11:30 AM PST
Marty Jr had to admit that he was rather excited about visiting 1986 again. This year has almost become a second home to him. He figured that he could pick up a bag of M&Ms for himself. It was be nice to be able to experience this year a little bit.
Just then, the time circuits and the flux capacitor suddenly died out. As much as he loved visiting this era, he really didn't want to be stuck again. He was quite excited about attending the dance with Harmony. Marty Jr felt a little bit frustrated.
"What the hell?" asked Marty Jr, as he piloted the DeLorean to the ground. He then proceeded to press a few buttons and pull a few switches, but nothing happened.
Marty Jr realized that he really had no choice but to consult the Doc of this era. As he remembered that hover-cars had not been invented yet, he decided to drive the rest of the way over to Doc's place on the ground. He hoped that Doc would be able to fix the time circuits within a few hours. He felt very antsy.
oooooooooo
"Well, I hope Marty gets back here, soon," Jennifer said, sighing. "It's been about fifteen minutes already, since he's been gone. I guess the traffic is jammed."
"Just try to have a little bit of patience, Jennifer," Doc said, gently. "At any rate, is it really going to matter so much if you and Marty are a little late. The dance would be going on all afternoon, right? Sometimes, I think you kids are way too impatient."
"I'm sorry, Doc," Jennifer replied, blushing. "I guess I'm just really anxious to show off my dress to everyone. Sorry if I seem a little vain, but I really love this dress."
"You do look good in that dress, Jennifer," Doc complimented. "Anyway, let's maybe wait about half an hour. If Marty isn't back yet, then we'll start looking for him."
"Yeah, okay, Doc," Jennifer said, sighing. "I guess it isn't the end of the world, if we end up being a little bit late. The thing is, though, I told my friends that we would be there by noon. I guess they'll understand, though."
"Well, yeah, if they really are your friends," Doc said, smiling.
Just then, the doorbell rang, which made Jennifer feel really excited.
"I guess he's back, now!" Jennifer exclaimed, as she and Doc went to answer the door. "Marty, you're back! Are you about ready to head off to the dance, now?"
"Actually, I'm really not the Marty that you know," Marty replied. "I'm actually Marty Jr. Doc sent me here from 2016 to pick up a few items for him, but the time circuits ended up dying out - and I need you to fix them."
"Great Scott!" gasped Doc. "We have to get you back home to 2016. I just sent your father to 2016 to pick up a few items for me, and..." Doc then realized something, as he once again gasped. "Great Scott! If you're stuck here in 1986, then your father is probably stuck in 2016. This could result in a paradox?"
"Wait, wait, a paradox?" Marty Jr asked, stunned. "You mean one of those things that could destroy the universe?"
"Precisely!" Doc replied. "You see, if we don't get you and your father switched back to your proper eras - than your father will never be able to marry your mother, and you will become erased from existence. There's no telling what this could do to your father in 2016. I'll get working on the DeLorean right away."
"But what about the dance?" protested Jennifer. "We're going to miss the dance."
"Jennifer, I'm afraid that that is the least of your problems right now," Doc said, a bit grimly. "The fate of the universe is at stake right now."
"So what are we supposed to do, Doc?" Jennifer asked, sighing. "I don't know how to fix the time machine. You're the one who's the expert at that."
"I have an idea," Doc said, quietly. "Marty Jr, you look just like your father. Maybe you could pretend to be your father, and you could bring Jennifer to the dance."
"That's a good idea!" exclaimed Jennifer. "Everyone will just think that you are your father, and nobody will notice the difference. I don't think that can hurt, do you?"
"Well, uh," Marty Jr said, sighing. "I'm not sure if that's such a good idea, as..."
"Oh, come on, Marty," Jennifer insisted. "You know how much you like this era. This will give you a chance to hang out with other '80s teenagers, and dance to the music of this era. Marty, this could be really fun, you know! Please, at least think about it!"
"All right, Mom... uh, Jennifer," Marty Jr replied, as he laughed nervously. "I guess you've managed to convince me. I really don't mind being your dance partner. As long as you don't try to convince me to 'do the deed' with you, we'll be fine."
"Marty!" Jennifer protested, laughing. "Where did you get such a crazy idea like that from? I would never expect that of you. All I'm really asking is for you be my dance partner. You can manage that, Marty, can't you?"
"All right! All right, Jennifer!" Marty Jr said, laughing. "I guess I was just thinking of what happened, when Dad went back to 1955. That's all I was thinking of."
"Well, that's a little different," Jennifer replied. "Your father and I already know each other, and we already have plans to marry someday. Let's just go grab your father's skateboard, and we'll just head over to the park. Marty, have you had some practice on the skateboard? I still remember when you were injured back in 1968."
"Yeah, my dad insisted on it," Marty Jr replied, smiling. "He figured that I might need those skills, and I was to ever end up in the past again. Well, Jennifer, let's go."
oooooooooo
"You know, Jennifer," Marty Jr said, sighing, "I feel very nervous about this. I know that I resemble my father - so, when you look at me, you see your boyfriend. This does creep me a little bit, you know. Oh, well, I guess I won't worry so much."
"Right, Marty," Jennifer said, smiling. "Just relax, and try to enjoy yourself. If any of the members from The Pinheads would like to know when you plan to practice next, just tell them that you made plans to practice after school on Monday."
"Right, Jennifer," replied Marty Jr. "I hope I do end up making it back home before Monday, you know. I mean, my performing style is considerably different from that of my father. You know, this is going to be rather hard, trying to pose as my dad."
"You've done it before," Jennifer reminded Marty Jr. "Anyway, I really don't wish to frighten you or anything - but, according to Doc, it is very crucial for the two of you to be switched to your proper eras, soon. Well, I'm sure Doc can manage it."
"I wonder how Dad is coping with life in 2016," Marty Jr mused. "I wonder if he also took my place, and decided to head to the dance with Harmony."
"I admit that I am a little concerned about this whole thing," Jennifer commented. "I am a little worried that Marty might find out a little too much about his own future."
"Goodness!" gasped Marty Jr. "You know, I didn't even think of that. I suppose that could be just as risky as altering events in the past could be."
"Well," Jennifer replied, "we're at the park, now - so we really shouldn't be discussing this anymore. Just do your best to act natural, okay?"
"Yeah, I'll try," Marty Jr replied, as he flashed Jennifer a lopsided smile.
"There's that cute smile," cooed Jennifer, as she ran her finger along the dimple in Marty Jr's left cheek. Marty Jr laughed, as it tickled a little bit.