Chapter Six
I watched the clock closely, and sure enough, Jack had been almost exactly thirty minutes late. He was actually thirty-one minutes late, before coming in the door, complaining about someone being late to show up. I didn't know what else to think, but that Alice had been right. As amazed as I was about that, I couldn't let myself focus on that.
"Leandra." Jack called for me before he even had his coat off. I came jogging out, proving that I was right where he told me to be, "Bring your bag out here, and go get mine from the closet."
I immediately did as he told me, deciding to get his first. I struggled a little under the weight of it, but managed to place it beside the couch. Before I could turn to go get mine, he caught my arm. For a moment, I whimpered. I worried. Had I done something wrong?
I looked up at him, and he looked down at me.
"How long's it been?" He asked, and I frowned a little. I didn't know what he was asking. He got irritated when I wouldn't answer, "How long?"
"How long since what?" I asked in reply, and he sighed in frustration.
"Since you've eaten, stupid." He clarified, "How long has it been?"
"Five days." I answered immediately. I didn't want him to know about my little outing earlier. Admitting I'd eaten anything sooner than when he decided I could was a very good way to piss him off.
For as long as I could remember, he'd starved me. Maybe when I was younger, I got to eat at least once a day, but that stopped when I was about five and a half. One day, he looked at me, and he told me it was about time for me to lose the baby fat. That I wasn't a baby anymore. From what I remembered of that age, I was never really fat, but that could have just been me forgetting something. Or so I told myself.
As I grew older, he adjusted me to eating once every two days. Then three days. Skipping every four days, and went straight to about once a week. There was nothing he could really do about the lunches at school, considering here, they made the lunches free for the kids that went there, since there were just so few of us. Just in case someone like me came along, where neither parent could or would sign them up for normal the free lunch program. That was one thing I was grateful for.
"I'll get you something later." Jack replied, "You've gone longer." I had. He released my arm, and I immediately set out continuing doing what he told me to do. Kneeling quickly by my bag, I pulled the card back out and pocketed it. Carefully making sure no part of it could be seen. I wasn't taking any chances.
I'd protect them.
"Now go to bed." He told me once I dropped my bag by his, "We're leaving later tonight."
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should tell him. He noticed me hesitating, narrowing his eyes a bit.
"What?" He demanded, and I jumped a little.
"I burned trash today." I told him quietly, hoping I could earn points.
"So?" He asked, as if that would mean something to him, "And I care why?"
"I-I just wanted you to know." I mumbled, shrugging a little, "I-I knew how much it builds up bothers you, and I-I thought-"
"Did you burn yourself?" He asked, and I was quiet for a moment, knowing where this was going.
"Well, no." I admitted, "B-But I-"
"Next time, burn yourself." He barked, "Now go to bed." He repeated, and I looked down. I only gave him a nod this time, and did as he said. I didn't want to push him. As sad as that made me, I wasn't too disappointed. Not as upset as I normally would have been over his cruel words. Closing my door behind me. I smiled a little.
I laid in bed, wide awake as I looked over the card again in the dark. I was tired, but I couldn't sleep. It was quiet outside this time, no rain hit the house. I listened to the crickets, though, which told me rain wasn't in the forecast tonight. Thankfully. For once, my thoughts weren't on what to dread what was coming later in the night. Not all of them, anyway.
It was amazing to me that somehow, the fact that I remembered them was enough to grab their attention. Alice had told me she liked me. I doubted she knew how much that meant to me. She'd never know how much that meant to me.
It would take me awhile to figure this out, but I felt like they would wait. I hoped, anyway. What I heard while eavesdropping was probably right. If they pushed me, I'd push back. I always did that. I knew they didn't mean literally, but I didn't like people pushing me. I hurt one of my classmates by pushing him over when he said something mean to me. He came to school the next day with a brace on his wrist. I doubted I could push any of the Cullens that hard, but I could sure try. I didn't know myself well enough to predict if she was right or not, but it did make sense to me.
Of course, I couldn't tell her that. Telling her that would mean I'd have to admit to listening in.
She didn't seem mad that I was listening in. I was only curious. I wanted to know what they had to say about me when I wasn't in the room. That wasn't so bad, was it?
Okay, I reasoned with myself. When we got back from wherever we were going, I would apologize for it.
I frowned a little as I realized that I no longer heard the crickets. They'd gone silent outside my window. That usually didn't happen so quickly once they'd started up. I was just about to pull back the sheet covering the window, and look around outside when I heard the unmistakable sound of Jack's bedroom door opening across the house.
I rolled over quickly with a quiet gasp. Stuffing the card into the tear in the mattress against the wall. Knowing it'd be safe there. Dammit, I thought to myself. Couldn't he just leave me alone tonight? Just one night.
