JAA Ch. 02: Time and Again

"You wouldn't happen to have a pair of shorts and a t-shirt that would fit me would you?"

Susan nodded chewing the last of her chicken as she got up and went to the laundry room.

"How are you feeling John," I asked, calmly poking at my salad.

"Much better, thank you, there wouldn't happen to be any more of my juice on hand?"

"Of course," I told him getting up.

"No need for you to get it I'm quite capable, in the fridge?"

"Yes," I told him sitting back down.

Stepping over to the fridge John took the jug from the shelf. Standing right there in front of the open door, he pulled out the stopper and started to drink. He drank almost half of what was left. He replaced the stopper and returned the jug to the shelf. He closed the door and stood very still, hand on the handle of the door. Then he started to shake. It only lasted a second or two and if I hadn't been watching him, I wouldn't have noticed. I didn't say anything because I knew it freaked Susan out from what he had told us so far.

He returned to the table and took a seat looking at me. He smiled and winked. I smiled back and winked. Susan came back from the laundry room with some clothes in her hand.

"Here you go; I found a few of...his things back there. They may fit you, you are about the same size," she said handing the clothes to John.

"Thank you, Susan, thank you very much."

John turned and went back upstairs, Susan stood there staring at his back.

"So have you gotten over your fright?" Shelly asked, startling me.

"What? Oh, yes, yes, I guess so. I mean he hasn't tried to devourer us, now has he?"

"You are so funny. Sit down I'm sure he'll be back down when he's dressed. I should call Gerry and tell him I won't be home tonight," Shelly said, suddenly remembering her duties at home.

Getting up Shelly grabbed the phone and called home.

"Hey sweetheart, yes, I'm fine. Yes, Susan is fine too. No really, everything is fine, but I will be staying the night. If you want, you can come over and have a drink or two with us. Make sure to bring the pizza, though," Shelly, told him laughing.

She laughed even harder as she listened to his answer.

"That's what I thought. Give Allison a kiss for me and I'll see you sometime tomorrow. Love you, sweetheart."

Shelly hung up after smiling at his answer. She stood there dreamy-eyed as silence hung in the air. I watched her as she thought thoughts that pleased her. What they were, I had no idea, but I could imagine. 'Miles, why have you left me all alone'? I thought.

"Penny for your thoughts?" asked John, his voice startling both of us when he spoke.

"Geez John," Shelly yelled, laughing as she turned a deep red from fright and embarrassment.

"John, god you scared me half to death," I said softly as I sat back down.

"Sorry, ladies, but you both looked so pensive, I just had to ask."

"John, sit, continue with your story. Tell us about the future you come from. Tell me about Miles."

"Of course. Dear, sweet, Susan, I know you love Miles with all your heart. The tale I have to tell you is not a pretty one, but you should know and be proud of your husband."

"I'm sure I can handle what may never happen in the future now, John. Just tell me, please."

"First you should know although Miles was administered the serum, it never worked on him. He fell into the small percentage of people, like Jenny, that never benefited from or had to suffer the side effects. For all intents and purposes, he was normal."

"So Jenny was normal too?"

"In a different way than Miles, with Jenny, she suffered just some of the side effects, but the serum didn't do anything, except turn her hair white. Her life span was normal and she didn't go through the terrible pain and cravings. The rest of us went through the whole nine yards. Shelly, Miles, and Jenny along with others worked tirelessly to find something that would stop the cravings and pain.

"When those like us started to attack any that were not like us, Miles signed up to fight them. The military was looking for those who were not...like us. When word got out the CDC was working on a cure, the others attacked. The first battle for Atlanta lasted twenty-four hours. The normal's won that one with superior firepower. Five months later Atlanta was under siege again. Miles was there for training and was quickly put on the front lines.

"Two weeks into the battle, Shelly's group found the formula that we now use. We were all in southern Indiana at that time, except Miles. The battle for Atlanta lasted another four weeks. When those of us using Shelly's elixir swept in behind the others and tore their lines up the battle was over. Shelly, you were magnificent as you walked through the dead to the commander of the defending forces, followed by a mixture of us with white hair and those without.

