Kiss Me Goodbye

By Serena Crosland

At nineteen-years-old Lylah wasnt thinking about much more in life than friends and school until an asteroid was discovered that would collide with earth and end it all. It seemed that luck was on her side when she met a perfect stranger that would save her life from the end of the entire human race. Adam and his family had prepared they whole lives for just such an occasion, and despite the fact that he chose to save Lylahs the love of his life, he couldnt have predicted the effect that decision would have on his family. Love has been said to withstand the worst of times but can it survive the wrath of a woman scorned?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Nov 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466967434

Serena Crosland

Serena Crosland is a mother of three. She was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona and works hard as a nurse in the Phoenix area. She enjoys a good book and hopes to continue to contribute to the world of literature. Kiss Me Goodbye is her first novel and hopes to not be the last. She has dedicated this book to her family and give special thanks to her sister, Sandy.

Book preview

Contents

Chapter 1:   Moana (Ocean)

Chapter 2:   Nani (Beautiful)

Chapter 3:   Hola (Hour)

Chapter 4:   Ola (Life)

Chapter 5:   ‘Lole (Rat)

Chapter 6:   Makemake (Desire)

Chapter 7:   Pua (Flower)

Chapter 8:   Hana (Work)

Chapter 9:   Kumu (Teacher)

Chapter 10:  Lani (Heaven)

Chapter 11:  Ua (Rain)

Chapter 12:  Mau loa (Forever)

Chapter 13:  Pilikia (Trouble)

Chapter 14:  Ipo (Lover)

Chapter 15:  Ku’uipo (Sweet Heart)

Chapter 16:  Kona (South)

Chapter 17:  Lu hanau (Birthday)

Chapter 18:  Ho’olohe (Listen)

Chapter 19:  Ki’i (Picture)

Chapter 20:  Mano Kane (Shark Boy)

Chapter 21:  ‘Ohana (Family)

Chapter 22:  Puuwai (Heart)

Chapter 23:  Pa (Begin)

Chapter 24:  Pilikua (Husband)

Chapter 25:  Kahakai (Beach)

Chapter 26:  Makuakane (Father)

Chapter 27:  Makuahine (Mother)

Chapter 28:  Moku (Island)

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Moana

 (Ocean)

I remember exactly where I was the day the news, made an emergency announcement, that an astrologer by the name of John Black had discovered a gargantuan sized asteroid. He approximated that (or He believed) the asteroid would hit the Earth in five days and there would be no survival rate.

I was sitting on my couch still damp from the shower I had just taken, relaxing from a hard day of classes, and not looking forward to the studying that I knew I should be getting to. I was texting Craig, my totally dreamy boyfriend—a poster boy for the stereotypical hottie Hawaiian guy (you know the type, tall; very dark; very tan and very handsome), about an upcoming party that was being hosted by a girl that I have not seen since the sixth grade.

While texting, and silently hoping I had enough time to get a pedicure before the party. I mean some feet just don’t belong in sandals and even the thought of looking at mine makes me want to put on some socks. I was not really paying attention to the TV droning on in the background. In fact, it took me a long moment to convince myself that I was not just hearing things or that I was watching one of those stupid twilight shows. I grabbed the remote and pushed the guide button, which confirmed I was watching a rerun of Heroes, holding my breath I flipped through the channels to see the newsreel was looping on the local channels and the dish channels too, (you always know when it is super serious when those channels get involved).

That’s when the reality sank in, I felt numb, watching the news feed with the sound up frozen in place not being able to wrap my head around this supposed upcoming event. I hoped this was going to turn out to be some kind of hoax but the sinking feeling in my gut told me that it wasn’t.

Millions of thoughts flooded my mind as I started to assess my chances. First off, I knew that living on Kauai one of the Hawaiian Islands, which also happened to be one of the smallest islands in the world, definitely didn’t give me the best of chances; even if this meteor didn’t completely decimate the planet, it seemed fairly logical that my beloved little island would soon be a goner. I mean it’s not exactly something you want to hear when you’re finishing your second year of college (regardless that it was just a community one) and especially when you were really looking forward to turning twenty.

One of the thoughts I couldn’t get out of my head was that my mother just might have wished the meteor into existence. I had lost both of my parents three years ago in a car accident (well, my father was the one that actually died along with my mother’s heart. She has not been the same person since). She still goes through the motions of getting up and going to work, which keeps us in our house and me in school but nothing else.

For so long she has seemed indifferent, emotionless, and without that spark of spirit. Her reaction to the news broadcast (after I finally woke her from her nightly stupor of trying to kill her pain with her personal medicine, alcohol) was as if they had just announced that it was going to be sunny after a long period of rain. She smiled so slightly, a tranquil smile that reached her eyes but was gone just as fast as it flickered into life. She felt, with worn fingertips the corners of her mouth as if she was surprised that her face remembered how to use those muscles. Without further pause, she headed straight for the cabinet in a hurry to put herself back in the same state that I had so rudely interrupted.

I checked every channel again and all of them had the same government experts, psychologists, and NASA representatives all confirming again in great detail, the expected outcome of the forthcoming world disaster. I watched the computer-animated earth being imploded by a giant asteroid and then completely being encompassed in water again and again, I watched a drowning world.

