Chapter 4: A New Friend

The night retreated as Scarlett walked away, her footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet of the night. Felix watched her departure, a satisfied grin on his face. A blend of excitement and uncertainty settled within him, for the rain had woven a connection between them, yet only fate could decide its ultimate course.

He was undeniably tall, young, and handsome, his physique marked by a slight muscular build and a sharp jawline. Yet, she questioned the appropriateness of her thoughts. After all, their meeting had been short-lived. The feeling was pleasant, but Scarlett hesitated to entertain thoughts of love.

The shadow of her mother's pain haunted her, a reminder of the potential heartache love could bring. The fear of falling in love gripped her heart, securing her in uncertainty.

The next morning dawned, and Scarlett greeted her alternate self, Charlotte, with a cheerful, "Good Morning 2.0!"

"Good morning! Did you sleep well? I heard you come in late, but I was too tired to get out of bed," Charlotte replied, her tone laced with sleepiness.

"I couldn't get a cab, and it was pouring like hell. I shared a café awning with the random guy and he gave me an umbrella just in case," Scarlett explained.

"But don't you have to return that?" Charlotte inquired, concern flickering in her eyes.

"Yeah, wait—OH GOD, I TOTALLY—"

Before Scarlett could finish her sentence, the doorbell rang. Charlotte hurried to answer it, and to Scarlett's surprise, Felix walked in and settled on the sofa.

"Why did you come here early in the morning?" Charlotte demanded, clearly puzzled.

"For my umbrella," Felix replied, his voice deep and resonant.

"What umb—wait! SCARLETT, COULD YOU COME HERE QUICK!!" Charlotte exclaimed.

"Hey…" Scarlett began, entering the room, her expression a mix of curiosity and surprise.

"OH GOD! WAIT, HOW ARE THERE TWO OF YOU!?" Felix blurted out, his shock real.

Charlotte quickly explained the situation, revealing Scarlett's origin from another universe. Felix, stunned, bombarded Scarlett with a burst of questions. Despite his rapid inquiries, Scarlett remained calm, smiling softly in response.

They sat down for breakfast together, Felix's jokes and inquiries filling the room.

Amidst the laughter and conversation, Scarlett observed the close bond between Charlotte and Felix. Their connection seemed perfect, leaving Scarlett with a mixture of admiration and envy. Although she wished for a similarly deep connection, she couldn't shake the fear of nonexistence, fearing she might not fit into their perfect friendship.

Despite these insecurities, Scarlett held a silent hope in her heart—a hope for a bond that would withstand time and trials, a hope for acceptance and belonging.