We arrived at our destination in just a few minutes. "Look, we're here!" he exclaimed, grabbing my hand with excitement in his eyes. As we stepped out of the TDSC, we were in a crowd of people walking along the sidewalk, all dressed in 1970's fashion. I couldn't help but feel a little out of place, wearing my modern clothes from the 2010's. However, he didn't seem bothered at all. He was too busy being captivated by my reactions and the amazement in my eyes as I took in the surroundings. I was filled with a mix of awe and disbelief; it felt like I had been transported to a different time. "So, what do you want to do now?" he asked, still holding my hand. "Well, I think we should try to blend in, don't you think?" I replied, referring to the need to dress appropriately for the era. "Sure," he agreed, and we made a quick stop at a clothing boutique on our way. Inside the store, I spotted a wide range of 70's fashion garments and ultimately settled on a stylish pair of flared, button-up jeans.
The best part was that the boutique allowed customers to
wear their purchases right away. Excited about my new find, I decided to try on
several other outfits to find the perfect dress for the disco nightclub.
However, despite my efforts, I couldn't make up my mind. Just as I was changing
in the dressing room, to my surprise, he peeked inside. Startled,
I exclaimed, "Hey, you're not supposed to be in here! I'm not
decent!" My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He glanced at my appearance; his eyes filled with
desire. "Let me assist you," he offered, stepping into the dressing
room. Gently, he brushed my hair to one side and tied the straps at the back of
my neck.
The polyester, silky blue dress cascaded elegantly to my calves, the delicate material caressing my skin. Gazing at my reflection, a contented smile spread across my face. Standing behind me, his gentle touch on my shoulders sent a shiver down my spine, followed by a tender kiss. Moving closer, he whispered, "You're stunning," causing my cheeks to flush and my heart to quicken. When I mentioned needing shoes, he apologized, feeling embarrassed by his oversight. "I'm sorry Butterfly, I must be imposing on you," he said. "Not really, you just caught me off guard that's all," I replied, feeling a bit flustered. “He called me Butterfly,” I pondered. "I know I'm old and...," he began, but I cut in, "You don't look that old. You seem like you're in your late 20s," I nervously added. He blushed and grinned. "Indeed, I am," he said with a flirtatious smile. "I'll buy the dress and jeans for you, and then we can look for shoes," he suggested. "Do you have something to wear to the nightclub?" I asked him. He paused, pondering for a moment. "I believe so. I’ll check my closet; the monolith can create outfits for me if necessary." After he exited the dressing room, I changed into the jeans he bought me. I carefully folded the blue dress. While at the checkout, I asked about nearby dance clubs from the cashier. "Yes, I visited Studio One with my boyfriend last week, and it's quite nice," she responded. I asked about its location. "It's in West Hollywood," she replied. Mr. Smith paid for my attire and shoes. "Thank you," I said and followed him outside. “Do you think we’ll be able to find it?” I asked him. "I'll check with the TDSC," he said cheerfully, holding my hand. I wondered if the TDSC could communicate with him. I noticed a group of young people on the sidewalk, one of whom was eyeing me flirtatiously, causing Mr. Smith to appear slightly livid. His demeanor turned sour, hinting at jealousy. I smiled, feeling flattered by his possessiveness. "Can we go to that nightclub?" I asked bashfully. "Absolutely," he responded. Suddenly, the monolith transmitted a signal that appeared on his watch. Mr. Smith checked his black steampunk-esque wristwatch, showing cryptic symbols and numbers.
It was evident that the markings were beyond human comprehension. The monolith appeared in an alley nearby. As we made our way around the corner and entered the alley, we suddenly spotted a couple who were closely observing the monolith. Their expressions were filled with bewilderment, clearly surprised by its sudden appearance. "It's truly fascinating how the monolith has the ability to change its shape," I mused, lost in thought.
