"That's your plan?" Jack couldn't help but raise his brow at Beth.

"I mean, beats acting like idiots in this theme park."

"What's the difference!? By the end of it all, I'm still acting like a clown!"

"Ain't this kind of a scam?" Cooper voiced his concerns.

Beth scoffed. "How is this a scam? It's perfectly normal, I've seen a lot of people do it all the time, and all they had to give up was their pride."

"Still don't like the idea." Jack said as he brooded on the couch.

"It'll make us rich, that's what!" She claimed as she pointed her index finger at him. "Think about it, Jack! All the money you would make because Cooper and I helped you out! I can finally get my life together, and you with a successful business. Cooper? I'm sure he just wants to be included."

"That's still a hard no for me. Your idea might bring me some bad type of attention. If I just go with that plan, I'd be kissing my privacy goodbye."

"The internet isn't that bad- Alright, I get where you're going."

Cooper had decided to go on his own and watch another movie while the other two conversed.

"Still, just one con among the pros. It is mostly about the money, Jack, and the three of us can live an easy life."

Cooper whooped, happy that he was included.

"See? He's on board! So what do you say, wanna earn big?"

Jack crossed his arms in disapproval. The idea was just not within his comfort zone. He was better off working as a nobody actor in the amusement park.

"I'm not exactly staying…"

The room went silent, both Cooper and Beth tensed up.

"What does that mean?" Beth asked with her eyes narrowed.

It was then that Jack knew he made a mistake. A fumble in his words would lead to unwanted drama.

"Hey, listen, it's just that I still want to get home. So I don't think we should do anything too ambitious."

"You're leaving…?"

"Not right now, just until I find a way, and no one knows how long that'll be."

Beth bared her teeth as she grabbed Jack by the collar of his shirt. "You're leaving!?"

"Hey!" Cooper rushed in to separate them both. "Calm down, we don't want to do anything we might regret!"

"But Cooper, didn't you hear?" Her voice was laced with obvious sarcasm. "Jack wants to leave us all behind! To be absolutely fair, he doesn't know us that well!"

"Don't be like that, relax."

Beth shoved Cooper aside and went after Jack. "You think you can just come into my life and leave me to dry in the sun!?"

"Beth!"

Jack ducked in time just as Beth pounced at him. "Hey, clearly you're not thinking straight. So how about we sit down and relax?"

"Yeah, keep lying will ya!? I'll listen to it all day!"

Try as much as he could, Jack was just slower than Beth. It wasn't long before the fox had him against the ground. Cooper did his best to pull Beth away, but she proved too strong for him.

"Calm down you idiot!" Jack couldn't fight back as she held him by both wrists.

At that point, Jack was frightened. He was under her mercy no matter how much he struggled.

Bethany Barwick was a sad girl. Broken by one bad relationship. And the fact that he wanted to leave and go back to his world was enough for her to act in violence. Jack forgot that Beth was a dangerous gal and should've kept his plans a secret.

He felt something drop onto his cheek. When he looked up, Jack was met with a tearful Beth. Her fangs bared as her lips quivered.

"Why? Damn it, why do you want to leave!?"

"Beth…" He went limp. This was a side Jack hadn't seen before. And it filled him with guilt just for causing it.

"Please, don't leave… I thought we were friends…"

She choked on her words as she tried to speak. Fangs dangerously close to his throat.

"You're just like her, using everyone you meet,"

"That's not true, you don't understand what I'm going through."

"Make me understand then! Tell me why you want to go back!"

It was then that Cooper was able to gently pull Beth off him. Slowly, Cooper brought Beth over to the couch and settled her down. Jack followed after he caught his breath. He was sure that it was the end of him.

Beth only stared at the ground as tears stained her face. And Cooper did his best to comfort her with small promises.

He walked up to them, but Beth didn't look at him.

"You're a frickin nobody."

"Excuse me?" Jack stuttered back.

