The Countdown

Chapter Two~ Cross Country Stars are the Devil

I knew there was no hope of avoiding Abigail, the cross country star that could run laps around me, but, I nevertheless glanced anxiously over my shoulder as I hurried away from school. I ran down the street, not stopping to catch my breath until I reached the crosswalk. I was home free.

"'Sup, Geek, what's the rush?" said a voice behind me. I wanted to run but I was no athlete. I was lucky to have made it this far without overheating. Seeing no escape I turned to face the blonde demon herself. Abigail's freckled face was smiling up at me innocently.

"What do you want?" I grumbled.

"Just to know what up with you, Mister Grouchy Pants," She said, cocking her head and making her green eyes go wide. I was out of options, I knew Abigail wasn't going to leave me alone unless I gave her a satisfying explanation.

"Fine," I sighed, "come over to my house in two hours and I'll explain everything."

She smiled and I felt a lump form in the pit of my stomach.

It felt like the short walk home dragged on forever, but before I knew it I was standing on my front porch. I walked in the house and headed immediately up into my room.

Safety. Peace. Time alone to prepare for, and dread, Abigail's arrival.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. I just had to be prepared.

"Pumpkin?" Mom called just as I reached the steps. I sighed, Mom would definitely know something was up if I tried to weasel my way out of a conversation.

"Yea, Ma?" I answered heading to the living room.

"Could you please come here a minute, Jamie?" she called from down the hall.

Mom and Dad were both seated on the couch their expressions grim. I knew I should have made a dash for it when I had the chance.
Wordlessly, Dad gestured for me to sit on the chair moved in front of the couch.

"Hey, is it okay if Abagail comes over in a little while?" I asked, hoping to change the subject before they could start. I already knew this couldn't be good. I could tell my question took Mom and Dad by surprise. Dad sighed with what I hoped was relief and Mom forced a smile.

"Of course, Sweetie, whatever you want."

"'Kay, thanks, bye!" I responded, making a beeline for my room.

Dad cleared his throat.

"Not so fast there, Jamie," He called, before I could take even three steps. "Your Mother and I have something to discuss with you."

Oh no.

"Your birthday is coming up, so we were wondering if you would like anything special for diner?" Mom asked tensely.

Judging by my parents expressions they hoped I had forgotten about my Clock. How on Earth could I forget? How could I forget that I'm dying? I shook my head slowly.

"No, nothing special," I muttered quickly, still deep in thought.

If Abigail was coming, and I knew there was no way she would forget, and if I really was going to have to tell her all about my Clock, now would be as good a time as any to find out as much as I could. But that would mean I would have to bring up the subject after almost six years, and talk about the one thing I had ever seen make Mom cry. If I didn't do it now, what would I tell Abigail?

"Okay then, son," Dad said, interrupting my train of thought. "That's all we needed, you're free to go."

They both started to leave, it was now or never. I took a deep breath.

"What time?" I said quietly. They both know what I meant, and both their faces fell.

"Jamie, I don't think this..."

"What time?'" I repeated, more strongly, interrupting Dad's protest. He stared into my eyes searching for a way out of this unwanted conversation. I held my gaze.

"Nine forty two," Dad answered gruffly, voice void of any emotion.

"Morning or night?" I questioned, mimicking his tone, our eyes still locked onto one another.

"Morning."

"Oh, Jamie!" Mom wailed. I had completely forgotten she was there. Dad and I both broke our staring contest to face her. Tears streamed down her cheeks, ruining her mascara. It pained me to see her like this, "Please stop this! It's only making things worse!"

I hated hurting her, but this was something I couldn't avoid.

"Then tell me everything," I said, hoping my voice didn't reveal how scared I was.