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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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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Another Excerpt from A New Face Chapter 31

 

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

“What are you thinking about?” he asked, while he moved the crystals on the matrix table, switching their positions. A holographic projection hovered above the matrix table, displaying a map of the galaxy. He turned to me, noting my deep contemplation and pressed, “You seem lost in thought,” he remarked, eyeing the hologram with interest, “What’s on your mind?”

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

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

“Um, I was thinking about what would happen if,” I paused, leaning my back against the pillar with my arms crossed, I continued, “What if you got hurt to a point that you will have to discard your body?” He sighed, “Don’t think about it, I am fine. We have been careful, and I don’t want you to worry,” he said with a wistful smile. I nodded but little did I know that venturing to Vygel was going to change everything. 

We stumbled upon a local creature that caught our attention. It had vibrant green and yellow scales, a snake-like head, yellow eyes, sharp teeth, claws, and a long tail. The creature could move on all fours and can stand upright as well to a height of about 7 feet if it wanted to. As we gathered the crystals, it had been quietly tracking us. While scanning the surroundings, I caught sight of something creeping closer, almost hidden from view. Its camouflage made it hard to detect, revealing only a glimmer when sunlight struck its scales. In a panic, I abandoned the scanner and sprinted toward Mr. Smith. 

“Mr. Smith, something unknown is coming!” I yelled, but my warning came too late. The creature ran in full throttle on all fours toward us, and Mr. Smith stood between me and the creature. It knocked him down, tearing away at his protective suit. The armor he was wearing wasn’t enough to shield him from the long, five-inch-thick claws the creature had; it ripped through the armor like butter.  

I screamed and I got its attention, long enough for Mr. Smith to take out his weapon and fire. He stunned it long enough for him to summon the monolith. He fell to his knees because the reptile humanoid creature bit him several times and no doubt the poison was running fast into his blood stream. I ran to him and helped him inside the monolith. The monolith created a shield around itself so that nothing can penetrate it while Mr. Smith was incapacitated. I waited outside of the infirmary, much like before when he was shot in the 1930s. I paced back and forth, anxiously awaiting the results of his condition. “Is he doing, okay?” I asked the AI. “Yes. He will be fine. But he should take another body soon.”

“No, he doesn’t want to,” I said, in protest. I pondered, “He will eventually take a new body, it’s inevitable.” I gulped and sighed. I thought about my birthday and the times we shared together. I wiped tears from my eyes and exhaled. He told me that he is prepared for every contingency that might arise but just like the attack by that creature, I’m wary and ambivalent of his decisions. He is careless and yet he shows no fear of the unknown.

“Can I see him?”

“No,” the AI responded. I wandered around the corridors and rooms. Some were furnished and others weren’t. I went to the pool room. I smiled, remembering when we first dipped our naked bodies into the warm water. 

I chose to step inside, hoping it might ease my angst. I removed the black bodysuit, boots, and pendant, laying my clothes on a nearby pool chair and delicately placing the pendant on top. The poolroom features black walls decorated with geometric patterns, similar to those throughout the monolith, complemented by a few black lounge chairs. The ceiling light casts shimmering reflections on the water's surface. I dived in, feeling the warm water against my skin, soothing my nerves, and relaxing my senses. I closed my eyes, and imagined him with me, touching my body: kissing me.

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 Part 3-Chapter 16

A New Excerpt!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

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

“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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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. 

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Excerpt from Part 4 Chapter 31

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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Remi & Mr. Smith in the 1930s

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A New Face Chapter 1 excerpt

Excerpt from Chapter 6: Another Companion Before Me

 

(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