A Time Traveler's Companion: Chapter 8 Excerpt

 

(excerpt from Chapter 8:The Host)

A few more days passed, my memories returned in flashes, I felt less pain in my head, and I asked Leila to tell me what happened.

 “Don’t you want Mr. Smith to tell you?” I shook my head. 

 “I feel embarrassed, I want you to fill me in, please.”

 “Okay, I hope I’m doing the right thing. Mr. Smith said that I should let him know if you start to remember but I think I’ll fill you in a bit before you face him again.” I looked at her wondering if I had done something horrific. As she began to recount the bizarre events that led to my unexpected stay in a high-tech alien medical facility, her eyes widened with urgency.  "You see, those strange creatures that were leaping out of the pond were actually parasitic aliens. Once one of them latched onto your face, Mr. Smith rushed you into the monolith, where the infirmary's advanced AI was able to remove it. We were optimistic about your recovery, so Mr. Smith brought us back home, believing everything would turn out alright."

 "Did we make it back home?" I asked, and she confirmed with a nod. With a heavy breath, she elaborated, "We were unaware that something had been injected into you by that creature. Just a day after he left us, you began to express that you felt unusually cold. Upon our return, he instructed me to reach out if you started behaving strangely." I gazed at her, bracing myself for an unsettling revelation. A sense of dread washed over me. She swallowed hard, "You spent two days resting; your mother assumed you had caught the flu or something similar. You did run a fever, but by the third day, you seemed to improve. I came to see you, and we shared everything we had gone through, except that you didn’t remember the star-fish creature,” she paused. “I must say, I never want to travel with him again,” she added.

 Then I asked, “Tell me what else happened.”

 She took a deep breath and continued, “So, you were changing. It was clear that something was happening. You mentioned migraine, and your demeanor shifted dramatically. During our chat, you abruptly froze, turning to me with an unsettling blank stare that sent chills down my spine. Your eyes held an eerie quality as you stood up and approached the mirror, gazing at your reflection as if it were a novel sight. I couldn't help but joke, “Take a picture, it will last you longer,” and laughed lightly.”

 “I do remember that. There was a voice in my head, something odd that seemed to speak for me,” I said. A worried look shadowed her face.   

“Well, um, you sat next to me on the bed. You then said you felt cold, and I looked at you and wondered if you were feeling well, I touched your forehead to see if you were running a temp. "You might want to rest a bit more," I suggested. Then you embraced me tightly. 

“What’s wrong with you?' I asked. You replied, "I need your warmth; I feel so cold." It struck me as strange since it was a sweltering summer day, with temperatures soaring close to 100 degrees. considered calling Mr. Smith, as he had requested updates on any unusual behavior from you. Just as I reached for the phone he provided, you knocked it from my hand and kissed me with urgency. Something strange flickered in my mouth. I quickly pushed you away and dashed out of the room, escaping what felt like an imminent assault.” I expressed my sincere apologies, unable to articulate the reasons behind my unusual behavior. It felt completely out of character for me, and I couldn't shake the guilt that lingered from actions I couldn't even recall. She responded with a nod, her understanding reflecting the oddity of the circumstances we found ourselves in. She continued, "It seems that whatever you went through on that planet, the only one who can truly help you is Mr. Smith," she remarked, emphasizing the necessity of his expertise in this perplexing matter.

 “Unfortunately, when I ran out of your room, I left the phone behind, and I did not want to go back in there, so I hid downstairs. Your parents weren’t home, and your brother is always out somewhere.”

“When did you go back and pick it up?”

“After you left.”

“What? You let me leave?”

“Well, I waited to see when or if you’d leave your house, it took you a while too. I hid in the closet next to the front door.” Leila shifted in her chair. Flashes of that event came to me and now I understood what was going on. The parasite invaded my body and possessed my mind. I was still there inside but dormant I couldn’t stop what it was making me do, I had no control of my motor skills and my body’s movements. I remember that after Leila ran out of my room, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I took off my clothes and I heard myself say, “Perfect body, I like this species. The body is easy to repair.” 

