Jackie:

  Rebirthing offers such an addictive rush, but if I wasn’t careful, it would consume me until nothing was left.

  With a deafening whoosh, the Slipstream blurred as I flew through an infinite tunnel. Countless versions of myself laughed like a house of mirrors.

  “I’m so much more than an unfertilized egg. I am a Phoenix Gene Carrier,” I reminded myself, repeating Beatrice’s words of encouragement. “Unlimited potential lives within me, and it’s time to unleash my power.”

  The red streak in my hair waved like a flag of honor on the countless versions of myself that smirked in sync.

  “I’m ready for the next battle. I can and will change this probability for the better. Let’s heal the timeline.”

  Five sheaths enveloped me as I rebirthed into this strange new reality. A hunger pang ripped through my reforming belly.

  Hope the food is good where I’m going.

  Thirst dried my throat. Flames coiled into strands of DNA to create the spine of my new existence. A gust of wind fanned the flames.

  An orgasmic wave of bliss rippled through my body as I was thrust into an alternate dimension, into a new version of my family’s torrid past.

  When I regained consciousness, I was lying naked on the wood floor of an empty classroom.

  My arm hairs stood at attention. A biting chill sent a shiver across my body.

  “Oh wow, I actually pulled it off.” I sat and covered my bare chest with my hands. I wasn’t a fertilized egg. I was seventeen-years-old again.

  I chuckled. “I can’t believe I’m actually mastering the Slipstream. Now the question is, where am I?” My eyes darted like a cornered animal.

  Wooden desks were arranged in imperfect rows. Tall, arched windows let in a soft, golden light. Bookshelves lined the other side of the room, stacked with leather-bound volumes. Behind me, a blackboard stretched wall to wall, its surface filled with formulas and half-erased thoughts. A faint scent of chalk and old paper lingered.

  “When am I?” I stood, but my weak legs buckled. Slamming to the ground, I took the nearest desk down with me.

  “Clumsy is clearly part of my DNA in every probability. I should have brought my training wheels…” My feet vibrated with pins and needles.

  “Firestorm? Where are you?”

  No answer.

  “Beatrice, are you here?”

  Silence.

  “Grace?”

  Nothing.

  On my own for now, I grabbed onto another desk and regained my footing.

  “Anything to cover up with?” I looked around the room, hoping for a flag to create a makeshift dress, but no luck.

  Once stable on my feet, I stumbled to the door. “The next thing to master is taking my clothes with me.”

  I covered my bits, unsure what I’d find on the other side. “Here goes nothing.”

  After a deep breath, I turned the knob slowly, flinching when the door creaked.

  The classroom led to an empty hallway, so I made a run for it, every muscle in my body clenched. My bare feet shuffled against the cold tile.

  Trophies and medals filled a glass case. Pictures of prestigious sports teams stared at my nakedness from the walls. The vaulted ceiling and elaborate light fixtures gave this university an air of importance.

  I hit a crossroad in the distinguished hall.

  Where to go next?

  Voices echoed from the left. Coffee wafted from the right.

  As I surveyed my options, a dizzy spell hit. I leaned against the limestone wall for support. Disoriented barely describes the feeling. Nauseous and naked don’t cover it either.

  I inhaled deeply to ground myself.

  A sharp breeze slithered along my bare back, jolting me into motion.

  A bell rang, causing me to flinch. My heart slammed against my ribs without warning.

  Doors swung open, and students piled out of classrooms.

  “Eek!” I clutched my exposed privates and raced to the nearest doorway to hide.

  Great, I’m going to be arrested for indecent exposure. Time to comply.

  I lunged for a door handle as teenagers drew closer. I had to escape their prying eyes.

  The door was marked ‘Janitor’ and luckily, it was unlocked. I crept inside before giving anyone a peek at my backside.

  The perfect escape.

  The janitor’s modest living quarters had a cot, wood table, sink, and fridge. It was simple, but well kept.

  A clean jumpsuit hung from a hook in the wall. I snatched it and got dressed, my nervous system settling.

