Chapter 13 Time in one's hands
Rick frowned upon reading the reply. It was nothing but an angry emoticon and a thumbs down.
He felt confused as he thought this was Nortorn. But he had met the guy at Jenny's wake, and he showed sadness in his eyes. They did not talk at that time, and Nortorn left with a glare at him. Rick did not have time to be angry at that time, as his heart was already in pieces after he lost Jenny in that accident.
The day was as usual, and Rick excitedly prepared for the dream that night.
The gentle hum of his smartphone vibrated on Rick Lane's bedside table. He blinked, the familiar scent of expensive linen giving way to the faint, nostalgic aroma of chalk dust and old textbooks. Sunlight streamed through a window that had, for decades, only existed in his memory. This was it. Another day in the past, another chance to walk through moments he'd long thought lost.
He looks at his smartphone. He set it to ring after 5 minutes. And also turned on the video recording, so he quickly checked it. From the video recording, Rick can only see darkness, then the image turns into the current one. From this, Rick could not find anything about the time-traveling event.
Well, he was 17 again, lying in his childhood bedroom in City Bee, Kingdom of Poh. The year was 1997, a time when the world was simpler, less burdened by the weight of his future success and regrets. Rick stretched, the familiar youthful energy in his limbs a stark contrast to the persistent ache he often felt in his 50s; it was a truly familiar feeling.
Today, he resolved, it would be dedicated entirely to Jenny. No schemes, no business ventures, just them again. He'd even hidden the remaining change from the withdrawn five hundred Poh bills in the secret pocket of his backpack. He wanted to spoil Jenny, to relive the innocent joy of their early romance.
"Rick! Lunch is ready!" his mother's cheerful voice echoed outside his room.
This surprised Rick.
"Is today Mom's day off?" he frowned. But shakes his head as his mom's days off were Saturday and Sunday.
He tried to recall what day it was today, but to no avail.
"Rick!" his mom shouted again, but this time with a hint of annoyance.
"Coming, Mom!" he called back, a smile spreading across his face. He missed this. He missed her.
When he got out, he noticed his mom was still wearing her office uniform. It seems that she just went home to prepare lunch. It was a rare occasion.
After lunch, he and his mother take a taxi. He went to the university while his mom went to the office.
The university campus buzzed with life. Rick found Jenny under their favorite oak tree, her nose buried again in a textbook, a lock of her dark hair falling across her face. She looked up as he approached, her eyes, the color of warm honey, lighting up with a familiar sparkle.
"How was your lunch?" she asked, closing her book.
"It was good, my mom cooked…" he said with a grin.
"That was rare. I thought your mom would always be busy at the bank."
"Well, I don't know what happened, but I'm happy to get a taste of her home-cooked meals once again." Rick showed a happy expression.
Jenny showed a questioning expression. "It sounds like you've not seen your mom for a long time."
"Well… I mean… You know…" Rick stuttered, unable to explain.
"Anyway, it took you long enough. You said you'll come back as soon as possible. I thought you'd never show. I was just about to dive into the intricacies of macroeconomic theory, but honestly, my brain is already fried."
Rick chuckled, trying to clear the air of his current blunder. He took a seat beside her on the worn wooden bench. "Sorry, I got a little sidetracked admiring the morning. It's such a perfect day, isn't it?"
"It truly is," Jenny agreed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "So, what's on the agenda today, mister? Any grand plans to conquer the library, or perhaps… something more exciting?"
"More exciting, definitely," Rick said, pulling out a crisp 100.00 Poh bill. "I thought we could skip the dreary lectures today and have a proper adventure. How about we start with those new pastries at 'The Sweet Nook'? I heard they have the most divine apple turnovers."
Jenny's eyes widened. "Oh, Rick, you're crazy! Skip lectures? My goodness, what would Professor Alby say?" She feigned shock, then dissolved into giggles. "But apple turnovers do sound rather tempting. Are you sure you want to spend all that? You're always so… frugal."
"Today, frugality is taking a vacation," Rick declared, standing up and offering her his hand. "Come on. Let's make some memories."
They strolled across campus, hand in hand, the mundane worries of future business empires or past regrets fading into the background. While the two are walking, a pair of eyes is glued on them. A tinge of killing intent was sent on Rick's way, making him feel cold shivers running down his spine. But the warm hands in his made it all go away.
Soon, at 'The Sweet Nook,' the aroma of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries enveloped them.
"Two apple turnovers, please," Rick told the baker, "and two large hot chocolates."
