The Waywards
An: I don't own kickin' it
Ten.
Bright rays of sunlight illuminated Falafel Phil's. A few workers walked around, preparing for another day. Jerry used his right arm as a makeshift pillow. He hunched over a table, within a booth, located near the register. Cleaning spray rested on the table, untouched.
"Jerry."
He groaned.
"Jerry, wake up!"
Suddenly, his head shot up. After blinking his eyes, Milton's red hair and then face encompassed his vision. He gave the taller male a tired grin while waving. Their new job was great. He was happy to have a nice boss. Unfortunately, he disliked waking up early.
For a few seconds his mind wandered. Just yesterday, Jack told a kid that superheroes didn't exist. Jerry frowned. The memory still bothered him. He couldn't understand Jack's anger. There had to be an explanation.
"Hey Milton," Jerry asked, arms crossed. "What is Jack's problem?"
Jerry watched Milton take a seat across from him. The background sounds of the restaurant drifted around them but he ignored the excess noise. His elbows rested upon the table as he waited for his companion to speak. He was interested in Milton's knowledge about Jack.
"Eventually, he will tell you everything," Milton remarked.
"But you know," Jerry stated, pointing to Milton's head. "I mean you have to know. Your power doesn't turn off."
"I know."
Jerry nodded firmly. "Then tell me. I really want to know, please."
"Tell you what?"
He turned his attention to the familiar voice. Jack stood next to him. A darkened white rag rested within his left hand. Jerry rubbed the back of his neck, looking everywhere but at the taller male. After the sudden wave of embracement, he gave Jack a firm look.
"Look, you were pretty harsh with that kid last night," Jerry commented, feeling courageous. "I can be rude but you were really mean. You can't tell a kid superheroes don't exist."
"Superheroes don't exist."
"Why do you keep saying that?" Jerry demanded. "We all have powers."
Jack shook his head, dropping the rag to the table. He took an empty spot near Milton before turning his attention to Jerry. He tapped an unfamiliar rhythm upon the table before glancing at his companions. He didn't wish to share anything about himself but he knew he couldn't hide anymore.
"When I was young I wanted to be a superhero," he said.
Jerry opened his mouth to interrupt. He remembered the night he spoke with Jack. The statement was very familiar. He wanted to remind Jack of this knowledge but he stopped. He could tell there was more to say.
"Because my father saved people on a daily basis," Jack continued, eyes soft from the fond memory. "He had a stable job that was very good for our little family. After work, he saved the world. It was exciting. I knew I wanted to grow up to be him."
Jerry nodded. "Okay your dad is a superhero. I still don't understand. Why do you hate saving people?"
Jack sighed. "My dad was a superhero."
Jack ran his fingers through his hair. He narrowed his eyes at the table. A lump formed within his throat. He opened his mouth to continue but no sound came out. He turned to Milton. The redhead nodded and then helped him explain.
"Jack's father became disillusioned with the hero life."
"What?" Jerry frowned. "I don't understand, he was dissed?"
Milton chuckled. "Something like that."
"The more my father saved humans – the more he became unsure," Jack explained. "Then finally he snapped. He did a complete 360 on me and soon he asked me to steal with him. I said no."
Jerry's eyes widened and then his heart sunk. He understood Jack's initial anger now. Jack saw him as a young version of his villainous father. He sighed heavily. He couldn't help his own power. He didn't have the personal training to correct his mistakes.
"My parents kicked me out because they feared me," Jerry simply stated. "They abandoned me but I deserved it. I was selfish with my power and forced them to do things. You were right about me Jack. Maybe I'm going to end up as a criminal too."
"Hey, what is this?"
All three boys looked up to see the bright smile on Phil's face.
"Why are we talking in the Phil's? We should be working now. My restaurant opens in an hour and I still have to teach you how to use the register."
Milton grinned. "No need. I know how cash registers work. They use –"
"Good then you can work the register. Jack, you can bring food to the tables. Jerry," Phil began.
"I can greet people when they walk in!" Jerry suggested. "I've got the swag."
