Chapter Eleven
The Old Town Theater
Ihead straight to the quad to meet Jaime after my last class. For my unofficial first day of school, it wasn’t as bad as I’d expected. Maybe I was a bit rash in dismissing private school, but other than my unfortunate encounters with Jenny, it was just like attending any other school—except for maybe cleaner bathrooms.
“So, what do you want to do?” Jaime swings her purse like a pendulum, obviously bored.
“What do you mean? Isn’t your mom picking you up after school?”
Jaime rolls her eyes. “Nope. On the way over this morning she said I had to find a ride back home. I guess her parental responsibilities only go so far.”
“I don’t know. I thought maybe I’d go straight home and see if I could help Aunt Maggie around the house.”
“You can do that any ol’ time. Let’s go to Old Town and check out the scene.”
Apparently, she’s forgetting the part about being grounded and how her mom busted her the day before for her failure to come home on time.
“What about being grounded?” I don’t want her to get in trouble again. I’d hate to see her grounded indefinitely.
“Consider my restriction off. The folks are going out tonight.” Jaime’s sly smile spells t-r-o-u-b-l-e. “No doubt that’s the reason why mom ditched me this afternoon. She’s probably at home as we speak getting all dolled up.”
This isn’t exactly how I planned to spend the afternoon, but I don’t have any other ideas. “I guess we can go for awhile. I’ll call Aunt Maggie and see if she can pick us up later.” I grabbed my cell phone in such a hurry this morning; I didn’t have time to check my contact list. But I have a hunch that I’ll find my aunt’s number programmed, so I’ll just call when we’re ready to be picked up.
“Great.”
As we walk around Old Town, stopping occasionally to window shop and people watch, I remember Cooper explaining to me that the differences between worlds would be subtle. He wasn’t far off in his statement. King Street is still busting with foot traffic and Battle Grounds is still in business, just waiting for patrons to sample their savory drink concoctions. After getting our drink orders, we find an empty table outside.
Over cappuccinos, Jaime begins to reminisce over the fun times we’ve shared. Slipping an anecdote here and there, sprinkling the conversation with one liners and quotes—things I had said—it’s as if she instinctively knows I need to hear this information, it’s like listening to a montage of my life. Hearing her speak so fondly of our friendship makes me feel sad in a way. Sad that I don’t share the same memories, sad that the girl Jaime recalls never really existed until now, and most of all, sad that my life in this reality has the kind of relationships that I’ve only ever dreamed about. But all these memories only exist because I came back. They aren’t really real—I have to remember that.
I don’t want to rehash the good times anymore, so I change the subject. The topic is beginning to spoil the pleasant afternoon Jaime tried to create. There are so many things I want to talk to her about, but I’m sure my questions will only make her think I’ve gone nuts. Although I have my suspicions that she already thinks I’m nutty. So I stick to a subject that I know Jaime will appreciate—boys.
“So, what do you think about Alex?”
“You know, I’d rather talk about the hunky guy that keeps picking you up. Where is he now? You should call him and have him meet us.”
Not a chance. “I don’t know. He probably has other things going on.” Besides, I don’t even know how to contact him. He never gave me a number where I could reach him and I’m certain his number isn’t programmed in my cell. “Besides, I already told you. He’s just a friend, nothing more.”
Jaime points a finger at me. “You are such a liar! There’s no way you can only be just friends with a guy that hot.”
If only Jaime knew that just a few short days ago, she feared he was some kind of stalker. Now here we are, at the same coffee shop, only now she’s telling me she thinks he’s hot stuff. It’s enough to send me to the brink of laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.” I wave it off. “I was just thinking.”
She squints her eyes at me, clearly indicating her skepticism. “You’re going to keep him a secret aren’t you?”
“Yup.” This world is throwing me some curve balls, so I figure I’m owed a little bit of fun.
“Have it your way.” She gives up and slumps up against the chair. “But I can’t promise I’ll back you up when Alex finds out something’s going on between you and Hunk.”
I know for a fact Jaime will keep any secret I share with her, but now isn’t the time. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Cooper never said I couldn’t tell anyone about my switch, but I know that telling my best friend, or even Aunt Maggie for that matter, what’s really going on will land me straight into a private room at the local loony bin. For now, I’ll keep whatever secrets I have to myself.
