Arduous Pursuit- Chapter Two

?A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.?- Harry Truman

In Chapter One, Jaden LaReu is a orphaned young lady who feels like she's been dealt the wrong cards of fate and Heath Thoreau, a rich young man who wants independence and a new life outside the socialite life.

NOTE: If you haven't read the first chapter, it's best you go back and read that to avoid confusion. Now without further ado, let us proceed....

The sun peeked in from behind dense clouds and only a slight breeze broke through the muggy air. Morning dew covered the grass and droplets for last night?s rain fell from the trees, their orange-tinted leaves indicating autumn?s arrival.
Only the lullaby of a nearby waterfall punctuated the park?s silence and the soft wind blew against the million trees that stood packed like a dense forest.

A rough trail wove its path between the trees. Sounds of hurried footsteps could be heard in the midst of the blowing winds and rushing stream.

A lean man clad in a white singlet, jogging pants and sneakers emerged from the dense forest. His harried breathing indicated that he?d been running for quite sometime today. His sinewy muscles clenched and unclenched as he jogged through the roughened path, jumping over the used cans and garbage thrown on the grass.

Slowly, the runner came to a stop and placed his damp hands against his narrow hips taking in the scenery around him. The muggy air was clearing but it was still hard to breathe, and the runner cleared his throat laboriously.

Adjusting the wool cap on his head, Heath Thoreau wiped his sweaty brow and walked slowly along the path, waiting for his racing heart to return to its regular pace.

He was tired. All last night, he?d been on the phone attempting to convince his mother that his life in this town was better than pursuing admission in Princeton. Nothing seemed to be good enough for his socialite mother who hated the fact that her first son wanted to prove that he could live without her help, her money.

It had been hard on his father as well. Although his parents never got along and had divorced when Heath was barely a teenager, they both agreed that he was making a big mistake about moving out on his own.

Heath clenched his fists as he continued walking slowly. It seemed as though he could never make his mother happy. She was either complaining about his shaggy haircut, his spontaneous move from their mansion in Crescent Falls, or the fact that he broke up with Seraphine?a woman so much like her.

He could still hear his mother?s protests. Instead of listening to him, she chose to shift the blame of his behavior on his adulterous, careless father.

When Heath was thirteen, his father was caught having an affair with one of his wife?s closest friends. The whole community wagged their tongues for days and weeks, and although his mother tried to ignore them, the gossips grew louder and more aggressive until finally, she asked Heath?s father to leave.

Never would she ever allow a man to jeopardize all that she?d worked for, her reputation, and her status as the secretary of the socialite women?s club. He had to leave.

Dissatisfied with his joke of a marriage, built on lies and the constant watch of the rich community, Heath?s father gladly left with his girlfriend. In a violent custody battle, he also left with his first son.

Heath was separated from his mother and younger brother, and for most of his teenage life was fed bitter facts about a materialistic mother who cared more about her reputation than her children.

Heath had no reason to believe otherwise, he couldn?t talk with his mother without rolling his eyes. For all he cared, she was the one who drove his father away. Although he knew his father was a philandering flirt, Heath still preferred his carefree father than his needling mother. Especially now that his mother was asking him for a ?favor.?

He was quick enough to end the conversation before she got specific, asking about whether he was doing well in school or worse, about his ex-girlfriend, Seraphine.

If he was indeed his mother?s son, Heath knew she was definitely up to something and would not stop until the task was completed. Making sure to turn off his phone while on his morning run, Heath stretched his long, lean legs and began his run once more.

On the other side of the Briarton campus?

Jade leaned her weary head on top of her hands with her elbows propped onto the desk. Her back ached from sleeping on the rigid couch the night before and, in addition, her eyes were sore from the crying.

Jade was dressed in a thick blue sweater?the frigid temperatures inside seemed to be getting colder and colder. Jade swore she would see snow in her living room soon enough.

This was not the first time the landlord had cut off the heat without notifying her. Jade was behind on her rent and utility payments. Money was growing sparse and it was harder to save for Aunt Gigi?s medical fees. The imminent wintry air wasn?t helping any either?not only attacking Gigi?s failing immune system but also Jade?s pockets.

Letting out a weary sigh between her chapped lips, her eyes shifted to the decorated bulletin board above her desk.

Monday. The longest day of the week. Stocking and lifting heavy items in the boutique for ten hours, being reprimanded by her boss for drifting asleep, a Diff-Eq quiz she was not prepared for? Meeting with Dr. Farrow.

Jade?s eyes widened as she leaned forward, squinting to read her handwriting. She had almost forgotten about the email from her advisor.

Jade groaned inwardly as worry crept in, her mind racing endlessly trying to figure out why Dr. Farrow needed to meet with her.

She didn?t have much time to ponder when suddenly there was a loud knock at the front door.

Jade frowned and rose to her feet. It was only six-fifteen. Who could possibly be visiting at this hour? Not wanting the loud noise to wake her exhausted aunt, Jade dashed for the door.

Just as quickly as she opened it, Jade wished she could close it again once she spotted a scowling elderly man on the other side.

?Mr. Bellham,? she said through clenched teeth, staring down at her landlord who had obviously come to `inform? her that he turned off their heat.

He ignored her greeting instead and brushed past, entering the quiet living room with a disdainful snarl on his weathered face. Jade glared down his back as he cleared his throat. ?Where?s your aunt?? he said in a raspy voice.

