Ryan's destination had been the lake and sitting on the hood of her car looking at the stars was what she choose to cool herself down. Tonight had started out so well and than ended so bad. She hadn't meant to get so angry but she'd just had enough. Dealing with this day in and day out it had gotten tiring.
Thinking more a tear ran down Ryan's cheek her mind wondering, Her frustration just taking over and coming out in sobs. Would Leo still want to be her friend, was Alec upset she exploded? Ryan didn't know but she wouldn't be the first to call this time.
The minutes turn into hours and Ryan was soon on her way home after calming down. Entering the house and knowing it was empty in a way she was happy her face still having trails of tears. Going to her room and than the bathroom Ryan cleans up before heading in her room again turning her little tv on.
Hearing a noise Ryan turns down the volume for a moment knowing it was Eli coming inside. Waiting to see if he knocked or not Ryan waited but hearing nothing Ryan turns the tv up again.
A few moments later she exits her room heading to the kitchen. It had been a long night and her throat was now dry. Maybe a little water would help. Stopping by Eli's door for a moment Ryan wondered if he was now sleeping or not. Not bothering to knock she just heads to the kitchen.
Giving a smile to Justin Beth gives a nod. It made her feel good he said yes. She always wondered what was in those boxes but having someone else to help would be nice.
"Thats great. Thank...thank you Justin."
Continuing to look through the movies Nikki finally finds one she new they would both like and pops it into the DVD player before going to the couch and sitting down. Looking over at Pete she smiles.
"Make yourself comfortable. Did you want me to warm up your meal for you?"
7/24/10
Or stupidity
Pete grins as he returns Carol's hug, though just a little awkwardly. Watching her and Nikki interact, it was obvious they loved each other just as much as he remembered.
Left to themselves, Pete follows Nikki into the living room, taking up a seat on the armrest of the couch. "Um..." He thinks then shrugs. "I really don't care. How about something funny?"
Casting again, a million and one rules fly through Justin's mind, though his body language does not change. Common sense... logic... rules of thumb... He inwardly sighs. He'd already broken the rules anyway.
"If you'd like me to come sometime, I can," he acknowledges. "I know sometimes certain things are easier if there's someone else around so... if you want me to be there, I can."
As the two men receive the tongue-lashing from Ryan, both stare up at her, unable to get a word in, but not trying anyway. Their own glares meet hers, still angry with each other and now both bothered that she was chewing them out.
Watching as Ryan stalks away then speeds off, Alec looks down at the ground, then over to Leo, his expression one of irritation. Leo meets his gaze with the same look. And for a moment, it feels as though something might erupt again.
But slowly, slowly, fists are relaxed. Leo rocks back to sit on his bottom while Alec stays on his knees. Looking at each other again, they both shake their heads.
"I'm too tired to fight anymore," Leo mumbles. "I guess that means you win."
"I'm too tired too," Alec admits. "You put up quite a fight."
Leo touches his lip gingerly with his tongue. "I feel kinda silly sitting here."
"Yeah, me too."
Eli sighs as he watches everything happen, then his sister take off. Maybe encouraging this whole thing hadn't been the best idea in the world, but he didn't think he'd deserved that last glare. Glancing to Scarlet, he gives her a look of apology for having the night be turned around on them.
Looking back to the two enemies, he rolls his eyes and wanders over to them. "Are you two quite finished?"
"After that?" Alec thumbs down the dusty road. "She might come back and run us over with the car if we keep this up."
Eli smirks. "Probably."
Gingerly, Alec stands up, brushing off his pants and wincing a little. He hurt in more places than he'd like to admit.
Eli approaches Leo and gives him a hand up as well. "You alright?"
"Mm-hmm." Leo nods, though he wasn't all that sure. "I guess I just need to go."
"Looking like that?" Eli shakes his head. Standing between the two, he looks at them both. "Is this thing over, or what?"
Leo looks over to Alec, and Alec over to him. Both stare at each other for a moment, almost like two gradschool boys who had fought on the playground. Leo finally shrugs. "You want me gone, I'll be gone, alright? It's stupid for me to keep fighting."
Alec's eyebrows rise. "You walk away now, she won't ever forgive me."
Leo thinks for a moment, confused. "So you'd call a truce just so Ryan doesn't leave you?"
Alec shrugs lamely. "I guess so."
"Well...maybe you're more worth her effort than I thought."
"You're the one with the guts."
"Or stupidity."
Both stare at each other again. Afterward, no one would know who snickered first, but even though it was painful, the laughter did somehow surface...
...Entering the apartment quietly, Eli shuts and locks the door behind him. He was home much later than planned, but somehow he'd managed to get both men cleaned up, iced and bandaged, gotten Alec back to TJY, Leo on his way and still spend some time with Scarlet. Or was it all the other way around? He felt like he'd been drinking, when in reality, he'd never even gotten that beer he wanted.
Ambling down the hall, he sees the light under Ryan's door and stops, ready to knock. But before his knuckles tap the door, he lowers his hand. She'd been pretty hot earlier... he better not bother her now. So instead, he goes to his own bedroom, leaving the door just partway open.
Left to themselves, Pete follows Nikki into the living room, taking up a seat on the armrest of the couch. "Um..." He thinks then shrugs. "I really don't care. How about something funny?"
Casting again, a million and one rules fly through Justin's mind, though his body language does not change. Common sense... logic... rules of thumb... He inwardly sighs. He'd already broken the rules anyway.
"If you'd like me to come sometime, I can," he acknowledges. "I know sometimes certain things are easier if there's someone else around so... if you want me to be there, I can."
As the two men receive the tongue-lashing from Ryan, both stare up at her, unable to get a word in, but not trying anyway. Their own glares meet hers, still angry with each other and now both bothered that she was chewing them out.
Watching as Ryan stalks away then speeds off, Alec looks down at the ground, then over to Leo, his expression one of irritation. Leo meets his gaze with the same look. And for a moment, it feels as though something might erupt again.
But slowly, slowly, fists are relaxed. Leo rocks back to sit on his bottom while Alec stays on his knees. Looking at each other again, they both shake their heads.
"I'm too tired to fight anymore," Leo mumbles. "I guess that means you win."
"I'm too tired too," Alec admits. "You put up quite a fight."
Leo touches his lip gingerly with his tongue. "I feel kinda silly sitting here."
"Yeah, me too."
Eli sighs as he watches everything happen, then his sister take off. Maybe encouraging this whole thing hadn't been the best idea in the world, but he didn't think he'd deserved that last glare. Glancing to Scarlet, he gives her a look of apology for having the night be turned around on them.
Looking back to the two enemies, he rolls his eyes and wanders over to them. "Are you two quite finished?"
"After that?" Alec thumbs down the dusty road. "She might come back and run us over with the car if we keep this up."
Eli smirks. "Probably."
Gingerly, Alec stands up, brushing off his pants and wincing a little. He hurt in more places than he'd like to admit.
Eli approaches Leo and gives him a hand up as well. "You alright?"
"Mm-hmm." Leo nods, though he wasn't all that sure. "I guess I just need to go."
"Looking like that?" Eli shakes his head. Standing between the two, he looks at them both. "Is this thing over, or what?"
Leo looks over to Alec, and Alec over to him. Both stare at each other for a moment, almost like two gradschool boys who had fought on the playground. Leo finally shrugs. "You want me gone, I'll be gone, alright? It's stupid for me to keep fighting."
Alec's eyebrows rise. "You walk away now, she won't ever forgive me."
Leo thinks for a moment, confused. "So you'd call a truce just so Ryan doesn't leave you?"
Alec shrugs lamely. "I guess so."
"Well...maybe you're more worth her effort than I thought."
"You're the one with the guts."
"Or stupidity."
Both stare at each other again. Afterward, no one would know who snickered first, but even though it was painful, the laughter did somehow surface...
...Entering the apartment quietly, Eli shuts and locks the door behind him. He was home much later than planned, but somehow he'd managed to get both men cleaned up, iced and bandaged, gotten Alec back to TJY, Leo on his way and still spend some time with Scarlet. Or was it all the other way around? He felt like he'd been drinking, when in reality, he'd never even gotten that beer he wanted.
Ambling down the hall, he sees the light under Ryan's door and stops, ready to knock. But before his knuckles tap the door, he lowers his hand. She'd been pretty hot earlier... he better not bother her now. So instead, he goes to his own bedroom, leaving the door just partway open.
Anger
Finishing the race and getting out of the car Ryan's grin grows as she see her brother and Scarlet coming over. It felt good to win and believe it or not it felt good having it be a close race. She liked the competition and the though of someone else almost betting her. It kept the thrill of the race alive.
As Alec pulls her into the kiss Ryan automatically wraps her arms around him and returns the kiss. Her grin bright slinging her arm around Alec and turning to see her brother.
Seeing Leo Ryan gives a wave beckon him to come closer she wanted to shair the spot light with him too. He was on of her friends and she didn't want it any other way.
"Leo you made it, I'm glad."
Being interrupted by her brother and the though of celebration Ryan gives a nod and a whoop of her own. Sounded like a plan to her and having her friends and one extra sounded like a good time to her.
Turning to head back into her car Ryan stops when she hears Alec's comment about just going back to her place. About to reply she stops once again as Leo jumps in. Just standing there for a moment as words are throw back and forth Ryan trys to get a word in but it fails.
"Guys...come on...stop...Guys..."
Feeling frustrated Ryan gives a jump as the first swing is thrown and she can feel her own temper rise. Starting forward to stop them Ryan is stop by her brother throwing a look up at him. So she was to stand here and watch them beat the crap out of them? There was nothing else she could do but sit and watch them.
A few times she looks away ignoring all the cheering going on around her. This was insane, crazy, and just down right wrong and she hated it.
Finally as both men are on the ground both panting and seeming to be tired Ryan brakes from her brother arm and steps twords both of them. Putting her hands on her hips she lets out a growl as she looks down at them her anger written all over her face.
"Stop this right now! Both of you need to grow up!"
Ryan points at Alec first.
"You, I maybe your girlfriend but that dosnt mean you order me around. I'll see who I want when I want and hang out with my friend when I darn well feel and if your gonna try and start a fight when them every time than you can stay home."
Turning to Leo Ryan's eye had become red from anger. She was tired of this, tired of walking on egg shells, and having to worry about who was going to start a fight with who.
"And You, You need to get your head out of your butt and move on before life pass you completely by. Alec is my boyfriend and you have to deal with it. Stop trying to start a fight every time you are around him. Stop being misrible when there is no need for you. You got a girl who likes you and wants to be more than friend. Stop being a scared little boy and sease the opportunity before it pass you by. Sooner or later there is gonna be no one to blame but yourself so build a bridge and get over."
Ryan lets out a long huff as she looks to her brother, than Alec, and Leo once again. Her eyes going between both of them.
"I don't care if you both don't like each other thats fine but you need to learn to co exists with each other. So when you have it figured out and can do that let me know because until than I am sick of the fighting and childish behavior.
I want my friends and love ones around to enjoy and have fun with not to have to babysit and walk eggshells around."
Ryan's eyes burned with fire and everything that had been pent up inside. She wanted her friends to get along and for to long now they hadnt taking it out on each other at her exspence.
Turning from the group and not caring how many people were around Ryan stalks away shooting a look at her brother first. She was going away, she needed to clear her head and didn't want anyone around. If he could give Alec a ride home that would be great.
Getting into her car Ryan pulls out of where she was parked with a squeal of her tires not looking back even once. A dust cloud was left of her anger, and as it settled she was gone.
Seeing Pete hold out and take a hold of her hand for a shake Carol gives a shake of her head and a little laugh. Using Pete's hand to help her up she takes a few steps forward letting go and wrapping her arms around him.
"Peter, did you really think I'd like you get away with just a hand shake. After all the times you have been here your like a son to me."
Letting go and taking a few steps back Carol takes the cane from the table and slowly hobbles twords the sink. Not wasting a moment Nikki was at her side helping her to the sink.
Turning twords her daughter and than Pete she gives a smile.
"She has turned into a lovely woman. I'm so happy you guys could meet up again. It was always a pleasure to have you in the house Peter, and to hear you make My Nikki laugh."
Going into a coughing fit Carol leans over the sink a little trying to catch her breath. Nikki was close at her side rubbing her back and making sure she was ok.
"Nikki go enjoy time with your friend. I'm fine I'm fine you worry to much...She worrys to much Peter, maybe you can help keep her mind busy."
Nikki gives a sigh and shakes her head still smiling at her mother. The woman was full of pride, but so humble at the same time making sure not to rune any ones good time.
"Ok Ma we will be in the living room if you need anything ok?"
Carol gives a nod as she looks to her daughter and brings a hand to the side of her face.
"Alright dear, I'm probably going to be heading to bed soon. Peter you can stay as long as you like."
Giving another smile and moving away from her mother she walks twords Pete again. Nodding twords the living room she new he new the way and followed. Going over to the TV rack she squats down in front and looks through the movies like she always did as a kid.
"Ok so what will it be today..classic, funny, horror?"
Thinking about Justin's words Beth had fallen quiet again. Just thinking deeply about his words. They made sense to her and her understood. In a way knowing that Justin too has lost someone made her feel like she could connect with him just a little more.
"Maybe sometime would you like to come over to my house and look through the boxes of pictures with me? I never dared look at them, and maybe....doing it alone wouldn't be so hard, and it might help too."
As Alec pulls her into the kiss Ryan automatically wraps her arms around him and returns the kiss. Her grin bright slinging her arm around Alec and turning to see her brother.
Seeing Leo Ryan gives a wave beckon him to come closer she wanted to shair the spot light with him too. He was on of her friends and she didn't want it any other way.
"Leo you made it, I'm glad."
Being interrupted by her brother and the though of celebration Ryan gives a nod and a whoop of her own. Sounded like a plan to her and having her friends and one extra sounded like a good time to her.
Turning to head back into her car Ryan stops when she hears Alec's comment about just going back to her place. About to reply she stops once again as Leo jumps in. Just standing there for a moment as words are throw back and forth Ryan trys to get a word in but it fails.
"Guys...come on...stop...Guys..."
Feeling frustrated Ryan gives a jump as the first swing is thrown and she can feel her own temper rise. Starting forward to stop them Ryan is stop by her brother throwing a look up at him. So she was to stand here and watch them beat the crap out of them? There was nothing else she could do but sit and watch them.
A few times she looks away ignoring all the cheering going on around her. This was insane, crazy, and just down right wrong and she hated it.
Finally as both men are on the ground both panting and seeming to be tired Ryan brakes from her brother arm and steps twords both of them. Putting her hands on her hips she lets out a growl as she looks down at them her anger written all over her face.
"Stop this right now! Both of you need to grow up!"
Ryan points at Alec first.
"You, I maybe your girlfriend but that dosnt mean you order me around. I'll see who I want when I want and hang out with my friend when I darn well feel and if your gonna try and start a fight when them every time than you can stay home."
Turning to Leo Ryan's eye had become red from anger. She was tired of this, tired of walking on egg shells, and having to worry about who was going to start a fight with who.
