Request: Wait (JackRabbit)

Jack sighed as he looked over the bulletin board in the park. People would come and post odd, one time jobs on the board that homeless people could do to make a little extra money. It was an initiative the city had come up with and Jack was thankful for it, even if the pickings were generally scarce.

He only became homeless recently, about two months ago. His parents and sister had drowned in a lake on a family vacation, falling through the late February ice that wasn’t quite solid enough. Jack had run for help but he hadn’t been fast enough. He was over 18 so the government really wouldn’t do anything for him, and so he ended up out on the streets. The little money he had gotten as inheritance had been put towards giving his family a proper funeral, and he had no other family to help him.

A brisk breeze blew ruffling the papers on the board, and Jack smoothed a couple down with his hands. Fortunately he didn’t mind the cold, but he wasn’t exactly dreading that warmer temperatures were right around the corner either. He just wished they’d hurry up. Canada was great but the chill lasted well into the spring. He had considered moving south about a month ago, but that would mean crossing an international border and working illegally in another country, which would probably get him kicked out, a criminal record, or both.

His eyes immediately skipped over the ads looking for someone to paint a garage or shed; Jack had learned that he sucked at painting at one of those jobs, and he almost understood why the guy had reduced his pay. Almost.

Jack spent twenty minutes at the board and came up empty. There was nothing posted that he could even possibly do, and that meant no money for today. Fortunately he had a few cents saved from previous days so he wouldn’t go completely hungry, but he would definitely have to do with less today.

He ran his hands through his naturally white hair as he walked to the nearest fast food joint. It had grown long and back to its natural colour after his parents died, since he didn’t think it wise to waste money on something as trivial as hair dye. He had always dyed it to keep the odd looks at bay, even using coloured contacts to turn his ice blue eyes into a more average brown, but now the passing glances from strangers were most likely because of his homelessness anyways, and his contacts were long gone.

Counting his coins he discovered he would just have enough money for a single item off of the value menu. When he arrived he kept his head down and remained silent, intending to order his food to go. He knew the restaurant didn’t like the homeless people sticking around too long, and in his case especially since he hadn’t exactly been able to properly clean up in over a week. Spaces in the shelters were in high demand and he couldn’t always get in.

He grabbed his cheeseburger and headed out the door, intending to go back to the park bench to eat. His plans were interrupted, however, when a man grabbed his shoulder with an, “Oi, mate, wait up.”

“Who, me?” Jack asked, confused. Now that he was a nobody he didn’t have many people stop him, at least unless they thought he stole something. But the man that stopped him didn’t appear to work for the store at all. In fact, he was dressed quite nicely, with black dress shoes and grey pants topped off with a white button up shirt and grey vest. Jack had to admit he found it odd that the man didn’t wear a suit jacket with the rest of the outfit, but he was too distracted with the fact that the man was talking to him in the first place to even consider asking him why.

“Yeah you, who else?” Jack took a look around and discovered that that particular section of the restaurant was vacant; there was literally no one else that the man could have been calling. Taking Jack’s silence as an invitation to continue, the grey haired make piped up once more. “Name’s Aster Bunnymund,” Aster introduced, holding out his hand. Jack had to stifle a laugh at the name but shook the man’s hand nonetheless. Fortunately he had washed his hands rather recently so he didn’t feel bad touching the man’s hand.

“So, and I’ll rephrase this time, why are you talking to me?”

“I’m a photographer,” Aster explained with a smile. “I’m doing this new project that I think you’d be perfect for. I was hoping I could convince you to be a model. You have an amazing jaw structure, you’re lean which is perfect, and your hair colour is perfect. What dye do you use if you don’t mind me asking?”

Jack needed a moment to process that. He had worked nearly his entire life to hide his hair colour and now it was something someone wanted? He couldn’t believe it. He shook his head a little to refocus his attention before answering.

“Look, I’m flattered. Really. But I don’t have time to model unfortunately. I need to keep hunting for jobs to make sure I can eat. Sorry. And the colour is natural so I can’t help you there.” Jack started to turn away once more but Aster grabbed his arm once more to recapture his attention.