?Sleeping,? Jade replied, trying to conceal her impatience. How dare this impolite jerk enter her house as if he was welcome? If Aunt Gigi knew this crook of a landlord was in proximity, the fiery-tempered woman would have jumped him in an instant.

?Can I help you?? she asked politely, trailing behind him as he studied their home.

?You are aware the heat was turned off,? he said haughtily, swiping a finger at the surface of the coffee table, looking for dust.

Jade clenched her jaw, holding back from jumping him herself.

?Yes, I know,? she huffed, the impatience creeping its ugly head. ?I said I?ll get the money to you when I get my payche??

?You said that two weeks ago,? Mr. Bellham snapped, turning his glare toward her.

Jade?s cheeks burned at his sharp tone and bent her head. ?My paycheck comes at the end of the month, Mr. Bellham?? she muttered softly. ?I just need a few more weeks to??

?You say that every week, Jaden,? he said exasperatedly, stamping his foot. ?I have bills to pay and you?re preventing me from doing so. You need to be more responsible!?

?I-I?m sorry,? Jade stuttered, emotionally tired of all the responsibilities thrown at her. Eyes shifting nervously towards the closed door behind Mr. Bellham, she bit her bottom lip. No doubt her aunt was awake by now.

?I?m fed up with your excuses and your useless apologies,? Mr. Bellham snapped. ?I should?ve kicked you out when your aunt got sick and couldn?t pay for this place.?

?You know, Archie,? a hoarse voice said behind the aggravated landlord. ?I am sick and tired of your complaining.?

Jade and Bellham turned around to see Aunt Gigi leaning against her bedroom door, glaring at them disapprovingly.

?Georgia!? Bellham gasped and cleared his throat, now shuffling away from Jade. It seemed as though the cranky lion had lost his roar in Aunt Gigi?s presence. ?I-I was just?ah?how are you this morning,? he managed a weak smile.

Jade stifled a giggle as her aunt narrowed her eyes and advanced closer. ?Not too good since you interrupted my sleep, Archie,? she said dangerously low.

Bellham began sputtering as Gigi now stood beside her niece and narrowed her eyes at him. ?Now tell me why you?re harassing my niece before I kick you out.?

Gaining his composure, Archie Bellham scoffed loudly. ?Give me a break! I?m just telling her to get the payments in on time before drastic measures are made.?

?Like you turning off my heat,? she raised her brows, jaw hardened in irritation. ?You?re pathetic, Bellham.?

?And you?re a cold, grumpy old woman,? he shot back, jutting his jaw at her.

Gigi fumed and stepped closer to him, their noses almost touching. Jade watched in slight amusement and apprehension as the two old rivals glared each other down.

?Get out, you craggy old man!? Gigi pushed at his slight shoulders and Jade watched with widened eyes, waiting for Archie?s reaction.

It came slowly as surprise, anger and then annoyance crossed his weathered face. His thick, white brows slammed together and he flung his arm in the air in frustration. ?This is ridiculous! It?s my property,? he ranted.

?While I?m alive, Bellham, it?s still mine and you?re trespassing,? she shot back. ?Now get out!?

Jade watched speechlessly as the once furious landlord meekly walked out, muttering expletives under his breath as he closed the door behind him. She turned her eyes to her aunt, ?Aunt Gigi, you shouldn?t goad him like that.?

Gigi rolled her eyes, ?And you shouldn?t let him intimidate you? For goodness? sake, child, he?s a weakling. Stand up for yourself.?

Jade nodded solemnly, wanting so much to believe in her words.

Unfortunately, her aunt had no idea how hard it was to face that man everyday, aware that he had the power to kick her onto the streets. That was enough to keep her afraid when the lights went out, the nights grew cold and there was not enough food to keep them comfortable.

Even as she left for work a few hours later, the stunning butterflies that fluttered around her or the gentle breeze that lifted her hair could not lift Jade?s spirits. Days were getting harder to endure, life was not being kind.

Fate had dealt her the wrong cards ever since she was born. Her parents were yet to appear, her aunt was sick, her hard work wasn?t good enough no matter how hard she tried to be a good employee, a good person.

As she entered Iliana and Tonya's Clothing Boutique, Jade was welcomed by the stern, cold look from one of her bosses?Tonya. Standing in the middle of the quiet foyer, the six-feet curvaceous woman with a stylish pixie haircut stared down at her, lips twisted in vexation.

?You?re late,? she stated monotonously as Jade tried to sneak behind the cash register where Miko?s boyfriend, Ian, was rearranging the gift cards.

?I?m sorry,? Jade sighed heavily. She was tired of having to explain herself to everyone. Couldn?t they see how hard life was becoming for her?

Ian must?ve heard her thoughts because he gently rubbed her arm and gave her a sympathetic smile.

Tonya came forward, her thin brows raised in speculation. ?How many hours have you worked this whole week, Jaden??

?I don?t remember,? Jade said softly, avoiding her boss? scrutinizing glare.

Why did Iliana choose this day to miss work? The poor girl thought to herself, wishing Tonya?s business partner was the one standing in front of her. At least she would understand how hard she worked instead of trying to interrogate her about how many hours.

?She works more than all of us here, Tonya,? Ian frowned disapprovingly.

Tonya rolled her eyes, aware that Ian was trying to stick up for his friend. ?Look, I can understand once or twice that you have to come late but for goodness? sake, everyday??

Jade?s face heated in embarrassment and she ducked her head, blinking back the tears. How many people would scold her for what she wasn?t doing? Could this day get any worse?

