In Another Lifetime By Yosh Episode 2

On an outing together, Calista and Talulla experience something that'll lead to something unexpected occurring in the future. How do the dominos fall into place?

TW: This story will address sensitive subjects, including homophobia, abandonment, death, mental health struggles, the implications of suicide, etc. Please be mindful of these topics before you continue reading.

In Another Lifetime by Yosh

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Reading key:

Anything to the side in bold is narration.

Anything to the side with a "character's name:" are inner thoughts.

Anything in bold italics and regular italics are stage directions.

Lines are numbered for the reader to keep track.

Anything () is extra information.

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Episode 2:

It has been five years since Raymond was kicked out.

The day is April 15th, 2023. It's a Saturday evening.

Calista and Talulla are roaming around a plaza downtown in Jersey, spending their evening out.

They stumble upon a fortune-telling site, with Talulla stopping in her tracks to observe the place.

Talulla walks over to the entrance, with Calista pulling her arm before she enters, confused as to why she wants to go inside.

Calista

Line 1) What are you doing?

Talulla answers Calista puzzlingly, wondering why she's questioning something so obvious.

Talulla

Line 2) What does it look like? I'm about to walk into this place.

Calista continues conversing with Talulla curiously, surprised by her interest in fortune-telling.

Calista

Line 3) I didn't know you were interested in these kinds of things. Do you believe in it?

Talulla explains herself, feeling intrigued.

Talulla

Line 4) This place just looks really alluring. I don't necessarily believe in this kind of stuff, but if I just so happen to stumble into it, I might as well give it a shot. Let's see what happens just for the fun of it.

Calista lets go of Talulla's arm, abiding by her curiosity.

Calista

Line 5) Fine. It's your money. Do what you want.

Talulla grins at Calista smugly, dragging her into the place alongside her.

Upon entry, they observe the artsy atmosphere of the place, incense flourishing in the air, orange-painted walls that illuminate saturation, with ornaments of all kinds hung up, highlighting intricate patterns.

The pungent aroma of the place fills Calista and Talulla's nostrils, energizing them.

Line 6) Calista's inner thoughts: What a pleasant fragrance, though most definitely strong, to say the least.

Talulla and Calista approach the front desk lady at the reception portion of the place.

The lady is a woman in her 50s, wearing vibrant and flowy satin clothing, accessorized with all kinds of jewelry, nails painted freshly, and hair wrapped in a turban. 

The lady greets them welcomingly, speaking in a charming manner.

Lady

Line 7) Welcome, young ladies. How may I be of use to you two this evening?

Calista and Talulla wave at the lady, acknowledging her presence.

Talulla notices a menu above the lady detailing the services they provide at the site.

She quickly skims through it in curiosity, with the lady catching her gaze and giving her time to read.

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Menu:

Get your fortune read by our professional, trusty, and skilled psychic. Book an appointment today!

❤ Fortune-telling: $20

❤ Palm-reading: $30

❤ Tarot card reading: $35

❤ Cleansing ritual: $40

❤ Detox prescription consultation: $45

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Talulla's eyes widen in shock.

Line 8) Talulla's inner thoughts: Oops. I didn't know we'd have to schedule an appointment before having anything done. I assumed this would be more of a walk-in type of thing. Guess not.

Talulla speaks to the lady awkwardly, her body language timid.

Talulla

Line 9) It's our first time here, so we didn't know we had to schedule an appointment beforehand. Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll be out of your hair.

Talulla grabs Calista by the arm, getting ready to walk out of the building together, feeling embarrassed.

The lady elaborates, speaking leniently.

Lady

Line 10) Oh. Don't mind that outdated information, dear. We can take clients on the spot, too.

Talulla stops in her tracks, glancing at the lady in pleasant surprise.

Talulla questions the lady in a tone that seeks assurance, with Calista complying with whatever she does.

Talulla

Line 11) Oh... Are you sure?

The lady gives Talulla a reassuring nod, confidence radiating from her aura.

Talulla speaks in a manner of thrill, approaching the reception desk again with Calista hooked to her by the arm.

Talulla

Line 12) In that case, I'd like to get my fortune told!

The lady answers compliantly, then glances at Calista curiously.

Lady

Line 13) Sounds like a plan. And what about you, dear?

