In the reality Alpha 0.0.0.0.0.0.0, Randy sat in the psychiatrist office of Dr. Martin Adams. Randy sat on the couch as Dr. Adams sat in the chair next to him.
Dr. Adams looked at his watch while saying, “I was hoping today will be the day you talk.” Randy just looked at him without saying a word. “I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.”
“You can’t help me,” Randy said.
“If you give me a chance and talk to me, I might be able to.”
“You say that I’m a student at Harvard and you want me to talk about that. How can you help me when you believe that?”
“Where am I making my mistake?”
“I never attended Harvard or any other college.”
“What do you believe you were doing during the past three years?”
Randy uttered emotionally, “That statement… or that question that you just asked is exactly why you can’t help me!”
“I don’t understand. What was it about my question that makes you think that I wouldn’t be able to help?”
“You asked me what do I believe I did during that time and not what did I do during that time. How can you help me when you have already made up your mind that I’m delusional?”
“I have copies of your college transcripts that prove that you are attending Harvard. Would you like to see them?”
“I don’t care what you have. This life is a lie. This is not my reality.”
“You are part of a group, and each person in that group is saying the exact same thing that you are.”
“I don’t know who those people are.”
“And they are actually saying the same thing about you, but from what I understand from the people at Harvard, all of you were good friends.”
“I don’t care what those people are saying. I never attended Harvard.”
“If you weren’t attending Harvard for the last three years, what were you doing?”
Randy gave the doctor a skeptical look before saying, “During most of that time I was making my way to Mexico City to find my dad.” Dr. Adams wrote down what Randy was saying. “I worked odd jobs here and there while traveling there.”
“Did you make it to Mexico City and find your dad?”
“I made it there, but I didn’t find my dad. My search was cut short when I was arrested for breaking into someone’s house.”
“You broke into someone’s house?”
“No, I didn’t, but I can’t speak Spanish except for a few phrases, and the man who thought I broke in couldn’t speak English, so I couldn’t explain that the door was slightly open when I got there. And since the door was open I thought there was someone home so I walked in. I was only in there for a short time when the man found me there.”
“Why were you at that house?”
“I was showing a picture of my dad around the city and a man told me that the woman who owns that house could help me find my dad. The person who pointed me towards the house said something else, but since I couldn’t speak Spanish, I didn’t know what he was telling me.”
“How long where you in jail?”
“I lost track to how long it was. That was also where I was when I blacked out. When I came to, I was in Harvard’s library.”
Dr. Adams was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. He stood up before saying, “Excuse me for a moment.” When Randy nodded, Dr. Adams left the room.
In the reality Alpha 0.0.0.1.0.0.0 at 8:00 P.M., Alex, Randy and the others were stepping off the private plane at the Boston airport. Chad was waiting at the airport and walked up to them.
Alex saw Chad approaching and waited for him to get closer before saying, “Chad, thank you for the use of the plane. I went there to look for a friend and I found him.”
“You’re welcome. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“What you did for me already was a lot so you don’t owe me a thing.”
“Early this morning the staff members at the hospital where your mom works found a kidney for Chris. Chris is now in the recovering room after a successful operation, so yes, I do owe you something. You are the one who saved Chris’ life. So what can I do to repay you?”
Alex thought for a moment before asking, “Would hiring a crew to make repairs to a house in Mexico City be too much to ask for?”
“Consider it done.”
Alex gave him a shock looked before uttering, “Are you serious?”
“Yes I’m serious,” Chad said with a slight laugh in his voice. “In fact, what you ask for is less than what I would give.”
“Just repairs to the house is all I want.”
“Give me the address and I’ll arrange it.”
“Thank you,” Alex said before pulling out the information that the officer had given her and then giving it to Chad.
Randy stepped up while saying, “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m starving.”
“Same here,” Michelle said.
“I can go for a bite to eat myself,” Brandy said.
“Ditto,” Cindy said. “In fact, I’m actually hungry for some Adam’s barbeque.”
“That place has great barbeque ribs,” Miles said.
“And barbeque chicken,” Cindy added. “That’s why I want to go there.”
“Michelle, you should call Heather’s parents and check in,” Doug said. “Let them know that we’re going to Adam’s barbeque.”
