The Time Traveler's Wife - The Other Side

The Reunion

August 2012

The next couple years flew by.

Laura decided to major in investigative journalism, although she still dabbled in photography as a way to stay close to her mother. She spoke to her father at least once a day. Danny and her were on great terms as friends. In fact, Danny was majoring in political science and they shared a lot of classes.

LaFontaine was studying to become a geneticist. Perry was studying business administration.

They'd all missed each other so much they'd gotten small apartments in the same building near campus.

Kirsch and SJ had gotten divorced within a couple years of being married, but would rekindle the relationship every so often. Kirsch always insisted that SJ was the only girl for him. SJ said she couldn't stay married to a man who always kept a sandwich on his nightstand.

Laura had spent the summer at an intense internship and it ended right as the semester was starting. This was supposedly the toughest semester for a journalism student, and she was determined to stay ahead of the class.

Which meant a lot of long days at the library.

She was hoping to reserve a table for the entire semester, since this wasn't a library on campus and would have more availability.

She walked up to the circulation desk, to find some girl hunched over looking like she'd just gotten dragged a mile on the highway while hungover.

"Rough day?" Laura asks.

"Yes. So. If you don't need actual help, please go find a table and sit there. Quietly," the girl grumbles.

The voice literally takes Laura's breath away.

"C-Carm?"

Sure enough, Carmilla and turns towards with a frown.

"Carm!" Laura squeals.

"Uh. Yes?"

It takes her a moment.

"Holy Hufflepuff. You don't recognize me."

Carmilla stares at her and sighs impatiently. "Should I?"

"This is the youngest I've ever seen you look..."

Laura looks into Carmilla's eyes and sees nothing but a cold distance. Like staring at a stranger.

She can feel her heart shatter all over again, the pain of watching Carmilla leave after her last visit stronger than ever. Her best friend had no idea who she was.

Carmilla clenches her jaw. "And yet, this is the oldest I've ever been."

This Carmilla may have no idea who Laura is, but that dry sarcasm was pure Carmilla sass.

Her best friend was still in there, and as Laura had said years ago, now she'd get to know Carmilla all over again. And differently.

So she pushes the sadness down.

Instead, Laura giggles and shakes her head. "Silly as ever." She grins at Carmilla. "I'm Laura. Laura Hollis."

Carmilla looks her up and down. "Okay. But I still don't know you."

"Well, I should hope not," Laura replies smugly. "What was it you once said to me? 'I'd never forget a cutie like you, cupcake.'"

Carmilla swallows hard, clearly realizing what Laura is alluding to.

"Got somewhere we can talk privately?" Laura asks. Carmilla eyes her warily and Laura huffs. "Unless you want me to publicly blurt out about your Chrono-impairment?"