“How do you figure?” Matt asked.
“Well, your dad moved back here into the house that you spent the first couple of years of your lives in. I’m sure that stirred some subconscious memories,” she said.
Matt shook his head.
“Beautiful and smart,” he said as he wrapped his other arm around her and kissed her soft lips.
“You know, I believe him,” Linda Sue said.
“Who?” Matt asked.
“Your dad. He said he still loves your mom. How long has she been gone – 10 years?” She asked.
Matt just nodded.
“That’s a powerful love. All these years later and his eyes light up when he speaks her name. That’s what I want us to have,” Linda Sue said.
“Darlin’, you already have it. There’ll never be anyone but you,” he said.
She squeezed his hand.
“I believe you too,” Linda Sue said.
***
Alicia stared at the computer screen and then back to Jett.
“Have you ever heard of a man named Hugh Everett III?” She asked.
“Not that I can recall but I have a feeling you’re going to tell me it’s a name I should know,” Jett said.
“Not necessarily - unless you’re a quantum physicist. In 1957, Everett proposed a theory in his doctoral thesis. That theory has come to be known as the ‘many worlds’ or ‘multiverse’ theory,” Alicia said as Jett listened intently. She continued.
“What it means is essentially this: There are simultaneous parallel universes with events taking place all the time. For example, there’s a universe where the British crushed the American Revolution, where Kennedy wasn’t assassinated, where dinosaurs still roam the earth, and where we have loved ones who never died - or never even lived.”
Jett gave her a skeptical look.
“That makes for great science fiction and interesting conversation, but how does this apply to our...situation?” He asked.
“When I was working on my undergraduate degree, this was a much discussed theory. Though many dismissed it at the time he published his thesis, there has been enough interest in it to keep it in the proverbial conversation. So much so, I’ve spent much of my career trying to prove or disprove it once and for all,” Alicia said. “But more than that, Rose and I talked about it on more than one occasion – so did J.D. and I. And in my ‘visit’ with her this morning, she said that I am on the right track.”
“Okay, so you’re onto this “many worlds” theory. Convince me to buy into it,” Jett asked.
“If you remember, I saw Rose about a week before she died. She was very weak but still coherent. She asked me if I was still working on the Everett theory. I told her I was. She looked at me, smiled, and motioned for me to come closer. I leaned down and she whispered, ‘If it’s true, I’ll help you. It might take years but I’ll find my way back.’ I held her hand and told her I knew she would and to rest,” Alicia said.
“Why didn’t you mention this before now?” Jett asked.
“Until recently, I didn’t think it was possible. I thought it was Rose just trying to make me feel better because we both knew...she didn’t have long. And in the back of my mind, I guess I always considered Everett’s theory a flight of fancy. But I’ve got to tell you, I no longer feel that way,” she said.
Jett sat silently for a few moments trying to comprehend what Alicia just told him.
“I know this whole thing is just...weird. And by weird, I mean Twilight Zone weird. Are you telling me you actually believe this theory and that Rose exists healthy and happy in another dimension?” He asked.
“I know it sounds crazy, but do you have a better explanation?” She asked.
He sat in disbelief, shaking his head.
“Then why does she talk to you, Bud, and the boys in the dreams and not me? Why is it the only time I’ve heard her voice was at her graveside?” Jett asked with more than a trace of frustration.
“I don’t know. The Everett theory holds that there is no communication between the many worlds. Some have suggested over the years that there are various waves in the multiverse - think radio or satellite signal - what if she’s found a way to break through and the signal is stronger in some places than in others?” Alicia said.
“It still doesn’t explain why she’s not spoken to me in a dream,” he said.
“No, it doesn’t and I’m afraid I have no answer – at least not yet,” she said apologetically.
“It doesn’t make sense. I see Rose but can’t hear her. I’ve talked to J.D. – twice. Why can’t I talk to her?” Jett asked.
“You can talk to her. You just can’t hear her,” Alicia said.
Suddenly her expression brightened.
“That’s right you have talked with the Judge. I haven’t. I’ve seen him but I’ve not to able to hear him,” she said.
“I can talk with your husband and you can talk with my wife. Maybe they got their signals crossed,” Jett said with more than a hint of sarcasm.
“And maybe not. Maybe there’s something to prevent them from talking directly to us. What was it J.D. said about Rose? Something about her being special?” Alicia asked.
“He said she was ‘more special than I could ever know.’ What are you thinking Alicia?” He asked.
“Maybe that’s his way of saying that Rose found some way to bridge the communication barrier,” she said.
“Okay. Then why can’t either of them tell us more than that?” Jett asked. He had made a career out of playing devil’s advocate in interviews.
“Again, I don’t know. But I think it’s more than just a coincidence that our spouses cannot talk directly to either of us,” Alicia said.
“Okay, let’s assume this is true. Where do we go from here?” Jett asked.
“We start with going to sleep and dreaming. We keep a journal of things said and seen in our dreams. We need Bud’s help with that as well. We need all the information we can get. Armed with that, I’ll continue my research and see what happens next,” Alicia said.
