Jack and I

Tess Davies and her best friend/ adoptive brother Jack Dallas are content with their life on their 1956 Idaho farm. Tess has nearly forgotten about her mother’s death, her father depress

This is the story of two farm kids, some Greasers, a convict, a nerd, a vixen, and a few bikers and how it turned my life upside down. For better or for worse; you decide.

I was only about thirteen when Blue had her pups. I can remember the day clearly, mostly because it seemed to be the start of the rest of my life. It was August 31st, 1956, in our old farmhouse in Northern Idaho, just on the cusp of Burkesville. I had been looking for the blue ticked hound all day, and was finally starting to get nervous.
“Blue, here girl!” I called, hands cupped around my mouth.

I ran quickly to the cow pasture, my feet flattening the green. I leapt up onto the wooden fence rail, leaned over and stood on the very tips of my toes to try and see. But all I saw were our four spotted cows, munching the grass hungrily, tails flicking away the flies.
“Blue!”

I bit my lip nervously and then dropped down, running as soon as I hit the ground. Where else would Blue go? The chicken coop?  It took only a few moments to listen for angry squawking and hearing none, to figure out that Blue was not in the coop. Where else, where else, I racked my brain for another thought. But none came. Think Tess think!

After a few more minutes of waiting nervously I realized that Blue was nowhere within hearing distance or she would have come if she could hear me. I thought long and hard when finally it popped into my head and I wondered how I hadn’t remembered before. Blue was probably in the forest, she would have looked for a quiet place to have her pups.   She had been gone since dawn, so she had probably already had her litter. I turned with a flip of my pale brown hair and ran to find Jack.

                Jack was our farmhand, but he specialized in mechanics. I heard the familiar sputtering of the engine as I neared the garage, and the even more familiar sound of Jack cursing.
“Hey! Having fun there Jack?” I asked as I jumped up onto the fence, seeing Jack’s head under the hood.
“Your dad really should buy a new tractor,” he grumbled as he looked up, “What do you need Tess?”
“I think we should go and find Blue,” I explained, “She’s probably in the forest. Do you think she already had the litter, she’s been gone since dawn?”
“Probably,” he said as he wiped his greased hands on an old rag, stormy blue eyes looking worried, “Go get something from the smokehouse, she may be hungry. I’ll go untie Chief and we’ll get a move on.”

                I nodded and bolted towards the old smokehouse, a sagging grey building with thin wisps of white smoke that crept out of the cracks in the roof. I thought about Jack. He was a great help, and really my only friend since I wasn’t really very popular at school. Jack was sixteen, a little older than me and he slept in the spare room of our house. I think it’s important to add that Jack was an orphan, but we had pretty much adopted him. His dog, Chief, was the father of Blue’s pups.

I reached the house and opened the door, holding my shirt over my face as I let the extra smoke drift out. When the air inside was tolerable I walked in, seeing the hunks of meat hanging from the roof. I grabbed a small pheasant that Dad must have caught hunting and wrapped it in paper before placing it in my burlap bag along with an old flashlight. I ran to Blue’s dog house where I grabbed an old knitted blanket that she slept on. Balling it up, I ran to the house to meet Jack and Chief. Chief had thick, ashy grey fur that was stiff to the touch with a black saddle marking and a dark blaze over his head. His face was slender and proud, with pointed ears. But what I loved about Chief was his eyes. They were sharp and eager, almond shaped and the deepest brown you’ve ever seen. If eyes are the window to the soul, then maybe Chief was a little more lively then he looked. He stood absolutely still, tail not wagging, legs still and locked. His tail curled over his back as he looked up at me, ready for a job.

I held the blanket to Chief’s face as he eagerly sniffed it. When Jack was sure he had the scent, he released Chief who bounded towards the forest, wriggling under the fence, running to the woods. Jack walked beside me as we sauntered after Chief. The farmhand ran a hand through his blonde hair to try and keep it off his forehead since the grease had all worn out. I chuckled and he just looked quizzically at me.
“You know you can go and get it cut any time,” I laughed, knowing Jack had wanted to get his hair cut for a while.
“No, there’s way too much to do around here. The tractor needs fixing every few days, the skinning shack needs to be re-supported, I need to make room in the smokehouse by Tuesday and that’s only a few days away, and now there are going to be pups to take care of,” he said as he clutched his hair, looking crazed.
“Calm down Jack. When we find Blue you can go into town. Tomorrow I’ll help out,” I smiled and he patted me on the back before we vaulted the fence and walked across the pasture. Suddenly Chief’s booming howl echoed out of the trees, making the cows look abruptly up.
“Looks like he found her,” Jack said, breaking into a run, “And thanks.”

We moved as quickly as we could, jumping the fence at the other side and barreling over the ground. The scent of must was thick in our noses and birds were twittering overhead. Once or twice a squirrel would duck across our path and I caught the amber eyes of a fox before it scrambled into the undergrowth. Eventually we halted, standing, waiting, nothing but the sound of the summer breeze reaching our ears.
‘Aroooooooo!’ came Chief’s wolf-like howl and we were off again, heading west.
“Chief!” Jack boomed loudly and suddenly the large dog was at his ankles, running proudly beside his master in gait like a prized purebred, “Lead the way!”

Chief moved quickly and we followed his thick tail which was held erect like a flag. He led us farther into the wood, light splintered and broken through the trees. Suddenly Chief stopped, head high next to a large pine. The mud had been washed away at some point, and there was room for a dog to wriggle under, room for Blue to have her pups. And at the base of the tree was a body, it made my heart jolt until I realized that it was a dead racoon. I looked back at Chief, who was probably defending his pups.
“Good boy,” I said as I patted him on the head, but he never lost that proud, lock legged stance, like a dog in the show ring. Instead he only looked at me like I was somehow degrading him.

I dropped my bag and got down on my hands and knees, looking in. I could see a silhouette, but it was too dark for more.
“Jack, hand me the flashlight,” I called and he dropped it into my palm. Shining it quickly in, I could see Blue and four tiny pups. They were hairless, blind, and deaf and would rely on their mother. But it was actually Blue I was worried about. Among her sandy fur and blue ticks was a splatter of scarlet. Blue had been attacked, probably by that coon. She had four pups and I hoped, for her sake, that that was how many she had whelped.

“She’s hurt Jack, we need to bring her back to the house,” I said, backing up to look at him.
“Let me in, I’ll see if I can get her out,” he said, rolling up the sleeves of his old blue dress shirt.
“Will you fit?” I asked. Jack was tall and broad-shouldered, and I didn’t think he’d be able to get very far.
“I’ll see,” he said, “Blue may put up a fight, especially since she’s been injured and you’ll have a harder time dealing with an angry dog.”
“What because you think I’m weak? Cause I’m small? Cause I’m a girl?” I asked quickly, arms crossed.
“No because if you got bit I don’t know what I’d do,” he said sternly.

                He got down and started into the hollow but suddenly I heard a loud thump and Jack came scrambling back. As he stood up he rolled his shoulders with a wince.
“I can’t get into the den,” he grumbled. But I was short and thin, probably able to get through. I pulled the pheasant from my bag, ripping a leg off.
“Let’s hope she’s hungry,” I said and Jack nodded as I crawled in.
 “Blue,” I said, quietly, soothingly.

                She looked up abruptly and lowered her head, eyes like chips of sharp ice. Blue really was beautiful. She had long, drooping ears from her hound ancestors and smooth sandy fur. She was thin and well built, had a great nose, and was quick and agile. But, like Chief, she was a mix of several breeds which meant that the pups could look like anything. Her smooth, round face was filed with anger and she curled up her lips into a terrible snarl. She either didn’t recognize me or, was too protective over her pups. It probably didn’t help that she was hurt.

                I tossed the pheasant forward and Blue quickly snapped it up, eating it hungrily but never taking her eyes off of me. I shakily reached forward, my breath billowing out into the cold air and snaking in front of the light like claws. My hand touched her head and she shied backward, growling low in her throat.
“Shh, I’m not gonna hurt you Blue,” I crooned, “Or the pups.”

I looked at her injury, a swipe of claws over her flank. It wasn’t deep, and didn’t look too bad. Blue would clean it herself and could stay here until we were ready, and she was ready, to take the pups back to the house. But until then, we’d need to stay by and watch her. But maybe not.

I wriggled back out, brushing mud off of my pants.
“She’s hurt, but she’ll be okay on her own. Chief could stand watch for a day or two until she settles down and we can bring the pups home,” I suggested and then passed Chief a hunk of meat, watching him eat it before I tossed the rest into the small den.
“Sound good,” Jack nodded and looked to Chief, pulling a piece of rope from his pocket and tied it to Chief’s black leather collar before wrapping it around the tree and tying it off, “Alright Chief, stay!” he ordered and Chief sat down, looking around wildly.
“We’ll come back around dusk,” I told Jack and we started walking back, the raccoon carcass slung over Jack’s shoulder. Chief hadn’t really roughed it up too badly, so maybe my father could still skin it.

                The birds were singing and the branches rustled together, almost in a perfect song. Our feet beat the ground rhythmically and the golden light flooded our path. The green trees surrounded us, harboring several squirrels that looked curiously down.
“How many pups were there?” Jack asked, hands deep in his jean pockets as we walked back.
“Four,” I replied, “I just hoped that’s how many there she had.”
“Chief’s gonna watch over her, and I’d say in about a week or so we may be able to convince her to move back to the house,” Jack reassured me as we climbed over the fence.
“So I told you I’d help,” I smiled, “What first?”
Jack smiled, a startlingly white smile that when matched with his happily sparkling eyes would seem to call every sixteen year old girl to our house, much to my annoyance. We started climbing over the other side of the fence as Jack answered.
“Well the smokehouse- Thimble!” he boomed as I heard the cat yowl and Jack stumbled off of her tail, right into the corn patch, falling backward.
“Jack!” I heard someone squeal and Jack’s younger brother Tim came running over

                Jack and Tim looked nothing alike. While Jack was tall and strong, Tim was short and round. Jack had blue eyes, Tim’s were a violent shade of green. Tim had curly black hair, and Jack’s was the colour of dried straw; he usually had it slicked with a small amount of grease, but the long summer days caused the grease to rub out.
“I’m fine Tim,” Jack said as the little boy tried to help him up, only managing to fall over on top of his brother and almost kicking him with chocolate-and-navy saddle shoes.

                Jack laughed and got up as we walked into the house and I sat down on my bed, Jack next to me and Tim on a small chair.
“That cat’s going to be the death of us, I swear,” I murmured through clenched teeth.
“I know,” Jack answered, pulling his sleeve up to reveal his injury.

                He was bleeding, his upper arm badly cut. It looked like he had fallen on a support peg in the patch.

“Tim, go and get Jack some stuff for his arm,” I instructed and Tim ran off, always being a very obedient little kid.
“So you okay?” I asked him, rolling back the sleeve to check his arm, “Nothing else hurt.”
“My pride,” he grumbled and then paused, “Also I think I bruised everything from my head to my toes.”
“You’ll be fine, just wait for Tim to come back.”

                Just then the small boy came running in and placed the small box that my mother used to use on the bed next to us.
“Thanks Tim. You can go,” I said and he nodded before scampering off as fast as his little legs could carry him. I grabbed the wet cloth touching it too Jack’s arm as he winced.
“Careful there,” he growled and I rolled my eyes.
“Oh man up you big wimp,” I chuckled as I wiped the blood away from his wound, the entire time Jack whined like an old hound dog. I put some iodine on his arm and then grabbed the roll of cloth, “Hold your breath there Jack.”

                Jack shied away as I tightly wrapped the white cloth around his arm, pinning it at the end. I grabbed a piece of cloth and made a sling for his arm. Knowing Jack, if I didn’t do this, he’d be trying to use his arm, no matter how much it was hurt
“Okay you’re clear and I promised I’d help you with your chores but you’re not doing anything for the day. Tim!” I called before Jack could complain. Tim scrambled into the room, the cat clutched in his arms where she hung there looking distraught, “Put Thimble down and go and get us a deck of cards.”

                Tim was happy to play a game and came running back in with the deck. I pulled the small side table close to the bed as Tim grabbed his tiny wooden chair. He dragged it over the wooden floor with a loud creaking noise before plopping down into it and tossing the cards to the center of the table.
“What do you wanna play?” I asked as I shuffled the cards.
“Texas Hold Em’,” Jack suggested and Tim looked at him, head cocked like a curious puppy.
“Do you really wanna teach your brother to gamble?” I questioned, “You already taught him to shoot a slingshot and how many times has he hit you already?”
“Okay fine,” Jack agreed, “Tim what do you wanna play?”
“Go Fish!”
“The little brother has spoken,” I said and started dealing the cards out.

“So?” Jack asked, taking Tim’s two as the five year old sulked.
“So,” I responded, “Got any fours.”

                Jack tossed me a card and in about ten minutes we had quickly finished the game. It was nearing supper time and I quickly got some leftover soup from a few days back. When we had finished eating we went out to feed the chickens and gather the eggs, Jack mumbling about his slung arm.
“Just take it out,” I mumbled and he happily undid the sling.

I grabbed a bucket and we walked into the old coop, the chickens sitting on the peeling maroon coloured shelves in their old nests. I scattered the seed and Tim collected the eggs in a large tin bucket padded with straw. We brought them back up to the house and Tim quickly ran inside to place them in the fridge.

                Jack looked up at the gold and orange sky, the sun like a ball of fire as it set behind the hills. We looked towards the forest as dusk fell.
“Should we camp out with Chief?” Jack asked.
“Sounds cool!” I smiled.

We ran to the shed to get two sleeping bags, pillows, and Jack’s rifle. I started out to the pasture and then realized Jack wasn’t with me. I looked back and saw that the skinning shack door was open, and Jack’s tall figure was standing in the doorway. I was surprised, my dad rarely came out of the small shack, and rarely invited anyone in. Eventually I heard Jack say “Yessir”, before we headed out. We jumped the fence with our gear slung over our backs.
“What was he talking to you about?” I questioned curiously as we walked across the soft green grass.
“Nothin’,” he said and I looked at him as we walked. I must have been frowning because he turned to me and smiled warmly, “No seriously it was nothing.”

                We jumped the other side of the fence and then ran into the woods. I followed Jack since he held the lantern and it was becoming dark, and also because I had no idea where we were going. I could see animals peering at us from the black tree shaped shadows. Raccoons or possums, maybe owls. Warm winds blew the pine boughs and reassured me that it would be a nice night to camp out. Suddenly I heard a deep growl and behind us I could see sharp eyes, peering at us from the depths of the darkness. Glinting white teeth, ears pulled back and muzzle furrowed as he snarled.
“Jack,” I gasped, “Wolf!”

                He turned quickly, rifle in hand until the light cast upon Chief, shrinking back at the sight of the gun. Realization washed over Jack’s face and he dropped the rifle to his side, patting Chief on the head,
“Sorry boy.”

                I grabbed the lantern and looked into the den. Four pups, one mother; everyone was safe. I crawled back out and Jack had already set up our sleeping bags. I lay down on mine, looking up. There was a break in the trees and I looked up at the sky as Jack blew out the lantern. It was nice, being out in the forest with Jack next to me.
“So what was my dad talking to you about, really… tell me,” I said.
“He just wanted to make sure I was keeping you safe.”
“And?”

“I said I would, no doubt. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. You’re like a sister to me Tess.”
“Thanks Jack.”

                I woke up the next morning, light filtering through the trees. Jack was still snoring beside me and I turned to see Chief, sleeping in front of the tree. But as soon as I turned over his head jolted up, ears perked and eyes keen.
“Easy Chief,” I murmured and he settled down, still looking around cautiously.

I thought about what we needed to do. Cleaning out the smokehouse would be simple, and it probably wouldn’t even take that long. And then we needed to fix the tractor. An easy job, Jack did it every few days anyway. And then we needed to re-support the skinning shack. Not such an easy feat. That would take a while. But all of this could wait, I knew Jack needed a break. I sat there with my hands behind my head, listening to the sound of the forest. Suddenly there was a scurrying sound and a fox broke slowly into the open. Chief gave a low growl and suddenly Jack was on his feet, rifle against his shoulder. He gave a single shot, missing on purpose as the fox ran back into the forest.

“Sleep well?” I asked as I got up and started to roll up my sleeping bag.
“I guess,” he shrugged as he did the same, hair tossed and crazed, “Had to nearly shoot a weasel that was getting a little too curious. Almost got into the den.”
“And Chief?”
”There was a coon up in the tree so he wasn’t exactly sure what to go after. He was howling his head off, the idiotic brute. How didn’t you hear him?” Jack asked, looking rather surprised.
“I dunno, but I think I had a dream about wolves so that would explain it,” I said.
“I think Chief’s got some wolf in him,” Jack explained as he patted his dog’s head and Chief shook his head before looking up strongly, like being patted was for puppies.

“So now we need to go clean out the smokehouse,” Jack said as we walked down the dirt path, “How are we gonna go about it?”
“I think we should go into town today,” I said and he started to complain but I cut him off, “You haven’t stopped working for at least a week. You need a break.”
“Fine,” he sighed and we quickly made it back to the farm, put away our camping gear, and raced into the house to get changed.

                I pulled on a red shirt and jeans. That’s not was everyone else wore, but I wasn’t everyone else. I walked out of the house and saw Jack waiting by the road. He was wearing an old run down pair of jeans and a white T-shirt, a little more casual then when he works. He waved his arm and I ran quickly beside him as we started to walk into town. It wasn’t that far, about a 15 minute walk. We walked down the dusty street, following the Main Road.

“So is there anything we need to get in town?” I asked, “Besides you getting your hair cut?”
“I need a new gasket for the tractor,” Jack explained, “So we need to swing by the auto shop.”
“I’ve got some spare change, we can buy some colas at the corner store, and maybe some caramels,” I said as I pulled out a dime and Jack’s face lit up.
“Sounds good,” Jack smiled as we finally walked into town.
“There’s the barber shop, go get your hair cut and I’ll buy the gasket,” I said as I held out my hand for the money.
“You know which one right?” Jack asked as he dropped the money into my hand.
“Yah, I’ve come with you before. I’m not stupid,” I scoffed and walked towards the auto shop and Jack went the other way.

                I walked in, hearing the small bell ring. Mister Ronaldo, the man who ran the shop, was working on a car in the side shop. I quickly grabbed the gasket that we needed for the tractor.
“Hello Tess,” Mister Ronaldo called as he came to the front, “Where’s Jack?”
“He’s getting his hair cut, and I told him I’d get the part for the tractor,” I said as I dropped the money into his large palm.
“Alright, you two don’t work too hard on that old tractor,” he called after me as I walked towards the door.
“Well I can’t promise anything,” I laughed as I turned back. Mister Ronaldo ran back to the car but there was someone else back there as well. He looked my age, working under the hood and wiping his brow. Blonde hair, grey eyes, and a Greaser from the looks of it. He looked up and caught my eye before I quickly turned and left, walking towards the corner store.

                The old store was painted yellow with a nice little sign that said “Bill’s Corner Store”. I walked in and quickly walked to the counter where Bill was standing, trying to forget the boy at the garage. “Morning Tess,” he smiled, “The usual?”
“The usual Bill," I smiled as he handed me two colas and the small bag as I gave him the money.

                I walked quickly out and then started towards the barber shop. It wouldn’t take Jack long, he was just getting his hair trimmed. I sat on the small bench, drinking my cola and chewing on a caramel or two. But I knew they were Jack’s favourite so I waited for him. I looked and saw Jack coming out, his hair shorter and looking better. But before I could call him over Laura Johnson, a girl Jack went to school with, went over to talk to him. I hated her, she was obsessed with Jack and I don’t think he was aware of it. It was strange, Jack was a farmhand and that puts him in a ‘lower class’ but for some reason everyone fawned over him.  You wouldn’t usually find the daughter of the mayor hanging around a farmhand, but maybe it was the risk that made it so appealing. 

“Hi Jack,” she said, her voice unnaturally high and perky, “What brings you into town?”
“Getting my hair cut,” he smiled happily and I could see Laura seem to melt at the sight of his cheerful face.
“What happened to your arm?” she asked, looking at the large white bandage.
“I fell on a support peg,” he shrugged.
“Does it hurt,” she asked softly.
“Not too badly.”

“Haven’t seen you out a lot,” she said, acting sad.
“I’ve been working,” Jack explained, “There’s a lot to do on the farm.”
“You know,” she started, a hint of mischief in her voice, “I could come and help out.”
“That’d be boss!” Jack exclaimed and I clapped a hand to my forehead. She was not coming to my house, not if I could help it.

“Jack!” I called, walking over and handing him the bottle of cola and a few caramels.
“Hey Tess, you’ve met Laura right?” Jack said, motioning to the tall girl as he opened his drink.
“Yah,” I said flatly and she looked back at me with narrowed eyes, “We’ve met before.”
“So this is the little monster right Jackie?”
She didn’t mean it offensively, that was slang for ‘younger sister’. But did she just call me his sister? And did she really just call him ‘Jackie’?
“Well, sort of,” Jack said as he drank from the bottle, “But not really. She’s my boss’s daughter.”
“So am I coming back to your house or not?” Laura asked, grabbing Jack’s uninjured arm and making me nearly choke on my cola, spluttering and coughing although Jack didn’t seem to notice.
“Yah I guess,” Jack shrugged.
“Jack,” I hissed between my teeth.
“What Tess? It’ll get done so much faster if she helps out,” Jack smiled as we started walking and I couldn’t argue with him although I didn’t agree. I was positive that with Laura there, it would not go faster.

