Step in Time

[megatude]

Chapter 15

The moon shown bright through the open window. Zebra lay awake, wondering how they were going to find her grandfather. As she was thus pondering, she tilted her head to look upon Meg's sleeping form. "Meg.....?" No response came. "Meg are you asleep?" Meg groaned and rolled over to face the wall. "Apparently not", she moaned, rubbing her eyes. Ignoring Meg's little tantrum, Zebra expressed what lay heavily on her mind. "I've been thinking; Alcmene's so kind, she looks as though she might need some help around here." Meg nodded her agreement. "I think you're right. By the looks of that field, they probably haven't been able to produce a good crop for some time." A light silence spread between them. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Zebra composed. "I do believe I am", Meg confirmed. Together, they decided that while they took residence in Alcmene's home, they would offer their service to complete the unfinished, daily chores. With that out of the way, Meg questioned the name Zebra had placed her with; "Megara? What kind of a name is that?!" Zebra knew this was coming. "It was all I could come up with on such short notice", she confessed. "I didn't want to arouse any suspicion of our origin. I remember reading it somewhere. Besides, I think it's a lovely name." Meg scoffed, "Whatever." She rolled onto her side, and her body went still. With her conscience cleared, Zebra was able to drift off to sleep. She sighed, peacefully, and snuggled into her woolen blanket. Outside, the crickets chirped softly, singing their soothing lullaby.
The following morning, tiny rays of sunlight peaked through the window, playing off Zebra's face. She moaned, upset by being disturbed from sleep, and groggily turned over to face the wall. A rooster crowed in the distance, signifying the dawn of a new day. "Who's yelling?" Meg whined, still half-asleep. She covered her head with the pillow, trying to muffle out the noise. She stayed in that position until a pleasant, tantalizing aroma, awakened her sense. The mouthwatering scent of fresh baked bread, brought both girls at full attention. They threw off their blankets, padding in bare feet upon the cold, stone floor, and followed their noses. Entering the kitchen, they found Alcmene carrying a hot tray of baked goods to the table. In daylight, they were able to get a better look at the house's interior; It was quite small, and humbling. There were only three rooms: The kitchen-entry way, and the two bedrooms, that branched off it. There was little furniture, but that didn't seem to matter.
Sensing their presence, Alcmene glanced up, and a smile radiated her face. "Good morning!" She greeted cheerfully. "Are you two up for some breakfast? Honey and Corn Biscuits." Meg and Zebra immediately complied and sat before the table. Then, the front door pushed open and an old man entered. He looked tired and worn, as if he'd had a rough journey. He sighed, seemingly exhausted, as he removed his straw hat and hung it on a hook near the door. Alcmene stood to greet the man, whom Meg had guessed, was Amphitrion. "Welcome home dear", she said as she embraced his skin-and-bone frame. "It's good to finally be home", he said, hugging her back. "Oh, breakfast!" He collapsed into a chair and finally noticed they had company in their midst. "Well now, what have we here?" Zebra figured now was as good a time as any to offer their proposal, and spoke in their behalf. "We're your new farm-hands. Zebra and Megara." Meg still flinched at her new name. Alcmene was surprised by this news. "That's not necessary dear." "Too late", added Meg. "It's already been decided." Alcmene didn't know what to say. "We'll work hard, and bring life back to your farm", Zebra promised. Alcmene smiled gratefully, her soft eyes growing moist. "Your help is most welcome", said Amphitrion. "We could, most definitely, use it. There's truly no end of work on a farm. But with your help, we might actually have positive results come from that work."

[Herc's_Girl]

Oh! Keep going!!!!!

