17

A Chapter by Bob

As soon as they regained movement in their arms from the morphine high, they dived straight into a smoke. In the dilapidated garden of their mansion they put out two beach chairs and looked at the clouds as if they on the riverbank of their hometown. “You know Johnny I’m all healed up.” Jim said “Good news at last. You know Jimmy, I might miss this place.” John replied throwing his arms in the air “What?” asked Jim “No I mean this house, the land, places, architecture not the people.” “You had me worried there for a second man, anyway Johnny I wanted to talk to you.” John laughed, “We can stay for a while Jimbo, just don’t knock her up and get us stuck here forever.” It was Jim’s turn to get the giggles, “You read my mind but honestly man I think you should go.”

“And why’s that?” John asked “For the same reason I left you back at the village man, we’re staying here for different reasons. Don’t settle Johnny go have fun and we’ll meet up again.” “You make a good point but I’m cool with settling for a while... unless?” “Unless I’m not just settling for a while, yeah I’m going for it man.” Said Jim They laughed and John went into the garage to get two beers, “that’s great Jim; I’ll stay for a while then head on out.” “I figured you’d say that. John both of us know what lies beyond this crappy town.” Said Jim “Yeah but we were just gonna pass it anyway.” John replied “You gotta go man. I’m serious just go check it out.” Jim put on his most serious face; it only lasted until the end of the sentence though. “It’ll be a hassle but I guess I could see what’s up.” They heard the door slam and knew with the stench of morphine in the house, the smoke and beer in their hands they were in for quite a tongue-lashing. They laughed, each one reading the others mind,” You know Johnny she wanted to come with.” “You don’t say.” Said John “Yeah she said if we’re leaving soon, she’s coming with us.” “Sounds like her, you’re in for a treat Jimmy.”

They sat in the battered and bruised rust bucket and if they weren’t the kind of people they were (or under the influence) they would be crying buckets now. John knew the road wouldn’t be the same without him and a little part hated that he was going to stay with Anna but it softened him up too, he loved them both to be honest. She was an amazing girl and they deserved each other so John was happy to have brought this kind of happiness to his friend. He was glad dragging him along and putting his life in danger more than once ended well, a little better than well. Anna was still sleeping; John’s going away party was a little too much for her. She was after all knew to the lifestyle. “I’ll try to write every day. I can’t only talk to this jackass in my head.” John said “That’s real nice bud, I have feelings too.” “He’s not that bad but I’ll check the mail,” They got out, hugged and saw Anna coming out. You were not gonna leave without saying goodbye? I’m gonna miss you John, maybe not as much as the tear eyed Miss Floyd over here.” She hugged John and when she was done, she kissed him, the kind you’d give your boyfriend. “She’s a good friend Johnny.” Then she went inside. “If I ever go back I’ll check in on your mom okay.” Said Jim “Thanks, I really hope that when I stop at gas station you’ll be in truck when I get out,” John said “Who knows, good luck to the both of you.”

With that, John made the not-long- enough drive to their next destination. “I guess it’s true what they say.”

“And what’s that.” John asked “All roads lead home.”

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