Fairy Dust Not Included
An: I don't own Kickin' It.
One.
Jack needed sugar. Unfortunately, all the toasted pastries, also known as Pop Ups, were gone. Finals were in three weeks and Jack was out of his favorite snack. He grumbled underneath his breathe. He had plenty of choices for breakfast. Sadly, he was pressed for time and his best option was a certain toasted treat that was finished.
"Hey Milton!"
Silence greeted his shout. He groaned inwardly. He eyed the boxes of cereal on the top shelf. He decided he would venture to the cereal side. He reached for a box just as his roommate,Milton, swept past him. He turned around, arms crossed and brows raised.
"Don't look at me like that Jack," Milton commented, eyes focused on his tablet.
"We've been over this. I don't eat Pop Ups. Therefore, I didn't eat them. Maybe you ate them and don't remember."
Jack shook his head. "Two boxes? I ate two full boxes of Pastries in three days?"
Milton shrugged. "Seaford University will do that to a person."
A tiny grin fell across the red head's lips. Jack narrowed his eyes at his friend before a thought crossed his mind. He turned his attention to the cereal boxes and he grabbed a box of sugary flakes. He plopped down in one of the wooden chairs around the kitchen table. He looked at his companion before he spooned milk and cereal into his mouth.
"Did you ever find your socks?" Jack asked.
Milton eyed him, his lips turned down. Jack awarded himself with a pat on the back. He knew socks were a sore subject for the Chemistry Major. Recently, a few items disappeared from their home. He didn't think about it the first few weeks, but after three weeks he was frustrated. Eight boxes of Pop Ups wentmissing. He hadn't enjoyed the sugary pastry in weeks.
"It is Friday. Don't you have class?"
Jack returned his attention to Milton. "Yes, in half an hour."
Milton hummed in response. After he finished his light breakfast, he sighed heavily. He glanced at his cellphone. A few text messages from his friends flashed across the screen. He pocketed the device and then laid his head upon his hands.
"Have you added Pop Ups to the list?"
Jack looked to the long copy paper list of MIA items. He grumbled as he headed toward the list on the fridge. As he penciled in Pop Ups, his thoughts wandered. Honestly, he wished Milton ate all the snacks.
It would put him in a better mood to know the red head was just greedy. Sadly, Milton wasn't selfish. At the moment, his snack was on THE LIST. When an item went on the list, it was out of their hands. The fate of the items remained unknown.
"This is annoying, Milton," Jack frowned. "When I moved in with you I had no idea your place had this problem. Maybe your parents knew. They were too eager to give this place to us. I'm not really complaining because dorm prices on campus are highway robbery."
"This is my parents' first home. They adore this place," Milton reminded. "I highly doubt they gave it to us so we could be the prime target of some unknown thief. Actually, no this is ridiculous. There is no thief. We are overreacting. We misplaced these items."
"I misplaced two boxes of Pop Ups and – a whole bag of apples?" Jack stated.
"Apples? You never said apples," Milton leapt from the couch and trudged toward the kitchen fridge. "Well, that is odd. I just bought a bag of apples two days ago."
Jack watched a calculated look fall across Milton's face. He chuckled. It was entertaining to watch. He never thought they would be in such a strange predicament. He didn't know how to fix their situation.
"You know, we only started missing stuff recently. We've lived here since last fall."
Jack remembered the day Milton suggested the place to him. He was ecstatic. The rent was cheap because Milton was his best friend. If the option wasn't available, then he'd probably have to room with Brody in The Heights. The Heights were the onlyother dorms that weren't decrepit on campus. Unluckily, The Heights were expensive.
"I'm not going to worry about it," Milton sighed. "The television and the bookcase haven't gone missing. I think we are okay."
Jack snorted. "Your bookcase, really? If there was a thief, I think the last thing he or she would want are your texts books."
"They aren't all textbooks."
Jack rolled his eyes. "I have class."
Milton nodded. "I'll see you at lunch."
On his way out the door, a frown fell across his lips. He would have to buy his favorite snack with the money he didn't have. Another groan left his lips.
