Unsettling Reunion
It's been a month since Silver and Charlie went back in time. The Miller family has noticed that Silver has changed. She's now cautious around both familiar and unfamiliar people. Her mother is worried and talked to her husband about it. He suggested giving Silver some space and letting her open up when she's ready.
Silver works as a fashion designer under her mother's guidance. When her mother retires, Silver will take over her job, while her older sister, Parel, will handle their father's business.
Spring is just a week away, and Silver and her mother have been busy preparing a spring collection for release. The work has kept Silver occupied, and she's been trying to track down their killer. She's been having nightmares and remembering bits of the past, possibly because they were killed during spring.
Silver's relationship with Charlie is going well. They've been going on many small dates to get to know each other better and search for clues. Charlie has also been busy with work recently.
Today, Parel is introducing her boyfriend to the family for the first time. This also happened in their past lives, but Silver doesn't remember it. She has a bad feeling about it.
''How do I look?'' Mrs. Miller asked. She was wearing a light pink blouse and a black pencil skirt, paired with pearl earrings and a matching necklace. Her golden hair was styled in loose waves, and she wore her gold wedding ring.
''You look beautiful, dear,'' Father Miller said, kissing his wife. He was wearing a dark gray suit with a light blue tie, and his brown hair was neatly combed. His green eyes looked warm and kind as he gazed at her.
''Mom, Dad, please go to your room. I'm still not an adult,'' Ruby said, hiding her face in her tiny hands. Silver looked lovingly at her little sister, who was dressed like a princess in a pale pink dress. Ruby's curly golden hair was styled in a half-updo, and she wore small, matching pink shoes.
''I promise, little sister, I will never let them hurt you again.'' Silver turned back to her room. She looked at herself in the mirror on her dressing table. She was wearing a knee-length emerald green dress with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt. Her hair was styled in loose curls, and she completed her look with delicate silver earrings, a matching necklace, and a bracelet.
''Dad, Mom, he'll be here in two minutes. Get ready!'' Parel called out as she walked into Silver's room. She was dressed in a midnight blue dress with a sweetheart neckline and short sleeves. Her curly brown hair was styled in a sleek low bun, and she wore gold jewelry—earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet. Her brown eyes were shining with excitement.
''Silver, can I borrow your red lipstick? Mine's dried out,'' Parel asked. Silver pointed to her dressing table while scrolling through her phone. She saw a photo of Charlie in his office with a ''good luck'' message. She smiled, typed a thank you, and sent a selfie back to him.
''You look beautiful,'' Charlie's reply said. Silver smiled and responded, ''Thank you! And you look handsome too.''
''Why are you smiling? Who are you chatting with?'' Parel asked.
''No one, just saw a cute picture,'' Silver replied.
''What is it? Let me see,'' Parel said.
''Sorry, it's private,'' Silver said, hiding her phone behind her back.
''Since when did you become so secretive? Introduce him to us soon, and thanks for the lipstick,'' Parel said before leaving to greet their guest.
Silver felt embarrassed and hid her face in her hands. Her sister knew they were talking about a man.
''Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Miller,'' a deep male voice greeted her parents as Silver approached them.
''Don't be so formal, Jayden,'' Mrs. Miller said, hugging him. Jayden turned around, and Silver froze when she recognized him. Terrifying memories from her past flooded her mind. She remembered everything.
''I hope you won't disappoint us. My daughter has praised you a lot,'' Mr. Miller said, shaking Jayden's hand.
''I won't disappoint you, sir,'' Jayden said, and Father Miller nodded in approval.
''This is Ruby, our youngest daughter,'' Mrs. Miller introduced Ruby, who looked at Jayden with wide eyes. He smiled at her. No, don't look at her! Silver thought, remembering what he had done to Ruby.
''Do you love my big sister?'' Ruby asked Jayden.
''Of course, I do. I love her a lot,'' Jayden replied sincerely.
Silver watched this exchange with a mix of anger and distrust. She knew Jayden was the one who had hurt her family, so even though he spoke with genuine affection, she struggled to believe him. She clenched her jaw to hide her true feelings and tried to stay composed.
''Is that alright, sweetie?'' Ruby gave an approving nod to her mother but felt uneasy about Jayden, though she couldn't say why.
''This is our second daughter, Silver,'' her father said, introducing Jayden. When Jayden looked at Silver, she was overwhelmed by a wave of fear. The man's cold, empty laughter from her past echoed in her mind, bringing back memories of that night.
''Hi, Silver. I'm Jayden Nellon,'' Jayden said, extending his hand. He had dark blue hair and gray eyes, and wore a friendly smile with dimples. He waited for her to shake his hand.
''Silver?'' her sister Parel called out, noticing her reaction. ''Sorry, she isn't good with strangers. She'll warm up to you once she gets to know you.'' Silver shook hands with their killer.
During dinner, Jayden noticed Silver was tense and kept glaring at him. He thought she was more his type than her sister, but unfortunately, she shared the same blood as the Millers, whom he hated.
Once their guest left at 8:30 PM, the family began cleaning up. Silver felt relieved when Jayden walked out, but her anxiety remained because she knew he was a threat. By 9:00 PM, the house was quiet. Anxious, Silver called Charlie and asked him to meet her at a nearby bar. She changed into a simple black dress and black flats, took one last look around, and drove away in her dark blue sedan.
Charlie arrived at the bar and saw Silver sitting by the counter. The bar had a relaxed vibe with dim lighting, wooden tables, and a few patrons. Silver's curly hair was down, and she had minimal makeup with a touch of red lipstick.
Charlie smiled as he approached her, but his smile faded when he saw a man heading toward her.
''Excuse me, pretty lady, may I keep you company?'' the man asked with a creepy smile. Before Silver could answer, a deep, angry voice from behind her said:
''No! She doesn't need your company. Get out!'' Charlie stepped forward, trying to stay calm.
''Who are you? Her boyfriend?'' the man frowned at Charlie.
''Yes, I'm her boyfriend. Now leave!'' The man walked away, looking angry.
''Silver, are you okay?'' Charlie sat next to her, noticing how pale she looked.
''He's here,'' Silver said softly.
''Who?'' Charlie looked around but didn't spot anyone unusual.
''The killer. The one who murdered my family and me. We saw him earlier today,'' Silver replied, her voice shaking. She looked scared, and her eyes showed her fear.