Trouble Comes in Twos (Finding Jet Book 1)

by Alice Mura

  “You can go now, Ms. Weiss,” the Principal said to Amy.

  Amy braced with her arms crossed. “Jet has experienced a very traumatic event, and he needs an ally by his side to support him.”

  Mr. Nordstrom wiped his hand down his face. “Is it alright if she stays here? It’s very difficult to get rid of her once she’s made up her mind.”

  “I’m literally right here, and I can literally hear you,” snapped Amy.

  “It’s fine. I think she’s wonderful,” said Jet. Amy’s serious demeanor broke into something more bashful as a blush blossomed on her cheeks. Once guard duty was settled, Jet told Mr. Nordstrom what had happened after art class. Feeling brave with Amy by his side, and also feeling like this was a bit of a confessional, Jet also relayed the story of Jackson’s first attack on him the day before, including how Liam had found him and helped him clean up.

  “I always knew Liam was a good kid,” said Mr. Nordstrom. Amy sighed romantically.

  “He’s the sweetest...” Jet mumbled to himself.

  “You understand I need to contact your parents about what happened here. I understand it’s painful, but this is not something I can ethically hide from the parents of a student. I’m sorry you had to go through this abuse, Jetsam, but I can tell you right now I will be arranging for the expulsion of Mr. Spears. That kind of psychotic behavior has no place in our school.”

  “Damn straight,” Amy chimed in.

  “Now, I understand you’ve been through a lot today. Would you like to go home early and recover or carry out the rest of your school day?”

  “My dad’s at work. I think I’m just stuck here.”

  “Does your mother have access to a vehicle?”

  “My mom’s dead,” Jet said solemnly. Amy gasped.

  Mr. Nordstrom took a deep breath. “I’m sorry to hear that. I lost my mother seven years ago. I know what you’re feeling, son. I really do. It never stops hurting.”

  “Yeah...”

  “Ms. Weiss, I think it’s about time you returned to class.”

  “I will only leave at Jet’s urging.” Her curls bounced as she nodded her head in determination.

  A tiny smile broke on his lips. “I’m fine. You can go. Thanks for everything.”

  “It’s my duty. Here.” Amy stepped up to the desk and snatched a business card from the holder and wrote on it before handing it to Jet. “This is my phone number. If you ever need help with your homework or need someone to talk, don’t hesitate to call me. Text me so I have your number too.” After handing the card off, Amy marched out of the office.

  “They broke the mold when they made her, thank God,” Mr. Nordstrom’s smile softened the critique. Jet studied the business card. “I’ll call your dad, and see what he says. He might be able to come get you. Just take a seat in the waiting room.”

  Out in the waiting area, Jet flopped into the closest chair. There was no sign of Liam. He pulled out his phone and started typing.

  Hey Liam

  A moment later the phone buzzed with a reply.

  Sorry, can’t chat right now.

  Jet leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes.

  “Jet? Jet?” A voice broke into his daze, and he realized someone had been calling several times. His eyes flashed open to see the Principal squatting in front of his chair. “I had someone get your books.” He handed him a sagging plastic bag. “Your dad is on his way. Can I walk you to the car park?”

  Jet wished he could say no and just sink through the floor, but he nodded.

  They walked through the empty corridor to the cafeteria and then through the front doors. “I know it might be hard to process everything right now Jet. I just want you to know that this won’t be happening again. We have a counselor on staff you can talk to anytime you want, and you’re welcome in my office if you need anything.”

  Jet clamped down on the words asking for a new life. Whining would achieve nothing. What he wanted right now was a hot shower and his bed.

  Tony screeched into the pickup zone and jumped out of his car. A security guard turned to come their way, but Mr. Nordstrom waved him away. Tony ran to them and wrapped his arms around Jet.

  “Jet! Are you okay?

  Jet hesitated for a second, unused to the feel of his dad’s arms around him in this protective, meaningful way. Then the reserve inside him broke and Jet began to cry.

  “You should have told me someone was hurting you at school,” his dad wailed, resting his chin on top of Jet’s long waves.

