Where Are You? Please Save Me From My Nightmare

Chapter 3 - The Never Fleeting Thought

            The days went on like normal for Jim and Chekov. Jim taught him more things about living on the street and how to fend for yourself. Chekov had his moments that made Jim laugh and forget his troubles. He was so grateful for having Chekov by his side that he even forgot the shadow that was not only lurking somewhere behind him but in his own mind. The two of them scavenged some great food that will last them for a while. The duo even managed to find supplies to fix up the run down house. One day while it was heavily snowing outside Jim took the chance to fix up the inside of the house with teaching Chekov more of course.

           “Pass me a nail please?” Jim looked down at the mopy haired boy who was holding the nails and some other supplies needed to fix the holes in the roof. Chekov while being short compared to how tall Jim was on the ladder had to step onto his tippy toes to reach Jim’s hand. “Thank you. Next hole it is going to be your turn to learn how to patch it up.”

         “Oh boy! I cannot vait to be able to try zis. You know sir ze past days I hawe been able to stay vith you hawe been really somzing. Zank you for letting me stay vith you.” Chekov smiled as he passed the nail to Jim. Jim returned the smile.

        “Don’t mention it at all. You have been a real help. More than you can ever know.”  With that Jim finished up patching up the hole in no time and climbed off the ladder. When he did Chekov gave him a hug. Even though he felt things were missing in his life he knew that one part was there with him. Chekov released the hug with an even wider smile and gave Jim the supplies he was holding to move the ladder since it was his task now to patch up the holes. Jim could see the lad was eager to learn so if Jim was to be gone one day doing something he could get some things done to surprise him when he got back. The next hole was across the living room. Jim stopped and smiled seeing how Chekov was clumsily moving the ladder around the room. He finally got the ladder near his target after a struggle and set up the ladder. Jim was right behind him.

       “Ok, now hop up onto the ladder and get and get as far up near the hole as you possibly can. Then I will hand you some of the supplies you will need.”

    “I can do zat sir!” Chekov hurried up the ladder to just a few steps before the top.

   “Well then, here.” Jim handed Chekov a small plank of wood they collected a few days before. “Now hold this up to the hole on the left end and hold it there until I can give you some nails and a hammer.” Again Jim handed the overjoyed boy the hammer and some nails. “Ok with one hand hold the plank, preferably in the middle. With the other hold the nail to one of the corners and use your arm and hand to support it there.” When Chekov tried it he accidently dropped the plank. It came down with a little thud and Chekov turned a sad face to Jim thinking he had failed him.

    “Sorry sir, I am just….um… ah vhats the vord…”

    “Clumsy. No mind to that it is your first try and the first nail in always the hardest to put in.” Jim walked over and picked up the plank and handed it back up to Chekov. He knew he had to be patient with him. He did not know why but his instincts just told him to be patient with him. It was like he knew someone like him before but in some far off world. After a few more attempts Chekov finally nailed in his first plank. Jim never grew frustrated during the whole period, he knew he would get it eventually.

   “Yes! Finally! See sir I finally did it! Zanks again for your help. Zis is so much fun!” Chekov was beaming ear to ear with his accomplishment. A not so street smart street boy is mastering repair work.

   “You are welcome. Now only three more to go and you will have finished up with this hole and we can have some lunch. Then more work.” The next few planks went easier and easier as Chekov learned from his mistakes. Jim was impressed at how fast the young Russian learned and before he knew it the last plank was nailed in and Chekov hopped off the ladder with excitement.