Future Imperfect

By Cheryl Youngman

We find Jo at 27 skipping through a charmed life in 20th Century Chelsea. She has a fine home, a good job, an opulent lifestyle and a loving husband. But fate intercepts and hurls her onto a collision course with Michael; a strange looking teenager who she stumbles upon in the woods near her family home. He appears to be in some kind of trouble and, captivated by his unusual looks and the effect he has on her, she is compelled to help him. Impulsive and headstrong, teenage Michael kidnaps and drags her kicking and screaming 500 years into the future and his extraordinary underground city of blonde-haired, blue-eyed citizens, mentally superior to her in every way.
The Earth’s atmosphere has become uninhabitable and isolated communities of survivors dwell beneath the Earth’s surface. The community Jo has been forced to join is peace loving and gentle and strives to find a suitable new planet to populate. They lead a simplistic spiritual life style and have developed telepathic abilities. Yet dark secrets hide beneath the fabric of this idyllic world.
How will Jo cope? Will she ever be able to go home?
As she desperately struggles to accept the reality of what’s happened to her she forges strong relationships with some of her new associates. Julia, the beautiful and compassionate nurse who takes care of her becomes her closest friend, and David, a Siddha, and important leader of the community becomes her lover. Meanwhile Michael is sent away, in shame and disgrace for his actions.
Terrifying events unfold in the shape of a malicious cannibalistic rival society and Jo must dig deep to find an inner strength she would never have imagined in her previous life. She becomes a warrior fighting for her life and rallying others into hostile retaliation.
But more importantly she discovers a love more powerful than she would have ever thought possible; a love that defies time, cultural diversity and age.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Youngman
• Release date: Sep 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301176083

Cheryl Youngman

I'm an author and yogini. My first novel Future Imperfect has been some years in the making; beginning as a short story written at school (now that was a long time ago) it has developed into a 117,000 word novel. During that time, whilst continually tinkering and expanding the novel I have done a bit of travelling, raised a family, had various jobs, parachuted out of a plane at 12,000 ft, climbed Ben Nevis, gained a yoga teaching diploma, and attended several festivals. I now live in Berkshire with my husband and 2 teenage girls.and am working on a sequel to Future Imperfect. I also have plans for a third book to complete the trilogy.

Book preview

Future Imperfect

by

Cheryl Youngman

Future Imperfect

Published by Cheryl Youngman at smashwords.com

Copyright 2012 Cheryl Youngman

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/cherylyoungman

Smashwords edition, licence notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this ebook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgements

First and foremost huge thanks go to all of my wonderful family who have always supported and believed in me. To Paul, for helping me through the formatting, Dayle for proof reading my early works and Hester for the excellent cover design (special mention to Tom for the eyes).

To dear friends who have continually encouraged me and to those of you who have inspired my characters. To Julia and Jacqui for the final proof reading and to all my Indie author friends on Twitter who have shown me there is a way to get your work published outside the constraints of traditional publishing.

Lastly to the practise of Yoga which has helped to keep me reasonably calm and sane throughout.

John Connor gave me a picture of you once. I didn’t know why at the time. It was very old - torn, faded. You were young like you are now. You seemed just a little sad. I used to always wonder what you were thinking at that moment. I memorised every line, every curve. I came across time for you Sarah. I love you; I always have.

Kyle Reese: The Terminator

Table of Contents

Part One

Preface - Michael

Chapter One - Leaving Home

Chapter Two - Confrontations

Chapter Three - Exploring

Chapter Four - The Siddha

Chapter Five - Home

Rupert

Part Two

Chapter Six - Beyond the Domes

Chapter Seven - The Darker Side

Chapter Eight - Something to Celebrate?

