Holding Eric Part 13

Holding Eric part 13

Hurry inside excided to show him his new pants spotting his sisters already cascading over him, without even a pep that he was there, Jake walk to his room tossing the bag on the bed returning to the livingroom sitting on the couch while they showed off more what they had gotten, Jake taking the pillow leaning into it on the edge watching golf already on, Jacob looked past Becky spotting Jake was upset ignoring them.

“Jake’ what’s up’ didn’t you find anything you needed?” Only nodding his head yes sitting upward still to the television set. “You two go put your stuff away ok’ you both look real nice, Jake come here” Jacob said lowering his eyes watching Jake slowly moving over, standing at the edge of the chair with his head down.

“Everything go ok at the store with grandpa?”

“Yes”

“Something on your mind? That you want to tell me”

“No”

“Jake” Jacob reach out pulling him over on his lap “Ok I said I would take you’ were still going ok”

“That’s not it dad it’s just they have to have everything and the other they said’ I should see a Doctor because my seeing things in the mirror”

“The boy again?”

“Yes Grandpa said it’s a good spirt reaching out to me’ is there such a thing?”

“Spirts can reach out’ but only to some people not everyone”

“Why me?”

“Something made it reach out just to you, maybe because you’re special”

“Special pain in the butt mom said”

Smiling looking to the door as they came in “Did you find the right jeans you wanted?”

“Yea two pairs all blue not green or black’ we had frosty’s too”

David stood by backside of the chair looking over at the two of them, While Penny headed for the kitchen. “Jacob when you have a few!”

Jacob looked back at him “Sure Dad” Bouncing Jake off his nee “Maybe you’ll show me later ok?”

Jake smiled at him standing making his cheeks raise while smiling waiting

“What’s up come on what you want Jake?”

“Ok if I ride some?” Smiling nodding his head yes

“Go’ and always careful right?”

“Yes I’m not nuts like Collen going over stumps”

“No’ tattling remember” Jacob looking upward seeing his face drop sadden

“Sorry dad Can I still go then?”

“Yes ask your mom for the key”

Another big smile two them before rushing to the kitchen “Mom’ dad said I can ride for awhile”

David sat down on the couch while Jacob turn the golf off waiting to find out what happen, at the store with the girls or Jake, Instead David asked him about Eric wondering why he even gave him a ride to Denver in the first place telling him it was the wrong thing to do, Jacob defended himself, as a father telling David that Eric was in trouble beaten and just lost his Mother, doing what he felt was helping by taking him to his aunts, better him than someone else, David informed him it was against the law to take the boy out of the state in the first place, Jacob defending himself again before David eased up, agreeing  to help and would check into the boys wellbeing.

Jacob agreed telling him about the letter having his name and address on it that he found in the truck, Becky ran out retrieving it for him, David looked at the letter inside showing it to Jacob as he didn’t even look inside the envelope, finding a letter from his Aunt, telling him about the big farm they lived on and how everything was great in Denver, she was looking forward to seeing him on his eleventh birthday, stopping at the date, two day after Jake’s own birthday turning Ten, looking at the date on the envelope one year ago.

What a shock he knew it was somewhere around Jakes age but he didn’t seem to feel they were the same age showing Penny the letter inside, all three felt it best to do what they could to find out more and see what they could do to help him, David said he would make a few calls and find out what he could but no promise’s, David said he would even take a ride up after next weekend’s Kentucky trip.

Meanwhile at the halfway house Jon found out they were sending him to another place, Jon asked how long before they would be sending him to another halfway house, then the bad news was reviled as the other possible places could not accommodate him, therefore he would have to go to the juvenile detention center till he reached eighteen, Jon was upset knowing this was the end for him, ending up in a place where all kinds of things could happen to him at his age, Mr. Blanton was sorry it was required by the state’s related stay time in any halfway house, Jon had already expired that time, Mr. Blanton said he still had one more chance that he hoped it would work before Monday and would let him know.

Jon informed Eric that he would not be around after Monday, knowing they already made plans on Eric heading to Canada next weekend, Eric hesitated a few before asking Jon to come with him to Canada it would have to be first thing in the morning after breakfast saying that no one would think anything other than they were going to the park as they had been doing every Saturday now.

Jon agreed to go with him it had to be better than being in the detention center, Jon did say he never before wondered off by himself, Eric quickly cheering him said it would be an adventure cross country and in Canada they could even work on ranches and become real cowboys on farms or even ranches they had plenty of them with young boys called something like dude ranch in that line sort of, more trying to convince him it would be ok along with himself dreaming of ranches.

Playing in the game-room along with everyone following everything they did before so no one would think any different, Eric asked Jon not to tell the others about Monday till the time was right, while he plan ahead the routes they would take, mingling with the others in games before dinner, washing before dinner making sure his hair was comb just so waiting at the table to be seated. Mr. Blanton stood at the end looking down the chairs looking at hands slowly walking around the table stopping at Eric, Looking back at him with his hands upward showing the were clean.

“Eric you comb your hair about time” saying with a slight grin walking to the other side stopping at Derek with a thumb Derek quickly took off for the bathroom “Sit” Everyone sat down waiting on Mrs. Darvan to server the dishes before anyone could start eating, Derek return showing clean hands and sat down then we could eat, Frank made a few comments to him before quickly told to stop.

Eric started feeling funny rubbing his noise a few times sniffing also after dinner while sitting on the bed with Jon checking out the atlas map, Frank walked in as usual quickly hiding the atlas grabbing the magazine they already had handy looking at it together laying back on the atlas watching Frank, getting his bathroom comic book giving them his sneer look over before heading out without saying anything, Jon jumped up checking the hallway making sure he wasn’t heading back for another comic book, gathering what was needed bundling everything in sweaters taking small twine rope tying them together lowering them out the window just getting dark outside, returning getting ready for ben everything layed out for morning, Frank came back in only checking what they were doing hitting the light off plopping on his bed not giving them any light left, with a half moon was plenty Eric had a hard time sniffing most of the night hoping he wasn’t coming down with a cold or something.

