Dimensions

By Lindsey Michelle

Imagine a world without time. Imagine a world without money. Imagine a world without memories.

Vera lives in this world, and she has always sensed something amiss. Little did she know the hunches and strange feelings she had as a teenager would one day be fully explained.

Campbell's world is entirely different, endless numbers and paperwork in his accounting job. He longs for a retreat like the beach house he sees in a magazine - a place to which he has an unexpected connection.

Campbell isn't the only new face in town. A bevy of unexpected visitors will force the past and present to be revealed and the future to be forever altered.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lindsey Michelle
• Release date: Jul 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466025776

Lindsey Michelle

Lindsey Michelle is a freelance writer and screenplay reader. She has written about screenwriting for MovieMaker magazine and about a myriad of topics including entertainment, fashion and beauty for various websites. Following the publication of two short stories in a “Scary Stories” anthology, "Dimensions" began as a short story but quickly developed into a full-length novel. Lindsey runs the blog SelfScribes to promote the writing of independent and self-published authors.

Book preview

Dimensions

by Lindsey Michelle

Copyright 2007 Lindsey Michelle

Smashwords Edition

http://selfscribes.blogspot.com

Smashwords Edition, License 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’re reading this book 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.

I never saw a moor,

I never saw the sea;

Yet know I how the heather looks,

And what a wave must be.

I never spoke with God,

Nor visited in heaven;

Yet certain am I of the spot

As if the chart were given.

Emily Dickinson

Prologue

Vera couldn’t believe she was sitting in her own house, a knife pressed against her back. She didn’t know what to do. Should she argue with her captor, or simply cooperate? Is this how people behaved in the other dimension?

She breathed a sigh of relief for every moment that the knife did not pierce her skin. But each time she filled her lungs with air, she felt the edge of the blade, a constant reminder that she was indeed in danger.

Unaware when Paul was to return, she regretted sending the others away. She had wanted them to have a nice stroll on the beach; she figured she was safe enough. They were worried about the outside, about the town, but not about their home. Not until now.

This is the last straw, Vera thought. This is why I have to leave.

She closed her eyes, praying that Paul would arrive sooner rather than later.

Vera tried to let her mind wander, to visualize something to calm her nerves. She longed for when life seemed simpler. If only Sadie hadn’t... no, she refused to think in ifs anymore. But she did wish she could return to those easy days, when a walk around town was their biggest concern. She could remember every detail...

We’ll leave soon, Sadie said, tying her dark hair into a ponytail. As soon as my mom gets off the phone.

Vera nodded. She could hear Barbara’s voice chattering away, probably from the kitchen, though she only understood every few words.

As the lone cloud shifted in the sky, Vera watched as the front lawn brightened under the sun’s rays. She was shrouded in shade as she sat on the front porch of her best friend’s house, both girls stretching their legs out across the front steps so that only their toes were hit by the sunlight. There was a gentle breeze that occasionally wafted through the trees on the quiet street. These houses were considered the finest in Hanastown, not only for their picturesque architecture and vast property but due to their close proximity to the main street.

The main street sat on the flattest part of Hanastown, so that a walk in either direction was equally comfortable. Sadie was eager to arrive at the shoe store. Apparently she had seen a pair of shoes that matched the dress she planned to wear to her father’s fancy office party that evening. Since the general consensus was that Sadie already had too many shoes, Barbara was running the idea by Sadie’s father.

Though Sadie kept tapping her foot, ready to rush to the store, Vera didn’t mind the wait. After all, a trip to the shoe store was more maddening than fun for her – she’d be wearing the same pair of low heels as usual. Vera would rather stay outside, enjoying the pleasant weather. She loved the slow, easy pace of Hanastown. She never felt rushed.

Except when she was with Sadie.

What is taking so long? Sadie inquired, disappearing into the house.

Sadie was always frazzled before her father’s work events or parties. She always reminded Vera that they never knew what the night could turn into. Vera enjoyed some of the parties, but she wasn’t as enthusiastic as Sadie. So far, the nights hadn’t turned into much.

She hadn’t even phoned my dad yet! Sadie exclaimed, startling Vera and stomping down the porch steps.

Vera slipped her feet into her shoes and ran to keep up with Sadie. Vera wanted to take the roundabout route, where they had to slip through trees and groves that they used to play in as children, but Sadie already led the more visible way. They walked the short distance to the main street, where a cobblestone town square marked the beginning of a long street framed by sidewalk and businesses.

I have to stop by my dad’s office first, Sadie said, referring to the extra blocks they still needed to travel.

In the middle of the town square there was a fountain, where Sadie and Vera always stopped to dip their feet, and on a few nights when they were sure no one saw, to dip themselves.

You can’t be warm already, Sadie complained.

Vera dropped her shoes on the ground and put her feet in the water, and Sadie followed. Sadie took her feet out of the fountain a moment later, but Vera lingered.

I’ll wait here, Vera teased.

Sadie frowned. I don’t want to go alone.

Vera reluctantly removed her feet from the water. The gentle breeze immediately cooled them. She waved them in the air as Sadie stood with her hand on the hip.

