In her dull sleep Sapphire hears the phone ring but just lets it. She was exhausted and her bed felt so nice the answering mashean could pick it up for now. But once it does kick on and Sapphire hears her brother voice she shoots up in bed not missing another beat. Taking a few quick steps across the room Sapphire reachs the phone hopping she was not to late.
"Scott....Scott? Are you there still its me Sapphire. I'm ok...are you ok?
Sapphire couldn't help but be worried. It had been a long time since her brother had called her and it made her heart race not knowing if he was ok or not.
Once Eli is in the car Ryan pulls away from the house. Hearing his reason for being at Leo's Ryan can't help but look in the rear view mirror. It was odd to hear Leo had been drunk and she could help but worry about him now.
"Well was he at least ok before you left him? I mean, he's not going to throw up and choak on it or anything?"
Stopping at a stop light and hearing his babbles Ryan couldn't help but feel a little irritated at Leo and a little sad for him too. She though for sure he would of move on by now. How could be stupid enough to let himself wallow and get drunk off his butt like that. She was the one who didn't think not him. Letting out a sigh and making a left Ryan shakes her head a little.
"He was babbling about me huh? I guess I kinda feel bad for him thats he's stuck in a rut like this. I guess I thought he was stronger than that."
7/6/10
Still okay
Bret tries not to let his worry show - the worry he felt every time he saw Charlotte in pain. He grins a little. "Luck? Us? I think that all belongs to you. All I have to do is pace and worry while you do all the work."
Getting to the hospital felt like an eternity, but really it had only taken a few minutes. Helping Charlotte out of the car, Bret grabs the bag in one arm and lets her hang onto his other arm for the slow walk to the doors. Once inside, he knows they'll be separated for a little while but he's sure to give her a kiss and a whisper of "I love you" in her ear.
Seeing his sister pull up, Eli stands, brushing off his jeans. Sliding into the passenger side, he goes for the seatbelt and gestures down the street before answering her. "My bike's at the Bullseye."
Leaning back, he mulls over Ryan's question for a moment. "I stopped there for a beer was all. Wound up finding Leo... drunk as a skunk." He gives Ryan a sidelong glance, wondering if she'd think it was as odd as he did. "Didn't want him wrecking his car I guess, so I drove him back here and dumped him in his living room. Only problem was I needed to get back to my bike. So... here we are."
He looks down and picks at some dirt under his fingernail. "He went on about some girl and you but nothing made much sense so I don't know what his problem is."
Scott sits bolt upright in bed, the sweat pouring down his face. It was a horridly familiar feeling that came all too often. His heart racing, his hands grip the bedsheets as his gaze shoots wildly around the room before he can convince himself that he's safe at Brookshire.
Flopping back down onto his pillow, he covers his face with his hands as he cringes, trying to hold back the tears. The nightmares were the worst. Reliving those moments was more torture than anything else, and each time there was something new... something he'd successfully forgotten that he was now forced to remember.
Tonight he had relived the threats... the threats that if he didn't talk that his friends and family would be murdered. Then his dream had fast forwarded to him receiving word that indeed, they were dead. His close friends. Those at TJY. And his sister.
Scott shutters, trying to rid his mind of the images but it was never easy. His stomach was in knots as he thought about it and he could not calm his heart. It was still a dream, right? It was the past, wasn't it? Everybody really was okay, right?
Swallowing hard, Scott turns to see the phone by his bed. Reaching out with trembling hand, he picks it up. Hesitating, he sets it back down. He was being irrational. He picks it up again. Sets it down. But the knots in his gut remain. So picking up the phone one more time, he finally brings himself to dial. It was three in the morning and he wasn't surprised when he got the answering machine. "Saph... Sapphire? I... I just... I wanted to make sure you were... um.... make sure you were okay."
He runs a hand over his face and leans back in his pillow, closing his eyes tightly. "They... they told me you'd been mur...murdered. And they..." He stops, trying to remain composed, though his voice cracks. "They told me how it was done and the torture..." They'd been quite descriptive. "All because... because of me. And... and I... I just um..." He pauses again, now not even sure it was such a good idea for him to have called her in the middle of the night. "...wanted to know you were still okay."
Getting to the hospital felt like an eternity, but really it had only taken a few minutes. Helping Charlotte out of the car, Bret grabs the bag in one arm and lets her hang onto his other arm for the slow walk to the doors. Once inside, he knows they'll be separated for a little while but he's sure to give her a kiss and a whisper of "I love you" in her ear.
Seeing his sister pull up, Eli stands, brushing off his jeans. Sliding into the passenger side, he goes for the seatbelt and gestures down the street before answering her. "My bike's at the Bullseye."
Leaning back, he mulls over Ryan's question for a moment. "I stopped there for a beer was all. Wound up finding Leo... drunk as a skunk." He gives Ryan a sidelong glance, wondering if she'd think it was as odd as he did. "Didn't want him wrecking his car I guess, so I drove him back here and dumped him in his living room. Only problem was I needed to get back to my bike. So... here we are."
He looks down and picks at some dirt under his fingernail. "He went on about some girl and you but nothing made much sense so I don't know what his problem is."
Scott sits bolt upright in bed, the sweat pouring down his face. It was a horridly familiar feeling that came all too often. His heart racing, his hands grip the bedsheets as his gaze shoots wildly around the room before he can convince himself that he's safe at Brookshire.
Flopping back down onto his pillow, he covers his face with his hands as he cringes, trying to hold back the tears. The nightmares were the worst. Reliving those moments was more torture than anything else, and each time there was something new... something he'd successfully forgotten that he was now forced to remember.
Tonight he had relived the threats... the threats that if he didn't talk that his friends and family would be murdered. Then his dream had fast forwarded to him receiving word that indeed, they were dead. His close friends. Those at TJY. And his sister.
Scott shutters, trying to rid his mind of the images but it was never easy. His stomach was in knots as he thought about it and he could not calm his heart. It was still a dream, right? It was the past, wasn't it? Everybody really was okay, right?
Swallowing hard, Scott turns to see the phone by his bed. Reaching out with trembling hand, he picks it up. Hesitating, he sets it back down. He was being irrational. He picks it up again. Sets it down. But the knots in his gut remain. So picking up the phone one more time, he finally brings himself to dial. It was three in the morning and he wasn't surprised when he got the answering machine. "Saph... Sapphire? I... I just... I wanted to make sure you were... um.... make sure you were okay."
He runs a hand over his face and leans back in his pillow, closing his eyes tightly. "They... they told me you'd been mur...murdered. And they..." He stops, trying to remain composed, though his voice cracks. "They told me how it was done and the torture..." They'd been quite descriptive. "All because... because of me. And... and I... I just um..." He pauses again, now not even sure it was such a good idea for him to have called her in the middle of the night. "...wanted to know you were still okay."