“Wait, I can pay you! Whatever you’d make at your other jobs plus fifty percent!” Jack’s eyes widened. That would be a lot of money, at least to him. But how could he be sure the man delivered? Before he could say anything, Aster added, “And we can start tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Jack said, “Under one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“I want a $20 deposit right now.” Aster fished through his pockets and after a few seconds, produced a twenty dollar bill. Handing it over to Jack, he also took out one of his business cards.

“Meet me at the address on the card tomorrow at nine. See ya mate.” With a wave, Aster departed.

Jack shook his head once more, and a few strands of hair landed in his face. Catching a quick glimpse of the sheer white before pushing it away from his eyes, he still couldn’t believe that what he thought was his curse would actually net him some cash. But right now he had priorities to focus on, which included using his recently obtained twenty to buy something a little more substantial for lunch.

…

That night Jack was lucky enough to get a bed in the local shelter, but he barely slept at all. He twirled the little paper card that Aster had given him earlier that day between his fingers, wondering if he should actually go. Sure the man had offered to pay him for his time and had seemed nice enough, plus he had even paid Jack’s deposit in blind faith, but Jack could never truly know the man’s actual intentions. Perhaps they really were just for a few photos, but perhaps they weren’t.

Jack let the thoughts war in his head, and at two in the morning he made up his mind: he would go, but he would remain on high alert. He didn’t know exactly what Aster wanted, but in the end he really wasn’t in a position to turn down money. His eyes finally managed to slide closed, and the last thought that ran through his head was that he hoped he would wake up on time.

…

It was 9:02 when Jack arrived at Aster’s address, finding a modest sized home in a nice area of town. A perfectly manicured front lawn was accented by a grey stone walkway, leading up to the red brick house. The air smelled of flowers, and Jack took a deep inhale to take it in. The finishes around the windows on the outside were clearly new but were designed to have a classic touch to them, and the door was solid wood. Clearly for an artist, Aster did well for himself. It gave Jack hope that Aster really would cough up the cash when the time came. Jack rapped his knuckles on the door and stepped back while waiting for Aster to answer.

“You’re late. That’s coming out of your pay, mate,” was how Jack was greeted when Aster opened the door. His expression was stern, and Jack momentarily wondered what he had gotten himself into. At least until he continued. “Just goofin’ with ya mate! Come in!” Aster’s look instantly changed from its previous stern demeanor to a large smile, and he stepped aside to let Jack in. Jack walked past Aster and into the house, and as he passed Aster he couldn’t help but notice that today he looked far more casual in blue jeans and a t-shirt that hugged his frame, tastefully showing off his muscles. Jack was careful to not stare for too long, not wanting to potentially set the man off if he caught him ogling.

The foyer was impressive, large and with a substantial crystal chandelier hanging above. Directly in front of Jack were two spiral staircases, with one heading up to the upper level and another down into the basement. There were a kitchen and dining room off to the left that he could see through a wide opening, and a small living room on the right. He saw a small door near the back of the living room, but it was closed and blocked his view of the next room. The floors throughout the house appeared to be a dark stained hardwood, squeaking under a couple of Jack’s steps

“Impressive,” Jack commented almost in a whisper.

“Thanks, I like it too,” Aster replied, standing beside Jack. “Now, first thing’s first. Have you eaten yet today?”

“No,” Jack replied, thinking back over his morning. Technically he had been given a granola bar on the way out of the shelter that morning, but that didn’t exactly qualify as any type of breakfast.

“Well that just won’t do. Come on, I’ll make you some eggs.” Jack followed Aster to the kitchen, not wanting to turn down free food. Jack looked around while Aster pulled out what he needed, discovering that the kitchen actually stretched across most of the back of the house. But there was clearly just enough room behind one wall for the mystery room Jack had seen the door to.

Turning to look out the back door, he noticed a cage in the backyard. Walking closer to the door he noticed that it was larger than he had first assumed, and it housed two bunnies. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the mild irony.

