Clara Brown was nervous.

She stood outside her husband's garage lab and took a deep breath, trying to work up the nerve to step inside the building. Though she had promised Jennifer Parker that she would keep up her end of the bargain in repairing the friendship between Doc and Marty, she had sounded a lot more confident than she had really felt. Though Doc could be a pushover with most things, one thing that he tended to stand hard ground on was time travel.

I should have broached the subject much sooner, she thought, sighing softly. But Clara had hoped that taking her husband by surprise would work more in her favor.

Well, here goes nothing.

Clara opened the door and stepped inside. Doc was bent over something on the worktable, thoroughly engrossed in whatever project was before him. The DeLorean, now fully repaired, sat silent several feet away. Clara stopped at the edge of the room, uncertain again.

"Emmett?"

Doc started, dropping something. He turned around, looking a bit grumpy. "Yes?"

Clara forced her feet to move forward, summoning a smile on her face. "How are things going?"

"They've gone better," Doc said shortly.

"Are you still having trouble with the projector?" Clara asked. For the last several months, her husband had been struggling to create a holographic projector to tie into the time machines and make them virtually invisible to prying eyes, or disguised as something average for the time period. But the project seemed cursed from the start, malfunctioning in some new way every time.

"Yes." Doc rubbed his forehead. "Why are you in here? Is it time for dinner?"

"Nearly." Clara paused a moment, then jumped in. "I was thinking...."

"Yes?" Doc prodded when Clara said nothing more.

"Well, you've been working very hard these last few weeks. And we haven't had much time alone together..."

"What are you getting at?" Doc asked, raising an eyebrow.

Clara leaned against the table next to Doc. "I'd like to take a trip with you tonight."

"Where do you have in mind?"

Clara hesitated for a second, then blurted out the pre-selected date. "July 1, 1692."

Doc frowned. "1692? July 1st? May I ask why that particular date?"

Luckily, Clara had prepared herself for such an inevitable question. "There was an important event on that day that I want to see. Please, Emmett. It would be nice to have some time together, and we wouldn't have to stay long."

Doc continued to frown--but he hadn't said no yet. A positive sign in Clara's eyes. "I don't know...."

Clara looked her husband straight in the eye and smiled encouragingly. "Please, Emmett? You need a break from the present, too."

Doc Brown stood up and exhaled. Finally, he spoke. "Well, all right. We can take the DeLorean and--"

"No," Clara said, shaking her head. "Not the DeLorean."

Doc eyed her suspiciously. "Why not? You don't mean to suggest we take the train back there, with just the two of us--"

"Well, yes," Clara said. "The train would be more apt to go unnoticed than the DeLorean."

"But the DeLorean is smaller and therefore easier to hide," Doc pointed out.

Clara pursed her lips together in a frown. "Oh, Emmett, let's just take the train this time. It doesn't get as much use as the DeLorean, anyway."

"With good reason." Doc gave his wife a long long look, then concurred. "All right, we'll take the train. Are their any other requests I need to know of?"

"Yes," Clara said without hesitation. "I think we should arrive at 4AM."

"That's reasonable," Doc agreed. "Where is our destination?"

"Salem. Salem, Massachusetts."

"Massachusetts?" Doc repeated, puzzled. "Why that location?"

"None of our relatives were around that area at that time," Clara said honestly. "A good thing, wouldn't you agree?"

And that was how Clara was able to get Doc on a 9PM train to the past.

Jennifer took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Beside her, in the passenger seat of her parents' car, Marty sat and watched the movie start through the windshield. The small clock set in the dashboard of the car informed her it was 8:32PM; she had little more than half an hour before Doc and Clara would leave, allowing Jennifer her turn at the time machine. In her purse rested the sleep inducer, which she had picked up from Clara the day before.

"It's quite simple to use," Clara had told Jennifer. "Just turn it on, get it into position before Marty's eyes, then flick this switch and he should be out in seconds."

"How long will it last?" Jennifer asked as she took the small device from Doc's wife.

"Two hours fully charged. Maybe a little more, maybe a little less. It probably depends on the person on whom it is being used."

Jennifer now held the purse on her lap, wondering the best way to go about this. "I think I'll get a snack," she blurted out suddenly.

Marty looked away from the flickering screen. "Didn't we just eat?"