We stay a little while longer, enjoying our coffee and it’s hard to imagine all the nuances that set these two realities apart. If I sit here and don’t think about it, I can almost picture myself back in my other world, sipping coffee with Jaime before heading back to Dominion House before curfew. The coffee in front of me stills sends off an impressive aroma in the air. While the inner nerd lurking inside understands that the term “alternate” implies a variant, my teenage situational awareness can only see as far as what’s in front of me.
“Hey, let’s go see a movie.” Jaime leads the way, tugging at my sleeve as we cross the street, towards the movie theater. The Old Town Theater isn’t like a normal multiplex that features tons of movie selections—at least it wasn’t where I came from. Instead of the normal dozen or so new releases, The theater features only two first run films at a time. The place even has a deli and if you’re over twenty-one, you can also buy beer.
“I’m not really in the mood to watch—” I start, but the movie posters stop me mid-sentence.
We walk up to the marquee and while I’m pleased to see the theater is still the same in concept, I don’t recognize any of the actors, with the exception of Tom Cruise. The Old Town Theater must be some kind of independent movie theater here. Even the titles are foreign to me. None of these films were playing a few days ago: a supernatural flick entitled Under the Dark Moon and Sunset Retirement, a comedy about old folks.
I wonder if Twilight was ever made. Not that I’m a fan of the franchise, but that Taylor Lautner guy, the one that plays the lovelorn werewolf, is totally hot and I’ll admit I watched all the movies just to watch him shirtless—but only when it got to DVD, I wouldn’t have been caught dead watching it in the theater. The vampire, whose name I forget (both the actor and character) does nothing for me. He’s way too possessive and wimpy, plus he’s too pasty for my taste.
“Did you see any of the Harry Potter movies?” I ask Jaime while she’s deciding on what movie we should see.
“Harry who? Never even heard of him.”
“Really?” This is another series I never read or watched at the movies, but a world without Harry Potter truly means I’m in a whole other dimension.
“Nope.”
I have to ask Aunt Maggie where she keeps the DVD player so I can catch up on all the latest movies. Well, actually, more like every movie ever made. I have some major movie watching to make up for. The thought of my favorite movies not existing is too much.
Jaime decides on Under the Dark Moon. At least it isn’t the Tom Cruise movie. Come to think of it, I think his religion believes in aliens. I bet he sold his soul to the head alien in exchange for fame in all alternate realities. He seems like the type.
“You’d think Hollywood would come up with something more original than a movie about werewolves,” I say as we pay for our tickets. Paranormal romances are so passé. I can’t believe they’re just as popular here too.
“Hollywood? Etta, where do you come up with this stuff?”
As Jaime continues to go on about my flakiness, I learn that the state of California doesn’t exist anymore either.
⚛
After a full afternoon of exploring new my reality, we head back home. Over the phone, Aunt Maggie is only too happy to agree to pick us up after the movie. On the way back, Jaime regales my aunt with stories about my weird observations and behaviors.
“Okay, that’s enough fun at my expense.” Even though I hate for them to make fun of me, I feel like I truly belong now. It’s a nice feeling, being around people that care about me. The only person that’s missing from the equation is my dad.
Ultimately, we decide to drop Jaime off at home, rather than have her walk back from our house. This way, she can sneak back before her parent’s realize she stayed out late again after school. Aunt Maggie pulls into the driveway of the Thornberry house and snippets of my memory, from the time when I lived here as a foster kid, flash before me. The house still looks the same. Actually, it’s similar to the one I live in now, but instead of stone masonry, it was laid in red brick with white shutters.
“You better not get in trouble again,” I warn Jaime as she gets out of the car. “I’d hate to lose you as friend.” If she continues to get grounded, I’ll never see her. I should tell her what happens to kids when they threaten public opinion in the Thornberry household. Then again, she’s adopted now, not a foster they can easily give back—like they did with me.
“Nah, they aren’t back yet. I’m good. I’ll call you later.”
My aunt waits in the driveway until she’s sure Jaime is safe and sound in the house. “I don’t envy that girl’s parents.” Aunt Maggie comments, making her way back to our house.
I giggle in agreement. “I think she just likes the attention.”
“I love you both to pieces, but she’s a wily one, that girl.”
We settle into the kitchen for dinner (leftover stew, yay!) and I finally muster up the courage to ask what I’ve been itching to ask since my arrival yesterday. “Hey, Aunt Maggie, has dad called?”
“No, hon. I haven’t spoken to him since last Tuesday. Why? Is anything wrong?”
