2024-11-30 “Kinda Normal” by Emma (born 1861)

Well, I wanted to take a minute while I was getting ready to go out to dinner  to tell about things. (Hannah is finishing up in the bathroom so I’m waiting) This time, all I got to say is it looks like me and ever’body’s lives is kinda normal.

I can’t tell you how good it is to be courting Merritt. Or as would be said nowadays to be dating. We still don’t know what’s going on with the time-shifting and us getting all distracted, but we come out of it feeling close, and it’s been great ever since.

Hannah showed me the note Kent wrote to her back on Nov. 26. I gotta say that was real sweet, and they seem to be ready to check things out for a while. I think they are on the right track. And when they got caught up in whatever it was yesterday, they came out of it fine.

While I’m on romances, I should say how Addison and Jacob are doing. Not much to say other than they are real happy and seem to have a lot of fun.

I know I broke things off with Devon, but he seems okay about it. We agreed we weren’t going anywhere. I’m sure he’ll move on to someone new when the time comes.

It’s been a couple of weeks since anyone time-shifted. That ain’t counting whatever happened to me and Merritt on Nov. 17 and to Hannah and Kent on Nov 29. We’re pretty sure that’s got something to do with being time-travelers, but we don’t know what.

So with the month coming to an end, it feels like everything is kinda normal. Well, as normal as can be considering I was born 163 years ago and I’m dating a man born in 1960, and none of us know when next we’ll get shifted to some different year.

But, ‘sides that, I’d say we got friends and jobs, and nice places to live. And that’s pretty good, if you ask me.

2024-11-30 “Now I Know” by Hannah (born 2002)

Well “Black Friday” has a new meaning now. You may recall that, back on Nov. 17, Merritt and Emma had an episode where they were sort of spaced out. Seems that happened to Kent and me yesterday.

It was as if I was half here; like my mind was sort of drifting off to… I don’t know where. We knew what was going on, but it was as if our thoughts were split.

Emma said it was the same as she felt. We are pretty sure it has something to do with being time-travelers, but we don’t know what.

Anyway, that was interesting.

Something else interesting happened this morning. I got a call from Liza. She wanted to meet alone for coffee, and said she’d come to Brooklyn.

She did–Eric, one of Shay’s guards drove her.

The reason she wanted to meet me was to confess to me that she had altered the markup on that plan. She cried pretty much right from sitting down.

“Hannah, I don’t even know why I did it,” she said.

Honestly, it was pitiable. It took me like zero seconds to realize I was dealing with a very fragile girl. She was so apologetic. 

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I never had friends before.” She went on to tell me about her dad’s company closing and couch surfing for over a year.

Anyway, she said she was going to tell David Stewart what she did. I told her not to do that.

“Look, he knows I had the right numbers to start with, and he didn’t blame me. In fact, I sort of got a boost on my ‘she’s a team player score’ so that was a silver lining. If you tell him, it will just be unneeded office drama.”

It took some convincing, but she agreed.

Then I said, “Look, until you ran into Devon at the elevator, we were in totally different circles. Either of us could have noticed the other and decided to start up a conversation. I know for me, everything has been chaos and I’ve been pretty focused on myself, my own issues, and all that. But, we know each other now. We can be intentional about… meeting for coffee like this. And socializing at the office. Right?”

She agreed and apologized again.

1984-07-17 “And So It Is” for Hannah (born 1962)

Hannah and Emma were happy to learn that they lived within a few Brooklyn blocks of the same subway station. Visits would be, they decided, easy and frequent. It also meant Hannah and Merritt could commute together, and that felt safe and comfortable. 

As they made their way to their second day at work, they talked about their situation, and Merritt said, “Based on Will in 2024 not knowing about this and based on the letter Tom Jenkins had for us in Memphis, we have to conclude we are split off from the other versions of us.”

Hannah agreed. “So this version of me divided off from the other three versions of me… back… in… shall we call it another universe?”

Merritt laughed. “Star Trek stuff! Parallel universes. And the four of us who had pizza last night are in this one together.”

“Five, counting will,” Hannah added.

They negotiated their way across a crosswalk, then Merritt said, “Yet, these divisions… these versions of us that are split off… we have the memories of the other versions, up to the point we divided.”

Hannah shook her head. “Crazy. And… in some fraction, we share consciousness or… something. The Emma, born in 1861 knowing about 2024 makeup, for instance…”

Then, Merritt said, “Well, Emma and I… back when we first divided to here… We decided we are essentially the same people, just located in different places. The idea you and I discussed when you were shifted to 2024. Essential the same essence… the same… soul… The same, if you will, cognitive composition…”

Hannah laughed. “Cognitive composition? You made that up?”

Merritt shrugged. “Kent did.”

Hannah laughed again. “And based on the letters, we are just supposed to settle down here and invest our money in Google, Apple, and Microsoft? Maybe Intel?”

“And do ‘random acts of kindness’”

Hannah nodded, then took a deep breath. “Well, I just had a thought…”

“Yes?”

“If we are divided from… the other universe into some parallel version, do you suppose there could be other… divided versions of us existing in other parallel universes?”

Merritt shook his head. “Do I suppose? Now that you mention it, I’d be surprised if there weren’t!”

