February 15, 1986
1:00 PM PST

Seventeen-year-old twins, Calvin and Marty McFly, were eating lunch in Dr. Emmett Brown's garage. Doc picked up BLTs at the local deli, which the three of them rather enjoyed. It was just the day after Valentine's Day, and Calvin was just feeling quite depressed. He even had to admit that he felt envious of his identical twin brother.

"You're so lucky, Marty," Calvin said, with a heavy sigh. "You've been dating Jennifer for over two years. I do manage to find a date here and there, but I sure can't seem to find the one who's just right for me. Tell me, Marty, how did you manage to do it?"

Marty was silent for a few minutes, before he replied, "Well, it simply happened. You meet the right girl, it just hits ya... It's like lightning." Doc had a look of bewilderment on his face, at the last word. Marty blushed, before he added, "That's quite the way true love was for me and Jennifer. Man, we couldn't keep our eyes off each other!"

Calvin sighed heavily, as he mumbled, "It's just not fair, though. Why can't I meet a girl like that? Tell me, Marty, what am I doing wrong? I know I have at least one son thirty years in the future, but do I ever end up actually having a happy marriage?"

"Uh, Calvin," Marty replied, gently, "I just think you need to calm down. We're only seventeen. Many people sure don't find their true love until they are somewhere in their twenties. You just need to have a little more patience, and not lose all hope."

"I understand that, Marty," Calvin replied, as tears came to his eyes. "It's just that... well, you have Jennifer... and you've had her for over two years. I actually don't get why I have to be the unlucky twin. I really felt lonely last night, while you were out."

"You're at least able to find girls who are willing to date you," replied Doc, just as he sighed wistfully. "Ever since that Jill Wooster fiasco in 1946, I've never been able to find anyone. To be honest, I'm actually distrustful of women. Jill had been real cruel towards me. She even suggested I must be living in a fantasy world, when I..."

"What is it, Doc?" Calvin asked, as he saw how the scientist looked real sad. "You can tell us, whatever it is. I guess talking about Jill Wooster is quite upsetting to you. She must've taken it rather personally, after you'd turned down her father's suggestion."

"It goes quite deeper than that," explained Doc, as tears filled his eyes. "I just don't think she ever truly loved me. In fact, I'm very positive she didn't. What I was going to say is, she accused me of living in such a fantasy world - when I refuted her claim that most of the people in this town hated me, which I never felt was exactly true!"

"What a minute, Doc!" exclaimed Marty. "Are you telling me that she really accused you of living in a fantasy world... just for believing that you really weren't the most hated resident in town?" After Doc nodded sadly, he added, "She's a real bitch! If I was there, I would've just told her off! She had no right to say such a cruel thing!"

"That sounds awful!" Calvin gasped, as he suddenly felt rather ashamed of being too wrapped up in his own problems - to understand that some people had it worse. "She sounds like a stuck-up snob! You certainly didn't need a woman like her, anyway!"

"Well, it's all in the past," Doc said, sighing. "There's really no sense in dredging up old traumas." After a brief pause, he added, "You know what I think might make us feel a little better? How would the two of you quite like to go on a time travel trip with me?"

"That sounds quite awesome, Doc!" Calvin exclaimed, as he was very thrilled with the idea. "It might be very nice for us to just have a little change of pace. It would be like taking a vacation, just the three of us. What's very awesome is, we don't have to tell our parents about this. We'll just simply come back here at the moment we that left."

"Precisely," replied Doc, as he broke out into a smile. "Actually, I was really thinking of visiting my favourite historical era - the Old West. When I was a kid - I always wanted to be a cowboy. Now that I have a time machine, we can acquire a taste of that era."

"That sounds like a great idea, Doc!" Calvin said, with great excitement. "I really love watching westerns, with brilliant actors as Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. It's quite going to be like stepping onto the set of a western. This could be a nice experience."

"It will be quite a little like being in a western," Doc agreed, "only we'll be there as the characters, and not as the actors. We'll really be able to see what it was like to live in that era." Turning to Marty, he asked, "What about you? How's that sound to you?"

"Well, uh, I was thinking I'd rather go back in time to the '60s," Marty replied. "We did visit the year 1965 last Halloween, but we only stayed real briefly. I really want to be able to experience more of what era was like, and see what our parents did then."

"You know what I think, Doc?" Calvin asked, with a smirk on his face. "I think Marty is still quite obsessed with rock and roll! I mean, just look at him! He doesn't seem to be interested in seeing the Old West. He'd much rather visit the '60s, where psychedelic rock was the thing." Turning to Marty, he added, "Don't you even try to deny that!"

"Calvin, don't tease your twin," Doc said, reproachfully. "We all just happen to have our own passions." Turning to Marty, he added, "Hey, Marty, we could visit the '60s another time. You don't have to come along, but it'll give you a very nice vacation."

"All right," Marty replied, somewhat reluctantly, "I guess I'll come along. It'll give me more time off from school, and I sure have to write a research report on a historical era. I guess I could do mine on the Old West, and it'll make my assignment easier."

Calvin couldn't help but chuckle a little, as he knew that Marty didn't care for school quite as much as he did. He rather had to admit that he'd quite miss certain modern conveniences, including things like indoor plumbing. He figured it'd be an interesting experience, nonetheless. He was quite glad that Doc had invented a time machine.

"All right, boys," explained Doc, "I happen to have a trunk full of clothes that I have from various time periods. I should have some clothes from the Old West that would fit you boys." He just pulled an outfit that was so similar to one Clint Eastwood wore for a movie, and then he asked, "Would either of you boys really like to try this on?"

"I guess I will," Marty replied, as he grabbed for the outfit. "I guess it wouldn't be too bad, spending some time in the Old West. If we're just staying for a few days, it very much should be fine. You know, I might even be able to meet some of my ancestors."

"Now that I must caution you boys about," commented Doc. To Calvin, he said, "Why don't you try on this outfit? We just need to pack up some items, and then we can go back to... oh, maybe 1886 - or maybe even September of 1885. It was the day..."

Just then, there was a knock on a door. Calvin felt nervous, as he wondered who was there. He could just say that he and Marty were playing dress-up. As Doc had opened the door, he saw that Jennifer Parker was there. His heart really sank at the sight.

"I sure decided to swing by a little," Jennifer explained. As she caught sight of Marty, she gasped, "Marty, you're dressed up like Clint Eastwood! What are you..." Jennifer realized something, as she asked, "You're really going on a time travel trip?" As Calvin and Marty both nodded, she turned to Doc and asked, "Hey, could I come along?"

"Well, it's up to the boys," Doc replied. "I personally don't have any problem with you going with us, and I'd hate to make you feel excluded. I have some outfits that could fit you. I even have have a nice pink frilly Victorian dress that might actually fit you."

"Jennifer, I'd love to have you join us!" Marty gushed, much to Calvin's dismay. "The week might really be lovely, if you would come back with us." Calvin couldn't help but feel dismayed. After all, the whole idea of this trip was to take his mind off of girls.

"Doc, how are we going to fit all of us in the DeLorean?" protested Calvin. "Are we all gonna just cram inside that thing? The DeLorean only seats two people, and it's quite crowded trying to fit just three of us in here. I don't think Jennifer can come along."

"Calvin! Calvin!" Doc admonished, gently. "I have a station wagon, now - that I also converted into a time machine. I figured I'll just need a bigger vehicle, if I wanted to take you on a time travel trip. It's in the back of the garage, and I rather decided to have it hover-converted. I just need to grab several items, and then we can go."

Calvin then headed out to the back, as the last thing he needed to hear was mushy romance between his twin and Jennifer. He blinked back tears, as he resented very much how Jennifer showed up when she did - and why his twin was so damn lucky.

After what seemed to be a long time, the others entered the station wagon. Calvin didn't say a word, as Doc began to drive off to Hill Valley Park. Calvin began feeling that this trip may not be as relaxing as he really hoped it would be. Having Jennifer come along could spoil everything, as she and his twin would always be so mushy.

"All right, everyone," Doc called out, as he began to hover the station wagon, "brace yourselves for temporal displacement." He really accelerated the station wagon to 88 miles per hour, until it finally broke the time barrier. Calvin really took in a deep sigh.

September 4, 1885
4:00 PM PST

After the station wagon landed in 1885, Marty glanced over at Calvin. He felt rather concerned for his twin. It seemed almost as Calvin was so irked that he said Jennifer could come along. However, he figured the trip could be a more pleasant experience for him - if he had his girlfriend with him. He just figured Calvin would get over it.

"Here we are," Doc called out, as he landed the station wagon. "This might be a bit of a walk to downtown Hill Valley, but we sure can't let anyone see this car. I mean, you remember what happened late last year - when we took a trip to the year 2015."

"Right, Biff got his hands on the time machine," Calvin replied. "It's a good thing I was able to notice that something was amiss. It's real scary to think of what 1985 could've been like, with Biff becoming rich from the almanac. The idea gives me the creeps!"

"Well, anyway," Doc suggested, "I figured we could stay here for a week. We would have to be rather careful of who we interact with, though. I mean, the last thing we just need is to somehow disrupt your existence again. This time, though, it'd sure be even more of a disaster, as we're further in the past. So it's best to stick together."

"What about you, Doc?" Marty asked, as he realized something. "I'm sure even you weren't around, yet. Were any of your ancestors here in this era? I believe it might create such a big paradox, if your existence was the one threatened - as you were the one to come up with the flux capacitor, and also invented the time machine."

"The Browns didn't come to America until 1908," Doc explained, "and then they were the Von Brauns. My father changed our name in World War I. That was rather a few years before my birth, so I was actually the first of us to be born as a Brown."

In a distance, they heard a young feminine voice calling for help. Marty was probably just hearing things, but the voice sounded much like Jennifer. He wondered if it'd just be a good idea to save her. It'd most certainly be the right thing to do, but then...

"Great Scott!" gasped Doc, as he ran over to Rusty River - where the sceams were coming from. The three teens right ran after him. "It sounds like we have a girl who needs someone to rescue her. We have to save here! We can't let her drown."

Marty figured he couldn't quite argue with Doc, as he didn't want to carry a burden of knowing that he failed to rescue a young girl's life. Time paradox or not, this was sure the moral and correct thing to do. Anyway, he also couldn't help but really notice how the girl sounded very much like Jennifer. Doc reached into the river to grab the girl.

"Everything will be all right," Doc said, rather soothingly, just as he drew the girl close to her. As she was wet from the river, she wasn't instantly recognizable. "You're safe with you. We heard you screaming for you, so we quickly ran over to rescue you."

"I was so... so scared," sobbed the girl, as she was clingng onto Doc and weeping so brokenly. "The current was quite fast, and I was afraid I would drown. I was running away from..." She was sobbing so hard, she was quite unable to continue speaking.

"Just calm down, dear,' Doc said, trying to comfort the girl - as Calvin was rubbing her back. "I know you've had a ratherbig fright, but you'll be fine. We were all coming into town for a visit, and we'd be more than happy to help you. Just try hard not to fret."

"Thank you, sir," the girl replied, as she lifted up her head and wiped her eyes. Marty took a close look at the girl, and he realized she looked exactly like Jennifer! "I'm sure glad you rescued me. My name is Parker... Clara Parker. Who might you folks be?"

Jennifer took a close look at Clara, as she gasped, "You look just like me!" Just then, Jennifer and Clara both fainted. Marty was real sure that this Clara was an ancestor of Jennifer. At any rate, it was real uncanny to see how much the girls looked alike.

Just then, a carriage pulled up close to them. "Do you folks need any help?" asked a man with reddish-brown hair, as he stepped out. He looked a little bit like Marty, but was covered with facial hair. "I was heading into town, so I'd be quite happy to give you folks a lift. Anyway, me name's Seamus McFly. So who might you folks be?"

