Time Twister

The cafe looked as if it was brought back from a former time, from the front to the furniture and decorations. After so many tourist traps and modern restaurants, this one reflects the old aroma of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The old streets reminded them of old-world Europe and the classic beauty it had before. So many wars just simply ravaged it. Here sat a world where they could finally relax without the crowds or tourist traps that meant nothing. All Cassandra Archer could see was a quaint place to eat after the tour had ended for today. A little free time was nice to finally explore on their own.

Daniel and Cassandra went down Franz Joseph Street to find this unique place. She pulled out her camera to take a picture since it was a special place. It was an excellent tour, and much history happened, especially in Sarajevo, Bosnia. She looked at him with intention, and he smirked and agreed to eat at this place tonight. The light was shimmering when they entered the small café for a meal.

The smiling couple was startled to see the staff look funny at them. They were dressed in older clothing from the turn of the century. Despite all that, they sat down. The couple dismayed the other guests but were delighted to be there. Eventually, a much-angered waitress wearing a traditional dress came to their table. She just looked at them funny and spoke in the Serbian- Croatian tongue. It was different from the Bosnian from guide books. Dan and Cass looked at the waitress in the same funny way, not expecting this kind of treatment. She then repeated her statement, but both spoke different languages. So, Dan simply spouted out "gulas" with a smile and put up two fingers for two. Then she just yelled with her tongue and left the table.

Each looked at the other, wondering what was happening with the customer service. They looked around the restaurant, and all the other customers wore dresses and suits while wearing jeans and t-shirts. Something seemed off, but they sat and waited for their meals. It looked quaint, but this part of the world was not always friendly towards western Europeans. Dan was a history buff and knew the many empires and countries that have run this land. It was the spark that started World War I. He even was sold some old kronen and hellers from that era. It would be brought back for collectibles. Then, after a long time, the same waitress brought the dishes out, dropped them on the table, and left abruptly.

They just looked at each other and ate their meal. It was good, and yet the service was low in this place. Everyone has been so friendly to them on the site-seeing tour, yet tourism is needed in these places. They have been going across eastern Europe far from Ukraine. They just planned to return to the hotel for an early evening after this. They ate up the meal and wanted to pay for it. Dan pulled marka from his pocket to pay for the dinner and tip. The waitress came over, looked at the money funny, and started yelling in their language. Dan and Cass both looked confused and did not understand. They exchanged for the correct currency, and it was a problem. An older man came out and started yelling about something, then saw the jar Dan had bought with the old money. He pointed at the container, and Dan opened it to pull some hellers out. The man took them and then left them alone. They both shrugged and left the café.

Cass remarked, "well, I guess we are not coming back here." They walked out to the same street, but nothing looked modern. Finally, Dan found a newspaper on the ground with a date he could read, 27th June 1914. He just looked shocked and dismayed at it. Cass was starting to walk down the street when Dan stopped her. "I think we traveled through time or something," he remarked. "How do you know this?" replied Cass. "This newspaper says it is 1914, the day before Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were killed." Replied Dan. "I think we could stop World War I from happening." "How would we stop this and why?" responded Cass. "We could mess up all of history if we do that." "That is a terrible idea." He hung his head and just sat down on the curbside, disappointed.

"Plus, where are we going to sleep tonight?" "Since our hotel is in the future and this place seems a lot angrier at people like us," Cass said. A small man was walking down the street with his cart. He was ignoring the strange foreigners. Dan jumped up, pulled out the Serbian guidebook, and tried pronouncing it. The old farmer just looked at him strangely and shook his head. He spoke and just pointed to his wagon. Dan and Cass slowly climbed on and rode off into the countryside. The farmer pointed his finger at the barn and grunted another non-understood statement. It was an older building that was a place to sleep but nothing compared to their hotel room. They just took their few belongings for a rough night in a barn.

"Well, at least it is a place to sleep," Dan remarked. "I still think we can stop World War I and possibly World War II." Cass gave him a look, "We could save many lives in both wars." "Still, I do not want to mess up history's timelines" "Tomorrow, Gavrilo Princep is going to shoot the Archduke and his wife. We do not want to be in the middle of this war," said Dan." We can go back to our time and leave it all alone," Cass begged. "How did we get here to start with?" yelled Cass. "Please do not get involved with the natural course of time." "Fine, I will just stand by when the spark of World War I happens," Grunted Dan. The farmer's wife came out with some old clothes and threw them in the barn. The old suit had some holes but somewhat fit. The dress was a little big, but Cass made it work. She looked at Dan as they lay in the straw for a long night of little rest.

