The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 61 – Tea-Time

"Ully!"

The little girl shouted and waved to a lanky teenage boy as he sauntered up the lane to the seaside cottage.  The sounds of ocean waves washed against an unseen beach while seagulls squawked overhead.

"Come play with me.  Tea is almost ready."

While Ully made his way over to the tea table under a shady oak tree in the middle of the yard, she straightened her white apron that covered the front of her blue and green polka dot dress.  She proceeded to arrange her teapot, cups, saucers, and plate of cookies, preparing for her guest.

"Come here and sit," she motioned to the chair across the table.  He greeted her as he sat down.

"What kind of cookies are you serving today, Sissy?"   Her real name was Mary Elizabeth, but he had given her the nickname when she was born.   She allowed no one else to call her that except him.  Ully loved his sister and Sissy loved him.

"I've got oatmeal raisin and your favorite chocolate chip."   Sissy served him one cookie on a white china plate with purple flowers around the rim, then poured hot tea into a matching teacup on a saucer.  "I also have your favorite tea.  Peach."

Ully blew on the tea to cool it before sipping.  "Ummm... Sissy, you've out done yourself with this tea.  It's the perfect temperature."  He knew that she had help from their mother.

Sissy smiled.  "Thank you, Ully.  I've been practicing, learning to make it just as you like it."

"Are you ready for your big birthday party?  Are you excited about turning ten?   Soon, you'll be a big girl."

Sissy shrugged her shoulders.  "I suppose.  Do you think I'll get the new tea set I asked for?  You know, the one I saw in the store window the other day."

"Maybe," said Ully, smiling at her.  He had already purchased the bigger tea set, wrapped it in green paper with a bright blue bow.  Sissy's favorite colors.  The wrapped present was hidden under his bed, waiting for its recipient to open it on her birthday.

That day would come and go.  The gift would remain unopened.

The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 60 -- Back to Egypt

The next weekend, Emily was surprised to see Sam in shorts and a button-up short sleeve shirt over a tee-shirt and travel bag in hand.

"Where are you going dressed like that?  It's the middle of November."

"I'm going downstairs to help Mrs. Steers. She told me to dress comfortably for doing lots of work."

"What kind of work are you doing?"

"I don't know," said Sam.  He lied.  They were going to ancient Egypt, but how could he tell his Mom that.  Sam decided that it was better not to tell the truth by just saying as little as possible.

"Alright.  I'm off to work."  Emily put on her coat.  "I'll be home by five.  Since you will be so busy, how about pizza for dinner?

"Sounds great.  Remember no anchovies..."

Sam hurried through the laundry room and down the stairs.  Mrs. Steers sat reading in her chair in the front parlor.

"Good morning, Sam.  Ready for your trip?"

 "Sure am."

Just as they prepared to go, Rose and Ari arrived with news about the Doctor preparing for another attempt at interrupting time.

"Apparently, they are going to try something in Venice in 1474, something with the first patent laws," said Rose.

"It's going to be fun," said Ari, nodding at Sam.

"Sorry, but we have other plans today," said Mrs. Steers.  "We're going back to Ancient Egypt."

Rose sighed.  "Very well.  We're off then."  Rose and Ari left.  Mrs. Steers turned to Sam.

"What... or who... do you have for homework this time?" asked Mrs. Steers.

"I have to write a report about Cleopatra," said Sam.   "I know she died around August 12, 30 BC.  I read about her and how they are not sure how she really died or where she's buried.  Someplace named Tapas is Mango?"

"I believe you mean Taposiris Magna.  It was an important temple to Osiris, the Egyptian God of the dead and the afterlife.  Hmmm... so would you like me to tell you how she died or see it as it happened?"

Sam shook his head.  "Telling me wouldn't be as exciting."  With that, Mrs. Steers got up and headed to the back parlor with Sam on her heels.

"But first, Sam, you need to practice your incantation," said Mrs. Steers.  "How about we go back to where we were the last time.  The building of the Pyramids."

Puzzled, Sam argued.  "Again? But we've already been there.  I really want to see Cleopatra.  I'd rather start there."

Paying no attention to him, Mrs. Steers sat down in her chair. "I think this will be a good time for you to practice. Have you memorized the spell?"

Sam slumped down in his own chair. "So why are we going back to the Pyramid again?"

Again, she ignored him.  She opened her travel bag.  "Looks like I've got what I need."

Sam could feel himself getting upset.  He really wanted an answer.  Mrs. Steers turned to him and began a staring contest.  Her eyes focused on his.  Sam realized this was not going to be an easy win and gave in.

Sam took a deep sigh. "Yes, I've been practicing."

Within a few moments, they stood once again on the sand near the construction site of the Pyramid of Khufu in Ancient Egypt.

This time, they arrived in the middle of the quarry.  The Pyramid was almost complete.  Workmen were moving the final stones into place way up at the top.  The highly polished casting stones of the Pyramid glowed in the sunlight.

