folfreak25
07-13-2003, 10:03 PM
Ok, people. I wrote this story about three months ago, and decided to finally post it. Trust me, this probably won't be very interesting, it may waste your time. But....just read it anyway.
BTW, It's about a girl(big surprise). She moved from Oregon to Florida with her handicaped father, to find a new life. But she meets a guy that changes her life, for ever. I know, it sounds pretty boreing but just read it.
Everything Happens for a Reason
"Yo' butthead, move it!" Daphne Wilson yelled at the mail man in front of her. Daphne had just moved from Oregon to Florida. She had just started her new job, paper boy. Or in this case paper girl.
The man pulled out of the way.
"Thanks a lot!" Daphne first threw a paper at the mail man, then threw a paper to the house on her right side, and accidentally broke a window.
A woman in curlers stepped out of the front door.
"Not again!" The woman gave Daphne a dirty look, and then walked back inside.
"Sorry about that! I owe you a new window. I'll try to remember that!" Daphne rode past the house and continued on her route.
Daphne was your average 15 year old tomboy, well almost.
"Hey, Daph! Saturday, you, me, the mall." Rob yelled to Daphne front the front door of his house.
"Dream on!" Daphne yelled back as she threw his paper at him. Rob caught it, then walked back into his house. Rob had started hitting on Daphne the minute she moved in, which was evidently three days ago.
Daphne threw a paper to the last house on her route, then started back to her house to get her back pack for school.
"Hey, pops!" Daphne walked in through the front door, then slammed it behind her. Her father was sitting in front of the TV watching Good Morning America. There was one special thing about her dad, he was handicapped. He had gotten in a bad car accident close after he had divorced Daphne's mother.
"Hey, honey. I'm going to need a lot of help unpacking and junk so...."
"No sweat dad, I'll unpack after school." Daphne called from her room.
"Thanks Daph! You're an angel!" Her father called from across the house. Daphne smiled as she walked into the living room where her dad was, with her backpack hanging on her shoulder.
"You're tackling the night shift at Walmart tonight right?" Daphne asked as she sat on the couch next to her father's wheel chair.
"Yep." Her dad said with a smile. Daphne shrugged as she searched in her backpack for a piece of paper.
"Um, dad. I think I could get a job on the beach. I already went there and talked to several people about it. So, what do you say?" Daphne handed her father a flyer. It read in large print "Help Needed". Daphne needed to get a job to help with their rent. They didn't really have any money at all, so Daphne had to start working.
"Honey, I really feel terrible about this, I mean...."
"It's ok dad. We need more money. I'll be working at the cafe on the pier near the beach. It actually pays pretty good. Whatcha say?" Daphne asked. Her father let out a guilty sigh, then nodded.
"I guess that would be cool. As long as it was after school...." Daphne smiled then hugged her father.
"Thanks pops. I'll go apply today after school, then I'll come help unpack." Daphne looked at her watch, then noticed she was late for school.
"Whoa, I gotta jet. I'm late." Daphne gave her father a small hug then ran out side.
She reached her bike, jumped on it, and rode like heck to school.
*****
Daphne finally made it to school. Unfortunately, she made it just as they closed the doors.
"Dang." Daphne started trying to find an open window.
She reached her Algebra class's window. She noticed that Rob was sitting nearest to the window.
Daphne cleared her throat hoping for it to be loud enough for Rob to hear. Rob turned his head, then noticed Daphne.
"Hi!" He mouthed out. Daphne shook her head.
"Get me in there!" Daphne mouthed. Rob mouthed "How?"
"Distract her!" Rob nodded as he raised his hand.
"Yes, Robert? Do you have a question?" Mrs. Perkins, their algebra teacher asked.
"Um, no. But earlier I, um, saw some thugs writing graffiti on the school walls. You might want to go tell the principal." Rob lied, hoping it would be enough for her to leave the room.
"Oh, well thank you for informing me Robert." Mrs. Perkins then ran out of the class.
"Daphne, what are you doing out there?" Rob asked as he got up and walked to the window.
"I got locked out. Just shut up and help me in!" Daphne whispered loudly. Rob gave a happy smirk as he offered his hand to her.
She was half way into the room when their teacher came back in.
"What in heavens name is going on here?" Mrs. Perkins asked as she walked over to Daphne as Rob quickly pulled her all the way into the room.
"Well, Mrs. Perkins. I, um, wanted to get some fresh air, so I opened the window. But as I did, I tripped and fell out of the class room. Rob started to help me back in when you came in." Daphne held her breath, waiting to see if her teacher would believe her.
Mrs. Perkins gave her a suspicious look, then walked back to her desk. Daphne guessed this meant she was home free. Daphne walked to her desk near the front of the class, breathing a sigh of relief.
*****
"Can I sit here?" Daphne asked for the tenth time. She was trying to find a table in the cafeteria that would be gracious enough for her to sit with them and eat her lunch. But nobody wanted the new girl to sit with them. I mean, high school is hard enough without being stranded in the cafeteria with your tuna fish sandwich going bad.
"Hey, Daphne, over here!" Daphne whirled around hopefully, then found Rob waving her over. Daphne groaned as she made her way over to where Rob was sitting.
"Wow, I'm surprised you actually came over here. I mean, after the whole window incident." Rob said with a smile as Daphne sat next to him.
"Well, thanks for the help. But it hopefully won't happen again." Daphne said as she immediately started eating her sandwich. Hoping to finish soon.
"Hey, what are you doing this afternoon?" Rob asked with a hopeful expression on his face.
"I'm busy, and if you ask tomorrow my answer will probably be the same. I have to go apply for the job at the pier, then I have to go help unpack with my dad." Daphne answered not looking at him. Rob gave a disappointed shrug as he opened a bag of chips.
"Ok, so...." Rob said, trying to start a conversation.
"Look, I have to go." Daphne lied as she got up. Rob followed her.
"Hey, do you think I could help unpack and stuff. I mean, I would be happy to." Rob volunteered. Daphne walked to a trash can as she threw her half eaten sandwich into it. Daphne turned back to Rob.
"We'll survive without your help." Daphne started walking toward the cafeteria door. Then turned back.
"But thanks for asking." Rob smiled as he walked back to his table.
*****
"Hi, I want to apply for the waitress job." Daphne said as she leaned against the cafe ordering counter. Daphne had rode her bike to the pier after school, hoping to get the job. She was talking to a guy, he looked about 16 with blonde hair and green eyes. Daphne didn't get along with Blonde guys. She was a green eyed brunette. Plus, this guy was wearing a blue T shirt and baggy jeans. Daphne was wearing a camouflage tank top with black baggy pants.
"Um, ok. I'm Jack Renolds." Jack said with a warm smile.
"I'm Daphne Truman." Daphne said, trying to keep her expression purely business like.
"Well, do you have experience in waitressing?" Jack asked as he leaned over the counter, getting pretty close to Daphne's face. She stood up.
"No." Daphne answered giving Jack a look.
"Ok, you're hired." Jack said with a smile as he took down the "Help Needed" sign hanging up next to him.
"Huh?" Daphne asked with a raised eye brow.
"You don't really need experience here. I mean look at me, I almost always break a dish a day. So, when can you start?" Jack asked as he walked around the counter and to where Daphne was standing.
"Tomorrow?" Daphne suggested as she sort of stepped back, away from Jack.
"Thursday, perfect. See you tomorrow at four." Daphne nodded as she started to leave the pier.
"Hey, wait." Daphne turned around.
"What are you doing later tonight?" Jack asked with sly smirk on his face.
"Why?" Daphne knew he was going to ask her out.
"Tonight some people from my school are going to go see a movie, would you be interested?" Jack asked as he walked up to her.
"Um, well, no. I just moved here, and I have to help my father unpack. Plus, I don't even know you!" Daphne said trying to think of another excuse.
"Ok, here. I'm 17, I have my own car, I love basketball, and I'm a dog person. Now you know me." Jack said with a smile.
"Here's what you don't know about me. I'm 15, I love soccer, I don't have my drivers license, and I'm more of a cat person. See you tomorrow at four." After that, Daphne walked away without looking back.
******
"Where am I??" Daphne had started back, but she must have taken a wrong turn because she had no idea where she was. Daphne crossed over a street and came to a dirt road. Daphne had no idea what to do. It was getting dark and it was raining.
Daphne looked up at the sky, behind her, and in front of her. She decided to go down the dirt road, maybe it was a short cut.
She rode her bike down the dark dirt road, hoping she would not stumble into a terrible, painful death.
*****
About an hour later, the sky was pitch black. Daphne struggled as she walked her bike through the rain with her damp clothes. She noticed a house not far away from where she was.
Daphne questioned herself on whether it would be a good idea to beg whoever lived there if she could use their phone or something. Just then, she heard lightning. That settled it, she was going in.
Daphne slowly walked up to the front door of the house. When she reached the nice, blue, wooden, door, she knocked on it. Daphne could hear someone walk to the door. She held her breath in fear.
A middle aged woman in a robe answered the door.
"Um, hi. I got lost on the trail. Do you think it would be alright if I used your phone?" Daphne asked. The woman nodded with a sympathetic smile.
"Of course you can sweetie. Come on in." The woman said as she showed Daphne in. Daphne stopped inside the hallway.
"I'm really sorry about my clothes and everything. I was out in the rain for a long time. I...." Before Daphne could finish, she heard a familiar voice coming into the hallway.
"Mom, who was that. Oh, Daphne...." It was Jack from the cafe. Daphne's jaw dropped when she found out who it was. It also didn't help that Jack was in a towel.
"Jack? You live here?" Daphne stuttered. She could feel her cheeks turning red on account of embarrassment. She was soaking wet, lost, and was seeing the guy who she now works with in a towel. How much more embarrassing could it get?
"Yep, what are you doing here? I didn't know you knew where I lived." Jack said with a smile.
"Um, I got lost on the trail. I saw your house, of course I had no idea this was your house." Daphne tried to explain.
"Daphne wasn't it? I'll get you a towel." Just as Jacks mother said the word towel, Daphne accidentally looked at Jacks towel. Jack must of noticed it because he cleared his throat really loud. Daphne's cheeks got even redder.
"Um, thanks." Daphne said in an embarrassed voice. Jacks mother lead Daphne to the phone. Daphne dialed her house number.
"Hello?" A woman answered Daphne's house phone.
"I think I got the wrong number." Daphne hung up and dialed again.
"Hello? Truman residence." The same woman answered.
"Um, is Steven Truman, my father there?" Daphne asked in a worried voice.
"Yes, but he can't come to the phone right now. He's changing. But I'll tell him you called." Daphne heard a click on the other line. Daphne slowly hung up the phone. Could her dad be seeing someone? If so, why didn't he tell her? Daphne would have to think about this later because right after she hung up the lights went out.
"What's going on?" Daphne asked as she squinted her eyes, trying to see where she was.
"The power went out." Jack said as he lighted a candle. He was now in a T shirt and shorts.
