Diary of a Dorkette: Miss M Presents: Time Heals All Wounds... Part 3

Dear Diary,

Everything can change in an instant. Just a couple days ago I was dealing with papers for my courses and dreading the anniversary of losing my dad, and now I am on the run from a telepath with my uncle and best friend, finally face to face with my mom. Who I haven't seen in like years. With my fairy godmother, who I just assumed had passed on because it had been even longer since I saw her. What does this all mean? Is it truly possible that I will be able to save my dad?

-Yvie

Miss M: I know you have a lot of questions, and I truly wanted to share all of this with you in better circumstances.

Yvie: You mean when we're not being followed by some agent with telepathic powers and a chic bald head?

Miss M: Something like that.

Miss M: Listen, I know I have done a bang up job raising you. I've been gone for years, but please let me explain. It won't absolve me of anything, but well Yvie, this is just not how I wanted things to go. When we lost your dad, it was devastating for the both of us. And, as an adult, I knew I'd find a way to be ok, but I have never been able to escape the trauma you witnessed.

Yvie: That's nice and all, but I could have really used my mom. I have not even heard from you, not a text, email, nothing.

Miss M: I know. Please just hear me out, try to understand. It may not seem like it, but I have done all of this for you. My absence. Everything. Crap. This is just not how I wanted to share everything with you.

Yvie: What are you talking about?

Miss M: I've been getting letters from the Baroness for years, trying to find an audience with me to help exonerate her and, well you know because she started reaching out to you too. But then I learned about the Time Seed, and I had this idea, that maybe there could be a way to go back, but not just based on your powers and this Time Seed hopefully acting as a harness for your powers, but something more. To really make sure this could work.

Yvie: Ok... So you've been managing all of this behind the scenes, for what? Years now? You missed my graduation. And birthdays. And holidays. Nights when I couldn't sleep and needed someone to talk to.

Layla: Lots of nights. But my mom and I were there to help.

Yvie: Yeah, Glo was more of a mom to me these past years than you ever were.

Miss M: (in sorrow) I know. I understand. But Yvie, I wasn't off eating bonbons in a chalet with the Housewives of Salt Lake City. I was finding a way to help you save your dad. Can you please try to hold space for that? Two things can be true at once, I can be a shit mother that wasn't there for you because I was out there doing the best I could to potentially take back all of this trauma.

Yvie: That's not up to you though.

Miss M: No, it isn't. But I'm your mom. My job has always been to make sure you are ok. I stand by these actions. I realize if this was going to work, I'd need the help of magic, so I spent a long time trying to track down Maleficent. Once I found her and explained, she knew what we would need, the special ingredients to create an Emerald Flame that will aid you in correcting the past, should you decide to do this. We've been all over the world, risking our lives so that you could be presented with this moment. This is not how I wanted to share this with you, but I didn't think we'd be dealing with Agent Eleven.

Yvie: So, I'm just supposed to ignore all my hurt and just thank you? Do you have any idea what this is like for me?

Maleficent: Oh enough with this. Your generation whines far too much. Do you have any idea what your mother is telling you? We are handing you the keys to supporting your ability to time travel and right the wrongs that you went through as a child. Not that it will be without sacrifice, but look at it this way, you'll be reunited with your dad more than likely and this troll of a mother before you will be a distant memory.

Uncle Mike: I don't think that is helping.

Maleficent: Eh. I tried.

Yvie: So it's true? This could mean I never see you again?

Miss M: We don't know all the details, because this is something that has never happened before. But yes, if you decide to leave, whatever happens, it's a strong possibility that this reality will not be the one you return to.

Yvie: You'd do all this, knowing you might not see me again?

Miss M: Sometimes life involves sacrifice.

Yvie: But you could be sending me off to a fate worse than this. I mean, is it all worth it?

Miss M: I don't know. Is it? You're an adult. This is a decision I can't make for you, it involves risk. You've done this before, with some unpredictability of course, but this time there will be more control than before. I'm wanting to share what I know, what I have helped to piece together, but the decision is all yours.