Informed
Returning the kiss Ryan really didn't want to leave. Stay and smooching with Alec a little while longer sounded good, but she new she had to go. She wouldnt be long and than she could come back to her spot with Eli.
"I'll be back before you even know I am gone."
Giving one more kiss to Alec Ryan goes to the front door and slips her shoes on. Grabbing her keys she gives a little wave and exits the house knowing Alec would be ok without the door locked.
...A few minutes later Ryan was pulling outside Leo's house. It hadn't taken long with not much traffic this late at night so Ryan could go a little faster. Pulling over Ryan would of normally beeped the hone but today she just didn't. It was later, and who new what was going on.
"Hey stranger. Everything ok? What were you doing at Leo's?"
Giving a squeeze back to Bret's hand Charlotte keeps her hand in his she takes the phone with her other but before dialing she gives another smile as her eyes sparkle some of her fear being turned into the excitement.
"And I am proud of you, your gonna make a great Daddy."
Another contraction hits her and Charlotte closes her eyes for a moment as her hand tightens her hands in Bret's for a second before she lets loose a little and the contractions pass. Dialing Angelica's number Charlotte waits to here her sisters voice.
"Angelica...its me. Yeah...the baby is coming. Bret's driving my to the hospital right now. I'm the best I can be for about to have a baby. Yeah, call mom, and Jamie and Con...Ok yeah we will see you there just let them know your my sister and the God mother. Ok I love you too. Bye."
Hanging up the phone again Charlotte slips it into her purse before leaning back again.
"She's going to call everyone for us and than meet us there and she wished us both good luck."
"I'll be back before you even know I am gone."
Giving one more kiss to Alec Ryan goes to the front door and slips her shoes on. Grabbing her keys she gives a little wave and exits the house knowing Alec would be ok without the door locked.
...A few minutes later Ryan was pulling outside Leo's house. It hadn't taken long with not much traffic this late at night so Ryan could go a little faster. Pulling over Ryan would of normally beeped the hone but today she just didn't. It was later, and who new what was going on.
"Hey stranger. Everything ok? What were you doing at Leo's?"
Giving a squeeze back to Bret's hand Charlotte keeps her hand in his she takes the phone with her other but before dialing she gives another smile as her eyes sparkle some of her fear being turned into the excitement.
"And I am proud of you, your gonna make a great Daddy."
Another contraction hits her and Charlotte closes her eyes for a moment as her hand tightens her hands in Bret's for a second before she lets loose a little and the contractions pass. Dialing Angelica's number Charlotte waits to here her sisters voice.
"Angelica...its me. Yeah...the baby is coming. Bret's driving my to the hospital right now. I'm the best I can be for about to have a baby. Yeah, call mom, and Jamie and Con...Ok yeah we will see you there just let them know your my sister and the God mother. Ok I love you too. Bye."
Hanging up the phone again Charlotte slips it into her purse before leaning back again.
"She's going to call everyone for us and than meet us there and she wished us both good luck."
Getting back up
"Yeah, fine... I'm cool... got it." Bret finishes getting his pants and shirt on and slips on his sneakers, ready to bolt from the room, but skids to a stop, waiting for Charlotte.
Once they're finally outside and in the car, he pulls out onto the street, trying not to drive as fast as he wanted to. There was plenty of time... plenty of time... so why was his heart racing?
"Uh... Angelica. Right. You better call while I drive." Glancing over at his wife, he smiles for the first time since being woken up. The fog of sleep was slowly lifting and he was beginning to think a little more clearly. Excitement made his adrenaline rush.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he reaches over and takes Charlotte's hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you."
Hearing Eli was at Leo's, Alec bristles just a little. What would he be doing there and why did he want Ryan to go? Alec would want to go along just for the sake of knowing what was going on, but Eli didn't seem to like it when he got growly around Leo so maybe he should stay. It would be okay... right? "Nah." He shrugs. "I'll hold down the fort here I guess." He pulls Ryan close for another kiss. "I'll keep the couch warm. Go do what you have to do."
Ending the call, Eli circles back to Leo's living room, finding him still face-down in the cushions. "I never took you to be a loser," he mumbles. "Life's about getting back up, not keeping yourself down." He sighs. His words were pointless right now.
Not even knowing why he cared, Eli goes to Leo and at least rolls him over with a pillow under his head. He was going to be in enough pain in the morning - a crick in the neck wouldn't be necessary.
Figuring there wasn't much else he could do, Eli heads for the door. Leo would just have to sleep it off. Locking the door as he leaves, Eli heads down the walk and eases down to sit on the curb and wait for his sister. If he didn't have his motorcycle boots on, he might think about walking back to his bike, but as it was, he figured getting a ride was best.
Once they're finally outside and in the car, he pulls out onto the street, trying not to drive as fast as he wanted to. There was plenty of time... plenty of time... so why was his heart racing?
"Uh... Angelica. Right. You better call while I drive." Glancing over at his wife, he smiles for the first time since being woken up. The fog of sleep was slowly lifting and he was beginning to think a little more clearly. Excitement made his adrenaline rush.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he reaches over and takes Charlotte's hand, giving it a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you."
Hearing Eli was at Leo's, Alec bristles just a little. What would he be doing there and why did he want Ryan to go? Alec would want to go along just for the sake of knowing what was going on, but Eli didn't seem to like it when he got growly around Leo so maybe he should stay. It would be okay... right? "Nah." He shrugs. "I'll hold down the fort here I guess." He pulls Ryan close for another kiss. "I'll keep the couch warm. Go do what you have to do."
Ending the call, Eli circles back to Leo's living room, finding him still face-down in the cushions. "I never took you to be a loser," he mumbles. "Life's about getting back up, not keeping yourself down." He sighs. His words were pointless right now.
Not even knowing why he cared, Eli goes to Leo and at least rolls him over with a pillow under his head. He was going to be in enough pain in the morning - a crick in the neck wouldn't be necessary.
Figuring there wasn't much else he could do, Eli heads for the door. Leo would just have to sleep it off. Locking the door as he leaves, Eli heads down the walk and eases down to sit on the curb and wait for his sister. If he didn't have his motorcycle boots on, he might think about walking back to his bike, but as it was, he figured getting a ride was best.
Come or Stay
Snuggling on the couch with Alec after the chocolate cake Ryan was completely comfortable. It felt nice to just relax with him. She liked having her brother around but it was nice having the place to herself at times with Alec too. The quiet was just...nice.
..Being totally wrapped up in the moment with Alec that when the phone rang it made her jump a little. Most of the time people didn't call this late unless something was wrong. Not minding Alec answered the phone Ryan gave a little kiss to his neck while he talked till the phone was passed off to her.
