Safe Travels

by Alex Dafney

I look around the small room. It’s the same setup as the last. Books and objects lining shelfs along the walls, but these objects are in glowing boxes. Cooper pulls out a chair at the small table for me before sitting next to me. Jim closes the door, locking it from the inside before he and Calvin sit across from us.

  “What is all of this?” Cooper asks as his eyes wander the room. Calvin sits up, propping his elbows on the table. “This room holds the oldest objects known to man. If you two are really the power couple, you’ll be the only ones to ever travel this far back in time. The only ones who can.” I chance a glance at Cooper, his eyes finding mine. “I guess it’s truth time, love.” I give him a small smile before turning my attention back to Calvin and Jim. “Why does it matter if we can travel back to a certain time?” Jim nods as he looks over to Calvin before returning his eyes to me. “We believe the Hunter’s realm is based in the far past. So far, that no one has ever had the ability to travel there. If the two of you can, this could be the answer to taking them down for good.”

  I nod as I let the information settle. “Why is everything glowing? And where are we going?” Jim and Calvin both chuckle, Jim speaking first. “These objects are in climate-controlled containers to preserve them. Where you’re going is the test. You two travel, stay in the shadows, and tell us when you get back.” I turn my head to Cooper to gage his reaction. He gives me a smile and a nod.

  Turning back to Jim and Calvin, I nod. Jim stands, walking to one of the glowing boxes on the shelf and opening it. He walks back to the table, holding something in his palm. Cooper holds his hand out, but Jim shakes his head focusing on me. “I already know what you can do. I need to see what she can do.” I roll my eyes as I hold my hand out. He drops what looks like a rock in my hand. I close my eyes, feeling the familiar tingling.

  Grabbing Cooper’s hand under the table, I lace our fingers together, giving him one last glance before transporting us through time. We’re in darkness a lot longer than normal. “Cooper?” I whisper into the total darkness. “Yeah?” I sigh with relief at the thought I might be here alone. “Why is it so damn dark? It’s never taken me this long to travel.” Cooper chuckles while squeezing my hand. “Just focus, love. We’re going way back. It may take a minute.”

  I concentrate on the object in my hand, watching a world begin to appear. “Just remember to keep us in the shadows.” I nod my head as everything comes in to focus. I suck in a breath as Cooper swears. “Shiiiittttt.” I keep us in the shadows as we watch dinosaurs roaming around a small lake. “This is amazing!” Cooper says excitedly next to me. I nod my head in disbelief. “Carter is going to lose it when I tell him about this. When we were kids, we were obsessed with all things dinosaur.” I turn my head to look at him, smiling to myself at his big, goofy grin.

  He points out to one of the dinosaurs, my eyes following. “Look, there’s a triceratops! Oh, and over there’s a diplodocus! Oooo, check out the euoplocephalus!” I chuckle at his excitement, causing him to look over at me. He gives me the biggest grin possible. “You’re so damn cute right now, Coop.” He leans forward, pressing his lips to mine quickly, my eyes widening. “Thank you for this.” He looks back out, pointing out dinosaurs and telling me all about them.

  We stay for maybe another hour as I watch Cooper, watching the dinosaurs. He looks like a kid on Christmas morning. I squeeze his hand and he turns to look at me. “We need to get back.” He sighs, pushing his hand through his hair. “I know. Thanks for letting us stay this long.” I give him a bright smile as I palm the tiny rock in my hand. “Ready?” He gives me a nod and I close my eyes, focusing on the room we were in not so long ago.

  It doesn’t take nearly as long for us to materialize at the table, greeted by Jim and Calvin’s hopeful faces. “So?” Calvin asks as he and Jim both stand. I shrug. “Dinosaurs.” I hook a thumb toward Cooper. “You’ll have to ask him the specifics. Apparently, he’s an expert.”

  Jim and Calvin both yell at the same time, hugging each other and jumping around as I stare at them wide eyed. Cooper joins in with them. “I saw the fucking dinosaurs!” He yells as they jump around in a circle causing me to laugh. Once they’ve settled down, Calvin turns to me, buttoning his jacket and brushing his hands over his arms, straightening his clothing. “Forgive us, Ophelia. We haven’t had anything this exciting happen in many years.” He pulls out a chair and takes a seat, folding his hands in front of him.