                We started walking back, Jack and Laura walking in front. Whenever I tried to go and walk with them, Laura would speed up or pull Jack’s attention back towards her. Laura was pretty, I guess. She was tall and had long chestnut brown hair. Her eyes were a deep brown colour and when she had her hair down and it was smooth and flat. She was wearing an ugly purple skirt and pink cardigan. I would never understand fashion. I walked quietly behind them, drinking the rest of my cola and eating the caramels. I guess I felt bad because Jack would probably have liked to have some but if he was gonna flirt with that idiotic girl then all the more for me. They laughed the entire way back, but I couldn’t hear a word of the conversation.

                Soon we were back at the house and I still had the gasket with me but had not given it to Jack yet. I’d let him notice me, notice that I was still here.
“So what are we going to do first Jackie?” she asked and I felt a rush of hatred flow through me like a wave on the shore.
“Well we need to clear the smokehouse,” Jack said and then saw the disgusted look on her face, “But we can fix the tractor I guess.”
“Sure!” she smiled and pranced over the green tractor that was parked by the barn.
“Hey Laura!” he called, heading to the house, “Just let me go get changed into some good work clothes.”
“Alright Jackie, don’t take too long!” she shouted after him with a wink.

I rolled my eyes. A city girl like that would never be able to fix a tractor. I sat down on the stool nearby, still eating my candy.
“Hey I’m still here,” I said with an air of annoyance as soon as Jack had left, “Or were you too busy loving Jack to notice.”
“Go away ankle-biter,” she jeered, every point of sweetness gone with Jack, “Jack doesn’t need you around.”
“Oh yah!” I laughed, “Do you even know how to fix a tractor?”
“No, but I don’t need to,” she said smugly, “All I need to do is stand here and watch. Jack’s already on the hook for me.”
“Really?” I responded, “You think that now city girl, you’ve pretty much already clanked. Cause I know Jack, and I know that he would never fall for someone like you.”
“You think that?” she asked, standing right over me.
“I know that,” I snarled, looking her right in the eye.
“Well-”
“Back!” Came Jack’s cheery voice and he came back in the same blue buttoned shirt, ripped jeans, and tanned leather boots.

Laura turned around, her face exceptionally cheery once again. I rolled my eyes and sat back down, watching Jack roll up his sleeves. Laura stood right next to him as he ducked down into the tractor. I spun the gasket around in my hand, watching Jack and waiting for him to ask for it.

It took a while, since Jack had completely forgotten I was there. He came back up, looking around as I sat there. He was craning his neck, trying to find the gasket that he needed.
“Looking for this Jack?” I asked as I came up beside him and held up the gasket.
“Thanks Tess,” he smiled as he took the small piece of rubber and began putting it in.
“Laura can you help me with this?” he asked as he looked at her.
“Um,” she stammered.
“I’ll go change and be right back to help,” I smiled and then raced off.

Bad decision, I should’ve known I couldn’t leave those two alone. I had raced into my room as fast as a rabbit from its warren and pulled on jeans and my old green shirt that was stained with tractor grease and grass rubs. I was just pulling my shoes back on when I heard Jack and Laura talking from outside my window. I know eavesdropping is bad and everything but I couldn’t resist.
“Does she really have to be here?” Laura asked and I felt my hatred for her grow even larger, if that was possible.
“Yes,” Jack answered plainly.
“But she’s so annoying?”
“What was that,” Jack snapped.
“Well I was wondering Jack,” Laura said, “What’d you think of Tess?”
“She’s a great kid,” Jack replied.
“Thanks Jack,” I murmured, entirely to myself.
“Is there anything more between you two?” Laura questioned, sounding serious.
“No,” Jack laughed.
“Then why does she need to be hanging around with us?”
“Seriously?” I heard Jack say, voice getting slightly louder.
“But I thought you didn’t care about here?”
“There’s a difference between not being in love with and not caring for. I’m sorry Laura but Tess will always come first,” he said sternly.

“Jack!” Laura shouted and she must have grabbed his arm because the next thing he said was,
“Get off of me,” and then his voice was as strong and firm as an oak tree, “I’m sorry but just go. If you don’t care about the people I care about then maybe you better just split.”

I heard Jack come into the house, muttering under his breath. Soon there was a knock on my door.
“Yah,” I called, getting my shoes on and pretending I didn’t hear the conversation before that, “Where’s Laura?”
“She’s going home.”
“Why?”
“It doesn’t really concern you,” Jack said quickly and I nodded.
“Well why did you let her come over here then?”
“What was I going to do when she invited herself over, say no? Sometimes I’m too polite for my own good. Stupid ‘boys have to be gentlemen’” I laughed, “Should we keep working on the tractor?”
“Sure,” he smiled and got up, pulling me to my feet before we walked out of the house.

We worked on it until noon when I started to get hungry. But it wasn’t until then that I realized we had skipped breakfast. Jack shut the front of the tractor and stood back, stretching out his arms and wiping his hands off on the rag. He swung into the front of the tractor and started it.
“Perfect,” he smiled as he jumped out, “Let’s go get something to eat then we can visit the dogs,” Jack suggested, wiping sweat from his brow.
“Sounds good,” I smiled and we walked inside.

                I thought about what we could have for lunch and quickly just deciding on some sandwiches. Quick, easy. Tim had raced down and jumped up onto a chair, peering at the counter.
“I want chicken and ham and lettuce and cheese and tomato and-”
“Quiet Tim,” Jack said as he got some of the ingredients out, “You’ll get what we give you.”

                We just slapped some chicken between two slices of bread with some cheese and called it a meal. Of course Tim wasn’t too happy with that but Jack made him eat it. We quickly finished and washed the dishes, Tim still hovering over us. I quickly grabbed some dog food from the pantry. I had given the dogs the meat yesterday as more of a treat. Now they had to go back on the regular stuff. We quickly walked out of the house and towards the pasture.

                We jumped over the fence and I held the two bowls steady, making sure not to drop any of the hard kibble pieces. Tim needed some help over and after Jack put him on his shoulders we moved faster.
“Do I get to see the puppies?” Tim asked as we walked into the forest.
“Sure Tim,” I replied as we neared the den tree.
“Hi Chief!” Tim smiled as Jack put him down and he ran over to the tolerant dog that let the small boy hug and pat him.
“I think Tim should have his own dog,” I said to Jack, “You have Chief and I have Blue, maybe Tim can have once of the pups?”
“I dunno,” Jack shrugged, “Are you sure he’s ready?” I could see what he meant, Tim was hanging from Chief’s neck as the dog looked down at the little pest. Chief was too good a dog to react to anything Tim was doing, but you could see in his eyes that he was not impressed.
“I think if we find him the right pup, he’ll be fine,” I responded as I placed the bowl of kibble in front of Chief who quickly began to eat it.

“Tim,” I called and the black haired boy turned to me, arms still tight around Chief’s neck, “Do you want to give Blue her food?”
“Yay!” he cheered and grabbed the bowl from me, scurrying into the den.

                Jack shook his head and looked at his brother’s retreating figure as he went farther under the tree,
“I still don’t think I can trust him with a dog. I mean he nearly strangles Chief every time he hugs him and the cat doesn’t even want to go near him. Imagine what he’d do to a fragile puppy!”
“Well we’ll have to watch him and maybe we wait a little before actually telling him the dog is his,” I suggested but Jack still looked uneasy. Soon Tim came back out, smiling.
He quickly ran back to Chief, jumping on his back and wrapping his tiny arms around the large dog’s neck. Chief gave a low growl but did not lunge to bite Tim, instead he shook roughly and Tim tumbled to the ground.
“Jack!” he whined, sounding like he was on the verge of tears.
“Now don’t go crying about it,” Jack snapped, “You shouldn’t have been riding Chief like a mule. If you ever want your own dog you need to learn to be gentle.”

Tim looked sad as we walked back to the pasture. Jack really loved Tim, I knew that, and it was because he loved him that he didn’t want to give him a puppy. Tim would never intentionally hurt his pet, but at only five years old he didn’t know yet how to be gentle. Soon Jack was lifting Tim over the fence and we were back at the house.
“Let me re-bandage your arm,” I said to Jack as we sat down on the porch.

I took the pin out from the bandage and unpeeled it to see his arm still not scabbed over. That’s not what I wanted to see.
“Tim go get the bandage kit,” I sighed and Jack tried to look at his arm.
“What’s wrong with it?” he asked.
“I thought it’d be scabbed over, but it’s not. It’s still bleeding, I’m going to clean it then you can let it air out, but you’re not doing anything serious for at least an hour.
“But the smokehouse needs to be cleared,” Jack moaned as Tim came bustling out and placed the box in front of me and handed me the wet cloth.
“Well we can clean it out tomorrow, there’s still enough time to get it done,” I explained as I cleaned the cut.

Jack was wincing like the big baby he was as I put the iodine on but then I let him go. He couldn’t do any work, but I had an idea.
“Let’s get the horses out and we can go for a ride,” I suggested and Jack nodded vigorously.
“Can I come?” Tim asked and I went to answer but Jack did first.
“Maybe you should stay here Tim, we’re going pretty far,” Jack said.
“And Snowy isn’t ready for a long ride,” I explained and then started walking towards the barn, “Where’re we going then?”
“I was thinking River’s End,” Jack recommended and I nodded,
“Sounds good to me! We haven’t been there in ages!”

We walked into the barn, straw lining the ground. I looked at the pale brown horse stalls and then walked into the pasture, seeing my horse Scorpio. I had named him such because it actually happens that we were both born under that zodiac sign. I lead him back into his stall and started to saddle him up. Scorpio was a black horse, no other markings except a small white dot above his right eye. His mane was shorter than most but his tail was long and silky.

I looked across the barn and saw Jack saddling his stallion Leo. Leo was Scorpio’s older brother and had a golden coloured palomino coat the seemed to shine. He had some white markings on his legs and face and like his brother had a short mane. It took a while but soon the horses had their saddles and bridles on and we led them out to the trail.
“Take the lead,” I told Jack and he nodded before jumping up onto Leo and I mounted my own horse.

Jack held the reigns steady in his right hand, left sitting on his leg. He made a small clicking noise with his tongue and gently kicked the horse as Leo started slowly along the path. I did the same and Scorpio followed in close suit. The path to River’s End was beautiful, winding through the rich smelling forest. There were evergreens trees, as well as maple and oaks. Birds sang and the branches rustled together soothingly. I took a deep breath and leaned back in my saddle and Jack turned his head back.
“Having fun,” Jack mused, eyes sparkling in the summer light.
“Yah,” I sighed placidly as the horses clopped along.

The path widened and with another kick I moved my steed up beside Jack’s. We kept moving, the horses at a slow and steady pace that would make anyone relaxed.
“I can’t believe it’s only a few more days until school starts again,” Jack mumbled crossly.
“Yah, and now I get to go into high school,” I murmured, “Yay.”
“It’s not all that bad,” Jack explained as I saw a light at the end of the path, “I’ll look out for you.”
“I don’t need anyone to watch me,” I said as we broke into the meadow, “I can last on my own.”

And with that I gave Scorpio a large kick and he reared up as I clung to his back.
“Actor,” Jack mumbled, those being the words for a show off.
He thundered off and we galloped across the field, trampling over the dandelions. Jack urged Leo forward, trying to get ahead of me.
“Not happening!” I shouted and made Scorpio go faster still, leaning forward in the saddle as we neared the apple tree that marked the end of the field. Jack was coming up right beside me and it would be a close draw.
“Come on Scorpio!” I shouted, smacking the loose rein into his flank.

That seemed to be the final urge he needed and he shot forward, skidding to a halt right behind the apple tree. I slid forward in the seat and then fell back, laughing.
“Nice try Jack,” I laughed, “Maybe next time.”

But I didn’t hear a response. I still had a smile plastered over me face when I turned around. I saw Leo, but I didn’t see Jack.
“Jack!” I shouted, “Come on this isn’t funny.”

I wheeled Scorpio around. If Jack fell off he could be anywhere, and he could be seriously hurt. What if he hit his head? What if Leo stepped on him? What if he fell on something sharp?
“Jack!” I shouted, but I couldn’t see him. And he obviously couldn’t hear me, or maybe he wasn’t conscious enough to answer. I was terrified. My heart pounded, my breathing became faster, I could feel myself getting scared. What if…
“Got ya!”

Arms clamped around me, holding my limbs to my body as Jack picked me up off my horse.
“Jack you idiot!” I shouted as he pulled me off of Scorpio and towards the pond, “I thought you were de- don’t you dare!”
“Too late!” he shouted and threw me into the pond. But just as I left his grasp I gripped his collar, pulling him in with me.

                I plunged under the cold water, everything around me a greenish-brown blur. I saw Jack plummet in beside and then swam up to the surface, gasping as Jack came up as well.
“You-are-the-biggest-idiot,” I sputtered, putting emphasise on every word.
“Totally worth it,” he laughed, “You’re soaked.”
“So are you,” I said, exasperated as I pulled off my shoes and put them on the bank, “Remember when you moved in,” I said in a nostalgic tone, “We used to come to River’s End every day.”
“There was less to do back then,” Jack explained, “I wish it was still like that.”
“Yah me too,” I sighed, “Everything was simpler.”
Jack nodded as he got out of the water.
“What, we going now?” I asked.
“No!” Jack scoffed, “One minute, I’ll go take off the horses bridles.” I nodded and he disappeared for a minute or so, coming back with the two bridles and throwing them onto the shore. He pulled off his shoes and shirt before running up to the top of the river where the water crashed into the pond.

I watched as he grabbed the old rope that hung there, the one Jack had put up when we were younger. He swung, letting go and soaring through the air to crash into the water beside me and send a huge wave rolling over me. I ran out of the pond and waited until the momentum swung the rope back to me before gripping it and swinging in. I plunged in right beside Jack, giving him the same treatment he had given me. We must have gone on like that for quite a long time until we were both too tired to jump again.

I walked back up onto the bank, ringing out my hair and slipping my sneakers back on as Jack came back around, pulling his shirt over his head. As he did this I saw his arm.
“Jack you’re arm,” I sighed.
“What!”
“You were supposed to be airing it out,” I explained.
“Oh well,” Jack shrugged as he grabbed the bridles and we walked out to the pasture where the horses were munching on apples.
“Well you did good Jack,” I mumbled, “I really am soaked.”
“I don’t want to go back like this,” Jack said, putting a hand through his wet hair.
“So what do we do?” I asked.
“Wait out here I guess,” Jack suggested, “It’s warm enough that we should be able to dry off.”
“Alright,” I sighed and walked towards the hill, lying down and looking at the brilliant blue sky.

Jack fell down beside me and none of us spoke, just looking at the wispy white clouds that drifted by. I thought about what high school was going to be like. More people, more classes, less of what I knew. I sighed and clearly Jack heard me,
“What’s buzzin?” he asked, rolling over to look at me.
“Just thinking about school.”
“I already told you, there’s nothing to worry about,” he said casually.
“Do you remember when you went to high school?” I asked, “You were terrified.”
“I got over it.”
“As soon as every girl in the entire school was on the hook for you,” I laughed.
“Yah,” he said wistfully and I punched him lightly in the arm.

“Doubt anyone’s gonna even look at me so I guess I’ll just keep my head down and my nose out of everyone else’s business,” I decided.
“You do that and I will personally pull you out into the open,” Jack responded, “Don’t make yourself a closet case.”

I didn’t know what to say, I just stared into his stormy eyes. Was Jack really going to look after me in high school? Or would he be too busy with the hordes of girls that followed him around. His best friend Joey would be with him too. I rolled over and look back up at the sky.
“Remember when we used to lie here and cloud watch,” Jack suddenly said.
“We were twelve and ten,” I laughed, “Four years later and you still want to cloud watch.”
“See that one looks like a dragon in a car,” he said as he pointed up at the sky.
“You’re crazy!” I gasped.
“No I’m not,” he said and picked up my arm with a strong hand to move it so I was pointing at that weird cloud, “See there’s the tail, and there are the wheels.”
“You’re so weird,” I laughed and sat up as his hand fell off my arm.
“Let’s go back, I think we’re dry enough,” Jack said as he stood up.

I put my arm in the air and he just looked at me,
“Really?”
“Pleease!” I begged.

He rolled his eyes and then grabbed my hand, pulling me to my feet. I ran up to Scorpio who was standing under the shade of the apple tree and I slipped the bridle into his mouth. I put my foot in the stirrup and swung my other leg over. I watched Jack jump up onto Leo before I kicked Scorpio and he set off at a brisk trot, Jack coming up beside me. No one talked the entire way back, we were both way too tired. Eventually the barn was in sight and we slid off of the horses, walking them back into the barn to un-tack them. I led Scorpio into his stall and undid the saddle, pulling it off and hearing Scorpio sigh. I smiled and slid the bridle from his mouth, hanging it on his peg. I led him into the paddock and Jack and I walked back towards the house.
“What now?” he asked.
“How’s your arm?” I questioned and he rolled up his sleeve to show that his arm had in fact scabbed over, “You’re good, should we start cleaning out the smokehouse?”
“Yah, I guess. I just need to move one or two beams to the cellar,” he explained as we walked to the grey building, “Just wait in the cellar, I don’t need any help carrying them.”

                So I walked down into the dim room. It was dark and smelled of rock and stale water. With a small lantern, I could see the jars of preserved food sitting on the shelves. Looking up, there were vertical beams that Jack could easily use to hold up the wooden plank that would hold the smoked meat. I waited and soon Jack came in, carrying the beam over his shoulder and then stretching upward to fit it into the ceiling.
“One,” he counted breathlessly and slunk back up the stairs, looking tired.
I stood there and held the lantern until he was back and had put the plank into its place.
“All done,” I smiled, “So tomorrow we get started on the skinning shack?”
“I guess so,” Jack answered as we walked quickly up the stairs and shut the wooden doors behind us.

“So what now?” I asked as we stood between the house and barn.
“It’s probably about time for supper,” Jack said, “But are we camping out again?”
“I guess so,” I shrugged, “Let’s just pack some sandwiches and go.” 
“Again,” Jack moaned.
“You wanna cook?”

That seemed to shut him up and we went to the shed and got the sleeping bags but soon Tim was running out after us.
“I wanna come!” he shouted and I felt sorry for him. We had camped out the night before and gone to River’s End without him and he was probably looking for some company.
“Fine,” Jack sighed, “But you’re walking and carrying your own supplies. Plus were having sandwiches for supper.”
“Okay!” Tim smiled and went to get his camping gear as Jack and I quickly put something together for dinner.

We called a hasty goodbye that my Dad probably wouldn’t even notice and then started into the forest. I had pretty much memorized the path now and didn’t need Jack to lead the way. Tim was running after us, face barely visible over the sleeping bag he was holding. Soon we were at the tree, Chief staring up at us with a fixed gaze.
“Hi Chief,” Tim squeaked as Jack pulled an axe from his bag.

I took a step back and Jack just raised an eyebrow,
“Yah Tess, cause I’m gonna go and chop you and Tim in half. I was thinking we could light a fire,” he said, his eyes sparkling mescheviously, “Tell ghost stories.”

                I almost laughed when I saw Tim’s reaction but I didn’t want to ruin to hilarity. Tim had scrambled back, jumping behind Chief. Jack’s ghost stories were legend in our house. Jack went into the forest and I gathered some rocks and made a neat ring on the packed dirt. Every precaution I could use would be put in place so that Jack didn’t burn the forest to a crisp. I unrolled the sleeping bags around the pit, putting the pillows neatly at the top. I gathered some dry grass and birch bark before throwing it into the ring. Just then Jack came back into the clearing with his arms filled with fire wood. He placed a thick branch on a large, flat rock that sat nearby and picked up the axe. He took of the cover, pulled up his sleeves, and in one swing the branch split into two small pieces. Standing them up he reduced them to halves and then go to work on the rest of the wood as I set up the cut pieces.

                Soon we had set up a tiny selection of wood and Jack opened his bag to pull out the small box of matches. He flicked one across the rough packaging and it ignited quickly before being tossed into the fire where the birch bark and grass began to smolder. Jack leaned in close, cupping his hands around his mouth and blowing into the fire. He leapt back quickly as the entire pit caught flame and burned happily.
“And that is how you light a fire,” he stated happily as we sat down on our beds and Jack handed out our dinner.

                Tim scowled at his sandwich when Jack handed it to him but it only took one stern look from his brother to make him eat it quickly. He smiled unconvincingly and I laughed under my breath as I ate my own. The sun was going down and soon the only light was from Jack’s blazing fire. We quickly finished our dinner and Jack waited until the forest was quiet, the only noise being the wind through the thick trees. They rattled together eerily and that alone was scary enough to startle little Tim. I crow cawed in the distance and Tim jumped again. Jack knew it was time to start his story,

“Well,” he said crouching low and failing to look into anyone’s eyes. I think it was his acting that made the stories so bone chilling, “Timmy do you know the story of Benny Diggs?”
“N-no,” Tim stammered as Jack got up and crouched next to him.
“Well maybe it’s time you do,” Jack muttered as he walked slowly and widely around the fire like a cat around a cold pond, “Cause it may just save your life.”

