new story
A detour from reality
Getting your license is one event no one can forget, its a new freedom; independence that means more than anything. Here I was out with my friend’s new license pocketed, and burning a hole with excitement.
Jessica, come on little faster now. Im sure the turtles will slow down for you. My best friend Chet laughed.
Glaring next to me, if you must know it is pouring out there, and I happen to be driving with ease in hopes that I wont kill all of us! I snapped. As amazing as it was to have a license it was as stressful to maintain calm with friends whining in your ear.
Jesses well never make it to Stephanie’s party, and I know you don’t want to miss Brian. She cooed. I felt my cheeks flush upon his name, what did you expect when the topic of conversation just happened to be the hottest boy in high school.
Blaring my radio cheers erupted as we screamed the words to our favorite (©) Green Day song.
My hand tapped on the steering wheel as we drove on. Laughing as Laura broke out with the chorus, Chet and I stared at one another and smiled as we tried to drown out the off key pitches of death. The road continued to get more and more slippery, I didn’t want my friends to see me freaked, cause then I would crash. So I just drove slower; angering them of coarse but hey slower is better than death right?
“Ahh Jessica? We should have been there by now, Stephanie doesn’t this far away.” Conner said looking out the window. Laura and Emma squished towards the other window, and nodded in agreement. “Conner’s right jess, we would have arrived twenty minutes ago.”
“Ok well stressing the 2 day licensed driver is NOT they way to go guys.” I said trembling.
We drove along more and more I grew nervous. Why don’t we just head down that dirt road, it’s probably a neighbor hood or a house we can ask how to get on the road again. Laura suggested. I nodded in agreement.
“WAIT JESSICA!” Chet yelled, I wasn’t paying attention to his words when hit a bump and rolled, the car began to roll. It lasted maybe a minute or two, but nothing felt longer. I slowly opened my eyes I didn’t know where I was. It felt like a nightmare, a very blurry nightmare. “H-hello?” I croaked. I heard nothing but silence. I tried to tilt my head up but the pain hit me finally, and it hit me everywhere. The steering wheel was on my head, my heart pounded with fear, I didn’t know if anyone else was alive. Trying to move my hand at the door I tried to open i..I felt so weak so weak.
My eyes felt like opening. I wasn’t sure where I was or if I was alive. Yet I found it in me to open my eyes. “Whoa baby doll you really need to think of simpler moves.” I slowly sat up staring at the person in front of me.
What the hell did you call me? I said slowly freaking out. Focusing on the voice speaking to me I saw Chet standing in front me, but his appearance was not Chet at all. There he stood all suave and diviner; He wore a suite and a weird hat, with shoes so shiny I could see my face. “Chet what are you wearing? Halloween isn’t for a month?” I laughed. He stared at me curiously.
“Who you calling Chet toots? Names Charlie.” Now my head was really beginning to ache.
“Charlie?” I repeated.
“Yeah?” He smiled. I brushed my hand against my leg and felt a softer fabric than my jeans. I looked down and screamed, there upon me was a pink flowing dress with black heels. “What am I wearing?” I shrieked.
Charlie looked at me oddly; “you always wear this when you go dancing.”
“Um no I wear tight little jeans and tank tops thank you very much!” I said looking at the dress and wanting to puke.
“Tight what?” He pondered.
“I think Ive entered crazy-ville.” I mumbled to myself.
“What?” He asked.
“Charlie um what year is this?” I asked.
“Wow you must have really hit your head there.” He laughed.
“Just tell me already!” I snapped.
“All right!” He said warily. “1949.” He replied.
“What?” I thought, ok how could be happening it was 2006 when I woke up this morning and now it was like eighty years or something earlier, how could this be happening?
“Uh Charlie, you said I hit my head?” He smiled concertedly.
“Yeah we were dancing and you let go of my hand and I spun you into the wall and you fell. I am very sorry Julie.” Now this was getting really messed up, did this cutie with an annoyance just call me Julie?
“Umm you clearly don’t know me my name is Jessica.” Jessica walker.
He shook his head; “I think the doc better look at you. You aren’t Jessica walker your Julie West.” Huh what was this a soap opera?
“Ok lets say my name is Julie umm wow I don’t even know where to begin. Well you’re a start. How do I know you brother? Friend?” He smiled.
“Fiancé.” Suddenly that puking feeling wasn’t feeling so far away. “We’re engaged?” I said shocked. He looked slightly hurt but confused upon my question.
