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We had been travelling through the Texan countryside for 2 days now and still not reached our destination. The group was being slowed down by the older generation that weren't able to keep up with the faster spend of the children and young adults. It had been decided that the group would be split into 2 so that the soldiers didn't have to spread out over a large distance to watch over the whole group.
The split had been decided last night and today was the morning that we would be separated into age groups.
Me and Katelyn had already been placed in the younger group which meant we would be travelling with Dale and a few other soldiers. I was happy that I knew one of them but I didn't feel as safe without Jasper.
He was staying with the older group because he decided they would be most vulnerable and therefore would be more of a target.
It was because of his decision that Katelyn now sat sobbing into my green dress.
"It's not fair, why does fate hate me so much? I want to stay with Jasper. He's my jasper. I'll never find another man like him." Katelyn was always so dramatic but it suited her perfectly and didn't come across as irritating.
"You have nothing to worry about Katie. Jasper is an excellent soldier." She sniffled so I thought of some that would definitely cheer her up.
"Just imagine how romantic it will be when you 2 are reunited in San Antonio. You and your Major" Katelyn instantly perked up and her eyes gleamed at the prospect of her and her Major living happily ever after.
I was still unsure as to whether Jasper actually held any affection for Katelyn and so I felt a little discomfort at using the image of him and her to motivate Katelyn.
"Oh Sarelle! Do you really think so? That would be the most amazin' thing. Just imagine how happy Momma and Pops would be when I marry a Major. And he's such a handsome man, we would make a very pretty couple. We must get to San Antonio as fast as possible. I need to find a new dress! I can't be reunited with my Jasper in this rag." She picked at her well made dark red dress as if it was a sack.
The sound of horse's hooves came towards us and we looked up, covering our eyes from the sun, to see Jasper getting off his chestnut coloured horse.
"You will be leaving soon with Dale. I just wanted to give you a goodbye. I hope we'll meet again sometime in the future."
"It's been a pleasure knowing you Jasper and I wish you all the luck in the world" I knew I wouldn't see him again.
"And you Sarelle" Jasper's face showed that he could hear the finalising tone in my voice. I thought I hadn't given it away but Jasper was always more perceptive than others.
The tingle had increased steadily over the past days. I could now feel it humming round in the air around me. I didn't know how much longer it would take to get to a point that it dragged me under but I prayed it would give me 2 more days. At least then we would have arrived at our destination and Katelyn would be safe with her Aunt and Uncle.
I wasn't expected to stay with them so I could say my goodbye's and depart without leaving a mystery behind me. Katelyn would be too busy preparing herself for the arrival of Jasper to miss my presence too much.
I had heard that her Aunt and Uncle had 2 children of their own so Katelyn would have people to socialise with.
"When do you think you'll be in San Antonio? It will be so odd not seein' you every day, you're my favourite soldier" Katelyn was doing everything in her power to flirt with the Major and Jasper hid his amusement at it well.
"I think we shall arrive only a day or 2 after you, Katelyn. Perhaps I could call on you when I arrive, although I'm sure you will have found yourself overrun with admirers by then" Jasper smiled at Katelyn and I saw the blush that rose on her cheeks. It was sweet that she was so infatuated with him. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to feel that way about someone.
"I would like that very much Jasper" Jasper nodded at Katelyn's comments and bid us goodbye before riding off to join the other soldiers he would be in charge of.
He was a lovely man and I knew he wouldn't be like the other soldiers who all drank too much and gambled they're money away whenever they stopped in a town. He would always show a lady respect and charm her with compliments and simple gestures.
I liked Jasper Whitlock and I felt it would be a shame to never see him again but I didn't feel that it was a sad goodbye.
Just another end to another adventure.
* * * * *
I was tired and my legs dragged from the weight of my travel sack. I hadn't slept in a real bed for 3 days, I hadn't eaten decent food in 3 days. I was tired of the same landscape that surrounded me. It was hot and I was getting irritated with the monotony.
These were the reasons I told Katelyn when she asked me what was wrong, not that she did that often. However the real reason for my irritation was that the tingle was making my skin almost itch it was that close. I couldn't sleep properly because it was pressing in on me. It felt like at any moment I would just disintegrate into the atmosphere. I worried constantly about vanishing in front of Katelyn. She would be horrified if that happened.
I needed to get to San Antonio. I needed to leave Katelyn at her Aunt and Uncles, only then could I just give up and give in to the tingle.
For the first time in that week I looked out over the landscape and I could see buildings and lights on the horizon.
"We're almost there! I can't believe it. What do you think Katelyn, just another few hours walking?" Katelyn seemed a little shocked at my outburst. I never really did that.
