A Time Traveler's Companion: Chapter 12 Excerpt

 

(This is an excerpt from Chapter 12: Traveling with Melanie)

It was September, and I was sitting in my room, completely absorbed in my laptop and the class assignments I had to finish. Out of nowhere, a portal popped up right where the monolith usually sits, catching me completely off guard. To my astonishment, Melanie stepped out of it. My heart raced, and I could hardly believe my eyes.

 "What are you doing here? My parents are downstairs, and as for my brother—well, forget him; he’s not around," I exclaimed, a hint of irritation creeping into my voice as I pondered his mysterious whereabouts. It was puzzling how he had spent nearly the entire summer out with friends, while I had been preoccupied with Mr. Smith and now this surprise visit from Melanie. It seems we both have secrets.

   “Have you thought about my offer?” I shut my laptop and pivoted my chair to face her, contemplating the proposal she had just laid out. With my arms crossed, I responded, “Alright, I’ll join you this one time, but I can’t shake the feeling that Mr. Smith might catch wind of this,” casting her a concerned glance. “You don’t need to fret about that,” she replied with a casual shrug. “Now, come here, little Bird, and take my hand.” She had a medium brown leather messenger bag slung across her chest, and from it, she retrieved another quantum time manipulator.

With a swift motion, she slapped it onto my wrist and secured it tightly. “So, how does this thing work?” I asked as I rose to my feet, curiosity piqued.

 “You just have to hold my hand while we travel,” she explained, her tone both reassuring and excited. “And where exactly are we headed?” I pressed, eager to know what awaited me on this unexpected journey.

  "How about we take a trip to the 1920s?" she suggested, her finger dancing over the button of her quantum time manipulator. In an instant, we found ourselves standing in a vast, desolate field.

  "What just happened? Where are we?" I stammered, a wave of nausea washing over me as I fought the urge to be sick. 

"Welcome to April 1926," she replied with a grin. As I looked around, a wave of confusion washed over me; this was supposed to be my hometown, but it felt completely foreign, stripped of the familiar homes and buildings that wouldn’t be built for another seventy-five years.

 “So, there’s absolutely nothing here, where do we even go?” She pressed another button and grabbed my hand, and suddenly we found ourselves standing right in front of the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles.

Once a posh spot, it fell from grace during the Great Depression and turned into a rundown hotel notorious for all sorts of shady dealings. The hotel boasts seven hundred rooms and three hundred one suites, a massive space that holds a lot of stories from its colorful past. “Wow, I can’t believe we’re in the 1920’s,” I paused and added, “But our clothes?” I looked at my clothes. “Yeah, they do stand out,” she said and added, “We will go to the nearest boutique clothing shop and buy clothes that fit this era.” She waved down a taxi. The man driving the taxi looked at us skeptically.

  “Take us downtown,” Melanie said and gave him an extra fare. "How did you manage to get that cash?" I murmured, settling into the seat beside her in the taxi. With a playful wink, she replied, "Zyrius always said to be ready for anything," and she squeezed my hand gently. “I took some of the money from every era that he had stashed hidden in one of his drawers.” I glanced over at her and couldn’t help but think, “Hmm, perhaps that’s why he’s so mad at her, aside from the fact that she managed to slip away from him.” When the taxi pulled up in downtown Los Angeles, Melanie and I stepped out and began to wander the streets in search of a boutique. After a short stroll, we discovered one that caught our eye and decided to enter. As we walked in, the woman at the cash register looked us over with a puzzled expression and asked, "Can I assist you with something?"

   “Yes, we need clothes to wear can we browse to see what there is?” Melanie asked. The woman who was dressed in 1920’s clothes gave us a nod and smiled. The boutique seemed very elegant. I mentioned to Melanie, "Mr. Smith typically keeps clothes in the monolith, all set for wearing." Melanie replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Yes, Zyrius is always ready, isn't he?" Her eye roll suggested a complicated past between them, possibly one tinged with resentment. We selected several outfits from the racks and headed to the dressing room to try them on. Most of the clothes suited me well, and Melanie looked stunning.

   “Can we wear what we got on?” She asked the clerk. “Sure, as long as you pay.” Melanie pulled out money from her messenger bag, it was 1920’s money. The woman’s eyes widened; she is overwhelmed by the amount of money Melanie is carrying. “Um, I am an explorer; archeologist, and this is my assistant,” Melanie told the cashier as she gestured toward me. The woman breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, of course that is why you both were wearing those other outfits.” She smiled and accepted the money. We walked out wearing fine 1920’s attire. Melanie waved down a taxi and we went back to the Cecil Hotel.

 “We’ll get a room here,” Melanie said. We walked into the lobby; it was very distinguished and classy. Melanie paid for one guest room, one bed and we went upstairs.

