Call of the Canyon

by Nancy Pennick

  “You’re right about that. She’d never stop. She begged me to come looking for you.”

  “See? I was right. She’s up there, right?”

  “No, she’s home in Ohio, living in the 21st century. She better be in school if she knows what’s good for her.”

  “Jack, you have no right to talk like that about her.”

  “I have every right, Andrew. She’s my daughter. That’s where I live.”

  He was startled to learn Jack lived in the 21st century after meeting his wife, Joanna, at the library the very first day he time traveled. An even bigger surprise was Maya was from the future and traveled back in time to help Carl at the boardinghouse. The biggest shock was Kate was Jack’s daughter and used the book to time travel to the canyon.

  “How long have you been doing this, Jack?”

  “Almost twenty years. You’d be surprised to see how I’ve aged back in Ohio.”

  “So take me there! To the future to see Kate. Prove it. You’re telling me she doesn’t hop a train to get home, she time travels to another century.”

  “That’s exactly right. Now do you believe me?”

  “No, not really, but I’m open to hear more. You can tell me on the climb. Let’s go.”

  “Wait, not so fast, there’s more.” Jack said solemnly. “You died on this trip. We didn’t find you. You never made it back. Year after year I tried to stop you but you always got ahead of me. The scenario never changed. You went down the river and were never found.”

  “Then how? How is it different this time?” He felt he knew the answer before Jack even said it.

  “Katie’s letters stopped you from doing the usual sequence of events. You always went down the river on Friday and this time you left on Saturday. You never were at the first campsite, no evidence you were there. That’s where I found you today. My Katie saved your life. I will be forever grateful.”

  “And so am I. I finally read her letters at camp and was a fool to doubt her. I have nothing if she’s not in my life. There’s nothing for me here. I can leave and never look back.”

  They waited till dawn and carefully climbed out of the canyon without being seen. The plan was to let everyone think Andrew died, just like years past. He would return to the future with Jack, get a crash course on the 21st century world and assume his new identity before letting anyone know he was there.

  “Technology, that’s the key word.” Jack told Andrew on the climb. “There have been so many advancements they’re too numerous to mention. You’re young, you’ll catch on.” Jack slapped him on the back and smiled. “If I could do it, you’ll be fine. You can visit 1927 whenever you want, but we stay away on December thirty-first. We have no idea what would happen if we woke up in the new year. We’re not sure if we continue our lives in the past, making it impossible to return to the 21st century. We even have that fear for someone like Katie, not just us. I don’t want you or me to ever take the chance.”

  “You mean, you, me or Carl, don’t you?”

  Jack was quiet for a moment. “Carl passed away not long after Katie was born. He’s been gone for quite a while.”

  “Then how is he still here?”

  “We don’t really know. All I can tell you is the Carl we know here is the 1927 Carl. He has no memory beyond that point. Maya is grateful she can visit him at the canyon. He doesn’t know they have a son or that he lived in the future for almost thirty years.” Andrew was silent. “You okay, Andrew?”

  “I feel like I’m mourning his passing and it doesn’t make sense.” He hung his head.

  “That’s the beauty of this life. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense but it’s a wonderful world. Where else could you get to see someone that’s already passed on?”

  “I see your point.”

  “Picture standing up top here.” Jack pointed to the edge of the canyon when they reached the end of their climb. “You’re gazing down at this wondrous canyon and you feel as if there’s something almost mystical about it...a place of power. Trust in that.”

  “I think I can do that. I think I can avoid the canyon after Thanksgiving. Not a problem. Makes sense.”

  Drew thought back to the very first day he’d seen Kate. They locked eyes and her bright blue eyes seared right through him. He felt hypnotized and couldn’t look away, falling in love right there behind El Tovar on a sunny, hot day in July, 1927.

  He had just come out the back door of El Tovar’s kitchen when he heard a scream come from the henhouse. Curious about what happened, he leaned against the building and waited. A lovely vision flew out the door and raced toward the fence. Her light brown hair came undone and was blowing in the wind as she reached for the fence, laughing. To Andrew, it was like he was watching everything in slow motion.

