Chapter 2
Getting There
I looked out the ceiling to floor windows in the airport at the plane that would take me to the ranch in Colorado. The plane that was to take us was Mr. Wayne's private jet. It would fly us to Denver, Colorado and then we would have to drive to Lamar, Colorado where the ranch was.
"Terry, it's time to go." Said Dr.Colman.
I nodded and picked up my bag. Turning to Matt and Mom I said goodbye before walking onto the plane. Sitting in one of the many seats on the plane I got out my CD player. It was going to be a long flight. Opening my CD case I flipped through it trying to find something to listen to. I finally picked my Hoobastank CD. Max had always asked me how I could listen to something so old but I liked it. It helped me relax and god did I need to relax. After putting on the headphones and pressing play. The music flooded my ears as the guitar became my only focus.
I will dedicate
And sacrifice my everything for just a second's worth
Of how my story's ending
And I wish I could know if the directions that I take
And all the choices that I make won't end up all for nothing
I breathed deeper as the music consumed me. Taking me away from this hell I was in. Away from the numbness that had begun to creep up on the edges of my soul.
Show me what it's for
Make me understand it
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
My muscles that had been taunt for so long finally relaxed. The pounding in my head began to lessen. Slowly my body gave way to illusions.
Help me carry on
Assure me it's ok to use my heart and not my eyes
To navigate the darkness
Will the ending be ever coming suddenly?
Will I ever get to see the ending to my story?
Show me what it's for
Make me understand it
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
So when and how will I know?
How much further do I have to go?
How much longer until I finally know?
Because I'm looking and I just can't see what's in front of me
In front of me
The world had gone away. Reality had exiled me for that moment and I was no longer bond by its laws
Show me what it's for
Make me understand it
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Someone was pulling me from my world of illusions. Away from the comfort of things not real. Back to the hell of reality. My eyes opened to see Mr. Wayne. Wait a minute Mr. Wayne?
"What are you doing here?" I asked him confused.
"I came along for moral support." He replied. "Come on we're here."
I looked out the window to my left to see that we had indeed landed. I stuffed my things back in my bag before I stood and followed the old man off the plane. We walked out of the airport a little while later after having gone through the security and all that. Dr.Colman led us to a rather large silver F350 Ford pickup truck. I threw mine and Mr. Wayne's stuff into the back before I helped Mr. Wayne climb inside. After I got inside and shut the door the doctor revved the engine and we left the airport in our wake. The airport was at the edge of town, so it wasn't long before there was no sign of life but the vultures that swarmed the sky looking for some dead cow to feed on. I watched the treeless landscape pass by as we zoomed down the interstate. It was supposedly a four hour drive from Denver to Lamar. It was going to be a long ride. Not to mention the way the road was bumping I couldn't slip into my illusion world. What idiots did they higher to pave these roads? A sigh escaped my lips. It was DEFINETLY going to be a long ride.
"Hey Terry. There's my ranch up ahead on the left." Dr.Colman informed me after the four hour drive was finally coming to an end.
Looking out the window of the car I saw what looked to be a mansion in this deserted place. I couldn't see much only the outline because we were so far away. As we got closer things became clearer and I could see that it was as big as I had originally thought. Yes the house was big but it was only two stories tall. There was another building to the right of the house but I couldn't make out what it was. To the left there were stables and a fenced in part where some kids were riding. One caught my eye. A large black horse was making jumps near the fence. Though it wasn't the horse that had caught my eye. It was the rider. The girl riding the black mare was beautiful. Her long white hair shown in the sun like fresh snow. The way she rode gave off an air of astounding grace. She looked towards the road seeing the truck she turned the horse galloping toward the fence. The horse jumped the fence with ease. They galloped after the truck and caught up with it quickly. The girl raced along side us as we drove down the road.
Dr.Colman laughed. "How many times have I told that girl not to race that horse like that?"
He honked the horn loud at her. She stuck her tongue out childishly but slowed her horse down and we left her in a cloud of dust.
We reached the house a couple of minutes later. I climbed out of the truck. Thankful to be able to stand and stretch after sitting down for so long. Dr.Colman helped Mr. Wayne out of the truck while I climbed onto the back to retrieve our bags.
