~Many Years Later~

The moment she walked into the bar, it was like the script of a movie playing out.

I sat there, partially reclined on the couch.

“Yes,” I whispered, relieved with Lily’s arrival.

I straightened up, so that I was less lounging and more obviously awaiting her arrival. She’d have no idea what I would look like, nor I her. But apparently, that didn’t matter, because we had the same idea; the first version of Lily I had ever met.

Crimson hair that flowed in long locks around us, a body tight deep blue dress that had long since gone out of style, and a full chest stretching that dress out to its limits. Each of us looked like fashion models from some long-lost vintage magazine, but here we were in the flesh. And there were two of us, completely identical.

She effortlessly glided across the bar floor, and sat down on the opposite end of the couch facing me. There was a long silence, before she spoke. “You know, we look like twins like this. They’re going to get ideas.”

“Depending on how this conversation goes, we might give them more ideas.” One thing I had learned over the years was that your body influenced your mood. If you look confident and alluring, well, then you’re going to act that way too.

Lily chuckled, but it had a sad tone through it. Clearly she didn’t share the optimism for the night. “So, you called every number I ever had and left messages at every house I’ve ever lived at. If it wasn’t you, I’d be concerned. So… why do that, Ro-” She cut herself off, uncertain if that was still my name, or if I would have changed it to something else given the painful reminder associated with it.

“It’s still Rose, Lily. You gave me that name; I wanted a reminder of you.” She was nearly in tears, and the bar’s crowd was still shooting heavy glances at us. I had to keep this moving along. “I needed to talk to you. By the fact that you came, I assume you want to talk too?”

Lily’s nod was all I needed to continue. “Look, let’s just establish some things. What happened all those years ago? Absolutely not ok. The fact that you gave me shapeshifting powers? A blessing and a curse, but overall, I still want to thank you for it.” I paused, feeling myself get choked up, but I needed to continue. “Finally, I want us to try again, if you’re available and interested.”

Lily seemed confused. “What about Brandon?” she whispered, as though not wanting to tempt fate and lose me again.

I quietly shook my head, only answering after a long moment had passed. “He’s gone. Passed away, alcoholism. As the years went on, he started to expect me to do… things… with these powers, especially when he got drunk. And if I didn’t… well… I don’t miss him, let’s say that.”

A quiet settled over us. All my cards were on the table. Lily scooted closer all of a sudden, and wrapped her arms around my body, squeezing tightly. It was quiet and awkward, until I started to cry, which only made her cry. Together we sat there holding onto each other and letting out the years of pain and sorrow in the only way we knew how.

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

We both looked up at each other, and smiled. Then I leaned forward and kissed her, on the lips, and she returned it just as enthusiastically. I whispered in her ear when the kiss broke, “Man, everyone watching must be so confused.” We couldn’t help but laugh together and share a long smile.

“There’s some ground rules, if we get back together.” Lily nodded, so I continued. “No changes without the other’s permission. And mental stuff, that’s just a no, at least for a while.” Lily nodded again. “And finally, we don’t hide stuff from each other. At all.”

Lily smiled, giving one final nod. “I think I can do that, my girlfriend.”

With a smile, I clasped her hands in mine. “Good. I’m glad you’re my girlfriend again.”