Out Of Time

The Enigmatic Strangers

As evening descended, a group of enigmatic strangers arrived in the air hanger. They exuded an air of purpose and mystery, their shared mission clear: to travel through time and right humanity's most grievous wrongs. Among them was a woman, whose eyes locked with mine in an inexplicable moment of connection.

"Miss Lulu Walters," Director McDonald's voice rang with welcoming warmth. "I'm pleased you could join us. Allow me to introduce you to Miss Willa Hoffman." His gesture brought forth a radiant smile, perhaps the most vibrant I had seen since arriving.

"Director McDonald," Lulu addressed him, her greeting infused with a delight that echoed her smile. She turned her attention to me, exuding an energy of camaraderie and openness. "It's an absolute pleasure to see you again." Lulu's steps carried her closer, and her greeting was an embrace in itself as she planted enthusiastic kisses on both of my cheeks. "Willa, lovely to meet you. I do hope our connection blossoms into a beautiful friendship."

"Its nice to meet you too, Lulu. I am glad to have made a friend before heading off into the unknown."

Director McDonald interjected with a significant note, a hint of promise in his words. "Your connection is particularly important. You'll be bound closely on your mission, alongside Emmett." A shared understanding flickered between Lulu and myself, our smiles mirroring our newfound anticipation. "If you'd both excuse me, I'll go fetch Emmett. Meet us at the processing gate."

As Director McDonald left, Lulu and myself exchanged a glance, our eyes twinkling with shared promise and the beginnings of a journey that transcended the realm of the known.

As both Lulu and I waited at the processing gate, we were approached by fellow travellers, the same group that entered the building with Lulu. "Lulu! Are you coming with us?" I stood frozen, petrified, of that voice. I didn't need to turn around to know who was speaking. It was my biggest fear coming true.

Even without turning, I knew who stood behind me, and my heart plummeted. Damon's pawn, Milo. As Lulu ventured away from my side, her focus absorbed by her conversation with the group, including Milo, my pulse quickened, a silent alarm of foreboding.

"No, I am on a new mission given to me by the Director." As they said their farewells and Lulu was walking back towards me. In the midst of my internal turmoil, the voice that elicited my deepest fears returned. "Lulu, who's your friend?" Lulu's answer reverberated in the air, an honest admission. "Milo, this is Willa."

My world tilted as Milo's recognition reverberated. "Willa? Oh my God, is it really you?" My options dwindled to none; I turned, the face of my past gazing back at me. "Milo, what are you doing here?" My voice carried a note of incredulity, a mask to veil the tumultuous emotions that churned within me.

He ventured closer, his proximity an invasion of personal space that raked discomfort across my skin. "I've missed you, beautiful," his words oozed with a self-assured arrogance. "I wanted you under me, but you had to run away."

I scoffed, repulsed by his audacity. "Don't delude yourself," I retorted, my disdain thinly veiled.

"Shame is unnecessary, baby. I know you've longed to call out my name." His tone dripped with a misguided self-assurance, his touch igniting a surge of repulsion as his hand trailed up and down my arm, a trespass on my boundaries.

"Mhmm... I was certain you were craving me. Your body's response speaks volumes," he insinuated, his arrogance reaching a nauseating crescendo.

"Willa! Cupcake, ready for an adventure?" The voice sliced through the charged air, cutting through the toxic tension that clung to me. Over Milo's shoulder, Emmett emerged, his features etched with concern as he hastened towards me. As he reached my side, his arms encircled me in a gentle embrace, the gesture painting us as a couple rather than mere siblings. His presence was a lifeline, anchoring me amidst the turbulence of my past.