"And You, You need to get your head out of your butt and move on before life pass you completely by. Alec is my boyfriend and you have to deal with it. Stop trying to start a fight every time you are around him. Stop being misrible when there is no need for you. You got a girl who likes you and wants to be more than friend. Stop being a scared little boy and sease the opportunity before it pass you by. Sooner or later there is gonna be no one to blame but yourself so build a bridge and get over."
Ryan lets out a long huff as she looks to her brother, than Alec, and Leo once again. Her eyes going between both of them.
"I don't care if you both don't like each other thats fine but you need to learn to co exists with each other. So when you have it figured out and can do that let me know because until than I am sick of the fighting and childish behavior.
I want my friends and love ones around to enjoy and have fun with not to have to babysit and walk eggshells around."
Ryan's eyes burned with fire and everything that had been pent up inside. She wanted her friends to get along and for to long now they hadnt taking it out on each other at her exspence.
Turning from the group and not caring how many people were around Ryan stalks away shooting a look at her brother first. She was going away, she needed to clear her head and didn't want anyone around. If he could give Alec a ride home that would be great.
Getting into her car Ryan pulls out of where she was parked with a squeal of her tires not looking back even once. A dust cloud was left of her anger, and as it settled she was gone.
Seeing Pete hold out and take a hold of her hand for a shake Carol gives a shake of her head and a little laugh. Using Pete's hand to help her up she takes a few steps forward letting go and wrapping her arms around him.
"Peter, did you really think I'd like you get away with just a hand shake. After all the times you have been here your like a son to me."
Letting go and taking a few steps back Carol takes the cane from the table and slowly hobbles twords the sink. Not wasting a moment Nikki was at her side helping her to the sink.
Turning twords her daughter and than Pete she gives a smile.
"She has turned into a lovely woman. I'm so happy you guys could meet up again. It was always a pleasure to have you in the house Peter, and to hear you make My Nikki laugh."
Going into a coughing fit Carol leans over the sink a little trying to catch her breath. Nikki was close at her side rubbing her back and making sure she was ok.
"Nikki go enjoy time with your friend. I'm fine I'm fine you worry to much...She worrys to much Peter, maybe you can help keep her mind busy."
Nikki gives a sigh and shakes her head still smiling at her mother. The woman was full of pride, but so humble at the same time making sure not to rune any ones good time.
"Ok Ma we will be in the living room if you need anything ok?"
Carol gives a nod as she looks to her daughter and brings a hand to the side of her face.
"Alright dear, I'm probably going to be heading to bed soon. Peter you can stay as long as you like."
Giving another smile and moving away from her mother she walks twords Pete again. Nodding twords the living room she new he new the way and followed. Going over to the TV rack she squats down in front and looks through the movies like she always did as a kid.
"Ok so what will it be today..classic, funny, horror?"
Thinking about Justin's words Beth had fallen quiet again. Just thinking deeply about his words. They made sense to her and her understood. In a way knowing that Justin too has lost someone made her feel like she could connect with him just a little more.
"Maybe sometime would you like to come over to my house and look through the boxes of pictures with me? I never dared look at them, and maybe....doing it alone wouldn't be so hard, and it might help too."
"Dance, Leo!"
Though he was keeping his hands busy, Justin was listening to Beth, too. He remains quiet, just letting her talk and say what she needed to without interrupting or pressing her.
Taking another cast, he nods at her mention of memories. "It was a different life. But that's okay, don't you think?" He straightens his line and slowly reels, jerking once when he felt a bite but fails to hook the fish.
"Memories are funny things. Some fade and some seem to get even stronger. Too often though, we think that a memory has to be something we can see or hear or touch in our mind... but it's always here." He touches over his heart. "The memories we hold, good and bad, never really leave."
As his lure comes up out of the water, he brings it close to take off some moss. "Sometimes I have trouble remembering my dad's face or the sound of his voice. But I know that inside me is a treasure trove of memories, tucked away that may or may not ever be brought to the forefront. But that's okay - it's not my fault and it doesn't make my dad any less real than he was. It just means that I'm moving on and not living in the past."
Going to Nikki's house, Pete felt a little strange. It had been years since he'd been here. So much was happening all in one day, it did still feel like a dream. The house still felt familiar though, once he was inside. Not much had changed and even the smell was familiar to him. It was like an old friend, welcoming him back again. The atmosphere here had always been peaceful... something that spoke of God... something that had led Pete and Lewis both to Jesus.
Heading to the kitchen with Nikki, Pete can't help his smile as he is greeted by her mother. "Long time, no see." Maybe the phrase was lame, but it was all he could think of.
He laughs at her comment of him growing. "Well, maybe my waist slimmed down, but my ego grew for sure." Still smiling, he reaches down to shake her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Your daughter has been escorting me down memory lane today. She's become quite the lovely young woman."
Heading to the finish line, there are enough people around that not too much conversation goes on. Eli keeps close to Scarlet, Alec wanders off somewhere and Leo sticks around but tries to mingle some.
The race is closer than Eli would have liked, with money on his sister, but as predicted, she pulled through at the last moment to take the victory once again. Those that knew her were as thrilled as always - and a little richer, too. Those that didn't left the mob to go gripe amongst themselves.
Coming to the car as Ryan parks and gets out, Eli's smile goes from ear to ear. He never tired of seeing his sister win. "You did it again, Speedy." He gives her a thumbs up and a wink.
Alec slides over the hood of her car to land next to her, pulling her into a passionate kiss before even saying anything. Drawing back, his eyes spark. "Congratulations."
The crowd is a might noisy and there were plenty who hollered Ryan's way to let her know they were pleased. Alec slings his arm around her shoulders, not just to be in the spotlight with her but because truth be known, he felt a little lost in a crowd that he hadn't really checked out yet.
Off to the side, Leo watches everything from Ryan to Eli and Scarlet, to Alec, to the other people there. With Alec around though, Leo couldn't even get close to Ryan. All he wanted to do was congratulate her, but it seemed everywhere he stepped, there was Alec again. Was it just him, or was Alec purposely getting in his way? Either way, it ticked Leo off. Alec had stolen Ryan from him already - wasn't that bad enough without him constantly flaunting it in his face?
Alec keeps his arm around Ryan and eyes Leo, unsure what the other man was thinking. Why did he always feel like Leo was constantly trying to get back closer with Ryan? He didn't like it and it made him bristle every time Leo came around. Alec wasn't used to feeling jealousy so he wasn't even sure if that's what it was or not, but even if it was, he had a right, didn't he? Ryan was his girl now and Leo needed to go find himself another.
"Time to celebrate!" Eli announces, swinging Scarlet around with him as he aims back for his bike. "Who wants to go to Jimmy's for a late night steak and a beer?"
"Don't say beer," Leo warns, finding some humor. "I'll take a coke though."
Eli grins. "Good enough. Come on."
Alec sighs and looks to Ryan. "Can we just go back to your place?"
Leo stops in his tracks. He'd had enough. Spinning around, he glares at Alec. "Ya know, if you don't want me along, just say so, alright?"
Alec straightens and tenses up, leaving Ryan's side to take a step towards Leo. "Okay, fine. I don't want you along."
Leo's blood races with anger. Eli stops and turns around, hearing the flippant words and feeling the tension rise. Letting his arm drop from Scarlet, he heads the few steps back to the others. "Hey, come on, guys. Cut the crap and lets go just enjoy ourselves, alright?"
Leo grits his teeth. "Apparently to be enjoyable, I can't be there."
"You finally got it." Alec claps his hands, taunting him. "Maybe you got brains after all."
Or maybe he didn't. Maybe that was why Leo took the first swing. Any other time he would have been smart enough to never take that chance, but tonight... tonight he'd had enough. His fist flies towards Alec's face.
Alec, though, was quicker and sidesteps, blocking Leo's fist then grabbing his wrist to twist his arm around. Having his arm yanked and twisted, Leo is brought to one knee before he's kicked in the gut. Doubling over, he swings blindly, managing to get Alec off just long enough that he can stand again.
Realizing what was happening, Eli takes a quick glance at his sister and puts out an arm to keep her from trying to break them up. "Let them fight it out," he warns. If those two didn't get this out of their system, it would be war the rest of their lives.
Alec maintains the upper hand, getting in several punches to Leo's face and blocking every swing that came at him. Spinning around, he gives Leo a swift kick to the side of his head, sending Leo sprawling on the ground.
By now, a small group was gathering, forming a circle around the two fighting men.
Leo growls and gets up again, blinking away sweat and a bit of blood. He already hurt, but he wasn't through yet. Lunging at Alec, he's again thwarted, only receiving the brunt of everything and getting nowhere.
Though Eli wanted to see them fight it out, he knew that Alec was more than capable of taking Leo out... permanently. And Leo had no fighting skills at all - that had already been proven when he'd tried to take on Roth, and Alec was an assassin. Seeing Leo caught in a chokehold and struggling to get away, Eli calls out to him. "Dance, Leo!"
Grappling at Alec's arm that was around his neck, Leo barely hears Eli. But something clicks. Dance. Instead of continuing to fight a hold he couldn't manhandle, he twists and ducks, taking a step back and manages to pull free of the hold. Though Alec takes a swing, Leo spins on his toe and sidesteps low. Dropping to the ground, he sweeps a circle with his leg, taking Alec's feet right out from under him.
Eli tries to hide his smile.
Alec is quick to get back on his feet and the fists swing again. But this time, Leo was paying more attention to his own body's movements and easily sidesteps, ducks and spins to avoid the blows, finally able to throw some of his own.
The gawkers start hollering and whooping, cheering who on, nobody knew, but nobody cared. A fight was a good enough reason to be loud and obnoxious as anything.
Blood and sweat fly as both men continue their battle. Alec is knocked off balance once and falls back towards Eli who gives him a swift boot to the behind, sending him right back into Leo's fury.
First Leo, then Alec, then Alec then Leo. It seemed the match would never end. Both men were growing so weary that they could barely throw punches anymore, but neither were willing to give up. They take it so far that they both wind up on their hands and knees more than once, panting and barely able to stand but they keep it up anyway - they wanted a winner.
Punch after punch, blow after blow... their faces become bruised and bloodied punching bags with split lips, bloody noses and blackened eyes. Drenched in sweat, neither gave up and both for their own reasons.
Eventually, both Alec and Leo wind up on their knees, hardly able to lift their own arms, but still glaring at each other. Breathing heavily and hurting all over, it seems there's a silent agreement for a brief time-out as they try to catch their breath, neither having the strength to even stand up anymore.
Taking another cast, he nods at her mention of memories. "It was a different life. But that's okay, don't you think?" He straightens his line and slowly reels, jerking once when he felt a bite but fails to hook the fish.
"Memories are funny things. Some fade and some seem to get even stronger. Too often though, we think that a memory has to be something we can see or hear or touch in our mind... but it's always here." He touches over his heart. "The memories we hold, good and bad, never really leave."
As his lure comes up out of the water, he brings it close to take off some moss. "Sometimes I have trouble remembering my dad's face or the sound of his voice. But I know that inside me is a treasure trove of memories, tucked away that may or may not ever be brought to the forefront. But that's okay - it's not my fault and it doesn't make my dad any less real than he was. It just means that I'm moving on and not living in the past."
Going to Nikki's house, Pete felt a little strange. It had been years since he'd been here. So much was happening all in one day, it did still feel like a dream. The house still felt familiar though, once he was inside. Not much had changed and even the smell was familiar to him. It was like an old friend, welcoming him back again. The atmosphere here had always been peaceful... something that spoke of God... something that had led Pete and Lewis both to Jesus.
Heading to the kitchen with Nikki, Pete can't help his smile as he is greeted by her mother. "Long time, no see." Maybe the phrase was lame, but it was all he could think of.
He laughs at her comment of him growing. "Well, maybe my waist slimmed down, but my ego grew for sure." Still smiling, he reaches down to shake her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Your daughter has been escorting me down memory lane today. She's become quite the lovely young woman."
Heading to the finish line, there are enough people around that not too much conversation goes on. Eli keeps close to Scarlet, Alec wanders off somewhere and Leo sticks around but tries to mingle some.
The race is closer than Eli would have liked, with money on his sister, but as predicted, she pulled through at the last moment to take the victory once again. Those that knew her were as thrilled as always - and a little richer, too. Those that didn't left the mob to go gripe amongst themselves.
Coming to the car as Ryan parks and gets out, Eli's smile goes from ear to ear. He never tired of seeing his sister win. "You did it again, Speedy." He gives her a thumbs up and a wink.
Alec slides over the hood of her car to land next to her, pulling her into a passionate kiss before even saying anything. Drawing back, his eyes spark. "Congratulations."
The crowd is a might noisy and there were plenty who hollered Ryan's way to let her know they were pleased. Alec slings his arm around her shoulders, not just to be in the spotlight with her but because truth be known, he felt a little lost in a crowd that he hadn't really checked out yet.
Off to the side, Leo watches everything from Ryan to Eli and Scarlet, to Alec, to the other people there. With Alec around though, Leo couldn't even get close to Ryan. All he wanted to do was congratulate her, but it seemed everywhere he stepped, there was Alec again. Was it just him, or was Alec purposely getting in his way? Either way, it ticked Leo off. Alec had stolen Ryan from him already - wasn't that bad enough without him constantly flaunting it in his face?
Alec keeps his arm around Ryan and eyes Leo, unsure what the other man was thinking. Why did he always feel like Leo was constantly trying to get back closer with Ryan? He didn't like it and it made him bristle every time Leo came around. Alec wasn't used to feeling jealousy so he wasn't even sure if that's what it was or not, but even if it was, he had a right, didn't he? Ryan was his girl now and Leo needed to go find himself another.
"Time to celebrate!" Eli announces, swinging Scarlet around with him as he aims back for his bike. "Who wants to go to Jimmy's for a late night steak and a beer?"
"Don't say beer," Leo warns, finding some humor. "I'll take a coke though."
Eli grins. "Good enough. Come on."
Alec sighs and looks to Ryan. "Can we just go back to your place?"
Leo stops in his tracks. He'd had enough. Spinning around, he glares at Alec. "Ya know, if you don't want me along, just say so, alright?"
Alec straightens and tenses up, leaving Ryan's side to take a step towards Leo. "Okay, fine. I don't want you along."
Leo's blood races with anger. Eli stops and turns around, hearing the flippant words and feeling the tension rise. Letting his arm drop from Scarlet, he heads the few steps back to the others. "Hey, come on, guys. Cut the crap and lets go just enjoy ourselves, alright?"
Leo grits his teeth. "Apparently to be enjoyable, I can't be there."
"You finally got it." Alec claps his hands, taunting him. "Maybe you got brains after all."
Or maybe he didn't. Maybe that was why Leo took the first swing. Any other time he would have been smart enough to never take that chance, but tonight... tonight he'd had enough. His fist flies towards Alec's face.
Alec, though, was quicker and sidesteps, blocking Leo's fist then grabbing his wrist to twist his arm around. Having his arm yanked and twisted, Leo is brought to one knee before he's kicked in the gut. Doubling over, he swings blindly, managing to get Alec off just long enough that he can stand again.
