Past Time

17- Not just a Boy

I woke up the next morning, with a quilt placed on top of me. I blinked against the bright light shining through the curtains. I realized I was back in Ellie and Karen's room. Edmund must've brought me back here. I smiled to myself and sat up but realized the events of last night.

What was I supposed to do now? The artifact still sat at its place in the musuem. I've never failed a mission before and I felt angry at myself. I shouldn't have gotten distracted!! No, this mission isn't over yet, not when I'm still here.

Remembering today was my last day in the past, I immediately stood up and threw the quilt to the side. There wasn't much time! I almost ran out the room, but I realized I was still in my clothes from last night. I threw my clothes to the floor and changed into a plain white dress and threw a dark gray coat over me. I put on my warm winter gloves and a cap that hid my unruly hair, before turning the door knob.

Edmund was at the small family room with his siblings trying to serve them pieces of bread. His attempts were not successful because the children were far too engaged with something else. He was wearing brown worn trousers, a white crisp shirt which was loose at the collar, showing a glimpse of his smooth tan skin, and a gray tweed cap. He took the cap off and tussled his wavy hair in frustration as he tried to calm down Jean, one of the boys. Jean was screaming in excitement as he chased George and Harry around.

I tried to stifle my laughter and headed over to the children, that were crowding around an area in the floor extending their hands. It was Marshie, who sat letting the children pat and tickle under his chin.

"I see you have been acquainted with my rat Marshie," I laughed, most rats would not enjoy attention, but Marshie, he loved it. "He's YOUR rat?" one of the children said surprisingly. He was the smallest out of all of them, he looked five years old.

Edmund looked over at me questioning me with his deep blue eyes. Are you okay? I assume because of last night.

A shiver went down my body. He was probably the most caring guy I've ever met, unlike those guys at school who worried about dirtying their white Vans instead. Without thinking I walked over to him and patted his back. "Uh thanks for not running away from my horrible crying..?" I said questioningly. What am I supposed to do now?

Before it got awkward or I could step back and apologize he grabbed me into a hug and whispered into my ear, "I never really talked to many people about what happened to my parents before."

I hugged back for a moment, but still don't feel comfortable hugging him in front of the children. I felt my cheeks warming and couldn't resist a small smile. I gently pulled away.

Besides I'm sure Elizabeth wouldn't be happy to see me hugging him, and I'm sure he's told that story to her as well. I got angry for a second, but remembered, once again, my shortage on time.

"I have to go right now, there isn't much time to talk," I said, and he looked at me confusedly. He studied me, " Where are you going? I should probably accompany you." I backed away to the door. " I have a meeting with.... a client? A client. I water lilies to make some extra money," I lied hastily. My biggest weakness was always lying. I actually felt guilty leaving now, I just wanted to stay and talk with Edmund but I couldn't.

Before anyone could object I was out the door. I couldnt't go back to the museum because chances are there is more security and I couldn't risk it. I had a rising feeling the only way I could do this is if I speak to my mother. I needed to find out why she was here and why she defended the part? I had to set my personal feelings aside.

I thought about seeing my mother last night, she wore a petticoat with the numbers 571 engraved on a small plate on the pocket of her coat, I'd say the number stood for a building. I hurried down the street, one hand on my hat and keeping my head low as I passed people. I tried not to attract stares. I glanced at my wrist. Wait! My wrist?! My right wrist was bare and the watch was no longer there! Where the heck did it go?! Did I lose it? My heart thudded and I started panicking.

Crap! I frantically patted my coat pockets and looked around me. It's not there! I had a short flashback of me meeting my mother at the museum last night.

"Clarissa listen to me!" pleaded my mother. She grabbed my arms, but startled, I yanked myself away from her.

OH NO SHE DID NOT! My mother grabbed my arms and took my watch! I was so tired last night I didn't even notice! I groaned frustratingly. I'm the worst agent for this job. Why me?! Since I was assuming the number 571 was a building number, I searched for it. Finally reaching an old brick house surrounded by trees with the number 571 on it, I studied it for a second. Hmm it was not an office building, but it was a house. Should I knock?

I noticed a young boy who looked around 10 years old sitting on the front porch reading. I approached him, "Hello can you please tell me who lives here?" I asked him as kindly as I could. He looked up and his eyes widened. He dropped the newspaper he was reading and sprinted away. "Wait!" I called after the scared boy. I was usually good with kids, but I'm not that scary am I? Just kidding. I picked up the newspaper he dropped and I read the front cover, " Mr. Richard Linsky's Gear Part Stolen from the Museum! REWARD: 10,000£ " Wait how this possible? I didn't get to steal the artifact last night.... unless my mother did! I internally face palmed. I was back to the start again. I can't go back to the present and I don't have the artifact!

I casted one more look at the house before walking slowly back. My stomach growled and I realized I didn't have breakfast. I passed by a store and the door suddenly sprang open. I slammed into something and we both fell. Actually it wasn't a something, but rather a someone. Ow! I held my throbbing head and was ready to punch the person who slammed into me. The person's blue eyes widened in confusion, "Clarissa?!" Edmund?! "What are you doing here?" I blurted. He lifted me up and held up a bag of grains, "Just buying some food. I thought you were watering lilies for your client..?" Oh right. "Uh yes I just got back," I answered. Another lie.

He smiled at me and extended an arm. "Well since you're free...Here I want to show you something."

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Sorry for the late update! But school's been keeping us busy like hell. *wiggles eyebrows* I wonder where Edmund is taking her.

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