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Part 7

David had not expected to fall asleep when he laid on the bed but he did. He awoke later, relieved that the pounding in his head had abated, but still in, what he was sure was, the future. Now in his time, if someone said they were from another time, they'd likely be labeled crazy but maybe it wasn't unusual in this time. After all, had someone from over a hundred years before his time been dropped in there they'd be astounded to see a train and the way it travelled over such long distances. But then, travel over distance was always known, travel through time wasn't. Until he knew more, he wouldn't let Rebecca know what he suspected.
Rebecca. Now there was another mystery. He had looked for a wedding band and saw none. She was of marriageable age he was sure. He wondered why she was alone. She was easy on the eyes with dark blonde hair down just past her shoulders, sparkling blue eyes and curves in all the right places. She seemed like a capable young woman and very caring. He smiled while thinking about her till he wondered if he might damage her reputation by staying with her. He'd have to be careful no one found out.
He should try to see if he could get back to his own time. He sure didn't know how he'd manage in this time. Even farming was probably very different and he didn't even own this land any more. She hadn't said there was anything in that interview about him, but he was sure it was him that the old timer referred to, disappearing in the past.
He got off the bed and went to the window. Looking out he recognized the hills in the distance, but where was his barn and other outbuildings? They were all gone. There was a very large round, sort of bowl-shaped, black thing out there though. Well, I guess I better go see what I can learn, he thought to himself and left the window to go look for his hostess.
"Feeling any better now?" he heard as soon as he stepped into the other room. Rebecca was sitting on a sofa but stood as she asked the question. She also pointed something at a box that had moving pictures on it and singing and it went quiet and black.
"Much better," said David honestly walking toward her. "Don't let me interrupt you."
"I was just watching a video," she said. "I can watch it any time."
There was a ringing sound. This sure is a noisy time, thought David. Rebecca picked up something and held it to the side of her head.
"Hello?" she said into it. After a pause she continued, "I'm fine, Steve."
Steve? wondered David feeling a little disappointed. Obviously this was a means of communication.
"The generator didn't even have to click in as I never lost power. The road is closed but I've lots of groceries so there's no need to worry."
Another pause. "Thanks for your concern but there's really no need. I'll see you in a couple of weeks. Good-bye."
She put the thing down saying, "I suppose I should be flattered that he phoned to check on me."
"He? A brother?" asked David hopefully.
"No," answered Rebecca. "My boss."
Boss? thought David. Well, I guess she must have a job to support herself if she lives alone. At least it wasn't a beau. Not that it mattered.
"Are you ready for lunch?" she asked.
Surprised to find that he was hungry he answered, "Yes."
"Why don't I make some sandwiches? We can sit here to eat them. Why don't you sit down? Would you like to watch TV?"
Rebecca almost grimaced. I sound like a rambling fool! she thought.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked.
"There's not enough to do for you to help. Sit and relax. The remote is on top of the TV if you need it. I have satellite."
There I go again! she thought as she abruptly turned and headed for the kitchen area.