“So, a guy named Bunnymund owns bunnies?” Jack asked, eyes still glued to the rabbits outside. Before Aster answered Jack could hear some sizzling and almost immediately smell that he had put some bacon on the stove as well. His mouth started to water; he hadn’t had bacon in forever.

“Yeah, yeah, Bunny owns bunnies, laugh it up. They calm me. Inside they get to roam around but outside they are in the cage for safety.”

“People call you Bunny? That’s adorable.” Jack smiled, finally looking back towards the man at the stove.

“Don’t get any ideas mate,” Bunny responded, tossing the eggs and bacon onto a plate with some bread. He placed it on the table with some cutlery and orange juice, beckoning for Jack to sit down and eat. Jack scarfed the food down while Aster cleaned up the pans, eggs, and milk.

“Thanks,” Jack said when he finished, returning the dishes to Aster. He looked down, partially ashamed for eating so fast and probably looking horrible while doing so, but he couldn’t help it.

“No problem. So, shall we?”

“Sure. Where?”

“Right this way,” Aster responded, headed for the door to the rear yard. When they stepped outside, Jack took a moment to stare at the beautiful landscaping. He had thought the front looked impressive, but it failed in comparison to this. Flowers of every colour surrounded all sorts of trees, the grass was perfectly green, and there was even a small waterfall feature. How Aster had gotten all of this going this early in the year Jack couldn’t understand. The bunny cage was in the middle of it all, and as a whole it looked like it came directly out of a magazine.

Jack snapped back to attention when he heard a door slide open, and when he looked back he noticed it was another door back into the house. This one, however, would lead to that small room Jack hadn’t been able to see before.

“Welcome to my studio. Few ever see the inside, so count yourself lucky.”

Inside was a bit of a mess, but it was almost exactly like what Jack had pictured a studio would look like. There was a green screen, a computer, several very nice (and probably very expensive) cameras, and even some chemicals Jack assumed were used to develop film. There was also a plethora of painting supplies including paints, brushes, an easel, and canvases. On the floor was a paint splattered tarp, most likely protecting the same hardwood floors from before. The room smelled of chemicals at first, but Jack quickly adjusted.

They started quickly, with Aster selecting a camera and positioning Jack near the green screen. They took what must have been hundreds of photos, and after every few Aster would put down the camera to readjust some minor detail of Jack’s positioning. Perhaps it was a hand placement here, or the angle of his leg there. After an hour or so they moved back into the garden, taking several photos there with the natural backgrounds.

“So, Aster,” Jack finally piped up during a momentary break, “You never did tell me exactly what these pictures would be used for.”

“The city hired me to do a campaign to raise awareness for homeless youth. That’s what the photos inside were for. But I also take pictures for several magazines, especially nature and gardening ones, and that’s what these are for. You just have this look that fits right in to what they need.”

“Even though I’m wearing this?” Jack asked, looking down at his blue hoodie, torn brown pants, and ratty sneakers.

“Well definitely for the homelessness campaign yes, and the contrast your outfit has with the flowers goes quite nicely I think too. But worst case scenario we can photoshop some new clothes on you.”

“Whatever,” Jack shrugged. Aster was the photographer after all. The continued to take pictures for another half hour or so, and Jack even got to take a few pictures holding and playing with the bunnies. He loved the animals, one at one point even jumping up and resting on his head. Aster couldn’t help but laugh and that picture ended up coming out blurry.

After the bunny pictures the pair moved back inside to the studio, where Bunny uploaded all of the pictures to his computer. As they were uploading, popping up on the screen for a split second at a time each, Aster turned around to face Jack.

“Thanks again for agreeing to this. Oh, and here,” Aster said as he pulled some cash out of his pocket. “I hope you’ll agree that $150 is fair for today.”

Jack’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. He hadn’t seen that much money all at once in what felt like a very long time. He took it gently, almost worried that if he handled it too roughly it would magically disappear. It took him a moment to return to himself.