Hearing it was her brother and taking the phone she couldn't help but be a little worried even if she did know he could handle himself. It was that womanly instinct that liked to show up now and than in cretin things.
"Yo, Bro whats up?"
Hearing where Eli was Ryan moved her legs from over Alec and back to the floor sitting up a little bit. Leo...with out his bike?
"What are you doing at Leo's? Is everything ok? Yeah...yeah I'll come and get you. Giving me about fifteen minutes and I'll be there."
Hanging up the phone Ryan still sits on the couch for a long moment a bit confused and really not wanting to move at all. She was comfortable and in the house for the night. But it was her brother and he needed her, there was no way she would of said no.
"Eli is at Leo's for some reason and needs a ride back to his bike. Would you like to come with me or stay here?"
Taking a few steps back as Bret shoots up out of bed Charlotte blinks a little just watching him as he stumbles out of bed. She was nervous and a little on edge herself but not this bad. Last thing she needed was Bret laying in a bed next to her.
"Bert, Oh my are you ok? Slow down before you give yourself as concussion and I have to drive us both."
Going back over slowly to her side of the bed Charlotte grabs her little bag that had packed and ready for when this time came. Slipping on her slip on shoes along with her little jacket that had been waiting as well.
"I'm...I think I'm ok...just in a little bit of pain at the moment. I've got the bad, and I don't think I need anything more."
Holding her stomach as she walked out of the room Charlotte stops for a moment just holding the wall for a second as a contraction hit. Once it was passed though she breaths again and continues to walk slowly.
"Do you have your cell phone Hun so we can call Angelica on the way, and than she call Mom, and Jamie and Con..."
Charlotte new she was rambling but she couldn't help it. It was the only thing that could keep her mind off the pain right now and not freak completely out. Getting to the car and putting the bag in the back seat Charlotte waddles to the passenger side and gets in. Tilting the seat back a little bit so she could be in a more comfortable position Charlotte looks over to Bret and gives a smile.
"Did you want to call Angelica or did you want me too?"
..Being totally wrapped up in the moment with Alec that when the phone rang it made her jump a little. Most of the time people didn't call this late unless something was wrong. Not minding Alec answered the phone Ryan gave a little kiss to his neck while he talked till the phone was passed off to her.
Hearing it was her brother and taking the phone she couldn't help but be a little worried even if she did know he could handle himself. It was that womanly instinct that liked to show up now and than in cretin things.
"Yo, Bro whats up?"
Hearing where Eli was Ryan moved her legs from over Alec and back to the floor sitting up a little bit. Leo...with out his bike?
"What are you doing at Leo's? Is everything ok? Yeah...yeah I'll come and get you. Giving me about fifteen minutes and I'll be there."
Hanging up the phone Ryan still sits on the couch for a long moment a bit confused and really not wanting to move at all. She was comfortable and in the house for the night. But it was her brother and he needed her, there was no way she would of said no.
"Eli is at Leo's for some reason and needs a ride back to his bike. Would you like to come with me or stay here?"
Taking a few steps back as Bret shoots up out of bed Charlotte blinks a little just watching him as he stumbles out of bed. She was nervous and a little on edge herself but not this bad. Last thing she needed was Bret laying in a bed next to her.
"Bert, Oh my are you ok? Slow down before you give yourself as concussion and I have to drive us both."
Going back over slowly to her side of the bed Charlotte grabs her little bag that had packed and ready for when this time came. Slipping on her slip on shoes along with her little jacket that had been waiting as well.
"I'm...I think I'm ok...just in a little bit of pain at the moment. I've got the bad, and I don't think I need anything more."
Holding her stomach as she walked out of the room Charlotte stops for a moment just holding the wall for a second as a contraction hit. Once it was passed though she breaths again and continues to walk slowly.
"Do you have your cell phone Hun so we can call Angelica on the way, and than she call Mom, and Jamie and Con..."
Charlotte new she was rambling but she couldn't help it. It was the only thing that could keep her mind off the pain right now and not freak completely out. Getting to the car and putting the bag in the back seat Charlotte waddles to the passenger side and gets in. Tilting the seat back a little bit so she could be in a more comfortable position Charlotte looks over to Bret and gives a smile.
"Did you want to call Angelica or did you want me too?"
Now?
"Mmm.... chocolate cake." Alec slips his arms around Ryan, grinning down at her. "I think I could handle some of that."
Eli is standing nearby and rolls his eyes. "Save me a piece, will you?" He whacks Alec's arm, but looks to Ryan. "You two carry on... I'm gonna go through town and take a ride. Might stop for a beer or something but I'll be back to the apartment in a bit."
Alec turns to him with a sly grin on his lips. "How long you gonna be gone?"
Eli points a finger at him. "Not long enough."
Alec laughs and turns, keeping one arm over Ryan's shoulder. "Reese hasn't been so uptight last couple days so I'm gonna stay out as long as I want and enjoy that cake with you... or anything else," he teases.
...Getting back to the apartment with Ryan, Alec is quick to claim a spot on the couch with her while they find something good on television. After all the excitement at the race, rambunctiousness with the cake doesn't evolve quite like it had in the past, both tired enough to just sit and enjoy each other's company... at least for the time being.
Across town, Eli enjoys a motorcycle ride by himself. Taking the long route, he takes in the scenery, never tiring of being on the road like this. Sometimes he needed a break just to get away and ride for a while. And even if he wouldn't admit it, maybe he did want to give Alec and Ryan some time to hang out too.
Maneuvering back through town, Eli decides to stop at the Bullseye for a quick beer and saying hi to anybody he knew. He wouldn't stay long, then he'd get back to the apartment. Parking and ambling into the bar, Eli scans the smoke-filled room before wandering closer to the bar. Approaching it, he's surprised to see a familiar figure sitting on a stool. "Hey, Leo, what's up?"
Leo sits up but not too straight, glancing over at Eli with glossy eyes. An inebriated smile curls his lips. "Heeeey, Eli! Come t' join me?"
Eli's eyebrows rise. He never would have taken Leo to be one to go to a bar and get drunk, but there was no doubt that Leo had already gone past his limit. "Uh... not really. I just saw you here and..." He shakes his head. It didn't matter - Leo wouldn't remember his reasons anyway. "What about you? What are you doing here?"
"Wha's it look like?" Leo swivels back around and holds up a mug of beer. "I'm drinking! Want one?"
No, Eli's appetite for a drink had quickly faded. Normally, he'd just walk away from anybody in this state and let them fend for themselves. But for some reason, he just didn't want to do that to Leo. Leo was a nice guy... clean cut and had a good head on his shoulders - or so Eli had thought. What had happened? "No... thanks." He leans on the bar next to Leo, thinking for a moment. "Come here often?"