  "What are your thoughts on this place?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. I found myself captivated by the vintage charm that surrounded us, despite everything being brand new.

  "This is really impressive," I responded, my voice filled with enthusiasm. “But in my time, the Cecil Hotel is rather rundown and has a dark history,” I added. As I approached the ornate mirror, I realized my hairstyle clashed with the historical ambiance, prompting me to quickly roll my hair up and secure it with pins to achieve a more fitting look. Turning back to her, I nodded appreciatively and said, "It's truly lovely. I really enjoy it." A broad smile spread across my face, and Melanie's eyes lit up with delight at my reaction. She let out a playful scoff, her own smile mirroring my excitement.

   "I think I know why Zyrius, or rather Mr. Smith, finds you so captivating." I looked at her and asked, "Why do you think?" I sat beside her on the bed.

  "It's because you perceive the world with such innocent and refreshing eyes," she replied, a hint of admiration in her voice. A gentle smile crept across my face as my brown eyes locked onto hers, filled with curiosity. "I hope it's not too forward to ask, but what happened between you and Mr. Smith? What led you to part ways with him and how did you acquire the body?" She took a deep breath, her expression turning serious as her brow furrowed. "Are you certain you want to hear this?" I affirmed with a nod. She gulped, “As you already know, I was with him from the start. When he took on a physical form in the 1500s, his desire was to find me a vessel of my own. Unlike him, I was not inclined to inhabit a body, yet he was insistent on the matter. Our journey through the ages brought us to the late 1800s, where we found ourselves on a sprawling farmland in the United States, in Montana. Melanie, the person whose body I now share, used to call that place home. It was in that very spot that we first crossed paths. At just 23 years old, she was on her way back home from a day in town, strolling along a dusty road. She was balancing a canvas bag filled with groceries, her long blonde hair dancing in the warm summer breeze, while her ankle-length dress flowed gracefully around her. Her feet were clad in well-worn black shoes, a testament to her humble lifestyle. The young woman was minding her own business, probably thinking about her husband or someone that she loves, then suddenly the monolith appeared a few yards away from her,” Melanie paused as her mind remembered that faithful day.

“It horrified the poor woman, the sound that the monolith made was otherworldly; she turned to run but suddenly Zyrius touched a crystal on the matrix table and the woman froze, she couldn’t move. Suddenly, she collapsed to the ground, as if an invisible force was pulling her legs down, making it impossible for her to stay upright. 

Zyrius had completely transformed his appearance; he wasn't in those old 1500's clothes anymore. We had made our way to Tarislee, where he picked out a whole new wardrobe, got rid of his beard, and even had a fresh haircut. The change was striking, he looked nothing like the disheveled peasant he used to be.”

  “I imagined he had treated himself at the day spa, where he was groomed and pampered,” I said to myself. Melanie gave me a nod, “You’re right,” she said and continued her story, “He emerged from the monolith and approached the terrified woman. Tears streamed down her cheeks; she pleaded for mercy. “Hello, I’m Mr. Smith,” he said, pausing to kneel beside her. “Are you interested in joining me on an adventure through time and space?”

 His gaze lingered on her, thoughtfully assessing her, while his fingers gently caressed her flowing, curly locks. I was observing from within the monolith on the screen, noting how his eyes glowed with a predatory allure, suggesting a desire that was far from innocent. Paralyzed with fear, she could only stare at him in confusion, yet her hands remained free to resist as Zyrius seized her by the hair, forcefully pulling her into the depths of the monolith.” Melanie released a deep, weary sigh, and an uncomfortable silence enveloped us. I remembered that Mr. Smith had mentioned the same thing when we first met. It makes me wonder, if I had turned him down and not gone with him, would he had taken me anyway?

I heard cheerful sounds floating up to the room, it’s probably in one of the rooms, next to the lobby. I think in later years, they ended up getting rid of that party room. I wasn't sure if it was a private event going on, but I had a feeling Melanie would be interested in joining the fun.

 To fill the void, I asked, "What happened after he took her inside?" She let out another heavy sigh before replying, "After he brought her inside, the AI recommended that he examine her body. He gently stroked the woman’s cheek, then hoisted her over his shoulder, carrying her into his room while she screamed in protest. The AI revealed the horrifying details of his actions to me by showing me on the holographic screen," she paused, taking a moment to collect herself, a pained expression crossing her features, a blend of grief and distress. 

"He raped that poor woman." My jaw dropped in disbelief; I was stunned that he could commit such an atrocity. “After he was done with her, he turned to the screen on the wall and asked me, "So, what do you think, Ona? She has a body that’s just perfect," he said, his eyes glued to her while a chilling smirk played on his lips. “Ona, come to my room,” he demanded. I found myself standing in his room, revealing my true form to the poor woman. He forced the woman to look upon me," Melanie hesitated, shifting uneasily on the bed. 

