I've A Chance
-Someday, I Know: Chapter 4, "I've A Chance"
(Sorry about the long wait, I've been dealing with this crappy economy. Anyway, no yiff again, but more... plot development. I think if this was a musical [my original idea, as each chapter would of been the name of a song]
that this part would be done as a cut way between Lucas and Jimmy. Right, no more rabble! Enjoy!)
The week quickly flew by. Sunday was approaching and Jimmy grew more and more excited to meet Sam and be taken under his wing. That night Marcos had gotten drunk was never mentioned, and they went on with their lives, Jimmy making breakfast and Marcos reading the paper and sipping on his coffee before work. Jimmy had tried
to tell Marcos of Sams offer, but for some reason he just couldn't word it. He recited the words over and over in the shower, trying to find a way to say it. No matter what, though, it was just a simple fact: Marcos, ironically, was always jealous of Jimmy. Even when a person would talk to him at the store, married or not (it made no difference to Marcos), he would get angry and tap his foot, then accuse Jimmy of the wildest things.
Then when he came to that conclusion he would shut off the water and lean his head against the wall, a heavy sigh leaving his mouth. He really did love Marcos, for some reason, he never knew why. He was just such a nice guy to Jimmy when it came down to it, so strong and always there. Not there as in a shoulder to lean on, but he would be there at home, and that's all Jimmy wanted, maybe, was someone to be there. In the end, though, he was so afraid to leave and start over, to hurt Marcos and throw him on the street again. After all...
Meanwhile Lucas was preparing for dinner. It was Saturday finally and the guys from the station where coming to watch the game. Then after he would have the table ready for Thunder. It was something he looked forward to, a
night where he would be happy. It was only fair, he thought, since he had such a stressful week. Not only did he have to deal with hectic patrols of teenagers vandalizing things, but he had to worry about Brutus and his new girlfriend (it was official), Darling. Lucas liked her less and less, the going out, the coming in at 3:00 am. The loud
music at almost midnight, and the worry if they were having sex. The last straw came Thursday when Brutus asked if Darling could stay the night. Lucas' jaw almost dropped as well as the dishes he was cleaning. "No, Brutus, absolutely not! Why in the world would you ask a thing?"
"So I don't have to go stay somewhere else! I'll even sleep with my door unlocked if you're so worried." Brutus replied. He was insistent on this. Lucas began to pick up the pieces of glass fromt he shattered bowl and shook his head. "Brutus, you have to understand, when your mother sent you here to get a good start at a college, I promised her I'd look after her. You have to remember, I grew up with your mother. She's my sister, and if you break a promise to that woman... it gets scary, I'll tell you that."
Brutus rolled his eyes. "I know, I know," he sighed as he sat in a chair, "but wouldn't you rather us here, instead of out somewhere with you worrying all night?"
Lucas dumped the pieces in the trash can. "I have no idea what you're talking about." he replied, trying to act as casual as he could. Brutus laughed, though and picked up a spoon, waving it at Lucas. "C'mon, uncle. While sitting out in the car I've seen you pacing back and forth. I know you're worried. Like you said, you grew up with my mother. She always told me how you worried so much about safety."
Lucas couldn't deny it, so he gave in, but on the conditions that they were in bed by 11:00 pm, the door was unlocked, and they slept opposite of each other. That night Darling teased Lucas a bit more about the force, but he dind't his best to ignore her and give her a smile. "Little witch," he would think, but it would stay in his mind. She would always change the subject, too, when it came to her and her home life. This made Lucas worry even more, but he didn't want to be involved too much. He cared for his nephew, but he was 19 and had to make decisions on his own. Then Saturday came and Lucas gave Brutus money and asked him to stay out late, go see a movie, go do anything until Thunder left. So, both did leave and Lucas had one less worry. The clock ticked and Thunders arrival was even more closer.
Marcos left to work while Jimmy stayed home for the day to clean. He liked to stay home, and if he wasn't then Marcos would get upset. That's why it was a surprise and a hard decision when his cell phone rang. He figured it was Lucas calling about the dinner, but instead he saw Sams number. He quickly answered it, almost dropping the phone in the process. "Hello?! Hello, hello? Hello?" he said nervously, until he realized he barely answered it and he already made a fool of himself. He just heard Sam chuckle before actually answering. "Jimmy? This is Sam."
"I know!" Jimmy said once more, a little too excited, and loudly for that matter. "I'm sorry. Just... was watching an action packed movie and I'm all flustered."
Sam chuckled again, Jimmy now feeling even more like a fool. 'Why, God, why?' he thought. "I see. Well, I was wondering.. A meeting of mine got bumped up to tomorrow, and I'm free now. If you're done soon and have no plans, perhaps you'd like to come start today? Of course, it's up to you."
Jimmy giggled, again feeling like a fool and nodded as if Sam could see him. "I can! I'll be right over!"
"Great. You got the directions to my house. I have your name on the list, just tell the guard. See you in about... an hour, shall we say?"