"Kids, you alright? I'm going to turn on a couple of flashlights." Jacks mother came in from the other room.
"I couldn't reach my dad. Do you want me to leave?" Daphne asked. Jacks mother walked up to her.
"Oh, course not. You can sleep on the couch bed tonight. Any of Jacks friends are welcomed here." Jacks mother said with a warm smile. Daphne guessed that's where Jack got his.
*****
Jacks mother fixed up the couch bed for Daphne, said goodnight and left. Daphne sat on the couch bed. She was getting ready to get under the covers when...
"So, what was the whole phone call thing about?" Daphne jumped up, then noticed Jack by the doorway.
"What are you talking about?" Daphne asked still standing. Jack walked over to her.
"I heard the whole thing. Is your father single?" Jack asked standing in front of Daphne.
"Divorced, and why is it any of your business? By the way, it's not polite to listen to other peoples phone calls." Daphne said frustrated.
"Well, excuse me but a fellow cafe worker comes to my house in the middle of the night, asks to use my phone, then ends up staying for the night. I think it's only polite to tell me what happened on the phone." Jack answered as he gave Daphne one of his smirky smiles.
"I called him, a woman answered the phone and told me that my father couldn't come to the phone because he was changing, into who knows what! You happy now?" Daphne asked as she plopped on the bed. Jack didn't even realize he sat down next to her on the bed, and obviously Daphne didn't realize either.
"I'm sorry." Jack said after an awkward silence.
"He's never mentioned a women before. Plus, I haven't gotten home yet and he's getting busy with a woman I've never seen or heard of?" Daphne could feel her cheeks getting warm, that only meant one thing. She was about to cry. Daphne started to cry lightly. Jack put his arm around her.
"I remember when my dad died when I was four. My mom started dating and bringing all of these men home. I remember, I was so mad at my mom for trying to replace my father. But I realized that my mom is actually a person. She needs her own relationships too. So maybe your father just needs another relationship of his own." Jack said with a smile as he wiped away one of Daphne's tears.
Suddenly, Jack looked into Daphne's eyes. Their faces got closer, and closer, until....
"What's going on here?" Jack and Daphne suddenly pulled away from each other when Jacks mother came into the room.
"Nothing mom, we were just talking." Jack said as he got up. Jack's mother smiled then waved as she walked back into her room.
When Jacks mother had left, Jack turned back to Daphne.
"Sleep well. I'll drive you back to your house tomorrow morning." Jack said with a smile as he walked over to her. Daphne stood up. Jack hugged her, then left the room with a wave.
Daphne smiled as she got under the covers of the couch bed.
*****
"Rise and shine!" Daphne squinted her eyes open and found Jack sitting next to the couch bed.
"Jack?" Daphne asked half asleep.
"Yep, and ready to go. But you, still have to get ready. So come on." Daphne sat up, and looked at her watch. It read 6:45.
"Where's the bathroom?" Daphne asked as she stood up.
"First door on your left." Jack said as he pointed to the hall. Daphne found the bathroom, where she found her hair in a total mess! Even though she rarely wore makeup, she didn't want to look totally mutated in front of Jack.
*****
About five minutes later, Daphne was ready to go. She met Jack near the front door with his mother.
"Thank you so much for letting me stay here for the night." Daphne said to Jacks mother.
"No problem honey. Come over anytime you want." Daphne gave her a smile as she followed Jack outside to the car.
*****
"So... Sorry about me sleepwalking last night." Jack said as he put Daphne's bike into his truck.
"What?" Daphne was sort of worried by what he meant by that.
"Didn't you notice me sleep walking?" Jack asked as he opened the truck door for Daphne. Daphne shook her head no as she stepped in.
"Well, I have this weird habit with sleepwalking. I always sleepwalk to the couch, then back to my room again. It's so weird. Anyway, I slept walked and lied down in the bed last night, then I woke up. I thought you noticed because you started talking.
"What? I didn't talk to you last night, I mean I wasn't even awake!" Daphne said defensively.
"Well, you said a whole lot." David said with an amused smile as he started up the truck.
"Like what?"
"Like, "Oh, do that again Jack" and, "Stay here, with me", and junk. It was actually kind of, I don't know, hilarious." Jack said with a laugh. Daphne hit him playfully on the arm.
"Yeah, right. Did you really sleep walk?" Daphne asked in a concerned voice. Jack looked at her from the corner of his eye and shook his head no.
"That's what I thought." Daphne said as she folded her arms around her stomach.
"I just wanted to see your reaction." Jack answered with a smile.
*****
"Pops, I'm home." Daphne said nervously, knowing what she would probably find. Her father came out of his room, and wheeled himself over to where Daphne was standing.
"Honey, where were you? I was so worried. I...." Her father started to become the usual worried parent.
"Oh, was your little friend worried too?" Daphne asked as she sat down on one of their kitchen chairs.
"What do you mean?" Daphne gave her father a look.
"Right after I applied for that job, I got lost. Luckily one of my friends let me stay at their house for the night. But I called, Dad, and a woman answered." Daphne said hurt. Her father cleared his throat.
"A friend of mine, from work, came home with me last night because her car broke down. I suggested she have dinner at my house, she said yes." Daphne's father explained.
"She said you couldn't talk to me because you were changing." Daphne pointed out.
"I was changing." Daphne looked into her fathers eyes. He was hiding something. Daphne could tell.
"What's going on dad?" Daphne asked standing up.
"Daph, a lot has been happening since yesterday morning." Daphne's father didn't look her in the eye.
"Tell me, trust me, speak to me dad." Daphne pleaded. Her father took a deep breath.
"Your mother is trying to get custody over you. I don't want you to leave me, Daphne." To Daphne's surprise, her father actually started crying.
"I won't, promise." Daphne hugged her father. He shook his head.
"She's been fighting for you for a long time. I really think I might lose you to her. We're going to court on Saturday." Daphne couldn't imagine what it would be like living without her dad. And worse, living with her mom. Daphne hadn't seen her mother in five years! It must take a pretty mean person to try to get custody over Daphne now. Daphne looked at her watch, then back down at her father.
"I have to go deliver my papers. I'll be back after school, no wait. I have to work. I'll see you tonight. " Daphne said as she kissed her father on the top of his head. Her father gave her a disappointed smile.
"I got the house done." Daphne's father said to her through her bed room door.
"It looks great dad." Daphne stated as she changed.
After Daphne was done, she kissed her father one last time before running to the door. Daphne ran outside, then bumped into someone.
"Watch out Daphne, you could kill someone like that." It turned out to be Jack.
"Jack, what are you still doing here?" Daphne asked. Jack shrugged.
"I thought, maybe I could help you with your papers. You know, with the car." Jack said as he opened the car door.
"Thanks, and did you hear any of that?" Daphne asked as she got in.
"Any of what?"
"Of what my father and I were talking about?" Daphne asked as he started up the car.
"Well, a little." Jack said as his smile dropped.
"I can't believe you Jack! You heard the whole thing! You eavesdropped on our conversation!"Daphne said hitting him on the arm, which made the car sway off the road and onto the side walk.
Daphne opened the car door.
"Where are you going?' Jack asked, shutting off the car.
"I can't ride in the same car as you anymore." Daphne said as she started delivering papers by foot.
"Fine, you walk." Jack said as he slowly followed her with his car.
Daphne turned around and noticed it. "Jack, what the heck are you doing?"
"Following you."
"Why?"
"Because it's fun to get on your nerves." Jack said with his sly smile.
"Leave me alone, Jack." Daphne said as she threw a paper at him. He smiled as he threw the paper at another house.
"Look, I'm sorry. I really hope everything turns out alright for you and you father. I have a problem with eavesdropping." Jack said in a serious way.
"It's ok, but next time, butt out!" Daphne said as she threw a paper at the next house on her route. Jack stopped the car, then got out. He took one of Daphne's papers, then threw it at one of the houses. Daphne smiled, until Jack broke one of the houses windows.
The same woman from before stepped out in a robe. "You kids owe me one hundred dollars for all of the windows you broke. I expect the money arriving with my paper tomorrow!" The woman yelled at them, then walked back into the house. Jack turned to Daphne.
"Sorry about that. I'll give her the money tomorrow." Jack offered as he threw another paper. This paper, too, flew through the air and shattered another window. Jack and Daphne looked at each other, then ran like heck for the car.
*****
"Hurry, Jack. I'll be late again!" Daphne said as Jack drove her to school.
"Hey, I'm going to be late for school too. Which school do you go to?" Jack asked as he stopped at a red light.
"Gulf Breeze High. Which school do you go to?" Daphne asked. Jack turned to her.
"Well, unless there are two Gulf Breeze Highs, I go to your school." Jack smiled. Daphne let out a breathe of relief. Maybe today she wouldn't have to sit with Rob in the cafeteria .
*****
"I'll see you at lunch." Jack said as they got into school.
"Ok, save a seat for me." Daphne said with a smile. She noticed a couple of people watching them. Suddenly Jack leaned over and kissed her. It wasn't a long kiss, but it was enough for every one in the hall to notice. All the girls started whispering, the guys walked up to Jack and shook his hand or patted him on the back. Jack waved at Daphne, then left for his first class. Suddenly the most popular girls in school walked up to her.
"Aren't you Daphne Truman?" Daphne could believe it. Jennifer, the most popular girl in school knew her name!
"Uh, yeah. Why?" Daphne knew that kind of sounded stupid, but whatever.
"Are you dating Jack? Because if you are, I think that is so great. I mean, the most popular guy and the new girl. That is so cute. Sit with us at lunch, ok Daph?" Ashley, another popular girl asked. Daphne nodded as the girls left.
*****
"Ok, who can tell me the 10th president of the united states?" Daphne was in social studies. So far, everyone in her class had passed her a note. Some said to meet them after school at the mall. Others asked if she would meet them at the movies. And others just said, hey.
Rob who was sitting next to her passed her a note. Daphne opened it. It read... Daphne, What is going on? I heard you're dating that jerk, Jack. Don't become popular, it's not a turn on. If you decide you don't like this Jack guy, I'm always free.
Daphne rolled her eyes. She crumbled up the note and threw it at Rob.
"Daphne, we will not be playing catch in my class." Her teacher said in his usual boring voice. Right as he said that, everyone threw at least one crumpled up piece of paper at him. He just went on about the presidents.
*****
When Daphne got into the cafeteria, everyone wanted her to sit with them. But Daphne just kept on looking for Jack. She finally saw him sitting with a couple of jocks and cheer leaders. Daphne slowly made her way over to him.
"Hey Daphne. Here." Jack pushed one of the jocks that was sitting next to him off the bench for Daphne. She slowly sat down next to him.
"So Daphne, where did you get your hair done. I love that color on you." One of the cheerleaders asked Daphne.
"Um, I didn't go anywhere. This is my hair color." Daphne answered as she brought out a bag of chip from her lunch bag.