“Julie we got engaged last year remember at the Sadie Hawkins dance?” I knew I was getting no where with my confused antics so I decided to go along hoping this would get me out of here. “Oh sweetie yes I remember. Im so sorry I guess that bump really got to me.” I smiled half-heartedly. Charlie beamed. Holding me tightly I held him back.
“Oh darling Im so glad, you had me worried.” I smiled at him; well at least he was a total cutie.
“Well I think you’ve had enough dancing. Best get you home.” I nodded and left the dance hall. We walked in the cold breezy night in silence, I looked at the man whose arms I was in and smiled well who or where ever I was at least I was happy, I was just afraid I wouldn’t get home to tell the one that I loved that I did.
We came to a small but cute home that had that appearance every old movie home would. I kind of wanted to whine at the cliché it made, but kept silent as we walked towards the door. The little light flickered on. Chet smiled at me, I beamed back. I didn’t know how or why I was here at least there was a kind face to be with.
“Two weeks.” He whispered as he held me. Two weeks I thought anxiously. It took me all night to plan what I would wear on my first day of school! How was I to plan a wedding that fast?
“Uh honey isn’t two weeks a bit um sudden?” I asked quickly.
“Sweetie we’ve been engaged for a year.” He laughed. I laughed falsy of coarse. Kissing him goodnight I walked into the house glowing. I may not be the one who is really marrying him but I couldn’t deny how good a kisser he was.
“Bought time the bride came home.” A gruff voice boomed... jumping thirty feet I turned towards the light.
“Ahh Im sorry.” I said quietly.
“Oh pumpkin I was kidding. How was your evening?” Who was this guy? I wondered fearfully.
“It was umm… magical.” I said quickly.
“That’s wonderful, its a fine match you and Charlie.” He said happily. Based on his tone and everything I concluded this man was my father.
“Yes it is. Um Im feeling rather tired, I think I’ll go to bed.” I said inching my way up the stairs.
“All right get some rest.” I nodded as he headed back into the kitchen walking up I wasn’t sure which room was mine so I creaked open a couple doors until I found one that looked girly enough. Turning on the light next to me, I looked around. It was quaint. Very vintage, and I liked it. Opening the closet I was a little a little discouraged on some of the clothes but their were some that made me wish I could hold on to them. “Well who ever you are you have a kind of good style and a hot fiancé hmmm not bad.” Looking up a boy stood in the reflection.
“Whoa umm I didn’t see you.” I said turning. He looked annoyed.
“Yeah I know. Look mom and dad all ready favor you no need to compliment yourself in the mirror.” He snapped and walked out the room. Still alarmed by this I followed him.
“Hey.” Grabbing his arm. “I’m sorry for what ever I did.” He nodded growing annoyed more and stormed into his room. I stared at the door in silence even though I didn’t know anything, or who he was I felt a great rush of guilt inside me.
The next morning the warm sun, shown bright through my room. I sat up and smiled. Feeling happy even though I still needed to learn why I was here. Everything was so calm and happy. Hopping out of bed I went to the vanity mirror and looked at everything in front of me. “Cool” I whispered.
Gliding down the stairs the boy that had yelled at me at that night looked at me, oddly. “Well you take the word weird and use it well now don’t you.” I looked at myself and wondered what his comment was for.
I came into the kitchen; there at the stove a woman was making breakfast. If this was real I clearly got thrown into Pleasantville.
“Julie what in heaven’s are you wearing?” the woman yelled. I looked down at my clothing and wasn’t sure I understood.
“Umm what’s wrong with it?” I asked curiously.
“You look like an orphan or something.” She said angrily. I didn’t really see that but what ever floats her boat. I thought. Sitting at the table. The boy sneered at me.
“Conner, we will have to take you get a suite soon, you have outgrown the one you wear to church.”
“I don’t see why it matter’s it’s not like this little princess wants me at her wedding anyway.” He snapped.
“Of coarse she wants her brother there.” My umm well I guess father said.
“Yeah well she does a lousy job of showing it.” He said steaming. “ I have to go to school.” Grabbing his bag he left with out one more word. I stared at him leave sympathetically. I must be one mean sister to make him feel that way. I thought guiltily.
“I’m sorry I hope I haven’t hurt him.” I said sadly.