[megatude]

There was no use in dilly-dallying, they set straight to work; Zebra stayed in the kitchen with Alcmene, learning how to 'really' cook. That is, without the help of modern appliances and short-cuts. That night's dish; roast chicken with boiled corn. Alcmene skewered a small chicken and rotated it over the blaze of the fire. Zebra shucked corn. Due to the small crop, the corn hadn't fully matured, but it would suffice. She journeyed to a near-by stream, to gather water for the cooking pot. Bending down, where the water met the shore, Zebra scooped the cool water into the bucket. Lifting herself to her feet, Zebra raised her head and her eyes found Meg, working diligently in the field with Amphitrion. She was chopping at the soil with a hoe, to loosen up the clay and dirt. Zebra smiled to herself. Maybe they could create a life here, if worse came to worse, and their search turned up empty. She just hoped Meg would forgive her. Zebra spun on her heal and headed back toward the house, water sloshing and splashing as she swayed on each step, under the weight.
Meanwhile, Meg wiped her brow and surveyed her progress, and was disappointed by the result. There was still so much ground to cover. Amphitrion chuckled. "Seems never-ending, doesn't it?" Meg sighed in response. She stabbed her hoe in the dirt and leaned against the handle, trying to catch her breath, or what remained of it. "It gets better. Just wait and see. It's very gratifying to, eventually, behold the fruits of one's labor." Meg grunted. 'If we ever GET that far', she thought silently. Amphitrion considered the young lady. "Don't worry, the season's still young, and I can tell; you're a very skilled worker." He commented. This caught Meg by surprise, causing her to smile, maybe even a blush. Her mood suddenly lightened. She could do this! As she thought this, a tiny figure appeared at the top of the rise. Zebra was waving her arms over head, shouting for their attention. "Meg! Amphitrion! Dinner's ready!" The setting sun reflected off her long ebony hair, making her silhouette appear as a shadow, stretching across the land. Dinner? How late was it? Only then, did Meg just realize how low the sun had descended into the western sky, ducking behind the mountains. 'Wow! Time really does fly when you're having......fun?' Amphitrion stretched his tired bones. "The best part of the working day, is the end of one", he chuckled happily, welcoming the chance to replenish.

[Herc's_Girl]

Don't stop now!

[megatude]

The weary laborers entered the house, and an enticing aroma came to greet them. Alcmene and Zebra were laying the evening meal upon the table, when they took in Amphitrion and Meg's grubby state. Meg was just about to seat herself and dig in. "Wait a minute!" Zebra interrupted. Meg paused, frozen in mid-squat. "You two are filthy! Go wash up for supper." Amphitrion knowingly shook her head and returned outside. Meg watched after him, then looked to Zebra with disbelief. Zebra glared back, silently communicating that she'd make no exceptions. Obviously, Meg wasn't going to win this contest. She grunted, straightened her tired legs, and went to catch-up with Amphitrion.
She met up with Amphitrion at the stream, where he knelt, splashing water to his face. Meg slumped to her own knees, and angrily washed the dirt from her own skin. The cool water felt good and seemed to quiet her temper. "Can you believe this?!" She complained. "We work all day, and before we are permitted to relax, we have to cleanse ourselves." Amphitrion chuckled at Meg's naivety. Such was all routine to him now, though occasionally, such would slip his aging mind. "They do their job and we do ours. It's quite an sensible compromise." Meg sighed in defeat. What was the point in arguing? Amphitrion rose to his feet, his bones creaking in protest. "Come. Let us claim our reward." Together, they returned to the farm house.
During dinner, the subject of Zebra's grandfather was the object of their discussion. "How did your grandfather come to be missing?" Alcmene wondered, directing her question at Zebra. After all she'd done for them, Zebra felt she could trust Alcmene, fully. So, she decided to be truthful with her, to a certain extent anyway. "He......left, to seek out his beloved wife. Up until a few weeks ago, I had no knowledge of his existence. A gentleman came to visit me, to pass along some of his belongings. I wanted to know more about the man that my mother spoke of with disgust. Doing a bit of research, I discovered no record of his passing. With Meg's help...." She sent Meg a grateful look. "We set out to uncover the truth, and our journey led us here." Re-living the story from Zebra's words were giving Meg a headache. "But, why, did you leave?" Amphitrion wondered. "Don't either of you have families, waiting for you?" A familiar pain coursed through the nerves of the two, young girls. They had no family, no one would miss the space in time they had once dwelled. They only had each other, to call family. "Our parents were killed while traveling", Meg recalled quietly. "Bandits", Amphitrion assumed gruffly. Zebra bowed and shook her head. "No. It was an accident. It could no have been helped." Alcmene put a hand to her heart, touched by their sad misfortunes. "You poor dears. I am truly sorry." Meg turned her head from their gaze, not seeking pity. "This was a long time ago." "So, what will you do, when you find your grandfather?" Asked Alcmene. Zebra shrugged. "We're hoping, he'll be able to guide us home. We've become quite.....turned around since we arrived here." Beneath the table, Meg clenched her fists, knowing how slim their chances were. Suddenly, feeling ill, she got to her feet. "If you'll excuse me, I'm not feeling well." Concern coarsened Alcmene's features. "Will you be alright my dear? Perhaps I should brew you some tea..." Meg waved her off. "No, thank-you. I'm sure it's nothing. I think I just need some air." With that, Meg took herself outside. Zebra, guiltily, watched her as she stepped out. The sound of the door shutting behind her, vibrated withing Zebra. Like a judge's gavel passing a sentence. So be it. Zebra knew she was guilty of up-rooting Meg from all she had known. What was left than to confess? Meg needed a minute alone, that much was certain. Zebra would go to her in due time.
The elderly couple looked to Zebra, questionably. "Will she be alright?" Alcmene asked. Zebra smiled, awkwardly. There was no reason to spread the impending gloom. "Ya, I'm sure she'll be fine" 'At least, I hope she will', she prayed silently.