Sam and Mrs. Steers experienced a hiccup in time. The blazing sun now sat on the other side of the sky and it was getting late in the day.

"It's your time to practice the migration incantation, Sam," said Mrs. Steers. "What or who you want to see?"

At first, Sam wanted to say Cleopatra, but decided to just let it go.  After some thought, Sam decided he would like to see someone becoming a mummy. Sam had read about it at the library and was fascinated. He took out his notebook and reread his notes while Mrs. Steers waited.

"How about Khufu?  Let's see him."

"Did you see mummies when you were at the Metropolitan Museum?"

"Yep," said Sam.  "Several."

"Ok.  Go to when Khufu was being mummified and see what the process was really like."

Just as he was about to recite the incantation, Sam asked Mrs. Steers. "How does it know where to send you?"

Mrs. Steers shrugged her shoulders in her usual response. "I don't know. My best educated guess would be that since history may already be recorded somewhere, that it may also be catalogued in some fashion. I try not to think about it.  Albert and I used to debate it all the time, until one day we just stopped.  I don't think anyone has ever come up with an answer."

Sam had no idea what she was talking about and didn't really care at the moment.

"Ok. Here goes," said Sam, hesitating. "Tolle mihi videre Khufu becoming a mummy."

Sam disappeared. Mrs. Steers made note of his whereabouts and waited. She wanted him to feel comfortable being alone in a strange place and time.

The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 59 – Flying Back Home

The next morning, they went to Macy's for some shopping and lunch, then it was time to get ready to leave.

Late Sunday afternoon, Uncle Matt saw them off at the train station.  Sam was ready to be home and plan his trip with Mrs. Steers to see Cleopatra. Grandpa Henry was waiting for them at the station.

Pulling up to the house, Sam noticed two things.  One, there were no lights on in Mrs. Steers' part of the house.   And second, someone was hiding in the park across the street.  He could see a dark figure moving between the bushes and trees, trying to avoid the streetlamps.  The stranger was watching them.   Sam turned, about to say something to his Mom, when he saw the figure vanish.

When they got upstairs, their apartment had been ransacked.  Sam's room was a mess. Someone had been searching it.  Emily called the police and, about ten minutes later, Officer O'Maley showed up.  Emily knew him as a patron of the library and his son was in the same class as Sam.

Two hours later, Mrs. Steers returned just as he was preparing to leave.

"Oh my, what's going on?"  Mrs. Steers set her grocery bags down on the porch steps.

"Someone broke into the upstairs apartment," said Officer O'Maley.  "Have you been gone long, Mrs. Steers?"

Mrs. Steers explained that she had been to the grocery.  Officer O'Maley checked her front and back doors, but there was no sign of forced entry.  Mrs. Steers' part of the house remained undisturbed. 

Officer O'Maley wrote up his report and left.

"Emily?" said Mrs. Steers, entering through the laundry room.

"Hello?"  Emily yelled from her bedroom.  "Mrs. Steers?"

"Is everything alright? Anything missing?"   Mrs. Steers stood in the laundry room doorway.   Sam hurried over to her.

"Nothing's missing, but they messed up my room.  Like they were looking for something."

Emily added that the door had not been forced open.  "Do any of the former tenants still have keys?"

"No," said Mrs. Steers.  "I've always changed the locks."

The cuckoo chimed nine.  Mrs. Steers said goodnight and went back to her part of the house.  Sam and Emily finished straightening up the overturned apartment.  Tomorrow, they would be back to their usual routine.

After Emily assured Sam that they were safe, he went to bed.  He lay there, not really scared, but thinking about who had been there and what were they looking for.

Hmmm...  I wonder if it was someone looking for one of the books.  It bet it was someone that Mrs. Steers and Rose were talking about the other day.

Sam rubbed his eyes and tried to think of any of the names he had heard.  He remembered the Doctor, but no one else.

Mrs. Steers knows.  I just know she does.  And I bet she won't tell.  She's full of too many secrets...  And she knows how to keep them.

Sam rolled over and went to sleep.

The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 58-- The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The next morning, Sam was awakened by the soothing sound of a flute solo by Auger outside in the hallway.   Sam rolled over to look at the room once again.

Augie and Auger had taped old nautical charts and National Geographic maps on the wall.  A box compass, seashells, pencils, copies of novels about the sea filled the desk that sat in the middle of the room.  Sam had glanced at the titles -- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Moby Dick, Treasure Island, and several with Captain Horatio Hornblower.   Fishing nets were hung on the walls. On bookcase shelves sat models of the USS Constitution, the Titanic, and the passenger-liner The United States.

Sam crawled out of bed, showered, and got dressed.  Out in the hall, Auger had stopped her flute solo and was nowhere in sight.  Sam immediately upped his guard. Augie and Auger were known for their morning hijacks. The last time, they locked Sam in the closet convincing him that there were no tigers or lions lurking about. Sam didn't really like being locked in the dark closet, despite it was all for fun.

This morning however, he made it all the way to the kitchen.

"Good morning, Sam." Uncle Matt looked up from his New York Times. "Sleep well?"

