JACKIE:

“See you around,” Grace added as she ushered me out the front door of her immaculate dorm. “Send Baxter my regards.”

I stopped short and pivoted away from the tough stuff in order to prevent Grace from kicking me out.

“Forgive me. I’m being rude. You invited me here, gave me clothes to borrow, and I haven’t told you anything about myself. What do you want to know?”

Grace shrugged and eyed the open door. A not-so-subtle way of saying, “Get out now.”

“Oh, I see. I’m a lowly janitor’s daughter. Why would you want to be friends with someone like me? What was I thinking?”

“It’s not like that! Of course I’d like to be friends.”

I closed the front door. “Prove it.”

“Excuse me?” Grace crossed her arms and furrowed her brow.

My throat ran dry, nervous this tactic would explode in my face.

“If you want to be friends, you’d try to get to know me. What do you want to know? I’ll tell you anything. I’m an open book.”

“I’m sure you are, but maybe later. It’s been a long day. Siesta time.”

“I have a great idea. Let me cook you a meal while you rest to pay you back for lending me the clothes.”

Grace softened. “No, that’s not necessary.”

“Okay, but here’s a fun fact. I’m a fantastic chef…”

Grace eyed the door awkwardly. “Good for you. That’s a wonderful skill to have…”

“How about you? Can you cook?”

She shook her head. “Does boiling water for tea count?”

I laughed a little too hard. “I’ll teach you sometime. Anything else you want to know about me? Come on. Ask me anything.”

I relaxed on the sofa, eager to stay awhile. It was a desperate move, but I had no choice.

Grace looked hesitant, but sat down next to me.

“Um, well. Let’s see…”

Turned out to be a smooth move, but my nerves kicked in. Would Grace ask me something hard to answer? Even a fact as basic as what year I was born? I’m eighteen, but technically I haven’t been born yet in this timeline.

“Tell me about growing up with Baxter as a dad. He’s such a nice guy.”

“Great question.”

This was an easy topic for me. I thought of the probability where I spent the most time with Baxter, when he raised me as his own. My time as a janitor, mopping the floors at Life Rite with him by my side.

“Pops is the best. He took such good care of me, always made sure I had a roof over my head and enough to eat… Growing up, he got me a cake every year for my birthday. It was so decadent, I’ll never forget it.” Tears came to my eyes, but didn’t fall.

Grace felt my genuine emotion. I may have changed out of the janitor’s uniform, but the differences between her and I were still clear. How would she treat me knowing that, deep down, I’m nothing like her rich trust fund friends?

“Thanks for sharing that with me. I never realized Baxter might be struggling financially.”

I nodded. “Seems like he’s got a sweet gig here at Hampshire University. His fridge is properly stocked. Growing up, a bare shelf was normal.”

“Wow, Jackie. I’m sorry to hear that.”

Grace and I sat in an awkward silence. I prayed she would let me stay out of pity.

“Hey, are you hungry now? We could grab some dinner. My treat.”

My face lit up. “Like I said, I could cook for you. My mac and cheese can’t be beat.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’ve got tons of credit on my campus meal plan.”

“I don’t want to impose…”

Grace grabbed my hand. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

I fought the urge to hug my mom again. She may not have fallen in love with the boy in the cage in this timeline, but she still had a kind heart.

We walked to the campus cafeteria in silence. I needed to convince Grace to reveal her secrets without being too aggressive, but I didn’t know where to start.

She spoke first. “If Baxter works here, where’s your mother?”

“Oh, she’s nearby.”

“Where are you visiting from?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You said you were visiting. That’s why you don’t have any clothes?”

“Right… I hope my suitcase arrives soon, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s gone forever. It’s a mess over at transportation services.”

Grace nodded with a furrow in her brow. Did this timeline have the endless homeless encampments and locked cabins on the subway? Without Life Rite, did normal people have a better chance at survival? I’d need to avoid specifics in case this probability operated differently.

“So, where are you from?”

“I live in Bernadette,” I lied.

Grace shrugged. “Never heard of it.”

“Not surprised. It’s a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. With zero opportunity there, Pops moved to the big city to find work.”

