The Time Traveler's Wife - The Other Side

The Imaginary Friend

April 2002

"Fuck," 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.

Carmilla chuckles. "Sorry. I... 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 sneaky."

"Sneak away," Carmilla replies, awkwardly trying to get her leg into the pants as she leans against Laura's bed.

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 seems to wander for a bit before she snaps out of it. "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 while Laura heads to the door to the backyard.

"Hey, dad, I'm gonna go get some air, okay?" she tries to say casually.

"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."

Laura heads back to the front door where Carmilla is waiting.

"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."

Laura frowns. "How so? Gimme the deets."

"You know, only a dork says 'deets.'"

"Then I guess I'm a dork," Laura quips. "Do you wanna vent, or not?"