"Nuh-uh." Leo tips his head back as he downs a shot of whiskey that hat escaped Eli's sight. "But thr's always time for change!"
"Well sure, but... this?"
Leo glances over to Eli, finding disapproval. "Yeah well... it's better'n goin' home an' j'st sittin' around... alone and... and thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
Leo cackles and takes another swig of beer, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Eli..." He looks at him with a silly grin. "...you're smarter th'n that." He taps his head. "I know you are." Swallowing what might have been a hiccup, Leo manages another mouthful of beer.
Eli runs his thumb along the bar thoughtfully. He tries to stay fairly cheerful so as not to set off Leo. "Aw... my mind isn't working so well tonight. How about you tell me?"
Leo stares into space for a moment, swiveling back and forth on the barstool. "It's called love and lost and... and..." He frowns, having lost his train of thought. "And evr'thing else that goes along with it."
"Everything else?"
"I got a new friend, ya know." Leo turns and stares at Eli, seemingly on a completely different topic. "She's real nice... an' pretty.... She likes me ya know." He nods. "Not like... like your sister there.... what's her name?"
"Ryan."
"Yeah, her." Leo waves his hand in the air and turns back to his beer, finishing it off with several long swallows.
Eli sighs. It bothered him more than he'd like to admit, seeing Leo like this. They weren't exactly close friends but Eli did feel some amount of obligation to look out for him if he was in trouble, and at the moment he might not be in a whole lot of trouble but who knew what would happen if he was left here. "So you have a new friend?" Eli questions.
"Mmm." Leo nods and spins around again, but he does it too quickly. Sliding off the stool, he would have fallen right to the floor had Eli not caught him.
Eli grabs him by his pants and keeps him standing as they both stumble. "How about you and I take a little walk?"
"Walk..." Leo leans on him and squints, looking around for the exit and unable to find it. "I think... they want me to stay here."
"I think it's about time we got some fresh air. How about that?"
"Mmm...." Leo thinks then swivels his head to look at Eli, his eyes somewhere far away. "Okay."
"Okay good. Come on."
Starting forward, Leo's knees buckle and he trips almost taking both of them down. Running into someone sitting at a table, he snickers and pats them on the shoulder. "'Scuse me. I'm drunk."
If it hadn't been so sad, Eli would have laughed. He looks to he person at the table and rolls his eyes before pulling Leo away. "I think they can see that," he mutters under his breath.
Once they're both outside, Eli looks around for Leo's car. "Where you parked, man?"
"Parked?"
"Yeah, your car. Where is it?"
"Oh, parked!"
Eli sighs. "Yes. Car. Where?"
"It's um..." Leo looks around, still leaning on Eli to keep his balance. "Um... I parked it... um."
"Do you have your keys?"
"Yeah, sure." Leo digs in first one pocket then the other, managing to find them.
Eli takes them without asking, thankful there was a small remote. Pressing the panic button, Leo's car honks and flashes its lights down along the curb of the street.
Leo's eyes widen. "I think s'mbody's stealing my car."
Eli sighs. "Come on. Let's go stop them."
"Right." Leo staggers along beside him, banging into a light pole then stumbling off the curb once they finally reach the car.
Eli makes sure he's in and buckled before going around to the driver's side and getting in. Pulling away from the bar, he glances to Leo. "So... your new friend... a woman?"
"Uh-huh."
"Girlfriend?"
Leo snickers and leans his head against the window before he blows a raspberry. "Me? I's done with that one."
"The girl or having a girlfriend?" Leo doesn't answer right away and Eli looks over to see him with a pale face and starting to hunch over. "Aw man, not in the car." Pulling to the side, it's just in time before Leo can get the car door open and throw up. Eli grimaces. "You alright?"
Leo gives a little groan before closing the door again, slouching miserably in the seat. Eli sighs and keeps on going. "So she's not your girl."
Leo shakes his head. "Uh-uh. She wants t' be though."
"Oh yeah? Well that's kind of neat, right?"
"She's too nice for me. She'll just... just up and leave and... and... someb'dy come along and... steal her."
Eli taps his fingers on the steering wheel, realizing now where this was going. "Like Ryan."
Leo scrunches his nose and laughs. "See? I told you you were smart!" He thumbs out the window. "I have to throw up again now."
Eli didn't get much information out of Leo after that. Stopping two more times on the way, they finally make it to Leo's apartment. It takes a bit of doing, but Eli is able to get him inside and deposited on the couch. Breathing heavily he stares down at Leo's limp form as he was just about already passed out. Eli shakes his head and goes for his cell phone. Calling Ryan, he hopes she'll bother to answer.
Alec is just giving Ryan another kiss and still cuddling with her on the couch when the phone rings. He ignores it and just continues the attention to Ryan, but when the phone keeps ringing, he sighs with annoyance. Instead of letting Ryan answer it, he reaches over her and grabs it. "This better be important."
Eli smirks. "Sorry. Interrupting something?"
Alec quirks an eyebrow. "Maybe."
"Good. I'll kill you when I get back then."
Alec sits up straighter. "Not that!"
Eli shakes his head, not being worried at all about his sister and Alec. "Okay, fine. Put my sister on the line."
"What, you don't believe me?"
"Alec!"
"Alright, alright!" Alec hands the phone to Ryan. "It's your doting brother."
Getting Ryan on the line, Eli sighs with a little relief. "Ryan, it's me. Listen um... I need a ride. I need to get back to the bar where my bike is parked but, um... I'm at Leo's at the moment. Can you come pick me up?"
Bret groans into his pillow as he's shaken slightly. "Wha?" he mumbles, gripping his pillow tighter. "It's too early..."
Being shaken again, then hearing the reason, he sits bolt upright in bed. "What? The baby? Now?" Still half-dazed from his deep sleep, he goes to swing his legs over the side of the bed, but his feet get tangled in the blankets. Fighting with the covers for several seconds, he winds up losing his balance and falling off the edge onto the floor, banging his head on the nightstand on the way.
Howling with pain, a curse slips out and he finally manages to get to his feet. Grabbing his jeans, he hops on one foot, trying to get them on. "You okay? Got your bag? Do we need anything else?"
Eli is standing nearby and rolls his eyes. "Save me a piece, will you?" He whacks Alec's arm, but looks to Ryan. "You two carry on... I'm gonna go through town and take a ride. Might stop for a beer or something but I'll be back to the apartment in a bit."
Alec turns to him with a sly grin on his lips. "How long you gonna be gone?"
Eli points a finger at him. "Not long enough."
Alec laughs and turns, keeping one arm over Ryan's shoulder. "Reese hasn't been so uptight last couple days so I'm gonna stay out as long as I want and enjoy that cake with you... or anything else," he teases.