A knot formed in my throat as I asked, "What happened?" I took her hand in mine. Deep down, I was reluctant to hear her response, leaving the air thick with unspoken tension. “The moment her eyes fell upon my true form, she was struck blind, a piercing scream escaped her lips. The AI embedded within the monolith revealed to Zyrius the course of action he needed to take, and I doubt I need to elaborate further; the outcome is already clear to you.” An uneasy quietness enveloped us, and I could sense the discomfort she felt as the memories of that incident resurfaced. “The experience of merging into her body was excruciating, a sensation that pierced through me like a thousand needles. Though her physical form lay lifeless, I could feel a surge of my own energy intertwining into her body, as if I were trying to breathe life back into a shell that had long since departed. The struggle was palpable, a haunting reminder of the thin veil between existence and oblivion, as I fought to connect with something that was no longer there yet still resonated within the depths of my being.” 

I interrupted, “I hate to bring this up, but when you took her body, did you find it difficult to adapt?" Melanie let out a soft scoff, a subtle smile gracing her lips.

   "It was tough, but Zyrius was there to help; he had more experience in his body," she said, her eyes wandering as she reminisced about their cherished moments together. “How did you manage to restore the woman’s sight?” I asked her. “The AI handled that in the infirmary,” she replied. A sigh escaped me, a blend of understanding and frustration rising within. "Ah, I understand," I said quietly. 

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FLARE: Chapter 10 Chaos (Excerpt)

 

(This is an excerpt from my book FLARE, Chapter 10 Chaos)

Dolan found himself caught in a web of conflicting emotions, torn between loyalty to his comrades and the unsettling truth about Cher's motives, leaving him grappling with a moral dilemma that could change everything. He's aware that Cher witnessed something real, but in a vision. He was eager to speak with her, but something was preventing him from getting close to her house.

He suspects that religious charms hanging outside her window might be the cause.

 "Hey Dolan, you really need to have a conversation with her, or at least with her friend. She confides in her about everything," Leena urged before getting up and headed toward the door. Dolan was deep in thought.

She turned back and said, "Catch you later," with a hint of disappointment in her eyes. After she left, Dolan made his way to the bathroom for a quick shower. Later, he lay on his bed, partially dressed, staring up at the ceiling. As night fell, he closed his eyes, trying to connect with Cher in his thoughts. Suddenly a vision came to him, it showed Cher battling a group of vampires. 

Startled, he abruptly sat up. Quickly, he threw on his long black coat over a black tee shirt. His black button-up Levi’s jeans fit snugly but allowed for easy movement. He grabbed a suitcase filled with weapons from his closet, taking out a retractable sword, he took it with him.

 With a sigh, he headed out the door. Arriving at the feeding den in some undisclosed bar and grill in Long Beach, he parked his car in the back parking lot. He can sense Cher nearby. He immediately heard screams emanating from within. Fear gripped him as he stepped out of the vehicle, his eyes wide with apprehension. Scanning his surroundings, he noticed the hunters encircling the building. All humans had been safely evacuated, leaving behind only those who willingly offered their blood to the vampires. A hunter pursued a vampire fleeing from the building, both disappearing into the darkness. 

“The Hunters always strike at night, damn bastards,” he muttered. “Get back here, you fuckin’ bloodsucker!" the Hunter yelled.

A pistol gleamed in his hands; its barrel pointed straight at the vampire. With a swift pull of the trigger, rounds of Holy Water burst forth from the gun, each bullet containing the sacred liquid. The shots echoed through the night, and the vampire staggered before collapsing to the ground. 

Dolan crouched behind the towering trash bins, his heart racing as he watched the chaotic scene unfold before him. Among the fleeing vampires and some humans that were donors, Cher stood out, brandishing a sterling silver machete amid the crowd.

“No,” Dolan muttered. He was unsure how to engage with her. Helpless, he observed as the chaos seemed to play out in slow motion. She wielded the sharp machete, decapitating heads as she made her way through the vampires that tried to fight back or escape. When she faced in his direction, he saw her eyes glow passionately as she enjoyed killing the blood suckers. No energy vampire has ever killed a regular vampire, not since the war that happened between them before he was ever made into an energy vampire. In superhuman speed, he dashed towards her, scooped her up, and carried her to his car while she was distracted. 

“Put me down,” she shouted, grappling with him, nearly injuring him with the weapon she wielded, but he seized it and flung it into the rear seat as he tossed her in the passenger seat. “Cher, stop," he yelled. Her eyes gleamed with a crimson hue as she hissed at him vehemently.