“You know the boys dream about Rose too. And I’m guessing that Maggie dreams of J.D. as well. What do we do about them? Do we tell them outright what’s going on and make them think we’ve lost our minds?” He asked.
“I still think the fewer people that know about our situation the better – at least right now,” she said.
“But...I could ask them to keep a dream journal. I could tell them I’m working on a lengthy article on dreams and dream interpretations and I’d appreciate their help,” Jett said.
“Limited to the dreams that involve you, me, Bud, Rose, and J.D. Remember, at their age, you might not want to know all of their dreams,” Alicia said.
“Good point,” Jett said.
***
Dan turned the key and opened the door. He stepped inside and quickly found the light switch and turned it on. He and Maggie stood and took a long look around.
The apartment had a combined kitchen and living room with a sofa bed that old enough to have been used by Maggie’s dad. An old coffee table, a white refrigerator with a matching stove, and an ancient microwave, circa 1982, rounded out the semi-furnished apartment.
The neat walls were painted with a hue of off-white. They were marked by small nail holes where pictures or other decoration once hung. Just off to the left of the living room was a full bath – no tub, just a shower stall.
“You’ll need a kitchen table,” Dan said.
“I can get by without a kitchen table – it’s not like I’ll be entertaining” Maggie said flatly. “But a small desk by the front door facing the window would be nice. I don’t like sitting with my back to the door,” she said.
“Just like Wild Bill Hickok,” Dan observed in attempt at humor to lighten her mood.
She slowly turned around and looked at him.
“She’s very beautiful isn’t she?” Maggie asked.
“Who?” Dan asked.
Maggie looked at him as i
f to say “really?”
“You mean Mallorie?” Dan asked.
“Yes, Mallorie,” she said as she folded her arms, looked at the floor, and then shifted her head to the left.
Dan wasn’t worldly in any sense of the word but knew he found himself in an emotional minefield.
“Well...yeah, she is,” he said as Maggie’s face displayed a hurt expression. “But next to you, she’s kinda plain,” Dan quickly said, hoping he at least contained any damage.
Maggie’s expression slowly changed to marginally less disappointed.
“You don’t really believe that,” she said.
“Yes, I do. Do you remember that picnic our families’ had when we were 10 or so?” He asked.
Maggie giggled.
“You mean when you kissed me?” She asked.
Dan blushed.
“Yeah, that’s the time. Do you remember what I said to you?” He asked.
Maggie nodded.
“You said I was the prettiest girl in the world and one day you’d marry me,” she said.
“I’ve since amended my opinion,” Dan said as he stepped closer to her.
Maggie looked up at him curiously and tilted her head to the right.
“How so?” She asked.
“You’re now officially the most beautiful woman in the world,” Dan said as he took her in his arms and kissed her.
Maggie placed both arms around his neck, accepted his kiss, and returned one of her own.
She smiled. “I’ve wanted to do that all day,” Maggie said.
“I’ve been waiting since I was 10,” Dan said.
They both laughed.
She held his face in her hands. They were soft and delicate yet firm. He liked the feeling. She kissed him again.
“Oh Danny, you’re one of a kind,” Maggie said.
He smiled softly.
“Not many people have ever called me Danny,” he said.
“Does it bother you?” Maggie asked.
“No, coming from you, I like it. Of course, you could call me anything you want to; as long as you’re happy, I’m happy,” he said.
Maggie placed her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. Dan returned her squeeze.
“I could do this all night,” he said.
“I would let you,” she added, “But I want some more kissing.”
“I think that can be arranged,” Dan said as he leaned in to kiss her again.
As soon as soon as their lips met, they were startled by a knock on the door.
Mallorie stood in the doorway with a sheepish smile.
“I’m sorry to disturb you but Bud wanted me to check on you two and make sure you were okay. I see everything is alright,” Mallorie said.
Both Dan and Maggie shifted nervously and searched for a something to say.
“Don’t worry. You don’t have to explain. You’re in love. That’s the only explanation needed. But you might want to clean up the lipstick before you take the key back to Bud,” Mallorie said.
They both smiled gratefully at Mallorie as she looked around the apartment as though she was searching for something.
“Is something wrong?” Dan asked.
“I must be more tired than I realized. I could have sworn I saw someone in here with you,” she said.
Dan and Maggie pulled away from each other and started looking around. Dan walked into the bathroom to double check.
“No one’s in here,” he said.
“That’s odd. He must’ve been a figment of my imagination,” Mallorie said.
“He? What did he look like?” Maggie asked.
“Hard to say. Just a college kid with dark hair like yours. Again, it’s obviously just my sleep-deprived mind playing tricks on me,” Mallorie said.
Dan looked at Maggie.
“Just the same, I want to take a look around outside. You and Mallorie follow me downstairs. Go in and wait for me,” he said.
Maggie gave him a worried look.
“I want to come with you,” she said.
“I’ve got it covered. It’s not even fully dark yet. And besides Mallorie’s probably right, I can’t someone getting in here through that door without us noticing a sound or a movement,” he said.
