Fly Me to the Moon

Chapter 1

The year was 1955 and the start of the space race between the United States and Russia. It was a warm and crisp August when it was announced of the rivaling tensions between the two nations involving space exploration. In response, the people were more and more curious about what is beyond the stars…including one Joey Platters who enjoyed reading the newspaper, listening to music, and going to the local theater in downtown Atlanta.

Joey Platters, a skinny 25 year old adult with a brown rockabilly haircut with an Ivy League personality, looked on as the movie, Destination Moon, ended in front of his medium blue eyes. He always loved movies about space. It gave him hope that space travel is possible. When the movie rolled the credits, he stood up and threw away his popcorn bag as he exited the theater. Unknowingly to him, he was being followed and watched.

“So are you interested in space?” A high pitched female voice asked from behind him. 

He turned around but he didn’t see anyone.

“Huh? Am I hearing things or do I just finally need glasses?” he rubbed his eyes.

“No, but please answer my question,” the female voice asked again, “are you interested in space?”

“I mean, yeah, it’s pretty cool you know?” Joey scratched the back of his neck as he looked around frightened and confused of what was going on. 

Finally he was face to face with the owner of the voice. She was a lady shorter than Joey by four inches in a navy blue and white short sleeved dress with a full, billowy skirt and short black pumps. Her hair was pinned back in a ponytail held by a white ribbon to match her dress collar and skirt. On her head rested a navy blue pillbox hat. She was a heavy set girl with a bright yet almost sadistic smile. She let out a giggle before speaking.

“Do you want to go to space?”

Joey thought for a second. Multiple thoughts circled in his head. 

‘Do I want to go to space? Who is this lady? Has she been stalking me? Why is she asking such a question? Oh, god. What if she’s a murderer like Jolly Jane?’

“I bet you’re wondering who I am and what I’m here stalking you for,” the woman said, “I assure you, it’s a grand opportunity for you.”

“Isn’t that right?” Joey said with a questionable look.

“My name is Samantha Harris,” the woman said with a proud smile and stance, “I am a philanthropist if you will and I am interested in space like you. But because of certain disabilities that keep me from going into space, I decided to use my inheritance to fund space exploration. And I think you, Mr. Platters, are the perfect fit for space travel.”

“And what makes you say that? How do you know who I am?” He was getting more suspicious even after receiving her business card. He looked it over as she continued blathering about him and his skill set.

The card was a black card with golden writing in fancy cursive print. On the top left was a sun and moon image art and on the middle was the name Samantha Jewel Harris, Philanthropist, and her phone number.

“You’re resourceful, have great leadership skills, and you can work with others. I also got your high school and college transcripts that tell me more on your intelligence,” Samantha continued, “just think about it. The address to go to is on the back of the card. You have a week to decide. See you in a week!” 

The mysterious Samantha disappeared like she arrived. Joey shook his head in disbelief and headed back home to think it over. He took off the cobalt blue knitted polo shirt and light brown pleated trousers that he was wearing and into some red and royal blue pajamas. As he laid in bed, he thought about everything that happened tonight and closed his eyes as he slept on it.