9

They were close, Junior could see the buildings getting closer and closer. He was super excited to finally rest for at least a few minutes. There was a good breeze during the walk, but both of the runaways could still definitely feel the sun's rays beaming down on them.

The town looked quiet. Since it was a Saturday morning, most people were probably chilling at home, or playing out in the yard. It was good for the chef and the boy; less people would notice them.

"Do you think my dad has noticed that we're gone yet?" Junior asked.

"Probably. He gets up at around 7 or 8 sometimes to yell at me for breakfast, so unless he's sleeping in, hes at least awake right now." Chef PeePee answered, reflecting on the past not-so-good memories.

"I think it's past 8 am. I wish I had my phone for the time." Junior complained.

Chef PeePee looked up at the sky, and held his thumb and pointer-finger out. He squinted his eyes, then put his hand back down. "I think it's around 11pm, or noon."

Junior was bewildered. "How do you know? Can you tell time just by looking at the sky?"

"It was a skill I picked up from I was little. I was around your age, I think." Chef PeePee responded. "I'm pretty sure it was in the orphanage. We didn't have many clocks there, and we spent a lot of time outside."

"Oh. That's cool, you think you could teach me?" Junior asked.

"Maybe, if you behave." The chef said in a sort of teasing manner. "It'll have to be later though. We need to take a break once we find somewhere to lay low. I'm starving."

Within a few minutes they were in the new town. The sign read "TITOVILLE." It looked sort of similar to Junior's hometown, though also different. He didn't know really anyone who lived there, besides the people that went to Y U DUMB elementary. Most kids from Titoville went there since apparently the school they were closest to wasn't very good, or clean. Junior had heard rumors that kids sold root beer and other things of that sort there. He was a little glad he didn't go there, but at the same time he sometimes felt like he needed a root beer to get through whatever lesson was being taught by Jackie Chu.

Chef PeePee had only been to this town a few times, mostly to take Junior to the Chuck E Cheese that was there. It was new to him. He hoped they didn't get completely lost, and he memorized as much as he could just in case.

The two ducked into an alleyway between some tech store and a small diner. The chef could've taken a nap right there on the dirt floor. He would've if he didn't have to stay awake, and if his uniform wasn't completely white.

"What are we gonna have for lunch?" Junior asked, leaning against the brick wall next to the chef.

"I packed bread and peanut butter. You want a peanut butter sandwich?" The chef responded.

"Why no Jelly?"

"Because Jelly needs to be refrigerated. It'd be rotten by now in this heat." Chef PeePee opened the bread and took some slices out for him and Junior. He then got a plastic butter knife and the jar of peanut butter, and carefully spread it onto the bread. Junior never knew how he got the peanut butter so smooth.

Junior took his sandwich and they both started eating, or more like inhaling, their lunch. Chef PeePee even finished his faster than Junior. They both then sat down against the wall and took a needed break. Chef PeePee let out a breath of relaxation as he felt the pressure come off his legs.

"Where are we going to go next?" Junior asked. He too was very relieved that they were taking a break, but he was also curious on where their journey will go next.

"I don't know, Junior. Probably through the next couple towns. At least until we're sure no one will find us." Chef PeePee told him. "You know, we'll always have to be on the move. Staying in the same place for too long could make it easier for your dad and the police to find us."

"I know... but for now, can we stay here? My legs need the rest." Junior asked.

"Of course."