Waiting for Dusk

by Nancy Pennick

  Katie opened to the first page of Jack Wood’s journal and started reading. It gave more of an insight to Jack, recounting his days at the canyon and the discoveries he had made. He wrote how the first thing people have to do is set aside their pride and respect nature. No one can control it. Humans can only be a part of it.

  His goal had been to go white water rafting on the Colorado River, his biggest challenge. He had practiced by going on short trips with some of the men at a base camp that had been stationed at the bottom of the canyon right by the river. Jack had stayed there for days and had gone out with the men whenever he could. He wrote about how many times he had fallen in the river and had been pulled, exhausted, to the bank.

  Jack had learned a lot about himself in those days at the canyon. He had loved to go off by himself to a quiet spot and just listen to the silence. It had been a different kind of silence than sitting quietly in a house. He likened it to the dawn of time when there was no one on Earth, no animals, no people. He had spent hours by himself quietly walking, writing and taking pictures.

  There had been something that had stopped Jack from totally giving himself to the canyon. Katie read that entry over and over to herself:

  The canyon is part of my soul. I never seem to get enough of it. Yet, there is something holding me back from completely giving myself to this wondrous place. There is something that has a stronger pull on me, something that owns my heart and my soul. I always have to go back to her and leave you behind, my dear canyon. The love I have for my dearest Joanna exceeds whatever I feel for you. So I will always visit you, my friend, but I shall not stay forever. You see, it is love that has the stronger pull and will always win out. I would be nothing without her; I would not be the man I am today. I could not tackle your highest peaks or white foaming waters without her in my heart. She is my heart and I will always go back to her.

  Katie wiped her eyes. That was her mother’s name. It certainly made sense if Jack Woods was Jackson Roberts. It was a beautiful passage. Katie marked the page with her bookmark. It gave her insight to her father. Everything he did was out of love. He stayed in the present because he loved his wife and daughter. Nothing was more important than that. What didn’t make sense was that her dad was so angry about her going to the canyon and back to 1927. If he loved it so much, he should be happy she was having the same great experiences. Katie decided the time had come to confront her father.

  Just then her phone buzzed. It was a text message from Tyson.

  Call me. That’s all it said.

  She hadn’t heard from him in awhile. Tyson and Erin were the new ‘it’ couple at school. Girls were jealous of Erin and the gossip was she had everything a girl could want. She was the captain of the basketball cheerleaders and had the star of the team for a boyfriend. It was interesting that everyone called Tyson a star because the season hadn’t started yet. There were rumors he was really great in practice and the team could make it all the way to the state finals.

  Katie thought she better see what he wanted. “What’s up, Ty?” Katie tried to sound light and cheerful.

  “Just wanted to let you know the first game is Saturday. Wanted to make sure you’d be there.”

  Everyone knew that the first big game was always the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It was more like a preseason game. It didn’t count, but it was a big event for the two small towns that played against each other. It was a tradition that started long ago, and something everyone looked forward to. After the game, there was a dance in the gym.

  “Of course, I’ll be there, wouldn’t miss it.” Katie wanted to see Tyson play. She knew he would be very good.

  “I was just calling to remind you, that’s all. Wish you were cheering on the sideline with the other girls.”

  Katie was glad she didn’t have to cheer at the games. “You have Erin cheering for you. I’m sure she’s your biggest fan.”

  “I hope you are, too.”

  “You know I am. I always want the best for you.”

  “Do you?”

  “Of course, Lindsey and I will be in the stands to cheer you on.”

  “I haven’t seen you in awhile so do you want to go to the dance with me?”

  Katie couldn’t believe what he just said. “Aren’t you going with Erin?”

  “I think she wants to go home. We don’t have to go to the dance. I’ll be hungry after the game. Promise me you meet me and go out for a quick bite.”

  “If you’re sure Erin’s going home.”

  “Positive. Are you going to leave me starving and lonely after the game? Some friend.”

