Spinning Time: a time travel adventure

by Jones, D. F.

  Charlie closed the door and knelt on the floor beside him. She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Phillip, look, you have to call the police. Report Stormy as an intruder that you fought, and she killed your wife, then you shot her. Are you listening?”

  Trembling from head to toe, Phillip heard a baby cry. His mind was reeling with an overload of emotions. Terrified, he looked up at Charlie and said, “Is that…my son?”

  Tears filled Charlie’s eyes, and she replied, “Yes, I’ll bring him to you. But you need to call the police. I’ll wait until they leave, and then we’ll talk, okay?”

  A numbness washed over him as he carefully laid Amelia back on the floor. Phillip was covered in her blood. He walked into the kitchen and went to the sink to wash his hands, then lifted the telephone receiver on the black rotary phone, and dialed the Sheriff’s Department.

  Charlie walked in with his infant son sucking on her pinky finger. Tears welled in his eyes as he looked at the baby boy, and she said, “I’m grabbing a clean shirt out of your closet, then I’m taking Junior with me to the store for some formula, and hopefully they’ll have diapers and stuff. I need money and the keys to your car. I promise we’ll come back.”

  Phillip reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet and gave Charlie all his cash. “The keys are in the car.” He watched his son leave with Charlie, and shortly after they left, the police arrived.

  Phillip answered question after question until they were satisfied. An ambulance from the city morgue took Amelia and the killer. Poor, sweet Amelia. He seemed to bring bad luck to the women in his life.

  An hour and a half later, the room had been cleaned, and he’d showered and changed clothes. Phillip sat in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee waiting on Charlie to return. The doorbell rang, and he jumped. He ran and flung the door open. Ruben and a very tall man stood at the front door, both covered in blood.

  Shaking, Phillip said, “Julia? Is she dead too?”

  “May we come in, Phillip?”

  Phillip motioned them into the kitchen. Ruben’s eyes darted about the room, and his face seemed contorted in pain. “What happened here? I saw the police and the ambulance. Where’s Charlie and the baby?”

  Phillip’s nostrils flared, and he shouted, “I got married today. I wasn’t married a good hour before some deranged woman killed my wife. Charlie shot the intruder, then took my son and left while I had to deal with the detectives.”

  Shaking his head, Phillip jabbed his forefinger into Ruben’s chest. “You have to make this right, Ruben Callaway. Do you hear me? You do right by Julia. You made me a promise.”

  The door cracked open, and Charlie came in with a sleeping baby. She went over and placed the infant in Phillip’s arms. “He’s named after his daddy, Phillip Andrew Clayborn Junior.”

  Phillip held his son with trembling hands as tears glazed over his eyes. “He’s so small but beautiful, isn’t he?”

  Charlie gave him a soft look of compassion. “Yes, Phillip, he is.” Turning to Ruben, her brows creased with concern. “How’s Julia, Andy, and Klock?”

  Ruben sucked in air through his teeth. With a scowl, he shook his head slowly and said, “Julia’s in shock. Andy is alive but got the shit kicked out of him, and Klock took a bullet for the team. I’ll head back soon. If you want to go on, I’ll catch up later.”

  Charlie placed a hand on Phillip’s shoulder. “I bought what I could for Junior. But you’ll need to call Sloane tonight and tell her what happened. She’ll help you care for the boy. It’s what Julia wanted. Now, I have to check on my people.”

  Phillip blinked tears away, and with a quiver in his voice, he said, “Tell Julia I’ll do right by our son. I won’t let her down again.”

  Charlie pressed her forehead to his, and said, “Oh, Phillip, you’ve never let her down.” She turned and punched Ruben in the arm. “Drinks on you when the mission is finalized?”

  With a sharp nod, Ruben said, “Yeah, sure.”

  Azreal uncrossed his massive arms and stepped over to Ruben. “Hey, I’m catching a ride with Charlie. All right?”

  Ruben nodded again and watched them leave.

