Chapter Five

Beck's Perspective:

I was woken up after what felt like minutes. Timothy stared down at me, illuminated by the early morning light pooling in through a small window. He gave me another shove when I didn't immediately rise. "I've got more work for you."

Sitting up, I checked on everyone before following him out. Thankfully, he didn't lead me over to the wood pile, again. This time, I got to feed the animals. After that, he handed me two large buckets, one empty, one half filled with water.

"These are for..." I mumbled when he didn't immediately give me instructions.

"Ever cleaned a shit house?" He gestured towards a tiny shed at the back of the lot. I shook my head, too shocked to speak. Sighing, he grabbed one of the buckets and led the way. Removing the plank that passed for a toilet seat, he showed me how to pull out the barrel and empty it out. I pulled my shirt up over my nose, willing myself not to throw up. "After you empty it, throw a little water in there and put it back. It usually doesn't get a good scrubbing till the end of the month."

He left me on my own after that. I stared up at the wooden ceiling of the outhouse. If we can get out of here and return to our time, I'll never complain about having to clean a bathroom, again...

Doing my best to ignore my sense of smell, I finished the job and returned to Timothy. He took the bucket of shit and dumped it in a pile near the pig pen. I wiped my hands on my pants. Giving me a moment to collect myself, Timothy sent me to shovel the muck that had been pushed into the doorway of the doss-house. After a few more odd jobs, it was back to the wood pile. The stoves here run through a lot of fuel.

By the time the sun set and I was free to head inside with my pay, my hands were covered in cuts. Combined with all manner of residue from cleaning the outhouse, I'll be lucky if I don't get an infection.

"That looks bad." Tori grimaced. She used her shawl to clean them off best she could. Taking a nearby cup, she poured it over my hands. I hissed.

"What is that?"

"Gin." She stuck her tongue out. "It's all they have to drink around here. I asked for some water and they laughed."

"Any water you might find around here isn't going to be clean enough to drink. Alcohol is safer. Failing that, tea. You have to boil water to make that."

"How much did you make?" Looking over her shoulder, to make sure our group was alone, she checked the coin in my hands. "We're going to run out, soon. We can probably manage another few days. This smoke's been filling the air all around the doss-house. Robbie's been wheezing and Cat's been feeling sick all day. We've all been sharing a chamber pot. It's disgusting. I wish we could afford one of the rooms."

"There's nothing we can do at this point." I looked down. I wish we could afford one, too. I've been putting unimaginable work in for the past two days all for a few pence a day. I feel like I'm failing everyone.

Wandering over to us, Cat sat on the straw covered floor. She gave me a wary glance. "You look angry."

"I am." I sighed. Something about her expression just made it worse. She looks about as lost as I feel. "I should be doing more for us. We can't keep staying here. If the smog doesn't kill us, some disease might."

"It's ridiculous they won't let us work, too." Jade muttered from her place in a corner of the room. "I'm just as strong as you."

"Maybe, there's a better doss-house we could go to." Robbie suggested between gasps. He stared down at the inhaler in his hands. Luckily, he had it in his pocket when we traveled here. He'll need to reserve using it for when it's vitally necessary. Once it's gone, it's gone.

"We're barely able to afford this one." Andre snapped. He curled into a ball. "When is Bess gonna finish making the bread? We haven't eaten all day."

I shushed everyone as someone made their way down the stairs. Sitting some food on the table, Bess smiled politely and returned upstairs. Not long after, Timothy led a group of people in and assigned them some beds. Tonight's group is larger. By the time we finished eating and got around to picking a bed, there wasn't enough.

Glancing nervously in Jade's direction, Cat ended up crawling into mine. It's slightly larger than most of the others. Just big enough for us to lay on our sides. I didn't have to look at Jade to know she's bristling. Ignoring her, I wrapped an arm around Cat and settled in for the night.

I woke with a start sometime in the night. Someone's rustling around. Squinting into the dark, I caught sight of a man hunched over, riffling around in the sack we'd stored our modern clothes in. Slipping away from Cat, I grabbed him by the neck. Pushing me back, he managed to get away. I woke Andre in a panic. "We've been robbed."

"What?" He mumbled a little too loudly. Someone across the room shushed us. Andre lowered his voice. "What did they take?"

Kneeling on either side of the sack, we checked the contents. I cursed. "They got the gold ring and Tori's earrings."

"The money's gone, too."

They even took Tori's silk shirt. Rage boiled up in me unlike anything I've ever felt. Standing up, I dumped the contents of the bag onto the floor. A lone item of value fell out...Cat's Tudor rose necklace. It had been wrapped up in the clothes, saving it from the thief. Snatching it, I shoved it in my pocket and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" Andre tried to stop me. "It's the middle of the night."

"I'll be back by morning. Protect the others. Tell them what happened when they wake up."

Slipping out into the chilly night air, I stormed down the street. Rounding the corner, I paused at the sight of a group of beggars, huddled around a street post, all trying to keep warm. I sighed heavily. That could be us as soon as tomorrow night.

How could I let this happen? I should have kept the valuables on me. When I had gone to sleep, Robbie had been using the sack as a pillow. I figured anyone attempting to mess with it would wake him. Clearly, not. Now, all we have to our name is this necklace. Unlike Jade's ring, I'm not even sure if it's real gold.

"What'll it be, sir?" A dirty faced woman wandered out of an alley, into the moonlight. Unlacing the front of her dress, she exposed her breasts. My shock took a second to wear off. I averted my eyes.

"Do you know where a goldsmith is?"

Figuring her quest for a client had failed, she laced up her bodice and frowned. "'ow should I know?"

Feeling my pockets, I was relieved to find I still had my threepence. Grimacing, I held it up. "Do you know now?"

She grinned, exposing her crooked yellow teeth. "Follow me, sir."

She backed away slowly, before turning around. Keeping up with her, we walked several blocks before coming to a stop in front of a small shop. Their display window was full of various things, from silver combs to gold rings.

"They'll buy gold?" I asked her, unsure if I've just been taken for a ride.

"Aye, they will. They bought me gold tooth." She opened her mouth again and pointed to a spot where a tooth was missing. I instinctively shrank away from her. She's probably never brushed her teeth in her life. I handed her the threepence. As soon as she had it, she ran off in the night. If I can sell the necklace, it will more than make up for the loss of it.

