[Transcend Time 04.0] Transcendence

by Michelle Madow

  Fruit or Veggies?

  Veggies.

  Dance or Concert?

  Assuming the concert is for a band I like, then concert, no contest. Just don’t drag me to a Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, or whatever concert that middle school girls like going to.

  Play or Watch Sports?

  Watch.

  NYC or LA?

  NYC is easily the best city in America.

  Cake or Pie?

  I rarely eat either, but I guess pie.

  Past or Present?

  Present. Because then there’s more control over the future.

  Lizzie or Chelsea?

  Do you really need to ask?

  Character Interview with Drew

  This character interview was held by Becky from Becky’s Barmy Book Blog. Drew’s answers are by Michelle Madow.

  http://beckysbarmybookblog.blogspot.com

  Becky: How old were you when you first learned that you had been reincarnated and what was your first thought?

  Drew: I was 14 when I went on the trip to England and met my Memory Guide, Misty, for the first time. That ignited my memories from the past, but I didn’t realize the memories were real until I saw Lizzie when I walked into the European History classroom at Beech Tree. I don’t remember what my exact first thought was, but the whole time I was sitting in class, I was shocked that she existed.

  Becky: When you realized Lizzie might be reincarnated too, did you immediately want to find her or did you try to put it out of your mind?

  Drew: I didn’t realize Lizzie was real until seeing her for the first time. I thought she was some made up fantasy, and before I met her I was constantly searching for a girl as good as the one in my dreams.

  Becky: When did you first realize that Lizzie was the one for you?

  Drew: I knew the moment I first saw her. But when I realized she was real, I also realized that the flashes I had of us together in the past were real, too. I knew how that ended, and I couldn’t allow the same thing to happen again.

  Becky: If you loved Lizzie so much, why did you start to date Chelsea?

  Drew: It was a stupid decision—I should have thought it through further. In the moment, I knew I wanted to be near Lizzie, but that I could never allow us to truly be together, because I didn’t want her to suffer the same end she did in the past. She was persistent, though. I know how girls think—that it goes against their “code” or whatever to go after your best friend’s boyfriend, so I figured the best way to be around Lizzie without her thinking there was a chance anything could happen between us was to date her best friend.

  Becky: If you felt being together or being close to Lizzie was dangerous why did you choose Chelsea to date, surely you knew that would cause trouble? Or did you genuinely like Chelsea for a bit?

  Drew: I knew that being in a relationship with Lizzie was dangerous, and I thought being in a relationship with Chelsea would prevent anything from happening with me and Lizzie. In the end, it was too hard to fight the connection I felt with her. Looking back, I probably should have stayed away from her altogether, but that’s harder than it sounds. I’m just glad things worked out like they did.

  Becky: How many houses do you actually own (or your family own)?

  Drew: Four. There’s the house in Pembrooke, New Hampshire, the one in Aspen, the one in Palm Beach, and the condo in Manhattan. My dad’s currently living in the condo in Manhattan, and my mom and I are in the house in Pembrooke. The Palm Beach house was so we could have somewhere to go while visiting my grandparents (we go there during winter break sometimes, too). The house in Aspen is for ski vacations, which we go on every March during spring break.

  Becky: If you could give Lizzie one gift, what would it be?

  Drew: To know that she is 100% safe in her current life.

  Becky: If you could change one thing about your past (current life) what would it be and why?

  Drew: I’m happy with where I am now, so I wouldn’t change anything. I wouldn’t want to risk not being where I am today.

  Becky: Do you believe in Fairytale endings and Happily Ever Afters? Will you and Lizzie get yours?

  Drew: I wouldn’t put it quite as “fairytale endings and happily ever afters,” but after my experiences I believe that we’re responsible for shaping our own destiny. If I want my life to end well, it’s up to me to make it happen. I will make sure that everything works out well between me and Lizzie.

  Becky: If you could choose to live either in 1815 Regency England or in the Present Day, which you prefer and why?

  Drew: Present day. There are too many formalities and rules in 1815 England. It was also a hassle to do anything—especially getting from place to place—without modern day technology.

  Drew’s Top Ten Favorite Books

  As you might recall from Remembrance, Drew has a large bookshelf in his loft full of lots of different books. Here are some of his favorites from his collection.

