Chapter Text
“So that’s how I ended up agreeing to host a little get together with everyone tomorrow night,” Michael finished explaining, wrinkling his nose a bit at the thought. “I don’t mind having my friends over but I was just hoping for a chill Friday night y’know?”
Jeremy nodded, glancing up from his homework and at his friend on his computer screen. “Well, you could still have a chill Saturday instead, or Sunday if your plans with Rich are still happening Saturday.”
“True,” Michael nodded before pressing his face into the pillow he was laying on. “I forgot about hanging out with Rich Saturday. How do you know my schedule better than I do?”
“I’m your unpaid secretary,” Jeremy smiled, butterflies appearing in his stomach when Michael laughed. “Plus you told me so I would know he would be there when we Skyped.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind him being there? I can tell him to leave by a certain time or something.”
“I’m sure! If anything we’ll just Skype at a different time. Hang out with your friends, Micah.”
Michael mumbled something that sounded like ‘but you’re my friend too’ before changing the subject, launching into another story about his group of friends. Jeremy has met all of them, either over Skype, FaceTime or just texting them when they stole Michael’s phone. Jeremy found himself a little jealous that Michael had so many friends. Maybe if he didn’t live in a different state than his best friend, they’d be his friends too.
Jeremy didn’t have many friends of his own, in fact he only had one friend who didn’t even live in the same state as him. He was bullied at school, ignored at home and wished he wasn’t stuck in his stupid town in nowhere Pennsylvania.
The only person who actually seems to care about him was Michael, who lives in New Jersey. They met online after Jeremy made a post on Tumblr about needing someone to rant about Apocalypse of the Damned with. He still couldn’t get passed level nine.
Michael responded to his post and after just talking about the game for a week or two, they started talking about personal stuff. It started out small and soon the two were best friends. Jeremy had a crush on Michael since the first time they Skyped and it grew as the two of them grew closer.
They haven’t met in person, even though they lived just a state away. Jeremy couldn’t drive, well he could but just didn’t have a car. His mom pushed him to get his driver's license but then never let him use the car. He was saving up to get his own though but his crappy after school job didn’t pay that much. Jeremy refused to let Michael came anywhere near his mom. She was just… a lot to deal with. They’ve been friends for almost six months, he doesn’t want to scare him away.
It wasn’t like his mom was ever home anyway. She was usually on a trip for work or out with friends. When she was home she never talked to him, and when she did was would just be yelling at him about how his room was a mess or how he was always playing video games. He couldn’t do anything right in her eyes.
Jeremy was just lucky he had Michael, even if he couldn’t hang out with him in person. He could tell the red hoodie wearing boy anything and wouldn’t get judged for at all and vice versa.
Michael kept talking about something Jenna did and Jeremy just sat there and watched his best friend talk, his homework forgotten about.
Jeremy sat on his bed, staring down at his phone that sat in front of him. He left school early, Bryce was worse than usual today. Jeremy didn’t catch a break all day, between getting tripped in the hallway and crumpled up paper being thrown at his head in class, he didn’t have it in him to finish the school day. So he left during lunch, leaving through the backstair well that didn’t have any alarms or any cameras. Even if it did it wouldn’t have stopped him.
When he got home there was a package sitting on the porch. It was from his dad, he was guessing it was his birthday present (which was a month late but it’s the thought that counts). He took it up to his room and smiled at what was inside. It was a dark green hoodie with the Triforce symbol printed on the front. He didn’t think his dad would actually get it for him.
He knew he should call his dad and thank him for the gift, seeing that it was one of the two birthday present he gotten. Michael had sent him a box filled of out of print games, including some old comic books and retro soda. He called Michael that night close to tears because it was the nicest thing anyone's ever done for him. His mom hasn’t given him a present in five years, nor has she even acknowledge it.
With shaky hands he picked up his phone, unlocking it and hitting the call button before he could change his mind. He didn’t understand why he got so nervous when he called his dad, they keep in contact, his dad texting him randomly to just check in. Jeremy sometimes found himself wishing he lived with his dad instead of his mom, maybe then he could have a parent at home who actually cared about him.
“Hello?” His dad answered after the second ring. “Aren’t you supposed to be in school?”