  “Fine, I’ll meet you by the locker room.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  “Big day today for our little town!” Katie’s dad was wearing a sweatshirt with her high school logo on it.

  “I’ll be glad when it’s over.” Katie was not as excited as her father was.

  “Thought you were looking forward to the game. You couldn’t get there fast enough last year.”

  She didn’t want to give the real reason why she wanted it over. “That was last year.” She rolled her eyes so he’d think she was having the typical teenage reaction to something that was so last year.

  What she really cared about was that Lindsey was coming over in the afternoon. They would get the book, then have dinner with Katie’s parents and head to the game.

  She waited all morning for her parents to be distracted or go out. No such luck. They read the paper and drank coffee. Katie thought she would get them moving. “What are we having for dinner tonight?”

  “I haven’t thought about it yet,” her mother said. “What do you want?”

  Katie wished she looked in the freezer to see what was in there. She would have picked something that was not available. “Well, Lindsey does love salmon. She loves the way you cook it on the grill, Dad.”

  “I’ll need to go get some fresh fish, then.” Her father grinned. “Always appreciate it when someone enjoys my cooking. Joanna, let’s get some breakfast going and then go to the market.”

  Homerun, Katie thought. She would be the sweet, helpful daughter until they left. They didn’t seem to suspect a thing.

  As soon as they left, Katie sent a text to Lindsey to come over. She ran to the key cupboard in the kitchen. Maya’s key was on an apple keychain hanging in its designated spot. She sat at the kitchen table and waited.

  Lindsey tapped on the back sliding glass door. She wore a black hoodie and sunglasses.

  “Too funny.” Katie wished she dressed in black, too. “I’ll be right back.”

  She ran upstairs and grabbed the Jack Woods book to replace the one she’d be taking from the set. It was going to be hard to part with one of his books but it had to be done. She ran back down. “Let’s go!”

  The two girls ran across the path to Maya’s house. Then Katie suddenly stopped. “We have a problem. This is the key to her front door.” They looked at each other. That would make things a little harder. Tyson lived across the street plus there were joggers and people walking dogs all the time. And someone could drive by and notice.

  “We can do this.” Lindsey ran up the side of the house. “Come on!” As they approached the front, she said, “You go in and I’ll stay out here and watch for anything suspicious.”

  Katie ran quickly to the front door, unlocked it and went inside.

  “Hello?” she said meekly. She tiptoed to the family room. Although she felt extremely guilty she continued on. As Katie bent down to open the bookcase, she remembered it was locked and that Maya had the key on a chain around her neck.

  Why didn’t I think of that? Katie went into the kitchen and grabbed a butter knife. What else would work?

  She felt like she had been in the house too long already. Nervously, she rummaged around for a few more things she thought would work—a letter opener, a paper clip. She took everything to the bookcase. The butter knife was too big. The paper clip was too small. The letter opener was just right. She felt
like Goldilocks only she hoped the three bears would not return home and surprise her.

  The books all looked alike. They were all a dull black color so the book she brought would blend in nicely. Katie made the exchange and locked the case. Returning to the kitchen, she made sure everything was back in order.

  Then she ran to the front window and looked out. Across the street, she saw Lindsey playing basketball with Tyson.

  Now she had to somehow get out of the house, without him seeing her. Katie saw Lindsey flashing looks over at the house. Lindsey needed to know she was ready to leave. Katie left her phone at home. She decided to wait for the next time Lindsey looked over, and would quickly open and close the front door.

  After a few more minutes, Lindsey stopped playing and rested her hands on her knees as if to get her breath. Katie opened the door and then shut it. She watched through the window again and saw Lindsey had Tyson by the shoulders and was talking to him. He faced his house, and she faced the street. Katie made a break for it. She locked the front door all the while looking over her shoulder. She ran over to the side of Maya’s house and across the back yard. Then she entered her own house and rushed to the front door.

  She called to Lindsey, “Sorry I didn’t hear you!”

