Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #13 April 2015 | Page 37

“I’ll wait for you. When the time is right, I will be your lover. If you ask me to, I’ll be your wife. But even if not, I’ll always be there for you. I promise I will always love you, too. I always have, you know.” “I know.” “That sounds like some kind of oath,” said Aimee. “You just became soul-friends, or something like that. That’s like totally new-age stuff!” “I thought you were going to leave us alone,” said Janet. “I was, but I got nosy. Forgive me.” I laughed. “We will, Aimee.” “You two are crazy, you know. I’m not sure I could wait that long. It’s going to be three years, at least.” “Maybe we are crazy,” said Janet, “but I think he’s worth waiting for.” “He may be, but if you aren’t going to be lovers right now, I don’t think you ever will be. You’re probably going to end up being soul-friends or whatever, but you’re never going to sleep together. You two are either aliens, or you’re both insane!” someone.” “Yeah, maybe. Not on this planet, anyway.” “Then you’ll just have to look on another one.” Aimee laughed. “As if that were possible. I’m going out. For real, this time. I need to find my Mr. Right! And when I do, I’m taking him to bed right away, you hear me?” “I think the whole building can hear you,” said Janet. “You would have made hot lovers, too.” Aimee sounded disappointed. “I would have enjoyed hearing about it afterward! So, how did the two of you meet, anyway?” “We grew up next door to each other,” I said. “I’m his sister’s best friend,” said Janet. “Damn,” said Aimee. “It’s too late for me to take that path, then. The boy next door to us is gay, damn him. Ah, well. I’ll see you guys later.” After Aimee left, I hugged Janet. “For what it’s worth, you’re my best friend, too.” I smiled. “I may be crazy.” Janet looked at the ground. “I’m sorry I threw myself at you like that. I won’t do that again.” She looked up at me and smiled. “At least, not until you graduate. Until then, I’ll give you right of first refusal on my body, too.” Together, we sang, “but it just may be a lunatic you’re looking for!” “Sounds good,” I said. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to refuse it again.” “I’m serious! But you know what else? I think you’re going to be okay with that.” Aimee looked me over. “I guess I won’t ever get to sleep with you, either.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” “You may be right,” said Janet. “Not unless you want to be on crutches yourself, sister,” said Janet. “You heard him, he’s mine, or nobody’s!” I hugged Aimee. “Don’t be discouraged. You’ll find I hugged Janet tightly. “There is one more thing I want to say before I go home. You were right to distract me from my work. I’m constantly in danger of burning out. Feel free to get in my face if you catch me working too hard, or neglecting our friendship, or just being an ass. Next time, I promise to stop working before you lose any clothing.” PAGE 37