  “Have you thought about joining the Assembly, Ophelia?” I nod as I clasp my hands together in front of me, looking at Cooper before settling my eyes on Calvin. “Yes, I have thought about it. If you’ll have me, I would love to join.” Jim lets out a whoop as Cooper moves toward me, pulling me into a hug. “Welcome to the cause, love.” He says before pulling away and gripping my hand in his.

  “Very well.” Calvin says as he stands. “Go with Jim and he’ll get you set up with an account, housing, a role, and everything else you’ll need.” He walks over to me holding his hand out. “I look forward to getting to know you, Ophelia.” I nod as we drop hands. He walks over to the door, opening it as we all follow him out. Jim locks the door behind him, and we all make our way to the elevator.

  Calvin gets off on a different floor, telling us goodbye and to come and see him soon. As the elevator door closes, Jim places his hand on Cooper’s shoulder. “I’ve got it from here. You should get to training.” Cooper glances at me before shaking his head. “I’ll stay.” Jim simply chuckles as we exit the elevator.

  I sit in the same chair in front of Jim’s desk, Cooper next to me. Jim pours himself a glass of the dark liquor, motioning it to Cooper and me, but we both decline. He sits down and flips on his computer. “Alright, let’s see who’s looking for a roommate.” Cooper sits up in his chair but turns toward me. “If you’re comfortable with it, you can stay with me.” I think about it briefly before nodding. “Yeah. I think that would be a good idea.”

  Jim shakes his head slightly as he types. “Alright. You giving up your cars too, Coopster? Or should I assign her one?” Cooper huffs. “She can drive mine.” Jim whistles. “Damn. You’re making my job easy today. Alright, like it’s much guess work here, but you’ll be trained as a lead. I’m sure Cooper will explain all of that and show you where the training area is.” I glance over at Cooper and he gives me a smile.

  Jim clears his throat as he places his elbows on his desk. “That’s about it. I’ll have you a bank account set up by morning and an access card.” He raises an eyebrow at Cooper. “I’m sure you can handle getting her dinner tonight and anything else she may need until tomorrow morning.” Cooper rolls his eyes. “Shut up, Jim.” He laughs as he stands, thrusting his hand across the desk toward me. I stand taking his hand. “Welcome to the cause, Ophelia. Your Dad would be proud.”

  “Thank you.” I say as I pull my hand away. Cooper places his hand on my lower back, leading us out of the room. We stand in front of the elevator and I feel tears stinging my eyes. My Dad may be proud of me, but Mom and Gamma won’t be. Cooper seems to sense my mood and steps in front of me, concern in his eyes. “What’s wrong, love? You don’t have to join just because of the Prophecy. We can go right back in there and…” I wave my hand as I shake my head.

  “No, no. It’s not that. I’m just worried about how my Mom and Gamma are going to react.” Cooper gives me a sympathetic smile before pulling me to his chest. I wrap my arms around his waist as he runs his hand along my back in a comforting fashion. “I’m sure they’ll support your decision.” I nod my head against his chest as the elevator door opens. He pulls back, taking my hand in his. “Come on.”

  Chapter 9

  Cooper drives us back to the house while I gaze out the window, thinking about the major decision I just made. We pull into the garage and Cooper turns to me. “Let’s go out for dinner. I think we should celebrate the fact we saw dinosaurs today.” I chuckle as I open the car door, stepping out. “Or we could celebrate the fact that we now know we’re the couple the Prophecy speaks about
.”

  He shrugs. “Dinosaurs are way cooler.” I let out a laugh as he holds the door open for me. Stepping inside I place my purse on the kitchen counter. Cooper steps in front of me. “I’m really proud of you, O.” I roll my eyes and shake my head lightly. He grips my chin with his thumb and finger, urging me to look up at him. “I’m serious. You handled Jim and Calvin like nothing I’ve ever seen. And, you know, dinosaurs!” He widens his eyes, causing me to chuckle.

  He places a quick kiss on my cheek before stepping back. “I’m going to grab a quick shower. Think about what you want for dinner.” I nod as he takes the stairs two at a time on his way up. I hear his bedroom door close and let out a sigh as I lean back against the kitchen counter. I eye my purse sitting next to me before pulling my cell phone out, scrolling through my contacts, stopping on Mom.

