Seek and Go Hide
part eighteen
The next week passed with both Jack and Doug doing their best to out-ignore the other. Pacey bore the brunt of the fight despite the fact that neither man would actually talk about whatever had happened.
Not that it takes a genius, thought Pacey, even I can guess what probably happened. He figured Doug had gotten uptight and freaked out which made Jack feel insulted and caused him to lash out. It was the only thing that made sense considering how the two moped around town looking both pissed off and guilty. Of course if he asked them what was up, they both insisted they were totally fine and he was making something out of nothing.
Poor Dougie, he's so cut off from normal human emotions...he's like a robot trying to understand our strange unknown human ways...well it's no wonder he's a mess. And Jack, Jack's so determined not to be caught unaware and hurt again that he'd become master of the preemptive strike. And damn he could be so mean! Pacey's thoughts went in circles. He knew them both so well but he had no idea how to help either one of them. Maybe it's just a bad idea...
Pacey's cell phone rang and he quickly answered it happy to have a reason to stop thinking about his ridiculous older brother and his stubborn best friend.
"Ahoy hoy," answered Pacey cheerfully using one of his favorite Mr. Burn's expressions.
"Pacey, what are you doing?" Jack's stressed out voice reverberated loudly in Pacey's ear.
"Watching the Simpsons, coloring my hair, practicing Tai Chi and ending the conflict in the Middle East ...no wait, scratch that, I'm just watching the Simpsons." Pacey yawned and scratched his chest absentmindedly; he figured his quiet night at home was just about to come to an end. He was right.
"Listen, my car died and I had to have it towed. I need you to come pick me up."
"Pick you up? Where are you?"
"Daleman."
"What in the world are you doing out there?"
"Look can you come get me or not?" snapped Jack.
"Ok, simmer down there princess! I'll come get you. Care to tell me where exactly you are or should I just guess?"
"I'm at Franz Daleman Auto. It's on Strander Boulevard and Northeast 9th. Across from the IHOP. Is that enough info for you or should I ask what the GPS coordinates are?"
"I think I can find it. But Jack?"
"What?"
"Ice the bitchitude before I get there or you're riding in the trunk."
"Just come get me," said Jack stonily. Then he hung up.
Pacey hung up his phone and sighed. Jack was so much fun when he was like this! Pacey grabbed his keys and headed out the door.
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Jack paced around the mechanic's parking lot waiting for Pacey. The car breaking down hadn't been the first or only thing to go wrong this week but it promised to be the most inconvenient. How am I going to get to work tomorrow? Angrily, Jack kicked at the pavement; it seemed the worse his mood was the more things went wrong. Just this morning he had broken a glass into a million shards after he spilled the contents, orange juice, all over the kitchen. The juice had gotten everywhere - on his shoes, in the toaster, all down the side of the refrigerator, on the floor. He hadn't really had time to clean it up before he left for school and the thought of the sticky mess, not to mention the glass pieces awaiting him at home, infuriated him even further. In the back of his mind Jack knew that his foul mood and anger had more to do with hurt and disappointment over the situation with Doug than with the broken down car or shattered glass or anything else that had gone wrong this week. But the hurt was still so fresh and raw that he refused to really think about it. Instead he just kept fuming and pacing around the parking lot wishing that the anger would erase those other feelings.
--------
At the same time, Jen was wrapped snuggly in a blanket and laying on the couch in her apartment. She was so tired lately and she couldn't get comfortable. Suddenly she felt a sharp intense pain. She closed her eyes, held her breath and waited for it to abate. When it finally did, she told herself it was no big deal and went back to reading her book. Idly she patted her stomach and said, "Settle down sweetie. Be nice to Mommy."
--------
The next day, Friday, Jack was still in a foul mood. His car was having major issues, expensive transmission-type issues and it was going to take until at least Saturday to be fixed. He had arranged for one of his co-workers to swing by and pick him up so they could carpool. But of course, in his hurry to leave the house he had forgotten a few things. It wasn't until he got to school that he realized he'd left his cell phone, his lunch and most of the graded quizzes his students had turned in on Tuesday at home. Jack was definitely felt like he just couldn't win this week. So when Ms. Doughty and Mrs. Mulligan suggested happy hour at the Big Ace Saloon he was only too happy to agree.
