A New Life: Part 2- You're My Hero
Okay part two. new people and stuffy stuff in this one. Read on and enjoy.
"JACK!!"
Jack jerked his head up and almost fell out of his chair.
"Look at me!"
Jack looked and tried to focus on the teacher who was now furious.
"That is the third time I've had to wake you up!! Would you like to go home so you can go to sleep!!?"
Jack shook his head and said, "I'm sorry Mr. Tiller."
Mr. Tiller shook his head, sighing, and replied, "It is okay Jack. Just please keep your head up and try pay attention for the few remaining minutes of class."
Jack nodded his head saying, "Yes sir. It won't happen again. I promise."
Mr. Tiller, An old gray raccoon, nodded his head, approving of the respect he had received, and going back to the front of the room.
Jack didn't exactly sleep well last night. After a long walk home he knew he had to explain to his mother what had happened. He sat down and told her everything except the patch of scolded fur he had found. She, of course, made it clear she strongly disagreed with him saying he should've got help...... but she also hugged him and told him how proud she was of him for doing something so heroic and coming home safely.
Then, before he could get halfway to his room, the police, whom his mother had called, were at the door. He had to come back and tell the story again to the police, again omitting the part about the scorched fur he had seen.
This lasted for hours because 'Mr. Black', the wolf who died, had been a fun, loving, librarian, so least to say it was hard to see such a nice man doing such a horrible deed. After hours, though it felt like weeks, of interrogation, his mother stepped in and saved the day, telling them Jack had to go to bed but if more questions came up they could come back. Thanking his mother over, and over, and over again he went to his room and quickly fell asleep.
He was awoken by a muffled scream. He quickly opened his eyes and found that he was standing back in that awful spot, staring at that wolf leaning in to kill Amber. He was leaning further and further. Then He stopped moving and Amber turned and stared straight at him and said in a dark and evil tone, "Come on. Help me. I'm going to die if you don't. What's wrong?! Why aren't you moving? You're pathetic. You can't even move." Then the wolf turned, eyes still faded and lifeless, and said, "Ha aren't you the hero?" And he started laughing at him. Soon Amber started laughing too, just as malevolently as he was. He closed his eyes tightly, tears running down his cheeks, and clamped his hands over his ears even though it couldn't drown out the mocking. He stood there for what seemed like hours before yelling, "STOP IT!!!!"
That's where he woke up, sweating and shaky. He looked around to make sure it was over. It had seemed so real. His mother yelled, "Breakfast is ready Hun, come down and eat before it gets cold!"
He had fallen in and out of sleep since class began and now it was almost over. He forced himself to keep his head up. He listened to the teacher and, along with the rest of the class, turned to look at the door as we heard a knock. Mr. Tiller looked annoyed, as if the person knocking had intentionally interrupted him, and went to opened it.
There hushed whispers and movements among the class as a very beautiful fox entered the class. One Jack knew far too well.
It was Amber
She handed a note to the teacher and after he read it the teacher loudly announced, "Attention everyone. This is Amber and she will be joining your class." She said hello and smiled as the teacher continued, "... And I expect you to make her feel welcome." In a lower voice he said to her, "Feel free to pick any open seat."
Quickly every guy started pushing seats out and inviting her to sit next to them. Jack put his head down on his desk. He didn't think she would come over and sit with him. She was probably still in shock when she talked with him. Out of her MIND when she kissed him. He moaned quietly and tried to go back to sleep. He was surprised when he heard her sit next to him but his face was buried in his arms so he was able to hide that fact.
Amber leaned over and whispered, "Hey there hero."
Images from his dream came to mind. He tilted his head on his arms so he could see her and replied with a very weak, "Hello."
She looked at him oddly asked, "What's wrong?"
More images appeared. "Nothing, I just didn't sleep much last night." He said, deciding his dream shouldn't come up in conversation.
