A Time Traveler's Companion: Excerpt from Chapter 6: Another Companion Before Me

 

An excerpt from  A Time Traveler's Companion

(Leila and Remi are at a local Thrift shop when Remi comes across a peculiar photograph on the wall of the shop)

The following day, Leila and I decided to hit up the nearby shopping center, which features a Staters Bros market along with a few cute boutiques to check out. I was particularly excited about a thrift store that had just opened a few months back, so I made sure to swing by. While Leila and I were browsing through the aisles, I spotted some pictures hanging on the wall. They were up for sale, and a few of them had that charming vintage vibe that really caught my eye.

 “Wow, look Leila, these pictures look totally vintage.” Leila was browsing the clothes racks. I closely looked at a picture that was from Woodstock and reminisced when Mr. Smith and I attended.

 “It seems like yesterday, oh wait it was,” I thought and chuckled softly. However, as I inspected the picture, I noticed something familiar.

 “Oh shit,” I whispered.

 “Who took this picture?” I asked.
“Well, no one knows but I suppose a random photographer who attended the Woodstock event in 1969,” the shop owner said as she surprised me by approaching from behind. "Sorry for startling you," she commented. I shook my head, "No problem, I am captivated by this picture. How much?”

 "Well, most of the vintage pictures here are priced at $80.00, but I can offer it to you for $50.00" With a sigh, I reluctantly agreed, “Okay.” Desperate to conceal my time-traveling escapades at any cost, I was willing to part with fifty dollars, knowing full well that no one would ever suspect the truth behind an innocuous old photograph. Taking down the eight by ten photo from the wall, she examined it closely. "Interesting, the girl in the photo kinda looks like you," she commented nonchalantly. "I guess everyone has a doppelgänger," she added, shrugging it off with a smile.  

"Yeah, probably," I replied with a smile, momentarily lost for words feeling speechless as I stared at the image that froze a tender moment between me and Mr. Smith capturing the passionate kiss he had planted on my lips. After a quick transaction, she carefully slid the picture into a bag, which I promptly tucked into my backpack, the best I could.

"Have you found anything interesting?" Leila asked. "Not really, what about you?" I asked her, noticing a cute hippie-style tunic shirt in her hand that seemed familiar. A sudden realization struck me.

 "Oh no, it can’t be. That belongs to Tracy," I thought to myself.

 "That's a lovely boho tunic blouse," I commented with a nervous tone.

 "Yes, it is. It belonged to my grandmother," the shop owner revealed, leaving me in awe.

"Was your grandmother at Woodstock?" I asked, intrigued. She nodded as she proceeded to ring up Leila's item. "Yes, she was. She always told me stories about her time at Woodstock and a story about a peculiar journey she had with an actual time traveler and his young bride," she shared, causing my eyes to widen in disbelief. “In fact, she wrote a book about it, but it didn’t quite make best seller, however she did sell a few copies. I have a copy of it on the bookshelf, let me go get it." Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, a testament to my nervousness as I anticipated the contents of the book. When she returned, she handed it to me - an old book with yellow pages and a picture of the author, Tracy Richards, on the back. I recognized her by her distinct, beautiful eyes. “Her last name is Richards, it's probably her married name,” I thought.

"Do you want it?" she asked, to which I simply nodded. Later, Leila and I found ourselves seated on a bench at the outdoor mall's quad area.

 "Can I take a look at that book?" Leila asked. Passing her the book, she responded with a scoff, "The Time Traveler and His Bride," reading the title aloud. "Well, with a title like that, it's no wonder it didn't make it to the best seller list, but I do like the romantic cover image," she remarked.

"So, how's your job?" I asked, shifting the conversation. She returned the book to me, and I promptly stashed it in my backpack. “It’s fine but well, my boyfriend he’s been a bit distant lately. I wanted to talk to you about it. I tried texting you, but you never responded. Where were you anyways? I was thinking of calling your house to see where you were, but I figured no one was home,” she said. My heart raced as the thought of her calling my house crossed my mind, knowing my parents could’ve caught me in a lie. It's a challenge to keep Mr. Smith a secret, especially from Leila, who has a knack for uncovering the truth. Contemplating whether to confide in her, I weighed the risk of adding another person to the list of those who could potentially expose my secret. With a heavy heart, I let out a sigh. We decided to go get lunch at Burrito Place. Following our meal, we took a stroll back to the quad. We were deep in conversation when I noticed the mysterious woman with sandy blonde curls pass by; she turned and offered me a friendly smile.

