“Actually, I’m the only one who thinks that you have memory problems. Miles thinks that you are an imposter.”
Alex slightly chuckled before questioning, “Me, an imposter? You two can check my DNA and run my fingerprints. I’m Alex. Now if you two will excuse me, I’m going to my room, change my clothes and then I’m going to go to Little Bucks Bar and Grill to apply for a job.”
“You’re going to apply for a job at where Stephen Keith works?” Trudy asked.
“Nice try,” Alex quickly said. “But I’m not falling for your memory test this time.”
“Alex, Trudy wasn’t testing you this time,” Miles said. “Stephen is a cook there.”
“So far, you’re zero for three,” Trudy said. “So is Miles right or am I right? Are you having memory problems?”
Alex stared at Trudy as if she was scared to even say anything else. After a long pause she sighed before she finally said, “I swear that I don’t have any memory problems, and I’m not an imposter… exactly.”
“What do you mean by ‘exactly’?” Miles asked.
“You or Trudy won’t believe me, so it would be a waste of time to even say anything,” Alex told him.
“Let us be the judge of what we’ll believe,” Trudy said.
“Okay,” Alex said. “Have either of you ever heard of the multiple realities theory?”
“Of course, but what does that have to do with anything?” Miles asked.
“A friend of mine, Randy Miller, was obsessed with proving that theory, and yesterday he did; except there was one flaw in his thinking.”
“What was his flaw?” Miles asked.
“He thought that a wormhole would open up after he activated a remote that he designed, and whoever wanted to visit an alternate reality would jump in, but apparently it doesn’t work that way.”
“How does it work then?” Miles asked.
Alex cringed before saying, “I am Alex, but I’m not the Alex from this reality.” Trudy and Miles gave Alex a concerned look as Alex continued to say, “After Randy activated his remote to create a wormhole, I and the Alex of this reality switched bodies. Miles; Doug and the four who were with me earlier had also switched bodies, and they are friends of mine from my reality.”
“You can’t be serious,” Trudy said.
“I told you that you wouldn’t believe me, but I’m telling you the truth,” Alex said. “When Alex of this reality passed out yesterday that was when we switched bodies. I don’t have certain memories because in my reality my life took a totally different path.”
Trudy gave Alex a skeptical look as Miles said, “Trudy, I’m not sure why, but I believe her. So, Alex, which one of those two men is Randy?”
“Neither. We don’t know for sure where Randy is, but we do have a clue that he is in Mexico City, Mexico. And to correct this cross reality mix up, finding Randy is our only hope.”
“Why do you believe he’s in Mexico?” Miles asked.
“Three years ago in my reality Randy was told that his long lost dad was there and I talked him out of going there to look for him,” Alex said. “The Alex from this reality never met Randy, so I believe no one was around to talk him out of going.”
“Why did you go to St. Louis last night?” Miles asked.
“Randy is also from St. Louis. I went to his house and talked to his mom. His mom was the one who gave me the clue that Randy is in Mexico.”
“Alex, can I talk to you in private for a second?” Trudy asked.
“Let’s go to my bedroom,” Alex said. “You can help me pick out an outfit.”
“Okay,” Trudy said.
Alex stepped into her room followed by Trudy. Once the door was shut behind Trudy, Alex asked, “So what do you want to talk to me about?”
“I’m still partially skeptical of you being from an alternate reality…”
“Trudy, that’s actually understandable. I would be skeptical too if I was in your shoes.”
“Speaking of shoes that you are in; yesterday after you came to you practically went hysterical. You were actually shocked to be a woman.”
“Yeah,” Alex nervously said while fidgeting. “I was really hoping that you would have forgotten that part.”
“So in the other reality, were you a guy?”
“I was. In my reality my name is Alexander. Just put green eyes and red hair on Doug and that would be pretty close to what I had looked like.”
“Interesting.”
“Trudy, I’m no good about picking out women’s clothes to go look for a job, so I was wondering if you can help me.”
“Don’t you need to go to Mexico and look for Randy?”
“My friends and I don’t have any money to get to Mexico and the only way to get money is for us to get jobs. Besides, Randy could be on his way here to find us. The time that it will take for us to collect the money will actually give Randy the chance to get here.”
“Okay, I understand your reasoning for wanting a job, but the Alex from this reality and Stephen once dated.”
“I actually knew that part from reading the diaries.”
“And you still want to apply for a job there?”
“That’s the only place I know that’s hiring. Besides, I know who Stephen is, so I think I can handle it.”
“Okay; well let’s see what clothes you have.” Just as Alex and Trudy began browsing through the clothes, Trudy said, “Alex, you actually do look good without any makeup, but while applying for a job, you may want to put some on. I can help you.”
“I actually have someone who is going to help me with that, but thanks for the offer.”
“You’re welcome. Oh and in case you don’t know you do have a class in two hours.”
“I actually did know, but thanks for reminding me.”
“No problem.”
Alex and Trudy looked at a few dresses before Alex agreed to wear a blue one.
