Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 91

"fastest dinner ever..."

I hear Bronx say, but he sounds like he’s underwater.

The high pitch buzzing sound is trying to push its way forward, but I fight against it with all my concentration.

Lex is trying to speak to me, but she sounds like she’s miles away.I stand up so I can join Bronx in front of the table, but Milo and Lenora take my hands and pull me into my seat.

Codi is in my lap, hugging me tightly.I can feel the warmth of our special connection and hug her back.

Pack members cheer and howl silently as Bronx gives his speech.He paces slowly and confidently while his hands add emotion to his words.

Our pack looks so happy.

That’s how it should be.

Happy.

A plate of chicken cordon bleu is in front of me.I look at it curiously.

My mind can’t seem to remember how eating works.I dip my finger in the sauce and give Codi a taste.

She claps her hands, but there is no noise.

Lenora gives Bronx a worried look and shakes her head as she pulls her pup from my lap.

Red, gold, and white decorations glitter in the background, slightly out of focus.

People look up from their dinner.I can sense their worry.It hits me in crashing waves.

Milo and Reggie are on either side of me, helping me to my feet.We are walking down a hallway.

Marco is ahead of us, holding his phone to his ear.I feel a hand on the small of my back.I look up to see who it is and trip over my feet.

Bronx catches me and picks me up, carrying me the rest of the way.I don’t even know where we’ re going.I close my eyes and let the scent of coffee and dark chocolate lull me into a relaxed sleep.

"Leticia? Are you here?"иσνєℓєвσσк.¢σмI call out as I walk into the apartment.

"To..uhh...Kas?"

Leticia pops her head out from what appears to be an office.There are small symbols painted on her face that look like runes.She has her hair pulled back into a black bandana.She wipes her hand over her face and the markings magically disappear, "I wasn’t expecting you.What’s going on?"

"I have some questions.Do you have time?"

my arms in frustration, trying to remember I’m not upset with her.I also don’t

I

the room she is peeking out from, then back out at me, "O-of course, I always have time for you.Give me just a second.I’ll meet you

the door,

inside, I hear a bird squawking and

silence.I back away slowly

as if nothing happened, looking like she is fresh out of the shower even

nearly long enough to take a

for a hug, a huge grin on her face.My resolve softens as I look at her.I can’t imagine there are many people showing her affection these days.I approach her and wrap my arms around her

takes a slightly ragged breath as she buries her head in my shoulder.I rub her back slightly and

away from me, "To what doI owe this pleasure,

stuff about myself.I want to know more from your perspective, please," I sigh,

like a conversation that needs snacks,"

our laps, exposing a bowl of popcorn, glazed pecans, and mugs of

know exactly what I need," I give her cheek a little pinch, eliciting a

learned over the past day about the Manae and about myself.She nods and listens intently as I tick off the list of important things I have

the part where I give you the box of note cards?" she cringes

"Box of notecards?"

said not to give it to you unless things are at ‘ critical mass’.I think we’re there," she

closet, and comes out dragging a foot locker

her hands

the chest, not sure what to make of

is no separation where it would hinge open.I run my finger across the edge,

I open it?" I look up at Leticia, who

"Blood magic," she mumbles.

doesn’t help me, Leticia.I

slice your finger, and let it bleed onto

lie to you.I mess with a lot of dark shit.Blood magic is not one of them.This was your idea.I just keep the trunk safe.Not that anyone could get into it except for you.You’ve been putting

trying to

earlier, but you have to understand my position.I have orders from our Mother.There

okay, Lex.I shouldn’t have gotten upset with you, either.It just seems like the more I find out about my sisters and me, the more messed

always a bed of roses.But on this one, you can trust Leticia.That trunk will keep you busy for a long

what to do, "I’m not opening the trunk today, Leticia.Lex says it's going

probably have note cards to add to the trunk that

onto the sofa, "Okay.What’s on

to remember all of their

yeah.That is

lose the memories of your previous lives.The rest of us do not.We remember everything.The good and the bad and trust me, there has

most powerful of all the Manae and Guardians, but because you don’t have any previous memories, you just don’t know it.We're only allowed to call on you

into her lap and twists her

is it, Leticia? What’s wrong?" I brush her sparkly hair away from her face