Checking a wooden sign near the door, marking the shop as closed, I sat on the curb and waited for the sun to come up. Any tiredness I had felt when I first woke was long gone. All that's left is a constant agitation, mixed with dread. Since we arrived here, we've been skirting around constant danger. Even though it hasn't presented itself to us directly, I can still feel it. I'm sure the others have felt it, too. Even now, I feel like I'm being watched.

Glancing around, I got up and went to hide in a narrow alley. I've been reckless. I left the relative safety of the doss-house. I'm approached by a random prostitute in the middle of the night and I all but tell her I've got gold in my pocket. She probably took the threepence and ran off to tell her pimp where I am. How stupid can I get?

I have to be smarter than this. More capable...Everyone is depending on me. If I slip up again, it could mean death for all of us. I'll never forgive myself if something happens to any of my friends. I'll do whatever I have to in order to protect them.

Sinking down onto my haunches, I kept an eye and an ear out. The night slowly faded into the gentle glow of morning. Shortly after, I heard the door of the shop unlock. I waited a moment before rounding the corner and walking inside. The shopkeeper looked startled to see me. I can't imagine how I currently look. A little dirt on my face is probably a severe understatement.

"Can I help you?"

"I was told you buy gold." I attempted my best accent. I may look like I'm from the slums, but I don't have to sound like it.

Cleaning the crud out of his eyes, he retrieved a pair of spectacles from a shelf and stepped behind the counter. He held out his hand. Pulling out the necklace, I handed it to him. He seemed impressed by the sight of it.

"It's plated, I think." He hummed. "Do you know the base?"

I shook my head. "I'm not sure."

"Whom did you buy it from?"

"A peddler." I blurted out. What else could I tell him. "As a gift for my wife."

The shopkeeper didn't speak for several seconds as he turned the pendant around. Attaching some sort of magnifier to one side of his spectacles, he leaned in. "The chain is of superior quality. I would even call it delicate, if not for the crude clasp. I can pay you...four shillings."

I glanced at the items in the glass case between us. Bits of silver and gold, ranging in price from anywhere between a few shillings to a few pounds. Even ones listed as gold plates were selling for as much as seven or eight shillings.

I held out my hand. "It's worth twice that."

He looked reluctant to hand it back. I know I'm right. He pulled out a handkerchief and pat his brow with it. "I suppose it will sell higher, due to its affiliation with the royal family...A Tudor rose is harder to come by...seven shillings."

"Done." It's more than I had hoped for. If I still had Jade's ring or Tori's earrings, I might be able to return to the doss-house with a pound in hand. At least what I am able to bring will keep a roof over our heads. Handing me the money, he placed the necklace in his glass case, beside an elaborate golden cross selling for 9 shillings. Pocketing the coins, I left the shop and joined the throngs of people likely heading to work.

By the time I returned to the doss-house, everyone was up, pacing around the now mostly empty sleeping quarters. Jade glared at Robbie before looking at me. "I can't believe some asshole stole everything!"

I shushed her. "Not everything...Cat, I'm sorry. I know we never discussed selling your necklace, but it was all we had."

She didn't look bothered. "Did you get a good price for it?"

"I think so." I leaned in, so only they could hear me. "Seven shillings. We can afford a room upstairs for the week and still have three shillings to put towards food."

The utter relief on their faces was a welcome sight. I went to find Timothy. He was already out in the courtyard. Handing him four of the shillings, I followed him in the house and up the stairs. Rounding a banister, he opened a door and ushered me in to the room.

"It ain't much. There's a full bed here and a cot over there. I can bring up a second cot. You've got a stove for food and warmth...chamber pot." He leaned down beside the bed and pulled the little metal pot out, painted off white. He gestured at a table containing a cracked bowl and pitcher. "You can wash up. The well's in the courtyard. You can talk to Bess about anything else you need."

"Thank you, Timothy." I shook his hand. I'm not sure what we would do if anyone less kind ran the doss-house. Still, one look into his eyes and you can tell that kindness will run out, soon as our money does.

"If you stay beyond the week, we can see about lowering the price a bit. I might have extra work for you in the morning. I'll wake you at dawn."

Excusing himself, he let the others wander into the room. When we were all safely shut inside, I bolted the door and fell into one of the four chairs surrounding a little table by the lone window.

Tori sank to the floor in relief. Jade fell onto the bed. Checking every little corner, Cat sat in a chair, too. "It's cute."

"How are we gonna get together another four shillings after this week?" Andre asked after a minute.

"Timothy mentioned lowering the rent. It's all up in the air. In the mean time, we'll just have to do our best. I'll look into work outside the doss-house. Something around here has got to pay more than threepence a day."

"There could be someplace around here willing to hire women." Tori mused.

"Nothing safe. Don't worry about it. It's better if you, Cat and Jade stay inside." I assured her.

"I suppose, with that in mind, we'll need to think of a cover story." Jade sat up on the bed, her expression stone-like. I saw a hint of the irritation that's been clearly plaguing her since the morning we arrived at the doss-house.

"What do you mean?" Tori asked her.

"I mean, who's related to who, who's married to who. People didn't just live together for no reason."

I grimaced. So, Jade had heard my conversation with Timothy. She must have.

"It's true." Cat pitched in. "If they did, it was entire families together."

"You already told the doss guy a story or two, didn't you, Beck?" Jade pursed her lips.

I matched her glare. "He was asking questions."

"What did you tell Mister Timothy?" Cat asked.

I felt my face start to heat up. Dropping my gaze, I bore a hole into the table. I really should've discussed this with everyone before making any claims. "He asked if I was married...I thought about which of us could pass for siblings and which of us can't. I thought that Tori and I can be siblings. We both have tanned skin and dark eyes."

Tori nodded along. "Sure. I'm sure they'll buy that. Robbie has dark hair and brown eyes. He could be our brother, too."

Robbie plopped on the floor next to Tori. He tried to lean his shoulder against hers, only for her to lean away. "Sure, sis."

"Yeah..."

"Tell them what else you said." Jade tilted her head to the side. At this point I can't tell if she's angry or getting some sort of kick out of making me squirm. Probably both.

"Andre can't pass for a relation, so he could be married in. Tori..." I trailed off. They're not official, yet. I can leave the suggestion in the air and let them make the call.

Tori and Andre gave each other a deer in headlights look. Laughing awkwardly, he offered her his hand. "Yeah...I mean. If that's cool with you, I'm game."

Blushing, Tori grinned. "Sure, husband."

"Wife."

The two smiled awkwardly at each other while Jade waited for me to continue. If I take any longer, she's just going to tell everyone, herself.

