For Smudgie:

Separated By Time

September 1, 1885
5:00 PM PST

After Dr. Emmett Brown stepped out from the Western Union office, his heart felt so heavy. As much as he loved living in the Old West, he also felt so sad about knowing that he'd never again see his young friend, Martin Seamus McFly. He'd miss Marty.

Granted, Marty - who was stranded in 1955 - could travel back to 1885 and get him, and bring them both back to 1985. However, in the letter he gave to Western Union just a few minutes ago, he gave Marty very explicit instruction to not go back to get him - but to just head right back to 1985. This was a very painful decision to make.

However, he knew that any further travel could disrupt the space-time continuum in quite drastic ways. Anyway, he sure felt more at home in this era - and he really did manage to make friends. He even become close to Seamus and Maggie McFly.

He thought of how Seamus reminded him of Marty. He had reddish-brown hair and a lot of facial hair. He was short, however - and he sure had the same slate-blue eyes as his future decendant. It really was strange, though, how Maggie quite resembled Marty's mother. He also thought their little son, William, was very adorable.

Doc began calculating how much longer he might live. He was 65-years-old at the time he unveiled the DeLorean time machine to his young friend. After he quite spent eight months adjusting to this era, though - he would be 66-years-old. However, as he was in the future, he decided to a rejuvination overhaul, which added thirty to forty years to his life. This meant he could possibly live to see his own birth in the year 1920.

He recalled how his family moved to Hill Valley in 1908. He would have to try hard to keep from disrupting history. He started to have second thoughts about whether or not he made the right decision. Even as a little boy, he dreamed of being a cowboy. After he was introduced to Jules Verne at eleven - his dreams began to change.

He thought of his young friend, again. Would Western Union actually hold onto that letter for seventy years? He even ended up bribing them fifty dollars in order to get them to agree to hold onto the letter for Marty. He thought about how Marty would feel about going back to 1985 without him. Poor Marty would probably be sad.

Tears suddenly came to Doc's eyes, as he suddenly remembered how upset Marty felt over the prospect of him being shot by those Libyan terrorists. The very impact of the shot knocked him out for nearly half an hour, which really led poor Marty to believe he was dead. He remembered how adamant he really was against letting Marty warm him about his impending fate. He was so oblivious to the distress his young friend felt.

Just then, another thought entered Doc's mind. He decided to tape up and read the letter the following day. Would Marty's sudden reappearance in 1955 rather change his younger self's mind over reading the letter? If his younger self might just change his mind against reading the letter, this really could result in a major time paradox!

"Hey, Mr. Brown," called out a familiar voice. No one in this time period quite know that had a doctorate. So he was always referred to as mister, as opposed to doctor. "It's me, Seamus McFly. "Would you like to eat out at Holt's Diner?"

"Uh, hello, Mr. McFly," Doc replied, as he took a close look at Seamus. He was just taken aback by how much Seamus reminded him of Marty. "Sure, we could eat out now. I was just, uh, having Western Union deliver a letter to a friend of mine."

"Ya know, I wish I could write to my old friends and relatives," Seamus replied, as he sighed wistfully. After a brief pause, he added, "I notice you look quite sad. Is there anything I could do, to be of help? Would it be about your friend, by any chance?"

"Uh, yeah, actually it is," Doc replied, as he blinked back tears. "He's actually a real good friend of mine. In fact, he was my closest friend. Well, uh, we've been rather close for many years. It actually makes me feel sad to know that I'll sure never see him again. As much as it hurt me to say it, I told him to not come and get me."

"He can visit you, though, can't he?" Seamus asked, as gently placed a hand on Doc's shoulder. "I understand that you've really come to consider this place your home, but I'm rather sure your friend would love to pay you a visit here one of these days."

Doc was quite silent. He could exactly explain to Seamus that he came here in a time machine, and that he didn't even belong in this era. He knew he'd have to be be real careful about he interacted with. It was hard to say good bye to his young friend.

"It's rather hard to explain to you," Doc replied, as the two of them stepped into the restaurant. "With Buford Tannen in town, I don't think it'd be very safe for him to be here. He was sure threatening me the other day. He asked me to shoe his horse the other day, and he never even paid me for my job. I don't think he even likes me."

"He doesn't like anyone, Mr. Brown," Seamus explained, as the two of them headed towards a booth. "I mean, he doesn't want me spending time at the saloon - and he makes fun of the hats that I like to wear. I wouldn't let that old bufoon rile you up."

"Well, I'm used to people not really liking me," Doc said, with a heavy sigh. "I mean, I was often thought of as being 'strange' by the rather uptight residents from the, uh, the town I came here from. It really hurts deeply to have other people not like you."

"I know the feeling," Seamus agreed. "I mean, me wife and I actually had to deal with people not liking us - simply because we were Irish. We sure never felt it was that fair to judge other people by something they have no control over. I mean, it's really how one treats other people that matter the most. That's why we don't care for Tannen."

"Mad Dog Tannen is such a monster," agreed the middle-aged plump waitress, as she walked up to the table. "Marshall Strickland really should arrest him already. Mad Dog Tannen even shot a newspaper editor last year, after he printed a real unfavourable story about him. He has such an ego. So what will you gentlemen be having today?"