  1) The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

  Because this is clearly one of the best book series of all time.

  2) The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin

  Drew stated reading these books after watching Game of Thrones on HBO, and it quickly became one of his favorite series’.

  3) Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

  Drew has read all the books in the Alex Cross series. This is the first one, and it is still his favorite in the series.

  4) Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

  A friend recommended he read this before the movie came out. He did, and ended up loving the entire trilogy.

  5) Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine

  This was Drew’s favorite series when he was in elementary school, and he still has his collection. He specifically loved Say Cheese and Die.

  6) Deception Point by Dan Brown

  This book isn’t as well known as DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons, but it’s Drew’s favorite book by Dan Brown. (He has read all of Dan Brown’s books).

  7) The Stand by Stephen King

  Drew has read many of King’s books, but this is his favorite. He liked the end of the world aspect of it.

  8) Timeline by Michael Crichton

  This is a time travel book, and Drew really enjoyed it. He liked seeing how what happened in the past affected the future.

  9) Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich

  This is a great book based off the real life MIT students who figured out a mathematical way of playing blackjack that allowed them to “beat” Vegas. Drew also loved the sequel, Busting Vegas.

  10) The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

  Drew read this book in middle school, and it has always stuck with him.

  Drew reads mainly adult fiction, although he will read the occasional YA book if it is highly recommended to him. When choosing a book to read, he veers toward thrillers. His favorite authors are Dan Brown, James Patterson, and Stephen King.

  Drew’s Top Five Favorite Songs

  Drew loves music, especially alternative and classic rock. One of his favorite things to do to relax is play guitar, or listen to music. Here is a list of his top five favorite songs!

  1) “Minuet” by Mozart

  Drew danced with Lizzie to this song in their past life, and it reminds him of her. This song is very special to both of them!

  2) “Wonderwall” by Oasis

  This is the first song Drew learned to play on guitar. A counselor at his camp taught him how to play it, and when he got home that summer he asked his parents for a guitar so he could continue to play.

  3) “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor

  Whenever Drew needs to chill out and relax, this is one of his go-to songs. James Taylor is one of his favorite musicians because of his incredible guitar playing and soothing voice.

  4) “When the Stars Go Blue” by Ryan Adams

  This song reminds Drew of being with Lizzie on the lake outside his house.

  5) “Revolution” by the B
eatles

  Drew’s favorite song when he just wants to jam out!

  Drew’s Junior Year Class Schedule

  A: AP European History (8:30-9:25)

  Class shared with: Lizzie, Chelsea

  Teacher: Mrs. Wilder

  B: AP French (9:30-10:25)

  Class shared with: Lizzie, Jeremy

  Teacher: Mrs. Evans

  C: AP English (10:30-11:25)

  Class shared with: Chelsea

  D: Set Design (11:30-12:25)

  Class shared with: None of the main characters

  LUNCH (12:30-1:15)

  E: Chemistry (1:20-2:15)

  Class shared with: Chelsea

  Teacher: Mrs. Baker

  F: Calculus (2:20-3:15)

  Class shared with: Jeremy, Hannah

  CHARACTER EXTRAS: CHELSEA GIVENS

  Chelsea’s Character Biography

  Full Name: Chelsea Elise Givens

  Nickname: Chels

  Birthday: June 8, 1994

  Place of Birth: Pembrooke, NH

  Residence: Glendale Drive in Pembrooke, NH

  Occupation: Student

  Family: Mother: Sarah Givens. (Died of breast cancer when Chelsea was in second grade). Father: Tyler Givens -- attorney. Sister: Tiffany Givens (19, in college).

  Loves: Boys. Gossip. Shopping. Getting what she wants. Diet soda. Standing up for people she cares about.

  Hates: People who betray her. Outdoor activities/anything involving getting messy.

  Fears: People turning their backs on her. Insects.

  Education: Junior in high school.

  Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate Chunk: “You are lively, creative and the life of the party. You charm everyone with your enthusiasm and sense of style. You love excitement in your romantic relationships and require a lot of attention from your mate. You are most romantically compatible with those who prefer butter pecan or chocolate chip.”