“How old are you?”

“Eighteen.”

“Me too. Do you have a boyfriend?”

I shook my head. “Nah.”

Grace nodded, satisfied for now after her mini interrogation.

“How about you? Boyfriend?” I asked.

She smiled proudly. “My boyfriend, Feraz, is the most popular guy on campus.”

“Wow, how exciting. Is that what you like about him? His popularity?”

“He’s the total package. Well liked, handsome, but… misunderstood. You know?”

“No, tell me more.”

“Everyone thinks he’s perfect.”

“Is he?” I asked.

“Well, yeah, he is… but he’s under a lot of pressure. It’s not easy being at the top. There’s more to lose.”

“I can only imagine.”

“We’re here.” Grace opened the cafeteria door. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted out. It was nicer than a five-star restaurant. These college kids lived a life of luxury. Still, Grace complained.

“It’s worse than hospital food. Beware the weird deli concoctions. No telling what’s in those.”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

I stocked my tray high with all the finest meats, cheeses, fruits… I’m drooling just thinking about it. Time travel made me ravenous.

Grace grabbed a small salad and black coffee.

“Not hungry?” I asked.

She flinched, caught off guard. “Um, I’m on a medication that makes my appetite, like, non-existent. Besides, I ate a big breakfast.”

We sat down to eat. I melted at the first bite and wasted no time getting to the second.

As I stuffed my face, Grace’s boyfriend approached us.

Feraz walked up to me and said, “Slow down or you’ll choke.”

He turned to Grace. “Hey, babe. Since when do you eat?”

Grace’s face lit up at the sight of him. “Hey, babe.” She stood up for a kiss, but he gave her his cheek.

Feraz said to Grace, “I need that book back. I’ve got to study before the big test.”

“Here you go. I’m done with it.” She pulled the Frankenstein book out of her bag and handed it to Feraz. I surveyed the novel. They’d exchanged it twice now. Was it a clue?

Feraz noticed my glance and held the book behind his back.

“And you are?”

“How rude of me.” Grace made introductions. “Feraz, this is Jackie. She’s Baxter’s daughter.”

“Who is Baxter?

“The… custodian who gave us the key to the lab. Remember?”

“The janitor?” He raised an eyebrow. “You’re the janitor’s daughter?”

Grace pulled Feraz into the seat next to her. “And Feraz needs no introduction. Valedictorian, captain of the lacrosse team, my handsome and charming boyfriend…”

“No mention of my last name, Grace? You always bury the lead, babe.”

Grace clarified, “Jackie, I present to you… Feraz Tal.”

Feraz looked pleased with himself. “Yes, I am heir to the Tal oil estate. And yet my girlfriend clearly loves slumming it.” He looked me up and down with a scowl.

“Feraz is such a goof.” She elbowed him playfully with a giggle.

“What the hell, Grace? That hurt.”

I didn’t like his sharp tone.

Grace shrunk within herself. “Geez. I was just messing around, dear.”

Dark circles emerged under her eyes as Feraz grit his teeth and dug his nails into his fists. Her vibrance faded like a wilted flower before my very eyes. Watching their dynamic made me tense.

“So how did you two meet?” I asked, trying to make polite conversation.

Feraz rolled his eyes. “The only way people of any status meet these days.”

Confusion crept onto my face.

Grace explained, “We met through our families.”

“Maybe the lunch lady has a son that would fit your station, janitor.” Feraz smiled at his own joke.

I shoved mashed potatoes in my mouth to keep from poking his eyes out. What a jerk. I had to assert dominance over him, but how?

I coughed, and in the process, spit potatoes all over his crisp white shirt.

He recoiled in disgust. “Hey! Watch it.”

“Sorry.” I smiled with my mouth full of food. Not a significant move, but it was something. I cupped my hands over my face to catch my laughter.

Grace grabbed a napkin to clean Feraz’s shirt, but the potatoes spread.

“Forget it.” He snatched the napkin from Grace’s hands and dealt with it himself.

“Put some dish soap on it. Will come right out,” I offered.

“Thanks, janitor.” Feraz changed the subject. “Grace, am I good to proceed? Will we be ready by spring break?”