Realizing what was happening, Eli takes a quick glance at his sister and puts out an arm to keep her from trying to break them up. "Let them fight it out," he warns. If those two didn't get this out of their system, it would be war the rest of their lives.
Alec maintains the upper hand, getting in several punches to Leo's face and blocking every swing that came at him. Spinning around, he gives Leo a swift kick to the side of his head, sending Leo sprawling on the ground.
By now, a small group was gathering, forming a circle around the two fighting men.
Leo growls and gets up again, blinking away sweat and a bit of blood. He already hurt, but he wasn't through yet. Lunging at Alec, he's again thwarted, only receiving the brunt of everything and getting nowhere.
Though Eli wanted to see them fight it out, he knew that Alec was more than capable of taking Leo out... permanently. And Leo had no fighting skills at all - that had already been proven when he'd tried to take on Roth, and Alec was an assassin. Seeing Leo caught in a chokehold and struggling to get away, Eli calls out to him. "Dance, Leo!"
Grappling at Alec's arm that was around his neck, Leo barely hears Eli. But something clicks. Dance. Instead of continuing to fight a hold he couldn't manhandle, he twists and ducks, taking a step back and manages to pull free of the hold. Though Alec takes a swing, Leo spins on his toe and sidesteps low. Dropping to the ground, he sweeps a circle with his leg, taking Alec's feet right out from under him.
Eli tries to hide his smile.
Alec is quick to get back on his feet and the fists swing again. But this time, Leo was paying more attention to his own body's movements and easily sidesteps, ducks and spins to avoid the blows, finally able to throw some of his own.
The gawkers start hollering and whooping, cheering who on, nobody knew, but nobody cared. A fight was a good enough reason to be loud and obnoxious as anything.
Blood and sweat fly as both men continue their battle. Alec is knocked off balance once and falls back towards Eli who gives him a swift boot to the behind, sending him right back into Leo's fury.
First Leo, then Alec, then Alec then Leo. It seemed the match would never end. Both men were growing so weary that they could barely throw punches anymore, but neither were willing to give up. They take it so far that they both wind up on their hands and knees more than once, panting and barely able to stand but they keep it up anyway - they wanted a winner.
Punch after punch, blow after blow... their faces become bruised and bloodied punching bags with split lips, bloody noses and blackened eyes. Drenched in sweat, neither gave up and both for their own reasons.
Eventually, both Alec and Leo wind up on their knees, hardly able to lift their own arms, but still glaring at each other. Breathing heavily and hurting all over, it seems there's a silent agreement for a brief time-out as they try to catch their breath, neither having the strength to even stand up anymore.
Good Memorie
Hearing Pete say yes that he would come back to the house with her makes Nikki happy. It would be nice to hang out like old friends, and if it put a small smile on her mother face than it was more than Nikki could of asked for.
Getting back into the car and buckling up Nikkie puts her sunglasses back on even if it was dark out now, she liked to be different sometimes. Giving a nod her words follow suit.
"I guess it would make sense to get my car first so your not running me all over the place, and yes its still the same house. Mom wouldn't give that up for anything even when people tryed to convince her to sell it."
Leaning back on the ride back to her car was a nice one. Even thought the sun was down it still felt warm out and the wind blowing through her short hair just seemed to cool off just right. Going back seemed quicker than when they had left, and finally getting to her car and making there way back to her place it doesn't take long.
Pulling into the drive way she lets enough room for Pete to pull in behind her. Getting out of the car she looks up at the small but nice tan colored house. She'd grown up in this house and it hadn't changed much. Still looking the same as it had before.
Getting up to the porch and unlocking the door Nikki steps in taking her glasses off again. Taking a few steps down the hall Nikki gives a call to find where he mother was.
"Mom...It's me, I'm home. I brought someone you might like to see too."
Hearing the call from the hallway a smile cross the face of an older woman her hair slightly starting to turn white from age, and her face was wery but the smile was still on her lips, and her eyes still sparkled though it was easy to see just walking made her tired.
"Nikki dear I'm in the kitchen. Can you bring your guest here? I don't think I have the energy to walk out there again."
Looking back over her shoulder at Pete she gives a smile to him and motions for him to follow.Going down the long hallway and entering the kitchen Nikki gives a wave to her mom before turning a little to Pete.
"Mom, you remember Pete from high school. I use to hang out with him and his brother all the time. I ran into him today and we spent the day catching up."
Squinting her eyes just a little Nikki's mom is quiet for a moment as if remembering. Soon a smile spread across her lips though as her eyes lit up.
"How could I not remember you Peter. My how you've grown. How are you?"
Seeing that her mom remembered Pete, and the smile her eyes held made Nikki feel so good. She was happy to see her mom, happy to see Pete.
Continuing to wait and glancing back at the bobber in the water Beth gives a little nod as she was listing. Justin's mom sounded like a very nice woman and it made sense seeing how Justin was so nice himself.
"She sounds like a very nice lady."
Looking back over the water Beth just lets her eyes scan the area. She felt more relaxed this time than she had the last time here. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly Beth's mind started to turned as she tried to remember, her past, her parents, what life use to be like.
"I always though they were happy ya know. My parents, I guess they were just good at hiding it from us. Save us from the pain. My dad always drank but he never hurt anyone in our family. He never raised a hand to even spank us...mom always said he was to soft on us and he would reply but saying we were daddy's little girls. I guess he was just a loaded gun waiting to go off, and than one day it was to much and he did."
Shifting a little bit in the grass Beth looks down as the blades form around he legs the grass tickling her feet a little. Picking a peace Beth plays with it between her fingers for a moment before looking back to Justin.
"The memories are fading a little more each day. But I can still here there laughs all three of them. I was always the funny on doing something silly. Its so hard to remember though...like it was a whole new life."
Staying close to Eli Scarlet holds on to his arm as they watch the start of the race. Hearing a new voice saying hi to Eli she turns seeing someone she didn't know. But seeing the look on Eli's face he did know who it was and he was ok. Sometimes at the races it was hard to tell.
As words are thrown between Leo and Alec though Scarlet raises and eyebrow. It was easy to see there was some kind of heat between Leo and Alec. See Eli step in though and mention going to the finish line she gives a nod and turns.
Getting back into the car and buckling up Nikkie puts her sunglasses back on even if it was dark out now, she liked to be different sometimes. Giving a nod her words follow suit.
"I guess it would make sense to get my car first so your not running me all over the place, and yes its still the same house. Mom wouldn't give that up for anything even when people tryed to convince her to sell it."
Leaning back on the ride back to her car was a nice one. Even thought the sun was down it still felt warm out and the wind blowing through her short hair just seemed to cool off just right. Going back seemed quicker than when they had left, and finally getting to her car and making there way back to her place it doesn't take long.
Pulling into the drive way she lets enough room for Pete to pull in behind her. Getting out of the car she looks up at the small but nice tan colored house. She'd grown up in this house and it hadn't changed much. Still looking the same as it had before.
Getting up to the porch and unlocking the door Nikki steps in taking her glasses off again. Taking a few steps down the hall Nikki gives a call to find where he mother was.
"Mom...It's me, I'm home. I brought someone you might like to see too."
Hearing the call from the hallway a smile cross the face of an older woman her hair slightly starting to turn white from age, and her face was wery but the smile was still on her lips, and her eyes still sparkled though it was easy to see just walking made her tired.
"Nikki dear I'm in the kitchen. Can you bring your guest here? I don't think I have the energy to walk out there again."
Looking back over her shoulder at Pete she gives a smile to him and motions for him to follow.Going down the long hallway and entering the kitchen Nikki gives a wave to her mom before turning a little to Pete.
"Mom, you remember Pete from high school. I use to hang out with him and his brother all the time. I ran into him today and we spent the day catching up."
Squinting her eyes just a little Nikki's mom is quiet for a moment as if remembering. Soon a smile spread across her lips though as her eyes lit up.
"How could I not remember you Peter. My how you've grown. How are you?"
Seeing that her mom remembered Pete, and the smile her eyes held made Nikki feel so good. She was happy to see her mom, happy to see Pete.
Continuing to wait and glancing back at the bobber in the water Beth gives a little nod as she was listing. Justin's mom sounded like a very nice woman and it made sense seeing how Justin was so nice himself.
"She sounds like a very nice lady."
Looking back over the water Beth just lets her eyes scan the area. She felt more relaxed this time than she had the last time here. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly Beth's mind started to turned as she tried to remember, her past, her parents, what life use to be like.
"I always though they were happy ya know. My parents, I guess they were just good at hiding it from us. Save us from the pain. My dad always drank but he never hurt anyone in our family. He never raised a hand to even spank us...mom always said he was to soft on us and he would reply but saying we were daddy's little girls. I guess he was just a loaded gun waiting to go off, and than one day it was to much and he did."
Shifting a little bit in the grass Beth looks down as the blades form around he legs the grass tickling her feet a little. Picking a peace Beth plays with it between her fingers for a moment before looking back to Justin.
"The memories are fading a little more each day. But I can still here there laughs all three of them. I was always the funny on doing something silly. Its so hard to remember though...like it was a whole new life."
Staying close to Eli Scarlet holds on to his arm as they watch the start of the race. Hearing a new voice saying hi to Eli she turns seeing someone she didn't know. But seeing the look on Eli's face he did know who it was and he was ok. Sometimes at the races it was hard to tell.
As words are thrown between Leo and Alec though Scarlet raises and eyebrow. It was easy to see there was some kind of heat between Leo and Alec. See Eli step in though and mention going to the finish line she gives a nod and turns.
Boys will be boys
"Um..." Pete thinks for a moment. He did want to do something and not go home... He didn't have any work to do tonight... wasn't needed anywhere... had no obligations... and it was just Nikki, right? What was so bad about that?
"Okay." He nods as he turns around. "I'd like to see your mom, too." If her time was short, he at least would like to see her again. Since Nikki had left, he hadn't even seen her mom, since Nikki had always been the only reason he'd hung around the family.
Walking slowly back to the car, Pete gets in and waits for Nikki to get in too and buckle up. "Go get your car first? Then your place? Same house?"
Keeping an eye on Beth, Justin goes for his other pole, but listens as she talks. While he casts and reels he chuckles. "She's one of the sweetest women you'll ever meet. Heart of gold. She has her quirks but I can't ever be mad at her."
Justin straightens out his line to avoid a bird's nest and reels again. "She loves to cook and loves cooking for company - goes all out, even when it's supposed to be a simple lunch or something. She gets lonely I think, so I see her a few nights a week and I do some shopping for her too. She doesn't have a car so she doesn't get out much." After Justin's dad had died, she'd lived off the insurance and with the house paid for, the bills weren't all that bad. Justin also helped her out with groceries and the like, so she didn't live in wealth but she lived comfortably.
Turning to smile at Beth, he nods. "I think you'd like her and she'd like you too."
Leo ambles through the crowd, scanning the face. He was a bit disappointed that none of the buddies from the shop were there tonight. He wasn't spotting any of his regular friends.
The cars had all just taken off, so it would be a little bit before any action started again once the racers got back. Wandering around, Leo gives casual waves to a few people, then spots Eli with a woman... and of course, Alec. He just had to show up, didn't he? Leo sighs. At least Eli was there. And there was no one else to hang out with. It was either them or go home.
Finally approaching, Leo gives a nod to them and a short wave to Eli. "Hey."
"Hey, Leo! Glad to see you up and around."
Leo gives him a sheepish look. "Yeah. Meant to say thanks."
"No problem."
Alec quirks an eyebrow as his arms fold over his chest. "You look a little worse for wear."
Leo's eyes narrow. "As if you look better."
"Well, maybe some people think so."
Understanding the reference to Ryan, Leo bristles.
Eli catches it and steps in between them. "Hey, lets all head to the finish line, shall we?" He throws a look in Scarlet's direction, rolling his eyes.
"Okay." He nods as he turns around. "I'd like to see your mom, too." If her time was short, he at least would like to see her again. Since Nikki had left, he hadn't even seen her mom, since Nikki had always been the only reason he'd hung around the family.
Walking slowly back to the car, Pete gets in and waits for Nikki to get in too and buckle up. "Go get your car first? Then your place? Same house?"
Keeping an eye on Beth, Justin goes for his other pole, but listens as she talks. While he casts and reels he chuckles. "She's one of the sweetest women you'll ever meet. Heart of gold. She has her quirks but I can't ever be mad at her."
Justin straightens out his line to avoid a bird's nest and reels again. "She loves to cook and loves cooking for company - goes all out, even when it's supposed to be a simple lunch or something. She gets lonely I think, so I see her a few nights a week and I do some shopping for her too. She doesn't have a car so she doesn't get out much." After Justin's dad had died, she'd lived off the insurance and with the house paid for, the bills weren't all that bad. Justin also helped her out with groceries and the like, so she didn't live in wealth but she lived comfortably.
Turning to smile at Beth, he nods. "I think you'd like her and she'd like you too."
Leo ambles through the crowd, scanning the face. He was a bit disappointed that none of the buddies from the shop were there tonight. He wasn't spotting any of his regular friends.
The cars had all just taken off, so it would be a little bit before any action started again once the racers got back. Wandering around, Leo gives casual waves to a few people, then spots Eli with a woman... and of course, Alec. He just had to show up, didn't he? Leo sighs. At least Eli was there. And there was no one else to hang out with. It was either them or go home.
Finally approaching, Leo gives a nod to them and a short wave to Eli. "Hey."
"Hey, Leo! Glad to see you up and around."
Leo gives him a sheepish look. "Yeah. Meant to say thanks."
"No problem."
Alec quirks an eyebrow as his arms fold over his chest. "You look a little worse for wear."
Leo's eyes narrow. "As if you look better."
"Well, maybe some people think so."
Understanding the reference to Ryan, Leo bristles.
Eli catches it and steps in between them. "Hey, lets all head to the finish line, shall we?" He throws a look in Scarlet's direction, rolling his eyes.
Rather do
Once the sun was gone Nikki continues to look at the sky. The moon started to show, and the few starts dotted the sky. Just standing there for a long moment she could feel a little bit of the awkwardness and it made her wonder for a moment.
Finally turning back to Pete she could help but wonder what else he was doing today. Did he have to go back to work, did he have something else to take care of? Nikki didn't know but maybe the best think she could do was just ask.
"I know we never got a chance to finish our dinner. If your not busy would you like to come back to my place and we can pig out, and watch a movie. I know Mom would love to see you again too."
Nikki lets her hand give Pete's a little squeeze before she lets it fall from hers. Looking up into his face she smiles again. The night was young, and she couldn't think of anything else she would rather do right now.
Finally turning back to Pete she could help but wonder what else he was doing today. Did he have to go back to work, did he have something else to take care of? Nikki didn't know but maybe the best think she could do was just ask.
"I know we never got a chance to finish our dinner. If your not busy would you like to come back to my place and we can pig out, and watch a movie. I know Mom would love to see you again too."
Nikki lets her hand give Pete's a little squeeze before she lets it fall from hers. Looking up into his face she smiles again. The night was young, and she couldn't think of anything else she would rather do right now.
Awkward?