“Yeah, that’s great. Thanks.” Jack paused before he added, “I’ll get out of your hair now. I can get to the front though this door right?”

“Uh, yeah mate, but you don’t have to go yet if you don’t have anything else to do. I mean I wouldn’t mind a second opinion while editing these pictures.” Jack nodded and sat down in a chair next to Aster, watching him open several of the photos in a computer program he didn’t know and start to tweak the photos. Some he left alone, others he brightened, and others he even managed to change the position of Jack’s appendages slightly. Occasionally Aster would ask Jack’s opinion, and Jack would do his best to provide some type of intelligent answer. In reality he knew nothing about photography.

They didn’t realize that hours had passed, and when they glanced at a clock once more it was already five o’clock in the evening. They looked at each other and laughed, not even realizing that they had skipped lunch. As if on cue, Aster’s stomach rumbled.

“I’ll get out of your hair so you can eat,” Jack said as he rose from his chair once more, making for the door.

“Wait, why don’t you stay for dinner?” Aster offered. “That way you don’t have to spend some of your pay on dinner tonight.” Never one to reject a free meal, Jack accepted. He had to wonder why Aster was so hesitant to let him leave. Did he want something more? He brushed the thoughts aside in favour of free food and followed the man into the kitchen. Aster quickly prepared some pasta, and before they knew it, they were sitting at the dining table once more.

“Is photography your only career?” Jack asked, wondering since today had been a work day but Aster had been with him all day.

“Yeah, why?”

“I was just wondering. You must be really good to be able to support yourself off of it. How long have you been at it?”

“Not long. I actually majored in photography in university. I graduated a year and a bit ago.”

“Wait, how old are you?” Jack asked suddenly.

“Twenty two. How old did you think I was?” Aster asked, curious.

“I thought for sure you were in your late thirties,” Jack replied, adding a quick, “No offense,” at the end.

“It’s all good mate, the grey hair throws everyone off,” Aster chuckled. “How old are you?”

“Twenty.”

They continued to speak as they ate, determining that they actually had many interests in common. Jack wasn’t exactly up to date with many of the television shows or movies, but they could still hold a conversation about them. It was when they were done eating that Jack realized: in a way, he was starting to make a friend.

“Hey Jack,” Aster piped up as he threw the dishes into the dishwasher. “I was wondering if I could ask you for one more thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Well, as I’m sure you figured out by the fact that there was paint all over my studio, I also do some painting. I was wondering if you would let me paint you.”

“Is it for another client or something?”

“No, actually. I just kind of wanted to for fun. You just have this look about you that inspires me I guess. I can’t really explain it.”

“Oh,” was all Jack could say at first. He was a little surprised at that statement, but he supposed it was a compliment in a way. “Sure.”

Aster lit up at that, and Jack smiled a little too. Clearly his permission made Aster happy, and that made him happy. He didn’t know what it was, but Jack was sure that his place in the world was to try and make others happy. It was hard to do in his predicament, but he tried when he could.

“So, where were you thinking?” Jack asked as they walked into the studio to gather the art supplies.

“Well I really liked that picture of you out in the garden near the flowers, and the one with you holding the rabbits, so I was hoping for that.”

“Will they stay still long enough to paint though?” Jack asked, worrying the rabbits might just hop off.

“Just pet ‘em a little and they won’t go anywhere,” Aster assured, lifting the rabbits out of their cage and setting up the easel. He picked a spot for Jack to sit, capturing the setting sun in the background. Jack scratched the head of one of the bunnies, and just like Aster said it stayed with him. In fact, if jumped right onto his lap and rested there, seeming to take a nap. The other decided to lay down at his side.

“Well, I think they’re comfortable,” Jack laughed, looking over at Aster who was still staring at him. He had a look on his face that appeared to be a mix of confusion and thought, which prompted Jack to ask, “What’s up?”

“Jack, would you be willing, and you can say no if you don’t want to, to take your sweater off? I feel like it would look more natural without it.”

