A Leap in Time (25 page)

Finding a potential building will be the cherry on the cake so we could begin recruiting students right away. I said a silent prayer for this process to go forward without political interference or delay.

Back at our own home, sleep evaded me. I tossed and turned for what seemed like half the night. Throwing the covers back, I decided to get up and re-organize the kitchen to have my own personal touch in it. My home has always been my sanctuary and this home no different—maid or not, I wanted things done in a certain way. Tackling the kitchen first made the most sense. I gave Florentina a few days off so Marcus and I could settle into our home without her hovering and unsettling energy.

I still couldn’t shake the feeling that she disliked me. I brushed the feeling aside; it wasn’t worth my energy tonight. I busied myself with re-arranging the colorful jars on the kitchen shelves.

Marcus stumbled into the kitchen. He grabbed a handful of M&Ms from the secret stash he brought back from Los Angeles. “Don’t stay up too late, we have a busy day tomorrow.”

“Why? What do you have planned?” Had he made something up in order to get me to accompany him to bed?

“My father wants to take us to look at a few buildings that might be suitable for the school.”

I squealed in delight at the news, jumping into his arms kissing his face and mouth in excitement.

“I hope you won’t be thanking my father the same way.”

I grabbed his hand and led him to our bedroom ignoring the chaos I created in the kitchen.

“Not so keen on reorganizing the kitchen now, are you?”

Holding me close, he whispered how proud he was of me. Marcus was my dream come true a thousand times over. I rolled on top of him with every intention of showing just how much he did mean to me.

A year ago, if someone had told me I’d be time traveling to ancient Pompeii, marrying the man of my dreams, choosing to live in ancient Rome and opening an all girls’ school, I would have seriously thought they were insane. Certifiable, locked up in an asylum.

I marveled at the woman I’d become. The girl that was plagued by restlessness and constant search of something unexplainable was now filled with a great purpose. I will forever be grateful for the bumps in the road that led me into Marcus’s arms. I rested my hand on his sleeping body and closed my eyes, peaceful at last.

A word about the author...

Engy Albasel Neville has been a brand consulting expert for the past fifteen years, starting her career in entertainment public relations and marketing. Her real passion is writing and traveling. Engy lives in NY with her husband and two very active toddlers. She’s currently working on the second book to The Travelers series.

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