Page 10 of Echoes of Us

Ashley shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut as tears pricked her lashes. “Nothing. I just… missed you.”

Her mother chuckled softly, brushing a hand over Ashley’s hair. “Missed me? I just saw you yesterday.”

Ashley pulled back, her lips curving into a faint smile. “I know. I just needed a hug.”

“Well, I’m always here for that.” Her mother kissed her temple and gave her shoulders a squeeze. “Don’t forget, breakfast is ready downstairs. I made your favorite–strawberry pancakes.”

Ashley’s chest ached as she watched her mother leave the room. How could she explain to her that this wasn’t just a morning like any other? That morning created a rift in her, threatening to pull her apart.

* * *

The road stretched ahead, bathed in the golden hues of mid-morning sunlight. Ashley sat in the passenger seat, her legs curled beneath her, her gaze fixed on the passing trees.

“You’ve been quiet,” Sarah said, glancing at her.

“I’m just tired,” Ashley replied, her voice thin.

“Of course you are. Crying over Charlie is exhausting work.”

Ashley didn’t bother to correct her. Let Sarah believe it was Charlie. Let her think this was just the fallout of a breakup and not the unraveling of Ashley’s entire reality.

She tried to sleep, but her mind wouldn’t settle. Memories of the life she’d left behind pressed against the edges of her thoughts: her husband’s voice, their future home, the warmth of the life they created together. Every mile they drove felt like it took her farther from them.

When they finally pulled into Yale’s campus, the sight of its iconic gothic spires broke her train of thought. The grandeur of the architecture, the meticulously manicured lawns, the bustling energy of students rushing to and from class–it was beautiful. But it wasn’t hers.

Sarah pushed open the door to their shared dorm room, her messy hair bouncing as she tossed her bag onto her bed. The room was just as Ashley would’ve imagined it–Sarah’s side was a chaotic mess of books, clothes, and empty coffee cups, while hers was pristine and orderly.

“God, I forgot how much of a neat freak you were,” Sarah muttered, flopping onto her unmade bed.

Ashley’s gaze wandered over the space, her chest tightening. She didn’t remember this room, but she could see the hours she’d spent in this reality trying to make it feel like hers.

In real life, she’d only lived at a dorm for one semester, desperate for independence after her breakup with Charlie. It had been lonely, miserable, and expensive–a mistake she’d corrected by moving back to her parents’ house shortly after.

Her parents' house had been her haven back then. She hadn’t wanted to leave it in the first place. It was Sarah who’d wanted to go to Yale, Sarah who’d wanted to get away, and now… it was coming true.

Her thoughts snagged on a single, haunting possibility. If this were an alternate reality, it would mean that she could meet Cole. Right now.

She might get to see the man she loved as he was before her, truly get to know the person she’d chosen to build her life with.

As insane as it seemed, she had a chance to rewrite everything. To save him.

And yet, the thought wasn’t comforting. It was terrifying. What if she was stuck here, in a past without perspective, without a way back? What about her future? Her baby?

Ashley sank onto her bed, her chest heaving with silent sobs.

“Come on, don’t cry over that loser,” Sarah said, sitting beside her.

“It’s still very… fresh,” Ashley said, her voice trembling.

Sarah rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. “Come on. Let’s go out. Breathe some air before you drown in your own tears.”

The sun was bright, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Ashley walked alongside Sarah, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her jeans. The cool breeze carried the faint scent of freshly cut grass and something else–coffee, maybe, or the hint of flowers blooming from a distant garden.

The chatter of students surrounded her, a mix of laughter and the clipped tones of hurried conversations. Yale’s beautiful buildings loomed above them, their intricate stonework gleaming in the golden light. It was beautiful, but it wasn’t hers.

Ashley stopped abruptly, her gaze sweeping across the courtyard. “I think I need a moment to myself.”

“Sure thing,” Sarah said, eyeing her wearily.

Ashley walked to a small, secluded part of a neat garden, the sun casting shadows over her as her chest tightened.

Feeling the panic rising in her, she closed her eyes and let the sounds and smells take over her.

This must be a blessing, she thought. Because if it’s not, then it must be hell.

Her hands trembled at her sides as she drew a deep breath. The reality of where she was–or when she was–pressed heavily against her chest. Losing everything just to be thrust back into this world of youth and possibility… It wasn’t freedom. It was a prison.

This isn’t real, she told herself, her jaw tightening. It can’t be real.

Ashley clenched her fists, the anger and grief swirling into a tempest inside her. She stretched her arms out, tilting her head toward the sky.

“I’ll prove it,” she whispered. “This is a dream, and if it’s a dream, then I need to wake up.”

Before anyone could stop her, she let herself fall back.

The fall felt endless, the air rushing past her, a fleeting moment of weightlessness.

She fell, and fell, and fell… But instead of hitting the ground, she landed into strong, steady arms.

“Are you okay?”

The voice was familiar–too familiar. Ashley’s breath hitched as she opened her eyes, her heart pounding.

Warm gray eyes, so soft, so achingly familiar, stared back at her. Relief rushed through her as she gasped, “Cole!”

The man above her smiled faintly. “Sorry to disappoint. It’s Dale.”

Her body stiffened. A sharp exhale of disbelief left her as she stared at the man holding her. He didn’t just look like Cole–he was Cole. She would have known those eyes, that face, anywhere.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied him.

The gray eyes gazing down at her were softer, slightly larger than Cole’s. His nose, though similar, lacked the faint bump that Cole’s had. His smile was the same, yet not–lighter, almost boyish. And his features carried a sweetness, an openness that Cole’s rarely did.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Dale asked again, his brows furrowing slightly. “You’ve been staring at me for a solid minute.”

Ashley flushed, scrambling to her feet and stepping back. “I-I’m fine. Sorry.”

Dale tilted his head, his expression curious but kind.

“Excuse my friend,” Sarah’s voice cut in as she jogged over. She hooked an arm through Ashley’s and dragged her a step farther back. “She’s just been broken up with and is having an existential crisis.”

Dale’s smile widened, and he nodded in understanding. “Oh, I’ve been there,” he said. “Sarah, right? From Eddie’s class?”

Sarah blinked, caught off guard. “How do you know my TA?”

“He’s doing his master’s in physics with me. He talks about you all the time–and says you’re top of the class. You should seriously consider majoring in physics.”

Sarah blushed, waving a hand. “I am.”

Straightening, Dale turned his gaze back to Ashley. His voice softened. “I didn’t catch your name.”

Ashley hesitated, her mind racing. Her heart felt like it was lodged in her throat. “My… name?”

He smiled again, this time with a touch of shyness. “As I said, I’m Dale, Dale Westwood.”

Ashley’s legs wobbled slightly beneath her. Dale.

“Her name is Ashley Carter,” Sarah offered, elbowing her in the ribs.

Ashley barely noticed the jab. Her eyes locked on Dale’s face, her breath catching. It wasn’t possible. Yet here he was, standing in front of her.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Dale asked again, his brow furrowing.

Ashley forced a nod, though the world around her felt like it was spinning. “Yeah. Sorry. I just… need a moment.”

Dale gave her a concerned look but nodded. “If you’re sure. It was nice meeting you, Ashley.”

As he walked away, Ashley turned to Sarah, who was grinning.

“You okay, or did the Westwood looks just make you lose your mind?” Sarah teased.

Ashley didn’t answer. She couldn’t.

Dale wasn’t just Cole’s brother. He was his twin.