To See The Stars

Chapter Ten: Jax

Toby ended up being the one who asked me to go with him to see his father. I've been looking forward to seeing him for a while now, but for some reason, now that the opportunity is in front of me, I'm terrified. I pace the sidewalk in front of my home, before forcing myself to take a seat on the concrete steps. Toby said he'd pick me up in front, with his truck. Mr. Phillips gave Toby his truck when he finally got his driver's license. Mr. Phillips was too weak to drive anymore anyway.

I'm surprised Toby still has his truck, with how many times he gets into an accident, or almost does. He's a good driver, he just gets distracted easily. It's not his fault, his mind just can't seem to focus! I hope Toby's not upset with me. Then again, why would he. I just hope I can manage to offer Toby enough support. I've known him since we were kids, and I want him to be okay. Maybe that's a little gay. I don't know.

Toby as per usual, has to honk to get my attention. In his red truck, Toby is parked in front. He waves at me, before shouting, "Come on Helen Keller! We have to go!" And a quiet, "deaf motherfucker" to himself.

I laugh before I open the door I hop in. "Thanks for picking me up, man.", I say, always the polite bastard, and reach for my seatbelt.

Toby avoids looking me in the eyes, "Yeah, don't worry about it." He just stares at the road. Which in a car is technically what you're supposed to do, but for Toby this is weird. Then again we are on the way to see his dying dad, so I don't think I can blame him. He's dealing with a lot.

I try my luck at trying to get more comforting words. So I pick up the dice of stupidity, and roll for a five. Ooo rolling, rolling, rolling. And.... A Four! Wonderful! Here comes a stupid attempt at comfort! "Is this the first time you're seeing him since you found out?"

Toby gives me a look before saying, "I'm his son. Of course this isn't the first time."
Well fuck. That went well.

Alright let's try again. I pick up the die once again, before launching them, rolling for a three. Rolling, rolling, rolling, and... It's a two. Shit. "How's he been doing. Ya know, your dad."

He gives me another strange look, "He's dying. He's not doing good, if that's what you mean." Arghhhh. Just knock me out already.

Alright last roll. Please, please, please, just let it be a one. I pick up the die. And launch hoping with everything I have for it to be a one. Rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling, and it's a ONE! Yes! "Toby, if you ever need anything, I'm here for you. I care about you, and your wellbeing is important to me. I hope you know that, and I hope you know how much I care. I know it's been hard for you these last couple months, but you'll make it through this. We'll make it through this."

Toby finally looks away from the road, and looks over at me. He looked into my eyes, before saying, "Thanks Jax. I, maybe it was selfish of me, but I wanted to have someone come with me this time. Don't tell anyone, but I'm scared. I don't want him to die. And I just... I needed to have someone with me." He turns his eyes back to the road.

"It's okay to be scared, Toby. I'm scared, too. And I'm happy you asked me to come with you. You shouldn't have to do this all on your own. We're going to get through this. Okay?"

Toby nods. "Thank you."

"Yeah man, don't worry about it."