...Getting back to the apartment with Ryan, Alec is quick to claim a spot on the couch with her while they find something good on television. After all the excitement at the race, rambunctiousness with the cake doesn't evolve quite like it had in the past, both tired enough to just sit and enjoy each other's company... at least for the time being.
Across town, Eli enjoys a motorcycle ride by himself. Taking the long route, he takes in the scenery, never tiring of being on the road like this. Sometimes he needed a break just to get away and ride for a while. And even if he wouldn't admit it, maybe he did want to give Alec and Ryan some time to hang out too.
Maneuvering back through town, Eli decides to stop at the Bullseye for a quick beer and saying hi to anybody he knew. He wouldn't stay long, then he'd get back to the apartment. Parking and ambling into the bar, Eli scans the smoke-filled room before wandering closer to the bar. Approaching it, he's surprised to see a familiar figure sitting on a stool. "Hey, Leo, what's up?"
Leo sits up but not too straight, glancing over at Eli with glossy eyes. An inebriated smile curls his lips. "Heeeey, Eli! Come t' join me?"
Eli's eyebrows rise. He never would have taken Leo to be one to go to a bar and get drunk, but there was no doubt that Leo had already gone past his limit. "Uh... not really. I just saw you here and..." He shakes his head. It didn't matter - Leo wouldn't remember his reasons anyway. "What about you? What are you doing here?"
"Wha's it look like?" Leo swivels back around and holds up a mug of beer. "I'm drinking! Want one?"
No, Eli's appetite for a drink had quickly faded. Normally, he'd just walk away from anybody in this state and let them fend for themselves. But for some reason, he just didn't want to do that to Leo. Leo was a nice guy... clean cut and had a good head on his shoulders - or so Eli had thought. What had happened? "No... thanks." He leans on the bar next to Leo, thinking for a moment. "Come here often?"
"Nuh-uh." Leo tips his head back as he downs a shot of whiskey that hat escaped Eli's sight. "But thr's always time for change!"
"Well sure, but... this?"
Leo glances over to Eli, finding disapproval. "Yeah well... it's better'n goin' home an' j'st sittin' around... alone and... and thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
Leo cackles and takes another swig of beer, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Eli..." He looks at him with a silly grin. "...you're smarter th'n that." He taps his head. "I know you are." Swallowing what might have been a hiccup, Leo manages another mouthful of beer.
Eli runs his thumb along the bar thoughtfully. He tries to stay fairly cheerful so as not to set off Leo. "Aw... my mind isn't working so well tonight. How about you tell me?"
Leo stares into space for a moment, swiveling back and forth on the barstool. "It's called love and lost and... and..." He frowns, having lost his train of thought. "And evr'thing else that goes along with it."
"Everything else?"
"I got a new friend, ya know." Leo turns and stares at Eli, seemingly on a completely different topic. "She's real nice... an' pretty.... She likes me ya know." He nods. "Not like... like your sister there.... what's her name?"
"Ryan."
"Yeah, her." Leo waves his hand in the air and turns back to his beer, finishing it off with several long swallows.
Eli sighs. It bothered him more than he'd like to admit, seeing Leo like this. They weren't exactly close friends but Eli did feel some amount of obligation to look out for him if he was in trouble, and at the moment he might not be in a whole lot of trouble but who knew what would happen if he was left here. "So you have a new friend?" Eli questions.
"Mmm." Leo nods and spins around again, but he does it too quickly. Sliding off the stool, he would have fallen right to the floor had Eli not caught him.
Eli grabs him by his pants and keeps him standing as they both stumble. "How about you and I take a little walk?"
"Walk..." Leo leans on him and squints, looking around for the exit and unable to find it. "I think... they want me to stay here."
"I think it's about time we got some fresh air. How about that?"
"Mmm...." Leo thinks then swivels his head to look at Eli, his eyes somewhere far away. "Okay."
"Okay good. Come on."
Starting forward, Leo's knees buckle and he trips almost taking both of them down. Running into someone sitting at a table, he snickers and pats them on the shoulder. "'Scuse me. I'm drunk."
If it hadn't been so sad, Eli would have laughed. He looks to he person at the table and rolls his eyes before pulling Leo away. "I think they can see that," he mutters under his breath.
Once they're both outside, Eli looks around for Leo's car. "Where you parked, man?"
"Parked?"
"Yeah, your car. Where is it?"
"Oh, parked!"
Eli sighs. "Yes. Car. Where?"
"It's um..." Leo looks around, still leaning on Eli to keep his balance. "Um... I parked it... um."
"Do you have your keys?"
"Yeah, sure." Leo digs in first one pocket then the other, managing to find them.
Eli takes them without asking, thankful there was a small remote. Pressing the panic button, Leo's car honks and flashes its lights down along the curb of the street.
Leo's eyes widen. "I think s'mbody's stealing my car."
Eli sighs. "Come on. Let's go stop them."
"Right." Leo staggers along beside him, banging into a light pole then stumbling off the curb once they finally reach the car.
Eli makes sure he's in and buckled before going around to the driver's side and getting in. Pulling away from the bar, he glances to Leo. "So... your new friend... a woman?"
"Uh-huh."
"Girlfriend?"
Leo snickers and leans his head against the window before he blows a raspberry. "Me? I's done with that one."
"The girl or having a girlfriend?" Leo doesn't answer right away and Eli looks over to see him with a pale face and starting to hunch over. "Aw man, not in the car." Pulling to the side, it's just in time before Leo can get the car door open and throw up. Eli grimaces. "You alright?"
Leo gives a little groan before closing the door again, slouching miserably in the seat. Eli sighs and keeps on going. "So she's not your girl."
Leo shakes his head. "Uh-uh. She wants t' be though."
"Oh yeah? Well that's kind of neat, right?"
"She's too nice for me. She'll just... just up and leave and... and... someb'dy come along and... steal her."
Eli taps his fingers on the steering wheel, realizing now where this was going. "Like Ryan."
Leo scrunches his nose and laughs. "See? I told you you were smart!" He thumbs out the window. "I have to throw up again now."
Eli didn't get much information out of Leo after that. Stopping two more times on the way, they finally make it to Leo's apartment. It takes a bit of doing, but Eli is able to get him inside and deposited on the couch. Breathing heavily he stares down at Leo's limp form as he was just about already passed out. Eli shakes his head and goes for his cell phone. Calling Ryan, he hopes she'll bother to answer.
Alec is just giving Ryan another kiss and still cuddling with her on the couch when the phone rings. He ignores it and just continues the attention to Ryan, but when the phone keeps ringing, he sighs with annoyance. Instead of letting Ryan answer it, he reaches over her and grabs it. "This better be important."
Eli smirks. "Sorry. Interrupting something?"
Alec quirks an eyebrow. "Maybe."
"Good. I'll kill you when I get back then."
