Author's Note: Although I'm deathly ill I'm still determined to keep this story going so here is the next chapter. I'll just have to keep some cough drops and tissues close by. So here's to you, my fellow readers! Enjoy! (Because I sure did.)
Music: Sigur Ros- Staralfur (these guys are totally groovy.) Yo Yo Ma- Gabriel's Oboe Cello and Piano. (I have almost all of his CD's and he gets me every time.)
(December 20, 2034 Lily/Oliver: 43 and Beatrix: 8)
OLIVER: I can feel it building. My stomach jerks and I lean forward and moan. Lily is still sleeping. I'm in the bathroom clutching the toilet for dear life. This anxiety of when and how is taking its toll on me.
I have a terrible taste in my mouth. I've been up for more then thirty minutes spiting and groaning. I can't take this anymore. As I feel it rise in my throat I open my mouth and release all of my uncertainty.
"Oliver?"
I wipe my mouth and feel my nose running. "Go…" I breathe in and let it out. "Back to bed." I can hear her grunting as she moves her weight into the chair. I sigh as I hear her wheelchair roll up next to me.
I feel her small hand on my back. She rubs me softly. "This has been happening a lot lately… don't tell me, you're pregnant." She jokes quietly.
I flush the toilet and lean back against the wall. "I've just been preoccupied lately."
"With what?" She asks, hands in her lap and staring at me with her doe eyes.
"Just stuff."
She leans close and puts her hand to my sweaty forehead. "You're burning up. Back to bed with you mister." She tries to help me up as best as she can, but in the end it's all up to me.
I feel very dizzy as I wobble and shake, like an uncooked noodle, back to bed. I collapse and watch Lily roll over to her dresser. She pulls out her clothes, a vibrant orange sweater and blue jeans.
I close my eyes. I can hear the garbage truck backing up and picking up our neighbor's garbage. I watched the weather last night it's going to be very cold today. Beatrix is out of school for two weeks. She's very excited.
I pull a pillow over onto my stomach and hold it there for comfort. I hear Lily hunting and pecking through the medicine cabinet. "Take these." She says as I open my eyes. I pick up the two pills and place them on my tongue.
I swallow with no water and it hurts, stupid of me, I should have just waited for some nice cool water. I feel a headache approaching. I rub my temples and feel the wetness of my skin; it's oily and not clean. I need a shower.
She takes my hand and holds it safely between hers. "All will come together." Lily tells me before rolling out of the room. I wait and then I hear Lily and Beatrix gabbing about the up coming holiday.
"I want an art set! Just like Robert!" Beatrix gushes. I hear Lily laugh, it's so light.
"We'll see Bumble Bee."
… We'll see. Whatever the outcome. We'll see…
(July 18, 1995 Lily: 4 and 43, Oliver: 4)
LILY: I'm hiding behind a large tree wearing a sport's jacket watching me and Oliver play tag in his backyard. It's a gorgeous day outside. The heat is bearable and the sky is filled with beautiful white clouds, all puffy and white.
Oliver is laughing as he jogs away from my out stretched hands. "I'm going to get you!" I cheer.
"Never!" Oliver laughs to me as he picks up his pace.
We had a wonderful childhood. Others weren't as fortunate to grow up beside their future lover. Because Oliver will always be my best friend first and foremost. He is my helping hand, my rock.
But those days are only just beginning for the me in this time. She knows not of tragedy or pain. Oliver and I share our innocents in here. We explore the world with open eyes and willing smiles.
I won't take that away from her. I will not be the one to come in and steal the joy. I will not trade these memories. Now, Oliver and I collapse onto the ground and we begin making grass angles.
I feel the wet grass on my legs as I sit holding onto the tree's trunk for support. I look content here. My face is sunburned and red and a huge smile is present on my lips. I close my eyes. I feel myself leaving.
Right before I'm gone I can hear his laugh. So gentle, so carefree. Kiss, kiss Ollie.
