Timeless Bonds

shuffle of Love

Chloe was pacing the room she and Red shared, her mind racing as she muttered to herself. "Where could that book be? Who can we ask? Not Ella."

She sank down onto the bay window seat, looking out at the campus as if it might hold the answers. "I still can't believe how awful her family was to her. I just... I don't understand how someone could grow up like that and then become, well, my mom. How does one person change so drastically?"

Red, propped up in bed, watched Chloe with a thoughtful expression. "Tell me about it. My mom completely transformed her personality. Now, it feels like everything she does is to make people afraid and to hide the fact that she used to be nice."

Chloe stood up and moved in front of Red's bed. "Whatever we do, we have to make sure she stays like this. My mom's life depends on it. Imagine if your mom had grown up to be like Bridget."

Chloe sat down next to Red on the bed. Red turned to her, a frown forming as she thought about Chloe's words. "You mean like, completely clueless?"

"Or kind, generous, and open-hearted. She wouldn't have become a tyrant."

Red's expression softened into a wistful smile. "Yeah, I could eat what I want, sleep when I want, wear what I want, and be who I want. I'd be free of my mom, her rules, and her judgmental stares."

Chloe smiled back at her. "She might not be judgmental at all. She might be loving and kind."

Red shook her head. "It doesn't matter. It's not like I actually care about that."

Chloe looked at Red, her eyes thoughtful. "I think maybe you do. Speaking of Bridget..." She glanced at the watch they had, not realizing it wasn't the real time-turner watch. "What if the watch brought us back here because what you really want is a mom who loves you just as you are? A mom more like Bridget. She'd probably still be baking cupcakes."

Red's face lit up with realization. "That's it. We should ask Bridget about the cookbook."

Chloe nodded in agreement, both of them energized by the new plan.

In the hallway, a white-haired girl paced nervously, mumbling to herself. "Oh, I've never been on a date... and I don't have anything to wear!"

As Bridget, who had been busy in the kitchen all morning, walked towards the dorms, she spotted Blanc and paused, a smile spreading across her face. "Oh! You're Blanc, right? Red's friend!"

Blanc, startled, clutched her chest and took a moment to catch her breath. Bridget, noticing her reaction, quickly moved to comfort her. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!"

"It's okay," Blanc managed to say, regaining her composure and offering a smile. "I just didn't see you coming."

Bridget's eyes sparkled with concern. "I saw you pacing earlier. Is everything alright? If someone's bothering you, I could get you a cupcake or something!"

Blanc chuckled softly at Bridget's offer and shook her head. "No, everything's fine. I just..." She glanced at the younger version of her aunt, feeling a sudden desire for a bonding moment. "I have my first date today, and I don't know what to wear or how I should act."

Bridget's excitement was palpable. "Oh my God! That calls for a makeover! Let's go!" Without hesitation, Bridget grabbed Blanc's hand and began leading her towards her room.

Blanc followed, a soft smile on her face as she hoped her aunt would stay this way even after the prank.

Once inside Bridget's room, Bridget enthusiastically pushed Blanc onto the bed. "Just sit tight and let me work my magic. I'm all about love!" She winked at Blanc, who looked around the room, ready for her makeover adventure.