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Part 8

David watched her walk off with a grin. She seemed a little flustered. I think she likes me, he mused. He had no idea what a remote, TV or satellite was but he saw some newspapers and periodicals on a table. He took the newspaper and sat down in the wing chair. He looked at the date. He had hoped to live long enough to see the twentieth century but gone right past to the twenty-first! There was no doubt in his mind now that he was exactly where he'd expected to be. He had collapsed in front of his cabin. It just wasn't his anymore when he regained his senses. His father would have been proud to know that the cabin he built had lasted so long. True, it had undergone many changes. He'd thought of adding a bedroom on himself. Looking around the room intently he realized that the sleeping loft where he'd slept as a child was gone. This whole large room was open to the rafters now. The room he had slept in had a lower, flat ceiling. When using the bathroom off the room he slept in, he'd noticed a door opposite the one he entered by. Being curious, he'd opened the door quietly. he'd expected another bedroom but the room had lots of shelves, a desk and an easel of sorts. So where did Rebecca sleep? Had he put her out of her bed? Thinking of Rebecca and a bed together was not a good idea he decided as his mind had started going down roads it had no business going.
He looked over at Rebecca working in the kitchen. She still had the pink fur on her feet but she was no longer wearing that clingy, silky robe. Like last night, she was wearing men's denim pants. Although the way they hugged her legs and hips he didn't think they'd fit a man. She was wearing a blue shirt that complimented the blue of her eyes. Maybe that's the way women dressed in this new time. He wasn't going to complain but had to admit that there was something to be said for mystery too, to letting the imagination decide what was under those long skirts.
David had been so lost in his thoughts that he'd not noticed Rebecca's approach to the sitting area. She set a tray down on the low table in front of the sofa.
"It's nothing fancy," she said. "I wasn't expecting any company. I hope you like cold cuts and chips. Would you like milk or iced tea or hot tea with that?"
"Whatever you are having," he said while wondering what cold cuts and chips were.
"OK. I'm just having an herbal tea," she said. "I don't like to have caffeine except in the morning."
Rebecca headed back to the kitchen and he looked at the tray. He decided the chips must be what was in the large bowl. He tried one. Not bad he thought, reaching for another. He then picked up half of a sandwich. He lifted the slice of bread to see a tomato and lettuce. That looked like it might be meat underneath. Rebecca's voice brought his eyes up to look at her.
"If you don't like lettuce and tomato, just take them off," she had said. "I guess I should have asked."
"It's fine," said David wondering how she managed to have the fresh vegetables so late in the year.
Rebecca took a sandwich half and sat down on the couch opposite David's chair. She watched as he took a bite of his sandwich. He looked wary at first but then smiled.
"It's good," he told her. "But I had thought we'd be having whatever is smelling so good."
"You must mean the stew," said Rebecca. "I put it in the crockpot while you were resting but it won't be ready till supper time."
"I'm sure it'll be delicious."
"David," started Rebecca."
"Yes?"
"I should have asked this long before now. Is there someone I should call?" she asked. "To let them know you are OK."
"Call?" he asked.
"On my cell phone," she said. "Oh, and someone for your car."
Rebecca thought he looked pained again.
"There's no one to call," he said. "And no car to worry about."
"Is the headache returning?" she asked. "Maybe you should lie down again. I'll get you some more ibuprofen."
"Yes," he said grabbing on to the chance to escape back into the other room.

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Part 9

Lying on the bed, David berated himself as a coward. Although it was true that his head had started to pound again, it was really relief from the questions that he sought. He realized that he was going to have to trust her with the truth, at least, what he thought was the truth. If the storm was the reason he ended up here and storms have over a hundred years between them, there wasn't much chance he would be going back. But how could he earn a living? All he owned were two sets of clothes and his saddle. He had money with him but doubted it would still be accepted.
Besides, he had seen prices of things in that newspaper. His money wouldn't go far. He had to learn so much in order to make it in this time. With Rebecca as his teacher, that might not be so bad, he thought with a grin. But, he thought more seriously, if she owns all this, she must have to work a lot. She'd probably be going back as soon as the road was clear. How much could he learn in that short amount of time? How long would she even let him stay? Then he was struck with another thought. Did she own his whole farm? Maybe she needed a hand to help her. After supper, they'd talk, he decided.
While David was lying there occupied by his thoughts, Rebecca was sitting on the couch, similarly occupied. She realized she still knew almost nothing about David. He was very good at dodging her questions. She was concerned with his headaches but thought he seemed alright otherwise so she didn't think he had a concussion. He certainly had a healthy appetite! She had really stocked up on her way up to the cabin two days earlier but that was because she planned for the three weeks. She wanted to keep trips into town to a minimum. That stew she had thought would leave her with frozen dinners for a few other days. With David here she thought she might be lucky to get two meals from it. When the roads cleared and David left, she'd have to get some more groceries. When David left. Funny how he had been there less than twenty-four hours during which she'd seen little of him, well in terms of time, she'd seen plenty ... well, best not think of that, she told herself. The point was, he seemed to belong. Although she couldn't understand that, she felt it deeply. She felt an attraction to him that she couldn't really understand either. He was undeniably a very good looking man but it was more than that. He had an old-fashioned courtesy that she found very appealing for one thing.
During supper, David seemed extra quiet and tense to Rebecca. She wondered what was worrying him so much. A few times it looked like he was about to say something but didn't. She'd really like to see him smile. She tried a few attempts at conversation but they didn't work out well. David insisted on helping her with the dishes. He surprised her by starting a conversation.
"Did you hear any more about last night's storm?" he asked.
"A bit," she replied. "Everything in town should be back to normal now. Tomorrow they start on some of the other roads. It will probably be late tomorrow or early the next day before the road here is cleared. Tomorrow I better check the driveway from the road. If it needs clearing I'll need to phone someone to come do it. It's not the county's responsibility. With the main road blocked I didn't see the need to rush out today to check."
"Maybe I could help," he said.
"Maybe," she said.
Here was a chance to get one of his questions answered he thought. "You own a lot of land?"
"It's a good size lot," she said. "I have five acres."
Well, that settled one thing. She didn't own his farm and had no need of a farm hand. He decided to ask another question.
"Did you hear any more of the old story about the disappearance during that other storm?"
"No," she said. "I only had the radio on for a short time. I could put it on again of you like."
"I was just curious," he said.
"Well, we are done here," said Rebecca, putting away the last of the dishes.
"Good," said David. "I need to talk to you, Rebecca."

