Jack from the Row

by Jack Saint

Nathan is a fifteen year old teenager, revolted by the world and its justice. Brilliant, intelligent, cold and taciturn, his destiny is turned upside down when he is accidentally recruited by the Third Street Saints, a street gang that preaches for a better world for the Saints Row ghetto. For the best and especially the worst.

17. 1-16 : Johnny adopts a dog

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Author's note :

The original title was "Johnny adopte un chien, Jack préfère les chiennes" since in French, "chienne" means a female dog but also a "bitch".

I couldn't find any equivalent in English for the pun... ! Sorry for the lame title.
If you have any better suggestions, DM me!

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Chapter 16: Johnny adopts a dog.

December 8, 1995 - Jack's house.

Mission Beach - Saints Row.

And it all crashes down

And you break your crown

And you point your finger

But there's no one around

Just want one thing

Just to play the king

But the castle crumbled

And you've left with just a name

Where's your crown?

King Nothing

Where's your crown?

Jack's friends were really not too much to help him get his apartment back in order. Everything had been moved with so little care that the house was in a deplorable state, dirty, with garbage all over the floor, a sign that everything had been cleared out in a hurry.

Johnny and Aisha immediately came to help, along with Dee-Dee and other Saints like AceBone, Jayceon or Skylar on occasion.

Johnny didn't hesitate to give his friend the money from the car theft. He hadn't spent it all yet and helped him buy a second-hand TV and a fridge. Jang-Mi gave him a comforter and his friends gave him various things so that he would have something to start with.

Even if they didn't have much, they were all willing to give what little they had and this show of solidarity strengthened the bonds between the Saints even more. But it wasn't totally free, everyone saw it as a perfect fucking place to smoke and hang out without being reprimanded by any adult.

That Friday afternoon, Dee-Dee had come to meet Jack at his house. Every day after school, she spent the early evening with him. He would help her with her classes, much to the delight of the young woman who had never been very good at school, and even less so at math. Then, like a small couple, they would eat together, watch TV and Dee-Dee would slip away before the night got too dark.

This little routine suited Jack, who only felt more serene when she was near him. Her presence made him feel good in spite of the anger still very present in all his being.

- Are you listen to me? Asked Dee-Dee, a little upset.

- Hum ? No, sorry, I was elsewhere, you were saying?

- I feel like you're not listening to me right now.

- It's not that babe, it's just ... Please, I don't want to argue with you, I'm just preoccupied with all this stuff, it has nothing to do with you.

- Okay, okay.

- Where were we on your homework?

- We were done, actually.

Seeing him a little distant, Dee-Dee moves closer to him, hugging him tenderly.

- I can't wait for the party tomorrow. And then you and Johnny will be honored, which is great.

- Considering how much we've given of ourselves, hopefully. But yeah, honestly, it's cool, we'll all have a great time together.

- Yeah, you deserve it so much.

- But there's gonna be so many pissed off guys there. You'll have to stay close to me all night. For your own safety of course.

Dee-Dee starts laughing as he sits her on his lap while she still clings to his neck.

- Is it really just for my safety?

- Of course, you know me.

- And not because you're a little jealous?

- Me jealous? Not at all.

- Absolutely not? She repeated as they exchanged a kiss.

Jack pushed the coffee table that served as their desk and laid her on the nearby mattress.

- Dee-Dee, can I ask you something?

- Yes, of course.

- I don't know why, but I'm obsessed with it right now and I've wanted to talk to you about it a few times.

- What is it? She worried.

- Nothing really serious, don't worry, it's just a little embarrassing, nothing more.

- But tell me, you worry me.

- Hum. We've been dating for a while, you know? And it's going pretty well between us, so I hope you won't take it badly...

The young man hesitated before speaking again by looking at his girlfriend right in the eyes.

- Would you like to blow me?

Dee-Dee was expecting a lot of announcements, but she was far from imagining that.

- Maybe it was a little too direct...?

- No, it's not that. It's just ...

- Nah, forget it, don't worry. I don't want to force you," Jack assured him, trying to look super relaxed.

Before the awkwardness could set in between them for good, Dee-Dee took the lead and stood up to allow Jack to lie down. She stood mischievously over him.

- Oh," he said, seeing that it was going well. But don't feel obligated, don't worry.

- I do not feel obliged, she assured him.

She did not add more and began to undo the belt of his jeans. He looked at her taking there a little awkwardly and found her too cute. He was already feeling very excited when she made him remove his pants. Dee-Dee didn't have much experience in this area, having never been with any other boy but Jack, but she had spent countless hours discussing the subject with her girlfriends and had learned their lesson well.

She stroked and kissed her boyfriend through his boxers and soon he was totally aroused.

- Don't stop babe ...

She did not stop in such a good way and delicately, she made him remove his underwear before stopping net. He was there, half-naked, erect in front of his girlfriend and she was not moving, so Jack immediately perceived the discomfort.

- What...? he asked, worried.

Dee-Dee stayed looking at him for a few more moments without saying a word, which allowed Jack to ask himself 10,000 questions in a split second. Didn't she think he wasn't well hung? It was not a record breaker, but it was more than well equipped. Was it a hygiene problem? God, never in his life, he was too much of a stickler for that, especially knowing that she was coming. More likely was that she had become afraid of the beast, for reasons he didn't know.

