldn’t believe that this was actually happening. Why, just yesterday he was still a little kid, and now he was turning into a big kid. What excitement and adventures would await him inside these hallowed halls? He wasn’t entirely sure, but he couldn’t wait to find out. With his mom there and his sweet Lisa at his side, life was surely going to keep getting better and better.

Charlie and Lisa had a great first day of kindergarten. The teacher, Mrs. Winslow, was really nice and even knew Charlie’s mom. Charlie hadn’t been around a lot of other kids before, and wasn’t entirely sure of what to say to all these new faces. Most of the other kids were visibly nervous too. Lisa didn’t have trouble with that at all, since she was so outgoing to begin with. She would enthusiastically introduce herself without hesitation to every last one of the kids. He decided to just stick with her, and sure enough, she would introduce him also. He met boys and girls of different sizes, shapes, colors, and even smells. Some were all dressed up, others were dressed casually, and some even looked poor. None of this mattered in the slightest to Lisa, who greeted everyone, no matter appearance or odor, every time the same. Her confidence and friendliness really impressed Charlie, and he was ever more thankful that she was his friend. He could tell that everyone else liked her too, and why wouldn’t they? She had the most amazing smile and the most infectious laugh. She was kind to everyone and knew how to have fun. Even with other pretty girls in the class, Lisa still outshone them all. Charlie already knew this, but in a setting with more people around, he saw it clearer than ever—Lisa was still the most beautiful person in the world on the inside as much as the outside. He started to learn something that day that wasn’t taught by the teacher. Lisa showed him by example a lesson that she would continue to teach him and he would eagerly learn each day for the rest of his life--how to treat people with love.

When they got home, Charlie and Lisa played and played like they always did. They stopped suddenly when they heard music coming from the living room.

The Beach Boys! Lisa exclaimed.

She ran to the living room with Charlie in hot pursuit. Lisa started dancing exuberantly to the music with Charlie and Annie joining in. They boogied and giggled to Dance, Dance, Dance without any concerns of looking silly. Charlie forgot about his shyness and just had fun. He was on top of the world all over again.

When Charlie’s mom came home, they told her all about their experiences, just as they did with Lisa’s mom earlier. They were so excited and happy, without any clue that school would get much harder than it is in kindergarten. No, these were the days when kids love school. Charlie especially liked it, since he was always curious about things and ever learning. Each day they went to school, Charlie would get a big kick out of the things being taught, and he picked up on everything very quickly and easily. The only drawback for Charlie was the fact that he didn’t have as much time with Lisa anymore. Sure, he still saw her there, but they were in class. He got along with the other kids okay, but they just didn’t have that same spark that he had with Lisa. But, on the other hand, Lisa was getting more popular by the day. She was fast friends with the other girls, which was sort of intimidating to Charlie. He had a hard enough time getting used to Lisa in the beginning, but he got pretty shy around several girls at once. He just didn’t quite fit in with that group. But, after school, it was just the two of them playing and all was right with the world. He loved school, but he loved Lisa more. He couldn’t wait each day to have his time alone with her. They had less time like this than they did in the summer, and he cherished every minute that he could get. She was his very best friend. No one else was like her, and he could really be himself around her.

Well, Charlie’s mom was always right. That was never in doubt, but now it was confirmed that she really knew things that might seem impossible for her to know. Maybe it was her experience as a teacher that gave her more insight into the behavior of children, but all Charlie knew for sure was that she was right, right, right. The day had finally come that the word cootie was used at school. Some girl (who shall remain nameless) had the nerve to tell Lisa that she shouldn’t talk to Charlie because he was a boy and as such had a case of the cooties. Some of the boys that Charlie was friendly with made similar accusations against Lisa. He assumed that they were probably just jealous that he got along so well with the prettiest girl in the class—no, make that the world—but how could he explain the accusations hurled against himself? He wasn’t the best-looking boy in the class, so why would the girls be jealous? It was rather puzzling and surprising, even if his mom did in fact prophesy that this would happen. He was about to tell the teacher what was going on, not to be a tattletale, but to get an explanation. Before he could do that, however, Lisa beat him to it. He saw her at the teacher’s desk looking rather distraught. Then Mrs. Winslow stood before the class with Lisa at her side.

She addressed the class thusly, I’ve just been told that some of you believe that certain students have cooties. Let me nip this in the bud right now. There is no such thing as a cootie. None of you have anything wrong with you that someone else can catch, okay?

Most of the students nodded their heads.

The bigger issue though is that some of you think that boys and girls are natural enemies. That simply isn’t true. There is no reason why boys and girls can’t be friends. People are just people; no one better than the other.

Lisa, who had been nodding in somewhat proud-looking agreement to the teacher’s statements, then looked up at Mrs. Winslow and said, "I couldn’t have said it better myself. Now can I tell them something else, too?’’

Mrs. Winslow, looking somewhat puzzled but intrigued, said, Okay, Lisa. The floor is yours.

Thank you. I’ve been nice to all of you. But not all of you have been nice. I can be friends with whoever I want. Charlie is my neighbor and my best friend. If you don’t like that, you don’t have to be mean about it. We’re not friends because we’re neighbors. It’s because he’s nice and fun to play with. If someone doesn’t want to be my friend anymore because of it, then fine. But Charlie and me are always gonna be friends.

She then looked at the teacher, who had a look of impressed amusement. Is there anything else you want to say, Lisa?

Lisa then looked at the class with an even firmer face than before and simply said, So there.

Then she walked over to Charlie’s desk. He wasn’t sure what to make of this whole thing. A part of him was embarrassed, a part of him was touched, but more than anything he was impressed.

