Chapter four
We were hidden outside Mrs Kimberly's window to watch the finals of the Heavy weight boxing championship of 1997. No one was lurking that night, most probably because they were all locked in with their eyes fixed on their TVs and praying Roy Jones won this one.
So were Noah and I. Since we couldn't afford a television at home, watching through another's window was the best option.
We'd been there for a while now, laughing together and jubilating quietly anytime we smelt a victory coming.
But soon, my main purpose of getting alone with my brother ate at my throat now and then. And suddenly, I said. "Noah I saw you injecting yourself yesterday. And I know it's not because you're ill."
His face turned grey with traces of fear and shock. For a moment, he just looked into my expectant eyes and said nothing.
So I continued. "Uncle is sick and dying because of what you're putting yourself into Noah. I've already lost and Mom and Dad. I don't know what I'll do if I loose you too. So please…stop."
The liquid drooling down his cheeks spoke more words than he could ever have said. Besides, it didn't look like he even had anything to say. Slowly, he put an arm around my neck and pulled me close to his side, sniffing against my hair.
"I'm sorry…" was all he could mutter for a while. Next, he joined the hearts hanging from our necklaces and concluded." I'll never leave you Jeffery. Now now, not tomorrow. Not ever. We're going to get out of here soon and I'll help you grow to be better than Roy Jones will ever be. I'll be here by your side. Just trust me."
" Do you promise to stop taking those things?"
" I promise Jeff," he chuckled and planted a kiss on my head. " I promise."
The burden in my heart left suddenly and I smiled, just as I watched Roy on TV knock his opponent off his feet.
***
It was a day left and it seemed my brother had not yet gathered Max's money. I could see him fidgeting about the house, gathering change and dollar notes that didn't seem enough.
He was panicking more than I'd ever seen him do before.
And a few times, Noah would just give up, sit back and bury his head into his hands. But when he seemed to remember what was at stake here, he'd search for more in vain.
From where I labeled the seed cans, I watched him, pity crossing my heart at that instant.
Another while passed and I tugged at his slacks. When he turned suddenly to me, I raised the brown jacket he'd given me and shrugged. "I'm not sure exactly how much this costs. But you could sell it and gather some more money I guess."
Contrary to the reaction I expected from him, he squatted low and cupped my face, even more moisture forming in his eyes. "Jeffery, I've failed you. And I'm really sorry."
Confusion and worry set in at that instant. And when I frowned, he continued. "No matter what happens today, just know everything will be alright Lil Jones. A miracle will happen."
I wasn't aware of exactly why I was crying too. But by God, I did not like the way he was talking right now. "What…what do you mean?"
A sad smile lined his mouth. And instead of responding, he pulled me into his arms protectively.
The embrace was one of the longest we'd ever shared. Still, it didn't calm my worrying heart.
Soon, he let go of me and gathered the pile of money, heading for the door afterwards.
"Noah! Please don't go," I was wailing like an infant, tears mixing with my perspiration.
When he glanced back at me, my heart beat nervously in my chest, praying he'd listen.
Instead, he flashed a shadow of a smile and gave me an order." Don't leave the house. No matter what." Then he was gone.
Why did I suddenly have the feeling I wasn't going to see him again?
***
"It was almost midnight and he'd not returned," I sniffed, frowning and wiping my cheeks as the memory played in my head.
Some people shook their head in pity. A few others were crying even more than I was. While the man at the end of the table had his face covered.
"Noah loved me like no one else existed. In our own little world, that love was all we shared while we waited for a miracle. He chose to leave when we'd just begun to find ourselves! "
The last part of the sentence came out more of a shriek than I expected. And I apologized, even when they didn't seem to mind.
The part of my story within the town of Montana as a kid was coming to an end. Consequently, I shrugged and let it out.
***
It wasn't until 1am that a knock landed upon the door. A smile lit my face immediately and I rushed to my feet.
But instead, Uncle Tim staggered to it first and waved me off. "Get back there kid. Do you have a watch or not?"
He happened to be up awake for the exact same reason as I was, as surprising as it was to me.
But then, he retrieved his whip and I heard him mutter. "By God I'll teach that brat a lesson."
He was getting better now and I knew he would kill Noah if he pulled that door open.
But helplessly, I watched.
But when he dropped the latch and flung the door open, the look on his face made it obvious it wasn't Noah.