They lay down as uncomfortable as it may be. "We need to go back to the café and figure out what happened," said Dan. Cass just lay there and tried to fall asleep. He looked at her brown hair and pale skin as she lay there, wishing they had never entered that cafe. The day went so well, and now through some time portal trying to get back. Dan had trouble falling asleep and started reading the history book. The café's picture was there, but under it said it was destroyed during World War II. He just looked at the book and thought he had heard of some stories like this, but they had never traveled through time like this. Eventually, Dan fell asleep until the morning light came through the cracks in the wood. Cass was still asleep, and Dan could just watch her sleep.

The farmer came in yelling, and Cass was startled awake. Dan gave an okay, and they were allowed to get dressed in second-hand clothes. Dan looked homeless in the beaten suit while Cass was trying to wrap a strap around the dress to make it fit better. The handkerchief was put on her head, and they left the barn. The old farmer just gestured to get on his wagon. All their stuff was in their packs, and the new clothes were uncomfortable. The ride was long, and the military shutdown did not make the day any easier.

It was the day the open-top car carrying Franz Ferdinand and Sophia. Arriving in town, everyone was dressed up except for Dan and Cass. Many of the citizens were not thrilled with being under Austria Hungry. Yet these territories have been under everyone's rule, with very different groups of people groups trying to live together. The political environment could have been more encouraging. The ride in was bumpy, and not understanding anyone was not making anything easy. Cass just looked at Dan stating," Now, we just need to see if we can be transported back in our time." "Do not try to change history; people will die regardless." Dan just looked disappointed but said nothing. "You have nothing to say," said Cass. Dan just looked at her. "Well, we could save millions of lives" "We could change everything in everyone's lives if we change the smallest of factors, even if you did it to save two people in the past." Cass looked at him. "This does not mean the war will not start either." "Another trigger could start, or even someone else could kill the Archduke." "I guess so" Dan just sighed.

The long bumpy ride was rough, but they hoped to find their way back into town. The Austrian soldiers and the Archduke had already arrived to check on the military shutdown. The farmer stopped early in town, around ten o clock. He grunted something, and they assumed it was getting off the cart. He pulled some kronen from his jar and gave it to the farmer. The farmer just shook his head and took the money. They were in old clothes and looked at the café but not no shimmer like the first night. So, they just walked around town, but everyone was dressed in their best for the Archduke and his wife, Sophia. Cass whispered to Dan," Don't even think about it."

The open-top car could be seen, and everyone was watching as it drove by the street they had been on last night. Suddenly some explosives were thrown under another vehicle, and the Archduke and his wife were fine not for riders in the other car. The other men were suddenly arrested after some chase and, with the attempt, averted. The Archduke was in good spirits, but when Cass turned around, Dan was gone. She went through the crowd and spotted him just as Gavrilo Princep came out of the public and pulled his handgun around eleven am. Suddenly Dan tackled him to the ground knocking the gun from his hand.

The officers started running toward the two men. Princep was angry and yelling in Serbian. The officers pulled Dan off of Princep, and both were separated. They realized that the gun was aimed at the Archduke and Sophia. They arrested Princep and his co-conspirators and were taken to the local prison. Dan was allowed to stay on the street guarded by some police. The whole incident was short-lived, and the situation was uncertain. Some officers started questioning Dan, who could not answer in Serbian. Finally, a middle-aged man entered the scene in a basic suit and agreed to translate for the officers. Cass could only look at a distance and was ready to speak to him if he was ever let go. It was an hour or so that he pointed out Cass, and they went for her.