  Kate ungracefully jumped over the fence, all the while juggling a basket of eggs, landing on her backside. Drew laughed along with her, startling her in the process. She quickly overcame her surprise and bantered back and forth with him until they realized there was an attraction. Love at first sight? Drew didn’t believe it could happen but he did now.

  Jack’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Before we head to the boardinghouse, I want to make sure this is what you want to do. There’s no turning back once everyone’s informed you were lost to the river. Your timeline ends right now in 1927 just as it always has. There’s still time to change your mind and live out your life here.”

  “If Kate’s in the 21st century, then that’s where I want to be.” Andrew shook Jack’s hand. “Take me to her.”

  Chapter One

  Kate didn’t know if she should laugh or cry, but couldn’t do either since she was sitting in the back of her history class. Drew was at the desk across from her, alive and well. Her heart soared with joy. The bell finally rang and they were able to escape to the hallway.

  She jumped into his arms, hugging and kissing him. Drew seemed a little stunned. “Kate, not a good idea. Everyone’s looking and we’ll get in trouble.”

  “I don’t care! Plus everyone does it.” That wasn’t exactly true, the school had rules about public displays of affection but did tolerate holding hands. “I can hardly breathe, I’m so excited! You’re alive!”

  “Your dad’s the bee’s knees, Kate.” Drew smiled down at her.

  “Ooh, we don’t say that anymore. Talking like that will be a dead give away you’re from another century or make you sound like a complete nerd.”

  “Then what do I say?”

  “Awesome, you can say he’s awesome.”

  "I can’t believe we’re having a typical high school conversation after being in your presence for less than an hour.”

  “Sorry, I want to hear everything, but not here.” Kate squeezed his hand.

  “Is there somewhere we can go?”

  “There’s an outdoor courtyard where we can have lunch. We can meet there.”

  “I think your dad arranged for me to be in most of your classes so we don’t have to meet.”

  “He did? Then follow me.”

  Kate led Drew through her morning classes, unable to contain her excitement. She didn’t pay attention to what was being said, she only concentrated on Drew. She studied his face, the shape of his nose and lips. His emerald eyes caught hers every once in awhile, and she got a lump in her throat. Still handsome as ever.

  She looked longingly at him and hoped he was happy with the decision he made. He gave up so much to be with her. Guilt overwhelmed her for a moment. In reality, he would’ve died on his trip and she held onto that notion. They rescued him and gave him a second chance at life. She knew Drew could have stayed in the past if he chose. His life would’ve gone on without her. As painful as it would be for her, she could have accepted his choice to stay. That’s how much she loved him. Still she was glad he made the decision to join her in the present.

  Lunch hour couldn’t come soon enough. When the bell finally rang, Kate dragged Drew to her locker so she could grab a coat. Not too many people would
go outside on a cold day so she knew they would have the place to themselves.

  They slid into seats opposite each other at a picnic table, holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes.

  “I know it hasn’t been long, but I feel like I haven’t seen you in months.” Kate wiped a tear from her eye.

  “Kate, don’t.” Drew reached across the table and touched her cheek. “I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I know.” She grabbed his hand and brought it to her lips. “Start at the beginning and don’t leave anything out.”

  “Your dad arranged for me to live with Lindsey’s family.”

  “My best friend, Lindsey?”

  “Yes, the one and only. Her dad is now my uncle, caring for me while my parents are in Africa doing missionary work.”

  “That’s the story? They agreed to that?”

  “Your dad’s persuasive. Said I was a family friend who really needed a favor. Beth and David didn’t ask too many questions...plus they like me.”

  Kate felt a giggle bubble up inside and had to let it out. “Of course, because you’re so charming. My Prince Charming.”

  Drew gave her a wide grin as if to say she was right. “Your dad gave me a crash course in all things 21st century until I had to scream ‘Enough!’ Want to see my phone?” He held up the latest model.

