January 29, 1986
4:00 PM PST
Twin Pines Universe

Marty and Doc were meeting in the living room of Celeste's home. Since Doc's garage had been torn down after his death, he had been homeless. However, Celeste had generously offered to let Doc stay with her.

'I really miss Einstein,' Marty said, sadly. 'I hope he's fine, where he is, now.'

'Yeah, I hear ya, Marty,' replied Doc. 'I hope Einstein is being taken care of - where he is, now. He was always such a loyal friend, to me. Well, I certainly wouldn't have wanted him to starve to death - after I was shot.'

'So, Doc,' asked Marty, 'do you think you might go back to teaching?'

'Yeah, I'm thinking about it,' mused Doc, smiling. 'I'm thinking that I could maybe teach at an elementary school level. I know that Mr. Strickland is no fan of mine, so I'm not even going to bother with high school. Also, please don't take offence at this next comment, but I find that kids tend to be more open-minded and receptive than many teenagers are. I already have a reputation in town, and I might have some difficulty getting the students to behave.'

'Hey, no offence taken,' Marty said, smiling. 'Believe me, I understand what you're saying. Some people my age can be real cruel, which I find to be rather distressing at times. I mean, I try to be nice to everyone - and it bothers me to see people being made fun of. I know I sometimes get made fun of, because of my height - so I know what it feels like to be picked on. So I try to befriend those I see who get picked on. Some of my peers can be so shallow and mean.'

'You certainly are a very friendly person, Marty,' Doc said, with admiration. 'When I was in high school, I was sort of an outcast, with other outcasts for friends. Believe me, Marty, this world could certainly use more people like you.'

'Aw,' gushed Marty, 'it gives me the warm fuzzies to hear you say that. It makes me feel good to know that I was missed. I hope Jennifer and I marry someday, and have a family.'

'What would you name your future kids?' asked Doc.

'If I have a girl,' replied Marty, 'it would probably be Marlene. I really love that name. For a boy, it would probably be Marty Junior. I guess I've always liked the name Marty. I know Jennifer likes the name, too.'

'Well, you'll have plenty of time to decide,' Doc said, smiling. 'You should enjoy your youth, while you still have it. So, how is school going for you?'

'I guess I won't be able to graduate until next year,' Marty replied. 'It can be tough making up for three months of school assignments that I have missed. I don't really mind attending high school for another year - although I will miss being able to graduate with Jennifer. At least this will give me more time to enjoy my youth, though. Jennifer might relax for a year, before attending college - so that we can go to college together. Of course, that will mean one more year with Strickland.'

'Yeah, I almost wonder if Strickland enjoys harassing kids,' Doc said, shaking his head. 'You would think he would have retired by now.'

'It does sometimes seem that way,' said Marty, shrugging. 'I can sort of understand why he considers me a slacker, as I do have a habit of being late for class. I don't understand what he had against my father, though. It seemed that my father was a good student.'

'Well, from what I understand,' suggested Doc, 'your father was into science fiction, back when he was in high school. He maybe spent a lot of time daydreaming, when he should have been listening to the teacher.'

'Yeah, that could be possible,' Marty replied. 'At least my parents have both resolved to improve their lives a bit, after I was shot. So I guess something good did come out of my death. Now if I can get people to stop bugging me about my resurrection. I am not a ghost, a vampire, or a zombie. I'm just as human as I was before I died.'

'People probably think I'm even more crazy than I was before,' Doc said, shaking his head, 'just because I came back from the dead. I wonder if Lazarus received that kind of treatment after his resurrection.'

'Yeah, it's possible he might have,' Marty said, nodding, 'especially if people knew that he was dead for four days. I can hardly believe I was dead for almost three months. Anyway, I'd promise Jennifer that I'd meet her in half an hour. I'll be back later tonight, though.'

'Yeah, you have fun with Jennifer, Marty,' Doc said, smiling.

Doc and Marty then embraced. Then Marty left the house to meet Jennifer.

oooooooooo

Marty and Jennifer had embraced and cuddled for a long time. Then Marty lay flace down on the floor, while Jennifer gave Marty a little massage.

'Whew, this feels so good,' Marty breathed. 'Please don't stop. You have such a soft touch. It's so relaxing.'

'It's so good to have you back, Marty,' Jennifer murmured. 'I love you with all of my heart. My life seemed so empty, when you were gone.'

Then, without warning, Jennifer snapped the handcuffs around Marty's wrists besides his back.

'Hey, hey, what are you doing?' Marty protested.

Without saying a word, Jennifer sat down on Marty's calves, and began to tickle his feet. Marty burst out laughing helplessly.

'No! No!' protested Marty, through helpless laughter. 'Please! Stop it! Stop! I can't take it!'

Jennifer just smiled widely and continued to tickle Marty's feet, while Marty squirmed and laughed helplessly. After about ten minutes, Jennifer finally stopped.

'Hey, what was that for?' Marty asked, breathing heavily.

'Sorry, Marty,' Jennifer said, with a smile, as she unsnapped the handcuffs. 'I just couldn't resist. I wanted to do that for a long time. You have such lovely ticklish feet.'

Marty was stunned speechless, uncertain of what to say. Jennifer then leaned over to kiss Marty. Marty threw his arms around Jennifer, and kissed back.

Then Jennifer went to the stereo to pop in a tape. When Over the Hills and Far Away by Led Zeppelin began to play, tears filled Marty's eyes. The song almost always moved him. Jennifer began to gently rub Marty's shoulders, and Marty freely let the tears flow. When the song was over, Jennifer reached for a tissue, and wiped Marty's eyes with it.

'You are so sweet, Marty,' Jennifer murmured, leaning over to kiss Marty. 'It's so sweet how the song always moves you. That's my absolute favourite song by Led Zeppelin.'

'It's not really my favourite,' Marty said, softly, 'but no other song by Led Zeppelin moves me to tears like Over the Hills and Far Away. I would have to say that my favourite, though, would be a toss up between Whole Lotta Love, Black Dog, and Nobody's Fault But Mine.'

'Everything by Led Zeppelin is good,' Jennifer said, softly.

'Yeah, except Hats Off to Roy Harper,' replied Marty. 'I don't care for that song too much.'

'Oh, I think it's a nice song,' protested Jennifer.

Just then, The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and The News started playing. Marty and Jennifer stood up, and began to dance. Marty had a big smile on his face, as he really loved that song. It was nice and upbeat. Marty and Jennifer put their hands around each other, and danced around. It was a great evening for Marty and Jennifer.