I curled into a small ball with my back to the door just in time for my bedroom door to open. This was nothing new. I squeezed my eyes shut, cringing into my mattress as I heard him step closer to the bed. I bit my lip, holding my breath. Trying to pretend I was sleeping, but it really wasn't working out that way. It never did work.
Jumping as I felt his hand on my arm. Flinching as if his hand had burned me, but this time, his grip was different.
"Time to go." Was all he told me as I rolled over, looking up at him, "Get up, and get dressed." I could only watch in confusion as he turned, leaving the room again. Leaving the door open as he did so. I didn't dare move until I saw the light in the living room turn on.
Did that really just happen?
Who the hell was he, and what had he done with Jack? Not a single curse word, no slaps, no hits. He didn't even really touch me, aside from getting my attention. I had to remember how to close my mouth as I sat up. Maybe he just didn't want to wear himself out before going somewhere?
My panicked breathing had yet to slow down, but I did as he said to. Carefully climbing off the bed. I paused to grab the card again, hiding it in my blanket as I got dressed. I debated with myself if I should wear one of my new sweaters.
Jack would find out about them sooner or later, so I decided. Why not? I liked it. It was a dark purple color, with three light purple stripes across the top of the front. Heavy, and warm, which I'd probably need since we were leaving before midnight. The best thing about it, was that it didn't have any holes that weren't supposed to be there.
I left my room, headed straight for my bag still sitting beside the couch.
Sure enough, the zipper was half way open. Which told me Jack had gone through it. He must have approved of how I'd packed it. Since he didn't take everything out and make me redo it. I was suddenly thankful for deciding to remove the card before going to bed. Smiling a little to myself, I realized I'd made the right decision the night before.
I was the one to carry both bags out to the truck, but Jack took them from me to throw them into the backseat. The bed of the truck was too wet to put anything in there, so I'd be scrunched in the back with them for awhile.
"Get in." He told me, and I did my best to do so. It was weird trying to get in on his side of the truck.
My shoe slipped off the step, and I mumbled a quiet, "Ow." As I landed painfully. Before Jack lifted me by the back of my sweater, and pushed me in. If he noticed my new sweater, he didn't say anything. I grunted in discomfort, but I was alright.
I scrambled to get out of his way as he wasn't waiting for me to move before sitting down. I made it into the back just as he started the truck. He was in a rush it seemed. Clearly, given the way he was starting this trip before midnight. Who does that?
Settling in the small open spot in the back passenger seat on the backseat bench, the bags beside me actually making me feel more secure.
Once we got going, I had to snooze. I was actually very tired. I should have slept instead of lay awake in bed all night, but I couldn't help it. My mind had been so busy, and it still was, but there were other things I had to focus on now.
Jack seemed just fine with very little sleep, but I was so tired. I leaned against the window, and it was pitch dark outside, so I just closed my eyes. Curled into a tiny ball, I did my best to sleep.
I still hadn't the slightest clue where we were going, but I knew by now not to ask questions. So I just went with it. That was all I could do. Despite how I would have preferred to stay. At least, though, Alice knew I wasn't going to be home. That was a plus, so I didn't have to worry about her being disappointed.
Jack didn't seem to mind letting me sleep. For a little while, anyway.
The radio was on low, playing some old rock song. Listening to him singing along with it under his breath, and the quiet roar of the partially open window was the white noise I needed to sleep. This was normal. I knew this.
Opening my eyes, I looked up out the window. The interstate was bare this time of night, aside from truckers or another random car. I tried to wait. I tried to see any sort of mileage sign, but I couldn't stay awake for very long.
Smelling the cigarette smoke that managed to waft back at me, I actually did manage to sleep. As much as I hated him, he was the only family I had. As much as I hated him, I couldn't help feeling something like comfort when I was with him. He was familiar, and I felt like I knew his behaviors well enough to know when I needed to be cautious. For the first time in awhile, I didn't need to be cautious.
I couldn't remember the dream I'd been having when I felt him tapping my leg.
"Hey. Wake up." He muttered, and I sleepily opened my eyes, "Get up here. Sit with me for a minute." I tried to rub the sleep from my eyes while doing as he told me to do. That almost didn't work, as I nearly tripped myself on the passenger seat. My foot getting caught on the seat back. I had to try again.
We were stopped somewhere, which only then registered to me. The radio was still on, and the parking lot we sat in was a gas station. He must have already had to stop for gas. He probably didn't fill up the truck before we left.
It was eerie here at night.