She nodded, "Same here." She smiled though and started to say something else before she was cut off by the loud insistency of the bell. Jack put his books into his backpack and set off for his next class, tail swishing behind him, not waiting for Amber. He felt so weird around her. He still liked her, A lot. . . But that dream..... He couldn't seem to get it out of his head.
Amber ran up after him and yelled wait up. Jack didn't stop, but he did walk considerably slower so she could catch up. She quickly did just that, looking slightly agitated because she had been left. Jack quickly told her, "Sorry, I didn't realize I had left you. I don't usually walk with people so I don't wait." She smiled and replied smartly, "Well I guess you'll have to get used to it." Jack smiled and replied, "Guess so."
After a few moments of silence jack asked, "So what is your next class?"
Amber looked at him and smiled, "Whatever yours is." Jack gave her a quizzical look and asked, "Why's that?" Amber said, "Cause," she giggled," I asked to be in every one of your classes." Jack stopped walking, turned, and asked, "Why did you do that??" Amber said as though it was obvious, "Because I don't KNOW anyone else her yet . . . and..." she blushed and looked down before saying, "I really like you." Jack took her face in his hands and pushed her head up so she would look at him. He smiled, looked deep in her eyes, and said, "I really like you too." Before she could look back down, he leaned in and kissed her. They let the kiss linger for a long time, basking in the euphoria that stemmed from being so close to the person they loved.
Just as quickly as it had began . . . . The kiss was over. A teacher was yelling at them and quickly reminded them that they were in school. They both quickly apologized and ran off to Jack's next class, study hall.
They walked in right as the bell rang signaling the beginning of the next class. They quickly took seats in the back of the room. They, without needing to say anything, agreed to hold off with kissing and talk of their relationship after school was out.
Jack started the conversation by asking a question that had been on his mind since he saw her enter the classroom, "Why are you here?" He quickly realized that it sounded very rude and tried to quickly correct it, saying, "I-I-I mean uh why ar-,"
She cut him off and said, "I know what you mean. Why did I suddenly show up here in you class?" Jack let out a breath, happy he hadn't messed up, and nodded. She continued, "Well my family moved here just a few weeks ago after my father was offered a better job here. We just finished the paper work last week for me to transfer school so I was going to start school the beginning of next week, but after saying I wanted to go ahead and come to school, my parents didn't object."
Jack nodded to show he was listening and asked, "Why did you come today? Why not wait till Monday?"
She looked down at the table and said, "Because, I wanted to see you." She looked slowly up to see his expression and was greeted by a warm smile.
Jack leaned in closer to her. He couldn't wait until school was out so they could do things a little more privately. But he settled for saying, "I'm so happy I found you." The beautiful fox put her head down and blushed again. But quickly pulled her head back up and said, "Me too." They both stared at the other, thinking them lucky to have found someone so perfect, thinking that this would last forever.
They sat like that for a long time. They may have never moved, but they both turned as they heard a chair pulled out next to them. They both looked to see a rather agile looking black dragon sit down. He was around the same height as Jack, though it was strange for a dragon to be so short, and very lean. He was fairly popular and very handsome.
Jack recognized him immediately. It was Crash. He and Crash had been friends since they were little but as Crash became more popular they stopped hanging out. Crash lived up to his name by being irritated easily and quick to fight..... And win. This had never happened with Jack though. They always got along great.
As Crash sat down they acted like they were still the closest of friends. Crash wore a stupid grin and said, "Hey man what's up? I feel like I haven't talked to you in ages."
Jack thought, 'That's because we haven't.' But instead of saying that he smiled and said, "Ya, it's been a while. What have you been doing?"
Crash replied, "Not much; sports, playing guitar, and all that good stuff."
Jack chuckled a little and said, "Same old, same old."
Crash then showed why he had actually came over by asking, "Who's this beautiful vixen with you?" smiling at Amber.
Jack replied, "This is Amber. "
Crash asked the vixen, "Why haven't I seen you here before?"
