He nudges me with his elbow. “Are you sure it’s not about me? I can be pretty charming you know.”
Now I know he’s messing with me. “And annoying. Let’s not forget that,” I say with a smile.
Chapter Nine
Dinner with Freaks
The Year 2017
The Everett Residence
Entertaining was considered a luxury in their reality. But every once in awhile, it was important to take a moment to remember what they were fighting for. It wasn’t only to take down the massive military hold Colonel Thornberry built that nearly destroyed their city. It was about their freedoms and the simple pleasures they had once taken for granted—like dinner with friends.
“Where in the world did you manage to find a whole chicken?” Etta asked her husband. Sustainable agriculture was even scarcer than the rarity of having guests over for dinner. While their city was industrialized and citizens were afforded meager food rations—like powder resembling flour and mystery meat—items like fresh produce and game was an infrequent treat they so seldom indulged in.
Cooper smiled from across the table. He was pleased to be able to bring a smile to his wife’s face. Only having arrived in this reality a little over a year ago, she immediately took charge, shouldering the burden of leader. He seldom saw her so relaxed, like the way she appeared tonight, which was why he insisted on this impromptu dinner. That and he’d managed to score the bird. “Moose and I took a little side trip today, west of the city border. We had intel on some troop activity in that area, so when we went to investigate, we stumbled upon a small chicken farm. Needless to say, the owner was sympathetic to our cause and gifted us this fine bird.”
Etta would have imagined being offered some eggs perhaps, as many of the local farmers were supportive of their efforts, but she was surprised the farmer had given them a whole fryer. “I hope you thanked the farmer.”
“I’m partial to steak myself,” the lithe blonde said, throwing in her two cents. “Just give me the cow still mooing. Don’t even bother to grill it.”
“Jenny, I think we’d all enjoy a nice juicy ribeye, but hey, it’s a chicken,” Etta chided her. It was often that way with the two of them, but for the most part, they got along. Cooper worried the two women would end up killing each other before they even had an opportunity to see their plan to fruition, but they seemed to enjoy the friendly banter.
Moose looked around the small metal workman’s table that served as their dining table. “Now girls, if you insist on ruining this nice dinner, I swear I’ll set up a pool of jello and have you two wrestle for your dinner. Or better yet, we can just take you out to the mud holes and let you loose there,” he said. “What do you say Coop? Think I could charge for admission?”
“Funny.” Etta was secretly amused by Moose’s jokes and innuendoes, as it provided the much needed comic relief in times of stress, but she’d never let him or the others know it. Even though she was surrounded by her closest friends, she was still their leader. Besides, she thought, where would they find jello in this world?
“You know,” Jenny said, “I bet we could open up a freak show and feature our very own creature of curiosity.” She points a finger towards Moose. “You.” Her jab at Moose was no doubt in reference to his appearance. Nature hadn’t been entirely kind to the big man and as soon as she said it, she instantly felt bad. “I’m just kidding.”
“It’s okay, Jen, if we ever did get the chance to open up a sideshow attraction, you could headline the kootch show or better yet, you can hold seances,” Moose laughs. “And we could tie up the Dyson brothers and parade them around as the amazing psychic conjoined twins.”
“We’re not fortune tellers,” said one of the brothers. “What we do is not a parlor trick.”
“Oh, whatever. Together, you two can see the past and future. What’s the difference?” Moose asked. “I know I’d pay to find out what my future holds.”
“Moose,” Cooper warned. Sometimes his friend got carried away with his jokes. He just wanted to have a nice peaceful meal for once. He also wanted Etta to forget about what was going on outside their home and just enjoy herself for a change.
“What about me?” A soft voice chimes from the end of the table, interrupting the laughter. Sometimes if she didn’t speak, they forgot she was even there. It was hard to remember she was even part of their merry band of travelers (no pun intended).
