In Another Lifetime By Yosh Episode 14

With the morning rolling around, Marvin and Calista get situated with each other before they go about their plan later in the day.

TW: This story will address sensitive subjects, including homophobia, abandonment, death, mental health struggles, the implications of suicide, etc. Please be mindful of these topics before you continue reading.

In Another Lifetime by Yosh

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Reading key:

Anything to the side in bold is narration.

Anything to the side with a "character's name:" are inner thoughts.

Anything in bold italics and regular italics are stage directions.

Lines are numbered for the reader to keep track.

Anything () is extra information.

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Episode 14:

The day is April 17th, 2023. It's a Monday morning.

Following a lengthy conversation between Marvin and Calista in which Marvin opens up about himself to Calista, the two of them head to bed with the morning rolling around.

Marvin wakes up unexpectedly.

He props himself up on the couch, yawning and stretching his body in exhaustion.

His restlessness causes him to rub his eyelids in an attempt to further wake himself up.

His bed hair looks ruffled up, and he slouches his shoulders, feeling sleepy.

Line 1) Marvin's inner thoughts: Jeez. I'm still so tired. I wonder what time it is.

Marvin looks around the living room, trying to find a clock of some sort.

From afar, Marvin spots the girls' microwave and oven in the kitchen, showcasing the time.

He squints as he glances at the time because his vision is blurry from just waking up.

As his eyes adjust to a clear perspective, they widen in shock as he reads the time.

Line 2) Marvin's inner thoughts: What? It's only 8:37 AM? That's earlier than I thought it'd be. I was expecting it to be around ten or something. No wonder I'm so tired.

*Marvin gets a flashback of Calista telling him to sleep in (refer back to episode 13, line 97).

Marvin nods his head in remembrance, lying back down on the couch and getting himself comfy.

Line 3) Marvin's inner thoughts: That's right. Calista told me I could get all the sleep I wanted. I'm still really tired, so I should get some more rest.

Marvin gently closes his eyes, trying his best to drift back to sleep.

Around 20 minutes go by, and he's still up.

He clicks his tongue in annoyance from his inability to go back to sleep despite his weariness.

Line 4) Marvin's inner thoughts: Ugh. Once I'm up, I'm up. I'm so damn drained, though.

Marvin props himself up again on the couch, rubbing his face to wake himself up.

He contemplates his next courses of action.

Line 5) Marvin's inner thoughts: Calista's most likely still asleep, so what should I do?

Marvin glances at the girls' bathroom in the distance, noticing that the lights are off, indicating that nobody is there.

Line 6) Marvin's inner thoughts: I might as well get ready for the day to kill some time until she wakes up. Hopefully, it's okay for me to use the bathroom without her permission.

Marvin stands up from the couch, folding his sheets and blankets and placing his pillow nearby to organize the area.

He stretches his body and wanders over to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

*Shot cuts to Calista getting awakened by her alarm set for 9:00 AM.

Calista turns in her bed, leaning into her nightstand to turn the alarm on her phone off.

After she turns her alarm off, she lays back down in bed, releasing a sleepy sigh.

She groans in bed, feeling exhausted.

Line 7) Calista's inner thoughts: I could really use some more sleep, but I have a feeling that Marvin's probably up by now. I wouldn't want to keep snoozing when he's wide awake without my supervision.

Calista props herself up in bed, rubbing her face to wake herself up.

Line 8) Calista's inner thoughts: I should go check to see if he's awake. If he's still asleep, I'll head back to bed, too.

Calista gets out of her bed, making her way over to the living room to spot Marvin.

She observes the couch tidied up, with the sheets, blankets, and pillow that Marvin used being set aside properly and in an organized manner.

Calista glances at the bathroom door, noticing the lights turned on, indicating that Marvin is occupying it. 

Line 9) Calista's inner thoughts: I knew it. Coffee will have to take the wheel on energizing me, then.

Calista heads back to her room and slowly makes her bed, feeling very tired.

She puts her hair in a ponytail to get it out of her face, using the spare hair tie around her wrist.

After she's finished, she heads to the kitchen to make coffee for herself and Marvin.

She spots a sticky note on the fridge that Talulla pasted for her.