Mother came over and smiled, “don’t worry about him he’s just jealous that your getting a bit more attention cause of the wedding.” I nodded but still felt complacent.
“Now I am nearly done with your dress, but I will have to have you help me by putting it on so I can do the final stitching.”
“Alright when?” I asked.
“Today.” She said. Getting to make some tea.
“Ok.” I replied.
“Well I am off to work.” Father said sighing.
“Alright dear.” With a swift kiss he was up and heading out the door. The chance of this type of morning at my home was bout completely not possible.
After he left my mom went into the living room, and began knitting. God didn’t she hate the whole housewife thing she was doing I thought to myself. Sitting myself next to her I just watched as she knitted with such ease. I had tried to learn a few times before but I could never quite get it right.
“Your really good.” I said watching her. She looked at me and smiled.
“Thank you.” She replied.
“I just don’t believe I’m getting married.” I said at once.
“Well it is a big step.” She said not taking her eyes off her knitting.
“It’s not really the step it’s more the change, if that makes any sense.” I said quietly.
“It makes sense. Darling don’t do anything your not ready for. Your father and I only wish the best for you.” I smiled.
“I know, but I think I would be letting myself down if I didn’t go with it.” Now I know that sounded crazy but it was the truth, regardless.
“I think you would too.” She agreed.
We tailored my dress all afternoon. A stitch here a cut there. By nightfall it was completed. I stared in the mirror. It was I but yet I was in a different time. I wish I could understand why I was here, but I didn’t but the feeling I had in that wedding dress was indescribable. It was like walking on air, never wanting down or away from it.
“You look beautiful.” Mother said from behind me. I blushed.
“Stop it.” I said shyly.
“I’m not lying.” She beamed. I stared and wasn’t sure what to say let alone do.
“Your father and I are very proud of you darling.” She said putting away her needles and what not.
“Are you proud of Conner?” I asked. She looked at me.
“What do you mean of coarse we are.” She said very surprised at my question.
“Look I’m not upset or anything, I just feel that he might be feeling left out and things.” I said awkwardly. She looked at me with a concerned look upon her face.
“Did he say this?” she asked quietly. I had a feeling saying what he said would bring further issues so I gave her it in my words.
“Umm no he didn’t it’s just I can see he feels a little excluded and I’m just worried about him.” Mother looked away, as much as it hurts to loose a child it was just as painful to know your child felt unloved by you. Conner had been listening to his sister Julie defend him and smiled, walking away before they saw him.
“Well I’ll talk to him.” She assured me. “Now I best go make dinner.” Getting up she left closing the door behind her.
“How am I going to get out of here?” I said growing more worried. Sitting down I wondered why I would be here. Questions were pouring through me, maybe I’m dead and this is heaven, but if I were dead why would I be getting married. Nothing seemed to click or make any sense at all, which scared me more than anything else.
With in an hour father arrived and we sat down to dinner, I didn’t have much of an appetite so I moved it around to make it seem like I was eating. Mother seemed to see my distraction and stared at me concernedly.
“Sweetie something troubling you?” she wondered.
“Mm no nothing. I just I well… I’m not that hungry.” I stammered.
“Well if you’re not hungry why don’t you go up and lay in bed.” She replied.
“I think I’ll just take a walk.” Getting up with out an other word I headed out into the cool breezy October night. Passing along I stared at all the trees and homes. I felt like a stranger some one who didn’t belong. Everything felt strange and unknown but in its weirdness slightly familiar I couldn’t explain it, disavow maybe no oh I don’t know I thought warily. Nothing was making sense which creeped me out even more.
“Hey you.” A charming voice yelled. Turning, I smiled as Charlie walked over.
Pulling me in a hug. “I came by your home to see you, but your folks said you went out with out permission, that doesn’t sound like you.” Wow who ever I was she defiantly was different from me.
“I just needed some me time.” I said quickly.
“Oh should I leave” he asked pulling away.
“Oh no, I would love you to stay I just have been working on our wedding things all day so I needed a little break.” He nodded.
“Well I hope everything went well.” He beamed.
“Simply perfect.” Leaning in for a kiss, I felt like I was flying.
“Wonderful.” He whispered. We just walked around the neighborhood for hours, talking and laughing. Like Chet and me used to do… being with Charlie made me realize this crush or what ever I could call it for brain was not real and simply a excuse to not be honest that I loved Chet.