Alec sits up straighter. "Not that!"
Eli shakes his head, not being worried at all about his sister and Alec. "Okay, fine. Put my sister on the line."
"What, you don't believe me?"
"Alec!"
"Alright, alright!" Alec hands the phone to Ryan. "It's your doting brother."
Getting Ryan on the line, Eli sighs with a little relief. "Ryan, it's me. Listen um... I need a ride. I need to get back to the bar where my bike is parked but, um... I'm at Leo's at the moment. Can you come pick me up?"
Bret groans into his pillow as he's shaken slightly. "Wha?" he mumbles, gripping his pillow tighter. "It's too early..."
Being shaken again, then hearing the reason, he sits bolt upright in bed. "What? The baby? Now?" Still half-dazed from his deep sleep, he goes to swing his legs over the side of the bed, but his feet get tangled in the blankets. Fighting with the covers for several seconds, he winds up losing his balance and falling off the edge onto the floor, banging his head on the nightstand on the way.
Howling with pain, a curse slips out and he finally manages to get to his feet. Grabbing his jeans, he hops on one foot, trying to get them on. "You okay? Got your bag? Do we need anything else?"
It's time!!!
Once the commotion settled Ryan looks to Alec and Eli giving a nod. She was happy Roth was out of the race she wouldn't have to worry about any of his dirty tricks to win.
"Peace of cake now thats he's not here."
It doesn't take long for everything to get into order and tonight it seemed like the racers were all on the same page. Thankful and in a good mood Roth was not there but it an unspoken respect that made Ryan feel good.
As suspected Ryan won the race but it had been a close one with one of the other races. No one was scared to hold back today because there was no one to kick the crap out of them to beating them. The night had been a winner in more than one way for Ryan.
Coming over to Alec and her brother again her breath was heavy but she felt good. She wished this had been one of the longer races but tonight it was only short. Wrapping her arms around Alec's neck and planting a big kiss on his lips that lingers with passion Ryan finally pulls away looking up at Alec.
"The night is still young, how about you come back to the apartment and we can just hang out together. I believe there is a chocolate cake in the fridge with your name on it too."
Coming back into the bedroom Charlotte goes to Bret's side of the bed. She felt a little wobbly, and in a bit of pain but she made it there anyways. This day was coming, but even if they had planned it there was still some stuff you would never be ready for.
Shaking Bret a little bit Charlotte new he was a deep sleeping and shakes him a little more.
"Bret, Hunny...wake up."
Shaking him a little more Charlotte waits for his eyes to open a small smile formed on her face yet some worry and fear layed behind her eyes. She never had to do this before and in a way it was a little scary.
"We....we have to go. It's time...the baby doesn't want to wait anymore!"
"Peace of cake now thats he's not here."
It doesn't take long for everything to get into order and tonight it seemed like the racers were all on the same page. Thankful and in a good mood Roth was not there but it an unspoken respect that made Ryan feel good.
As suspected Ryan won the race but it had been a close one with one of the other races. No one was scared to hold back today because there was no one to kick the crap out of them to beating them. The night had been a winner in more than one way for Ryan.
Coming over to Alec and her brother again her breath was heavy but she felt good. She wished this had been one of the longer races but tonight it was only short. Wrapping her arms around Alec's neck and planting a big kiss on his lips that lingers with passion Ryan finally pulls away looking up at Alec.
"The night is still young, how about you come back to the apartment and we can just hang out together. I believe there is a chocolate cake in the fridge with your name on it too."
Coming back into the bedroom Charlotte goes to Bret's side of the bed. She felt a little wobbly, and in a bit of pain but she made it there anyways. This day was coming, but even if they had planned it there was still some stuff you would never be ready for.
Shaking Bret a little bit Charlotte new he was a deep sleeping and shakes him a little more.
"Bret, Hunny...wake up."
Shaking him a little more Charlotte waits for his eyes to open a small smile formed on her face yet some worry and fear layed behind her eyes. She never had to do this before and in a way it was a little scary.
"We....we have to go. It's time...the baby doesn't want to wait anymore!"
Left or right
Leo watches as Cassy backs away and he gives his own little wave. Waiting until she'd made it inside, he sighs deeply then backs out of the parking space once more. Heading down the road, he reaches a stop sign and just sits. There was no one behind him so no one cared if he waited even though no cars were passing by.
He looks right, then left. Left to go home. Right to go to the Bullseye. He hardly ever went there. It was a rarity. When he did, usually it was because friends were there or he was just thirsty for a beer. Tonight though... tonight it was a very different feeling that made him want to go. Should he?
He thinks of his apartment. Dark, quiet and lonely. He could have spent more time with Cassy tonight, but it was already getting hard by the time they'd parted. He wasn't stupid. He knew what that look in her eye was when she'd looked up at him as they'd danced in the park. He knew that even though they'd agreed to just be friends, that she wouldn't say no to something more. But him... he just didn't feel... or... it was just that... well, he....
Growling at himself, Leo turns right.
Sketch can do nothing but stand in his place, feet firmly planted as Roth's anger burns. Staring at him with wide eyes, he takes the tongue lashing, all defenses having flown his mind. A nervous glance in Crash's direction is the only thing he dares, but he finds that his friend is just as scared as he is.
Watching the "show," Alec sits next to Ryan, a silly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He was so ready for this. Eli stands by the car, arms folded casually, smiling a whole lot more on the inside than on his face. Payback without any fists - ahhhh, triumph!
As the whispers turn into snickers then evolve into outright laughter around the crowd, Eli's own smile breaks out and Alec starts to laugh. Seeing Roth headed for them though, both Eli and Alec tense and straighten at the same time, their eyes warning Roth to back off. Eli was betting that Roth wouldn't have the guts and he was right. Instead of hurling his own insult, he simply gives a quick salute. Roth would have no proof he'd been the one to paint the car, and as such, he was stuck to live with the embarrassment.
Leaning back around behind Ryan, he catches Alec's eye and they exchange a couple high-fives, palm slide and snap of the fingers. They'd won.
Ordered to get the tarp back on the car, Sketch couldn't remember having moved so quickly. Helping Crash cover up the embarrassing car, he ties his end of the tarp down and looks over to Crash, motioning to the truck. "Let's get out of here."
Back in the truck, he drives through the crowd, trying to ignore the laughing and jeers. Once free and on the road, he wipes some sweat from his face, his mind reeling. "Okay... we high-tail it back to the shop, park and get out of there before Roth catches up to us."
With the laughing show almost over for now, Alec leans over to Ryan and gives her a kiss on her lips, letting it linger for several moments. "Looks like you're down one competitor tonight."
Eli reaches over and pats her leg. "Go get 'em, Speedy. Tonight it's all yours."
