Katie gasped. Carl looked at her. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. It’s just when you said that it sounded so familiar. I was determined to go back for the very same reason, love.”
“Love can be a powerful thing. It’s what kept my dad here. I’m getting ahead of myself though. You wanted to hear everything as it happened. You probably can guess where my dad headed first when he came back to the university.”
“The library.”
“Mom was shocked to see him and had to convince him this wasn’t a dream. It was really happening. They decided to put their heads together and figure the entire thing out. My mom agreed the book definitely had something to do with the time travel. She told my dad to bring the book with him the next time he came and she would wait for him in the library as usual. He showed up the next day with two books, one for her. Mom said she would read it and maybe find some sort of clue. Dad said he’d let her do the reading now. She read the book that night and put it on her nightstand after finishing. You can probably guess what happened next.”
“She woke up in the boardinghouse.”
“Exactly right. Imagine their surprise when mom entered the kitchen that morning. Dad was making some coffee and dropped the pot when he saw her. Mom said that was the day she knew she was falling in love with him. He showed her the house and the property. He was building his barn for the horses he wanted to get. Mom could tell he really loved the place. She said his eyes lit up whenever he talked about his true passion, to own the property and make it a horse ranch.”
Carl paused and opened his water bottle. He took a drink and then pointed down the path. “Which trail do you want to take?”
“This one.” Kate didn’t care. She just wanted him to keep telling the story.
“That’s when my parents realized they were torn between two worlds. She didn’t want him to leave his, and he didn’t want her to leave hers. They went on this way for a few weeks, visiting back and forth. Finally Dad decided he wanted Mom to keep all the books with her, feeling that was safer. He brought all the books with him, and stored them in her apartment under lock and key. Since Dad left the books at her apartment, he didn’t know he had no way of getting back. He originally thought if he read from the book to get to the present he’d just automatically go back. That’s how they discovered the magic was not in the reading but the book itself. Dad went back to the dorm to sleep, unaware he would not go back in time.”
“Let me guess,” Katie broke in. “He was still in the dorm when he woke up the next day.”
“Right again. You’re getting good at this. When Dad woke up in the dorm the next day, without ever returning to the boardinghouse, he realized he needed at least one book to get him back to 1927 otherwise he would be staying in Oberlin forever. That’s when they understood the power of the books. They did a lot of experimenting with the books until they understood how they worked.”
This time it was Katie’s turn to stop and look around. She thought she heard something, but didn’t want to distract Carl. She pretended to check her shoe and ran to catch up with him.
“Then one day, Dad popped the question. They decided to marry at the college where they met. That’s also when they decided to change his last name to Johnson. They didn’t want him to have the same last name as he did in 1927. All they really did was Americanize his name. Dad was comfortable with that. He then wanted to introduce his new bride to everyone back at the boardinghouse because it was almost up and running and he had to be there. Little did he know they would encounter the racial prejudice that they did. Mom tried to prepare him but he kept saying everything would be alright. Eventually everyone accepted they were a couple in both decades. When everyone got to know Mom and Dad as a couple, things were good. They went back and forth through time living an interesting life until I came along.”
“Aw, Carl, that can’t be true.” Katie patted him on the shoulder.
“They both tried to convince me it wasn’t true but I still believe it. They were having quite the life doing what they wanted for many years until I showed up. My mom and dad decided I would never travel back in time. They felt that having me grow up in the time period I was born was the right thing to do. I have respected their wish. My mother never went back when I was a small boy. My dad did once in awhile.”
“Why, Carl? Why wouldn’t they let you go? Didn’t you want to see the boardinghouse and the barn? Meet Flicka and Thunder?”
Carl gave a quick laugh. “Even you have met the horses. That’s alright. My parents were only protecting me. After I was born, they had a serious discussion. They wanted me to have the best life possible and decided I would grow up in the eighties and nineties, not the twenties. There would be less prejudice, they hoped. I would have it a little easier in the here and now, although that wasn’t always the case. People can be cruel and judgmental in any time, any place. I guess my parents made the right decision. Dad stayed here with us, again out of love. They raised me together and took me all over the country.
The first time I went to Grand Canyon with them, it was if they were home. It is a special place, a wondrous place. I did get to see the boardinghouse and the horse ranch, only it was the nineties. Someone else owns it now. Then, as you know, Dad got cancer. I was in high school during that time. Mom still had her job at the library. She went to part-time when dad got sick. She just couldn’t give that job up. It was a part of who she was and Dad didn’t want her to. He passed the year before you moved in next door. You know the rest, Katie.”
Katie was overwhelmed. It was a beautiful and romantic story. She loved the whole thing. She loved how Carl and Maya protected Carl Jr. and made sacrifices for him.
Katie and Carl walked along for a time in silence. They entered the wooded section of the path, and seemed to be the only ones walking the trail. They walked in rhythm, their feet hitting the gravel path in unison.
“You’re getting off the beat,” Katie teased.
“No, it’s not me. Listen.” They looked around but saw no one. “When I say ‘run’, you run as fast as you can.”
Katie didn’t like the tone of his voice. Carl was going into protective mode. He took her hand.