To be honest I wasn’t sure if I was in love with him or if it was just a crush but everything that I knew was good and right pointed my heart to him and that was enough.
“Are you excited we’re getting married?” I asked as we sat down on a nearby bench. He looked at me oddly.
“Of coarse I am I would have married you sooner but the only way to get our parent’s blessing was by a long engagement. I know this hasn’t been easy on you either, but come next week the wait will have been worth it.” He smiled holding me close. Lying against him I just stared out.
“No don’t worry it’s fine.” I sighed.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, “ever since you took that fall you have been different.”
“Not different just new perspective.” I replied strongly.
“Well well that works I supposed.
“Julie there you are!” a girl shouted. Another accompanied her as well.
“Laura! Emma! Oh thank god I thought I was the only one who warped here.” The two stared at me like I had four heads.
“Charlie you said she bumped her head not lossed her brain.” One said.
“Look gives it time.” He replied angrily.
“Fine.” She hissed, “I-am-Linda. And-this-Elizabeth.” She said slowly. I rolled my eyes with annoyance.
“Ok fine.” I snapped.
“So are you two going out with us tonight?” Linda asked.
“Uh no I was just going to get Julie home. Tomorrow for sure.” Charlie assured them.
“Alright but you better.” Elizabeth said walking away.
“ Are you sure your alright?” he asked after they left.
“Ok Charlie look this is going to sound crazier than anything I have said already but if I don’t tell you the truth you’ll send me to some institute.” He stared at me unsurely.
“Ok.” I sighed, “I am not Julie my name really is Jessica walker and I live in 2006 not 1939. I was driving with my friends Chet Laura and Emma who look just like you Linda and Elizabeth when we got into an accident and for what ever reason I woke up here with you. Now I know this sounds very far fetched and not possible but it’s true and I need you to believe me.”
“I- I don’t even know what to say.” He stammered.
“Please don’t leave me.” I replied growing worried.
“I got to figure this out, I um wow I just.” He walked away with out another word. I started to regret saying what I had, but I had to tell some one if I was to get home. Which I was feeling I never would get to.
I stared at him leave, UN able to move. Speak. Do anything but stand and stare. I felt the tears fall, but didn’t bother wiping them away. Best let them blend with the rain.
Getting your license is one event no one can forget, its a new freedom; independence that means more than anything. Here I was out with my friend’s new license pocketed, and burning a hole with excitement.
Jessica, come on little faster now. Im sure the turtles will slow down for you. My best friend Chet laughed.
Glaring next to me, if you must know it is pouring out there, and I happen to be driving with ease in hopes that I wont kill all of us! I snapped. As amazing as it was to have a license it was as stressful to maintain calm with friends whining in your ear.
Jesses well never make it to Stephanie’s party, and I know you don’t want to miss Brian. She cooed. I felt my cheeks flush upon his name, what did you expect when the topic of conversation just happened to be the hottest boy in high school.
Blaring my radio cheers erupted as we screamed the words to our favorite (©) Green Day song.
My hand tapped on the steering wheel as we drove on. Laughing as Laura broke out with the chorus, Chet and I stared at one another and smiled as we tried to drown out the off key pitches of death. The road continued to get more and more slippery, I didn’t want my friends to see me freaked, cause then I would crash. So I just drove slower; angering them of coarse but hey slower is better than death right?
“Ahh Jessica? We should have been there by now, Stephanie doesn’t this far away.” Conner said looking out the window. Laura and Emma squished towards the other window, and nodded in agreement. “Conner’s right jess, we would have arrived twenty minutes ago.”
“Ok well stressing the 2 day licensed driver is NOT they way to go guys.” I said trembling.
We drove along more and more I grew nervous. Why don’t we just head down that dirt road, it’s probably a neighbor hood or a house we can ask how to get on the road again. Laura suggested. I nodded in agreement.
“WAIT JESSICA!” Chet yelled, I wasn’t paying attention to his words when hit a bump and rolled, the car began to roll. It lasted maybe a minute or two, but nothing felt longer. I slowly opened my eyes I didn’t know where I was. It felt like a nightmare, a very blurry nightmare. “H-hello?” I croaked. I heard nothing but silence. I tried to tilt my head up but the pain hit me finally, and it hit me everywhere. The steering wheel was on my head, my heart pounded with fear, I didn’t know if anyone else was alive. Trying to move my hand at the door I tried to open i..I felt so weak so weak.