Yvie: (pauses for a moment) I'll do it.

Layla: What?!

Layla: You're just going to leave? Look, you might have issues with your mom, but what about me? You'd just go, knowing we might not see each other again?

Yvie: Layla, we're talking about my dad. You heard my mom, I might be able to save him. That allure is too strong for me. I may not like her actions and how this all went down, but, how could I not do this?

Layla: You could literally get stuck in a hell dimension or zombie timeline or something. You're just willing to risk everything for this one possibility?

Yvie: I don't think wherever I'd end up would be hell or a zombie world, but I kinda do think that this would be worth the risk. You know more than anyone what damage it has done to see my dad die in front of me. You'd want me to just stay here and not even take that chance?

Maleficent: How much longer will this drama go on? We are running out of time.

Miss M: Give them a moment.

Layla: Oh come on now, of course I want you to be able to save your dad. I just can't... You don't even understand!

Yvie: Well then talk to me.

Layla: No, I need to be alone. What even is this place? I just need to get out of here.

Yvie: I need to go talk to her.

Miss M: I understand, and no pressure, but if this is what you want to do, we need to get a move on.

Yvie: Yeah, I'll be right back.

Maleficent: Such power. That icy old coot really crafted something special. M, darling, if she isn't back soon, I'll be forced to use one of my control spells. Kidding. Of course. Time is of the essence though. We can't keep that wretched Eleven woman away for much longer...

Layla: Why is everything so pastel around here? It's kinda cute if I wasn't so darn mad! Argh. This is awful.

Yvie: Layla?

Layla: Go away, I am not in the mood for this. My life was relatively simple and easy, and now it just feels like things are spinning and I might never see you again. I can't talk to my mom. There's a crazy white bald lady after us. I mean. This is too much.

Yvie: Layla, I'm so sorry. This is a lot. It feels like one thing after the other. This isn't right to you. At all. But, I have an opportunity to save my dad. Layla...

Layla: I know. I'm not heartless Yvie. Of course I want you to save your dad, even if there is a crazy level of risk. But I can also be completely sad and just, argh, spinning!

Layla: I might not ever see you again. You've been my best friend, we're practically sisters. I don't know what my life will be like with you gone.

Yvie: Well, it's only a possibility that I don't come back. I could very well come back.

Layla: You might not.

Yvie: So, then come with me. Let's go together.

Layla: I don't think it works like that, otherwise wouldn't we all just go?

Yvie: It does make things a little unpredictable when more people are involved. I don't know what would happen with the addition of the Time Seed.

Layla: Besides, I need to see my mom. If I time travel and don't make it back, I mean. I need to know she is ok.

Yvie: I understand. Do you want to head back?

Layla: No, you go. I'll be there in a moment. I just need to be alone for a sec.

Yvie: Ok. Layla, it's going to be ok. I'm going to make sure I come back.

Uncle Mike: Chill dudette, they'll be back. It's not like they decided to go to DQ for a sweet treat.

Miss M: I know, but we're running out of time. Yvie needs to go now, before Eleven gets here.

Uncle Mike: She totally will.

Miss M: And what about Glo? Where is she in all of this? Does she know the girls are safe?

Uncle Mike: Err. 'Bout that. I don't know any other way to say this, but she didn't make it.

Miss M: What?! No. That can't be.

Uncle Mike: When I got the message from you to get Yvie, I went to the manor, but Eleven had already been there. That bald baddie had left a path of gnarly destruction. The kitchen was busted up, blood was everywhere...

Miss M: I don't want to know.

Uncle Mike: I thought they had gotten Layla too, but ya know, Layla was with Yvie.

Miss M: I can't believe this. My best friend is gone? No. I can't believe this. This is my fault.

Uncle Mike: No, don't do that dudette.

Miss M: I could have told Glo more, I could have kept her in the loop, I just didn't want her to be in danger if she knew too much, but she was in danger anyway. This is awful. Do the girls know?

Uncle Mike: No. I have done my best to hide the kiddos from the truth. I think Layla might suspect, but was thinking we could tell her after all of this chaos is over.