I yawned, climbing over the center console as he flipped it up. His hand actually supporting me on my quest between the seats. Creating a seat in the middle for me to sit down in right beside him.
I continued rubbing my eyes, whimpering a little in my sleepiness.
"Here." He pulled a bag up from the floorboard, reaching into it, pulling something out. He gave me a small smug smile, and I realized what he was offering me. It was a bar of chocolate. I gasped a little, looking up as I didn't hesitate in taking it.
The last time I'd had anything like this was when I'd stolen it from someone at school.
"Thank you." I immediately said, and he grunted in response. Nodding. I carefully unwrapped it as he sighed, setting the bag back down. Continuing on with his cigarette. Looking to the clock on the radio, it said we'd already been gone for two and a half hours. Two and a half hours from home, I wondered where we were.
"Later," He said, "We'll stop and get something to eat." I nodded, knowing he wouldn't tell me twice. Maybe he really was trying. I nibbled eagerly on the chocolate, not wanting him to think I was ungrateful in any way. This was such a rare thing.
"When we get to where we're going," He spoke again, "I want you on your best behavior." He paused, looking to me, "You know what that means, right?"
"Don't speak, don't move around, and don't look at anyone too long." I answered sleepily, and he chuckled.
"Good." He nodded, "That's right." I felt a very slight pang of relief. I'd done something right, "You'll be meeting someone important, so don't go running your mouth. Got it?"
"I won't." I replied, "I promise." As long as he held the offer of food up over me, I would have done my best to do a backflip if it meant making him happy. It happened so rarely, I knew never to let the opportunity pass. He reached over, and I glanced up at him as he started lazily running his fingers through my hair. Almost like he was petting me. I waited for the violent pull, but it never came.
This wasn't so bad. He wasn't yelling at me. He wasn't hitting me. I eased ever so slightly, adjusting how I sat. Closing and resting my eyes tiredly.
"There will be kids there." He continued, looking to me again, "About your age." I waited for his point, "Unless they talk to you first, don't say anything to them, either. Got it?" His fingers continued running through my hair. It felt a lot nicer than when he was trying to pull it all out.
"I won't." I repeated, "Nothing."
"But don't be rude." He added calmly, "Or I'll tan your hide." I shook my head, "I'm testing you, kid. Don't disappoint me. You know I hate being disappointed." I shook my head again, more vigorously this time. I did know he hated being disappointed. That was something I knew to try not to do.
He watched me for a few moments, until he sighed. Flicking the cigarette butt out the window, he reached over and lifted me. I stiffened in response.
"H-Hey, wait.." I mumbled, snapping my eyes open and looking around wildly, wondering what he was doing until he settled me on his lap. Thoughts of sleep flew out the window as he adjusted my weight, me facing away from him.
I didn't want to ask questions, so I just concentrated on the chocolate I nervously nibbled on. This was new. I attempted to move, to crawl back over to where I was sitting, but he righted me easily.
"Relax." He told me firmly, "You're fine." If he thought that tone of voice was soothing, he was mistaken. With both his hands on my shoulders, he held me there. I didn't try moving again, despite how much I wanted to.
Wide eyed, I trembled a little at first, waiting for what he was going to do.
As it turned out, he just wanted me to sit there. After he was sure I wasn't going to bolt, he removed his hands, giving my shoulders a light squeeze before doing so. Despite how light the squeeze was, it still made me wince. What was he doing?
Cooperation was all he was looking for, and just going with it was the right thing to do, because after only a few minutes of sitting there, he sighed.
"Alright." He mumbled, reaching up and placing his hand on my left shoulder, lightly shoving me sideways. I tumbled off his lap, sprawling ungracefully back onto the seat beside him.
Nothing had happened. It was like he just got bored of me sitting there.
I glanced up at him as I righted myself, confused. He gave me a calm look, not angry at my puzzled state. Reaching out, he grabbed the pack of cigarettes, once more shaking out two.
"Get used to that." Was all he said. His bitter tone wasn't angry. Just unhappy. Hey, if that's all he did now, was have me sit on his lap, I would be happy. If cooperating with that meant less pain for me, I'd do it.
He gave me no explanation, and I didn't ask for one. I just took the lit cigarette he offered, sitting beside him in silence. We didn't speak the entire time I smoked, but I was getting tired again.
"Go back there." He told me once I tossed my cigarette out the window, and I slowly got moving, "Go back to sleep." I made sure to take my chocolate with me, settling back into my spot. I watched him start up the truck again. What that was all about was beyond me, but whatever it was all about hadn't hurt me, so I didn't care. I was confused, but I wasn't about to piss him off by asking about it.