"Excuse me," Mr. Smith uttered politely at them as we strolled through the entrance and found ourselves inside. Suddenly, the monolith vanished right before their eyes, leaving them utterly shocked. In a state of fear, they ran away from the mysterious phenomenon. "Do people usually get scared when the monolith appears and disappears out of nowhere?" I asked. He casually shrugged, "Maybe, but they won't see it again, so it'll turn into a story they tell their kids and grandkids," he replied nonchalantly as he gazed at the holographic image above the crystals. "Oh yes, I've found the nightclub, and the TDSC can take us there," he exclaimed. I looked at the image, and it looked like a very high-tech layout of a map. It was something I cannot comprehend. "I need to pick out an outfit," he mentioned before walking towards a corridor and disappearing. I took the opportunity to explore the large room; the intricate designs on the walls captivated me. The interior differed from the exterior, despite sharing the same color scheme. I struggled to articulate the beauty before me. The walls boasted geometric lines that formed a stunningly sculpted 3D shape. As I observed one of the shapes with a sense of curiosity, an intriguing phenomenon began to unfold before my eyes. Gradually, an otherworldly presence materialized a short distance away from me, taking the form of a woman. Her appearance was ethereal, with long, sandy blonde curls cascading down her shoulders, and her eyes shimmered with a gentle, bright blue hue. A ghostly pallor adorned her face, adding an eerie touch to her overall visage. Caught off guard by this unexpected encounter, I couldn't help but let out a startled gasp, instinctively taking a few steps back to create some distance between us.
In a hushed tone, I muttered, “What the Fuck,” hoping not to draw any attention to myself. However, as quickly as she had appeared, the mysterious woman vanished into thin air, leaving me bewildered and slightly unnerved by the inexplicable occurrence. Despite the lingering confusion and a tinge of fear that lingered within me, I mustered the courage to continue exploring the room. To my astonishment, the walls surrounding me were completely devoid of color, resembling the vast expanse of a pitch-black night sky. This revelation added an eerie ambiance to the environment, intensifying my sense of intrigue and curiosity. Lost in my own thoughts, Mr. Smith suddenly appeared, twirling around with a mischievous grin on his face, causing me to laugh at his playful nature. "You know, you remind me of that guy from that movie, Saturday Night Fever," I joked, prompting him to chuckle. “Do you like it?” he asked for my opinion on his outfit, wondering if he should keep it.
"Maybe go for something more subtle, like a simple polyester disco shirt and pants," I suggested with a hint of amusement in my tone. After a moment of contemplation, he agreed that my idea might be better suited for the occasion. As our conversation shifted, I couldn't resist sharing the strange experience I had earlier. His eyes met mine with genuine curiosity, creating a moment of silence that made me wonder if I had said something wrong. Curiosity filled his face as he asked, "What exactly did you see?" Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I proceeded to describe the ethereal figure that had briefly appeared before me, though uncertain of its true nature. I gulped, "I thought I saw an apparition, but I can't be entirely certain," I admitted, feeling a hint of foolishness creeping in. With a pause, he reassured me, "It's nothing. That was the AI in the monolith. Sometimes it takes on a holographic form. It was simply curious about you." His words eased my fear, and I cleared my throat, confessing, "Well it just scared me, that's all." Nonchalantly he revealed, "The AI took the form of a former companion of mine. It captures the essence of life, and since we were once intimately involved, it captured her image." His solemn gaze met mine, conveying a depth of emotions. Curiosity sparked within me, and I couldn't help but ask, "Is she still alive?" He nodded, his expression carrying a hint of sadness. "Yes, but she's no longer with me." His words hung in the air, and I sensed his reluctance to delve further into the topic. A pang of jealousy washed over me as I realized I wasn't the first woman to accompany him on his travels. Doubt crept in, making me question my own significance. However, I quickly reassured him, "Well, we don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.” As we walked down the hallway, he flashed a reassuring smile and said, “Don’t worry about it.”
When we entered his room, I couldn't help but notice the thoughtful expression on his face, as he tucked his hands casually in his pockets. Feeling the need to apologize again for bringing up a sensitive topic, I approached him and let out a sigh. However, he shook his head, assuring me that it wasn't a big deal. I softly rested my hand on his shoulder and reiterated my apologies, and to my astonishment, he spun around and pulled me into a warm embrace. My face blushed. In his embrace, I felt an undeniable yearning from him, a silent plea for a deeper connection, perhaps a taste of intimacy. With a playful grin, he said, “I’ll just change into something else.” He headed towards the closet. Opening it effortlessly, he swiftly picked out a new outfit, ready to move on from our conversation. I glanced away as he started getting dressed, but I couldn't resist sneaking a peek over my shoulder to admire his well-defined physique as he took off his shirt. I quickly looked away, feeling a surge of excitement. Once he was done, he tapped my shoulder, prompting me to face him. "What do you think?" he asked, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Looks great," I responded with a grin, unable to conceal my attraction toward him. He was clad in a copper/gold polyester button-up shirt, paired with black polyester trousers and stylish Disco-style men's shoes. His hair was slicked back, completing the ensemble.