- It's weird, isn't it...? Dee-Dee finally said shyly.

This time, it was Jack who froze with a strange expression on his face.

- My dick...?

- I don't know, maybe it's because you're white, but it's really strange.

Like all young men starting out in their sexual lives, physical attributes were THE topic between boys.

And until today, Jack had never felt particularly self-conscious about his body.

- Nobody ever made a remark about it... What's wrong with you? Asked he, vexed.

She passed her fingertips on it, making him shiver.

- I have never seen a ... Finally a ... Finally something like that, she admitted.

- What the hell are you talking about? It's not big enough for you?

- No, it's not that.

- So what ?!

- Well... I don't know.

With two of her fingers, she tried to pull back the foreskin before changing her mind.

- That's so weird!

- I'm just not circumcised, what is it that's bothering you?

- Well ... It is not a requierement?

- Where did you see that? Of course it's not! Why would it be?

- Well, for hygiene...

- But Dee-Dee... I'm not fucking dirty! I know how to shower, don't worry about it!

- This is the first time I've seen a boy like you, all the guys here are circumcised.

- Well, good for them! But what do I care?

- Don't get upset, I'm just observing.

- What do you notice? I see that you seem to know a lot about the cocks of the guys in the row. You know what, it really pissed me off, I don't feel like it anymore.

- Do not get upset ... She repeated.

- It pisses me off! You speak like a whore, you make me stories for nothing at all, I'm done !

Displeased, Jack pushed his friend to get dressed and stood up.

- You can go home.

- Are you throwing me out?

- It's not dark and you know where you live, I think.

- Okay. All right.

This time, it was Dee-Dee who was offended and she didn't ask for anything else before slamming the front door of Jack's house, furious.

The next day, all the Saints met in the evening at the church to celebrate the end of the Vice Kings gang.

What had been a pure fantasy a few months earlier was now a reality, and it was all thanks to the combined efforts of Johnny and Jack. They were clearly the star guests of the evening and all eyes were on them. They were extremely proud and almost heroic.

- Boys, be quiet," Julius asked as he climbed the altar. Tonight I would like to pay tribute to several people. As you know, the war in the row has been going on for years. Twenty years? Thirty years? I feel like all this shit has always been there and all generations are suffering in the ghettos we have been forced to inhabit. But today, in December 1995, we made history in Stilwater by getting rid of one of the most influential gangs in the city: The Vice Kings. Benjamin was once my friend, so he was granted leniency in exchange for his involvement in eliminating the rest of his gang after he droped his flag. And it's a real success my boys. I can hardly believe it, but there's one less gang in this city and another one that's grown in stature and influence: Ours. That's why I would like to especially thank two of our members. First of all, our Lieutenant, who has been in the gang since almost the beginning, and the only one who volunteered for this mission: Johnny Gat.

Johnny raised his arms to the sky and was cheered and whistled like a hero.

- Thank you, can I make a speech? he asked.

- Uh, no... Julius replied.

But Johnny wasn't listening anyway and climbed up the altar in front of Julius.

- I just wanted to thank my bros, who have been there to help me with this mission. Joh, Suge, Ken, Ace, Diego, Skylar, Dex, a little bit and then Jack my bro.

Jack winked and smiled at him.

- And I'd like to thank my girl too. Aisha, I love you and ...

- Yes, it's okay," Julius cut him off as he resumed his seat. I wasn't finished. Anyway ... If Johnny was able to lead his men to success, it is good to remember that he was not completely alone and that to the surprise of all of us, it is a new recruit of the Saints who managed to put everyone in agreement by his intelligence, his courage and his involvement without limit. Totally unknown three months ago, today I consider him as one of the most important Saints in the gang. Please give a big round of applause to Jack or Playa, whatever you call him.

And it was with a thunderous applause that Jack was thanked. Many, many Saints came up to him and tapped him on the shoulder or gave him a kind word. All his friends, his real new family who looked at him as he finally deserved.

Jack didn't feel exceptional.

He just felt alive.

And that was already immeasurable for this young boy.

Julius opened a bottle of booze in front of the boys, who didn't need any further clarification to have a good time themselves.

The Third Street Church that night looked like a nightclub where hundreds of local youths were drinking and dancing and laughing loudly.

Jack was sitting on one of the sofas brought in for the occasion, along with other Saints. Everyone had a bottle of booze in their hand and were bobbing their heads to the music. Johnny was exhausting himself on the dance floor with Aisha at his side, they looked so happy and relaxed together.

Suddenly, a familiar figure approached Jack and motioned to the Saint next to him to get out of the way immediately.

- Hi Lin, glad to see you here," Jack greeted her.

- I take risks to come to your small party, she answered him.

He felt very privileged and passed him his bottle which she drank cheerfully.

- It happens with the Rollerz?

- Oh my God, what a bunch of degenerate kids. They're all idiots, not one to catch up with the other. But it takes a while to get in properly. I'm starting to get a little reputation in Chinatown, I'm getting their attention.

- You need a hand? I'm not on the Carnales job, so I've got time right now.

- Don't you have school?

Jack winced, she really did think of him as a child and he wished he could have made a more manly impression on her.

- I've already got my place for college, and then I've got my own house in the row, so if you need anything, I'm around.