"Really? That is so cool. So, how long have you and Jack been going out?" Jennifer asked when she arrived at the table. She went over to one of the jocks and sat on his lap. Before Daphne could tell them they weren't going out, Jack answered for her.
"We just started going out." Jack said as he put his arm around Daphne. Daphne gave him a look, but he obviously didn't notice it, or he didn't want to notice it.
"Yeah, we heard all about last night." One of the football players said as he gave Jack a high five. Daphne turned to Jack.
"Jack, can I speak to you in private for a minute?" Daphne asked. Jack winked at everyone else at the table as Daphne pulled him out the cafeteria.
When they reached the hall.....
"What are you doing?" Daphne asked in a hurt voice.
"What do you mean. Everyone thinks we're going out, so why not spread the rumor." Jack said with a smile. Daphne was really mad at Jack. She had never seen him act this way. Well, she did just meet him the day before.
"I can't believe you Jack! And what did you tell them about last night?" Daphne asked. Jack hesitated before answering.
"Well, I just old them what happened. That's all. Now can we go back now?" Jack asked grabbing her hand. Daphne pulled back.
"No, not until we get this talked out. We are not going out, well not yet. Quite spreading lies about you and me. And, I don't even want to know what you told them about last night. If we do start going out, we'd have to take things slow." Daphne said. She was only saying this because she liked Jack, he was fun to talk to. But, he wasn't his wonderful self at school today. He was just another stuck up popular guy.
"Ok, we'll take it slow. Daphne Truman, will you please do me the honor of accompanying to dinner tonight after we work in the cafe?" Jack asked. Daphne hesitated before answering,Then nodded.
"Great, now lets go back in there." Jack took her hand and pulled her back into the cafeteria. On their way back to the table, Daphne noticed Rob sitting all alone, and giving her this look. Daphne used to be an unpopular nobody like Rob, but now because of Jack, she's now one of the most popular girls in school.
*****
After school, Jack gave her a ride to the cafe. And to her not surprise, a lot of people from their school was already there, waiting for them.
Jack said hi to everyone as he took Daphne back behind the counter. He showed her how to make all of the dishes they served at the cafe, in front of everyone. Every now and then, he'd take her hands in his and move them around for her, he'd put his arm around her, he lean over her to see how she was doing. Daphne was sort of getting annoyed with him.
"Hey, Daphne." Rob showed up at about 6:00.
"Rob, hi. You're about the only almost normal person I've seen all day. What do you want?" Daphne asked. Rob smiled.
"I'll have a hamburger and your phone number." Daphne gave him a look. "Ok, I'll settle for the hamburger. Oh, and add a smoothie." Daphne nodded, as she went into the back to start the hamburger. Jack was already in the back.
"What will it be, Daph?" Jack asked as he flipped a hamburger patty in the air.
"I'll make the hamburger." Daphne said s she stood next to him by the grill. She tried to flip a burger, it fell on the floor. She groaned as she picked it up and threw it in the trash. She started on a new one. Before she could flip this one Jack stopped her.
"Wait, before you drop another one of those, here..." Jack slid his arms down Daphne's. "You have to take it slow, slowly put the spatula under the patty, then....." Jack kissed Daphne's neck. Suddenly, scaring Jack, Daphne pushed him away.
"Jack, I told you. I wanted to take it slow." Daphne said as she turned around.
"What if I don't want to?" Jack said. Daphne could see a ton of kids from their school watching them from the counter.
"Then you don't have a girlfriend. What happened to the Jack I knew. The Jack who cared about my feelings. The Jack, who let me sleep on his couch bed. The Jack who helped me with my paper route? Now you're just another stuck up popular guy who only cares about his reputation." Daphne said as she took off her apron. Daphne started to leave.
"By the way, I quit. Oh, and Rob needs a hamburger and a smoothie." Daphne said as she threw her apron at Jack.
*****
"Dad I'm home early!" Daphne yelled as she came into the front door. Her father was sitting in front of a blank TV screen.
"Dad? Are you alright?" Daphne kneeled down beside her father.
"Oh, hi Daphne. Guess who's here." Her father said in a sort of angry way.
"Hello, Daphne." Daphne whirled around and found a beautiful woman with long, brown, hair in jeans and a button up blue shirt behind her.
"Who's this?" Daphne asked her father, not looking away from the woman.
"This is your mother." The woman smiled. Daphne didn't know whether to be thrilled, or angry.
The woman walked up to Daphne and hugged her. Daphne gave her a small hug.
"Daphne, you look beautiful. I know this may be quit of a shock, me coming here. But I just had to see you." Daphne didn't say a word.
"Your mother wants to take you out to dinner. Would you like that Daph?" Daphne noticed her father never looked at her mother.
"Um, whatever." Daphne didn't know what else to say.
"Well, alright then. Come on Daphne." Her mother put her arm around Daphne as they walked to the door. Daphne observed her mother. Her hair was nicely put up into a hair clip. She was wearing nice perfume. And she had a lot of jewelry on. When they got outside, Daphne's mother opened the door to her old looking Mustang Convertible. Daphne slid into the front seat and waited until her mother arrived in the driver's seat.
"So, how do you like it here in Florida?" Daphne's mother asked as they pulled out of the driveway. Her mother had this nice gentle voice, but it was loud enough for you to know she was actually a human being.
"Um, it's ok." Daphne lied. Hah. Everything I even remotely liked about Florida blew up in my face. But she doesn't need to know that.
"Do you have many friends?" Daphne's mother asked. She didn't look like she was nervous at all about the whole five years separation.
"Well, not until today." Daphne sort of groaned this out.
"Oh, what happened today?" Daphne couldn't blame her mother for asking these questions, but Daphne hadn't seen her mother since she was ten.
"It's a long story."
"I've got time." Her mother said with a smile. Daphne sort of felt comforted by her mothers warmth.
"Um, ok. It all started at the, hey. Why are we driving to the beach?" Daphne asked in horror. I mean, Jack was still there with all of his popular friends.
"I saw this cute little cafe on the pier. Plus I saw this really cute guy about your age working there. Maybe you'd be interested?" Her mother said with a smile.
What was Daphne to do? I mean the jerk she just dumped would be there. He'd probably give her a hard time. Plus, her mother thought he was cute?
"Um, how about we go to a fast food joint. Don't you just love Burger King?" Her mother just gave a little laugh as she pulled up in the parking the cafe.
Daphne slowly got out of the car, hoping maybe Jack's shift was over. But it wasn't, because Daphne could see him at the counter.
She mother walked in front of her as they walked up the small sidewalk leading to the cafe.
"How about you order, and I'll get us a table." Was she kidding? How could Daphne go up there and order from her ex boyfriend.
"No! I mean, how would I know what you want?" Daphne tried to think of an excuse.
"Oh, I'll just have whatever you're having." Daphne's mother answered before she walked over to where the tables were. Daphne gulped as she started for the counter.
"Hey, Daphne over here!" Daphne whirled around and found Rob sitting at a table. Daphne ran over to him and sat down. The only bad thing about Rob yelling her name was that now Jack saw her and now knows that she was there.
"Hey, Rob. I need a favor. Will you go up there and order two hamburgers for me?" Daphne asked. Rob shrugged.
"Sure, but why can't you just go ask your boyfriend over there?" Rob asked in a sort of angry voice when he said the word "boyfriend".
"We broke up. No will you just go order the hamburgers?" Daphne shoved a ten dollar bill into his hand then started to run for the table her mother was sitting at, but was stopped by Jack grabbing her arm.
"Daphne, what are you doing here?" Jack asked still holding onto her arm.
"None of your business. Now let me go!" Daphne said as she pulled her arm out of his grip.
"Daphne, I'm really sorry about today. I mean, I was a real jerk. I only acted that way because I thought if I didn't, all the guys would think, I don't know." Jack said as he followed Daphne walking to her mothers table.
Before Daphne could say anything, her mother got up from the table and walked up to them.
"Hi, Daphne. Who's this? Is this your boyfriend?" Daphne was beyond embarrassed.
"Um, well at least I hope so." Jack answered. Daphne rolled her eyes.
"Um, Jack, this is my mother. Mom, Jack." Daphne's mother shook Jack's hand.
"I brought her up here because I saw you earlier, and I thought you two could get together. But I guess that's already taken care of." Daphne's mother said. Daphne's cheeks got really red.
"Um, yeah. Actually she broke up with me earlier today but I'm hoping she changed her mind about the whole thing." Jack said looking at Daphne.
Suddenly Rob came with two hamburgers.
"Ok, I got the hamburgers, now what do I get in return?" Rob walked right up in Daphne's face.
"You get to keep the change." Daphne said as she took the tray and handed it to her mother.
"Who's this?" Daphne's mother asked.
"I'm Rob, also Daphne's future boyfriend." Rob said as he put his arm around her, which Daphne immediately pushed off.
"Hello, Rob. I'm Daphne's mother. So let me get this straight. You two like Daphne, but she doesn't like any of you. Ok." Daphne nudged her mother.
"Mom!" Daphne could have died of embarrassment.
"Daphne, can I talk to you for a sec?" Jack asked. Daphne nodded and followed Jack. When they got to the back of the building, Jack sat down on the sidewalk.
"Daph, I'm really sorry about the whole thing." Jack said. Daphne sat next to him.
"Jack, I don't get you. First when I met you, you were like, Mr. Wonderful. But then at school you turned into your typical Alpha Male." Daphne pointed out. Jack turned to Daphne.
"I don't know what came over me. Everyone expects popular guys to be all forward and go through girls like you would go through Kleenex's. But seriously, I hate all of that." Jack tried to explain.
"Well then why did you act that way?" Daphne asked getting frustrated.
"I still care what other people think."
"But why? I mean, I'm sure everyone would like the Jack I know." Daphne suggested. Jack shook his head.
"It's not that simple, Daphne. I mean I'd go from a 10 on the social status, to a two, if I'm lucky." Daphne stood up.
"Well that's just a decision you'll have to make." Daphne started to leave, but Jack stopped her.
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying the only chance you and I would ever have of getting back together depends on which one of us you choose. Them popular crowd or me." After that, Daphne walked back to the table where she found her mother and Rob talking.
"Hey honey. How would you like to go out with Rob tonight?" Daphne almost tripped over herself when he mother said the word Rob.
"Why the heck would I want to do that?" Daphne asked. Then immediately saw Rob face drop. He looked really hurt.
"Um, I mean... Mom, can I speak with you for a sec?" Daphne's mother got up and followed her to the side of the cafe.
"What are trying to do?" Daphne asked her mother. Her mother shrugged.
"I thought you and Rob with look really cute together. I mean, you have so much in common and..."
"How do you know? I mean, after five years you come back here and pretend like everything is alright. It's not, I don't know you at all, you don't know me. So will you quite acting like my best friend!" Daphne nearly screamed. Her mother didn't look very hurt.
"I see you get your temper from your father. But as your mother, I want you to go out with Rob." Daphne looked at her like what the heck?