“Okay. Let me borrow your phone,” Michelle said.
Doug handed Michelle his phone. As Michelle was making her call, she and the others walked towards the terminal.
Before they walked too far, Chad said, “Everyone, enjoy your meal, but I’m going back to the hotel.”
“You’re welcome to join us,” Doug said.
“I would, but Alice is waiting for me at a hotel and I made dinner reservations for us at this romantic restaurant,” Chad said.
“I hope you enjoy your meal, and what comes after it,” Alex said. Chad just grinned.
A short time later, as everyone was walking through the parking lot Chad told everyone, “Bye.”
“Bye,” Everyone responded.
“I’ll see you later,” Alex added.
Chad just waved as he walked towards his car. Alex, Trudy, Michelle and Miles went to Mile’s van. Doug, Kenny, Cindy, Brandy, Ben and Randy went to Doug’s Jeep.
After Alex got comfortable in the van, she called Victor to let him know that she was able to work Sunday after all.
Several minutes later, Alex and her group were walking into Adam’s barbeque restaurant. The place wasn’t crowded and the waiter put tables together to seat everyone. Heather and her parents’ joined the group. An hour later, the bill was paid and everyone left. Michelle went with Heather and her parents. Randy went with Ben and checked into the same motel he was staying at.
Sunday, October 31, during the morning and early afternoon Alex, Doug, Kenny, Ben, Brandy and Cindy helped Randy to collect what he needed to create the remote.
After Alex left for work Doug, Kenny, Ben, Brandy and Cindy remained with Randy to help out where they could.
At Little Bucks, Victor was holding a costume contest and two-thirds of the customers entering were wearing costumes. By 5:45 P.M., the place was standing room only with barely enough room to move around and the noise level was deafening. Alex and another waitress named Miranda were the only two waiting tables. Miranda was dressed as Cleopatra while Alex was dressed normally.
Alex was waiting on a couple who were sitting not too far from the entrance. As Alex was writing down the food order Miles walked through the door. Alex was focused on trying to hear the couple and didn’t notice Miles walking up behind her.
After Alex wrote everything down and was about ready to walk towards the kitchen Miles tapped her on the shoulder.
Alex turned to look and when she saw who it was, she loudly said, “Oh, hi. Are you alone?” Miles said something, but Alex was only able to hear a word or two. She shook her head. “I can’t hear you. You’ll have to speak up.”
“I’m here alone, but I came here to talk to you and not to eat.”
“Whatever you came to talk to me about it will have to wait. I have tables to wait on.” Alex held up the food ticket that she recently wrote out as she continued to say, “I have to turn this food ticket in.”
“Can I tell you something right now? It will only take a minute and we can talk later tonight or tomorrow.”
“Okay. What is it?” Alex saw Miles searching is thoughts for the right words. Miles had formed his mouth to say something, but when he didn’t Alex said, “Miles, I can’t stand around waiting for you to figure out what you want to say to me. So either say it, or I’ll talk to you later.”
Alex saw that Miles was nervous as he said, “I’ll just come out with it.” Part of the crowd cheered that prevented Alex from hearing, “In this reality you are Alexandra. I don’t care about any other reality.”
Alex made a gesture that she couldn’t hear. Miles repeated what he said, but Alex still couldn’t hear. She then said loudly, “I can’t hear you, so we should talk later. I need to go back to work.”
Miles gestured for her to wait and tried to say over the crowd, “I’m saying that I don’t care who you are in another reality. You are a woman. I like you and that’s all I care about.”
Alex again gestured that she couldn’t hear. Miles was about to repeat himself again, but stopped and stared at Alex for a second.
When Miles hesitated to repeat himself, Alex held up the food ticket again and said, “Miles, I’m going…”
Before Alex was able to get too many words from her mouth, Miles gave Alex a passionate kiss. The people around them saw the kiss. Catherine and Becky were walking in and were able to see the kiss through the crowd.
It took a couple of seconds for Alex to realize what was happening. She pulled away before demanding to know, “What are you doing?!”
The noise of the crowd settled down slightly when Miles said loud enough for Alex and a few nearby people to hear, “I don’t care who you are in a different reality. I like you and I wanted you to know how much.” Miles realized how much louder he was over the crowd and continued to say in a lower-volume voice, “Alex, I’m falling for you and in a hard way.”
