Tilt: Magic Ei8hts

By Eliana Alexander

Tilt: Magic Ei8hts follows Blane and Jake, two teens who inadvertently set off an interdimensional time vortex that takes them on adventures to exciting and dangerous new worlds and times while learning about themselves and the universe.

On their first travel, they arrive in London in the early eighteen hundreds, where they meet Harry and Peter, two very nice gentlemen who help them try to get home. In the process, Harry and Peter get pulled into the vortex, and they all end up on another planet in another dimension. Jake finds true love on this travel when he meets a servant girl named Senevian, whom he saves from being killed. Now the five must endure the dangers of each new world as they continue their journey with faith that they will find their way back to their homes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796035773

Eliana Alexander

Eliana Alexander traveled with her family all over South and Central America and was stationed in Bolivia, Paraguay, Guatemala, Chili and Argentina. Exploring these beautiful places allowed her to develop her imagination. She mastered the Spanish language in five dialects while becoming fluent in English. Her love for classic films inspired her to perform and at a very early age began singing, dancing and acting. After moving back to the United States Eliana at sixteen won an audition singing lead professionally in a band while attending high school. Her remarkable talent soon propelled the angelic vocalist to Japan as a solo artist. Upon returning to Los Angeles she auditioned for a musical that ignited all of her passions. Now Eliana has been immersed in the entertainment world for over 30 years in front of and behind the camera. She received an Imagen Award Best Actress nomination for her role as Adriana Salazar in the Television series “Sin Verguenza,” won a NYIIFVF Best Actress Award for her role as Magdalena Linney in “Agenda” and won an ALMA Award for Best Ensemble Cast for the mini-series “Mangas” in Foto Novelas. Eliana’s role as Rita Thomas in My Network TV’s “Desire” received rave reviews around the world especially in Latin America. She is honored to have written, produced and directed her own television pilot series “Next Page” as well as written, produced and starred in her pilot series “Hold The Line.” Eliana is a consummate entertainer and continues to immerse herself in writing and creating for television, film and novels. Her first novel, “The Neighbor” received excellent reviews. In her new novel “TILT,” Eliana is excited for her readers to capture her imagination as she guides them on this spectacular adventure. She is grateful and blessed to continue this magical journey. Eliana is completely vegan and is a strong advocate for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. For more information on all of Eliana’s projects visit: ElianaAlexander.com

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

A SUMMER SUN streaks orange and red hues across the clear sky blending into the horizon that slowly melt into the ocean. Glowing lights reflect off the water as they shimmer across the pier illuminating the famed Redondo Beach Boardwalk. A light summer breeze caresses the sea creating white caps adding to the picturesque view.

Colorful umbrellas line the sandy beaches where families whisper good night to the sun as it dips into the ocean leaving a calm soothing end to a fun summer day.

The activity on the pier is in full swing as people enjoy charming beach shops and various eateries. As you walk onto the boardwalk you see the popular Hutton’s Dive & Surf Shop, the coolest place for tourists to rent boogie boards, paddleboards and surfboards for the day. This is where the locals buy their boards and fine-tune their equipment making this a hot spot and a surfer’s hang out.

Blane Hutton and Jake Stone are rushing around to get the store closed. The boys have been best friends since grade school. They are fit and extremely athletic. The local teen girls are known to come into the shop just to hang out when Blane and Jake are working.

At seventeen and still in high school the guys work full time at the shop during the summers. Blane and Jake are skilled surfers and very dedicated to the sport yet are very humble for they understand the elegance and honor of being a real soul surfer.

Dennis, Blane’s father who owns the shop, makes sure the boys stay busy working and feeling good about making their own money. Jake is very grateful for the work and what teen wouldn’t want to work in the coolest surf shop in town.