- Oh yeah? She said in a mischievous tone. Okay, I'll make a note.

- And you know what? I even have Russian vodka.

- Are you trying to corrupt me?

- I'm not trying to corrupt you, I'm just reminding you who started it?

- Fuck you," said Lin, giving him a gentle push. You're a bad boy Jack Saint, for the reffort, I'm keeping your bottle as collateral.

- Fuck you," he replied in the same tone.

The complicity between Jack and Lin was obvious. The young woman, usually very serious and very cold took a malicious pleasure to tease the young man whose repartee pleased him. Lin didn't have time to waste with idiots and insignificant guys, only the best ones interested her. They stayed a moment to discuss and to laugh, the alcohol helping. Some remarks about their chemistry started to be whispered in the walls of the church and soon fell on Dee-Dee's ear who considered it very bad. She went to join them, as they were both slumped over with other Saints smoking and drinking.

- I've got another joke for you Lin," said AceBone, a little too drunk. What happens when your make an asían girl squirt? She charges you 10 cents for extra sauce

- Your jokes are bullshit, Ace.

- And what do you call an asian prostitute? Suck Mi Dong

- Oh yeah, very funny. Since we're in the midst of racism, Ace, do you know the difference between a black man and a tire?

- No, I don't.

- You don't have to burn him to make it stink.

- OOOOOH! exclaimed all the boys, between laughter and indignation.

- It's horrible! Even I think it's a bit too much," said Jack, who had almost spit out his vodka through his nose.

- At the same time, he's looking for me this asshole.

- Hey, my jokes were nice! said AceBone indignantly.

- Well, I'm not nice, and you're pissing me off," said Lin, looking very serious.

- Jack? Dee-Dee cut them off shyly.

- Hum?

- Can you and I please talk?

- No, we can't. Not now, I'm with my friends right now, I'm busy.

- Just five minutes!

- No Dee-Dee, tomorrow at my place if you want, but not now I say!

Dee-Dee turned away, furious and especially jealous. She hated the idea that he was seeing other girls than her and knowing that he was in a gang almost reassured her since the number of rivals was ridiculous. But then, it only took one and seeing her boyfriend close to Lin, this girl that Aisha was already suspicious of since Johnny was very friendly with her, made her go through a whole bunch of totally made up and unwarranted scenarios.

She left almost upset when Jack had done absolutely nothing but chat with his friends and his crime was sitting next to Lin.

- 'You're all really fucking fragile,' Lin said as she drained a bottle of Sky.

- But you're the one who's too inreverent, Lin," AceBone said.

Lin had quite a temper and was very popular with the young Saints. She probably had more courage than many of them, less humor, and yet they enjoyed her company and her legendary response.

- You are... What was it you used to say? Full-on virgins?

- Full virgin," Jack corrected.

- There you go, full virgin ! I thought you didn't have that much vocabulary. So, it's going better, still chaste guys? Are we saving ourselves for marriage?

- Well, no, Troy took us to the hookers, AceBone informed him. Don't worry, it's all taken care of, just Johnny!

- To the ... Hookers? Lin grinned. And seriously, Johnny still hasn't slept with Aisha since then? That's not possible, he must be impotent. Bring him in so we can make fun of him for a while.

- OH JOHNNY! shouted a Saint.

- What? replied the person concerned.

- C'MON!

Without trying to understand, Johnny left Aisha and joined his friends who were already giggling like idiots on the couch in the fumes of alcohol and smoke.

- So Johnny, I hear you're still a full virgin, what's up? You want us to show you? Lin laughed.

- Who told you that? he asked with a frown.

- Rumors.

- Well, get up to speed, girl, because NO!

- What, is that it? Jack asked, surprised.

- And yeah, guys, can't you feel the testosterone emanating from my virile, sexed-up body? Aisha and I did it, and you know what, IT WAS GREAT!

- For her or for you? Lin scoffed. Come on, two trips back and forth and it was done.

- That's why we did it several times, you naughty girl.

- Han, but it's cool Johnny, I'm really happy for you," Jack told him sincerely.

- Thanks brother. Now that the animal is launched, nothing can stop it.

- The animal," Lin repeated, stifling a laugh. The rabbit?

- Or the donkey? AceBone mocked, adding a layer.

- Mock, you're just jealous! said Johnny, too proud to be touched.

- Wait, we want the real version now, Aisha's version," Ace continued.

- Do you fuck better than Warren or not? Asked another petty.

- Shut your big mouth," replied Johnny.

As the debate raged on, another group of Saints came up to Jack, Lin and Johnny in excitement.

- Yo guys! Hey Playa, you're not dating Aisha's sister anymore?

- Um, yes, why?

- Maaaan! Suge is doing to score her!

- What...?

All the Saints looked at each other without understanding if it was a bad joke or not.

- I swear bro, in the church basement!

Jack jumped to his feet, followed by his homies who were as curious as they were delighted to see a little drama. The whole group took the way to the basement with a hurried step and Jack smashed the heavy door with a sharp blow of his shoulder. Alas, the Saint had not lied, and in that dusty staircase, well out of sight, there was indeed Suge, who remained speechless in front of all his colleagues and Dee-Dee on her knees in front of him who did not even dare to turn around.

- Dee-Dee! said Aisha, horrified.