?Alright, those who are here,? Tonya raised her voice to be heard over the television. ?Since it?s only three of you this morning, I?m going to need you to work hard today. We have a few boxes coming through UPS that need to be stacked, folded and placed on the shelves before noon.?

Apparently it could. Jade squeezed the bridge of her nose and sighed inwardly as Tonya continued dictating her instructions.

It was almost three when Jade finally escaped the backbreaking work in the boutique and took the bus to the campus. Her feet tingled from standing up the whole time and her arms hung like useless limbs from straining on the shelves to stack the manufactured items.

At least her headache subsided once Tonya stopped oppressing her with lectures on tardiness and responsibility.

Ian and their other colleague, Asher, attempted to cheer her up once Tonya retreated to her secret lounge upstairs but Jade was preoccupied with her self-pity and of course the meeting with Dr. Farrow.

Now standing in the hallway of the Sociology building, Jade bit her lip nervously, wringing the edge of her sweater in her damp hands. Stressing about overdue rent and utility payments was bad enough but now, there was a chance that her education could be at jeopardy.

Mind racing as she tried to figure out what could be the cause of this `important meeting,? Jade dodged past the students in the hallway and headed for her advisor?s office.

Entering through another door, Jade was quite relieved by the welcoming sound of her feet echoing in the quiet hallway. Anxious since she received Dr. Farrow?s email yesterday, Jade found that she was a bit early for the meeting with her advisor.

"What up?" a young man with dark, glossy hair mumbled from the seat placed in the hallway.

Smiling silently, Jade nodded her greeting and continued on.

Not bothering to see his facial expression at her half-greeting, Jade spotted a familiar figure standing by the side of the wall, behind the glass door.

Reverberating sounds of the copying machine could be heard and as Jade touched the door handle, a cool draft from above caressed her face, calming her jittered nerves.

The taps of her flat shoes softly hit the carpet as she entered the office room. Jade smiled towards the girl standing in front of the copy machine, "Hey..."

"Hey," the young girl murmured back without turning around.

Shrugging, Jade breathed in the smell of fresh paper. The welcoming scent from the air conditioner above now mixed with a new, overwhelmingly strong fragrance.

Jade raised a speculative brow towards the woman with dark, glossy hair sitting at the secretary?s desk. Apparently, in with a new scent came a new face. "Good afternoon," she said hesitantly.

The older woman looked up and smiled, her fingers still rapidly typing. "Good afternoon. May I help you?" She looked at Jade as if she had no idea who she was.

"Um..." Jade began, not really knowing how to explain her 'situation' to the new secretary.

"Oh, Sheila, she's here to see Dr. Farrow," the girl said, finally turning her attention to the matter at hand. Jade give her a grateful smile.

"Oh!!" the new woman giggled loudly, somewhat reminding Jade of the flirtatious teenager in the hallway earlier. She swiftly rose to her full height, which was an amazing six-foot-two inches and swayed her slim hips across the carpeted floor.

"Okey dokey... Just wait here while I tell him you've arrived," she said in a more high-pitched voice than expected.

As the tall woman entered through a closed door, Jade turned towards the copy machine where Erin Lackey stood. Her short dark hair was pushed back from her tanned, rounded face and her eyes glistened mischievously.

"Thanks Erin," Jade said quietly. "Hey, is everything alright--you seemed a bit preoccupied when I walked in earlier..."

Erin giggled, "Yeah, I'm cool--just bogged with my thesis and this job, that's all... You have another meeting with Dr. Farrow again?" she stressed the last word, fully aware that Jade was a regular visitor since her first year of college.

Jade shrugged and raised a brow, "Yep, he emailed me saying he had something to discuss."
Erin's brow wrinkled in thought, "I hope it's nothing too serious..."

"So who's the new girl?" Jade gestured towards the closed door.

Erin rolled her eyes, her expression no longer mischievous or friendly. "Girl..." she began and leaned forward, glancing over towards the door before she cupped a hand over her mouth.

Involuntarily, Jade leaned forward as well, ears straining to hear the newest gossip from Dr. Farrow?s office aide. "Uh huh..." she muttered expectantly.

"The word is that our dear Dr. Farrow hired her last week after Mrs. Geiger retired and someone told me that he used to date her back in the day..."

Snapping her head up, Jade?s eyes widened as she stared at Erin?s beaming face. "You're kidding me, right?"

Erin moved her head from side to side, humming and grinning like a Cheshire cat. Jade shook her head furiously. "No way... That--girl, doesn't even look like she's much older than you and I!"

"Well, that's what I thought but---"

Her words were interrupted as the door swung open and the steps of the new secretary replaced the silence. "Shh..." Erin warned Jade, her eyes on the woman as she made her way back to the chair.

"Dr. Farrow says you can come in now," the secretary said rather brightly as she practically skipped back to her seat.

"Okay thank you," Jade bit the inside of her cheek as Erin wriggled her brows suggestively towards the open door.

Both watching the tall, slim woman sway her hips back to her seat, Jade almost choked on her saliva when Erin murmured silently, "Well... that sure took a long time for her to tell him you were here."

"Stop," Jade pleaded once more as tears gathered at the corner of her eyelids, forehead pounding to keep from laughing.

"Um, we'll talk later then, right?" Erin said a bit too loudly as if wanting to assure the woman that they were in no way talking about her. She winked boldly towards Jade, gestured with a jerk of her head towards the oblivious typist and moved back to the copy machine to retrieve her papers.

"Uh sure," Jade tried to keep a smile off her face as Erin gave the secretary a kind greeting before heading out the door.

