Fix It

Chapter 18 - The Museum

Alex’s P.O.V

Finally, we are here. At a place where I can get the answers that I have been looking for but dread to find out. The wind is ice cold on my back, sending a wave of shivers down my spine. The wind was like a harsh slap to the face…and honestly, it was as if it was on purpose like I deserved it. The worst part was the fact that I agree with the wind. I deserved every terrible thing that came to me. I just wish that my unforgivable actions don't affect the people that genuinely care for me, like mom. I can’t get my hopes up though, Karma gets her revenge through emotional pain, when she attacks you won't even see it coming.

Everyone's dream is to go back in time to fix their mistakes….so why when I actually get the chance, it doesn't satisfy me? ...things seem worse! I already know that Sophie thinks that she’s walking on thin ice with me considering she's the one that talked to the youngster in the first place but…In all honesty, I think it's reversed. Our roles I mean, I feel like the one walking on thin ice around here considering I’m the one that forced her into this mess in the first place.

Speaking of Sophie, she started at the building, her eyes clouded with something I couldn't recognize. She is in deep thought as she watches the tall brown doors that sealed the inside from the bitter cold outside. "Soph?" I asked. That seemed to snap her out of her trance as she shook her head, walking up the new stairs and up to the wooden doors. "You know what we used to say back on my planet when we wish for good news?" She kept her eyes on the mob of the door, never looking back at me but not looking forward either.

She really is a strange girl now that I think about it but I was curious as to what she had to say. This was one of the scarce times that she speaks about herself. She almost always talks about me or the mission. "What do you normally say?" A bright smile grazed my features but she didn't even turn around to view it...so it quickly turned into a frown. "We had elders who would place their hands like this," Her hands spread out on each side of her with her head held high, she was in the anatomical position.

"Then we would all say, 'Chakuria Fladec'" Their language is such an intriguing thing….I wonder what their alphabet looks like but right now isn't the time to think about all that. "What does that mean?" She tilts her head to the side in thought carrying her mop of white hair with her...even the ends of her sunshine dress seemed to follow that direction. It was utterly adorable if only she wasn't such a pain most of the time. "I don't think it has an actual name for it in English." She laughed. It was a happy chuckle...one that was so short that you long for more. It's been a while since I've heard such a genuine one from her.

She normally laughs to try and hide her sadness. I'm glad that she hasn't lost her happy side.

Suddenly, a loud whisper bellowed behind the doors. "We don't have time." The words sent an involuntary shower through my body and an eerie feeling filled my stomach. I was stuffed with confusion. "We need to go now, Alex...I think that's my dad." She explained. Elfie is a very strange old man. Quite…intriguing. At least that's what I've figured out from my observations.

Sophie pushed the recently painted wooden door to the familiar floors but inside there was a huge flag with the museum's name on it. The air inside was cold and bitter, no different from inside. It was as if the warmth had been chased away, none left for anyone….probably for someone other than me. I didn't deserve it anyway. In fact, the cold should've been freezing instead of bitter.

Maybe then I think that I'm paying for my mistakes. My mistakes….I wanted to hear the answer to Sophie's theory but now that I'm here to get them, I'm terrified. What If she was right? I'm killing my mother. I am the cause of it anyway. Every time I close my eyes, I wish that I could go back to that time and never plan the stupid prank in the first place! All the pranks that I've pulled have hurt someone...and now it's at the point that it's killing the person I love the most in this dull world.

"Don't sulk lad...everything will be ok." Looking up, my eyes met Elfie's. Then they drifted to his long white hair...something was different. His hair was no longer an ash white they were grey streaks that slowly took over. His friendly eyes looked tired but not from lack of sleep but rather...routine. He held his hand out to me with his daughter tucked safely in his arms. She had her hands wrapped tightly around her neck. Her head tucked in his shoulder, shielding her from the world. "How can you say that? My mother, she's-"

"Ok, your mother is perfectly fine. The balance hasn't been broken," My eyes narrowed in confusion as my brows furrowed. What does he mean by that? Then why did future Sohpie write that note? "Huh? I-I don't understand."

"In the near future, Sophie wrote that note to stop you from interacting with the youngster. At some point in time, you'll be tempted to. This note is a reminder to stick to the protocol." His eyes held all the answers to the questions that flooded through my mind but his mouth was kept under lock and key. "Please heed this warning Alex...or else when you come here again it won't be a warning but a consequence. Someone or something will tempt you, don't let it win." With his words, his eyes and hair lit up a bright gold and he vanished into thin air.

Somehow, the warning sounded more like a threat. My questions grew tenfold but there isn't anyone to answer them.

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