Alterworld Book 1-Ruby's Choice

Take Me Back To...

What would you do if you could start over at age twenty-two?  I ask myself this question every day.  The problem is, I know life doesn't work that way.  So, I repeat my routine of taking my husband to work and dropping the kids off at school.

"Thanks, Marilyn, for taking me to work."  Jesse said.
"Jesse, we're married.  You don't have to thank me."  I said.
"I'm working late tonight so I'll fetch a cab home, okay?"  Jesse said.
"Working late - again?"  I asked.
"Yeah.  Marlon, my boss wants my reports finalized a week early because the client rescheduled our big meeting.  They moved it up to the end of this week instead of next week."  Jesse said.
"There isn't any way you can be home tonight?  I have a PTA meeting and it would be nice if I wasn't dragging the kids with me."  I said.
"Sorry, Sweetheart.  Marlon will fry me if those reports aren't done."  He said and kissed me on my forehead.  I glared at him suspiciously as he closed the door.
I look in the back seat and Ryan, Rayna and Lynette are fast asleep.  I arrive at Montagne Elementary just before the first bell.
"Ryan, Rayna, Lynette.  Wake up."
"Aww, Mom."  The triplets complain in unison.
"You don't want to be late for your first day of first grade, do you?"  I asked.
"Mom, why do I have to be in class with them?  All they did last year was throw paper wads."  Said, my future leader, Lynette.
"I don't know, Sweetie.  That's just how they do things.  Now, let's get going."  I urged.
"But, Mom, why you taking her side?"  Asked, my future starting pitcher, Ryan.
"Honey, I'm not taking anyone's side.  I'll tell you what, if the three of you can line up for class in less than ten seconds - without arguing - we'll go for ice cream after my school meeting tonight."  I bribed.
"Aww.  That's boring.  Why can't we stay with Dad?"  Rayna, my blossoming dancer, asked. 
"Unfortunately, the president is not attending.  When that happens, the Vice President - me - has to go.  Plus, your dad is working late.  I'm giving you to the count of three:  1, 2..."
Lynette sprinted ahead of Ryan and Rayna who pushed each other all the way.
Whew, am I glad that's over.  Now it's time for coffee, chores and a bubble bath - I hope.

I don't usually get the bubble bath, but a girl can dream.    I pull in the drive-through at Magic Java because Faeriestown Coffee is lined up past Glitter Street.  I never stopped here, so I look over the menu:  I Wish I was Eighteen, Mom's Bubble Bath, Take Me Back To...  I pull up to the speaker and a male, child-like voice asks, "What is your wish today, Ma'am?"
"What's in the drink called, "Take Me Back To...?"  I asked.
"That depends on the age."  He replied.
"I'm sorry?"  I said, confused.
"What age would you like to go back to, Ma'am?"  He asked.
Oh... kay.  I'm in the mood to play along.  "I'd love to go back to age twenty-two when I was daring, thin and single."  I chuckle.
"In that case, your beverage will be a French vanilla cappuccino with twenty-two sprinkles of faerie dust."  He said.
"Great.  French vanilla is my favorite."  I said.
"I have great news, Ma'am, you are our one hundredth customer."  He squealed
"So, what do I win?"  I asked.
"You get a free coffee."  He said
"That's the best news I've heard all day."  I said.
"Please drive forward and receive your prize."  He said.
I pull alongside the window and attempt to maintain my composure as the portal opens, and a munchkin-sized woman with Merida-esque hair pops her head up from beneath the metal shelf.  She jumps onto the ledge laying half of her body out the window, and hands me my drink.  She has pointed ears, a round face with malachite eyes and she is dressed in an irradescent, taffeta-like gown.
She smiles and says, "I'll see you in the nineties, Marilyn.  Enjoy your coffee."
"I love the garb.  This looks like an interesting place to work.  Oh, and thanks for the free coffee.  I hope you all have a fun-filled day."
The small woman slammed the window shut with the strength of twenty-two men and made her way toward the counter.  As I drive away, I realize she knew my name.  I turn onto Glitter Street and pull into the first driveway I find and make my way back to the coffee shop.  But, when I return, there is nothing but an empty lot in its place.  I pinch myself to make sure I'm not asleep at the wheel.  Ouch.  Nope, I'm wide awake.  I look at my cup and it says, "Magic Java".  But, how?  And, how does she know my name?  And, what's all that business about seeing me in the Nineties?  I shake my head trying to clear the cobwebs in my skull.  That has to be the coolest prank in Faeriestown history.  I take a sip of my coffee.  Ooh, this is an amazing cappuccino.
I continue my drive home laughing all the way.
I unlock the large, purple door to the Hera Family Victorian and decide to take a bubble bath before I start my chores.
I lay in the warm, lilac-scented bubbles and rest my head against an irradescent, clam-shaped, purple air-filled pillow.  I close my eyes and relax.  I awake with a start as soap hits my tastebuds.  I blow the bubbles out of my mouth, look around and realize I am in a different place.
"Marilyn, hurry up in there or we're gonna miss the concert.  A voice shouted from outside the door.
"Kim, is that you?"  I asked.
"Uh, I hope so.  You only have one roomie."  She said.
"Holy... "  I thought.
"C'mon, Marilyn.  It's gonna take us an hour to get to Pine Knob."  Kim persisted.
"I'll be right there."  I shouted.
I look down at my body.  Whoa, I can see my abs.  Those disappeared six years ago when I finally got pregnant with the triplets.  I get out of the tub and wipe the fog from the full-length mirror on the backside of the door.  What?  This is impossible.  I must be dreaming.  I slap myself in the face, yet I am staring at my twenty-two-year-old reflection.  I pull the skin on my stomach in disbelief.  Has the unimaginable happened?
"Marilyn, please hurry."  Kim pleaded.