8. Good Morning
The next morning, before the sun had even started to rise, there was a persistent knocking on the door.
"Ma chère," Joleena called out. "Did you forget about your lesson this morning? You are the one who wanted it, remember? "
"I'm coming," Other Anna called back groggily.
She started getting dressed before she remembered that Alternate Anna was supposed to be the one getting the magic lessons, not her.
"Hey," she said trying to gently wake her up. "Hey, wake up. Joleena's here for magic lessons."
Alternate Anna cracked one eye open. "Ugh, but it's barely dawn."
"We always meditate early in the mornings." Other Anna shrugged. "Unless you would rather I-"
"No, no I'm getting up." Alternate Anna sat up and stretched.
Joleena knocked on the door again so she dressed quickly and stepped out into the hallway. Joleena was tapping her foot impatiently.
"I'm ready for my magic lesson." Alternate Anna smiled brightly.
Joleena sighed and shook her head. "How many times do I have to tell you about punctuality? Being late is a mark of laziness and I have no use for lazy students."
"Geez Joleena I'm not that late." Alternate Anna rolled her eyes and laughed.
Joleena narrowed her eyes and didn't smile. "Is that a tone I hear in your voice?"
"No, no of course not!" Other Anna quickly stepped out into the hall and nudged Alternate Anna's shoulder. "She's just tired that's all. Right, Other Anna?"
"Um, right." Alternate Anna smiled. "I'm sorry, Joleena. It won't happen again."
Joleena nodded and started to walk away towards the roof with both Annas following.
"What was that all about?" Alternate Anna whispered to Other Anna.
"Joleena is a really, really strict mentor," Other Anna whispered back. "She doesn't tolerate any kind of disrespect or laziness. She's super serious about magic."
They walked out onto the roof but Joleena stopped Other Anna at the doorway.
"I'm sorry Alternate Anna," she said gently. "But I don't think that my pupil needs any distractions this morning. She is a bit out of sorts right now."
"Oh," Other Anna blinked. "Um, okay. I'll see you guys later then."
"That's cool. We can hang out instead."
Other Anna turned around to see Skyler coming down the hall towards them. He wrapped an arm around Other Anna's waist and kissed her on the cheek. Joleena smiled but Alternate Anna frowned and looked highly uncomfortable.
"But maybe later you can give us a demonstration?" Skyler asked hopefully. "I've been dying to see you in action."
"Yes," Joleena smiled and nodded. "Perhaps later."
"Cool." Skyler nodded and led Other Anna away.
Joleena closed the door to the roof and turned to Alternate Anna. "What is that expression on your face?"
"Huh?" Alternate Anna blinked and looked at her.
"That expression." Joleena frowned. "You look like you are upset about something."
"Um, it's nothing," Alternate Anna mumbled. "I'm just thinking about something."
Joleena sighed, walked her over to the edge of the roof, and sat down it's ledge in a lotus position. Alternate Anna nervously did the same.
"Now," Joleena said in a low voice. "We shall try to pick up where we left off before. Take deep breaths and feel your magic energy within you..."
Other Sam was sitting at the small kitchen island and Fina was at the stove starting breakfast. San-Li came downstairs in her workout gear; tight track pants and a sports bra with her hair tied up in a messy top bun.
"Morning guys," She said yawning.
"Good morning." Other Sam smiled and pulled her into a quick kiss. "I thought you would want to sleep in since we're on vacation."
"Nah," San-Li reached into a fridge and took out a water bottle. "Gotta keep working out to keep this sexy figure of mine."
She winked at Other Sam who rolled his eyes.
"Sexy figure?" Other Fred scoffed coming into the kitchen as well. "Maybe if you grew a foot or two."
San-Li laughed. "Whatever double chin."
"I don't have a double chin." Other Fred frowned and turned to Fina. "Fina, do I have a double chin?"
"Of course not." Fina started to turn around then squeaked when she saw him.
Other Fred was also wearing his workout gear; jogging pants and no shirt. He followed her gaze to his bare chest and smirked. He walked over to her slowly and leaned against the counter next to her.
"Something wrong?" Other Fred said in a low voice.
"Nope." Fina shook her head vigorously but she was blushing bright pink.