Saturday Morning Eric first to wake after a hard night mostly waking from a runny nose, standing on the lower bunk seeing Jon sound asleep still, slowly waking him before Frank woke up, hurry to get dressed and made sure their hair was combed just right before breakfast, just as they headed down the hall Mr. Blanton stopped them in the hallway wanting to see Jon after Breakfast then telling Eric he needed to see Mrs. Darvan before his sneezes get any worst, having Breakfast Eric didn’t seem like he needed to see her but felt he better while Jon was with Mr. Blanton.

Mrs. Darvan check his temperature finding it was a little high asking if he had any allergies, Eric stated he didn’t, telling him he could be coming down with a cold and it would be best if he stayed indoors today just to make sure, handing him a package of honey cough drops along with a small tissue package sending him to his room till later when she would check on him around lunch time.

Eric sat on the bed waiting for Jon to return having to tell him somehow they had to wait till after lunch before they could leave, Sniffles right and left while lying on the bed mostly near the pillow pulling it up stopped black spots around the sheet and bottom of the pillow case smelling it Sneezing right off a few more times tossing the pillow down it was Frank playing one of his mean trick again., wiping off what he could when Jon came in all sadden sitting down on the bed looking over.

“Gee’s man you ok?”

“Yea guess so but I’ve got some bad news”

“So do I and Frank … I’m not done with him yet look what he did Pepper” Showing Jon the sheet

“The trips off Eric I can’t go”

Stopping looking over sitting down with him “What’ What happen?”

“I’m being taken today”

“Look we can leave right now come on we can do this” Getting up looking back at Jon sitting only looking at him, closing the door returning to the bed “Ok so what they tell you then?’

“A family came thru last night to take me” lowering his head leaning next to him tear slowly dropped down on his leg looking over.

“So that’s good news then so why you crying you got a home”

“But we were going to be ranchers and do all the cowboy stuff together”

“That’s ok Cowboy stuff is hard work anyway and besides you’ll be happy now with a family that wants you that’s more important than being a cowboy riding ranges with no water or food right”

“But we were…going”

“No I was going’ till things with you change ok?”

“Will you stay here till they come for me?”

Eric looked around then in a low tone “I’ll see you off when the time comes, then I’ll be going”

“Thank you we had fun while you were here … will you write me”

“Sure you know I will’ just need your address before they take you”

“I’ll find out don’t worry … you will write?”

“Yes I need to know you’re ok’ right and if not I’ll come rescue you ok?” Smiling at him

“I better get the stuff outside before someone finds it you watch the door” Jon said hurry outside to the window tossing the sweaters back inside, Eric quickly placed them under the bed hurrying back inside before anybody spotted him, Jon placing what he could in a copy paper box Mr. Blanton gave him.

Derek came running in saying they wanted him in the office and bring his stuff with him saying it was going to be his room now with Eric and Frank. Surprised it had happen sooner than either expected

“Looks like this is it”

“Well better get going don’t want your new folks waiting now”

“Eric I’m sorry you’re not coming with me”

“Don’t worry I’ll find my friend and be happy again”

Walking down the hallway together to the office, Jon set the box down giving Eric a hug before going into the office, Eric sat down looking at the box of stuff not very much stuff for the time he was here, slowly the voices stopped and the door was opening Eric looked up to Mr. Blanton “Eric would you like to carry Jon’s box out for him?”

“Sure thing” Watching them together walking to the door following behind with a smile Eric could see they wanted him holding his hand together to the car, a younger boy slid out shaking Jon’s hand smiling it was his new friend he would be happy now, Eric holding back his own tears of joy handing Jon his box giving him a hug shaking his hand with a nod “Later Jon take care of yourself” Was all Eric could say heading back to the door watching the car pulling away Jon waving out the back window,

“You feeling better Mrs. Darvan give you something to help”

“Yes much better Thanks”

“Frank giving you any problems?”

“None that I can’t handle but Derek might have a problem with him”

“I’ll talk with him everything working out for you here”

“Sure just wonderful”

“Well if you need anything just come see me”

“Ok can I go to the game-room need to see what my new roomy doing?”

“Sure have a good time”

Jon never gave him that address to write maybe it was best thing not knowing, Eric slowly looked in the game room seeing Derek playing a board game with two others no one came out to say goodbye to Jon, was that what it was one day here next your gone without even a goodbye to everyone. Eric went to the bedroom sitting on the bed only glancing to the window reaching down pulling his bundle out, quickly pushing it back under spotting the atlas on the table, taking it opening it to Canada route rending the page out folding it placing it in his back pocket before setting the book right in view smiling tossing his bundle out the window before heading to the back door.

Heading into town stopping at the locale store seeing a charter bus in the parking lot with a bunch of kids coming from the store lining up around the bus, slowly walking over seeing what they were doing asking a few finding they were touring on bikes once they were dropped off at the cape, one asked if he was riding with them “sure right away” hoping to get a ride hurry inside the store gathering a few things along with the other kids, candy bars and extra cough drops just in case along with a large soda returning standing with them in line to the bus. Eric followed right along spotting a grownup asking for a paper, not sure watching moving ahead till it was his turn looking at the guy holding his hand outward.

“Well got your pass?” He stood looking down

“Not sure where I put it?” looking thru his pockets making sure the guy could smell the drops

“Hurry up your holding up the line”

“I’m looking hang on” Looking pulling out the map from his pocket “Nope this ant it where I put it”

“Look just get in we got to get moving” Keeping his head away from him pointing to get in

“What about the paper?”

“Get in already find it later” Avoiding hi

Eric quickly boarded the bus walking near the back sitting down watching the front as the others got in one boy scooting in next to him. “So ready to tour’ you got everything?”

“Sure want a candy bar?” Handing him one opening his looking out the window as the door shut

Pulling out into traffic watching the town slowly go by his window with a smile he was on his way.

“Names Gene ever been to the cape before?”

