Stealing Time

by Nancy Pennick

  “You know what this means, don’t you?” Kate trembled as she asked. “We can meet here all summer and be together.”

  Anna climbed out of bed, grabbed Kate’s hand and showed her the door. “Get dressed! I’ll meet you outside in a minute.”

  Kate stumbled back to her room, dazed by what just took place. She quickly dressed in her uniform that had magically appeared on her bed. Using the brush on her dresser, she tried to style her hair into the Harvey girl hairdo, having no luck as usual. Anna usually did her hair before work, and Kate hoped to learn to do it one day herself. Tossing the brush on the bed in disgust, Kate ran to the front of the house and outside. Drew and her father were deep in conversation when she reached them.

  “Sorry, she’s nowhere to be found.” Her father tried to soften the blow he thought he was delivering. “Maybe she fell asleep before she started reading.”

  “Oh, she’s here alright.” Kate looked around.

  “No, she isn’t.” Drew tried to console her.

  The front door flew open, and Anna came skipping out.

  “Don’t say anything. Just act like you’re inviting us to breakfast,” Kate’s dad whispered.

  “Okay,” Kate whispered back. “You’re invited to breakfast with me...and Anna Jenkins!”

  “Shhh, don’t use her married name.” Her dad seemed perplexed by Kate’s behavior.

  “Did someone say ‘Anna Jenkins’?” Anna innocently asked.

  “You probably heard me talking about Daniel.” Andrew stepped in to take the blame.

  Kate and Anna looked at each other and began to laugh.

  “Should we let them in on the secret?” Anna asked her.

  “Go ahead.”

  “I’m future Anna. It’s me, guys. I’m in my 1927 body.”

  Both men looked shocked and then relieved.

  “Congratulations!” Kate’s dad nodded at her. “I’d hug you, but no one knows we’re family.”

  Maya came out on the front porch. “Breakfast, everyone! You men staying?”

  Kate ran ahead of the group and hugged Maya. “It’s her...Anna from the present.”

  Maya smiled broadly and said, “Thank goodness it worked. I’ve been so worried. Being the keeper of these books brings on great responsibility. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by it all. If only my Carl was alive to discuss this with me. I valued his opinion so much.”

  “Carl is here.” Kate knew she shouldn’t say that because this Carl was the 1927 version. He had no idea of a son or living in the future. Maya was grateful just to be able to see him at the canyon even though he had passed away years ago. “What I mean is his spirit. Talk to his spirit.” Maya put her arm around Kate and walked her into the house now filled with smells of coffee and baking bread. Another one of Kate’s favorite moments. “Maya, you know how to fill this place with love.”

  “Two more for breakfast, Carl!” Maya called as they reached the kitchen.

  Ruthie and Lucinda scurried into the room and sat at their places.

  “We have two gentlemen at the table today. Whatever brought them here?” Lucinda poked Kate in the ribs and smiled at her.

  “Always nice to have extra company.” Carl Sr. poured coffee for himself and anyone else who wanted some. “Canyon’s in the barn, Andrew. I wiped her down this morning. She’s ready to go.”

  “Thanks, Carl,” Drew acknowledged with a nod.

  Breakfast turned out to be fun and lively with everyone contributing something to the conversation, even Ruthie who was usually quite shy.

  As the girls began to clear the table, Drew nodded to them and got up to leave. “We don’t want to overstay our welcome. We’ll be on our way. Jack, I’ll be in the barn.”

  Kate knew that was the signal for them to meet there. “I need to do a few things before I’m ready to leave. I’ll be quick.” She got up and took her plate over to the kitchen counter.

  Anna continued to clear dishes and help Maya at the sink. Maya seemed to be saying she’d take over and pushed Anna toward the door.

  Anna and Kate ran for the barn, closing the door behind them. Drew was prepping Canyon as Kate’s dad paced back and forth.

  “Let’s make this a regular day at the canyon, shall we? Girls, you go to work, and we’ll see you at lunch break. Enjoy the day.”

  “Regular day. Got it.” Anna saluted and then turned to Kate laughing. “This is unbelievable. I get to relive my memories.”

