The Universe's Mixer

Ted made his way to the house that he shared with Charlie, Lucy-Belle, The Horse, Jake, and sometimes Jennifer. He was hoping to see somebody there that he knew. Hoping beyond hope that he might get some news of Jo that was contrary to what he'd discovered in his phone. He needed to shake off the tea he'd sat at with Eddie, and maybe warn Charlie about that guy.

The door was unlocked as it always was, and Ted discovered the living room a little in disarray. As if somebody had been looking for something and then put everything back without caring much what it looked like.

He saw the envelope immediately. It was a flowing script that spelled out his name. Not Charlie's handwriting, nor Jen's. It was thin, so whatever was within couldn't be more than a page long. Ted opened it and sat down to read.

Dear Ted,

I'm terribly sorry about this, but you were never supposed to return. I'd sent you back to your home in California because it was time. Because you needed to go back. You don't have a place here in The City anymore. I suppose you accidentally got scooped back up when I was running my other errands. Perhaps you hadn't made it all the way back yet and I intercepted you in transition, or maybe I pulled too hard when I was trying to net the others. Any which way that it happened, it wasn't intentional and it can't stand as is. I'm afraid if you stay, something bad will happen. You'll be used up, or perhaps killed. You stumbling upon Edward Nigma just proved this to me.

I really am sorry. I'm going to have to send you back again.

This time, though, I'll let you say goodbye to Charlie. You have until 4:30 pm today. Then you'll be going home. I can't wait longer than that, unfortunately.

Regretfully,

Thomas Townsend.

PS - I'll let Beauty know as well.

PPS - I want you to know that Jo is back where she belongs, too. As is Maxine.

PPPS - What does PS stand for?

PPPPS - I really am sorry, Ted.

- TT

"Post script." Ted sighed. The letter in hand, he sat on the couch and looked at his watch. It was currently three thirty. He had an hour left within the walls of this strange place. He hadn't been meant to come back. The City was going to send him home to California, which didn't feel like home at all anymore.

He pulled out his phone and found Charlie's number. He wasn't quite up to talking, so he opted for text. His fingers played over the buttons for a moment before he keyed out the words telling Charlie that he should come home, that it was important and a little urgent, but not an emergency. And to bring a pastry from that one shop that they knew about.

Ted didn't suppose he'd ever get a pastry like those again, so he might as well have a final taste.