Black to the Past

Chapter 39

"What date should we set for you professor?" Wilson asked as he set at the controls of the machine with Jalen and Michael each looking over one shoulder. "Buckle up, guys."
    Jalen and Michael obediently fastened themselves into the seat.
Meredith and Halle sat on the opposite side of the boys near Professor Harold. He had a very worried look on his face which was causing Halle to worry. Since she'd time hopped before she felt very different inside. As if something inside of her had shifted, yet, she couldn't explain what it was. Plus there was a certain element of fear, not knowing if all the time travel could cause harm. Professor Harold was adamant that he'd given them all the information they needed for now, but there were dozens of journals in the file cabinets. She couldn't wait to get her hands on them to read them.
    "I'm going back to the date I was reported officially  missing. December 24, 1982."
    "You went missing right before Christmas?"
    "Yes, it was my biggest flub in life. I had time traveled twice already. I'd gone to the future. I'd always come right back. But this time I wanted to stay a few days. I was trying to get some money for my family. Trying to discover what would be new that I could invest in or take part in. I know, you must think that was a scumbag thing to do. But you understand my family was the most important thing to me. My son, I wanted his future to be perfect. But I came back two days after I'd left," he lamented. "But the deed is done. I've tried every way possible and I can't get back to my wife. So I'll go watch from afar. I know the future I can't change that now."
    December 24, 1982 was typed into the machine.
    "One question professor?" Wilson started. "Can we go straight from dropping you off to the 1960's or should we come back first."
    "You can go to as many time periods as you want to. Just be sure to return to the exact second you left," Professor Harold said calmly. It was the reminder they needed.
    Recording the time down to the second, Wilson pushed the go button.
   
    "I think I'm going to vom-," Meredith hurled into the trash can that was directly next to her. Thankful she'd seen it before they'd taken off. Each seat had a can complete with liner next to it. Meredith's face had literally turned green. She looked as if she'd eaten sour candy apples. Michael was clutching  his stomach. Jalen was staring passively at nothing at all. Professor Harold touched his hands and his face. He was shocked to still be alive at all. The last journal warned that too much time travel could kill you instantly on one trip or it would catch up to you on another. That's why it was important for him to have someone to go back with him.
   
    "I just need one of you," Professor Harold suggested.
    "I'll go," Wilson volunteered. Professor Harold nodded his thanks.
    The rest of the kids stayed on board.
    Professor Harold led the way once again through the sub-basements, into the giant cedar closet. He packed two suitcases with clothing for the 1980's. Out of a large armoire, he pulled out a wallet and stuffed it with bills from an envelope marked for that time period.
"Son, it's important to remember that you all grab money and check the year that it's not from the future. Otherwise, it will seem as if you have counterfeit bills and you'll be in big trouble."
"Makes sense, and I hadn't thought of that," Wilson said, shaking his head thinking of all the things that could go wrong!

The bills that were made in 1980 or prior and change with the correct dates. Nothing from the future. He pocketed a cell phone but that was only for good measure if he ever lost his way and needed to get back to the machine, he could be tracked.
    "Wilson, I said for you all not to look for me, but if you have to. Do what you must do. I'll keep this device fully charged at all times. If you need to find me, look into the notes and find this cell. Use the locator feature to find me. I'll come to you. Take care of yourself and Halle. She's going to need you. Please be patient withJalen, he has a lot to learn still and when he finds out certain things it will be hard for him. Michael will learn things that will shock him. Help him to get through it. Brooke is waiting for you. Make sure the police don't find the time machine. Wilson I am entrusting so much to you because you can handle it," the professor told him.
    "I understand, sir."
    "You don't. But you will," the professor added gravely. "It's time for you to go back. I just need you to get me safely out of this building and onto the street. It's night time. Instead of hearing me come all the way up the stairs I'll be gone when she searches the house this time. Let me show you how to hide the wall."
    The Professor pressed a button that opened up towards the stairway leading to the main basement. Once they were in the main basement there was a button that was barely visible above the bookcase that hid the wall. Once the book case was closed one had to slide their hand behind the case in order to push the button. The book case looked like it was a built-in case so no one would be the wiser.
    Wilson followed the professor out of the house and onto the street. They glanced towards the house but all was quiet. No lights came on, the neighbors stayed sound in the bed.
    "Good luck, Professor Harold," Wilson said and gave the old man a hug.
    "Good luck to you too my young friend. 'Til we meet again," he said with a clap on his back. "And, thank you!"