  “Impressive. I assume you know how to use it.”

  “Sure, it’s easy. And my name? It’s Drew Kelly. My middle name is Kelly, my mother’s maiden name.”

  “So you aren’t Drew Martin anymore.” Kate felt a little sad.

  “No, it will take some getting used to.”

  Kate didn’t want Drew to be depressed on their first day in the present together. She thought it best to change the subject. “So what do you like better, television or computers?”

  “The camera store.”

  “Out of all the new technology, you’re still drawn to the camera store.”

  “The guys that work there are awesome...did I use that right? Awesome?”

  Kate nodded.

  “I bought all the latest equipment. They said come back any time I want.”

  “Your first friends are guys who work in a camera store. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I do have one question. If you just got here, what did you use for money?”

  Drew closed one eye and tilted his head at her. “You don’t know how your dad gets his money?”

  “I’m asking about you. My dad writes books, remember?”

  “Yeah, but he’s not getting rich off that.” Drew chuckled. “You really don’t know?”

  “I guess not. So you’re going to tell me.”

  “Jack goes to New York City once or twice a year, right?”

  “He has business there, meets with his agent and publisher.” Kate folded her arms across her chest and leaned back. “There’s more to it than that?”

  “Jack did a little research and found the Bank of New York was established in the 1800’s. That’s the one he uses in the past because it’s still operating in the present. He puts stocks, gold coins, money and jewelry in his safe deposit box back in 1927 and withdraws it here. He’s lent me a little cash until I can set up my own.”

  “It makes sense. Leave it to my dad to figure it out.”

  “During spring break we’re going to New York City. I’ll make my first deposit then.”

  Kate grew quiet. “You two will be going back...without me?”

  “You have to wait until July. Jack said that’s the agreement. It makes sense. That’s when your life starts at the canyon.”

  Kate played with her napkin. “You get to have all the fun. I love the canyon and would go every night if I could.”

  “That’s my girl. I’m glad you love it as much as I do.”

  “I don’t mind you going for a day because you’ll be back in the morning. It’s like you were never gone. When you go to New York you have to take the book so you can stay longer.”

  “Yeah, I’m still learning all the secrets of the book. It allows us to stay longer than one night if we take it with us. We only get to the Grand Canyon from here. Then it’s old-fashioned transportation to get us the rest of the way. Jack says it takes a few days one way so we could be gone a week.”

  “I don’t like it.” Kate pouted.

  “We won’t be leaving for months.” Drew touched her bottom lip. “So stop it.”

  “I’ll try not to think about it until the time comes. For now, you still need to meet my friends, especially Jordyn. She’s definitely a 21st century girl. She’s into clothes, boys and make-up, but you’ll love her. She’s the planner of the group and the rest of us follow merrily along. Her moms adopted her from China.”

  “You mean mom.”

  “No, she has two moms. They’re a family.”

  “Two moms.” Drew’s face wore a puzzled expression. He shook his head. “I’ll have to meet them.”

  “Good, because you will...soon.” Kate cleaned up the table and tossed the leftovers in the garbage. “Afternoon classes await. Ready?” She held out her hand. Drew intertwined his hand in hers. “This feels so right, Drew. Welcome home.”

  Chapter Two

  Andrew and Kate had The Discussion, as they called it, many times in the months since he’d come to the present. Kate wanted to make sure Drew was comfortable in the choice he made. She wanted him to verbalize any doubts, any negative feelings he had so he wasn’t harboring any resentment about the decisions he’d made.

  “Kate, you really need to stop dwelling on the fact that I could’ve stayed at the canyon and gone home to New York. I’ve made my choice!” Drew’s voice grew louder with each word. “This is the life I want, you know that. Stop questioning it...and me.”

  Kate covered her face with her hands. “I just want to make sure. I want you to be happy.” She could feel tears forming in her eyes.

  “I can do just like your father does. Go to the canyon whenever I miss it. Isn’t that what this blasted book is for?” He picked up the book and shook it in the air.