Once she entered Dr. Farrow?s office, closing the door behind her, Jade let out her constrained giggle.

Smiling fondly, she took in the familiar smell of stale coffee and old shoes; a smell that had once sickened her the first time she came to his office. However, after a numerous visits of planning schedules, applying for loans, scholarships, changing classes, it was as welcoming and as friendly as a bakery store.

Once her eyes had adjusted to the dimness of the room, Jade shuffled further into the room and immediately spotted a stout man with his back facing her. His round frame was bent as if tired from a long day of work. He stared blankly at the pictures hanging on his wall.

Feeling a bit awkward at the silence except for the consistent humming of the computer. Jade cleared her throat to get his attention. "Dr. Farrow?"

Slowly, he turned and for a moment, he looked as if he didn't recognize her. His hazel colored eyes had a tint of redness to them as if he hadn't slept in days. His face now sported a full-grown beard and to cover his ruffled hair was a red-plaid cap that didn't even match with his maroon sweater and khaki Dockers.

Jade tried holding back a smile when he blinked silently to clear his thoughts.

"Um, it's me, Jaden LaReu," she supplied after two minutes of him not responding. ?I've been in your office many times, sir,? she added.

He smiled and laughter lines appeared at the corner of his eyes and mouth as he rose to shake her hand. "Jaden, of course I remember you..."

Yeah right, she thought, raising a brow as he chuckled at his foolishness. "Okay sir..."

"S-So what are you doing here?" He placed his hands on his hips expectantly.

"Uh, you emailed me saying you needed to discuss something with me?" Jade replied, wondering if she imagined the letter.

"Did I?" he frowned and then shook his head. "Anyway, please take a seat." He gestured over to his desk and led the way, chuckling. "I apologize for my absentmindedness... It's been a really interesting week."

Jade nodded in agreement as she took a seat opposite him, placing her orange velvet bag on her lap, "Of course, I understand."

Erin's words about Dr. Farrow and his new secretary's questionable relationship crept in her mind and she had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing.

"Let me just check my itinerary and catch up on my schedule..." He looked down at the clipboard in front of him. No doubt that was his whole agenda planned out for today.

As he studied the clipboard carefully, muttering silently to himself, Jade quietly studied the impeccable furnishings of her advisor?s office.

Books were propped upside down on the white wooden bookshelf. Pictures above him were of his students, not friends or relatives. Apparently work and taking care of students such as Jade, left him no room for family or a social life.

Clearing his throat, Dr. Farrow caught her attention and she swung her eyes back to his face. He smiled kindly and chuckled, "I'm sorry, Jaden... It seems we do have a meeting planned for approximately 3:00pm today, which is now. I apologize once again. Like I said, it's been a busy week."

When Jade nodded, he shrugged his narrow shoulders and heaved a sigh, "Well, that's what I'm here for--advising my students about things. Speaking of which, how are things with you?" he asked genuinely, his voice taking on a fatherly tone.

With her head bent, she nodded hesitantly, giving him a shy smile. "Things are fine, Dr. Farrow..."

"Good... And how is your aunt doing? Fine, I hope," he leaned back against his soft chair and studied her carefully.

"Uh, yeah, she's doing well." Jade held her tongue, not wanting to give too much information about her aunt?s condition.

He leaned forward, folding his hands over the desk. "Anyway, the reason I called this meeting was to discuss your status as a college student."

"Oh, okay." Jade hesitated, not really sure what his words meant. "Um, what about my status?"

"Well, it seems you're doing rather excellently in all your classes--brilliant work with differential calc and also the other science classes," He winked proudly. "And I'd say at this rate, your school tuition will be fully paid for the year and the upcoming years."

It took a few seconds for his words to register with Jaden. At first she blinked, staring at him blankly, then as if the fog suddenly cleared, his words hit her. Nothing was wrong?her tuition was paid. She wasn?t failing any classes. On the outside, Jade gave her advisor a timid smile but on the inside she was leaping for joy.

Dr. Farrow burst into laughter and gestured towards her. "Trust me Jaden, you have nothing to worry about concerning that area of your education. You're not in trouble. I assure you."

Dr. Farrow then cleared his throat once he realized that Jade wasn't finding humor in the situation."Well, Jaden, I'm just going to get straight to the point."

He touched the metal clip of the board on his desk and smiled, "Well, because of your excellent academic status and your increasing need for a scholarship fund for the rest of your college career..."

He took another pause and Jaden gritted her teeth in anxiety.

Out with it already. Her heart began beating a mile a minute, not sure whether she was more in trouble than he let on.

"Well, Jaden... We, at the Alpha Tutoring services, were hoping you'd be willing to join our program and well--share your 'wisdom' and knowledge with the high school kids in the community."

Looking rather pleased and relieved with himself, Dr. Farrow leaned against his chair and let her ponder his words.

Right put in some of Jaden?s physical reaction. Does he stare at him, look down at the floor. Ring her hands. A job to tutor high school kids, to teach them the things she learned since primary school. It seemed easy enough. Tutoring kids about something she already had a clear understanding about and it wouldn't be as fast-paced or demanding as her other job at the Iliana and Tonya's Clothing Boutique.

"So... what do you say?" His voice softly interrupted Jade?s thoughts.

Jade raised her eyes form the wooden, polished surface of his desk and up to his face. "Well, it sounds like a nice offer, Dr. Farrow," she hesitated, now questioning whether the job was as good as it sounded. "What are the hours like?"