 "Do you know her?" Leila asked, to which I simply shook my head in response. Leila and I sat on a wooden bench at the center of the quad, we chatted and then Leila excused herself to go to the restroom. I waited for her to come back, absorbing the peaceful scenery. The soft wind danced through the leaves of the trees, creating a tranquil ambiance around me. Suddenly, the mysterious woman approached me, taking a seat beside me. My heart skipped a beat as I tried to compose myself. "Hello, we've never met, but we have a mutual acquaintance in Mr. Smith," she said calmly. She didn’t sound like Mr. Smith at all; instead, her voice had an American tone with a hint of a country twang. I was caught off guard by her surprising introduction, my eyes going wide in disbelief. As I studied her appearance, I couldn't help but notice the details of her outfit.

 She wore a stylish brown leather vest adorned with zippers, paired with an off-white cotton blouse with rolled-up sleeves that reached her elbows. Her faded button-front jeans and black flat-heeled boots completed the casual yet chic ensemble. The mysterious woman exuded an air of confidence and intrigue, leaving me curious about her connection to Mr. Smith. "Yes, I understand that this may be overwhelming, but I assure you, I have no ill intentions towards you," she stated calmly as I distanced myself from her, creating a physical barrier by placing my backpack between us. I finally asked, "Who are you and how do you know him?"

"I used to be his companion long ago," she revealed, leaving me speechless and unable to articulate the myriads of emotions swirling within me. My name is Melanie, at least in this current body I am," she added, meeting my gaze with intensity. She shook my hand, and my throat felt dry as I struggled to comprehend her words.

"This body?" I managed to utter. Melanie nodded in response, prompting me to take a deep breath before asking, "What exactly do you mean by that?"

 "Mr. Smith must have shared some details with you," she continued, and I nodded in confirmation. I know he told me that he took a man’s body, but this was something different. "We were partners in a distant past, inhabiting human bodies as we traversed through time and space," Melanie explained, causing my heart to ache with the realization that he had kept this significant part of his life hidden from me but to be fair, he just didn’t reveal it to me, he was afraid that I would reject him, and I probably would’ve. 

You can’t imagine how much it hurt me knowing that Melanie was his first companion. Overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, I hesitated and asked, "What happened between you two?" Although a part of me dreaded the answer, I needed to know the truth behind their shared history. “Did he ever change his body?” It was a stupid question, but I had to ask.

 "To the best of my knowledge, he is currently in his first body, as I am," she said, glancing nervously around, clearly hoping to avoid being seen with me by anyone, especially a particular individual I suspect. I couldn't help but wonder about the potential consequences if Mr. Smith were to find out - would he resort to violence or simply sever all ties with me. The uncertainty weighed heavily on my mind as I let out a sigh. "I made the decision to part ways with him due to irreconcilable differences," she finally confessed, her fingers absentmindedly toying with a thick leather bracelet that seemed to hold more significance than just a piece of jewelry. In the middle of her wristband, there was a watch; it reminded me of Mr. Smith’s watch.

“Mr. Smith found this body for me, and here I am. I have no plans to transfer into another body if this one should die," she explained. I gazed at her skeptically. She then stared sincerely into my eyes and said, "I would like you to be my companion. Let's travel together, it will be fun," she proposed enthusiastically, catching me off guard. I was shocked that she offered to take me with her, but I don’t trust her. However, the knowledge she has about Mr. Smith might prove useful and I want to know more about him, more than what he would ever tell me. I gulped and said, “I don’t know if I should come with you, but I’ll think about it,” I told her.

 She nodded, “Okay, you do that, in the meantime if I were you, I would get on birth control.” Rising to her feet, she prepared to depart. "Hold on a sec, what are you saying? I can't come out pregnant, he’s an alien, we are of a different species." She chuckled and set her arms akimbo.

  "Oh Birdie, you're so naive." Leaning down, she planted a kiss on my forehead. "Just be careful," she advised me, her gaze filled with sincerity. She really seemed concerned about me. I was slightly offended by her comment. “I’m not naïve,” I thought, but deep down, she had a point. I should been on birth control. Leila's face shifted to a serious look as she approached me, her gaze locked on Melanie walking away. 

"Who is that? Do you know her?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. Sensing the gravity of the situation, I suggested that we continue the conversation in a more private setting. "There's something I want to talk to you about. We should go to my house because this is going to take a while," I said. We drove back to my place; it was then that I told Leila everything.