My eyes felt like opening. I wasn’t sure where I was or if I was alive. Yet I found it in me to open my eyes. “Whoa baby doll you really need to think of simpler moves.” I slowly sat up staring at the person in front of me.
What the hell did you call me? I said slowly freaking out. Focusing on the voice speaking to me I saw Chet standing in front me, but his appearance was not Chet at all. There he stood all suave and diviner; He wore a suite and a weird hat, with shoes so shiny I could see my face. “Chet what are you wearing? Halloween isn’t for a month?” I laughed. He stared at me curiously.
“Who you calling Chet toots? Names Charlie.” Now my head was really beginning to ache.
“Charlie?” I repeated.
“Yeah?” He smiled. I brushed my hand against my leg and felt a softer fabric than my jeans. I looked down and screamed, there upon me was a pink flowing dress with black heels. “What am I wearing?” I shrieked.
Charlie looked at me oddly; “you always wear this when you go dancing.”
“Um no I wear tight little jeans and tank tops thank you very much!” I said looking at the dress and wanting to puke.
“Tight what?” He pondered.
“I think Ive entered crazy-ville.” I mumbled to myself.
“What?” He asked.
“Charlie um what year is this?” I asked.
“Wow you must have really hit your head there.” He laughed.
“Just tell me already!” I snapped.
“All right!” He said warily. “1949.” He replied.
“What?” I thought, ok how could be happening it was 2006 when I woke up this morning and now it was like eighty years or something earlier, how could this be happening?
“Uh Charlie, you said I hit my head?” He smiled concertedly.
“Yeah we were dancing and you let go of my hand and I spun you into the wall and you fell. I am very sorry Julie.” Now this was getting really messed up, did this cutie with an annoyance just call me Julie?
“Umm you clearly don’t know me my name is Jessica.” Jessica walker.
He shook his head; “I think the doc better look at you. You aren’t Jessica walker your Julie West.” Huh what was this a soap opera?
“Ok lets say my name is Julie umm wow I don’t even know where to begin. Well you’re a start. How do I know you brother? Friend?” He smiled.
“Fiancé.” Suddenly that puking feeling wasn’t feeling so far away. “We’re engaged?” I said shocked. He looked slightly hurt but confused upon my question.
“Julie we got engaged last year remember at the Sadie Hawkins dance?” I knew I was getting no where with my confused antics so I decided to go along hoping this would get me out of here. “Oh sweetie yes I remember. Im so sorry I guess that bump really got to me.” I smiled half-heartedly. Charlie beamed. Holding me tightly I held him back.
“Oh darling Im so glad, you had me worried.” I smiled at him; well at least he was a total cutie.
“Well I think you’ve had enough dancing. Best get you home.” I nodded and left the dance hall. We walked in the cold breezy night in silence, I looked at the man whose arms I was in and smiled well who or where ever I was at least I was happy, I was just afraid I wouldn’t get home to tell the one that I loved that I did.
We came to a small but cute home that had that appearance every old movie home would. I kind of wanted to whine at the cliché it made, but kept silent as we walked towards the door. The little light flickered on. Chet smiled at me, I beamed back. I didn’t know how or why I was here at least there was a kind face to be with.
“Two weeks.” He whispered as he held me. Two weeks I thought anxiously. It took me all night to plan what I would wear on my first day of school! How was I to plan a wedding that fast?
“Uh honey isn’t two weeks a bit um sudden?” I asked quickly.
“Sweetie we’ve been engaged for a year.” He laughed. I laughed falsy of coarse. Kissing him goodnight I walked into the house glowing. I may not be the one who is really marrying him but I couldn’t deny how good a kisser he was.
“Bought time the bride came home.” A gruff voice boomed... jumping thirty feet I turned towards the light.
“Ahh Im sorry.” I said quietly.
“Oh pumpkin I was kidding. How was your evening?” Who was this guy? I wondered fearfully.
“It was umm… magical.” I said quickly.
“That’s wonderful, its a fine match you and Charlie.” He said happily. Based on his tone and everything I concluded this man was my father.
“Yes it is. Um Im feeling rather tired, I think I’ll go to bed.” I said inching my way up the stairs.
