Destined ~ A Time Travel Anthology Read online

  “I’d be honored to take you, Sarah. I’m sure I can find something to wear.” he grinned.

  “Awesome! It’s settled, tonight at 7. Don’t be late; your names will be at the door. We are going to have so much fun!” Jill was ecstatic and Sarah was nervous. She looked at James who finished off his coffee, collected everyone’s cups, then went back into the kitchen. “James, it was such a pleasure meeting you. I have to go; I promised Jonathan I wouldn’t be long.” Sarah helped Jill gather her things, thanking her for the gift as she walked her to the door. Making her way back into the kitchen, Sarah watched from the doorframe and James put away everything then starting to wash the cups.

  “Wow, men can learn so much from you in this century,” Sarah commented.

  “Is that so?” he laughed as he looked at her. “Well I’m sure there are still some good guys out there.” He then turned walking towards her. “Are you alright with me taking you tonight?”

  Sarah nodded. “Sure, sounds like fun. This will be like coming home for you. Plus, I have my grandfather’s old uniform in a box somewhere. We can dig it up and press it. You’ll look great.”

  Hours later and a lot of prepping, James sat in the living room sofa dressed up like the solider he was. He hoped that he was up to par with what Sarah was wearing. He wanted her to have fun. He had overheard the conversation about her ex and how he didn’t treat her right. That wasn’t okay in his book and there was something about her he couldn’t get out of his mind. As she stepped out from her room, he stared from head to toe. It looked like she fit into his time and that she could be his girl. Her hair was cascading waves tumbling from a deep side part. The dressed flowed and fit her frame. She also had a red flower pinned to her hair. He stood up admiring her. “Sarah, you look beautiful. I just can’t take my eyes off of you. I can’t wait to dance with you.”

  Sarah smiled looking at him with deep appreciation. “You look great yourself. Shall we?” She said walking towards him. He took her hand gently guiding her to the door as they made their way out of her apartment. Hailing a cab in the city, James watched the world go by until they reached their destination. New York had changed so much from what he remembered. He almost missed it, but now given a second chance, he would make Sarah happy and hopefully fate would allow him to stay.

  Arriving at Swing 46, Sarah paid the cab driver. James helped her out and from there they made their way in. The sweet sound of the horn beckoned James further in. Music that he remembered from so long ago, it felt like home. The place was hopping and people were out on the dance floor. It was as if time stood still for him. A place he could be himself. Sarah smiled as she watched him. Jill waved as she saw them. They walked towards Jill and Jonathan. Both parties introduced each other as another song began in the background, a rendition of the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by three women who resembled The Andrews Sisters. James pulled Sarah close to him, beckoning her to dance. Sarah obliged and before they knew it, she was following his moves. She was lucky that she remembered all those swing dance classes her grandfather had paid for years ago. He used to get a kick dancing like that with his granddaughter.

  Sarah and James enjoyed each other’s company as they danced, smiling and laughing at each other. A few minutes later as the song ended, both were breathless in each other’s arms. “Where did you learn to dance that way, Sarah?” James gasped.

  “My grandfather made sure I took classes. He wanted me to be cultured in everything including dance.” Sarah panted. Outside, the rain began to pour and thunder rolled in once more. The power temporarily went out for a few moments and in the audience of the club you could hear gasps and scared shouts from guests. Just for a moment, Sarah couldn’t feel James any longer. “James, are you there?” She didn’t want him to go, she’d miss the booger.

  James’ body drifted out of consciousness and it scared him. He knew what he wanted now and it was her. War be damned. He was a solider, but knew that his fate didn’t end well. He had never felt affection for a woman so strong. Fits clenched, he prayed that the lights would come back on and they did, to his relief. He had heard Sarah calling out for him.

  “Sarah, I’m right here doll.” Wrapping his arms around her. Sarah was overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m not leaving you.”

  Stuttering through her words, “I thought--” Leaning forward he kissed her, strong, passionate and hard. His lips warm and inviting to hers, she responded back, bringing herself closer to him.