Pete is a little startled by Nikki taking his hand, but he doesn't withdraw. He can feel heat coming to his face and it wasn't just the sun. Searching her eyes for a moment, he finally opts to look at the lake again, lest she see how red his face is. Slowly though, his fingers curl around hers in a strong, gentle grasp.
Watching the sun sink lower and lower, Pete's heart seemed to pick up its pace. What were these awkward feelings he was getting and why? Nikki was an old pal... and he hadn't seen her in years... hadn't thought about her very often the last few years either, thinking he'd never see her again. He'd had a few girlfriends here and there - though nothing was ever too serious - but he'd never thought of Nikki in that light before. Was he now? Or was it just the good feelings of seeing her again? She was attractive no doubt - even more so than she used to be, though Pete wouldn't say so. But wasn't this happening way too fast? Then again, what was "this" anyway?
The sun disappears below the tree line, leaving the sky a glowing orange that was quickly fading. High in the sky, a few stars had started to pop up and the moon was visible now, but seeming to be so very far away.
"Well..." Pete clears his throat. "I guess that's that." Should he let go of her hand? Wait for her to let go first? Being awkward around a woman was something he was definitely not used to and it causes him to lapse into silence again, not knowing what was supposed to happen now. He guessed she needed to be taken back to her car, but he really wasn't looking forward to a lame night of dull television. But he didn't want to suggest anything that would make Nikki uncomfortable, or tired for that matter, since she'd just gotten into town.
Watching the sun sink lower and lower, Pete's heart seemed to pick up its pace. What were these awkward feelings he was getting and why? Nikki was an old pal... and he hadn't seen her in years... hadn't thought about her very often the last few years either, thinking he'd never see her again. He'd had a few girlfriends here and there - though nothing was ever too serious - but he'd never thought of Nikki in that light before. Was he now? Or was it just the good feelings of seeing her again? She was attractive no doubt - even more so than she used to be, though Pete wouldn't say so. But wasn't this happening way too fast? Then again, what was "this" anyway?
The sun disappears below the tree line, leaving the sky a glowing orange that was quickly fading. High in the sky, a few stars had started to pop up and the moon was visible now, but seeming to be so very far away.
"Well..." Pete clears his throat. "I guess that's that." Should he let go of her hand? Wait for her to let go first? Being awkward around a woman was something he was definitely not used to and it causes him to lapse into silence again, not knowing what was supposed to happen now. He guessed she needed to be taken back to her car, but he really wasn't looking forward to a lame night of dull television. But he didn't want to suggest anything that would make Nikki uncomfortable, or tired for that matter, since she'd just gotten into town.
Home at Last
Seeing the sun set, and the sky take on different colors it was nice. To be out in the open, to now have to worry about street lights, traffic lights, and noises to rune the nice peace of the moment.
At the moments now no words were spoken because they didn't need to be. For Nikki it wasnt uncomfortable or felt strange. The silence standing with Pete seemed perfect, and the peace was nice.
Turning her head slightly to look at Pete Nikki gives smile. No words could say how she felt, and maybe she didn't even know. Never had she and Pete dated, but in some way the guys she had were always compared to him and never lived up. Maybe she had a little crush back than and never realized it, but did she still?
Slowly letting her hand come up her fingers finding his. On the inside she felt a little shaky but did good not letting it show. Her eyes still connected with Pete's she lefts her fingers lock with his just letting her hands stay there.
"It's great to see you again too."
Time changed people, but still there is something that can never be taken away. Once a friendship always a friendship or so Nikki thought it to be true. Looking back out at the setting sun her smile grows even more. She was home, home at last where she belonged and it felt good.
At the moments now no words were spoken because they didn't need to be. For Nikki it wasnt uncomfortable or felt strange. The silence standing with Pete seemed perfect, and the peace was nice.
Turning her head slightly to look at Pete Nikki gives smile. No words could say how she felt, and maybe she didn't even know. Never had she and Pete dated, but in some way the guys she had were always compared to him and never lived up. Maybe she had a little crush back than and never realized it, but did she still?
Slowly letting her hand come up her fingers finding his. On the inside she felt a little shaky but did good not letting it show. Her eyes still connected with Pete's she lefts her fingers lock with his just letting her hands stay there.
"It's great to see you again too."
Time changed people, but still there is something that can never be taken away. Once a friendship always a friendship or so Nikki thought it to be true. Looking back out at the setting sun her smile grows even more. She was home, home at last where she belonged and it felt good.
Good
"After being gone though I realized what I had given up and might never get back." Pete keeps his eyes out on the lake, though his peripheral vision watched Nikki closely. Had he and Lewis meant that much to her? He knew that he had always considered her a very close friend and had missed her being around too. Things had just... changed.
The thought of new memories makes him smile a little. Rocking a little on his heels, he finally nods. "Yeah... yeah, that might be nice." It would be different, and he knew that. He and Nikki were seeing each other for the first time in about ten years, and though it felt like they picked up right where they left off, a lot had changed... they each had changed. Would they even find that they still got a long so well? Or would they find that they were now too different?
As the sun starts to sink behind the trees, the glow becomes a brilliant red, casing a glow over the lake and the surroundings. Pete turns his head a little to look at Nikki's face, aglow in the light. He'd never had any dating interest in her before... they'd been buds, and she'd been just enough younger than he, that he'd looked elsewhere for something in the way of a girlfriend. He wondered now though... if he didn't know her already...
"Maybe I missed something," he wonders aloud but softly. Still looking to her, his slight smile is one of melancholy. "It's good to see you again, Nikki."
The thought of new memories makes him smile a little. Rocking a little on his heels, he finally nods. "Yeah... yeah, that might be nice." It would be different, and he knew that. He and Nikki were seeing each other for the first time in about ten years, and though it felt like they picked up right where they left off, a lot had changed... they each had changed. Would they even find that they still got a long so well? Or would they find that they were now too different?
As the sun starts to sink behind the trees, the glow becomes a brilliant red, casing a glow over the lake and the surroundings. Pete turns his head a little to look at Nikki's face, aglow in the light. He'd never had any dating interest in her before... they'd been buds, and she'd been just enough younger than he, that he'd looked elsewhere for something in the way of a girlfriend. He wondered now though... if he didn't know her already...
"Maybe I missed something," he wonders aloud but softly. Still looking to her, his slight smile is one of melancholy. "It's good to see you again, Nikki."
7/23/10
New Memories
Getting out of the car and slipping her sandles back on Nikki joins Pete to walk through the sand. It was nice, and it felt good. The breeze that rolled in from the water felt so good on her warm skin too.
"And I always though getting out of this two was what I wanted. After being gone though I realized what I had given up and might never get back."
Nikki looks to Pete for a moment giving a smile. She new he'd know she meant him. Her and Pete never dated, but she'd been close to him, and they use to spend hours just sitting and talking about hopes and dreams even if Lewis didn't want to. It was just something she couldn't find else where. Pete always had time for her.
"I'm happy I came back, and I'm happy you remembered who I was. Life just wasn't the same out there without my friends, and it just didnt seem like I could find anyone else I was close to."
Stopping with Pete before the water line for a moment she takes in her own breath of air. It felt good to be here, it really did!
"I know things can't be like they were, but maybe we can make some new memories now and spend some more time outside of work. I think it would be nice for sure."
Giving a nod to Justin that she understood Beth watched as he put the worm on the hook. Watching it squiggle all over the place, and get slim on his fingers she didn't turn away but rather just watched.
"Ok, I think I can handle that."
Casting and doing what Justin said Beth flips the bail. Sitting down on the ground she just looks out over the water. The sun reflected off of it and it looked so pretty.
Turning her head one way she watched the dogs for a long moment before turning to Justin again. Looking up at him as the sun dances behind him she squints her eyes just a little.
"I....I know a little bit about your mom like she likes to hook you up with random girls and she likes to make you sandwiches but...whats she like other than that?"
Some days it was harder for Beth to remember her own parents. It seemed so long ago that there voices seemed to fade, and there faces did too. She had pictures locked away at home in boxs, but she'd never found the courage to open them alone. Maybe Justin would look through them with her one day, and she could...make dinner?
"And I always though getting out of this two was what I wanted. After being gone though I realized what I had given up and might never get back."
Nikki looks to Pete for a moment giving a smile. She new he'd know she meant him. Her and Pete never dated, but she'd been close to him, and they use to spend hours just sitting and talking about hopes and dreams even if Lewis didn't want to. It was just something she couldn't find else where. Pete always had time for her.
"I'm happy I came back, and I'm happy you remembered who I was. Life just wasn't the same out there without my friends, and it just didnt seem like I could find anyone else I was close to."
Stopping with Pete before the water line for a moment she takes in her own breath of air. It felt good to be here, it really did!
"I know things can't be like they were, but maybe we can make some new memories now and spend some more time outside of work. I think it would be nice for sure."
Giving a nod to Justin that she understood Beth watched as he put the worm on the hook. Watching it squiggle all over the place, and get slim on his fingers she didn't turn away but rather just watched.
"Ok, I think I can handle that."
Casting and doing what Justin said Beth flips the bail. Sitting down on the ground she just looks out over the water. The sun reflected off of it and it looked so pretty.
Turning her head one way she watched the dogs for a long moment before turning to Justin again. Looking up at him as the sun dances behind him she squints her eyes just a little.
"I....I know a little bit about your mom like she likes to hook you up with random girls and she likes to make you sandwiches but...whats she like other than that?"
Some days it was harder for Beth to remember her own parents. It seemed so long ago that there voices seemed to fade, and there faces did too. She had pictures locked away at home in boxs, but she'd never found the courage to open them alone. Maybe Justin would look through them with her one day, and she could...make dinner?
Come to think of it
Justin stands back and watches Beth reel the fish in, glad to see her coming just a little further out of her shell. Watching as she took the hook out and threw the fish back all on her own, he was a little surprised. Most women would balk at touching a slimy fish, let alone taking a hook out. She'd done it well enough, he almost wondered if she'd fished as a child perhaps - beginners didn't usually know how to hold a fish properly once it was caught.
Having Beth return to him, he nods. "Yep, same way. But..." He holds up the empty hook. "I think we need some more bait."
Grinning, he goes to his pack and retrieves the carton of worms. Pulling one out, it wriggles around his fingers as he puts it on the hook, slime going everywhere. "Alright, there we go. Now you can cast. Just flip the bale after it hits the water and you can just sit and relax until that bobber goes under. If that happens, just give a bit of a jerk and that'll set the hook so you can reel in another one."
Remembering the kiddie pool, Pete throws his head back and laughs more. "I can't believe we did that. Well, maybe I can, but good grief."
Shaking his head, Nikki's next comment makes him grin. "I guess being the oldest had its advantages. To me though, you two were always equals no matter what the other kids said. Even when we were older, it was just... natural to hang out, ya know? Didn't bother me none."
Sinking back in his seat a little more, Pete grows quiet for a few minutes until he suddenly sits up straight again and gets out of the car. "The beach is calling. You coming?"
Waiting for Nikki to join him, Pete wanders off the pavement, through the narrow strip of grass and into the sand. Even though he had tennis shoes on, it still felt good to walk in the softness.
Partially tucking his hands in his pockets, he ambles forward, kicking at the sand a little as he walks. It was strange... having so many different memories flooding his mind... walking here with Nikki... he almost wonders if he might wake up and find it had been a dream.
Stopping before he reaches wet sand, he just stands as a cool evening breeze finally delivers them from the heat. "I remember after I graduated, I thought I would be thrilled to have more free time to myself and I'd come down here and fool around. But I'd usually wind up going home because it wasn't much fun without anyone else around." He chuckles. "Come to think of it, I really don't come down here all that often now, unless I have time for my jetski."
Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly, suddenly not knowing what to say next.
Having Beth return to him, he nods. "Yep, same way. But..." He holds up the empty hook. "I think we need some more bait."
Grinning, he goes to his pack and retrieves the carton of worms. Pulling one out, it wriggles around his fingers as he puts it on the hook, slime going everywhere. "Alright, there we go. Now you can cast. Just flip the bale after it hits the water and you can just sit and relax until that bobber goes under. If that happens, just give a bit of a jerk and that'll set the hook so you can reel in another one."
Remembering the kiddie pool, Pete throws his head back and laughs more. "I can't believe we did that. Well, maybe I can, but good grief."
Shaking his head, Nikki's next comment makes him grin. "I guess being the oldest had its advantages. To me though, you two were always equals no matter what the other kids said. Even when we were older, it was just... natural to hang out, ya know? Didn't bother me none."
Sinking back in his seat a little more, Pete grows quiet for a few minutes until he suddenly sits up straight again and gets out of the car. "The beach is calling. You coming?"
Waiting for Nikki to join him, Pete wanders off the pavement, through the narrow strip of grass and into the sand. Even though he had tennis shoes on, it still felt good to walk in the softness.
Partially tucking his hands in his pockets, he ambles forward, kicking at the sand a little as he walks. It was strange... having so many different memories flooding his mind... walking here with Nikki... he almost wonders if he might wake up and find it had been a dream.
Stopping before he reaches wet sand, he just stands as a cool evening breeze finally delivers them from the heat. "I remember after I graduated, I thought I would be thrilled to have more free time to myself and I'd come down here and fool around. But I'd usually wind up going home because it wasn't much fun without anyone else around." He chuckles. "Come to think of it, I really don't come down here all that often now, unless I have time for my jetski."
Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly, suddenly not knowing what to say next.
Let go!
Taking off her own seat belt Nikki raises herself up a little and sift sitting on the back of the seat. Slipping her sandles off so she would just dirt, mud and who knows what else on the leather of the car.
"Maybe someday we will have to take a road tip to the ocean and see that. I think it would be something I'd like to see too. The colors reflecting off the water and shearing there own dance."
Letting her eyes scan the tree line it was what they had, and it was so pretty. After being away it made Nikki realize what she had left behind and how much she really had loved it here and what she had lost when leaving.
As Pete replys the story of the hot dogs Nikki nods her head as a smile spreads across her face. While the story continues her laugh grows louder as tears roll from her eyes and her cheeks start to turn red.
"Oh...I never saw you move so fast, and Lewis was screaming or water, and I was trying so very hard not to laugh because the look on both your faces was incredibly funny. Ah...the ice cream was well worth it though."
Shaking her head and whipping her eyes Nikki thought it was funny all over again. Pushing her sunglasses on top of her head a little more. Leaning back so her hands were on the back of the car she leans back a little the smile on her face as her memories starts to turn.
"Or remember the time we had that kiddie swimming pool and hid out in my backyard so no one would see us and we filled it up and all three of us fit ourselves into it. We didn't care it was the best thing ever. My mom took a picture of that and I think we still have it at the house."
Nikki shakes her head at the memories again. It felt so good to remember, and a little bit of melancholy was there too but at least she was not alone remembering.
"We though we were pretty cool back than. Well maybe you were, and we had our sunglasses and would be following at your heels so we thought that made us cool too."