Chapter Nine - New Friends

Chapter Ten - Rescue

Julia

Part Three

Chapter Eleven - No Secrets

Chapter Twelve - Good to be Home

Chapter Thirteen - Precious Times

Chapter Fourteen - Goodbyes

Chapter Fifteen - Life Goes On

Chapter Sixteen - Future Imperfect

Red

Part Four

Chapter Seventeen - Rude Awakenings

Chapter Eighteen - New World

Chapter Nineteen - Left Behind

Chapter Twenty - Deception

Chapter Twenty-One - Survival

Chapter Twenty-Two - The Tunnel

Chapter Twenty-Three - Survivors

Chapter Twenty-Four - Narnia

Epilogue - David

Future Imperfect

Part One

Preface - Michael

He awoke on the floor again, beside the empty bed, sweating, shuddering, in the congealing blackness. Bolting upright, he immediately punched the panel on the wall to quell the monsters. The floor illuminated. His hands moved instinctively into his armpits. The arms crossed tight against his chest for protection...against what...against splitting into pieces? He drew his bare feet in towards him and bowed his head.

How long had he been there in the silence that was Solitude, without drugs, without interaction, the voices in his head the only company? Such a darkness devoured him, such a feeling of wretchedness. Alone, outcast, how could he possibly get through it? He’d been so proud to be selected for the trip; to be involved in doing something to help try and move his people forward, away from that hole in the ground.

It wasn’t fair really. He couldn’t help himself. He hadn’t been expecting to see...her. She ran down the hill towards him, to help him; so different, so golden. He had felt her touch, smelt her scent, been captivated by those strange brown eyes and that extraordinary swathe of dark hair tumbling across her shoulders. The attraction to her bore no resemblance to anything he had ever experienced; made him forget about his mission. It was too much to take when you’d just time travelled nearly five hundred years from the future. And what about her mind; so complex, so full; curious, compassionate. When he first became aware of her thoughts he instinctively looked around for other people. How could so much endless chatter emanate from one mind? How could she bear it? He had felt desire for him in her thoughts he was sure; not anymore though, not after what he’d done.

The other time travellers hadn’t fared much better. The whole maiden mission had been an unmitigated disaster; all of them going off course with that blip. Elliot had been sent far too near the Closing and the atmosphere had made him sick. He was still recovering at the Medical Centre. Matt had landed just off the south coast in the sea and had to keep swimming round until the vortex returned. By comparison Michael’s mission had been pretty successful. After all he’d come into contact with the sun, the trees; definitely the soil. The sun had been so powerful, how wonderful it had felt on his face; still slightly pink from the exposure. Whatever must it be like to have the sun there all the time he wondered?

Of course the one major flaw in his expedition had been the souvenir he’d brought back on impulse. Yes, that had definitely been a mistake. Had they been able to send her back he wondered. He doubted that, it was far too risky; the Traverse Team had a long way to go before they perfected their techniques. He hated the thought of never seeing her again so much it made his heart centre burn and his eyes well up. One of the Siddhas would surely keep a special female like her for himself. He didn’t much care for that thought either.

Had she really meant all those cruel things she thought about him? He pressed his arms in tight to his chest at that. She’d called him a boy. He wasn’t a boy. He had to make her see that. Here, seventeen was all grown up. He couldn’t lose just about the only worthwhile thing that had ever happened to him in that stifling excuse for an existence they had.

Why was he always so angry? Why couldn’t he accept their way of life? Julia had told him again and again he had to calm down, accept. But then Julia was a saint, he wasn’t.

The door to his cell wasn’t locked, but he couldn’t leave until he had his head sorted. That was the way of Solitude. He knew if he wanted Jo and he wanted to get back all the respect he’d lost he’d have to do something major; some action, some discovery maybe. He smiled to himself at such absurdities.

He took his hands shakily from his armpits and placed them on the floor in front, knowing it was time to start getting well again. His legs stretched out behind him and he brought his weight onto his hands. Slowly he lowered his body to the floor then pushed himself up again. His first press up since he’d been in Solitude, his first step to recovery. He would recover. He had a mountain to climb and he was ready for the challenge now.

Chapter One – Leaving Home

I kept my eyes clamped shut; consumed in sheer panic. The never-ending tunnel weighed down, cold and oppressive, sucking me in. Wake yourself up, the little voice in my head told me. Wake up and it will go away.

Something enveloped my painfully throbbing body, keeping the autonomous limbs attached. The intense pressure on my chest meant I could only manage the tiniest sips of breath. It was a nightmare like no other.

Wake yourself up, the voice insisted. I tried to shake my head...open my eyes...move my arms...scream. No response from my tortured body. Overwhelming nausea hit me; my head was at the point of exploding.

