3- Travel

Jake was sleeping soundlessly on the passenger seat. He hadn't said much on our long drive except for when he was hungry and tired. 

I knew he was mad at me but for now, he was worrying more about momma and her girl than any other thing. It was Jake we are talking about and he cares too much about people.

"Two burgers with fries and coffee." The girl said as she extended the foam tray.

Gabe's number flashed on my screen as I finished talking to Sebastian. Again, I battled with the bag of junk food in one hand and the tray in the other.

"Any news?"

"He is tracking you. The boy must have something on him. Stop in the following town. Wait for me there."

I fastened my pace. I settled the food in the car and opened the door. Jake was still sleeping. He sure wasn't used to traveling. Having Mike behind him meant he had never left San Fernando.

"Got it. " I cut the call and pinched him hard.

He moved lazily and looked around confused by the surrounding. "Do you have a phone? "

He gave me a long stare.

"Jake, he is tracking us. Do you have anything on you that came from him?"

He searched his bag and pulled out his phone.

I ripped it away from his hand and threw it on the pavement to smash it with my boots.

"Hey!" he screamed. "Took me time to pay for it."

"I'll get you another one. Give me that," I pointed at the guitar chain hanging on the side of his bag.

He gave me a look.

"We can't risk it. We are driving to another town and then stopping for a bath. "

Hesitantly, he handed it over. I picked up the broken pieces of the phone along with the chain and threw them in an open delivery truck.

"Breakfast. You need the oil. Looks like you haven't eaten for years." I joked as I handed him the burger, coffee, and bag of junk food.

Ignoring my comment, he dived in the food like a starving animal.

We drove for another hour without many words exchanged. I saw how he slowly regretted leaving.

"It's okay to feel nostalgic."

He didn't respond except for the usual noise on the back of his throat.

I kept my mouth shut after that, pulled into the first hotel we saw, and stopped.

The lot was empty. I took the duffel bag with clothes mom and I had bought the day before for him and threw it at him.

"Let's have a rest." I took the other bag and guided him toward the entrance.

"Good morning," the lady from behind the counter greeted.

"Good morning," I smiled. "One room please."

The old lady gave us an odd look and probably wondered what I wanted with a boy his age. If only she knew. Jake and I looked nothing alike. We came from different fathers so the features were all mixed up.

"She must have seen all kinds of things, " Jake joked as we headed toward the room we were given.

I smiled at his comment.

"Here," I pointed.

The place was small. A t.v probably as old as the lady behind the counter sat on a small table on the corner. A sofa rested opposite it and the glass window was covered with dark curtains. The bed looked good but I had to stay up a little longer until Gabe came.

"Go on first. " I told him and sat on the bed to give my last update of our where-about.

When I heard the shower, I called. When I ended it, I dropped my body on the mattress and closed my eyes to think. What if Jake didn't like my place? Was he ever going to forgive me? Did Mike take his anger on him? Probably not. He was a monster but Jake is his blood. Or at least I just hoped he didn't damage him more than I ever imagined him.

"Jess," I heard my name followed by a knock. "Jess, someone is knocking on the door."

I opened one eye and took a minute to realize where I was before sitting immediately. "Why did you let me sleep?"

I took long strides to the window and peeped. Gabe wore his usual suit and though he was giving his back to me right now, he was recognizable anywhere.

"You look tired."

"It's alright," I smiled at him as I unlocked the door.

Gabe took me into a quick embrace before entering. He was the only person I got along with this well.

"Jake this is Gabe, my bodyguard. Gabe this is Jake, my brother."

"Finally meeting you in person. "

"Yeah," Jake scratched the back of his head after shaking hands.

"You don't need to be formal guys. Be cool. I am sorry I kept you waiting. I fell asleep." I turned to Gabe.

"I know. Take a quick shower. We won't stop until we get there."

"Roger that," I nodded and ran to the bathroom.

I took a quick shower and was ready to leave in ten minutes. "I'll take the key," Gabe offered after pointing in the direction of the car.

It was until then that I fully acknowledged Jake's appearance. He was definitely taller, a body more sturdy and knuckles scarred. I pulled the sleeve higher when I noticed the ink on his right arm. "When did you get this?"

"Don't try to act mommy mode, Jess. It's been years."

The pang in my gut hurt but I didn't stop. "Did Mike force you?"

"There are things you learn on your own."

Jake, I cried inside. This was his way to manifest his hatred toward me. It was okay. I was willing to take it. I deserved it.

"How long is this trip anyway?"

"We are traveling to Bristol, England."

"England!"

"Yes, England."

"Why not take the airport near home then?"

"We took precautions so we decided it was safe to use an airport far from home."

His brows furrowed.

"You aren't regretting this are you?"

"The only thing I regret is staying longer than I was supposed to, Jess." He gave me a warm smile before entering the car.