- What, but what the hell, what's the matter with you? said Suge.

- Shut the fuck up ! What are you doing with my sister!

- We're playing cards, stupid bitch.

- Oh, you'll relax! Johnny intervened immediately, not wanting to see his girlfriend disrespected.

Ashamed, Dee-Dee cautiously turned around and instantly regretted it when she saw Jack's eyes on her.

- I... I can explain..." she tried to justify herself.

- Explain what? You're sucking this asshole's cock, well hidden and you want to explain? Said Jack, as disappointed as shocked.

- Jack... I...

- No, no, no, you don't even say my name, you slut who gets turned around in basements.

- Oh no, I won't allow you to do that! Aisha insisted.

- But I don't give a damn about your permission. Your sister is a whore.

- Jack, you..." Aisha threatened him with a finger before Johnny calmed the game.

- Eesh, leave it.

- Oh damn it, Suge, that ultimate Chad! Said a very drunk Saint.

- Shit, man, your girl is a big bitch! said another.

Dee-Dee began to cry at the insults of the boys and realized the situation. Jack was beside himself, but remained dignified and pushed his colleagues to leave without a word.

- Damn, man, you don't say anything! said a Saint.

- What do you want me to do? Beat up that slut? She's a chick, let her choke on it.

- No, but smash him!

- I don't give a fuck about him, I'm after her. He's just another asshole, he's not worth it.

- What did you say? asked Suge, who had overheard bits of the conversation.

- You're a fragile Suge, you'd sell your ass to the cops, no wonder you pick up other people's girlfriends. You're a fucking coward, don't mess with me.

- Go ahead what did you say!

- Are you deaf too, asshole?!

- From where I sell my ass to the cops!

- You were the first one to whine on the basketball court!

- And I got shot because of you!

- My fault?! Jack replied, excited. I'm the only one who stayed for your sake and you thank me by banging my girl! You son of a bitch, you should have died like a dog.

- You're the one who opened your mouth too much. You don't give a fuck about opening your mouth in front of the cops, you're white, you're safe! Come on, let's go get hot in the middle of black and see if you're as big-mouthed.

Jack was already very angry, hearing Suge's whining made him even more mad, and under the booing of the overexcited crowd, he turned around and headed for the stairs to fight Suge. He stood one step above him and looked down on him with disdain.

- You're at my party where we're celebrating my victory over the VKs. Mostly black people, so I don't know why you're showing off in front of me. Especially since we haven't seen you get involve much. Probably too busy submitting or hiding behind those who really have balls.

- In the meantime, my balls, it's your girl who was eating them up five minutes ago.

This time, it was too much for Jack who ran towards Suge to push him. The young man fell down the dusty staircase of the church and didn't have time to recover from his emotions when Jack jumped on him like a fury. Normally, Suge had more than enough to defend himself against his attacker, being taller and more corpulent than him, and especially being familiar with street fights, but this time, still suffering from his wound caused by the policemen's bullet as well as from his fall in the staircase, he was clearly in a weak position and was dismantled by a furious Jack.

Dee-Dee started to cry and stood completely stunned on the stairs as other Saints ran around like crazy trying to separate the two fighters. It took five of them to subdue Jack on the ground who was struggling and had a hard time containing him. Suge was completely stunned and could no longer stand.

And it was amidst the screams and shouts that Julius and Troy arrived in the middle of their men.

- What's going on here? Julius asked, annoyed.

- Suge and Playa are getting in each other's faces," explained a Saint.

- What...?

- Suge get kicked out! said another, excitedly.

At the bottom of the stairs, Dex was gently slapping Suge, who was struggling to come to his senses, while the other Saints were still on top of Jack, who was screaming and struggling.

- Calm down man, he's had enough! said Skylar.

- I don't give a damn!

- But he doesn't even know his name! It's ok, you've got it down.

- JACK! Julius called out to him. Let him go, you guys. And you get up!

The Saints complied, and Jack stood up before removing the dust from his pants.

- What the hell were you thinking? Have you seen the state Suge is in?

- So what? For the three neurons he had, it won't change him.

- What's wrong with you, son? You can't fight with your colleagues, especially not here!

- He was banging my girl and he came to heat me up! What did you have to do? I should just take it without saying anything? Let him disrespect me?

- No... But...

- But nothing at all! He wanted to be hot, that will teach him to open his mouth.

Julius turned to Suge who was coming to his senses.

- Suge, you didn't do that, did you? Troy asked him.

- I can't help it if his girl is a whore! Suge explained.

- My sister is not a whore! Aisha defended her.

- Aisha, Aisha, you stay out of this," Julius calmed her down. Guys, it's not possible, not you boys, you were a great team.

- We were, yeah. I'm not working with that kind of traitor anymore, fuck him," Jack decreed, spitting a little blood on the floor.

- Who's the traitor? Jul! He beat me up while I'm still hurt! He broke my tooth, the son of a bitch and...

Hurt in his self-esteem, humiliated in front of all his friends, Suge started to cry while all the Saints started to laugh openly at him.

- Suge, boy... tried to console him Jul.

- But look at this fragile, it's fucking hot and crying after two slaps! Scoffed a Saint.

- Now shut up! All of you! Julius shouted. You guys are morons! We're supposed to be supporting each other, not pulling each other's legs every chance we get. This won't go unpunished, I promise you. Troy! You take care of Suge, give him a ride if you need to. Jack, you take Dee-Dee home.

