Chapter 3 (present): Unearthing the Past

Well that didn't take long. I head back over to where everything will be taking place, but I still have almost 3 hours before whoever lifts the time capsule. There has got to be somewhere I can sit and open this in peace. Looking around, I spot a tree that seems to be pretty much on its own.

I sit down beneath the branches to go through my "gift" from the lawyer. I pull out the contact information for the caretaker and set it aside (making a mental note to get in touch with him). I take the letter from Grandpa in my hands and am torn on whether to read it here or wait until I'm alone. I choose the latter, unsure of the dried ink. Finally, I shimmy the last item out of the envelope. It's a leather brown pouch. I feel inside and find a small clear film It's protecting 3 perfectly preserved purple flowers. I rub them in my hands before being startled by, "A medicine pouch?"

I look up in shock to see dark eyes staring intently at me. "I guess so. Do I know you?"

"No, but I know you. Well, who you are." He reaches out to offer a handshake before introducing himself. "Thomas Gallehawk. Tommy to most."

I stand and accept his bronzed hand. "My grandparents' property's caretaker? Isabelle Jennings. Grandma and Grandpa always called me-"

"Elle or Ellie," he finished with a smile. It was contagious.

"Yes. Either one is fine by me. I actually prefer both to Isabelle," I laugh. I shake my head and wipe invisible grass from my pants before returning everything to their envelope. "How'd you know it was me?"

"You look like your grandfather's grandmother."

"I do?"

"Well, from the few pictures I've seen. It's hard to tell, but I think your hair may be a little darker than hers was."

I just nod my head. What else can I add to that? "How long have you been with my grandparents?"

"I've known them my whole life. Our families are… connected… from many many years ago. I've helped with the house and property for around 7 years now. I moved here to help them shortly after finishing high school… Would you like to head over to the time capsule?"

"Umm… sure." We begin to cross the small meadow and it seems so easy. A companionable silence fills the air. Walking next to him feels as though- I can't tell if it's a feeling of being here before or that of something I've been practicing for my entire life. I break the silence by asking, "Do you know what I'm looking for in this capsule?"

"No, but your grandfather said you'd know." He grinned, "I know that doesn't help."

I chuckle and shake my head. "No, no it doesn't. I knew you were going to say that though."

DQMW DQMW DQMW

Tommy and I talk about everything and nothing until they're ready to begin. There'll be business to discuss later.

We stop our chit chatting when the mayor begins his speech. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate this year's Founders Day. I, myself, can't…" I lose focus as I take in my new companion. He's only a few inches taller than me with broad shoulders. "…We will be able to find out about our hometown and its…" He has dark hair tied in a loose ponytail at the neck. He has a strong jaw and focused eye as he watches and listens. Tommy looks over at me staring, but I quickly turn back and blush slightly. "…I hope everyone is excited as I am!"

I look around as hands clap. The first shovel full of dirt is taken out of the ground. After the initial layer is removed machines are brought in to carefully finish the job.

It feels like forever but no time at all when the capsule is finally unearthed. It's a simple black chest with gold straps. Very obviously handmade with care and expert craftsmanship. Making sure not to damage anything inside, the container is gently lowered onto a table nearby. The mayor speaks again. "Should we see what's inside?"

I look on as I hear another round of applause. Tommy quietly laughs as I whisper, "Please."

There are a few people standing alongside the mayor with gloves on. They proceed to open the simple lock. I watch as they pick up artifact after artifact: a drawing of the history of Colorado Springs… a horseshoe… a slim recipe book… a sign for a female doctor… a small, dark colored- "That's it! Tommy, " I grab his sleeve, "the book! That's- it's- that's it!"

"Are you sure, Ellie?"

"Positive. I don't know how, but I am. I know that's it."

"Okay. After they're done removing everything, we'll go see what you need to do next. If you don't mind me tagging along, that is?"

I alternate between looking at him and eyeing the bound pages. "Of course not," is the only thing I answer.

…a whiskey bottle… a telegraph paper… a fishing hook…