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1Quest Collection: 5 threads in 448kb
2
3Melancholic Quest 20: Twenty Threads and another Fanart OP
4written by aCowboyNamedSue (52 posts, 4 omitted posts)
5-------- qst2txt --------
6
7=Thread 20=
8
9You are Delilah, a young girl with a strange affliction suffering in a world that does not care. A runaway living on the streets, you go through several hardships and struggles in an attempts to find peace and happiness for yourself. The world is not simply black and white, nor are the people living in it.
10
11Can you push through all the misery that surrounds you, or will you fall to this gray world?
12
13=Links and Information=
14
15Story Thus Far (Raw and a mess, will work on cleaned up versions.):
16
17http://pastebin.com/WnGZwK04 (embed) (embed) (embed) (embed) Part 1
18http://pastebin.com/eGfGW8jV (embed) (embed) (embed) (embed) Part 2 (Part two seems to be somewhat messed up in addition to not being caught up. I will attempt to fix, but archives seem to be your better option for catch up)
19
20Archives:
21
22http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=aCowboyNamedSue
23
24Quick Glance (SPOILERS) The quick Who is Who and what Delilah has. Mostly accurate.: 
25
26https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wXNWJdAKuqw-btrHDbvSkN5Gj3QhdY28XNKRUXMLHu0/edit#heading=h.8xfgre7nxqty
27
28Twitter; @Cowboy_Sue
29Discord; https://discord.gg/0107qV9kiFDlUH9nY
30Chat room with me and other players. I answer questions, post sketches, and act cheeky.
31
32Last Thread:
33>>341652
34>>341652
35>>341652
36
37-------------------------
38
39You decide to try and stay down here, if Sam says it's safe then you should trust him. Hearing him say that calms some of your fear, but that annoying feeling of wanting to keep to yourself tugs at your chest. It should be fine down here though, yeah? These are all fathers and grandfathers like Sam is, right?
40
41Then again, just because you're a father that doesn't mean you're a good person, does it?
42
43Just remember, Sam vouched for these guys. If he says you will be fine around them then you should believe him. Or, at least try to. It's not even the idea that you don't trust Sam, it's all the unknown men around that you have trouble putting faith in. If it gets to be too much for you, there's always upstairs, right?
44
45For now, you can try and sit near some of these guys. It would feel weird to just...try and join in, and you don't feel comfortable starting up conversation either. There is a lonely arm chair over by the television set, sitting there shouldn't be too bad. Walking over, you can't help but notice what a mess you're in. The bottom of your dress is literally ripped all along the bottom now, and you are fairly certain that there is some dried specks of blood dotting your sleeve. Your face and hair must be a mess too, how embarrassing. Sam didn't want you to mention living on the streets, but your appearance may just give that away. Just act small and maybe they won't notice you at all.
46
47
48The chair is older then you are and just as worn out. As you take your seat you sink into the cushions, and in your fuzzy state it feels like it might just swallow you up. One of the seated men glances over towards you for a moment, but all eyes remained focused on the screen instead. The television is rather small, equally as old as the people watching it. You're almost surprised the thing has color, even though it's hard to see the show they're watching. It looks like Dallas, and aside from the faces of the actors that's all your recognize. They all seem rather in to it, and you do your best to follow along.
49
50"Bah...commercials commercial commercials! Just bring the show back on already!" One of them exclaim as the show cuts out for advertisements.
51
52"Oh quiet down, if there weren't any commercials you'd complain about them not giving you a chance to go pee."
53
54"I can hold it in for Dallas." The man complaining looks over at you, adjusting his glasses. "Don't you agree, boy?"
55
56[1/2]
57
58-------------------------
59
60>>363959
61"Uh..." You were hoping to not be brought into this conversation, but at hearing the word 'boy' you feel a bit shocked.
62
63"What's wrong? Cat got yer tongue?"
64
65"Probably not gonna give you an answer cause you can't even tell that she's a girl, you old coot." Another man pipes up, trying to correct the other man's mistake.
66
67"That's a girl? Some mighty short hair for one."
68
69"Ladies can have short hair too, you dolt."
70
71"Erm...I don't watch this show..." You add in, not enjoying the sudden attention on you.
72
73"Look, you went and made her feel bad! You really need them docs to give you thicker glasses! You've already got your nose pressed against the paper when you read!"
74
75"I can see just fine!" The man waves off his...friend?...before coming back to you. "Don't watch Dallas, eh? Alright alright, who you down here with anyways?"
76
77"Oh, um...Sam-" Why the hell don't you know anyone's last name? "The uh, the guy with one leg...?"
78
79"Sam's here? Been forever since we've seen that man round. How's he doing?"
80
81"F-...fine. We just needed to stop here for a bit is all."
82
83"You his granddaughter?" A third man on the couch asks, and you shake your head.
84
85"I'm just a uh...a family friend. I err...got myself in a bit of trouble earlier and he's just helping me out." To you, the lie sounds convincing. Then again you're sure anyone could tell you something and you'd be inclined to believe it with your mind being the mess it is.
86
87"Sam's a good man. He still retired, or he head back to the operating table?"
88
89"He's...retired, but I um...I think he helps out with that stuff occasionally?" You have to be careful, you don't want to contradict anything Sam might say later. "I'm not too sure when it comes to his uh, work and stuff."
90
91"That kinda thing is probably gross and icky for a lady like yourself," The man who mistook you for a boy says, and while you slowly nod in agreement you can't help but feel like he is talking down to you a bit.
92
93"Oh, now you call her a lady."
94
95"I call them like I see them."
96
97"You can't even see!"
98
99As the two men bicker, the third man between them dealing with it like it's normal, you look over to see Sam sitting at a table with another man. This guy is much younger then the rest, and while you have the urge to go over and sit with them it looks like they might be talking about something serious.
100
101You could go join Sam, or maybe try to...sit close by and listen to what he's talking about? That would be pretty sneaky though.
102
103Sitting here is an option too, but that would mean talking to these guys. Will they be able to tell you're homeless though? What if they ask you more questions...
104
105Maybe you just need to go upstairs, away from the business of down here...
106
107What would you like to do?
108
109-omitted one small post.
110
111-------------------------
112
113It would be easier to stay down here for now, and you don't really feel good about eaves dropping on Sam. Besides, it might be a good idea for you to try and make sure they know you aren't homeless.
114
115
116"I'm um...a bit of a mess right now..." You mumble, but the two men are still arguing too much to have heard you.
117
118
119"You're a what?" The middle one calls out, trying to listen over his friends.
120
121"A...a m-mess!"
122
123"Quiet down! She's trying to speak!"
124
125
126"Shut it Opie, we're talking about br-, ah. Sorry, what were you saying girl?" The first man puts the argument on hold, and now you can't help but hate all of the attention on you. Should have just let them argued...
127
128"I was just um...j-just saying, no wonder you m-mistook me for a boy. I'm a r-real mess right now." You put up a smile, hoping it doesn't look too forced. "I was uh...c-...chased by these two guys and end up climbing this really tall fence, and the bottom of my skirt got caught. It ended up ripping a-all the way around, isn't that awful? Least I got away though!"
129
130
131"Running away? Make you sound-"
132
133"I-...Italian?" You offer up an answer and all three men look at you in surprise, the first man bursting out in laughter.
134
135
136"Aha! She's...she's got it!" He says between bursts of laughter, the man he argued with throwing him an annoyed look. You try to chuckle along with him, but it feels like he enjoys that a little too much.
137
138
139You glance back over towards Sam, watching him talk with that man more. A key lays on the table between them, and while you can't get a good look it doesn't look big enough to be a house key. Looking around the room more, you can see that most of the men here are Sam's age. It doesn't look like there are more then two or three people who would be John's age. 
140
141
142Is John alright? Who would have gotten there first...Lawrence or Warren's friends? What if neither of them have showed up, and John is just laying there alone and in pain? You can't begin to imagine how terrible that would be. But what if it's Warren's buddies that find him first? What would they do to them? You doubt Warren will be able to do anything right now...Warren probably isn't alive right now, is he? You've killed him. Even if he wasn't dead when you left...how could someone survive that? Pepper spray is one thing, but what you did...
143
144
145Even if you tell yourself it was for the sake of helping yourself, for helping Sam and John, there's still that feeling of guilt and that writhing ball of disgust in your stomach. 
146
147
148"You alright? You look pale." The man in the middle speaks up, and you realize that you've been starring off at nothing, paying attention to nothing else.
149
150[1/2]
151
152-------------------------
153
154>>364874
155"I...yes. I-I'm okay. I-...Is there a restroom somewhere?"
156
157
158"One near the kitchen, but you might want to use the upstairs one. No one goes up there, you should be able to find it easily enough." He points you over to the stairs and you nod to thank him and stand up. It feels like you need to puke or something, and you would rather not try to explain why only blood is coming up. You excuse yourself and start to go up the stairs, but Sam calls you back over to his table.
159
160
161"Um...what is it?" You try to hide the fact you want to lock yourself away in the bathroom.
162
163
164"Me and Daniel are about to head out for a moment, will you be alright staying here for about an hour?" Sam asks, the other man nodding at you.
165
166"Um, yeah. I be f-fine." You struggle to make this sound convincing.
167
168
169"Promise we'll be back soon, we're going to go check up on John." Sam tries to make this sound like it isn't a big deal, but your heart clenches at the sound of it. "When I get back, we'll see about figuring out what to do from there, alright?"
170
171
172You nod and feel another twist in your stomach.
173
174"I'll be upstairs..." You have to stop yourself from running up the steps, hoping Sam doesn't think anything is wrong.
175
176
177Everything feels wrong though, and you wish someone could convince you otherwise. 
178
179You wish Lawrence was here.
180
181...
182
183Despite standing in the bathroom forever, you end up not not seeing that dark red color come out again. You feel awful, but you try to calm yourself down.
184
185
186It does nothing to help though. You keep seeing Warren's broken face, replaying the way metal connected to his head. And from there, you can't help but spiral into previous thoughts. Being chased, those two men in the apartment trying to take you away...what happened in the camp store...your bedroom....
187
188Bower
189
190
191At the thought of his name you choke and throw up. Not much, but the sight of the red makes you feel even worst. You make sure that every trace of it disappears down the toilet and stand up, trying to catch your breath and your balance. Walking out of the bathroom, you consider going to lay down for now, but you recall seeing a phone downstairs. It might be good to give Faraway a call again, see if Lawrence is still there.
192
193
194With slow steps you go down, finding the phone near the kitchen. You hope it's fine for you to use, but no one seems to be bothered by you picking up the receiver. At least now you don't have to worry about a half broken phone and a time limit. 
195
196
197What should you even tell him though? Should you let him know what's happened from your last phone call? Tell him some of it...tell him everything? Maybe you should just check up on him...
198
199Is there anything you should ask him too?
200
201-------------------------
202
203It wouldn't be a smart idea to talk about everything that went down over the phone, not with all these people around who could possibly overhear. It would be good to know if Lawrence has at least left yet. 
204
205You dial the number and wait for Faraway to pick up. 
206
207"Hello, Albert here."
208
209"It's me, Mr. Faraway." You can't help but notice how tired Faraway sounds again. If his day has been anything like yours then you don't blame him.
210
211"Ah yes, hello Delilah. Where are you? What's going on?"
212
213"Um, I'm with Sam, wait you don't know who that is. I'm with a friend of mine, we're over at a uh...VFW post? I just wanted to check in to see if Lawrence was there."
214
215"No, he left a while ago. I think it was going to take him extra time to arrive to where you are. I gave him permission to use Bowie again but he had to go all the way back to the club for it."
216
217"Oh...okay."
218
219"You sound worry, everything okay? Wait, is John there with you?"
220
221"N-...no. I was seeing if Lawrence was still there because he um...he needs to go where John is right now. He's uh, hurt kinda bad..."
222
223"Oh dear, I don't suppose an ambulance is possible though?" Faraway sounds worried, and while you wish you could comfort him it wouldn't feel genuine. You are just as scared for John as he is.
224
225"I'm...I'm afraid not..."
226
227"That would be too easy, wouldn't it? Sounds like you can't speak about it too much right now. I'm afraid I've got my own hands tied up here at the moment. Police are nosy, but I can't stay the night here either. I'm going to wrap up what I can and stay with Sharron till I get my apartment in better condition...or at least a properly working door."
228
229"I'm sorry about that..."
230
231"Worry about keeping yourself safe. I can't imagine what happened...either way, you're safe for now correct?"
232
233"Yeah, I'm fine."
234
235"Okay. I should be back here by tomorrow evening, once I can get a new door and set of locks fitted. Stop by if you need to. I'll see about leaving Lawrence a note just in case he comes by-, I need to scoot now. The officers wish to ask me more questions, keep safe." There's a click following Faraway's words, and you hang up the phone. Staying with him tonight is out of the question, and you begin to kick yourself for not asking about Sharron's address.
236
237You couldn't really barge in like that though. It would be rude, and you have already been a big enough burden for Faraway, there's no need to intrude more then you need to. At least you know why Lawrence was taking so long. Hopefully he'll still be faster then Warren's friends...
238
239You know that there's nothing you can do just by worrying, but at the same time it's all you can think of. Even if you guys didn't leave John laying at the bottom of a shed then what will happen if Lawrence gets there at the same time as Warren's friends?
240
241A terrible thought strikes you.
242
243Lawrence is going to see what you did to Warren. He's already seen you go crazy, but...he's going to think you're terrible, won't he?
244
245[1/2]
246
247-------------------------
248
249>>365887
250Legs feeling weak, you're forced to sit down. You doubt he would say it to your face, but he's going to judge you anyways, won't he. He'll probably be scared of you or think you're crazy or...it makes you feel sick.
251
252
253Sitting at this cheap folding table, you think about everything you've done. Just everything wrong or questionable...it's all coming to you right now. It feels terrible, there's this huge weight on your shoulders pressing down against you.
254
255
256Even if Sam managed to bring John and Lawrence back you doubt it would do anything to make you feel better right now. If anything, having people you know looking down at you, knowing of what you did like that...it hurts.
257
258
259They've done terrible things too, right? John has killed people and Lawrence gets...angry. They're still good people though...or maybe you're just too rotten to notice?
260
261
262"What wrong with ya?" You look up so see a man shuffle over on his cane, hand on his bent back as he takes a spot on the other side of the table.
263
264
265"Mind if I sit here?" He asks, already taken his seat.
266
267"Um, no it's fine."
268
269"Not often we get young ladies in here. You someone's granddaughter?" He lays his cane on the table as he says this, old and bent like he is.
270
271
272"Er...yeah." It would be easier to go with that answer then try to explain your situation to everyone who asks.
273
274
275"I see I see. Ya seem troubled." The man is speaking loudly, adjusting a hearing-aide in his ear. 
276
277"Erm...I guess so."
278
279"What's on your mind?"
280
281-------------------------
282
283"Um..." You try to decide if it's alright to talk about something like this, especially with a stranger. This guy was a solider though, that means he's probably had to deal with the same thing before. It's not as if you'll need to go in full detail anyway, but what you can get out now might help to lift the weight from your shoulders.
284
285
286"I've hurt someone. Badly, way more then I should have." You hope that you emphasize that last part enough for him to understand. "He hurt my friends, and then he wanted to um...to take me away, to someone who was going to hurt me. But all I had to do was stop him, not k-...maim him. I feel sick every time I think about his f-face..."
287
288
289You have to fight the urge to dry heave right now, even more so when you've remembered everything else you've done in the past. The alleyway, the store with the women, in your bedroom...
290
291
292Each time you've been in this situation there's been a twisting ball of hate in your stomach, writhing around and pushing you to keep hurting them. No matter how much you try to rationalize it, try to tell yourself they deserved it for trying to hurt you first, it makes you feel wretched, as if another part of you is ripped away and expanding the ever growing hole in your chest. 
293
294
295"And to make it worse it's not the first time I've done something like that either..." You mumble, hand coming up to your chest. It's almost as if you expect there to be a gaping hole there, but instead you feel only the ring.
296
297
298"Eh? That it?" The man speaks up after your trailing silence. You can only muster a nod before he continues speaking. "And here I thought you went and robbed a bank or something."
299
300
301"I hurt someone though...!" You speak louder, unsure if he heard you properly from before. "I mean like, way more then I should have...I...I-"
302
303
304You took a life, didn't you?
305
306"I don't have the right to do something like that." You're not crying, but it feels like your eyes are burning, tears coming up. If anything you feel frustrated, and mostly with yourself.
307
308
309"You said whoever this guy is was trying to hurt ya first, right? Hurt your friends or whatever? All you did was fight back and make sure you weren't the one on the ground. Ain't your fault if he started a fight he couldn't finish."
310
311[1/2]
312
313-------------------------
314
315>>367440
316"Then why does it make me feel so...so sick. I can't stop thinking about it, and it just...it hurts," You know you should take to heart what he's saying, but it's as if there is a barrier preventing you from doing so. "I can't stand it."
317
318
319"Just cause it's not your fault, doesn't mean ya can just walk away from something like that. Ya know, I think I'd be more scared if you didn't feel the tiniest bit of guilt bout it." The man gestures around the room as he speaks. "Even these ole bastards have trouble sleeping over what they did overseas. You get a gun pointed at your face and you have to decide, 'it's either you or me'. Course some of us get over it quicker then others but, eh. Maybe you should ask one of them boys who went over Ukraine. They always seem to be complaining about nightmares and the like."
320
321
322It looks like he's making a jab at soldiers like John at the end, but he stands up before speaking again, grabbing his cane.
323
324"Sorry to cut this short, but it's bout time for us to lock up. And it's probably not gonna stick with ya too good, but lemme just leave you with what advice I can. You're gonna feel bad about it, but you just gotta remind yourself that it's alright. You're a little girl, if a grown-ass man attacks you and ends up bleeding all over the place then it's his fault. You're just doing what ya need to survive, and that ain't a crime. If it still gets to ya, then focus on doing good things. Might help balance your conscious out a bit."
325
326
327"Okay..." You aren't sure what else to say to his advice, and the man nods at you before walking off to go talk to a man cleaning up in the kitchen. Sam isn't back yet, if he doesn't return when they close up does that mean you'll have to wait outside? That doesn't sound like too great of an option for you...
328
329
330Staying in place, you watch as most of the men shuffle out and say their goodbyes to one another. A few of the younger ones remain to wipe down the tables, put up chairs, clean the kitchen...basic clean up. Every minute that passes makes you feel worried, you don't want to get kicked out and forced to wait for Sam outside. Even if you are in one of the alright parts of town you still don't find the idea appealing. You haven't been out by yourself in forever...
331
332
333Looking around and seeing that the handful of remaining people are busy, you remember the upstairs. Hardly anyone goes up there, right? Maybe you can hide out there till Sam comes back...
334
335Do you want to try and wait upstairs till Sam returns? There might be a window or something for you to look out of to see if he came back, and maybe after everyone else leaves then you can come downstairs and wait for him instead...
336
337Or would it be a better idea to wait outside the building for him?
338
339-------------------------
340
341Being inside the building while you wait for Sam is the more desirable option, even if that means you have to sneak around. 
342
343Making sure no one is looking over in this direction, you stand out of your seat and back up to the staircase. They all seem busy with each other and you slip away in silence upstairs. Where as the downstairs was one large room, the upstairs has two halls with the occasional door. You already know where the restroom is, and take the time to find a room that faces out to the street. It seems to be a meeting place, with tables and chairs set up in a circle. There's a closet available for you to hide if needed, and the door locks from the inside.
344
345You take a seat by the window, able to look out to the street easily enough. The sun has begun to set, though there is still some time before night. Any time there's a sound in the hallway you prepare to jump up and hide, but it doesn't seem like anyone needs to come into this room. Soon enough the noise downstairs quiets down, and watching out the window the stream of people leaving turns into a trickle.
346
347Even when the sound downstairs has died down completely, you remain where you are. Better to be on the safe side, even if waiting here is absolutely boring. As the light outside begins to diminish, you decide it would be okay to go downstairs. You would be able to see Sam through the glass of the front doors anyways, you just need to try and avoid being seen from the outside.
348
349Your heart is pounding when you open the door, flinching as the door creaks open. It seems so loud right now, and you expect someone to come racing up the stairs. 
350
351It appears to be only you in this lonely hallway, and you pray that it applies to downstairs too. You do everything you can to calm your nerves before taking light steps down the steps, cursing to yourself with every creak. It takes much longer then it should, but you manage to the reach the bottom step and look around the now empty room. All the lights are off, and it's growing steadily darker outside. You do your best to look around, not wanting to illuminate this place up since you're just a stow away. At least you can tell for sure that no one else is inside, and this is a relief. Sort of, anyways...
352
353[1/2]
354
355-------------------------
356
357>>368971
358You walk over to the kitchen, deciding it might not be too bad for you to see if there's anything you could eat. Not that you'll take much, just something to help settle your stomach. The fridge doesn't have much, but there is a bag of apples inside that look appealing. Taking one out, a thought hits you.
359
360
361This place is bound to have supplies, right? 
362
363What if you looked around and tried to find stuff that you could...'borrow'? 
364
365
366Stealing from a place like this doesn't settle well with you, but what if there's an emergency? Maybe you guys could have done more for John if you actually had stuff on hand. What if something bad happens again? All you have is the knife and pepper spray, there's not much you can do to actually help someone with that. 
367
368You go and explore some of the closets, deciding to only look for now. Sure enough you find some basic first-aid supplies, travel sized toiletries, blankets, and the like. They're set aside in boxes labeled with Hand outs, but it doesn't look like they've been touched in a while.
369
370
371You know it might be good to take some with you, but that doesn't make you feel better about it at all.
372
373
374Do you want to try and swipe some supplies, or just leave them all alone?
375
376I have to head out for a bit tonight, see you guys later 
377
378-------------------------
379
380There's a deep and rising conflict in your chest about this. These supplies would really be useful, and it's not as if you guys have a good supply at hand. It's hard to tell if these are for or to the post though, not that it makes you feel good about it either way.
381
382
383It's a tough choice, and your conscious feels even heavier then before, but you decide to grab one of the mini first-aid kits and a travel blanket. The blanket isn't too big or thick, and while that makes it easier to carry it also means it won't be as warm as a real blanket. Having no where else to put them you slip the two items between your body and hoodie, hoping the outline of the first-aid kit isn't too obvious. Looking at the old dusty box you can't help but continue to feel guilty, and decide to leave five dollars in place of the supplies. 
384
385
386Closing the door, you think about how one of those backpacks in there would have been useful, but you'd rather Sam not know that you took things from the post. Still, it might be good to try and find something like that to use instead of trying to carrying everything in your pockets or the huge dufflebag. Speaking of which, you really wish you had that right now. A change of clothes would be nice, especially with the bottom of your dress ripped the way it is. Pair that with a rather unsightly hoodie and you really do look homeless.
387
388
389The only thing you can do right now is wash your face clean, which you do in the kitchen. You're disgusted by how filthy the paper towel looks after you are done, but at least that junk is no longer on your face. Your eyes feel much better from earlier too, but they still water up occasionally. At least you only got a little bit in your eyes, especially compared to that other man.
390
391
392And now, you have the faces of at least two of the men chasing you memorized. It might be handy in the future, but you'd rather not have to see either of them ever again.
393
394...
395
396
397You've been sitting on the floor trying to pass the time when you recognize Sam's limping by the front door. Jumping up, the door unlocks as Sam walks in with the man from earlier. You can't help but notice that John is nowhere nearby, and neither of them look too happy. Approaching them, you try to make sure the items you 'borrowed' are hidden behind your arms. The other man, Daniel, greets you before going upstairs.
398
399
400"Why's it dark in here? You could have kept one of the lights on," Sam says, looking around. "They didn't make you sit here in the dark, did they?"
401
402
403"But they were closing up...? I thought they would have made me leave, so I um...I hide upstairs till they all left."
404
405
406"Dan told the other staff members that we were coming back. They wouldn't have kicked you out," Sam's exhausted, if his face didn't tell you that then his voice would have. "I guess you're wondering about John, aren't you?"
407
408[1/2]
409
410-------------------------
411
412>>370235
413You can only nod, and Sam leans up against the wall to rest. You're terrified to hear the answer, all sorts of scenarios racing through your mind.
414
415"We went in a car, Dan's, so we were able to get there soon enough. John wasn't anywhere nearby when we came up, Warren either."
416
417
418"They took John then, didn't they?" You are only capable of whispering this part, terrified of confirmation.
419
420
421"I can't tell you for sure what happened, but just because John wasn't there it doesn't mean that they got him," Sam touches at his bruised eye, wincing at his own touch. "Lawrence could have gotten there first, we just don't know for sure. I doubt either of Warren's friends had a vehicle though, and carrying away two injured men seems like quite an endeavor. If you were to ask me, I'd guess that if they did something with John then they would have done it right there, wouldn't have bothered moving him."
422
423
424Sam is doing his best to be reassuring, but it sounds like he's also doing it for his own sake.
425
426
427"You didn't see Lawrence either, did you?" You ask, not bothering to hide your sorrow over it. Sam shakes his head, and while you hate not knowing where he is you also hope that means he got to John first.
428
429Daniel comes back down the stairs, a crutch in hand. Sam thanks him as he takes it, adjusting the length and finally being rid of the rake handle.
430
431
432"Haven't needed to bring out the donation box in a while, better for this stuff to be put to good use rather then laying around gathering dust," Daniel says, turning off the lights again. "Are you ready to head out now?"
433
434"Yeah, thanks again for this Dan," Sam says, walking about much easier now.
435
436"It's not a problem Sam. You said it's over on Bell Street, yeah?"
437
438
439Wait, is Daniel taking you guys somewhere? You follow behind Sam as he walks out, waiting for Daniel to lock the place up.
440
441
442"Yeah, you know how to get there, right? Bit past the mall, like you're going towards the bridge."
443
444
445"I got it, just point me in the direction when we get closer and I'll have you buy me a beer later," Daniel says, leading you over to a parked car. Not that it's new or an expensive model, but it's a well kept car for what it is. You hold Sam's crutch for him as he gets into the front seat, and you take your spot in the back. You haven't got the slightest clue about where you guys are going right now, you're not sure if you even recognize Bell Street. Still, you feel like you can trust Sam on this.
446
447
448As Daniel pulls into the street, you notice there is a bag by your feet. Taking the best look that you can, it looks as though there are plenty of documents and folders inside. You wouldn't be so interested in them if you hadn't seen the name Marilyn written on one of them. 
449
450Do these belong to Sam? Did he end up going somewhere else? That would explain why they took so long getting back then...
451
452
453[2/3whoopsie]
454
455-------------------------
456
457>>370242
458Up front, Sam and Daniel seem to be discussing something, their voices low and hushed. Are they just tired or are they trying to hide it from you? It feels awkward, just sitting here in the back if that's the case.
459
460
461You could just remain silent and try to pick out what they're saying. If you do that then maybe you can try and take a better look at what's inside the bag. You shouldn't try to move it directly, but if you try hard enough you can probably see what some of the stuff inside is.
462
463Or maybe you should try to talk to them about something else?
464
465-------------------------
466
467You lean your head against the seat in front of you, facing away from the window. It might seem silly, but you wouldn't want to risk anyone from the outside recognizing you inside Daniel's car. He seems nice, and you wouldn't want to cause him any more trouble. 
468
469Being like this lets you listen in to their conversation too, though it's a bit difficult for you to hear their hushed conversation over the sounds of the car. Maybe you're just really tired too, sitting like this with a the car gently shaking certainly doesn't help in keeping you awake.
470
471"...-think he'd be at a civvie one?" Daniel's voice whispers.
472
473"It'd be the closest one to the field, and if he wasn't already at the VA clinic..."
474
475"Always said he hated hospitals though. Think he would have gone?"
476
477
478"Better have. Looked like he moved from where he was when we left. Dan, you saw how much blood there was, there's no way he was getting far."
479
480
481"We didn't see anyone near by though...even if he did get up and move then we should have been able to see him."
482
483
484"They blood lead to the door, that doesn't help me feel too good about it..."
485
486
487"Jesus, how does this happen? Soldiers shouldn't be fighting like this after they've finished their fight," Daniel says dejectedly, as if this isn't the first time such a thing has happened. Neither men speak another word, and you can feel the anguish of the situation in the air. They had to be talking about John, right? Or was it Warren going towards the door? Both of them were bleeding something awful, and you doubt Warren would do any better then John.
488
489
490That is, if Warren wasn't already dead when you left.
491
492
493Your stomach hurts again, and you decide to close your eyes for now. The rocking of the car is nice, but a bed would be nicer right now.
494
495
496Once again, you think back to where Lawrence is. Did he see what you did to Warren? Would he think you were some kind of weirdo?
497
498
499Even if he does think that, all you really want from him right now is a hug.
500
501...
502
503
504You must have dozed off. As the car comes to a stop, you open your eyes to a much darker view.
505
506
507Sitting up, you notice that while the street is lit up fairly well, the businesses nearby are closed. A hardware store, flower shop, restaurant...all of them mom-and-pop places closed for the evening. There is the shine of a neon glow a bit further down the street, and from what you can guess it's a bar. The cars parked on the street seem to suggest that it's not too busy, but the occasional man passing on the sidewalk doesn't make you feel too good.
508
509
510"You sure this is fine, Sam?" Daniel asks, putting the car into neutral. 
511
512"You've got a wife to head home to. Enjoy your night, and thanks for helping me with this," Sam turns towards you now. "Could you bring my crutch up front?"
513
514
515You don't like the idea of walking out here, but you follow Sam's order. You step outside, crutch in hand as Sam begins to step out.
516
517[1/2]
518
519-------------------------
520
521>>371911
522A small group of men stand outside the bar door, talking with each other as they wait for a cab. It feels like their eyes are on you, but when you take a peek towards them they aren't even looking at you. If anything, they are avoiding looking at you at all.
523
524It's because you look dirty, isn't it?
525
526
527The back of the bar is a parking lot, just a cement paves block with about five cars parked around. A fence divides up the block, the tall wooden planks preventing you from seeing into the next lots. It's mostly quiet, but you can hear the occasional car or group of people pass by on the streets up front. There's a spot in the alley for the cars to come and go from, but as you imagined it's not all that busy.
528
529
530"Here, you can stand by the door. Only people who really use this are workers, and they shouldn't bother you none," Sam says, approaching the back entryway himself. "I won't be long, but I have to speak to my friend."
531
532"Okay...please be quick," You don't want to sound scared, but Sam notices it all the same.
533
534
535"I'm so sorry about this, but hopefully when I'm done here I'll have a place for us to sleep tonight."
536
537
538You watch as Sam enters into the door and slips inside the bar. From the quick glimpse you got, it doesn't seem all too busy. Hopefully that means he will be done quick...
539
540...
541
542
543As you wait outside, you start to grow calmer. The occasional loud laugh from the front of the bar makes you jump, but for the most part it's peaceful. It's boring standing there with your back against the wall, and your legs are starting to get kind of cold. Walking around will help you warm up, so you decide that patrolling around the parking lot won't be a bad idea.
544
545
546As you pass by the alley, there's the sound of movement out by the fence. It sounds like a cat meowing, and it sounds stuck somewhere.
547
548
549Do you want to go take a look for the cat, or stay in the parking lot?
550
551
552Sorry about the extra wait, I got pulled away by IRL stuff involving my landlord and a possible custody issue, sorry sorry!
553
554-------------------------
555
556You look around, seeing that you're alone, before peeking around the fence into the alley. If the cat can get itself free then all the better, but you would feel awful if it was stuck somewhere that you could have helped. Scanning the alley, you locate the location of the sound.
557
558
559Just an old dumpster, a little bit down the way. You remember cats by your old house would sometimes jump inside when it was warm, someone must not have realized that there was one in there when they closed it. There's no way that cat will be able to get out on their own, and if it's only stuck in the dumpster then it should be okay to help. It'll just take a second, and then you won't have to feel bad about it. The man from the VFW post said that doing good things would help you feel better, right?
560
561
562Still, you take extra caution in looking around. There's no one in sight, only the sound of a car passing by up front. The alley is muddy from snow, but not dangerous looking in the slightest. You slip past the fence and rush over to the grimy dumpster, the sound of the cat growing louder. You throw open the cover of the dumpster, expecting the kitty to jump out. The meows don't stop, and from the sounds of it the cat is stuck. 
563
564You scan around the darkness, trying to spot fur. You're confused as to why you don't see any till a tied up plastic bag begins to move. Your heart races and you reach and grab for the bag, almost falling in as you snag the handle. You don't bother trying to untie the knot, and instead rip apart two layers of plastic to reveal the black kitty inside.
565
566
567You step back from the dumpster, the bundle of fur in your hands. The poor young cat looks scared, and try to calm it by petting it's head.
568
569
570"It's okay...you're fine now," You whisper, the round yellow eyes coming to look up at you. "How terrible...thrown away like that...who would do something so aw-"
571
572
573You're cut short by a hand on your shoulder, a strong grip and the smell of alcohol.
574
575"Help me out here." A man's voice slurs from behind, your entire body locking up. Why is he holding you so tightly? Why is he talking to you at all? You don't know him.
576
577
578You scan around to see if there's anyone else around, wanting to call for help. You try to do so anyways but the words are stuck in your throat. The fear grows as your shoulder is tugged back.
579
580"Hey, say somethin'."
581
582"P-Please let g-go of me," Your voice is hardly above a whisper.
583
584
585"What? What'd you say? I can't uh...can't hear you!" The man is loud, trying to force you to turn and look at him. The alcohol is heavy on his breath, and that frightens you. 
586
587
588"L-Let me go..." You repeat, no louder then before. This time you tug your shoulder away from his grip, trying to take steps forward. The cat remains in your arms, but it offers you no comfort in this moment. "P-Please don't h-hurt m-me..."
589
590
591"Hey! I'm just tryna ask for some help!"
592
593[1/3/]
594
595-------------------------
596
597>>373448
598You can deal with the slurred yelling, that's fine. Everything will be fine if he's just talking, just walk away and around the block and you'll be okay.
599
600
601When the man grabs your wrist, all rational thought leaves you. The only thing you can think of is fight or flight...run or defend yourself. You hate the grip on you, you hate that this man is just coming up and touching you like this, you hate the way he smells like alcohol and talks too loud.
602
603
604You absolutely hate how it feels like you can't escape his grasp.
605
606
607It reminds you too much of the bedroom, being held on your bed like this, arms behind your back, holding you in place, preventing you from moving, keeping you from running away while Bower did what he pleased to you...
608
609He says something, but you barely register the words he's saying. Just hearing a man's voice right now ignites your instinct.
610
611
612Flight
613
614
615"LET ME GO!" You scream, the sudden loudness startling the man enough to loosen his grip. You take the chance to rush out of there, sprinting out of the alley. You won't let him try to take you away again, you won't. He's a man from the bar, he's drunk, he touched you, that's not okay, it isn't fine. 
616
617
618Nothing is alright.
619
620
621You run from the alley and on to the side walk, not breaking your sprint as you run past all the closed buildings. Your lungs are burning from the cold air, and your legs are aching from the sprint, but you don't stop. You can't, what if catches up with you, what are you supposed to do?
622
623
624In your race to get away from the drunken man, you run into the street and have to avoid a car. Even when it comes to a screeching stop and the driver yells at your dangerous move you don't stop. You can't, you have to keep going, you have to.
625
626[2/3]
627
628-------------------------
629
630>>373451
631Soon your steps become unsteady and you're starting to trip, chest on fire. You dip into a lone alley, kneeling down beside a dumpster and out of view. You clutch the cat close to your chest and begin to sob, first out of fear and then out of anger towards yourself.
632
633
634That man hadn't been chasing you, had he?
635
636You can somewhat recall his words from earlier.
637
638"I'm lost, could ya just help me find my car?"
639
640
641He wasn't trying to hurt you, was he? That man was drunk, but he was just asking for help. 
642
643That does nothing to make you feel better.
644
645He still grabbed you, snuck up on you...if he had been someone terrible..
646
647If he had been those men following you, then you'd already be on your way to Bower's hands.
648
649
650How the hell could you let yourself be so careless? And now that you've ran off like this, you have to go and try to find your way back. Sam is going to be worried sick when he doesn't see you there waiting for him...
651
652
653The cat mews in your grasp, licking at the corner of your thumb. And now you have this with you, you can barely take care of Buttercup as it is.
654
655
656There is a small comfort in carrying the cat around right now, even if there's not much it can do as a cat. Still, you're worried about getting attached to it...
657
658It looks so little though, will it survive on it's own? It was loud, but it couldn't even get out of the plastic bags on its own.
659
660Do you want to carry the cat around for now or let it go?
661
662-------------------------
663
664There's no harm in carrying the cat around, at least for a little bit. If anything else, holding him at least makes you feel a bit better. You pet and play with his soft ears for a bit, trying to think about the way the fur feels between your fingertips rather then what has just happened.
665
666
667You realize that every moment that you spend crouched down here in this alley is another moment for Sam to come out and see that you're missing. Standing up, you decide to put your furry companion inside your hoodie for now. It'd keep him warm, and you don't have to worry about holding him the entire time. He's nestled in between body and the blanket you've already stowed away, and you start to sneak out of the alley. Once you feel the coast is clear you start walking back down where you had been running, trying to figure out how much distance you've covered.
668
669
670As you're walking, there's that growing sense that you've been around this area before, but you can't quite put your finger on it. Waiting for the walking signal to turn green on the corner, you look up at the adjacent street name. You've must have came this way before, right?
671
672
673Crossing over, you can see the lights of the bar far off in the distance start to appear. You've really made some traction, haven't you? It's kind of annoying now that you have to walk all the way back, and these boots weren't really made for that. Maybe you can look towards getting some new shoe-
674
675
676You catch a glimpse of yourself in a store window, and it feels like both your legs and heart have stopped working.
677
678You remember what street this is now.
679
680
681It's hard to forget, now that you are looking through the glass door of the camp store. The shelves and glass displays are all there, the counter and cash register, that damn back room door...
682
683
684This is the place where those two men locked you in the back and raped you.
685
686
687You start to back away from the door, feeling a sinking pit in your stomach. It feels awful, you feel awful...
688
689
690As you try to keep the bile down, you can see a paper taped to the inside of the door, and the seal of the police department on the bottom. Skimming over it, this is what you pick out of the information;
691
692Establishment will be closed till further notice. 
693
694Store Owner, Alex Burgess, has been missing since the day of the burglary. 
695
696
697If you have any information of the break in or Burgess's whereabouts, then please leave us a tip at the numbers listed below.
698
699[1/2]
700
701-------------------------
702
703>>374741
704Taking some more steps back, you can see that someone has taken paint to the windows. Either the snow or someone has attempted to remove the words, but they are clear enough for you to pick up on what they said.
705
706
707Sadist
708
709Hope you burn
710
711
712You couldn't agree more.
713
714
715Standing here any long may cause you to lose anymore of the contents of your stomach, and the kitty is starting to grow restless. You take your leave from the place, repeating the information you just learned.
716
717
718At least one of the men who've hurt you is missing.
719
720You're not sure how to feel about it, but it's information that you hold onto anyways. When you see Lawrence, you'll let him know.
721
722
723...you really miss him right now.
724
725
726You keep a careful watch on any car that passes by. Coming up closer to the bar, you decide to enter the alleyway to avoid passing by people. Your plan starts to go sideways though as you notice a police car sitting in the alley, light flashing and right next to the bar's driveway.
727
728
729You stop where you are at the end of the alley. When did police come? You can't recall hearing any sirens from earlier. There's the slightest smell of...smoke? Maybe?
730
731
732You can't really enter that back way right now, but you aren't sure what else you should do...where's Sam? Maybe he's still inside? You can't just...go inside, can you?
733
734
735What's going on with the officer though? Could you sneak a peek? Maybe...that sounds kind of risky though.
736
737
738If you do go inside, it'll have to be through the front...
739
740
741Or maybe you need to wait for the officer to leave? Can't do it in the alley obviously, you'll need to find somewhere to hide.
742
743What do you do?
744
745-------------------------
746
747It doesn't look to be too big of an emergency, despite the flashing red and blue lights. You check to make sure the kitty is still fine in your hoodie before approaching the scene. You're doing your best to keep your distance, looking to see what the problem is. 
748
749
750From the distance it looks like the officer is standing by a parked car. Coming in closer, you can see that the car has ran into the car in front of it. The man from earlier is standing by the small wreckage, talking with the officer. Or at least attempting to, anyways. He's drunk, and even from here it's obvious that he should not have gotten behind the wheel. The officer is taking down his information, and two more men come out from the back. They start talking with the officer, apparently the owners of the other wrecked vehicle.
751
752
753You wait there, watching them go about their business. More importantly, you are trying to keep an eye out for Sam when Sam comes out. The officer has his hands full, but he looks over occasionally. You're trying your best to not look suspicious, but just standing there isn't helping your case any. 
754
755Slinking by, you walk past the cars and stand on the other side, waiting by a dumpster. Your view isn't as good, but this way the officer can't see you, and once he drives away it'll be in the opposite direction.
756
757
758Standing there waiting, you reach inside to pet the kitten. He's settled against your chest now, his breaths tickling your neck. You hope Sam won't make you put him down, not here anyways. Maybe if you find him a nice place to let him go later on...
759
760
761Fifteen minutes have passed, and while one person comes out and drives off in their car it's only the three men and the officer. It looks like he's got the information he's needed though, and steps back inside the cruiser. You're unprepared for when he turns the car around, and it feels like you can't duck away quick enough to hide. With baited breath, you watch the car come to the end of the alley, pausing for a moment before turning out to the street. It sounds like the two men that came out earlier are talking, and though you don't really want to do it you decide to walk over.
762
763
764Trying to keep to yourself, you walk up to the drive through, looking around for Sam. The drunk man has already gone back inside, leaving you alone with these two. Your heart races when you feel them looking over at you, the feeling of fear and the need to run away growing inside.
765
766
767"H-...Have you two um..." Your voice shakes, but you know that talking to them might be helpful right now. "Have you seen Sam-...er, this older man...white hair, walks with a crutch...um, m-missing a leg?"
768
769[1/2]
770
771-------------------------
772
773>>375895
774The first man shakes his head, and it looks like the second one is going to do the same but he snaps his fingers.
775
776
777"Oh wait, I know who you're talking about! He's ah, friends with Jerry. Comes down here a lot, but never drinks, plus that missing leg makes him stick out-"
778
779
780"Do you know where he is?" You feel bad for interrupting, but you don't like being on your own outside like this. "Is he still inside? D-Do you think I could g-go in and get him?"
781
782
783"Was he your ride? I'm pretty sure he left a couple minutes ago with his friend."
784
785
786Your heart sinks at this. Sam wouldn't have left you for real, would he?
787
788"Are you serious?" You ask, and the man nods.
789
790"Yeah, pretty sure. Course that was about the same time that I found out my car got totaled but uh...you alright? You look kind of pale..."
791
792You try to keep your composure, trying to do everything you can to keep steady demeanor.
793
794
795"Wait, he just left you out here while he went inside?" The other man speaks up, sounding more annoyed then the first man. "That's pretty irresponsible, isn't it? You're just a kid."
796
797
798You look back towards the bar's door, trying not to panic. Why would he have left? He said he would be right out...
799
800
801Unless...he saw that you were gone. If he was worried that you ran off somewhere, would he have gone out to look for you? Maybe he asked his friend to help him...could that have been one of the cars that passed by you? Not that you would have known what to look for of course, but maybe that means Sam is out there trying to find you and doesn't realize that you've already come back here.
802
803
804"T-Thank you for the help..." You back away from the parking lot, ignoring the man trying to ask you questions. You go to the alley, crouching behind a dumpster again.
805
806
807You have no idea where Sam is right now, but maybe he's looking for you. In that case, what should you do? What if the police come back, or one of the guys call them because you're hanging around the parking lot alone?
808
809Maybe you shouldn't try to stay here. You could try to leave a note for Sam to find, and find somewhere to hang out till day time.
810
811Would this street be safe enough? An alley here? You don't know this area too well, and the camping store being so close by it doesn't help make you feel any better.
812
813There's...the apartments, with the rest of the group. But that's a risky thing, you don't want to try and bring any more attention to them over there.
814
815You also have the address to the apartments that some of Faraway's girls live at. Staying there could be an option, but that means traveling down that way...
816
817Damn, it's getting colder...
818
819
820
821-------------------------
822
823What if there's a chance that Sam is still inside? The guy mentioned that he only thought Sam had left, maybe he was mistaken? You need to know for sure, before you end up running off and doing something stupid.
824
825
826Not that it's hard for you to do something stupid...
827
828
829Back at the parking lot, you're disappointed to see the two men have gone back inside. It's not like you can waltz right in either, but taking a peek through the door might be helpful. Approaching the door, you try to prepare yourself for anyone who might come through. It doesn't seem too busy back here, and you get up to the door just fine. Opening it a crack, you peer inside. This is the back of the bar, the corner of the counter in sight. The low lighting doesn't help illuminate too much, it is just enough enough for you to see the tables and chairs set up all around. There's not too many customers left, but try as you might none of them look to be Sam. You continue to look, but a man walks out from the counter. He looks over to where you're standing, and you feel your heart skip a beat before closing the door.
830
831
832The guy is much faster then you thought, and the door is swung open before you can run off to hide. He's young, maybe college age, and from his name tag it's obvious he's an employee here.
833
834
835"Can I help you?" He asks, and your mind scrambles together to put together a coherent sentence.
836
837
838"I w-was j-...just looking for m-my...my uncle," You stammer out. "H-...His name is S-Sam? He's a-an older guy with one l-leg...is he s-still inside?"
839
840
841"Sam? I think that's the boss's friend..." The man mummers. "Pretty sure your uncle left with him. Jerry put us in charge for the night, said he had an emergency. Doesn't look like his car is back here either."
842
843"Did they mention if they were going to come back...?"
844
845
846"He has to. Jerry's the only one with the keys to the safe and to lock up the place. Don't know how long that'll be though," He looks over you as he speaks. "You're all alone out here?"
847
848
849"Y-...yeah."
850
851"Jesus kid, aren't you freezing?"
852
853Yes, you are.
854
855
856"No, I have my h-hoodie," You shake your head, hoping that you don't look like you're shivering. "Do...do you know where I could maybe um...maybe hang out for a bit? While I w-...wait for my uncle to come back?"
