Excerpt from A Time Traveler's Companion

 

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

Trigger warnings: sexual situations

My Life after high school: After completing high school in mid-June 2014, I found myself in a situation where I needed to find a part-time job. At the same time, I was faced with the decision of whether to go to community college for the Fall semester or not. Rather than rushing into further education, I decided to take a step back and give myself some time to figure out my future ambitions and aspirations. I didn't have a clear goal in mind, and I wanted to make sure I made the right choice for my future path. Well, Life happens, and some things turn out differently than what expected.

It was just another ordinary day when I encountered the man who would ultimately transform my life in ways I never anticipated. I decided to take a hike at one of my favorite hiking spots, the Menifee Cross Trails. The hills are crisscrossed with numerous narrow trails, offering a total of 2.7 miles of hiking. However, if you decide to explore the additional trails in the area, it can turn into quite a satisfying workout. Leila, my closest friend, and I have explored those hills several times in the past. One day, while she was occupied with her job at the local mall, I took the opportunity to drive my Honda electric plug-in hybrid. I parked it in the dirt lot where many hikers leave their vehicles, conveniently situated next to one of the trails. Three other cars were parked in the area, all owned by the most committed hikers who frequent the spot. I brought along my red and brown backpack, sporting my favorite olive-green safari button-up shirt paired with brown khaki shorts, and laced up my ankle-high rust brown hiking boots before hitting the trail. Reaching the summit of a modest hill, I paused to catch my breath. Glancing around, my gaze settled on the imposing metal cross standing proudly atop a larger hill nearby. The origin of the cross remained a mystery to me, yet it served as a focal point and drew visitors to the hiking trails. As the fog gradually dissipated, the landscape appeared less foreboding than it had at the start of my trek. In the distance, I spotted a couple of fellow hikers enjoying the serene surroundings. I took a sip from my water bottle and after I rested a bit, I started my descent. As I continued my journey, I noticed a different path up ahead and decided to explore it. However, out of nowhere, a series of bizarre events unfolded, catching me off guard. The air crackled with an eerie static electricity, causing a shiver to run down my spine. My heart raced in my chest, amplifying the intensity of the moment. Standing there, an inexplicable sense of unease crept over me as I waited, unsure of what I was waiting for. A nagging feeling urged me to flee, yet I remained rooted to the spot. 

Suddenly, a peculiar whooshing, humming noise echoed from behind me, causing me to whirl around in alarm. Before me, a strange shimmering object materialized, startling me into a sudden jump. As I took a step back, my eyes widened in disbelief as an ominous black monolith emerged out of thin air right before me. Time seemed to stand still as I found myself frozen in place, holding my breath in anticipation of what would happen next.

“What the Fuck?” I muttered, as a sudden whirlwind swooshed my hair back, leaving me in a state of bewilderment. I glanced around, hoping to find someone who had also witnessed this inexplicable phenomenon. Everything around me became quiet and the sudden burst of wind subsided. As I stood there, a mix of awe and confusion washed over me.

"What in the world," I thought. Curiosity compelled me to approach the enigmatic object, cautiously running my fingers along its smooth and icy surface. A sudden jolt of static electricity coursed through me.

 “Ouch,” I recoiled my hand. The monolith towered before me, measuring 40 inches wide, and a staggering 7 feet in height. Perplexed, I couldn't help but wonder about the purpose and origin of this mysterious structure. With wide eyes and a mind filled with questions, I stood there, utterly dumbfounded. Just as I contemplated the enigma before me, a figure emerged from within the monolith. Startled, I swiftly moved to the other side, seeking cover behind the towering structure. As I peered from behind the monolith spotting a man stepping onto the trail, he seemed unaffected by the strangeness of the situation. He looked to be in his late twenties, maybe early thirties. He glanced around, scanning from left to right. Looking at his attire, he was donning a brown pinstriped blazer over a white tee 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.

“Wow,” he remarked, taking in my appearance. 

“Are you from around here?” I simply gaped at him while he grinned back. I was momentarily speechless, especially after catching the unmistakable British accent in his tone. Gathering my thoughts, I mustered the courage to ask, “Who are you?”

“Just call me Mr. Smith,” he replied.

“How did you get here,” I asked, my curiosity piqued. With a sly grin, he approached me and replied, "I stumbled upon this place during my travels." His eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and a hint of allure. I glanced at the monolith. 

As he spoke, I couldn't help but take a step back, unsure of what to expect. Sensing my hesitation, he reassured me, "If you're interested, I'll gladly show you, come travel with me,” he paused. “But if not, feel free to leave." A lump formed in my throat, causing me to hesitate. He moved closer, attempting to hold my hand, but I instinctively pulled away. "Don't worry," he assured me, his voice soothing.