“All right get some rest.” I nodded as he headed back into the kitchen walking up I wasn’t sure which room was mine so I creaked open a couple doors until I found one that looked girly enough. Turning on the light next to me, I looked around. It was quaint. Very vintage, and I liked it. Opening the closet I was a little a little discouraged on some of the clothes but their were some that made me wish I could hold on to them. “Well who ever you are you have a kind of good style and a hot fiancé hmmm not bad.” Looking up a boy stood in the reflection.
“Whoa umm I didn’t see you.” I said turning. He looked annoyed.
“Yeah I know. Look mom and dad all ready favor you no need to compliment yourself in the mirror.” He snapped and walked out the room. Still alarmed by this I followed him.
“Hey.” Grabbing his arm. “I’m sorry for what ever I did.” He nodded growing annoyed more and stormed into his room. I stared at the door in silence even though I didn’t know anything, or who he was I felt a great rush of guilt inside me.
The next morning the warm sun, shown bright through my room. I sat up and smiled. Feeling happy even though I still needed to learn why I was here. Everything was so calm and happy. Hopping out of bed I went to the vanity mirror and looked at everything in front of me. “Cool” I whispered.
Gliding down the stairs the boy that had yelled at me at that night looked at me, oddly. “Well you take the word weird and use it well now don’t you.” I looked at myself and wondered what his comment was for.
I came into the kitchen; there at the stove a woman was making breakfast. If this was real I clearly got thrown into Pleasantville.
“Julie what in heaven’s are you wearing?” the woman yelled. I looked down at my clothing and wasn’t sure I understood.
“Umm what’s wrong with it?” I asked curiously.
“You look like an orphan or something.” She said angrily. I didn’t really see that but what ever floats her boat. I thought. Sitting at the table. The boy sneered at me.
“Conner, we will have to take you get a suite soon, you have outgrown the one you wear to church.”
“I don’t see why it matter’s it’s not like this little princess wants me at her wedding anyway.” He snapped.
“Of coarse she wants her brother there.” My umm well I guess father said.
“Yeah well she does a lousy job of showing it.” He said steaming. “ I have to go to school.” Grabbing his bag he left with out one more word. I stared at him leave sympathetically. I must be one mean sister to make him feel that way. I thought guiltily.
“I’m sorry I hope I haven’t hurt him.” I said sadly.
Mother came over and smiled, “don’t worry about him he’s just jealous that your getting a bit more attention cause of the wedding.” I nodded but still felt complacent.
“Now I am nearly done with your dress, but I will have to have you help me by putting it on so I can do the final stitching.”
“Alright when?” I asked.
“Today.” She said. Getting to make some tea.
“Ok.” I replied.
“Well I am off to work.” Father said sighing.
“Alright dear.” With a swift kiss he was up and heading out the door. The chance of this type of morning at my home was bout completely not possible.
After he left my mom went into the living room, and began knitting. God didn’t she hate the whole housewife thing she was doing I thought to myself. Sitting myself next to her I just watched as she knitted with such ease. I had tried to learn a few times before but I could never quite get it right.
“Your really good.” I said watching her. She looked at me and smiled.
“Thank you.” She replied.
“I just don’t believe I’m getting married.” I said at once.
“Well it is a big step.” She said not taking her eyes off her knitting.
“It’s not really the step it’s more the change, if that makes any sense.” I said quietly.
“It makes sense. Darling don’t do anything your not ready for. Your father and I only wish the best for you.” I smiled.
“I know, but I think I would be letting myself down if I didn’t go with it.” Now I know that sounded crazy but it was the truth, regardless.
“I think you would too.” She agreed.
We tailored my dress all afternoon. A stitch here a cut there. By nightfall it was completed. I stared in the mirror. It was I but yet I was in a different time. I wish I could understand why I was here, but I didn’t but the feeling I had in that wedding dress was indescribable. It was like walking on air, never wanting down or away from it.
“You look beautiful.” Mother said from behind me. I blushed.
“Stop it.” I said shyly.
“I’m not lying.” She beamed. I stared and wasn’t sure what to say let alone do.
“Your father and I are very proud of you darling.” She said putting away her needles and what not.
“Are you proud of Conner?” I asked. She looked at me.
“What do you mean of coarse we are.” She said very surprised at my question.
“Look I’m not upset or anything, I just feel that he might be feeling left out and things.” I said awkwardly. She looked at me with a concerned look upon her face.
“Did he say this?” she asked quietly. I had a feeling saying what he said would bring further issues so I gave her it in my words.
