Chapter 7

Sarah and Sam spent the rest of the day planning out how long and things to do on Planet Blue. “I think we should stay there at least a week. Who knows what goes on when the suns come up and the day is high. We have never been there a full ONE day. And to be there a week would be great. But how will we plan for food? Keep coming home to eat dinners and going back wont do. We are only kids. We can not cook much by ourselves and I am going to get tired quickly of eating lots of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.” Sam was talking while Sarah was making her list.

“Okay here is what I think we should do. For lunch keep it simple peanut butter and jelly. They do not spoil well but I do not want make them dinner and lunch and breakfast too that is too much. For breakfast I was thinking we could bring along some cereal bowels and milk? We would need a cooler but I think we could manage that. We could always sneak home for a minute for ice if it melts. In fact we could sneak home in the morning and grab the milk and not drag it at all. Now as for dinner we could make some in advance I guess. I think I know how to make mac n cheese. I know you know how to make rice. So we could do that like switch every other day. Its simple to drag along, simple to make. We should just work on making it. I do not think we should be here longer then a week. I read something here hang on…” Sarah reached into her bag grabbing out her fathers journal for the planet.

“He wrote in here. ‘I do not advice you stay longer than one week on the planet as it seems to make time start moving in the real world. I stay once for two weeks thinking no time would have passed and lost 7 minutes of my real life time. It seems for every day past a week you are here you will lose a minute in your world. If your intentions are to stay and come and go and not be noticed do not lose even a second of time in the world of planet earth. Be warned.’ That is all he wrote about it. See what I mean? We can not stay past a week at a time. I think its safe to go home for a day and come back if we want for another week. But I am going to be very tired if we do it in a row. We could make it a weekend thing I guess. Explore live here on Saturday or Sunday and spend rest of the day in our world only visiting for an hour each day like we was doing before.” Sarah smiled nodded to herself and Sam agreed.

“I know what you mean. I slept so peaceful last night like the dead all cause of our trip there. Even if time is not passing here this is wearing me out. It is almost hard to do much of anything when we get back even after sleeping a full night there. Time sure passes so strange between two worlds. We are only kids. I really wonder how old they were when they went.” Sam said pointing to the two journals laid before them one for Grandpa and one for Dad.

“I figured out that dad was a teen when he discovered this place and I think Grandpa discovered after they had moved in here probably after he married Grandma I am guessing. Did he not say they built this house? If they did they put the doors in or the doors appeared after. Strange is it not? I wonder where the second door is and what it leads too…”Sarah trailed off looking around. “Oh well we have enough do deal with just one door at a time.”

Sunday morning the twins climbed out of bed early even before their grandparents had. They made their meals they had decided on each making 3 of their meals and packing them tight in containers. They pulled out the bowls they needed, the sandwiches were packed. They had everything secure before their grandparents got up even did the dishes.

When Grandma and Grandpa got up they had already put their stuff upstairs ready to leave soon as they ate here. “Good morning kids. My you get up so early more earlier every day. Must be nice to be so alert with so much sleep you can just get up and do whatever you want to do. Any plans today?” Grandma smiled at them pulling out the waffles from the freezer. “Waffles?” She added.

Sarah smiled at her to say yes and Sam did the same. “No plans. Just hanging out here maybe do some homework. Did it snow again? We could play in the snow later…” Sarah was asking. Grandma peeked out the window and smiled. “Yes it did snow.”

While the family ate the twins were thinking of all the things they would do in the new planet. There would be things to explore, and things to meet. Pictures to take. Sarah had packed her camera, batteries and a sketch book. They had been up half the night deciding what was necessary to take with them. Barely sleeping they had woken early because they were so excited.

Soon as they had eaten the twins climbed the stairs and pulled all their stuff through the door. It took two trips for each of them to do get it all there. Smiling they hid it in the bush and got ready to climb the mountain to call Sir P.

“What do you want to explore today?” Sam asked Sarah as they waited for their guide to come. “I think the castle. I want to meet the Princess and Prince or whomever lives there. It might be nice to see some humans too like in the village of what 100 people? Must be strange to be so rare in this land where mermaids and fairies and Pegasus live.” Sarah said staring towards the castle. “I do not think we should ever explore the dark land. It is scary enough standing here looking at it the dark castle the clouds always hanging over. It is dark dark land we should never even think about exploring.” Sarah smiled big as Sir P. glided in towards them. “Hi Sir. P. how are you??” the twins yelled together. The horse like creature smiled back at them. “I am fine. It is a glorious day here on Planet Blue. How long is your stay this time? Just one day or a few?”

