Chapter Five
I was on stakeout in front of my school. In the bushes. Infested with every species of annoying bug known to man.
I kept swatting at my face annoyed, but also admittedly happy that Dash would be scarred from this experience, not me.
I had managed to give the cop the slip. Owing to a pure lucky break with an ornery pit bull and some lawn sprinklers.
I had been scared at the time of the chase... but there had been a certain thrill to the whole ordeal.
I mean...I'm a wanted man. Dangerous to society. Rebel Without A Memory. Yeah, it all sounds cool.
In reality, it's just lonely and difficult. I'm tired and hungry. The thrill has long abandoned me. And I was hiding out in bushes looking at a place I normally did not enjoy going. Yet, I wanted to be back there.
I looked at my watch. Great, class should be ending right about now. Kids practically spewed out the doors with faces of excitement and relief.
I scanned the crowd that poured out. Then, I spotted him. I mean me. I mean...well, you know who.
It was the fifth weirdest moment of my life. No wait. The number one creepiest moment. Watching yourself, outside yourself.
At least I . . .my body appeared in good shape. My key still hung from my neck and had on my favorite green jacket on.
Simon came out and stopped Dash. They stood taking. I hoped Simon had figured out what was going on.
Kids got on the buses, which left after a few minutes Teachers headed out or went back into the school building. Not many people were left but a few kids waiting for parents to come pick them up.
I jogged over to Dash and Simon.
"Hey, guys!" I called them over.
Dash and Simon stared at me. Then they moved quickly to join me. Dash had my face scrunched up in pure bewilderment. I gotta tell ya, it was not a good look for me.
Finally, Dash and I stood face to face in silence.
"Huh. Handsome devil aren't I? Betcha had to pry the ladies away didn't ya?" Dash finally said grinning.
I just laughed. It was so bizarre!
"Yeah, Becky sure was nice," I answered slyly.
I happily watched my face turn slightly red. Dash coughed gruffily. "Uh, yeah," he grumbled in response.
"Thank god! It's good to see you, Dash. I mean Marshall…" Simon stammered looking between us.
I clapped his shoulder. "Yeah, so Dash told ya what's up? I'm surprised."
Dash recovered from embarrassment quickly and turned grave. "So how do we fix it, Teller? I mean I am not going to school again. No way, pal,"Dash stated with a frown.
I told them what I had found out briefly. "Eerie Friday? Why am I not surprised?" Simon remarked, shaking his head.
"Well, that's a simple fix. Now that worry is laid to rest. Time for me to head 'home' for a good home cooked meal," Dash said smiling, rubbing his hands together.
"Hey, you're inviting me over for dinner, Dash," I said. My stomach was rumbling big time.
"Excuse me. But when did Marshall Teller Weirdness extradonaire ever invite the 'kid with grey hair' to dinner at his joint?" Dash mocked looking offended.
"Never. Because the guy was too rude to be presented to parents much less a home," I shot back.
Simon stepped between us awkwardly trying to calm us down. Dash and I was getting ready for a major blow up when someone grabbed my shoulder.
"Found you," said the voice.
It was the cop!
Dash looked like he was ready to bolt. Simon merely groaned.
I shook my head at Dash. He didn't move and he relaxed, slightly.
"I'm taking you down to the station. And then your ass is going to juvenile court tomorrow," the cop said.
He steered me away. I didn't struggle. Hunger and weariness had really caught up on me. I was used to three square meals a day. Not sporadic shots of junk food.
I turned around and mouthed to Dash "remember midnight."
Dash looked horrified and mouthed "no way".
"C'mon kid! Move your ass!" the cop growled angrily.
"You gonna leave me in jail!" I called out against better judgment. The cop pushed me into the police car after I was cuffed.
Dash smirked in response, while Simon looked like he was about to start bawling in front of the school.
Oh, man, I don't deserve this. I didn't commit any crimes. Dash did!
He wouldn't leave me… Simon will make sure Dash says thirteen backward at midnight for the switch. I had faith in Simon.
But could I trust this mysterious guy?