They had stopped for burgers before the film, but Jennifer had hardly eaten a thing. Her stomach was twisted in knots of nervousness about her job this night. "Yeah, but I could use some popcorn," she lied. She still wasn't hungry.

"I'll come," Marty said, reaching for his door latch.

"No!" Jennifer cried, a bit more sharply than she had intended. Marty looked at her, a confused expression set on his face. "I mean, I can get it," she finished before the questions could start. "We should have someone stay here with the car, anyway."

Marty continued to look at her strangely, but he moved away from the door. "Okay...."

Jennifer had opened her door and started to get out when Marty spoke again.

"Jennifer?"

She paused, her legs dangling outside the car. "Yes?"

"Is something wrong? You've been acting really weird tonight."

"I'm fine, Marty," Jennifer said, her voice even.

"Are you sure?" Marty pressed. "Because if you need to talk about something, I'm here for you. Really."

Jennifer turned to look at her boyfriend. Marty's face was serious, his eyes gazing at her with love and concern. God, I feel bad now, she thought, recalling what she had to do that night. But I'm doing this for his own good! He needs Doc Brown, and Doc Brown needs him!

Jennifer forced a smile on her face. "I'm fine. Honestly. I'm just--stressed from college. It's a lot different from high school!"

Marty nodded, looking relieved. He had bought the excuse. "I'll split a box of popcorn with you?"

Jennifer nodded. "Okay," she said, getting out of the car. "I'll be back in a few minutes." She shut the door and started walking to the refreshment stand.

When she had turned the corner and was out of Marty's sight, Jennifer ducked into the woman's restroom. It was deserted, save for a moth beating against the florescent light above the mirror. Jennifer pulled out the sleep inducer from her purse and gave it a long look.

"Well, I guess I should get this over with," she murmured, flicking the switch. A green light glowed on the power button. Jennifer held the device behind her back and returned to the car, her heart pounding in anticipation of what she was about to do.

Marty glanced over in surprise as she opened the car door. "Hey, where's the popcorn? Were they out?"

An idea popped into Jennifer's head then, beautiful in its simplicity. "Close your eyes," she said. "I have a surprise for you."

A smile tugged at the corners of Marty's mouth. "Really?" he murmured, obediently closing his eyes and tilting his face towards Jennifer. "What is it?"

Jennifer slid in the car and shut the door. She pulled the sleep inducer out from behind her back and held it before Marty's closed eyes. "This," Jennifer said softly, her finger on the button.

Marty opened his eyes. Jennifer pushed the button. The device came to life, emitting light and a high pitched noise. In the second before his body reacted to the sleep inducer, Marty's eyes widened. "Jennifer, what--"

Then he was out, his eyes sliding closed and his body slumping forward. Jennifer reached forward and caught him as he was about to hit the dashboard, pushing him back in the car seat. "Marty?" she whispered uncertainly, not believing that things could have gone so smoothly.

Marty lay back in the seat, his head propped up against the headrest. He was breathing slowly and deeply, like someone who was sound asleep. She had done it, then.

Jennifer leaned back in her own seat, letting out a deep breath. "One thing down," she murmured. "A ton left to go."

After removing the drive-in speakers from the car, Jennifer started it up and pulled out of the lot, heading for Hill Valley 20 miles away. It was 8:41PM.

Everything was going according to plan so far. Clara was almost frightened by the good luck-- things seemed to be moving too well, really!

Once Doc had agreed to the trip and they'd had dinner, he had started preparing the train for the trip back and located some clothing and currency for the journey. While her husband had been occupied with those chores, Clara had taken Jules and Verne aside and had a talk with them about the upcoming events of the night.

"This is strictly between you and me," she told the both of them in their bedroom, the door closed. Jules and Verne sat on their beds, watching her solemnly. "Under no circumstances can you let your father know about this until after we return tonight!"

"Sure," Verne said, squirming with curiosity and impatience. "What is it?"

"Tonight, Jennifer Parker and I are going to take both your father and Marty back in time alone for a week together," Clara said softly. "We feel by doing this they will rebuild their friendship."

"Awesome!" Verne cheered. "It's about time!"

"I'm in full support of it," Jules agreed. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," Clara said. "At nine, your father and I are going to leave with the train. Soon after, Jennifer will arrive here with Marty. Marty will be asleep--Jennifer used the sleep inducer on him--and I think she will need your help moving him from the car to the DeLorean. Once in the DeLorean, she may need your assistance with getting the time circuits set up and the DeLorean on it's way." Clara paused, looking at her sons. "Do you think you can handle all this?"