"You and I are the damn same, a couple of nobodies left to rot with nothing in our names!" Her head snapped toward him. "Why do you want to go back when all you have is that crappy car!? You drove miles and miles through nowhere, just to get here! You were given a lifetime chance of a million! And you, Mister Kennedy, want to throw it all away?"

"Beth, I don't belong here…"

"Neither do I," She shot back. "Have you seen the way everyone looks at me? But I don't care. You and I should be working together-"

"Because we're the same?" Jack scoffed. "Last time I checked, I got more opportunities than you. Even you thought that I could use my face to earn some big cash."

"Because it looks like I'm smarter than you. See how you only have this opportunity because you're in our world. What are you other than a dancing monkey?"

Cooper flicked the back of her head because of that insult. He wasn't choosing any sides, simply wanted to keep the peace. Jack admires that about him.

"I'm going back to Trusty's," Beth left without any more fuss.

It was supposed to be a day of fun and relaxation. But it ended sourly for everyone. All because Jack was being honest with them.

Before Jack knew it, Cooper had already gathered up the movies and cleaned up all the mess.

"Say, Jack… where exactly did you come from?" Cooper paused for a moment. "How did you end up here, in our world? Magic?"

Jack pursed his lips as he sat down. He didn't know the answer to that question at all. "No clue how it happened. One moment I drove into that forest just south of Whispering Woods. The next? I found myself picking up a certain feline hitchhiker."

"Wait, Maria? Where did you pick her up from?"

"Under a streetlight a few miles from the forest. Don't know if I should explain to you why she's there, to begin with."

"Ah, well I know about what she's doing over there. That little hut she's making." He pressed a finger against his beak. "She could just use her bike, honestly. Sure, it'll take long, but it's cheaper than having you drive her around."

"You know about the hut?"

Cooper raised his head high and proud. "Know it? I helped start it!"

He was a strange one, Jack thought. Always positive despite the situations he was in. Lucy didn't have that type of optimism, Cooper was on a whole different level. Only once did Jack see Cooper's bad side, and it was like a rare piece of jewelry long forgotten.

It amazed him how gentle and patient the owl was.

"Thanks, Coop'," Jack said as Cooper handed the movies over. "So, I guess I ruined movie day."

"Don't let it get to you, man, just be glad Beth didn't rip me apart."

"Pretty sure she was on my throat, not yours."

"With how much she likes you? I'd be surprised if she even gnawed on your ankles."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As the two exited the room, Cooper had a few more things to say.

"Listen, Beth didn't mean anything bad. You just really stuck to her so badly that she's scared of losing you."

"Don't worry about it Coop', I don't blame her for anything. You understand that I can't stay forever, right?"

That smile Cooper wore faltered. He only answered Jack's question with a short shrug then went off elsewhere. It was clear to Cooper that it wasn't his choice to make. Whether Jack went home to his world or not, Cooper didn't have a say in it.

As expected, the theme park was always busy. Everyone was smiling and enjoying their time. Mascots did their best to entertain the guests. The staff did their best to bring life to this place.

To think the man of philosophy was a part of the attraction. That made him chuckle with a painful delight. He was a man stuck in a desk job before and ended up a clown. There was some philosophical nonsense about his situation he was sure of, but Jack didn't have time to think about it. Perhaps not even.

"Ah, Kennedy!"

He came to a stop as Glinda Smith entered his view.

"Glad I caught you, there's something I need to ask about."

"Sure, anything. I'll be happy to answer."

"It's just… I saw Beth in a sour mood as she left. Did you two have a fight?" She asked with narrowed eyes. Jack knew it was best to be honest with his superior. If memories served right, the only reason Beth wasn't tossed out of the park was because Glinda knew Beth's mother.

That gave a lot of possibilities. And every single one of them worried Jack as it could invoke her wrath upon him if he said the wrong thing.

So it was better to be honest.

With a slouched figure and a heavy sigh, Jack answered. "I told her that I don't plan on working here for a long time. She didn't take it too well."

"You mean that you'd leave?" That answer he gave seemed to be enough to calm her.

"I don't exactly belong in Whispering Woods, and I was on my way home before running out of luck."

