over with.”
“That’s my girl!” Jax threw his arm around her, paid for the tickets, and they walked over toward the instructors.
There were ten other people before them, which Jax was glad about. Maybe if she witnessed all the others retuning safely it would put her mind at ease.
When it was her turn to go, Karma looked at Jax and said, “Why the hell am I jumping off a bridge again?”
“Bucket list.” Jax leaned down and cupped her face between his hands and gave her a brief but thorough kiss. “You got this.”
She took a deep breath and blew it out as the instructor secured her and another came over and double checked.
“You okay? You’re looking a little green,” one of the guys said.
“I think so. No one has died here, right?” Karma asked jokingly, trying to lighten the mood, but her face said she was half serious.
“Not yet.” The instructor winked.
“Oh God.” Karma closed her eyes.
“Hey, you can do this,” Jax said softly, and Karma opened her eyes and nodded her head. The look of fear upon her face was hard for him to see. He wanted to throw her over his shoulder and take her away from anything that made her uncomfortable. But he knew she had to do this. It had to be important to make it on her list. He’d hate for her to back out now.
“I’m ready,” Karma said. Her voice trembled a bit, betraying her fear. She tried to manage a brave smile, which failed miserably.
Jax pulled out his phone. He wanted to take her mind off the fear for a minute. “Smile, I promised your dad a pic.”
“Seriously?” Karma said and then flashed a fake smile. Jax snapped the pic.
The instructor helped her to the top and she stood on the edge. Jax could see her legs shaking. Karma turned and looked at him and he gave her a thumbs up and smiled.
“On the count of three, dive. One, two, three!”
Karma didn’t move; she was frozen in place. She tried to calm herself. Ever fiber in her body was telling her to flee.
The two instructors glanced at each other. “Do you want to back out?”
“No.” She again turned slightly to see Jax. “Can I tell him something first?”
“Sure. Make it quick, though, we’ve got a long line after you.”
Jax wondered what in the world she had to tell him that was so important.
“Jax, I never had a bucket list, I have no idea why I told you that when I was drunk. And I’m terrified of heights. This is the last thing in the world I want to be doing right now, but if I have to do it I’m glad it’s with you.” And then she held her arms out, counted to three out loud, and dove.
Jax was stunned. She lied about the bucket list? He looked over the edge and saw her bounce back up. He laughed. This girl really was something else. What a wonderful mix of strength and vulnerability she possessed.
Chapter Fifteen
“Holy shit! This is the end,” Karma thought as she dove off the bridge, and the water came rushing toward her. Adrenaline flooded her veins, and her heart felt like it would jump right out of her chest. She felt like she was flying. Flying in the sense that she was like a rocket about to crash into the water. Her heart was in her throat. She really was going to die a virgin. What the hell had she been thinking telling Jax she never had a bucket list? He was probably never going to talk to her again. Just then the rope came to an abrupt stop, and she bounced up and down like a damn yo-yo. Her stomach was in knots, and her head was spinning.
All she wanted to do was get back to the top and onto the lovely safe ground. She looked around and took in the beauty; it was really breathtaking. Seeing the natural beauty this way was surreal. The cool breeze felt incredible against her cheeks as she continued to bounce up and down, suspended in the air. And then the realization hit her she had jumped off an effing bridge, and she was still alive. Holy mother fucker! She did it! Karma’s manic laugh echoed. Next
Hilma Wolitzer
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Melody Anne
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Jonathan Stroud
Katie Reus