"Well, I just started here today." She said.
Crash let out an exaggerated "Oh!!" and added, "That makes sense." Amber nodded as he went on.
"Well if you aren't busy after school, would you like to come with me to get a bit to eat?"
Amber blushed and jack straightened up in his seat before she responded, "Sorry I actually do have plans." Both Crash AND Jack started curiously at her now.
Crash asked, "May I ask why I may not take such a beautiful vixen to lunch?"
Amber looked even more embarrassed and said, "Because Jack has already offered."
Crash sat with his mouth a little slack. . . . And Jack did too. Jack realized how sly Amber was; here she was acting embarrassed about something she just made up. She was good at this. Crash responded, still a little in shock that he had been beaten by Jack, "Oh, I see. Well..." He covered up his embarrassment by smiling widely, "... Enjoy your date." He got up to leave but looked back and added, "Oh and Jack."
"Yes?"
"Don't screw up!" Crash laughed as he went back over to sit with his group of friends.
Jack was a little shocked but realized that he shouldn't be. He looked and amber and held her hand. He was learning, although accepting it slowly, that she really did feel the same way.
He leaned up and kissed her again. She was slightly surprised by the sudden kiss but enjoyed it none the less. This time they didn't stop but held the kiss, their tongues playing with each other. They quickly separated as a loud cough from the teacher reminded them that they were in school.
That was quickly becoming annoying.
The rest of the school day went by with no major events happening. Jack and Amber had stayed next to one another all day. Amber had forgotten her lunch so Jack, though after much protest from her, shared his lunch. They talked about this and that. Jack explaining how his night had went, leaving out the nightmare just as much as the events which had introduced them to each other. Jack could tell, although she tried very hard to hide it, she was still somewhat shaken up by those events.
As the last bell rang, releasing the students from their respective classes, Jack walked with Amber towards the exit door. He was thinking of what to say as they parted. Would a kiss be okay, or maybe just a 'good bye' would be more appropriate.
He was still undecided as they exited the door. As he turned to her to let what ever happen, happen. Before he could start, she asked abruptly, "Would it be okay if I came over to your house?" Jack just stared at her for a minute questioning himself if he had heard right.
Amber blushed and looked away, taking the pause as a no, said "Well it is okay if not, I'll just see you tomorrow." As she turned to leave he grabbed her hand and said, "Yes you can. I'd... Like you to." Amber hugged him, obviously very happy due to his answer. He rubbed her back and started towards his house, with her still hugging him. She quickly stood back up but made sure to leave his arm around her.
Amber asked, "Will your mother have a problem with me coming over?"
Jack thought about it, "I don't think so. Even if she did, she is to kind to turn you away." He added, "What about your parents. You didn't tell them you weren't coming home."
Amber responded, "I don't live with them."
Jack stopped and starred at her until she continued.
"Well, they have been in the Northern Islands on vacation."
Jack continued to look at her though not so shocked. He asked, "So how long has it been since they went on vacation?"
She replied nonchalantly," Around two years now."
Jack looked her not believing it, "You're kidding."
Amber laughed at his expression and replied, "Yes really. They are going to bring me up there when I finish school."
Jack, still not quite buying it asked, "Okay then how do you buy food and the bills."
She replied, "They send back money every now and then."
Jack was starting to accept it. "Do they visit?"
She looked at him like he was an idiot, "Of course. They visit every two months and stay for a week or so."
Jack replied, "My mom still wants to walk me from school and you are off doing as you please."
She laughed again, "Well you couldn't handle it. Trust me it's not easy being on your own."
He pulled her along saying, "Come on my mom will yell at me if I'm late." She smiled, feeling victorious and allowed herself to be pulled.
As they arrived his house, Jack noticed the lights were off. 'That's strange', he thought to himself. He let go of Amber and walked inside. She slowly followed him. He saw a note laying on the table in the living room. It read,
"Dear Jack,
Went shopping. I'll be home by seven thirty. Try not burn the house down while I'm away.