  I take a deep breath as I hit the button and pull the phone up to my ear. “Hey, baby!” She answers brightly. “Hey. How are things going in New Orleans?” She lets out an ‘eh’ and I can practically see the look on her face. “It’s going. How about you? What have you and Cooper been up to?” I let out a deep breath. “I, uh, I have something I need to tell you.” She stays quiet. “Mom?” She gives a slight chuckle. “I’m still here. Let me make this easy on you, O. I can hear the tension in your voice. Congratulations, baby. I’m proud of you for making your own path, and your Dad would be oh so proud.”

  My eyes widen as my mouth falls open. “How, how did you know?” Mom chuckles on the other end of the line. “Gamma called me a while ago. Something about dinosaurs and Cooper kissing you, and then you joined the Assembly.” I let out an ‘ugh’ as Mom laughs. “Well, we travelled back in time and watched the dinosaurs. Apparently, Jim and Calvin are convinced we’re the power couple.” She’s quiet for another moment. “You’re really something, Ophelia. I know you’re going to do amazing things.”

  A smile pulls at my lips as my eyes blur. The only concern I’ve had all along is Mom being unhappy with my decision, but here she is giving me her blessing. “Thanks, Mom. I hate to cut this short, but Cooper’s taking me out to celebrate. I’ll see you soon. Love you.” She gives me the same sentiment before I end the call.

  I throw my phone back in my purse just as Cooper hits the bottom step, in just a pair of jeans. My mouth falls open as I take in his muscular chest and the deep v in his waist leading to… I pinch my eyes shut briefly, and snap my mouth closed. How the hell am I supposed to live with him and not spontaneously combust? When I open my eyes, he’s leaned against the railing of the stairs, smirking at me. “I need to know where you want to go before I get dressed.”

  I look down at my outfit. A simple dress and ballet flats. Looking back up to him, I shrug. “Wherever I can get away with this.” I gesture my hand to my outfit. He scoffs. “You look amazing, O. Don’t ever think otherwise.” He turns and rushes back up the stairs into his room.

  I lean against the counter and pinch my nose with my thumb and forefinger. “What the hell have I gotten myself into?” I mumble to myself. I hear him coming down the stairs and grab my purse from the counter, slinging it over my shoulder as he stops in front of me, wearing a pair of low-rise jeans and a polo shirt that shows off his muscular arms. “Have you decided what you want for dinner?” He asks before flashing me that grin.

  I feel my cheeks start to heat as I shuffle my purse to the other shoulder. “How about seafood? We’re both dressed for a warmer climate.” I give a little shrug. He runs his fingers through his still damp hair, grabbing his cell phone from the counter. “Okay.” He says as he studies his phone.

  Without warning I’m being transported through time. We emerge at the end of a dark parking lot, shielded by a few large boats. Cooper grips my hand in his, leading us toward a restaurant on the water. “Where are we?” I whisper as we walk. He gives me a sideways grin. “Google said this place was featured in some magazine a few years ago.” I roll my eyes. “But where are we?” He chuckles. “Orange Beach, Alabama.” We walk around the last boat and the restaurant comes into view. “Upstairs on the Bay.” I read the sign aloud with a smile.

  I take a deep breath, inhaling the salty air. A smile creeping onto my face as we reach the hostess table. “Hi. Table for two?” The young woman asks. Cooper nods as he drops my hand, snaking his arm around my waist. “Somewhere private, if possible.” She looks from Cooper to I, with a wide smile. “Absolutely. Follow me.”

  I follow her through the restaurant to an outdoor area that overlooks the Bay. She walks to the very last table, away from everyone else, placing our menus on the table as Cooper pulls my chair out for me. “Ya’ll enjoy.” She says as Cooper takes a seat across from me. I give him a wide smile across the table as I pick up my menu. “Thanks for this.” He shrugs. “I told you we were celebrating.”

  I scan the menu, immediately zoning in on the catch of the day with seasonal vegetables. I place the menu on the table, looking over at Cooper. I find myself appreciating him. His kindness, the way he cares for me, his protectiveness, his appearance. Let’s be honest, he’s like a freaking Greek God, with abs for days and sculpted arms. He peeks over the top of his menu. “Already know what you want?” I nod as I grab the water glass in front of me, taking a sip.

