Going the Distance

chapter 3

"Caroline, John!" I screamed. Tears streamed down my eyes, I knew he only had a few months left for sure now. The doctors had said that once the seizures started getting worse, it would mean death right around the corner.These thoughts raced through my head as I neeled down beside his tiny body.

My foster parents entered as Joey woke up. I could see the fear and pain in his eyes as he cringed in pain. He looked down and ipon seeing all of his lost blood began to cry, I too could no longer hold back the tears that were now streaming down my face. He had been on his bed working on his reading skills when the seizure must have come upon him. His hand knocked over a vase and lamp, causing them to shatter. He fell off his bed and landed in the pile of sharp jagged glass that cut away at his delicate skin, and now he had his head in my hands as I tried to help him. Suddenly, I saw nothing but blackness.

I opened my eyes and Jake was quietly dabbing a wet wash cloth on my

"Yes, but how are you I was so worried when they told me you had passed out. They took Joey to the hospital just in case though, so we are the only ones here.

I loojed around i hadn't noticed until then that i was in Jake's room,"I'm fine, Joey is the one that was hurt. Why would you be worried I only passed out?"

"I don't know, but Mary there is something I would like to talk about."

"Joey?"

"No, it's actually about you."

"Me?" I laughed. "what on earth is there to talk about concerning me?"

"Mary, don't you get it?"

"I'm sorry, no."

"Well, I suppose ill tell you then. You are so kind to Joey and me all the time. I know it must be hard on you that he is dying, and I can't controll my addiction to alcohol, but you always seem to find a way to get through it all. And, well, I admire you for that, I truely do Mary."

Jake was so honest and sincere. His words sounded as though they had been carefully played out in his mind over and over again. His words made me so happy, that all I could do was stare at him blankly. When a hesitant look came upon his face, I simply replied, "And I admire you too." I ended my sentence with a smile, and all the worry in his face left.

We sat there smiling at each other for 5 minutes before I spoke.

"Jake, the parents might be home any minute." I said getting up to leave.

"Wait, before you go." he said. Jake stood up and hugged me, his strong arms around my thin body structure.

oh what perfect timing, theparents walked in. Caroline gasped, "Mary, Jake!"

I stepped away from Jake and cringed as she sent a criticizing glare in my direction.

"Go to your room, Mary, NOW."

I obeyed and slowly walked out glancing, at Jake before I stepped into the hall.