Chapter XXXIV: A Time for Everything
Liz finds herself drifting into a dream again, surrounded by a familiar school hallway. As the mist in her vision clears, she sees her younger self stepping out of the classroom, her old uniform slightly oversized, the sleeves neatly folded. She walks with purpose, heading toward a door—Bennett's old classroom from last year.
The hallway hums with murmurs and scattered laughter, students moving about, but Liz's younger self stands still, her eyes fixed on the door. The clock above the hallway reads 9:30 AM—recess time.
The door swings open, and out comes young Bennett, his uniform crisp, white polo tucked under a navy vest that matches his neatly pressed trousers. His expression shifts from surprise to delight as he spots Liz waiting. He moves toward her with his usual easy confidence, and together, they walk down the stairs.
Liz, watching this unfold, furrows her brows. Is this a memory? Before she can process it, a voice startles her.
"Don't remember? Watch this."
She turns to see Bennett standing beside her, a playful smirk on his face.
The scene melts and reshapes into a bustling café in the heart of Escolta. The scent of coffee and warm pastries fills the air, and Liz instantly recognizes it—their favorite spot. She looks around, her heart tightening as she spots the younger versions of herself and Bennett seated at a small wooden table near the window.
"How about now?" Bennett asks, tilting his head toward their past selves.
At the counter, younger Bennett places their order, his voice calm and assured as he tells the barista a custom name—a fusion of their names, a secret joke only the two of them shared. Liz watches as he waits for their drinks, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the counter.
Meanwhile, at their table, younger Liz sits with her arms crossed, looking away from Bennett. Her expression is stormy, lips pressed in a thin line. Liz winces as she watches her past self act coldly toward him.
"I was awful that day," she whispers.
"You had your reasons," Bennett says beside her, his voice neither accusing nor bitter.
She doesn't answer, only watches as younger Bennett returns, placing their drinks on the table. Without hesitation, he slides one toward younger Liz, who eyes it warily before taking a sip of her macchiato. Her tense shoulders gradually relax, and after a few moments, she glances at him again, this time with a softer gaze.
Liz sighs.
"I was always like that. One minute cold, the next warm."
Bennett chuckles.
"That was part of you."
She turns to him, eyes filled with regret.
"I'm sorry."
The dreamscape shifts again, and they are back in Bennett's room, the golden glow of dreamlight casting long shadows across the walls. Liz clutches the pendant, the golden crown, and the monstrance in her hands, their weight heavier than before.
"What do I do with these?" she asks.
Bennett steps closer, his gaze steady.
"Each of these items holds something important—a series of dates you need to find. They are specific and hold meaning."
Liz frowns, turning the pendant over in her palm.
"Dates?"
"There is a time for everything," Bennett says, his tone thoughtful.
"A time to hold on and a time to let go. A time for questions and a time for answers." He pauses, meeting her gaze. "And now is the time for you to uncover the truth."
Liz feels her chest tighten, realization dawning on her. Every piece, every moment, every dream—they were all connected. She grips the items tighter and nods.
"I'm ready."
Bennett stands in front of Liz, his figure illuminated by a soft glow in the dreamscape. His voice is steady, filled with certainty.
"On the 12th day of January, you can execute the plan," he tells her.
Liz furrows her brows.
"Why that day? What's so special about it?"
Bennett tilts his head slightly, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"You really don't remember?"
Liz shakes her head.
"No clue. What's the significance?"
Bennett raises his hand, and suddenly, the space around them shifts. A radiant image appears before Liz—a woman dressed in blue, holding the infant Jesus in her left hand. Her right hand is open, revealing an Augustinian cord wrapped around her fingers. The air hums with an unspoken reverence.
Liz gasps.
"That's—"
"Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Correa," Bennett finishes for her. "The Our Lady of Charity."
Liz's eyes widen as she takes in the image.
"Bennett… what am I supposed to do?"
He looks at her, his expression soft but firm.
"You already know."
Liz lets out a slow breath, then nods.
"I do."
Bennett steps closer, wrapping his arms around her in a gentle embrace.
"Good."
