Beyond The Envy

As Hester's footsteps drew nearer, Cara's head tilted upwards, her face lighting up like the horizons at sunrise. "Hester! Where did you run off to? Are you okay? What happened—" Yet before Cara could finish her long string of continuous questions, Hester turned to Dr. Colbar. "I need to talk to you." She stated firmly, looking up at the lanky, caped man. Before he could reply, Hester started walking towards his office. Dr. Colbar had no other choice than to follow the young woman. As soon as he had turned his back from the twins and Claudia, he scowled, eyes lingering on Hester's back. Hester kept walking, her head throbbing. She decided to push that feeling further back in her mind. She had more important matters to worry about.

After a brief walk to Dr. Colbar's office, Hester pushed the door open, entering and holding it ajar just long enough for Dr. Colbar to follow. As he passed through, he made his way to his desk and settled into his chair. With his hands clasped, he stared intently at Hester. "And the reason for you quite rudely dragging me to my own office would be?" he asked, raising a brow slightly. Hester paced, arms crossed, twirling her long brown hair. "Are the others... aware?" she whispered, as if fearing the twins and Claudia might overhear. "Aware of what exactly, my dear?" Dr. Colbar inquired, tilting his head slightly as he leaned back, his hands now resting in his lap. "That this is an alternative universe," she said, her brows furrowing. Her thoughts raced, a sense of dread setting in. "I believe they aren't," Dr. Colbar hummed, nodding in confirmation. "How come you are?" Hester paused, looking intently at the man behind the desk.

"Hester, I am the host." Dr. Colbar stated, as if Hester was supposed to know what that meant. Hester tilted her head, prompting Dr. Colbar to elaborate. "Oh, goodness dearest. I would've guessed you were already aware what this was all about." Dr. Colbar heartily laughed, resting his chin on his knuckles. "Is that why you've been so painfully vague? Because you thought I already knew what I was doing here?!" Hester snapped, stomping her foot against the mahogany floors. The room began to gently quake, Dr. Colbar's displayed fine china slowly inched towards the edge of the shelf it was perched upon. Dr. Colbar's hand shot out as he grabbed hold of Hester's wrist. "Calm yourself, Hester." The man firmly stated, letting go as Hester took a deep breath, the room finally steadying itself as she did so. "Explain to me, right now. What on earth is happening?" Hester deadpanned, biting the inside of her cheek as she tried her hardest to stay calm.