"I could rather go for a nice serloin steak," Doc replied, "with some mashed potatoes and some green beans - and I'll have two dinner rolls on the side. I could sure go for root beer, as well." Doc preferred Pepsi, but the Pepsi company didn't exist yet.

"I'll have the same thing that Mr. Brown is having," Seamus added, "but just give me milk to drink. I can't say that I'm especially fond of carbonated drinks. I sure have to admit that I would like to see Mad Dog Tannen brought to justice. He's very evil."

"I concur," the waitress replied, nodding. "I can actually remember him, from when he was much younger. I was simply a little girl back then, and I was quite scared to go to school - because he'd always be there. He used to always harass my older sister. The teacher had a hard time keeping him under control. I'll go place in your orders, now."

"So I guess this rather goes way back to his youth," Doc commented, as the waitress headed back to the kitchen. "Anyway, about my friend, I sure don't think it'd be such a good idea for him to come here. Believe me, it hurts quite deeply to say good bye."

"Believe me, I rather know the feeling," Seamus replied, sympathetically. "One of the hardest decisions me wife and I had to make was to leave Ireland. The thing is, I just remember how Maggie's parents were very resistent about letting Maggie go."

"I'm sure they just loved her dearly," Doc replied, gently. "I was sure blessed to have supportive parents, even if my peers weren't always so supportive. It could be tough to be the smartest student in your school. It's so terrible how some people can't quite appreciate the virtue of being intelligent. It's not like I ever lorded it over anyone."

"I guess some people are just jealous," Seamus suggested. "What about after Buford is brought to justice? I'm sure your friend could then come visit you, then. I mean, it's not like he's from outside of the country - is he? You were able to send him a letter."

"Well, uh, actually he lives in Canada," Doc replied, nervously. "That is a rather long way from here, and I'd hate for him to travel far just to see me. It's sad that I could never see him again - and I sure could imagine that he'll really miss me, too. I'm sure he'll understand why things have to be this way. He has his own life there to live."

"I can't say I've been to Canada before," Seamus replied, nodding. "From what I've heard, though - it's sure a nice country up there. Maybe you could come over there and visit your friend. I'm quite sure you have friends there who miss you, as well."

"Not too many close friends," Doc commented, very quietly. "I mean, I did have a lot of friendly acquaintences - but I sure wasn't close to most of them. I really feel more at home here. You people here are great, and it's just nice having dinner with you."

As the waitress came back with the dinner rolls and beverages, Doc began to worry that his young friend might be stranded in 1955. He had no such memories of Marty returning to him, after sending him back home in 1955. He tried hard to put it out of his mind, as he figured his younger self would be successful in sending Marty back.

For Anakin McFly:

A Movie Like No Other

February 17, 1989
9:30 PM PST

Twenty-year-old Martin Seamus McFly spent the evening at the movie theatre with his fiance, Jennifer Jane Parker. While the event itself was sure routine - the flick the two of them just saw was a movie that actually hit home to him. The movie in question was Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure - a movie about two time travelling teenage boys.

"I sure can tell you've enjoyed the movie, Marty," Jennifer commented, as the two of them were at Francesca's Italian Diner. "I sure can imagine you would become friends with Bill and Ted. They were both in a rock band - and they were also both slackers!"

"Hey!" Marty protested, as he had a mock wounded expression on his face. "Well, I guess you're right. I'm sure glad that my father isn't like Ted's. I'd even take a wimp for a father, over someone who is so authoritarian. I just felt quite bad for him."

"Maybe we should take a trip through time someday," Jennifer suggested, "and we could meet all sorts of historical figures. We could even go back in time and witness the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and we can even witness the birth ceremony surrounding Christ! We could maybe even do that this Christmas!"

"Actually, I already suggested it to Doc," Marty replied, "and he believes it's best to just leave that event alone. I rather learned plenty about Hill Valley history through the use of time travel, not to mention my family heritage. That was sure intriguing."

"Do you think we might ever see world peace and ultimate truth?" Jennifer asked. "It's rather odd to think that a rock band could actually hold the key. I'm almost tempted to take the time machine into the future and find out. I'm sure Doc just wouldn't let us do that, though. Anyway, it's probably about time for the both of us to settle down."

"I'm sure it wouldn't be our rock band," Marty replied, laughing. "Anyway, yeah, I'm not sure if I'm really interested in going on a time travel trip right now. It is very fun being able to visit various eras and all that - but, the thing is, I'm really no longer as young as I was a few years ago. I mean, we're sure not teenagers anymore."

"Marty, we are only twenty!" Jennifer exclaimed, as she burst ouit laughing. "That is hardly ancient! Besides, Marty, you should remember how being a teenager isn't too great. I mean, don't you remember how hard high school actually was - and we very much had other people telling us what to do all the time. We didn't have control over our own lives! It's real nice to, for instance, be able to eat whatever I want to eat!"

"I guess you're right, Jennifer," Marty said, quietly. "I remember how Bill and Ted had a rough time. I could just imagine that Ted would be all too happy to leave home, and to get away from his oppressive father. My situation is just unusual, though. Even up to this day, I still remember two different pasts. My past from the old timeline really is hazy, almost as if the whole thing was a dream. I'll never quite forget it, though."