You must be dying, dying will be nice, nothing will hurt anymore. I felt myself surrendering, letting go, my whole body becoming liquid.

Deep black...dull grey...twilight; my head pounded, every muscle in my body shrieked. At least the pressure on my chest had lifted, and I could breathe. I revelled in the feeling; wonderful air, filling my lungs.

I opened my eyes very cautiously; it took a massive amount of effort to lift the weighty lids. I sat propped up somehow, leaning back into something soft. The dim light restricted my vision, yet the surroundings were definitely unfamiliar. I recalled I’d had the most awful dream. A shudder rocked through me.

Peering down at the long white T-shirt covering most of my body I noticed my feet poking out of the end; a long way away. My swollen lips and throat were parched; I couldn’t swallow, let alone speak. I studied my right hand and found, with a great deal of concentration, I could move the fingers slightly. Watching them intently I thought about my dream:

There had been that boy, with the eyes and the smile. We were in the woods. He was hurt. He was strange. He told me I was lovely. An involuntary smile spread across my lips. I winced in pain as they strained and cracked. Back to the hand, back to the dream:

Why was it awful? He hurt me, no, he tricked me. He took me away. He said he had to have me. There was noise, there was pain. Then my mum, so frightened, so upset.

My hand was responding well now. The door swished open. In walked a lady in a white coat. I gawped at her as she glided over to me. Smiling gently she took hold of my moving hand and asked in a velvet voice, How are you feeling?

I continued to gawp, unable to speak. She was beautiful, like the boy.

Can’t talk? she asked. I expect your mouth tastes foul, your throat is burning and your head throbbing?

I tried to nod.

Squeeze my hand for ‘yes’.

I did so.

Unable to move your body? Everything excruciatingly painful? she continued.

I squeezed her hand again and even managed a small nod this time.

Try to keep calm Jo, you just have all the classic symptoms of time travel.

Time travel...what the f.... Adrenaline burst through my body.

Oh...oh...you don’t remember?

Through all this I recollect thinking to myself, for some absurd reason, how come she knows my damn name?

Just ever so slightly flustered, the lady reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a small vial of green liquid. Here, drink this, she said, removing the lid, and holding the tube to my lips. She tipped it carefully up so the contents slid into my mouth and down my throat. It tasted like very extravagant, runny honey, and it slipped down with ease. Every part of my mouth and throat that it touched instantly felt lubricated. I sighed with relief.

Good, huh? she asked. I nodded and smiled, licking my soothed lips. She smiled back; a lovely smile, white, even teeth. I noticed her eyes. The piercing blue irises were huge, showing only a thin line of sclera each side. She seemed to have no pupils.

Now just relax Jo, she told me, leaning closer; strands of her long, straw blonde hair falling forward. Her slender hands cradled my face. I observed her delicate features and pale skin. A deeply soothing heat emanated from her palms and fingertips, my eyes drooped to a close. The pain began to melt away.

The healing seemed to take a matter of moments and when I sensed her removing her hands I blinked my eyes open again to stare straight into hers. She so resembled the boy in my dream that she caused my heart to miss a beat.

It was right then I had an urgent need to go to the toilet. Argh, I need to pee, right now.

That’s okay...quite normal, she said, your senses are returning.

She helped me to my feet and walked me slowly across the room. It was a weird experience, a bit like wading through treacle. Another swish and another door glided open. A small washroom appeared. I let go of her and lunged towards a peculiar little bucket shaped toilet, sitting down just in time. She turned her back, to allow me a modicum of privacy.

Relieved now, I began to gather my thoughts. The stark light of the washroom displayed a bath, a shower and a sink in addition to the toilet; all lined up, small, white and functional. I became aware of my reflection in the mirrored wall opposite; it wasn’t good. My long, chestnut mane of hair hung tangled and lifeless, the scalp damp with grease. Puffy dull coloured eyes, black shadows beneath them, stared back at me in horror. Almost white lips blended into a pallid grey complexion. The T-shirt hung down shapelessly; bony arms and legs jutting out of it. I groaned.

The lovely lady looked round and walked quickly over to me, obvious sympathy showing on her face. Helping me up she said, Don’t worry, it’s only temporary, we’ll soon have you looking better.