"So who was that girl?" I asked the doctor as I threw one of the bags down to him.
"Ask her yourself. Here she comes." He nodded behind me.
I looked and indeed there she was trotting up on her horse. She came right up next to the truck before she stopped.
"What Dr.Cole to afraid to race me and BB?" she said patting the horse's neck.
"No I'm afraid you're going to kill that horse doing that. Just because his name is Black Bullet doesn't mean he can go as fast as bullet."
She just shrugged her strong shoulders. Turning her head she looked at me. Her eyes stared at me and I almost lost myself in those gorgeous green eyes. She smiled and then said, "You must be new here. I'm Faye Fortier."
"Terry McGinnis." I said returning her smile.
"Terry will be staying with us for awhile." Said Dr.Colman. "Now Faye take that horse back to the stables and give him some water. It's almost time for dinner."
Dinner? I wasn't hungry. I just wanted to lie down and sleep. It had been a long day. I came out of my thoughts and saw that Faye had already gone. I finished unloading the bags and jumped down from the bed of the truck.
"Follow me and I'll show you to your rooms. You'll have time to settle in before dinner."
Dr.Colman picked up Mr. Wayne's bags and started for the house. I grabbed my own bags and followed him. As I followed the doctor through the door to the house I automatically got that sweet southern comfort feeling that you see in a lot of southern homes. I could see the living room to my left. The walls were painted a light yellow. They were covered with pictures and various country things. There was a fire place with a couch, a recliner, and a rather comfy looking rocking chair making a horse shoe around it.
We started up the stairs and the walls were lined with pictures of kids of all ages. Dr.Colman explained that they were pictures of every kid that had been there.
"You'll be up there soon enough." He added.
He continued up the stairs and then turned to his left at the top. Stopping at a door near the stairs he pushed it open to reveal an asian inspired room. The walls were a battleship gray color and had several asian paintings on the walls. There were two beds and they both had black and white bedding. There was two of everything. Two nightstands, two closets, two dressers, and two desks. They both had laptop computers and phones. There was a door to the left that led to a bathroom.
"Wow." I murmered.
"Glad you like it. I read your file and figured you would like this one. Johnny sure did when he first came here." Said Dr.Colman as I started into the room.
"Johnny?"
"Yes, Johnny Black. He'll be your roommate. Everyone who lives here has a roommate. Every room has its own bathroom. As well as its own theme. The decorator was very good."
I nodded. Walking towards the bed I flopped down on it and sighed. It was a very comfy bed. Hell I could have slept on a rock as tired as I was.
Mr.Wayne chuckled. "Jet Lag? Come on you can sleep after dinner."
I shook my head and my voice was muffled by the pillow as I said no.
"Come on Terry. Stumpy is making Beefalo brisket, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and sausage gravy." Said Dr.Colman.
"Beefalo?" I said raising my head. "What's that?"
"Come to dinner and find out." He said smiling at me.
I snorted but got up anyway. We headed downstairs and wonderful smells wafted to my nose. My mouth began to water. I couldn't wait to taste some down home southern cooking.
We entered the dining room and I was surprised to see all the kids the surrounded the table. Only three seats were left.
"Everyone this is Terry." Dr.Colman said as the group of kids all stared at me. Some smiling. Some with questioning looks. "He's going to be staying with us. I know you will all make him feel welcome. That means no bats in his room,Eric. I don't think Johnny would appreciate it either."
A boy with blue spiked hair snapped his fingers in mock disappointment.
"Don't worry Doc I love bats." I said smiling at the boy they called Eric. He smiled back.
Mr.Wayne chuckled.
"Right. Anyway. Terry why don't you sit between Faye and Johnny." Said Dr.Colman as he and Mr.Wayne sat down.
I walked down to the other end of the table and sat next to the white haired beauty from earlier.
"Johnny Black. Guess you're my roommate now." Said the dude on the other side of me. His hair was black hair was slicked back and streaked with blood red. His piercing eyes were an icy green.
"Terry McGinnis. Guess so."
Johnny opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Dr.Colman. "Stumpy! Come on. We're hungry."
"Alright, Alright. I'm coming. Hold your horses." Someone yelled from the kitchen.