1984-07-16 “Beyond Belief” for Will (born 1962)

Will Robertson sat between Hannah Madison and Emma Gray and across the table from Kent Marlon and Merritt Gray. He was only sure about one thing.

The check from Benevolence Worldwide was real. And generous. A month’s salary just to deliver a letter and some checks.

“You know this is beyond belief, right?” Will said.

“We know,” Merritt replied.

Will shook his head. “Let me recap all this. There are eight people, all born exactly on an equinox who have swapped places with what seems to be exact duplicates of themselves, but at different dates.”

“So far, so good,” Merritt replied.

Will shook his head. “All four of you right here belong in 1984, but three of you have been back in 1880 and Merritt has been in 2024.”

“Right.”

Will went on. “And all of you have spent some time in 2024, where there’s a 62 year old version of me that says no Hannah or Merritt worked for NYC SysCo until 2024?”

“That’s right,” Merritt said. “That version of you is my boss. Department director for re-engineering”

“Okay, so,” Will went on, “one happy day in 1880 in Memphis, a Merritt and a Emma were hanging out and sort of vegged out, and that lines up with July 4th, 12 days ago. After vegging for a while, they went back to being… normal… time-travelers.”

Kent nodded. “The Merritt in 1880 shifted there from 2024. Us 3 shifted there from 1984”

Will shook his head. “Look… go with me on this… This Emma came to 1984 from 1880 but there was still an Emma in 1880 going on about her business, right?”

“Right,” Hannah replied.

“So, this has to be some kind of alternate dimension or parallel universe. Especially since me in 2024 says you two never showed up for the orientation we just finished.”

“Right,” Kent replied.

“Okay…” Will replied, “the letter supports that theory. Look again where it says, ‘Tell them to use their knowledge of 2024 to invest profitably and to prepare for a future in which they might be called.”

Merritt nodded. “And in the meantime, it says to just settle in and do good deeds?”

Will nodded. “Not those exact words, but yeah…”

2024-11-29 “Help Wanted” for Liza (born 2003)

Liza and Shay were in the back of one of the security team’s Tahoes on their way to Brooklyn to hang out with the other time-travelers. Liza still had a hard time getting her head around the idea.

But, she had no problem with the idea of being friends with Shay. As contrived as it had seemed the evening before, by the time breakfast was over, Liza thought they had really hit it off. Unlikely friends from utterly different societal worlds—extreme wealth vs. barely getting by—they had a lot in common.

And most of what they shared was hinged by social insecurities and uncertainties. Liza had listened to all of Shay’s stories about growing up and always feeling like she was on the outside looking in. She had told Liza she knew she was awkward but didn’t know how not to be.

Liza had understood and had said she, herself, had missed out on being normal. Her dad lost his job and they bounced from aunt to uncle to aunt, ever changing schools. COVID and masks. Homeschooling. Liza considered herself dorky and awkward.

But Shay had people to guide her and she knew a few things about society and who to ask about… things. So, the morning of Black Friday, as the finale of their sleepover (and in accordance to ChatGPT’s suggestion) Shay took Liza to Éclat Beauté for a makeover—more specifically a makeup consultation.

Liza was very pleased. She asked for natural and subtle. As he was taking them to Brooklyn Eric Marsten, the bodyguard and driver of the day (by choice, wanting to hang out with Kent and everyone) told Liza she had nailed it.

“Ma’am, you look very natural, but finished, if that makes sense.”

Liza thought she understood.

Just then, her phone buzzed; Snapchat from Caleb Hastings.

Liza looked at Shay. “What do I do?”

“What does it say?

“Hi Liza.”

Shay shrugged. “Say ‘Hey. What’s going on?’”

Liza typed that then read his reply. “‘My sister said I should Snap you’”

Liza showed Shay and added, “Chloe made him Snap me.”

Shay smiled. “That’s okay, right?”

“I don’t need pity Snaps…”

Eric looked in the mirror and said. “Liza, I don’t think it’s pity. Maybe he was shy and she just encouraged him… Just say, ‘Cool. Glad you did.’ and see what happens.

Liza typed that and sent it.

Caleb sent a selfie of him smiling and pointing at Chloe who was holding up a Christmas wreath. The caption said “Too soon?”

Liza smiled and texted back. “Just in time!”

Then, she looked at Shay. “I’m so bad at all this! I don’t know what to say.”

Shay answered. “Remember what ChatGPT told us about Snaps? Just be yourself and be casual. Be… what did it say… genuine and honest.”

“Sounds like good advice, to me,” Eric added.

Shay then said, “Send a selfie.”

“I look so different. I don’t know…”

Shay said, “Tell him ‘Look, I got a makeover. Shay took me to Éclat Beauté. It’s really new to me.”

Eric spoke up again. “Maybe just say, ‘Shay took me for a makeover. It’s really different for me.’ That’s kinda cute.

Shay nodded. “Yeah… type Eric’s. I’m really not the best to give advice on this kind of thing.”

And thus began a long string of snaps and texts. Eric gave advice a few times, but after a little while, Liza relaxed. The snaps that started in the Tahoe carried on throughout the rest of the day.

