Chapter 13
Parallel Vaughn's POV
I watched in utter horror as Sydney, the girl of my dreams, collapsed and withered on the ground outside of the ship. Dad had warned me that we were dealing with the great unknown contacting a parallel planet, and that he couldn't give me an adequate idea of what to expect upon arrival.
Of course I dismissed these theories. They were obviously desperate attempts to scare me into staying. Little did I know that he was right. We are dealing with the unknown.
I yearn to leave the ship. I long to run to Sydney's side and comfort her; however, I know that the odds are great that if I leave this ship, I'll suffer the same consequences as her.
We've only been a couple for about three weeks now, but considering just how far our relationship has come in the year and a half since we met, I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I had considered proposing on this trip, but even I knew that it was too soon. (That didn't stop me from buying the ring, however.)
I listen for the sound of the traffic, a mainstay in all of Los Angeles, but only silence greets my ears.
I know I shouldn't, but I poke my head out into the air. I feel fine. I take a step forward. I still feel fine. Two more steps. Nothing. I look down. My feet are at the edge of the ramp. I look up.
The h with it, I say to myself.
I take my first step onto this Earth's soil. A stabbing pain hits me in my lower abdomen and my back, and I can feel several other sore spots on me. Grabbing firmly on both sides of my dress up shirt, I rip it open and stare down at the scar that has just formed on my stomach. I taste a disgusting creamy semi-solid liquid on my tongue.
It makes me gag. I put my hand up to my mouth as I cough violently. My head is throbbing. The last things I see before I lose consciousness is blood on my hand, and the rocky pavement coming closer.
Vaughn 1's POV
Sitting in the waiting room is never pleasant. There's an old lady reading the most recent Time Magazine.
I feel a liquid run from my forehead, to my nose, and as it passes by my eye, I can detect a red coloration to it. I put my hand to my head, and when I pull my hand away, it's covered in blood. I feel lightheaded, and as my body lurches forward, I manage to mumble, "Get help! Please." I can only hope she heard me.
…TBC…