Calista feels put on the spot with the lady's unexpected question, all eyes on her, awaiting an answer.

She replies nervously.

Calista

Line 14) Oh. Um. I'm just tagging along. I don't need my fortune read. It's not like I believe in this kind of stuff anyway.

The lady looks at Calista in shock at her bold answer.

Calista panics on the inside from her impulsiveness, revealing something she didn't intend to say.

Line 15) Calista's inner thoughts: I didn't mean to say that outloud.

Calista glances at the lady hesitantly, smiling at her anxiously.

The lady speaks determinedly, taking on the challenge of changing Calista's stance.

Lady

Line 16) I see we have a disbeliever here, huh?

Talulla responds impulsively as well.

Talulla

Line 17) In her defense, I also don't really believe in this stuff either...

The lady looks at the two of them in surprise, even more stunned than before, gasping playfully.

Talulla reassures the lady, hoping she didn't offend her.

Talulla

Line 18) Hey, but there's always room to change our minds, now, isn't there?

Talulla points at the lady to empower her, smirking optimistically, though her demeanor is awkward.

The lady releases a gentle chuckle, speaking enchantingly to grasp Calista and Talulla's attention.

Lady

Line 19) Well, hopefully, my team and I can enlighten the two of you. Have a seat. The psychic will be with you all shortly. I'll let you know when she's ready.

The lady extends her hands out, presenting the waiting area at the place to Calista and Talulla appealingly.

The seating area catches them by surprise, as they did not notice it when they walked in.

They look at the area in confusion, trying to process it suddenly being there.

Line 20) Calista's inner thoughts: I don't remember seeing this area when entered.

Line 21) Talulla's inner thoughts: Why does it seem like this area suddenly appeared out of the blue?

The girls walk over to the waiting area and sit down.

Talulla smirks at Calista teasingly.

Calista's eyebrows furrow in confusion.

Calista

Line 22) What's with that look?

Talulla pouts her lips playfully, feeling like Calista is raining on her parade.

Talulla

Line 23) Jeez, party pooper! I'm just excited to be here. We've never done anything like this before.

Calista pretends to act excited, being sarcastic.

Calista

Line 24) Yay! I'll make sure to cross this off my bucket list! How did you know that I've been dying to go to a place like this?

Talulla scoffs at Calista, rolling her eyes at her.

Talulla

Line 25) Pft! Listen to yourself.

The front-desk lady peeps her head out of a room, her gaze towards the girls in the waiting area.

She speaks enthusiastically, a sly smirk curling her lips.

Lady

Line 26) Talulla. Our psychic is ready to see you.

Talulla looks at the lady in shock for calling her name when she never disclosed it to her.

Line 27) Talulla's inner thoughts: I don't recall telling the lady my name. How did she know?

Talulla gets up to approach the lady, with Calista following her.

They make their way through the beaded entrance of a private room, observing the psychic's station set up for the session.

Talulla approaches the psychic, introducing herself in excitement.

An adrenaline rush fills her, giving her a gut feeling that her life is about to change.

Line 28) Talulla's inner thoughts: I have a good feeling about this!

The front desk lady blocks Calista's way when she tries to walk over to Talulla.

She speaks strictly, gazing into Calista's eyes disfavorably for her intrusiveness.

Lady

Line 29) These things tend to be more private. Give your friend some space.

Calista freezes in her stance nervously, considering the lady's remarks thoroughly.

Line 30) Calista's inner thoughts: She brings up a good point. This was Talulla's idea, after all. Might as well keep my distance.

Talulla overhears what the lady just said, reassuring Calista.

Talulla

Line 31) It's fine. Let her through. I need some emotional support anyway.

The lady abides by Talulla's request in slight frustration, unblocking Calista's way to let her pass through.

Calista anxiously smiles at the lady, walking over to Talulla.

With Calista and Talulla only noticing one chair at the psychic's station upon entry, it's as if another one appears, just for Calista out of the blue, similar to what happened in the waiting room area.

The two of them take their seats in surprise, feeling the bewitching energy in the room engulf them.

The psychic abruptly grabs hold of Talulla's hands, speaking at her sternly.

Psychic

Line 32) Follow my lead and try to focus. Understand?