Was that going to happen all the time now? He'd never really done that before, and when he had, it'd been so different. He hadn't made me sit on his lap since I was four. I didn't like it back then, either, because there was always something wrong with doing that.
This time was different, though. That something wrong wasn't there this time, weirdly enough. Oh well, I figured. That's his business.
We got going again, and as confused as I was, I closed my eyes again.
I slept for a little while longer after that, and I opened my eyes to bright sunlight out. It was just barely morning, and the sun on my face felt strange to me. I'd opened my eyes just as he was taking an exit off the interstate. Somewhere in a place called Eugene. I recognized that as being somewhere in Oregon. No wonder it was sunny.
Having slept in the cramped backseat all night, sitting upright on a stiff bench, my muscles protested. Igniting the pain in the bruises I had, and now that I was aware of it, they hurt triple fold.
"Ow." I whimpered, and he glanced back at me. Noting the fact that I was now awake.
"Stop complaining." Was all he told me as he came to a stop sign. I rested my tired eyes a bit, waiting for more instructions.
He decided to stop at a gas station to eat, but I didn't mind where it was. My guess was he didn't want me dying while we were meeting whoever I was going to meet. He was usually more careful than that. Especially since he didn't know I'd eaten much more recently than he thought.
He filled up the truck, and pulled me out by my hand. Practically tugging me across the parking lot to the small diner there. I had trouble keeping up. I looked up at him, noticing the way he didn't even look at me. His stern blue eyes focused on where we were going instead.
I yawned, and shivered. For it being sunny, it was a little chilly here, and I was cold. I didn't like him holding my hand, so I tried to pull my hand from his. He still didn't look at me, only gripping my hand tighter the second I moved my hand in his. I hated when he did this. Pretending he was anything but someone who I lived with, and someone who tormented me constantly. Him holding my hand like he was my dad was such a big lie, it made me want to throw up.
This trip wasn't turning out half bad, though, despite the mystery the night before. It was sunny here, wherever we'd ended up, and it showed through the window. It was hard to see, as my eyes weren't adjusted yet, but I ate. Whatever was in front of me, I ate it.
"Here." He said, sliding his glass toward me, "You're going to want to stay awake."
"What is it?" I asked, peering into the red colored clear glass at the brown, bubbly liquid inside.
"Just drink it." He muttered through clenched teeth. Choosing not to piss him off this early in the trip, I hesitantly took a sip through the straw. This was something I'd never had before, and considering my glass only held water, I was expecting it to taste like water. How wrong I was.
This was sweet. Very sugary, and the bubbles almost burned my mouth with how sharp it was. So this was what soda was like. I wrinkled my nose a bit, looking up at him.
"Go ahead." He told me, firmer now. So I did. The bubbles took some getting used to, but once I had, I found I didn't mind it so much. It tasted okay.
"Oh, you're going to have one heck of a drive home, sir." The waitress had come by again, laughing as she noticed me drinking from his glass. I knew how it went. Looking up, she'd noticed me. That was bad, so I had to do everything I could to become less of a fascination. I smiled sheepishly up at her, slowly sliding the glass back over to Jack. She laughed again, shaking her head.
She looked to him again, and I looked away. I really deserved some kind of medal. It was just so easy to squash suspicion or divert attention.
"She's precious." The waitress commented, smiling sweetly at Jack. He looked to me. She just wouldn't stop noticing me. I grit my teeth. Looks like it's going to be the entire act this time.
"Isn't she?" He chuckled. He put his arm around me, hugging me into his side like he often did. False show of affection. Lesson number one. I reached up, holding onto his arm. Mostly to try to keep him from smashing me, but to the waitress watching, it looked for all the world like I cared about him too.
"It's so nice to see a father spending time with his daughter." She smiled, "I have a little girl at home, and let me tell you. I'd love for her to have such a dedicated father." Single mother. I looked up at her, then to Jack. I suddenly wondered if this was about the same way he met my mom. He laughed, refusing to meet my eyes.
Jack really was a charming guy. He could charm his way out of anything, just by smiling at the right person in the right way. I tuned out their conversation as he gently released me. I took his glass again as I scooted over a little, sipping from it steadily now as I looked out the window.
My thoughts held fast to thoughts of my mom now. I wondered strongly if she'd have changed her mind if someone had warned her.
Jack held her attention now, and I couldn't help listening to her giggles. I didn't like the sound. It meant she was falling for it. The same act he gave all the women. Leading them easily to believe he was such a great guy. I hated the way I helped him. If she only knew.
Jack stood up after placing a rather large amount of cash on the table, giving her a smile as I followed him.
"Have a good day." The waitress called after him as he turned, heading for the door. I hesitated just a second, looking up at her. She met my eyes and gave me a smile.