"Hey, don't get me wrong," Jennifer added. "I do remember doing a lot of fun things as a kid. I really can remember the fun times we've had around Christmas, when the whole family would sure get together - and whenever my grandma would take me to the fair. I love my parents dearly, but they were sometimes a little strict with me."

"Well, it is a parent's job to set limits for their kids," Marty commented, "and I'm rather sure that, by the time our kids are born, we'll have to do the same with them. I mean, there's actually a difference between disapproving of everything your children do and setting some reasonable limits for them. My mom was a better parent in this timeline."

"At any rate," Jennifer replied, "this sure has to be my new favourite movie, and it doesn't even have Michael J Fox in it. Keanu Reeves is a great actor, too, though. You know, I almost feel as though you were just the inspiration for Ted Logan."

"Get out of town!" Marty protested, laughing. "I'm sure these people don't even know that I exist. I may look like the famous actor Michael J Fox, and I may also have great dreams of being a famous rock star - but, as for right now, I'm still just a nothing!"

"You're not a nothing, Marty!" Jennifer protested, as she quickly leaned over to kiss Marty. "Anyway, your music is played on our local rock station. Also, I'm planning to write in a little scene where you make a cameo appearance - and I really have plans for including a couple of your songs for the soundtrack for Jaws 5: The Rising."

"It's so great of you to think of me, Jennifer," Marty replied, warmly. "You're a bigger Jaws fan than I ever was, but I'm totally impressed with your scriptwriting. I'm rather enthralled with your storyline. It's awesome that your friend, Tracy Holt, actually has connections with Universal Pictures. Your script is actually much better and sure more interesting than Jaws: The Revenge - and it might just redeem the whole series."

"Thank you so much, Marty," Jennifer replied, gratefully. "I don't even have plans to be a full time scriptwriter - but, when Tracy read some of my stories, she was just so impressed. I mean, she even sent some of my stories to her uncle - and he said they were so well-written, it could've been written by a professional. It's hard to believe."

"So you're sure you'd rather take up child psychology?" Marty asked. "I mean, you do have a knack for writing the script - don't you think you'd really have more fun having a job that could allow you to just express your creatively? Just think, Jenn, you and I could be in show business together. That would just be incredibly awesome."

"I'm very flattered you think that way, Marty," Jennifer replied, laughing, "but I really do enjoy working with children. This has just been a dream of mine for so long. I want to be there to help encourage children who really happen to have troubled lives."

"You are one very dedicated woman," Marty replied, huskily. "So, anyway, about the movie we just watched - wouldn't it be rather neat if we could go through history and pick up various historical figures, and then use them in a history class presentation?"

"I'm sure even Strickland would be impressed by that," Jennifer replied, laughing. "We have to realize that the rules of time travel are different in that movie, though. It just seems as though the timeline there is fixed. I guess it would just mean those historical people always did end up spending some time time 1988. It's very fascinating."

"I'll admit it is," Marty replied, laughing. "I think it was very clever how they were just able to make that key appear, once they decided they would do that in the future. It just shows how their future selves prove to be a very useful ally. It's so awesome."

"Yeah, and to make matters even more complex," Jennifer added, "the key had been missing just the day before. It's almost as if there's pre-determination in that world. I feel it would be a great way of solving all paradoxes, and it'd make time travel not be quite so stressful. Just imagine how it'd really make our lives be so much easier."

"It sounds very neat on the surface," Marty commented, "but the one issue I do have with pre-determination is that it can just contradict the idea of free will. With all things considered, I'd take the kind of time travel we do have - even with the drawbacks."

"If you would choose to do something, anyway," Jennifer pondered, "I think it might still qualify as free will. I can see what you mean, though. I thought it was neat how Bill and Ted ended up with those princess they ended up having a crush on."

"It's nearly similar to how Doc met Clara," Marty commented. "It was so nice of Rufus to save those girls from meeting such a terrible fate. I wonder if they'll be coming out with a sequel someday. I'd really love to see how their romances will turn out."

"I'm more interested in how the girls would adjust to modern life," Jennifer replied. "I wonder where the girls may end up living. You know, we could maybe consider going into the Bill and Ted Universe - and we could find out ourselves. Maybe, to them, we are the fictional characters from a blockbuster movie called Back to the Future."

"Remember the week that Alex, Brantley, and Joe showed up?" Marty asked. "It was the case in all of their universes. You know, I rather wonder what could happen if we used the DeLorean to travel through time in that world. Would it work the same?"

"I think it's in how the machine operates," Jennifer replied. "I mean, do you remember how HG Wells showed us how his time machine worked differently? Say, what if Rufus was able to tweak the phone booth to travel between realities - and Bill and Ted were the ones to enter our universe? Now that would be a very neat thing to ponder."

"Yeah, it sure would," Marty ageed. "I was quite stunned to discover that HG Wells experience from Time After Time really did happen, only it was 1977 that he visited and met Amy Robbins. I guess this would just remain being our own little secret."

