In Every Timeline

CHAPTER 01

“Cancel the 6.30 appointment and move it to next week. And contact the designing team and organize a meeting as soon as possible, we need to discuss the changes of the new launch design.” I instructed my assistant. “Oh yeah sure, I’ll schedule for next week.” The assistant replied. “Next week? We can’t afford that much time. Tomorrow. Let’s do it tomorrow.” I said going through my schedule. “Oh… I assumed you might be busy with the funeral. My condolence by the way.” I turned around confused. “What funeral?” I switched on the TV in my office.

BREAKING NEWS

THE POLICE REPORTS OF THE DEATH OF THE WORLD’S MOST ECCENTRIC BILLIONAIRE SIR REGINALD HARGREAVES.

“Shit… Dad?”

I sighed for the third time. I hated this place I used to call my home. Opening the front door, I walked in trying to drown out all the horrible memories that happened. I walked around taking in the familiar atmosphere. Everything looked absolutely the same except it looked more abandoned and lonelier than ever. “Hey Sis” Diego, my brother hugged me as he saw me walking in. “Hey Dee” I hugged him back. Diego had always been my favorite brother. “How’s life?” “Same. Busy as usual.” I shrugged not wanting to go into details. “Thought you wouldn’t show up.” “I had a half mind not to.”

“Cassie, you’re here!” Allison said surprised. Of course, they all expected me not to show up. I thought before hugging my sister. I smiled hugging Vanya who looked a bit worried. Of course I read all about her book. I didn’t like how she described how I withdrew from the family and left without a word. As if I could stay any longer. I understood her reasoning but didn’t mean I had to like it. Nevertheless, I missed her, so I ignored the awkwardness and hugged her. “You don’t belong here. Not after what you did.” Diego said walking past us not even bothering to greet them. “Seriously Diego?” I shook my head annoyed.  It was understandable for Diego to be upset but she was still our sister. “You’re seriously gonna do this now?” Allison asked annoyed. “Way to dress for the occasion by the way.” “At least I’m wearing black.” He added and went upstairs. “You know what? Maybe he’s right and I shouldn’t-” Vanya started hesitating. “He’s wrong. You’re our family. Our sister. You belong as much as we do.” I said gently giving her a warm smile. “Forget about him. We’re glad you’re here.” Allison added.

I walked around the house relieving the memories. It was as if just yesterday that we all were there, together. I sighed and joined Vanya who was talking to Pogo. “Hey! Pogo.” I greeted before giving the old chimp a hug. He was more of a father to me than Reginald ever was. “How long since it’s been since Five disappeared?” Vanya asked looking at Five’s portrait on the Mantel. “It’s been 16 years, 4 months and 14 days. Your father insisted I keep track.” I looked down sadly. Five was the one I lost first. My brother, My best friend. For a long time, I kept believing he would one day show up and everything would go back to normal. Eventually as the years passed, I lost hope. “You wanna know something stupid? Cassie and I, we always used to leave the lights on for him. We were scared that he would come back it would be dark and he wouldn’t be able to find us, so he’d leave again.” Vanya said remembering. I smiled nostalgic. Even after I left the academy, I sometimes wished Five would randomly show up. “So, every night we took turns making the snacks. We would always wait till everyone went to bed and turn the lights back on.” I said smiling halfheartedly. “Oh, I remember your snacks. I’m pretty sure I stepped in half of those peanut butter and marshmallow sandwiches.” He sighed. “Your father always believed that number Five was still out there somewhere. He never lost hope.” Pogo continued. “And look where that got him.”

I walked past Dad’s study when I heard a noise inside. I frowned. I walked inside to investigate when I saw Allison there. “Where's the cash, Dad? Where's the cash?” We heard someone mumbling. “Klaus? What are you doing in here?” I asked as giggling seeing his appearance. Klaus always knew how to cheer me up even by just existing. “Oh! Cassie! Allison! Wow, is that you? Hey, come here. Long time.” He said hugging us. “Hey Klaus.” I hugged him tightly. Out of everyone I missed him the most. “Hey, I was hoping to see you actually. I wanted to get your autograph. Add it to my collection!” He asked Allison. “Just out of rehab?” she asked seeing the bracelet on his wrist. “No, no. No, no, no, no. No. I'm done with all that.” He replied obviously lying. I gave him a knowing look which he ignored.

