by Mike Hopper
* * *
Sam inhaled slowly, and then exhaled sharply. Instead of the crisp winter air that occasionally made her cough, this air was warm and salty. She shook her head. Instead of the quiet stillness of the tree house, Sam could hear the sounds of water lapping against the shore, the crackle-pop of a nearby bonfire, and the sound of people splashing in the water. These were not winter sounds; these were beach sounds. Sam slowly opened her eyes, looked around, and then squeezed her eyes shut again. “This can’t be,” she said to herself. She rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands, blinked as hard as she could three times, and looked around once more. There was no mistaking the sleeping porch with its two summer beds that Sam and Steuart had spent many a warm evening sprawled upon. She had somehow wound up home at Point Taken.
Sam was back in Atchison Bay.
Her heart leapt at the thought of seeing her grandmother again, but just as quickly sank into the pit of her stomach. Steuart wasn’t with her, and now she was a thousand miles away, unable to do anything about it. How did she even get here? Sam heard Ed’s voice in her head telling her it’s not an exact science. Sam suddenly felt dizzy, and entirely too warm.
Just then, Ida walked onto the porch with a cup of tea. She stopped as soon as she saw Sam standing there and stared at her granddaughter in disbelief. “Samantha, is that you? Thank God you’re okay. What are you doing here sweetheart? How did you get here? Do you know that your mother is looking for you?” Ida paused, “Samantha, how did you get down here?”
Sam ran to her grandmother and collapsed against her, wrapping her arms around her waist. She began crying, “It’s all a big mess. I’ve made a terrible, terrible mess.”
“Sit down,” Ida helped Sam out of her heavy coat and onto the bed. “Let me get you something to drink. Are you hungry?”
Sam shook her head, “No, ma’am, I’m not hungry, but I am thirsty.”
Ida gave the cup of tea to her granddaughter. Sam curled up on the bed and began talking. “I’m not sure how to begin. I don’t know what to say to you.”
Ida brushed Sam’s hair away from her face, “Just talk sweetheart. We’ll put it all together. Just talk.”
“You’re not going to understand. Mother won’t understand. This is strange and complicated. I’m not sure that I understand.”
“Just tell me what you know. Where is your brother?”
“Timing is everything.”
“What dear?” Ida looked puzzled.
“Sorry, I was talking to myself.”
“You said timing is everything. Can I help you with something? Can you tell me where to find your brother?”
“Steuart’s okay. He’s in Bellamy.” Sam yawned, “I have to help him get home.”
“I need to let your mother know that you’re here. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”
Sam laid on the summer bed, cried hard, and fell asleep. She woke about thirty minutes later with Ida sitting quietly beside the bed next to a small tray of fruit and a fresh glass of water. Sam worried about Steuart. She wondered if Ed had found him. She thought about what to tell her grandmother.
Ida looked at Sam, “I tried reaching your Mother.”
“What did she say?”
“I got her voice mail. I left a message and let her know that you’re here with me. Are you up to talking about this?”
Sam sat straight and sipped on the water. “Grandmother, you’re not going to understand what I’m about to tell you, but this is what’s going on.” She hesitated and then began again, “Steuart and I have discovered an anagrammatic universe.”
Ida listened.
“We have dolls that facilitate our transport from one universe to the other. If I’m here, my doll is there. My doll and I don’t need to be in the same place at the same time because that could create difficulty in travel.”
Ida nodded, “Difficulty?”
“Yes, travel is possible when a doll or person are in opposite places. Actually, it’s possible if they are in the same place too. Are you following me?”
“I’m trying.”
“That part’s not important. That’s not what’s happening.”
“What is happening?”
“Steuart and I discovered a tree house. It’s magic because the tree house is a transportation station. We’ve traveled from tree house, to tree house and from universe, to universe.”
“How did you get here?”
“I don’t know. I thought I was going to the tree house. Maybe I used the wrong words. Ed says timing is everything.”
“Ed? You were traveling with someone named Ed? Is Ed with Steuart?”
Sam shook her head, “He’s one of our dolls. His name is Ed Camino. There’s so much to tell you. It’s going to take a long time,” Sam stood, walked across the porch and looked out over the bay.
“Take your time.”
“We’ve had a big adventure. We’re still having a big adventure.”
Ida looked at Sam, “Darling, you’re telling me a lot, but you’re not telling me how to find Steuart.”
“We made a mistake today when we transported. We’re still new at this and we didn’t have Ed with us when we traveled. I transported back to Maybell, but Steuart didn’t return.”
“Why not?”
“We made a mistake... or, we didn’t. I don’t know. I’m not sure. Ed says that Steuart’s probably still in Bellamy, but he could be back in Maybell if he accidentally traveled ahead of me. But, if mother thinks we’re missing, that means he isn’t home yet.”
“You said Ed is one of your dolls?”
“Yes.”
“He talks?”
“Yes, he does. He’s very intelligent.”