Dan made one more sweep of the apartment, looking for any irregularity before leading the ladies out first and down the steps.
“Uh Mallorie, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention to Uncle Bud about...me and Danny,” Maggie said.
“My lips are sealed,” Mallorie said.
They walked back into the house and into the study where Bud muted the television.
“Well? Whaddya think? Think it’ll do?” Bud asked.
“Yes, it will do nicely. Thank you so much Uncle Bud. I’m looking forward to moving in,” Maggie said.
“Go ahead and keep that key. Feel free to start moving your stuff in anytime,” Bud said. He looked around. “Where’s Dan?” He asked.
“I thought I saw someone in the apartment with them when I went up but like I said, it could have just been my imagination,” Mallorie said.
“There was no one there but us but Danny wanted to take a look around outside just to be safe,” Maggie said.
“He’s like his dad, too big and brave for his own good,” Bud huffed as he went to the end table and retrieved a nickel-plated Smith & Wesson .38 special from an end table.
Maggie’s eyes widened.
Before Bud could go any further, Dan walked in.
“Didn’t see a sign of anything or anyone - your neighbors aren’t even home this evening,” Dan said.
Bud grunted and returned his revolver to its resting place inside the end table.
“Mallorie might have just caught a glimpse of a reflection. I think we would’ve noticed a man in the apartment with us,” Maggie said.
“You’re probably right,” Mallorie said.
“I think I’ll call McKinley and have his boys from the city PD do a few extra patrols on this street tonight just to be safe,” Bud said.
“It was probably nothing but my imagination but that’s not a bad idea,” Mallorie said.
“You two want to sit a while?” Bud asked.
“Thank you, but we’re going down to the Laurel to catch a movie and show time is in about 15 minutes,” Dan said.
“I appreciate you all coming by and bringing supper. You can do that anytime the notion strikes you by the way,” Bud said.
“Thank you again,” Maggie said as she hugged him.
“You two be careful. There are plenty of drunks out tonight,” Bud said.
“Yes, thank you. And I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Dan said.
Maggie touched Mallorie’s arm.
“It was nice talking to you,” she said.
“Same here,” Mallorie said with another bright smile.
After they left, Bud and Mallorie returned to the couch. She slid next to him and placed her head on his shoulder.
“What did you catch them doing?” Bud asked.
“They were kissing. It was kinda sweet the way they held onto each other,” Mallorie said.
Bud smiled and nodded.
“I told you. He’s in love,” Bud said.
“No,” Mallorie disagreed, “They’re in love.”
Bud’s expression changed.
“Now what about this imaginary man? He asked.
“What about him?” Mallorie asked.
“Did you see someone or not?” Bud asked.
“There was no one there so it had to have been my imagination. It’s no wonder. I’ve been going all day and I didn’t get much sleep last night,” she said.
“I know and thank you,” he said as he kissed her forehead. “But just out of curiosity, what did he look like?” Bud asked.
“It was just a glance. What I noticed more than anything else was his short, dark hair,” she said. “In fact, he looked like that guy, now that I think of it,” she said pointing to a picture on the wall.
/> “Which guy sweetie? There are a lot of ‘em on that wall,” Bud said.
“The guy in the green sweater with the short dark hair,” Mallorie said.
Bud looked puzzled and worried at the same time.
“Are you sure?” He asked.
“Maggie was probably right, it was just a reflection or something but that was who - or what - I saw. Who is he anyway?” Mallorie asked.
Bud’s brow furrowed as he looked at the picture.
“That’s J.D. Blake,” he said.
“Blake? Is he related to Maggie? She asked.
“Her dad,” Bud grunted.
“Wow, that is odd,” Mallorie said.
Bud reached for the pouch of chewing tobacco on the end table.
“I’ll tell you a couple of things more odd than that. One, that picture was made in 1987 when he rented that same apartment. And two, J.D.’s been dead for a couple of years,” Bud said as Mallorie shuddered from a chill.
He knew what the shudder meant – he had the same feeling going down his spine.
***
The hour was early for a Saturday night but Jett was exhausted. But rest was only part of what appealed to him. He tossed and turned for a couple of minutes before sleep overtook him.
As had been the case in so many dreams, Jett found himself in the past. And as with many of the others, he knew it was a dream.
Jett saw himself pacing in front of Austin Hall, waiting for Rose to emerge. Dusk was rapidly approaching and he could feel the chill of the late Kentucky autumn. Just a couple of hours earlier, the Lancers had played their last game of the season – a 28-13 over visiting Knoxville Military Institute. But the win over KMI was enough for a 5-5 record and a far cry from the post-season.
Jett saw a great deal of action in the game. Actually it was one of the better games of his college career. An interception and two sacks was a good springboard into his senior year. But football was the last thing on his mind at the moment.
Only the aching in his left ankle served as a reminder of the game. Though it had been iced down after the tape had been cut off and his enjoyed a quick shower, Jett still felt himself walk with a slight limp.
Rose walked out of the dorm. Her brightened expression let him know she had spotted him.
Only When I Dream Page 10