End of Chapter 15

[Herc's_Girl]

Wonderful!

[megatude]

Chapter 16

Darkness had settled in. The tiny blades of grass tickled Meg's sandal exposed toes, as she made her way to the top of the hill. When she reached her destination, she sat herself down. A slight breeze swept in. Meg pulled in her legs and hugged them to her chest, resting her head atop her knees. The wind stirred her long, auburn hair and she shivered. What was going to happen to them now? Every passing moment decreased their chances of ever returning home. Even 'if' Julius Sanders was there, in that area and time, that was still a lot of ground to uncover. How would he even be recognized? Zebra had only seen him in pictures. Somehow, as Meg gazed at her surroundings, she felt more alone than ever. She couldn't say why she seemed so homesick. Her life in the modern century was anything but happy. But she always took comfort in the familiarity of it all. She knew where her life was going, and that seemed to be enough. Here, she wasn't sure about anything. One had to keep on one's toes, at every turn, in order to survive in this wilderness. Meg sighed and tilted her head to the sky. The moon shown large and bright, almost close enough to touch. The sight was quite breathtaking. At least some things never changed, no matter where or when you were in the world.
Zebra found Meg, exactly where she suspected she would be. Tentatively, she approached the lone figure. When Meg didn't acknowledge her presence, she sat beside her on the cool grass. She looked to Meg and sensed her distress. Licking her lips for courage, she proceeded to express her regrets. "Meg.....I'm sorry. I know this is no excuse, but....I didn't mean for it to go this far." Meg stayed silent, her attention fixed on the stars. "Meg please! I can take any punishment you can dish out, but not your silence. I need you Meg." Tears clouded her vision as she waited for a response. Surprisingly, Meg chuckled and shook her head in self-criticism. "You always were one to turn the tables of guilt." Zebra's face was aghast in shock. "I'm not upset with you Zebra. I'm just not sure of what to do now. And, to tell you the truth, I'm a bit afraid of the unknown." A smile finally broke across Zebra's face. "Oh Meg, I'm scared too." She wrapped her arms around Meg's neck in relief, with her usual blubbering. "But remember; when we're together, we can do anything!" Meg nodded her agreement and pulled back. "Just promise me one thing...." Zebra waited, ready to comply to whatever Meg requested. "The next time you decide to plunge, head first, into the jaws of fate....Count me out!" Zebra was able to giggle, and wiped her tears. "Deal." With that straightened out, their arms around each other's shoulders, they returned to the farm house and retired to bed.

