A bend in space-time (Season 2) - The Umbrella Academy

Chapter 20: A light supper

Chronological markers: this scene fits like a deleted scene from The Umbrella Academy, saison 2, episode 6, around 28:00 (half an hour before the Umbrella Academy arrives for its own 'light supper').

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Wednesday, November 20 1963, 6:52 pm

The night has nearly enveloped everything by the time I glance up at the towering structure before me—the Southland Life Building, situated at 1624 Magnolia Street, adjacent to the imposing Sheraton Hotel, likely recently built in 1963. Clearly a sprawling multi-million-dollar complex, I can tell. As I walk through the lobby, it's clear that the décor is just as lavish as the building itself, and has probably cost an arm.

More shyly than I would have liked, I present the invitation I've received to the receptionist, who peers over her stylish small designer glasses, mirroring the sophistication of the lobby's sofas. She gestures towards the elevator, directing me to the 14th floor. I traverse this meticulously designed space, where contemporary art blends with deco-futurism. A popular style in the sixties, that I actually liked until now. I ascend a double staircase leading to an intermediate landing where I summon the elevator. In spite of myself, the little light that illuminates the button takes my apprehension a step further. And once again, I glance at Reginald Hargreeves's invitation to this 'light supper'.

'To my Rivals : I Reginald Hargreeves, request the pleasure of you company for a light supper, on the 20th of November, 1963, at precisely seven o'clock. 1624 Magnolia Street, Dallas, Texas'.

I've been asked to arrive thirty minutes ahead of Klaus, who, apparently, shares the same invitation time with his siblings. I can't help but wonder if I'm the only one scheduled for this time slot, a thought that sends a shiver down my spine, just like the word 'competitors'. *Ding!* The elevator arrives, its sophisticated, modern, mechanical noise causing a knot in my throat when I should be loving it. Stepping inside, I check my rather simple outfit: a purplish blouse paired with beige canvas pants. I take a deep breath . And finally I press the button for the 14th floor.

Am I nervous about meeting the man who silently observed and monitored me for years? The one who 'bought' my mother and grandmother's residency in The City, all to observe my power growing, in an environment that was 'as unaltered as possible'? The one who referred to me as 'Omega' in his notes, and had planned an update to his domestic robot to eventually include me as one of her children? The same man who meticulously destroyed all those he had adopted, in the attempt to control them? The one who locked up Klaus to force him to confront his ghosts. Who turned his nights into nightmares, and his days into a cycle of addictions and torment he'll probably struggle with forever. The man I'll have to refrain from insulting. An yet, the one from whom I also hope for answers, even though I know I probably won't get any.

*Ding!* After what feels like an eternity, the metal doors of the wood-paneled elevator slide open once more, revealing a cozy bar adorned with Hawaiian décor, its name 'Tikki Lounge' illuminated amidst hanging lanterns. Open to the darkness outside through a trio of circular windows, the space resembles a balmy tropical night, with lush potted monstera plants and a counter behind which an array of bottles shimmer against an orange backlight. Throughout the area, tables of varying sizes are draped with white tablecloths, upon which the flickering flames of red and gold candle-jars dance. The air carries scents of rum, wood, wicker, and plumeria flowers.

The only other signs of human life are a busy bartender and a small, hurried man carrying a satchel, who swiftly passes by me without a word before stepping into the elevator heading downstairs. I watch him depart without much thought, then make my way to the counter where I observe the bartender, clad in an ochre aloha shirt, deftly drying glasses with virtuoso speed.