“We are staying one week. We brought all the goods we need and hid them or when come go back for some of them since time is the same there always. Excited for a week of exploring. I brought plenty of apples too and a new brush just for you!” Sarah waved the brush at him. It looked more like a horse brush then human which was good. “It is nice and soft unlike my brush I can only imagine it might not have felt super great yesterday.” If he could shrug he would have been doing that but instead Sir P. just looked at her and said “It did feel a bit sharp but I try not to complain about such things since I only get brushed when humans use me as their guide…”

Climbing on board the Pegasus the twins scanned the skies around them so blue and clear and the three suns shined on. “We want to see the castle today. Is that okay? Can we meet the humans? Even the royalty is that possible?” Sam was so excited he was bouncing on the Pegasus. “Well we can meet lots of humans in the village but as for the King and Queen I will see if they are open to a visit today. They know all about you being here. Just because few have seen you that you have seen we all know when humans find a secret door and come here. It is just a matter of time before we meet you all. Its an honor to meet anyone who has the imagination it takes to find a door and the belief to keep coming back. That is good faith in us and we have faith in you that you will help protect our land by keeping it safe and not telling anyone who has not come to discover the door. They doors open only those to whom they want to and close to those they do not. So you are some of the privileged few to come here.” Sir P. dipped close to the castle as he spoke lower himself to the ground just outside the village.

The kids gathered at the horse like creature petting him as they always did when he came over. “Hi Sir P.” they said not together but some tried to say it same time. There was about ten children just talking to each other and petting the horse when the twins stepped off. Since some of the kids were their age it was a nice thing indeed. “Who is this?” one little girl stepped forward. She had red hair and freckles all over her face. Her hair was up in curls and she was smiling really big at the twins.

“Kids I would like you to meet Sam and Sarah they are twin HUMANS who have come to visit us from the other world. Through the secret door!” Sir P. said to the crowd. The kids oooed and awwed at the right moment and smiled big cheering. Sam and Sarah smiled back and waved at them.

“As I have said before. We know all about whomever comes here. It is not a secret like you want to think. We know when you come and when you go. And all you do here is some how seen by someone. That is something to keep in mind that evil may not come to you as they too may have seen you beware.” Sir P. said grim like to the twins as they began walking into the village. “I will be right here when you come out. Do not go to the castle yet I will actually fly there now to see if you can meet the King and Queen I am sure they would love to meet you.” And Sir P took flight.

Sam and Sarah smiled at the people in the village some came up to shake their hand or just say hello. Others just stared at the sight to see. “Have they never seen twins before?” Sarah asked Sam wondering why they stared so much. “We are not even identical being because we are not the same sex boy or girl but both…”

When they got to the end of the homes there was the village with shops and people selling things right there on the street. People rode horses or walked the small path up the area that would be the middle of the town. It was all incredibly small and the twins were in awe of all of it.

The twins came to the end of the shopping area and had been asked a lot of questions. One man had walked right up to them and asked them “Are you the humans that came from the secret door? We have not met any humans in over a year maybe longer. I am so glad you are here!” A lady that seemed to be carrying more kids and items then she could handle had smiled at them big and said. “Are you guys related?” Which the twins had tried to explain they were twins. But twins did not exist on Planet Blue. “I got to ask YOU one question.” Sam had finally yelled out when he was sick of the questions being throwin at him. “Why are there humans on a planet like this? Where did YOU come from?” Sarah looked shocked at her brothers suddenly outburst. “Calm down Sam” she had whispered.

Sam looked embarrassed and stopped yelling. “Sorry sis.” He said. The humans of the town looked at him confused but the man that had said they were welcome here. He spoke up finally. “We were born here. Much like all the creatures here we born here. But our original humans they came from planet earth much like you. They came here for a different life. They were allowed through I believe it started with royalty and some town folks. They came through one day and they were raised here and we kept multiplying but we have been picked out and weeded through. Often enough we die of something that you will never know of because you are from earth. If you stayed her long enough there is no guarantee that you would survive. It is more rare now a days for a human to come from earth through a secret door and stay here. We have never had kids do it. The last time was about 10 years ago when a family moved in here and they are still alive today living in one of our small houses. We have more houses then we have people that is how fast things kill us off. So if you want to stay here you can but be polite we could be your former neighbor your former cousin someone you know personally cause we came at one from earth too!” The man strutted off upset. Before he had gone far Sam yelled out “Sorry Mister. I did not mean to yell and upset you!” The man turned acknowledging this before walking off like normal.

Sir P decided at this moment to fly in. “Hey kids. I have been gone an hour or so. Have you met everyone? They are really a nice bunch of people. I bet they are excited to see you guys…” He paused when he realized they both looked flustered and upset. “Sorry. I had an outburst I am okay now I said I was sorry. I was tired of everyone questioning and staring at us like we were objects at a zoo or something. I do not normally do that I and I will not do it again.” Sam said looking down. “Sorry Sir P” Sarah added.