They’re dry! Sadie insisted.

As Vera stood, a young woman approached the fountain, giving Vera and Sadie a small smile. She shut her eyes briefly and tossed a small item into the water. Vera watched as it sunk to the bottom.

Instinctively, Vera reached into the fountain and lifted the item with her fingers. The young woman looked at her in shock.

Is this yours? Vera asked her.

The woman stammered a reply. I... I made a wish.

Vera and Sadie exchanged a glance. They weren’t about to start an argument with a stranger. The young woman seemed to crumble under the awkward tension, and bolted in the opposite direction.

Vera looked at the circle in her palm, a lightweight copper dot. Sadie grabbed it from her and threw it back into the fountain, impatient, practically pulling Vera down the street.

Sadie’s father Harold had a large waiting room outside of his office. Chairs lined the room, most of them usually empty. But on this day Vera had to stand, for each chair was occupied, nervous looking men and women wringing their hands. Vera wondered why there were so many people at once. She hadn’t heard Sadie mention that Harold was hiring anyone new.

Vera tried to examine each person without them noticing her stare. None of them looked as though they were from Hanastown. Their clothing and hairstyle were slightly different – Vera thought their outfits seemed rather embellished.

Sadie didn’t appear to notice. She stood in the corner of the room, arguing with Harold’s secretary.

I need to talk to him, she pleaded. I don’t care if he’s on the phone.

He made it clear, no interruptions, the secretary responded.

This wasn’t the first time that Sadie had barged in, demanding that she speak with her father during an important meeting or phone call. The secretary had been instructed to be firm with her.

Fine, Sadie replied, turning on her heel. Come on, Vera.

As soon as they exited the office building, Sadie announced, If he can’t be bothered to answer my question, then his answer is an automatic yes. I’m getting those shoes.

It’s that they looked somewhat formal, Vera said, trying to explain to Sadie why the men and women in Harold’s waiting room seemed out of place.

Perhaps it’s because you’re too sloppy, Sadie said with a laugh.

Vera was beginning to regret bringing up the subject. She rolled her eyes.

Just trying to point out how different they seemed, Vera mumbled, dropping the subject.

Sadie stopped walking, grabbing Vera’s arm. Talk about different! she whispered under her breath. Look at him.

Vera followed Sadie’s gaze to a handsome young man – conventionally good looking, but particularly Sadie’s type. He strolled along the sidewalk with an aura of confidence, though Vera detected a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

Don’t stare straight at him, Vera admonished her friend.

We want him to notice us, don’t we? Sadie countered. He’s approaching!

The man did approach. They all smiled at each other, but then silence fell between them. Vera glanced at Sadie, expecting her to steer the conversation, but Sadie seemed to simply flutter her eyes.

The man finally spoke. Do you girls have the time?

Vera shifted her weight. She leaned a little closer to the man, unsure of his words. Sadie seemed to notice this, and copied her friend’s movement.

You’ll have to come a little closer and ask us, Sadie said with a grin.

I seem to have forgotten my watch.

Vera and Sadie looked at each other, ready to dissolve into nervous giggles. They all hesitated, and then their focus was distracted as a convertible car zoomed down the street. The driver almost clipped the sidewalk as the woman in the passenger seat squealed and laughed.

Vera jumped back, yelping when she realized how close they were to the edge of the sidewalk. Sadie’s eyes were fixated on the car as it drove away.

What a car! she exclaimed.

It came a little close, Vera replied.

Sadie shook her head at Vera. Looks like fun.

Then they both realized that the young man was gone. Sadie hit Vera lightly on the arm, as if it were somehow Vera’s fault.

The shoe store clerk grinned when she saw Sadie walk through the door.

I knew it! she said. The woman took out a box from behind the counter. I saved the pair for you.

Sadie smiled, clapping her hands together. I’m wearing them tonight. I have the most beautiful dress – the most beautiful red you’ve ever seen...

You obtained your father’s permission? the clerk asked.

Sadie nodded, her face blank. All she had to do was look convincing. The clerk handed her the bag with her shoes, and all was done.

Vera and Sadie stopped to get ice cream cones. They liked to stroll back to Sadie’s house with their favorite flavors on sugar cones, attempting to make their dessert last just long enough.

Vera stared at the endless ice cream options as Sadie ordered her usual, chocolate marshmallow.

Vera couldn’t concentrate. A couple sat in the corner, arguing, and Vera felt as though they were clouding her mind.

Need a suggestion? James asked from behind the counter.

They were friendly, as they went to school together.

How about a scoop of silence? Vera suggested quietly, but with a smile.

He laughed. You’re lucky – you can leave! They’ve been here all day.

Vera tried to look over her shoulder unobtrusively. The man and woman kept passing a notebook back and forth, the woman writing and drawing until the man would grab the pen and try to take over.

It’s like they’re taking notes of everyone that walks through the door, James said.

Vera felt a chill run through her spine. They looked harmless – they were probably tourists – but she didn’t want them to write any additional details about her or Sadie.

She ordered quickly and as soon as she had her cone, Vera pulled Sadie to the door.

Let’s eat here and then race home, Sadie suggested.