"I'm, uh, Eastwood," Marty replied, knowing that he couldn't use his real name in this era. "Clint Eastwood." As Marty was wearing a real similar outfit, he figured he might as well use the name of the famous western actor. There seemed be no such harm."

"My name's John Wayne... Eastwood," Calvin added, nervously. "We're twins. This is our uncle, uh, Christopher Lloyd. These girls may look very much alike, but we've just met Clara Parker a little while ago, after we rescued her from the river. This other girl is Jennifer, uh, Holt. She's Clint's girlfriend, and she actually came along with us."

"It's a pleasure meet you fine folks," Seamus replied, warmly. "We can just the girls over to the Palace Saloon, and I can have Chester make them some wake-up juice. I'm afraid you've picked quite a bad time to show up. Buford Tannen came to town, and he's a very dangerous person. He might just be around for quite a few days."

Marty swallowed deeply, as he suspected that Buford might be an ancestor of Biff. It seemed like Biff's ancestor was even more dangerous than him. He really wondered if the Tannens were always bad, as if they all sort of had a bad gene in their lineage.

"On the other hand, though," added Seamus, as he helped Marty and Calvin into the carriage, "you showed up at the right time to witness a real important event. There's a new courthouse being built, and it has a clock tower attached to it. Our new clock's just arrived, and it'll be started at the festival tomorrow night. You should show up."

"Thank you so much for helping us, Mr. McFly," Doc replied, as he sat up in front with Seamus. "We all came here to visit from, uh, San Francisco. We just heard about this town, so I thought we'd come here to take a look. So, uh, how long were you here?"

"Maggie and I have been here for a little over a year, now," explained Seamus. "Our son was born a few months ago, and he was the first of us to be born in America. At the moment, we figured this was a good place to raise our family. We lived in Virginia City for a few years before. It was where we lost poor Martin, over five years ago."

"Wait a minute!" Marty gasped, as it took just a moment for it to really sink in what his ancestor just said. "Wait a minute! You had a brother named Martin McFly?" He rather felt sad to hear about his name sake dying young. "So, uh, what happened to him?"

"Martin used to let men provoke him into fighting," Seamus explained, very sadly. "He was concerned that people would think him a coward if he refused. That's how he got a bowie knife shoved through his belly in a saloon in Virginia City." He took a real brief pause, before adding, "Never considered the future, poor Martin. God rest his soul."

"Clint used to be a lot like that!" Calvin blurted out, much to Marty's horror. "He used to really get enraged, whenever people would call him a chicken... um, a coward. He almost got into a terrible accident that nearly ended up destroying his entire future."

"It sounds like you care deeply for your brother," Seamus replied, admiringly. "I really cared deeply about my brother, as well - and I sometimes feel that I maybe should've tried harder to prevent the tragedy from happening. He really was only seventeen."

"That's how old we are!" gasped Calvin, stunned. "We'd be turning eighteen in just a few months, though. It's just a shame that you lost your brother at a young age. So what was he like, anyway? Other than letting men provoke him into fighting, I mean. What was his personality like? I'd just feel so awful - if I was to ever lose, uh, Clint."

"Well, he was often a real friendly young man," Seamus explained. "You might have a hard time believing it, but you young men really share a stunning resemblance to him. I quite loved the way he'd smile. He had this lopsided grin, and he really had a certain charisma to him. His death left such a big hole in my heart. It's sad that he's gone."

Marty had tears in his eyes, as he thought of what happened to his namesake. It did seem as though the two had more in common than just their name. He also really felt embarrassed that his twin had just mentioned his former problem to their ancestor.

"I just thought of something!" Seamus gasped. "You mentioned that the girl you had rescued from the river was Clara Parker. She may actually be the same Clara I knew back in Virginia City. Her older sister, Juniper, had courted Martin. Very shortly after Martin was stabbed, Juniper was so distraught over losing him... she killed herself."

"That really sounds like a tragedy!" Marty cried out, with horror. "I, uh, wish we could just go back in time - to prevent the tragedy from happening." Doc furiously shook his head in response to Marty's hint, as he added, "I'm sorry about all that happened."

"As much as it just pains me to say this," Seamus sad, sadly, "I think God allowed this to happen for a reason. I may not undestand why, but God works in such mysterious ways. I'm pretty sure my brother is happy up in heaven, now - and so is Juniper."

"I guess you're right, uh, Mr. McFly," Marty replied, sighing. "It's still so sad that your brother died at a very young age, especially is he was really quite a nice guy. He and Juniper really should've been allowed to have a happy marriage, if you ask me."

"That's what I wanted to happen, too," Seamus agreed, "but I guess God had other plans." After taking a pause, he added, "We're sure at the saloon, now. I'll help you carry the ladies in, and I can ask Chester to make some wake-up juice. I am positive they'll be fine. By the way, just call me Seamus. You folks all seem like family to me."

September 4, 1885
4:30 PM PST

As Seamus and the time travellers were bringing Jennifer and Clara into the Palace Saloon, Calvin was thinking of how this trip might not be that bad afterall. As Clara looked to be about Jennifer's age, maybe he could just try hooking up with Clara.

Calvin then realized the idea might be disasterous. After all, chances were rather likely that Clara was a direct ancestor of Jennifer's - and she didn't yet have any children. It made Calvin feel so bad again, until he realized that the girl's last name was Parker. As her potential children would have a different last name, she was most likely an aunt.

He then remembered how Seamus mentioned that his younger brother dated Clara's older sister. Did that mean that their ancestors and Jennifer's had managed to cross paths just a little over a century earlier? He'd really have to get to know Clara more.

"So what brings you here, Seamus?" asked the bartender, as the grouped stepped into the saloon. "Are they relatives from out of town? Those young twin men really look a little like you. What about those twin ladies? Sisters of the twin men?"

"Actually, these young ladies aren't twins," explained Seamus. "We do need wake-up juice for both of them, though. As far as I know, these young men are not related to me - even though they do bear a strong resemblance to my late brother, Martin. The name is Eastwood, Clint and John Wayne. Christopher Lloyd here is their uncle."

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Chester," replied the bartender. Turning around, he asked, "Hey, Joey, could you make us some wake-up juice? We need two glasses, as we just have two passed-out women in here." Turning back, he added, "Just lay them down."

As Seamus and the time travellers rather gently laid Jennifer and Clara on the ground, Calvin tended to Clara. He was just stunned by how she had the same face as Marty's girlfriend. He then thought of how that girl would've drown, had they not shown up.

"Here," instructed Chester - as he walked over with two funnels, clothes-pins, and glasses filled with the liquid. "Just stick the clothes-pins on their noses - and, when they open up their mouths, go ahead and pour it on down their throats." When he began to head back to the counter, he suddenly called out, "Oh, and stand back."

Calvin and Marty did as Chester said, but nothing happened. Suddenly, Jennifer and Clara quickly stood up, opened their eyes, and jumped up. They were sure moaning, as the girls quickly ran outside - and crashed into the horse trough. Calvin and Marty gently lifted them up. To Calvin's dismay, the girls both seemed to be passed out.

"That was just a reflex action," explained Chester, as he and Seamus helped Calvin and Marty carry the girls back the saloon. "It's sure gonna take a few more minutes for the stuff to really clear up their heads. The ladies are both gonna be fine."

"Hey, uh, John Wayne," Marty said, nervously, "do you remember the party we went to last Christmas? You drank too many grasshoppers, and you also passed out. I sure was rather worried about you. Our Uncle Milton also knows how to make that stuff."

Calvin felt so embarrassed, as he remembered that event. His twin had even warned him about that, but he was just real stubborn to listen. He really wished Marty hadn't mentioned it in front of Chester and Seamus. He realized it was probably payback for how he really mentioned Marty's former "chicken" problem to Seamus a little earlier.

"Whoa!" the girls both called out, just as they woke up. Calvin tended to Clara, while Marty tended to Jennifer. Calvin reached for a handkerchief, as he just gently wiped Clara's forehead. He felt very pleased, as Clara suddenly smiled very warmly at him.

"Martin?" Clara asked, quietly - as he took a closer look at Calvin. "Is that really you, Martin McFly? You look a lot like him. Did you come back here from the dead? Could it be possible that I'm dead? What about Juniper? Is she here? I missed you, Martin!"

"I'm not Martin McFly," Calvin replied, gently. "My name's John Wayne Eastwood. We rescued you from Rusty River. My twin brother, Clint, and I were heading into town - with our uncle, Christopher Lloyd. Clint's girlfriend, Jennifer, was also with us. As you two looked at each other, you both passed out - because you both look much alike."

"John Wayne Eastwood," Clara said, slowly. "It's such a pleasure to meet you. I was running away from Billy Needles, and I fell into the river. I tried hard to step out, but the current was just too strong for me. Billy really was trying to, uh, take advantage of me." Clara took in a very deep sigh, as she added, "Much like Buford Tannen did."

"Everything will be fine, uh, Clara," Calvin said, as he gently drew her close to him. "I won't let, uh, Billy harm you." Calvin gently rubbed Clara's back, as he just wondered if Billy Needles was an ancestor of Douglas Needles. "We'll keep you safe, Clara."

"Why don't we all sit at this table?" suggested Seamus. "I just asked Chester to bring us some coffee and some mints. We could get to know each other a little more, and I can show you around town. The Bluebird Inn is nearby, and you could stay there."

"Seamus!" Clara called out, as she looked up. "It's sure been a long time since I last saw you. How have you been doing?" As she caught sight of Calvin and Marty, she gasped, "Both of you look alike! You both look quite a lot like Martin!" She turned to Jennifer, before she added, "You do look a lot like me! Could we really be related?"

"Well, we could be distantly related," Jennifer said, nervously. "It's so uncanny how much we look alike. What happened to you, anyway? I mean, how did you come fall into the river? You're lucky we showed up, when we did. You might've drowned."

"I was running away from Billy Needles," Clara explained. "I really couldn't let him take advantage of me, like Buford Tannen already did about a year ago. I had a daughter, who I named Jennifer Jane Parker. I really had to give her up for adoption, though."

Calvin really felt bad for Clara, as he gently placed his arm around her. As he realized that Clara would've drowned, he figured it could be safe to hook up with her. It really was uncanny how Clara ended up giving her daughter the very same name as that of Marty's girlfriend. She probably now had a different name, since she was adopted.

"I guess the, uh, Eastwood twins will just be sleeping in the same room with me," Doc pondered, slowly, "and Jennifer, uh, Holt might sleep in the room with Clara Parker. I think that would work out the best. Does Clara have any relatives here in town?"

"Aye," Seamus replied, "her brother, Mark, has a ranch two miles outside of town. He and his wife, Jamie, have two children. Jessica is seven years old, and James is really a tiny baby. In fact, he's just a few months older than William. It's great to know that the two of them will be growing up together. I'll let Mark know that his sister is here."

"It must be nice to finally have a son," suggested Clara. "I'd love to meet him. I feel a little bad that I had to give up Jennifer, but I sure was in no condition to care for her. I hope to, one day, find a man that that I can be real compatible with." She turned to Calvin, as she smiled very warmly. "I'm quite happy to have met you, John Wayne."

"I'm rather happy to have met you, too," Calvin replied, as he flashed her a lopsided smile. "I mean, I wish we could've met under better conditions - but I'm very glad we were there to rescue you. Maybe we could even, uh, take you home back with us."

"That is entirely out of the question," interjected Doc, in a tone that said he'd take no argument. "I'm real sorry, uh, John Wayne - but Clara doesn't, uh, belong with us. In fact, it's probably better for her to stay here - with her brother and sister-in-law."

"Why couldn't Clara come back with you?" Seamus asked, with curiosity. "I remember how, after my wife and I decided to leave Ireland, a lot of people just begged us not to go. In fact, Maggie's parents were downright hostile with me. It was really Maggie who was able to reason with them. If Clara wants to come back with you, let her."

