Cecile Garcia (Author): Excerpt from A Time Traveler's Companion

(This is an excerpt from Chapter 1: Mr. Smith.)

This Diary is the Property of Remi Lucan

Let me tell you about the first time I met Mr. Smith. I was eighteen and it was mid-June 2014. I was looking for a part-time job while I was mulling over whether I should attend community college for the Fall semester or not. I didn’t jump into college right after I graduated that year, I was in no hurry to attend community college; in fact, I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. I did not have a set goal. Well, Life happens, and some things turn out differently than what expected. It was on that day, an ordinary day like any other day, the day I met the man who changed my life forever. I decided to take a hike at one of my favorite hiking spots, the Menifee Cross Trails.

In the hills, there are numerous small trails that wind through the landscape. Typically, it's a 2.7-mile hike, but if you explore the other trails, it becomes a great workout. My close friend Leila and I have hiked there multiple times in the past. On that particular day, Leila was working, and I was feeling bored. So, I decided to drive my Honda electric plugin hybrid to the dirt lot where most people park their cars, near the main road. Two other vehicles were already parked there, belonging to the dedicated hikers who visit almost daily. I had my trusty brown leather backpack from an army surplus shop, and I was dressed in an olive-green safari button-up shirt, khaki shorts, and ankle-high rust brown hiking boots.

At the peak of a smaller hill, I paused to catch my breath and glanced around, spotting a metal cross atop a larger hill in the distance, a mysterious landmark that draws hikers to the area. The morning fog dissipated by midday, transforming the once eerie landscape into a more inviting one. As I prepared to descend, I noticed a different trail and decided to follow it, only to encounter a bizarre and unsettling experience - a strange static energy enveloped me, my heart raced, and an eerie silence fell over the surroundings. The road was silent, no birds chirping or people talking in the distance, but I couldn't hear them anyway. I waited, feeling an urge to move but staying put.

Suddenly, a strange sound caught my attention, and as I turned around, something shimmered before me, making me jump. Startled, I stepped back, to see a 7-foot-high jet-black monolith appear out of thin air, leaving me frozen in fear and shock. "What the Fuck," I whispered, as the mysterious monolith materialized before me; a fierce gust of wind tousled my hair. The wind subsided, and I scanned the area to check if others witnessed this supernatural occurrence. I stood there, bewildered and perplexed.
"What in the world," I exclaimed. I cautiously circled it; the sleek surface felt icy to the touch, and a jolt of static electricity shocked me. "Ouch," I recoiled my hand. The monolith measured 38 inches long, 25 inches wide, and stood 7 feet tall. What on earth is this? I wondered, my eyes wide with confusion. Suddenly, a man emerged from the monolith. I swiftly hid behind it. He looked to be in his late 20s.

He glanced around, scanning from left to right. Looking at his attire, I saw him donning a brown pinstriped blazer over a white button-up shirt, paired with denim jeans and black high-top sneakers. Initially unaware of my presence, I hid behind the monolith and discreetly glanced around the corner. As he moved away from the monolith towards my intended direction, I debated whether to leave or follow him, ultimately I succumbed to my curiosity and trailed him surreptitiously.

Halting midway, he paused to survey his surroundings with hands in his pockets, letting out a sigh and shaking his head. Eventually, he pivoted to return to the monolith, our gazes locking as he appeared surprised, his eyes filled with curiosity. Are you one of the locals?” I just stared at him. He smiled. I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. He had an accent which sounded British.

“Who are you,” I finally got the courage to ask.

“You can call me Mr. Smith,” he said, and his eyes scanned my appearance.

“How did you get here,” I asked. He grinned and approached me, "I stumbled upon this place while traveling," he said, his eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of sensuality. I took a step back as he spoke. He assured me, "I'll show you around if you're interested, but if not, feel free to leave." I hesitated, feeling a lump in my throat. He moved closer, attempting to hold my hand, but I quickly pulled away.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure you have a good time and return safely," he reassured me, gesturing towards the monolith. "Trust me, let me show you," he insisted, reaching for my hand once more. A warm feeling spread through me, and I found myself unable to resist. Despite feeling apprehension and uncertainty, I couldn't help but be drawn to this mysterious man who emerged from the monolith. His captivating eyes, smile, and the aura surrounding him mesmerized me, along with the enigmatic monolith. As he touched me, all thoughts of my past vanished, and I was completely entranced until he asked, "What's your name?"

"Um, name is Remi," I said softly, lacking confidence in my own voice. His grin turned into a seductive smirk, his gaze leisurely exploring every inch of my being. As we approached the towering monolith, I noticed a lone figure peering down from the nearby hills, undoubtedly as bewildered as I was by the sudden appearance of the monolith.