"Take care of her." Was all I said to her. Her smile faded slightly, watching me as I turned, and jogged to catch up to him.
We hadn't stayed long. Back on the interstate before an hour had even passed. This time, I paid attention. We were going south. Obviously, but it was still news to me. Even more south?
I was allowed to stay up front this time as we continued on. He obviously knew where he was going, as he didn't even need a map.
"We'll stop tonight at a hotel." He informed me and I looked over at him. That was all he said, but I could tell he was tired. I didn't understand what his rush was, but I wasn't going to point that out.
I figured out quickly why he had me drink that soda. It was difficult to sit still, much less sleeping. I was wide awake. More than I had been in awhile.
Sometime around six-thirty in the evening, he took an exit, and I was never more relieved. I understood the rush now, as sitting in a seat for so long was quickly taking its toll on me. Worse than sleeping in the back. My butt and my hips were in so much pain, and as much as I knew moving around would help that, there wasn't much I could do.
We found our room, and with my bag in hand, I was herded in first. He shut the door behind him, and immediately pulled on the chain lock. Looking around the room, I hated the sight of just one bed. The tiny room didn't even have a TV in it.
"Get clean, and get to sleep." He told me, "Early start tomorrow." I nodded, letting him know I heard him. I half hoped, that with as tired as he was, that he wouldn't be interested in me that night.
Pulling his shirt off, followed by kicking his shoes off, I waited.
"Jack?" I asked quietly, watching as he laid down with a heavy sigh. He didn't reply, and I stood there until I heard his quiet snores just a few minutes later. I had questions.
I was feeling brave, I guess, so as I took my shower, I wanted to try turning just a little bit of hot water on. Just to see what it felt like. I really wasn't looking forward to the cold of the water, but I was worried he'd know.
I didn't, though. Too scared, and the thought of Jack finding out made me refrain from doing so. So I suffered through the cold, because I just knew he'd know. Somehow.
I quickly crawled under the thin blanket beside him, trembling from the cold. I was thanking myself for deciding against the hot water, as my trembles must have woken him up. He turned half way to face me, pressing the back of his hand to my ice cold cheek, and chuckled sleepily.
"Good." He told me again, rolling over until his back was to me. I curled tighter in the blanket, my mind already busy.
How did I know that was going to happen? It had happened before, too. With the card. Knowing not to do something, to avoid getting onto Jack's bad side. I guess I'd always had that skill, but could that be considered part of the gift Alice was talking about?
I always figured that was brought on by being trained the way I was from the time I was little. Always staying out from underfoot, trying to avoid problems before they happened. They always happened anyway, but they'd be worse if I didn't try to avoid them. There was no doubt that dreaming about Alice was odd, especially the night before I met her, but could that really have anything to do with me having some sort of gift? An ability?
The only gift I had was knowing when I was about to get beaten. Was that how I always knew to get moving before he did? With that question, it opened up the idea. Maybe Alice wasn't so crazy after all. Could it be possible, just a little bit, that I found her for a reason? Was there some sort of way for two people with the same gift or ability to find each other? She said she saw me coming.
It was just so hard for me to believe she knew I was alive, much less my name. Very much less actually liking me. Someone like her knowing me seemed wrong to me somehow, like I never deserved such a friend. What I'd ever done to earn her friendship, I never knew. All I knew, was that I was already looking forward to going home, so I could talk to her even more.
Confident Jack would leave me alone, I let my eyes close.
Whenever I knew Jack was nearby, I never slept very deeply. Some part of my mind always half awake, waiting for something. Though tonight, I did. I wasn't waiting for anything. Probably exhausted from the trip so far, so I just fell asleep. I wished I knew where he was taking me, but so far, it hadn't been bad at all. Aside from how painful it had been sitting still for so long.
When I opened my eyes next, it was to the sound of the shower running in the bathroom. Dim morning light coming through the curtains over the window. He'd left me alone, surprisingly. He never bothered me. Not even him moving to get up woke me.
I almost felt like I didn't know him anymore.
I stayed in bed, snoozing lightly as I heard him get out of the shower. A short while later, I clearly smelled the scent of his cologne. I always cringed when I smelled that. I hated it.
"Come on." He called, and I jumped. Whimpering into my pillow with a yawn, "Get up. Get dressed." That line again. Looking over at him as he stood there. He already had his jeans on, and the belt he always wore was the first thing I saw, since he was shirtless. I always tensed when I saw that. If belts could speak...
I waited for him to cuss at me for a brief few seconds, until he gave me an incredulous look, and I decided not to push it, and started getting up.
"Put your new clothes on." He instructed, "We'll get there before tonight."