"I'll ensure your safety and make sure you have an interesting time." Gesturing towards the mysterious monolith, he insisted, "Trust me, let me show you." Once again, he reached out for my hand, and a warm sensation washed over me, making it impossible to resist. Despite my apprehension and uncertainty, I found myself irresistibly drawn to this enigmatic man who emerged from the monolith. His captivating eyes, charming smile, and the aura surrounding him had me completely mesmerized, along with the enigmatic monolith itself. As his touch enveloped me, all thoughts of my past vanished, and I became completely entranced, until he finally asked, "What is your name?" I hesitantly replied, “I'm Remi,” my voice barely above a whisper.

 His smile shifted into a playful smirk, his gaze slowly taking in every detail of me. As I moved closer to the massive structure, I spotted someone standing on one of the hills nearby, perhaps he was clearly just as puzzled by the sudden appearance of the monolith as I was. Mr. Smith shot a glance toward him, his eyes narrowed.

"Come on," he beckoned, gesturing towards the monolith with a flirtatious smile and a playful wink. Confused, I glanced at the monolith’s surface, devoid of any inscriptions, its sleek black surface chilling to the touch, just as I had mentioned earlier. With a sudden jolt, an opening materialized which I assume was the door, it caused me to instinctively recoil. With unwavering confidence, he took a bold stride into it, and I hesitantly mirrored his actions. However, as I crossed the threshold, a wave of disbelief washed over me, causing my mouth to fall open and my eyes to widen in astonishment. The sheer magnitude of what lay before me left me breathless, and I couldn't suppress a gasp that escaped my lips. In that moment, he couldn't contain his excitement and proudly declared, "Welcome to my humble abode," relishing the astonishment that was etched across my face. "This is a Time Dimensional Spacecraft, or TDSC for short," he announced. Looking around, I suddenly realized that I was situated within an otherworldly spacecraft. My eyes wandered around the room, absorbing the sleek, jet-black design with mesmerizing geometric patterns. The two control panels on either wall and the sleek floor reflecting the ceiling, drew my attention. 

"Hold on a second," I exclaimed as I stepped out of the craft and circled it, taking in the bizarre design while a sense of confusion enveloped me. It struck me that the inside and outside of the spacecraft were mismatched in size. I hurried back inside, eager to unravel this puzzling revelation. I stared at it, my eyes with excitement. "Wow! I can't believe my eyes, it's bigger  inside!" I exclaimed, filled with awe. Instead of feeling afraid, I was completely fascinated by the whole experience and eager to uncover the mysteries behind this intriguing man and his extraordinary ship. He chuckled, clearly pleased with my reaction.

"I had a feeling you'd be amazed," he said, with a smug grin on his face. My heart raced, and I couldn't tear my gaze away from the mesmerizing interior.  

"Would you like to embark on an adventure with me?" he asked. My heart skipped a beat, and I took a deep breath, my eyes brimming with astonishment. I was at a loss for words.  

"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. A tense silence enveloped us briefly, before I broke it with a question: “Am I being abducted?” I hesitated, inching toward the door that was hidden from the outside but clear from within. He moved closer, his presence a mix of authority and reassurance. "You can leave if you want; we’re still on the same hiking trail," he said, his gaze steady on mine. Standing nearly six feet tall, he loomed over my five-foot-six frame, which felt a bit daunting.

 Feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity, I couldn't help but nervously smile back at him. "I believe the person you saw earlier is nearing the TDSC and may be contacting others soon." A soft smile graced his lips as he looked directly at me, his eyes filled with anticipation. It was evident that he was eagerly awaiting my response, silently pleading for a positive answer. The way he gazed at me spoke volumes, conveying his desire for me to agree to whatever he was proposing.

"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," he said, enticing me further. Despite his kind offer, I still felt unsure. "Don't worry, once you get to know me, you'll realize I’m not such a bad guy,” he continued to persuade me. His words were accompanied by a chuckle and a smile, sending a shiver down my spine. A nervous chuckle escaped my lips; my eyes spotted a mysterious black pillar embellished with sparkling crystals in the center of the room. It truly captivated me. Setting my backpack down on the floor, I cautiously approached, drawn in by its enchanting allure. "What is this?" I asked, 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. I pondered over the offer he made earlier.

 "I'll accept your offer, but..." I hesitated.

 "But what?" he asked.

 "I hope you'll bring me back before dinnertime or before 10pm," I nervously chuckled, feeling a strange attraction toward him. Standing in front of each other, the crystals casting a soft glow on my face, I couldn't help but question the risks of joining this enigmatic being from another realm on an adventure. 

"How old are you?” he asked. Before responding, I thought about my uneventful life. Musing, "I don’t have a boyfriend, I’m out of high school now, considered an adult ready to start a new chapter in my life and at the moment I clearly don’t have any plans.” After a brief pause, I mustered the courage to respond, "I'm twenty," I said, it was a blatant lie though. Despite being only eighteen, but turning 19 in October, I decided to withhold that information from him. His inquisitive gaze persisted as he mulled over my answer.

