Run Away With Me

Chapter 12 (Jack's POV)

"You all don't be strangers now! Pop in anytime," Miss Medda calls after us as we leave the cafe. She made us all have side cramps from laughter, and simply refused to let us pay for our meal. She's so awesome. Medda's the kind of person you want as a mom. I think. 

My mom was never around. She could be dead for all I know. My dad raised me until I was 14, then he left too. Davey's family has looked after me until now. I guess they still are, since Davey is pretty much our mom. That's what brings us all together. We've all lost family, even Davey. His older sister Sarah was hit by a drunk driver not 2 years ago. Really, we were all hit. I really liked Sarah. I had the biggest crush on her. But, beyond that, she was just a generally kind and loving person. Someone anyone could be friends with. But Sarah could kill you with just a look. That's all it took. I'm certain of it. But she's gone, as are most of our parents. Which is why we stick together. 

Oh my gosh, why do I sound so depressing? Do I always sound like this? Maybe this is why Kathy won't take my hints; She doesn't want to. Na. That's not it. She's probably just blinded by my dashing good looks, and my dazzling personality ;). 

Which makes an excellent segue into what we're doing right now! We went to Central Park and hung out there for the day. We're going to go see if Spot can get off work early, because we want to see the Brooklyn Bridge, but he won't let us see it without him. It's currently 6 o'clock. Probably the beginning of the dinner rush. If Medda even gets a dinner rush. Davey parks the van, this time 2 blocks away, and we head towards Medda's. 

"Oh! Back so soon?" Medda exclaims when she sees us. I give her a smile. 

"We were wondering if we could steal Spot from you. We want to go see the Brooklyn Bridge," I say. 

"Oh I see. Alright, but on one condition."

"What would that be?" 

"You all have to come back here afterwards. Help me with the cleanup. And, you have to take dinner with you," Medda says. I side-eye Davey, and he nods. 

"It's a deal." 

Medda claps her hands together and Spot goes to hang up his apron in the back room. 

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I'm glad we saved this for last. It's a similar feeling to being on top of the Empire State Building, but calmer, in a way. The eight of us, standing side by side. By some miracle, the only other people are at the other end of the bridge. We look out over the East River, and the rest of the city. The sun has just dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in various shades of pink and blue. A cool breeze blows through my hair, even though it's still warm out. I'm sure that when I have the time, I'll paint this. The sunset behind the city.

Katherine nudges my shoulder. "Pretty amazing isn't it?"

"You think so?" Does she know how high up we are?

"Why wouldn't I?" Kathy asks.

"It's just. . .. Nevermind. It does look amazing. This whole day has been amazing." She nods.

"Well, it's not over yet. We still have to help Medda clean."

"More amazing still." This makes her laugh, which makes me laugh. I look around at everyone else. Jojo and Albert are having an animated conversation. What about, I'm not sure I want to know. Spot stands with his arm around Race, which is quite a feat considering how short he is. The rest of us stand watching the sunset. Well, technically it has already set. We watch the colors slowly fade into a darker blue. When it starts getting chilly, Davey tells us that we should get going. 

"I want everyone in bed on time tonight," he says. "We have a big day tomorrow." 

Jojo groans. "That's what you said last night!"

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We end up getting back to the cafe at 7, so we wait in a booth until 8 when the cafe closes. Which, comes surprisingly fast. Davey and Kathy discuss getting some more schooling, whilst me and Crutchie tic-tac-toe and sticks. To each their own, I guess. But time only flies when you're having fun. 

"Thank you boys, and girl." Medda says after we finish cleaning up. "Will I be seeing you tomorrow?" 

"I don't know Ms. Larkin," Davey says. "We're all going to try and get jobs tomorrow." 

"Well, why didn't you say so? Why don't some of you come work for me? Now, I can't employ all of you, but I could certainly help some of you!" 

"Oh could you? That would be splendid." Davey says. 

"Of course! Now, I can have about 4 of you come work for me. Which of you want to come work for me?"

"Miss Medda?" Crutchie asks. 

"Yes, sweetie?" 

"Um, I would love to work for you. But, I'm not sure that there's much I could do." 

"Oh, nonsense!" Medda waves her hand through the air, as if she is batting away the negativity. "I have the perfect job for you. How would you like to be the cashier? We can get you a bar stool, so you won't have to stand all day."

Crutchie tried, and failed, to hide his smile. "That would be wonderful." Just when I thought I couldn't like Miss Medda more, she goes and does something like this. I know Crutchie will be an excellent cashier. He's so good with people. He just has a light to him. I'll have to thank Miss Medda later for this. 

Race, Albert, and Jojo all end up volunteering to work for Miss Medda. 

"Excellent! Hours are 10 to 8, and you have a one hour lunch break everyday that you may take whenever. And make sure the rest of you," she points to me, Davey, and Kathy, "still visit. Regularly." We assure her that we will, thank Miss Medda, and head home.