A Trip to 1976

A Time Traveler’s Companion 

Excerpt from Chapter 20: The AI & Me

A Time Traveler's Companion: Chapter 3: Tarislee (A Truth Revealed)

 

An excerpt from Chapter 3: Tarislee

(Content warning: Sexual situations)

 This remarkable and intelligent gentleman had become my initial lover. As the night unfolded, we remained locked in a fervent embrace, and with the dawn's light breaking, he still held me tightly in his powerful arms. It is a curious thing really; it was as if he feared I might vanish from his grasp. Following a revitalizing shower we shared, breakfast was brought to our room, and we readied ourselves for a captivating 6-hour tour on a train to the mesmerizing Blue Crystal Caves. On our way to the caves, I couldn't shake off the image of the scars I had spotted on his back while we were showering. I didn’t notice them during our intimate time together, but they were there, clear as day in the steam of the shower.

I thought about asking him how he got them, but ultimately, I chose to keep my mouth shut and let it be. The scenery was stunning, leaving me in awe as we traveled to the caverns in a futuristic looking bullet train that was encased in a thick strong durable Plexiglass tube much like the bullet trains in the city. When we finally arrived, we stepped out and stood alongside the crowd, as we patiently waited outside the entrance. Our tour guide handed us white hazmat suits, and I curiously asked Mr. Smith, “Why do we have to wear these?” He explained that wearing them was necessary to prevent any contamination in the caves, as well as to protect us from the intense heat generated by the crystals, which could exceed 150 Fahrenheit. After helping me secure my helmet, he reminded me that photography was strictly prohibited. Although I couldn't capture the moment, I can only describe the incredible sight of the caves, where the crystals shimmered in mesmerizing shades of blue and iridescent colors. 

The crystals were large and towered from the ground up, nearly touching the top of the cave. The desire to touch and take a small piece of this beauty overwhelmed me. I took some selfies of Mr. Smith and I outside of the entrance of the cave in our hazmat suits with our helmets off. Later in the afternoon, we made our way to the elegant restaurant he had mentioned earlier. The restaurant exuded sophistication with its sleek black and white decor, perfectly complementing my stylish black and white geometric print mini dress. 

He opted for a timeless black and white ensemble. From our table, we had a breathtaking view of the beach and a distant island. Our dinner was delightful, although there were moments when Mr. Smith's attention seemed to drift away from our conversation, fixated instead on the crashing waves and rugged cliffs. It wasn't that I was boring him; there was an air of contemplation, as if something weighed heavily on his mind, transcending our relationship. Concerned, I asked, "Are you alright, am I boring you?" I took a sip of my wine, hoping to ease the tension.

 "Butterfly, I’m sorry for being distracted. I couldn't help but ponder about your undeniable affection for those mesmerizing blue crystals. The way your eyes lit up whenever they caught a glimpse of those precious gems was truly enchanting. I would like to give you a small fragment, one that you could cherish and adorn around your neck, but the rules forbid anyone from taking crystal fragments, and I regretfully cannot fulfill what you desire." He was right, I longed for a tiny piece of that captivating crystal, a tangible reminder of our shared moment together. However, I understood the importance of adhering to the regulations in place, especially on this planet. I suspect though that there is something else bothering him. With a gentle smile, I reached out my hand towards him, intertwining our fingers in a comforting embrace. His eyes flickered with a fleeting blueish glow, reminiscent of that unforgettable night we shared. My breath caught in my throat as I gasped in surprise.

"Oh, you noticed," he muttered, averting his gaze and swallowing hard. "I hope this doesn't change how you feel about me Butterfly," he confessed, his eyes filled with sincerity as they locked onto mine.

 "No, it doesn't," I replied, pausing for a moment to gather my thoughts, “Why do your eyes sometimes have a bluish glow to them?” His face blushed a bit before he explained. 

“My eyes sometimes will glow during intense moments,” he paused and added, “Do you wish to stop seeing me?” I shook my head, "No of course not. I want to keep moving forward in this relationship. I love being with you," I said.

"Do you love me?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty regarding the depth of our relationship. In response, my cheeks blushed as I nodded in affirmation, although technically we just met but I do feel a strong connection to him that I can’t explain. As we dined on the familiar Earth-like cuisine, I couldn't help but notice the strange, otherworldly fruits and vegetables that adorned our plates. Humans had brought their culinary traditions to this new planet, but there were still remnants of the unknown that left me hesitant to indulge, fearing potential allergic reactions. Returning to our room, the air crackled with undeniable tension as we once again succumbed to our primal urges. Our lovemaking was intense, fueled by a fiery passion that consumed us both. He fucked me in various places, each more daring than the last - the table, the bathroom counter, the steamy confines of the shower, and finally the cool hardness of the floor. But it was when we found ourselves entwined in the bed that I truly lost myself in the throes of ecstasy. 