Seeing the bobber disappear on the pole Beth can only guess there is a fish on the other end. Shifting a little she trys to contain her excitement to see what was on the other end. Hearing Justin's offer for her to reel it in Beth comes closer to him and holds out her hands for the rod. This would be new for sure, but maybe it would be a little fun.
"Ok...I just hold it like this."
Taking a firm hold of the pole Beth starts to reel in the catch. Slowly she does it so the line wont snap having patients as the pole moves all over the place. Continuing to reel finally it pays off as the fish comes out of the water and to her.
"Ohh...he's a big one."
Bringing the poll to her Beth carefully takes hold of the fish and with her other hand she plays with the hook for a few moment getting it out of the fish's mouth. Putting the poll down Beth slowly moves to the water stretching her hand out so she wasn't to close but could reach she carefully put the fish back in.
"There ya go little guy."
Standing up and wiping her hands off on her pants Beth turns back to Justin before coming back to the poll and picking it up.
"Ok, how how do I do this one to cast? The same as the other?"
"Maybe someday we will have to take a road tip to the ocean and see that. I think it would be something I'd like to see too. The colors reflecting off the water and shearing there own dance."
Letting her eyes scan the tree line it was what they had, and it was so pretty. After being away it made Nikki realize what she had left behind and how much she really had loved it here and what she had lost when leaving.
As Pete replys the story of the hot dogs Nikki nods her head as a smile spreads across her face. While the story continues her laugh grows louder as tears roll from her eyes and her cheeks start to turn red.
"Oh...I never saw you move so fast, and Lewis was screaming or water, and I was trying so very hard not to laugh because the look on both your faces was incredibly funny. Ah...the ice cream was well worth it though."
Shaking her head and whipping her eyes Nikki thought it was funny all over again. Pushing her sunglasses on top of her head a little more. Leaning back so her hands were on the back of the car she leans back a little the smile on her face as her memories starts to turn.
"Or remember the time we had that kiddie swimming pool and hid out in my backyard so no one would see us and we filled it up and all three of us fit ourselves into it. We didn't care it was the best thing ever. My mom took a picture of that and I think we still have it at the house."
Nikki shakes her head at the memories again. It felt so good to remember, and a little bit of melancholy was there too but at least she was not alone remembering.
"We though we were pretty cool back than. Well maybe you were, and we had our sunglasses and would be following at your heels so we thought that made us cool too."
Seeing the bobber disappear on the pole Beth can only guess there is a fish on the other end. Shifting a little she trys to contain her excitement to see what was on the other end. Hearing Justin's offer for her to reel it in Beth comes closer to him and holds out her hands for the rod. This would be new for sure, but maybe it would be a little fun.
"Ok...I just hold it like this."
Taking a firm hold of the pole Beth starts to reel in the catch. Slowly she does it so the line wont snap having patients as the pole moves all over the place. Continuing to reel finally it pays off as the fish comes out of the water and to her.
"Ohh...he's a big one."
Bringing the poll to her Beth carefully takes hold of the fish and with her other hand she plays with the hook for a few moment getting it out of the fish's mouth. Putting the poll down Beth slowly moves to the water stretching her hand out so she wasn't to close but could reach she carefully put the fish back in.
"There ya go little guy."
Standing up and wiping her hands off on her pants Beth turns back to Justin before coming back to the poll and picking it up.
"Ok, how how do I do this one to cast? The same as the other?"
Blunder
Pete chuckles as he turns on the engine of the car and puts on his own sunglasses. "Yeah... I think I'm happy about that, too."
Pulling out of the parking space, Pete watches for traffic then heads down the road, a little slower than normal. Conversation was kept at a minimum due to the wind blowing, but it felt good and the radio filled in the silent gaps. It wasn't all that uncomfortable though... in some ways, it felt to Pete like time had never passed. But maybe that's just the way it was with a good friend.
Finally getting to the lake, the sun was sinking lower in the sky but there was still some time left before it reached the horizon. Finding a parking space near the beach, it seemed to be a quiet day. Sometimes it appeared less and less people were coming, but that made it all the more enjoyable for the regular visitors.
Cutting the engine and taking off his seatbelt, Pete leans his head back and looks across the beach and out to the treeline where the sun would eventually disappear. "I always wanted to see a sunset on an ocean," he comments. "Where the sun touches the water instead of the trees."
Quiet again, a chuckle comes out of nowhere as Pete starts to laugh. "Do you remember the time we tried to grill hotdogs out here? The whole batch caught on fire and instead of using water and saving them, we just threw them into the sand." More laughter comes at the memory and Pete shakes his head. He'd been seventeen - the leader of the trio since he was oldest. Nikki had just turned thirteen and Lewis was just fourteen. They'd gotten the bright idea for a cookout one summer afternoon and it had ended at the ice cream shop after the hotdogs had been ruined.
Still grinning, Pete takes off his sunglasses, hanging them from his sun visor. "I don't think I ever did tell anyone else about that," he muses. "I was way too cool to admit to that blunder."
"Okay." Justin nods and goes to retrieve the other pole. Starting to reel it in so Beth could use it, the bobber suddenly disappears. Setting the hook, Justin realizes there's a fish at the end of the line and it felt like it was maybe a small bass or good-sized bluegill.
"Ooh, Beth, come here." He meets her halfway with the jiggling rod. "Here... take the rod and you can reel him in." Smiling, he offers her the catch. He'd already set the hook so it should be no problem. "Just hang on and reel it in nice and slow."
Pulling out of the parking space, Pete watches for traffic then heads down the road, a little slower than normal. Conversation was kept at a minimum due to the wind blowing, but it felt good and the radio filled in the silent gaps. It wasn't all that uncomfortable though... in some ways, it felt to Pete like time had never passed. But maybe that's just the way it was with a good friend.
Finally getting to the lake, the sun was sinking lower in the sky but there was still some time left before it reached the horizon. Finding a parking space near the beach, it seemed to be a quiet day. Sometimes it appeared less and less people were coming, but that made it all the more enjoyable for the regular visitors.
Cutting the engine and taking off his seatbelt, Pete leans his head back and looks across the beach and out to the treeline where the sun would eventually disappear. "I always wanted to see a sunset on an ocean," he comments. "Where the sun touches the water instead of the trees."
Quiet again, a chuckle comes out of nowhere as Pete starts to laugh. "Do you remember the time we tried to grill hotdogs out here? The whole batch caught on fire and instead of using water and saving them, we just threw them into the sand." More laughter comes at the memory and Pete shakes his head. He'd been seventeen - the leader of the trio since he was oldest. Nikki had just turned thirteen and Lewis was just fourteen. They'd gotten the bright idea for a cookout one summer afternoon and it had ended at the ice cream shop after the hotdogs had been ruined.
Still grinning, Pete takes off his sunglasses, hanging them from his sun visor. "I don't think I ever did tell anyone else about that," he muses. "I was way too cool to admit to that blunder."
"Okay." Justin nods and goes to retrieve the other pole. Starting to reel it in so Beth could use it, the bobber suddenly disappears. Setting the hook, Justin realizes there's a fish at the end of the line and it felt like it was maybe a small bass or good-sized bluegill.
"Ooh, Beth, come here." He meets her halfway with the jiggling rod. "Here... take the rod and you can reel him in." Smiling, he offers her the catch. He'd already set the hook so it should be no problem. "Just hang on and reel it in nice and slow."
somethings
Nikki's grin grows even bigger and her cheeks were starting to hurt but that didn't stop her from doing it. It was nice, defiantly nice to be back and just being here now she new she had made the right choose.
Seeing the waitress come back with the boxes Nikki gives her thanks and takes one. Sliding her salad into the box and dumping the dressing on top of it. By time she got around to eating it she was sure it would be wilted but she didn't much care it will still taste the same.
"Mmm...the lake always has been the best place, and taking the convertible sounds even better to me."
Gathering her things up and standing Nikki gives a small and asks for a bag to put there containers into. Finally all set and down they were both on there way and Nikki goes to her own car locking the doors before heading over to Pete's car and hoping in. Taking her sun glasses from her purse she slips them on before looking to Pete.
"So many things change in life, but something...never change, and for that I happy."
Seeing the line go even farther this time Beth gives a tiny soft sequel excited that she had done it. Looking to Justin again she gives a smile. Fishing wasn't so bad. Hearing Justin's offer for the other pole Beth wondered if she might like that better it was more layed back.
"Yeah I think I will try that one. I might like it better."
A new feeling welled inside Beth. It was one she hadn't felt in so long that it was hard to figure out what it was. She was having fun..learning something new and she liked it.
Seeing the waitress come back with the boxes Nikki gives her thanks and takes one. Sliding her salad into the box and dumping the dressing on top of it. By time she got around to eating it she was sure it would be wilted but she didn't much care it will still taste the same.
"Mmm...the lake always has been the best place, and taking the convertible sounds even better to me."
Gathering her things up and standing Nikki gives a small and asks for a bag to put there containers into. Finally all set and down they were both on there way and Nikki goes to her own car locking the doors before heading over to Pete's car and hoping in. Taking her sun glasses from her purse she slips them on before looking to Pete.
"So many things change in life, but something...never change, and for that I happy."
Seeing the line go even farther this time Beth gives a tiny soft sequel excited that she had done it. Looking to Justin again she gives a smile. Fishing wasn't so bad. Hearing Justin's offer for the other pole Beth wondered if she might like that better it was more layed back.
"Yeah I think I will try that one. I might like it better."
A new feeling welled inside Beth. It was one she hadn't felt in so long that it was hard to figure out what it was. She was having fun..learning something new and she liked it.
Best place
"Sure." Justin had no problem helping Beth - it was rather fun having someone along fishing sometimes. And knowing that this might be helping Beth was a plus.
Still smiling, he helps Beth again, his hands sliding over hers, gripping ever-so gently and assisting in another cast, this one going a little farther than the last. "Aw, see? You're a natural."
Backing off a little, his hands slide on her arms before he's standing beside her, watching her reel in the lure. "If you want, I can set you up with a bobber and all you gotta do is cast once then wait until a fish takes the bait. A little less interesting but then you don't have to cast all the time."
Having Nikki rest her hand atop his, Pete looks down at it a moment before letting his thumb run her own for a moment. He hadn't really dwelt on it much before, but right now he realized just how much he missed having a close friend around. He had his coworkers at TJY and he was pretty close to Gunner and Con. But away from work, most of his time was spent alone or with people that weren't really great friends.
Nikki's suggestion brings his eyes back up and a grin creases his lips. Without answering her, he releases her hand to wave at the waitress. "Hey, uh... could we get a couple boxes to go?"
Looking back to Nikki, he gives a little shrug. "Best place for a sunset is the lake. We can take my convertible if you want."
Still smiling, he helps Beth again, his hands sliding over hers, gripping ever-so gently and assisting in another cast, this one going a little farther than the last. "Aw, see? You're a natural."
Backing off a little, his hands slide on her arms before he's standing beside her, watching her reel in the lure. "If you want, I can set you up with a bobber and all you gotta do is cast once then wait until a fish takes the bait. A little less interesting but then you don't have to cast all the time."
Having Nikki rest her hand atop his, Pete looks down at it a moment before letting his thumb run her own for a moment. He hadn't really dwelt on it much before, but right now he realized just how much he missed having a close friend around. He had his coworkers at TJY and he was pretty close to Gunner and Con. But away from work, most of his time was spent alone or with people that weren't really great friends.
Nikki's suggestion brings his eyes back up and a grin creases his lips. Without answering her, he releases her hand to wave at the waitress. "Hey, uh... could we get a couple boxes to go?"
Looking back to Nikki, he gives a little shrug. "Best place for a sunset is the lake. We can take my convertible if you want."
Comfort
Hearing about what happened with Lewis it made Nikki's heart hurt. They had both been such good friends, and hearing Pete was...alright, and Lewis was less than ok was sad. For a moment the look of sadness pass her eyes. Would things have been different if she had never left? Probably not but Nikki couldn't help but wonder anyways if she had been there for her friends if they would of fared well.
"I'm really sorry Pete. I can't imagine how it must have been for you guys, and now you dealing with your brother."
Reaching her hand across the table Nikki lays in on top of his. Giving him a small smile of comfort. She might not have been here for a long time but she still felt a close friendship with Pete and she was here now and wanted him to know that.
"I'll back sure to say an extra prayer for Lewis tonight, and you too. Time does suck but at least we have God in front of us to bring us together, and giving the most comfort of all when we need it."
Looking down at her own plate for a moment and than to Pete, she could still read his body language as she could before. He didn't look very hungry, and she wasn't all that much herself maybe some fresh air would do them good?
"You wanna get out of here and go for a walk or something? The sun is setting soon, we might be able to catch a good sun set."
Beth gives a little laugh as she continues to reel in the line. The mental image she got of Justin when the line snapped was quite funny.
Looking back over her shoulder at Justin for a moment she gives a small nod her words follow but before she talks she gets a whiff of something good. Not sure what is was she new it was coming from Justin and it was good.
"Can you help me one more time so I can make sure I am doing it right?"
"I'm really sorry Pete. I can't imagine how it must have been for you guys, and now you dealing with your brother."
Reaching her hand across the table Nikki lays in on top of his. Giving him a small smile of comfort. She might not have been here for a long time but she still felt a close friendship with Pete and she was here now and wanted him to know that.
"I'll back sure to say an extra prayer for Lewis tonight, and you too. Time does suck but at least we have God in front of us to bring us together, and giving the most comfort of all when we need it."
Looking down at her own plate for a moment and than to Pete, she could still read his body language as she could before. He didn't look very hungry, and she wasn't all that much herself maybe some fresh air would do them good?
"You wanna get out of here and go for a walk or something? The sun is setting soon, we might be able to catch a good sun set."
Beth gives a little laugh as she continues to reel in the line. The mental image she got of Justin when the line snapped was quite funny.
Looking back over her shoulder at Justin for a moment she gives a small nod her words follow but before she talks she gets a whiff of something good. Not sure what is was she new it was coming from Justin and it was good.
"Can you help me one more time so I can make sure I am doing it right?"
Not as hungry
Pete had wondered if Nikki had a significant other in her life, but her enthusiasm to get together and hang out with him made him pretty sure she didn't, at least not right now. He remembered that day with the jetski and a laugh slips out, the twinkle returning to his eyes for just a moment.
Hearing about her search for her dad, Pete nods. He'd known when she was younger she'd had a desire to find him, so he wasn't surprised she'd pursued that.
Once the conversation turns back to him and Lewis though, Pete's gaze drops again. It was time for honesty, no matter how much it hurt. Sighing, he lets the pause lengthen for a few moments as he gathers his thoughts. His fingers pick up a fork to fiddle with.
"Lewis... has been an alcoholic for years now." Pete purses his lips and finally looks up to Nikki again, controlling the emotions connected to the subject. "Our mom, she... it wasn't an accident. We were visiting some needy folks in the bad part of town and she was shot in a driveby shooting. Both Lewis and I were there when it happened. She died at the hospital that same night."
