Jeff stumbled as he rose up, reeling from the indignity of it. He should have realised how much of a target he was making himself. Of course people would notice him, and the somewhat flashy car. When his dad found out about this, he was dead. But that had to wait for his more pressing situation. He was banking on the car to get him home. Maybe if he called-
The teenage boy reached for his phone, thankful that he still had it. Unfortunately, it looked like it was broken. He couldn't get a signal.
"Calm down," he thought. Play this cool. There was still sufficient time to get home, even without the car. He could probably get someone to lend him money for the bus?
The teenager stumbled out of the car-park, to head to the bus station. To his horror, he could see the sky above start to lighten very softly. Like a curtain of energy swirling in abound light, and he was anxious for it not to get his attention. He had not travelled on the bus in ages. He didn't find anyone waiting there, so he hoped the bus driver would just let him on, given the situation.
He waited there a minute or two, with increasing nervousness. Where was the bus! The time table said it should be here about now! No... he was not going to go out like this. Not like this!
He had three options... either wait for the bus, or attempt to run back home... or find an alternative place to hide a whole day. Jeff didn't know anywhere he could go, aside from back to the shops. He also didn't feel entirely comfortable with the changed. Sure most had been nice to him, but to spend a whole day cooped up at their mercy, where just one might just decide to throw him in the sun to see what would happen to him?
"The bus is faster," he said aloud. "If I wait, I-"
He stared at a billboard suddenly, as it over hanged a building. It had an elderly man on it, that he recognised- from his dream. That strange watchmaker. He must have seen this advert and it formed part of his dream. The catchphrase on it though was what caught his eye...
DON'T WAIT! HURRY! (TIME LIMITED)
Jeff stared a bit at it. Was he looking at patterns that were not really there? Was this just... random? It was stupid to think that maybe...
but dare he ignore...
Damn it this was stupid! The bus would come soon if he waits-
don't wait... don't wait...
Jeff glanced at the road as it seemed unusually empty. Surly a few cars would come by now? This was crazy! It was just a billboard. Just some advert. It would be crazy to think it was a personal message to him! But... he glanced at the picture again. It... it just seemed to be screaming to him.
"To hell with it!"
The teenager ran, like animals were on his heels. He had to hurry home, and he had to do it on foot. He was a very fit teen, but even so he felt winded as he just kept moving and moving. He ran past shops, and up hills, across a bridge... he had not had to do this in ages. He could probably short cut across a park if he jumped a fence. He recalled doing so once.
He glanced up at the brightening sky. Already he could see swirls of colourful rainbows. How soon before it noticed him? How soon before... before...
"No!" No No No No No!
He had to focus on running. He was almost home. He drew on every reserve he had, with the sole focus of getting home.
'What's the point Razor? Do you have anything home to run to? You broke your father's rules. There will be a price...'
"I'm not turning into a freak!" he said as he jumped over the fence, tearing his clothes in the process. He wined slightly, as the bruise on chest was inflamed. Dear God! He gave everything, all his energy, everything he had to just move as horror upon horrific visions of what he might turn into invaded his brain. Some grotesque monstrosity, or worse...
'Is that how you feel about Belle and Ricky? Freaks? Maybe they would like you more if you were one of them.'
Jeff gritted his teeth. The sky continued to brighten, as everything around him started to glisten, changing colours subtly. The first rays of the sun were imminent! His house was just five minutes away... he can make it! He could make it!
He ran, pushing, jumping, throwing himself, until he finally reached his porch. He felt himself cough in exhaustion.
He... he had made it. Just get inside. Get inside now. Keys.. keys... Oh hell yes! He had the keys!
He opened the door to his house and closed the door quickly. The curtains lit with the curious light of the iridescent sun, as did the edges of the front door as he closed it.
The rich-teenager laughed. He just laughed like mad. "Ha.. ha ha... ha ha ha ha ha ha! One point Jeff, zero to you sun," he said with relief.
It was not over yet though. His father was now in front of him. he looked upon him sternly. "Son, what is this about your car hitting a bus?"
"My... my car?"
"Yes. It hit a bus." repeated his father crossing his arms.
Jeff just stared. So... if he had waited... the bus was never going to arrive. The road would have been blocked...
"I'm waiting for an answer."
Jeff looked up. "I- I got car-jacked. Is everyone on the bus okay?" He hoped it wasn't serious. His car was capable of a lot of speed, and if someone was that stupid-
"Is everyone on the bus okay? Jeff, you 'lost' the car. I demand an explanation."
Jeff frowned a little. "You know what dad? I really don't care."
His father darkened slightly. "Where is the egg?"
Jeff looked at him again. "I have no idea what you are talking about," he said cooly.
"Oh? How strange. I could swear I saw something in your room. Something you were trying to sell maybe?"
"...Wasn't mine," the teenager said simply. Honestly.
"A pity. You know, I have an E-bay account too. I was bidding on such an item... I could swear the buyer had to be someone close by."
Jeff's eyes widened. "W-Why?" Was this some kind of trick? What would his father gain by... that?
"To teach you something boy. Someday, you will understand..."
Jeff gritted his teeth. "You know what? If you want it, just step outside... go look for it."
His father looked coldly at him. "I've a better idea son. You get it, and it will cover the cost of the car."
Jeff groaned. His father had perceived a loss to the family fortune. Something that was his responsibility... and now the price was going to be paid. "Just dock my allowance..." he said quietly.
"... very wise boy. I'm glad you are learning something finally in negotiations. Your funds will be... limited to the essentials, for the next year. No parties, no friends to be invited."
Jeff sighed. It... wouldn't really make any difference to his life now, anyway.