"I wasn't sure about Cat." I started. "Yes, she has brown eyes, but they're lighter brown and her hair is still noticeably red. With Tori, Robbie, Jade and I all pretending to be siblings..."

"Oh, so now I'm your sister?" Jade scoffed. "Yeah, right. Just tell them the truth."

I sighed heavily. "I told Timothy Cat's my wife."

Cat's Perspective:

My shawl slipped off my shoulders and slid onto the floor. I was too shocked by what Beck said to pick it back up. A blush started to surface, only to fall short. A stronger emotion is winning out.

Fear. Fear of Jade and what she'll do if I agree. Jade shouldn't be mad...But, I don't need to look at her to know that she is. I can feel my back heating up from what I'm sure is a vicious glare. Even if I can get over her anger, I'm not sure I can cope with the fallout. It's true Jade and I have been distancing ourselves from one another. I can't imagine our friendship continuing if things don't change. But, there's always hope...Hope that would be squashed if I go through with the act.

And that's all it is...An act. I shouldn't feel bad or even remotely embarrassed. It's not the first time I've pretended to be someone's love interest. I was cast opposite Robbie in Hollywood Art's Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I was cast as Beck's wife in that play Beck wrote and Tori directed. I could play the part until we get home.

I finally gathered the courage to look up at Beck. He was studying my face closely, trying to read my reaction.

"It's ridiculous." Jade broke the silence, making me jump. I turned so that I could see her. "Cat can pass better for Beck's sister than I can."

"You could be my wife." Robbie meekly suggested.

I think he was talking to me. Jade, assuming he meant her, gave him a firm enough look to make my stomach drop. "I will break you in half."

Robbie curled in on himself, taking her threat seriously.

"It's up to you, Cat." Beck assured me. "I don't know if we're going to remain on Old Nichols street. Only Timothy and Bess think we're married. We can make up a different story."

I watched him throw nervous glances at Jade. It was easy enough to read. He's worried Jade will convince everyone that she should play his wife. It's clear doing so would really upset him. Jade would be happy, though. She really doesn't care how Beck feels, does she..? So long as she gets what she wants.

"No, I'll do it. I'll be your wife." I managed to mumble. I paled. "For pretend."

"I guess that's settled." Tori tried to diffuse the tension before Jade could react. I avoided looking at the latter like the plague. "Beck, Robbie, Jade and I will be siblings, I'll be Andre's wife and Cat will be Beck's. We're set."

"No, we're not set." Jade raised her voice loudly enough, Tori and Beck both shushed her. "Doesn't anybody care what I want? I have to live in this filthy hellhole, too. I want to be comfortable."

"How we live doesn't change just because you take on a different role." Beck told her firmly. "Those playing the part of couples can weigh in on whether they feel comfortable with the arrangement. Everyone else just has to deal with it."

"Oh." Jade hissed.

Standing, Beck glanced at me, clearly worried. "I hate to leave everyone, but I need to take advantage of the daylight and look for work. Andre, Robbie...you want to come with me?"

"You're going to leave us alone?" Tori grabbed Andre's hand as he stood up. Andre gave Beck a questioning look.

"You three can lock the door behind us and hide out here. When we come back, we'll bring food. If you can't wait that long, Timothy said to talk to Bess." Beck assured us.

"Okay." Tori pouted. "I guess we could use that pot to boil beans."

"There's a well out back." Beck told us before slipping out the door, Andre and Robbie in tow.

Tori bolted the door and turned to us. She attempted to smile. It lacked her usual warmth, but I was still grateful to see it. We have to try to remain optimistic. "Here's my thought...We're all filthy. Why don't we take that pot outside and fill it up with water a few times. We'll boil it, drink some and clean ourselves up with the rest of it. We can shut the curtains and put on our own clothes if we want."

"I'm in." Jade slid off the bed and went to help Tori lift the pot. They both struggled, but managed to heft it.

"Cat, grab that pitcher." Tori gestured towards the bowl and pitcher with her head. Grabbing it, I took the key off the table and locked the room. Slipping it into my dress's pocket, I followed them down the stairs and into the courtyard.

About halfway there, Bess saw us and rushed to help. She even lent us a kettle. Back in the room, Bess shoved some firewood into the stove and used some matches to get it going. Guessing none of us knew what we're doing, she showed us how to keep the fire going and which part of the stove top to use depending on what we were using it for.

Sitting a basket of firewood near the stove, she excused herself and left us to experiment with what history books call 'the heart of the home'. The stove will be what gives us clean water, hot food and hot water to bathe in. It'll be what keeps us warm on cold nights. If we don't learn how to use it and use it well, we're sunk.

Pulling a chair up next to the stove, Tori sat down. Tilting her head to the side, she hummed. "It's been, what, twenty minutes? It feels hot. I guess we just need to wait."

"This is stupid..." Jade grumbled. Turning on her heel, she returned to the bed.

"We can eat some beans after we wash up." Tori mused, gesturing to the two bags of them we took from that storage room.

Jade's expression darkened further. The sight irritated me. What exactly does Jade think this is? Play acting? We've got nothing to our names but the contents of this room, and even that's just for rent. "Just plain beans?"

Getting off the floor, I went to check a wooden hutch near a counter. Opening up the doors, I pushed aside a few empty jars, finding nothing else.

Tori leaned over my shoulder, to double check. She sighed. "There's no spices? I guess we can get some salt after the boys get back. I wish we had soap...Ah, I think it's starting to boil! How long do we need to leave it before it's clean?"

"At least fifteen minutes. I don't want to catch some parasite." Jade ordered. Sitting up, she undid the buttons she could reach on the back of her dress before calling over Tori to help her. Doing the same, we all stripped down and waited impatiently. When the water was finally sterile, we divided it between the bowl, the pitcher and the kettle we were given. Separating to different parts of the room, we waited for the water to cool enough to touch before washing up.

The feeling of fresh, hot water on my skin has to be the best feeling in the world...And I've only been without a bath for a few days. I can't imagine how others from this era handled it. Did they even notice? Probably not. They grew up around the filth. It becomes a part of them, almost like a second skin. I seriously hope we're not here long enough for us to start feeling the same...

After we all were cleaned up, we dumped out the water, put back on our dresses and went to fetch more. Boiling it, we threw in a few handfuls of beans and waited.

"I never thought plain beans would smell so good." Grabbing the bean bag, Tori added some more. The boys could be home any time, now. They'll want to eat, too."

"It could take them hours. Let them make their own food." Jade grumbled. "If they come back soon enough to eat with us, that means they didn't find work."