  Kate hoped the day would remain the same during the visit. No new memories, no altering history. She trusted Anna, but someone else might mess things up. He could be lurking behind every bush. Around every corner. It was only a matter of time until he showed up.

  Chapter Seven

  Summertime in Ohio was something no one took for granted. The memory of cold winter days was always a reminder to appreciate the long, hot ones. The Roberts family ate dinner on the deck and had late night swims to take advantage of the weather.

  The days lazily drifted by with nightly visits to the canyon. Kate and Drew were happier now that they were under one roof. They could coordinate their schedules, like leaving for the canyon and choosing classes for their first semester of college.

  “So many introductory classes to take. I don’t know if we should start with English or Speech. What do you think?” Kate poured over the college catalog one evening on the deck. “Drew, did you hear me?” Kate finally looked up from her laptop and saw a blank stare on his face. She gave him a poke.

  Drew jumped as if startled back to reality. “Yeah, whatever you say.”

  “And what did I say?”

  “We’re choosing classes.”

  “Not quite. What were you thinking about?”

  “That everything’s going too well. We’re too happy. Things are too normal. Stuff like that.”

  “So you like drama...things are too calm?”

  Drew sat up. “No, just the opposite. This has been a dream of mine since coming here. A normal life. Seems like something always gets in the way.”

  “I know what you mean. It’s been a whole month of peace and quiet. Anna’s enjoying the canyon and counting the days until she can see Daniel again. He doesn’t come back from that cattle drive until Lucinda’s wedding which is still over a month away. You’re not worried she’ll break down and tell him anything, are you?”

  “Absolutely not. We have one more month of enjoying the summer here...and there. What could be better?”

  “Well, if I’m correct, the sun’s starting to set. We can get a head start on our night. Let’s go up and get ready for bed. Race you!”

  Kate slid open the screen door and headed for her room. It wouldn’t take long to get ready. She and Drew had it down to a science now they were in the same house. They’d arrive at the canyon and conveniently run into each other throughout the day. During the evening Kate would steal away to the cabin with Drew. Although Thomas lived with Drew, he usually worked double shifts and came home after the dinner hour. Kate and Drew headed back to the boardinghouse by then in order to come back to the present. It was a routine Kate never wanted broken.

  Drew walked by Kate’s room, pretending to ignore her.

  “Hey, husband! What’s up?” Kate called out to him.

  “See you soon. Love you.” Drew stuck his head in the door.

  “I love you, too.” She opened her book and looked hard at the first page. She swore she read that page over and over but still had no idea what it said or what the story was about. Anyway, she was getting tired and didn’t care. Sliding under her cool sheet, she soon drifted off to sleep.

  * * * *

  After her shift at El Tovar, Kate decided to take a walk by the canyon as she waited for Drew to finish up at Kolb Studio. She walked along the canyon rim taking in its natural beauty.

  “Katie? Is that you?”

  She heard a familiar voice, and a shudder went through her. It was not a voice she ever wanted to hear at the canyon. Turning toward the sound, she knew who ow
ned it...Tyson.

  “Katie, it is you! What are you wearing? Looks old-fashioned or something,” he chuckled. “I feel so much better now that I see a friendly face. I feel like I’ve been wandering for days.”

  “Then you must be hungry. Let’s get something to eat.” Kate knew she needed to play along with the dream theory. She had to be nice because this was Tyson’s dream. Looking over her shoulder, she hoped Drew spotted them before she took Tyson inside El Tovar. Anna was working the dinner shift so Kate steered them to one of her tables.

  “Funny, but I’m starving.” Tyson seemed to relax as they sat down.

  Anna came scurrying over to the table, making eye contact with Kate as if to say she knew what was going on.

  “Hey, look, you two are dressed alike.” Tyson pointed back and forth between the girls. He nodded. “Nice.”

  After they ordered, Kate knew she had to make it seem like a dream. “I’ll be right back.” She got up and disappeared into the kitchen.

  Anna grabbed her, pulling her into a corner. “Drew’s in back. He said to remain calm and stick to the plan.”

