by Imogen Rose
“Hello?”
“I’m calling to speak to Arizona.”
“Dad, it’s me,” David replied.
“David! What are you doing here?” Kevin asked astonished.
“Long story, Dad. We should probably talk before you see Arizona. I’m with her at her house. You’ve landed, I’m guessing. Drive over, I’ll meet you a couple of houses down, she has nosy neighbors.”
“What are you doing at her house? I didn’t even know that you two knew each other,” Kevin said mystified.
“I’ll explain when you get here,” David whispered. “Text when you arrive.”
“Okay, David. See you soon, Son. I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too, Dad.”
David had not seen his father for about three months. Their lifestyles made more frequent visits tricky. However now that he could wander on his own, this would change. It was going to be great to see him, but it made explaining this whole situation to Arizona more difficult.
Just under an hour later, a text came through and David left Arizona sleeping peacefully on the couch with a blanket that he had carefully wrapped around her. He snuck out to meet up with his dad. David looked fondly at his father. He was a slightly older version of himself. They grabbed and hugged each other tightly.
“Son, so good to see you. How are Lena and your mother?”
“They’re good.”
“David, what are you doing here?”
“I have been assigned to Arizona, so I came over to make sure she is okay.”
“And is she?”
“She seems to be all right physically. She played well at hockey this evening. I can’t imagine the turmoil within her, though,” sighed David.
“What’s she doing back here?” Kevin asked.
“She doesn’t know. She suddenly woke up here, I assume from the little we have talked so far. She went missing from Mountain View along with Kellan, Harry and Ella.”
“You’re kidding? Right?” Kevin said incredulously. “I had a very brief conversation with your mom, but she didn’t mention the other kids. Have they come through the portal as well?”
“We don’t know. I heard that Kellan had been found just before I left, but I don’t know any of the details. I can head back and find out.”
“Let’s talk to Arizona first,” Kevin suggested.
David nodded. They walked over together, quietly, and let themselves in through the patio doors.
“I’ll go wake her, the kitchen’s through there. There’s some food in the oven if you’re hungry.”
“Thanks, David,” Kevin said, as he walked over to the kitchen.
~
“Poppet, wake up. My dad’s here,” David whispered gently into Arizona’s ear.
“Where?”
“He’s in the kitchen,” David replied. “He called when you were sleeping, so I answered the phone and told him to head over. He parked a street down, so that the Goldens won’t feel it necessary to come and check in with you.”
“Thanks, David,” I said, and headed through to the kitchen with him.
“Dad, this is Arizona.”
Peas in a pod was the expression that came to mind when I saw David’s dad. They were practically identical; David’s dad was just an older version. I trusted him immediately.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Sanderson, or I’m guessing Dr. Sanderson?” I said, extending my hand to shake his. “David, isn’t your last name Skoog?” I asked, suddenly mystified.
“Yes, I use my mother’s last name.”
“Oh, okay,” I accepted. “So, I don’t know where to start. I have so many questions.”
“As do I,” replied Kevin. “May I ask the first one?”
I nodded. May as well take turns.
“How did you get here?” Kevin asked.
“I have no idea. My friend, Kellan and I were abducted in Mountain View. We were taken to what I think was a storage area in a basement. After a while someone came to get me from there, I don’t know what happened, I blacked out. Then I woke up here.”
“Do you know who abducted you and why?” Kevin asked.
“It’s my turn to ask a question, so hold that one for a moment,” I said firmly. I was going to demand answers. Someone had to know something. “Do you know if Kellan’s here?”
David looked at me and said, “Kellan was found in Mountain View. He’s been taken to the hospital there. I don’t have any other info.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? Can I see him?” I asked hopefully.
“He didn’t come through the portal, he is not here in this dimension, so you can’t see him right now,” David said reluctantly.
“Arizona, do you know who abducted you?” Kevin asked again.
“No, but we did find Justin’s hockey stick where we were being held. Okay, my turn again. David, how come you’re here?”
“Poppet, I knew you were going to ask me that and that’s mainly why I was reluctant to get into it before. I’ve been wondering how to answer that one. I can’t at the moment. You just have to trust in me. I came to make sure you’re all right.”
“That’s no answer! Did you come through the portal? How?” I asked frustrated. “Look, if you guys won’t level with me, I won’t talk to you, either.”
Kevin sat up and looked at me sternly. “Arizona, I came over because you contacted me. So, I’m here now to help you. In order to do so, you have to talk to me. We can’t give you all the answers you seek, but we can try to help you. If that’s what you want. If not, I’ll head back to Ames.”
“No, please stay,” I said swiftly. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m so frustrated.”
“I can imagine,” David murmured.
“Arizona, to help you, what I first need to know is what is it that you want?”
“Well, answers mostly. And I want to see Kellan,” I said.
“Do you want to head back to your Darley life or stay here?”
“See, that’s the thing–I don’t know any more. I was so sure that I wanted to be back here. Nothing has changed here. I just woke up right back into my regular routine. So, why am I so unhappy? I miss Kellan terribly and I’m so worried something bad has happened to him.”
