The Weird Travels of Aimee Schmidt: Seeking Others

by J. A. Schreckenbach

  “Hi, Joseph. Wow. Omigosh, what a surprise! I would never have imagined seeing you here in Eugene, Oregon. Actually I didn't think I would see you again...ever. So why are you here?” she spit out. Her mouth felt so parched she didn't know how she got a word out. Thank God he can't see my trembling hands, she thought. She felt dizzy, like she would pass out.

  “Actually it's quite a strange coincidence. The week of your unfortunate mishap, I received a call, well actually a plea to return to finish my research I left on the coast. Somehow, the University of the Cascades found out about the research and contacted the Dean. Seems there are some dig sites here on the Northwest coast and I'm doing some collaborative research on human remains between the two universities. It's pretty interesting research and a little more involved than my explanation here, but long story short, I figured as long as I have to be here at least six months doing research, I might as well teach a class or two.”

  Aimee replied, “Yes, that is quite a strange coincidence. I'm sure Dylan will find it strange, too.”

  “Ah yes, Dylan. So how is your young man these days?”

  She shifted from foot to foot, and stepped a few inches back from Joseph. She so wanted to leave, but that would be too rude. After all, this man saved my life almost three months ago. Aimee answered shortly, “He's good.”

  “I heard the Bears won today. I would imagine he's doing better than good tonight.”

  Her patience was waning. She had to get away. “Yeah, I'm sure he is doing great. Look, Joseph, I hate to run, but your dinner is getting cold, and I need to get to the store.”

  He took a step closer to her. Aimee took a step back. Joseph said, “Here, let me give you my business card. Call me. I would love to treat you, and Dylan, to dinner. I'm still so new to the area that it would be wonderful to share a meal with someone I know.”

  Aimee took the card, looked at it briefly, and forced a limp smile. “Thanks, I'll let Dylan know I ran into you. Our schedules are really crazy, but we'll call. Maybe we can go out one weekend when Dad is in town. He and James and Sacha would love to meet you. Dylan spoke so highly of you to them when I was under the weather at Briar Farm.”

  Without warning, Joseph gave Aimee a quick kiss on her cheek, then commented, “I'd love to meet them. Well, until then, I look forward to hearing from you.”

  He stepped around Aimee and opened the door. She got in, not removing her eyes from his. They were magnets. He shut the door, then stayed planted in his spot while she backed out and drove away. She looked in the rearview mirror. Joseph was still standing there watching her car. Aimee turned at the intersection and sped away.

  She couldn't breathe, yet her heart raced. “Holy crap!” she screamed. Of all the coasts and all the schools across the globe, he shows up here, she thought. “This isn't just a strange coincidence!” Aimee said out loud. She opened the window and tossed his card. She thought, Well, I'll have to try to make sure our paths don't cross again. Aimee pulled into the store's parking lot, threw the gearshift into Park, turned the motor off, and sat there. Something told her not seeing Joseph again wasn't going to be so easy. The campus was small, and she and Dylan both had classes in the science building. Aimee sighed. Maybe I should transfer, she suddenly thought. There are other schools in Eugene, and Dad did want me to stay in Medford and go to school. She growled, “Nope, I'm not leaving! I was here first!”

  Aimee quickly flew through her shopping, then tore home, got the groceries inside as fast as possible, locked the deadbolt, and peeked through the peephole. She didn't know what kind of car Joseph was driving, but she certainly didn't want to take any chances. She didn't trust him.

  After a very restless night, Aimee got up early. She felt wired and more than anxious to see Dylan. To her surprise, he showed up around eight. He was tired, but he too was anxious to see Aimee. After he stepped through the door, she seized him, tethered her arms tightly around his neck and kissed him excitedly. Finally, they both came up for air.

  He laughed. “Damn, woman, I should stay away more often.”

  “I'm sorry...”

  “No,” he interrupted. “I like.” He returned his lips to hers. Before long their hands flew wildly across each other's bodies.

  Aimee broke off the make out session. Breathing hard she said, “I don't wanna give James or Sacha a show if they walk out. Do you wanna take this into my room?”

  Dylan smiled, kissed her lips again, then grabbed her hand and led the way. An hour later they finally surfaced to go get something to eat. Sacha was up drinking coffee. She grinned when they came out of Aimee's bedroom.