Suddenly, the monolith materialized in an alley beside
the nightclub. By the way I seldom refer to the monolith as TDSC, it's simply
the monolith to me. He turned to me, sporting his shades, and asked,
"How do you like my sunglasses?" I chuckled, "I don't think you
need them at this time of day."
"You're right," he admitted, taking off the sunglasses. "I have to change into my clothes. Can you give me a moment?" I requested, blushing slightly. He lovingly kissed my forehead and gave me a sly smile. "Sure thing," he replied, playfully tapping my nose. He exited his bedroom, allowing me to change into my dress and slip on my shoes. As the clock struck eight in the evening, the nightclub burst into life with thumping music that echoed throughout the venue. The doorman, responsible for security, politely requested my ID. Mr. Smith had given me a card earlier, assuring me it proved I was of legal age. The doorman checked my card and allowed us inside. It didn’t occur to me then that Mr. Smith suspected I was not the age I said I was. Stepping into the club, I couldn't help but sneak a quick look at the card, only to be surprised by its emptiness - there was nothing written on it. Confused, I couldn't resist asking Mr. Smith, “Why is this card completely blank?" He chuckled and replied, "Oh, it's a magical ID card."
A soft gasp escaped my lips as I locked eyes with the
mysterious woman, prompting him to question, "What's the matter?" His
gaze held a flicker of intrigue as he followed my line of sight towards her. "That's
my grandmother," I blurted out, recognizing her from old family
photographs. "I'm sure it's her."
"It's
possible. I don't know your grandmother personally, but she might have
frequented the nightclubs in this area," he remarked casually, taking a
sip of his drink. As I made a move to approach her, he reached out to stop me,
shaking his head in disapproval. Ignoring his silent protest, I continued
towards the woman, prompting him to groan and reluctantly follow me. She sat at
the bar, exuding an air of anticipation, and if my memory served me right, she
should be around 21 years old at this time. Standing before her, I hoped she’d
notice me. Her captivating hazel eyes met mine, and there was a cocktail placed
in front of her, adding to the intrigue of the moment. She
sat there with her long dark blonde colored hair, mostly likely dyed, it is
styled in that Farrah Fawcett hairdo and cascades gently down her shoulders.
The white sleeveless sequin disco dress she wore hugged her figure,
accentuating her curves, while her black platform heels added a hint of
sophistication to her ensemble. Her long nails, painted in a shimmering silver
glitter nail polish, caught the light as she moved. As she turned her gaze
towards me, her eyes filled with curiosity, she paused, "Who let you in
here? Aren't you a little young to be in this club?" She seemingly
questioned my presence there. "Oh, she's with me, she's twenty-one. I
brought her here for her birthday," Mr. Smith quickly intervened, his
voice filled with a protective tone, as he leaned in to give me a tender kiss
on my head. Her brow furrowed slightly as she observed me, her curiosity piqued;
then she turned to Mr. Smith, "Are
you British?" she asked him, her voice laced with intrigue over his accent. “European,”
he replied. Interrupting the conversation, I couldn't help but ask, "Is
your name Leena Cabrera?" My words hung in the air, a mix of uncertainty
and anticipation. I was hoping to find a connection, a familiar thread that
would tie us together. "Well, it's Leena but not Cabrera. My last
name is..." she began, her voice trailing off. I interjected, "Sims?" The
words slipped out unexpectedly. "Do I know you?" she asked, her
curiosity now tinged with a hint of confusion.
It was clear that
my presence had stirred something within her, a sense of familiarity that she
couldn't quite place. Feeling a sense of unease, I hesitated before
responding, aware of the delicate nature of time travel, you know, the
butterfly effect.
