Chapter LX: Fragments and Pieces
Liz drifts into slumber once again, her mind slipping into the realm of dreams. In the dream, she finds herself standing in a familiar room, one she has come to associate with warmth and security—Bennett's room. The dim glow of the desk lamp casts soft shadows on the walls, and the scent of old books mixed with the faint traces of cologne lingers in the air. Bennett sits on his chair, his fingers flipping through the pages of an old, leather-bound book.
"Bennett," Liz calls out, stepping closer. "What should I do tomorrow?"
Bennett glances up, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Calm down, Liz. There's plenty of time. You need to stay composed."
Liz tilts her head in confusion. "But there's so much happening. I don't even know what to focus on."
Bennett leans back against his chair, tapping a finger against the book. "Adrian has things under control. He's already freed some students from the old admin building."
Liz's eyes widen in shock. "Students were being held captive there?"
Bennett nods, his expression darkening. "Yes. And while I'm still here in the old chapel, I can see everything happening elsewhere. It's all connected, Liz."
Liz feels a chill run down her spine. "How many were there? Are they safe now?"
"Adrian will explain everything to you tomorrow night. That's when we'll execute the plan," Bennett reassures her.
Liz bites her lip, anxiety creeping in. "Tomorrow night… but that's when the pageant is happening."
Bennett nods again. "Exactly. It's the perfect distraction. And Adrian won't be the only one rescuing me."
Liz blinks, confused. "What do you mean?"
Bennett meets her gaze, his expression serious. "You and Wyn will help him."
Liz's breath catches in her throat. "W-what? Me and Wyn? But I don't—"
Before she can finish, Bennett raises his hand and snaps his fingers. The room around them melts away in an instant, replaced by the bustling sounds of a fast-food restaurant. The golden arches of McRonald's loom above them, and the scent of fried chicken and freshly grilled burgers fills the air.
Liz stares in bewilderment as she finds herself sitting across from Bennett in a booth. A tray with two strawberry flurries and two burger steak meals sits between them. Bennett picks up his spoon, dipping it into the flurry before taking a bite.
"Eat," he says simply. "You need to relax."
Liz hesitantly picks up her fork and starts to eat, her mind still reeling from the sudden shift in scenery. "Bennett… why are we here?"
"Because you need a break," he replies. "You're overthinking everything. I need you to be calm tomorrow."
Liz sighs, stirring her flurry absentmindedly. "I just… I don't know if I'm ready."
Bennett reaches across the table and places a reassuring hand over hers. "You are. You just don't see it yet."
Liz looks up at him, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "And if something goes wrong?"
Bennett's expression remains steady. "Then we adjust. But you won't be alone, Liz. You never were."
She swallows the lump forming in her throat. A sudden wave of nostalgia washes over her as she glances around the restaurant. There's something oddly familiar about it, something that tugs at the edges of her memory.
Her eyes land on a particular table near the window. A boy and a girl sit there, laughing over their meals. The boy has messy dark hair, his grin wide and carefree. The girl, with her ponytail swinging behind her, playfully pokes at his cheek.
Liz's breath catches in her throat. She knows them.
"Bennett…" she whispers, her gaze locked on the scene unfolding before her. "That's…"
Bennett follows her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Yes. That's us."
Liz's heart pounds against her chest. She watches as the younger versions of themselves continue laughing, completely lost in their own world. It's a memory—one she had long buried, one she thought she had forgotten.
A flood of emotions rushes through her, overwhelming and bittersweet. She remembers that day now. It was one of their happiest moments together, a day untouched by the darkness that now loomed over them.
Tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "Why are you showing me this?"
Bennett finally looks at her, his gaze filled with something deep and profound. "Because I need you to remember, Liz."
Liz swallows hard. "Remember what?"
"That no matter what happens… no matter how hard things get… we were always meant to find each other."
The words settle deep within her, resonating with something unspoken inside her heart. She clenches her fists, determination sparking in her chest.
Bennett leans back, his usual smirk returning. "Now, finish your meal. You'll need the energy for tomorrow."
Liz lets out a shaky breath before nodding. "Alright."
Liz picks up her spoon and takes a bite of her flurry, the sweetness melting on her tongue. The creamy texture soothes her nerves, yet before she can savor it fully, Bennett snaps his fingers. In an instant, everything shifts.
Liz blinks. They are still in the same place. The food remains in front of them, untouched, as if time has rewound itself. She looks around, confused.
"Wait, what did you do?" Liz asks, narrowing her eyes at Bennett.
"Did you know why it is important to rewind memories?" Bennett responds with a knowing smile.
Liz shakes her head, unsure of where this is going.
"Well... check this out." Bennett gestures toward the entrance.
They both remain seated at the table as a guy wearing a red t-shirt walks through the door. Liz tilts her head slightly.
"Oh, it's just your younger self," she says, unimpressed.
"Hold on to that thought," Bennett replies, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them.
As the younger Bennett steps inside the restaurant, he looks around as if searching for someone. A voice calls out, "Over here, bro!"
Liz instinctively turns her head in that direction, and her breath catches in her throat. Her younger self sits at a nearby table, wearing a black dress with a white collar. She is accompanied by her grandmother and a friend—a girl she almost forgot about.
Liz watches, her heart pounding.
"Yes, indeed," Bennett confirms her thoughts.
Liz remembers now—this was their very first hangout. A wave of nostalgia crashes over her, and she feels the sting of unshed tears.
Suddenly, they are no longer in the restaurant. The scene shifts to Calle Escolta, where their younger selves walk together. Liz watches as they enter La Casa Blanca, the elegant hotel where they once shared stories and laughter.
Another snap, and they are at Plaza de Regalos. Their younger selves explore the bustling marketplace, excitement glimmering in their eyes.
Snap.
They are still in Plaza de Regalos, but now on the second floor, where the metal bridge and benches provide a quiet retreat. The younger Liz and Bennett sit together, deep in conversation.
"You know, bro, let's do this soon again," Younger Liz says.
"Yes, indeed," Younger Bennett replies with a grin.
Liz smiles, eyes misty. "I almost forgot that part."
With one final snap, they are back in Bennett's room. Liz turns to him, overwhelmed with emotion.
"You know why I'm showing you this?" Bennett asks softly. "It's because I love you."
Liz swallows the lump in her throat, her heart aching.
Bennett continues, "Back then, it was so hard to make you see the good in things. You never listened to me, but I never gave up. I prayed to God for a miracle—to bring back the Liz I knew. And He answered. Even though I'm trapped in the old chapel, I'm always with you. These memories aren't just fragments of the past; they are treasures. And that treasure, Liz, is you. The real you. The one I have always loved."
Tears spill down Liz's cheeks as she throws her arms around Bennett, pressing her lips to his. He kisses her back, holding her close as if he never wants to let go.
After a moment, Bennett pulls back slightly and says, "Tomorrow is the opportunity. Adrian will contact you. And I almost forgot... take these."
He hands her a set of black overalls along with extra incense, a crucifix, a rosary, holy water, and palm oil. Liz takes them, her fingers trembling slightly.
"Good luck," Bennett whispers. "Stay safe, find me, Liz. I love you. Now, rise and shine, my love."
With those final words, the dream fades.
Liz's eyes fly open, her breathing uneven. She glances down at her hands, and her heart nearly stops.
She is holding the black overalls, the incense, the crucifix, the rosary, the holy water, and the palm oil.
The dream was real.