Line 10) Talulla's note: Morning! I was in a rush to get ready today, so wasn't able to make breakfast for all of us. Sorry. I'll make it up to you tomorrow. See you soon. Have a good day.

Calista smiles at Talulla's note, feeling her sincere compassion.

Calista sends Talulla a reassuring text about breakfast dynamics, wanting to ease her worries and sense of obligation.

Line 11) Calista's inner thoughts: Talulla always feels the need to prepare breakfast for me every day, but I should get into the habit of cooking for myself. It's not like she's my mom.

Line 12) Calista's inner thoughts: To make good use of my time while Marvin gets ready, I should make breakfast for all of us again like I did yesterday.*

*Remember that Calista made eggs for everyone yesterday morning (refer back to episode 4, lines 11�"14, etc).

Calista opens her fridge and peers inside to see what she could make for the day.

Line 13) Calista's inner thoughts: I could make eggs again, but I kind of want to switch things up... In that case, what should I make?

Calista shuts her fridge door and opens her freezer, noticing a package of frozen fruit near the front.

She grabs the package, nervously glancing at the expiration date.

She releases a sigh of relief upon reading it.

Line 14) Calista's inner thoughts: Smoothie bowls it is. I forgot I bought this. Good thing it's still okay for me to use.

Calista assembles breakfast for the two of them, making coffee and blending the frozen fruit from the package in a blender for her and Marvin's smoothie bowls while adding fresh fruit and granola as toppings.

Marvin finishes getting ready in the bathroom and exits.

As he walks back over to the living room, he hears shuffling in the kitchen, leading him to assume that Calista's awoken.

He approaches the kitchen and spots her making breakfast.

Calista hears Marvin's footsteps and glances at him happily.

The two of them smile at each other.

Marvin speaks welcomingly.

Marvin

Line 15) Good morning, Calista~

Calista replies to Marvin in a friendly manner.

Calista

Line 16) Good morning to you, too, Marvin. Breakfast is almost done.

Marvin speaks appreciatively, thankful for Calista's efforts.

Marvin

Line 17) Glad to hear it.

Calista questions Marvin inquisitively.

Calista

Line 18) Do you drink coffee?

Marvin nods his head confirmingly.

Calista curiously questions Marvin for details.

Calista

Line 19) Is there a specific way you like your coffee? Let me make you some.

Marvin responds informatively, his tone anxious about Calista's sense of obligation to serve him.

Marvin

Line 20) Um. I like milk or creamer added and for it to be sweet enough. I can make it for myself if that sounds too complicated. Do you have the right ingredients?

Calista speaks leniently.

Calista

Line 21) Don't worry. That's not complicated at all. I like my coffee like that, too. Take a seat and hang tight.

Marvin sits himself down on their dining table near the kitchen, patiently waiting for Calista to finish preparing breakfast.

He speaks timidly toward her, his body language apprehensive.

Marvin

Line 22) Hey, so I appreciate you going out of your way to make breakfast for me, but don't feel the need to tackle those kinds of duties on your own all the time. I'm here to help as well.

Calista replies to Marvin appreciatively.

Calista

Line 23) That's nice of you, Marvin. I guess I just operate this way by default since I kind of consider you as my guest, which makes me feel obligated to be a good host for you if that makes sense. But it's truly not a hassle, so don't worry.

Marvin speaks reassuringly, his tone endearing.

Marvin

Line 24) I get that, and I want you to know you've been a great host so far. Just wind down a bit when it comes to me. I might currently be a guest, but since I'll be living here from now on, that'll eventually change, so there's no need for you to be so formal with me.

Calista speaks confirmingly, glancing at Marvin understandingly.

Calista

Line 25) You got it. 

Calista finishes preparing their breakfast and brings it over to their dining table, where Marvin is seated.

She sits herself down in front of him, getting ready to dig into their meal.

Marvin glances at Calista contemplatively.

Calista explains herself, hoping to clarify Marvin's confusion due to the look of concern on his face.

Calista

Line 26) I know it's weird to mix cold with hot, especially when it's quite chilly outside, but I didn't feel like making eggs today. I hope that's okay.

Marvin glances at his smoothie bowl in confusion, not knowing what it is.

