The Date Auction

Chapter 12: The Getaway

I woke to a wonderful smell of Jake making hash browns in the kitchen. Blaise had arrived too, sometime in the morning, with everything we needed to make mimosas. I was really getting spoiled.

"Our next date." Blaise said, "Tomorrow."

Tomorrow? Oh no! I'd forgotten that fall break followed immediately after second homecoming. I'd scheduled a trip out to the Grand Canyon with Courtney, and I wouldn't be back for several days.

"I can't!" I cried, horrified.

"It's fall break." Jake added.

"Very well," said Blaise, "We'll do it next week."

An enormous sense of relief cascaded over me. Our date was still on. But I had to get to Courtney's place in time for her uncle's charter plane to pick us up. I hastily packed all my things, threw a few fried eggs on top for the road, and rushed out the door.

We touched down with just enough time to make it to the Grand Canyon Brunchery before it closed.

"Hey, sweeties, what can I get ya?" the waitress asked, before doing a double take, "Are you the daughter of that famous scientist that vanished at the Grand Canyon?"

"I am! How did you know it was me?" I asked.

"You have your father's eyes. You know what? This meal's on me." We tucked in to the greasy diner food, an almost religious experience, then checked into our room at the hotel.

"Courtney," I wondered, "have you ever been in a love triangle?"

"I've had a few boys I've liked, but I don't think it's ever been love. I am explicitly stating that the relationships you have with both of the boys you like are more meaningful than any romantic relationship I've ever had." she replied.

"Wow," I said thoughtfully.

Next morning, we were scheduled to meet our guide outside the hotel. There he stood, confident, like a less hot Blaise.

"Hello, I am Pierre Bedfellow, and I shall be your guide." He took Courtney's hand and kissed it, "And you lovely ladies must be Courtney and Madison? I would also kiss your hand, Madison, were it not clear from your stature that at least one other man has a viable claim on you."

Courtney and I giggled. He was so charming.

"So where is it you would like to see, madam?" he asked.

"The bottom part, mostly. Or the top parts where you can see the bottom parts."

"Ah, a beautiful choice. You will not regret the views!"

We followed the trail my father had made years before, the steep slope and rapid switchbacks a challenge. Loose rocks covered the dirt, and more than once Courtney slipped and was caught by Pierre. I reached the bottom without incident. We explored around for hours, it felt like. Maybe I hadn't admitted it to myself, but some part of me thought we might find some trace of my dad, who'd gone missing in the Grand Canyon. But instead, the beautiful vistas of the southwest offered me nothing.

Courtney and Pierre were talking energetically when my phone buzzed. I had an important email. Sitting down, I checked to find the email from Professor Starlook I'd been so excited for.

Sent: Today, 11:50 AM

To: Madison

From: Galil E. O. Starlook

Hello to my favorite student. I've spent every waking moment trying to answer the question you posed me, and I've finally figured it out. The conjunction a few years ago was indeed atop the Grand Canyon. Furthermore, my work on dark matter suggests to me that there could be dark matter in the canyon right now! I would stay away. Dark matter has quantum fields that can happen, which means anything could happen. Be careful if you ever go there.