"I would say a couple of hours tops. Probably get there just before sunset. I can't wait to see my aunt and uncle. I wonder how little Molly is doing? She was only 7 when I last saw her. She has the cutest little strawberry blonde curls. She's like my little sister. It will be so much fun all of us livin' together won't it?" Katelyn's question caught me by surprise. Did she think I was going to stay with her when we got to San Antonio?
"I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time with them," I wondered if Katelyn picked up on the hidden meaning behind my sentence. She would have a wonderful time with them, but not me.
We walked for another 3 hours before we reached the centre of San Antonio. Katelyn's relatives lived just a couple of streets away and we would have left from there straight away but we thought it would be kind to say goodbye to Dale.
He had been a good companion to us over the past few days. He chatted with us when we were bored and made sure we were in a safe place to sleep. I held a lot of gratitude towards him. I wanted to give him and Jasper a letter each for them to read. It would hopefully stop them from searching for me when they arrived back in San Antonio. I knew Dale would deliver it to Jasper because he and the rest of the soldiers were heading back to escort the rest of the civilians out the town.
"Dale, thank you for looking out for us over these past few days. You've been a very good friend" Dale watched me closely and I matched his smile.
"I hope it would be alright for me to visit you when I start my post here" He seemed a little unsure of his question, as if I wouldn't want to see him.
"That would be very nice of you" I didn't say that I wouldn't be here for him to visit.
"Dale, I was wondering if you could give this to Jasper. There's a letter for you too. It's just to say thank you really. I'd prefer it if you didn't read it here. It would be a little embarrassing" I smiled shyly and Dale chuckled. He took the letters from my hand and put them neatly into his uniform pocket.
"Well I guess this goodbye for now" I offered him my hand for a handshake but he took me by surprise and pulled me into his arms. He stroked my hair as we stood there hugging.
He was a sweet man, he would make a girl very happy in the future.
"goodbye Sarelle" He ended the hug and I watched him walk away.
Me and Katelyn made our way to her relative house and I could feel the tingle starting to eat away at my fingertips and toes.
I stayed a few metres back from the door as Katelyn rang the doorbell.
A middle aged woman with the same vivid red hair as Maggie answered the door and embraced Katelyn whilst a young black man took her luggage. I hadn't seen a slave in the town we'd come from but it seemed here they were stilled owned.
I didn't like the idea of a person being owned by someone else but the young man seemed happy enough and he didn't appear mistreated.
"Come on Sarelle, come meet everyone" Katelyn called but her auntie seemed surprised that there was someone else she would have to care for. I couldn't blame her, it would be expensive enough having to look after Katelyn.
"I'm not coming Katelyn. I'm going to stay with my cousin. I remembered that she had a house nearby." I lied but I needed to otherwise Katelyn wouldn't let me leave.
" You sure you don't want to Get down and cool the seat of your saddle?" I vaguely understood that meant come in and rest a while.
"No it's probably best I get to my cousins before dark comes. Thank you though."
"Oh ok, well I guess I'll see you soon." Just as Katelyn turned to leave through the door I remembered my letter to her.
"Katelyn! I just wanted to give you this, just in case it's a while before I see you. You made the past few months a lot of fun. And of course I wish you luck with Jasper" I giggled and handed her the paper. Giving her a firm hug goodbye.
I watched as she skipped through the door leaving me outside with just my big sack of belongings and my locket round my neck. They were everything I needed, no matter where I went.
I turned round the path. I had no intention of walking into town. I walked into the darkness that was increasing as the sun went down and sighed as I felt myself merge with the darkness.
* * * * *
I sighed, the thrill of the time travel had worn off after I arrived in DeSoto, Texas. Although I wasn't certain that I ever really felt a thrill at what I could do. I didn't enjoy having my life ruled by a force I couldn't control.
I did as I had learnt to do through my past few jumps.
I took in my surroundings, keeping my eyes closed just a second longer so I didn't overwhelm my body as I had the first time I jumped.
I felt a rush as warm but humid air hit my skin, the smell of salty water tickled my nose but it was mixed with the smell of fumes, and fatty food. I didn't recognise any of the smells and the noises that came were even more confusing.
I could hear the loud roar or machinery, a lot of it. There were a lot of people nearby as well. Music pumped from somewhere but it wasn't the tunes I was used to. This was strange and unlike anything I had ever heard.
I finally opened my eyes and I reeled at the sight I saw. Sun beamed from the clear blue sky lighting up a beach. The sand was golden and the sea was crystal aqua.