“This is ridiculous. It has to be an animal or something.” Katie heart was beating a little too fast. She didn’t really believe her own words. “This path isn’t exactly straight. Maybe someone is just behind us and we don’t see them yet. Let’s stop and see what happens.”
Carl’s eyes narrowed but he nodded in agreement. They stopped and listened. The footsteps they thought they heard stopped too. Then they started up again, faster.
“Run, Katie, run!” Carl pushed her ahead of him.
“Hey, guys. No need to run. It’s just me.” Tyson came around the corner.
Katie felt a little odd. He knew I was here. Did he follow me? Is he stalking me?
“Ty! Long time no see.” Carl shook his hand. “Boy, you have shot up. How tall are you?”
“Six feet three.” Ty said. “Didn’t know you guys were ahead of me. We could have walked together. I should actually be jogging for my workout. I’ve been running on and off here at the park. Had to stop for a rest back there. Do you mind, Carl, if Katie goes home with me?” He turned and faced her. “I got my license just in time for Homecoming.”
She shot Carl a ‘help me’ look.
“You know, Ty, I promised Katie’s dad I would bring her home after our walk. I have to stick to my promise.”
“Oh, sure. I understand. I’ll see you later.” Ty jogged away.
“That was strange,” said Katie.
“It’s like he was stalking you,” Carl repeated what Katie was thinking. “I don’t like it. I leave tomorrow and now I wish I wasn’t.”
“It was probably coincidence.”
They finished their walk and came out on the other side of the parking lot. Katie noticed the Gray’s car in one of the spots. Ty was still there. She decided she was making way too much of what just happe
ned. Ty had been her friend forever. He’d never acted strangely before. She just didn’t like Carl’s reaction to it all. He was acting like she was in danger.
“I want you to text or call me daily. I want updates about what’s happening here in Ohio.”
“Or you’re just being the Carl police. I’ll be fine. Didn’t you ever stalk a girl when you were a teenager?”
“No, I didn’t.”
Katie thought it best to change the subject. “Speaking of girlfriends, do you have one?”
“Yes, back in California, I do. Nothing serious, so don’t tell my mom.”
Katie was happy that Carl was confiding in her. “Scouts honor.” She held up two fingers, then three and then started laughing. “Whatever!”
They hopped in his car and headed home. Katie thought she saw another car close behind in her side mirror but said nothing. She wasn’t going to let anything ruin the day. She, Carl and their families had a secret that was beyond all the high school stuff. It was important to protect it. What kept them all together was more powerful than anything she had ever experienced. It was the gift of love and she would do anything to protect that.
Chapter Twenty-Two
It was hard to believe it was the first week of October. The leaves were beginning to turn their fall colors. When Katie looked at the reds and oranges of the leaves, it reminded her of the colors of the canyon and took comfort in that for some reason. To occupy her time until Thanksgiving, she decided to write Drew some letters even though she couldn’t mail them. Katie planned to tuck them in the book and take them to him in November. It was a great day to write about those changing leaves.
Katie pulled open her desk drawer and retrieved a flat, lavender box. She went to a stationery store to purchase what she needed to write letters to Drew. It was fun trying to pick out what would be acceptable as old-fashion paper. She was tempted to buy an ink well and pen, but found out that fountain pens had been around a long time already. At the very least Katie was learning some history.
“Katie! Ty is here!” Her mother called up the stairs.
“I’ll be right down.”
“I’ve already sent him up!”
Katie was trying to avoid having Ty in her bedroom or being alone with him anywhere. It made things much simpler. She tried to make sure she gave him enough attention so he didn’t feel neglected because she didn’t want him following her again. Throughout the first month of school she thought she caught him behind her in the hallways or saw him at the mall when she was there with Lindsey and Jordyn. Still those were typical places that teens would be or hangout so maybe she was being too suspicious. Katie also kept Carl updated on everything like he asked. Just what she needed, a paranoid brother and a stalker boyfriend.
“Hey, Katie. It’s been a long time since I’ve been alone with you.” Ty sat on the bed.
Katie was glad she was at her desk. She slid the stationery box back in the drawer, closed it and turned in the chair to face him.
Tyson continued. “Homecoming’s Saturday. Football game is Friday night. Jordyn made all the plans for us. We’ll meet at the game, but we’re on our own getting there and coming home. On Saturday we’ll meet here since I just live across the street, then carpool from here to the restaurant and dance.”
“Sounds good. Jordyn is great at these things, remembering all the details. Hard to believe it’s October and time for Homecoming.”
Katie’s phone buzzed. She looked down and saw it was Carl. She quickly looked at the message and all it said was, Update!!!
“Hey, Ty, can we do something quick tonight. I need to get back here and touch base with Carl and then Lindsey.”
“Sure, whatever you want to do.” Ty pulled Katie over to her bed as she stood up. “I could just stay right here with you.” He kissed her cheek and moved down to her neck.
Katie was still having a hard time with that. In one way, she liked it but really wished he was someone else. Katie decided that she would stick to the plan. Go to Homecoming with Ty, gradually let him down and tell him being friends was what she wanted. She hoped Erin was waiting in the wings for him. Katie was pretty sure she was. Erin gave her the evil eye whenever she saw Katie and Ty together at school.
