Chapter 4

Misplaced

Elizabeth stood in shock at the very sight of what she thought impossible. Wild emotions filled her mind and heart. She was ecstatic that her lover was alive and well again. However, anger and jealousy boiled form within her when she saw Booker intimately embracing someone else besides his daughter. Half of her spirt wanted to run and collapse into his arms, the arms of her savior. The other half wanted shout and yell from the bottom of her heart. She froze, dazed and confused. Who was this person? She questioned in disgust. Surely it couldn't be her mother she thought. How? And Why? Lost in her emotions, she felt Booker's arms wrap around her before she could notice. His touched enabled her to regain of her emotions again. She closed her eyes and succumbed to his advance. Although she wanted to push him away, she could not. Her arms flung around his neck without her realizing. She pressed her cheek against his and gently dug her face into his strong chest after, sinking into her lover's heart. "Booker, I miss you. I was so worried," she whispered. It felt like an eternity but an eternity was not enough for her. Shortly after, she felt someone else's arms around her. Her eyes jutted opened from the unexpected warm touch of another beside Booker. It was in that moment she knew, that it was Annabelle. Abruptly and rudely shaken from her dreamy state of bliss, she wanted to halt Annabelle's affections but realized that she could not. It was inappropriate and therefore succumbed to situation. It bothered her nonetheless. She still felt angry and annoyed but ignored the nagging reminders.

"Anna!" she cried out. "Your alive!" I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried"

A million thoughts raced in her heart. What will happen to Booker and I now? Are we going to be a family? But I don't want this. Booker was silent as he enjoyed being held by the two people who he loved the most. Giving into the situation, she released a deep sigh and closed her eyes once more. It was a complicated mixture of feelings she was not ready for, and she did not know how to process them. It was bittersweet,

"Anna, you're here!" Booker finally spoke. "You're okay"

Moments later, they let go of each other and Annabelle caressed her daughter's face with exceeding gladness. "My little baby," she whimpered, with tears in her eyes. However, Elizabeth knew the truth when she gazed into Annabelle eyes. The person in front of her was not her real mother. Her Annabelle passed the day she breathed her first. For a fleeting moment, Elizabeth wanted to believe it, to believe that they might have a chance to all be together again, to be family. It was a desire she had stored away long ago, a time when her innocence and naivety took rein. But those days are gone, and so was the dream. The hint of hope and desire died as quickly as it began for it was in that instant she knew what the presence of this imposter meant. She knew Booker's state of mind, his mental health, and how much he blamed himself for it all. This was a chance at redemption for him, a chance to undo all that he's done – to be normal. This would mean the end of them. She knew Booker as much as she knew herself, she was a part of him after all. They were broken and too far gone to wash away their sins. That was a sure fact that they could never deny no matter how much they tried. But Booker had set his sights on a higher horizon, a loftier goal, ever since the day he realized he sold her to Comstock. In this, he would eventually forget her and their relationship. Those jabbing, nagging, and haunting feelings denied her the pleasure of meeting her mother for the first time. It was an ominous omen that she must fight in order to keep what she has. She has fought all forms of adversity but never this. She has never faced the chance for them to become whole. To stay broken, twisted, and bloodied from sin, or to wash it all clean. That was a choice Booker made the moment he laid eyes on Annabelle, and that was a choice Elizabeth could not accept.

"Where did you get this dress? And your hair! We must primp you at once," Annabelle said with a sniffle. Though Elizabeth wanted to reply harshly as she always would against something or idea that she did not like, all that she could do was muster was a forced smile. "I'm okay. Don't worry about me." Elizabeth folded her arms and slowly walked toward the door in an effort to escape to be alone with her thoughts.

"But young lady!" Annabelle insisted.

"It's alright Annabelle. Let her be." Booker smiled, with his hand on Annabelle's shoulder and his other on cupping her cheek. "I still can't believe it," Booker said, with happiness in his smile. She fell into his arms once more. Elizabeth turned for a glance and the sting of defeat reverberated in her. She squinted in annoyance and burned with jealousy. Due to the enormous respect she had for Booker, she dared not get in between them… for now.

Evelyn was different story with a different situation. Without thinking twice, she threw a wrench in her plans so to speak. This one was different however. "Annabelle,"she muttered beneath her breath. Something had to be done and Elizabeth was not one to live out defeat for long. She would not go out without a fight. And so, at that moment, plans and ideas began to grow in her mind. Elizabeth walked away, not telling them where she would be.

Booker went with the motions as if he had completely forgotten who she really was. He did not give it much thought. Without second guessing whether her existence was real he lowered his chin to match hers and his lips demanded a kiss. Annabelle stood as tall as Elizabeth and resembled her closely. Therefore, the act came naturally. It was not awkward in the least bit. Elizabeth could not be found in his heart anywhere during that intimate moment. Annabelle had stolen it, for now.