"Once she explained to him what was going on, he contacted the CDC. Shelly turned over her formula and the scientists went to work.

"When word came that Miles had been killed in action, Susan, you were devastated. It took all your strength to go on. Shelly and Gerry helped in that respect. Shelly whispered your children's names into your ear. The tears dried up and your face became a mask of determination. As to how Miles became the hero of Atlanta, the day we hit them from behind, Miles was defacto company commander through attrition. When along his front the others started turning toward their rear, he attacked.

"He was a true leader. He was out in front of his men as they attacked the others. As their advance progressed, he and a small unit, cut off from the main body of his men, took shelter. There were twelve of them pinned down in a bunker taking fire from all sides. In the bunker with them were fifty children and four adults who had taken refuge when the attack had begun. Miles and his men found in the back of the bunker, a tunnel that led out of the hot zone. Being the leader he was, he knew if they all left at the same time, the others would follow.

"Miles ordered his men to take the children down the tunnel. Putting his back to the door, he rigged some detpacks to explode when he died. The others rushed his position. He held his ground, knocking down the first twenty foolish enough to charge into the bunker. Wounded and about to pass out from blood loss, he let them come in releasing the detonator as they reach him.

"The explosion collapsed the bunker sealing the fate of all who were inside and saving the fifteen men and women and the fifty children, who all escaped through the tunnel. Miles will be honored as a hero for as long as it takes for me to put things right."

Susan was weeping as I watched her. Shelly was beside her holding her close. I nodded at her as I continued.

"Susan, believe me when I tell you, Miles was a hero. Among the eleven men in his squad, he saved two that would be instrumental in finding out how the time device worked. If he hadn't saved them I would not be here now to right this wrong."

"Thank you for that John," Susan sniffled. "Please continue."

"As to what kind of world it is in the future? Bleak, the climate has taken a turn that climatologists hadn't expected. It is cold all the time, except at the equator, in the northern latitudes. The pall of winter was now a year-round thing. Crops would only grow in a thin band of land in the south and only for two months of the year.

"World starvation was happening. Those who refused to take the elixir contributed. For five years, the world population plummeted. Small enclaves along the southern border held out. Ours was one of them. We took up residence ten miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. For five years, we held out. When the world airwaves went quiet, we decided we had to do something.

"I had read, I couldn't remember where that some scientists had been working on a time travel device at Argonne Labs. We contacted what was left of the government. They gave us men, vehicles, and arms. It took us ten days to get to Chicago. When we got there everyone was dead, but the buildings were untouched.

"For two months we combed the place looking for the device. We finally found it in a new building, which was not on the maps, built to house the damn thing. For four weeks, we all read, studied and experimented. Then one day, Eli and Simon¬¬, they are the two of the eleven who Miles' saved, were able to get it working. Up until this time, we hadn't discussed who would go. Not being shy, I just grabbed my gun headed for the portal, with a yell back to them not to follow.

"As I turned to yell I saw a grenade come flying in the door. There was yelling and shooting from outside. The others had found us and were attacking. Running to the portal, I felt the explosion and felt the shrapnel rip my back. Then I was through.

"When I landed, why they had put the damn thing on the second floor is beyond me, I was on my back staring up at the exit of the portal. Gouts of flame and bullets whizzed out, but no one else popped through and it quickly closed and disappeared."

Both women were stunned, silence hung like a fog in the room. I could see the question on their lips, but logic overcame the emotion to ask.

"Now I have a question for you two."

"Okay, what is it."

"What is the date?"

Both women looked startled.

"You don't know what date you came back too?" Shelly asked.

"No. We just guessed it would be prior to 2013 based on our rough calculations."

"Oh, well then, it's December 10, 2012."

"Really?"

"Yes, really." Both Susan and Shelly were smiling at me.

"Good, then I have time to prepare." I smiled back at them.

That night, instead of staying, Shelly went home and as I lay in bed listening to John breathe, I wondered about us in the future. Shelly and I had just been given a rare opportunity, a peek into one future of mankind. There were still many questions I had for John, but they could wait. At least until he changed things.