Alex gazed shockingly at Miles before she finally said, “Okay, I can’t deal with this right now. I’m working.” Alex then turned and walked away.
As Miles turned to leave, he saw the smiles on Catherine’s and Becky’s faces.
When Catherine and Becky stepped up to Miles, Catherine said, “That was an interesting sight that I witnessed.”
“So how long have you and Alex been a hot couple?” Becky asked.
“The sight you saw was me trying to become a couple with her,” Miles said.
“You’re the one who sent Alex the flowers the other day,” Catherine said. “You’re her secret admirer.”
“Guilty,” Miles said. “Well, I’ll see you two later.”
“You’re not going to stick around, so you can socialize with Alex?” Becky asked.
“Alex is working right now, and after that kiss I gave her, I got the impression from her that she doesn’t want to deal with me right now.”
“You can’t retreat now,” Becky said. “Stay and win her over.”
“I would, but this is her place of work and as you can see she’s slightly overwhelmed with customers. I would most likely make her mad at me if I stayed… if she’s not mad at me already that is.”
“Bye then,” Becky said.
“Bye,” Miles said.
Catherine just waved.
As Miles walked towards the exit, Catherine and Becky walked towards the bar.
After Alex gave the food order to Stephen, she walked towards the bar for the drinks. She stepped up just after Catherine and Becky sat down at the bar.
Catherine saw Alex stepping up and tapped her on her shoulder.
Alex turned to look and when she saw Catherine and Becky she said, “Oh hi. When did you two get here?”
“Becky and I walked in, in time to see you and Miles kissing,” Catherine said.
“He kissed me. I had nothing to do with that.”
“You seemed to have enjoyed it,” Becky said.
“I enjoyed it?” Alex echoed. “I pulled away from him as he started the kiss.”
“Alex, sweetie, I’ve seen turtles move faster than you did during that kiss,” Catherine said.
“What are you talking about? I ended that kiss right after it started.”
“It’s obvious that Miles likes you and from that kiss I saw, you like him too, so go for it,” Becky said.
Alex said in a defensive and aggravated tone, “I didn’t step up to the bar to hear you two telling me to go for it with Miles. I step up to get my drink order filled before the customers start complaining. So I would appreciate very much if you would leave me and my relationships alone. Okay? Thank you very much.”
“Okay, Alex, you can retract the claws before you hurt someone,” Catherine said.
“Okay, I’m sorry. I have been on edge all day, so you two going on about me going for it with Miles is not a wise thing to do right now,” Alex explained.
Catherine opened her purse and as she reached into it she said, “Okay, first off, the way I feel about Miles, I would never tell you to go for it with him.” Catherine pulled out a bottle of Midol. “Secondly, before you pull out an axe on someone, take a couple of these.” Catherine held out the bottle for Alex to take.
Alex took the bottle and slightly grinned when she saw what it was. She then opened the bottle and took two tablets. After closing the bottle again she handed it back to Catherine while saying, “Thanks.”
“No problem,” Catherine said.
Alex gestured towards Bryon while saying, “I need to fill my drink order.” Alex then walked up to the waitress’ spot and placed the order.
Minutes later, Alex was giving the customers their drinks. Just before Alex stepped away, Devin, while dressed as a caveman, walked up to her and said, “I can’t believe that I see you waiting tables.”
Alex looked at Devin as if he was a stranger before asking, “Excuse me?”
“You’re actually waiting tables. Venus must be out of sync with Jupiter.”
“Okay, who are you?”
“I’m Maxine’s husband, Devin.” An expression of recognition came across Alex’s face as Devin continued to say, “Maxine is going to be amazed when she walks in, in a few minutes and sees you waiting tables.”
Alex gestured towards a group of four people who were sitting at a table before saying, “I have customers to wait on, so excuse me.”
“Of course.” Devin watched Alex for a brief time as Alex walked up to the group for their order. Devin then walked to the bar and bought drinks for him and Maxine.
When Maxine walked in, Devin handed her, her drink and then pointed Alex out to her. As Maxine and Devin waited for a table to come available Maxine watched Alex as Alex performed her job. They waited seven minutes before getting a table in Miranda’s section.