"Really?" Other Fred leaned in closer. "Cause you seemed kinda nervous about something."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Fina avoided looking at him and blushed harder.
Alternate Fred and Kairi walked in and shared a look when they saw them.
"You know," Alternate Fred smirked. "That doesn't seem like just friends behavior to me. What do you think, Kairi?"
Kairi giggled. "I think you might be right. And I think Fina is enjoying it. What do you think San-Li?"
"I think you two should mind your own business." San-Li smiled brightly, but Other Sam pinched her hip. "Ow!"
Kairi was unfazed though and smiled. "Well, somebody's grumpy this morning."
"A good run will probably fix that." Other Fred moved away from Fina, grabbed two water bottles out of the fridge and handed one to Alternate Fred. "Come on, let's go."
"Sure thing, dude."
"But," Kairi pouted at her boyfriend. "I thought we could have breakfast together."
Alternate Fred smiled and kissed her forehead. "We'll eat lunch together, princess."
"And I thought I could fix you breakfast," Fina said pouting as well.
"I'll eat when I get back." Other Fred leaned in close and ruffled her bangs. "Let's go San-Li, we're burning daylight."
"Hold on, hold on." San-Li frowned at him. "Who gave you permission to invite someone else on our jog?"
"Oh will you relax?" Other Fred laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "He's cool, I swear. This is another me after all."
"And you can't make an enemy out of everyone from the Alternate Universe," Other Sam said.
"Watch me." San-Li scoffed.
She looked Alternate Fred over and smiled. "Actually, two hot, dumb jocks do sound pretty nice. Okay, he can come."
Alternate Fred smiled, but look confused. "Um, I'm not sure if you've just insulted me or complimented me."
"That means you're in," Other Fred explained as they headed out.
"Just don't let them corrupt you," Other Sam called after them. "San-Li has already gotten to Other Fred."
"Too late!" San-Li yelled back.
Other Fred laughed and yelled back too. "Yeah, we're going to do drugs and other bad stuff now."
Alternate Fred looked mildly concerned when they stepped outside to stretch. "We aren't really going to do that stuff are we?"
"No, of course not-"
"Oh yeah, definitely."
Other Fred and San-Li looked at each other and started laughing.
"We just like messing with Sam, that's all," Other Fred explained. "We don't do anything but talk and joke around and stuff."
"Yeah, but that's after our warm-up." San-Li stood up impatiently. "Now come on before it gets too hot out. I got a lot of rage to vent."
"Well then, how about we eat breakfast together, Kairi? It'll be like a fun girl's day." Fina smiled at Kairi.
Kairi grinned. "Yes! Do you think we could get the other girls to join us? The dinner went so well last night. I think if we just got them to spend some more time together, we could all be friends."
"Maybe. But I don't know if we should push it."
Kairi sighed. "I guess." She perked up when Sydney walked into the kitchen. "Hiya, Sydney! Want to eat breakfast with Fina and me? We're going to have a little girl's day."
"Sorry, Kairi." Sydney smiled at her. "I'm making some mimosas for Joe and me and then we're going to have a little morning soak in the rooftop jacuzzi."
Kairi frowned. "Okay, but maybe we can all hang out later?"
"Sure." Sydney grabbed a few glasses, a bottle of champagne, and some orange juice. She walked past Cade coming in as she was leaving. "Warning, Kairi's feeling extra friendly today."
Cade sighed. "Of course she is."
"Hey, Cade! You want to eat breakfast with Fina and me?" Kairi smiled hopefully.
"I think that's a good idea." Alternate Sam walked up behind Cade. "Just because you and San-Li can't get along doesn't mean you can't bond with the rest of the Others."
Cade sighed. "Okay. What's for breakfast then?"
"And maybe you and I can hang out?" Other Sam asked Alternate Sam hopefully. "We can discuss our multiverse theories more."
Alternate Sam smiled. "Sounds good to me."
"Wakey, wakey sleepy head." Sydney bounced up and down on the bed.
Alternate Joe groaned. "We're on vacation. Can't you sleep in for once?" He pulled a pillow over his head.
"Nope. Now get up. I have plans for us." She continued to bounce him awake.
Alternate Joe gave her a seductive smile. "Oh? Please tell me those plans involve staying in bed all day." He pulled her down next to him and kissed her firmly on the lips.
