Page 61 of Twin Flames
She noticed dark circles beneath his eyes.
‘Yes, thanks. Have you not been sleeping well, either?’ she laughed.
‘I confess I was a tiny bit worried you might change your mind. I know it’s no small thing I’m asking of you.’
Cara hadn’t slept more than a couple of hours. She’d felt anxious and alone in the dark hours of the night. She was angry at George. Why had he forced her into this impossible corner with no way out? She had no choice but to leave him.
‘I won’t pretend not to be terrified, Eddie. I thought of backing out, but the truth is I don’t want to be here right now, so I’m all yours. I’m officially your guinea pig to catapult as you wish. . .’
‘Dear Cara, I promise I’ll take good care of you. Shall we go over the plan?’
‘Yes, please. We better had as I haven’t a clue what to expect in the future.’
Cara’s heart was heavy; she feared the unknown. What if she couldn’t handle what awaited her there? More frightening to her still was the prospect of a life without George.
‘It will be strange to time travel and not meet George,’ she said, wanting to talk about him one last time with someone who knew him.
‘Why are you so sure you won’t meet him?’ asked the professor.
‘Well, if I’m going to the future. . .he’s only here or in Tudorville, isn’t he?’ Eddie noticed the light in her eyes when she spoke about him. He may be a physics geek, but he knew how deep the love was between his master and mistress of five hundred years. Is something wrong between you?’ he asked, his voice gentle.
‘Yes, you could say that. Something is very wrong.’ Tears sprung into Cara’s eyes. Eddie’s kindness was killing her. She had to be tough now so she would have the strength to go. She must leave her old self behind. There was nothing for her with George anymore.
‘There is a slim chance you’ll meet him in the future. I have no way of knowing which other lives you share. You are time travelling partners, or you wouldn’t be in two timelines together. You’re obviously soul mates, so it’s very possible that you, me, and George have been in other timelines together which we’re yet to learn about.’
‘I hadn’t thought of that, but it makes sense.’ said Cara.
There was a flicker of hope, followed by a sharp sense of dread. Would they be together again like in Tudorville? Or would the future replicate the painful tangle of the present? Sheprayed she wouldn’t meet him in another impossible scenario. She’d rather live without him than attempt to plough through this quicksand of pain. Like Moses, she could see the promised land but wasn’t destined to enter.
‘Before we run through the details of the experiment, would you like to be in touch with anyone?’
‘If I’ve understood correctly, my father won’t even know I’m gone. It will be as if I’m still here?’
‘Yes, that’s how it usually works, but we can’t be certain. I don’t think he’ll notice anything untoward. At least I hope not. There are no guarantees, though.’
‘It’s so weird, isn’t it? I’m here but not fully here.’
‘Yes, it’s difficult to explain. One version of you should be here in the present day; then another will experience 2100 and report back to me upon your return.’
‘I need to get away from George—our relationship needs to end, so I’m counting on it that the other Cara will stay out of his way too.’
Eddie ran his fingers across the patchy stubble on his chin. ‘I must say, I feel disloyal to the earl.’
‘Do you? Oh, yes, of course, you’ve not met George in this life yet, have you? How silly of me.’ Cara patted Eddie’s arm. ‘Don’t worry Eddie; he’s a different person in the present day. He’s not the man you adore and serve in Tudorville. I’m afraid he never will be. That’s why I must leave.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that. I can see you’re troubled. What can I do to help? I’m certain George would wish me to continue to take care of you, no matter what’s going on between you. He charged me with that sacred duty many times in the past.’
‘Thank you, Eddie. You are very kind, but there’s nothing you can do about George. And I’m too upset to talk to my father. If he hears my voice, he’ll immediately know something’s wrong. Idon’t want to risk agitating him, so I’ll just go and hope I’m back soon.’
‘Sounds sensible. Anyone else you want to notify before you go? Just in case. . .’
‘Yes. I’ll write a letter to George to say it’s over. I don’t want to speak to him, and a text message would be cruel. Could you arrange for my letter to be delivered by hand to his workshop?’
‘Of course, no problem. I’ll take it myself as soon as you’ve gone.’ He looked sad. ‘Are you sure you’re ready to do that?’ he asked, searching her face for signs of uncertainty.
‘Yes, it’s the only way. It may seem harsh to cut him off, but there’s no future for us in this lifetime. I’ve fought for him; I’ve done all I know how to do, but it’s not to be. It will be easier for both of us to forget and move on if we don’t see each other, and aren’t in touch.’
‘Okay,’ he said. ‘I’ll do whatever you want. It’s the least I can do to thank you for embarking on this dangerous mission. It’s no exaggeration to say that future generations are at stake and what you discover has the power to save the world from disaster.’