Jules and Verne nodded. "What are you gonna do in the past?" Verne wanted to know.

"Hopefully, your father and Marty will mend their friendship," Clara said. "Jennifer and I will leave them behind for a week, but we will all return here at 9:30. So you boys won't be left alone that long."

"Can we join you at all?" Jules asked, looking as if he already knew the answer to that question. Clara confirmed it with a shake of her head.

"No, it's important you stay here and help Jennifer. We won't be gone too long for you."

Jules and Verne exchanged a look and let out coordinated sighs of disappointment.

"Clara!"

Clara jumped at the sound of Doc calling her name. She opened the bedroom door and stepped halfway into the hall. "Yes, Emmett?"

"I'm almost ready to go here. Have you spoken to the boys?"

Clara looked at them. Jules nodded and Verne smiled and winked. "Yes, they know about the trip."

"Good. I have your past clothes ready for you now."

Clara turned to look at the boys again, suddenly reluctant to leave them. "Don't worry, Mom, we can handle this," Verne said softly.

"The best of luck to you as well," Jules said.

Clara smiled at them, grateful for their support and cooperation. "Thank you," she said. "I'm sure things will work out fine."

But as she left the room, doubt tugged at her thoughts. What if Emmett and Marty don't mend their friendship? What then?

"Things will be fine," Clara murmured aloud to herself, firmly.

Things started going downhill for Jennifer only minutes after leaving the drive-in. First, she discovered the old station wagon was running in the red for gasoline. So she reluctantly pulled into the gas station down the road, well aware of the time ticking by. Grabbing her purse, Jennifer left the car and started the pump, checking her watch nervously as she waited for the gas to fill the tank. The hands of her watch told her it was 8:47.

"Damn," she whispered, realizing she had only 40 minutes left to get to the Brown's, get the DeLorean, and get back in time. And Jennifer still had about 15 miles to drive!

The gas finished its fill-up a couple minutes later. Jennifer glanced at Marty through the window as she hung up the nozzle and screwed the gas cap back on the tank. He didn't look like he was going to wake up anytime soon. Still....

Jennifer ran into the convenience store attached to the pumps, pulling her wallet from her purse as she went. There were two people at the counter before her. Jennifer waited impatiently in line, tapping her foot nervously against the tiles and keeping her eyes on the car outside. Her watch told her it was 8:54 by the time she paid her bill and was outside again.

Half an hour, she thought as she pulled her car keys out and slipped inside the vehicle. I have half an hour left! Marty was still out, having not even moved in the time she had been gone-- one thing still going for her, Jennifer reflected. The car started without a hitch, and minutes later she was driving at 40 miles towards Hill Valley. Gradually her speed climbed to 45, and then 50 as she saw the time ticking by.

It was 9:10 and Hill Valley was five miles away when Jennifer heard the sirens behind her. She glanced in the rearview mirror, her heart suddenly in her throat, and saw the unmistakable red and blue flashing lights.

Maybe it's not for me, she thought optimistically, slowing down and pulling over to the side of the road. But the police car did not pass her. Instead, it pulled up behind her. Jennifer stopped her car, and the cop car did the same.

"Oh God," she murmured, sinking down in the seat and trying not to look at the clock. The cop got out of the car, the headlights making it difficult to see more than a silhouette. Jennifer rolled down her window, chilly night air seeping into the car. The cop was there a moment later.

"Goin' a little fast tonight, aren't we?" he said, frowning. He looked old and grizzled, wise to the excuses he had probably heard for years from speeding teenagers.

"Yes, sir," Jennifer murmured, nothing else coming to mind. She had been speeding and she knew it. "I'm sorry."

The cop appeared unmoved from her apology. "May I see your license and registration?"

Jennifer reached for her purse, pulling out her license and giving that to the cop. As the man examined it, she reached across Marty (still asleep,thank God!) and opened the glove compartment, fishing around for the official piece of paper that proved her parents owned the car. Her hands closed around it a moment later and she passed that over to the cop.

"Mind tellin' me why you're in such a hurry, Miss Parker?" the cop asked, looking up from the license.