My voice sounded strange; it wasn’t me. I went to the closet and looked through my clothes. I picked out an adorable red crop-top with black lace detailing, paired it with a black lace shrug and a black velvet choker and some cute earrings. To complete the look, I threw on a denim mini skirt and slipped into my black closed-toe sandals. Feeling good about my outfit, I headed downstairs and stepped outside. I was fighting every step of the way, until I gave into the parasite. Leila continued her story: “So, after you left, I ran upstairs and grabbed the phone and called Mr. Smith. He arrived quickly but you were nowhere to be found. But you did leave a trail of breadcrumbs,” Leila said.

“What do you mean?” She was reluctant to tell me. “Come on, is it that bad?”

“Well, when Mr. Smith came back, we took your car and drove around looking for you. We spotted you walking down a sidewalk in town. A man walked past, and you stopped and started following him. We called out your name, you glanced but did not acknowledge us. Mr. Smith mentioned that he returned to that planet to collect water samples, revealing that the parasites inhabit and reproduce in the hot spring located at the pond's depths. Apparently, the parasites in that region, only had the warm-blooded local animals to attach themselves to and they would consume the insides and leave the host, but they’ve never been inside an intelligent being before.”

I then chimed in, “That’s why I felt cold because it needs heat. That thing needed body heat.” She gave a nod and continued, “While we trailed behind you in the car, the man made his way into 21 Fitness, and you decided to follow him inside. Once we managed to secure a parking spot, we entered the gym, but since we weren’t members, we had to approach the receptionist for assistance. Mr. Smith presented her with a blank card, and for some inexplicable reason, she assumed we were some sort of investigators. He was in a panic, worried that you might have harmed someone, and unfortunately, his fears were confirmed. We discovered a man sprawled on the floor of one of the sauna rooms, a peculiar greenish-yellow foam seeping from his mouth.

 "She must have just left," I told him. He gazed at the lifeless body and his expression somber,” Leila paused and asked me if I wanted something to drink, I smiled and nodded. She stood up and went to a table where there was a pitcher of water and a cup next to it. She poured the water and brought the cup to me. I took a sip. "What else happened?" I asked her.

“Mr. Smith retrieved his scanner, gliding it over the man's body and then remarked, "It seems he wasn't quite the ideal partner," a concerned expression crossed his face. "The parasite residing within Remi is on the hunt for a companion to reproduce and spawn more of those things," he continued, his tone laced with a hint of empathy. A woman walked in and saw the body.
She screamed and Mr. Smith told her to call 911. “This man died of asphyxiation, and shock. I guess his body couldn’t take it.” After the woman left the room, I asked Mr. Smith, “Have you ever encountered anything like this?"

He shook his head. “We need to locate her,” he insisted, “and I know a hospital that specializes in cases like this.” We walked out of the room and just before we departed, Mr. Smith briefed the security personnel on his findings, carefully omitting any mention of the bizarre parasite incident. As we walked out of the fitness center I asked him, “Won’t they investigate why the man died?”

 He nodded and replied, “Yes, but they might throw it off as food poisoning or something. Right now, our main concern is Remi.” We got back in the car and drove around.”

 “I can’t believe I killed someone,” I muttered. Leila put her hand on my hand to comfort me. “It wasn’t your fault,” she said.

 “What else happened,” I asked, fearing the worse. “Well, I suggested going back home, maybe you had returned to your house. But instead, we found you entering Mr. Leon’s house.” She fell silent.

 “Well, what?” I asked. 

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A Time Traveler's Companion: Chapter 32 His New Face Excerpt

(An excerpt from Chapiter 32: His New Face

Trigger warning: Mild sexual content)

I found myself frozen in place, gazing at the open door. Mr. Smith stepped into my room. “Please let me explain,” he urged, referring to his sudden change. His blue eyes scanned my room, hinting that he suspected Melanie had been there, yet he seemed oddly unconcerned about it now. His focus was on me, and he noticed the tears cascading down my face; I quickly brushed them away with my hand and sat on my bed. 