  “Good morning,” she said.

  They answered together, “Good morning.”

  “There's some coffee made.”

  Aimee answered, “Thanks, but we going out for breakfast.”

  Sach grinned again, then took a sip of coffee, and muttered, “I thought you already ate.”

  Aimee smirked, her ears starting to turn red, and responded, “Uh, well, uh, sooo would you and James like to go with us?”

  “Thanks, but you two go ahead. James celebrated a little too much last night, thanks to the Bears.” Sacha smiled at Dylan.

  Dylan replied, “Hey, it's our job to make sure there's something to celebrate.”

  On the way over to the restaurant, Dylan, despite only having a few hours sleep, couldn't stop talking about the game on Saturday, and how they were showing everyone their past wins weren't just flukes, that they were real contenders to be reckoned with again this year. Aimee wasn't able to get a word in edgewise, not that she really wanted to talk. Seeing Joseph the night before rattled her terribly, but she couldn't let his presence in Eugene create a problem for her. At least the dreams with him had stopped. She figured they had been a sign foretelling their meeting in England, and nothing more. But now here he was in Eugene. It felt too weird to be just coincidental. She took a deep breath and sighed. Dylan noticed and asked, “You okay?”

  Aimee couldn't let on there was anything bothering her. “I'm great. A little tired, but I'm so happy you're here. I've missed you something awful.”

  “Yeah, I've missed you, too. I hate that we are apart so much, but let's enjoy today. We can spend the whole day together.” He squeezed her hand and smiled.

  Aimee asked, “Promise?”

  “Promise,” Dylan answered. Only Aimee didn't trust she could keep her mind just on the two of them. Joseph seemed to be interfering, once again.

  The restaurant was busy. They waited in the entry for a table to open up. Pretty soon a group came out. Aimee looked up from the newspaper she was reading. For the second time in a couple days, there he stood.

  He smiled first at Aimee, then he spoke to Dylan, “Hey, man, congrats on the win yesterday.”

  Dylan popped up and shook Andrew's hand and replied, “Thanks, man. Did you watch the game?”

  Andrew answered, “Yeah, until the end of the third quarter, then I figured there was no way they would catch up.” Andrew looked over at Aimee.

  “Oh, I'm sorry,” Dylan said finally picking up on his slip in manners. He gestured toward Aimee. “This is my girlfriend, Aimee Schmidt.” He then gestured towards Andrew. “Aimee, this is Andrew Murphy. Andrew is the star shooting guard for the Bears. He's practically carried the Bears the past two seasons.”

  Andrew smiled, then extended his hand. Aimee took it and said, “Hi, nice to meet you.”

  “Nice to meet you, too.” Their hands dropped and he told Dylan, “Well, I gotta go. Enjoy your breakfast. I'll see you at the gym.” He smiled once more at Aimee, then headed out the door.

  Wow, Aimee thought, that was weird. But it kinda felt neat, too. No one, other than Dylan, ever hit on her in high school. Aimee assumed it was because everyone knew her crazy past so the guys treated her like a leper. But no one here, other than Dylan and her family, knew about her dark period so they could just see her for her. Being rid of that chain felt good.

  After they got to their table,
Dylan continued to talk football, yesterday's game, and then the upcoming game in California. Aimee sighed, Another weekend I'll be alone. Dylan finally realized he was hogging the conversation. He took a bite of his omelette, chewed and swallowed, then said, “I'm sorry. I've been going on and on about me and football, and nothing about you. I haven't even asked how you're doing. So, how are you?”

  Aimee wiped her mouth with the napkin, cleared her throat, then answered, “Well, let's see. Works good. I really like my job. It's not too busy so after I straighten books and put up new inventory, I can read or study. Jeff doesn't care what I do, as long as I'm there manning the store whenever a customer comes in. And school is really going well.”

  “That's good,” Dylan replied. “Have you met any new friends?”

  “New friends?” Aimee repeated, suddenly a tad uneasy about the fact the only person she had really met was Andrew, and she wouldn't exactly call a guy hitting on someone else's girlfriend, a friend. “Nope, not really,” she answered.