Talulla nods her head in a serious manner, sensing the mood in the room.

Line 33) Talulla's inner thoughts: This is getting pretty intense. I'm excited!

Calista gets a feel of the psychic's demeanor, putting herself in check.

Line 34) Calista's inner thoughts: I should act accordingly as well. Wouldn't want to stick out like a sore thumb, going about this like it's some joke, even though that's how I feel.

The psychic questions Talulla confirmingly.

Psychic

Line 35) May I have your full name?

Talulla answers obligingly.

Talulla

Line 36) Talulla, Alofa, Faletulu.

The psychic closes her eyes, tightly gripping Talulla's hands.

She speaks spiritually.

Psychic

Line 37) Close your eyes and let me enter your mind.

Talulla shuts her eyes.

The psychic begins rocking back and forth while humming.

Calista glances at the psychic in confusion, feeling concerned.

Line 38) Calista's inner thoughts: Is she okay?

Calista peers at Talulla curiously, noticing that her eyes are closed, deep in thought.

She smirks at her in playful confusion.

Line 39) Calista's inner thoughts: I guess she's playing along with this charade. Whatever makes her happy.

The psychic dramatically releases her grip from Talulla's hands, stopping her humming and rocking back and forth.

Talulla slightly opens her eyes to peek at what's going on.

Line 40) Talulla's inner thoughts: Can I open my eyes yet?

The psychic speaks highly of Talulla, smiling at her admirably.

Psychic

Line 41) I see that you are a very intelligent person, Talulla.

Talulla bashfully grins at the remark.

Line 42) Talulla's inner thoughts: That's the stuff. Keep talking.

The psychic speaks charismatically.

Psychic

Line 43) You want to live your life to its fullest but yearn for change to occur.

Talulla tilts her head to the side confirmingly, processing what the psychic is saying.

Line 44) Talulla's inner thoughts: I guess that's right. But that can be said about anyone. I want her to get specific.

The psychic speaks descriptively.

Psychic

Line 45) You want something impactful to occur. You wish to be involved in something helpful. A situation in which you come out stronger and better than before.

Talulla nods her head assuringly, glancing at the psychic in keen interest.

Calista glances at the psychic unimpressively, thinking she's trying to fool Talulla.

Line 46) Calista's inner thoughts: She's just saying all the stuff she wants to hear. No wonder people buy into these kinds of gimmicks.

The psychic speaks boldly.

Psychic

Line 47) When it comes to marriage and settling down, you're not ready for that part of your life just yet...

Talulla gasps in surprise at the accurate statement.

Line 48) Talulla's inner thoughts: That's so spot on! There's no way she could've just guessed that!

Talulla glances at Calista for her reaction, noticing how eager she suddenly looks after the psychic's remark rings true.

Line 49) Calista's inner thoughts: Could it be a coincidence that she got that right?

The psychic speaks informatively.

Psychic

Line 50) But in time, things will change, and you'll be ready.

Psychic

Line 51) You'll marry a wealthy person and have two kids. Twins.

Talulla's eyes sparkle in interest.

Line 52) Talulla's inner thoughts: Dang. Is that really gonna happen?

The psychic continues informing Talulla of her background.

Psychic

Line 53) When it comes to family, you're very close to them. To venture out for independence, you decided to move states when attending college and have stayed in Jersey ever since.

Psychic

Line 54) As you've gotten accustomed to living here, you eventually met your best friend. And she's been keeping you company for a while.

Psychic

Line 55) You two are very close and have become important parts of each other's lives. Even going as far as to say that you consider each other as family.

Talulla and Calista grin at each other affectionately.

The psychic speaks captivatingly.

Psychic

Line 56) Talulla, you will endure a life-altering experience with your best friend very soon. There will be another person involved in the change as well. Specifically, a man. 

Talulla and Calista glance at each other in confusion.

Line 57) Talulla's inner thoughts: Who's this mystery person?

Calista's eyes glisten in concern.

Line 58) Calista's inner thoughts: Another person? Could it be Raymond?

The psychic speaks in a clarifying manner.

Psychic

Line 59) Neither of you have met him yet.

Calista's face changes into an expression of defeat.

Line 60) Calista's inner thoughts: So, I guess it's not Raymond then...

All of a sudden, the psychic gasps, closing and opening her eyes quickly.