Sydney laughed. "Not exactly. There's this lovely little jacuzzi on the roof I thought we could check out. I made us mimosas." She pointed to the filled glasses on the nightstand.
Alternate Joe rubbed his face. "This couldn't wait until after noon?"
Sydney shook her head. "Are you going to get up or do I have push you out of bed?"
"I'm up, I'm up." Alternate Joe sat up and grinned at her. "But only because you asked so nicely."
"I am very persuasive, aren't I?" She got off the bed and threw a pair of swim shorts on his face. "Get dressed. Your mimosa's getting warm."
"I think I feel something." Alternate Anna grinned and suppressed her giggles.
"That's great, ma chére, but meditations are supposed to be quiet," Joleena replied calmly.
"Oh, right." Alternate Anna frowned, second guessing this whole switching thing. She thought learning magic would be more fun than this, and Skyler had walked off with Other Anna without a second thought. She knew they were identical, but she had hoped that he would be able to tell them apart.
Alternate Anna was taken out of her thoughts by the sound of laughter and the door to the roof opening. She peered over her shoulder and saw Sydney and Alternate Joe make their way onto the roof with towels and drinks in their hands.
Joleena sighed. "I'm sorry, but the roof is currently occupied. Could you please-" She paused when she saw who it was. "Oh, hello."
"Hi," they replied. There was an awkward silence.
"Well, as I was saying, we currently need the roof for our meditation and no distractions would be preferable." Joleena politely smiled at them.
"Um," Sydney and Alternate Joe looked at one another. "This is sort of the only jacuzzi on the property. Can't you find somewhere else to meditate?" Sydney did her best to sound amiable.
"I would, it's just that we were here first." Joleena gestured down to Alternate Anna.
"Why don't we just share?" Alternate Anna spoke up before things could get any more awkward. She could feel the tension and could tell that the girls were doing their best to be nice to the other. "I'm sure they won't be that disruptive."
Sydney shrugged and walked over to the jacuzzi. "Exactly. We're here to relax, just like you are doing." She fiddled with the control panel and the water began to bubble. "Massage mode? Yes, please. It's been so long since I've had a good massage."
Alternate Joe rolled his eyes and walked up behind her. "What's wrong with my massages?"
"That it's been too long since I had one." Sydney smirked at him.
"I guess this will be okay." Joleena pursed her lips in thought. "Or perhaps we should cut our meditation a little short today. Should I go get Other Joe? We could join you. I do enjoy a nice, relaxing jacuzzi."
Sydney opened her mouth to respond, but Alternate Joe grabbed her hand and whispered something in her ear. Sydney sighed. "Fine." She took a sip of her drink.
Joleena grinned. "Excellent. I hope we can get over this awkwardness between us. I'd love to get to know you better. It's so hard to find girls my age who are as wealthy as we are."
Sydney frowned. "Right."
Other Joe burst out laughing when Joleena told him about Sydney and Alternate Joe on the rooftop jacuzzi. He was still lounging in their bed when she came in to tell him.
"What?" Joleena frowned with her hands on her hips. "I do not understand what is so funny."
"Really? You don't?" Other Joe laughed and shook his head. "Babe, I think it's pretty obvious that they wanted to be alone."
"Oh really? Then why did Sydney say yes?"
Other Joe sighed and sat up. "My guess is that Alternate me probably made her say yes."
"It doesn't matter who said yes or why." Joleena waved her hand dismissively. "All that matters is that there is a chance for bonding and socializing, oui?"
"Non," Other Joe grabbed her hand and gently pulled her onto the bed with him. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I just don't think that this is a good idea. Sydney doesn't like you and we should just leave it at that. Go socialize with one of the other girls."
"But why wouldn't she like me?" Joleena said stubbornly. "I am amiable, non? I am sophisticated, I am wealthy…"
"You're a total snob…" Other Joe rolled his eyes and Joleena punched his shoulder. "Ow! I'm sorry but it's true!"
"Well I refuse to give up!" Joleena hopped off of the bed. "I will make Sydney like me! Even if I have to buy her an entire island to do so!"
