Jack would have given me some very valuable advice right now. He would probably tell me I was not going insane. But, if he were still here, none of this would be happening. I know not how to sort through my feelings correctly. Curses. I envy Eleanore for that reason.

Scarlett dropped the quill. They laid back in their chair and took a deep breath. The place smelled like home. They closed their eyes. The little patch of sun shining through the window touched their face. Time travelers. Magic. Demons. They clenched their nose bridge. Click! Eleanore eased the door shut.

“Scarlett, what’s the matter?” She asked a bit snappily. “You’ve not slept. You’ve been cooped up in here for only god knows how long.”

“This is going to sound insane, Eleanore.. absolutely insane.” Scarlett groaned. “But I think it’s time I tell you.”

…

Eleanore sat down. Scarlett sat down across from her. Light flooded the living room, making everything so bright it could’ve glowed. The scent of baked goods lingered. Scarlett fixed their gloves while Eleanore pulled out her knitting tools. “I appreciate the fact that you took the time to tell me all of this.” She said warmly, relaxing in the chair. “I guess it’s time I come clean to you too.”

Scarlett nodded. Eleanore smiled. “I’m also a time traveler.” She casually said. “I’ve been in the industry for quite some time.” Scarlett slammed their palm against their forehead.

“Are you being honest with me, Ella?” They said tensely, running their hand through their hair.

“Completely.”

“If I had any idea you were there, I would’ve.. you know.” Eleanore said lightheartedly. “But I’ve heard about what’s going on.”

Scarlett burst into laughter. They slapped the sofa. Eleanore raised an eyebrow and winced. Scarlett laid back. They threw their arms up toward the ceiling as if it were the sun. “Oh thank god..” They sighed. They frowned and narrowed their eyes. “What’s going on, Eleanore?”

“What do you mean?”

“How is this all happening? Who is Kai Williamson and why are all these people so shady??”

“Oh!” She exclaimed enthusiastically. “Kai Williamson is the current CEO.”

“Did you ever.. meet him?”

“No.” She shrugged. “He’s a pretty good guy though as far as I know.”

Scarlett nodded slowly. “Do you know Nanè?”

“Yeah, but I’ve never met her.” Eleanore replied, steepling her fingers. Scarlett nodded.

“Anyway, do you want to make a cake of some sort?”

“I thought you’d never ask!”

…

“That would be it for today.” Kafele said formally. “I suggest you all return to your business. Have a good evening.”

He stood up from his chair. The other time travelers around the long table followed. Nanè stepped out of the doorway, watching like a hawk as they walked out the door single file, like ants out of a hole. Kafele pushed in his seat. Nanè eased the door shut behind the last person. “Kafele, a word.” She said calmly. Her voice echoed around the room silence had just washed over.

Kafele looked up. He shoved a hand into the pocket of his fitted blazer. It looked like a pitch black smudge against the stainless white floor. The sun set behind the wall of buildings behind him, turning it all into a smooth golden gradient. Kafele smiled. He’d been washed out by the harsh overhead lights. “What is it, Nanè?” He asked, putting on a friendly tone.

She let down her hair and leaned against the door. Kafele sauntered over. “Cassius finally cracked the code.” She explained, perching a foot against the door and crossing her arms. “He has the location. We’re being sent out to a new rallying point.” Kafele sighed. The stench of chemicals followed him.

“I heard.” He said tiredly.

Nanè looked down. Knock! Knock! Knock! Nanè leapt forward. The door slammed into the wall. A woman with bouncy blonde curls made her way in. She held a clipboard tight to her chest. Her button-down white shirt was loosely tucked into her skin-tight black skirt. She grinned widely and nodded at Nanè.

Kafele grinned. A few stars twinkled in his eyes. “It’s good to see you, baby.” He cooed. He took both her hands and kissed them. She chuckled.

“You as well, Kafele.” She said in her honey-drenched voice.

“--Mrs. Carmine, it’s a pleasure to see you.” Nanè said politely.

Mrs. Carmine looked over her shoulder. She wore a friendly smile and returned a sharp nod. “Cassius wanted to speak with you, Kafele.” She stated, turning back to face him. He looked away. His smile melted and he pressed his lips together.

“Tell him I’ll speak to him in a moment. I’m busy.” He dismissed, giving a wave of his hand.

“He says it’s important.”

Kafele pulled up his sleeve and checked his watch. He furrowed his brows. A frown crawled across his face. “Tell him to hold on.” He said sharply. Nanè turned away and almost tip-toed out of the room.

“I’ve told him the same thing over and over again for the past week!” She hissed. Nanè eased the door shut behind her.

“It’s been a week already?”

Their muffled voices melted into nothing but buzzes as Nanè got farther away—then silence. She played around with her hair. For one reason or the other, her breathing had picked up pace. Her eyes darted to each and every side of the room.

Then it all shattered.

“I’m sorry.”

Nanè looked down. A woman stopped in front of her. Citrus perfume flooded Nanè’s nostrils. It was so strong she could taste it. Nanè crinkled her nose. A wide grin stretched across the woman’s face. She waved quickly and stepped out of Nanè’s way. “P-Pardon me, for just a moment.” She said swiftly. Nanè turned to face her. She raised a brow and leaned forward a little ways.

The woman was dressed in the same uniform as she was, but without a blazer. “I.. err...” She began, combing back a lock of hair which framed her face. The chignon she sported was quite fancy. “Just wanted to ask if you knew where the bathrooms were.” She looked down. She was so tense she’d shatter if touched. “I’m so sorry, ma’am.”

“There’s no need to apologize.” Nanè reassured, putting on a friendly smile. “The bathrooms would be over.. that way.”

Nanè pointed. The woman sighed in relief. “I’m Analyn.” She introduced herself in a huff.

“I’m Nanè.” Nanè replied with delight, holding out her hand. Analyn took it. Her grasp was surprisingly firm. She looked up at her with a confident smile.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“You have?”

Analyn nodded. “You’re the time traveler whose dating her manager, aren’t you?”