He questions Calista inquisitively, feeling the temperature of the smoothie bowl to confirm its coldness.

Marvin

Line 27) It is cold, but what is it? Don't get me wrong, it looks great. I've just never seen anything like this before.

Calista gets hit with a wave of realization, speaking embarrassingly toward Marvin.

Calista

Line 28) O-oh. It's a smoothie bowl...

Marvin tilts his head to the side puzzlingly.

Marvin

Line 29) "A smoothie bowl"? Aren't smoothies usually served in cups? Could this be a recipe of yours or something?

Calista laughs awkwardly, explaining herself anxiously.

Calista

Line 30) It's not a recipe of mine, but it's a real kind of dish. You're right about smoothies usually being served in cups, but smoothie bowls are a lot thicker, which is why it's served in a bowl instead.

Calista's face engulfs a nervous expression.

Line 31) Calista's inner thoughts: What was I thinking of serving a guy from the '60s a smoothie bowl? I should've just stuck with making eggs. This must be a cultural shock for him.

Calista speaks rigidly, feeling foolish.

Calista

Line 32) I guess you could say regular smoothies are more under the drink category because of their liquidy consistency, while smoothie bowls are under the meal one...?

Calista speaks in a manner of defeat.

Calista

Line 33) I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking, preparing this for you. Would you like me to make you something else instead? Is there anything you have in mind?

Marvin speaks frantically, clarifying himself so Calista does not misunderstand.

Marvin

Line 34) Oh! No. You got the wrong idea. I was just wondering what this was, but I wasn't implying I wanted something else. Don't worry.

Marvin explains himself, speaking gratefully.

Marvin

Line 35) I'm just unfamiliar with this kind of dish. Seems to be another modern-day thing, but I'm sure it'll fill me up. So don't worry. Again, I appreciate you going out of your way to prepare breakfast for me.

Calista speaks with ease, feeling relieved by Marvin's clarification.

Calista

Line 36) Oh, okay. You're welcome. But if you don't like it, I could really make you something else. It's not too much trouble.

Marvin speaks reassuringly.

Marvin

Line 37) That won't be necessary. This is just blended-up fruit. What's there not to like?

Marvin digs into the smoothie bowl, eating it approvingly.

Marvin speaks affirmatively to make Calista feel more comfortable about his satisfaction.

Marvin

Line 38) Yeah. It's good. You can never go wrong with strawberries and bananas. What else is in here?

Calista replies to Marvin amusingly.

Calista

Line 39) Some pineapple and mango. You might not be able to taste it well because it tends to lose its taste when frozen, but it adds to the thick consistency. Then, as toppings, I added granola and cut up some fresh strawberries and bananas.

Marvin speaks in a manner of pleasant surprise.

Marvin

Line 40) Oh, I see. It's quite refreshing. Thank you, again.

Calista nods her head happily, feeling glad about Marvin's approval.

Marvin grabs his coffee mug and takes a sip of the beverage.

His eyes widen from the taste, which leads Calista to misinterpret his reaction being one of disgust.

She questions him in concern, her tone timid.

Calista

Line 41) Did I get the ratio wrong?

Marvin speaks reassuringly, his tone prominent with notes of delight.

He smiles at her reassuringly, continuing to want to ease her antsy demeanor.

Marvin

Line 42) No. I'm just pleasantly surprised that you got it right. It's perfect.

Calista's face engulfs an expression of relief.

Calista

Line 43) That's good to hear. Well, anyway, hope you enjoy.

Marvin nods his head, and the two of them continue eating their breakfast.

As they eat, Marvin strikes up a conversation with Calista, curious about some things.

Marvin

Line 44) Talulla most likely went to work, right?

Calista speaks confirmingly.

Calista

Line 45) Yeah. She usually starts work at 8:00 AM. I would be at work by this time, too.

Marvin speaks curiously.

Marvin

Line 46) What does she do?

Calista speaks informatively.

Calista

Line 47) She's a vet technician.* Which is essentially a nurse for pets. She really loves her job and gets paid well for her hard work.

*Refer back to episode 1, line 126.

Marvin speaks enthusiastically.

Marvin

Line 48) Wow. That's great for her. And what do you do? I remember you mentioning something along the lines of being an expert at communicating because it's what you do for a living.*

*Refer back to episode 7, line 35.