857
858
859"Uh..." The guy is thinking, and from the expression on his face you can tell he thinks this whole thing is weird. Not that you blame him for that.
860
861[1/2]
862
863-------------------------
864
865>>377356
866"...you know what? I do know a spot," The man walks out and gestures you to follow him. He leads you to the front of the bar, standing on the sidewalk as he points across the street. "See those outside stairs? The ones leading up to the second story? That's just a tailoring shop, the family live upstairs. They're on vacation right now though. If you want, you can hide out beneath those steps, should block out the wind and make it hard for anyone to see you."
867
868
869"Oh, okay," You hate the thought of staying outside, but if there's some sort of cover over your head and a way to block the wind then it's better then nothing. "Will you tell my um...uncle where I am then when he comes back?"
870
871
872"Sure thing kid," He sounds less enthusiastic about that part. You also find it strange how eager he was to tell you the spot you can stay, but there's not much other choice you have at the moment. You thank him and wait for the streets to look clear before bounding over. The staircase is a thin metal one, going from the sidewalk up to the second story door. The building is older, but pretty cozy looking. Even in the winter night, the red brick looks warm. The steps have kept too much snow from landing beneath it, and you manage to nestle yourself underneath the stairwell.
873
874
875You decide that now would be a good time to bring that blanket out to use. Placing the kitty out to walk around for a bit, you unfold the thin blanket and wrap it around yourself before placing the black cat back against your chest. It sucks, sitting here in the cold. The concrete is freezing and hurts to sit on, but at least the wind isn't biting at your skin anymore. 
876
877
878Passing the time, you play with the kitten a bit, noticing that it's become a bit sluggish. Maybe it's hungry, just like you are. When you find Sam you'll see about getting food for the two of you. For now you decide to pet him instead, letting him fall asleep against your chest.
879
880
881You wanted to stay awake, not that you really thought it would be easy to fall asleep here. Turns out you're more exhausted then you thought, and your eyes have trouble staying open. You'll just rest your eyes for a bit...
882
883...
884
885
886It seems like the only thing you can see in your dreams is Warren's face, his remaining eye looking at you while the rest of his face crumbles away. He opens his mouth to talk, but only a scream comes out.
887
888
889YOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDME
890
891
892When you look down at your hands, the only thing you're holding is the flagstaff, bloodied and bent.
893
894You should be disgusted, but all you feel is hunger.
895
896...
897[2/3whoopsie]
898
899-------------------------
900
901>>377360
902
903
904You're pulled out of this dream with the slam of a car door. You figure it must be someone going home, but footsteps are coming towards you. Before you can try and find a place to hide, a light is shined at your face. Attempting to squint past it, you can see that an officer is holding the flashlight.
905
906
907"Sorry about that," He says, moving the light away from your face. The officer kneels down to look at you at eye level, light pointed towards the ground. Your trying to keep your breathing in check, but it's proving difficult to do so.
908
909
910"Relax, I'm just here to help you," The officer must notice your panic. "We got called over here, someone said a minor had been left outside."
911
912
913You say nothing, holding the cat closer to your chest.
914
915"Kid, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing out here?"
916
917-------------------------
918
919"Um...I...I'm..." You try to figure out a good excuse to use. The officer is talking in a nice way, but you can't help but fear him. The warning you heard from the camping store resonates in your head.
920
921
922"My...uncle was with me, but he needed to talk to his f-friend for a moment. I w-was supposed to stay there and w-wait for him, but then I heard this kitten crying and I ran off to h-help it," You hold up the cat to show that you're telling the truth. "And w-when I came back he wasn't there, I think h-he's out looking for me right now...he should be back here soon."
923
924
925"Soon isn't soon enough if it's not in the next five minutes. Here, come with me to the car for a moment, please." The officer extends his hand out, but you're too afraid to take it. 
926
927
928"I'm...not going to jail or something, am I?" You ask, huddling yourself closer in the corner.
929
930
931"Of course not. I'm Officer Bloom, by the way. You don't have to use the officer part though. I just want us to wait by my car for a moment, and then we can see what to do from there, alright?" Bloom offers out his hand again, and you take it this time, keeping hold on the cat. It might have wanted to jump out of your hands, but you would rather not be alone at this time. Keeping the blanket wrapped around yourself, you follow Bloom to the squad car.
932
933
934"So where did you say your uncle went?" Bloom leans against the trunk of his car as he asks. 
935
936
937"I...I don't know," You don't want to make Sam sound like a bad person, and leave out the part with the bar. "I just know he wasn't here when I came back, and I thought it would be better to wait for him here then to try and um...and wander off."
938
939
940"I doubt he could have seen you from that spot, he must be worried sick about you."
941
942
943"Y-..Yeah, but he should be back any minute now. I'll be fine waiting here," You say this and look up and down the street for any sign of Sam.
944
945
946"Afraid I can't let you do that, I'm sorry," Bloom has a sympathetic look to his voice, but he speaks with an unwavering and official tone. "You're a minor, alone and outside past the ten PM curfew. I legally can not allow you to stay out here alone, and if your guardian isn't here in the next minute then I need to take you in."
947
948"I-I thought you said I wouldn't go to jail..." You take some steps back. Running is stupid, but it feels like there is little else you can right now. There's no way you could go and sit in a jail cell, plus then they would know that you were living on the street. They'll see your mother is in the hospital, your grandmother is missing, and then you'll go to foster home. John's story comes back to you, and the panic you feel rises.
949
950
951[1/3]
952
953-------------------------
954
955>>378417
956"I'm sorry, I scared you there, didn't I? You're technically breaking curfew, but you're not in trouble or anything. I'll just take you to the station where it's safe and warm, then we'll have to call your parents or guardian and then we can release you back in their care. Easy enough, right?"
957
958
959No, it is not. You don't have any sort of guardian who can just release you, and then they'll know you have been living on the streets, and they'll send you to foster home...
960
961
962"Well, you said he was your uncle, right? Do your parents live here? I can just drop you off there," Bloom offers this up, and you are ready to go into a panic again. You think over the situation quickly, thinking of anything to save your skin right now.
963
964
965"My...dad is here, v-visiting his sister," You never really feel good about lying, but you've learned that you have slowly become better and better at it. "I have the number to her place but um...but I don't know the address here..."
966
967
968"Alright, let's get in the car and we can call from there. Kinda cold out here, isn't it?"
969
970
971"Do...do I have to sit in the back?" You feel embarrassed by that, what if someone sees you sitting back there? They'll think you're some kind of criminal.
972
973
974"Nah, you have to go in the trunk."
975
976Bloom is laughing, but you can only look at him in wide eyed fear.
977
978
979"Er, that was a joke kid. You can sit up front with me. It's lot more comfy up there, just make sure you buckle up," Bloom walks over to the passenger side, opening the door for you. You've never been inside a cop car before, and as you crawl up front you can't help but feel like you shouldn't be touching anything. As Bloom comes around to take his seat, you look up and down the streets again for any sign of Sam.
980
981[2/3]
982
983-------------------------
984
985>>378423
986"Alright, you got that number?" Bloom asks as he gets in, and you have to fumble around with the phone book paper. He's giving you a strange look over this, but doesn't question it either. You show him the number, and Bloom uses the radio to make the call. As you listen to the rings, you can't help but notice the time on the dashboard, 11:25. Faraway is going to be asleep right now, and you woke him up.
987
988
989"Hello?" A woman's voice answers, Sharron.
990
991"Hello ma'am. I'm Officer Bloom, I need to speak to..." He looks towards you for a name, and you whisper "Albert Faraway".
992
993"I need to speak to Albert Faraway please. I have his daughter with me."
994
995"Uh...okay, just give me a moment." Sharron sounds focused, but she goes off to find Faraway anyways. 
996
997"Pst, what's your name?" Bloom asks as you two wait for her return.
998
999"D-...Bunny Faraway."
1000
1001Bloom nods, and in the background of the phone you can hear Sharron talking to Faraway.
1002
1003"Hello, Albert Faraway here."
1004
1005"Yes, hello Mr. Faraway. I appear to have found your daughter, Bunny, on the Bell and Crossway street. She said she got separated from her uncle, and I need an address to bring her home to. She's not in trouble or anything, but I can't allow her outside with a guardian."
1006
1007"Ah...? AH! I mean yes, um...may I speak with my...daughter?"
1008
1009
1010Bloom passes you the receiver and watches as you talk.
1011
1012"Hello...D-Dad."
1013
1014"Are you alright?"
1015
1016"Y-Yeah, just lost..."
1017
1018"Alright, you can tell me about it later then."
1019
1020You hand it back over to Bloom, and he takes down the address before letting Faraway go.
1021
1022
1023"Okay, we're heading over then. I'll speak with your father for a moment, and then you're free to go," Bloom says as he starts to drive down the street. You continue to look out the window, unsure of what to do if you see Sam.
1024
1025
1026Is there anything you want to try to talk or ask the officer while you're with him?
1027
1028-------------------------
1029
1030"Um...l-last time I was drove somewhere..." You decide to try and act like you're not both scared and embarrassed to be driven in a cop car. "The um...the driver talked about how...how A-Asians were ruining the e-...economy. Isn't that a-awful?"
1031
1032
1033Talking about something like this might make you look grownup, and maybe Officer Bloom won't think of you as some helpless child.
1034
1035"Well, I hope they aren't," Bloom chuckles before continuing. "My mother's last name is Nguyen."
1036
1037"A-Ah wait! I was j-just repeating what h-he said! I um...I don't think that you guys are ruining anything, er...I mean um..."
1038
1039
1040"You're fine, I promise. It's not the first time I've heard that, but usually it's some old guy yelling it at me," Bloom chuckles again, and you can't help but feel guilty about bringing this up. "You're just repeating what you've heard anyways. I wouldn't expect you to understand it all. Half the people parroting that stuff don't understand it anymore then you do, just remember to take it with a grain of salt."
1041
1042
1043"Y-Yes sir..." So long with trying to act adult and mature. You feel like Bloom should be chewing you out right now, but he's been so nice and polite so far. The uniform and badge still put you on edge, but his gentle tone does plenty to soothe you over. "Thank you for um...for being so nice, by the way."
1044
1045
1046"It's my job, course you might have been expecting someone big and scary. Not that I would blame you, but I really hope that you haven't had that experience before. Some of those guys can just get a tad bit ah...power hungry."
1047
1048
1049You think back to the cops you have met before. There was the first one you met, the one who gave you some cash and candy...he was pretty nice. And then when you was trying to help Timothy Matthews, there was that lady cop. She was a bit more stern, but it was just because she was trying to find that little boy, right? And now Officer Bloom...there are some nice cops.
1050
1051
1052But what if you meet ones that you were told about at the camp store? They could easily make you come to their car, drive you away, do what they like, hurt you however you want...
1053
1054
1055It would be awful too, wouldn't it? Like how it was in that store...if they're friends with those two men, then they have to be just as awful. As these memories bubble up, you feel a growing discomfort sitting here alone with Bloom. He's nice but...you always need to be on guard. If you let your shield down, then it's over. They'll take advantage and hurt you, plain and simple. Getting caught by an officer though...having that one drunk man creep up behind you, you've already failed at keeping your guard up. Better, you'll need to do better.
1056
1057You have to.
1058
1059[1/3]
1060
1061-------------------------
1062
1063>>380401
1064Not answering Bloom, you let him drive in silence as you pet the cat. From the radio voices come and go, Bloom occasionally answering to them.
1065
1066
1067You're exhausted, you're dirty, and you're starving. 
1068
1069It's an awful situation, as usual.
1070
1071Course, you wouldn't mind if you were with someone you knew though...
1072
1073God, you miss Lawrence so much right now.
1074
1075...
1076
1077
1078Bloom pulls into a residential street, driving slowly as he tries to locate the correct address. You notice that these houses are nice, bigger then the ones on your grandmother's street. They also seem newer and more modern, spouting brighter colors rather then the dreary ones of her street. If you recall correctly, grandma remarked these as being cheaper builds then the likes that she lived in.
1079
1080
1081To be honest, any house with a roof looks appealing to you right now.
1082
1083
1084"Right, this is?" Bloom asks, stopping in front of a two story house, bright blue paint on the front. Of course you haven't the slightest idea which one is Sharron's, but you nod anyways. Bloom parks on the street, waiting for you to get out with all your items before walking you up to the front porch. 
1085
1086
1087The light outside is already on, and through heavy curtains a living room light peeks out. Waiting for an answer, you start to fear that this might not be the right place. When the door swings open, you almost think that it isn't.
1088
1089
1090Having only seen her in formal clothes and matriculate makeup and hair, seeing Sharron answer the door in sloppy pajamas and a messy bun makes it hard to recognize her.
1091
1092
1093"Um...h-hello, Aunty." You offer her a quick wave, noticing already from what you can see that her house is nice.
1094
1095"AL!" Sharron turns to yell down the hall, her sudden loudness shocking you. "AL! Hurry up will you? The officer is here! You're making him stand in the cold!"
1096
1097
1098"I'm coming, please stop yelling."
1099
1100"Then hurry up!" Sharron looks back to the two of you, putting on a warm and friendly smile. "He'll be right out."
1101
1102
1103"No wonder that poor boy is always wandering off, you still have the same loud mouth..." Faraway grumbles, and he replaces Sharron in the door. He's much closer to what you expect him to be in, tidy sleeping clothes and a robe drawn closed.
1104
1105
1106"Hi, D-Dad..." You give him a wave, and Bloom allows you to walk inside. You stand behind Faraway, listening as Bloom gives him a lecture on letting you be outside past curfew.
1107
1108
1109"Yes yes, I apologize officer. I'll make sure I keep a more careful eye on her," Faraway says, trying to appease Bloom.
1110
1111
1112"Just be lucky she got home safe. Not a lot of little girls lost on the streets do, you know."
1113
1114"Believe me sir, I know."
1115
1116
1117Bloom takes more of Faraway's information down, mostly name, number, and address before waving goodbye to you and returning to his squad car. 
1118
1119[2/3]
1120
1121-------------------------
1122
1123>>380403
1124"Sorry for intruding like this...I didn't want to come and bother you here but um...ah!" The cat jumps from your arms, scurrying off to look around. He runs into the kitchen, and you hear a loud exclamation of excitement. Sharron must have found him, soon enough there's the sound of a metal can opening and her voice cooing over the kitty.
1125
1126"Well, at least you brought a housewarming gift," Faraway muses, trying to cover up a yawn. "You're not in trouble right now, are you? I mean, anything immediate?"
1127
1128
1129"No, I mean not really...I think I need to call a um...a bar though, to let my friend know that I'm safe right now..." Even if Sam isn't there you can at least leave a message for him. 
1130
1131
1132"You sound tired. Sharron has the pull out couch ready for you, is that alright?"
1133
1134"Yeah...anything is fine right now..."
1135
1136
1137"Hungry?" You nod to this, and Faraway leads you to the kitchen. Sure enough, Sharron is knelt down and petting the cat as he eats from a can of tuna. "Could you get Delilah something to eat please? She should get some food in her before heading to bed."
1138
1139
1140"Yeah, I can take care of her. You should turn in before you nod off right here. You've never been a night owl," Sharron stands up, turning to look into her pantry. You begin to wonder if she knows what Faraway's job is on the weekends.
1141
1142
1143"I agree, much past my bedtime. Please don't bombard her with too many questions, the poor girl needs to sleep-"
1144
1145"I know what she needs Al, I am a mom. Go to sleep already," Sharron scolds, pulling out a box of cereal. 
1146
1147
1148"so bossy...either way, I do need to return to bed. Just let my sister know if there's anything you need, she'll show you where everything is in the house, and we can talk in the morning."
1149
1150
1151You nod and thank him, Faraway retreating up the stairs. From in here, you can see the living room and a couch turned to bed ready for you to sleep in. You must be a big bother right now...
1152
1153
1154"Go ahead and sit down, no need to stand," Sharron places a box of cereal on the table, going to retrieve a bowl and spoon. "Hope this is alright."
1155
1156
1157"It is," You take your spot in a high back chair, and even this feels much too nice for you. This whole kitchen is so neat and tidy, and you're just a gross mess right now.
1158
1159"Didn't think I would see you here, but hey. I'm glad you're in one piece."
1160
1161
1162Sharron even talks differently from her 'work mode', a mix of being friendly and motherly.
1163
1164"Now, don't tell Al that I asked you, but what's going on? From what he's told me, there seems to be trouble going on."
1165
1166
1167How much does she know about what Faraway does? Would he tell his own sister that he ran a gentleman's club? What is okay to tell her anyways...what if telling her too much scares her and makes you think that you're just trouble?
1168
1169Well, you kinda are trouble, aren't you?
1170
1171What do you want to tell Sharron?
1172
1173-------------------------
1174
1175"Your brother has been helping me a lot," You start off, hoping to leave that part vague. Looking at your bowl of cereal, you try to think of how you can tell Sharron about what has happened. "I've um...I've been some trouble recently. There's this...this man. He took something away from me that he um, he had n-no right to. But there's n-nothing I can do about it...he hurt me, but he's a-able to get away with it. He's also rich enough to p-pay others to try and find me and b-bring me back, so he can hurt me a-again. And he h-...'helps' these other girls like me, and calls himself a good m-man but I think he only does that so he c-can hurt them too."
1176
1177
1178You rest your face in your hand, trying to fight back tears. You're exhausted, talking about this does nothing to help you feel better.
1179
1180
1181"But um...M-Mr. Faraway has been n-nice. He's...he's help me not to be s-so afraid of m-men, kinda anyways...I've um, I've made the m-mistake of trusting the wrong strangers before."
1182
1183When you look up, Sharron looks like she's trying not to cry.
1184
1185
1186"Jesus Christ, you've been through something like that? You're so young," Sharron wipes away at her a moment, sniffling before continuing. "It really hurts my heart so hear that, especially as a mother. I can't imagine a kid like you going through anything like that. I'm just glad that Al could have been some kind of help. We fight a lot, and I might call him a prude but he's a good man. After Minnie died I worried about him closing up but...well, is there anything else I can get you tonight?"
1187
1188
1189"I think I just need to use your phone and a shower...d-do you have any clothes I could sleep in? I don't want to get your couch dirty..."
1190
1191
1192"Oh yeah, I'll get you something. You can use the phone in here if you need to, and I'll go find some extra clothes. Don't worry about being too loud, Al and Tim are asleep upstairs," Sharron gets up to go find you some clothes, and as you eat your cereal you watch the kitty eat his own food. 
1193
1194[1/2]
1195
1196-------------------------
1197
1198>>381527
1199Once you finish, you place your bowl in the sink and come up to the phone on the wall, looking for the phone book. You struggle to remember the name of the bar, but after a few mix-ups and backtracking you manage to find the right number. Sharron comes back in with clothes at hand, waiting at the table as you make your call. A man answers the phone, and you're relieved to hear that it isn't the young guy from earlier.
1200
1201
1202"Um, hello. I need to leave a message for someone, or I guess talk to him if he's there...is a man named Sam in there?"
1203
1204
1205"Sam? Just got back with him, hold on..." The man calls out for Sam, and the phone changes hands.
1206
1207
1208"Delilah? Is that you?" Sam asks, and you instantly perk up.
1209
1210"Yes! It's me! Um...I-I'm sorry I'm not the-"
1211
1212
1213"Where the hell are you? We've been driving up and down the street!" Sam's voice is frantic and loud, but it's from concern.
1214
1215
1216"With Mr. Faraway...er, a friend of mine. Lawrence and John know it is. A police officer saw me and said I was breaking curfew, and he made me come with him...I had to give him a house address or else he would have taken me to the police station," You decide to leave out the part where you had ran away, not wanting Sam to judge you for freaking out over nothing.
1217
1218
1219"I see, but you're safe there, right?"
1220
1221"Yes, I'm fine here."
1222
1223
1224"Thank God, I was worried sick about where you'd run off to. I'm sorry about leaving you outside like that but there was a few things I had to take care of...will you be able to meet me tomorrow?"
1225
1226
1227"Um, I think so...where at though?"
1228
1229"Ah, give me a moment to think of some places...we can go to whichever one you feel fine with," Sam begins to brainstorm as you wait there, Sharron sitting at the table behind you.
1230
1231
1232"Well, there's always the hospital Claire is at. The Plaza is a fairly open spot and there's plenty of buses that go that way...what about your friend's place? Could we meet there too?"
1233
1234
1235Sam is waiting for your response now. You don't want to bring everyone here, that would be too much of a burden for Sharron, and you already feel guilty for intruding. Faraway's apartment might be fine, right? Or maybe...maybe even the working girl's place, even if it's just for a moment...
1236
1237
1238The hospital...
1239
1240Either of the apartments...
1241
1242The Plaza...
1243
1244
1245Or is there somewhere else you could go?
1246
1247What place do you tell Sam?
1248
1249-------------------------
1250
1251"Can...can we meet up at-, wait hold on a second," You cover the mouth piece and look over towards Sharron. "Do you think Mr. Faraway would mind if we used his apartment as a meeting place...?"
1252
1253
1254"You need somewhere private for a meet up, don't you? I'm sure Al wouldn't mind, but he still doesn't have a new door up yet, and they'll be messing with that...it won't be very private is what I'm saying. And if you guys are just needing somewhere to meet up and talk..." Sharron is thinking over her idea a bit. "Well, you can head over to Al's place if you need to, but if that proves to be too much of a hassle, I have to go down to the theater anyways. We're having a meeting with some of our donors to discuss the next play. I'll have my hands tied up, but while I'm there you're more then welcome to come by for a bit."
1255
1256"Oh, thank you! Um, hang on..." You bring the phone back up to talk to Sam, and give him the address to Faraway's apartment. "...do you know where that is?"
1257
1258
1259"I can find it easy enough, could you give me till at least noon to get there?"
1260
1261"Yeah, of course. Um...you haven't gotten to talk to Lawrence yet, have you?"
1262
1263
1264"...I'm afraid not. I'll keep an eye out for him, but he'll come around."
1265
1266"Alright...are you uh, are you good for the night?" You hope you haven't been sounding selfish. The thought of Sam sleeping outside in the cold hadn't even came to you, but you can't help but feel bad about it now.
1267
1268"I'm good, don't worry about me. I got a buddy who's helping me out tonight. Just make sure you stay safe, and I'll meet you tomorrow."
1269
1270
1271You say goodbye to Sam and hang up the phone. Sharron passes over a spare set of pajamas of hers, scoops up the cat, and leads you to the downstairs bathroom.
1272
1273
1274"Just a shower in this one, sorry. But it should have all the soap and shampoo you need, and if you need anything then my room is just down the hall. You good for now?"
1275
1276"Yes, thank you so much."
1277
1278
1279"No problem, sleep well. I hope you don't mind, but this little guy is precious. Can I cuddle with him?," You nod in permission, and Sharron tousles your hair before she leaves. Once again you find yourself wishing for a tub, but the stall is more then good enough right now. As you shower, you find yourself trying to take peeks at your body, but each time you do it makes you feel sick.
1280
1281
1282You hate yourself, and you hate the things you do.
1283
1284...
1285Donning the clean set of clothes provided for you, the pull-out couch looks like the most comfortable place in the world. The springs creak beneath you when you enter, but the softness and cleanliness of everything else more then makes up for it. You wrap yourself up in the provided blankets, curling up tight. 
1286
1287[1/2]
1288
1289-------------------------
1290
1291>>382302
1292This spot feels so big right now, and you realize that after sharing a space with someone else for so long, sleeping by yourself really is lonely.
1293
1294
1295Do Sharron and Faraway both feel this way?
1296
1297What about Lawrence, he's been sleeping alone too...he better be, anyways. 
1298
1299
1300You realize how controlling that sounded, but the thought of him laying next to someone else makes you feel sick.
1301
1302...
1303
1304
1305When you open your eyes early the next morning, you are looking at the face of a very sleepy Timothy. Still exhausted, you have a quick starring contest with him.
1306
1307"Are you my new sister?"
1308
1309"No." You're not answering rudely, but anything longer then a word is too much work for you right now.
1310
1311
1312"Oh. Okay. Then why are you sleeping on my couch?" Timothy's blunt question isn't trying to be rude either, and is rather just an unfiltered question.
1313
1314
1315"...it's comfy."
1316
1317
1318"Okay." Timothy looks like he's about to ask more questions, but a done up and professionally dressed Sharron comes to the front door, purse and bags at hand. 
1319
1320
1321"Come on Tim, let her sleep. We have to get going now," Sharron gives you a quick wave and points at a pile of folded clothes next to the couch. "I found those for you if you needed them. They're just some old ones from college, don't worry about getting them messy or bringing them back. Al's in the kitchen when you're read- shoot, we have to go now." 
1322
1323
1324Sharron takes Timothy by the hand and leads him out the front door. You would love to close your eyes and sleep for longer, but decide that it would be best for you to go ahead and get up now. You change clothes in the bathroom, putting on faded jeans and yet another band shirt. It's hard to remind yourself that the woman who wore these and the one you saw leave are the same person.
1325
1326
1327In the kitchen, Faraway is placing out some food for the cat before returning to his coffee and paper. A small stack of pancakes and a glass of juice has been set out for you, and you take your seat.
1328
1329
1330"Did you sleep alright enough?" Faraway asks, and cutting into the pancakes you nod. "I'm glad to hear. Sharron already told me that you need to go over to my place."
1331
1332"S-Sorry...I should have asked you first..."
1333
1334
1335"It's fine, shame my place isn't up to standard at the moment though."
1336
1337And that's your fault. 
1338
1339
1340You focus on eating your pancakes instead, but know that Faraway will ask you about what's been going on.
1341
1342
1343How much do you want to tell him? You might want to leave out the less then nice details like Warren but...who are you supposed to be completely open to anyways?
1344
1345What all do you tell Faraway about?
1346
1347-------------------------
1348
1349"So um, you already know that John got hurt," You decide to initiate the conversation this time. It was going to happen anyways, and you might as well try and take responsibility over this. "What happened was this guy that he knew, from the place we were staying at...he lured John and my other friend Sam out to the football field. He um, he tried to get them to talk about me, but neither of them did. So they both got hurt, especially John...but they protected me. But we couldn't take John with us, so we had to leave him behind..."
1350
1351"Jesus, I hope John is doing alright," Faraway stews over this. "What about Lawrence?"
1352
1353
1354"I haven't seen him since you guys went to the hospital. It's just been me and Sam. I should be with him, anyways. I um...I was supposed to wait outside for him, and I was stupid and ran off." Thinking about how dumb that was upsets you, just as it should. "Some drunk guy came up and just, spooked me I guess. I ended up running off and got separated from Sam, and that's how I'm here bothering you again."
1355
1356
1357When you look up, Faraway is deep in thought. You finish your breakfast in silence, forcing yourself to finish the food.
1358
1359"This is a rather dire situation...isn't it?" Faraway mutters to himself. "More then I originally thought it to be, anyways. I wonder if..."
1360
1361"If...?"
1362
1363
1364"Hm. Let me think some things over, and I will let you know later, alright? When you're ready we can drive over to my place. I'm afraid that I will have to leave you there in order to talk to someone about repairs on my place. I'd let my landlord handle it, but then he would insist on a closer investigation on what happened, and I don't don't believe that would help us out any."
1365
1366"Yeah..."
1367
1368
1369"Try to cheer up. Here you are in good health. That has to count for something, even if it doesn't seem like much. Lets try not to sit here and sulk about too much, we're burning daylight," Faraway finishes his coffee, putting the cup and your dirty plates in the sink. "We'll just leave these here for Sharron to deal with, she'll love it I promise." Faraway winks at you as he says this, putting his coat on. 
1370
1371As you go to the living room to get yours, the cat has come up to rub around your ankles.
1372
1373
1374"Sharron has taken to a liking to him," Faraway says as he waits by the door. "If you needed, I'm sure she wouldn't mind taking him off of your hands."
1375
1376
1377You look down to the cat as Faraway says this. There's a big part of you that wants to carry him around, introduce him to Buttercup and make them be friends. He would have a better life if you left him here, wouldn't he?
1378
1379"Bye bye," You say, giving him a pet. "I hope you have a nice life here."
1380
1381
1382Before you walk out the door, you look back to see the cat curled up in the spot you had been sleeping. It makes you feel sad, leaving him behind for whatever reason. You really like cats.
1383
1384...
1385
1386[1/2]
1387
1388-------------------------
1389
1390>>382873
1391Sitting in the front seat, you notice how dirt caked and gross your hoodie looks right now. At least the rest of you is mostly clean. You listen to the radio during the car ride instead, and notice that Faraway lives pretty close to his sister, just a fifteen minute drive away. As you approach the apartments, you decide to ask about what happened when you left.
1392
1393"Was there really a fire here?"
1394
1395
1396"Nothing big, I heard it was a small one started in one of the supply closets. The fire alarm was supposedly pulled first. Other then some burn carpet and smoke damage, I think my place was the one that got wrecked the most," Faraway pulls into the parking garage, and you keep an eye out for any tinted windows. It looks like the coast is clear, but you still stick close to Faraway and duck your head as you follow him upstairs. 
1397
1398
1399The broken door remains, unable to close properly. Yellow police tape is the only thing preventing anyone from entering, but from the torn one at the bottom it doesn't look like it did the job well. Faraway makes you keep your distance as he pushes the door open slowly, looking around the empty living room.
1400
1401
1402"Maybe one of my neighbors was a tad bit too curious, let me take a look first. You can stand in the doorway, but keep an extra ear and eye out for me," Faraway steps through the tape carefully and you follow suit, remaining near the door. Faraway snoops around his kitchen and living room, then goes to check the bathroom and his room. When he opens the guest room, he looks surprised but the shock wears off quickly. He motions for you to come over, and lets you look through the crack of the door. 
1403
1404
1405Your heart leaps up in your chest when you see Lawrence sprawled out on the bed, deep asleep and snoring. 
1406
1407
1408"Guess he made himself comfy," Faraway whispers to you. "I take it you'll be fine with him dear. Let me go downstairs and talk to the front desk, I can let them know it's me here and give them instructions if your friend comes by."
1409
1410
1411"Alright, his name is Sam. He's about um...fifty I think. Walks on a crutch, only has one leg," You're speaking quickly, trying to not talk too loudly.
1412
1413
1414"I'll let them know. You should be fine for ten minutes or so, just come running downstairs if you need anything. I'll try to return as quick as I can though."
1415
1416
1417You nod and watch as Faraway leaves the room, stepping through the yellow tape carefully. Looking back at the bed, your heart is beating almost painfully.
1418
1419
1420Do you want to go and wake Lawrence? Of course you do, but should you? How should you greet him? Jeez, you really need to calm down, you're just so happy to see him.
1421
1422How do you want to greet Lawrence?
1423
1424-------------------------
1425
1426It takes all the self control you have to not rush over to Lawrence and wake him up. You close the door as silent as you can manage, looking over to the bed. He's still snoring away, and you remove your hoodie for the time being. Its pockets are full and you'd rather not stick him when you go in for a hug. For the first time in what feels like forever, a smile begins to spread on your face. You take care to make your steps silent as you approach the bed, looking over Lawrence as he sleeps.
1427
1428
1429Spread out on a bed almost too small for him, hands resting against his stomach, his little cowlick sticking out on the side of his head. You really did a terrible job trying to fix it, but to you it's cute. You reach up with a slow hand and poke at the fly away hair, happy just to watch him sleep. This bothers Lawrence enough to make him face away, and you crawl on to the bed and hover over him instead. Among everything that has been happening, this is the most normal interaction you have gotten, and you want to enjoy it for what it is.
1430
1431
1432"Hey. Wake up," You whisper, shaking his shoulder. There's a sound like he's trying to grumble, and a hand trying to push you off. "Is that anyway to treat a um, a lovely lady like me?"
1433
1434
1435You were prepared to greet Lawrence with a hug or a kiss or anything, you've missed him so much. The moment his eyes open and take a look at you, his body shoots up and you are pulled in to his chest, his arms squeezing you so tightly it's almost painful. You hug back right away, nestling your face against his warm shirt.
1436
1437
1438"I've missed you so much," You say, squeezing him with every word.
1439
1440
1441"Was so...worried about...you," Lawrence's voice is hoarser then usual, exhaustion tugging down with each breath. His grip around you loosens, and he runs a hand through the hair by your face. "Are you...okay?"
1442
1443
1444"Yeah, I'm okay." You'll have to tell him about everything that's happened later, but for now you don't want to ruin this moment. "What about you? I was so scared about what could have been happening when you were out there alone."
1445
1446
1447"Long story...am fine," Lawrence says, and you try to study his face to see if there's anything wrong. His cheek is still trying to heal, and there are heavy bags underneath his eyes, but for the most part he doesn't look any worse for wear then before.
1448
1449
1450You look at how you two are sitting on the bed, you practically in his lap right now. It's nice, but you know that it wouldn't be good to be found like this. You should still have some more time though...
1451
1452[1/2]
1453
1454-------------------------
1455
1456>>383211
1457"I'm um...I'm sure there's a better way for you to greet your um, your p-princess," You try to say with confidence, hands close to your chest. It doesn't feel right for you to sound so assertive like that, but it makes Lawrence grin when you do. He reaches up and cups your cheek, stroking your skin with his thumb before pulling you in for a kiss on the lips. He lets it linger, though it's only a light one, and your chest flutters anyways. When Lawrence pulls back, you try to hide the growing grin on your face. You hide your face away in the curve of his neck, enjoying the way he's holding you right now.
1458
1459
1460"I was so scared with out you," You mumble, feeling a bit how helpless you feel without him. "I hate not knowing where you are, I was worried about you so much."
1461
1462
1463"I was...worried about...you too. Kept trying...to find...you but, I...was always...too late."
1464
1465
1466You want to ask him to not leave you alone again, but that's near impossible and you know it.
1467
1468
1469"I'm just glad you're okay," You wish you didn't have to go back out, out to where you have to always be looking around for danger. Where it's alright for you to be with Lawrence, and not have to worry about yours or his or anyone's safety. You close your eyes for a moment, just thankful that you get this right now. "I love you, Lawrence."
1470
1471
1472Of course you don't expect him to say it back yet, earning a tight squeeze and a kiss on the forehead in response. One day you'll get him to say it though, you just know it.
1473
1474
1475"Um, Mr. Faraway is just talking with the front desk right now. Sam is supposed to be coming down here," You briefly fill Lawrence in on what's going on at the moment. You want to enjoy this as long as you can though. It might be a while before the two of you are alone again. You pick up Lawrence's hand in both of yours, playing around with it and running your fingers over the knuckles and between his fingers. You finally slip your much smaller hand into the center of his, allowing your thinner fingers to fill in the gaps between his. 
1476
1477
1478Is there anything you need to do or talk about before Faraway comes back?
1479
1480-------------------------
1481
1482You just want to enjoy being with Lawrence for a moment, and knowing that once Faraway comes back you won't be able to do any of this, you take advantage of the time you have. Reaching up to poke at his growing stubble, seeing that it has spread. 
1483
1484"I hope when you take me out that you'll trim this up again, just a little bit. I like it when you clean up, it makes you look like a real um...a real prince, " You mumble the last part, feeling embarrassed to say that.
1485
1486
1487"Need it...to look...cool," Lawrence says, giving you a tired smirk. You trace his jawline with your finger, going up to the corner of his mouth. The tip of your finger goes over the bumpy and healing skin, avoiding his stitches as you do.
1488
1489"Dummy, always thinking about that." You reach down to his chin, giving it a quick squeeze and feeling the rough hair poke your thumb. "What if it gets all long and gross though? You can't look cool like that, you'll just get stuff stuck in there."
1490
1491
1492"That could...be cool. Be a...wizard."
1493
1494"What? No you're too young for that, stop it. I don't want you to be one anyways. So um, if you were to take me out somewhere though, where would it be?" It feels an odd combination of weird and normalcy right now, sitting here talking like this.
1495
1496
1497"Probably Chuck...E. Cheese."
1498
1499"I'm not a little kid!" You bat at his shoulders and chest, annoyed by his answer. "You have to take me somewhere nice!"
1500
1501"Ball pit...it very...nice."
1502
1503
1504"No! We aren't going there!" You cross your arms in defiant of his bullying, turning away from him. Lawrence wraps his arms around you waist, pulling you in closer again so he can kiss all over your cheek. They're light and quick kisses, tickling your skin. You're trying your hardest not to giggle at them, trying to push away from his much stronger grip. "Stop it! You're so mean to me!"
1505
1506
1507"Will take...you somewhere...nice. Pretty place. Make you...feel like...a real...princess," Lawrence talks between his kisses, and you hate to admit just how nice they make you feel right now. You look at him, trying to pout, but he has that smirk on his face again.
1508
1509
1510"You and that stupid smile," You say, and decide that you'll make it disappear. This time you kiss him first, and while you aren't a good lead there's something special about you starting it. Or maybe you just really like kissing Lawrence.
1511
1512
1513You pull away and just rest your forehead against his, and while you try looking him in the eyes you decide to close yours instead.
1514
1515
1516"I love you," You repeat, your hands moving from your lap up to his face. It's nice having someone to say that to, but what you really want is to hear it back. Of course you don't want it forced out, but you're trying to figure out how you could make it happen. Maybe you just need to try harder...
1517
1518
1519It looks like Lawrence is about to say something, but a gentle knock at the door sends you racing off the bed.
1520
1521[1/2]
1522
1523-------------------------
1524
1525>>384311
1526"It's just me," Faraway calls out from behind the door, and you rush over to let him in. "Everything alright in here?"
1527
1528
1529"Yeah! Just...just waking him u-up," You really hope the burning red on your face isn't obvious "D-Did you get any trouble downstairs?"
1530
1531
1532"No it's fine, can we sit in the living room instead?"
1533
1534You nod, Lawrence following up behind. You resist the urge to hold his hand right now, but you do take a spot next to him on the couch. Faraway takes the chair, and you can tell from his face that something is bothering him.
1535
1536
1537"So I went down to talk to the front desk, just told them that I would be here and hopefully have some repairs done, also told them about your friend coming by, easy enough. Something hasn't been sitting right with me though," Faraway crosses his arms, his mouth twisted in annoyance. "He kept asking me if I had seen you, if I would be seeing you again soon, the likes. Course I didn't give him any information, but I do worry about him poking his nose around."
1538
1539
1540Lawrence writes out a note, and looking over you can see what it says before it's passed over to Faraway.
1541
1542
1543Do you think he's being paid to give up information?
1544
1545"That may be the case, I'm afraid. Luckily the front desk can't see people who come in from the garage, but there's nothing to keep him from coming up here."
1546
1547"Will I have to leave?" You ask, leaning in close to Lawrence for a sense of safety. 
1548
1549"It may be best, but your friend still isn't here yet...I supposed if he was to come either I or Lawrence could bring him over. I'm assuming you would go over to Sharron's place, yes?"
1550
1551"I mean, if no one would see me going over to the theater, isn't it usually busy over there?"
1552
1553"Only when it's open, and that's usually on evenings and the weekends. Besides, they don't have a show running right now, the ones there should be Sharron and the donors, maybe a few staff members."
1554
1555"Okay...okay I can do that," You're pretty limited on places you can go, and it would be best for you to take what is available. 
1556
1557"Course we could always wait for your friend Sam to arrive first, and then everyone could go over together. I'll leave that choice up to you, but I'm afraid that I can't wait over at the theater too long. I'll be able to drop you off safely, but you'll have to wait there alone. If you want, I could lend Bowie to Lawrence again and let him handle it."
1558
1559So you can stay here and wait for Sam, and while that means going to the theater in a larger group it also means waiting here, which could be a gamble.
1560
1561You could go ahead and wait at the theater, but if you go with Faraway that means you'll be alone for a while. You could always take Lawrence, but you have to be careful with being seen with him...
1562
1563What do you choose?
1564
1565-------------------------
1566
1567"Is it okay if I stay here? I'd rather not get separated again."
1568
1569
1570"If that makes you feel comfortable, the I don't mind. I may have to be coming and going though, a repair man is supposed to come and look at the ceiling in a little bit. I may have to shuffle you two away in the bedroom in that case," Faraway directs his attention towards Lawrence now. "And how are you holding up?"
1571
1572
1573Tired as hell, but I could be worse
1574
1575"I imagine so, what happened after you left from here?"
1576
1577
1578You want to know too, and hope that Lawrence doesn't mind you reading while he writes.
1579
1580Had to go and find John, that took some time. What really took forever was trying to get him to go to the hospital. I couldn't take him on the bike, so I had to pick him up and carry him somewhere the ambulance could come by and grab him.
1581
1582"How is he?" You're glad Faraway asked, cause you are dying to know too.
1583
1584
1585I stayed with him till they called his condition stable. It was close, but he's fine kinda. They told me he slipped into a coma, but it shouldn't last for more then a few days while his body recovers
1586
1587
1588"Oh my god..." You can't help but grow fearful when you see the word coma. 
1589
1590"Don't worry about it, it doesn't sound too serious dear," Faraway says as he reads over the note himself. "Still, I hope John makes a clean recovery. Where was he shot?"
1591
1592
1593"On his hip kinda, right around here." You point on your own body where the spot was. Faraway grimaces at this.
1594
1595
1596"He's going to have trouble walking for a while if that's the case, did they say how long he would need to be in the hospital?"
1597
1598[1/2]
1599
1600-------------------------
1601
1602>>385061
1603Couple of days. I need to go and visit him again later, I think they will transport him to the VFW clinic though
1604
1605
1606"Right, he's a veteran. I supposed it could have been worse, but..." Faraway trails off, thinking about the situation. The phone rings and he excuses himself to go answer it. It sounds like he's talking to one of the repair men, taking the phone with him to the kitchen.
1607
1608
1609"Do you think John will be okay? How was he when you came?" You ask, trying to talk quietly as to not disturb Faraway's conversation.
1610
1611
1612He was pretty out of it when I came in. Kept telling me that he didn't need to go to the hospital. I had to drag and then carry him out of there, he was pretty weak. There was a point where he stopped responding to me, but before the ambulance had came he was talking about something. I'm not really sure what, but he was conscious at least
1613
1614
1615"That's so scary...I'm sorry you had to find him like that."
1616
1617
1618John has survived war, he can pull through this. If anything, I've paid him back from the last few Christmas eve's
1619
1620Lawrence is trying not to let you worry, but it doesn't help too much. You try to change the subject.
1621
1622
1623"Um, I've been thinking it over. Maybe you should grow your beard out. It'd um, it'd look cool with your s-scars and stuff..."
1624
1625
1626Lawrence gives you a quick smile in recognition, but the longer the two of you sit there the more you realize he wants to ask you something difficult.
1627
1628You have a creeping feeling about what it might be.
1629
1630
1631Still, as Lawrence begins to write you hope it's any other question right now.
1632
1633When I came up, Warren was passed out on the ground. What happened to him?
1634
1635-------------------------
1636
1637"He lured Sam and John to the field, and then he hurt them bad trying to figure out where I was. Warren wanted to turn me over to Bower, and he was going to hurt them even more...he already shot John. And then he wanted to take me away...he had a gun, and I needed to stop him," You try to think about the images in your head, trying not to picture Warren's face. "I just wanted to do that though, I only needed to make sure he dropped the gun. I knew it was going to hurt him but I didn't think he was going to turn, I didn't know it could hurt him that bad...I didn't mean to do it, I promise!"
1638
1639Your hands come up to cover your face, trying to keep yourself together.
1640
1641"I did that him. I k-killed Warren...!"
1642
1643
1644You hope that Faraway can't hear you right now, but saying it in front of Lawrence hurts. Your stomach is churning, you feel sick again. There's a hand on your shoulder, but you want to pull away and hide.
1645
1646"He didn't...hurt you, did...he?"
1647
1648
1649"No, he hurt Sam and J-John so badly but...but he didn't hurt me."
1650
1651"I'm glad...for that," Lawrence hugs you as he says this. "I really...am."
1652
1653
1654"I killed him though, killed him w-when I didn't need to...it m-must have hurt so badly, and he was a-alive going through all of it and it's all my faul-"
1655
1656"You need...to stay...safe."
1657
1658
1659"I don't like hurting people though, I hate it. It makes me f-feel sick," When you say this, Lawrence pulls you closer in. "I k-know they're trying to hurt me, but it doesn't make it feel any better. I'm so scared of s-seeing his face when I go to sleep...I hate it so much, I don't want to be a murderer."
1660
1661
1662"You aren't."
1663
1664"I don't want to h-hurt people either, I hate it so much."
1665
1666
1667"I'll do...that for...you."
1668
1669
1670"No wait, I d-don't want you to hurt people either though," You try to push away so you can look at him, but Lawrence is holding you much too tight right now.
1671
1672"You don't...have to...hurt anyone. Not when...I'm here...to protect...you."
1673
1674
1675"Thirty-minutes? Yes that's fine, thank you." Faraway is wrapping up the conversation on the phone, and Lawrence pulls away. He gives you a small smile, the upturned corner of his healing cheek giving him a lopsided grin.
1676
1677
1678You don't feel good about what he said, even though he promised to protect you.
1679
1680You don't want Lawrence to hurt people either.
1681
1682[1/2]
1683
1684-------------------------
1685
1686>>385854
1687"Alright, it looks like someone will come down to look at the ceiling in about half an hour. I can leave him to do his work if I need to, not that there is...shoot! Dammit ...please excuse me once again," Faraway looks to be in a slight panic and disappears to his bedroom. You can't help but look out towards the front door, just waiting to see someone else there.
1688
1689
1690"Need to...talk to...you about...something serious," Lawrence draws your attention back over to him, and he's already writing in his notebook. When he hands you the note, he looks at you with dismal eyes. 
1691
1692
1693If you had the chance to live in a house, somewhere safe where you didn't have to run and always be on the look out constantly, would you take it?
1694
1695
1696"Yes...of course I would. I hate living like this, the only good thing about it is being with you, and I can't even do that as much any more," When you mention him, Lawrence's face matches his sorrowful look as he writes the next note.
1697
1698
1699Would you go and live somewhere safe, where you would get taken care of properly and not have to worry about everything
1700
1701Even if I wasn't there with you?
1702
1703-------------------------
1704
1705"What? You mean like, where I couldn't see you?" You reread what he wrote several times over, making sure that you are comprehending this properly. "Or I'd live without or just..."