  “Holy shit, what kind of school is this? You’re here two days and you already have a bully? I thought this was a nice school district! Are you the Principal? Is this the best you can do?”

  Jet struggled loose. This wasn’t Mr. Nordstrom’s fault. “I’m okay, dad. The kid got expelled. Everything’s fine now.”

  Tony frowned and looked back at Mr. Nordstrom.

  “Yes, I’m Principal Kevin Nordstrom. The offender will be expelled after all the reports are compiled. Jet, do you want to wait in the car while I give your dad the details?”

  Jet nodded and walked away. He clicked in his seatbelt and leaned against the cold window, cooling his flushed cheeks.

  A few minutes later the car swayed as his dad got in. He looked at Jet, his eyes swimming with pity tears. “Jet, I’m so sorry this happened to you.”

  Jet looked away. “Let’s just go home.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Midday sunshine blanketed his bed when Jet woke. He wandered sleepily out to the kitchen for water. On the bench was a note.

  I rang the school and told them you won’t be in today. Rest up, love Dad.

  Jet frowned. He turned to rinse his glass and bumped into the corner of the counter. A yelp broke free from his lips. Lifting his love-hearts pajama shirt, Jet inspected his bruises. Tony had tried to take him to a doctor yesterday afternoon, but Jet had refused. Doctors were expensive and annoying. Well, probably. He couldn’t remember ever visiting one. His dad had finally relented but had insisted on taking photos of his bruises. Just in case we need proof, he’d said.

  Jet stretched the kinks out of his muscles and searched for some cereal. He found some cornflakes in a top cupboard and washed a dirty bowl in the sink. By habit he cleaned the benchtops and finished the dishes. Foster moms were often stressed out and needing help in the kitchen. Sometimes it was the only kind word he got in the day. Or, they just demanded the foster kids tidied up.

  Jet shrugged off bad memories. He wandered out to the balcony to eat. Pulling out his phone, Jet checked for messages. In just two days it had become habitual. Jet scoffed at himself. Who would text him anyway? Nothing from Liam. Jet sighed. Had he ruined things between them?

  Suddenly he remembered Amy. He sent her a text so she’d at least have his number. He got a reply back straight away.

  Hi! How are you feeling? Not at school today?

  Nah dad didnt wake me

  Nice! Enjoy it.

  Hey, thanks for your help yesterday.

  No problem! It was my honor.

  Jet was debating what to write next when his phone buzzed again.

  Oh crap. I got busted for being on my phone, haha. I’ll chat later.

  Jet shook his head. He noted that her texts contained proper punctuation and capitals. Amy was a bit headstrong, but she was also a compassionate and principled young woman. He didn’t want to think he was using her, but Jet really needed someone to have his back at school, considering Jackson did have friends. They had never participated in attacking him, but who knew how they’d react if they found out Jet got their friend expelled.

  He didn’t want to spoil his day thinking any more about that. He pulled out his drawing books and set up on the couch. He drew while half-watching TV. The sound lulled him into a daze and he lay down. Jet woke late in the afternoon, feeling sluggish. He glanced at the clock; his dad ought to be home by now. He googled an Asian noodle recipe and started prepping veggies. Ten minutes later, the
door clicked, startingly him. Tony walked in.

  “Hey kiddo. How are you feeling?”

  “Pretty good. I slept lots.”

  “Well that’s good for recovery.”

  Jet eyed his dad. Tony looked like he could do with some extra sleep himself. Grey shadows hinted under his eyes, and his lips looked a bit dehydrated.

  “How about you, dad?”

  “Me what?”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Oh yeah, of course. I’m still pretty pissed. I mean, where were the teachers? And to happen twice…You shoulda told someone. Told me!” Tony thumped his jacket and satchel down on the table.

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  “Oh? Better spell it out for this ol’ man.”

  Jet set his knife aside and leaned on his elbows. “Like, you’re working so much. Are you eating and sleeping right?”

