Cast the Cards

Carey shrugged. “I didn’t think it was my place to say. I mean, if she wanted to keep it to herself, who was I to blow her cover?”

Clark sighed. “I should’ve kept my mouth shut.”

“I don’t think so. It seems like your being back is all about unfinished business. If you hadn’t told her, you’d still feel there were things left unsaid wouldn’t you.”

Clark blinked. “I never thought of it that way.”

“That’s why you have me.” Carey wagged his eyebrows and tapped the side of his head. “Other half of your brain and all that.”

The revelation his words brought was a light in the darkness. It all made sense. He was sent heer to tie all the loose ends keeping him bound to Earth. Despite all the other side had to offer.

“You’re absolutely right. Even when I was… there I couldn’t let go of this life completely. That’s why they did this.”

“Is that abnormal?” Carey’s eyes were full of interest.

“Very. But it does happen. Especially instances of true evil.”

“So the powers that be do even things out.”

Clark remained silent, unsure if answering would be breaking the rules.

“Yeah, I know you can’t go into details.” He rolled his eyes.

“Exactly. What do I do next?” He walked over and sat on the opposite side of the couch, facing Carey.

“I don’t know. The two of you will have to figure that one out together.” Carey shook his head.

“Come on, Carey! That’s a copout answer, and you know it.”

/> “It’s not. You’re placing me in an awkward position. The choices you make will affect the two of you for a long time to come. You have to decide what you can live with. What she could live with.”

He understood the message. Let her go. He wasn’t sure he could. Too much time spent thinking about her made him selfish. “Okay, fair enough. Tell me this, what would you do if you were me?”

“I don’t know. I’m shit with relationships, and we both know Vannah isn’t just some girl.”

“She’s so different. It’s hard to read her.”

Carey nodded in agreement. “Turning into an ice maiden was how she coped, I think.”

“We have to make her remember who she was. I refuse to let her stay like this. ”

“Exactly how do you expect to accomplish that? I’m curious because I tried to have a meaningful conversation with her and she pretty much bit my head off.”

“With your help.”

“Hey.” Carey held his hands up. “Don’t drag me into this too deep. I have to work with the woman on the daily. ”

“Come on, man, consider it my dying wish.”

“That’s a low blow.”

“It’s true.”

Carey growled. “What do you want me to do?”

“Get to know her. Underneath the front she puts up is the girl we grew up with. I see her when she lets her guard down.” I need to take a knee, accept the runner-up prize. Her being with Carey is as close to being with her as I can get.

“You would see that. You were always the one she turned to. I’m grasping at straws.”