What A Year

The other, Sebstian's pov

“Sebastian!” Lilah bellows from somewhere in the house. She tracks me down as I finish getting ready for dinner.

“Seb!” she’s closer now. I grab my phone and step into the hallway, nearly colliding with her.

“You’re feeling down,” she accuses, “and it’s bumming me out, bro.”

I kneel to her level, brushing hair out of her face. “I’ll try not to be a downer on my birthday, baby sis.”

She puts her hand on my cheek, the last thought I had passes between us. The first time we saw you, Lupe. Your hair glistened in the sun that day.

“She looked like a painting.” she says, smiling, “Let’s go. I’m hungry and Momma and Dad are waiting.” She bounces back to her usual self and we go into the living room.

Dad’s already got his keys in hand. “Well, you know if we don’t get going,” mom says, “we’ll be eating dessert in traffic.”

An image of mozzarella sticks drowning in marinara flashes in my mind. “I could go for some mozzarella sticks,” I say out loud, making Lilah grin.

We pile into the family car and drive off. My mind drifts, as always, back to you, Lupe.

Lilah puts on her headphones—her way of checking out when I get too sentimental. I’m sure people suspect how I feel about you. I’ve always respected your relationship with Victor and who you are to each other.

Still, there’s something special about you, something more. I’ve always felt it.

As we near the restaurant, anxiety starts to creep in. Closing my eyes, I whisper your name in my head—Guadalupe.

I snap my eyes open when I hear— “Who?”

No one has moved. All is normal. But, I know I heard you. The sound of your voice is a song I know by memory.

When we get to the restaurant, we’re seated quickly. Everyone’s chatting and laughing, but I can’t focus.

Emotions not my own flood through me. Fear, confusion, and desperation.

Why am I feeling this way?

Our food comes, and Lilah and I share mozzarella sticks. As we’re finishing up, she says, “Hey family, wouldn’t it be awesome if today was the day Guadalupe woke up?”

And just as she says it, the waiters bring out a birthday cake blazing with candles and everyone sings.

Lilah has to sense something, right? Why else say that?

A text comes from the nurse—Victor just left. I nearly fall out of my chair. That woman is an angel. She pities my puppy-dog devotion and always lets me know when it’s safe to visit.

I stand, grinning,“Guadalupe woke up!” I announce.

My family stares. Lilah’s jaw drops. “I was just joking.” she whispers. Mom and Dad cover their mouths, stunned.

“Dad, Mom—let’s take big bro to get his birthday gift!” Lilah says, catching on fast.

Coincidentally, we are not far from the hospital and make it there in fifteen minutes. They leave me at the entrance and promise to wait in the cafeteria.

I take the elevator to the fourth floor, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.

I knock. I know your mom is inside, I can sense her. I’m not usually comfortable around Tonya, but today, none of that matters.

She opens the door, and her brown eyes flash to violet the moment she sees me. That’s her way of intimidating people.

Or maybe she just keeps that setting on for me.

“Sebastian,” she says, flatly. “What can I do for you?”

“I know she’s awake, Tonya. I thought I heard her. Can I see her, please? She looks away and finally steps back, letting me in.

You’re sitting up in bed, looking like something from a dream. The air around you, jasmine and pine—fresh, wild, and delicate all at once. Your eyes, as green as spring leaves in sunlight.

You stare—hard, but then look away. I could have sworn I heard something click when our eyes met.

“You have no reason to be ashamed, Guadalupe. I would happily die for just one look from you.”

Tonya practically vibrates with fury, but I pay no mind. I’ve waited for this moment for so long.

“Please, don’t stop on my account,” I say to Tonya as I sit, never taking my eyes off you.

She sighs heavily. “Your name is Guadalupe Jimenez. As to what happened to you—and how you came to be in this state—no one knows.”

You glance at me, and I can’t help but smile even more.

Tonya continues, voice tight. “Victor Delacruz is your mate, and this intruder”—she points to me—“is Sebastian Hernandez, a friend. Isn’t that right, Sebastian?”

“Yes, Tonya, that is correct. But, you did forget to mention how deeply in love I’ve been with your daughter.”

My phone rings, a cue from my sister.

“I have to leave, Guadalupe, but I’ll be nearby, should you need me.” I hesitate, but my heart moves first.

I step forward and kiss your cheek—soft and slow. I feel your response to my closeness—but you hold back.

I say goodbye and leave, practically bouncing my way to the cafeteria.

Lilah beams when she sees me. I know she feels it, too.

As we head home, I replay our conversation in my head. I glance at Lilah and notice her staring. “No headphones this time?”

We get home, pull through the gates, and close out the world.

I head straight upstairs, change into pajamas, and pull out a little box of pictures I have of us.

I didn’t even know you were like Lilah and me, magical, until you shared your ability with us. You helped us become confident in ourselves and what we could do.

I burrow under the covers, holding onto memories, old and new. Your smile and the feel of your soft cheek coax me into dreams.