The Day Before Forever by Anna Caltabiano Page B

Alanna’s expectant face. She had said something, but I had completely missed it.
    â€œUh, sorry?” I said.
    â€œMuch too into your fish and chips, I see. I was just saying that Peter and I are going to do some touristy stuff tomorrow—Buckingham Palace, the London Eye—you and Henley should join us,” she said.
    â€œOh we’d love to . . . but Henley and I have a few things we need to take care of,” I said.
    â€œA few things?”
    â€œWe just received news that a family member of mine passed away,” Henley said suddenly.
    â€œA family member?” This time it was me with my mouth open in surprise. “Um, yeah. A family member.” I tried to recover.
    â€œMy grandmother, actually,” Henley went on. “We just have a few matters to clear up.”
    â€œOf course,” Alanna said. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”
    â€œShe’s resting much more comfortably now,” Henley said.
    When we were done with our food and had thrown our plates away, I took Henley’s hand and began to excuse ourselves.
    â€œBut the night’s still young,” Peter said.
    â€œWe’ve had a rough day of traveling,” I said. “We both need some downtime, and we should also get some rest.”
    I looked at Henley, and he rubbed his eyes on cue.
    â€œThey’re right. It’s been a long day for them,” Alanna said to Peter. To us, she said, “Let us at least walk you back.”
    Though it further postponed me talking with Henley alone, we agreed. There was only so much we could protest.
    We started our way back to the hostel. Peter was walking with Henley ahead, while Alanna was by my side.
    â€œSuch a shame about Henley and his grandmother,” she said.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWere they close?”
    â€œAs close as any grandchild is to his grandmother, I suppose.”
    â€œWas it sudden?” She had tears in her eyes, and I was taken aback.
    â€œOh no.” I tried to reassure her. “She had been sick for a while. We saw it coming and had time to prepare.”
    â€œPrepare and try to come to terms with it, I guess, right?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWell, I don’t think anyone can really come to terms with family dying. It’s not something I’ve ever learned to come to terms with, at least,” she said.
    We walked in silence for a few strides before she spoke again.
    â€œSorry,” Alanna said. “My own granny died six months ago. It’s still a hard subject for me.”
    I felt a sudden wave of guilt for the lie Henley and I had told. For though he had come up with it and told it first, I had helped him and elaborated on it.
    â€œI’m sure she was a wonderful woman.”
    â€œYeah, she was . . . nothing like my mother,” she said. “Anyway, I’m sorry I brought that up. I just wanted to tell you that Henley’s lucky to have you by his side at a tough time like this. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t had Peter.”
    â€œIt’s the least I could do. Henley’s been with me through a lot. I can’t begin to even the score.”
    â€œHow long have you two been together?”
    Her question struck me. How could I answer it? Barely a year? Five centuries and counting?
    â€œA while,” I said. “It feels like forever, but also like everything just happened yesterday.”
    Alanna smiled. “That’s when you know it’s serious.”
    I laughed. “I suppose you could say that. I can’t imaginebeing with anyone else.”
    â€œHe understands you, doesn’t he?”
    â€œMore than anyone,” I said.
    â€œSo you think he’ll put a ring on you soon?”
    I stumbled. “Come again?”
    â€œA ring,” she said. “He’s so in love with you. Head over heels, in fact. It’s obvious.”
    I looked ahead to see Henley looking over his shoulder at me. Henley had in