Calista looks at Marvin in shock, speaking in a tone of surprise.

Calista

Line 49) Wow. You remember that? Quite a sharp memory you have going on there.

Marvin smiles at Calista happily.

Calista speaks indifferently, explaining herself.

Calista

Line 50) I'm an accountant.* It's nothing special, but I would say that working as one for the past five years has definitely helped me brush up on my soft skills, which is why I guess I said I'm an expert at communicating, but that statement is a bit of a stretch. I just said it to put you at ease at that moment since you seemed so antsy about meeting Teresa. So, sorry for essentially lying to you.

*Refer back to episode 1, line 124.

Marvin speaks reassuringly.

Marvin

Line 51) That statement is not a stretch. Sure, I guess you mean more work-based communication, but I can definitely testify that you've still been good at communicating for interpersonal reasons, too. Your soft skills aren't only helpful for your work but outside of it, too.

Calista smiles at Marvin, speaking curiously.

Calista

Line 52) Thanks. Anyway, what do you do?

Marvin speaks confusingly.

Marvin

Line 53) I honestly couldn't tell you. I just work for my father at the moment, helping him operate his business and whatnot. It's just a bunch of boring paperwork about financial stuff. It's not my thing whatsoever.

Calista questions Marvin curiously.

Calista

Line 54) What kind of business does your father run?

Marvin speaks informatively, his tone slightly indifferent.

Marvin

Line 55) He owns a hotel company.

Calista looks at Marvin impressively, speaking charismatically.

Calista

Line 56) Wow. You guys must be really wealthy then, huh? I remember Teresa saying something along those lines.* I'm guessing old money stuff, right?

*Refer back to episode 9, line 91.

Marvin speaks with uncertainty.

Marvin

Line 57) We're definitely well-off, but I wouldn't say we're old money because my dad's the first in our family to start a business, so we're still quite young in that regard. I would say my best friend Todd is more old money because his family has been owning various companies for decades, including the café Teresa works at.* It's a succession thingy.

*Refer back to episode 9, line 92.

Calista nods her head understandingly.

Marvin speaks ashamedly upon hearing himself.

Marvin

Line 58) Sorry. I probably sound like a snob speaking like that. As well as seem out of touch for not giving my family's affluence the recognition it deserves. But I assure you that I'm very aware of the privilege I've had all my life because of it, and I'm truly grateful.*

*Refer back to episode 11, line 112.

Calista speaks in a relaxed manner, giving Marvin the assurance he seeks.

Calista

Line 59) We've already talked about this.* I know it's not all cupcakes and rainbows, so don't worry. And also, you don't sound like a snob to me. In fact, you honestly seem quite humble.

*Refer back to episode 11, line 113.

A couple of seconds of silence pass between the two of them.

A question comes across Calista's mind, prompting her to question Marvin, eager for his answer.

Calista

Line 60) I'm curious. What do you usually do during your free time since technology wasn't a huge thing for you back in the day?

Marvin looks at Calista in pleasant surprise, not expecting her to ask him such a question.

He gives her a detailed response, hoping to thoroughly answer her question.

Marvin

Line 61) Oh, well, I do many things besides work, like listen to the radio, cook food, do chores, watch TV, read, send mail, talk on the phone, hang out with my friends or Mama Millie, play with my dog, or walk him, and many other things.

Calista stares at Marvin in shock, not expecting such an elaborate answer out of him,

She speaks inquisitively.

Calista

Line 62) You sound very productive. Good for you. What kind of dog do you have?

Marvin explains happily.

Marvin

Line 63) A Doberman Pinscher. His name is Rex,* and he's six years old.

*Refer back to episode 11, details in between and on lines 50 and 51.

Calista responds enthusiastically.

Calista

Line 64) Wow. Those are pretty big dogs. Did you get him to guard your place?

Marvin speaks reminiscently.

Marvin

Line 65) Yeah, but he's really sweet and quite a softie. He's the best. Very well behaved and friendly. He's never caused any kind of mischief ever since I got him when he was such a baby~

Calista's eyes slant heart-warmingly, visualizing images of Rex as Marvin explains him to her.