"Well, okay,” he paused and added, “You do appear to be young," he delicately traced his fingers along the glowing crystals on the table on top of the pillar.

 “People often assume that about me, but the truth is I'm twenty, with my birthday just four months away.” I lied again, feeling a lump in my throat. He stepped closer and softly stroked my cheek before placing a tender kiss on my forehead. A rush of warmth spread through me, and I couldn't help but blush as he smiled at me. "So, where do you want to go?" he asked, tapping a crimson crystal. Suddenly, a sleek jet-black seat materialized a short distance away from him and he casually took off his brown pinstriped blazer and tossed it onto the chair. Pondering his words, I said, "If you truly have the power to time travel, I'd love to visit the 1970s." I smiled at him.

"Do you have a specific year in mind?" he asked.

 I casually shrugged and grinned, replying, "1976, my grandma used to tell me fascinating stories about that year." He chuckled, flashing a smile my way. 

"Alright then, let's embark on this adventure," he exclaimed excitedly.

 "Touch that crystal," he instructed. 

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

"I'm granting you the privilege," he smiled. He then told me to focus on my grandma and the year 1976. With closed eyes, I imagined the sensation of being transported to that era.

This book is available under the pen name CG Heandez. 

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A Time Traveler's Companion: eBook

AUDIOBOOK 

Where Does Remi Live?

 

 

Updates on Books I Am Writing

 

I just want to give my readers an update on my progress of the books I am currently writing. 

Diary of a Time Traveler’s Companion: so far, I’m at 207 pages in; this book will be a full-length novel. It will be published under another pen name. It is based on a fanfic I’ve been writing. There are some changes in the book that sets it apart from the Fanfic. For those who know about my Fanfiction, kudos to you! You’ll enjoy the book as well. 

 

Path Less Taken: I am working on this book, I just haven’t gotten as far as I would like but it's possible that the completion date will be around the same time the Time Traveler’s book will be completed. I alternate between books when working on them.

*Pictures of the characters from both of my books are posted on my Facebook author page. 

Note: the character Jack Harlin is similar to the Jack character in Doctor Who but there are slight differences. And as you probably have figured out the woman with the curly blonde hair represents River but not the same personality. Both Jack and Melanie are bisexual.

Jack & Melanie

For those who follow me on TikTok, some of my videos have been muted, but you can find them on my YouTube channel or on my Facebook Reels list. Follow links below. 

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CECILE GARCIA

CG HEANDEZ

Path Less Taken Excerpt: The Phoenix Files Vol. 2 Chapter 1

 

Path Less Taken

excerpt from Chapter 1: Dreams

Jane is in her office, reading through case files on her laptop. “Hmm, most are short and solvable. I guess others can take care of them,” she said and took a sip from her coffee. MK finished her last class and headed straight to the office.

 "Hey Jane, has Father Patrick given you any updates on the next assignment?" she inquired, entering with her brown leather messenger bag slung over her shoulder. Dressed in a red tee featuring a black Infinity Symbol on the front of it, faded jeans, and sporting playful ponytails, she looked ready for anything. Jane replied, "Actually, he dropped off a file yesterday while I was in the teacher’s lounge." Curious, MK pressed, "So, where are we headed?" Jane raised an eyebrow, a hint of caution in her voice. "You seem eager to dive into this assignment. Are you sure you're prepared? It involves potential portals and other dimensions," she said, rising from her desk to refill her water cup. MK pondered. She let out a sigh and sat down on the chair in front of Jane’s desk. Jane walked back to her desk and sat down, placing her stainless-steel water bottle next to her.

“I see why you're bringing this up, but you can be confident that I'm prepared. We've been delaying significant tasks for several months now.”

 Jane gazed into those striking blue eyes, which seemed to perceive more than she could. She nodded and said, "MK, we need to discuss this,

especially the dreams you’ve been having." MK paused, her expression thoughtful. "My dreams are complex," she replied.

“I once overheard you murmuring in your sleep during your stay at my apartment, and I can't shake the worry that you're still haunted by nightmares of the Backrooms. Please, share with me what's on your mind.”

 MK rose and approached the coffee maker, grateful for the warm brew Jane had prepared earlier. With a sigh, she admitted, “I do find myself dreaming of that endless yellow maze, but there’s more to it.” As she added two sugar cubes and a splash of cream to her coffee, she stirred it thoughtfully before returning to her chair.

She set the coffee down on a ceramic coaster adorned with a vibrant South of the Border design, a set Jane had purchased during their trip to Baja last year, prior to the Backrooms assignment.

“I’ve been experiencing some strange dreams, almost like they’re real,” she confessed. Jane’s expression shifted to one of concern as she asked for clarification.

“Sometimes, I find myself dreaming about various sections of the Backrooms.” A frown creased Jane’s forehead as she processed this revelation. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t explain it, but I feel a connection to the dark energy that permeates the Backrooms. It’s as if there are people trapped there, not just within the yellow labyrinth.”