History project presentations were in full swing. The theme of the project was 'Unearthing' the interesting history of Seaford, California. Jack chuckled at the assignment title. All their projects were clearly myths and legends passed down from generation to generation. His project had been on the everexciting topic of Captain Longshanks and his band of unsavory pirates. It was an easy little research project. Instantly, he allowed his attention to drift back to the front of the class.
The current project made him want to laugh out loud. Jack didn't believe in Fairies or the Fae (whatever they were called). When he thought of little balls of light, he snickered. It would be a poor time for him to unleash his true feelings because of Kimberly Beulah Crawford. Kim was another good friend of his. Despite the odd subject matter, he was still enchanted by the presentation and it may not have been the talk of fairies.
"I'll conclude my presentation with a few wise words," she stated, eyes focused on each person in the room. "If you are unfortunate to anger a fairy, I hope you've met the forgiving kind. Thank you."
"Fairies? Hah, that is girly stuff. Why would I be scared of them?"
A few laughs broke out in the back of the room, but died down quickly. Jack rolled his eyes, familiar with the voice. Their history teacher Mrs. Clovis gave the disruptive male a glare before she granted Kim a pleasant smile. Applause began steadily in the room before silence fell upon them.
"Well, our time is up," Mrs. Clovis beamed. "Our presentations will continue for the following weeks. The topics are whimsical, but it doesn't mean we can't find the rich history within. Always remember to incorporate the history of the time."
Their classmates filed out of the classroom. Jack stuffed his hands in his pockets eyes set on Kim's peaceful expression for a few seconds. She glanced at him a bright smile on her lips. He turned away before he shrugged.
"Don't listen to Randy. Your presentation was great. I had no idea Seaford had fairy history."
Kim shrugged. "I'm okay really. His comment didn't bother me. I never listen to your Neanderthal friends, Jack."
"Hey, they aren't all Neanderthals," he smiled.
"You are right," Kim stated, a twinkle in her eyes. "Brody is nice."
"Yeah I – what about Brody?" he asked, curious eyes on her.
She laughed. "Nothing. Anyway, you know the Seaford Fairy Festival is in a couple of weeks. It is going to be fun."
Jack nodded. "Honestly Kim, it is probably the same as Pirate Fest every year, lame acts, horrible costumes, and greasy food."
Jack continued ahead, ready for his next class. He noticed Kim wasn't by his side. He paused, a frown on his lips. Kim crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. Jack backtracked. He stood beside her, worried by her silence.
"I know you don't like fun, but there is nothing wrong with everyone else liking it."
"Kim, come on," Jack stated, on the verge of laughter. "It is kind of for kids, isn't it?"
She sighed. "My grandma use to tell me stories about fairies all the time. My parents used to work odd hours and I was often alone. The stories she told helped me through the experience. So yes, it maybe for kids, but that doesn't matter to me."
"I didn't know," Jack commented.
She laughed before she continued. "Don't worry about it. Really I shouldn't even be angry. In fact, I should be sad for you. You are a terrible stick in the mud."
"What?"
"See you at lunch, Jack!"
Jack shook his head. For a second, he thought about the disappointment in Kim's eyes. He knew she didn't mind his dislike of fairies and magic. It wasn't only fairies. He barely cared for Pirate Fest. Kim didn't seem too angry about the fairy thing. At least he hoped she didn't care. He chased the stray thoughts away and broke off into a light jog. If he ran, he could make his next class on time.
He glanced at his wrist watch in anticipation. Their Calculus professor droned on and on about the wonders of the Derivate. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry from boredom. On his right, a boy hid a handheld game beneath his desk. He didn't understand. The boy was better off skipping class.
"Alright, I can see everyone is bored. I'll let class out five minutes early," he announced.
A cheer broke out amongst the students.
"Expect next class to be five minutes longer!"
Jack laughed at the catch. There was always a catch with his calculus professor. He left Wendel Hall, where most of the math classes were stationed, and crossed the grass. Seaford University was a large campus in the heart of Seaford, California. He maneuvered passed students toward S.U.C, Seaford University Central. As he avoided bikes and skateboards, he remembered his first day on campus. He never imagined he'd remember the campus map.
He dodged another bike, nearly escaping with his life. He couldn't understand the bikers. There were perfectly good bike trails leading to all destinations. Sidewalks were for people without bikes, like him. He glared at another bike rider that almost rolled over his foot.