Mrs. Mulligan dropped him off at home around 8:30pm and Jack was more or less drunk. Shoulda had lunch, he thought as he scrounged around in the still sticky kitchen for something to eat. There wasn't much to choose from, he had to settle for some beef jerky and a frozen waffle. While he waited for the waffle to pop out of the toaster he saw his cell phone on the counter. It was next to his lunch and on top of the pile of papers he had forgotten. Happily he dug into the sack lunch. As he munched on the chips he noticed that the phone display said he had some messages.
The first one was from the mechanic.
His plan, such that it was, was to run over to the Ice House, borrow Pacey's car and haul ass to NYC. If Pacey wasn't there...well Jack refused to consider that prospect. In his head he tried to compute how long it would take to get there. If I can go 70 miles an hour the whole way there it'll take...still nearly four hours. 85 means just over 3 hours...I think...ok, then I'll go 90...that's cool. It's fast but it's cool.
When he got to the Ice House, the place was packed. Jack ran in and almost plowed down the hostess but he didn't bother to stop. He headed for the bar knowing that that was where Pacey was most Friday nights unless one of the chefs called in sick.
But Pacey wasn't there, Seth was. "What's up Mr. McPhee? You look..." Seth searched for the right polite word. The truth was, Jack looked distressed and almost hysterical - he was sweaty, his hair was a mess and his eyes had a wide look of pie-eyed panic. Seth had been bartending long enough to recognize that look but he was still too polite to comment on it.
Luckily Jack wasn't listening, "Where's Pacey?" he barked loudly enough for a few patron to turn around to see what was going on.
"Mr. Witter took the night off."
"Pacey never takes Fridays off!" snapped Jack as he glared around the room half expecting to see Pacey somewhere in the back thinking this was funny.
"Well," said Seth calmly and with a kind smile, "he had a date with Miss Elena. She's leaving for Phoenix tomorrow I hear. Can I get you a glass of water?"
"Do you know where he was going? Where he went?" Jack felt like crying - if he couldn't find Pacey what was he going to do? The memory of Jen's voice came back to him, Jack! I need you here...
"No sir, 'fraid I don't..."
"Well that's just great! Super! Terrific!" hollered a frustrated Jack. Seth looked startled and wondered what he was supposed to do.
"What's the problem here?" A calm, stern voice caused Jack to spin around. It was Doug. Jack didn't know whether to hug him or punch him in the nose.
Seeing Jack's disheveled appearance and distraught face caused Doug's heart to leap into his throat, "What's wrong Jack? What is it?" His care and concern were written all over his face. Jack barely noticed.
"It's Jen. Can I borrow your car?"
--------
part eighteen
The next week passed with both Jack and Doug doing their best to out-ignore the other. Pacey bore the brunt of the fight despite the fact that neither man would actually talk about whatever had happened.
Not that it takes a genius, thought Pacey, even I can guess what probably happened. He figured Doug had gotten uptight and freaked out which made Jack feel insulted and caused him to lash out. It was the only thing that made sense considering how the two moped around town looking both pissed off and guilty. Of course if he asked them what was up, they both insisted they were totally fine and he was making something out of nothing.
Poor Dougie, he's so cut off from normal human emotions...he's like a robot trying to understand our strange unknown human ways...well it's no wonder he's a mess. And Jack, Jack's so determined not to be caught unaware and hurt again that he'd become master of the preemptive strike. And damn he could be so mean! Pacey's thoughts went in circles. He knew them both so well but he had no idea how to help either one of them. Maybe it's just a bad idea...
Pacey's cell phone rang and he quickly answered it happy to have a reason to stop thinking about his ridiculous older brother and his stubborn best friend.
"Ahoy hoy," answered Pacey cheerfully using one of his favorite Mr. Burn's expressions.
"Pacey, what are you doing?" Jack's stressed out voice reverberated loudly in Pacey's ear.
"Watching the Simpsons, coloring my hair, practicing Tai Chi and ending the conflict in the Middle East ...no wait, scratch that, I'm just watching the Simpsons." Pacey yawned and scratched his chest absentmindedly; he figured his quiet night at home was just about to come to an end. He was right.
"Listen, my car died and I had to have it towed. I need you to come pick me up."
"Pick you up? Where are you?"
"Daleman."
"What in the world are you doing out there?"
"Look can you come get me or not?" snapped Jack.