 “What happened to you? Why are you doing this?" he asked, as he drove out of the parking lot and onto the street. Cher composed herself and fixed her gaze on him. "Why would you do that?" she asked, her eyes reflecting a lugubrious expression and her lips parting in disbelief. Her eyes had lost their fiery intensity and returned to their normal state.

 “You shouldn’t have done that, you should’ve left me alone,” she admonished him for his actions before turning her gaze towards the passing lights of other vehicles while Dolan hurriedly drove to his apartment. 

“Explain," he interjected, his tone firm. "I need an answer from you." Cher remained quiet. Upon reaching the apartment building, he held the door open for Cher, but she declined to leave the car. He looked at her, feeling flustered. She met his gaze with a glare before finally stepping out of the vehicle. Glancing at her weapon in the backseat, she was stopped by Dolan's stern voice, "Don't think about it, Cher."

 He firmly held her arm until they arrived at his apartment, where he immediately switched on the light. “Sit,” He commanded her to take a seat at the breakfast table, then removed his coat and settled down beside her. “I regret leaving, and if I had been aware of what you went through after I left, I would have returned earlier," he expressed apologetically.

 Cher gazed at him, feeling the urge to weep, yet refusing to grant him the satisfaction of witnessing her vulnerability. He fixed his gaze on her, anticipating a reaction. A tense silence hung in the air. He reached out and gently touched her hand, causing her lips to part and their eyes to meet with a shared desire. Standing up, he took her hand and guided her towards his bed, where they both undressed in anticipation. With a seductive smile, he whispered, "Baby, let's share our energy with each other. I don’t want to fight."

(For those who don't know, Cher's eyes are normally brown but when she is aroused or enraged, her eyes turn silver in color. In addition, I try not to share the sexual encounters between the characters on this blog, The book is rated for 18 & 0ver.)

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A Time Traveler's Companion: Chapter 7 Excerpt

 

(An excerpt from Chapter 7: Something Unexpected Happened)

Despite their numerous arms, the mysterious starfish also bore two shadowy spheres that eerily resembled eyes on their forms.  "What in the Hell are those?" I asked, my eyes wide with a mix of amazement and dread as I watched them leap in and out of the water. Mr. Smith calmly aimed the scanner in the direction of the enigmatic creatures. "Fascinating. It appears that these peculiar creatures are some kind of parasite,” his brow furrowed, while he pondered the situation. “It would be wise to avoid this area. “Let’s go girls," he declared, turning to lead the way.

I watched in awe as the strange creatures glimmered under the rays of sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of the forest. In an instant, Leila's piercing scream shattered the tranquility, prompting me to turn and discover one of the creatures leaping toward her, striking her arm with surprising force. Without hesitation, Mr. Smith reached into his well-worn leather messenger bag and pulled out a futuristic handheld taser and with a swift press of a button, he touched the creature, it then collapsed to the forest floor, rendered motionless by the device's powerful jolt. The underbelly of the creature was exposed, revealing rows of sharp hooks resembling teeth scattered among the numerous writhing tendrils. It was a sight that sent shivers down my spine.

“Those things are not starfish,” I commented as I gulped. He kicked it back into the pond. The creatures were all in a frenzy as though we disturbed them in some way.  “I feel that they are attracted to our body heat, we should go,” he said. 

Just as we were ready to depart, I glanced back at the pond, only to be seized by a man in armor who yanked my hair and forced my face perilously close to the water's edge. Leila's scream pierced the air, followed by Mr. Smith's frantic shout as he fired his weapon at the shadowy figure. Desperate to escape, I attempted to stand, but then one of those grotesque starfish-like creatures lunged at me, latching onto my face, and darkness enveloped me.

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A Time Traveler’s Companion 

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Excerpt from Chapter 12

Chapter 16: The Thing About the Book-Part 3

 

(This is a excerpt from Chapter 16: The Thing About the Book--Part 3 from  

A Time Traveler's Companion.)

“Remi, I didn’t notice that you came in. I thought I heard the front door earlier and assumed you had left. Did you go out?” 

“Actually, I went hiking with Leila,” I lied. The truth is I was having lunch with Mr. Smith, completely oblivious to my mom's presence at home. 

“Oh, I thought Leila was working today?” my mom asked.

“She had a schedule change,” I replied, continuing the deception.

“Sweetheart, I’m really sorry,” she said, taking a breath. “I didn’t mean to upset you, and you were right; I shouldn’t have looked at your diary.”

I gave her a soft smile. “It’s okay mom, let’s just forget about it,” I responded, and accepted her apology. She mentioned that she had the day off and asked if I wanted to join her for some shopping. I smiled and agreed. We headed out and I made a stop at that nearby thrift store, where I spotted Tracy’s granddaughter assisting a customer.