  Phillip brought the baby into the little den and sat down. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”

  Ruben sat in the chair opposite of Phillip and relayed what had happened since their last meeting. He explained that Andy had developed a time machine using the notes from Phillip’s journal. Then he told Phillip about Monica’s attack. “Phillip, you’re living in a parallel universe. While you may not understand all the details, I will do what is in my power to set this wrong, right. Just know without a shadow of a doubt, Julia loves you and none of this was your fault.” Ruben’s shoulders slumped, and he dropped his head into his hands.

  Phillip gave him a long look of sadness and a tight smile. “Promise if Julia doesn’t return to me that you’ll take care of her, always?”

  “You can bet your life on it.” Ruben dragged himself out of the chair. “Don’t give up. Have faith, Phillip.” He walked out of the house, shutting the door behind him.

  * * *

  Present day Chalet

  Julia hadn’t moved from the couch since the attack. Chayliel was not of this world with her large shimmering butterfly wings. She watched Chayliel clean the house and remove the dead bodies and debris with lightning speed.

  Chayliel brought Klock in the house and treated his wound. She lovingly cared for the alien dog, who responded by licking her hands repeatedly. The bullet went clean through Klock’s muscle, just barely missing his main artery.

  Chayliel gently laid Klock on the braided rug in front of the fire. She stepped over to Andy while he slept in the recliner and removed the ice pack, then placed her hands on his eyes until the swelling and bruises were gone. Then she healed his injured side.

  Julia watched but never said a word. She had no feelings. None. Physical, mental, and emotional numbness engulfed Julia in despair. Chayliel leaned over her and placed her hands over the marks Monica’s punches had left.

  Chayliel and Julia locked eyes, and Julia sensed her peace and joy even under the dire circumstances of the day. Chayliel gave her a smile and said, “All is well with your soul.”

  Charlie returned first with Azreal. She walked into the house and went to Julia. Dropping to her knees, she said, “Phillip has your son. He wanted you to know he would take care of him for both of you. Phillip said he wouldn’t let you down this time.”

  Julia supposed she was in a state of shock. She heard Charlie, but she just couldn’t move, she couldn’t cry. Julia wanted to die, and she didn’t think she could bear the loss of a child. Inside her soul, she disappeared through locked doors safely behind a stoic wall of ice.

  Ruben came in a few hours later and gave Charlie orders to take Azreal and Chayliel to the Empyreal Palace then instructed her to return to the Chalet.

  Andy woke up and stood. “I feel like crap.”

  Ruben rubbed his neck and took a seat next to Julia, and she noticed his hands trembled. He looked at her, his tears glistening in the moonlight, and he said, “I’m taking you home in the morning. Charlie and I are taking you home. Do you hear me?”

  Julia’s body stiffened. Ruben had told her stuff like that before. He’d made promises, and she didn’t want to hope. “I hear you, Ruben. I’m just not sure I believe you.”

  “Dammit, woman, I said I was taking you home. That’s what you want. Isn't it? That’s what you always wanted. Now, get your ass into the shower and go to bed. We’re leaving at oh-eight-hundred. I want Charlie to say her goodbyes to Andy, and then we’re going on a trip.”

  Kneeling on the floor next to Klock, Ruben said, “How are you, old friend?”

  Klock whined and whimpered. “Chayliel healed me. I no longer hurt, but I’m just dog tired in my bones. Are we going home too, Boss?”

  “Soon, Klock, very soon.”

  Julia listened to Ruben. Dare she hope? A sliver of light crept behind the locked
doors. Julia went into the master bathroom and showered. She selected an outfit which would complement the time era where she would travel. She curled into the fetal position on the bed. She longed for Phillip, but she missed her baby.

  The visible bruises were gone, but the emotional injuries remained. Julia grimaced because she’d taken a human life today. But somewhere back in time, her son was with his father, and that gave her a modicum of comfort before she fell asleep.

  * * *

  The next morning, Julia stepped into the main room.

  Charlie, the lionhearted, kissed Andy as tears wet her cheeks. “I’m going to miss you more than you know.”

  Andy caressed Charlie’s face with the palm of his hand. “Will I ever see you again, Charlie?”

  Charlie gave him a wide grin and hugged him tightly. “Count on it.”

  She went to Julia and squeezed her hand. “Well, it looks like this is it, my dear friend. You know, you’re the first real friend I’ve ever had before.”