"Um, I just thought you were someone else,
sorry," I finally managed to say, my words laced with a mix of regret and
caution. The potential consequences of altering the past loomed over me,
reminding me of the fragility of time. Sensing the need to diffuse the
tension, Mr. Smith suggested that we leave. "Maybe we should go," he said. As we walked away from her,
she trailed behind us. She stopped me and whispered, "Is he related to you?"
Her suspicious gaze was fixed on Mr. Smith. I glanced at him, unsure of how to
respond. Trying to reassure her I said, "Yeah, he is." Mr. Smith gave
me a concerned look, making the situation even more tense. She exhaled, looking
confused, she gave me a nod then headed back to the bar. The bartender signaled
for another drink, and she nodded, stealing a quick glance at us as we made our
way out. I couldn't believe that was my grandmother. “She’s, my grandmother!” I
exclaimed. “I never thought I'd meet her before she met my grandfather. She
looks stunning," I added. Curious, he asked, "How do you know she
wasn't waiting for him here?" His question made me pause and think. I
remembered her mentioning meeting my grandfather at a nightclub in 1976, but I
hadn't realized it was this very one. Feeling a bit dizzy, I stumbled slightly.
"I shouldn't have drunk that tea," I admitted, causing him to chuckle
softly.
We returned to the TDSC (monolith) and entered. He adjusted
the crystals on the pillar, he called it a matrix table, and then lead me to
his bedroom.
"Are we still in the alley?" I asked, and he
replied, "No, we're between space and time.” I gasped softly, "Can I take a
look?" He smiled in response, saying, "Maybe later." I shrugged,
kicked off my shoes, and settled on his bed, smiling contentedly. As we lay
together, I asked, “How is it like traveling out there. Are you always alone?”
He began to tell me about his travels. I found myself fascinated by his stories.
He then sighed and his eyes held a touch of sadness that drew me in. When he
gazed at me, his expression softened, and a gentle smile graced his lips. With
a tender touch, he traced his finger along my lips. He requested the monolith
to play some music, and the room filled with the echoing melody of a song
called, More, More, More, a popular song from the 1970s.
“Right now, in this very moment,
being in your presence feels like the most exquisite place to be," he
confessed, skillfully diverting the conversation. And in that precise instant,
he drew nearer, his lips colliding with mine in a fervent, passionate kiss. His
tongue explored the depths of my mouth, igniting an inferno of desire within
me. The weight of his body pressed against mine, intensifying the longing that
surged through my veins. As his hand ventured beneath my dress, a thrill shot
down my spine. With gentle, tantalizing strokes, he discovered my moist tender
bud, sending waves of euphoria coursing through my entire being. Gasping
softly, my heart raced, and my cheeks flushed with a potent blend of
anticipation and apprehension. Caught between the magnetic pull of desire and
the fear of surrender, I abruptly pushed him away in a moment of panic,
inadvertently causing him to tumble off the bed. "Ouch!" he
exclaimed, his expression a mixture of surprise and a hint of woundedness.
Overwhelmed by guilt, I extended my hand to help him up, still not fully
prepared to completely succumb to the intoxicating allure of the moment.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Why the hell did you do that for?" he asked. I hesitated, then confessed, "I'm still a virgin," feeling a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability. In response, he immediately apologized and joined me on the bed. He gently brushed my hair away from my face and wrapped his arm around me. With a sigh, he admitted, "I'm truly sorry, I had no idea. I should have been more considerate. Let me take you back home," his voice filled with disappointment. Overwhelmed by guilt and uncertainty, I couldn't help but wonder about his intentions, especially considering his past involvement with someone else. I let out a sigh, unsure of what to say next. "Even though we didn't," I paused, searching for the right words. "Indulge in passionate lovemaking," he finished, a warm smile gracing his lips. "Yes, that," I replied, my voice tinged with nervousness. "Perhaps one day, we can explore that possibility," I added, my words laced with anticipation. To my relief, he agreed, his eyes filled with understanding and affection. "Maybe it's best if we call it a night. I'll take you home," he suggested, leading me out of the room and into the main area.
As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the color scheme in the
hallways, it’s all the same. "How many
rooms does this TDSC have?" I asked, hoping for a straightforward answer.
Instead, he pulled me closer, his touch comforting and warm. "As many as I
need,” his response was cryptic, leaving me with more questions than answers. “You
can take me back to the same place and time and from there I can drive home.”
