Close to Destiny (A Magical Love Story)

Chapter 17

April 1

And then one day the doorbell rang. The winter gloom was starting to melt into a brisk, but sunny, spring. I hurried through the beam of light stretching across the living room and unlatched the lock. My voice caught in my throat, my heartbeat accelerated, and I froze to the spot. Will. Smiling, he drew me in through the warmth of his eyes.

He took my trembling hand. I felt overheated. I couldn't speak as I led him inside. We were alone. His lips touched mine. The room seemed to be spinning. I pulled away. I couldn't be trapped a second time.

"I didn't think I would see you again," I finally said, my voice a whisper.

"So you didn't believe Destiny?"

"I don't understand her!"

"You're not alone, Kat."

"What kind of power does she have over us? Who does she think she is anyway?"

"She doesn't have power over anyone. She has an ability—a rather unique ability that allows her to help people."

"Then why does Sam say the exact opposite? And why did she introduce us and then abandon the whole thing? She hasn't been helping me very much! Does she fool around with people's minds because she's a rich girl with nothing better to do?"

"No, she would never play around like that." Will's expression turned solemn. "Sam's story is completely different. And tragic. Destiny and Sam should be the ones to tell you about it."

"How did you find me, Will? Or did you know where I was all along?" I took a step back and looked at him through narrowed eyes. I had difficulty trusting anyone, although deep in my heart, I knew he was sincere.

"Destiny helped me. She said the timing was right. But there's more. There's something you should know."

"What do you mean?"

"She's... seriously ill."

"What?" I couldn't believe my ears. That flamboyant, free-spirited young woman? The whole idea seemed preposterous.

Will nodded and bit his lip.

"What are you talking about, Will? And how serious is this?" My words were running together, and a sense of panic had overcome me.

Will took my hands again. I didn't pull away.

"It's terminal. An illness... a long-term illness. I don't know if she'll make it through this time. But she wants to see you, Kat. She has to see you before anything happens."

"You expect me to pack up and fly to London?"

"I have two tickets here, one for you and one for me."

Thoughts raced through my mind. There wasn't any time to weigh the pros and cons or examine whether or not I was making the right decision. Will showed me the tickets. The flight was in a few hours. How could I explain this to Paul? I would scribble a note, saying Gwen needed me. It wasn't a complete lie. She was hoping I would return for the second part of the exhibit anyway.

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