"Well, uh," Doc said, knowing that he couldn't quite tell Seamus the truth, "I just think it could be, uh, a little too dangerous for her to come back with us. I think she'd really be much better off, staying with her brother. I just simply want for her to be safe."

"Well, I do know San Francisco is a pretty big city," Seamus said, quietly, "but I didn't think it was quite that dangerous. Don't you really think it should be up to her to make that decision. If she really likes John Wayne - and she wants to be with him..."

Calvin sighed to himself. It seemed as though Clara was as much in love with him, as he was with her. He figured Jennifer would also like to have a twin. It's be neat if he and Marty could have a double wedding with Jennifer and Clara. It would really be a lot like two pairs of twins getting married. He knew Doc was very right, though.

"Hey, McFly!" called out very familiar-sounding menacing voice. "I thought I done told you never to come in here!" As Calvin turned around, he saw a man who looked quite like Biff Tannen. As he was walking closer, he just added, "Are them twin dudes kin to you, hay barber? I must say those twin fillies are such fine-looking pieces of calico."

"Why don't you go take a long walk off a short pier, you reprobate?" Clara snapped, as she stood up to him. Calvin felt real horrified, as he just realized that this was the same man who took advantage of her a few years ago. "You really do disgust me!"

This is a really good story.

Hey, thank you! :)

Didn't Clara end up going with Marty, Jennifer, and Doc in one of your universes?

Yeah, it was the Parker Universe.

September 4, 1885
5:00 PM PST

Clara Parker couldn't quite believe her worst nightmare. It was just her bad luck that Buford Tannen should happen to show up here, even as she was running away from Billy Needles. She had been hoping to never see him again. She was taught never to hate anyone - but, the fact was, there was simply nothing to like about Mad Dog.

"Haven't your ma and pa ever taught you any manners, little girl?" Buford snarled, as stared Clara down. "Is this how you speak to your betters? You really need to taught a lesson on how to control that tongue of yours. It's time we teach you a lesson!"

"You are not my better!" Clara snapped, as she reached out to strike Buford. "At least, I don't go around trying to take advantage of other people - and I actually have respect for human life! Reprobates like you really are the scum of the earth!"

"That is enough, you maggot!" Buford snarled, as he slapped Clara in the face. "Wait a minute! You're Clara Parker, aren't you?" As Clara's heart just began pounding with fear, he added, "Funny! I'd never quite thought I'd see you again! Well, it rather is a pleasure that I should happen to run into you again. You want more of it, don't you!"

"Why don't you just leave this sweet girl?" John Wayne argued, as he stood up. "She didn't do anything. If anyone here needs such a lesson in ethics, it's you! I quite pity people like you. You really just feel the need to intimidate other people, simply to make yourself feel strong. Well, we ain't gonna be terrorized by the likes of you!"

"Yeah," added Clint, as he stood up, "I've dealt with people like you before! You don't intimidate me, either! If you truly felt good about yourself - which I don't think you do - then you would respect humanity. I really don't give a damn what you think of us!"

"I'd say they're the runt of the litter, boss," commented Rufus Unger, chuckling. "You dudes don't scare me. I sure wouldn't be so cocky, if I were you! I've quite dealt with people who far bigger than you. You man enough to back up those strong words?"

A wave of relief swept over Clara, as she saw some of the police members enter the saloon. As they headed over to the gang members, she hoped that they might quite be brought to justice, for once and for all. They actually showed up right in time!

The Marshall pointed his rifle at Buford's head, as he said, "You all are under arrest for terrorizing the saloon, and harassing a couple of quite young ladies. By the way, don't think I haven't quite heard about what you did to Clara Parker. Seamus and Mark very much told me the whole story." After a pause, he added, "You got anything to say?"

"I've been framed!" snarled Buford, as the Marshall quickly snapped the handcuffs on him. Meanwhile, the Deputy and the other officers quickly snapped the handcuffs the other gang members. "I swear, Marshall Strickland, I was just being set up by them!"

"That's a very likely story, Tannen," Marshall Strickland replied, as he and the officers led Buford and his gang out of the saloon. Clara really took in a deep sigh of relief, as she sat back down at the table. The entire group should be pretty safe, for now.

"It is a good thing the police just showed up when they did," Seamus commented, as he took a sip of his coffee. Turning to Christopher Lloyd, he asked, "So how long are you folks plan to stay here? There's a festival that's being held here tomorrow night, and I've heard that the band playing should be very good. You should come to it!"

"Can we, uh, Uncle Chris?" John Wayne asked, excitedly. "It'll just give us something to do, and I think Clara could stand to have some fun. It was quite a real shame that Buford showed up, but it's good that they're going to jail. It's an important event!"

After thinking for a moment, Chris finally said, "I guess I don't see any harm in going to the festival. In fact, that's part why I chose to come here now. It'll be rather nice to witness a memorable event. I really wish I had someone to come with, though."

"I'm quite sorry you don't anyone to go with," Seamus commented, sadly. After taking a brief pause, he added, "What did she die of? I really would imagine how her loss can be devastating. I've already lost Martin. If anything happened to Maggie, I would..."

"Uh, well, it was such a long time ago," Chris replied, nervously. "I'll still show up at the festival, and it will be a rather awesome experience to witness such a historical event... um, I mean, an event that will likely become historical. I'll still have fun."

"Maggie and I plan to come to the event," Seamus suggested. "I'm sure she'd like to meet all of you. I could introduce you to Little Will, as well. I do find it rather curious that you'd really come all the way from San Francisco, just to witness a major event happening in a minor town. Where did you hear about this town from, anyway?"

"Uh, well, a friend had told us about it," Chris said, nervously. "We decided to check this place out, just in case we ever decided to move to a small town. I mean, it does get a little crowded in San Francisco. Anyway, I happen to really love clock towers."

"Juniper had a very pretty clock," Clara pointed, as a sudden wave of sadness came over her. "I saved that clock, in memory of how much she really meant to me. I then lost it, after Billy shattered it into pieces." Beginning to cry, she added, "It was some sort of a punishment, after he caught me eating cake and ice cream. I detest him!"

"What an asshole!" exclaimed John Wayne, angrily. "It's no wonder you wanted to get away from him. He sounds to me like a real control freak. He really has no right treating you at like. You deserve a man who can accept you for who you are."

"Clocks can be a rather beautiful piece of art," Seamus commented, admiringly. "It's sure great that you wanted to come all this way, just to see the beginning of a new clock. I really would be pleased to have you folks in town." To Clara, he added, "I'm sorry that Billy had destroyed your sister's clock. It was a despicable thing to do."

"It hurt me deeply, that he would destroy such a precious item," Clara commented, as she wiped her eyes. "This was the one very thing my sister loved, so this was the one thing that meant so much to me. The thing I had that reminded me of her is gone."

"You know, if poor Martin hadn't been stabbed," Seamus commented, "we might have stayed in Virginia City. We sure stayed there for about four years, after we lost him - but then we decided it was time to move on. My wife believes that town was cursed."

With the death of a rather nice young couple who sure had a promising future, along with having to deal with a rather heartless bully who was quite striving to be like Mad Dog Tannen, she really had no desire to return to that town. If she really couldn't go back to San Francisco with John Wayne Eastwood, then she'd stay in Hill Valley.

"Could that be why you've bonded with Mark so much?" suggested Clint. "I mean, you both lost a rather beloved sibling - and Clara could've also drowned, if we hadn't been there to save her. I guess Clara is seventeen, too - like her sister was, when she..."

"We were friends before then," Seamus replied, softly, "but that was the one thing that brought us together. They headed off to Hill Valley, shortly before we did. We thought it was a very nice place to live - so we just decided to head here, as well."

"This, uh, looks like a real nice town," agreed Chris. "Anyway, we wanted to head out to supper soon. Do you happen to know of any very nice restaurants around here? It is a great pleasure to meet you - and thank you, once again, for driving us here."

"You're sure welcome," Seamus replied, as he stood up. "There's a restaurant nearby called Holt's Diner. They serve real good beer-battered cod. I guess I'll be seeing you at the festival, tomorrow night. I sure hope it doesn't rain at our festival. That rather wouldn't be too good. We won't have to worry about Mad Dog Tannen showing up."

"Thank goodness the police showed up at the right time," Chris agreed. "Take good care of yourself." As Seamus was leaving, he added, "I sure guess we've gotten to know each other by now, so I really say we should start heading out for supper."

"I still can't believe we've fainted," Clara commented, as she looked at Jennifer. "It's rather uncanny just how we look so much alike, I think we have to be related. I'm so happy to meet all of you, I'm almost glad that I fell into the river. It was so scary for me, though. It was rather exhausing, having to fight against that strong current."

"I'm glad to have met you, too, Clara," replied Jennifer. "I do wish we had met under better conditions, but it is very good that you're safe and sound. Buford Tannen had frightened me, too. He, uh, actually reminds me of someone I knew back at home."

"Yeah, he seems to have a lot of nasty relatives," John Wayne replied, as he put his arm around Clara. "Anyway, I will be very happy to have you with me at the festival tomorrow night. I was worried I'd be so lonely, but my trip here has gotten better."

Clara smiled, as she thought of John Wayne - who really seemed to be a sweet young man. She then thought of John Wayne's twin, Clint, and Jennifer Holt. Maybe it was a fate of destiny that the four of them were quite brought together. She thought about Martin and Juniper - and if they were actually living blissfully together in heaven.

September 4, 1885
8:00 PM PST

Later on that night, after Doc had checked everyone into the Bluebird Inn, Marty felt rather concerned for his twin. On one hand, he could remember how Calvin was very bothered by his inability to find his true love. On the other hand, though, he felt that his twin was really only clinging onto Clara out of desperation. He sighed to himself.

"Clara decided to go to bed," Jennifer commented, as she stepped into the room. "It's only eight. I don't quite understand why she wants to turn in early. At least, we could now discuss time travel stuff. It turns out that Clara is my great-great-grandmother."

"She can't be!" Marty protested, stunned. "I'm very sure she might've drowned, had we not shown up to..." With sudden realization, he gasped, "Wait a minute! Are you telling me that Buford Tannen is your great-great-grandfather? This is heavy!"

"Yeah, he is," Jennifer replied, as her face turned out. "I was very worried that you'd think less of me, if I told you that I had a Tannen ancestor. It's not quite a part of my heritage that I'm especially proud of. I sure do hate thinking of how I'm related to the Tannens. To be honest, I guess I was hoping that you would never find that out."

"Jennifer!" Marty gasped, as he felt bad for his girlfriend. "How could you ever think I would be so shallow? I mean, you can't exactly help what family you're born into. You should never be afraid to tell me anything, Jenn. I'm just not a judgemental person."

"So, Doc," Calvin started to ask, "being as Clara had already given birth to Jennifer's great-grandmother, couldn't we take her back to 1986 with us. It's sure not like we'd be risking any sort of paradox - and, besides, she was really supposed to drown."

Marty had to admit that he just found the idea of his twin brother marrying Jennifer's great-great-grandmother to be a little creepy. He would be Clara's brother-in-law, as well as her great-great-grandson-in-law. That was confusing enough - but after both couples have children, the family relations would really become even more messy.

"You do present some very good points," Doc replied, gently. "I'm certainly not about to suggest that we throw her back into the river, but I really am still concerned about your infatuation with her. You know, I sure am in the same boat as you are. I know it really bothers you that your twin has a steady girlfriend, and you don't - but you..."

"Oh, is that why he was so down on me coming along to the trip?" Jennifer asked, as she looked concerned. "I really thought he was just mad at me for some reason, and he didn't want to have anything to do with me. I was just real worried that I've done something wrong, and I simply couldn't figure out what it was I did to offend him."

