Run Away With Me

Chapter 13 (Katherine's POV)

I can't believe it's already been a week! September's brought a little nip in the air, but not much. Since most of the boys are (happily) employed at Medda's, Davey, Jack and I have been hard at work looking for jobs. It's been long and tedious, and so far only Davey has found one. Which, no surprise there, since he's super smart and really nice. He's working for the university as a janitor. Pretty degrading for him, but they're offering him free night classes for a decreased salary, so he'll be able to get a better job soon. Jack's at an interview for a job right now, and I'm thinking about just working a minimum wage job and taking some night classes with Davey. 

"That sounds like a good idea." Davey says. He's getting ready to go to work. "We have enough income, that if we stretch it, we technically wouldn't need you to work. Actually, there's an open job at the university cafeteria. I'll talk to them today."

"Oh would you? That would be great." Davey nods, gives me a quick hug, then leaves to work. Without him, it's just me left in the apartment. Jack will probably be home soon. Maybe. I decide I'll do some unpacking and cleaning. I head into mine and Crutchie's room. 

Along with my clothes and such, I did manage to pack a few personal items. I reach into my suitcase and pull out a two photographs. One is of my parents and I. When we came to New York. We're all standing in front of the Statue of Liberty. I was 7, and we all look so happy. My dad was smiling. I mean, he smiles all the time. But it was different after mom died. It never quite reached his eyes. My mom stood with her arm around me, red hair reaching down to her waist. She died less than a year later. It was hard on me, as a little girl, but I grew from it. I didn't let it become my excuse. 

The other photo in my suitcase, is of the eight of us. Spot, Race, Albert, Jojo, Crutchie, Davey, Jack, and I. We took it last year at Davey's graduation. Davey's in his robes, and the rest of us are in dress clothes. We were all at a nearby park, eating an early dinner. Race had just whispered a joke in Spot's ear, which made him laugh so hard that snorted diet coke all over Davey's robe.  This surprised Davey, and made the rest of us laugh uncontrollably. Davey's mother, praise her name, managed to capture this exact moment. And to this day, it is probably one of the greatest moments to have ever been caught on camera. 

I place these two pictures on my desk, and turn back to my suitcase. I grab out some decorations that I thought I'd like. I pulled out two posters. One was of a band I was really into when I was younger. The other was a poster from the first Broadway show I saw, Mamma Mia. I set those on my bed, and reach for the last four items in my bag. 

Three of these are books. The first is Peter Pan. I've always loved this story, for as long I can remember. The idea of being able to stay young forever. But also showing that growing up can be good too. The second is Little Women. My mom always said I was just like Jo. Strong and independent, with a little bit of a temper. To this day, it remains one of my favorite books. The third book is Dear Evan Hansen. Now, I've never seen the musical, but I love the book. It conveys that strong message that you don't need to be seen to be happy. That there is always someone to lift you up. And I love it for that. 

The final item in my bag, is a sketch. A portrait, if you will. I saw Jack doodling one time, and I asked if he would draw me. 

"That's what everybody asks," he said. "We're such a narcissistic generation." 

"Oh, narcissistic? Ain't that a fancy word," Davey teased. 

"Yeah yah, it was on my vocabulary test today." Jack pulled out his pencils, and a new sheet of paper. "Now, this is just a sketch. I'm no professional. But please, try to sit still?"

And so I did. I sat still for 5 whole minutes while he sketched, occasionally sneaking glances at my face. 

Finally, Jack sighed and looked up. "It's not my best, but it's close." He hands me the paper. It took my breath away. 

It was me. Right there on the paper. In black and white. But, softer almost. Jack had gotten every curve, every crease. He drew me laughing, and he'd even gotten my smile lines. He'd made me come alive in the paper. He made me beautiful. 

"You still have that?" I jump, as Jack wrenches me from my flashback. 

"Ever heard of knocking?!" 

"The door was open. You still have that?" Jack asks again. I curse myself for not closing the door, because maybe then this awkward moment may have been avoided. 

"Yes, I do." 

"Why?" Why does he care?

"Because. It's a great drawing." I hope this pacifies him. 

"Hmm. Well, lunch time. Want to grab a bite to eat?"

"We can't just eat out whenever we feel like it." Jack knows that. 

"It's a celebration." 

"What for?"

"I got a job. Your turn Kathy." 

"Oh that's great Jack!" I reach up and give him a quick hug. "Alright, I'll get dressed, and then we'll go get something." As he leaves and shuts the door behind him, I pray he didn't see the profound blushing caused by that hug.