“Explain, I want to hear more.” Jane threw a concerned look at her. MK’s connection to that other dimension is disturbing; she fears that the darkness of that place will find her and lure her back in.“In my dreams, I wander through quiet suburbs, expansive farms, and a sprawling city that feels eerily deserted. The fields we traversed linger in my mind, accompanied by the unsettling presence of a man.” MK shivered, as if a specter had brushed past her, she continues, “This man, with pointed ears and skin tinged with gray, remains elusive; his face hidden as he gazes out from a skyscraper overlooking the vast city below. Clad in a muted blue-gray suit, he speaks to me, his words echoing in the silence of the dream.”

“What does he say,” asked Jane, as she is perturbed by MK’s revelation.

MK hesitated before continuing, describing a chilling scene where she witnessed a figure conducting experiments on unfortunate souls who had wandered into his domain. Clad in a white lab coat reminiscent of a doctor, the figure's face remains obscured, leaving only a sense of malevolence in its wake. MK recalled a moment when she felt the figure's gaze upon her, as it acknowledged her with a sinister greeting, "Ah, princess you’re here," causing her to awaken abruptly. Jane reflected on this revelation, her heart heavy with concern for MK's tormentor. She expressed her frustration at being unable to confront this menace, trapped within the confines of MK's dreams. As she contemplated the situation, a nagging feeling suggested that someone within the Backrooms might be attempting to reach out to MK. Jane feels helpless and wants nothing more but to cut that person’s ties to MK, but MK must do it herself. Jane sighed and gulped. “I think that if you find out what his name is, maybe I can have Father Patrick look him up. He might be one of the scientists that became trapped in the Backrooms when the accident happened. Maybe he lives somewhere within that Hellish place and developed psychic powers and can somehow use them to communicate outside of his realm.” 

A look of concern crossed MK's face. Jane quickly reassured her, promising, "We'll figure this out and sever the connection." As she gently took MK's smooth hand, Jane savored every second spent with her. Deep down, she cherished her feelings for MK but lacked the courage to express them. MK responded by clasping Jane's hands with both of hers, a soft smile illuminating her features. MK shifted the conversation, asking, “So, where are we headed next?” Jane opened the file, her face serious. "Katy Lois Tyler has gone missing in Yosemite Park. Here’s her picture," she said, passing it to MK. "She’s beautiful, those green eyes are stunning," MK commented, to which Jane replied, "She’s half Caucasian, I think."

Curious, MK asked how she got lost. Jane explained, "She’s been missing for three months, leaving behind two sons and a loving husband." With a sense of urgency, MK asked, "When are we leaving?"

“I’m waiting for Father Patrick to call with more details,” Jane said, as she stood to grab a donut from the table, MK remained lost in thought, barely noticing Jane’s return. Jane observed the distant look in MK’s eyes, sensing her friend’s preoccupation.

 “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing,” responded MK.
“Look don’t let it bother you. I will take care of you. I’ll have your back. This assignment won’t be any different than the others.” She tried to reassure her. MK nodded. “I know you’re right. Thanks for your concern.”

“Not at all, you are very special to me, you’re my partner, we fight the good fight together.” MK smiled, brushed off the aphotic thoughts of her dreams and exhaled. Jane did not want to dwell on the dreams that still haunt MK, but she too has had them, and not good ones either. Her dreams take her into the Backrooms, and in them she is searching for MK but is attacked by a Hound. She slowly starts to turn into one. She can feel her body morphing into the grotesque, repulsive creature. The pain of each bone in her body twisting, contorting into something vile and supernatural, haunts her. The man MK speaks of is in fact, an entity that resides deep within the Backrooms. He once was a Human; he is connected to MK in ways she has yet to find out. MK noticed a flier on the desk.

“One of the local churches is setting up for a festival to raise money for the poor?” said MK.

“Yes, and we are supposed to attend and help with some of the festivities. It will be fun,” Jane said, swaying away from the grim conversation they had earlier. 

 “Good, this is what we need before we go off again. I can’t wait,” MK said with a cheerful smile. 

“The festivities will involve rides, game booths and food venders,” Jane added with a smile. MK nodded and asked, “Great so where do you want to have dinner tonight?” 

“I guess we can go to Manuel’s Mexican food restaurant. I’m feeling Mexican today,” said Jane with a chuckle. Later in the evening, Jane and MK were at the restaurant enjoying a pleasant dinner.

“Hey Jane, fancy meeting you two here” said John as he pulled up a chair and sat at their table. Jane was surprised to see John, but it was a welcome sight. MK, sipping her margarita, turned to John with a curious expression.

“So, what brings you here?” Jane asked. He explained that he had been at the bar already and noticed them walking in. After finishing his drink, he decided to join them, hinting that he had something important to discuss.  His serious demeanor caught Jane's attention, and her brow furrowed in concern, “What’s wrong?” she asked, sensing the weight of his words.

