Cricket

cricket: chapter 2

8 years

I sit patiently working on my math test. Momma's gonna be so proud when I tell her how hard I worked. I have 2 problems left when I hear the screech of the loudspeaker.

"JENNY PEARSON PLEASE COME TO MR. RANDELL'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY." Mr. Randell's our principal. I hope I'm not in trouble.

I look up at my teacher, who nods at me to go. I get up carefully, not wanting to disturb any of the other test takers. As I leave, I hear some whispers already talking what I did to get called to the office. Finally, Sean, is the one to break through all of the whispers. "Ohhh Jen got in troubleeee." The class erupts into laughter.

i blush and continue walking. I hand my test to my teacher as i go. I dont want anyone peaking at my answers.

I walk out the door, silently closing it behind me. I walk through the hallways, dragging my fingers along the brick wall. Normally we get in trouble if we do this, but i figure if I'm being called to the office, I'm already in trouble, so what is there to lose?

When i get to the office, Jeremy and a police officer are waiting outside of the office entrance.

I look questioningly at Jeremy. He says nothing, but pulls me towards him. I cuddle into him. He rubs my back.

I eventually pull away. "Whats wrong Jeremy?" he says nothing, but his eyes are all red. I can tell he hasn't cried yet, but tears are trying to come out.

Jeremy takes my hand, and pulls me into the office. The policeman follows us; trailing a couple feet behind. I wonder if Jeremy is going to be arrested.

The door shuts behind us and i am surrounded. I stand silently, waiting for everyone to back down. I'm not even sure who's hugging me.

When its over, Grammy is the last one holding me. She stretches her arms out, so shes holding me at arm length.

she looks at me with watery eyes. "Jen, love, I need to tell you something. "

I stare at her with big eyes.

"Jen, your parents-" she cuts off and starts sobbing. Mr. Ranell  goes over and hugs her. 

I have no idea what is happening. Actually, i know i just don't want to believe it.

The room is now completely silent now except for Grammy's sobs.

Jeremy steps forward and grabs my hand. I avoid his eyes. Maybe if i don't hear it, it won't be true.

"Jen." he squeezes my hand. "Jen look at me." i fight for a minute, but i give in and look at him. "Dad and Mo- Daddy and Momma. " he clears his throat. "There dead. "

Time stops.

                     I hear people saying my name.

                                                      I don't want to listen.

                                                                                  I don't' believe it. Momma wouldn't die.

I snap back into reality. Jeremy is hugging me and crying. I'm shocked. Momma can't be dead. She was with me yesterday. She was telling me to run. To hide. And i did. And now shes dead. .

Jeremy lets me go. i glance around at everyone and then i take off. My small shoes making a pitter patter sound as i run through the hall way. I hear someone coming after me but I don't care.

"Jen! Wait!" Its Jeremy. I run faster. I have just run past the super market when he catches me. He grabs me and pulls me into a bear hug.

I scream and kick but he won't let me go. I am able to wiggle my arm free and i smash my elbow back, i feel it connect with his face. He lets out a breath and lets me go. I don't turn, but just keep running.

i Know that i probably broke his nose, but i don't care. I run and run and run until i can't run anymore.

I've reached the pier. I look out at the rustling water. My throat goes dry. Tears well up in my eyes but I'm not going to let them take me over. 

I have never felt so alone.

End of chapter 2