Parallel (Travelers Series Book 1)

by Lefeve, Claudia

  Even though I’m well aware that what she said isn’t true—hello, I made-out with Alex in my bedroom this morning for crying out loud—her comment still stings. “Didn’t you go out with Alex before he dumped you for me? Oh wait, you never really went out with him. You just follow him around.” Maybe the other me stood by and let Jenny walk all over her, but Perky Barbie is talking to this Etta now. This girl isn’t afraid to fight back.

  “Ladies,” Alex addresses the table as he slides over next to me on the bench and smirks in Jenny’s direction. He’d clearly overhead the entire conversation.

  As Jenny’s gaze remains fixated on Alex, I focus on her lunch tray—an apple and diet coke—typical Barbie food—and before I know what’s happening, the tray slips out of her grasp and goes sailing past two tables.

  Jenny stands there looking completely stunned. “What the hell—”

  “Jeez, Jenny, did you trip?” I try to divert the attention back at me and away from her flying lunch tray.

  With no witty comeback, Jenny huffs and turns on her heels to go. “Whatever. Let’s go girls.” The girls quickly fall in line behind Jenny like a formation of birds.

  Alex is still laughing at the sight of Jenny storming out of the cafeteria, when I ask, “Please tell me again you were never interested in her. I was talking smack, but please tell me I spoke the truth.”

  Jaime cuts in before Alex can answer. “Did you really trip her? You just launched her lunch! No one’s ever stood up to her before. Poor girl doesn’t know who she’s up against.”

  Thankfully, no one was paying attention to how Jenny’s tray managed to fly across the room. It’s only then I realize that it was my powers that sent her lunch into projectile motion. That’s a first. Before, I’d only ever managed to affected people’s motions. I have to remember to keep my emotions in check.

  Alex sits there with a silly grin plastered on his face. “No. I told you I was never into her. Not my type.”

  Funny, she was certainly his type back at Alexandria High.

  Jaime gets serious for a moment. “I heard about the incident with Cooper this morning…are you sure you’re not involved? Do you think you could introduce us?”

  News travels fast, I think as I glare at Alex. He’s purposely avoiding my stare, knowing full well he was the one told Jaime about Cooper. I’m sure he figures Jaime will talk some sense into me. Or worse, take Cooper out of the equation—like date him herself. And leave it to Jaime to bring him up right in front of Alex. She knows I’ll be forced to deny any sort of involvement. “I guess I could. But I’m not sure if he’s already seeing someone. Probably some hot college girl.” There’s no way I’m going to let her get near Cooper.

  “Thanks. So hey, when does your dad get back into town? Do you think he’ll let you go up to Wintergreen next weekend?”

  I’ve never been to Wintergreen, but I know where it is. The ski resort is just a couple hours south of here, near Charlottesville. I don’t know the first thing about skiing, but I think the ski season is already over. “I’m not sure. But I guess I can ask Aunt Maggie. Isn’t the season over though?”

  “Yeah, but my folks still have a cabin. It still gets pretty chill out at night, so we can hang out in the hot tub.”

  “I’m up for Wintergreen. Maybe I can ask my mom about your dad’s schedule so you can call and ask. She may not know, but she could probably find out,” Alex offers.

  “Your mom? Why would she know anything?” Am I missing something here?

  Alex looks confused for a second. “My mom’s a senator remember? She might be able to find out if your dad was sent on temporary duty assignment or something. Maybe there’s some satellite that got busted and they called your dad to assess the situation. He’s a scientist right?”

  Right, a scientist. But I’m momentarily struck by his earlier admission. His mother is a senator? “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. It’d be great if you could ask her. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”

  “No problem. I’ll ask her tonight.” He seems pleased to be able to do something for me.

  “Thanks Alex.” Looks like I can turn to him for help after all.

  “Great. It’ll be fun to get out of town for awhile. This place is getting stale,” Jaime says, happy we’re considering a weekend getaway.

