The Life of Jacob Track (Book Two of the 33X Series)

PART TWO: DEATH

           

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

October 20, 2013

Eight days before Jacob's supposed murder

Jacob Track was a loved boy. His family was very supportive and proud of him; he was athletic, loving, funny, and handsome.  The girls at school begged for his attention, and it usually gave him a good chuckle.  However, that was not the case today.  Today, as he dressed, his bright blue eyes were hiding his true feelings.  He could barely look at himself in the mirror.  The truth was etched on his face and only he seemed to see it.  He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to care about his appearance, but he didn't. The truth was, he was depressed.

            He had made a date with Trina to meet by the railroad tracks.  It was their favorite spot, a lone bridge about a half of a mile off the main road.  The area was full of trees and bushes like a small forest.  Jacob loved nature, it always made him feel at peace. But he wasn't going for the view, and the date was only a cover story for his real intention.  Trina was the only one he could trust with the information. It made him feel terribly guilty lying to her, but he had to. She'd never come if she knew the truth.

            He drove his Chevy S-10 to the road by the railroad tracks.  She was already parked, sitting in her car blaring some pop music station.  She was dancing in her seat, oblivious to the rest of the world.  He longed to feel the freedom that music brought, but knew it wouldn't come no matter how hard he tried.  Jacob forced a smile as he walked over to her car.

            "Hey! You made it! I was afraid you wouldn't show," he said as he tapped on her window.

            "Oh! You scared me, Jacob!" She clasped at her heart. "Of course, I would show.  I can't think of a reason not to!" She smiled brightly.  He could really appreciate how beautiful she was with her delicate features, bright eyes, and luscious long hair. He wished he loved her. The world was truly unfair.  She stepped out of the car, her long legs distracting his eyes.

            Jacob grabbed her hand and they slowly headed toward the bridge.  He longed to tell her everything, but the words stopped in his throat.

            "You look really handsome today, Jacob," she smiled at him.

            "Thanks, you look beautiful in that sundress as well," he squeezed her hand, as a thank you and a bit for strength.  He didn't know if he had the courage to tell her everything.

            "I'm so glad it's still warm enough to wear it! Winter comes too soon anymore.  I wish it could always be summer."

            "Me too, I love summer.  I miss it already," Jacob sighed, as they passed more trees that had the glow of fall.  Fall was easy on the eyes, beautiful orange, red, and yellow leaves everywhere; he just didn't like the temperature.  They made it to the bridge, sitting on the edge, with their feet dangling, as they always did.  Jacob was deep in thought, staring at the leaves. There was so little time left. He had never taken it for granted, but he knew he would miss it.

            "Jacob, are you ok? You seem... distant," Trina asked with concern.

            He looked at her, afraid of how she'd react.  He had to be crazy to even consider asking her.  It was a horrible idea, the worst really. He looked into her eyes, sadness and fear filling his being.  He wasn't sure how to respond to her.

            "You're going to hate me, Trina," he sighed.

            "I could never hate you.  Never," she said, squeezing his hand gently.