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Part 10

"OK," said Rebecca. "Why don't we get a fire going in the fireplace first though and get comfortable?"
"Alright," said David.
Rebecca got the oddest feeling that they both had conflicting feelings; wanting to talk but somehow afraid to as well. Once the fire was going, Rebecca settled on the couch and David in the nearby wing chair he'd sat in earlier in the day.
"What is it you wanted to say?" Rebecca asked.
David ran his hands through his hair, then got up and paced. He stopped and looked at Rebecca. "You are going to think I'm a madman," he started. "I would in your place."
Rebecca just looked up at him waiting. He sat back down. "My name is David Allan Myers."
Rebecca still didn't say anything. He took a deep breath. "My father was Jacob Myers. He built this cabin in 1851, the year before he married my mother. I came along a couple of years later. The hill became known as Myers' Hill because he owned such a large part of it."
Rebecca's stared at him opened mouth. She looked in his eyes and saw a mixture of fear and need. She finally managed to say, "How?"
"I don't know," said David. "I was travelling back home from a trip when I got caught in the worst storm I'd ever seen. I'd been on the road almost a week and was already exhausted. My horse lost his footing and fell, breaking his leg. I had to shoot him. It wasn't much further to home so I took my gear and started walking."
"Wow," said Rebecca. "It's impossible, isn't it? Time travel, that is."
"I would have thought so," David said. "Except it has happened to me."
"Maybe you just hit your head and ..." Rebecca's voice trailed off.
"Imagined it?" asked David.
"Something like that," said Rebecca.
"Rebecca, I need your help," pleaded David. "Please believe me. Please teach me about ... everything. I'm so lost."
Although Rebecca's head said it was impossible, her heart believed him. She went and stood in front of him. He looked up at her. Rebecca placed a hand on either side of his head, her thumbs gently caressing his cheeks. "I do believe you, David. I will help in any way I can."
David covered one of Rebecca's hands with his own and turned his face to kiss the palm of her hand. "Thank you Rebecca. Thank you." Then he stood and drew her into an embrace.
Rebecca was enjoying the warmth of his embrace, too much, she decided. So she drew away. "I think I'll say good night now, David. In the morning, we'll get started."
"Alright," agreed David.

