Suspended in Time

Chapter 11 - Time in 1957 Comes to a Passionate, Bittersweet Close

This experience with the Franks wasn't completely through, even though they went back home after seeing their old house and old car that David and I showed to them. We still needed to restore it. It wasn't the hole that I felt was there, but I knew that it needed to be done.

I had been in 1957 for over a month now, and the week after the Franks left, I was working on the Model T with David. He was getting parts, other materials and paint for the car from his new job. It was shocking how fast we were getting it done. We even took our first test drive, and it went pretty well.

"She just really needs a good paint job," said David as we stood there, gazing at the relic. She's great everywhere else, she just needs that paint and a good buffing on the chrome. I think she'll be done after that."

"It seriously is insane that she's almost done. You said it could take you years to finish. It took us being hyper-focused to get it done quickly."

"I agree. So, let's keep going. We can start the sanding to get the extra paint chips off from the old paint, and then tomorrow, we can focus on the painting."

"Let's get to it."

For the remainder of the evening, we worked on the car, then I headed back to the house on my bike. It was close to six. I showered then helped out with setting out the table for dinner, and the whole family was there in the living room, aside from Darina, who came home recently. Eliza was busy in the kitchen, Mr. Edding in his study, and Violet went to go outside to fetch more flowers since the ones in the dining room were wilting.

I hiked up the stairs and went to Darina's room and knocked. "Yes?" she answered.

"Darina, dinner is almost ready. Just letting you know."

"Thank you."

I nodded, then left the door, not needing to do anything else. It had been such torture, as was predicted by David and Violet, since Darina and I were keeping our distance, and for the past two weeks. I saw the longing look in her eyes whenever she saw me. I really should've stayed at David's place.

A door opened behind me, and I heard, "Kyle?"

I turned around and saw Darina in her doorway. "Yeah. Hey. How was work?"

"It was work. Um, could I show you something?"

"Sure."

She went back into her room, and I stood in the doorway. She saw me and smiled. "Don't be afraid to come in, regardless of the tension. And, yes, I've felt it, too. But never mind that right now."

I stepped into the room where our first kiss could've happened but didn't. Darina got a box out from under her bed, a box that looked like it held clothing. She opened to reveal white, lacy material. She took it out, and it was only material, not made into anything. "So... I know I get married next year, if the history that you know of unfolds, so... I should get started on my wedding dress. You've seen it, at least in pictures."