He grinned at her kindly as if knowing she was going to ask that specific question. "That's the beauty of this program, let me explain further, this tutoring program is run by students like you, who of course have busy schedules and other priorities, so in other words--you pick your hours."

Her eyes widened and he chuckled. Flexible hours? Wow. Back at the boutique, she worked almost the entire day. Of course it was a new company and not a lot of people had applied for a job but still? Her own hours!

"So if I take this job at the Alpha tutoring service, I can pick when I want to tutor?"

"Precisely," he grinned from ear to ear, already deciding in his mind that Jaden had accepted his offer. "And you get paid approximately eight to ten dollars an hour."

Her jaw dropped.

This tutoring job seemed a lot easier, less demanding, more fun, and paid twice as much as her current job?a mere five-fifty an hour!

Of course, ten dollars an hour was a great amount of money compared to what she currently made. However, a total of fifteen bucks an hour was even better and with flexible hours at one job, she could surely pull this off.

Wheels turning in her head, Jade began to imagine what she could pay with that kind of money. Her auntie's hospital bills, the rent, school fees, the books not already purchased because of lack of funds!

The possibilities were endless and she couldn't help but let out a giggle of sheer excitement.

A bit startled by her laugh, Dr. Farrow suddenly leaned forward and his thin brows rose in speculation. "Is that a yes?"

Jade smiled and nodded avidly, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from squealing with laughter. This was too good to be true. She now had a job that she could really love and that would pay for all her needs?at least for her auntie's hospital bills and medicine. "Yes, Dr. Farrow... I would love to have this job."

He chuckled at the sheer excitement in her voice and then made a quick note on the clipboard before nodded back at her. "Great! Thank you Jaden for volunteering your time and talents to better our community. I know your auntie will be very proud of you, I'm sure."

I hope so too, she thought to herself as they both rose to their feet, and he gestured ahead of him.

It had been a tough time lately back at home, trying to provide for her sick auntie's needs. Jade knew Aunt Gigi didn't personally like her long hours at the shop, making only about thirty dollars at the end of the day.

Two hundred and ten dollars, her monthly earnings, was barely enough to pay for their electricity and rent, much less groceries.

"Jaden?" Dr. Farrow's voice forced Jade to look at him.

"Yes Dr. Farrow?" Jade blinked at him.

"You take it easy, alright?" he said huskily, almost sounding paternal.

Jade forced a smile, not wanting him to know the profound effect his kind words had on her. "I will, Dr. Farrow and thank you again for this..."

Fighting back the tears that gathered at the corner of her eyelids, she shuffled out of his office quickly.

"Sheila," Dr. Farrow's voice suddenly brightened as he called for his secretary.

Not looking back to see what the two were discussing, Jade exited the office. As soon as she reached the end of the hallway, with her steps growing louder and more frequent, she suddenly winced.

"Oh no..." she muttered, biting her lip and slowly skidded to a stop. There was just one flaw in this perfect plan on getting two jobs. Aunt Gigi.

She was already worried about Jade working until late hours, coming home sore and tired, because of just one job. But Jade needed this job--they needed this job to survive.

With a newfound determination, Jade began planning a reasonable argument for her Aunt Gigi about her new job.

The classes had been dismissed and she now hurried on before the next bus left the post.

The inside was still bustling with students rushing to turn in their research theses like Erin. Bypassing a few shoves and pushes, Jade finally made her way into the fresh Texas weather, taking in the scents of the warm sun rays and the gentle September wind.

Crossing the moss-covered ground, she ignored the cuddling couple on the bench resting against the side of the building and walked to a vacant seat underneath the bus stand.

Sliding into the seat beside a young freshman, Jade gave her a kind smile.

Once the girl looked away shyly, the upperclassman then turned her gaze to the vacant lot across the street, basking in the warm sunlight.

In the quiet comfort of the fresh air, Jade bit her bottom lip in anxiety. She knew telling Aunt Gigi about her new job would be incredibly difficult, especially since her guardian had been so firm and vocal about her working long hours.

Glancing down at her watch to see if there was still time before the last bus arrived, Jade decided to rehearse a speech to give her aunt reason not to be worried. A reason to convince Aunt Gigi that she was capable of balancing two jobs, school and taking care of her.

The air cleared up as soon as the sun finally emerged from behind the clouds. The cool breeze gently shook the oak trees that stood on either side of the pavement. Heath jogged past the trees and approached a darkly painted stucco home, breathing hard as he came to a slow walk.

His cobalt-colored Lexus-IS, sitting quietly in the driveway, glistened against the bright rays of the sun and Heath couldn?t help but smile proudly at his pride and joy. That was one thing his mother and father had no protests or complaints about even when he paid for it with his own savings.

That car signified his independence from his parents, signified his manhood, hence his possessive nature when it came to taking the car.

Dropping to the floor, Heath began his after-workout stretch, wincing at the pain that extended from his leg muscle to hip. It had been a week since he last ran and that was because of school papers and projects. Being a petroleum engineering major was no joke?it meant many sleepless nights, stressful anxiety attacks, and of course missing a chance to run everyday.

Running was his escape. When his parents first got divorced, Heath ran instead of fighting, crying, and grieving. When he was angry, he ran? When he was stressed, he ran. Now that he was in college and there was no time for running, Heath found himself getting more depressed, more anxious, and more irritable. Even nowadays, Pierce preferred to hang out with Seraphine and it wasn?t just because he had the ?hots? for her.