"Coming right up, young man!" the cheerful baker replied.
They found a small, cozy table by the window. Jenny took a bite of her turnover, her eyes closing in bliss. "Oh, Rick, this is heavenly! The crust is so flaky, and the apples are perfectly spiced. I have not had this since, forever. You have truly outdone yourself."
"Only the best for my Jenny," he said, watching her, a profound sense of peace settling over him. He knew the future, he knew the pain of losing her, but in this moment, she was alive, vibrant, and happy. That was enough.
After their indulgent snack, they wandered through the City Bee botanical gardens, admiring the vibrant spring blooms. Jenny pointed out different flowers, sharing anecdotes she'd learned in her botany class.
"Did you know," she began, tracing the delicate petal of a crimson rose, "that the language of flowers was incredibly important in the olden days? A red rose meant deep love, but a yellow one could mean jealousy or even friendship, depending on the context!"
"Fascinating," Rick murmured, more captivated by her animated expression than the botanical facts. "So, if I were to give you a bouquet, I'd have to choose carefully."
"Precisely!" she laughed. "You wouldn't want to accidentally declare your undying jealousy, now, would you?"
They spent hours talking, not about their future, not about their burgeoning dreams of a bakery, but about their current lives: university gossip, funny professors, the latest popular songs, their favorite books. Rick found himself laughing more freely than he had in years, truly living in the moment.
Later, they ventured into the city center. Rick, remembering his stash of Poh bills, suggested a trip to the newly opened "Dreamland Arcade."
"An arcade?" Jenny raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her face. "Isn't that a bit… juvenile, Mr. Sophisticated University Student?"
"Nonsense!" Rick retorted, pulling her playfully towards the brightly lit entrance. "It's a test of skill, a battle of wits! And I, for one, am determined to win you the biggest, fluffiest stuffed animal they have."
Inside, the cacophony of flashing lights, ringing bells, and electronic beeps surrounded them. Rick, armed with a handful of 10.00 Poh coins, challenged Jenny to a racing game. He deliberately let her win the first round, reveling in her triumphant whoop.
"Ha! I told you I had hidden talents!" she declared, pumping her fist.
"Indeed, my champion," Rick said, feigning defeat. "But the next round… prepares to be amazed!"
They played various games, their laughter echoing through the arcade. Rick, using his adult dexterity, eventually won enough tickets to get Jenny a small, fluffy rabbit.
"Oh, Rick, he's adorable!" she squealed, hugging the toy. "I'll name him... 'Lucky!'"
As evening approached, they found themselves at "Bella Italia," a charming little restaurant Rick knew would impress her. He spent another 200.00 Poh, savoring every moment of their candlelit dinner.
"This pasta is incredible," Jenny said, twirling a forkful of spaghetti. "Thank you for such a wonderful day, Rick. It's been absolutely perfect. You're the best."
"Just seeing you smile makes it perfect for me," Rick replied, reaching across the table to gently take her hand. He squeezed it, a silent promise to cherish these moments, knowing how precious they were.
…
The next two days, Saturday and Sunday, were dedicated to family. Rick woke up to the smell of his mother's famous pancakes. His younger brother, Erk, 48 in the future but a boisterous 15-year-old here, was already at the table, attempting to sneak extra syrup onto his plate.
"Erk, stop that! You'll make yourself sick!" their mother chided, but her voice held a hint of amusement.
Their father, robust and strong, sat at the head of the table, reading the morning paper. He looked up, a warm smile on his face. "Morning, son. Sleep well?"
"Like a log, Dad," Rick replied, sliding into his seat. He looked at his father, a man he'd lose too soon in his future. He felt a pang of profound sadness mixed with gratitude for this fleeting reunion. "These pancakes smell amazing, Mom."
"Only the best for my boys," she said, placing a stack in front of him.
After breakfast, Rick and Erk helped their father in the garden. They spent hours weeding, planting, and pruning. Erk, full of youthful energy, kept making jokes, often at Rick's expense.
"Hey, Rick, remember that time you tried to climb the old oak tree and got stuck?" Erk guffawed. "Mom had to get the ladder, and you were so embarrassed!"
Rick rolled his eyes, a fond smile on his face. "That was one time, Erk! And I was like, five! You still can't climb higher than the first branch."
"Oh yeah?" Erk challenged, dropping his trowel. "I bet I can beat you to the top of the shed!"
"Boys! Be careful!" their father called out, but his eyes twinkled with paternal affection.