A promenade ran along the front, people ran, walked and glided past. Some were dressed in brightly coloured suits whilst others wore nothing but what I would call underwear. Dark glasses shaded their eyes from the sun. I thought it a little strange that people would cover up their eyes but not their bodies. Women walked in string like garments, their bronzed skin on show to all the men that passed them. I seemed to be standing in yet another alley way only this one was a little cleaner and brighter than the other's I had landed in.
I walked out into the street ahead of me. It was a little more like the Chicago and London I had known but this place was so different as well. I wandered along the sidewalk as people stared at me. I probably looked a little strange, being so covered up compared to them. I still had on my dusty green sundress that had a red sash round my waist. It wasn't particularly long, only falling to just above my knees, then again the people here didn't seem to care much for long clothing.
I stared into the endless glossy shop windows. The majority of them were filled with coloured items of clothing, people buzzing round them like flies round raw meat.
I continued to walk through this strange place. I needed to find a newspaper but there was no way of knowing where to get one. Each of the shops seemed foreign to me. I couldn't find somewhere that even resembled the kind of place I used to buy a newspaper back home.
After an hour or 2 I got too tired to go any further along the stone path. I sat my aching body down on a metal bench, holding my travel sack at my side.
People just passed me by, they didn't offer to help or question me about my condition. I wasn't used to this kind of society, where people just ignored someone.
I was vaguely aware of someone taking a seat next to me but didn't turn to greet them. They would only ignore me, or look at me as if I was deranged. I just sat fumbling with my locket; I wanted to see my parents again. Just once.
Why couldn't the tingle take me back to them, so that I could hear my father's booming laugh or feel my mother's arms wrap round me and make me feel safe and warm. I miss the way her beautiful sleek hair used to tickle my face when she leant down to kiss my forehead and the way her soft yellowy green eyes used to shine with happiness when she watched me and father play hide and seek.
I missed being a child.
"Hey you ok there girlie?" A harsh American accent came from the person sitting next to me. I turned to see a girl only a couple of years older than me. She was dressed in a baggy grey top with skin tight black pants that came down to her knees. They looked like they were made from stretchy material that clung to her body. Her feet were covered by bright white rubber and leather looking shoes with laces up the front. The outfit looked comfortable, maybe more comfortable than the simple cotton dress I was currently wearing and definitely more comfortable than the corseted dresses from 1910.
She was chewing on something but I couldn't see any food in her hand. Her icy blue eyes were watching me waiting for an answer.
"Hello, my name is Sarelle. it's nice to meet you" I stuck my hand forward expecting her to shake it. She looked at me a second any slapped my hand.
"Hey Sarelle I'm Casey. You not from round here are you? You sound all plumby. Like one of those hot totty English folks." Casey looked me over with a curious look on her face. My outfit was very different from hers. I was very different from her. My hair fell in angelic waves of blonde down past my shoulder whilst hers was a mass of dark blonde tight curls pulled back from her face by a band. Her face was decorated with makeup, bright pink lipstick painted on her lips and thick black surrounding her eyes. She must have thought me quite odd with my near ghostly complexion and matching pale hair all clean from makeup.
I broke from my observation of her and answered her question.
"I moved to America a few years ago when I was 10 with my parents. They're both gone now though. Do you know if there's a tavern or inn nearby I could stay for a while?" Casey sat staring out at the ocean in front of us and I wasn't sure if she was even listening to me. I was used to having conversations where the person actually looked at you when you talked.
"I don't know bout any of this freaky tavern or inn business but there's a hostel just up there somewhere. Not sure if they'd take a tweenie without any parents but it's a worth shot. I could take you there now if you want. You're looking a bit worn out." I didn't know what a tweenie was, or a hostel but I nodded and dragged my body up from the comfort of the bench. I hauled my sack onto my back and stuck close to Casey as we made our way through the crowd up along the street.
I had never been anywhere that was this busy or diverse. There were people of so many races here, it seemed so relaxed compared to the past places I been to. Even though I liked that it was so different to everything I ever experienced, it also unnerved me. I didn't get a sense of community from this place. It seemed to be very much a single person society where you look out for yourself only.
I didn't know if I would fit in as well here as I had with the other places in the past.
"I like your outfit, very romantic style, you know. Make's you look like summit out the past. Like one of those sweet little southern bell types. You wanna be careful a girl like you in this place, can be dangerous" Casey continued to walk quickly in front of me weaving easily through the crowd as I tried to keep up. Was life here always so fast paced?
"I know this may be strange but where exactly am I? I got a little lost on my travels." Casey turned to look at me as if I had an extra head.
