Lost in Time ~ Five Hargreeves

Chapter 37

1982 // Wisconsin

"Are we sure about this?", Riley wanted to know one last time.

Them and Five walked across the parking lot toward the large building.

"Unfortunately, we don't have a choice," said Five. "Believe me, I don't want this either."

Riley sighed as the two reached the front door.

Five held the door open for Riley, and together, they entered the lobby.

It looked old-fashioned, but not really the old-fashioned Riley liked.

"I like the decor," Five commented.

"We will not decorate our house like this", Riley said directly, looking at some deer head on the wall.

"Our house?"

"Yeah, our house. You know, when this shit-show is over."

Riley continued to look around, so they didn't see the expression on Fives Face.

"Anyway, where could they be?", Riley murmured.

The hotel lobby was full of people, and Riley assumed there were several conventions taking place that day.

"Let's ask," suggested Five.

He walked straight up to a staff member and spoke to her.

"Excuse me."

"Uff da. You snuck up on me there. If you're looking for the cookies, we don't put 'em out until 3:00."

"We can hardly wait," Five replied. "Do you happen to know where the Midwest Soybean Society is meeting?"

"Sure, do. Muskellunge Banquet Room. You two looking for your mom? She's in for the convention?"

"Oh, no. We're not related. He's my boyfriend. We're looking for my father. He's a part to the meeting," Riley explained.

"Naw, how cute. Well–"

"Hey, could I get some change?" Five asked, handing the woman a bill.

"Oh, sure, I'll just look in my purse. Just a nickel and a couple of dimes. Oh! You... are... in... luck, mister."

She gave Five the change, and the teenager chuckled.

"You know, some say the best luck is to die at the right time."

The woman stared after him, irritated, as he walked away from her and Riley and crossed the room.

"Ignore him. Everyone does that sometimes," Riley joked before they followed Five.

Five stopped in front of a vending machine and already put in the money when Riley stopped next to him.

He wanted to get a Fudge Nutter bar, but the vending machine seemed to have other plans.

The chocolate bar got stuck, and Five didn't like it at all.

The teenager started kicking the machine.

"Five, what are you doing? Hey!"

Five was about to kick the glass when Riley pulled him away from the vending machine.

"It's not working," the teenager explained. "Let me help you."

Riley punched the side of the vending machine, and two chocolate bars fell out of their holders.

They pulled them out and pressed one into Five's hand.

"See?"

Five rolled his eyes but started eating the chocolate bar.