Chapter 7 Matt searched the parking lot for his brother’s car, "Where the hell did he run off to?"  He picked up his cell phone and dialed his brother’s but only got his voice mail.  Thinking that maybe Jeff just went home, Matt didn’t worry too much.  But Shannon knew better - he knew exactly where to find Jeff.  He headed towards his car.  "Are you going with us?", Shane called to him. "I need to go take care of something.  Call me and let me know where you end up and I’ll catch up with you later." Shane nodded and watched his friend get into his car and drive away.  He knew that Shannon was going to look for Jeff, but didn’t say anything to the others.  Shannon parked his car next to Jeff’s and turned off his headlights.  He got out and looked up to see Jeff exactly where he thought he would find him.  Rung by rung, Shannon climbed the ladder to the water tower.  Jeff was sitting on the ledge that wrapped around the huge sphere, dangling his legs over the side.  He sat down beside his best friend.  They sat silent for a few minutes, both of them looking out over the dark farm land. "Did you now about this?", Jeff asked breaking the silence.   "Of course not."   "How can this be happening?"   Shannon looked at him.  "I know HOW it happened.  But why didn’t she tell me?", Jeff asked hoping his friend would have the answers. "I don’t know, Jeff.  But think about it - how old were you when you two hooked up?"   "Seventeen.", Jeff stated, "Man, all I knew was her first name." Shannon knew that when Jeff started to talk about something, to just let him talk or he would clam up and keep his feelings all inside, so he remained quiet. "It was at one of Shane’s parties.  I was kinda drunk and she was really drunk.  We started talkin, then dancin and the next thing I knew, I was wakin up in some strange hotel room.  I was so embarrassed about the way I’m sure I acted, I couldn’t wake her up and face her.  So, like a coward, I slipped out, paid for the room and left.  I never talked to her again."   "I think you just answered your own question, my friend."   Jeff pulled his cell phone from his pocket and dialed Jana’s cell phone.  "Who you calling?", Shannon asked curiously.  "I gotta find out where she’s staying.  I gotta talk to her." Jeff then talked to Jana and found out what hotel Harley was staying in.  He then climbed down from the tower followed by Shannon.  They reached their cars and Shannon paused before climbing into his car, "I hope you find what you’re looking for." "Thanks, man.", Jeff said as he slid behind the driver’s seat and started his car. Shannon watched Jeff pull away, knowing that the next time he saw his friend, his whole life would be different - it was already happening.  Shannon’s cell phone rang pulling him out of his thoughts.  He pushed the talk button as he pulled out onto the street. "Hey, we’re at McHail’s.", Shane said from the other end. "Okay.  I’m on my way." "How is he?" "He’s Jeff." "Aight, man.  See ya in a minute."   "Bye."             Last Chapter ..*.. Next Chapter ..*.. Chapter Index ..*.. Home