Where Are You? Please Save Me From My Nightmare

Chapter 2 - Lesson Number 1

     The morning came too fast and Jim woke up to someone shaking him. Jim was about to defend himself thinking it was some thug or worse but it was just Chekov. He looked concerned at Jim’s response but that was quickly shaken with his perky spirit. Jim did not know what came over him or what he was dreaming of to cause him to act like that. It was rather strange especially the tinge of a headache he felt. That was overlooked when he stomach growled from hunger which was normal for him.

     “Sorry for vaking you like zat sir. I vas just zinking zat maybe I should look around for another job to get some money for food. It iz clear we vill not surwiwe long if we do not find some food.” The young Russian said with bright puppy eyes looking eagerly to help Jim with anything. Though the haze was settling with his memory and reality the look felt reminiscent of something more. This was a bad idea after yesterday and Jim knew this.

      “Thanks Chekov but that would not be a good idea knowing what happened yesterday you should stay low until everything blows over. I do have an idea though. Let’s say that I were to teach you the ways of living off the street. You help me scavenge for food and supplies to fix up this place and you have a more permanent place to stay. I am not saying it will be easier but it will not include being beaten.” At the mention of this Chekov looked down and fumbled with his hands. “What do you say? We work together to try to make our lives as good as we can make them?”

       “Yes sir!” At this Chekov lunged at Jim for a hug tackling him to the ground. Jim smiled knowing now he will not be alone and has something to do to keep his mind occupied. Something seemed oddly familiar about the cheerful spirit. The feeling just keeps nagging at the back of Jim’s mind.

       “For a start, I do have a name and it is Jim. I do not like being called sir or anything else. Next will be your basic lessons on being street smart.” Jim started to push Chekov off to freshen up for the day. I just pray he can learn and not get hurt. He maybe willing but let’s see if he cannot be as clumsy and ignorant as he appears.

        The air was cold and crisp. Jim and Chekov’s clothes were thin and tattered and were the only pieces of clothes they had. Jim did not mind. He was used to being the poor boy. Chekov was too cheerful to think on the little things. Learning from Jim was what kept him lively since being chased out onto the streets. Today’s lesson will be teaching Chekov how to properly scavenge. Jim knew this would be much easier than trying to teach the poor lad how to spar or fight. At least that’s what Jim thought.

        “Ok for starters, do not be too bold and try to steal from a shop or vendor. Even I have had my share of beatings from trying to do that. Just check what people throw away in the bins behind their houses.” Jim flashed his charming smile towards Chekov who was soaking in every drop of knowledge that was leaving Jim’s lips. “The wealthy have so much they just throw it away at leisure. What scum not thinking about how we go with so much less but make it work and last.”

        “Certainly Mr. er um Jim. You are quite ze Raven Hood of a guy! You know taking from ze rich giwing to ze poor.”

        “Oh you mean Robin Hood. Well you can say that I guess.” Jim felt proud that he could be compared to someone like that. Their first house that they walked to was one of not high upper class but just a little under it. The house was of red brick and white trim. The duo approached the garbage bin. Jim lifted the lid off to find a whole slew of junk to be searched through. While sifting through to show Chekov the best things to search for he heard a crashing. Jim turned around and all he could do was run over with a huge smile on his face. He could not believe what he saw and stopped halfway over to let out his laughter he was holding in. Chekov had tried to help but when he was trying to reach into the bin but unfortunately he ended up falling in himself.

        “Boy are you ok in there? Would you like some help?” Jim tried to fight back the laughter again but it nothing helped. When he got to the bin on the other side of the alley the little mop popped out of the bin covered in filth. Jim let out another loud laugh. Chekov also laughed as Jim came up to him. As Jim reached the bin he realized that the bin was not only filled with rubbish but also with some great finds. “Here this bin will do just fine. See here they have great bread that is not totally stale and some fruit that we can cut off the rotten parts and it will be just fine. Stay away from the meat it is a gamble and has the chance of making us both sick. Oh what do we have here?” Jim reached in and pulled out a nice coat that seemed to be his size but he knew Chekov could use it more even if it was going to be a bit big on him. Jim knew he saw that coat somewhere before but could not place where until he caught out of the corner of his eye someone watching them. When Jim turned to look the man was gone in a wisp of black. He did not know that Chekov had been talking about how much he was having fun and grateful for the advice.

        “Sir?”

       “Oh it’s nothing Chekov, just thought something familiar caught my eye. By the way this coat is yours. You need it more than I do.” With that the lad looked amazed and awed by this act when Jim threw it at him.

        “Really? Zank you! Zank you!” Chekov threw the winter coat on over his chilled and slightly shivering body as he crawled out of the bin. Jim gathered the food they found. Jim just gave Chekov a smile as a return of his thanks. Jim just could not shake knowing someone was watching them in the distance. He did not feel fear at this thought just interest longing.

         The rest of the day was very interesting and kept Jim’s mind busy. Chekov was a fast learner and looked dashing in the coat even if it was too big. The boy made Jim laugh a lot whether it was being clumsy or his weird saying that Jim had to think about and correct him on the correct way to say it. The duo got some rationings of food and some supplies to fix the house up. It was getting towards the evening when they got back to the rundown house.

         “What a great day today was! We got some food, a way to keep you warmer and some supplies to fix up this shack.” Jim was quite pleased with himself and shared the smile to Chekov.

          “Yes! We sure did great sir!” Chekov stumbled a little bit while walking to the living room and his stomach let out a low roar. Jim knew he was hungry and so was he even though he did not admit it. He split the food into rations for two for as long as he could stretch it which was about three days. This made Jim happy even though it was not much. Over dinner Chekov told Jim about the factory he worked at and how his homeland was. His stories were mainly ones of hardship and misfortune making this misfit such a pure soul. Jim felt sympathy for him but glad he met him. He was happy to have this company and hoped it could continue. Jim told Chekov the many stories from the street many of himself stealing from shops and fooling the cops chasing after him. There was no fire in the house since they had no spare fire to burn but the warmth of their bond made it seem like there was one. The night went on, Chekov passed out on the ground curled up in his coat. Jim just thought to himself. The longing for something out of his reach and something more poured into his mind. He did not know what he even wanted other than a better life and someone to share it with. To be there through his ups and downs, the good and the bad of life. He wanted something more than a family or friends. No his heart yearned for something more and he thought he had once had that feeling and there was someone but he did not know if that was even real given his dreams and lucid reality that was becoming more grounded since Chekov crashed into him. Sleep came over him telling him to stop thinking of this before he could get too deep and as he fell asleep a tear ran down his face.