I did as he said, and it felt nice to be wearing anything but those itchy old clothes. A hairbrush landed beside me on the bed, and I assumed Jack had thrown it at me. With a sinking heart, I realized he'd had to have gone into my bag to get that. Looking up at him, he didn't seem mad, so I wouldn't freak out yet. I just had to bide time until I could look.
I took the hint, brushing out my hair as he pulled a t-shirt over his head.
"Cover that," He pointed at my face, "And meet me out at the truck." With that, he lifted his bag, and left the room.
He was trusting me here alone? Don't disappoint him, I told myself. This had to be another test. Like the diner was.
I finished brushing out my long hair, kneeling beside my bag to put the brush away, when my eyes landed on the card tucked away. I sighed in relief, relieved at the fact that it was still there. Hidden but in plain sight.
Slowly, I pulled it out. I smiled a little, reminded of my friends yet again. I sighed, wondering if there would be a time when I'd ever need to use the number on the card. Just knowing it was there, however, made me feel better. Knowing the offer still stood, it felt strange. As if despite the fact that I kneeled here alone, they would be waiting.
Nervously biting my lip, I tapped the card against my fingers, looking over my shoulder at the window in the room. Jack was waiting on me. I put it away again, safer this time, and zipped my bag back up before climbing back to my feet. I set off to cover my face, hoping I wouldn't need to do this much longer.
I did just as he said to. Coming back out, he was already seated in the truck. The radio on, and the slightest bit of relief entered his usually glaring blue eyes as I came back out.
Dropping my bag into the now dry bed of the truck beside Jack's, and climbing in. He handed me another bar of chocolate as I sat down, settling into the front passenger seat. I couldn't help feeling like a dog being trained, but if it meant I stayed on his good side, I didn't mind it so much.
Since we skipped breakfast, he stopped for an early lunch at an actual restaurant this time. Somewhere just outside the California border, I found out. I sat beside him, between him, and the window. Now and then glancing up at him.
Were we going to California? Was that where he was taking me?
I was still getting used to eating again, so I couldn't eat very much. I was still tired. Nervously looking around me. I still didn't know where we'd end up, but I knew. I had every right to be nervous. Something about this trip wasn't right. I could feel it, and the way Jack treated me now told me so. He was being too nice, which told me he had something planned.
I just wanted to go home.
When we got going again, I was seated up front once more. Watching him. He had yet to sit me on his lap again, so I couldn't help wondering why he would tell me to get used to that, if he didn't do it again. I wasn't looking forward to finding that out. If I could get away with not having to, I would.
We entered California, signified by the 'Welcome to' sign.
I didn't like how nervous I was today. On edge, and it was the first time I really realized how much a cigarette eased those nerves. Instead of just smoking to settle my empty stomach, I used smoking as a way to calm down.
"What the fuck?" Jack grumbled, glancing over at me, "You trying to kill yourself? Christ. Slow down." I was on my third cigarette in an hour. Sixth in two hours. He yanked the pack from out of my reach, and stole the cigarette I just lit. Pausing one last time to slap me on the back of my head, "Dumb ass."
Just like he said, we pulled to a stop outside a house later that afternoon. This house was huge. Especially compared to where we'd come from. I was intimidated by it, not moving to get out of the truck. He took my shoulder, turning me slowly to look at him.
"Remember what we talked about." He told me firmly, "This is it. Don't disappoint me, you little bitch. Come on."
He climbed out of the truck, and I followed him. Squinting in the late afternoon sunlight as we both stepped around the truck and headed for the front door.
The door opened before we got there, a rather loud man greeting Jack loudly. I jumped, actually stepping closer to Jack in fear.
"Nice to see you!" The new man called, laughing as he stepped forward. Greeting Jack with an enthusiastic hug, "And who's this?" He pulled back, looking down at me. I made a whimpering gasping noise, stepping behind Jack. He was big, and his voice clearly matched. I eyed him as I eyed everyone new I met. With distrust.
The man only laughed, "Sure is a shy little thing, isn't she?"
"Remember Gina?" Jack replied, "Well, this is her kid. Leandra."
"You never mentioned she had a kid." The man seemed puzzled, looking at him. He seemed nice enough, but I really wasn't sure, so I looked up at Jack as well. Waiting for some sort of hint as to what to do.
"I didn't think it was that important." Jack laughed.
"A secret kid?" He got in response, "It's kind of a big deal. You didn't kidnap her, did you?" He laughed, finding that funny. I wasn't so amused, and neither was Jack, though he forced a laugh as well.