  He closes his menu and places it on the edge of the table just as our waiter steps up to the table. “Good evening. Let me welcome you both to Upstairs. Have you been here before?” I nod as Cooper replies ‘no’. He tilts his head a bit to the side with a grin. “I didn’t know you’ve been here.” I give a slight shrug before turning my attention to the waiter. “We’ll have the shrimp toast as an appetizer. I’ll have the catch of the day and…” I turn my head to focus on Cooper, gesturing for him to continue.

  He hands his menu to the waiter. “I’ll have the catch of the day as well. Also, we would like a bottle of your best Proseco.” The waiter nods as he slips away from the table. Cooper shifts his gaze to me. “I didn’t realize you’ve been here before.” I give him a little shrug. “You happened to pick my favorite restaurant in the whole state.” His smile widens as he looks at me.

  We have a quiet dinner, just chatting about my family, and Cooper’s love of fast cars and dinosaurs. Once we’re done eating and Cooper pays for the meal, I stand, placing my hand down for Cooper to stand with me. I lead him along the back deck to the bathroom, looking around to make sure no one is watching. I open the door and push him in hastily as I close the door behind me, turning to look at him.

  He places his hands on his hips. “Well. I didn’t expect the evening to turn out like this.” He says as he waggles his eyebrows with a hint of a smile. “Shut up.” I slap his chest before I grip his hand in mine, closing my eyes and transporting us to the beach just down the road. Cooper looks around the dark deserted beach as I slip off my ballet flats. “I take it you know your way around here?” I give him a smile as he rolls up his jeans and kicks off his flip flops. “Mom, Gamma, and I have been vacationing here for years.”

  Cooper offers me his hand and we walk along the shoreline, both of us lost in our own thoughts. After a few minutes he bumps my shoulder. “Are you sure you’re alright living with me? I could always introduce you to some of the girls.” I take a few seconds to think about his question before replying. “No. It’s probably for the best. I’m sure we should be spending more time together than others since we’re the freaking power couple.” I stop and look up at him. “Are you okay with it? I guess I never really asked.”

  He chuckles as he steps in front of me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I’m more than okay with it, love. You’re right. We need to understand our gifts as one.” I give him a soft smile as I look up at him, noticing his smile fade and something else take over his features. My heart rate quickens as he lowers his head, slowly inching toward my lips. I wrap my arms around his neck, pushing up on my tiptoes to meet him.

  When our lips meet, it’s nothing like our first drunken kiss at that fraternity party a few weeks ago. This is
much, much more. I don’t see any images, but the tingling all through my body is so intense, it’s almost unbearable. Cooper snakes his hands from my hips, to my lower back, pulling me closer to him. I drop my shoes to the sand, running my hand through his hair when he deepens the kiss. In the back of my mind I hear whooping, and whistling. Cooper pulls back slightly, and I take in where we are. “Shit.” He says as he takes a step back.

  “I think you missed the bedroom, Coopster!” A round of laughter follows as Cooper glares at one of the guys sitting on his couch in the living room. My cheeks burn as I look down at the floor. Cooper wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me to his side. “Don’t mind these assholes, O. They were just leaving.” The room erupts in boos and general disagreement. I look up at Cooper. “I’ll just go upstairs. You enjoy your company.”

  A tall, young man around our age stands from the couch. He has black hair and dark eyes, his complexion dark as well. He steps toward us, offering his hand to me. “Hi. I’m Micah.” I take his hand as he points to the other three guys. “This is Zane, Ryder, and Grant. We’re Cooper’s teammates.” I nod with a small smile as each guy waves as their respective name is said. “Ophelia. Nice to meet ya’ll.” Micah drops my hand and looks at Cooper. “Sorry, bro. Zane heard a rumor that you had a new roommate. We brought pizza and beer.” He gestures to the TV behind us. “Madden of course.”

  Cooper rakes his hand through his hair. “Tonight’s not a good night. Ophelia has her first day of training tomorrow.” Zane digs in a cooler sitting next to the couch, tossing a beer to me that I actually manage to catch. “Even better reason to have pizza and beer. You’ll be feeling like death come this time tomorrow.” My mouth drops open as Cooper groans next to me. Zane moves to the far end of the couch, patting the seat between he and Ryder. “Come on, Ophelia. Have a beer with us.”