He looks right, then left. Left to go home. Right to go to the Bullseye. He hardly ever went there. It was a rarity. When he did, usually it was because friends were there or he was just thirsty for a beer. Tonight though... tonight it was a very different feeling that made him want to go. Should he?
He thinks of his apartment. Dark, quiet and lonely. He could have spent more time with Cassy tonight, but it was already getting hard by the time they'd parted. He wasn't stupid. He knew what that look in her eye was when she'd looked up at him as they'd danced in the park. He knew that even though they'd agreed to just be friends, that she wouldn't say no to something more. But him... he just didn't feel... or... it was just that... well, he....
Growling at himself, Leo turns right.
Sketch can do nothing but stand in his place, feet firmly planted as Roth's anger burns. Staring at him with wide eyes, he takes the tongue lashing, all defenses having flown his mind. A nervous glance in Crash's direction is the only thing he dares, but he finds that his friend is just as scared as he is.
Watching the "show," Alec sits next to Ryan, a silly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. He was so ready for this. Eli stands by the car, arms folded casually, smiling a whole lot more on the inside than on his face. Payback without any fists - ahhhh, triumph!
As the whispers turn into snickers then evolve into outright laughter around the crowd, Eli's own smile breaks out and Alec starts to laugh. Seeing Roth headed for them though, both Eli and Alec tense and straighten at the same time, their eyes warning Roth to back off. Eli was betting that Roth wouldn't have the guts and he was right. Instead of hurling his own insult, he simply gives a quick salute. Roth would have no proof he'd been the one to paint the car, and as such, he was stuck to live with the embarrassment.
Leaning back around behind Ryan, he catches Alec's eye and they exchange a couple high-fives, palm slide and snap of the fingers. They'd won.
Ordered to get the tarp back on the car, Sketch couldn't remember having moved so quickly. Helping Crash cover up the embarrassing car, he ties his end of the tarp down and looks over to Crash, motioning to the truck. "Let's get out of here."
Back in the truck, he drives through the crowd, trying to ignore the laughing and jeers. Once free and on the road, he wipes some sweat from his face, his mind reeling. "Okay... we high-tail it back to the shop, park and get out of there before Roth catches up to us."
With the laughing show almost over for now, Alec leans over to Ryan and gives her a kiss on her lips, letting it linger for several moments. "Looks like you're down one competitor tonight."
Eli reaches over and pats her leg. "Go get 'em, Speedy. Tonight it's all yours."
Complete
Following Leo back once again to the car Cassy is quiet as she just takes in the night sky still and the quiet sounds. It was so nice and peaceful, to just listen to everything around them she enjoyed it. Being helped into the car once again she thanks Leo. It was very sweet of him to help her and she enjoyed having that kind of pamper, it made her feel good and special.
Keeping up the small talk in the car was nice too. For Cassy it didn't have to be important, life changing stuff they talked about, just going back and forth between the little things was nice too. Soon though they were parked outside her studio once and again and though she didn't really feel like being alone yet Cassy new Leo wanted to go. She couldn't force him to stay.
"Drive safe Leo! If I don't see you this weekend, I am sure I'll be calling you wondering where you ran off too."
Giving a chuckle Cassy gets out of the car closing the door behind her. Stepping away a little bit she gives a wave to Leo before turning and going inside the studio. Maybe she'd do a little work right now to keep her mind busy before going home.
Crash could feel his own face turn pale as they started forward again through the people making it to there park spot. It was worse they had to uncover the thing in front of everyone. This was just going to make matters worse and the embarrassment greater.
"We are dead, no...we are worse. Should of left this at the shop and got out of dodge while we could. There is no where to run now."
Getting out with Sketch Crash moves slower than normal only hopping someone else would take the tarp off before him. He was the last person that wanted to do that. So helping with the ramps and fiddling with something else he looks over to his friend only to see he was not taking he tarp off ether.
"I don't have all day morons so lets not wait until Christmas."
Hearing Roth's irritated tone Crash gives a jump his hand going to the tarp. It was now or never, and they might as well get it over with. Slowly moving his side of the tarp back Crash closes his eyes, before opening them again and seeing the pink car. It was still there and he felt so sick to his stomach. Keeping his eyes down he waits for Sketch to take his side down and what to do next.
Sitting on the hood of her own car Ryan gives a large smile as she see Roth's truck with the car loaded on the back. Giving Alec a little elbow as he sat next to her Ryan looks to her right at her brother. The humor she felt inside with the whole thing she tried to keep at bay as much as she could.
"It's show time boys. Get ready to see some fireworks. Though I have to admit I kind of feel sorry for Roth's lackeys. Only a little bit though."
As the tarp is pulled away a little bit and the hello kitty is revealed Ryan lets out a small snicker. Leaning over Alec a little bit to one of the other races Ryan gives whispers to them and points to the car. Knowing now that the whispers would spread and she could hear the laughter start to roll.
Looking around the racing area Roth can see the people whispering, pointing in his direction and for a moment has no idea whats going on. Finally turning and see the car Roth's eyes go large and curse words start to come from his lips.
Seeing Roth come there way Crash moves to the other side with Sketch the words seeming lost as the look on Roth's face chills his bones.
"What is this? Is this kind of some sick joke you two are playing..."
Swinning himself up onto the bed of the truck Roth looks into the car and see indeed its his car. More curse words come from his mouth as fire burns in his eyes and the other people start laughing once again.
"You guys are dead....You didn't bother checking before you brought the car? Or did you want to embarrass me??? Idiot...stupid...idiots."
Not being able to help it anymore Ryan's laughter grows even more. Reaching into her pocket Ryan pulls out a box of Hello Kitty bandages from her pocket.
"Hey Roth, here...there are for that broken ego of yours."
Throwing the bandages to the car they land on the bed of the car. Looking down on the Roth's anger grows as he looks at up at Ryan with fire in his eyes. Taking a few steps twords her his anger burns.
"Why you little...."
Taking a few long strides to Ryan Roth stops seeing her unafraid of him and not moving. Looking to her left and seeing Alec, and than to her right to see Eli He stops and backs up a little bit. His eyes still on Eli it was easy to see he new who had done this to his car now. If looks could kill Eli surly would of been dead.
"You'll pay for this."
"Not if you know whats good for you."
Ryan snickers.
Stopping and turning around Roth points to the car, than Crash ans Sketch. He was still peeved and hated looking like a fool, but there was nothing he could do right now about it.
"Get the tarp back on the car stupid's don't just stand there. Lets go let go."
Giving a jump Crash starts to put the tarp back on the car as he looks over to Sketch wondering what would happen to them once they got back to the shop.
Ryan's smile remains as she laughs some more. She wished Eli's girl was here to see this but surely he would relive everything to her.
"Mission accomplished."
