Hazel-the-Rubrum wakes me up at exactly six o'clock on Sunday morning.
"Happy birthday, Mary!" she shouts as I yank the door open. "This is for you."
I look down at her hands. There is a blue voucher with large words at the top marked Cave Spa.
"What's this?" I ask.
"A voucher." She scrunches her face. "It's my birthday gift. A spa day for my favourite girl."
I read the words in a daze. The last time someone dropped a piece of paper in my hand it was that eviction notice. I open the cupboard for the only outfit left – black jeans and a jacket – and stick my hand into the pocket. Thank goodness! How'd it look if I got it wrong on my birthday too of all days? I slip the voucher in and step back for Hazel to enter.
"They close at six," she says hurriedly. "So hurry up and get dressed."
"For what? It's too damn early. They're probably not even open yet."
"To catch the eight o'clock bus, that's why. Plus, I've got something planned for nine tonight."
"You didn't have to."
"Stop fussing, Mary. I wanted to."
"But where'd you get the money from so soon to pay for this?"
"Come now, Mary. You already know the answer to that."
"Let me guess. An angel, right?"
"Glad to know we're finally on the same page."
"Not just about that either."
"What? The great Mary Pethiel and I on the same page? Now this I've got to hear."
"Stop it!" I look away. "It's just I've been thinking about what you said; really thinking."
"What's that?"
"When twenty-two equals zero, let zero equal one."
"Oh, that? So you're ready to do it, then?"
"Start over?" I look back at her. "Yes, I'm ready."
YOU ARE READING
NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?
Viễn tưởngThere is a war coming! In it, Lilith and the impostor God must battle for all human minds on earth. But one girl can stand in the gap for all humanity. However, to prove worthy for this feat, Mary must begin shadow work to take the mark upon herself...
