Jonah
It feels weird, knowing so much about Jack even though I just met him. I'm glad he told me though, it makes me feel good that he already trusts me so much.
"So I figured we can go out now and get you some clothes." I say once he's done eating.
Jack nods, "Ok, I'm going to go to the bathroom. Will you wait for me?" He says it like he thinks I'm going to leave.
I break into a smile, "Of course."
I watch him as he walks into the bathroom. It's hard to believe someone would want to hurt a boy as sweet as Jack. He's so thoughtful and caring and adorable and...
Stop, I think to myself, Don't start feeling things for this boy.
I'm still struggling with that thought when I realize Jack's been in the bathroom for a long time. My heart speeds up. I rush to the back of the restaurant and burst into the restroom.
"Jack!" I run over to him. The smaller boy is shaking and crying. I wrap my arms around Jack and do my best to calm him down, "It's ok. I'm here. I didn't leave you. Nothings going to hurt you now Jacky, I'm here."
His sobs soften to just sniffles and Jack collapses in my arms. I rub his back gently.
"I-I'm so s-sorry." He hiccups, "I d-don't know w-what happened."
"Shhhh," I whisper, "Calm down."
A man walks into the bathroom and stares at us but I ignore him. All that matters right now is Jack.
"I was h-here." Jack starts to explain, his eyes still wet with tears, "And then I was...t-there with..." His voice becomes a shaky whisper, "H-him."
"Oh honey," My heart breaks, "You're not with him. You're here with me and you're safe." I begin to lead Jack out of the bathroom.
He wipes his eyes, "T-thank you." I give him a big hug, engulfing him in my arms. Jack is so skinny I can easily hold him close to me.
Once he had stopped shaking, Jack and I walked outside together. The bright sunlight warmed my skin. We walked to the car, Jack leaning close to me. My fingers itched to take his hand, but I stopped myself. It was too soon.
We got in the car and I drove to the nearest mall. The ride was quiet, Jack mostly keeping to himself after what happened.
Finally I gathered up the courage to ask, "Jack, how long have you been homeless?" Jack stiffened in the passengers seat, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." I hurriedly added.
Jack shook his head, "It's fine. Um I think it was about a year and half ago that I got um...that I left." He said it like it was no big deal to have gone that long alone in the streets.
"Oh Jacky, why did you never try and get help? You could have gone to the police and gotten your dad arrested or something."
He shrugged, "What could I do? I have no phone, no money. It was easier to just try and survive on my own."
How could no one have noticed a homeless young boy right in their very neighborhood? Why had no one helped him? Then I realized, I hadn't noticed Jack until I got the job at the store.
I felt like I should apologize, but I knew Jack wouldn't let me take the blame. Sighing, I swallowed the apology and kept driving.
• • •
Jack
"Men," My dad clasped a hand on my shoulder and I stood up straighter, "This is my son, Jack."
The police men waved at me and a smile grew on my face. My dad had surprised me today by taking me to work with him. I got to see the inside of a real police station for the first time!
"Are you going to grow up to be a police officer just like your daddy?" One of the men asked me.
I nodded proudly, "I'm gonna be like a superhero and catch the bad guys."
The man ruffled my hair, "Yes you are, bud."
"Jack here is quite the little man." My dad told the group. I looked up at him and smiled. My dad was my hero and I wanted to be just like him. That compliment meant everything to me.
My dad picked me up and put me on his shoulders. He walked me around the station. I wanted to touch everything. This was all so exciting!
"Can I see the bad guys?" I asked.
My dad laughed, "Sorry bub, not today."
After we walked around the whole building, my dad sat me down, "Jacky," He sounded serious so I payed attention, "You can always come to the police if you get in trouble, ok? We are your friends."
I nodded, not really understanding what he meant by trouble. Was it like the time I left my crayons on the radiator and they melted into goop? I was in trouble then.
Deciding that it didn't matter right now, I snuggled into my dad, breathing in the scents of coffee and aftershave.
• • •
That day had been a happy one, but the memory of it now just brought me sorrow. After my dad became abusive, I vowed never to go in another police station again. It just reminded me too much of happier days that I would never get back.
That was one of the reasons I never tried to get help while homeless. The other was that I was scared if I went to the police, my dad would somehow find me again.
Jonah pulled into the mall parking lot and got out. I followed him closely. I hadn't been to a mall in years. In fact, I hadn't been around this many people in so long.
"Let's get you some clothes that actually fit." Jonah brought me into a store. As we looked around, I had a moment where I felt like a normal teenage, just hanging out with a friend. It felt strangely good.
I was looking at some shirts when I overheard a nearby conversation. A woman's voice was saying, "No Isla, we have to go home."
I froze, shocked. I wanted to turn around but I was too scared I'd be dissapointed. After all, what were the odds that my sisters would be in the same store I was? But something about the woman's voice was so familiar...
My eyes flickered over my shoulder and there they were. Sydnie holding Isla's hand with Ava on the other side. Without thinking about what I was doing, I let out a cry and ran to them.
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Guys I've got some teaaaa...
I slow danced with my crush last night at a school dance!!!!!! sksksksks i was so nervousss!!
And also, RamenNoodlesAvery is the best person EVEr and this argument will NEVER be over until she admits that she's BETTER so SHUSH CHILD CAUSE I LOVE YOU THE MOSTESTeSTEST AND YOU ARE PErFeCt!!
Peace peeps <3
Author for chapter jackxrobertxavery
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Helping you •Janah•
Fanfic"Hey!" The curly headed boy runs towards the door with the food and drinks still in his bag. Before he could run out he was pulled back. His backpack was snatched. He looked up at the older and taller boy who was holding it. "I will be taking this...