…

The night was quite cool. The breeze brought with it the lovely scent of nature itself as it mingled with the air of Elysium's activities. The warm smell of bakery and food mingled with the fresh natural scent of the mountains complimented the city exceptionally well. Elizabeth took a deep breath, withdrawing the pleasing fragrance that crept its way up to the mansion balcony where she stood. She could see it all below – the stores and the liveliness of the people. The news must have spread quickly – the news of Elysium's savior. She could not seem to care at the moment though. She had gone to be alone to think, to contemplate but she could not force any productive thoughts. The plans she had were put aside for a moment. What she experienced was too distracting. All she could think of were her feelings, and all she could feel was betrayal. It was an odd feeling for she knew it was in a certain way, justified. Annabelle was his wife after all. She leaned on the railing, counting the lights that were hung up. Each one reminding her of the doors she used to be able to see. A gust of cool wind blew in from the east, sending shivers down her spine. The temperature seemed to have dropped quickly. Goosebumps rose on her arms as she tried rubbing them. Normally she would not be this cold. She was never good with the cold but no this particular night it was worse than usual.

Meanwhile, Booker asked the maid where the one could find the best view. He knew his daughter and he knew she would escape to be somewhere lovely. Without letting him out of her sight, she led him to the doors of the balcony and waited behind the doors. Elizabeth could be seen through the glass panels; she was a lovely figure. The moonlight shimmered on her bare shoulders while the wind brushed her hair. He gently opened the door in hopes to not disturb her and walked toward her. The sound of footsteps grew louder as he approached. She did not care to turn around nor did she care to say a single word when he reached the railing. To her, never had he felt so close yet so far away. It was quiet on the balcony. They stared down at Elysium in silence, studying the scenery. Not a single word left their mouths. Only the sound of the citizens and the wind occupied their ears. The occasional flapping of the flags that hung beneath substituted for their conversation. It eased the awkwardness slightly. Booker reached into his pocket to grab the items that she lost. He slowly held out his hand beside her. She looked down and noticed that it was Booker's ascot and her broach. Both were once cherished memories. Now they are a warning of what is to come and what could be lost. She painfully reached for her two favorite memoirs. She could not receive them in gladness. With dull movements, she grabbed them and held them to her chest.

Finally, after she received her belongings, Booker spoke, but with reluctance, "Anna, are you…" Elizabeth interrupted him with disapproval in her soft voice. "Did you kiss her?" she softly asked. Booker sighed and tried to formulate words that would soothe her soul. He failed miserably and it was too late however. She had already turned around to walk away. She knew the answer to her question and couldn't bear to hear him confirm her fears. "Anna, your mother is back. She's…"

"She's not my mother," she asserted, looking back at Booker sternly. "And she's not your wife…" With those final words Elizabeth exited the balcony. Booker pulled out the engagement ring and observed how it glimmered under the light of Elysium's orb. It was, in a way, an artificial moon. He was happy, happy beyond expression but he was also sad for Elizabeth. He loved her still and he knew this Annabelle was not the one he once knew. However, emotions tend to trump logic. Especially in desperate times. He looked up toward the distance, past Elysium's city borders and past the floating islands; hills and valleys as far as he could see. There was not a single sign of life in sight outside Elysium. This seemingly isolated city made him wonder about Elizabeth and Columbia; the adventures they shared, the loved the gave each other. It has been nothing but conflict after conflict. Turmoil within the spirit and challenges outside the body. The peace that the grand city seemed to have embodied was a stark contrast to what they felt within.

There was much to learn about where they were and many questions that needed answering. After wondering what to say to Elizabeth to encourage her, he abruptly left the balcony to find his mysterious friend from Paris. As soon as he opened the door, surprisingly, there stood Elizabeth at the railing looking down to the first floor. Not surprisingly however, was the maid; she had to follow him wherever he went. Music echoed throughout the halls. It was oddly familiar, reminiscent of a certain city in the sky. He approached Elizabeth to speak but noticed that she seemed preoccupied.

"Booker, look." She muttered, as Booker drew near. As he looked down he noticed it was his mysterious friend, playing the piano. His hands hopped from key to key and his body swaying with the tune. He was not in the least bit disturbed by all of the events that occurred; from Paris to Elysium. He was wrapped in playing that he did not notice them watching him. "He seems to want to help. He knows about us and Columbia." Elizabeth, determined to get answers, followed the railing that lead to the stairs. "Come on. He might know what's going on."

Booker place his hand on her shoulder and softly spoke words hoping to get her attention. "Anna, listen…"

"Not now, Booker," she glared. He could notice the disappointment and hurt reflecting off her eyes. Therefore, he withdrew his hand and nodded. Down the stairs they went as they looked at the man on the piano. As the stepped closer, his playing softened. Without even sparing a glance, he spoke. "I'm sure you have quite a lot of questions for me. Very well. Then explain, I shall." As the final notes to his song were pressed, he slowly stood from the stool and walked toward a doorway that seemed to have led to the rear or the mansion. "This way." He led to through the mansion halls and to an area generously plastered with windows that revealed a courtyard. It was filled with flowery gardens and in the center was a statue – the statue of the Goddess. "Hey, it's that woman again," she said in her surprise. "I wonder why she is so important that the people here immortalize her. Everyone at the welcome center kept saying that I was her."