She felt like running but realized there was nowhere to go. They took her to Dan, who looked shameful when he saw her. They then uttered in German to come, and the translator followed just a little behind. The Archduke and his wife were out of the car, and all met near the same café from the previous night. So, it was awkward to see them in person after the event. She whispered to Dan, "I guess they do not think you are involved." The Archduke then uttered in his language, and the translator relied on it to Dan and Cass, "he would like to thank you for saving their lives from this attacker. He also would like to offer you some lunch and tea with them." They kindly nodded and agreed. "First, you need some new clothes that fit you better," the translator indicated. They were rushed off to the tailor and a seamstress for a fit for a beautiful Victorian-style shirt, skirt, and corset. Dan looked the part in a lovely black suit of the same style.

She still just looked at doing something wrong. The old clothes were put in their bags with their regular clothes. "Now, off to lunch with the Archduke," said Dan. I hope you did not mess up our future for this stunt," replied Cass. Both held it together as they went to the café for a nice lunch, including the translator. "No man has shown such bravery to my family and me as you have." "The officers forgot to get your names." The translator came back. Cass answered, "We do not mind keeping law and order, and this is my husband, Wilford Root, and I am Eliza." The translator told the Archduke and Duchess the reply. Both were enjoying the meal as a medal was brought out. The conversation continued with, "If only we could give you more than this, but this is one our greatest rewards," said the Archduke through the translator. Dan stood up and gave his thanks. "It is a great honor to help you, your majesty," replied Dan.

The Archduke was reminded of the time, and the lunch had to end. So, in front of the people of Bosnia, the Archduke said, "I give this great honor to Wilford Root for his courageous efforts in stopping the assassins." He then left, leaving Cass, Dan, and the translator alone. It was about two in the afternoon, and Cass was glad the whole thing was over. "Now, let us find our way back to our own time to see if anything is messed up," said Cass. Dan lost his look of pride to see how they traveled through time. He finally said, "the café was destroyed in World War II, so it is like a time portal. I read the one time. "The shimmering was back on the café as they looked at it. "Well, we will see if this is it," retorted Dan. Both entered carefully back into the café where they were treated better, but it looked more modern than the last time.

Some of the old features remained, and the menu was very different. The other guests were in regular clothes too. They both hugged each other at the site of modern times. A newspaper was left on one of the tables with the current day. "It worked," said Cass. "We also need to change out of these awful clothes." So now everyone is staring at us again for the same reasons but different centuries." Dan came back with a smile. The hostess came over and asked if they wanted to be seated. Dan answered, "Not right now; we have somewhere to be. "Both just left as they had entered modern-day Bosnia. It was safer than they left, including the buildings being better kept and the streets looking more traditional.

Suddenly, voices were heard from the street. "Hey, there you are, Ben." A woman came over and hugged Dan kissing him. This disturbed Cass, but just as bewildered as another man said, "I have been looking for you, Cassie." "You just disappeared, and I could not find you." Both Dan and Cass looked bewildered at this situation. Dan and Cass felt something wrong and needed some time to talk but could not escape. "Where did you get those awful clothes?" remarked the blonde-haired woman who kissed Dan. Dan chuckled," you would not believe it if I told you." Of course, they are just costumes, but they might be originals from long ago." "Well, we might have to go back and change into some regular clothes," remarked the woman shaking her head. Cass laughed as she looked at the man with brown hair and khaki pants. "Buy those at the same place, too, and maybe we should change your clothes too." Remarked the man whose tour id stated Larry Sims. "I guess we can. It is more uncomfortable than I imagined." Replied Cass with a smile and unnerved being called Cassie.

Both couples walked toward their hotel with different history signs. Now on the streets was a blurry photo of a man tackling Princep along with a metal pin on him. Dan quickly took off the metal and put it in his pocket. The images were of poor quality, but no one seemed to suspect anything. The banner read, the man who saves Archduke Franz Ferdinand- Wilford Root and his wife, Eliza. Cass and Dan went along as if they did not see it. There was still some danger, but another historical banner read the effects of the Soviet War 1929-1933. Dan thought to get to a history book since so much had changed since he changed history. The walk was informative about the new world and the history of the territorial wars after the fall of Austria Hungarian empire.

The hotel was friendly, with both rooms on the same floor. Both Dan and Cass went into their rooms to change out of the insufferable clothes. The women's id appeared as Tori Archer, which Dan finally spotted. At least he would know her name. Both knew the new spouse from somewhere but could not place them yet. Cass grabbed pants and a new t-shirt from her luggage and headed to the bathroom, much to her new husband's dismay. She undressed and took off the terrible corset she would never wear again. Dan never liked wearing suits, and this one was thick but well-made. He was glad to see his t-shirt and jeans until Tori handed him a polo shirt. He had missed Cass, his wife, for four years now.