"I never meant to give you that impression, Jenn," Calvin said, softly. "I guess I could see you'd think that, though. I dunno what's wrong. Maybe it's just me. I know plenty of girls who do have crushes on me, but I have yet to find someone to connect with."

"Cal, you really can't be comparing yourself to your twin all the time," Doc commented, as he gently placed his hand on Calvin's shoulder. "The two of you may look a lot alike, but you are both still individuals. I'm not I'm not a real big expert on romance, but..."

"Take a look at Dave," Marty pointed out. "He's very successful in his career, and he's happy with his life - and he hasn't found his true love, yet. Then there is Linda, who is always going on several dates at once - and that can't be real healthy for her. You do have to have patience. You might wish to re-examine why it is that you like Clara."

"As much as I would like for us to bring Clara back with us," Jennifer added, "I'm sure concerned for you, as well as for her. She's just been telling me about how much she misses her older sister, Juniper - and how much I really remind her of Juniper."

"Just give me a week, okay?" Calvin replied, after a brief pause. "Anyway, tomorrow is the festival - and I think it'd be nice to have a date for the festival. I guess it is the day that they start the clock... the same clock that gets struck by lightning in 1955."

"I admit that I love the idea of us double dating," Jennifer commented. "If we was to bring her back with us, though - then where woiuld she stay? I mean, what might we tell my parents. I'm sure Doc doesn't want many knowing about the time machine."

"Well, they're your parents," insisted Calvin. "I'm sure we'd be able to trust them with that information. It's not like either of them are really like Biff Tannen, who would end up using the time machine to wreak havoc on the world. I'm quite glad that I was able to catch that something was wrong, before we ended up going back to 1985."

"Yeah, we might've ended up returning to Tannenville," Marty replied, grimacing, "or Hell Valley. I quite don't even want to imagine what that world would be like. At any rate, I'm not meaning to be down on you - but just consider what we've said."

"We've sue been looking forward to going to that festival tomorrow," Calvin said, as he took a deep sigh. "You can't tell me that there will be any harm of us going to the festival together. After all, you and Jennifer are planning to be together - so..."

"Hey, what about me?" protested Doc. "I certainly don't have a date for the festival tomorrow. I guess I'll really have to stand by the sidelines, and watch you kids have all the fun. Anyway, yeah, I guess I did say we would spend a week here. This sure would give me some time to get a feel for this era. I could be a blacksmith here."

"I wish I knew what to tell you, Doc," Calvin commented, quietly. "I do know you had that bad experience back in 1946, with Jill Wooster. That girl was a real bitch to you. You certainly are better off, without her in your life. She was nothing but trouble."

"Please don't remind me of her," Doc replied, with a heavy sigh. "The thing is, I'm 65 years old. It's about time to resign myself to the very fate of not having a woman in my life. I do have my science experiments to keep me occupied, so that's enough."

"I wouldn't be so quick to give up hope, Doc," Marty said, as he placed his arm around his scientist friend. "Anyway, with the rejuvination you've got from the future, you've managed to add years to your life. I'm positive there's a women out there somewhere that really does share your passion for science. You'll just have to be a little patient."

"Yeah, you're right," Doc replied, quietly. "Even if I don't find anyone, I guess it's not the end of the world. I must say, Seamus is quite hospitable. I do see where some of your friendly nature comes from, Marty and Cal. It really must run in the family."

"I can see that Marty has a lot in common with his namesake," Calvin said, smirking. "I think it's very ironic how he dated Jennifer's ancestor." Turning to Jennifer, he asked, "How can Clara be your great-great-grandmother, though? I mean, she just gave her child up for adoption - so she wouldn't be a Parker anymore. Even if she was..."

"Simply put, she was adopted by the Peabodies," Jennifer explained. "Her adoptive brother, Otis, owned a farm in quite the location that became Lone Pine Mall. When she was eighteen, Mark and Jamie told her about her roots. She changed her name back to Jennifer Parker - and then her husband, Todd, ended up taking her name."

"I'm sure it was unheard of back in those days," Calvin remarked, real stunned. "Even today, some people really frown on the idea of women keeping their own names after marriage. Doc, I remember you told me how Sabina Palmer faced opposition there."

"That is true," Doc replied. "I remember not being able to understand why feminists rebelled against the idea of keeping their own names. After all, they quite likely got their own name from their own father - so it was real hard for me to see the logic."

"I'm sure they don't see that way," Marty pointed out. "They simply see it as, well, it's their name - and it's the name they grew up with. Anyway, I remember that Sabrina kept her last name - not for feminist reasons, but because she simply liked it."

"For my great-grandmother," Jennifer added, quietly "it was so that she would have something to remember her biological mother, whom she never knew, by. I've heard that her adoptive mother was quite displeased with the idea that she wanted to find out who her biological parents. She just took it as some sort of a personal affront."

"Her mother really should've been more understanding," Doc replied. "Anyway, I was never especially judgemental of women who chose to keep their names - but I wasn't able to understand the logic. I can understand more why some women rather choose to make that choice. I remember Sabrina telling me that she just liked her last name."

"Palmer is a nice name," Jennifer agreed. "Anyway, it's too bad that we didn't think to bring a boombox along. I could really listen to some rock and roll right now. I do feel a little bored. Well, maybe Marty and I can take a walk outside - and look at the stars."

"It's very risky to bring futuristic items in here," Doc commented, gently. "Anyway, if any of our neighbours heard the music - just imagine what they would think. It really was risky enough for Marty to play Johnny Be Goode back in 1955. Anyway, I'm just going to hit the sack, now. It's been a long day for me, and I'm feeling rather tired."

"Have a very good rest, Doc," Marty replied. Turning to Jennifer, he added, "I'd love to take a walk with you. I bet the stars will quite be clearer in this era, without all the pollution." He and Jennifer smiled as each other, as the two began to head outside.

September 5, 1885
7:50 PM PST

"Ladies and gentlemen!" called out Mayor Hubert, as he was standing in front of the clock that would become part of the courthouse. "As mayor of Hill Valley, it gives me great pleasure to dedicate this clock to the people of Hill County. May it stand for all time! Tell me when, gentlemen!" Calvin was so pleased that the big moment arrived.

"Three... Two... One...' Calvin called out, with such enthusiasm - along with the rest of the townspeople. "Now!" As the Mayor started the clock, and fireworks were sent into the sky - Calvin turned to Clara, and asked, "Isn't this a very exciting night?"

"Let the festivities begin!" proclaimed the Mayor, just as the Hill Valley Festival Band began performing Battle Cry Of Freedom. Calvin cupped Clara's face into his hands, as the two of them began to kiss. Calvin felt so happy to have a girl to dance with.

"I love you very much, John Wayne," whispered Clara. She looked around, and then she added, "Hey, it's looks like they're just taking pictures of people standing in front of the clock. Why don't have our picture taken, too? Even if we may not stay here in town, it't really be nice to have a picture of us together. It'd be just very romantic."

"That's such a good idea," replied Jennifer, as she and Marty joined them. "All four of us could have our picture taken together. Maybe, uh, Clint and John Wayne could be in the middle, and Clara and I could stand on the outside. It'll simply be so lovely."

"We can't forget about, uh, Uncle Chris," Marty pointed out, very gently. "I sure feel bad that he hasn't managed to find anyone. He is just being such a good sport about it, though. I see that he's over there, really chatting it up with Seamus and Maggie."

"It'll be so nice to see Maggie, again," gushed Clara. "She's quite a little distrustful of strangers, but she is willing to lend a hand to those in need. I also would like to meet the baby. I see that Mark and Jamie also showed up. I don't want to impose, but it'd sure be nice to stay with Mark and Jamie. They're the only family I really have left."

"I'm so sorry," Calvin replied, as he placed his arm around Clara. There was no telling what he'd really do, if he was to ever lose his family. He'd feel really depressed, if he ever lost Marty. "It's tragic how you lost your older sister. She must've been nice."

"Yeah, it did take me by such surprise," Clara replied, sadly. "She was always the one who was giving such lectures about the importance of life, like the one time Martin fell off the ridgepole. His death just tore Juniper up so much. It was just real sad to me."

"Oh, hello, everyone," Doc said, as he turned around. Turning back, he added, "As I told you before, Jennifer Holt bears a rather striking resemblance to Clara. She's the one wearing a pink dress. These young men the girls are with are my nephews, John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. John Wayne took a very instant infatuation with Clara."

"Seamus just told me all about you," said the woman who looked a little like the twins' mother. While bouncing the baby, she added, "Here's William Sean McFly, the first of our family to be born in America. Do either of you want to hold him for a little while."

"Oh, I will," Calvin gushed, as he eagerly reached for William. He bounced the baby a little bit, as William smiled at him. Calvin just held the baby very close, as he began to realize that he was holding his great-grandfather! "Oh, man, you are so adorable!"

"He already likes you, John Wayne Eastwood," Maggie commented, as she seemed very amazed. As Calvin handed the baby over to Marty, she added, "He quite likes both of you. I don't know what it is about you, but you seem to be very connected with us. Perhaps it's the fact that you look a lot like poor Martin. I really miss him."

"I quite know how you feel, Maggie," said the other woman. Turning to the teens, she added, "My name is Jamie Parker, and Mark is Clara's older brother. We've really been devastated, since the day we lost Juniper. Here's our baby son, James - and Jessica's playing right over there, with a few of her friends. She's such an energetic little girl."

"I've quite missed you," Clara cried out, as she threw her arms around Mark. "These great gentleman have actually rescued me from Rusty River. Do you remember Bart Needles used to harass Juniper and Martin? Well, his younger brother is worse."

"Sure'n I know it's wrong to hate another person," Maggie replied, very quietly, "but I've never been able to forgive Bart for all that he's done to poor Martin. I'm not too surprised to hear about his younger brother sure turned out to be even worse. I am certain that their parents really did an inadequate job in raising these two boys."

"Hey, Doc... uh, Uncle Chris," Calvin called out, rather excitedly, "why don't we have our pictures taken next to the clock? We could maybe get two taken, one of you with Marty and me - and then the other one of, uh, Clint and me with Jennifer and Clara?"

"Well, I'm not sure," Doc replied, with some uncertainty, "photography can be quite expensive. I should be able to have money for one picture." Turning to Seamus, he asked, "Do you know how much it takes to have a picture taken around here?"

"I could pitch in for a photo of the Eastwood twins with Jennifer and Clara," Seamus suggested, warmly. "I think the four would look very great together. I know they're not quite Martin and Juniper, but I don't have too many pictures of Martin around. I will miss all you, when you leave. The twins even have that same lopsided grin."

"Thank you so much, Seamus," Doc replied, warmly. "I admit that I'm still concerned about the relationship between, uh, John Wayne and Clara. I'm willing to give them quite a chance, though. Anyway, why don't we just head over there right away."

Calvin sighed to himself, as he couldn't quite believe that Doc was being very down on him. Was Doc simply concerned about the idea of him falling in love with a girl from the past, and the effects on the space-time continuum - or did it go deeper than that?

oooooooooo

"I really can't believe it," Clara gushed, as the two of them were eating pie. "It's nice to have a picture of the four of us together. Jennifer and I really have become good friends. I don't know what it is about her, but she reminds me of my older sister."

"It's great that the two of you have become rather great friends," Calvin replied. "It does look like we've shown up right in the nick of time. Destiny might have planned it for the two of us to be together. I don't remember the last time I felt in love. Before we've met, it was like there was a great big hole in my heart - that was hard to fill."

"I know exactly what you mean, John Wayne," replied Clara. "I really don't think I've felt this happy, ever since I lost my sister. So why don't you tell me about where you came from? I know San Francisco is really big city, but what is it like to like there?"

"Well, uh, it's a little bit like living a hundred years in the future," Calvin replied, quite cryptically. "It's, uh, I think you'll quite like living with us. I have quite so much I'd like to show you." After taking a deep breath, he added, "It's be so nice to have you!"