He paused, head down before tossing a piece of bark into the fire and sending up a shower of sparks that danced across the night sky.
“Well one day, in a town like any other, on a farm, just like ours, there was a boy named Benny Diggs,” Jack began strongly and Tim was already shivering with fright, “Benny’s mother told him to go into town to buy some bread for the morning. It was dark out, the moon wide in the sky. Benny didn’t want to leave the house, he would have to walk through the forest to get to the general store. He had heard rumors of the forest, whispers of the things that lurked there. The scariest was the Figure in the Forest, but no one ever spoke of it long enough but Benny to get a good idea of what was out there.”

“Was it a monster?” I asked, playing along because I knew this story all too well.
“No,” Jack said as he practically breathed down Tim’s neck, “But, just as terrifying.”
“Was it a ghost?”
“No. But just as elusive.”
“Was it a hit man?”
“No. But just as deadly.”

                “So Benny walked into the forest,” I continued, catching Jack’s eye and knowing that I should keep going, “The trees were like dark hands, reaching out to grasp the ones who passed. He heard an owl hoot, and a wolf howl. The wind was picking up, and suddenly laughter echoed through the forest. Benny froze, but quickly decided it was only the wind. But Benny suddenly felt a cold hand slither over his shoulder…” Tim gave a squeal as Jack slid his own over his brother’s shaking shoulder.
“But Benny turned!” Jack shouted dramatically, jumping to his feet, “And no one was there.”

“He took a deep breath,” I said, “And kept walking, as figures darted in and out of the corner of his eye. Benny thought he saw someone rush past him but had thought he’d imagined it until he heard a twig snap (crack! Jack had just snapped a branch). But Benny turned,”
“And no one was there,” Jack murmured, “So he continued to walk as the trees groaned and bent, as if trying to block his path. There weren’t any other disturbances until Benny could see the end of the forest. He started to run but suddenly he felt a hot breath down his neck.
And Benny turned,” I said slowly, looking Tim right in his wide green eyes, “And someone was there! Large and menacing, a silhouette against the background. It reached out and said…”
“How dare you trespass upon my forest!” Jack roared in his brother’s ear as he jumped from behind the tree, tackling Tim as the five year old screamed himself hoarse.

Jack and I were rolling around laughing. We were trying to control ourselves but at the sight of Tim’s face, white against the night, we burst out louder than ever.
“That’s not funny!” Tim cried, tears welling in his eyes, “Stop laughing. I said stop!”
“I’m sorry Tim,” Jack said, trying to compose himself but I could see his eyes welling with tears from laughing so hard.
“Let’s just go to sleep,” I suggested as I lay down, “And remember Tim…”
“Don’t make the mistake Benny did,” Jack followed.
“Don’t turn around,” I called.
“Or you’ll be next,” we both said menacingly.
“Night!” Jack chirped and lay down, looking away from Tim and at me.
“No more ghost stories,” Tim murmured, “It give me the zorros.”

We both laughed silently as we heard Tim whine from his sleeping bag. But soon I knew Jack had fallen asleep because I could hear him snoring. But from what I heard, Tim was still wide awake. But I was quickly dragged into sleep, and out again just as fast an hour or so later. I didn’t know what had woken me up.
“Tess!” I heard Jack hiss and suddenly a lantern was lit and Jack was crouched beside me.

The fire was out, just a smoking pit of burned out ash. Jack was wide awake, but he was worried, I could tell.
“What is it?” I asked groggily, rubbing my eyes and yawning but refusing to get up.
His face was as white as his brother’s had been after Jack’s story, “Tim split,” he whispered.
“What?” I shouted, jumping to my feet as little lights flicked across my vision.
“He’s not in his bed,” Jack said, “And Chief’s going berserk.”
I turned and saw the grey dog pulling on his rope, whining quietly.
“We need to move,” I said, “Before he gets himself into more trouble than he’s already in.”

Jack nodded and grabbed his rifle, slinging it over his shoulder. He reached for the axe and with one blow the rope was cut away from the tree and we raced after the barking and howling Chief. My heart was racing, and Jack’s face was showing how worried he was. Chief rounded a corner and when we followed after him there was no sign of the strong hunter.
“Chief!” Jack called, voice vibrating, “Come!”

But the dog was not coming back. The wind whipped around us and the trees creaked. There was a loud screech from a bird and an entire flock took flight, making Jack back up. I heard a loud howl, wolf-like and spine chilling. And suddenly echoing laughter rang through the forest, making my blood run cold. I saw something race past me, in the corner of my eye. Jack reached out, moving me behind him and raising the rifle.

Suddenly I felt a cold hand on my arm, and Jack must have too because in one quick movement he has whipped around, pushed me aside, and fired a single shot. Lucky for him, Tim was too short to be hit.
“Tim I could have shot you!” Jack shouted at the beaming child and I thought he was going to strangle Tim. But instead he dropped his rifle to his side and picked his brother up, hugging him with a bone crushing grip. His voice was soft, like he couldn’t be mad at Tim, “Never do that again. What would I do if you got hurt?”
                Tim didn’t give an answer, only looked sheepishly at his feet when he was put down. Jack’s expression abruptly changed and he looked sternly down at him.  
“Yes Jack,” Tim sighed and came back holding the end of Chief’s rope.

Jack angrily snatched the rope from Tim and walked ahead of us. I stayed beside Tim as he looked nervously up at me.
“Jack went ape at me,” he mumbled.
“You could have been killed,” I explained and we walked back as I silently admired Tim’s recreation of Jack’s ghost story.

We walked back to the camp site and Jack tied up Chief before throwing himself onto his bed, turning away from us without another word. I wanted to talk to Jack about Tim’s behaviour, but now was really not the time. I heard Tim quickly fall asleep, his breathing deeper and slower. But as I was about to fall asleep, I heard Jack toss in his sleep. I opened my eyes and took the dying lantern (that Jack had forgotten to blow out in his haste) and shone it towards him. He was moaning something his sleep, confused and jumbled words until he suddenly jolted awake. He sat up, panting as sweat rolled down his face.
“I could have killed him,” he breathed to himself.
“Jack?”
“Tess!” he said quickly, “Go back to sleep.”
“Not until you do,” he growled.
“Just tell me what’s wrong,” I said.
“I could have killed him,” Jack repeated, looking at Tim who was curled up next to Chief.
“Jack it was a mistake,” I told him, “And let’s just be glad you didn’t.”
“But then it would just be me. My parents are already dead thanks to me!” he said shakily.
“What.”

I heard him swallow and then he looked around, “Did I ever tell you how my parents died?”
 “Jack you don’t need to tell me,” I reassured him, knowing it could hurt him further to relive it.
“No, I’ve never told anyone and I feel like it’s weighing me down,” he said.

“Well, I was eleven and had just started working here, you know all about that. And well, when I was here about a month after starting Joey came running over here because he had come to see me but the house was on fire and he knew where I’d be. He had told me he came back from town and saw what had happened. The Fire Department was on the way but he needed me to come. I ran as fast as I could and when I got there the house was smoldering. Tim was okay, apparently he had been outside with Chief when the house burned down. He ran over to me and the Fire Department put the fire out. Both,” he sounded like he was going to start crying but he maintained himself, “Both my parents were inside when the house caught. The police traced it to the small fire pit beside the house, the one I had lit the night before. I must not have put it out properly and, and it reignited.”

He paused, and I couldn’t think of anything to say. Jack started again, “And I’ve just felt responsible for their deaths. And I just feel like they wouldn’t forgive me. And, and Tim! It was a miracle he was outside when the house caught fire, and I’ve spent my entire life trying to protect him and here tonight in a few seconds I could have killed him.”

He choked and his head fell into his hands.
“Jack, it’s not your fault. And your parents, I’m sure they’ve forgiven you. They’d be proud of the person you’ve become, proud of how you’ve taken care of Tim,” I explained.
“Proud of how I nearly killed him,” he mumbled.
“But you didn’t, and I’m sure Tim will never pull a stunt like that ever again. That’s your job as a big brother, to make sure he grows up right. And you’re doing a great job, Tim will learn eventually. Your parents are watching, their watching you raise your brother right. Jack, just go back to sleep. I can tell you’re tired, you always get like this when you don’t get enough sleep,” I said as he turned to look at me.
“Thanks Tess. You’re amazing,” he smiled faintly and lay back down with a sigh.
“No I’m really not,” I chuckled as I lay back down.
There was a pause and then Jack ended the conversation, “Tess you are seriously the most amazing person I’ve ever met. And thank you.”

                I fell asleep smiling, hearing that from him was truly the best feeling ever. I had never had, and would never have as far as I was concerned, a friend like Jack. I slept soundly, no dreams to disturb the peaceful night. The next morning my eyes flickered open. Sunlight was already steaming through the trees and as I woke up I realized that the air was thick with the scent of bacon and eggs. I rolled over and saw Jack sitting by the fire, watching a pan that he had placed over it with an intense gaze.
“Sleep well?” he asked as I sat up.
“Yah,” I said, confused as to why he was cooking us breakfast, “Um, did you?”
“No,” he said quickly, moving the pan and sliding the contents on to a paper plate to hand to me along with a fork, “I was up all night and around dawn I went back to get some food to cook. I took Tim back too, he wanted to sleep in his own bed for a little. Apparently camping isn’t for him.”

                I ate my breakfast as Jack cooked his own, looking nervous and aloof. We didn’t really speak as we ate, the only sound was the scraping of forks against plates. Jack was hunched over his plate and ate slowly. Soon we had both finished and we tossed the plates into the fire where they burned and blackened.

A minute or two later Jack once again proceeded to destroy the fire. When he felt that the fire had been put out properly he threw a bucket of water on top of it for extra measure.
“You lugged that all the way from the farm?” I asked.
“Yah,” Jack sighed, “Just in case.”
We packed up our stuff.
“So now we go and fix the smokehouse,” I sighed as we walked back towards the farm.
“I was thinking we could go into town again,” Jack explained.
“What, going to meet another girl?” I mumbled.
“No,” Jack laughed but frankly I didn’t actually think it was funny, “I forgot Joey said he wasn’t working today. He wanted us to come and see him.”
“You mean wanted you,” I corrected him.
“No, us.”

I doubted it, I thought Jack was only saying it to make me feel better but I went with it. We packed up the camping gear and went to get changed before we set out onto the road. We talked casually, about how to fix the smokehouse, and what we’d do after that but there was only one question I was interested in,
“So why did Joey want me to come?” I asked, “I actually want an answer.”
“I dunno, said you sounded like fun, just the way I talked about you,” Jack explained and eventually we made it into town, “He wanted to officially meet you.”
“So where’re we meeting him?” I asked, craning my neck to see Jack’s friend who I had only ever met once or twice. And even that was when we were much younger.
“By the corner store,” Jack said as we walked down the street.

Soon I could see Joey Ronaldo, the son of the mechanic, leaning against the wall of the corner store. He was like a lot of the guys I saw walking around. Dark, slicked back hair, shifty chestnut eyes, and olive skin. His face was thin and his features sharp, but he was large and strong. He wore shabby blue jeans, a white shirt, and a leather jacket with the words ‘Burkes Boys’ embroidered onto the back. I remembered Jack had a similar jacket, but didn’t wear it often. Joey wasn’t like Jack at all, but maybe that’s why they were such great friends. I didn’t know what made them click, The Greaser and the Farm Boy.
“What’s buzzin’ city boy!” Jack called as we walked up and high-fived his friend.
“Nothin’ much country boy,” he laughed, his voice deep and intimidating.
I hung back watching them talk until Joey saw over Jack’s shoulder.
“So little Tess is all grown up,” he said. He walked past Jack and stood over me, as if sizing me up. I stood tall, not letting the height and scent of cigarette’s throw me off. I hadn’t seen Joey in a while, not since he had formed his little gang.
“Er yah, this is Tess,” Jack said, looking unnerved.
“Jack talks a lot about you,” Joey said, blasting me with rancid breath.
“I’m sure he does,” I responded shrewdly, “Speaking of Jack talking, Jack can I talk to you?”

I moved quickly past Joey, making sure to push roughly past him before going over to speak with Jack. But I knew Joey’s eyes had followed me, I could feel it.
“You’re friends with this guy?” I whispered quickly.
“Yah,” Jack said matter-of-factly, “Since first grade. You’ve met him before!”
“Yah but he was different when we were younger. But you’re friends with that guy!” I said, pointing behind me, “The one that reeks of cigarettes and dresses like a serious Greaser.”
“You know a lot of people smoke right?” Jack explained.
“You don’t smoke!” I almost shouted but saw Joey perk up and look in our direction so I quieted my voice.
“Just because I don’t smoke means all of my friends can’t either?” Jack mumbled, “I just don’t think it’s worth wasting money on.”
“I just can’t believe you’re friends with this guy,” I said,
“What does it matter?” Jack murmured, looking insulted, “So what if I’m friends with him?”
“I dunno,” I said as I looked back at Joey who was leaning against the wall again but his eyes still on the two of us, “He just seems, shifty.”
“You just need to get to know him,” Jack said as he patted me on the back and walked back over to Joey. But I kept my distance, I wouldn’t, couldn’t, trust this guy.

Joey had already bought some cola and handed one to Jack and tossed the other to me. I caught it easily, that wasn’t the problem, but I was wondering about how Joey got these. I know, I probably shouldn’t have judged him that quickly but something told me Joey didn’t pay for these. I shook it off and tried to listen to Jack and get to know his best friend. But this would be difficult, I felt like Jack could have way better friends then this Joey guy.

So I stayed behind them as we walked through town. Ever once and a while one of them would look back, maybe just to make sure I was still with them. I heard my name once or twice and I could feel myself going red. I took a breath and jumped into the conversation, just for Jack,
“What about me?” I asked and they both whirled around.
“Nothing!” Jack blurted quickly and Joey went to talk before being elbowed quite roughly in the ribs by his friend.
“Jack?” I asked, “What about me?”
Jack just turned around, his fade red as he stared harshly at Joey.
“Joey?” I asked and he once again opened his mouth before Jack tackled him, sending him to sprawl out on the ground.
“Joey, can I talk to you?” he asked through gritted teeth and the dark haired boy got up, brushing dirt from his clothes and looking offended as Jack spoke again, “Tess, er, stay here.”
                I watched Jack and Joey leave, in deep conversation and speaking in voices threatening to break a whisper. When they had turned the corner a quietly crept along the side of the building and listened to them. I know I probably shouldn’t have but if the conversation had my name in it then I obviously had the right to eavesdrop.
“What’s shakin’ Jack” Joey said calmly, “Why don’t you want her to know?”
“Because if Tess knows anything about this there will be no talking her out of it,” Jack hissed.
“So what if she comes then?” Joey asked casually and I heard him reach into his pocket. There was a small click and I heard Jack sigh.
“Seriously?” Jack asked.
“What,” Joey said, sounding like he was holding something between his teeth, “It’s just a weed. Take one it’ll calm you down?”
“I’m good,” Jack mumbled.
Suddenly I smelt tobacco and Joey was talking again, “Yah so what does it matter if she swings by the round up time bash?”
So that’s what it was! “I don’t want her coming,” Jack whispered, “Do I need to quote? She’s not coming!”
“Why not?” I asked as I stepped into view.
“See, I told you, I told you!” Jack snapped, “Now she wants to come!”
“And why can’t I come to this bash Joey’s having?” I asked and Jack motioned to me in a ‘see-what-I-mean’ kind of way.
“It’s gonna be a blast,” Joey smiled, “Tell Jack how much you’d love to come.”
I turned to Jack who was looking terrified, “Tess you really don’t want to come,” he explained, “It’ll be total Nowheresville.”
“Well you’re going aren’t you?” I asked.
“Yah, but I,” he didn’t have a good reason to tell me.
“You need to come,” Joey said, “It’ll be radioactive! And you can meet some people from the school.”
That was just the urge I needed, “Sure, I guess I can come.”
“Cool, my bro’s the same age as you and he’ll be bringing by a few of his friends,” Joey smiled, “Well I gotta cut out. See you all tonight!”
“Bye Joey,” I called after him and he looked happy with himself.
“What did you do?” Jack almost screamed, making me back up a step, “You know he just wants you there cause he knows it’ll rattle my cage!”
“How do you know that?”
“Because he usually doesn’t invite people who aren’t in our school yet. He just wants to bug me!” Jack shouted.
“Good friend then. So either he’s a real bad guy who just wants to annoy you or he’s a nice person who wanted to invite me over. What is it Jack, cause you can’t have both sides,” I said seriously.
“I don’t know, don’t try to figure Joey out. Just, you’re not going,” he said, “My word is final.”
“Well aint that a bite cause you’re not in charge of me and I’m going and you can’t stop me,” I spat angrily.
“I can tell your dad,” he said lowly and I knew he had me pinned, unless,
“Then I tell Joey you still read comic books.” I know it was cruel, but I really wanted to go.
“I haven’t read comic books in five years!”
“I know that, and you know that, but Joey, does not know that.”

And with that I turned quickly around and walked back down the street towards the Main Road. Jack walked after me but didn’t attempt to engage in conversation. Soon we were at the house and I stormed inside. Jack could fix the skinning shack by himself if he was going to act like that. I stayed in my room for pretty much the rest of the day, only leaving for a quick lunch and ignoring Tim. I sat on my bed and thought about this bash Joey was having.

It would be all kids from my new school, so I’d get a chance to meet some of them. But would they like me? What if they thought I was weird? I had so many questions that really could only be answered by going. I got some buttered toast for dinner and waited until I heard Jack come up to his room and then I ran downstairs to wait for him.

He came down in the regular jeans and white T-shirt but when he saw me standing there he rolled his eyes.
“You don’t even know where it is,” he smiled as he brushed past me.
“I just follow you don’t I?”

He groaned in an agitated way but I just kept following him, a bounce in my step. We didn’t talk, only watched the sky grow grey as the sun went down, illuminating the drifting clouds.
“This is gonna be a blast!” I cried but I just saw Jack drop his head and keep walking, “Fine, be a downer,” I mumbled

Soon we were in town and I followed Jack to Joey’s house which was a flat above the mechanic’s shop. We walked in and I could hear dull music pulsing from the garage. Jack slowly walked across the tiled floor between the rows of car parts. We reached the door at the other end of the store and Jack looked down at me.
“Be careful,” he sighed.
“Yah, yah, yah,” I mumbled and went to walk past him but he grabbed my shoulder.
“I know you think I’m just being a wet rag, but seriously I’m just making sure you don’t get into trouble,” he explained, “Don’t make friends with the wrong people.”
“You’re such a hypocrite,” I growled and I opened the door.

As soon as I did music was threating to deafen me. Seemed like the kind of bash Joey would throw, but I was going to try it out. As confident as I was when I walked through that door, it all seemed to fade within the first sixty seconds. What was I doing here? Why hadn’t I listened to Jack? This was way to intimidating! I quickly took a seat on one of the chairs and just waited. I couldn’t go home without Jack and he wasn’t going to go home until later. So I was stuck, practically stranded. A little after ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ started I could already see Jack dancing with a whole bunch of girls. Maybe it was because he was popular, I honestly would never understand what made him so appealing to the girls. Anyway he looked completely comfortable in the situation, unlike me. Joey was lying on top of one of the cars, chatting it up with another group of girls who seemed pretty awestruck by whatever he was saying.

Watching Joey and Jack, I hadn’t even realized the boy who had come up beside me, put his foot up on the chair and was leaning on his knee.
“So what’s your handle kid?” he asked and I turned.

He looked my age, with blonde hair that was slicked back and solid grey eyes. He dressed like Joey, the same white T-shirt, black leather jacket, and old grease-covered jeans. Except unlike the older boy, he just smelled of car grease instead of tobacco. I had seen him around, but as with every other kid in town, I hadn’t ever talked to him.
“Tess Davies,” I answered, “What’s yours Greaser?”
He gave a light chuckle, “Keith, Keith Ronaldo.”
This answer surprised me slightly, but then I noticed the similarities. The olive skin, and pointed face, his height which was slightly above average. And his jacket had the same embroidery. Oh wait! He was the kid I had seen in the back of the mechanic’s shop when I bought the gasket.
“So then Joey’s your brother.”
“Yup,” he smiled, looking nervous, I guess from the way I had said his brother’s name, “Great bash huh?”
I just shrugged, “I guess, first one I’ve been too.”
“Hey,” Keith said, looking down at my shoes, “Why are you wearing guy’s kicks?”
“Who’s says they’re for guys?” I responded, knowing perfectly well that these were Jack’s old shoes.
“I do,” Keith said as he pulled up his pant leg to reveal the exact same shoe, “Because I am not wearing girl shoes. You know I’ve never seen a girl dress like you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, eyes narrowing.
“No, I didn’t mean it in a bad way,” he said defensively, “It’s cool.”
I shrugged, I never really understood the fashion that other girls found so interesting. It was whole lot easier to wear jeans and a T-shirt. But when I went to school I’d have to wear a skirt, the rules stated that. But why was this kid talking to me, wasn’t I beneath him being a farmer’s daughter?
“So this is your first bash and you’re just sitting on the sidelines?” he asked, “Get up and dance!”
“Is this you asking?” I questioned.
“Is this you accepting?”