Both left their rooms to head back into Sarajevo for the afternoon. The old architecture was beautiful with old-world charm. There was a small bookshop, and his language translator asked for a history book in English. The clerk smirked as he began reading the book he had bought on the benches. Throughout the city, the ladies were doing their shopping. Both thought that the café survived since the war never happened. The history was the same till he read about himself in 1914 with the same blurry photos. He also noticed that World War I and World War II never happened. There was no Adolf Hitler in charge of Germany or a significant rise of the Nazis, which left millions of Jews still alive. The Soviets were a problem, though, and tried to establish their empire called the Soviet Union by war. It was highly unsuccessful, with many nations, including the United States, calling out Lenin and Stalin for their human depravity. With their defeat, Japan became less ambitious and called off the subsequent invasions of China and elsewhere. The Chinese communist was also shortened in lack of victory by the unsuccessful Soviet War. Larry just looked bored, but he was waiting for the ladies anyway.

Dan continued to read all the changes, from how Eastern was divided to its effects on the United States. He read about a famous insane asylum where the most infamous inmate was Adolf Hitler. His Nazi movement only lasted till times were good, and the party dissolved completely with its racist views. Cass and Tori went to different shops to find souvenirs to bring home. She was snobbier, but she just tagged along. It seemed different with shops and openness to Western Europeans and Americans. Cass wondered how Dan would react to this and was still determining how to handle Larry. The afternoon went by quickly to find the boys on the bench with Dan still engaged in his new history book.

"Ben, you are reading another history book while you could be paying attention to me," Tori spouted. Dan just looked up, "I just want to understand the history of the area before exploring." "Well, the scheduled tour picks up tomorrow, so we need to rest tonight," stated Tori. Larry looked at Cass and said," We can stay up as late as we want; no children are on this tour." Cass smiled slightly and said, "It was a long day, and I need some rest in a comfortable bed." They started to walk towards the same café that started this entire mess. Dan quickly said, "that is what you ended up beside me." Cass replied, "yours is so much better." "There has to be some way to fix things."

Larry insisted they eat there and return to the hotel after a lovely night's walk back. The café seemed safe this time with no time portal shimmer. Both couples entered the modernized café. Dan and Cass were ready to be finished with this place. Both kept their composure with their new spouses. They were seated, and the awkwardness of the situation did not help. Finally, Larry said, "well, Cass, it is like the time after our beaker experiment." Cass suddenly remembered where they had met. After that, the conversation was pleasant between the two couples. This time the service was better and another meal which they could not pronounce. The act was kept up till the end.

Both Cass and Dan went to the bathrooms near the back. Each was unsettled about the coming night and angry at the other. "I told you not to intervene, and you did anyway," said Cass. "I am so sorry; I never anticipated the consequences of my actions," replied Dan. "Well, what are we going to do now?" Cass explained. "I also remember where I met Larry. He was the creepy guy in my freshman science class in college," Cass explained. "Tori Welling was the popular cheerleader in my high school," reported Dan. "We never met somehow, and I do not know what to do next," finished Dan. Both looked helpless in their situation. "I have always loved you more than life, and being with someone else seems impossible," cried Dan. Cass hugged him, "it has been a long day of pretending to care for another person." They separated and tried to think of a solution to this problem. "I supposedly have three kids," Cass grinned. "I supposedly have two with that controlling woman," Dan replied. They both chuckled to relieve the stress of the current situation. "Your name also changed to Ben," Cass commented. Dan just shrugged with his short brown hair, brown eyes, and lean stature.

Out of the shadows came a middle-aged man. They recognized him being the translator from 1914. "I am the portal master, and you are the unfortunate victims of intervening in the natural course of history." He smiled, "My name is Ivan, and I can fix your problem, only if you want." How do you mean?" They both replied. "I can go back and stop old Dan here from intervening. You can be together without issue, but all the people you saved will be killed, with the original history returning to normal." Ivan continued, "I like to call it a time twister." They both just stared at the man and then looked at each other.