4: "What Now?"

You know when you were little and you used to think about all those things you'd do when you grew up? Like who were going to marry, what you going to be, where you were going to go? I always felt like I had a direction in life, even when I was little, I knew what I was going to do, where I was going to go.

"Hey... You okay?"

And all of it was just thrown out the window. I can't even begin to wrap my head around what is happening to me. I feel like one of those washed out celebrities with a cameo in a place they have no business in. It also doesn't help that I'm still in these ancient jammies sitting in the bed, wallowing in self-deprecation while the fucking girl who got me into this whole... thing... is still sitting across from me. Gauging my feelings, calculating her moves to match mine. I just really feel sick.

"Take me back."

She sighed, looking down into her folded hands on her lap, like a child being scolded, "I can't."

"Do you think this is a joke?" This is all too fucking ridiculous, how can I even trust these nut cases? I want out. And that's what I'm going to do. Wherever in hell I am isn't where I should be. I rise off from the bed and began to leave the room, to I don't know where, just not here.

The brunette follows me up, "Hey where do you think you're going?" I really don't want to listen to whatever she has to say. My initial reaction of her still hasn't worn off, and my hairs still tingle a little when she talks. Its unnerving, and I really don't want to be here. So Ignore her and keep on heading towards the door. My hand wraps around the doorknob, and she grabs my wrist, "Hey!" Her hands are warm and soft, her palm rendering me speechless for a second while I face the door.

So I snap at her, "What, are you going to just sit there and tell me 'oh look, we've traveled back in time, but I can't tell you why or bring you back'?! What the hell is going on?"

Widening her eyes and looking a little conflicted, she moves her pink lips, "It's not my place to te-"

"Then I'm leaving here. I need answers, and you're clearly not helping."

I snatch my burning wrist away from her touch and yank out the door.

"Wait!"

The carpet is plush and soft on my bare feet and quickly walking down the one-way hall, I take notice of my surroundings. Large grandiose paintings, creamy wallpaper, and elegant lamps whose dimmed lights cast somber shadows. Where the hell was I? There was laughter and noise at the end of the hall where the light got brighter.

"Stop, you can't go there!" She is really getting on my nerves. In defiant steps I walk out of the hallway and into... "Wow."

I've been transported into a movie set. Like the three-dimensional house of Beauty and the Beast, and I'm at the top of the stairs. All the guests bellow in old fashioned dresses and suits, holding flutes of champagne. I was stunned, and the doubt that the brunette and the old guy had been lying to me died a little. It was all so surreal and fast. Yellow chandelier lights and what looks to be a ball in full swing before me.

"Excuse me, miss?" I turned around. Holy crap, a butler. With the uniform vest and holding a platter with one hand and everything!)! He even had a bowtie and a graying, silver mustache!

Before I can speak though, the brunette has caught up with me now and grabs a hold of my shoulder. She pulls me back a little to stand in front of me.

"Sorry Dean, she's with me."

His eyes shoot up in surprise and he looks back at me, in a sort of a judging way, nut not unkind. Just evaluating me, for what? I don't know. He gives up after a second though, and his brown eyes travel back to her.

"Of course, Miss Davies. However, it is quite unbecoming of you both to enter the ballroom without the proper attire."

"Yes I know. We'll be back shortly."

"Hurry along now, your mother wouldn't like it if you were late. I suggest you dress your friend if she were to attend too. It is going to be a long night."

"You have nothing to worry about."

She grabs my hand and drags me across the space on the top of the stairs that led to the party to another corridor and into another room. She shut and locked the door and leaned against it heavily, breathing another sigh before she covered her face with her hands and let out a shuddered whimper.

"Look Spencer, I know you're angry and confused at me, but I can't tell you anything right now. I promise I will, but right now I need you to do something for me."

"How did you know my name?" Although it sounds perfect on your lips. She looks so troubled and and hopeless, I just really want to help her. She's the only person that's really keeping me anchored here, and sooner or later I'll get my answers right? I'll just have to make do with what I've got right now.

She gives me a look I can't read, and something tells me she's not gonna answer me. "I'm Ashley."

"Ashley." I test it out in my mouth. It suits her just fine, and I can't help buy love the way it easily rolls off my tongue. She's still leaning on the door, and our eyes fall into sort of a trance.

It's broken by a knock on the door. "Miss Davies? Dean sent me to help you."

A young girl comes in carrying dresses. She looks to me and it seems as if she's solved a puzzle, an "aha!" moment in her eyes. I look inquisitively.

"I was wondering why I was carrying more than one dress for Miss Davies. Are you her friend?"

"...Yes."

"Spencer Carlin. I'm a doctor."

"Wow, Miss Davies? Where did you find her? She's gorgeous. And smart to boot!"

Ashley chuckles quietly, "Isn't she? And it's not anywhere you would think, Kyla."

We lock eyes and my cheeks heat up a little at her compliment. It's silly how some things never change, no matter what period.

"Well, I've got to get you ladies prepared ball! Aren't you excited?"

I was curious, "What's the occasion?"

"Why, Admiral Davies is going to be leading the troops against the Southerners tomorrow! Tonight's the last time we'll see him or any of the men for months."

Ashley slightly frowned, "Well, we can't keep my father waiting."

"Of course, I'll run your bath for you. Miss Carlin, the room next door's is already running. Please hurry."

"Right."

Walking to the door, my hand was grabbed by Ashley again. I felt a hot flush of her breath on my ear, "Thank you."

Well, this was going to be interesting, to say the least.

AU: Hi all! I'm sorry I have such long absences. But I am a high school student. :( and I hate it! I'm basically a certified nerd now, and I'm not even friends with my crush (who doesn't know she's my crush) anymore. We used to be best friends and now we've drifted. Its sad really, and all I can do is do my homework.