Timeless Secret

Chapter Two

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."

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  Hezekiah pulled out the wallets that had been in his parents' pockets when they disappeared and handed them to the Wendells. Eric didn't need any more proof; they had travelled back in time. Eric stared blankly at the id in his hand. The young woman stared back at him, her smile seeming to mock his inner turmoil and the pain he watched his grandfather go through.

  "Edith" was his grandfather's younger sister by 15 years; she had been a miracle baby nobody thought would happen after his grandfather was born. She had broken their hearts when she had decided to go to college across the country but they were still proud of her for being the first member of the family to go. They never recovered when she disappeared.
"What's the next entry say?" Eric numbly asked. Abby looked down and started reading;

Dear Diary,   December 4th, 1770
  I'm still trying to get used to all this. We met some people today who turned out to be family. We learned it's a "gift" from God that the Wendell family has; some gift. We also learned that there must always be a couple, there's even a poem; "Two shall leave their time and enter times long past. Faith is tested and they must learn to stay steadfast. Once the two are gone and buried two more shall appear. Defying space and time itself saving those lost in fear." I didn't ask for this! It's not fair! I told Hank about the baby today and at least he was happy but it was a bittersweet moment for both of us. Our poor baby won't have any family to grow up with, I had so hoped we could move back to New York and they could grow up with my little nephew Benny"
                                                       Edith

   Abby looked up and watched Eric's reaction; as he lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose while closing his eyes. She knew he was blaming himself and she hated it but, she was trying not to blame him also. She had to remind herself that he didn't know this would happen.

  Hezekiah put a hand on Eric's shoulder and gave it a fatherly squeeze. "I can't begin to imagine what y'all are feeling right now but just know that our home is open to you both for as long as you need. I know this is hard right now, but just like my parents you will eventually see the blessing God has bestowed upon you." Hezekiah's eyes held a gentle softness that conveyed the belief in his words.

  Abby felt a twinge of resentment and anger at his words. "What blessing? We're stuck in the past and no way to see our loved ones again." she thought bitterly. Eric looked up at Hezekiah "you really think so?" he asked. Abby heard the desperation in his voice and it made her heart ache for him again. "I know so son." Hezekiah said kindly.

  At that point Maggie walked up and gently said "alright I think that's enough for tonight. Y'all look beyond exhausted and worn out. I set up our boy's old room for y'all and found some things to sleep in that should fit you both." They both blinked up at the short plump woman; "you found something to fit me?" Abby asked in disbelief.

   She was 5'9" and willowy; whereas Maggie looked barely 5'1". At least Hezekiah was about 6'2" and slightly round from age so Eric who was 6'4" should be able to fit his nightwear. Maggie laughed; "don't worry baby, you'll be wearing our daughter's old nightgown she left behind after she married. She's about your size so I know it'll fit fine." she said warmly. The Wendells followed the Franklins up the stairs and down the hall to the room before thanking them and saying goodnight.
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   After getting ready for bed Eric started to climb under the covers but Abby suddenly stopped him "wait don't go to bed yet!" She said suddenly remembering something "Why?" he said slightly annoyed, he was tired and ready for sleep. She grabbed her tote bag that Eric had dubbed years ago as her "Mary Poppins" bag and pulled out floss, unopened toothbrushes, and some new toothpaste. "Why in the world do you have THAT in your purse??" Eric asked dumbfounded. "I packed them just in case someone needed them on our last shift. But aren't you glad I did? Just because we're in the past doesn't mean we should neglect certain things." She said defensively. Eric just laughed at her and grabbed what she offered.

   As he brushed his teeth he heard her small sound of despair. He turned to see her digging through her tote. "What's wrong? Can't find a new mattress?" He asked raising an eyebrow and smirking. "My favorite blue beanie is missing!" She wailed. He couldn't help but to roll eyes; he swore she was obsessed with that thing. "You can always make a new one, besides it's not like they're in fashion right now." He said as he finished with his teeth. She just pouted and took her turn at the washbasin.

  They both crawled into bed and said a prayer together before going to sleep. The coming days were going to be busy as they prepared to blend in with the Franklins' help.
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I meant to post this chapter this morning but as a stay at home mom things rarely don't go as planned lol. I'm having some writers block with the next chapter so it might be a tad late but I'm hoping to have it up by next Friday. Have a wonderful weekend 👋🏽. Here is Maggie