  “Score.” As I closed the zipper, the door opened. I raced to put on a pair of men’s shoes that were two sizes too big.

  A male janitor pushed his cart inside the room. My stomach dropped when I saw his face.

  “Baxter?” I gave Pops a bear hug. “It’s so good to see you. I need a friend right about now.”

  He looked much younger than the last time I saw him. No grey hairs hugging his round, jovial face. He looked fresher, healthier, like he had a good life still ahead of him.

  Baxter took a step back and pushed me away. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

  “Good one, Pops. So this is where you live and work these days? Not too shabby. No roommates eating your last can of corn.”

  I opened the fridge. It was nicely stocked.

  “Living the high life.” I took out a pint of strawberries, popped one in my mouth, and melted at the taste.

  My stomach grumbled with gratitude. “These must have cost a fortune.”

  “Ma’am, you need to leave.” Baxter grabbed my arm and led me toward the door.

  “Pops, it’s me. Jackie.”

  “I don’t know you, and I’m not your Pop. If you don’t leave, I’ll call campus security.” He grabbed a phone receiver mounted on the wall and dialed.

  “Whoa, where did you get that antique?” I snorted.

  Baxter dialed and spoke into the archaic device. “Yes, campus security?”

  The reality of the situation clicked in my foggy brain. This alternate timeline was in the past, before I was born. Of course Baxter wouldn’t remember me. I didn’t technically exist.

  But does he still know my mom?

  “Wait. Hang up the phone. This is a big misunderstanding. I can explain.”

  Baxter looked dubious.

  “Listen, I’m looking for Grace Claudi. Do you know her?”

  “Never mind, Joe. I’m good for now.” He hung up the phone and sized me up. “Are you part of Miss Claudi’s little science group?”

  “Yes, exactly. Where did you say I can find Grace?”

  “I didn’t.” Baxter looked at me, deadpan.

  This version of him was not yet on my team. I loved him still, with all my heart.

  I surveyed his young features, then noticed the Use By Date on the pint of strawberries. I was twenty-five years in the past from the reality I came from last, seven years before my birthdate.

  “Whoa. This is crazy…” I dropped the strawberries on the table, hyperventilating. I leaned my hands against the wood, lightheaded and unsteady.

  I’m not supposed to be here.

  “That’s it, I’m calling security again. Won’t take long for them to get here.”

  “No, no. I’m leaving. Sorry to barge in here and take your strawberries.” I threw another in my mouth to feed my growing anxiety.

  “You took my berries and my jumpsuit. Give my uniform back. Are those my boots?”

  “I’m kinda naked under this…” I gave Pops a quick hug and left before he could call the cops on me. I couldn’t afford another noncompliance situation like the one that got us shot in another lifetime.

  “Please don’t call security on me. Thanks, Baxter.” I closed the door behind me to prevent him from following.

  As always, I missed Pops dearly. But now wasn’t the time for a heartfelt reunion with a version of Baxter that didn’t remember me. I had to stay focused on the task at hand.

  “Okay, Baxter knew of Grace. She must be close. But where?” I mumbled to myself like a crazy person as I raced through the hall full of lingering students in coordinated preppy styles, each outfit styled with its own twist on the classic theme.

  “Baxter mentioned Grace was in a science club.” I followed that clue through the school, but got lost in a sea of rich kids wearing burgundy, white, black, and camel color clothes.

  Their social status was obvious from their impeccable uniform clothes, demeanor, even their clean smell.

  I ran my fingers through the red streak in my hair, self-conscious in my janitor jumpsuit. At least I wasn’t naked anymore.

  “Excuse me, can you tell me where the science wing is?” I asked a group of giggling girls in short pleated skirts.

  They ignored me and snickered at my expense, so I awkwardly shuffled away in my oversized boots.

  A group of boys wearing matching jerseys gathered in the hall. “Let’s grab a bite at the cafeteria,” one suggested.

  I slunk behind and followed them outside. Fresh air and food sounded nice.