The man's eyes fell back down onto me as he leaned forward a bit. Probably to be more on my level, but it didn't help much, "Well, it's nice to meet you, Leandra. My name's Mike." He held his hand out, and Jack gave me a nod, telling me to not be rude.
I hesitantly placed my hand in his, not liking the contact. Thankfully, he was gentle. Giving me a kind smile and chuckling as his hand closed around mine in greeting. He didn't shake it, or pull me anywhere, just held my hand like that for just a moment.
"She's got to be the cutest thing." Mike smiled, releasing me. Was this the important person I was meeting? He didn't seem so bad. I was usually pretty good at being able to tell.
"Is my dad inside?" Jack asked, and again I was taken off guard. Shocked. He had a father?
"He and Heather went to the store." Mike answered, "Had to pick some extra things for dinner. You know how much the boys eat." Who was Heather? And who was this Mike guy?
I followed Jack closely as they stepped inside. Looking around.
"Uncle Jack!" I flinched at a shout further into the house, and stepped away from him. Landing beside Mike as I heard and saw two boys running at him from the living room. Jack laughed, accepting their hugs.
I'd never seen him act this way. Never.
"Damn," Jack chuckled, "You two gotta quit growing." The smaller of the two seemed my age. Taller than me, but not as much as the other one. Dark brown hair on the both of them, and there was no question they were related to him. Given their color of blue eyes. Seeing him so happy to see them had me tilt my head a bit. More confused than I'd ever been.
"Leandra, these are my nephews." Jack's tone changed. Subtly, but I heard it clear as day, "Zack, and this is Josh." He touched their heads as he said their names. Zack was the smaller one, and Josh was the older one, "Guys, this is Leandra. My wife's daughter."
"Hey." Josh greeted, smiling and waving. I bit my lip, waving a little in return. Thankful I didn't have to touch them.
"She bunking with the boys?" Mike asked, and immediately Jack shook his head.
"Nah, she prefers to stay with me." Jack replied, "Isn't that right?"
"Yes, sir." I murmured quietly without missing a beat. He approved, given the look in his eyes.
"Lucky there's a couch in your room." Mike chuckled, "Well, why don't you help me start dinner, Jack? Let the kids get to know each other." I was given a warning with his eyes. Again, subtly, but I saw it.
"Sure." Jack finally agreed, sighing, "Leandra, go get the bags from the truck. Take them upstairs. Third door on the right is our room." I nodded, immediately turning.
"Be nice to her, you guys." Mike called after us, "Don't roughhouse."
Unfortunately, the boys followed me. Probably as curious about me as I was about them. I climbed onto the bed of the truck, pulling Jack's bag to me over the side first before grabbing mine, and pulling them out. I struggled with the weight of both, but Josh took Jack's from me easily. I looked at him.
"Thank you." I mumbled.
"No problem." He smiled, leading the way back inside. That was it for conversation until the bags were safely in the room. I sighed, worn out. This room was actually pretty big. One king sized bed was centered on the far wall. A white, plush couch opposite it.
Now what was I supposed to do? I felt very uncomfortable standing here with the two boys. I'd never been one to get along with kids my age. As stupid as it seemed, I would have preferred staying by Jack's side. There, I knew what to do.
"Well, how old are you?" Josh asked, obviously curious.
"Nine." I answered immediately, my voice quiet.
"That's how old Zack is too." Josh replied, leading the way from the room, "I'm eleven."
"Cool." What else was I supposed to say to that? Congratulations for being born two years before I was?
We made our way downstairs silently now.
"Why can't we roughhouse with you?" Josh asked, peering over at me. I was learning quickly that Josh seemed to be the one to ask all the questions. Zack seemed as quiet as I was.
"I don't know." I replied, "Ask your dad."
"Wanna come watch TV with us?" Zack offered quietly, and I shrugged. That seemed better than trying to make conversation with too-personal questions. I only tolerated that from Alice. Not these two.
"Sure." I replied.
I chose to sit at the far end of the couch. Josh on the other end, Zack in the chair. I wasn't as tense as I was before, thankfully. I just didn't know what to make of these two. They hadn't been mean yet, and that was strange to me.
We only managed to sit there for about ten minutes before the front door opened again. I stared toward the kitchen, watching as Jack was greeted enthusiastically by an older version of himself.
That must be his dad.
I had never really given it much thought. None at all, really. I knew he had to have a family, but I really hadn't expected this. This was something I never had to think about before, considering the way Jack always liked to keep me hidden away.
The woman that came in with the older man came our way.
"Hi, mom." Josh greeted quietly as she placed a hand on his head, looking to the TV briefly. Her eyes landed on me, and I looked away.
"Oh." She spoke, "Who's this?"