 Once she finished with the customer, I approached her. “Hi, I’m not sure if you remember me, but—” 

She cut me off, saying, “Of course, you’re the girl who bought the book!” 

I nodded in acknowledgment and asked, “Do you know where the author lives now?” 

"My grandmother passed away in the early 2000s," she disclosed, leaving me momentarily stunned.

"Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that," I replied, feeling a wave of sympathy.

 "It's alright; my mom often shared tales of my grandmother's escapades with her time traveler,” she fingered quoted and smiled, “I'm glad you enjoyed the book," she continued, and my heart sank. 

The revelation hit me hard—not only was Tracy gone, but she had travelled with Mr. Smith at some point in the past. The realization was painful, and I felt a deep sense of loss, my heart sank. I left the shop, seeking comfort in the familiar spot where I had first spoke to Melanie, where my mom was waiting for me.

"What’s wrong?" My mom sensed the sorrow etched on my face.

  "It's nothing," I lied to her, but her gaze pierced through my facade. Leaning against her, I fought back tears that threatened to spill. "Sweetheart, it can't be as terrible as it seems." I inhaled deeply and straightened up.

  "Let's head home; our soap opera will be starting soon," I suggested, hiding the ache within. As we settled in to watch our beloved soap, my thoughts drifted elsewhere, haunted by the words Tracy's granddaughter had shared with me. I headed upstairs and took a shower, feeling my face heat up. 

Once in my room, I plopped down on my bed and picked up the book, flipping through the pages. I hit a section where Tracy perfectly detailed Mr. Smith’s bedroom, and my heart sank. That’s when I noticed the monolith materializing in my room. Tears started rolling down my face as a mix of anger and pain bubbled up inside me. When Mr. Smith stepped out, he noticed how upset I was.

 “Remi, what’s wrong?” I was sprawled on my bed, face buried in my pillow. He sat beside me and gently rubbed my back, trying to soothe me. I shot him a glare before turning away and hiding my face again. He seemed puzzled, not grasping my behavior, until I reached over to my nightstand where I placed the book and tossed it at him. He glanced at the back where Tracy’s photo was, and with a simple, “Oh,” I knew he finally understood what had happened.

"Why did she go on trips with you? You slept with her, didn't you," I shouted, my anger boiling over. He sighed deeply, "I'm sorry, Remi. I did take her on a couple of trips, but I didn't sleep with her. When she joined me, she was already married and had a child."

  “How did you manage to contact her?” I asked, my voice laced with suspicion as tears streamed down my cheeks. “I provided her with a phone, much like yours,” he said. “Why would you do that?” I pressed.

 “When we first ran into her, she said she wanted to tag along on our adventures, but I could see you were a bit jealous. So, after we dropped her off and I took you home, I headed back to 1969, where I thought it’d be fun to take Tracy on a little trip, and I took her to…” 

I jumped in, “Tarislee?” I said with a hint of accusation. He looked at me with a smile and planted a kiss on my forehead. “No, my love, I took her to the Century 21 Exposition World’s Fair in Seattle back in the 1950s.”

 My brow furrowed, I shot back, laced with sarcasm, “So why haven’t you taken me to any of the world’s fairs?” He let out a soft sigh, taking my hand and planting a gentle kiss on it.

“I promise, I will—maybe next time.” 

 “Did you take her anywhere else?” I asked, wiping tears from my eyes.

“Yes, Tracy had a passion for time travel and often shared how much she wished you could accompany us. She truly loved you Remi."
“How? She barely knew me,” I thought to myself, and urged him to continue.

 "Eventually, she contacted me in her late 30s, excited about the idea of one final adventure together. I had no idea she was chronicling our experiences in a book." He paused briefly before adding, "I have strong feelings for you, but it pains me that you kept your friendship with Melanie hidden from me." I took a deep breath, though traces of anger remained. Reflecting on his words, I came to understand that we had both, in our own way, let each other down. I kept quiet about Melanie, and he never mentioned his time-traveling adventures with Tracy, so we were on equal footing.

"Alright, I guess that makes us even,” I said. He gently turned my face to look into his eyes.

 “Remi, did Melanie share anything else with you?” I took a deep breath and replied, “No,” knowing I was being dishonest. He let out a sigh, flashed a smile, and nodded, “Alright, Butterfly.” I kept to myself the fact that Melanie had revealed his true name.

“From now on, let’s promise to be completely honest with one another,” he said as I sat up straight. He wrapped his arm around me and continued, "I want to avoid repeating the mistakes I made with Melanie. I truly love you; my feelings for you have deepened, and my heart is yours, just as yours is mine." I nodded and he held me firmly in his arms.

