Ch. 5 Lou's Cafe

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the Ellsworth Family Manor, casting a warm, golden glow over the grand rooms. The rain had finally stopped, and the sky had cleared, leaving behind a serene morning in Hill Valley.

Isabelle stirred first, blinking groggily as she adjusted to the unfamiliar surroundings. The luxurious master bedroom of the manor, with its antique furniture and heavy drapes, was a far cry from the cramped, modern accommodations she had known. She rubbed her eyes and stretched, feeling anxious as she remembered their predicament. It wasn't just a dream—they were indeed in the past.

Her stomach growled, reminding her of the hunger that accompanied her uncertainty. She slipped out of bed, pulled on a floral nightgown, and padded softly to the door.

Down the hall, Marty awoke to the sounds of the manor settling into the day. He tossed off the covers and reached the door, stepping into the hall where he spotted Isabelle. They exchanged a glance, both immediately aware that their situation was all too real. Marty, dressed in comfortable pajamas, nodded at Isabelle with a half-smile, silently acknowledging their surreal situation.

Their stomachs growled in unison, breaking the moment of tension. They descended the grand staircase together, their footsteps echoing softly in the spacious, sunlit foyer. While grand and imposing, the manor had an air of faded grandeur—charming but needing some care and attention.

They were greeted in the kitchen by a sight that brought a sense of normalcy. The kitchen was stocked with fresh fruits, bread, and other breakfast items, all laid out as if waiting for them. Beside the assortment of food was a note.

Isabelle picked it up and read it aloud:

"Welcome to the Ellsworth Family Manor. We have prepared some provisions for you. We trust that you will find everything you need. We are no longer here but will return soon. Enjoy your stay."

The note's tone was formal but friendly, and it was clear that the caretakers had expected their arrival, even if they hadn't been present when the teens woke up.

Marty glanced around the empty kitchen. "Looks like they left before we woke up. We're on our own for breakfast."

Isabelle nodded, and they set about preparing their meal. They chatted lightly as they worked, trying to get their bearings and distract themselves from the strangeness of their situation.

As they ate, they discussed their plans. Marty's goal was clear: he needed to observe his younger parents, George and Lorraine, to understand why they had become the people they were in the future. He hoped that seeing them as teenagers might provide some clues.

Isabelle, on the other hand, was focused on meeting and befriending Doc Emmett Brown's younger version. She wanted to get to know him better and ensure he would be prepared for the future events they knew were coming.

After finishing their breakfast, Isabelle turned to Marty with a thoughtful expression. "Since we're in the past, we need to blend in. We'll be Isabelle and Martin Ellsworth, fraternal twins. You'll be the older brother."

Marty nodded, taking in the new names and their cover story. "Got it. Isabelle and Martin Ellsworth. Fraternal Twins. Me being the eldest." He recited. "So, this cover-up is so that if I accidentally bump into my younger parents, I know what to say when I meet them." He looks at her for confirmation.

Isabelle smiled, appreciating the necessity of their disguise. "Exactly. Let's head into town and see what's changed or stayed the same since then. It'll help us get our bearings and maybe learn more about Doc, your parents, and even Biff."

The two teens left the kitchen, went to their rooms, and dressed for the day, wearing clothes suitable for the era. They met up with one another in the foyer and then stepped out of the manor, the crisp morning air refreshing against their skin. They walked down the path, eager to explore the town and begin their missions. The quiet of the early morning in Hill Valley was a stark contrast to the bustling, familiar future they knew, and as they ventured forth, both Isabelle and Marty felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about the days to come.

Walking into town, they couldn't shake the feeling that their adventure was only beginning.

Isabelle and Marty wandered through the streets of Hill Valley, their eyes wide with the thrill of discovering a world they had only known through history books and old movies. The town was bustling with the energy of the 1950s, a stark contrast to the futuristic landscape they had come from.

As they walked, Marty gestured toward a movie theater with a large poster of Ronald Reagan. "Can you believe it? Reagan was a movie star back then. I can't believe he was ever just an actor."

Isabelle grinned, shaking her head in awe. "I know. It's so surreal seeing him like this. And look at the shops—they're so different. Some are familiar, but others have completely vanished."

They passed by familiar storefronts, marveling at the vintage signs and advertisements. The town's old-fashioned charm was captivating, but they also noticed the absence of modern conveniences they took for granted.

Their stomachs began to rumble, reminding them that they hadn't eaten since the morning. They spotted a small diner on the corner, its neon sign reading "Lou's Cafe." The cafe looked cozy and inviting, with a classic 1950s vibe. Marty's eyes lit up with relief.

"Perfect timing," Marty said, grinning. "Let's get something to eat."

They entered the diner, which had a welcoming, nostalgic atmosphere. The smell of burgers and fries wafted through the air, making their mouths water. The cafe was filled with retro decor, including a Wurlitzer 1015 jukebox that played popular songs from the era. A payphone booth stood in one corner, and the counter was lined with various delicious-looking food.

Isabelle turned to Marty, who was scanning the room for a booth. "You find us a seat; I'll order."

Marty nodded and walked toward an empty booth near the window while Isabelle approached the counter where Lou Carruthers, the cafe's owner, was preparing food. She noticed a boy around her age standing nearby. He looked distressed and was mumbling to himself.

