Chapter 11

Jack lay awake in his bed and struggled to sleep. He sat there and listened to Bobby snore and watched the glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. They fascinated Jack; he'd never seen anything like them before.
He tried to ignore the million thoughts that were buzzing around in his head. All of his life Jack had been taught he was worthless, and here was a group of people trying to convince him he wasn't. It was a new concept for him and honestly was quite confusing. None of it made sense. He was always forced to listen and follow the rules his parents put in front of him; the ones that took away his freedom.
Jack shifted uncomfortably. It felt awkward to be in Bobby's bed while he slept on floor. It has always been the other way for Jack. He slept on the floor and everyone else got the beds. It was too much for him.
Jack slid out of bed and tip toed passed Bobby, trying not to wake him. He opened the door and stepped into the hallway. It was completely dark save for the small nightlight shining from the bathroom. He tiptoed down the stairs and stepped into the kitchen. The only light Jack needed was from the moon which brightly from the kitchen window. Quietly he snuck over to the cabinets and grabbed a cup. He needed water desperately. All he had to do was not get caught.
Jack was about to turn on the faucet when the kitchen light flipped on.
"What are you doing?" a voice said from behind.
Jack jumped in surprise and dropped his cup. It hit the floor and shattered into a hundred pieces. Jack whirled around to see Bobby standing there looking startled at the broken glass on the floor.
Jack instantly broke down and started to cry surprising Bobby for the second time that night. Slowly Bobby took a step toward Jack but all that did was sent Jack scooting back further. Tears ran down the boy's face like a waterfall. He looked terrified.
Bobby sat down where he was and just watched the boy as he tried to catch his breath.
"I-'m s-sorry." he stammered. "I was just... I didn't mean to... Please. Please don't hit me. I w-won't do it again." the boy as hardly breathing. "I needed water... I won't... Please don't hurt me."
What Jack said completely threw Bobby off guard. He did not expect that at all. Bobby calmed himself and waited for Jack to do so as well. It took a while but finally the kid stopped hyperventilating long enough for Bobby to say something. "Hey, Jack. Little buddy it's okay. You don't have t-"
"I won't drink any water I swear. I said I was sorry!" Jack was almost yelling now.
"Hey, Jack!" Bobby said firmly but made sure not to yell. The boy stopped crying instantly when Bobby's voice changed.
"It's alright. Is this whole fit because you think you can't have any water?"
Jack nodded. He was trembling now.
Slowly Bobby stood and walked over to Jack who squeaked in fear. Bobby put his finger to his lips and motioned for Jack to stand up. The boy hesitated but slowly stood and braced himself. Bobby looked directly into his eyes. That didn't do much because as soon as he did, Jack's eyes fell the floor. "Hey, look at me." Bobby told him. Slowly Jack's eyes met his. "Now, listen to me Jack. I'm not going to hit you." Bobby kneeled down in front of Jack so he was eye level with the small child. "I'll never hit you Jack. Not ever. Do you understand?"
Slowly Jack nodded. Bobby opened the cabinet and pulled out another cup and turned on the faucet to cold. He filled the glass to the rim and handed it to Jack. Jack hesitated and quickly tried to figure out if Bobby was tricking him.
Several times someone would offer food or drink to Jack only to pull it away at the last second and laughed. That led Jack not to trust people when it comes to food. He didn't trust anyone anyways, but that was for different reasoning.
Jack studied the kind man's face. He detected no lie. Bobby looked so innocent. Those were the ones you had to watch out for. Slowly Jack took the cup from Bobby and Bobby smiled.
"There you go kiddo!" Bobby was about to scruff Jack's hair but stopped, afraid he might freaked the kid out. "May I?" he asked. Jack again hesitated but nodded.
'What am I doing?' Jack thought as Bobby reached for his head. Jack never let ANYONE touch him. Ever!
Bobby lightly ruffled Jack's hair. "There. Now, why you run on back to bed. You need a snack?"
Jack didn't answer.
"Jack, it's okay. You can have whatever you want here okay?"
Jack gave a slight smile and nodded up at Bobby. Bobby went to the cupboard and pulled out some Pop-Tarts. "You like these Jackie?" Jack shrugged.
"You've never had these before have you?" Bobby said with a knowing voice. Jack shook his head. He handed one to Jack who took it gratefully.
He bit into it greedily and devoured it in less then thirty seconds. He picked up his cup and took a long drink.
Bobby smiled and handed Jack the box. Then he handed him his cup of water. "Now. Take these back to my, I mean, OUR, room. You can eat that whole box if you want." he said with a smile.
Jack's smile widened and he scampered back up the stairs.
Bobby smiled as he watched him go. He pulled out a broom and started to sweep up the broken glass. The phone rang, making him jump. Bobby looked at his watch. 'Who calls at fucking four-thirty in the morning?'
He quickly answered the phone before it could wake anyone up.
"Hello?"
"Bobby Mercer? This is Victor Sweet. We need to talk."

End of Chapter