1706
1707
1708You're thinking this over, and no matter how you twist it, none of it sounds alright with you. Even if he got to visit you once in a while...no, you don't like it. You've never considered the option of living away from Lawrence, and now you can see why. It's a terrible thought, and it's a terrible idea of him to bring up.
1709
1710
1711"...no. I can't do that, I c-couldn't. I need you, I need you with m-me," You shove the notebook back at him, shaking your head. "It w-was hard enough yesterday, not knowing where you were. And I already can't see you a-as much as I want to, or h-hold your hand whenever I like...I've already h-had to distance myself, don't make me give up any more."
1712
1713"Delila-"
1714
1715
1716"No!" You fling yourself in his arms, hiding your face away from him while also trying to keep your voice stern. "I don't c-care how nice or how safe i-it is, I can't leave you b-behind. I need you too much, I...I l-love you so much Lawrence..." Your voice is crumbling at this last part. How could he suggest something like that? It feels like there's a lot you'd be willing to sacrifice for safety, but Lawrence isn't one of them. There's no one else in your life that makes you feel happy like he does, and you aren't about to just let that go. There's nothing he or anyone else could say to change your mind on it either.
1717
1718"D-Do you not want to s-see me anymore?"
1719
1720Lawrence has his hands on your shoulder, but doesn't pull you away.
1721
1722"I want...you to...be safe. To live...the life...you should. Try and...grow up...normal. Be happy."
1723
1724"I'm h-happy with you though! I...I don't care about the rest of that, I...I just need you," You bite your lip so painfully hard. "D-Don't leave me..."
1725
1726
1727You're hugged gently, but Lawrence doesn't feel good about this either, you can tell.
1728
1729You are just being selfish again, aren't you?
1730
1731It feels like you can't be any other way though.
1732
1733
1734As you try to gather yourself, Faraway's bedroom door opens and closes, and the man walks out to the living room.
1735
1736"Oh dear, is she alright?"
1737
1738
1739"I am, j-just tired and...grumpy," That's the excuse parents always use for kids, right? Not that you want to call yourself one any more but...dammit, it's hard sometimes. You pull away from Lawrence, avoiding all eye contact with him.
1740
1741
1742"I would be too, if I was facing half the problems you've been," Faraway goes to the kitchen, the sound of a coffee maker whirring soon after. You rub away at your misty eyes, feeling almost bitter towards Lawrence right now. Not him, but the question.
1743
1744
1745Why would he ask something like that?
1746
1747
1748[1/2]
1749
1750-------------------------
1751
1752>>387683
1753"Hello? This the right place?" Sam's voice calls out from the hallway, and Faraway opens the useless door for him. Sam tries to navigate through the tape, but gives up soon after and rips his way through half of them.
1754
1755
1756"You must be Sam, I assume? My name is Albert Faraway," He greets himself, extending a hand and coffee out to him. 
1757
1758"Nice to meet you Al, sorry for the intrusion."
1759
1760"At least you had the courtesy to call out before entering in first."
1761
1762
1763...
1764
1765Sam is using one of the kitchen chairs, crutch set on the ground and a cup of coffee passed out to everyone. You were handed one too, and though it's much too bitter for your liking, holding the warm mug in your hands is nice.
1766
1767"Glad to see you're doing alright, was worried about you," Sam says to Lawrence, and it's obvious he wants to know about John. Lawrence writes out what he's already told you, Sam looking over it carefully.
1768
1769
1770"I see...so long as he's stable. I think the biggest concern was getting him somewhere before he bled out. Course we just need to see what his recovery will be needing," Sam sighs, handing back the notebook. You're worried by the way Sam talks about that part. Shouldn't recovery be a good thing? It's not like John wouldn't be able to walk anymore, right? The bullet was just in his hip, he can walk that off can't he?
1771
1772
1773"If there's a chance he's awake though, I need to know. They might be able to tell me how long it'll take for him to be released too, we shouldn't let him stay longer then he needs and I'd rather not have him leave that place alone," Sam sips from his mug. "After I've got him figured out, then we can work on moving to the new place."
1774
1775
1776"Were you able to find one?" Faraway asks for you.
1777
1778"Temporary, but it's better then nothing. Talked to some of my old VFW buddies, made some connections."
1779
1780[2/3whoops]
1781
1782-------------------------
1783
1784>>387690
1785"Can't you just call the hospital and get that information?" You ask.
1786
1787
1788"They aren't allowed to discuss details like that over the phone with someone who isn't directly related. They might not want to give it to me at the clinic either, but I know some folks there. I can get the info I need one way or another, but I'd like to get that out of the way," Sam sounds confident with that last part.
1789
1790
1791"I'd offer you my place till you were ready, but even if the door was fixed then I'm afraid this might not be the safest place anymore," Faraway looks grim with this. "I can't say for sure, but it might be best to not take chances."
1792
1793
1794"Moving her around too much might be it's own set of problems. Then again, not staying in one spot could help make it harder for them to pinpoint where she is too," Sam turns to you now. "Course, I'm not about to force you to do anything you don't want. I'd rather not make the call and turn out I was wrong about it all. I need to check on John, and then we can all go meet up in that place you mentioned."
1795
1796You could go with Sam to check on John at the clinic...that might be okay, right? You'd be out in public though.
1797
1798Then there's going ahead and waiting at the theater. That might not be so bad, but Lawrence would have to take you over there.
1799
1800And of course you could always stay here, but the guy Faraway mentioned downstairs makes you feel worried...
1801
1802What are you supposed to choose?
1803
1804-omitted one small post.
1805
1806-omitted one small post.
1807
1808-------------------------
1809
1810"I'll wait at Sharron's place, I think that might be the safest." You give your answer, feeling like everyone is starring at you, waiting and judging your answer.
1811
1812
1813"The theater it is then, did she tell you how to come inside?" Faraway asks, and you shake your head. "The front doors will probably be locked. When it's something like this, she tends to use the doors on the west side. I've it's locked then you can try knocking. There's been plenty of times where Sharron will forget to leave it open for others, me included. Keep at it long enough and someone is bound to come let you in though."
1814
1815
1816"That's the big theater down town, right? Been a while since I've been in that area, but it's hard to miss. If that's where you'll be then I'll meet you there when I'm all done with John," Sam adds in. "If there's a phone there that we could borrow, then all the better. It'll give me a chance to double check things with Eric."
1817
1818
1819Shoot, you still have Eric's credit card. Hopefully he hasn't been needing to use it, though you're glad that you haven't abused it yet. 
1820
1821"If Sharron isn't there, then feel free to come back here. Just keep an eye out everywhere you go, though I don't really need to warn you about that do I? There's some time before the repair man comes down, I can take you to the nearest station if you like, Sam."
1822
1823"That'd be nice, thanks Al."
1824
1825
1826"And if Lawrence is using Bowie again, that will get you two over there easily enough," Faraway stands, taking his empty cup to the sink. "In that case, sooner rather then later would be for the best. Not to rush you or anything."
1827
1828"He's right. I won't take long, give me about an hour or so to check in on John," Sam rises, grabbing his crutch. "Maybe he'll be the worst thing we have to worry about after this."
1829
1830Lawrence pulls out the key from his pocket, trying to ask if you're ready to go.
1831
1832
1833"Yeah, just let me get my hoodie," You still feel sore about Lawrence's question. Why would he even think about something like that? Is he trying to suggest something? Maybe you should ask him about it later...
1834
1835...
1836
1837
1838Hoodie on and your belongings secured in your pocket, you find yourself sitting behind Lawrence on the motorcycle again. The helmet is passed over and you secure it on while he starts up the engine. It's still a bit scary getting started, but getting to hold on to him like this when he goes into the streets makes you feel better about it. You press your check against his back, trying not to think too much about what he was asking you earlier.
1839
1840
1841The ride is rather short, many stops and slow downs on the way. Probably not fun at all for the person driving, but you're more then glad to see the building. It is a bit strange to see it so empty, and while there are people on the sidewalk and driving on the street there's not nearly as many people as the night of the musical. None of them are going inside, and Lawrence pulls around back, a small area set aside for staff parking. 
1842
1843[1/2]
1844
1845-------------------------
1846
1847>>388804
1848Your legs are shaky when you step off, and you remove the helmet hoping to smooth down your hair before going inside. Hopefully you don't look like you're homeless...
1849
1850
1851Holding the helmet underneath your arm, you and Lawrence try to find the door, walking along the side. The entrance Faraway was talking about comes into view, just a small metal door tucked away. You shouldn't be this way, but you still don't feel too good right now. Standing beside Lawrence, you let him do the knocking. The sound travels easily, and the few cars already parked in the back gives you hope that someone will be inside. Lawrence must notice that you're still upset, as he takes your hand for a moment and gives it a squeeze.
1852
1853
1854He has to let go all too soon when the door swings open, a teenage boy standing in the way.
1855
1856
1857"Uh, can I help you?" His eyes go from you then over to Lawrence, widening when he sees the cut up cheek.
1858
1859
1860"The owner said we can come by...um, Sharron? Er, I guess Ms. Faraway..."
1861
1862"Oh wait, she mentioned something about a girl dropping by. Come in," The boy ushers both of you in, the door falling shut with a loud thunk. "I think she said that you needed somewhere that a couple of you guys could talk or something? I hope you don't mind one of the dressing rooms, they're already unlocked cause we're cleaning them and I don't really want to run off and find the keys for anywhere else."
1863
1864"It's fine. There should be another person coming by too, his name is Sam. Older, and he'll be walking with a crutch and stuff."
1865
1866
1867"Okay, I'll keep an eye out," As the boy leads you near the back of the theater you begin to wonder what he's doing here. Is he working?
1868
1869
1870The wooden door that he opens leads you into a room filled to the brim with clothes, costumes, strewn about make-up, cluttered tables...a colorful and busy mess.
1871
1872
1873[2/3whoopsie]
1874
1875-------------------------
1876
1877>>388808
1878"Sorry about this, we haven't came in here to clean yet. The actors don't really like to clean up after themselves..." The boy grumbles. "I gotta get back to my duties. Uh, I don't know what all you might need, but me and Ashley, er...the other intern should be walking around. If you need us or Ms. Faraway I guess you can always try to find us."
1879
1880Oh, he's an intern.
1881
1882"Thank you," You say, and watch as the boy slips away into the hallway. Looking around, you're almost kind of scared to touch things. Lawrence has already taken a seat, and you notice that he's doing his best to avoid looking into the big mirror.
1883
1884
1885Walking around the room, you see rows of costumes, some set pieces, wigs...it's all really interesting.
1886
1887
1888But Lawrence's question from earlier is still burning.
1889
1890
1891Should you try to press him about it? You want to know why he would ask something like that, but you're kind of scared to. What if you don't like the answer? Or what if he thinks you're accusing him of something...
1892
1893Yet another chance to be alone, and you could ruin it by bringing it up.
1894
1895Still...it's rather hard to forget it...
1896
1897Should you press Lawrence about it now, or leave it alone for the time being?
1898
1899-omitted one small post.
1900
1901==== END THREAD ====
1902
1903Melancholic Quest 21: Making the OP with a mouse
1904written by aCowboyNamedSue (30 posts, 7 omitted posts)
1905-------- qst2txt --------
1906
1907=Thread 21=
1908
1909You are Delilah, a young girl with a strange affliction suffering in a world that does not care. A runaway living on the streets, you go through several hardships and struggles in an attempts to find peace and happiness for yourself. The world is not simply black and white, nor are the people living in it.
1910
1911Can you push through all the misery that surrounds you, or will you fall to this gray world?
1912
1913=Links and Information=
1914
1915Story Thus Far (Raw and a mess, will work on cleaned up versions.):
1916
1917http://pastebin.com/WnGZwK04 Part 1
1918http://pastebin.com/eGfGW8jV Part 2 (Part two seems to be somewhat messed up in addition to not being caught up. I will attempt to fix, but archives seem to be your better option for catch up)
1919
1920Archives:
1921
1922http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=aCowboyNamedSue
1923
1924Quick Glance (SPOILERS) The quick Who is Who and what Delilah has. Mostly accurate.: 
1925
1926https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wXNWJdAKuqw-btrHDbvSkN5Gj3QhdY28XNKRUXMLHu0/edit#heading=h.8xfgre7nxqty
1927
1928Twitter; @Cowboy_Sue
1929Discord; https://discord.gg/0107qV9kiFDlUH9nY
1930Chat room with me and other players. I answer questions, post sketches, and act cheeky.
1931
1932LAST THREAD;
1933>>363955
1934>>363955
1935>>363955
1936
1937-------------------------
1938
1939You two have some privacy right now, and as bad as you would like to keep the time good right now, this is something you feel like you can't let go.
1940
1941
1942If this counts as acting like an adult, it sucks. It really does.
1943
1944You pick up a mannequin head, a blond bob hanging off of it. 
1945
1946
1947"Why did you ask me about um...about that, over at Faraway's?" You don't look away from the yellow hair, thinking about how much you miss your own light strands. "And don't tell me it was for no reason, I know better then that."
1948
1949
1950It would be better if you didn't have to speak so bluntly, if you didn't have to sound so harsh and accusing, but you want an answer that doesn't step around. That's what adults do with children, and that's not what you are. If you are going to be an adult, then you need to be treated like one by everyone else. 
1951
1952
1953Lawrence isn't writing, keeping his stare in the other direction as he scratches idly at his cheek. 
1954
1955"You need to tell me," You wait for him to do something. "Tell me Lawrence."
1956
1957
1958Your voice is commanding that time, an order rather then a question. You never wanted to consider yourself a mean person, never wanted to boss people around. Lawrence is grimacing, but still there's no answer being offered. You change up your tone.
1959
1960
1961"Please...tell me...tell me," You're pleading this time, knowing that Lawrence doesn't like to see you sad. It seems to work, as slowly he draws out his notebook. As an explanation is written out, you place the mannequin head back in its original spot. It would be petty to say that you're jealous of it, but it feels as if you will never become used to such dark hair.
1962
1963It reminds you too much of your father.
1964
1965You hair was one of the few things that tied you to your mother, and now that's hidden. What else do you have left? Your eyes? Looking in the mirror, it feels like you can see her looking back. The same tired and worn out aura, clouding over what should be big bright eyes.
1966
1967Your father had a similar look to his, didn't he?
1968
1969You were all just a family of tired people. 
1970
1971Were.
1972
1973In retaliation of your negative thoughts, you give the mannequin a hard flick with your fingers. Lawrence waits for you to come over and grab the note, and as you take the book from his hand he tries to hold on to it. A mix of nervousness and guilt scrunches him mouth, and when he looks at you it's not in the eyes.
1974
1975[1/2]
1976
1977-------------------------
1978
1979>>391506
1980Don't get your hopes up about it yet, but I'm trying to help find you a safe place, a permanent one. Where you don't have to worry about freezing, or looking over your shoulder constantly, or afraid to go to sleep at night.
1981
1982
1983It won't fix all your problems. But you can have safety, and if you living in a real house with some sort of parental guardians then I think Bower would be much less likely to try and mess with you.
1984
1985
1986Right now, you living on the street without a guardian is the most detrimental thing to your safety.
1987
1988
1989If you can have both of those and increase your chances of a as normal of a life that you can get at this point, then I want you to have that.
1990
1991"Okay, I mean I understand and I don't know if that man would just stop because I was staying in one ho-...wait, you're not talking about foster home, are you? I can't do that...I don't want to. You can't s-send me off there, I know w-what happens there..."
1992
1993
1994Not foster home, I promise.
1995
1996You won't have to bounce around homes, you can settle. Have stability.
1997
1998
1999"Then what about that last part? The part about like...where you made it sound like I couldn't see you then?" This is the part that has been burning up in you the most. Lawrence knows it too, and it feels like he has been avoiding the answer. But now he has no choice but to tell you.
2000
2001
2002You'll have a chance to live a normal life.
2003
2004What we have going on isn't normal.
2005
2006It's already weird enough for me to hang around you, but at least I can excuse it as me watching you, but that can't keep happening if you're back to a normal life.
2007
2008
2009"But I can't have that..." Your eyes linger on that last word. "I'm not like the other kids my age anymore...e-even if it wasn't just the r-...rape, then it's the b-blood..."
2010
2011
2012You can get close to having things be okay though. You can't do that if you're hanging off a guy who's nearly twice your age
2013
2014"I don't hang off of you..." You say this, but you know that you do. Or rather, you would if you could. "And I said I don't m-mind waiting to hold your hand in public..."
2015
2016
2017Even when you're of age it won't make it better.
2018
2019People will be talking, and it will be for both of us.
2020
2021They'll say I'm grooming you, and they'll say that you're being tricked into it.
2022
2023Do you really think you could deal with that? Do you expect yourself to keep going on, living like that? That's not a good life.
2024
2025
2026Lawrence looks frustrated as he writes this, and even more so when you read it.
2027
2028Your fingers wrinkle the paper from how hard you're holding it. It hurts to think about this...
2029
2030What do you do?
2031
2032-omitted one small post.
2033
2034-------------------------
2035
2036"I don't care what other people think, if...if they don't want to help me then they shouldn't be able to c-...criticize what I do, right?" You feel angry, not so much at Lawrence but you have no idea where else to direct this. "Besides d-...don't people get mad at c-couples like Sarah and Eric? I remember learning that kinda thing in school...if they can g-get married despite being a different race, the why can't I like you?"
2037
2038
2039Being a different race from each other is a different thing then me being over ten years older then you
2040
2041"I don't care! I just...I don't! Okay? If they wanna be awful and terrible then they can do it to my face! Or they can t-talk behind my back and I'll just ignore them! I can h-handle that!" Your voice is stuttering but you mean everything you say. Lawrence is trying to write, but it looks like he can't quite find the right words.
2042
2043
2044"B-Besides, what about you? If I went and did that, then you would be l-lonely again. And..and so would I. I mean I c-can try to make friends but I don't want to g-get close to someone else l-like this...I don't want them to tell me to j-just get over everything. I've been hurt, and then I've...I have hurt people. I don't want to be judged b-by people for that and...and I'm..." You worry about saying this next part, but if it'll have Lawrence let you stay with him, then so be it.
2045
2046"I don't want to have to w-worry about you k-...killing yourself if you're alone."
2047
2048
2049That strikes a nerve with Lawrence, his whole body stiffening up at that. You wish you could have taken that back, but it's already been said.
2050
2051
2052"What would you do then, if I was...'safe'." You try to ease off from the harshness of your last sentence, but it's already done it's damage. It feels like several long minutes pass, Lawrence not even trying to write anything down. 
2053
2054"I don't...know what...I would...do."
2055
2056[1/2]
2057
2058-------------------------
2059
2060>>392371
2061It makes you feel narcissistic, but you know that you're the reason that Lawrence is trying so hard right now. His only other goal in life, Michele, is gone. He doesn't feel like he could return to his parents. Lawrence has no job, no home, and very little to call his own. He can't connect with new people as easily as other people can, and he tries to hide away the pain of that with booze.
2062
2063
2064You were the only thing keeping him alive that night, and you fear that being out of his life again would make him go through with it.
2065
2066"Then there's no way I could just l-...leave you," Even if Lawrence did have a plan, not being next to him doesn't sound like an option to you at all. You look back at yourself in the long mirror, wondering if you should feel ashamed with yourself. You might be guilt tripping him, but does that make it alright if it's the thing keeping him alive?
2067
2068"What if...made a...promise?"
2069
2070
2071You look back over to Lawrence, who is starring at the floor and wall in front of him, arms crossed over his chest and notebook set aside. Looking back over at the mannequin head and messing with the wig, you ask; 
2072
2073"What kind of promise?"
2074
2075
2076"I-...I want...to hear...what you...want first," Lawrence changes what he was originally going to say. "And if...it's something...I can...do then, I...want you...to consider...the option...of going."
2077
2078
2079"Anything that I want?"
2080
2081"As long...as I...can do...it."
2082
2083You fiddle around with the wig again, trying to think.
2084
2085
2086"I don't want to have to worry about you killing yourself..." You mummer, upset that you went there first.
2087
2088"I know...you don't. That won't...make you...feel better..if that's all."
2089
2090
2091You obviously don't want Lawrence to kill himself, and the way he skirts around accepting that as an answer worries you.
2092
2093
2094You doubt he will be satisfied with just that, and try to think of another promise he could make. Not that it means you'll just accept his hypothetical safe haven, but you want to make him feel better about this situation. It would be nice if your promise involved a way to insure that he didn't off himself but...
2095
2096If you can't think of something, it sounds like he might have something for you to fall back on.
2097
2098If all the requirements are that Lawrence has to be able to do it, what do you ask him to promise?
2099
2100-------------------------
2101
2102For a moment, for a brief moment, you consider making Lawrence promise you sex. If he does, then what would that mean?
2103
2104Fuck me and I'll go live where it's safe?
2105
2106
2107It's not as if you would have asked like that but that's how it feels it would have sounded like. He wouldn't agree to that, would be? It had to be something that he could do, and Lawrence is very much a man.
2108
2109He's also a man who couldn't force himself to touch your body when you bawled you eyes out, even after begging him for it. And that's what would happen again, isn't it? You could ask for it, try to prepare yourself as much as possible, and you would break down the moment he tried to touch you under the shirt.
2110
2111
2112"Could you promise to live with me?" When you look over at Lawrence, he only shakes his head, a sorry look weighing on his face.
2113
2114That would have been too easy, wouldn't it?
2115
2116
2117"Then could you at least promise to visit me on certain days? Like...like on my birthday? And on your birthday too, and holidays like um...like V-Valentine's Day..." At this, Lawrence offers you a slight smirk, showing that it could be doable. "That doesn't mean I'm agreeing to it though! But if um...i-if something happens and I'm like...f-forced to or whatever..."
2118
2119
2120Even with this agreement, things feel off. You wonder what it was Lawrence would have offered if you hadn't come up with something, but you want away from the subject now.
2121
2122
2123Picking up the mannequin head again, you hold the fake hair up to your own. It's not the same shade as your original color, but it's much closer then the black you've got now. The wig is much straighter then your own wavy locks...
2124
2125
2126You decide to put it on, hoping they won't notice that you've messed with it. Tucking away all glaring black strands, you look back at yourself in the mirror. Blonde hair once again curves around your face, but if anything it looks like your mother's.
2127
2128
2129"I um, I hope that I could grow my hair out again...even just a bit," You smooth the wig down as you continue to look over your reflection. "It would be nice to have my natural hair color back too. You um, you like blondes anyways, don't you?" You shoot Lawrence a quick grin, but it fades away into the somber tension. You kinda hope that Sam gets here soon, even though any other time would leave you yearning for more moments alone with Lawrence. 
2130
2131
2132Why does looking at your reflection right now make you feel so sad? You don't look the same as before, but it serves as a reminder of changes you've had to make. God, don't cry over something as stupid as hair...you should be thankful that it's all you've had to change in order to hide. All you had to change physically, anyways...
2133
2134[1/3]
2135
2136-------------------------
2137
2138>>392781
2139You're ready to take of the wig and place it back where it belongs, but you're suddenly lifted up and off your feet.
2140
2141
2142"H-hey! What are you doing...?" You turn to face Lawrence, who's holding you up to his level. That stupid smile on his scarred up face, and he steps around the cluttered room while carrying you easily in his arms. You try to push yourself down, but you can't help but let out some giggles when he kisses your cheek and neck.
2143
2144
2145"Stop that! No fair...!" You're trying to sound serious, like your emotions can't so easily be swayed, but your own voice betrays you just from being kissed all over. When he finally lets up, giving you a smug smirk of knowing that it worked, you decide to get back at him. Holding his face, your fingers mindful of his still healing cheek, you give Lawrence a quick peck. With a hand on your chin, he turns this brevity of a kiss into a longer gentle ones, the kind you're too embarrassed to give him on your own. You continue to hold his face after he parts from your lips, watching him closely. He gives another quick smirk, but the two of you fall into the awkward sort of silence again.
2146
2147
2148"Can I have another promise made?" You ask him, and as you expect Lawrence nods. It takes several tries for you to get the courage to ask the next part, and you wrap your arms around his shoulders and hide your face away in his neck. "If I have to go away to a place like that, then I promise not to cry, um...cry a lot, or throw a fit if you promise to say it back when I t-tell you..." You squeeze his shoulders for support, scared of what his reaction may be.
2149
2150"I want to hear you say 'I love you' back, d-...do that and I'll go where you want me to."
2151
2152
2153You're terrified of the consequences from your request. You only want to hear those words repeated back if he means it, not some sort of pity or coddling response. What if Lawrence doesn't love you the same way you love him, and that's why he hasn't said those words back?
2154
2155
2156Lawrence doesn't set you down, continuing to hold you as he sits in a cleared corner of the room. You keep your face hidden away, trying to enjoy what you can of him right now. It's still silent when you pull away from his shoulder, and he brushes the back of his hand across your cheek.
2157
2158[2/3]
2159
2160-------------------------
2161
2162>>392782
2163"You don't have to do that last promise if you don't want to," You say, leaning in to his touch. "That's a lot for me to ask from you, right?"
2164
2165
2166"It's okay,...you deserve...to hear...it back," Your heart begins to race as he says this. "Not right...for me...to make...you beg...for it."
2167
2168
2169"I'm not begging..." You add in softly and pouting, at least you hope you haven't been. Your face makes Lawrence give you a soft grin.
2170
2171
2172"If it...means you...will go...where it's...safe when...the time...comes," Lawrence picks up your hand and gives a quick kiss to your knuckles. "Then I'll...say it."
2173
2174
2175"Is there a reason why you wouldn't before?" You're not trying to push your luck, but from all the times you said it before and didn't receive an answer back...there has to be a reason why, right?
2176
2177
2178"Scared. Saying it...feels like...a big...commitment. Like I...am signing...a contract. If I...say it...back then...then I'm..." Lawrence's next words become stuck.
2179
2180
2181Is he scared of saying that he loves someone like you?
2182
2183
2184Not that you blame him, loving someone as broken and unlucky as you would be hard for anyone.
2185
2186
2187Or maybe the age thing is scaring him? Maybe you just don't fully understand why he would be so nervous about it...
2188
2189
2190"I'm scared...when I...say it...I'll end...up failing...you."
2191
2192"Why would you be scared of that?"
2193
2194
2195"I'm just...trying to...protect you...now. But if...I'm supposed...to be...that for...you, your 'prince'...then I...won't be...able to...live up...to it."
2196
2197
2198He's scared of messing up. You're scared of yourself messing up too, but he must feel like your life is in his hands.
2199
2200
2201Oddly enough, you kind of have his life in yours too, don't you?
2202
2203You're so close to hearing those magical words said back to you, but there's a corner of you filled with fear at that too.
2204
2205
2206What do you say to Lawrence?
2207
2208-------------------------
2209
2210"I don't want you trying to um...to compare yourself with those guys from the movies and stuff," You lightly scold Lawrence. "Whatever you are doing now is enough for me. I don't need anything else."
2211
2212
2213Or deserve it.
2214
2215"I just want you to be there when I get scared at night, and to make me feel better when it happens. You make me feel safe, and that's what I need from you...I don't want to feel like I'm just somebody to throw away."
2216
2217
2218Even though you might as well be. You're not good for much else, are you?
2219
2220Looking up at Lawrence, you consider saying it right now, to test him and see if he really would say it back. But if he does, then that means you'll have to go if the time comes, right? You've heard the phrase, Damned if you, damned if you don't, from movies and books before, but now you really understand what it means. It's an awful thing, it truly is.
2221
2222
2223"So um...just keep doing what you're doing, and be there for me when I need it, and that's fine." He can't do that if you only get to see him once in a while though, can he?
2224
2225
2226This sucks. This whole thing sucks.
2227
2228That just means you'll have to do whatever you can to stay with him.
2229
2230Lawrence gives you a kiss on the cheek again, and while you smile there's still the weight of the situation on your shoulders.
2231
2232"Um...do I look cute with this?" You ask, pointing to the wig. You don't want to think about this anymore, not right now anyways. "It's a lot straighter then my hair is-, was. It's also like, brighter and stuff too. It probably looks weird on me but it kinda reminds me of mom's."
2233
2234Not like the last time you saw her. The last time you saw your mother, laying in that hospital bed, she looked on the verge of death. Every part of her was pale and sickly, her hair thinned and straggly. Was she like that for long? You can't remember, surely she wasn't like that when you guys first moved in, right? How is she now? What if she's just laying there in bed, wondering where her daughter is? Or what if she's still messed up, and doesn't even understand what's going on?
2235
2236
2237Honestly, you don't know which is a worse fate.
2238
2239It might be good to try and go see her once more, at least to see how she's doing. If she is still out of commission, then you can at least try to ask if she'll ever be okay again. If she's not...
2240
2241Wait, what will you do if your mother gets better?
2242
2243She still has legal custody over you, right? She can very well go and bring you back home with her if she wants. And what if she starts looking for you?
2244
2245Would you ever try to return to living with your mother?
2246
2247-------------------------
2248
2249You'll see her, and you might visit her, but you won't do any of that alone. It means that you won't live with her either. You don't blame her nearly as much as you used to, but that doesn't mean that everything will be alright between the two of you. There's still a lot that hurts, and even if she asks you to forgive her you doubt that pain will ever completely heal.
2250
2251
2252It would probably involve running away till you're an adult, but you can't see yourself living with her ever again.
2253
2254"Always look...cute."
2255
2256You had almost forgotten that you were talking to Lawrence, and he pulls you out of the thoughts.
2257
2258
2259"You always say that though. Do I like...look cuter like this?" You know that you're pulling Lawrence into a trap with this question, and you hope to finally trip him up.
2260
2261"Look just...as cute...as before."
2262
2263You pout at the answer he so easily gives. You'll get him tripped up one day, just watch.
2264
2265"Maybe you should try going blo-"
2266
2267"Hell no."
2268
2269
2270"But um...then we could match! Look I'll let you try this one out if you want, maybe you'll look even more handsome as a blondie!" You are teasing Lawrence now, and you're thankful for the chance to do that again. If only this was what you had to worry about instead of just...everything else. This is like a brief reminder on how life could not be stressful for once, but it will end up passing all too soon.
2271
2272
2273"Blonde hair...for pretty...boys. Am manly. Need dark...hair for...that."
2274
2275"Maybe you can be pretty and handsome, you ever think about that?"
2276
2277
2278"No. I'll look...handsome and...manly. You can...look pretty...for me."
2279
2280Of course when Lawrence says that, it makes you blush deeply and you try to push him away.
2281
2282
2283"Don't say something so...so sappy!" You wrestle with Lawrence, but he manages to plant another kiss on your forehead. "Bah...stop it!"
2284
2285"No." Lawrence smirks and gives you another one.
2286
2287
2288It just makes you realize how much you'll really miss this if you can't see him everyday. Even the time between your birthdays...wait.
2289
2290"Hang on, um...when is your birthday anyways?"
2291
2292"August. The fourteenth."
2293
2294
2295"Aw, so you were born in fall. I'll have to try and remember that, so long as you remember my birthday. It's um...what's today, the 8th? My birthday is in like, two weeks. Don't you forget it either!" Not that you expect him to go out of his way to do anything, nor would you really want him to. The ring was way more then you had ever expected to receive, and expecting the same thing to happen again would be too soon.
2296
2297
2298Lawrence picks you up, sitting you down on the make-up counter. You get a quick kiss on the lips before he lets you go.
2299
2300[1/2]
2301
2302-------------------------
2303
2304>>394807
2305"Thirsty...as hell. Going to...find a...water fountain. Will be...right back."
2306
2307
2308"Okay, I guess I'll just be um...right here."
2309
2310Lawrence slips out of the room, leaving you all alone.
2311
2312
2313You pull out the ring from your shirt, trying in on. Of course it's still too big for your finger, slipping off easily. You try it out on each finger though, just in case and to also pass the time. On your left hand, you try the ring on your pointer finger, middle, ring finger...
2314
2315
2316You pause and look at how it rests there. Mom had a similar ring, and so did grandma. Well, both of theirs had a big diamond on the top, but still. Having it right there looks like a wedding ring all the same, doesn't it? If it fit better then you could just leave it there.
2317
2318
2319Is marriage still an option for you? That would be nice...it wouldn't feel right wearing a big white and pure dress, but it's still a desire of yours anyways. Walk down the aisles, approach the alter, look at your husband...
2320
2321
2322Would Lawrence ever offer to marry you? He did get you a ring...
2323
2324That doesn't count as a wedding band though, right?
2325
2326He's so scared to say I love you back though, doing something like asking for marriage seems so far fetched.
2327
2328
2329Maybe you can be the one to ask him then. Wait, would that be proper though? Would that offend him? You're scared that he'll never end up asking you though...
2330
2331But maybe he will? If he does, what would you even do?
2332
2333But...maybe it's for the best if he doesn't ask you. You wouldn't exactly be the perfect bride anyways, right? Not to mention you guys couldn't have a dream wedding...
2334
2335
2336You could try to gather the courage and ask him one day...
2337
2338Or should you wait and hope that he asks you?
2339
2340Or...or maybe you should be glad that he never will...
2341
2342Taking the initiative one day, wait for it to happen, or forget about it entirely...what's the one you should choose?
2343
2344-omitted one small post.
2345
2346-------------------------
2347
2348If you did it, then Lawrence wouldn't have to stress out about it, right? He wouldn't have to try and plan anything, try to make it overly special. He already tries hard enough with you, something like this just has to add more stress. That is...if he wants to be stuck together with you like that. Maybe he doesn't, and then you'll either have him trapped or make him have to turn you down...
2349
2350
2351Despite that fear, all you can imagine right now is you taking a knee in front of him with a black box in your hand, just like they do in the movies. You can't do it like that...right?
2352
2353
2354...nah.
2355
2356But you could casually try to bring it up, yeah? That would be fine enough...just act like you're playing around and gauge his reaction. Then from there you can try to figure out what to do...what kind of wedding would the two of you even had? You doubt that you could have something traditional. There's no way the two of your could have a church, aisles full of people, you in a beautiful dress...
2357
2358
2359That's fine. You're willing to throw all of that out for him. If getting the chance to become something as wonderful is bride, then you can throw away all the flairs and lace and flowers. You've made enough sacrifices, a fancy wedding is something you can throw out. You don't need a wedding at all...right? So long as it still counts as being married.
2360
2361
2362...some sort of ceremony or something would be nice. Some way for you to mark the special day. And you would like to wear something other then a dirty hoodie, something aside from jeans, you want to look nice, or at least as nice as you can. Have your hair and face done up nicely...
2363
2364[1/2]
2365
2366-------------------------
2367
2368>>395870
2369You want to look feminine for that. Unlike how you are now...you want to look like a woman. The type that Lawrence wouldn't feel weird about being with. Could you even get married now? It feels like it's one of those things that you have to wait for till you're older...that's an adult thing. Eighteen? Would you really need to wait four years? Well...maybe for it to be official. Maybe the two of you can get married now, and make it official later...
2370
2371
2372Why are you thinking about this so hard right now? It has you all excited and happy and warm, and it shouldn't, not this much. You aren't even sure if Lawrence would want to go through with it. Just think about how to approach the subject, and then go from there.
2373
2374
2375The door opens, and your heart begins to race. You aren't ready to see Lawrence...or maybe you should go ahead and get it out of the way? Just casually...just pretend that you're teasing him, just be casual, be cool...be-
2376
2377
2378"Lawrence!" You call out loudly, sounding much more excited then you should. It's cut short when you see that it's a girl a few years older then you, looking at you confused. 
2379
2380"...s-sorry, I thought you were going to be someone else." You apologize, hoping your face isn't as red as it feels.
2381
2382
2383"...ah wait, you're that one girl right? That one Ms. Faraway mentioned, sorry if I'm bothering you, but I gotta come in here and clean." The girl isn't looking you in the face, seeming embarrassed too.
2384
2385
2386"Oh, yeah, yeah! I'll um, I'll leave then-"
2387
2388"You can stay in here if you like, I don't mind."
2389
2390
2391This girl might try to talk to you if you stay, which won't be so bad.
2392
2393Unless she starts prying, or notices that you look rather...disheveled. 
2394
2395But it's been a while since you've talked with someone kind of close to your age, maybe it'll be nice...?
2396
2397Do you want to stay in here, or go try to find Lawrence?
2398
2399-------------------------
2400
2401Staying here should be fine. If this girl ends up trying to pry too much then you'll find away to avoid her questions. Standing there while she's trying to pick up the mess around does make you feel awkward-
2402
2403
2404Shoot, you're still wearing the wig. 
2405
2406Maybe she won't notice it? You'll take it off when she's gone or something, but removing it now is too embarrassing. You probably were expected to not touch anything in here, it's all equipment they need to run things and you're going around touching them like it doesn't matter.
2407
2408
2409"That looks cute on you, by the way." The girl says, and you try not to fumble your words.
2410
2411"W-What do you mean?"
2412
2413"The wig, they used that in the last production I think," The girl is placing clothes on hangers and neatly onto the racks. "I'm Ashley by the way."
2414
2415"I'm Bunny...um, so d-do you work here?" 
2416
2417
2418"Kinda. It's an intern sort of program with my school. I help out and get to put this on stuff for college or whatever. I also get to earn a little bit of cash too, so that's nice. Better then having to work some part-time job at a store or something," Ashley looks up from the racks over to you. "Know what I mean? It's so annoying having parents hound you over that sorta thing."
2419
2420
2421"...yeah. It is." Easier to go along with this then try to be awkward about it. "But I'm too young to work yet."
2422
2423"Oh right, you're like...fourteen?"
2424
2425"I will be soon."
2426
2427
2428"Cool cool. I turned sixteen a few months ago," Ashley continues to move around the room, picking up and putting away things. "Got my license last week."
2429
2430"License?"
2431
2432
2433"You know, to drive! It was kinda scary taking the test. The person doing the evaluation was like, watching everything I did. Got kinda scared and almost messed up with the parallel parking, but I just managed to pass." You decide to let Ashley keep talking. The less she tries to ask you about yourself then the better. "Kinda sucks that I have the license but no car to drive."
2434
2435"Oh. Yeah, I bet so."
2436
2437[1/2]
2438
2439-------------------------
2440
2441>>397225
2442"My parents said they would try to help me look for a car soon, but it'll end up being some used one. Better then nothing I guess, but my friend got a brand new one for her birthday! Isn't that crazy? It's so cute though!"
2443
2444
2445You almost feel like you should be helping her, but you do your best to keep to yourself.
2446
2447
2448"She takes me for rides in it and it's just...so cool! I just hope mine looks kinda cool too. Or, I guess I'd rather a cute one...sucks I have to pay for the gas myself though. Mom talked about giving me some gas money as the beginning of the week and then I have to pay for anything else after that-"
2449
2450
2451Ashley continues talking about her dream car, and you give the occasional nod or 'yes'. Hearing about this stuff sucks though. She's talking about how her parents took her to a really nice restaurant for her birthday and how she got to hang out with her friend's at an amusement park the next day. How school is going fine and how she has a boyfriend, how her biggest worries are about looking nice for the end of the school year dance.
2452
2453
2454It almost makes you feel sick.
2455
2456You'll never get to experience any of that, will you?
2457
2458It leaves a terrible and bitter taste in your mouth.
2459
2460
2461"So um, that tall guy? The one who was walking around outside?" Ashley suddenly changes the subject. "The one with the uh...the scar on his cheek? He with you?"
2462
2463"Erm..yeah."
2464
2465"Is he like your brother or something?"
2466
2467-------------------------
2468
2469"Y-...yeah. That's my brother."
2470
2471"He's like, way older then you then? That's cool though, you get to be driven around everywhere that way, right?"
2472
2473
2474"He's great, actually. He helps me a lot and takes care of me and...and he's just always there for me. I...I love him," If you're going to ask Lawrence something about marriage, then you should try to gain the courage now. She thinks you mean that you mean platonic leave, but that's fine.
2475
2476
2477"That's pretty cool. I have a little brother, but he's kinda annoying. Turns ten in a couple of days actually," Ashley stops and rests for a moment. "It sounds like you really like your brother though."
2478
2479
2480"Yeah. He's cool, and tough...he helps me when things get terrible. That kinda happens a lot too so I'm glad he's always there to help me..." You try not to gush over him too much, but there are a lot of things that Lawrence does that are just amazing to you. "I wouldn't want anyone else as a bo-...brother."
2481
2482
2483"Must be nice. I know that when I get a car I'll just be even more of a babysitter for him. Blah. Wish I could have been the baby, or an only child. That'd be even better."
2484
2485
2486"It's not that gr-" You were going to say that being an only child isn't amazing, but that would ruin your facade. "...it's not that bad having a sibling. You have someone who is always there for you, even when stuff gets crappy."
2487
2488
2489"You kidding? Adam is the reason my life gets crappy! He's just...augh he's so annoying!" Ashley seems content with just talking now, seemingly forgetting her original duties.
2490
2491
2492You really wish that the biggest thing you had to complain about was an annoying little brother. You start to wonder where Lawrence is anyways...did he get lost?
2493
2494"...I guess I still do love him though, he is my brother. Just wish he didn't try to bother me so much," Ashley admits. "Anyways, which school do you go to here?"
2495
2496
2497"Um..." You can't recall the name of either of the middle schools here. Since you didn't get the chance to go, you never bothered to learn the names of them. "...I'm homeschooled."
2498
2499
2500"Really? Huh, that's cool I guess. Usually I expect homeschoolers to be kinda...weird, I guess."
2501
2502"...thanks." At least you're not considered weird by her. That's goood, right?
2503
2504
2505"Hey...I might get in trouble for this buuuuut...." Ashley stands up and looks around, making sure no one else is around. "You've never been back here before, right?"
2506
2507
2508"No, never."
2509
2510"Well...there's a lot of cool stuff in this place. It's like, really old and all and there's like cool secrets here too. I could take you around and show you the place, if someone asks then I'll just say I'm giving you a tour. Wanna try?"
2511
2512
2513Do you want to accept Ashley's offer? You could try to wait for Lawrence...or maybe she can help you look for him too?
2514
2515-------------------------
2516
2517"Um, sure. That sounds cool." And you can look out for Lawrence. This place is pretty big, and anything that isn't mean for the audience is rather narrow and twisty, you could imagine him getting lost here easily. "Will you help me keep an eye out for my uh...brother."
2518
2519
2520"Yeah, I promise." Ashley sounds unexpectedly excited, and motions for you to follow her.
2521
2522"Wait let me take this off-"
2523
2524
2525"Nah, keep it on. You look cool with it, like some sort of exotic model or whatever! Ms. Faraway won't mind, I promise," Ashley is almost impatient too head out, and you leave the wig on for now. Even though you wanted it back, you have to get used to see the blonde strands on the edge of your vision. One day that'll be your real hair again...
2526
2527
2528"Okay, so let me see if I can remember..." Ashley begins looking up and down the hallway. You do too, but for the sake of seeing Lawrence. "Okay, this should be right. We go down this hall first, turn at the supply closet...yeah, that sounds right."
2529
2530
2531Ashley leads you down the twisty and turning series of halls. It seems rather odd for such a big place, as if the rooms were being squished together to save space. There's not too many doors either, some of the halls without any entrances at all. Ashley leads you to the end of one of these doorless hallways, hand against the wall as she walks down slowly.
2532
2533"Wait, what's supposed to be down here?" You ask, looking at the repeating wall paper. 
2534
2535
2536"Okay so like, this place is super old, right? And apparently, and try not to go repeating this too much cause Ms. Faraway doesn't like that, but this place used to be a speakeasy." When Ashley reaches the end of the hall, she's frustrated but starts down on the other side instead, feeling over the faded wallpaper.
2537
2538Speakeasy...you've heard the word before, but can't place a definition to it.
2539
2540
2541"What's that?" You ask, hoping not to sound too dumb.
2542
2543
2544"When alcohol was illegal and all, uh...prohibition or whatever, people still wanted to drink. So they like, made places where they could meet up secretly and do that. So uh, you'd go somewhere like a restaurant or whatever, and if you knew how you could get into a secret room or whatever and drink. I think they made alcohol too? Anyways, you can find some places around town that used to be those, including this one. There's already kinda secret passages for actors and crew members to move around between the stage and dressing rooms, but if I remember correctly then...yeah, here we go!" Ashley stops in front of a wall panel, looking up and down it. 
2545
2546[1/2]
2547
2548-------------------------
2549
2550>>399759
2551She digs her fingers against some of the decorative molding, and you near have a heart attack when the panel of wall moves out. 
2552
2553
2554"You...you broke it...!"
2555
2556"Uh uh, look. It's one of those passages," Ashley takes out a flashlight and shines it down the concrete corridor. "I remember finding this one while cleaning once. Thought I'd broke the wall too, but Ms. Faraway said it was just one of the remnants from the speakeasy."
2557
2558"Where does it go?" You approach it slowly, trying to peer inside.
2559
2560
2561"I think she mentioned it was to like...a secret parking garage or something? Maybe another room or something, I'm not sure. I always wanted to explore, but I couldn't get any of the others to follow me in. They're too scared, but it's safe," Ashley's eyes light up as she looks back towards you. "What about you? Wanna go explore the inside with me? I've just been dying to!"
2562
2563
2564"I...don't know...."
2565
2566"Aw come on, don't be scared, it'll be fine. Just a quick peek! We can find your brother first if it'd make you feel better but he's tall and this is kinda cramped..."
2567
2568
2569This girl sounds really excited about exploring the inside, maybe you could take a quick look? That would be fine, right?
2570
2571Or...should you go and find Lawrence first?
2572
2573...maybe you need to be an adult and tell her no thanks, and go back to wait. It does sound like it could be a bit of fun though..
2574
2575Do you want to take a peek with Ashley?
2576
2577-------------------------
2578
2579"Can we find Lawrence, um...my brother, first? I don't want him thinking that I vanished or something," It might be fun to go with her, or at least it would take your mind off of things for a bit. "He'd get super worried."
2580
2581
2582"Okay, fine." Ashley concedes, pushing the false wall back into place. "Did he say where he was going?"
2583
2584"I think he just wanted to find a water fountain or something."
2585
2586
2587"We don't have any of those here, shoot. Um, we can just look around for him I guess," She puts the flashlight away and has you follow behind her. "It took me forever to get this place figured out too. I used to think it was creepy or haunted, but once you know where you're going then it's fine."