 “Why did you take that body?” I looked at him, bewildered and echoed the question, “Why that body?” He came over and sat beside me. He pulled me close and softly kissed my lips. I wrapped my arms around him and noticed how sharp he looked in his light brown coat, a grey T-shirt, and jeans paired with black high-top sneakers. His short light brown hair was neatly styled, and his stunning blue eyes shone brightly as he gazed into mine. He doesn’t resemble the young man who shot him in 1936 San Francisco. He looks clean, and well-groomed. He let out a deep sigh and said, “Remi, I never intended to frighten you. I had no idea how my change would impact you. I’m really sorry. I didn’t want to abandon you here, but I wanted to give you time to think,” he paused.

“Yes, I should’ve been here when you woke up so we could talk about what happened. I genuinely apologize.” I nodded, taking in his words. After a moment, I finally said, “This is so overwhelming. It feels weird talking to the young man who shot you, but here we are. I apologize if I seemed a bit off; it’s just that…,” 

He cut in, “It’s the surprise of seeing me in a different body that threw you off. I understand. I need you to know, that I feel changed, somewhat—there’s a piece of that young man inside me, but I’m still me, your Mr. Smith.”

I asked him, “What was that man truly like,” I paused then said, “I can’t help but think some part of him lingered when you took his body.”  

He exhaled deeply and said, "He was 25, out of work, and resorted to stealing out of sheer desperation. Life was tough during the 1930s, and he was struggling to get by, living on the streets and doing whatever it took to survive.” I nodded in understanding, releasing a sigh as I wiped away the tears that had formed in my eyes. He grasped my hand softly and pressed a tender kiss on it. His stunning blue eyes locked onto mine, and I could sense his intentions. Yet a wave of uncertainty washed over me; I wasn't sure if I was prepared to dive into intimacy with him just yet.

(This novel is written in first person however, that last three chapters of the book moves over to a third person narrative since the chapters take place 200 years after Remi passed away and Mr. Smith is in his 5th incarnation.)

A Time Traveler's Companion

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A Time Traveler's Companion

(ages 18 & over due to mild sexual content)

Remi finds herself swept up in a tumultuous romance with a time traveler. Their fateful encounter leads her on an extraordinary journey through both time and space, exploring the wonders and challenges that come with such an unconventional relationship.

 Mr. Smith's love is both intoxicating and consuming. Despite the numerous risks associated with being his companion, Remi chooses to accompany him on his journeys and ultimately uncovers his secrets. 

The Maze from Hell: A Backrooms Tale is available on Amazon as an eBook. The two protagonists find themselves ensnared in the eerie realm of the Backrooms. As they navigate the labyrinthine corridors filled with an unsettling ambiance, both characters quickly grasp the terrifying reality of the Backrooms.

They must confront the horrors lurking within and work together to escape the clutches of this non-Euclidean dark dimension. 

A Time Traveler's Companion

The Maze from Hell: A Backroom Tale

I will be publishing more excerpts from these book in the near future. Thanks for stopping by, feel free to post a comment.

By the way, A Time Traveler's Companion is loosely based on a Doctor Who fanfiction I wrote. Visit the link if interested.

My Immortal: The Doctor & Me

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A Time Traveler's Companion: Now Available as an eBook!

 

Now Available! A Time Traveler's Companion is available as an eBook on Amazon.

I will be working on the paperback version later in the year and publishing it on IngramSparks. 

This book is loosely based on a Doctor Who fanfiction I wrote a few years back. Information about the fanfic will be on the last pages of the book, under author's notes. 

The images I used in the eBook are not quite positioned the way I'd like them to be but in the paperback version, I will have more control on how they sit on the page. Please do visit the link to view information on the book.

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A Time Traveler's Companion

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You can find the audiobooks for "A Time Traveler's Companion" on Google Play through the link provided below. Exciting news—I'll be releasing the eBook version of this title on Amazon in just a few weeks! To stay in the loop and receive the latest updates, make sure to subscribe to this blog or follow me on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X. I appreciate your support and can't wait to share this journey with you!

