The Time Traveler's Wife

The Imaginary Friend

April 2002

"Shit," Carmilla curses when she realizes she's traveled again.

"Watch your language, please! Still pretty young over here," Laura says, not looking up from her homework.

This time she's traveled right to Laura's bedroom.

Carmilla chuckles. "Sorry. I just... Sorry."

Laura stands up. "I was just joking, Carm. I'll go get you some clothes."

She leaves and reappears a little while later and goes back to doing homework.

"My dad's downstairs," Laura says, returning to her homework. "So we're gonna have to be quiet."

"Gotcha," Carmilla replies, finishing getting dressed.

She awkwardly stands there, unsure of whether to keep bothering Laura while she does her homework.

A couple minutes pass by before Laura realizes it's quiet behind her and she turns.

"Oh, gosh, how long have you just been standing there?" Laura asks.

"Not long," Carmilla shrugs. "Just, uh... don't wanna infringe..."

Laura shakes her head. "Nah, it's Saturday. I can finish it tomorrow." She stands up and goes to her window. "Dad's doing garden work behind the house. We can sneak you outta here and have some fun in the neighborhood if you want?"

Carmilla's mind goes back to how, in her present, it's just been lab tests and visits to LaFontaine's office with Laura whenever she's not at work. "Sure. I could use some fun."

Laura fetches a light jacket from the attic for Carmilla and they quietly head downstairs.

Carmilla ducks out the front door and listens as Laura heads to the door to the backyard.

"Hey, dad, I'm gonna go get some air, okay?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sherman asks.

Laura sighs. "I'll be with Danny and her mom, okay?"

"Okay. Call me if you need anything."

"Yes, dad."

Carmilla pretends she didn't hear anything as Laura meets her at the front door.

"You still need to tell me how you know Danny," Laura insists as they begin walking down the street.

Carmilla chuckles. "Persistent little thing, aren't you?" She clicks her tongue. "All I'll tell you is Danny is still around in your future."

"Wanna vague that up for me?" Laura grumbles.

Carmilla laughs again as Laura leads them into the park towards a hot dog stand.

"Are you hungry?" Laura asks.

"You don't have to keep spending money on me," Carmilla comments. "I've done some pretty rotten things in my life, I don't want to add 'taking the allowance from an eleven year old' to the list."

Laura waves her hand dismissively. "My dad gives me a huge allowance but I don't spend it on much. It's fine."

She buys them a couple hot dogs with all the fixins after she sends Carmilla to sit down at a bench to wait so they can avoid awkward questions like with the apple cider.

"So, how's the future?" Laura asks as they start eating.

Carmilla laughs ruefully. "It sucks, to be honest."