Well he wasn’t expected the greeting. Jeremy didn’t even know that his dad was aware of his schedule. Maybe it was a lucky guess, seeing that it was twelve thirty on a Friday. Either way he still made up a lie to save himself from a lecture, his dad did that sometimes.
“Hey dad. We, um, had a half day today. The teachers have meetings or something,” He lied, proud of the fact that he didn’t stumble over it. “I got your present. Thank you so much, I love it.”
“Is it the right one? The employee had to help me, I’m lost when it comes to these new video games,” His dad chuckled. “The were sold out of them for a while, that’s why it was late. What else did you get?”
“It’s totally fine!” Jeremy quickly reassured his dad. He didn’t want to sound ungrateful or anything. “Um, my friend Michael got me some comic books and video games. They’re pretty cool.”
“Your mom didn’t get you anything? Did she take you out to dinner?” his dad sounded confused. Jeremy felt his stomach twist up into knots. He didn’t want a explain how his mom was never home. He found himself unable to lie though.
“N-no,” He said. “She hasn’t really done anything for the past couple years. She didn’t even really acknowledge it. It’s fine though! S-she’s busy with work and s-stuff. It’s not that important.” Jeremy wanted to facepalm. He sounded pathetic.
“Of course it’s important Jeremy,” His dad sighed before going quiet. Jeremy didn’t know what to make of that. He didn’t say anything else, neither did his dad for a moment before his dad spoke up. “I’ve been thinking about it, and it’s only if you want to, but I would like for you to come and visit me for a week or so. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
That was true. The last time Jeremy saw his dad was seven years ago. His mom let him go to his dads (back when he still lived in Pennsylvania) for Hanukkah. It was the best holiday he remembered having in a while. After that, his mom cut off all his connection with his dad. Ten year old Jeremy couldn’t do much about it except cry. Jeremy wasn’t even sure if his mom knew that he was talking to his dad again.
“I would really like that,” Jeremy said, a smile on his face. Anything to get away from the hell he’s living right now, even if it was a short amount of time. “Where did you move to again?”
“New Jersey,” It sounded like his dad was smiling. “It’s not too far from you. I could come pick you up or you could take a bus and I can meet you at the stop.”
Jeremy immediately thought of Michael. Maybe he could finally meet him! Though, with this luck, his dad probably lived on the other side of the state. He was getting ahead of himself though. He still had to go through his mom. He felt nauseous at the thought of asking her. That put a damper on his mood.
“Mom’s not gonna let me go so easily.”
“I’ll deal with her and we can plan your visit out later,” His dad said before there was a muffled voice. He heard his dad agree to something. “Alright bud, I gotta get back to work. I’m glad you liked your present, and don’t stress over asking your mom. I’ll talk to her later tonight.”
“Okay, sounds good. Thanks again dad!” He called before the older man hung up with a cheering goodbye.
Jeremy felt lighter, his shitty morning forgotten about. If they could convince his mom, he’ll be going to New Jersey! Given it wasn’t the most exciting place but he’s never left Pennsylvania before. New Jersey had his dad, the one parent that actually seemed to care, and it had Michael. Wait until he tells Michael about this.
He pushed his worries about his mom aside for right now. He can panic over that tonight, right now he wanted to focus on the positive and talk to Michael. It wouldn’t be weird to text him right now, they texted while they’re both in school all the time. It’s mostly Jeremy just complaining about Bryce. He looked back at his phone and noticed he had two missed texts from Michael from almost a half hour ago.
From: Michael (12:26pm)
why is it showing you at home on the snap map??? everything okay???
Jeremy forgot that he had his location on for that stupid map. Michael made a big deal about him making one of those weird avatars so they could keep tabs on each other ( “And if one of us ever goes missing we got it covered!” ). He checked his apps when he got home, trying to put off calling his dad.
From: Michael (12:30pm)
Jer answer me i2g i will drive my gay ass to pa to check on you
He was half tempted to not answer and see if Michael would do it, he wouldn’t put it passed him to drive two hours to just check on him. Michael has threatened him with that before,almost coming close to it a few times. Jeremy liked how obvious it was that Michael cares about him. It made him feel wanted.