"Even if they don't, it's not their fault." I spoke for the first time since the boys left. I'd been avoiding it, knowing the sound of my voice would irritate Jade and put her in a worse mood. I wasn't wrong.

"I never said it would be." She snapped.

Tori shushed us both. "We need to get into the habit of using a British accent. Jade, you nearly slipped up in front of Bess."

"Like I care what old Bess thinks...Who cares if we're American?"

"The British care. There's a lot of prejudice against colonists during this era." Standing up, I skirted around Tori and collected the glass jars from the hutch. Grabbing the kettle with a little cloth hanging from the stove, I used the hot water to wash the jars, effectively turning them into drinking glasses.

"She's right, Jade." Clearing her throat, Tori switched to a British accent. "Luckily, one of the last plays the school put on was Pygmalion, so we've all had recent practice."

"Well, you did." Jade grumbled. Tori had gotten the lead role of Eliza Doolittle. Jade was cast as Mrs Higgins, a role with far fewer speaking parts and no singing.

"The point is, we need to keep up an accent, to avoid anything preventing us from getting by. We don't know if how we come across is going to bar us from finding work or a place to live, if this ceases to be an option."

"It makes me so mad." Jade sat back up. "I could walk into a ritzier area of the city and pickpocket one moron and we'd be set for weeks."

"Unless you're caught. Then, you'll be thrown in jail and there'll be nothing any of us can do to save you." Tori glanced at the door nervously. "Don't talk about that within earshot of Bess or Timothy. They seem like really honest people. They'll turn us in if they think you mean it."

"I do mean it." Jade whispered.

Frowning at Jade, Tori turned to me. "What could women do for money?"

"Not much." I shrugged. "There's factory work, but it's dangerous. Workshops are a little better, but I've read a lot about the women being harassed by the male staff. There's peace work..."

"What's that?"

"We can go to factories and ask for peace work, like the construction of match boxes. We can bring the supplies home, do the job and bring it back. They pay you after and charge for any supplies that get damaged in the process. It's not easy, but we could earn as much as the boys earn working for Mr Timothy."

"Three pence for throwing together some crummy match boxes?" Jade looked interested.

"Maybe more. It depends on the factory." I frowned. "It wouldn't just be a few, though. We could be expected to glue together up to a thousand in a day or two. The glues they used in the Victorian era were toxic."

"And we can't exactly get gloves to use." Tori's formerly hopeful expression dropped. "I hope, wherever the boys find work, it's safe for them."

Beck's Perspective:

After leaving the girls safely locked up in one of the doss-house's private rooms, Andre, Robbie and I left Old Nichols street and headed the way we came when first looking for shelter. Passing Petticoat Lane and its many shops, we each parted ways, agreeing to meet back up in this same spot, once the sun starts to set.

When I was on my own, I headed straight for the goldsmith that bought Cat's necklace. Letting myself into the shop, I waited for him to join me from some back room. He looked surprised to see me so soon.

"Afternoon, sir." I glanced at the cuckoo cluck above his head. It's already noon.

"Back so soon?" He raised a brow, suspicious. "Got another bob for me to look at."

"Not today." I cleared my throat. I've had years of practice play acting the proper English gentleman. At this point, it's second nature. But here, when my ability to sell it can mean the difference between food and starvation, shelter or becoming a victim of the elements, I'm suddenly tongue tied.

I seriously hate this. Our literal survival is a weight I hoped never to bear. The last time I felt it was when we all, minus Cat, ended up trapped in the RV on one of the hottest days of the year. For a while, I seriously thought I'd have to watch all my friends die of dehydration. Some people who bring an RV can stay at the beach for days. We're lucky it was just a day trip for them and that nothing happened to Cat that would've prevented her from coming to our rescue.

The clerk's confusion didn't lift. "Do you...want to buy it back?"

This seemed to worry him. Glancing at the display case, I saw he parked the necklace up to twelve shillings. He must be fairly confident someone will pay it. They very well might. It's one of the nicest pieces in the case.

"No." I relaxed my posture a little. Smiling benignly, I took a careful step forward. "My wife and I are new to the city. I'm currently in the process of looking for work. You wouldn't happen to know where I might inquire?"

Like the first time the clerk met me, he eyed my clothes and dirty complexion. I should have washed up before leaving the doss-house. "Not here, I'm afraid. You might find work at the docks. The shipping yards are always looking for extra hands."

I tried not to grimace. That's what I'm afraid of. I've heard enough about what it was like to work at a shipping yard in the Victorian era. It was twelve or more hours of back breaking labor for a mere shilling or two a week. Some men would drag themselves home and drop dead on their doorstep, clutching the day's pay. Some would become so overwhelmed with the sheer hopelessness of their own lives that they would take their own lives in front of their wives and children just to escape it. I want to do what I can but I'll be of no help if I'm pushed to the point of death. I'd rather continue to help Timothy until he agrees to pay me more than risk it.

"May I be frank with you?" I did my own assessment of the goldsmith. He seems like a decent person. When he nodded, I continued. "If I were to clean myself up a bit, where could I find work? I have five people to look after. I can't go home empty handed."

Taking a deep breath, the goldsmith removed his spectacles, cleaned them and put them back on. He leaned in. "Clean yourself up and buy a new pair of trousers. If you look well enough, you might be able to find shop work around here."

I looked down at my pants. They really have seen better days, even before I started working at the doss-house. I nodded. "Thank you."

I heard the door open behind me. Skirting around me, a shifty looking man emptied a sock containing a few gold pieces. Backing away, I let myself out and headed back to Petticoat lane. I don't want to spend any of the money we have, but he's right. I managed to find fairly nice trousers for Andre and Robbie. Mine look and feel like they might fall apart. I'll need a new pair before I can even think about inquiring about work.

Pausing outside the shop we first bought our clothes from, I glanced inside. The girl is manning the counter. While I can't see anyone else, I can hear someone working in the back. I can't risk returning here after paying with the wrong kind of money. The girl could do nothing. Her father, if he noticed, could get me arrested.

I backed away as a middle aged man came into view. Skirting around the alley, I stopped at the back of the building. The door had been propped open with a brick. Sitting halfway out the door was a wooden crate full of clothes. He must be bringing the newer stock in. Checking my surroundings, I inched closer, keeping an ear out for voices or footsteps. He still appears to be at the front of the shop.