“I just came down here to prove to myself that the old man was really gone. And he is! He's dead. Yeah!” He said clapping his hands. “You know how I know? Because if he were alive, not one of us would be allowed to set foot in this room. He was always in here, our whole childhood, plotting his next torment, right? Remember how he used to look at us? That scowl? Thank Christ he's not our real father so we couldn't inherit those cold, dead eyes!” he said sitting on Dad’s chair. I laughed softly. “Get out of his chair.” We turned around to see Luther, who had become very big. “Hello there big guy.” I said hugging him. Luther smiled hugging me back almost picking me up due to his size. “Oh, wow, Luther! Wow, you really, uh... You really filled out over the years, huh?” Klaus said gesturing to his appearance. “Klaus.“ “ Save the lecture. I was already leaving. You guys can talk amongst yourselves.” Klaus said pulling me out with him. “Drop it.” Luther stopped him. “Ex-squeeze me?” “Do it. Now.” “All right. All right. It's just an advance on our inheritance! That's all it is. No need to get your little panties in a bunch.” Klaus said mockingly and dropped the stuff he stole. I shook my head before leaving with Klaus. I didn’t want to witness Allison and Luther catching up.

I sat down next to Vanya. I wanted to get this over with and get back to my life. Away from everyone. “I guess we should get this started. So, I figured we could have a sort of memorial service in the courtyard at sundown. Say a few words, just at Dad's favorite spot.” Luther started. “Dad had a favorite spot?” Allison asked confused. “You know, under the oak tree. We used to sit out there all the time. None of you ever did that?” Luther asked looking at them. “You were his favorite Luther.” I said looking bored. “You were too.” Allison reminded making me scoffed. It was partially true. Dad had always favored me. Why I didn’t know. Growing up my siblings always envied my ability to get off dad’s hook easily. That was until I sometimes took the blame for them knowing I won’t be punished harshly. “Will there be refreshments? Tea? Scones? Cucumber sandwiches are always a winner.” Klaus sat down next to her handing me a drink.” “Thanks.” I mumbled. “What? No. And put that out. Dad didn't allow smoking in here.” Luther said as always trying to control everything. I rolled my eyes. Why follow his stupid rules when he’s dead anyways. I thought. “Is that my skirt?” Allison asked noticing Klaus’s clothing. “What? Oh, yeah, this. I found it in your room. It's a little dated, I know, but it's very breathey on the bits.” He replied. “Listen up. Still some important things that we need to discuss, all right?” Luther started again. “Like what?” “Like the way he died.” I sighed. Great. Here we go.

“I don't understand. I thought they said it was a heart attack.” Vanya asked confused. “Yeah, according to the coroner.” “Well, wouldn't they know?” “Theoretically.” “Theoretically?” Allison asked this time. “I'm just saying, at the very least, something happened. The last time that I talked to Dad, he sounded strange.” “He was always strange Luther. Nothing about him was normal.” I said getting annoyed with his behavior. “Strange how?” Allison asked again ignoring me. “He sounded on edge. Told me I should be careful who to trust.” He replied. I scoffed again not believing how he was making a big deal out of it. “Luther, he was a paranoid, bitter old man who was starting to lose what was left of his marbles.” Diego said walking closer to him. “No. He must have known something was going to happen. Look, I know you don't like to do it, but I need you to talk to Dad.” He said turning to Klaus. “I can't just... call Dad in the afterlife and be like, ‘Dad, could you just... stop playing tennis with Hitler for a moment and take a quick call?’” “Since when? That's your thing.” “Hey drop it. If he doesn’t want to do it he won’t. Why don’t we just get over with this funeral.” I said not liking how Luther was onto Klaus. “I'm not in the right... frame of mind.” Klaus added. “You're high?” “Yeah! Yeah! I mean, how are you not, listening to this nonsense?” “Well, sober up, this is important. Then there's the issue of the missing monocle.” “Who gives a shit about a stupid monocle?” Diego said almost angrily. “Exactly. It's worthless. So whoever took it, I think it was personal. Someone close to him. Someone with a grudge.” “What are you trying to say Luther?” I asked sensing his thoughts. “Oh, isn't it obvious, Cass? He thinks one of us killed Dad.” Diego said angrily. “You do? How could you think that?” “Seriously Luther? He maybe a shitty excuse for a father but he was still our dad.” I said angrily and walked away. Can’t believe he accused us something like that. Why would anyone bother breaking into this hellhole years after everyone of us left just to murder him. Maybe moon had messed up his mind.

 

Notes :)

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