"Anyway," Jennifer replied, "it'd be neat if you and your band jammed with The Wyld Stallyons. I wonder if they'll eventually become very great musicians. It sounds like it would come to pass. Well, Marty, here comes our waitress. Should we go order more stuffed shells? You know, I can hardly wait for the movie to be released on video."

Marty smiled at Jennifer, as she thought about the movie. He just knew that, had Bill and Ted went to Hill Valley High School, Strickland wouldn't exactly be impressed with them. He wondered if he'd ever get a chance to meet these time travelling teens.

For Kleenexwoman:

An Attack Of A Thetan

August 12, 1985
3:00 PM PDT

Michael Andrew Fox, who was professionally known as Michael J Fox, usually didn't feel so restless. In fact, he was usually a rather free-spirited and outgoing person. With the last few days, though, he felt very troubled. He rather couldn't figure out why he was suddenly struck with insomnia. It was as if he had an anxiety attack.

On top of everything, though, he felt a little ashamed of feeling so restless. After all, he had quite a lot going for him - so he should be real happy. With Back to the Future being a major success, Michael had managed to become a very wealthy person.

His thoughts then turned to his girlfriend, Nancy McKeon. She was a very wonderful person, and she was always so loving and caring. The two of them were planning to eat out at a nice Italian restaurant for supper. He happened to love stuffed shells.

"Hey, Michael," called out a young female, as she ran up to the famous actor. "How are you doing? My mom and I are in town visiting, and it's very amazing that I might happen to meet you here." Even as Michael smiled real fondly at the young girl, she added, "I just couldn't help but notice that you're feeling disturbed. What's wrong?"

To Michael's horror, tears came to his eyes. "I, uh, I really don't know," Michael said, as he swallowed the bg lump in his throat. "Maybe it's all the terrible stuff that I hear about on the news. It bothers me to know how people in this world are so cruel."

"I know what you mean, Michael," the girl said, softly. "That's why I really don't care to watch the news. I can hardly wait to start for Family Ties to start up again. I sure love watching you on television. You should try not to watch the news so much."

"I sometimes wish I didn't care so much," Mike said, as tears suddenly rather began to roll down his cheeks. With his lips trembling, he added, "I try hard to be optimistic, but I just can't help but care about current events. I really can't help but care about what goes on in the world. It just bothers me how come people can be so cruel to others."

The girl drew Mike close to her, and hugged him very tightly. He just rested his head on her shoulder, as he wept brokenly. He sure felt embarassed to have let loose like that, but it was also a cleansing feeling. It felt so great to have a caring young fan.

"You know, Michael," the girl said, softly, "I think I know what's troubling you. I could even get some help for you. It quite looks to me like you've been attacked by a body thetan. You see, I'm a member of the Church of Scientology - and I'm sure I can help you get rid of the thetan. I'll understand if you're skeptical, but just give it a shot."

"I dunno," Mike said, as he lifted his head. "You do sound very sincere about wanting to help me, and I do appreciate that. It's just that, well, I'm not sure I quite trust the Church of Scientology. I've heard plenty of comments about it being a, well, a cult."

"We do get that a lot," the girl said, softly. "Sadly, the Chuch is really subject to a lot of misunderstanding - so I expected to really be skeptical. You don't even have to be a member of the Church, though. I could get you audited, and then you'll be fine."

Mike was uncertain of whether it was a good idea. He firmly did believe in keeping an open mind - but he just couldn't help but feel that the girl's theory was real, well, out there. He finally figured it couldn't hurt to give it a try. After all, he was very tired of feeling restless. He finally decided he might as well give the girl's suggestion a try.

"All right," Mike said, softly, "I suppose I could give it a try. It's usually not a restless type of person, so I'd do almost anything to get rid of this... this thing. So what do I have to do? I just hope this doesn't involve actually stepping into the... the church."

"Thetan," the girl replied. "Body thetan, to be exact. We do have to bring you to the church for the auditing process, because this requires a tool, called a E-meter. I sure can't do this myself, because I'm just not trained or qualified as an auditor. You don't have to be afraid, though. The process is completely harmless. I promise, Michael."

"Well, I can tell that you truly do want to help," Mike said, as he hugged the girl. "To be honest, I am still a little skeptical. Still, I'm quite willing to let you do whatever it is you need to do. By the way, uh... I don't think I ever got what your name was."

"My name's Rachel," the girl replied. "I'm Rachel Bourgeois. I really happen to be a big fan of yours, so it just bothers me to see you so upset. So I just feel that it's my duty to help you to not be so disturbed. It's so great that you're a very caring person."

"Thank you, uh, Rachel," Mike said, as he flashed the girl a lopsided smile. "So is this your car?" As Rachel nodded, Mike stepped in - and then he said, "It's good to know that I have such caring fans like you. I'm really so glad that I ran into you, Rachel."

oooooooooo

"So you're Michael J Fox, eh?" asked Vincent McDouglas. "I must say it's a surprise to see you here, even though it's not rather uncommon to have celebrities be affected. There is nothing you need to be afraid of, during the whole auditing process. There's a strict code of conduct that I need to maintain, so everything will be fine, Michael."