Manny, short for Manuel, is a soul surfer himself who has been working with the Hutton’s for over fifteen years. He hustles along with the boys getting things cleaned up. Manny is a real beach dude with long hair and back in his day was considered one of California’s greatest surfers. Now he has a family of his own and really loves working with Dennis. This gives him a taste of his surfing days living vicariously through all the teens that come into the shop. Manny truly enjoys mentoring young boys and girls about water safety and the real etiquette of surfing.

Manny brings out new boogie boards and stacks them along the rack. He lets Blane know that the new paddleboards are on the truck and that his Dad already took out the last of the new boogie boards for the Del Mar location.

Blane looks to Manny relieved, Thanks Manny. After hosing down the rented paddleboards I think you can lock the back gate and take off. I’ll get the front once we’re done.

Manny nods to the boys, Sounds good man. See you all tomorrow. Oh Blane, have fun on your date. Manny giggles under his breath as he takes off out the back to finish his last task.

As the boys wrap up their duties we can see that Hutton’s Surf Shop is a rocking place for young and upcoming surfers. On the front wall of the shop, there are various pictures of Dennis and Blane standing with famous free divers, paddleboard champions and surfing icons. Some of the best surfing shots autographed by famous surfers are on the walls.

The first picture you see is a shot of, Laird Hamilton gliding down a massive wall of water. On the caption it reads: Forty feet. Laird Hamilton. The autograph reads: To Dennis, a great man who continues to love the water and champions the sport. Thank you for all of the support. Best Laird Hamilton.

The second picture that stands out is one of Kelly Slater in a perfect water tube of crystal blue water wrapping around him as he crouches down low skimming the aqua-colored glass ocean with white ruffle foam that follows behind him.

The caption reads: Kelly Slater Pipeline. The autograph reads: To Blane and Dennis some of the coolest people I know. Thank you for all you do! Kelly Slater.

In another picture Dennis and Blane stand side by side with Kelly Slater. In this shot they are gleaming for they know that Kelly is an outstanding athlete and is considered the greatest surfer of his time.

Having huge icons as friends is just an example of how well Dennis and Blane are liked and respected by the surfing community. The shop truly reflects the honor they have for the sport.

Dennis Hutton walks in from the back and sets down the last of the boogie boards. He is a man in his early fifties yet has the body and energy of a thirty-year-old. He is a former Navy SEAL and still on occasion is called to train new recruits. He truly is the best of the best and the beach community respects him.

Dennis always felt that if he gave teens a place to hang out it would keep them off the streets and into the water sports. He is known to give huge discounts to kids with excellent grades.

The word, of course, got around and if you bring him your report card, the better the grades the bigger the discount. Parents love this and appreciate what Dennis is doing for the kids and the beach community.

Blane is almost done with his chores and looks to his Dad, All set Dad. Manny already put the new paddleboards on your truck and is hosing down the rented ones. He’ll lock the back gate as he leaves.

Jake chimes in, All I have to do is the scuba tanks and I’m done.

Dennis takes a look around the shop. Proud of the boys, he smiles with a nod, Good work guys thank you. Jake, if you could put the filled air tanks on the rack I will take care of the empty ones in the back when I return tomorrow. Oh boys, your paychecks are on my desk.

Upon hearing this Jake is thrilled and does his little happy dance, Thanks Mr. H. Getting closer.

Dennis is not thrilled at what Jake is referring to, Still saving money for that bike? Can’t talk you out of it, can I?

Jake shoots it right back, Nope! Besides, you’re the one who taught me to ride.

Dennis is very serious and stands strong, An off-road bike is very different son. There aren’t any cars where we ride. You remember that.

Jake understands what Dennis is telling him yet does not give in, I know Mr. H, but it’s all around cheaper than four wheels. I get a lot more for a lot less. Picture this, a smoking Ducati twelve ninety-nine Panigale S. Sweet!

Dennis really does not like the idea of Jake buying a motorcycle and knows that nothing he can say or do will change Jake’s mind. Yet he did teach the boys to ride and knows that Jake is very responsible, a smart rider and is very proud of him. He looks to Jake with loving eyes, I know how you ride son and Jake, I do trust your ability.