  Ruben glanced at the floor, and then looked up. “Are you ready to spin, my friends?”

  Julia nodded. “I’ve been ready,” She turned to Andy and said, “If the Lord is willing, I’ll see you again, but I’ll be much older. I love you, Andy.”

  Andy ran over, picked Julia up and spun them around and around. “I love you, Grannie.” Then placed her feet back on the floor.

  Ruben hugged Andy and slapped his back. “I’ll catch you on the flip side. Klock, can you travel, dog?”

  Klock barked, “Hell yes, take me to Lunar City. I miss my homies.”

  * * *

  Ruben picked up his pace along the trail to the Needlehorn. Klock ran a few feet ahead of him, and Julia and Charlie trailed slightly behind them. Climbing elevation in the mountains, the temperature dropped, and he said, “Do either of you want my jacket? It’s in my pack.”

  “No. I’m fine. How much further?” Julia walked double-time to keep up with Ruben.

  “Just over in the thicket.” Ruben closed the gap to where he left the Needle-Horn, pushed up his sleeve and entered the code on his wristband.

  The Cloak Shield slid away, and he pressed his thumb on the ID pad, then scanned his eye on the retina recognition screen. The door hissed opened. He smiled and motioned for Julia and Charlie to enter his ship. When this was over, Ruben intended on getting wasted with Charlie at Moonbeams later.

  Ruben explained to Julia, “You’re only going to get a couple of minutes before Phillip goes into panic mode over your disappearance. He’s not going to understand your clothing and neither will your sister. Don’t try to explain it. Everything will work out in the end.”

  Julia replied, “How do you know that?”

  Ruben shrugged. “It always does, somehow. You’re arriving at the end of a parallel universe loop. Think of jumping rope back at school recess with two people looping the ropes around and around. You remember, Double Dutch? Think of the timing right before you jump into the fray. It’s the same principle. As soon as you cross the threshold at the beach, you’re going to jump in between the two universe loops. Just as the 1948 loop opens, this parallel universe loop will close, forever.”

  “It seems like a dream, Ruben. I can’t believe that I’m finally going home.” Julia brushed her tears away with her fingers.

  Entering the Needle-Horn, Charlie strapped herself in. Ruben strapped in Julia and Klock before climbing into the pilot seat, securing himself. Ruben entered the coordinates and flipped the main control switches. The Needle-Horn hummed with life. He looked out of the window toward the Chalet. “Thanks, Andy, for Spinning Time.”

  And within seconds they left present day for 1948.

  * * *

  1948 Burkett Falls

  The Needle-Horn appeared silently behind the cliffs of Burkett Falls. Ruben helped Julia out of the ship and smiled. “Right around the corner is the man of your dreams.” He hugged her, then placed a small Black Beauty on the back of Julia’s neck. This variation of the drug would disappear in an hour and the past nine months should be like a bad dream. “This is where we part ways, my little sister.”

  Julia reached up and kissed him on the lips. Then she hugged and kissed Charlie. “Ruben and Charlie, I don’t have the right words to thank you. But, thank you, thank you, and thank you.” Julia’s eyes brightened, and her face lit up his world one last time.

  “Go on now before I change my mind and haul your ass to the moon.”

  Julia took off toward the Falls but stopped, turned, and blew Ruben and Charlie kisses, then ran to the sandy rock beaches. “Phillip, oh Phillip, I’m here.”

  From the cover of the forest, Ruben and Charlie watched Julia and Phillip’s reunion. Charlie shoulder-bumped him, and he said, “What?”

  Charlie lifted her chin, and with a wide grin, she said, “Looks like I have to save your sorry ass again.”

  Draping an arm around Charlie’s shoulders, he smiled. “You like me, don’t you?” He tickled her. “Come on, Charlie, say it, say you like me.”

  Laughing, she rolled out of Ruben’s grasp. “I like you, goofus. Are you happy?”

  “Almost. Kiss me. That’ll make me happy.”

  “Oh, now you want to kiss. I see how this works. Nope. Moonbeams for drinks and dancing, and then I’ll think about kissing you.”

