A Different, Better Timeline

Over and Over Again

"When's your birthday? I wanna read your horoscope!" Lindsay flipped through Seventeen magazine's latest June issue. She'd read it approximately twelve times but never with Courtney or Bridgette. "Come on, Court! Don't you wanna find out if love's in your future?"

They sat in the old bass girls' cabin, all three cooped up in Bridgette's old bed. Bridgette and Courtney sat against the back wall, their shoulders and legs pressed together, and Lindsay sat against the pillows. Her legs were stretched out in front of her, her thighs resting in Courtney's lap and her feet in Bridgette's.

It was day two of the three-day cycle, the first after a challenge, and they were excited not to have to worry about the game for a while. This was always the best day of the three. Challenge days were draining, and the day before held too much dread.

Today was especially exciting for Lindsay. Her and Tyler's double date with Courtney and Duncan was that night, and it was going to be so much fun. In an effort not to spend the whole day in eager anticipation, she had demanded that Courtney and Bridgette have a girls' morning with her.

Courtney glanced at Lindsay, "September nineteenth. But, Lindsay, you know that stuff is all bullshit, right?"

"Who cares if it's real? It's fun!" Lindsay exclaimed as she found the right page. She searched for Courtney's star sign. "Virgo... Where are you? Hmm. Okay, there!" After skimming it, she smiled at her friend. "Ready? It's a good one! Love is totally in your future!"

"Well then, I guess I have to know," Courtney laughed, rubbing Lindsay's shins.

Lindsay cheered before reading the passage, "'a charming and handsome stranger is about to walk into your life. You won't be expecting him, but he'll sweep you off your feet. Be on the look-out!' Court! It's totally talking about Duncan! Does he sweep you off your feet?"

Courtney rolled her eyes, "no, nor do I want him to. I wouldn't call him charming, either. I will say he was unexpected, but it doesn't matter. Astrology isn't real."

"It's real if you want it to be real," Lindsay said before shifting her attention to the third girl. "Bridge! Your turn! When's your birthday?"

"What?" Bridgette's eyes drifted to Lindsay. She had been focusing on a stain on the floor in an attempt not hear about all the love in Courtney's future. It hadn't worked. "My birthday? I'm a Pisces, March eleventh, but you don't have to read mine."

"You're a Pisces," Lindsay repeated. "Duh! I should have guessed that! You're totally an empath! And don't be silly. Of course, I'm going to read yours." She located the Pisces horoscope and read it over. When she finished, her eyes widened, and she set the magazine in her lap. "Okay, this one isn't so nice. Maybe I shouldn't read it."

Bridgette sighed, "oh, don't worry. I already know love isn't in my future. Go ahead and read it."

"It's not like it has any effect on her life as it is," Courtney added. "Horoscopes don't mean anything. You read mine, so you have to read hers, too."

Picking up the magazine, Lindsay scanned it again. She offered Bridgette a reassuring smile. "I guess it's not that bad. It could be a lot worse! Ready?"

Shrugging, Bridgette let out a light giggle, "as ready as I'll ever be. Go for it."

Lindsay nodded, "here we go: 'Oh no! Confusing times are ahead. Sometimes it's best to take a step back and assess the situation. You don't want to rush into things.' That was it. Not totally depressing, right?"

"Right," Bridgette agreed, thinking over what her horoscope had said. While she didn't necessarily believe they were right 100% of the time, this one held true for her. Confusing times were ahead, indeed. Though she didn't want to, she nudged Courtney in the shoulder and said, "not all of us can have love in our future like you do."