Sam nodded. "Sure did."

Aunt Paula was making waffles, while his cousins sat quietly studying.  Augie had something in French.  Auger hid behind her algebra book.  Emily was retrieving milk and orange juice from the refrigerator.

"Morning honey," said Emily.  "Waffles?"

"Yes, please," said Sam.  Studying his cousins, he wondered why they were so quiet this morning.  "What are you guys reading?"

Without looking up, Auger said.  "We've got college entrance exams next week, so we are studying early to get it over with for the day."

Augie added.  "That way we can devote the rest of the day to you."

"Especially today while at the art museum," said Uncle Henry.  "So, you're studying Ancient Egypt.   You'll love the museum's collection of relics.  Got a notebook?"

Aunt Paula put a plate of two waffles and sausage in front of Sam.

"Sure do," said Sam.  "It's the same one I used to take notes in London."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at him.  Realizing what he had just said, Sam quickly improvised.  "I meant to say when I was taking notes on London.  Researching Jack the Ripper for my class report."   Everyone went back to what they were doing.

Before long, the whole family was riding the city bus over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  On past trips to New York City, they had only passed by it.  This time they were going in.   Sam thought about one of his favorite books, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and how awesome it would be to hide out in the country's best art museum.

Within a short time, Sam was standing at the bottom step up to the massive stone building.  Lines of school kids followed their teachers towards a side entrance.  College students with sketch pads, groups of foreign tourists, and a superfluity of nuns climbed up the steps, filtering into the main entrance between two sets of four massive pillars.

Once inside, they paid their admissions and headed to the northern galleries where the Egyptian collections were on display, first seeing the Tomb of Perneb.

Throughout the galleries, Sam marveled at the ancient artifacts.  Sam liked the carved images of a man herding what looked like antelopes along a river while below men where rowing a barge.  He circled an enormous pillar with hieroglyphs around it, then over to a reproduction of an Egyptian queen's wig.  Rows of canopic jars.  Mummies in their fragile wrappings and their ornate cases.  Wooden boats that looked like toys.   Sam couldn't take notes fast enough.

"Hey, Sam," said Aunt Paula.  "How ya doing?  Getting plenty of notes?"

Without looking up, Sam scribbled line after line.  "Sure am.  I'll have more than plenty for my report."

Augie and Auger grabbed Sam, one on each side.

"You have got to check out the Temple of Dendur," said Augie.  "It's like the coolest thing in this part of the museum."

Sam tried to finish his last note.  "Hey, I still want to take some pictures."

"Don't worry," said Augie.  "Our moms are in charge of that."

Sam glanced over his shoulder and saw his Mom taking a picture of an oversized stone block covered in hieroglyphs.  They guided Sam past small blue statues, mummy cases, and parts of carved stone heads.

Entering a vast exhibit hall with one wall of floor to ceiling windows, they were greeted by two colossal statues of Egyptian pharaohs.  Beyond them, on a raised platform surrounded by a moat of shallow water stood the Temple.  Its walls glowed from the overhead lights.

Sam walked along the moat to steps that led up to the Temple.  It had two separate structures.  A simple archway was several feet in front of the main temple.

Wow! thought Sam.  This is nothing like what I saw at the Pyramids.  This is so... small.  Looking up at the two pillars on each side of the entrance, Sam stepped into the front chamber of the Temple.

As he entered the back chamber, Sam ran into a gentleman dressed all in black including his top hat.

"Oh, excuse me," said Sam, stepping back.  "I didn't see you."  At first, Sam thought he looked familiar, then Sam remembered the passenger in the taxicab.  It was Vincent.

"It was totally my fault, young man.  I was admiring these wonderful stones." Vincent acted very dramatic as he wove his hand across the wall, only inches away from the ancient surface.

"Image a stone mason hand carving these blocks, then workmen hoisting them into place."

Vincent swooped like a bird in flight around the entire chamber.

This guy's weird, thought Sam.

"Ah, if only I could travel back in time...  And witness the creation of this magnificent temple.  To see the long dead workmen carving the stones..."  Vincent stopped and walked over to Sam.

"You know, young man, I have studied the art of time travel.  Hoping that someday I might master it and travel back.  Ah many hours, reading and reading and trying and trying... And to no avail."  Vincent looked down sadly at his feet.

Without thinking, Sam spurted out.  "I've done it.  I've actually traveled back to ancient Egypt to see the building of the Pyramids..."

Without moving his head, Vincent focused only his eyes on Sam.  "Really?  And pray tell, just exactly how did you do that?"

"I was taught to do it.   I had to learn the words then we went back.  The first time was to London to see Jack the Ripper..."

"Ha!   I don't believe you.  You're talking nonsense.  And where do you plan on going next?"

"We're going to see Cleopatra.  I have to write a report..."  Sam stopped, realizing that he was talking about something he shouldn't to a stranger.  Someone outside of the club.

Vincent eyed Sam.  "Silly boy... Silly silly boy..."   Walking past Sam and out into the front chamber, he turned to Sam.

