Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2012 09:12:11 -0600 From: Michael king 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.