  “Well, you need to try to make a few friends, Aimee, what with me being gone all of the time. It will help fill in the time when we aren't together.”

  Aimee said with a voice as believable as possible, “Yeah, I know, but really, I've been too busy to be bored.”

  “That's good to hear,” Dylan replied. “I just wish we had more time together.” Dylan reached across the table and touched her hand. He smiled. His beautiful, brown eyes made Aimee melt. Moisture pooled behind her lids. She fought it back. She didn't want Dylan to know how much their time apart was getting to her.

  Aimee managed a smile, and then whispered, “I love you.”

  Dylan whispered back, “I love you more.”

  Dylan spent the rest of the day with her, as promised, until they went to the barbecue. When they drove up, the street was packed on both sides. Music spilled out of the house. Every room they cruised through had groups of people talking, laughing, eating, and drinking. The den was packed with people sitting on couches, chairs, and the floor watching one of the Sunday football games on a big screen television. It seemed everyone knew Dylan. It took almost fifteen minutes to get from the front door to the kitchen to get something to drink, then they cruised outside so he could introduce Aimee to the hosts; two guys on his team who rented this house. A lot more people were hanging outside eating, drinking, laughing, and telling stories, too. A big cast iron pit was smoking some incredible smelling meat, even though Aimee wouldn't eat any.

  “Hey, dude,” a mammoth of a guy named Jason said to Dylan, “I was wondering if you were going to make it. Did you get something to drink?”

  Dylan held up his beer and replied, “Yeah, man, we're good. Hey, I want you to meet my girlfriend, Aimee Schmidt. Aimee, this is Jason Strong, one hell of a tackle.”

  Jason put down his basting pot, wiped his hands on a rag, then shook her hand. “Aimee, how's it goin'? I'm glad Dylan brought you. We were beginning to think Dylan was bullshitting us about having a girlfriend. Hey, make yourself at home. Meat will be done in about thirty, but there's lots to eat inside.”

  “Thank you,” Aimee replied as a couple of girls pushed past her and stopped.

  “Hey, Dylan Townsend...” said the really cute blonde, short but with a large chest strategically popping out of her halter. Her friend, who was also beautiful, tall and with long silky red hair, green eyes, and skin tight jeans, greeted Dylan, too.

  The redhead finished what her friend started, “...the coolest guy on campus.” She swung her arm around Dylan and took his hat off and put it on her head. Both were being a little too friendly with Aimee's boyfriend, and her festive mood suddenly deteriorated. Dylan greeted them nonchalantly and started to introduce Aimee. The redhead, Claire, nodded and responded, “So you're the lucky girl. I'd hold on tight to him. Seems all the girls on campus would do anything to be in your shoes.” She winked at Aimee, then took her arm off Dylan. Izzy, the blonde, teased, “If I were you, I'd keep him on a short leash.” Both girls laughed loudly. Dylan blushed, then grabbed his hat and Aimee's hand, and led her back into the house.

  They stopped in the kitchen. “Want something to eat?” asked Dylan.

  “Thanks,” Aimee answered shortly, “but I think I'll wait a bit.” Don't say a word, she kept repeating. Dylan waved back at a couple more girls sitting in the living room while he filled a small plate with chips and queso. He took a bite, then popped the cap off another beer and took a long swig.

  Dylan asked, “You wanna beer?”

  “No thanks. I think I'll stick with this,” she answered holding up her diet soda.

  A few guys from the team sauntered pass, more introductions, and more typical guy put-downs and joking around for a few minutes. For the next hour it seemed like every time Dylan and Aimee were together, his time was consumed chatting with people she didn't know, or waving at other girls. And every time they got separated, she found him with a bottle of beer in his hand, and a girl or two crowded around him. Other than the Going Away party Dad and Mel threw for them, Aimee hadn't ever seen Dylan drink. This was definitely a new side of Mr. Townsend.

  The barbecue was finally ready. People started to migrate into the kitchen to get a plate. Aimee and Dylan got their food, then moved out to the patio with a group of other people. Jason's roommate, Mark, also a football player, and their girlfriends were there. They all seemed nice. Aimee could finally relax and start having a good time. Dylan emptied his beer bottle and asked Aimee if she wanted something to drink. He was going to get another brew.