Today is Wednesday. That means he’s been missing well over a week now. Cooper led me to believe it’s been only a few days, but he’s right on one count—all evidence pointing to his disappearance is probably long gone. If my aunt hasn’t heard from him, I’m at a loss as to whom else to ask. “No. I just haven’t heard from him, that’s all.”
“If he calls, I’ll make sure you get a chance to speak with him,” Maggie promises.
“Thanks. Look, I’m going to my room for a little while before dinner if that’s okay. Let me know if he calls.” A few minutes ago, I was sitting in the car laughing and now I can’t even bring myself to think about eating. The cappuccino I had earlier is now sloshing around in my stomach, almost to the point of nausea. Maggie just nods and excuses me.
Finding out you’re from a whole other world, whose father is missing, with a boyfriend you don’t even know—not to mention having a six foot version of Barbie who hates you, is a lot to take in for one day. Struggling with my thoughts, I crawl into bed, but instead of taking a nap, I toss and turn with a million thoughts still rummaging around in my mind.
Lying on my side, I notice a green notebook protruding from the bottom shelf of the nightstand. Reaching down to pick it up, a photo falls from between the pages. It was of me and Alex at some kind of formal. It’s kinda freaky looking at a photo of myself with no recollection of having taking it or even the event itself. It’s like looking at someone who looks exactly like you, only it isn’t you, but at the same time is you—just another version.
My fingers flip through the notebook. There doesn’t appear to be much written in it. I go to the first page and find a bunch of doodles. The second page contains random phone numbers and to-do lists, which is weird since I’m not a list person. After scanning through the first couple of pages, I notice the notebook has transformed into some kind of journal, almost like a diary. I find it odd that this version of me would suddenly start writing in an otherwise haphazard notebook. I’ve never been into journaling before, so why would I capture my thoughts in this world?
February 17
I don’t know what’s been going on with me lately. I’ve been having all sorts of crazy dreams the last couple of weeks. I read somewhere that having a notebook by your bedside is helpful if you want to jot down your dreams when you wake up. I’m not into the whole diary thing, but I’ll give it a shot. Maybe I can go back and read this and figure out what these dreams are supposed to mean.
I’ll start with the dream I had last night. I was at home, only it wasn’t my house. There was something about it that didn’t feel right, like something was off about the whole thing. I’m not even sure whose house I was dreaming about. The scene seemed different, yet so familiar. I know it was only a dream, but it felt so real. Almost felt like a memory.
The entry is rather vague and doesn’t tell me much. What’s the point of writing in a journal if you aren’t going to jot down any of the details? I guess it doesn’t really matter. I didn’t exist until the moment Cooper brought me back here. I’m not even entirely sure if anything that occurred prior to my arrival is real. After several more minutes of snooping around in my journal, I put it aside for the time being. It’s not like I remember writing any of this. So before my curiosity gets the better of me and read the whole damn thing in one sitting, I decide to take a tour of the house to clear my mind. I’ll just make sure to be back before Maggie calls me down for dinner.
Towards the back end of the house, I notice a rather large deck in the backyard through the glass french doors, so I go in that direction and head outside. Quilts, like the ones up in my room, are draped over several lounge chairs, and the stone fireplace off the back end of the deck makes the whole area feel cozy. The temperature has dipped a bit, now that it’s dark out, so I snuggle up to one of the quilts and soak in the warm heat generated by the fireplace. Aunt Maggie must have gotten it going after we returned home. Yup, spring is definitely my favorite time of year.
“Knock, Knock. I was on my way home and I noticed the back light on. Thought I’d see if you were back here.” I hear a voice coming from the back side of the fence.
I almost jump out of my seat. “Damn it! You scared the crap out of me.” Where did Alex come from? Does he live in the area too? Probably. All the rich kids live in this neighborhood. I won’t be surprised to find out he lives a few houses down from mine, like Jaime.
Alex strolls over to where I’m seated. “Sorry, didn’t mean to freak you out. Where’s your partner in crime?”
He really is cute. No wonder Jenny hates me. I wasn’t expecting Alex to show up unannounced, but I’m glad he did. This gives me a chance to get to know him better. The photo I found in the journal gave me only a brief glimpse into our relationship.
“Who Jaime? She’s grounded. Besides, I was a bit tired after we got back from Old Town so we dropped her off. I’m supposed to be taking a nap before dinner.” Why am I babbling? He only asked where Jaime was. “What are you doing here?”
“I came by to apologize.” He moves the quilt on the matching lounge chair next to mine and takes a seat.
