Chapter Two: Already Gone

The next day, I didn't make anymore "graceful" attempts to beat Jak in a race. Instead, we hid among the trees and traveled beside our leapers instead of on them. No one had seen us yet, but I was sure that we would be caught at least once. Just in case, my knife was still tucked safely away in my pack, waiting for an attack that should come our way.Since talk was small during our travel, my mind still concocted the evil and sinister plan of hooking up Jak and Keira. Should I just kill Ashlynn? No, too messy. Maybe there would be less blood if I just killed Daxter...

We only traveled at night, as to not be seen. Even though light was scarce, we marched on.Two wastelanders, three Haven citizens, and on Tennesseean. An odd crew, but it was greatall the same. There wasn't as much action as I thought there would be though. But somethingwas telling me that this wasjust the calm before the storm...

Walking didn't seem to be getting us anywhere. One day we would be in Nashville, the next day we would still be in Nashville. But after we reached the city limits of Chatanooga, I'd finally had enough. "This is taking too long!" These were the first words I'd spoken in hours. "We should try something else!" An idea popped into my head. The Chatanooga Choo-Choo! The old train was sort of slow, but it was much faster than we were. Jak looked back at me and smirked. "So what do you think we should do, Grace?" he taunted. And I knew that no matter what I do, they would never let me live this down. I immedeatly started explaining my plan. "Well, we're in Chatanooga. Not a very big city, but it cleans up. Anyway, it's the home of the ever-so-famous Chatnooga Choo-Choo. That train could carry us all the way down to the border of Tennessee!" Samos nodded in agreement. "She's right, all this traveling is rough on all of us. Why don't we give ourselves a break?" They like it! They really like it! I held my head high and continued with my plan. "But still, it would be dangerous to go on the train. I wouldn't have a problem, but you guys..." I motioned at their ears and clothes. My mind started racing again. Another idea came to me. "Just do as I say, and it'll be all smooth sailing from here!"

That morning I went down into town to buy some food. I didn't mention it earlier, but I also snagged a couple of fifty dollar bills from Mom's purse. It wasn't like me to steal, but in situations like these, I didn't really care. When I returned with the grub, not everyone was familiar with what I had to offer. "S'matter, ever had Chinese?" Daxter poked at his food and questioned my taste. "Who's the Chinese and what am I eating? Better yet, HOW do you eat it?" I picked up the chopsticks and held them in front of him. Everyone else had it mastered, but Daxter had yet to conquer. Once he had finally learned to get food into his mouth, I set out on another journey to find train tickets. Daxter had other plans. "How hot are the girls here!" he yelled, wanting to know if he could score a date with one of us. I just rolled my eyes. "If you want to see them, you'll have to be quiet, nobody's seen a talking rat before." With that he climbed up on my shoulder and off we went.

Chatanooga wasn't the best place in the world for a thirteen year old to be walking around in. The chances of being kidnapped were high, and there was also the possibility of being robbed. I was worried, but I had my trusty knife in my jacket. Hopefully, I wouldn't have to use it. Before we left, I'd slipped a "leash" onto Daxter. It was actually a piece of leather from my leaper lizards saddle, but it would do for know. He almost drove me crazy constantly scratching at it, but force was one of the beautiful things that God gave me.

As we entered the station, I had the feeling that something bad was about to happen, and how right I was. Two shady men passed us by. I didn't think much of it at first, that is, until they grabbed my rat. The first one held him up by the makeshift collar, while the other rambled on to his buddy. "Let's sell him! You don't see ferrets like this anymore!" Daxter looked offended, but surprisingly, he kept his mouth shut. "Gimme' the rat," I ordered, trying not to start a riot in front of so many people. Normally, I would've just snatched him from the thug and sprinted off, but we needed those tickets. I knew this was too easy... Daxter was struggling to breathe, this was the time to act. "Uh-oh," I gasped, trying to draw their attention. The sneaky, talkitive thug looked up from his business. "What?"he sneered. I widened my eyes and pointed. "Don't you see it?" I lifted my finger and pointed at Daxter's mouth. They stared dumbly at him, wondering what I was talking about. "He's starting to foam at the mouth!" Daxter threw me a "you've-got-to-be-kidding-me" look, but soon did as he was hinted. He gurgled a bit and bubbly slobber started to pour from his mouth. Gross! Terrified, the thug holding him dangled him by two fingers and backed up, keeping his arm in the same place. "And look at tail! It's practically shaking from fury!" Daxter rolled his eyes and starting shaking his tail madly. The thug backed up further, making sure that the rabid "ferret" didn't attack him. "What do I do!" he panicked. I threw my hands up in the air and pretended to panic as well. "Quick! He likes Ben Franklin! Show him something with Ben on it!" He quickly drew out his wallet and threw down a hundred dollr bill. The ottsel seemed confused, but with a quick wink I told him to play along. He stopped and sniffed it. After a few moments, he stopped shaking, and the spit on his mouth disappeared. I tip-toed up behind him and snatched him into my arms, him still playing with the bill. Still horrified, the two men scrambled towards the door. We laughed and got back in line for the tickets.