Lying on my side, he lifted my leg and entered me from behind, his hard thick member filling me completely. The initial gentleness of his thrusts soon gave way to a relentless rhythm, each movement pushing me closer to the edge until I could no longer contain my cries. Our bodies reached the pinnacle of pleasure simultaneously, and as our climax washed over us, our essence spilled uncontrollably onto the soft bedcovers. Mr. Smith never allowed me to take the dominant position, and I never felt the need to push for it either. After our passionate encounter, we surrendered to the blissful embrace of slumber, entwined in each other's arms. The next day, we embarked on an adventure to explore the enchanting island that had captivated my attention through the restaurant's window. The monolith produced clothing for me to wear, a pair of black denim pants, a white cotton lace button up blouse and a pair of white canvas shoes.

I wondered as to why the monolith didn’t create a Disco dress for me when we traveled to 1976. I decided to brush it off and not think about it. Looking around, curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn't help but ask him, "Are we allowed to be on this island?" My eyes caught sight of a sign that clearly stated, "Private Residence, No Trespassing." Instead of answering my question directly, he responded with a warm smile. As we strolled along a dusty path, I couldn't help but express my awe, "It's absolutely beautiful." In that moment, he gently wrapped his arm around my waist, drawing me closer to him. With a sense of pride, he revealed, "This is a private island that I purchased a long time ago, but I haven't made it my permanent residence yet. I often come here to find solace and contemplate my life." 

Continuing our walk, we eventually found ourselves seated on a sturdy concrete bench, strategically placed to face the vast expanse of the ocean. The view was nothing short of breathtaking. I found myself mesmerized by the endless horizon, as if the water stretched on forever. “The tranquility of the surroundings allowed me to escape from the chaos of the outside world, even if just for a moment,” he said. We stared out at the sunset, lost in the serenity of the moment, he broke the silence with heartfelt words, "I'm truly grateful to have met you, Remi. By the way, I don't think I've ever asked for your full name." With a shy smile, I replied, "My full name is Remilda Marie Lucan." 

His eyes sparkled with admiration as he whispered, "Remilda, what a beautiful name." I then asked him, “So, is your name really John Smith?” He hesitated before responding, “Yes and no.” The answer wasn’t what I expected and left me a bit irked, my brow furrowed. In that moment, he leaned in and gently kissed me, leaving me with a sense of warmth, causing my heart to flutter. Leaning my head against his shoulder, he planted another gentle kiss on the top of my head. I asked him about his age, hoping he wouldn't mind. He responded with a casual sigh, saying, "I am the age you believe me to be." His ambiguous answer left me slightly irate, desiring a more direct response. Eventually, he spoke up, stating, "Well, the way you see me, I appear to be in my thirties." 

I nodded, acknowledging what he said. “But I am five hundred years old,” he paused. “Well, my body is.” Startled, my eyes flew open, and a soft gasp escaped my lips. "But how?" I asked, my curiosity was piqued by the mysterious revelation. "The body I inhabit once belonged to a man from the 1500’s," he explained, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of the ocean. "His name was John Smith. I appeared to him as he wandered down a dusty path." Eager to hear more, I urged him to continue. He drew me closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "My kind are non-corporeal beings," he began, his words painting a picture of his otherworldly origins. "We are Beings of pure energy. Our planet lies five hundred thousand light years away from Earth. 

The monoliths, including the one you see here, arrived in our world many millennia ago, settling in the Syranu Desert. The ancient structures were revered by my people as divine symbols, with no one daring to enter except for one brave soul.” He exhaled as he reminisced. "You were the exception," I pointed out, to which he acknowledged, "It takes courage to venture into the unknown, my Remi, and that's exactly what I did. Although my kind can live for many millenniums, we are not invincible, we can be killed," he mentioned, causing me to shudder, "Who would want to kill you? You are a remarkable being, whether human or extraterrestrial, and you are really something else, extraordinary."

"I appreciate your words, Remi," he replied before leaning in to kiss me softly. "So, what transpired next?" I asked, eager for more details.