  Aimee shot him a stern look. They were supposed to be having a good time, together. And tomorrow was Monday. They both had classes, and Dylan had practice. She was beginning to think Dylan was having a better time than he should.

  “No, thanks. I still have some,” she answered holding up her can of diet soda.

  “I'll be right back.”

  Only after five minutes, Dylan hadn't returned. Ten minutes, still no Dylan. Aimee excused herself, then took her empty plate into the kitchen to throw it away and find out where Dylan disappeared to. She looked into the den. About a dozen people mingled around the television hollering while they watched the game, ate, whooped and laughed. Instantly, she spotted Dylan on the couch, and on both sides of him sat a girl. Identical twins. Brunette and gorgeous. Both sat a little too close for her liking, and all three were laughing and carrying on as if Aimee didn't exist. Finally Dylan looked Aimee's direction and saw her. He quickly excused himself and walked towards the kitchen. Aimee's party mood was completely gone. He stopped next to her and put his arm around her shoulder.

  “Sorry, I got sidetracked,” he announced. “Having a good time?”

  “Yep,” she lied, trying to keep her ire from showing. Everyone else seemed to be having a great time, everyone that is, except Aimee. Dylan sure was enjoying himself. Aimee sighed deeply. She was ready to go home, and she wanted to get Dylan out of the party before he drank another beer, and before another gorgeous, big breasted, scantily clad girl hit on him.

  Aimee didn't want Dylan to know she was seething with jealousy. She hated feeling this way. They were in a serious relationship. She trusted Dylan. And he trusted her. Still, she was human, and she didn't like watching other girls flirting with her man.

  Aimee cleared her throat. “Uh, Dylan...” she started.

  He nodded at some guy and his date who walked by, then answered, “Yeah?”

  “I hate to be a party pooper, but I think we need to leave.”

  “Why?” Dylan asked. “We just got here.”

  “No, we didn't just get here,” she popped back. Five beers seemed to cloud his ability to tell time. “I just think we ought to go before it gets too late. You have an early class and practice, and I still need to finish reading a couple chapters.”

  Dylan shot Aimee a very disgusted look. She was spoiling his fun. He took another long swig of beer and tossed the empty bottle into the trash before heading towards the patio.

  Aimee a
sked, “Where are you going?”

  He reached in his pocket and tossed Aimee the keys. “I wanna tell Jason we're leaving,” he answered. “I'll be there in a minute.”

  Aimee took the keys and forced a smile at a couple who walked by. Jason's girlfriend came into the kitchen and Aimee thanked her for inviting them, then she left. She unlocked the FJ, then jumped in the driver's seat and waited. A couple minutes later Dylan came out the front door and slowly walked down the driveway. He saw Aimee in the driver's seat so he got in the passenger seat and slammed the door.

  Aimee stared out the windshield. Neither of them said anything for an eternity. Aimee bit her tongue. She didn't want to say anything. Not now. She needed to cool down and Dylan needed to be sober to hear what she had to say. Finally, she turned the key and started the engine. Dylan reached over and turned it off. He stared at her for a few seconds, then demanded, “Whatthahell is wrong?”

  Aimee didn't answer.

  Dylan wasn't going to let her boil in silence. He prodded, “What are you pissed at? I can't believe you. You never want to do anything fun. You just wanna sit around the apartment or...”

  Suddenly, she couldn't keep her mouth shut. She angrily spit out, “Sit around the apartment? Yeah, I sit around the apartment, but it isn't with you, no, because I'm there by myself, for days waiting on you while you're out with your buddies playing Gladiators, having a great time, and God knows doing what else!”

  Dylan sparked back, “What does that mean? I'm working my ass off practicing and when I'm not on the field busting my butt, I'm at the gym, or in class, or in the dorm cracking books. And I spend every spare minute I can with you.”

  “Hah!” she exclaimed, then peered out the side window as a couple walked by and looked their way. She wasn't finished. She waited until they were gone and continued, “I think you're spending a lot more time getting to know every girl on campus than being with me.” There it was. It slid out. She didn't mean to say it, but she saw how all those girls hung on him. How could any red blooded, almost nineteen year old male not get a swelled head with so many hot, young females throwing themselves at him?