A Second Journey

Chapter 7

Before he could get out the words, "Who are you," I politely said to him as I yanked at his arm, "No time to explain. Where is Maria Howell? Oh, sorry, you guys aren't married yet. Pardon me, but where is Maria Sterlacci and are you Jack Howell?"

The young man nodded yes after saying, "I sent Maria of to the United States years ago. And what do you mean we aren't married yet, kid? We are engaged and she's about to have a baby soon."

Mom-mom.

"Like I said before, Pop Jack, no time to explain. I have to get you out of here."

He was startled but continued the conversation anyway, "Bless your heart kid for trying to save me but it's no use. Now please let go of me and go back to what you were doing before you walked into this neighborhood."

"No, you're my great-grandfather, and I am saving your life. I have come from the 21st century to save you. Now, I know for a fact that the Nazi's aren't coming for you until tomorrow. I know this because my great-grandmother, also your future wife, Maria Sterlacci showed me the letter you wrote to her the day the Nazi's took you. Again, for the third time now, I- I mean we, have no time to monkey around here. However old you are, you need to know that this is important business and it could save your life."

"How old are you, young lady?"

"Almost thirteen."

"Right, so how do you think a twelve year old is going to tell a 22 year old what happens in the future?"

"Poppop Jack, I know you are confused and you think I am a total stranger, but if you come with me, you will thank me. This is a matter of life and death. Seriously, I will explain all of this to you as soon as we get to the tree line and we are safe."

"Fine."

"Thank you very much, Poppop Jack."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever kid as long as you stop calling me Poppop Jack and more like sir.

"A deal is a deal unless we don't shake on it." I said as I put my hand out for him to shake it.

He put his hand out for me to shake. Though I didn't let go and I pulled him out of his apartment, down the hall and steps, and through the doorway leading to the outside. As I pulled him behind me, he struggled but didn't succeed in getting his hand out of my tight grip so he gave up.

As soon as we got to the tree line, I heard dogs. Jack Howell, the terrified young man who stopped, heard dogs. Dogs. Dogs barking. Dogs whimpering. Dogs' paws heavily pounding on the ground. Dogs' paws kicking up dirt.

The noises got closer. Soon, there were voices. Voices. Deep voices. Angry voices. German accented voices. Voices in German. Voices yelling. Closer, and closer each minute.

Nazis.

The first words out of Jack's mouth, "Quickly. Explain quickly."

"No! Those are Nazis! With dogs! Nazis with dogs, Jack! Closer and closer every minute! I can't risk either of our lives!" I almost yelled in disgust of his attitude, trying my best to keep my voice down though. I've had enough of attitudes this month.

After he nodded his head in agreement, I accidentally yanked Jack's arm too hard from anxiety, where I heard a loud cracking noises. I turned around to find Jack's face in pain.

"Oh my God! I am so sorry! Are you okay? I so hope you're okay! What happened?!"

Poppop Jack managed to get the words out, "I am fine. You just cracked my elbow a little. No biggy. Let's just keep going."

"Okay, good, you're not hurt badly. Well, we have to get going so, let's go."

"Let's take it slow this time kid."

"As slow as we can without getting caught. We have to keep up a good steady pace."

"Got it! No problem."

We headed into the trees where the light from the screen on the time machine was glowing. I needed to remember what state Nana (my great-grandmother) went to first, either Florida, or Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania! Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Levick Street. I punched in the letters and the date of this day I was now in. Thankfully, there was another seat in front of all the keypads and the screen. Then, I got Poppop Jack and myself buckled up. I was ready for the speaker to blast out the words of warning. Surprisingly, it didn't blast the words so loudly. Finally, I was ready to push the green button, for it to turn red, and for there to be white.

Then, nothingness.