Love,
Mom
Jack looked at the clock. It was only three thirty, leaving three hours till his mother would return. He turned to Amber, putting down the note, and said, "It looks like we are alone till seven."
She asked, "Well what do you want to do till she gets back."
He replied, "I don't know. We could watch TV or something. I'm open to suggestions."
She smiled mischievously, "Well, we could finish that kiss."
He nodded, took her hand, and went to his bed.
Jack crawled in the bed and Amber followed and crawled onto him. He smiled and laughed a little at her bluntness and started kissing her. Her hands going along her back as hers explored his chest. As the kiss became more heated Jack felt her hands start going lower and lower. Soon she was unbuttoning his pants. Jack knew he would hate himself later but he grabbed her hands to stop her. She looked at him with a confused expression. She asked, "Don't you want me to?"
Jack laughed a little, "Yes, yes I do." She immediately went back to trying take off his pants. He grabbed her hands and held them, "I guess I'm just a romantic. I want to make sure it's love not lust." She looked at him, frowning. "You think I just WANT you??" Jack quickly shoke his head, "No, no, no, it's not that. Can we just wait?"
She sighed and lay down next to him, defeated. He put his arm around her and she snuggled close to him. Jack said, "I love you Amber." She leaned in and kissed him before replying, "I love you too." She waited a few seconds before adding, "But you are the strangest, most perfect, craziest man I've ever had the luck of knowing." He laughed but made no reply. They lay like that, close to each other with her head no his shoulder and his arm around her, until they both succumbed to sleep's warm embrace.
He was awoken hours later by his mother. He rubbed his eyes and sat up. He was in his pajamas with the cover's pulled up. He slowly looked around to see that Amber must have already left. He smirked at this. She was smart and he was learning that slowly. While he had been looking around, slowly understanding his surroundings, his mother had been talking. He now paid attention to her.
"-nd so they were all out of bread. Sorry I'm late Hun." She leaned over and hugged him. "So how was school? I see you got home okay, anything else happen?" Jack smiled but replied, "No mom, I just laid on my bed when I got home and slept." She said, "Okay. I'll let you go back to sleep since you didn't get much sleep last night." She got up and left, closing the door to his bedroom behind her. He put his head back on his pillow and went back to sleep.
He awoke, eyes closed. "No...not again." he mumbled. He opened his eyes and saw the black wolf nearing Amber, Teeth open. Jack looked down and started repeating, "It's not real, it's not real, it's not real." Jack opened his eyes and looked up. "If it's not real, maybe I can stop it!" Jack yelled, "Oh you can fight defenseless girls. AREN'T YOU BAD?" The wolf turned snarling and yelled, "I'm going to break you in half!" The wolf started running at Jack.
Jack wasn't scared, this was a dream, and everything would be okay. Jack waited till he was in range and then swung at him with all his strength. The wolf easily dodged this and punched him in the gut. Jack fell to his knees, in excruciating pain, as the wolf laughed at him. Jack thought, "What kind of dream is this?" He jumped back up, despite his pain, and swung again. Again the wolf dodged and this time punched him in the side of the face. Jack hit the ground hard. He couldn't get back up. He was forced to watch as the wolf went back over to Amber and picked her up. He blacked out to the sounds of her screaming again.
As he regained consciousness he noticed that he was being carried on the shoulders of someone. The man had black fur, with orange highlights running down one arm and blue down the other. Jack couldn't make out his face.
The man said to him, "It is okay just go back to sleep. Everything's okay." Jack was too weak to protest and was quickly losing his grasp on consciousness. Before he fell asleep he heard the strange person say, "See you soon, hero." As his vision went black he managed to reply, "Why does everyone call me a hero?" He listened to the mysterious man laughing as Jack closed his eyes.