Out walked an old bolegged man straight from an old western movie. He was bald with a shaggy white beard. He hobbled his way into the room carrying to large plates of meat. He set them down on each end of the table before turning to Faye.
"Faye, go and get the mashed potatoes."
She nodded standing to go retrieve the food. Coming back with two large steamy bowls of fluffy white mashed potatoes. Stumpy was right behind her with the green beans. After they set them down, they headed back to the kitchen and returned with the biscuits and gravy.
Faye sat back down and Stumpy walked back into the kitchen. The second the bolegged man hobbled through the door. Everyone dug into the food. They all grabbed as much as they could fit onto their plates. After everyone had gotten what they wanted. It seemed to settle down. Terry tasted the meat and found it delisious. He tried everything else to find it just as tasty.
"So Terry. Where you from?" asked Johnny. Grabbing another biscuit from the basket in the middle of the table.
"Gotham." I said simply.
"So we got ourselves a big city boy do we." Said Faye.
"Oh shut up Faye you're from the city too." Said Johnny.
"Yea but I didn't live in a big city like Gotham." Replied Faye.
"Where are you from?" I asked interrupting this little argument before it got out of hand.
"Oceanside." She replied.
"A Cali girl huh? Shway.(A/N. is that how u spell that? Cause I have no idea.)"
She looked at me surprised.
"What?"
"You're the first person to actually know where Oceanside is."
"I got stuck in Oceanside a couple of years ago. I was on my way to visit some family when my car broke down. Had to stay a like a week while my car was fixed."
We continued to talk until dinner was over. On various things but mostly the talk was centered around me. Which I found strange but I didn't say anything about it.
We left the dining room a little while after Stumpy served the desert. It was cherry pie. My favorite. It was the best cherry pie I had ever had. We walked up the stairs and I was about to follow Johnny into the room when a voice called to my left.
"What's the matter Terry cant say goodnight?"
I looked to see Faye leaning on the door frame of the room next to mine.
"Good Night Faye."
"Nighty Night Terry."
I watched as she turned her back on me and walked into her room before I walked into mine.
Getting There
I looked out the ceiling to floor windows in the airport at the plane that would take me to the ranch in Colorado. The plane that was to take us was Mr. Wayne's private jet. It would fly us to Denver, Colorado and then we would have to drive to Lamar, Colorado where the ranch was.
"Terry, it's time to go." Said Dr.Colman.
I nodded and picked up my bag. Turning to Matt and Mom I said goodbye before walking onto the plane. Sitting in one of the many seats on the plane I got out my CD player. It was going to be a long flight. Opening my CD case I flipped through it trying to find something to listen to. I finally picked my Hoobastank CD. Max had always asked me how I could listen to something so old but I liked it. It helped me relax and god did I need to relax. After putting on the headphones and pressing play. The music flooded my ears as the guitar became my only focus.
I will dedicate
And sacrifice my everything for just a second's worth
Of how my story's ending
And I wish I could know if the directions that I take
And all the choices that I make won't end up all for nothing
I breathed deeper as the music consumed me. Taking me away from this hell I was in. Away from the numbness that had begun to creep up on the edges of my soul.
Show me what it's for
Make me understand it
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
My muscles that had been taunt for so long finally relaxed. The pounding in my head began to lessen. Slowly my body gave way to illusions.
Help me carry on
Assure me it's ok to use my heart and not my eyes
To navigate the darkness
Will the ending be ever coming suddenly?
Will I ever get to see the ending to my story?
Show me what it's for
Make me understand it
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
So when and how will I know?
How much further do I have to go?
How much longer until I finally know?
Because I'm looking and I just can't see what's in front of me
In front of me
The world had gone away. Reality had exiled me for that moment and I was no longer bond by its laws
Show me what it's for
Make me understand it
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark looking for the answer
Someone was pulling me from my world of illusions. Away from the comfort of things not real. Back to the hell of reality. My eyes opened to see Mr. Wayne. Wait a minute Mr. Wayne?
"What are you doing here?" I asked him confused.
"I came along for moral support." He replied. "Come on we're here."
