Opening Up

Ch 2: Blackmailed

Jack had always had a hard time focusing in math.  But today was especially difficult.  It had just rained the previous day, and the air was warm and wet and made him so drowsy.  He sunk lower in his chair, refusing to remove the old red hoodie pulled up over his head.  The old geometry teacher went on and on for a static eternity.  "So it would be easiest to calculate the radius of the base, and multiply it by pi.  Then, over here, you would start by finding the height, multiplied by one half of the base, or h times one half b.  Once you have both these values.... well look at that.  We already have a master at this.  Mister Hollohan, you must have had quite a bit of practice if you think you're prepared for the test on Friday."

A ripple of laughter made its way through the room.  Jack shifted and sat himself back up, scowling slightly as he realized it was obvious he had been on the verge of sleep.  The teacher, deciding that wasn't enough, continued. " Maybe I'll take an empty desk and you can teach us.  You obviously have it down."  He had no idea how to respond.  Luckily, he wouldn't have to, as class was dismissed at that moment.  Saved by the bell, an old cliche that still answered to the prayers of an unlucky student.  

The tall boy began hurriedly making his way to the last class of the day.  Spanish was all the way in it's own foreign language wing.  Not having time to stop and talk, Jack offered nods, grins, and  shoulder shrugs to those who took notice.  He he'd almost reached his destination, when a short, straight-haired sophomore appeared.  "Jackie~", the girl purred, switching directions midstep to walk along side him.  It was Rachel, who, despite being in her second year, had somehow managed to become one half of the school's "power couple".  Her other half gave her splayful nudge to the shoulder.  "You didn't text me last night.  You don't love me anymore?"  Jack loved to engage in stupid teasing.  Rachel responded apathetically: "There was some drama last night about this leaked photo of some senior bitch.  Naturally, I had to help deal with that shit."

The two arrived at Jack's stop.  He gave a wave, and went to break away.  Rachel stood on her toes and planted a stubborn kiss on his cheek.  Unable to help himself, the blonde boy raised an eyebrow and turned his back to enter the classroom.  The first thing his eyes came to rest on was an envelope sitting neatly on his desk.  Not thinking much of it after the initial sight, he shoved it into his pocket, crumpling the stiff, white paper and whatever it held.  He wouldn't think about it again until it fell out at home as he took off his hooded sweatshirt.  A casual "hm," planted itself in Jack's throat as he tore open the envelope and sat down on his unmade bed.

Jack,

I'm sure you haven't thought about me since my departure.  That's perfectly fine.  Too busy with that pretty brunette thing, yes?  She's quite a handful.  Don't worry, you'll be spending a lot of quality time with her soon.  You have a special quality to you, Jack.  And you will not waste it as I almost did.

A full moon is coming in just a few days.  Until then you will not speak of this letter.  On that night, climb out your window.  Stand at the end of the driveway.  You will receive further instruction there.  You will not let me down.  You will not let yourself down.  You will not let Rachel down.  Good luck.

                                                                                                                                              Jay M. Thompson

Jack almost laughed out loud.  Some freshie trying to pull a "sick" joke.  He was about to drop the short letter into the little wastebasket in the corner, when he noticed something.  Something scrawled in the back of the paper.

"Orange tree"

Jack immediately remembered that Rachel kept a spare house key under this little potted orange tree on her porch.  And the sender of the letter knew this.

Holy shit.

————————————————————————————————————————————————

*sips tea as I realize I can't write for shit and nobody has even read this*