I glared at her in the mirror. As my head was clearing it began to fill with questions. What the hell’s going on? I blurted. Where am I, in hospital? Have I been in an accident?

Frowning slightly she turned me to face back into the main room and guided me forwards. Come and sit back down Jo, I’ll help you to remember everything, she said, but you need to sit down. That sounded ominous; however I obeyed, shuffling back to the bed with her help.

She sat beside me and took hold of my hand. I’m Julia, she said. Can you remember anything about the last twelve hours?

I frowned at her, digging back. Hadn’t I been staying with my mum and dad for the weekend? Rupert had gone away with his dad, to America. How had I managed to land myself in hospital?

Just keep trying to remember. Don’t analyse or ask questions, right now you just need to remember, she told me, staring at me with those curious eyes. Her hand pulsed warmly in mine, my eyes drooped to a close and I remembered:

I stood on the side of a steep hill, looking back at a majestic rambling house; my family home. A perfectly tidy, well-kept garden surrounded it. My father spent most of his waking hours keeping it so. The sun burnt into a magnificent blue sky; its powerful rays biting my naked arms. Colour and life surrounded me. To my left stretched a profusion of dark green winter wheat. To my right ran a low twisting hedge and beyond it splashed a yellow field of oil seed rape. I had paused for a moment to catch my breath, now laboured with exertion. I felt hot, queasy; wishing I’d worn shorts. The heat of the day forced the tiny rape flowers to release their heady scent. The smell accentuated my queasiness, reminding me just how much wine I’d sunk the night before.

Maddy, our Golden Retriever, whimpered to attract my attention and I turned to look back up the hill to the spinney at the top. Something caught my eye. A strong beam of light emerged from the sky. It appeared to hit something and radiate back outwards, fracturing into long slender shafts of pure white accompanied by an ear-splitting high pitched whining. It lasted three seconds and if I hadn’t been looking that way I would never have noticed it.

Maddy barked suspiciously so I knew it wasn’t my imagination. Full of intrigue, somewhat perturbed, I squinted and strained for a glimpse of something more; my hand shielding my eyes from the sun. Nothing else appeared. I continued up the hill. Maddy gambolled ahead blurring into a carpet of bluebells beneath the trees. Everything was still, no breeze, no noise.

It took a good ten minutes to reach the summit. Maddy seemed less enthusiastic the further we climbed and soon began to lag behind. I had to keep stopping to let her catch up with me. Both relieved on making it to the top where the land plateaued, I slumped onto an old fallen tree conveniently lying, inviting me to take a seat. I looked back down at the house to Mum; on the patio now, in her fluffy pink dressing gown and slippers. She waved frantically at me, holding up a mug of tea. Her far away laughter reached out to me through the silence.

Maddy plopped herself down beside me but after a few minutes seemed unsettled. She looked intently behind us at the spinney, hackles raised. I recalled what I’d just seen. She got up and walked cautiously over to the edge of the woods. I followed her, nervous, wondering if I should proceed; perhaps the light had been something sinister. Pausing with her for a moment I felt so urgently compelled to walk inside and explore, that I did. Maddy wouldn’t follow; she stood perfectly still but alert, watching me.

Inside the spinney of dense mixed trees the land sloped gently to a hollow. I began to walk down the incline. The sun shone, casting an eerie dappled light all around. Slowly, carefully, I continued; my mind frenzied and doubtful about proceeding.

As I neared the centre of the spinney the ground sloped down more steeply. Stopping for a moment, I peered down through the trees. Silence hung in the air, no birds, no movement. I could see something, there in the middle of the hollow, was it a pile of old clothes? Edging closer, my eyes becoming more accustomed to the dim light, realisation jarred me. The clothes were on a body!

A crumpled coat covered most of the hunched up figure. It lay on its side; the knees bent and pulled up into the chest with the arms around them. I couldn’t see the face; it was turned to the ground, matted hair falling over the features. Was it an old tramp? Were they alive? What the hell was I doing there?

I shuddered, and as I did lost my footing slightly and stumbled back. My back foot landed on a dry twig, which snapped and shot a clear report through the quiet.