Caleb, in time, confessed that he thought he was a pretty hardcore nerd, adding, “but wouldn’t you expect that from most guys starting a masters in CompSci?”

Liza replied, “No more nerdy than a girl getting an engineering degree!”

When they got to the apartment, Liza noticed (barely) that something was going on with Hannah and Kent, but no one seemed worried. So, when she had a chance she enlisted Addison to coach her more with the Snaps to Caleb.

Addison smiled. “I got you, girl! No worries! I’m a weird theater kid, but I know how to act like I’m not! Plus, we can get Devon in on this. He’s one of the cool kids!”

1984-07-16 “So Wrong It’s Right” for Kent (born 1958)

Kent and Hannah walked across a Manhattan street toward the building housing the offices of NYC SysCo. It was Monday, and there was a reception for new employees and their “spouse/guest.” Kent was the guest. 

“Look!” Hannah pointed.

Kent looked up and saw Merritt and Emma, who were already waving.

When they reached them, Merritt said, “You recognize us, so you must be…”

Kent nodded. “Went to bed in Memphis 1880. Woke up in my house in Bronx. It’s July…”

“Me too.” Hannah replied. “This is the year I’m supposed to be in.”

“Same for us,” Emma replied. “So, I was with you in 1880. What happened when I shifted to here?”

“How long have you two been here?” Kent asked.

“July 4th. Emma’s shift day. What happened to Emma when she shifted?” Merritt asked.

“Nothing.” Kent shook his head. “You two sat around doing nothing for like a day and half. Then back to normal. Normal for time-travelers…”

Hannah nodded. “Well, something’s different with this shift. I was at college when I shifted to Memphis. Now, I have a loft in Brooklyn. Actually near that place the 2024 people live.”

“I am a 2024 person. I was.” Merritt shrugged. “I’m the 1960 Merritt. We’re all in our normal year.”

Hannah pointed at the building. “We should get going. The invitation said ‘guest.’ I looked up Kent in the White Pages… I see you brought a guest, too.”

Emma smiled. “Spouse actually…”

A lot of explaining—and speculation about being the same people—happened as they made their way to the reception. After the welcome, everyone was supposed to take a 20 minute break then meet in the lobby for a grand tour.

It was then that a man approached Merritt holding an envelope. “Merritt Gray… Long time…”

“Will Roberston… May graduation wasn’t that long ago.”

“Figure of speech. So, something strange occurred.”

Merritt and Kent swapped looks, and Will caught them.

Will held up the letter. “Let’s see… Kent Marlon, Hannah Madison, and Emma Gray?”

Kent nodded as Will held up the letter.

“I got this letter. I thought it was a joke.”

Merritt shook his head. “I have a feeling it’s not a joke.”

Will shrugged. “Well, the check in it was no joke! I checked it at the bank and they verified it was real. Deposited and… Yeah… real money. And enough to make me think twice about this being a joke.” Will handed checks to Merritt, Hannah and Kent. “You won’t be laughing either… You two are married… that explains why Merritt’s check is double…”

“What was the postmark?” Kent asked. “Check is dated for today.”

“May 15.”

Kent pointed at Emma. “Emma Gray. They got married on July 11.”

“They knew nearly a month before,” Hannah said.

Merritt looked at will. “Okay, 20 minutes won’t be enough time…”

Will laughed. “Not even for time-travelers?”

“It doesn’t work like that…” Hannah said. “We don’t have a say in it.”

“Yeah,” Will held up the letter. “I sort of got that impression.”

“Quick summary of the letter?” Merritt said.

“I get to be the contact for ‘the agency,’ if needed. You four are supposed to settle down and ‘pay it forward’ and do ‘random acts of kindness.’ It says you’ll figure things out…”

“They say that a lot. We haven’t figured out much, yet,” Merritt replied. “After this thing today, let’s find a place to sit down and have a long talk and we’ll tell you everything we know.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Will replied.

Then, Emma’s eyes lit up. “Hey…”

Everyone looked at her and she went on. “This is a different universe or something.”

Hannah looked at everyone then at Emma. “Because?”

“In 2024, Will Roberson said that there were no Hannah’s or Merritts working here 1984. If this were the same universe, then he would remember this day.”

Kent looked at Merritt and both of them were nodding. 

Will was just shaking his head. “Yeah, I can see this is going to be long, long talk.”

2024-11-29 “Them Now” by Emma (born 1861)

Me an’ Merritt were in his kitchen getting some water an’ about to say goodnight, ‘cept it was 7a.m. We’d just finished watching movies for all night!

Devon came back in from the common room where we’d left Hannah and Kent. “How long they been like that?”

Merritt answered. “Since closing credits of the last movie. Hannah was in the middle of telling Kent he could take Lord of the Rings off his bucket list, and she just stopped in the middle of her thought. She looked at him and smiled, then took a big breath and laid over on the couch curled up.”

That’s exactly what happened. She balled up with her head one way and her feet by Kent’s legs. He reached over and patted her calf then scrunched down with his legs out in front of him.

“That,” Devon said, “is exactly how you two looked a couple Sunday’s ago.”