“Eric’ no you?” asking back biting into the last part crumbling the wrapper

“Once or twice but not touring just visiting the beach”

“Heard it’s nice … how long before we get there?”

“A few hours the coach said, then will have Fifty miles of coast line to ride”

“Cape Cod right”

“Yep well I’ll rest some you better to it’s a long ride”

“Sure rest ok” Eric said leaning back watching out the window

Next thing Eric knew the bus was stopping everyone was getting off, Following along with the other walking around the back side as they started unloading bikes from the rear, Eric looked to the stores

Gene by his side looking over “Yours should be out anytime now right”

“Good I’ll be right back nature calling”

“Ok hurry back I’ll wait for you with the rest of them

Eric hurry across the street to the gas station walking down the side and watching them from the back fence, Gene keep looking over before finely heading out with the others to a meeting area, Eric slowly walked around checking the stores and down the roadway to the beach, stopping in a café away from the road not to be seen ordering a cup of coffee sitting by the rear still able to see the roadway checking over the lunch special seeing the prices surprised ordering a tuna sandwich with fries

Giving them amble time to disburse on their touring, Eric walked around sightseeing before spotting a Truck unloading at the grocery store side door, walking up looking over the truck. Checking the tires walking around stopping at the cab looking to the doors inspection sticker, Hearing someone walk up behind him turning around looking at him holding a pad.

“You check your tires lately they look low” Eric said watching him

“Low what my tires low?”

“The inside left rear over here see” Eric pointing at it.

“Your right you know a few things about truck your dad a driver?”

“Yea he’s on his route to New Haven I was supposed to meet him in Bradford something”

“How come you’re here then?”

“I just missed the charter bus now I’ve got to get the next one”

“Hell I’m heading most of the way Hartford anyway you can still get the bus there right”

“Sure Hartford that’s near a truck stop too”

“Look that’s not it is it” Pointing to a charter bus going by them

“No that was for the Road bikes tours”

“Right so want a lift’ maybe we can get you to your dad quicker than the bus can”

“If it’s no problem wouldn’t want to put you out or anything”

“No always helping a trucker or trucker’s son in need climb in”

“Ok thanks”

Holding Eric Part 12

Holding Eric part 12

Jacob irritated with Aunt Ginger remarks as he held the phone ringing, going direct to voice Mail hanging it up placing the phone in his shirt pocket pausing, looking out over the parking lot before getting down hooking everything up returning sitting looking over at the bag, pushing the Air valve in with a jerk moving forward to the interstate.

Grandfather David and the kids arrived after there long trail ride, Becky and Colleen riding in the back seat hurry to get out waiting for Jake, all smiles he had them trapped till he open the door letting them out this time, they like keeping him waiting for the most times they rode in the front now it was his turn.

“Jake let your sisters out” Grandfather said smiling looking over at Jake standing holding the knob looking up at them waiting.

“Ok it not fair they always keep me back there” Jake said letting them out

“Dwe’bb” Colleen said getting out only to look upward seeing her Mother waiting “Mom he wouldn’t let us out” Sarcastically with her head in the air snicker over at Jake.

“Maybe he wants his imaginary friend to get out first” Becky said getting out smirking

“He’s not real” Jake said moving away over to his mother

“Well if you didn’t hold him’ he wouldn’t do it to you” Mother (Penny) said smiling down to Jake raising his head back up knowing she was telling them to stop.

“Hi David’ how where the kids behaved?”

“Like fly in shit”

“Grandpa!” Becky remarked waiting on Colleen to get her stuff she forgot from the truck

“Hear from Jacob?”

“Yes he called’ you kids go inside will be right along”

Becky turn to Jake “Well you bringing your friend with you Jake”

“MOM” Jake said aggravated

“Becky stop antagonizing your brother”

Becky walking with Colleen while Jake rush past them inside.

“So he coming home for the weekend?”

“Be home tomorrow night”

“You sound different everything ok with you two?”

“Yes its fine you got a few maybe have some coffee?”

“Of course maybe you can tell me what’s been going on with Jacob the past few weeks”

Jake already taken Jacobs chair holding the remote, Colleen laying on the floor with a small pillow watching cartoons while Becky sat reading her small book story not wanting to be interrupted.

David sitting at the table waiting for Penny to finish the coffee before sitting down with him only looking in at the kids slowly stirring her coffee.

“So Jacob doing ok?” David asking watching her

“Yes fine’ he’s been busy lately that’s all”

“That’s not all I know it’s more so tell me” Raising his head taking the sugar bowl over to his cup, slowly taking two spoons stirring it as she sat looking at her cup.

“He pick this kid up and it’s been bothering him ever scene”

“Kid’ the one that he said was hurt”

“Yes seems Jacob took a liken to him’ why I don’t know” confused looking again at her cup

“Maybe it’s something about the boy’ he just needs to understand”

“Understand’ he has plenty around here already losing his driver making him do all the runs”

“Well I’m sure it will be alright” sipping from the edge blowing into the cup

“No he stopped in Denver to see him”

“Denver that’s where the boys from?”

“No Jacob took him to Denver from Rhode Island”

“This boy he drove to Denver”

“To his Aunt’s house, he’s a runaway”

“I’ll talk to him it’ll be alright stop your worrying now”

“Maybe you can make some scents why he had to stop to see him”

“Maybe just to check make sure he was ok”

“I think it was something more I really do”

“Like what?”

“I’m not sure Jacob was upset about him he didn’t want to talk about it”

“You don’t think anything happen between them’ Jacob loves you and the kids”

“I know just something’s been going on he’s not sleeping also”

“Not sleeping? This all started with the boy?”

“Yes the same week he lost the driver”

“I’ll talk to him will square things ok now just stop your worrying leave it to me ok”

“Ok’ Thanks David”

David saying goodbye to the kids, and again telling her not to worry, heading home.