Blane is shocked that his Dad gave in that quick, Dad, did you just compliment a bike rider?

Dennis looks to Blane very firm, Don’t you get any ideas. As Dennis grabs his gear he turns to Jake, Jake my boy, I know your Mom will be mad at me for this, for a very long time. Come on guys, finish up.

Blane and his Dad are very close and have had a strong bond since his Mom Sandy died of cancer when Blane was just eight years old.

Blane and Dennis have gone on several adventures around the world experiencing extreme sports. Dennis loves his son and will always be there for him yet he wanted to make sure that no matter what happens in life Blane can and will survive anything.

Dennis also considers Jake part of the family and has invited him on many of their trips. Blane and Jake get along as if they were brothers since they have experienced so much together. The boys are strong and truly can handle any challenge Dennis throws at them.

Dennis continues to embrace their individuality and has taught Blane that everyone is on their own path and has their own journey. This allows Blane to embrace everyone in their own lifestyle. Dennis knows that by teaching his son acceptance, Blane will embrace all flow and have a richer life.

This of course has made it a lot easier to embrace Jake on his own path and to understand his views of life and the foods he eats. Jake has been a vegetarian since birth and Dennis, having little knowledge about vegetarians, was concerned that Jake wasn’t getting enough nutrition. Dennis now sees that Jake’s lifestyle and way of eating has not affected his strength and more important his health. Jake has a strong physique, is very agile and can easily do new things well.

Dennis loves spending quality time with the boys and one year for their adventure trip he took them hiking to Denali Park in Alaska when they were just eleven.

Alaska is one of the most visited states for hiking because of Denali Park with six million acres of wilderness. Denali is one of the tallest mountains in North America standing at 20,310 feet making this a spectacular journey for all levels of hikers.

Visitors have been known to flock from around the world to enjoy the picturesque land. It is a very soulful and regenerating experience that brings people close together and more important to get re-connected with the Earth.

Jake and Blane thrive on the exciting trips and adventures for they know that they will have a whole lot of fun. After many exciting trips and beautiful quality time spent with the Hutton’s, Jake considers Dennis a father figure. Jake’s Dad left his Mom when Jake was just three years old and he is very grateful that Dennis took him under his wing.

Dennis loves Jake like a son and looks after both boys teaching them a lot about life and developing their survival skills. He is strong with them and at the same time loosens the reins for he believes in giving them enough freedom to develop their individuality.

April, Jake’s Mom, is very grateful to Dennis for teaching him those valuable survival skills. Blane and Jake might be seventeen yet because of Dennis’s guidance are very mature for their age.

Dennis grabs the last of the boogie boards, I’ll be staying the night at the Del Mar Inn. I have a meeting with the team in the morning. So please, Blane, make the deposit tonight. Blane is a little taken aback, I know Dad!

Dennis looks to his son with encouragement, I know you have a date tonight Blane, that is why I am just making sure you get it done tonight before midnight. Dennis can see that Blane is very responsible yet as a father has to make sure the messages are received. Blane shoots his Dad the, I got this look. Dennis nods to the boys, All right! He softens and smiles, Have a good time.

Dennis grabs his keys and a folder off the counter, he takes a moment then turns back to his son and with a devious look, Remember, be responsible. Blane turns beet red for he knows exactly what his Dad is referring to, Dad really? It’s our second date! Jake gets a kick out of how embarrassed Blane is and relishes in the moment. Dennis, back in business mode, grabs the boards and rushes out the back.

While Blane is busy counting the bank roll Jake places the scuba tanks neatly on the rack. Jake hoists the last of the tanks at the end of the row and asks Blane what time he is supposed to pick up his date. Blane lets him know that his date is meeting him here in the shop a little after eight and that it’s a casual date. They are just going to spend time on the pier. Jake turns to the clock, Hey Blane, it’s only seven-twenty. Shop is done. You know what I’m thinking!

