The next two years of my life defined me in ways that even I can't yet explain.
I fell into a deep depression after my first travel. I spent about three weeks in the darkest corner of my mind, wavering on the brink of sanity. I wondered if I really did have some sort of psychiatric disorder, if I really had just dreamt up the time I spent in the city, the little boy, and the police station. Then I'd glance at the newspaper. It was real right? It was there with me in the room. It was real. I knew then that I was a prisoner to this, whatever it was. It had me caught in it's web, and it was sucking out whatever hope of a normal life I had left. There was no one I could talk to about this, no one that would believe me. I closed my eyes, and silent sneaky tears began to pour down my cheeks. And then, I was gone.
I was standing in the middle of central park. This time I wasn't as panicked. All I could really think about was the fact that I looked a hot mess. I hadn't showered or eaten a proper meal in days. I really didn't want to run into anyone in my current state. I let out a deep sigh, and began walking.
The first time I had traveled I was gone for maybe an hour or two. So I assumed that this time would have the same effect, but after three hours of walking I realized I needed a plan B. I hailed a cab, and he brought me to the nearest motel.
It was a run down little place, that left much to be desired. The yellow wallpaper was peeling from the walls, the carpet was stained beyond recognition of its original color. The bed smelt of liquor and urine. All I could think about was leaving. I tried to imagine myself going home, I closed my eyes tightly hoping that when I opened them I'd be back in my room.
However there was nothing that could have prepared me for what I would see when I opened my eyes. My heart pounded wildly in my chest. I wanted to scream, needed to scream, but my lips felt like they were glued shut.
"Don't be afraid, Alexandria." It spoke. He spoke. My heart felt like it jumped into my throat.
"My name is Jon, I'm here to help you." I was dumbfounded, and I stared in silence for a moment before finding my voice.
"Are you.. are you okay... I mean your... your.. you're blue!" He offered me a half smile.
"The year is 1979, it is May 28th." He stated as if he knew I was going to eventually ask him. Oh, well straight to the point I guess.
"What am I doing in May of 1979, in this hotel room with you?"
"This was where you needed to meet me." He gave me a blank expression. How very matter of fact. He continued.
"You needed some reinsurance, some answers. I'm here to give you both."
This had to be a hallucination due to malnutrition. It was the only logical explanation.
"You have a gift. You have the ability to travel back and forth in time."
"And you know this how?" I blurted out.
"I have similar abilities." He made it sound so normal.
"You knew to meet me here on this day at this time, right?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Then you can control it, it's not random for you! Is there any way I can do the same?"
"You will learn in time."
"Help me understand please! This is horrible. Sometimes I'm just in a different time and place. I don't know what to do! Please just tell me how to get home!"
"It wont always be on que for you. Sometimes you are meant to be where you are, whenever you are. It is for the best."
"But at times when I'm not? Please tell me how to get back!" He had the answers, and I wanted them.
"You must have concentration, and a strong will."
"That's not very descriptive!" I was becoming increasingly aggravated.
"You will understand one day." I sighed.
"You said you were here to help me, right? Why? You have to have some motive." I accused.
"We are friends." Jon stated. I gave him a stern look.
"So know me in the future?"
"Yes. We will meet again soon." He smiled.
"When? Under what circumstances?"
"You will see."
"This is very frustrating!" I said raising my voice slightly.
"I apologize."
I placed my hand on my forehead and began to rub my temples.
"Can you answer at least this one question for me?" I asked.
"Yes." He gave me a short reply. He knew exactly what I was going to ask and it irritated me.
"The first time I traveled I met a little boy. I was supposed to be there wasn't I? Like you said, sometimes I travel places for a reason?"
"Yes."
"Is that all you can give me? A yes? Can't you tell me what the significance to that trip was?"
"Everything will fall into place, Alex. Only what can happen, will happen."
As I was trying to make some sort of arguement back at Jon, try to persuade him to give me more information, I was watching myself disappear. First my hands, then my arms, and then I just felt like I was falling. It was as if I was floating into nothingness. Then, I was home.