Tangled In Time

Shattered

The following morning, I woke up cheerful, eager to dive back into the journal and find out more about what happened to Cecilia, but also anticipation bubbled within me to see Blake. Even though my ultimate goal was to get home, I couldn't help the thrill I felt at the thought of spending time with him.

"You appear quite happy this morning," Sophie remarked, her smile mirroring my own as she observed me through the tri-fold mirror. In response, I offered a nonchalant shrug, though my smile remained intact.

Sophie's eyes lingered on me for a moment, a knowing glint in her expression. "Good days often come with good company," she teased lightly.

I couldn't help but laugh softly, though I looked away, focusing on my reflection. I couldn't ignore the sense of happiness that had enveloped me. It seemed to be fuelled by the anticipation of reuniting with Blake and the mystery of what the day would hold. Although returning home was my utmost priority, I had to admit that I was finding moments of joy in the unexpected experiences I was having here.

Sophie had skilfully styled my hair, pulling back sections on each side and securing them with sliding clip combs adorned with delicate, golden leaf engravings. I had chosen to wear a white dress with red polka dots that cinched at the waist with a thick belt and flowed down to my calves.

As I examined my reflection, I couldn't help but wonder how much I had changed during my time in this past world. The girl who had initially arrived, desperate to find a way home, was gradually becoming more entangled in the lives and emotions of those around her. The thought gave me pause, a flicker of unease threading through my happiness. How long could I allow myself to stay tethered to this place—and to Blake—without making my return home even harder?

Once dressed, I went down to the dining room to meet Blake for breakfast but was taken by surprise to find Charlotte and Gwen seated at the table, Blake in his usual seat. Charlotte's presence sent a wave of tension through the room, and I felt a twinge of discomfort.

Blake hadn't mentioned that Charlotte would be coming round today, but then why would he mention it to me? I told myself not to overthink it, but the thought still lingered, leaving a faint ache in my chest.

"Good morning, everyone," I greeted as I took my seat, offering a polite smile that barely concealed the unease I felt. Charlotte acknowledged my greeting with a tight-lipped smile, and Gwen, who seemed blissfully unaware of the underlying tension, beamed warmly at me.

"Good morning," Gwen greeted cheerfully over a cup of tea. At the same time, Blake muttered the words, his tone void of any warmth or expression.

I took a seat and poured myself a cup of coffee. Charlotte, on the other hand, remained silent, sipping her tea. I avoided looking directly at her, though I could feel her gaze sweeping over me occasionally, sharp and appraising.

Gwen, sensing the awkward atmosphere, attempted to ease the tension. "So, what's been going on since I've been gone? Felicity, are you enjoying your time here?" she asked, reaching for a slice of melon.

Before I could respond, Blake chimed in, "I've shown her the town a little bit, but there hasn't been much to do."

Gwen's eyes flickered between us, and it was clear she sensed there was more to the story. "Is that where you were last night when I got back?" she asked innocently.

Charlotte, who had been quietly observing the exchange, turned in her seat to address Blake. "You weren't here when she got back?" Her tone carried a hint of suspicion, and the tension in the room thickened.

I felt my stomach twist as I noticed the subtle shift in Blake's expression, a hesitation in his response. "We... we were in the library," he replied, choosing his words carefully.