July 3, 1927
6:00 PM PDT

Marty actually felt a little nervous, as the group headed over to Doc's old mansion. His scientist friend really grew up in the same mansion that would, eventually, burn down. It seemed so surreal. He figured that Doc must've felt very sad to lose his mansion, as it probably held many memories for him. After all, he lived there for over forty years.

"Young Emmett seems like such a cute young boy," Sylvia replied, admiringly. "It really is exciting, getting to meet one of the kids that Alice would always babysit. In fact, it'll be amazing to look inside a real mansion. I wonder what having wealthy parents is..."

"It's wrong to stereotype, of course," Arthur commented, nervously, "but it seems like many rich folks can be a little, uh, stuffy. I just hope Emmett's parents aren't like that, but I've heard many horror stories of how... of how they tend to be quite conceited."

"I understand what you mean, Artie," Sylvia replied, gently. "Still, from what all we've seen, Emmett's parents sure do seem like the good sort of people. Anyway, I can see why your sister is simply fond of the kid. It rather was hospitable of them to invite us. I hate to sound shallow, but... Well, I've never seen the inside of a mansion before."

"I feel just a little nervous, as well," Marty replied, softly. It was true, as he wasn't all too acquainted with the parents of his scientist friend. It just seemed strange to think that Jules and Verne were actually close friends with his nice. "Still, it'll be nice to..."

"The mother seems to be very nice," Verne replied, smiling. Jules nodded, as a look of understanding came across his face. "It's good to see that being wealthy really hasn't corrupted her." With that, Jules shot his brother a warning look. "I mean, I think..."

"Emmett's parents do seem to be very loving," Marty agreed, nodding. "At any rate, I must say that young Emmett sure is cute - just like you, uh, Ernie." In a quieter voice, he added, "Now, we must remember, it's 1640 Riverside Drive. Well, it shouldn't be so far from here." Turning to Arthur, he asked, "So, Artie, how's the rest of the family?"

"Dad is still very busy," explained Arthur, with a small sigh. "With him being a widower, and having four children to support... Well, his life just wasn't the easiest. Alice, being the eldest, has always acted as the mother of the family. I certainly do admire her."

"I do think you might learn a thing or two from her," added Sylvia, as she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "She really does have a lot of ambition. I mean, she's on her way to becoming a nurse, and... Todd has been very helpful, as well - and I think he's so..."

"They do make a good couple," agreed Arthur. "Todd's always been a real nice fellow. He's always stood up for me, whenever Jiff Tannen and his gang would.... I just can't over quite how different Jill is from her brother. I mean, they're technically twins - but they don't act anything alike. He also still hits on Alice, which just bugs me to no end."

"Well, that Jiff is a real asshole," commented Marty, vehemently. As Arthur and Sylvia stared at him, he mumbled. "I'm sorry. I just meant that... He sure should learn to get a clue, and know that your sister is not interested in him. Is it that hard for him to..."

"He actually hits on me, as well," Sylvia added, quietly. "Not to brag, but I know many fellows simply do find me to be attractive. When it comes to Jiff, though...That rather can seem more like a course. Although, the fact that I'm with you may also have a..."

"I still remember when Steve Strickland had a thing for Alice," Arthur commented, with a wistful sigh. "For some reason, that quite bothered me. I can't think of exactly why, but... Steve used to be my best friend, until we had that falling out. I guess I just felt as if... Perhaps, I was being a little self-centred - but I never was keen on the idea."

"Actually, that's real common," Marty assured his grandfather, gently. He shuddered, as the idea of his old high school principal being his granduncle really made him cringe. "I think it's a shame that the man can hold a real grudge. After all, it's not healthy..."

"He quite rebuffed all my attempts to reconcile with him," commented Arthur, as tears filled his eyes. "I guess it's not worth it. Still, I sure do miss the days when he and Lou Carruthers were... I'm glad that Harry Collins is still my friend, at least. It's just a..."

"It sure hurts to lose friends," Marty agreed, softly. He remember how he rather used to be close friends with a boy named Ryan Evans. However, soon after starting junior high, Ryan decided that Marty was no longer worthy of being his friend - just because of Marty's lack of interest in sports. "Well, try to be grateful for the friends you do..."

"Huey sure has a great point," Sylvia agreed, coyly. "I myself am no stranger to losing friends. I still remember this friend that I had, named Fanny. I sure thought she was a good friend. However, she then ended her friendship... after I gained a few pounds."