(December 20, 2034 Lily/Oliver: 43 and Beatrix: 8)
LILY: I reach for Oliver's hand from across the table. Beatrix is taking a long sip from her glass of juice. We are eating green peppers. But, I'm not very hungry. He finds my hand and rubs a circle around my palm.
I take a sip from my ice water and let one of the smaller ice cubs slide down my throat. "How was your day Bee?" I ask her as she pokes at her dinner.
"Fun! I drew a picture of an elephant! I'll show you guys later if you want?" She smiles a toothy grin.
"After dinner before I put you to bed we'll take a look." Oliver assures her.
"And then we'll put it on the fridge!" I suggest ruffling her hair.
"Yes!" Beatrix shouts. "To the fridge!"
Oliver and I share a secret smile and then dinner is over. Beatrix is in the living room flipping through old picture books. I'm sitting in my chair watching Oliver wash the dishes. He's drying the pan that the green peppers were cooked in when he sees me staring.
"What is it?" He asks sitting down the white pan and reaching for my blue dish in the sink.
"Nothing." I smile shaking my head. "… Let's have a party."
"What?" Oliver laughs setting the soap down and looking at me like I'm crazy.
"A party!" Beatrix shouts from the living. "Yes! Let's do it!"
Oliver sighs; he can't win now that Beatrix has heard. "A New Year's party?"
"What else?" I snort rolling over to him.
Oliver looks from me to Beatrix with a sad expression on his face. "… Fine."
"Yes!" Beatrix and I cheer together.
"We'll invite everyone!" I tell Oliver. He raises an eyebrow at me.
"Everyone?" He says smirking.
"Everyone we like." I correct in good sprits.
(December 31, 2034 Lily/Oliver: 43 and Beatrix: 8)
OLIVER: Lily and Beatrix are in the kitchen cleaning up after making cookies. The house is filled with the heavenly scent of chocolate chip cookies. We have chips and dip and vegetable trays set up on the coffee table.
There's pop set out in the kitchen with cups stacked up on the counter. A few streamers hang from the ceiling and a large sign up above the front door reads: Happy New Year!
I run up the stairs to take a quick shower. I brush my teeth and slip into my party clothes- white shirt with black sport's jacket and black slacks with a black tie.
I run my hand over my beard and glance in the mirror. When did my hair get so grey? I shrug and straighten my collar. I come out of the bathroom and jog downstairs
Lily's still wearing her cut off jean shorts and a stained green t-shirt. We've been cleaning all week long. Scrubbing the floors, hanging new curtains in the dining room, and dusting the entire house.
Beatrix is dressed in her blue velvet dress and whines about her white tights itching. "Hey Lily you should get ready." I tell her.
Lily smiles up at me. I take her upstairs and set her down gently in her extra wheelchair. "What do you want to wear?" I ask her looking through the closet.
"Oh, I don't know. You pick." She says moving over to the bedroom door. She closes it and turns back to the bed. "Come here."
I lift my head and watch as she puts the break on her wheelchair and maneuvers her body onto the bed. She pats my side of the bed.
I chuckle "There's no time for that."
"Please Ollie, we can make time." She answers wistfully. I flip the lock on the door and slowly make my way back to her. I lay down next to her and we open our arms and wrap ourselves together. As I'm pulling off her underwear the phrase: One last time, pops into my head…
The doorbell rings as I'm slipping into my jacket. Lily is running her fingers through her hair. "Do I look alright?" She asks hurriedly.
Lily is wearing a silky black dress. She is pink and lovely and I tell her so. She comes to me and kisses me and then I help her down the stairs.
LILY: Oliver is mingling with our guests. (My parents and his. The Ryan's and then Cindy and her clan. And a few of our older friends sprinkled about.) I bite into a carrot and scan the crowd. Jake is singing "Let it Snow" as he tickles Beatrix.
Miley comes from behind me and wheels me into the kitchen. I help put the Russian vodka into the freezer. I can hear Marty's booming voice as he enters the house. "Oh music boy!" He shouts at Oliver. "Where's my baby sister?"
"In here!" I call from the kitchen. Miley pours herself some grape pop and smiles. Marty comes running in with a shopping bag full of CD's.