“Umm no he didn’t it’s just I can see he feels a little excluded and I’m just worried about him.” Mother looked away, as much as it hurts to loose a child it was just as painful to know your child felt unloved by you. Conner had been listening to his sister Julie defend him and smiled, walking away before they saw him.
“Well I’ll talk to him.” She assured me. “Now I best go make dinner.” Getting up she left closing the door behind her.
“How am I going to get out of here?” I said growing more worried. Sitting down I wondered why I would be here. Questions were pouring through me, maybe I’m dead and this is heaven, but if I were dead why would I be getting married. Nothing seemed to click or make any sense at all, which scared me more than anything else.
With in an hour father arrived and we sat down to dinner, I didn’t have much of an appetite so I moved it around to make it seem like I was eating. Mother seemed to see my distraction and stared at me concernedly.
“Sweetie something troubling you?” she wondered.
“Mm no nothing. I just I well… I’m not that hungry.” I stammered.
“Well if you’re not hungry why don’t you go up and lay in bed.” She replied.
“I think I’ll just take a walk.” Getting up with out an other word I headed out into the cool breezy October night. Passing along I stared at all the trees and homes. I felt like a stranger some one who didn’t belong. Everything felt strange and unknown but in its weirdness slightly familiar I couldn’t explain it, disavow maybe no oh I don’t know I thought warily. Nothing was making sense which creeped me out even more.
“Hey you.” A charming voice yelled. Turning, I smiled as Charlie walked over.
Pulling me in a hug. “I came by your home to see you, but your folks said you went out with out permission, that doesn’t sound like you.” Wow who ever I was she defiantly was different from me.
“I just needed some me time.” I said quickly.
“Oh should I leave” he asked pulling away.
“Oh no, I would love you to stay I just have been working on our wedding things all day so I needed a little break.” He nodded.
“Well I hope everything went well.” He beamed.
“Simply perfect.” Leaning in for a kiss, I felt like I was flying.
“Wonderful.” He whispered. We just walked around the neighborhood for hours, talking and laughing. Like Chet and me used to do… being with Charlie made me realize this crush or what ever I could call it for brain was not real and simply a excuse to not be honest that I loved Chet.
To be honest I wasn’t sure if I was in love with him or if it was just a crush but everything that I knew was good and right pointed my heart to him and that was enough.
“Are you excited we’re getting married?” I asked as we sat down on a nearby bench. He looked at me oddly.
“Of coarse I am I would have married you sooner but the only way to get our parent’s blessing was by a long engagement. I know this hasn’t been easy on you either, but come next week the wait will have been worth it.” He smiled holding me close. Lying against him I just stared out.
“No don’t worry it’s fine.” I sighed.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, “ever since you took that fall you have been different.”
“Not different just new perspective.” I replied strongly.
“Well well that works I supposed.
“Julie there you are!” a girl shouted. Another accompanied her as well.
“Laura! Emma! Oh thank god I thought I was the only one who warped here.” The two stared at me like I had four heads.
“Charlie you said she bumped her head not lossed her brain.” One said.
“Look gives it time.” He replied angrily.
“Fine.” She hissed, “I-am-Linda. And-this-Elizabeth.” She said slowly. I rolled my eyes with annoyance.
“Ok fine.” I snapped.
“So are you two going out with us tonight?” Linda asked.
“Uh no I was just going to get Julie home. Tomorrow for sure.” Charlie assured them.
“Alright but you better.” Elizabeth said walking away.
“ Are you sure your alright?” he asked after they left.
“Ok Charlie look this is going to sound crazier than anything I have said already but if I don’t tell you the truth you’ll send me to some institute.” He stared at me unsurely.
“Ok.” I sighed, “I am not Julie my name really is Jessica walker and I live in 2006 not 1939. I was driving with my friends Chet Laura and Emma who look just like you Linda and Elizabeth when we got into an accident and for what ever reason I woke up here with you. Now I know this sounds very far fetched and not possible but it’s true and I need you to believe me.”
“I- I don’t even know what to say.” He stammered.
“Please don’t leave me.” I replied growing worried.
“I got to figure this out, I um wow I just.” He walked away with out another word. I started to regret saying what I had, but I had to tell some one if I was to get home. Which I was feeling I never would get to.
I stared at him leave, UN able to move. Speak. Do anything but stand and stare. I felt the tears fall, but didn’t bother wiping them away. Best let them blend with the rain.