Chapter one: Kickin' the dust
That morning I walked into my Debates class, my whole life changed. At the time everything seemed normal. I mean, the teacher, Mr Roberts, was his usual grumpy self and there was the typically large amount of essay papers but something was wrong. To be more exact, someone was wrong. Jack wasn't there. He never missed class or pulled a fake sickie. No matter how much disliked Mr Roberts, he always made sure he was on time for school. Weird, I thought, as I sat down at my desk.
"Right, today we are debating about violence in movies. Acceptable or not?"
Many people, especially the boys, protested that it was fine and they enjoyed it. A few of the classier girls argued that it was a bad influence to young people. I just sat there and trailed off into my own mysterious thoughts.
"Kim, you're up!" I jumped and casually walked up to the front. I didn't partially care about the subject but whatever, I'd give it my best shot.
"I think it is of course acceptable because then what would happen to all our horror movies nowadays. It is part of the enjoyment in movies and," I nodded at the boys "it isn't a bad influence because otherwise if a gun was pointed at us we would just stand as still as lemons. Therefore," I concluded "definitely acceptable."
Slowly clapping flooded the classroom and I tried to give my best, I- don't- care face. Secretly I was impressed with my efforts since the minute before I was thinking about my absent crush. And now I was back at it. Where was Jack?
The school bell rang clear and the chatter of pupils was deafening. I quietly exited and went outside. My sister Jennie was there.
"I think there's something you need to see." She said gently. Then she saw my confused expression and added, "It might explain a few things."She carefully guided me down the street and passed my the local paper. By now I was just passed confused. Then I saw the headline.
14-YEAR-OLD THEFT STOLE AN OURAGING AMOUNT OF MONEY. JACK ANDERSON, THE CHILD ROBBER.
I gasped and kicked up a load of dust from the ditch nearby. "But… he… he wouldn't!" I stammered.
"Come on, Hun. I'll take you to see him in jail."
"JAIL?" I exclaimed in horror. "You mean…?"
"Yes. Your best friend has been arrested."
The local prison was dark and ominous. And full of burly and loud people. I hated to think that Jack was trapped in here with only himself to blame. I choked down the tears and continued down the long hallway. Jennie's eyes were filled with sympathy and I k new that she understood.
"Jack. Visitors for ya!" A loud voice boomed and slowly Jack came to meet us/
"Jack!" I ran up and flung my arms around his neck. We both looked shocked at my forcefulness but I didn't care. I don't think he did either. We sat down and I looked into his chocolate brown eyes.
"Why, Jack, why?"
He looked sheepish and out of nowhere, tears were streaming down his cheeks.
"I'm skint, okay? My mum has been ill for awhile but none of us had enough money to pay for treatment. Now it's just worse though. All the cash has been found and my mum needs me. They wouldn't listen though. They just wouldn't…" he trailed of in a tumble of sobs and embarrassment. I didn't say anything, but sat next to him and put my head on his shoulder.
"It'll be okay, Jack. You've got friends who get it."
"No." Jack said, "No one does."
And voila! Not really a cliff-hanger but the best I can do. Reviews, reviews, reviews. I have as much joy out of them as I do chocolate so leave me a nice batch of them. Thanks guys, until the next chapter…
Bye! x