I tried calling my best friend, but my cell phone kept saying that all signals were busy and I think everyone else had the same idea I did. It seems that everyone understood that we had no control over anything that was going to happen except for the emotions about it, so I jumped in my car and raced to her house.

No one answered the door for such a long time that I thought that no one was home at first. When her sister finally opened the door, I almost pushed her down trying to get past her to the only one person that I could turn to for answer to all of the questions that kept buzzing around my head like wasp, whose stings kept bring tears to my eyes. When I reached her, Sacie was just sitting in front of her TV with her mouth open and her dark eyes blurred with tears. I stared at her taking in every moment knowing it was one of my last.

She had her long dark hair in a messy bun that looked like she planned every strand and that would take me hours to try and duplicate. She always has an effortless beauty about her. Her skin was darker than mine was and because the girl surfed almost every day, her body was in top form. She had told me that she was not going to college right away because she needed time to relax and I understood that as surfing all day. Thinking about it now I kind of wish I would have taken off sometime to live a little like her.

She wiped her red nose with a tissue and turned to me.

Did you hear what they are telling us? she continued to cry and all of the sudden I was speechless for what seemed like forever.

Where would I start? How could I put my emotions into words? When my words finally found a way out, I said the stupidest thing. Duh, that’s why I am here.

I’m such a mood killer. It’s how I handle stress sometimes, with rudeness and smart-ass comments. I can’t help it and she should know me by now that I didn’t mean it.

Needless to say, I made her mad and her response came out in short sharp punches that hit me like a ton of bricks.

Well, if you are going to be rude about it… . you can just leave… this is not something to joke about… We are going to die.

We just stared at each other for the longest time.

Sorry I said so low I didn’t even know she heard me, but then she just ran into my arms and started crying again.

We spent the entire night remembering the past and trying to figure out what we were going to do with our future. Well, all five days of it anyways. We fell asleep a little after two in the morning when we just could not bear watching any more experts explain our impending doom.

The world started counting down, as this became the most important thing. Therefore, days were now counted backwards. So on day four, according to the big clock that was displayed on at least three channels on TV at all times, money no longer meant anything and surprisingly people were being nicer then normal. A bunch of my friends and I took a trip to the big island to go shopping. Come to find out, no one cared about what we took, which was cool for stuff we really wanted. It ended up not being as much fun as we hoped.

Since no one wanted to work, it took up almost four hours to find a way back to our island. I think everyone finally started to realize the most important things in life were not material and being with our families and each other in the end was all it was really about.

I was surprised and very happy when my mother started to open up to me for that first time since my father had passed. When I woke up on day three she had breakfast made and was actually sober. I stared at her while I ate trying to figure out what exactly to say when she sat down in the chair across from me and smiled. It was still sad but this was the best attempt I have seen in three years. She picked up her coffee cup and took a sip then spoke so softly I had to lean in to hear her.

I wanted to talk to you today if that is alright? I know you might have a lot of plans but I think this is important.

Sure… I mean I don’t have plans right now. What do you want to talk about?

My head was swimming with questions. All I wanted to do is scream at her, great now you want to make amends, and what get the mother of the year award for being so supportive in these times of need all because you’re happy about finally getting your wish to die? Wow, I didn’t think I was that angry with her.

I guess it showed because she quickly looked away and mouthed the word Sorry. Then she cleared her throat as she turned back to me.

I need to talk to you about your father.

She must have been able to read the questionable look on my face because she continued on.

I want you to know how we met and who he really was.

I already know who he was… it was only three years ago. I haven’t forgotten about him.

She shook her head and sighed at my response. I know you remember him. I just wanted you to know how I remember him.

I just sat there no longer interested in my food and not really understanding what she meant. She took another sip from her coffee and then got up and walked into the living room. I followed her and took a seat beside her on the couch.

She turned to face me but looked past me. It was love at first sight.

Then she paused and started brushing her fingers through my hair like I was her little girl again. She continued to look past me as if she could see the past just over my shoulder. She began to smile as a small tear rolled down her cheek.

I love the way my mother looked so much like me but yet not at all. I took most of my features from her but my hair and skin tone was all from my father. She looked more like a blond American beauty queen then a typical mom. Her eyes were a mossy green that made me feel warm and safe, because they were also my eyes. They were also one of the things, besides my slightly lighter skin color, that set me apart from looking like a person of true Hawaiian descent like my father. Since my hair was dark brown compared to her blond and my skin was at least seven shades darker then hers we made an odd pair.

Sitting there with her made me think of some of the last real moments I had with her just before his death. She had once told me, in a drunken stupor, that she wished she had just kept him home that day. He was already running late to work and it was all her fault. For about a week, after his death, she played the ‘what if’ game. Mumbling things like ‘What if I had not stayed up so late the night before? I probably wouldn’t of hit the snooze alarm that made him run late’ and ‘What if I had checked the tires on the car sooner, knowing that the rainy season was coming’? It had a tendency to rain hard here and sometimes it would come down in blinding sheets. The police informed us that he must have lost control due to the rain and slid off the Wallua River Deta Bridge just miles from his work. The truth is no one really knows what happened, just that his body was found in our car at the bottom of the river.