- Not a chance," Jack hissed.

Julius' anger matched Jack's insolence. The man grabbed him by the hair and threw him to the ground.

- You talk back to me, you little prick? You forget who I am here?

- Jul... It's okay, I'll take care of Dee-Dee," Johnny tried to temper.

- I gave him an order.

Jack was beside himself and making an inhuman effort to keep quiet. His hands were shaking with rage.

- She lives five minutes away anyway! Johnny continued.

- Yeah, but now that everyone knows she spreads her thighs easily, you don't leave that kind of chick alone in the row," Troy told him.

- She didn't spread her legs! said Aisha. You guys are fucking assholes! She's sixteen, haven't you guys ever done anything stupid at that age?

- It's not smart to get a reputation for being easy going when you're hanging out with G's, I'm not telling you anything, Aisha," Troy calmly told her while lighting a cigarette.

- You're the one spreading the reputation! I don't want my sister to be picked on when she hasn't done a quarter of what you guys normally do!

- She's a whore, she's a whore," said a Saint.

- No, she's not a whore! Aisha repeated in annoyance.

- In any case, she is not a beautiful model of virtue, the little precious sister, assured Lin.

- Because you are one perhaps?

- What are you implying?

- There are things being said about you, Lin, you know.

- Oh yeah? I'm curious to know what. Last time I checked, I didn't sleep with Warren Williams from Vice Kings.

This time, it was Aisha who rushed towards Lin who didn't even flinch. She was quickly stopped by Johnny and another Saint.

- That's enough, we'll talk about it again, be sure! Now you all get the hell out of here," Julius ordered.

The boys dispersed with a huff, the party was over and there was no arguing with the Boss's orders, that was that.

Jack and Johnny found themselves outside, with the two Tyler sisters behind them, and the four of them headed for the girls' building.

- You know, I can walk them home by myself, I won't tell Jul," Johnny assured him.

- No, it's okay, I have some stuff to pick up at your place anyway," Jack said, lighting a cigarette.

Aisha supported her little sister who couldn't stop crying.

- What's gotten into you, Dee-Dee, really? Johnny sighed.

- I don't know...

- She doesn't know," Jack repeated with a raised eyebrow.

- It shouldn't have happened like that... Dee-Dee explained between sobs. I was just talking to Suge and then I don't know how we got to talking about circumcision and he... He offered to show me and I don't know why I said yes and...

- You were talking about circumcision with Suge? Aisha asked.

- Yeah, because I'm not, and apparently she doesn't like it," explained Jack.

- Really? You're not circumcised? asked Johnny.

- No, they didn't do it where I was born. Anyway, I'm not going to get my dick cut off for chicks who'll go sucking on other as soon as they get a chance.

- I don't know why it's come to this," Dee-Dee tried to justify herself.

- You're really too naive, Dee-Dee... sighed Aisha.

- Yeah, that's right, naive. Not to say anything else," grumbled Jack.

The rest of the walk was done in a heavy silence.

- Damn, the elevator's broken down again, it's a pain in the ass," sighed Johnny.

- Everything in here is shit. It stinks of piss like the whole fucking city. Everything fucking disgusts me. I'm so sick of everything. I'm going to lose it," Jack began, kicking the metal door open.

- It's just the elevator's out of order, calm down... Johnny tempered.

- Yeah, it's just the elevator...

Johnny didn't want to argue, as his friend seemed to be on edge. He just motioned for him to follow him to the eighth floor. Jack wanted to leave immediately, but Johnny held him back, sensing he was too fragile and about to explode.

- Stay here tonight," Johnny offered.

- No, I want to be alone.

- No, there's no way, I'm not going to leave you in this state alone.

Exasperated, Jack got up and headed for the door before Johnny could stop him from opening it.

- Go away, Johnny.

- No, I said.

- You're not going to break my balls too! What the hell is wrong with you all, messing with me all the time! I didn't do anything to you! Leave me alone!

Jack finally snapped and started shaking more than he should.

- Get the fuck out of the door or I'll break everything in your fucking house, he said feverishly.

- Then break everything, I won't move.

- Are you my friend or not! What are you doing to me. Move!

- No.

- MOVE! Jack shouted.

Johnny didn't give in and kept his composure, even when Jack jumped on him to try to get him out of the door. The two young men came to blows and Jack was quickly overpowered by his emotions. Johnny managed to get an arm lock on him and forced him to bow before Jack burst into tears.

Johnny released him and he collapsed, face down in the bed's comforter. He stifled several screams and kicked the mattress with all his might before Johnny paternally stroked his back.

- It's okay, Jack...

He got up, his eyes blistered with tears, and fell into his friend's arms, hugging him tighter before he started crying again.

It was almost daylight when the two boys, lying on Johnny's bed, finally managed to have a quiet conversation.

- Tell me, Johnny... How did you feel about your father dying?

- Not well. assured his friend.

- Didn't you hate it?

- Yes, to death. I still do. I miss my father every day. I wonder what he would think of me, if he would be proud... What would have become of us with him. I will never know.

- Did you love him?

- My father? Johnny asked as if he didn't understand.

- What was he like with you?