Jacob pushing thru the night after stopping in Utah getting the last load off before stopping for gas, knowing his log book was over due on time, setting it next to the seat pulling up the spare just in case he was stopped, unable to rest pushing for home before dawn, down the back roads by the farms slowing down passing David’s farm seeing the barn and new horse trailer he bought for their Kentucky trip, stopping looking at the house with just the porch light on slowly backing in the driveway.

Penny had awoken with sounds from the Truck backing in the driveway shutting it down, putting on her robe heading to the kitchen turning on lights, Taking the coffee pot over rinsing it as Jacob walked in the front door holding his carryon bag seating it down by the door looking up seeing Penny.

“Good morning”

“Your home early I’m putting some coffee on”

“That sounds good … how’s Dad doing see he got his horse trailer” seating at the table watching her at the counter setting up the coffee pot getting two mugs down before sitting with him

“Your Dad took Jake with him to pick it out”

“I told him I would go with him” lowering his head taking a deep breath

“He understands you’re busy as usual”

“Not that busy’ we still had time before Kentucky trip”

“He knows you’ve been pushing again I told him about the last driver leaving”

“Great’ but Neil taking the runs for a while”

“Neil’ your cousin getting back on the road? …You want something to eat?”

“No I’m good just coffee”

“Thought you be in tonight so what happen?”

“Drove straight thru couldn’t sleep”

“You must be tired you look beat … tell me while I get us the coffee”

“Worried that’s all …. How Jake do on the colt?”

“Your Dad showed him a few things with his colt and he’s excited to show you”

“Good and the girls doing better roping the barrels”

“Yes’ the kids are just fine, drink your coffee and tell me what happen”

Jacob face all tighten looking at the steaming coffee slowly stirring the sugar around

“Jacob something happen let’s hear what happen” Penny asking taking the spoon from him, he sat looking at her for a second with a quick shake of his head, Penny reach over placing her hand on his looking up at him slowly raising his head

“Denver the bitch closed the door on me” Holding her hand telling her

“What she wouldn’t let you see the boy?” sitting back upright

Jacob taking a sip of hot coffee blowing at the rim to cool it down

“Eric was sent back to Rhode Island given to the state”

“Jess Jacob what he do?”

“I don’t know he seemed like he was going to be alright at his Aunts”

Sitting pondering drinking while penny sat watching him stew

“But you’re taking it hard’ so this is what’s been upsetting you?”

“Yes something about him’ he’s different … age and birthdays only a few days apart”

“So maybe we should check into it and find out about him them yes?”

“What check into him’ we have enough here already to worry about?”

“Jacob like you said something about him so will check what happen”

“What if he’s …”

“Jacob relax I’ll get your dad to help he won’t mind”

“My Dad hell Penny he’s already got his hands full with the new colts and Kentucky”

Finishing off his coffee ready to get up

“More coffee the kids will be up shortly”

“I need to shower before they get up or there won’t be any hot water”

“Ok’ you got about twenty minutes before Jake and Collen get up”

“Dad coming over this morning?” standing looking back at Penny taking the cups to the counter

“Said he would make breakfast for the kids”

“Great hope he’s in a good mood”

“Better hurry an take that shower sounds like he just pulled in” Penny looking out the window

“Ok’ I’ll be right out” hurrying to the bedroom

Penny reach up taking another cup for David before he came in setting it on the table as he walked in, David walked by looking down at the bag checking down the hallway hearing the shower.

“See he made it back” David said sitting down

“Just a short time ago, you wants some toast?”

“No how’s he doing any better?”

“He got Neil taking the runs for him”

“Neil thought he stopped driving?”

“Jacob didn’t say just he back driving”

“Maybe take some of the load off Jacob”

“I hope so”

Sitting with David over coffee Penny told him about Eric being placed in the state, saying Jacob was concerned about what happen to him and wanted to check into it, David said he could check into the matter for them, after all David did study for his Law degree, only using it sometimes when someone needed a quick Lawyer to help bail them out of jail.

Jake came in all tired sitting on David’s lap waking up.

“Your Dads home Jake” Penny said getting him an orange juice.

“He is” Getting down rushing to the bedroom stopping at the door seeing him spread out sleeping, returning back to the kitchen sitting in the chair.

“He’s sleeping right now”

“He’ll be up later and we can do the chores together before he wakes ok” David said smiling

“Ok Grandpa maybe we can go riding later I want to show Dad what new trick Bancho can do”

“Collen said you still seeing the image in the mirror?”

“Sometime’ he wants help”

“He wants you to help him?’

“Yes something about bars holding him”

“Maybe you could ask your Dad about the boy?”

“Dad ask Dad about an imaginary boy in a mirror” Frowning licking his lips from juice

“Maye he seen him also won’t hurt to ask’ I better start some Breakfast scrambled ok”

“With Bacon? And Hash brown squares” Jake asking smiling drinking orange juice.

Becky and Collen having breakfast together before heading out for their daily chores with Grandfather David watering, feeding and brushing the horses before letting them run in the field, David wanted to help out with school clothes heading into town, getting some nice outfits for the girls and pants for Jake, stopping on the way back at the video store buying a few new DVD’s while David and Jake looked among the outdated VHS Tapes, David found and older movie for all of them to watch later, Harvey. Becky thought it was foolish for an older man to have imaginary rabbit, sticking her noise in the air sort of making like she didn’t care looking out the window in the back seat, David stopped her a few times on the way back making jokes about Jakes imaginary friend saying he was too old to believing in such thing like the Easter bunny still, It wasn’t the first time she told him there was no Easter bunny that’s what lead David to find the movie.

Pulling into the driveway next to the blazer, Jake quickly got out holding his bag opening the door for the girls standing looking over at the truck while they hurried out, slowly Jake walked towards the truck, David almost to the door stopped looking over at Jake standing by the door looking to the window, David walked over next to him looking inside.

“Everything ok?”

“Grandpa’ do you see anything inside?”

“Will just open the door and look for you ok”

“No Grandpa its fine we don’t have to look really.

David already started opening the door with Jake backing up scared.

