Authors Note: again the Asterisk '*' followed by italics signifies a dream.
CHAPTER 4: Black Ink on A Black Sky, Where Can I Flee?
The only thing Alex was aware of when he awoke was pain accompanied by extreme discomfort. He realized that he had not relieved himself in hours. The pressure on his bladder was a pleasant solute to the agony of his leg, but he couldn't think how it would be possible for him to move to go to the bathroom. As his anguished eyes found more focus on the blurry stars above him he was aware of his uncle sitting only a few feet away. "Uncle John?" His voice was a mere croak.
"Alex, you're awake!" Jonathan's voice rang with relief.
"Uncle John, I have to go to the bathroom, can you help me?" The plight in his nephew's voice made Jonathan want to do anything for Alex.
"Well, partner...you sure as hell picked a dandy time to need that didn't you? I suppose I can try...It's going to hurt though, and I don't want to hurt you buddy..." He flinched at the thought of Alex screaming in agony.
"Please Uncle John! I am getting desperate here!"
Quickly Jonathan moved over to Alex, scooping him up into his arms then placing him firmly on his good leg. He held him with both arms around the waist, giving Alex full access to his own pants, while he waited for him to finish. Well that wasn't so bad. Jonathan thought to himself. The trouble will just come when I get him back to a lying down position. Sure enough Alex screamed when he lowered him, squeezing his uncle's neck in the process so hard that Jonathan thought he would have permanent imprints. "Sorry...I am so sorry Alex!" Jonathan mumbled.
"It's ok, let's just not try that again...alright?"
"Sure thing." Jonathan repeated heartily, more than willing to not experience that again. "What do you say to me teaching you how to play poker while we wait for you mum and dad?"
"Oh, that sounds great!" A small smile played across Alex's features as he thought of how neat it would be to learn to play poker like his uncle.
"Right, now first you have to deal the cards-"
"Oh no you don't! Don't even think about teaching my son how to play poker Jonathan!" Rick's voice burst out behind Jonathan.
"But Dad!"
"No buts Alex. That is not for you until you are older." Rick looked at his disheveled son, only compassion on his mind.
"Fine Dad!" Alex retorted, rolling his eyes.
Man, he sure has a lot of spirit even after all that's happened to him. Rick thought to himself. He deposited his weapons arsenal roughly on the ground and collapsed onto it in a heap. I am not even holding together as well as he is. He closed his eyes briefly, but then snapped them open as he felt her presence approaching him. As they had grown closer over the years he had found he could sense when Evelyn neared. She seemed as though to walk out of the flames of the wreckage like a phoenix reborn. How ironic. She was rebirthed today, and now she walks out of the fire looking more radiant than ever before. Rick found himself wanting to run up to her like a little child and engulf her in a big hug. But he refrained. His eyes did not even travel down to see what she was carrying in her arms. He was completely focused on her face and the beauty that radiated out from within.
"Here Jonathan. I got this worthless piece of junk for you...whatever motivates you to be so selfish, I suppose I will never know." She dropped the heavy gold-plated treasure wearily at his feet, collapsing on the ground next to her husband. Rick drew her into his arms and she began to sob unconditionally.
"Shhh...Shhh...Evelyn." Alex noted the use of the word 'Evelyn'. His father only used her full name when he was angry or when something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong now. He had never really seen his mother cry before. He had heard her, but he hadn't ever seen her, and something about watching her brought back memories of long ago...
*A warm reddish glow pulsed around him. The only thing audible was a faint 'bom bom, bom bom, bom bom.' He was moving forwards headfirst down a warm dark tunnel and soon he began to hear voices as well as a woman screaming over the din. Where am I? Alex thought. The walls contracted and released around him their warmth permeating his skull, making comfort out of chaos. A faint light was visible in the distance, and Alex squinted.
"Come on Evie, you can do it honey! There you go, look at you!"
"Oh, Rick, Rick! I can't. Help me!"
"Evie, come on, yes you can, make me proud Old Mum!"
Jonathan, Dad, Mum? Where am I? What's wrong with Mum? Alex was getting nervous now. All this was very familiar, but he felt so naive. Just then his head broke the end of the tunnel and he began to cry. Not knowing why, but crying still Alex shut his eyes as if seeing light for the first time.*
When he awoke the stars weren't visible; black ink had been spilled on an already darkened sky, and Alex had no where to go.
PS. Please tell me whether or not I should continue...I have lots of ideas, but can't seem to type fast enough for them all.