Merritt nodded. “If it’s the same thing, they can hear us and… well you know… interact a little. It’s was like being half here and half asleep…”

Then I said, “Like a bad dream where you can’t do what you want to do.”

Devon nodded. “Kent asked me if I’d leave the door open and keep an eye out so no one would have any reason to think they were… acting up. They just want to sit there.”

Merritt sighed. “Well, I’ll get up around noon or something and try to talk them into going to bed.”

I elbowed Merritt and added, “To different beds!”

Merritt nodded. “Yeah, that.”

Devon said he’d watch out for them. “Plus, Addison gave me a list of a few little things she wants me to do for her party tonight, so I’ll have something to do. If it is same as you, what do you think it is?”

Merritt shook his head and I answered. “Everybody more or less figures it has to do with shifting, right?”

Devon nodded.

“That’s about all we come up with,” I added.

Devon went back to the common room and I walked Merritt to the door of his bedroom and gave him a goodnight kiss, then went to my ‘partment to go to sleep.

2024-11-28 “Sort Of A Sleepover” by Hannah (born 2002)

When Addison found out about the Lord of the Rings movie marathon and that Kent was going to be there to watch it, she was very excited.

“Oooh! It’s a sleepover! Without the sleeping! Can Jacob and I be there?”

Hannah assured her she had every right to. “It’s the common room.”

“What are you going to wear? You’re not gonna stay dressed up all night are you?”

At that, Hannah decided she would go for “something more comfortable” but be sure to stay as far from the mistake she made once before as possible. “Fuzzy onesie!”

“Bet!” Addison replied. “I’ll do the same!”

Hannah checked with Emma who said, “I got some sweatpants from the thrift shop. And I got that bathrobe I can wear over a tank top. Cozy and a li’le cute, I guess.”

Hannah had no doubt about the cute part. Emma could wear coveralls and look adorable. 

Having planned the movie night in advance, Kent had packed clothes and left them in the dorm room that was assigned to Kent whenever he time-shifted. The plan was, when the three movies ended—they started at 6:00 p.m. and would take about 13 hours—he’d crash in the dorm and be ready by 4:00 when Addison’s “Pre-Christmas Party” was supposed to start.

 

2024-11-28 “Thanksgiving Together” for Shay (born 2001)

The easy part, by Shay’s way of thinking, was over. She had made the plans and coordinated everything to prepare for a peaceful, relaxed Thanksgiving with her friends.

With all of the behind the scenes work done, it was time to… interact. And there would be a lot of interaction needed! 

The core of the group was the time-travelers; Merritt, Emma, Hannah, Kent, Devon, Addison, Jacob, and herself. Additionally, some friends who had been part of Habitat Housing: Tia Thomas and Liza McDuffy. Additionally, Devon had convinced all six of her bodyguards to take part. Additionally, Logan Hasting’s twin siblings, Caleb and Chloe, who were starting at NYU in January would also be there.

And, additionally, her mother and father were stopping in for an hour before the meal to meet everyone on their way to a gathering among friends and business associates in the Hamptons.

Shay was as ready as she could be. The caterers had left everything as ready as possible and Emma had promised that, between the two of them, they could get it on the table. Feeding everyone was Shay’s least worry.

She had accepted the fact that she would blunder her way awkwardly through the day.

Everyone started arriving as expected. Hannah and Kent were first to arrive, explaining they had met for breakfast and taken the subway by themselves. The others from Brooklyn arrived next and then the guards and the Hasting twins came.

Liza McDuffy arrived next with Tia only a few minutes later. Shay thought everything was going well. Kent and Hannah spent some time with the guards; Kent and Eric had spent some time together. Tia drifted into that circle as well.

Shay noticed Liza seemed out of place. She went to her and introduced herself.

“Your house is amazing!”

Shay explained that her father bought it so she could be safe in the city. Liza understood.

Shay’s parents arrived and made an entrance. Most of the others seemed uncomfortable and retreated a little, but Devon stood with Shay and talked to her mother as if he had known her for a long time. Her mother seemed to enjoy telling him about her recent adventures.

After Shay’s parents left, Emma, Addison, and Shay served the meal. After the meal, everyone mingled and hung out.

Since six of those there were coupled romantically, Shay found herself with Liza and Devon. When Devon figured out that Caleb and Chloe were new in the city preparing to go to college, he dragged them into the conversation. Eventually, the guards dismissed themselves, but Caleb and Chloe stayed around a while longer. 

After a while, Addison asked if anyone wanted to play a game—she suggested charades or something like that. No one seemed excited by the idea, so she let it drop.

About then, Shay figured out Liza would have to take the train back to Trenton, so she made an offer. “Why don’t you stay over tonight? I have lots of pajamas and everything like that. What do you think?”

As soon as she said it, she thought it sounded dumb and—as usual—she felt totally awkward.

“Really?” Liza smiled.

Shay was surprised by her response, and Devon pushed the decision forward. “That’s a great idea! You two can have some fun, and you’ll be closer to Brooklyn for tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Liza asked.

“Addison wants to have a ‘Pre-Christmas’ party and everyone has to come.”

“Really?” Liza smiled again.

So, Liza agreed to spend the night with Shay.

Once everyone left, Liza helped clean up, and Shay said, “I’m glad you are staying. I’m sorry if I’m an oddball. I’m sort of awkward around people.”