Heath rolled his eyes. That boy was so frustrating. They had been friends since their playground days and both were as different as two different crayons. Pierce was adventurous, loud and quite a joker while Heath was more subdued, thoughtful or as some would say, pensive.

Even still, Pierce believed that because Heath was the more handsome of the two. Girls tended to flock around the standoffish one because he was harder to impress, a challenge for girls like Seraphine.

Back when Heath and Seraphine were dating, it annoyed Heath that Pierce was vocal about his attraction to Seraphine. Nevertheless, Heath tolerated Pierce?s offhanded comments and remained his friend even after he broke up with Seraphine.

Of course, Pierce was too loyal to chase after Seraphine, although the snobbish socialite didn?t appreciate his advances and continued to ?chase? Heath.

Maybe a few months earlier, when he thought he was in love with her, Heath would?ve been flattered by her advances. Now he was just annoyed. Every time she batted those lashes at him, his face got red from Pierce?s constant teasing.

It was annoying that she thought a seductive glance or a secretive brush of her well-manicured fingers against his skin would cause him to beg for her to come back. He could tell by the jaded look in her eyes that she really believed that.

Fueled by his irritation with his needling mother, Pierce?s constant teasing and Seraphine?s beguiling eyes, Heath quickened the pace of his sit-ups, wanting to get rid of the distractions around him.

As he counted to thirty, a sudden vibration at his hip jolted him and Heath stiffened involuntarily. When the vibrating persisted, Heath rose to his feet and reached for his cell phone.

Thinking it was his mother wanting to continue her argument from last time, Heath growled into the phone. ?Hello!?

?Heath dear,? his mother?s voice answered back and Heath bit back a groan. ?You sound like a grouchy bear. What is the matter with you??

Heath cursed silently. His mom had started her usual needling. ?Hello Mother?? he muttered.

?Yes dear. Look, your brother is on his way to see you and I need you to??

?What?!? Heath growled, his brow furrowed in anger. ?What the heck is he doing, coming to see me??

?I need you to pick him up, Heath,? his mother continued, ignoring his rather vocal protest. ?He didn?t get much of a break this summer so I promised he could come see you.?

Heath rolled his eyes heavenward. Give me a break, he muttered to himself and shuffled his feet. ?You?re telling me that he actually requested to come see me?? he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

There was a pause at the other end and Heath could hear classical music in the background as he waited `patiently? for his mother?s response. ?Well? not really, but he needs a break and what better way to spend time with his brother?? she giggled nervously.

?Oh God,? Heath moaned. ?This is ridiculous? I haven?t even seen him since he was five. What is this really about, mother?? he asked exasperatedly.

She gasped, ?Heath, is it really a terrible thing for you two to get along? You?re family for heaven?s sake.?

Heath rolled his eyes. ?Speak for yourself,? he muttered. His parents were supposed to be closer than any of the members in the family yet there was not a minute when they ceased arguing and yelling at each other.

?I heard that,? she snapped. ?Heath dear, brothers must not fight and hate each other like you both do? What would people say??

?Heaven forbid a scandal in the Thoreau estate,? Heath scoffed, loathing his mother?s unhealthy devotion to the socialite community.

?I?m going to overlook that sarcasm, Heath?? his mother said sternly and sighed. ?Now, please pick up your brother from the train station, no questions and no complaints.?

Heath groaned aloud and she continued, ?Whether you?d like to admit it or not, no matter how many miles you put between us, I am still your mother.?

?Yes Mother,? Heath droned, biting back a cheeky remark as she gave him his brother?s itinerary.

?Call me when you get back home,? her voice softened. ?I love you??

Heath murmured, ?Bye Mother.? And with that, he snapped his phone shut and groaned loudly.

Pent-up fury shaking his entire body, Heath kicked a poor rosebush growing beside his house and stormed off to his car. Streams of expletives rushed out between his lips as he yanked the car door open. Heath glared down at the steering wheel as his mother?s words rang through his ears.

That woman had some nerve trying to act like a mother after her absence in his life for more than ten years. She hardly called to see how he was doing, not wanting to deal with his father but as a child, he thought it was her way of punishing him for going with his father.

As he got older and the phone calls grew less frequent with the exception of a few calls to check up on his relationship with Seraphine, Heath began to think less fondly of his mother.

The discord between Heath?s parents extended to their two sons; Heath and Peyton. Peyton thought Heath was a traitor for moving with their loose philandering, ?sorry excuse? of a father while Heath believed his younger brother was as petty, materialistic and snobbish as their fickle mother.

Heath avoided holidays with his brother and mother, avoiding Peyton even when they crossed paths. He was content on not spending time with his father who was always away on business much less the other half of his family. Father and son grew apart over the years and Heath didn?t mind being the loner he was known to be.

After changing into a sleeveless graphic t-shirt and old jeans, Heath stormed downstairs to the driveway. Revving his car engine, Heath clenched his jaw at the prospect of seeing his younger brother again.

It had been too long since they last saw each other and now they were supposed to spend days and nights together. This was going to be harder than avoiding Seraphine. Heath cringed as he reversed onto the street, heading for the Carlton Train Station.

On a Monday morning in the hustle and bustle of the city, Heath was rather surprised that only a few people stood outside the train station. He parked his car to the side of the street and slowly made his way out of the car, his eyes scanning the small crowd. The train announcer?s voice could be heard from the loud speaker, calling out the train arrivals and departures.

Heath juggled his keys in his hands as he walked slowly to the entrance of the station, searching for any sign of a midget kid with darkened hair and a bratty look on his face.

