Next day
1985
Alex pov
"Gosh fo i have to really dress this way" i look at myself at the dressing mirror with a horrified look.
"Alexa it is time to go to work, you know people would want to get some pastries as tomorrow is the weekend"
"Weekend?" I asked myself
"Was there a time slip? But it was Saturday when I returned her or wasn't it?" I asked myself as I searched for a calendar.
"Ah ah", I picked up the mini on the reading desk and searched for today's date. "So 2024 Saturday night was Thursdays afternoon?". There was really a time slip but why was it slow?"
*Alexa!" Aunty Mary called again
"Am coming"I yelled answering aunty Mary.
Aunty Mary has always been there for us since dads death and when I called her regarding mums sickness she quickly came up for it. Since I got back here I have been witnessing something change within me.last time I was in full control of this body but now I think Alexa is not willing to go. I don't know why but I can remember her past, think like her and even feel her pain was this how second time traveling works.it was I Alex that called aunty Mary but Alexa now I have to take full responsibilty of whatever she does.
What if one day they found out I am not their precious daughter or niece? How would they feel? How would I feel? This were all the thoughts that was going through my mind till I got to the living room all ready for today's work.
"Don't forget to get the groceries when you come back this evening okay?" Mum mentioned as she irons some clothes on the ironing board
Mum? Mum? Mum? If this was fate I am glad to accept it. If this was a way to reconcile with mum I am willing to take this chance. I never really paid attention to my mum ever since she divorced my dad.
"Are you okay?" Mrs smith asked as she confusedly stares at Alexa who stood like a statue glaring at her.
"Alexa are you okay" aunty Mary asked with a pike of new clothes to be washed in her hands
"Hmm?" I woke up from my trance
"You have been standing there for like 2 minutes staring at me. Do you need something?" Mum asked
"No I don't. I just remembered something. I would be leaving now. Don't forget to take your drugs"
"Okay dear"
Our house was too far away as it was just few minutes journey to the cafe.Unlocking the door, I was welcomed by the scent of a new bloom flower by the vintage window. It is spring already and new flowers would be out very soon.
Arranging the tables and chairs, the arcade games and turning on the vinyl tape recorder I started my day with a nice cool 80s music. I still find it hard to adjust to this kind of lifestyle but it was what I was meant to do.
12:15
As I stood behind the counter, I gazed out the vintage window, it rounded edges and chrome trim gleam in the afternoon sun. The neon sign above the cafe cast a colorful glow on the bustling street outside.inside the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafted through the air mingling with the hum of convesation and the soft clicking of dishes
The cafe was a cozy haven with vinyl booths and Formica tables nestled an omg retro decorations. A jukebox in the corner played a steady stream of hits from Madonna ti prince while a few patrons played games in the PAC-man machine. I rang up orders on the old fashioned cash register. its metal keys clacking as I worked. I am getting used to this already.
As I handed a customer their change, my gaze drifted back to the window. The sunlight streaming in highlighted the dust notes dancing on the air, and I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. This cafe was a time capsule, a refuges from the fast-paced world outside. This must have been dads legacy. He would have loved to passed this to Alexa by himself if not for the cruel world who doesn't want the growth of others.
Lost in thoughts, a sleek black car pulled up outside.The chrome trim gleamed in the sunlight and the distinctive shape of Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was unmistakable. A tall, imposing figure emerged from the driver's side dressed in a crisp white shirt with a conservative cut complemented by a pair of dark gray slacks ans a slim black tie. His dark hair was slicked back, revealing a prominent widows peak, and a well groomed moustache framed his stern expression
He glanced around the bustling street before Hus eyes settled on the cafe, and he stride purposely towards the entrance. The bell above the do9r jingled as he pushed it open, and he stepped inside, his gaze scanning the room until it landed on me. With a brief nod he approached the counter. his black leather briefcase held firmly in his hand.
"Good afternoon" he said, his deep voice firm but polite. "I am looking for.....Ah, you must be Alexa smith. I have a letter for you"
I squeezed my face. From who?
"Can we talk privately" he whispers
"Why do we need to talk privately. And who are you?"
"This is regarding your father's company, and also am a friend of his"
I sighed as I stared at the brown eyed man."Mrs George, can you please stand in for me, I need to attend to this man"
"Oh okay don't stay too long cause I would need to attend to my husband at home"
"Okay" I smiled at her
I signaled the man to follow me to an office specifically for Mr smith. He must created the office for something like this.
"You may have your seat" I pointed out a chair in front of the back of the desk I was sitting at.
He handed me a navy blue envelope with the company's logo emblazoned on it-the same company my father had worked for before his tragic murder. My heart skipped a beat as i took the envelope with a mix of emotion swirling around me. As I took the letter, my curiousity piqued. I asked "what is this about?" My interest in the company has waned since my father's passing and I didn't see how they could possible need me now.
The mans expression turned solemn. "Your father held a significant amount of shares in the company,45% to be exact.The board members are now disputing over control and your presence is crucial in solving the matter.
I raised an eyebrow uninterested. "And you want me to believe that.I am not interested in getting involved in their petty squabbles. Who know you may be one of them"
The man's eyes narrowed, i8s voice taking a persuasive tone."you would be doing yourself a great service, not just the company.Your father's legacy is at stake and your presence could be the deciding factor.
I sighed unconvinced. "I'll think about think.this is not a yes so don't keep your hopes up"
The man smiles. "Well if you change your mind don't forget to call me" he puts his card on the desk
I watched as he stood up and straightened up his shirt, he looks at me again with a smile "have a nice day" he strode the same way he came and zoomed off in his car
"Gracious lord. what is all this?" I asked myself my gaze leaving the door and staring at the card. I picked it up as I read his name in my mind 'Reginald Reg' "what sort of name was that?"