Blane looks around at the store then looks at the time, I don’t know Jake, I have to make the deposit. I promised my Dad and I really like this girl. I don’t want to be late.

Jake encourages Blane to make the deposit in the morning that it’s Sunday and nothing registers until Monday anyway and he will go with him early before work. It will be only one game.

Blane does not want to let his Dad down yet wants to live it up and thinks about it, It is Sunday, bank roll probably won’t register ’til tomorrow morning anyway. All right but only one game and I’m up first remember? Jake agrees and turns up the speed as he secures the filled tanks on the rack.

The boys move around the shop wrapping up last minute details. Blane takes pride in his family store and makes sure the store has a clean and neat appearance. After a long day of people milling through the store, merchandise gets tossed about ending up on the floor or in a completely different spot. Blane always makes sure everything is off the floors and back in their proper places. Blane has watched his father put a lot of time and energy into the store creating the best sports and retail store on the pier. Dennis is proud of his son and appreciates that he takes pride in his work and the family store.

The boys work very well together and while Jake flips over the closed sign Blane makes sure all the lights are off.

Once out of the store Blane realizes that they left their cell phones in the lockers. Jake grabs Blane by the arm, Come on Blane we don’t need them plus this way we can focus on the new game. Besides we have very little time before the princess arrives.

Blane puts the key into the lock and glares at Jake, Cassie, her name is Cassie. Remember I like this one. That is why I can’t believe I let you talk me into this crazy idea.

Jake puts his arm around his buddy, Hey we only live once right? We must appease the inner child in us.

Once the door locks the inner child truly comes out for the boys take off at lightning speed. Blane and Jake will always let their spirits run free and keep their flair for fun alive.

Even though the guys are mature for their age they enjoy some fun at the Redondo Beach Arcade that is filled with plenty of family fun.

The boardwalk is electric, filled with excitement. Blane and Jake slow down on the wooded boardwalk as they near a couple of cute girls milling about. Once the girls pass, like kids they pick up their pace through the various shops that have been at the Redondo Beach Pier for years.

Hannah’s Hat Shop carries cool hats of all kinds and teens wearing fun hats grace the pier with their style and fashion. At this time of night the shop is filled with tourists buying memorabilia to take home from their summer travels.

Mickey’s Bikinis store is wall-to-wall with women of all ages looking for the look they want to sport this summer. The shop is endless with swimsuits, tops and bottoms of all styles and colors that you can mix and match.

This year bright neon colors are in and the fluorescent yellow is the most popular as it has been seen popping in and out of the waves throughout the day.

Blane and Jake dodge the slow moving tourists that are enjoying the boardwalk. They cut through a crowd of French tourists waiting for a table at the world renowned Tony’s on the Pier. Tony’s is a fine restaurant where you can enjoy a fish dinner with an ocean view followed by a drink upstairs in their lounge that has a three hundred and sixty degree view, while listening to the sounds of a marvelous live band.

As Blane and Jake swerve past pedestrians the delicious smell of Sam’s Snack Shack catches up to the boys. Jake slows down and gives Blane the look but Blane keeps Jake moving and tells him that they can’t stop to do anything for the time is ticking.

Sam waves at the boys wondering why they are not stopping by. Sam has known Blane and Jake since they were in grade school. The boys have frequented the shack; in fact the lemonade is one of their favorites.

Sam’s Snack Shack is the world-renowned French fry kiosk that is busier at dusk than during the day. Your local surfers and swimmers crowd the shop waiting for the very popular vinegar fries and their raspberry lemonade is a true seller amongst the crowds.

Sam, short for Samuel, believes in all natural ingredients and that makes this spot even better. The fries are made to perfection, soft inside with a crispy and toasted exterior then a sprinkle of salt, a hint of bay seasoning then sprayed with vinegar; a mouth-watering experience making this spot an everyday delight for most tourists.