Vera shook her head. She didn’t know why, but she knew to distance herself from those people.

How much longer?

The gruff words broke into Vera’s thoughts. She had been so lost in memory that she gasped as she surveyed her real surroundings.

She still felt the knife pressing gently against her clothes.

When will he be back? her captor insisted.

Vera closed her eyes, her heart leaping. She wished she knew.

Chapter One

Every office has a reliable colleague, one who’s willing to stay late while others leave early, offers to clock in extra hours to alleviate a friend’s illness, allows an acquaintance to attend a dream vacation or their child’s soccer game, and eats at his desk in order to finish an important report. At Jasper & Winchell Accounting, this humble employee was Campbell Jenkins. Despite his generous height and strong build, Campbell had the tendency to simply slip into the background, making him the type of man that everyone was happy to see, but no one thought about for long.

There was a bold streak in him, but it was buried beneath paperwork and mathematical figures, each number pushing a little more of Campbell’s vibrant personality into oblivion. He had once felt charming, but he didn’t have the opportunities to use the wit, grace or perseverance that he knew were within him. But if Campbell had known what was in store for him, he wouldn’t have dismissed his tenacity quite so quickly.

Campbell scurried into his office three minutes early. He was always early, not by a significant amount of time, but with enough of a head start to settle into his chair before the phones began their inevitable incessant ringing. Campbell envied the lives of his colleagues who always seemed to be rushing in late, fresh from an at-home crisis or a morning commute trauma. Deep down, Campbell felt he didn’t have any excuse not to be punctual. He followed the same routine every work day: a brief breakfast, a traffic-filled but short distance to the office and finally the slow, long hours of accounting.

Campbell remembered reading books about men like him – feeling trapped in the city, with a job that pays but doesn’t satisfy, returning to an empty apartment every evening – but the difference between Campbell and those lonely male protagonists was that their endless dull days eventually led to something interesting. A journey, or perhaps a mystery, a romance, or anything that made the previous years seem worthwhile. He couldn’t help but picture his own life as a novel, one that kept getting thicker but without any substance or character growth. It’d be a failure, he thought, as a compelling read.

He rested his hands on the top of his desk, only to remove them a minute later as the warmth from his palms made marks on the tabletop. He was never comfortable at work, it was stuffy and noisy, and he spent more time staring at client names on a computer screen and on paper files than he did corresponding with the person whose account he pored over. Campbell looked at his list for the day. First things first, review Ms. Allison Reed’s file.

Campbell pulled out the drawer of the file cabinet and pawed through the alphabetized tabs.

Reed, Reed, Ms. Reed, he muttered as he flipped through the folders, where are you.

There was a cafeteria for office building employees where Campbell could buy his lunch every day. Some of his colleagues rushed to nearby cafes or coffee shops, but Campbell didn’t think an hour was sufficient time to travel to a restaurant, finish a meal and return to the office. He was content to buy a sandwich and usually brought a book to read. Campbell liked to spend his hour on the small outdoor patio, but frequently the benches were already occupied, as other offices broke for lunch fifteen minutes earlier than Campbell’s. Today was one of those busy days. He settled for an indoor seat near the windows.

On this particular Wednesday, Campbell was without a book. He had finished reading a novel the day before and had not the time to visit the bookstore after work the previous evening. About the time he was guessing that it was going to be quite a long lunch break, he heard a familiar voice.

Well, for once you don’t have your nose in a book. A hearty laugh followed the statement, and when Campbell looked up, he saw Patty Hunt, one of the firm’s senior secretaries. A squat, rotund woman, she hadn’t updated her style since she was hired years earlier. Sometimes Campbell thought her sense of humor was equally outdated. However, she was harmless, and more importantly, she was kind.

Yes, I’m terribly bored, Campbell replied. Would you care to join me? Your company will surely make the hour go faster.

Don’t tell me you’re eager to rush back to work! Silly man. Unless, of course, it’s because you can’t wait to return home. Someone waiting for you there? Patty grinned.

Campbell managed to smile, but he couldn’t think of a light response. Instead, he pulled out a chair. Please, sit.

To sit down and eat for an hour – I wish! This is when I run my errands. Loads to do. Campbell sensed that Patty was ready to rush off, but she hesitated. She dug into her enormous tote bag and presented him with a house-and-garden magazine. Here. It’s not one of your thick novels, but boredom trumps choosiness.

Campbell glanced down at the cover, bright with a glossy photograph of an impressive coastal home. 10 Essential Items For Your Vacation Home the headline read. Campbell chuckled.

Just what I need, he muttered. Then, in a gentler tone, Thanks, Patty.

Patty squeezed his shoulder as she walked by him to exit the cafeteria.

Campbell opened the magazine to its center and began flipping through the pages. He scanned a

Reviews for Dimensions

[freebookreviews · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I had a hard time getting into this book for about the first hour or so of rading it. I kept checking the page I was on to be sure that I was moving forward. With that said once I pushed past that first hour or so the book took off and I could not believe I was putting it down. The pace picked up and you too will be surprised. Give this a chance and remember to push through it is worth it.