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.
To top it off, Ty was now a model. He was discovered by a player’s mother during an Eastern Conference basketball game. Tyson spent most of his winter weekends in New York City and Erin tagged along a few times. That’s where they got their new looks. Erin was a brunette with blonde highlights, but now sported the total blonde look. She was much slimmer, not that she needed to lose weight.
Yuk! I need to stop looking at them! Kate was disgusted with herself because she was so preoccupied with them. She stared straight ahead, wishing the game would start. The sooner it began, the sooner she could go home.
* * * *
Kate’s dad planned Drew’s first trip back in time for spring break. They would be gone awhile, taking the train from the Grand Canyon to New York City and back. Kate knew they would visit their families while in New York, too. Her father never talked about his, but now that Drew was here, maybe he could find out something. Kate’s mom, Joanna, would not share any information, saying it was up to her dad to tell Kate what he wanted her to know. She longed to go with them, meet her grandparents and future in-laws but everyone agreed it was best if she waited till summer, just like the first time she traveled to the canyon.
When the day came for them to leave, Kate was beside herself. She was concerned something would happen and she’d never see them again.
“Katie.” Her father put his arms around her. “Do you trust your old dad? I’ve done this for quite awhile.”
Kate nodded through her tears. “Be safe. And don’t forget, I want to be called Kate.”
“Oh, so you can cry and tell me off at the same time.” He laughed and slipped his arm around her, pulling her close. “We’ll be back before you know it.”
Spring break went by slowly. It seemed like years since the two men left. Kate tried to keep occupied and always had Anna to talk to when she felt alone. Although Anna was one hundred years old, she was Kate’s best friend. They met at the boardinghouse in 1927 and through a surprising chain of events, found each other last year. Anna turned out to be Lindsey’s great-grandmother, living on a ranch in Arizona with Lindsey’s extended family. It still overwhelmed Kate whenever she thought about the day she discovered Anna was still alive.
Kate slid into her favorite overstuffed yellow chair and grabbed her cell from her pocket to call her. They had so much to discuss and Kate needed Anna’s help.
“Kathryn! So good to hear from you. How is Andrew? Is he adjusting to his new life?” Kate always loved to hear Anna call her Kathryn. That was her name at the canyon and it always brought back good memories.
“Well, let’s just say he’s very good at American History. Our teacher, Coach Dallas, loves him and calls him the expert on World War One. He doesn’t know Andrew lived through it. I know he was a small boy but it was a big part of his life. That’s all he heard the adults discussing. Poor Drew called it the Great War and The War to end Wars not knowing there was a World War Two until we told him. At least this course will fill him in on the history he missed out on, although I hear Coach never makes it past the Vietnam War era.”
“How did Andrew take it? Finding out about the other wars?” Anna was solemn.
“He was a little shocked at first but he’s a student of history and wasn’t surprised. You still haven’t seen him in person. I need to get the family to Arizona.”
“I have a good idea, Kathryn. Let’s celebrate your birthday here!” Anna sounded so excited.
It could work. Kate turned seventeen the beginning of June, right after school was out. Her family, especially her father, wanted to return to Arizona and the Grand Canyon.
“I love it!” Kate then hesitated. “It’s not fair to Lindsey. She’s your great-granddaughter and you should plan her birthday, not mine.”
“I already thought about that. Lindsey’s birthday is in March but every summer we have a small party for her. This time we’ll include you and do it up bigger.”
“Then I’ll be happy to celebrate with you and Lindsey and our families this summer.” Kate felt like she had something to keep her busy until Drew and her father returned home.
As the conversation ended, Kate heard a knock on her door. “Katie, is it alright if I come in?”
“Sure, Mom, I was just talking with Anna and she wants us to come out for my birthday in June. We have to start making plans.”
“Sounds fun. I’m sure your father will be thrilled with the news. We can go shopping for what we need while the boys are gone. That should keep you busy.” It was like her mother was a mind reader. She smiled and sat cross-legged on the bed across from her daughter. “While I have you alone...there’s something I want to talk about.”
“Wow, this sounds serious.” Kate sat forward in her chair.