"Not bad. The resemblance is spot on," Booker agreed. "This is my first time seeing it. If I didn't know any better, I'd say they were worshiping you."

"This just creates more questions than answers, and we're short on answers," she said.

"Hm, I think we're about to find out soon enough," Booker added.

As they arrive to the courtyard, the man walked to the statue, turned toward them, and smiled. "Shall I start from the beginning?"

"Start with your name, your real name," Booker blurted.

"You have known me as Lonnie. Let's leave it at that shall we? Any more information would only cause confusion."

"Fair enough," he replied.

"The worlds are colliding. Much of the world we're in is an unstable place. Places that you have visited, the past, and the future are starting to merge." Lonnie started to pace around as she spoke. It helped him explain things clearer. "Elysium is the only safe city, for now. Only because you two have never been here, not unnaturally at least," he continued.

"But then why do I feel, strange, like I've been here before. When I could see the doors it all made sense but now it's anybody's guess."

"When you, Mrs. Dewitt, have all merged into one being, the worlds fell out of sync, so to speak. Let me put it this way. That which is out of balance, will find balance again."

Booker then spoke as he noticed something interesting, "You said you're a Lutece. You sure don't look one." With his hand rubbing his chin he mumbled, "At least this one makes sense when he talks."

"You called me by Mrs. I'm not – wait a minute," Elizabeth said. "It's starting to make a kind of sense. Answer me this… How many times have Booker and I been here?"

"76. This is your 77th time," Lonnie answered.

"I don't get it," Booker stated.

"So something terrible must have happened in the future where the Luteces, the real ones, have brought us back each time. But How? I don't remember going through any tears," she deducted.

"You didn't go to another world; you went back in time. We can't afford to have you jumping worlds anymore," Lonnie added. "There is an anomaly, someone that doesn't belong here. Two, now that she has just arrived."

"She? Wait who's she? Are you saying that anomaly is my wife?" Booker asked. Elizabeth scowled at Booker for mentioning Annabelle; saying she was his wife made her grimace in displeasure. She crossed her arms and turned to Booker to lay words of disapproval on him but before she could speak, Lonnie interjected.

"Your wife? No. She's is exactly where she is supposed to be," Lonnie said with a grin. Booker responded against the uncertainty. "Who's the person you're talking about?"

"I suppose Evelyn is the other anomaly?" Elizabeth asked as she turned to Lonnie. However, in that instant, he was nowhere to be found, disappearing in an instant. "Great," Elizabeth groaned. "We didn't get to ask him about the statue.

"Looks like we got work to do. We gotta find Evelyn and demand that she tells us everything. I have a feeling she'll comply. If I recall correctly, getting information from her was a walk in the park," Booker said. "I'm going to check on Annabelle. I left her alone in the mansion."

"Ugh! You can't be serious. She can take care of herself," Elizabeth growled, her voice now with irritation. "You want to talk? Fine. Booker you need to wake up! That isn't who you think it is. Mother died more than two decades ago. Why can't you get that?"

"Anna, we have her back! She may not be the one you knew but she is back. You have to accept it."

"No, I am done, Booker. I am not just going to sit by and watch as she takes you away from me."

"Listen, nobody is losing anybody," he quickly rebutted.

"You sure about that?" Elizabeth argued. "You seemed to have forgotten who I am, who we are."

"You're my daughter, Anna." Booker said, his tone now softer. Elizabeth turned around and held her arms to warm them as the cool winds now turned cold. She could not look at Booker, not when he had someone else on his mind. It was to painful to see him and not shed a tear.

"So, what, are you going to share the bed with her tonight?" she asked,

"I can't be with you tonight, not with her around. Are you going to be okay?" He asked.

"Does it matter?"

"Anna, look. This is between me and her. I have figure this out. Give me time.

"Whatever you say," Elizabeth mumbled.

"Get some rest. I'm glad you're okay. I'll see you tomorrow morning," he said, as he walked away. Elizabeth slowly turned and watched as his figure shrunk. Elizabeth's strong facade faded away in the wind as her true emotions began revealing itself. The pain that she ignored finally amplified itself when she saw him disappear into the house. "You forget. I know you. I know exactly what you're up to." In her sorrow she lowered her head and gently bit her lip. The tears she had been holding back were starting to leak. She let out a whimper. That whimper then turned into a sob. She gritted her teeth thinking of him and Annabelle kissing. The image of them joining that night was an arrow to her already fragile and damaged heart. She regretted not stopping him. She felt as though she could have saved their first night in Elysium for themselves. But pride made her turn her back, and pride was also why she will spend the night alone. She once again resisted the urge to cry. She decided in heart that this was the last time she would be passive. Sniffling and glassy eyed, Elizabeth made her way back into the mansion where the maid showed her to her room.