Lying in bed with my thoughts racing from my last adventure, I couldn’t help but wonder when and where my next journey would take place. It was very unusual for me to be awake at 5A.M. never mind actually thinking about something. It apparently didn’t matter whether or not I was physically located within the Bridgewater Triangle for my supernatural journeys to happen. Plymouth was outside those boundaries, but I clearly was taken back in time. I also wondered about Peter and Isis. Were they in trouble with the Watchman Council? Would I ever see them again? Remember, the Pilgrim spirit, definitely stated that there would be other journeys. There was no use trying to get back to sleep. I was much too awake for that. Not hearing anything from my parents’ or Jason’s room, I got up, changed into my bathing suit and quietly went downstairs for a swim in our indoor pool. With each lap that I swam, my mind began to relax. I realized that accepting my fate in life was going to be a challenge. Each journey ended up being totally amazing, but all of the uncertainties that went along with each adventure would probably always leave me a little on edge. I mean, disappearing right in front of my parents and brother is one thing, but what if it happened on a school field trip or worse yet, would this happen to me on a date? Would this happen all of my life? I promised myself right then and there that if I saw Peter again, I was going to ask him these questions. Knowing that most of this situation was beyond my control helped me to realize that I needed to stop worrying and start living again. As usual, my peace and tranquility was short-lived. Gliding effortlessly across the pool with each and every stroke, I was oblivious to the fact that I was no longer alone. Hearing only the sounds from my gentle motions, I was completely unprepared for the come-from-behind sneak attack. The forward motion of my strokes was abruptly stopped as I was grabbed from behind and pulled underwater. Anxiety once again filled my life as I expected to float away to another adventure. I struggled to face my attacker, but the arms that held me were more powerful than mine. Then, just as quickly as I had been pulled under, I was launched back to the surface of the water. Clearly expecting to have been thrust into a different world, I was confused when I realized that I was still in my pool. The hands released me which allowed me to turn around and confront my attacker. The grinning face that greeted me set my temper flaring. I shouted, “Just what do you think you are doing?” My angry question was only answered by laughter. I couldn’t believe that this was happening.
Have you ever had a moment in your life when you are beyond being angry yet, the laughter of the person with whom you are angry just melts your fury away? That’s what happened to me. When I turned to face my brother, Jason, I was so upset with him. Then, his laughter became so contagious that I joined him. We hadn’t laughed like that together in a long time. Remember, Jason, is my super-serious, teenage brother who just happens to be a walking history encyclopedia. Normally, his nose is in a book or he is discussing some aspect of history with my parents, Jonathan and Jolene, who just happen to be history professors. Finally, needing to breathe, our laughter came to an end and I repeated my question without the anger. “Just what did you think you were doing?” Jason responded, “I’m sorry Jen, but I just couldn’t resist.” “You scared me out of my wits. I think I just aged five years.” “Jen, the look on your face was priceless. Did you think you were being taken back in time to the lost city of Atlantis?” Without hesitation, I told Jason the truth. “Yes, I thought I was being taken somewhere again. Atlantis did cross my mind.” Swimming to the edge of the pool, we pulled ourselves out and sat on the edge with just our feet dangling in the water. We talked for a while and it was at this moment that I actually discovered that my brother was envious of my life. To him, it was the ultimate experience for someone who loves history. “What I don’t get, Jen, is why do you get to go back in time? I’m the one who loves history.” “I don’t know why it happens, Jason, but I have to admit that although I end up enjoying what I learn, I’m always worried about when and where it will happen.” Jason responded, “Well, I’ve made up my mind, Jennifer, that somehow, someway, I am going to go on your next adventure with you.” Unknown to both Jason and me, our parents had also quietly entered. Apparently, our laughter caught their attention, so they quietly made their way to two chairs near the pool. The smiles on their faces quickly disappeared when they heard Jason say that he would find away to go back in time as well. Dad’s voice alerted us to the fact that we were not alone. “Oh, no you don’t,” was Dad’s spontaneous response. He went on to say that it was difficult enough dealing with my disappearing. They didn’t need Jason disappearing too. For the first time in a long time, Jason did not share the same thoughts as my parents. He responded, “Come on, Dad. You and Mom have to be feeling the same way that I do. It is so frustrating waiting around for Jennifer’s return. I want to be a part of the adventure.” Dad didn’t know what to say. I wondered silently as to whether or not he did want to go back in time too.
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