Life Catcher

Chapter Twenty-Four: Dr. Lunatic Take 3

24.

Well aren't you in the weirdest predicament? Says a charming and familiar voice.

What do you want? If you're thinking of trying to kill me then you have another thing coming. I don't have time for you.

I drop in to say hello and you stab me in the back? How mean of you Cleo.

Cut the crap Dr. Lunatic.

What ever could you mean?

I ignore him and wake up. A strong sent enters my nose but I can't quite figure out what it is. Smells extremely delicious but it's foreign to me.

When I pull the covers off John opens the closet door and turns on the light. I rub my eyes as they adjust to the blinding light.

"You hungry kid?" He asks and pats my head.

My stomach growls loudly.

I yawn. "Does that answer your question?"

John sets a plate of yellow chunks in front of me that has the same strong delicious sent. He then sets a fork and knife on either sides of my plate and sits down across from me and begins to eat his breakfast.

I push a yellow chunk around on my plate with my fork.

"If you're allergic to eggs I can get you waffles," John says.

"Eggs?"

"Oh, that's right. Forgive me. Well what you see there on your plate is eggs. Here. Try some," he says and takes my fork.

He scoops a chunk of eggs in it puts it in front of my mouth. I open my mouth slowly and he dunks the yellow stuff down my throught.

I gag a little and he laughs.

"Sorry about that Cleo," he chuckles.

"It's okay."

I spend the afternoon in the arcade making high scores on Pin-Ball and Pac-Man. John watches closely because I beat all of his high scores.

I bet Winter is pretty good at these kid of games too.

That's when I remember that this is Sam's last day and he's going to head home tonight. After we finish lunch I head into the closet and grab a bag to put my clothes in. When I turn around John is at the door with a confused look on his face.

"Heading out already?"

I sigh. "I'm sorry John, but I have to head back to. . ."

"Where is your home?"

"Eh. . . In a forest. I live in a hut with Winter and Kai-," I begin but immediately close my mouth.

"Winter? And whose Kai?"

Wow, he really is nosey.

"My friends."

He looks at me like I just spoke Spanish to him. But I just find interest in a nearby book. I hear him sigh and quickly finish my sandwich. I dump the leftovers in the kitchen dump. I look at the pages of his books after I pack my things. When I feel the time drag on I have a sudden urge to ask what time it is. When I ask John he looks at a golden chain on his wrist.

"About seven thirty. About six hours till tomorrow. How long does it take to get home?," he answers.

I gasp and grab my bag. I have got to get home. It takes more than six hours to get home. I pause at the exit to the arcade and turn to look at him. Right now, the only thing on my mind is seeing Sam, Winter, and Kai.

He scratches his head.

"Guess this means goodbye. . .," he trails off.

As I walk up the stair I feel an uncomfortable pull in my body. My eyes turn misty.

What am I doing? He takes me in. Feeds me. And even gives my clothes.

When I'm about halfway up the stairs I turn on my heals and bolt down the stairs. I knock right into John who struggles to gain his balance. I hug him tightly from behind while tears stream down my eyes.

He freezes in surprise but chuckles.

"I thought you'd come back sooner or later," he says softly which causes even more tears to leak out my eyes.

"I feel horrible. . .," is all I can muster.

He turns around and wraps his arms around me tightly. I grip his shirt and bawl in it for a good ten minutes. We both eventually sit in a corner next to each other. I automatically lay my head on his shoulder which juts a memory of Sam leaning his head on my shoulder.

A pitiful cry comes from my mouth. I feel horribly embarrassed but John just wraps his arms around me and strokes my head and hums a tune that makes me feel sleepy.

"Why are you doing this? I'm the most. . .horrible-"

"No your not Cleo," he says in a soft calming voice.

I close my eyes and clutch his shirt hoping he doesn't disappear. I don't want to leave but for some odd reason I want to be with Sam. Even though it feels like I'm with him now.

We hear a voice from upstairs and I flinch but John just holds me tighter.

"Hey dad, " the voice calls and I know it's Josh.

"What's up kid?" John calls back. I want to run to hide but John has me in a grip that I don't want to escape.

"Well, Sam just left to go camping again."

There's a long pause and I guess John is pondering the situation.

"For how long this time?" He finally answers.

"I dunno. But his friend Jaime came to get him."

I flinch again and push myself away from John to stand up. He does the same.

"Okay. Thank you Josh."

"Sure," he says and we hear him walk down the hall.

"I-"

"I know," he interrupts. "But you could at least tell me goodbye," he continues with a smile that breaks something inside me. Something deep down.

"Okay," I squeak and jump into his arms. We hold each other tightly for awhile.

I'm the first to push away.

I grab my bag and turn to look at him. He smiles.

"Thanks for everything. . .John," I say.

"No. Thank you Cleo. I've been quite lonely here. It's like having another daughter you know?"

I look into his dark brown eyes. "Goodbye John."

"Farewell Cleo. Until we meet again."

"Yeah."

I walk up the stairs but it seems like it takes an eternity to climb up them. As I walk down the hall it starts to feel like everything here is unreal. Like it's just a fantasy.

I make it to the door unnoticed and take one last look at the house. The carpet is clean somehow. Like I was never even here.