by C M SHORT
A lot of Christians, are saying, these things are mentioned in the book of Revelation-in the Bible-and are predicting doom and gloom on the earth! And, as if all that is not bad enough, now, many top scientists are speculating that a giant planet-called Planet X or Nibiru-is swinging into our Galaxy, and will pass close enough to Earth, to cause worldwide devastation! They also say, this giant planet is causing the unusual earthquake activity. Scientists don't yet have any solid proof that Planet X exists, but say, there is reasonable cause-to believe it does! I, personally, believe the top scientists that say-Earth's problems are because of the solar maximum, and as soon as the sun gets beyond its super active phase, things will return to normal.
Now, it is time for a word from our sponsor, and we’ll rejoin you in a few minutes. For the latest in breaking news, please stay tuned.”
“See baby? Most of Earth's top scientists still agree-it's just because of the Solar Maximum!”
“Yes, apparently, our problems are only temporary! And this planet X theory-scientists should not be scaring people with it”!
“I agree”!
“Well, handsome, we should get a bit of sleep before long; tomorrow’s another full day of fun!”
The early morning sun found them, and filtered through the lace window panels-softly whispering-of magic and adventure!
Eyes of emerald looked over at the handsome, sleeping man, and took a deep breath of contentment. A gentle kiss on the nose, had a wonderful result: a huge, charming grin, and flattering words.
“Good morning, beautiful”!
“Good morning! Are you ready for a day of fun?”
“Definitely! But first…”
His priority-was a kiss and hug-before getting up and ready. A call to Jacques, was followed by room service of coffee and croissants, and a short trip through the already crowded streets of Paris, to a new adventure, standing tall in front of them.
“I don't know, how long we'll be. Can you wait close by for us”?
“I will! On your way back down, give me a call, sir, and I'll tell you exactly where I'm at.”
The stairs were an exciting challenge; after tackling the exhausting 1,665 steps to the top, the feat was rewarded with benches nearby, for a relax, with spring water. After about 10 minutes, a tour guide shared the most interesting bits of knowledge.
“Welcome to the Eiffel Tower-the most famous symbol in Paris! Also known as The Iron Lady, and Eiffie, she is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world! She was built by French Engineer Gustave Alexandre Eiffel, for the 1889 World Fair, and was never meant to be permanent! Mr. Eiffel was famous for his iron bridges, and he also designed the Statue of Liberty's framework. The Iron Lady joins the clouds-with her incredible 1,056 feet! I would like to give a specific congratulation, to those of you-who accepted the challenge of climbing all the stairs! It’s a rare opportunity, as the area between the second and third floor, is normally closed to the public.
Amazingly, the 7000 tons are distributed so well, that her force against the ground, is no more than a 200-pound person sitting in a chair! She is held together by 18,030 wrought iron sections, and 2.5 million rivets. When Eiffie was first built, many Parisians hated her, and called her terrible names: The Iron Monster, Ugly Factory Chimney, Giraffe, Ridiculous Factory Fireplace, Gigantic Skewer-Good For Poking The Clouds, and, The World's Greatest Lamp Post. Now, most Parisians are proud of this majestic symbol of the city! Thank you for visiting the Iron Lady! With such clear skies today, you can see 40 miles-to enjoy your breathtaking, panoramic view of Paris!”
“This view of my city, is out-of-this-world! It could inspire any writer”!
“I think, any non-writer too! Does this height bother you?”
“No. I'm all right. With you with me, I could…”
Her response was blasted into silence-as the tower was engulfed by a thunderous roar! Terrified eyes froze skyward in disbelief, at dozens of planes screaming down at them-following blazing bursts of gunfire! From out of nowhere, came a lightning flash, and the sickening crunch of a missile shredding one of the planes! Somehow, the tower had been transported to the ghastly front line of a war! Panicking people raced for the exits-their screams of terror-drowned out by the descending death machines!
Eyeing the fast approaching firestorm of debris, survival instincts took over: a hand grab, a yell for her to run, and a bolt for the inner wall-which only took a few seconds. A fearful look back, revealed nothing to see or hear: as mysteriously, and suddenly, as the war had erupted-it ceased! Several people were lying motionless on the floor-no doubt-too scared to move!
“My God, Jean-Leuc! What just happened?”
“I don't know, but I could swear those planes were doing a Strafing run”!
“What's a Strafing run”?
“Back in World War 1, and 2, low flying aircraft would attack ground targets, and fire at them from automatic weapons, that were mounted to the bodies of the planes. In fact, some planes were designed specifically-for strafing.”
“We couldn't have been seeing aircraft-from World War 1, or 2”!
“I know! That had to have been-something else! An air show maybe?”
“Perhaps. Let's go ask!”
A tour guide was located, for the answer.
“Excuse me, sir-we'd like to know about the air show we just saw”!
“There are none scheduled for today, sir! It must've been a holographic prank”!
“All right, thanks.”
“I've had enough of this place”!
Her feelings were highly visible on both their faces, as they quickly bypassed elevators jammed with confused people-for an escape to the stairs-and a desperately fast descent!