So I got up and danced. Not really recognizing the situation, I just mirrored some other people and it seemed to do the trick because no one was staring at me like the true closet case I was. When the song ended I quickly sat back down and it looked like Keith was going to follow when a girl in one of those ugly poodle skirts (I mean come on, a poodle? They don’t even do anything), went up to him and they started talking.

So I sat there and looked around, a few minutes later Keith was talking to Joey who had slid off of his car to talk to his younger brother. So I just sat there when suddenly that girl in the poodle skirt was walking over to me, looking absolutely terrifying,
“You were dancing with Keith?”
“Yah.”
“He asked you?”
“Yup.”
“You’re Jack’s friend right?”
“Uh-huh.”
“A farm girl?”
“That’s right.”
“And-”
“Are you writing a book? What’s with all the questions?” I asked abruptly.
She looked taken aback, “Um excuse me but he’s into me. So I think I have the right to know.”
I had to supress my laughter, “You, and Keith,” I snickered.
She just glared at me, “Why don’t you just drop dead twice.” She turned and walked away as the song changed.
“What, and look like you?” I called after her and she froze, everyone else around us turning.

“Alright Tess time to cut out,” Jack murmured and grabbed me by the arm before pulling me towards the door.
I could see Keith, looking skeletal as that girl walked up to start talking quickly with him. He was looking over her shoulder at me.
“Bye,” I mouthed and waved goodbye before Jack pulled me out the door with an annoyed mumble to himself. He closed the door quickly behind himself.

“What were you thinking?” Jack bellowed.
“What?” I screeched, “She insulted me and I defended myself. Did well too, don’t you think?”
“No,” he shouted, looking completely bewildered, “Tess you just made an enemy of the biggest queen in this year’s Grade Nine class.”
“Oh,” I mumbled, “Hey but did you see me dancing? I was being social! Cool right?”
“Oh my god Tess do you not understand?” he asked abruptly but then settled himself down as we walked towards the front of the store, “Let’s just go home, at least you got out before initiation.”
“Initiation?”

I was answered as several kids, my age, came running out of the door, completely drenched. I was kind of glad I got to leave early. Keith came down the stairs, bowing like he had just been given a medal of honour. And of course that girl came quickly behind. I made eye contact with Keith one last time before Jack pulled me out the door and out into the cold night air.
“So who was that queen?” I asked Jack.
“Laura’s sister, Karen I’m pretty sure,” he said.
“Makes sense, they’re both snakes,” I mumbled and Jack glared at me. But they really did look alike, and I wondered how I hadn’t seen it before since Karen could be Laura’s miniature clone.
“You’re really going to need to learn how to lay low now,” Jack sighed.
“I wanted to lay low and you said you’d pull me out into the open. I was being social, I was dancing!” I nearly shouted.
“Calm down Tess, just, try not to rattle anyone else’s cages and you should be okay. I just don’t want you to get yourself into too much trouble,” he explained.
“I’m almost maybe friends with Keith, what’ll that get me?” I asked hopefully.
“A tonne of jealous girls wanting to rip you’re throat out,” Jack grumbled.
“Charming.”

We were soon back at the house. Darkness had fallen and all of the stars were out, the moon hanging over the hills like a great white rock.
“Night Jack,” I smiled and walked up to my room. I quickly changed into my pajamas and lay in bed, staring up at the blank ceiling. That was it, no going back. Tomorrow, I needed to face the issue. Tomorrow, I started high school.

I had some pretty scary dreams about high school, but I forgot all of them when there was a loud knock on my bedroom door.
“Get up Tess, don’t wanna be late for your first day of high school!” I heard Jack call and I jumped up out of bed, putting on one of those ugly skirts and an equally distasteful cardigans. I slumped downstairs and grabbed some toast.
“You look adorable,” Jack chuckled and it took every fibre of my being not to slug him right there.
“Cut the gas,” I murmured and ate my breakfast before grabbing my bag piled with school books.
“Come on Tim!” I called and he came running down the stairs, dressed and ready for school.

He ate his breakfast quickly and soon the three of us were heading out. It was my first day of high school, but also Tim’s first day of pre-school. We had kept him out for a year, but finally decided he was ready.
“Excited Tim?” I asked because he was practically bouncing as we walked.
“Yah!” he shouted but Jack was frowning, he leaned close to whisper in my ear.
“Should we tell him he’ll have a hard time?” he murmured.
“What’d you mean?”
“Being an orphan and a farmer’s kid,” Jack explained.

It was true, making friends and finding your way in school was tough for low class people like us. I had made it, simply by being quiet and going with the flow. Jack was friends with Joey whose parents were okay with the friendship as well Jack was, as the other girl called him, ‘cute’. But how would Tim do? He was outgoing and playful, and I was wondering how the other children would act around him, or worse, how their parents would act if they found out their children were playing with an orphaned farmer’s boy.
“He’ll be fine, let him see for himself. You never know, you may get some people who are okay with him. It’s 1956 for crying out loud!” I cried.
“Okay,” Jack said, not sounding convinced.

We talked quietly until we made it into town, we walked Tim to the school yard, handed him his bag, and then turned towards the large school next to it. I clutched my bag close to my chest as we walked onto the property.
“Hey Jack!” a few people called and Jack would wave before continuing to walk. No one really noticed me, fine in my books. We walked through the doors and I was almost immediately overwhelmed. Teenagers, tonnes of them. Only a few dressed like Joey and Keith, the majority of the girls in skirts and cardigans, and the rest of the guys wearing nice shirts and pants. A few smaller boys with glasses were getting books knocked out of their hands by Joey’s gang as their leader walked over.
“Hey,” he called calmly to Jack and stopped in front of him, “Missed Tess at the initiation.”
“We had to go,” Jack responded stiffly.
“Whatever, let’s split,” Joey called and Jack walked away with him, looking over his shoulder and making a pushing motion with his hand and mouthing the words, ‘Lay Low’.

I visibly rolled my eyes and walked down the hall, looking for my locker. 352, 353, there it was, 354! I opened it up and stuffed my bag inside, keeping my Math binder for my next lesson before closing it. And who was standing behind the door?
“Hi Tess,” Keith smiled, “Missed you at initiation.”
“Yah I know,” I shrugged and snapped the lock onto my locker, “Had to go home, Jack needed to do something.”
“You could have stayed, don’t need to do everything Jackie boy does,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have been allowed to walk home by myself, besides I didn’t really miss much. Call me crazy but I’d rather not be drenched.”
“I could’ve walked you home,” he smiled.
“What’d be the point?” I said, completely missing what he’d meant, “You’d walk fifteen minutes there and back when you were already home?”
“We’d get to talk more, I still don’t know a lot about you.”
“Well what’d you want to know?”
“Not sure,” Keith shrugged.
“Well I have a question for you?” I asked.
“Shoot.”
“Do you know that the girl you’re into is crazy?”
“Girl I’m into?” he asked, confused.
“That Johnson girl, she said-”
“Oh her, no I swear there is no relation. She keeps trying to ward off girls so when we’re old enough to date she can have me to herself. Yah, she’s crazy.”
“Good to know,” I muttered, “Must run in the family.”
“Yah isn’t her sister on the hook for Jack?” he questioned curiously.
“Yup, she came over to the farm a few days ago,” I explained.
“You’re kidding!” he gasped.
“Nope, but she clanked real hard. Don’t think Jack ever wants to see her again.”
He laughed, “So you’re finally in normal threads,” he said, talking about the ugly outfit I was wearing.
“Oh my god, don’t remind me,” I sighed, “It’s terrible!”

He just laughed again, “So what’s your first class?”
“Math in room,” I looked at my time table, “5.”
“Same,” Keith smiled, “Come on, I’ll walk you there.”

                We weaved down the halls, a few people talking quickly to Keith who seemed to be extremely popular. Soon we reached room five and walked in, taking to desks around the back that were right beside each other. First day of school and I’m hanging out with the most popular kid in the grade. Lay low, good advice Jack! I thought to myself as the teacher came in.

                He was a tall man with horn-rimmed glasses, and he looked younger than the other teachers. He stood in front of the class as kids funneled in, taking their seats. The bell rang and the last few kids jumped into their desk as the teacher started writing his name in the corner of the board.
“I am Mister Raymond,” he said, still not turning around.
“He was new last year,” Keith whispered to me, “My brother says he’s an amazing teacher.”
“I wish I could say your brother was an amazing student Mister Ronaldo,” the teacher chuckled, not turning around.
Keith went pink and looked down at his desk as the teacher continued,
“This will be your homeroom for the semester and I think it is fitting that everyone gets to know each other. Mister Ronaldo, why don’t you start?”
“Kay,” Keith said and everyone turned to face him, “I’m Keith. My brother’s Joey Ronaldo-”
The class erupted into quiet talking but Mr Raymond quickly hushed them all and Keith continued, “Um, my dad’s a mechanic, and I’m training to take on the store when I’m older.”
“Good start,” Mr Raymond said, “And the young lady next to you.”
“Um, I’m Tess Davies. Jack Dallas’s a good friend of mine-”
I got the same murmuring (which secretly is what I wanted) and I also gained an approving nod from the teacher.
I almost mentioned being a farmer but I thought better of it, “I have a pet dog name Blue. That’s it.”
                And we just went around the classroom like that before breaking into some simple algebra. I was okay at Math, not amazing but passable. Soon the bell rang and I grabbed my book.
“Those math sheets are homework,” Mister Raymond called and me and Keith bustled out the door.
“What do you have now?” I asked.
“Woodshop,” he said and I knew I wouldn’t have that, girls couldn’t take woodshop classes, “You?”
“Science,” I replied, “Then History, then Lunch. How ‘bout you?”
“Geography, then we have Lunch at the same time,” he smiled, “See you then.”
“Later.”

                I made my way to science class. It went by slowly, a rather boring class that let me just think about Keith. He was a great guy, and if I was only going to have one friend I was glad it was Keith. He was absolutely nothing like his brother. Joey was rude in my opinion, like almost every other Greaser. The ones who smoke outside the diner and whistle at any skirt that passes by. But Keith, well, I couldn’t ever see Keith doing that. It was strange that he dressed like a Greaser, he didn’t look or act like one. The Greasers I knew were identical to Joey in personality. The bell rang and I went to History. It was just as slow as the class before.

                Soon the bell ran and with a sigh of relief I was on my feet and heading back to my locker. I quickly put my books away and grabbed my lunch but once again when my locker door closed Keith was standing behind it.
“Hello Keith,” I chuckled as we walked towards the cafeteria, “How was woodshop?”
“Okay, the warden seems fine,” he shrugged.
“I suppose you mean teacher,” I laughed.
“Yah, I guess.  So how’s Science?”
“Boring,” I answered as we opened the door to the cafeteria, “History’s no better.”
“Yah well I had Geography and it was terrible too,” Keith frowned.

                The cafeteria was a vast room with several tables and benches. Keith quickly picked a seat right in the middle and I sat down next to him. I quickly realized this must be a fairly exclusive table because many kids were looking at it longingly. I smiled to myself, I was popular! I took out my sandwich, the same thing I’d been eating forever.
“What d’you have?” I asked.
“Same as you,” he grumbled.

                Soon two other boys were sitting down across from us. They weren’t dressed like Keith, but more like Jack with white shirts and blue jeans.
“Tess this is Robby and Mike Ozario,” Keith said, “They’re my second cousins or something like that. Boys, this is Tess Davies.”
The two of them had tossed chestnut hair that lay straight over their heads. Their deep brown eyes gleamed with curiosity, and they had stocky figures. The only difference between the two was that Robby had a faint scar over his nose.
“Oh, she’s the queen you were dancing with last night,” Mike laughed. I was just called a queen, a name only used for the popular girls.
“Cut the gas Mike,” Keith snapped and the two of them immediately shut up.
“What? Embarrassed Keith?” I quickly called.
“Oh she’s got you!” Mike laughed.
“I like this one,” Robby added.
“I said cut the gas,” Keith growled.
“Oh cool it,” Mike chuckled, “We’re just kidding.”

                We ate out lunch, still joking around. Mike and Robby were hilarious, and fun to be around. As they were joking I look over the boys’ shoulders and saw Jack and Joey sitting at their own table. Of course, several girls were crowding around them. As Joey talked, everyone was staring at him intently as the girls clung to him like he was a king.
“Yah, my brothers a bit of a show off,” Keith said as he must have realized where I was looking, “But he’s a great guy if you really get to know him.” I’m sorry, but I didn’t want to get to know Joey. Soon the bell rang and we headed off to our separate classes.

English was just as uneventful as Science and History. Soon school was over and I personally thought that it was an amazing first day.
“So how was it?” Jack asked as he caught up with me by my locker, “Saw you’re hanging out with Keith. Has Laura’s sister tried to kill you yet?”
“Nope,” I smiled, “Better not let my guard down.”
“Well then stick close to them, just in case,” Jack warned.
“It’ll be no sweat, I’d like to see Karen take me on.”
“Careful what you wish for.”

We left and picked Tim up. He seemed to have a pretty good day, but I didn’t know how good it’d be when the parents found out who their kids were playing with. We kept walking until we were home. To my surprise, Dad had already made dinner. He was gone, out hunting which a note stated, but he had left us some burgers.
“Looks like he ended the cow early,” Jack said as we sat down to eat, “She was old, honestly it was about time.”

                I just shrugged and quickly finished my dinner before running up to get changed back into the clothes Keith found so interesting. I ran downstairs,
“Jack, let’s go feed the dogs quickly,” I suggested and he nodded before we got some food and water and set out for the forest.

“So how was your first day back?” I asked as we clambered over the fence.
“Pretty good, Nothing interesting. So you’re only friends with Keith and his two goons?” Jack asked and I glared at him.
“Their names are Robby and Mike and their great guys! And yah, what’s wrong with that?” I asked.
“I know you offended one of the queens but hang around some people more like you. Some girls your age I guess,” he muttered.
“What so now you’ve got a problem with Keith?” I asked, not angry but just curious.
“No, I just think you ought to have more friends than just them,” he explained.
“Whatever,” I said and put the food down in front of Chief, taking a bowl of water from Jack and going in to place it in front of Blue and take out the dish from the day before.

                She looked fine, tired, but fine. Soon she would be able to leave the den for some fresh air and then she may start to feel a little better. I came back out and Jack and I started walking back to the house. I walked up to my room and sat down with my homework, going through it slowly. Finally I reached the last question and looked at the clock as the hands showed it was only 4:30. I sighed and tried to think of something to do. I had a tonne of time so I walked into the barn. I quickly found my horse and lofted a saddle onto his dark back, tying the strap around his chest. I fitted the bridle into his mouth and the bands around his head before opening up the gate and leading him to the field.

                I swung up onto his back and galloped off towards the river. I could hear the bubbling and rolling water and let Scorpio weave through the trees towards the pond. Soon we were there, the scent of pine and lake water filling the air. I walked Scorpio slowly along the water’s edge, taking in the beautiful scenery. I just walked the horse along serenely, not really knowing where I was going and just letting Scorpio go where he wanted. Soon we broke from the forest and I could see the barn. I kicked my steed into a run and steered him right into the barn and backed him up into the stall. I slid off, un-tacked him, let him out into the field, and walked back towards the house. I walked into my room, grabbing a book off of my shelf and starting to read. What seemed like a few minutes later I put my book down, realizing it was nearly midnight. I quickly went to sleep, hoping Jack wouldn’t know I was still awake.

I woke up the next day, the usual banging on my door from Jack having dragged me from sleep. I got dressed, ate my breakfast, waited for Tim, and we were gone. We walked quickly back towards tow and Tim ran off towards his school as we walked inside. I remembered Jack’s advice from the previous day and immediately looked for Mike, Robby, or Keith but honestly I would have preferred the latter. I quickly walked to my locker and put my books in. I closed my locker door and half expected Keith to be there by some small miracle but he wasn’t. But I did see Joey.
“Joey,” I called and he turned, wondering who was speaking to The All-Powerful Joey.
He quickly saw me, “What is it ankle-biter?”
“Where’s Keith?”
“He got stopped in the hall by some girls. I dunno what they wanted. Now tune out,” he replied and I walked away.

I felt too out in the open without Keith. For all I knew I’d be stopped in the hall by an angry mob of girls. But luckily for me they were all too busy with Keith, who was stopped just outside of our math class.

“‘Scuse me,” he said and brushed past them. Every single one of the girls was looking at me, their faces filled with pure hatred.
“Morning,” Keith smiled.
“Morning Keith,” I replied as we walked towards room five, “So what’d they want?”
“Nothing,” he laughed, “That’s the problem.”

                We walked into Math class and took our usual seats. We handed in our homework and were quickly dunked back into class. Math was one of the only subjects I liked, mostly because Mr Raymond made it fun. He put questions into scenario’s we could understand, which made it easier for everyone.
“Alright,” he said, “If a group of you all went to the diner and the meal ended up costing you 3 dollars and each of you paid 50 cents then how many people were in your group? Yes Miss Davies?”
“6 people,” I answered.
“Good. Now what if you could only take 4 people? Mister Cank?”
“75 cents each.”
“Let’s say someone only had 25 cents and the rest of you had to make up for it. How much would the rest of you be paying? Mister Ronaldo?”
“Um, well,” Keith paused, scribbling down some numbers on spare paper, “Everyone else would have to pay…er…”
“Well let’s go through it on the board,” Mister Raymond said as Keith looked down at his desk, embarrassed not to have answered the question as easily as everyone else.
“Don’t worry,” I murmured, “That one was much harder than the others.”

                Math went by slowly but eventually the bell rang, we went off to our separate classes and what seemed like only minutes later we were in the cafeteria. Robby and Mike plopped themselves down on the other side of the table. Nothing was really happening until Mike started talking to Robby, but not in any language I knew.
“It’s Italian,” Keith explained, seeing my reaction, “I can speak it too but I don’t usually. They only ever do it when there’s something they don’t want other people to know.”
“What’re they saying?” I asked and Keith tuned into their conversation.
“Mike says ‘I wonder if Tess know that’… Wait Mike what was that?” Keith asked quickly.
“Ho detto,” Mike started, repeating his last sentence.
“Zitto!” Keith snapped quickly, looking quickly around.
Robby then said something, voice lifting up and making me think it was a question.

Keith quickly dug into his pocket and slapped a handful of cash down on the table as Robby and Mike scrambled for it.
“You going to tell me what they were saying?” I asked.
“Nope,” Keith said as he leaned back in his chair and looked back at his cousins, “Ora zitto!”
“Roger that,” Mike said, putting his now counted change into his pocket.

                Eventually lunch was over and the day gone just as quickly. We all walked out of the school, Keith back with the usual bounce in his step. But the next day he fumbled a math question once again again, and the next day and the next day until it was the end of the day on Friday and his confidence was shaken so badly that I thought he’d never bounce back.
“I hate Math,” he mumbled, “What good is it anyway?”
“Actually it’ll help you a lot. It’s not really that hard,” I tried to explain, “Once you get your confidence back I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
“Says you,” Keith murmured, “You don’t embarrass yourself every day.” He looked at his pile of homework, “I’ll never get this done!”
“Well come over to my house and I can help you with your homework,” I explained and he quickly looked up, nodding.

                Keith turned to Joey, explained he was going with me, and soon Jack and Tim were with us.
“Who’s that?” Tim asked me, pointing at Keith who smiled warmly.
“That’s my friend Keith. Keith this is Tim,” I said, introducing them.
“Hi Tim,” Keith said happily but the five year old looked shy, hiding behind Jack who was scowling at us. We walked quickly to the house and soon Keith and I sat down on the porch and he pulled out his homework, the work I had already finished in class.
“Alright so here it says ‘x x 2 " 3 = 7’, solve for x ” I said, “Now we add three to 7 and divide by-” I stopped as I saw Keith’s glassy-eyed expression, “Alright fine. You are fixing a car,”
“Okay,” Keith said slowly, like I had finally gotten his attention.
“You have a certain number of bolts. You get twice as many as that and then you use 3. You now have 7. So how many did you start with?” I asked and there was a slight pause before Keith started scribbling down some numbers, mumbling under his breath until he quickly looked up,
“5,” he said proudly and I nodded,
“Good, now the next question.”

                He zipped through the questions, not even needing me to translate it onto his own terms. It turns out, as I had predicted, that he just needed the confidence boost of getting a question right. Of course, whenever he got one wrong he would fall back down again but eventually I could get him back up to a proper standard. At one point I went and got changed and when I came back he was still doing just fine. We had just finished when Jack came running out,
“I was just listening to the radio and there’s supposed to be a huge storm coming in,” he explained, “We need to get everything ready.”
“Okay, Keith you better head back,” I said as I stood up.
“But I can help!” he said, a pleading tone in his voice.
“Well stabling the horses is a two person job,” I said as I looked up at Jack, “And Jack could probably get the coop secure while we do that.”
“Whatever,” Jack said as he threw his arms up, “Go ahead.”
“Thanks!” I smiled and ran off, Keith right at me heels.