"After visiting the monolith regularly, I mustered the courage to approach the crystals. I cautiously touched one of the shimmering crystals on the matrix table on the pillar, a surge of energy enveloped me, transporting me to a completely different world - your world, during the Renaissance era. It was a breathtaking sight, but my attention was quickly drawn to a bewildered peasant in his thirties who happened to be walking along a path in the countryside and spun around when he heard the monolith appear. 

He cautiously approached the monolith; his eyes filled with both curiosity and fear. And then, the door slid open, causing him to jump back and stumble in astonishment." My curiosity piqued, and I couldn't help but interject, "What happened next? What did you do?" Mr. Smith paused; his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and regret. He sighed, "As I stepped out of the monolith, the peasant's expression transformed into a mixture of awe and terror. To him, I must have seemed like an otherworldly being - an Angel or a Demon. It was at that moment that I realized why the monolith had brought me to the 1500’s," he explained, his voice filled with a hint of mystery. A heavy silence settled between us, the anticipation of his next words hanging in the air, leaving me yearning for more. "I adore your curiosity," he expressed, gazing at me thoughtfully. "Please don't judge me for what I'm about to tell you though," he said. Mr. Smith felt uneasy about revealing his secret, worried that it could change how I perceive him. "The moment I stepped out of the monolith, the man gazed at my real appearance." I pondered on that briefly, "I wonder how his true form actually looks like."  He continued, “To my dismay, the man lost his sight as soon as he laid eyes on my true form.

 He was blinded by my light, literally. It seems that humans are unable to withstand the sight of me in my true state. I brought the unfortunate man into the monolith, where the AI scanned his body and determined that he would have eventually succumbed to cancer. So, I made the decision to end his life." My jaw dropped in shock as I stared at him, unable to comprehend as to why he did it. I wanted to run away but he held me close. 

"Why?" I asked, completely taken aback by his revelation. He then reassured me, "The AI informed me that in order to live among your kind, I needed to inhabit a physical form. Remember, he would have died anyways. Trust me, he didn't feel any pain." I sat there in silence, shocked by his revelation. His embrace was tight, as if he feared I would walk away from him, in fact, I wanted to but emotionally I couldn’t leave him. He met my eyes earnestly. I swallowed hard and said, “I'm sorry for what you went through, but you did what you had to.” At that moment, a slight fear crept over me, but I managed to conceal it from him. As he embraced me, his smile and appreciation were unmistakable. It was clear that he was genuinely pleased that I didn't pass any negative judgment on him for what he had done. However, I did want to run away from him but then my feelings of love for him kept me there. “Where would I run to?” I thought. 

“I am so happy that I met you Remi, I finally found someone who understands my pain,” he said, expressing relief.

"I'll always be here for you." I promised him, despite the warning signs that I chose to ignore. It's a peculiar situation, really. I am head over heels in love with him, he is my first love, and no matter if I tried to leave him, he would always find a way back to me, literally. He found a way to track me and had this habit of stalking me, which I was oblivious to at the time. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we enjoyed a beautiful evening together, marveling at the sky ablaze with shades of orange and pink before making our way back to the monolith. 

(pictures used in this blog are for the readers entertainment)

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Excerpt from A Time Traveler's Companion Chapter 2

 

Chapter 2: 1976

(Trigger warnings: sexual situations

MA-21 & over

   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 face turned red with embarrassment as he gazed at my appearance, his eyes brimming with longing.

"Allow me to help," he said, entering the dressing room. With a tender touch, he swept my hair aside and zipped up the back of my dress. The dress was a stunning royal blue satin silk that hugged my figure perfectly, falling to mid-calf with a daring side slit and a low-plunging neckline. To enhance the look, I paired it with a blue velvet choker accessory. The soft fabric of my dress felt amazing against 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 mused. 

"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 left the dressing room, I changed into the jeans he bought me. I carefully folded the blue dress. While at the checkout, I asked the cashier about nearby dance clubs.

"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 covered the cost of my outfit and shoes. I expressed my gratitude and stepped outside with him.

"Do you think we can locate the nightclub?" I asked.

 "I'll ask the TDSC," he replied, pausing for effect. "The monolith," he added playfully, giving me a wink. As we strolled down the sidewalk, he held my hand, and I pondered whether the TDSC could connect with him telepathically. I spotted a group of young men nearby, they were probably around my age, one of whom was giving me a flirtatious glance, which made Mr. Smith's expression darken with jealousy. "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.

