Into the Cave

By M.M. Meyer

When teenagers Adam Mealin and Jenny Elliott entered a cave in the twenty-first century, they never dreamed they would step out into the primitive world of the Neanderthal.

Grot and his tribe are terrified when the teens appear in their cave with light on the ends of their hands and dressed in weird clothing. Then the group decides the kids really need help. Even if they are gods, they seem to be a little dense concerning survival.

The two intelligent tenth graders find themselves completely out of their elements but are determined to survive being attacked by a wild boar, almost drowning, rescuing a child, nursing a wild wolf back to health, saving Grot's life, and learning lessons in the day to day life of 30,000 B.C. Add putting up with Grot who resembles Adam's nemesis, Scott Farmer, in the future - past - ? - and there is a lot of adventure.

When and how will Jenny and Adam return to their own time? Can they return
and will they be back in the cave in their right time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493188888

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The school bell rang to alert the students to the lunchtime period. Adam Mealin made his way through the door of his history classroom. Suddenly, he was elbowed from behind and a familiar voice hissed into his ear. Hey, Mealin, quit blocking the doorway. Other people have places they need to be.

Glancing over his shoulder, Adam looked at the hunky football player, Scott Farmer, leering at him. Scott seemed to seek him out to cause trouble. His adoring buddies always seemed to be in tow, giving Scott the appearance of leadership.

Nothing like being mindless twits, Adam thought idly as he moved to one side to let Scott and his following push past, each one bumping him in turn with their elbows.

As the students poured out of the classrooms, the halls became a sea of moving youthful bodies in all shapes and sizes. They look like amoebas. One part flowing one way, another part moving in another direction, Adam muttered to himself as he joined the flow.

Eventually, most of the girls and boys of the Oakhurst High School would end up in the cafeteria, where the noise would become almost deafening due to the talking, shouting, clattering of dishes and flatware against glass, and the squeak of tennis shoes. Adam! He looked up with a big grin and watched Jennifer Elliott bob and dodge around other students like a football player running for the goal, or the soccer player she was. She arrived at his side breathless but undamaged.

Hey, Jen. Adam smiled at the cute young girl, waiting for her to catch her breath. Ready for lunch? Jenny nodded and fell into step with him as they headed for the cafeteria.

Well, tomorrow’s Saturday. What are we gonna do? Jenny asked as they jostled their way into the serving line with their trays. She received her plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Thank you, she said to the server with a warm smile as she moved on to get her drink.

Adam followed with his tray. They looked around the crowded lunchroom for a table. Spotting one in the far corner, they wove their way to it and sat down. Well, what are we gonna do? Jenny asked again. Wanna go to the mall? We haven’t been there in a while. Library? Arcade? I’m open to suggestions. She started eating.

Naw. I’ve been thinking we could head into Harper’s Woods at the end of the street. We can quiz each other on trees and shrubs and plants. It’ll be fun, and a challenge, since the leaves are barely out. I need to do it for biology class. Besides, we haven’t done it in a while. Adam dipped his french fry in ketchup and popped it into his mouth as he looked around.

Yeah, okay. Sounds like fun. I’ll pack something for lunch. Usual time?

Sure, unless I have to do something for Mom. I’ll let you know. Don’t forget your hiking boots. Adam grinned and wriggled his eyebrows at Jenny. Snakes might be out now since it’s warmed up. He watched as Jenny shivered. Suddenly, Adam was shoved hard from behind, and his head almost ended up in his plate before Jenny could answer.

Sorry, geek, the unwanted voice stated loudly. Didn’t see you there. Scott Farmer was standing behind him with his group of followers sneering at him. Oh, hi, Jennifer. Scott smiled a blindingly white smile and nodded at Jenny.

Scott Farmer was a tenth grader whose ego was bigger than his IQ. His blond good looks and prowess on the football field and racetrack made him popular with the girls and guys alike. He was tall and slender with smooth muscles rippling under the formfitting T-shirt he wore to accentuate them.

Scott could be charming when he wanted to be. Otherwise, he was just plain obnoxious. Scott was not good with numbers and was having to redo ninth-grade geometry if he wanted to stay on the football team—and graduate. He could take it now or later. Later was not an option.

Adam Mealin, on the other hand, was very smart and very good with numbers. But he studied hard, loved to do research, and was a straight-A student for his efforts. Adam was also looking forward to the day he would become a doctor. He hadn’t decided what kind of doctor. He just knew that’s what he wanted to be.