“So what are we doing?” he asked, “I mean what is ‘stabling the horses’?”
“We need to get them inside so they’ll be safe, you ever cracked a whip city boy?” I asked.
“A whip? Like in the circus?”
“I’ll take that as a no then,” I sighed as I began opening the horse stalls. I quickly grabbed the long black pole and walked to the front of the barn, “Straight up, then crack it down,” I explained as I handed it to him. He tried it once, twice, three times before he managed to get the sound I wanted.
“Alright what I’m going to do is charge the horses into the barn and when all of them are in you need to stand by the barn doors and crack that whip as often and as loud as possible. If all goes well the horses’ll go into their stalls without a problem.”
“And if all goes wrong?” he asked nervously.
“We try not to think of that,” I said as I gave him a reassuring pat on the back, “I’ll go open the gates and get Scorpio ready.”
“Scorpio?”
“My horse, I’ll use him to charge the rest in. They’ll be moving like greased lightning so stay out of the way until they’re all in the barn. Understood?”
“Yup,” he gulped, but his face was white as chalk.
“You got yourself into this one city slicker,” I laughed and grabbed another whip and Scorpio’s bridle, heading out into the wide green paddock.

                The horses were grazing serenely, although they seemed to know the storm was coming because all of them had their ears pointed and flicking often. We had six horses then: Snowy, Tim’s brilliant white young stallion that he had named and would ride eventually; Wind, my dad’s misty grey mare who was rarely ridden; Thunder, Wind and Scorpio’s mottled black-and-grey yearling mare; Lightning, Wind and Leo’s energetic gold colt; and of course Leo and Scorpio. I found my own steed and quickly walked over to him. He wasn’t skittish around the whip. One of the things that I loved (and sometimes hated) about Scorpio, was that no matter how many times I cracked the whip whether riding him or not, he wouldn’t budge. Of course that took a mutual trust between rider and steed. I trusted that he would let me crack it, and he trusted that I would never hit him with the crack. I fitted the bridle into Scorpio’s mouth and led him to the fence, using it to jump up onto his bare back.

                Keith was perched ominously upon the fence, looking nervous. I flashed him the thumbs up and with a sudden crack of the whip the horses looked up and were off. The first thing they did was of course wheel around and look for an exit. No matter how many times we did this, they always thought there was another option besides the stable. I galloped Scorpio back and forth, forcing the horses towards the barn. There was the thunder of hooves as they all burst in, Lightning stopping to jump forward onto his front hooves and give a swift donkey kick before being cooped up. When there was the final swish of the yearling’s white tail Keith ran to the entrance, cracking the whip strongly. I trotted Scorpio up the front and saw the horses, all of them standing in a stall and eyeing the whips warily.
“Good job Keith,” I smiled as I slid from Scorpio’s back.
“Thanks,” he said, a look of shock stuck on his face, “I can’t believe I just did that.”
“Quiet a rush the first time isn’t it,” I laughed as I took out Scorpio’s bridle and put him into his stall, “Heart still pounding?”
Keith had two fingers on his neck, “My pulse’s going a mile a minute.”
I just laughed as I started closing the stall doors and grabbed small bales of hay. After I gave all six horses their food I walked back over to Keith, “Recovered yet?”
“I think,” he said breathlessly but I quickly heard a haughty mrrow and looked up to see Thimble, swishing her tail over Leo’s head as the horse whinnied loudly.
“Thimble,” I growled as the cat strutted across the rafters before jumping down onto Thunder’s back. The young horse gave a loud cry and then the cat leapt onto the door of the stall, lamp-like eyes fixated on Keith and I as the horse behind her snorted angrily.

                She really would have been beautiful with her marbled silver pelt and glowing amber eyes, if it weren’t for the fact that she was the biggest pest in the world. She seemed to know what you were saying half the time, but just decided not to listen. If you called her she would stare right at you and then leap the other way not to be seen for a few hours until she was sure you didn’t need her anymore. It was a wonder Tim was ever able to catch her, but he somehow always managed.
“Keith this is Thimble,” I said through gritted teeth as the cat leapt into Snowy’s stall to swipe at his tail.
“Hello Thimble,” Keith said in a sarcastically polite tone, “Tess aren’t you afraid the horse’ll kick her?”
“If we’re lucky he will and she’ll get some respect knocked into her,” I mumbled as I opened the door and swiftly grabbed Thimble around the middle.

                She hissed and clawed but I held fast. If she stayed the night in the barn none of us would sleep through the horses cries of dismay. We walked out and I bolted the barn doors, walking once around the entire building to make sure it was secure. I heard a distant rumble and looked up to see thick grey clouds far off in the distance.
“You better get home Keith,” I said, “You won’t want to get caught in that.”
“Alright,” he smiled, “Thanks for helping me with my homework.”
“Thanks for helping me with the horses,” I responded.
“No problem, it was fun,” he answered and then walked to the porch, grabbed his supplies, and headed home.

                I walked into the house, closing all of the windows before letting Thimble go. If I knew her she’d jump out to get away from us. Like the rest of the family, she had never been the same since my mother had died. Thimble used to be loving and calm, my dad used to show his face, Red was still here, and I was happy. But all good things come to an end I guess, and that’s why I’m stuck with an arrogant cat.

Soon Jack had run into the room and I could hear the soft patter of rain as it started.
“The chickens are in the coop, the skinning shack and smokehouse are secure, and everything’s stable. Are the horses ready?” he asked quickly.
“Yup, and Thimble’s inside. Probably sulking in the attic by now,” I explained.
“Okay, so that’s everything,” Jack said.
“Right,” I answered.
“Right.”
And then it was like a light went off in our heads, like that first stroke of lightning made us realize. At the same time we both shouted, “The dogs!”

                There was no thinking as we pulled on boots and jackets and I grabbed some blankets and a small wickerwork basket as Jack got the flashlight. We were running out into the rain, boots sloshing in the freshly made mud before the thunder had even sounded.
“I can’t- believe we " almost- almost forgot!” Jack said between gasps since we hadn’t stopped running even now that we were in the forest.
“The den- could-have flooded,” I answered and we were quickly at the tree.

                Jack untied Chief who stood by us as I got down and wriggled under the tree, flashlight in hand. I shone it in and saw Blue and her pups, who were all sleeping soundly. When I shone the light at Blue’s head her eyes flickered open.
“Jack, hand me Chief’s rope!” I called and Jack had dropped it into my hand.

                I reached in, tied it around Blue’s neck, and then pulled. She let out a low growl, not wanting to be removed from her pups. But I knew, and I felt like she knew it too, that the pups wouldn’t be safe unless they were back at home. After several long minutes of gently tugging, Blue was out of the den and crouching shakily beside Jack as I went back in with the basket. I carefully grabbed one of the pups, its pelt a rocky blue sort of colour, and placed it in the basket as it cried and whined for its mother. I grabbed the other three and put them in where they huddled together in a small dog pile as I worked my way back out.

“Got them all?” Jack asked as I bent down next to Blue who sniffed her pups nervously.
“Yah,” I said as I pulled my jacket tighter around me, “Let’s move before they get too cold.”

                We walked swiftly back to the house, the dogs trotting eagerly beside us. The rain was thundering down upon our heads and I tried more than ever to keep the young pups dry. Maybe they would have been better off in the den? But I kept moving and soon we had burst through the door, leaving puddles beneath us as we pulled off our soaking boots.
“Tim!” I hollered and he came running downstairs, “Get Blue’s basket.”

                In mere seconds he was back and carrying it over his head. He put it down in her usual spot next to the fire. We had moved it when Blue started sleeping outside, but it looked like we’d need it again. I quickly put the basket down and opened the top as Blue started taking her pups one by one. Five minutes later they were all sitting calmly in the basket, the pups sleeping quite soundly. Chief was sitting nearby, Blue wouldn’t let him come any closer than a meter or two. There was a roaring fire that my father had probably built. But now he was back in his skinning shack. How he could do that in this rain, I had no idea. But I had barely seen him since Mom died, he only came out when he had too. I often wished I could talk to my dad, see his face, hear his voice, but for now he just needed time; Even if it had already been five years. We ate some quick dinner, cold soup that had been in a sealed jar for a little while, and then we retired back to the living room.

                Jack was sitting down on the large armchair and Tim was crouched next to Chief on the hearth rug where both were sleeping. We listened to the tattoo of the rain outside, rumbling thunder sounding from overhead, the fire illuminating our faces. No one really said anything, instead Jack was probably just thinking as I was. I was thinking about nothing in particular: Keith, school, Blue and her pups, my dad, my mom. About ten minutes later, Thimble came strutting in and leapt up onto my lap. This surprised me until I realized I was sitting in my mom’s chair. I wasn’t going to nudge Thimble off, instead I only scratched behind her ears as she purred placidly.

I must have fallen asleep there, because the next morning I woke up still on the chair. Thimble was, surprisingly, snoozing on the head of the chair and was probably there all night. Looking outside, I could see that the sky was still cloudy but there was no rain. The clock that sat on the mantle showed that it was 10:43. My heart jumped as I thought I was late for school, but I then realized that it was the weekend. The Weekend!

                Blue was sleeping with her pups cuddled around her, the sandy white one’s legs twitching as it dreamed. Chief was beside the armchair and Jack was leaning over the side with his arm dangling just above Chief; he had probably fallen asleep petting his dog. Jack didn’t look comfortable, but I decided not to wake him up since he was sleeping deeply. The puppies were about a week old now, they would be fine for at least half an hour.
“Blue!” I called and her head snapped up as quickly as it had before she had her pups.

                I walked away and Blue came quickly behind me. Her pups snuffled quietly but soon fell asleep. Now that someone was up, Thimble was gone and as soon as I opened the door she was running off towards the barn. It was a little cold outside, the same nip we always got after a storm. Blue trotted at my heels, tongue lolling out and eyes glittering like stars.
“Come on!” I said and burst into a run, Blue giving a bark and following quickly.

                Her muscles moved beautifully under her sleek, tight pelt. She was amazing, keeping pace with me but never running ahead of darting in front. Blue was my everything. She was my best friend, and like the sister I never had. Sure she probably never knew what I was saying, but she listened like she was taking in every single word. We raced into the barn, where Thimble gave a loud hiss and leapt away from Wind’s stall and into the rafters. Her tail swished angrily as she glared down at us, but I paid it no heed. The horses whinnied and whickered as I walked in, and I could tell they were excited that someone had come to visit them. Blue woofed lightly by my side as I opened the back doors of the barn and looked out at the soggy paddock. It was wet, but the horses had been cooped up all night and needed a good run.

                Blue sat quietly as I opened up the doors of the horse’s stalls. Wind stared blankly at me, and Leo just munched the rest of his hay calmly. The only horse that seemed happy to get out was Lightning who nearly knocked me over as he bolted out into the open paddock, kicking and wheeling with cries that would wake up the entire town. I stood back as the other horses looked strangely at me. Eventually Thunder left to join her half-brother and they romped and played after being kept in their stalls. But the adults merely looked at me. I hung my head and waved my arm,
“Come on, out you go,” I grumbled but they didn’t move.

                I went to find the whip but Blue gave a sharp bark and Snowy walked calmly out. Blue ran forward, kicking up loose straw. The white horse whinnied and shot off quickly. Blue growled and the other horses ran off with annoyed snorts. Blue ran over and nuzzled into my leg as I patted her. I don’t think she knew what she had done, but I was happy,
“Thanks Blue,” I smiled as I closed the barn doors and walked out.

                I hadn’t surveyed the damage of last night’s storm yet, but when I came out I took in every detail. The cow pasture was fine, although the three cows we had were all looking fairly wet. The chicken coop was fine and I quickly opened the door to let the chickens walk carefully into the morning air. The skinning shack was fine, and so was the smokehouse.  

Blue and I slowly meandered towards the house and we walked in, Blue trotting slowly towards her pups but keeping her eyes carefully on me.
“Go,” I said and, like she understood, she walked to her basket and lay down. Jack was still on the chair, his head propped up on his hand as his arm stood upright.

“Jack,” I called and his arm over the side of the chair twitched, “Jack!”

                His head rolled off of his palm and fell, jolting him awake with a start. He blinked a few times, trying to take in where he was.
“What’d you wan?” Jack grumbled as he stood up, stretching.
“It’s almost 11 o’clock, thought you’d want to be woken up. I didn’t know if you had stuff to do or something,” I explained and he nodded tiredly.
“Well for your information I had nothing planned,” he responded irritably.
“Then go to sleep,” I told him and he quickly walked up to his room, Chief following quickly behind.

                So now there was nothing to do. Jack was going back to sleep, Blue was taken care of, the horses and the chickens had been let out. I decided to just go about the daily chores that Jack usually did before I woke up. I walked quickly across the wooden floor and opened the white door with the same usual creak. I jogged quietly out to the chicken coop and grabbed the tin bucket. Walking in I grabbed the eggs from their nests and quickly moved on towards the cows to milk them.  I grabbed the bottles and rope that I’d need.

I looked at one of our cows, who looked right back at me with watery brown eyes. Slowly I crept over the fence and landed softly on the grass. She continued to look at me curiously, she knew what I was up to.
“Easy,” I crooned, reaching for the rope that was coiled around one of my belt loops.

She stood stone still, I was right at her neck, about to slip the loop around her when she suddenly charged off. I gawked and quickly turned to one of the other cows. She had nearly the same reaction, except that I managed to get the rope around her neck before she took off. Took off with me still gripping the rope.

I dug my heels into the ground, cursing and shouting. It took almost five minutes before I managed to slip another loop around one of the fence pegs and slow her down. Cursing under my breath, I tied several complicated knots, not caring if I couldn’t get them undone. When the rope around the post looked like I could do no more with it I started milking her, still mumbling swear words under my breath. The next two cows were no different.

After milking (chasing) the cows for a good hour, I walked slowly back to the house with the eggs and milk. I walked in and saw Jack sitting happily on the chair, playing cards with Tim since apparently that’s the only thing to do in our house.
“Did you have fun?” Jack asked as I put the food in the fridge.

I merely glared at him. The goofy smile on his face obviously meant he was being sarcastic. And right now I was covered in mud, grass stains, and loose straw. I didn’t know morning chores were so hard!
“I hate those cows,” I mumbled as I walked towards the stairs.
“They were probably a little spooked by the storm,” Jack chimed after me.
“That would touch home since they nearly tried to kill me!” I shouted angrily.
                I didn’t say another word, only went upstairs, showered, and went to my room. I turned the dials on the radio until I could hear music and then slumped back into my bed as I listened. That only entertained me for a few minutes and then I was bored. I tried reading my book, tried playing solitaire, but after several attempts it was official; this would be one very boring weekend.

And it was, the week was too, as was the next weekend, and the next week. It just seemed to be the same old routine until Blue’s pups were old enough to start walking. We finally decided to name them as opposed to calling them ‘the blue one’ or ‘the marked grey one’. Jack, Tim, and I sat down on the rug, the puppies romping in front of us.
“Alright how about this little girl,” Jack said as he picked her up.

She looked like Chief, with a long snout. She was thin, but looked strong. She honestly reminded me of a coyote, if it weren’t for her pelt. But her pelt was almost a stormy blue colour, like angry grey waves and it was short and coarse. We thought for a little then Jack suggested something,
“How ‘bout Jet?” he suggested and I contemplated it.
“Doesn’t it sound too much like a boy’s name? I like Sky,” I stated and Jack nodded.
“You’re right, Sky’s a good name for her,” he said and she quickly jumped from his grasp with a flash of copper eyes to tackle one of her litter mates.
“Next,” I said and picked up the largest pup, the pick of the litter.

I couldn’t really decide if he looked like Blue or Chief. He had the same ashy grey coat and marks as Chief, but they were in his mother’s beautiful shade of blue. And he had strong legs and a long face, and he had ears that folded over and would probably stand when he got older. He fixed loyal ice blue eyes on us as we studied him.
“Storm?” Jack laughed.
“I like it,” I smiled and the pup was quickly let back although he stood a little ways from the group, looking too proud to play.
“That’s Chief’s son,” I chuckled and Jack nodded.

The next was a pup that looked nothing like her mother or father. She had brown fur, and creamy white markings on her muzzle, chest, and paws. Her pelt was a little longer than the others, and soft to the touch. The pup’s ears were V shaped and folded down like a retriever. But she had Chief’s beautiful eyes, full of livelihood and love. Jack was puzzled,
“She doesn’t look a lot like Chief or Blue. I guess that’s what you get when you have mix-breed pups,” he shrugged.
“No,” I mumble, “She looks like Red.”

Blue and Red looked like polar opposites since they had different fathers but, like Jack said, you could never know what the mix-breed pups would look like. She looked so much like Red. If her eyes were the same russet colour then it could have been her pup instead of Blue’s. Except that Red was gone, and she always would be.
“So what should we name her,” I said as I pushed the thought form my head.
“I dunno actually,” Jack said, sounding genuinely perplexed.
“What about Scarlet?” I asked. I wasn’t about to forget who left this farm so many years ago.
“I like it,” Jack smiled, although I could see the understanding behind his eyes.

There was a pause and Tim who had been completely silent, and who didn’t understand, finally spoke up.
“What about the last one?” he asked as he snatched the final young dog.

Jack lunged, thinking that Tim would hurt the fragile young animal, but he was surprisingly gentle and the dog even licked his face with a tiny pink tongue. He looked like Blue, same thin build and smooth pelt. His fur was a little lighter then Blue’s base coat, and his ears were a little longer. But still, he looked like his mother. I looked to Jack, who rolled his eyes and the nodded.
“Tim, do you like this puppy?” I asked gently.
“I love him!” Tim cried.
“Well do you want to keep him?”
“That’s not what I meant!” Jack cried, “I meant he could name him! Tim no, you’re not having this puppy.”
“B-but Jack,” Tim whimpered, bottom lip quivering as his eyes filled with tears.
“Tim you’re not-” but he was cut off as his brother burst into tears. The puppy cuddled into the young boy.
“Come on Jack, look how perfect they are together,” I pleaded. The runt and the younger brother, they fit together amazingly.
Jack paused, “Whatever, I give in! Tim you can keep the puppy.”
“Yay!” Tim shouted, “I wanna name him Charlie!”
“So Sky, Storm, Scarlet and Charlie,” I smiled.

I looked at the four pups as they played, even Storm leapt into the action. We watched for a little, laughing as one pulled on the other’s ear or gave a high pitched bark. And honestly, there was nothing exciting for a while after that. The pups were growing fast, and getting more and more energetic. I nearly screamed when I walked out of my room and Storm was waiting outside of the door for me. But the leaves were soon turning gold and red, and the wind was getting colder, and fall had definitely come to Idaho. It was Wednesday afternoon when I was pulling on my red windbreaker and walking away from the school. Wind whipped around me, a few stray leaves blowing down the walkway.
“So Jack says it’s your birthday tomorrow,” Keith exclaimed as we walked towards Jack and Tim.
“Yah,” I smiled, “I can’t wait.”
“Finally going to be 14,” Keith said happily, “Joining the big leagues. Hey quick question. Joey’s got a bunch of his jock friends over, mind if I hang at your house for an hour or so?”
“Yah no problem.”

We walked back to the house, the sky a misty grey and the forest filled with autumn colours. We opened the door slowly, and were greeted at the door by four excited puppies.
“I didn’t know you had puppies!” Keith cried like a little kid as he bent down and the happy pups jumped up onto his bent knees, trying to lick his face.
“Never came up I guess,” I shrugged as Jack clapped his hands and the puppies all looked at him.
“Dinner time for the puppies,” Jack said and the young dogs ran around his ankles, jumping and barking as they walked into the kitchen. They had learned their names already, as well as the words ‘dinner’, ‘food’, and ‘go out’. But one puppy stayed behind, Storm was standing strongly beside Keith and staring him down with Chief’s noble gaze.

Keith just stared back at him, the gaze was locked as none blinked and suddenly Storm bounded over to him. He placed his front paws on Keith’s knee, panting with his tongue lolling out. I had never seen Storm act so care-free.
“That’s Storm. I think he likes you,” I laughed, “He’s never acted like that.”
“Well he’s amazing!” Keith smiled as he stood up, Storm sitting down next to him with blue eyes glinting.
“So what’d you want to do?” Keith asked.
“You ever been riding?” I responded as I walked out of the house with Keith behind me and Storm after his new found ‘master’.
“No Storm!” I said and closed the door as Keith answered,
“Like riding a horse?”
“No Keith like riding an elephant,” I said sarcastically as we walked into the barn and towards the paddock. I grabbed two halters and lead ropes from the wall and Keith looked at it strangely like he had no idea what it was.

I walked towards Scorpio who was munching by the hay round. I brought the straps around his head, clipping them up so that they fit snugly around his face. Scorpio was the quietest and most well-behaved horse we had, so I would let Keith ride him. I handed the rope to him,
“Take this and lead him into one of the stalls, I’ll be there in a minutes,” I instructed him and he nodded before cautiously leading him towards the red barn.

I quickly walked over to Snowy, since he was still pretty green and needed to be broken in. I fitted the halter around his head even though he was trying to shake it off. I stiffly pulled him towards me and led him into the barn, where Keith was awkwardly standing beside Scorpio’s stall.
“Watch,” I said as I led Snowy into the aisle and tied him up.