“Where is Ed?”
“He’s in Bellamy looking for Steuart. At first he and I traveled back to Maybell together. Ed decided that it would be good for one of us to stay in Bellamy and look for Steuart while the other one went back to Maybell. Because of the mix-up, it was possible that Steuart could be in either place. I transported back because of the time and also out of fear that we would be in trouble with Mother. I thought I could make an excuse for him while Ed was helping him come home. That didn’t happen because I ended up here. I don’t understand how that happened. I guess I’m in huge trouble now.”
Ida sat quietly and said nothing for several minutes. Then she spoke, “Samantha, you have to make a promise to me.” Ida got in Sam’s face. She grabbed both of Sam’s hands and held them tightly, “Samantha, look at me.”
Sam looked at her grandmother.
“Are you listening?” she asked.
Sam nodded.
“This is important. Tell me that you understand.”
“I don’t know. You haven’t told me anything yet.”
“Promise me that you will not share this story with anyone.”
“No?”
“You must not.”
“I’m telling the truth.”
“Samantha, I understand that you believe this to be the truth, but you must trust me. You have to keep this between the two of us. Please understand that if you share this with anyone else you’ll be in danger that you just do not understand.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Trust me. Keep this story to yourself. I’m sorry, but if that’s what it takes, that is what you have to do.”
“I’m confused.”
Ida sat silently and looked towards the water. “I’m worried about you and I’m worried about your brother. Do you understand Samantha?”
“Not really.”
“What did I just tell you?”
“You said that I am not to share this information with anyone else. I don’t understand. Don’t you believe me Grandmother?”
“This has nothing to do with believing you. It has to do with other people and how they’ll react. You absolutely must not share this information with anyone, especially your mother.”
“No?”
“No.”
“Wh
y? Explain why I can’t tell my mother about this.”
Ida became silent.
“Why Grandmother?”
“I know your mother, even better than you know your mother. I raised your mother. I have no doubt that she will not understand what you’re saying. I’m asking you to keep this to yourself.”
“Grandmother, are you saying that you think there is something wrong with me?”
“No, darling.” Ida put her arm around Sam and held her tightly. “I’m not saying that at all. I’m telling you that your mother is not going to listen to you. I do not want this to be anymore difficult for you than it is at this moment. Please, whatever you do, keep the story to yourself. Do not share it with anyone.”
Sam looked at Ida, “Do you believe me Grandmother?”
Ida bit her lip and then looked down at her hands. She shook her head, “I don’t know.”
“Can I tell Dr. Klesel?”
“I don’t think you should tell anyone.”
“I’m not making anything up.”
“I am not suggesting that you’re making things up.”
“This isn’t one of our stories.”
“Samantha, I don’t believe that you’re making up a story. We need a little time to think about this. We have to figure out what you are going to say when you go home.”
“You don’t want me to tell the truth? You want me to make up a story?”
“Everything will be okay. I’m suggesting that we come up with a story that will keep everyone comfortable until Steuart can be located.”
“I’m worried about my brother. I hope Ed’s right, but I know that things don’t always work out exactly as expected. It’s not an exact science.”
“I’m worried too and so is your mother. I’m going to have to take you home tomorrow.”
Sam let out a big sigh. She listened to the water on the shore. She shook her head, “I don’t want to see Mother.”
“What’s wrong Sam?”
“She blames me, but Mother destroyed my doll.”
“What?”
“She says that the dolls are ugly. She says they’re not up to the standards of her handbook.”
“That damned book,” Ida whispered.
“Mother says it was an accident.”
“If she says that it was an accident, it must have been an accident.”
“You believe her and not me. I’m here. She’s there.”
“No, I’m not saying that.”
“What are you saying?”
Ida took a sip of water. “I see no reason that your mother would purposely harm your doll. It makes no sense. I do think it makes sense that she had an accident. It’s more logical.”
“You’re defending mother because she’s your daughter. I’m just your adopted granddaughter.”
Ida pulled Sam close again, “Do not ever say that to me again. Yes, Olivia is my daughter and you are my granddaughter. There is nothing in this world, or beyond that can change the fact that you are my granddaughter.”
Sam began to cry. She looked at Ida, “Don’t you think that Mother should know what she’s done? Trista is dead because of Mother. She killed my friend.”
“Samantha, your mother is going to think that you’ve lost your mind if you tell her that she killed your doll. If you refuse to keep these things to yourself...”
“What?”
“I worry that I may not be able to protect you. Darling, you are a bright girl and you understand a great deal, but you do not understand everything.” Ida shook her head, “Samantha, you must keep this to yourself.”
The phone rang. “It’s your mother. I have to answer.”
SEVENTEEN
The following morning Sam and Ida boarded the first available flight to Maybell. Sam fastened her seatbelt and leaned against her grandmother, “What’s going to happen when we get to Maybell?”
“We’re going to talk with some people about Steuart. They’re going to ask you a lot of questions.”