"You have a very active imagination, young man.  And besides, you should not talk to strangers."

As Vincent left, Sam felt sick to his stomach.  He paced in place, something he did when he got a little nervous.  "What did I just do?"

Augie and Auger came into the chamber.

"Hey, did you see that freak out there in the top hat?" said Auger.  "What was he doing?  Looking for his mummy?"

"He looked like an undertaker," added Augie.  Looking at the pale and pacing Sam, he said.  "Are you alright?  You look sick."

Sam looked up at his cousins, not really knowing what to say.  "I'm fine.  That guy was nuts.  I told him some weird stuff and he left."

"Good for you," said Augie.  "Fight crazy with crazy.  I'll have to remember that.  What did you tell?"

"That I was going back in time to meet Cleopatra."

"Good one," said Augie. "I'll use that sometime."

Auger looked at her cell phone.  "It's lunch time.  Let's go down to the cafeteria."

The rest of their day was spent strolling through other galleries and eventually the long day was over.  The Museum was closing, and it was time to leave.

The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 57 -- Instructions

Meanwhile, in New York City, Vincent glanced over and saw Sam with his nose pressed against the back-passenger window of the yellow taxi next to his. Holding his cell phone, Vincent stopped mid-sentence and stared wide-eyed at him, remaining motionless when Sam waved.

Vincent turned the other way.  "You won't believe this, but he's in the cab right next to mine."

"What?" said Dreda on the other end of the line. "You are kidding, right?"

"Um, no." Vincent fell back into the seat as the cab surged forward around the corner. Vincent slid over into the passenger side of the back seat.  He had sat in the center to use the cabbie's rear-view mirror to adjust his top hat.

"Did he see you?"

"I believe so," said Vincent.  "Since he waved, I am pretty sure he did."

Dreda exclaimed something that Vincent didn't quite catch, then began rattling off instructions to him again.

"Try not to let him see you. Get to the apartment.  And try not to be seen again."

"Yes, I understand," said Vincent, becoming annoyed.  "You don't have to repeat it."

"The Doctor says to follow the boy very closely, but not that close.  I cannot believe that he saw you.  I will be there soon.  You have the directions to the apartment?"

Rolling his eyes, Vincent had reached his annoyance point.  "Yes. As I said before, I have all the instructions.  Follow the boy."

The cab raced along to the Upper East side, eventually stopping across the street from "Mary Jane's Flower Shop."  Vincent paid the cab driver, got out, and grabbed his suitcases from the trunk.

Climbing up the steps to the main door, he looked up at the five-story brick building.

"Ah, perfect balance in the architecture.  I just love old architectural styles and buildings."  Vincent studied the windows, then the bricks.  Once an office building, it was now apartments.  He turned to look across the street at the flower shop.  Its windows were filled with flower arrangements and bouquets.

"Hmmm... I hope Mary Jane has carnations in stock.   I do love a vase of white carnations."

Vincent fumbled for the door key in his coat pocket and climbed the concrete steps to the main entrance.  Once again, he stopped to admire the wooden doors with their stained-glass windows.

"Ah... Such work.  The detail."  Vincent lovingly ran his hand over one of the windows.  "This starburst pattern is magnificent."

Finally, Vincent entered the building.  Inside, he climbed three flights of stairs to apartment number 302. Vincent removed his top hat and pulled the door key from its inner rim.  Opening the door, he could feel cold air rush out.  A window was slightly opened above a white-painted radiator.

Vincent put down his bag and closed the window.  The apartment overlooked the street.  He could see the flower shop directly into the second floor of the Henry's apartment across the street.

"Perfect view?" he mumbled to himself.  "All I can see is the back of pieces of furniture, a vase of lovely roses and not much else.  I can't even see in the upper windows.  Oh well. Orders are orders."

Turning, he evaluated the furnishings of the apartment he stood in.   "Well, this looks like it's been furnished with junk from the street. Why can't I stay in nice places?”

Vincent looked glum.

The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 56 -- To New York City

Sam packed his journal in his travel bag and was ready to go.  He and his mom sat down to a quick breakfast.

"Is Mrs. Steers back from her trip?"  Sam was still curious about where she had gone.

"She had just gotten back."

"Did she say anything about her trip?"

Emily shook her head.  "No. Why?"

"I was just wondered what her next book is about?"

Grandpa Henry stomped as he entered their apartment.  "Baby, it's cold outside.  You two ready to go?"

"Yep" said Sam, grabbing up his travel bag and suitcase. "Got lots of plans."

"What a great opportunity to see the Egyptian collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art," said Grandpa Henry.

Sam nodded. "I hope to get some information for my school report."

They arrived at the airport, and before they knew it, they had landed in New York City and were walking towards one of the airport exits.

"Sam Henry!"  Sam turned to see a small-built man coming towards them.  "Emily!  It’s good to see you both."

Uncle Matt met them with his usual big grin.   He wore the typical college professor sports coat with patches on the elbows.  His bald head shined under the lights.