"Uh, well..." Jennifer fumbled for a good answer but her mind was blank. The cop's frown deepened as he got a closer look in the shadowy interior of the car.

"What's wrong with your friend, there?" The cop's face darkened. "Have you been drinkin'?"

Jennifer's mouth fell open at the accusation. "Oh no, sir, no way! My boyfriend just fell asleep, that's all."

The cop looked at her shrewdly, as if he didn't believe her words, then took the license and registration back to his car. Jennifer let out a shaky sigh, trying to calm her racing heart. Her eyes involuntarily looked at the clock. 9:14.

"Come on, come on!" she whispered, tapping her fingers against the steering wheel. Maybe I should just go, Jennifer considered, then immediately dismissed the idea. The police would easily track her down with the documents, and then her parents would proceed to kill her.

An agonizing three minutes later--Jennifer knew, since she was watching the clock the whole time--the policeman returned. "I noticed this is your first offence," he said, handing her back the license and registration. "Since I'm in a good mood, I won't give you a ticket--this time."

"Oh, thank you, sir," Jennifer said sincerely. "I'll go slower--I promise."

"I should hope so. Next time you won't get off so lightly." The man headed back to his car, got inside, and started it up. Jennifer immediately started the station wagon, then signaled and pulled carefully back onto the road. She didn't go over the speed limit once the rest of the way into town.

It was a little after 9:20 when she pulled onto the Brown property and drove the car up to the lab. Jules and Verne emerged from the lab as she stopped the car, summoned by the noise of the engine.

"Wow, you're cutting it close!" Verne cried as they hurried to the car.

"I had some delays," Jennifer explained, not even bothering to shut her car door as she hurried to the other side to get Marty out. "Did your mom tell you about the plan?"

The boys nodded. "We prepared the time machine for you," Jules said as Jennifer opened Marty's door and leaned inside the car. "The time circuits are set for the proper destination time and location."

"Thanks." Jennifer looked at Marty for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to move him. She took hold of him under the arms, grunting softly at the weight. "Can you guys get his legs?"

It took a couple minutes, but finally the three of them got Marty out of the car and into the lab. The boys had already opened both DeLorean car doors, making their job of getting Marty into the time machine considerably easier.

They had just set him in the seat and Jennifer was about to go around to the other side of the car when the unexpected happened again--Marty started to stir. "Jennifer...." he mumbled, his eyelashes starting to flutter.

Jennifer cast a frantic look at Verne, who happened to be closest. "Get my purse, now!" she hissed in a whisper. The boy was off and running before the last word had completely left her lips. Jennifer turned back to her boyfriend, who looked like he was going to open his eyes any minute.

"Shhhhhhh," she murmured. "Just relax."

Marty's eyes opened. He looked up at Jennifer, dazed and glassy-eyed. "Jen?"

Verne returned to the lab, Jennifer's purse clutched in one hand. "Here," he said, pushing it into her hands. Jennifer eagerly accepted it, riffling around for the sleep inducer. Marty, meanwhile, was starting to notice his surroundings.

"The DeLorean?" Jennifer heard him murmur, mostly to himself. "Why am I in the DeLorean?" Marty sat up and turned to his girlfriend standing outside the car door. "Jennifer, why--"

Jennifer's hand closed over the sleep inducer. In one swift movement that spilled half the contents of her purse onto the floorboards, she had it out. Before Marty could finish his sentence, she had the device before his face and switched it on.

"You'll thank me later," she said as she pushed the button to engage the mechanism. The startled expression on Marty's face faded as the sleep inducer took effect. A second later he was slouched back in the seat, asleep again.

Jennifer let out a deep breath of relief, lowering the gadget. Her moment of peace didn't last long.

"You've got two minutes left before Mother and Father return!" Jules warned, scooping up the clutter that had fallen from Jennifer's purse. "I suggest you get in the DeLorean and leave immediately."

Jennifer nodded once. "Sure," she agreed, closing the passenger door, then running to the other side of the car. She got inside, closed the door, then turned the keys already in the ignition. The engine came to life on the first try. Verne waved as she pulled out of the lab while Jules juggled the items from Jennifer's purse in his hands.

As soon as she had reached the outdoors, she pulled the lever that Clara had told her engaged the hover circuits, then took to the air and rushed up to 88. She hit the number at 9:29PM-- Just made it! Jennifer realized, a split second before the forces of time yanked the DeLorean back.