“Would things change if you knew he was okay? Would you stay here then?” David asked.
“I don’t know.” I genuinely didn’t. I sort of missed my whole Darley life. “David, I miss Harry and even Ella.”
“Are you aware that they are missing as well?” Kevin asked carefully.
I felt like someone had punched me. “Missing? Harry and Ella? When? How? They weren’t with Kellan and me. Why would anyone take Ella?”
“I don’t have any details at all, but will try to find out more,” David said.
“David, how would you be able to find out anything more? You mean your dad, right?” I asked, once again wondering what David’s story was.
“Yeah, of course,” he nodded.
“So I was taken with Kellan. I ended up here. Kellan is still in Mountain View. Harry and Ella are missing?”
“As far as we know, Arizona. However, we are here to help you,” Kevin repeated. “I can get a word back to your mother that you are okay and happy to be back in Princeton, if that’s what you want me to do.”
“How would you do that? I thought the portal was closed,” I asked curiously. “Can you open it? Is that how I came through?”
“I have no idea how you came through, I can only assume it was through the portal. Who controlled it, I have no idea. I do need to get back to Ames to look into it. I’ll take the first flight back in the morning.”
“Did you come through the portal, David?” I persisted.
“Poppet, I can’t talk about that,” he sighed.
I could feel frustration rising within me again. “I hate all these secrets!”
Kevin nodded, “Secrets are a fact of life. Everyone has them.”
True, but still annoying. I would get to the bottom of this. “So, even if
I wanted to go back, there is no way at the moment because of the portal?”
“Well, I’ll see what I can do with it after I have examined the data,” Kevin replied.
“So, how will you get a message across to Mom? By a time-traveling messenger pigeon?” I added sarcastically.
“Something like that,” he laughed.
“Very funny. Not,” I retorted.
“It’s fairly clear that we need more information before we can determine what would be the best thing to do. I’m going back to Ames to try to get some. David, will you come with me? Arizona, you’re fine here with your dad, aren’t you? What have you told him?” Kevin asked.
“Well, he’s not actually here,” I replied sourly. “But, yes, I’m totally fine here.”
“You should go and stay with one of your friends or with the Goldens until he gets back,” David said.
“Oh, I’m used to it. I’ll be fine.”
“Arizona, do you have money for essentials? I’m not happy with you staying here on your own, especially after what you’ve been through,” Kevin said concerned.
I was touched. And tired, which made me overly emotional and a tear escaped down my cheek. “Ignore me, I’m just tired.”
“Dad, I’m going to stay here until her dad gets back. I’ll come see you after that.”
“Good. Walk me out?” Kevin asked. “It was really nice to see you, Arizona. Try not to worry. I know that’s hard under the circumstances, but try. I’ll be back tomorrow night with more news, I hope, and we’ll take it from there.”
I nodded. I was very grateful. I didn’t feel as lost as before. I was very worried, though, especially for Ella. And Harry. They were still missing.
“Be back in a little while, Poppet,” David assured me, before he walked outside with his dad. I sat down and cuddled into my blanket.
~
“Dad, it’s going to be so hard not to tell her about the Wanderers,” David said, as his father stepped into the car to head back to the airport.
“I know, but you absolutely can’t. You understand that, don’t you,” Kevin said firmly.
“Yes, I do,” David said reassuringly. “I’ll try to keep her calm and safe. I’ll head back to Mom to try to get some more information before you get back here tomorrow. I’ll meet up with you before you see Arizona again.”
“Sounds good, Son.”
David watched his father’s car drive into the distance before he headed back to watch over Arizona.
I woke up to the impatient toots of a car. The TV was still on and I was still sitting snuggled in David’s arms. We must have fallen asleep watching True Blood. I carefully stretched out my legs trying not to disturb David, who looked so peaceful. The doorbell sounded twice–very impatiently. So much for trying to let David sleep. He was wide awake, sitting up with his brows shaped into a questioning furrow.
“Wassup?” he mumbled. The doorbell sounded again. This time in a long, uninterrupted assault.
“Okay, okay! I’m coming!” I shouted and ran to open it. “Hey, M! A fire somewhere?” I asked an impatient Monica whose finger was still on the doorbell.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said and punched my shoulder. “What took you so long? We have school, come on!” Then something caught her attention behind me and her expression completely changed to one of amusement. “Stevens, what’s this?”
I felt David’s hand on my shoulder. “It’s a boy, M. That’s what it is.
“Really, not a camel then?” she mused cheekily.
“Oh, give it a rest, get inside,” I said, and shut the door before Mrs. Golden popped her head out to see what was going on. “This is David, an old family friend. He’s moved into the area and has just started at our school.” I couldn’t help but wonder where David had moved, which address is he using? “Give us five minutes and we’ll be ready to go,” I said, pointing David to Dad’s bedroom to freshen up. I jumped into the shower. It took me fifteen minutes–so Darley! My old self would have been ready in five. Monica didn’t look the least bit pleased.