The lemonade is made with fresh lemons, squeezed right there in their shop by an amazing juicer. The raspberries are pressed right into the lemonade then sweetened with agave nectar from agave plants right out of Sam’s ranch in Jalisco, Mexico. Sam shares the history to tourists who asks about the agave.

Sam loves to talk to the tourists and shares that Nahuatl, the original inhabitants of Western Mexico, worshiped the agave plant for agave represents the Aztec goddess Mayahuel. She is the goddess of the earthly powers of wind, rain and crops. Mayahuel also represents agave’s symbol of long life, health and fertility. Sam uses this symbol for his logo as a good luck charm for a successful and prosperous business.

A beautiful statue of Mayahuel sits on the back counter and is the first thing tourists ask about. This logo of the goddess Mayaheul has sure worked for Sam for this snack shack is busy all year around. This shack is the most visited snack kiosk on the entire pier. With all the beach activity of swimming and playing tourists need not worry much about the calories, making this summer vacation snack a must have.

The penny arcade bustles with energy as families enjoy the festivities. You can smell the cotton candy and the kettle corn as you make your way through a maze of games. A disco ball swirls above dusting glittering lights that fill the arcade. Beams of colored lights dance in the background generating a party atmosphere. The arcade floor rumbles from all the bells and whistles cast off by various machines that blend into the beat of the music creating magic sent into the hearts of the kids.

Every station and game is full with a line of people waiting for their turn with anticipation, especially the motorcycle video game that takes you on a ride filled with twists and turns giving you the feeling that you are out on the track hugging the curves.

The skee ball bounces and dings as both kids and adults enjoy winnings from the ribbon of tickets that shoot out of the machine.

You can hear the crackling from the air hockey and the sound of the puck as it flies across the table and enters the goal with a loud smack.

The Redondo Beach arcade is known for embracing families and creating a place filled with games for everyone.

Blane and Jake race through the penny arcade straight to the coolest new pinball machine GOLIATH. Goliath resembles a car with a seat for the player to drive the game by operating the controls on an octagonal steering wheel with the flippers on the side. Once you sit you are staring at the face of a fierce game. It has an ignition and once the token is in you turn the key to begin the game.

The ball begins its course when it is released out of the cylinder tube up and over a mountain then down the glass panel that stands on a steep slant. The steep slant propels the speed of the ball spinning it with such force into a maze of bells forcing the player to be quick and skilled in order to keep the ball from being sent down into its moat.

Goliath has a gear shifter to set it on go. Once in gear it allows you to release the ignition that shoots the ball into the game. Goliath is a game desired by all. With the high degree of difficulty even adults are known to love this phenomenal pinball machine.

The kids stand back once Blane and Jake arrive for they are the champions and the ones to beat. They have garnered incredible respect with the kids and teens.

Blane nods to the kids and jumps right in as Jake quickly puts in a token, Here, my treat. Blane gives him a nod, smiles and grabs the ignition key that turns on the engine to a loud roar. Blane gently pulls back the release and lets go sending the ball right onto its course.

Blane pounds away at the game racking up points. The crowd marvels at the speed of his fingers caressing the flippers that keep the ball in motion. He is very skilled and you can tell that he has spent some time playing this game.

The ball goes soaring in and out of caves then up and over bridges. With every point the machine flashes lights as the bells ring. The kids are in astonishment as they can see the numbers flipping higher and higher on the scoreboard.

Jake lets him know that he is doing great. Goliath is making so much noise and the kids are so animated that they draw a huge crowd. Jake turns to the kids and tells them to back off, to not crowd Blane for he is going for a new record. The kids back up in awe at these older guys who are massive giants in the pinball competition.

Blane is smooth while he hits the flippers and maneuvers the octagonal steering wheel keeping the ball on its course. The shiny ball swirls through the course then soars over a bridge then shoots down and spins so fast that you can actually see tiny beams of rainbows being cast off the silver ball.