Marvin speaks admittingly, his voice having hints of embarrassment.

Marvin

Line 66) I was about to ask you if you have a pet, but you obviously don't at the moment... Unless you do. Perhaps there's a fish tank in your room I didn't spot earlier? Or maybe Talulla has something?

Calista speaks clarifyingly, softly chuckling at Marvin's assumption.

Calista

Line 67) No fish tank and Talulla doesn't have any pets here either. I've never actually owned a pet before. My parents didn't allow me to have one growing up, and I haven't considered owning one now just because of the amount of responsibility it requires.

Marvin speaks puzzlingly.

Marvin

Line 68) I feel like, as a vet technician, it'd really suit Talulla to have a pet, but I get what you mean. 

Calista speaks informatively.

Calista

Line 69) She has pets at her family's place, but she's in the same boat as me about it requiring too much responsibility. We've come to the conclusion that if we were to take a pet in, we'd have to quit our jobs or something like that because we most likely wouldn't want to spend any time away from our pet.

Marvin responds amusingly, his tone enthusiastic.

Marvin

Line 70) I see. That's totally understandable. I always feel so guilty about leaving Rex on his own... Besides that, what do you two do in your free time? I'm curious about what the modern world is like.

Calista speaks disappointingly.

Calista

Line 71) If Talulla and I aren't out somewhere on the weekends exploring places, I'm honestly just on my phone. I know I should probably pick up a hobby, but I tend to give up easily when I'm not automatically good at things. It's a bad habit, I know...

Calista speaks admirably.

Calista

Line 72) Talulla usually hits the gym. She's all about bulking up. I come with her every now and then, but I'm not as much of a gym shark as she is. I can barely even do a push-up.

Marvin speaks comprehendingly, validating Calista's answers.

Marvin

Line 73) Oh, well, hobbies tend to require a lot of discipline, so I get that. Good on Talulla for being active. Push-ups are honestly hard. They require a lot of practice before one can do it properly. It's all about gaining strength at your core, which takes a while.

Calista blushes, remembering Marvin's shirtlessness yesterday.

She droops her head down to hide her flusteredness.

Line 74) Calista's inner thoughts: Of course, Marvin would know all about push-ups with that body of his.* I thought I was over this fluttering feeling yesterday. If he could read my mind right now, he'd probably be disgusted with me. I need to get my act together.

*Refer back to episode 13, lines 84�"87, etc.

Calista pinches her arm without Marvin noticing to snap her back to her senses.

Marvin questions Calista eagerly.

Marvin

Line 75) About you being on your phone, I caught a glimpse of Teresa's yesterday, and it looked like a portable TV.* How have they evolved to that over time?

*Refer back to episode 8, line 123.

Calista diverts her attention to answering Marvin's question, speaking informatively.

Calista

Line 76) It essentially is a portable TV, so you're on the nose about that. You can do anything on your phone. Call or message people, take pictures, watch TV, play games, pull up a map, etc. If I'm being honest, I barely use my phone to call people. In fact, I try to avoid making calls if at all possible.

Marvin looks at Calista captivatingly, keenly interested in her explanations.

Marvin

Line 77) Wow! You weren't kidding when you said you could do anything!

Calista speaks simplistically, tracing out objectives for Marvin to further understand.

Calista

Line 78) Think of modern inventions as ways to make your life easier. Things are more efficient, convenient, and accessible.

Marvin speaks in a stunned manner.

Marvin

Line 79) Things are just so advanced! It's hard to wrap my mind around everything!

The two of them finish eating their smoothie bowls and drinking their coffee.

Marvin speaks suggestingly, standing up to collect their dishes.

Marvin

Line 80) Allow me to wash the dishes, please. It's the least I could do.

Calista speaks leniently.

Calista

Line 81) Alright, then. Knock yourself out. Thank you. But just know that washing dishes hasn't advanced that much. Things are still the same. Nothing has been advanced besides maybe better soaps, sponges, and dishwashers.

Marvin speaks with ease.

Marvin

Line 82) That's a bummer, but at least it's one of the things I'm familiar with in this timeline so far.

Calista speaks welcomingly.