The stillness of the house started to close in on me. It had started snowing again, making the outside noise inaudible. Then I heard it, a persistent and annoying buzzing. Then like a lightning bolt it dawned on me, it was my cell phone. I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs. Grabbing it off the counter I flipped it open. It was Miles.

"Hello," I said pressing the talk button.

"Hi Suzie," he said. A shiver went up my spine, why I don't know, I hated when anyone else used that version of my name.

"Hi sweetheart, how are you?"

"I'm fine dear. A little lonely and missing you and the kids, though."

"I miss you too. When do you think you will be coming home?"

"That's why I'm called darling. Could I come home tomorrow?"

"Of course Miles, sweetheart, I really need you here now."

"Why is that Susan?" His voice was full of surprise.

"When you get here I will explain. A lot has...let's just say I have learned a lot about the future. "

"Okay Suzie, I'll be there around five, after work."

"I'll be here, tomorrow is my day off."

"That's right, maybe I'll be home early then."

"Uh, we have company."

"What? Who?"

"I will explain everything when you get here. And don't go running out now, it's snowing like crazy. The streets are impassable and I would worry about you driving here tonight. I'm fine, I'm safe and you know I can take care of myself in a pinch. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow darling."

"I know you can dear. All right tomorrow afternoon, about two..."

"That will be fine dear. I love you Miles with all my heart and soul. You know that don't you?"

"I love you to Suzie. With all my heart and I know you love me too sweetheart."

"I know you do, see you tomorrow."

"Bye, sweetie."

"Bye." As I flipped my phone closed, I almost jumped out of my skin when a hand touched my shoulder. "Jesus!"

"Sorry, Susan," John said grinning at me. "So, you and Miles are getting back together?"

"Christ, John," I was panting with fright. "God my heart is beating a mile a minute. Whatever possessed you to sneak up on me like that?"

"I wasn't sneaking. In fact, I was making so much noise I was surprised Miles didn't hear me."

"What?"

"I coughed at least twice before I touched your shoulder."

"What?"

"Never mind, I heard you get out of bed and came looking for you. I know what I told you upset you and I didn't want you to cry alone."

"Oh. What? No, never mind. What did you ask me?"

"Are you and Miles getting back together?"

"We were never really apart. He is coming back home if that's what you mean?"

"Yes, I guess it is then. It will be nice to see you and Miles together. You two looked so good together, so happy."

"Well, that remains to be seen."

"Would you like to talk about..."

"I won't even talk to Shelly about...about...'it', what makes you think I'll talk to you?"

"Okay then, I'm going back to bed. Good night Susan."

He turned walking away. I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I sat there looking at where his back used to be just before he disappeared up the stairs. My mind was fraught with confusion. Everything that had just happened seemed so surreal. The longer I sat there the more unreal it became. Bringing my hands to my face, I closed my eyes.

A small, soft noise brought me awake. It was dark in the room yet I was able to see clearly because of what I was. Susan lay next to me, her lips moving, eyes closed. I could see her eyes were still under her lids. She was dreaming. Her right hand rose from under the covers and stopped beside her right ear. She started to mumble softly while nodding her head.

I propped myself on my elbow and watched her. She was on the phone with her husband. They were talking about him coming home tomorrow. She hung up with him then jumped and yelped as if startled by something. She continued talking to someone for a little bit then drifted out of her dream.

I stayed up watching her for another half hour until her eyes started to move rapidly under her lids then I laid back down and drifted off myself.

Waking with a start, I sat up staring at the wall wondering how I had gotten back to bed. The last thing I remember was putting my face in my hands at the kitchen table. My movement also had the undesired effect of waking John.

"Wha...oh, good morning," he said smiling at me. "You had quite a night."

"What? Oh, that's right you came down and scared the crap out of me."

"I did? Interesting, seeing as how you never left the bed all night."

"I...wha...I went downstairs last night to answer my cell phone."

"Did you? You mean the one there on the nightstand?" he asked pointing.

"Yes..." Looking over my shoulder, I spotted my cell. "Yes, I must have brought it back up with me."

"Who called?"