"This is the E-meter?" Mike asked, as he looked at the device. "I have to admit this device makes me feel rather nervous. So I hold onto these... these things... while questions are being asked? I'm not sure what exactly I think of this whole thing."

"These are cylindrical electrodes," explained Vincent. "Everything you tell me will be confidential. I'll be asking you a few questions about past incidences, including past lives. This will be help us to rid of the thetan, and then you'll be entirely healed."

"Uh, past lives?" Mike asked, confused. "You mean, as in reincarnation? I really don't remember anything about my past lives. I only remember this one. I guess you quite know what you're doing, though. As I told Rachel, I quite believe in keeping an open mind - but I have to admit that I'm rather nervous about what I have to answer."

"Just try to relax," Vincent said, "and sit here in this chair. Hold on to these cans, and I'll sure begin the auditing process soon. I have to fill out some paper work, and make some calls first. In the meantime, just take a deep breath and try to clear your mind."

"Hey, Rachel, can you call my girlfriend for me?" asked Mike, real softly. "Her name is Nancy McKeon, and she's the actress from The Facts Of Life. Could you let her know that we'll have to wait a couple hours to have dinner? Her number is 555-2684."

"I can do that for you," Rachel replied, as she gently squeezed Mike's shoulders. "Try to relax your mind. I know you're nervous about the whole thing, but you'll really feel good afterward. I really do care about you, Michael, and I want you to be healed."

As Rachel left the room, Mike tried his best to clear his mind. He knew that Rachel had his best interests at heart, and he quite hoped the auditing would work. He really was the kind of person to just find the good in everyone, but some of the people he would hear about on the news made him question human nature. He tried to ease his mind.

oooooooooo

"You're all clear, Michael," Vincent said, cheerfully. "The thetan is gone, now. How do you feel?" As Mike flashed him a lopsided smile, he added, "It was such a little bit of a rigorous process, but you're all set. You should be feeling such tranquility. Are you?"

"I feel entirely at peace," Mike replied, warmly. Turning to Rachel, she added, "Thank you so much for helping me! Now I'm sorry that I ever doubted you. The auditing has helped. Nancy should be real happy about this, too! I expect the two of us can really look foward to having a wonderful romantic evening together. You're so wonderful!"

Rachel threw her arms around Mike, hugged him tightly, and said, "I can hardly wait for Family Ties to start again this fall. I might not quite agree with everything Alex P Keaton stands for, but you have a way to make him such an endearing character."

"Thank you, Rach," Mike replied, warmly. "I don't agree with everything Alex stands for, either. I something think President Reagan just likes my character more than he likes, well, me. He wanted me to campaign for his re-election, as Alex P Keaton."

"That certainly isn't right," Rachel said, softly. "As a former actor himself, you'd think he could understand that a character's personality doesn't necessarily reflect that of the actor who plays him. That is quite a little like hating Thomas F Wilson, because of his actions as Biff Tannen from Back to the Future. I heard that he's a nice person."

"He is," Mike replied, warmly. "I had a lot of fun working with him on the set. He's just a real great actor, he can make himself become such a complete bastard onscreen. It is sometimes quite hard for me to be Alex P Keaton, especially when it comes to some his views towards women. I've always viewed women as being equal to men, so..."

"I think it's all mostly talk, though," Rachel commented. "He can be a real gentleman towards the ladies, and he really has a big heart towards those he cares about. It's real good to see you healed, now. You have a very good day, and I do love you."

"I love you, too, Rach," Mike replied, as he hugged the young girl. It felt real good to go back to being his optimistic self. Life may not be perfect, but there really is a lot to enjoy about life. His only other hope was that the thetan was now at peace, as well.

For D. J. scales:

Marlene's Tragedy

September 15, 2034
3:45 PM PST

Heidi Anne Hartford was basically your typical five-year-old girl. Most of the time, she really was whimsical, cheerful, and outgoing. She would often play with her dolls, and she loved watching cartoons and children's educational programs. She was quite fond of eating sweets, which her parents placed limits on. She also loved pizza and tacos.

Perhaps not so typical, she rather enjoyed listening to classic rock. Not rock from the early part of the 21st century - but, rather, from the latter part of the 20th century. Her favourite band was Led Zeppelin, which was now about roughly sixty years old.

However, she was not her usual cheerful self today. Belle Tannen, who really was a nasty girl from her class, had told her that her real father was Giff Tannen - and not Mike Hartford. Of course, Belle really could've been lying to her - as she wasn't very well-known for her honesty. Still, she couldn't help but feel disturbed by the idea.

"What's the matter, Heidi?" asked her older sister, Eileen. "It's not quite like you to be so quiet. I mean, you're usually quite talkative. Have you had a bad day at school? Is Belle still picking on you?" As Heidi nodded, she asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"One of these days," added Eileen's twin sister, Meg, "we'll sure teach Kiff and Belle a lesson that they won't ever forget. At least, Will and Stephanie really are nice. It's so strange how Kiff and Belle can be so different from their cousins. It's unbelievable!"

"Belle just told me that Dad isn't really my dad," Heidi said, as her eyes began to well up with tears. "She said Griff Tannen is my real dad. This means Belle and I would be sisters." She took in a deep breath, before adding, "Of course, she might've just lied to me - but what if she wasn't lying. I really don't want Griff Tannen to be my dad!"