"Ok, simmer down there princess! I'll come get you. Care to tell me where exactly you are or should I just guess?"
"I'm at Franz Daleman Auto. It's on Strander Boulevard and Northeast 9th. Across from the IHOP. Is that enough info for you or should I ask what the GPS coordinates are?"
"I think I can find it. But Jack?"
"What?"
"Ice the bitchitude before I get there or you're riding in the trunk."
"Just come get me," said Jack stonily. Then he hung up.
Pacey hung up his phone and sighed. Jack was so much fun when he was like this! Pacey grabbed his keys and headed out the door.
--------
Jack paced around the mechanic's parking lot waiting for Pacey. The car breaking down hadn't been the first or only thing to go wrong this week but it promised to be the most inconvenient. How am I going to get to work tomorrow? Angrily, Jack kicked at the pavement; it seemed the worse his mood was the more things went wrong. Just this morning he had broken a glass into a million shards after he spilled the contents, orange juice, all over the kitchen. The juice had gotten everywhere - on his shoes, in the toaster, all down the side of the refrigerator, on the floor. He hadn't really had time to clean it up before he left for school and the thought of the sticky mess, not to mention the glass pieces awaiting him at home, infuriated him even further. In the back of his mind Jack knew that his foul mood and anger had more to do with hurt and disappointment over the situation with Doug than with the broken down car or shattered glass or anything else that had gone wrong this week. But the hurt was still so fresh and raw that he refused to really think about it. Instead he just kept fuming and pacing around the parking lot wishing that the anger would erase those other feelings.
--------
At the same time, Jen was wrapped snuggly in a blanket and laying on the couch in her apartment. She was so tired lately and she couldn't get comfortable. Suddenly she felt a sharp intense pain. She closed her eyes, held her breath and waited for it to abate. When it finally did, she told herself it was no big deal and went back to reading her book. Idly she patted her stomach and said, "Settle down sweetie. Be nice to Mommy."
--------
The next day, Friday, Jack was still in a foul mood. His car was having major issues, expensive transmission-type issues and it was going to take until at least Saturday to be fixed. He had arranged for one of his co-workers to swing by and pick him up so they could carpool. But of course, in his hurry to leave the house he had forgotten a few things. It wasn't until he got to school that he realized he'd left his cell phone, his lunch and most of the graded quizzes his students had turned in on Tuesday at home. Jack was definitely felt like he just couldn't win this week. So when Ms. Doughty and Mrs. Mulligan suggested happy hour at the Big Ace Saloon he was only too happy to agree.
Mrs. Mulligan dropped him off at home around 8:30pm and Jack was more or less drunk. Shoulda had lunch, he thought as he scrounged around in the still sticky kitchen for something to eat. There wasn't much to choose from, he had to settle for some beef jerky and a frozen waffle. While he waited for the waffle to pop out of the toaster he saw his cell phone on the counter. It was next to his lunch and on top of the pile of papers he had forgotten. Happily he dug into the sack lunch. As he munched on the chips he noticed that the phone display said he had some messages.
The first one was from the mechanic.
Mr. McPhee, Lyle Armatrading here from Franz Daleman Auto. Got some bad news 'bout your car I'm 'fraid. Gotta order some parts that we won't get in for a few days...I'm thinking better not plan on the car being ready until Monday or Tuesday. Give me a call back 555-6674.Jack swore under his breath at the inconvenience but he didn't have long to think about it. The next message was from Grams.
Jack dear, Jennifer's gone into labor, apparently it started last night but she ignored it thinking it couldn't possibly be the baby. Well, we're off to the hospital now. Call me when you get a moment. We know you're in school dear so don't worry. The baby won't be here any time soon. Of course, I can't tell Jennifer that, she's already hollering for an epidural.Her voice was calm with just a hint of laughter in it. The next message was also from Grams, this time her calm manner seemed a little forced.
Hello Jack dear. Now everything's fine but I do wish you'd call. Jennifer's been asking for you. The doctors say we've got a long haul ahead of us. Please call Jack.The fourth and final message was from Jen. Jack listened to it as he raced around the room frantically looking for his shoes, his wallet, his keys....his keys...the car...shit!
