Chapter 8
Katie was awakened early the next morning by the sound of Jack's cheery voice.
-Good morning Katie. Beautiful day, isn't it? How'd you sleep?
She looked at him groggily.
-What time is it?
-0800. You ready to go?
She rolled back over and pulled the covers over her head.
-I'm ready to go back to sleep.
-What's the matter? 5 1/2 hours isn't enough for you?
Katie glared at him. He sighed, walked over to the bed, pulled the covers off and gently tugged her arm.
-Come on. You'll feel better once you're up and about.
-I don't think so.
-Are you always in such a good mood in the morning?
-I'm a teenager. Teenagers need their sleep.
-I'll take that as a "yes". Let's get some breakfast.
They walked down the hall to the mess. Jack got scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes and coffee. Katie just grabbed a mug of coffee and poured 5 sugar packets into it. As Katie sipped it she smiled and started to wake up. Jack laughed.
-I see you're like me in that you can't function until you've had a cup of coffee.
He held up his mug.
-This is only my third cup.
Katie's eyes widened.
-If you're this cheery after 3 cups, I'd hate to see what you're like after 5.
Jack's eyes twinkled.
-Oh, you will.
Katie groaned. He shoved the last bite of eggs into his mouth, downed the contents of his cup and stood up.
-Come on, kiddo. Let's go home.
When they got to the surface both of them shielded their eyes from the sun's reflection off the snow and simultaneously pulled out sunglasses. Katie was busy scanning the horizon and turned to ask Jack a question. When she saw his glasses she burst out laughing. Jack turned to see what she was laughing at.
-What's so funny?...Hey, what are you doing with my glasses?
-They're not your glasses, they're mine.
-Oh.
-Uh, dad, where's the car?
-The car? The car is right over...
He turned to point where they had parked the night before. The spot was empty.
-Where's the car?
-That's what I just asked?
As they were standing there trying to figure out where the car could be, a shiny green Ford-F250 came careening around the corner, screeched to a halt in front of them and honked. Two people stepped out, a very shaken Jonas Quinn and a grinning Jacob Carter.
-Jacob, did you steal my truck?
-No, I simply temporarily borrowed it. When Jonas and I got up this morning we noticed that your truck was covered with snow. I thought it would be a nice idea if we washed it for you. Jonas didn't think it was a good idea, but I was not to be persuaded. He came along to keep an eye on me and I think he's regretting that decision.
They both turned to look at Jonas who was leaning up against the truck, breathing heavily, eyes wide. Jack turned to Jacob.
-Can you even drive? Legally I mean, seeing as you're dead and all.
Jacob smiled. Jonas glared at Jacob, took a deep breath and spoke.
-No, he can't. He must've run 4 red lights on the way back and he nearly broad sided a station wagon.
Jack snatched the keys out of Jacob's hand.
-What were you thinking, Jacob?
-He wasn't thinking, Colonel.
-Yes actually I was. I was thinking that it had been a long time since I cut loose and did something wild. To you, going on a joy ride might not be that big of a deal, but to me it's loads of fun. And, I was thinking about Selmak too. As you know, Selmak has a great sense of humor. I knew he'd love it just as much as me.
Jack glared at Jacob, apparently not buying Jacob's excuse. Jacob cleared his throat.
-Uh...well...I think I better get Jonas into Dr. Fraser. See you two later.
With that he took Jonas by the arm and led him away from the truck. Jack sighed.
-Only Jacob...
-Let it go, dad. Besides, he did wash the truck.
-Yah, I guess you're right.
Katie smiled.
-So...can I drive home?
-You?
-Yah.
-You don't have a driver's license in this universe.
She rolled her eyes.
-Technically I don't exist in this universe.
-Good point.
He handed her the keys.
-Yes!!! And don't worry; I'm a much better driver than Jacob is.