“Tracy’s granddaughter mentioned to me that she passed away in the early 2000s. Were you aware of that?” He sighed deeply, “Yes, the AI had actually informed me well in advance that Tracy would succumb to an aneurysm and recommended that I take her on some trips to show kindness.” Hearing this made me feel a pang of sadness for Tracy.

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Chapter 7 Excerpt

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Another Excerpt from A New Face Chapter 31

 

(An excerpt from A New Face: A Time Traveler's Companion Chapter 31)

“Mr. Smith, I really hope you can find a way to get along with Melanie. Please consider forgiving her for whatever happened in the past. Maybe you two can come to some sort of understanding. The tension between you is hard to witness, and it truly troubles me.” He looked disappointed for a moment, but then he nodded.

   "Alright, but I believe we’ve come to an understanding now. So, don’t fret, Remi." I furrowed my brow, puzzled by his words. 

 "What do you mean by that?" I asked. 

 “Listen Butterfly, Melanie and I have reached a deal. I'm fine with you spending time with her, provided she ensures your safety while you both travel through time." I was baffled by the sudden shift in dynamics. There had been so much tension between them, and now it seemed perfectly fine for Melanie and me to spend time together. It left me feeling bewildered. I wanted to dig deeper and ask more questions, but ultimately, I decided to let it slide. I wish I had asked more questions; maybe then when I found out what happened just before Mr. Smith, and I traveled to Greece, it wouldn’t have affected me so deeply. Still, I know I would have been angry regardless. 

I smiled and he took me home right after we visited The New York World’s Fair in 1964. Juggling school and work is challenging enough but traveling with Mr. Smith takes it to a whole new level of exhaustion. Just the other day, we explored multiple worlds, and it was during our visit to one particular planet that everything shifted dramatically. He took me to a planet called Vygel.

Its landscape was beautiful and rich with scattered crystals all over the soft lithe, rust colored sands. The crystals were red in color. They reminded me of the crystal pendant Melanie had around her neck the day we went to the nightclub in the year 2315. Whenever I reflect on it, I feel a chill because Mr. Smith witnessed me with them. This is the reason he was angry with me and attempted to show me why he wouldn’t take over my body while I was still alive. However, in a strange way, I am thankful he did, as I gained a deep understanding of him that day. His time is coming, and he will need another body, but I feel he has one in storage already. I plan on venturing to that room, the one with the man size glass cylinder ominously sitting at the center and I will look to see if any of the other containers have bodies in them.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked, while he moved the crystals on the matrix table, switching their positions. A holographic projection hovered above the matrix table, displaying the galaxy's map. He turned to me, noting my deep contemplation.  

 “You seem lost in thought,” he remarked, eyeing the hologram with interest, “What’s on your mind?”

 “You,” I replied, casting him a loving gaze.

“I trust those thoughts are pleasant,” he said with a playful wink, tilting his head toward the corridor leading to his bedroom. I chuckled softly, feeling a mix of amusement and longing.

  I hesitated, pressing my back against the cold pillar, arms crossed tightly as I pondered the grim possibility. What if, you were injured so severely that you had to abandon your own body?"

 He let out a heavy sigh, dismissing my thoughts with a wistful smile. "Don't dwell on it; I'm fine. We've been careful, and I don't want you to worry." I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. I was still nervous and something I sensed wasn't right. On the planet Vygel, we had encountered a creature that sent chills down my spine. Its greenish-brown scales glistened ominously, while its iguana-like head, with piercing yellow eyes and razor-sharp teeth, seemed to watch us with a predatory hunger. 

The long, sinuous tail flicked menacingly. The creature moved on all fours but can stand and reach a height of 7 feet whenever it chose. As we gathered the crystals, the creature had been quietly tracking us and while scanning the surroundings, I caught sight of something creeping closer, almost hidden from view. Its scales seem to camouflage with the landscape, making it hard to detect, revealing only a glimmer when sunlight struck its scales. In a panic, I abandoned the scanner and sprinted toward Mr. Smith.

 “Mr. Smith, something’s coming!” I yelled, but my warning came too late. The creature ran in full throttle on all fours toward us, and Mr. Smith stood between me and the creature. It knocked him down, tearing away at his protective suit. The armor he was wearing wasn’t enough to shield him from the long, five-inch-thick claws the creature had; it ripped through the armor like butter. I screamed and I got its attention, long enough for Mr. Smith to take out his weapon and fire. He stunned it long enough for him to summon the monolith. He fell to his knees, because the reptile humanoid creature bit him several times and no doubt the poison was running fast into his blood stream.

I ran to him and helped him inside the monolith and it created a shield around itself so that nothing can penetrate it while Mr. Smith was incapacitated. I waited outside of the infirmary, much like before when he was shot in the 1930s. I paced back and forth, anxiously awaiting the results of his condition.

