Runaway Love

Damarius and the Dragons

“So what’s Damarius’ story?” Jazz asked.

“Well he’s twenty-three and no one really knows where he came from. He just showed up one day about thirteen years ago. Since then he’s worked his way up the ranks from where Maddie is now, which is basically an errand runner and a messenger, to top dog. He’s the most respected member of our gang and has always been a model student and the community loves him. Our gang because of him, despite our name, is more of the peace keepers,” Nathaniel explained.

“That’s kind of interesting. He’s like a mystery. Does he ever talk about his past?” Jazz sat up on the love seat, laying her legs over Seph’s resting her back against the arm rest, and looked at the people around her, wondering if they were hiding anything from her.

“No, the most he’s ever said is that he caused enough problems in his house that child services stepped in and he was transferred to a foster home here in Texas and he’s been here since. He won’t tell us anything more. He talks, sometimes when one of us manages to catch him alone, about a little sister he had. He carries a picture of her in his wallet hoping that someday maybe he’ll find her. Of course the picture is like fourteen years old so it’s not going to do him any good,” Sophia said taking the tray of empty glasses into the kitchen.

“What has he said about his sister?” Jazz wanted to know anything and everything about Damarius, hoping maybe she could use it against him and distract him when she had to fight him.

“Just that she was two when he left and she had the biggest, dark blue eyes that were almost black fringed with long, black lashes, and hair as dark as a starless sky that curled a little and he always called her sissy. He’s never said her name, always sissy,” Maddie stood up and stretched, “I better be leaving, your dad will be home soon. Bye Zak.” She kissed him quickly then she walked out without another word.

“Yea I better go too. Bye guys see you tonight,” Sophia waved and then she too disappeared out the door.

“Do you want to go tonight?” Nathaniel asked Jazz.

“Better to meet the gang sooner rather than later, I just want to get this over with,” Jazz said.

“That’s probably a good idea. Just don’t mention the keg to Dad. He’ll be really pissed. Any way this party’s going to be great,” Tyler said.

“What party?” a guy in his early forties asked as he walked into the room.

“Hey Dad,” the boys said together.

“Cole’s throwing an end of school blow-out,” Nathaniel said.

“Sounds fun but that you have to wait until your mother gets home so we can talk about it like a family. Now, you must be Jazz,” Michael Clearwater said holding his hand out to Jazz.

“Yes sir, I appreciate what you and Mrs. Clearwater are doing for me,” Jazz said shaking Michael’s hand, a broad smile playing across her face seeming like an innocent little girl.

“Very polite, that’s good. I raised my kid’s to be polite, so it’s good to see you’re the same. Lauren wasn’t kidding; you are a beautiful young lady. I see what you mean Lauren; she does look a little like Nathaniel. If you ask me she looks more like one of Nathaniel’s friends, Damarius,” Michael said.

“Damarius? Why do you say she looks Damarius?” Seph asked.

“Well, maybe not. She does look like Nathaniel I suppose. Any way you’re welcome to anything we have and after dinner we’ll figure out the sleeping arrangements and you call me Michael, Mr. Clearwater is my father,” Michael said laughing at his own joke.