Trigger warnings: Adult content-18 & over.

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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 it 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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A Time Traveler's Companion: chapter 16: The Thing About the Book

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

“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 in 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 had spotted Tracy’s granddaughter assisting a customer and once, she finished, 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 traveller,” 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 now. "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 interjected, “Tarislee?” my voice laced with a hint of accusation and sarcasm. 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. He gulped and responded, “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.

"Please, continue,” I said.

 "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. I sighed.

  “I understand,” I replied, reflecting on whether I should have made more of an effort to connect with her. He left after spending some time with me and around seven o'clock in the evening the doorbell rang just as I stepped into the living room from downstairs. I went to answer it, and to my surprise, it was Mr. Smith standing there. I couldn't help but smile, my jaw dropping in shock.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, noticing the way he looked at me with such affection. He was wearing a dark brown leather jacket over a crisp white shirt, complemented by jeans and a black belt, with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Just then, my mom appeared behind me, raising an eyebrow.

 "Oh, Mr. Smith, what brings you here?" she asked, her tone a bit wary. 

“I came by for a visit,” he replied. He strolled in, handing my mom the flowers. He discreetly winked at me. We sat down in the Livingroom. I found myself reminiscing about the intimate moments we had shared, a soft blush creeping onto my cheeks. It appears he caught onto my thoughts because he gave me a subtle smile. The glance he shot my way didn’t go unnoticed by my mom. She shifted in her seat; her forehead creased with a bit of confusion. As she took a sip from her mug, her eyes darted between us, filled with suspicion. Now that she knows I am having sex, she’s eyeing every guy who I talk to as being the one who I am dating, and honestly, she’s not far off this time.

 “Your dad will be here soon. He was working late. When he comes, we will have dinner. Would you like to stay for dinner Mr. Smith?” she asked.

  “Yes, I would love to,” he responded and glanced at me with a smile. He did not want to create suspicion, especially since my mom was on high alert now, wanting to find the person who deflowered me. I gulped. A few minutes later my dad arrived home. “Look who’s here Robert?” Mr. Smith stood up from the sofa and shook his hand.

 “You’re that teacher from the college, right?” Mr. Smith nodded. We all headed to the dining room for dinner. Tim, my stepbrother, was the last to make it down. He shot a wary look at Mr. Smith and then glanced at me, like he had an inkling of what I was hiding. “Does he know?” I pondered. After a nice dinner, Mr. Smith said his goodbyes. “I’m sorry, but I must head out. Thanks for the lovely dinner, Mrs. Lucan,” he remarked, taking my mom's hand and giving it a kiss, making her blush. My dad shot him a curious look. Mr. Smith shook my dad's hand and then left. I know he will head to the monolith, which is probably cloaked somewhere at the park. It will appear in my room later, I’m sure. Night fell and everyone was asleep, As Mr. Smith enveloped me in his warm embrace, we surrendered to the gentle pull of slumber. There’s something undeniably enchanting about the way he holds me close, a tender gesture that fills my heart with joy. The thought of being without his comforting presence is simply unimaginable, for his arms are my sanctuary, a haven of romance where dreams intertwine. As the sun peeked through the curtains, I slipped into my work clothes, ready to tackle the day. 

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A Time Traveler's Companion: Excerpt from A New Face Part 4 Chapter 31: Melanie, Mr. Smith and I

 

(An excerpt from Chapter 31-Book 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.

“Yes, please,” she responded. 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 satin mini dress with a low neckline cut, while I opted for a simple yet flirty cotton blend beige 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 that she was being too bold considering that he was there. She tapped the quantum time manipulator on her wrist and vanished. I waited for Mr. Smith to emerge from the monolith. He finally stepped out and he pulled me into a warm embrace. “I want you to come with me. I need your support, my love, and I miss you,” he confessed, kissing me. I didn’t mention anything about Melanie, choosing to keep that topic to myself. Mr. Smith and I went to two planets, then while we enjoyed a drink in the lounge room of the monolith, I figured it was time to bring up something serious. It felt a bit risky, considering how delicate the situation is.