“You seem distracted.” He got up and shut her bedroom door. “I want all of your attention.”
“Ty, the rule is the door stays open.”
“I don’t think your parents would mind at all. They like me. Plus hear that lawnmower? I think your dad is cutting the grass. I heard your mom tell him she was going over to Maya’s for a bit. The timing’s perfect.” Ty smiled at her. He took off his shirt and lay back down on the bed. “Well, what do you think?”
Katie was shocked. “Think? About what?”
“I’ve been really working out. Come on, give me a break!”
“Oh, you look great, Ty. You always do,” Katie couldn’t help but notice.
“And so do you.” He took her hand and pulled her next to him. Katie couldn’t help herself. Ty was so cute, and he did look good with his shirt off. She put her hand on his chest and could feel his heart pounding. She let him kiss her until she felt like she was drowning.
“I love you, Katie. I really do.” Ty’s voice sounded like it was far away. She needed to come up for air.
“Ty, I’m sorry...” How could she say she wanted to be friends after he professed his love for her? She was caught in something that really confused her. For a moment she had felt something too. Or was it just the feelings for Drew surfacing, now that she knew he was real? All she knew was that she wanted Tyson to leave. “I have a lot of homework.”
“Only if you promise to say you love me, too.”
The shock of hearing Ty say he loved her was overwhelming, but now he needed to hear it back. This was too much to handle and she felt pressured.
“Ty, you know I’ve loved you since we were eight. That will never change.” Katie thought she found a good solution to answering his question.
“Not that kind of love. You know what I mean.”
“I don’t think you should be telling me I have to say it to you. That isn’t how it works, is it?” Katie felt cornered.
“You’re right as usual.” Ty got up. “I’ll wait for Friday night. Just teasing.” Tyson grabbed his shirt and pulled it on. He brushed past her as he went to open her door and left.
Katie paced back and forth. What had she gotten herself into? Ty loved her! That was ridiculous. When did that happen? She grabbed her phone and sent a message to Carl.
He says he loves me. She wrote it as ‘love’ not ‘l-u-v’ so he would get the point.
I’m coming home
No you’re not.
Then Katie’s phone rang.
“Okay, maybe I’m not coming home. But I think that boy is getting serious too fast. I also think he’s a little pushy and is good at making you do what he wants. He doesn’t let you give any opinions or even give you a chance to make your thoughts known. He just assumes. I don’t like it.”
“Take a breath, Carl. Give me some credit.” Katie told him of her plan of what would happen after Homecoming.
Before he hung up, Carl got very serious. “Katie, you’re young. This is all new to you. Ty isn’t from the 1920’s. Just be careful.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Friday was a beautiful autumn day. The air was cool and crisp, perfect football weather. When Katie got home from school, she spent time in her room deciding what to wear to the game. She tried on a few outfits and then finally collapsed on her bed. She felt like she was a million miles and light years away from Drew. She wanted to see his face because it was fading from her memory. She concentrated until she pictured him again. Katie closed her eyes and then opened them again quickly. Sitting in her desk chair, gazing at her with a little smile on his face, was Drew.
“Come back to me, Kate. I’ll be there.”
She blinked, and he was gone. Tears filled her eyes. I will be there too, she thought.
Katie had the confidence to get ready. She decided she would have fun, and enjoy the weekend.
Tyson showed up at Katie’s front door with car keys dangling from his hand. “I’m driving...no more mom.” As they drove to the game, the sun was setting and glowing through the autumn leaves on the trees.
“Do you know how you glow in this light?” Tyson grabbed Katie’s hand. “You’re beautiful.” He kissed her hand.
Ty and Katie joined Matt and Jordyn and Brian and Lindsey at the game. There was so much going on, Katie was relieved she didn’t have to talk to anyone. She was still concerned over Tyson’s comments and this wasn’t the place to talk to her girlfriends about them. They watched the festivities and cheered for everything. Homecoming queen and her court were announced before the game and there was a wonderful marching band performance at halftime.
The guys left for a short time and Katie was finally about to talk to Lindsey. “Ty wants me to tell him I love him,” she whispered.
Lindsey looked at her and said, “You are so not doing that. Do you want me to talk to him?”
“No, I can handle it. Let’s just keep busy tonight.”
After the game they went for burgers, and sat in the restaurant for a long time.
“I think Katie should run for Homecoming queen next year.” Ty put his arm around her.
“I think I’ll let the Erins of the world do that.”
Erin was part of the Homecoming court and was in her element. She seemed to love all the eyes on her and the special attention that came with it. Maybe it was a good thing Katie didn’t make the cheer team. She could do without all that.
“Oh, come on, Katie. Can’t you picture you, me and Lindsey in the convertibles waving to the crowd?” Jordyn joked.
The rest of the evening was light and everyone was in a good mood as they left the restaurant. When Ty pulled into the Roberts’ driveway, Katie jumped out of the car.
“See you tomorrow, Ty.” She waved and smiled as she ran into the house. One down, one to go, she thought.
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