Read Online The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams - Free Book Online

startles me—I barely have time to dart to the bed before Kailey’s father comes in, carrying a tray. He still looks tired, but he doesn’t have the same anxious expression that he did in the hospital. He doesn’t know his daughter is dead; he thinks everything will be okay.
    “Your mom wanted me to bring you dinner. Tortilla soup, your favorite.”
    “Oh . . . thank you,” I say cautiously, wondering what the real Kailey’s response would have been.
    “Listen, kiddo.” He sits down next to me on the bed. “Don’t worry about explaining where you were last night. I told your mom to leave it alone. If you’ve got a boyfriend or something . . . well . . . you can tell us later.” He gives me a hug, his voice cracking with emotion. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”
    My heart twists painfully in my chest. Of everything I’ve done over the years, this is the worst. Kailey’s death would have destroyed this family, but at least they would have the finality of knowing she was dead. And when I disappear tonight, will they think their daughter ran away? That Kailey killed herself? Either of those options feels so much worse than a tragic car accident.
    I ask myself, for what feels like the millionth time since I woke up in the hospital, what was I thinking? I knew CPR would be fruitless. Why did I try, when the risk was so great? I should have let nature take its course. Did I interfere because, as an Incarnate, I have learned that nature’s course can be altered? Or was there some small, unconscious part of myself that still wanted to live?
    I turn away from Mr. Morgan to hide the tears in my eyes. “I am so, so sorry for making you guys worry. I feel terrible.”
    “Hey, I’m a dad. Worrying is my job. See you in the morning, kiddo.” Mr. Morgan gives me a small smile before closing the door with a soft click, leaving me alone with my guilt and sadness.

eleven
     
    I wait several hours until the house is swathed in silence and the darkness outside is thick. Slinging Kailey’s backpack over my shoulder, I open the window and hop out onto the brick path below in one smooth motion. I can’t deny that it feels invigorating to be in a new body after months of painfully inhabiting a dying one. But that realization is followed by a wave of crushing remorse that hurts more than my old body ever did.
    I creep softly by the side of the house and head to the street. At the edge of the driveway, I turn back and look at the house once more. I’m sorry. I really am.
    A deep growl startles me out of my silent farewell. I whip my head around and peer through the darkness, eyes flashing, prepared to run. Or fight.
    “You look pretty active for a girl who just got out of the hospital.”
    I freeze. The voice belongs to a tall, dark-haired boy standing in the shadow of one of the redwood trees. He holds the leash of an enormous dog. The dog growls, straining against its chain.
    “I mean,” the boy continues, “did you really need to go out the window? Or was that for added drama?”
    “You were watching me?” Fear makes my voice tremble slightly. “Who are you?”
    “Very funny, Kailey.” Then a worried look crosses his face. “Wait, do you really not remember?”
    I exhale. So this is one of Kailey’s friends. For a moment I had been certain that it was Jared in a new body. Or, even worse, Cyrus.
    “Just a little concussion humor,” I reply, forcing myself to smile. “Who told you about the accident?” I ask, keeping my tone light even as panic rises in my gut. Had I missed something in the news after all?
    “Bryan. I ran into him earlier.”
    I nod with relief, regarding the boy again. His hair is dark and long enough to fall into his face. He rakes it off his forehead with strong-looking, well-shaped hands. His eyes are a surprising color of turquoise, staring at me from under thick brows. A camera dangles from his neck. There’s some-thing about him that feels familiar, but I can’t quite put my