Jack White's Strange Dream

By Gabriele Caccialanza

A deep and indestructible friendship is in danger of being shattered by a tragic accident.A strange dream, however, may be the key to its salvation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Youcanprint
• Release date: Sep 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9791221494730

Book preview

1

JACK WHITE

The alarm clock blared repeatedly. In the darkness of his room, Jack switched it off with a clumsy movement of his hand; he hated that ear-splitting noise. He peeked at the clock from under the covers, the bright red digits said it was three minutes after seven o’clock. Jack set the alarm every night to wake him at that unconventional time. Not at seven o’clock on the dot, because that was too early, and not at five past, because that would be too late.

He lifted the covers and stretched his arms with a resonant yawn. He put his feet into the slippers that were neatly placed under his bed and got to his feet. He staggered to the window and opened his black out curtains. Early rays of May sunshine beamed onto his face from the cloudless sky and he squinted. From behind his window, he could see a stretch of the street where he lived, in the small residential neighborhood of Westerleigh in Staten Island, New York.

Jack had recently turned seventeen and was in his third year of high school. He was getting good grades in all his courses, but he struggled to keep up in some subjects, especially in math. In his spare time, he liked to read American and Japanese comic books, and collected the action figures of his favorite characters. But his real passion was soccer. This was evidenced by the posters of Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Robert Lewandowski and his favorite, Cristiano Ronaldo, that lined the walls of his room.

Jack opened his perfectly organized closet. He dressed in precisely three minutes, putting on dark blue jeans that were ripped at the knee, a light-colored, short-sleeved T-shirt and sneakers. He dashed to the bathroom, rinsed his face and began to arrange his hair carefully. His hazel eyes scrutinized each tuft of his brown hair that was out of place. Jack went to great lengths to ensure that his hair stood straight up, as he liked it.

As soon as he was finished, he went downstairs in a good mood and crossed the hall directly into the kitchen. He opened the door and was struck by a delicious smell.

Good morning, honey! a voice greeted him brightly. It was his mother, Allie, who was preparing breakfast.

Allie was an attractive woman with wavy, shoulder-length brown hair. Over her dress she wore a white kitchen apron with mustard-yellow spots, tied behind her back. She taught English at the local elementary school, but that morning she had the day off.

Good morning, Jack said in a voice that was still a little sleepy.

His father, Edward, was already sitting at the head of the table with a cup of steaming coffee in one hand and the day’s newspaper in the other. He was dressed smartly, as always: dark suit, white shirt and red tie. His fine, straight hair was neatly combed, with a few greying wisps betraying his otherwise youthful appearance. His face was cleanly shaven and he wore tortoiseshellrimmed eyeglasses. He had an office job in a sky scraper in downtown Brooklyn.

Hello, champ, said his father, placing the newspaper on the table along with his favorite mug bearing the design of a crown above the words World’s Greatest Dad.

Are you fired up? Today is Wednesday, May 22, the big day.

Good morning, Dad, said Jack as he sat down in his seat on the long side of the table facing the kitchen stove. Yes, finally! It’s finals week for the sports tournament organized by Professor Wilson. Yesterday they played the volleyball and basketball finals, while today is the day for five-a-side soccer and baseball. Our opponents are strong, but I think we can win.

Good. Come back victorious, Edward said, slapping him affectionately on the shoulder. He quickly looked at the elegant watch on his wrist. He got up, grabbed his briefcase and went to kiss his wife.

Going already? asked Jack.

Yes, the office calls, he said as he started toward the door. He stopped for a moment on the doorstep, took up his set of keys and twirled them around his finger quickly, making them jingle. He pretended to lose control of them, sending them up in the air, but with a lightning-quick movement, he caught them on the fly. He winked at his son and left the house.

Jack smiled.

Mom, is Meggie still asleep? asked Jack, looking at the empty chair in front of him.

Yes, she doesn’t have school today, so I let her sleep in.

Lucky her, thought the boy.

His mother placed a plate of scrambled eggs and a slice of toast in front of him. Would you like anything else?

No. Thanks, Mom, but I’m running late.

Alright. How are you going to school this morning? Are you taking the bus? she asked, whilst looking in a cupboard.

No, I’m going by car. Do you have gas money? Jack grimaced. No.

His mother smiled. I knew it, your allowance has already run out.

But there’s enough to get there and back today.

Sure. Anyway, there’s a few dollars on the cabinet at the entrance. I got the groceries yesterday and I had some cash left over. Go ahead and take it.

Thank you, Mom, replied Jack happily.

After wolfing down his breakfast and clearing the table, he gave his mother a big hug.

Bye, Mom. See you later.

Bye, Jack. Be careful with the car and come back a winner, Allie said, kissing him lovingly on the cheek. She realized that her son would soon be a grown man.

Sure! Sorry, Mom. I have to run, he said grabbing his backpack and rushing outside.

Jack passed the small but well-kept, sunlit garden. He headed for his car, parked on the side of the road. It was an old, white Ford Mustang that had known better days. Jack was not bothered, however; the car allowed him to get around, saving time and a few extra minutes of sleep. When he turned the key in the ignition, the fuel warning light came on.

Damn, thought Jack. I rushed out and forgot the money on the cabinet. I don’t have time to go back. If I’m late for the first hour with Professor Robinson, I’ll be in trouble.

After buckling up, Jack headed off at full speed toward the school.

2

ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

Jack left his car in the first, free parking space he could find close to the school. Turning his head, in the distance he could see an old, yellow bus approaching, the one he would have taken. Perfectly on time, he thought.

He ran a hand through his hair to tidy it quickly, checking his reflection in the rearview mirror. He was satisfied to see that his new gel was a strong one and his hair was still spiky.

Jack got out of the Mustang and set off down the sidewalk. He greeted a couple of friends, and after ascending the steps of the entrance, he reached the shade of two large, leafy trees. The inscription on the wall above the blue doors of the entrance was in plain sight.

SUSAN E. WAGNER HIGH SCHOOL Home of the Falcons

Jack saw two guys perched on a precariously balanced ladder who were hanging a banner immediately below the sign and attempting not to cover it. It had large letters in two shades of blue regarding the forthcoming prom and the party organized by the high school. Suddenly, the boy on the right lost his balance and crashed to the ground, yelling and cursing.

Are you okay, Andrew? asked his shocked friend, quickly climbing down the ladder and crouching beside him.

I think I’ve broken my wrist, he said, gingerly touching his shaking arm with his other hand. His face was contorted in pain. A small, curious crowd quickly formed around them.

Quick! Let’s go to the infirmary, said his friend, helping him up and opening the door for him.

After witnessing that strange scene, Jack entered the school building.

There was a great commotion and an air of celebration in the hallways. Students, for the most part dressed in T-shirts and shorts, were laughing and shouting. The school year was nearing its end, and the seniors were anxiously awaiting graduation.

Jack walked unhurriedly; he knew it would take exactly three