 Keith did the same with Scorpio and I started tacking up the brilliant white horse. I got the equipment I needed, and Keith quickly followed behind. I lofted the blanket and saddle pad onto Snowy’s back as Keith did the same. He had the saddle pad backwards so I walked over and decided to help him. I turned it around and motioned to the saddle. Keith picked it up and almost dropped it.
“Careful, it’s heavy,” I chuckled and he rolled his eyes before dropping it onto Scorpio’s back and the horse snorted angrily.
“Be gentle with him,” I instructed as I began to do up all of the straps.

I then put on his reins and bridle, Scorpio taking the bit willingly unlike many other horses. I quickly saddled up Snowy, wrestling the bit into his mouth, and then we led the horses out. I showed Keith how to get up and then jumped onto Snowy’s back.
“Alright, reins in your right hand,” I told him and he quickly did it, “We’re going to go into the forest. Kick Scorpio and click your tongue to make him go.”
I showed him and he quickly imitated it, lurching when the black horse started walking. We wove into the forest as I dropped helpful tips to Keith who was doing surprisingly well.
“It’s not so hard,” Keith said happily.
“Try riding Snowy,” I grumbled as the new horse tossed his head, “I know someone has to do it but I hate riding green horses.”
“Actually he’s white,” Keith said matter-of-factly.
“I meant he’s new to being ridden. Glory, someone’s got the jets,” I said sarcastically.

We walked quickly around, the birds chirping as leaves fell calmly around us and the wind whispered soothingly. Keith was doing well, but Snowy was getting more and more restless. Suddenly there was a loud caw as a crow took off and Snowy shot through the forest. All I remembered was that the maple tree was much to close…

***

I rolled out of my bed and walked downstairs, the smell of chicken soup wafting through the air.
“Good morning Tess,” came a voice and I turned to see the only person I never thought I’d see again.
“Mom,” I gasped.

She was just like I remembered her. Hazel eyes and pale brown hair, a thin figure and the same blue floral dress. She looked like me, almost exactly the same. I couldn’t say anything, but suddenly something brushed past my leg as a brown dog streaked towards my mother and barked at her side.
“Scarlet?” I questioned.
“Scarlet?” my mother asked, “You mean Red?”
“Red!” I nearly shouted and fell down beside her, arms wrapped around her furry neck as she licked my face, “Mom!” I gave her the biggest hug I had ever given. She hugged me back and I felt tears flood my eyes at the familiar embrace. Suddenly the door opened and my dad came in.

But his face was not sullen and sunken like it was now, his skin not white from so little light. His eyes were bright and cheery, lacking the dark circles around them that they had after my mother’s death. His copper hair was styled nicely, and he was wearing his suit that he had to wear to work. Back when he was a lawyer in town. Red jumped towards him as he put down his briefcase and kissed my mother on the cheek.
“Hi Dad!” I almost shouted.
“Hi Tess!” he shouted back, lightly mocking me. Suddenly he lifted me up onto his shoulders and I realized that I wasn’t thirteen anymore, but nine like just after Mom had died.
“Time to go hunting Red?” Dad asked the bouncing dog who barked loudly.
“Dad can I come?” I asked quickly from his shoulders, “I’ll go get Blue.”
“Blue?” my dad questioned, “Who’s Blue.”
I quickly remembered, we adopted Blue from my uncle after Red ran away.
“Er, never mind. Can I come?” I questioned.
“No Tess,” he said sternly as he put me back down, “When you’re thirteen you can come out.”
“Okay,” I said sadly, remembering he would have let me hunt if he was still involved in our broken family.

“I’ll just go ride Scorpio with Jack,” I said as I started to leave.
“Scorpio?” my mother asked, “What a name! Who’s Scorpio honey?”
“And who’s Jack?” my dad asked.
Jack brought two young horses that soon became Scorpio and Leo. And Jack came after my mother died, to help with the chores.
“Tim!” I shouted but there was silence.
“Honey are you okay?” my mother asked as she put the back of her hand to my forehead. My eyes filled with tears but I blinked them away. I could always tell my parents to adopt Blue later, and ask them if we could get a farmhand. Then Jack would come live with us, bringing Chief, and Tim, and the horses. But I had my happy family with me now.

I looked towards my parents, happy just to be there with them. But I felt the world start to dissolve from around me, my parents still looking after me.
“No! No don’t go!” I shouted, “Mom, Dad, Red please! Stay! Don’t go!”

The world went black and I snapped my eyes open. The room was dark and I blinked, trying to focus as I realized that I was in my room and the shutters were merely pulled over my window. But there was a lantern in the corner and someone sitting on the chair. His hair looked copper in the light, his skin fair.
“Dad!” I hiccupped but they looked up and I noticed it was Keith. Tears flowed down my face and I couldn’t stop them. All I could think of was my mom, and Red, and my dad. But Red had run away, Mom was gone, and Dad wouldn’t be coming to talk to me anytime soon. Keith stood up, face white and frail-looking.

He ran quickly out of the room and I felt my heart sink as I realized I was alone. Even Keith ran out on me, so there was no one to hear me cry. But minutes later the door was being thrown open and Jack came running in, pausing quietly by my bed.
“You okay, Keith said you were crying,” he asked quickly.
“I’m fine,” I said and quickly wiped my eyes, “My head just hurts.”
“Well you hit that tree pretty hard. Keith was waiting in here while I went to talk to your Dad, but I think he’s out hunting.”
“Of course,” I mumbled.
“Well Keith is going home,” Jack said as he pulled a package from behind his back, “I was going to give this to you tomorrow, for your birthday, but I figured with the situation you’d like it better now.”

I sat up and he sat down beside me, handing the package over. It was square and stiff, wrapped in plain brown paper and tied with twine.
“Sorry, I didn’t have enough time to wrap it properly,” Jack mumbled.
“It doesn’t matter,” I said as I slipped the rope off and ripped the paper open.

Inside was a book, maroon in colour and looking like it was made with leather. That alone was expensive, and an amazing gift but when I opened it up I realized it wasn’t actually a book, but a photo album. There were pictures from as far back as when Jack came to our house. In the first photo I could see Jack and I, small and young, sitting at the kitchen table playing cards. It looked like we were playing President, and by the look on my face I had a winning hand and Jack would be losing that round.

The next was Jack and I at the town’s baseball diamond. There were some other kids there, Joey being one of them, and then I guess that was Keith playing as well. I never really noticed him until he had introduced himself but it became apparent that he had in fact been around for a while. I had just been at bat, and Jack was waiting at first base to quickly get me out. He looked like he was shouting to the boys in outfield, glove ready to receive the ball. My figure was blurred as I slid to touch the base.

Next was us with little Tim, he would have been just over one at the time. We were just sitting on the hearth rug, watching Tim try to play with baby Blue. Chief was sitting beside Jack, still a young dog at the time. But he was still noble and proud.

Jack and I in the paddock with Scorpio who would have been a yearling at the time. I was sitting on Scorpio’s back and there was a nervous look in his muddy brown eyes, but Jack was holding the lead steady as Scorpio got used to the feeling of carrying someone.

Next was a picture of Jack and I standing in fairly nice clothes in front of the house, Jack holding little Tim. I remembered it was for my cousin’s wedding, I couldn’t really remember her too well. But Jack and I were smiling, although I could see how fake the looks were even in this picture. We never really liked to get dressed up.

There were a few pictures of the two of us but then they became just pictures of Jack, or pictures of me, or of us with Tim or the animals. I guess that was when Dad started to get depressed, and we had to take our own pictures. Every once and a while there’d be a picture of the two of us, but usually there were other people around so it was probably someone else’s parents who took the photo.

Like the next one, where Jack and I were in the middle of a huge group of kids. We were at the farm, and I remembered it was on Jack’s 13^th birthday. There was Joey and some of Jack’s other friends. I think that was even Laura in the background.

Pictures of me with Blue and Chief, Jack playing with Tim, me riding Scorpio. There was a picture of me at the fair, standing with a three year old Tim by the Ferris Wheel. I couldn’t remember the last time we’d been to the fair, but I guess maybe that was it.

There were at least fifty pictures, one of the final ones being me and Keith out in the paddock. It must have been when we were stabling the horses, because Keith was looking pale and nervous and I looked like I was laughing at him,
“Snoop,” I chuckled as I elbowed Jack, “Thought you had work to do.”
“I wanted to get a good picture, and I thought it turned out well,” Jack explained with a sly smile.

I flipped the page and the last picture was one from the very first day Jack moved in. We were standing in the tree by River’s End, laughing as the camera looked up at us from below. We looked so happy, so carefree. We had become instant friends. The moment Jack stepped into our house he became like my brother. But there was more to it than that. He was more than my adoptive brother, because you can’t pick your family, he was my best friend.

“Jack, this is amazing,” I smiled as I hugged him, “Thank you.”
“No problem,” he smiled.

                We quickly got up and I looked around,
“What time is it?” I asked.
“Ten o’clock, or somewhere around that,” Jack said, “You missed dinner.”
“I’ll just get some toast, go to sleep Jack,” I told him.
“Alright, but tomorrow’s your birthday. I have some stuff planned for after school,” Jack explained as he walked towards the door.
“Alright then.”

I walked downstairs, popped some bread in the toasted and waited there. I ate quickly and then headed to bed. The next day came just as it always did and eventually we were walking to school.
“You’re 14 now Tess,” Jack smiled as we walked down the dirt road, “How does it feel?”
“The same,” I shrugged.
“You’re really old!” Tim squealed, “You’re like a grown-up now!”
“Not quite yet Tim,” I laughed.

We got to the school, and as usual I met up with Keith.
“You okay?” he asked quickly.
“Yah, I’m fine,” I said, remembering that he had seen me crying, “My head just hurt.”
“Well you hit that tree pretty hard,” Keith sighed.
“So what happened?” I asked, “I can’t really remember.”
“Well that bird spooked your horse and he bucked you before he ran off. You hit a tree and just sort of crumpled. I tried to call you but you weren’t moving. Gave me a heart attack until I saw you were still breathing,” Keith said, sounding like he was still terrified, “So I galloped Scorpio back and got Jack. He ran into the forest. He told me to wait by the farm. He came back carrying you and leading Snowy. He brought you up to your room and I un-tacked the horses.”
“Oh,” I said and then we went into class.

That night I went home with Jack and I was sitting in my room reading when the doorbell rang. I didn’t bother going to get it, I wasn’t expecting anyone anyway. Suddenly I heard several heavy feet storming up the stairs and the door burst open,
“Happy Birthday!” Keith, Mike and Robby shouted.
“What’re you guys doing here?” I asked as I put my book down and swung my legs over the side of the bed.
“Well we heard that there was something big going on,” Robby said as he pretended to think, “Mike do you remember what it was?”
“I think it was something to do with Tess? Wasn’t it Keith?” Mike responded.
“Oh yah I think it was…”
“Your birthday!” They all chorused. I laughed, their comedy was always pretty funny, and they seemed to read each other’s minds.
“Present time!” Keith smiled.
“No, no presents,” I said quickly, “You guys didn’t need to do that.”
“Oh but we did,” Mike said and Robby handed me a box, “Robby and I pooled our money for this one.”

It was wrapped in green paper, purple ribbon tying it up. I opened it carefully, seeing a nice dark wooden box.
“Wow!” I smiled, this was a beautiful box that I could put on my bedside table.
“Open it up,” Robby prompted and I lifted the lid to see four collars.
“For the pups!” Mike smiled, “Keith told us.”

They were beautiful. A pale blue denim collar for Sky, a black leather one for Storm, a red braided sinew collar for Scarlet, and a bright yellow fabric collar for Charlie. Their father was a tailor, so it was probably pretty easy to get the collars. But the box must have cost them a lot, way more than I was worth.
“They’re great,” I responded, “We’ve been meaning to get collars for them.”
“Well now you have them,” Robby responded, “Keith time to beat our gift.”
“It’s not about who has a better gift,” I said.
“It may not be about it, but don’t worry cats,” Keith said as he pulled a small box from his jacket pocket, “I’ve already won.”
Robby laughed although he had obviously tried to stifle it.
“What?” Keith asked as he handed me his gift.
“You think you’re gonna top us with a box that’s not even bigger than a baseball?” Mike asked, still laughing.
“Size doesn’t matter,” Keith smiled as I looked at the simple blue wrapped box.

I pulled off the paper, it was a simple box. Not wooden like the twins’, not expensive, a humble cardboard box. I flicked the top open to see a small horseshoe. I picked it up and a thin chain fell from it. It was a necklace, and it must have been expensive.
“Keith, how much did this cost you?” I asked nervously.
“Don’t worry, Joey’s friends the jeweller’s son. It only coasted 12 dollars.”
“12 dollars!” I nearly shouted, “Keith I actually can’t take this.”
“Yes you can and you’re going to,” Keith said as he took the necklace and leapt up behind me, putting it around my neck as I held my hair up.

I could see Mike and Robby sitting on the floor. Mike raised his eyebrows and I just rolled my eyes as Keith clicked the necklace together. There was a pause where no one said anything until Robby gave an awkward cough and Keith jumped off the bed.
“Well,” I said as I grabbed the four collars from the beautiful box, “Let’s go find the pups.”

We walked downstairs and it really didn’t take long to find the puppies since they ran at us as soon as we reached the main floor. We walked into the living room and I sat down, the puppies swarming us. Blue nosed her way under my arm as I picked up Scarlet. She wriggled and licked my face as I struggled to fasten the braided collar around her furry neck.

Robby had already gotten Sky’s collar on, it wasn’t hard since she was fairly calm. Keith easily got Storm’s collar on since he sat in front of him and excepted it like a medal of honour. Mike was struggling to grab the sandy white puppy who was bowing down in front of him, leaping back and forth and barking shrilly,
“I swear to god Charlie,” Mike growled as he finally wrestled the small puppy into his collar and Jack came into the room.

“I assume these were gifts,” Jack said as he picked Storm up, admiring the collar.
“Yah, from Robby and Mike,” I explained.
Keith gave a false cough that sounded suspiciously like ‘Mine was better’.
“Well time to go,” Jack said as he walked towards the door.
“Time to go where?” I asked as I stood up.
“The diner, I’m paying. Happy birthday.”
“Cool!” Mike and Robby cheered as we walked out onto the street.

                We walked quickly, talking as we went. Soon we were in town, and walked into the diner. It was a brightly coloured place, decorated with vibrant pinks and turquoise. The diner always smelled like burgers and fries, and it was a comforting scent. We walked over the black and white checkered floor, sitting down in the red booth. The twins and Keith sat on one side, and Jack and I on the other.

                The waitress quickly came to our table and we ordered the usual: burgers, fries, and chocolate shakes.
“October 24^th,” I sighed, “Finally. So who’s birthday’s next?”
“Mine in January,” Jack said as he put a hand up.
“We’re in March and Keith’s in July,” Robby declared.
“Good to know,” I murmured quietly.

                Dinner seemed to pass by quickly, and it was almost 9:00 when Jack finally realized it was getting dark.
“Well we better get going, don’t want you guys walking home too late,” Jack said as we all got up.
“We’re not five!” Robby piped up.
“Yah, we can walk home alone,” Mike added.
“Whatever Jack says goes boys,” Keith said sternly, looking back at me with a small grin.

                We walked out, most of the people already having gone back home. The streets were lit by a dusky glow as we walked towards Mike and Robby’s flat above the tailor’s shop. We could hear the distant rumble of cars, and the chattering of a few kids, but soon that died down as well and it was silent. The first stars had started to come out as we made it to the beautiful tailor’s shop.
“Bye guys, thanks for the collars!” I smiled and they waved before retreating back into the shop and up the stairs.
“Back to my house I guess,” Keith said and I nodded before turning on my heels towards the other side of the street.

                We walked quietly, Jack a few steps behind us as his running shoes beat quietly on the sidewalk. Night had fallen and the street lamps lit our path.
“We can cut through here,” Keith said as he turned towards a dark alleyway lined with old trash cans and boxes.
“Better not,” Jack said as he placed a hand on Keith’s shoulder and turned him back up the road, “That place looks way too shifty.”
“It’s fine,” Keith said as he stepped into the backstreet and darkness enveloped him, “I do it all the time.”

                I had to agree with Jack, the place made me nervous and I didn’t really want to go there. But I followed Keith, and Jack quickly ran in after us. The entire lane was eerie. Trash littered the ground and the scent of tobacco was strong in the air. I looked to Jack who was looking wary. I could just see the end when a voice rang out, thick with that annoying New York accent,
“Look boys, some cats think they can just stroll through our terrain!”

                I whipped around, seeing a stocky boy leaning against the wall, a cigarette between two of his fingers. He looked about Jack’s age, maybe a little older, but he was definitely just as strong and probably just as handsome. He had coal black eyes, and stylishly combed hair the colour of a fox’s pelt. And that was just how he looked, like a fox, complete with the sly look that made me stand on edge. And around him were several others, all dressed in dark jackets which was probably how we missed them.
“We don’t want any trouble,” Jack said as he stepped in front of Keith and I, trying to shield us, “We’re just cutting through.”
“Just cutting through eh?” he echoed as he stepped into the light, “How do I know you’re not one of those nosey brats from a few streets up?”
“Can’t you just take his word for it fox!” I asked as I stepped forward.
“And who’s this?” the strange boy asked as I heard a few of the boys laugh as they stood by the wall.
“What’s it to you?” Keith snapped quickly.

“Oh I know you,” the adversary said quickly, “You’re the mechanic’s kid. What’s your brother’s name?”
“Joey Ronaldo!” I heard one of the gang members call.
“Oh yah, Joey. Your brother owes me quite a bit of money squirt,” he said as he leaned on Keith’s shoulder, puffing his cigarette. He was a fox; with a silver tongue and a gait like he was walking on air.
“So what!” Keith said as he moved aside, letting the boy stagger a few paces, “Ask him yourself.”
“Well why don’t you pass on a few words to your dear brother? Just for me, friend to friend,” he said silkily. “Well I’d need to know your handle first,” Keith replied, sounding as though he was clenching his teeth.
“Dennis, and you don’t need to know no more than that squirt!” he crooned, “Just tell your brother to meet me here with that money.”

“And what if I don’t?” Keith jeered.
“Watch it,” I heard Jack hiss.
“Well then we have a bit of a situation then don’t we,” Dennis said, hand coming down hard on Keith’s shoulder.
“Hands off him,” I growled, grabbing him roughly by the wrist.
“Tell your girlfriend to keep her mitts off my threads!” Dennis shrieked as he fixed his shabby black windbreaker, “And I don’t think we ever got your name beautiful. Mind telling us?”
“Yah I mind,” I said as I took a step back.
“You know I’ve never met a girl like you,” the shaded boy crooned, “What’s with you?”
I didn’t say anything, only narrowed my eyes, “Keith doesn’t need to get you any money. You can go get it for yourself nosebleed!” I quickly realized I had said the wrong thing as the gang started to whisper in harsh tones.
“What’d you say to me?” Dennis asked, voice no longer smooth, his black eyes filled with venom.
“Well look at the time, we gotta cut out,” Jack said as he grabbed me and Keith by the collars and turned us away.
“I don’t think you’re going anywhere!” Dennis said as I saw his henchmen move from their shadowed corners, “You have a lot of nerve insulting me on my own terrain sweet heart,” Dennis hissed, “If you didn’t want to be involved you could have just taken your big brother and left your boyfriend with me. So scat!”
I held my ground, not leaving Keith alone here.
“Why are you still here!” Dennis roared, arm coming up as if he was going to hit me.

“I could ask you the same thing!” someone said and I turned my head, fast enough to see Joey slam his fist right into Dennis’s jaw.
“I thought we ran you rats out of here weeks ago,” Joey hissed as he walked forward, his own gang tight behind him. Dennis was moving his jaw, I guess trying to see if it was broken, but he responded calmly,
“Joey,” Dennis said smoothly, “You got the money you owe me?”
“How many times do I need to tell you Dennis!” Joey said angrily, “I never even borrowed money from you. I’m not slipping you money so you can go by yourself more due backs.”
“A cat needs to smoke, you’d know that Joey!” Dennis said, voice cool but threatening to crack again as he pulled out a cigarette and began to light it.
“But I don’t go punching thirteen year olds for money!”
“Actually she’s fourteen now,” Keith murmured.
“Play dead Keith,” Joey responded harshly, making Keith go silent as he turned back to Dennis, “Now scram!”

                It took mere seconds for the small group to scramble back down the alley, Dennis running full tilt and tossing people aside in order to get to the front. Dennis froze at the end of the alley though, looking back at us,
“I’ll get back my terrain Greaser, and you’ll be sorry when I do!” he shouted. Then he turned and ran, scrambling as fast as he could.
Joey looked after him, waiting until there was the last swish of a jacket before turning to us.
“Jack!” Joey rumbled, “Why did you take my little brother down this way!”
“Actually it was my idea,” Keith said as he boldly stepped forward, “I thought they’d be gone, you know since you got rid of them.”
“I told you Dennis was dangerous, I told you he’d hurt you for money. He’s barely getting his cigarettes now and the guys been beating up sixth graders for the money he needs. And now you dragged Tess and Jack into it as well!” Joey explained, his dark eyes looking protectively over his brother. For the first time in my life, I almost admired Joey, “Let’s just go, in case someone sees us.”

                He didn’t say anymore, only grabbed Keith roughly by the shoulder and walked away, his gang streaming after him. Jack didn’t say anything either, only nodded his thanks to Joey before walking back down the road. No one talked about it, we were both too shook up to say anything.