“Jake there’s nothing inside look come here look” David said holding the door open checking the bunk area then spotted the notebooks and paper packs, Jake slowly looking up then quickly at the mirror  letting out a deep breath of relieved.

“Come on Jake what is it this where you see the boy?”

“The mirror was first time but now he’s in the bathroom and hallway”

“So that explains why you put towels over the mirrors your mom told me about”

“Yes I … I don’t like seeing him he’s hurting” with water started in his eye’s rushing holding David “Now’ Now’ will find out together why he wants you to help him, think he’ll talk to me” David asking rubbing his back side walking back to the house.

“You thing I’m seeing things too I know he’s not real but it’s something right?”

“You’re not seeing things, something trying to reach for your help that’s all, say how old was this boy?”

Sitting on the front step together looking over to the truck again “Grandpa maybe my age but very sad”

“Your mind is open sometimes and it allows others to reach out to you like the Indian spirts”

“I’ve seen movies of Indian spirts way cool Grandpa … I’m just a kid”

“Sometimes spirts can reach out, maybe that’s all it is”

“This one had brown hair like mine, and a jacket on”

Behind them the door open turning back looking “Hi Mom Grandpa got me some nice pants want to see” Holding the bag upward.

“You to coming inside’ Jake your Fathers up go show him what you got”

“Ok coming in Grandpa?”

“Be right along go now”

“So what was that all about?”

“Just his mirror friend’ Jacob watching TV?”

“No having a late lunch you want a sandwich?”

“No let’s go in’ I need to ask Jacob a few questions”

Holding Eric Part 11

Holding Eric part 11

Swinging back and forth enjoying Jon’s company together seeing who could reach the highest, one of the other kids hollered out for them to come inside, “We have to go come on” Jon said letting the swing stop dragging his feet, looking up to the house stopping with Jon heading up before him, Eric stopped as he was getting off the swing looking down the side of the house spotting her car, M.s Waterford’s frozen expressions wondering why she was here after dumping him over to Nolan, his eyebrows lifted even a small smile hoping his Aunt was waiting inside.

Jon turn around reaching the doorway “Eric come on” Eric hurrying next to Jon walking with him back to the office, stopping dead in his tracks as Eric spotted in the window Nolan with another Police officer and there she was Ms. Waterford sitting in the chair in front of the desk, lifting his head not seeing his Aunt inside quickly keeping himself out of eyesight next to the doorway. Jon knock on the door before opening it asking “You needed to see us or just Eric?” holding the door part way open.

Mr. Blanton stop talking looking up “Yes Jon you too’ Eric with you?” unable to see him.

“Sure he’s right here’ Eric they want you” Jon said leaning back waving Eric going inside

Mr. Blanton gestures them to two folding chairs by his desk, sitting down looking at the others staring back at them, Eric doing his best not to look at them looking around the room instead.

“Eric Just a few question to ask you if you’re up to it” Mr. Blanton asking

Eric looking over at Officer Nolan “Ok Why’… What happen?”

“Why you think anything Happen?” Mr. Blanton asked looking back at Officer Nolan

“It always something when Ms. Waterford brings the police with her and him”

Everyone silent watching Mr. Blanton handing the silvery hair officer the folder, before sitting at his desk, slowly looking over it, dressed in full uniform with small eagles on each collar glancing over at Eric and Jon a few times, while flipping thru the papers before closing it handing it back, Eric glued to his badges looking at the fancy designs and name printed just below it G. Dunkle turning facing Eric and Jon,

“Hello Eric looks like you’ve been thru a lot in the past?”

“So why am I here?” Nervously Asking

“Just needed to ask you a few Question as what happen”

“She knows what happen ask her” Eric frowning looking at Ms. Waterford

“Easy Eric this is a friendly visit …. When Officer Nolan brought you here did anything happen?”

“What at the station where he refused to get me water or anything to eat! Till I signed his paper” Eric said all tight lipped staring at Office Nolan, watching him turning away looking out the window.

“You didn’t give him anything?” Ms. Waterford snickered, her eyes almost popping out of the sockets with stares, Officer Nolan shook his head back and forth No “Eric I’m sorry they treated you that way”

“Eric’ everything ok here? They taking good care of you?”

“Sure everything’s just peachy’ so what do you want from me now?” folding his arms in front of him

Officer Dunkle seeing the bulge on his shirt, moving in front of him reaching down pulling his arm outward lifting the sleeve upward looking at the bandage, pulling it back down with a nod, turning looking back at Officer Nolan asking “Eric did you get this from Officer Nolan?”

“No’ hit it on the bed” Eric said looking up sideways at him

“Did Officer Nolan hurt you at any time or while bringing you here?” asking looking back at Nolan waiting staring down at Eric

“Sure when he yanked me out of the car” puckering his lips squinting to Nolan looking back straight face defining him to talk about him.

“Officer Nolan’ he said you Yanked him out?” Officer Dunkle turning towards Nolan waiting

“Sir it was a little ruff maybe that’s all”

“Ruff’ you yank me out and held me almost slamming the door on my hand” raising up in the chair hit the rear metal starting to breath fast

“Eric what arm did he Yank you out with?”

Eric stopped staring at Nolan looking down at his arm bandage “Well if I was I the driver side I think maybe it was the left one” holding his head sideways, watching Nolan squirming enjoying watching him getting in trouble.

“Same arm’ you said before you did this here … how?” Dunkle asked

“I broke the bed!” Eric said reluctantly raising his eyes up

“You broke the bed?”

“I already told you I did just ask Mr. Blanton he seen it”

“Yes it’s true he did’ it was an accident nothing more” Mr. Blanton reaffirming him

“What do you want form me? … ask Mrs. Waterford she knows everything about me why you think I’m here in the first place she put me here” Looking over at Jon hanging his head after making a grunt sound

“Eric take it easy’ just need to know what happen before you left home and how you ever got to Denver on your own did anyone help you” Mrs. Waterford said holding her purse in her lap.