She stopped talking about it when I think she realized that it didn’t matter how many things she tried to change. She could not change the outcome of that tragic day. That was not all she stopped talking about because well, she stopped talking period. She brought me out of my sad memories with a loud sigh.

He worked for the same resort he did when he passed. It happened to be the resort my family had chosen to take our summer vacation at. He was so dreamy with his dark Hawaiian features against his very white clean-cut uniform. My father walked up to him to check us in and I could not take my eyes off of him. I remember his first words. ‘Aloha, my name is Kapono. Welcome to the Kauai Hilton and Resorts. Can I help you?’ I didn’t realize I wasn’t breathing until my father asked me to help my mother with the bags.

She sighed so deep then and turned to me with the most beautiful smile that it made me want to cry. Then she looked away still engulfed in memories.

I didn’t think he even noticed me at first, but then he started showing up around the pool and constantly asking my parents if they needed anything; well, mainly my mother and me because my father golfed almost the entire time we were there.

She rolled her eyes then laughed like I had missed the joke.

It seemed like he was just trying to find ways to be near me. Then one night I decided to walk down to the beach, right behind the resort. I had gotten half way there when he walked up beside me and said, ‘You will not like that beach. It’s too crowded. If you want, I can show you were the locals hang out? It’s much nicer and private there’. So I agreed to go with him. I tried to act casual as if every word he spoke didn’t change me completely, but it was hard. Everything about him made me love him.

How did you know that you loved him? You didn’t even really know him.

I was shocked that that actually happens in real life. I mean it’s all TV myth and since I didn’t have a good experience with love, it made me doubt that it could be true.

Yes, we both felt that way. I found out he loved me just as much as I loved him and only within days of meeting. Believe me my parents were just as puzzled as you are. Especially when we told them we were getting married just months after meeting.

But you didn’t live here. You just said you were on vacation. Did you stay?

No, my family and I went back to New York. I kept in touch by writing and phone calls. We just could not live any longer apart and marriage seemed to be the only thing that would cure that.

I didn’t know she was staring at me until I realized that I was just sitting there with my mouth wide open, trying to understand why I never knew this. It seemed like she was waiting for me to respond, so I just started blurting all the questions that were flooding my thoughts.

How old were you and why have I never heard this story?

I was getting kind of mad. Why had my parents kept this a secret from me? She just laughed like I was still missing the joke.

I was eighteen just about to be nineteen and you have heard this story before. Well, we may have left out the details about the length of time we actually knew each other before we got married.

So how long did you know each other?

I sat up straight and completely turned to see her response but she just pulled me back down and hugged me.

Including the time at the resort? Me and your father knew each other a little under four months before we ran away to get married.

Were they crazy? I mean I thought my parents were smart people but this sounds like the stupidest thing I have ever heard.

You just packed up and left? Weren’t you scared you were making a mistake? What if it didn’t last? I mean, come on what did grandpa do?

Ok, I do know how this story ends. I know my mother did and still loves him with every cell in her body. Because when he died she died, but still that was just nuts.

Well, I was scared but every time I started to doubt myself, your father would just have to look at me or talk to me and I knew that no matter what, we could make it through anything together. And yes, your grandfather almost killed us, but in time he grew to love Kapono because he loved me. So, it did work out in the… .

She just paused and her face turned sad. Then she looked at me with a weak smiled as she finished, in the end.

All of this confused me and I started to wonder why she was suddenly sober and telling me all of this. I loved my father and knowing how they met didn’t change how I felt about my parents. So the questions just kept spilling out.

What changed?

When she looked at me with a puzzled face I restated my question.

What made you stop being so sad?

She frowned and looked away as she said, I’m just so sorry for not being there for you when you probably needed me the most. I just couldn’t get past the feeling that I was never going to see your father again. And now that I know I will… Well, now I’m just sorry that you have to have your life cut so short before you got the chance to find true love. I want you to go out and have fun in the last days we have left. Go and do whatever makes you the happiest.

When she looked at me again I could see tears still in her eyes, making the green look iridescent and my stomach twisted into knots.

What are you going to do mom?

She laughed and wiped her tears away. Then she turned to me and sighed.

What everyone is going to do Lylah. I am going to die.

Chapter 2

Nani

 (Beautiful)

Hey, are you ok? Sacie said leaning so close to me that it made me lean back.

Did you hear anything I just said? I swear if you’re wigging out on me like those stupid psychologists keep saying could happen the closer it gets to impact, I am going to kill you. I mean this is our last chance to party and drink. So don’t even say you’ve changed your mind about the plans we have made. You promised.

I guess I didn’t realize I had zoned out. I mean the last five days had passed in a blur and now we only had hours before the asteroid hits. I guess I just couldn’t stop thinking about my mom.

I’m not wigging out so stop being so paranoid. I rolled my eyes at her hoping that would convince her, but I began to think that I really might be freaking.

I started looking around at the entire crowd of people and couldn’t stop thinking I would never see them again. Ok, stop freaking out just relax and enjoy this amazing party.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly while I took in my surroundings. It really was beautiful. I don’t think I had ever seen the outdoor patio of the Hilton look so amazing. Tables with white linens were set up poolside and lit with thousands of candles and flowers that made the water glow with unbelievable colors. I sometimes forget how lucky I am to live in paradise. I noticed they had pulled the couches outside that were once in the lobby and surprisingly they didn’t look out of place. The only thing that didn’t seem appropriate was a long table next to the bar. It was covered in a million of different colored pills, ready to be ingested by partygoers that wanted to sleep though the horror of this evening’s biggest party crasher.