"What a stuck-up and shallow bitch!" fumed Marty, as his sympathy went out towards his grandmother. "After all, I simply think that's a stupid reason to end your friendship with someone. I mean, you didn't even do anything to hurt her - and she still gets..."

"I really cried for a whole week," explained Sylvia, "after she announced that she was no longer friends. Yeah, I simply didn't understand how my weight gain was some sort of a personal slight to her. After all, I've always been quite nice to her - and I couldn't believe that... I still remember the pain of seeing her... laughing at me. It was so..."

"I'm very sorry, Sylvia," whispered Marty, as tears filled his eyed. He could remember how Ryan started making fun of him, and calling him all kinds of nasty names. It really was a painful memory for him. "Well, I guess there's no good in dwelling on the past."

"So true, Huey," Sylvia replied, sighing. She reached for a handkerchief, as she wiped away the few tears that slipped down her cheeks. "Usually, I really try to think on the positive - but... Well, the emotional bruises are still there. Sometimes, I wish that..."

"I really understand, Sylvia," Marty replied, softly. After all, he felt similarly about his experience with Ryan. He couldn't understand why his former friend found his lack of interest in sports to be so contemptible. Ryan had even pulled some very mean tricks on him, including framing him for cheating on a test. "Well, moving forward is all..."

"You're right, Huey," agreed Sylvia, as she managed a small smile. "Well, that was two years ago. It's simply about time that I... At any rate, it looks as if we're almost at the Brown mansion. Well, Huey, it's great to meet you. You sure seem like a great fellow."

"Thank you," Marty replied, softly. While he still felt sore about how Ryan had turned on him, he simply came to a sense of understanding. He really also felt grateful for all of the friends he did still have. Softly, he added, "Remember, the past is prologue."

oooooooooo

Marty swallowed, as the group reached the mansion. It looked just as remembered it in the years 1925, 1938, 1946, and 1955. He had to remind himself that Doc was still quite a young child - and, as a result, Emmett Brown wasn't exactly the owner of the mansion. Even with a lot of time travel experience, the thought still seemed surreal.

"Good evening, folks," greeted Hershel Brown, as he opened the door. "Our son really is anxious to meet you people." Glancing at Verne, he added, "Oh, I still can't get over how much you look like our Emmett. Your older brother looks a little like him, as well."

"How do you do, Mr. Brown?" asked Marty, as he shook Hershel's hand. The man bore a very great resemblance to the future scientist - except for the fact that his hair was cut shorter, and he sported a mustache. "Thank you for inviting us over. It was nice."

"My name's Arthur McFly," added Marty's grandfather, quite shyly. "My sister babysits your son, quite often. She's a nice young woman, and she was always... like a mother to us." A blush crept across his face, as he added, "This is a very nice mansion. I quite think it's beautiful." Glancing at the piano, he added, "I do play the piano, sometimes."

"Aw, that's quite wonderful to hear," gushed Sarah, as she walked up. "Our son takes piano lessons, and he's becoming rather good. He's also expressed interest in learning how to play the saxophone. Perhaps, later on, you could play a few tunes for us."

"I really would love that, Mrs. Brown," replied Artie, shyly. "I'm simply not that used to performing publicly, but that would be... splendid." Turning to Marty, he asked, "What about you, Huey? Are you, uh... You play the guitar, right? I think you're talented."

"You play the guitar?" Sarah asked, as a smile spread across her face. Marty sure felt nervous, as he nodded. "I think that's very splendid! I own a guitar. If you'd like, you might also play a few numbers for us. In our family, music happens to be important to us." With a wistful sigh, she added, "I still remember when I was a little girl, and I..."

"I'd sure love to play, Mrs. Brown," Marty replied, cheerfully. He wondered what song he should play. He figured that he could play The Power of Love, which simply was his favourite song by his favourite band. He felt great pleasure with his selected alias.

"Perhaps, the two of you could even really do a little duet," suggested Sarah. Turning to Arthur, she added, "Your sister does a very splendid job of watching our son. It's a great pleasure to be able to meet her brother. I hope you decide to stay for awhile."

Marty glanced at Arthur, as he saw a smile spread across the latter's face. He felt just a little curious to see what the garage looked like. He had a feeling that it'd look rather different from what he was used to, prior to his scientist friend meeting Clara. He sure had so much to look forward to, even if he would miss listening to rock and roll music.