Eric eyes became transfixed to the ceiling texture slowly circled the room trying not to recall what happen, without any thought of them around the room waiting for his response, everything seemed to pour in just as it did when he came home after playing with his friends, walking up the sidewalk together stopping in the driveway looking at the house, hearing his parents arguing inside as they watched Eric walking to the back of the house.

Standing at the back door for a second before going inside knowing what to expect after hearing the eerie sounds of his mother crying while hollering, walking into the messy kitchen seeing them standing in the doorway to the livingroom, His Father turning looking at him sipping on his beer bottle “Look what the cat dragged in” he said moving towards him, Eric trying to avoid him going around the table, when he push the table aside reaching over grabbing Eric slamming him across the chair to the floor standing over top with his bottle drawn back after kicking him in the side, Eric curled in a ball hiding his face waiting for him to stop, all of a sudden his mother pulled him away screaming at him to leave him alone looking thru his fingers watching her pulling him backwards, following after her in the livingroom giving Eric a chance to get away hurrying to his room closing the door.

“Eric’ Eric you ok’ something you what to tell us?”

Eric surprised looking at all of them looking right at him, Jon somehow reach over his hand on his looking up at him, while Mr. Blanton with one hand on his shoulder watching a single tear running down his cheek. “It was him just like before I got out” Eric said in a broken shiver voice

“I never touch the kid” Nolan blurted outward

“You’re ok now just relax” Mr. Blanton said turning looking at the officers and Ms. Waterford standing watching Eric wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

“Maybe we should do this another time” Officer G. Dunkle said worried tone in his voice.

“You wanted to know it was him my father it was his drinking ok’ he did this to us all the time ok” lowering his pale face trying to control his tears,

Officer Dunkle turn looking over “Nolan maybe its best if you wait outside”

“His Aunts not coming for him anyway” Nolan said reaching for the door knob

“What my Aunt not coming for me what do you mean by that?” Eric standing right up heart beating fast

“Will explain it to you please sit back down, Nolan close the door behind you” Officer Dunkle said

“Sir’ … Yes Sir” Nolan replied leaving the room.

“What did he mean my Aunts not coming? Why” Eric said through an unexpected sniffle.

“Will talk about that in a second Eric, Would you two mind stepping out please” Mr. Blanton said with his hand gestured to the door.

“See you soon’ take care of yourself Eric I’m here for you if you need me just call” handing him her card

“Sure just call” holding the card watching them leave the room closing the door behind them talking in the hall way.

“Mr. Blanton will need him to sign the form before we leave”

“I’ll take care of that, and get back to you or if you want to wait you can here in the hallway?”

Jon and Eric leaning forward hearing them with the door cracked open enough to hear what they were saying, getting back upward in their seats with Mr. Blanton coming back in, walking to his desk picking up the folder returning pulling the stool over to Eric pulling out one paper letting Eric read it. Jon sat closed to him as he read the paper reaching over placing his hand on his leg to reassure him he was there.

“Eric would you sign on the bottom here, this will put him in a place that he will never harm you ever again” Eric looked at the paper, glancing between tears seeing the pen reaching for it, taking a deep breath looking where he was pointing signing his name while taking a deep breath of release.

“What going to happen now to me?” Eric handing him the paper and Pen asking

“Will talk a little later you relax some first, Jon sit here with him I’ll be right back” taking the paper with him going out into the hallway talking to Officer Dunkle and Ms. Waterford.

“He won’t ever hurt you again” Jon Said with Eric stared back in Jon’s sad watery eyes

“This happen to you too?”

“Yes a long time ago’ its over now, I’m better like you will be soon”

“Better than what’ I’m going to Denver to live with my Aunt”

“That’s good Denver nice place to live” hesitant

“After we go to the funeral will be going back”

Jon sat back lowering his head, Eric looked over “What you know something tell me”

Breaking the stares waiting for Jon to tell him with Mr. Blanton coming back in the room sitting back on the stool reaching outward taking Eric’s hand “Eric you know your mother didn’t make it”

“Sure I know that’ what my Aunt told you were going back after the funeral right?”

“Not exactly’ your Aunt has taking over the arrangements and as far as you, she well”

“She what?”

“Eric she sign you over to the state as she cannot take care of you”

“What why I don’t understand why not?” Eric’s face shifted from intrigued to terrified

“She has other problems in her life and feels you’re better off staying here”

Eric’s eyes bulged as he looked up at Mr. Blanton’ holding back another tear all pale “What about the funnel will I still be able to go?”

“No she felt it best you not be there”

Sitting dropping his head downward to his knees grabbing at his ankles trying to hold back his tears, Mr. Blanton and Jon stayed with him till he could get hold of himself before taking him back to the bedroom to lay down for a while, after two weeks staying in the halfway house it was more than Eric could stand.

The older boys Frank and Derek the oldest and biggest instigator’s keep poking jokes and fighting with him about his father, while Jon and Scott did everything they could to stop them only getting themselves in trouble, Eric told Jon he had to leave and wanted him to go with him, just after finding out the truck driver accent was from Texas, far from here but anything had to be better, planning his route looking at maps trying to remember what was on the side of the trucks door, hoping maybe he could look him up, maybe he wanted him as a partner to ride with again smiling looking at photos of trucks at truck stops, pointing out what he could remember where they stopped at.

Jacob sitting in a rest stop dropping his log book next to the seat bending over picking it up spotting the letter, hesitating looking at it before reaching down for it, with a smile setting it with the log book over the visor finishing off his coffee, before reaching over taking his phone from the center.

Waiting on the third ring “Hello”

“Hi it’s just me!” In a low tone voice

“You’re calling Early everything ok?”

“Sort of thinking about going to Denver”

“Ok’ you going to stop and check on the boy?”

“Found his letter so I was thinking its not far off track, I can make up the time”

“If you want to just be careful and call after you’ve talk with him ok”

“Ok the kids out riding with dad still”

“Your Fathers has them trailing again”

“Jake was asking for the key”

“Only if he did his chores”

“I know so when you heading over?”