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Part 11

David awoke to knocking on his door. After taking a moment to recall where he was he spoke, "Rebecca?"
"Yes," she said through the door. I guess she isn't going to chance walking in again, he thought grinning at his memory from the previous morning. "I have your clean clothes. I should have given them to you last night but I forgot but I have them now."
Rebecca, standing outside the door realized that once again she was rambling on. She had never noticed this trait in herself before. What is happening to me? she thought.
David smiled. "Thank you. Would you like to bring them in?"
"Are you dressed already?" she asked.
"No, but I'm still in bed."
Somehow the idea of him naked in bed didn't ease Rebecca's tension at all. "Oh."
"But I need to use the bathroom," he added. "So you could bring them in after I go in there."
"Right," said Rebecca. "That would be fine. But I was going to explain the shower to you in case you wanted to take a shower before you get dressed. But then you might not want to." Rebecca nearly bit her tongue to stop her chattering.
"I could wrap a towel around like yesterday," offered David.
That got Rebecca recalling the morning before. Shaking herself as if to clear her mind Rebecca thought to herself, I'm a mature adult. I can do this. Sure I can. "OK."
"I'm getting out of the bed now," she heard from David. "OK. I'm in the bathroom now."
Rebecca took a deep breath and entered the room. She put the folded clothes on his bed, the rumpled bed he just left. She really had to control these thoughts of hers. She turned around at the sound of the bathroom door opening. David in a towel was not good for her equilibrium. "What is a shower?" she heard him say.
Rebecca gave herself a mental shake and crossed to the bathroom. "It's an alternative to a bath." Rebecca quickly showed David the workings of the tub and shower and left him.
While making breakfast Rebecca gave herself a little lecture. She thought she was reacting like a teenager with out of control hormones but then had to admit, she'd never felt like this as a teenager, or since. She had thought herself in love a few times, and in lust at other times, but nothing had stirred her like David did.
She really had mixed feelings about her role as his 'teacher.' It would be both wonderful and terrible to spend so much time with him. And then what? He would go his own way while she returned to the city and her job. But where would he go? How could he get a job with no education, no identification? There was a big problem. He would need an identity. She had no idea how they'd manage that. What must it be like to step into the future, leaving behind all you know? All the people, all your possessions? It was hard to imagine. He had gone from being a farmer, with a large holding, a home. Here he had only what he had carried with him. Here everything was unfamiliar. Here he knew no one. Well, almost no one, corrected Rebecca. She would be with him as long as he needed her.

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Part 12

David watched Rebecca prepare breakfast explaining everything she used. Although it was a lot to learn, David also found it fascinating, both the information and Rebecca. After breakfast, they took a walk out down the driveway to the road looking for storm damage. About the only thing unfamiliar outdoors that Rebecca needed to explain was her car. She promised him a ride into town the next day in it. There wasn't much that needed to be remedied on Rebecca's property. There were limbs down here and there but most weren't in a place that could do any harm and clearing them could wait. David insisted on moving the limbs from the drive that they found although he did allow Rebecca to help with one particularly large one. She was muttering something he thought sounded like 'male show van.' He remembered her muttering about stubborn men that first night and grinned.
On the way back, Rebecca noticed the way David surveyed the land with an intense longing. This had been his home, his only home. She stopped. It should still be his, she thought sadly. David looked at Rebecca to see why she had stopped. She looked up at him.
"This should be yours," she said, her voice almost cracking and gesturing with her arms.
David went to her and hugged her saying, "Rebecca, it's OK. I won't lie to you. I wish it were still my land. I do not know why fate has brought me to this point but I'm going to go forward now."
Rebecca returned the hug. "You are an incredible man, David Myers."
"Actually, Rebecca, I'm more afraid than I've ever been in my whole life," he said. He stepped away from Rebecca but held his hand out to her. "Come on, Teach. Let's get on with the lessons."
Rebecca smiled at him and took his hand, "OK".
During lunch Rebecca explained a bit about communications and media to prepare him for an afternoon of television.
"There are so many channels featuring so many different things," Rebecca told him turning the television on. "A lot is stories, sort of like plays but there's news, weather, sports and some things that you just can't put in a category."
Turning the TV on, she found it on the local station which broadcast from the city about sixty miles away. The noon hour news show was still on. At the moment they were showing the weather forecast. A young woman was pointing out weather systems on the large map of North America.
"Women wear their skirts that short now?" asked David, staring.
Rebecca looked at the screen and almost laughed. "That would be considered very conservative."
"Really?" he said looking at Rebecca incredulously.
"Really," confirmed Rebecca. "It's almost to her knees. Nowadays any and all lengths are acceptable."
"All?" asked David.
"Yep. Hemlines go from right down to the ground up to the top of the legs."
"The top of the legs? That doesn't leave much covered."
"True. They are called miniskirts."
"Do you wear these miniskirts?" David asked.
"No," said Rebecca. "I don't have a model's figure."
"What's that mean?" asked David.
"You'll see soon enough," she said. "The ideal woman these days is tall and thin."
"Interesting," was all David said.
Changing the subject, Rebecca showed him the functions of the remote control.

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