"Good, use this 'swag' or what you call it, to greet people," Phil stated. "Don't make them mad or they will eat elsewhere. One hour!"
Phil scrambled toward the back. Jerry noticed Jack staring at him. He attempted a smile but failed. Jack was disappointed by his father. He sighed heavily. He could only hope he didn't disappoint Jack as well. He already let his parents down. After a few seconds, he allowed a smile to show on his face. Phil was counting on him. Despite his true feelings, he had to be cheerful for their customers. His concerns could wait.
Kim Crawford smiled softly as she held Sam's left hand. Her facial features changed throughout Sam's excited tale. Apparently, the new 'heroes' saved the eight year old. Despite their good deed, she was concerned. The boys seemed very powerful.
"And he threw Frank through a wall," Sam exclaimed, maneuvering around the people in the crowded shopping center. "Frank can go through walls easy without getting hurt, Kim."
Kim's attention went back to the youth. "Oh, he can?"
"Yes," Sam pouted. "Are you listening?"
"Sam, I've heard this story quite a bit," she giggled. "Didn't this happen a week ago?"
"Yes, but my friends are so jealous. They are scared too but mostly jealous. They've never been saved by superheroes before."
Kim ruffled the youth's hair sending his brunette locks flying about his head. He grumbled in displeasure before setting his hair back in its proper mess. He glanced around the Seaford Mall. Suddenly, his eyes zoned in on a familiar figure standing at the door of Falafel Phil's. He watched the older teen wave excitedly at each new individual entering into the building.
"Hey!" Sam shouted, bouncing in place. "Come on! Let's go there."
She nearly lost her balance when the eager eight year old led her toward Falafel Phil's. She liked the restaurant. The food was questionable but the atmosphere was nice. She occasionally received free food for being the mayor's daughter. They walked toward the door. A teen, with dark black locks, blocked their path.
"What it do, girl?"
"What?" she questioned, eyes narrowed.
The male gave her a sly grin. She rolled her eyes before walking around him. Suddenly, she noticed Sam no longer holding her hand. Her heart began to beat wildly. She looked around her before spotting Sam a few meet behind her. The eight year old spoke excitedly with the teen boy at the door.
"Hey, where did you go? I couldn't find you anywhere," Sam stated, brows raised in question.
The male chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "We work now."
"Oh," Sam nodded. "Kim, come meet one of the heroes!"
Kim giggled, extending her hand to the boy. He smiled easily, shedding the smooth persona he had before. She liked this version better. His previous act was very strange. She only hoped she never saw it again.
"This is –"Sam introduced.
"Jerry Martinez," he smiled, shaking Kim's hand.
"Oh, cool," Sam smiled. "He saved me along with his other super friends."
The boys' arrival was a very important topic among the citizens of Seaford. All the people in her class still talked about them. It was funny. For a whole week, she didn't run into them once. This would be her first time meeting them.
"Ah, well I should thank you," Kim smiled sweetly. "He won't shut up about all of you."
"Well, I did single handily save the day," Jerry grinned smoothly, leaning back.
She chuckled, doubting his words. She watched Sam run to the front of the restaurant. A red head stood behind a cash register. The taller teen emerged from behind the counter and greeted Sam. She strolled over to them, leaving the other teen behind.
"Hey, buddy," Milton smiled, looking at Sam.
"Hi, my name is Kim," Kim smiled.
Milton smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Milton Krupnik."
She heard light footsteps coming toward their direction. Slowly she turned around and met Jerry's smiling face. She returned the grin. The boys seemed harmless. There was no reason to be concerned.
"Wait, your last name is Crawford. Do you know the mayor?" Milton asked, his eyes then widened. "Wait you are the mayor's daughter!"
Kim's eyes widened. "Wow that was amazing."
"I read minds," he smiled, cheeks red with embarrassment.
"You have super intelligence and telekinesis, am I right?" she said. "My father is the mayor so I know the powers of different people,"
Kim watched a frown appear upon Milton's face. She didn't understand his sudden change in facial expression. Had it been something she said? She pushed the thought aside. Instead, she focused on greeting the boys properly.