  Views on Love/Death: Believes there are many people out there to love. Believes those who died (such as her mom) are watching out for her. Believes in an afterlife; not necessarily heaven, but that people don't disappear.

  Favorite Place in the World: Cities. Specifically New York. (Which is what she likes talking with Drew about.)

  Least Favorite Place in the World: Pembrooke. She wants to move to a warm place when she graduates high school.

  Hobbies: Snow skiing. Shopping. Tennis. Mock Trial. Debate Team.

  Reputation: Snobby. Semi-slutty. Bouncing from one boyfriend to the next.

  General Viewpoints of Importance: Social status. Trust.

  What makes the character tick: When people tell her she's wrong. People who talk about her.

  What makes the character likable: Stands up for her friends. Keeps to her word. Does favors for people.

  What makes the character detestable: Can be shallow. Gossips a lot. Goes behind Lizzie's back.

  Eye Color: Green

  Hair Color: Dark brown with a red tint

  Body Type: Skinny and also curvy.

  Age: 16

  Apparent Age: 17

  Skin Tone: Olive

  Physical activities: Skiing, tennis

  Addictions: Diet Coke

  This or That with Chelsea

  Here is a collection of “This or That” questions I’ve answered from Chelsea’s point of view for interviews.

  Hardcopy or E-Book?

  E-book. I read everything on my iPad—it’s much easier!

  Bookmark or Dog-Ear?

  Bookmark. I like to keep things neat, and dog ears look messy.

  Book or Movie?

  Movie. Not that I don’t like to read—I do enjoy reading on occasion—but movies are more fun because I can watch them with friends.

  Chocolate or Vanilla?

  Like any girl (well, excluding Lizzie), CHOCOLATE!

  Summer or Winter?

  Summer, no question. I can’t wait to get out of New Hampshire after graduation and not have to deal with frigid winters anymore!

  Ice-Cream or Cake?

  Ice cream.

  Coffee or Tea?

  Coffee—I’ve never gotten into tea. Tea tastes so bland compared to a good, strong coffee.

  Nice guy or bad boy?

  Bad boy. I like a guy with spunk—he needs it to handle me!

  Popularity or Friendships?

  At the start of junior year, I would have said popularity (because doesn’t being popular mean you have lots of friends?!) But after everything I went through with Lizzie in the past few months, I learned that true friendship is more important than sitting with the “cool kids” at lunch.

  Character Interview with Chelsea

  This character interview was held by Tiffany from For Those About to Read. Chelsea’s answers are by Michelle Madow.

  http://www.abouttoread.com

  Tiffany: What is the biggest thing you have learned after everything you have been through with Lizzie?

  Chelsea: The biggest thing I learned was the importance of finding out all the facts about a situation before taking action. When people hurt me, I act out without thinking about the consequences. I got caught up in my emotions, and acted in ways I shouldn’t have. I never would have done what I did if I understood what it really meant. If Lizzie, Drew, and I hadn’t been able to fix my mistake, I never would have forgiven myself. I’m glad everything worked out, and I will always try to be more aware of the consequences of my actions in the future.

  Tiffany: Describe yourself Twitter style.

  Chelsea: @_ChelseaGivens: High school junior in the middle of nowhere, NH. Loves to go out and have fun with friends. Can’t wait to graduate and get out of this town!

  Tiffany: Describe your ideal man.

  Chelsea: A few weeks ago I would have said Drew. But after what happened over the holiday season, I saw that he loves Lizzie, so I’m over him now. Besides the obvious necessity of my ideal man being attractive, I want him to love me more than anyone else. He should also be smart, driven to succeed, and sophisticated. Does that sound like you? Tweet me ;)

  Tiffany: We have found out about Lizzie's talents through Remembrance, but we don't know about your talents. What do you excel at?

  Chelsea: Most people who don’t know me are shocked when they hear this answer—I excel in academics. I take many advanced classes, and I’m organized, which is useful when it comes to note-taking and study habits. I excel in history, English, and the sciences, and plan on being pre-law in college. I am on the mock trial and debate teams, which meet after school on alternating days. I’m hoping to be captain of the debate team in my senior year.

  Tiffany: Our male readers would love to hear your idea of the perfect date, can you share?