“Have you been having strange dreams?” he asked. Jane suspects that he too has been experiencing similar dreams like her and MK.

 Jane felt a twinge of unease and said, “John, I don’t think this is the place to talk about this.” He acknowledged her concern with a nod, then shifted the conversation slightly, asking if they would be attending the festival.

“Yeah, we are,” MK paused and took a sip from her drink, “before we head to Yosemite,” she said, casting a glance at Jane who hinted that John didn’t know about their assignment.

 “I assumed he was aware,” she said. Curiosity flickered in his eyes as John asked, “So, what’s the good Father’s reason for sending you to Yosemite?” Jane swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment, and let out a soft sigh. John casually grabbed a tortilla chip from the bowl beside Jane’s plate, dipped it into the creamy guacamole, and savored the bite.

“We’re on a mission to locate a missing person. She’s been unaccounted for over three months, and due to the supernatural and paranormal elements tied to her disappearance, our organization has stepped in,” Jane replied, as she swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment, she took a sip from her drink.

He nodded thoughtfully, processing the gravity of their task. “Are you both prepared to tackle this assignment?” he asked.

MK affirmed with a determined nod, glancing at Jane for support. She returned the look with a reassuring smile, signaling her agreement and readiness to embark on this challenging journey together.

“Okay, well if you need my help, you know where to find me then,” he said. After Jane dropped off MK at her apartment, she went home. John was waiting outside her door. As they entered her apartment, Jane secured the door with a click.

“Would you like something to drink besides alcohol?” she asked, her voice light yet tinged with an underlying weariness. She moved toward the kitchen, filling a glass with water while discreetly grabbing a sleeping pill from the counter. John observed her actions with concern, his brow furrowing slightly. “You never used to rely on anything to help you sleep. Are you having trouble sleeping?” he asked, his tone laced with genuine worry. Jane sighed softly, settling onto the sofa beside him, her gaze drifting over his features. It was then she realized that he, too, bore the marks of sleepless nights.

“I think we’ve all been experiencing some strange dreams lately,” she remarked, her voice barely above a whisper. John chuckled dryly, shaking his head as he removed his boots and set them down on the floor.

 “Strange is an understatement,” he replied, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice, as they both grappled with the unsettling thoughts that had invaded their sleep.

“John, would you like to spend the night here?” He nodded in response, a silent agreement that spoke volumes. “I’m not sure if you or MK have been experiencing nightmares about the Backrooms, but sometimes they feel so real that I find myself back in that unsettling place,” he confessed, his voice tinged with unease. As he rested his head on her lap, he resembled a child seeking solace, a gesture that revealed his vulnerability. “I too have had dreams of that horrific place,” Jane responded softly. 

“What kind of dreams do you have,” he asked her. “Well, I am back inside the Backrooms and,” she paused.

“And what?” he pressed. “Well, I am searching for MK and a Hound attacks me, I then go through the agonizing trial of turning into one.” There was silence for a moment. John gulped and took a deep breath. Jane stood up and moved toward the closet, retrieving a blanket and an extra pillow before settling beside him again. A heavy silence enveloped them, and John swallowed hard, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “What is it?” Jane asked, sensing his unease.

 “In my dream, I’m in the Backrooms too, but I’m hunting you, driven by a chilling intent to kill because you’ve become one of those monsters. It felt like a dark shadow looming over my very existence.” Jane gasped, her expression shifting to one of deep concern as she regarded him, the gravity of their shared nightmares weighing heavily between them.

“It’s not gonna happen John, these dreams are not real. I feel they are being sent to us from the Backrooms, but we should ignore them. We have a connection, you trained me.”

 She smiled and added, “I am your Apprentice, and you are my Master,” she joked as she threw a Star Wars reference in.

“I don’t ever want to go back into the Backrooms but if you end up there again, I will ask Father Patrick to send me in.” John said. Jane nodded. She knew that if she did become one of those hounds, John would have to do what he must do--give her mercy. John slept on the couch and Jane slept in her room. Oddly enough they slept well that night and so did MK. No dark dreams haunted their minds that night, but Father Patrick was another matter. 

His dreams are plagued by a desire, a forbidden desire that haunts him, a secret that burrows deep within and hides from the light. “The Light,” he softly mumbled. “She comes into my dreams.” He tossed and turned in bed, restless and unable to find comfort. Finally, he sat up, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. He got up from his bed and walked to the bathroom.  “I don’t know how strong I will be God.” He took a Dixie cup from the dispenser and poured water into it. His eyes glanced at the mirror and a woman with raven colored hair and deep greyish blue eyes materialized in the mirror. He gasped and dropped the cup. She smiled and blew him a kiss before she disappeared. He closed his eyes and sighed then went back to bed. 