Anxious sweat trickles down her forehead.

Line 61) Psychic's inner thoughts: I see another vision!

Calista looks at the psychic doubtfully, not buying her act, while Talulla glances at the psychic in worry.

The psychic slightly peeks their eyes open to the side of the room, spotting the front-desk lady at the corner, signaling that she should wrap up the session, pretending she has a watch on her wrist, and tapping it.

The psychic dramatically wraps up their session.

Psychic

Line 62) That's all I have to say for now...

Talulla responds in a crushed tone.

Talulla

Line 63) Aww, man. We were just getting to the good stuff!

The psychic smiles at the girls, finding their anticipation amusing.

Psychic

Line 64) I wish I could say more, but my abilities have their limits.

Calista squints her eyes in suspicion at the psychic.

Line 65) Calista's inner thoughts: Sure... "abilities..." Like anyone's going to buy that.

Calista considers the psychic's explanation, observing them reasonably.

Line 66) Calista's inner thoughts: But she does look exhausted. I guess I'll give her that. Also, one does not sweat on command. I wonder how she pulled that off.

Calista questions the psychic in concern.

Calista

Line 67) Are you okay? You look as if you've run a mile.

The psychic reassures Calista.

Psychic

Line 68) Oh, I'm alright. Don't worry about me.

The psychic peers at the front desk lady again, noticing her continuing to signal that she quit talking to the girls.

The psychic speaks in a manner of haste.

Psychic

Line 69) Anyway, that wraps up our session. Thank you both for your time here. You may exit. Best of luck to each of you.

Calista and Talulla thank the psychic appreciatively, with Calista speaking skeptically.

Calista

Line 70) Thank you... Take care.

Talulla

Line 71) I appreciate your efforts!

Talulla and Calista exit the room, making their way over to the reception area again, where they spot the front desk lady pretending as if she wasn't spying on them the entire time.

Talulla questions the lady curiously.

Talulla

Line 72) So, how much do I owe you?

The lady speaks rewardingly.

Lady

Line 73) Nothing. This session's on the house.

Talulla glances at Calista happily, feeling all bubbly.

Line 74) Talulla's inner thoughts: What a steal! I love bargains!

Calista questions the lady in concern, wanting to be reassured of the fact that they don't owe an obligation.

Calista

Line 75) Are you sure we don't have to pay?

Line 76) Calista's inner thoughts: Though what happened just now isn't factually proven, and they could be completely fooling us, we owe them money regardless, and for that, we must pay up.

The lady speaks reassuringly.

Lady

Line 77) Fate brought you ladies to us today. And for that, you two don't owe us anything.

Talulla speaks appreciatively, feeling thankful for the lady's graciousness.

Talulla

Line 78) Thank you so much! We had such a great time here!

Calista responds in uncertainty, feeling iffy about not paying the workers for their service.

Calista

Line 79) Yes... Thank you.

The lady abruptly hands over a pamphlet to Calista.

She questions the gesture in confusion.

Calista

Line 80) Oh. What's this for?

The lady speaks alluringly.

Lady

Line 81) Just a little something something that's a part of our package deal on top of the session.

The lady winks at Calista mystically.

Calista looks at the pamphlet briefly and then hands it over to Talulla.

Calista thanks the lady awkwardly.

Calista

Line 82) Anyways, thank you for the free session. We appreciate all that you've done. Have a good night.

Lady

Line 83) Take care of yourselves...

The lady shows the two of them to the exit of the building, smiling enchantingly. 

Upon exiting the building, the front desk lady gazes into the psychic's room submissively.

The girls walk around the plaza, debriefing about the interaction the two of them just partook in.

Calista questions Talulla disorientedly, not knowing what to take from what they just experienced.

Calista

Line 84) Well, what do you think about what just happened?

Talulla answers in a thrill.

Talulla

Line 85) It was so cool!

They continue walking around the outlet and eventually find a bench to sit on, having a seat.

Calista questions Talulla curiously.

Calista

Line 86) Do you believe in anything she said?

Talulla replies passionately.

Talulla

Line 87) Of course! She was spitting facts mid-session! I couldn't believe how accurate all of what she was saying was!

Calista speaks her mind.

