Chapter 4: Twin Coincidence

Rogers and Kendall finally agreed to meet their father. Aria willingly joined them. Three weeks had passed since the mafia attack in town, and Rogers and Kendall's father had been severely injured during the hijacking. He regained consciousness only last night. With only one parent, both children had stayed with Aria's family for comfort and support. Now it was time to meet him.

When they arrived at the hospital, their father looked at them, relieved. "How are you both doing?" "I was worried sick."

"We're managing, Dad," Rogers said softly, holding his hand.

Kendall nodded. "We remained with Aria's family. They have been wonderful."

Their father exhaled. "I'm happy. Listen, there's something strange about this hijack. One of the gang members said something before passing out. They were looking for a book that could help them with time travel.

Rogers frowned. "Dad, that sounds insane. But if this helps track down the rest of the gang, I'll notify the police."

"Do it, son." "It could lead to something important."

Aria listened intently, her heart pounding. A book that can help you with time travel? Could this be the same book she'd been reading? She needed to check. She went straight to the library, without saying anything else. She had not been there since the attack. The city was under curfew, and she had been ordered to stay at home.

She flipped through the pages until she got to page 83. It said, "You are nearly halfway through. You're about to get it.

She thought she'd had enough. What is "it"? The message was becoming more cryptic. And now, after what Rogers' father had said, everything seemed connected. If this wasn't a coincidence, it was something far more significant than she could share with just anyone.

Aria was deep into a book when her phone rang at 7:55 p.m. It was a message from her mother: "Come home before 8:30. "My relatives are on their way."

Aria sighed, but smiled. Her mother meant Aunt Flora and her daughter Stacy. It was fine. Aunt Flora and Stacy were lovely individuals.

Dinner was enjoyable. Stacy, an energetic 11-year-old, spoke nonstop. Aria promised her a bedtime story. That was easy—she told the story of Prince Adrian and his family. Stacy cuddled up and whispered, "You know what, Ars? "You will meet Prince Adrian soon."

Aria chuckled. "Oh, really?" "And how do you know that?"

Stacy just grins. "I just feel it."

The following morning was unusual. The house was strangely silent. Rogers and Aria went to the station to drop Aunt Flora and Stacy off before heading to the university to pick up their answer sheets. After that, they would visit the library.

"Let's see what I find today," Aria said, waving away their guests.

A loud thud interrupted her thoughts. She froze.

"What was that?" Rogers' face became pale. "The Mafia?" Again?"

Aria jumped right into the driver's seat. Rogers got in beside her. Interestingly, the library was the safest place nearby.

As she accelerated away, she couldn't help but think, "Funny or not, the library has become my second home."