December 22, 1989
5:00 p.m.
Hill Valley, California
Doc's POV
It was three days until Christmas. Our house was decorated for Christmas and I was wondering how Marty was doing, he came in with Jules and Verne. Clara came over to him and took off his snow covered jacket. Marty smiled at her and said, "Thanks, Clara. It's some storm out there." I turned to Marty and asked, "Well, Marty what brings you here?" Marty brushed off his hat, which was covered with snow and responded, "Well, I was hoping to use the De Lorean to time travel to Tokyo. So, I can ask Uncle Robert if I can ask for Annie's hand in marriage."
I perked up at this. That was a great idea since this wasn't the best month for Marty. He was miserable in school, with the band, and trouble with his friends besides Annie. He had been reflecting on their relationship for the past nine years. They way they were always there for each other, their time traveling adventures, and helping Ash and Timmy. I responded, rubbing his shoulder, "I will be happy to help you, Marty. Come; let's get the De Lorean ready." Marty shivered and responded, "Uh, Doc. Do you mind if I warm up a little first?" I sheepishly smiled while Clara just laughed.
Jules and Verne got him some hot chocolate. He sat down on the couch, wrapped his hands around the cup of hot chocolate, shivering. Something was wrong. I felt his forehead and stepped back. He was running a fever. I told him, "Marty, you're running a fever." Marty responded, "I feel fine, Doc. But, this past month without Annie has been pure hell. It seems that everyone is out to get me. Well, except you, your family, and mine. I haven't heard from Annie either ever since the 1st. Doc, I…" At that moment, he collapsed on the couch, the hot chocolate spilling all over.
I spun to Clara and told her, "Clara, we need ice over here!" Clara nodded and responded, "Right away, Emmet." Clara went into the kitchen and brought over an ice pack. Jules threw a blanket over Marty while Verne got a pillow for Marty to rest his head on. I got him some fever medicine from the medicine cabinet. Clara put the ice pack over Marty's head. Clara turned to me and said, "I think that with Annie gone, it really has put a strain on Marty's health." I nodded in agreement with Clara's statement.
Marty and Annie had never been this far apart before. I was wondering if this was affecting Annie's health as well. I was hoping that wasn't the case. Jules asked me, "Will Martian be okay, father?" I looked at a past out Marty, a worried look in my eyes. I honestly didn't know. I sighed and responded, "I don't know, Jules." Verne came over to the pasted out Marty and told him, "Marty, you've got to be okay! Annie is waiting for you!" I had to agree.
Annie was waiting for him alright but the future Marty never mentioned that he got sick before he proposed to Annie. Then again, that was the Royals Royce future. Clara sighed and responded, "Well, it will have to wait until he's feeling better. But, there is another way. He has to see Annie." I nodded in agreement.
I adjusted the ice pack on Marty's forehead, hoping and praying to God that he would be okay. 'Damn it, Marty. You've got to pull through. You have to do this for you and for Annie. You two deserve each other. Please, pull through, Marty…son.' I thought to myself as a tear rolled down my cheek. At the thought of me thinking Marty like a son, I just lost all self control and started crying uncontrollably.