“Why, little one, you would be the star attraction as the fire starter.” Instead of taunting her, like he did the rest of the gang, Moose always made it a point not only to include Taylor, but to make her feel special. She seemed pleased by the attention given to her by Moose and beamed. Taylor didn’t appear to be the slightest bit offended by being compared to a circus performer.
Not that he’d said anything to her, or even Cooper, but Etta had a feeling Moose had taken a special interest in Taylor. Ever since they met six years ago, he’d appointed himself as Taylor’s unofficial guardian. It was kind of sweet, the way he always stood up and protected her. If she didn’t know better, Etta would think Moose had a crush on the tiny girl.
As their leader, she knew she should set an example and put an end the jokes, less anyone’s feelings got hurt, but Etta couldn’t help it. She knew Cooper wanted her to have a fun, stress free evening. So, instead, she looked around the table and raised her glass for a toast.
“To us freaks.”
Chapter Ten
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
It’s been well over an hour since dinner and we’re still outside, enjoying the evening and each other’s company. I’m just waiting for the day Cooper says he has to leave me. I know it’s inevitable. He’s from the future. I can’t expect him to stay here until I catch up. I remain silent, as I watch him get up from the chair and tend to the outdoor fireplace.
“Just so you know, I myself had an ulterior motive for coming over to dinner,” Cooper says, as he carefully works the firewood with the poker, causing more flames to rise.
“And that would be?” By now I consider myself a pro when it comes to Cooper springing stuff on me. I don’t think there anything he can add to what he’s already told me that will shock me anymore.
“I have plans to round-up and prepare your team to get ready to take on Thornberry,” he says.
I have a team? “Do we know who they are? Wait, duh, of course you know who they are. They’re from my future.”
Cooper chuckles. “Yeah, I know who they are and where to locate them. Now, while they’re our friends in the other reality, they don’t know about us at this point in time. In other words, they haven’t met us yet. So, first up on the list, I have to find your friend Jenny. Then, I go in search of the others.”
I almost jump out of my seat. “Wait, why do you get to go? And what do you mean you have to find Jenny? She’s not exactly my friend.”
“I can’t expect you to travel with me, Etta. You just got here. And I’m not exactly looking for the Jenny in this reality, remember? I have to locate the Jenny that plays a part in the rebellion,” Cooper explains. “Your rebellion. And for the record, she is your friend. Your best friend, in fact.”
“You’re kidding me, right? This is totally beyond belief,” I say, on both counts. “And don’t think for a moment you’re going without me.” He spent the weekend trying to convince my dad I’m the leader of this future rebellion, but I’m not allowed to go and recruit my own team? And the deal with being friends with Jenny? Ridiculous.
He stops fiddling with the fireplace and looks at me for a moment. Maybe he knows how stubborn I can be or he’s thinking of the future me and what she—I?—might do if he doesn’t listen to me.
He sighs in resignation. “Fine, but it’s not going to be easy. Yes, these are our trusted friends, but remember, they don’t know us here in the present time. Not only that, but they come from different realities. Traveling can put a strain on you.”
I relax back into my chair. I’m sure he notices my s
mug smile. There’s no way I’m going to let him do everything for me. I don’t know why yet, but I’m their leader for a reason. If this is my fight and my team, I’m going. This past week I’ve relied on Cooper for a lot of things, but I’m not going to start making a habit of it.
“Thank you. Now, back to this Jenny thing. Seriously?” But maybe it isn’t as complicated as I imagine it to be. I mean, logically, I know there are various versions of us running around in other realities, but my confusion lies more with Jenny being my friend. She can’t possibly be. Jaime is my best friend, not the queen bee of bitchdom. Even though Cooper said she’s from a different reality, I have a hard time believing she’s changed. She always manages to remain the same in the two realities I already know her from.
He rejoins me on the chaise lounge. “There’s not a whole lot of difference between science and destiny when you’re talking about alternate universes. Scientifically speaking, there are multiple universes that play out different scenarios, as you are now well aware, but in every reality, we maintain relationships with the same people. Some people call it fate. We are forever linked, no matter what reality you’re in. In some, we’re friends, in others, foes.”
