Читать книгу The Calling - Джеймс Фрей, James Frey, Nils Johnson-Shelton - Страница 24

Christopher’s father is a beef farmer in the western prairie. A very successful beef farmer. At last count more than 75,000 head of cattle. Christopher said good-bye to Sarah. He didn’t want to, but he did. He stood with Sarah’s family and watched her go through security. He stayed at the airport until her flight had departed.

He let her go.

He’s not used to letting things go.

And he’s never had to let anything go before.

Christopher was the starting quarterback of the football team. He is a great athlete. He was recruited to Nebraska in the fall to play football. He accepted, but he asked if they could give the scholarship to someone else. Someone who needed it.

On the field he never spent more than five counts in the pocket. He is decisive, has an arm like a cannon, legs like a thoroughbred, a heart like a lion. He is physically superior to most kids his age and to almost everyone he’s ever met.

Christopher is in love. In love with Sarah Alopay. In love with a Player of Endgame. All anyone can do is talk about the meteor, the school, the deaths, the disappearance of Sarah. What it all means. They don’t know, have no idea, couldn’t even begin to imagine the truth about what happened.

But Christopher knows—even if he still thinks it’s bullshit.

He’s 18 years old. Free. He has a passport. He has been to Europe, South America, and Asia. He has traveled on his own before. Christopher is a fighter. His younger brother, John, has Down syndrome. Kids used to pick on him in grade school. They made fun of him and mocked him. Christopher took care of those kids, and John didn’t get picked on anymore.

Christopher is rich.

Decisive.

Fast.

Strong.

And Christopher is in love.

Christopher knows where she is going, the number of her satellite phone, about Endgame.

Christopher likes games.

He has spent most of his life winning games.

He believes he can win anything.

He realizes he lied to the girl he loves. He is not going to sit this one out. He is not going to wait.

Two days after Sarah leaves, Christopher leaves as well.

He is going to find her.

Help her.

They’re going to win.

Together.