20. EXT JACK'S GARDEN, THE DEN 18:45 DAY 3
BERTY AND JACK HAVE WALKED OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SPOT AND ARE WAITING TO GET INTO THE DEN. THE DEN HAS AN OLD PLASTIC RULER FOR A DOOR.
BERTY:
Stick with me kid and don't say anything.
JACK NODS AND WALKS CLOSLY BEHIND HIM. BERTY WALKS UP TO THE DOOR (RULER) AND GENTLY TAPS IT. THEY BOTH HEAR A VOICE COME FROM BEHIND THE DOOR.
DUKE:
You either know it or you don't.
BERTY:
I know it.
JUST THEN THE RULER SLOWLY LIFTS UP AND BOTH BERTY AND JACK ARE LET INSIDE BY A BIG GREY BEETLE CALLED DUKE.
DUKE:
Wait a minute, Berty who and what is this?
BERTY:
This is one of my friends.
DUKE:
(Peers over at Jack)
Oh yeah, so what's his name.
BERTY:
Kid
DUKE:
Ok, but keep an eye on him, he looks strange.
BERTY:
Don't worry Duke, I will.
BERTY CONTINUES TO SLIDE INTO THE DEN WHILE JACK FOLLOWS CLOSELY BEHIND NOT SAYING A WORD. THEY WALK OVER TO THE BAR.
BERTY:
Would you like a drink kid?
JACK LOOKS OVER AT THE DRINKS LIST AND QUICKLY SHAKES HIS HEAD.
BERTY:
Suit yourself.
TURNS TO THE WAITER
Hey, can I have a slimly brew.
BAR TENDER:
Sure coming right up. Who's your friend?
BERTY:
Oh that's the kid, he's just visiting for a few days.
BAR TENDER:
(Turns to Jack)
Well my name is Vince, its nice to meet you kid.
VINCE STRETCHES OUT HIS LONG GRASSHOPPER HAND TO SHAKE JACKS. JACK LOOKS OVER AT BERTY AND THEN BACK AT VINCE BUT DOESN'T SAY OR DO ANYTHING.
VINCE:
Does he talk?
BERTY:
Oh yes, he's just a little shy that's all.
VINCE HANDS BERTY HIS DRINK. BERTY TAKES A QUICK GULP.
BERTY:
That's a good brew. Vince you never disappoint.
LADY ENTERS INTO THE DEN AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO JACK.
JACK:
(Smiles)
Our Lady, it's good to see you.
LADY:
How are you Jack? I hope you like popcorn.
JACK:
I do, I do.
JACK SMILES HAPPILY AS LADY TAKES OUT FOUR GIANT GRAINS OF POPCORN AND PLACES THEM ON THE COUNTER. BUT THIS IS NOT THE KIND OF POPCORN JACK IS USED TO AND HIS FACE DROPS.
JACK:
This isn't popcorn.
LADY:
Yes it is, the Dung beetles told me so.
JACK:
I think I just lost my appetite.
BERTY:
I thought you said you eat anything?
JACK:
I do, just not that, where did you get it? I hope not from where I think you got it.
LADY:
Don't be silly, I know how you humans like your fancy foods. I got it from a picnic table, not too far from here.
LADY BRINGS OUT ANOTHER ITEM AND PUTS IT ONTO THE COUNTER
I even brought you back something sweet, I think they call this a bissst-ket.
JACK:
That's definitely a biscuit alright. Thanks Our lady!
JACK TAKES A BIG BITE INTO HIS HALF EATEN BISCUIT, WHICH IS SEMI COVERED IN CHOCOLATE AND DIRT.
BERTY:
Ok well I think you better get some rest, we have a long day tomorrow and I have a meeting to attend that you won't be able to get into, you're not thoroughly clean yet, so just give it a few nights. Lady can you take him to the Centre and I will pick him up tomorrow.
LADY:
Sure Berty. Come on Jack.
JACK QUICKLY STUFFS THE LAST CRUMB INTO HIS MOUTH. LADY AND BERTY WATCH INTRIGUED BY HOW HE EATS.
JACK:
(Mouthful)
Where are we going?
LADY:
A real nice place, you're going to love it.
JACK:
Is it clean?
LADY:
Oh yes it's very clean.
JACK:
That means it's dirty doesn't it.
BERTY:
You're learning fast kid, that's good you'll need that.
LADY LOWERS HER BACK TO THE GROUND SO THAT JACK CAN CLIMB ON.
LADY:
Hop on Jack, I'll take you through the short cut.
JACK HOPS ONTO LADY'S BACK AND WAVES GOODBYE TO BERTY
JACK:
Bye Mr Slug see you tomorrow and thank you.
JACK AND LADY FLY OFF AND LEAVE BERTY IN THE BAR WITH HIS BREW AND THE POPCORN JACK LEFT BEHIND.
YOU ARE READING
Jack
MaceraJack is young 8-year-old scientist who idolises his father who is a certified scientist. He loves to experiment and desperately tries to help his dad on his big project until something goes wrong and Jack ends up at the other side of the food chain...
