JAYLEN'S JOURNEY TO THE PAST

Jaylen's journey home to Harbor Haven continues when she unexpectedly goes to the past and witnesses the beginning of the love story of her parents.

Nine years is a long time to be away from home. Reading my father's last words gave me the strength I needed to pack all my belongings and leave Glenn Brook for good.

I still don't know how my dad's letter found me, I'm glad it did. His words gave me what I needed to find peace. It still hurts that he's not here but at least I have a piece of him with me.

I'm eager to get back to Harbor Haven, I'm eager to see my mother, my home, my friends and my favorite places. My mom is going to go nuts when she sees me.

There are so many people at the bus station. One couple catches my eye. They look so much in love.

That has me wondering how my parents met. Was it love at first sight? Did my father have to work hard to get my mother's attention? Maybe when I get home, I will ask my mom.

Finally, the bus to Harbor Haven is here. I get in line with the rest of the passengers. My nerves are building. Every step I take I get closer to home.

I find a seat in the back. I take the window seat. One more step to home. The bus begins to move. Here we go.

The road to Harbor Haven takes almost 5 hours. Who knew I was so close to home. I think about what I'm going to say to my mom. One think I'm going to say is I'm sorry for not coming home.

My eyes are getting heavy. I lean my head back and close my eyes. I feel something coming over me. I don't know what it is but I like this feeling. I don't want to wake-up.

"We arrive at our destination, Harbor Haven." I open my eyes. I'm already here. That was quick. I grab my bag and leave the bus.

I'm home. I'm finally home. I walk out of the bus station. I look around. Something seems off. Is this Harbor Haven? I don't recognize anything including the people.

I walk down to Main Street. Oh My God! there is Gina's Ice Cream Shop and next to it is Amy's Cafe. This is Harbor Haven but not the one I remember. I've been gone for nine years. Things are bound to change.

I keep walking pass the Harbor Haven Gazette. I stop and walk back. 1990, the date on the newspaper says 1990. What happen to me? What's going on?

"Laura, is that you?" I turn around and stare at the women across the street. "Yes, Gina it's me."

Mom, no that can't be. She's young. My eyes are glued on my mother. Her clothes are so out of character for her. This is a young Laura.

Her hair is wild and crazy. Her clothes are just wow. The skirt she is wearing is too short. The mom I know would never let me wear anything that short and her shirt is too small.

I can't believe this is my mom. I never knew this about her. I wonder why. I look closely at her face. She has a nose piercing. This is so unreal.

I'm fascinated by my mom. Not in shock but in awe. She dares to be different and she looks good. Her smile is the same as I remembered.

"Colton, how are you doing?" I freeze in shock. I slowly turn around and see my father. Tears begin to come down my face. I want to run to him and hug him.

Nine years, I haven't seen my father and he's right across the street from me. My legs are itching to go to him. I remind myself I'm not in my time. My father won't know me.

I stand in place watching my parents. They look so beautiful. They are walking in the same direction.

My mother has her head down. She bumps into my father. He smiles at her. She smiles back. This is the moment they met. I wish I could hear what they are talking about.

I walk across the street. Hopefully they won't notice me. I hide behind some plants. Oh My God! I can hear them.

"Hi beautiful."

"Sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

I can sense my mother is nervous.

"I better get going."

"What's your name? Mine is Colton."

"Laura." Yup, she is definitely nervous.

"Nice to meet you, Laura. How about I buy you an ice cream?

My mom nods. That was so beautiful. Mom was smitten with dad.

I follow them to Gina's. I don't go inside. I stay outside and watch my parents. Mom is laughing at what dad is saying. All these years later mom never stopped laughing at dad's jokes.

Dad is listening closely at what mom is saying. His eyes are smiling. All these Years later dad never stopped listening to mom's words. That I always remembered.

Dad and mom were always in love. They never stopped kissing. They never stopped laughing at each other's jokes. They always listened to each other. They were the most beautiful couple.

It's so amazing for me to witness my parents first meeting. How my mom was nervous to talk to my dad. How dad was cool as a cucumber.

I see mom relaxing while talking to dad and how dad's eyes never left mom. Dad grabs mom's hand. They never let each other go.

More tears are falling down my face. This is gutting me. My dad is alive. He's here and I can only watch.

Minutes pass as I watch my parents talking, laughing and smiling at each other. I can't take it anymore. I pick up my bag and run to the bus station.

I find a spot far away from people. This has been an emotional day. I begin to cry for what I lost and can never get back.

My crying is done. I close my eyes. That feeling I had before is back. My eyes are heavy. I don't want to wake-up. I hear a noise. Someone is talking.

"We arrive at our destination, Harbor Haven." I'm home. What year is it? I look at my phone calendar. Jan, 13th 2025. I'm home and in the right time.