Time Is The Key To Everything

Chapter 1: Paul's Birthday (Part 1)

The world around Paul was a vanishing act as he slept, submerged in the darkness. Every night was the same, no dreams, just complete darkness for hours on end.

All those nights were irritating and sometimes it got to the point where he didn't even try to sleep. Instead, He would simply gaze out at the stars from the window of his piano room.

Sitting at his piano, He would try to write a new song and dread what the morning would bring. He knew his alarm would buzz and he would have to go to this occasional conference or that political meeting somewhere around 9 am.

This particular morning, a sweet, familiar voice filled his ears instead of the alarm clock. His subconscious could not quite make out what she said at first. Though after a few moments, He rallied up enough energy to open his eyes.

"Good morning, Paul-san!" Her voice called as he awoke.

He stared up at Cassidy, standing at his bedside with what appeared to be a tray in her hands. He quickly reached for his night table to retrieve his glasses not because he couldn't see, but merely because he always enjoyed wearing them.

He glanced at his alarm clock and panicked as the time read 10:20 am. He was certainly missing a big conference (He finally got invited to) that all the other countries would be attending now.

Though they all just argued and got nothing done at conferences, He still liked to attend them to voice his opinions out.

With Cassidy now visible, He could see she was holding a tray with what appeared to be breakfast on top of it. He could make out a cup of tea and a few pastries. He stared at her in confusion.

"Cassidy?" He questioned in a groggy voice.

Cassidy had come over to visit yesterday, but had left to go home to her own country earlier in the afternoon. So, He was extremely surprised to see her here this morning after making him breakfast.

In fact, Paul usually skipped breakfast because he never had time for it. He couldn't even remember Cassidy making him one of her delicious meals since before the First World War that destroyed their marriage…

He flinched at the memory and slowly sat up on the bed. Truth to be told, He had never gotten over Cassidy and still cared for her deeply.

"Yep, it's me!" She smiled and handed him the tray. "Happy Birthday, Paul-san!"

It's already July 4? He thought, taking a quick sip of the tea and eating one of the biscuits.

"Thank you, Cassidy, this is delicious!" He smiled back at her.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it." She blushed and headed towards the door.

"I think I'll go downstairs and finish cleaning up our- err…your kitchen."

Paul watched as she slowly shut his bedroom door and disappeared. He sighed and ate another tasty biscuit before reaching for the telephone. He punched in Gelo's number and waited as it rang.

"Ja?" Gelo answered over the rise of various other voices.

"Gelo? I'm afraid I overslept and will not be able to make it to today's meeting…" Paul began only to be cut off by a wave of voices.

"Paul-san, is that you? Happy Birthday!" Faizan's voice beamed through the phone.

"Oh well, uh thank you Faizan..."

"FAIZAN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MY CELLPHONE?" Gelo yelled and regained control of the phone.

"Paul, are you still there?"