"I forgot my wallet," he said, looking down at a hamburger plate, fries, and a soda. "I don't have the money to pay for this."

Isabelle's heart went out to him. She rummaged through her bag, pulling out the money provided by the manor's caretakers. She approached him with a friendly smile and held out the cash.

"Here you go," she said softly, placing the money on the counter.

The boy looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. He was Buford "Biff" Howard Tannen, a younger version of the bully from the future, though he was less intimidating and more vulnerable in this moment. He felt a strange yet unmistakable connection when he met Isabelle's gaze.

"Thanks," Biff said, his voice a mix of relief and curiosity. "I'm Buford Tannen. But most call me Biff. I have never seen you before. What's your name?"

Isabelle stared with mixed emotions when she heard the familiar name.

She smiled warmly. "I'm Isabelle Ellsworth. Nice to meet you, Biff. My brother, Martin, and I are new to town."

Their eyes locked, and time seemed to stand still for a moment. Their connection was noticeable, even if neither fully understood it. As he took in Isabelle's kindness, Biff's usual tough-guy demeanor softened slightly.

"I owe you one," Biff said, his voice a little softer than usual. "Let me know if you ever need anything."

Isabelle shook her head. "No need. Just happy to help."

As Biff grabbed his food and moved to a table, Isabelle returned to the counter to place her and Marty's order. She glanced over at Marty, who had sat at the booth and looked out the window.

Isabelle's thoughts lingered on her unexpected encounter with Biff while waiting for their food. She couldn't believe she had met the younger version of the man who was so mean to Marty's father. She didn't know why, but seeing how he acted so sweetly towards her just now made her feel bizarre. She wonders what had caused him and Marty's father to have such a strained relationship in the future. She hummed and wondered how their paths would intertwine in the coming days.

Once the food was ready, Isabelle brought it over to Marty. They dug into their meals, sharing their observations about the town and discussing their plans.

"We need to make the most of our time here," Marty said between bites. "I need to find my parents' younger version and see what they were like."

Isabelle nodded in agreement, her thoughts drifting back to Biff. "Yeah, I agree."

Biff Tannen sat at a booth in Lou's Cafe, munching on his hamburger and fries. His eyes occasionally darted toward Isabelle and Marty, seated a few tables away. The sound of the jukebox playing "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" filled the air, but Biff's thoughts were far from the music. Instead, he replayed the brief but significant encounter with Isabelle in his mind.

She had seemed so genuine, offering him help without hesitation. Her kindness had been a stark contrast to his usual interactions with people. Biff's thoughts wandered back to Isabelle, trying to make sense of this strange pull. She and her brother had just moved into town and were new to the area. The idea of showing them around was an excellent excuse to get closer to Isabelle and win some favor with her brother, Marty.

Biff finished the last of his fries and sipped his soda; his thoughts occupied with the possibility of getting to know Isabelle better. He wondered if he could use this opportunity to show them he was more than just the town bully. Maybe he could prove that he had some decent qualities, even if it meant trying to appear less of a tough guy.

The bell above the diner's door jingled just then, and Biff's attention shifted. His friends—Match, 3-D, and Skinhead—walked in, their laughter and voices rising above the din of the cafe. They were his usual companions, the ones who followed him around for fear of his temper or for the perks that came with being associated with him. Biff's posture straightened as they approached his booth.

"Hey, Biff," Match greeted, sliding into the booth beside him. "What's up?"

"Not much," Biff replied, glancing at Isabelle and Marty. "Just had a little run-in with some new kids in town."

"New kids?" 3-D asked, his curiosity piqued. "Who are they?"

Biff gestured with his chin toward Isabelle and Marty. "Those two. Isabelle and her brother, Martin Ellsworth. They just moved here."

His friends followed his gaze, their eyes landing on Isabelle. The trio exchanged knowing glances, clearly noticing the shift in Biff's usual focus.

"New kids, huh?" Skinhead said, leaning back in the booth. "They seem alright. Pretty decent looking, too."

"Yeah," Biff said, trying to sound casual. "She's pretty cool. She helped me out by paying for my food when I left my wallet in my car. I considered offering to show them around to make them feel welcome."

Match raised an eyebrow. "You've got an interest in her, don't you?"

Biff shrugged, attempting to play it off. "Maybe. She's different from the usual crowd, you know? Seems like she's got something... genuine about her."

3-D chuckled. "What about Lorraine Banes? You had a major crush on her since first year of high school."

Biff's face tightened at the mention of Lorraine's name. He had harbored a long-time crush on her, but now it seemed his feelings were shifting. He hadn't expected to meet someone like Isabelle, who made him reconsider his priorities.

"Forget Lorraine," Biff said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Let's focus on these new kids. If I can get in good with Isabelle, maybe I'll get some good points with Martin. Couldn't hurt to try."

As the conversation continued, Biff's thoughts kept drifting back to Isabelle. The initial impression she had made on him was far from fleeting. For the first time in a while, he found himself genuinely intrigued by someone, and he hoped that this new connection might be more than just a passing fancy.

His friends, meanwhile, continued to discuss the new arrivals, their curiosity piqued by Biff's newfound interest. The mystery surrounding Isabelle and Marty only added to the day's intrigue, leaving Biff uncertain about what lay ahead.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top