Chapter 1

It was the day that Jack had been dreading. His birthday. He was 18 today. He had to leave the only home he had ever known, Old George Orphanage. Once an orphan had reached the age of 18, they were no longer able to stay. It was time to spread their wings and see what the world had to offer. However, Jack wasn't the only orphan being thrown out in the world today. His best friend, Jill, would be right there beside him. Today was also her birthday. 18 years old today. They'd been at Old George for as long as either could remember. Neither Jack nor Jill knew much of their past. Hell, they didn't know who they were or where they'd actually come from. Hence the names, Jack and Jill. Names given by those who raised them as they'd been inseperable since they'd met at Old George so many years ago.

Their teacher, Ms. Summers, hugged them both and stuffed a few dollars into their hands before she saw them off. A tear in her eye. She'd basically raised Jack and Jill from toddlers to young adults. However, like any children she raised at Old George, it was always bittersweet to see the children go. On one hand, she'd miss them dearly. On the other hand, she knew they had to go and experience the world.

Jack and Jill stood on the sidewalk in front of Old George. They truly didn't know where to go. All they had were the clothes on their backs and the few dollars that Ms. Summers had handed them on their way out. Jack and Jill began walking, no particular destination in mind. Eventually they stopped in front of a local watering hole, the Pour House. They shrugged at one another and decided to step inside out of the summer heat.

Jack and Jill took seats at the bar. An older man, Edward, approached the two of them. Edward looked to be in his fifties, dark hair with a speckle of grey along his temples. Simple eyes and a long beard.

"What can I get the two of you?" Edward had asked.

Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out the money he'd received from Ms. Summers. He gave it a quick count. $47.

"Two beers, sir," Jack responded and laid the money on the counter.

Edward took a look at Jack and Jill, then the money and turned to pour the beers. He returned, set the beers down on the bar top.

"I don't think I've seen you two here before," Edward spoke, more of a statement than a question.

As the bar was relatively quiet at this time of day, Edward struck up conversation with his new patrons. Jack and Jill gave a short story that today was their birthdays and how they had to leave Old George and try to make something over themselves now that they'd become adults. Edward listened genuinely and intently.

He looked the two over. First Jack. A handsome young man. Tall, light brown hair that fell just above his bright blue eyes, a little stubble as if he hadn't shaven for a day or two and quite the the physique for someone who had grown up at Old George. He'd obviously been taken care of well. Then there was Jill. She was equally beautiful. Shorter than Jack, but dark brunette hair that laid in waves down the middle of her back, green Emerald eyes, a smile that could turn heads and the perfect curves that complimented her frame. They were quite the pair.

"Why don't you two come work for me here at the Pour House?" Edward asked. "I'm not as young as I used to be. It'd be nice to have some younger help to give me a hand around here."

Jack and Jill looked at Edward and then looked at each other. Edward had just offered the two of them jobs. They weren't expecting to find work so quickly.

"Sir, you're too kind. We accept! Thank you," Jack responded.

"Yes, thank you so much!" Jill also thanked Edward.

Edward smiled and slapped his hand down on the bar top. He grabbed three fresh beer glasses and filled them to the top. He passed one to each of his new help.

"Cheers," Edward said as the three clinked their glasses together and took a drink.

"You two can start this evening. Jill, I'll teach you to bartend. Jack, I'll teach you to bar-back. I think this will be great for all of us," Edward proclaimed. He thought a moment, then continued. "I have a small room in the back. It's not much. But there's room to sleep and it'll put a roof over your heads until you two can afford to do so yourself. It's yours if you want it."

"You're way too kind, Edward. We couldn't possibly allow you to do that for us," Jack said.

"What are we going to do Jack? We don't have any money. We don't have anywhere else to stay," Jill asked Jack, looking at him, hoping he'd change his mind.

"She's right, Jack. It's something for the time being. It's unused space. May as well take advantage of it," Edward chimed in.

Jack looked at Jill and then to Edward. He thought a moment then sighed.

"You're right. It's very generous of you. Thank you!" Jack agreed.

Jill leaned towards Jack and wrapped her arms around him, thanking him. The three finished their beers and Edward led them to the small room in the back. Edward had been right, it was a small space. However, it was a place to sleep and it put a roof over their heads. Pushed up against the far wall was a small bed with a little wooden table next to it. In one of the corners of the room, an old chair with a foot stool sat. A sink and mirror, a toliet, and a small shower filled the other portion of the room. It'd be tight for two people to live in such a space, but Jack and Jill were used to not having much space or privacy while living at Old George. They thanked Edward and sat on the bed. Edward smiled and left, shutting the door behind him.

"I can't believe we've found a place to work, as well as a place to stay so quickly! We're very fortunate," Jill said aloud.

"You're right. We certainly are in Edward's debt. We'll work hard and put in extra hours if needed to show Edward our appreciation." Jack replied. "We better get some rest, our first day of work begins in only a few short hours."

Jill nodded at Jack. Jack stood up and sat in the chair in the corner of the room and propped his feet up on the foot stool. Jill laid down on the bed. She smiled to herself. It seemed as if she and Jack would be alright afterall. Then she closed her eyes and rested until it was time to start her first day at the Pour House.