05 Nov Back at the Studio

Back at the Studio

With most of their work completed, they had a few hours to spare and the entire studio to themselves. Angel asked if they could take photos with the Totem.

“Ah, oui, I will have Réne photograph us,” Aurora replied excitedly.

Tom sat at the far end of the room, watching the two of them. They laughed, talked, and whispered to each other, acting like they were back in university again.

Tom felt grateful for these past few days, for Angel to have this time rekindling her old friendship. It had been a while since he’d seen her this genuinely carefree and happy.

Angel was a little alienated back in the US, something Tom felt partially responsible for. But now he was happy his occupation could finally bring something positive, for her and for them both, as this trip was giving their relationship a boost.

But, like a dark cloud, Tom’s thoughts returned back to Marco.

Something felt off. He knew it was just a chance meeting, who would’ve guessed she run into an old boyfriend in Paris. But now his intuition was ringing.

He wasn’t the jealous type. But being in this city, and having a great week connecting with Angel stirred something inside of him.

Tom knew he shouldn’t do it, but while the girls were distracted, he accessed the Totem, directing it to focus on their thoughts.

He caught glimpses of memories from university: dorm rooms, exams, parties, and then… Angel and Marco. The visions swirled in her mind as she conversed with Aurora. Tom felt guilty for invading her privacy, but it was too late; the visions were coming in.

Yes, the relationship was brief, but it was also very physical. Tom instantly regretted it, jealousy deepening inside his stomach now. He was awash in emotional turmoil. He was putting the mission in jeopardy by making himself unfit to clear his mind for tomorrow, worse than that, because he was synced with the Totem, the intense rush of feelings may shut it down.

And it did.

~CJ~