  “Doll, I’d never leave you and don’t plan on leaving you ever.” he confessed. “I was given a second chance and by hell I will take it.” She got on her tippy toes then kissing him one more time. She didn’t know what lay ahead for them, but she sure wasn’t waiting for another sign.

  Consoling Angel

  Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York 2008

  New York, the city of hope.

  That is what New York once was to the people living there and those who would come. New York is my home and I love it. I was born here and grew up here with loving parents. The bustling city with its noises, that’s how I liked it and couldn’t picture a noisier place to be. New York had everything: art, history, different types of food, and cultures. You could find a little of bit of everywhere here. I was on my way home from school as I watched the city unfold in the afternoon hours. Car horns blaring, people talking, arguing, bustling to get through. On a sigh, I tried to take it all in before walking home, my feet taking their time along the pavement as New York came alive before my eyes.

  Entering my home, I dropped my school bag next to the door. Walking into my room, I sat down. I literally threw myself on the bed. I spread myself amongst the things that I loved the most. Scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, books, pictures, and the occasional history magazine were now all strewn all over my bed. This is how I’d spent my afternoons after school when not interning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Between school, homework, and an internship, I led a pretty busy life. Sure, it wasn’t the glamorous life teenagers want, but it was as close to reaching my goals as I could get. The past year had been one filled with tears and unhappiness.

  I’d lost my father to an aggressive cancer. When he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer, we all had a rough go of it. A history professor at New York University, he always saw the bright side of things. It wasn’t bright for Mom and me. A nurse stayed with my father until I came home from school and while Mom was at work. When the nurse’s shift was over, Mom and I would help.

  Dad and I would sit in our living room together. Cuddled up, we watched old movies. Dad always liked old movies, especially those from the fifties. His favorite? Rebel Without A Cause starring James Dean. Dad loved James Dean and that, of course, is where I got my admiration for him. I think Daddy always liked James, not only because his name was also James, but for what he represented. James Dean was the epitome of freedom and being carefree. Dad was a free-spirited person, but he had been very dedicated to his studies since he started school. I guess that’s where I get it. Secretly, Dad wanted to be like Dean in his youth. He never got the chance then and now he never would.

  I laughed, remembering the first time we sat down together to watch Rebel Without A Cause. I could remember Dad’s distinct laughter that just made you break into a smile or laugh with him. Dad was laughing because of the way my eyes seemed to pop out of my head when I saw the opening scene--Dean was drunk and lying on the ground playing with a toy monkey. I saw the magnificence that Dad had told me about for all those years. I understood why Dean was so popular and why he would continue to be.

  Petting my head, my dad leaned over to kiss me. “I knew that you would like him.”

  From there, every afternoon before Mom would get home we spent together cuddled up on the sofa, watching old movies and talking about James Dean. Dad shared his Dean books and movies with me. I got to know a side of my dad that even I had not known. I loved my dad and this gave me something of his to hold on to after his death.

  With thos
e thoughts in my head, I began rummaging through a scrapbook of James Dean: the James Dean, actor extraordinaire, teenage icon of the Fifties, Rebel Without a Cause. There was something about him that I loved. It was something that I couldn’t explain sometimes and yet I felt I didn’t have to explain it to anyone. He was my favorite obsession and was very intriguing. I always wished I could just reach my hand out to the heavens, touch the stars, and ask to go back in time. Just to meet him, just to see if he was like he had been described by so many. For now, I only had the memories of others and pictures shared with the public.

  Jolted from my thoughts, I heard Brooke Fraser’s C.S. Lewis Song blaring from my cell. Quickly shoving some of the books and things aside, I finally found it. The screen identified it was Audrey, my best friend, calling.

  “Hey, Audrey! What’s up?” I replied as I quickly flipped open my black Motorola Razor.

  “Hey, chica! You wouldn’t believe who I saw today. Remember that cute guy from algebra? He’s so gorgeous.”