I had promised to go with Sacie and comply with this plan, but standing there knowing the clock was still ticking made me wish there was another way out.

Ouch! I squeaked when she elbowed me in the side and then she narrowed her eyes in disgust.

I mean it. You need to snap out of it because you are being a real big party pooper. Have you even noticed how cool the sky looks? Look there goes another one.

I looked up following her point to see a shooting star that was much larger and a lot closer then I had ever seen. She was right the sky was stunning. There were streaks of red, purple, and a mixture of colors I had no name for, painted across the black night. It was like nothing I could have imagined, so beautiful and so scary all at the same time. I wished I had a blank canvas and more time to capture it.

Then she spun me around so fast I almost fell to the ground. She put both of her hands on my shoulders and looked me in the eyes.

Now you know that a lot of guys are here just to hook up with whoever they can convince to go back to their room. So, I need to know right now if you are planning to do it.

I must of looked confused because she rolled her eyes and let go of me just to say the word IT again while making air quotes.

Did she mean lose my virginity on the last day of my life? Ok, I know that I’m probably the oldest virgin alive and I’m sure all my friends wished that I would just do it already, but just thinking about it made me scared.

I sighed and shrugged my shoulders looking away from her and thinking about the only one person I might of felt comfortable enough to go all the way with and why he was not here.

I had known my boyfriend my whole life. He was one of my best friends and even though we had only been officially dating for six months, I trusted him. He was just being so stupid. He had planned to hike to the highest peak of the island in hopes to out run the water. He wasted a whole day trying to convince me to go. It wasn’t like I was telling him I didn’t want to spend my last days with him; I just didn’t want to run. Now he is out there somewhere and I hoped I made the right decision not to be with him.

Wow, Lylah. I’d hate to ditch you, but gosh girl if you don’t start having fun I’m out of here. What’s up with you anyways?

She walked off and plopped down on one of the plush couches. I followed and started feeling bad. I didn’t think I was that freaked, but I seemed to be having a hard time keeping my mind in the present. I just kept drifting away. Maybe I was having a breakdown and she should just ditch me. I plopped down beside her and grabbed her hand.

Sorry. I guess I am freaking a little. But I’m over it now.

I put on the best smile I could manage and told myself that what was done is done. I can’t waste my time worrying about it now. So, I pushed all the thoughts of my mother, my boyfriend, and the possible decision of losing my virginity (Oh and the huge asteroid that was about to end my life) out of my head.

I turned to her, Are you really seriously thinking about hooking up with someone?

She lit up with a childlike grin while nodding her head like a bobble head toy. I rolled my eyes and laughed. She jumped up from the couch still holding my hand, which uprooted me up from my seat, and proceeded to tug me to the bar.

She ordered two Coronas, without even asking me if that is what I wanted, and shoved it in my hand when the bartender gave it to her. Then she grabbed her beer and my hand at the same time and jerked me to the table closest to the dance floor. When we sat down, her grin got bigger.

She leaned towards me and said, I saw this incredible good looking guy when we first got here and I think he was looking at me too. I need you to help me find him again.

She popped her head up high and started looking around the party. I couldn’t stop thinking how ridiculous this was. I mean, first there are probably a hundred plus people here and second when did coming to this party involve getting hooked up with someone. I grabbed her hand and pulled her back down in her seat.

I don’t even know what he looks like and why are you so eager to get rid of me?

Lylah, you are being so paranoid. I’m not trying to leave you. I just really want to see this guy again. You can’t miss him because he is not a local. She made a gesture in the air to blow me off and started looking again.

What do you mean he’s not a local?

It was not unusual to see tourist here, but ever since the announcement of the asteroid no one could travel. All the airlines had to shut down because their employee’s stop showing up. In fact, I hadn’t seen a tourist in over four days. I could only imagine that a very lonely person with no family or friends would want to stay here and die alone. So, I started to look around too. I really wanted to know what that kind of person would look like. It’s not that I wanted to help my friend get lucky. She did say that he was good looking right?

I noticed that people were looking up at the sky again, so I followed their gaze just in time to see another amazing meteor shower. It reminded me of the Fourth of July fireworks big finale. I looked down at Sacie to see if she was watching and she was staring across the pool at something with a moronic smile. I tried to see what it was she was looking at, but all I could see were dark skinned Hawaiian’s eating, drinking, laughing, and talking.

So by the foolish look on your face, I’m assuming you found your prince charming. She turned to me all bobble head acting.

You have to come with me to meet him.

Oh no, I don’t. I’m just fine right here. You go say hi and if you don’t come back, I’ll know what you are doing. I’m not going to be the odd man out while you try to score.

Whatever, I’m not going by myself so get over it. Hurry lets go before I lose him again.

And with that, she jumped up and began to walk away. She turned back to me, Please, don’t make me lose him again. We have to hurry.

I hated being friends with someone that has known me so long that she could talk me into almost anything. I put down the beer, that I hadn’t even got to enjoy and followed her across what seemed like an endless crowd of partygoers to the other side of the pool. She walked right up behind him and then just stood there for what seemed like an eternity. When I decided to grab her hand to pull her back to find out what was wrong, she reached out and tapped him on the shoulder.