Eyeing a pair of dark trousers sticking out of the pile, I grabbed them, along with a fair handful of clothes. Backing away, I hurried a block or two away before stopping to look over my ill gotten gains. I can't believe I just did that...The one thing I told the others to avoid, I did. If someone had spotted me, I could have doomed everyone. Flushing with shame, I nearly dropped the clothes and walked back to the doss-house.

Pushing the feelings aside, I checked the fit of the pants against the pair I'm wearing. They look like a far better pair. These might actually be able to stay up without the suspenders, too. Aside from them, I have a worn but wearable off white button up, a gray wool skirt that might fit the girls, a vest that should compliment the new pants and a single ladies glove.

Folding everything up, I headed back to Old Nichols and up to the room. The girls looked surprised to see me. Dropping the clothes on the bed, I shoved myself in the corner nearest the cooking area and changed into the new attire. The pants, vest and shirt went well together. I ignored their questions, still too embarrassed to admit where the clothes came from.

"You stole them." Jade guessed, the lone glove in her hand. She at least had the courtesy to whisper.

"Yes." I admitted reluctantly. "I don't want to hear it. I feel bad enough."

"I get it." Cat assured me. Crossing the room, she poured some warm water from the kettle into a bowl. "The nicer you look, the better your prospects will be when job hunting. Clean your face and hands up."

Smiling gratefully, I did just that. Tori wrung her hands in my peripheral vision. "You weren't seen, right?"

"No, I really don't think so. What smells so good?"

"Beans." Tori glanced at the stove. "Bess lent us a kettle and helped us boil water. We don't have any spices, but it's something."

Drying off with a cloth, I grabbed the spoon sitting near the stove and scooped out a bite. My stomach immediately settled with the introduction of proper food. "After I get back, we'll talk about what things we need for the kitchen. Stay safe."

"You're leaving again already?" Jade got off the bed.

"At least have a bowl." Tori held up a jar, ready to fill it.

"Save it for Andre and Robbie. We'll all be back shortly before the sun sets." I held my arms out. "How do I look?"

"Much better." Tori complimented, earning a glare from Jade. "This outfit actually looks like it goes together."

"It might. They were all in the same pile of clothes in a crate." I shrugged. "I'll try my best to bring home news, at the very least."

Leaving the room, I waited until I heard one of them lock it before exiting the doss-house and heading back towards the part of the neighborhood the goldsmith shop is in. I considered asking him if I looked enough the part for him to hire me. Thinking better of it (he would have offered if he had any plans to hire me), I checked in at a grocer, followed directly by the book shop next door.

The rest of the afternoon continued this way. Each time, I'd be turned away with a simple, 'no work here'. Usually yelled over the noise of customers ambling about. Some seemed to consider it. In the end, I left the neighborhood and checked some of the stores closer to Cheapside. Even in this era, the street looks rather touristy. It's definitely busier than anywhere we've gone thus far. If I had a hat, like most of the other men around me, I think I might look the part of the lower class assistant or shop boy to some businessman doing slightly better in the world. If the pants and vest weren't so worn, I might be able to try looking past Cheapside.

I jumped out of the way as a couple carriages approached. They flit by, not paying me any mind. I'm sure, if they had hit me, they'd barely acknowledge it. They wouldn't even slow for a couple of children attempting to cross the street. Pushing the kids forward, a man who looked well enough off that he could probably pay our rent at the doss-house for a year solely with what he had in his wallet ushered them to the other side of the road, into a department store.

Someone rushed by me, their shoulder clipping mine. Shaking my head, I finished crossing the street. I walked down the side of the road for a while, until the big department stores gave way to little shops selling everything from clothes to jewelry to tea to weapons. Eyeing a store called Paxton Goods, I stepped inside the little shop. It appears to be a Victorian era convenience store. There's home goods such as tooth polish and cleaning products on the shelves. Behind the counter, there appears to be a selection of prophylactics. Medicines in the lone glass display case, mouse traps hanging from the ceiling near the display window and a little section dedicated to the sale of alcohol. Even if they turn me away for a job, this might be a decent place to come for various things once we're a little more stable.

Swinging out of some back room, a man in his mid to late twenties took over at the register. "Looking for anything in particular today, sir?"

"I am, yes." I politely eyed the medicinal selection, as if I could afford to buy any of it. I held out my hand. "Beck Oliver. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Matthew Paxton." He shook it firmly. His welcome expression lacked all the suspicion I've received from anyone thus far.

"My family has just moved to the city and are looking to establish ourselves with a few local shops." I began the line I've given every shop on this block that's been willing to hear anything past my name.

"Welcome." His smile widened. "London's wonders called you, aye?"

"Wonders indeed. The city is beautiful. I hear good word about the employment opportunities." I hinted.

Matthew Paxton chuckled. "I suppose."

"You don't think so?" I tried to keep my expression passive. I'm heading for another no.

He scratched his head through his short blond locks. "I think, if my father didn't own the shop, even I'd be hard up on work. I'm sorry to hear you're still looking."

"I don't suppose your shop is looking for an extra hand..?" Spotting a selection of little match boxes selling for a penny a pop, I picked up one and placed it on the counter. We'll need them. Eyeing a small assortment of spices on a nearby shelf, I picked up salt and pepper. Both were selling in a set of six ounce glass bottles for threepence.

"I would need to speak to my father. I know he mentioned wanting another hand for the upcoming Summer."

"It would be much appreciated if you could pass on my name."

Picking up a fountain pen and a small stack of paper, he wrote down my name. "Tell me about your work history."

"Prior to coming to London, I worked with my father building carriages in York. After my father died, the shop went under." I nodded to myself. Sounds plausible.

"For how long?" He looked up after marking down the particulars of my story."

How old could I pass for and how early did kids start working with their parents in this time? I suppose I could claim to be twenty-one... "I worked with my father for eleven years. While I did help with the construction of the carriages, my primary occupation was running the books."

"So, you do have an understanding of arithmetic?"

"Yes. I've completed my primary schooling and a couple years of secondary." It wouldn't be believable to claim any particular number of years in school, especially because I can't remember for the life of me what we were taught about Victorian schooling. Best to be vague.

"Is there a means of contact?" He asked me.

"I'll be by tomorrow at...say, nine?"

"Wait until ten. My father will be in by then." Matthew smiled. Pulling the items I selected closer, he put them in a brown paper bag and rung up the total on the antique register. "Four pence."

I pulled out one of the remaining three shillings. Allowing him to break it, I took my change and the bag and excused myself. I hope this lead actually goes somewhere.