“I’m not sure if you should drive home by yourself,
considering that you’re still a bit tipsy, I will drive you,” he said, as he
fiddled with the crystals on the console, I mean matrix table, moving them
around and tapping them. “But how will you get back to the TDSC?” It was a
sensible question but a naive one at that. He smiled and walked up to me; he
put his arms around my slender waist, holding me close.
“I call it to me,” he said.
“Really? How is that?”
As I stared at
its imposing presence, I couldn't help but wonder how it managed to fit within
the confines of my room. "How does it fit in my room?" I asked,
displaying my naivety. "It blends in with the environment and changes
shape,” he mentioned. I gulped and nodded as I stared at it. "I know you're exhausted, you should change out of
that dress. I'll return tomorrow. I'm excited to take you to the Blue Crystal
Caverns of Tarislee.”
"Tarislee?" I asked.
"It's a world
with caves filled with blue crystals, it’s beautiful."
"Really?" My eyes sparkled, "I can't
wait. Is it safe for Humans?" I asked. He affirmed with a nod, "It's
a leisure tourist planet, you'll enjoy it." He hugged me, and I felt a
bulge in his pants, blushing as he noticed, he felt embarrassed. "Well,
I'll see you soon," he said, kissing my forehead before disappearing into
the TDSC (monolith). I collapsed on my bed, then got up for a shower.
As I cautiously pulled back the covers, I couldn't help but wonder why he was there. His hand twitched slightly, but he remained sound asleep. A wave of relief washed over me when I saw that he was dressed in his pants and a white T-shirt, with his shoes neatly placed by the bed on the floor. With a smile on my face, I nestled my head on his chest and drifted off to sleep. The next morning, I slowly opened my eyes to find him sitting in the vanity chair next to my bed, patiently waiting for me to wake up. "Good morning, Butterfly. Did you sleep well?" he asked. I sat up, feeling a bit uneasy. While I used to let my ex-boyfriend into my room, he never stayed the night, let alone in my bed. My parents would absolutely freak out if they found out about Mr. Smith. Even though I'm on the brink of turning nineteen, the mere thought of my mom catching him in my room last night would have been a complete disaster, even though there was no inappropriate behavior between us, the whole scenario felt like a nightmare. "Wait, you were here last night?" I asked, fully aware that he had been. He rose from the chair and settled down beside me. "Yes, but you were fast asleep, so I didn't want to disturb you. I ended up dozing off next to you," he mentioned with a smile. I felt my cheeks flush. It was evident that he didn't have a clear understanding of personal boundaries. I let out a sigh. He appeared to be lost in his own thoughts as he gazed at me. I stood up, feeling uncertain about his unexpected presence. Perhaps he didn't want to be by himself in the monolith. I don’t blame him, after all, it seems like a cold and dark place to be, but I also detected a hint of possessiveness not wanting to leave me alone, something that I hadn't noticed until later in our relationship. His presence in my room made me uneasy and slightly frightened. "My mom's whipping up some breakfast. I'd love for you to join, but I'm not sure how to explain you coming down the stairs with me," I nervously admitted, fidgeting with my hair. He rose from his seat, stretched, let out a big yawn, then gently took my hands and planted a kiss on them. "Mind if I start the day with a hug?" he asked, to which I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. As we embraced, my heart raced, and I couldn't help but let out a sigh. I could feel his arousal pressing against his pants, causing my cheeks to flush. I quickly suggested, "Maybe we should sneak downstairs, and you can head out the front door and ring the doorbell. I'll handle the rest.”
"You must pull this move on all your boyfriends,"
he teased with a grin. I widened my eyes, shook my head, and let out a chuckle.
"Nah, it's just that my parents know my friends, they don’t know about
you," I clarified. He nodded in understanding, saying, "I see where
you're coming from." Technically, I’ve only had two boyfriends, and I
never went all the way with them, but he probably knows since I told him I was
a virgin. Taking his hand, we tiptoed down the stairs, the sound of my dad's
shower echoing from upstairs and my mom bustling in the kitchen. As my brother
continued to sleep in his room, we made our way towards the front door. Since
it was the weekend, everyone was still at home. Just as I closed the door
behind me and started climbing the stairs, he unexpectedly rang the doorbell. Frustrated,
I muttered to myself, "He could’ve waited a minute or two." Mom
reached the door before I did, leaving me frozen in place behind her. "Hey
sweetie, why are you awake?" she questioned.