Pausing again, his fingers continue to spin the fork in his hand. "After that, Dad went to pieces. I was on my own but Lewis was still at home and he didn't handle things well either. He struggled a while and I thought he'd come out of it, then I found out he'd started drinking. It got worse and Dad kicked him out of the house. He's been sharing a place with some friends of his ever since, but he can't hold a job for more than a couple weeks... he's in debt up the yingyang but any extra money he gets goes towards the next bottle."
Pete searches Nikki's face, knowing that this information might hurt a bit for her too. "I try to help him when I can, but it's hard. There's only so much I can do. Got him some help once, but a month after he was on the right track, he fell off the wagon again. And now... now I just see him once in a while when I'm off duty so I don't have to arrest him for drunken disorderly or disturbing the peace. And Dad... he moved back to Grandad's old place in Utah about three years ago."
The fork slips from Pete's fingers, clanging on the table, but he lets it just sit there. "I always knew God was somewhere there in that whole mess so even after I got in a bit of trouble there for a while, I came back around and have tried to stay on the right path since. Still going to the same church. Lewis though..." He shakes his head. "He hasn't seen the inside of a church since Mom's funeral."
Suddenly they're interrupted by the food coming and the plates are set before them with some light conversation with the waitress. Alone again though, Pete looks down at his sandwich. He wasn't as hungry now.
Looking to Nikki again, he forces a smile. "Time sucks. Sometimes I wish I was back in high school again. But... it's not so bad, ya know? Not for me, anyway."
Justin laughs, but not to make fun of Beth. "Don't worry. Sometimes I still forget what I'm doing. A couple weeks ago I tried to cast without releasing the bale. The lure snapped right off and went flying into the middle of the pond."
Once she's got the cast reeled back in, Justin cocks his head around her shoulder to see her. "Want more help or you think you got it?"
Hearing about her search for her dad, Pete nods. He'd known when she was younger she'd had a desire to find him, so he wasn't surprised she'd pursued that.
Once the conversation turns back to him and Lewis though, Pete's gaze drops again. It was time for honesty, no matter how much it hurt. Sighing, he lets the pause lengthen for a few moments as he gathers his thoughts. His fingers pick up a fork to fiddle with.
"Lewis... has been an alcoholic for years now." Pete purses his lips and finally looks up to Nikki again, controlling the emotions connected to the subject. "Our mom, she... it wasn't an accident. We were visiting some needy folks in the bad part of town and she was shot in a driveby shooting. Both Lewis and I were there when it happened. She died at the hospital that same night."
Pausing again, his fingers continue to spin the fork in his hand. "After that, Dad went to pieces. I was on my own but Lewis was still at home and he didn't handle things well either. He struggled a while and I thought he'd come out of it, then I found out he'd started drinking. It got worse and Dad kicked him out of the house. He's been sharing a place with some friends of his ever since, but he can't hold a job for more than a couple weeks... he's in debt up the yingyang but any extra money he gets goes towards the next bottle."
Pete searches Nikki's face, knowing that this information might hurt a bit for her too. "I try to help him when I can, but it's hard. There's only so much I can do. Got him some help once, but a month after he was on the right track, he fell off the wagon again. And now... now I just see him once in a while when I'm off duty so I don't have to arrest him for drunken disorderly or disturbing the peace. And Dad... he moved back to Grandad's old place in Utah about three years ago."
The fork slips from Pete's fingers, clanging on the table, but he lets it just sit there. "I always knew God was somewhere there in that whole mess so even after I got in a bit of trouble there for a while, I came back around and have tried to stay on the right path since. Still going to the same church. Lewis though..." He shakes his head. "He hasn't seen the inside of a church since Mom's funeral."
Suddenly they're interrupted by the food coming and the plates are set before them with some light conversation with the waitress. Alone again though, Pete looks down at his sandwich. He wasn't as hungry now.
Looking to Nikki again, he forces a smile. "Time sucks. Sometimes I wish I was back in high school again. But... it's not so bad, ya know? Not for me, anyway."
Justin laughs, but not to make fun of Beth. "Don't worry. Sometimes I still forget what I'm doing. A couple weeks ago I tried to cast without releasing the bale. The lure snapped right off and went flying into the middle of the pond."
Once she's got the cast reeled back in, Justin cocks his head around her shoulder to see her. "Want more help or you think you got it?"
Trouble Making
Nikki can't help but give another laugh again. Studying Pete for another long moment she cocks her head to one side, and than to the other mapping him with her eyes, and remembering how he looked so long ago compared to now.
"I think now seeing it, you look better without hair. I like it anyways."
Feeling the sudden awkwardness at the table it didn't come as to much of a shock to Nikki. In a sence she figured it would be coming sooner or later since it had been so long so she was prepared for it.
Hearing about Pete's moment though her brain seemed to stop even though Pete kept moving. Nikki had always liked Pete's mom. She was a kind lady who raised her boys right no matter how much trouble they were in. She also though for sure Nikki would marry one of her son one day.
"Oh Pete, I'm so sorry about your mom. I had no idea. It's defiantly a good reason to get into the law enforcement though. Your mom would be proud."
Knowing he probably wanted to move on from that part of the conversation Nikki didn't blame him. It was probably hard to talk about that she understood.
Continuing to listen to him though Nikki can see a look in Pete's eyes and she knows life has probably been less than good even though his words didn't match. Why would be bother with the lie she didn't know other than for the sake of her not knowing life has sucked for him. But everyone's life wasn't so great sometimes and Nikki understood that.
"You still have the jetski? Man, I remember the first time I rode that thing I was scared out of my mind and Lewis took it up some jump they had set up. I never screamed so loud in my life. Maybe now that I'm gonna be around we totally should hang out more again and just have some fun."
Having the conversation come back to her once again Nikki she thinks for a long moment. Her life hadn't been great, but it really hadn't been bad either.
"Life has been alright. Went to school for nursing, and thats when I moved. Tried to find my dad a few times and failed. But the last time I looked I had found him. He'd started a new family though had a wife, four kids, and I turned around and walked away not wanting to bother him. I don't know why but just...I saw him in the backyard with the kids and he looked so happy I guess I didn't want to rune what he had to satisfy myself."
There really wasn't any pain in her eyes as she talked about her father but maybe a little sadness that passed quickly.
"And...now I'm back here. There is no place like home thats for sure. I missed it here and you guys. How that trouble making brother of yours?"
Watching Justin closely as he shows her how to cast Beth trys to remember everything so she didn't look to silly when trying to do it for the first time. It didn't look to hard but maybe she would have a hard time with the placement of her fingers.
Finally as the pole is offered to her Beth takes it trying to best to hold it like Justin had. Not expecting him to help her or put his arms around her Beth gives a jump but recovers quickly trying not to make Justin feel bad.
"Like this?"
Letting him place her hands where they needed to be Beth didn't try to fight though it felt strange having someone close to her, and feeling his hands on hers. They were soft, but rough from work at the same time and they felt warm.
Once everything was ready Beth draws the pole back and than shoots it forward. Not making it very far though she gives a side long glance to Justin before starting to reel it in.
"Of course it wouldn't go that far for me."
Returning Eli's kiss Scarlet gives a nod to him before getting off the bike running her hand over Eli's back. He was wearing his jacket but she new he's still feel it.
"Sounds good to me."
Sliding off the car with Alec Ryan gives him a grin at the sigh he was trying to play up. She new he'd be fine. Taking hold of his shirt though Ryan pulls Alec twords her and places a deep kiss on his lips for a moment.
"I may leave in a cloud of dust, but I'll always return to you in the same manor."
Taking a few steps back and shaking her head she gives a small wave before getting into her car and giving it a small rev.
"I think now seeing it, you look better without hair. I like it anyways."
Feeling the sudden awkwardness at the table it didn't come as to much of a shock to Nikki. In a sence she figured it would be coming sooner or later since it had been so long so she was prepared for it.
Hearing about Pete's moment though her brain seemed to stop even though Pete kept moving. Nikki had always liked Pete's mom. She was a kind lady who raised her boys right no matter how much trouble they were in. She also though for sure Nikki would marry one of her son one day.
"Oh Pete, I'm so sorry about your mom. I had no idea. It's defiantly a good reason to get into the law enforcement though. Your mom would be proud."
Knowing he probably wanted to move on from that part of the conversation Nikki didn't blame him. It was probably hard to talk about that she understood.
Continuing to listen to him though Nikki can see a look in Pete's eyes and she knows life has probably been less than good even though his words didn't match. Why would be bother with the lie she didn't know other than for the sake of her not knowing life has sucked for him. But everyone's life wasn't so great sometimes and Nikki understood that.
"You still have the jetski? Man, I remember the first time I rode that thing I was scared out of my mind and Lewis took it up some jump they had set up. I never screamed so loud in my life. Maybe now that I'm gonna be around we totally should hang out more again and just have some fun."
Having the conversation come back to her once again Nikki she thinks for a long moment. Her life hadn't been great, but it really hadn't been bad either.
"Life has been alright. Went to school for nursing, and thats when I moved. Tried to find my dad a few times and failed. But the last time I looked I had found him. He'd started a new family though had a wife, four kids, and I turned around and walked away not wanting to bother him. I don't know why but just...I saw him in the backyard with the kids and he looked so happy I guess I didn't want to rune what he had to satisfy myself."
There really wasn't any pain in her eyes as she talked about her father but maybe a little sadness that passed quickly.
"And...now I'm back here. There is no place like home thats for sure. I missed it here and you guys. How that trouble making brother of yours?"
Watching Justin closely as he shows her how to cast Beth trys to remember everything so she didn't look to silly when trying to do it for the first time. It didn't look to hard but maybe she would have a hard time with the placement of her fingers.
Finally as the pole is offered to her Beth takes it trying to best to hold it like Justin had. Not expecting him to help her or put his arms around her Beth gives a jump but recovers quickly trying not to make Justin feel bad.
"Like this?"
Letting him place her hands where they needed to be Beth didn't try to fight though it felt strange having someone close to her, and feeling his hands on hers. They were soft, but rough from work at the same time and they felt warm.
Once everything was ready Beth draws the pole back and than shoots it forward. Not making it very far though she gives a side long glance to Justin before starting to reel it in.
"Of course it wouldn't go that far for me."
Returning Eli's kiss Scarlet gives a nod to him before getting off the bike running her hand over Eli's back. He was wearing his jacket but she new he's still feel it.
"Sounds good to me."
Sliding off the car with Alec Ryan gives him a grin at the sigh he was trying to play up. She new he'd be fine. Taking hold of his shirt though Ryan pulls Alec twords her and places a deep kiss on his lips for a moment.
"I may leave in a cloud of dust, but I'll always return to you in the same manor."
Taking a few steps back and shaking her head she gives a small wave before getting into her car and giving it a small rev.
Cast
"I'm sorry. That's rough." Pete really was sorry to hear about Nikki's mom - he remembered her as being very sweet and he could relate to losing a parent. It wasn't fun. It was a little surprising to him that Nikki was going to stay in town though. He wondered for how long and if she'd leave after her mom passed, but he didn't ask.
Ordering a beef sandwich, he turns back to their conversation, grinning at Nikki's last comment. He runs a hand over his smooth head. "Early receding hairline plus I no longer need a comb."
Pausing a moment, he nods. "Yeah... I took up the law enforcement thing a while back. Worked underground for a while until we were official and now we're the Elite. I, um..."
His eyes drift down as his fingers still play with his water glass. He didn't really know how to talk about this and even though he and Nikki had been close, it was a little awkward now. "I... wanted to do some good after... well, after the cops weren't doing their job when Mom was killed."
Pete's knee bounces under the table and he clears his throat, moving on very quickly, even though he knew that it was news to Nikki about his mom. "Anyway, life's been good." He shrugs, finally looking back up at her. Actually, it hadn't been so great aside from the Elite and he knew his eyes would betray him, but he spoke the lie anyway. "I don't get to go out and do as much as I want anymore, but once in a while I hit the lake with the jetski and remember all the good times we had out there." He didn't mention Lewis... not yet. Instead, he shifts the spotlight back to Nikki.
"What about you?"
Seeing that Beth was willing to take a shot at fishing, Justin gains back his broad grin. "Good. Come right over here..." He motions her to a place a little closer to the water but not as close as he would go since he knew she was still leery.
"Okay, this is the reel here, see?" Justin shows her the rod and reel. "This one's an open face, so it's a little tricky, but all you gotta do is flip the bale, hold the line with your finger like so, then take the rod back..." He demonstrates the first cast. "Send it out there and let go of the line... and watch 'er fly."
The line shoots in a gentle arc, sending the lure into the water with a quiet plunk. Justin looks at Beth, grinning. "Then all you do is reel and the bale snaps back on its own."
Reeling in the line again, Justin moves closer. "Now it's your turn."
Trying to get her hands situated in the right places was a bit awkward as Justin tried to make sure she was holding the rod correctly and finally he gives up his side position. Moving around behind her, he puts his arms around either side of her, being sure to watch her carefully to see if he was invading her space too much. If he was, he would back off. "Left hand goes here..." His hand moves hers where it should be. "Right hand on the reel.... no... there you go..." His fingers lie on top of hers, gently keeping everything in place while letting her do it herself at the same time. "Now you can cast."
Receiving Ryan's elbow, Alec smirks at her, but can't help his grin. He'd known that was coming.
Eli nods to Scarlet while he rolls his eyes. "That's him alright." He leans back a little, turning his head back over his shoulder to give Scarlet a kiss. "What say we get off this thing and take a look around? Race will start soon and we can meet back up here."
Alec looks to Ryan and sighs a dramatic sigh. "I guess this is where I watch you disappear in a cloud of dust again." He slides off the hood of the car. "Show 'em what you got."
Ordering a beef sandwich, he turns back to their conversation, grinning at Nikki's last comment. He runs a hand over his smooth head. "Early receding hairline plus I no longer need a comb."
Pausing a moment, he nods. "Yeah... I took up the law enforcement thing a while back. Worked underground for a while until we were official and now we're the Elite. I, um..."
His eyes drift down as his fingers still play with his water glass. He didn't really know how to talk about this and even though he and Nikki had been close, it was a little awkward now. "I... wanted to do some good after... well, after the cops weren't doing their job when Mom was killed."
Pete's knee bounces under the table and he clears his throat, moving on very quickly, even though he knew that it was news to Nikki about his mom. "Anyway, life's been good." He shrugs, finally looking back up at her. Actually, it hadn't been so great aside from the Elite and he knew his eyes would betray him, but he spoke the lie anyway. "I don't get to go out and do as much as I want anymore, but once in a while I hit the lake with the jetski and remember all the good times we had out there." He didn't mention Lewis... not yet. Instead, he shifts the spotlight back to Nikki.
"What about you?"
Seeing that Beth was willing to take a shot at fishing, Justin gains back his broad grin. "Good. Come right over here..." He motions her to a place a little closer to the water but not as close as he would go since he knew she was still leery.
"Okay, this is the reel here, see?" Justin shows her the rod and reel. "This one's an open face, so it's a little tricky, but all you gotta do is flip the bale, hold the line with your finger like so, then take the rod back..." He demonstrates the first cast. "Send it out there and let go of the line... and watch 'er fly."
The line shoots in a gentle arc, sending the lure into the water with a quiet plunk. Justin looks at Beth, grinning. "Then all you do is reel and the bale snaps back on its own."