Grace lowered her eyes and spoke in a sheepish tone. “We’ll be ready, but…”

“But what?” he snapped.

I interrupted. “When is spring break?”

Feraz ignored my question. “Grace, are you going to Simon’s party tonight?”

“I’m not feeling up to it. Please don’t be mad if I skip it…”

“Gotta take care of yourself,” I chimed in. “Staying in is underrated. There will always be another party.”

Someone had to have Grace’s back against this bully. What did she see in him? What power did he wield over her? Was it his good looks or something more sinister?

“Hey, look at me.” Feraz grabbed Grace’s face and put his forehead against hers. His tone changed. “Babe. I’m here for you. We can stay in tonight if you’re unwell. Unless you’d rather spend time with your janitor friend instead of me.”

“It’s not that. I’m just… tired.”

“She’s had cramps all day,” I explained.

Feraz ignored me. He kissed Grace’s cheek and whispered in her ear. I leaned in and strained to hear.

Grace whispered back. Their secret conversation was inaudible. What were they talking about? I was desperate to find out.

Feraz chuckled and leaned back in his chair. “You’re so dramatic, babe. Don’t forget, spring break is almost here.”

Grace smiled. “I’ve been counting down the days!”

“Me too. It’s going to be epic.”

“What’s everyone planning for the big break?” I asked. “Beach trip or maybe camping in the mountains?”

Grace shoot her head. “Ew, camping? No thanks.”

“Our plans are none of your concern.” Feraz grabbed a piece of bacon off my plate and winked at me. “Nice to meet you, janitor.”

“My name is Jackie,” I reminded him.

“Alright, janitor. Well, I hope I never see you again… But I’ll see you very soon, Grace. Stop by my place before I leave for Simon’s party.”

“You’re still going?” Grace asked. “You offered to stay in with me.”

“I never said that. Don’t put words in my mouth. Stop by on your way home, yeah?”

Grace nodded.

“Don’t be late like always.” Feraz gave her a peck and left the table.

I only felt comfortable exhaling once he was out of sight.

“Wow, he’s a piece of work,” I said.

Grace sighed with doe eyes. “Isn’t he gorgeous?”

“If you like narcissists. How can you deal with the way he talks to you?”

The color drained from her face. “You don’t know Feraz like I do. He’s blunt, but he tells it like it is. He’s super smart, has killer six-pack abs, and his parents are… family friends.”

“Who cares? He’s an asshole.”

Her jaw dropped. Grace wasn’t used to people breaking the illusion of her perfect little bubble.

She doubled down. “Feraz is a complicated character, but he’s grown so much in the time we’ve been together.”

“Let me guess. You think you can change him?”

Grace crossed her arms defensively. “Maybe I’m the one that needs fixing. He could have any girl he wants, and he chose me despite my flaws.”

“Yeah, but…”

“Enough, Jackie! Drop it.”

I softened my approach, trying to stay on her good side. “I mean, he does have really nice hair.”

Grace smiled. “I know, right? He’s so dreamy in every way! One look into those deep eyes, and I’m hooked. You should have seen the way my parents were together. So in love. I want that so bad.”

I played dumb. “You said the way they were. What happened to your parents?”

Grace’s lip quivered. “My mom passed away last summer from muscular dystrophy.”

“Sorry to hear it. I also didn’t have much time with my mom. She left when I was young.”

“Wait, I thought you said she was nearby?”

“Oh… Um… Stuff like this is hard to talk about, you know?”

“Sure, but you said you were an open book.”

Distrust swept over her face. I had to reel Grace back in. Honesty is the best policy, right?

“My mom abandoned me when I was young, so Baxter took me in. I’ve been on my own for a while now, but I can take care of myself. Still, I miss my mom.”

“Yeah, me too.”

We shared a moment of silence for all we’d lost. Misery loves company. The cycle continued.

“Want to go back to my apartment and watch a movie?” she offered.

“That’d be great. After I stuff my face. I can’t let this delicious food go to waste!”

“How can you eat that garbage?” Grace laughed and threw a piece of lettuce at me from her untouched salad. Maybe this was my chance to bond with my mom, make up for what we’d lost in previous probabilities…

After dinner, we made our way back to Grace’s dorm.