"Oh, John Wayne," Clara replied, laughing, "you really know how to make me laugh. I don't think I've ever really met a man like you before. Tomorrow, why don't you and I go horseback riding? Wouldn't that so romantic, you and I on a horse together?"

"Well, I, uh..." Calvin was very uncertain of what to say. It was probably thought of as odd to not know how to ride a horse in this era, but... "I'm not real sure if I could. I, uh, I rather have this condition that makes me unable to ride horseback. We might be about take a little walk, though. We could check out all the nature, and such."

"Walking is good, too," Clara replied, softly. "I'm so sorry about your condition. Could you tell me a little about it? I mean, I still rather love you - but I'm very concerned for you. I have an uncle who was blind, so I do know a little bit about such limitations."

"Well, uh, it's quite no big deal," Calvin replied, nervously. "Say, they're sure playing good music tonight. Should we go up there and dance?" As Clara nodded, he added, "I must say that some of the music had a nice beat to it. They're so talented, too."

"I know how to play the piano," Clara replied, softly. "I simply adore music. Do you think you might ever like to hear me play?" After Calvin nodded, she added, "What about you? Do you play an instrument? It'd really be nice for us to play together."

"Uh, no, I really don't play anything," replied Calvin, as the two began to dance. "My brother does play the guitar, though. There was a time when I quite wanted to learn how to play like him, too - but I don't quite have the same talent as he does. It really isn't fair, y'know. It sometimes seems like he, uh, really has all the luck in this world."

"I used to have the same problem, too," commented Clara. "There was a time when I had resented Juniper. It sometimes seemed like she could really do everything better than I could. However, I've just learned that I don't have to be as good as Juniper in everything. It's actually much better to be able to recognize your own strengths."

"I know that," Calvin said, sighing. "Intellectually, I know that I don't have to be like, uh, Clint in everything. Still, he is my twin - and it could be quite bothersome to know that, well, that it seems like I don't measure up to him. It can be quite discouraging."

"He may be your twin," Clara pointed out, gently, "but you really are still two different people. As long as you keep comparing yourself to him, you can never truly be happy. You have to learn how to be happy with yourself. You have to learn to be yourself."

September 5, 1885
8:30 PM PST

"Now swing that partner half way 'round..." the festival caller was singing, as Marty smiled quite warmly at Jennifer. "Sashay back to the middle of the set... All the way up to the head of the set... Now bow to the partner, you're through!"

Marty glanced over at his twin and Clara, who were standing on the other side of the line. As the band began to play My Darling Clementine, Marty really had to admit that music wasn't half-bad. He smiled very softly at Jennifer, as the two of them began to dance along. He then caught sight of Calvin and Clara, and he waved over at them.

Just then, a strange man ran up to Marty, as he shouted, "Hey, what are you doing with my girlfriend?'" As Marty took a close look at the man, he quite realized that the man bore a striking resemblance to Douglas Needles. "You get away from my Clara!"

"Hey, you're messing with the wrong person!" Marty protested, as the man he figured to be Billy Needles he jerked Jennifer away from Marty. He suddenly felt very angry.

"How dare you run away from me?" Billy snarled. Just as Jennifer opened her mouth to protest, he just slapped her in the face... and then he continued, "You've been a very naughty girl! Now you will have to be punished." Marty felt rather horrified.

"I believe you've underestimated me, mister," shouted Jennifer. Just as Billy opened his mouth to protest, Jennifer kicked him in the shins. As Billy cringed over with pain, he pushed Jennifer to the ground. The music then stopped, and everyone turned to stare at Jennifer and the Billy. Calvin and Clara came running up to them as well.

"Oh, Billy, was it me that you were looking for?" Clara asked, in an exaggerated tone of sweetness. "The girl you were messing with is my new friend, Jennifer Holt. I very much think you would really like to turn right around and go away. I wouldn't be your girl, even if..." Clara paused, before adding, "... even if you had a million dollars!"

"Listen, you reprobate," Calvin said, as he stood up to Billy. "She's sure made it clear that she doesn't want you, okay? Are you just so stupid, you can't even take a hint? Actually, it was more than a hint! Does she actually have to spell it out for you?"

"Hey, you runt, I know very well she doesn't want me," Billy replied, defiantly. "It was clear from the moment she ran away. Unfortunately for her, though, that is really not her decision to make. She is a women... I am a man... it is her duty to submit to me."

"You misogynistic bastard!" Calvin yelled, angrily. "You really don't bother to pretend that you see women as human beings who are just as capable of having emotions as men are, do you? That's right, Billy! Let's show everyone at this festival just what an abhorent asshole you are, and that you have no such consideration for humankind."

"All right, dude!" Billy snarled, as he glared at Calvin. "You little runt just think you're tough? How about we do this? Tomorrow, you and me go for horse race. I'll just pick out the track. If you win, then you can have Clara - if I win, I'll be keeping her."

"No way!" Calvin insisted, firmly. "It's obvious that I'm the one Clara loves. There's no way I'll ever let you have her. You don't deserve to have a nice girl like her. She quite told me all about the way you've mistreated. I refuse to play any your stupid games!"

"Oh, what's the matter!" sneered Billy. "You think you're not going to win?" As Calvin was about to open his mouth and protest, he added, "You know what I think? I think you don't truly love Clara? If you're simply too cowardly to race me in order to prove your love to her... Well, don't you want to prove your worth to her? Think about it!"

Calvin was quite silent for a minute, before he finally said, "All right, you're on!" Marty felt very horrified by what his twin just said. "I'll show you that I am worthy. I'll rather be more than happy to prove a complete asshole like you that you are totally wrong."

"All right, now," Marshall Strickland said, just as he showed up with a rifle, "break it up. What's all this about?" When he took a rather close look at the gang leader, he added, "You causing trouble here, Needles?" Marty couldn't help but laugh a little.

"No trouble, Marshall," Billy insisted, smugly. Glancing over at Calvin, he added, "Just a little personal matter between me and this runt. This don't concern the law."

"Tonight everything concerns the law," insisted Marshall Strickland. "Now break it up. Any brawling, it's fifteen days in the county jail." He then lowered his rifle, as he said to the crowd. "All right folks, this is a party! Come on, let's have some fun!"

The Hill Valley Festival Band began to play Doubleback again, and the dancing began to resume. Marty was still way too concerned for his twin to began dancing, though.

"All right," Billy called, "tomorrow at 3:30, you will show up and race me. If you don't show up, then it will sure be proof that you are a coward - and I'll get to keep Clara. Now I must warn you, it's going to be one bumpy ride - and I get to pick the track."

"I'll do it, Billy," Calvin replied, smugly. "If there ain't no mountain high enough, no valley low enough, and no river wide enough to keep me from Clara - then there's quite no bully who's tough enough to keep me away from Clara. You can count on yours truly to be there, and you can also count on yours truly to kick your ass."

"Well, we'll see about that," Billy shot back. Turning to his lackeys, he added, "Let's just get out of here. The Marshall's after our case, and this party is for sissies. I've got a very good feeling these puny twin midgets really have got nothing on us."

Marty felt relieved, as the gang turned around to leave. He had to let his twin know that he was taking a very foolish risk. He'd feel quite responsible, if Calvin somehow ended up being hurt. He really had to make his twin see the error of his decision.

ooooooooooo

Calvin could still hardly believe that he agreed to race Billy. He wasn't even that good at horseback riding, and Billy was probably going to pick quite a dangerous track. The thing was, he had never felt so much in love with a woman before. He sure had to do this, as a sign of his love for Clara. He was willing to defend his honour at all costs.

"Calvin, I thank you so much for your gallantry," Clara said, softly. "You didn't have to agree to racing him, though. He always was just a ruthless man - and, uh, what about that condition you have? I'm quite flattered that you love me so much, but you..."

"Believe me, Clara," Calvin said, "I love you so much, it just hurts. There's no way I'm going to let Billy think that he's right. I truly do love you, and it is my duty to prove to prove to him that I love you. It is very sweet of you to be concerned about me, but I do need to defend my honour. I must do this, for you. I really do love you so much."

"I really do love you, too," Clara replied, very gently. "I simply can't stand to see you get yourself hurt. I mean, you've already done your duty by standing up to Billy. You have done enough by doing that. You really don't have to prove anything to him."

"Clara's right, uh, John Wayne," Marty added, as he and Jennifer showed up. "I am concerned about you taking such a risk. This simply isn't like you. I mean, you're the one who's usually really trying to prevent me from making such rash decisions."

"I know what I'm doing!" Calvin snapped. When he saw a wounded look on his twin's face, he added, "I'm so sorry, uh, Clint. I sure didn't mean to snap at you. It's great that you care about me, but I'll be fine! I sure need to practice a little bit tomorrow - and then, come 3:30 in the afternoon, I'll certainly be there to kick his ass good!"

"I'm just going to tell you the same thing," Doc added, as he stepped up, "that I used to always tell your twin. You can't quite lose your judgement like that. You did let Billy provoke you into taking on such a dangerous stunt. You should've said 'no' to him."

"Yeah, really," Marty replied, nodding. "You should've simply told him that you aren't going to take any of his bullshit! It was quite wrong of him to just question your love for Clara. It's obvious that he was really being a bad sport about the whole thing."

"Your twin is right," Clara replied, as she put her arm around Calvin. "Billy was so mad at me for running away from him, and now he can't take the fact that I do prefer you to him. I mean, you do treat me like a human being - instead of as, well, as some sort of a trophy. You might want to at least, well, reconsider your decision to race him."

"See, even your girlfriend agrees with us," Marty pointed out. "I really can't stand to think that you'll get hurt. I'm going to have such a hard time getting to sleep tonight. It really does seems like you've become, well, the same way that I used to be."

As Marty walked off with Jennifer, Calvin began to wonder if he did act like the way his twin used to be. After all, he nearly did end up ruining his future. In fact, such a version of him actually did. Still, this really wasn't the same thing. After all, he really was doing this for a girl. He really did owe it to Clara to prove Billy Needles wrong.

"It's real good to have a man like you," Clara commented, as she and Calvin began to dance. "You don't have to race Billy to prove anything to him, but it's also just not my place to tell you what to do. Whatever decision you choose to make, I'll respect."

September 6, 1885
3:00 PM PST

Calvin felt real nervous, as he was in the area that would later become known as Hill Valley Park. The time machine was hidden not far away, and he really was preparing himself to race Billy Needles - and to just prove to that bully his true love for Clara.

"Are you sure you wish to do this, Calvin?" Marty asked, concerned. "You never were all that agile, when it came to horses. I just think it'd be better, if you just let me take your place. Knowing the likes of Billy, I really think it'd be a little dangerous for you."

"I appreciate your concern," Calvin replied, quietly. "I have to do this myself, though. I want to prove to him that I really do love Clara. I can't quite afford to cheat on this, and I have to prove to Clara that I love her much, I'm willing to take risks for her."

"Listen, Cal," Marty said, softly, "Clara is not asking you to do this for her. She even told you that you didn't have to do this for her. Remember how you used to be very concerned for me - whenever I would take on dares, quite simply to prove to people that I wasn't a chicken? Well, I'm concerned that you're making the same mistake."

"That's different, though, Marty," Calvin protested. "Billy actually said that, if I wasn't willing to race him, then it would mean that I don't truly love Clara. I can't let him think that I don't truly love Clara. Marty, it's a girl that I'm doing all of this for. I'm really not doing this for me! Clara may say that I don't have to, but she's just trying to be nice."

"Well, okay, Calvin," Marty said, sighing. "I just hope you know what you're doing. I really can't stand to see you get hurt. I really should be putting my foot down, but I can't stop you. Listen, Cal, do you think Clara wants you to do this for her? Let's try to think this over rationally. Would she want you to just risk your safety, for her?"