"Please sweetheart, just let it go," Other Joe groaned. "You don't need a girl like Sydney for a friend. If she isn't willing to put in the effort why should you?"
"Because I refuse to give up!" Joleena rifled through the dresser for a swimsuit. "Now you can either come with me or I will go by myself!"
Other Joe sighed and got out of bed. "I'm coming with you. Goodness knows you need someone up there who actually likes you."
Joleena shot him an angry glare and Other Joe chuckled and walked over to kiss her pouty lips. She tossed her hair with a huff and hit him with a wave of perfume.
"I'm sorry," Other Joe laughed and kissed her shoulder. "But you know I'm right."
Joleena gave him another dirty look and went into the bathroom to change.
"That's so cool. How do you do that?" Fina stared at Cade with wide eyes.
Cade shrugged. "I've always had a thing with animals." She continued to feed the mongoose out of her hand.
Kairi laughed. "You should see her when we go to the zoo. It's impossible to get them to leave her alone."
"I'm sure it would be more useful if I could turn into them. Now that's ace! How can you do that?" The mongoose curled up on Cade's lap as she looked to Fina.
Fina blushed. "It just comes with the job."
"Sounds like a great job to me." Cade pet the mongoose still relaxing in her lap.
"Turning into animals isn't that special. San-Li can do this thing where she…" Fina paused when she noticed the noticed the deep frown that appeared on Cade's face at the mention of San-Li. "She doesn't hate you. San-Li just likes messing with people."
Cade slouched. "I'm sure she does." She picked at her food. "I don't mean to be a knocker or anything, but she does come across as… unbalanced."
"She's just misunderstood. I'll prove it to you. When she gets back with the Freds, I'll get her to join us and you two can talk this out."
Cade scowled. "I'd rather not."
"Come on, Cade. At least give her a chance," Kairi pleaded.
Cade let out heavy sigh. "Fine, but if she tries anymore bodgy impersonations, I'm out."
"You know, I'm twenty. I don't need you setting up playdates for me."
"I said I'd make it up to you later, didn't I?" Alternate Joe continued to massage Sydney's shoulders. "Besides, you need to make peace with Joleena. Anytime you're forced to be near her, you tense up like you're preparing for a showdown. This vacation doesn't end until you're completely relaxed. I've never felt so many knots in your back before."
"They're not that bad."
"Yes, they are."
Sydney splashed Alternate Joe in the face."Jerk."
He splashed her back. "It's not my fault you're so tense."
Sydney grinned and splashed him some more. Joe laughed back and it wasn't long until they were engaged in a full out splash war. They stopped when they heard someone clear their throat behind them.
They turned and saw Other Joe and Joleena standing behind them with water splashed onto them.
Alternate Joe and Sydney laughed. "Sorry. Try not to stand in the splash zone next time."
Joleena gently wiped off the water from her face. "That's alright. May we join you?"
Sydney wrung out her hair. "You're the one who asked to join us in the first place."
Joleena took that as a yes and she and Other Joe sat down in the jacuzzi across from them. There was an awkward silence as they waited for someone to start the conversation.
Alternate Joe pinched Sydney.
"Ow!" She rubbed her leg and shot Alternate Joe a glare. "So... why did you guys decide to go on vacation?"
"New York summers are just so unbearable." Joleena fanned herself. "We needed a place to go cool off for a little bit and a public pool wasn't going to work for me."
Sydney's face scrunched up with disgust. "No kidding. Those places are horrid. I remember having to go when I was little and always feeling like I needed to sanitize myself after touching anything."
"You had to go when you were little? Ah, you are new money, non?"
Sydney frowned. "Something wrong with that?"
"No, everybody has to start somewhere right? My family has been wealthy for generations. Don't worry. I'm sure one day you and your family will settle into the society of the wealthy. New money always has a habit of mixing with the common people too much and going a little overboard with their celebrations and partying. I'll also never understand why you're all so eager to get your hands dirty."
"And old money has a habit of sounding snooty and not loosening up enough." Sydney crossed her arms. "Look, I'm sure you and your family have all sorts of sophisticated fun and enjoy having servants to do all your work, but I enjoy my lifestyle, a little hard work never hurt anyone, and I much prefer to keep my family out of it."