  As I exited the building, the sun hit my face and bathed me in a blue glow from the shimmering Grid.

  Why is it blue? The Grid from my previous timelines was red.

  The afternoon air kissed my skin, infused with the faint scents of cut grass and blooming flowers.

  The school looked impressive; a red brick facade covered in ivy, manicured gardens, the perfect brochure of higher education for anyone who could afford it.

  A stone sign marked my location at the edge of the manicured lawn. Deep-cut letters were etched into a polished slab of granite, their grooves filled with gold leaf that caught the sunlight.

  Hampshire University.

  But even the rich kids of Hampshire University couldn’t escape the Grid. Its omnipresence made everything feel tarnished and oppressed, although the cobalt blue looked more regal than the scarlet red I was used to.

  Teenagers spread across the beautiful campus grounds; walking and riding bikes every which way. A group of jocks threw a football around while several girls cheered. Others read books under trees and laughed with their friends, all coordinated in their clean-cut clothes within the same color palette.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  I scanned the crowd for a familiar face.

  Where’s my mom? She has to be around here somewhere…

  Rubbing my temples, I sat on a bench under a tree. “Firestorm, can you hear me?”

  Still no response from my partner in crime.

  “I could really use your help, Firestorm. I hope you made it into the stream…” I bit my nails and scanned the crowd, eager to figure out this probability before it booted me out.

  A boy with thick black hair called out, “Yo, Grace. I don’t have all day.”

  My ears perked up, and I followed the sound of his voice.

  This guy looked like an adonis in his white polo shirt and khakis; fit, handsome, and, of course, rich. I recognized him and his blinged-out watch right away.

  A heavy weight sank in my chest.

  It was Feraz Tal, the biggest spoiled brat on the planet.

  In previous probabilities, he was a forty-year old wealthy Life Rite client who abused the immortality treatment to explore the Slipstream probabilities. Now he was a college student—still dripping in wealth and arrogance.

  How is he connected to Grace in this timeline?

  I followed his eye line. Only twenty feet from my bench, my mom walked toward Feraz.

  My breath caught in my throat.

  There she is.

  Grace looked so young in her burgundy Hampshire University sweatshirt, camel tweed skirt and matching purse, a black headband in her shiny blonde hair.

  I tightened my hands into fists and inched closer, hiding behind a tree to eavesdrop without being obvious.

  “Hey Feraz.” Grace gave him a peck on the cheek.

  “What took so long? Can’t you ever be on time? I’ve got important things to do.” Feraz clenched his jaw.

  Grace shrunk within herself. Dark circles hugged her eyes. Her fair skin was paler than usual. She looked tired, sick even.

  Firestorm’s voice reverberated in my skull. “That’s him. That’s the guy.”

  “Woah Firestorm, where are you?” I whispered.

  “Nearby. Don’t want to blow your cover. I’m glad you made it.”

  “Me too. It was a bumpy ride.”

  “You’ll become a Slipstream master yet.”

  I appreciated the compliment, but couldn’t hear Feraz and Grace’s conversation. Peeking around the tree, I tried to read their lips.

  Feraz told Grace, “I don’t care if you’re not feeling well. Stay on top of it. Is everything sorted with the spring break itinerary?”

  My mom mumbled something unintelligible. I strained to hear.

  “Who is this joker?” Firestorm asked.

  “Feraz is a filthy rich punk. I didn’t realize Grace knew him.”

  Firestorm replied, “He has access to the Life Rite serum in this probability stream.”

  I gasped. “How do you know?”

  “I saw him rebirth. Flipped his car over a cliff on purpose.”

  “Really? Geez. In the last timeline, he jumped from the sixth floor of the Life Rite lab. This guy’s ego is unbelievable.”

  Feraz handed a book to Grace. He looked around to make sure no one noticed, making it look like a shady drug deal.

  “Thanks, dear.” She went in for a kiss, but he snubbed her and left without saying goodbye. “Great. See you later, Feraz.” Grace walked into the school building, hugging the book tight to her chest.