                The next day we woke up as per usual and were on the road in record time. Tim of course was asking a lot of questions about what we were doing last night.
“We just went to the diner Tim,” I reassured him.
“Then came straight home,” Jack quickly added.

                Tim didn’t seem convinced but was quickly silent as we walked into town and he ran off to school. I was happy to see him meet with another little boy as they started to talk.
“So I see Tim’s made a friend,” I smiled.
“Yah, hopefully his parents don’t mind,” Jack said remorsefully, “It can be hell for a farmer’s kid to find acceptance.” From the reminiscent tone in his voice, I could tell he was probably thinking back on his time as a kid, but I let it go.

                I walked towards the school and realized that there were not very many people there. We were definitely early so I sat down on one of the benches with Jack beside me. A few minutes later, Keith came jogging over, Joey walking quietly behind him to be quickly joined by Jack. Keith slumped down beside me, looking distraught.
“What’s buzzin’?” I asked.
“Joey’s still mad at me for the whole Dennis thing. Apparently that guy’s bad news, dropped out of school in grade ten and hasn’t looked back. Gets his money from scamming and pick-pocketing and beating up kids. Joey figures I could have been next.”
“Well we’re fine, it doesn’t look like we’re going to see a lot of him after last night,” I reassured him.
“I hope not, cause if we do you better watch out. Joey says that Dennis is going to be super angry after you insulted him.”
“He deserved it!” I snapped.
“Just don’t go looking for any trouble, because if you run into him I don’t think you’ll be walking out the same as when you walked in,” Keith warned.
“I’m not scared of him!”
“And that’s what I’m worried about.”

                We were silent for the next ten minutes until the warning bell rang and we walked into the school. A few hours later we were sitting at the lunch table and Mike and Robby were asking us every question possible,
“Did he swing at any of you?”
“How’d you get away?”
“Is he really as big as everyone says he is, cause I heard he once tossed a kid ten feet!”
“What happened!”

Keith started to answer, “He looked like he was going to swing at Tess, but Joey scared him off, he’s pretty big but Mike I don’t think your source was very reliable, and really all he did was try to gyp some money from me.”
“Honestly it wasn’t a big deal,” I finished.
“Not a big deal?” Robby gasped, “You ran into the biggest alley cat out there and you don’t think it was a big deal?”
“He could have snapped you in half with one hand!” Mike replied, “Heard he broke some kid’s arm with just his thumb.”
“Okay who’s telling you all of this?” Keith asked.
“Larry Crawford in my math class.”
“Well don’t go copying any of his notes,” I mumbled.

                The rest of the day passed by quickly and uneventfully. Mike and Robby had shut up about the whole Dennis thing and even I had started to forget it. Jack and Tim were waiting for me, I waved goodbye to the boys, and we quickly walked home. There really wasn’t much talking, that is until we reached the house and Jack saw that the flag was up on our mail box. He pulled out an envelope, plain in every way except for the writing on the top which read, ‘Burkesville Bank’.
“Wonder what it’s about?” I said as we walked inside, ignored the bouncing puppies, and sat down at the table.
“I dunno, your Dad usually handles the bills while we’re gone,” Jack replied as he opened the paper and quickly read it.

                I watched his eyes dart back and forth over the paper until his hand dropped to the table with a loud bang, showing his chalk white face.
“What is it?” I asked as I grabbed the paper with a shaking hand,

Dear Mister Edward Davies,
We are sending this note to inform you that your bills have not been paid for over five months. If the money is not paid off by March 31^st then we will be forced to seize your property in order to pay the expenses. Your total balance is $545.00.
This is the third and final letter we will send regarding this problem.
Hoping you are well,
The Burkesville Bank.

                I paused, words not being able to come out of my mouth. I merely choked on my dry tongue, feeling colour drain away from my face.
“545 dollars,” Jack muttered, “I thought your Dad was paying the bills?”
“I thought he was too,” I responded quietly, “Maybe he just forgot.”
“Then why haven’t we seen the two letters before this, he’s obviously been hiding them from us so we wouldn’t know.”
“Whatever, I don’t care about my Dad right now. We need to go down to the bank and pay the money we owe. I’m sure we have enough left in our savings to pay it off. I mean my Dad was a lawyer, it can’t have run out that fast,” I explained.

Jack nodded, “I’ll go down right now, stay back here.”
“I’m coming,” I protested.
“No Tess, they won’t take you seriously. Just let me go alone,” he said and retreated to his room, coming down minutes later with his hair combed and wearing a dress shirt and pants. He didn’t say a word, only left the house.

                The next hour and a half felt like forever. Tim wouldn’t stop asking where Jack had gone and I couldn’t find any way to distract myself. 545 dollars! If we didn’t have the money then where would we get it! We were planning on selling the puppies, if we kept Charlie then that would be a total of 75 dollars, 80 maximum. And then there was Thunder and Lightning, 75 dollars for Thunder and probably around 45 for Lightning since he was still a colt. So that was around 195 dollars, maybe we could get around 230 if we were lucky. But we were still very far away from our goal. I shook my head to get the thought out. There was merely a mistake where my Dad forgot to pay the bills, we still had money, we were fine. We were fine.

                I heard the door creak open and saw Jack stagger in. Without a word he collapsed into the arm chair, face in his hands.
“Tim go to your room,” I said quickly and the small boy scrambled up the stairs obediently.
“So I guess things didn’t go so well?” I asked as I sat down in front of Jack and Scarlet jumped into my lap.
“There’s money left, 121 dollars to be exact, but we need that for food and other things. Other than that, your Dad’s savings have pretty much run out and without someone earning us money,” he stopped himself, I could tell what he was thinking.
“I guess it’s about time to find homes for the horses, and for the pups. We can get some money from them and see where we stand,” I said, forcing myself to swallow the lump in my throat. We’d make it through this, we always did. I wouldn’t let myself think about if we couldn’t.

I grabbed the newspaper from the table, opening it up to where they put the ads,
“Alright so 5 cents for a small space, 25 cents for a quarter page, 50 for a half, and 1 dollar for a whole. I think we should go for the whole, get everything done at once. How does that sound?” I asked. Jack gave a small nod, still not looking up.

I grabbed the camera and sat down by the puppy’s basket.
“Storm!” I called and he ambled over, looking at me cautiously. After a minute or so I had him sitting and managed to take an okay picture. I grabbed a pen and wrote down a description on the bottom of the photo,
Storm. Three month male, loyal and obedient, responds to a seasoned owner.
Sky. Calm three month female, great for any first time dog owner.
Scarlet. Playful three month female, great with kids.
I contemplated putting Charlie up for sale, but Tim would be heartbroken. So I let it be and ran to the paddock to take shots of the horses.

Thunder. One year female, calm and ready to be trained.
Lightning. Energetic six month male, would do well in racing.

                I spent the next few minutes putting the pictures onto a piece of paper and writing ‘Name your price, act soon!’ with a thick black marker and then our number to call.
“Like it Jack?” I asked as I held it up. But he didn’t respond, he didn’t even move his head to see it, only put up his hand to show a thumbs-up and went back to doing nothing. I narrowed my eyes, hitting him roughly in the back of the head.
“What was that for!” Jack roared, rubbing his now bruised head.
“Your acting just like my Dad,” I shouted, “Don’t go quitting on me now that things are getting tough. You’re supposed to me the man of the house, why am I the only one doing anything? I’m going down to the post office, stay here and sulk if you want.”

                Without another word I grabbed some money out of the small change jar that held only a few mixed coins and then stormed out the door, slamming it roughly behind me as I munched on a piece of toast I had grabbed. I pretty much ran to the post office. I felt my feet hammer against the ground, felt every pace’s shock run up my leg. In minutes I was there, panting and walking into the blue painted post office where I heard the bell ring.
“Be with you in a minute!” I heard someone yell and the bushy mustached mad who ran the shop came bustling out of the back room where I could hear the printers running.
“Afternoon Tess, how are you today?” Mister Wallace asked.
“Good,” I lied, putting on my best smile. I wasn’t going to let anyone know about this, not even Keith, “I was wondering if I could put an ad in the paper?”
“Well you just missed tomorrow’s edition,” he explained, “But I could get you in for Saturday’s?”
“Sounds good,” I smiled as I handed him the paper, “Full page.”
“That’ll be one dollar,” he said.
“How much would it be to get about twenty extra copies?”
“Another dollar,” he said as he took the page and I handed him the money.
“Wait right there and I’ll have those out in a minute,” he said as he pointed to a small wooden chair by the door.

                I waited nervously, tapping my feet until he came out with the stack of papers. I thanked him and walked out into the street, noting a light post I could put the sign on. If I wanted the animals sold, then I’d need to get the word out. I went to put the ad up when I suddenly realize I didn’t have a stapler. I wasn’t going to run all the way home, and Keith’s house was right around the corner. I went against my better judgement and walked into the store, hearing the bell ring.
“I got it Pops,” I heard Keith call and he came around the corner, wiping his hands and not looking up.
“Hello, what may I help you with today?” he asked, still not looking up as he jumped behind the counter, opening up a book I assumed contained the location of certain parts.
“Keith,” I said and he quickly looked up, a smile breaking across his solemn face.
“Hey Tess, what’s buzzin’?” he asked.
“I was putting up a few posters around town and realized I kinda forgot a stapler,” I explained.
“I don’t think we have a stapler,” Keith said remorsefully, “But we definitely have duct tape, a mechanic’s best friend.” He pulled the silver roll out from under the counter and jumped over.
“Hey Pops is it okay if I skip out for an hour or so?” he called.
“Fine Keith, see if you can find Joey for me while you’re out. I think he said something about the park,” I heard Mister Ronaldo call and soon the two of us were out on the street, taping up signs.
“So how much are the pups going for?” Keith asked.
“I’m willing to take anything,” I said and then quickly ripped a piece of tape off of the roll, “But I’m hoping a minimum of 25 dollars.”
“And the horses?”
“Well I was hoping at least 45 for Lightning and 75 for Thunder but it’s hard to sell young horses so really I’ll take anything I can get,” I explained.

“Any claims on the pups yet?”
“I just got the signs up and the ad hasn’t even gone out yet,” I laughed.
“Oh yah,” Keith murmured sheepishly.

                It took a very long time but eventually we had all of our signs up and I looked around, sure that my job had been done. It was starting to get dark, but there was still enough light to swing by the park. We walked towards the park to find Joey. But I definitely was not ready for what met us there.
“Damn turf wars,” Keith cursed under his breath as we broke into a run.

                Joey was standing with his gang, all of them looking harshly at another group of teenagers.
“Who’re they?” I asked as we got to the edge of the field.
“I’m surprised you don’t know,” Keith said as I studied the group harder.
“You lot better cut out,” Joey said, “Don’t want a repeat of last time do we?”
The moment I heard that annoying accent I knew who it was, and I was surprised he had stood up to Joey, “Well we’re ready to take back our park grease monkey. Unless you want to give me the money, because this place is great. So many little ankle-biters running around, pockets full of cash.”
“How close is the nearest phone?” Keith asked urgently.
“At the post office, but that’s a few blocks away,” I explained, “Why?”
“Stay here and don’t let them see you,” Keith said quickly before bolting as fast as his legs could carry him down the road.

I listened to him and crouched behind a tree, watching the scene unfold.
“Time to teach these city rats a lesson,” Dennis smirked.

                Everything after that was a blur to me. They charged into the fight, like opposing armies in a war over land. I couldn’t watch, but yet I couldn’t tear my eyes away. I wanted to call someone as I saw the first casualty hit the ground and stagger again to his feet, holding a hand to his broken nose. But I didn’t move, I listened to what Keith had told me. All I could do was keep hoping that my friend had made it to the phone. Swishes of light black windbreakers, the thud of gang members’ feet against the ground as they retreated. But soon there were only two people left. Dennis and Joey, battling to the end.

Some people say that when something bad happens, it went too quickly. But for me, it was like I was watching in slow motion. I saw the glint of something metallic being flicked out from Dennis’s inside jacket pocket as Joey jumped at him. But suddenly he stopped with a gasp of pain and then stumbled back as Dennis flicked out a switchblade. Joey had collapsed to the ground, holding his side where the knife had struck him. Dennis stood over him, eyes dark and menacing, wearing the same look I had seen in a fox’s eyes as it attack a young rabbit. He breathed heavily, leering over Joey who was moaning in pain as he held his wound.
“Just like being stabbed in the back,” he scoffed, “Eh Joey?”
“You can’t turn back time,” Joey panted, eyes squeezed shut, “But I would if I could.”
Blood spread like fire over his white shirt and suddenly I couldn’t keep myself still anymore and I jumped to my feet, running until I was standing between the two of them.

“Well look who it is,” Dennis smiled, “Come to protect your brother in-law?”
“Get bent!” I shouted at Dennis and crouched down beside Joey who was still holding his hand over the wound. Unluckily for him, he didn’t zip up his jacket like Keith so Dennis had managed to strike under the leather, right below his rib cage.
“You better clear out, the police are on their way.” I looked at Joey, who’s eyes were closed as he whimpered like a hound dog, “You’re going to be fine Joey, you’ll be fine I promise.”
“How do I know you’re not just saying that the heat are coming just to scare me off?” Dennis said menacingly, crouching down to look me right in the eye.
“Fine then stay!” I shouted, “You’ll get what you deserved when you’ve been rousted.”
“You know what ankle-biter?” he breathed, “I think you made the wrong decision coming here.”
                But I wasn’t paying attention to him, only to the wailing of sirens in the background, the red lights illuminating the street, and the ghostly white boy who was running towards us. Dennis had no time to react as Keith jumped onto his back, toppling him over and landing a punch right in the middle of his perfect face. I saw the hand that held his blade twitch but Keith had seen it too and his foot came down harshly on Dennis’s wrist and the knife slipped from his grasp.
“What’d you do to him?” Keith shouted as Dennis writhed under his weight.
“N-nothing,” he moaned but Keith only stomped harder on his wrist.

                Suddenly someone grabbed Keith’s collar and lifted him up off of Dennis. I looked up and saw a police officer, struggling to hold Keith back as he tried to punch Dennis. But they should have been watching the victim, because the black eyed boy was on his feet in seconds, running as fast as he could away from the scene. The police officer didn’t even move after Dennis, only dropped Keith and crouched beside Joey.
“You need to go after him!” I almost screamed as I saw Dennis dip behind a building.
“The only person I’m concerned about right now is this young man,” the officer said as he looked over Joey, “Stay with him while I call the hospital.” He ran to his car, where I assumed he’d radio the ambulance, but Keith just crawled beside his brother.
“Joey,” he whimpered, “You’re gonna be fine.”
“I am fine,” he coughed, not moving his hand away from where he had been stabbed, “It’s just a scratch. I’ve had worse, remember when you dared me to jump off the balcony and I landed on a mail box?”
“You needed five stitches,” Keith chuckled, although it looked like he was forcing himself.
“Yah,” Joey sighed, but his eyes were starting to go misty, “Don’t worry Keith, I- I’m fine.”

                Seconds later there was another blaze of sirens and the ambulance whirred around the corner stopping quickly as two paramedics jumped out, running beside the injured boy. Someone grabbed my shoulder and I was pulled back, Keith beside me.
“Joey!” Keith was screaming, but they were restraining him, “You need to let me go see him, you can’t- Joey!” Tears were rushing to his eyes as his brother was carried into the ambulance. I could hear the paramedics saying things like, “he lost a lot of blood” and “I’m positive that the knife was not sterile” and “Infection may have already started.” I had never seen Keith cry, and it may have been the saddest thing that I had ever witnessed, like watching a statue show emotion.
“Joey!” Keith was screaming, voice going hoarse as the ambulance left and he collapsed to the ground, “It’s all my fault.”
“How?” I asked as I crouched down beside him, putting a hand on his back.
“If I had just gotten to the phone faster, or- or if I just gave him the money yesterday. I had enough in my pocket, the only reason they were in this fight was for the money.”
“Keith we better take you home,” the person behind us said. I was about to question how he knew Keith’s name but the voice was too familiar.
“Jack, why are you here?” I asked as he helped Keith to his feet.
“Keith called me after he called the police, I ran as fast as I could but Dennis was already gone by the time I got here,” he explained.
“Dennis,” Keith growled as realization swept over him, “Which way did he go?” He whirled around, hands formed in tight fists and anger flashing behind his grey eyes, “I’ll kill him!”

Jack bear hugged Keith around the waist, pinning his arms to his sides.
“Let go of me!” Keith shouted, struggling to free himself.
“I’m taking you home Keith, your parents can figure out what you do next,” Jack said.

                Keith’s house wasn’t very far, only a few blocks but it felt like forever since Keith wouldn’t stop shouting. Jack kept a firm hold on his collar, not letting him run no matter how hard he tried. Several times people looked at Jack like he was crazy but he kept on walking until we were at the mechanic’s shop. I walked in hesitantly, hearing Keith’s dad still working in the back. Jack let go of Keith as Mister Ronaldo came out.
“Joey I need you to give me a hand with this truck,” he said nonchalantly but then he looked up and his eyes trailed down to the blood still on Keith’s hand from when he punched Dennis. Mister Ronaldo’s face went white, “Keith, where is Joey?”
Keith took a deep breath, like he was about to explain but I could see his lip tremble and then he instead just collapsed against the counter with his head in his hands.
Jack nudged me forward and I lunged into the story about how we had come across the turf battle, and how Dennis had stabbed Joey, “But he’s in the hospital now so I’m sure he’s fine.”
I honestly don’t remember what happened after that. Mister Ronaldo swept Keith out of the room and everything else after that was just chaos.

                All I knew was that the next morning I woke up in my bed at 10:32, and it was a school day. I swung my legs over the side of my bed, trying to remember the night before. I could recount everything, but I just kept hoping that the entire day was just a very bad dream. That we still had money, that Joey was okay, and that Dennis was still just in his alleyway with no one’s health hanging over his head. I stumbled to my feet, walking down the stairs to be greeted by the pups.
“Morning,” someone said and I whipped around, seeing Jack sitting in his chair. There were dark circles around his eyes which were dull and his hair uncombed.
“Have you been up all night?” I asked as I sat down in front of him and the pups nosed their ways into my lap.
“No,” he said.
“You’re a bad liar,” I told him, “Is Tim at school?”
“Yah, a friend of his came over and took him,” Jack said, eyes staring blankly at the wall.
“You okay?”
“Yes.”
“You’re still a bad liar,” I said as I sat on the arm of the chair, “Any news on Joey?”
“Yes,” Jack gulped and I could see his eyes flood, “The knife hit something critical, and he lost a boatload of blood. There was nothing they could do, he just-” Jack put his head down, and I could see him shaking although no tears left his eyes. Jack would never cry if he could help it, at least not in front of me.
“Jack,” I said, trying to comfort him. But I couldn’t find the words. Jack had been friends with Joey for as long as I could remember. And now without him, what would Jack’s life be like? All of his other friends would probably scatter now that their leader was gone and Jack would be alone. But I was sad too, just as I had started to warm up to Joey he had been taken away in seconds. And it was all because of one dark eyed boy, one who would now have the police searching for him.

                Find him, I thought, Find him and lock him up for the rest of his life because now that Joey’s dead, two of the most important people in my life will never be the same.
“Keith,” I breathed as the though hit me and I ran to the phone, picking it up and quickly realizing I didn’t know the number. Jack would know it, but I wasn’t going to bring Joey up. I instead just sat down at the kitchen table and pulled out a deck of cards, playing solitaire with myself.

                I grabbed some toast and walked up to my room. I turned on the radio and tried to drown out my life, drown out all of the pain I felt for those closest to me. The next day was just as plain, the newspaper ad was probably out but I didn’t care, and the day after that was just as boring. That day at noon I walked down the creaking stairs and grabbed some soup from the closet, pouring it in a pot to heat it up.
“Jack have you eaten anything today?” I asked him as I leaned against the counter and looked at the boy who hadn’t moved for the past two days, and only ate when I forced him too.
“Yes,” he mumbled.
“Once again, you can’t lie,” I told him lightly as I ladled soup into a bowl and walked over to him, placing it on the small table that I slid in front of Jack, “Eat.”
“No,” he said plainly.
“Why not?”
“Why?” he shot back calmly.

I wanted to punch him, but instead only got myself some soup and walked to my room. I couldn’t stand the thought of Jack being so depressed. It was exactly the same as when my Dad had decided to quit on the family. If something didn’t happen, Jack would stick himself in the skinning shack by dusk, or even worse. I pushed the thought out of my head and ate my lunch. I must have fallen asleep because I woke up later and walked downstairs to see Tim sitting down in front of Jack.
“Jack?” he asked.
“Yah Tim,” Jack mumbled, eyes still fixated at that same spot on the wall, his soup cold and untouched.
“On Friday my teacher told us Joey went to heaven,” Tim said softly as he sat down in front of Jack, “Does that mean you’re going to heaven with him?”
Jack jumped a little, and I knew Tim didn’t know what he was saying, but Jack and I both understood.
“Jack,” I said, “Answer the question.”
He took a breath, “No Tim, I can’t follow Joey where he went.”
“But you go with Joey everywhere!”
“Not now Tim, it’s time for Joey to go on his own.”
“Good,” Tim smiled, “Cause I want you to stay here with me.”

