Chapter One-Hundred and Forty-Four
John scratched Chance's ear as he listened to the pump fill his stomach with the liquid food replacement. So far, three hours had passed and he was already starting to get used to the stupid thing in his nose. He groaned as someone knocked on his door, opening his dark eyes to see that the person was none other than Thomas. "Mom?" He asked, his message clear as he slowly adjusted himself on the bed.
Thomas smiled, stepping toward John and flipping his light on. "She's fine." He took a seat on the edge of John's bed, gently touching his knee as the kid looked at him with fear in those eyes. "I wanted to speak with you."
John nodded, shaking his hair out of his face as he looked at the man who'd turned him away from his home. "Can I come home?"
Thomas nodded, shocked when the kid launched himself into his body, embracing him in a tight hug. "But a few things have changed." He stated, adjusting the feeding tube so it didn't get snagged on anything. "Dom moved out about a week ago. He's living with his girlfriend in Manchester Square. They dropped out of school after you disappeared and I haven't seen hide or hair of Dom since he left."
John balled his fists, knowing that Manchester Square was a rough spot to be but the apartments were cheap. "He's got a girlfriend?"
"Jessica's cousin. I think her name's Jade or something like that."
John nodded, pulling his knees up to his chest as he realized what he'd done. "He's being a dick again, isn't he?"
Thomas sighed, knowing that both of the Bender boys were spiteful as the devil and would do anything to piss each other off. "He's a lot like you." He chuckled, noticing John's sudden change in behavior as Asher's voice spoke behind him.
"You're both a lot like the three stooges, your uncles and Jacob." Asher stayed at a good distance from John, knowing better than to push the kids trust just yet.
John glared at his uncle, remembering his body squishing him as the tube was forced into his body. "Go fuck yourself." He growled, letting Thomas adjust the tube again.
Asher gave a cocky smirk, knowing if he wanted John's approval, he had to play John's game. "Can't. Sara drained my balls."
John couldn't hide his little smile, holding up his middle finger to Asher to hide the humor he found in his statement. "Sicko."
Thomas shook his head, handing John a paper that had the words 'IQ test scores' printed on it. "I thought you should see it first."
"The other test came back okay?" He asked, praying that he didn't have STDs and would be able to sleep with Claire after marriage.
Thomas nodded, smiling at the knowledge that John's body was miraculously clear of diseases. "You're free and clear."
John gave a broken smile, and Asher could have sworn that he saw a spark in those dark eyes that he'd inherited from his mother. "Thank God."