Chapter 4 - Off to Michigan

I tried to include a flashback, since this situation might warrant one, but I ran in to "writer's block" while trying to write it. Sorry it's not longer or more detailed. However, I have included the real name of Mrs. Rocket--special thanks to Scott, who saw "Island of the Menehune" at a California film festival.

The first part is two flashbacks--a flashback of Otto after Mrs. Rocket's death and a flashback about Mrs. Rocket herself.

======================

The word cancer hit Otto like a hockey puck traveling at full speed right for his face. He didn't need to hear anything more; experience told him this was serious.

How could this be happening? He had already lost someone else close to him to cancer: Mrs. Danielle Rocket, known better to him as "Mom." Although she had died when he was just 3, he could never forget the feeling when his mother never came home that one day. He would cry almost every night, hoping that his mother would come in like she used to and comfort him. Sadly, she never came back. At first, Ray told him that Dani had gone away for a long time, but later on he knew that the truth had to come out. Otto finally found the truth on Mother's Day one year when he asked Ray why Mom wasn't back. That night, Ray sat down with Otto and Reggie, pulling out a box filled with old pictures and mementos of his deceased wife. Ray told Otto the truth (Reggie, who was older than Otto when Dani died, already knew) and showed them what she was like.

------------------------------------

BEGIN FLASHBACK

A year after Otto was born, Dani was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although she tried to hide it from the kids and tried to maintain a normal life, her condition began to deteriorate. The chemotherapy and surgeries drained the energy out of her. She finally became confined to her bed and was admitted to the hospital a week before she died. Those 7 days were very hard for Ray as he watched the love of his life slip away from him. She finally went in peace one beautiful afternoon. Reggie was told the truth immediately and she was devastated. Otto was wondering why Reggie was crying so much, but Ray had told him that she simply missed Dani, just like he did.

END FLASHBACK

When both children began to cry, Ray hugged them, rocking them back and forth. He promised that he would always be there for them and that their mom, watching them from above, would be there as well.

-------------------------------------

Otto walked up to his sister. He knew who she was crying for. All the memories had come back to her.

As he hugged her, he said, "I'm sorry, Reggie. I can't imagine how hard Mom's death was for you."

Between sniffles, Reggie replied, "I'm sorry that you never got to know her. I feel really bad for Amy,"

Otto added, "Me too. I need to do something, but I don't know what." He thought for a few minutes. To help, he picked the letter up again and re-read it.

Dear Otto,

I am sorry that my handwriting is so bad. The truth is, Otto, I was diagnosed with leukemia over a year ago. They've been trying to treat it but I don't think it's working. It's terrible, Otto. I've lost my hair and I feel sick all the time. I can't even go to school; not only would I be too tired, but everyone stares at me like I'm weird. Some people try to be nice but they treat me differently even if they don't mean it.

The smeared ink and crinkled blotches of paper made it evident that she had been crying.

I'm so scared and lonely. The doctors don't know how much more time I'll have. They said I could get a bone marrow transplant, but nobody in my family is a match. I'm so sorry you have to see this again, after what happened to your mom. The only thing I know is that when I do go, I'll be with both our moms. I'm getting really tired so I don't think I can write any more.

Amy

Suddenly, Otto knew what he had to do. He ran out of Reggie's door, out the door, and to the Shore Shack. He could not remember ever having run so quickly. He must have made it there in record time. Ray knew something was wrong when Otto ran in so quickly, without anybody else in tow.

"What's going on?" Ray asked in a concerned tone.

Tears returned to Otto's eyes as he explained what was happening and showed his dad the letter. "I want to go see her before anything else happens to her," he added.

"You? Go to Michigan? By yourself?" Ray wasn't so sure he wanted his son traveling solo to a strange place. What if something happened to him? Ray knew he would never be able to forgive himself.

"I'll be with Amy and her dad. Besides, I'm 13 years old. I'm responsible."

Ray thought for a minute. Amy had meant a lot to him when she was living in Ocean Shores. Also, he knew he'd never hear the last of it if he didn't go and she---.

"OK, Otto. But you and I have to go do some shopping."

-------------------------------

Ray took Otto to the local electronics store and bought him a prepaid cell phone. "Use this if you are in a bad situation and can't find anywhere else to make a call." He also found a prepaid debit card for Otto so he wouldn't have to carry large amounts of cash. Otto thought Ray was being slightly overprotective by buying this stuff, but he understood his father's concern.

Otto also needed to make sure that he was able to stay with Amy. Thankfully, she had given him her IM address in her second letter. He went on and found her.

OSSk8terBoi: Amy? It's me, Otto.

After what seemed like an eternity, he got a reply.

MIStarGirl: Otto? It's so good to talk to you.

OSSk8terBoi: I'm on Spring Break this week and I really want to come and see you. Is it OK with your dad?

MIStarGirl: I'm not sure. He's going to be in and out next week. I'll check tho.

She found her father and asked. He was surprised to hear Otto's name again. At first, he wasn't sure if he wanted to have guests when he wasn't around. Then again, he thought it would be better that someone be around for Amy while he was at work. She rarely had any visitors other than her one good friend and the lady from the hospice program. He gave his approval and Amy got back to the computer as fast as she could.

MIStarGirl: Yeah. I'm really excited that you're coming.

OSSk8terBoi: Me 2. I'm leaving Sunday and will be there in the afternoon. See u then.

-----------------------------

Finally, the big day arrived. Ray and the gang drove Otto to the airport and said good-bye right before he entered security.

"Good bye Otto. Have a safe trip." Ray stated as he hugged his son. Then, on a thought, he added "Do you know where you're going when you land?"

"Yeah, Dad. I've been over it with you a dozen times already!" He was getting a little irritated at his father for not trusting his teenage son.

Reggie then took her turn. "Good luck, Rocket Boy. Say hi to Amy for me."

Twister cut in, "Me too."

The four teens then did their "woogie-woogie" handshake, and with that, Otto left.

-----------------------------

Otto didn't know how he would be able to contain himself for the 4 hour flight, especially with the confining seats in coach (Ray insisted on a nonstop flight for his son although it cost a lot more). He decided to just listen to his CDs and try to rest; he would be arriving where the time was three hours ahead.

When the plane finally landed in Detroit, he gathered his luggage and went out to the pick-up area. Amy's father was waiting for him. Although he had a sign that said "Otto" on it, the boy had no problem recognizing him. They got Otto's luggage in to the car and headed out of the airport and on to the Interstate toward Flat Rock, where Amy now called home.

====================

I know that in the original story, Otto just skateboarded out of the airport, but I didn't think that was possible. Having driven through Detroit before, I remember that the airport is accessed from the Interstate, so I doubt Otto would have been able to skate from there. Sorry for deviating from the original story.

By the way, thanks to Scott (aka salsipuedes--the same guy who saw the new RP movie in California) for the idea about the IM chat.