"Of course, she does!" insisted Calvin. "If I don't, then I'll just be proving Billy to be right - and I can't let him win. You've heard the things he's said. He acts like women are property. In nearly half an hour, I'll prove to Billy that I'm a real man... that I'm really a fighter.. that I am very willing to defend my honour, in order to protect the women that I love! I have to do this, Marty - and you are not going to stop me!"

"But, Calvin," Marty protested, "this isn't something you have to do. Yes, if she was trapped inside a burning house, then she sure would appreciate you risking your life for her. However, this sure doesn't mean you have to take an unnecessary risk just so you can prove yourself to some bully... a bully that Clara can't even stand!"

"You don't understand, Marty," Calvin replied, sighing. He knew his twin meant very well, and was quite concerned for his safety. However, he really owed it to Clara to show her that he truly loved her - and he quite had no intention of really letting Billy Needles think otherwise. He had to prove to Billy that he really was a worthy man.

oooooooooo

"Are you about ready to race me, runt?" Billy asked, as he and his gang smirked. "If you lose, I get to keep Clara as my girl. If you win, which I sure doubt that you will, then you prove yourself worthy. The race stats... now! May the best man win!"

Billy immediately took off on his horse. Marty watched, with horror, as Calvin shot off after him. If Calvin ended up being injured, then Billy would really have a lot of hell to pay. Tears of worry filled his eyes, as Calvin was riding his horse very awkwardly.

He still remembered how, back when he was twelve, he and his twin would both take horseback riding lessons. While Marty had really gotten good at it, Calvin didn't quite fare as well. He was worried, as he galloped beside the track - with Doc and Jennifer both riding beside him. Clara was riding a little behind, as well. Marty sighed deeply.

Please, God, Marty prayed, let Calvin be fine. Marty felt so relieved to see that his twin rather was managing to hang on. As the horse began to trot over some big rocks, though, Calvin was thrown off the horse - and he landed on the ground.

Marty was very worried, as he heard a crunch. Calvin appeared to have twisted his leg on a rock. He found himself Billy Needles for forcing his twin into such a situation that was dangerous. Tears filled his eyes, as he deaded what happened to Calvin.

"Are you okay, uh, John Wayne?" Marty cried out, as he ran up to his twin. "It looks like you wiped yourself out good." Calvin really moaned a little, as Marty touched his forehead. He just took a very close look at Calvin's legs, and he just noticed that his twin's left leg looked disjointed. "Oh, no!" wailed Marty. "I think your leg's broken!"

"That's so awful!" Clara cried up, as she ran up. She turned to Calvin, and said, "You know, I really did mean it - when I said you didn't have to do this. Do you really think I'd value the opinion of someone like Billy Needles? I feel bad that you've got hurt!"

"I'm sorry, uh, Clara," Calvin mumbled, as tears filled his eyes. "I simply loved you so much, I did felt that I had to do this for you. I guess I've acted very foolishly. This is what I was always warning my twin about, and then I go and do the same thing."

"You let him rile ya..." Seamus said, as he slowly stepped up, "... rile ya into playing his game, his way, by his rules. You didn't have to prove anything to him. You could have just walked away, and nobody would of thought the less of ya for it. All it just would have been was words - hot air from a buffoon. Now you've really got hurt."

"I've been doing some thinking about this," Clara added, gently, "and I don't want you to just take this the wrong way. I am quite fond of you, and I really would want for us to remain being friends. However, I do have to admit that I'm not in love with you!"

"What?" Calvin asked, as his began to tremble a little. "Look, Clara, I'm real sorry that I did such a foolish thing - but do we really have to end our relationship?" Calvin really began to cry, as he added, "Clara, you meant so much to me! I really do need you!"

"No, John Wayne, you don't understand," Clara protested, softly. "It has nothing to do with you racing Billy. I'm rather flattered that you loved me so much. It's because I've really been with you for the wrong reasons. The thing is, I quite thought I loved you - but, in actuality, it was because you reminded me so much of Martin McFly."

Marty's heart really went out to his twin. It looked as if both were really attracted to each for the wrong reasons. Tears began to fill his eyes, as he quite thought of how distressed poor Calvin felt. He felt rather bad about having invited Jennifer along.

"When you agreed to race Billy for me," Clara continued, "you reminded me of Martin. You could've just been killed." She paused, before adding, "After I saw your twin with Jennifer Holt, I was reminded of Martin and Juniper - so I just thought I loved you."

"Oh, this is all my fault," moaned Jennifer, as tears filled her eyes. "If hadn't insisted on tagging along, none of this would've ever happened. This trip was intended to be for, uh, John Wayne and Chris to take their minds of their women problems. It really was wrong of me to ask if I could come along. I feel bad that John Wayne got hurt."

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself, Jenn," Clara said, softly. "You and Clint seem to be happy together." She leaned over to kiss Calvin's forehead, as she added, "In other words, John Wayne, I hope you get better. I'm so sorry that you got hurt."

"I could fetch a doctor," Seamus suggested. "His leg may never really be in the same condition as it was - but he should be able to walk on it again, within a few weeks. In fact, he's lucky he wasn't hurt worse then he already was. He could've been killed."

"Thanks for offering, Seamus," Doc replied, softly, "but it won't be necessary. We'll just, uh, head right back to San Francisco. It's been very nice getting to know you, and it's a shame that our trip here was cut short. It was very nice while it lasted."

"Well, are you sure about that?" Seamus asked, with concern. "It's quite a long trip to San Francisco. Shouldn't we, at least, put a cast on that leg? It sure shouldn't take us long." After Doc nodded, he added, "I just wish you a very safe journey back home."

"I'm quite sorry that I broke your heart," Clara added, as she tenderly stoked Calvin's forehead. "You're a nice fellow, and I'd love to see you again. Mark told me that I can stay with him and his family, so I'll be fine here. I will just miss you, John Wayne - and I do hope you get better." She then added, "Godspeed and happy trails, all of you!"

"Thank you very much," Doc replied, as he and Marty began to lift Calvin up from the ground. When Marty saw that Calvin was crying, he felt quite awful. Marty really felt like crying himself. He glanced over at Jennifer, who also looked very disturbed.

"So what are we going to do, Doc?" Marty asked, as he and Doc were carrying Calvin to the station wagon. "I mean, just what are we really going to tell our parents? How are going to explain to them that Calvin has a broken leg? This is such a disaster!"

"We're not," Doc said, just as Jennifer opened up the back door. As Doc and Marty quite carefully placed Calvin in the back seat, he added, "We're going to take a trip into the far future - March 15 of 2016, to be precise. With the advance treatments that the future holds, he should have his leg entirely healed within a few hours."

"That's a good idea," Marty replied, as he was excited to visit the future again. "The future sounds like it's quite going to rock. I hope that my future son doesn't turn out to be a wimp, again. I mean, I would like to think I'd raise him to be more confident."

February 15, 2016
12:00 PM PST

"We're now in the year 2016," commented Doc, as the station wagon broke the time barrier. "Brad and Sabrina's oldest son, Todd Wilkins, is a licenced physician. We can bring Calvin to him to be treated, as Todd is aware that I've built a time machine. Do not go anywhere. All of you just stay right here, as I make a couple of phone calls."

Calvin was weeping silently, as he was really in pain over his broken leg. He was also distressed over his failed relationship with Clara Parker. She was just one more girl in his list of girls that really didn't work out for him. He began feeling great despair over ever being able to find his true love. Why did his twin happen to have all the luck?

"Everything will be fine, Cal," Marty whispered, as he drew his twin close to him. "I'm terribly sorry that things really didn't work out between you and Clara. The very last time we were here, though, you did have a son. Don't you remember Calvin Jr?"

"That sure doesn't mean anything," Calvin protested, sobbing brokenly. "I never was able to find out about my future wife. For all I know, we might've been divorced. All I really want is a girl... a girl that I can truly love. Is that really too much to ask for?"

"I understand how you feel, Calvin," Marty said, gently. "It's not something you can push, though. It have to allow it to happen naturally. You sure can't force anyone it to happen. I quite should've respected your wishes, Cal - and I quite shouldn't have invited Jennifer along. It was wrong of me to disregard your wishes, and I'm sorry."

"It was also wrong of me to ask if I could go along," Jennifer added, sorrowfully. "If you guys wanted me to go along, I guess you would have quite invited me from the start. I guess we've both handled this real badly - and, as a result, Calvin ended up getting hurt." She then leaned over, and added, "Calvin, I'm also sorry about this."

"I guess I can't really fault you two for this," Calvin replied, weeping. "I was being a very bad sport about this whole thing. I wanted to have a girl like Jennifer, and I've acted so foolishly. I guess it was just natural that you two wanted to be together."

"Well, no, we were wrong," Marty said, gently. "We had planned the trip to take your mind off your problems, and it was quite insensitive of me to tell Jennifer she could go along. I should've known right from the beginning that you were so bothered by it."

oooooooooo

"I'm back," Doc called out, as he returned. "Calvin, I called your older self - and your son, Alex, is going to come the hospital. Even though Todd already knows about our time machine, we still will need your son there - in order to get his thumbprint."

"You're the doc, Doc," Calvin replied, a little nervously. As he realized something, he then gasped, "Wait a minute! Did you just say that my son's name is really Alex?" As Doc nodded, he added, "Is Alex, like, a second son of mine? What about Calvin Jr?"

"Calvin Jr is now Alex," Doc explained, rather gently. "You gave him a different name this time. I shouldn't tell you quite too much about your own destiny, but this timeline has changed quite considerably - since the last time we came here. That's all I'll really be telling you. Telling you more could be disasterous to the space-time continuum."

"Whoa, Doc, this is heavy," mumbled Calvin. "Come to think of it, I was considering the idea of maybe giving my son a different name. I have considered Alex as being one of the options. It is rather scary to know how easily our future can change."

"That is actually a good thing," Doc replied, smiling. "After all, you remember how the last future here was a mess - because Marty had raced Needles." Turning to Jennifer and Marty, he added, "All right, Jennifer, here's some money for you. Go over to the Cafe '80s, and get yourself something to eat. Marty, I need you to lend me a hand."

"Thanks, Doc," Jennifer replied, as she accepted the money from Doc. "I guess I'll see you in a few hours." She hugged and kissed Marty, as she said, "I love you, Marty. I'll see you soon." She kissed Calvin on the forehead, and added, "Get well soon, Cal."

"See you later, Jennifer," Doc called out. As Jennifer left, he added, "Marty Jr will be at the hospital, with Alex. Marty, he said that he sure needs you to take Alex's place in a talent show. It's very important to him, and Alex needs to stay at the hospital."

oooooooooo

Calvin couldn't remember the last time he was in such pain. He had never fractured any bones before, and he wished quite desperately that this was just a nightmare. When he finally caught sight of the hospital, he then began to feel plenty of relief.

"It looks like Todd Wilkins is waiting by the entrance for us," observed Doc. "He has a gurney waiting for us, too. I've spoken with Todd a few times, and he's real nice. It's so nice that he offered to help us. I feel quite bad about bringing your kids into this."

"It's nice to see you, Dr. Brown," greeted a young physician, smiling very warmly - as Doc and Marty carried Calvin into the hospital. "I'm Dr. Wilkins... Dr. Todd Wilkins. I'm sure happy to be able to help you out." Motioning towards the gurney, he added, "I'll place Calvin on here, and we can roll him inside. I'll have him fixed up in a few hours."

"That will be so awesome, uh, Dr. Wilkins," Calvin commented, just as Marty and Doc laid him onto the gurney. "It will be very nice to be in the future, in order to have my leg fixed. Doc did come here a few months ago, in order to have his rejuvination."

"We'll take quite good care of you, Cal," Dr. Wilkins said, softly. "My mother, Sabrina Palmer, sure has been a very good friend of Doc's. I don't inherit any of her powers, but I've been rather interested in medicine for about as long as I can remember."

