Until We Met Again ( Rowan and Johnson )
Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Joana had indeed escaped her demons, but in doing so, she inadvertently dragged Rowan into his personal hell. Over the years, he’d been tormented, trapped in an unending nightmare.

Karla had considered this possibility. She had planned to offer him psychological counseling as soon as he woke up, but life had thrown a curveball, and she found herself unexpectedly went back to her world.

Four years had passed, but thankfully, it wasn’t too late.

For a police officer like Karla, who often dealt with victims‘ families, trauma therapy was part of her skill set. Rowan’s case wasn’t particularly challenging for her, but for a full recovery, it would still require a cocktail of medication.

With Rowan’s consent, Karla began the delicate process of untangling his psyche, helping him to gradually lighten the load on his heart. It wasn’t going to be an overnight success. This was going to be a marathon, not a

sprint

And Karla wasn’t in any rush. Now, she had all the time in the world.

“Alright, it’s time to hit the hay. I’m beat,” Karla said, glancing at the clock to see it was already 3 a.m. She stretched languidly, and considering his classes the next day, she nudged him towards bed.

Unexpectedly, Rowan hit her with a question, “What am I like in the future?”

“Huh?” Karla hadn’t expected this curveball, but she answered earnestly. “Polar opposite of what you are now.”

Rowan furrowed his brow–a complete reversal?

Karla reminisced about their first encounter and painted a picture with her words, “You will be elegant, gentle, and always wear a gentle smile on your face, making people feel warm and comfortable. You become a very graceful gentleman.”

“Are you sure you’re talking about me?” Rowan couldn’t help but be skeptical.

Karla chuckled, “That’s something you’ll have to replace out for yourself. I never pictured you’d be like this as a kid.

Guess we all change as we grow up.”

“I’m not a kid anymore,” Rowan retorted, not fond of being treated like a child.

Karla assumed a senior’s demeanor, patting his head gently. “You’re only sixteen. How old can you be? Just because you’re in college doesn’t mean you’re all grown up. You’ve got a long road ahead, kid.”

Rowan’s gaze met hers, and Karla instinctively withdrew her hand. She had to admit, despite his young age, Rowan carried an aura that commanded respect. This kid was going places.

“You said you’re a time traveler. So, what are we to each other?” This question had been, on his mind for a while. Rowan fixed his eyes on her, waiting for an answer.

Karla’s internal alarms were blaring. She feigned profundity, pondering long enough to concoct a response.

Eureka!

Clearing her throat, she straightened up and declared with grandiosity, “Partners. Professional partners.”

“Partners?” Rowan frowned.

Karla nodded gravely, “Yes, partners. You, in the future, asked for my assistance. We struck a deal based on mutual needs.”

“And beyond that?” Rowan probed, perhaps hoping for something more.

Karla threw the question back. “Like what?”

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Chapter 50

“Never mind.” Rowan decided not to press further, but there was still something he was curious about. “So, what kind of personality do you like in… a person?”

He originally wanted to ask, “What kind of personality do you like in me?” But when the words reached his lips, he changed his mind.

“Kid, you’re being nosy. Time for bed.” Karla dodged the gossipy question, but Rowan was stubborn.If she didn’t answer, he wasn’t going to his room.

Only in moments like this did Karla see him as the sixteen–year–old boy he was–headstrong, a bit immature, and definitely rebellious.

“Fine, fine, I’ll tell you, okay?” Karla relented. “I like ‘em mature and steady. Good personality, kind–hearted, someone who can put up with me. Oh, and they’ve got to be able to take me in a scrap.”

After her spiel, Karla suddenly realized a harsh truth and mumbled, “No wonder I’m still single. I’m looking for someone who can beat me in a fight.”

She shook her head, smiling wryly. The upstanding gentlemen her mother set her up with had no chance of matching her in that department.

Of course, Karla’s words were in jest. However, little did she know, Rowan took every word to heart and wouldn’t forget it.

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