Past in the Future by Lisa Krnac

Chapter 10

When Nadine woke the woman had a hot bath ready with a change of clothes beside the tin basin. The big basin was behind a set of curtains that were made of a cheap fabric that was ripped, but it served its purpose. Nadine snuggled into the hot water and rested her head on the back of the tub. She scrubbed her body with the soap that was provided and washed her hair as best she could. The water was completely black by the time she was done. The clothes that were provided was a yellow dress that flowed to her feet. The neck line was just under her filler bone and the sleeves went to her elbows. It fit, but Nadine was hoping to ware some pants. "Oh you look lovely dear." The woman said from behind Nadine. Nadine jumped. Nadine then wondered if this woman always pops in when ever your not looking. "Sorry te scare ya dear. I am glad that you found every ting ok."

"Where is my brother?" Nadine said calmly hoping for a short answer, but she didn't get one. "Ya brother, Henry, I believe its name is. He is gotten ready for dinner and will meet ya there. He looks good dear. Te infection is gone and he is right as rain. Peter and Dustin will be joining us as well. There tis a lot te talk about and I intend to hear every word. I like it know what goes on around here. No sense being put in ti dark. I listen to all talk so if ya need an ear I am willing ta hear what ya have te say. Now come along the food is gonna get cold if we talk all day." Nadine wondered if she actually knows that she talked a lot. A woman like that listens to everything and is most likely a gossip teller. She was a nice enough woman, but Nadine wished she would mention her name. When they came out of the room they went down a hallway that led to a big room. Everything was stone. The walls, even some of the doors. 'This must be a cave of some sort' Nadine thought to herself. The big room was tall as well as wide, but the stuff in the room was what Nadine found the most interesting. She saw things that could belong in her century. There was a petal bike hanging on the wall. An electric clock that wasn't working stood on a self. There was shelves filled with books that were torn and mangled. A BBQ was sitting in the corner. A plane propeller was hanging on the wall. Portraits of the President of the US was also there. 'This 'Xander' must like her time if he keeps collecting things' Nadine thought. They passed through the room and went through a big wooden door that lead to a big dining room with a long table. No one was there yet. Nadine didn't realized that the woman had been talking the whole time and Nadine just droned her out. "Nada!" A familiar voice came from behind her. Henry had his arm in a sling, but that didn't prevent him from giving his sister a big hug. Nadine put him down to take a good look at her brother. She couldn't find the words to say how much she loved him. They stayed in each other's arms when Peter and Dustin walked in the room. Dustin was taller then Peter, but they had a lot of similarities. Their hair was the same shad of brown and they had the same built.

Nadine knew that Henry was himself as soon as he opened his mouth. He talked about how big the house is and that it actually wasn't a house, but a mansion in a rock. He said that he hasn't had a chance to explore all the rooms, but he plans to as soon as they finish eating. Peter and Dustin just smiled. Then there was a soft bang on the door on the opposite side of the room. An old man, about 80 Nadine determined, entered the room. He had a cane to stabilize himself as he walked towards them. He was about the same height as Henry and he had a full head of white hair. Peter stepped forward and said. "Nadine and Henry, I would like to introduce Xander." Nadine smiled and went over and hugged the old man. Xander was almost knocked over, but he didn't seem to mind and gave a small chuckle as he returned the hug. "I don't have the words to thank you Xander." Nadine pulled away to look at him in the eyes. "Well that's quite all right." He said politely. "Your presence here is a great honour. I can't believe your in my house." Xander couldn't stop smiling. He sounded like a child who just met his super hero. Nadine stood confused. Then Xander continued. "Come let's sit and talk. I see you already met Peter and Dustin. And you already met Ms. McTanver."

'So that was her name'. Nadine felt relived to put a name to the strange accented woman.

They all took a seat at the one end of the large table. Ms. McTanver came in with the plates and utensils. Nadine didn't even realize that she had left to get the stuff. 'Finally real food.' Nadine thought. There was potatoes, chicken strips, mixed vegetables, rice, fresh bread, and roasted pig. Nadine and Henry stared to grab the food when they realized that no one else was. "We're sorry." Nadine said as she grabbed her brothers hand to pay attention. "That's quite alright." Xander started. "I understand you are not from here. So we all hold hands and close our eyes." Nadine and Henry obeyed this gesture as she held onto Henry's hand and Xander's. Peter and Dustin and Ms. McTanver were on the other side. Xander said a prayer for the food and a prayer for Nadine and Henry. When he had finished they all started to eat.

Lisa Krnac