The Second Coming by E. L. Smith

Author:E. L. Smith
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Koehler Books
Published: 2023-02-08T06:18:56+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Mercedes’s Future

Back inside the nightclub, Mercedes stands in the middle of the dance floor, but the lounge has drastically fewer people than before. Most everyone has left to get some sleep. After visiting with her beloved grandparents and departing from the Past door, Mercedes returned to meet up with Melody. But Melody isn’t here. Mercedes paces the dance floor frantically, anxiously looking from door to door. It’s well after 2 a.m. Mercedes thinks, It will be all my fault if something bad happens to Melody. I’ll never forgive myself for bringing her here. Oh, I’m sooo sleepy. Where are you, Mel?!

Mercedes struggles with a mixture of frustration, panic, guilt, and fatigue. A flash of Melody’s face crosses her mind’s eye, looking upset and scared. Now more fearful than she was just moments ago, Mercedes pinches herself to ward off the sleepiness. She has no idea where Melody could be; she obviously could be lost or trapped in any space and time. She tears up and scurries toward the Future door, resolving that when she leaves this time, she will never come back to ETG. It’s almost 3 a.m., and I’m not going to be caught dead sleeping in this place. I have no choice but to leave right now.

Just as Mercedes reaches the door, Luther’s voice catches her by surprise. “Going somewhere in the future, Mercedes?”

She turns, stunned.

“Luther!” she exclaims drowsily. “No, I’m calling it a night and going home. What are you doing here? When did you come back? Didn’t you have a good time with your supermodels?”

“Wow, so many questions!” Luther says, laughing. “But none of them are important,” he continues offhandedly. “The real question is, why are you going home so early? The night is still young.”

“Well, I—” Mercedes begins.

“Are you alright?” Luther asks, sincerity in his tone.

“Yes, yes, I’m fine,” Mercedes answers groggily.

“Then are you not having fun?” he asks.

“No, it’s not that,” Mercedes answers.

“Then what is it?” Now Luther looks worried.

“Well,” Mercedes stalls, thinking. She doesn’t want to disclose anything about Melody to Luther, even though he seems genuinely concerned. For some reason, the information seems too personal, and something in her gut tells her she should keep it to herself; in the event that something horrible has happened to Melody, she doesn’t want to be held responsible.

“I’m just tired, that’s all,” Melody finishes quickly.

“Oh, that’s nothing!” Luther smiles again, appearing relieved. “Have you tried any of our specialty drinks yet?”

Before she can reply, Luther grabs her hand and steers her away from the door.

“No, but Luther—” she begins, gently trying to free her arm.

“Well, then you should!” Luther exclaims. “You are missing out, you know!” He snaps his fingers twice, and a waitress appears out of nowhere with a blended drink boasting multiple layers of yellow, blue, and red and topped with an apple slice, an umbrella, and a straw. Mercedes sarcastically asks, “What, more tea?” She warily eyes the apple slice, at the same time realizing how dry her throat is. As tiny water beads form on the glass, she licks her lips instinctively.

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