Jack! Where are you? I can't believe that I am here and you are not! I DEMAND that you and Grams act out scenes from Moulin Rouge for me! Why are you not here yet? You better be on your way mister! Owwwwwwwwww! Ohhhhhh! Dammit Jack! I need you here so get your ass here prontoooooOOOOOOOhhhhh! Grams get the doctor - there has got to be some sort of pharmaceutical reprieve for this!Jack was just about to run out the door with Jen hollering in his ear, when he smelled smoke. Swearing he dashed into the kitchen to find the toaster belching smoke and even a tiny flame or two. He dropped the cell phone on the counter and quickly unplugged the toaster. Frantically he looked around the kitchen wondered what the best course of action was. He rummaged through a drawer and grabbed a pair of barbeque tongs. Gingerly he fished out the blackened, still smoking waffle out and threw it in the sink. He ran some water in the sink and tried to fan the smoke away. Satisfied that the fire was out, Jack sprinted out the front door and toward town.
His plan, such that it was, was to run over to the Ice House, borrow Pacey's car and haul ass to NYC. If Pacey wasn't there...well Jack refused to consider that prospect. In his head he tried to compute how long it would take to get there. If I can go 70 miles an hour the whole way there it'll take...still nearly four hours. 85 means just over 3 hours...I think...ok, then I'll go 90...that's cool. It's fast but it's cool.
When he got to the Ice House, the place was packed. Jack ran in and almost plowed down the hostess but he didn't bother to stop. He headed for the bar knowing that that was where Pacey was most Friday nights unless one of the chefs called in sick.
But Pacey wasn't there, Seth was. "What's up Mr. McPhee? You look..." Seth searched for the right polite word. The truth was, Jack looked distressed and almost hysterical - he was sweaty, his hair was a mess and his eyes had a wide look of pie-eyed panic. Seth had been bartending long enough to recognize that look but he was still too polite to comment on it.
Luckily Jack wasn't listening, "Where's Pacey?" he barked loudly enough for a few patron to turn around to see what was going on.
"Mr. Witter took the night off."
"Pacey never takes Fridays off!" snapped Jack as he glared around the room half expecting to see Pacey somewhere in the back thinking this was funny.
"Well," said Seth calmly and with a kind smile, "he had a date with Miss Elena. She's leaving for Phoenix tomorrow I hear. Can I get you a glass of water?"
"Do you know where he was going? Where he went?" Jack felt like crying - if he couldn't find Pacey what was he going to do? The memory of Jen's voice came back to him, Jack! I need you here...
"No sir, 'fraid I don't..."
"Well that's just great! Super! Terrific!" hollered a frustrated Jack. Seth looked startled and wondered what he was supposed to do.
"What's the problem here?" A calm, stern voice caused Jack to spin around. It was Doug. Jack didn't know whether to hug him or punch him in the nose.
Seeing Jack's disheveled appearance and distraught face caused Doug's heart to leap into his throat, "What's wrong Jack? What is it?" His care and concern were written all over his face. Jack barely noticed.
"It's Jen. Can I borrow your car?"
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Lightning crashes, a new mother cries
Her placenta falls to the floor
The angel opens her eyes
The confusion sets in
Before the doctor can even close the door
Lightning crashes, an old mother dies
Her intentions fall to the floor
The angel closes her eyes
The confusion that was hers
Belongs now, to the baby down the hall
Oh now feel it comin' back again
Like a rollin' thunder chasing the wind
Forces pullin' from the center of the earth again
I can feel it.
Lightning crashes, a new mother cries
This moment she's been waiting for
The angel opens her eyes
Pale blue colored iris, presents the circle
And puts the glory out to hide, hide
Lightning Crashes
by Live
Her placenta falls to the floor
The angel opens her eyes
The confusion sets in
Before the doctor can even close the door
Lightning crashes, an old mother dies
Her intentions fall to the floor
The angel closes her eyes
The confusion that was hers
Belongs now, to the baby down the hall
Oh now feel it comin' back again
Like a rollin' thunder chasing the wind
Forces pullin' from the center of the earth again
I can feel it.
Lightning crashes, a new mother cries
This moment she's been waiting for
The angel opens her eyes
Pale blue colored iris, presents the circle
And puts the glory out to hide, hide
Lightning Crashes
by Live
Well, if anyone is still reading, I thank you for your patience and promise
that chapter 19 will be up sometime this week. Also, there shouldn't be any more
ridiculously (stupid) long delays between updates so don't give up on me!