+ the Odd Jem (Chapter 3) +

''Mom! Dad!'' I called, but I was alone. Then everything rippled. My vision fogged. Everything turned black, and I woke up sweating. ''Finally! I was scared you were sick or something. You were only out for a couple minutes, so I didnt get your parents. They are in the kitchen, if you were wondering.'' Aunt Jem sat over me with a cold washcloth. I brushed her away. ''Long car ride. Sorry. When did I fall asleep?''

Was she like one of those old people who got random fits of forgetfulness? I didn't know her real age, but she couldn't have been anywhere over 45. ''Hmm? Oh. Bert Angie Ava? No, its Nickolette. They told me.'' Now I was concerned. ''Auntie Jem! Im Ava. I came from New York? We were talking about Bruno? You never told me who he was?'' I looked in her eyes. They were glass-like and still. No emotion.

After returning to her side, I asked the question that had been bugging me. ''So whos Bruno?'' She looked mildly surprised but quickly covered it. ''Oh hes hes just a chicken. Rooster. Why?'' ''Why? We were just talking about him!'' ''Oh? Oh. Sorry, Nikolette'' She mumbled and looked out at the horizon. I was confused. ''Nikolette? Im Ava Remember? Your niece? Bert and Angies daughter?'' I frowned at her. What was wrong?

I looked at my phone. ''8:27.'' I replied. She looked over at my phone as well. ''Sorry, dear. Thats got to go. There is no room for electronics at my place. We live off nature only.'' Well, that was one ''quirk'' nobody had told me about. ''Ok. Ill go put it in the car.'' I replied obediently. After running behind the car, I shoved it into my pocket deep enough that she wouldn't see it, thankful for wearing baggy shorts.

''Oh, Him? No, no, no.'' She laughed. ''Thats Austen. Had him since he was a pup. He used to round up the chickens, but hes gotten old so thats another chore that is now up to me.'' ''Oh.'' ''Speaking of,'' my aunt said, her sunny manner annoying me at this point, ''Its about time to do that. Id say its about 8:30?''

''Ooh! Youll just love old Bruno to pieces!'' ''Oh yeah. Hes sweet. Already met him,'' I replied, thinking they were talking about the bull dog on the porch. ''Hmm. Thats odd I thought I put him in the basement. Well, never mind! Come on!'' She pushed me out the door and sat on the swing, patting next to her for me to sit. I put my hand down to pet the dog. ''So his name is Bruno?'' I asked Jem, attempting polite conversation.