I couldn't get the possibilities of tomorrow out of my head. To actually travel to a completely different reality. What type of world could it be? Does it even obey physical laws as we know them? What if it's nearly identical to our reality? And what of the fine-tuning argument? Could that reality even support life? So many questions buzzed through my head as I prepared to meet up with Carlos, Artie, and Eli. Wet Willie's was just a short walk once you left the Highland Campus, and it was a good thing, too. Artie and Carlos could really drink, and I don't try to keep up anymore.
More thoughts came to my mind on the walkthrough campus and urban roads of Miltown. How had the professor confirmed the existence of other realities, or was this all just a really big guess? What was that crystal in the center of that device he showed us in class? What lurked there, waiting to be discovered? The flashing neon sign ripped me from my thoughts again. "W-T WILLIE'-" pulsed in an iridescent blue. The parking lot was basically empty, which made sense. Most people who came to this dive bar were students or knew better than to drive to the home of the '10$ (per person) Bottomless Pint'
Cheesy disco music greeted me as I pushed open to door. Carlos and Artie were already there, and their usual spot was right next to the bar. By the looks of it, they were a few glasses and a basket of wings in. Artie saw me first, and she waved me over. Typical Tuesday. The place was pretty much empty. I smiled at Artie and headed towards the bar.
"What'll ya have?" Came Willie's customarily apathetic inquisition. "You still have what you need to make an Aviator?" He gruffed, the walked off back towards the end of his bar. He grabbed a pale purple bottle a shook it, checking if there was anything left in it before nodding at me. A curt nod. and I sat down next to Carlos and Artie just as Eli stepped through the door. I wave him over, and our fellowship was complete.
Artie and Carlos picked up their half-empty glasses and started to race to see who'd finish their first as I spoke up; "I've got an interesting and early day tomorrow, so I don't think I'll be drinking too much tonight." A glass slammed on the table. "Ya don' really drink much 'nyway!" jabbed Artie, and Carlos spits out a bit of his beer in laughter. Eli reached to clean up the table as more spilled onto it. We all laughed at the futility.
"I won't be staying too long, either" my words cut the laughter. "I'm not sure if you've heard, but Professor Moreau has something big planned for tomorrow. Supposedly gonna finally be able to open a portal to another reality like he's been talking about all these years. His whole class was invited." "Oh, I heard 'bout that-" The bartender came over with my drink as Artie chimed in. "I had half a mind to show up n' see what all the fuss was about. Was gonna ask Carlos to come." They looked over to Carlos. I took a sip of my drink. Willie knows how to mix some good drinks. Eli got up to change to music. A few seconds passed before Carlos realized we were looking at him. "Wha? Ah- Yeah, sure. Can come. Just not tomorrow. If he does this again, tell us, yeah?" I nodded. "Sure thing, Carlos. I guess that means you won't be coming tomorrow, either, Artie?" They shook their head. "Nah, guess not." Those two were attached at the hip sometimes, I'd swear. Eli came back. Somehow, he had found some Jpop. No telling how long that will last. "So, where are we going?" Eli asked. "Ah, so ya heard some of it. Well, Carlos and I were gonna go with Alex next time Professor Moreau did whatever it is he's doing if he'll let us." "Well, maybe we can all go as part of our individual studies? If it truly is an alternate reality, I'm sure there will be something interesting for two prototech majors and a biology major. Could even find something for my thesis, maybe." Both Artie and Carlos together "Hah, nerd" "Guys, c'mon. You both know you wouldn't have made it this far if not for Eli's tutoring both of you!" I gave our mutual friend a mock protective hug. Eli pushed me off. I took another sip of my drink, saving the flavor. Which, naturally, prompted Artie and Carlos to down another and finish off their pint. I smiled at Eli. "I'll be sure to tell you all about what happens tomorrow. And hopefully what to be prepared for." I gave him an elbow and a wink, and he looked away. The three of us laughed at his expense. "Oh, poor Eli" Artie teased.
After some time, I took the last sip of my drink. The sour look on Artie's face told me she already knew what was coming. I stood up. "Alright, if I'm planning on being then with Professor Moreau tomorrow morning, I need to go ahead and head out. I'll tell you guys all about it tomorrow, yeah? Same place and time?" A surprisingly sober nod came from Carlos. "Aye, we'll be here. And, make sure you all come back safe. Who knows what's gonna happen." "Aren't you scared? Even a lil' bit?" Artie question. "Well… I am a bit nervous. We've been talking about all sorts of possibilities tonight, and some of them have me a little scared, but I gotta see what's on the other side, y'know?" They nodded. It was Eli's turn. "Then at least take good notes, so if the worst happens, we know what not to do!" "Eli!" Artie exclaimed while Carlos shoved him a little. "I'll be fine you guys. See you tomorrow."
I waved them off and paid my tab before heading out of Wet Willies and into the night.
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