Back to Back 2

Collaboration

The woman in the cryogenic pod had to blink a few times to adjust her eyes to the light. Even though the repository was kept relatively dark, it was still much brighter than the consuming darkness inside the pod. So it took a minute for Amelie's eyes to adjust and see her sister standing over her.

"What day is it?" Amelie asked, rubbing her eyes to help.

"It's Monday morning," Emilie replied.

"And what's happened? Are you going to let me out now?"

She shook her head with a sigh. "Sorry. Not yet."

That wasn't much of a surprise for Amelie. It was obvious that Emilie hadn't gotten her hands on the Miraculouses yet to make an ultimate wish. If she had, they wouldn't still be there.

Every second that passed without her succeeding was a gift. As the days went by, there was more of a chance of someone figuring out that Emilie wasn't really her. Even though they were identical in appearance, they were complete opposites when it came to personality. And hopefully someone out there would realize it.

"I've been having a problem with Adrien," Emilie continued.

"A problem?" Amelie repeated, growing concerned.

"He won't come back home."

"Back home? Where has he been?"

Emilie frowned. "At his girlfriend's house."

The concern disappeared, and she almost felt like laughing. "They're young and in love. They just want to spend time together. Invite Marinette over, and then Adrien will be back home."

"She won't come over. Not with Gabriel being around."

Now that was a surprise. "Gabriel's here?"

"Yes."

Suddenly Amelie's heart rate quickened. "Does he know that you're..."

"Of course he knows it's really me. He's my husband. He can easily tell us apart."

"But isn't he wondering where I am?"

"Don't worry, dear sister," Emilie said in derision. "There will be no report of a missing person for you just yet since I told him you were on vacation. And he's playing along for now, not letting the boys know about our little switch."

Her heart sank.

"So tell me," she continued, turning serious again. "How do I get Adrien to come back? It's like he's become a completely different person since I fell asleep. You've lived with him for two months now, so you must know him best. How do I get him to come back home?"

Amelie snorted. "Isn't it obvious? Get rid of Gabriel."

Silence.

Needing to get the frustration out, Emilie closed her eyes and rolled her head around her shoulders.

Amelie watched her. "You have to know that's the reason he won't come home. Just tell Gabriel to go back to London, and your problem will be solved."

"I can't tell Gabriel to leave."

"And why not?" she asked.

Emilie looked at her. "I need him around."

"You need him around... for what?"

No response. Emilie waited a minute while the two sisters stared at each other before she finally said something. "I'll give you some time to think of another solution to the problem," she murmured, reaching for a button.

"Wait!" Amelie said, stopping her.

She raised her eyebrows in anticipation, holding her finger a centimeter away from its target.