"I want to say Welcome to Seaford. A little late I know," she laughed.
"Where is the other hero, Jack," Sam asked, eyes scanning the area.
Sam was always such an eager boy when it came to super powers. He was thrilled to meet Eddie a couple of days ago. He was always searching for town people with powers. Most of the people, with powers, adored Sam. Others, like the black dragons, thought the eight year old was a nuisance.
"Alright, Jerry, I'm going to have to ask you to stop eating the food here," Jack commented, emerging from the restroom. "Your stomach can't handle it."
"Hey," Jerry shouted, cheeks flushed red.
"Jack, meet Kim, the mayor's daughter," Milton stated, ignoring Jerry.
Jack stared at her briefly before picking up a food order and heading to a customer's table. Kim frowned at the lack of interest in her presence. She watched him return behind the counter for another order. Despite his rudeness, she gave him a pleasant smile. There was no reason for her to be upset about Jack's behavior. She was interrupting their work flow.
"Jack, is it?" she questioned softly.
Jack paused, with a plate of falafel balls in each arm. "Yes."
"Oh, just making sure I heard right." she grinned.
"Got a power?" he asked casually.
"Oh no, I'm very human."
She was embarrassed to admit she felt a little flustered. Despite the glare, Jack was an attractive guy. She mentally pushed the thought away. Quickly, she extended a hand to Jack. As the mayor's daughter, she had to put forth a good impression. She would be polite, even if Jack didn't know what polite was.
"I have work to do," he commented, avoiding her hand.
An exasperated sigh left her lips. She set her hands upon her hips as she watched the boy serve the customers. She understood he was working but he could spare a second to respond. A hand landed upon her shoulder. The sound of Jerry's voice filled her ears.
"Don't worry about Jack," Jerry smiled. "He hated me too but for plenty of other reasons. It is just because you are human really. He doesn't like humans."
"Right," Kim nodded. "Well, I guess we should order."
Milton returned to his position at the cash register. Jerry ran toward his post at the door. She rolled her eyes at their professionalism. She placed their order and took a seat across from Sam. The little boy fidgeted excitedly in place.
"Aren't they cool?" he beamed.
Kim sighed. "I guess."
Sam eyed her as if she just stated vegetables were the best.
"Jack was grumpy when I met him too. Anyway, they disappeared for a whole week but now I get to see them all the time because they work here."
Kim smiled. "You really like them."
"Of course," Sam stated. "They helped me and they are all heroes. Jack is a hero too even if he doesn't believe in them."
Soon after, Jack appeared holding two red baskets filled with falafel balls and Phil's famous sauce. She watched carefully as the boy placed the food items upon the table. Her heart nearly stopped as her eyes met his. For a few seconds, they looked at each other. Abruptly, the boy's brows raised as he opened his mouth.
"Why do you keep staring at me?"
She flushed. "Sorry. No reason."
Jack sighed. "Look, Milton won't stop bothering me. Apparently, I was rude. I apologize. I really am not a mean guy. I just experienced stuff I wish to forget. But I'm here in Seaford, so really I should be a lot happier. And believe me I am."
Kim bit her lip. Jack's honesty was very sweet. Unfortunately, Seaford wasn't what they thought it was. She played with her fingers softly, avoiding further eye contact. She wanted to tell the boys the truth about Seaford.
"Seaford isn't really all that, believe me," she insisted, eyes turned to her food.
"What do you mean by that?"
Her eyes shot up at the sudden question. She hoped the statement was her inner thought but she guessed not. Memories of her father's strict rules gathered in her mind. She smiled, shaking her head. Guilt settled within her stomach.
"Thanks," she grinned.
Jack shrugged. "I just delivered some questionable food to your table. You shouldn't be thanking me."
Kim laughed. "I know. We all know about Phil's food. It is just –despite everything, Phil keeps smiling. I guess we come to see the hope in his eyes."
Kim watched Jack tilt his head to the side. He stared at her intently. She smiled softly, waving away her comment. Her father warned her about this. Seaford was the city of acceptance. She was the mayor's daughter. Everyone had to believe Seaford was the place to live.