After taking their seats, Maxine told Devin, “I was actually hoping that one of Alex’s tables would have opened up first. I’m curious to see how she is as a waitress first hand.”
“From what I see, she seems to know what she’s doing.”
Maxine and Devin faced Miranda as Miranda stepped up to take the order.
As the time passed, Maxine would turn and watch Alex when Alex would walk near their table.
Within forty minutes, Maxine and Devin had eaten and paid their bill, but before they left, Maxine walked up to Alex. Alex noticed Maxine as Maxine was walking towards her. When Maxine stepped up she said, “I’ve been watching you.”
“I’ve seen you watching me,” Alex responded.
“Anyway, I wanted you to know that I’m impressed by what I saw. You don’t seem to be the same Alex I met two years ago. In fact, from what I’ve seen tonight, you are actually a decent person.”
Alex grinned before saying, “Thanks.”
“I’m at O’Shannon’s most Friday and Saturday nights, so you should drop in more often.”
Alex continued to grin as she said, “I might do that.”
Maxine nodded before waving and saying, “Bye.”
Alex slightly waved before saying, “Bye.”
As Devin and Maxine left, Alex went to check on a few customers.
At 12:20 A.M., Alex was entering her dorm. Trudy was sitting on the couch watching TV. There was a movie case on the coffee table.
When Alex stepped in, Trudy said, “Brandy brought a movie by and said for you to check it out.”
Alex stepped to where she could see the TV and asked, “Is that the movie she wants me to watch?”
“No. This is just regular TV.” Trudy gestured towards the case. “The movie is there. I figured I would wait and watch the movie with you.”
Alex picked up the movie and after reading the title she asked, “Why is she giving me this to watch when she knows I didn’t like this movie?”
“According to Brandy, the movie is nothing like what you saw in your reality. She says that it is a hundred percent better. I haven’t seen the movie yet, so I can’t say if I like it or not.”
“Fine, I’ll watch it. At least this time I won’t have to pay the box office price to see it.” Alex gestured towards the TV. “So when is your show over?”
“Oh, I saw that show about a half dozen times or more. So go ahead and put the movie in.”
“Okay.” Alex walked up to the DVD player; turned it on; put the movie in and then took a seat on the couch next to Trudy.
After Alex and Trudy saw thirty minutes of the movie, Trudy asked, “So how is it so far?”
“Brandy’s right. This is nothing like what was shown in our reality.”
“Are there different actors?”
“It’s the same actors. I’m not sure, but it seems to me that in my reality, someone else wrote the screenplay. I was thinking that during the opening credits.”
“Someone else writing the movie would make the storyline different,” Trudy said as someone knocked on the door. Trudy looked at her watch and continued to say, “It’s one o’clock.” As Trudy was standing up, Alex paused the movie. “Who’s knocking at this time of the night?” Trudy opened the door and saw Miles standing there. “Miles, do you know what time it is?”
Alex heard what Trudy had asked and stood up. As she walked towards the door, she heard Miles saying, “Yeah, I know. Is Alex awake?”
Alex stepped up behind Trudy to where Miles could see her before saying, “I’m up.”
“Can we talk?” Miles asked.
“Sure. Trudy, I’ll be back in a minute.” As Trudy walked back to the couch, Alex walked into the hallway and shut the door behind her. She crossed her arms before asking, “So what’s up?”
“I want to talk about what happened between us at Little Bucks.”
“If you don’t mind, I would like to pretend that what happened didn’t happen.”
“I do mind actually. Alex, I don’t regret kissing you. In fact, I’m here because I can’t sleep thinking about you and that kiss.”
“Miles, Randy is pretty sure that he can re-create that remote of his in five to six days. This time next week, this crossed reality will be corrected. So save your passionate feelings for the other Alex.”
“I don’t like the other Alex in the same way that I like you and I know you have those feelings for me as well.”
“No matter what I feel for you, nothing can happen between us. I don’t belong here. The other Alex belongs here.”
“You can always make this reality your home.”
“I can’t do that. That wouldn’t be fair to the other Alex.”
“You know there’s a chance that Randy won’t be able to duplicate his remote. And even if he can duplicate it, there’s a chance that it will make matters worse.”
“What do you mean?”
“Instead of correcting this crossed reality, you could cross over into yet another reality.”