"Aw, I wouldn't worry about it, Heidi," Meg said, as she put her arm around her little sister. "I'm pretty sure she really said that, only to make you upset. Of course, Griff Tannen isn't your dad. You're much too nice to be one of his kids. Just try to relax."

"We're just about home, now," Eileen added, as the hoverbus began to descend. "As we get in, you can talk to Mom and Dad about this. I guess this is rather disturbing to you. Even if Griff Tannen does happen to be your dad, though, we'll still love you."

After Heidi and her sisters stepped off the hoverbus, Heidi ran up to the house. Upon entering the house, she saw her mom in the kitchen. Even in this day and age of such instant cooking, her mom was rather fond of preparing food the old-fashioned way.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Marlene asked, as she turned to take a good look at her daughter. "I can see tears in your eyes. Have you have a bad day at school today? It was Belle, wasn't it?" As Heidi nodded, her mother added, "Her father always was real nasty. He used to always pick on me a lot. He's just a very bad influence on his kids."

"Mommy, I have a question to ask you," Heidi said, as she swallowed deeply. "Today, at school, Belle told me that Griff Tannen is my real dad. Is that true?" Marlene began to blush, which was a rather bad sign. "Please tell me, Mommy? Is Griff my real dad?"

Marlene really took in a deep breath, before she finally said, "All right, girls! Let's all of us sit down. I guess it's about quite time to have the talk." As Heidi and her sisters sat at the table - Marlene said, in a very quiet voice, "Heidi, Griff Tannen is your father."

Heidi was momentarily stunned, until she began to cry. This was just the worst day of her life. She didn't want that horrible man to be her dad. The man she had quite come to know as "Dad", Mike Hartford, was a lot nicer. Her world was starting to fall apart.

"I'm sorry, sweetie," Marlene said, just as she placed her arms around Heidi. "I'm so sorry you had to find out like this. Your dad... I mean, the one you know as 'Dad'... and I were planning to tell you about this, as you got older. I guess we've been not very honest with you, but... well, this whole thing is really just as upsetting to me."

"What about Meg and I," asked Eileen. "Is Griff Tannen our dad, too? Heidi is still our sister, isn't she? Does this mean Belle is our sister, too - and Kiff is our brother? Does this mean you cheated on Daddy with Griff? How could you do this to us, Mommy?"

"I never wanted this to happen," Marlene protested, as she began to cry. "Griff had forced himself on me! I never wanted to do it with him! I really wished to forget that this whole thing ever happened. I sure couldn't just have an abortion, as I'm morally opposed to the idea. We didn't want Heidi to know about this, until she was older."

"So, Mommy, are you saying that you were raped?" Meg asked, shocked. "That sounds quite awful! No wonder you didn't want to tell us about it! What about Eileen and me? What does this mean? Are we also sisters to Kiff and Belle, if Heidi is?"

"All right, here's the deal," Marlene said, as she wiped her eyes with a tissue. "Heidi, Griff Tannen is your biological father. However, he isn't your dad. There is really a am important difference between the two. Mike Hartford is still your dad."

"Is my name still Heidi Anne Hartford?" Heidi asked, as she really was confused. "My name isn't really Heidi Anne Tannen? How can, uh, Daddy still be my dad - if he didn't, uh, get me started? So, Mommy, do I have three sisters and one brother?"

"Okay, well, think about Fluffy," Marlene said, referring to the family cat. "You know how we say that we're also Fluffy's Mom and Dad?" As Heidi nodded, she continued, "I'm obviously not Fluffy's biological mother, as people don't give birth to cats. Still, I am Fluffy's mom - because I do raise her, and I take care of her every need."

Almost as if on cue, Fluffy climbed up onto Heidi. As Heidi began stroking the cat, she slowly began to understand what her mother said. Even if Mike Hartford really wasn't responsible for the creation of Heidi, he still really cared about her as one of his own.

"Technically speaking," Marlene added, rather softly, "Eileen and Meg are really your half-sisters. Belle is also your half-sister - while Kiff is your half-brother. In the grand scheme of things, though, this isn't very important. With all thing considered, we are your family - not the Tannens. So Mike Hartford is still your dad - not Griff Tannen."

"That's right," added Mark, as he stepped into the kitchen. "I'm real sorry I missed the whole thing, but I was just on the phone doing some business." As he walked towards Heidi, he added, "I always was your dad, pumpkin - and I always will be your dad!"

"Daddy," Heidi squealed, as she gently set Fluffy on the ground. She threw her arms around the man who still was her dad, and then she exclaimed, "I just love you a lot, Daddy! It's true you might not be my biological father, but you are still my daddy!"

"That's the spirit," Mike replied, just as he lifted Heidi up by her hands and swung her around. Tuning to Eileen and Meg, he added, "Why don't you girls join us? Let's have a big family hug! Fluffy can join us, too, if she likes. She's a part of our family, too."