Cat's Perspective:

"This is so bland." Jade grimaced at the jar of beans Tori had handed her. Luckily, there was some tarnished spoons and forks in the counter's drawer, as well as a lone bread knife. I took my own serving gratefully. I can't really bring myself to feel ungrateful about anything, no matter how miserable. It's scores better than sleeping with strangers in the filthy doss-house. And up in this room, with the window shut, the smog that's been suffocating us can't get in as easily.

"Beck said he'd go get spices after the boys get back." Tori reminded her. Grabbing the now cool kettle, she poured water into one of the remaining jars and sat it on the table for us to drink from. Letting her get the first drink, I gratefully sipped on it. The taste of cool, clean water after days of alcohol is enough to make me tear up.

Sitting the cup down, I covered my mouth. I rubbed at my eyes with the shawl. "I'm so sorry, guys..."

Tori reached across the table and put a hand on my arm. "Why?"

"It's all my fault we're here. I don't know how I did it, but—."

"Cat." Tori interrupted. "It's not your fault. It was probably that coin."

"Which she bought." Jade pointed out.

"How could she possibly have known a souvenir coin from a gift shop had the power to bring us back in time? Honestly." Tori shook her head, clearly irritated with Jade's constant attempts to make somebody take the blame for all this.

Jade's not wrong to try. Tori's far too nice for her own good. I am to blame. I can feel it in my bones that I did this, somehow. That, had I ignored that nagging that made me beg to be taken to Church street, the coin wouldn't have worked the way it did. I feel like I've fallen into a trap set by the very fabric of time, and taken my friends down with me.

"Where is the coin?" Jade eyed the burlap bag of clothes. Shorting through it, she pulled out my modern pants and located the coin in one of the pockets. Flipping it around a few times, she tapped it on the metal frame of the bed. "Well? Start working!"

Tori jumped up and ripped the coin out of Jade's hand. "Are you crazy? What if it did work and we accidentally left the boys behind?"

Jade looked like she wanted to fight Tori for the coin for a moment. In the end, she backed down and returned to her seat at the table. Finishing the last few bites, she downed the rest of the water we were supposed to share and went to lay down.

I looked over my shoulder, at the bit of light shining through a crack in the curtains. Locating the sun, I tried to guess what time it is. Maybe three or four. It's at the highest point in the sky. We might not see the boys until well after dark. I wish there was something I could do to help.

Rubbing my unsettled stomach, I returned my attention to my beans. I've been dealing with a small headache since morning. The food helps, but not much. If I had to guess the root of the head pains, it probably stems from my no longer taking my prescribed medication. It's nearly finished working its way through my system, causing withdrawal.

Eating the last bite, I was about to get up and rinse out the cup when something in my head clicked...I shot out of my chair. "Jacket."

"What?" Tori blinked.

"Beck's jacket. It's leather and it's in perfect condition. It could sell for several shillings."

"No way." Jade grabbed the bag and clutched it to her chest. "It was his grandpa's. It's from the eighties."

"He'll understand the value." Tori tried to reason.

"If he wanted to sell it, he would have already." Jade pulled the jacket out of the bag and put it on over her dress.

"He probably forgot about it. I didn't even remember until Cat brought it up."

"Let him decide." I returned to my original task of cleaning the empty jars. "He'll be back tonight."

"He won't sell it." Jade wrapped her arms around herself.

"We'll see." Tori went to help me with the jars. When they were rinsed and back in the hutch, we emptied out the dirty water and went to refill the kettle and pitcher.

We ended up spending the remainder of the day collecting an extra cot from Bess and setting up the room for sleeping. Three of us could fit on the bed. The cots are really barely big enough for one person, but I'm sure two could squeeze. At least there's bedding and a few pillows.

"I think I found an extra blanket, Tori said from her place at the hutch. She pulled out an off white cotton cloth cut around the edges to resemble lace.

"It's a table cloth." I pointed out.

"Oh." Tori happily went about setting the table. Returning to the stove, she added beans to the now boiling water. Bess had given us another dish of bread to share, as well as a few slices of cheese. With it all laid out on the table and a simple lit candle lighting the room, it almost looks homey.

Opening the curtains, we waited as the sun slowly set behind the buildings. Finally, when no light remained, we saw the boys walk by. Within a few minutes, they were upstairs and shut in the room, all clearly exhausted.

Robbie fell into a chair. "So, my plan to find work as a shop assistant at a bookshop failed miserably..."

"What happened?" Tori sat across from him.

Andre answered on Robbie's behalf. "The shopkeeper had Robbie spend all day cleaning up the shop. When it came time to pay him, he flicked a penny into the streets and made him chase it."

"A penny." Robbie mumbled. Looking around the room, his expression seemed to worsen. "I miss Rex..."

"What about you?" Tori asked Andre. She placed a hand on his shoulder. Taking her other hand in his, he leaned into her touch.

"Nothing is looking to hire until Summer. That's a month at the earliest."

"Did you find work?" Jade asked Beck. I studied his passive expression. He doesn't look as disappointed as the other two.

"I might have." Beck took the chair across from mine. "I'll return to the shop in the morning, at ten. I'll be unable to work for Timothy in the morning. I caught him on the way in. Andre's going to help him out for the day."

"He's gonna be butchering the pigs and selling the meat." Andre explained, clearly unhappy about it. "It'll take all day, be really bloody and only pay a few pence more than chopping firewood does."

"Six pence?" Tori asked, clarifying?

"That's good, though, right? He normally only pays three."

"Yeah, it's good. It's just gonna be gross."

Beck sat a paper bag on the table. Emptying it, he revealed a little box of matches and what I'm pretty sure are salt and pepper jars. "Spices. Enjoy."

"If you do get hired by this shop, what will they pay?" Andre asked Beck.

"They didn't say. It's all the way in Cheapside. It'll be far better than what I've been making. Maybe even a shilling a day." I shrugged.

Dragging one of the cots up to rest alongside the table, we all sat down and ate our properly spiced and portioned dinner, in much better spirits than we've been in a while. Afterward, we all washed up the dishes. Tori, Jade and I excused ourselves into the hall while the boys undressed and washed themselves. Afterward, Tori and I brought up to Beck the possibility of him selling his jacket.

For the first time since getting back, he seemed to notice Jade was wearing it. "I guess we could. I'm not sure where to sell it or how much to ask for."

Jade confronted him, clearly more upset by the idea than he is. "But, it was your grandpa's. It's a collector's piece."

"It's also good leather." Beck shrugged. "I have other things of my grandfather's back home and we need the money more."

"You would really sell it here, knowing you'll never get it back?"

