A Different Path

Chapter 41 - Dizzy

I wrote in my journal for a bit before I grew too tired, so I decided I'd take a nap. I laid down and bundled up in the blanket Jack had so kindly brought me, surprised when I noticed it smelt like him, probably from him carrying it. I smiled a little before falling asleep, no longer able to keep my eyes open.

I woke up from some noise below, meaning people were starting to get back from selling. I couldn't bring myself to sit up, feeling as though someone was holding me down. It wasn't too long before the ladder shook, Jack soon at the top. He walked over to me and sat down, pushing my hair back.

"How're you doing?" He asked, smiling kindly.

"I dunno," I sighed, sitting up. 

"You know, I still gotta finish that backdrop," he said, making me smile. "Wanna head out now?" I nodded, and we took off.

 I sat and watched him paint for a while, finding it relaxing. He'd look back at me every now and then to see how I was doing, probably expecting to see my asleep one of these times. Despite how calming it was to watch him, I still felt as though there was a huge, overbearing weight on my chest. Eventually, Jack stepped back and looked the backdrop over, proud of himself. He turned to me, smiling.

"Whattya think?" He asked, wiping his hands off with his rag.

"I love it," I said, trying as hard as I could to smile.

"Give me a minute to put everything away and we can go, alright?" I nodded, my eyelids heavy. He grabbed his stuff and went offstage, and I sat for a moment, continuing to look at the backdrop.

"He's quite talented, isn't he?" I heard from behind me, and I turned to see Medda, smiling at me. I nodded and looked back to the canvas, hoping she'd drop it there since I was so shy. "Is everything alright?" She then asked, coming over to me. 

"Oh- uh, yes Ma'am," I answered, my face hot with embarrassment.

"Goodness, you're so well mannered, aren't you? Just call me Medda," I looked offstage and hoped Jack would be back soon, my heart pounding from nerves. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, sorry," I said, hearing Jack finally coming back.

"Medda!" Jack called, hugging her. Once they pulled away she kept her hands on his shoulders, looking him up and down.

"Something's bothering you," she said, surprising me. "Is it about your sister?" I stared at Jack, unsure how he'd respond.

"Oh, I had a real fucked up dream that brought back some bad memories." I was pretty shocked by how Jack answered, not expecting him to be so honest.

"Do I need to give you another speech about not blaming yourself?" Medda joked, making the two of them laugh.

"No, no. I'm alright, I promise." Jack looked at me now, still smiling. "Ready?" I nodded and got up, staying silent. "We can stay up all night talking once Race leaves, okay?" 

"I tried asking him what was wrong," Medda began, making Jack look back to her. "Good thing he has you."

"He's real shy," Jack smiled at me, my face going red. "You know, Medda is great to talk to. And, don't be mad, but I did tell her about your life to get some advice."

"I'd never be mad at that," I said, glancing at Medda before looking back to the ground.

"I will never push you to talk, Crutchie. I just want you to know that my theatre is a safe place if you ever need to." I smiled at her, still nervous.

"Thank you," I mumbled, wondering if maybe I should open up. I decided against it, feeling far too scared.

"Let's go home," Jack smiled at Medda one more time before we left, and we walked home in silence.