Chapter 8: The Runaway
A few sleepless nights after Jake's discovery of his father's past, he was left with burning questions. They subsided in the daytime, when he was to preoccupied with school, or training; but at night, they would resurface, and leave him restless. Why did grandpa kill my aunt? Does grandpa know who dad is? How will I be able to trust my dad after this? Will he ever be able to know the truth? Jake tossed and turned for several hours, before resolving to take a flight to clear his head.
He transformed, and quietly opened his window. It creaked slightly, and Jake flinched, and then stood stock still. After a reassuring silence, he flew out the window, closing it behind him. It was a cool night, and the breeze seemed to blow away his worries. He scanned Central Park, and then landed on his familiar perch on the Empire State Building. He was careful to make little noise, lest he wake the gargoyles. He stood there for what seemed like mere minutes, until he noticed the sky had changed from its sapphire-black color to a light blue-gray, with the sun peeking over the horizon. He spread his wings, and soared high into the dull sky, being sure to fly higher than he had on his journey there, so he wouldn't be seen. When he reached his house, he pushed his window upwards. It wouldn't budge. He pushed harder, but that only succeeded in splitting some of the wood on the frame. "Oh, crap." Jake muttered under his breath. He flew to the ground, changing into his human form before lightly touching the ground.
"I am going to be in so much trouble!" he exclaimed after trying the front door with no prevail. He sat down on the hard concrete steps sullenly, feeling a rush of sadness and anger. "I guess I should knock," Jake thought out-loud. But he didn't move. His house was the last place he wanted to go at the moment. He got up quickly, and walked hurriedly in the opposite direction. Right now, I don't care if I get grounded or not, I'm not going back there. Not now, anyways.
Jake wasn't really paying attention to where he was going, and he soon found himself back at Central Park. His anger had subsided by now, and he looked up at the sky. The sun had risen fully, and he guessed it was around eight or nine. His parents would be awake by now, and had probably discovered he was missing. He should have felt scared of getting in trouble, but he was too tired. He walked over to a bench that was partially hidden among bushes. He sat down in a subdued manner, and before he knew it, he had fallen asleep with his head resting on his arm.
Jake awoke with a start a few hours later. He realized that the sun was directly overhead, so it was around noon. His conscience was nagging him to go home; he knew his mother would be worried. Yet, he still couldn't bring himself to go home. It didn't feel like home anymore. How many lies were there in that house? It felt as if they were embedded in the walls. He was feeling more energetic after finally getting some sleep, and walked further into the park. He was enjoying the cool spring weather, and he wasted the afternoon away, walking slowly, going further into the center of the park. He soon realized he was starving, not haven eaten all day. He scrounged around his pockets, and after finding a few crumpled bills, bought a hot dog from a nearby stand.
It was dusk before Jake started to head home. He walked slowly, knowing he would be yelled at when he arrived home. It took him an hour to reach his street, though he could have flown there in fifteen minutes. Jake breathed in one deep breath, and opened the door. Instantly, his mother ran up to him, making sure he was okay, and smothering him with hugs. After that her face hardened, and she said sternly:
"Where have you been?"
"Um, you know dragon stuff." Jake whispered, in case his dad was home.
"Don't you lie to me, young man! I already called your grandfather, and he had no idea where you were! I was worried sick." She scolded.
Jake forgot. He should have known his mom would call his grandpa. He would have to think of something, quick.
"Well, I was, umm, I had to work on a school project on…the positions of the sun and the moon…yeah, I uh, left you a note, but it must have blown off the counter or something!" Jake stumbled, proud of himself for that lie. It seemed as if his mother didn't by it though.
"If that was what you were doing, than why did you lie in the first place?" Mei said suspiciously.
"It was supposed to be a, uh, surprise?" Jake said sheepishly. Mei frowned.
"I don't know why you feel you need to lie to me, but you're grounded for a week. I know schools don't assign all-night projects."
"I'm going to my room," Jake grumbled, defeated. He ran up the stairs, and jumped onto his bed, lying on his back. Now what do I do for the rest of the day?
A/N: Okay, I know that wasn't very informative, and that it wasn't what you wanted, but it was a filler chapter. It will be important later on in the story, because, as you see, Jake's attitude has been affected by these discoveries, and it is worrying his mom. I'm going to post this chapter, then work on the next one. I'm gonna try to get three or four chapters posted tonight. I have to make up for my absence!