"Come on," he beckoned, his hand gesturing towards his abode, accompanied by a mischievous smile and a playful wink. Perplexed, I glanced at the monolith, it is devoid of any inscriptions, its sleek black surface chilling to the touch, just as I had mentioned before. With a sudden jolt, the door slid open, causing me to instinctively recoil. He confidently stepped inside, and I cautiously followed suit. But as I entered, my jaw dropped, my eyes widened, and I gasped. "Welcome to my pad," he exclaimed, eagerly relishing the astonishment etched across my face. “This is a Time Dimensional Spacecraft. TDSC for short.” As I glanced around, it dawned on me that I was actually inside a spacecraft, an extraterrestrial spacecraft. My eyes widened in confusion.

"Hold on a second," I exclaimed as I stepped out and circled the monolith, feeling a sense of dismay. It struck me that the outside and inside of the spacecraft didn't match in terms of size. I hurried back inside.

"It's larger on the inside!" I exclaimed with excitement. Instead of being scared, I was captivated by the entire experience and wanted to learn more about this enigmatic man and his peculiar monolith. He chuckled and seemed delighted by my enthusiasm.

"I knew you'd be impressed," he said, wearing a smug grin. My heart raced, and I couldn't take my eyes off the interior.

"Would you like to go on a journey with me?" he asked. My heart skipped a beat, and I took a deep breath, my eyes filled with astonishment. I didn't know how to respond.

“Your eyes are captivating," he remarked, gazing at me intently, as if weighing a decision. His deep brown eyes roamed over me in a suggestive manner, causing me to blush and look away. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air momentarily. “Wait, is this a spaceship? Am I being abducted?" I hesitated, edging towards the door that was invisible from the outside but visible from within.

"No, the choice is yours if you wish to leave. We're still on the same hiking trail you were on," he reassured, moving closer and locking eyes with me thoughtfully.

"I believe the person you saw earlier is nearing the TDSC and may be contacting others soon," he added with a gentle smile, his gaze fixed on me. “If you decide to accompany me, we can journey to any destination of your choosing, and I'll ensure we return before dinner. I possess the ability to traverse time. The possibilities are endless." Despite his offer, I remained uncertain. “Don’t be afraid, once you get to know me, you’ll see what a cool guy I am,” he smiled and winked. Nervously, I let out a small laugh while my gaze wandered around the room. The room had a sleek, jet-black appearance, adorned with mesmerizing geometric patterns on the walls and floors. Two control panels caught my attention, positioned on opposite sides against the walls, while the floor mirrored the ceiling's smoothness. “Don’t be afraid, once you get to know me, you’ll see what a cool guy I am,” he smiled and winked. Nervously, I let out a small laugh while my gaze wandered around the room. The room had a sleek, jet-black appearance, adorned with mesmerizing geometric patterns on the walls and floors. Two control panels caught my attention, positioned on opposite sides against the walls, while the floor mirrored the ceiling's smoothness.

However, what truly captivated me was the enigmatic black pillar adorned with sparkling crystals, standing proudly at the center. Placing my backpack on the ground, I cautiously approached it, filled with curiosity.

"What is this?" I inquired, circling around the strange pillar with multicolored quartz crystals at the center, one of them glowing brightly.

"No, don't touch it," he warned, causing me to retract my hand.

"What are they?" I asked, intrigued.

"They control this ship," he explained, presenting me with a fantastic opportunity.

"I'll accept your offer, but..." I hesitated. "But what?" he asked.

"I hope you'll bring me back before dinnertime," I nervously chuckled, feeling a strange attraction towards him. As we stood face to face, the glow of the crystals highlighting my features, I couldn't help but wonder about the risks of embarking on a journey with this mysterious being from another world. "How old are you? I don't want any trouble for bringing a minor along on my... adventures," he paused, "Can you imagine the mess I'd be in?" he added playfully. My life is dull right now; no boyfriend, no clear goals, so I pondered his proposal. "I'm 20," I fibbed, avoiding eye contact. I'm actually 18, with a birthday in October, but I kept that to myself. I glanced at him, intrigued, as he gazed back thoughtfully.

"Alright, fair enough, it's just that you look young," he remarked, running his fingers over the glowing crystals on the panel.

"I just have a youthful appearance, people always say that, but I'm 20, my birthday is in four months." He came closer, gently touching my cheek and planting a kiss on my forehead. I blushed, and he grinned.

"Where would you like to go?" he asked as he tapped a crimson crystal. Suddenly, a jet-black metallic seat materialized a short distance away from him. Nonchalantly, he removed his brown pinstriped blazer and carelessly tossed it onto the chair.

Contemplating his words, I responded, "If you truly possess the ability to traverse time, I would like to go to the 1970s."

"Any specific year in mind?"

I nonchalantly shrugged and coyly smiled, replying, "1976. My grandmother once regaled me with tales of its splendor." He scoffed, flashing a smile in my direction.

"Very well, let us embark on this journey," he exclaimed with exuberance. "Touch that crystal," he said.

"But I thought you didn't want me to touch the crystals?"

"I am granting you the privilege," he smiled. He then instructed me to concentrate on my grandmother and the year 1976. With closed eyes, I envisioned the experience of being transported to that era.