The Rift In Our Reality: A Sweet Young Adult Romance Read online

  “That makes me worry more!”

  “Not this time. We’re planning to make a couple stops in Northern California on our way down to the research conference this year. You know, you could come with us if you wanted to.”

  Just the idea of it made me want to jump up and run screaming out of the restaurant. Shaking my head wildly, my ponytail hitting the sides of my face with my intense reaction, “Nope! Not a chance. I live with Batten. I don’t have any desire to be surrounded by people who’re talking about how hard it is to live with people with the disease.”

  “It’s not all about that, and you know it. There’re lots of great researchers who attend it. We get to hear all about the progress they’ve been making in finding a cure.”

  “I’ll start caring when they’re scheduling my appointment to receive the cure. Until then, I’ll live in my little bubble of loneliness.”

  “Maybe this summer Matt will be there to keep you company,” Julia said, her voice sounding playful.

  I liked the sound of that. Could I let myself believe it might be a possibility? Of course! How else was I supposed to cross that goal off of my bucket list?

  Chapter Six

  MY PULSE QUICKENED as I heard the special ring tone I’d had Julia set up for Matt’s number. He was calling me! Maybe it would’ve been easier if his number rang like all the other spam phone calls; I might have been faster to answer it.

  On the third ring, I made up my mind to take the call. No matter what happened, I could be a good friend to him, if nothing else. Besides, what harm could it be to merely talk to him?

  “Hello?” I answered.

  “Haley? This’s Matt.”

  “I know. What’s up?” I inwardly groaned at my dumb answer. My mind rapidly tried to recall Julia’s advice on talking with boys. Oh, yes. Be myself. No problem there.

  “You know, we just moved here,” he started.

  This was news to me. Of course, I didn’t know anything about him other than his brother’s illness. “Wow. Really? Where’d you move from?”

  “Red Bluff, California.”

  “Wow, that’s cool. What made you guys move?”

  “Dad got a job transfer with the Bureau of Land Management. Plus, it was closer to a good research hospital for Jimmy.”

  “That makes sense. I was wondering why I’d never run into you at school before.”

  “Yeah, I’ll be starting my senior year at Sprague this coming year.”

  “Wow, that’s where I go to school. Although, I’ll only be a junior.”

  “That’s not the only thing we have in common,” Matt taunted cryptically.

  A smile played across my lips as I realized Matt was flirting with me; at least I thought it felt like flirting. Taking the bait, I asked, “What else?”

  “I put your address into MapQuest and discovered we’re practically neighbors.”

  “No way. Seriously? Where do you live?”

  “Only about five houses away from you, actually.”

  “Wait! Did you move into the Peterson’s old house?”

  “I’m not sure, the last name sounds familiar, but I didn’t have anything to do with the purchase.”

  “Oh, of course not. That’s really cool, though.” What else could I say to that? Hey, do you want to come over and hang out? No way! That would make me sound too desperate.

  “Maybe we could hang out this afternoon?” Matt suggested.

  If I hadn’t been lying down on my bed, I might have fallen over. He had literally taken the words right out of my head. Yet, he didn’t sound desperate to me. It was entirely possible I was putting too much pressure on myself over every little detail.

  “What do you think?” Matt asked.

  Oh, no! I left him hanging while I got lost in my own head. “YES!” Good grief, calm down girl. “I mean, that sounds fine. Do you want to come over to my house? It might be easier.”

  “Yeah, our house is pretty much in shambles with all the moving boxes. It’ll be a relief to get away from all of it for a while. How about I come over there at one?”

  “Sure. That sounds perfect.”

  “See you then.”

  Matt had a disconcerting habit of abruptly disconnecting the call. I guess that was better than the alternative of trying to decide who was going to hang up first. I held the phone clutched tightly in my hand, my heart still racing with the idea of meeting up with Matt again.