He seemed to be deep in thought because it made him jump. He slowly turned around and smiled as he acknowledged her. But his smile just seemed polite and not in any way interested. I think she took it that way too, because she cleared her throat and acted nonchalant.

Aloha, I’m sorry to bother you. I was just wondering if you knew what time it was?

I can’t believe that was what she came up with to say. I mean, it’s not like there’s a giant scoreboard looking clock that was counting down the time like New Years standing just a couple of feet away.

I think he found it just as pathetic as I did, but he didn’t seem to mind. He just looked at the huge clock and laughed a little as he proceeded to check his own watch. He looked up, but this time directly at me.

It’s a quarter after six. The last word was drawn out in a long sound as his smile faded and then quickly returned, this time it lit up his eyes.

Eyes that were the shade of the clearest perfect ocean water just after it rains. They seemed to see me and touch me at the same time. All I could do was just stand there with my mouth open and stare. He moved his drink from one hand to the other and wiped his hand down his pants before holding it out.

Aloha, I’m Adam and you are?

Oh crap, who am I? I don’t remember my name. Say something you stupid, don’t just keep standing here staring at him like a moron. I looked down at his hand hoping that it would help bring the words back since looking into those eyes just made everything fade away. But it didn’t help because when I looked him over it was hard not to gawk.

He looked like a modern Roman god. His blond hair and athletic build made him absolutely flawless. His white t-shirt and jeans made him look as if he were modeling them in a commercial and believe me; I would have definitely bought them.

Sacie leaned towards me and whispered; Now who looks like a moron, stop drooling.

She elbowed me as she returned his greeting. Aloha, I’m Sacie and this is my friend Lylah.

Ok snap out of it already and say something. What is wrong with me? He is just a guy and I have a boyfriend. Well, I did break it off with him and I’m not going to ever see him again but still I just need to breathe and say something, anything.

Aloha

That’s it? That’s all I could come up with was hi? I’m so so stupid. Why was I having so much trouble talking and thinking all of a sudden? Man, he is so hot. Stop it; I am not get hooking up with anyone at a time like this.

Well, I forgot my drink at the table. I will be right back.

Sacie cleared her throat again and started to walk away. I automatically started to follow her but she turned around and stopped me.

You have to talk to him. I think he really likes you, she whispered and my eyes went wide as I begged her not to leave me alone with him.

What are you doing? You are not leaving me here alone. My eyes darted back to him and he smiled a breath taking perfect grin.

Yes, I am. I will be right back. Just be yourself and stop staring at him like he’s a movie star. With that, she walked away.

I stood there for a moment watching her walk away and I really hoped he didn’t freak and run away, so I bit my lip and turned to face him. He was just standing there holding his drink and looking gorgeous. Ok Lylah, you can do this. He probably doesn’t even like you. Just make some small talk and then excuse yourself to the restroom if he doesn’t respond.

I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before. Is this your first time on the Island? Well, that wasn’t too hard. Now just stop fidgeting and act cool.

He put his drink down on the table closest to him and walked closer to me. Within seconds, he was just inches away from me. His amazing smell surrounded me.

Do you want to go for a walk? The beach looks so nice at sunset.

His words took me aback. He was asking me to take a walk on a very private beach alone. We would be alone, alone.

Ok what else was I suppose to say, no?

He turned and started walking through the crowd towards the beach. I looked back to see if I could see Sacie. I didn’t think she would like it if I just took off without letting her know. But when I saw her, she was giggling and flirting with a boy I heard she kind of liked. Surely, that gives me the right to go for a walk.

I turned to see if he had left me and noticed that he stopped just at the top of the stairs that led to the surf, waiting for me. I started walking towards him and all the sudden I started to get nervous. He smiled his amazing heart-stopping smile then proceeded down the stairs. I followed keeping space between us so he reached the sand before I did. I stopped just a couple a steps from the bottom and watched him pull his hand through his hair then put them in his pockets. He looked up at me and seeing my hesitation, he walked back.

We can go back to the party if you would be more comfortable?

He looked so concerned and absolutely perfect. What am I doing? You have this amazing guy wanting to be alone with you and you’re blowing it. It’s not like he could really like you anyways. You’re just so plain and he’s perfect. Ok, just relax and go with the flow it’s not like I’m ever going to see him again. I might as well have fun while it last.

No, I want to go for a walk.

I don’t think that convinced him, because he still looked worried.

I just… well, I think I should have told my friend.

I bit my lip hoping that worked and it seemed to because he relaxed his shoulders and smiled. He reached out his hand for me to take.

I think she will understand. Anyway, I won’t keep you too long to myself.

I took his hand, which I noticed was both strong and soft at the same time and finished walking down the stairs. He let my hand go when I reached the sand and realized that his touch had left my skin tingling. I folded my arms across my chest as we started walking down the beach. The sun was setting and I knew it would be the last time I would get to see it.

It’s truly amazing isn’t it? He said and I smiled staring out at the ocean thinking that the waters looked more dangerous then it ever had.

Yeah, I’m really going to miss it, I sighed thinking how unfair it was that I was going to have to say goodbye to my life way too soon.

