I saw you before you saw me. I watched you from across the gym, your hair catching the light like it always used to. You laughed at something one of the girls said, head tilted, a sound so familiar it ached in my chest. But you didn’t look at me the way you used to. You didn’t know me. Not really. Not anymore.

You didn’t remember the way you used to reach for my hand when no one was looking. You didn’t remember the drive-in, your head on my shoulder, or that night we danced at the prom before becoming queens. You didn’t remember any of it. But I did.

And now here we were. 1955. In this timeline, those moments never even existed. In this timeline where everyone had forgotten the previous one, everyone except me. In this timeline where same-sex relationships weren't a thing and where you were so closeted you didn't even look at me. Even your personality seemed changed. You weren't as confident here, not as bossy.

And I had changed too. My new body wasn't like before, my hair wasn't pink anymore and I was a kind of activist. And openly out contrary to you and according to the whispers of disgust I had heard around me. Well, I had to adapt my new life, learning who was with who in this timeline, and who hated who. Learning how deeply ingrained racism and homophobia were at this time. I was too out, too close to girls, my skin too dark. But now, the only thing I had in mind was getting the closeted girl you were back in my arms.

I close my eyes. Maybe it was a chance, after all, having been sent there in 1955. We had broken up in this previous timeline. Things didn't end well, too much time apart, not enough talking…And now I had a chance not to mess up. Even if I had to start from the very beginning. Again.

Hey, Cheryl. I lean casually against the wall. I was wondering, how can I become a River Vixen ?

I bite my lip. You probably wondered why someone like me talked to someone like you. You really didn't remember anything, and if this was my only shot to try again… I wasn’t going to waste it. But I'd go at your pace.

And I could pay you a drink at Pop's too. But…no pressure.