“That’s a chance that we’ll have to take.”
“Alex, there may be an inconceivable number of realities and you are willing to take a chance and cross a portion of those realities?”
“Miles, Randy had come up with an address system, so we won’t be crossing those realities like you think.”
“And what if that address system is not perfect?”
“Miles, you’re not going to say anything to talk me out of trying to get home, so give it up.”
“Fine, I’ll quit trying. Are you working tomorrow night?”
“I was supposed to, but that changed. Sylvia will be working and not me. Why?”
“Go out with me tomorrow night; on a date.”
Alex looked at Miles as if he had lost his mind before uttering, “You can’t be serious.”
“Yes, I’m serious. You said it yourself that you have five, maybe even six days left before you and the others will attempt to correct reality. We both have feelings for each other, so let’s spend that time together.”
“That’s not a good idea… for many reasons.”
“Myself, I can’t think of one reason not to date.”
Alex said in a volume to where only Miles could hear, “I was a man in my reality.”
“You’re definitely a woman in this reality though.”
“Fine, physically I’m a woman, but mentally I’m a man.”
“No, Alex; you’re not even a man mentally.”
“What do you mean?”
“Alex, even you have to agree that your mindset right now is of a woman and not of a man.”
“Even if that is true, we can’t…” Miles didn’t give Alex a chance to finish what she was saying and again gave Alex a passionate kiss. The kiss lasted for a few seconds before Alex pulled away and uttering, “Stop doing that!”
“Alex, give it a try. Give us a try. Go out on a date with me tomorrow night.”
“As a friend, I’ll go with you anywhere you want, but as long as there’s a chance to correct this crossed reality, I’m not going on a date with you.”
Miles gave Alex a curious look before asking, “So if Randy’s remote fails to work, you’ll date me?”
“No, I’m not saying that.”
“Then what did you mean?”
“I’m not really sure right now what I will do if this turns out to be my reality, and… and I’m not going to guess as to what it would be either.”
“If Randy’s remote fails, will you please keep an open mind about going on a date with me?”
“That I can do,” Alex said before gesturing towards her door. “Trudy and I were watching a movie, so I really need to get back in there.”
“Do you mind if I come in and watch it with you and Trudy?”
“It’s already thirty minutes into the movie.”
“That’s okay.”
“Okay; you’re welcome to join us.”
Alex walked back into her dorm followed by Miles. The movie was two hours and fifteen minutes long and when it came to an end, Miles left the dorm. Alex and Trudy went to their respective beds. Before Alex went to sleep, she wrote in the diary; however, she left out the part about Miles kissing her.
During the next several days, Randy worked around the clock to re-create the remote. Ben helped Randy where he could. Alex, Doug, Kenny, Brandy and Cindy just focused on their studies. Alex worked her assigned shift and when she wasn’t working or studying, Miles would talk her into going places with him. Trudy tagged along with Alex and Miles to a few of those places.
Thursday, November 4 at 9:20 P.M., Alex, Miles and Trudy were returning to Harvard just after doing laundry at a Laundromat. Miles was the one driving, and he had pulled into a gas station and food mart for some gas. Most of the pumps were busy, and inside the station the customers were standing in a good size line while waiting to check out. Other customers were picking out the items they were going to purchase.
As Miles was pumping the gas, Alex and Trudy went into the station to use the restroom and to get sodas. Alex and Trudy were still in the restroom when Miles stepped in line to pay for the gas.
Miles was standing in line for a short time when a pretty eighteen-year-old woman stepped up to him while questioning, “Miles? Miles Appleby?”
Miles looked at the woman as if she was a stranger before saying, “That’s my name.”
“From the expression on your face, I see you don’t recognize me. Of course I was only ten years old when you saw me last. And I had the biggest crush on you then.”
Miles thought for a second before asking, “Mindy?”
“I knew that hint would tell you who I was.”
“Wow, you certainly grew up into a lovely woman.”
Mindy slightly curtsied while saying, “Thank you.”
“How long has it been since we saw each other last?”
“Well, I’m eighteen now, so it was eight years ago when your dad was transferred to a different base.”
“Do you live in Boston?” Miles asked as the line in front of him moved forward.