“I’m about three hours away then I’ll be going down to Utah”

‘So you’ll be home Thursday and you can take the kids shopping”

“Sure thing you pick up the school clouts already”

“Yes and you get the supplies with them”

“Ok’ well tell them I’ll be home soon and love ya dear”

“Me too drive careful love ya too”

Getting off at the exit seeing the plaza parking, walking inside looking at school supplies placing a few in the carriage heading to the front checkout.

“See you’re getting your stuff early before it’s jam-packed with kids”

“It’s for a friend, hope I got everything he’ll need”

“What grade he in?”

“I don’t know he’s eleven mine is the same age so fifth or sixth”

“This should start him off” placing it in the bag

Taking the package walking to the office talking with the manager before heading back to the tuck watching a few parents walking children into the store, Jacob set the package on the seat pulling around back of the store unhooking the trailer so he could bobtail to the Aunts hose without any problem of a trailer, looking again for the street hoping it was clear so he could park on the side. Finding a few open spots opened pulling in shutting it down taking the package to the door, Aunt Ginger cracked open the door looking at him standing outside.

“Hi I’m here to see Eric is he here about?”

“Eric’ who are you?”

“I brought him here before, about a week or so ago”

“Yes I remember you”

“Can I see him if it alright’ I pick him up some school supplies” holding the bag upward

“He’s not here he’s back in Road island” looking back in the house at someone inside

“Not with his father is he’ did he go to his mother funeral?”

“No’ that would have been too hard on him his birthday and all”

“His birthday?”

“The same day’ look I’m kind’a busy here”

“Who’s he with then not his Father?”

“No the states took him”

“I thought you would”

“No I can’t handle a teenage boy’ anything else?”

“Road Island”

“Yep anything else? I’ve got company” closing the door before he could say anything

“No thank you’ sorry to bother you!” Raised voice back, Turning walking back to the truck.

Starting it up hightailing it back to the plaza, backing under the trailer. Taking a deep breath banging on the steering wheel looking at the phone, reaching over hitting redial.

Holding Eric Part 10

Holding Eric part 10

Eric felt himself even more confused letting Mr. Blanton looking over his bruises carefully not to make Eric nervous, slowly moving his hand touching his side just under the rib cage, Eric took a deep breath in pain “AH!” Mr. Blanton pulled away looking at his face, both eyes closed tightly trying not to move, Mr. Blanton reaching up with his hand placing it on his shoulder “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to hurt…” Eric now was leaning to one side in pain holding his ribcage “Relax breath slowly” telling Eric while standing up, looking over him for a second, before walking over to the side cabinet pulling out a package returning opening it handing it to him.

“Here place this on it’ it will help ease the pain” Eric took the blue folded pad placing it on his ribcage straighten up again his eyes filled slowly running down his cheeks.

Mr. Blanton walk over to his desk Opening the folder while picking up the phone, just as Jon and Scott walk in closing the folder setting the phone back down “Jon I need you to stay here with Eric’ Scott you come with me” walking around the desk to the door, Scott following right behind closing the door.

Jon puzzled standing just inside looking back and forth. “Holy crap what happen to you?” Jon asking’ pulling the small stool on the side over next to Eric watching him slowly move the pad around.

“I’m in big Trouble’ I’ve got to get out of here!” Eric said leaning over watching the door

“What? You can’t leave right now! Look at yourself” Jon holding his hand outward to stop him from getting up, Eric sat back down holding the pad away looking at his swollen red chest “I was only gone a few minutes or more did anyone come in?”

“No’ I just felt funny that’s all”

“That must have been so dream you had busting up the bed rail like that”

“Rail I broke something?”

“The latter to the top bunk you broke the rail off” Jon smiling grinning

“Sorry’ about your bed is that from me?” looking down at his shirt

“Eric?” Jon placed his hand on his shoulder “You all right you need anything? Eric!”

Eric still looking downward gulping than his hands started shaking holding the pad’, then a strange pressure consumed his chest, “Jon!” gasping for air dropping the pad “Help!”

“Eric STOP!” Jon screamed sending the stool flying behind him grabbing Eric, just as he was falling off the chair “Please don’t” Eric could hear Jon’s fluttering voice pulling him upward next to the chair kneeling down to him holding him, Eric could feel some pressure was being pressed against his chest, than everything went dark.

Jon leapt to his feet holding him upright when he heard approaching voices and footsteps. Standing looking at the door seeing Mr. Blanton appeared at the door talking to someone “HELP” Jon hollered out trying to hold him still, Mr. Blanton rushing over with Mrs. Darvan.

“Keep him still” His eyes opened as bright light flashed in his eyes followed by the whimpers of someone crying, someone familiar he knew that voice it was his Mom calling him, More flashing lights blocking him from seeing her standing over him.

“Mom?” Eric tried to speak, but found himself unable to even lift his arm to her.

“Mr. Blanton he just dropped off I didn’t know what to do” Jon Said standing back now watching them while Mrs. Darvan took over checking his side holding the pad while keeping his body upward for Mr. Blanton was opening a small bag pulling out a bottle injecting a needle inside, holding his arm up sticking it in “Jon what did he have to eat?”

“Just bologna sandwich with mustard nothing else!” Jon said in a broken voice outward scared, “He looked at his shirt and it started” reaching down picking up the stool “That’s what I was trying to tell you about” watching Mr. Blanton checking his chest area more while Examining his body his breathing very slow, opening his mouth looking inside for anything that might be stuck or blocking his breathing, not seeing anything waving to lower him down, taking the pad off checking him over “keep his legs up’ he’ll be ok” Jon quickly empty the trash can handing it to Mrs. Darvan

“What do we do now’ should I call for an ambulance?” Mrs. Darvan asking placing his legs on the small trash can, pushing his shirt aside.

