I have so many questions. About the voices that were visiting Dad. Whether they were working in conjunction with us in the future—or apart. Why our older selves weren’t allowed to stop Mom from abandoning us. But there’s no time. Satisfying my curiosity is a distant second to saving Archie. To saving the world.

For what I hope is the last time today, I race out the door and jump into a car.

Chapter 52

Chapter 52

When I arrive at the high school, the sun is a fiery orange ball several inches above the tree line. But I don’t appreciate its beauty. I can’t. I’m too busy looking for a spot for Cristela’s car. Parking space after parking space is full, which is to be expected on prom night. Everyone’s here, from the attendees to their family and friends.

Finally, I find a space in the overflow lot and rush inside the building. Wall-to-wall people pack the front lobby. The dance itself is taking place in the gym, but the professional photographer has set up a studio out here, complete with dazzling spotlights, ornate columns, and elaborate backdrops. Black velvet ropes hold back the audience, and my impeccably dressed classmates form a line, waiting their turn to get their portrait taken.

The backdrop, at the moment, features a stunning sunset over crystal-blue waters. And the equally gorgeous couple posing in front? Zeke Cain and Kadijah Johnson.

Cameras go off like fireflies in the crowd, and the photographer slashes a hand across her neck, obviously frustrated. The flashes are interfering with her lighting. I should know.

I need to go—to find Archie—but I’m distracted by Zeke’s magnificent smile. Involuntarily, I press a hand against my heart. A week ago, I would’ve been surprised, flustered—even envious. I had no idea Zeke was going to prom. He certainly didn’t invite me, and I would’ve pictured myself by his side, holding on to his capable hands as we beamed at the camera.

Today, I don’t know how to feel. So much has happened. Too much I’ve learned. In the original version of the future, I end up dating Zeke. And yet, he’s not my soul mate. He’s not the man I love across time streams.

I still have a soft spot for him. Maybe I always will. But right now, the only thing I want is for all of us to survive.

The crowd between the velvet ropes and me is six people deep, and I fight through a gap, trying to find Archie.

There! Purple stripes on white, impossible to miss. The getup is even more hideous than I imagined. The tuxedo is stiff and cheap, and the purple is so bright that it hurts my eyes. I’m pretty sure it’s a Halloween costume, not an actual tux.