- Uh, I don't know, normal. He was pretty cool. He'd yell at you sometimes for no reason, he sucked at all the cool stuff, but he was a hard worker, kind and generous. And he respected my mom and loved her like a fool. I know she was devastated by his death.

- Did he ever do anything that made you uncomfortable?

- Yes, when he talked about condoms or fucking girls, he embarrassed me too much! He didn't seem to know anything about it and yet he fucked my mother to get me, so he must have known how to do it.

- No, but that's all fathers. But I don't know, he didn't hit you, or make you do weird stuff ?

- No, never in my life.

- Ah. Okay.

Johnny wasn't the smartest kid on earth, but he quickly realized that Jack needed to talk about his own life.

- Where's your father?

- My stepfather told me he died last year.

- Oh?

- I didn't know, I found out at Thanksgiving. I hadn't been able to cry for him once yet.

- Did it feel good to cry for him?

- I think so...

- What happened to him?

- I heard he drowned between Pleasant View and the prison.

- Shit, that's bad...

- He was a dud, Jack said, sniffing and smiling awkwardly. He wasn't a good person, really no one will miss him.

- Not even you?

Jack shrugged, his eyes brimming with tears. He was just a lost teenager who could never make peace with his parents. It was bound to leave a lasting impression.

Finally, the young Saint stayed a few more weeks with Johnny and Jang-Mi with whom he found the warmth of a reassuring cocoon.

And life went on, between hope and a future that looked much brighter.

Jack went back to school where he found Tyrone with joy. With the end of the Vice Kings, Jack went back to being almost an remarkable schoolboy between his school, his adopted family and of course the Saints for whom he continued to work.

No longer assigned to any big cases, he was content to drive for Julius, staying away from any really dangerous missions.

Finally somewhere, he had no enemies left, until Johnny got involved.

- But Mom! All the guys in the hood have dogs!

- No Ji-Hoon. A dog takes a long time to walk and you're never around.

- But I'll take him with me! You won't have to take care of it! And if I leave you sometimes, he'll protect you! I will train him to be a protector, you'll see!

- I don't know, it's not very hygienic either.

- But I'm not either! Johnny replied before realizing that this was not the best argument he had ever made.

- I don't know...

- Come on mom, please! I never ask you for anything! Johnny lied. Come on, Mommy dearest... Nae salangseuleoun eomma.

Johnny knew how to manipulate his mother and she was always too nice to be fooled.

- Well, I'll see... She gave in.

- Yes! Thank you my beloved mother whom I love!

Delighted, he kissed his mother before hopping into his room where Jack was working on his math.

- Duuuuuude?

- Yes?

- Guess who's getting a dog?

- Uhh... Jack grimaced.

- My mom wants to buy me one! Can you believe it?

- Great... Lied Jack who was scared to death of big dogs since his father's Rottweilers.

- I'm going to train him to eat all the guys in red or blue, you'll see! He will be an integral part of the Saints. He'll sniff out drugs and everything! We'll make money with him!

- Aren't you getting a little carried away?

- But Jack shit! All thugs have dogs! Look at Robert from the 7th, he has a staff !

- He's not a thug, Robert, he's just an old drunk on welfare.

- But that's just it! Robert has a dog and I don't, you think that's fair?

- I have nothing against animals, but I don't think that's a sign of social success.

- But yes, you'll see, we'll impose them on the row.

- If you say so...

- I can't fucking wait! Johnny exclaimed, clapping his hands frantically several times. I've got to come up with a name for it. Something sober, fast, impressive and that he likes.

- He's a dog, he doesn't give a damn about his name.

- Oh boy! I forgot to tell my mom that I absolutely want a dog man! MOM!

- It's called a male when it's an animal," Jack corrected him as Johnny had already dashed down the apartment hallway to warn his mother.

Jack just hoped the creature would be calm and well-trained so he could continue to live safely in the Gat household.

For the next few days, all Johnny could talk about was his future dog, for which he had already invested in a huge basket, a studded leash and a gold-plated collar with the creature's future name engraved on it: Tupac.

The blessed day finally arrived when Jang-Mi informed one of his friends that morning that she had a litter of weaned puppies and that one of them was reserved for Johnny. He didn't bother to find out the age, color or even breed of the puppy, already imagining himself on the streets of Stilwater with his hound. It was a male, and that was all he cared about.

- Skylar's sister has a female pit bull. If Tupac is making baby dogs with her, maybe we can get a business together, what do you think?

- There's no way I'm breeding dogs, no.

- Come on Jack, you're not funny!

- But I don't really like dogs Johnny, I don't know how to say it any clearer than that. I don't want to deal with them. And besides, your dog is still a puppy, he can't make babies.

- Oh shit, that's right. Fuck, I'm going to have to wait until he's like 13 or 14 before he can ?

- No, a dog dies at that age... Then I don't know, they say you have to multiply by seven. But I don't know if it's true.

- At what age did you have your first ejaculation?

- Please don't compare me to your dog... Jack grimaced.

- I was thirteen and a half. I had put it all over the sheets" Johnny recalled in an embarrassing monologue.

Jack chose not to raise his voice and went back to his homework as the sound of the front door was heard.

- Holy crap, that's my mom! Johnny rejoiced as he rushed towards her.