  Where in the hell did I end up? My father is some sort of hired gun for the government, probably doing some top secret stuff for the feds and Alex’s mom is a United States Senator. Oh, let’s not forget a weekend excursion to a ski resort just to use the hot tub.

  After lunch, the three of us split up and go our separate ways. I head over to physics class. Even though it was part of my curriculum at Alexandria High, the class here at Dominion Hall is far more advanced. So far I’ve been lucky that Miss Stone hasn’t called on me. But I can already tell she doesn’t like me. I don’t know why, but every time she turns her attention to me, she scowls—which is really a shame because she’s actually pretty drop dead gorgeous for a science teacher. I’m sure she’d have all the single male faculty members—the married ones too—drooling over her slim physique and flawless blonde highlighted hair, if only her face didn’t always have that pained expression.

  It’s still a couple minutes before class starts, so I pick a chair and open up my notebook. God, I hope I don’t end up failing this class. I wonder if I told Miss Stone that I defied quantum physics and traveled here from another dimension I could get extra credit. I go over how the conversation would play out in my head when I realize someone is talking to me.

  “That’s a nice backpack you got there Etta. Where’d you score that?” I hear a snicker next to me.

  Her timing is remarkable, I’ll give her that. I have the unfortunate pleasure of being seated next to Jenny—again. Seats aren’t assigned in any of our classes, but for some reason, Jenny always takes it upon herself to seat herself right next to me whenever we share a class. Unfortunately, we’re in almost every class together with the exception of Spanish. It’s like she waits until the last possible second to take her seat in order to ensure we sit next to each other.

  Everyone overhears her snide remark and I quickly shift my legs to shield my book bag. It never occurred to me that my choice in backpacks would be an issue here. I glance over at the floor next to Jenny’s feet. Lying beside her is a fancy looking leather tote. I didn’t know anything about designer bags, but from the looks of it, I can tell it’s expensive. My eyes roam along the other desks and spot similar looking handbags and satchels. The school may force us to shield our personalities by having us wear uniforms, but the students at Dominion Hall Academy are still able to express their wealth and personal style with carefully selected accessories.

  “I’m not much for flaunting. It’s tacky.” My face turns red, revealing my embarrassment at having been called out in front of everyone, but my tone remains level. I’m determined not to let her get the best of me.

  “Whatever.” Jenny dismisses me and opens up her physics book.

  This seems to be Jenny’s go-to catch phrase, but it sums up the situation quite nicely. I glance back up and notice Miss Stone starting back at me. Once again, her sour expression makes me squirm in my seat.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Alternate Dimension Travel Agents?

  The rest of the afternoon turned out to be pretty boring, or as Jaime so delicately stated earlier, stale. I think I met my drama quota for the day and appreciated the slow paced afternoon. Tonight, I’m looking forward to nothing more than spending a quiet evening at home with Aunt Maggie.

  At dinner, Aunt Maggie whips up the most fabulous lasagna from scratch—the pasta is so delicate, you can really savor the oozing mozzarella and Italian spices. It’s the best meal I’ve ever eaten and I’m pleasantly surprised to discover, over idle dinner chat, that I can be myself around my aunt. Not once am I pressured to answer a question I don’t have an answer to, nor apologize for my strange behavior. I don’t have to lie about what is really goi
ng on and I can finally relax. For once, I’m free to enjoy my time here in my new home.

  After dinner (this time I’m allowed to help out with the dishes) I do a quick check to make sure my aunt is turned in for the evening and head downstairs. My plan is to do a little sneaking around in my father’s study. The door to her room is closed, so I take that as a sign that she’s already asleep. It’s time I play detective and do a bit of investigating on my own. I tiptoe down the stairs and enter my father’s study. I’m not sure exactly what I’m looking for, but I guess I’ll know it when I see it.

  I run my hand along the wall, looking for the light switch and flip it. I know the light won’t carry upstairs and alert Aunt Maggie.

