The hours flew by at Vicky's house, although, it was a manor, and it made Jack's house look like a shack. Before Jack knew it, it was time for him to be taken home. Edgar and Vicky waved him goodbye as he jumped out of the car. Edgar offered to walk Jack all the way to his front porch to greet his parents, but Jack insisted it was fine and that they were probably out somewhere.

"It's okay really. I've got my own set of keys, look", pulling them out and jingling them.

Edgar smiled and nodded, "I see, well tell them we said hi."

"Err, I will", Jack lied.

"It was fun today, Jack", Vicky told him, jumping out of the limo and hugging him tightly.

He watched them drive off after they all said their last goodbyes, then he turned around to face his house. It was just like any other house in the street really, nothing special, just your average two floored, two bedroom kind.

He hurried ahead towards the door, unlocking it and slamming it when it got inside. He did this every day after school, kind of hoping that his parents would hear. He stood still for a moment, listening. He didn't hear the usual sound of the television, so he assumed they must of gone out. Probably on yet another business venture. His actions were a fail once again, even though they were absent. Even if they were home, they'd only wave a hand to shoo him or nod and pretend they were listening to his stories about school. He tried running away once, but it was pointless. When he dragged his feet back home after a few hours sitting in the park out in the rain, they hadn't even lifted their heads from their work papers.

He ran up to his room and jumped onto his bed, lay down and faced the ceiling once more. His room wasn't the best room in the world. It was overly boring and plain. Brown and cream, it obviously wasn't his first choice. He imagined how he wanted it a thousand times over. A space room, because he was fasinated with science ever since he could remember. It wasn't because his parents were scientists. Even if they were trailer park trash, he'd still long to have a science career in his life. He longed for a room he could smile at ever time he walked into it, but he didn't have the guts to ask. He pictured his bed covered in planets and stars, with matching curtains and carpet. His walls and ceiling covered in plastic stars, so that when he turned off the light before he went to sleep, he would look up and see millions glowing, like he was really sleeping under the night sky. The only space related thing he has is a medium sized model of all the planets. It was probably his most prized possession, and the only thing his father bothered to get his. Now he only gives him money for his birthdays and christmasses, so he didn't have to waste the time picking out presents specially. Most kids would obviously love money, but to Jack, it really is the thought that counts. He never spent his money when he got it, it all goes in an old empty jar. His savings for college.

Sometimes he wished that it hadn't always been like this, but it had. He couldn't remember a time when he had a long meaningful conversation with his parents. Not once have they asked him how school once. Never have they cuddled him in the night because he was afraid of the dark. His Mother never kissed him goodnight or tucked him in. His Father never played catch with him or took him fishing. He longed for their love when he was younger than he was now, but he gave up many years ago. They were never going to change. He got used to it really. Yet somewhere deep down inside him, he still clinged onto a single thread of hope that some day, they would realise how they deprived him.

Jack rolled onto his side, facing his bedside table with the alarm clock on. It was only seven thirty, which meant only twelve and a half hours until school. Jack sighed. Time only flies when you don't want it to. He was looking forward to school tomorrow. In fact, he always did lately. Before Vicky came into his life, he never knew what having a friend was really like. He was grateful that he was the first kid in the class she spoke to. It was a great feeling knowing that someone was thinking about him in the same way he was, or at least he hoped so. What was he thinking? Of course she was. They were best friends. They would always be together, no matter what.

A sound of a car door slamming suddenly disturbs Jacks flowing thoughts. His parents were finally home. Jack realised that he had been lying there for ages, staring at the clock. Footsteps were heard coming up the stairs, and then, a quiet tapping on Jacks door which almost made him roll off his bed. Without hesitation, he quickly jumped over the bed and opened the door. His father stood before him. It had been a long time since this happened, or did this ever happen? Jack wondered, scratching his head and waiting for his father to speak. It was obvious he'd forgotten how to even talk to him properly.

"This... was in the door when me and your mother came home," His father piped up, clearing his throat along the way. He held up folder up piece of paper. Jack said nothing.

"It's addressed to you. Well, obviously."

Jack stayed silent, but took the paper from him.

"I've really got to get on with work. Have a nice night," And with that, Jack was alone again. He watched his father shuffled into his own bedroom and closed the door.

"He couldn't get away fast enough," he sighed, flopping back down onto his bed. The have a nice night part was a bit out of character for him though, Jack thought, not that I'd know. He must be in a good mood.

Even though it wasn't really a proper conversation, nevertheless, it was a start. He couldn't help but feel a little bit bad that he didn't say anything back, so it wasn't a conversation at all. He may as well of been talking to a brick wall.

Jack shook his head and remembered the note in his hand. He slowly opened it, revealing a small scribble of writing. Vicky's writing. It said:

You are the best friend in the whole world.

Jack read the words over and over again. Just 9 syllables, yet the best 9 syllables he had ever gotten on a note. Probably the only note he had ever gotten. He really did have the bestest friend anyone could ever wish for. After that little suprise, Jack had completely forgotten how rubbish he had been feeling since he arrived home. He placed the note under his pillow and dropped off to sleep with a smile on his face and a warmth in his heart.