Liza shrugged. “You seem great to me. I’m so dorky. I don’t really know how to be social. I’ve never done a sleepover. I never really made friends like that.

At that moment, Shay felt herself relax a little. “So, we’re just a couple of girls who don’t know how to make friends?”

Liza smiled. “I’m sure that’s true for me.”

Shay smiled. “How about I be your friend and you be mine? We can do all the stuff friends are supposed to do at sleepovers!”

“What’s that?”

Shay shook her head. “I don’t know. Have snacks and talk about boys? Are we too old to talk about boys?”

Liza laughed. “I’ll ask ChatGPT what normal girls do at sleepovers.”

Liza’s Prompt:

“What do normal girls do at sleepovers?”

ChatGPT’s Response:

"Sleepovers can be super fun, and there's no right or wrong way to have one! They’re all about relaxing, bonding, and sharing laughs with your friends. Here are some classic sleepover activities you might enjoy:

1. Movie Marathon

Pick a theme—romantic comedies, thrillers, or nostalgic childhood favorites—and line up some movies to binge-watch. Don’t forget popcorn, candy, and cozy blankets!

2. Snacks and Late-Night Feasts

Make or order your favorite snacks! Try DIY pizzas, baking cookies, or just raiding the fridge. Late-night snacks always taste better with good company.

3. Makeovers and Skincare

Break out the face masks, nail polish, and hair tools for a mini spa night. It’s a great way to relax while chatting. Bonus: no pressure to be perfect—just have fun experimenting!

4. Games and Challenges

Play fun games like “Truth or Dare,” card games, or even something goofy like charades. Challenges like creating TikToks or attempting ridiculous trivia can bring out lots of laughs.

5. Deep Talks

Sometimes the best part of a sleepover is staying up late and sharing your thoughts, dreams, and stories with your friend. These conversations can be really meaningful (or hilariously random).

6. DIY Crafts or Projects

If you’re feeling creative, try something hands-on like painting, making friendship bracelets, or even putting together a vision board.

7. Dress-Up and Photoshoots

Raid your closets and try on fun outfits or silly costumes. Take pictures and have a laugh—no judgment allowed!

8. Dance Party or Karaoke

Blast some music and dance it out, or belt out your favorite songs (even if you’re not in tune). It’s all about letting loose and having fun.

9. Plan Adventures

Use your sleepover as a chance to plan future trips, goals, or even dream about the kind of adventures you want to have together.

10. Do Whatever Feels Right

The best sleepovers are about doing what makes you both happy. Whether you’re giggling over silly YouTube videos or just enjoying each other’s company in quiet, it’s all good.

2024-11-27 “Weird In A Cute Way” for Devon (born 2002)

Devon held up his phone to show Merritt and said, “Liza asked if I wanted to see her in lingerie, and before I could say no, she sent this.”

Merritt looked. “Cute?”

Devon shrugged. “Kinda. But it was sort of weird getting to the cute part.”

He showed Merritt the Snapchat discussion. 

L: 😀 Hi.

D: Hey! Whats up?

L: Just chilling in my apartment. U?

D: Cleaning up dishes 🙁

L: LOL You got to do that!

D: IKR?

L: I’ve been practicing Snapchat.

D: Practicing?

L: I made a ChatGPT character to be a cool guy and to give me pointers.

L: Is that weird?

D: TBH, a little. But, did you have fun? That’s the important thing.

L: Yeah.

L: I googled what popular girls do in text messages. It said they sometimes send pictures of themselves in lingerie. Want to see?

[ Devon told Merritt he was typing that it wasn’t necessary but she sent the picture before he could send the message. ]

L: Ha ha! It’s a joke. 

D: LOL You scared me!

L: I was just trying to be funny. I’m really just a dork and don’t know how I’m supposed to act.

D: Just be you. Have fun. But be you.

L: Well.

D: ?

L: Being me hasn’t worked out very well up to now.

D: OK People can change, so maybe now is your time.

L: Yeah. Well thank you for being nice to me.

D: Everyone should be nice to you. That’s what I think. 

L: I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I want to try and make friends with your friends. Especially Merritt and Hannah from work. So, I’m really excited.

D: Okay, awesome. See you then.

L: Bye.

Merritt shook his head. “She made a GPT to practice Snapchat?”

Devon shrugged. “Hey, she had it rough during high school… Middle class homeless when dad lost his job. COVID. Homeschooled… I get where she’s coming from.”

Merritt smiled. “If you believe, I’ll believe. I hope we all get to know her better.”

2024-11-27 “This Could Work” by Hannah (born 2002)

Kent and I met after lunch today at the apartments. That common room Tom added is so perfect for everyone’s friendships, it’s difficult to find a reason not to meet there and hang out. 

But, we did decide to get a late lunch / early dinner out. We walked a few blocks to a little Italian place. Dinner was great.

So was Kent. So far, this whole thing with him has been simple, fun, and very, very comfortable.

Thus, a day into “it” whatever “it” is, everything is great. Except…

Somehow Kent has never seen the Lord of the Rings movies! Seriously? That must change, and fortunately for him, one of the stations is running a director’s cut marathon tomorrow night. I talked Emma and Merritt into joining us for the back-to-back showings. Merritt has read the books. It will be all new for Emma.