Jack didn’t move for a second, he just looked at Tim. In a split second he lifted Tim up, hugging him close.
“Tess!” Tim squeaked, “I can’t breathe!”
I just laughed and walked over to them,
“Jack put him-” but I was cut off as one of Jack’s arms wrapped around me, pulling me into the group hug.
“We’re going to get through this,” I said.
“I know,” Jack smiled.
“Jack,” Tim said.
“What?”
“You’re still squishing me.”

Jack moved and put Tim down as I walked to the phone. I stood by it, rocking back and forth from my heels to my toes.
Jack sighed and told me the number as I quickly typed it in, hearing it tone until someone picked it up.
“I’m sorry but we can’t talk right now, please call back later,” I heard Mister Ronaldo say.
“Mister Ronaldo can I talk to Keith? It’s Tess,” I asked.
“He’s out right now, went for a walk. Maybe call back later?” he suggested.
“I think I might go and find him if that’s okay.”
“Sure, just make sure he comes home,” Mister Ronaldo said sullenly, and I could tell he was thinking about what had happened the last time one of his sons had gone out alone.
“Will do, bye.”
“Bye.”

I hung up the phone and saw Jack eating his soup, even though it was probably stone cold. I quickly explained where I was going before running outside and walking quickly down the road. I thought about Keith, thought about the state he was in. Jack seemed to get over it quickly, but I thought that he might have just been holding in his feelings. I eventually got into town and tried to decide where I would look for Keith first. I picked the park, it was close by anyway. It was a good choice, because I could see Keith’s dark figure on the crest of the hill.

I walked slowly up to him, listening for crying or whimpering, deciding how to go about this. But I heard nothing so I just ran up, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“What the!” Keith started but then a huge smile broke across his face, “Hi Tess!”
“Hi Keith, what’s buzzin’?” I asked as I sat down next to him.
“You know, just my brother,” he said, the level of coolness in his voice amazed me.
“How are you with it, I mean do you need to talk or anything?” I asked.

“No,” he sighed, “I don’t think it’s hit me yet, you know that he’s gone. I think I expect I’m going to wake up and realize it was all a really bad dream, or walk back home and see him being there saying, ‘I can’t believe you fell for it Keith! I got you so good!’ and then he’d laugh and make fun of me, call me gullible, and laugh some more. But then we’d go work on his ride, and then get ice cream. And it all would have just been one big joke that we’d forget soon and at the end of the day he’s still be on the bunk below me talking about how amazing he is. The arrogant cat.”

I didn’t even know what to say, just the way he was chuckling to himself while he talked, the way he seemed completely calm with the situation. I felt like he was doing the same thing Jack was doing, keeping his feelings to himself.
“Um, after Dennis got Joey he, he said something. I didn’t really understand what he meant,” he murmured and Keith looked at me curiously.
“Shoot,” he said with a wave of his hand.
“Well he said that it was just like being stabbed in the back, and then Joey said something about he would turn back time if he could. What did they mean by that?”
“I dunno,” Keith shrugged, “I’m not going to try and understand sixteen year olds.”
There was a small pause.
“Wanna go get ice cream?” he asked.
“Sounds good,” I smiled as he stood up.
“Help?” I asked as I held my arm up.
“Seriously?” he asked as he pulled me to my feet and we walked.

Soon we were at the parlour, ordered quickly, and then sat on the bench outside as we talked. And guess who turned around the corner at that moment? Well who haven’t we heard from in so very long? Who would be the worst person to appear at this moment?
“Hi Karen,” Keith said calmly as she just looked at us, her sister behind her.
“Hello Tess,” she said, ignoring him and instead just eyeing me with the same deep brown eyes that her sister had.
“What’s buzzin’?” I asked calmly, eating my ice cream and refusing to keep eye contact.
“Nothing,” she said plainly.
“So do you know if your uncle’s got the police force on the Dennis case?” Keith asked.
“What?”
“Your uncle, isn’t he the Chief of Police?” I asked.
“Yes,” she scoffed, “But who’s Dennis?”
“Only the guy who killed my brother,” Keith murmured.
“Sorry didn’t hear you,” Karen said.
“Tune out,” I snapped and she flinched slightly but then regained her confidence,
“Keith I don’t know why you hang out with her? It’s going to drop your popularity so much!”

Her nerve! To say that to Keith, with me sitting right beside him! And right after what Keith’s been through. She’d never know him like I did.
“I don’t care. If being popular means I can’t hang out with Tess, then demote me to a nerd. See if I care?” And with that he got up, throwing his ice cream to the ground to splatter the edges of the girl’s skirts, “Come on Tess, let’s just go.”
“Bye Karen,” I smiled and then walked after Keith, back towards his house.

“I can’t believe her,” he hissed under his breath, “I mean we talked once, maybe twice. And now she thinks she owns me!”
“She’s crazy, first day of school you said so yourself,” I added.

Soon we were at Keith’s front door and he stopped,
“Um, the funeral’s tomorrow at 6 pm,” he said awkwardly as his voice became more stressed, “It’s just a small one, I don’t think Joey would have wanted anything huge. Jack should come, they were really close. Er, you can swing by if you want?”
“If it’s just a small gathering then it’s fine, I didn’t know him very well,” I explained.
“Okay, see you later Tess,” he said, forcing a smile.
“Bye Keith.”

                He walked in and I turned around, starting to walk back to the house. I hit the dirt road, sauntering slowly back towards he house with my hands deep in my pockets. Eventually I was back at the house to see Jack sitting at the kitchen table, playing a board game with Tim.
“When’d we get this?” I asked.
“I bought it a little while ago,” Jack shrugged, “Forgot I had it.”
“Finally now we don’t have to play cards so much,” I smiled and stood next to Jack.
“Um, tomorrow at 6,” I started but Jack cut me off.
“I know, Joe- Keith’s dad called,” he said as he continued to play, hopping his piece forward a few spaces.
“Okay,” I smiled,

                I watched them play until dinner, laughing as Tim made up his own rules in order to win.
“No Jack, you see if you land on a blue space then I get to move forward three spaces. And if you land on a red space, then you have to move back three spaces. And if you land on a green space then you have to start over,” he explained matter-of-factly, like Jack should know the basic rules of the game.
“But what if you land on a green space?” Jack questioned as Tim’s pawn did so.
“Then you have to go back to the start, I already told you!” Tim cried.
“I give up Tim, you win,” Jack said in an exasperated tone, “So what’s for dinner?”
“You tell me, I’ve been cooking you meals for the past three days and you’ve barely touched any of them,” I said as I fell back into Jack’s arm chair.
“Alright we’re eating out Tim!” Jack shouted.
“Yay!” Tim cried.
“But we just went to the diner like a week ago,” I complained.
“And now we’re going again.”

                I rolled my eyes and got up, grabbing my jacket as Tim put on his own bright yellow. I was jumpy the entire walk there. Did Jack not remember what happened the last time we were out at the diner? We almost got mugged by Dennis and his gang!
“Tess,” Jack said.
“What!” I almost shouted, jumping sky high.
“Whoa, don’t have a cow,” Jack said, eyes wide, “What’s with you today?”
“Er nothing,” I quickly said but Jack raised an eyebrow before continuing to walk.

Soon we were at the diner, seated, and had ordered,
“I love the diner!” Tim squealed as he ate his fries.
“Hm,” I mumbled, drinking my shake and picking through the fries. I honestly was not hungry, I was too distracted. Every five seconds I’d look out the window, scanning the streets for a wisp of black windbreaker, or a flash of dark eyes.

                Dinner seemed to take century. Jack paid the bill insisting that paying meant he had ‘cooked dinner’. I of course didn’t really care, I only looked suspiciously out the window. I almost had a heart attack when a little boy in a black coat came streaking by. But the colour of his hair got me thinking about someone else. How was Keith? We walked out of the diner with my mind still focused on the blonde-haired boy. I was completely lost in thought when I finally realized that Jack was talking to me,
“What?” I asked.
“I said Keith’s over there, do you want to go talk to him?” Jack repeated as he pointed to the waving boy at the end of the street who was sitting on a black bike.
“Sure,” I smiled as I waved back.
“Tim and I are getting ice cream, meet us there in about half an hour,” he said and I nodded before running off.

“Hey,” I smiled.
“Hi, what brings you into town?” he asked as he rode slowly and I walked beside him.
“Jack was too lazy to cook,” I laughed.
“Yah he doesn’t seem like someone who’d enjoy that,” Keith chuckled.
I didn’t know what to say back, since when was talking with Keith difficult?
“Uh…” I said, completely as a loss for words.
“Wanna go to the park?” he asked and I felt my heart drop, not back there again! I guess he saw my expression because he quickly said, “Not the field, like the swings and whatever.”
“Oh,” I said quickly, “Sure.”

                We walked quickly there and I sat down on one of the swings, lightly swinging in small arcs as Keith sat down. He kept his eyes on the field, where the site had been cleared and cleaned of any evidence. If you didn’t know what had happened there, you wouldn’t think anything had happened at all. But my mind kept flashing back to the fight, kept putting images of the two gangs into my mind. It was like a television set was playing in my head as I watched Joey fall again, Dennis smirking over him with the bloodied knife.
                I forced myself to snap back but as I looked beside me, Keith’s eyes were glazed over and a look of horror was spread across his face as tears welled up in his eyes. Clearly he too had lost himself in the memory.
“Keith,” I said but he didn’t move, “Keith!”
He flinched and almost fell backwards off of his swing but managed to grab the chains before he slipped off. He didn’t’ say anything, just got to his feet and calmly walked over to his bike.
“Keith,” I almost shouted as he swung his leg over and put his foot on the pedal.
“What?” he snapped back, voice harsh.
“Woah!” I cried as I threw my hands up, “What’s gotten into you?”
“My brother dying that’s what!” he shouted and I had known all along that this would happen when he finally decided to let his emotions out,
“It’s okay Keith, I know how you feel-” I started.
“No you don’t! No one will ever know how I feel! Everyone’s just been telling me how it’ll all get better and how Joey’s in a better place now but they don’t know how it feels!” he cried.
“Keith I know-”
“Don’t pretend you know what I’m going through! You’re just as stupid as everyone else! Why can’t everyone just leave me alone!”
“Is that what you want?”
“Yah!”
“Then fine!”
“Fine.”

                 “I was going to help you, because believe it or not I know what you’re going through. But if you don’t want to listen to me then fine, I’ll just go,” I fumed as I reached for the necklace around my neck, ripping I off and throwing it at his feet,
“Consider it a parting gift. Bye Keith, thanks for nothing.”

                And with that I stormed off, back towards the ice cream parlour. I knew he was going to just explode at one point, but I didn’t expect him to be so rude about it! That wasn’t the Keith I knew, or wanted to know. If he was going to be an idiot then I’d leave him to himself. He obviously didn’t need me, so he could have back his necklace and just leave my life forever. It was fine for me. Soon I could see Jack and Tim sitting outside the red and white shop.
“You’re early,” Jack said nonchalantly.
“Can we just go?” I asked, biting my lip as I felt the tears build up.
Understanding filled Jack’s eyes and he quickly silenced Tim who was about to ask questions, “Sure, come on Tim,” he said softly as he stood up, putting an arm over my shoulders.
“Whatever he did I’ll be sure to cream him for it,” Jack said protectively.
“No don’t, I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing I care,” I murmured.

                It didn’t take long to walk back home, but with the awkward silence it could have been a year. Soon we were back in the house and I had plopped myself down on the couch, staring at the ceiling. Tim ran up to his room and Jack sat in his chair.
“Wanna talk about it?” he asked in true big brother fashion.
“No,” I answered simply.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
“Whatever he did I’m sure it’s just caused be the stress of, you know,” Jack reasoned.
“I thought that too but then he got really rude about it so I don’t care how much emotional stress he’s under he’s doesn’t have to be so unpleasant!” I shouted.

                There was silence for a few minutes until the phone rang with a groan I got to my feet, walking over and picking it up.
“Hello?”
“Uh yes this is Misses Kody and I’m calling about your ad in the paper,” a voice said.
“Oh yes, one minutes let me get a pen to write down your name,” I said but Jack was already on his feet, handing me a pen and a slip of paper.
“Alright Misses Kody, are you calling about the puppies or the horses?” I asked.
“Oh goodness we could never have a horse,” she chuckled, “No we were calling about the young puppy Scarlet, my children just fell in love with her picture and it says she’s great with kids.”
“She is,” I said as I wrote down Scarlet’s name on the piece of paper, “She gets along great with Tim, and he’s five. There are no claims for her yet so you can come down and visit her whenever you’re ready. Then we can get some of the finer details sorted out. Can I get your number?”
“Oh yes,” she said and rhymed it off as I quickly scribbled it down.
“Oh and how much are you willing to pay for her?” I asked.
“I was thinking around 30 dollars,” she said.
“Great!” I beamed, “Well when would it be a good time for you and the kids to come around?”
“Does tomorrow around 6:30 sound good?”
“Perfect,” I smiled, “See you then.”
“Alright goodbye.”

I waited for the click that meant she had hung up before I punched the air, cheering,
“So who’d we sell?” Jack asked as the puppies crawled into his lap. His eyes were wide like a little kid and I could tell whatever name I said would disappoint him.
“Scarlet,” I smiled.
“Did you hear that girl?” Jack said as he picked her up and held her in front of his face, “You’re going to a new home!” She gave a few happy barks, I guess she had gained Blue’s trait of understanding human speech. Well not really, but they definitely understood emotions.

                Tim came rushing down and as soon as we told him what should have been happy news he burst into tears. It took a while to calm him down, and it ended with him hugging Scarlet close as his own puppy whined at his feet.
“I don’t want her to go,” he moped.
“But she can’t stay here,” I explained, “There’s not enough room.”
“Then I’ll sleep outside!” he cried.
“But we need the money,” Jack said and then quickly covered it over in saying, “For Christmas presents.”
“I don’t want presents!” Tim squeaked, “I want Scarlet!”

                That went on for a little while until Jack silenced him and we all went to our separate corners of the house. I had almost forgotten about Keith when I saw the box on my bedside table and it reminded me of the day the boys had crashed in to deliver their gifts. My eyes filled with tears as I thought about Keith. I tried to shake it off, tried to tell myself I didn’t care. But I did, I cared about it more then I’d ever cared about anything else. What would I do now that Keith was out of my life? What would school be like? I had been told to stick tight to Keith, since I was pretty much ‘Popular Girl’s Most Wanted’ but now I was easy prey. I collapsed onto my bed, tears falling onto my pillow. Without Keith there would be nothing to do, without Keith, I’d be alone.

The next day I jolted awake, hearing the usual rapping on my door,
“School,” was all Jack said before I could hear him jog down the stairs.

I was down eating my breakfast as slowly as I could. Jack could obviously tell something was wrong so he sat next to me.
“What’s buzzin’?” he asked.
“I don’t want to go to school,” I said plainly.
“That makes two of us. Why not?”
“Cause I’m gonna be a loner. I’m not going anywhere near Keith and my only two other friends will be sticking to him like glue. I’m gonna get creamed by the popular kids,” I whined as I put my head down on the table, hands clutching my hair.
“Well everyone orbited around Joey, so now without him their all going to have scattered. I could try to build it up again, but I’m not the leader Joey was. So I’m gonna be just as shut off from everyone else as you will be. But hey, if it’s the popular girls you’re worried about then hang out with me,” he suggested.
“Really?” I asked and he nodded, “But are you sure they won’t just hate me more. Because between you and me, the majority of them giggle whenever you pass by.”
He blushed quickly, “Whatever, I’d like to see them try and get at you while I’m there. Consider me your own personal security guard.”
“Sounds cool, so today it’s just us,” I smiled.
“Just us,” he beamed back.

Tim was a little slow but eventually we were at our separate schools. I stuck tight to Jack, especially when I saw Keith’s grey eyed gaze through the crowd. But I held my chin high and kept walking. As soon as I got into the school, a group of tenth graders were standing there and staring at us. I could hear them whispering and giggling to each other, pointing and looking at Jack. I saw him blush slightly but then turn his head as he walked, winking at them as they all squealed like piglets. I shook my head,
“What are you doing to yourself?”
“Enjoying my fan club,” he smiled as he strutted towards his locker.

He dumped his books quickly and we carried on to my own. Oh no, Keith’s was too close to my locker to make me comfortable. And to make matters worse, he was standing there, eyes locked on me as I walked. I didn’t make eye contact, only opened my locker, put my stuff in, and ignored him as he tried to talk to me.
“What’d he say?” I asked Jack when we were far enough away, “I wasn’t listening.”
“Something about meeting him outside after school,” Jack shrugged.
“Likely scenario,” I scoffed sarcastically.

I went to Math class, ignoring Keith once again and focusing on what was on the board. But he made it very difficult considering he was hissing my name every five seconds.
“If I listen will you shut up?” I asked, still copying notes and refusing to look at him.
“Can you please just hear me out?”
“No!”
“At least meet me outside after school,” he pleaded.
“Not gonna happen Keith,” I sighed.
“Just let me explain myself!” he said in a voice that was much too loud.
“Mister Ronaldo if I hear one more word from you then both you and Miss Davies will get detention tonight,” Mister Raymond said and a sly smile spread across Keith’s face.
“Don’t you…”
“Hey Tess!” Keith almost shouted and the teacher whipped around.
“Detention, both of you.”
“Try ignoring me now,” Keith said happily as he leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head.

I sped through my next two classes and eventually it was lunch. I quickly found Jack and I ran towards him, pretty much cowering behind him.
“What’s up with you? You look like someone just stepped on your tail!” Jack laughed.
“You know how you said you would cream Keith for me. Yah you can get on with that now,” I growled through gritted teeth.
“Nah, it’s okay,” he said passively with a wave of his hand.
“Ugh,” I groaned and sat down at Jack’s table as he took the seat beside me.

Throughout the lunch hour, a few kids sat down. I didn’t know them, and they made no effort to get to know me so I was okay with that. They talked quickly to Jack, mostly in hushed tones and whispers. I definitely caught Joey’s name a few times, and Dennis’s too. But soon the bell rang and classes started again. I went to my next class and then filed into detention, Keith already sitting there and patting the desk beside him eagerly. I rolled my eyes and picked the seat farthest away from him.

Detention was surprisingly uneventful. I thought Keith would be making some form of attempt to get my attention, but no. The only thing that happened was Keith passing by my desk on his way to the washroom and even then there was no endeavour.

I walked back by myself, got home and plopped down on my bed. I had a bit of homework so I pulled out my book. But something else fell out of my bag. A plain white envelope, nothing special. I picked it up and opened it reading the letter within.

Dear Tess,

I know I was the biggest idiot in the world yesterday and I really don’t expect you to forgive me any time soon. I’d like you too, but what I did isn’t forgivable. You tried to help me and I just closed down and didn’t let you. I guess I’ve just been shaken up from this entire thing, but it didn’t give me any reason to act like that.

I’m really lost right now, and I need someone to help show me the way. I want it to be you, I want you to help me, but if you’re mad at me then that’s okay. Please forgive me, I’ll do anything. I don’t know what I’d do without you, I don’t know where I’d go if you never forgave me. I realize I’m kind of starting to ramble, so I’ll stop now. Just please forgive me.

Your friend,
Keith

PS: Look outside…

“Look outside, what?” I asked myself aloud and then looked out my window.

                I should have expected what I saw. Of course Keith was standing there, dressed in his suit? At first I thought he did it for me, then I realized he was going to the funeral right after so I felt slightly less awkward about it. But he must have ran the entire way to have changed and then met me there.
“Hey,” he smiled, “Am I forgiven?”
“One minute,” I said and then ran down the stairs, ignoring Jack as he asked me how to tie a tie.

I ran into the backyard, seeing Keith standing sheepishly under my window. He looked curiously at me, waiting for the answer.
“You’re crazy,” I laughed.
“Just a little,” he chuckled, “So?”
I took a breath, “Yes I forgive you.”
“Oh uh, Mike told me girls like flowers or something like that,” Keith said as he twirled a red rose between his fingers, “So um?”
“But when have I ever acted like a girl?” I asked.
He just shrugged, “You want it or not, I had to go through a lot of gardens to find one.”
“You didn’t?” I laughed but he just smiled guiltily.
I took it from him, “You know you may just be the sweetest person I’ve ever met.”
He smiled, I guess he didn’t know how to respond. But Jack quickly came out of the house in his dusty grey suit with his tie hanging around his neck,
“Tess how,” he started but then looked up, “Oh, you.”
He rushed way to quickly for me to do anything about it and soon Keith was against the wall, Jack leaning over him.
“You ever disrespect her again and you’re dead. Got it nosebleed?” he roared as Keith shook under him.
“Lay off Jack,” I said as he turned, “He’s fine. Now come here so I can do up your tie, you look like you’re six.”
He walked over, narrowed eyes still fixated on Keith as I quickly tied it for him,
“It’s time to get going,” Jack said and turned to Keith, “Guess we’ll have time to talk won’t we?”
“Yah,” Keith said, voice shaking
“Jack if there’s one mark on him then we’ll be talking,” I said sternly and Jack gave me a look like a moping puppy.
“Bye Keith,” I smiled as I hugged him and he awkwardly hugged me back, “Thanks.”
“Er, no problem,” he stuttered, smiling from ear to ear.