During the retreat into the car, screaming sirens pounded their ears from approaching ambulances, fire trucks, and police-that were racing to the tower!
“What happened up there? I saw a lot of planes, and heard gunfire! Was there an air show, sir?”
“We were told-none were scheduled for today; the tour guide, said it must've been a holographic prank”!
“Apparently, a lot of horrified people didn’t handle it too well-for the emergency vehicles to show up! Do you still want a tour of the city?”
A look at the emerald beauty, supplied the answer.
“We do.”
The drive was very informative, and interesting, since Jacques used to be a tour guide. A few hours later, a charming café provided lunch, and pretty eyes was a little disappointed in the options.
“Too bad we didn't get to eat at Le Jules Verne restaurant, on the Tower’s second floor; from what I've been told, their food is the best in the world! I looked at a menu online, and planned on having the Buttered Sea Urchins, and Truffled Vegetables.”
The choice ended up being Chef salads, and lemon twisted Glacier water-a meal that refreshed, and sustained, for another five hours of tour.
“Thanks for the tour, Jacques! I've lived here my whole life, but you were able to tell me things-I never knew”!
“I, too, really enjoyed it”!
Back in their hotel room, the early evening was seasoned with room service pizza, and house wine.
“You have such an enchanting city”!
“Thanks”!
Looking into his loving blue eyes-showed untold depths-depths just waiting to be explored, and her curiosity was stoked: to find out what mysteries were a part of this man.
After dinner, she had a mystery of her own to share.
“While we still have a good amount of daylight, I'd like to show you a surprise”!
“Lead on, Emerald Eyes”!
He tried to imagine what he would see, but didn’t have to imagine for long, as the short walk led to the restaurant of the day before. Continuing along the side of it, showed a back section, bordered by a tall fence; a small gate in the middle, opened to the surprise.
“Duck your head”!
Following her, he entered the most beautiful rose garden he'd ever se
en: having roses of almost every shade imaginable!
“I love your surprise”!
“I knew you would! Look at this”!
She pointed out a section of roses, that were sculpted into the form of lovers-embracing.
Clearly, there was only one thing to do! He pulled her close, and there, under the warm kiss of the setting sun, he planted one of his own! Emotions raced, as passion swept them away-in the magical city of love!
Back in the hotel room, glasses of house wine were a nice compliment to the colorful experience.
“Babe, that was the most remarkable rose garden I've ever seen! Thanks for showing it to me”!
“You're welcome! I knew you'd enjoy it”!
Relaxing on the couch, a talk of the next day's adventures-was enlightening.
“It's funny, I've lived here my whole life, and have not been to the Louvre yet”!
“Why not”?
“Somehow, it never felt right to go yet. I know that doesn't make much sense!”
“That's ok-I'm glad we'll both be experiencing it for the first time-together! I'm really looking forward to it”!
Splash! Angel leaned over just a little too far, and fell out of the boat. Caught off guard, she entered the water with almost no air in her lungs. Keeping calm and breaking the surface, she took a deep breath, and scanned for the boat-the sight of which-caused a sinking heart: it was rapidly leaving her behind!
“Wait”!
“Swim, Angel!” they both shouted.
“We can't slow down! You'll have to swim for it!” Jean-Leuc yelled.
Swimming as hard as she could-proved no use: the boat was still pulling away! The burn of failure was devastating, and swiftly joined by painful thoughts of despair.
OH NO! I'm not going to make it!
Only one option remained: swim for shore-even though the river looked exhaustingly wide! It was a good plan: one that could be accomplished, one that could save her, one that could ease her troubled mind-if only, for a moment.
A hidden terror had been lurking beneath the surface-waiting for a new victim-waiting-for dangling legs. Hoping beyond hope, it had just been a plant, she stared into the water as a knot formed in her throat, and saw a most beautiful sight: a forest of elegant plants.
With a deep breath of relief, she looked toward the shore, ready to swim, but not ready for the movement of fins on the surface-a few feet away! In a flash, the attack began: her back seized by the creature’s hard, slimy grip, followed by an inescapable push through the water, and a desperate cry for help!
“Jean-Leuc! Something's got me”!
“Baby”?
He was sitting on the couch next to her, holding his wine, and looking concerned.
“Did you get bit by a bug”?
It took a few seconds, to gather senses enough-for a reply.
“I had a daydream! Sorry. I've got a very active imagination, but it’s a plus, for being a writer!”
“It certainly is! I've read your first book already, and what a fantastic read”!
“Thanks! Lately though, my imagination has developed a life of its own”!
“Well, my gorgeous writer, the news will be on in just a few minutes. Do we dare listen?”
“We should! Maybe we'll find out what happened at the tower today”!
“Good evening, friends. I have sad news for you tonight. Today, the Eiffel Tower was the scene of tragedy! While dozens of tourists were enjoying the view from the top, a nightmare of small planes bore down on them, firing weapons! Seven people were killed, and ten more injured! Two of the injured, have life threatening wounds, and are fighting for their lives-at this time!”
A loud gasp, led to the prettiest of green eyes-flooding with tears-as she choked on the three words that neither of them wanted to believe.
“It was real”!