In an instant the head of the figure darted up, wide eyed and looked straight at me. An icicle shot through my heart. I saw a thin, pale, young face with huge frightened eyes.

A child, I whispered under my breath. My God it’s a child!

Instinct took over and with a sudden urgency I raced headlong down the slope. Bracken tore at my jeans and dirt and leaves flew up into the air. Not until I reached the bottom of the hollow did I stop, checking again. I could see clearly now, there were only twelve or thirteen feet between us. I watched the inanimate body become a person before me, turning over onto knees, hands to the ground pushing up. Slowly and shakily the body raised holding on to a nearby tree trunk for support, leaves and muck falling off the dirty crumpled clothes.

My judgment couldn’t have been more desperately wrong for I realised that despite his angelic, child-like features, here stood a young man of nearly six foot tall and probably about seventeen or eighteen years old. I couldn’t quite believe the situation that I had let myself get into. But I couldn’t turn and run, I didn’t want to turn and run.

My eyes flew open. I was back with Julia. That boy was the one in my dream.

Jo, none of it is a dream, Julia said.

The beat of my heart quickened. How did she know? It was as if she could see the images in my head. I pulled my hand away from her. What’s going on? This is weird. Who are you?

Don’t be afraid Jo, you really have to trust me. I have...gifts. I am able to feel your memory.

What? Read my mind? Come on.

"It’s not quite as I would put it, I tune in to your energy and I can feel your thoughts."

I stared at her. She gently took my hand again. I felt I had no option but to continue remembering.

The boy and I stood staring at each other. I noticed his utilitarian clothes; khaki combats tucked into hefty lace up boots, worn with a grubby dark vest and all topped off with a full length Driza-Bone style coat. He surprised me by making a sudden movement. He raised his leg; to walk, I assumed. The motion was jerky, uncoordinated and took a huge amount of effort; as if the leg was extremely heavy. I winced as he lost his balance and his grip and crashed back down to the ground with a thud and a deep groan. In a second he bolted up to sitting, a dazed look on his face and began examining his surroundings, turning his head this way and that, looking all around him in awe, regaining the child-like quality about him. He inhaled deeply, as if he smelled something wonderful on the air.

Without really thinking I walked over to help him. He could have been an axe murderer for all I knew, but I couldn’t help myself, I felt wildly impulsive. He tried to struggle to his feet again, looking up at me in desperation.

Here, I whispered softly, holding out my hand, let me help you.

His hand reached up and the long white fingers wrapped around mine.

An unexpected jolt of electricity shot up my arm at his touch. I gasped, trying to pull my hand away, not sure if I could bear it but he only tightened his grasp as he clambered to his knees.

Please, he croaked, holding out his other arm.

Realising he needed more than just a hand to help him up, I shook myself and with a sharp intake of breath bent down and took his arm around the back of my neck. Rivers of energy surged through my body as I swapped hands and placed my arm around his waist, slowly helping him to his feet. He wasn’t heavy despite his height but very shaky so I took as much of his weight as I could as he tried to balance on his feet. He struggled to an upright position and I leaned him back into a tree. My body continued to tingle.

Looking down at me, the corners of his mouth slowly began to turn up into a smile. His pale lips parted revealing a set of white even teeth, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled a dazzling smile. He wasn’t handsome to me, no, beautiful; fine, delicate features, high cheekbones. His unblemished pure white skin looked as if it had never seen the sun, or for that matter any type of weather. Blonde tangled hair hung down to his shoulders and untidily across one eye. But by far the most astonishing thing about him were his eyes; huge blue irises, very thin line of sclera each side, seemingly no pupils.

Thanks, he breathed, but I couldn’t reply, I was still drinking in the moment, gawping at him like some idiot, probably with my mouth open, I can’t quite remember.

Um...do you think you could help me walk up there? he asked gently, still smiling and angling his head and eyes towards the slope I had just hurtled down. Where you came from...out of the trees...is the sun there?

I nodded to all his questions; still unable to speak but getting the hang of movement. I braced myself for another shock and once again placed his arm around the back of my neck and my arm around his waist. We made our way carefully up the slope.