“Drew’s been here for almost five months now and it’s none of my business but...” Joanna searched for the right words. “We need to have the safe sex talk...again.” She blurted it out, getting right to the point.
“Oh. My. Gosh. Mom. You didn’t just say that, did you?” Kate giggled. “We talked long ago.”
“I know but I want to talk again. We could make a doctor appointment and start you on the pill if you’d like.”
“Let me stop you right there. We don’t need to do that. Drew and I aren’t having sex.”
“That’s what your father said.” Her mother seemed relieved.
“Not that I wouldn’t like to...” Kate hid her face.
“What?”
“It’s just that Drew’s so old-fashioned. He grew up in a strict household even though it was the Roaring Twenties. His parents instilled all these straight-laced values in him. We’ve had this argument already. I don’t want to talk about it.” Kate crossed her arms in front of her.
“Seems like you want to talk about it.” Her mom gave her a knowing look.
“You asked for it.” Kate waved her finger at her. “Here goes. Drew told me he planned to ask me to marry him back at the canyon. He was turning eighteen in January, graduating and would be out on his own. He knew I was too young, even back then, but still wanted to get engaged and wait until I graduated. Well, that never happened because he ended up here. So, no matter the decade, he decided he was still going to propose...and he did after his birthday. He realized it was too soon to ask someone to commit themselves to marriage but wanted to keep his promise. He’s shocked people wait so long to get married these days.”
Her mom laughed. “Things have changed since his time. Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt, go on.”
“I’ve been trying to explain people sleep together, even though they have no plans of getting married and tried to convince him we would get married one day, so what’s the harm? He won’t hear of it and refuses to discuss it. ‘We can wait until we’re married’ is his answer. That’s a long time, Mom!”
“Yes, it is, but if that’s how he feels, you have to respect it.” Joanna smiled at Kate. “I kinda like it...very romantic.”
“Yeah, that’s what’s frustrating about him!” Kate hit her forehead. “I’m willing to get married after college, but not before. I love him, but refuse to be a teenage bride. So I reluctantly agreed to his terms.”
“Well, sweetie, there isn’t much left to say. You two seemed to have worked it out.” Her mom got up and stretched. “I’ll leave you alone now. I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
* * * *
On the last morning of spring break, Kate heard a familiar voice.
“Kate! We’re back!”
She flew out of bed, opened her door and ran into Drew’s arms. She pulled him into her bedroom and pushed him on the bed, then bounced next to him. “Ooh, you smell so good. I missed you.” She rolled over on her side and Drew grabbed her, brushing his lips against hers.
“Your bed is so warm. It feels good. It feels like you,” he whispered. Then he sat up. “I got you something.”
“You did? I didn’t expect anything.” Kate was a little surprised but that was Drew, ever thoughtful.
“Here, see if you like this.” Drew handed her a tiny box.
Kate’s heart pounded and her throat closed up. Oh no, he’s bought me an engagement ring. I can’t accept it, not yet. Maybe he’ll let me put it away for awhile, at least until college.
Her hand shook as she lifted the top of the box. Inside was a shiny gold charm. “Oh,” she gasped. “This is beautiful! You’re adding to my bracelet.”
She grabbed the bracelet Drew gave her off the nightstand. The first two charms on it were a moon and a star because he was her moon and he wanted to give her the stars. She took the tiny charm out of the slot. It was a golden horse.
“Flicka.” Kate could barely breathe. Andrew heard all the times she mentioned missing the horse.
“Yes, it’s Flicka. Do you like it?” He looked unsure.
“Like it? I love it!” Kate flung her arms around him. “Now I need another one, for your horse.” Kate grew quiet. “Drew, you never told me the name of your horse.”
He laughed as if embarrassed. “Well, I named him when I was fourteen and it’s kind of corny.”
“Tell me!” Kate jumped on his lap.
“Canyon.” Drew covered his face with his hand.
“I could see a fourteen-year-old boy naming his horse after a place he loved.” Kate uncovered his face. “I need Canyon for my bracelet.” Then she kissed him, for a very long time.