Miss M: Layla will probably hate us. If Yvie doesn't come back, Layla will be faced with double loss, and that just seems so unfair...

Yvie: Oh my god. No. Layla. This isn't right.

Maleficent: Come out of the shadows my dear, we need to get this show on the road.

Miss M: Yvie. Is everything ok?

Yvie: Umm yeah. Sure. Everything is fine. Layla is on her way.

Uncle Mike: Feelin' ready for this kiddo?

Miss M: Yvie, I am so sorry. For everything. I hope you can understand even just a little why I did all of this. I could have been at home more, we could have healed and managed our grief like countless people do, but there was a chance. This chance that could take away all that pain. I had to do what I could.

Yvie: I know. I'm making the choice to do this. And I am somewhat old enough to manage different feelings at once. I am hurt by your actions, I'm sad in wishing things could have been different, but I also know you did what you needed to. And now I'm about to leave, with no real idea where I will be headed. So, this might be a good bye. It feels like there are unresolved issues between us.

Miss M: I know. Wouldn't be a mother daughter relationship without some unresolved issues. (nervously chuckles) I knew that this day might happen, and I have been preparing for it. It might be why I have pulled back some over the years, because I knew this was a possibility. That I'd lose you to time. I love you Yvie.

Yvie: (fights back tears) I love you too mom.

Miss M: Are you ready?

Yvie: I think so. (pauses) Remind me, why can't we all go? All these sad good byes, like, why not just all travel together and face what happens on the other side, together.

Miss M: That sounds like a lovely idea, but it's not possible. Too many of us, it would be unpredictable. Especially with this magic that Maleficent will be attaching to the Time Seed. From what I understand, the Time Seed will be focused on where you want to go most, which will be that day. All of us together could cloud that path, we could end up traveling to the way past, like with the darling dinosaurs.

Yvie: Right. That would not be good.

Miss M: No. As fabulous as the Darling Dinos were, it would not be good. What's on your mind?

Yvie: (wants to be honest about Layla's mom, but stalls) Nothing. Let's get this show on the road.

Maleficent: The rules are simple. The Time Seed will hone your erratic time traveling abilities to take you to that ill fated day. Once there, the Emerald Flame will immediately burn through its spell, releasing a hex signal that will essentially jam any plans in place to harm anyone at that wedding. It will burn for 13 minutes. Once out, that's it. The Time Seed will send you back. Where "back" is will be unknown. It might be here, it might be in a new place. You might even be stuck in the past. I can't predict that. But, you already know that. Now, before we open this lovely device up, I need to set the code for the Emerald Flame. There'll be a few moments to say any other goodbyes. (notices Layla's return)

Yvie: Layla. You're here.

Layla: Yeah. This Bright Moon kingdom is kinda neat but also weird. I could have sworn there was this blue haired squirrel like guy looking at me through a tree.

Yvie: Right. I need to talk to you...

Miss M: How are you getting this to work?

Maleficent: It's very simple. It looks like some sort of fantasy Glinda-fied bubble, but Mr. Freeze really created a superior technological device. It blends seamlessly with my magic. Are you ok darling?

Miss M: I think so. I just hope we are making the right choice... (they continue to talk while Michelangelo hums the theme song to Jem and the Holograms)

Yvie: (whispers) I need to talk to you, and you can't freak out, because this is huge.

Layla: (whispers) Ok, totally not freaking out. But freaking out.

Yvie: Remember that detail you were worried about? About your mom?

Layla: Yes...

Yvie: I overheard my uncle telling my mom, I'm so sorry Layla. Agent Eleven got to her, she's gone...

Layla: (fights back tears) What? Oh my god. No. Wait, no. This can't be happening. My mom is dead?

Yvie: I'm so sorry. My uncle was trying to protect you.

Layla: My mom is gone...

Yvie: Listen to me. Come with me. Remember when we were kids, and our moms took us to see Wicked? The movie version? And at the end of the first movie, when Elphaba asks Glinda to get on the broom with her and she doesn't? And it sets this whole series of events that forever changes their friendship in not the best ways? Well, let's do the opposite. Let's get on the broom and go back in time. I'll save both of our parents.

