Hanging Tree (Eyeless Jack x Reader)

Where are you...

Its a cold February night and the rain is pouring, the skies are darkening as the storm closes in. I tightened my grip on my backpack until my knuckles turned white as I strolled the empty back streets. I had walked this route many times but tonight didn't feel right. The winter air was tense filled with nothing but suspicion to my irrational theory. Nothing should happen right? I live in a good part of the neighbour not a lot of trouble occurs here.

As I turned the corner that led to my run-down apartment, I heard familiar music echoing in the streets. My fear instantly washed away as I smiled and continued my journey home stopping briefly towards the old homeless man who was drumming away on empty paint buckets. The catchy melody was captivating, and I easily found myself nodding to the beat and humming. The old mans eyes lit up as he stopped his drumming bouncing up and hugging me which I happily returned.

Hey Eric, how are you holding up? I smiled as I rummaged through my backpack and took out a container full of fresh, warm Chinese food and handed it to him.

Ah you treat me so well (y/n), the world is lucky to have good souls like you! he munched happily into his food with a slight tear to his eye.

Eric was getting much older, I knew him since I was 13, at first, I thought he was creepy but as I got to know him, I eventually warmed up to him. He was my neighbour at one stage but was kicked out when his wife passed and could no longer afford rent. He still stayed at the entrance of the alley way between the motel and the pub however to stay close to his and his lovers first home. Everyone loved him at one point, hed dress up for different holidays and volunteered for charity events. However, when he started begging for food on the streets no one would help him.

This is really good! Did you make this? I looked at Eric and smiled, I noticed he was halfway through his food already and sighed, looking at the unforgiving sky. Despite the darkness in his life, no matter what he was always so generous. He always complimented my work whether itd my art or my cooking, it was nice to have someone there for a change.

Heh I must admit Eric you know me better than anyone else around here. Nothing better that warm food on a cold day, I had to make my favourite person something. I began fix his makeshift shelter, so he wouldnt get sick, after re-enforcing the soggy cardboard with scrap metal and wooden pallets his own little spot looked more like a home.

After being homeless for 9 years I began to build a home for him and decorate it to keep his spirits up. During that long period of time I had built a small little comfy area from carboard and plastic. I went to the local supermarket and bought him a few blankets, pillows and clothes to help him. I even brought solar lights to brighten up the place. I donated my old books for him to read, which was actually me reading to him as he couldnt afford his glasses. And to make him less lonely I gave him my old bear, Felix. He appreciated everything I did for constantly calling me a gift from god.

Twice everyday id come with food, breakfast and dinner, after all, Eric had always been a father figure to me. After my dad was in a car accident 12 years ago taking my pregnant mother to hospital nothing was really the same. My mother would work multiple jobs to be able to afford rent and once I was old enough id do the same to afford food and necessities for my baby brother, Ryder. It wasnt until many years later my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I moved in with her, so my brother could attend university and become a doctor. I was my mothers carer up until she lost her battle a week before Ryders graduation.

Hows your brother? I looked at him and smiled. Ryder was a survivor of the crash whilst my mother was carrying twins. To this day id still here him mumble to mum, dad and his brother, as if he could see them.

Well hes expecting baby number 3 with his beautiful wife with a high paying job, hes living his dream I looked down and sighed. I could have had that, but I am proud of him and everything he has achieved. He worked hard for it after all.

You could have the same life (y/n), its never to late to chase your dreams. I chuckled as I fixed the final touches of his home.

Thanks Eric, you take care ok and Ill come back tomorrow with some stuff for you! he smiled and nodded.

good night dear.

I walked into the motel with my head hanging low and tears threatening to spill. I looked at the stairs and shook my head slowly climbing them as I reached to my apartment, I unlocked my door and set my stuff in their designated spots and rubbed my hands across my face as if it was to remove the day and the stress with it from my body. A low growl came from the kitchen and a chubby American bobtail trotted to my feet begging for food. I giggled and turned the television on for white noise the sound started to play without the picture. I punched the old television lightly to show static until the picture appeared. I strolled to the kitchen triumphally and gave buddy her food. I walked to the fridge and saw it was empty. Looks like I need to go shopping soon. I closed the fridge and sat on my couch and stared off into space.

Several people reported missing after a school bus picked up a class full of students on their way to an excursion, police have asked for any information of these kids and the two teachers to contact them on **** *** ***.

I sighed as I was about to change the channel but stopped once I noticed one of the missing students was my oldest niece Sophie. I ran to my phone and quickly dialled my brothers wife Natasha. The phone rang three times before she picked up sobbing.

h-hello? she stuttered whilst crying

Shit tashy are you ok? Whats going on? I was frantic to the point of pacing around the apartment and forcing back tears myself.

I dropped her off at school for her excursion to the museum, one of their stops back was a park and I havent heard anything since! by now I could hear things breaking and her screaming and crying.

Ill be over in a couple hours, stay calm and try to find and remember anything important that could help us find her!

(y/n) you live a few hours away I couldnt ask you to come over on such short notice!

Natasha (l/n) I am coming over to not only support you but to also help find my niece

With that I hung up and ran to my car with buddy in my arms, almost falling down the stairs. Sophie loved her and even named buddy, maybe she could help. I quickly hopped in my car and sped to the neighbouring state and straight to my brothers house with my dearest pet giving me a wtf look. During the long drive I thought about a lot of things as I normally do. I never liked the fact my brother married my best friend, but they made each other happy and thats all I could ask for and right now they need all the help they can get.

Dont worry Soph Ill find you.

I promise

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Hey guys that was my first chapter I hope you all enjoyed. my question today is what would you do for multiple jobs if you could have a choice?

please be nice and leave a comment below, as well as vote and share this book!

(you don't have to but it would be nice <3 )

have a good day/night!