Dragon Seekers

Chapter 6

Jamie got home quicker than he thought he would. He had to knock off as much mud as he could off of his trainers when he got there. After all, he was forbidden to be in the woods by Carl. It wasn't great, but good enough to make the drunk think that the mud was old, not fresh. Jamie noticed that, in the kitchen, his shopping list was gone. He can only assume that Jasmine took it with her so she can do some shopping while picking Carl up or on the way home. Jamie sighed and quickly sat down at the table, feeling like he hadn't gotten his breath back. He needs to calm down. He reached into his backpack, intending to grab his book out of automatic reflex.

He snapped out of it when he felt metal brush against his hand. Reminded about what he had discovered, Jamie had pulled out the small statue. He stared at it intently, as though as if he stared hard enough, it would come to life right then and there. Just looking at the intensity in the ruby red eyes and the detailed, continuous pattern of the scales entranced Jamie more. This statue was more beautiful to him now that he was looking at it again. This was his treasure, no matter who says otherwise.

Jamie was so enchanted by the statue that when the door slammed open, he almost died of fright. In a mad rush, he swapped the dragon statue for his book and kicked his backpack under his seat.

"What a waste of time! They had no grounds to hold me in that pit!" Carl's voice thundered as his heavy footsteps pounded. He wasn't slurring at his words, which meant that he was at the point where he was rarely sober. Jamie's eyes remained glued to his book. He wanted to try to stay out of this one again. Jasmine's quiet footsteps followed Carl's, obedient, distant. She didn't reply to Carl's ravings, fearing on being hit. Jamie felt like his heart had dropped to his stomach. This was the third time this month that Carl had been arrested for drunken behaviour in public. When will Jasmine be brave enough and tell the police what happened here? She's had so many chances to do it, and she's never taken the opportunity. Jamie can't blame her though. He's had one too many chances too, and he's never plucked up the courage to tell. Carl came into the kitchen and the boy could feel daggers wing thrusted at him.

"Reading again? What are you? A nerd? Pathetic!" Carl yelled and slapped Jamie upside the head again. Jamie bit his tongue, refusing to make a sound. He didn't even want to protest and say that he enjoyed reading more than the shows that Carl forces him to watch. It was rare for Jamie and Jasmine to watch what they wanted. Jamie can't remember the last time he sat down and watched a cartoon. Carl grunted as he stomped over to the fridge and grabbed a beer. He didn't do anything other than go back to the front door.

"Wait. You just got back. Wouldn't you like something to eat first?" Jasmine offered kindly.

"Harry's got my wallet, woman! You expect me to buy something with nothing?!" Carl shouted and without waiting any further, he left just as loudly as he came in. Jamie and Jasmine knew where he was heading. Back to the pub. Jasmine had met Harry before. He ran the pub that Carl went to frequently. No doubt Carl intends to start drinking again. Jasmine let out a long sigh as she stepped into the kitchen. Jamie looked up at her and the colour drained from his face. Her pale face was showing a fresh, red mark on her cheek, leading to only one thing.

"What happened this time?" Jamie asked, getting up from the chair.

"It was a misunderstanding, Jamie. No need for you to get worried," Jasmine sighed, stepping away from her son.

"Mum, I can't stop worrying. You know that. Please Mum, while he's gone, call the police. Tell them everything. They need to know what he's doing," Jamie begged, becoming desperate.

"How was the woods? Did you have fun?" Jasmine suddenly asked. Jamie felt like he had been stabbed at her sudden change of subject. He decided to play along, knowing that the pressure he started might break his mother.