“So, there’s a Jenny running around who’s my ally in the other world?” Incredible. My biggest nemesis is now a friend and confidant. How the hell does something like this happen?
“Yes, and the Jenny we need to recruit is in Mexico City, in an alternate dimension,” he explains.
“We have to go to Mexico? I don’t even speak Spanish.” This is going to be fun, but I did ask for it. Maybe my protests to join him were premature. For some reason, I didn’t think he was being literal when he said we were going to look for my team. I mean, he already knows where to find them right?
“Aw, come on. It’ll be like an adventure,” he says, responding to my thoughts. “You can still back out, you know.”
There’s no way I’m backing out now. “I think I can handle it, thank you. And stop reading my mind.”
“Sorry, can’t help it. Your mind is practically screaming sarcasm. Look, she’s an essential part of the team, Etta. Without her and her family’s resources, we don’t get far in overtaking Thornberry.”
“Oh, right and by resources, you mean she’s rich.” Jenny comes from a pretty influential family, her father being the Mexican Ambassador and all. I think her family also owns a beer distributorship or something like that. In this reality anyway. She must have a similar life in Mexico if she’s still well-off.
I’m rewarded with another one of Cooper’s brilliant smiles. “Well, that and the other thing.”
“What’s that?” I can’t wait to hear this one.
“She’s a medium. Jenny can speak to the dead.”
Holy crap! This is the first time Cooper’s ever mentioned others possessing psionic abilities like the two of us. I know my dad conducted tests on more than just me and Cooper, but no one’s ever brought up what their individual powers are. I wonder how many of them there are. “Can she do that in this reality?”
He shakes his head. “Not that I’m aware of. Apparently, she was one of your father’s test subjects, so as far as I know, her gifts are only present in the Jenny we’re going to look for.”
I chew on this bit of information for a moment. I know he said we’d be going to search for our future team, but it never occurred to me they’d have special abilities too. “Jenny’s not the only one is she? We’re going to be recruiting others like us, aren’t we?”
“You, Etta my darlin’, he starts, “when we’re done, are going to have one super team.”
“And I’m sure you’re including yourself in that statement.” I nudge him in the arm. “So, who’s on our list?”
“Well, I just told you about Jenny. Then there’s Taylor, Moose, the Dyson twins, and to answer your question, yes, yours truly.”
“That’s it?” In my head, I imagine I’d have this whole entourage, that’s not even enough for a baseball team. How are we supposed to take over Thornberry with just seven of us?
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, darlin’. Of course there are more, but these are your key lieutenants,” he explains. “These individuals are not only your friends, but they have the gifts necessary in order to succeed.”
In other words, they all have powers like mine. Well, that’s good news, at least. I was beginning to think this was some dink operation. Then again, I trust Cooper, so if he says I’m leading a powerhouse of a team, I believe him.
“So, where to first?” I hope he doesn’t bring up Mexico again. I think I can wait until I’ve met some of the others before I have to face alternate Jenny.
Chapter Eleven
Busted
As much as I hate to admit it, I’m beginning to miss Cooper taking me to school. When I first arrived here in this reality, he served as part bodyguard, part tour guide, until I got situated in my new role here. When I was brought back to this world, everyone in this reality went on as if I was always a part of it, as if I’d never left. I’m still not sure how that works, but unfortunately, I’m left with all the memories of the orphan reality, but without the ones the others have in this one. It’s like a charade, being the girl everyone expects me to be, but I’m pretty sure I’m not who they think I am.
Without Cooper to watch over me, I take the long way to Dominion Hall, and wish I’d played sick this morning to get out of having to go to school. For the second time this morning, I wish Cooper was with me. It’s comforting to know he has my back, even if it’s only from the sidelines.
For the first half of the day, I manage to avoid Alex and Jenny. I begin to relax and go to my classes without thinking about them too much. For the most part, I’m invisible, as far as Jenny is concerned. That is, until I get to English class.