Overexcited, Johnny rocketed out of his room as Jack got up from his chair and sighed. He wasn't thrilled with the idea of living with a dog, but his friend looked so happy that he didn't have the heart to break his joy.

Jang-Mi was carrying a wicker basket in her arms and Johnny was circling her like he was five and a half years old.

- Show him! he ordered his mother.

- One second, Ji-Hoon, please.

Poor Jang-Mi felt oppressed by her son and put the basket on the floor. Inside was a tiny, two-kilogram puppy that Johnny grabbed.

- Oooh he's so cute! Did he just get born?

- No, he's already six months old.

- Six months old? He's a little small for six months, isn't he? Johnny worried. You have to multiply by 7, that's it, how much is that? he asked, counting on his fingers in a calculation that was already wrong.

- What kind of race is that? Jack asked, suspiciously.

- A Chihuahua," answered Jang-Mi.

- A what? Johnny choked.

- A Chihuahua, you know, like Princess, my friend Soo-Yeon's dog.

- What, her horrible dog that's seven inches long and weighs three pounds? Johnny realized.

Jack took a deep breath before biting his cheeks to keep from bursting out laughing. But he had a hard time hiding it when the brave Tupac found himself in his basket at least twenty times bigger than he was.

- But what am I going to do with this rat? No one's going to take me seriously with this," Johnny lamented, looking at his dog.

- Well, that," Jack laughed, having a hard time not laughing.

- What a fucking shame. Why is he even shaking? Is he cold?

- I don't know, maybe he's not happy to be here with us? Huh Tupac, he's not happy to be here, is he? He hates us, the bad dog. Jack said to the puppy, who was shaking even more.

- Maybe if I give him some hormones, you know, like the big brother of ...

- No, Johnny, you don't give a dog hormones. He'll stay small, it's his breed that wants it.

- What the hell... I'm going to be so fucked up with this...

- Probably," Jack concluded, closing his textbook.

He got up from his chair and took off his pants to get into bed, wearing a T-shirt and pajama bottoms.

- Are you going to bed already? Johnny asked.

- It's one in the morning and I have class in the morning.

- What already! Damn, you're right, I'm going to hit the sack too.

- No, you're going to take your rat out.

- Are you crazy, have you seen how cold it is outside?

- He won't last all night if you don't get him out. Damn it Johnny, he hasn't even been here half a day and you're already lazy!

- Can you get it out in the morning before you go to school?

- What the hell?

- Please go ahead.

- No way, I didn't want your rat. Take care of it yourself," said Jack, pulling the comforter down over him and closing his eyes.

Forced to take responsibility, Johnny and Tupac went for a walk on that cold winter night.

Much later, in Johnny's room, the two boys had been sleeping peacefully for a while when the unfortunate Tupac began to squeal and fuss at the foot of the bed.

- Oh fuck, it's your rat Johnny... Jack sighed, leaning a pillow on his head to stop hearing the puppy.

- What...? Johnny asked, half asleep.

- Make him shut the fuck up!

Completely out of it, Johnny grabbed his glasses and got up to look for the dog. He quickly found it by accidentally stepping on it, which made it squeal even more.

- But what's wrong with the good dog? What's wrong with him? Johnny gagged as the dog licked his face. He wants to eat, yes, he wants to eat.

- Damn Johnny!

- He's always bitching about your Uncle Jack, don't worry, Daddy will feed you," Johnny whispered to him as he stuffed him with treats.

The dog devoured his cookies and after a rumpus that exasperated Jack, calm finally returned.

At five o'clock in the morning, Jack's alarm clock sounded and the young boy opened his eyes with difficulty after his short night. As he turned his head towards his alarm clock, Jack's face found himself staring straight into the divergent squint of Tupac who had joined them in bed during the night.

- Aaaww, it's disgusting! Get out of here! Jack said, waving his arms to scare the dog away.

- Mmmm... Said Johnny.

- Damn, your dog was in the bed, shit, that's dirty.

- Yeah... Replied the proud owner of the canine creature.

Seeing that he would get no more support, Jack stood up and immediately froze when he felt his foot sink into something warm and soft.

- Oh no, not that..." he exclaimed.

It's true that the smell of the room was not the most pleasant, but when Jack turned on the light to see the extent of the carnage, it was beyond anything he could have imagined.

The unfortunate Tupac had dropped hectoliters of liquid shit all over the floor of the room.

- Oh fuck, your stupid dog shit all over the place! And I stepped in it!

- Why did you do that? Johnny asked, still half asleep.

- Go ahead, damn it. Ah, get the fuck out of here Tupac! Don't fucking break my balls in the morning already," cried Jack, jumping up and down in the bathroom.

The smell of shit in his room didn't really motivate Johnny to get moving and he went back to sleep surrounded by shit. When Jack reappeared, dressed, coiffed and almost ready to leave for school, he refrained from giving his friend the slightest thought about his responsibilities and carefully avoided the disaster caused by Tupac who was shaking nervously for no reason next to his basket. He retrieved his school uniform jacket, his bag, and just as he wanted to leave the room, his foot landed in a hot, wet puddle on the floor, ruining his clean socks.

- Holy shit, this isn't real! TUPAC! he shouted.

- Dude seriously, you've been yelling all morning," Johnny got impatient.

- He just pissed your dirty dog!