“No he’ll be fine’ just seeing the blood might have made him too weak’ everything looks ok”

Eric lost in thought of all the times that he wished he was in a happier home with loving parents, his mother could only do so much to help him, mostly keeping him out of harm’s way sending him to his friend’s house for the weekends, somehow it didn’t matter anymore that his parents always fought with each other, it was over she was gone and Eric recognize deep down he would never see her again, she always made sure he had a birthday cake, even if it was only a cupcake they’d split together, here it was tomorrow his birthday and she wouldn’t be with him, as her funeral was the same day.

“Eric’ Eric come on son wake up” flashing lights again blocking his view slowly the light drifted to the side’ clearing the view seeing Mr. Blanton and Mrs. Darvan over him, with a chill from the cold floor raising his head, “Easy now” Sitting upward. “How you feel? Any pain?”

Eric shook his head back and forth taking a deep breath, Mrs. Darvan stood up with Jon walking over to him as Mr. Blanton help him sit in the chair “Ok you feeling better?” asking him handing him the pad.

“Ok I guess’ did I do something?” Eric stumbled asking

“Mrs. Darvan going to look at you Eric it will be ok she just wants to check”

Mrs. Darvan bent over lifting the pad away slowly letting Eric hold it, Turning back with a nod to Mr. Blanton pulling the small blind down covering the window, Jon sat back staying with Eric not saying anything just watching them back over at the desk looking over the folder.

“Jon would you help get his shoes off and Jean’s”

“His Pants?” Jon asking unsure reaching down untying his shoes.

“Yes’ Jon will need to take a few photos of his prior injuries”

Eric sat watching Jon slowly removing his shoe’s, standing up dropping his jeans looking at them, Jon picked up the jeans folding them placing the on the chair, Mr. Blanton pointed to the wall Mrs. Darvan sat down in at the desk talking on the phone

“Eric I need you to stand as straight as possible near the wall” Slowly moving to the wall standing looking at Mr. Blanton holding a small camera click “Ok lower the pad and relax” Click “Ok on more turn around facing the wall” Click “Good’ hold still Jon’ you said the other as well?” Jon just nodded staying close by Eric. “Eric lower your shorts just a little” slowly lowering them with one hand hearing a gasping from the desk’ Eric stopped holding them. “Click” and another “Click”.

“Ok that’s good Jon help Eric get dressed’ you did real good Eric” Mr. Blanton said walking over pulling a shirt off the side cabinet handing it to Jon, then back to the desk, setting the camera down taking the phone. Mrs. Darvan filling out a form.

Eric reprieve more perhaps walked back to the chair watching the two talking at the desk, it wasn’t the first time he had to stand for photo’s more in the emergency room from other injuries he suffered, with his mother always standing by his side while they check over every part of his body. Jon helped getting him dressed trying not to hurt him any more from his bruised legs.

Mr. Blanton walk over kneeling down infront of Eric “Eric you got quite a mark on your side there do you know how you got it?” Reassuring him it was ok to talk about it.

“No it just appeared” feeling the outside of the shirt

“You must have do it when you broke the latter and somehow it went into your ribs”

“It was a bad dream that’s all I was fighting him off again”

“I understand but will work on those dreams ok”

“Ok am I in trouble for breaking it?”

“No you ok’ why don’t you and Jon go to the study for a while”

“Ok’ they going to take me away now?”

“No you’ll be here for the time being”

“Can we watch the TV?”

“Jon will set it up for you’ Jon take him with you but stay with him” in a firm voice yet soft to Jon

Jon and Eric slowly walked out of the room leaving the two talking over the file, entering the study only one other person was sitting inside on a long couch, looking up as they walked in holding his book waiting. “Hi Derek this is Eric he’s the new kid here”

Derek looked up closing his book “So you’re the kid that broke the bed?” asking watching them sitting down, Jon reaching the remote turning the TV on, Derek quickly said “What’s with the TV?”

“Mr. Blanton said it was ok”

“Must be a special day” Derek said sitting back.

Eric mind wandered from Jon sitting so close to him, making sure Derek stayed on his end, trying to look more over at Derek still unsure he looked about fourteen or maybe younger with his little light colored hair growing on his upper lip, quickly looking back at the TV as Derek look over “Am trying to read turn it off” in a ruff voice.  Jon turn looking at him “Fine no problem were going” Getting up turning the remote off waving to follow. Eric followed him upstairs past the class room seeing the class room empty, hearing the other kids around the corners walking into the room, where they were sitting around playing large game tables and some were drawing on the tablets.

“What do you think you like it better in here?” Jon Asking wondering around them

“Yea its ok” embarrassed watching the other kids’ only looking over, going back to what they were doing. Dropping his head following just behind him.

Jon turned smiled slightly “Good’ that’s a start so you want to join in on a game?”

“I don’t know too many games”

“That’s ok we don’t have to may be later’ anything you want to do?” Jon decided not to force him into doing anything that he wasn’t ready for.

“Not really maybe sit and look outside or something”

“We can go outside as long as you stay with me’ ok?” Jon said smiling walking towards the door.

“Sure ok” Eric followed Jon to the door leading out the backyard, stopping looking at the small sign posted next to it, Restricted Area’ in bold print, Jon just open the door walking out into the backyard.

Silent all around the yard only the faint sound of an air conditioning turned on in a window. Walking outward near the house and around the yard, two swings hanging from an old swing set off to the side, back yards open to the Nabors yards, covered barbeque set on the patio next to the house, walking to the side sitting on the swing set together slowly back and forth, Eric could see the roadway watching a car going by the front of the house.

“No fences or gates to hold you’ see it’s not so bad” Jon said excided swinging with Eric.

Eric suddenly realized that Jon wasn’t the carefree kid that he tried so desperately tried to portray, Jon was far from it Eric could see right thru him, only seeing his loneliness spotting some form of tragedy he must have suffered before, Jon wanted to be his friend trying to help to bring out the feelings hinting nervously that he also shared the same type he went thru before coming here to the halfway house.

Note: Thank you for the reviews’ Sorry for not getting this up sooner’ Eric will or will not go to the funeral. You asked ‘he will not as things have turn around for him, Eric must decide what choices he has left to deal with now before they choose for him. Will keep you informed Will.