  Oh, here it comes… Audrey lived for guys. Sometimes I wondered what her goals were or if she had any. Audrey would pass any course on men. It was sweet, really. The first time she rambled it off, I was so touched, but after about the tenth time it got tiresome. She had been my best friend since I could barely walk and yet she never grew tired of talking about the events of the day. I was always very happy to leave them far behind--far behind those big, red square doors called school. If I could play matchmaker, then I would be quite busy, as Audrey constantly changed her mind. So, by now I’ve learned to tune her out after she gets to a certain point, let her obsess over her new crush or drama, and add a "hmmm" or "that’s great" every once in a while. Sure, I know it’s not real best friend manners, but I’ve got to keep sane somehow.

  Today, however, it didn’t work.

  “You’re not listening to me, are you? You’re staring at the James Dean scrapbook again! Mira, seriously, this obsession of yours with Dean isn’t healthy.”

  I winced. I could hear the slight anger in her voice as her tone hitched up. Great! Burying my face on my bed, I sighed. She was one to talk.

  “Yeah, you caught me! Sorry. I just got carried away thinking about going back in time again--” I said, laughing it off, trying to act like she was critiquing me. “I was listening to you, though. I just have a lot on my mind at the moment.”

  “It’s okay. Listen, I will let you go. De-stress, Mira. You just have too much going on at the moment. Remember, today you almost got caught daydreaming. You have been overworking yourself with this internship, school, and other projects. If you need anything, you know I’m a few doors down.” Audrey was calm. I couldn’t believe it. It was nice to know she understood all the stress around me lately.

  “Thanks. Talk to you later.” Closing the phone, I lay on my bed thinking about everything I was doing. Maybe I was spreading myself too thin. Maybe I wanted to have a social life and be like Audrey? Ugh! I think I need a nap. Yes, a nap to forget all my troubles. As I put my head down, I heard my bedroom door creak open. There stood my mother, with a grin on her face as she sat on my bed, moving some of the books and things to make herself comfortable.

  “Mira, honey, are you okay? You look really tired. Get ready for dinner. I made your favorite today.” Mom is amazing; she’s always doing good things for me. I know that’s what moms do and all, but I still like to think my mom is special. Her smile and hugs always make me feel good. With whatever strength I had today, I pushed myself up and put my head on her lap. Her fingers weaved their way through my hair, caressing me as she went. I loved that about her. She knew what I needed when my brain hurt.

  “I’m tired. I was trying to relax; it’s just I have so much to do. It seems that I never get enough done lately. My head hurts thinking about it. I’m trying to relax by thinking of going back in time and living when life wasn’t so hard.” Sighing, I let her continue to caress my hair. There was a chuckle; although faint, I heard it.

  “Mira, life was always hard. Look at what James had to endure to get where he wanted to go. He worked hard and in the end persevered. Though I am sure he had his share of fun with his friends and family. No one said life was going to be easy. There will always be good days and bad. You know this, honey. I know it’s been hard on us these last couple of years, but we can get through it. You will be a famous writer and archeologist, and make tons of money to keep me well taken care of. In the meantime, I expect that you are ready for dinner.”

  Laughing, I rose up from her lap and kissed her on the cheek. Mom was always right. I just couldn’t see it because I had been wearing myself out doing all sorts of things. As she left, she smiled, patted me on the head, and then closed the door to my room. I had to get up. I lifted myself off the bed, but my body had other plans. Just as I thought I would get up, I fell back down, my body sinking into the cushions, and my eyelids began to close. The last thing I remember was being in my room in my warm bed with no plans to move, but rest.

  Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York 1952

  Stretching my arms, I opened my eyes very slowly. I felt relaxed and rested. Looking at my surroundings, I was startled. I jumped immediately from the bed when I noticed I was in a skirt and blouse! I had not worn a skirt and blouse since I was a child. How could this be? I sincerely hoped Audrey hadn’t gotten into my room to play dress up with me again. Surely there would be hell to pay if she had. I couldn’t believe it! What happened and why did my bedroom look so plain? Small pictures of old Fifties movie stars hung around the room. This was not my bedroom. Where my bookshelves had been, there was a dresser drawer with unique carved spirals. My headboard consisted of a nicely carved rose. A smile curved my lips. I now knew where that headboard had come from. My parents must have kept it for me when they moved in. Walking over to a small mirror hanging on the wall, I stared at my reflection.

