Bad Juju by Dina Rae Page B

century of age, Lucien feared his craft would die with him.  He loved Jake like a son and began g room ing him in the dark arts .  First, he taught Jake common symbols used within the hounfours where worship took place.  Jake caught on instantly .   Lucien moved onto the mystical side of the religion, showing him healings, protective powers, and hexes.  He regretted never teaching his wives or children.  Jake was his last hope in continuing on his family’s legacy.
    Although they had grown close, both kept secrets from each other.  Lucien suspected a great deal of abuse in Jake’s home .  H e wanted to adopt the boy , but his age and U.S. legal status would be under fire.  For the time being, he enjoyed their relationship and vowed to help the boy under any circumstances.
    ***
     
    By the time Jake’s school bus arrived, his eyes felt as dry as sandpaper from crying.  Like magic, he no longer pitied himself , shifting to fantasies of revenge .  He was grateful to his aunt for making him go to school.  He certainly didn’t want to stay home.  Henry lurked by his locker, excited to see him.  They both walked to the Z oo together and began their day.
    Like the day prior , Mrs. Powell allowed them to watch more news coverage about the Haitian earthquake.  The aftershocks were causing widespread alarm.  The Red Cross was already delivering food, water, and medical supplies.  Makeshift camps were in the process of being set-up for the thousands and thousands misplaced.  Jake thought of the worry Lucien must be going through.
    “Can we go to Lucien’s again?” Henry whispered.  He looked like a puppy begging for a hamburger.
    “Sure.  As long as your mom takes us there.”
    After school Henry’s mom again was gracious enough to drop them off at Lucien’s. “Same time as yesterday?”  Henry nodded.  She waved goodbye.
    Lucien automatically made hot cocoa .  Jake needed to unload, but wasn’t sure if Lucien or Henry wanted to hear his problems.  After reiterating earthquake news, Jake took a chance.
    “So…I’ve gotta tell you about my night.  And Henry, please don’t repeat this to anyone.”
    “You don’t have to worry.  I’m good at keeping secrets.  Sometimes I don’t even remember them,” Henry answered.
    “My uncle is a real dick.”  Jake retold every dirty detail he endured from his uncle’s wrath.  For the grand finale of the tragic tale, Jake lifted up his shirt, displaying him numerous welts.
    Lucien’s face flashed with anger , but Henry remained unaffected .  “Jake, my dad always says the only way to get someone to quit picking on you is to defend yourself.  That’s why I didn’t get in any trouble at home after I punched Rio .  Maybe if you hit your uncle back, then he wouldn’ t mess with you.”
    “Ah Henry.  Your dad is a very wise man when it comes to giving his big son advice, but you don’t know Jake’s uncle.  He’s bigger than even you.  And he’s a mean drunk who’s used to fighting,” Lucien explained.
    “Jake, I consider you my friend.  My best friend and my only friend.  If you need me to go punch your uncle’s lights out, no problem.  Where does he live?  I’ll go do that now.  Get it out of the way,” Henry offered.
    Jake smiled.  Henry’s loyalty was touching.  “Henry, that’s okay.  And since you’re my only friend, you’re also my best friend as well.”
    “There will be no fighting from anyone.  Now Jake, I love you like a son.  And you’re welcome to stay here as much as you want, as long as you want…I’d adopt you myself, but no one would give someone my age custody,” Lucien added.  Jake couldn’t help but feel he was holding something back.   “ He’s done this before, hasn’t he ?”
    “ Yes.  Lots of times.  B ut this is the worst time,” Jake cried.  Emotions suddenly overcame him.
    “This is unforgiveable.  T he next time might be worse .  He needs to be stopped.  Police?”  Jake