Layla: Have you lost your mind?

Yvie: No, I...

Maleficent: Darling, it's time. No more flights of fancy, the Time Seed is calling.

Yvie: Right.

Uncle Mike: You got this kiddo.

Miss M: Everything ok?

Maleficent: Everything is fine. Now, remember what I said...

Maleficent: You will only have 13 minutes in the past. And then what happens next... will be a mystery. Try not to destroy the world or something in those 13 minutes, hmm?

Yvie: Layla...

Layla: Yvie, this is a dream, right? I'm in a dream. It's like, I just need to click my heels three times. And I can go home. I want to go home Yvie.

Yvie: Then come with me. Please. I can't leave you here alone.

Layla: I'll be fine.

Yvie: I won't be fine. I can make this right, I feel it in my heart.

The Time Seed opens, blooming forth many possibilities and an electric shock in the air...

Layla: Oh wow.

Yvie: Layla, please, come on.

Yvie: Layla, take my hand, and I'll show you where we're going.

Layla: (nods and begins to cry softly) Ok.

Yvie: Come on, let's sit on top of the world and see the universe.

Miss M: Wait, what are you two doing, this is dangerous!

Yvie: It's ok mom. I'm going to make it right. All of it.

Yvie: You ready?

Layla: My trust is yours, sister.

And in an instant, the stars burn through the sky a little brighter than ever before fading to a dull hum. The Time Seed closes.

Miss M: What's happening?

Maleficent: It's beginning the final steps.

The Time Seed fades away quietly.

Miss M: (eyes become glassy) Good luck Yvie. (gasps) I love you.

Uncle Mike: What now?

Maleficent: We wait. 13 minutes. I'm tethered to the spell so I'll know when it has been set, but I won't know much else. So, we wait.

The past...

Wayne Manor.

Wedding Day

The lights flare up with a whirling hum that fills the air...

Layla: We're home.

Yvie: Yes, but this feels different.

Yvie: Do you hear that? It sounds like a party.

Layla: Look out the window.

Layla: It's your parent's wedding day. Yvie!! It worked!

Yvie: Oh wow. We're here. We're in the past.

Layla: What do we do? What happens if we run into anyone?

Yvie: I don't know, but we only have 13 minutes. That is all we need for the Emerald Flame to work. I'm going to go downstairs real quick. I need to see something.

Layla: You go. I'll be up here. (fights back tears) I just need a moment.

Yvie: I understand.

Yvie: (looks out into the courtyard at all the festivities) I remember this like it was yesterday.

Yvie: Please. Please work.

???: Excuse me, I think everyone is outside already.

Yvie: (freezes upon hearing her father's voice and instantly fights back tears)

Yvie: I know. I was just taking everything in.

Bruce: I see.

Bruce: Have we met before? You seem familiar to me.

Yvie: You don't really know me. But I know you.

Bruce: Oh?

Yvie: (stammers) You're Bruce Wayne. Everyone knows who you are.

Bruce: Ok, and who are you?

Yvie: I'm... I'm one of the photographers for the wedding.

Bruce: Oh, ok. Well, thank you, I'll look forward to seeing the photos.

Bruce: Nice to talk to you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get outside.

Yvie: You could always wait here, just a little bit longer.

Bruce: Oh I've waited long enough. I'm ready to marry the love of my life. See you out there.

Yvie: (smiles with watery eyes and a trembling lip) Yeah. I'll see you out there.

Yvie: I hope this works. That I've been able to change it, to make things right.

Yvie looks on, a little bewildered at seeing her younger self, and then the wedding begins. Yvie makes her way back to Layla.

Yvie: I think it worked. The wedding just started. Everything seems to be ok. Layla?

Layla: I feel like it has been more than 13 minutes no? Why are we still here?

Layla: Yvie, what is going on? Why is it like this? We shouldn't be here. You said you'd fix this, I need to see my mom.