With that, I can take out the “except” from my claim about things with Kent.

Tomorrow should be a great day. We’ll all go to Shay’s for Thanksgiving and the afternoon. Then, back to the apartment for the movies. Kent is packing a bag and will crash in one of the dorm rooms once the marathon is over, then, everyone will regroup for Friday.

Please note: We will NOT be trying to go to any stores on Black Friday. It will be chilling and passing time together. 

Well, to close this out, I’ll return to my relationship update. So far, so good. This could work.

2024-11-27 “How It Should Be” by Emma (born 1861)

It’s coming up on two weeks since Merritt and I started dating. That was Nov 16.

Then two days later, we got all confused and sat on the couch for a day an’ a half. We still don’t know what happened that day. It was Nov. 18 of 2024, just in case you wanted to look at the story.

Well, ever’ day since, I’d say has been just wonderful. Me an’ Merritt seem to go together just right. I believe how we are is how it’s supposed to be!

Now, I told about what happened three days ago on the 24th. How we got to feeling so close and so nice. And about later how everything got tingly and also nice. Well, we sure don’t know what that was from.

Merritt an’ me have talked ‘bout what happened on the 18th and 24th and we come to think they are related. We ain’t sure if it’s so or if it is, what or why.

But back on the 24th when I made that spaghetti dinner, I was talking about computer concepts I shouldn’t know anything about. Jacob’s real smart ‘bout computers, an’ he said only Emma-2005 would know those things.

Now, far as we can figure, she got time-shifted to 1984 where the Emma-1965 was. We know Emma-1965 is time-shifted to 1880, ‘cause Kent, Shay, Addison, and Jacob ‘ave been back to 1880 and met her. Or was it me? Did they meet a duplicate instance of me that just has her own experiences and memories.

I know all that’s real abstract, but more an’ more, we’re starting to think that all the copies of us are jus’ duplicates, and sometimes, somehow, things get crossed over. 

For instance, me knowing about makeup from the jump back on July 4. An’ me understanding about game instances.

Now, last two things… Merritt says at work he was supposed to make a presentation using PowerPoint. First, when he tol’ me that, I knew what it was. Second, when he pulled up the application, he said he knew how to use it somewhat. 

So, we’re thinking sometimes what one instance knows gets… shifted… to other instances. Like 1856-Merritt not dying in a car wreck when he time-shifted into the driver’s seat!

2024-11-26 “Maybe It’s Okay” for Liza (born 2003)

Liza had spent all day going through Merritt, Hannah, and Emma’s posts. She started on Instagram at the coffee shop then, when she got home, she went to the Blogger page where things were easier to follow.

She had decided two things.

First, the idea of time-traveling was interesting. She concluded that it was more plausible because only their consciousness shifted places. Plus, there was good evidence that they were instances, as Emma had suggested, of the same person.

She really poured over the “Notes and Information” page. Despite its somewhat unorganized layout, she gleaned a lot of good information.

Something stood out from all of the posts. Merritt talked about there being a metaphysical connection, a bond that transcended how long they had known each other. It made them feel closer faster and much more deeply that would be explained normally.

Liza sat up alone in her apartment and one thought dominated her thinking.

She wanted to be a time traveler also. She wanted that connection. With anyone.

But, if being born on the equinox was indeed a factor, she was out of luck.

Her second decision was that Devon probably wasn’t a danger. She decided she’d see about somehow behaving in a way that she could connect with him and his friends. Thanksgiving was two sleeps away.

She opened Snapchat and found Devon. It wasn’t hard. She only had 27 friends that she actually knew.

L: Hey Devon.

D: Hey. wats up?

L: Thanks for inviting me to Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to it.

D: Awesome

L: I’m sorry I'm so dorky. I didn’t act right at the elevator yesterday. I’m sorry.

D: NP All good now?

L: I’m going to try.

D: Try?

L: I’m sorry. I’m not good at Snap.

D: NP

D: Glad you’re coming to TG

L: Me too. I’m going let you go. Or whatever you say on here for “bye”

D: 😄 Later!

Liza turned back to her laptop and went to ChatGPT, and typed. “Teach me how to be a normal girl on Snapchat.”

2024-11-26 “Best Coffee Ever” for Kent (born 1998)

Kent wished he could go back in time and relive his afternoon and evening—he checked his thoughts. If he started going back in time, he realized he had no idea where he’d end up. Or, more relevant to the day, who he’d end up with.

He’d done it. He had invited Hannah to consider possibilities with him. She had read his card and followed him to the coffee shop.

That coffee and that afternoon had been the best of both that he could remember. Coffee led to dinner—nothing fancy; pizza from the shop down the street.

That pizza had led to a long walk in the cool night.

And they talked. They started with the morning. Then the week before. Then somehow they got back to elementary school, middle school, and high school. He told her about starting his business.

Eventually, their conversations got back to the near past, to their adventures at time-travelers and their on-going lack of seeing the point. 