"Jack says that's his wife's daughter." Zack answered, "Her name's Leandra." I glanced up at her, curious. Her blue eyes met mine, and she seemed to understand. At first glance, she seemed unhappy. Given the frown on her face, and the way she studied me for a moment, before she turned.
"Jack." She called, her tone also suggesting she wasn't happy. I watched after her, watching her head for the kitchen. She pulled Jack off to the side, arguing heatedly with him. I watched her insecure posture, her arms crossing over her stomach the way I always did. I hoped I hadn't done anything wrong. I really hoped I hadn't.
The older man caught my gaze, and smiled. Coming over.
"You must be Leandra." When he spoke, it was forced polite. Almost condescending in the way it sounded, "I'm Ken." He offered his hand, and since Mike hadn't bothered me, I took it. I was pulled to my feet, however, and lifted. He held me in one arm, hugging me with the other.
"We're family, kid." He told me, "No need for silly hand-shakes."
Resisting the urge to shout in pain, I bit my lip, waiting for him to get done with me. I didn't like him, but I was stuck. I had to grunt, squeezing my eyes shut. He was hugging me too tight, but I grit my teeth and dealt with it.
"Dad," Heather sighed, "Let her breathe." She called him her dad, and given the way Jack's nephews called her their mom, that meant one thing. She must be Jack's sister. He had a sister? She looked younger than him. From what I could see through my pain, anyway.
Ken chuckled, releasing me with his hugging arm. I sat up straighter in his arm, looking at him. He really was an older version of Jack. There was no question whether or not Ken was his father. I didn't like being held. Not by him.
I glanced behind him, finding Jack coming over. A quiet warning in his eyes to keep my mouth shut. I did, knowing full well this was a test as well. This must have been the important person I had to meet.
"She's beautiful, Jack." Ken seemed really pleased to meet me, which was a good sign. It meant I wasn't in trouble yet. If this was the important person, I knew I'd better be on my best behavior with him. I held Ken's gaze for as long as I could, eventually looking down. I might not have liked him, but that hardly mattered any.
I soon discovered why Jack had done what he'd done. Why he told me to get used to sitting on someone's lap.
Sitting down, Ken kept hold of me, sitting me on his lap. Just the way Jack had done. This stranger doing this made me uncomfortable, but he seemed to either not notice, or not care. Whichever. Whenever I'd try to move subtly, or get loose, his arms around me would tighten, holding me there and bouncing me a little.
I glanced to Jack, who went right on smoking his cigarette like he didn't even care. Heather, however, kept her eyes on me like she was afraid I'd steal something. Nobody else seemed to think anything of it, so I tried to relax, but it was difficult. It was hard to, considering how tight he held me there.
Every now and then, he'd shift under me, but that was it for the movement.
"What are you feeding her, Jack?" Ken finally brought attention to me, "She hardly weighs anything."
"She doesn't eat much." He replied, "Her appetite has been shit since her mom left."
"Who would leave a gem like this?" Ken asked, peering around to try to see my face. I looked away, biting my lip, "Lucky she has you, Jack."
"Very lucky." I murmured quietly, striving for points. Jack gave no indication on whether or not I'd earned any. I bit my lip, sighing.
I was deeply uncomfortable, and Jack was no help.
I wanted him to let me go, but he kept me there for what felt like hours. When he finally did let me go, it was because I'd had enough and told him I needed the bathroom.
"I'll show you where it's at." Jack offered, standing, "Come on." I followed him easily, glancing back at Ken's eyes following me.
Once we were out of hearing range, Jack sighed. Pulling me to a stop, he turned me to face him. I looked up at him, waiting for whatever he had to tell me. I hoped it went in my favor.
"You're doing great." He told me, glancing back in the direction of the living room, "Just keep it up. I know he's grabby, but he won't bother you too much." I sniffled, nodding, "He wants to hold you. You let him. Just thank me for saving your ass by making you sleep in my room."
"Thank you." I muttered easily, and he nodded. I didn't know what he meant by that, but I wasn't going to ask. I was grateful.
"Go on." He gently pushed me toward the bathroom. Gently for him, anyway. I stumbled a little, but was otherwise fine. I took my time in there, and when I finally came back out, it was right back onto Ken's lap.
This was going to be tough.
A/N: I managed to cut it shorter. I wanted to leave it somewhere else, but I figured it was too long as it was. So you'll have to wait until seven before you get more information.
THANK YOU to my reviewers! AHHH! I Heart you all. If I could put a heart in this without the site removing it, I would. (:
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Okay, so seven is already written out. I'll see if I can't get that out to you either today, or tomorrow. Editing may take longer than I thought before.
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See you in chapter seven, darlings.