"I thought you and that husband of yours would enjoy these." He drops the bag in my lap and I thank him.
"But seriously where did you get all of these? I mean look!" I hold up one of frou frou's older CD's.
Marty puts a finger to his lips. "Shh… now, now little one there's no need for questions." His eyes dart from me to Miley.
"Oh you're so full of it!" I laugh.
Marty grins. "Indeed."
"Where are Sherri and the boys?" I ask craning my neck around the doorway.
"Oh, the boys attacked Oliver when we walked in. And Sherri is pigging out on the chips in the living room."
"I thought she was on that diet?" I laugh at Marty.
"She decided to just screw it. And besides I think she looks great but it's not like anyone ever listens to me." He says picking up a can of sprite and then he leaves.
"My brother ladies and gentlemen!" I shout after him.
"Well, I think he's great." Miley says walking around the counter and sitting down in a kitchen chair next to me.
"So what's up buddy?" I ask moving my chair into a better position so I can see Miley.
"Well, business is still good. I received a new client the other day. She's going to be big I can feel it." Miley nods.
"Good, good. And as always I will be the first to receive a copy of her album when she goes big?" I ask wiggling my eyebrows.
"Well of course!" Miley giggles.
"Lily?"
Miley and I look up and I see Cindy looking a little out of place in my kitchen. "Oh hey come in." I wave to her.
"I'll see you later." Miley whispers getting up and leaving.
Cindy walks over and sits down. "Listen Lily, I'm well…"
"It's all good doc. I'm okay. There's nothing left to discuss." I confess to her sincerely. Cindy let's out a breath.
"You'll have to see what I'm working on for Beatrix." She says folding her hands together.
"Let's not talk shop alright? Just enjoy the party. Excuse me." I roll away. I want some fresh air. I sneak out the back and let the harsh December air hit me. It feels so good. I hear the back door open and close.
"Aha! Thought you could escape!" Miley smirks. She walks over and leans against the brick wall. I watch her carefully under the dim porch light. Her face might be old but her smile never ceases.
"Come on, it's cold out here let's get back inside." She offers.
"Nah, I'm hot. Just stay with me for awhile." I say rubbing my hands together. It's quiet for a moment and then I begin.
"Friend?"
"Yes." Miley answers, hoping a little to keep warm.
"I just want you to know…" This is so hard. "I want you to know that… that your friendship has meant everything to me."
"What's going on?" Miley asks nervously. "Lily?"
"It's time."
"But? But Lily, you're my best friend. I tell you everything. How can it just be… over?" Her voice is cracking and I look away from her. This is torture.
"I don't know, but Miley?"
"Yeah." She says; voice shaky.
"Will you take care of them for me? Oliver and Beatrix?" I look at Miley as she nods fiercely.
"Of course." She says sternly. "I love you Lily." She's crying now. I feel my own tears start as well.
"I love you too Miley… thank-you."
"For what?"
"For sharing so much with me. For trusting me with your secret and just for being my friend." I wipe my eyes and breathe out fast. Miley leans in quickly and wraps her arms around me. We hug closely.
OLIVER: I can't find Lily anywhere. As I'm turning the corner I bump into Cindy. "Oh, hey have you seen Lily anywhere?"
Cindy shakes her head. "I was with her a moment ago. She's out on the back porch. I'm really worried about her, she seems very sad Oliver… she reminds me of patients who know they won't be around much longer… I mean she told me she loved me."
My insides tighten and knot together. "Thanks." I say before running off. I walk out back and see Lily staring at the stars.
"Hey there…" I smile at her. Lily turns her head and gives me a pretty grin.
"Get over here handsome." She sniffs, rubbing her nose.
"It's cold. I don't want you to get sick." I walk over to her and sit down in one of the lawn chair.
"It's so beautiful tonight. Don't you think so?" Lily sighs.
"I suppose…" I say uncertain. I run a finger through her hair. "Lily?"
"I'm leaving…" She says quickly.
"Huh?"
"Game over Oliver." Her voice is very tight.
