My life flashes before my eyes. Literally. I felt as the skin tighten on my face, erasing the wrinkles.  The age spots disappear from my arms, and white in my beard turning to a light golden brown as the hair shrunk back into my face. The man in the mirrors changed from an old fail gentleman to a young beaming man. I look down at the letter in my hand which read;

      "Dear sir,

The Fates favour you this day. Due to your genuine love and kindness for people, we grant you the powers of the universe and immortality. You may share with one, this gift of immortality.

Sincerely  the Fates"

I didn't know what to do, or who to share this with.

"Meow"

I look at Sugar, my pure white, long tailed  fluffer, otherwise known as a cat. She was rather a temperamental thing. One moment she would be demanding me to pet her while she showered me with affection and the next, I had scratch marks down my arms, recieving the cold shoulder from my precious friend.

"Whatever shall I do Sugar?"

A small meow was the only response.

Many years went  by. I found many loves in my life such as art, theatre, and music.  More than once I found a girl who I wished I could spend forever  with, but as I saw them start to grow old and I knew I had to leave. I couldn't explain to them why they aged but I didn't. I eventually locked myself away for a few centuries in my castle, and became the cause for the myth of  Dracula. However, I soon found my way out again. I moved to America to try and resettle. I lived there a few centuries and really came to love it. As the country began to advance, I found myself drawn out to the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I moved to a small town out west. That is where I met her.
Now who was this her you ask? Well, her name was Alex. She was witty, relaxed, and as I got to know her more I realized she could understand. However time wore on and she slowly aged. After a few years, I decided I would finally do it.

We sat on the couch munching on popcorn while watching old classic Disney films. I reached my hand into the bowl...and feel nothing. I swirl my hand around the whole bowl and to my disappointment, all the popcorn  was GONE!!  I look at Alex, offended.

"How dare you!  You ate all my popcorn!"

"Oh please! You know the second  you put that bowl in front of me, it is fair game!" Alex's laugh accompanying her reply made me smile.

"I'll go make some more."

I walked into the kitchen and pulled the popcorn kernels out of the cupboard.  I was just pouring the melted butter  over the top when I see her walking into the kitchen. I notice something in her hands which causes me to promptly set down the butter and popcorn.

"What are you doing with that photo album?" I quickly  walk over and shut the book she was so intently staring at

"Better question. What are you doing here with George Washington's look a like?"

A small sigh escapes my lips.

"I wondered how long till this day should arrive."  I hesitantly stepped  over to where she stood, gently guiding her back to the couch.

" Okay. This is going to sound really weird..and crazy...and you might wish to call the house fro crazies to come pick me up after, but just...hear me out okay?" I run my hands trough my hair, hoping she believes me.

"Okay? I'm a little concerned now...."

I launch into the whole story of the letter I received from the Fates that "fate"ful day. I told her of the many loves I had come to enjoy, such as tv, modern music, and many more. I also told her of my struggles to figure things out. I was relieved when she laughed at me explaining it's due to this "gift"  I struggled so bad.

"Honestly after seeing you drive,  I can believe it!! So, you said you were allowed to share this with one other....did you ever find someone special enough to share it with?" I saw the wonder in her eyes. I knew what she was thinking. I pulled her into a tight hug, the tears filling my eyes.
"Alex, I fell for many women over the span of these years but never have I shared with them what I have shared with you today. I cannot handle the idea of leaving you like I did the others. You truly are the love of my life."
I felt her snuggle into my chest more and despite me wanting not to, I pulled her away so I could look her in the eyes. I felt a warm hand wipe the tears rolling down my cheek.
"Hey, Eric..talk to me. What's wrong?"
I looked back to Alex.
"Alex I want to live with you for every day of your life, but you will grow old and I won't. I really wish I could share this gift with you but I can't. You see, I already gave it to another." I grabbed her hand and lead her back to the couch where we both sat down. The disappointment on her face gave me much pain. As we sat there, I clicked my tongue a couple times. Suddenly a white long haired cat came running out of a back room.
"Alex, I'd like you to meet Sugar. She is the one I shared the gift with." I glanced down sadly as Sugar mews at me for cuddles. Alex reaches down and pets Sugar.
"You shared it with your cat?!?" Alex laughter filled the room again but the sound was dampened by the tears cascading down her face. I knew I'd have to do it.
"Alex, I'm sorry. I don't think we should see each other. It just won't work...I'm so sorry. Can we at least stay friend though? As you get older I will still com visit everyday. Unless you wish otherwise." I looked down to my feet and didn't even try to stop the tears. Everything I had said was true. Before when it came time to leave a girl, it hurt but not much. I had always tried to never form real attachments as I knew what would ultimately have to happen. This time I couldn't control it. It's like every atom in my body is drawn to her and yearns to be in her presence. I couldn't handle the idea of losing her but I knew it wouldn't work. She would age, I wouldn't. It would be painful, for both of us.
"I don't understand why you can't just return the gift." Alex walked out the front door but a dark cloud hovered in the room.
I plopped down onto the couch. Her words ran through my head. I ran to my desk, pulled out some stationary and began to write.
"Dear Fates;
I have greatly enjoyed this gift, and am in deed grateful for it but I must ask a favor. I request to be able to live and age as a normal man from now on.
Sincerely,
Eric"
The letter magically vanished, but was replaced by another
"Eric,
We recognize you request and will grant it. However it comes with a cost. Are you willing to pay it?
~The Fates"
"YES!! I will give anything to be able to be able to be with her!" I screamed at the sky. I looked down at the paper as the letters changed.
"As you wish.
~The Fates"
At that moment, I heard my phone ring. It was the hospital. On her way home, Alex got in an accident. Chances were slim that she would survive. I got to the hospital as soon as I could, but when I arrived she was almost gone. I held and kissed her hand as she said her final words.
"See you soon my love."
Time went on and I aged gracefully into my elderly years. Finally, at age 87 I could tell my book of life was coming to a close. After Alex, I never fell in love again. I put my heart and soul into helping whoever I could. I had adopted and raised 3 kids. I was satisfied with all, but greatly missed my love. As I laid down to sleep, I felt my final breathe escape my mouth.
I opened my eyes and looked around. I found myself outside Heaven's gate. There, at the entrance was Alex.
"I told you I would see you soon. I see you gave the gift back." Alex gave the smile I had missed so much.
"But it cost you your life." I mournfully sighed
"Don't be hard on yourself," Alex hit me in the arm " we have each other for the rest of eternity".
I smiled at her, pulled her close and held her in a tight hug. At last I was home, and I held my world in my arms once again.