Rewriting Time

Chapter 7

A/N: Part 2 of Round 4

Word count: 1.5k 

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Sebastian looked around the diner, hoping to catch someone watching him. Whoever had left that envelope on the seat that Alfred had just vacated might still be there, keeping tabs on him. Alfred could've left it himself, of course, but Sebastian didn't want to jump to any conclusions. After all, he didn't see Alfred place that red envelope there. Also, just because he thought the man looked familiar didn't mean that he actually knew him.

No one in the diner seemed interested in him, however. No one was even looking his way. Still, he hesitated in taking the envelope. What if it was a trap?

Oh, gods. Just take the damn thing, Sebastian.

What if this is just a bait?

We'll cross that bridge when we get there.

What? Are you nuts?

I probably am since I'm talking to you, who is also me.

Shit! I need to stop this inner dialogue...monologue...whatever!

He reached for the envelope and slipped it inside his pocket. He was dying to know what was inside, but didn't want to open it here. There was a toilet at the back. He'd go there to inspect the envelope in complete privacy.

Stupid idea.

Why?

Seriously? The john is the perfect place to ambush you, stupid.

Shit! You're right.

Naturally. I'm the smart one, remember?

Sebastian decided to heed his own warning and started to leave when he realized that he hadn't paid for his meal. Shit, he didn't have any money! Solomon had provided him with these clothes. And even if he did have his own clothes, he doubted if the money in his wallet would be acceptable here. Swallowing hard, he prepared himself for Molly's reaction once he told her about his predicament. He just hoped that she would believe him.

"Excuse me, Molly," he said, waving.

She promptly came to him. "Are you done, dearie? Did ye enjoy the food? It's a new addition to the menu," Molly said.

"Molly, I-I'm sorry. I think I left my wallet at home. I'll just get it, okay? I'll be quick, promise-"

"Oh, no need, dearie. Your friend already paid for yer meal," Molly said, patting Sebastian's hand.

"W-what friend?"

Molly inclined her head towards where Alfred had sat. "The one yer always with when ye eat 'ere. Ye've been gone quite a while. He said ye'd been travelin'. Glad yer back 'ome," Molly said.

Sebastian felt like he was doused with cold water. He'd been here before? With Alfred? Were they friends? Why didn't he get that vibe from the man? All he sensed from Alfred was suspicion, a wariness that he couldn't understand.

Now, more than ever, he needed to find out what's inside the envelope. Thanking Molly for her kindness, with a promise that he would visit again, Sebastian strolled out of the diner, perplexed and a bit annoyed.

If Alfred truly knew me, why didn't he just say so? Why pretend that he didn't? Was he testing me?

Tobias Toledano didn't say that he knew you at first, either.