"Honey you're in Florida. You know Tampa bay, all bronzed bodies and white beaches. Jeez how long you been travelling that you don't even know where you are anymore?"Casey chuckled and kept walking. She didn't know the half of it.
"What's the date?" Casey huffed and turned to me. She must think I'm an idiot.
"Saturday 6th April 1989, you got anymore obvious questions? Girlie if you're gonna have to get that pretty little head screwed on if you're gonna live round here." We rounded a corner onto yet another busy street. Signs stuck out from the buildings advertising various hobbies, items for sale, places to eat, special offers. It was so much for my mind to take in.
So this was the future and not just a few years in the future, it was a whole lifetime in the future. If I had lived a normal life I would be dead by now. That thought made my mind whirl. It was amazing how the world has changed so much in just one lifetime.
We walked a few more hundred metres before Casey stopped in front of a tall but thin building with a metal grate door. It didn't look like an inviting home or inn but if this was the only place for me to stay I would have to accept it.
"Well this is it, Guess you just go in an' get yourself a room. Don't know how much it'll be but it's probably the cheapest option. There's no way you can stay on the streets." I nodded and went to get the door handle.
"Hey Sarelle, maybe see around." Casey was off before I really had a chance to respond.
She took off strutting down the street with the confidence that seemed innate to her. Her tight curls bounced with her movement and I heard the boys across the street whistle as she passed them. I smiled and entered the hostel.
There was a desk right near the entrance and a set of stairs at the far end. It didn't invite me in, it was bland with dirty white wall decorated with ripped posters.
I sighed and tapped the bell on the desk, this place was my only option I may as well accept it.
A tired but happy looking woman came to the desk, her glasses balanced on her nose so her watery blue eyes could be seen clearly. I couldn't guess her age because her skin seemed older but her hair was clear of any grey hair and was a bright blonde. Her sweet perfume drifted thick towards me in the air.
"Hello there dear, how can I help you?" She sat herself in the old leather chair at the desk and turned her face towards a large box like machine.
It was going to take a lot for me to understand this place. I made a mental note to find a library and read as much as possible.
"Hello I'm Sarelle, I was wondering if you have a room I could use, I have money" I pulled out the wad of notes from my bag and the woman's eyes widened at the sight of the notes.
"Well we have a bed but you'd have to share the room with another person. It's $5 a night and you get one meal a day for that. There's bathrooms on each corridor, they're not private but there's locks on each cubicle. How long do you think you'll be staying, petal?" The woman looked up at me through her specs. If it was $5 I would only be able to stay here 2 months before my money ran out completely and that didn't include any other living costs.
"I'm not sure how long I'll be here but could I have the bed for 2 months and then extend it from there?" The woman looked a little confused that I didn't know how long I would be visiting but I couldn't say anything else.
"well that will be $120 please" I handed over my money and she just stared at it.
"I can't take this honey. It's too old. And it's probably worth a lot more than $120. You'll need to go to the bank to get it converted. Where did you get this?" I froze.
"ummmm, it was given to me when my parents died. I think it was my grandparents. I don't know where the bank is, I've only really been here a few hours." I started to panic, what if she wouldn't help me? What if I had to spend the night on the streets? The woman looked me over and then stood from her fake wood desk.
"Look honey I'll do you this one little favourite and go change it for you. Just wait over there and I'll be back as soon as possible. But I have to say, if I'm right, you can't have this kind of money just stashed in your bag. It's quite a large sum and it would be foolish to carry it around with you." She directed me to a battered old sofa with spongy cushions.
I sat there for an hour watching various people come in and out. Young couples smiling as they stepped out onto the street, a young mother lugging a grocery bag in one hand and a child in the other, a small group of girls accompanied by an adult came in dressed in nothing much. The world just passed me by as I sat hoping that the woman would come back. Just hoping she hadn't taken everything from me and left.
I sat staring at the floor when I heard the door open again, the metal grate rattling.
"Sarelle. Here's your money. I've taken the room charge for 2 month off." I bolted upright and rushed towards the woman, just happy she'd actually returned.
She handed me a brown envelope and it felt considerably thicker than the wad of money I had handed her.
"Are you sure there hasn't been a mistake? Maybe they gave you too much?" I was holding the envelop dazed and the woman chuckled at me.
"No, No Sweetie that's the right amount. There's a total of $1238 there apparently the inflation rate had increased the value by quite a large sum" She went back to the desk and retrieved a key with the room number 12 on it. I was still standing stunned. I owned $1238, which was more than I had ever had in my life.
I beamed at the woman with the bright blond hair.
If this was the future, I liked it.