  Lindsey waved to Tyson, then crossed the street. Tyson waved to Katie and went back in his house.

  “That was a close one! He came out as soon as you went in the house!” Lindsey was out of breath. “I knew he saw my car in your driveway. I was afraid he might come over to your house. I ran around to the back of the houses and came out the side by your driveway. I went across the street and told him you must be doing something because you didn’t hear me knocking. Ty suggested calling and I said I did that. So I just challenged him to a game while I kept an eye out for you. I swear he must keep tabs on you 24/7!”

  “Thanks so much.” Katie hugged her. “I got the book. It’s mine forever! I need to find a good hiding place for it now.”

  They ran up to Katie’s room. Lindsey looked around and then spotted the quilted book bag that her Grandma J gave Katie. “Why not hide it in plain sight?” She pointed to the bag.

  “Good idea!” Katie placed the book underneath the other two.

  By the time Katie’s parents arrived home, it was dinnertime. Everyone enjoyed the meal and the talk was about the game. Katie was in a good mood, especially since she was in possession of the book. She forgot all about promising Ty to go out after the game.

  Katie and Lindsey left before Katie’s parents. They wanted to see Jordyn. It would be her first game, and she was a little nervous. When they got there, Jordyn was with Matt. “Do you mind if Matt sits with you guys?” she asked them.

  “Of course not! We’ll be your cheer section!”

  Jordyn was called away for practice. Erin gave Katie an evil stare.

  “What did I do now?” Katie asked Lindsey.

  “I think she knows Ty asked you out.”

  “Ooo, forgot about that. I don’t really want to go. Plus it’s just going out and getting something to eat after the game. We’re friends.”

  “Did you forget about the dance, too? I think Erin planned on going with Ty,”

  “The liar told me she was going home. I’ll handle it. I’ll tell Ty to go to the dance.”

  Matt, Lindsey and Katie got a seat a few rows up behind the bench. The cheerleaders sat under the basket and would come out onto the floor during timeouts. The team was already practicing on the court. Brian and Ty were both in the starting line-up.

  “Oh, Lindsey, there’s Brian.” Katie poked her playfully.

  “We’re just friends,” Lindsey said sincerely. “And he knows it.”

  “Okay, I wished that worked for me,” Katie put her head on Lindsey’s shoulder.

  The game was exciting. Lots of people were there. Jordyn was doing well as a new cheerleader. Her moms sat with Katie’s and Lindsey’s parents. Katie watched everything as if it were a movie. The basketball players jumped and drove to the basket in slow motion, the cheerleaders yelled out but she didn’t hear the cheers. She found herself clapping with the rest of the crowd and not really knowing why. Katie wanted the night to be over. She wanted it to be the start of Thanksgiving vacation. She planned to go to the canyon on Tuesday night, knowing it would be Wednesday there. Then she’d return for Wednesday in the present, then go back for Thanksgiving. Feeling like a ping-pong ball, she wished she didn’t have to go back and forth. She wanted to spend her vacation there, returning on Sunday. It just couldn’t be done though. She had to live two lives during the break.

  “Wow, if looks could kill...” Lindsey whispered in Katie’s ear.

  Katie was still daydreaming. “Huh? What?”

  “Erin! She’s been shooting you looks all night!” Lindsey pointed at her.

  Katie grabbed her finger. “Don’t point! That’s all I need! What else could she do to me anyway?”

  “Why? Has she done something to you already?”

  Katie told Lindsey her thoughts on not making the cheer squad.

  Lindsey nodded her head in agreement. “Oh, definitely, I think you are right.”

  The game was close to the end. Their team was winning. The gym was loud and rocking. Katie and Lindsey stood up for the end of the game yelling and screaming for their friends.

  At the end of the game, Tyson looked up at Katie, nodded, then pointed to where they would meet. Lindsey waited with Katie since she promised Brian she would go to the dance with him. They watched all the people being ushered from the gym. It had to be cleared and quickly cleaned for the dance.