Reeling in the line again, Justin moves closer. "Now it's your turn."
Trying to get her hands situated in the right places was a bit awkward as Justin tried to make sure she was holding the rod correctly and finally he gives up his side position. Moving around behind her, he puts his arms around either side of her, being sure to watch her carefully to see if he was invading her space too much. If he was, he would back off. "Left hand goes here..." His hand moves hers where it should be. "Right hand on the reel.... no... there you go..." His fingers lie on top of hers, gently keeping everything in place while letting her do it herself at the same time. "Now you can cast."
Receiving Ryan's elbow, Alec smirks at her, but can't help his grin. He'd known that was coming.
Eli nods to Scarlet while he rolls his eyes. "That's him alright." He leans back a little, turning his head back over his shoulder to give Scarlet a kiss. "What say we get off this thing and take a look around? Race will start soon and we can meet back up here."
Alec looks to Ryan and sighs a dramatic sigh. "I guess this is where I watch you disappear in a cloud of dust again." He slides off the hood of the car. "Show 'em what you got."
Has to be the one
Getting to the little pond like they had before Beth wonders playing with the dogs for a moment but staying away from the water a little bit. She'd been here before but still she was leary of the water since she didn't know how to swim.
Coming back to the spot she had sat at before Beth doesn't offer to fish with Justin but just watches him. Finally as he turns though and offers her to try Beth stands again and slowly, carefully wonders over.
"I'm not sure what to do, but I'll try anyways I guess."
Hearing her brothers bike Ryan looks up and giving a grin still leaning into Alec. Her brother was harmless and new she wasn't stupid so for her his presence didn't change anything for her.
"Hey bro, happy you guys could make it."
Keeping her arms around Eli even after the stops Scarlet finally lets go of her hold. Dinner had been good, and coming to the races with Eli would be great as well. Taking her helmet off Scarlet lets her hair fall into place before running a hand through it. Looking to Alec and Ryan she gives a nod.
"Hey there guys."
Hearing Alec's comment Scarlet's smile grows a little more as she gives a shake of her head. Leaning into Eli again a little bit so he could hear her, her voice was laced with a little humor in the whole situation.
"He has to be the one you were telling me about."
Hearing Alec's comment herself Ryan gives a grin before elbowing him and giving him a look as she shakes her head and gives a grin of her own.
Looking across the table at Pete Nikki's smile never fades. It was great to be able to be sitting across from her friend again. Long time had passed, life had changed for them both she was sure.
"It sure has been a log time, to long. I guess that happens with growing up though."
Just watching Pete so many things run through Nikki's mind about the past. They had been so close, and enjoyed every waking moment together or pretty darn close. If she had been asked who her best friend was she wouldn't even have to think about it when saying Pete. It really had saddened her that they had lost contact over the year.
"Mmmm...I plan on staying. Mom took ill and she really needs someone to be with her now. She doesn't have much time left. I don't have the heart to put her in a nursing home. So I came back, and I'm going to stay with her. So that means we get to see more of each other again. That is when your not busy with your tiger."
Nikki gives another smile drawing silent for a moment as the waitress comes over. Ordering something to drink, and a light salad Nikki completed her own order, waiting to see if Pete was going to order anything and than starting there conversation again.
"So other than being part of the law now, witch by the way is totally not something I expected, and shaved head how's life been treating you?"
Coming back to the spot she had sat at before Beth doesn't offer to fish with Justin but just watches him. Finally as he turns though and offers her to try Beth stands again and slowly, carefully wonders over.
"I'm not sure what to do, but I'll try anyways I guess."
Hearing her brothers bike Ryan looks up and giving a grin still leaning into Alec. Her brother was harmless and new she wasn't stupid so for her his presence didn't change anything for her.
"Hey bro, happy you guys could make it."
Keeping her arms around Eli even after the stops Scarlet finally lets go of her hold. Dinner had been good, and coming to the races with Eli would be great as well. Taking her helmet off Scarlet lets her hair fall into place before running a hand through it. Looking to Alec and Ryan she gives a nod.
"Hey there guys."
Hearing Alec's comment Scarlet's smile grows a little more as she gives a shake of her head. Leaning into Eli again a little bit so he could hear her, her voice was laced with a little humor in the whole situation.
"He has to be the one you were telling me about."
Hearing Alec's comment herself Ryan gives a grin before elbowing him and giving him a look as she shakes her head and gives a grin of her own.
Looking across the table at Pete Nikki's smile never fades. It was great to be able to be sitting across from her friend again. Long time had passed, life had changed for them both she was sure.
"It sure has been a log time, to long. I guess that happens with growing up though."
Just watching Pete so many things run through Nikki's mind about the past. They had been so close, and enjoyed every waking moment together or pretty darn close. If she had been asked who her best friend was she wouldn't even have to think about it when saying Pete. It really had saddened her that they had lost contact over the year.
"Mmmm...I plan on staying. Mom took ill and she really needs someone to be with her now. She doesn't have much time left. I don't have the heart to put her in a nursing home. So I came back, and I'm going to stay with her. So that means we get to see more of each other again. That is when your not busy with your tiger."
Nikki gives another smile drawing silent for a moment as the waitress comes over. Ordering something to drink, and a light salad Nikki completed her own order, waiting to see if Pete was going to order anything and than starting there conversation again.
"So other than being part of the law now, witch by the way is totally not something I expected, and shaved head how's life been treating you?"
As on the wind
Looking up quickly as Nikki approaches, a smile forms on Pete's lips - one wider than earlier today. He was glad she'd shown up and wasn't offended about earlier.
Chuckling, he shakes his head. "Naw, we're good. I just had a tiger on a leash earlier and couldn't risk any mishaps. Sorry about that."
As she sits down across from him, his eyes follow her, just taking her in as anyone would who hadn't seen her in so long. "Wow, it's... it's good to see you." A thousand and one thoughts and memories pass through his mind... things he hadn't thought about in years. Nikki, his brother... the three of them hanging out... high-school when it wasn't cool to hang out with others not of your same age bracket but they did it anyway... graduation... late-night fun times at the lake... college when they saw less of each other but remained close. Pete and Nikki had never dated, though they'd been teased enough. They'd simply been good friends. Then it had all drifted away, as on the wind, thought to never be reborn again. In Pete's life, things had taken a turn for the bad until he'd found his way again, leading him to law enforcement. And Nikki? What had her life been like?
Pete's hands fidget with his glass of water and he laughs again. "You look great... and I have no idea what to say." He bites his lip a little, feeling awkward and relaxed at the same time. "It's been what... ten years or so?" So much life had happened to him since then... had it for her, too? Did she know about his mom or what had happened to his brother? He didn't know. "Are you just passing through or...?"
"Hmmm..." Alec pretends to think for a moment, then shakes his head. "I don't think you've ever told me that before."
Leaning closer, he gives Ryan another kiss, letting it linger on her lips as his fingers toy with her hair. Drawing back, the corner of his mouth quirks. "Sounds pretty good though."
He's just about ready to return for another kiss when a loud motorcycle engine revs as it pulls up near the car. Looking quickly, Alec tenses then relaxes, seeing it's just Eli and Scarlet.
Eli gives a wave and lifts the visor on his helmet. Though one couldn't see his lips, his raised cheeks prove he's smiling. "Looks like we got here just in time," he teases. Cutting the motor, he sits back with his feet on the ground and takes off his helmet where a black bandanna was keeping his hair in place. "Alec, you met Scarlet?"
Alec cocks his head as he eyes the woman. "Don't think so. I'm pretty sure I woulda remembered if I had."
Back on the road again, this time it's off to the fishing hole. Justin felt better after his quick shower and fishing was relaxing to him anyway, so this was good. It had been a long last few hours, but this was his reward.
Eventually they find their way back to the pond, through the grass and bramble and back into the clearing beside the water. Thought it was hot, the trees provided much shade and since the grass was kept mowed near the water, the insects weren't bad either.
Justin sets down all his tackle and scans the area, trying to decide where the best spot would be, and he chooses one pretty near, doing as he had before with one line and bobber and the other pole to cast and reel. Light conversation was interspersed between quiet moments, creating a relaxing and safe atmosphere.
The dogs ran around, barked and chased each other, having a great time and panting like crazy as they played. Justin didn't bother telling them to be quiet - to him, fishing was more than catching fish anyway and he enjoyed seeing the dogs have fun.
Once his line with the bobber is set, he picks up his other pole, but pauses, looking over to Beth. He wasn't sure if she just wanted to sit on a rock, play with the dogs or if she did want to try fishing. He holds up the pole. "Wanna try?"
Chuckling, he shakes his head. "Naw, we're good. I just had a tiger on a leash earlier and couldn't risk any mishaps. Sorry about that."
As she sits down across from him, his eyes follow her, just taking her in as anyone would who hadn't seen her in so long. "Wow, it's... it's good to see you." A thousand and one thoughts and memories pass through his mind... things he hadn't thought about in years. Nikki, his brother... the three of them hanging out... high-school when it wasn't cool to hang out with others not of your same age bracket but they did it anyway... graduation... late-night fun times at the lake... college when they saw less of each other but remained close. Pete and Nikki had never dated, though they'd been teased enough. They'd simply been good friends. Then it had all drifted away, as on the wind, thought to never be reborn again. In Pete's life, things had taken a turn for the bad until he'd found his way again, leading him to law enforcement. And Nikki? What had her life been like?
Pete's hands fidget with his glass of water and he laughs again. "You look great... and I have no idea what to say." He bites his lip a little, feeling awkward and relaxed at the same time. "It's been what... ten years or so?" So much life had happened to him since then... had it for her, too? Did she know about his mom or what had happened to his brother? He didn't know. "Are you just passing through or...?"
"Hmmm..." Alec pretends to think for a moment, then shakes his head. "I don't think you've ever told me that before."
Leaning closer, he gives Ryan another kiss, letting it linger on her lips as his fingers toy with her hair. Drawing back, the corner of his mouth quirks. "Sounds pretty good though."
He's just about ready to return for another kiss when a loud motorcycle engine revs as it pulls up near the car. Looking quickly, Alec tenses then relaxes, seeing it's just Eli and Scarlet.
Eli gives a wave and lifts the visor on his helmet. Though one couldn't see his lips, his raised cheeks prove he's smiling. "Looks like we got here just in time," he teases. Cutting the motor, he sits back with his feet on the ground and takes off his helmet where a black bandanna was keeping his hair in place. "Alec, you met Scarlet?"
Alec cocks his head as he eyes the woman. "Don't think so. I'm pretty sure I woulda remembered if I had."
Back on the road again, this time it's off to the fishing hole. Justin felt better after his quick shower and fishing was relaxing to him anyway, so this was good. It had been a long last few hours, but this was his reward.
Eventually they find their way back to the pond, through the grass and bramble and back into the clearing beside the water. Thought it was hot, the trees provided much shade and since the grass was kept mowed near the water, the insects weren't bad either.
Justin sets down all his tackle and scans the area, trying to decide where the best spot would be, and he chooses one pretty near, doing as he had before with one line and bobber and the other pole to cast and reel. Light conversation was interspersed between quiet moments, creating a relaxing and safe atmosphere.
The dogs ran around, barked and chased each other, having a great time and panting like crazy as they played. Justin didn't bother telling them to be quiet - to him, fishing was more than catching fish anyway and he enjoyed seeing the dogs have fun.
Once his line with the bobber is set, he picks up his other pole, but pauses, looking over to Beth. He wasn't sure if she just wanted to sit on a rock, play with the dogs or if she did want to try fishing. He holds up the pole. "Wanna try?"
7/22/10
Blown Cover!
Giving a nod and following Justin outside once again Beth goes to her car. She new Justin drove decent so she would have no problem following but she had his cell number just in case.
"I'm ready when you are."
Getting into the car and pulling out of the parking lot Beth follows close. Maybe today she would try and fish herself though she didn't know how much she would like it. At least she'd be trying something new and if it ended up she hating it she new she would have fun with the dogs.
Pulling up to the dinner Nikki pulls down the visor for a moment and flicks some of her hair into place that had been blow by the open window. Pushing it back up and rolling her eyes at herself Nikki finally gets out of the car. Dressed a little differently now than before she had, had time to get ready before coming to meet someone. A pretty button up red shirt with the first two buttons undone, so it was not to low but not choking her either, along with a pare of nice jeans, and dresser sandles.
Walking into the dinner she wondered if Pete would be here again or not. He's been busy early and though she wanted to believe he wasn't just brushing her off, she couldn't help but have the feeling in the back of her head maybe he was.
Letting her eyes scan the dinner like they had before a smile spreads on Nikki's face when she see Pete, He had come after all. Walking over to the table and pushing her one side of hair behind her ear her smile grows even more just from the excitement of seeing her friend again.
"I'm in the clear now to talk to you right? I don't wanna blow your cover."
Her bright green eyes twinkle and its easy to see she wasn't upset about earlier and now it was out of pure fun she teased him. She was happy he was here, and happy to see him again it had been a long time.
Sitting in her normal spot with her car Ryan sat on the hood. It was still a little bit early but races always got there a head of time to show off there cars. It was just something they did. Tonight Ryan would be up against some new competition and she was excited to have a challenge. It was going to be fun, and having Alec here to watch would be even better.
Looking around for a moment she trys to see her brother or anyone else she new to wave them over. Having her friends close was always a lot of fun and she enjoyed letting them in on her spot light to. They were infact and important part to her life too.
Leaning into Alec a little Ryan places her hand on his leg before turning her head a little and placing a kiss on his lips. She'd given him a ride tonight and enjoyed having him here early with her.
"Mmmm...did I ever tell you how lucky I am to have a hot car, and an even hotter boyfriend?"
"I'm ready when you are."
Getting into the car and pulling out of the parking lot Beth follows close. Maybe today she would try and fish herself though she didn't know how much she would like it. At least she'd be trying something new and if it ended up she hating it she new she would have fun with the dogs.
Pulling up to the dinner Nikki pulls down the visor for a moment and flicks some of her hair into place that had been blow by the open window. Pushing it back up and rolling her eyes at herself Nikki finally gets out of the car. Dressed a little differently now than before she had, had time to get ready before coming to meet someone. A pretty button up red shirt with the first two buttons undone, so it was not to low but not choking her either, along with a pare of nice jeans, and dresser sandles.
Walking into the dinner she wondered if Pete would be here again or not. He's been busy early and though she wanted to believe he wasn't just brushing her off, she couldn't help but have the feeling in the back of her head maybe he was.
Letting her eyes scan the dinner like they had before a smile spreads on Nikki's face when she see Pete, He had come after all. Walking over to the table and pushing her one side of hair behind her ear her smile grows even more just from the excitement of seeing her friend again.
"I'm in the clear now to talk to you right? I don't wanna blow your cover."
Her bright green eyes twinkle and its easy to see she wasn't upset about earlier and now it was out of pure fun she teased him. She was happy he was here, and happy to see him again it had been a long time.