“Will you be with me?”
“No, sweetheart. I wish that I could. I’ll be close by. I’ll be waiting in the next room.”
“Why can’t you come with me?”
“Your mother feels that you’ll be more comfortable without me.”
“Will she be there?”
Ida shook her head, “No. Your mother will see us later. She says they’re only going to ask you a few questions about Steuart and about what the two of you did yesterday. She feels confident that you’ll be fine. She’s already spoken with them and says these people are easy to talk with.”
“You’re talking about the police?”
“I am.”
“What if I don’t do fine? I’d like for you to be with me.”
“I understand. Just walk in there and tell them that you don’t remember a thing. Do not forget what I told you.”
* * *
Sam was surprised that the experience was not uncomfortable. She met detectives James Foster and Duane Washington. Detective Washington told Sam that he was originally from Montana. Detective Foster, the older of the two men, was from Arkansas, but told Sam he’d lived in the Midwest since he was her age. Detective Foster said he had a son the same age as Steuart.
Sam sat with the detectives at a table in a room with a large mirror on one wall. They served cookies and fruit punch. She felt comfortable and ready to talk. She didn’t understand why Ida wanted her to make up a story. Sam thought things through and decided the truth was more important than anything else. She talked about the wayward gifted. She explained to the men about the anagrams and her colors. They talked about Ed Camino, Trista Petrina, Della Ivy, Mr. Felphul and Ceil Nunstern. She told them she was sure-as-Matt that Steuart would be home soon. She explained that anagrammatic travel is not an exact science and that Ed had been doing it for years.
She went into detail as she discussed her mother’s daily devotional, Right, Good, and Appropriate. She also talked about her special day, about wanting the paints, and about opening the box of gloves. She drank three glasses of juice, refused the cookies and then asked directions to the restroom. It was just around the corner.
Returning to the table, Sam overheard the detectives talking with a woman she had not yet met. Until that point, Sam was certain the men believed her. Detective Washington shook his head, “I’m afraid that this little girl is a real mess. I don’t know what she knows—just that she believes her story. He looked at his partner and asked what do you think James?”
“A boy is missing. We’re losing time listening to this fiction.”
“What caused her to snap?”
“I have no idea, but I’m guessing it’s not a good thing.”
“I am curious about this Ed person.”
“I agree. Find Ed and we’ll find Steuart.”
“Do you think she knows where they are?”
“I don’t know.”
“What happened to her? What has she experienced? She’s sitting here calmly telling us things about traveling through the universe, playing with letters and moving from place to place. This is breaking my heart she’s telling us about colors, words, standing in one place and being transported to another.”
Sam realized the third person in the group was some sort of counselor or social worker because the detectives were asking her opinions about Sam’s stories. “Grandmother was right,” she whispered to herself.
“The child needs a therapist,” the woman said.
Detective Washington nodded, “They’re both in treatment.”
The woman continued, “This is extreme. She’s been sitting here calmly explaining all of this to both of you as if she were a little physics professor. It’d be good to talk with her doctor and find out if this time travel thing happened before or after her little brother went missing. What about the mother? Duane, did you talk with her?”
“She’s an odd bird. She was quick to let us know that she’s the world’s greatest mother.”
“She’s a vict
im,” James said. “She plays the part well.”
“What do you know about DuBoise’s activities leading up to her son’s disappearance?”
“She’s a workaholic. She’s been in the office working. When she wasn’t in the office, she was with other people working on work. She didn’t see the kids after they left for school.”
“The grandmother?”
“Down south busy with some sort of fundraiser for the community. Apparently, she was clueless until Samantha showed up at her house.”
“And no one knows how she got there?”
“I know. It’s insane,” James said. “How does a ten year old child travel over a thousand miles in one day without anyone knowing?”
“I hate these cases,” Duane folded his arms and shook his head.
Sam walked into the room. The conversation shifted as the female member of the group turned and walked away.
Detective Foster walked towards Sam, “Welcome back. Feel better? Ready to continue?”
“I’m okay, thank you.”
“Sam is there anything else you can think of that we need to know? Is there anything that you want to tell us?”
“No, I’m going to take care of things and get my brother home as quickly as possible.” The men nodded. Detective Washington put his arm around Sam’s shoulder and gave her a business card with his phone number. “Call us anytime. Call if you need to talk, if you have questions, or if you remember anything else.”
Sam accepted the card and put into her backpack. “I prefer not to be patronized.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m a little girl, but I get it. I know you believe I’m confused.”
“It’s not that,” Detective Washington said. “This is an unusual situation. We’ve never known anyone who’s had this type of experience before. You’re the first. That makes it more difficult.”
“It’s okay. I’m telling you the truth because I was taught to tell the truth. I don’t know what else I can do, but unless you need me, I’d like to leave. I need to find my brother.”
The detectives thanked Sam for coming in. Detective Washington knelt down and looked Sam in the eyes. “Your brother may not be coming home.”