  Tony smiled. “You’re not supposed to worry about me. It’s the other way around, you know. But yeah, I’m fine thanks. What are you making?”

  Jet took the hint and showed Tony the recipe. “Do you have a wok?”

  “No. I’m not that fancy, sorry.”

  “All good. I can use a frying pan.”

  “Right, what can I do?”

  They finished making dinner together and sat on the couch. Jet had forgotten to put his sketches away, so Tony asked to see them. The TV ran quietly in the background, forgotten.

  “These are amazing Jet! Like really good. You sure have talent.”

  “It’s something I enjoy. Did anyone else in the family draw?”

  “Certainly not on my side. Jacqui…your mom…she never drew, but I don’t know about her family. We didn’t have much contact with them.”

  They fell silent for a few minutes, slurping noodles. Jet pondered the fact that he hardly knew his dad.

  “So, where do you work?” he asked, breaking the silence between them.

  “Ah, at CTR Insurance.” Tony pulled a face. “Nowhere fancy,” he added with a chuckle. “I just work the phones dealing with initial claims and taking inquiries. We’ve had a lot of fires this month, so there’s been extra volume in the call center. That’s why I’ve been able to pick up some extra shifts.”

  Jet shifted his position on the couch. It all sounded legit, so why did he feel squirmy? He sucked on his cheeks. He just didn’t want to find out that his dad was really going out drinking.

  A news bulletin came on with the seven o’clock news.

  “Oh shit, is that the time? Ah, sorry!” Tony covered his mouth with one hand. He jumped up.

  “I say shit,” Jet declared.

  Tony laughed, gathering up his things. “I’m not sure if I should be relieved or tell you off.”

  “How about neither?”

  “Works for me. Oh, we forgot about your school supplies with all this crap. We’ll go tomorrow, okay?” Tony dropped a kiss on his head. “Gotta go.”

  “Seeya.”

  Lying in bed that night, every tiny sound in the neighborhood and apartment block seemed amplified. A car door slammed, making Jet jump. Someone laughed out in the stairwell. He turned over. The memories he had tried all day to keep at bay came rushing in. It felt like a lifetime had gone by in just three days. Every time he went to school, something traumatic happened, followed by something miraculous. It was like a microcosm of his life. Going through foster care, then finding Paula. Losing Paula but finding that his dad really had cleaned up…hopefully. There was no way he could tell Paula about the bullying at school and make her worry. He wanted to call her, but the only things he could talk about were all the horrible things happening in his life at the moment.

  Every time he let his guard down a bit, something unbearable crept in. Was it worth trying? Then again, how could he not try, with the way he felt about Liam? His thoughts strayed to Amy. He pulled out his phone and re-read all the messages. His feelings towards Amy were strange and confusing. He had never been sexually attracted to a girl before, but Amy was really cute and confident. Jet had never met a girl like her before. His free hand wandered down his belly and slipped inside his panties. He built up the image of Amy in his mind, starting with her intelligent, wide eyes framed by glasses, then her dark curly hair, and the thickness of her waist equaled by the plump curve of breasts that peeked through the vee of her uniform. Shit, when had a girl’s breasts ever aroused him before? The way she had stood over him, holding out a hand, and supported him without effort on the trip to the nurse’s office. She’d looked just a little wild standing up to the Principal. He stroked his dick, finding it gorged with heat.

  But he loved Liam, didn’t he? That tall frame flashed in his mind’s eye. Liam, standing in front of him by this very bed, just two afternoons ago. The soft down covering his balls, the tautness of his stomach muscles. His penis had been glorious, reacting to Jet’s every touch. Jet moaned softly as he brought himself to orgasm. He lay there panting. What on earth was happening to him? Rather than dwell on the storm of conflicting emotions building in his heart, Jet curled up and slept.

  His third day at school was finally quiet. He gave Tony an honest thumbs up when his dad picked him up. Jet couldn’t remember hearing anything the teachers said, but somehow he got through the day unscathed. He didn’t look for Liam. If Liam said he couldn’t talk yet, Jet just needed to give him some time. Pushing things wouldn’t help the situation, as he’d already learned.