They hold each other for a moment before Liz wakes up, her heart pounding. She sits up in bed, turning her head towards her nightstand. There, beside her lamp, is a framed picture of Bennett. She reaches for her notebook and begins writing down the information he gave her.
Later that day, she messages Wyn and Adrian.
Liz: I need to talk to you guys. It's about Bennett.
Adrian: Can't. College is eating me alive. What's up?
Liz: It's about the 12th of January. Something's happening that day.
Wyn: I'm free. What's happening?
Liz: I'll explain when we meet. Adrian, I'll fill you in later.
Adrian: Alright. Just don't do anything dumb or else Bennett will come at me at my dream like force ghost.
Days pass. As Liz waits for the 12th, her grandmother calls her into the living room one evening.
"Sit down, Liz," her grandmother says, patting the seat beside her.
Liz obeys, sensing the seriousness in her voice.
"What is it, Abuelita?"
Her grandmother sighs, rubbing her hands together.
"I know you've been thinking a lot about Bennett."
Liz lowers her gaze.
"I have."
Her grandmother studies her for a moment before speaking.
"I want to talk about the things you've done… the way you treated him before."
Liz stiffens.
"Abuelita—"
"No, let me finish," her grandmother interrupts gently. "I know you regret it, but have you truly acknowledged everything? You hurt him, Liz."
Liz grips the fabric of her pajama pants.
"I know. I think about it every day."
Her grandmother nods slowly.
"Bennett loved you, even when you pushed him away. Even when you ignored him. Even when you were cruel. Do you understand the depth of that kind of love?"
Liz swallows hard, guilt swelling in her chest.
"I do now. And I hate myself for it."
Her grandmother places a warm hand over Liz's.
"Self-hatred won't bring him back, hija. But you can still honor him. If you truly want to make peace with the past, listen to him now. If he is reaching out to you, trust him."
Liz's throat tightens.
"You… you believe me? About the dreams?"
Her grandmother smiles.
"Dominga and Dolores may dismiss it, but I know better. The spirits of our loved ones never truly leave us. If he is guiding you, then follow. And if you see him again… tell him something for me."
Liz wipes at her eyes.
"What do you want me to say?"
Her grandmother's gaze turns distant, as if recalling something long buried.
"Tell him we are grateful for the love he gave you. Tell him he will always be part of this family, even in death. And most of all… tell him to watch over you, because I know he will."
That night, Liz drifts into another dream. Bennett is waiting for her, leaning against a familiar stone wall, his arms crossed over his chest.
"You look like you've been through something heavy," he observes.
Liz exhales.
"I have...My grandmother had a lot to say about you."
Bennett raises an eyebrow.
"Oh? And what did she say?"
Liz steps forward.
"She wanted me to give you a message. She said… she's grateful for the love you gave me. That you will always be part of our family. And that she knows you're watching over me."
Bennett's face softens, his usual teasing demeanor replaced by something more tender.
"Your grandmother has always been wise."
Liz swallows.
"She also told me to be careful. To follow your guidance."
Bennett reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"And will you?"
Liz nods. "I will."
A gentle silence settles between them before Bennett speaks again.
"Then let me give you something to take back. Tell your grandmother… I heard her. And I promise, with everything that I am, that I will protect you. No matter where I am."
Liz's eyes well up, but she forces herself to smile. "She'll be happy to hear that."
Bennett tilts his head, grinning.
"Now, you better get ready. The 12th of January is approaching fast."
Liz exhales. "I know. And I'm ready."
Bennett steps closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Then I'll be with you every step of the way."
Liz wakes up, feeling warmth linger on her skin. The clock on her nightstand reads 6:00 AM. It's time to prepare.
The days leading up to the 12th pass quickly. Liz makes final preparations with Wyn. Adrian remains buried in his college studies, but Liz keeps him updated. Her grandmother watches over her carefully, sensing the shift in her demeanor.
Finally, the day arrives. The Feast of Our Lady of Charity. Liz and Wyn stand at the school gates, their hearts pounding.
Wyn glances at Liz. "Are you sure about this?"
Liz exhales, gripping the pendant hanging around her neck. "I've never been more sure."
They step forward together, ready to uncover whatever Bennett has left behind.