  “I wondered when you’d finally find yourself in here,” my aunt says, scaring the crap out of me in the process.

  I jump about ten feet. “Aunt Maggie! What are you doing here?” My aunt is sitting behind the desk, in my father’s chair. For a second I wonder if I’m in deep trouble, but instead, she reassures me with smile.

  It’s the way she’s looking at me that tips me off. “You know.”

  My aunt nods. “Well, yes and no. I’ve only just begun to figure things out. It wasn’t until I came down here that I realized what’s been going on.”

  I take a seat in one of the wingback chairs that face the desk. “So, how did you find out?”

  “You’re not the only one capable of sneaking around.” From the way she says it, it looks like I’m off the hook for snooping. “Yesterday, when you mentioned not talking to your father, I got a bit curious. I then wondered why I hadn’t heard from him. It’s not like him not to call while he’s away. So tonight, when I still hadn’t heard anything, I finally decided to check his study to see if he left any indication as to where he’d taken off to.”

  Excited, I lean closer towards the desk. “Did you find anything?” She must have or we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Whatever she discovered, I hope it’s something that will shed some light on my dad’s whereabouts and my reason for being brought back here.

  She appears to be lost in thought for a moment and then after a second, waves a piece of paper in the air. “Only this letter. It’s not much by way of an explanation. And just so you know, I don’t approve of any of it, but in the end, I expect his intentions were good.”

  “What about you Aunt Maggie? Why are you here?” I hope this doesn’t come across as being ungrateful. Just the opposite. I’m lucky to have my aunt here and I want her to know that.

  She rises from my father’s chair and motions me to follow her out of the study. “Come, let’s go into the kitchen and I’ll explain what the letter says.”

  Aunt Maggie puts on a pot of coffee and joins me at the old farm wood table. “I came here right before you mother died. My husband, your Uncle Robert, had just passed, and well, my younger brother didn’t think it was right, my living all alone. Now mind you, from what I understand reading your father’s letter, these are the memories I have now. I don’t have any recollection of you not being here,” she starts. “But what I know now is that your father sent you away—to a whole other universe no less!” She pauses long enough to take a sip of her coffee. “This is what I found in your father’s study.” She pulls the letter out of her pocket and hands it over to me.

  Dearest Margaret,

  If you’re reading this, then I’m afraid something has happened to me. In the event of such circumstances, I have made provisions for you and Etta. As you know, darling sister, I have been something of an enigma, even as kids growing up. My fascination in the sciences was something our parents never quite understood. I’m not even sure you did. But you were the best older sister a brother could ever have. You supported me and my experiments and I am forever grateful for this and your own contributions to my cause.

  Everything you know in this world is a lie.

  I’m afraid I’ve gone and done something I’ve come to regret. I cannot go into more detail, as my personal effects could be compromised at any time. But please find it in your heart to forgive me. I only sent Etta away for her safety. If something has in fact happened to me, I can’t leave this world without you knowing that all your thoughts and memories of the past twelve years are the result of me and my foolish research. If she is with you now, then she has returned.

  Whatever you do, do not contact the police or the federal authorities. To do so will ensure my research will fall under the wrong hands.

  If you ever reunite with Etta, please tell my daughter I’m sorry and that I love her very much.

  Yours,

  Victor

  I flip the letter over, hoping there’s more to the letter. There isn’t. Is this a joke? This note doesn’t say anything at all! My father doesn’t offer any explanation or information other than what I already know. And everything he says in the letter has all been confirmed by Cooper. I hand the letter back to my aunt.

  “From what I remember, I moved here when you were around five. Not only did your father feel responsible for taking me in after Robert passed away, but he insisted I remain here after your mother’s passing.” My Aunt Maggie says this so quietly, I almost don’t hear her. “She had gone to visit friends in Florida and well, you know how that turned out.”

