The Time Traveler's Wife

The Album

January 2020

"Hey," Carmilla says, gratefully taking clothes from Laura. "Guess who just had to do her first set of vows a second time."

Laura laughs. "I figured that's when you went, when a very angry Past You appeared here, whisked away from before the rehearsal dinner."

"Well, you know, in hindsight, you were right about thinking my relationship with my mom could be redeemed," Carmilla admits sheepishly as she finishes getting dressed.

"Ah, it never gets old to hear 'you were right,'" Laura teases.

Carmilla rolls her eyes. "You weren't 100% right with the timing, though," she points out.

"Timing's never really been either of our strong suits," Laura comments. "But speaking of timing, I was just about to order dinner. Are you good with Chinese takeout? Or are you still full from food from our wedding?"

Carmilla frowns. "Wait. I traveled away the morning of your birthday. How long have I been gone?" she asks, worried. "Shit, did I miss the entirety of your birthday?"

"It's still my birthday, silly. You were gone less than a day, so LaF's treatment at helping you target your travels seems to be working. Besides, I did have Past You standing here calling me a lunatic to keep me company," Laura replies with a giggle. "My friends and dad came and went. I would've had them stay here longer but... Made it a quick lunch with presents and cake coz I'm not feeling great. I saved you a slice, though."

Carmilla's concerned frown deepens. "You're not feeling well?"

"Just a small fever," Laura answers.

"Maybe you should take a nap," Carmilla suggests. "I'll order the food."

Laura hums. "You're the best."

"Hardly," Carmilla comments dryly. "But like I just told Past You, you're stuck with me."

"And you're stuck with me," Laura comments before she wanders off to the bedroom.

Carmilla waits a few minutes before peeking into the room and hearing a light snoring. She pulls out her phone and starts texting her friends.

~*~

Laura yawns and squints at the clock on the nightstand.

11:27pm.

She lets out a yelp and sits bolt upright. The bedroom door flies open and a wide-eyed Carmilla runs in. "What? What is it? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Laura replies. "Just... Why did you let me sleep so late?"

"Jeez, don't scare me like that!" Carmilla grumbles.

Laura grins sheepishly. "Sorry."

Carmilla sits at the foot of the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling curious as to why you let me sleep through my birthday night," Laura says teasingly. "Especially when--"

She cuts herself off and clears her throat.

Especially when it may be her last, Carmilla finishes mentally.

She reaches out her hand for Laura to take. "Come with me."

Laura follows Carmilla out to the living room and stops short.

A bookcase has been wheeled in and placed beside the couch by the fireplace. All of Laura's friends, her father, and even Carmilla's mother are standing near it.

"Kirsch and Danny built it," Carmilla explains. "Remember that weekend a few months ago when LaF and I took you to Comic-Con? Perry and your dad snuck into your room and grabbed the list I gave you with all the books."