As the night's embrace enveloped them in their designated bunk beds, an abrupt and jarring beeping noise shattered the tranquility of sleep. Thalia, still ensnared by the tendrils of drowsiness, groggily scanned the RV. The beeping grew louder, and her bleary gaze landed upon the Time Watch, its luminescent display casting an eerie glow. Reacting instinctively, she snatched a nearby pot lid, a makeshift weapon chosen out of desperation more than reason.
The voice that emanated from the Time Watch, however, dissolved her initial fear. A woman's voice, laced with urgency, reached out from the device. Thalia hesitated, pondering the implications. Could this be the original owner of the Time Watch, seeking communication from across time? Tentatively, she picked up the device.
"Hello, is this your watch? I found it on a beach. I swear I didn't steal it," Thalia said.
The female voice on the other end inquired with a hint of suspicion, "Who is this?"
"My name is Thalia Rivera. What's your name?" Thalia replies.
Unfortunately, before she could receive an answer, the connection abruptly terminated, leaving Thalia in a maelstrom of frustration. The very person who might hold the key to unraveling the Time Watch's mysteries had slipped through her fingers.
An exasperated cry escaped her lips as she flung the watch onto her bed. The profound sense of powerlessness weighed heavily on her. The promise of saving her parents from a tragic fate, which had led her on this time-traveling journey, felt increasingly distant and elusive. As the night wore on, exhaustion overcame her, pulling her into slumber with lingering echoes of disappointment.
The dawn of the following day found Thalia sharing her bizarre experience with Jason and Aaliyah. Dressed in rumpled pajamas and her once-cascading curls now resembling a wild tangle, she recounted her conversation with the mysterious woman through the Time Watch. The incredulous expressions on her friends' faces mirrored her initial disbelief.
However, Thalia was resolute in her determination. She knew that unlocking the secrets of the Time Watch was crucial not only to her but to the very fabric of their existence. Struggling to contain her unruly hair, she embarked on a quest to establish a stable connection with the enigmatic communicator.
Outside their RV, she held the Time Watch aloft, its sleek futuristic design contrasting with the primitive surroundings. Aaliyah, stepping out of the RV, was taken aback.
"You scared the crap out of me," Aaliyah said.
With unwavering focus, Thalia responded, "I'm sorry, but I have to get a connection." She tapped the watch impatiently, oblivious to the amused glances of any potential onlookers.
Aaliyah, crossing her arms in exasperation, pointed out, "The neighbors might think you're crazy, going around in circles, talking to yourself. I thought we were supposed to not draw attention to ourselves,"
"I know, but this is too important," Thalia replied.
Thalia's perseverance bore fruit as the Time Watch suddenly emitted a resounding beep. The thrill of success surged through her, momentarily eclipsing her frustrations. It was functioning again, offering a glimmer of hope in the otherwise enigmatic ordeal.
However, the voice from the previous night did not return. The sense of disappointment mingled with renewed hope. Someone out there knew of their presence and the Time Watch's capabilities, and this realization raised more questions than answers.
Hurrying inside, Thalia shared the news with her other companions, her voice laden with urgency and determination.
"Are you sure it wasn't a dream, Thalia?" Jason questioned, his practical nature surfacing.
"Yes, I'm sure! I spoke with her. I'm not crazy like you think." Thalia couldn't conceal her frustration. "The watch is getting a signal, so it must work. Now we can finally stop my parents from dying and go home."
Aaliyah, perhaps the most cautious of the trio, voiced a concern that had been hovering unspoken, "But if we save your parents, this version of you might not even exist. You might not even meet us."
Thalia, her emotions raw, tried to reassure them. "I'm sure I'll still meet you guys. Things just might be different. Just trust me for once; I want to do this."
A lump formed in Thalia's throat, and tears threatened to spill over. She despised crying in front of others. Despite their concerns, Aaliyah finally relented.
"Fine, it wouldn't hurt to try," Aaliyah conceded.
With their agreement in hand, Thalia programmed the Time Watch for a crucial date in her past:
Date: March 7, 1996
Time: 9:00 am
If she could prevent her parents from embarking on that fateful drive, she believed she could change their fate. Determination etched into her features, Thalia prepared herself for the next leap.
Her transformation was more than just a change of attire. Donning a simple black dress and black chunky heels, she meticulously applied icy blue eyeshadow to her eyelids and lined her full lips. Butterfly clips adorned her curls, mimicking the style her mother once embraced. The reflection in the mirror bore an uncanny resemblance to the cherished figure from her past.
