If I Had a Thousand Dollars

Okay, Here Go's

Chapter 1 Kaden

"Are you kidding me?" I sighed, "Maliki's Island? The indoor play-place?"

Mom just relayed to me where my little sisters birthday party was going to be. Normally, I would've just shrugged and invited a friend over at that time, but only one of the kids mothers could help out so I got stuck with the "chaperoning" job in a room full of a dozen screaming 6-year-olds, for a full day. Ugh.

"It will be fun!" My mom said, trying to calm my outrage, "You can chase the little kids and play with them too!"

'No way," I growled, "You do realize how old I am right? A 17-year-old boy doesn't usually go to an indoor park with the littles as a fun activity."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry. But this is for Kali and Kristin's birthday. Think of what Kevin had to undergo when you were a little guy.", countered Mom.

She had a point. My brother is 13 years older than me, so we were never really close. But every time we were together, he never failed to remind me that I owed him something because of all the things he had to do when I was little.

"Fine! But can I bring a friend or something to keep me company? PLEASE?" I was begging now.

"No," Mom said firmly, "I need you to help me with all the kids, no distractions. But maybe you will meet someone at the party."

"Mom. seriously? You think I will see someone over 17, in a play place??"

"Never killed anyone to look." an exhausted sigh followed my mother's statement.

"Fine." I said again. I'm beginning to think that "fine" will be a more frequently used word in my vocabulary.

Chapter 2 Kalypso

Black boots, black boots, black boots! Where are my black boots??

"Kal! Hurry up! I'm going to be the last one there!" Jason came stopping into my room with the full intent of dragging me down the stairs. For a 7-year-old, he has a big mouth.

"Got it, Jason, go down stairs and wait in the car please." Ma had set me as the designated driver to get him to a birthday party some twin girls were having.

I found my boots and bolted out the door so I could get this whole ordeal over with.

"Jason! In the car!" I hollered as I hopped towards the door putting on my shoes. That was my downfall, literally, I fell. On my face.

"Owwww." I muttered. A small hand tugged on my shirt, "I go? I go too?" Eliza, my 4-year-old sister had one thumb in her mouth and the other holding my beat-up, ratty, rugged bunny "wabbit".

"No I'm sorry pumpkin., " I replied with sad eyes, " maybe next time!" I grabbed her into a tight hug and she squealed for me to put her down. With, that cue I sauntered outside the door I jumped in the driver's seat and took a deep breath. " Here we go" I muttered wearily under my breath.

"You buckled?" Jason grunted a yes as I backed out of the driveway. Apparently he was still mad at me for being late. Geez. How long can one kid hold a grudge?

Being 16 did have its perks., but this was DEFINITELY not one of them.

I pulled into the parking lot with a building labeled, "KIDS INDOOR FUN-HOUSE". Huh, I remember going here as a kid.

"Ok buddy," I unbuckled my seatbelt and hopped out of the car, "Let's go walk you in.." Another grunt in reply from Jason.

I sighed. He could talk to me for once in his life. It's the type of kid that acts like a sweet little angel around their parents and becomes a silent murderer when they're gone. The one thing about brothers I'll never get.

Suddenly everything was in slow motion. I opened the door and I saw blue. I remember screaming as I lunged for Jason. I held his tiny face in my hand as I shook his head. Someone pushed me out of the way and the rest is a blur.

***************

I woke up on the sidewalk. My head was pounding as someone leaned over me. My vision seemed to blur everywhere but a nameless face that portrayed a concerned look. Murky gray eyes that shined as if they had a secret that no one else knew. Dark black hair that was cut short but many curls were still there.

I took a deep breath as tried to make out what he was saying. "Can you hear me? Hello?", panic edged his voice. I suddenly remembered the cause of my fall.

"Jason!", I scrambled to my feet best I could, unsuccessful as I fell backward into the stranger's arms.

"Woah! The kid is at the hospital which is where we are now going."

"What?!? Why am I not with him!! Is he okay?? What happened?" Despite my current state, my voice was the least affected. I pushed myself away from him immediately regretting my action. He grabbed me and steadied me yet again.

"Ok," he breathed loud, "Let's go."

Chapter 3 Kaden

I guess I should be grateful, who would've guessed that a little boy choking on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich would get me out of a screaming group of kids.

I started to lead the girl to my car. Her face was a mixed expression of pain and worry. Her dark eyebrows were drawn together and her full lips were pressed firmly in a line.

"Name?" she asked suddenly.

"Kaden Messel," I replied with just as much of a clipped tone.

"Hm." Was her only statement.

"I'm a senior at Griffin Lake High." for some reason I felt the need to tell her this.

"Drive faster."

"What's your name?" I completely ignored her last comment.

She rolled her eyes then winced at the bump in the road. "Kalypso.... Creed."

I glanced over at her face and checked it out for a moment. Her tan slender face matched up well with her intelligent bright blue eyes. Golden brown hair framed the face that let you know that she had an opinion and wasn't afraid to say it.

"What happened while I was.... Out?" She seemed suddenly vulnerable.

"Well, I was walking up to the doors from cleaning up little kid throw up off my shirt. I heard you screaming before I saw you then I ran up and the little kid-"

"Jason. His name is Jason." She interrupted.

"OK, Jason was choking and so I performed CPR on him because he was already unconscious, I was able to get the piece of food out after I dialed 911. The ambulance came and then I tended to you because you had hit your head while fainting. What still stumps me is why the ambulance didn't take you with them."

While I was ranting about the incident, she had taken the time to grab my phone and look up the hospital directions.

"Take a left here."

I grabbed my phone, "I know where I am going, thank you very much. I happen to know a shortcut."

Kalypso rolled her eyes and looked at me sideways. "