“Police, and government investigators, are still trying to find out who's behind the senseless attack! We'll keep you updated, as new information becomes available. In other news…”
The angering news was shut off, at that point.
“Unbelievable-that people could do such a thing, in your wonderful city”!
“It must have been a terror attack-like what happened in America-with the twin towers”!
“Probably not, or the pilots would have stayed there, and done a lot more harm”!
“That makes sense.”
For hours, their minds replayed the chilling events of the unbelievable attack; around two in the morning, a wine assisted sleep-finally brought relief.
CHAPTER 4
INTO THE PAST
The new day, started off almost perfect: with warm sun rays, and eye-opening aromas. Disappointment briefly took hold-as tall, dark, and handsome, was nowhere to be seen-but then came a flash of knowledge, that would more than make up for it: he was behind the glorious smells! After a fast visit to a toothbrush, and shirt, a hurry into the kitchen-showed a masterpiece being stirred up! With the speed of lightning, the familiar boyish grin activated its charm.
“Morning, beautiful”!
“Morning! Smells divine! What are you making?”
“French toast, and a special coffee! Hope you're hungry”!
“I AM! This is heaven-waking up and finding you cooking breakfast! I'm getting spoiled”!
“You deserve to be spoiled”!
“I could get used to it! You know-somehow-today is going to be special: I can feel it”!
“Same here! It feels like-I'm about to get a present”!
“That's exactly what I was thinking”!
After a leisurely breakfast and a call to Jacques, the wait consisted of coffee, and chatting about their plans for the day.
“Well, my dazzling jewel, it's about time for Jacques to be knocking on the door.”
“Right. I'll go get sandals on.”
A frantic yell, caused a dash to the entry door, where eyes of green really stood out-against a face turned pale.
“Baby”?
She was almost in tears, as she quietly handed him a sandal.
“That looks like-a bullet hole”!
“I thought so too! It barely missed my toes”!
Immediately, she was comforted by a loving hug.
“You had a really close call”!
Soon, Jacques arrived, and chauffeured them to their adventure at the Louvre.
The Louvre’s magnificent glass pyramid entrance-was a spectacular first impression-of the wonders, within its walls. Right inside, a convenient stack of brochures awaited eager guests.
“Hey! Listen to this, handsome! According to the brochure, this is the world's largest museum, and, the world's largest palace! There is art dating all the way back-to 5000 years B.C.! The newest stuff, is 1848”!
“That's some pretty old stuff”!
“Also, the Louvre has more than 300,000 famous works of art”!
“We could spend a week here, and not see it all! Let’s see, it was built around 1200, as a fortress, in the days of Charles the 5th, then, rebuilt as a royal palace in the mid-16th century. In the 18th century, squatters took up residence there, along with their animals-and the palace was a place where anybody could live! Napoleon got rid of the squatters, and it once again, became the beautiful palace it used to be! He then used the palace for his wedding to Marie-Louise, and it became a royal residence until 1793, when it became the world's biggest museum-at almost a half mile long!”
“Those tidbits are good to know, and it’s a good thing we have a floor plan: we could easily get lost in here! Ok, there are seven sections: Egyptian Antiquities, Asian Antiquities, Roman Antiquities, Greek Estruscan, Sculpture, Paintings and Prints and Drawings, and the last one is called Objects d' art. What would you like to see first?”
“There's so much I want to see, but the Mona Lisa tops the list”!
“Sounds good to me”!
After a half-hour of adoring the Mona Lisa, next, was admiration of the Venus de Milo, followed by a search fo
r Winged Victory-a headless figurine uncovered at Samothrace, and dating back to around 200 B.C. After that, the thought of mummies-lured them-to the Egyptian exhibit.
“This is fascinating, Jean-Leuc”!
“It is, and the mummies are so well preserved-as though only asleep”!
“I halfway expect one to open its eyes, or grab me”!
A broad laugh, introduced his reply.
“Well, better not walk too close”!
After a couple of hours-watching out for mummies-the search for the next exhibit was eagerly embraced.
“That was a step back in time, pretty eyes”!
“And what a step! I especially liked the mummies, and ancient books; the book of the dead was beyond words”!
Walking down the hallway, a slightly open door intensified their awareness of low rumblings; then, another awareness made itself known: a right shoulder itch-that became unbearable-after walking a bit farther!
“This is crazy! My right shoulder itches so bad, I can hardly stand it”!
“Maybe a flea”?
“Maybe,” she answered, but her thoughts were different.
It's never itched this bad before! This may be one of those times, and I better not take any chances!
“Let's go in here”!
“What is it, pretty eyes”?
“The noises-are intriguing”!
He followed her inside an enormous room, full of machinery, and piping.
“You found the machinery room, my girl”!
“And it's huge! Come on, let’s walk through it”!
Many an odd sound, echoed, as they walked through the maze of equipment.
“There's some relics here, my beauty! Many of these-could be hundreds of years old”!
“And, certainly, the dust hasn't been disturbed-for hundreds of years”!
With that comment, an emerald finger swiped, and created a half-inch deep groove.
Arriving at the far end of the room, an observation peaked curiosity even more.