Then, much to Kent’s delight, they talked about the future. Kent promised to be in no hurry. Hannah was glad for that. She had a rule that she had required from Merritt, Devon, and all the few other boys she had dated—she called it the hands rule, and it stipulated where she would allow herself to be touched.

“Arms, shoulders, back above the waist, and anywhere on the head. Knees to toes, if the occasion presents itself. Outside of the thighs. Period.”

Kent was fine with that. He wanted to go slow and do things right. He had no interest in a tryst or a fling.

As he readied himself for bed, he decided that his interest was in starting something important and protecting the opportunity to find out just how important it was.

He committed himself to being open and honest, to asking the right questions at the right time, and to seeing if they could enjoy life together more than they did apart.

And, having five days off to get things started was extremely appealing.

2024-11-26 “If So Inclined” by Hannah (born 2002)

NYC SysCo had closed down at noon on Tuesday for the Thanksgiving holiday, so I had gone home and was standing by the window in the common room. Merritt and Devon were in the kitchenette talking about the intern, Liza McDuffy, who Devon had said seemed sad and lonely.

“No one actually knows her,” Merritt said.

“All the more reason to be nice,” Devon replied. “What’s one more person at Thanksgiving dinner? Shay won’t mind telling the caterers to feed one more person. There’s already a small army of us…”

Merritt shrugged. “Shay certainly won’t mind… Are you… you know… interested in Liza?”

Devon shook his head. “We just met, but she seems really… lonely.”

“So you said…”

I was pretty sure Devon would win the debate. That’s how he was; always nice.

As I stood there looking out, I saw Kent coming into the apartments. He buzzed and Merritt let him in. I heard him come up the stairs and swap some words with Devon and Merritt.

I turned and Kent smiled at me, then walked my way. “I had an emergency dimmer switch job nearby. So, I thought I’d drop by…”

I smiled. “Emergency dimmer switch?”

“Thanksgiving ambiance…” Kent put an envelope down on the window seal. “So, this is for you… I’m… thinking I’d like some coffee from the shop across the street… Read it and if you’re inclined… maybe I buy you a cup…”

“Coffee?”

Kent nodded. “If you’re inclined.”

He smiled, shrugged, and headed out saying goodbye to Devon and Merritt. “See you guys later…”

“Leaving so soon?” Devon said.

“Gonna grab some coffee,” Kent replied, then looked again at Hannah with a smile.

I watched him go across the street, then opened the card:

_____

Hannah,

The first day we met, I thought you were a good-looking woman. Then, I found out you could do electrical wiring, and I became very interested. Then, I found out you were with Merritt, so I flipped all my switches to “off” and stopped considering if…

Since then, we’ve been on a few adventures! With each passing day, I have come to consider you more and more of a fine person and good friend.

Now, I know it has not been too long since you and Merritt called things off, and even less time since your adventure with Devon ended. All the same, I’d like to flip the switches back “on” and see what happens.

I’m in no hurry. Good things come in time, but if you’d like to hang out and see if our friendship can grow into something, let me know. Now… later… no rush.

If you’re not interested, I hope this doesn’t drive a wedge between us. I hope we can go on saving the world or whatever it is we’ve been doing back in 1880 just as before and continue to be comfortable as friends.

However, if you are interested, I promise you will never feel anything but respected and admired. You deserve nothing less.

Please consider this. Let’s spend some time together and explore possibilities. Let’s see what might come of it.

~Kent

_____

I looked out the window, suddenly longing for coffee. I grabbed a coat and put it on and hurried down the stairs and out the door.

2024-11-26 “Does He Know?” for Liza (born 2003)

NYC SysCo closed for Thanksgiving week after a half-day on Tuesday. Since her parents had relocated to Seattle when she started college, that left Liza with 5 and ½ days to do nothing; money was tight for the family.

But not too tight for her to stop in for coffee. While she waited in line, her thoughts replayed the recent events at the office.

Fifteen minutes earlier, she was getting her things together when she got a Snap from Devon: “Where are you?”

She told him and he found her, then he explained that there was a big Thanksgiving thing planned in West Village. “You should come. Meet everyone…”

“Everyone?”

Devon explained about the apartments and Habitat Housing. “You already met Kent… He’ll be there… And I talked Shay’s bodyguards into all coming, too.”

Liza let Devon convince her to go, and he seemed pleased. “I’ll text you the address… See you then. And… Snap me just to stay in touch… Or if you need something…”

“Snap you?”

Merritt was at the elevator and he called back to Devon. “Elevator… you want me to hold it our you going to be a while.”

Devon looked at Liza. “Okay… stay in touch… See you soon…”

He hurried to catch up with Merritt. Liza stared after him, more or less overwhelmed.

She moved one place closer to the barista. She thought about what had happened since running into Devon the day before.

She told herself once more that he must be up to something. What it was, she wasn’t sure.

Then, it crossed her mind that he knew about her sabotaging the pet store markups. She thought that he must be planning something and she would bear the brunt of whatever it was.

The adage of “know thy enemy” came to her mind. She knew Merritt and Hannah had Instagrams and figured Devon would be mentioned there. She decided to dive in deep to learn whatever she could. The claims about the Time Traveler business were interesting, and this would give her a chance to look into that as well.

She’d get her coffee and start immediately. 