"Hope you had a good flight.  Here, let me help you with your bags."

"The flight was great," said Emily. "Looks like we’ll have great weather this weekend."

"It’s going to be perfect," said Uncle Matt.  "Augie and Auger have plans for you already, Sam."   Matt’s New York accent fascinated Sam, who was hanging on each word in hopes of imitating him.

After several attempts, Uncle Matt finally hailed a yellow taxi and they were off.  Sam sat on the passenger side next to the window.  Several times, he thought for sure they would run down a few brave pedestrians or a couple of bicyclists.

The taxi got stuck in traffic as another taxi pulled up alongside of them, getting within inches of them.  The light turned red. Sam leaned forward and pressed his nose against the window.  Sam got a very close look at the occupant of the merging cab.  Sitting in the middle of the back seat, the odd-looking passenger wore dark clothes and a black top hat.  The man was animatedly talking on a cell phone. Sam couldn't help but stare.

Finally, the passenger turned to look right at Sam. The gentleman stopped talking on the phone and stared wide eyed.  His mouth hung open as if in mid-sentence. He nodded.  Sam waved.  The man turned to look out the other window.  The taxi sped away around the corner, followed by their own taxi.

"Sam, check that out," said Matt. "It's the New York Public Library on our right."

Sam looked up at the impressive building. "Wow! I bet they've got a lot of books. Mom, why don't you get a job there?"

"Too long of a commute," said Emily. "We should check out the children's room. They have the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals."

Sam liked that idea.

As the taxi crossed 42nd street, Sam looked down 5th Avenue and saw the two stone lions in front of the library.

Before long, the Henry's taxi wove its way up 3rd Avenue, turned off onto a narrow side street, and stopped in front of "Mary Jane's Fresh Flower Shop."  The Henrys lived on the upper three floors of the building.  Sam's Aunt Paula owned the building, inheriting it from her parents.  They rented out the first floor and had converted the upper floors into their apartment.

After an almost hour cab ride, Sam staggered up the stairs behind his Mom, followed by his Uncle Matt.  At the top, Aunt Paula welcomed them.

"Emily!  Sam!"  Paula Henry gave them big hugs. "Just in time for dinner.  I bet you're hungry after that long trip."  Somewhere in the apartment, three separate clocks chimed, then a ruckus broke out above.

"We did it!  Alright!"  Augie shouted from the fourth floor.

"I told you we would," replied Auger.  "Idiot."

"I heard that.  Punishment will be forthcoming!"  Augie ran down the stairs to the third floor, as Auger ran down to the second.  With a bound, Auger stopped right in front of Sam.

"Sam's here!"  She shouted up to Augie.

Augie bounded down and stood right next to Auger.  Simultaneously, they stood like soldiers and saluted Sam.

Augie spoke first.  "Captain Henry.  We've been awaiting your arrival."  

"First mates Tweedledum and Tweedledee at your service," added Aunt Paula.

"Your quarters are all ready, sir, for your inspection," said Auger.

"We'll be more than happy to take you there now," said Augie

"If you are ready, sir."

"If you aren't, then we will await your orders, sir.  We have your captain's cabin ready."

"Yes, we've study numerous ship captain's quarters and think we have perfected one just for you."

Sam grinned at his cousins still standing in the saluting position.

"Oh, good lord," said Aunt Paula, pushing by them.  "Come on, Emily, I'll show you your room."

Auger leaned forward and whispered to Sam.  "We think she might be a spy.  Keep an eye on her."

"I heard that."  Aunt Paula turned to Emily.  "See what I've got to put up with."

Emily giggled.

Sam knew it would be a great weekend.

The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 55 -- The Stage

"Mama, you were magnificent."  Rose hugged her mother off stage at the Paris Opera House. "And by the sounds of the applause, the audience thought so, too."

"Thank you, my love. And where were you during the performance this time?  You always choose some strange places from which to watch."

Rose laughed.  "Since this was your dream role, I watched from the balcony in the front row.  I wanted to watch from the catwalk."

Her mother, who went by the stage name of Maria Montagne, put her arm around Rose's waist as they walked. Her stage name helped keep her daughter's identity secure. Maria was a retired member of the club, leaving it to pursue an opera career.

"This night was your crowning achievement. You achieved your dream."

"Thank you, my dearest," said Maria. "I have always wanted to be in Carmen"

In her dressing room, Maria's assistant was waiting. "Oh, Jenna, my daughter is here. She will help me undress. Why don't you call it a night?"

"Yes, ma'am." Her assistant left shutting the door behind her.

Rose helped her Mother out of her simple yet typical opera costume for a Spanish gypsy.

"Remember when we used to play dress-up and we would pretend to perform scenes from our favorite operas and movies and plays."  Maria slipped into a silk flowery robe, then sat and brushed her long black hair.  "As I recall, you always wanted to be Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's."

Rose sat down on the pink upholstered sofa while her mother sat in front of her dressing mirror, removing make-up with cold cream and tissues.