"Sounds good." Jimmy replied. They hung up, and after a moment of staying stiff Jimmy bounced up and down, happy to be a day early. It was fantastic! That was until he thought of Marcos. He had convinced him to go out Sunday, so he wouldn't be suspcious. Saturday, though, he was going to watch the game and there was nothing Jimmy could of done. Still, this was a once in a life time moment. Before making a full decision he decided to run to the store to grab the beers for Marcos. That way he wouldn't be too angry at Jimmy, that was for sure. So he left quickly and grabbed them, paying and rushing to his car. As he rushed he almost ran into a cart across the corner, stopping mid tracks and the person pulling the cart back. "I'm so sorry!" Jimmy said, until he realized it was Lucas. "Jimmy!" Lucas beamed, hugging his friend. "what are you doing here?"
"Grabbing some drinks for Marcos tonight, for the game. What about you, Lucas? Last minute preparations for the dinner?"
Lucas nodded. "Been hectic, but it'll all be worth it. I think he does like me, Jimmy. You were right."
Jimmy grinned and flicked Lucas' nose. "See? Oh, and guess what? Sam is taking me in today!"
Lucas laughed and patted his friend, hugging him tight. Both talked about their nights until Jimmy realized it was time he left. Both said their good-byes and began to walk away when they paused and felt good about themselves and their friend. Then, at the same time without hearing each other or noticing, they smiled and thought to themselve, 'I've a chance...'
Jimmy left the beers at home and quickly grabbed his case with his magic items in them, hurrying to the side of town with mansions and high end people. Jimmy drove around until he found Sams house, a grand home with iron gates and a full out garden. He was buzzed in and his car taken by a valet, another butler showing him inside and taking his coat. Jimmy was in awe at the marble tile, the polished furniture and the crystal chandeliers. There was fine art on the wall and fancy rugs probably made out of some fancy material. Sam came downt the steps in a bath robe, his bunny slippers and magicians hat. He greeted Jimmy and showed him to the parlor room, where a butler came in with a real silver platter and served champagne in gorgoues glasses. It was all too much, Sam really was a person who enjoyed the fine things in life. "I assume you're ready?" Sam asked. Jimmy nodded and took out his want. "You hold your wand in your right hand, I see. That's good. Let me see you wave it."
Jimmy did as instructed, and in the short while they worked on the basics. Sam was quiet as they stopped and looked at Jimmy up and down. He was afraid to ask, but he did anyway. "Is everything okay?"
Sam smiled and patted Jimmy on the shoulder. "You do well. You really do. I firmly believe you'll be learning at a quick pace! I'm confident you have the makings to be a great magician!"
Jimmy couldn't help but giggled. He looked at the giant clock about the window, though, and his smiled faded quickly. Marcos was home, no doubt, but it has been two hours since he has been, and by now Jimmy was sure he was angry and wondering where he was. He quickly bowed and aplogized for leaving. "That's fine. I might be busy the next few days, but I'll try and call you Wednesday?" Sam said, assuring Jimmy there was no pressure. It was a free lesson, after all. Jimmy thanked him and ran out with his coat. He checked his phone and his heart dropped a little, as he saw he had five missed calls, all from Marcos. Trying not to speed, Jimmy hurried home and arrived, a bit scared. He tried his best to stay calm, though, and took a deep breath.
Jimmy walked in, about to say hi, but backed out as he saw a beer bottle fly towards him. He moved in time and the bottle smashed against the wall, booze splashing all over, running down the wall. "Where the fuck have you been? You said you'd be home! Do you always fucking go out?" Marcos growled, pointing his finger at Jimmy. Jimmy stayed in the door way and hung his head low. "I'm sorry, Marcos... something came up..."
"What?" Marcos growled even louder, now in Jimmys face. He grabbed his case and threw it down the hall, the case breaking open and all the tricks spilling on the floor. Jimmy shifted his eyes towards the coffee table and saw that Marcos had more then the beers Jimmy bought him. He had two bottles of something else, but it was obviously he was a bit drunk. And that meant he cheated on him, again, too. Jimmy held back the tears, but it seemed he couldn't at the moment. "I went to go... Sam, the magician offered to give me lessons for free, so I.."
"Lessons on what? How to fuck around?"
Jimmy felt hurt and slipped by Marcos. "Don't you walk away. Where do you think you're going?"
"I need to leave. I need to spend the night somewhere. I can't be here, not tonight. I had a good day, I had... I had a moment to do something I enjoy and I can't even do that without you being selfish."
Jimmy quickly grabbed a few clothes, his toothbrush and his charger and rushed out the door. "Don't leave," Marcos said now, a mix of anger and desperation. "I SAID DON'T LEAVE!"
Jimmy shook his head and didn't look at Marcos. He was too hurt. "I'll be back," he assured him, "I always come back, don't I? I just need a night off. I do, Marcos. I'm sorry"
At that Jimmy jumped in his car and started it quickly, leavng as fast as he could. Marcos just fell to his knees and punched the ground. He had gone too far this time. He knew it. That bull down at the construction site wasn't worth it... but it was too late now.
Lucas was close to finishing and it was only half an hour til the guys arrived. The door bell rang, though, and he put down the soda he was pouring and went to the door. He wasn't expecting anyone yet, but he stopped thinking when he opened the door. A tearful Jimmy, clutching to his belongings stood at the door, too ashamed to look up at Lucas. "Jimmy?" Lucas asked quietly.
-Someday, I Know: End of Chapter 4, "I've A Chance"
(Sorry if it was a little rushed... I hope you enjoyed it, though!)