  Now, if only I could figure out a way to get rid of Hunter for a few hours. Then I could have the perfect afternoon. As it was, Mom, Dad, and Julia were set to leave on their road trip in about an hour, so that would take care of the majority of people who would have an issue with Matt’s appearance at the house.

  What was I thinking? I didn’t know Matt from Adam. He could be some deranged stalker, and here I was planning how I could get time alone with him. Was I really getting that desperate?

  “Yes,” I spoke aloud as I grabbed my necklace and worried the edges as I considered my alternatives.

  “I know that look, Haley. What’s going on?” Julia asked from the other side of my room.

  I started at the sound of her voice. It wasn’t often that people could sneak up on me. I bit my bottom lip and sat up a little straighter on my bed. “Do you think we could talk privately?”

  “Sure.”

  I heard the soft clicking of my door latching shut before Julia’s weight shifted the angle of my mattress as she sat down near the foot of the bed. “Does this have something to do with Matt?”

  The corners of my mouth tipped up, and I’m sure I blushed as I nodded silently.

  “I thought I heard his ring tone when I was talking to Mom. What did he say?”

  “Good grief, what else did you hear?” I never thought about anyone eavesdropping on my conversation. This could get really bad.

  “Nothing. Don’t worry. Nobody paid any attention to the sound, especially with all the video noises usually coming out of Hunter’s room. I only noticed it because we set it up yesterday.”

  I let out a sigh of relief, which was silly considering I’d technically done nothing wrong. “He’s coming over here at one. What should I do?”

  “Be yourself. Remember?”

  “Right. I’ve got that down. I mean, what should we talk about?”

  “Ask him about himself. I’m sure he’ll do the same with you. Just get to know one another. Before you know it, the two of you will be like you are with Jackson.”

  “Eww. I hope not!”

  “No, I just mean it’ll be easy to hang out together. No expectations, no awkwardness.”

  “Okay, I can go for that.” I set my phone down on my nightstand and sat up a little straighter. Pushing my hair behind my ears, I asked, “When’re you guys leaving?”

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to kick us out already.”

  “Maybe a little,” I grinned as I replied.

  “I like seeing you happy like this, Haley. I already think Matt’s a good influence on you.”

  “Now, if only you can convince Mom and Dad of that while you’re gone.”

  “I really wish you would’ve decided to come with us. We don’t normally go as a road trip. It would’ve been like old times.”

  “I know what you mean. That part did have me a little tempted, but then I thought of the ultimate destination, and I just couldn’t bring myself to say yes. You can tell me all about it when you get home. I always enjoy the way you describe everything anyway because you make it seem like I was there with you.”

  “I’m glad. Ever since you were diagnosed, I began to see the world differently. I wanted to give you the details you were missing. And then I discovered I enjoyed everything so much more because I paid better attention. Thank you for that, Haley.”

  “Well, that’s my job in the family. It’s nice to be appreciated.” I polished my knuckles on my shirt in a teasing manner.

  Julia swatted my feet playfully before she said, “I should prob
ably get back to packing the car. I’m sure you want us hitting the road sooner rather than later.” She stood up from the bed and walked across my room. I heard the handle of my door rattle when she said, “Maybe I’ll put together a grocery list for Hunter to go get this afternoon. I’m pretty sure you’re getting low on food.”

  I couldn’t help grinning at her perfect scheme. Nothing stirred Hunter more than the promise of food. As long as he used someone else’s money, he had no problem going to the store to get it. What can I say? I’ve got the best sister.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  I’m pretty sure Hunter knew something was up with me when he came and told me he was leaving to go grocery shopping. Even though I tried to act casual, I practically shoved him out the front door in my haste to get him gone. I leaned against the inside of the door, my heart hammering wildly at what I was about to do.

  My phone just chimed with the fifteen-minute alarm I’d set to warn me of Matt’s visit. I don’t think Hunter heard it, but he could hardly miss my jittery attitude. You’d think I was planning something illegal with how amped up I was getting. I’m sure no girl ever went through quite this much at the prospect of a boy coming over.