We struggled along and said nothing. He had a definite limp on his left leg and his body seemed to be moving in spasms as if he couldn’t quite control it, but he did seem to get stronger with every step. Still enthralled by his surroundings, he had to touch every tree we passed, running his fingers across the bark and gently feeling the leaves he could reach, a thrilled expression across his face. I could feel the energy and excitement in his body, so close to mine; his breathing heavy with exertion. Occasionally, as his head moved across the top of mine, I could feel his breath in my hair.

Eventually we reached the top of the hollow and then the edge of the trees and by this time he was able to walk with much more control. We stepped out of the woods and into the brilliant sunshine, where he finally let go of me and moved away.

He stood, feet apart looking up to the sky in amazement. Holding his arms wide and closing his eyes he again inhaled deeply. He looked happy, intoxicated almost, as if he’d never seen the sun. His hair fell down his back now, away from his face and I noticed blood matted into it and smearing his temple. I thought he must have fallen badly.

What happened to you? I asked, in a kind of motherly fashion, wincing at the sight of his injuries. He jerked his head round as if he had temporarily forgotten my presence and then looked thoughtful, head tipped to one side, maybe trying to concoct an acceptable response to my question. When none came I felt the need to ask another. Are you in some kind of trouble?

He laughed at that. Erm...well...depends what you call trouble really.

Okay, so maybe I was getting somewhere. Can I help you? Call someone?

He shook his head, and pursed his lips. That’s kind but no, not really.

Oh, okay, are you sure? I mean I could give you a lift somewhere, or my parents could. I gestured towards the house, but he didn’t take his eyes off me.

I’m sorry, he said, I don’t come from here.

I wondered what it was exactly that he was sorry about as I asked the next obviously logical question, "Where are you from then?"

He grinned that impossible grin again, sighed, and kept staring. I’ve travelled quite a way.

I managed an, Oh, as I stared back, thinking how exquisite he was, yet so very odd, almost otherworldly. He filled me with infatuation. This concerned me; he was so young, easily ten years younger than me. The thought made me feel awkward. I found the need to walk away quite deliberately and returned to sit on the fallen tree at the top of the hill to regain a sense of proportion.

Unfortunately, in an instant he was right beside me sitting far too close, confusing my judgment once again. Then he noticed the view and returned to his sense of awe. It’s more beautiful than I could ever have imagined, I can’t quite believe it; the colours, the smells, all the things growing, he said softly, and then pointing to the house, Is that your home?

I noticed, with relief that my mum was no longer on the patio outside and nodded smiling.

Oh, it’s really quite lovely. He smiled back gently, then, moving closer, A bit like you.

Little shocks ran through me. My stomach flipped over. I felt sure he could hear my heart pounding, it was so damn loud. He’s just a boy Jo, for Christ’s sake get a grip, I told myself as I tried to maintain a fragment of dignity.

Opting for the motherly approach again I nodded and smiled in polite thanks to his compliment but moved swiftly on and asked, Would you like to come down to my house and let me take a look at that gash on your head? It looks nasty.

He looked like he was preparing to answer but the sight of Maddy bounding down the hillside back towards the house distracted him. I had completely forgotten about her in all the excitement.

That’s our dog, Maddy; she seems afraid, why would that be?

A dog, he pondered out loud, wow, a dog, look at it running, all four legs, and it’s so...er...shaggy.

I rolled my eyes to myself; somewhat tired of the overenthusiastic displays. Perhaps it would be better to just go and leave him to sort himself out. I took a deep breath. Now look, I don’t know what’s going on here, I said, raising my voice a little so he knew I meant business. You’re obviously in some kind of trouble and you don’t want me to help you, so perhaps I’d better go and let you sort yourself out.

He shook his head and fell silent again. I watched him; no longer smiling, eyes staring down at my house, this crazy teenager. The sunlight made his skin look even whiter, softer, and my gaze moved down to his hands resting on his knees. His fingers were long and slender and I imagined them playing the piano, gliding over the keys effortlessly. I had an urge to reach out and touch his hand, to feel that electricity blast through my body again. Then erotic thoughts came from nowhere, taking me quite by surprise. I imagined his hands on me, caressing my body, the soft silky feel of those long slender fingers, the waves of energy coursing through my veins. Hot and flushed I shook my head trying to rid it of the insanity. As I did, I saw him leering. He seemed to know exactly what I was thinking, as if he were in my head. I shot up to standing, finally getting a response. He grabbed hold of my arm and yanked me firmly back down next to him. I looked at his hand wrapped around my arm and then again into those eyes.