After Alex put on the dress, she saw Trudy holding up a pair of high-heeled shoes that matched the dress. Alex looked at Trudy as if she had lost her mind before saying, “I hope you don’t plan on me wearing those.”
“What’s wrong with these shoes?”
“You mean besides the fact that I will fall and break my neck in them?”
“Ah, I see your point, but unfortunately, Alex of this reality was big on wearing high-heeled shoes, so besides her one pair of tennis shoes, high-heeled shoes are all you have.”
“Nice,” Alex sarcastically said. “Any suggestions?”
“Yeah, put these shoes on and walk around the room and let’s hope you’re a natural at wearing them.”
“I guess it’s better to learn in front of you rather than trying to wear them in front of the other people,” Alex said while reaching out for the shoes.
After Alex put on the shoes she walked around the room to get comfortable at wearing them. Once she felt as though she wouldn’t fall, she left the bedroom.
Miles was sitting on the couch and when he saw Alex stepping in, he stood up and exclaimed, “Wow! You look amazing.”
Alex grinned before saying, “Thanks. Well, I better get going. Oh, Trudy, before I go, do you know where Doug’s Jeep is parked?”
Trudy amusingly grinned before saying, “I do.”
After Alex was told where to find Doug’s Jeep, she left for Brandy’s dorm.
Thirty minutes later, Alex approached the counter at Little Bucks. Eric, the man working behind the counter, asked as she stepped up, “What can I get you?”
Stephen looked out from the kitchen and saw Alex. He strained to hear as Alex said, “I saw the ‘help wanted’ sign and I want to apply for the job.”
“Okay,” Eric said before reaching underneath the counter for an application and a pen. As he handed the items to Alex he continued to say, “Sit down at one of the tables and fill it out. Victor will most likely interview you after you finish.”
“Okay, thanks,” Alex said before turning and walking towards the first table. After
Alex took her seat and was preparing to fill out the application, she saw Stephen walking up.
As Stephen stepped up he demanded to know, “What do you think you’re doing?”
“How am I doing? I’m doing fine. How are you doing?”
“That’s not what I asked and you know it.”
“Actually what you asked is really none of your business, but if you must know I think I’m going to apply for the waitress position.”
“Isn’t serving customers beneath you?”
“I’m not the same person you knew several weeks ago. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an application to fill out.”
“I would say good luck with getting the job, but you’re going to need a miracle more than luck after I talk with Victor.”
“I’m flattered that you are scared to be around me…”
“What do you mean I’m scared to be around you?” Stephen interrupted with.
“Obviously you still have feelings for me if you’re planning to sabotage me from getting the job, but I’m not interested at getting back together with you.”
“You’re flattering yourself.”
“Then why would it bother you by me applying for a job here? I’m willing to forget the past and move on. How about you? Unless you still have feelings for me that you’re too scared for me to see.”
“Go ahead and apply here, and instead of me trying to stop you from working here, I’m going to put in a good word for you.”
Alex grinned before saying, “Thanks…” A slightly worried expression came across her face. “I think.”
Becky entered the restaurant and saw Stephen as he was walking away from Alex. She then walked directly to Alex’s table and sat down across from her.
Alex looked up from trying to fill out the application. She gazed at Becky as if Becky was a stranger before she asked, “May I help you?”
Becky stared at the application while saying, “You’re filling out a Little Bucks job application.”
“I can’t get anything passed you,” Alex sarcastically said.
“If you’re here to try to win Stephen back it’s not going to work.” Alex gave Becky a curious look as Becky continued to say, “He’s with me now.”
It dawned on Alex of who she was talking to and mumbled, “Oh, Becky.”
Becky didn’t quite hear Alex and asked, “What was that?”
“Becky, I’m only here to get a job, and I would still be applying for this job even if Stephen wasn’t working here.”
“And you expect me to believe that?”
“I’m pretty sure I stopped caring about what you believe a month ago.”
“Stephen and I are talking marriage, so you don’t have a chance you know.”
“And I’m happy for you and all of the little Keiths who’ll be running around in a few years, but I’m only here to work.”
“Oh Stephen and I discussed that. Neither one of us want any kids.”
Alex gave Becky a curious look before asking, “Did Stephen tell you that he didn’t want any kids?”
Becky slightly hissed, “I just said he did!”
“When Stephen and I first started dating he told me different. Oh well, he must have changed his mind about the six kids he told me that he wanted to have.”
Becky nervously said, “No-no; Stephen and I discussed this thoroughly. You wanted three or four kids, and that was what frightened him while he was dating you. That was one of the many reasons that he broke up with you and started dating me.”
“All right, whatever you say, but that’s not how I remember it. Of course my memory hasn’t been reliable lately, so you’re probably right. Well, in any case I wish you and Stephen the best of luck. Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to finish filling out this application.”
Becky stood up and as she briskly walked towards the counter, Alex had a big grinned on her face.
Becky stepped up to Eric and demanded, “Let Stephen know I’m here and I want to see him ASAP.”
Eric gave Becky a curious look before saying, “I’ll tell him.” Eric then turned and walked into the kitchen.
