8 Days, 8 Letters; Spot Conlon

Like Him

A/N: Hello everyone. Sorry for the delay, senioritis is getting to me. Please enjoy the next chapter of 8 Days, 8 Letters.

Present Day: May 1900

Jack's POV

I was walking to Davey's house for our date. He wanted some time to freshen up after selling today. I cleaned up with those hours. Nicer clothes and freshly styled hair which took most of my time.

I knocked on the door and both Mr. And Mrs. Jacobs answered.

"Hey Mr. And Mrs. Jacobs."

"Hello Jack," Mr. Jacobs smiled. "So where are you two going tonight?"

"I's was thinking Tibby's and then maybe a walk in the park."

"Oh how romantic," Mrs. Jacobs said. "Wish he was that romantic still."

"Oh I'm plenty romantic still."

"David! Jack's here!" Mrs. Jacobs called.

"Coming Ma!"

We continued talking until Davey emerged from his room.

"You take longer to get ready than your mother," Mr. Jacobs joked.

Mrs. Jacobs swatted at him while Davey rolled his eyes.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Yeah."

I held out my arm for him, which he took, and assured his parents I'd bring him back by 10.

"So where to Jack?"

"I's was thinking dinner at Tibby's and then a walk in the park."

"Sounds great and I'm paying this time."

"Absolutely not."

"Try me."

We had a good time until someone approached us at the park.

A guy around our age came up to us. He was taller and attractive, with dark hair and green eyes.

"Hi David. How have you been?"

"Hey William. I've been alright, how about yourself?"

"I'm doing good. I'm glad you're able to return to school next term. This year has sucked without you."

"I'm just glad they're letting me into the next grade. Well as long as I pass summer classes."

The two talked for another few minutes. I felt so out of place and confused. Davey's returning to school? Why didn't he tell me? And why is he still talking with Mr. What's-his-face.

Once he left, I looked over at Davey.

"So you're returning to school that's... great."

"Yeah I can't believe it either."

"When did you's find out?"

"A couple weeks ago my dad got a job and then we heard from the school I could come back into the grade above with my peers if I wanted as long as I did some classes in the summer."

"And you's didn't tell me because?"

"Well it wasn't official until a few days ago."

"I think a few days is enough time to tell your boyfriend you're going back."

"Well what does it matter when you find out? I mean I was going to tell you but then William came over."

"Oh yeah Mr. What's-his-face. I's mean come on you's didn't even introduce me. Do you's think he's better because he can speak proper English and had a future."

"Jack? No of course not."

"Sure seems that way. Who knows maybe when you's go back you'll just walk out. Well no thank you's."

Davey grabbed my wrist.

"Jack hold on, can't we talk about this?"

His eyes filled with tears as he pleaded for me to stay.

I didn't care though, I didn't want to get his excuses, so I wrapped my hand from his grip and stormed off. Davey shouted my name but I just kept walking until his voice faded away.

Eventually I walked far away enough from the park and it set in what I had done.

I punched the wall hoping it would give me some sort of relief from the ache in my heart. Did I really just walk away like that?

I pictured Davey's face, how angry and hurt he looked. His blue eyes filling with tears and his voice cracking while he was pleading with me to stay. It reminded me of when I came out in that suit outside the distribution gates.

I walked away again. I betrayed him again. Why do I keep doing that to him?

My knuckles stung as the wall cut my skin. Blood seeped out and I realized how much damage to the wall I did. Dust fell at my feet from the worn brick.

I looked back at my hand realizing the damage I not only did to the wall, but to myself.

Maybe I am my father's son.

Francis. Francis Francis Francis.

The name rang in my head like a siren.

Maybe I am just destined to hurt people. Maybe I'm destined to become just like him.

Time Skip: The next morning

I didn't sleep well or at all. I tossed and turned all night. At least Jaime stayed over at Spot's, otherwise I'm pretty sure she'd have my head for my restlessness interrupting her beauty sleep.

I didn't talk much to anyone. Especially when Davey came to the distribution center. He was conversations with Specs and Jaime, not even looking at me. I guess I deserve that, but it doesn't stop the cracks from forming in my heart.

Les acted normal, he went over to Tumblr and Boots. Although he did look a bit confused why Davey and I weren't talking.

"Hey Jack?" Mush asked. "You's alright."

"Didn't sleep much," I muttered glancing at Davey.

Mush patted me reassuringly on the back. I gave a small smile while he walked away to give me space.

Jaime tried talking with me this morning but I gave her the cold shoulder. She keeps glancing over worriedly at me. I know she'd help, but she shouldn't have to deal with problems I caused for myself.

I got my papers and hurriedly walked in a direction. Any path but the ones Davey and I have taken. I know we didn't technically break up but my heart broke like we did. And it's all my fault. I hurt him. I deserve the guilt.

I heard footsteps behind me but I ignored it.

Probably some newsie trying to rush to a good selling spot before they get taken.

In hindsight, I should've turned around before they put something around my mouth.