Adam was also cute—in a sixteen-year-old, gangly sort of way. His mouth was full of braces, but he smiled anyway. If he ever grew into his long arms and legs, he would probably be tall. His black hair was always rumpled like an unmade bed, and the fact that he pushed his fingers through it every so often didn’t help.

Jenny looked up and quietly watched the interaction between the two guys. Yeah, Scott, I’m surprised to see you too… since we’re in this corner away from everyone, Adam remarked. He looked around the lunchroom. How did you find us in this crowd?

Just followed the smell, pond scum. Scott sneered; his eyes narrowed. Had to see what was making my eyes water.

Yeah, what he said, smirked Scott’s sidekicks, laughing and elbowing each other.

Scott seemed to resent Adam for some reason and went out of his way to make Adam’s life miserable when he was around.

Adam started to rise from his chair. Adam, please, Jennifer whispered. Adam glanced at Jenny to see her eyes pleading with him not to start a fight. He sat back down.

Yeah, Adam, please, mimicked Scott in a high-pitched voice. Gonna let a little girl fight your battles for you?

Adam’s fingers slowly tightened on the french fry he had forgotten was in his hand, and it dropped like mashed potatoes onto his plate. I didn’t realize we were at war, Adam spoke through clenched teeth and looked Scott in the eyes. Jenny just wanted me to hurry and finish eating. And yep, I think I’m done. He started to get up again, but Scott gripped his slender shoulder and squeezed—hard.

You wouldn’t win, geek, he whispered in Adam’s ear, and shoved him into the table. With a smirk, he jerked his head to one side, signaling his buddies, and left the cafeteria with his followers in tow, laughing and talking loudly, calling attention to themselves.

"One of these days, Jen—pow! Why does he hate me so much? I don’t remember ever doing anything to him. Adam was fuming. But I’m getting tired of that stuff. I’m not afraid of him, but he’s really starting to tick me off." He slammed one fist into the other.

Oh, Adam, he’s a Neanderthal. And you’re better than that. You’re smart and he resents it. Don’t let him get to you. That’s what he wants—to start a fight with you. He thinks he’s cool ’cause he’s a football player, and everybody likes football players whether they’re smart or not. Jenny looked Adam up and down and grinned. And he’s right, ya know. You wouldn’t win. Just forget him. He’s a jerk. Okay, back to tomorrow. Bring a small notebook with plastic inserts and a pen, and I’ve got lunch. C’mon, let’s go.

As they picked up their trays, the shrill ring of the bell went off, signaling the end of the lunch period. The ebb and flow of students began again.

The rest of the afternoon passed without incident, then they were walking home. Just another day at Oakhurst High School.

CHAPTER 2

The next morning started off like any other Saturday. Adam woke, ate his breakfast, texted Jenny about meeting her, and finished his homework. His mother didn’t have any chores for him to do, so he was free for the day.

Mom, Jenny and I are going to Harper’s Woods today to gather samples for biology class. We’ll probably be gone all day, Adam told his mother as he grabbed some water bottles and energy bars to go into his backpack.

All right, dear. But be careful. Snakes might be out now. And don’t forget to take a jacket. It might get chilly before you get home. Say hello to Jenny for me, Adam’s mother said as she practiced her tai chi kick. The cinnamon scent of apple pie permeated the house. Mrs. Mealin was a progressive mom but old-fashioned too. Besides, she liked apple pie. Being a widow for three years had made her very independent.

Will do to all of the above. Thanks, Mom. See ya later. He picked up his backpack that he had packed the night before—flashlight, compass, first-aid kit, a small notebook with plastic inserts, ballpoint pen, large pocketknife, several energy bars, two bottles of water, and his navy-colored jacket. He stuffed the extra water bottles and energy bars into another corner of the bag. Adam stuck his cell phone into his pocket, flipped the pack onto his back, and rushed out the door. Time to meet Jenny.

Jennifer Elliott was waiting for him on her front porch. Jenny had lived next door to Adam for ten years. They were the best of friends. She was sixteen also, and though Adam never looked at her as anything but one of the guys, Jenny had turned into a pretty young girl. She had large forget-me-not-blue eyes and a small turned-up nose on an oval face. Her mouth was full and curved up on the corners in a smile. A sprinkling of freckles scattered across her cheeks made her look younger than she was. Her long light-blond hair was usually pulled back and off her face into a ponytail with a scrunchie. Jenny was tiny and slender, but strong-willed and patient. Good qualities for being a veterinarian, which is what Jenny wanted to be. She was very bright and loved to study and do research as much as Adam. They