“D-dino!” Chero eeped, “I need to talk to Francis!”
Dino pouted, “Why do you want to talk to him?”
Chero rolled her eyes, “You’re not getting jealous are you?”
“Nooooooo….” Dino pouted more.
Chero smiled and gave him a peck on the lips, “I have a message for him. While I was asleep I talked to someone…”
Dino raised an eyebrow, “You did? Who?”
Chero shook her head, “I would rather not repeat myself. I will tell you when Francis is here.”
Dino returned to his pouting as Francis walked over to the pair of lovebirds. He was wearing an apron, his hair tied in a side pony tail.
“Nice dead mom hair,” Chero teased.
“I ‘ave been wearing my ‘air like zis for many centuries!” Francis insisted.
“Whatever.” Chero waved her hand, “You funeral.”
Francis pouted, “You wanted to talk?”
Chero nodded, “When I was…gone…I met someone.”
Francis raised an eyebrow his interest piqued.
“I met with North Italy. Feliciano Vargas…”she said.
“’ow is zat possible?” Francis asked, “Not zat I am doubting you!”
“He and I have a sort of connection…”Chero tried to explain, “He was the owner of the journal before I was. It is because of this he could connect with me like that…”
“Feli was the…Wouldn’t I know?” Francis asked.
Chero shook her head, “The first time…You, England, China, Russia, Canada, America, Germany, Japan, Prussia…and Italy…all entered the mansion. Italy controlled the time stream. He went through many time loops trying to save you all. Eventually you all escaped.”
“Why don’t I remember?!” Francis’ eyebrows pushed together, his eyes full of concern and worry.
“The brain is a mysterious thing…Sometimes it blocks out certain traumatic events, while other times our mind dwells on them so much it consumes us until there is nothing left. In your case I believe you are the lucky one…” Chero locked eyes with the old country.
Francis was in consternation and maybe a little bit astonished by the look in Chero’s eyes. It was like looking into one of his fellow countries eyes. She had aged so much without changing her appearance. Her eyes were filled with sorrow, wisdom and yet still had that kind glow they had when he had first met her.
“So…”he said, “If I remember what happened…I can remember ‘ow to escape?”
“That is the hope anyway…”Chero smiled softly, playing with the bedspread over her legs.
Francis beamed, and ruffled Chero’s hair, “Ne vous inquiétez pas! Big brother France will save the day again!”
Chero huffed as Francis messed up her hair, “Oh. Can you do me one favor?”
“Quoi?”
“Tell Jenny how you really feel about her.”
Francis’ cheek turned red, “And what do you know about my feelings?”
Chero rolled her eyes once more, “Every time loop you admitted your feelings RIGHT before you or Jenny died. Since that is not going to happen this time you need more prodding!”
Francis chuckled and shook his head, “We shall see…”