"No, I'm not going out with Rob." Daphne said folding her arms over her stomach.
"I'm your mother and you do what I say. " With that, Daphne's mother slapped her. Jack saw the whole thing, then ran over to Daphne.
"What the heck is going on here?" Jack asked.
"Absolutely nothing. I was just trying to give Daphne some dating advice." Daphne's mother lied.
"Well, I think Daphne has her love life under control. So I'm just going to give her a ride home." Jack grabs Daphne's arm and started to pull her to the parking lot, but Daphne's mother grabs her other arm and starts pulling her back.
"Look, I'm not a yo yo.. Leave me alone!" Daphne's got away from her mothers grip but Jack was still holding onto her other arm.
"Daphne, wait..." Before he could say anything else, Daphne pulled her arm back and ran for the parking lot.
Daphne noticed Rob in the parking lot starting to get into his car.
"Rob, wait!" Rob turned around.
"What do you want?"
"I need a ride."
*****
"Ok, so what is plan?" Rob was driving Daphne back to her house.
"I'm going to go get my stuff, then it's off to Texas."
"And you expect me to drive you all the way there? What's in it for me?" Right after he asked that, Daphne leaned over and gave him one heck of a kiss.
"Whoa...." Rob pulled up to Daphne's house still shocked.
Daphne snuck inside to her room and quickly packed a bag. She left a note neatly leaning against her pillow on her bed. Then she ran outside where Rob was waiting for her.
*****
"Daphne, are you in there?" Jack was knocking on Daphne's front door. Her father answered.
"Hello Mr. Truman. Is Daphne here?" Jack asked.
"Um, no. I haven't seen her since this morning, I'm getting worried. It's already 12.00. Do you have any idea on where she might be?" Daphne's dad asked Jack.
"I have no idea. But with what happened earlier today, it's possible she ran away." Jack suggested.
"What happened?" Jack walked in the house and tried to explain what had happened, Daphne's mother, Rob, and everything that had happened. Mean while.....
"I can't believe I'm driving you to Texas, at 12:09 in the morning." Rob said as "Who Invited You" by The Donnas played on the stereo.
"I really appreciate this Rob. I have to get away from Florida right now. I mean with the whole custody fight between my parents, and Jack, you're about the only one who's been a help to me all day." Daphne said as she sat closer to him in the front seat.
"Yeah, well. I do the best I can." Roger said with a smile. "So, why Texas?"
"Before I moved to Oregon three years ago, I lived in Texas. I have a lot of friends and relatives there." Daphne answered as she leaned back in her seat. Rob looked over at her with a smile.
"Hey, do you think we should stop somewhere. I heard it's not good to drive at night when you're on a road trip because you could fall asleep at the wheel." Rob said. Daphne looked up at him.
"You mean like a hotel. I don't know, it depends on how much it costs. I don't have that much money." Daphne said sitting up. There was an awkward silence for about five minutes.
"Hey, look at that billboard. It's for "Cheap hotels" straight ahead." Rob said pointing at the billboard.
About three minutes later, they arrived at "Cheap Hotels". They found out it was actually the name of the hotel.
"Um, hi. We'd like a room." Rob said with a smile to the desk clerk.
"Two rooms." Daphne corrected Rob.
"Sorry kids, only have one room left." Daphne gulped.
"Um, where's the next closest hotel?" Daphne asked desperately.
"There ain't one for another two hundred miles. Do you want the room or not?" Rob nodded as he gave the man money. How did I get myself into this? Daphne thought to herself as she followed Rob to the room.
*****
"Thanks, any way Mrs. Wilson. Yes, if I see Rob I'll tell him to go home, bye." Daphne's father called Rob's house hoping that Daphne was there but of course she wasn't.
"She wasn't there." Daphne's father informed Jack.
"I think Daphne probably got Rob to drive her somewhere, but where?" Jack asked.
"If she did run away, it would be to Texas. I have to go get her. God, I hope nothing happens between Roger and her." Daphne's father said as he wheeled himself to his bedroom to pack.
"Hey, what about me?" Jack asked. Daphne's father turned around.
"I guess you should come too. As long as it's alright with your mother." Jack nodded as he went to the phone to call his mother.
*******
"Here you go kids, your room. Enjoy." The desk clerk opened the door to the room for them. Daphne groaned when she saw the inside. There was only one bed, that wasn't very big, a lot of bugs flying around, and it stunk.
"Um, thanks." Daphne said as she walked into the room. After the man left the room, Rob shut the door.
"What side of the bed do you want?" Rob asked as he sat down on it.
"This is how it's going to work. I get the bed, and you get the floor." Daphne said as she pushed him off of it.
"I can't sleep down there! There are cockroaches and junk. How about I get the bed and you get the floor." Rob suggested.
"No way!"
"Well, I'm all for sharing." Rob said as he sat back down on the bed.
"Ok, you stay all the way on the left side of the bed, and I'll stay on the left side. And you have to promise not to pull anything on me ok?" Daphne said as she rolled her eyes.
"Ok, deal. Now, let's get some sleep." Rob said as he got under the covers. Daphne groaned as she lied on the bed next to Rob.
********
"Does this car go any faster?" Daphne's father asked as he and Jack drove in Jacks car.
"Don't sweat it, We'll find them. My car can't go any faster." Jack answered as he cut in front of the car in front him. Daphne's father got an idea.
"Just think, Daphne and Rob, alone. They probably had to stop at a hotel or something on the way. I mean, the longer we take to get there, the longer they'll be alone.
"Ok, lets see how fast this car can really go!" Jack said as he sped up.
*****
Daphne woke up to a car's horns honking outside of the window. She rolled over half asleep. Rob was lying beside her awake.
"Morning Daphne." Rob said. Daphne's face was about an inch away from Rob. Daphne, with out realizing it, rolled over even more. Rob smiled slyly as he wrapped his arms around her. He started kissing her neck.
Daphne opened her eyes slightly, then realized Rob on top of her.
"ROB!!!!!! GET OFF OF ME!!!!!!" Daphne yelled into his ear. Rob jumped up.
"Morning honey.' Daphne punched him. Rob fell off of the bed onto the floor.
"I told you not to pull anything on me!" Daphne said getting up from the bed.
"Hey, I wasn't the one who rolled over. You were like, asking for it." Rob pointed out. Daphne threw her pillow at his head.
"Can we just get back on the rode." Daphne asked as she got up.
"Whatever you say hon..."
"If you call me honey again, your front teeth will be all you have left!" Daphne said as she walked out the door. She looked at her watch, it read 6:30 A.M. I wonder where Jack is right now?
*****
About an hour Rob and Daphne had left the hotel, Jack and Daphne's father stopped there to see if they were still there.
"Hi, did a Daphne Truman or a Rob Wilson stop here?" Daphne's father asked the desk clerk.
"Who wants to know?" The man said as he leaned over the counter.
"Daphne's father."
"Yeah, she did get a room with that boy, but they leftabout an hour or so ago." The man said as he pointed to the door. Daphne's father and Jack immediately ran out of the hotel and back to the car.
*****
Rob and Daphne had been driving four about five hours. Daphne was still rally mad at Rob, but at least she had stopped punching him.
"How much longer until we get there?" Daphne asked as she leaned against the car window.
"We only have about an hour to go. But I need gas." Rob said as he started to pull up into a gas station.
"Trust me, you don't need anymore." Rob gave Daphne a look as he stopped the car.
"Hey, Jack. I think we need gas." Jack and Daphne's father pulled up right behind Daphne and Rob at the gas station.
Daphne leaned against her seat as she played with a strand of her hair. She looked in the rear view mirror and saw Jack.
"Rob, get in here!" Daphne whispered loudly. Rob leaned his head into the open car window. Daphne pulled him all the way into the car.
"Look behind us, honey." Daphne said sarcastically. Rob looked behind them and noticed the others.
"Wow, we need to get out of here!" Rob said as he stepped back outside of the car.
"What are you doing? Get back in here!" Daphne whispered to Rob.
"I have to finish pumping the gas." Rob, didn't whisper this. Jack must of recognized Rob's voice because he walked over to their car. Jack immediately noticed Daphne.
"Mr. Truman, they're here!" Jack opened the cars door and pulled Daphne out.
"Let me go Jack!" Daphne yelled at him.
"Daphne, we have been driving all night looking for you! I'm so glad we found you!" Jack kissed her, but Daphne pulled back.
"Well then you wasted a night because I'm not going back with you!" Daphne said as she tried to get back into the car. But Jack picked her up and carried her to his car.
"Let me go!" Daphne yelled at him. Then she noticed her father, and how worried he looked. There wasn't really anything she could do.
*****
Jack, Daphne, and her father drove back to Florida with Rob in his car behind them. At about ten o'clock at night they reached Daphne's house. Jack dropped Daphne and her father off. Daphne didn't say a word, she just jumped out of the car and ran into the house.
"Thanks Jack, for all of your help." Daphne's dad said.
"No problem Mr. Truman." Jack said looking at the house. Daphne's father noticed this.
"Don't worry Jack, she'll come around." Jack smiled as he pulled out of the drive way and down the street.
"Honey, we need to talk."
"I don't want to talk right now." Daphne said as she sat down on their couch.
"We're going to talk. Now Jack told me all about what happened at the pier yesterday. I reported your mother. And guess what? She's no longer fighting for custody over you! Isn't that great?" Daphne's father asked as he wheeled himself over to where Daphne was sitting.
Daphne looked at her father, then started crying.
"Oh, pops." Daphne threw her arms around him. He hugged her back.
"I would of hated living with my mother. I guess I have Jack to thank for telling you, huh?" Daphne asked sitting back down on the couch.
"He looked pretty hurt when he dropped us off. You should talk to him. Either that, or you should get some sleep. I have major jet lag. I'll see you in the morning sweetheart." Daphne's father suggested as he started for his room. Daphne kissed her father on the top of his head, then walked to her room.
She would have to talk to Jack tomorrow.
*****
Later that morning, Daphne woke up at 9:30. It was a Saturday, and a beautiful one at that. Daphne walked to the kitchen, poured herself some "Luck Charms" cereal, and ate it by the window.
About ten minutes later, Daphne saw a car pull up in front of her house. It turned out to be Jack's car. Daphne watched through the window as he stepped out and walked up to the front door.
Before he could even ring the door bell, Daphne opened the door.
"Hi, I want to apply for the boyfriend job." Jack said with a smile. Daphne stepped outside and walked up to him.
"Well, do you have any experience?" Daphne said with a small smile.
"Sort of. I kind of blew it the first time." Jack said stepping closer to Daphne.
"You're hired." Daphne said with a smile. Jack raised an eyebrow.
"What?" He said sarcastically.
"You don't need to have a good experience here. I mean look at me, I almost blow it every time I start a relationship. So, when can you start?" Daphne asked. Jack winked at her as she pulled him into the house.