  “Don’t lose her,” Firestorm demanded.

  I followed his direction and raced to catch up with Grace.

  “He’s a snake.” Firestorm’s voice was laced with rage and jealousy.

  “He has great hair, though,” I whispered. “She’s clearly into him…”

  “Never mind that. Jackie, you have to get Grace on our side in this timeline.”

  “How am I supposed to do that?”

  “You’ll figure it out. We need someone on the inside to help enact change.”

  “How long can we stay in this probability?” I pulled open the heavy door of the university, re-entering the vaulted hallway. A gust of air conditioning gave me shivers.

  “A couple of days?” Firestorm guessed. “It depends on the strength of your mind, so move fast.”

  “With my conviction, I’ll be kicked out by dinner.” I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.

  “Remember, you’re a Slipstream master in the making.” Firestorm made a good cheerleader.

  The school halls continued to empty as rich kids scattered on their way to class.

  “Where’d she go?” I craned my neck to find Grace, who had scurried off amongst the throngs of students. “Everyone is practically dressed the same.”

  Firestorm didn’t answer, so I looked around for the girl with blonde hair and a black headband, meandering through Hampshire University, avoiding nasty stares and sneers.

  I tugged on my janitor jumpsuit, heat crawling up my neck as the awareness of how out of place I looked pressed down on me like a spotlight I couldn’t escape.

  Down the hall, a sign on the wall read ‘Science Wing.’ Baxter said Grace was in a science club, so I opened each door, one by one.

  “Sorry, wrong class,” I told one teacher after another when a quick scan of each room didn’t reveal my mom.

  She’s got to be around here somewhere.

  At the end of the science wing, I opened a door marked ‘Laboratory.’

  Bingo.

  Grace sat alone in the room, at the last stainless steel table in a long row of stations, with her back to me.

  “Hello?” My voice quivered.

  “Room’s booked.” She fumbled with an object like she was hiding something.

  “Hey, are you Grace Claudi?” I stepped inside, letting the door click behind me.

  Of course I knew it was her, but I couldn’t think of anything better to say. I don’t do well on the fly.

  “Yeah, I’m Grace. Who are you?” She turned to me. Her dark undereye circles were miraculously gone. She looked fresh and well-rested, vibrant even. A sharp contrast to the way she looked outside moments ago.

  Is the fluorescent lighting that good?

  I waved. “Hey I’m Jackie. Have we met before? You look familiar.”

  Grace pointed at my shabby janitor jumpsuit. “Do you work with Baxter?”

  “Yes. Baxter’s my Pops.” Butterflies stirred in my stomach with each step I took, closing the gap between us.

  Grace raised her eyebrows. “Really? I didn’t know Baxter had a daughter.”

  “I’m… just visiting. My luggage didn’t arrive, so I’m rocking the janitor look today.” I stopped at Grace’s table and struck a pose like a super model.

  Luckily, my mom laughed. “How fashionable. So what brings you to the lab?”

  “I thought I’d check out your science club.” I shrugged, trying to play it cool.

  “Science club? What are you, twelve?” Grace rolled her eyes.

  “Baxter mentioned it to me. He thought we’d have a lot in common. I’m a bit of a science geek myself. Can I join you?”

  Grace held the book Feraz gave her close to her chest. “I’m surprised Baxter would mention it. It’s a private thing.”

  “Trust is the glue that holds families together.”

  Grace softened. “What’s your name again?”

  “Jackie.” I wondered if she noticed our similar features. She and I looked related, of course. We were mother and daughter, but oddly the same age.

  “I like that name.”

  “Thanks.” I pointed to her book, a vintage copy of Frankenstein. “Hey, I have that one. Same edition and everything.”

  Grace’s eyes lit up. She spoke fast, like she was on an upper. “Really? It’s my favorite. I’ve read it a million times. I hate how modern versions drop the subtitle, The Modern Prometheus. Like the Greek god, punished for giving man the knowledge of fire. Prometheus was chained to a rock for the rest of eternity. Every day a vulture ate his liver, just to regenerate and do it all over the next day. Can you imagine?”