Stand up, Lisa demanded.

He quickly stood up, like a little soldier being called to attention. He had never seen this side of her before. She was kind of bossy at this moment, but he realized that she was just fired up and totally committed to their friendship, as well as to making a point. She then did something that would forever change his life. She gave him a big, warm hug. All this time together, and this had never happened before. He always wanted to hug her, but was afraid that she would get the wrong idea about him, even if it was actually the right idea. This wasn’t just a hug, this was a statement. She was telling the whole world (a classroom, anyway) that she really cared about him. It felt so good for so many reasons, and he didn’t want it to ever end. It was better than playing with toys, it was better than learning, why, it was even better than Mom’s chocolate chip cookies. He not only loved her, but he could really feel the love flowing from her as well. It was a perfect moment from the most perfect girl in the world. She then giggled and sat down at her desk. What just happened?! Am I dreaming? he thought. He sat down, dumbfounded and happy.

The teacher then addressed the class, Thank you, Lisa. Now we can all learn a lesson blah blah blah… Charlie couldn’t even pay attention to whatever it was that was being said. All he knew was that he was the most blessed guy in the world. She was a real, true friend. He didn’t feel like he did anything to deserve her. All he did was live next door.

CHAPTER 3

Kindergarten flew by and it was now summer of 1973. Charlie loved school, and it seemed like Lisa did, too, but both of them were bigger fans of playing together. They now had a whole summer together again, just like the good old days. They each had their sixth birthday in May. On Charlie’s birthday, Lisa gave him a watch.

Now, you’ll always know what time it is—especially when it’s time to play, she reasoned.

This was his first watch, and made him feel really grown up, even if it was child size and not as fancy as his dad’s. He couldn’t wait to learn how to tell time with it, so his mom taught him that very night.

On Lisa’s birthday, Charlie gave her a friendship bracelet that his mom helped him make. It was blue and purple, her favorite colors. He made sure that it was adjustable, so it would always be the right size.

He told her, There’s a tradition. If you always keep it on, then we’ll always be friends. If you make a wish, when the bracelet wears out and falls off someday, then your wish will come true. You already made a birthday wish, and now you’ll have one that you can save for later, too.

Lisa’s eyes lit up with wonder as she smiled somewhat mischievously. One could almost see the light bulb above her head.

Charlie asked, What did you wish?

If I tell you that, then it won’t come true.

He knew that it must be a doozy, so he didn’t ask any further. Whatever her wishes were, he wanted to make sure that they came true.

All summer long, they played their little hearts out. She always had her bracelet on, and he always had his watch. He always thought that time flew by when they were together and dragged on slowly when they weren’t. It was around this time that he first heard the phrase time flies when you’re having fun. He thought that whoever it was that came up with that must have had a Lisa in their lives as well. With his watch, however, he discovered that the time always ticked by at the same pace, no matter what. It only seemed like it was slower or faster than it really was. This is when Charlie started to first learn the concept of perception. Just like the hot weather, the temperature stayed the same, but he didn’t think as much about his discomfort with Lisa around. He perceived it as less than it really was. He started noticing this in all sorts of things. Some people love one thing, and another hates it. Some are afraid of certain things, and others are not. Yes, everyone perceives things differently from others. He saw Lisa as the best person in the world. Someone else might not see it that way, but those people may not be as smart as Charlie. Along with age comes learning and experiencing new things. For Charlie, that was an everyday event. Even when he wasn’t in school, he was learning. That summer, as his friendship with Lisa grew, he learned more and more about what love really was. If he knew anything at all, it was that he really did love her and that she was the girl for him. But he still wasn’t ready to tell her. Maybe she wasn’t ready to know. They were still young and having fun. All in due time. And time was flying mighty fast.

It was time for school again, and the excitement was palpable. Charlie and Lisa were starting the first grade and feeling very grown up indeed. They had new clothes for their new adventure, along with brand new lunch boxes. Kindergarten only lasted until noon and now their school day would last until three o’clock. Lisa asked Charlie why they called it the first grade even though this was their second year. He told her that it was because kindergarten was only a warm-up, and now they were big kids. This is when their school days really started to count. Any time she had a question, he always came up with a good answer. Charlie’s mom would now be their teacher, and they really liked the fact that they would get to see her more. She turned out to be very good at it, and all the kids liked her. Most of the kids from kindergarten were there, with a few new faces. Lisa was just as friendly as ever, and was quite popular. Charlie, for some reason, was still pretty shy. It helped a lot that Lisa and his mom were there, but some kids acted kind of strange about him being the teacher’s son. They liked his mom, but they weren’t so sure about him. He always got good grades, but that was because he was very smart, not because of any special favors. He would talk to other kids sometimes, but there still wasn’t that same connection that he had with Lisa. Making friends just wasn’t as easy for Charlie as it was for others. He still enjoyed school for the most part, not just for Lisa and his mom, but because he liked learning. The kids were being taught more complicated things than they had learned in their previous warm-up, including a new subject of science. Some of the kids struggled, but Charlie excelled. As much as he liked it, he still kept an eye on his watch for three.

Reviews for The Longest Time

[rebecca neely · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Just finished this book and loved it! It's written in 3rd person POV but don't let that turn you off from taking a chance on this book. It is highly immersive and will tug at your heartstrings- like it did mine. The strength of this book lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions from its readers. The narrative is filled with exciting twists and surprises that keep the audience engaged, making it a compelling read. The themes of hope and resilience are woven into the fabric of the story, THE ENDING WILL MAKE YOU CRY BUT A GOOD CRY I PROMISE.