THE END
Hehehe, did ya like it? Tell me please. I need to know if I should bane myself from typeing anymore, so please tell me what you think.
BTW, It's about a girl(big surprise). She moved from Oregon to Florida with her handicaped father, to find a new life. But she meets a guy that changes her life, for ever. I know, it sounds pretty boreing but just read it.
Everything Happens for a Reason
"Yo' butthead, move it!" Daphne Wilson yelled at the mail man in front of her. Daphne had just moved from Oregon to Florida. She had just started her new job, paper boy. Or in this case paper girl.
The man pulled out of the way.
"Thanks a lot!" Daphne first threw a paper at the mail man, then threw a paper to the house on her right side, and accidentally broke a window.
A woman in curlers stepped out of the front door.
"Not again!" The woman gave Daphne a dirty look, and then walked back inside.
"Sorry about that! I owe you a new window. I'll try to remember that!" Daphne rode past the house and continued on her route.
Daphne was your average 15 year old tomboy, well almost.
"Hey, Daph! Saturday, you, me, the mall." Rob yelled to Daphne front the front door of his house.
"Dream on!" Daphne yelled back as she threw his paper at him. Rob caught it, then walked back into his house. Rob had started hitting on Daphne the minute she moved in, which was evidently three days ago.
Daphne threw a paper to the last house on her route, then started back to her house to get her back pack for school.
"Hey, pops!" Daphne walked in through the front door, then slammed it behind her. Her father was sitting in front of the TV watching Good Morning America. There was one special thing about her dad, he was handicapped. He had gotten in a bad car accident close after he had divorced Daphne's mother.
"Hey, honey. I'm going to need a lot of help unpacking and junk so...."
"No sweat dad, I'll unpack after school." Daphne called from her room.
"Thanks Daph! You're an angel!" Her father called from across the house. Daphne smiled as she walked into the living room where her dad was, with her backpack hanging on her shoulder.
"You're tackling the night shift at Walmart tonight right?" Daphne asked as she sat on the couch next to her father's wheel chair.
"Yep." Her dad said with a smile. Daphne shrugged as she searched in her backpack for a piece of paper.
"Um, dad. I think I could get a job on the beach. I already went there and talked to several people about it. So, what do you say?" Daphne handed her father a flyer. It read in large print "Help Needed". Daphne needed to get a job to help with their rent. They didn't really have any money at all, so Daphne had to start working.
"Honey, I really feel terrible about this, I mean...."
"It's ok dad. We need more money. I'll be working at the cafe on the pier near the beach. It actually pays pretty good. Whatcha say?" Daphne asked. Her father let out a guilty sigh, then nodded.
"I guess that would be cool. As long as it was after school...." Daphne smiled then hugged her father.
"Thanks pops. I'll go apply today after school, then I'll come help unpack." Daphne looked at her watch, then noticed she was late for school.
"Whoa, I gotta jet. I'm late." Daphne gave her father a small hug then ran out side.
She reached her bike, jumped on it, and rode like heck to school.
*****
Daphne finally made it to school. Unfortunately, she made it just as they closed the doors.
"Dang." Daphne started trying to find an open window.
She reached her Algebra class's window. She noticed that Rob was sitting nearest to the window.
Daphne cleared her throat hoping for it to be loud enough for Rob to hear. Rob turned his head, then noticed Daphne.
"Hi!" He mouthed out. Daphne shook her head.
"Get me in there!" Daphne mouthed. Rob mouthed "How?"
"Distract her!" Rob nodded as he raised his hand.
"Yes, Robert? Do you have a question?" Mrs. Perkins, their algebra teacher asked.
"Um, no. But earlier I, um, saw some thugs writing graffiti on the school walls. You might want to go tell the principal." Rob lied, hoping it would be enough for her to leave the room.
"Oh, well thank you for informing me Robert." Mrs. Perkins then ran out of the class.
"Daphne, what are you doing out there?" Rob asked as he got up and walked to the window.
"I got locked out. Just shut up and help me in!" Daphne whispered loudly. Rob gave a happy smirk as he offered his hand to her.
She was half way into the room when their teacher came back in.
"What in heavens name is going on here?" Mrs. Perkins asked as she walked over to Daphne as Rob quickly pulled her all the way into the room.
"Well, Mrs. Perkins. I, um, wanted to get some fresh air, so I opened the window. But as I did, I tripped and fell out of the class room. Rob started to help me back in when you came in." Daphne held her breath, waiting to see if her teacher would believe her.
Mrs. Perkins gave her a suspicious look, then walked back to her desk. Daphne guessed this meant she was home free. Daphne walked to her desk near the front of the class, breathing a sigh of relief.
*****
"Can I sit here?" Daphne asked for the tenth time. She was trying to find a table in the cafeteria that would be gracious enough for her to sit with them and eat her lunch. But nobody wanted the new girl to sit with them. I mean, high school is hard enough without being stranded in the cafeteria with your tuna fish sandwich going bad.
"Hey, Daphne, over here!" Daphne whirled around hopefully, then found Rob waving her over. Daphne groaned as she made her way over to where Rob was sitting.
"Wow, I'm surprised you actually came over here. I mean, after the whole window incident." Rob said with a smile as Daphne sat next to him.
"Well, thanks for the help. But it hopefully won't happen again." Daphne said as she immediately started eating her sandwich. Hoping to finish soon.
"Hey, what are you doing this afternoon?" Rob asked with a hopeful expression on his face.
"I'm busy, and if you ask tomorrow my answer will probably be the same. I have to go apply for the job at the pier, then I have to go help unpack with my dad." Daphne answered not looking at him. Rob gave a disappointed shrug as he opened a bag of chips.
"Ok, so...." Rob said, trying to start a conversation.
"Look, I have to go." Daphne lied as she got up. Rob followed her.
"Hey, do you think I could help unpack and stuff. I mean, I would be happy to." Rob volunteered. Daphne walked to a trash can as she threw her half eaten sandwich into it. Daphne turned back to Rob.
"We'll survive without your help." Daphne started walking toward the cafeteria door. Then turned back.
"But thanks for asking." Rob smiled as he walked back to his table.
*****
"Hi, I want to apply for the waitress job." Daphne said as she leaned against the cafe ordering counter. Daphne had rode her bike to the pier after school, hoping to get the job. She was talking to a guy, he looked about 16 with blonde hair and green eyes. Daphne didn't get along with Blonde guys. She was a green eyed brunette. Plus, this guy was wearing a blue T shirt and baggy jeans. Daphne was wearing a camouflage tank top with black baggy pants.
"Um, ok. I'm Jack Renolds." Jack said with a warm smile.
"I'm Daphne Truman." Daphne said, trying to keep her expression purely business like.
"Well, do you have experience in waitressing?" Jack asked as he leaned over the counter, getting pretty close to Daphne's face. She stood up.
"No." Daphne answered giving Jack a look.
"Ok, you're hired." Jack said with a smile as he took down the "Help Needed" sign hanging up next to him.
"Huh?" Daphne asked with a raised eye brow.
"You don't really need experience here. I mean look at me, I almost always break a dish a day. So, when can you start?" Jack asked as he walked around the counter and to where Daphne was standing.
"Tomorrow?" Daphne suggested as she sort of stepped back, away from Jack.
"Thursday, perfect. See you tomorrow at four." Daphne nodded as she started to leave the pier.
"Hey, wait." Daphne turned around.
"What are you doing later tonight?" Jack asked with sly smirk on his face.
"Why?" Daphne knew he was going to ask her out.
"Tonight some people from my school are going to go see a movie, would you be interested?" Jack asked as he walked up to her.
"Um, well, no. I just moved here, and I have to help my father unpack. Plus, I don't even know you!" Daphne said trying to think of another excuse.
"Ok, here. I'm 17, I have my own car, I love basketball, and I'm a dog person. Now you know me." Jack said with a smile.
"Here's what you don't know about me. I'm 15, I love soccer, I don't have my drivers license, and I'm more of a cat person. See you tomorrow at four." After that, Daphne walked away without looking back.
******
"Where am I??" Daphne had started back, but she must have taken a wrong turn because she had no idea where she was. Daphne crossed over a street and came to a dirt road. Daphne had no idea what to do. It was getting dark and it was raining.
Daphne looked up at the sky, behind her, and in front of her. She decided to go down the dirt road, maybe it was a short cut.
She rode her bike down the dark dirt road, hoping she would not stumble into a terrible, painful death.
*****
About an hour later, the sky was pitch black. Daphne struggled as she walked her bike through the rain with her damp clothes. She noticed a house not far away from where she was.
Daphne questioned herself on whether it would be a good idea to beg whoever lived there if she could use their phone or something. Just then, she heard lightning. That settled it, she was going in.
Daphne slowly walked up to the front door of the house. When she reached the nice, blue, wooden, door, she knocked on it. Daphne could hear someone walk to the door. She held her breath in fear.
A middle aged woman in a robe answered the door.
"Um, hi. I got lost on the trail. Do you think it would be alright if I used your phone?" Daphne asked. The woman nodded with a sympathetic smile.
"Of course you can sweetie. Come on in." The woman said as she showed Daphne in. Daphne stopped inside the hallway.
"I'm really sorry about my clothes and everything. I was out in the rain for a long time. I...." Before Daphne could finish, she heard a familiar voice coming into the hallway.
"Mom, who was that. Oh, Daphne...." It was Jack from the cafe. Daphne's jaw dropped when she found out who it was. It also didn't help that Jack was in a towel.
"Jack? You live here?" Daphne stuttered. She could feel her cheeks turning red on account of embarrassment. She was soaking wet, lost, and was seeing the guy who she now works with in a towel. How much more embarrassing could it get?
"Yep, what are you doing here? I didn't know you knew where I lived." Jack said with a smile.
"Um, I got lost on the trail. I saw your house, of course I had no idea this was your house." Daphne tried to explain.
"Daphne wasn't it? I'll get you a towel." Just as Jacks mother said the word towel, Daphne accidentally looked at Jacks towel. Jack must of noticed it because he cleared his throat really loud. Daphne's cheeks got even redder.
"Um, thanks." Daphne said in an embarrassed voice. Jacks mother lead Daphne to the phone. Daphne dialed her house number.
"Hello?" A woman answered Daphne's house phone.
"I think I got the wrong number." Daphne hung up and dialed again.
"Hello? Truman residence." The same woman answered.
"Um, is Steven Truman, my father there?" Daphne asked in a worried voice.
"Yes, but he can't come to the phone right now. He's changing. But I'll tell him you called." Daphne heard a click on the other line. Daphne slowly hung up the phone. Could her dad be seeing someone? If so, why didn't he tell her? Daphne would have to think about this later because right after she hung up the lights went out.
"What's going on?" Daphne asked as she squinted her eyes, trying to see where she was.
"The power went out." Jack said as he lighted a candle. He was now in a T shirt and shorts.
"Kids, you alright? I'm going to turn on a couple of flashlights." Jacks mother came in from the other room.