“Hold on a sec, I’ve got to pop in here and grab something.”

She left me on the steps of an impressive brownstone. I took the moment alone to plan my next steps.

“Firestorm, you there?”

“I’m always with you,” he replied.

“If you’re right and Feraz has access to the Life Rite serum, how did he get it? And what role does Grace play? Did you see her heal that cut? She must have the phoenix gene.”

“I’m riding your stream, so I can see what you see, but you’ll have to uncover these answers directly.”

“Working on it. Mom doesn’t fully trust me yet, but she seems to want to help me because I’m an underdog; clothing me, feeding me, taking me in.”

Firestorm agreed. “She always helps those in need.”

“So maybe I should…” Footsteps drew closer, cutting the conversation in my head short.

Grace came out of the building carrying her Frankenstein book.

“Hey, didn’t you just give that book back to Feraz at the cafeteria?” I asked. “Are you two playing tag with it?”

“What? No.” She hugged the book tight to her chest and unzipped her purse to put it away.

I had to get a closer look at that book in case it was an important clue to unlock this probability.

“Lemme see.” I snatched it without thinking twice. I didn’t have any time to lose.

“Hey! Give it back!” Grace reached for the book. I held it away from her.

“What’s so special about it?” I opened the book. The inside pages were hollowed out. It wasn’t a book, it was a hiding place. Its covert contents were none other than a syringe full of glowing green Life Rite serum and an empty vial.

“What is this, Grace?”

She snatched the book out of my hands and stuffed it in her purse. “It’s none of your business.”

“I can help if you just tell me…”

Grace laughed. “How can a janitor’s daughter possibly help a Claudi?”

“I’m more powerful than you think.” I puffed my chest up, ready to fight her rich alpha energy.

Grace scratched her neck, unsure what to say. Her fingernails scraped against a thick patch of scaly skin. Was she mutating?

“What’s that? Is your skin changing all over your body?”

She froze as if she’d been caught.

I grilled her. “How much Life Rite have you taken? What other changes are you experiencing?”

Grace walked away. “I’ve already gone through puberty, okay? It was nice to meet you, but this is where we say goodbye.”

I followed. “Listen. This is serious… You’re mutating, aren’t you?”

“Mutating? What planet are you from? Leave me alone, weirdo.”

“If you keep taking that drug, Grace, you could turn into a… full-fledged phoenix.”

She chuckled. “You sound ridiculous.”

“Beatrice turned down the Life Rite serum for a reason…”

Grace cut me off. “Don’t talk about my mother! You know nothing about her.”

“That’s not true!”

“What are you, a stalker?”

“No. It’s not like that.” I put my hands up in surrender and reminded myself to take baby steps.

“Leave me alone.” She kept walking. I rushed to keep up.

I tried to change the subject. “Let’s forget all that stuff for now. What movie should we watch tonight?”

“You know what? I’m really tired. Let’s reschedule the movie for… never. Feraz was right about you. Goodbye, janitor.”

“So what if I’m a janitor? You don’t care about social status. You’re a good person, Grace.”

“I’m not a good person, I’m a Claudi. Nice people get taken advantage of. There’s no room for you in my life. Sorry.”

“Grace, wait!”

My mom ran away without looking back. The feeling of abandonment resurfaced, reminding me of every life we’d never live together. I guess this was the most probable outcome.

Firestorm’s voice reverberated in my skull. “Don’t let her leave! Go after her!”

I fought back tears. “She doesn’t want me.”

“She doesn’t know what she wants or needs. Besides, this is bigger than you and her. We have to heal the timeline!”

I sucked back tears. Putting my own feelings aside, I remembered the task at hand. I had to infiltrate my mom’s life in order to stop the Life Rite immortality serum from leaking. Otherwise Alpha would enact his redistribution program. The fate of humanity once again rested on my shoulders. If I couldn’t save this stream, how many others would also fall on my watch?

“Fine, I’ll fix everything. Like always.”

I looked around to follow Grace, but she was gone. Which way did she go? How could I convince her to work with me?