To: Michael (1:02pm)
im fine!! left school bc of bryce, keep your gay ass in nj tho. also i have news???
Jeremy cringed at how the text sounded. Was it really news? It was just a hypothetical situation that most likely won’t happen. His mom had that special way of letting him down even when he wasn’t expecting anything. Even though this time he was, and he hoped he as ready for when the refusal came. He found himself feeling a little optimistic about this. His dad could maybe get through to her. If she answers that is.
His phone lit up with an incoming call, Michael wanted to FaceTime. Confused, Jeremy answered it and quickly put his headphones in. Just in case his mom came home, which wasn’t likely.
“What did Bryce do?” Michael asked when the call connected. He was outside from what Jeremy could see. “Are you okay?”
“Just the usual, tripping and throwing things. I’m fine really, just didn’t have it in me to stay so I just skipped. Not like anyone’s home to yell at me” He shrugged, frowning when he saw Michael’s own frown. What did he say wrong?
“You said that way to casual man,” Came a voice from out of the frame. Jeremy heard the lisp though. Rich. Why was Michael FaceTiming him if he’s still at school? Before he could ask, Rich showed up next time Michael. “You’re breaking my heart here dude.”
“Sorry,” Jeremy mumbled, embarrassed. He just didn’t see the big deal. Not everyone could be blessed with awesome parents. He decided to change the subject before he made himself sad by overthinking. “Why are you calling me if you’re still at school?”
Michael shrugged Rich’s head off his shoulder, laughing when the shorter boy flipped him off before disappearing from the frame. He turned back to Jeremy. “I’m not at school. Well, I mean I am but my last block is study hall and since I’m a junior, I get to leave early. Upperclassmen perk.”
“We’re just waiting for Jenna and Jake,” Rich supplied, coming into the frame again, standing behind Michael. “Gonna hit up seven eleven to support Michael’s slushie addiction.”
“ Anyway ,” Michael said. “You said you have news. Enlighten me… or well us.”
Jeremy nodded, quickly telling them about his phone call with his dad and showing them the hoodie. Michael commented that he will be stealing it from him and Rich said he would then steal it from Michael. He told them about how his dad mentioned how he wants Jeremy to visit and both of the other boys looked into the idea.
“You totally should,” Rich said. “Sounds like he actually wants you, y’know?”
Michael’s eye widened and he turned around to face Rich. He shoved the phone into his hoodie pocket (the screen went red and there was the rustle of fabric) so Jeremy couldn’t see or hear what was happened but tried not to think about it. Rich did have a point but he liked how Michael was quick to defend him from stupid comments.
The sound of a loud greeting made him flinch as Michael took his phone out from his pocket again. Jeremy heard him telling someone his snack request before he turned the phone back on him. He pushed his glasses back onto his nose and smiled.
“Sorry about that,” He said. “Jake and Jenna showed up. Rich and Jake are gonna go to seven eleven for us.”
“Is that Jeremy?” He heard Jenna ask. Michael flipped the camera and pointed it at Jenna as they headed to his car. “Hi!” She smiled with a wave before going back to her phone.
“So where does your dad live?” Michael asked.
“New Jersey.” Jeremy said quietly, waiting for the reaction.
Michael stopped walking, his eyes widening and jaw dropping. Jeremy let out a laugh as a grin made its way across Michael’s face. “Are you serious? Where in Jersey? Holy shit Jeremy we could meet! I just-- holy shit !”
Jeremy frowned, he didn’t ask his dad exactly where he was. “I’m not really sure where in Jersey he is. I can, um, I can ask.”
“Yes, yeah do that. Tell me when you find out. I’ll drive to a different town if I have to. Holy shit, Jer.” Michael rambled, now in his car. The engine was running but he wasn’t driving. “Let me know when you’re coming, okay?”
Jeremy didn’t have the heart to tell his friend that there was a good chance that he wasn’t going. He just smiled and nodded. “Of course. Drive safe!”
“I will,” Michael smiled, calming down a bit. “I’ll text you. Later!”
“Bye!” Jeremy called before disconnecting the call. He sent his dad a quick text while he was thinking about it and plugged his phone in to charge.