  “Oddly, I can relate.” I stepped closer. “It’s like, every day we wake up just to go through the same struggles as the day before.”

  Grace got a faraway look in her eyes. “Playing the role everyone expects from us.”

  “Exactly.” I sat next to her.

  She moved her chair back, squinting her eyes, examining me.

  I ran my hand through the red streak in my dark blue hair.

  “Cool hair by the way,” Grace said.

  “Thanks. It’s natural.”

  “Really?” She raised her eyebrows. “Wow. Baxter’s got good genes.”

  “Thanks.” I blushed.

  “My science club isn’t open to new members, but I can give you something nicer to wear until your suitcase arrives,” she offered.

  “That’d be awesome.” A warm sensation swept through my body as I exhaled, my muscles relaxing.

  “My apartment’s not too far away.” Grace gathered her things, stuffing the Frankenstein book into her designer purse.

  Like a lost puppy, I followed her out of the lab, through the grand hallways of Hampshire University, and outside. We walked across the elegant campus, over to Grace’s dorm room.

  “So you’re into science?” I asked. “What are you studying?”

  Grace spoke with enthusiasm. “Ecology. After I graduate, my father will let me run the Life Rite Institute.”

  “Never heard of it. What does the Institute do?” I played dumb, although I never found out what the Institute did exactly. Asking innocent questions was the perfect way to gather information about this timeline.

  “They’re studying the Grid over at the Institute. I’m fascinated by it. Why aren’t more people asking the big questions like, why is the Grid there and what does it do?” Grace walked across a red stone pathway, taking long, confident strides.

  “Have they found anything? What is it made of? Why is it blue? Why not red, you know? We know so little about it.” I picked up the pace to keep up.

  Grace grabbed my arm. “Yes. See, you get it.”

  I repeated an old wife’s tale to test Grace’s reaction. “I heard the Grid was made of rubies…or diamonds.”

  “My dad wishes, but whatever it is, it’s worth knowing. That’s how I convinced him to start the Institute. He believes in human progress.”

  “Impressive.”

  “Father invented the Universal DNA Identifier, but once I’m in charge of the Institute, I’ll blow his accomplishments out of the water.”

  “No doubt. Will you tell me what you find out about the Grid?”

  “I plan to publish papers so everyone will have access to whatever we find, no matter what the answer may be. Everyone deserves to know the truth.”

  “We sure do.” I looked at the blue laser Grid covering the sky, wondering why and how the color had changed.

  Grace kicked a stone as she walked. “If people even care, that is. Everyone seems oblivious, like they have blinders on to life’s greatest mysteries.”

  I shrugged. “Most people are struggling to survive, so they don’t have time to stop and ponder anything but how they're gonna pay rent.”

  She tensed. “Of course. What I meant was… When I said my dad is going to let me run the Institute… He’ll give me an entry level position after graduation. I’ll earn every promotion. He’s not going to hand it to me. I’m going to have to work hard, just like anyone else.”

  “Of course, I didn’t mean to imply….” I bit my lip, needing to meet Grace where she was in this timeline. Privileged, but with good intentions, from the sound of it.

  “I’m so passionate about investigating the Grid, so yeah, I’m confident I’ll be running that place someday.”

  “Like a boss. Good for you, Grace.”

  She smiled at my encouragement. “Thanks, Jackie. Here’s my place.”

  We bound up a winding staircase covered in ivy. Grace unlocked her dorm and ushered me in.

  The living room with adjoining kitchen looked like a sales catalogue. Every throw pillow was perfectly placed, draped in curated, neutral colors of beige, cream, and warm grays that accentuated the dark wood floors.

  “Wow, nice digs.”

  Grace dropped her purse on the plush sofa. “Let’s get you out of that wretched uniform. No offense to Baxter, but it’s not a good look.”