I stare at the empty seat next to me and think of Jaime. Since I manage to avoid pretty much everyone, I’m not sure what the rumor mill has spun with regard to Jaime and her sudden disappearance. It’s been two days now, surely they’ve started to wonder. Then again, I’m probably being overdramatic. They probably think she’s just out sick.
Oh, but not Jenny. “So really, what happened to Jaime? Did her parents decide she was a loser and un-adopt her?”
The giggling in the background breaks my train of thought. You’d think Jenny and her league of minions would have learned their lesson after yesterday’s foray in the mud. “Are you sure you want to go there Jenny?” I threaten.
Her eyes pierce through mine, waiting a split second too long before responding. That’s when I know I have her. She truly is afraid of me at this point. I didn’t think it was possible to get under that thick skin of hers, but I got her. I realize her nasty comment is just for show, so as not to appear weak in front of her fledglings.
“Whatev’s,” is all that manages to come out before she takes her seat.
The rest of the period goes by without me paying attention to anything the teacher is lecturing on. All I can do is continue to glance over at Jaime’s empty seat and pray for the millionth time that she’s okay.
• • •
All in all, school wasn’t as bad today as it was yesterday. Mainly because I didn’t bump into Alex. I have a sneaking suspicion he’s avoiding me, just as much as I’m trying to avoid him. Other than the little altercation with Jenny in class, things were pretty normal and no one asked about Jaime. Again, not that I really expected them to.
I head straight home from school and decide to search for her again. I know I’m taking a big risk, especially since the last time I astraled and almost got caught by Thornberry, but I wouldn’t have astraled to that weird government building unless Jaime was there too. It’s a chance I’m willing to take, if it means saving my friend.
I don’t even bother to announce to anyone I’m home from school. I go directly to my room and make myself comfortable on my bed. I let my mind relax as I focused on a mental image of Jaime’s face. I try to visualize her in her last moments th
ere at her house and do the breathing exercises that allows my mind to relax. Each time I try to astral project, it gets a little bit easier. I find myself being able to clear all the random thoughts roaming around in my head and get a good hold of Jaime’s image.
Soon, my eyes begin to flutter and my mind wavers onto another plane. Still conscious of my physical presence, I begin to feel a slight chill and then, just as instantly as I recall closing my eyes, I’m transported back to the building where I last tried to locate Jaime.
Like before, the halls are cold and desolate as I walk freely around the building. Where is everyone? Surely, this is still a functional military base or government building, if that’s what it is. I know I’m at the same place because the walls still bear the same photos of military war heroes and battlegrounds. As I continue to study the photos, I notice the bumps along the concrete wall and realize I’ve been in this building before. It’s the same one that housed me as an orphan and it’s the same one I go to everyday in my current reality, Dominion Hall Academy. No wonder I thought it familiar the last time.
Exactly what is it about this building? Then I remember Cooper telling me about how we maintain the same relationships in every reality. I guess that applies to buildings too. I can only imagine how many transformations in all the different realities this building has gone through. So far, I know it as Dominion House for Girls and Dominion Hall Academy. I wonder what they call this building in this reality. Dominion Military, Inc.? Only seems fitting, with all the military references.
Just as I’m getting comfortable loitering around, I hear footsteps. Careful not to let myself known, I fade through one of the rooms—it’s kinda neat to be able to walk through walls. Thankfully, this means I don’t need the code or keycard for the security keypad. That and I’m relived to find the room empty. I guess luck is on my side for a change. Before securing a hiding spot, I take a quick glance around the room to get my bearings. I may be an apparition, but I can still be seen. The room is full of medical equipment, much like a storage facility one might find in a hospital, where they keep supplies and machines when not in use. I’m glad I didn’t go into a room where they actually perform whatever it is they do with these contraptions. This ranks high on the creep factor when you start to see medical equipment in a building that’s supposedly reserved for the military.
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