And Along Came Jake Read Online Free PDF Page B

one of those chocolate bars?" He said laughing.
    "I don't know Smitty; maybe this can of beans." he said, shoving it to the side.
    "Well, if you had a job, you wouldn't have to put anything back, you bum. Now take your things and get out of my store!"
    Jake shrugged his shoulders, chuckled, grabbed his groceries, and headed back to the old barn. It was about three in the afternoon when Jake arrived back at his hideout. As he walked inside, he was pleasantly surprised to find Madison and her dog Toby, sitting inside; she held two small cupcakes in her hands.
    "Hi Jake. I brought us some snacks!" She quickly stood up and showed him the treats. "See," she continued, as she held them straight out in front of her.
    "Thanks Madison, I'm starving, and those look great!" He said.
    "Hey Jake, I wanted to say I'm sorry about what happened this morning after the storm." she said, as the two sat down and began to eat.
    "After the storm?" He asked in a puzzled voice, pretending not to know what she meant.
    "You know, the kiss on your cheek. Just forget about it, okay?" She said blushing and looking down on the ground.
    "Okay Madison, sure, no worries!" He agreed, knowing despite his feelings, he must play along.
    Jake wiped his sticky fingers on his trousers, and stuck out his right hand for a handshake. "Friends?" he asked.
    "Yes, friends!" She said as they shook hands.
    The tension seemed to subside, as Jake and Madison went back to joking as usual.  "Here you go!" He said taking out the chocolate bars. "I got one for you today, when I went to town."
    Madison immediately furrowed her brow, twisted her mouth to the side and put her hands on her hips, knowing he must have stolen them.
    "Don't worry Maddie, I paid for em'!" He said giggling.
    "So…" She smiled as she took the chocolate. "You're calling me Maddie now, huh?"
    "Well…" Jake replied "If it's okay with you?"
    "Yes, that's fine. I like it, it's kinda cute—Maddie." She repeated again trying to conceal a full smile.
     
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    They must've lost track of time; it was now seven p.m. and Madison's parents were out looking for her. She was always told not to wander too far from home, and never to go to that old spooky barn.
    "I bet she went looking for that stupid dog again!" Mr. Brierly said to his wife. He grabbed his shotgun, "I'll be back soon, I'm gonna go find that girl!"
    "Go easy on her Nate." Mrs. Brierly said, rubbing her husband's back. "She's probably just out exploring, that's all."
    "Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of!" exclaimed Mr. Brierly, kissing his wife's cheek and grabbing his hat.
    "Be careful Nate. It's getting dark out!" She yelled, cupping her hands around her mouth.
    After searching for a few minutes with no luck, Mr. Brierly was about to ask his wife to help, when all of a sudden he spotted a faint orange glow in the distance. It appeared to be coming from the old deserted barn.
    "Madison Brierly!" He thought "How many times have I told you not to go to that old barn; let alone build a camp fire in it!" He shook his head, and started making his way towards the orange light.
    As he neared the old barn, he could hear Madison talking to someone. "Madison Nichole Brierly!" He thought, as he grit his teeth together, "You'd better be talking to that dog of yours!"
    he flung the barn door open, startling both Jake and Madison, who's mouths and eyes were wide open; Mr. Brierly's face turning beet red.
    "Madison!" He shouted, as he took off his belt. "Get your dog and go back to the house now! I'll take care of you later, me and Jake need to have a little talk!"
    Madison started to plead with her father, but her words were instantly cut short. "Get to the house girl!" He demanded. "I'm not gonna tell you again!"
    "I'm sorry Jake, I'm so sorry!" She cried as she grabbed Toby and ran back to the house as fast as she could, tears streaming down her face.
    Mr. Brierly paced back and forth in the barn, his face still red, his lips curled in tightly to his teeth,