Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Write in the SCIENCE FICTION genre (05/10/07)
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TITLE: Forever, Albert | Previous Challenge Entry
By Angela M. Baker-Bridge
05/17/07 -
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“My first consideration was housing, but if you’re pleased with the surroundings, that’s a bonus my dear.” Running his hand along the carved front door, Albert continued, “it’s very important Emma that you’re certain you’d be happy here. Remember, my work keeps me quite preoccupied, often late into the night. I don’t want you to live in a house that you detest. Now is the time to speak your mind.”
“Of that you can be certain,” she winked. He admired her spirit, though at times he feared it might cloud his judgment when the time came.
“Albert, the house is everything I could ask for, the property is spectacular, but… well… I don’t understand why you considered an estate outside of town when the Shelby place is available. You know I’m committed to the Literary Society and church choir… and there’s mother, and, well I don’t know about living so far away from the only life I’ve ever known.” Emma’s beaming smile began to fade.
Even downcast, Emma was beautiful. There were many men interested in asking for her hand in marriage. Albert hated deceiving her, but marrying her was the only solution. He took a deep breath, “Shall we look around back?”
Arm-in-arm, they strolled in the afternoon sun, drenched in dreams of days to come. Albert convinced Emma she could go into town as often as she liked. Passing a grove, Emma spotted a building at the rear of the property. “Aren’t you just filled with surprises? I wonder what kind of building that is. Shall we explore for hidden treasures?”
Albert held her back. “No need. There aren’t any treasures or much of anything actually. Besides, it’s going to be converted into my place of business.”
“Wonderful! Then I’ll never be alone before the children are born, and certainly not afterward… ” she giggled.
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It had been two years since Emma and Albert married and took residence in their country estate. Albert spent every possible moment working in his converted building. Regularly he received deliveries directly at the A. E. Trading facility. Sometimes he traveled away from home for days. Emma never quite understood what he did except that it involved priceless goods. He kept valuables in his office building, which required guard dogs and heavy security. She’d never been inside the building, or cared to. There were enough demands on Emma’s time overseeing the details of the restoration and decorating of the estate.
Emma’s life was busy, though she rarely saw Albert, and was still childless.
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After Emma hung the last of the handmade ornaments on the drawing-room Christmas tree, she pulled back the velvet drapes one last time. She could still see the dim glow of office lights. Obviously Albert was working, so she turned and went upstairs to bed, alone again.
The next morning Emma discovered that Albert had never come to bed the night before. Angry, she decided it was time to visit A. E. Trading offices. She dressed quickly and drove the carriage down to the back building. It was oddly quiet, different, eerie, and strange. There wasn’t any sign of the guard dogs. Cautiously, Emma approached the side entrance. The bolt was unlatched. Pushing the door, it opened to a huge workshop, not the finished offices she had always envisioned. Walking over to the table, she found an envelope with her name on it. Slowly she took out the note card and read:
“Dearest Emma, please know that I truly care for, and will never forget, you. However, I could not stay here even one day more once I discovered the way back home. I never should have appeared on Main Street the day we met. I landed there by accident. Fortunately, for the world, I met you. I regret that I cannot share the details with you, but this is not my time. Know that your generous spirit helped me correct what could have been a fatal error for humanity. Forever, Albert”
Emma was speechless until the knock on the door broke the silence. Opening the door, she saw a courier, “Good-day madam. I have a delivery of wires for Mr. Albert Einstein.”
Emma Einstein didn’t have a choice in being left behind… but you do!*
© 05-17-07
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*Mathew 24:42-44 (NIV) 42) "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43) But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.44) So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him..*
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The ending totally took me by surprise! I was half expecting Albert to be a visitor from another planet who would have to return to his home world (and possibly take Emma with him), but finding out he was Einstein time traveling to an earlier era intrigued and delighted me every bit as much! Great job!
SisJ