Calista

Line 88) Are you sure it's not just some coincidence?

Talulla glances at Calista in annoyance.

Talulla

Line 89) Think what you want, party pooper. But don't rain on my parade.

Calista releases a chuckle from Talulla's stubbornness.

Talulla delves into the pamphlet they just got handed, her eyes fiery as she absorbs what's written on it.

Calista gives into Talulla's thoughts, speaking agreeably.

Calista

Line 90) Fine! I'll admit that she seemed pretty convincing. 

Calista questions Talulla curiously, forming her own conclusions from what the psychic revealed.

Calista

Line 91) How do you think she accurately guessed things about you? Do you think she's some kind of behavioral scientist who can assume things about people based on the way they look and act?

Talulla replies arrogantly, feeling faithful about the psychic's talents.

Talulla

Line 92) Or maybe she's an actual psychic? Why can't you just believe that?

Calista raises her hands in a "spare me" motion.

Talulla speaks defensively.

Talulla

Line 93) Come on, Calista! There's no way someone could just assume something like that about someone. She's got to be the real deal!

Calista speaks agreeably.

Calista

Line 94) Whatever you say. I'll just take your word for it.

Talulla continues reading the pamphlet, analyzing the words of affirmation written on the pages.

Calista thinks about what the psychic said during the session, finding herself stumped on something she mysteriously mentioned.

Calista

Line 95) It's strange how she included some random guy, though.

Talulla matches Calista's mutual confusion.

Talulla

Line 96) Yeah. I wish she had gone more in-depth about that. But I guess we're just going to have to wait and see what happens.

Calista questions Talulla puzzlingly.

Calista

Line 97) But what do you think she meant by that?

Talulla gives Calista a smug look, speaking teasingly.

Talulla

Line 98) Why are you asking so many questions when you said you don't believe in fortune-telling stuff?*

*Refer back to line 14 of this episode.

Calista teases Talulla back.

Calista

Line 99) Don't act like you didn't say the same thing.* I guess the session changed your mind, huh?

*Refer back to line 17 of this episode.

Talulla replies passionately.

Talulla

Line 100) Of course, it did! I'm a firm believer now!

Calista speaks wonderingly.

Calista

Line 101) I still feel a bit doubtful, but I'm just confused as to what she meant by the mystery man. What are your thoughts?

Talulla speaks with uncertainty, not knowing what to take from that remark.

Talulla

Line 102) I mean, the psychic said this mystery man would lead us to a life-changing moment. So, he's probably a good guy. There's nothing to worry about.

Calista responds eagerly, feeling defeated for not knowing more.

Calista

Line 103) Yeah, but how exactly will that happen? If only she had given us more context.

Talulla smirks at Calista with her smug expression again.

Calista questions her playfully, poking her cheek.

Calista

Line 104) What's with that face of yours again?

Talulla speaks flirtatiously.

Talulla

Line 105) Maybe this mystery man she's talking about will be your future boyfriend?

Talulla elbows Calista playfully, speaking dismissively.

Calista

Line 106) But she was telling your fortune. I know she said the two of us would be involved with this man, but I don't get why you pieced together that he could be my potential partner. How does that make sense?

Talulla

Line 107) It's just an inkling I'm getting. I'm only joking, but not at the same time. You never know what could happen.

Talulla

Line 108) Sure, it was my fortune-telling session, but you were mentioned multiple times; therefore, you're a part of my future, Calista. We're gonna go through this together, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Calista glances at Talulla sentimentally, feeling touched by her sweet words.

Talulla tousles with Calista's hair playfully.

Calista speaks tenderly.

Calista

Line 109) It's nice to be in your fortune, Talulla.

Talulla puts her hand on Calista's shoulder, speaking devotedly.

Talulla

Line 110) At this point, we're attached at the hip with super glue. After all, we've been stuck with each other for five years. That's quite a history if you ask me.

Calista speaks in disbelief, her eyes widening in surprise.

Calista

Line 111) Has it really been that long?

Talulla nods her head confirmingly.

Talulla

Line 112) You betcha! Anyway, let's head home. It's getting late, and I'm freezing my butt off.

Calista and Talulla laugh with each other from the remark.

To be continued...

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Thank you for reading! ♡

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Author's Note

Hope you enjoyed reading!