Calista

Line 83) Well, while you're doing that. I'm going to get ready for the day. When you're done doing the dishes, is there something you could occupy yourself with?

Marvin thinks to himself, remembering his task.

Marvin

Line 84) Could I use that notepad from yesterday to jot down some notes again?*

*Refer back to episode 10, line 35, etc.

Calista speaks approvingly.

Calista

Line 85) Of course. I'll set it on the table for you to use when you're done. I'll be off then.

Calista leaves the kitchen, making her way to the bathroom to do her morning routine.

After she's finished in the bathroom, she gets dressed in her room.

She makes her way over to the washing machine and dryer area of her apartment, checking on Marvin's clothes.*

*Remember that Calista offered to wash Marvin's clothes (refer back to episode 13, line 45, etc).

She notices how wrinkly his clothes have become from the dryer and takes them to her room to steam.

Calista steams Marvin's clothes to get rid of his wrinkles, bringing them back on a hanger for him in the living room.

Calista

Line 86) Alright, I'm back. Here's your stuff.

Marvin accepts his clean suit, feeling shocked by Calista's swiftness.

He speaks to her in a pleasantly surprised manner.

Marvin

Line 87) Oh. Wow. I didn't expect you to have this ready for me so soon. Thank you so much. It's all so fresh-looking.

Calista answers happily, feeling useful.

Calista

Line 88) You're welcome. I hope it's to your liking.

Marvin speaks in an instructive tone.

Marvin

Line 89) I'm going to go get dressed my stuff since your ex's clothes* are like pajamas for me.

*Remember that Calista lent Marvin her ex's clothes to wash his stuff (refer back to episode 13, line 68).

Calista nods her head understandingly.

Marvin gets dressed in his suit's clothing items in the bathroom, ditching his suit jacket and tie to wear his white long-sleeve polo shirt and dress pants.

Before Marvin exits the bathroom, he runs water through his hair, slightly slicking his medium-length hair back for a fresher look.

Marvin exits the bathroom, approaching Calista as she waits for him on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

Calista glances at Marvin as he approaches her, taken aback by his formal appearance.

Her eyes sparkle as she observes him, thoughts of flattery running through her mind.

Line 90) Calista's inner thoughts: Wow! Marvin looks so good! He is so fresh!

Marvin speaks to Calista curiously, seating himself next to her on the couch.

Marvin

Line 91) That's your phone, right?

Calista snaps out of her daze, speaking informatively, her tone slightly frantic.

Calista

Line 92) O-oh, yeah. I'll show you how to use it someday. It's important you get caught up with modern-day advances.

Marvin speaks appreciatively.

Marvin

Line 93) That would be very helpful, Calista. Thank you for your consideration.

Calista glances at Marvin's notepad curiously.

She questions him inquisitively, her tone slightly apprehensive.

Calista

Line 94) Is it okay for me to ask you what you've been jotting down?

Marvin speaks welcomingly.

Marvin

Line 95) Of course. I've written out my friends' numbers and different approaches we could take when we call them soon. Take a look.

Marvin passes the notepad over to Calista and she skims through it.

Marvin questions Calista timidly.

Marvin

Line 96) I know you mentioned you avoid making phone calls,* but would it be okay if you could call my friends on my behalf just for today? I would do it, but I think they'd recognize my voice. Should I attempt to speak in an accent if you're really not up for it?

*Refer back to line 76 of this episode.

Marvin's notes:

1. Cady's number: xxx-xxx-xxxx

2. Jax's number: xxx-xxx-xxxx

3. Russell's number: xxx-xxx-xxxx

*Marvin didn't write Todd's number down since he passed away (refer back to episode 9, lines 98 and 99).

*Cady, Jax, and Russell are Marvin's childhood friends (refer back to episode 12, lines 45�"51, etc).

4. Approaches:

• Trying to get in touch with me because we are searching for my cut-off family.

• Trying to return something to me.

• Trying to clarify documents under the pretense that we're calling to confirm funeral papers, etc.

Calista speaks reassuringly.

Calista

Line 97) It's totally alright, Marvin. I'm willing to call your friends for you.

Calista speaks analytically.