Jake is so thrilled to see his friend succeed that he encourages Blane to hang in there for he knows this round is the one that is going to set his new record. The scoreboard explodes with a flare of lights as he reaches the second level. Jake is beyond excited and jumps onto the ledge at the side of the driver’s seat. He stands right next to Blane’s side cheering him on. Blane and Jake glance up and see the scoreboard panel lights up with a flash as it hits all eights.

At that moment in time the shiny silver ball is spinning so fast creating electricity that shatters right into the panel. Swirling fluorescent lights emerge blending in with the arcade lights. The ball shoots spinning down the middle propelled with such force that Blane practically stands up trying to maneuver the ball and he jerks the machine into a TILT.

A bright light flashes blinding Blane and Jake. They hang on tight for they feel a pressure in the air. Blane and Jake shout in excitement as they feel the rush of the game. Suddenly another burst of light strikes the room with a vortex of florescent and illuminating colors swirling above their heads.

Blane and Jake feel a slow motion wave throughout the arcade. An infusion of colors trickles in the air cascading down onto the pinball machine. A flash of pain hits the guys causing them to feel lightheaded and dizzy. The boys are finally able to recover and shake it off thinking it was caused by the thrill of the game and that it was just a heightened excitement of scoring high.

Blane and Jake are very focused on the panel and in the zone of the game. They are thrilled to reach a level that no one has ever reached before. Jake stands in awe at Blane’s skill of combating Goliath, Wow you’ve never done that before. Blane is beyond happy yet bummed that he tilted, I know. Anyway, your turn.

When Blane and Jake move to switch places they become even more lightheaded and they hang tightly onto Goliath. Catching their breath and recovering they finally look up to see lights swirling above their heads; lights that they thought were part of the arcade but are not. Swirling above is a porthole filled with electrifying lights and vibrant colors.

There is a very thin and long tunnel with a vortex of floating fluorescent beams of light. They can see lightning strike through the tunnel shooting rays of blue electricity that spark into the vortex. The porthole floats above sustained in the air moving like a colorful cloud.

Blane and Jake are marveled by the phenomenon that both are in complete wonder of who could design such a wonderful idea. Jake is astonished at the colors floating above and whispers, Aurora Borealis? Blane, this is awesome. Wonder what happens when you reach the third level.

The porthole of lights continues to get smaller and smaller. The once four-foot hole is now a two-foot hole with very dim light. The illuminating vibrant colors are dulling swirling slower and slower.

The guys, still feeling the pressure in the air, are beginning to think that something is just not right. They are now questioning what is happening. How can it be that Blane scoring high on the scoreboard can cause all of this? The loud buzzing noise begins to subside and Blane and Jake are feeling a little more stable yet their bodies feel weak and shaky.

Their natural instinct and training that Dennis has instilled in them kicks in. Blane smiles to Jake, Slow breath and now your turn to take this to new heights. As they take deep slow breaths they are recovering and finally feeling strong enough. Blane and Jake raise their heads to see where they are and to their surprise they are not in the Redondo Beach Penny Arcade.

Shocked, Blane and Jake see that they are in an old warehouse filled with wood. Jake looks at the ground and carefully steps off the pinball machine. The room feels like a wave making him dizzy and he almost passes out. Blane reaches for him telling him to keep his eyes open. Blane sits stunned taking in the new surroundings, hanging on to his best friend.

Hearts are pounding and adrenalin kicks in, the boys focus assessing their surroundings. Jake moves around, It feels real, where are we? He walks around slowly and turns to Blane and sees that the pinball machine stands by an old saw in a wood shed or barn. Upon seeing the hard truth Jake practically drops to his knees.

Blane sees Jake’s face and jumps off the pinball machine. Blane grabs onto Goliath for now he is experiencing the wave. A wave moving through time as if it would swallow him whole or take him further into a great beyond, a beyond that he didn’t even know existed.