  There I was. Brown curled hair with a barrette holding it back. But, it wasn’t me. “This is a dream!” I screamed. I began to pinch my arm, hoping to wake up. It didn’t help! Oh, no! I was stuck in the 1950’s with no way out. Maybe if I tried going back to sleep. Running, I jumped on the bed, closing my eyes and then opening them. Nothing was happening. How had I gotten myself into this? Then, just as I was lying there, the door creaked open again. There was Audrey! I found myself leaping off the bed once more, running to her.

  “Thank goodness you are here! Tell me this is a sick joke. Why am I wearing a skirt and a blouse? It’s the year 2008, right?” Totally panicked, I must have looked like a psycho to her.

  “What are you talking about? It’s 1952, Mira. Are you okay? Did you eat today?” Her face was filled with concern. She stared at me funny, touched my forehead, checking for a fever. Yet, it was Audrey’s way of telling me I was as crazy as I had imagined. This was no dream. It was a nightmare!

  Looking at Audrey, I could tell that the 1950’s had been kind to her. She looked good! Although I thought I looked horrible. Shrugging it off and playing along, I smiled. “Sure, okay. Yes, I’m fine. It’s been a long day. So what brings you here?”

  “Surely you remember?” she said with a pout. “You promised me that we’d go out tonight! Don’t tell me you want to back out now? Don’t be such a square, Mira. Anyone who’s anyone goes partying around town and walks the bar district. Your mom won’t even notice.”

  Wow, Audrey had changed a lot. Now I know where Audrey got her spunk. More than ever, I was convinced this was possibly a past life I had drifted to, or maybe it was a bad dream. Neither of which I was coming out of any time soon.

  “I did not forget! I was merely testing you! Let’s get going, then, if we are to go partying. I need to get out anyway.” Grabbing her arm, I dragged her to the hallway near the door. More Fifties decor! I couldn’t take this anymore. Someone was being awfully mean to me and I wanted to know why. Just as I was about to grab my coat, I saw my mother standing at the door. Except this was not the mother I knew. Her eyebrows and face were creased, almost wri
nkly. She reminded me of Lucille Ball with the flowing spotted dress and a bow accenting her head.

  “Mira Isabella Taylor.” She spoke in a hard tone. No one ever used my full name… well, only when I was in trouble. That had not happened since I was little. Wincing, I closed my eyes, only to quickly open them. Nope, she was still there... “Where are you heading to?”

  “Audrey and I have decided to get some pop at the fountain shop. We were going to also do some window shopping. I promise I will be back later. I’ve already finished my homework. We aren’t going far.” I then used the fake smile. It always seemed to work in those old television shows like Leave it to Beaver.

  “Wonderful, Mira. Have fun, now,” she said to both of us.

  I grabbed Audrey by the hand. We ran out of the apartment and nearly flew down the stairs.

  New York City in the Fifties wasn’t so different from what we had in 2008. The people were pretty much the same and the buildings hadn’t changed much. The food was very delicious; I think I ate three whole pretzels in total before making our final stop. They were so golden, soft and chewy. We walked all over uptown Manhattan. We must have looked around for hours. We did a lot of window-shopping until Audrey literally dragged me into this dress shop to try on dresses. At first, I wasn’t too into it, but then we had fun laughing and trying on different clothes. I don’t think I would get used to ever wearing dresses every day. A girl has to have some variety, after all. Together, we finally made it to the restaurant and bars district. As far as the eye could see, the streets were lined up with different types of restaurants, bars, and pubs. Without all the savvy technology that’s come out later on in years, New York City still remained a beacon of hope to those who came. It was the city of artists, musicians and actors. The city was still beautiful.