"Excuse me," Mr. Smith uttered politely to 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 toward 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 go change.” He headed toward the closet. He tapped a panel on the side, and 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 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. I got the eerie feeling of being watched but I brushed it off. 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.” Although I found his playful explanation hard to believe, I decided not to dwell on it. Memories of my grandmother's stories flooded my mind. She used to recount her nights out at nightclubs, where she eventually met my grandfather. The retro music playing in the background added to the nostalgic atmosphere, with songs like, Rollercoaster, Car Wash, Heaven Must be Missing an Angel and Turn the Beat Around set the perfect tone for the evening. 

Following our dance, we found our way back to our table and indulged in some beverages, where the waitress pleasantly caught me off guard with a delightful Long Island Iced tea. Mr. Smith warned me to be cautious with how much I consumed, and he was spot on. I ended up feeling a bit intoxicated for the remainder of the evening. As a slow melody filled the air, Mr. Smith and I took to the dance floor once again. He held me close, enveloping me in a tight embrace, his body exuding a comforting warmth as he drew me nearer to him. Our cheeks touched, creating an intimate connection.

The song ended, and we sat back down at our table. "I'm having such a great time. How about you?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of allure. I responded with a nod, a grin forming on my face, yet beneath the surface, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more profound brewing between us. Was he able to pick up on the deepening affection I harbored for him?

Lost in a whirlwind of romantic and sensual musings, I gazed around the club with a sense of enchantment, only to have my attention abruptly diverted by a woman who seemed oddly familiar. 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 smile, and 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 it was my grandmother.

“She’s, my grandmother!” I exclaimed, adding, “I never thought I'd meet her before she met my grandfather. She looks stunning.” 

 Curious, he asked, "How do you know she wasn't waiting for him here?" His question made me pause and think. I remembered her telling me that she met my grandfather at a nightclub in 1976, but I didn’t realize it was that one. Feeling a bit tipsy, I stumbled slightly. "I shouldn't have drunk that tea," I admitted, causing him to chuckle softly. 

We returned to the TDSC (monolith). He adjusted the crystals on the pillar; he called it a matrix table and then led 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 on his bed, 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 my sentence; 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?”

“It just comes to me when I think about it,” he looked at me as though he wanted to tell me more about the enigmatic monolith and about himself but was holding back. It could have been because he had just met me, but I had a feeling that he wanted to test my level of interest in embarking on interstellar adventures with him. Personally, I was genuinely intrigued and eager to join him on these escapades, so I subtly hinted that I might be open to the idea in the future.

"You know, I wouldn't mind traveling with you," I cautiously expressed. His eyes instantly lit up, and a smug smile crept across his face. 

"Great! Let's go," he exclaimed, making his way towards the console and skillfully manipulating the crystals on the matrix table. My eyes widened in surprise, and I quickly interjected, "Hold on a sec, I really should go back and get my car home. Let's stick to the original plan you proposed. Once we're at my place, we can discuss this further," I suggested, with a nervous smile, feeling a sense of anxiety. He scoffed and chuckled in response, clearly understanding my concerns, "Of course, we can do that," he reassured me.

Suddenly, the monolith materialized next to one of the towering trees where I had parked my car. It cloaked itself, basically becoming invisible. Making it nearly impossible for passing cars to notice; the other vehicles that had been there earlier had already departed. For some reason, it seemed like we had arrived later than expected. 

"Are we back at the exact time we left?" I asked as I stepped out cautiously, scanning the surroundings for any onlookers. He emerged beside me. Some cars drove by but didn’t notice us.

"Possibly, but most likely not the same time, just the same day," he replied, causing me to purse my lips and my brow to furrow in thought.

"How do you plan on returning to the monolith if you're at my house?" I asked. With a mysterious grin, he drew me closer, encircling my waist with his arms. His response was enigmatic and filled with intrigue. "I'll summon it," he declared confidently. We got into my car; I was still clad in my Disco dress, while he had reverted to his pre-1976 attire in the monolith. We parked in the garage; I grabbed my backpack and headed indoors. I was surprised by his ability to drive an Earth vehicle, assuming he had acquired the skill during his travels. With my parents and brother absent, I made my way upstairs, with him trailing behind me. Glancing at my iPhone, I noticed messages from my friend about meeting at the mall later, but fatigue deterred me. Suddenly, the monolith materialized in my room, causing me to jump back in astonishment. 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, feeling relaxed, then I went in to take a shower. 

(Images used in this blog are for the readers visual entertainment purposes.)

 Chapter 1 Excerpt

Chapter 3 Excerpt

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