Blane looks to Jake confused, What is happening? Where are we? Jake, stunned and confused himself, tells him that he doesn’t know and that this phenomenon is exactly why he wishes he would have paid more attention to his studies. Especially science class for then he could explain what is happening to them.

The guys pull it together and make their way to the door but after taking a few steps the room begins to spin. Blane and Jake push hard but no matter how hard they try to run their legs feel weak and heavy.

They use their energy to focus and fight to move their legs to the big wood doors that feel as if they are an eternity away. With every step they become more lightheaded and they feel as if they are about to pass out.

Blane grabs Jake’s arm telling him to slow down and that they need to move slowly in order to make sure their bodies get adjusted to whatever is happening to them.

Jake agrees, slows down his pace yet stays very focused. Blane then tells him that they need to be cautious for they truly do not know what is behind the wooden doors. That it can be another hole in the universe taking them further away from their home.

Blane and Jake stop where they are and look at the wood doors. They are not moving a muscle and are trying to figure out whether to move forward or to go back to the machine.

Jake tells Blane that he is dreaming and that all of this is just a weird dream. Blane grabs Jake’s arm and tells him that’s impossible and that they both can’t be dreaming the same thing at the same time. They can see that together they are in a different place but they still don’t understand how they got there.

The guys do know that they can’t stay there, that they have to move forward in order to find out what is happening and more important to find out where they are. Courage takes over and the will to live inspires them to move forward to the doors. Perhaps freedom is behind the wooden doors. If not, whatever they encounter, they have each other and they will survive anything that comes their way.

Once they reach the doors Blane and Jake stare at each other catching their breath thinking that if they can get out, it might just be the end of it; that this crazy experience is indeed a dream and that it will be over soon.

Jake looks back to make sure the pinball machine is safe and he notices that the vortex tunnel is just about closed. He becomes desperate changing his mind to go out the wooden doors and hurries back to the pinball machine. He looks straight up only to find a very tiny circle the size of a dollar coin getting even smaller as time goes by. He calls out to Blane, Maybe we should stay here, work on getting this porthole back open to go back. Blane rushes back to him looking up and sees his way back home is closing.

Jake shouts for the vortex to open back up, No, no look, Blane it’s closing. It has to take us back. Jake is weak but he jumps onto the seat reaching his hand into the tiny porthole.

Blane grabs Jake’s leg hoping that they will both get pulled back up into the circle of bursting lights and into the vortex that will take them back to their world and their home in Redondo Beach.

The once-blinding fluorescent colors are dull and dim. Blane desperately reaches his hand up into the vortex but nothing. It does not open. The electricity and even the pressure of the vortex are gone.

Jake anxiously yells to the hole as if the energy of his voice will open the porthole, Come on, please take us back. Blane looks around the warehouse to see what else he can use to get it open. There is nothing but big metal equipment and lots of wood.

Jake’s hand begins to disappear; he pulls it out quickly just in time as the porthole finally closes. All you hear are the calls of two terrified boys until they realize the opportunity is over and they finally stop shouting.

Complete silence fills the room, not even a whisper as they stare up in the air hoping for a glimmer of light to come back. The once magnificent swirls of illuminating lights are gone. No vibrant colors, nothing in the air, not even a speck of light, all there is now is silence. The guys stand silently in the cold air of a woodshed. With all of the excitement and adrenaline, neither one of them feels the sharp cold that is setting in.

The wood warehouse begins to feel like a block of ice and a chill runs through their spines. A chill reaches all the way down to their toes and they are not sure if it is from the weather or if is it that their minds are not coping that they have been thrust into another world.

Blane and Jake look around completely stunned uttering that it can’t be. How could they have arrived to this peculiar place by traveling in a most abnormal fashion? How could this be possible that they jumped from one space in time to another and didn’t even realize it until they were there? Now all alone they sense that the danger is just about to begin.

Blane and Jake continue staring at the ceiling hoping that the tunnel will appear, but it doesn’t. As time bleeds on they look at each other and know that the vortex that hovered over them is gone. The vibrant hole in the air that once stood with power has now disappeared completely. Their only link for them to get back has vanished just as fast as it arrived at the arcade on the Redondo Beach Pier.