I bet it is great living here.

I looked at him to see that he was serious and laughed at his small talk.

They don’t call it paradise for nothing, I jokingly replied.

He laughed, Yeah, I guess not.

I looked straight ahead as we continued to walk for a moment in silence. I could feel his eyes on me and it made me nervous so I continued the small talk.

So, where are you from?

He looked away from me when he answered, I’m from a lot of places. My family travels a lot but I was born in New Jersey. This is one of my favorite places to visit so I wanted to see it one last time.

He smiled and looked back at me but his eyes looked sad. I understood that look all too well because it was on everyone’s faces. It was a look of sad goodbyes trying to be brave.

This really sucks. Doesn’t it?

He nodded his head in agreement, You can say that again.

We both sighed and walked up to a large piece of driftwood. It looked nice so I stopped.

Do you want to sit?

Sure.

When we sat down our shoulders brushed and the closeness felt safe and inviting. I looked down at my feet because I could feel my face get hotter and didn’t want him to see me blush. I took off one of my sandals and started tracing my foot in the wet sand as the tide came up to wash my markings away. He just sat there watching me. The silence made me nervous and very aware of his unbelievable presence.

Say something; it’s starting to feel awkward. Where is your family?

I blurted out and then regretted saying it as soon as the words were out. I mean, it’s not my business and I don’t think I would like someone asking me that question. He just looked away so I shook my head.

I’m sorry. I understand if it’s something you don’t want to talk about.

He looked down at the ground. No, it’s not like that. I just wanted to say goodbye to all of this on my own.

Yeah, me too was all I could say because it was true. I was saying goodbye on my own.

He looked up at me as if he wanted to tell me something but then seemed to change his mind but said, Have you always lived here?

It sounded like he was just changing the subject.

Yeah, my whole life. I’ve always wanted to travel and see the world but I never got the chance. I have only been to New York where my grandparents live and to California on a senior class trip, but that was almost two years ago. I guess it is too late to see Europe now. I pushed my toes hard into the sand and he watched me.

Europe’s nice, but this island is breathtaking.

Wow, you have been to Europe? I bet it was so fun.

He shrugged, I went more for educational reasons. Not really for fun. You see my father is very big on personal experiences when it comes to my education.

So, have you seen Paris?

Yes, we lived there for awhile.

You lived there? Oh my gosh that must’ve been so amazing.

I guess you could say that the history and sights were pretty nice.

Yeah, Paris right? How bad could that be? I’m not sure about the history part though.

He laughed at that and looked up at me. So, do you and your friends come to many of these parties?

Do you mean parties that are counting down the end of the world? Because no, this is my first.

He laughed and this time it was sincere. No, what I meant to say is, do you the locals have many parties that you attend?

I shrugged, Yeah, I guess we do. I don’t know. We are always looking for reasons to be outside when it is not raining. Throwing a party seems to do the trick. So, I guess you can say we party often.

Wow that must’ve been real great.

I’ve never really thought about it, but yeah, it was nice to just hang out with friends.

He looked sad, I wish I would have had more chances to hang out with friends.

I put my hand on top of his, I think we all wish we had more time.

We sat in silence for a while watching the tide roll in and out. He leaned closer to me and bumped my shoulder with his.

I wish I could have met you sooner.

I looked at him and smiled. Really? Me too.

He smiled big enough that I could see his perfect teeth. He got up and grabbed my hand.

Come on. I want to get away from the water.

I was surprised he didn’t want to sit there with me anymore. I didn’t want it to end Where are we going?

He looked around. I don’t know. I just want to keep my feet on solid ground for as long as I can.

I started to look around too. Where would be a spot we could continue to be alone but away from the ocean? I knew just the place.

I know where we can go.

He looked at me and squeezed my hand. What did you have in mind?

I looked at the beautiful hotel. My father used to work here so I know the grounds pretty well. There is a little walk way that is not used much at night over there. I pointed to the south side that was not so brightly lit.

He started walking in the direction I pointed at and didn’t let go of my hand. I picked up my pace with a little hop to walk beside him and strangely, this felt so right and safe. I couldn’t place why I felt like this. My nerves were calming down and now all I wanted was to be closer to him, to touch him. I was having a hard time fighting the urge to reach out and touch his face or body, so I brushed my free hand down his arm that held my hand. He squeezed my hand and smiled.

I started to feel a little dizzy as my heart began to race and my body began to tingle. What was I doing? I’d never felt this way before and what great timing this was. I found a person I could see myself falling in love with and the clock was ticking faster to end it all. I needed more time. It just wasn’t fair.

By the time we reached the walkway that was lined in trees, my head was spinning in anticipation that maybe I would get the chance to touch him more. I could only hope that he felt the same way. We walked up to a bench and I started to sit when he stopped me.

Do you mind if we sit on the grass? I just can’t seem to get enough of the dry ground right now.

I shrugged my shoulders; Sure, I understand. There is a nice tree over there. Is that ok?

He looked at the tree and smiled. Yes, it’s perfect.

So we walked up to the tree and he stopped to turn towards me.

I’m sorry I don’t have anything for you to sit on.

I laughed. Did he seriously think that I was too good to set on the ground?

I’m fine. I would rather sit on the grass anyways.

