There's Double

Chapter 18

(Virgil's POV)

I laid awake, staring at my ceiling. I had to keep calm in order not to upset Thomas. If I got out of control then he would go into a panic attack. I just don't know how much longer I can hide this. I'm glad the others are in on this, but I think we need more. I need to go to people I haven't fully talked to in a long time. Knock knock knock. 

"Verge? Buddy?" Patton questioned as he opened the door. I looked over at him as I sat up, making room on the bed beside me. "I'm worried."

"It's okay Patton...I'm worried too." 

"How long do you think we can keep this from Thomas?" I could hear the fear in his voice. He looked so drained.  He's been forcing himself to stay awake since 'Stella' returned. I laid him down in the bed covering him with the blankets.

"Give me a couple of days. I have a plan, but you can't tell the others just yet. Get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning." 

He would be the last thing I see before visiting my past.

("Stella's" POV)

I paced around the room. What does he see in her? I could tell from his expression earlier that he knows I'm not her, but how? What small detail am I forgetting? I stopped pacing as a knock sounded at the door. 

"Stella" I heard a voice call from the other side of the door.

"Come in."

"Hey sis" Thomas smiled as he walked in, his tired eyes saying it all. "I was just checking in on you. I know it's late but I thought that I could still do it. I just didn't think you would be awake still."

"Yeah no, I'm still up. I can't sleep" I lied, smiling to hide my annoyance. I watched as he pondered for a second before nodding his head in understanding. If I could just get him to leave I can contact my partner.

I didn't mean to bother you if you were going to do something."

"No no, it's fine. Not much to do in my state right now anyways."

"You'll get back to how you were soon. Just stay positive" he yawned, leaning against the doorframe for support. 

"Why don't you go back to bed Thomas? If I need anything I'll wake you."

He simply nodded before heading out, closing the door behind him. I rolled my eyes as the breath I was holding in could now be free from its prison. The air grew cold on my back as I turned to see my partner against the bookshelves, browsing through the book in his hand. "It's your face."

"I beg your pardon" I whispered, making sure nobody could hear me. 

"Your face isn't like hers. It's normal towards Thomas and the others, but that Anxiety knows. He's suspicious of you."

"I don't know what it is. I've matched that brat's facial structure and main visible features perfectly."

"But you don't have the small details. Those are things you can't replicate because YOU can't see them. Only Anxiety has noticed those things about her because he's the only one that pays close attention."

"So if I can't see them, I can't replicate, and if I can't replicate then that Anxiety knows, and if he knows he'll tell the others. Our plan will be ruined" I rambled as I began pacing. My mind was racing with what-ifs. Stopping abruptly, I turned to my partner. "If we're gonna do this we have to do it now."

"Patience. We still have time before everyone catches on. Once Thomas knows then we have a problem, but until then, continue with the plan. Everything will be fine. I'll be back for you, don't worry my dear."

I yawned, nodding to him as he vanished. Might as well get some sleep while I'm stuck here...