  “Is he doing, okay?” I asked the AI.

“Yes. He will be fine. But he should take another body soon.”

  “No, he doesn’t want to,” I said, in protest. I pondered, “He will eventually take a new body, it’s inevitable.” I gulped and sighed.

I thought about my birthday and the times we shared together. I wiped tears from my eyes and exhaled. He told me that he is prepared for every contingency that might arise but just like the attack by that creature, I’m wary and ambivalent of his decisions. He is careless and yet he shows no fear of the unknown. 

“Can I see him?”

“No,” the AI responded. I wandered around the corridors and rooms. Some were furnished and others weren’t.  I went to the pool room. I smiled, remembering when we first dipped our naked bodies into the warm water. I chose to step inside, hoping it might ease my angst. I removed the black bodysuit, boots, and pendant, laying my clothes on a nearby pool chair and delicately placing the pendant on top. The poolroom features black walls decorated with geometric patterns, similar to those throughout the monolith, complemented by a few black lounge chairs. The ceiling light casts shimmering reflections on the water's surface, I dived in, feeling the warm water against my skin, soothing my nerves, and relaxing my senses. I closed my eyes, and imagined him with me, touching my body: kissing me.

 Parts 1 thru 5 are available on GooglePlay along with audiobooks. 

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 Part 3-Chapter 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from A New Face Part 4 Chapter 31: Melanie, Mr. Smith and I

 

(An excerpt from Chapter 31-Part 4 of A Time Traveler's Companion)

The sun was shining through my curtains when I woke up. Melanie was right next to me. I gave her a gentle shake. She stirred and let out a big yawn. When she opened her eyes and looked at me, a sweet smile spread across her face. I laughed a little and asked, “What are you doing here?” She propped herself up on one elbow and tried to kiss me.

 “Quit playing around,” I said, giving her a gentle nudge and looking at her, expecting some clarity. She sighed and replied, “Alright, if you really want to know, Jack was out with Leila, and I felt a bit lonely. When I came over, you were already out cold, so I figured I’d just crash next to you,” she shrugged. I chuckled and shook my head, rolling my eyes in a playful manner. 

I laughed and said, "Looks like you and Mr. Smith have taken a liking to my bed." Her eyes widened in surprise, and she gave me a peculiar look that suggested she knew more than she was letting on. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was keeping something from me. A hidden truth that barely brushes the surface, something she’s concealing yet yearns to share with me.

 I exhaled and said, “How about grabbing some breakfast? My parents are both at work, and I have the day off. She shrugged, it was apparent she wasn't interested in breakfast. 

 “What do you feel like doing?”  

She responded, “I was thinking we could head to the 1970s and join a dance-off. You know what that is, right?”  I pondered for a moment and said, “Actually, I’m not sure what it is, but it sounds like you want to have some fun, right?” She nodded enthusiastically.

 I chuckled and replied, “Alright then, let’s do it!”

  We traveled to 1978 and found ourselves at a nightclub buzzing with a dance-off marathon. I laughed and asked, “Melanie, do you really think we have a shot at winning this?” as we hit the dance floor.

The music was pumping, with Heatwave's, Groove Line blasting in the background. And yeah, we totally got some disco outfits to fit in. Melanie donned an adorable blue pastel floral silk satin dress, lowcut front, while I opted for a simple yet flirty cotton blend blue spaghetti strap dress.

We both stepped out in stylish black wedge heels from the 1970s, and my pendant glimmered under the vibrant lights of the nightclub. Traveling with Melanie is a blast; she's all about having a good time. Even though we did not win the contest, we had a lot of fun. Melanie brought us back to my room. The monolith was right there, and I could feel my heart racing with fear. I glanced at Melanie, but she looked completely unfazed, which threw me off.

  “Mr. Smith is here,” I said.
 “Alright Birdie, I guess it’s time for me to head out. I love our fun together, it was a blast,” she said, giving me a fiery kiss on the lips. I couldn’t help but think she was being too bold considering that he was there. She tapped the quantum time manipulator on her wrist and vanished.

Images of Mr. Smith & Remi

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 Another Excerpt

Excerpt from A New Face Part 4-Chapter 30: A Trip to 1989

 

(An excerpt from A New Face: Chapter 30-A Time Traveler's Companion Part 4)

As I wrapped up my class assignment on the laptop, the monolith suddenly appeared in my room. I shut my laptop and got to my feet. I was dressed in jeans and a black-and-white striped blouse; my white Vans sneakers completed the look. Mr. Smith walked out of the monolith. I inhaled deeply and smiled.

“How have you been, my Remi?” he asked, stepping closer and enveloping me in a warm hug.
“He said my Remi,” I mused. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck.