  I sit without saying a word and I am content to merely listen to my aunt, not wanting to interrupt. I’m afraid that if I do, she’ll lose her train of thought.

  “That’s when dad sent me away.” It was only my mother that boarded that flight.

  My aunt nods sadly. “You sitting here, right in front of me is proof that you’ve come back. The moment you arrived, all memories of your absence vanished. It’s as if you never left.”

  She pauses to see if I have anything to say and I shake my head. “Aside from your father, I’m the only family you have. I only agreed to live here so I could help raise you.” She gives a weak smile.

  At this point I do cut her off. “Wait, hold up. If you are the only other family member I have, where were you when I was an orphan in the world I grew up in? I didn’t have to be shipped off to foster home after foster home. I could have stayed with you.”

  From across the table, my aunt grabs a hold of my hands and squeezes them tightly. “Oh, Etta, I don’t know where you father sent you. It could have been one of the many realities where I don’t exist. But I assure you, if I’d been around in that world, I would have raised you as my own daughter.” Her wrinkled eyes fill with tears. “Make no mistake, I would do anything to be with you.”

  “You mean you—”

  “Know about your father’s work? Yes.” Her tears dry up and her expression brightens. “I make my living designing graphics for a boutique design firm in D.C., but I also coordinate travels. Monitoring windows, time, and travel conditions. After reading your father’s letter, I went back to look at my records. Right around the twelve year mark, the period your father claims that my memories were altered, I scheduled an opening for him. Only he never told me what the jump was for.”

  I absorb everything she just said. It’s hard to picture my aunt as a computer geek. She seems so at home in the kitchen, like a thinner version of Paula Deen. But an alternate dimension travel agent? “So you know about traveling to other dimensions?”

  “Of course. Your father and I are very close. He told me all about his experiments and travels to the beyond,” she explains. “Obviously he didn’t tell me everything—I didn’t know about you. The second he took you out of this world, was the moment you were lost to me. And here I thought he’s just gone on one of his experimental trips.”

  “Do you schedule trips for other people?” This conversation is getting interesting. It never occurred to me to question Cooper about the possibility of other people traveling to different dimensions.

  “Yes, but not many. Travelers are a unique group. Usually they have their own methods or employ trusted individuals for scheduling jumps. You father used me because of my experience and knowledge of computers.”r />
  “I’m glad you’re around in this world,” I suddenly say.

  “The feeling is mutual dear.” She reaches for my hand across the table.

  “That’s not all my father did to me is it?” Aunt Maggie hasn’t said anything about my powers. I wonder if she even knows. Maybe I’m wrong, but I if my dad could travel to other dimensions, he must also have something to do with my powers.

  She knows what I’m referring to. I can see it in her face.

  “Your father is considered somewhat of a revolutionary. He modernized the scientific field, combining elements of chemistry with physics. Not that many people knew what he was doing, but he developed a serum that can trigger dormant psionic abilities.

  He didn’t go into detail about his experiments, mind you, but he often talked about the possibility of our minds reaching its full potential in order to achieve extraordinary powers. As you know, we only use a small percentage of our brains. That’s where his research came in. The serum he created was a kind of kick-start, allowing the brain to function to its full capacity.”

  I let out a whistle. Something like that can be pretty beneficial to the government couldn’t it? I now see where he’d be an asset to the Department of Defense. Another thought occurs to me. “I was a guinea pig wasn’t I? He used me to test his serum.”

  “I believe now that he did. When you were little, he claimed he was developing a new type of vaccine booster. Now I realize he was using you as a test subject. His funding didn’t allow for human test subjects, so yes, I believe now that he was testing it out on you.”

  “Are you sure?” I’m not just some girl who randomly has these psychokinetic powers. My father did this to me.

  “Like I said before, I wasn’t privy to a lot of the experiments your father was involved in. When you were little, I recall him involved in some kind of drug trial—”Aunt Maggie’s hand covers her mouth in shock horror. “—and the participants were children.”