"Lily." I reach for her hands and turn her to face me completely. "Just stop. Don't, just stop it."
"I can't." Lily whimpers and then she breaks. She cries softly. I pull her to look up at me, pushing away her curtain of hair.
"Why did we invite people? Why are we having this party?" I ask quietly.
"I don't want you to be alone afterwards." Lily sniffs loudly. I lift her from her wheelchair and bring her into my lap. I cradle her and she wraps her arms around my neck and we sit knitted together.
"But what about Beatrix saving you? Can't she do something?" I say hastily.
"I don't know. We have to wait… I just don't know Oliver." Lily is shaking. Her forehead is sweaty and burning.
"What time is it?" She questions. I look down at my watch.
"Almost midnight." I answer holding her even tighter, squeezing her. Lily barriers her head in my chest and whispers.
"I'm so scared… Kiss me."
I' am kissing Lily and it hurts. How can she leave? She is here! My best friend! My lover! She is solid and real. How can she possibly disappear? Don't go! And then my arms fall down. She's left me again.
Inside everyone sings out the count down. "Happy New Year!" They cry happily. I hear a champagne cork pop. Fireworks shoot off. The world rejoices. I put my head in my hands and wait.
(October 27, 1992 Lily: 43)
LILY: The grass is so cold on my back. I try and lift myself up. Dawn is breaking a fog is setting over the small woods. I breathe in and close my eyes. I sit up slowly and take in my surroundings. I'm in front of a bush.
It's very chilly this morning and I'm wet with the morning dew. I want Oliver. I need Oliver. I still have tears in my eyes. I hear rustling from far ahead. Beatrix? I open my mouth to call out to someone but then something hard hits me.
I fall back. A body in lying on top of me, breathing hard and fast. I hear a shot ring out in the open. I hear a sigh of relief. The other body rolls over.
"Hi mom."
"Beatrix?"
She is much older now. Her hair is shorter and sticks to her sweaty forehead. She laughs and I stare at her confused.
"What's going on?" I ask still lying down.
"I just saved you…" She smiles and a new light brightening up her eyes. "Oh mom…" She breaths. "I love you."
"Beatrix?"
"A shot to the chest you said. Well, hunting season. They thought we were a deer." She confesses.
"So what kind of a life are you going to now?" I ask.
Beatrix laughs. "I have no idea." And then she twists up clutching her stomach. "I need to go…" She says between her teeth.
"Okay." I say a little shaky and lost.
"Everything's going to be fine…" Beatrix tells me before pop! She's gone. I lay for a moment before I myself disappear.
(January 1, 2035 Lily/Oliver: 43 and Beatrix: 8)
LILY: I'm lying on the floor; all of our party guests stop dead and stare at me. I turn over to hide myself. Miley, stunned, throws me a coat. I can't breathe. The air has been knocked out of me.
"Oliver?" I choke out.
"Oliver!" Miley screams. And then he is here! Oliver runs to my side and scans my body. There is no blood, no gun wound… I'm here and well.
"Lily?" He questions a small smile peeking its way through his worried stare.
"It's okay… she… she got me." I say, completely shocked. And then I laugh. I can't control it I laugh and press my lips against Oliver's. We are kissing and laughing and I taste Oliver's salty tears… But then the thought crawls its way to the surface. What now? What's next?
I pull away from Oliver and search for Jake. "Jake?"
He lifts his head.
"Was another me here anywhere?"
He shakes his head. "No… why do you ask?"
"No reason."
Oliver lifts me up and takes me back to our bedroom. He is holding me securely and safely. When we reach the room he seats me down on the bed and gazes at me with a wondrous smile.
"How?"
"Beyond me." I answer.
"Lily?"
"Yes?"
"This is crazy."
"I know…" I sigh. And then Oliver walks over and reaches into the dresser and pulls out another outfit for me and I get dressed slowly. Oliver kisses my shoulders and runs his hands down my neck. I'm here. I'm here.