"I couldn't reach my dad. Do you want me to leave?" Daphne asked. Jacks mother walked up to her.
"Oh, course not. You can sleep on the couch bed tonight. Any of Jacks friends are welcomed here." Jacks mother said with a warm smile. Daphne guessed that's where Jack got his.
*****
Jacks mother fixed up the couch bed for Daphne, said goodnight and left. Daphne sat on the couch bed. She was getting ready to get under the covers when...
"So, what was the whole phone call thing about?" Daphne jumped up, then noticed Jack by the doorway.
"What are you talking about?" Daphne asked still standing. Jack walked over to her.
"I heard the whole thing. Is your father single?" Jack asked standing in front of Daphne.
"Divorced, and why is it any of your business? By the way, it's not polite to listen to other peoples phone calls." Daphne said frustrated.
"Well, excuse me but a fellow cafe worker comes to my house in the middle of the night, asks to use my phone, then ends up staying for the night. I think it's only polite to tell me what happened on the phone." Jack answered as he gave Daphne one of his smirky smiles.
"I called him, a woman answered the phone and told me that my father couldn't come to the phone because he was changing, into who knows what! You happy now?" Daphne asked as she plopped on the bed. Jack didn't even realize he sat down next to her on the bed, and obviously Daphne didn't realize either.
"I'm sorry." Jack said after an awkward silence.
"He's never mentioned a women before. Plus, I haven't gotten home yet and he's getting busy with a woman I've never seen or heard of?" Daphne could feel her cheeks getting warm, that only meant one thing. She was about to cry. Daphne started to cry lightly. Jack put his arm around her.
"I remember when my dad died when I was four. My mom started dating and bringing all of these men home. I remember, I was so mad at my mom for trying to replace my father. But I realized that my mom is actually a person. She needs her own relationships too. So maybe your father just needs another relationship of his own." Jack said with a smile as he wiped away one of Daphne's tears.
Suddenly, Jack looked into Daphne's eyes. Their faces got closer, and closer, until....
"What's going on here?" Jack and Daphne suddenly pulled away from each other when Jacks mother came into the room.
"Nothing mom, we were just talking." Jack said as he got up. Jack's mother smiled then waved as she walked back into her room.
When Jacks mother had left, Jack turned back to Daphne.
"Sleep well. I'll drive you back to your house tomorrow morning." Jack said with a smile as he walked over to her. Daphne stood up. Jack hugged her, then left the room with a wave.
Daphne smiled as she got under the covers of the couch bed.
*****
"Rise and shine!" Daphne squinted her eyes open and found Jack sitting next to the couch bed.
"Jack?" Daphne asked half asleep.
"Yep, and ready to go. But you, still have to get ready. So come on." Daphne sat up, and looked at her watch. It read 6:45.
"Where's the bathroom?" Daphne asked as she stood up.
"First door on your left." Jack said as he pointed to the hall. Daphne found the bathroom, where she found her hair in a total mess! Even though she rarely wore makeup, she didn't want to look totally mutated in front of Jack.
*****
About five minutes later, Daphne was ready to go. She met Jack near the front door with his mother.
"Thank you so much for letting me stay here for the night." Daphne said to Jacks mother.
"No problem honey. Come over anytime you want." Daphne gave her a smile as she followed Jack outside to the car.
*****
"So... Sorry about me sleepwalking last night." Jack said as he put Daphne's bike into his truck.
"What?" Daphne was sort of worried by what he meant by that.
"Didn't you notice me sleep walking?" Jack asked as he opened the truck door for Daphne. Daphne shook her head no as she stepped in.
"Well, I have this weird habit with sleepwalking. I always sleepwalk to the couch, then back to my room again. It's so weird. Anyway, I slept walked and lied down in the bed last night, then I woke up. I thought you noticed because you started talking.
"What? I didn't talk to you last night, I mean I wasn't even awake!" Daphne said defensively.
"Well, you said a whole lot." David said with an amused smile as he started up the truck.
"Like what?"
"Like, "Oh, do that again Jack" and, "Stay here, with me", and junk. It was actually kind of, I don't know, hilarious." Jack said with a laugh. Daphne hit him playfully on the arm.
"Yeah, right. Did you really sleep walk?" Daphne asked in a concerned voice. Jack looked at her from the corner of his eye and shook his head no.
"That's what I thought." Daphne said as she folded her arms around her stomach.
"I just wanted to see your reaction." Jack answered with a smile.
*****
"Pops, I'm home." Daphne said nervously, knowing what she would probably find. Her father came out of his room, and wheeled himself over to where Daphne was standing.
"Honey, where were you? I was so worried. I...." Her father started to become the usual worried parent.
"Oh, was your little friend worried too?" Daphne asked as she sat down on one of their kitchen chairs.
"What do you mean?" Daphne gave her father a look.
"Right after I applied for that job, I got lost. Luckily one of my friends let me stay at their house for the night. But I called, Dad, and a woman answered." Daphne said hurt. Her father cleared his throat.
"A friend of mine, from work, came home with me last night because her car broke down. I suggested she have dinner at my house, she said yes." Daphne's father explained.
"She said you couldn't talk to me because you were changing." Daphne pointed out.
"I was changing." Daphne looked into her fathers eyes. He was hiding something. Daphne could tell.
"What's going on dad?" Daphne asked standing up.
"Daph, a lot has been happening since yesterday morning." Daphne's father didn't look her in the eye.
"Tell me, trust me, speak to me dad." Daphne pleaded. Her father took a deep breath.
"Your mother is trying to get custody over you. I don't want you to leave me, Daphne." To Daphne's surprise, her father actually started crying.
"I won't, promise." Daphne hugged her father. He shook his head.
"She's been fighting for you for a long time. I really think I might lose you to her. We're going to court on Saturday." Daphne couldn't imagine what it would be like living without her dad. And worse, living with her mom. Daphne hadn't seen her mother in five years! It must take a pretty mean person to try to get custody over Daphne now. Daphne looked at her watch, then back down at her father.
"I have to go deliver my papers. I'll be back after school, no wait. I have to work. I'll see you tonight. " Daphne said as she kissed her father on the top of his head. Her father gave her a disappointed smile.
"I got the house done." Daphne's father said to her through her bed room door.
"It looks great dad." Daphne stated as she changed.
After Daphne was done, she kissed her father one last time before running to the door. Daphne ran outside, then bumped into someone.
"Watch out Daphne, you could kill someone like that." It turned out to be Jack.
"Jack, what are you still doing here?" Daphne asked. Jack shrugged.
"I thought, maybe I could help you with your papers. You know, with the car." Jack said as he opened the car door.
"Thanks, and did you hear any of that?" Daphne asked as she got in.
"Any of what?"
"Of what my father and I were talking about?" Daphne asked as he started up the car.
"Well, a little." Jack said as his smile dropped.
"I can't believe you Jack! You heard the whole thing! You eavesdropped on our conversation!"Daphne said hitting him on the arm, which made the car sway off the road and onto the side walk.
Daphne opened the car door.
"Where are you going?' Jack asked, shutting off the car.
"I can't ride in the same car as you anymore." Daphne said as she started delivering papers by foot.
"Fine, you walk." Jack said as he slowly followed her with his car.
Daphne turned around and noticed it. "Jack, what the heck are you doing?"
"Following you."
"Why?"
"Because it's fun to get on your nerves." Jack said with his sly smile.
"Leave me alone, Jack." Daphne said as she threw a paper at him. He smiled as he threw the paper at another house.
"Look, I'm sorry. I really hope everything turns out alright for you and you father. I have a problem with eavesdropping." Jack said in a serious way.
"It's ok, but next time, butt out!" Daphne said as she threw a paper at the next house on her route. Jack stopped the car, then got out. He took one of Daphne's papers, then threw it at one of the houses. Daphne smiled, until Jack broke one of the houses windows.
The same woman from before stepped out in a robe. "You kids owe me one hundred dollars for all of the windows you broke. I expect the money arriving with my paper tomorrow!" The woman yelled at them, then walked back into the house. Jack turned to Daphne.
"Sorry about that. I'll give her the money tomorrow." Jack offered as he threw another paper. This paper, too, flew through the air and shattered another window. Jack and Daphne looked at each other, then ran like heck for the car.
*****
"Hurry, Jack. I'll be late again!" Daphne said as Jack drove her to school.
"Hey, I'm going to be late for school too. Which school do you go to?" Jack asked as he stopped at a red light.
"Gulf Breeze High. Which school do you go to?" Daphne asked. Jack turned to her.
"Well, unless there are two Gulf Breeze Highs, I go to your school." Jack smiled. Daphne let out a breathe of relief. Maybe today she wouldn't have to sit with Rob in the cafeteria .
*****
"I'll see you at lunch." Jack said as they got into school.
"Ok, save a seat for me." Daphne said with a smile. She noticed a couple of people watching them. Suddenly Jack leaned over and kissed her. It wasn't a long kiss, but it was enough for every one in the hall to notice. All the girls started whispering, the guys walked up to Jack and shook his hand or patted him on the back. Jack waved at Daphne, then left for his first class. Suddenly the most popular girls in school walked up to her.
"Aren't you Daphne Truman?" Daphne could believe it. Jennifer, the most popular girl in school knew her name!
"Uh, yeah. Why?" Daphne knew that kind of sounded stupid, but whatever.
"Are you dating Jack? Because if you are, I think that is so great. I mean, the most popular guy and the new girl. That is so cute. Sit with us at lunch, ok Daph?" Ashley, another popular girl asked. Daphne nodded as the girls left.
*****
"Ok, who can tell me the 10th president of the united states?" Daphne was in social studies. So far, everyone in her class had passed her a note. Some said to meet them after school at the mall. Others asked if she would meet them at the movies. And others just said, hey.
Rob who was sitting next to her passed her a note. Daphne opened it. It read... Daphne, What is going on? I heard you're dating that jerk, Jack. Don't become popular, it's not a turn on. If you decide you don't like this Jack guy, I'm always free.
Daphne rolled her eyes. She crumbled up the note and threw it at Rob.
"Daphne, we will not be playing catch in my class." Her teacher said in his usual boring voice. Right as he said that, everyone threw at least one crumpled up piece of paper at him. He just went on about the presidents.
*****
When Daphne got into the cafeteria, everyone wanted her to sit with them. But Daphne just kept on looking for Jack. She finally saw him sitting with a couple of jocks and cheer leaders. Daphne slowly made her way over to him.
"Hey Daphne. Here." Jack pushed one of the jocks that was sitting next to him off the bench for Daphne. She slowly sat down next to him.
"So Daphne, where did you get your hair done. I love that color on you." One of the cheerleaders asked Daphne.
"Um, I didn't go anywhere. This is my hair color." Daphne answered as she brought out a bag of chip from her lunch bag.
"Really? That is so cool. So, how long have you and Jack been going out?" Jennifer asked when she arrived at the table. She went over to one of the jocks and sat on his lap. Before Daphne could tell them they weren't going out, Jack answered for her.