"Just let me go get the camera," Marlene called out, cheerfully. "We can have a good picture of all six of us... of our wonderful family" She then leaned over to kiss the top of Heidi's head, as she whispered, "Sweetie, you be sure to tell Belle Tannen she was absolutely wrong. There is huge difference between a biological father and a dad."

"I will, Mommy," Heidi replied, as she smiled warmly at her mother. While she had to admit that she was disappointed about Griff Tannen being her biological father, she could take great comfort in knowing that she was still part of the Hartford family.

"Hey, Mommy," Eileen asked, with eagerness in her voice, "can we have Uncle Marty and Aunt Harmony over for dinner tonight, and also Uncle Aaron and Aunt Melody? I want to spend time with Little Marty and Suzy. They're both rather fun to play with."

"I could certainly call them and ask," suggested Marlene. "I was planning to make stuffed shells for supper tonight, and I think I should be able to make enough for everyone. Then we can maybe even watch a movie quite later tonight. We could watch a great classic. How about High School USA or The Secret of My Success?"

"I love Michael J Fox!" gushed Eileen. "He was so adorable, back in the 1980s. Little Marty really wants to be an actor, when he gets bigger. I have quite a good feeling he'll really come look like Michael J Fox - just like Uncle Marty and Grandpa Marty!"

"All right, everyone," Marlene said, as she held onto the camera. She set it on a stool, and added, "In just about thirty seconds, the camera will snap a picture." She went to join the rest of the family, and added, "Smile, when you heard the birdie clucking!"

Marlene then stood to the side of her husband. Heidi stood between them - as Eileen stood to the right of her, and Meg to her left. Heidi held onto Fluffy, who purred real contentedly. When the bird on the camera let out a few clucks, Heidi just smiled. She felt much happier, as she realized tha he status in her family would never change.

As soon as the picture ejected from the camera, Heidi looked closely at the picture. In this age of hyper-advanced technology, wallet-sized photos could produced instantly. That picture would really come to serve as a reminder of how fortunate she was to be part of a loving family. She then felt a pang of sympathy for Kiff and Belle Tannen.

Bumping, to work on D J scales' ficlet. :)

For bookgirl116:

A Night With Friends

November 9, 1985
5:30 PM PST

"I'm feeling quite nervous about tonight, Jules," commented five-year-old Verne to his seven-year-old brother. "In one way, we've quite known these people our whole lives - but, in another way, we're actually meeting them for the first time! It's confusing!"

"There's really nothing to be nervous about, Verne," protested Jules. "We just do the same things we've always done. That's just all there is to it! Nobody has to know that we grew up in the Old West. Anyway, Marty has to cope with the same issue as us."

"He doesn't remember growing up in two different eras," countered Verne, just as he took in a deep breath. "He really does remember growing up in two different families, but I'm really sure just about everything else was the same. It's strange to think that Bobby Winterson was my best friend for a long time, but I also haven't met him yet."

To the real casual onlooker, Jules and Verne Brown appeared to be your typical 20th century boys. However, they've also had a secret past in the late 19th century. The Brown family had returned from the past three days ago. Dr. Emmett Brown was the only one native to this era, but he met Clara back in 1885 - and it was instant love!

Sabrina Palmer, Doc's witch friend, actually managed to alter the recent history from September of 1977. As the result, the Brown family just ended up with parallel pasts both from 1885 to 1893 and from 1977 to 1985 - which could be real confusing.

"Well, I can't exactly argue with you," Jules said, gently. "I remember Mom and Dad asking to excuse us from school this week, so that we might go on a family trip. This was really so that our family could use this week to settle from one era to another."

"Oh, yeah, school," Verne replied, sighing. "It just feels strange to think that, by next week Monday, we'll be attending school in this century for the very first time! I'm very nervous about it - even though, in another way, I was enrolled in that school for a little over two months now. I'm simply not sure what to make of this whole thing."

"It's just best not to think about it too much," suggested Jules. "Our friends should be here real soon. Just think, we'll be having pizza tonight - and watching Teen Wolf. It's a very good movie, and it's quite awesome how Scott Howard looks like Marty McFly."

"If Marty really does ends up becoming a famous rock star," Verne suggested, "he'd probably be compared to Michael J Fox quite a lot. Hey, Jules, is it true that Michael really is seven years older then Marty? They look to be about the same age to me."

"It is true, Verne," Jules replied. "I guess Marty just ages faster than Michael does. I think it's due to genetics. I really would like to meet Michael one of these days. I was thinking of how cool it'd be, if he shot a movie in this town. I heard that he's a rather nice person, and he spends a lot of time doing charity work. He's a man who cares."

"Hey, boys," called out Clara, just as she stepped into the bedroom. "The Ungers are here now. They're just waiting for you in the living room. After Bridget, Bethany, and Bobby all show up - then we could put the movie on, and I could call for the pizza."

Jules and Verne both squealed with delight, as the two of them began to run for the living room. The Ungers consisted of two pairs of identical twins. The boys were Rex and Ron, and the girls were Rose and Rita. Verne then shuddered, as he thought of Rajan Unger - who, unlike his kind and respectful cousins, was just a complete bully.