"Anyway, I'm heading to the bathroom," Kim smiled. "I'll be back Sam."
Jack paused as he watched her head to the bathroom. He was shocked by what she stated. He couldn't understand. This was Seaford, the city of endless opportunity. Why would there be a lack of hope? The boys had a job, an apartment, and lived in a place where people smiled because you had powers. Seaford was the answer to their problems.
"Jack?"
Jack sighed, turning his attention to Sam. "Yes, Sam."
Sam bit his lip. "I'm sorry again."
Jack's features softened. Sam was just eight years old. He still didn't trust humans but he knew the little boy deserved an apology. He placed his hand upon Sam's right shoulder.
"No worries, Sam," Jack smiled. "Part of me still thinks I can be a superhero."
Sam grinned. "You are! You are a hero!"
Jack ruffled the youth's brunette locks. He never imagined acting this way toward a human. He had a strict no caring policy. He briefly glanced at the spot where Kim once sat. He shook his head. For a few seconds, he remembered his father. He stepped back. Despite how nice Sam and Kim seemed, he knew better. They were still ungrateful humans.
His lips turned down and his brows furrowed. He left Sam sitting alone at the table. The boy looked at him, confusion upon his face. No, he couldn't forget what the humans did to his father. He couldn't let humans change his mind.
Milton looked to the clock on the right wall. Their shift was officially over. He stepped away from the cash register. He looked to Jack and Jerry. Both boys seems just as exhausted as he was. They waved farewell to Phil before leaving the restaurant.
"What a day," Milton grinned. "I enjoy working with Phil."
"Phil is a nice guy," Jack commented. "I don't mind working there."
Milton beamed. He enjoyed working with their lively boss. At the moment, he was very content. They had a job, an apartment, and they could finally pay back Rudy. Plus, they were no longer arguing with each other. Everything was falling into place nicely.
"Jack, you are attracting all the girls in town," Jerry chuckled, poking the other in the shoulder repeatedly. "You know they have a nickname for you already. I know because they come by Phil's all the time asking about you. You are always conveniently gone."
Jack rolled his eyes. He continued walking alongside them. Milton laughed at the expression on the brunette's face. He remembered a time where Jack couldn't stand Jerry. They came a long way since then.
"Jack, didn't you hear me? You have a nickname," Jerry continued. "Some of the girls call you Superman. They said you are just as handsome. It is weird because they know your power. They know all of our powers."
"I noticed. The last woman I served asked me a random complex math question, today," Milton added. "I watched her calculate the answer seconds later, using a calculator application, on her phone. I think the people know what we can do. We've only been here a week, how would they know?"
"Maybe Sam told them," Jerry stated.
"No," Milton shook his head. "I mean he wouldn't know about my super intelligence or mind reading. It isn't what I used that night."
He didn't know how the people of Seaford knew about their powers but it wasn't a huge concern. Softly, he hummed as they made their way home. A strange sensation swept across his body. The usual pleasant thoughts of his companions were overpowered by the thought of fear. He paused.
He bit his lip and clenched his fists. The horrific thoughts swirling about his head clouded his once happy thoughs. They heard a piercing shriek. He nodded carefully to himself. He noticed Jack and Jerry staring at him. He saw disapproval in Jack's eyes but he ignored it.
"Come on," Milton instructed, leading the boys toward the sound.
Someone was in trouble.
Jack had to stop Jerry. He bolted, throwing his body at him. A grunt left the teen's lips as they tumbled to the ground. He threw a punch at the older teen but he missed surprisingly. Without warning, Jack's muscles tightened and his body froze. The sound of his heart pounded within his ears. He couldn't move.
Jerry got to his feet. A dark thunderous laugh left the teen's lips. Jack analyzed the other boy. His eyes were pitch black, the white parts no longer visible. The situation went from bad to worse in a matter of seconds.
"You can't stop me, Jack," he snickered. "No one can make me do anything, especially you."