Sitting in her normal spot with her car Ryan sat on the hood. It was still a little bit early but races always got there a head of time to show off there cars. It was just something they did. Tonight Ryan would be up against some new competition and she was excited to have a challenge. It was going to be fun, and having Alec here to watch would be even better.
Looking around for a moment she trys to see her brother or anyone else she new to wave them over. Having her friends close was always a lot of fun and she enjoyed letting them in on her spot light to. They were infact and important part to her life too.
Leaning into Alec a little Ryan places her hand on his leg before turning her head a little and placing a kiss on his lips. She'd given him a ride tonight and enjoyed having him here early with her.
"Mmmm...did I ever tell you how lucky I am to have a hot car, and an even hotter boyfriend?"
7:00
Standing by the sink, Justin cocks his head a little, not missing the smile that briefly passed over Beth's lips. Maybe they were making progress... little by little. Maybe one day he'd see that thick shell gone.
"Nah, don't worry too much about the water. You've been there once already, so this should be old hat to you." He gives her a wink before finishing off his drink and setting the glass in the sink.
"Alright. Gimme five minutes and I'll be ready to go." Heading down the hall, he grabs a different pair of jeans and t-shirt from his room before closing the door behind himself in the bathroom. True to his word, it's only five minutes and he's finished rinsing off his sweat and throwing some old but clean clothes on.
Grabbing his backpack, he takes a couple bottles of water from the fridge along with a couple granola bars too, just in case anyone got hungry. "Okay, I'm ready."
He motions to Beth, offering her a warm smile to let her know he was still here and still proud of her for being willing to do this today. "Let's get out of here."
Pete grins a little, glad to know that at least Trey was enjoying his food. He'd have to remember this as a place they could come again sometime.
It's too soon though that the meal is over and the reality sets in that they need to return to TJY. Pete remains casual with Trey, not being pushy or making him do anything to stay within sight. Back in the convertible again, it's another fast ride back to base until Pete walks Trey back inside. He does mention the next morning though, implying they might slip out again.
The day grows long, and the hours seem to drag by. Finally though, seven o'clock rolls around and Pete finds himself outside the little diner once again. He hadn't gotten any phone calls, so he was assuming Nikki would come, though he had his doubts. He'd been pretty cold to her earlier - she might have gotten the impression he didn't want to see her, and he hadn't even gotten her number in case she didn't show.
Boots, blue jeans and a black tee left untucked, Pete tucks his sunglasses into his collar before sliding into a booth to wait. He turns down any food from the waitress for now - he'd wait and see what happened.
Leo looks up at the clock as he slouches on the couch. He'd made it through the day alright, but was still feeling miserable. Even though physically he was okay now, he knew it had been a stupid thing to do - going and getting drunk. But he had yet to find another way to get rid of this frustration inside of him.
He was getting over Ryan... right? But every time Cassy moved closer, he pulled away as if he still was attached to someone else. Maybe just wasn't ready. And this long day hadn't helped things much as he'd had way too much time to think and over-analyze.
Leaning his head back, he sighs. He'd never turned to drinking before - why he had this time, he wasn't even sure. Desperation perhaps. But he wasn't intending to do it again. The consequences weren't worth it.
He turns and looks at his nearby phone. He hadn't called Cassy yesterday... or today. Had she really expected him to? Had she really wanted to do something? The answer was probably yes on both counts. So why didn't he just pick up the stupid phone and call? He felt like a jerk not doing it.
He looks down at his hands. It was getting dark. The races would be starting soon. He needed to thank Eli for bringing him home the other night anyway. He didn't need to hang out with the McKade's or Alec if he showed up too - he could go see other people too, right? At least it would give him something to do other that sitting around here and staring at the walls... right?
Making up his mind, he stands and goes for his keys. Maybe he wouldn't stay long, but he just needed to get out and that was as good a place as any right now.
"Nah, don't worry too much about the water. You've been there once already, so this should be old hat to you." He gives her a wink before finishing off his drink and setting the glass in the sink.
"Alright. Gimme five minutes and I'll be ready to go." Heading down the hall, he grabs a different pair of jeans and t-shirt from his room before closing the door behind himself in the bathroom. True to his word, it's only five minutes and he's finished rinsing off his sweat and throwing some old but clean clothes on.
Grabbing his backpack, he takes a couple bottles of water from the fridge along with a couple granola bars too, just in case anyone got hungry. "Okay, I'm ready."
He motions to Beth, offering her a warm smile to let her know he was still here and still proud of her for being willing to do this today. "Let's get out of here."
Pete grins a little, glad to know that at least Trey was enjoying his food. He'd have to remember this as a place they could come again sometime.
It's too soon though that the meal is over and the reality sets in that they need to return to TJY. Pete remains casual with Trey, not being pushy or making him do anything to stay within sight. Back in the convertible again, it's another fast ride back to base until Pete walks Trey back inside. He does mention the next morning though, implying they might slip out again.
The day grows long, and the hours seem to drag by. Finally though, seven o'clock rolls around and Pete finds himself outside the little diner once again. He hadn't gotten any phone calls, so he was assuming Nikki would come, though he had his doubts. He'd been pretty cold to her earlier - she might have gotten the impression he didn't want to see her, and he hadn't even gotten her number in case she didn't show.
Boots, blue jeans and a black tee left untucked, Pete tucks his sunglasses into his collar before sliding into a booth to wait. He turns down any food from the waitress for now - he'd wait and see what happened.
Leo looks up at the clock as he slouches on the couch. He'd made it through the day alright, but was still feeling miserable. Even though physically he was okay now, he knew it had been a stupid thing to do - going and getting drunk. But he had yet to find another way to get rid of this frustration inside of him.
He was getting over Ryan... right? But every time Cassy moved closer, he pulled away as if he still was attached to someone else. Maybe just wasn't ready. And this long day hadn't helped things much as he'd had way too much time to think and over-analyze.
Leaning his head back, he sighs. He'd never turned to drinking before - why he had this time, he wasn't even sure. Desperation perhaps. But he wasn't intending to do it again. The consequences weren't worth it.
He turns and looks at his nearby phone. He hadn't called Cassy yesterday... or today. Had she really expected him to? Had she really wanted to do something? The answer was probably yes on both counts. So why didn't he just pick up the stupid phone and call? He felt like a jerk not doing it.
He looks down at his hands. It was getting dark. The races would be starting soon. He needed to thank Eli for bringing him home the other night anyway. He didn't need to hang out with the McKade's or Alec if he showed up too - he could go see other people too, right? At least it would give him something to do other that sitting around here and staring at the walls... right?
Making up his mind, he stands and goes for his keys. Maybe he wouldn't stay long, but he just needed to get out and that was as good a place as any right now.
Chip
Taking his head a little and giving a chuckle Trey take his sandwich and looks at it for a moment before taking the mayo on the table and adding more. Taking a bit and chewing Trey just savers the taste. He loved the food in Mexico but he always loved the cheese steak from the US. His friend use to bring them to him all the time after there late night trips to the border as his payment.
"This tastes like heaven!"
Reaching for his glass of water and taking a sip to wash down some of his meal. Leaning back again just taking it slow on his meal Trey was quiet just enjoying it all. After this he'd be back to the dungeon and stuck in a crappy room. Might as well enjoy being out while he can.
Talking with Justin a little more while he was up top and playing with the dogs Beth was having a nice time. Being outside was nice, and breathing the fresh air was nice too. Finally as Justin comes down the latter Beth's eyes lock with his for a moment. It was a mistake, but for that moment she takes in his eyes, and see a light in them, and a strange feeling forms in her stomach.
Finally breaking her gaze from his Beth wraps at arm around herself before following Justin into the house. Taking him in again for a moment as he stood at the sink the sun reflects off of him and gives him a sorta glow that catchs her eye. Not even realizing it Beth gives a small genuien smile as that feeling in her stomach grew just a little.
"Yeah, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Still gotta little worry about the water though."
Turning the smile was gone, but still it had been there as another part of the wall had been chipped away so something new could flourish.
"This tastes like heaven!"
Reaching for his glass of water and taking a sip to wash down some of his meal. Leaning back again just taking it slow on his meal Trey was quiet just enjoying it all. After this he'd be back to the dungeon and stuck in a crappy room. Might as well enjoy being out while he can.
Talking with Justin a little more while he was up top and playing with the dogs Beth was having a nice time. Being outside was nice, and breathing the fresh air was nice too. Finally as Justin comes down the latter Beth's eyes lock with his for a moment. It was a mistake, but for that moment she takes in his eyes, and see a light in them, and a strange feeling forms in her stomach.
Finally breaking her gaze from his Beth wraps at arm around herself before following Justin into the house. Taking him in again for a moment as he stood at the sink the sun reflects off of him and gives him a sorta glow that catchs her eye. Not even realizing it Beth gives a small genuien smile as that feeling in her stomach grew just a little.
"Yeah, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Still gotta little worry about the water though."
Turning the smile was gone, but still it had been there as another part of the wall had been chipped away so something new could flourish.
Next time
Pete's eyes drift over to Nikki at Trey mentions her. On the inside, he bristles slightly, though his face doesn't show it. Instead, he grins and swings his gaze back to his table partner. "You think I'd wanna risk you taking a chunk outta a girl who's showed interest in me?" His eyes spark with humor. "I think you're more the fiery redhead type. You need a girl who likes those rules you like to make yourself."
"Here we go, gentlemen. Enjoy your meal." The waitress sets the plates down in front of both of them. "If you need anything else, let me know."
Pete watches her walk away and calls after her, but not loudly enough for her to hear. "My friend here could use a date..." When she doesn't turn around, he shrugs and picks up his fork. "Better luck next time."
Digging into his food, silence reigns for a while, other than the surrounding sounds of the restaurant. Every once in a while, Pete steals a glance in Nikki's direction, but he does so discretely, not drawing any attention to her or him and Trey.
Justin climbs the ladder, making it to the top but he doesn't venture onto the roof yet. "Mmm.... gutters," he muses in response to Beth.
Fishing around inside the gutter for a moment, out comes a handful of leaves, twigs and who knows what else. "Watch your head," he calls. Down it goes a ways away from Beth in a dirty heap, only to be joined by another handful.
"Few weeks ago I noticed this thing was clogged up and all the rain was just coming down over the edge in a nice curtain in front of the porch instead of draining. Just haven't gotten around to cleaning these out yet but it's definitely time."
After just a few minutes, he crawls up onto the roof, releasing Beth of her duty for now. It was hotter than he thought it would be and after a while, he's soaked with sweat. He works his way around the roof though, not quitting before the job is done. He tries to carry on a light conversation the best he can with Beth, and in between he just lets her play with the dogs who were enjoying the extra attention.
Finally, the gutters are all clear and Justin is exhausted and parched. Having Beth hold the ladder again, he slowly climbs down. With his feet on the ground again, he manages a grin as he wipes the sweat from his brow. He knew he was filthy and stinky and a bit of color shows in his face... or was it from the sun?
"Well... that's that. I'm not gonna rake all that up now though, it can wait. Right now, I need some water before I keel over."
Back inside and to the kitchen Justin fills a glass with water but forces himself not to drink too quickly. Leaning back against the kitchen counter, he takes a deep breath, trying to gain a second wind. "Ready to fish?"
"Here we go, gentlemen. Enjoy your meal." The waitress sets the plates down in front of both of them. "If you need anything else, let me know."
Pete watches her walk away and calls after her, but not loudly enough for her to hear. "My friend here could use a date..." When she doesn't turn around, he shrugs and picks up his fork. "Better luck next time."
Digging into his food, silence reigns for a while, other than the surrounding sounds of the restaurant. Every once in a while, Pete steals a glance in Nikki's direction, but he does so discretely, not drawing any attention to her or him and Trey.
Justin climbs the ladder, making it to the top but he doesn't venture onto the roof yet. "Mmm.... gutters," he muses in response to Beth.
Fishing around inside the gutter for a moment, out comes a handful of leaves, twigs and who knows what else. "Watch your head," he calls. Down it goes a ways away from Beth in a dirty heap, only to be joined by another handful.
"Few weeks ago I noticed this thing was clogged up and all the rain was just coming down over the edge in a nice curtain in front of the porch instead of draining. Just haven't gotten around to cleaning these out yet but it's definitely time."
After just a few minutes, he crawls up onto the roof, releasing Beth of her duty for now. It was hotter than he thought it would be and after a while, he's soaked with sweat. He works his way around the roof though, not quitting before the job is done. He tries to carry on a light conversation the best he can with Beth, and in between he just lets her play with the dogs who were enjoying the extra attention.
Finally, the gutters are all clear and Justin is exhausted and parched. Having Beth hold the ladder again, he slowly climbs down. With his feet on the ground again, he manages a grin as he wipes the sweat from his brow. He knew he was filthy and stinky and a bit of color shows in his face... or was it from the sun?
"Well... that's that. I'm not gonna rake all that up now though, it can wait. Right now, I need some water before I keel over."
Back inside and to the kitchen Justin fills a glass with water but forces himself not to drink too quickly. Leaning back against the kitchen counter, he takes a deep breath, trying to gain a second wind. "Ready to fish?"
Bite
Trey leaned back in the booth once again listening to Pete he makes a grunt sound in his throat that resembled almost a laugh. Not that Pete's story was funny but for a moment he contemplated the idea himself. But finding it completely crazy he pushed it away.
"Thats good it worked out for you. Me...I'll stick with making my own rules, girls dig that to ya know."
Giving a shake of his head Trey lets his eyes drift over to where Nikki was sitting watching her over his shoulder for a moment. Leaning back from the table only a moment when the food came before looking to Pete again.
"You could of asked her to have lunch with us. I promise I wouldn't have bit, to hard anyways."
Following Justin outside Beth listened to him while petting the two dogs on the head as they followed. She thought it was quite funny to see them so interested in her but at the same time it was nice because she liked them and there cold wet noses felt good on her hands.
"I think...for now I'll keep my feet on the ground and help hold the ladder."
She gave a small smile to Justin. She was willing to try new things, and open up a little bit at a time but taking her feet off the safety of the ground she was not ready for.
Grabbing the ladder Beth looks up watching him climb it while she held on. Continuing to watch she leans into the ladder a little bit and calls up to him.
"What do u got to do up there anyways."
"Thats good it worked out for you. Me...I'll stick with making my own rules, girls dig that to ya know."
Giving a shake of his head Trey lets his eyes drift over to where Nikki was sitting watching her over his shoulder for a moment. Leaning back from the table only a moment when the food came before looking to Pete again.
"You could of asked her to have lunch with us. I promise I wouldn't have bit, to hard anyways."
Following Justin outside Beth listened to him while petting the two dogs on the head as they followed. She thought it was quite funny to see them so interested in her but at the same time it was nice because she liked them and there cold wet noses felt good on her hands.
"I think...for now I'll keep my feet on the ground and help hold the ladder."
She gave a small smile to Justin. She was willing to try new things, and open up a little bit at a time but taking her feet off the safety of the ground she was not ready for.
Grabbing the ladder Beth looks up watching him climb it while she held on. Continuing to watch she leans into the ladder a little bit and calls up to him.
"What do u got to do up there anyways."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