Later that day, after we'd had our fun, we returned to the hiding spot carrying two train tickets. Daxter jumped off of my shoulder and immediatly ran up to Jak. "Jak! the women here are BABES!" He froze and turned to Tess, who didn't look as happy as I was, laughing at the fact that he was watching other women. Daxter thought quickly and re-stated his last sentence. "Um, but not as much a babe as you are, Tessy baby!" She smiled and jumped up on one of the leapers heads to meet my eyes. "So, how come you guys are late?" I smiled, remembering my brilliant plan. "We got robbed," I answered, drawing everyone else in a circle around us. "My God! Are you alright?" worried Samos, noting the fact that I wasn't truely armed. "What did they take?" Jak asked. I grinned and leaned against the leaper. "Daxter," I replied casually, acting like I didn't care. Tess gasped and wrapped her arms around Daxter. He started choking against her death grip. "How'd you get him back?" I pulled off his leash to slightly relieve him of his hug. He pried Tess off of him and started to complain. "Genius here decided to give me rabies! God, that was disgustin'!" He shivered remembering having to foam at the mouth. Confused, the others looked him over. I laughed and said, "Hey! At least they were courtious enough to give you an operation donation!" I pulled out the hundred dollar bill. Jak grinned evily. "We should send you into town more often!"

After our little "brave" stunt in town, I wasn't allowed to go back out, at least not until the train pulled in. Of course, I was shattered, but that didn't stop me from being mischeivious. I mean, if I couldn't cause trouble in town, why couldn't I just have my fun here in the woods? Daxter's too easy. I'll try someone else today! I searched the party for a suitable target, hoping for a challenge. Torn would get too mad. I'm saving Ashlynn for later. Daxter would kill me if I tried something on Tess. Keira's too good to me. I'm in enough trouble as it is with Samos. But maybe... Jak. He was standing next to a leaper-lizard, staring at me. It was like he knew I was up to something. Watch out! I strode casually to his side and issued my challenge. "Hey, Jak! Wanna' race?" His ears perked up. Now he looked more angry than suspicous. "Do you remember what happened the last time?" Yes. "But that was then and this is now!"I argued. "I can take care of myself! Just as long as Daxter doesn't come..." He seemed to be in deep thought. Well, I was right. If Daxter didn't jump on me, I probably would've won. Finally, he grinned evily. "You're on!"

I saddled up my leaper and trotted down to the small clearing where the race would be held. Torn had set up the racing rings for the race. Of course he was the only one who knew, for Samos would chew my head off if he found out. Jak was not against this race, but I could tell he wasn't exactly for it either. The light in his eyes just wasn't the same, they seemed to be filled with worry. Awww! He cares! We took our places at the starting line, which was originally just a couple of tree stumps. Torn waved his scarf in the air and threw it down on the ground. The race was on! Kicking sharply at the lizards thighs, I made sure that I got that perfect lead again. But no matter what I did, he always looked to be one step ahead. If I leaned forward, he would go farther. If I kicked the lizard, he would kick harder. If I made it jump, he would jump higher. My mind raced for a plan. The last time I took a shortcut, something bad happened... Oh well. Again, I put my hand on the back of the lizard's head and shoved. It obeyed and ducked. We passed under a few trees and vines. One slapped me in the face, but right now, I didn't really care. At the end of the passage was a rather large rock with a brance hanging over it. Either I bash the animal's face in or get the air knocked out of me. Choices. I decided to leave my shortcut and return to the rings. Since this was a freestyle race, you didn't really have to jump through them. I just wanted to keep up with Jak. Where is he? All of a sudden, something swooped down in front of me. It was Jak! He'd been above me the whole time! But still, I couldn't let him win. I could see the finish line, and Jak was still in front of me. My plan wasn't to go under this time; I was going over. I pulled back on the reins and and yelled "jump!" The leapers feet left the ground and started to flap its wings. I passed over Jak and fell into the finish ring.

Embarrassed that he lost, Jak decided that he didn't want to hang around me for the rest of the day. Instead, he followed Ashlynn around, wondering what else there was to do. I can't believe that he wants to hang out with her! My attention suddenly turned to Keira. She was sitting under a beautiful pine tree, writing something in her notebook. I took out my notebook and began to sketch her. Being the best there was in my art class, I was able to draw a lifelike picture of Jak's former love. She looked up at me from time to time, much like I was doing her. After a few minutes, she got up and walked over to where I was sitting. She sat down beside me and closed her notebook. Making sure that she couldn't see my drawing, I hid mine under my pack. Time to bring up the subject. Again, I watched in disgust as Jak and Ashlynn talked about the next route of travel. Oh my God! The train! I quickly snatched up my belongings and issued orders. "Hurry everybody! The train's coming! Just do as I say and we'll be fine! Daxter, come with me." Everyone hustled to gather up the maps and charts and load them up onto the leaper-lizards. Daxter jumped onto my shoulder and I flinched remebering the last race that he joined us in.Once our camp was packed, we scurried off into the night and headed for the station.