2588
2589
2590"I think I like it better when there's plays going on..." You reply, a little worried about getting separated from Ashley now. 
2591
2592
2593"Me too, but that's cause I love theater. I wanna go to school for acting, that's why I chose this for an internship. Kinda sucks that I'm clean-up crew and a gopher, but it's fine. Ms. Faraway said she would let me audition for the next production!"
2594
2595
2596"Oh, that's cool. Will it be a musical again?"
2597
2598"I don't know, I hope so. We won't find out till after their meeting Wednesday."
2599
2600
2601"Wait, are they meeting again or something?" You ask, trying to remember what Sharron had said.
2602
2603[1/2]
2604
2605-------------------------
2606
2607>>400780
2608"Again? They did last year, if that's what you mean. Usually all the people who are big enough donors and supporters of the theater come down, talk about money and plans, eat, and then they try to vote on the next couple big plays. Ms. Faraway chooses some that she wants to do, but a majority of them are voted on that day," Ashley explains. "They try to keep it all on one day though."
2609
2610
2611"What's the meeting today about then?"
2612
2613"I don't know actually. I assumed Ms. Faraway was just talking with the crew or something. She's a nice lady, but sometimes she keeps her stuff pretty secretive. I'll be working all day and I swear I never see her anywhere, and suddenly she'll just...pop out of no where! It's crazy!" Ashley stops for a moment, figuring out where to look next. "I wonder if...here, let's try this way." 
2614
2615
2616She leads you back into the lobby, and you almost forgot just how big the theater really is. Ashley takes you to another heavy door, and into more hallways, but these are even more narrow then before.
2617
2618
2619"There's not too much this way. I think they place props back here, but I don't really know. We usually stick to the other side of the building..." Ashley quiets down as you walk down the hall. Around the corner is the soft speaking voice of a woman, and Ashley gestures for you to stay silent. Walking on the floorboards, it feels like the silence is unbearably loud. Each steps sends a fear of giving away your position, and you're not even sure why that scares you.
2620
2621The two of you reach the corner, where the next passage intersects with the one you're in. 
2622
2623
2624"...-I know I'm asking a lot from you, but please consider my offer..." It's Sharron's voice, that's for sure. 
2625
2626
2627An unnatural silence follows her words, and Ashley looks just as confused as you do.
2628
2629"No one will ever find out, I promise." Sharron's voice again. The one sided conversation begins to remind you of similar times...
2630
2631
2632Do you want to try and listen to what Sharron is talking about? Maybe you or Ashley could take a careful peek...
2633
2634Maybe the two of you should just leave as fast as you can instead?
2635
2636-omitted one small post.
2637
2638-omitted one small post.
2639
2640-------------------------
2641
2642You have Ashley lean in close, trying to mouth the words to her;
2643"Can we peek?"
2644
2645"If careful." She responds. 
2646
2647You're not sure if you really need to sneak, but it feels like you should. The possibility of getting caught scares you, but at the same time you want to confirm your suspicion. Ashley takes the first look, making you stay back as she peeks around the corner. She returns just as quickly, and leans in to whisper in your ear.
2648
2649
2650"It's your brother..." Ashley moves back so you can take a look next in order to confirm it. 
2651
2652Holding your breath, you poke your head around the corner.
2653
2654
2655Down the hall, a couple meters away, Sharron is standing with Lawrence. You're ready to move back, but notice that she's holding his hand in both of hers as she's talking.
2656
2657
2658"I won't tell her, I swear. Think about what this will do for you though," Sharron says, squeezing Lawrence's hand. "You might not get this chance again."
2659
2660
2661Why do you feel...angry? Ashley is the one who has to pull you back, the scene having made you freeze in place. She puts a finger up to her lips to remind you to remain quiet, and the two of you continue trying to listen in on the one sided conversation.
2662
2663
2664"I know it's rather...sneaky. I understand that, and I'm not trying to force you into it, even if I seem rather pushy, I just...it's a bit of an emergency, and it'll help you out too. A win-win situation, yeah?"
2665
2666
2667Silence follows, and you can't begin to imagine what the conversation is about, or what Lawrence could be responding with. Ashley doesn't look like she has the slightest clue either, but every possible scenario is trying to run through your mind, but all you can focus on is her hands...
2668
2669
2670Why the hell was she holding Lawrence's hands like that? Why do you feel so angry about it...
2671
2672Ashley tugs on your sleeve, having you creep away with her. Once in the safety of the lobby, she turns to you for the answers you don't have.
2673
2674
2675"What was that about?"
2676
2677"I don't know..."
2678
2679"Does Ms. Faraway know your brother well or something?"
2680
2681[1/2]
2682
2683-------------------------
2684
2685>>401432
2686"Not very, to be honest..." You're still fuming over the fact that she was touching him so closely like that. Just...just what the hell? Didn't Faraway mention before that Sharron wanted to see him again or something too? She's single...Lawrence isn't, but it's not like he has anyway to flaunt that. 
2687
2688
2689"It looked like she was holding something," Ashley muses, looking back from where the two of you came from to make sure they don't walk out. "I couldn't tell what it was though..."
2690
2691"Was she holding his hand when you looked?" 
2692
2693
2694"No, was she when you looked? Maybe she was giving him something...wait, why wasn't your brother talking though?"
2695
2696"Lawrence can't talk, his throat is messed up." Why do you sound so angry?
2697
2698
2699"Oh that was a notebook he was holding then, right? He use that to talk?"
2700
2701"Yeah..." You're clutching your hands together tightly, trying to keep calm. You're anxious, worried...just what the hell was that? She wasn't trying to hit on him, was she? Why are you so focused on that, when it could have been anything else...
2702
2703
2704"You alright? You look kinda sick..." Ashley says, unsure if she should touch your shoulder.
2705
2706"I'm okay..." You lie. "Just...kinda tired I guess..."
2707
2708
2709Ashley is trying to figure out how to help you when Lawrence walks to the lobby. You notice right away that Sharron isn't with. He spots the two of you and walks over quickly, trying to give you a small grin. You don't return it, looking at the floor instead.
2710
2711
2712You're sure that if you asked her, Ashley would give you some privacy with Lawrence, but would he even tell you what was going on back there?
2713
2714If you ask, then he'll know you were eavesdropping too...
2715
2716Maybe you should just ask him what you were originally going to, exploring the place with Ashley...you both want him to come and to have some space from him though...
2717
2718What do you say? 
2719
2720Probably last update for tonight, I am having a birthday dinner and then drinking for my 21st, so yay me!
2721
2722-omitted one small post.
2723
2724-------------------------
2725
2726You're mad at yourself, getting so upset just from seeing another woman touch Lawrence. It's going to happen, and that doesn't mean anything bad. Even if she is prettier and older then you are...
2727
2728"...Ashley is an intern thing here. She offered to show me around the theater. I know we're supposed to be waiting for Sam, but would it be okay if I went with her? A tour around the place sounds fun..." You hope that your voice is hiding the jealousy you're feeling right now. How petty, you should just be glad that Lawrence is willing to put up with someone like you.
2729
2730
2731He writes out the response quickly, Ashley waiting next to you somewhat awkwardly.
2732
2733[As long as you're staying inside the building, then that should be fine. Try to check in if you're going to take a long time, but that sounds like more fun then just sitting around. I'll wait for Sam though, so don't worry about it]
2734"Thank you." You must not have hid your disappointment well enough, as Lawrence almost immediately writes out another note.
2735[Are you feeling alright? You look kind of down, did something happen?]
2736
2737
2738"I'm fine. Just kind of tired I think." Not really a lie. You would love nothing more then a warm bed right now, with plenty of soft pillows and blankets that you can hide away in and just sleep. Sleep till you feel better, if it's ten minutes or if it's forever. "Walking around might help me wake up a bit though."
2739
2740
2741Lawrence more then eagerly nods, encouraging you to go. He's not trying to get you to go, is he? If he is, then it must be because he knows that you getting to hang out with a girl your age would be good for you. 
2742"If it's all okay then, let's go!" Ashley takes your hand. "I've been waiting to do this for a long time! It'll be great. Don't worry, I'll bring your sister back all in one piece!"
2743
2744
2745The sister comment confuses Lawrence, but Ashley is already taking you away before it can be questioned. Time away from him will be good, at least for you. A chance to calm down, and a chance to scold yourself for getting so worked up over what could be nothing. But would asking him about what Sharron handed him too rude to ask? If he went ahead and told you later that sure would be nice...
2746
2747
2748"Maybe it was her number," Ashley comments, and for a moment you fear that you were speaking out loud.
2749
2750"W-What?"
2751
2752"Maybe Ms. Faraway was giving your brother her number! Maybe she liiiikes him~" Ashley teases, but upon seeing the shock on your face she reels back her comments. "It might not be like that though! Course giving your brother a phone number might not be the best choice, since he can't really talk...unless he made you do the talking for him. That'd be kinda funny though, but...eh, it'd be kinda weird if they started dating though."
2753
2754[1/2
2755
2756-------------------------
2757
2758>>409017
2759You can think of plenty of reasons why it would not be okay, mostly because that would mean Sharron would be taking your place, but you wonder what Ashley means.
2760
2761"Why's that?"
2762
2763
2764"She's like...older then him. Not by much I guess, but that kinda weird, isn't it? Dating someone way older then you...I guess she's only like 10 years older or something? Maybe a bit more but...that's still a pretty big gap. Kinda weird, don't you think?" Ashley turns to you for the answer.
2765
2766"...are we going the right way? I feel totally lost..." You don't, you remember this hallway. You're only using it as an excuse to avoid answering the question. If ten years is bad, then what about fourteen?
2767
2768
2769"Huh? Oh yeah, of course! We're all good, don't worry about it...man, I'm so excited...I'm actually going to explore the passages! That's so cool...dang! I wish I had a camera...maybe I'll buy a disposable one next time." Ashley leads you back to where you two had been, finding the moving panel to open up the space behind the walls. Shining her light back down, you peer inside again. To be honest, you're a little spooked. Ashley gives you a big grin though, jumping on her heels with excitement. 
2770
2771
2772"This is going to be so cool! Wait, hold on let me check something..." Ashley steps inside the wall and closes the panel, leaving you waiting in the hallway. Right away she swings it back open, looking relieved. 
2773
2774
2775"Had to make sure we could get back out with that closed." She explains, and you realize just how horrifying that would have been. Ashley lets you step in before closing the wall again. It would be pitch black in here if not for her flashlight, and you grow wary about getting caught in the dark. 
2776
2777
2778"Looks like there's only one way to go right now...come on!" Ashley ushers you forward, letting you follow behind her and the guiding light. The hall turns slightly, but otherwise there has only been one path for you to travel down. This doesn't last long, as eventually there is an intersecting path. Same looking halls to both the left and right, Ashley takes turns shining her light down each one of them, trying to look.
2779
2780
2781"Which way which way..." She mummers, and you catch the faintest sound of conversation down one way. Very faint, you almost think it was Ashley's voice echoing off the cold walls. When you focus. you can just barely tell that it's coming from another source, and from the left hall. It sounds rather muffled though, as if they are coming in through a barrier.
2782
2783
2784[2/3whoops]
2785
2786-------------------------
2787
2788>>409018
2789"I've got it!" Ashley exclaims, and she looks back to you. "You choose."
2790
2791"What?"
2792
2793"You choose which way we go!"
2794
2795"B-...but you're supposed to be the tour guide!"
2796
2797"I can't be if I don't like, know what I'm guiding! It'll be fine, just choose a direction and I'll lead us down it." Ashley seems unmoved, deciding that the choice will be entirely on you. 
2798
2799You look down both ways again, pressure on your shoulders.
2800
2801If these passages really do lead behind all the rooms, then the voices you're hearing must be coming from one of them. Sharron was meeting people today, so maybe that's what you're hearing? If you go down that way then you could probably listen to what they're talking about easily enough...
2802
2803It kind of scares you though, why is that? The right way is quiet, and would probably get you out of here a lot quicker. Then again, you could just tell Ashley that you want out, and you two could leave right now.
2804
2805>Which way do you want to go?
2806
2807did this from a different computer before I drove home, I'll be able to use tags later today!
2808
2809-------------------------
2810
2811You're scared, but the draw of curiosity from the left side is too alluring.
2812
2813
2814"We can go down this way, I guess." You say, pointing down towards the left side. "I mean if that's alright with you."
2815
2816"I asked you, so yeah!" Ashley takes a few steps down your chosen path, shining her light down the empty passage. "Alright, if there's like, another turn then we probably should just head back, I don't really wanna get lost down here."
2817
2818
2819"Yeah, that's smart." You can't even begin to imagine how terrible it would be, stuck in here and lost in the dark. When the light flickers you near have a heart attack. Being in the dark would make this a million times worse.
2820
2821
2822"This thing is kinda old..." Ashley swats the bottom of the flashlight, making it shine just as bright as before. "If it ever goes out then all you have to do is beat up against something. Usually."
2823
2824
2825That doesn't make you feel better, but it looks like Ashley is going to leave you behind. If you're going to be in the dark, then being with someone is a much better option then being alone. You walk nearly on Ashley's heels, not sure if you should keep your eyes in front or behind you during the little journey.
2826
2827The voices you heard from earlier are getting louder, and Ashley has begun to pick up on them too.
2828
2829
2830"You hear that, right?" She whispers, stopping to try and listen.
2831
2832"Yeah...I heard them back at the first hallway."
2833
2834
2835"Really? I can barely hear them now..." Ashley tries to listen better. You focus on them talking too, but can't make out their conversation. Only the occasional snippets of words that mean nothing on their own. Continuing down, the two of you walk with a soft foot, as if worried that you'll be heard. The voices are once again coming from the left side of the wall, and with each step the conversation becomes more coherent. 
2836
2837[1/2]
2838
2839-------------------------
2840
2841>>411020
2842Ashley makes you stop, and turns off the flashlight. You're fearful, but see why she did this right away. On the wall, the very shimmer of a light from the outside pokes through, illuminating the very bottom of your boots.
2843
2844
2845Keeping the light off, you both crouch down next to the false wall, listening to what drifts in from the other side.
2846
2847
2848"...-have to raise prices again." It's a man's voice, one you don't recognize. In fact, most of the people inside sound like men.
2849
2850"They're not going to like that, we'll never get this stuff moved."
2851
2852
2853"If we don't, then we aren't going to be turning a high enough profit, and you know it."
2854
2855"They kept buying all the same when we raised the prices last time."
2856
2857"Yeah, but this is...this is a huge jump."
2858
2859
2860"Please, try to trust me on this Jeremy." That time, you could pick out Sharron's voice among the four or so men. "I was right last time, wasn't I?"
2861
2862
2863"You were."
2864
2865"And about creating a stash?"
2866
2867"Yeah...you were."
2868
2869
2870"We may lose a customer or two, but this is inelastic demand. It doesn't matter how high it is, someone somewhere will be willing to buy it."
2871
2872
2873"If they keep making it harder to trade with Thailand, then we're going to end up raising it up higher then we can really afford though. People will buy it, but there's going to be that time between the price hike and people getting desperate enough...you really think we can stay afloat?"
2874
2875"If that's the case, then we can just sell some of the lemons. That's why we have them, remember?"
2876
2877"You sure that's enough to keep us going?"
2878
2879
2880Lemons? You feel like whatever she's talking about, it's not the same thing you're imagining. Ashley doesn't look any more informed than you, and hearing this conversation makes you feel weird.
2881
2882
2883You're positive that they aren't talking about theater related things, and if they are then...just what kind of theater is this then?
2884
2885Staying here and listening feels...weird? Wrong?
2886
2887Should you stay and keep listening, or head back now?
2888
2889-------------------------
2890
2891"You know the type of people who want to buy those. They aren't just some mope from the street, those buyers are people with cash to spend and college kids going to school on daddy's credit-card"
2892
2893"We don't want to use those up too soon though, it's an emergency supply." Sharron warns.
2894
2895
2896"So what? How many should we move?"
2897
2898"Should wait to see if the next shipment comes in this week first, shouldn't we?"
2899
2900
2901"I've already got some sent out in the mean time," Sharron says. "Not very much, but enough in case something does go left."
2902
2903
2904You don't feel right listening in to this conversation. Whatever it's about, you two obviously shouldn't be hearing any of it.
2905
2906
2907"I don't think we should stay here," You whisper as low as you can to Ashley. "We should head back now."
2908
2909"Yeah...let's walk down a bit and then I'll turn the light back on."
2910
2911
2912Better safe than sorry. Practically clinging to Ashley, you allow her to lead you back down the way you came.
2913
2914
2915"When is the new shipment supposed to come in anyways? I thought it was supposed to be here yesterday."
2916
2917"They mentioned something about having to take a detour, customs or whatever almost caught them last time."
2918
2919"You're kidding me, right?"
2920
2921"They getting...about shipme-...from Sout...-sia ma-...."
2922
2923
2924The voices begin to fade out as you cover as much ground as you can quickly.
2925
2926 Hearing Sharron talk with a bunch of men isn't so weird, but their entire conversation was. Once the two of you are far enough down, Ashley turns on her light and faces you.
2927
2928
2929"That wasn't normal, right?" You ask first, but from her expression you can already tell it isn't.
2930
2931"I don't know what that was about. I really don't." 
2932
2933"What's a lemon? They weren't talking about like, an actual lemon right?"
2934
2935
2936"I think that's what my dad calls a crappy car..." Ashley has a worried look to her face. "I um...I don't think that's what they were talking about though."
2937
2938You agree, but you have no other idea about what it could have been.
2939
2940
2941"You know, it makes sense if they were selling something," Ashley says as she continues to lead you out. "I guess it's only rumors I've heard, but apparently the theater only breaks even for her."
2942
2943[1/2]
2944
2945-------------------------
2946
2947>>412135
2948"What does that mean?"
2949
2950
2951"Uh, like...so you know what profit is, right? You have to spend money to run a business. So like in a store, you have buy the things before you sell them first. Then you have to hire and pay people to help you sell, and then you have to pay costs for the building and taxes and junk. If after all that you have less money then before, then you're in the red? And if you have more money then before, it's profit and you're in the green. But I guess there are times where you only end up with about the same that you start out with? At least not enough of a profit to make it worth it," Ashley explains before continuing. 
2952"So like, Ms. Faraway has to make more money then she puts in for it to be a profit. There's a rumor that she only manages to break even, or just a little bit of profit, but I've seen her house before. I don't know how that would be possible."
2953
2954"So maybe she's started to sell something to make up for the costs?"
2955
2956
2957"Maybe, that's what it sounded like anyways. We sell tickets and all that kind of stuff here, but I don't have the slightest idea what they were talking abou-"
2958
2959"Hello girls!" 
2960
2961
2962You nearly jump into Ashley's arms from fear, and from the looks of it she was about to do the same. Sharron closes a door behind her, walking towards where you stand. Glancing over at Ashley, you're hoping that you don't look suspicious.
2963
2964"H-Hello, Ms. Faraway!" Ashley greets, her voice cracking. 
2965
2966
2967"Looks like you met my special guest," Sharron smiles at you, and you force one out. "Giving a tour around?"
2968
2969"Y-...yeah! Just wanted to show her the place when it isn't crowded with people. I hope that's fine..."
2970
2971
2972"Not a problem. I wish we could do more tours like that, but I'm afraid this place wouldn't be interesting enough for a full tour group." Sharron is talking normal, as if you and Ashley hadn't just heard her trying to sell...'lemons'.
2973
2974
2975That's a good sign. If she doesn't know that you were eavesdropping on top of being an inconvenience, then everything will be fine. It's none of your business what she does as long as it doesn't concern you.
2976
2977[2/3]
2978
2979-------------------------
2980
2981>>412141
2982"Anyways! I'm just milling around for a bit, you're only having one more friend come over, right?" This time Sharron is talking directly to you, and you nod quickly.
2983
2984"Y-Yes, ma'am."
2985
2986
2987"Then I'll leave that to you Ashley, I've still got some important matters to attend to," It's so strange hearing Sharron talk like this, when you're wearing her clothes and know what she's like at home. "If I'm not out by the time it's time for you kids to go home, you know how to lock up."
2988
2989
2990Ashley nods and Sharron leaves the two of you to go upstairs.
2991
2992"Here, I'll take you back to your brothe-" Ashley is interrupted again, looking annoyed. This time it's knocking at one of the side doors. "Maybe that's your friend..."
2993
2994
2995You're thinking about what you overheard back in the passages. If it's Sam, then you might have some time to ask him about what you overheard...
2996
2997Or maybe you should go to Lawrence now, and try to ask him about it?
2998
2999Or just...don't. Don't think about it again. In that case, should you go to Lawrence, or go with Ashley to see if Sam is here?
3000
3001-omitted one small post.
3002
3003-omitted one small post.
3004
3005==== END THREAD ====
3006
3007Melancholic Quest 22: V H S
3008written by aCowboyNamedSue (33 posts, 6 omitted posts)
3009-------- qst2txt --------
3010
3011A young girl with a terrible affliction and a miserable fate, Delilah is flung into an uncaring world. A monster of a man gives an unrelentless chase and burdens too heavy for her shoulders make a difficult life even harder to bear. Will you be able to find happiness, or be swallowed up by the misery and hate twisting up inside?
3012
3013=Links and Information=
3014
3015Story Thus Far (Raw and a mess, will work on cleaned up versions.):
3016
3017http://pastebin.com/WnGZwK04 Part 1
3018http://pastebin.com/eGfGW8jV Part 2 (Part two seems to be somewhat messed up in addition to not being caught up. I will attempt to fix, but archives seem to be your better option for catch up)
3019
3020Archives:
3021
3022http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=aCowboyNamedSue
3023
3024Quick Glance (SPOILERS) The quick Who is Who and what Delilah has. Mostly accurate.: 
3025
3026https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wXNWJdAKuqw-btrHDbvSkN5Gj3QhdY28XNKRUXMLHu0/edit#heading=h.8xfgre7nxqty
3027
3028Twitter; @Cowboy_Sue
3029Discord; https://discord.gg/0107qV9kiFDlUH9nY
3030Chat room with me and other players. I answer questions, post sketches, and act cheeky.
3031
3032PREVIOUS THREAD:
3033>>391501
3034>>391501
3035>>391501
3036
3037-------------------------
3038
3039Trying to pry into this business doesn't sound like a wise choice for you. Whatever Sharron has running sounds rather sketchy, even if it doesn't really fit her...digging around will just cause you more trouble then it's worth. If you get some alone time with Lawrence later, then maybe you can just try to casually bring it up.
3040
3041
3042"Think that's your friend?" Ashley asks, starting to walk over to where the exit door is. 
3043
3044"Probably, he said he wouldn't take too long to get here..." How much time has passed? You have no idea where this hospital or clinic or whatever is, or how long it would take him to make his visit. If it is Sam, then it would be polite of you to greet him when he comes in at the very least. And on the off chance that it's not him...at least you'll know in that case too. "Can I come with you to see?"
3045
3046
3047"Yeah, of course." You follow Ashley, just a step or two behind. It always seems like you do that with people. Why? So you can run away faster? That's selfish of you, isn't it? Isn't that the same thing as throwing another person to the wolves chasing you? Then again...they wouldn't be after the person you're with. They're after you, not anyone else like Ashley. Giving you a head start is a smart idea in that case, right? Especially if it's someone who has a family who will miss her...
3048
3049"Hey, do me a favor," Ashley asks, and you nod. "Don't go spreading around what happened, alright? Not to any of the other students walking around here or anything. I don't want to lose this job."
3050
3051
3052"I understand." And you would rather not get kicked out of one of the few safe spaces you have. Then again, if Sharron ends up having something sketchy going on here...that could mean more trouble then you're prepared to take on.
3053
3054
3055You make sure to stand a few feet back when Ashley answers the door, nearly holding your breath as she does. Being this on edge is annoying, but it might also be the thing that saves you life in the end.
3056
3057"Good afternoon."
3058
3059
3060That's not Sam's voice. Ashley is taken aback too, an older officer standing at the door. You don't run off, but instead try to look around him, seeing if Sam is anywhere near by. No Sam, no other officers...
3061
3062
3063"Erm, hello!" Ashley greets, a bounce in her voice. Of course she doesn't have a reason to distrust cops. You can't help but turn away, and are reminded of the blonde wig you sport. "Can I help you officer?"
3064
3065
3066"Sorry if this is an inconvenience. Took me forever to find this door, guess no one can hear knocking from the front one?"
3067
3068
3069"Not if we're walking around unfortunately." Ashley is, of course, handling the conversation while you just opt to listening in. It's true that you guys had been walking around earlier, but you also were standing in the lobby for a good amount of time too. How lost was the officer? You're fairly certain you guys would have been able to hear him if he had been knocking then.
3070
3071[1/2]
3072
3073-------------------------
3074
3075>416747
3076"It's not a problem, I just have a question or two for you, if you don't mind." He speaks politely, but you still stand on edge.
3077
3078"Um...sure? Should I go get Ms. Faraway?"
3079
3080"You'll be fine, they aren't anything too serious." 
3081
3082
3083As you listen, you try to think about what he could be asking. Maybe someone is just parked in the wrong spot, or maybe they left their lights on...normal stuff. He'll ask his question and then be on his way, and nothing will be wrong.
3084
3085
3086"Alright, sure. Ask away." Ashley seems confident now.
3087
3088
3089"We noticed there's a motorcycle parked out back..." Your blood runs cold. "Do you know who it belongs to?"
3090
3091
3092"Motorcycle?" Ashley crinkles her nose, trying to think it over. "Um...I don't know who would drive it. Sorry..."
3093
3094
3095"That's fine, just one more question." Okay...okay, maybe one of the guys from the other room drives one too. Not that you saw another when you guys came up, or saw anyone else come in....maybe it's just parked wrong, and he'll ask you guys to move it.
3096
3097
3098"Do you know if a man named Lawrence Talbot is on the premise?" The officer asks, and you feel like throwing up.
3099
3100
3101"Lawrence...?" Ashley at first doesn't recognize the name, but when she looks over at you, her eyes widen in realization. 
3102
3103
3104You could try to shake your head, let Ashley know to not say anything. Or maybe it's better if you take the situation over, explain that Lawrence left a little earlier and won't be back for a few hours...or days....
3105
3106What if it's something simple though? Maybe you should just tell the officer that he's here, or try to ask him if Lawrence is in trouble...
3107
3108What do you do?
3109
3110-------------------------
3111
3112You do your best to remain subtle, shaking your head and mouthing the word 'no' to Ashley.
3113
3114
3115"N-...Not that I k-know of," Ashley stutters, returning a nervous smile to the man. "It d-doesn't sound familiar to me." She must not be used to lying to someone in uniform. A kind of off looking uniform...
3116
3117
3118"I see, thank you for the cooperation."
3119
3120"Wait," You were wanting to stay silent, but it may be good to see what information you can dig up. "Is that man like...dangerous or something? Do we need to be worried? What does he look like?"
3121
3122
3123You're trying to think of what Lawrence could have done to have the cops after him. There's actually a lot, isn't there? Is it all catching up to him now? You're praying not, that it's just some kind of misunderstanding.
3124
3125
3126"I didn't mean to scare you girls," The man tries his best to calm you down. You notice that he hasn't mentioned his name yet either. Don't cops usually do that? "But the man we're looking for is rather tall, taller then me. White guy, short dark hair, ah...has an injury right here." He runs a finger across his cheek in reminiscence of Lawrence's cut. This confirms it to Ashley too, and you can notice a slight shake in her hands. You look back, making sure that Lawrence or anyone else isn't going to walk in on this. If he does...what the hell are you supposed to do?
3127
3128
3129"Um...okay. I haven't seen anyone like that around," You say, covering Ashley. "What did he do though? Why do you think he would be here?" You were going to look the man in the face, but decide that keeping your chin down would be the best option. Need to pick up information, but not too eager about it either.
3130
3131
3132"Well I shouldn't probably be telling you all this, but it's very important that we find this man. We have reports of the motorcycle that he's been driving was stolen from the owner." That's a lie, it has to be. Why would Faraway file a report like that, when he gave Lawrence the keys?
3133
3134
3135"Reports of him running away from officers." Has he done that? You can't recall that happening while you've been with him...then again, there are times when you aren't with him.
3136
3137
3138"Complaints about violent and irrational behavior." That part is...you hate to admit it, but there's a good chance that he could have actually had a police report filed for that. But by who? You doubt the people you've seen him tousle with before would turn to the police, they seem like the type of folks who would avoid the law as much as possible.
3139
3140
3141"And, this part is really important," You and Ashley are listening to each of his words carefully. It looks like she's almost frozen with fear and worry, not that you could blame her. "This man has been seen multiple times with a young girl, about the age of you two. She's been reported missing, and we are worried that he may be coercing her to come along with him and possibly be in an illicit relationship."
3142
3143[1/3]
3144
3145-------------------------
3146
3147>>417172
3148It feels like your heart bursts when the sound of a door opening echoes through the hall, but looking back you can see it's just the boy intern from earlier. Seeing that you two are talking to a police officer, he backs up so the conversation can continue. Ashley looks over at you, trying to process all this information she's heard. Now Lawrence sounds like some sort of monster, even if some of that information is true...
3149
3150"And w-why do you think he's here?" You repeat, hoping to move on before you hear any more of his horrendous deeds.
3151
3152
3153"The motorcycle out back matches the little description we have for the one on file. Course he may just be using it as a way to cover up where he really is. Are you sure he wouldn't be able to sneak inside though?"
3154
3155
3156"No...no all the doors are locked tight. Only someone from the inside could let him in," Of course you have no idea if that's true, but as long as you can keep him out then the better your odds are. If it turns out this guy is a real cop then you can't let him take in Lawrence. "And I...I was the last one let in."
3157
3158
3159"What about the other cars outside? Do you suppose someone driving one of those could have let him in without your knowledge?"
3160
3161
3162"Nope. Ms. Faraway is in a meeting with all of them. W-...We're the only ones walking around." Ashley's voice is cracking on her words, but she finally steps up to help you.
3163
3164
3165"I see. Sorry to bother you girls, but could you do me a favor?" He asks, and Ashley nods slowly. "If you happen to see him, or get any information on his or possibly the girl's whereabouts then please don't hesitate to give me a call."
3166
3167The man writes down a number and passes it over to Ashley, who barely looks at it.
3168
3169
3170"W-...Will he have the g-girl with him?" Ashley asks, and you have to resist yourself from stopping her. 
3171
3172"Possibly. We've got brief descriptions of the other people she may be with-"
3173
3174[2/3]
3175
3176-------------------------
3177
3178>>417179
3179"Alright! We'll keep an eye out!" You butt in before Ashley can try to say anything else. "We have to get back to our duties now, if that's alright."
3180
3181
3182"Of course, sorry for bothering you. Just keep an eye out for me."
3183
3184You let out a sigh of relief when the door is finally closed before rushing to the front doors. Looking out their windows, you scan the streets in front for a police car. There's not one in sight, but that doesn't eliminate the possibility of him being parked in the back or the alley.
3185
3186
3187Ashley walks back towards you, the paper in her hand. 
3188
3189"Can I see that?" You ask, taking the scrap. It's a phone number, but it's definitely not 911. "Is this one of the area codes from around here?"
3190
3191
3192"Huh? Oh, y-yeah, I think so..." Ashley mutters as you pocket the paper for now. Looking at her, you can see that she looks confused and scared.
3193
3194
3195Should you tell her the truth, that Lawrence isn't your brother but someone trying to help you? How you doubt that man was a police officer?
3196
3197Or maybe you should try to keep it vague, just let her know that you aren't being held against your will but that she has to keep this a secret. It would be probably be good to try and tell her that Lawrence isn't dangerous, even though that might be hard to accomplish now...
3198
3199The idea of a threat or guilt tripping comes to mind too. Nothing too overt just...just let her know that she has to keep this a secret. Tell her that if she doesn't, then she will be responsible for the bad things that happen to you...seems kind of terrible though...
3200
3201-------------------------
3202
3203"Um, listen. I know this all looks and sounds um...pretty awful," You need to do some damage control now. "But it's...it's not exactly like that officer said-"
3204
3205
3206"That man isn't your brother, is he?"
3207
3208"No, he's not. I'm sorry that I lied about that but it's just...just easier to say he is, instead of trying to explain that I need to stay with him," You can see that Ashley almost looks...sad? All mixed together with her previous confusion, you doubt this will do much to settle her. "I don't think that man was a cop though. He didn't show off his badge or give a name, aren't they usually supposed to do that? I think he was just pretending to be one, because he wants to find my friend."
3209
3210"And why would he want to do that...?"
3211
3212
3213"That man was really trying to look for me, I think. But um...he must not have recognized me," You run a finger through the wig, knowing that it did its job. "But it's really important that he doesn't know that me or Lawrence are here."
3214
3215"Your friend sounds pretty uh,..."
3216
3217
3218"Scary?" The description she received about him doesn't help any, that's for sure. If you were told that about someone you didn't know, then you'd be scared of them too. "I know it sounds bad but the bike isn't stolen. We were given the keys by the owner, Ms. Faraway's brother actually. You can ask her about it if you need to. And...and Lawrence does get kind of upset and um...I guess angry sometimes, but that's only when him or I get threatened, you know? Just a defensive sort of thing, he wouldn't hurt you, I promise."
3219
3220
3221"So you lied to me." The way Ashley said it makes her sound hurt, and you start to feel bad. Why should you, it's not like you know her. It's for your own safety anyways. Still, that tingle of guilt remains. 
3222
3223
3224"I had to. If...if that guy, or the ones he works with end up getting me then they'll take me away to a man who wants to hurt me."
3225
3226"Why not just call the police?"
3227
3228
3229"It's...it's complicated." You admit in bitter defeat. Go to the wrong person and you might as well walk right into Bower's arms. Even if they did believe you and put him behind bars, then what about you? Not like they would let you live on the streets with Lawrence or the others, and foster home is still not appealing in the slightest.
3230
3231[1/2]
3232
3233-------------------------
3234
3235>>418017
3236"..." Ashley remains quiet, and you try to think about how you could make this better. You can't really, can you?
3237
3238
3239"I'm sorry about lying to you," Even though you shouldn't. "But now we can keep each others promises, right? I won't say anything about the whole um...speakeasy thing or whatever, and you won't mention me and Lawrence, right?"
3240
3241
3242You offer a hand out, hoping to seal the deal. Ashley looks at it like you are offering her something odd, but with a limp wrist returns the shake.
3243
3244
3245"Okay...I can do that." She says, and you try to smile at her. Ashley returns it, but it's forced. That's okay, you can deal with her not trusting you as much as long as she keeps her half of the agreement.
3246
3247"I um...I need to go to my bro-....Lawrence now." 
3248
3249"Yeah. I'll um, keep an eye out for your other friend."
3250
3251"His name is Sam. He's an old guy with a crutch and he's missing a leg."
3252
3253
3254"Got it." Ashley sounds much less enthusiastic then before, and that's partially your fault. It's fine, she'll go home tonight, maybe stew over it, and never have to think about it again while you have to wonder where you'll have to sleep.
3255
3256You excuse yourself from her, your fingers messing with the number in your pocket. If you were to call it...who would answer? Do you even want to know?
3257
3258
3259When you enter the dressing room again, Lawrence is sitting in a chair, arms crossed and head nodded down. Being in here alone and with everything going on the way it is, of course he would fall asleep.
3260
3261
3262You need to tell him about the man, it would be stupid not to. Should you tell him everything the man said though? There's a lot in there that would probably upset Lawrence...maybe you can just tell him the gist of it. 
3263
3264And of course the number you received too, should you talk about the possibility of calling it? Lawrence could even dial the number, it's not like you guys would have to talk to whoever was on the other end. But if you did it somewhere safe like a pay-phone, you could maybe try to dig for information? The idea of talking to Bower's men though...gross.
3265
3266Dammit...is there anything else you want to tell him before Sam gets here too? You wouldn't really want to mention the illicit relationship part around him, that's for sure. That is, if you even mention it to Lawrence too.
3267
3268-omitted one small post.
3269
3270-------------------------
3271
3272You'll just be brief with it, no need to get Lawrence worked up even more about this. 
3273
3274It doesn't take much to nudge him awake, and though it's obvious that Lawrence would very much like to go back to sleep, he sits up and gives you all his attention instead.
3275
3276
3277"Don't freak out," You warn, watching him carefully. The warning is already futile, as shown by the worry already etched to his face. "But there was a guy who talked to me and that Ashley girl, he was trying to tell us that he was a cop. I don't think he was one, he didn't show a badge or anything, but he tried to say that you stole Bowie, er...Mr. Faraway's motorcycle, and that you were a dangerous person."
3278
3279
3280"Did he....see you?" Lawrence looks ready to grab you and run out, much past high alert now. You're glad that you didn't go further into detail about what he said, especially about the violence and the...the illicit relationship part. He had to have just been saying that to make Lawrence look terrible, right? Of course, now Ashley probably thinks that the two of you are having sex. She's probably looking at him like some sort of monster...if that's the case, then that man's scare tactic did its job.
3281
3282
3283"I stayed behind Ashley, and I don't think he recognized me with this wig on. I didn't recognize him either...Oh! And um, so he said that if we saw you, then we were supposed to give him a call?" You pull out the paper and show it to Lawrence, letting him take it to read. "But he would have just told us to call 911 or something if he was a real cop, right?"
3284
3285
3286Lawrence is looking over the numbers and pulls out his notebook, flipping past the many previous notes with a shaky hand. You can just see a string of numbers written on his pages, matching up the ones you were given.
3287
3288
3289"Wait, where did you get that?" You ask, Lawrence going pale. If that man really was one of the men chasing you, then how did he end up with the number too? He had to have done it when you weren't with him, that's the only way you wouldn't have been able to notice. Just what does he do when you're not around?
3290
3291
3292"They're in here." You can hear the voice of the boy who had brought you guys in earlier, and the door swings open to show him leading in Sam.
3293
3294"Thank you thank you. Sorry bout banging on the front door so long." Sam says, nodding at the two of you. The boy closes the door, giving the three of you some privacy.
3295
3296
3297"Nearly didn't recognize you with that thing on," Sam notes, more then eager to take a seat. "Which is pretty weird, considering you were blonde when you first showed up."
3298
3299[1/3]
3300
3301-------------------------
3302
3303>>421433
3304"Oh? Y-Yeah, I guess it works alright then." You look around, trying to find some others that you could try wearing too. Maybe you could just borrow one for a bit...
3305
3306
3307"Sorry boy," Sam says, and you can see that Lawrence already wrote him a note. "Took forever to go in and see that man, not to mention I still only got the one leg to walk around with."
3308
3309
3310"How is John?"
3311
3312"Had him hopped up on a whole mess of things, course I think he might have done some of that to himself earlier." Sam says this with a grim look on his face. You can't help but think back to Michele in the bathtub, blood down her nose and specks of powder...it makes you feel sick. Was John trying to do the same thing? 
3313
3314
3315"But he was awake when I came in, kind of anyways. Managed to get a few words in anyways, tell him where we would be going and all that jazz. He'll be released in a couple days, so long as all his work checks out." Sam concludes, and you're relieved to hear that John is fine. Mostly fine, anyways.
3316
3317
3318"So you have a new place?"
3319
3320"For the time being. Gonna work on moving everyone over today, but we have to take it slow, I can only take them in a few at a time."
3321
3322"Wait, why? Is this place dangerous?" As you ask this, you can't help but notice how on edge Lawrence is right now.
3323
3324
3325"No, it's actually a pretty nice place. Problem is, we have to sneak in," Sam explains. "Talked with a buddy of mine, briefly explained our little problem. He's got family or something that are renters, own a bunch of property all over town. Turns out they got quite a few that are in crappy condition, at least enough to make 'em hard or even illegal to rent till they get fixed up. Guy did some poking around, and they aren't even going to consider the renovations till the spring time. Long story short, we're going to take up temporary residency in one or two of those places till it warms up."
3326
3327
3328"So we're going to be breaking in?"
3329
3330"If you wanna call it that. Probably not the most illegal thing we've done, but it's fine. I think the place we got today has running water, no electricity though. And we've got to be extra careful about what we use, but at least it'll have four walls and a roof. And no damn rats."
3331
3332
3333"Okay, what's the plan then?" You hope you're asking all the questions Lawrence would have. It just seems easier for you to do the talking then to wait for him to write out every little thing.
3334
3335
3336"Gonna get the kids over first, take them two or three at a time. John was supposed to help with that, but I can probably get Mabel to help, Sarah if she's back from all the funeral stuff." Sam sounds confident about this, and you can't help but feel somewhat better too.
3337
3338"Okay, what can I do to help?"
3339
3340[2/3]
3341
3342-------------------------
3343
3344>>421438
3345"...that's the thing," Sam leans in, holding out a key in his hand. "It'd be best to sneak you in afterward, maybe way late in the evening or early in the morning. That way, we can see if you're being tailed right now, and if you are we can come up with a plan to shake them off you. But I can't just let you be running around the place, so I called in an old favor and managed to get you two nights at one of the more decent hotels around here. Nothing top notch, but it'll be safe."
3346
3347You take the key, looking over it. The name on the tag sounds a little familiar, and if you recall correctly then it's somewhere near the Plaza, maybe a fifteen minute drive from there.
3348
3349
3350"I guess the best help I can give is just staying out of the way..." You mutter, realizing that makes you sound petty. "Sorry, I just wish I could help more though..."
3351
3352"You're fine, at the very least the kids can crash there with you if something ends up going wrong, and you'll at least get a nice bed and a breakfast. Enjoy it while you can."
3353
3354
3355"Do I have to be there alone?"
3356
3357"Maybe for a bit, I'll see who we can have to stay with you, or at least bring you over. I know the number to that place too, so I can at least call you if something happens. If there's an emergency then you can at least go back to your friend, the one who owns this place right?"
3358
3359
3360"Um, yeah. I guess I can." You pocket the key, but the thought of being abandoned comes up. What if they leave you there and never come back?
3361
3362"Yeah, let me write down the address for you," Sam says, writing on the note Lawrence gave him. "Now we need to head out. I'd rather get the kids out of there while it's still daylight, and it's going to take some time going back and forth. You can go ahead and go to that hotel."
3363You probably shouldn't protest the hotel key. Sam worked hard to get it for you, and if you are in a nice enough and public place then you shouldn't have to worry about getting snatched up. Not like they would know where you would be, right?
3364
3365Or maybe you can just pretend to accept the offer, and try moving around instead. That sounds pretty risky though...maybe the hotel would just be the best bet. You'll keep an eye out for anyone following you, keep everything locked up tight...
3366
3367Should you go with Sam or Lawrence though? Lawrence can probably take you there faster, and he's got strength to back him up...not that Sam couldn't knock a few heads together, plus he has that gun. But with Sam, you'll be taking time away from him helping the others...that would be selfish, wouldn't it? But the danger with Lawrence...at least it would get you there faster...
3368
3369Who do you want to go with?
3370
3371-------------------------
3372
3373"Is it alright if I go with you?" Looking at Sam as you ask this, you do your best to ignore Lawrence. You wonder if it hurts him just as bad as it does for you, having to go everywhere with out him. If it's only you being needy, then you'd rather him not know.
3374
3375
3376"I suppose it may be best if I take you there, we'll need to head out right about now then," Sam rises to his feet. "You gonna keep wearing that?"
3377
3378
3379"This?" You point to the wig and look around the room again. "Maybe not this one, but um...I think I'm going to b-...borrow one."
3380
3381
3382"Alright, don't take too long. Lawrence, you head back over to the hotels for me, alright? I'm counting on you keeping an eye out till I return. I'm going to the restroom, find your hair and then let's go." Sam slips out to the hall, and you remove the blonde from your head. Lawrence stands up and waits by the door, keeping an eye out as you search for a new wig to find.
3383
3384
3385Blonde wouldn't be smart to walk out in, they know you with that color. A long black one might be fine, but brunette would be the best option to go with. You spot your prize and with help from the mirror, fix the wig in place. Long brown locks, teased and wavy, travel down your back. This is a heavy length you haven't felt since you were young, but the warm color and style of this makes you look older. That might come in handy, right?
3386
3387
3388Tearing yourself away from the mirror, you glance over at Lawrence, fingers running through the fake hair. How long are you going to go without seeing him this time? Anything that forces you to not see him already makes this too long. Just need to get over it, you're doing this so you can eventually have a better life.
3389
3390Right?
3391
3392
3393You walk in front of Lawrence, looking everywhere else in the room as you continue to mess with a curl.
3394
3395[1/2]
3396
3397-------------------------
3398
3399>>422294
3400"Um," You take a deep breath and look back towards Lawrence. "You're supposed to give your lover a proper goodbye, you know." You say this with an unfamiliar haughty tone, trying to complete your mature look. Lawrence raises an eyebrow when you say lover, probably realizing that you are just repeating romance shlock from movies.
3401
3402
3403It works enough to have him lean down to your level, giving you permission for a goodbye kiss. You move in, ready to accept it, but in a childish decision you opt out for hugging him, earning his squeeze back.
3404
3405
3406"Be safe," You warn, trying to keep your voice steady. "Don't go off r-running around and do something stupid, okay? If you do, then I'll be mad at you, and you'll have to make it up to me."
3407
3408"I'll be...fine." It feels like there was a strange pause in his words, different then his usually wait. You don't bring it up and hug him closer.
3409
3410You're going to be there for two days, and you'll be alone for some time. That feels like forever to wait without Lawrence at all...you're going to be so lonely there too. 
3411
3412Do you want Lawrence to come and visit you for a little bit while you're there, or do you want to play it safe and have him stay away?
3413
3414-omitted one small post.
3415
3416-------------------------
3417
3418"It'd probably be best if you didn't come around," You say with a heavy heart. "I want you to, but if they're chasing after you too then it's probably for the best, isn't it?"
3419
3420
3421"Probably."
3422
3423You continue hugging him, thinking about how two days feels so long already.
3424
3425
3426"If you need to though, or I g-guess if you want to and you're sure no one is following, th-then maybe you could stop by for a visit at some point? Just once so I know that you're not doing anything bad." You feel Lawrence nod, feel slightly better. Not by much, but maybe it'll at least be something for you to look forward to.
3427
3428
3429"Will see...what I...can do." Lawrence promises, and he gives you a kiss on the cheek.