  Brian came out first and he and Lindsey headed off together. Finally Tyson came out of the locker room.

  “Hey, didn’t know if you’d be here or not.” Ty looked good. Katie hoped to get her old friend back.

  “Why wouldn’t I be? I always keep my promises.”

  “Let’s go. Where do you want to eat?”

  “Wait a minute, Ty. How about if you just drive me home then come back to go to the dance with Erin. I don’t think she’s too happy with me. I don’t think she planned to go home.”

  “Everything’s cool with Erin. She knows I just want to talk with you. And I do need to eat. I’ll come back and hook up with her later.”

  Katie decided to go out for a short time with him. “If you’re sure, I don’t want to cause any problems.”

  They walked to Tyson’s brand new SUV his parents bought him after he made the varsity team. Katie thought it was a little much but maybe they were hoping he would be good enough to get a college scholarship and it was incentive to keep playing.

  When they got in the car, Tyson put his arm around Katie, pulled her toward him and kissed her. Katie couldn’t believe it. “What are you doing?”

  “Just one kiss? For winning the game?” Ty gave her puppy dog eyes.

  Katie couldn’t believe she did it, but she leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Instead he turned and kissed her on the mouth.

  Katie pushed away from him. “If you’re going to keep doing this, take me home.”

  “Why? Because you have a boyfriend? I haven’t seen you with anyone. Does he go to this school?” Tyson was getting worked up.

  “No, he doesn’t go to this school!” Katie had enough. She slammed the car door shut.

  Tyson turned the key in the ignition. “So you do have a boyfriend? You’re finally admitting it?”

  Katie reached for her seat belt and then realized it was caught in the door. “Ty...”

  “What, Katie, what? Are you going to tell me some more lies?” Tyson screamed as he put the car in reverse.

  Just as he stepped on the gas, Katie opened the door to free her seat belt. The car flew backward. When Tyson saw the door open, he slammed on the brakes. Katie rolled out of the car and fell onto the parking lot pavement slamming the side of her head on the black asphalt.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  When Katie woke up, her mother was sitting
next to the bed. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

  Her mom took her hand. “Hi, how are you?” She looked tired, like she hadn’t slept all night.

  “Mom...” Katie tried to sit up but her head pounded. She put her hand to her head. “My head really hurts.”

  “Don’t try to sit up, Katie. Lie still.”

  She heard her father’s voice and turned her head. He was sitting on the other side of the bed.

  “What happened to me?” Katie asked, although it was coming back to her.

  “You were in an accident. You hit your head on the pavement and now you’re in the hospital. You have a concussion.” Her dad looked worried.

  “Oh, that’s why my head hurts.” Everything flashed before her—Tyson, the fight, the seatbelt. “What day is it?”

  “It’s Sunday, honey. You’ve been in and out of consciousness since last night. We have been here all night. So has Tyson. He was so worried about you and blamed himself for everything. He told us how your seatbelt was stuck in the door and you didn’t tell him in time. Katie, why did you open that door without telling him?”

  “Joanna, I thought we agreed not to talk about that. All we want is for Katie to get better.” Katie’s dad held her other hand.

  Katie worried about getting back to the canyon. She didn’t care if her head hurt or not. “When do I get to go home?”

  “We’ll talk about that later,” her dad answered. “They want to keep you for observation. I said you could stay till Thanksgiving to make sure.”

  Katie was upset. “Oh, no. That’s way too long. I’m not staying in the hospital until Thanksgiving.”

  “Now who is making Katie get worked up?” her mom eyed her father.

  “You’re right. No need to think about that. All we care about is you getting better and coming home whenever you can.”

  Just then, Tyson appeared in the doorway with a large bouquet of flowers in his hand. Katie moaned. She really didn’t want to see him.

  “Are you okay? Should I get a doctor?” Her mother frantically looked for the call button.