When Eric stepped out of the kitchen followed by Stephen, Becky gave Stephen a serious look while demanding to know, “Did you lie to me about not wanting any kids?!”
Eric’s attention was focused on Becky and Stephen. Stephen gave Becky a perplex look while asking, “What are you talking about?”
“I just had an eye opening conversation with Alex, and…”
“Whoa-whoa, stop right there. You and Alex were talking?”
“We were and according to her, you want six kids.” When Stephen busted out laughing Becky demanded to know, “What’s so funny?”
“Becky, Alex manipulated you. You confronting me about having kids was exactly what Alex wanted you to do and you played right into her hands.”
Becky shot Alex a fiery look before saying, “It seems that I underestimated on how manipulative Alex could be.” Becky turned back towards Stephen. “I’m not comfortable with the idea of Alex working here.”
“Alex is applying for the waitress position, so she’ll be out here while I’ll be in the kitchen. We won’t be around each other.”
“I’m still not comfortable with the idea.”
Stephen saw Alex getting up from her seat and Becky turned to see who Stephen was looking at.
Alex saw Stephen, Becky and Eric staring at her and as she stepped up to Eric, she held out the job application for Eric to take.
As Eric was taking the job application, he said, “Just have a seat and Victor will be with you shortly.”
As Eric was walking away, Alex turned towards Becky and said, “Becky, you were right.”
“Excuse me?”
“After you left the table, I remembered that it wasn’t Stephen who wanted all those kids. I wonder if Trudy is right and I should see a doctor about my memory.”
“Alex, there’s nothing wrong with your memory,” Stephen said.
“According to Trudy there is and she has been concerned about me all day. In fact, I can’t even remember when you and I were together intimately. Were we…”
“Alex, stop!” Stephen demanded.
Alex looked at Becky and said, “Oh, Becky, I’m sorry. That was very insensitive of me to bring up hot intimate moments between me and your current boyfriend.”
“And yet you are still doing it,” Becky said.
“You’re right, I’m sorry. I…”
“Alex, you’re not sorry,” Stephen quickly interrupted with. “You manipulated this whole conversation like you have always done.”
Alex gestured towards the table and said, “I think I had better go back to the table and wait for Victor.” As Alex turned to walk away she tried to keep from smiling.
Alex only took three steps when Becky told Stephen, “I am not comfortable at all with Alex working here.”
“Becky, Alex is a master at manipulation, and she’ll say and do anything she can to get under your skin. Just ignore her.”
“Oh the problem is, if Alex gets the job, can you ignore her?” Becky quickly asked.
Stephen took hold of Becky’s hand before saying, “Becky, I’m with you. If Alex gets the job, I promise I will go out of my way to avoid her.”
“Fine, but I’m going to be visiting a lot when Alex is working.”
Stephen gave Becky a pleasant grin before giving her a passionate kiss.
Alex was sitting down and saw Stephen and Becky kissing. Her attention was then drawn to Victor as he left the kitchen area.
When Victor stepped up to the table, he asked, “Are you Ms. Larson?”
“Yes, but you can call me Alex.”
As Victor was taking a seat across from Alex he said, “Okay, I will, and you can call me Victor.” He then started the interview.
During the interview, Victor was impressed with Alex’s responses. The interview took twenty minutes and when Victor was done, he offered Alex the job.
After Alex ac
cepted the job, Victor asked, “Can you work tomorrow?”
“I can start tonight if you want.”
“We have a full crew tonight, but we are short a person for tomorrow’s evening shift. The shift starts at 5:00 P.M. and you will work till close.”
“I’ll be here, and thanks again.”
As Victor was standing up, he said, “You’re welcome.” He then stuck out his hand to shake hands.
Alex stood up before shaking Victor’s hand and saying, “Well, I better get back to campus. I have a class that’s going to start in about thirty minutes.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow then. Bye,” Victor said before turning to walk away.
Alex noticed Becky walking up as Victor was walking away. When Becky stepped up she said, “I want to get something clear. While you’re here, you are to stay in front and not to go into the kitchen.”
“I’m sorry, but didn’t I just get hired by Victor and not by Rebecca Steward?”
Becky showed a distasteful grin before saying, “Joke all you want, but you’re to stay away from Stephen.”
“Okay, one, I’m not interested in your boyfriend. Two, are you frightened by me so much that you can’t trust the fact that Stephen would rather be with you.”
“I’m just telling you to stay away.”
“Becky, you won Stephen over a month ago… or before. Just go and enjoy your victory. I’m just here because I need the money.”
“So you’re no longer mad at me?” Becky questioned.
“With Stephen and me working here, most likely we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other than what we did in the past month, so all I’m asking for is a cease fire.”
“Fine. You got your cease fire… and if I see you trying to rekindle something with Stephen then it’s off.”
“Sure, Becky,” Alex said before she started to turn away from Becky, but hesitated. Alex faced Becky again before asking, “Becky, why is Stephen working here anyway?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m surprised Stephen has time to work here while being a quarterback.”
Becky gave Alex a curious look before saying, “Stephen’s football career ended last year when he was sacked. He broke his leg in two places.”
A Crossed Reality Page 7