3430
3431"You'll have to make up for being gone so much to me later, okay?"
3432
3433"I will."
3434
3435
3436"I love you," You say, and quickly add in, "you don't have to say it back yet..." You don't want to have to follow the promise you two made about this, even though you want to hear it back more then anything right now. You think back to earlier, about the marriage thing.
3437
3438
3439"So um, w-...when are you going to ask me to be a p-...proper wi-...wif-..." The words become stuck in your throat, and you decide to lay it to rest for now. If he comes by to visit then you'll ask him for sure. It'll give you better time to prepare yourself too. 
3440
3441
3442"I guess I better go now," You say, pulling away all too soon. "I don't want to make Sam wait on me longer then he should. Will you try to make sure Buttercup is okay? And everyone else too, and will you make sure my stuff is okay?"
3443
3444
3445Lawrence nods, and you feel a little better. It's not like you have much, but knowing that you'll have it again makes you feel slightly better. Course, till that happens you're at the mercy of yourself as you wait alone in that room. It does make you nervous, knowing you'll be there. Better then staying at someone's house and risking bringing them over there, Sharron has a child to look out for after all. If anything you should be grateful for a chance to sleep in a bed again, to have heat and running water while everyone else doesn't.
3446
3447"And um, I look okay in this one too?" You ask, pulling back to brush the fake hair out of your face.
3448
3449
3450"Course you...look fine."
3451
3452You smile at him, but know that it's better for you to go wait for Sam before you feel even worse about leaving.
3453
3454
3455"I should go find Sam now." You start to leave, but Lawrence stands up and gives your hand a quick squeeze. You want to keep holding it, but free yourself before going out.
3456
3457[1/2]
3458
3459-------------------------
3460
3461>>422699
3462You two find Sam easily enough in the lobby, and you give another goodbye to Lawrence, a brief one that feels cheap. Lawrence promises to let Sharron know that you left here safely, giving you two some time to head out first before he goes back to the apartments. Sam goes out first, assuring that it's clear enough for you to go out and follow him. Not that you really need to worry in this area, there's enough people walking by that someone trying to snatch you up would have to be a combination of brave and stupidity.
3463
3464"Pretty smart of you to grab one of those," Sam comments to you. "Somebody would have to come right up to see who it really was."
3465
3466
3467"That's good. It's not really my style though," You want to bring some normalcy to the situation. "I feel like this is for an adult."
3468
3469"It's fine. So long as it works, right?"
3470
3471"Yeah, you're right."
3472
3473You keep a constant eye out as you walk alongside Sam, just as you usually do. There's a manilla envelope stuffed into his pocket, one that you're sure he didn't have yesterday.
3474
3475
3476"I'll make sure you're settled in fine, but then I have to run over and start moving people. Might have to take two days now," Sam says, looking back at you. "You've got cash on you?"
3477
3478"Yeah, and Eric's credit card too."
3479
3480
3481"Good, then if something happens you won't be left with empty pockets. Remind me to give you something when we get there. It's important that I don't forget to, okay?"
3482
3483You nod, and remember that Sam has the gun from earlier on him.
3484
3485You're not sure if you trust yourself with it, but a gun on hand might be handy.
3486
3487But what if Sam needs it too? Might be better if it stays with him...
3488
3489If you don't ask about the gun, is there anything you need to talk to him about before he leaves you?
3490
3491-------------------------
3492
3493"I know you told me to not do the whole uh...blood thing," This thought has been worrying you for a while now, and it would be best to bring it up before it became an issue. "But I'm a little scared. What am I supposed to do whenever I start getting the um...the cravings and all?"
3494
3495
3496"If it's really how you say it is, then I'm afraid you might be in for a bit of a tough time," Sam says, and while you're glad he's not sugar coating it, this also makes you worry more. "You'll end up feeling sick, headaches, your muscles may feel sore. May feel exhausted constantly yet won't be able to sit still and of course mood swings. There's not really an easy way to get over it, else there wouldn't be so many people in rehab centers. Hopefully you won't be alone when it happens, but the best thing you can do is to make sure you stay hydrated, eat, and probably try to sleep it off. I can try getting you some pain reliever if your aches are too bad, but unfortunately this whole thing is-"
3497
3498"It's going to suck..."
3499
3500"If you really do go through withdrawal symptoms, then I'm afraid so."
3501
3502
3503You grimace at his answer, and think back to the times before. The last time you got any was from John at the field two days ago, and you only got a bit. How long is that going to last you?
3504
3505
3506"The less you think about it, the better," Sam says, noticing your worry. "Stewing over it will just make it harder on yourself. Try to keep yourself busy with something, keep your mind off of it."
3507
3508You nod at this, but already know that this is one of those easier said than done times.
3509
3510
3511"When we get to the room, I recommend you stay inside as much as possible. If you need to go down for breakfast or to get something from the lobby then you should be fine, but the less you 'expose' yourself the better. There should be a phone in the room too, I've already got the extension for your room so if anything happens I can contact you. The front desk can also relay a message to you if needed. Now, and listen to me carefully on this part," Sam waits till you confirm that he has your undivided attention. "If you pick up the phone, don't say anything. Wait till I or someone else answers first, understand?"
3512
3513"Yes sir."
3514
3515
3516"If somehow you end up in a situation where you feel like you're no longer safe, but can't tell me what's going on, then just ask me to bring the newspaper. Repeat it if you have to. It'll be our code phrase, that way, even if they're in the room with you, then I'll know to come down and help."
3517
3518
3519"Erm...okay. I can remember that, I think," It feels like there's extra pressure on you now. Hands in your pocket, you feel Eric's credit card among the other items you carry. "When you go back, can you tell Eric that I'm sorry that I still have his card? And could you please make sure he knows that I haven't used it or anything yet?"
3520
3521"I'll make sure he knows. Him and Sarah have been busy lately."
3522
3523[1/2]
3524
3525-------------------------
3526
3527>>423680
3528You remember what Marilyn had said earlier, how the two of them were looking into a place to live. You resent the bitterness you feel, knowing that soon they will just be able to pick up and move away from this mess.
3529
3530
3531"So I've heard." You mutter, and remain mostly silent on the way over. It's not too far, but walking still gives you time to think and worry. Not that you won't have plenty of free time for that later.
3532
3533...
3534
3535
3536The hotel is only a few stories high, you count five levels of windows before Sam and you duck inside. Already having a key, you go straight up to the room on the third floor. While the place is nothing to write home about, it's quality is miles better then any motel you've been in for sure, and infinitely better then some rundown apartments.
3537
3538
3539A lone bed awaits you, along with a television, phone, and a window with a view of the back of the building. 
3540
3541
3542"Everything looks safe and secure," Sam comments, and once again you feel guilty about staying in a room like this while everyone else has to move. "Before I head out, can I ask you a favor?"
3543
3544
3545"Of course. Even if I can't really do much..."
3546
3547"Hold on to this for me," Sam brings out the envelope, passing it over to you. "It's important that I keep this safe, alright?"
3548
3549
3550The envelope is filled with as much as it can carry it feels like, and you notice something small and hard near the bottom.
3551
3552"Are you sure it's okay to leave with me then?"
3553
3554"Better here than to have me try to keep up with it between places. I'd rather not leave it alone till it's somewhere safe either, and this room is safe. Just bring it back to me when I see you again, okay?"
3555
3556
3557"Okay...okay, I can do that. Easy enough."
3558
3559"Thank you. Now I have a lot of work to do, and not enough time to do it in. Remember what I told you, and we should see you again soon enough." 
3560
3561
3562You're left alone in the room all too soon, locking the deadbolt and chain on the door in front of you. With little else to do, you flop onto the bed with envelope at hand. Looking at it, you can see that only the metal bracket in the back has been fastened, and that no glue is holding the paper closed.
3563
3564
3565If you wanted to take a peek, you could open this easily and no one else would be the wiser. Do you want to try and take a look?
3566
3567-omitted one small post.
3568
3569-------------------------
3570
3571You place the envelope to the side, feeling guilty for even having the thought of peeking. Sam finally gives you some responsibility, and you considered betraying his trust.
3572
3573
3574He said you need to keep your attention on something else, and decide to flip on the television. You hate to admit how much you enjoy getting to lay on a real bed again, feeling and rolling around the cosiness as you watch the news. Or at least try to.
3575
3576
3577You're only really watching it to make sure there's no mention of you or Lawrence. All they seem to be talking about are something about relations with China or whatever. Nothing you really understand or care about. Still, you watch all the boring reports in fear that you'll end up catching wind about something pertaining your situation.
3578
3579
3580It doesn't seem like that's the case, and you realize that you sat through all of that for nothing. Well, maybe nothing. It helped you pass some time. Now you just have two more nights alone.
3581
3582
3583You worry about how the move will be for everyone. If Lawrence is helping, at least he will stay out of trouble, right? He better be behaving right now, you can't deal with him getting in any 
3584more trouble right now.
3585
3586
3587Though it seems to be mostly, if not all, your fault there is so much trouble. Or at least, you're the reason why John is in the hospital. You had nothing to do with Claire, and it seems like a lot of what happens to Lawrence is because of himself. 
3588
3589
3590Maybe the two of you were just meant to cause trouble constantly.
3591
3592As long as he's okay, then maybe that's fine. 
3593
3594
3595You close your eyes, and without realizing it fall asleep for a brief moment. Only two hours have passed when you open your eyes, some cheap after school program on the screen. It's way too childish for you, but it's too much of a bother to change it. If anything it's nice background noise. 
3596
3597Getting up, you take a look into the bathroom.
3598
3599[1/2]
3600
3601-------------------------
3602
3603>>426130
3604As soon as you see the bathtub and soap placed out, you can't help but feel excited. You might not have clean clothes to change into, but you can finally take the bath you've been craving. Of course, it's at the cost of everything that's been happening but...it's best to just focus on that. You'll wait till to do it, you want to enjoy it after all.
3605
3606
3607You look out the window, where parking for the hotel wraps around. Not an interesting sight to say the lease. Still, it's something to do as you watch a handful of people come and go from their cars. When you see a young girl step out with her grandmother, you close the blinds.
3608
3609
3610A phone book is laying available on the table, and you look through it for your grandmother's number. It may not do anything, but you still have some hope that she'll pick up. Watching the cartoon on television, you hold the receiver to your ear and listen to the ringing. Of course no one picks up, and you put down the phone.
3611
3612
3613You watch the screen, but don't pay it any real attention. It's useless, but you find yourself punching in the number once again.
3614
3615As the show's credits begin to roll and another set of rings pass, you feel the last shred of hope pass away.
3616
3617
3618What were you expecting?
3619
3620Briii-
3621
3622
3623You nearly drop the phone when the ring stops midway, the sign that someone has picked up the other end. You say nothing and listen, but you can't hear anyone else speaking.
3624
3625What should you do?
3626
3627-------------------------
3628
3629It feels like you could pass out right now. No one was supposed to answer, even though you wanted it. Well, no. Your grandmother was supposed to answer. That's what you were hoping for. The eerie silence that answers is a thousand times worse than no answer at all. In instinct, you cover your mouth in hopes of masking your breathing. Still trying to listen in, you attempt to hear any sign of who the person on the other end might be. That might be breathing coming through, but you can't even tell if it's a man or woman.
3630
3631
3632As you sit there and hold the phone, you wonder if you should wait or let the other person hang up. You aren't going to speak, but you also feel scared about hanging up. It doesn't seem to be an issue, as there's a slight shuffling and a click of the other person hanging up.
3633
3634
3635Starring at the phone, you try to comprehend what that was. Maybe against better judgment, you dial the number again. You won't say anything, but maybe their connection was off? If it was grandma, then maybe she dropped the phone? If you can at least hear if it's a woman on the other end at least, maybe the phone was broken and you just can't hear whoever it is properly. If anything, a second call should clear that up...maybe.
3636
3637
3638You put the phone to your ear again, but this time you are greeted with a busy tone. Whoever was on the other end must have made a call right after hanging up. You're half expecting your phone to ring, but nothing comes about. Setting it back down, you wait. You wait and wait and wait, another show already half way through before you try dialing again. This time the phone rings, but there's no answer. You dial it two more times, but receive only the repeating tones.
3639
3640
3641Someone was in your grandmother's house, and they answered the phone. There's no way they could know who you are or where you are, but the idea terrifies you. Being alone doesn't help, but at least the sun is still up. The occasional noise in the hallway or in the room above comforts you some. You may feel like it, but you're not alone here.
3642
3643
3644Just remind yourself that. If something happens, scream bloody murder at the top of your lungs. There are families staying here with kids, there has to be someone here who would come to your aid, right? Not like you should need it...hardly anyone knows you're here. You might try giving Faraway a call later, but you aren't sure what you would say to him either. It feels like you want to let him know that you're fine, but is that weird? It's not like he's family or anything.
3645
3646
3647You resign to the bed for now, watching the show on TV instead. You know that after these, the news will be on again in a few hours. If anything, you can try to enjoy cartoons you used to like as a kid.
3648
3649...
3650
3651[1/2]
3652
3653-------------------------
3654
3655>>426471
3656...the cartoons you used to like as a kid sucked. A lot. Sure you were like seven, but you wonder how you were able to get past twenty minutes of that stuff. Better than starring at the wall, but not by much.
3657
3658
3659You're almost thankful when the news rolls about, but you realize that it is just as boring. As they start to talk about the police stopping a shipment of some sort of pills entering the country or whatever you tune out. They have a funny name, and you repeat it to yourself.
3660
3661
3662"Quaa-...Quaadudes. Qu-aa...-luuuudes...." You look up at the ceiling, rolling the words around as you pay no attention to the talk of community projects going on next. "What's so special about a bunch of pills anyways..."
3663
3664
3665Well, you kind of know that answer. Before, pills made you think of stuff like aspirin, but now? Now you know that there is stuff like Oxycontin, and the type of people who use it. But not all the people you know that have used drugs are bad, right? Now like how the programs at school warned you...most of them are good people with bad things happening to them. Course some of the bad things that happen might be because of the drugs but...
3666
3667
3668You pull out the contents of your pockets and lay them on the bed. The film canister stands out among them, and you pick it up. Carefully you pop off the top, looking at the white contents inside. You take a sniff at the smell, but quickly pop the lid back on. 
3669
3670
3671Michele said that this would ease the pain you were in. If your cravings and headaches get too bad then maybe...maybe you could try just a little.
3672
3673Not a decision for now though.
3674
3675You're hungry, but there's no food in here. You recall passing by a vending machine down the hall, and decide that a quick dash over there is better then starving. 
3676
3677
3678A woman passes by, but you manage to grab some snacks and rush back without any further incident. Now if everything could be like that...
3679
3680
3681It's all junk food, but better than nothing. You munch away at the cheap chips, flipping through the channels. Nothing much is on, and you think about just how boring it will be in here. Any company would be good right now, but there's nothing. 
3682
3683A commercial interrupts the game show you were watching, and you think back to the phone call.
3684
3685
3686Then you begin to wonder, should you try to check on your grandmother's house again? Would it be futile or stupid to try? Not now, and certainly not alone, but if you get the chance to soon...if she's still missing, then someone is bound to notice and report her missing and then you'll never have a chance of getting to that house again.
3687
3688Or what about your mother? Maybe you should try to plan on visiting her first, especially since you know where she is. Not that she would be any help right now...
3689
3690Or maybe you shouldn't plan on doing either? Don't try going over to your grandmother's place again and don't try visiting your mother...
3691
3692What should you try to do when you get the chance? Visit either place or neither?
3693
3694-omitted one small post.
3695
3696-------------------------
3697
3698Paying a visit to both would probably be smart, just to check up on them. If you grandmother really is home, then maybe her phone just isn't working properly. If she isn't...well, maybe at least you could try and see if someone broke into her house instead. Not that you should get up close to it in that case. Just the thought of someone else being in the house when you walk in is pretty frightening. You look towards the door, making sure all the locks are secured.
3699
3700
3701It has been forever since you last saw your mother, for all you know she has been released. You should at the very least try to keep a tab on where she is, especially since you already lost track of your grandmother...
3702
3703
3704You can't go with Lawrence either. No matter how well you try to disguise yourself, none of it matters if they can just recognize him. Not that you can go alone, and going with him would certainly make you feel better but...dangerous. It's too dangerous to be around Lawrence now. 
3705
3706It's not fair.
3707
3708
3709Grabbing a pillow, you clutch it in your hands and prepare to scream against, to voice your frustration. No sound escapes your chest, and instead you hug the pillow to your chest and stare at the patterned carpet.
3710
3711You'll make up for all the time away. You won't back out from asking Lawrence about the marriage thing. In fact, you'll just ask him to marry you if you need to. At least that way you don't have to worry about him finding someone else...
3712
3713
3714Those petty jealous thoughts rear their ugly head, and you try to shake them off. Do something useful instead, what little you can do in here anyways. You plan to see your grandmother's house and check in on your mother, and you need someone to go with you.
3715
3716Faraway has a car, maybe he wouldn't mind?
3717
3718
3719Sitting at the phone again, you wait for him to pick up. If his door isn't fixed still, then he may be at Sharron's again. The fifth ring is interrupted midway through, and you light up. At least you don't have to worry about any creepy silence this time.
3720
3721"Hello, Albert Faraway here."
3722
3723"Hello? Mr. Faraway? It's me." You refrain from saying your name out of habit.
3724
3725"A-Ah, yes...how are you dear?"
3726
3727"Um, fine kind of. I'm staying at this hotel for now. It um, seems safe enough anyways.
3728
3729
3730"Uh huh, yes I see I see, that's good." Faraway seems a bit...over enthusiastic with his answer, his words rather silted too. 
3731
3732"Erm, anyways...I was wondering if it would be possible for you to take me t-"
3733
3734
3735"Yes, I remember our plans!" Faraway's interruption startles you, and for a moment you struggle to think of what to say. Just faintly in the background is the sound of voices, and where you had originally thought of it being the television you have a sneaking suspicion that Faraway is not alone at this moment.
3736
3737[1/2]
3738
3739-------------------------
3740
3741>>427604
3742"Do I need to call back later?" You lower your voice while speaking, just in case you give away his ruse.
3743
3744"Just our normal spot again is fine. Around oh...seven? Seven thirty?"
3745
3746"Are you trying to tell me something? I'm not sure I understa-"
3747
3748
3749"I'll talk to you then! I have to run now! Take care!" And with that, Faraway hangs up the phone, and you are left holding the receiver in confusion. Was he really trying to suggest that you meet him up somewhere? That could have all just been an act for whoever was in the room, but why confuse you with that? Even if you were supposed to meet hi, did he mean seven in the morning or in the evening? Why do things have to be so complicated...
3750
3751And why did he need to do that in the first place? You at first consider Bower's men, but it doesn't really make much sense to you. If anything, they certainly would not have let him answer the phone like that, right? Or they would have listened in or something, right? 
3752
3753
3754You write down what Faraway said on the notepad provided in the room, even if you don't know what to do with it. Calling back right now obviously isn't an option though, and you can't think of anyone else you could call except for Sharron. You don't have anything you need to say to her though, do you? Can't think of a reason to right now, anyways.
3755
3756You hate the fact that there is nothing for you to do in here, you feel so useless. Is this how a princess feels when she's waiting locked up in her castle? It's awful...
3757
3758Maybe tomorrow you can go down to the lobby and see about getting something to read, but for now staying inside is the best option. It doesn't make you feel better, but for now you'll find something to play in the background, maybe take your bath, and then sleep.
3759
3760As you flip through the channels, you only spot a few things that would interest you right now...
3761
3762>A documentary halfway through, talking about addicts in the US or something
3763>A romance movie just about to start
3764>One of the local stations talking about local events
3765
3766Which one do you want to leave on?
3767
3768-------------------------
3769
3770It may be boring, but keeping to the local stations would be the smartest thing to do. You flip to the channel and watch with listlessness eyes. A bunch of kids your age are standing at a park, announcing their plans to put up a new playground or something. You don't care about most of this stuff, you're just worried about hearing yours or Lawrence's name. Or like a picture...that would be worse.
3771
3772
3773You remember the photo booth pictures that you had. The ones you lost, along with your copy of The Princess Bride. Having those around would be nice, even just a picture of Lawrence that you could carry around would be great. Or like what they do in the movies, with a heart shaped locket that can hold a little picture...that would work. You could always wear it and not have to worry about it getting stolen.
3774
3775
3776As the subject shifts to a garden being built at one of the elementary schools you pull the ring out from around your neck. Still too big of course, but you fancy yourself with the image of it resting on your left ring finger. It shouldn't be too long before it fits on you properly, right? You twist it around, playing with it. Even if you don't have any pictures then you at least have this.
3777
3778Putting the ring back around your neck where it's safe, you try to pull through the rest of the reports. A lot of it are just repeats of what you heard from the show Sarah played at, and you keep your finger on the remote, ready to switch the channel in case that dreadful man shows his face. He doesn't, thank God, but something else catches your attention instead.
3779
3780[1/2]
3781
3782-------------------------
3783
3784>>429437
3785"A truck was pulled over by police after nearly running off another car from the road. Suspicious activity from the driver led the officer to believe he was intoxicated at the time. A look at the trailer revealed that the Tylenol that he was carrying had been tampered with before arriving to it's destination, and at least two of the bottles looked at were discovered to have been filled with pills recently outlawed in the US. The driver is being questioned, as is the company he works for. 
3786
3787This is the fourth alleged carrier found this month alone, and a rising number of drug labs and operations have been reported in the past few years. The exact reason for this is unknown, but there has been discussion about several factors adding up to this. Police urge civilians to not get involved if they believe they see this happening, but to call the number listed below and to leave an anonymous tip."
3788
3789
3790This kind of stuff might have scared you more a year ago, but now it doesn't do much to phase you. Not that you wouldn't be scared if it happened right in front of you, but it feels like there are worse things for you to worry about now.
3791
3792
3793With nothing else being offered up, you finally decide to draw up your bath.
3794
3795
3796You're more than delighted to see the steam rise from the water, slowly starting to fill the tub. Bubble solution is added in, and the white foam begins to rise up too. 
3797
3798
3799Waiting for the tub to fill, you think back to the drug report. Maybe the people who use drugs aren't always scary, but what about the people who deal them? You'd probably be afraid to meet one of those.
3800
3801For some reason, the thought of your grandfather comes up. You try to remember what he did for business, but it just isn't coming to you. They had to discuss it with you once before, right? Maybe you were just too young to remember...which is weird, because you remember what your grandmother did.
3802
3803
3804Now that you think about it...didn't your grandfather die a little sudden? You're pretty sure it wasn't from natural causes or old age...
3805
3806How did he die again?
3807
3808oh god I hate moving, now i gotta carry another load over to the new place augh
3809
3810-------------------------
3811
3812You only remember small details about the funeral, it happening when you were so much younger. It feels like they avoided mentioning the cause of his death, but when you pestered your father about it enough he mentioned that grandpa had died due to a car accident. Which is really weird for a few reasons, now that you think about it. 
3813
3814Grandpa was a good driver, so you doubt that he would ever get involved with a car accident. Course that could mean someone else caused the accident, but you saw grandpa's car again after the funeral. There might have been a few dents, but none of them looked huge or were by the driver's side. If anything, what you remember most from the car is how the windows on his side were shattered.
3815
3816
3817And don't victims in a car wreck usually look a little messed up? Then again you didn't get a good look at the body, you said your goodbye to him in the casket but didn't look very long. Knowing that it was a dead body in front of you was scary, and you hid behind your father for the most part.
3818
3819
3820The bathtub nearly runs over with water and you rush to stop it from doing so. You put the sad thoughts of your grandfather's death out of mind and step into the water.
3821
3822
3823The heat almost hurts your skin, but you've missed this. Bubble baths used to be your favorite, and getting to have one now is like a sort of Godsend. Sinking into the mountain of bubbles, you try to remember the last time you had one of these. It's been too long, way before you moved to this place. It reminds you of before all this, before you were having to constantly running around and trying to hide. Before you were hurt, and before you hurt other people. Maybe you wouldn't call that life easy, but more simple then all of this. 
3824
3825[1/2]
3826
3827-------------------------
3828
3829>>432667
3830Then again, you have met some nice people, even if it's because of not nice things. Would you even have made friends at your new school? Maybe, and then again they would all be your age at least. They all would have been pretty similar to one another though, you've met rather...interesting people. 
3831
3832
3833If none of this happened, would you just have been a normal girl too? Would you have a boyfriend right now...one your age, at least? You doubt that if things were like they were a few years ago then you wouldn't have had the the thought much less the chance at something like this. Not that you would really consider the word boyfriend for Lawrence, it feels a bit weird.
3834
3835You think back to that annoying boy from your grandmother's house, Jeffery or whatever his stupid name is. Would you be dating a boy like that if things were normal? You can't even imagine what that would be like, it sounds awful.
3836
3837
3838Remembering that annoying boy puts grimace on your face, and you sink further down into the bubbles. You'd rather not think about that boy right now and ruin your bath. Instead you close your eyes, trying to just enjoy the near quiet, the distant sound of the television from the other room providing some background noise.
3839
3840The peacefulness is nice, but Faraway's call comes back to mind. There's not much you can do about the call to grandmother's place, but his? How are you supposed to interpret that...
3841
3842
3843The more you think about it, three options come to mind. It could mean that you aren't supposed to see him at all, and that he was just saying that to get you off the phone.
3844
3845But what if he wanted you to call him back at seven? That's a possibility right? But if there's people there and he couldn't talk then, would he be able to at that time?
3846
3847What if his apartment isn't safe anymore, and he meant for you to meet him up at the theater again? That's a safer place this his apartment, but would he really expect you to go out alone and meet him there?
3848
3849Which was Faraway trying to tell you to do, call or meet him? If he does want you to meet him at the theater, then should you actually try to do it? Or are you over thinking this, and he wasn't trying to tell you anything like that...
3850
3851-omitted one small post.
3852
3853-------------------------
3854
3855Calling him would be the safest bet for you. Leaving him waiting at the theater, though a bit rude, is much safer then risking having you go out. Faraway should understand that too, and if turns out you were wrong then you'll just apologize profusely.
3856
3857
3858Now at least you don't have to worry about if he mean in the morning or evening, you can call at both times. So long as your guess is right, that is. Having something to look forward to helps too, better than just sitting around waiting for nothing.
3859
3860
3861The bubbles dissipate, leaving you the imagine of your near naked body in the murky water. Looking at your own body still leaves a mix of senses in you. On one hand you hate and fear what it has brought you, especially bare like this. The bright white dots on your hip add to these negative feelings, and you run a finger over them.
3862
3863On the other hand, you still feel like you need to look pretty, like a proper girl. The conflicting need to cover yourself up to keep from being hurt and the desire to be the type of girl someone would want as a girlfriend. Or a wife, if you get your way.
3864
3865
3866Well, once you can grow your hair out again then you can try to wear nicer looking clothes too. Maybe. 
3867
3868
3869With the bubbles gone and the water going cold, you know that it's nearly time for you to get out. You'll enjoy another bath tomorrow night, it'll be who knows how long before you get the chance again. You clean yourself up and step out, enjoying the feeling of the towel wrapped around your body. It would be nicer if you had clean clothes to change in to, but at least you've only worn these for a day.
3870
3871
3872Drying your hair with another towel, you pull back the blankets on the bed and try to settle down. An infomercial is playing now, and you switch the channels for something to play in the background. Even if it's just talking, then it will keep you from feeling too alone here.
3873
3874
3875The CBN Family Channel sounds like the best choice to have, at least you don't have to worry about waking up to something weird or scary. Volume way down low, you settle into bed, enjoying the comfort of the mattress but hating how big it feels. If it's getting to have your sorta-sleepover with the girls or cuddling next to Lawrence, you miss sleeping next to others now. You don't even really need the physical contact, though that would be nice. Just knowing that there are others around you was nice.
3876
3877
3878You couldn't do it often with them fighting so much, but when you were really young then sometimes you would wake up early in the morning and crawl between your parents in bed. Mom would try to make you go back to your room, but Dad would always convince her to let you stay there. Often times you didn't even fall back asleep, you just enjoyed snuggling in between them. 
3879
3880[1/3]
3881
3882-------------------------
3883
3884>>433368
3885The times you did fall asleep, you were always carried back to bed. That was nice, even if you were scared to curl up against Mom. If she went back to sleep right away then you would cuddle up against her. Usually it was covered up by the smell of alcohol, but there was a lotion or a perfume your mother liked to use. The times that you could actually smell it you enjoyed it. If only you could remember what it was now...
3886
3887...
3888
3889YOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDME
3890
3891Knelt on the ground, you cover your ears. The screams of a dying man are not quieted by this, and his words continue to swirl around you.
3892
3893"No I didn't...you wanted to hurt me..." You whisper, lost in his screams.
3894
3895
3896YOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDME
3897
3898"You wanted to hu-"
3899
3900YOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDMEYOUKILLEDMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
3901
3902The ground beneath you opens up, and a smashed eye stares back at you.
3903
3904
3905"I'm...I'm sorry..." You try to say, but it doesn't matter. What you could barely call an iris melts away and screams in pain. Backing away from the scene, your back hits a wall. Rough bricks tower high above, and looking around the corner you see a person knelt above a man. What used to be a man, anyhow. A mess of red is flying away with each hit, the attacker turning to look at you. 
3906
3907
3908Once you look down, you can see the red mess on your hands, the only thing remaining of the man is his face. The dead face of a man who lost his brother, and now his blood remains on your hands.
3909
3910
3911"I'M SORRY!" You scream, pushing away from the scene. Running from the scene, you go out to the darkness of nothing, trying to run from your sins.
3912
3913
3914Arms around you bring you to a sudden stop, and you can't help but to beg.
3915
3916"Help me!" You cry into the person, unsure if you're scare of what you saw or yourself.
3917
3918
3919"I could," The voice that comes out from above you is a woman's voice, and the strong arms turn to a thin but tight grasp on your shoulders. Looking up, you scream. "But it will cost you."
3920
3921
3922A crushed in head of a woman stares back, and with all your strength you push her away. Her body crumbles to the ground, and all you can do is back away and gasp for air, to gasp for help. The ground beneath your feet begins to shake, and the jaws of a monster begins to open up to drag you away. At first you think you're ready for this, to be dragged away forever. Your feet touch air though and you reach out with a desperate hand.
3923
3924[2/3]
3925
3926-------------------------
3927
3928>>433372
3929A soft one meets yous, and you're pulled away from the angry teeth. This time you're pulled against the body of a woman, a hand going through your hair. A wetness spreads from her stomach and onto yours, the smell of iron rising up. You want to pull away but don't, terrified to do anything else.
3930
3931
3932"Poor lil bunny, getting chased by the big bad wolves" The woman coos, relaxing you despite the blood. "It's not fair, is it? They always chase the ones who can't fight them back cause they're too scared to pick on someone their own size"
3933
3934
3935"I don't know w-what to do..." You sob. "I hate running away b-but I don't want them to hurt me..."
3936
3937"Fight back, they ain't got any right to hurt you"
3938
3939"B-But hurting people makes me s-sick, I hate it...I hate myself..."
3940
3941"Then hide. But don't let them take you without fighting tooth and nail first. Make them regret chasing after this bunny"
3942
3943
3944Blood continues to drip from her stomach and makes a puddle on the ground. You don't feel as compelled to pull away from her, there's little else to fear right now.
3945
3946
3947"I don't want him to get hurt anymore..."
3948
3949"He's used to it"
3950
3951"I love him..."
3952
3953"So do I"
3954
3955"It's my fault you're gone."
3956
3957"I was going either way"
3958
3959You fall to tears again, unsure of what to say.
3960
3961"I'm scared."
3962
3963"I would be too"
3964
3965"I...I don't want to be a-alone, but I don't want anyone else getting h-hurt..." You're pulled in closer, this time a much stronger and thicker grip around your shoulders.
3966
3967As long...as you're...safe
3968
3969You lean your head against a familiar shoulder and look out past it. It'll be okay...things will be fine...things will be...
3970
3971The monster of a wolf running towards you says otherwise, and it leaps at you with claws and teeth extended.
3972
3973
3974You have to watch as it tears away at the body that once was holding you, making a mess of it. Hungry eyes are set on you, and the wolf leaps again. You brace for it to carry you away, nothing left to defend yourself with. A rabbit ready to be carried away for a quick meal...that's all you are.
3975
3976Mid leap, and a bloodied hand comes up to grab the wolf around the throat-
3977...
3978
3979
3980"I do!!!"
3981
3982
3983Opening watery eyes, you look at the TV to see a wedding taking place in whatever show is playing now. People on screen cheer, and your heart is racing wildly.
3984
3985"Help..." You whisper, watching the happy bride and groom kiss. "Help me..."
3986
3987
3988You need to calm down...think of something to calm yourself down...it feels like you could just die right now...
3989
3990-------------------------
3991
3992Sitting up and turning on the lamp, you fill the room with light in order to help put yourself at ease. The best you can in this situation, anyways. Your hands shake near violently, and it feels like you need to go throw up. Before you wondered why you didn't dream as often anymore, but now you realize what a blessing that might have been.
3993
3994
3995It feels like you're suffocating, and you dash for the window. It takes several tries, but you manage to open the pane enough to let in brisk winter air. The draft against your skin makes you realize that you had been in a sweat, and there still remains a heavy weight on your chest. 
3996
3997
3998Over and over again, you remind yourself that this place is safe, that Sam would know better than to just leave you somewhere that wouldn't be okay. No one can hurt you here, and you won't be able to hurt anyone. It's just you, here all alone. Try as you might, that thought doesn't make you feel any better.
3999
4000
4001Forehead against cold glass, you try to steady your breathing, counting each in and out to relax your heart. Closing your eyes, there's the sound of music playing. The show must be at the end, credits playing now. Happy and warm lyrics, you try to focus on those too. You keep this up till it feels like you won't throw up anymore, and open your eyes again. Looking up at the sky, you can only just see a few scattered dots of stars, the rest drowned out by the lit up buildings and streets down below.
4002
4003You want nothing more right now than for it to be summer, so you could go out and away from here. Just a little longer, just a bit more of this terrible winter. 
4004
4005
4006It's only been a few hours since you went to sleep, and while your body feels exhausted your mind is all fired up, ready to fight or flight. There's no reason for that, it's only you in this room. All of the cars below are empty, and you realize that everyone else must be asleep. You should be too, and you fasten the window close. 
4007
4008
4009Laying in the middle of the bed alone feels wrong, it's much too large for one person to sleep alone. Though you have no one to share it with, you scoot over to the edge, leaving room for someone to slide in next to you. Of course no one does, and you go to sleep the same way you wake up; completely alone.
4010
4011
4012You near have a heart attack when you see the time, ten minutes past seven. In your haste to call Faraway you nearly knock over the phone, your hand shaking as you dial the number. It's only a bit past the time, and Faraway mentioned 7:30, he should still be available either way. 
4013
4014[1/2]
4015
4016-------------------------
4017
4018>>435199
4019The phone rings and rings but you get an answering machine. You hang up and try again, once again earning the machine. Just one more time, you'll call once more and if he doesn't answer then you will try tonight.
4020
4021You count each passing ring, not expecting anything to change. It comes to a pleasant surprise when the phone picks up past the fifth one, and you hear a voice answer.
4022
4023
4024"Hello?"
4025
4026"It's me, Mr-" 
4027
4028
4029That voice wasn't Faraway's. 
4030
4031
4032Your hand begins to tremble. First the person who answered the phone at your grandmother's, and now this?
4033
4034You're damn near ready to slam the phone down when the voice sends a chill down your spine/
4035
4036"Is this Delilah?"
4037
4038Frozen in place, phone read to be hung up, and the calm voice of a man speaking to you.
4039
4040"Hello? Can you hear me? Are you Delilah?"
4041
4042
4043Just hang up, hang up and make sure the door is locked, that's all you have to do, that's it and then you will be safe-
4044
4045"If you are Delilah, I have a message for you."
4046
4047
4048Don't listen, it's just a stupid trick.
4049
4050
4051"A message from your grandmother."
4052
4053You feel sick again, and your hand shakes as you think of what to do...
4054
4055-------------------------
4056
4057Just a heads up! I may do one or two more updates, but I am afraid that a forced hiatus will happen for, at most, a week. I will hopefully be in the new place by tomorrow/Wednesday and will need to wait for internet to get hooked up. I will announce in the general and on twitter when the new thread will be up!
4058
4059-omitted one small post.
4060
4061==== END THREAD ====
4062
4063Melancholic Quest 23
4064written by aCowboyNamedSue (57 posts, 11 omitted posts)
4065-------- qst2txt --------
4066
4067"You may be a smart girl, but you aren't a lucky one."
4068
4069
4070A young girl with a terrible affliction and a miserable fate, Delilah is flung into an uncaring world. A monster of a man gives an unrelentless chase and burdens too heavy for her shoulders make a difficult life even harder to bear. Will you be able to find happiness, or be swallowed up by the misery and hate twisting up inside?
4071
4072
4073=Links and Information=
4074Archives:
4075
4076http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=aCowboyNamedSue
4077
4078Quick Glance (SPOILERS) The quick Who is Who and what Delilah has. Mostly accurate.: 
4079
4080https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wXNWJdAKuqw-btrHDbvSkN5Gj3QhdY28XNKRUXMLHu0/edit#heading=h.8xfgre7nxqty
4081
4082Twitter; @Cowboy_Sue
4083Discord; https://discord.gg/0107qV9kiFDlUH9nY
4084Chat room with me and other players. I answer questions, post sketches, and act cheeky.
4085
4086-------------------------
4087
4088It feels like there are rocks dropping in your stomach and an angry grip squeezing your throat. The man on the other side waits patiently for your response, and it takes every part of you to squeeze one out.
4089
4090
4091"M-...My name is...i-is A-...Ashley..." You feel bad for using her name like this, but at the moment you can't focus enough to come up with anything else. "I d-...don't know who D-Delilah is...I'm one of Mr. Faraway's workers and I n-need to talk to him."
4092
4093"Sound awfully young to be working at a place like that."
4094
4095"W-What would you know?" You tell yourself to remain calm, to steady your voice and to try to sound more adult. "Now um, is Mr. Faraway there? I need to talk to him about uh...work."
4096
4097"I'm afraid he's not here at the moment."
4098
4099"Then why are you in his apartment?"
4100
4101"Even if you weren't 'Ashley' then I couldn't tell you that over the phone. I'm sure you're used to this, but I need to hurry this up."
4102
4103"I'm not the one breaking and entering into someone's place," You say, looking around the room. It seems doubtful and a rather stupid move for someone to try and break into a hotel like this. Maybe a cheap motel, but this place would notice something like that. Probably. "Do you know where Mr. Faraway is?"
4104
4105"Only know that he's out at the moment.
4106
4107The voice on the other end is unfamiliar to you, but it is easy enough to tell that it's a grown man. Looking towards the window, you try to think about what sort of message he could have from your grandmother and how he would have gotten that. The thoughts of ransoms and threats pop up and you begin to grow worried. With the way those men entered the house when you were there last time, you have no doubt that they could have easily done the same and carried your grandmother to who knows where. A wave of nausea washes over you, though you're unsure if it's from the thought of your grandmother in pain or from the fear of talking on the phone to an unknown man.
4108
4109"Are you still there?" His question brings you out of the terrible thoughts, and you nearly drop the phone out of surprise.
4110
4111[1/2]
4112
4113-------------------------
4114
4115>>470571
4116"Er, y-yeah. I'm still here," You stare at the window, covered by thick curtains. The crack between them only just allows you to see what little light the morning offers right now, and you do your best to figure out how to handle this, "You said you had a message for this uh, D-Delilah girl from her grandma. You sound like the t-type of person who would k-...kidnap someone. Are you h-holding her ransome or something?"
4117
4118"No. She just wants Delilah to know that she's okay."
4119
4120"O-oh...! That's um...t-that's good then..." You try to hide your excitement at that, but immediately your thoughts go towards every possible scenario. This could be a lie, maybe he's working for Bower and doesn't even know where your grandmother is, and this is all just a lie to get you to fall into a trap. There is the sound of paper moving in place of the man's voice as you keep a look out, glancing between the door and window you continue to think about how and what you can get out of this call, "Why not go to her and tell the m-message in person? Do you always just talk to random people you don't know?"
4121
4122"If you know where she is, then please go ahead and tell me. It might make my job a little easier."
4123
4124"D-...don't think I could do that."
4125
4126"Figured as much."
4127
4128Your finger wraps around the curled phone wire in a nervous habit. If he really does have a message or any sort of news about your grandmother you want to hear it, but you are still on edge about this being some sort of ruse. Let your guard down and you'll have wasted everyone's efforts to protect you.
4129
4130If it really is a message from your grandmother though, it could be vital information. 
4131
4132Do you want to try and get more information out of this man? It may result in him knowing who you are, but then you may also get some important information on your grandmother. Or should you just hang up on him now?
4133
4134-------------------------
4135
4136"Erm..." You look around the room, trying to piece your thoughts and ideas together. "It sounds like this is um, pretty serious. Is...is this girl's grandmother in trouble or something?"
4137
4138"Pretty complicated information that I shouldn't be sharing with a stranger, don't you think?"
4139
4140"It just sounds kind of weird is all. Is there like a uh...a reward for finding Delilah?"
4141
4142"While I am sure that Mrs. Esposito would be more than willing to reward anyone that helped her granddaughter, I am afraid that at the moment she is unable to put out an official reward for her. Unfortunately, someone else has already put one up for Delilah in some of the local papers. I am pretty sure she already knows that the one in the paper is fake, but I'd rather not have other people try to call it in. It would uh...make my job rather difficult if she ended up with that person instead. "
4143
4144
4145You already knew about the reward in the paper, and how it's not for the sake of helping you. All of this could just be a huge setup, you have to remember that. Need to keep on your toes, always looking behind your shoulder, even if you want to believe that this man could be helping your grandmother.
4146
4147"I uh, I imagine that could be bad," You try to swallow your fear, but it only gets stuck in your throat. "Wouldn't it be easier if her grandmother was the one out looking for her though? I uh, I doubt it would help to have a stranger out searching."
4148
4149"Would probably make it easier, wouldn't it? It would make it much easier for people to find Mrs. Esposito too. It's crucial that she keeps a low profile at this moment."
4150
4151
4152"It sounds like this is a big mess, why not just turn to the police?"
4153
4154"The Esposito family doesn't have too healthy of a relationship with the police."
4155
4156That...is news to you, actually. You can't remember a time that you've really had trouble with the law before. Is he really talking about your family? Is this just another trick to make you feel scared?
4157
4158"W-Why is that?"
4159
4160"Anything beyond that is private information. If you have nothing else to offer me, then I have to go."
4161
4162"R-Right, right. C-Could you just let Mr. Faraway k-know to call this number then? I um, I need to talk to him later. Just tell him Ashley-"
4163
4164"Is calling from the Irongate Hotel?"
4165
4166When he says this, it feels like your chest is being squeezed painfully so.
4167
4168"H-...h-how...?"
4169
4170"Caller ID ma'am. That and a phone book helps."
4171
4172[1/2]
4173
4174-------------------------
4175
4176>>471266
4177Caller ID, you've heard about that before. You remember one of your classmates had that before you moved, it sounded amazing. The number of whoever was calling would pop up on a screen, and she would know who it was before having to answer.
4178
4179"J-...just have him call me when he's back...!" It feels like you can't hang up face enough, and you try to calm your racing heartbeat. He knows the number of the hotel, but that's it. He doesn't know what room you're in, and he doesn't know who you are. Bringing your breathing under control, you dial Sharron's number. With each passing ring you hold a fear that another unknown man will answer, and you almost relieved to hear an answering machine.
4180
4181"Um, hello Ms. Faraway. This is uh, Bunny. When you get this, could you let Mr. Faraway know that there was someone in his apartment? I called there just a few minutes ago, and some man answered the phone instead. It kind of sounded like he was going through some of his stuff too, but I don't know for sure. Um, thanks in advance." You hang up the phone and go back to the bed, weather on the TV. You can barely focus on that right now. It sounded like this guy was also looking for you too, but is he working for your grandmother? He said he didn't want you to get turned in for the reward Bower put out, but what if he was just saying that so he could be the one to turn you in and collect the money? And the whole bit about your family not having a good relationship with the police, is that true or was he just saying that too? Thinking about this alone is too much for you to handle.
4182
4183This man knows where you're staying at too. 
4184
4185He doesn't know the room, but who's to say that he couldn't figure out if he wanted? Then again, he might think you are someone else anyways. 
4186
4187Walking around the room, you try to think but your head is too frazzled. You look at all the things left behind in here for you. Just a notebook and pen, a phone book, and a map of the nearby area prove to be of any use. The only thing you brought was your money, the credit card, knife, pepper spray, and of course the wig. With no other ideas on what to do, you take the map and look it over, really just glazing over the information.
4188
4189Sharron's theater is only a short bit away, if you wanted you could get over there easily enough and see if Faraway is there. Just a quick trip, middle of the day, wearing the wig...could it work?
4190
4191[2/3whoops]
4192
4193-------------------------
4194
4195>>471279
4196Your eyes fall on the word library, and you can now see that there looks to be one only a few blocks away. Looking over it more, you guess that it belongs to the university here. What that man said about your family still echoes, does your family really have trouble with the police...why?
4197
4198
4199You could go to the theater or the library easily enough, but you doubt you could do both. Staying here is always an option, but that means you're a sitting duck. You could try to find Faraway or Sharron, or you could try to find some validity of that man's statement. If he was right about the police then maybe it would make him a slightly bit more trustworthy, not that you would really know what to do with that. But knowing if your family has had trouble with the police could help you at least...
4200
4201Do you want to try and go out or stay here?[/b
4202
4203-------------------------
4204
4205It might be a bit scary, but you feel like it would be fine to go out to the library. You double check the location on the map, but decide it would just be easier to take it with. It's only a few blocks away, you can handle that. Middle of the day, busy part of town...anyone tries to lure or carry you away then you can scream for help easily enough. Even if you don't find anything worth looking for, then it will be something to do. You really don't want to spend hours in this room alone and bored. 