  This was momentous. It was quite possibly the start of something quite huge for me. What if Matt were ‘the one’ for me? Good grief, get a hold of yourself. He’s not coming over here to propose or anything, I reminded myself.

  Just as I pushed myself away from the door, a knock sounded. A squeal of fear escaped my lips. Who could be knocking? Surely Matt wouldn’t dare to be fifteen minutes early. Could he?

  I rested my hands on the door, leaning forward, I called out, “Who is it?”

  “Matt,” he announced.

  Yep. Definitely him. I guess I wasn’t going to get as much time to get myself worked up with nerves as I thought. It was probably for the best. I reached for the handle and swung the door open. “You’re early,” I stupidly said.

  “Yeah, I saw that guy drive away so I thought I’d take a chance.”

  “That was my brother, Hunter.”

  “Oh, good. I was hoping it wasn’t someone else I should be worried about.” He suddenly stopped talking and cleared his throat nervously.

  “It’s such a nice day. Do you want to walk around the yard together?” I asked. I got the distinct impression he was just as nervous as myself. For some reason, that seemed to help calm me. Without waiting for an answer, I stepped outside, my side brushing against Matt’s.

  “Sorry. I keep forgetting you’re blind.”

  “Good. I don’t want that to be the first thing people notice about me.”

  “Well, you do a good job of hiding it.”

  I smiled. “To be honest, I’m not completely blind. I just can’t see anything directly ahead of me. I can see shapes and colors with my peripheral vision, especially in really bright light.”

  “Really? So if we went into the sunshine, you’d be able to see me?”

  “Yep.”

  “Do you want to do that?”

  “I’d like to if you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.”

  “Well then, lead me to the best patch of sunlight.” I put my hand out the same as I would with Jackson, forgetting that Matt might not know what I needed. Apparently, the gesture was universal because Matt tucked my hand onto his arm and began walking off the porch with me in tow.

  I probably didn’t need the assistance; I’m well-acquainted with my entire property. But I sure liked having his physical contact. Not liking the silence growing between us, I asked, “Did you walk over? I didn’t hear your car pull up.”

  “Yes. We really are close neighbors. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.” We came to a stop at one of my favorite places in the yard, and I could feel the sunshine warming my hair. “This really is the best time of day for my sight. The sun is almost directly overhead, so it doesn’t shine directly into my eyes.” I kept my hand on his arm, and I turned my body, so I was parallel to him. “You’re taller than I thought. Would you mind leaning down a bit?”

  As soon as he did as I asked, I leaned in closer to his face. I probably should have mentioned how close I’d have to get to really see any details of his features, but where’s the fun in that. I could feel his breath on my cheek and saw that his eyes were a beautiful shade of blue, the same as the afternoon sky on a summer’s day.

  “What’s going on here?” Hunter asked.

  Matt and I both guiltily jumped away from one another. I turned to the direction of his voice and asked, “What’re you doing home?”

  “Get away from my sister!” Hunter said.

  I heard a small grunt from Matt and realized Hunter must have pushed him. “Stop it, Hunter. I invited him over. We weren’t doing anything wrong.”

  “It didn’t look like that from what I walked up on. It looked like you two were making out.”

  More than mortified, I stammered to reply. My hands clutched into fists as I wished my brother would drop dead where he stood. Why would he say something so…so embarrassing? Luckily, Matt spoke up on my behalf.

  “You’re Hunter, right?” Matt asked, his voice calm and reasonable.

  “Yes. And just exactly who are you and what’re you doing over here with my sister?”

  “My name’s Matt Dietrich. My family just moved into the house down the street. But Haley and I actually met at the hospital a couple of weeks ago.”

  Well, that was something new. I hadn’t thought to ask for his last name yet. At least Hunter’s interruption was slightly rewarding, if unexpectedly rude and humiliating. “Yes, and Jackson met him last week after my group meeting.”

  “Hmph.”