"We just started going out." Jack said as he put his arm around Daphne. Daphne gave him a look, but he obviously didn't notice it, or he didn't want to notice it.
"Yeah, we heard all about last night." One of the football players said as he gave Jack a high five. Daphne turned to Jack.
"Jack, can I speak to you in private for a minute?" Daphne asked. Jack winked at everyone else at the table as Daphne pulled him out the cafeteria.
When they reached the hall.....
"What are you doing?" Daphne asked in a hurt voice.
"What do you mean. Everyone thinks we're going out, so why not spread the rumor." Jack said with a smile. Daphne was really mad at Jack. She had never seen him act this way. Well, she did just meet him the day before.
"I can't believe you Jack! And what did you tell them about last night?" Daphne asked. Jack hesitated before answering.
"Well, I just old them what happened. That's all. Now can we go back now?" Jack asked grabbing her hand. Daphne pulled back.
"No, not until we get this talked out. We are not going out, well not yet. Quite spreading lies about you and me. And, I don't even want to know what you told them about last night. If we do start going out, we'd have to take things slow." Daphne said. She was only saying this because she liked Jack, he was fun to talk to. But, he wasn't his wonderful self at school today. He was just another stuck up popular guy.
"Ok, we'll take it slow. Daphne Truman, will you please do me the honor of accompanying to dinner tonight after we work in the cafe?" Jack asked. Daphne hesitated before answering,Then nodded.
"Great, now lets go back in there." Jack took her hand and pulled her back into the cafeteria. On their way back to the table, Daphne noticed Rob sitting all alone, and giving her this look. Daphne used to be an unpopular nobody like Rob, but now because of Jack, she's now one of the most popular girls in school.
*****
After school, Jack gave her a ride to the cafe. And to her not surprise, a lot of people from their school was already there, waiting for them.
Jack said hi to everyone as he took Daphne back behind the counter. He showed her how to make all of the dishes they served at the cafe, in front of everyone. Every now and then, he'd take her hands in his and move them around for her, he'd put his arm around her, he lean over her to see how she was doing. Daphne was sort of getting annoyed with him.
"Hey, Daphne." Rob showed up at about 6:00.
"Rob, hi. You're about the only almost normal person I've seen all day. What do you want?" Daphne asked. Rob smiled.
"I'll have a hamburger and your phone number." Daphne gave him a look. "Ok, I'll settle for the hamburger. Oh, and add a smoothie." Daphne nodded, as she went into the back to start the hamburger. Jack was already in the back.
"What will it be, Daph?" Jack asked as he flipped a hamburger patty in the air.
"I'll make the hamburger." Daphne said s she stood next to him by the grill. She tried to flip a burger, it fell on the floor. She groaned as she picked it up and threw it in the trash. She started on a new one. Before she could flip this one Jack stopped her.
"Wait, before you drop another one of those, here..." Jack slid his arms down Daphne's. "You have to take it slow, slowly put the spatula under the patty, then....." Jack kissed Daphne's neck. Suddenly, scaring Jack, Daphne pushed him away.
"Jack, I told you. I wanted to take it slow." Daphne said as she turned around.
"What if I don't want to?" Jack said. Daphne could see a ton of kids from their school watching them from the counter.
"Then you don't have a girlfriend. What happened to the Jack I knew. The Jack who cared about my feelings. The Jack, who let me sleep on his couch bed. The Jack who helped me with my paper route? Now you're just another stuck up popular guy who only cares about his reputation." Daphne said as she took off her apron. Daphne started to leave.
"By the way, I quit. Oh, and Rob needs a hamburger and a smoothie." Daphne said as she threw her apron at Jack.
*****
"Dad I'm home early!" Daphne yelled as she came into the front door. Her father was sitting in front of a blank TV screen.
"Dad? Are you alright?" Daphne kneeled down beside her father.
"Oh, hi Daphne. Guess who's here." Her father said in a sort of angry way.
"Hello, Daphne." Daphne whirled around and found a beautiful woman with long, brown, hair in jeans and a button up blue shirt behind her.
"Who's this?" Daphne asked her father, not looking away from the woman.
"This is your mother." The woman smiled. Daphne didn't know whether to be thrilled, or angry.
The woman walked up to Daphne and hugged her. Daphne gave her a small hug.
"Daphne, you look beautiful. I know this may be quit of a shock, me coming here. But I just had to see you." Daphne didn't say a word.
"Your mother wants to take you out to dinner. Would you like that Daph?" Daphne noticed her father never looked at her mother.
"Um, whatever." Daphne didn't know what else to say.
"Well, alright then. Come on Daphne." Her mother put her arm around Daphne as they walked to the door. Daphne observed her mother. Her hair was nicely put up into a hair clip. She was wearing nice perfume. And she had a lot of jewelry on. When they got outside, Daphne's mother opened the door to her old looking Mustang Convertible. Daphne slid into the front seat and waited until her mother arrived in the driver's seat.
"So, how do you like it here in Florida?" Daphne's mother asked as they pulled out of the driveway. Her mother had this nice gentle voice, but it was loud enough for you to know she was actually a human being.
"Um, it's ok." Daphne lied. Hah. Everything I even remotely liked about Florida blew up in my face. But she doesn't need to know that.
"Do you have many friends?" Daphne's mother asked. She didn't look like she was nervous at all about the whole five years separation.
"Well, not until today." Daphne sort of groaned this out.
"Oh, what happened today?" Daphne couldn't blame her mother for asking these questions, but Daphne hadn't seen her mother since she was ten.
"It's a long story."
"I've got time." Her mother said with a smile. Daphne sort of felt comforted by her mothers warmth.
"Um, ok. It all started at the, hey. Why are we driving to the beach?" Daphne asked in horror. I mean, Jack was still there with all of his popular friends.
"I saw this cute little cafe on the pier. Plus I saw this really cute guy about your age working there. Maybe you'd be interested?" Her mother said with a smile.
What was Daphne to do? I mean the jerk she just dumped would be there. He'd probably give her a hard time. Plus, her mother thought he was cute?
"Um, how about we go to a fast food joint. Don't you just love Burger King?" Her mother just gave a little laugh as she pulled up in the parking the cafe.
Daphne slowly got out of the car, hoping maybe Jack's shift was over. But it wasn't, because Daphne could see him at the counter.
She mother walked in front of her as they walked up the small sidewalk leading to the cafe.
"How about you order, and I'll get us a table." Was she kidding? How could Daphne go up there and order from her ex boyfriend.
"No! I mean, how would I know what you want?" Daphne tried to think of an excuse.
"Oh, I'll just have whatever you're having." Daphne's mother answered before she walked over to where the tables were. Daphne gulped as she started for the counter.
"Hey, Daphne over here!" Daphne whirled around and found Rob sitting at a table. Daphne ran over to him and sat down. The only bad thing about Rob yelling her name was that now Jack saw her and now knows that she was there.
"Hey, Rob. I need a favor. Will you go up there and order two hamburgers for me?" Daphne asked. Rob shrugged.
"Sure, but why can't you just go ask your boyfriend over there?" Rob asked in a sort of angry voice when he said the word "boyfriend".
"We broke up. No will you just go order the hamburgers?" Daphne shoved a ten dollar bill into his hand then started to run for the table her mother was sitting at, but was stopped by Jack grabbing her arm.
"Daphne, what are you doing here?" Jack asked still holding onto her arm.
"None of your business. Now let me go!" Daphne said as she pulled her arm out of his grip.
"Daphne, I'm really sorry about today. I mean, I was a real jerk. I only acted that way because I thought if I didn't, all the guys would think, I don't know." Jack said as he followed Daphne walking to her mothers table.
Before Daphne could say anything, her mother got up from the table and walked up to them.
"Hi, Daphne. Who's this? Is this your boyfriend?" Daphne was beyond embarrassed.
"Um, well at least I hope so." Jack answered. Daphne rolled her eyes.
"Um, Jack, this is my mother. Mom, Jack." Daphne's mother shook Jack's hand.
"I brought her up here because I saw you earlier, and I thought you two could get together. But I guess that's already taken care of." Daphne's mother said. Daphne's cheeks got really red.
"Um, yeah. Actually she broke up with me earlier today but I'm hoping she changed her mind about the whole thing." Jack said looking at Daphne.
Suddenly Rob came with two hamburgers.
"Ok, I got the hamburgers, now what do I get in return?" Rob walked right up in Daphne's face.
"You get to keep the change." Daphne said as she took the tray and handed it to her mother.
"Who's this?" Daphne's mother asked.
"I'm Rob, also Daphne's future boyfriend." Rob said as he put his arm around her, which Daphne immediately pushed off.
"Hello, Rob. I'm Daphne's mother. So let me get this straight. You two like Daphne, but she doesn't like any of you. Ok." Daphne nudged her mother.
"Mom!" Daphne could have died of embarrassment.
"Daphne, can I talk to you for a sec?" Jack asked. Daphne nodded and followed Jack. When they got to the back of the building, Jack sat down on the sidewalk.
"Daph, I'm really sorry about the whole thing." Jack said. Daphne sat next to him.
"Jack, I don't get you. First when I met you, you were like, Mr. Wonderful. But then at school you turned into your typical Alpha Male." Daphne pointed out. Jack turned to Daphne.
"I don't know what came over me. Everyone expects popular guys to be all forward and go through girls like you would go through Kleenex's. But seriously, I hate all of that." Jack tried to explain.
"Well then why did you act that way?" Daphne asked getting frustrated.
"I still care what other people think."
"But why? I mean, I'm sure everyone would like the Jack I know." Daphne suggested. Jack shook his head.
"It's not that simple, Daphne. I mean I'd go from a 10 on the social status, to a two, if I'm lucky." Daphne stood up.
"Well that's just a decision you'll have to make." Daphne started to leave, but Jack stopped her.
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying the only chance you and I would ever have of getting back together depends on which one of us you choose. Them popular crowd or me." After that, Daphne walked back to the table where she found her mother and Rob talking.
"Hey honey. How would you like to go out with Rob tonight?" Daphne almost tripped over herself when he mother said the word Rob.
"Why the heck would I want to do that?" Daphne asked. Then immediately saw Rob face drop. He looked really hurt.
"Um, I mean... Mom, can I speak with you for a sec?" Daphne's mother got up and followed her to the side of the cafe.
"What are trying to do?" Daphne asked her mother. Her mother shrugged.
"I thought you and Rob with look really cute together. I mean, you have so much in common and..."
"How do you know? I mean, after five years you come back here and pretend like everything is alright. It's not, I don't know you at all, you don't know me. So will you quite acting like my best friend!" Daphne nearly screamed. Her mother didn't look very hurt.
"I see you get your temper from your father. But as your mother, I want you to go out with Rob." Daphne looked at her like what the heck?
"No, I'm not going out with Rob." Daphne said folding her arms over her stomach.