Verne then thought of how ironic it was that he knew how terrible Rajan and his gang were - when, in a sense, he hadn't even met them yet. Yet, he remembered the very numerous times that Rajan's crowd would really threaten and terrorize him and Jules.

"Hi, everyone!" called out Verne, as he saw the Ungers in the living room. "We're just going to have plenty of fun this evening. Teen Wolf is a very great movie. Marty was sure thinking of dressing up as Scott Howard for Halloween, but then he decided that he'd rather be Clint Eastwood. I really think he should've stuck with his original plan."

"I really happen to like westerns, though," commented Rex. "Although, I'm rather not fussy - when it comes to movies. I think Michael J Fox is a good actor, but I preferred him in Mind Warped. I just like movies about alternate realities, and switching places."

"I just think it'd be cool to see Michael J Fox in a time travel movie," added Ron. "Hey, Jules and Verne, have you thought of what it'd be like - if time travel was possible? At least, I think it'd be so awesome to go back in time - and see my parents at my age."

"Well, uh, actually," Verne stammered, a bit nervously, "I'm glad that time travel isn't possible. Think of all the paradoxes that time travel could cause. I think it could make things too complex, and... well, I think it's better to leave time alone. It is interesting to think about, I'll admit - but, if it was to become reality, it would become a mess."

"My younger brother is, uh, actually right," stammered Jules. Then he looked up, and said, "Bethany! Bridget! It's so great that you two could show up. Have you watched Teen Wolf before? I do love that movie. I just think Michael J Fox looks quite a lot like Marty McFly. I'm pretty sure Michael is a very nice person, much like Marty really is."

"Marty is such a nice young man," agreed Bethany Logan. "I even remember the day that Marty was crying right in Bridget's backyard. I guess he lost quite a close friend, a friend that he called a mentor. My heart simply went out to that poor young man."

"I wonder if his friend was killed by a train," added Bridget Meyer. "I remember seeing a broken car on the railroad tracks later that day. I just wondered what anyone could do there, but I knew it was none of my business. I just felt real bad for him, though."

"Hello, everyone," called out Bobby Winterson, as he entered the living room. Bobby's older brother, Billy was a drummer in Marty's band - and Bobby also played the drums. "I brought a new Nintendo game along. I figured we could maybe play it a little later."

"That sounds so awesome," Verne gushed. "We're planning to watch Teen Wolf first, but we could maybe play your game afterward. Mom is going to order pizza for us. It really is gonna be such a fun night. I wonder how long we might be able to stay up."

"Well, Mom doesn't like us to stay up later than nine," Jules pointed out. "We'll have the whole day tomorrow to have fun, though. Mom just worries about what it might do to our system, if we have irregular sleep patterns. As a result, we rather seldom ever get up stay up late. I guess she has a good point, but it's still a real bummer."

"Your mom sometimes acts, well, old-fashioned," Bethany commented. "She seems to have a few ideas that really are out-of-date, even for my grandma. What's with her, anyway? I don't get it! Did she, like, grow up in the 19th Century - or something?"

"I guess she's just a little bit of a traditionalist," Jules replied, shrugging. "She cares about us all, so she's sometimes a little over-protective. She's not quite oppressive, though. She is so affectionate with us, and she does give us quite a nice amount of freedom. When all is said and done, I wouldn't exactly trade her in for anything!"

"All right, everyone," Clara called out, as she stepped into the room. "I called for the pizza. When it gets here, we can start the movie. I also don't want any arguing over bedtime. At nine o'clock, I expect you all to be ready for bed. Is that understood?"

Everyone nodded, as Clara left the room. It was always quite fun to have a sleepover party with friends. He just thought of how they never did anything like this back in the Old West. He then began to compare his friends between the two eras. He thought of how fun it'd really be, if he was quite able to gather all of his friends from both eras.

"Are you feeling okay, Verne?" Rita asked, gently. "You seem quite a little distracted, tonight. Y'know, if something is bothering you - you could just talk about it with us. It is what friends are for. So has our horrible cousin been giving you a hard time?"

"Well, he is very much of a bully," Verne replied, "but that's not why I'm quiet. I guess I just have a lot on my mind. I was just thinking about my life, and my friends. I guess I've been doing some rather heavy thinking. It really is nice to have friends like you."

"My younger brother isn't usually a real deep thinker," Jules added. "I sometimes wish my parents would let me skip a grade or two, but my dad says that it just isn't a great idea. I guess he worries that skipping me ahead a grade or two would cause my social life to suffer, and possibly even open me up to being bullied. I guess I'll accept that."

"Ron and I would really miss having you in our class," Rex pointed out. "Anyway, I'm getting quite hungry. At this rate, I think I might eat a large pizza by myself. I guess our mom's quite right, when she says that your eyes are bigger than your stomach."

"All right, kids," Clara said, as she came into the room with some boxes. "I'll just put the video in the VCR. My husband should be home in a couple of hours - and, if you need anything, I'll be in the kitchen. I think I can trust you to behave yourselves."

As Verne and all the other children grabbed for a slice of pizza, he thought of how quickly his mother was able to get used to the era. Much of it was with the help of Sabrina Palmer, of course. Still, he figured that even eight years was a very short time to really adjust to another era - after thirty years of growing up in one era.