- But you're stressing everyone else out too. Hey Pac, he's stressing you out, huh?

Tupac started farting for no reason, still shaking, stressed about this new life.

- My mania and I can't take it anymore! Jack said as he walked back into the bathroom.

Despite his morning setbacks, Jack arrived on time for his first class of the day where he happily found Tyrone to whom he gave a check.

- Yo man! Tyrone said happily to him.

- Hey Ty! How's it going?

- Yeah, I'm cool. Although I'm kinda shitting on the maths exercises right now. It's fucking hard.

- Yeah, I spent some time on it too, but I think I'm good.

- What's wrong with your jacket? Ty asked.

- My jacket? Nothing?

- Yes, it's torn, isn't it?

Jack tried to look behind his back while pulling on the fabric, and indeed, there were distinctly scratch marks on it and more annoyingly, traces of tiny paws, undoubtedly caused by Tupac in his moment of gastric slackening.

- Oh fuck that's not true!

Jack took off his jacket with a disgusted look.

- Did you get attacked by a cat?

- No, it's Johnny! He's adopted some kind of half-dog rat that's 100% stupid. Damn, I didn't realize he'd ruined my jacket, I'm going to get torn up again. I'm gonna kill him when I get home.

- Come to the bathroom, we'll try to do a little damage control.

Under the cold water faucets of the school, Jack scrubbed his gray suit jacket of Tupac's abominations as best he could. The bell rang, forcing Tyrone to leave for class by mutual agreement as Jack tried to dry his jacket with the hand towel blower. Of course, he was soon spotted by one of the school's supervisors.

- Collins, don't you have class?

- Yes, I do.

- The bell's already rung.

- Yes, well, I'm going, that's fine! replied the excited teenager, his jacket still wet.

As he arrived at his math class, Jack excused himself and quietly took his seat.

- Collins, you're due at the principal's office, his teacher informed him.

- What! he exploded. What the hell, I said I was sorry.

- You will calm down already to begin with.

- You're always messing with me. Goddamn it, you never do!

- Collins. repeated the teacher calmly. The director just wanted to see you to give you a paper.

- Oh... Jack realized. Excuse me Mr. Evans...

- But since you seem to be very upset, I suggest you do not return to my class after your interview. So take the opportunity to get some fresh air and come back more calm. Get out now.

Jack suddenly felt very silly and headed for the principal's office. He knocked and was invited in.

- Good morning Nathan. I'm glad you're in my office, but it's not because of a behavioral problem, the director said.

- Good morning, but I'm afraid Mr. Evans doesn't want me in his class today.

- I see..." said the principal, a little upset. Did you have a problem with your uniform?

- Um... I can explain.

- I thought we were done with that kind of detail.

- But it's not my fault, it's...

- Look Nathan. You're not a kid anymore and you're starting to annoy me. I don't care about your excuses, whether they're true or not. Act like the adult we expect you to be. You can't keep wasting your potential on bullshit, you know?

- It's just water on my uniform...

- Yeah, and just one too many words to your teacher, just two minutes late, just one forgotten assignment, it's always some insignificant detail that causes problems and destabilizes everything you're building. It really has to stop. All eyes are on you, we're all waiting for you to finally shine, but no, you'd rather ruin everything. Don't blow it Nathan, you are your only chance to get through this, no one else will do it for you.

- I know... Jack acknowledged, lowering his eyes.

- Do you really want to get out of this and become someone or would you rather just hang around here and end up in jail like... ?

- Like my father, you mean?

- That's not what I said.

- But that's what you were going to say!

The director hesitated before answering. That was indeed what he was going to say before he pulled himself together. But he soon realized that it was a very bad idea.

- But you're right. Jack conceded. I don't want to end up like him. I apologize for my behavior. I really do try to do my best, but sometimes it's hard.

- I know you're acting in good faith," said the director, very surprised by this turn of events. Anyway, I have something to give you.

From one of the drawers of his desk, the director took out a letter that he handed to the teenager.

- Is this a letter from Harvard?

- Yes, you've been summoned next month to take the admission tests for that elite class.

- Really?

- Yes, they've reviewed your application and, not surprisingly, you've been accepted. Now they're waiting to see what you've got. I know it's hard with your parents right now, and if you want, I can accompany you to the tests. They're going straight to Harvard.

- Really? Jack wondered.

- I probably wouldn't know any other students like you, so if you become a big shot, I'll be proud to say I helped make that happen," the principal smiled.

- You won't mind if I screw up?

- Of course not. The level will be very high. Just to be lucky enough to be able to compete for it is exceptional. And if there is really a problem... There will be another session in two years. But I'm sure you've got the level this year already. Work on your behavior and one day I'll see you in the White House. I'll vote for you, even if you're in the Republican Party.

- I think I'll be more of a Democrat.

- I knew I could count on you.

Jack walked out of the principal's office with a small smile on his face.

He knew he wasn't born under a lucky star, but even so, he wanted to believe that someone or something had given him the power to change things one day.

Life wasn't easy, especially not when you're a teenager in the midst of introspection, but after all... Wasn't this new life he was being offered the beginning of something much bigger?

Jack knew that he would never be an anonymous person in the middle of the crowd, he wanted to shine, to the point that it was almost essential. He had to be recognized in something at any cost and his fate might be sealed in a little month...