  “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 an agreement. 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.

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A Time Traveler's Companion: Excerpt from A New Face-Chapter 30: A Trip to 1989

 

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

Trigger warning: sexual content)

    As I wrapped up my class assignment on the laptop, the monolith suddenly appeared in my room. I closed 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 and smiled. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck.  Responding with a grin, “I’ve really missed you.” 

He smiled back 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 said, leaning in to give me a deep kiss. I looked up at his angelic face, eager to travel again and said, “Okay, let’s go.” He chuckled and said, “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, jeans, a matching brown leather belt, and Nike sneakers. I chose a white top with a denim jacket and straight-leg jeans, completing my outfit with 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 kind of looked a little bit like Tracy. As she approached, our eyes locked in a moment. 

Then it hit me, “Is she Tracy’s daughter?” I pondered. Tracy doesn’t live in the O.C. unless she did but later moved. As we walked past her, a soft smile shadowed her face. She gave me a nod then walked past us. 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 outside, 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. 

"You know my favorite thing, or should I say my absolute favorite thing," he replied with a cheeky grin, as he shifted the crystals around on the matrix table. He glanced back at me, a playful smile on his face.

 "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. A square fixture above the seating area casts a gentle fluorescent glow from the ceiling. The furniture boasts a sleek black hue, with just a couple of plants nestled in the corners of the room. He gently placed me on the sectional sofa. Even now, I can glimpse his true essence beneath the facade he presents, a reality that will always remain. He did something to my brain that can never be undone. My body feels tired, and I fear that when he finally drops me off at home, I will crash hard. He fixed his gaze on me, an intense expression crossing his face as he began to undress.

 “Remove your clothes, Butterfly,” he commanded, his tone firm yet gentle. I nervously bit my lower lip and began to peel off my garments at a leisurely pace. “You’re teasing me again,” he paused, taking a moment to savor the moment. “I adore it,” he said seductively. I wasn’t trying to tease him; I simply wasn’t in the mood for sex at that moment, feeling both tired and hungry. But he was impatient, lifting me off the sofa and assisting me in shedding my clothes. 

“Mr. Smith,” I began, but I kept my true feelings to myself and said nothing. As I stood there exposed, his gaze was filled with desire. His hands roamed over my body, gently tracing every curve. When he brushed his fingers against my cheek, I shut my eyes. With passion, he drew me closer, cradling my face in his hands, and kissed me deeply, holding me close. 

(Images are for the readers  entertainment)

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Excerpt from Part 4 Chapter 31

A Time Traveler's Companion: Excerpt-Chapter 20: The AI & Me

 

Mr. Smith's face changed and instantly he yelled, “Run!” He snatched the urn, feeling a surge of electricity that almost knocked him off his feet, but he fought hard to stay upright. I dashed toward the exit, with the android hot on our heels as we sprinted through the tunnel. It fired its weapon at us several times, but each shot went wide. "Is it possible for you to teleport the monolith into the tunnels?" he asked the AI.

Our breaths matched the frantic pace of our racing hearts, a shared panic settled as we realized the danger we were in. The monolith appeared a few yards away, however as we neared, I suddenly felt a searing blast go through me, like fire consuming my very body. The next thing I remember is waking up in the infirmary. I scanned my surroundings and realized that I was wrapped in that peculiar bio-skin substance, akin to the one Mr. Smith had instructed me to apply to his body when he was injured back in the 1930s. 

I felt completely immobilized, as if I were frozen in place, yet I could still speak and shift my gaze. I shut my eyes, attempting to piece together the events that led me here. “Are you having trouble recalling what transpired?” the AI asked.