Calista

Line 98) I think it's smart you've come up with certain approaches we could take when speaking to your friends. If we simply asked them about your life, they would probably not want to divulge anything to "strangers", so we should pick an approach that will encourage them to open up about you in a somewhat natural manner.

Marvin speaks inquisitively.

Marvin

Line 99) I couldn't come up with much, so can you possibly think of anything else?

Calista speaks her mind, letting her thoughts flourish.

Calista

Line 100) I can't think of much either, but what sticks out to me is your first point about wanting to get in touch with "cut-off family." I think that would be the biggest way your friends would reveal anything to us, but that's definitely the approach Teresa went with, and since she mentioned she didn't have any luck with that,* we're going to have to come up with a different way to get through to your friends. Any ideas?

*Refer back to episode 9, line 97.

Marvin speaks conclusively.

Marvin

Line 101) This is just a hunch, but I have a feeling that the reason Teresa is unable to get through to my friends is because she's affiliated with Elouise. As I mentioned before, my friends never liked Elouise,* so they most likely resent her even more for cutting ties with me, which would explain why they're so reserved when it comes to Teresa's efforts in wanting to know about me.

*Refer back to episode 8, line 15.

Marvin brings up an idea, sharing it with Calista suggestingly.

Marvin

Line 102) In that case, why don't you say you're a social worker that Teresa hired to get more information about her family? I'm not sure if that'll work, but maybe they're willing to give things another try if a professional is involved.

Calista speaks clarifyingly, contemplating a realization.

Calista

Line 103) Honestly, instead of planning an elaborate scheme like that, you do realize that the most direct way we can get to know more about you is if you truthfully reveal your real identity to your friends, right?

Marvin speaks in a manner of concern.

Marvin

Line 104) I know. But I really thought about what you said, Calista, and I can't help but also think that the fewer people who know about my time-traveling situation, the better.* My friends aren't any exception.

*Refer back to episode 13, lines 12�"22, etc.

Marvin speaks visually, his eyebrows furrowing in worry as he imagines his concerns.

Marvin

Line 105) If we confirm that any of my friends are alive, wouldn't it be so freaky if they saw their dead friend in the flesh but a younger version of them? They'd be so frazzled, and considering their old age, I wouldn't want to scare any of them to death.

Marvin speaks considerately.

Marvin

Line 106) This entire situation has a lot to take into account. I don't want to throw anything on my friends when I don't know what's going on in their lives. That's not fair. I'd only be a burden to them.

Marvin

Line 107) Let me be truthful to them as our last resort. I'm sure they'll understand my reasons to lie. This is different than when I'll eventually be going on dates with other people because we're only targeting those who want to be in a "no strings attached relationship", so keeping my time-traveling secret buried won't be dishonest.* 

*Refer back to episode 13, line 29, etc.

Marvin speaks precautiously.

Marvin

Line 108) I'm choosing to apply an elaborate scheme on my friends, though dishonest to keep things on the down low. Sure, I can't make this choice assuming it is for their own good, but it's best I be careful for now about our secret.

Calista nods her head understandingly.

Calista

Line 109) I get where you're coming from and think you're making the right choice. With that being said, your approach about me pretending to be a social worker could really work, and since I already know what I need to know about you to speak with your friends, I'm sure we'll be able to get exactly the information we need.

Calista

Line 110) If all works out, not only would I be able to help you, but Teresa, too. When I eventually talk to her about this, I'll obviously throw in some lies here and there so she doesn't know about our plans and secrets, not until you decide you want to reveal that to her on your own.

Calista's phone blares a ringtone, notifying her that someone is calling.

She looks at her phone, surprised to see Teresa calling her unexpectedly.

Calista speaks anxiously, looking at Marvin for assurance.

Calista

Line 111) Speak of the devil. I wonder what's up. She's never called me like this out of the blue.

Marvin replies eagerly, his tone encouraging.

Marvin

Line 112) Answer. It's most likely about Elouise.*

*Refer back to episode 9, line 62, etc.

To be continued...

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Thank you for reading! ♡

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Author's Note

I hope you like what you have read so far. I appreciate each and everyone of you for giving my story a chance.

*P.S.: This original story is best read in Wattpad's format. The link below will navigate you all to this story on that platform.

Link: https://www.wattpad.com/story/369645424-in-another-lifetime