2024-11-25 “What’s The Catch?” for Liza (born 2003)

Liza McDuffy decided, since she had earlier opted to leave the blinds open, she would opt to not walk through her apartment undressed—not that night. She pulled on a bathrobe as a transition from her work clothes that she draped over the dresser to her sleeping clothes that were still in the dryer from Sunday’s laundry cycle.

Liza had no qualms about parading through her little apartment—one large common room and one separate bedroom—in any state of dress or undress. She lived alone, and when the blinds were closed it really didn’t matter what she had on or not on.

Alone had become an accepted aspect of her life. Lived alone. Went to bed alone. She woke up alone. Went to work alone. Worked alone…

Until today, when Devon Collier talked her into sitting down for coffee before they went to separate places for the morning. He’d asked her about her university, her internship, and told her about his plans to go to New Jersey Institute of Technology. He told her about his mother being killed in a fire and him being on the streets homeless for a little while. Time ran out and they had to go do their work.

To her utter shock, he asked for her Snap. And he gave her his.

Later, just at the end of the day, he was passing through one of the CAD areas. He made eye-contact, smiled, and waved. Liza waved back.

As Liza fished her jammies from the dryer, she paused and shook her head. She thought that there must be some catch. He must have some motive, some reason to be playing games with her.

She decided she’d have to be careful and watch out. She couldn’t imagine why he was doing whatever it was he was doing, and she was afraid to find out.

2024-11-25 “If You Don’t Ask…” for Kent (born 1998)

Kent had a small repair job in the Bronx and when he finished it, he stopped by his house. Shay Ryder had been on his mind all morning.

More specifically, something she had said about recruiting volunteers and soliciting donations.

“Kent,” Shay had more than once said, “if you don’t ask, the answer is automatically no.”

Kent decided that if that was true about volunteers and soliciting, it was also true about everything else. Given all that had happened recently and with the holidays coming up, Kent figured it was a good time to ask.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR READERS

First of all, thank you for being part of this admittedly complex and confusing storyline! This post is meant to set the stage for the adventures to come!

Going forward ALL POSTS WILL APPEAR ON MERRITT’S INSTAGRAM PAGE. There and here on Blogger, there will be a very small, but critical detail that you should watch for.

Since IG is, in fact, a part of the plot, posts that are listed as “by” are the posts that the characters actually make (e.g. by Emma, by Merritt, by Hannah). All of the other characters have posts written “for” them (and they are in 3rd person.)

Readers can assume that the characters in the present can see any “by” posts. (Though some have agreed to NOT read them.)

ONLY YOU READERS can see the “for” posts.

When you look at the contents, any "for" posts are seen ONLY by the readers. The "by" posts can be seen by any of the PRESENT era characters.

Now, for a little catch up…

As the real life year 2024 comes to a close, there are 4 cohorts of time travelers. Posts on Merritts site will always begin with the date that the events happened. They will include the POV character’s name and date of birth. For example…

2024-11-24 “Closer Than Ever” by Emma (born 1861)

This happened 2024-11-24 and is the first person account of the version of Emma born in 1861.

The most confusing matter is that there are duplicates of many characters, some time shifted, some not. In the post above, the Emma born in 1861 is living in 2024 at the time she made the post.

Going forward the majority of the plot will focus on the cohort found “normally” in the  PRESENT. 

PLEASE NOTE that ONLY Merritt and Emma are shifted to (and from) 2024. The rest are natural to the present, with a few shifting from time to time to the past.

It turns out that one of the things making Time Travelers interesting is also very confusing. The underlying premise is that some people (8 known) exist at various points in time.

There are three cohorts that may be (characters don’t know) at different points on the same timeline. The image coloring is consistent for any era: sepia for 1880, vintage for 1984, and vivid for 2024. 

The 1880 cohort includes 8 people, 4 of whom are shifted there from other times: Emma, Hannah, Merritt, and Kent.

The 1984 cohort includes 4 who are time shifted (Emma, Hannah, Merritt, and Kent) with unshifted versions of Tom and Addison having been mentioned or having appeared.

The present time cohort includes only 2 who have shifted there (Merritt and Emma)

When more than one version is mentioned in a story, they are described by name and date of birth.

Emma-1961 shifted in 1880 to 2024.

Emma-2005 shifted in 2024 to 1984.

Emma-1965 shifted in 1984  to 1880.

Detailed accounts of who is where can be found on the Blogger page.

_____________

TIME DIVISIONS

In November of 2024, a new complexity was introduced. Four of the characters “divided” or “split” (as opposed to shifted). They ended up back on their natural timeline, but on a different version of it. 

Emerging from the time division phenomenon is important evidence (that READERS will have–not the characters): there is more than one universe/timeline, but the characters are 1.) essentially duplicates and 2.) metaphysically connected to themselves across all “instances.”

_____________

Reiterating, going forward the vast majority of content will involve the PRESENT TIME cohort, and the main characters there are:

Merritt-1960 (shifted)

Emma-1861 (shifted)

Hannah-2002

Devon-2002

Kent-1998

Shay-2001

Jacob-2002

Addison-2002

Also found there non-travelers: Will, Tom, Tia, Liza, and others…