Chapter 6: AftermathSomehow I’ve gotten into a rhythm again and I’m closing in on the ground. Below, the wind is ruffling Anika’s hair and she ties it back. I’m close enough to see the curls around her forehead, too short for the band, and the dimples in her cheeks as she smiles and dons her funny oversized sunglasses.
I’m scared by how much I care for her; she tugs at my heart the way Shanice did. I’ve held back, of course. Thought it wise. Surely it’s too soon to reignite emotions that scorched me so recently? How could I bear the pain if our relationship failed? I study her face, her wonderful smile…Concentration lapsing, I gasp as I drop too fast in a jarring jolt.
“Careful,” Anika calls.
Careful. I am being careful. Too careful? My head tells me I don’t love her—can’t love her. I’m