“For what?” Had he done something since lunch?
“You know, for last Saturday. It was all a misunderstanding. Jenny totally busted in on my night out with the guys. I know she told you that it was a date, but you know she’s just trying to make you jealous.”
“Don’t worry about it. I understand.” Seriously, Jenny actually did that? Not that I’m surprised, she seems to have the same personality here as she did in the reality I just left. I’m going to have to keep an eye on her from now on. There’s no telling what that girl is capable of doing.
“I know you already said it wasn’t a big deal, but today at lunch, it felt like you were still kind of mad at me.”
He looks so torn, I want to reach out and hug him. It’s obvious how much he cares about me. I have to remind myself we aren’t talking about a completely different person. We’re talking about me. But it’s hard to forget that my chances with someone like Alex is pretty much nil to none. Guys like Alex don’t waste their time dating girls like me. But here he is and I can have him if I want.
“It’s not that. I’m just worried about my dad. I haven’t heard from him since he left town for business.” I hope my explanation is convincing enough. Anyway, it’s the partial truth. I am worried about my dad, I just wasn’t really thinking about him when we were sitting under the oak tree during lunch.
“I knew you’d understand. Jenny can be a real bitch,” he adds for my benefit. “But you, you’re not like that at all. That’s why I like you. You seem more determined and sure of yourself.”
I hoot with laughter at the idea. “I’m not sure of myself at all. I grew up an orphan remember?”
“Huh?”
Insert foot in mouth, again. “I just mean that with my mother gone and my dad always being away on business, I feel like an orphan.” There, that seems like a good save. I’m going to have to make a real effort to watch what I say around people.
“Well, you could have fooled me,” he says, excepting my explanation.
Maybe it’s the lighting outside—it’s already past dusk—or my eyes are just tired, but I can tell Alex is inching his way towards me.
“One thing’s for sure. I think you’re beautiful.” He makes his way closer to me.
“You’re just saying that because—” Before I can finish, he leans up against me and kisses me. The kiss is soft, yet purposeful. His hands are cupped behind my head and I can feel him part my lips so he can explore further. It feels like fluttering feathers rippling in my stomach. That’s when I stop him.
I’ve never been kissed like that before. Then again, I’ve never allowed anyone try to kiss me like that before. In fact, I’ve never let myself get close enough to anyone in fear that something bad will happen.
“Alex.” I push him away from me. “I don’t think this is a good idea.” As much as I enjoy being this close to him, I can’t help but feel a little guilty. Not that Cooper and I have shared a moment or anything, but in the back of my mind, I know there’s something that connects us. I’m sure of it. My whole body senses something when I’m around him and I don’t get that feeling when I’m with Alex. The kiss was amazing, but until I figure out what it is between me and Cooper, I felt like I owe it to him not to get too involved with Alex just yet.
“Why not?” He looks both stunned and crushed at the same time. “I thought we were starting something good here—I mean us as a couple,” he clarifies.
Now I feel bad about pushing Alex away. He doesn’t deserve it. “We do have something, but—I should go back inside.” I feel pretty rotten for being a tease, but I can’t just sit here and explain why I’m resisting his advances. Single girl survival tip #2: Don’t inform someone you just made-out with that you’re thinking about another guy.
“No, please don’t.” Alex slides back closer to me. “I just came by to apologize. I don’t know what came over me.”
“I’m the one who should be apologizing. It’s been a long day and I guess I’m just tired.” What I want to say is that I do want to be close to him. Here I am, so far removed from everything I know, yet I’m living a life that’s supposed to be mine. “Maybe this isn’t the best time to talk about this.” I suddenly feel sorry for Alex. There’s nothing I want more than to keep talking to Alex, but I know I’m treading in dangerous waters. Someone is going to get hurt.
“I understand. I’ll show myself out.” He takes his time getting up off the chair. Maybe he hopes I’ll change my mind and ask him to stay.
“Thanks for coming over. It means a lot.” I must be off my rocker. For years I’ve had a mad crush on Alex and I’m turning him away for what, another guy who just happens to make my whole body sizzle, who obviously isn’t interested in me in return?
“It’s okay, we’ll talk tomorrow at school.” Alex leaves the way he came in, through the side door of the backyard fence.
All of the sudden, I hear my Aunt Maggie through the open french doors. “Is Alex staying for dinner?” She calls out. “We have plenty of leftover stew.” How long has she been standing there?