  “Drew, please, don’t yell. I just keep imagining how your life could’ve been totally different from this one.” Kate said through tears.

  “Is that all it is?” Drew’s face softened and he wrapped his arms around her. She felt him relax as she leaned into his chest. “You’ve made up an entire life for me in your head...that pretty little head. Don’t cry, I don’t want you to cry.” He kissed the side of her cheek. “There is no second life. This is the only one I want...with you. Besides, didn’t I need to die so I could come to the future to be with you?” Drew took her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing it lightly. “My life stopped at that moment in time and because of that, I didn’t change history. I didn’t leave a future family behind or have any storyline past that fateful day.”

  “You’re right. I just need to be sure.”

  “Anyway, shouldn’t I be in time travel jail?” Drew playfully wiggled his eyebrows making her laugh. “I don’t know if the time traveler is supposed to stay forever in the time period they’re visiting. I should move on or go back to where I came from, that’s how it’s done in the books.”

  “No, you shouldn’t. You’re right where you need to be.” Kate playfully punched him in the arm. “If anyone should be in time travel jail, it’s my dad. He’s the biggest offender.”

  “Okay, I’ll share a cell with him.”

  “Wait a minute.” Kate wrinkled her nose. “You two wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for...”

  “Carl Sr.,” they both said together.

  “He’s the original, the Swedish time traveler. Who’d have thought?” They both broke into fits of laughter.

  Kate smiled. Humor helped that very serious situation but she had to admit sometimes their discussions got very serious. All the time travelers were very careful not to disrupt history when they returned to 1927. They tried their best to keep everything the same and not cause any new events to happen. That was a
debatable point and Drew and Kate would take both sides—were the time travelers really changing history or just observers?

  “Don’t forget we’re going to the last basketball game of the season tonight.” Kate reminded Drew after they calmed down.

  “Do I have to? Haven’t you tortured me enough with Tyson and his basketball games?”

  “I’m just trying to be a good friend. If he doesn’t feel neglected, he’ll behave himself.”

  “Lindsey says you’re too nice to him.”

  “You like having Lindsey on your side, don’t you?” Kate slid onto the couch and pulled Drew beside her.

  “She’s filled me in on a lot of things. She’s like my little sister and Jake’s my brother.”

  “You miss them.”

  “Maria and Freddie? Yeah, but these two will do. Not bad replacements.” Drew chuckled.

  “Don’t let them hear you say that. Lindsey’s not anyone’s replacement.”

  “I know better. Living with Anna’s great-granddaughter has been a real treat. I still can’t believe Anna’s alive. How old is she?”

  “One hundred.”

  “She’s a feisty one. Still living on the Circle J ranch.” Drew shook his head. “Who’d a thought. Can’t wait to see her.”

  “We’ll figure out a way to get you there. Until then, we’ve got a lot to do.”

  “I know. Get ready for a basketball game.”

  When they entered the gym, Kate quickly glanced over at the bench and spotted her former best friend. She couldn’t believe how he’d changed...and not for the better. Tyson, whom she’d known since she was eight, became a basketball star overnight. That was his childhood dream and he’d fulfilled it, but something happened to him along the way. In the summer, he said he’d fallen in love with her and ruined their relationship by practically forcing her to feel the same way.

  Look at him, tall, tan and blond, lighter than his natural dishwater color and now he has the whitest teeth you ever saw. Tyson, you sold out. This is not the Ty I know.

  Sitting next to him was Erin, his longtime girlfriend. Tyson and Erin were the golden couple at school. They’d put her through so much. Now they sat there, blonde and spray tanned, Erin hanging onto him like she was afraid to let go. She should be under the basket with Jordyn and the other cheerleaders practicing before the game. It was all too sickening for Kate to deal with. Somehow Tyson kept popping up in her life. He still came over to confide in her, since he lived right across the street. At least he stopped telling her he loved her and would leave Erin if she just gave the word. That’s what made her feel sick, the phoniness of that relationship.