"Ah yes, Holly Golightly.  My dream role.  I almost auditioned for a local playhouse where they were going to perform it."

From the coffee table, Rose picked up a worn leather photo album and opened to the first color photograph.  Two little girls in matching green dresses stood in front of a seated young man with a handlebar moustache, next to him sat his wife.

"Look at us," said Rose. "We look so happy.  How old was I?"

"You were five at the time," said Maria, wiping her face with a clean towel.  "You were my little blooming rose.  Do you remember?  I used to sing that song about being a rose. Your Papa would strum his guitar."

Turning the page, Rose saw a color photograph of her father with a mischievous grin on his face.  "Papa was so handsome.  I remember this photo being taken. Where’s Papa now?"

"He’s somewhere on business in southern Chile," said Maria. "Undoubtedly having a grand time.  You know your Father.  I got a postcard from him a few days ago.  I am having dinner with some of the other performers.  Do you want to join us?"

"I would love to but I must be going," said Rose. "I have an important meeting in the morning."

Maria pouted her lips and gave her the sad-eye treatment.

Rose smiled. "How about next week I come back and we have dinner?  Just the two of us."

"Promise?" said Maria.

"Yes, I promise."  They hugged

Leaving her dressing room, they walked back to the stage.  "You can find your way out?  I’m going through the back."

"Yes, I’m very familiar with the theater."  Rose had been on this stage and others many times before and after her Mother's performances. She passed back through the props, ropes, and scenery.  She headed to the main stairway. She enjoyed the grandeur of the ornate architecture of the Paris Opera House. The gold decorations glowed from the lights.

Strolling out the entrance, Rose hummed one of the songs from Carmen. She gazed up to the clear starry sky.

Turning onto an empty side street next to the Opera House, Rose walked, lost in thought.  The traffic noise died away and she heard footsteps behind her.  When she paused, so did the footsteps.  Someone was following her.

"Who's there?" said Rose, peering into the shadows.

"Just me," said Dreda Caligar. "Enjoying the opera this evening?"

"Yes, I did," said Rose. "And how did you know I was here?"

"It was a lucky guess."  Dreda stopped within a few feet of Rose.

"Well, I'm glad you had the honor of seeing me," said Rose, walking away, but stopped when Dreda followed.

"Rose, you are in league with the old lady and the brat?"

"Excuse me, his name is Sam and the "old lady" is Mrs. Lottie Steers, a well-respected member of the Club.  And they both have better manners than your friend the Doctor."

"Manners aren’t always important.  He just has a better mission," said Dreda, grabbing Rose’s arm.  "Listen to me. Join us."

Rose pried Dreda’s hand from her arm.  "Absolutely not.  The Doctor’s way only leads to destruction of life as we know it.  You can’t change history."  Rose dismissed Dreda with a wave of her hand.

"I know the rules and respect them.  I would never fight you out here."  Dreda seized Rose by the shoulders and, in a flash, they stood on the main stage of the Paris Opera House.

"Hey!"  Rose staggered forward, catching her balance.  "What are you doing?"

"I’m challenging you here and now.  Not afraid of a little duel, are you?"

"Fine!" Rose stamped her left foot.

Dreda circled Rose, each turn getting further away from her.  Rose followed Dreda’s lead and circled in the opposite direction.

"Want to be first?" said Rose.  "I don’t mind giving you the first shot."

Barely finishing the sentence, Dreda hurled three oranged-sized pink orbs all at once. Rose ducked, rolled, and jumped between each one.  Rose returned three of her own baseball-sized red orbs.  Dreda jumped over each one, leaping nearly six feet up.

"I see you've been practicing high jumping," said Rose.

"I have. Just waiting for a moment like this."

Rose ran to one side of the stage and squeezed through the rope system running from the floor up into the catwalk.  Dreda was on her heels, trying unsuccessfully to grab her. "Come back, you coward."

Dreda and Rose not only used orbs, but also used their brains and brawn.  Rose pushed Dreda into the ropes then punched her in the upper arm.  Bouncing off the ropes, Dreda used the force to leap upwards towards Rose.

Quickly jumping to one side, Rose seized Dreda's leg and abruptly yanked her face down to the stage floor.  Before Dreda knew what was happening, Rose straddled her side and took hold of a large clump of Dreda's hair.   Dreda tried to reach around, but Rose had a tight hold on her.

"Now I've got you," grumbled Rose.  "Just try to get loose..."  Without any hesitation, Dreda propelled herself up with the palm of her hands. Rose staggered backwards, letting loose of Dreda's hair.

Dreda jumped up.  "That old trick won't work anymore.  I've been practicing with Bruno.  You need some new strategies."

Rose ran back out onto the middle of the stage with Dreda right behind her.   Rose twirled around, running backwards a few steps, and threw a series of orbs.   Dreda began to dance in place, leaping back and forth as each orb smacked into the hard wood.   Sparks flew as each orb burst; some igniting tiny fires on Dreda's skirt.