He moved his face closer to mine; his nose almost brushed my cheek. Don’t go, he crooned in my ear. I’m sorry, I can’t leave here, I have to wait.

I considered what he meant exactly as I felt the rush of blood pulsing in my ears. My lips were quivering, my breath ragged. My arm throbbed from his hold.

I will be collected soon.

I nodded shakily, wondering by what or who.

He then relaxed his grip slightly. I’m sorry Jo, you’re frightened aren’t you? he said kindly.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I tried to regain some composure. Then I realised he’d spoken my name. I don’t know you do I?

No, but you’d like to, wouldn’t you Jo? Again the leer, again the feeling he was in my head.

I acted offended in an effort to conceal my fear. "Let me go now, that’s enough, I’m going."

He made a face at my rebuff but took it like a man. I’m very sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you, I’m not used to your relationship games. Where I come from we are honest and open about our feelings.

I rolled my eyes again, this time so he could see; his erratic behaviour was beginning to grate on me.

He continued, I can tell you the truth, which is what you want, but you’ll have a hard time believing it.

Try me.

He thought about that, as he gazed at the house, then after a while looked back and shook his head, wrinkling his nose. I’m afraid you just won’t understand. It’s...well...beyond your comprehension.

I was incredibly irritated by this and took real, immediate umbrage. I stood up again, shook his hand off me and backed away, out of his reach. "This is ridiculous, I really am going now."

I turned and looked down the hill; Maddy had nearly reached the bottom. In a moment she would be up to the house and Mum would come rushing out in a panic and see me up here with someone. She would go inside and get the binoculars probably and then look up here again. Then she would realise I was conversing with a nutcase and go and get Dad. They would both belt up the hill to my rescue. I could see this all unfolding before me like some funny old black and white movie.

The gorgeous lunatic suddenly spoke. You could call me a visitor I suppose.

I turned back towards him, and stood waiting for more.

Well...I’m more than a visitor, I’m a time traveller.

I stared in disbelief. This was finally it, time traveller indeed.

Undeterred by my reaction he carried on methodically, as if he had to get it all off his chest now he’d started. His tale grew more bizarre. I’ve travelled back in time from the twenty-sixth century as part of an experiment. We are only just beginning to understand the complexities of the process. The noise you heard and the light you saw were the effects of me arriving. Three of us have been sent to different time zones. We each travelled in our own protective vortex, that’s the simplest way I can explain it. He threw me a superior glance and resumed. We are not really supposed to do anything while we are here, just observe. I shouldn’t have left the woods as I expect to be collected within the hour. But I just had to see the sun; I’ve never seen it before – we live underground.

We were silent for a while. He still had that superior look on his face and I just gazed back, dumbstruck, trying to absorb what he had told me. Strangely, for a moment I believed him completely and utterly, but then my logical internal voice began whispering doubts.

You don’t believe me do you? he asked, quite simply, as if he’d just told me it had been raining yesterday.

"I - I - I’m sure you believe it."

But you don’t do you? he persisted.

I couldn’t help but laugh, not at him; it was more of a nervous laugh because I just didn’t really know what to say. But he definitely took it the wrong way.

Can you believe it or not? he demanded.

Er...well...I...um...I must say it’s a lot to take in right now, was all I could manage which seemed kind of positive.

He was definitely annoyed now. Standing up to tower over me his lovely face twisted into an unpleasant sneer. He almost spat out his words, deeply indignant. That’s it of course, that’s how you are in this time, I had forgotten, your pretty face fooled me. You’re all cynical, disbelievers; you are unable to see with your mind, just your own short-sightedness.

He shook with anger now; suddenly young and volatile.

I took a step back. Whoa, calm down.

No, I won’t calm down, you ignorant little bitch, I know all about you, what you’re thinking, I know how you live, I know how you destroy your own planet.

My mouth dropped open; I couldn’t believe how hostile he had