Iceheart

Chapter 13: Human or Animal?

A gentle rapping came at Maxwell's door. Maxwell peeked through the door and opened it. "Who comes rapping, rapping at my chamber door?" he snickered.

Jason groaned. "Why do you feel the need to reference Edgar Allen Poe on every possible occasion?"

"Oh you love it," Maxwell snorted.

Jason rolled his eyes, walking in. Henry looked around, analyzing everything.

So... this is his friend's house, Henry thought. I'm already regretting my decision. My god, this kid isn't going to last a minute out there! He's just dead weight... who knows, maybe he'll prove to be a useful hostage or something. I don't know. For now, it's going to have to do.

Jenny was already sitting at the table. When she saw Jason, she darted over and hugged him. Jason squeaked in surprise by the suddenness of the hug, but he graciously accepted.

"Did I spook you?" Jenny giggled, poking his cheek.

"Oh shut up," Jason snickered, blushing as he gently pushed her away.

... just like his mom. My goodness. Henry shook his head, memories flooding back. He shook them off.

Jenny smiled, then her face went a little more serious. "So... what did you wanna talk about? And who's this?"

Maxwell clambered over, looking at Jason with curiosity. Jason cleared his throat.

"Well," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, "I'd like you to meet my uncle, Henry."

"Charmed," Henry said, an educated sound to his voice.

"He came down to visit," Jason started. "Or... at least I thought. But apparently there's a lot more than I expected."

"Jason, what do you mean?" Jenny said. "Please don't tell me that-"

"You're not going to be able to guess," Jason cut her off. "I couldn't even imagine this. You might want to take a seat. Your mind will be blown. You too, Maxwell."

The two sat down, Jason and Henry doing the same.

"So, Uncle Henry... care to explain?"

"I'll do my best..."

..........

"Well? Did you catch all of that?"

The puzzled looks and gapings mouths on Jenny and Maxwell's faces were a good enough answer for Henry. Jason looked over at Jenny. Jenny shook the look of disbelief off of her face and turned to Jason.

"So... there are more people like us?" she inquired. "We're not just crazy?"

"We're not," Jason chuckled. "And we're not alone. Henry has everyone else waiting there, he says he'd be able to teach us!"

"That's great!" Jenny exclaimed, hugging Jason. "We're not going to be freaks. I don't have to worry about hiding it."

"No one will think I'm a drug addict," Jason chuckled happily, a smile plastered on his face. "I won't have to deal with my dad anymore, we'll be free!"

"HEY!" Jason whipped around and saw Maxwell looking at them.

"Look, I get that this is amazing for you guys, but... seriously, don't leave me. I'm gonna get eaten alive without you two. You guys are the only friends I have. And besides... Jenny how do you even know that your parents would let you go with a random joe?"

"I am not a 'random Joe'," Henry grunted.

"Oh to her parents you are!" Maxwell rebutted. "If anything, you're a creepy guy trying to kidnap their daughter! So keep that in mind. And you do realize that if you head out, I'm coming with you!"