"If you must know, Miles, why?"

"You might want to check the call log the phone never rang or buzzed, all night."

"And you would know this how?" I asked as I picked up the phone.

"Just check the log."

Pressing the buttons that would bring up the call log, I was mystified that there was no call from Miles. The last call I had received was two days ago.

"What the..."

"You were dreaming. You buzzed just like your phone on vibrate, brought your hand to the side of your head and started mumbling. Then you hung up and cried out as if scared. You slept through the whole thing. You were dreaming."

"It seemed so real. Are you sure?"

"Yes, your buzzing woke me and I stayed up and watched you until you settled down into REM sleep. Then your shout a minute ago woke me."

"Oh, sorry."

"Not a problem I can assure you. I have been awakened in far worse ways."

I shook my head; the dream had seemed so real. I lay back down staring up at the ceiling. Turning slightly I was looking into John's perfect blue eyes. I had looked into them much closer than this, but I don't remember them being so blue or perfect looking.

"So what else is there to know about you? Your kind?" I asked truly curious.

"Well, I'm extremely fast..."

"What do you mean by fast?"

"Well, fast, I can move very, very fast."

He got up getting something off the dresser, sat back in bed and motioned me to sit up.

"Now put your hand out, palm up."

I did and he placed a dime in my hand. He smiled at me.

"Now keep me from taking that dime from your hand. Say, go, when you are ready."

He pulled both his hands back to his shoulders. I said go and his hand held the dime. I had seen nothing. I had felt nothing. No wind, not even his touch, I just blinked in surprise. He smiled at me and the dime was back in my hand.

"Wow! Are you that fast on your feet?"

"Yes."

"How long can you move that fast?"

"Twenty minutes or so, but then I would need to rest for a couple of days."

"I see. What else?"

"I can see in the dark."

"You mean you can see at night?"

"No. Put me in a sealed room with no lights and I can see."

"How is that possible?"

"You know the human body is luminescent?"

"Yes, but the level of luminescence is so small as to be only detectable by specially built apparatus.

"Yes, but I can see that light. It's as if a light bulb lights the room. The more people in the room the brighter it is."

"Are you photophobic?"

"No, although bright sunlight does tend to hurt my eyes, it has no effect on me as those we are named after."

"What else?"

"I heal quickly, my back is almost completely healed and I've been here two days."

"Can you fly?" I asked with a smile.

"No," he laughed. "In all aspects, I am a normal human, except I will never die...unless."

"Unless what?" The scowl on his face made me extremely curious.

"Unless you sever my head from my body, I will not die. Oh, blowing me to bits will kill me too."

John laughed at that last statement. I frowned at him.

"So if I go get your rifle and shoot you in the head, you'll survive?"

"Uh, actually, yes. I wouldn't remember anything, but my brain would regenerate and I would be as healthy as I was before you shot me, unless, of course, the bullet caused my head to explode."

"My god! Would Shelly be the same?"

"No. For some reason, there is a difference in us. She does heal quickly, but a bullet to the head would kill her, just as any other human."

"So how are you killing those like you in the future?"

"With great difficulty, we usually knock them down with firepower, then sever their heads afterward. Or, if they are available, the use of silver bullets will cause them to die of anaphylactic shock. It's all very bloody and..."

"I can imagine...silver bullets? Aren't those for werewolves?"

"No, you can't. Until you experience it for yourself, there is no possible way to know or imagine. There are no such things as werewolves, you should know that."

John laughed, then closed his eyes turning his face away from me. Reaching out to caress his face he jerked away, sitting up suddenly.

"There is something else you should know about me. I can hear exceptionally well and I perceive emotions at a distance. And the one I get from you now is..."

"So..."

"My thoughts exactly," he said rising and going off to the bathroom.

Closing the door behind me, I looked into the mirror. The look on my face was grim. I knew what she felt before she did. Her empathy was so strong it filled the house and being what I am, I constantly reminded myself she was a friend, not someone to manipulate and use for my own pleasure. Yes, I could influence her emotions, something I hadn't told her. Something I would never tell her. Something I would try not to do to her.