“We’re not gonna have time to stop for coffee. I’m gonna be a grump for the rest of the day,” she warned.
“Rest of the day…,” I chuckled.
She rolled her eyes and punched me again.
“Can David ride with us?” I asked.
“Of course. I want details. Get into the car and start blabbing.”
Good luck with getting David to blab, I thought to myself. I climbed into the front with Monica while David sprawled out on the back seat. He looked pretty awesome for someone who hadn’t showered. Down with the hormones, Stevens!
“Start talking or I’m not driving,” Monica threatened.
“What do you want to know?” I asked.
“Everything! After all, I just picked up my BFF from her house where she spent the night–I presume–with the hunk in the back. Right? Who is he?”
“I told you already,” I sighed. He’s a family friend.”
“Family friend!” Monica practically snorted. “I don’t think so. I know all your friends. Hey, you!” she said, looking at David through the rear-view mirror. “Where are you from?”
“Ah,” said David, his face breaking into a smile.
I so hoped he would keep it simple.
“I’m from Mountain View,” he replied.
“Mountain View? In California?” Monica asked.
“Yup, that’s right,” David nodded.
“Isn’t that where Ariele moved? And your Mom’s there, too, isn’t she, A?” Monica inquired.
I nodded. “Yes, that’s right. I sort of know David from there.”
“But you’ve never been there!” she exclaimed incredulously.
I did some extra fast thinking. “Well, that’s where I went over the weekend.”
“Oh, why didn’t you just tell me that in the first place?” she demanded.
“Because I didn’t tell anyone, I just went. Even Dad doesn’t know.”
“Did you suddenly miss your mom and sis?” she asked sarcastically.
“I guess,” I mumbled and she laughed. “I saw Ariele.”
She looked over at me puzzled. “Why on earth didn’t you tell me? You even asked if I had talked to her. Geez, Arizona!”
“I’m sorry. I should have.”
“No kidding,” she said angrily. “Well, so spill now or I’m going to flatten you.”
No harm in telling her a bit about my visit, I could leave out the new brother and new dad bit…and the time travel. “M, I was at Mountain View visiting with Mom and Ella.”
“Did they have something to do with the ridiculous new look?” Monica interrupted.
“I guess. I thought you liked it?”
“I like it,” David offered from the back.
“I’m sure you do,” Monica scoffed. “Did you have anything to do with it?”
“Of course not,” I interjected. “Look, I woke up with blond hair, I’ve no idea how it happened.”
“Priceless!” laughed Monica. “Your mom and Ella gave you a makeover when you were sleeping?”
I pulled a face at her and looked out the window.
“Oh, all right. I’m sorry,” she said. “David, are you a family friend from Mountain View?”
“Yup.”
“What were you doing over at Arizona’s house?”
“My family is moving up here, so I came to check it out and enroll in school. I’m hanging out with Arizona until our house is ready.”
We arrived at school and Monica parked the car. “Guys, this doesn’t quite add up, but I’ll let it slide for now. So you guys are just friends, not hooking up or anything?” she asked pointedly.
“Nope, just pals,” I replied hurriedly and rushed into the office for our late passes with David and Monica at my heel.
“Not so fast,” said Monica, grabbing my elbow. “You will tell me the rest, right?”
I nodded and turned to David as she hurried off to her first class. “Do
you need me to show you to your class?” There was no way he was going to be able to get there without some direction.
“I signed up for all the ones you’re in,” he winked. “So, lead the way.”
I was kind of relieved. Yesterday had been an awful day at school. I felt so alone. Having David in my classes would certainly help.
“Poppet, I’m coming to the first class and then I’m cutting the next few. I have some things I need to do.”
“What?”
“Tell you later,” he said infuriatingly, as he led me through to our first class.
All eyes were on us, there were a few hushed murmurs. I caught Christian’s look right away and nodded at him. I could only imagine what thoughts were running through his mind as I took my seat. David was naturally affectionate and his hands had been on my shoulders as we had walked into class. Christian had seen me throw myself at David yesterday. He’d left David and me alone at the rink and now we were walking into class together. Yes, I could only imagine…not that it really bothered me. Or did it? It somehow did. The way Christian was looking at me, I felt a sense of guilt. Can’t imagine why. I hadn’t done anything wrong. David was my friend. I wished that I could remember our history back in Mountain View, but try as I had, I couldn’t. It was clear that David had known Arizona Darley for a long time. I had no idea how long though or if we were even friends. He treated me with familiarity and I felt comfortable with it.
Last night, after his dad left, David had come back inside, plunked himself down on the couch next to me and turned on the TV. He had put his arms out for me to rest on and I had done just that, feeling no awkwardness whatsoever. Then he switched on True Blood, a favorite show of mine, and we sat and watched it. He knew me. I had fallen asleep sitting on the couch with him and had not stirred until Monica woke us this morning. It had seemed perfectly natural. He didn’t feel like a brother, but not a boyfriend either–I think–although I did find him very attractive.
I glanced over at him. He was unbelievably hot. I noticed the other girls in class stealing looks at him, smiling at him. I didn’t like it.