He really hopes his dad’s able to convince his mom into letting him go. A week won’t hurt, it’s not like she’s ever around anyway so it’s not like she’ll be missing him. For now he as a project for World History to worry about. All thoughts of traveling, best friends and an upset mom were banished from his mind for the next few hours.
They were only banished for an hour and a half.
He was in the middle of his essay, really into the topic, when his bedroom door flung open and his mom was standing in the doorway. Her phone was clenched in her fist and she looked upset. Her normal neat bun was coming apart. Jeremy felt his heart drop into his stomach.
“Care to explain to me why I just got a phone call from your father saying that he wants you to visit him?” She asked but it sounded more like a demand. “He said that you wanted to. I didn’t know you even spoke to him.”
Jeremy’s throat felt dry and he could already hear himself stuttering over his words. His looked down at the keyboard of his laptop, trying to calm his heart beat. His hands were getting sweaty and numb. Why couldn’t he feel his hands?
“I’m waiting.”
Taking a deep breathe, his closed his eyes before slowly looking up at his mom again. “I’ve been speaking to dad for a while now. I called him to say thank you for my birthday present and he brought up visiting. I would like to, I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“Why would you want to see the man who abandoned his family,” She shot back. “After everything I’ve done for you you just want to run off and see him? In New Jersey of all places!” She said the last part in disgusted, as if the state of New Jersey had offended her personally.
“It’s just this once! He, um, keeps bringing it up y’know? So I figured I could just go see him for a week and then be done with him. He’ll see how, um, how he was right to leave and not wanna deal with me again.” Jeremy rambled, wincing inwardly at how awful it sounded. His mom’s never gonna believe that reason.
“You know,” She said after a tense minute of silence. “You may have the right idea.”
Okay, maybe she would believe it. Jeremy tried not to focus on how much it hurt.
“He’ll see how hard it is to raise a child and leave us alone for good. He’ll probably send you back before the two weeks are over,” She was smiling now, looking a little manic. Jeremy didn’t want to know what was going on inside her head. “You can go, you can ever take the car. I have a business trip anyway.”
Jeremy was in shock about his mom agreeing so easily, even though she thinks his dad will end up hating him by the end of the visit. He really hopes he doesn’t. He can’t have two awful parents. He just nodded and smiled, feeling a little suspicious about being able to take the car.
“Are you sure I can take the car? I don’t even know when I’m going yet. I haven’t spoken to dad about when I’m going yet.” Jeremy said, sliding his laptop off his lap onto the bed next to him.
His mom nodded, going back to looking more serious. She was on her phone, not paying attention to him. “I’m sure, it’s a piece of junk anyway. Let me know when you figure it out.” She said before leaving, not bothering to close the door.
Jeremy sat on his bed in shock, trying to understand how easy it was to get her to agree. He had an uneasy feeling in his stomach but a grin made his way across his face. Excitement bubbled in his chest and he went to grab his phone to call his dad, who he had a miss text from.
From: Dad (5:04pm)
I live in Middleborough! I didn’t realize you didn’t know where in Jersey I was haha
Middleborough. That sounded oddly familiar but he couldn’t place it. He texted Michael a quickly with his dads town before answering his dad back.
To: Dad (5:05pm)
Mom said it’s okay for me to go, also I could take the car! I’m a little weirded out but I’m not gonna fight her on it. When should we plan for?
During texting his dad he got a series of texts from Michael, all of them not making sense. They ranged from keyboard smashing to random exclamation points. He laughed as he read them before he got one that made a bit more sense.
From: Michael (5:07pm)
OHMYGOD JER I LIVE IN MIDDLEBOROUGH HOLYSHIT THERES SO MUCH WE CAN DO IM GONNA HAVE A HEART ATTACK !!!!!!!!!! when are you coming omg
To: Michael (5:08pm)
pls don’t die before i get there. Idk when yet, planning that now with my dad
Right after Jeremy sent that text, his phone screen lit up with an incoming call from his dad. He answered it, the bubbly feeling still in his chest. He was going to live with his dad for two weeks. A whole two weeks! He was going to meet Michael, and meet all of his friends. He could pretend he had a normal life for a few weeks.
Who would’ve thought that New Jersey would be his safe place?