Time begins to shake

Yvie: Did you feel that?

Layla: Yeah. What was that? The Emerald Flame?

Yvie: (pauses) Wait. Can you hear that? What? Their screaming.

Yvie: (looks out towards the wedding in horror) I don't understand. They told me this would work.

Layla: Yvie, what is it?

Yvie: My dad! He's on the ground, he's not moving!

Layla: But, I don't... What does this mean? Yvie?

Yvie: I don't know! I don't understand, why am I having to relive this?!?!

Layla: We gotta go. If we're stuck here, we can't stay. This is too much. Come on, let's just get as far away from this place as we can.

Yvie: (stammers) Layla, I feel so dizzy.

Layla: Wait, Yvie, something else is happening out there, focus. I don't think your dad was shot...

Yvie: What? What are you talking about?

Suddenly...

Yvie: (gasps as if coming up for air) Layla? Where did you go?

Bruce: Who are you talking to?

Yvie: (in shock) What? Dad? Is that you?

Yvie: What is happening to me?

Yvie: (eyes widen) Are you real?

Bruce: Last time I checked.

Yvie: (rushes to hug her dad) I saw you die.

Bruce: What? What's gotten into you?

Yvie: The wedding. When I was little. You died.

Bruce: Oh. Yeah, I guess I was dead for a moment. Thanks to that aneurism. What's got you thinking about that?

Yvie: I just. I guess I got caught up in the past. But I'm here now.

Yvie: I can't believe I am here now. I'm so happy you are here.

Bruce: Me too.

Bruce: Now, can we slow down with the theatrics (grins) someone is here to see you.

Yvie: Who?

Bruce: Kid, did you hit your head? You know who is here, you both have that project due for your winter final.

Bruce: Come on in, I found her upstairs.

Layla: Yvie!

Yvie: Layla!

Bruce: You girls sure do get excited to see each other. I'll see myself out, but come downstairs in a bit, I'm making Lego Lobster.

Yvie: Thanks dad, we'll be down in bit.

Layla: Lego Lobster?

Yvie: Yeah, no, we're not eating that.

Bruce: (pauses slightly, sighing to himself) I knew at some point this day would happen, I remember meeting you before kid. And one day you'll fill your old man in.

Yvie: Layla, do you remember certain things? About our life. And... time travel.

Layla: I mean, you don't have to be coy Yvie. We just time traveled and somehow merged into two different lived experiences. It's like we were living this other life and then something was activated. Like total double lives! My brain feels like when you eat something really sour, like that mouth feeling, but in my brain.

Yvie: So you remember?!

Layla: Yes!

Yvie: What about your mom?

Layla: She's here. It's weird, because it's like I have two sets of memories, like one is from a dream, but it's like all kind of together. I don't know how to explain it.

Yvie: I know. I can't believe it worked. How did this work?

Layla: You're asking the wrong chick, I'm not the one with super powers. Though, do you think we're going to forget about our other lives? It's weird, because my mom is alive, I have a whole lifetime of memories with her, but I also realize that it was like a moment ago you were telling me she was killed by Agent Eleven, but that feels like it was a dream. But it was real, right?

Yvie: Yeah. It was. I think we're both going to have to deal with some weird feelings for a while. I'm glad my dad is alive, but I have all these memories coming to me, memories of him healing from his aneurysm and my mom. I guess the Emerald Flame worked in some ways, but still had to follow a path. Because what happened after that wedding, those were some dark years for my parents. I'm just glad my dad didn't die.

Yvie: Layla, it ultimately worked. Can you believe it? It worked.

Layla: I know. I'm so glad I took your hand. You saved my world Yvie.

Yvie: You saved mine too.

Layla: Do you wonder though, what they might be thinking? Your mom and Uncle Mike from that other time?

Yvie: I don't know. I can only hope that they are ok, and that she knows on some level that this was all worth it, because it was. I know that now.

Layla: Yvie. We both have a new chance.

Yvie: Yeah. Time heals all wounds...

Meanwhile...

Miss M: The stars look so beautiful tonight.