"Thanks so much, Todd," Doc said, warmly. "It helps to have an ally in this year - who is privy to my, well, you know. Alex and Marty Jr should be getting here shortly. That would help us out, as you need Alex's thumbprint. Thanks again for your assistance."

"Yeah, uh, thank you for offering to treat my brother," Marty added, nervously. "It really seems strange to think that, in 1986, you have yet to be born - and, in 2016, you're a doctor. It's sure convenient to know a physician who knows about our, uh, condition. Are you sure that you'll really have him healed within just a few hours?"

"Indeed, I will," Dr. Wilkins replied, warmly. "He will come out as good as new. It'll be like he never broke his leg. The future is quite grand. We have to register your son's treatment under the name of his son, Alex, though. Well, let's just go wheel him in."

As Dr. Wilkins was bringing Calvin into the surgical treatment room, Calvin began to feel so uneasy. He'd never undergone surgury before. Would they place him under anaesthesia? He then remembered this sleep-inducing alpha-rhythm generator that Doc had used on the children, the last time that the thee of them went to 2015.

"Everything'll be fine, Cal," Dr. Wilkins commented, as he placed Calvin onto a bed - which sure felt surprising comfortable. "Your son should be here soon. I will need to have his thumbprint. It's fortunate that you really have a son who resembles you."

Calvin felt rather stunned, as he saw two young men who looked like him and Marty walking into the room. He figured that they must be Marty Jr and Alex. They looked less scruffy and a lot more well-groomed from the very last time he saw them. They most likely wouldn't even remember his last visit, as this was a different timeline.

"Is that you, Dad?" asked one of the boys, as he took a real close look at Calvin. "My name's Alex Jandrew McFly. Are you okay?" As he took a rather close look at Calvin's broken leg, he suddenly threw his arms around his father - just as he began to cry.

"I'm sure everything will be fine," Calvin said, as he hugged his future son, tightly. "I just broke my leg, when I fell off a horse. I felt the very need to race a bully, just to prove myself worthy. It was a very foolish decision that I made, and I regret it."

"It just really makes me feel sad," Alex replied, sobbing, "to see you injured like that. I love you so much, and I don't like it when bad things happen to you. You've sure been a wonderful father, and I just want you to be okay! You really mean so much to me!"

"Hey, Alex," commented Marty Jr, gently, "your father will be fine. We had advanced medicine today that will make him quite as good as new. Anyway, if they're here from the past - and your father of today is just fine, then everything worked out." Turning to Marty, he added, "I do hate to impose, but do you really mind filling in for Alex?"

"No, I guess not," Marty replied, very softly. "I rather do owe it to you, anyway. I'm sorry that we had to drag you and Alex into this. I actually had no idea that you two were planning to participate in a talent show. I'll see what I can really do to help."

"The two of you better leave right away," Dr. Wilkins suggested to the Martys. "The last thing we sure need is to have someone else walk in, and become suspicious. We should be able to have him fixed up in about three hours. He'll be as good as new."

"I'll see you later, Cal," Marty said, as he leaned over to kiss Calvin's forehead. Calvin watched, as Marty left the room with his son. He really felt pleased to see his children were better adjusted in this future, even if Alex did seem to be rather emotional.

February 15, 2016
1:00 PM PST

Marty Sr felt nervous, as he left the hospital with his future son. He was supposed to pose as Calvin's son, Alex, and partake in a talent show. He really felt nervous about to having to learn to sing a new song in such a short period of time. He really couldn't help but feel worried that he might end up letting down his future son and nephew.

"Okay, uh, Dad," Marty Jr said, nervously, "the song's called On The Other Side. I sing the lead vocals for the verses, you sing the harmony, and we sing the chorus together in unison. It'll take a little bit of practice, but we do have until 2:30 PM."

"I'll see what I can do," replied Marty Sr. "I'm not that very good at singing harmony, but I might be able to manage. By the way, don't call me 'Dad'. It sure makes me feel rather funny - when I haven't even quite had you, yet. I guess, just call me 'Alex'. It is who I'm suppose be posing as - so, I guess, just think of me as a method actor."

"Okay, well, uh, Alex," Marty Jr stammered, "I guess you can just call me, uh, Marty. Anyway, why don't we stop by the Cafe '80s for a quick bite to eat? Here is the lyrics sheet, which you can study - while we're eating. Thank you so much for doing this!"

"You're quite welcome," Marty Sr replied, smiling. "Anyway, it's really sort of my fault for inconviencing you like this. I mean, I do one irresponsible act - and it just starts a chain reaction that creates trouble for quite a number of people. I feel pretty bad."

"Well, as Grandma Lorraine once said," Marty Jr pointed out, "we all make mistakes in life. Actually, she said that several times - but that's beside the point. You can't quite beat yourself up for every little mistake you make. Anyway, it's rather good that you take responsibility for your actions. It's a very admirable trait, if I quite must say so."

"You do have a good point," Marty Sr replied, as he smiled at his son. "It is fortunate that Doc does happen to have a time machine, and that we have advanced medicine in this era. It rather upsets me, to see how him quite injured." Tears came to Marty's eyes, as he added, "I really wish I had stood my ground more, and not let him..."

"You can't keep blaming youself, though," Marty Jr said, very gently. "I mean, you're not responsible for what other people do. Calvin himself chose to make that decision, and I hope he's learned from that incident. Otherwise, it could screw up our lives."

"Yeah, well, that's the thing," Marty Sr replied, as he began to cry. "The last time we came here, you were just different - and so was Alex. He was Calvin Jr then. It sure wasn't a very pretty sight. I just would like for us all to have a wonderful future!"

"Everything will be just fine, Dad," Marty Jr commented, as he placed his arm around his father. "Just try to think positively. Anyway, we just have to head over to Aaron Nelson's home. He's the bassist from our band, and I play lead guitar. We decided to call ourselves Machinehead. The name comes from an early album of Deep Purple's."

"That's sure cool," Marty Sr replied, admiringly. "So I'm guessing that Aaron would be the son of Zach Nelson?" As Marty Jr nodded, he added, "That's pretty cool that you ended up being best friends with my best friend. I must say that I'm happy for you."

"I'm actually closer to Andy Hopkins," Marty Jr explained. "The two of us have been best friends, ever since we were in preschool. The Nelsons spent some time outside Hill Valley, until Aaron was ten. We're sure pretty close friends right now, though."

"Jeez, I have so many questions I'd like to ask you right now," Marty Sr commented, sighing, "but I know how it's not good to know too much about your own destiny. I'd like to, at least, find out who Calvin ends up with. I guess I might, at least, take real comfort in knowing that I don't end up screwing up my own future this time around."

"Yeah, Doc did give me explicit instructions about that," Marty Jr replied. He looked at his watch, and then added, "I suddenly remembered, I just have to make a very brief stop by the music store - so we'll rather have to skip the Cafe '80s. The Nelsons might have a little bit of food, though. I really have to go pick up some new guitar picks."

oooooooooo

As the Martys stepped into the music store, Marty Sr felt rather nervous. He felt very tempted to see if he had any recording out, but he knew it was rather best to respect Doc's wishes. He was rather dismayed by the music he heard, which sure sounded like talking over music. The music, if you could even call it that, didn't have any melody.

"Just what is this sort of garbage?" Marty Sr blurted out, and then he felt bad. After all, this was probably the type of music that his son's generation listened to - and his son himself might like that music. "I'm, uh, sorry," Marty Sr stammered, "I meant..."

"That's okay," Marty Jr replied, gently. "You're absolutely right. This music is just garbage. I hate that my generation is expected to like this crappola. At times, I really wish I grew up back in the 1980s. I mean, your generation just had such cool music."

Marty Sr could hardly believe what he heard. Of course, it was real cool to know that his son liked the music from his generation - but he just couldn't help but think of how hardly anybody he knew liked '50s music. He did have a real certain appreciation for songs from that era, like Johnny B Goode - but he couldn't listen to it all the time.

"Welcome to the music store, boys," greeted a young man, who really looked familiar to him. "I don't exactly like this type of music, either - but the manager sure won't let me change it. My older brother, Billy, sometimes regrets leaving your father's band."

"You must be Bobby Winterson!" Marty Sr suddenly blurted out, before he could stop himself. He knew how Billy had a younger brother who also played the drums. It very much felt strange to think that the little boy he knew was now actually in his thirties.

"Well, of course!" Bobby exclaimed, as he burst out laughing. "Who else would I be? I am the same person as I always was before." After a pause, he added, "You must be nervous about the talent show. I sure wish I could be there, in order to see you boys perform. It's quite awesome how you wish to walk in your father's footsteps, Marty."

"Actually, that's why we came here," Marty Jr explained, nervously. "We just needed to pick up some new guitar picks, for the talent show in a few hours. By the way, you should maybe talk to your manager about all the gangsta rap. Not everyone from our generation listens to this garbage, and I would love to see rock make a comeback."

"Oh, I have just the perfect guitar picks for you," Bobby explained, real warmly. "I've really tried explaining to my manager about this, but he rather insists that it's just the best way to draw in our younger customers. Well, I guess it's his store - his rules."

"My Lit teacher gives me grief for liking '80s rock," Marty Jr said, sighing. "I guess she believes that it's abnormal for me to like music from my parents' generation. I'd simply love for her to fall into a ravine, much like schoolteacher Clayton did 130 years ago."

Marty Sr felt very stunned to discover that the story was a known legend, even thirty years later. He then realized that Clayton sure died in the same year he, his twin, and Doc had just visited. He wondered what might've happened, if Doc had saved Clayton from falling into the ravine - in a similar fashion to how he had rescued Clara Parker.

"Whoa! Don't you really think that's a little harsh?" Bobby asked, gently. "I remember feeling the same way about some of my teachers, back when I was in high school. At that time, I didn't realize just how disrespectful it was to poor Clayton. We sure don't know what he... or she... was like, but the schoolteacher may have been very nice."

"I guess I just didn't think of that," Marty Jr said, blushing. "This Clayton teacher may well have just ended up with a descendant who might be my girlfriend - had he or she lived. Of course, I really can't imagine being with anyone else but Stephanie Stebbs."

"Well, anyway," Bobby said, as he reached for a box, "here are some nice guitar picks for you - for only a hundred bucks. This might be a great deal for you. I'll just ring you up right away, and then you'll have to tell me how well you do at the talent show."

Marty Sr was stunned by how a hundred dollars for guitar picks could be considered a good deal. He then realized that the inflation from the last thirty years had sure been insanely high. It even costed 45 dollars to pick up a bottle of Pepsi at the Cafe '80s.

"Thanks very much for the encouragement, Bobby," Marty Jr replied, as he placed his thumb on the pad. "This might just be our one chance to get people to recognize us. I love my father very dearly, but being compared to him so much could place quite a lot of pressure on you. If I ever become famous, I might change my name to Norman."

"I do have a lot of confidence in you, Marty," commented Bobby. "I thought it was so awesome, how your father became famous. It was more awesome, though, when he chose to end his career - so that he could actually spend more time with his family."

"Yeah, take care, Bobby," Marty Sr called out, as he could hardly believe what he just heard. Turning to his son, he added, "I sure become a famous rock star? Also, what is this you've said about wanting to change your name to Norman? What's with that?"

"You weren't supposed to find that out," Marty Jr said, blushing. "It's quite my luck he should bring that up. Anyway, I don't mind being Marty. Mom said that she wanted to name me Norman, after her grandfather. It's really just to tell the two of us apart."

I guess in the BTTF universe, it's only natural for Calvin to be attracted to Clara right away.