It cloaked, becoming invisible. I breathed a sigh of relief, but then I noticed a woman with sandy-blonde curly hair and sunglasses sitting on a bench in the park, staring at my house. Clad in a brown leather jacket that zips up front, along with a white tee shirt and jeans, she caught my attention. Curiosity compelled me to retreat and cautiously observe her from behind the delicate white curtains. I was uncertain if she had noticed me, an unsettling aura surrounded her, evoking a sense of foreboding. Dismissing these thoughts with a sigh, I swiftly adorned myself.
Donning a bohemian-inspired blouse,
reminiscent of artisan craftsmanship, paired with frayed black denim shorts and
pristine white sneakers, I settled on my bed, lost in contemplation. I
pondered the identity of the woman, then I considered the idea of being
intimate with Mr. Smith. I don't know why the thought crossed my mind, but the
possibility of engaging in something more with him intrigued me. I got up, tied
my hair into a ponytail, glanced at my reflection, "Nah," I said to
myself and let my hair loose, and headed downstairs to find Mr. Smith and my
parents chatting in the Livingroom. "Hey honey, Mr. Smith mentioned
you're taking an astronomy class next semester," my mom exclaimed,
surprised. "It's
just a required course," I replied casually, taking a seat next to Mr.
Smith. "Would
you like some breakfast?" my mom offered. "Sure," he accepted,
joining my parents in the kitchen. My brother walked in but didn't have time to
eat. "Wait, don't you want anything?" my mom asked. “Nah,
I’m going to Greg’s house next door to play a game on the PlayStation 3.” Mom
rolled her eyes and sighed. “Okay, well then, say hi to his mom for me.” My
brother nodded and left, never batting an eye at our guest. He’s probably going
to the skate park again, a little too early if you ask me. We had a pleasant
breakfast, and Mr. Smith excused himself, he said that he had to leave, and
thanked my mom for the charming breakfast she gave him. I walked him
out. “I find your parents charming,” he said. “Thanks,” I said and smiled.
“I will be waiting in the TDSC if you want to come with me.” He winked and
kissed my hand. I nodded and watched as he walked away.
I closed the door and started upstairs. “I’m going upstairs, then I’m gonna go to Leila’s house. It’s Saturday and she’s not working today,” I told my parents. I came down a minute or two later with my backpack. “I decided to walk to her house, I might spend the night too, see you guys later okay,” I called out as I opened the front door. My parents were still in the kitchen drinking coffee. “Be careful wherever you go, dear,” mom shouted out. “I will,” I responded and took a deep breath and exhaled. On Saturdays my parents go out to play tennis and come home and watch TV. It may seem boring to some but for them it’s about routine, and after a stressful week at work that’s what brings them joy. My mom works at a Local boutique and my dad is a lawyer; he shares an office with another lawyer. I ran toward the park across the street. The woman was gone. I looked around to see if she might still be hovering around. The monolith appeared and the door materialized. Mr. Smith was waiting, as I walked in. “I was just wondering if you happened to see a woman with sandy-blonde curly hair or maybe wavy hair, sitting on the bench?”
"No, why?"
he replied.
"I noticed
her earlier, perched on the bench, gazing at my house."
"When did you see her?" he asked. "I was
upstairs getting ready and caught a glimpse of her through my window." A
look of confusion flickered across his face as he paused, his hand lingering
above one of the crystals.
“Is everything okay,
Mr. Smith?” He glanced at me and nodded, tapping a few crystals on the matrix
table before smiling. “Don't worry, she was probably waiting for someone,” he
responded abruptly. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but there was a flicker
of recognition in his eyes when I described her.
Even though I felt scared and knew I should just walk away without looking back, my curiosity and adventurous spirit took over. "I brought my backpack just in case," I mentioned, setting it down on the floor. “Ready to explore the Blue Crystal Caves on Tarislee?” he asked eagerly, to which I nodded in excitement. "Well, let's go then," he said with enthusiasm, tapping the crystals on the panel as a holographic image of a star system appeared before us.