  * * *

  1948 Burkett Falls

  Julia ran over the sandy stone beach. Diving into the chilly waters, she swam toward Phillip. He met her halfway, pulling her into his arms. Out of breath, his voice quivered, “You just scared about twenty years off my life. I couldn’t find you. You—you disappeared. Sloane’s gone to your house to call in the cavalry. Oh boy, your mom is going to be mad.”

  Julia draped her arms around Phillip’s neck and kissed him all over his face. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

  “Well, we can’t have that. Hey, what are you wearing?”

  Phillip circled them slowly in the water, he searched her eyes, and she drawled, “Oh, this old thing? I haven’t a clue. Hey, Phillip, let’s elope.”

  He chuckled and brushed the hair away from her face. “Let’s do it.”

  Several cars pulled into the field next to the Falls. Sloane, Brooks, Amelia, and Dougy got out of one car. Sam and Ethel stepped out of his truck, and Big Joe and Bunny exited their Cadillac. All of them rushed to the beach, staring at Julia, seemingly in awe at her miraculous appearance.

  Tears streaked down Sloane’s face as she held onto Brooks. “Julie, you were under the water for at least twenty minutes before I left. What happened?”

  Still in Phillip’s arms, she leaned her head against his and said, “I’m not sure, exactly. But you were there as an old woman. I missed you all so much.”

  With an arched brow, Sloane looked up at Brooks. “She must’ve hit her head.”

  Bunny ran to the edge of the water, and Big Joe stopped her before she marched right in. Shrugging out of his grasp, Bunny placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at Julia. “Young lady, you get out of the water right this minute.”

  Julia threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, Bunny, I’ve missed you.”

  * * *

  Present day Lunar City

  The Needle-Horn locked into place at ATTRA’s Gateway, and Ruben looked at Charlie as their harnesses automatically released. “Hey, we’ll need to stop by the command center to make an official report before we head to Moonbeams.”

  “Works for me, but I’m heading to my suite to shower and change before Moonbeams. Do you think they’ll conduct a hearing on Monica’s death?”

  Ruben waved for Charlie to step out of the ship on the walkway deck of the Gateway. “Probably, just for the records. We have the Empyreal Palace backing our mission.”

  Cheers and whistles greeted Ruben and Charlie as they walked through the Gateway to catch a hovercraft to the Command Center. They looked at each other and shrugged. Ruben hailed a double-seated hovercraft, then he and Charlie entered as the c
raft closed its clear bubble-like top and hooked into the automated rail system.

  “Wonder why they were cheering?”

  Ruben chuckled. “News of Monica’s death has reached the city. I knew her tyranny had suppressed the people, but looking at their jubilant expressions, the report should be a mere formality.”

  Inside the Command Center, individuals stood from their workstations, clapping and cheering as Ruben and Charlie passed by. “Ruben, this is getting weird.”

  Chen ran over to greet them before they entered the elevators to the top floor. “The Lord Supreme came over the public-address system and announced Monica’s reign is over. Azreal and Chayliel gave a full report of Monica’s attack on Earth. Her treason against the Empyreal Palace and demise is all over the news. You and Charlie are heroes. Prince Aelius is acting Commander until a new one is named. He’s in the Commander’s suite. I’m to escort you to him.”

  Ruben straightened his shoulders and reached for Charlie’s hand. “We did it. You and I.” He kissed the back of her hand and Charlie’s face reddened.

  “Ruben, we’re at work.”

  Inside the elevators, Ruben said, “What’s wrong with me kissing my woman’s hand?”

  Chen coughed and looked down at the floor, grinning.

  Charlie said, “That discussion needs to be tabled until later.” But she squeezed Ruben’s hand, and he gave her a smile and winked.

  At the Commander’s office, two Empyreal Guards stood at either side of the doorway. Chen looked up at the giants and said, “Prince Aelius is expecting us.” The guards moved, and they entered the office suite.

  Prince Aelius looked up from behind Monica’s old desk and rose. He stepped over and clasped Ruben’s hand. “Well done, Ruben. Azreal and Chayliel commended your swift action.”

  Charlie bowed, and Prince Aelius reached for her hands, holding them in his. “Charlie, you acted very bravely to approach Ruben about Monica’s treason. I am proud of your courage. Please, sit down.”