As she gazed at herself, she turned to her friends, her voice tremulous yet filled with resolve. "How do I look?""
"You look gorgeous," Aaliyah beamed, her pride evident despite her worry.
"You look great," Jason chimed in with a warm smile.
With her companions by her side, Thalia took a deep breath and activated the Time Watch. A swirling portal materialized beside them, beckoning them towards the unknown. Clutching hands tightly, they surrendered to the vortex, a surreal sensation akin to skydiving. The transition was swift, and they suddenly found themselves atop a moonlit mountain, overlooking a city aglow with its myriad lights. Aaliyah, still caught in the throes of her surprise, clung to Leo.
"We aren't in the vortex anymore," Leo exclaimed.
She opened her eyes, her expression a blend of astonishment and trepidation, and continued to clutch Leo as the portal sealed behind them.
Determined to gather their bearings, Thalia consulted the Time Watch, her voice laden with confusion.
"Hey, Ava, what time are we in?" Thalia asked.
"You are currently on March 7th, 1955," Ava's voice droned, delivering a revelation that felt
Thalia's heart plummeted. Had she made an error in her haste and excitement? The watch seemed to malfunction, compounding her mounting frustration.
"What? There must be a mistake. I'm supposed to be in 1996."
Ava's response offered little consolation.
"The watch seems to be defective. I will have to run some scans."
Thalia's patience frayed. The seemingly unhelpful futuristic assistant added fuel to her growing frustration.
"Why can't you just take me there?" she demanded, her irritation palpable.
"My apologies, I'm only your assistant; I cannot time travel," Ava replied in her customary monotone voice.
Unable to contain her frustration any longer, Thalia tore the Time Watch from her wrist, uttering colorful expletives directed at Ava. Aaliyah, shielding Leo's ears led him away from the disheartening scene, Thalia crumpled to the grass beneath her, emotions crashing over her like turbulent waves. Uncontrollable sobs wracked her body, the tears flowing freely, mingling with the dew-kissed blades of grass. Jason, ever the pillar of support, knelt beside her, offering his shoulder as a refuge for her grief.
The night air was cool against her wet cheeks, a stark contrast to the burning anguish within her. Tears full of mascara rolled down her face. Anger coursed through her veins, not only at the cruel twists of fate that had stolen her parents but also at the maddening enigma of the Time Watch. It felt like the universe had conspired against her, and her heart ached with the weight of unfulfilled longing.
Though Thalia cherished her extended family, there was an irreplaceable void left by the absence of her parents. She yearned for the familiar warmth of her mother's embrace and the reassuring strength of her father's presence. The photograph in her grandmother's house served as a bittersweet reminder of what had been taken from her.
As a child, she had watched with envy as her friends ran into their mother's arms after school, their laughter filling the air. The absence of such moments had carved a deep well of longing within her, one that had shaped her strength and resilience. Yet, she had grown weary of being strong, tired of being the one left behind.
Tears continued to flow as she looked up at Jason, her gaze filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. Her voice, quivering yet resolute, broke the solemn silence that enveloped them.
"I just want to see them," Thalia said quietly.
The city lights below, once a beautiful spectacle, now seemed distant and indifferent. The chill in the night air began to seep through her, but Jason, ever attentive, draped his big jacket over her shoulders. It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes of his unwavering support.
"We won't give up until we find them. I'm sure Ava will figure something out," Jason reassured her, gently wiping away her tears with his sleeve. His steadfast presence had been a constant source of strength since they had embarked on this extraordinary journey. Thalia suddenly found herself appreciating him more deeply than ever before.
The city's lights cast a soft glow on Jason's face, accentuating the kindness in his eyes. His silky dark hair rustled in the wind, framing a face that was both rugged and defined. His smile, as ever, was warm and reassuring, a beacon of hope amid their trials.
Before they could dwell too long in their shared moment, Aaliyah's voice rang out, piercing the melancholy atmosphere. She was still holding a shivering Leo, a reminder of the pressing need to resolve their predicament.
"I'd hate to break up the moment, but we are freezing over here," Aaliyah shouted across to them, the urgency in her voice cutting through the night.
With a final shared glance of understanding and resolve, Thalia and Jason rose from their somber reverie. They were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, with the unwavering hope that, someday, they might find a way to reunite Thalia with her long-lost parents.