4206
4207
4208In the mirror you make sure to hide away each of your black strands of hair beneath the brunette wig, feeling the fake hair trail past your shoulders. If you had makeup or something then you could try to disguise yourself more, not that you really know how to do makeup. If anything, trying to do that would make you look ridiculous and stand out further, maybe you can ask someone to show you how to do it later.
4209
4210
4211You make sure you are carrying everything that you need, taking extra care to make sure you are carrying the key. Sam's envelope lays on the table where you left it, one of the few things remaining in the room. Hopefully Lawrence will be able to drop your stuff off later, and more importantly you can see him for a bit. Of course it would be great to see anyone you knew right now, being alone is awful. You pray that he doesn't come by while you're gone as you walk down the hall, keeping an eye out for anyone who passes. Most of the people in the hotel are leaving, and you try not to linger too long. Getting to walk out in the slightly frosty air is nice, but you recall the talks of there being more snow coming soon. The heavy clouds covering the sky confirm this fact, and you hope that when it does happen you aren't out walking on the street.
4212
4213
4214Cars and people pass, most of them not paying any attention to you. Thinking about the date, you wonder if school is back in session for everyone. Someone like Ashley is in high school, she would have been in class instead right? She was also an intern, maybe she was allowed to be there instead of class. The only reason this concerns you is the fear of being caught for truancy. Someone would think something was off if you weren't in school, right? Not to mention that someone would try to call your parents or the school you're supposed to be in. Could you use a home schooled excuse? You're not sure if that would work, but you can't really think of any other reason you wouldn't be in class right now. If it happens then you will deal with it then, but you would rather it not be a problem.
4215
4216...
4217
4218-------------------------
4219
4220>>471877
4221The library is an older building, but it is kept in nice shape. Larger then you expected, the front is adorned with a large archway displaying the name of the university up front and steps leading up to it. A girl walks down the step, a student you assume. She looked to be Aria and Mabel's age, and you remembered they were in school. Mabel should be starting soon, shouldn't she? Unless her plans for that were ruined, but you hope that isn't the case. It feels like it would be your fault if that's the case, right?
4222
4223
4224You wait for the girl to pass you before traveling up the long stairs. Inside, you can see that the place is two stories, rows and rows of shelves around tables and chairs set up. A front desk is to the right as soon as you walk in. Passing by, you're afraid that the people working will ask what you're doing. An old lady greets you, but otherwise they pay no other attention. Not wanting to take chances, you slip behind some of the bookcases and away from their view. There are only a few others walking around, some sitting at the desks and reading. Good for you, the less people around the better. And honestly, you don't feel like someone would whisk you away from a library. Something about it just feels safe, even if it's no safer then outside.
4225
4226
4227Wandering the first floor, you try to figure out what each shelf is. Most of the books downstairs look to be non-fiction and periodicals for research. Over at the other side you can see there are large devices, and upon closer examination see that they are for reading microforms. You remember them from your last school, they used them to read newspapers. 
4228
4229
4230You could use the microforms to try to read over newspapers from years ago. If that man was telling the truth, then maybe you can try to find something about your family and their connection with the police. Of course that would require a lot of shifting and it might not yield anything. 
4231
4232Do you want to use the microforms or try to find something else to read in the library?
4233
4234-------------------------
4235
4236It might be boring, but it's not like you could check out books from here anyways. You'll just go through some of the papers from the past few years, scan over the headlines, easy enough stuff. If you learn something important then great, but if not then...at least you were able to pass the time.
4237
4238...
4239
4240
4241You never realized that reading could be so boring. Starting with papers that are at least five years old, you have been scanning over the headlines and articles in the paper that has been running for the longest. Popular, plenty of pages...if something happened with your family then it would be mentioned here. There are some interesting stories that you come across, but as much as you like to read them you also think about how many more you would need to look through. And so through the papers, you travel through years and years of history with the town. You don't remember too much of what each thing said, they have all started to run together shortly after beginning this task.
4242
4243
4244A few hours have passed, your back and eyes hurting from being bent over looking over this. Right now you are on the paper from some time in the 40's, June 18th. The front headline doesn't hold anything interesting, and as you look over the next pages it looks like this one may too be a dud. Starring at this print for so long as started to give you headache that has begun to grow steadily. A few pages back and you come across a headline that catches your eye.
4245
4246Investigations of Alleged Drug Trade Continues
4247
4248There have been quite a few of these kind of articles in your search, but the further you back you went the more they continued to dwindle. It seems odd now to see this, and you decide to give the rest of the article a quick look over. From the looks of it, the article is just talking about another warehouse sporting an undercover drug operation was discovered by police, and that it was linked with a huge bust from a few months prior. It lists a few names, of those who had been caught and are going to stand trial for these. None of them are your name, but two of them sound somewhat familar. Smith, but everyone knows hundreds of other Smiths. The other one hits you as being closer to home.
4249
4250Greco
4251
4252
4253The only memory that comes from this is hearing your grandfather mention someone with that name, and you would laugh at how it sounded like 'gecko'. Grandpa seemed to talk about that guy quite a bit, but you can't remember much else about him. Aside from the fact that it was a man of course, and if you had to guess he was about your grandfather's age.
4254
4255[1/2]
4256
4257-------------------------
4258
4259>>472172
4260You can't stand to look through another paper though, and your stomach growling doesn't help. You put away all the films you checked out, thanking the student who helped you pull them out. Looking at your map, you try to see what is around. If you go down just a block there is a sandwich shop, and just a little bit out of the way is a thrift shop. You can get something to eat, and in case you don't get your bag soon then you can look for something to change into. 
4261
4262
4263Walking out, you try to make yourself look as small as possible to avoid attention. The sandwich shop is easy enough to find, and unlike the library this building is new and busy. You're almost surprised to see that it's filled with 20-something year olds, but looking at the ram mascot you come to the conclusion that this place is styled for the college students. Instead of sitting at the blue booths, you order a grilled cheese to go.
4264
4265
4266 The amass of people makes you feel nervous, but knowing they aren't likely to do anything is somewhat comforting. You pay for the food and walk out as quickly as possible, eating as you walk down the street. You finish eating before making it to the thrift shop, and once again notice that the front is adorned with the same colors and mascot as the sandwich shop. Inside is much less busy though, and you slip between the rack of clothes.
4267
4268
4269Right now, it's obvious that you're a girl. But maybe you could find really feminine clothes, stuff to help make you look like a different person. It might mean you would really need to learn how to do some basic makeup to complete it, but you never dressed like this before. It may help throw them off your trail and may help to make you look more adult.
4270
4271Of course, there's the exact opposite solution. You could find some more neutral or even straight up boy's clothes to wear. They'll be looking for a girl, so disguising yourself as a boy should work too, right?
4272
4273How should you try to present yourself, keeping the wig and looking grownup or trying to disguise yourself as a boy?
4274
4275-------------------------
4276
4277It would be easier to get mistaken for a boy, as much as you hate it. You're not sure how much older you will look this way, but it might help you from warranting any unwanted attention compared to dressing yourself up. People are less likely to mess with you that way too, right?
4278
4279Looking through the racks, you go towards the male side. You know most of these won't fit you properly, but baggy might be for the best. Despite knowing that looking more like a boy will help, you can't help but try to find the more neutral looking items. A thick blue sweater, the letters of the college written in big yellow letters MU across the front. It fits you loosely, but it does a good job at hiding your curves. A pair of jeans that aren't fitted to your body, loose and bulky on you too. 
4280
4281
4282A belt to keep it up, a beanie to cover your head, and a pair of winter boots to finish it off. It will keep you warm, and more importantly it will help to keep you hidden. You pay for the clothes, handing over about 15 dollars before walking out with your purchases in the bag. While the thought of having to spend the rest of the day alone in the room is unappealing you also know that walking out like this would be pushing your luck. You were able to waste a few hours and get a change of clothes at least, but as you walk down the sidewalk you can't help but feel the dull pain in your head. You spent so long looking through those newspapers, it feels like you can't read anything else for a long time. Then again, if you could have read a book instead of boring headlines then that wouldn't be the case...
4283
4284...
4285
4286Getting back to the hotel goes easily enough, but you don't truly feel safe till you are back in the room and the door is locked behind. A folded up note rests beneath your foot, having been shoved in from between the space of the door and the floor. Opening it up, you instantly recognize the handwriting of Lawrence and eagerly read his message.
4287
4288
4289It looks like you weren't in the room, and I don't think it would be a good idea for me to stick around outside too long. I couldn't leave your bag here either, but I have it with me. I will try to stop by tonight to drop it off. Please do me a favor and don't go out on your own, it worries me. 
4290
4291Stay safe, and I will see you soon.
4292
4293The handwriting looks shaky and uneven, as if he couldn't keep a steady enough hand. Still, he managed to put a doodle of a bunny in the corner and that little drawing gives you the hope that he is doing okay. 
4294
4295
4296[1/3]
4297
4298-------------------------
4299
4300Folding the letter back up, you make sure that it's kept securely with the rest of your belongings. It doesn't feel right putting it next to your knife, but it will have to do for now. It's disappointing that you missed Lawrence, but at least now you know that he'll be back again later. If anything you can use it as a way to pass the time, something to look forward to. Lawrence will come by tonight, drop off your stuff and then you just have to wait till someone comes by tomorrow to pick you up. In anticipation of seeing him again you take a bath, both as a means to enjoy the warm water and to try and make yourself look nice. It's not like he will be able to stick around for long, but at the very least you can feel better about yourself.
4301
4302Even if your hair was longer there wouldn't be much you could do with it, but you still run your fingers through in an attempt to make it look as nice as possible. the short and curled up locks are stubborn against your tries, and after several futile minutes you give up on trying. The clean clothes feel nice to wear, but as you arrange them it's obvious that you could be mistaken for a boy even easier now. It's for the best, just remember that. The sweater is soft at least, and you can appreciate how warm it will feel outside in the cold.
4303
4304
4305Sprawled out on the bed, you only half listen to the television. Thinking about Lawrence just reminds you about what you saw between him and Sharron. She gave him something and said it would be a good opportunity, but you can't wrap your head around what it could be. Adding that to the call you had this morning and the idea that your family has had trouble with the police, it feels like too much to take in such a short amount of time. What could your family have possibly done to get on the bad side of the law? As far as you know you guys were...you wouldn't say the best but you guys aren't criminals either, right?
4306
4307
4308Your head continues the light pain and you roll across the bed in frustration. It hurts, but only just enough to keep you from ignoring it. Closing your eyes, you drown out the sound of the television and just focus on the feeling of the bed. Soft and warm, you are going to miss it so much. Course you would give it up in a heartbeat if it meant not being alone. There are still several hours before seven tonight, and you just need to waste time till either then or Lawrence arriving. Wanting the headache to go away before either of those events, you allow yourself to take a nap for now.
4309
4310...
4311
4312[2/3]
4313
4314-------------------------
4315
4316The sleep you have is light and somewhat restless, you tossing and turning around the bed in attempts to get comfortable. Still, it's mildly better then just sitting around doing nothing for hours. All of this is interrupted by knocking at the door. Startled by the abruptness, you only stare at the wood before realizing it might be Lawrence. Nearly falling out of bed from your haste, you want to pull the door wide open for him. Caution takes you over, and standing on tiptoes you try to look through the peephole. Just too short, it takes plenty of reaching and standing on your very tiptoes to look out. You're surprised to see no one standing outside, and you begin to think it may have been someone at the wrong door. Looking around the best you can, you only just catch the edge of a bag, the same color as your own. Someone is holding it and has started to walk away from sight. 
4317
4318
4319You're pretty sure that looked like your bag, it was the same color and everything. And there was knocking on your door on top of that, that means it was Lawrence right? But why is he walking away so soon? Does he think you aren't here again? 
4320
4321But...what if it isn't Lawrence? He left so soon after knocking, it doesn't feel right either. 
4322
4323If it was him, then he must not think you were here again and he'll think you're missing.
4324
4325If it turns out that it wasn't him...could this be a trap?
4326
4327Looking out right now might let you catch whoever it is, but it also makes you vulnerable to them too.
4328
4329Do you want to take a look out, or play it safe and stay inside?
4330
4331-omitted one small post.
4332
4333-------------------------
4334
4335Making sure the chain on the door is in place and your pocket knife is handy, you unlock the door as silently as you can manage. Looking out the crack the door gives, you can spot the bag traveling down the hall, just the very edge of it. As it disappears past the range of your vision, you notice that whoever is carrying it is not walking straight. The sound of stumbling scares you, but you decide that it would be safe enough to try and take a better look. Unlatching the chain, you peer around the corner of the doorway.
4336
4337
4338Walking towards the stairs, you spot Lawrence standing with his hand braced against the wall.
4339
4340
4341"Lawrence!" You call out, unable to hide your excitement. He doesn't turn around or show any sort of acknowledgement to your voice, taking a shaky step forward before nearly falling to his knees. Checking both sides of the hallway to make sure you aren't missing anyone standing around, you rush up behind him.
4342
4343
4344"Hey, what's wrong?" You ask in a hushed tone, reaching out to grab his arm. As soon as you make contact with him Lawrence pushes you away with a sudden violent motion. Shoulder aching from this, you take steps back away in fear. There's a slight smell of alcohol, but not enough to make you think he would be drunk. When he finally looks over at you, it's like he isn't actually looking at you, just your general direction.
4345
4346
4347"L-...Lawrence...?" As you say his name he finally focuses on you, but the way he's holding himself up seems unbalanced. Lawrence reacts as if he finally sees that it's you for the first time, mouth moving to speak but no words coming out. "Wait, I can't hear you. What's going on-" He stops whatever silent rambling he's doing to cover his mouth, all in efforts to not get sick. It doesn't seem like he's drunk, but you can't really tell what's wrong with him either. Making sure he isn't about to lose his lunch all over the floor first, you reach out for his other hand. Not being pushed away this time you guide him back to your room, going slowly and still having to stop so he can regain his balance. The walk that took you only a few seconds takes minutes with Lawrence, and you almost shove him past the door in fear of someone seeing him.
4348
4349[1/2]
4350
4351-------------------------
4352
4353You worry that he'll fall to the floor, but Lawrence manages to collapse on top of the bed. His limbs limp and your bag sliding to the floor, you're amazed by the fact that he could even make it those few feet in the hall. Looking over him, he doesn't look any more beat up then the usual. Pulling up a chair you sit next to him, looking over at the time. Just turning five P.M, you had been asleep for a few hours. The headache lingers, but not as bad as before.
4354
4355
4356"Can you hear me?" In response Lawrence nods but his eyes remain closed. "What's wrong with you?"
4357
4358Once again his lips move, but no sound comes out. You're about to ask him to write it out, but you doubt he would be able to in his state. Moving the bag out of his way, you watch as Lawrence just lays on the bed. He's dirty, as to be expected, but other then that you can't pinpoint what's wrong. For now you chalk it up to drinking too much, but that doesn't feel like the right answer to this either. The television still playing in the background, you sit next to the bed as Lawrence, you presume, sleeps. During this time he doesn't move an inch, and there are times when you fear that he's not going to wake back up.
4359
4360
4361After an hour or so passes, you get up only to use the restroom. Walking back out, you are greeted with the sight of Lawrence trying to get out of the room. He's slightly better then he was before, but his movements are too uncoordinated to undo the locks.
4362
4363
4364"What do you think you're doing?" You move over, trying to push him away from the door in a panic. He tries to explain by speaking, but you shake your head. "I can't hear what you're saying!"
4365
4366Lawrence clears his throat, coughing and choking the words out.
4367
4368
4369"Have...to...go..."
4370
4371Do you let Lawrence leave or make him stay for now?
4372
4373-------------------------
4374
4375"No way," You say, standing your ground. The knob of the door is pressed against the small of your back, but you have no doubt in your mind that letting him go right now is a bad idea, "You're staying here till I don't have to worry about you falling over."
4376
4377
4378Lawrence attempts to argue against this, but his words are lost in the air and you refuse to move from place. If he really wanted to then he could easily move you away, but after what happened in the hallway he seems afraid to touch you. Giving him a stern look and a stiff lip, this works for your advantage and Lawrence retreats back to the bed. He's still not walking normal, and you're glad you made the choice that you did. You do wonder why he wanted, or rather needed, to leave so soon for but you'll try and get an answer out of him when he's sober. That is, if he will even give you a proper one. There's a creeping suspicion that whatever is going on, Lawrence will want to try and keep it a secret from you.
4379
4380Taking a seat next to the bed again, you watch as Lawrence leans over, elbows against his lap and face resting in his hands. A giant mess right now, and you have no idea how to help him.
4381
4382
4383"Can I like um...get you something?" You're not sure what you could bring to help him feel better, and as expected Lawrence shakes his head. Nonetheless, you get up and bring him a glass of water. He doesn't accept it, not looking up from his hands. "I'm uh...I'm glad to see you."
4384
4385Nothing else follows your words, and you sit almost awkwardly. You're positive that Lawrence isn't drunk, but you've never seen him like this before either. Despite having questions you doubt you'll get any sort of cohesive answer.
4386
4387
4388"Need...need to...leave..." You can only just understand what Lawrence is saying, his voice low and almost hidden beneath the gruffness in his throat. 
4389
4390
4391"Not right now you don't," It feels weird scolding him like this, but you're scared about what could happen if he left at this moment. "It'll be fine if you stay here for a few hours." Lawrence shakes his head, but you aren't going to let yourself be swayed so easily. Even if he begs to go out, you won't let him. Not till you can be sure that he'll be fine with walking, anyways. 
4392
4393
4394"Just um, lay down and sleep it off or something. It'll be fine. I'll keep an eye out for uh...whatever." You get up to double check the locks again, knowing you can never be too safe with this sort of thing. Taking a peek out of the peephole, you watch as a couple walks down the hall but spot nothing else that would raise your guard. Now if only you could get Lawrence back to the way he usually is, then things wouldn't be so bad right now. 
4395
4396[1/2]
4397
4398-------------------------
4399
4400Lawrence took your advice, that or he collapsed, and is laying on the bed when you return. You think about sitting on the bed with him, but decide that giving him some space for now would be the best answer. Covering his face with his arm, you doubt that he's actually asleep but don't bother him further. From what you can see, it seems like his cheek is scabbing over. Looking closer it looks like three out of four of his stitches were removed, and not in a nice way.
4401
4402
4403"Um so...where were you going?" Watching Lawrence, he mumbles silently to himself. It was worth a shot, but you'll just have to try again later. For now, you keep a close eye on the time. As it gets nearer to seven the anticipation grows. You're mostly worried that you'll end up calling Faraway again and have someone else answer, what are you supposed to do in that case?
4404
4405The time passes by after what seems like forever, but when the number seven finally shows up on the clock you leave your spot beside the bed to go make the call.
4406
4407
4408With each ring you grow even more nervous, gripping the phone tightly as you look back over to where Lawrence is laying. He's not getting sick or anything like that, it has to be a good sign. No one answers on the first call, giving you an answering machine. You hang up and try once more, only to receive the machine again. One more time you put a call in, doubting Faraway will answer.
4409
4410
4411Normally you wouldn't think twice about leaving a message, but you don't usually don't have to worry about people you don't know answering the phone. If someone was in there or came in they could easily listen to the message you leave behind.
4412
4413
4414Do you want to leave Faraway a message, and if you do how much information should you try to give him?
4415
4416-------------------------
4417
4418You hang up the phone before the machine can start a recording and call a fourth time, on the off chance that Faraway will answer. The moment you are greeted with the near familiar sound of the prerecorded greeting you slam the phone down in frustration. He didn't mean for you to go out and meet him, did he? That still doesn't feel like it was the right answer. There's always the idea that you weren't supposed to do anything at all and he was just trying to throw off whoever was standing in the room with him. 
4419
4420
4421That thought doesn't settle well with you either, but you're drawing blanks on what else could be going on. You would try to talk to Lawrence about this, but at the moment he's too out of commission for anything like that. Whatever he's going through better get over quickly though, you can't handle being in charge if something happens. Looking through your bag, it seems like everything that you had remaining is here and accounted for. That's one small relief for now, even if it means you have to try to lug around the bag. For now you put the envelope that Sam gave you inside for safe keeping, doing your best to let it get bent. You'll make sure to give it back to Sam as soon as you see him, maybe you've been useful by keeping it.
4422
4423
4424Leaving Lawrence on the bed, you go to look yourself over in the mirror. You look fine, and it's not like he left a bruise earlier. If anything you just startled him, which isn't surprising from the way he has been acting. It would be better to not mention it later, you don't want him to feel bad about it. You're just thankful that it wasn't worse, you know first hand from your mother just how violent and irrational people can act when they're hopped up. Then again, maybe you could say the same about your father...
4425
4426[1/3]
4427
4428-------------------------
4429
4430As much as you would like to find something better to watch, you leave the channel on the news as you come back to the bed. Feeling better about his situation, you take a seat on the bed this time. On screen a man talks about an accident that occurred just outside of town, right after the bridge. You pay attention to this, looking over the pictures and the eyewitness accounts as you mindlessly run your fingers over his hair in an attempt to be soothing. 
4431
4432
4433From the sounds of it, a semi ended up tipping over while leaving due to black ice on the road. Dad had trouble with that once, you remember. You guys were going to visit grandma and grandpa and ended up leaving really early in the morning. The car ended up drifting across two lanes before he got control of the vehicle again, by that time you and your mother had already been in tears from the experience. That time there was no accident though, it sounds like five other cars were totaled from the semi truck and a whole heap of people injured. It's sad to hear, and the man goes on to warn people about leaving on the roads outside of town. Even if you did somehow have a vehicle to leave on, the warning scares you plenty. After that story it goes on to talk about a series of break-in and robberies in one of the cheaper neighborhoods, and then talk about the damage the previous storm had caused. 
4434
4435
4436You pass the time with these, paying more attention then you had before. No mention about you or anyone you know, and that's a huge relief. Cutting to a brief commercial break, you watch as some local guy with crappy camera quality tries to sell off his used cars. Funny in an embarrassing way, you decide to just wait for the news to return. Next commercial for a local carpet place, just as low quality as the last one. Then again this is the local channel, it would make sense that these would be commercials for places near by here. When the next one does a sweeping overview for a plastic surgery clinic you can't change the channel fast enough. You didn't want to risk seeing the face of that terrible man or hear his just as awful voice. 
4437
4438
4439You settle on the channel from last night, the family one. Right in the middle of a sitcom you know nothing about, but better then what the other channel had to offer. You bear through the annoying characters and jokes you don't understand, glancing down at Lawrence occasionally. On his cheek you can just see the faded outline of scratch marks, and on his hand the dark color of dried blood beneath his fingernails. It hadn't been an option, but the idea that he did this to himself seems more and more likely. His skin is holding together for now, but you doubt that it was time for them to come out. The sooner he gets to Sam and gets fixed up the better, that's all there is to it.
4440
4441[2/3]
4442
4443-------------------------
4444
4445"Awake yet?" You keep your voice soft and quiet, watching for any signs of life. It's been nearly three and a half hours since you brought him in here, but Lawrence finally looks at you with the usual tired expression. Helping him to sit up, you pass over the glass of water and wait for him to finish. "How are you feeling?"
4446
4447
4448Wiping his mouth, Lawrence only offers a thumbs up, but it's better then before. 
4449
4450"Did you do that?" You gesture to your own cheek, watching as he reaches up to touch his in confusion. Upon feeling the missing stitches Lawrence races up to go confirm that they are missing in the bathroom mirror. He's still not completely coordinated, and in his rush he nearly falls. Following behind, you watch as he looks at himself in anger and panic. "I don't think it's uh...too bad. I mean you probably need new ones put back in but um...but it should be fine. Sam should be able to fix you up again."
4451
4452
4453To your displeasure, you notice that your headache from earlier has begun to grow. The stress of everything must be getting to you right now, you just need to try and ignore it.
4454
4455
4456Continuing to look himself over, Lawrence has a look of sudden realization on his face as he looks around the room. 
4457
4458
4459"What's wrong?"
4460
4461"T-...time..."
4462
4463"Oh uh," You look over to the bright red numbers on the nightstand. "It's um...8:43."
4464
4465
4466Hearing this makes Lawrence go into a quick panic, and he rushes to the door. You're prepared for him to run out, unsure of how to stop him. Instead he checks all the locks, looking out the peephole before doing the same to the window.
4467
4468"I think we're safe here, no one would really try to like...break into a hotel room, right?" Your words offer only the smallest solace to him, Lawrence collapsing in the chair. His hand is feeling around for something in his pocket, hidden away from view.
4469
4470
4471Do you want to ask Lawrence what is going on right now, or talk to him about something else and wait to ask about this later?
4472
4473-omitted one small post.
4474
4475-------------------------
4476
4477It might not be a pleasant conversation, but it's one that needs to happen. 
4478
4479
4480Moving to stand in front of Lawrence, arms crossed and trying to keep a serious face, you look down at him.
4481
4482"I want you to tell me what's going on," You make sure your voice doesn't waver while you speak, trying to show just how seriously you are trying to take this right now. "And don't think about hiding anything away this time." At this, Lawrence only shakes his head, and you know that isn't going to be easy. You can't back down from it though, and prepare to grill him.
4483
4484"You can't hide stuff like this from me, if you're in trouble or know something then I have to know," Trying to look Lawrence in the eyes, he refuses to return the gesture back. Looking around the room, looking anywhere but at your face. His lips are moving again, but not being able to hear what he's trying to say begins to annoy you. "I can't hear what you're saying, either speak up or write it ou-"
4485
4486"Can't...tell you..." Lawrence mumbles, and in addition to annoyance you start to feel angry. 
4487
4488
4489"Yes, you can. And you will. If you're in trouble or something that's fine, but I have to know."
4490
4491"..."
4492
4493"Dammit, you can't do this to me," You bite your lip, trying to think past the headache. "We can't hide in here forever you know, I have to leave this in the morning."
4494
4495Lawrence staying silent ticks you off more then him saying that he can't tell you. It feels like you're being ignored, and you hate that.
4496
4497
4498"I tell you pretty much everything, can't you do the same for me?" You also hate how upset you sound, irritation and bitterness dripping from each word. "This isn't something that you can really keep from me. You show up here all...all messed up and try to leave before I can answer the door, you tore out some of your stitches and didn't even realize it, and now you're freaking out about the time and won't even tell me what's going on? How is that fair?"
4499
4500You're sending Lawrence on a guilt trip, and it appears to be working. In sloppy handwriting you are given a note rather then the job of trying to deciphering his words.
4501
4502
4503I was trying to do something to earn some money
4504
4505but I fucked it up
4506
4507"What do you mean 'earn some money'? What were you doing?" Reading the note over and over again, you try to piece together everything you've seen and heard the past few days. "It was something bad, wasn't it?"
4508
4509
4510"...yes."
4511
4512"Then just tell me what it was then!" The paper wrinkles in your clenched hand, but Lawrence doesn't offer an answer. In instinct, you reach out and grab his shoulders, trying to force him to look at you. "Just tell me already, I...I HATE it when you hide stuff from me! I hate it when everyone else does it! I'm not dumb, I know something is up so just....just tell me already!"
4513
4514[1/3]
4515
4516-------------------------
4517
4518Your eyes burn, like you're about to cry. The pain in your head is growing steadily, and you watch him awaiting anything, even if it isn't an answer. Any sound that isn't your damned heart beating in your ears. Before your voice had been normal, but you can't help as it raised up. Not shouting, but you're close to it. Anyone passing by the door outside could probably hear this one-sided argument and your desperate attempt to get answers.
4519
4520
4521"Lawrence!" This time the sound of your voice scares you, but you're riled up. You don't even realize how tightly you're gripping his shoulders till Lawrence reaches up and touches your hand. At that, you are reminded of a scene you have seen similar to this. How when your mother and father would yell at each other, how your father would get mad when your mother wouldn't say anything and grab her, shaking her to get a response. It was horrible to watch, and now you're doing the same thing.
4522
4523Releasing your hold, you take steps back and away from Lawrence. Wringing your awful hands together instead, you try to calm yourself down.
4524
4525
4526"I'm...I'm sorry about that, I'm not angry at you..." It doesn't feel like much of an apology, and you are more then ashamed by your rash behavior. "C-...Can you please just t-tell me...?"
4527
4528
4529"...I can't." As soon as Lawrence says this you feel a sudden rush of nausea, and you run to the bathroom to hug the toilet as you heave over it. It's not enough to make you throw up, but you feel slightly dizzy and completely gross. Were you really that angry? It doesn't feel like it, and now your entire body just sort of aches. Waiting for the feeling to pass, you can hear Lawrence standing up from the seat. You doubt it's to get up and leave, but you don't want him to see you like this either. Jumping up, you shut and lock the bathroom door before taking you spot back.
4530
4531
4532"J-Just give me a second..." It's unclear if he can hear you mumbling, but you take some comfort at knowing he isn't leaving. Instead it sounds like he's moving to sit against the bathroom door waiting for you. You no longer feel like throwing up, but you still don't feel great either. Washing out your mouth, you look over yourself in the mirror. That was terrible behavior you showed out there, and you're just ashamed about it. Instead of going out, you slump to the tiled floor with your back against the door. It may not feel like you're going to throw up, but your head sure as hell hurts. It feels like the pain is spreading, down your neck and down your chest. Nothing big, nothing scary...just the dull pain. 
4533
4534
4535"I'm sorry..." You say, hoping he can hear through the door. "I didn't mean to do that, I was just...I don't know. Being angry I guess." 
4536
4537Nothing comes from the door, and you decide to keep talking in the meantime. 
4538
4539[2/3]
4540
4541-------------------------
4542
4543"I really don't like it when stuff is kept a secret. It feels like I'm being babied or like...like I'm too stupid to understand or something. I just want to be kept in the loop, and I want to make sure everything is okay...that's all." As you talk you mess with the hem of your sweater, trying to distract yourself from everything awful. There's a long pause of silence, and you worry that Lawrence may have fallen asleep where he is before a note is slipped between the crack of the door.
4544
4545
4546I'm sorry
4547
4548My head is racing and everything is a mess
4549
4550Give me time to collect my thoughts
4551
4552I'll let you know what's happening then
4553
4554
4555You still want to know right now, but this is a promise that he'll tell you in a little bit and that's good enough for now.
4556
4557
4558"...-e you." Lawrence's voice is hushed and you can hardly hear what he is saying. "Sorry."
4559
4560Now the two of you have apologize, and it still doesn't feel okay.
4561
4562
4563You need to wait for Lawrence to get back to normal before he tells you what has been happening, what should you do till then?
4564
4565-------------------------
4566
4567Getting up, it feels like you can't wash out your mouth enough. The terrible taste remains in your mouth and your head continues to hurt, but there's nothing else you can do about it from in here. Bracing yourself, you let Lawrence know that you're coming out and he moves out of the way for you.
4568
4569
4570"Um, come on..." You grab his hands in an offer to help him up. Not that you would really be able to pull him up yourself, but it's the gesture that counts. "It's getting late, and you probably haven't gotten to sleep in a real bed in a long time." Lawrence looks exhausted and you feel the same way. He was only supposed to stop by for a short time, drop your stuff off and leave, but you are kind of glad that you won't have to be alone tonight. Of course you'll have to find out what sort of mess he's gotten wrapped up in too, but you'll have to deal with that when it comes. 
4571
4572
4573You make Lawrence lay down while you turn off the lights. At his request you leave the small light by the bed on, giving a warm light to the otherwise dark room. 
4574
4575
4576"No no, under the covers. Don't make me tuck you in," You say when you come over to the bed, pulling back the blankets and sliding in. "Take off your shoes and all that too, I don't want to have to feel your dirty boots while I'm trying to sleep."
4577
4578
4579Upstairs you can hear the footsteps of whoever is occupying the room, nearly silent from traveling down. You think about what will end up happening tomorrow. It would probably be unwise to leave here with Lawrence, and someone else like Sam will come to get you instead. Lawrence will have to either leave before you or hang around and away till he's sure someone came by, and then what? You have no idea, and the uncertainty is worrying. These thoughts come to a pause when Lawrence comes back to bed, missing his shoes and thick coat. It'd be nice if you have some soft night clothes to wear right now, but you're more then used to sleeping in your 'normal' clothes. Feels weird being in a real bed, a nice soft queen sized on top of that. You don't look up at him, still feeling bad for earlier. Instead you curl up, trying to enjoy your last night in the room. Despite your headache, you manage to drift off soon enough.
4580
4581
4582...
4583
4584[1/2]
4585
4586-------------------------
4587
4588When you open your eyes, your arms are wrapped around Lawrence and you are facing his back. The light remains on, and the sound of pen going over paper lets you know what he's doing. Looking over at the clock, you can see only a few hours have passed, the bright red 2:37 shinning out. You try to go back to sleep, but you are focusing too much on the sound and movements of Lawrence writing.
4589
4590
4591"Is that for me?" You ask, letting him know you're awake.
4592
4593"Not this...one," Lawrence pauses what he's doing for a moment to answer you. "Will get...yours later."
4594
4595
4596Not wanting to pry about this, you instead just lay there and listen to him write. Is he still trying to get something written to his parents?
4597
4598
4599"Are you feeling better?" That should be okay for you to ask.
4600
4601"Alright enough."
4602
4603"You sure?"
4604
4605"Mhm."
4606
4607"I'm not bothering you right now, am I?"
4608
4609
4610"No," Lawrence is giving you short answers, but you're sure it's because he is trying to focus on what he's writing right now. You squeeze your arms around him tighter, and and his free hand comes to return a gentle squeeze on your arm. "You don't...bother me."
4611
4612
4613 It sounds like Lawrence is either thinking about what to write next or pausing to give you attention. You remember what you promised yourself at the theater.
4614
4615It's not exactly an ideal place for this, but you're also worried about when you might get the chance to do this again.
4616
4617Do you want to ask Lawrence about marriage now?
4618
4619-------------------------
4620
4621This time will be as good as any to ask, you might as well get it out of the way. 
4622
4623
4624"Lawrence?"
4625
4626"Hm?" He's not looking back, but you know his attention is focused on you right now. Knowing that suddenly makes the words catch in your throat, your chest feeling tight.
4627
4628"I um...I have a q-...question for you. And I want you to know that I'm like...completely serious about it too, okay?" You wait for Lawrence to nod and try to come up with the best way to ask. Movies always show it as someone being in a crowded restaurant or a special place, the man going down on a knee and pulling out a ring when he asks...this is nothing like that. You guys are laying in a bed in some hotel, and you're the one asking. If he doesn't say no right away it's going to be because he doesn't believe that you're seriously doing this. "So you have to promise not to laugh or anything, got it?"
4629
4630
4631"No promise." Lawrence is trying to make things seem normal again, and you appreciate the effort.
4632
4633"I won't tell you unless you swear not to make fun of me for it."
4634
4635
4636"Maybe."
4637
4638"No way, you have to promise that you won't!" You whine, and while it's nice to have a normal situation like this again you want everything to do well.
4639
4640"Tell me...what it...is. Won't laugh." Lawrence promises, and you know that now you'll have to say it. Squeezing him tighter, you hide your face against his back and ask in a muffled voice. "Couldn't hear...what you...said."
4641
4642
4643Of course he couldn't, you were making sure you could actually handle saying it out loud first. With a deep breath you say it again, louder and clear enough for him to hear with all your confidence poured out in each word.
4644
4645
4646"I want to be your bride."
4647
4648
4649Nothing follows this, and you give another squeeze before getting up so you can look down at Lawrence.
4650
4651[1/2]
4652
4653-------------------------
4654
4655"Will you marry me?" Your face has long since heated up, but you don't back down from it either. No wavering or cracks in your voice, this is something you want to do properly. Lawrence sits up, looking at you with an uncertain and surprised look.
4656
4657"What?"
4658
4659
4660"I want to marry you, Lawrence. Um...only if you would want to get married to someone like me, that is." You start to feel embarrassed at that last part, not prepared for rejection. Lawrence opens his mouth as if to say something but stops, looking wide eyed and confused as ever. It's not really normal for a girl to ask this, is it? Did you break some unspoken rule about this? Probably. 
4661
4662"N-...not really...the kind...of guy...you want...to get...married to..." Lawrence finally says, still reeling from your question. It's the kind of answer you expected to hear,and you prepared yourself for that.
4663
4664
4665"And I wouldn't make a good wife."
4666
4667"Yes you...would-"
4668
4669"Then you're a good enough husband for me." Saying that out loud feels surreal, but you are determined to get an answer.
4670
4671
4672"You don't...want to...get stuck...with me."
4673
4674"That's a bit too late for that, I think. Anyways I um...I like being stuck with you," Lawrence seems to still have some difficulties accepting what you're bring up to him. Wrapping your arms around his shoulders, you look up at him, your eyes drawn first to the scars and then to his face. "I um...I love you, after all." There's still no response, but instead your are pulled in for a tight embrace. It isn't a 'no', but you still want a straight answer on this.
4675
4676
4677"I can't...give you...much."
4678
4679"I don't need a lot."
4680
4681"Nothing to...offer..."
4682
4683"You're enough for me." You hope you aren't guilt tripping him, but rather letting him know that you understand what you're getting in to.
4684
4685
4686"Can't give...you a...proper wedding...or anything...like that. Isn't that...something you...wanted?"
4687
4688"That's fine, I don't need that," You promise, trying to ignore the pain in your head. "I just want your answer."
4689
4690
4691"..." Lawrence looks scared to answer, but you aren't sure what else you could say to sooth him.
4692
4693
4694What are some promises you could make in exchange for becoming his wife?
4695
4696-omitted one small post.
4697
4698-omitted one small post.
4699
4700-omitted one small post.
4701
4702-------------------------
4703
4704"I just want to be there for you, like you are for me. Maybe I can't do a good job at being a support for you yet, but I want to try at least. And I don't want you to be alone when stuff gets bad. You're there for me, and I'll be there for you too, if um...if you want to let me," It feels weird saying stuff like this, but you want to show just how mature you can be. "And I don't want you to think you'll be alone or something either. I want to be by your side as long as I can, but only if you want me there. That doesn't bother you, does it?"
4705
4706"No. Like having...you around." Lawrence admits, and you pull yourself closer. 
4707
4708
4709"Then let me stay with you and um..." You fidget it around at this next part. "And I'll do what I need, you know? Like...everything a wife is supposed to do. It's for you, so I don't mind. And um..I'll get b-better about not freaking out during it too...I p-promise."
4710
4711
4712"I'll..." Lawrence struggles to speak, and each second that passes makes you lose hope in getting a yes. "Delilah."
4713
4714
4715"Yes...?" At this, Lawrence pulls you in almost too tightly. 
4716
4717"Will do...it." Your heart leaps at this, but he continues talking. "But only...after I...tell you...what's going...on. And then...you can...think about...it again."
4718
4719"You mean why you were all messed up earlier?" Lawrence nods at this, and while it leaves a stone in your stomach you also willingly take this. "I don't think there's anything you could tell me that would make me change my mind."
4720
4721
4722You're given a kiss on the forehead, and wait as Lawrence writes out a note for you. The actual wait doesn't bother you, but there is the fear that Lawrence got into some big trouble that will ruin everything. The minutes pass and you try not to think about the worst case scenarios, finally feeling some relief when the note is passed over.
4723
4724
4725I was given the prospect of making cash, and I took it. Shouldn't have, but I was desperate. Relying on you to pay for things isn't okay, and working isn't too doable right now.
4726
4727I've spent the day making 'deliveries'
4728
4729I've been moving drugs, and have been getting paid for it. Not too much, but some cash is better then none
4730
4731
4732The place I went to before I came here thought I was shady. They were worried I was bringing them fakes or something, they weren't too sober. I tried it out for them, tried to prove they were real. Took them down with some alcohol, and I think that was a big mistake. I didn't know they would work like that, it scared you and I'm sorry
4733
4734
4735"So, wait...where did you get...." You think back to what Sharron passed over and what you had overheard in the hidden room. She wouldn't really be the kind to do something like that, would she? "Erm...w-why were you freaking out about the time earlier?"
4736
4737[1/2]
4738
4739-------------------------
4740
4741I was just supposed to drop off your stuff and make one last delivery tonight. I missed the deadline, and now I imagine there's some pissed off customers and a bottle full of ecstasy in my coat
4742
4743
4744You're not really sure what that means, but you'll wait to ask about that. 
4745
4746"So what are you going to do now? Try and take it over to sell or keep it or what?"
4747
4748
4749Don't think I could get to those customers again, and the guy I was running these for would be pissed if I kept the pills or the money I'm supposed to bring back. I was just supposed to deliver them and bring back the payment, and then I would get a cut. I'm going to see William tomorrow and see if I can get some help selling them
4750
4751A guy? Was he doing this for more then Sharron?
4752
4753
4754"What if you can't sell them?"
4755
4756I'll take it back to the guy, he seems a little unhinged though. I'd rather bring him back money then say I missed a customer or something
4757
4758
4759"You're not going to get hurt, are you?"
4760
4761"Going to...try not...to."
4762
4763
4764The idea that Lawrence is out there selling drugs for people sounds awful. There's a surge of pain in your head as you think this over. People who do this kind of thing are scary, aren't they? And you doubt they end up better in the end...and if this guy Lawrence has to see is as awful as he says...
4765
4766
4767Do you want to try and convince Lawrence not to do this, or let him try to sell the drugs? Maybe he could sell them anyways, but not go back to the guy...or just flush it all down the toilet. Never think about it again...
4768
4769If you beg enough, then Lawrence will probably listen. What do you want him to do?
4770
4771-omitted one small post.
4772
4773-------------------------
4774
4775Tossing the drugs away without bringing the cash to whoever isn't an option. That does leave you with a couple of options for now though, even if some of them won't make Lawrence too happy.
4776
4777
4778"How much do they like...cost or whatever? What are they expecting you to bring back?" 
4779
4780"Eight pills...twenty five...dollars each."
4781
4782"That much for some pill? Jesus..." You do the math in your head. If he was to sell all of those, he would need to bring back two hundred dollars. Getting up and bring back your jacket, you pull out the roll of bills you carry and start to count them out on the bed.
4783
4784"What are...you doing?"
4785
4786"One Eighty... one eighty five...one eighty nine..." You count out each one carefully, making a neat and tidy stack between you two. "...one sixty....one seventy..." You place the last of the bills, a bunch of wrinkled fives and ones to bring the count up to two hundred and hand them over to Lawrence. 
4787
4788
4789"What do...you think...you're d-"
4790
4791"Take this so you can pay off the guy or whatever."
4792
4793"All of...your money..."
4794
4795"Not all of it. I still have like...thirty bucks. And uh, Eric gave me his card for emergencies too but I'd rather not use it-"
4796
4797
4798"Can't take...your money," Lawrence tries to push it back to you, shaking his head. "Took this...job so...wouldn't have...to rely...on you...like this."
4799
4800
4801"And now you're in a bit of trouble," You aren't going to back down from this. "I'd much rather try to give you the money then have to worry about you standing in an alley and try to sell them, or whatever it is people do to sell stuff like that."
4802
4803"That's...two hundred...dollars."
4804
4805
4806"I know, I counted it all out. This way you can take the guy his money, and there won't be a problem right? Just take this, and then you'll have one less thing to worry about. Does um...does he like...work for someone else we know or something? Maybe you could bring the ec-...et-...the pills or whatever to them later." You want to try and confirm that Sharron is part of all this without letting him know you had been eavesdropping. Holding out the bills with one hand, you start to scratch at the crook of your neck with the other. 
4807
4808[1/2]
4809
4810-------------------------
4811
4812"Maybe,...don't know...if she...would take...them," He's going to be vague about it, just as you expected. The thought of someone like Sharron being some big drug dealer sounds crazy though. Does Faraway know what his sister does? "Never been...directly part...of something...like this."
4813
4814
4815"And you shouldn't be any more! This kind of thing is dangerous! And they are always talking about arresting people for this kind of thing on the news all the time too!" You're scolding him, but only out of fear for his safety.
4816
4817"Michele would...kill me...if she...knew," Her name makes you cringe, a flash of white hot pain in your head. Any time you remember her, it's laying in the bathtub covered in blood and the empty bag of powder thrown to the side. The same stuff you carry in your own bag, actually. "Always warned...me to...stay away...from this...life."
4818
4819
4820"It's not too late for you to fix it though. Just take the money, give it to the guy, and just be done with all this. I know you were wanting to make some money, but I don't want you to have to resort to this sort of thing. Take care of this and then maybe we can figure out what to do with the stuff..." Pushing the money into his hands, Lawrence finally accept the cash. His face gives away the dissatisfaction over this, but if it means keeping him safe then it's fine. You realize that Lawrence will have to walk around carrying them in his pocket. Having him bring them over to Sharron seems like the best idea, or if William could help 'get rid' of them later even. But you doubt that Lawrence is going to be strolling around one of the nice neighborhoods, and they've already proved willing to give him trouble before.
4821
4822
4823Do you want to carry the pills for him, or would it be safer to let him keep them?
4824
4825-omitted one small post.
4826
4827-------------------------
4828
4829"I think you should let me hold on to that stuff for now." You don't like the idea of carrying around a bunch of drugs, but between the two you're less likely to get stopped by a police officer. There's nothing illegal about Lawrence walking around with a lot of cash, but the idea that he could be caught with the pills and sent to jail is terrifying. 
4830
4831
4832"Not going...to let...you hold...on to...them."
4833
4834"Yes you are. If I get caught with them then I can just like...cry and say I don't know what they are or something. I don't think you could pull something like that off, no offense." You'd much rather not have to do something like that, but if it comes to it...
4835
4836
4837"No way."
4838
4839"Yes way! I'll keep them in my bag, who's going to go through it anyways? I'll keep it on me, and I'll just like...hide them in a sock or something! No one would find them, and if they did then I don't think that would be the worst of my troubles at the moment," Realizing that your neck burns from your scratches, you pull away your hand and hope Lawrence doesn't notice. "And if I need to I'll just take them back to the theater...they'll um...t-they'll be safe there." At the sound of theater Lawrence looks shocked, and you do your best to cover the slip up. No need to upset him about this further, you doubt Sharron would be thrilled with the idea of you knowing about all of this too.
4840
4841
4842"...you're not...going to...mess with...them, right?"
4843
4844"I'll put them in my bag and never touch them again."
4845
4846
4847"Not going...to talk...about them...either to...anyone, promise?"
