CADY
I looked out the window. I was surrounded by water. The ferry was travelling further and further away from Perth. Away from Alex.
I will not regret this.
I loved Alex. It broke my heart to think I was moving to Rottnest with my parents. I so wanted to stay in Perth - my home - but I couldn’t live without my parents. Stop. The decision is made. I will not regret this.
ALEX
I watched the ferry until it faded out from view. Cady was gone. I knew it wasn’t my place to think this, but she should have stayed. With me. An intelligent girl like her should start 2015 at UWA. With Me.
It’s her life. Stop being selfish.
As I was about to leave for home, I saw a purple suitcase identical to the one Cady had. Everything’s reminding me of her. I found myself walking towards the pile. The owner would probably accuse me of theft, but I didn’t care. I guessed I was a little mad. But I really needed to feel close to her, even if it was just caressing and looking at a suitcase identical to hers.
To Rottnest. Cadence McClair.
What? I read the tag again and again. It took me a while to realise that Cady had probably picked up a wrong, identical suitcase.
I got my phone out and pressed a single button that would automatically dial her number. When she comes back for the suitcase, I’ll make sure I give her one more goodbye kiss. One more kiss.
‘Hey Alex, I just got off the ferry. What’s up?’
‘Hey Cady. Can you check your suitcase. I found a suitcase identical to yours, with your name tag on it.’
CADY
‘Oh is there? I’ll check. I’ll call you back if there’s a mistake,’ I added instinctively, ‘love you.’
I hung up. I ran over to the luggage pile. I didn’t even remember picking up my suitcase. I was too wound up in my thoughts of Alex for that. Come on. I will not regret this.
I took the purple suitcase out of the pile and read the tag. To Rottnest. Rosie McGrath.
Stupidstupidstupid. I quickly called the front desk to let them know what happened and bought a one-way ticket back to Perth. I’ll buy a one-way ticket back after I get there.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Alex on my way back. I’m just going to say hi. I’m going to then pick up the suitcase, buy a ticket, and take the ferry back. The decision has been made. I will not regret this.
I didn’t know why, or perhaps I did, but the more I repeated that line to myself, the more I doubted it. I. Will. Not. Regret. This.
Alex was waiting when I got off the ferry. My suitcase sat next to him. I was just about to say thanks when he pulled me in. And kissed me. I should push him away. It’s over. I will not regret this.
But I couldn’t push him away. I. Will. Not—
I will regret this. I knew then in my heart of hearts, that I’d denied the one thing that was more certain than anything. That I’d spend the rest of my life in regret if I moved to Rottnest now. I’d never wanted anything more than stay with Alex.
ALEX
I broke the kiss. Our last. And then, Cady said the one thing that made me the happiest boy on Earth.
‘I’ve changed my mind. I’ll stay.’
ns 15.158.61.20da2