We reached the station at about twelve o'clock. There wasn't much time to act. The late train would be here any minute. I reviewed my plan before handing out more orders. When I thought everything was in order, I set Daxter down on the ground next to the orders, who were waiting for my next command. "Listen up! We're going to have to be sneaky about this. I've got two tickets for the train. This'll allow me and Daxter on. Once we're on board, I'm gonna' need someone to stir up some trouble over on the other side of the station." I paused and looked at Jak. He seemed to be one step ahead, for he'd already pulled out his gun. I smiled and continued my explanation. "Okay, once you've disturbed the bees nest, you'll have to be quick about getting back to this end of the station. Me and Daxter will be waiting at the end of the train with one of the freight doors open. Then, everything should be smooth sailing from there!" I waited for an arguement. When no one spoke up, I turned around and headed for the ticket booth, Daxter at my side on his leash. Jak ran off towards the end of the station and the others returned to hiding.

I gave the ticket to the man in the booth and stepped inside of the train. We waited a couple of minutes before we heard a loud scream. "Fire! Fire! Somebody, put it out!" Way to go Jak! Daxter jumped into the window to get a better look, but I quickly pulled him back down. "We can't be seen!" Finally, the man in the booth left to go help with the fire. When we were sure the coast was clear, we hopped out of the train and ran into Jak. "This is fun!" When we got down to the end of the train, the rest were sitting on one of the benches waiting for us. With a little help, I was boosted up into the window of the back freight. I unlocked the door and let the others in just as the train pulled away...

Riding the train gave us a little bit of time to relax. Instead of walking during the night, we got to kick back and enjoy ourselves, that is, until we reach the border. Then we have to travel through Alabama, Louisiana, and finally to Houston, Texas. And once I meet Michael again... Oh! I just can't wait! Now I was starting to believe that he was the only reason that I was excited about running away! Uh-oh. I'd forgotten all about my family.They must be worried sick. Maybe I should... I pulled out the cell phone and began to dial my home phone number. Keira was awakened my the sound of me pushing buttons. She stumbled over to my side. "Whatcha' doin'?" she asked groggily. I put the phone up to my ear. "Calling home." She put her ear closer to the phone and we both listened to the phone ring. Finally, someone answered the phone. "H-hello?" The voice sounded scared, and I could tell immediatly that it was Mom. "Hey, Mom," I said, making sure that my tone of voice didn't sound scared too. She started crying. "Honey, where are you! Have you been kidnapped! Oh, God, I'm so glad you're okay!" I was choking. "Mom, it's alright. Don't worry. I'm in good hands. They just want to help me. I'll be gone for a long time, but please..." I waited for a moment for something to say. "Just don't worry." And I hung up. A giant knot welled up in my throat. Finally, I caved. Keira grabbed me and pulled me close. I hadn't cried in a long time, and it felt good. Thank God that Keira's here. She held me like I was her own. And for that I was thankful. I cried and cried until there were no tears left inside of me, then, I drifted off into a deep sleep, with Keira still holding me like a small child.

Samos had obviously heard us. For the next morning he wouldn't leave my side. It got rather annoying after awhile. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked for the umpteenth time. "Because we can take you back home-" I spun around and practically yelled at him. "No! I can't go back. I can never go back." I suddenly felt depressed that I left my family behind. I must be the worst daughter and sister in the world. I scuttled away and sat in a small corner in the back of the freight. Again I started crying. I just couldn't stop. If I go back, I would have to explain it to them. And if I did, they'd lock me up in one of those looney houses. And if I didn't, I'd be like this for a long time. What's a girl to do? Unfortunatley, Jak so happened to be passing by. Great. Now he'll think I'm a baby. I turned my head to the side, hoping that he wouldn't see me. "S'matter?" By mistake, I looked up at him to answer his question. My eyes were all puffy and red, and my hair was a mess. "I just left my family behind! They need me! But I left anyway." I buried my head into my jacket and almost cried again. He sat beside me and put his hand on my shoulder. "Hey, they'll be fine! If you're only one of their handy-works, I can't wait to see what the rest would be like!" I knew he was trying to help, and it was working. "Yeah, they're pretty tough. You should hear how many bones my dad has broken. And how many stitches my brother has! Ha, ha! He got hit in the head with a golf club about a year back! We called him "tri-brow" for weeks!" Jak laughed and continued to support me. "Ya' see? If he can live through that I'm sure he could live without you for awhile. Especially you!" He teased me for a few minutes before I finally got up. "You're right! Everything will be cool for a good, long while!" Jak laughed and thought back to what I said about my brother. "Ya' know, you're brother kind of reminds me of when-" I interrupted. "You got stung by a full nest of wumpbees?" I didn't even wait for an answer. I ran off, leaving the surprized Jak alone to sit in wonder.