“No. Looks like it’s just you and me tonight.” As soon as the words come out of my mouth, I smile. It’s nice to have an aunt to share dinner with.
I rise up from the lounge chair and head back into the house. I pause for a moment to take in the fragrance of the outdoors before retreating inside. Someone had mowed the lawn earlier, I can tell, and I can still detect the crisp freshly cut grass. Have I ever stopped to notice things like this before—taking time to stop and smell the roses? I giggle at my own cliché.
“Well, go get washed up. The stew won’t sit around forever.”
⚛
Since I slept in and missed dinner the night before, my first official meal alone with my aunt is a pleasant one. We talk about our day, with me mostly listening to Aunt Maggie talk about her day. Turns out she’s a graphic designer and works primarily from home. I think its neat having an aunt who does something cool for a living.
We finish dinner and after Aunt Maggie insists, after much protesting, that she doesn’t need help clearing the dishes, I head straight to bed. She still thinks I’m coming down with something and sends me upstairs to rest.
I go to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. There are so many cleansers and bottles lined up against the vanity that I don’t know which one to use, so I wash my face with a regular bar of soap I find hidden in the medicine cabinet.
And true to her word, Jaime calls right as I tuck myself in for the night. I snuggle up against the sheets and I tell her about Alex’s dropping by.
“Seriously? He came over? What did he say?” Of course she wants all the sordid details. “Was he pissed off about Hunk?”
I wish she’d stop referring to Cooper as Hunk. It’s getting annoying and every time she says it, I can’t help but think about him.
“No, he wasn’t mad about Cooper. He wanted to apologize for that incident with Jenny last Saturday. We actually had a good chat.” I don’t go into detail about the kiss, because I know only too well that Jaime will want to know why I spurned his advances and then I’ll have to admit my feelings about Cooper and who he actually is. If it isn’t already, my life is beginning to get complicated.
“That’s it, isn’t it? You’re hanging out with Cooper to get back at Alex,” she says in a knowing voice. I can picture Jaime sitting up in bed, pointing her long manicured finger in accusation.
“It has nothing to do with Coop. Quit bringing him up.” I stifle a yawn. “I’m beat. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I better get to bed too. I don’t want to wake up with those gawd awful circles my mom always ends up getting in the morning. But don’t think this conversation is over.”
No, I imagine it isn’t.
Now that I’m not sleepy anymore, I pull the journal from its hiding place under the bed. I don’t know why I hid it, but I don’t want Maggie to read it. The journal is like a touchstone. Even though it was written by another version of me, just holding it in my hands makes me feel secure. And if I’m going to learn more about myself, I need all the information I can get my hands on.
March 2
Okay, so I know I’m supposed to be documenting my dreams, but I guess I can write down anything I want. So here goes. Jaime’s become a real pain in the ass ever since the Thornberry’s adopted her. I know I should feel happy for her, but what gives? You’d think she was adopted by royalty! I’ve never told her this, but I think Mr. Thornberry is kinda weird. I know he’s this big deal up in Washington, being the Secretary of Defense and all, but frankly her parents are boring and Mr. Thornberry gives me the creeps. I know I should be more supportive and all. She has a lot of self-esteem issues, but jeez, she’s beautiful and whatever. She doesn’t need to act all important.
OK, enough about Jaime. Now let’s get to the good stuff…Alex spoke to me at lunch today! I really think he’s going to ask me out. I can’t believe the cutest guy at Dominion might actually be interested in me. After all this time in trying to get him to notice me, I don’t know what to do now that he has. I hope he asks me out. That would make that bitch Jenny super jealous.
Later.
The entry was written only a few weeks ago, so Alex and I didn’t date long before I jumped over. In a way, I’m glad we don’t have a long history together. This way, I can keep him at arms length until I figure out what to do about Cooper. I like Alex a lot and never in a million years would I ever have imagined him being interested in me and I don’t want to hurt him. It’s weird knowing that a couple of days ago, I would have jumped at the chance to have Alex notice me. The irony isn’t lost on me. But circumstances change and I’m not the same person I was a few days ago. However, if his attention continues to make Barbie jealous, this can actually turn out to be fun. It serves her right for treating me like a total loser my first day of class.
I place the journal back in its hiding spot. Instead of counting sheep, I think about all the ways I can get Jenny and the Barbie Brigade back for the lacrosse incident and all the other things she’s no doubt subjected me to in the past. It doesn’t take long for me to fall asleep.