Amazon Author's Page

The Phoenix Files

A Path Less Taken: Chapter 3-At Yosemite

 (Images in this blog are for the reader's entertainment)

 

 

Excerpt from a Twist in Time

 

(This is a short excerpt from, A Twist in Time: Something’s in the Sky chapter 2)

In the heart of February, Alyssa enrolled in a class situated in Riverside County to acquire the art of handling firearms. While her husband was the one with a passion for guns, she was curious to explore the allure herself. Surprising both her coach and herself, Alyssa proved to be a quick study. Although her husband frequented the local shooting range with his friends on weekends, she never accompanied them. Her motive for learning how to use a weapon was simple yet unsettling... Summer Lynn. Alyssa had no intention of using her newfound skill to harm innocent creatures, but lately, her thoughts had taken a darker turn. To keep her activities hidden from her husband, Alyssa provided a fake name at the shooting range and even shared her mother's address with the instructor. As she honed her abilities, it provided her with a twisted solace, allowing her to reflect on the state of her marriage. Her best friend Lynda once said, “Don’t worry about it, just divorce him already. He’s nothing but a waste of space." Alyssa dryly chuckled as she recalled that conversation.

The well-being of her kids weighed heavily on Alyssa's mind as she contemplated the impact of divorcing her husband; their youth made her fear the lasting emotional wounds it could inflict upon them. If only I can fulfill my fantasy in killing that bitch who is ruining my marriage,” she thought as she shot another round straight into the bullseye, dead center. Alyssa's group erupted in applause and cheers. Her instructor, beaming with pride, commended her for her improved skills and gave her a warm hug. Another student chimed in, praising her for mastering the task. Alyssa smiled and nodded, basking in the support.

 As her class concluded, she made her way home to find her children happily playing outside while her husband tended to the barbecue. Despite her suspicions of his infidelity, she chose to keep them hidden, preferring that he believed she was oblivious to the situation. "Darling, I was thinking, would you be open to hiring a babysitter?" he asked, catching her off guard.

 “Why?” she responded.

"I was thinking we could go on a trip like we used to before the kids came along," he said, flipping the burger patties on the grill.

"My mom can watch the kids for free, so we can go whenever you want," she replied, grabbing a coke from the icebox.

"I know a coworker, Summer Lynn, who could babysit for us. She could use the extra money," he suggested. Alyssa looked at him suspiciously, taking a sip of her coke.

 “That fucking bitch?” She placed her coke on the wooden picnic table near the homemade brick barbecue grill that her husband and his friend had built.

 "Why don't you invite her over? I'd love to meet her," Alyssa suggested. 

"Sure, I will. I'm so lucky to have married such a wonderful and kind woman like you," he replied, oblivious to Alyssa's cold expression and the sarcastic tone in her voice. Alyssa's mind raced with anticipation, thinking, I can't wait to meet her. 

She called out to the kids, "Come on, let's eat," as their pet cat tried to join them on the table. Alyssa quickly intervened, picking up the cat and placing her on the grass, saying, "Not you, Kitty. Go on now." One week later, Summer Lynn, a 28-year-old woman, was invited by her husband to join them for a barbecue party. With her light brown hair, coffee colored eyes, and a playful smile, she arrived wearing old jean shorts, a pink tee shirt, and mauve colored Nike shoes.

Every month, the Castros host a barbecue for their family and friends, as long as the weather permits. However, the only family members who attend these gatherings are Alyssa's immediate family and her mother. Alyssa rarely gets to see her brother, and their estrangement dates back to a disagreement over politics. Despite Alyssa's disinterest in politics, her brother and parents took offense when she voted for a president they did not support, causing a rift in their relationship. While her mother insists that Alyssa should apologize, she fails to recognize that the divide was caused by her brother's stubborn political beliefs. Alyssa's father is no different, holding strong and irritating convictions of his own. Alyssa vividly remembers her mother siding with her father on issues she strongly disagreed with, pretending that their marriage was perfect when she knew it wasn't. Alyssa, on the other hand, refuses to deceive herself about the state of her own marriage. She sees it as it is, imperfect. In addition to her family, Alyssa invites her two friends, Lynda and Maggie, who happen to be their next-door neighbors, to join them at the barbecue. Maggie knows nothing about her husband’s infidelity, but Lynda does. “Your mother didn’t come?” asked Lynda. Alyssa shook her head, “No she was busy today.”

“So that’s the whore, huh,” Lynda whispered to Alyssa, as she watched Summer Lynn walk toward the barbecue. Alyssa nodded. “She looks like a dumb blonde to me,” added Lynda, they both giggled. Maggie was initially clueless, but she soon figured out the situation. She was unaware of Victor's infidelity towards Alyssa, but it became evident to her quite quickly. Summer Lynn joined the group, taking a seat beside Alyssa on a lawn chair. The women engaged in a conversation while the men chatted and drank beer. Alyssa's sons were playing badminton outside, away from the group. Alyssa's home was a typical family setup, with a spacious backyard, a small front yard, and a desert landscape suitable for their region. “Will you ladies excuse me, I’m going to get another beer,” said Summer. She stood up and walked on over to the ice box that was next to the barbecue.