  I could just imagine the stare-off between the two boys. Hunter had this misplaced need to protect me. It was about time I set him straight. “I asked Matt to let me see him. We weren’t doing anything wrong.”

  I don’t know what look passed between the boys, but my answer must’ve satisfied Hunter because his attitude changed immediately. “Sorry about that, man. I just have to look out for my little sister.”

  “You’re not my father, Hunter. Don’t you have some grocery shopping to get done?” This was my worst nightmare coming to life. What was Hunter going to do next? Offer to be my chaperone?

  “It can wait. Besides, there’s no way I’m leaving you here alone. I’ll go after Matt leaves.”

  Chapter Seven

  AS IT TURNED out, having Hunter hanging out with us did make getting to know one another much less stressful. We ended up all going to the grocery store, with the idea of getting Matt used to the layout of the town. I just enjoyed sitting next to him in Hunter’s truck.

  By the time Matt left for the night, it was already after eleven o’clock. The day couldn’t have gone any better. And, I’m pretty sure Hunter really likes Matt. They seemed to bond over some video game they both like to play.

  I wandered off to my bedroom, already more exhausted than I’ve been in a long time. It seemed like too much trouble undressing for bed, so I opted to flop down on the comforter while I could recoup enough energy to change into my pajamas.

  Hunter stopped at my open bedroom door and said, “He’s pretty cool, Haley. I like him.”

  I shook my head in the dark room. I suppose I should be glad Hunter liked him; it’d make seeing him again much easier. Yet, I couldn’t help teasing him. It was the least I could do for him initially humiliating me in front of Matt. “Do I hear a bromance blooming?”

  “Ha. Ha. Not likely. I’m heading to bed.”

  “Night,” I replied, a yawn catching me off-guard. Just as I suspected, Hunter immediately plugged himself into his video game. Some of his friends must’ve been online as well, because I could hear him calling out commands to his troops.

  “I got a nuke!” he called out.

  Groaning, I managed to leverage myself off my bed. Even as tired as I was, I’d probably sleep better with my door shut. The last thing I wanted was to dre
am about being on a recon mission, taking out the enemy with sniper shots.

  I’d much rather have my dreams filled with Matt. My thoughts were bursting with how perfect my day had been. With my fingers curled around my pendant, I closed my eyes and wished for something good to come of this new friendship.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  The most glorious week of my life flew by because every day had Matt included in it somehow. Whether it was a simple phone call, or him coming over, we were in constant contact. Thank goodness Hunter liked him; he could have made this so difficult otherwise.

  When Matt started telling us about his little brother, I realized I was hearing the same thing my siblings probably felt about me as we were growing up. It made my heart ache all over again for the pain they were going through.

  For some reason, I didn’t shut down when Jimmy’s symptoms were described to me. If this had been talked about during one of the group meetings, I’m sure I would’ve acted differently. It made me hate how I’d been acting. Those people deserved my same sympathy as I so willingly gave to Matt.

  “You know, I just realized the age difference between you and Jimmy is the same as that between myself and Julia. Strange, huh?” I turned my head toward where Matt lay next to me on the front lawn. We tended to have our most serious conversations out here in the sunshine. I think it made Matt feel less hopeless.

  “Do you think my brother will get included in a drug trial?”

  A gut-wrenching feeling twisted inside me. I didn’t want to give him false hope. After hearing that his brother was already using a wheelchair and a feeding tube, I knew he was no longer an ideal candidate. My silence must have lasted too long.

  “Chances aren’t good, are they?” he asked quietly.

  I reached over and intertwined my fingers with his. This was the first time I had purposely touched him. While the idea of it would have thrilled me at any other time, now I only wanted to give him the comfort of my touch.

  I couldn’t say what I was thinking out loud. I didn’t want to be the one to take away his hope for his brother. The tear dripping down the side of my face said more than I ever could. Matt didn’t need my sorrow; he needed my strength. I would be there for him through all of this because I’d already walked this painful trail with so many of my Batten afflicted friends over the years.