27 days, 17 hours, 33 minutes left

“Happy birthday, baby!” A woman with my face cooed down at me.

“Thank you, mommy!” A young me said, my voice softer and higher.

I watched as a man came into the pink room, a smile etched clear on his face. With a kind voice, he said, “Happy birthday, sweet princess.”

A high-pitched giggle escaped my lips and I bounced over to him, “When’s my party?”

“This evening, so I expect you to be on your best behaviour until then.” He said and I nodded. Looking at the scene before me, I got the strong impression that this was my twelfth birthday.

“Of course I will be!” I grinned innocently, and then turned to face my mother, “Can we go shopping at the mall today, mom?”

“But of course, birthday girl.” She kissed the top of my head and I ached for this to be real in the present.

I watched as my memories shifted from my bedroom in the soft glow of the morning to the crisp night. The room was dark and I was sleeping in bed, peaceful, with a small Lex beside me. I heard a scream echo throughout the night and the young me and Lex jumped out of bed. I followed them out of my room and through the house, to the front door.

The small house stood in a cul-de-sac with identical houses to mine. There were black cars that lined the streets and every house was dark. I watched a group of men dressed in black shove a woman in her nightdress into the back of one of the cars.

“Charlotte! Lex!” My mother hissed at us while she yanked us back into the house and knelt down to our level, “Darling, you need to run with Lex. Go to the tunnel, and follow the others out of here. I’ll meet you at the rendezvous in two days, okay, I promise.”

“Not without you!” I cried and my mother pressed me tightly against her. I watched her share a look with Lex before releasing me.

“Go.” She shoved me towards the back of the house as Lex took my hand. I followed them out of the house and towards the trees in the backyard.

We ran through the trees until a tall looming tunnel appeared in the path. I knew I never actually ended up going through with this plan. My younger self stopped dead and regretfully looked at Lex.

“Lottie, come on!” Lex urged and I watched myself shake my head.

“I have to go back for them.” I said and Lex tightens her grip on my arm.

“No.” Lex said, voice cracking with emotion, “You’ll die.”

“I have to. I’m really sorry, Lex.” I sniffled, “I’ll meet you at the rendezvous. We’ll see each other again.”

“Please, Lottie, no.” Lex begged and I yanked my arm out of her grip.

“Don’t follow me, please, save yourself. I love you.” I whispered and then my younger self darted back the way we came. I saw Lex’s face crumple at my retreating back and gulped with sorrow. Without looking back, even though my younger self had several times, I ran after my younger self where we stopped suddenly in the middle of the forest.

“Charlotte.” A voice I recognized said as he stepped out from behind a tree.

“Who are you?” I heard myself whimper.

“A friend, dear.” Greg said, “Now, show me what you can do.”

                                                                 + + +

With a loud gasp, I bolted upright. My eyes darted around the room, checking my surrounding. Liam was sitting in a floral cushioned chair beside the plain bed I was on, and Lex was leaning against the beige wall beside the door.

“Lex? Liam?” I shrilly said, and my hands flew to my throat.

It didn’t hurt at all. It didn’t feel bruised to touch either, and my concern rose higher, “Why am I okay?”