I looked out the window to my left to see that we had indeed landed. I stuffed my things back in my bag before I stood and followed the old man off the plane. We walked out of the airport a little while later after having gone through the security and all that. Dr.Colman led us to a rather large silver F350 Ford pickup truck. I threw mine and Mr. Wayne's stuff into the back before I helped Mr. Wayne climb inside. After I got inside and shut the door the doctor revved the engine and we left the airport in our wake. The airport was at the edge of town, so it wasn't long before there was no sign of life but the vultures that swarmed the sky looking for some dead cow to feed on. I watched the treeless landscape pass by as we zoomed down the interstate. It was supposedly a four hour drive from Denver to Lamar. It was going to be a long ride. Not to mention the way the road was bumping I couldn't slip into my illusion world. What idiots did they higher to pave these roads? A sigh escaped my lips. It was DEFINETLY going to be a long ride.
"Hey Terry. There's my ranch up ahead on the left." Dr.Colman informed me after the four hour drive was finally coming to an end.
Looking out the window of the car I saw what looked to be a mansion in this deserted place. I couldn't see much only the outline because we were so far away. As we got closer things became clearer and I could see that it was as big as I had originally thought. Yes the house was big but it was only two stories tall. There was another building to the right of the house but I couldn't make out what it was. To the left there were stables and a fenced in part where some kids were riding. One caught my eye. A large black horse was making jumps near the fence. Though it wasn't the horse that had caught my eye. It was the rider. The girl riding the black mare was beautiful. Her long white hair shown in the sun like fresh snow. The way she rode gave off an air of astounding grace. She looked towards the road seeing the truck she turned the horse galloping toward the fence. The horse jumped the fence with ease. They galloped after the truck and caught up with it quickly. The girl raced along side us as we drove down the road.
Dr.Colman laughed. "How many times have I told that girl not to race that horse like that?"
He honked the horn loud at her. She stuck her tongue out childishly but slowed her horse down and we left her in a cloud of dust.
We reached the house a couple of minutes later. I climbed out of the truck. Thankful to be able to stand and stretch after sitting down for so long. Dr.Colman helped Mr. Wayne out of the truck while I climbed onto the back to retrieve our bags.
"So who was that girl?" I asked the doctor as I threw one of the bags down to him.
"Ask her yourself. Here she comes." He nodded behind me.
I looked and indeed there she was trotting up on her horse. She came right up next to the truck before she stopped.
"What Dr.Cole to afraid to race me and BB?" she said patting the horse's neck.
"No I'm afraid you're going to kill that horse doing that. Just because his name is Black Bullet doesn't mean he can go as fast as bullet."
She just shrugged her strong shoulders. Turning her head she looked at me. Her eyes stared at me and I almost lost myself in those gorgeous green eyes. She smiled and then said, "You must be new here. I'm Faye Fortier."
"Terry McGinnis." I said returning her smile.
"Terry will be staying with us for awhile." Said Dr.Colman. "Now Faye take that horse back to the stables and give him some water. It's almost time for dinner."
Dinner? I wasn't hungry. I just wanted to lie down and sleep. It had been a long day. I came out of my thoughts and saw that Faye had already gone. I finished unloading the bags and jumped down from the bed of the truck.
"Follow me and I'll show you to your rooms. You'll have time to settle in before dinner."
Dr.Colman picked up Mr. Wayne's bags and started for the house. I grabbed my own bags and followed him. As I followed the doctor through the door to the house I automatically got that sweet southern comfort feeling that you see in a lot of southern homes. I could see the living room to my left. The walls were painted a light yellow. They were covered with pictures and various country things. There was a fire place with a couch, a recliner, and a rather comfy looking rocking chair making a horse shoe around it.
We started up the stairs and the walls were lined with pictures of kids of all ages. Dr.Colman explained that they were pictures of every kid that had been there.
"You'll be up there soon enough." He added.
He continued up the stairs and then turned to his left at the top. Stopping at a door near the stairs he pushed it open to reveal an asian inspired room. The walls were a battleship gray color and had several asian paintings on the walls. There were two beds and they both had black and white bedding. There was two of everything. Two nightstands, two closets, two dressers, and two desks. They both had laptop computers and phones. There was a door to the left that led to a bathroom.
