Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2012 09:12:11 -0600
From: Michael king <thewriter1@live.ca>
Subject: They Ran Away Chapter 2

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. The characters only exist in
my mind. This story is also copy written under both Canada and U.S

Please read my other story in the sci-fi section titled Atreydia.


CHAPTER 2:
CANYON CITY

      The next morning after relaxing nights sleep the boys sat talking
with Graham and Edith as they ate breakfast, and moved down the
highway. Peter had called Jeff's dad and he had agreed to meet them with
Jeff at Chuck E Cheese in San Antonio, Richard who was Jeff's dad also said
he wanted to meet with the folks who had brought them this far, he wanted
to thank them. He wasn't going to tell Jeff that they were coming, he
wanted to surprise him. At 6' and a solid 185 lbs. Richard Martin was a man
few tangled with. His coal black eyes and hard features made many men back
down and many a women to swoon.  As and ex marine sergeant Richard was
firmly committed to his family. After retiring from the marines Richard
joined the Canyon City Police department and quickly rose to the rank of
lieutenant. He knew some of the things that children went through and he
could never understand why. The one thing Richard Martin did understand and
that he and his family all were non drinkers, they never once touched
alcohol and for this Richard was great full.

      Parking their motor home in the lot across from Chuck E Cheese, they
all walked over and found a table and waited, Just as the clock struck four
the door opened and in walk a young teen his bright red hair flowing over
his shoulders, behind him was an older version of him, both Jesse and Peter
looked and smiled. Waving to them they watched as they walked over and
introduced themselves to Edith and Graham, sitting with them they chatted
about the trip, then the boys excused themselves to go play leaving the
adults to talk.

      "Richard, those two boys have been through hell, both my wife and I
have seen the marks on their backs, listened to them talking at night when
they think we are asleep, Peter will do anything to keep his brother safe,
he worries about Jesse's health, and is scared that they will be put out on
to the streets, I just ask not as an insult, but as some one who has
concerns, can you take care of those two without worry?" Edith asked with
concern in her voice.

" Yes I can, both my son and I also know what they have gone through, they
have talked with Jeff lots through the INTERNET, I have no worries about
them being on the streets, I promised them a safe place if it ever was
needed and it seems like it is."

"Then I feel better dropping them off with you, but I need to ask if it is
possible to come by and visit them on our way home?"

"You both would be more than welcome; there is enough room for you."

      The boys came back just as the Pizza arrived at the table, though you
would have thought it was never there the way it was eaten, " Richard,
don't you feed that boy of yours?" Edith asked with a laugh.

"Of course, he gets one meal a day, though I think that meal last twenty
four hours, heck I think he even eats in his sleep the way the food
disappears"

"That sound just like our boy when he was there age, but it makes me smile
just watching then, in fact since we picked up Peter and Jesse this is the
first smile I have seen on either of their faces, sure I heard Peter laugh
when he was talking with Graham here, but it wasn't a happy laugh, I hope
and pray that one day soon that I can hear that kind of laugh from both of
them."

"You will hear it I pray that you will hear it when you come to visit."

      After the meal and as everyone was leaving Richard gave Graham his
home address and left them with and open invitation. Getting there packs
Jesse and Peter walked over to wait with Jeff, as Richard talked with
Graham. Just before they got into the car Peter and Jesse ran over and gave
Graham and Edith a hug, "Will we see you again?" Asked Jesse trying to hold
back his tears,

"Yes Jesse we will stop in on our way home, and you can call us anytime and
let us know how you are doing,"

"I would like that, I going to miss you and thank you for helping us."

"You're very welcome and we will miss you both. In fact would you mind if
Graham and I considered you our adopted grand kids."

      Smiling Jesse hugged Edith tighter, I would love that, so would Peter
I think."

"OK now off you go join your brother and Jeff."

      Peter had watched Jesse talking with Edith and saw him holding back
the tears. Peter knew how he felt for in the few days they had been
together he too had grown to love the old couple, often thinking of them as
his grandparents, but not willing to trust to much. He didn't even trust
Jeff's dad all that much, but he had promised to help so here they were,
two scared boys starting all over.

      Sitting in the back with Jesse in the middle he watched as the motor
home drove away and they went in the other direction, Peter couldn't hold
back his tears any more and they just flowed freely down his cheeks. Jesse
wasn't doing much better he was soaking Peter's t-shirt. Jeff could see and
hear there sobs and his heart ached for them both.



Let me know if I should continue this story by emailing me at
thewriter1@live.ca

All will be answered with the exception of FLAMES.