Joleena blinked. "Sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. Actually, my family and I aren't-"
"I told you this was a bad idea." Other Joe protectively wrapped his arm around Joleena.
"No, no. It's fine. We can still leave here as friends." Joleena closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "We have to have some common ground. Do you do any magic?"
"I used to. It was sort of in my blood." Sydney examined her hands as if some of her old green time energy would flare up. "But I can't anymore. I gave that life up and moved on to better things."
"But magic is wonderful. What could possible be better?"
"I could name a thing or two." Sydney grabbed Alternate Joe's hand and smiled at him. They slowly got lost in each other's eyes. "Magic just seems like some silly thing kids dream of now."
Joleena frowned. "It should be taken much more seriously than that."
"Hmm?" Sydney blinked herself back into the present. "Oh, I know that. Magic is powerful thing. It can create empires and destroy civilizations. It's definitely not for the faint of heart."
Joleena's frown turned into a smile. "Exactly. You should tell me more about your experience with magic. What type of magic did you do? What was your favorite part about it?"
Sydney looked down. "I don't really like to think about it." She reached for her wrist to start scratching it, but Alternate Joe grabbed her hand before she could.
Other Joe rolled his eyes. "See? I told you see wasn't going to put in the effort to be your friend. I don't know why you're wasting your time on someone like her."
Alternate Joe glared at him. "Excuse you? You can't talk about Sydney like that."
Other Joe crossed his arms. "And why not? Ever since we got here, all she's done is be rude to Joleena."
"And all Joleena's done is act like a stuck up diva."
The Joes found themselves caught in a staring competition.
Joleena and Sydney nervously watched them. "Uh, boys? Chill it with the testosterone."
"No, I'm sorry for making you try to get along with these people, Sydney. Clearly, they're not worth our friendship. I don't what happened in your universe, but you seem like a total ass, Other Joe." Alternate Joe stood up.
"I'm the ass? At least I have decent taste in girlfriends." Other Joe stood up to match Alternate Joe.
Sydney sneered at joined them. "And now you've pissed me off. That is not something you want to do. At least I'm not some annoying snob."
"I am not a snob!" Joleena scowled at Sydney. "Just because I am higher bred than you does not mean you have to be so jealous."
"Jealous of what? You're 'old money' ways? No thanks, sweetheart. I'm much happier with the life that I have." Sydney stepped out of the jacuzzi and pulled Alternate Joe out with her. "We're leaving."
"Good," Joleena huffed.
"I don't want to be around you anyway." Other Joe's glare hardened. "Especially now since you're both being so cruel."
"Then please, stay away from us from now on." Alternate Joe squeezed his fists. "We're done here."
San-Li and the two Freds were sitting on the sand a little ways from the beach house property trying to cool down after their run before walking back.
"That's a cool scar by the way," Other Fred said pointing at a scar right below San-Li's ribcage. "What's the story with that one?"
"Ah, that one," San-Li chuckled. "I think that was 1700s France. I got double crossed by some thieves I was working with."
"Working with?" Alternate Fred raised an eyebrow. "What exactly do you do?"
Other Fred and San-Li exchanged looks and started laughing. "It's complicated."
"Actually, I don't mind telling you," San-Li looked at him. "But you have to promise not to tell the Alternates."
Alternate Fred sat up and smiled eagerly. "Sure."
San-Li smiled and held a knife under his chin. "I'm serious. If you tell even blabber mouth Barbie, I'll cut your throat."
Alternate Fred's eyes widened in alarm while Other Fred chuckled, shaking his head at San-Li
"I promise. I promise."
"Good." San-Li grinned and lowered her knife. "Well, I'm a time thief."
Alternate Fred blinked. "A what?"
"Time thief." Other Fred grinned. "She travels through time and steals treasures and stuff. Nothing super important or rare though. Just stuff no one would miss, so technically it's not really stealing."
"That sounds awesome!" Alternate Fred said.
"I know, right?" San-Li grinned. "I absolutely love it!"
Other Fred downed the rest of his water bottle and stood up. "Come on, let's get back to the house now. I wonder what Fina's making for lunch."
They came in sight of the beach house and saw Fina, Cade, and Kairi sitting together on a blanket. San-Li grimaced when she saw Fina smile brightly at her and wave her over.