Suddenly, Jerry's back slammed against the brick wall of the alley. He crumbled to the ground. Jack's muscles relaxed. He wiggled his toes and then moved his arms. He got to his feet and headed over to the fallen teen. He tried to shake him awake but there was no response. He heard Milton running toward them.
"Jerry is unconscious," Jack commented. "Milton, what the heck happened?"
Milton rubbed his temples. He didn't regret what they accomplished. Next to Jerry there was a petite woman. Milton remembered her thoughts of fear in his head. They found her in the alley with two black dragons cornering her. Both Milton and Jack leapt into action. Everything would have turned out just fine if Jerry hadn't participated. Unfortunately, Jerry was extremely stubborn.
"I think you are right Jack," Milton sighed. "There is something evil that comes out when Jerry uses that power."
Jack gritted his teeth. His brows furrowed. He saw red for a few seconds before he relaxed. He knew he was right. Saving the woman was a terrible idea. They shouldn't have gotten involved. At the moment, Jerry and the stranger were unresponsive.
"Everything is going to be just fine," Rudy answered, checking both the woman and Jerry's pulse. "Milton, I need you over here."
Milton jogged over to the two fallen individuals and gave them a thorough check. Jack followed closely after. He looked to Rudy briefly. He was glad that Rudy was able to help them. He always knew when to arrive.
"They'll both need emergency room visits," Milton shared. "Just in case."
Jack laughed bitterly. "I told you Milton."
"Jack, we weren't going to leave her to the dragons," Milton remarked. "We all have to move forward. Jerry is trying despite your lack of support. I'm trying and you need to try too. You aren't a criminal. We aren't bad people. There is nothing to be afraid of."
"That is what I thought but I watched my father go from good to bad," he barked. "He did just what we are doing now. I tried to avoid all this. Look at us now, Milton. Jerry was going to kill that woman."
Milton shook his head, dispelling the angry thoughts from his head. They were supposed to save the woman. Despite Jack's anger, they did an extremely good thing. There was nothing wrong with saving people.
"You can't keep telling him he can't help," Milton whispered. "Every time he thinks he feels comfortable, you tell him he is a monster. Every single time we have to start from the beginning."
"What am I supposed to do Milton? You keep telling him to use his power!" Jack shouted. "There is an evil thing living in that power. Milton, we were trying to save her. Why was Jerry suddenly trying to kill her?"
Milton didn't respond. He focused on calling an ambulance. His heart wept as he looked at the unconscious individuals. They were in Seaford, their dream city. Why was this happening now?
He bit his lip and closed his eyes. He could still hear the cries of the woman and the unstable laughter of Jerry. The memory of Jerry ordering the woman to strangle herself filled his mind. He winced as the images assaulted him.
"I know you don't want to leave Jerry," Jack remarked. "Milton, I'm not saying we are going to abandon him. I'm just saying we need to do something about this."
Milton looked to Jerry's face, the shrieking sound of the ambulance surrounded them. He closed his eyes, blocking out the sounds and flashing lights. For a few seconds, he was at peace. He took a deep breath and reopened his eyes.
"I'm not giving up on Jerry, Jack," he remarked. "You shouldn't either."
Jack opened his mouth to protest but closed it instantly. No, Milton didn't plan on giving up on Jerry.
Hey wonderful! Whoa, a lot happened in this chapter. Secrets were revealed and the ending was wild. I enjoyed typing this chapter for you all. Thank you everyone for the positive feedback. It means a lot.
Special thanks to reviewers:
Maddyliza1234, thanks for the review. I'm glad that you liked the perspective of the Black Dragons. They play an important role in the story. I wanted to show everyone their side of the story as well. Aw, thanks for saying it is good. I only do the best I can each chapter. Again, I'm really glad you like it. Thanks for the support.
I wanted to thank all those reading, following, reviewing, and leaving favorites. I truly appreciate all the feedback. I truly enjoyed typing up the chapter for you. Now, there will be another update very soon, a double update. Keep a look out for the next chapter, which will be really soon. The chapter is 20% (estimated) of the way done. Thanks again everyone. You all are the best!
Until Next Chapter
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