4848
4849"I won't say I word. I know how bad they are," That's a lie, you don't know much about any of this stuff. Better to sound confident then to let your naivety show through though. "No one will realize that I have them, it'll be fine." You've been able to carry around the powder Michele gave you for this long, carrying around a few pills shouldn't be a big deal. You wait as Lawrence digs through his coat, pulling out a small bottle.
4850
4851
4852"Wait a minute, isn't that just Aspirin...oh wait, are they inside there or something?" Taking the bottle from Lawrence, you notice that it feels full. Way more then eight pills...
4853
4854[1/2]
4855
4856-------------------------
4857
4858"Hidden on...the bottom. Normal Aspirin...pills on...the top." Lawrence explains, and you have to stop yourself from opening it to look inside. If that's the case, what are the chances that he would actually get caught with them? Better safe then sorry though, and you bury the bottle deep away in your bag.
4859
4860
4861"Alright, they're safe in there...now you can take care of the money and we can deal with them later." You carefully set the bag back down, afraid that something could happen if you're too rough with it. What the hell have you gotten yourself into? Just remind yourself it'll be fine, it's not like you'll have to do anything with them. Get the pills settled, maybe even the powder and everything will be okay.
4862
4863
4864Moving back to the bed, the two of you sit in silence. It's a terrible situation, but this could have gone much worse. Lawrence is probably kicking himself over having to take money from you again, but you wish you could assure him that you don't mind. Maybe he feels like he's not being a proper man, having to rely on someone like you once again.
4865
4866
4867Messing with the hem of your jeans, you glance over at Lawrence's face. Where he took out the stitches himself is raw and red, better then when he first got them in but still not healed. He needs new ones put in soon, but you know that won't happen any time soon. You're about to offer to give him some help, maybe lick his cheek to help in what little you can but you remember what you had promised Sam.
4868
4869
4870He asked you to not do that, and while you wouldn't be drinking anything you doubt Sam would condone this anyways. But if it's to help Lawrence...
4871
4872
4873Do you want to go against your promise and try to help Lawrence's cheek, or wait and let him take care of it himself?
4874
4875gotta head to class now
4876
4877-omitted one small post.
4878
4879-------------------------
4880
4881"Let me take care of that," You say, getting up from the bed. "Dad always said to keep stuff like that clean, you don't want it to get infected or heal worse. He was always really big on making sure all my scrapes and cuts were cleaned up properly. It felt kind of silly sometimes, but I guess it's better to be safe." From the bathroom you grab a hand towel, wetting the corner just like your dad would. He used actual cleaning solution, but your grandfather said that just water would be fine. 
4882
4883
4884Holding Lawrence's chin, it feels silly as you tilt his head to the side. Dabbling the white against his skin, you notice him wincing beneath the gentle touches. You do your best to avoid the now empty bumps, watching the pure white become stained with the grime and dried blood. That might help to fight off some of the bacteria, but the open wounds aren't going to be too good. 
4885
4886
4887It feels bad, breaking your promise to Sam. Knowing that Lawrence got sick and hurt from something you could have prevented feels even worst though. Besides, Sam will never have to know and it's not that much. It's not like he's bleeding now, and it will be a quick job. Nothing bad, you won't have to feel guilty about anything and you'll have done more to help. 
4888
4889
4890"And you should uh...let me, you know...too." He doesn't know about the promise you made, if he did then there's no doubt that Lawrence would try to stop you. You'll keep that little fact to yourself, and it will be fine. Nodding in permission, Lawrence allows you full access. You focus just on where the stitches were removed, shuddering at how bad they must have hurt. It looks painful taking them out the normal way, you can't even begin to imagine tearing them out with nails. There's that familiar tinge of pleasure when your tongue runs over raw flesh, but nothing too crazy. It makes you wish for more, makes your head feel light, but it's hardly anything. Over and over the small area, you trace over it till you feel as if it's safe enough. Not that you're really sure when that is, but all you can do for now is guess.
4891
4892[1/2]
4893
4894-------------------------
4895
4896"It looks pretty bad, did it hurt?" You ask, looking through your bag for something to cover the marks with. The ghost of a buzz staves off your headache for now, and you're thankful for that, even if it means you'll just have to deal with it even more later on.
4897
4898
4899"Stings. Not too...bad though." Lawrence wouldn't let you know how bad it really hurt, but asking makes you feel better anyways. 
4900
4901
4902"Why did you do it?" There's nothing in your bag that you can use, not for his face anyways.
4903
4904"Don't remember. Was itchy...or something. Just scratched. Think it...will heal?"
4905
4906
4907"If you don't mess with it any more then I think so. I can't say though...I've never seen something like that. You'll just need to talk to Sam about it when we see him," Looking over your 'work', trying to ignore the want for more, you realize that it may be a while before you two see each other again. "You're not going to stay here with me, are you?"
4908
4909
4910"Be best...if I...left before...it got...busy."
4911
4912"You're probably right. It sucks though. It really really sucks," You're trying not to sulk, but it's impossible to hide your disappointment over the situation. "Stop touching, I just cleaned that."
4913
4914
4915Lawrence pulls his fingers away from his cheek, absentmindedly tracing over it. He notices your shift in attitude, grimacing as he thinks for a bit.
4916
4917
4918"Was going...to leave...now. But if...you want...I can...stay for...a bit...longer."
4919
4920Go ahead and say good-bye to Lawrence, or let him stay for a while longer?
4921
4922-------------------------
4923
4924"No, it's probably for the best if you go now. Get everything out of the way, less people walking around all that," It's hard to sound happy about this, but you try your best. If he stayed you'd just end up staying up with him anyways. You need to show that you can handle yourself, that you don't constantly need to hold his hand, even when that's all you want to do. "Do you know who's coming by to grab me anyways?"
4925
4926
4927"Most likely...Sam. But keep...eye out." Not as much as you, but Lawrence has traces of loneliness in his words. At least you'll be out with someone, he's got to walk around all by himself. Watching as he pulls on his shoes and coat, you prepare yourself to say goodbye. Walking him to the door, the two of you just stand in silence. Opening your mouth, you prepare to see him off but it doesn't come out the way you want to. Saying goodbye makes it sound like you aren't going to see him again, and it breaks your heart. You have to be strong about this, prove that you aren't some little baby who can't do anything on her own. 
4928
4929
4930"Um...so you be careful out there, okay?" You look up at him as you say this, and Lawrence just gives you a brittle grin. The corner of his mouth might always stay turned up, but that fake grin doesn't do a good enough job at hiding what's going on beneath. "Could you uh, lean down for a second?"
4931
4932
4933In an effort to poke fun at your height, Lawrence makes a big gesture of coming down to meet you at eye level, his face feigning a sign of annoyance at this.
4934
4935"Little shorty." He says, flicking the strand of hair from your face.
4936
4937
4938"It's not my fault-" You try to defend yourself, but a head pat is quick to placate you. It's childish, but you can't help but like the way he ruffles your short hair. "Rude..."
4939
4940
4941"You are...short."
4942
4943"I'll grow, just give me some time."
4944
4945"Sure you...will. Maybe then...you can...reach my...shoulder," Lawrence grins more as he says this, seeing you pout at him. "If you...stand on...tiptoes...anyways."
4946
4947
4948"I'm tall enough! Erm...anyways..." Your face is red from the light bullying you've received, but it grows deeper when you take hold on the sides of his face and lean in to Lawrence. Just a quick smooch on the lips, and then you look him in the eyes to make sure he's listening. "You be careful out there, okay?"
4949
4950[1/2]
4951
4952-------------------------
4953
4954"Should be...telling you...that."
4955
4956"Well, I'm telling you that right now. Don't make me worry, and take care of yourself or else, okay?"
4957
4958"As long...as you...do. Shorty."
4959
4960
4961"Shush. You better head out now." Lawrence nods in agreement, giving you one last hug before exiting out the door. You wave halfheartedly, locking the door behind. Returning to the bed, it feels even bigger now. Rolling around, you wrap yourself in the still warm blankets and do your best to fall asleep. 
4962
4963
4964...
4965
4966It's a restless and flighty sleep, but better then nothing. When you look at the clock you can see that it's already 10 in the morning. Not that you haven't slept in this late before, but you start to worry. Check out is at noon, only two hours away. Shouldn't someone be here by now? Of course they could stop by any moment, there's still two hours. You shouldn't expect them to come get you right away, there has to be a lot for them to do right now. Getting up and preparing, you make sure all your things are gathered and you're ready to leave. Putting the wig on, you tuck the locks away in a beanie to be extra safe. At this rate you're going to be a master of disguise, which under any other circumstance would be fun to say.
4967
4968
4969Sitting on the edge of the bed you wait, the minutes flying by all too fast. Maybe someone other then Sam came by and they're waiting for you in the lobby. Going downstairs seems like the best option anyways, they could just be running late. You'd rather not have to explain to a clerk or cleaning lady why you're just hanging around the room waiting.
4970
4971
4972Assuring that you have all your belongings, you head out into the hallway. Carrying the dirty looking duffel bag makes you feel self conscious, but you try your best to fit in. The lobby is nothing special, but there is the breakfast nook and a waiting area of sorts. You eat breakfast, keeping an eye out for anyone you know. Failing to do that, you take a seat on the couch. A television plays, some morning talk show that old women like playing. It doesn't interest you in the slightest, and you try to look around without seeming suspicious. You're just waiting to get picked up, happens to kids all the time right?
4973
4974
4975...
4976
4977
4978[2/3whoops]
4979
4980-------------------------
4981
4982Another hour passes and no body has came for you. It feels like the person at the front desk is starring, but every time you take a peek you can never catch them. Of course it looks weird, you've been sitting here alone. Still, you'll keep waiting you decide. It's only about to be twelve, there's still plenty of time.
4983
4984
4985When yet another hour passes, you feel anxious. This time you catch the woman working the front desk looking over at you, talking with another employee. Whoever is coming could be late, right? Sam gave you the envelope to hold after all, he wouldn't give you something that important if he was just going to leave you behind. The women in the back are starting to make you feel nervous though.
4986
4987
4988Should you stay in here for a while longer, or wait outside? Of course you could always try walking to the theater and seeing if either Faraway is over there right now...
4989
4990-------------------------
4991
4992You'll stay here for now. Not bothering anyone, not being in the way....you'll keep to yourself till someone comes to save you from this wait. The slight buzz you received has long since died, but so has the headache. For now, that is. Instead you can deal with the need to want more. Annoying, annoying as hell but at least you're not in pain. The amount of people passing by makes you nervous, and you find yourself ducking over to hide away from any wandering eyes. You'll have to keep an extra eye out though, no one else knows what you're wearing. 
4993
4994
4995On the small couch across from you, a mother with a child and baby sits down. Looking over, you see a man you presume to be her husband checking out, bags at hand. Hiccups and growing sobs from the baby draw your attention back, watching at the mother attempts to calm him. The baby is passed over to the little girl, just old enough to hold the baby in her lap as the mother looks through the diaper bag. The little girl is trying her best to sooth her brother, cooing at him and humming. He doesn't stop crying, but it does seem to distract him for the time being. When the mother takes him back, you realize from the blanket over her shoulder that she's about to breastfeed the baby, and in embarrassment you look away. She's doing it in public, but it's not something you should be watching like a creep. All she's trying to do is feed her child is all. Your mother did the same, as hard as it is to believe sometimes. In the few pictures of her holding you, your mother always looked so exhausted and drain, like it was a big effort to do it. Not that you don't think it's a big thing for other mother's, but the way she looked in those photos was almost scary. Dark eyes, thin cheeks, her hair a mess...almost like she looked in the hospital. Oddly enough she managed to muster a smile in those pictures, even if they might not have been genuine. 
4996
4997
4998You could have been doing something like this too. If you hadn't realized what was going on with your body, if you hadn't started bleeding again or taken those pills...
4999
5000
5001A little homeless girl, walking around with a bag on one arm and a baby in the other. What a sad thought.
5002
5003
5004The idea of it happening to you is terrible, but for some reason there's the tug of guilt in your chest. You start to feel nauseous again, leaning over further. Mentally begging for the family to leave and take the baby, you can't be thankful enough when they finally do leave you. Babies never bothered you before, you loved seeing them. But now? It's just another thing ruined for you. 
5005
5006[1/2]
5007
5008-------------------------
5009
5010Eventually the feeling passes, and you lean back up. The lobby has practically emptied at this point, and looking at the time on the clock doesn't make you feel any better. It's past noon now, and still no one you know has came by. You couldn't have missed them, right? No one snuck by, you didn't miss a knock at the door...nothing like that. You refuse to believe they could have abandoned you, even if the thought crossed your mind several times over. Lawrence is expected back there, and there's no way he could leave you behind either, right?
5011
5012
5013Thinking about your potential options, the double doors open and a lone man walks in. Nothing unusual about that, and no one you know either. Doesn't exactly looked dressed for this place, but who are you to judge?
5014
5015
5016"Excuse me ma'am, I was hoping that I could get some information..." Good, he'll take to the women and they won't pay any attention to you. The less you earn the better it will be. But if they do kick you out...where are you to go? The theater sounds like your best bet, even if that means you might miss them. Not much you can do if you're kicked out of here though. Racking your brain over a plan, you start to bite your thumb out of habit. "Do you happen to know if uh, one Delilah Esposito has stayed here?"
5017
5018
5019You damn near tear your nail off at this. Glancing back, you take a look at the man asking the front desk. You don't recognize him, he wasn't either of the two men from the apartment or the one who stopped by the theater. The idea that he could still be working for Bower crosses your mind, but how the hell would they have known to look here?
5020
5021
5022"I'm sorry sir, I'm not allowed to give out information regarding guests staying here."
5023
5024
5025"I know it's against policy but ah, you think I could maybe get a little hint...?" The man slides something across the table to the woman, and you look towards the door. You could leave now and no one would be the wiser.
5026
5027
5028"I could lose my job over this-"
5029
5030"Ma'am, I can't usually give out too much but this is a bit of an emergency."
5031
5032
5033Gripping your bag tighter, you try to think of the best plan.
5034
5035
5036Leaving now while he's distracted might be the best idea. If you wait too long, then he'll be outside and you risk getting kicked out. On the other hand, he doesn't know what you look like and you aren't registered under your real name here, this could give you the chance to eaves drop...
5037
5038Do you want to leave now or try to gather information?
5039
5040-------------------------
5041
5042Ignoring the instinct to run, you crouch over in an attempt to keep yourself as small as possible. Just keep to yourself, and maybe you can learn some new information.
5043
5044
5045"Alright listen, maybe you can't give me a name and room number," The man continues, and you try to place where you've heard his voice before. "But what if I described this girl to you, maybe it can ring some bells and you can at least tell me if you've seen her walking around, that should be on the up and up. Right?"
5046
5047"Um...I, I guess that would be fine." When the woman agrees to this you clutch your bag even tighter.
5048
5049
5050"Right, so let's see...she's thirteen, bout to turn fourteen. Pretty cute girl you know? Uh let's see, bout oh five foot. Blonde wavy hair, gray eyes, bit of a tan, take a look at this picture, any of this sound familiar to you?" You tuck yourself deeper into the jacket, making sure you don't look over at them.
5051
5052"I'm afraid we go through a lot of people, would this girl be with her parents or...?"
5053
5054
5055"Afraid not. There's a good chance she would be traveling alone, or actually...I don't have a picture for him, but there's a guy she might have been traveling with. Have to go off the description given to me so just give me a moment," There's the sound of paper flipping and the man continues with the description. "This guy is in his late twenties, Caucasian, dark hair with some neck scruff going on, don't have an accurate number but he's apparently really tall. The kind to stand out in a crowd, uh...he's also a mute from the looks of it too. Ring any bells?"
5056
5057
5058"N-...wait, you said tall right? Like um, touching the top of the doorway tall?"
5059
5060"That's the type of description I was given, yeah."
5061
5062
5063"Well uh, I believe there was this one man who fit that description. He left here quite a few hours ago though, way early in the morning. Um, the only thing that seems to be missing is that this guy had been all uh, cut up. The left side of his face was pretty messed up. One of the cleaning ladies told me about him coming in, she thought he was a tweaker. We looked all over but couldn't find him roaming, so I guess he had a room here. To be honest I was ready to call the police, he didn't look like the type of guy to stay here..." 
5064
5065"His face was messed up? Could you just give me a brief description about how it was?"
5066
5067
5068As the woman gives him a description, one of the maids comes by with a vacuum to clean up the carpet in front of you. She gives you a strange look, noticing that you have been sitting here alone. Rather then ask if you should move you decide to just pick yourself up and head out instead. It doesn't sound like there's much more information that you can really pick up for now without risking getting caught. While the man is distracted you walk out the double doors, standing out under the awning.
5069
5070[1/2]
5071
5072-------------------------
5073
5074As usual the sky is covered in clouds, and the business from this morning has seem to come to a pause for now. As you start to walk away the double doors open from behind and the man walks out. You pause midstep, and he walks past you and to a car. No tinted windows, just a beat up Mercedes-Benz with a missing bumper waiting for the man. You hide behind the awning column, waiting for the engine to rev. When it doesn't, you take a peek to see what the deal is. The man is sitting in the front seat, hand out the window with a lit cigarette. From what you can see, it appears that he's looking over notes. Calming yourself, you walk out from the parking lot and to the sidewalk, glancing over to the car but not trying to look obvious. The guy pays no attention to you, but you don't feel safe till you are out walking towards the theater. Not too much traffic, but just enough cars passing to not make you feel alone. You kind of wish there was more people walking around, but this being an alright part of town makes it slightly better. 
5075
5076
5077You forgot just how heavy the bag really is, and are forced to stop and allow your shoulders some rest from carrying it. Keeping an eye out for anyone you know, you feel...you don't know how to feel. Maybe this was the wrong idea, but what other choice did you have? If you stayed there all day the staff would grow more suspicious, they might have thought you were abandoned and called the police. Maybe you were abandoned...
5078
5079
5080Compared to the other parts, the empty store behind you is a strange sight for this place. Large windows that once held displays are now empty, showing you empty shelves and cobwebs. Looking down the street, the rev of an engine working too hard travels down the street. Looking back, you can see that it is once again the Mercedes-Benz. You stay still, holding your breath as you wait for it to pass. When it comes to a sudden stop and the man hurries to roll his window down you nearly choke, trying to look down and away.
5081
5082
5083"Hey, you! Excuse me!" The man calls out, and you look up from behind the beanie. "Ah, excuse me miss, sorry for being rude! But you were at the hotel back there, if I could just ask a few que-" He's cut off by the angry honking of a car waiting from behind, and as he starts to drive forward again he shouts one last thing at you. 
5084
5085
5086[2/3whoopsie]
5087
5088-------------------------
5089
5090"Listen, I'm just going to go park around the corner and then I'll be right back...just let me ask you a few questions and then I'll leave you alone...!" 
5091
5092
5093You watch as the car travels down the block, turning around the block.
5094
5095There's only a little bit of time before that guy comes back this way. If he's working for Bower then it seems pretty weird that all of his information is 'outdated', not to mention you've never seen that car around before. His voice is vaguely familiar too...
5096
5097Doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful, but if he has some information for you...
5098
5099
5100Do you want to try and wait for him to come back and ask a few questions, keeping your face hidden as much as possible? There's an alley you can duck behind, you won't be able to talk to him but maybe you can at least look him over and see if he's someone you recognize. And of course, running away now is always an option.
5101
5102-------------------------
5103
5104The flight response is screaming in your head, but you stay in place. You can handle this, it will be fine. There have been times when you were in worse situations, this won't be a big deal. Feeling around, you find the glasses borrowed from Eric. Slipping them on, you hope they do the job in hiding more of your face. As the man comes down the street your hand reaches into the jacket pocket, wrapping around the pepper spray. If he figures out who you are then you'll just use this and take the chance to run. With each step he takes you go over the plan in your head, rehearsing it over and over again till all too soon the man comes up.
5105
5106
5107"Hello! Thanks for waiting," The man is slightly out of breath, having hurried from his car. You keep your chin down, but try to look over his features. About the same age as John, something in his thirties. He smells of stale cigarettes masked beneath cheap cologne, his clothes a wrinkled mess. If you were to guess, then you would say that both of you are well experienced in sleeping in the same clothes you walked around in all day. "Hope I didn't scare you off too much, but I just have some quick questions."
5108
5109
5110You nod your head, wanting to remain silent as long as possible.
5111
5112"My name is Crocket, a P.I, but not that one," Crocket smirks at this, but the reference flies over your head. "Anyways, let me just get these out of the way and I'll be out of your hair."
5113
5114
5115Avoiding eye contact, you wait as Crocket flips open a notebook pulled from his coat pocket. He fingers through the pages, sprawls of messy notes on the pages that pass.
5116
5117
5118"Let's see..., guess I could start from the top. Have you heard of a girl named Delilah Esposito? She'd be about your height," You shake your head no to this. "Figured that much, but maybe you can help me out more. See, it's important I find this girl so any information I can gather is useful alright? If you think you know any of this just tell me."
5119
5120"A-...alright." You lower your voice, trying to make yourself sound older. 
5121
5122
5123"So, pretty easy to lose a girl like her in a place like this. No sweat, but maybe you can help me locate a friend of hers." He means Lawrence, you can already tell. "A man a bit younger then me, but much taller. Dark hair, white, mute...and possible a face wound? One of the...the left side of his face maybe?"
5124
5125
5126"Um...l-...let me think..." It would be easy to just turn this guy away, but you could maybe work this to your advantage. "I...I think I have seen someone like that around..."
5127
5128
5129"Really? Give me any information you have then." Crocket pulls the nub of a pencil from behind his ear, waiting for you to feed him information.
5130
5131[1/2]
5132
5133-------------------------
5134
5135"So uh, it was a while ago. Like in...in December," You keep your voice low, hoping that it's doing the job. "He was um, walking over by Chancy Hill, where that old school is? I uh...I remember it being weird cause there was this car with dark windows following him...I think it was a Lincoln or something? I um...I go over there a bit sometimes, and I know that car has been kind of just driving around all...all weird and stuff. Like, scoping around or something."
5136
5137
5138Crocket is writing down each word you say, and you continue to look away.
5139
5140
5141"Alright, a Lincoln with tinted windows? Interesting...anything else you can recall?"
5142
5143"That's pretty much it, k-kind of hard to um...to pick out a person in a crowd of p-people. Everyone is taller then me so that doesn't help much either..."
5144
5145
5146"Right, well this is all pretty good information. Thanks for your time," Crocket pauses his writing, looking down at you. His stare feels suffocating, and you try to hide yourself away. Each second that passes is filled with the prayer that he won't see who you really are. "That looks pretty heavy."
5147
5148
5149"H-...huh?" Crocket points down at your bag.
5150
5151"It looks like you're carrying a lot. I'm in a bit of a hurry, but if you're heading somewhere near by then maybe I could drop you off? Hate to see you struggle with it."
5152
5153
5154You grip the bag harder. A ride would be nice, but this man...
5155
5156Do you accept his offer? If you do, have him take you to the theater or somewhere else close by to it?
5157
5158-------------------------
5159
5160"That's um...that's fine, if you want to anyways. Is it okay if I sit in the back? I get...carsick. Like, really bad."
5161
5162
5163"Yeah? That's fine, probably less trash back there anyways. Consider it a payment for the info, just follow me over here." Crockett motions for you to follow him, you insisting on carrying your own bag over. The mace hidden in your pocket serves as a reminder that if you situate yourself just right, you can get him to stop the car and leave. It's the middle of the day, he goes even a block off course and you'll have him regretting it. Those thoughts seem pretty severe to you, but there's no taking chances.
5164
5165
5166The car is just as beat up looking up close, and you notice that the handle on the passenger side is broken. Crockett has to sit inside and reach over to let you in, and with your bag near by you sit on the back seats adjacent from him. Any sign of something going wrong and you can easily reach him with the spray from here. You keep it on hand, shifting your feet around the piles of fast-food wrappers and discarded notebook papers. A crumbled up blanket is pushed to the side, and from the wear and tear the interior has you could safely guess that this guy practically lives in here.
5167
5168
5169"Alright, where to lady?" Crockett asks as the engine sputters to life, you pulling on the seat belt. It doesn't lock properly, but it might be for the best. It would be easier to run out that way, anyways.
5170
5171"Um...can you take me over to uh....by Main? Where that bistro is?"
5172
5173
5174"I think I know where, close enough anyways. Hold time, this thing sometimes like to jump on me," As soon as he says that, the vehicle lurches forward. It near causes you to panic, but Crockett thinks nothing of it. "Thing isn't that old, but let me tell you it's been rode hard and put away wet. Pretty sure that's due to who owned it before me."
5175
5176"And...who was that?"
5177
5178
5179"Dunno, some dealer I think. Bought this from a police auction, was a piece of crap then but I needed a new set of wheels. Kinda wish I'd save my money for something else, but what else can you do? Needed a roof over my head."
5180
5181"You live in here?"
5182
5183
5184"Nah. Sometimes. Just went my work takes me out all night, easier to sleep in here and continue in the morning. Just be glad it's winter, this thing is a deathtrap during summer. Fan don't work," As Crockett drives he looks back at you in the rear view mirror occasionally. "Now, why is a young lady like yourself out alone right now? Shouldn't you be in class?"
5185
5186
5187"I'm...just here visiting. I have family here and I was just looking around...I was dropped off there by my parents and now my uh...aunt is going to meet up with me. I'm home schooled anyways so I don't need to worry about classes." Lie through your teeth, let it come out like it's no big deal.
5188
5189"I see, so a visitor huh? Come from a place this big?"
5190
5191[1/2]
5192
5193-------------------------
5194
5195"No. My town is smaller, a bit anyways. We don't have any of this um, cool stuff."
5196
5197"Think this place is cool, huh?"
5198
5199"Um, yes?" At this Crockett chuckles, and you aren't sure what's funny.
5200
5201
5202"Lot of people your age say that. They see this place and think that it's amazing. They see the bright lights and polish and think the whole place is like that. But then they move here and the underbelly sucks them in. Not everyone I guess, but this place has that effect. Like a tar pit, it can just suck you in and never let you go. Kind of what happened to me, and now I can't leave," You can't think of anything to say after this and Crockett notices, going back to quickly fix his pessimistic view. "Er, I could I guess. But that's so much work. At this point, I know this place. Don't like it, but it's familiar. I know I can get work here, sometimes. Have friends here, if I leave then I leave here alone. I'd rather have a cutie on my arm first, you know? Little less scary to go out to the unknown if you got someone by your side."
5203
5204
5205"Y-...yeah. I understand." You kind of do, anyways. For now you watch out the window, recounting the familiar streets. He's staying on the right path, but you grip the pepper spray just as tightly. Music attempts to come out through the static, failing it's battle to sound pleasant. Much better then pure silence though, and Crockett finally pulls in to park. A couple blocks down you can spot the top of the theater, and you prepare yourself to leave.
5206
5207"Thanks for the ride." You say, trying to get out.
5208
5209"No problem, just...can you do me a favor?" Hand on the door, you look back at him.
5210
5211"Um...s-...sure?"
5212
5213"This woman who hired me, Mrs. Esposito," Crockett pulls out a cigarette, lighting it and filling the car with smoke. "She's an old woman, and at this point she has very little family left. Husband dead, only son dead, most of her extended family...her granddaughter is all she has left."
5214
5215"H-...how sad..."
5216
5217
5218"She might be cranky a lot, but she wants her granddaughter to know that she's sorry about everything that has happened so far," Crockett makes eye contact with you in the mirror, smoke drifting up. "And that she loves Delilah with her heart dearly." You grip the handle tightly, it feels like he's giving you a message of some sort.
5219
5220"I...s-she sounds like a good grandmother..."
5221
5222
5223"She tries, even if it doesn't seem too hard. And right now, she just wants to know if Delilah is doing okay. You wouldn't happen to know, would you?" Does he know that it's you? It sounds like he's offering to rely a message of sorts...
5224
5225Do you want to confirm to him who you are? Or maybe it's best just to give a vague message back, something to your grandmother if he really does work for her. Or maybe it's a trick and you should just leave now with out giving out any more information...
5226
5227-------------------------
5228
5229You would love to just tell grandma that you're fine, to go in person and let her know. But the risk of being wrong about this man is too much. Tell him who you are and then what? He shoves you in the trunk and drives you to your own personal hell. Have to play it safe, it's for the best. 
5230
5231
5232"I...I think that girl is okay. F-For now anyways, um..." It feels like leaving a final message for your grandmother, and that you have too much too say and ask in too little of time. Not that you know when you might get to hear back from her again though. "If she's hanging around with this uh, big dude then maybe she's fine? Hanging around a s-...a scary guy like that would probably keep the weirdos away, right?"
5233
5234"...suppose so. If this man is her friend that is..." Crockett trails off, putting pieces together in his head. 
5235
5236
5237"And um, is this girl supposed to know that her grandmother is looking for her? Or like, should she try to call her?"
5238
5239"Calling her house won't do too good. Mrs. Esposito has been relocated for the time being, it's important that her location is secret."
5240
5241"I-Is she in trouble?"
5242
5243
5244"Of sorts. Pretty complicated matters, but she's safe right now," Crocket ashes the cigarette, pausing to rummage through his pocket. Passing it back, he looks back at your reflected gaze in the mirror. "If Delilah is any sort of trouble and needs help though, she should know to call this number and that I'll do what I can."
5245
5246"Um, okay..." You pocket the already bent and smudged business card without looking over it, knowing there will be time to do that later.
5247
5248
5249"I can't legally force her to come along with me, by the way. Don't have that authority any more, means I got to have her come along willingly. I do understand why she might not be so willing to do that," His voice turns somber at this, bent cigarette between his fingers. "But let me say, thanks for not running away earlier."
5250
5251
5252"I-I've got to go now." You stammer, opening the door and fleeing from the car with the bag at hand. Crockett gives you a wave before driving off, and you feel the card between your fingers. It would be nice if you could trust him, he had every chance to drive away with you. Then again, if he wasn't 100% on who you were or if he wasn't prepared to drag you away, so many different and terrible plans for your capture. Still, if he was truthful then knowing that your grandmother is safe is one relief. Better then thinking about her tied up somewhere alone anyways. Still, you can't figure out why she would be in hiding and so secretive. If Bower would stoop to something like kidnapping then why not turn to the police? Even if she couldn't pin it on who was behind all of it, then wouldn't official authority be the best option? Then again, he also said that your family didn't get along well with the law...
5253
5254[1/3]
5255
5256-------------------------
5257
5258No use thinking about that right now. All you can do is stew over the shreds of information you have, it's not like you even know if it's true or not. Hoisting the bag strap over your shoulder, you make your trek to the theater. The new weight on your shoulder almost regrets having the bag with you again, but at least you have everything on you. Everything that wasn't stolen, anyways. Your book would be nice, the pictures, your missing clothes....and Ms. Buttons. You neglected her, and now she's gone. The one friend that would have stuck with you through everything, and she's gone just like that. Being attached to a stuffed animal feels stupid, but you can't help it. Maybe if you see your grandmother again she can make a new one. Not that it'll be the same...
5259
5260
5261With the size of the theater building you aren't sure that your knocks could travel through well enough to catch anyone's attention. In the lot there's only two cars parked, one of them Sharron's. You persist, and the woman herself stands there at the door. 
5262
5263"Can I help you?" She asks, and the sound of footsteps alert the quick presence of Timothy. 
5264
5265"Mom, that's that one girl. The one who brought the kitty, remember?"
5266
5267
5268"Oh, it is you Bunny! I didn't recognize you, I'm sorry. Come on in, don't stand out in the cold." Sharron lets you in, dressed professionally as ever. You're a little shocked to see her boy here, with all that's been happening so far.
5269
5270"Sorry to bother you...again. I just need somewhere to like...figure out what to do." You give a dry explanation, hoping that you don't have to hint at your fear of abandonment. 
5271
5272
5273"Of course! We were just about to finish up for the day, want to come with me to the office? It's just where I store all my paperwork and all, but I just need to look over some numbers before I turn in for the day. Tim is going to a birthday party tonight and I promised to help chaperone." Timothy gives you a toothy grin at this, trying to walk even with you as you both follow Sharron. 
5274
5275
5276[2/3]
5277
5278-------------------------
5279
5280No false walls, no secret passages, just a normal room with normal shelves and chairs. A small chest of toys and books rest in the corner, obviously a play area for the days Timothy tags along. He immediately takes his place again, starting where he left off in his fantasy world. Sharron gets to a large book spread out on a busy desk, copying down information from it.
5281
5282
5283"Just take a seat anywhere. Sorry if I don't talk much, this is so boring and tedious but it has to get done." You nod and sit, feeling bad that your dirty old bag is against the shiny wood. With both of them busy you feel awkward just sitting there, trying to think while biding your time. No solid plan of action yet, though a few ideas swirl about. You might not know where the majority of the group is, but you do know where at least two of them are, or should be anyways. 
5284
5285
5286You remember Sam saying that John was in a VFW hospital, but he was supposed to be released any day now. You could go there and wait with him, or at least discuss a plan to find the others, but he might already be released. And if he's not out in a few days, you're still lacking a place to sleep. At least you'll be with someone you know.
5287
5288
5289Then there's the apartments. The last place you guys were, and if they aren't done moving everyone then that could be easier for you to get in contact. You might have to go alone or try to convince someone to come along, and there might be people there who knew Warren that might recognize you. There's no way you'd want to meet up with a bunch of his angry friends, especially if there's a reward for you out still.
5290
5291You'd be imposing, but maybe you could stay with Sharron again or maybe even camp out by the theater. Lawrence and Sam both know about the theater, and if John is out so does he. You'd have to find somewhere to sleep around here though. You doubt Sharron would just let you in here alone. And of course there's her place, but that doesn't give a good chance for any of the others to come to you...
5292
5293What kind of plan should you work out?
5294
5295-omitted one small post.
5296
5297-------------------------
5298
5299You'll see about waiting here for a bit, but your best chance might be with John. If he isn't there then you can come back here and think of something else. On that note, you really hope that John is still in the hospital. There's always Claire, you doubt they wouldn't visit her when they still have Cecilia. Still, it could be quite a while before they go to her again. For now you'll stay here, waiting for someone to come by and figuring out where John should be at. 
5300
5301
5302"Could I borrow a phone book?" you ask, and Sharron tosses hers over. It takes some careful searching, looking under different letters and scanning over several lines of names and places, but you feel comfortable with the number you find. It's the only thing with the letters VFW in it, and even if you are wrong then they can give the name of any other possible place. For safe keeping you jot the number down, noticing that you've been steadily collecting phone numbers. Not that you want to call all of them, but it feels important that you keep them all straight. You wouldn't want to accidentally call Bower's men...when you get the chance to, it might be good to sort through your bag and make sure you are carrying around only what you need. If you can lighten your load then all the better. "Is there a phone I could use?"
5303
5304"I'll take you over to one if you want to give me a moment, is it an emergency?" Sharron asks, not looking up from her work.
5305
5306
5307"Um, as long as it doesn't take too long it's fine." you answer, even though you would prefer to call right away. Being seen as a bother and a burden still scares you, and you'll try to do what you can to prevent being seen as either. When you look over at Timothy, he stops his action to give you a quick wave, not stopping till you return it. You expect another toothy smile, but he only looks at you with a studious expression. 
5308
5309"Gotta go potty." he announces, standing up to take care of business.
5310
5311
5312"Alright, head straight back. I'm almost done here." Sharron warns, Timothy giving her only the slightest bit of acknowledgement before running out of the room. He would love to play with Thompson and Clark, you think. Hopefully they made it to the new place okay, that everyone got there safely. The fact that they are practically breaking in to the place is troubling, and till you see the group again you won't feel good about it. "He keeps asking if you can be his sister."
5313
5314"Huh?" you look up at Sharron. "You mean Timothy?"
5315
5316
5317"Mhm. He thought you had moved in when he saw you sleeping on the couch the other day. Always wanted a sibling, wants to a big brother he says. I think he's a little jealous since I have a twin, he thinks Al is the coolest guy ever. I don't see it though." Sharron giggles to herself about this, and you look back over to where he had been playing. 
5318
5319"Yeah. I used to be like that too."
5320
5321"Only child?"
5322
5323"Yes ma'am."
5324
5325[1/2]
5326
5327-------------------------
5328
5329"That could get awfully lonely I bet. I might not have liked him every day, but growing up I was never alone. Shared a room with that jerk for a good thirteen years. Finally convinced our parents that we needed separate rooms. Al spent a good three years of his life living in that dirty garage before our older brother finally moved out of the other bedroom." Sharron seems happy recalling these memories, pausing slightly in her work.
5330
5331
5332"You guys had to share rooms?"
5333
5334"Parents hadn't planned on twins. Or having a second child at all. Me and Al were just this big surprise for our parents. A happy accident as our mom put it." Happy accident, you've heard that term used before. A boy in class said it once and one of the other kids explained it to you. When parents didn't plan on a kid, but don't mind that they're having one. That would make you just an 'accident' then.
5335
5336
5337"Why didn't they just move houses or something?"
5338
5339"Dad was just a mechanic, and our mom did odd jobs of cooking or cleaning for other people. There's no way they were going to spend the money on a new house just to have an extra room." Sharron laughs to herself at this, and you feel a bit confused.
5340
5341
5342"Wait, so they didn't like...own this place before you or something?"
5343
5344"Oh no, no way. I wouldn't call them dirt poor, but they only just had enough money scrapped together to help get all three of us started for college when the time came." You had just expected their whole family to be like this, it's hard to imagine either twin coming from a humble life.
5345
5346
5347"How did you get this place then? It looks like it would cost a fortune..." You hope the questions aren't too intrusive, but you are also curious. 
5348
5349"It was a few years after university. Was looking around for work and I just happened to make some smart investments at the time, and here I am." The way Sharron says investments sounds off, just slightly. You think back to the pills in your bag...twenty-five dollars just for one of those. Someone could easily make money from something like that right? Not that you really understand why someone would be willing to pay that much, but if that's what Sharron was doing then you could see her being able to buy her house and the theater. 
5350[2/3whoops]
5351
5352-------------------------
5353
5354Thinking of, how did your grandfather make his money anyways? Grandma had the money from her family, but he made his own before marrying her. You never really cared to find out how when you were younger, but you find it strange that no one seemed to bring it up ever. And now the whole thing with the law...
5355
5356
5357Maybe you could ask Sharron about this stuff or if she knows about your family, you could get some information out of her. Of course if you did that you run the risk of her knowing that you found out her secret. Asking about indirectly could help, but then you might not get the answers you want either.
5358
5359Should you ask her directly, try to dig for information without giving up that you know about the drugs, or maybe just talk to her about something else for now?
5360
5361-------------------------
5362
5363"So you had to work hard to get this place. That's pretty cool," you say, hoping that it doesn't come off as too obvious. "My grandpa did the same."
5364
5365"Did he?" Sharron might just be humoring you, but it could be enough to judge her reaction to this. 
5366
5367
5368"Yeah, he didn't have much when he came over here from Italy. Grandpa couldn't marry grandma till he like, established himself or whatever. I don't think her dad liked that she took on the name Esposito, but grandpa had enough money to take care of grandma on his own."
5369
5370"Esposito? Did he come over from Italy then?"
5371
5372"Yeah," you nod, "He didn't have much more then the clothes on his back when he arrived. I think it took him like...two years?"
5373
5374
5375"Do you still have that last name?" Sharron asks and you nod in response. "That's interesting. I think you mentioned moving here recently, so you might not know this but there used to be a rather high Italian population for this area. Er well, I guess there still is. Lot of the generation don't realize it though, a good amount of them ended up changing their last names or moving out."
5376
5377
5378"Wait, why is that?" you look back towards the door as you ask, keeping an eye out for Timothy. It would seem unlikely that Sharron would take about more 'adult' topics with him around. 
5379
5380
5381"Now I'm not really the best at history, especially since I didn't really grow up in this area. But if I remember correctly, this place had quite a few of it's share of immigrants coming in. A good amount came in from Italy, and while most of them were just wanting to make an honest living, a few saw the chance to make some real bank with uh, less then reputable means. Now I think a good amount of locals were in on whatever was going on, but a lot of people blamed the immigrants. Smuggling, underground gambling, bootlegging, drug and alcohol...you name it, it was their fault. I think it got to the point were a couple of families were falsely accused or used as a scapegoat or something along those lines. This has always been one of those urban legend kind of deals, but there's even a rumor that a couple of people were jumped and killed simply for being immigrants. Course depending on who you ask this might not have really happen, but it's hard to tell. There were a lot of police cover ups back in the day, lot of them getting paid off to cover up a crime scene...from both 'sides' actually. Some of them needed the extra cash on the side and would turn a blind eye to a truck full of booze. But at the same time, there were a couple that were probably pretty prejudiced against the immigrants." Sharron sits in her chair now, looking at you as she talks. 
5382
5383[1/2]
5384
5385-------------------------
5386
5387"I'm sure a good share of them sat in jail for crimes they didn't commit. Shame really, with all that going on a lot of families ended up changing their names, if they didn't move away first that is." Sharron rambles on for a bit, and you think it over. You haven't really met anyone else with an Italian last name, yet the further back in the papers you read the more often they showed up. Even if what she was telling you was wrong, it is a bit strange that your name is now uncommon compared to years ago.
5388
5389
5390"That sounds pretty awful, I'd hate to have to change my last name in that situation."
5391
5392"Esposito..." Sharron mutters, not paying attention to you as she thinks. "I'm sorry if this comes off rude, but your grandparents lived here right?"
5393
5394
5395"Yeah, grandma grew up here and grandpa came in like, his twenties."
5396
5397"And are both your grandparents...?"
5398
5399"Grandpa died a few years ago," you pick up on to what Sharron was trying to allude to, "He was in a car accident."
5400
5401"Was there another car involved?"
5402
5403
5404"N-...no, I don't think so. It was kind of weird, but I don't remember much from it to be honest." It seems like Sharron is contemplating over this fact, though you aren't completely sure why. Looking to your bag, you remember what rests inside.
5405
5406
5407The pills and that mystery powder...
5408
5409You could try to give them up to Sharron, you wouldn't have to worry about carrying them around any more. Of course this could alarm her, and she might recognize the pills. You might want to save them for Lawrence to deal with, but then you'll have to carry them around for longer. 
5410
5411But maybe you could ask her about the powder? She's an adult and if she's in the business maybe she could recognize the stuff. You don't have to say where you got it, but you'll at least know what you're carrying.
5412
5413Or should you just not bring up either of the two...maybe there's something else you could talk about...
5414
5415-------------------------
5416
5417You decide to keep the drugs hidden for now. It doesn't feel right handing them over to her right now, and it would be easier if she didn't know you had them. Besides, it wouldn't be too good if Timothy walked in on his mother identifying drugs for you. 
5418
5419
5420"So um, do you know anyone else with the last name Esposito?" you ask, deciding to dig out what other information you can while alone with Sharron. "I haven't really met anyone else with that name. I used to get picked on for it at school, they said it sounded funny."
5421
5422
5423"I think that's a fairly common last name over there, but here? I think I've met a person or two with that same last name...er, wait a moment. Esposito..." Sharron is cleaning up her desk now, repeating the surname to herself. "Esposito, Esposito...ah, wait." As the piece connects together mentally, her eyes light up with realization. 
5424
5425"What is it?"
5426
5427
5428"Your grandmother lives here still, right?" You nod in response, and Sharron wracks her thoughts for another second. "And is her name uh...L-something...Loretta, no wait. Lucille?"
5429
5430"Grandpa always called her Lucy, but yes that's my grandma. Wait, do you know her?" you can't help the excitement in your voice at this, but you try to remember that this doesn't always mean it's a good thing. The door swings open and Timothy wanders back in, a troubled look on his face. 
5431
5432
5433"Not personally, but I have heard of her. And if she's that Lucille, then that means your grandfather is..." Sharron is interrupted by Timothy standing by her legs, waiting for a chance to speak. "What's wrong bud?"
5434
5435
5436"I think there's water leaking from the roof..." Timothy admits, as if confessing that it was his fault. His mother sighs, a tired looking draping her face. 
5437
5438[1/2]
5439
5440-------------------------
5441
5442"Over by the restrooms? Looks like it's giving in over there too," From the sounds of it, this isn't the first time Sharron has had to deal with this problem. "This place may look nice on the surface, but it's pretty old underneath all the glamour. Nearly had one of the dressing room's ceiling fall in a few weeks ago from snow. Just another thing to add to the to-do list, but let mommy worry about that. We have a birthday to get you to."
5443
5444
5445"Um, sorry if this is weird but if someone was knocking on the door do you think we could hear them?" you ask, now concerned if you might not have paid enough attention while you were in here.
5446
5447
5448"If they came to the side door then we'd probably hear them eventually. What about you Tim, hear anyone try to come up while you were out there?" At this Timothy shakes his head, and you feel a bit better about that. They're about to leave, and no one has came for you yet. You have a plan to go to the hospital and try to find John, but now you have to wonder about staying here and waiting. It's not like you can ask to stay inside, but you don't want to miss anyone stopping by. The parking lot in the back is hidden from the street, but if Sam or Lawrence came by they would probably go to the side door, and then you could see them from there.
5449
5450
5451You could stay in the parking lot and wait another hour or two for someone to come by before going to the hospital. But if you asked now you could ask Sharron to drop you off at the hospital on their way over to the party...and then there's the option of walking over to the hospital now. The only advantage you would have for walking to the hospital right now is the chance of walking into one of the others in the group if they were coming down to get you. Still, as unsavory as it might be to walk that far with all your stuff it is still an option to consider...
5452
5453What do you want to do?
5454
5455sorry about the update schedule this weekend, been trying to figure our car problem ;_;
5456
5457-omitted one small post.
5458
5459-omitted one small post.
5460
5461==== END THREAD ====
5462
5463Melancholic Quest 24
5464written by aCowboyNamedSue (34 posts, 7 omitted posts)
5465-------- qst2txt --------
5466
5467"You may be a smart girl, but you aren't a lucky one."
5468
5469
5470A young girl with a terrible affliction and a miserable fate, Delilah is flung into an uncaring world. A monster of a man gives an unrelentless chase and burdens too heavy for her shoulders make a difficult life even harder to bear. Will you be able to find happiness, or be swallowed up by the misery and hate twisting up inside?