Smirking, Heath stopped immediately as he spotted a lean teenager leaning against his skateboard and a leather suitcase. As he suspected, the boy sported a bratty scowl on his young face. His pouty lips moved slightly as his long-lashed eyes narrowed in irritation, tapping his long fingers against the wooden surface of the skateboard.

Heath rolled his eyes heavenward, hesitating to reveal himself. Of course he was a bit late picking up the kid and Heath knew he wouldn?t hear the last of it here. ?Might as well,? he muttered and shuffled forward.

The young boy didn?t notice his older brother walking forward. Busy muttering about how older brothers were morons, Peyton Thoreau looked as if he didn?t want to be here and rightly so. When his mother suggested visiting his estranged brother on campus, Peyton could remember `begging? his mother, much to his own embarrassment.

Nonetheless, here he was and waiting like a pathetic loser for his brother to pick him.

First, he had to ride the train with those dirty, creepy passengers, then he lost his pocket money while struggling to change trains, and now he was standing for almost ten minutes waiting.

Where is that moron? Peyton clenched his jaw and groaned aloud.

?Who are you calling moron, imp?? Heath?s deep voice penetrated through Peyton?s bitter musing and the young boy snapped alert.

He turned his scowl towards the taller man, his eyes narrowed to angry slits. ?Don?t scare me like that, you creep,? he snarled up at his older brother. ?And where have you been? I?ve been standing out here forever and you just come here, walking like you have nothing better to do.?

Heath raised a speculative brow at his brother, ?I did have better things to do than pick you up? What are you doing here, anyway??

?Trust me,? Peyton rolled his eyes. ?I don?t want to see you either, but Mother gave me no choice.? He bent to pick up his luggage and scowled up at Heath. ?You could help me, you know.?

Heath hesitated for a moment, loving the frustrated look on his brother?s face before he bent and effortlessly picked up the suitcase. ?How long are you planning on staying??

Peyton shrugged, ?Mother didn?t give me the details when she pushed me onto the train.?

Heath chuckled sardonically, ?What, she couldn?t send you with the royal limo??

?Very funny,? Peyton glared up at him.

Heath shook his head and sighed, ?Well, I hope you?re not staying too long. I don?t have time to baby-sit you.? He spun on his heel and marched towards his glistening car.

?Baby-sit?!? Peyton scoffed, scowling at his brother?s back. ?I don?t need any babysitting from you? It?s not like I want to stay with you anyway.?

Heath opened the trunk and flung the luggage inside, ignoring Peyton?s loud and rude protests as he did the same for the skateboard. He then turned around and raised his brows at Peyton who stood there, arms folded across his chest as he glared up at him. ?What are you waiting for? Get in!?

Peyton raised his nose stubbornly and Heath chuckled sardonically. ?Fine? Sit out here and wait for the bus to bring you to my house.?

Rolling his eyes, Peyton shuffled towards the passenger seat and entered slowly, irritating Heath further.

As he started the car, Heath heard low cursing from Peyton?s mouth and he shook his head. ?Try to keep the expletives to a minimum amount. You?re too young to curse anyway.?

Peyton threw him a searing glare, ?Are you kidding me?! I?m almost sixteen.?

?Almost is the definitive word?? Heath countered.

Peyton rolled his eyes again, ?Please? Give me a break! You?re acting like you?re my father or some great big brother. Let?s just stop the nice talk.? He narrowed his eyes at his brother. ?We avoid each other while I have to stay in your house?I stay out of your way and you stay out of mine.?

Heath raised a brow as they moved down the street. Peyton continued, ?For how ever long I have to stay with you, we keep out of each other?s way, and I?ll be out of your hair in no time.?

?Sounds fair to me,? Heath murmured, quite surprised at Peyton?s indignant words but glad that his visitor wouldn?t cause him any trouble during his stay.

Cullen Avenue, Downtown

The sun was now shining bright, warm rays bouncing off the pavement as two young women jumped off the bus. The cool autumn breeze gently lifted their hair as they giggled spontaneously.

?I promise you?that guy couldn?t stop staring at you,? Jade giggled, clad in a loose t-shirt and black jeans that showed off her lean legs.

The pale-skinned girl named Miko rolled her eyes and tugged at her custom-made graphic tee. ?Whatever? He was staring at my hair.?

?And your crazy outfit,? Jade muttered, gesturing towards Miko?s baggy jeans.

?Stop hating? Your extra-large t-shirt isn?t any better.? Miko wrinkled her nose at Jade?s apparel. ?What goodwill store did you dig that atrophy from??

Jade cackled, ?The same place you got yours, Miko dear.?

They giggled together, quite aware that this fact was true. Not the richest girls on campus, Miko and Jade could easily make fun of each other?s thrifty clothes because they shopped at Thimble?s Wear, the local thrift store downtown.

Miko was the wild, adventurous dresser with her fitted, interesting tops while Jade remained modest with t-shirts that hung on her slim shoulders. Even though they didn?t agree on the same dressing styles, these two best friends had one thing in common. The ability to make each cent count for its worth.

As they walked down the quiet streets of Cullen?s Avenue, Miko clicked her tongue and turned to Jade. ?So what did Dr. Farrow say??

Jade giggled before she even spoke and Miko chuckled, ?I?m guessing it was good??

?Very good?? she answered and touched her friend?s hand. ?I thought I was going to be in trouble with paying my tuition fees a little late but??

?Skip the details, dear,? Miko said, itching to know why her somewhat reserved friend was now babbling like an excited cheerleader. ?What did he say??