"Why does it matter to you?" Tori asked suspiciously.

"It doesn't matter." Jade turned her back on everyone, still refusing to take off the jacket.

"Jade technically bought it for me from my grandfather's estate sale." Beck explained. "It's a name brand and was selling for three hundred dollars. I couldn't very well ask for it. It was my dad's call to sell it all off. So, after I left the estate sale, Jade went and bought it."

Jade glanced over her shoulder for a second. It was brief, but I could clearly see the sadness in her eyes. "It was a first anniversary gift."

"It's just a jacket, Jade. You know we need the money." Beck put a hand on her shoulder. She looked like she wanted to shake it off, but didn't.

"It's not just a jacket. It's special...I put up with selling the ring you gave me. Not this, too."

"Please, Jade." Beck lowered his voice.

Wiping her face, she slipped the jacket off her shoulders and let Beck take it. Without a word, Jade kicked off her shoes, pulled back the covers and laid down in the main bed.

"How much will you ask for?" Tori whispered after a tense moment, her eyes on Jade's still form.

Beck shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I can start with half a pound and work my way down."

"Look at what they're selling leather for." I recommended. "You might be able to start with a pound."

"It doesn't look very Victorian." Andre picked it up and examined it. "Would it be worth more if you removed the leather from the lining?"

"No, I don't think so." Beck took the jacket and folded it over the end of the bed. "I'll tell them I bought the jacket in another part of Europe for five pounds. If they think I know its worth, they'll have more trouble talking me down in price."

Tori put a finger to her lips, her eyes still on Jade. Looking at her myself, I thought I saw her shoulders shake. I don't know if I'm right, but I think I can guess why this is upsetting her so much. It's the only way in which Beck still shows he once dated her. He stopped wearing the gold ring she has a match for long ago. He stopped acting as if they were once close enough to love each other before that. All that remains is a jacket that means something to them both. It's probably the nicest thing she's ever done for him. Once it's gone, their history together will be, in a sense, erased. As cruel as Jade can be, I really do feel sorry for her. We all thought they'd last.

Clearing his throat, Beck looked to the rest of us, clearly lost on how to proceed. I instinctively stepped forward, racking my brain for a way to improve the atmosphere in the room. "We should figure out sleeping arrangements."

"Yes." Tori jumped in. "The big bed can fit three of us. One of us can have a cot to themselves. A couple people will have to squeeze two to a cot."

Andre began to inch towards Tori. Before he could say anything, Robbie clapped him on the shoulder. "I guess you and I can bunk."

You could visibly see Andre deflate as Tori stepped out of reach and headed for the bed. "How about the girls get the main bed and you boys figure out who's going to—."

"I'll take the single cot." Jade sat up. Getting out of the bed, she crossed the room and laid down on the cot closest to the door. We all looked at each other uncomfortably. Tori's idea was better. It prevented any of us girls from having to lay a little too close to the boys. Now, one of the boys will have to share the main bed with Tori and I. That is, unless we give it to the boys.

I was about to suggest letting Beck, Andre and Robbie take the main bed when Tori sat down on it. She eyed the little cots warily. They really do look uncomfortable.

"Andre can share the bed with the girls. Tori can lay in the middle." Beck suggested. Out of everyone here, at least Andre and Tori are actually romantically involved. Or will be.

Tori and Andre both cheered up. It's clear they wanted this arrangement, but didn't want to be the one to suggest it. They hurried over and got comfortable. Checking that the door had been locked, Beck shut the curtains and maneuvered himself into place next to Robbie. When only I remained up, I sat at the table and took off my shoes. The stove's fire has died out. We'll have to get it going from scratch in the morning.

"Could we leave the candle lit?" Tori asked.

"It could start a fire." Beck shot that notion down before I could.

Taking one last look around the room, I blew out the candle and felt my way to the bed.

The following morning felt a little less chaotic than the days prior. We were woken up by a sharp knock at the door. Andre slid out of the bed and put on his shoes. Letting himself out, he followed Timothy down into the court yard. The sounds of squealing pigs ended up waking up anyone that hadn't stirred.

Getting out of bed, we opened the curtains, lit a candle and got the stove going. Making a quick breakfast of beans, we ate them, along with the remainder of the bread loaf Bess gave us. As soon as he finished, Beck fixed himself up, cleaned his face and left the doss-house, the leather jacket in hand.

Jade stayed sitting at the table another few minutes after Beck left, her eyes on the foot of the bed, where the jacket had previously hung. He took it. By the time he returns, he'll hopefully have sold it. "I'm going back to bed."

"Might as well." Tori frowned.

"There's nothing else to do." Jade defended her actions.

"I never said there was." Tori stormed across the room, pitcher in hand. "I'll get some well water."

I stared at the door after she slammed it shut. The stress of the situation seems to finally be pushing Tori over the edge. That perpetual sense of optimism is running out.

Pushing my chair back, I went to make the bed and the empty cot, unsure of how else I can help. Picking up the clothes Beck had been wearing prior to stealing his new clothes, I examined them. The pants are beyond help. The shirt might be salvageable.

Tossing the pants aside, I went to check the kettle. I tossed the remainder of the hot water into the washing bowl and dunked the shirt in, leaving it to soak for a few minutes.

"What are you doing?" Jade stared at me through her mussed up hair.

"If I can clean it, one of the guys can wear it to work."

"Aren't you the perfect little homemaker?" Jade plopped back down. The cot beneath her groaned from the force. "Helping make dinner, making the beds, washing the clothes. You're gonna make someone a great wife."

I bristled. I'm not stupid. I know she's still angry that Beck chose to playact as my husband, instead of hers. "I'm just trying to help out."

"For who's benefit?" Jade mumbled.

"Everyone's." I had to turn my back to her and take a deep breath. Be patient...We're all a little stressed. It's putting us all on edge.

"Sure." Jade rolled over, so her back was facing the room.

Tori returned a minute later, the pitcher in one hand, a basket in the other. Locking up, she sat the pitcher on the table and emptied the basket of wood into the one next to the stove. At the bottom, she retrieved a little burlap sack. She grinned. "Bess gave us a few potatoes and a spice bag."

"What's in the spice bag?" I opened up the sack and emptied the spuds onto the stove top. Mixed in with them was a little cloth bag that vaguely resembled an oversized teabag.

"You throw it in with the vegetables for flavor. We can use it to make soup."

I smelled the bag. "Hmm. I can smell paprika."

Removing the potatoes from the stove, we put everything in the hutch. I returned to my earlier task with Tori's help. Ringing it out, we hung it from a hook near the front door.