  “Bring out something different than we ordered, like desserts or something. Make it more like a dream.” Kate suggested and returned to the table. “So what are you doing here, Ty?”

  “I don’t really know. I feel like I’m back in time or something. I woke up in some old house or farm and then started walking. Tried to figure out where I was.” Tyson paused as Anna approached the table.

  “Here’s your order — apple pie with a side of gravy.” She placed the items in front of them. “Would you like me to pour?”

  Anna played her part well. Kate believed her act wholeheartedly and answered. “I think we’ll take care of that.”

  Tyson stared down at the strange combination in front of him. “Really?” He glanced over at Kate, and they both started to laugh.

  “Just eat the pie...or if you’d like,” she mimicked Anna, “would you like me to pour?”

  Tyson dug into the pie and finished it quickly. Kate knew he hadn’t eaten all day and was truly hungry. She played with her pie and then finally passed it over to him. “Go ahead, enjoy.”

  They made light conversation as Tyson ate the second piece. Kate began to see her friend again, the one she thought she lost forever. He didn’t try to kiss her or act desperate the whole time they were together. Tears filled her eyes. Not wanting Ty to see, she excused herself. Kate made her way back to the kitchen where Drew was waiting.

  “My turn.” He took Kate by the arms. “Are you okay with this? Hopefully I can chase him back to the boardinghouse. You wait here and come back with Anna after her shift’s done.” He kissed her forehead and went out to the restaurant.

  “Tyson, my man, how are you doing?” Drew approached the table. “I think it’s time for you to be heading out.”

  “Where’s Katie? I was here with her just a minute ago.” Tyson appeared confused as Kate watched from the kitchen door.

  “Now you’ve got me.”

  Tyson rose from his seat and walked to the front of the dining room. “I don’t need this. You’re not going to tell me what to do.”

  “We’ll just see about that...Thomas!”

  The kitchen door swung open, and Thomas Cook appeared with a giant carving knife in hand. He was a pretty big guy. Drew always said he would make a great offensive lineman, giving Drew the protection he needed as quarterback. Thomas tapped the knife on his palm very slowly, doing it over and over until Tyson ran out the door with Drew in hot pursuit.

  “Oh, I feel sorry for him.” Kate peeked over Thomas’ shoulder.

  “If someone’s harassing you, never feel sorry.” Thomas went back to the pot he had been stirring.

  “Thank you, Thomas, especially for not asking any questions.” Kate patted him on the back. “You’re a great friend.”

  “You just take care. That’s thanks enough.”

  Kate counted the minutes until she saw Mr. Johansson pull up in the Buick. “Anna, he’s here!” She ran out to the car and jumped in.

  “Didn’t know you worked the dinner shift.” Carl Sr. turned around in the driver’s seat, staring at Kate. “Long day?”

  “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” She searched for Anna’s hand for support. Anna gave her a squeeze as if to say she knew what was on her mind.

  The car ambled along the road, and Kate swore he was driving slower than usual just to spite her. She wanted to scream out to step on the gas but contained herself.

  “Will you look at that sunset? Never get used to them.” Carl shook his head slowly back and forth as he pointed to the western horizon. The sky was ablaze in gold, and they watched it slowly fade into a pale orange with tones of pink around the edges.

  “Beautiful.” Anna sighed.

  Kate never tired of seeing her friend so happy. It was the best gift they all could have given her...a summer at the canyon.

  Finally the boardinghouse came into view. Kate almost leaped from the Buick before it stopped. She knew Tyson could be on his way home because the sun had almost set.

  “There you are.” Drew came out the front door. “Mrs. Johansson said I could wait for you.” He was especially calm for someone who chased Tyson all the way back to the house. “She’s got coffee and cinnamon bread waiting for us.”

  Kate just stared at him with wide eyes. He helped her out of the car and whispered in her ear. “He fell and hit his head. Was a little dazed. Maya helped me get him upstairs.”

  “Oh, no, did he recognize her?”

  “No, she looks younger, don’t forget. Plus he was a little groggy.”