They can see in each other’s eyes that they are scared. Scared of this unrecognized world. Blane and Jake feeling trapped now know that the only hope is to be brave and to go through the large wooden doors.

Suddenly the moment of decision is broken for them when they hear the sounds of horse hooves and the clinking and clanking of some sort of metal.

Wanting to discover what lies ahead the guys run to the door with urgency and without hesitation using all of their strength they pull open the heavy wooden doors. As they are about to take that first step past the threshold, they stop dead in their tracks stunned at what they see.

Normally what would be a picturesque view of snow lightly dusting on the cobble stone streets is a nightmare. A nightmare disguised as a beautiful moving picture as an old-fashioned carriage drawn by beautiful horses trots by on the rugged cobble street.

Men in old-fashioned suits and top hats arm-in-arm with women in beautiful long dresses with hats that gracefully match the delicate material of their dresses that adorn their perfectly pinned-up hair.

Storybook-style oil lamps line the streets illuminating the way for the elegantly dressed patrons. How can this be happening and how can we have fallen from the sky into this world?

CHAPTER TWO

A DRENALINE BEGINS COURSING through their veins so much so that they don’t even feel the cold of the night. They stand outside the wood shop in their cargo shorts and t-shirts bewildered at what they are experiencing. They look up and down the street trying to figure out where they are and why they are there. What they are seeing is unimaginable: a world that is not theirs, a world that they know only from reading about in history books. With fear in their guts, Blane and Jake slowly make their way out onto the cobblestone streets.

They can feel the snow lightly tickling their faces as it falls from the black skies. They stare out into the night as the cold brushes their skin. Oh my God, whispers Blane as his knees get weaker. They stand there thinking how can this be, how could this have happened.

The questions keep flashing like a loop racing through their minds. Is it supernatural or is it magic and what could have caused this event? How did they get caught into this wave of power that brought them into this new world but in their case, what brought them into this old world?

Blane musters up the courage and walks right up to a couple, Excuse me, please, can you tell me where we are?

The couple glares at Blane with such disdain giving him that up and down look. The gentleman moves the lady to his other side and shelters her as they hurriedly walk away.

Blane begins shouting, Where are we? Jake grabs Blane and tells him to please be quiet, to get back inside so that they can figure things out. Jake reaches into his pocket for his cell phone and nothing, The cell phones? Jake asks desperately, looking at Blane. Blane looks to Jake sadly, They’re back at the shop, in our lockers.

Blane is beside himself and runs up to a man pulling on his long winter coat, Please sir, where are we? The gentleman looks at Blane with a strange look and abruptly responds, London. Blane then pleads, What year sir? Please tell me what year are we in?

The man looks at Jake then to Blane, Eighteen hundred and eighty-eight of course. Unhand me lad, then he pulls his coat back moving away quickly.

Blane looks up with tears in his eyes now thinking to himself that Jake was right that all of this is a dream, It’s a dream. It has to be a dream.

Jake gently takes Blane’s arm, Come on Blane, I’m in it, too. You were right the first time, it is not a dream. Feeling the brisk cold air the boys make their way back to the wood shop.

Harry Timbers, a man in his early-forties dressed in an elegant suit, long winter coat and hat, had just been closing the doors of the town bank where he works when he heard the young man begging for answers. He quickly finishes locking the doors and approaches the guys just before they enter the wood shop, Pardon me, are you lost?

Jake, weak and tired, No, we are just… Blane jumps in, Yes. Lost, we are lost.

Harry looks at the boys’ clothing, "Come along then, it is very cold out here. You lads need to take shelter. May I help you find an inn?

Jake pulls Blane toward the wood shop not to go too far from the pinball machine. Jake is afraid that if they leave they run the risk of someone not only finding the machine but taking the only thing possible that can get