"You!"  Dreda was angrily patting out each flame. "This is a new skirt!"

"You always said you wanted to wear the hottest clothes."  Rose's non-stop barrage of orbs continued to send sparks flying towards Dreda.

"That's not what I meant."  Dreda couldn't make an orb designed to counterattack.  Rose kept hurling orbs at Dreda’s feet.

Rose harassed her. "Had enough?"

"Alright!  Yes!  I concede.  You win!"

Rose's attack ended, but she remained posed to begin again. "Are you sure?  I'm starting to have fun."

"Fine. You can have this victory, but you'll be the loser when we get a hold of one of the books."

"Give your friend the Doctor my regards."  Rose put her hands on her hips.  "We’ll meet sometime soon."

Dreda glared at Rose.  "You don’t get it, do you?"

"I understand.  The Doctor wants to control history.  He’s messing with an already written story."   Rose got preachy.  "You can’t change the past.  It’s done.  People made choices and we must live with consequences of their past actions.  There’s a lot at stake."

Without warning, Dreda disappeared.  Rose twirled around to make sure she hadn’t appeared somewhere else.   Rose drew a deep breath and let it out.

"Damn." Once again, Rose had failed to change Dreda’s mind. "We’re not done yet."

The opera house was still.  Rose walked off the stage and back towards the front entrance, unaware of the eyes watching her from the upper back row of the balcony.

Vincent had watched the fight.  "This isn't good."  He disappeared.

The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 54 -- Planning a Weekend Trip

Wednesday passed quietly.  Sam and Emily walked home, stopping at a nearby Indian restaurant to pick-up take out.   When they got home, and after a change of clothes, they sat down to eat.

"Sam, I was thinking.   How about a weekend trip?" Emily took a bite of her chicken tikka masala.

"Oh yea?"  Without looking up, Sam chewed on a piece of naan.   "Got any place in mind?"

"How about New York City?  A trip to the Met to see the ancient Egypt section, perhaps?  Might be a good research opportunity?"

Sam got really excited at first; however, his excitement waned quickly.  Looking suspiciously at his Mom, he quizzed her.  "Where will we be staying?"

"Well, I was thinking about my parents."   Emily hated the thought of staying with them, but she wanted Sam’s reaction.

Grandmother and Grandfather Icefield lived in a New York City apartment that they had owned for several generations.   Her brother, Bob, stood to inherit the family fortune, the apartment, and most of the furnishings.  Sam never liked his mom's side of the family.   Grandmother and Grandfather Icefield weren’t really that nice and always criticized Emily for marrying George and their parenting of Sam.  It wasn't surprising that Emily had developed a love of travel.

Sam remembered the last visit with them six years ago.

"Samuel, I insist that you refer to me as ‘Grandmother Icefield. Your other grandmother may prefer ‘Grandma’ but I am… well… I am not on her... status level.  We are much more comfortable than Mr. and Mrs. Henry."  Grandmother Icefield was tall, slender, and always held her hands at stomach level.  She had never hugged Sam and expected him to act like a proper gentleman.

Arrogant and aloof, Grandfather Icefield wasn’t any nicer.  Sam remembered his stern looks whenever Sam started to speak.  His Uncle Bob and his two kids were their grandparent's pride and joy.  They got away with anything.

Sam stared at his Mom.  Finally, he gave her a hesitant reply, before suggesting an alternative.

"Well… if you really want to… but you know… We haven’t seen Aunt Paula and Uncle Matt in a few months… I bet they would want to see us if we went…"

Sam and Emily were always welcome by George’s family.  Matt and Paula Henry and their two teenage kids, August and Augusta, lived on the Upper Eastside of Manhattan in a very spacious apartment. It was always an adventure to stay with them.

Matt Henry taught American literature at a university and had won several awards for his books.  Paula ran her own travel business and wrote fiction.  The Henrys lived like Bohemians.  Their home reminded Sam of something out of the Ancient Middle East.  Multi-colored rugs with geometric designs, brass trays and statuary, huge puffy pillows, and oriental looking furniture filled each room.

Their teenagers went by Augie and Auger, nicknames they had given each other when they were young.   Both in high school, Augie would graduate this year, then he planned to on to Harvard to study history.  Auger would graduate the next year and she had plans to study acting.

Augie and Auger treated him like he was their little brother.  Sam loved their last visit, but was exhausted after all the sight-seeing, games, and theatrics.

"Sam, let’s put on a play," said Auger, wearing fake tiara in her long hair.  "We’ll write it, produce it, direct it, then perform it."

Augie chimed in.  "Maybe we’ll take it all the way to Broadway."  Augie made a dramatic stance with the back of his hand on his forehead.

Several hours later, the trio entertained their parents with a production of Sam and the Two Devils: A Play of Happy Endings.   His cousins played devils who tried to get Sam to do bad things, but he outwitted them, in turn making them do the bad things.  Sam still had the five-page script in his desk drawer.

They had also created a blanket tent.  Inside, they put a twin mattress and lots of pillows for him to sleep on.  He felt like he was on safari or traveling the desert in his sleeping quarters.