  Kate let out a puff of breath. “When will this ever end?”

  “Hopefully tonight. We have to get that book back as soon as possible.”

  They filed into the kitchen, and Kate hurried over to Maya. “Are you okay? I hope you didn’t have to carry Tyson up the stairs.”

  “Oh, lordy, no,” Maya chuckled. “Drew just gave him a push and a shove.”

  Ruthie and Lucinda joined the group at the table, and even though it was hard to act normal, Kate tried her best. They talked about the dinner shift and how Drew helped the tourists all day. Kate was dying to run upstairs and check on Tyson. He should definitely be gone by now.

  “Thank you very much, Mrs. Johansson.” Drew got up. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be heading home.”

  “Always enjoy your company, Andrew.”

  “I’ll walk him out.” Kate sprung from her seat.

  “Now don’t be gone too long,” Lucinda teased.

  As they walked down the hall to the front of the house, Kate could stand it no longer. “Drew, get up there, and see if he’s gone. Then we’ll head for home.”

  It only took a few minutes, and Drew was back. “Not there. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He gave Kate a quick kiss and made a return trip up the stairs.

  Chapter Eight

  Kate forced herself awake. Her worlds had tumbled together, and she tried to make sense of it. Tyson was at the canyon when he should be in Ohio. Present day Anna helped trick him and get him back to the boardinghouse.

  Where exactly am I? Looking around at sky blue walls adorned with magnificent butterflies calmed her. She was home in Ohio. As she lay in bed, she reviewed everything that happened at the canyon. She knew Tyson would want to talk about his dream, and she wanted to hear what he had to say. She needed a plan that didn’t appear too obvious she was looking for him. The car needed washing. Hopefully she’d catch him outside. He might visit her on the deck, like he often does, but she couldn’t count on that. Call him? No, might seem like she was thinking about him.

  Kate threw on a bathing suit top and a pair of cut offs and opted for the car wash. She rarely washed any car, but thought she’d say she’s trying to convince her parents to give her the car now that she wasn’t going away to school. Making a bucket of soapy water in the kitchen, she grabbed a sponge and headed for the garage. Tyson needed to be sh
ooting hoops in his drive for the plan to work. As the garage door slowly rose, Kate heard a bouncing ball like she hoped she would.

  Acting nonchalant, she backed the car out of the garage and carried the bucket out to the driveway. Soap suds sloshed out of the bucket and onto the ground, but Kate continued to act like she knew what she was doing. Throwing the sponge on the hood of the car she began to push it around.

  “First you need to hose it down.” She heard a voice from across the street.

  “What?”

  “Hose? The thing water comes out of?” Tyson was now crossing the road. “Give the car a little water before you wash it. You’re not very good at this, are you?” He entered the garage and pulled the hose out to the car. Aiming it straight at Kate, he said, “Now go turn it on.”

  “I thought you were going to squirt me!” she squealed as she ran into the garage.

  “I don’t think I ever saw you wash a car.” Water gushed out of the hose, and Tyson sprayed the car.

  “I’m trying to improve my chances of owning this.” Kate patted the hood.

  “Good idea.”

  The pair made idle conversation as they worked. Kate searched for a way to bring up the dream. She was surprised he didn’t say a thing about it. They were on the drying stage, and time was ticking.

  “Boy, I had a strange dream last night,” Kate finally said.

  “Hey, I did, too. You were in it.”

  “Really, what were we doing?”

  “I think I was at the Grand Canyon. You came and took me to dinner. We were served something really strange...apple pie and gravy.”

  “Yuk! Did we eat it?”

  “I ate the pie, and then you disappeared. Drew came out of the kitchen with some giant guy carrying a knife. Drew ended up chasing me all the way back to an old house.”

  “Wow, isn’t that how dreams always turn out? Start off making sense and then turn into something bizarre.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right, but it felt really real.” He rubbed the side of his head.

  “I know what you mean.” Kate tried to be as agreeable as possible and not have Tyson question the dream. He didn’t mention bumping his head in the dream, and she realized his head still hurt from that. Hopefully, she’d get the book back, and this would be over.