There's always time-PEREKOO

Chapter 1

These violent delights have violent ends

And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,

Which as they kiss consume.

The sweetest honey is loathsome in his own deliciousness

And in the taste of cofounds the appetite.

Therefore love moderately, long love doth so,

Too swift arrive as tardy as too slow.''

This was Miss Peregrine's favourite part. She reread it so many times that now she knew the words by heart. Loved, lost. The whole idea of the play was wonderful and even thou it was clihé Alma couldn't help but love all of William Shakespeare. She read most of his work. Her other favourites were:

Hamlet and his ''To be or to not to be...''

Macbeth and his "Fair is foul, and foul is fair."

Othello, King Lear, Julius Ceasar, A Midsummer Night's Dream...

Mostly tragedies so.

When the kids were in beds, when the loop was reset and the house clean, she'd sit down comfortably in her armchair and open one of her favourite classics.

These thoughts were these days driving her. This and the memory of Isabel Cuckoo. It has been a few weeks from their last meeting and Alma didn't even get a chance to talk to her. They shared just looks.

Miss Peregrine called her a few times, but the phone was always answered by her children. She was often out of the house or occupied said the kids. And Alma would always ask them to tell Isabel to call back but she never did. So she slowly stopped calling. But her friend was always on her mind.

Her beautiful brunette coloured hair and chocolate eyes. The smile and pride that often appeared on her face whenever she watched her children. Her sexy French accent accompanied by her flirty grin. Her maroon coloured lips, oh so kissable. She was just dashing.

At that thought was blood rushing into Miss Peregrine's cheeks.

Who could blame Alma for having a silly crush on the smaller ymbryne? It wasn't that obvious, right? Or was that the reason they didn't talk anymore?

''Miss P, Miss P!'' interrupted her doubting little Claire.

''Y-Yes, dear?'' asked Alma in confusion. Claire just giggled and smiled.

''Someone's at the door, Miss P.'' said her ward.

Just now Alma acknowledged the sound of the bell. She was so bemused she didn't even notice.

''Alright-said the headmistress pulling herself together again-thank you, Claire, for alarming me, I must have overheard it.'' forced Alma a smile.

Who could it be? They weren't expecting any guests nor post or anyone else. Miss Peregrine walked over the whole house to the door wondering who could possibly be their surprise visitor. Then with no more wait opened it and what she saw surprised her.

Speaking of the devil...and here she comes. It was no other than Miss Isabel Cuckoo in all her beauty. The peregrine falcon just froze and stared. She was wearing her signature red coat and a little hat decorated by two silver like feathers. Her cheeks were red from the cold, her eyes filled with warmth and happiness. She was here. She was really here.

''Cat got your tongue?'' said Isabel a smirk playing on her lips.

''W-what are you doing here?'' said Alma. Then she realized how it must have sound so she quickly finished her sentence.''I-I mean I'm happy that you are here, I-I was just thinking about you, WELL N-not LIKE THAT, I mean I-I did miss you...'' Now I was blushing like mad, my eyes wandering on the floor avoiding Isabel's gaze. Oh, that was obvious.

The other ymbryne just chuckled a light rose covering her cheeks.

''I missed you too, ma chérie.'' that made Alma's heart pound even faster. It was nothing special, Isabel called everyone like that but for some reason, it sent shivers down her spine.

''May I come in, dearest? It's freezing out here'' asked Isabel tilting her head to the side looking like a little adorable kitten.

''S-sure, sorry. Do come in,'' said Alma and stepped out of the door to let her love interest inside.

''Mercie chérie,'' said Isabel and came in, finally reaching the feeling of warmth.

''I'll call the kids. Please, make yourself feel at home. Wait on m-us in the living room it's that way.'' said Alma and immediately turned to go but Miss Cuckoo quickly stopped her.

''Well, actually- said Isabel with her smooth french accent-I was hoping I could talk just to you for now.'' suddenly nervous

''Oh, okay...Do you want some tea, Isabel?'' asked surprised Alma

''That would be lovely, ma chéri,'' said Isabel and smiled.

They came into the kitchen. Alma put the kettle on and leaned against the counter. She noticed Isabel awkwardly standing in the door.

''Please, Isabel, take a seat,'' said the headmistress and smiled.

Miss Cuckoo sat down on a chair and looked up to meet the peregrine's stare.

''So, what did you wanted to talk about?'' asked Alma.

Isabel just put her hands on the table and stared at them. Why is she so nervous. Did I do something to upset her? Oh bird, I already messed up.

''I know you called.''

That surprised Alma. She knew that she called. Then why didn't she call back? Was there an issue with her calling her? Suddenly Alma got an idea. Was that the reason Isabel was here? To tell Alma that she was no longer interested in their friendship? To say goodbye?

''A-and? Is there a problem? Why didn't you call back anyways?'' asked Miss Peregrine a fake smile on her face scratching the back of her neck. Oh, why can't I just not care?

''I'm so sorry. I was just busy, the conference and my work, the children.'' she finally met my gaze, fiddling her thumbs and then she continued. ''I'm here today because I don't want to seem that I don't care...about you, about what we have. Because I do, I really do and I should have found a time, but somehow I-I just hope that I'm not late, Alma...'' I just smiled at her. I could stare into her eyes forever.

''You're not.'' You could never be thought Miss Peregrine. Isabel's whole face brightened up. She stood up and approached me, her eyes not leaving mine. She stopped a few steps before me. Took my hands in hers. My breath hitched. Blood rose into my cheeks.

''Thank you, Alma.'' and she smiled. I must have looked like a total idiot because then she asked ''Are you alright, chérie?'' I felt like fainting.

''I'M FINE! EXCUSE ME FOR A MOMENT, WILL YOU?'' then I quickly walked away with hands covering my face.