"Ugh," San-Li grimaced and weakly waved back.
"What's wrong?" Other Fred asked her.
"Fina wants me to play nice," San-Li mumbled. "I don't do nice."
Sure enough, Fina transformed into a bird, flew over to them, and transformed back directly in front of San-Li and the Freds. She grinned at her pleadingly and San-Li chuckled and folded her arms.
"Yes?"
"Well I was sorta wondering if you could come over and talk to Cade." Fina said. "You see, everyone is really tense and she thinks that you hate her-"
"That's because I do."
Fina sighed and rolled her eyes. "Come on, San-Li, this is me you're talking to. I know you better than that."
San-Li laughed and pulled out her knife. "Then you should know that just as soon cut her than play nice with her."
Fina folded her arms and gave her a look so San-Li relented. "Fine. Let me shower first and then I'll come back down and act like a good girl for a little while."
"Yay!" Fina grinned and threw her arms around San-Li's waist. "Thank you!"
"Yeah, yeah." San-Li patted her head affectionately. "Now get away from me. I smell horrible."
"Don't I get a hug too?" Other Fred chuckled and held out his arms.
Fina blushed and quickly flew back to the girls.
Other Fred chuckled and wrapped an arm around San-Li's shoulders. "Seriously though, maybe you should take it easy on Cade."
San-Li shot him a dirty look. "Why should I? It's now like she's trying to place nice with me either. All she ever does is glare at me."
"She has a point," Alternate Fred mumbled. "Cade isn't exactly the easiest person to get along with."
San-Li frowned and folded her arms. "I bet you she's glaring at me right now."
All three of them looked and as a matter of fact while Fina and Kairi were talking, Cade looked over in their direction and gave San-Li a suspicious glare. San-Li gave her a seductive smirk in return and winked at her with a small wave. Cade flushed bright red and turned back around quickly.
All three of them burst out laughing and Other Fred nudged her arm. "Okay, now you're definitely trying to provoke her."
"Whatever." San-Li chuckled. "She's probably has a crush on me anyway. She can barely take her eyes off of me."
Alternate Fred gave her an odd look. "No, I'm pretty sure she's straight. I mean she is dating Sam."
"Then why is she always staring at me?"
Alternated Fred opened his mouth to say something, but closed it again quickly. "Huh. I… don't know."
San-Li smiled and looked over at Cade. "Maybe I could have fun with this."
"You better not," Other Fred chuckled. "Other Sam would kill you."
"Who says he has to find out?"
Other Joe turned off the shower and toweled himself off. He was hoping a shower would help him calm his nerves but no such luck. When he got dressed and stepped out into the room he sighed in irritation. Joleena was out on the balcony smoking a cigarette. He went towards her and wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Daddy took the jet on a business trip," she mumbled. "Says I have to stick it out here and make the best of it."
Other Joe moved some of her hair aside and nuzzled her neck. "We will, sweetheart."
Joleena practically purred and relaxed into his touch. She took another drag of her cigarette and blew the smoke away from them.
"I hate that bitch."
"No you don't." Other Joe laughed and nipped her shoulder. "You probably have every reason to, but deep down you don't."
Joleena scoffed. "And that Alternate version of you is such a salaud. I can't believe that he had the nerve to speak to you like that."
"They probably came from some horrible universe where everyone is either a bitch or a douchebag." Other Joe snickered. "I feel sorry for Alternate Fred and Sam."
Joleena giggled and turned her head to look at him. "Oh Joseph, you always know how to make me laugh."
Other Joe grinned and leaned in to kiss her. She tasted like a mixture of smoke and strawberries but he couldn't bring himself to care. Joleena pulled away quickly though with a blush of embarrassment and stubbed out her cigarette.
"Sorry," she mumbled. "I must taste like an ashtray."
"Sorta," Other Joe admitted with a shrug. "But I don't mind."
"Perhaps I should take your advice and just ignore Sydney from now on," Joleena mumbled. "Pretend that she and that boyfriend of hers doesn't even exist."
"That's probably the best decision." Other Joe smiled. "Now, let's relax with each other for a little while. Maybe we can go on a nature walk?"
Joleena smiled and turned so she could wrap her arms around his neck. "That sounds nice, mon amour."