Alyssa's gaze fixated on her husband and Summer. Their eyes locked, revealing a magnetic pull between them. Burning with anger, Alyssa's glare pierced through them, her irritation intensifying. "So, is she going to be the babysitter?" Maggie questioned, giving Summer Lynn a skeptical look. Alyssa quickly responded, "No way, she's definitely not going to be babysitting for me," she snapped. Maggie and Lynda exchanged worried looks. 

"Why not," Maggie asked, curiously. Lynda shot Alyssa a quick look.

 "My mom lives close by, so she helps out with the kids when my husband and I want some time alone," Alyssa explained. Summer came back and took a seat beside Alyssa.

"Hey Summer, do you have any kids?" Alyssa inquired, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. Summer brushed it off.

"Nope, not for me. I'm too busy for kids, and I prefer being single and living life to the fullest," Summer replied. 

“Yeah, enjoying yourself with another woman’s man,” thought Alyssa, as she took a sip from her coke, her nose flared, and she sighed. 

“Mom, can we go inside and play with our Xbox 360? It’s kinda boring out here,” Alyssa’s older son Richard, asked.

“Sure, go ahead.” She smiled and kissed her son on the forehead. Richard, David, and Josh went into the house. She turned to Summer. “I know my husband wanted you to babysit for us, but my mother lives nearby, and she loves taking care of my kids so, no offense but I don’t need a babysitter at the moment,” stated Alyssa, firmly. Lynda gave Alyssa a clandestine wink.

If only you knew how much I want to kill you, bitch, thought Alyssa, her gaze bore into Summer, hidden behind her sunglasses, with a desire for vengeance that ran deep within her. The darkness lurking in Alyssa's thoughts was a chilling revelation, a side of her that remained unseen by those around her.

"Ah, well, that's alright then," Summer Lynn replied, deciding not to continue the conversation any further. Victor quietly entered the house without Alyssa noticing. 

"Excuse me, ladies, I need to use the restroom," Summer announced before heading towards the house. Once inside, she made her way to the bedroom where Victor was waiting. To avoid any interruptions, he closed the door.

 "So, what's the situation?" Summer shrugged. "I think she suspects something," she confessed. 

"No way, she's too self-absorbed to notice anything. Don't worry, she won't figure it out," Victor reassured her. He pulled her close, giving her a kiss and playfully patting her behind. "She makes me feel uneasy," Summer admitted. He reassured her, "She's harmless, just naive. You're safe." Feeling uneasy, she decided to leave because of  Alyssa.

"Alright, see you tomorrow at the usual spot," he said, stealing a final kiss before joining his friends. Alyssa noticed Summer following him outside. Summer bid them farewell, sensing the tension ease once she left. The evening proceeded smoothly without Summer, bringing a sense of calm. Later, Lynda spoke to Alyssa on the phone. "When will you confront him about what you know?" she inquired.

Alyssa replied, "My cancer is in remission, health is good. I'll do it soon, but not yet."

"Why wait? You should get rid of him, he'll only bring more trouble," Lynda advised. Alyssa agreed.

"Soon," that's all Alyssa said. 

A few days later Alyssa was talking to her mother on the phone. Her husband's out and her kids are watching television in the den.

"So, will you talk to him about his affair?" her mother asked her. 

"I prioritize my children above everything else in my life. Victor may claim to be spending more time with his friends at the shooting range, but I know the truth. He's actually upset about my decision to reject Summer as a babysitter. However, I couldn't care less about his feelings. I would much rather spend quality time with my children than with him. I am fully invested in their lives, attending their school plays and conferences, always being there for them. Victor seems like a mere ghost, just a presence in name only. It's disheartening to realize that he's having an affair, especially considering that he stood by me during my battle with cancer. I guess his support back then was merely out of obligation. Now that my cancer is in remission, he wants to be free to have sex with whomever he wishes,” Alyssa told her mother. A concerning look shadowed her mother's face. It has been several days since the unsettling conversation Alyssa had with her mother, and as she lay in bed, her husband snoring beside her and her children peacefully asleep, an eerie stillness filled the room. Downstairs, the cat was curled up on the couch, completely unaware of the intruder that was silently making its way to the master bedroom where Alyssa and her husband lay. The figure slowly revealed itself, standing ominously over Alyssa as she slept, its presence sending chills down her spine. With a gentle touch on her cheek, Alyssa's eyes fluttered open to a horrifying sight - a monstrous being with dark, hungry eyes staring back at her. Despite her piercing scream, the creature swiftly used its device to plunge her back into a deep slumber. Dark and twisted dreams consumed Alyssa's mind as she slept. She found herself surrounded by a sea of blood, lifeless bodies scattered around her, and a deep sense of anger and fear gripping her heart. The night was far from over, and Alyssa was trapped in a nightmare that seemed all too real.