“Okay if you guys are done having fun…per say. We can go meet the royal family in an hour. I would like you to go and look more nice for this visit as they are our King and Queen and their kids. So go and buy yourself some new clothes. I know you do not know this but people do not pay for things with money here they usually pay with favors so go find some cheap things to look nice in and we will meet the royal family soon.” With that Sir P flew off again and the twins looked at other in shock.

There was not a lot of clothing shops the twins were trying to figure things out. “It says here that they only have a few clothing shops that appeal to children. Nicer shops are more rare so go and find the one that has it all down the hall?” Sarah looked confused at the directory. Sam just shrugged and the twins took off for the store that it had described it was located at the back part of the long ray of stores. “It is called ‘Everything in One’ okay lets go inside.” Sarah said and the twins walked in the door.

The lady behind the counter smiled at them with a big grin. “You must be the kids from planet earth. Welcome. Have a look around and see if you can find anything ‘nice’ for your visit to the royal palace. I take payments in favors. Right now I am looking for someone to come help me out here for a day run the store. You just keep it looking nice and stocked. It will not be a hard job. If you decide to get anything you two can come back tomorrow and help me out. My name is Sally if you want my help I will be around to help you out. The kids clothing is over there.” Pointing to the area towards the back the twins went back and started looking at clothes.

“I like this one what about you?” Sarah said holding up an outfit that was in her size it was a nice dress with leggings like. Sam was holding one up too it looked very similar but different color. “Lets go try them on.” He said. After trying on their outfit the twins decided they really liked them. Even Sally agreed. “Those are pretty outfits very nice. I will see you tomorrow. You are only kids so I was hoping you could come by in the afternoon and work a few hours for me till evening? Would that be good?” Sally smiled at them. “Okay see you tomorrow!” Sarah yelled at her. Sam waved too.

Sir P. was waiting for them when they came out. Sarah had stuffed their clothes in her backpack. The twins climbed on the Pegasus and flew towards the castle.

It only took a few minutes and the twins were getting off again and walking towards the gates. The guard knew they were coming. He opened the gates and let them inside along with Sir P. Once they were announced they were let into the actual royal hall.

What stood before them was a large hall in the castle so tall it could fit 4 stories of a building at home in there. The twins stared at the lights hanging down and how the ceiling just kept going. The King and Queen were on their thrones waiting and stood beside them was two little boys and an older girl. All dressed with crowns on their heads and smiling.

“Welcome to the Palace. My name is King Henry and this Queen Elizabeth. Our daughter there is the oldest her name is Princess Emily. We have our two youngest first our middle child is Prince Philip. And there is the youngest Prince Edward. And happy to announce today that we are expecting a fourth child next year.” King Henry smiled at them and the twins bowed and stayed standing.

“So what brings you to the palace um was it Sam and Sarah? You are twins right? We do not get twins here no one is a twin and we have never met any but as I understand you came out together and are supposed to be somewhat looking a like. Right?” Queen Elizabeth smiled kindly at them.

“Yes we are twins. Sometimes twins are two girls or two boys that look alike. Other times they are twins two boys or two girls that do not look alike. And then there are twins that are a boy and a girl like us.” Sarah explained smiling back. “I am the youngest Sam here was born 5 minutes before me.” Sam smiled and waved.

“As for what brings us.” Sam continued. “We came because we live with our Grandparents since  we lost our parents a month ago. Our Grandpa and our Father both visited here at one point. We found their journals while exploring the big house and then we looked and found the door for ourselves. We have been coming here almost every day for the past few weeks now. It such a beautiful world.”  

“Well it is a pleasure to meet you. I am guessing you are around 8 or 9 years of age? That is the same age as our dear Emily. You guys could catch up I am sure there is so much things that changed since our ancestors came to this planet ages ago. Otherwise you are free to hang out as long as you like. I would advice upon your stay here I hear it is for a week this time? That learn up on all we have here and the history of this planet specifically that of the humans that came to live here a hundred years ago. We are a dying breed here on Planet Blue but those of us that survive and keep living need to always be aware of our past to be aware of the future.”

Emily smiled at the twins. “Any questions?” The King asked. “Well nothing right now we are still learning so much about this planet. It is so beautiful and in some ways so much like earth but in more ways it not like earth at all. That has to be the appeal of living here.” Sam said. The King and Queen agreed shaking their heads about it.

The rest of the day Emily and the boys played and talked with the twins. At the end of the day before the sun had set they said their good byes. “Please do come back and hang out with the kids. They do not have a lot of people their age around here. Humans are so rare…” Queen Elizabeth said.

The twins arrived back at their camp grounds just before dark. “My apple miss?” Sir P said with a wink. Sarah smiled and brushed him while he ate the apple. “I will be back here early tomorrow morning. Just after sunrise if you like or a bit later. If you want me sooner please do call.” Sir P said as he took off.

The twins spent the rest of the daylight hours setting up camp and getting ready for bed. Eating their cold meals for the day and writing in their notebooks all before going to sleep as the two moons rose and the sky was array of stars.