not a senseless contradiction
― Criss Jami
It's been two years since I purchased Blythe Summers' house and turned it into a shrine in her memory.
I adored her as a siver screen goddess from the Jazz Age never dreaming I'd discover a portal in her house that would lead me back to her time and fulfillment in her arms.
But I was torn between the goddess from the past and Stella, the Siren of my present life and I felt compelled to make a decision.
I opted to go back to Blythe and live forever in her era.
But Life isn't as simple as following our desires. I didn't count on how attached I had become to Stella and I certainly didn't anticipate that she'd pursue me to the point of crossing a century to be with me.
But that's exactly what Stella did―she followed me into the old wing of the house and opened the door to the past.
When Blythe looked up at the balcony, I saw her eyes grow wide with surprise , I followed her gaze and saw Stella staring down at me.
The first thought that crossed my mind was concern for Stella's safety.
I learned from my research that one person might be able to cross over the barrier into another era, but two people from the same time could not sustain that fragile state of mind necessary to maintain the connection.
Two people from the same era trying to sustain the experience would actually corrupt it―memories might glitch and one or both of us would become disabled or literally fade into oblivion as if we were never born.
I began to panic. I never considered my safety, but was concerened for Stella and felt she must return and leave me forever or end up losing her life.
"What's happening Theo?" Blythe gasped and added, "why do you appear so frightened? Who is that woman―does she intend some threat toward you?
I shook my head. "She's not a threat in that way, Blythe―she's in love with me and I suppose she followed me here to persuade me to go back with her."
"Do you have some kind of commitment to this woman?'
Again, I shook my head. "We're not lovers, just friends, as far as I'm concerned, but she wants something more."
Blythe nodded sympathetically, "Well, you can't just abandon the poor girl, Theo―go and talk to her and convince her to return to her time. You know it's dangerous for both of you to remain here too long. You have to explain, or go back with her to your time for both your sakes."
I knew Blythe was right. I nodded mutely and squeezed her hand to reassure her, but I was far from reassured inside.
Stella was determined and would not be easily swayed. Now that she saw that the past was real, I had no idea what steps she might take.
This was an outcome I didn't expect and I dreaded the conflict I was sure would ensue if I pressured her to leave.
Stella is the archetypal modern woman―fully liberated, independent and not easily thwarted.
I dreaded confronting her knowing that the conflict of our wills might have dire consequences.