As Miles and Mindy were moving up slightly, Mindy said, “I do. I still live at home, just a few minutes from here.”
“How long have you been living in Boston?”
“Three years after you moved away, my dad was injured and had to take a medical discharge. Since my parents are from Boston, we moved here after his discharge. What about you? Are you living here or are you visiting?”
“I’m actually in my fourth year of Harvard.”
“Oh my God, that’s great. My dad believes that I have a good shot in going to Harvard next year.”
“How are your grades?”
“My grades are great. In fact, the school counselor just recently told me that I will be graduating before my class.”
“That’s great. I wish you luck with going to Harvard.”
“Thank you. Oh, how’s Trudy?”
Miles briefly gazed around the room before saying, “Actually, she’s here somewhere. I guess she and Alex are still in the restroom.”
“Trudy’s here?”
“Yeah; she is in her third year at Harvard.”
“I was thinking Trudy was more than a year younger then you.”
“Oh she’s twenty and I’m twenty-two. She skipped a grade, which put her a year behind me in school.”
“Cool. Is Alex Trudy’s boyfriend?”
“Oh no; Alex is short for Alexandra and she’s Trudy’s roommate,” Miles said before seeing Alex and Trudy stepping into view as they were getting sodas. “Oh, there they are now.”
Mindy turned to look. She then faced Miles again before asking, “So are you and Alex an item?”
Miles shook his head and sullenly said, “No. I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Really,” Mindy said delightfully. “You know, I still think that you’re still the cutest boy around.”
Alex saw the delightful expression on Mindy’s face and the smile on Miles’ face. Miles was about to respond, but stopped when he saw Alex and Trudy stepping up. Instead of responding, he asked, “Trudy, you remember Mindy, don’t you?”
Mindy noticed Alex’s serious and curious gaze towards her, but ignored it as she faced Trudy. Trudy was curiously gazing at Mindy too, but she was searching her thoughts.
When the answer finally came to Trudy, Trudy said, “Oh, yes. I remember you.” Mindy pleasantly grinned. Trudy then gestured towards Alex. “Mindy, this is my roommate and good friend, Alex. Alex, this is Mindy. When my dad was stationed in New Mexico about seven… eight years ago, Mindy and her parents lived next door to us.”
Mindy took hold of Miles’ arm and as she held it, she said, “And I had the biggest crush on him then. I couldn’t act on it then, but I can now.”
Trudy saw the jealousy in Alex’s eyes as Alex watched a grin coming across Miles’ face before he said, “A woman as pretty as you, you must have a boyfriend.”
Mindy shook her head while saying, “Nope; I’ve been boyfriend-free for a few weeks now.” Mindy let go of Miles’ arm and faced him. “In fact, there’s a party tomorrow night and I would love it if you would come with me as my date.”
When Alex saw a delightful expression coming across Miles’ face, Alex said disgustedly and loudly, “I’m going to wait in the van.” Alex put down the bottled soda that she was holding on the closest shelf and stormed towards the exit.
Miles and Mindy curiously stared at Alex as Alex stormed away. Before Alex was able to get too far away, Miles called out, “Alex, what’s wrong? Alex!”
Alex ignored Miles and kept walking. Everyone in the place watched Alex as she angrily shoved open the door and left the station.
When Miles gave Trudy a confused look, Trudy said, “Alex’s problem is that you are currently the biggest jerk on Earth.”
“What did I do?”
“Oh, God,” Mindy blurted out. Miles gave Mindy a curious look. “If I had known that Alex had feelings for you, I wouldn’t have asked you to that party.”
Miles whispered in Trudy’s ear, “Alex doesn’t want to date me. You know that. So why would she be upset with me when Mindy asked me to a party?”
Trudy whispered, “Alex still likes you, and you are flirting with Mindy in front of her. No woman would want to see that.”
Miles pulled out the money to pay for the gas, and as he handed it to Trudy he said, “Here’s the gas money. I’m going to talk to Alex.” Miles then turned towards Mindy. “Mindy, it was good to see you, but I’m going to have to pass on that party.” He then turned and walked away.
As Miles was leaving, Mindy asked Trudy, “Can I give you my number to give to Miles… just in case things don’t work out between him and Alex?”
Trudy just looked at Mindy as if Mindy had lost her mind.