[Herc's_Girl]

Gah! Give me more,give me more! What happens next?!

[megatude]

Meanwhile, in the modern century, Mr. Elwood was growing impatient. Why hadn't his client contacted him about her final decision on the house? Her scheduled time had expired some time ago. His company was starting to get anxious. Finally, he decided to contact Ms. Sharp, himself.
He looked-up her number in his planner and dialed. After about the 8th ring, he closed his cell phone in frustration. He even tried talking to her in-person. His fist was getting sore from his constant banging on her apartment door. When there was no answer, he sought out the building's landlord. (At least he was home) "So, you haven't seen either of them all week!?" Mr Elwood asked the building's owner. "Nope", the grungy man responded, scratching his backside with intense fingers. Inside, Mr. Elwood cringed. He was obsessed with cleanliness and order, and judging by this man's behavior and outward appearance, he didn't follow any bathing rituals. "Their rent is due here pretty soon too. If you see them, remind them for me. I can't have irresponsible kids as tenets." Mr. Elwood rolled his eyes, he had enough to worry about, he couldn't be bothered with such inconveniences. Never-the-less, he assured the slob that he would pass the message along. That is, if he ever found her.

As it had many times before, the sun arose from it's slumber, signifying a new day. But this one seemed different somehow. Gradually, Meg was learning to endure her current situation, taking each day as it came. Though she was far from selling the farm, so to speak. Meg wasn't about to give up on the prospect of returning home to the modern era. Unfortunately, Zebra didn't appear to share in her enthusiasm. She seemed more at home now, than she ever did elsewhere. But when it came right down to it, if she were given the choice of going home without Zebra, or remaining in the past beside her, her decision would be obvious. She was the only connection to what was real. 'Just grin and bare it girl', Meg replied to herself. 'Grin and bare it.'

[Herc's_Girl]

Must know more.

[megatude]

A couple weeks had passed, and things were going well. Everyone was pitching in to prepare for Amphitrion's next trip. Using a razor sharp scythe, Meg slashed away at the alfalfa plant, to bundle them up tightly for easy travel. Amphitrion brought out a cart to transport the goods to potential buyers, pulled by a tired-looking, donkey named Penelope. As she waited to haul the cargo, the elderly animal, lazily chewed the cud. Zebra approached her and started to stroke her gruff muzzle. She looked to be enjoying the affection, because Penelope leaned into her touch, relishing the attention.
"Awe, she's so cute!" Zebra commented, scratching the creature behind the ear. Meg considered the animal carefully, and noticed her delecate frame.
"You expect this....donkey, to pull all this...." She pointed out the intended cargo. "All the way into the city?!" Penelope snorted, seemingly insulted by her remark. Amphitrion came to her defense.
"You don't need to worry about ol' Penelope here." He assured, patting the animal gently on the head. "She may not appear to be so, but she's tough and very reliable." Penelope proudly raised her nose toward the sky.
Meg shrugged, still not convinced. "If you say so."
At least SHE didn't have to accompany them. Though, it would probably spare her a great deal of worry over Zebra to join them. It had been Amphitrion's idea for Zebra to come along, on this trek. In doing so, she would be able to inquire about her grandfather with the local villagers. She, also, thought it a good idea to bring along their modern clothing. Perhaps she could trade them and acquire some decent, more fitting, outfits, for the both of them.
Meg pulled Zebra aside, to speak in private. "Are you absolutely sure about this? That, you'll be alright? Do you fail to remember those men we ran into when we first arrived?"
Zebra smiled, appreciating Meg's concern, and placed a comforting hand upon her shoulder. "Don't worry Meg, Amphitrion will be with me, we'll be fine."
Meg closed her eyes, exasperated. "I can just imagine how much protection he could offer you", she blew out with a sigh.
Zebra's smile fell. "Give him some credit Meg. He says he has never had any problems with trail thieves, yet." The word 'yet' hung heavily over Meg's head.
"Don't YOU forget, who also saved your rear end back there. Besides, you'd only get in the way", She pointed out, bringing the matter home.
Meg's mouth opened and closed, like a fish out of water, unable to counter her argument.
"Alcmene needs you here", Zebra added.
Meg bit her lip and nodded. She would do her part, where she was needed. Zebra shook her head, and clasped her friend's shoulders, attempting for the final time, to reassure her.
"We'll be back in a couple days. Everything will be alright." With that, Zebra returned to the wagon, where she found Alcmene and Amphitrion in each other's arms, in a farewell embrace. She stayed back a bit, to give them some privacy.
"Have a safe journey dear", Alcmene told her husband. Amphitrion released his wife.
"Thanks love."
He helped Zebra onto the rickety, heavily loaded, wagon. Then, carefully, climbed in behind her. Alcmene handed him a pack of provisions she had prepared for them. In thanks, Amphitrion bent down and kissed her forehead. Meg approached, grabbed Zebra's hand and looked sternly into her eyes.
"Be safe!" She whispered firmly.
Zebra gave Meg's fingers a squeeze, confirming that she would, and nodded. Amphitrion flicked the reigns and clicked his tongue, giving Penelope the cue to depart. As they started down the road, Zebra peeked around the tall stacked hay bails, and waved. Meg and Alcmene heartily returned the gesture. And soon, they were out of sight, over the distant hills.