"Should we throw out the pants?" Tori grimaced. Whoever owned them before clearly never bathed."

"No, we can make rags or gloves or something."

"With what?" Jade grumbled. "We don't have any sewing supplies."

"I'm sure Bess—." Tori began, only for Jade to cut her off.

"Bess' gullibility is going to run out. We shouldn't ask her for anything else unless we have to."

"She isn't gullible." Tori defended. "She's just being nice to us."

"People aren't nice for nothing. I'm sure she's adding up how much we owe her as we speak."

The rest of the day was filled with little squabbles between Tori and Jade. Shortly before the sun finished setting, the boys started returning, starting with Andre, who ran into the room with more energy than he's had in days.

Beck's Perspective:

It took going to a few different vendors, but I eventually sold the leather jacket to a merchant, receiving twelve shillings in exchange. I was so excited to have gotten so much, I didn't have the mental room to feel any kind of sadness over losing the memento. Stopping back by Paxton Goods, I spoke with Matthew, who apologized for his father not being there, like he normally would.

"Business has taken him out of town. He'll not be back till week's end." Matthew explained. I tried to downplay my devastation over the delay.

"If it's no imposition, I'll return Friday. That's his day of return, right?"

"Yes." Matthew smiled. Unlike many of the older, sour looking shopkeepers, he seems genuinely happy to see me. Even if I can't work here, I may just find a friend in him.

We chatted for about half an hour. The easygoing Matthew told me all about his childhood, growing up in London. I told him what about me wouldn't draw unwanted attention, throwing in mention of my 'wife'. I found myself getting flustered all over again. Cat's got to feel just as awkward as I do, putting up with this ruse.

When a couple customers came into the shop, I saw myself out. Stopping to collect a discarded newspaper off the ground, I returned to Old Nichols. Upstairs, I was let in by Tori.

"Oh good, you're back. You won't believe it." She dragged me in by my sleeve. Inside, I spotted Andre's happy expression. It almost made up for Jade's typically sullen one as she pushed some beans around in a big soup pot. All the way across the room, Cat laid on the double bed, her mahogany hair spilling over the blankets. I didn't miss how pale she looks. The memory of her fainting at school came to mind.

"I think I've got a job." Andre explained to me. "Farthe's Lumber. They needed any extra set of hands and I helped move a pile of planks. Afterward, Mister Farthe gave me a time to show up. Tomorrow morning, at seven."

"That's amazing!" Tori took his hands, only for Andre to hiss. Tori encouraged him to open his fists and lay his palms flat, revealing a few splinters in each hand. "You'll need gloves. I can make some. I ended up collecting some thread and needles from Bess."

Tori and Jade shared an irritated look over this information. Turning back to Andre, Tori had him sit down while she worked the splinters out for him with a little pair of tweezers from her purse.

"Did you sell the jacket?" Jade finally spoke. The earlier defiance she displayed at the thought of selling it had cooled.

"Yes." Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the coins and sat them on the table next to Tori. "Twelve shillings. That's three more weeks with a roof over our head."

A collective look of relief flit over all our faces. Outside, it began to drizzle, making us more than a little grateful we don't have to be out in it.

"After the rain stops, we'll buy a few things we need. Does anyone have pen and paper?" I asked.

Cat pulled herself off the bed and crossed the room. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out several things. A leather journal, her copy of Tales From Church Street, some receipts, a couple ink pens. I took a receipt and a pen. I wrote up a list on the back of it.

"We'll want bread." Tori suggested. "Bess makes us some, but it's a small loaf."

"And cheese. We'll need some kind of protein."

The door swung open and Robbie ran in. Luckily, he returned before the rain picked up any more. Shaking his wet hair, he went to stand by the stove. "What I miss?"

We filled him in. He took the remaining seat at the table, leaving Jade to sit on the bed with Cat.

What about calcium?" Tori asked.

"No milk." Cat spoke up. "They adulterated it in the Victorian era."

"They did what?" Jade asked, clearly disbelieving that Cat would have this information. I'm not sure why she's surprised. Cat's proven that her interest in the era is rather extensive.

"They adulterated it. Put borax in it. A lot of it was contaminated with bovine TB."

"Ew." Tori grimaced. "Okay, no milk."

Noticing Robbie wheeze a little, I opened the window, letting some air in. With the rain cutting through the smog, it almost smells clean. Almost. The sight of someone emptying their chamber pot out their window ended that notion. Taking a puff from his inhaler, Robbie put it back in his pocket.

"You're supposed to be saving that." Jade scolded him.

"I am." He defended.

Finishing up the list, we ultimately decided to look into our own tea kettle. Unlike the cooking pot that seemed to come with the room, Bess wants the kettle back.

Later that evening, after the sun had set, we shut the window and headed for the beds. Jade curled up on the one closest to the window. Robbie and I took the one by the stove and Andre got into bed beside Tori, Cat on her other side. I adjusted my posture, more than a little annoyed with the sleeping arrangements. Eventually, the exhaustion of walking all over London's East end won out and I fell asleep.

I woke in the middle of the night to the sound of hushed whispers. I scrambled out of the cot, worried for a second that someone got in. I settled down as lightening cracked overhead, lighting the room. The whispers were coming from Tori and Cat. Both were sitting on the floor by the bed.

I carefully navigated the dark room and lit a candle. "What is it?"

Both their faces turned bright red. Cat leaned in as I approached. "Tori got her—."

"Don't say it!" Tori snapped, her face getting even redder.

"I'm confused." I knelt in front of them. In the light of the candle, I saw that Jade had sat up.

"Tori got her period." Jade announced before Tori could stop her.

It was my turn to blush. "O-oh...Uh...I really don't know how to help."

"We have nothing we can use." Jade stated the obvious, her usual bite missing from her tone. Even she looks sorry for what's happening.

Getting off the ground, Cat crossed the room to the cabinet and pulled out the striped shirt she had been wearing when we went back in time. She started trying to tear it, struggling. I got up and handed her the candle, taking the shirt. I tore it into as many separate chunks as I could. Lighting the stove, we boiled water for the cloth to soak in. Ringing it out, we handed one to Tori and laid the rest out on the table to dry.

Tori shooed me away. I returned to the cot and shut my eyes, leaving the girls to figure out the new system. I relaxed when I heard the squeak of the bed frame. Cat blew out the candle before returning to bed. Other than a few sniffles from Tori as she tried to settle back down, the room was quiet for the rest of the night.