He squeezed my hand and helped me sit down. I noticed that it was getting darker and that the only light that lit up this space was from the party, which was far enough away we could just barely hear the music.

Its light casted a soft glow, like a candle. It couldn’t have been any more perfect then he was. I sighed with that thought and he turned to look at me.

What are you thinking about?

I smiled and bit my lip at the same time. What was I going to say? ‘I’m thinking I would really like to kiss you right now.’ No, that would be over reaching. I didn’t even know how he felt about me. So, instead I said, I was thinking I wished we had more time to get to know each other.

He didn’t say anything back. He just looked down and it seemed like he was thinking hard about something confusing. Wow, had I totally misread the signs he was giving me. Panicking, I hurried up and back tracked hoping I didn’t just scare him off.

Sorry, maybe that didn’t come out right. That probably sounded stupid and cheesy. I guess… was all I got to say before he stopped me from explaining more.

You didn’t sound stupid or cheesy. It’s the truth and I want that too.

He smiled and squeezed my hand. It made my mind crazy with questions. What was he saying? That he wanted to be with me as much as I wanted to be with him but was that even possible.

He interrupted my mind chatter, So, Lylah. That is an unusual name. Is there a story behind it?

My mind completely stopped as I could see both my parents sitting on the couch and laughing as they told this story. I didn’t want to think about them right now and I know he didn’t mean to hurt me by asking a harmless question like that. So I swallowed hard to get pass the lump in my throat and answered the question, giving him the short version of theirs.

My mother is from Rochester, New York. She grew up going to the festivals there. Her favorite one was the Lilac festival. When she came here to marry my father, she found out that lilacs don’t grow on the islands. It has something to do with the weather not getting cold enough for the lilac to hibernate. Without this hibernation time the flower gets tired of blooming and dies. When I was born, she said that I reminded her of this delicate flower and so they named me Lylah. Lilac is also one of my favorite colors.

Wow, that is a cool story and now that you mention it you do look like a delicate flower. The name fits you well.

Feeling shy and amazed by the complement he just gave me, I thought it best to turn the tables back on him.

So, Adam. As in the first man on earth Adam or is there a different story.

His face got instantly sad and serious as he looked away. No, that’s it.

I am so stupid. Why do I keep putting my foot in my mouth? Just because I am nervous doesn’t mean I have to act like a moron.

Back tracking again, I’m sorry. I have a bad habit of saying the wrong things when I am nervous.

He moved and I thought he was getting up to leave but before I could protest, he just scooted closer to me and put his arm around me.

You didn’t say anything wrong and why are you nervous?

I closed my eyes and bit my lip because he smelled so intoxicating and felt so warm against my side. I opened my eyes to see him watching me with those amazing blue eyes that I could see myself getting lost in.

I just don’t want to ruin this because I’ve never felt this strongly about any one before. I blurted out then I quickly put my hand over my mouth.

Oh great, now you’ve done it. I don’t know why I felt like I could tell him how I was actually feeling, but I may have pushed it by saying that. He moved again, and this time I did protest.

I’m sorry again, I don’t know what is wrong with me I just keep… was all I got to say before he leaned in and kissed me.

It was soft like he was being cautious, but so unbelievable that it took my breath away and left me dizzy. He leaned back to look at me.

Lylah, stop apologizing. You have not once said anything that was not exactly what I was thinking.

You feel the same way? Now my head was really dizzy.

He leaned back towards me stopping just inches away. He was so close I could feel his breath on my face.

Yes, you’re so amazing. It’s like you’re a dream come true.

I smiled and put my hands on the back of his neck. He smiled back and kissed me again.

At first, it was as soft as the first but it began to build with intensity. I pushed my fingers in his hair and tightened my grip. He moaned and the kiss went hot with passion. I couldn’t fight the urge to touch him anymore, so my hands traced down his chest until I found a bottom on his shirt. I quickly put my hands underneath it to feel his skin. His muscles were so defined that I could feel them flex as he moved.

I reached his chest when he put his hand over mine and leaned away slightly, breaking the kiss. I could feel his heart beating wildly as we both stared at each other breathlessly.

He smiled, It’s yours if you want it.

Was he giving me his heart? Could he be that perfect? I smiled so big it felt cheesy, then it felt like I was having a hard time catching my breath so all I could do was nod. He smiled his unforgettable smile and kissed me again.

Then he leaned me back to lie on the ground. He began kissing me on my neck and it made me moan. He instantly rolled me onto his chest. I wanted to feel his hands on me and get even closer to him. So, I took his hand and put them under my shirt at my side. He began slowly caressing my skin softly. His touch was so amazing and so perfect. I stopped kissing him and took one of his hands from my side to put it over my heart. I let it sit there for a moment while I caught my breath.

And mine is yours as well, if you want it.

He pulled me closer and kept his hand there. Yes. I want nothing more than to love you.

He kissed me again and the softness that had been there before was now replaced with passion and love. Love? Did he just tell me that he loved me? Is it really possible to fall in love with someone you just met? I had thought that my mother was crazy to say so but now I’m starting to understand that it might be possible. Did I love him? My mind was swimming in questions but my heart was sure I did.