Keeping up the small talk in the car was nice too. For Cassy it didn't have to be important, life changing stuff they talked about, just going back and forth between the little things was nice too. Soon though they were parked outside her studio once and again and though she didn't really feel like being alone yet Cassy new Leo wanted to go. She couldn't force him to stay.
"Drive safe Leo! If I don't see you this weekend, I am sure I'll be calling you wondering where you ran off too."
Giving a chuckle Cassy gets out of the car closing the door behind her. Stepping away a little bit she gives a wave to Leo before turning and going inside the studio. Maybe she'd do a little work right now to keep her mind busy before going home.
Crash could feel his own face turn pale as they started forward again through the people making it to there park spot. It was worse they had to uncover the thing in front of everyone. This was just going to make matters worse and the embarrassment greater.
"We are dead, no...we are worse. Should of left this at the shop and got out of dodge while we could. There is no where to run now."
Getting out with Sketch Crash moves slower than normal only hopping someone else would take the tarp off before him. He was the last person that wanted to do that. So helping with the ramps and fiddling with something else he looks over to his friend only to see he was not taking he tarp off ether.
"I don't have all day morons so lets not wait until Christmas."
Hearing Roth's irritated tone Crash gives a jump his hand going to the tarp. It was now or never, and they might as well get it over with. Slowly moving his side of the tarp back Crash closes his eyes, before opening them again and seeing the pink car. It was still there and he felt so sick to his stomach. Keeping his eyes down he waits for Sketch to take his side down and what to do next.
Sitting on the hood of her own car Ryan gives a large smile as she see Roth's truck with the car loaded on the back. Giving Alec a little elbow as he sat next to her Ryan looks to her right at her brother. The humor she felt inside with the whole thing she tried to keep at bay as much as she could.
"It's show time boys. Get ready to see some fireworks. Though I have to admit I kind of feel sorry for Roth's lackeys. Only a little bit though."
As the tarp is pulled away a little bit and the hello kitty is revealed Ryan lets out a small snicker. Leaning over Alec a little bit to one of the other races Ryan gives whispers to them and points to the car. Knowing now that the whispers would spread and she could hear the laughter start to roll.
Looking around the racing area Roth can see the people whispering, pointing in his direction and for a moment has no idea whats going on. Finally turning and see the car Roth's eyes go large and curse words start to come from his lips.
Seeing Roth come there way Crash moves to the other side with Sketch the words seeming lost as the look on Roth's face chills his bones.
"What is this? Is this kind of some sick joke you two are playing..."
Swinning himself up onto the bed of the truck Roth looks into the car and see indeed its his car. More curse words come from his mouth as fire burns in his eyes and the other people start laughing once again.
"You guys are dead....You didn't bother checking before you brought the car? Or did you want to embarrass me??? Idiot...stupid...idiots."
Not being able to help it anymore Ryan's laughter grows even more. Reaching into her pocket Ryan pulls out a box of Hello Kitty bandages from her pocket.
"Hey Roth, here...there are for that broken ego of yours."
Throwing the bandages to the car they land on the bed of the car. Looking down on the Roth's anger grows as he looks at up at Ryan with fire in his eyes. Taking a few steps twords her his anger burns.
"Why you little...."
Taking a few long strides to Ryan Roth stops seeing her unafraid of him and not moving. Looking to her left and seeing Alec, and than to her right to see Eli He stops and backs up a little bit. His eyes still on Eli it was easy to see he new who had done this to his car now. If looks could kill Eli surly would of been dead.
"You'll pay for this."
"Not if you know whats good for you."
Ryan snickers.
Stopping and turning around Roth points to the car, than Crash ans Sketch. He was still peeved and hated looking like a fool, but there was nothing he could do right now about it.
"Get the tarp back on the car stupid's don't just stand there. Lets go let go."
Giving a jump Crash starts to put the tarp back on the car as he looks over to Sketch wondering what would happen to them once they got back to the shop.
Ryan's smile remains as she laughs some more. She wished Eli's girl was here to see this but surely he would relive everything to her.
"Mission accomplished."
Coward
Agreeing on a story, arriving at the race and having Roth yell at them already, Sketch's knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel. He barely heard Crash's question. When it registers though, his gaze whips around to his friend. "Are you kidding me? I don't know about you, but I'm parking this thing and then getting out of here like the coward I am."
Putting the truck back in gear, he pulls forward again, slowly maneuvering around the milling people. Bringing it to the parking area, he stops and cuts the engine. "We are in so much trouble, man."
Wiping sweat from his brow, he gets out, making sure Crash is still with him. Getting the ramps down on the trailer, he hesitates, not wanting to be the one to pull off the tarp. He could practically feel Roth coming up behind them, but he doesn't move. Now he was even too scared to disappear into the crowd like he wanted - Roth would surely have him stopped anyway.
Leo forces a smile. "Yeah... yeah I better get you back so I can go home and hit the hay. It's gonna be a long day at work tomorrow."
Finally dropping his gaze, he turns to lead the way back onto the path that led back to the parking lot. His hands were in his pockets again, his soles lightly scuffing the ground as he walked. He's quiet again, seeming to be almost in a world of his own until they reach the car and he opens the passenger door for Cassy. Making sure she was in alright, he goes around to get in behind the wheel and start up the engine.
Once on the road, Leo tries to make light conversation, rehashing the day's events and speaking positively of the visitors' reactions. By the time they reach the little studio, there hasn't been much room for other talk and he parks along the curb, leaving the engine running.
"Have a good night, Cass." He offers her a smile. "Don't work too hard."
Putting the truck back in gear, he pulls forward again, slowly maneuvering around the milling people. Bringing it to the parking area, he stops and cuts the engine. "We are in so much trouble, man."
Wiping sweat from his brow, he gets out, making sure Crash is still with him. Getting the ramps down on the trailer, he hesitates, not wanting to be the one to pull off the tarp. He could practically feel Roth coming up behind them, but he doesn't move. Now he was even too scared to disappear into the crowd like he wanted - Roth would surely have him stopped anyway.
Leo forces a smile. "Yeah... yeah I better get you back so I can go home and hit the hay. It's gonna be a long day at work tomorrow."
Finally dropping his gaze, he turns to lead the way back onto the path that led back to the parking lot. His hands were in his pockets again, his soles lightly scuffing the ground as he walked. He's quiet again, seeming to be almost in a world of his own until they reach the car and he opens the passenger door for Cassy. Making sure she was in alright, he goes around to get in behind the wheel and start up the engine.
Once on the road, Leo tries to make light conversation, rehashing the day's events and speaking positively of the visitors' reactions. By the time they reach the little studio, there hasn't been much room for other talk and he parks along the curb, leaving the engine running.
"Have a good night, Cass." He offers her a smile. "Don't work too hard."
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