Glinda looked disheartened. "Understandable. You have people to return to, and I am sure that Beth will accept it soon enough. But please, don't leave us all heartbroken not knowing where you went. Despite the few days we've known each other, I have taken a liking to you, Kennedy."

With her piece given, Glinda said goodbye and went back to her business.

Jack was left to ponder her words. It was as if the whole universe was trying to guilt him of his decisions. It wasn't his fault he wanted to go home. Or was it?

Sometimes you cannot predict what you'd receive from life.

And as of now, what he didn't expect was a few friends. Certainly threw a wrench in his plans. But all the fault was his as he was the one who grew attached to these people. People he didn't know even existed.

Despite the difference in their appearance, they were all the same.

The drive back to Maria's place was a silent one. No thoughts were in his head as he focused solely on the road.

As he got to the turn that led into the neighborhood, Jack found Stella and her friends at their usual spot. There's that same glare she wore whenever he was around.

She was a spiteful one. Jack was honestly thankful that her friends didn't share the same malice she had toward him. Knife especially, as he was kind enough to wave him hello whenever Jack drove by. His opinion of Vel didn't matter much, he only knew her brother.

The car stopped in the driveway.

It was there Jack noticed that Maria's bike was parked by the porch.

With his movies in hand, Jack entered the house and found Maria in the kitchen where he was met with a scent of freshly brewed coffee. Both greeted each other as usual. He wondered if she knew of his plans would she react the same way as Cooper? Maria was a reasonable woman, that he knew at least.

"You're home early," She noted as Jack settled down on a chair across from her.

"I could say the same about you,"

The disgruntled woman crossed her arms over her chest. "I got fired on the first day for no reason. Can you believe that? I stayed exactly in line and all that got me was the boot in my rear."

He scoffed. Certainly, it was unreasonable to do such a thing. Jack didn't see an issue with her work ethic in any way at all.

"You're better off without them," Jack said. "The food in that place is as bland as paper."

"It's that bad, huh?" That comment of his brought a little smile to her. "Man, I was doing so well too. They just said that some customer didn't like the way I did things and that was enough to fire me."

"Obviously they didn't like the food so much that they wanted to outsource their dissatisfaction on someone."

"And that someone is me, huh? Man, another reason to hate people."

"So, how about dinner?" Jack got up to check the fridge. Maria had kept it well stocked which gave them plenty of choices. "Banana milk? Really?"

She grinned. "It's kinda funny,"

Jack looked back into the fridge and thought about what he would cook.

"You know what? Let's just order some Roberto's. No need to cook for us, not like you're our personal chef or something."

"That's the benefit of having me around, and besides, it's better to have a proper meal than a greasy pizza."

He switched over to the cabinets.

"How about lasagna dinner? It'll be quick."

"I don't know how long that sauce was in there."

He shrugged his shoulders. "It'll expire in three months, so it's still good. Hey, think Stella would enjoy this?"

"She hasn't complained yet," Maria claimed. "The only thing she doesn't like more than me right now is you."

"That's a problem, really. I mean, can't blame her considering how much of a stranger I am." He paused for a second, the necessary ingredients for the recipe had been gathered. But that wasn't where his mind went. "Say, Maria? How would you feel if I went home to my world?"

"I'd say take me with you…"

It took her a few seconds to even answer.

Take her with him. The answer sounded wrong. Especially when it was worth noting that she said "me" and not "us". He didn't push further. It sounded like a joke, to be honest.

"I need an actual answer. Because I don't plan to stay here once I figure things out."

Maria paused, her expression as blank as the dead.

"Well, I wouldn't really mind. Not like I control you or anything."

"Beth didn't take it well, unlike you."

"She didn't, huh? I'd say you're lying if I was younger. But now, it doesn't surprise me that she's against your idea." Her eyes looked distant for a moment. "She didn't care about others back then. Not even Cooper. Guess nowadays she values the guy as a friend more than ever."

Slowly, those golden eyes of hers moved to him. Though expressionless, Jack felt a hint of envy from the way she stared at him.