(January 5, 2035 Lily/Oliver: 43 and Beatrix: 8)
OLIVER: I'm pressed against Lily as we lay in bed. Since the scare of her near death experience it's been very difficult for me not always to be touching her or standing very close by. I want to be insured that this is over.
I kiss her forehead and she stirs. Her eyes open and I smile. "Morning." She yawns. I kiss her chin and nuzzle her neck.
"But I don't want to go!" Beatrix cries as I grab her backpack.
"Come on Bee you've got to go to school today." I say, angry at long this is taking. "I thought you loved school?"
"No! Not anymore! I need to stay with Mommy!" She jerks away from me and runs to Lily. "Don't go anywhere!" Beatrix moans in Lily's stomach as she clings to her.
Lily rubs her back and shushes her and whisper comforting words to Beatrix. I can't hear them but Beatrix raises her head and smiles. She kisses Lily's cheek and then runs out the front door.
"How do you do that?" I ask, amazed.
"Please, it's me you're talking to." She smirks, confidently.
"Oh, yes, least we forget." I mock bowing down to her.
"Come on Daddy!" Bee shouts from outside.
I quickly kiss Lily and then Beatrix and I are off.
LILY: I watch them leave from the window. Once the car turns the corner and I can longer see I roll back to the kitchen. I chew slowly on my poptart form earlier. Then I pour the last of the coffee into my red cup and sip it leisurely.
I sit still and look out at the frost on the grass and rooftops. The sun is just now slowly poking its sleeping rays up and out from the tree branches. I set my coffee mug on the table and fold my hands together.
I haven't time traveled since my last death scare. But what haunts me is that it felt so real. I was near death, unlike the other times. I could feel myself slipping. And now what? Oliver is more jumpy then before. He's always with me. Always holding my hand or standing close enough for me to reach out and touch him.
I wonder if- The phones rings. I quickly roll myself over to the cordless phone by the way and pick it up.
"Hello?"
"Lily! Lily, come down to my office immediately!"
"Doctor Brown?"
"Yes, yes it's me now hurry."
Click. Silence. I look around the room. Well, this is just great. The front door opens and I hear Oliver shedding his coat.
"Not so fast! You're taking me to Cindy!" I tell him.
"What?"
We arrive at Cindy's office in record time. Oliver pushes me through the door and Cindy is pacing back and fourth looking exhausted but hopeful.
"We misplaced one of the mice." Cindy states, smiling at me.
"The time traveling mice?" Oliver says taking a seat next to me.
"Yes. One of my dimwitted partners was in charge of calculating the mice. But he miscounted!"
"What does this mean?" I ask.
"Most of the mice died within two months of the experiment after injecting your mutation, time travel, into their system." Cindy tells us while opening up my old folder. She takes a breath and then adds, "But when we found #3 sitting in her cage a few days ago, I was started. So I went back through the files on this mouse. And I came to a conclusion: Why not 'sweat' this problem out of you."
Cindy stops now and laughs. "I thought I had it all worked out. It would be like doctors giving patients more of their illness to, as I said before, sweat the fever out. And it works, most of the time. And I was going to call you in to try it. But I decided experimenting on #3 first. And apparently it was too much for her. Time literally killed her. She moved through different time periods too fast and it wore her out."
I put my hand up to stop Cindy. "Get to the point. What does this have to do with anything?"
Doctor Brown grins. "That's when Beatrix's lab results came in. Now, the reason none of my ideas worked on you Lily was because of your age. But Beatrix has a very good change. So then it hit me! Why not just give you some of Beatrix's genes. They are, after all, your same genes. You gave your daughter the exact mutation that you yourself have. So it would be like getting something from you at a younger age."
Oliver takes my hand and I stare at Cindy in disbelief. "So, I mean we can stop it? All together? End the traveling?"
Cindy Brown gives me the widest smile I've ever seen her give. "Yes."
…..
Author's Note: Well how about them apples? I hope to God that made sense. It did for me but then again I'm really loopy. If you're still confused I'm going to re-state it again in the next chapter when Beatrix is brought to Cindy Brown for the first time. Leave your thoughts…