So great, I found the love of my life and time was still counting down to our goodbye. I had no time to waste; I had to get closer to him, to really feel him. The desire kept building until I couldn’t stand it any longer. I traced my hands down his chest until I got to the button of his pants. I unbuttoned it and started to unzip them when he quickly grabbed my hands and sat up pulling away from me. I bit my lip and tried hard to fight back the sting of rejection in my eyes and heart.

My voice came out in a whisper and tearful, What did I do? What’s wrong? I thought… I couldn’t finish since I instantly felt stupid.

He rushed back over to me and pulled me into his arms.

Oh Lylah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push you away. I just think we’re moving too fast.

Then he pulled me away to look at me. He wiped his thumb under my eye to catch a tear I didn’t realize was there.

Please… I’m sorry.

Adam, I don’t understand. I thought you said you wanted to be with me and we don’t have much time.

Lylah, what if there were no time restrictions? I think you would want what I want and that is to make sure everything is perfect before going to the next level.

Yes, I would but there are time restrictions and all I want is to be with you. It’s unfair, I know but…

It doesn’t have to be unfair, he said and then got very serious. What if I told you I could take away the time restriction? Would you still want to be with me? I mean as in the rest of your life.

I was confused about what he was saying. It reminded me of the fight I had recently had with my ex. What is wrong with all the men around here thinking they could escape the inevitable?

Adam, we can’t run away from this. It’s going to happen and we can’t stop it. My tone was on the border of anger but he remained confident.

I know I can’t stop it, but there is another way to survive it. You have to believe me.

Ok, this was really making me mad. I don’t want to hear this. I was just fine with dying like the rest and I didn’t need false hope that I knew would disappoint me.

Adam, stop it. There is no other way. I’m going back to the party to finding my friend so we can take our sleeping pills. You can join me if you want, but I can’t listen to this anymore.

I started to get up to leave but he grabbed my hand.

Lylah, wait please… don’t go. Just listen to me for just a minute.

I hesitated before sitting back down. I really didn’t want to hear anything he had to say about it but my heart was having a hard time leaving him, and I realized that I didn’t want to leave him at all. Not now, not ever. He took both of my hands and watched me carefully.

I know you think I’m crazy but you have to trust me. I would never hurt you. Do you trust me?

I looked down at our hands and it felt so right so safe. Then he brought them up to his chest and said, I have to know that you trust me before I tell you what I mean. Lylah, do you trust me?

As I looked into his eyes, I knew that he would never hurt me. He loves me, right?

I trust you, I replied but it came out in a whisper.

He moved in closer still keeping our hands on his chest.

No, Lylah you have to mean it and really know that I love you.

It was weird, but I did know it. Just looking into his eyes, I could see the truth about it.

I sat up straighter and said, Adam, I trust you with my whole heart. Then I smiled and continued, So, tell me how you are going to save us so we can live happily ever after.

I hoped that didn’t sound rude. I was getting nervous again and couldn’t help it. He didn’t seem to take it that way because he smiled.

Ok, but I can’t just tell you. I have to show you.

On that note, he got up and helped me to my feet. He let go of my hands to button up his pants. I started to feel embarrassed again thinking about how he reacted. He took my hand again and started walking back to the hotel. What, the hotel? Weren’t we running to the mountains or his spacecraft? I didn’t understand what answers could lay in the hotel.

So I asked, Where are we going? as I skipped up my steps to catch up and walk by his side.

My room, was all he said.

His room? What could he have in his room, maybe a time machine or a teleport? Then I started to think more about it, maybe there wasn’t anything there at all. Maybe he just changed his mind about being together. Maybe his way of saving us was for us to be together, in his own way.

We reached the lobby and I could see groups of people gathered together. Some were laughing, some were crying, and some were doing both. It was hard to watch all of these people be so vulnerable and sad. When we got to the elevators he turned around to face me. I stopped staring at the groups and looked at his concerned face.

Lylah, don’t think about them. It will only make it harder for you to say goodbye and let them go.

I didn’t understand what he meant by that but before I could ask, the elevator doors open and he quickly rushed me in. He pushed the button for the penthouse suites and then pushed the closed-door button two or three times.

Since my father used to work here, I had seen the suites once before and they were amazing. I started to wonder how he got one. I mean I know that money doesn’t mean anything anymore, but I’m sure a lot of people would have wanted to experience staying in one of them before they dyed.

I couldn’t help but ask The penthouse? and my eyebrows went up.

He laughed, Yes, I have had this suite for almost a month now.

For almost a month? That can’t be right, we only knew about the asteroid for days. Maybe it’s just a coincidence? Surely he didn’t know about what was coming when he booked this room. But wait, that means he must have paid for it. Wow, I bet that means he’s rich. Ok duh, of course he’s rich. Who could afford the penthouse suite at the Hilton for a month? He did say he had traveled the world, even living in Paris. That means a lot of money. Great he is not only perfect but also loaded.

The elevator doors opened and he walked to the suite on our right. He took out the keycard from his back pocket and swiped it on the automatic lock. The light turned from red to green and he opened up the door. He didn’t walk inside but turned to me and gestured for me to go in.

Ladies first. He opened the door wide for me to go in ahead of him. I walked into the suite and it felt like walking into the past.

It looked exactly the way that I remembered it. I almost expected my father to come in and explain where everything was again. I started to look around and could hear his