* * *
The bridge. As soon as it came into view, the ring on my left hand glowed bright green. I looked down at it in complete wonder. I never knew it held magical abilities. As I looked up, I saw a shadow on the other side of the bridge. Talib. I promised to raise my hand, so I did. Even if he couldn’t see me. The shadow on the other side waved back. It threw me completely.
“That’s not possible,” I mumbled. It must have been a coincidence. A perfectly timed, very weird coincidence. As I took my first step on the bridge, little balls of light sprang to life on either side of me. Down below, the crowd burst into applause I heard the beating of the drums, the cheers and the laughter, but I only had eyes for one thing. Talib. And the way he was looking at me. He was looking at me! Not staring into nothingness, not a blank smile, but making direct eye contact, like he could see me. How was that even possible? It took all of my self-control not to run across the bridge but to keep walking instead, never breaking eye contact.
“Hello,” Talib shyly said to me as I finally made it to the other side. So much for my scaring the living fairies out of him.
“You can see me?” My voice sounded surprised and way too high, as I was stating the obvious.
“I saw a green glow and suddenly you were there, just where I imagined you’d be.” He sounded so excited. I looked down at my hand.
“The ring. I think it has magical powers. Grandfather knows about us. I think…” I hesitated. Had he really given his blessing? Was that was this was all about? Then he must’ve told Father.
Take as long as you like, my child. You’ve earned it.
“Tomorrow, what is it? Is something wrong?” Talib looked at me with a worried expression.
I smiled at him, a feeling of joy starting to spread through my entire body. I shook my head and grabbed hold of his hand.
“No, Talib. Nothing is wrong. Something is right, very right. And it’s Eydis, not Tomorrow.”
He looked at me in shock. “You’re giving me your name?”
I nodded.
“Yes, you’ve earned it. I trust you.” We both looked back at the bridge and the crowd below.
“I can see them, you know. Only yesterday I called you Tomorrow and now I can see you. For real. What does it mean?”
“I don’t know, Talib. I’d like to find out though. If you’re willing, that is?” It would have to be his choice as well. His whole face lit up.
“Are you kidding! As long as I get to stay with you, I’d go anywhere. Eydis.” He was trying out my name. I liked the sound, the way it rolled of his tongue.
I took one last look at the bridge, still lit by the fairies. The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow. I’d change its name to that once I got back. For I would return. I’d promised and I never go back on a promise. Not now, though. Now it’s time for another adventure. To learn more about you. People. Maybe we’ll meet somewhere. I’d like that. I’ll have Talib guide the way. I trust him, like I know he trusts me. What does the future hold? I honestly don’t know, but I’m sure it’ll be exciting. Want to come along?
Lisa Veldkamp Bio & Links
Lisa is the author of the poetry collections Nothing is Forgotten and When Words Start to Sing, and The Elemental, part I of The Fire Trilogy. This is her first short story for teenagers, The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow. She has a background in social services and music, but writing has always been a part of her daily life. One night she dreamed the outlines of The Elemental and took it as a sign from the Universe to pursue a career in writing.
She grew up in a small town in the Netherlands where her parents always taught her to think outside the box. She has a degree in social studies and joined the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids as an adult.
Lisa loves London—according to her, “the city where magic dwells”—and can often be found there. She still resides in the Netherlands, however, with her partner and their dog, Miss Ginger Rogers, and if you’re lucky, you may find her in her favourite coffeehouse, Barista cafe.
Lisa is also a freelance copywriter for CAPSLOC, a music venue in The Netherlands, and an editor for Folk Harp Folks, a magazine published by The Dutch Folk Harp society.
www.the-elemental.co.uk
www.facebook.com/theelemental
www.twitter.com/Lisa_Elemental
Their Valley of Tears
Terri Winaught
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