Jack thought about that for a moment. The thought concerned him at first, removing clothes in front of someone he had just met, but the man had been nothing but nice to him, fed him, and even paid him to basically stand around. He knew the pictures had been legitimate too since he had seen one of the emails from a magazine company he recognized on Aster’s computer when he had changed windows for a second or so, so he finally let himself do it. Without disturbing the bunnies, Jack removed his sweater and tossed it aside.

This time when Jack looked at Aster, he saw something different. He saw intrigue and interest in Jack’s body, which surprised Jack. He curled in on himself slightly out of modesty, but he realized he wouldn’t be able to hide it if he was to be painted. He returned to his original position, fully exposing the lean muscles on his lithe torso and skinny frame. Aster’s attention soon returned to the canvas upon which he was about to paint and Jack wrote Aster’s reaction off as surprise that Jack was so skinny, seeing as it didn’t show under his baggy hoodie. Paint brush finally touched canvas a moment later, and Jack attempted to remain as still as he could.

Jack lost track of how much time had passed, but by the time Aster had finally finished the sun was nearly set, far lower than it had been originally. Jack had passed some of the time petting the bunnies and making sure they stayed still, but a lot of the time was spent watching Aster. He watched the way his arms moved, gracefully spreading paint across the canvas. He watched the way Aster concentrated, sometimes harder than others, and how he would bite the corner of his lip when he was really focusing. And just once or twice, he caught himself thinking about how Aster was kind of attractive, from the stubble on his seemingly perfect face to the way his muscles bulged ever so slightly, causing the shirt material to tighten even more around them. Jack snapped himself out of one of those thoughts when Aster announced he was done, lifting the canvas off of the easel to bring inside.

“It’ll dry overnight, and then it’ll be perfect,” Aster said, resting the canvas in his studio. “Thanks again for agreeing to do this. I think it’s one of my best.”

“No problem,” Jack smiled, still holding onto the rabbits. “Where do you want these guys?”

“Oh, just put them down in here,” Aster responded, opening the door into the living room. As Jack put them down he continued to the front door.

“Well, thanks for the job and the food. I should probably get back to the shelter to try and get a spot for tonight,” Jack said as he pulled on his sweater. It had been hanging over his shoulder as he had transported the bunnies, and he brushed a small piece of fur off of his shoulder when it caught his eye. He knew that it would be a long shot getting a bed in the shelter tonight, but it wouldn’t hurt to try.

“Wait,” Bunny interjected for what seemed like the tenth time that day. “I know that the shelter can get pretty busy, and I have a spare room, so if you want, you can sleep over.”

“I couldn’t possibly…”

“I insist,” Aster interrupted, his expression showing nothing more than a desire to help out. Jack decided not to argue. Aster showed him to the spare room and gave him a toothbrush and toothpaste to use before leaving Jack alone for the night. Just looking at that bed and knowing how soft it would be compared to the shelter beds or his usual park bench, Jack removed his sweater, flopped over, and fell asleep.

…

It was 10:30 in the morning when Jack arose, and he immediately headed into the bathroom. He brushed his teeth to get rid of the morning breath, something he actually missed being able to do, and when he exited the bathroom the smell of bacon wafted up to him. He knew he shouldn’t bother Aster any further, so as silently as he could he headed for the front door. The floor was plotting against him, however, and he ended up stepping on a particularly squeaky floorboard.

“Morning,” Aster said, appearing out of seemingly nowhere. “Sleep well?”

“Yeah, thanks,” Jack smiled, inching ever closer to the door. “Again, I really appreciate everything you’ve done. I’ll just get out of your hair now.” As much as Jack didn’t want to leave, he knew that there was definitely such a thing as overstaying one’s welcome. Jack was already worried he was pushing that line, even though Aster had always been the one to insist he stay.

“Wait,” Aster said once more. Jack was beginning to think that that was his favourite word or something. “It gets kind of lonely around here, and you seem like a good guy. If you’d be willing to keep modelling for me, maybe we could make this a more permanent arrangement?”

Jack could only smile, and Aster took that as a yes.