I said with a grin, “I’ve really missed you.” 

He smiled and asked, “How about a trip to 1989?” I thought for a moment and replied, “Are we planning to swipe something while we’re there?” 

 “Why do you assume that’s my only plan? Sometimes I just want to enjoy a getaway with my beautiful girl.” He leaned and gave me a deep kiss. I looked up at his angelic face, eager to travel again.

“Okay, let’s go,” I said. He chuckled, “We’ll go as soon as we’re dressed for the era.” We embraced the fashion of the late 1980s. He wore a classic tie-dyed t-shirt under a brown leather jacket, complemented by classic 501 jeans, a matching brown leather belt, and Nike sneakers. His hairstyle was a perfect nod to the iconic late 80s look. I chose a white top with a denim jacket and straight-leg jeans, completing my outfit with white high-top Reebok sneakers.

He wore a classic tie-dyed t-shirt under a brown leather jacket, complemented by classic 501 jeans, a matching brown leather belt, Nike sneakers and his hairstyle was a perfect nod to the iconic late 1980s look. I chose a white crop top with a denim jacket and straight-leg jeans, completing my outfit with white high-top Reebok sneakers. The AI gave my hair a fabulous 80s makeover. I adorned myself with bold, gold dangling earrings—an unusual choice for me, but Mr. Smith insisted we should blend in. I recalled Melanie's words: “Who cares?” A smile crept onto my face at the memory.  

   “Are you ready?” he asked, and I nodded in response as we stepped out of the monolith hand in hand. We found ourselves in a park bustling with life; children playing while their parents kept a watchful eye. It felt surreal to be in 1989, knowing my mom was just 11 years old at this moment. We hopped into a taxi to explore the Heritage Museum of the O.C., followed by a visit to a nearby indoor mall.

 As we strolled through the shops, I spotted a woman with striking red hair. She resembled Tracy just enough to catch my attention. As she drew closer, our eyes met, and a thought crossed my mind: could she be Tracy’s daughter? I recalled that Tracy didn’t live in the O.C., unless she did and then moved later.

  As we walked by, a gentle smile graced her lips, adding to the intrigue. She gave me a nod. Mr. Smith paid no attention to our unspoken interaction; in fact, his mind was preoccupied with other things. We took a bus to a nice hotel called the Hyatt; we checked in. The room was nice, clean, and comfy. “This hotel has a nice little restaurant downstairs; would you like to go?” he asked me, as he wrapped his arms around my slender waist holding me close.

“Okay,” I said, looking into his eyes, amorously. The monolith appeared in our room and Mr. Smith put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the doorknob of our room, then we went into the monolith.

“Remi, we have plenty of time before dinner is served. What do you feel like doing?” he asked, with a wink of his eye. He removed his jacket and casually threw it onto a black chair beside one of the consoles in the control room. “I'm not sure, what do you feel like doing?” I teased playfully with a sly smile. 

"Again? You want to have sex again?" I asked, a bit timidly with a giggle. 

 "Why not?" he shot back. "Don't you want to be with me?"

“I do, but…” 

 “But what? Are you being shy?” he asked. I playfully laughed.

  “Ah, I get it, you’re just messing with me,” he said with a playful click of his tongue and a cheeky grin as he strolled over, scooped me up, and tossed me over his shoulder. He gave my backside a couple of playful smacks. 

“Mr. Smith, I can walk on my own, please put me down.”  

 “You’re such a naughty girl,” he replied, carrying me down the hallway into one of the living rooms of the monolith. The decor in this room was pretty much the same as in all the others. The walls are painted black and covered in odd geometric patterns, with the light in the room shining through the lines that form the shapes. 

 (They have an intimate moment)

We nestled beside one another, his warm embrace enveloping me. “Are you alright? You’ve been so quiet,” he murmured.

“I’m fine,” I replied, turning to meet his gaze. “I adore every curve of your body,” he whispered, pulling me closer as his fingers traced the contours of my hips. “Remi, will you still love me if I change?” A moment of hesitation lingered in the air, my heart racing at the weight of his question. I looked into his eyes and said, “I will always love you. Stop talking like that; I doubt you'll be changing anytime soon," I told him, attempting to persuade him, though I realized it was more for my own sake than his.

  He replied with conviction, “And I will always find you, regardless of the distance between us. You are the one I want by my side.” As he kissed me, a thought crossed my mind: I should have understood that change was inevitable for him, and it would come swiftly and harshly. Deep down, I believe he has a new body ready for him, one he’ll resort to if he gets seriously hurt beyond the AI's help. The AI is correct; eventually, he would have to let go of the body he’s in, if it came down to it.

(Images are for the readers  entertainment)

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Excerpt from Part 4 Chapter 31