On The Count of Three

part 5

The next morning, she opened her eyes to find Tristan sleeping soundly next to her. For the first time in over two years, she had gotten a full night's sleep.

His presence had calmed all her nerves, and she felt rejuvenated. Studying his face, Twila held her breath. He looked so serene. Like one of the angels that the church had told her about.

He deserved to get back to his home among the stars. She ignored the painful way her stomach turned at the thought. It wouldn't be fair to keep him stranded here in this god-forsaken place. No matter how much saying goodbye would crush her.

Without a sound, she moved away from the bed and tiptoed to her workroom. It would only be more painful if she procrastinated. Everything was still a mess. With a string from her work table, she tied her hair on top of her head. 

Right... the gramophone. She was relieved to find that it was still in one piece. During the night, she had conducted a theory that in order to get Tristan home, she had to do everything she did before, but in reverse. It was a fairly simple theory, and it was her best bet for now.

Her hands worked on their own, allowing Twila to turn off her mind. She wondered if Tristan would miss her when he returned home. There was no doubt that she would miss him. Perhaps he could come visit once in awhile? The thought almost made her laugh.

Deep in thought, she didn't notice him come in before he stood next to her.

"Making progress?" he asked.

She was afraid that he could see her thoughts. Was it showing on her face? Realising that she still hadn't answered, she nodded.

"I think so," she said. "Just a bit more... Can you get the flamer for me? Over there on the table?"

Tristan walked over and searched through the mess. "Do you mean this lighter?" He held up her flamer.

"Yes, exactly." She smiled as he threw it to her. "You have weird names for things, don't you?"

He shrugged. "It gives light. And you light it up."

"But..." Twila frowned. "It's a flame. So flamer makes more sense."

"Let's agree to disagree." He chuckled.

In response, she rolled her eyes. That was such a cop-out reply.

"So..." He ran a hand through his hair.

"So, what?" she urged when he didn't continue.

"Do you think this will get me home in time for breakfast?" As if on cue, his stomach rumbled. He gave her a sheepish smile.

She laughed nervously. "I'm almost finished. Right... now." Stepping back, she surveyed the communicator.

Both of them stared at the device.

"What do I do now?" Tristan asked.

Twila didn't want to meet his eyes. "I just need a small sample of your blood."

"Eh?" He took a step back. "That sounds extremely unpleasant."

She grabbed the vial, preparing to give him a single drop. "This blend, it will thin your blood enough to power the device. I used mine to get you here, so it makes sense that to get you home, we'd need your blood."

Tristan didn't look convinced. "Will it hurt?"

"It's just a needle prick in your finger." She smiled, hoping it looked encouraging.

Hesitantly, he walked over and offered his hand. 

Raising the vial, Twila shook her head. "This first."

Without objection, Tristan opened his mouth and allowed her to give him a single drop. Before he even closed his mouth, she had already pricked his finger, and held it above the small compartment.

Sealing it once more, she clasped her hands together. "Just three clicks more now."

Tristan didn't say anything, and finally she looked up to meet his eyes. Once again, she felt her heart skip a beat, and an unexplainable sadness threatened to overwhelm her when she realised that he would be gone on the count of three.

"Twila..." he began.

"Yes?" Now, her heart was racing. Please, don't go, she pleaded silently.

"It was a pleasure to meet you," he said, and then he flicked the switch.

One... She counted along in her head.

"You too," she whispered. Her eyes were wide; she didn't want to miss a second of him.

He turned towards her abruptly. "You could come," he said.

"What?" Twila's eyes widened.

"Come with me... to my home." He looked sincere.

"I... I can't..."

"Why not?" He extended his hand. "I'll keep you safe."

She stared at his hand. Why couldn't she go? He was offering her an opportunity to study the stars. To fight her loneliness together.

He flicked the switch one more time.

Two...

A flash of panic spread throughout her body. Could she really leave everything behind? Granted, there wasn't much left for her here, but everything about Tristan was so... unknown, and yet, so familiar at the same time.

"Last chance." He smiled as if he already knew her answer. And then she realised: he probably did.

Before she could argue against herself, she took his hand and smiled.

"Okay," she said. "Take me out of this world."

He grinned at her as he pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist. Then he flicked the switch for the third and final time.

Three...

The end.