  I followed Grace into her bedroom that completed the floorplan. Her four-poster bed held more pillows than the sofa.

  “I appreciate your help. It’s kind of you.”

  She waved off the compliment. “Don’t mention it. I’ve been meaning to purge my wardrobe, anyway. The Grid is my first passion, but shopping is my second.”

  As Grace dug through her closet, I noticed a pile of burned clothes on top of a hamper. “What happened to these?”

  “Science experiments gone wrong.” Grace threw me a white T-shirt with Hampshire University scrawled in large burgundy letters and blue jeans. “Try these.”

  “Thanks. Hey, can I borrow some underwear too? Sorry if that’s weird.”

  We laughed, and she threw me a pair.

  “Keep ‘em. Do you need socks and shoes too? Those dusty boots have to go.” She shuddered. “How do you walk in those? They’re way too big for you.”

  “Yes, please. Although I enjoy walking like Frankenstein.” I put my arms out and walked like a zombie, which scored another laugh.

  Grace grabbed socks and white, leather sneakers for me, too. She turned to give me privacy.

  “Seriously, this is too kind.” I dressed quickly, but the jeans were too short.

  Grace turned and shook her head. “That won’t do. Any friend of mine needs to look good. Stephanie will be so jealous I didn’t invite her to hang with us. Let me see what else I’ve got.”

  Hearing her call me a friend made me smile. I was on the right track, off to the races. Surely I’d heal this probability and be on to the next one in no time, right?

  Grace had a ton of clothes and jewelry. Her shoes and purses took up an entire section of her opulent closet.

  I caressed a silk gown hanging from a wood hanger. The beauty of nice things used to make me drool. After living like a Claudi in my previous timeline, their luster no longer had the same effect because I knew the true cost. It’s one thing to have nice things, but another to have endless desires and expectations attached to them.

  Grace searched through a pile of folded pants on the top shelf. An overweight box shuffled and fell, smacking her on the way down.

  “Ah,” she cried, clutching her head.

  “Mom! Are you okay?”

  The box gashed Grace’s forehead. A trail of blood streamed down her face, splattering onto her burgundy sweatshirt.

  She winced and doubled over, burying her head in her hands. “What did you call me?”

  “What? Nothing? Let’s get you to the hospital. It’s gushing.”

  “No, I’m sure it’s fine.” She took her Hampshire University sweatshirt off, revealing a white cami underneath. She threw the bloody sweatshirt on top of the burned clothes on the hamper and entered the adjoining bathroom.

  I slid on another pair of pants and crept toward the bathroom door, which she left open a crack.

  Grace’s reflection in the mirror took me by surprise. The blood on her face caught on fire. Her cut healed instantly.

  “She’s a Phoenix Gene Carrier,” I whispered with a gasp as my adrenaline spiked.

  Grace turned around and found me spying. “What did you say?”

  “What do you know about the Phoenix Gene?” I asked, heart pounding in my throat.

  She shook her head. “What’s that? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  My mouth ran dry. “But you healed yourself?”

  “No, I didn’t.” Grace crossed her arms and nodded toward the front door. “Maybe you should go. Keep the clothes as long as you need.”

  “I thought we were going to hang. Make Stephanie jealous?”

  She brushed past me, leaving me on the threshold of her bathroom and bedroom. “It’s nap time. I skipped Poly Sci cause I’ve had awful cramps all day.”

  “Yeah, but…”

  “Thanks for stopping by.” Grace moved to her closet, grabbed a long-sleeved, lace black shirt, and slipped it on over her cami.

  I needed Grace to let me into her life. We already felt like fast friends, but real trust takes time.

  What can I say without scaring her off?

  “If you trust Baxter, you can trust me, too.” My voice wavered as I eked out a crooked smile.

  “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” My mom glared out of the corner of her eyes as she marched to the front door, eager to kick me out.

  My throat tightened as I forced down a hard gulp, my fingers twitching with restless energy.

  How can I convince her to tell me all her deep, dark secrets before the timeline spirals into destruction?