End of chapter 16

[Herc's_Girl]

So...I'm just curious. Herc plannin' on showin' up soon? I'm so enjoying this!

[megatude]

Of course, his part is coming up pretty quick. I couldn't forgive myself if I left him out.

[Herc's_Girl]

Whoo Hoo!

[megatude]

Chapter 17

It was still early in the day, and there were plenty of chores to get accomplished. Meg took a deep breath, preparing herself, and exhaled through her nose. "Shall we get started?" She asked Alcmene. Alcmene smiled sweetly and nodded, taking Meg's arm.
She led Meg inside the barn, which housed a few scant chickens, and a single cow. Straw covered much of the floor, in favor of the animals that bedded there. Alcmene retrieved a three-legged stool from the corner near the water trough, and set it before the rusty-red colored animal. "Have you ever milked before?" Alcmene asked Meg and set out an empty pail. She shook her head. She got her milk the way any modern century women would, at the supermarket. "I see. Well it's really quite simple. Here." She sat Meg onto the stool. She sat there dumbly, unsure of her next move. "just grasp the udder with both hands, and slide them down, one after the other", Alcmene instructed.
Tentatively, Meg grabbed the hanging udder. Startled, the cow moaned a loud 'MOOOO!' And bucked, knocking Meg to the floor. Startled, herself, Meg crawled backward as the creature gave her an un-friendly glare. Alcmene went to her aid. "Are you alright dear?" She took her hand and helped her gain her feet. "Well no wonder", she commented. "Your hands are freezing. Clio doesn't appreciate cold hands." She approached the cranky animal and stroked her velvet back. "Now Clio, Meg is unaccustomed to this work and your preferences. So, you'll have to be patient with her." Clio seemed to understand, cause she nodded at her master's request. Alcmene waved Meg forward, once again. "Come on now, try it again." Understandably apprehensive, Meg cautiously sat before her task. Those udders seemed much larger than before. She looked to Alcmene for encouragement, and she nodded. Meg wiped her hands on her make-shift skirt, and slowly reached for the milk swelled muscle. She squeezed gently, and was delighted and relieved to see cream-colored liquid, spill into the pail. As she continued, the easier and more comfortable it became. She beamed a smile and looked up at Alcmene, who returned her smile, mentally communicating a: 'Well done!