Over the course of the next two months, Alyssa found herself in a terrifying situation as she was forcefully abducted and taken aboard a Ny'Karin ship for evaluation. The strange thing was, she had absolutely no recollection of the abduction itself. It was just another ordinary evening when she sat alone in her bed, engrossed in a book while her children peacefully slept in their rooms. Her husband was out with his friends, or so she believed. As the night wore on, fatigue began to take its toll on Alyssa, causing her eyes to grow heavy. She reluctantly set the book aside and rested her head on the soft pillow. However, instead of finding solace in sleep, her mind was plagued by horrifying nightmares filled with blood and anguish. She woke up multiple times throughout the night, drenched in sweat and trembling with fear. 

It is now June and the tranquil sound of crickets chirping outside filled the air, accompanied by a gentle summer breeze that gracefully entered the room through the open window, lightly caressing Alyssa's exposed leg. Just as she began to feel a sense of calm, a haunting voice echoed in her dream, urging her to take action against a woman who had caused her nothing but sorrow. Startled, Alyssa abruptly woke up and hastily rubbed her tired eyes, trying to make sense of the unsettling experience she had just encountered.

Surprisingly, her husband had already returned home and she quickly checked the time on the clock. 

"It's 3:45 am," she muttered before falling back asleep. It was the weekend, she took her children to the market where they selected their desired food items. As they walked back to the car in the parking lot, Alyssa's youngest son, Josh, suddenly pointed out something in the sky. 

"Look, there's something up there!" he exclaimed. Alyssa smiled and brushed it off, thinking he was just seeing shapes in the clouds. Her older son playfully teased Josh and messed up his hair, causing Josh to retaliate with a playful punch. "Cut it out, you two," she warned, David her other son laughed at his brothers. After getting her kids into the car and putting the groceries in the trunk, Alyssa took a moment to gaze up at the dark clouds looming above.

 As she looked up, she couldn't shake the feeling that there is something observing from above. "There's something in the sky, watching," she muttered. Upon arriving home, her husband's absence didn't come as a shock, although she had anticipated him being there. She knew he would fabricate a story about being at work, but she had reached a point where she no longer cared. Dealing with Summer Lynn is something she is anticipating and will enjoy.

One Month Before the Invasion

Despite her husband's betrayal, Alyssa remains committed to her talents. 

"Are you going out with your friends tonight?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. 

"Yeah, we're just going to Caleb's Man Cave at his place. You should go out with your friends too. Take the kids to your mom's," he suggested, nonchalantly grabbing his Dodger blue windbreaker. Alyssa's eyes narrowed, a cold silence enveloping the room. 

I know you're meeting her somewhere, she thought to herself. With a heavy sigh, she replied, "I think I'll just stay home with the kids, since my friends are all busy." He shrugged, making his way towards the garage door, which slammed shut behind him. In a swift motion, Lyssa retreated to her chamber, leaving her children engrossed in the television, her mind consumed by thoughts of betrayal and deceit. She went upstairs and from the depths of the wardrobe in her room, she retrieved a wooden suitcase, its size unassuming. With utmost care, she extracted it from her private safe, hidden away from prying eyes. The contents concealed within held a secret, an item obtained through her personal credit card. Placing it gently on her bed, she took precautions to secure her sanctuary, ensuring her children remained oblivious to her possession of the deadly weapon. A wicked smile crept across her face as she unveiled a sleek, black pistol adorned with a silencer.

"I ought to track the breadcrumbs he carelessly leaves behind," she whispered to herself. She called her mother to come by and look after the children so she could step out for a brief moment. Her mother showed up thirty minutes later.

"So, that worthless husband of yours isn't around?" her mother inquired as she walked into Alyssa's house.

"No, he's not here, but don't fret, I won't be gone for too long. And even if I am, trust me, I'll ensure everything is sorted out soon," Alyssa declared firmly, her voice filled with determination. Her mother's throat constricted as she nervously swallowed, sensing the seriousness of the situation. "Alright, just be careful. Confronting him could lead to a messy situation," her mother cautioned, her voice tinged with concern. Alyssa nodded, understanding the risks involved. "Kids, behave yourselves for your grandma," she instructed, forcing a smile to mask her own apprehension. Alyssa suspected that her husband and Summer Lynn might meet up on the far side of Elsie Lake. This area was well-known for fishing and picnicking, although swimming was discouraged because of the high bacteria levels in the summer. She was aware that this secluded spot would offer them the privacy they desired, far from any curious onlookers.

Thank you for visiting and please post your comment in the comment box. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

(A Twist in Time: Something’s in the Sky will be published in the future-2027-2028)

Chandra's Quest