Finally, Food Avenue appeared on the horizon. He broke off into a quick jog. Once he arrived in the dining hall, his friends greeted him. Brody stood up first and crossed the distance. The other boy started to talk about an incident with some freshman.
"Take it easy, Brody," Jack remarked. "We were freshman too,you know?"
Brody shrugged. "Maybe but I don't remember us being so lame. I take that back, maybe Milton was lame. But we were cool freshmen. I know in the Fall we will be cool juniors."
"I think Milton is cool."
Everyone at the table turned their eyes to Julie. A blush painted upon her cheeks. He glanced at Milton who seemed just as flushed. A knowing grin crossed his face as he plopped down next to the genius.
"Anyway, Jack, listen to me," Brody interrupted. "This freshman is so annoying. We are partnered in this English project and he won't stop texting me. See, 15 texts and we just had class like ten minutes ago."
Jack glanced at the screen and shrugged. "That is what you get for leaving Freshman English 2 class for the end of sophomore year."
"English is a wonderful subject," Taylor added.
"No one was insulting your major Taylor, relax," Randy rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'm going to buy food now. The line isshorter. Are you coming Jack?"
After he purchased his meal, he took a seat next to Milton. He spooned a heaping helping of mashed potatoes into his mouth. Before him, Randy retrieved a magazine from his backpack. Jack analyzed the cover, a small smile on his lips.
"You read The Seaford Elite?" Jack questioned.
"More like he inhales The Seaford Elite," Brody answered. "Will you give that garbage a rest?"
Randy's head shot up from within the depths of the pages. "I'd be nice to me if I were you. When I become a billionaire, you'll wish you hadn't made fun of me as much as you did."
"No, I'll wonder how you got rich. You can't even do your own homework," Brody replied.
Randy narrowed his eyes. "Anyway, yes, Jack. I read The Seaford Elite. They have this awesome article on Maxwell Power."
Taylor giggled and then eyed Randy. "That is his last name,Power? He sounds like a fictional character."
"Hey, this guy is awesome," Randy spat. "He owns like six beach houses across the United Sates and one in Europe. He is living the dream."
Jack rolled his eyes at the comment. He was more concerned about upcoming finals than the rich and famous of Seaford. Honestly, if he became wealthy that would be great but he didn't plan to worry about it.
"Wow, it says here he is sponsoring this year's Seaford Fairy Festival," Taylor responded as she leant over Randy's shoulder.
Randy sighed. "Unfortunately, I've heard about that."
"Why would some rich guy want to sponsor the festival?" Brody asked.
"He does it every year," Kim shared. "It isn't new."
Randy frowned at the article. "I didn't know that."
"Rumor has it that he wants to run for Mayor soon. I think if he keeps sponsoring the festival than he'd get a lot of support from the citizens. From my view he seemed money hungry. This would surely help," Julie stated.
Jack's attention went back to the cover of the magazine. A male with short golden brown locks, in his late thirties, stood on the cover. He held a jewel encrusted cane in his right hand, a tiny smirk lay upon his lips. Jack analyzed the cover further and spotted the name Maxwell Power alongside the photo. It was hard to believe he would sponsor such a whimsical event.
"Well I have to go," Milton grinned. "I have to meet up with my lab partner for Organic Chemistry. I'll see you all later."
All the occupants of the table bid him a farewell. Jack returned his attention to his meal. He had an hour long break before his next class. He planned to use it to its fullest.
He stretched his arms above his head. A yawn escaped his lips as he got up from his desk chair. He smacked his lips, uncomfortable with the dryness of his mouth. He decided a nice water break would recharge his focus. He headed out the door and toward the kitchen. He let out a heavy sigh. He should have been asleep but Calculus required extra attention. On his way toward the Kitchen, he revisited a few equations in his head.
The shuffle of boxes caught his attention. He paused for a few seconds. After he analyzed the sound, he realized the source was from the pantry. He directed his body toward the pantry in the kitchen. A small figure stood in the pantry, hunched over.
Jack approached the intruder. He had two options; he could call the police or face the stranger on his own. He was a third degree black belt and he had confidence in his ability. On the other hand, it would probably be wise to call the police. He backed into the hallway again.
