A Tale of Two Centuries by Rachel Harris

Author:Rachel Harris
Language: ara
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Published: 2013-08-05T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

“Alessandra?”

My cousin’s frantic shriek jerks me from staring at my shocking reflection. Two days have passed since our day at the amusement park. Two days of drifting through the endless school day, knowing my time in the twenty-first century is only one sign away from ending. Two days of hearing Austin’s confession of his past repeating in my mind. And two days of hiding the black shopping bag stuffed with clothes at the back of Cat’s closet, wondering when I would get the courage to wear what was inside.

This morning I decided that day is today.

It’s time I abandoned myself fully to this process. Going along with everyone’s wishes has always been my thing, my way of ensuring their constant approval. But I am here. In the future. In the land of opportunity where women can stretch their wings and make mistakes. I craved adventure, I craved more, and after wasting two days wishing I could be more like that enthusiastic performer at Rush, I’m going for it.

I turn off the tap as the doorknob on the locked door of the bathroom shakes. “I hear you in there, you know,” Cat says as I dry my hands on the soft towel hanging near the sink. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve been freaking out since you didn’t show at lunch? I covered for you on Monday, but I don’t know if I can do it again. They’re gonna call my parents.”

Worry and disappointment strain her voice.

When she sees me, I’m sure that concern will grow.

The door thumps as if Cat is leaning against the wood. “I’ve been wracking my brain wondering where you could’ve gone or what you were doing—though it doesn’t exactly take a genius to figure out who you were with.” The door shakes again and she knocks twice. “Less? What’s going on? Open up!”

A hollow cavern in my stomach flutters. After enlisting Austin’s help in my complete makeover, and then basking in the pure rush of finally doing something wild, it never even crossed my mind that my disappearance this afternoon would affect Cat.

I meet my dark eye-lined gaze in the mirror. Monday’s stunt already kicked her overprotective vibe into full force. Confiding the truth about Austin’s challenge now would not be wise. But while I may have to withhold certain aspects of my stay, I want to share this moment with her. Whether she approves of my actions or not will be plainly obvious the moment I open the door.

My hands tremble as the fullness of my apprehension sets in.

The doorknob rattles, and I walk toward it, smoothing the sides of my newly donned modern top along the way. I place an open palm against the frame and draw a steadying breath.

This is it.

Unlocking the door, I say in a shaky voice, “Come in.”

“Oh my G—”

Fortunately, Cat’s astonished yelp cut short her blasphemy as her widened eyes rake over me. Strangely enough, her reaction is nearly the precise response I had anticipated.

To ensure

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