Uncle Mike: Not as beautiful as you.

Miss M: You're obligated to say that because we dated once.

Uncle Mike: One of the all time greatest eras of my life.

Miss M: Did I do the right thing? I feel like an awful mother. Who sends their kid off on a time traveling adventure most likely never to be seen again?

Uncle Mike: You made a tough sacrifice dudette. No doubt about it. But you did the right thing.

Miss M: Did I? I could've sent her off to the gates of hell. And she brought her friend. I mean, Layla is gone too.

Uncle Mike: True, but maybe this way they both have a chance to make things right. Neither of them deserved to experience all this loss.

Miss M: Yeah. I feel terrible. And sad. I wanted nothing more than to be a mom and I feel like that is gone.

Uncle Mike: No way dudette. Wherever Yvie ends up, you will always be her mom, total tubular mom in all the universe.

Maleficent: Time is up. The 13 minutes have passed.

Miss M: What about the spell? Can you feel it?

Uncle Mike: Yeah, don't pause the suspense witchy lady.

Uncle Mike: Hey. No matter what happens, I'm always gonna be here for you.

Miss M: Thank you Michelangelo.

Uncle Mike: Welcome dudette.

Miss M: Well? What do you feel?

Maleficent: It worked. The spell was completed.

Miss M: Oh wow. (sighs in relief followed by tears)

Maleficent: Are you ok dearie?

Miss M: I think so. She'd be here? Like, if the possibility of her return after the 13 minutes, it'd happen by now right? She's not coming back?

Maleficent: I mean, if she were coming back, I'd imagine there'd be some thought or memory of Bruce suriving. Some kind of change in our reality. Do you remember anything?

Miss M: (closes eyes in sorrow) Yeah, I remember losing him like it was yesterday. I can only pray that she is experiencing a different fate.

???: I've known a lot of strong loving moms in my day, but you take it to another level don't you?

Agent Eleven: Where's the Time Seed?

Miss M: You're too late. My daughter has already used it, the Time Seed is gone.

Agent Eleven: You foolish woman. What have you done?

Miss M: I gave my daughter a chance to heal.

Agent Eleven: Ever heard of therapy?

Miss M: Eh, I thought this might be a better option.

Agent Eleven: A younger version of me would have probably agreed, but I am older now. And I know what happens when things like time and space are disturbed. You just sealed our fate, you've created a splinter that is going to open a door for his return.

Miss M: Who? Who is returning?

Agent Eleven: I feel like I should keep that to myself. Maybe I will. It would serve you right.

Miss M: I'm not interested in these games. Tell me or not, I don't really care. I'd do this all over again.

Uncle Mike: I would too.

Maleficent: Me as well.

Miss M: So do what you have to do. Arrest us. Kill us. Threaten us with some mystery man who'll be upset that time travel happened.

Agent Eleven: There are certain laws that shouldn't be messed with. natural laws.

Miss M: Well get on with it then. Our punishment.

Agent Eleven: No punishment. Well at least not now. Cut Man, bring in our guest. Looks like we won't be requiring a bargaining chip now that the girl left.

Cut Man: As you wish.

Miss M: Bargaining chip?

Agent Eleven: Yes. I had kidnapped one of your friends. I had some not so virtuous plans, I was going to threaten to harm your friend in front of you all if the Time Seed wasn't handed over, but oh well.

Agent Eleven: It's better this way. She put up quite a fight and took out two of my men. Her daughter will be proud. Where is your daughter's little friend?

Miss M: What? You mean Layla?

Agent Eleven: Yes, I'm sure she'd like to see her mother...

Glo: M? Oh my goodness am I glad to see you. Where are the girls? Are they ok?

Uncle Mike: Oh surf's out. I thought you were dead.

Miss M: (in shock) This can't be. Michelangelo told me you were dead. He saw blood...

Glo: Not my blood. I wasn't about to let these monsters take our girls, I told you I'd protect Yvie as if she were my own. Side note, you'll need a new kitchen after the fight I was in. Where is Layla, is she ok?