He pressed the cellphone to his ear, a lump in his throat. He never imagined this would ever happen to them. After all, they lived in a decent neighborhood. They had nice neighbors and a quiet street. A male voice came on the line just as he refocused his attention on the pantry.
His heart stopped.
The intruder was no longer in the pantry.
Sir? Sir? Hello?
"You okay?"
Despite his tiredness, he gave Kim a nod of assurance. There was no need to worry her with the details. The police stopped by and did a general sweep of the outside and the home. The intruder was long gone, but even then he was concerned. An image of Milton's frightened face flashed across his mind. A groan left his lips. It was a wonderful way to spend the last few weeks of school.
He pushed the awful memory to the side and focused all his energy on the history presentations. Their history class met twice a week. It was the only other class he shared with Kim. They spent time outside of their courses too. Often they sparred in the recreational center on Wednesday Nights. Like Jack, Kim was very skilled in Karate. It was refreshing to have a skilled opponent.
"You know you can talk to me right?" She reminded, hand upon his arm.
He glanced at the gentle hand upon his arm. Their eyes met for a brief second before he turned away. She removed her hand seconds later, a light blush on her cheeks. Her attention went elsewhere for a few seconds.
"We had an intruder last night."
He watched Kim cover her open mouth with her right hand. A sigh left his lips. He expected her response. Honestly, he expected a bigger response, but he was happy she was fairly calm. He already experienced enough excitement last night.
"That is why you and Milton seem a little shaken. Jack, I'm so sorry. Did they – I mean—find the guy," she whispered.
He chuckled. "Couldn't get a good look at the face. Wish I did. Should have. All I could do was call the police."
"No, you were right to call the police," she smiled. "I'm glad you didn't try to charge into action."
"Charge into action? You make me sound like a bull."
She giggled and then turned around to face the front. The professor was back.
Another round of presentations were about to start. He allowed his mind to be carried away by the different myths and legends hidden within Seaford History.
"Next time I see that intruder, I will do something."
Milton turned to him from his positon on the sofa. He glanced at him a question on his lips. Jack turned back to his Calculus book on the kitchen table. The last finals of his sophomore year were in three weeks.
"We'll call the police again," Milton promised.
Jack didn't reply. Milton glanced at his wrist watch. He bid Jack a farewell before he headed off to bed. He remembered Milton's explanation to his parents about the break in. He couldn't imagine how the conversation went. It must have been tough. He kneaded his temples with his fingers. Just two more hours and then he could head to sleep. He picked up his abandoned pencil. He retried number 22 in the back of the textbook.
An hour later, a light thumping sound drifted to his ears. He froze and listened again. The sound grew louder. He rose from his chair at the kitchen table and walked toward the source. He bit his lip, eyes set on the door to the basement. Milton's homehad an awesome basement space. It was great for studying and excellent for necessary naps. He fingered his cellphone in his pocket. He knew it wasn't smart to face an intruder alone, but hehad to get a full description.
He descended a step at a time.
Jack fished his phone from his pocket. Before he could dial 911, a figure dashed past the staircase in the darkness. He walked down the lit stairs, a curse bottled in his throat. He didn't like the setup of the basement. Why should there be two different light switches at different ends of the staircase? He rather the basement and staircase be lit at the same time. At the moment, he had to get to the bottom of the stairs before he could illuminate the basement floor.
"Hello?" he called from the bottom step, fingers on the light switch. "Just know I'm a third degree black belt and I know how to use a cellphone."
The basement floor lit up. His shoulders fell as he stepped into the middle of the basement. He pocketed his cellphone. There was no one around. He let out a breath he hadn't realize he held in. If his friends saw him, he knew they would laugh at how jumpy he was. Everything was just fine. The intruder was cowardly and long gone. A grin spread across his lips. Yes, no one would come back to the same house twice.
He turned on his heel and paused. His heart lodged within his throat. A few feet away a bare footed boy stood.
Jack didn't hesitate further; he threw a punch.
Hey everyone! Here is a chapter of my new story. I had so much fun writing it and I was really excited to post it.
Feel free to let me know what you think, good or bad. Hopefully, the next chapter will be up soon. I would like to thank all of you for reading.
Until Next Chapter,
Bye
