Anet harnesses the shock of emotions scattering within seeking an out. Every step further away, she channels each emotion into her determination.
Determination not to lose it in tears. Determination not to freak in a frenzied panic. Determination to understand what the hell is really going on and what she needs to do about it all!
She climbs into the driver's seat of Jay's Tesla. Relieved he isn't chasing after her, trying to explain away his reasons for hiding this from her.
"I'll deal with him later."
She takes off into the darkening city.
Summer nights in the big city were the worst. But why do the crowds, and the heat seem so much more maddening than before? Anet honks, forces the shiny vehicle through the traffic. One destination in mind.
The traffic slows and thickens. The nightlife in this area of town, unbelievable.
"I know things were not this out of hand, before..."
Sirens ring out a block away.
Anet takes a detour down club row.
"Things certainly have changed."
Jay's car, she notices, does not go unrecognized.
"One thing at a time." she tells herself, charging that determination with the increasing annoyances.
She takes a left. A few more blocks and she reaches her old apartment building —with any luck it'll be vacant. Judging by the noise and lights she doubts it.
With how seedy this block is looking, I wouldn't be surprised if they turned this place into a pimp's hotel.
She parks in front of the entrance. Steps out. Circles round.
Appreciative whistling, "Hey, baby, you looking for some fun tonight?"
Ignoring the catcalls, she enters the building.
No Abby at the desk.
Music, deep-based, vibrates the walls.
RUMBLE, RUMBLE, THUD!!!
The chandelier rattles. Flickers.
A gruff, curmudgeon of a woman walks out of the office. "I swear! Someone's getting kicked out tonight!" she notices Anet. "You lost?"
"Just looking for a room."
"This ain't no motel."
"I'm... an escort."
Exasperated breath. "Of course you are." the curmudgeon shuffles across. Unlocks the gated staircase. Anet steps through. Curmudgeon locks it behind her. "The tenant has a key. If they're caught up in the ruckus, upstairs, gimme a shout, so's I can let you out."
Anet nods. If Abby and her family could see this place now— God, I hope they're not changed...wherever they are.
RUMBLE, RUMBLE, THUD!!!
Anet passes the ruckus on the second floor. She reaches her floor. Party lights, Deep-base music at full blast. People milling in and out of rooms. People trashed on the hall floor.
Anet maintains her cool. Fuels her determination. Steps into the hall. Reaches her door. Takes a deep breath—
It opens. "—Oh, Hel-lo." a sleazy smile greets her. He squeezes around her. "Have fun."
Anet walks into the crowded apartment. I can't believe this is the same place I left a few days ago. It doesn't even look the way It did before I went through time!
YOU ARE READING
Through Time Again
Science Fiction((SEQUEL to Through Time She Came)) "Our family was always important to the Maggios, Anet. In your timeline, we had managed to stay well-hidden. Something changed and brought us back out into the game." 2010 is not how she left it. The Maggio and th...