 “Yes, could you please explain what happened?” My voice came out faint and fragile. The AI began to reveal the events on the holographic screen above me. It appeared that the AI had been capturing nearly everything occurring around and within the monolith, which unsettled me. I watched as Mr. Smith, and I raced through the tunnels. Just as we approached the monolith, a sudden jolt of pain shot through my back, courtesy of the android's weapon. The impact was overwhelming. Mr. Smith quickly yanked me inside, and in an instant, the monolith disappeared. I found myself lying on the operating table in the infirmary, blood seeping from my wound. Mr. Smith looked terrified, his eyes brimming with tears. “Can you save her?” he asked the AI, his voice trembling with dread.

“Yes, but she will need to undergo the same procedure you have experienced each time you were gravely injured,” It paused, “Maybe it’s time to consider letting her go, and possess her body,” it stated bluntly. Mr. Smith’s face turned crimson, “How could you even propose that?” he shouted, his anger palpable. “I already have a new body prepared, just in case this one dies.” 

He exhaled deeply, his voice firm as he commanded, “Make her better.” I appeared lifeless, which was hardly surprising given that I was teetering on the edge of death once again. He exited the room, and suddenly, a brilliant light enveloped my body. High-tech medical devices descended from the ceiling, beginning the intricate process of mending the wound in my abdomen, where the blaster burned right through me. I observed as the AI worked, injecting nanites into my body that swiftly mended my injury. They resemble tiny mites, bustling around and fixing the damaged tissue. The holo-screen turned off. I closed my eyes; I believe I was unconscious again. An unexpected memory surged into my mind-I recall having a face-to-face conversation with the AI. It was in its true form, it appeared as a black humanoid figure, akin to a mannequin yet possessing the fluidity of human movement. 

Its eyes were mere slits, glowing with an eerie crimson light. It loomed in front of me as we stood face to face within the wall of the monolith. 

"How can I be here while my body is there?" I questioned, my voice trembling as I gazed at it in terror. "Am I... dead?" I asked. It came closer, moving deliberately as it extended a hand toward my cheek. I instinctively recoiled. As it shifted, the AI's movements echoed those of the android from Terminator 2, particularly the police officer in his authentic state. Upon closer inspection, the AI’s skin resembled a dark liquid, shifting and flowing as it changed position. However, there was an unsettling shadow, a foreboding presence surrounding the AI that sent a shiver down my spine. 

“No, you are not dead, I brought your mind to this place while your body undergoes repair,” it replied.

“Are you really female?” I asked.

“Absolutely, I can be whatever he desires. Since he wished for me to embody Melanie’s image, I appear as her on occasion,” it paused then added, “Eventually, I will take on your likeness, one day.” Its words sent a chill through me, but I managed to ask, “What makes you say that?”

“Do you not grasp the situation? You won't live forever, but he will and when your time comes, your very essence will merge within these walls. Just like what occurred with Melanie, the woman whose body Ona now possesses.” Hearing this from the AI left me in a state of shock and fear. "Let me out of here at once," I insisted. I pressed my hands against the dark glass. Mr. Smith walked into the infirmary, and he stood over my body. I banged on the surface of the glass wall, but he couldn't hear my cries for help.

 “Mr. Smith, please help me! I’m stuck in here,” I shouted. The AI hovered closely behind me, its fingers brushing through my hair with an odd sense of curiosity. “It appears he’s more taken with you than I thought,” the AI remarked. I instinctively moved away from it. In an instant, I found myself back in my own body. Mr. Smith had just stepped out of the room as my eyes shot open, I gasped for air. I was staring up at the ceiling in confusion. Hours passed, and as my body regained strength, I noticed that the bio-skin substance had melded seamlessly into my own skin. Mr. Smith entered and gently lifted me, carrying me to his room for some much-needed rest. “Remi, I promise to take you home after our final adventure. We’re heading to the 1800s, but for now, just rest my love,” he said, kissing me deeply and covering my naked body with the soft, comforting sheets.

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Excerpt from Chapter 6

Remi & Mr. Smith in the 1930s

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A New Face Chapter 1 excerpt