Lost

Chapter 24 - California Dreamin'

Later that day, Jodee was having a play date with one of her friends so Caleb and Ace could do some of the "errands" that needed to be done for the week — and by errands they mean the illegal jobs that is require of them if they would like to stay affluent in the underground world.

They stood by the docks of a sprawling water bay, a place where the noise of the city blended with the natural sounds of the ocean, creating a chaotic symphony. The docks were a well-known hub for illicit activities, and today was no exception. They watched for any suspicious activity although they already knew there was going to be — that's why they were there. The air was thick with anticipation and the familiar scent of saltwater and fish, mingled with the faint odor of gasoline from the boats.

Both boys shared a cigarette, a rare moment of calm amidst the storm of their lives. The act of passing the cigarette back and forth was a small ritual that allowed them to unwind, even if just for a few minutes. Caleb, unable to sit still, found solace in the repetitive action. His mind, usually racing with a million thoughts, found a momentary anchor in the rhythmic inhale and exhale of the smoke. His restless energy seemed to settle slightly as he leaned against a rusted metal railing, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble.

Ace, on the other hand, was always on edge, his mind a constant whirl of worry and contingency plans. The cigarette helped him mask his anxiety, allowing him to project a veneer of calm. He took a long drag, feeling the nicotine hit his bloodstream, and exhaled slowly, watching the smoke dissipate into the air. Despite the temporary reprieve, his mind never stopped working, always calculating the risks and outcomes of their next move. He kept a close eye on Caleb, making sure his impulsive nature didn't get them into trouble.

As they stood there, blending into the background, they could hear snippets of conversations, some mundane, others hinting at the illegal dealings they were there to monitor. The shared cigarette was almost down to the filter, but neither of them seemed in a hurry to extinguish it.

Ace passed the cigarette to Caleb, bringing up a new topic, in a previously quiet area. The boys always took these times to talk about matters that they didn't want little ears to hear. "When I take custody ..." He began, taking time to clear his throat. "We're gonna move." He declared.

Caleb wasn't too bothered by that news, handing the joint back to his friend. "Okay... I mean you can't live in Tobias's house if he's not either of your guardians so ya."

"No." Ace denied harshly. "I mean states. Move states."

The blonde haired boy's eyebrows shot up into his forehead, holding them there as he shot his friend a blank stare. "What state?" He said sharply.

Caleb felt a surge of anger rise within him, a wave of emotions that took him by surprise. It wasn't about Massachusetts. He didn't care about this place or the people in it. It was about Ace and Jodee. The thought of them leaving him behind made his chest tighten with a mix of fear and frustration. They were his family, the closest thing he had to stability in this chaotic world. Ace was his best friend, the one person who understood him, who didn't judge him for his restless energy or the way his mind worked. Jodee was like a little sister to him, someone he felt protective over.

The idea of them moving away to another state, far from here, felt like a betrayal. It was like they were abandoning him, leaving him to fend for himself. He hated the thought of being alone, of losing the only people who mattered to him. Caleb struggled to find the words to express this, his mind racing with all the things he wanted to say but couldn't. The anger simmered just below the surface, making his heart pound in his chest.

His gaze locked onto Ace, trying to understand how he could make such a decision without even talking to him first. Did Ace not realize what this would do to him? Did he even care? Caleb's fists clenched at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he tried to keep his emotions in check. He didn't want to seem weak or needy, but the thought of being left behind was almost too much to bear.