7 Minutes • Jachary

Seven • Jack Avery

I've begun to realize how maybe I should have told my family about Daniel staying with us. When it was late in the evening and Zach eventually went home, my mom looked at Daniel expectantly.

However, Daniel's oblivious to it all, sitting quietly on the couch, back hunched over his phone.

"So uh, mom?" I say quietly, hoping the television blocks out from my own. My sisters are in their rooms, so at least it's kind of private. The kitchen area is next to the living room, but there's a wall with an interior passthrough window so it's good enough. "Is it okay if Daniel stays at our house?"

"You mean for tonight?"

"No, I mean... for like, awhile."

"Jack." My mom looks at me in that way when she's about to have a serious talk. "What is going on?"

"I can't explain for him, but he really needs our help." I give a pleading look, which has been successful fifty percent of the time, like when we got a dog after I swore I'd be responsible. "He's the most perfect guest. And he made you breakfast, so it won't be any trouble."

"This is a completely different thing, honey. What about his own family?"

I go silent, panic rising inside of me. I really need to convince mom or else who knows where Daniel will go? Even though we've known each other for a short time, he's my friend and I gotta cover his back.

"Honey, I appreciate you being such a loyal friend, but this is too much to ask. I don't feel comfortable with someone who I don't know that well living under this roof, and his parents must be worried sick."

"Mom!" I anxiously wrack my brain for any sound argument. "His parents won't be worried."

"Oh, he's not... is he in a safe family?" Her voice goes to a hushed whisper.

"Yeah, but I just... he can't go back."

My mom gives a pat on my shoulder, though the intentions are not reassuring because I already know her final answer.

"I'm sure it's just a spat between him and his parents. Running away won't solve anything, but talking it out will."

"Yeah. I get it." I trudge alongside my mom as we go to the living room.

Daniel peers up from his phone and seems to understand something is going on, rising from the couch. "What's wrong?"

"Daniel, you need to go back to your parents," my mom replies gently. "They must miss you, and whatever happened, I think should be discussed. Obviously I'm not your family, but you seem like a nice boy and I don't want you to carry around that guilt. Especially when you realize you don't have much time left with family before graduating."

"Yeah." Daniel looks down. "You're right."

"Okay, I'll just drive him home," I quickly interject.

My mom softens, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I hope everything goes well, Daniel."

"I hope so too." Daniel manages a small smile. "Thank you for everything, Mrs, uh... Jack's mom."

I tug on Daniel's arm and we head outside. The air is a bit chilly, and I realize Daniel's only dressed in a shirt and jeans, not at all prepared. He's still wearing the same clothes as last night, but he won't fit mine. Once we slide into my car, I rub my neck, the guilt swirling in my chest.

"Dude, I'm so sorry. I tried to convince her, but—"

"No, I understand. I shouldn't be running from everything. But I don't think I can do it tonight. My family's probably asleep."

"You can sleep in my car! Or the garage!" I quickly suggest.

He gives me a Look, translating to, Seriously?

"Okay, okay. But it beats the benches in the park. Oh wait!" I snap my fingers. "Go to Zach's room!"

"Zach. Right..."

"No, he's like a night owl and he won't mind. I sneak up in his room all the time! Just scale up a tree and knock on his window."

He now shoots an incredulous look, and I'm beginning to think he's not very adventurous. "Is that safe? Climbing a tree?"

"Yeah, just be careful. One time I broke my arm," I chuckle, referring back to fifth grade. Zach and his parents rushed to help me, and eventually my parents heard of the news and told me never to do it again. Of course, I broke that rule, learning to scale up the large oak tree and stand where the sturdy branches are. I can probably do it with my eyes closed. I'm pretty sure my parents know that I rebelled, but don't comment on it.

"Oh, that's just perfect," Daniel shakes his head.

"Haha, you'll be fine."

"Hm." He leans back in the car seat, a resigned sigh escaping. He buckles his seat belt, and turns to me. "Thank you."

I grin in triumph and head back on the road, praying that if Zach's parents do discover Daniel, they could allow a new house guest.