The kitchen went silent as Jack focused on cooking. Maria simply watched.

Methodically, the only human on earth prepared the recipe.

It wasn't long before Jack was done with most of the steps. All he had to do now was pop the lasagna into the oven and wait.

"So, the weekend is coming… Got any plans?" Jack asked.

"I was planning to relax in my hut unless I can't find a job until then. God, I hate that place for firing me."

"Warren said that place just opened today, does that mean you were unemployed just recently?"

"Warren?"

"A friend of a coworker."

"Right. Well, I'll be honest. I don't exactly need a job, but I have to do something with all this free time in my hands."

"Wait, where does your money come from then?"

"A pension, I pick it up from the post office every month." Jack was slowly learning more about her. "Also, I got a lot of cash to pay for three people's colleges tucked away. So I don't really have any issue with money."

A pension implied she retired from work. But Maria- from what he could tell, was still in her prime. If Jack had to guess, they both were the same age or just close enough.

A ding brought him out of his thoughts, the lasagna was done and all it needed now was to cool off.

Maria chose that moment to prepare the table for everyone while Jack cleaned up the kitchen.

Once everything was set, the two sat down and waited for one more person.

"Did you watch the movies I gave you?"

"Only one," Maria answered. "Couldn't exactly watch the rest since I had to go to work. You know, before getting fired on the first day. Should've stayed home and watched the rest of them."

"What did you watch?"

"That one with giant robots, I can't remember the name."

"We'll figure that out later."

"You know, the concept is similar to Beast Heroes, but they shrink and take animal forms to hide instead of cars and junk. Still, it was a cool cartoon."

"Ah, you mean those giant robots! Yeah, it was definitely a classic."

Just then, they both heard the telltale sign of Stella's return. The front door opened and she announced herself. Maria made sure to tell Stella that dinner was ready.

Wasn't long before the younger sibling joined them. By that time the lasagna was good enough to eat.

Jack sliced everyone an equal share of the pasta.

"So, how's your day been, Stella?"

No answer.

"I got fired from my job," Maria told her sister. "How about you, Jack, what did you do all day?"

"Beth-" Jack caught that short glance from Stella. The subject of Beth caught her attention. "-got us a day off. We hung out for a while until I got invited out for lunch by Lucy, the assistant manager of the park."

He paused.

"After that, I went back to Beth where we decided to watch some movies with Cooper."

"That's good. How about you, sis, anything exciting today?"

Stella was midway to her fork when Maria asked her a question.

"The usual," Stella finally answered. "Knife, Vel, and I waited by the corner for some quick action."

A sharp grin met Maria.

"Got ourselves a few shiny things to sell tomorrow."

That statement sounded too much like a confession. She bragged about what she did earlier as if she wanted Maria to know that she failed as a sister.

Maria was unbothered. Her cold expression only annoyed Stella.

"How about a trip?" Maria suggested. "We should totally go camping together."

"That sounds like a terrible idea," Stella argued.

"Why not? It ain't like you're giving ideas."

"Sure, I would love to spend my weekend alone with you of all people."

"I was thinking all three of us could go."

"WHAT!?"

Jack ducked in time as Stella threw her fork at him.

"Why in the hell is he even invited!? He's a stranger!"

"He's a friend,"

"You've only known him for a few days!"

"So did Beth. And by the sound of things, it looks like Jack and her are best of friends."

That shut Stella up.

Maria smiled triumphantly. "That's it then, we are going to camp this weekend. Until then, I'll be out looking for a job."

Dinner was a quick one with the pan of lasagna almost empty, and Maria was the first one to leave. Of course, that was after Jack had told her that he would do the dishes. She was reluctant at first, but Jack convinced her in the end. Maria excused herself and left to buy something from the nearest store.

Now it was just him and Stella. The awkward silence was so suffocating.

He wanted to use that moment to chat with Stella but he was afraid.

"Hey, Stella, could you clean up the table?" Was all he could manage.