"Wow." I murmered.
"Glad you like it. I read your file and figured you would like this one. Johnny sure did when he first came here." Said Dr.Colman as I started into the room.
"Johnny?"
"Yes, Johnny Black. He'll be your roommate. Everyone who lives here has a roommate. Every room has its own bathroom. As well as its own theme. The decorator was very good."
I nodded. Walking towards the bed I flopped down on it and sighed. It was a very comfy bed. Hell I could have slept on a rock as tired as I was.
Mr.Wayne chuckled. "Jet Lag? Come on you can sleep after dinner."
I shook my head and my voice was muffled by the pillow as I said no.
"Come on Terry. Stumpy is making Beefalo brisket, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and sausage gravy." Said Dr.Colman.
"Beefalo?" I said raising my head. "What's that?"
"Come to dinner and find out." He said smiling at me.
I snorted but got up anyway. We headed downstairs and wonderful smells wafted to my nose. My mouth began to water. I couldn't wait to taste some down home southern cooking.
We entered the dining room and I was surprised to see all the kids the surrounded the table. Only three seats were left.
"Everyone this is Terry." Dr.Colman said as the group of kids all stared at me. Some smiling. Some with questioning looks. "He's going to be staying with us. I know you will all make him feel welcome. That means no bats in his room,Eric. I don't think Johnny would appreciate it either."
A boy with blue spiked hair snapped his fingers in mock disappointment.
"Don't worry Doc I love bats." I said smiling at the boy they called Eric. He smiled back.
Mr.Wayne chuckled.
"Right. Anyway. Terry why don't you sit between Faye and Johnny." Said Dr.Colman as he and Mr.Wayne sat down.
I walked down to the other end of the table and sat next to the white haired beauty from earlier.
"Johnny Black. Guess you're my roommate now." Said the dude on the other side of me. His hair was black hair was slicked back and streaked with blood red. His piercing eyes were an icy green.
"Terry McGinnis. Guess so."
Johnny opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Dr.Colman. "Stumpy! Come on. We're hungry."
"Alright, Alright. I'm coming. Hold your horses." Someone yelled from the kitchen.
Out walked an old bolegged man straight from an old western movie. He was bald with a shaggy white beard. He hobbled his way into the room carrying to large plates of meat. He set them down on each end of the table before turning to Faye.
"Faye, go and get the mashed potatoes."
She nodded standing to go retrieve the food. Coming back with two large steamy bowls of fluffy white mashed potatoes. Stumpy was right behind her with the green beans. After they set them down, they headed back to the kitchen and returned with the biscuits and gravy.
Faye sat back down and Stumpy walked back into the kitchen. The second the bolegged man hobbled through the door. Everyone dug into the food. They all grabbed as much as they could fit onto their plates. After everyone had gotten what they wanted. It seemed to settle down. Terry tasted the meat and found it delisious. He tried everything else to find it just as tasty.
"So Terry. Where you from?" asked Johnny. Grabbing another biscuit from the basket in the middle of the table.
"Gotham." I said simply.
"So we got ourselves a big city boy do we." Said Faye.
"Oh shut up Faye you're from the city too." Said Johnny.
"Yea but I didn't live in a big city like Gotham." Replied Faye.
"Where are you from?" I asked interrupting this little argument before it got out of hand.
"Oceanside." She replied.
"A Cali girl huh? Shway.(A/N. is that how u spell that? Cause I have no idea.)"
She looked at me surprised.
"What?"
"You're the first person to actually know where Oceanside is."
"I got stuck in Oceanside a couple of years ago. I was on my way to visit some family when my car broke down. Had to stay a like a week while my car was fixed."
We continued to talk until dinner was over. On various things but mostly the talk was centered around me. Which I found strange but I didn't say anything about it.
We left the dining room a little while after Stumpy served the desert. It was cherry pie. My favorite. It was the best cherry pie I had ever had. We walked up the stairs and I was about to follow Johnny into the room when a voice called to my left.
"What's the matter Terry cant say goodnight?"
I looked to see Faye leaning on the door frame of the room next to mine.
"Good Night Faye."
"Nighty Night Terry."
I watched as she turned her back on me and walked into her room before I walked into mine.