The Time Traveler's Wife

The Sister

February 2013

"...and then Laura told me that everything that got them from 'Danny bullying her' to Danny and her becoming friends is a spoiler, so--"

Mattie lets out an over-dramatic, emphasized yawn and laughs when Carmilla pouts at her from beside the circulation desk. "Darling, it's adorable to see you gush over this girl. But, come on. How long could this possibly last?"

Carmilla's pout grows. "I really like her, Mattie," she mumbles, scanning some books that a patron has handed her.

"That I can tell, my dear," Mattie says. "But once again, I ask-- how long could this la--"

"Hey!" a voice greets as the previous patron steps off the line.

Carmilla's pout completely vanishes as soon as she sees Laura and a warm smile grows. "Hey."

"So I know we said we'd do a quiet evening, but Kirsch told me his band is performing at this bar tonight," Laura begins. "And it's totally okay if you don't wanna go--"

"We can go," Carmilla replies.

Mattie stares at her. "Who are you and what have you done with Carmilla Karnstein?"

Carmilla narrows her eyes in a glare. "What? I can go out and do things."

"Since when?" Mattie cackles. "You're always all, 'what if I vanish in public? What if YOU vanish in public? What will I do if I vanish and come back naked days later? What if we BOTH vanish at the same time?'" she mocks.

"But I thought you had that locket thingy that keeps you from time-displacing," Laura points out.

Mattie looks at her, bewildered. "How the hell do you know that?"

Laura giggles nervously. "Uhm... Carm told me. Well, Future Carm."

Mattie lightly smacks Carmilla on the arm.

"Ow! She just said I haven't done it yet," Carmilla growls.

"Exactly. Now whenever the time comes that you decide to, you'll remember me hitting you," Mattie snaps.

Carmilla rolls her eyes before turning her attention back to Laura. "So where is this bar?"

"It's right by campus, but it's a little too pricey for students in general. It's called the Silas Sirens."

"Isn't that the bar you go to all the time?" Carmilla asks Mattie.

Mattie crosses her arms. "Maybe."

"That's awesome! All three of us can go tonight together?"

Mattie leans forward and glares Laura down. "Let's be clear. I was gonna be there tonight no matter what. If you and Carm happen to also be there, it doesn't mean we'll be there together."

Laura seems confused but shrugs it off. "Ooookayyy. I'll take that as a 'yes!'"

Carmilla snorts. "See you tonight after our shift, cupcake. Have a nice time in class."

Laura gives a cheery wave and darts out.

"She'd better not ruin my favorite bar for me," Mattie grumbles.

~*~

"WHoOOOo! Go Kirsch!" Laura yells after the band finishes up another song. She takes a sip of her fruity cocktail, while Carmilla takes one of her whisky. Mattie doesn't bother to hide her disdain as she takes a large gulp of wine.

"We'll be right back after a short break," Kirsch says into the mic.

He high-fives Laura as he stops by the bar, chugging down a cup of water she was watching after for him.