Jade shook her head, sidestepping an overturned trashcan leaning against the brick building.

Why do people do this? She muttered in disgust, swiping at the flies that hovered over the rotting trash. Graffiti decorated the walls, barbed wire fences were torn and even the buses were vandalized. It was times like this Jade wished she could escape the life of the lower class.

?Jaden Renee LaReu,? Miko snapped. ?Hurry up!?

Jade snapped her eyes forward. Miko was already walking ahead of her and had turned back to frown at her.

?Sorry?? she rushed ahead as they approached the corner store where two employees stood outside, chatting and smoking cigarettes.

?Hmm, if we?re late to work again?this time I?m blaming you,? Miko said, half-joking as she pushed the glass door, a bell signaling their entrance.

The cool air of the air conditioner welcomed them inside and Miko waved toward the cashier at the front, who was scanning some items for inventory.

The two girls walked towards the cash register and the cashier smiled, ?Hey girls.?

Jade grinned, ?Not too busy today, are you??

?Not much? Seems people are busy studying or just don?t need junk food,? she lifted a cereal box of Frosted Flakes and placed an orange sticker on it before scanning the item.

Miko cackled, ?Or too lazy to walk all the way here.? Since both girls didn?t have enough money to buy a car, they depended on the city bus and their legs to get them around. The corner store was about five miles from their homes.

?That too,? the cashier nodded.

?Okay well,? Miko gestured towards Jade. ?We?ll be at the frozen foods section if you need us.? She grabbed Jade?s arm and pulled her away. ?Now, what did he say??

Jade shook her head, ?Patience, caterpillar.? She chuckled as Miko rolled her eyes and moved to the frozen meat box. ?Well, it was about school.?

?Uh-huh,? Miko said patiently.

?He offered me a job as a tutor for the high school students in the community. It?s a tutoring program called Alpha Tutoring.?

?Oh my goodness, Jade!? Miko grinned with sheer excitement. ?That?s awesome. I told you those smarty pants of yours wouldn?t go to waste. That?s fantastic.? She nudged her friend?s arm playfully. ?Shame on you for scaring me.?

Jade rolled her eyes, ?I told you it wasn?t bad news.? She moved towards the ice-cream freezer. ?He said that I could begin whenever I want.?

Miko smiled happily, ?So, what are your hours like? Will you quit your job at the store??

?No,? Jade said hesitantly. ?This new job allows me to plan my own hours so I can work at both.?

Miko frowned slightly, ?Jade, that?s a bit ambitious? You?re already working too many hours at the store. Your aunt is going to flip?have you told her??

Jade bit her bottom lip and Miko shook her head, ?Jade, you have to tell her.?

Slightly irritated by her friend?s urgent plea and the needling of her conscience, Jade sighed in aggravation. ?I know, I know? I just have to think of what to tell her, is all.?

?The truth,? Miko supplied, picking up a box of chicken tenders and frowned distastefully before putting it back down.

?Of course,? Jade rolled her eyes. She stepped back while opening the fridge door, reaching for a box of Ben & Jerry strawberry merlot. As the cool air hit her face harshly, Jade involuntarily jumped, bumping into a hard wall behind her.

?Watch it?? a low voice said behind her and Jade?s face burned.

?I-I?m sorry,? Jade said quickly, closing the door immediately and turned around to apologize for her offense.

Spinning around, she stared at the tall young man with a short spiky haircut and a dark fitted T-shirt. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped visibly as she stood there speechless.

?Hello Jaden,? the voice said huskily. ?Long time no see??

****************** End of Chapter Two. *************************

How will Heath and his pesky brother survive these next few weeks together without killing each other?
Who is this mysterious man that has Jade on pins and needles?
What is the history between Aunt Gigi and the landlord, Archie Bellham?
Will Jade ever have the courage to tell Aunt Gigi about her new job?
Is Aunt Gigi ever going to tell Jade what happened to her parents?

Look for the answers and more in the next installment of Arduous Pursuit.

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Credits:

I'd like to thank my dear proofreaders, Brianna, author of Among The Emerald Hills and Don't Wait and Nicole, author of Rich Man's Daughter and Angie Baby. Thank you ladies, for your patience, encouragement and valued advice.

Also, my other friends from Inscriber's Shack, The Hangout, The Mosaic and the Abode for their encouragement and "push" in getting this chapter out. If you hadn't urged me to "hurry up," this chapter wouldn't be out at all.

And for the readers, I extend my thanks to you for being extremely patient with this chapter. Your comments are very important to me, so don't hesitate to email me at arduouspursuit@yahoo.com or sign my guestbook.

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My forum: Inscriber's Shack---come join the fun! Meet great, talented and friendly members, enjoy awesome fun, come share your stories and get advice on anything. You definitely don't want to miss out. --> http://inscriber.proboards54.com

Also, check out my flickr where I put all the updates of Arduous Pursuit. http://www.flickr.com/photos/greengirlie86/

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Mosaic, administered by my good friend, Brianna and Melinda. A place to truly be yourself and enjoy wonderful company. Come join us! --> http://mosaic07.proboards78.com/index.cgi

The Hangout, what a great place to hangout indeed. They have talented writers and photoeditors who are willing to offer a hand or share experiences and fun with you. Don't hesitate, check them out. --> http://similik.proboards54.com/index.cgi

And last but not least, The Abode, the first forum I ever joined! Fun, entertaining and full of amazing writers. -->http://ryleerider.proboards83.com/index.cgi

Until next time,

Dee