"Do it yourself,"

"I bet Beth would like to visit sometimes,"

Stella scowled deeply. "What are you suggesting?"

"I mean, we've been talking a lot. One time it was about you."

She dismissed him before, but now Stella had her eyes on him. Though hateful in some way, there was that hint of curiosity that would always appear whenever Beth was mentioned.

It was clear that the young girl saw Beth as an older sibling. Which was worrying with Maria in mind.

"Yeah, Beth says that she's concerned about you a lot."

Stella scoffed. "I'm not a kid anymore, I can take care of myself."

"You robbed me," A reminder of their first encounter.

"Hey, better me than anyone else."

"Doubt someone would be dumb enough to just steal in broad daylight."

"Are you calling me dumb?"

A smug grin showed up on his face. He had her right where he wanted her to be.

"I mean, knowing Beth, she would've done it better."

"Beth? Who do you think I learned from?"

There it was, a small confession. Stella just blatantly admitted that Beth was a bad influence on her, despite Beth doing her best to steer Stella on the right path.

"Huh, I'll have to ask her about that."

It was then that Stella knew she made a mistake. Somehow, Jack's little tricks caught her in a trap. They both knew how much respect Stella had for Beth, and how much she feared her.

Good thing Stella was a smart girl, so she conceded and simply crossed her arms. "What do you want?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't give me that smug crap! You want something, don't you? Money? The ins and outs of this town?"

"Go camping with your sister,"

"That's it? I mean, I know a couple of freaks who'd kill just to meet you. I can hook you up if you want."

"That just sounds wrong coming from a kid,"

"I'm eighteen! Old enough to drive and vote!"

"Yet, you're too childish." Jack finished up the dishes and wiped his hands dry. "You're causing people trouble, and for what? The rebellious phase? There are better things to do. Things that'll help you out in the future."

Her fists were balled up. She looked like she was about to lash out at him. But Jack persisted.

"All I've seen you done throughout the days I've been here is sitting on that sidewalk doing absolutely nothing. You think this is fair to your sister?"

"Fair? She left me."

"And she's back. Trying. Her. Hardest. Get that through your head."

"You don't know me, you're freaking nobody."

That grin on him disappeared. Not because she was right. But because Jack knew he struck a chord. He knew if he pressed further then it would end badly for him.

"That's true, I shouldn't put my nose in anyone's business. And I have no say in it. But, I don't want you hurting Maria at the end of it."

That was all she needed. To be judged by someone from a man like him. He was a nobody, Beth hammered that into Jack already. But that didn't mean he wasn't allowed to have ideas and opinions. He was human- no, a person. Just like everyone else.

And that little rebuttal of his sent Jack to the floor.

A sharp pain on his face and a furious Stella above him. Jack expected things to end this way.

He watched her pull back a fist but saw the reluctance that accompanied the anger in her eyes.

The punch wasn't much, thankfully. Stella was smaller and weaker in terms of strength. Though Jack was doubtful that he'd come out of it flawlessly.

"Go ahead, I won't hit back." He promised.

Frustrated, Stella stormed off.

Jack collected himself soon after.

He had hoped that he got through with her. Or else he got himself punched for nothing.

Sadly, he knew the bruise would be noticeable. But his decisions led him here. And he'd have to bear with it, especially when he showed up at work tomorrow.

"Woah, what happened to you?" Maria had just walked in at the right moment. Her timing was strange and coincidental, yet amazing.

Jack put up his best acting face. "Slipped and hit the fridge hard. Saved the lasagna at least."

"The lasagna, the one on the table right now?"

"Yup, we got ourselves some extra lasagna thanks to my cat-like reflexes."

"You did not just say that," She did her best not to smile. "Alright buster, hope you're feline fine after that fall."

He didn't intend to make a pun, but it came out so naturally that Jack thought he had a knack for it. As bad as the joke was, he felt relieved that Maria didn't push further about his bruise.

For now, it was time to rest after an eventful day. He'd have to ask the folks at the amusement park to cover up the bruise, but that was tomorrow's problem.