章節 18: The Boy In The City

Jamie's week spent in the city went by in a flash. But having spent so much time away from the farm it was now time to venture home. On the eve of his departure, one of the most pressing issues was resolved, Shaun's living situation. They found a small one-bedroom apartment, one bath, and a tiny space which supposedly was a kitchen.

Thankfully it was not too far from Clortho and within walking distance. This was made possible as the rent was fairly cheap in Elvers (The community it was based), and it was for a reason. All due to prospective upscale renters opting out, not wanting to live in a community with so many shady characters.

To ensure Shaun was settled and could handle his new living situation, Jamie saw it fit to spend the night. One which was filled with activity, even gunshots were heard along with the frequent sounds of sirens in the wee hours. When the sun finally lit up the black asphalt streets, Jamie opened the curtains from the window. He then witnessed one man suspiciously give another something hidden in a duffle bag, "Remember you still have the option of coming back to Frankfield with me today, I will never judge you or bring up the matter again", he stated reassuringly to Shaun giving him the last way out.

Yet after reaffirming his resolve, Shaun knew Clortho and the crime-ridden community of Elders went hand in hand. Though it was a culture shock for him moving from the boring town of Frankfield, it was something he had to overcome. The only thing was this time it was without his brother who was always there to bail him out of sticky situations. His safety net was now removed. "It will be fine, I'll just mind my own business, leave for school and right back home. If needed, you did teach me your lame self-defense techniques".

This brought a smile to Jamie's face, "Good, I've always taught you the values of having a mind of your own. Now there is something that needs to be said as your elder and more experienced bro", Jamie rubbed his head, then continued by saying, " Since you're living on your own, you need to be careful with a certain matter".

"What are you talking about, Jamie?" Shaun asked slightly suspicious of the tone used by his brother when he referred to 'certain matters'.

Jamie - "Girls, of course, you're at that age, just be responsible that's all I ask." After saying his bit Jamie gave Shaun three boxes.

Shaun - "Condoms! What am I going to do with those, put them on my head?! You sound just like an after school special. We already had this horrible talk before", He shook his head but understood his brother's thinking so ended by saying, "Don't worry, I won't make you an uncle any time soon".

Jamie - Ha-Ha! - "Well even so a man should always be prepared, trust me on this one little bro'. Jamie winked before placing the boxes of condoms on a table stand where the small tv was placed.

Shaun rolled his eyes and didn't say another word about the matter. If this was so awkward to talk to his bro, he could only imagine what Jamie went through when having to have this discussion with their stern dad. Yet in some ways, he would switch places with him in a heartbeat. After having breakfast and with Clortho on his mind It was then that Shaun sought it fit to ask a question that had lingered on his mind ever since they arrived in the city.

"Jamie, why is it that the Major was so generous to pay for my tuition at Clortho? He despises us, more accurately, he hates you for not selling our land. Yet he decided to pay my first year's tuition in full. Now that's some drastic transformation right there".

Yet Jamie simply played down the matter with a few words and a smile, "Why worry yourself with such things. There is not much to it when you think about it. With his brother's death, I think he began to see the world in a new light. Also, paying the tuition of one of his younger citizens isn't bad publicity at all, right?"

Hearing Jamie's theory it did make sense the sudden shift in the Major's demeanor. Guess he was just lucky to be the one selected for this scholarship. Thankfully it was not based on grades or else he would be one of the last on the list. Even Spek would have had a better chance. It wasn't that he was dumb, but he never invested enough time in his studies. Only course he had straight A's was math and that was due to some underhanded methods.

After ensuring Shaun was settled in his new apartment the two then made their way over to Clortho. There were many prying eyes when seeing the new faces in the community, let's just say they didn't take too kindly to strangers. But Shaun did exactly what he told Jamie prior, minding his business and kept walking. While walking he couldn't help but tease his big bro. He knew the real reason he was rushing home, "You're eager to win that fourth blue ribbon from your 'arch' enemy huh? I bet Lucy wasn't too pleased", He laughed when remembering the rivalry of the decade between Frankfield's most promising farmer Jamie Sinclair and the neighboring community's veteran, Gertrude Smu.

She was the undefeated champ before Jamie's introduction to the competition. He was the one that ended her fifteen-year reign on the competition which encompassed seven neighboring towns. Since then they have been bitter rivals cultivating some of the best plants and ground provision imaginable, but until this day Jamie had not lost once. From the rumors circulating before they left, Gertrude had something special planned this year and had already marked out her spot for the year's blue ribbons.

"Beating that old bird has always been the best part of my year", Jamie laughed, for him it was mere fun but Gertrude took it very personally. One year she went the drastic route of espionage to find the secrets behind his cultivation practices. But still came out empty-handed as there wasn't anything out of the ordinary at the Sinclair's farm. She even accidentally destroyed his prize-winning cantaloupes on the eve of the competition, only for him to show up with more to her dismay. This went further than the competition, she truly despised Jamie.

Shaun with a smirk: "If you aren't careful one of these days she will take these defeats to heart and croak".

Jamie - "Wouldn't that be the ultimate win", he laughed cynically as Shaun couldn't help but shake his head. Shaun chuckled while saying, "If Gertrude wasn't about a hundred, I would tell Lucy to be very worried".

The two then halted as before them once more was Clortho in all its tacky, worn down glory. Unlike the previous week, their surroundings were no longer vacant as hundreds could be seen flocking through its doors. For Shaun, though it wasn't the ideal academy it was a tiny step in the right direction. He formed his hands into a fist determined to surpass the odds and become a hero, fulfilling that promise made.

Seeing the look upon his face, his folded fist, and the determined look in his eyes, Jamie smiled but kept silent. Even Spek on his shoulders curiously looked on.

"Well big bro, I'm off to claim my throne", Shaun blurted as his means of goodbye to Jamie acting all cool. "Come on, no hug?" Jamie teased going in for a hug embarrassing poor Shaun as two girls walked past. They giggled but he tried to remain cool pushing away Jamie. "He was just joking ladies", Before reprimanding Jamie, "Are you trying to ruin my rep before I step through the doors? Not cool, Jamie".

He then put out his fist but Jamie would have none of it, hugging him before rubbing his head as he protested. It was the longest two seconds of Shaun's life. He knew the implications of Jamie's actions, at his age social status was everything, it was how you survived. He knew his image would now be at the bare minimum. Someone definitely recorded that and uploaded it. Just like that, he went from troubled teen in high school and captain of the soccer team to the geek who hugs his brother at Clortho. It was no different than a mom kissing her son in public. The sheer humiliation.

As he walked past two more giggling girls he muttered under his breath, "Yeah you ensured those condoms will be useless, good going Jamie. I hope Gertrude kicks your ass".

Jamie: "What was that?"

Shaun: "Nothing, love you bro. Best of luck at the fair".