"I'm your mother and you do what I say. " With that, Daphne's mother slapped her. Jack saw the whole thing, then ran over to Daphne.
"What the heck is going on here?" Jack asked.
"Absolutely nothing. I was just trying to give Daphne some dating advice." Daphne's mother lied.
"Well, I think Daphne has her love life under control. So I'm just going to give her a ride home." Jack grabs Daphne's arm and started to pull her to the parking lot, but Daphne's mother grabs her other arm and starts pulling her back.
"Look, I'm not a yo yo.. Leave me alone!" Daphne's got away from her mothers grip but Jack was still holding onto her other arm.
"Daphne, wait..." Before he could say anything else, Daphne pulled her arm back and ran for the parking lot.
Daphne noticed Rob in the parking lot starting to get into his car.
"Rob, wait!" Rob turned around.
"What do you want?"
"I need a ride."
*****
"Ok, so what is plan?" Rob was driving Daphne back to her house.
"I'm going to go get my stuff, then it's off to Texas."
"And you expect me to drive you all the way there? What's in it for me?" Right after he asked that, Daphne leaned over and gave him one heck of a kiss.
"Whoa...." Rob pulled up to Daphne's house still shocked.
Daphne snuck inside to her room and quickly packed a bag. She left a note neatly leaning against her pillow on her bed. Then she ran outside where Rob was waiting for her.
*****
"Daphne, are you in there?" Jack was knocking on Daphne's front door. Her father answered.
"Hello Mr. Truman. Is Daphne here?" Jack asked.
"Um, no. I haven't seen her since this morning, I'm getting worried. It's already 12.00. Do you have any idea on where she might be?" Daphne's dad asked Jack.
"I have no idea. But with what happened earlier today, it's possible she ran away." Jack suggested.
"What happened?" Jack walked in the house and tried to explain what had happened, Daphne's mother, Rob, and everything that had happened. Mean while.....
"I can't believe I'm driving you to Texas, at 12:09 in the morning." Rob said as "Who Invited You" by The Donnas played on the stereo.
"I really appreciate this Rob. I have to get away from Florida right now. I mean with the whole custody fight between my parents, and Jack, you're about the only one who's been a help to me all day." Daphne said as she sat closer to him in the front seat.
"Yeah, well. I do the best I can." Roger said with a smile. "So, why Texas?"
"Before I moved to Oregon three years ago, I lived in Texas. I have a lot of friends and relatives there." Daphne answered as she leaned back in her seat. Rob looked over at her with a smile.
"Hey, do you think we should stop somewhere. I heard it's not good to drive at night when you're on a road trip because you could fall asleep at the wheel." Rob said. Daphne looked up at him.
"You mean like a hotel. I don't know, it depends on how much it costs. I don't have that much money." Daphne said sitting up. There was an awkward silence for about five minutes.
"Hey, look at that billboard. It's for "Cheap hotels" straight ahead." Rob said pointing at the billboard.
About three minutes later, they arrived at "Cheap Hotels". They found out it was actually the name of the hotel.
"Um, hi. We'd like a room." Rob said with a smile to the desk clerk.
"Two rooms." Daphne corrected Rob.
"Sorry kids, only have one room left." Daphne gulped.
"Um, where's the next closest hotel?" Daphne asked desperately.
"There ain't one for another two hundred miles. Do you want the room or not?" Rob nodded as he gave the man money. How did I get myself into this? Daphne thought to herself as she followed Rob to the room.
*****
"Thanks, any way Mrs. Wilson. Yes, if I see Rob I'll tell him to go home, bye." Daphne's father called Rob's house hoping that Daphne was there but of course she wasn't.
"She wasn't there." Daphne's father informed Jack.
"I think Daphne probably got Rob to drive her somewhere, but where?" Jack asked.
"If she did run away, it would be to Texas. I have to go get her. God, I hope nothing happens between Roger and her." Daphne's father said as he wheeled himself to his bedroom to pack.
"Hey, what about me?" Jack asked. Daphne's father turned around.
"I guess you should come too. As long as it's alright with your mother." Jack nodded as he went to the phone to call his mother.
*******
"Here you go kids, your room. Enjoy." The desk clerk opened the door to the room for them. Daphne groaned when she saw the inside. There was only one bed, that wasn't very big, a lot of bugs flying around, and it stunk.
"Um, thanks." Daphne said as she walked into the room. After the man left the room, Rob shut the door.
"What side of the bed do you want?" Rob asked as he sat down on it.
"This is how it's going to work. I get the bed, and you get the floor." Daphne said as she pushed him off of it.
"I can't sleep down there! There are cockroaches and junk. How about I get the bed and you get the floor." Rob suggested.
"No way!"
"Well, I'm all for sharing." Rob said as he sat back down on the bed.
"Ok, you stay all the way on the left side of the bed, and I'll stay on the left side. And you have to promise not to pull anything on me ok?" Daphne said as she rolled her eyes.
"Ok, deal. Now, let's get some sleep." Rob said as he got under the covers. Daphne groaned as she lied on the bed next to Rob.
********
"Does this car go any faster?" Daphne's father asked as he and Jack drove in Jacks car.
"Don't sweat it, We'll find them. My car can't go any faster." Jack answered as he cut in front of the car in front him. Daphne's father got an idea.
"Just think, Daphne and Rob, alone. They probably had to stop at a hotel or something on the way. I mean, the longer we take to get there, the longer they'll be alone.
"Ok, lets see how fast this car can really go!" Jack said as he sped up.
*****
Daphne woke up to a car's horns honking outside of the window. She rolled over half asleep. Rob was lying beside her awake.
"Morning Daphne." Rob said. Daphne's face was about an inch away from Rob. Daphne, with out realizing it, rolled over even more. Rob smiled slyly as he wrapped his arms around her. He started kissing her neck.
Daphne opened her eyes slightly, then realized Rob on top of her.
"ROB!!!!!! GET OFF OF ME!!!!!!" Daphne yelled into his ear. Rob jumped up.
"Morning honey.' Daphne punched him. Rob fell off of the bed onto the floor.
"I told you not to pull anything on me!" Daphne said getting up from the bed.
"Hey, I wasn't the one who rolled over. You were like, asking for it." Rob pointed out. Daphne threw her pillow at his head.
"Can we just get back on the rode." Daphne asked as she got up.
"Whatever you say hon..."
"If you call me honey again, your front teeth will be all you have left!" Daphne said as she walked out the door. She looked at her watch, it read 6:30 A.M. I wonder where Jack is right now?
*****
About an hour Rob and Daphne had left the hotel, Jack and Daphne's father stopped there to see if they were still there.
"Hi, did a Daphne Truman or a Rob Wilson stop here?" Daphne's father asked the desk clerk.
"Who wants to know?" The man said as he leaned over the counter.
"Daphne's father."
"Yeah, she did get a room with that boy, but they leftabout an hour or so ago." The man said as he pointed to the door. Daphne's father and Jack immediately ran out of the hotel and back to the car.
*****
Rob and Daphne had been driving four about five hours. Daphne was still rally mad at Rob, but at least she had stopped punching him.
"How much longer until we get there?" Daphne asked as she leaned against the car window.
"We only have about an hour to go. But I need gas." Rob said as he started to pull up into a gas station.
"Trust me, you don't need anymore." Rob gave Daphne a look as he stopped the car.
"Hey, Jack. I think we need gas." Jack and Daphne's father pulled up right behind Daphne and Rob at the gas station.
Daphne leaned against her seat as she played with a strand of her hair. She looked in the rear view mirror and saw Jack.
"Rob, get in here!" Daphne whispered loudly. Rob leaned his head into the open car window. Daphne pulled him all the way into the car.
"Look behind us, honey." Daphne said sarcastically. Rob looked behind them and noticed the others.
"Wow, we need to get out of here!" Rob said as he stepped back outside of the car.
"What are you doing? Get back in here!" Daphne whispered to Rob.
"I have to finish pumping the gas." Rob, didn't whisper this. Jack must of recognized Rob's voice because he walked over to their car. Jack immediately noticed Daphne.
"Mr. Truman, they're here!" Jack opened the cars door and pulled Daphne out.
"Let me go Jack!" Daphne yelled at him.
"Daphne, we have been driving all night looking for you! I'm so glad we found you!" Jack kissed her, but Daphne pulled back.
"Well then you wasted a night because I'm not going back with you!" Daphne said as she tried to get back into the car. But Jack picked her up and carried her to his car.
"Let me go!" Daphne yelled at him. Then she noticed her father, and how worried he looked. There wasn't really anything she could do.
*****
Jack, Daphne, and her father drove back to Florida with Rob in his car behind them. At about ten o'clock at night they reached Daphne's house. Jack dropped Daphne and her father off. Daphne didn't say a word, she just jumped out of the car and ran into the house.
"Thanks Jack, for all of your help." Daphne's dad said.
"No problem Mr. Truman." Jack said looking at the house. Daphne's father noticed this.
"Don't worry Jack, she'll come around." Jack smiled as he pulled out of the drive way and down the street.
"Honey, we need to talk."
"I don't want to talk right now." Daphne said as she sat down on their couch.
"We're going to talk. Now Jack told me all about what happened at the pier yesterday. I reported your mother. And guess what? She's no longer fighting for custody over you! Isn't that great?" Daphne's father asked as he wheeled himself over to where Daphne was sitting.
Daphne looked at her father, then started crying.
"Oh, pops." Daphne threw her arms around him. He hugged her back.
"I would of hated living with my mother. I guess I have Jack to thank for telling you, huh?" Daphne asked sitting back down on the couch.
"He looked pretty hurt when he dropped us off. You should talk to him. Either that, or you should get some sleep. I have major jet lag. I'll see you in the morning sweetheart." Daphne's father suggested as he started for his room. Daphne kissed her father on the top of his head, then walked to her room.
She would have to talk to Jack tomorrow.
*****
Later that morning, Daphne woke up at 9:30. It was a Saturday, and a beautiful one at that. Daphne walked to the kitchen, poured herself some "Luck Charms" cereal, and ate it by the window.
About ten minutes later, Daphne saw a car pull up in front of her house. It turned out to be Jack's car. Daphne watched through the window as he stepped out and walked up to the front door.
Before he could even ring the door bell, Daphne opened the door.
"Hi, I want to apply for the boyfriend job." Jack said with a smile. Daphne stepped outside and walked up to him.
"Well, do you have any experience?" Daphne said with a small smile.
"Sort of. I kind of blew it the first time." Jack said stepping closer to Daphne.
"You're hired." Daphne said with a smile. Jack raised an eyebrow.
"What?" He said sarcastically.
"You don't need to have a good experience here. I mean look at me, I almost blow it every time I start a relationship. So, when can you start?" Daphne asked. Jack winked at her as she pulled him into the house.
THE END
Hehehe, did ya like it? Tell me please. I need to know if I should bane myself from typeing anymore, so please tell me what you think.