In a way, I really would like to pair Calvin up with Clara - and make the relationship last. The one major problem with that, though, is that it would mess up the events of the Twins Universe portion of The Way We Could've Been. Also, I figured that it would help to drive the plot to have Calvin (and, to a certain extent, Marty) learn an important lesson. I guess I usually do take an idealistic approach in my stories, and A Ticket To The Movies is going to lean heavily in that direction (I'm actually writing that story for a friend) - so this will probably help balance it out a little bit. Calvin does end up meeting April Schultz later that year, though.

February 15, 2016
1:15 PM PST

"So, Doc, just what happened to Dad?" Alex asked, after he finished thumbing a few documents on the computer. "I mean, I know you said you went back to visit the Old West - but how did Dad end up getting himself injured? I hate seeing him like this."

"He was quite infatuated with a girl from that time period," Doc explained. "In fact, it was a girl who greatly resembled your Aunt Jennifer. We decided to go back the day after Valentine's Day, so that Calvin and I might try to take our mind off of women. I made the mistake of letting Jennifer come along, though - so our plan backfired."

"I remember that feeling," added Dr. Wilkins. "Back when I was in high school, it quite seemed like I was the only one out of my buddies to be single. It felt so discouraging, and I felt inadequate. I just felt rather worried that something was wrong with me."

"You should've never felt that way, Dr. Wilkins," protested Alex. "I mean, not having a girl in your life just isn't the end of the world. It might seem like I'm not quite one to understand, but I didn't have a girl in my life last year. I was quite happy with my life to not really care whether or not I had a girlfriend. It wasn't a top priority for me."

"Well, I'm 65 years old," Doc said, sighing, "and I'm still having very terrible luck with women. I feel quite tempted to look myself up, and see if I'm destined to find love. I must practice what I preach, though. It does take so much restraint on my part."

"I didn't find my true love, until I was 21," Dr. Wilkins added, "and we've been rather happily married for two years, now. I sure never approved of all those organizations that try to find you a match. I've always found them to be just nothing but a hoax."

"He shouldn't been discouraged," Alex said, sighing. "He really ended up marrying a great woman, and she's quite a great mother to all of us. I guess you don't want to tell him that, though - because it's sure not good to know too much about your own destiny." After taking a deep breath, he asked, "Just what's the real harm in that?"

"Have too much information about your own future," Doc explained, "can cause you to live a careless life. I'm so glad that your Uncle Marty warned me about being shot by the Libyan terrorists, and I now agree that it was a good thing he warned me."

Alex thought for a minute, before he finally said, "I guess you really do have a point, Doc. Could you at least tell him that, uh, he'll really be meeting his future wife later in 1986? That sure might make him feel better, without telling him any of the specifics."

"I'm not sure if I should even do that," Doc said, quietly. "I feel quite bad for him, that he was so discouraged about not having a girl in is life. Still, even telling him that much could be very disasterous. He'll have to find out, through the natural course of time."

"Dr. Brown is right," added Dr. Wilkins. "Even though I'm quite more of a medical sort of medical sort of doctor, I do have a general concept of physics. Time travelling can be very exciting, but it can also be quite dangerous. Also, just consider this, if Marty from 1986 was to hears one of his own songs that he hasn't even written, yet..."

"Great Scott!" Doc gasped, with horror. "That could result in a time paradox. Now I'm wondering if I quite made the right decision, allowing Marty to take your place. It can even be real risky, simply finding out that he is destined to become a rock star."

"Just try to relax, Dr. Brown," Dr. Wilkins said, rather gently. "His son is with him, and you did give him quite explicit instructions to not let his father know about his destiny. He is in very good hands. I'm sure everything will be fine. Just do your best to relax."

"Well, it was only a suggestion," Alex said, shrugging. "Doc, are you feeling hungry? I could stop by the snack machine, and pick something up for you. They have very nice chicken chimichangas. I really am addicted to those things. They do come inside these things called thermo-boxes, so they are always the right temperature. It's so neat."

"Thank you so much for offering," replied Doc, "but I'm not hungry right now. In fact, I'm really feeling tired. I'm not sure why. My leg also hurts badly. When I was walking over to the payphone to call you and Dr. Wilkins, I was bit by a very small poodle."

"You were bit by a poodle, Dr. Brown?" Dr. Wilkins asked, with concern. "Was it just a stray dog, or did he have some owners? I do have a friend who works as a vet, and I heard from him that there is disease that has been affecting certain dogs. So far, the virus hasn't reached any humans - but, it might, if we don't contain it soon enough."

"There was a young blonde woman," Doc explained, "who appeared to be in her early twenties. She immediately grabbed the dog and scolded him, right after he bit me. I'm sure she was alone with the dog. So just what is this virus that's going on here?"

"This is actually what we're trying to figure out," Dr. Wilkins explained, just as his face turned sad. "According to my vet friend, it takes about four days for the symptoms to show up. Once the symptoms show up, they are in great agony - and then they die."

Alex began to cry, as he thought of the dog that his family owned - whom they called Klaus. He was a German shepherd that the family picked up about four years ago. He was simply a very friendly dog, and Alex could always count on Klaus to comfort him - whenever he was feeling sad. The idea of losing Klaus to a terrible disease upset him.

"Aw, I'm sorry, Alex," Dr. Wilkins added, as he handed the teen a box of tissues. "It quite makes me feel sad, too. That why we just want to be able to put a stop to this disease, as soon as we can. This can be discouraging for us to have to deal with."

"I could imagine it quite would be," Doc replied, quietly. "You manage to get rid of old diseases, only to discover that there are new diseases popping up all over the place. So are you saying that I might be getting sick? This is the last thing I really need."

"Come to think of it, though," Dr. Wilkins said, gently, "maybe I'm just overreacting. I know that, as a doctor, I do quite have to keep from being too overly emotional - but I just happen to love dogs. On the positive side, though, I haven't heard of any such human outbreaks. So I'm sure you'll be fine. Let me know if you do start feeling sick."

Alex wiped his eyes, as he tried to think positively. Anyway, Doc probably would be just fine - and the incident could even be in the past of the current Doc, who was in the Caribbeans with Jessica Hoffman. He took in a deep breath, and tried to relax.

"I'll do that, Dr. Wilkins," replied Doc. "Come to think of it, I guess I could just go for a Pepsi. I don't really feel sick. I'm just really feeling tired. I guess I just didn't really get a lot of sleep the night before, because I was also worried terribly about Calvin."

"Love sure can make you do foolish things," Dr. Wilkins replied, with understanding. "I even one tried to change my interests, to impress this girl. I've since learned that you shouldn't have to change yourself for anyone, or else you can never truly be happy."

"I'll admit that," Doc explained, quietly, "a little after Jill Wooster quite cruelly dumped me, there sure were several times when I wondered what might happen - if I did take on one of the three projects that his father proposed. One of them was Xerox, which is very successful today - but I was just so distrustful of that company back then."

"Even if you did take up Xerox," Alex explained, gently, "I don't think you might've been real happy. It really does sound to me like she never truly loved you - and, if you were to marry her, you might've been stuck in an unhappy relationship. I sure don't think it would've been worth it, even if Xerox ended up becoming a success."

"You're quite right, Alex," Doc replied. "I sure didn't need a girl like her in my life. She was too much of a people pleasure for my liking, and she did try to make attempts to get me to change the way I dressed and such. It should've been a warning sign."

"A lot of us have sure gone through that in our lives," Dr. Wilkins explained. "I think it's just a desire to be accepted. I was never especially unpopular, but I didn't quite have as much luck with the girls. It really can take such a toll on one's self-esteem."

"Yeah, really," Doc agreed. "In Calvin's case, though, it was rather different. It's not that Clara herself was asking him to prove himself, but it was actually a bully. He just felt that it was quite necessarily to prove to the bully that he loved Clara. It just isn't usually like that. It's like there quite was a reversal of roles between him and Marty."

"Yeah, I still remember dealing with bullies," Dr. Wilkins replied, nodding. "I suppose bullies back in the Old West were even more dangerous, because they actually had guns. I love watching a good western, but I wouldn't want to visit the era. I'm sure used to the advanced technology of today's world, as well. So you love that era?"

"That's right," Doc replied, nodding. "I always wanted to be a cowboy, when I was a little boy. I sometimes wonder how my life could've been so different, if I never read Jules Verne. My life might actually not have been as interesting, as it sure is today."

"I'll be back with the Pepsi," Alex said, as he stood up. "I hope that Dad turns out to be fine. My dad of this year would still be at work. I wonder if he may remember the event of thirty years ago. I guess the event would be today, but what I quite mean is... thirty years from his past. Man, time travel can really be so confusing for me."

February 15, 2016
1:30 PM PST

As Jennifer stepped into the Cafe '80s, she wasn't sure whether to be impressed or horrified. Like everything else she's seen so far, the place looked quite futuristic. At least, they were playing nice music. The videowaiters, she had to admit, were quite awesome. Still, this place looked too futuristic to accurate depict the 1980s culture.

Just then, a videowaiter who looked quite like Michael J Fox zoomed up to Jennifer, as he said, "Welcome to the Cafe 80's, where it's always morning in America - even in the aftern... n... noon. Our special today is beer-battered fish fry with hash browns..."

"You must have the spaghetti dinner," interrupted the videowaitor, who rather looked like Eric Stoltz. Then "Michael J Fox" and "Eric Stoltz" began talking over each other. It was ironic how the star of Mind Warped was arguing so vigorously with his runner-up.

"Hey, hey, hey, hey, guys," Jennifer protested, "hey, hey!" After the two waiters stopped arguing, Jennifer added, "Look, I really would just like some BLTs. In fact, make that three sandwiches. I would just like to have a Pepsi on the side, as well."

To Jennifer's great amazement, a tray suddenly appeared out of the counter. There were three futuristic boxes, and the Pepsi came in a futuristic bottle. Jennifer began to study these very futuristic containers, as she tried her best to figure out how she was supposed to open up them. She rather desperately wanted to eat her food.

Just then, she saw a girl step into the Cafe '80s. To Jennifer's amazement, she saw that the girl looked rather familiar. She then realized that the girl sure had the same face as Marty and Calvin. Could this girl possibly be her future daughter, Marlene?

"Hey, uh, you really do look familiar to me," the girl said, quite nervously - as she sat right next to Jennifer. She whispered, "You're Jennifer Parker, aren't you? I am your future daughter, Marlene Stella McFly." As Jennifer looked very stunned, she quickly added, "I actually knew about Dr. Brown's time machine for about a month, now."

"You're right," Jennifer replied, as she smiled at her future daughter. "We're from the year 1986. Actually, we came here from 1885 - but we're native to 1986. I really feel as if I'm responsible for Calvin being hurt. Say, just how do you open these things?"

"You just press your thumb over here," Marlene explained, as she opened up one of the boxes. "These are called thermo-boxes. It keeps the food nice and fresh. It just keeps the food being the right temperature - so that it's never too hot or two cold."

"Well, then," Jennifer said, as she followed Marlene's lead, "I just must say that these things are quite nifty." As she picked up half a sandwich, she added, "These things do keep the sandwiches quite fresh. I have to admit that I have some real mixed feelings about the future technology. A lot of it does look very cool, but it's also really..."

"A lot to get used to?" Marlene asked, gently. As Jennifer nodded, Marlene added, "I think it's cool, getting to know you as a teenager. So what brings you here, anyway? Was it to get advaned treatment for Uncle Calvin? Just how badly was he injured?"

"Well, he ended up breaking his leg," Jennifer explained. "He actually let a bully goad him into a horse race, so that he could prove his love for a girl. In fact, the girl was a direct ancestor of mine - that we ended up rescuing from Rusty River. I really feel as none of this would've happened, had I not tagged along. I feel quite guilty about it."

"That sounds like the way Dad used to be," Marlene commented. "He really used to let people push him around, by calling him a chicken. It's rather scary to think of what our life might've actually been like, had Dad actually chosen to race Douglas Needles."

"