Emily studied Sam’s reaction about where to stay.  "Judging by the look on your face, I think Uncle Matt and Aunt Paula's it is."

"Works for me."  Sam began to make plans in his mind.

"Good," said Emily.  "I've already called them, bought the plane tickets, and got Thursday and Friday off work.  We leave Thursday morning.  I talked to your school.  Augie and Auger apparently are making plans for you.  Something about the Metropolitan Museum of Art."

A plane ride, seeing his cousins, and New York City made Sam grin with a great sense of adventure.

The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 53 -- New Assignment

The next day at school, Mr. Martin continued the class' study of Ancient Egypt.  Sam was anxious to work on his next assignment.  He wanted to write about the Pyramids, since he had already been there.

"Class, your assignment is similar to the previous.   The big difference is you will be pulling names, places, or events out of a bowl.  You do not get to choose this time."

A wave of groans filled the classroom.  Mr. Martin began with the front row, carrying the plastic bowl for students to draw out their assigned topic.

Darn, I guess I’ll have to see something else if I don’t get the Pyramids, thought Sam.

Bon whispered to Sam who sat in front of her.  "I hope I get Cleopatra. What do you want?"

Sam shrugged his shoulders.  "Maybe building the pyramids since I've already seen those being built..."  Sam stopped himself.

Bon gave him a puzzled look.

Sam thought quickly. "I meant to say I saw a movie about them being built."

Bon didn't seem to care anymore as she watched Mr. Martin coming down the row with the bowl.

When his turn arrived, Sam reached into the bowl grabbing one of the folded pieces of paper.   He opened it.  It read "Cleopatra."

"Yum, I got Egyptian food," said Bon.

"I thought you wanted Cleopatra?"

"I did, but food is tastier.  Maybe I can get extra points by making something and bringing it in?"

"I'm glad you feel that way, since I got..."  Sam showed her his slip of paper.

"That's fine," said Bon.  "Hey, why don't you come over and you can look at my collection of stuff about her?"

"Ok, I'll check with my Mom and maybe tomorrow after school?"

 The next day, Sam went to Bon's house not too far from the apartment.  Sam followed Bon home.  It was one of the Arts and Crafts style houses.  Inside, Sam could see the house was barely furnished.   The front parlor had a couple of modern chairs, a matching sofa, and a couple of side tables with lamps on them.

Puzzled, Sam asked.  "How long have you lived here?  Doesn't look like you've got much stuff."

"I grew up here," said Bon.  "It’s the lack of furniture, isn’t it?  My Mom hates clutter inside."

Bon lead the way to her room upstairs. Sam was surprised to see the most disorganized mess ever.   He had assumed Bon was the tidiest person he knew.  Clothes and shoes were scattered on the floor.  The bed was unmade.  Her desk was covered in old magazines she used in her art work of collages. Some were hanging on the wall above her desk.

"You've got some cool art there."  Sam pointed to them.

"Thanks.  I'm hoping to make some to give as presents."

Sam walked to the wall devoted to her collections.   Floor to ceiling shelves were packed with books, knickknacks, postcards, boxes, and other stuff.  The whole scene reminded Sam of Mrs. Steers' bookcases.  Sam scanned the one shelf devoted to Queen Victoria.

"She wasn't worth seeing," Sam muttered.  A small white bust of a woman with short curly hair caught his eye.  He reached up to pick her up.

"Please do not touch Cleo," said Bon.  "I broke her and had to glue her back together.  She's kinda wobbly."

"Cleo?"

"Yeah, I call her that for short. She's Cleopatra. The real bust is in a museum somewhere. Here’re the books I have about her."   

Sam sat down on a clear spot on the floor and started to browse through them.  She had offered to let him borrow some books, but Sam passed.

"No, you might need them.  I can get some from the library and from Mrs. Steers.  She has tons of books."

"She can be very strange..."  Before Bon could finish her sentence, Sam found himself defending Mrs. Steers.

"No, she's not.  She's awesome."  Sam turned away from Bon, realizing that he had just raised his voice.

"Well, excuse me.  All I was going to say was she's very strange since Mr. Steers died.  She never had a real funeral or anything for him. Remember, I told you that.  And then asked you what she's really like."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you," said Sam. "She's just been so good to me and my mom."

"That's cool. I understand."

Sam thought to himself.  Cool nothing.  She knows how to time-travel. And as soon as I can...

"Sam!" yelled Ronnie from downstairs.   "It's time to go home.  Your mom’s here."

Sam thanked Bon for letting him come over.

Emily and Sam walked home, talking about Bon and her collection, then Mrs. Steers' departure to do research.

"When did Mrs. Steers say she would be back?"

"She mentioned Thursday evening if she got all her research done."

Sam stared ahead, wondering what she could be doing, but more importantly, he wanted to borrow books on Cleopatra, and even more important than that, he wanted to go see the mighty Empress in person.  Sam would be anxious for Mrs. Steers to return.