  He sat on his bed and started pulling out his textbooks. Maybe he had better start doing some homework. After a minute, his phone buzzed.

  Is it quiet at your house? Amy texted with perfect spelling and punctuation.

  Yeah pretty much why

  I wanted to know if I could study at your home. I have four brothers and sisters, and it is cacophonous in my domicile.

  Cacophonous? Who was this girl, and what did having a big, dark house have to do with studying?

  I guess you can come over im not really doing anything

  Great, text me your address and I’ll have my sister drive me.

  “Dad, where do we live?” Jet shouted from his bedroom. After relearning his address, Jet texted Amy then touched his heart. Why was he so excited about having a girl over? Girls had never excited him before, but there was something special about Amy. At least this time his dad would be home, and he had the wisdom not to rush into a sexual encounter after ruining his relationship with Liam. This time would be different. This time he wouldn’t completely fuck things up.

  “Okay, kiddo, I’m heading to work!” his dad called from outside his bedroom. Jet burst into the dining area to find his dad halfway out the door.

  “Dad! Wait!”

  His dad poked his head back in. “What? I’m running late, kiddo. Next shift starts in 15 minutes.”

  “Weren’t we supposed to get school supplies tonight?”

  “Ahhh, shit. I know I promised to take you. What if I give you some money and you ask your friend Liam to take you?” Jet’s dad pulled two hundred dollar bills out of his wallet and held them out for Jet.

  He knew he couldn’t ask Liam to drive him, but maybe if he gave Amy’s sister gas money, they would take him instead.

  “Sure, dad,” said Jet, gingerly taking the most money he had ever held at once.

  “You really got to use that for school supplies. You can’t be buying Nintendo games and CDs. Oh, before I forget, here’s a key I had made for you on my lunch break.” His dad held out a brass key pinched between his thumb and finger.

  Jet could only shake his head in disbelief at how old his dad was being and take the key.

  “Love you, kiddo. I want a receipt AND change when I get home tomorrow.”

  Before Jet could answer, his dad was out the door. It was the first promise his dad had broken, and though it wasn’t a huge one, he could only wonder if it was the first or last promise to be broken by his dad. Then a cynical part of him wondered if his dad was even working. What if he was drinking again and hiding it? What if that�
��s why he was so frazzled all the time? Jet was never awake by the time his dad came home. Maybe that was on purpose to hide the drinking. Jet pushed the dark thoughts from his mind and texted Amy.

  Hey can your sister drive me to the store I need to get school supplies. There was a long pause with no reply. I have gas money. Another Pause.

  We should go to the bookstore. They have excellent notepads and pen sets.

  Sure

  We’re about twenty minutes from your home. Be ready for pick up. Over.

  Jet washed his face, put on deodorant, and re-applied his makeup in the bathroom. He debated between wearing a skirt or something less girly but decided he was feeling it today. Why shouldn’t he wear anything he wanted? Jet had never actually cross-dressed in public before, but after doing it in front of Liam and doing it again accidentally at school, it wasn’t terrifying anymore. It was like his clothing options had just doubled overnight. Before he went downstairs, he slipped on his hoodie and grabbed his phone, house key, and cash.

  The sun was still up as he stood in front of his apartment building. It was a pleasant area, much nicer than some of the cities he grew up in. Paula lived in a decent neighborhood, but there were a pair of foster homes where he had been afraid to go outside even during the day.

  A well-maintained, nineties pickup truck pulled up in front of the apartment and beeped its horn. Jet hurried to the passenger side to find Amy smiling at him.

  “Hop in, stranger,” said Amy. Jet climbed in and closed the door. In the driver’s seat was a taller, thinner girl who looked to be in her late teens. She had tanned skin and wore her hair in a ponytail under a dirty baseball cap.

  “Gas money?” asked Amy’s sister, sticking her hand in front of Jet’s face.

  “I have to break some notes. Is it alright to wait until I have change?”

  She rolled her eyes and huffed as they entered traffic.