Run Away With Me

Chapter 22 (Jack)

Notes: Wow, guys, I am sorry for this train wreck. But, like, I kinda love it. So, enjoy!

Grudgingly, I go to work on Monday. I have nothing against my job. On the contrary, I find it quite enjoyable. Maybe I can't have as many creative liberties as I would like, but that's life I guess. It really doesn't bother me. What bothers me, is that Katherine is in Kansas, and there's nothing I can do about it! I'm just frustrated. This was going to be my year. I was moving to the city! With my best friends, my brothers. And Kathy. I was finally going to get the girl. And it was turning out so well! I got a job as an artist! My dream, my passion! And then Katherine kissed me! My life was on the up and up again! Makes me so frustrated!

But you know what? It's not just about me. We all lost someone. Sorta. All of us are coping in our way, I guess. Of course, Race and Albert have been hard at work trying to figure out a way to get her home. Spot and Davey have seemed to have moved on with their lives. Not, like, forgetting her, but accepting that she left of her own free will and that we can't bring her back. Crutchie's kinda moved on too, I guess. But I think he still has that everlasting hope that she'll come back. Something that only Crutchie can emanate. The one who really worries me is Jojo. Jojo, the most exuberant and joyful person I know. Seriously, that kid is always excited about something. And know? He just seems so . . . deflated. I don't know what it is. But I've resolved to talk to him about it. It just- it just doesn't feel right. Jojo isn't like that.

By the end of the day, I've got tomorrow's cartoon finished and a draft for Wednesday's done. On my way out, my new 'boss' stops me. Really, I couldn't have asked for a cooler boss. His name is Mr. Rose, but he insists we call him Ted. And he was really cool hiring me right out of high school with zero experience.

"So, how was your first day with us Mr. Kelly?" He asks, clapping a hand on my shoulder. I offer what I hope is a convincing smile.

"It was great. I really enjoy working here." By the look on his face, I don't think my smile was very convincing.

"Sure doesn't look like you had a great day."

"Oh, it's nothing about working here. I really do like working here, just one of my friends had to leave rather unexpectedly, and it may be a while before I get to see her again," I say with a shrug. Ted nods knowingly.

"Hmm. Well, I hope everything turns out all right with this, friend." He shakes my hand, and I head out.

~~~

Dinner that night is a very, awkward affair. Davey, bless his heart, tries his very best to keep the conversation going. Race and Albert are up to their usual antics, flinging pieces of the mac-n-cheese we're eating at each other with their forks. I eat about half of mine before turning in for the night. I've claimed Katherine's old bed as my own, so now everyone has their own bed. Except Race and Spot.

After showering and changing into more comfortable clothes, I flop down on my bed. I just wish there were a way I could contact Kathy. I mean, I guess I could write her a letter. But in this day and age, the young mind has grown so accustomed to instant gratification, something that sending a letter through mail cannot provide. Yes, I can be smart sometimes. I'm young, I ain't stupid. Anyway, letter writing's out of the picture. So my next best option is to send her an email with Davey's laptop. But I just feel like that's less personal, and I'm pretty sure I don't know her email. I groan, and drag my hands down my face. If only there were some way I could text her, or even call her. I guess I could always find a payphone. Though they seem to be growing pretty scarce these days. Me and Katherine got lucky last, Friday was it? Only three days ago.