― Ernie Gammage
I seem to have spent most of my adult life adoring Blythe Summers from afar. To me, she was the epitome of female beauty and frankly, I idolized her.
When Stella helped me purchase Blythe's house I turned it into a shrine filled with mementoes of her just so I could feel close to her, but I never anticipated actually being able to converse with her―that seemed impossible since the womna had been dead for decades.
But then something miraculous occurred. I discovered a portal in a disused wing of her house that led back to Blythe's era and was able to meet with her as she was, back in the heyday of her youth and fame.
We met and began a relationship that was so promising that I decided to return to the past and spend the rest of my life with her―well, that was the plan until just this moment when Stella followed me through the time portal to be with me.
Now, I'm faced with a problem--how do I convince Stella to abandon her pursuit and return to her time before one or both of us disappears forever because only one of us can occupy the portal at the same time?
Blythe has convinced me to try to persuade Stella to leave, but she doesn't know how persistent Stella can be.
Anyway, I'll try to talk to her.
I start up the stairs leading to the balcony and spot Stella gazing spellbound at the garden party below. It must seem to her like a scene from The Great Gatsby film and she may not be aware of the danger she's in.
As I reach the balcony she turns to me and bursts into tears. I wasn't expecting that reaction and I'm dumbfounded and helplessly stare at her, unsure of what to do or say.
"I'm so sorry, Theo," she gasps, "I thought you were delusional and hallucinating this whole business with Blythe. I don't understand how this can even be possible."
"I don't blame you for feeling that way," I tell her, " I don't understand myself how I opened this door on the past, but here we are―and I have to tell you, we can't both be here―it's dangerous and you have to go back or risk your life and mine by remaining here."
She shakes her head adamantly, "I won't go back without you, Theo―there's nothing back there for me without you."
"But Stella, you have your career and friends and family. There's nothing for you here."
"Don't you see, Theo? I'm in love with you. I'd rather die than live without you―surely you must know how I feel. I abandoned my pride long ago and have done nothing but shamelessly pursue you."
As I look at her I begin to feel lightheaded and feel like everything is beginning to slowly spin.
"We've go to go back, Stella, I'm already feeling faint. Please, don't argue, just come with me."
Stella glances longingly at the glamorous party below but she also seems alarmed by the change in my appearance.
"You don't look well, Theo. Alright, We'll go back. But you better lean on me as we walk because you're unsteady on your feet and I can't carry you if you faint."
I'm too dizzy and nauseous to argue and much as I hate appearing weak in front of her, I know I need her support.
She comes alongside of me and dips her shoulder under my armpit and props me up enough so we can stumble toward the doorway.
I feel completely helpless but submit and lean my weight on her. I can feel her struggling to carry the burden but even with her help can barely move my feet the short distance to the door.
The last thing I remember before blacking out was crashing though the door and falling, and then struggling for air as if I were drowning.