5471
5472
5473=Links and Information=
5474Archives:
5475
5476http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=aCowboyNamedSue
5477
5478Quick Glance (SPOILERS) The quick Who is Who and what Delilah has. Mostly accurate.: 
5479
5480https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wXNWJdAKuqw-btrHDbvSkN5Gj3QhdY28XNKRUXMLHu0/edit#heading=h.8xfgre7nxqty
5481
5482Twitter; @Cowboy_Sue
5483Discord; https://discord.gg/0107qV9kiFDlUH9nY
5484Chat room with me and other players. I answer questions, post sketches, and act cheeky.
5485
5486Previous Thread:
5487>>470560
5488>>470560
5489>>470560
5490
5491-------------------------
5492
5493"Um, if it's not too far out of the way do you think I could get a ride somewhere?" you ask and Sharron agrees to, "Can I borrow the phone for a second too then?"
5494
5495
5496"Tim, pick your toys up. I'm going to show her the phone then we're heading out, alright?" Timothy doesn't look too pleased about putting away the city he worked so hard to create, but begrudgingly agrees as Sharron leads you to a phone by the front counter. You call the number to the hospital you found in the phone book, thanking the front desk and writing down the address. The entire time Sharron waits patiently by, not speaking till you hang up the phone. "It's pretty rough out there, isn't it?"
5497
5498
5499"Er, yeah. It can be. But um, it's honestly not too bad when I'm with other people. I've met some good people, but um...it sucks that I had to meet them this way, you know?" Instead, you would have just made friends at school, probably just girls your age who have no idea how bad things can get. 
5500
5501
5502"I know how that can be, making friends in unsavory places..." Sharron muses, looking off for a moment before returning all attention to you. "I know this might sound a bit strange, but let me give you what little advice I can offer."
5503
5504
5505"What is it?"
5506
5507"I'm not sure if now is the time to tell you, or if I should be the one to do it, but try not to give your last name out too much, alright?"
5508
5509"I usually don't."
5510
5511"Right, but there might be a few people who might be rubbed the wrong way by it. Not that you've done anything, but...," Sharron pauses, deliberating on the next part. "That might not be attention you want in your current situation."
5512
5513"I'm...not in danger, am I?" 
5514
5515
5516"No, oh no! Just ah, it's a bit of a difficult subject," she glances over to her son, as if she doesn't want to explain it in front of him, "It's just that some names carry more weight around here, not all of it good. Of course it would be a petty thing for someone to actually try to start something over it...try not to think about it too much, I'm just fear mongering at this point."
5517
5518
5519Wide eyed, you nod but feel like your head is starting to spin.
5520
5521"Hey, you feeling alright? You look a little pale." Sharron sounds worry, and reaches out to touch your forehead. "And running a little warm there too..."
5522
5523
5524"It's fine, just a bit of a headache." You pull back from her touch, trying to give a reassuring smile. The familiar pain is returning, and she must be able to tell it's bothering you.
5525
5526"If you say so. I've got some aspirin in my car, maybe that'll help. But if you have the address then let's head out, Tim will be furious if I get him to the birthday party late."
5527
5528...
5529
5530Sharron's car is the only one in the parking lot now, and you can't recall anyone coming and going. Then again, this place holds a lot more then you could have ever expected. Timothy begs you to sit in the back with him, but Sharron shushes him.
5531
5532[1/3]
5533
5534-------------------------
5535
5536"She's got a headache sweety, let her rest up while she can." Timothy looks downtrodden by this, but you know it would be the best if you sat right next to the window with minimum distraction. Not a long enough drive to sleep, but you can maybe close your eyes.
5537
5538
5539"Right, now let's see...where is that aspirin at..." Sharron searches the car for the bottle, and you reach for the glove compartment.
5540
5541"Is it here-"
5542
5543"Ah no!" Sharron's voice is loud and catches both Timothy and you off guard, and she does her best to come back from her little outburst. "S-Sorry, the stupid thing is so frustrating. Full of junk, but it takes me forever to shut it. I'm afraid if you opened it then I wouldn't be able to get it to hold close again...and uh, here we go. I found the bottle anyways."
5544
5545
5546Her behavior makes you feel nervous, but she passes over the white tablets you've seen many times before. You feel scared to the glove compartment popping open and the terrible awful thing inside jumping out at you, gripping the strap of the seat belt tightly. 
5547
5548
5549The entire drive you can feel Timothy looking over at you, and what Sharron mentioned earlier about his bounces between the aches in your head. Occasionally you look back to offer him a grin, and Timothy returns it for a moment before going back to studying you. You do your best to look out the window, but the movements and stopping motion of the car makes you feel sick. Well, you know it's not just because of the car, but it doesn't help. The thought of getting through the next few days like this isn't appealing in the slightest, though the aspirin does what it can to cull your current pain. It feels a bit warm, but when you press your forehead against the chilly window it's a comfortable kind of warmth. The kind for taking a nap, and you close your eyes.
5550
5551...
5552
5553
5554"Pst, hey. We're here." Sharron's voice rouses you gently, and you blink yourself awake. You would love to turn over and go back to sleep, but with the large building across the street you know this isn't an option. A faded sign near the drive way spells out the letters VFW enough to confirm where you are.
5555
5556"Oh, thanks..." You mumble, trying to shake yourself awake. 
5557
5558
5559"It's not a problem, let me help you grab your bag." Sharron parks and steps out of the car with you, popping the trunk and helping you bring out the duffel bag. Her hands rest on your shoulders and she leans down to whisper in your ear. "Can you do me a favor?" You nod, and she continues.
5560
5561"I don't mind you using the theater as a meet up point, but there are some days where that isn't doable. Tomorrow, for example. I guess if it's an absolute emergency, but do your best to keep your distance for me, alright?"
5562
5563"O-Oh, okay. I can do that easy, n-no problem." you agree, and Sharron lets you go and stands back.
5564
5565[2/3]
5566
5567-------------------------
5568
5569"Thank you. Now I have to head out, take care. And try your best to not walk out alone too much, alright? As a mother it worries me." You nod and say your goodbyes, waving to Timothy as the car drives off. Yawning, you walk into the hospital. It's a bit cheaper then the one your mother is at, and you instantly feel out of place with all the adults. It feels embarrassing lugging the bag around too, awkwardly trying to hold onto it as you wait for the front desk.
5570
5571
5572"Can I help you?" The man asks when it's finally your turn, and you set down the bag to talk to him.
5573
5574"I was hoping to see someone staying here. Or, I think they are anyways...I'm not sure how many other um...VFW? Hospitals there are here..."
5575
5576
5577"We're the only one now. Can I get a name for the patient?"
5578
5579"Oh um, John. John B-...Boseman. M-My dad." you pray that you remembered his name correctly, but the instant you say it the man makes a face.
5580
5581
5582"Blonde guy? Kinda tall and skinny? " he asks, and you nod in confirmation. "There's a bit of a problem with that."
5583
5584At this, your stomach lurches. "What is it...?"
5585
5586"I'm afraid we don't know where he is-"
5587
5588"You lost him?!" You didn't mean to shout, but you can't believe what you just heard. "How can you lose a man?"
5589
5590
5591"It seems like your father had been giving trouble to some of the nurses and doctors. He kept trying to leave before we could release him, was acting erratically. When they checked him earlier it seems like he had taken off all his IV's and just..."
5592
5593"Just left? How?! I...dammit..." You scratch at your head, frustrated. 
5594
5595
5596"I am so sorry about this, we are doing our best to fix the issue. If you like, you can stay in the waiting room till we figure out the situation."
5597
5598"How long ago did he leave?"
5599
5600
5601"Only about...actually I think it's only been thirty minutes. They are searching the hospital frantically for him though, I promise."
5602
5603With a loss of words, you back away from the desk and let the next person step up, trying to figure out how they could have lost a grown man. 
5604
5605
5606You could sit in the waiting room. Maybe they will find John and everything will be fine. You doubt it will be that easy, but there's not much you can do in this situation. 
5607
5608But then again, he only just left. He didn't seem to be in the best condition either, and wouldn't have much on him. There's no way he could have gotten far. You wouldn't have to stray too much, just go out and look for him for a bit maybe, try to find him. If things get too scary then you could just duck back inside of here. If John was weak and ended up collapsing somewhere, then there's no way he could get help...
5609
5610Or maybe this is a lost cause, and you should figure out somewhere else to go. But where...
5611
5612Should you stay here and wait, try to go out and find John, or think of a new plan?
5613
5614-------------------------
5615
5616You feel sore about this whole situation, but waiting here is probably the best course of action. John might come back, or Sam might come by to pick him up, or both will be here and you can just leave with them and everything will be fine. Over at the waiting room, just an area of the place set aside with plastic chairs and benches strewn about and a fuzzy TV trying to play a movie through static, you find a corner of the room to sit alone. It's mostly older people waiting about, a child here and there clinging to the leg of their parent as they wait to see their patient or to hear back results. 
5617
5618
5619There are other people waiting alone, but you're the only child without someone near by. Hoping no one takes notice, you sit in your own little spot and try to take up the least amount of room. This was your best bet, you can always go to Claire but that may mean waiting for who knows how long. Her condition isn't going to get better any time soon, and you doubt they would let you stay the night there freely. John just needs to come back already, and then you can let him handle all these decisions and plan making. You hate being in charge like this, all the weight resting on your shoulders like this. It's too much responsibility for you or anyone to handle, doing nothing to help your head feel better. For now you settle down in the chair, glad that you can at least be inside for the mean time. You watch as people come and go, patients and visitors, occasionally a nurse or doctor. All these people and none of them are here for you.
5620
5621
5622 At one point you get up to get food from a vending machine, but for the majority of the time you remain in your seat. It's boring waiting here, but you're scared that you'll nod off if you close your eyes. The aspirin from earlier has begun to wear off, that or the florescence lights are making the pain worse. You don't feel as nauseous after eating and getting water from the fountain, and you remind yourself that a headache is nothing compared to what some of your friends have been through. 
5623
5624
5625The little hand inches further and further on the clock, making you bite your nails. Most of the people who were here with you have gone, new people taking their places soon enough. But as the end of visitation hours comes closer the room becomes more empty, and your anxiety rises. Only just about to be five, if they kicked you out now then at least it won't be dark, but you won't have the slightest idea about what to do next. Maybe you can make it over to Sharron's house again before dark, but going over to her place makes you feel uneasy now. 
5626
5627[1/3]
5628
5629-------------------------
5630
5631"Excuse me, Ms. Boseman?" A woman's voice calls out and it takes her repeating it twice before you realize she is talking to you. 
5632
5633
5634"O-Oh, um yes?" you sit on the edge of your chair, waiting for her to say that you must leave now.
5635
5636
5637"We found your father. I apologize for making you worry like that, it seems like he had been hanging about in the stairwells before trying to make it into the alleys. We have him back in a room now if you would like to come to me," she says, motioning for you to follow her. You jump up, heart beating quickly. As you follow her upstairs she continues speaking, "I don't know if you've dealt with this before, but I must warn you that Mr. Boseman is rather on edge right now. He's rather agitated from being kept here it seems, but we just need to check his condition tomorrow before we release him."
5638
5639
5640You nod, just thankful that he came back at all. 
5641
5642"We have him set aside in one of a private room so he doesn't bother the other patients. He's been doing alright, but ever since this morning he's been rather uh, cranky..."
5643
5644
5645"That's fine. I just want to see him again." The nurse nods and opens the door, letting you walk in.Two doctors stand by the bedside, John laying there in street clothes. A tube leads out of his arm and to an IV, an otherwise usual scene. John has a peeved off expression though, and you catch the very tail end of a scolding from the doctors.
5646
5647"Excuse me? Mr. Boseman's daughter is here to see him." The nurse announces, and John looks over with a surprised look.
5648
5649
5650"Right. I already gave you an earful then. Don't you think about moving now, understand? You nearly gave our dear nurses a heart attack," the other doctor warns, but John barely acknowledges him. As the they turn to leave, he whispers to you. "If anything happens, or if he attempts to leave then please, hit that red button by his bed. It'll alarm the staff and we'll be down here."
5651
5652
5653You just nod and the doctors walk out, discussing matters under their breath. The nurse checks over John's charts as she talks to you.
5654
5655
5656"Now, normally I would have to kick you out in about fifteen minutes. Since you are Mr. Boseman's daughter though you are allowed to stay in the room with him. Now before I head out, is there anything you need sir?" the nurse is polite, offering a warm smile to John.
5657
5658"I'd like it if the white coat fuckers would let me leave already." The crudeness makes both the nurse and you cringe, but she tries to keep her warm and friendly demeanor. 
5659
5660
5661"I'm afraid I don't have any say in that. Dinner should be brought to you in an hour or so. Do you want me to bring you something?" This last question is directed to you, and you only nod. She does some last checks on the machines and drip before leaving the two of you alone. 
5662
5663
5664"Glad to see ya kid," John says once you two have privacy, forcing a smirk on his face for a moment, "Guess you're here alone."
5665
5666[2/3]
5667
5668-------------------------
5669
5670"No one came by to get me. Um, I'd been staying at this hotel while Sam was moving everyone, and I was supposed to get picked up there. I couldn't stay any longer though, and um...here I am." It's just a short explanation, but it's good enough for John. 
5671
5672
5673"Shit, not even Law came by?" It's weird hearing him curse so freely like this, and you notice a certain urgency in his voice.
5674
5675"He's out, and um...he's trying to make some money. I can't go out with him though, they'll recognize me with him. I'm pretty sure he knows where the new place is, but I have no idea what he's doing now. I couldn't stay at the hotel though, and I just...I just didn't know where else to go."
5676
5677
5678"Fuck. Alright, let's get going then." John sits up as he says this, and starts messing with the IV in his arm.
5679
5680"Wait, what do you think you're doing?"
5681
5682"Ain't no one coming to get me. They probably think I'm dead weight now, but I can at least help you look for them." John flinches in pain, stopping to catch his breath. 
5683
5684
5685"You can't leave yet, the hospital said so!" you don't know where all this anger is coming from, you weren't expecting it out of him like this.
5686
5687
5688"Like hell I can't. I was doin' fine earlier. Longer I stay the longer my bill will be anyways." At this John gets up, dragging the IV with him over to the sink in the room. He's limping slightly, obviously in pain with each step.
5689
5690"They'll come for you, I don't think they'd want to abandon you-"
5691
5692"Didn't you think the same thing for yourself?" John sounds annoyed, and his words cut you.
5693
5694
5695"Th-...there's no way they would abandon us just like that! Something...something must have c-came up or...or something...!"
5696
5697
5698"Exactly. Either they left you out to dry or something is keepin' them from gettin' to ya. Either way, sitting here on our asses ain't going to help us, is it? The sooner we leave the better." With a swift motion, John pulls the needle from his skin, leaving it in the sink as he washes the area clean and wraps it up with paper towels.
5699
5700
5701You look over to the red button by his bed, the one that will bring the doctors. You can try to convince John to stay, keep out the staff. But if you can't do it yourself then you'll need to call them in to help...John will be pissed by that though.
5702
5703But maybe he's right. Maybe you two should leave. But would leaving now even be smart? It's still kind of light outside, but they will probably be keeping an eye out. Maybe you can convince him to wait till later tonight...
5704
5705Talking him down, calling the doctors in, or agreeing to leave with him...another choice resting on your shoulders... 
5706
5707[try to convince john to stay, leave with him, inform the staff so he has to stay]
5708
5709SOrry about the wait and messiness of everything. Not only dealing with car troubles, but now my gram is in the hospital. I may have to put the quest on hiatus for a few days to visit her, but I will try to post that before hand.
5710
5711-------------------------
5712
5713"I really don't think it's a good idea for you to go out in your condition right now," you keep an eye on the door, waiting for him to either bolt out or for someone to come in. "You should eat first, and then we can sit down and like...like think this through better. Don't you think they'll end up trying to come after you again if they see you left?"
5714
5715
5716"Are you actually trying to suggest that we just wait around here? And what is that going to do?" John sounds annoyed now, this time directed at you. It hurts, but you try to remind yourself that this isn't the usual, that he's just cranky from all the medicine, being in the hospital, and probably in pain from getting shot.
5717
5718"It's better then just running out there blindly, right? I have no idea where everyone is, do you?"
5719
5720
5721"No, I don't. But sitting here isn't exactly going to help us find them, is it?" In the mirror, you can see that John is focused, his eyebrows furrowed and a hand coming to rest over his wound. "Waiting around ain't getting us anywhere, and the sooner we get back to the group the better."
5722
5723"But what if someone comes after we leave?"
5724
5725
5726"If they haven't came now then they aren't coming later. You can't just expect someone to always swoop in and save you." John walks over to the window, looking out as if searching for someone. He's gritting his teeth as he walks, his words stinging.
5727
5728"I don't just expect someone to come in and save me..." you mumble, trying to remind yourself that this isn't how he really is, "A-Anyways, where would we even go right now? Have you thought about that?"
5729
5730
5731"I've got place..."
5732
5733"And? What then? I don't just want to rush out there blindly." You'll have to hold your ground on this and try to do your best at not making John any more peeved off. 
5734
5735"Better then sitting here and just waiting for something to happen."
5736
5737
5738"We're not just waiting for something to happen. We're making sure no one comes by and then discussing a plan where we know it's safe. And after that then um, maybe we can talk about how to pay your medical expenses too. Or at least what that'll mean...but running out like this is um...it's scary John," you look down at the floor as you say this, admitting the other reason you want to stay, "I'm scared. I don't want to rush out there like that."
5739
5740
5741John continues to look out the window, remaining silent. You sneak some peeks over to the button, hoping you don't have to resort to calling in the doctors. He allows the blinds to fall close, but John doesn't turn to look back at you when he finally speaks.
5742
5743[1/3]
5744
5745-------------------------
5746
5747"Of course you're scared," His voice is tired now, his anger falling to exhaustion as he taps at his temple, "Anyone that isn't all messed up here would be in your situation. Guess I really am the messed up one, ain't I?" Giving up, John walks back and sits on the edge of the bed, hiding his face away in his hand.
5748
5749"It's okay. I know you don't want to be here-"
5750
5751"I need to be here."
5752
5753"So you can get better, yeah."
5754
5755
5756"And me running off like that would just be another mistake." John speaks annoyed with himself. The aggression hasn’t left, only changed its focus.
5757
5758“Um, hospitals are pretty scary to be in,” you doubt that’s why John wants to leave so bad, but you want to do your best to reassure him that things are fine, “I wouldn’t like to be in one either. But uh…at least from the looks of it, you’re going to be…alright.”
5759
5760
5761“They told me I probably won’t be able to walk like I was able to before. Maybe if it was just my hip that was screwed up, but my back is all kinds of messed up too. Everything just hurts…or it should. They got me on some of the good stuff, but I know that ain’t going to last me long. I’ll be discharged, and then left to deal with this on my own. Just another beating I’ve got to take I guess,” John reaches into his pocket, pulling out a crumpled pack of cigarettes. He pulls one out, ready to light it as you stand there nervously. Realizing where he is again, John dejectedly saves his smoke for another time, rolling it between his fingers. “Wasn’t expecting to pull through that, you know?”
5762
5763“You’ve been through worse. I’m sure that was nothing for you.” You hope your words will encourage him, raise him up when he needs it.
5764
5765“Maybe I was just kinda hopin’ I didn’t make it then.” As John puts the cigarette back in its place you feel a stone drop in the pit of your stomach.
5766
5767“W-Wait…”
5768
5769
5770“I’m just kidding,” John says, but you aren’t really sure if he means that, “Well, maybe not when I was laying there on the ground covered in my own blood. It hurts, but then you kinda get cold and tired and just…you kinda start to lose hope in that moment.”
5771
5772[2/3]
5773
5774-------------------------
5775
5776“We shouldn’t have left you alone.”
5777
5778
5779“We all made it out alright, didn’t we?” At this you nod, but you have no idea what happened between Sam and you leaving John behind and him being brought to the hospital. You have no idea what happened to Warren, or if any of his friends came by or what. All you know is that John made it, and maybe it’s okay that that’s all you know. “Sam doin’ alright?”
5780
5781“Yeah. He’s been really busy though, he needs a break…”
5782
5783
5784“Bet Marilyn misses him somethin’ fierce too. Maybe things will finally start goin’ our way, and stop going so shitty- er, sorry ‘bout the language there missy.” John offers you a tired grin, and while you offer one back it feels like he’s only putting this on as a façade. 
5785
5786“The nurse is going to be mad that you took that out.” You say, pointing at the stand.
5787
5788“Eh, not the worse thing I’ve done to them today.” John kicks off his shoes, making you feel more relaxed. For now you sit down in the chair, setting your bag under the provided table. 
5789
5790
5791“I hope the food here is alright, I’m starving.” You want to bring attention away from the heavy subject, unsure if you’re capable of handling it. John doesn’t answer, starring off at the wall. “Um, did you hear me?”
5792
5793“…sorry, what?” John shakes his head, focusing himself, “Sorry, sorry. My head has been kinda in a jumbled mess lately. More so then usual, anyways.”
5794
5795
5796“It’s fine.” You say, watching through the clouded window of the door. The shadow of a person passes by occasionally, but no one stopping by to check on you guys yet.
5797
5798
5799You think back to Lawrence, and feel…weird knowing about what it is he’s doing right now. You don’t like it, and it makes you stomach turn. Maybe you can talk about it with John, but then that means more people will know what Lawrence has been doing. But it may also give you a chance to ask for advice on the drugs you’re carrying…you’re sure John would know something, but you aren’t sure if that’s a good thing or not.
5800
5801Thinking about what happened at the field doesn’t make you feel much better either. If something bad happened, you doubt Lawrence would tell you everything just for the sake of keeping you from feeling bad. Maybe you can talk to John about that, but if it turns out Warren did die…then you’ll know for sure, and have to live with that fact forever.
5802
5803
5804Planning what to do right now is an option, but it could just stress John out more right now. It feels like he might not be thinking quite right, and with him wanting to get out of here that badly it may just make him more anxious. If you don’t talk about it now, then you can save it for later when you think he’s a bit calmer.
5805
5806
5807If anything, maybe talking about the group or something like that would be good, even if it doesn’t accomplish much.
5808
5809>What do you want to talk about?
5810
5811locked out of my house, posting from school computers
5812
5813-------------------------
5814
5815It's not something you really want to do, but you know that you might never rest properly unless you know what happened after you left the field. Even if the answer is the one you fear most...you just have to know, or else you'll end up spending the rest of your life just speculating.
5816
5817"John, will you be honest with me about something?"
5818
5819"What is it, missy?"
5820
5821"I don't want you to sugarcoat it or anything, alright? Just tell me the truth, I can handle it," you take a breath to calm yourself before finally asking, "What happened after Sam and I left? What happened to...to Warren."
5822
5823"Was thinkin' about when you'd get around to asking me that," John stops as the door opens, a different nurse wheeling in a cart with food, "I'll tell ya in a bit."
5824
5825
5826John tries to chat up the nurse for now, probably attempting to seem friendly after his outbursts from earlier. It's obvious that she is either on edge or had been warned about his behavior before, keeping a careful eye on him. She treats you warmly, handing over a plate of chicken and rice and asking if there's anything else you need. You decline any other service, wanting to get her out of her quickly so you can finally learn what happened. The food sits idly on the table in front of you, and while your stomach growls it also twists itself up into terrible knots. 
5827
5828"Oh, darnit! You took the IV off again..." she exclaims, noticing the missing needle, "You really should put the clothes we gave you back on too..."
5829
5830"I'm fine like this. Sorry for causin' you trouble like this," John smirks at her, "Pretty sure I don't need it any more though."
5831
5832
5833"The doctor will be the judge of that. You just hold tight and I'll figure this out." she says, doing her best to hide the annoyance with the situation. Not soon enough she leaves the two of you alove, John picking at his food while you merely sit there and watch him.
5834
5835"For the record, I didn't try to leave the shack. I wasn't gonna get anywhere, and that would have torn me up more. And that to the fact that I was inches from blacking out, there really wasn't a whole lot that I was hearing or seein'. I couldn't hear Law come up, and I nearly didn't see him till he was pickin' me up. But no one else tried to come inside, and when we went outside," John takes a drink before continuing, but your stomach churns at the thought of food now, "Warren was still there. Not in the same spot as before I don't think. There was a trail, leading like he was tryin' to crawl out to the road or somethin'. And like you asked, I won't lie to you missy. Unless someone came to get him right there, it didn't look like he was going to make it. But he was wigglin' about when we left. But we did leave a dying man behind, and didn't see no one comin' for him. You take that for what it is."
5836
5837
5838"Th-...thank you," you look to the floor, biting the tip of your thumb, "I killed him."
5839
5840[1/2]
5841
5842-------------------------
5843
5844"If you did, you were just tryin' to defend yourself. Bastard shot me too. Don't think he's innocent in all this. He would have killed me and Sam if he felt it was needed, " John's face falters to a sympathetic one as your body shakes and a hiccup leaves your lips, "Not that I suppose that helps you feel any better bout it."
5845
5846
5847You try to speak, but your stomach tightens up and you run to the toilet. Nothing comes out but hitched sobs, and you only kneel there crying as John comes over and attempts to help you calm down. Wash off your face, wipe away the tears that keep escaping, and the subject is dropped for now. John encourages you to eat, bringing you back to the seat. Following orders, you take a few shaky bites of the chicken, but grimace at the off-taste it leaves in your mouth. The headache from before has grown, impossible to ignore now and the food does nothing to settle your stomach. Nothing feels good or right now, and in this moment you regret everything you've done.
5848
5849
5850The plate is half empty before you give up on the idea of forcing any more down, pushing it out of your way. You want to remind yourself that there's a chance Warren survived all that, and that you didn't end up killing him. When those thoughts fail you try to remind yourself that he beat up Sam, shot John, was going to give you over. You know that you were just defending yourself, yet you still feel terrible about everything in life.
5851
5852"If you keep that up, then you'll end up leaving marks." At John's voice you realize that you've been scratching furiously at your neck, leaving bright red and raw marks behind when you finally pull your hand away. 
5853
5854"Sorry..."
5855
5856"Don't need to apologize to me for nothin'. I know it may not seem like it, but you'll get through this."
5857
5858
5859You nod, but only out of politeness. Hands shaking, you aren't sure if it's from learning about Warren or from not having any of that for so long. Maybe a mix of both, that wouldn't be hard to believe. Jesus, if you're this bad now then you can't imagine how much worse it will be these next few days. 
5860
5861
5862Looks like you're going to be with John during this, that is till you find the group. Do you want to tell him about the withdrawals? Maybe he has some advice for them, but it'll probably make him worry too, and he already has enough stress...
5863
5864Or maybe you should ask about this terrible feeling you have about Warren and...and all the other people you've hurt. None of them have been malicious, so why does it hurt you so bad? But it feels like you just want to push that out of the way now, it'll just make you feel worse.
5865
5866Maybe you should just talk about something nice for now. Nothing important, but it'll get your mind off of things in the mean time...or should you just try to sleep this all off. That seems rather appealing too...
5867
5868Finally getting this car problem fixed, and gram is going into surgery. Once that's all out of the way I can be more consistent, sorry.
5869
5870-------------------------
5871
5872Once again I apologize for the wait. I go to see my grandmother in the hospital before they perform her surgery, and then we will have another car handy so I won't have to give rides constantly. I will try to work out a bunch of updates when I return, so thank you for sticking by!
5873
5874-omitted one small post.
5875
5876-------------------------
5877
5878"Is it okay if I just um, sleep for a little bit?" you ask, looking towards John but not at his face. You'd rather not let him see how bothered you are by this, even if your voice gives it away.
5879
5880"Should we call that nurse back? Maybe they have one of those fold up beds or something."
5881
5882
5883"It's okay, I just need to shut my eyes for a few seconds..." you remove your shoes, curling up awkwardly in the one chair provided in the room. Burrowing away in the coat, it's like you have disappeared from the rest of the world. The occasional coughs from John remind you that you haven't really, and that you are very much so still here. At least when you wake up it won't be alone. Or rather, shouldn't be anyways. You take a peek at John to make sure he's still in bed, repeating to yourself mentally that he will still be there when you wake up. He's not going to die and he's not going to leave you behind. Even if you're lost outside, you have an adult you can trust and that's fine.
5884
5885
5886It's strange to think that you're fine like this, being alone in a room with a man. Then again, you know John enough at this point. You know what kind of person he is, and you know that he's been through similar as you. Sam and Eric are the same too; the idea that either of those could be the type of person to take advantage of you while alone seems ridiculous. You hope that's the case anyways, you don't want to distrust any of them but there's still that shadow of fear in the back of your mind. Putting that aside for now, you decide to sleep. Anything to help get rid of this headache, or at least to ignore it for some time. 
5887
5888
5889Falling asleep is difficult with the way your head is, but you manage to doze off. There are times when the sound of doctors or nurses talking to John disturb your sleep, but you don't look up. At some point a nurse tosses a blanket around you, not that you really needed it right now but it's a gesture you appreciate. She might just be acting nice because it's her job, but that's fine. Even if it's fake, you'll take any niceness that is given to you at this point.
5890
5891...
5892
5893[1/2]
5894
5895-------------------------
5896
5897The next time your eyes open, the lights in the room are off. The only illumination comes from beneath the door, seeping in from the still lit up hallway. Looking through the window, you can confirm that it's well past the evening now. John lays in his bed still, IV in his arm and fast asleep. It's good that he's resting up, that means when no one comes for you tomorrow John will have plenty of energy to think of a new plan.
5898
5899
5900Sitting up, you scold yourself for being so pessimistic. Not that you should get your hopes up, but being negative about all this constantly won't help either. Of course after napping for so long, you can't find yourself falling back asleep any time soon. On the table rests a juice box, presumably left for you. Apple juice that you'll happily take, you attempt to keep as silent as you can as to not disturb John. He may seem...kinda sort of okay, but his leg will be bothering him for a while. Walking around will be hell for him, and you have no idea how you guys will deal with it. Add that on top of carrying your bag around and the weather outside turning worse, you guys don't have a lot going for you at the moment. 
5901
5902
5903You're disappointed when you find the box empty much too fast for your liking, tossing it away. The idea of walking out in the hallway comes to you, but then you remember where you are. The chance of coming across blood may be too great, and even the thought of it clenches up your insides. Staying in here would be safest for everyone involved. As you sit there, head against the cool table and eyes shut, you remember that your mother is still in the hospital, way across town from here. Seeing her again is still on your list, even if that is still some time away. Your father's side of the family seems so involved with the town now, you've been so focused on that you almost forgot about your mother. Not that you've seen much of her family, in fact you can only remember one of them clearly from when you were younger...
5904
5905Which of your mother's family members do you remember meeting?
5906
5907-------------------------
5908
5909Looking out in front of you, watching nothing in particular you think back to the hazy memories. There's not a lot of family you really saw. Never did you go on extended family outings, hang around with cousins and second cousins and the like. Dad was an only child, and mom never really spoke about her side. Maybe it's from not getting along with them or maybe they weren't around or just weren't good people, you have no idea. It's been years, so long ago that you can only remember bits and pieces of the meetings, but you do have an aunt. Mom has an older sister, the only aunt you know about. You remember meeting her, but you can't remember much past that. The lack of remembrance bothers you, and so you begin to rack your brain over any and all details that you can pick back up.
5910
5911
5912They were sisters after all, so you remember them looking fairly similar. Same straight blonde hair, matching blue eyes, the way they walked...if your mother was a little bit taller then maybe they could have been twins. Visits from her weren't too often, and if you recall correctly they weren't too long either. As you imagine the face mentally you try to place a name too. 
5913
5914
5915Aunt...J-...
5916
5917Juliet...it wasn't that. Ju-something. Julia? That feels about right...maybe. 
5918
5919Aunt Julia, a few years older then mom. They looked similar, but there was actually a big difference between them too. Aunt Julia seemed more together and cleaned up then mom. Healthier too, and not like she was fit and worked out but like she didn't constantly look sick...or hung over. It's harder to imagine mom without a glass or bottle in hand, but Aunt Julia never smelt like alcohol. Never did you recall her drinking when she was visiting or ever having a bad temper with you. Maybe not what everyone would call successful, she always visited along so you doubt she was married and she was probably working some standard 9-to-5 in order to pay the bills, but she was living well enough. She would usually bring you a gift of some sort, and your stomach churns when you realize anything she gave you would have been ruined in the fire. 
5920
5921
5922Not that you remember any of that though. Memories of her are distant, and you can only recall a few instances with her. There has to be a reason why she didn't come around again, and you do your best to recall all of it correctly. Her and mom got along fine it seemed, even if she did seem to scold mom often as a big sister is prone to do. That must mean the problem was with dad. Those two never talked to each other, and when they did it was barely civil. Aunt Julia wanted her sister to be taken care of properly, and dad wasn't used to being scolded. Grandma must have gotten involved once before too...maybe it was an Easter or Thanksgiving visit, but the one time the two were in a room together was also the last time you saw Aunt Julia. Dad must have done something that upset Aunt Julia, something like talking down to mom or insulting her and she got up in his face about this.
5923
5924-------------------------
5925
5926And of course grandma had to come up to defend her son, and two headstrong women trying to out intimidate each other didn't bode well. Mom must have gotten involved too, it turned into a screaming match between the sisters as you hid away in the safety of your room. Something about how mom didn't need anyone defending her like a child anymore, and then Aunt Julia pointing out the poor choices mom had made in life, followed by the sound of a slap. You have no idea who slapped who, just that your aunt left soon after that, and you hadn't seen her since. How awful is it that your clearest memory of her was something so terrible?
5927
5928
5929You wonder where Aunt Julia is now, and what it is she's doing. What would she think about the mess her sister got in to? Maybe she was right about being so defensive about everything mom did, she obviously wasn't good at making right choices...
5930
5931For now, you push Aunt Julia out of mind. Thinking of her now won't help, and all it does is make you feel down. She obviously didn't like dad, so that means she probably wouldn't like you either. Wrapping the blanket back around, you sit there alone with the pain in your head. It's obviously not going to go away any time soon, and all you can do is try to prepare for the worst. The chair isn't too comfortable, but after only a few minutes you manage to fall back asleep.
5932
5933...
5934
5935
5936It's early in the morning when the nurse gently shakes you awake. He steps back to allow you the chance to sit up and try to figure out what's going on. For a moment you are filled with panic to see John's bed empty.
5937
5938
5939"W-Where's...?"
5940
5941"Your father is just getting some last tests done before we can discharge him. He didn't want to do it in here, he mentioned that you were rather squeamish around blood and didn't want to scare you in case you woke up while they looked him over." he says, obviously not knowing the real reason John would have them do it out of the room. You don't think you'd just lose control or anything, but the smell of blood certainly wouldn't do anything to help your condition either.
5942
5943"He's fine though, right?"
5944[2/3]
5945
5946-------------------------
5947
5948"Looks to be. They just have to look over to make sure he's stable enough to leave, easy enough stuff. Have they talked to you about what changes there might be for him now?" he asks, and you shake your head. Leaning up against the table, the nurse begins to explain it to you. "Due to the risk of nerve damage, the bullet was left where it was. It seems like your father has been through the wringer a few times already though, eh? Burns and previous gunshot wounds, but I guess we should be used to that here. He's going to have trouble walking for a while, and he shouldn't walk too much at once. Might not want to, but make sure he drinks plenty of water when he goes out and takes plenty of breaks. Might be smart to look into getting him a cane or a crutch for the mean time, especially if he's got to make a lot of distance. Going to be plenty sore too, so they're going to give him some pain reliever in the mean time. Make sure he follows the instructions on there carefully, alright? I'm sure if it's you then Mr. Boseman will listen." The nurse smiles at you warmly, but you wish someone else was in here with you, or that a female nurse had came instead.
5949
5950"Um, alright. I'll try my best...is that all you wanted to tell me...?"
5951
5952"Oh! No, that's right. I came in here for something else actually, should have saved that lecture for later. Since your father is busy, I figured it would be okay to ask you. It's technically before visiting hours, but since your family it's fine. However there seems to be a gentleman out in the waiting room wondering if he could come visit your father. We're not supposed to let visitors in during after hours except on special requests, but I figured I should let you know in case you wanted to go out and see him. He seemed to have gotten his last name wrong though, what a good friend. "
5953
5954"Oh uh...d-did you get the guy's name?"
5955
5956"I didn't ask, sorry about that."
5957
5958"What did he look like?"
5959
5960"Let's see. A white guy, probably just a bit younger then your dad. Dark hair, looked pretty rough, like he'd been running around all night. Was making my rounds so I didn't really get too good of a look, sorry."
5961
5962"He wasn't like, way tall and have a messed up cheek did he?" you try not to get your hopes up at it being Lawrence, but you can't hide the glimmer of excitement in your voice.
5963
5964"No?" The answer crumbles your hope, and the nurse looks at you confused as you try to think about who it might be. Doesn't sound like anyone else from the group, but you have to stop yourself from gasping when you manage to come up with some matching faces. 
5965
5966[3/4 whoops]
5967
5968-------------------------
5969
5970That investigator guy, Crockett or whatever could fit that...
5971
5972But so could that guy from the Faraway's apartment, the one who was trying to drag you off to Bower. Richard or whatever his stupid name was.
5973
5974You could refuse to let the guy come in here easily enough. When John gets back you can tell him the situation and you guys can try to leave here as carefully as possible.
5975
5976But that means you have no idea who may be waiting outside the hospital. If it's that Crockett guy, then there's nothing to worry about. If it's Richard then he might have those other guys in the Mercedes waiting outside. You don't have to let them in, but you might want to take a peek the best you can, so long as you try your best to not let them see you.
5977
5978Or maybe even...just let them in? You guys are in a hospital, what are they going to do? You could hide in the bathroom or something and listen to the conversation if they come and talk to John.It sounds pretty risky though, and the idea makes you nervous...
5979
5980Or, dammit...what else could you do. What should you do?
5981
5982-omitted one small post.
5983
5984-------------------------
5985
5986You must have been thinking over this for a long time, as the man has to call you back to attention.
5987
5988
5989"Miss Boseman?"
5990
5991"Oh um, sorry about that..." you try to hide the crack in your voice, hoping he doesn't notice that anything is wrong, "Do you um...can you do me a favor? I'm sorry about asking."
5992
5993
5994"Here to help, what do you need?" he asks, peering over the chart on John's bed. 
5995
5996"That guy wanting to visit, could you try to get his name or something? I'm...shy. R-Really shy, and I don't do w-well around new people and um..."
5997
5998
5999"Oh, sure. Just give me some time, alright? We're a little understaffed right now and I'm kinda being stretched all over the place. Hold on, it might take me a couple of minutes but I'll get back to you as soon as I can alright?" he promises, and you nod. As he cleans up the room you notice a covered up platter waiting for you on the table. Pancakes with scrambled eggs, you force yourself to eat as much as you can. The eggs taste weird, and not just because they are the premade ones. The pancakes are alright, but you can't help but feel somewhat nauseous anyways.
6000
6001[1/3]
6002
6003-------------------------
6004
6005You do your best to clean up in the bathroom, trying to make yourself look presentable for the outside world. Wash your face, fix the mess that your hair is, put on the reading glasses to help conceal you, and adjust your clothing. Not going too far out of the way, but it would be best if people passing by saw you as a boy. With the reflection in the mirror, you doubt that would be a hard thing to accomplish.
6006
6007
6008As you wait for the nurse to come back, John is led back in by one of the doctors from last night.
6009
6010"Just stay here Mr. Boseman. We're just going to look over everything one last time and then we'll see about getting you out of here, alright?" he says, tired and more then ready for his shift to be over. John nods at him, sitting on the edge of the bed and waiting for the doctor to leave.
6011
6012
6013"I could really go for a smoke right now. Only got bout three of them left right now though, gotta make sure I don't burn through them too fast." John doesn't sound too worried about anything other then his nearly empty pack.
6014
6015"There's apparently someone waiting to see you. That's what I was told anyways..."
6016
6017
6018"Wait, really? Is it Sam? Why aint' he in here?"
6019
6020"I'm pretty sure it's not him. Someone is getting me a name right now, but from what they told me it um...it doesn't sound like it would be someone we really want to see..." you make a face at this, feeling guilty even though there's no way of knowing if they came here because of you.
6021
6022"Who do you think it could be?"
6023
6024
6025"I think it might be one of the guys following me or um, this other guy...I'm not really sure what's up with that guy though. I don't think he's part of the group that drives with the tinted windows, but...I just don't know. He says he's a PI or something and that he knows my grandma, but I've never seen or heard of him before. I'd rather not take any chances finding out if he's friendly either though..." as you say this John is thinking over the possible plans of action carefully, not speaking till he has his thoughts lined up.
6026
6027
6028"Shit. We should try to find out for sure, but if that's the case then we need to leave here without letting him see us either way. I think we could go out the south exit easily enough, but if it's the bastards with the car then we really need to make sure that we keep an eye outside. Maybe we can make them think that we're still in here after we leave, give us some time to get some traction between us and them." For now, you can only nod in agreement to John's plan. If you don't recognize the name, then you can go and try to get a peek. You only know the name of one of those guys anyways, but that means if it isn't Crockett or Richard then it has to be one of the guys in Richard's group. Or...well, maybe John could have someone actually visiting him. He didn't bring that up as an option though, and so you doubt that as a possibility. 
6029
6030"Maybe I can go take a look too? Maybe have a nurse come down with me or something so we can know for sure?"
6031
6032[2/3]
6033
6034-------------------------
6035
6036"That might be fine, yeah. Try not to worry too much about it, not like they can carry you off here. Hell, they end up bothering us too much then maybe it'll get caught on one of the cameras and we can use that to our advantage, you know?" John is starting to sound more optimistic about this and you can't help but agree. If it is one of Bower's men then getting recorded evidence of them trying to take you away could help a whole lot, could be the thing you need right now. Still, the wait only makes you more nervous, much more then it should. It nearly makes your heart stop when the nurse pops his head back in finally, obviously trying to hurry to go take care of his other tasks.
6037
6038
6039"Sorry bout the wait folks. Still bout an hour till visiting hours," as he talks you look over to John nervously, trying to calm your breathing, "Seems like the man outside who wants to see you is a Mr. Sean Ber-"
6040
6041"I don't want that son of a bitch anywhere near me." You don't recognize the name, but John obviously does. His sudden outburst catches both you and the nurse off guard, and you can see his hands clenching up painfully. 
6042
6043
6044"Er, alright. I'll just uh, let him know you aren't accepting any visitors right now..." The nurse can't leave fast enough, leaving you to deal with John alone. 
6045
6046"Fucking hell..." John mutters, pulling out his pack of cigarettes and holding it tightly in his hands, "Like I fucking needed this right now..."
6047
6048
6049"Uh..." you are at a loss of words, not expecting this outcome in the slightest.
6050
6051"Relax. Sonuvabitch ain't here for you," John practically spits the words out, redirecting your worry to him now, "Bastard has some gall, tryin' to come up here and see me."
6052
6053
6054It doesn't sound like you're in danger now, but whoever it is outside has a bad history with John. You kind of want to know what's going on, but asking him might just bring up more bad memories. 
6055
6056If you don't want to ask him about it, then maybe you can go sneak a peek at the waiting room and just confirm that you don't recognize who's out there. But maybe you shouldn't leave John alone right now. If you stay here with him and decide not to ask about the guy, then maybe you should find something else to talk about...
6057
6058-------------------------
6059
6060You look around the room, trying to think of the best way to word this. Someone smarter and with better experience would probably go at this better or not at all, but this sudden shift is troubling, similar to how John was yesterday. Maybe he's more prone to being cranky because of his condition, but this isn't normal grouchiness. This is anger, all of it boiling inside him with no escape and only you here to witness it.
6061
6062
6063"...if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. But wh-..." you pause for a moment, making sure you really want to ask this question, "...who is that man?"
6064
6065
6066The poor cigarette pulled out and held between John's fingers buckles as it's crushed, his hand clenching by instinct. The now loose tobacco falls to the once clean tile and you consider walking out to give John some time alone. John's body seizes up, as if ready for a fight and you worry about him dashing out of here to go find the mentioned man. Instead, the crumbled paper and yellow filter falls to the ground, joining the lost filling as first his hand becomes limp. The rest of his body follows, the lines on his face fading as anger is replaced with apathy. You're prepared to find something else to talk about, anything at all at this point.
6067
6068
6069"Do you think it's right for a person to stay with someone after they've changed? Or turned out to be something they weren't prepared to deal with?" John asks, the words raspy and breaking apart.
6070
6071"I'm not sure I understand what you're asking me exactly, I'm sorry..." you're not sure how this relates to the man outside, but you aren't going to do anything to further provoke this.
6072
6073
6074"If something breaks, you're supposed to fix it, right?" John isn't waiting for you to answer, not that you feel like you could right now, "And if you don't, then what do you do? You throw it out. No use dragging around something that don't work the way it's supposed to. Just a burden then, when it ain't worth the time and effort. Don't think I could blame someone for doing that, you know? Try as hard as they can to fix the broken pieces, and when they just crumble further in their hands then what the hell are you supposed to do? Gotta find something to replace that. Have to find someone who can be better for it..."
6075
6076"I promise, I'm trying my best to understand what you're saying to me. But maybe I'm not smart enough too-"
6077
6078"You're plenty smart. Don't let no one tell ya otherwise, got that? You aren't all broken up, unlike some people here," John says, finger thumping against his forehead, "I ain't seen no one your age go through what you have and kept going. Some of us just ain't strong enough I guess."
6079
6080[1/3]
6081
6082-------------------------
6083
6084"It doesn't feel like that a lot though," you confess, unsure where or how the conversation got to where it is now, "There's a lot of times where I just want to go to sleep and just never wake up again, or where I get too scared to do something properly. I...I still feel so scared around strangers too..."
6085
6086
6087"You're doin' an amazing job missy, let me tell you. Can't expect to get back 100%, but you're a fighter and you're gonna make it some how. Unlike me, that is. Let me serve as an example of what you shouldn't become. A broken and mangled mess of a person, who just keeps getting his parts fucked up more and more every day. Maybe I made the wrong decisions some where in life, should have done things differently. Might have been able to call Sean a friend, but now it's all too late for me. Hell, maybe tossin' me to the curb was the best choice she ever made...look at me. Can't hold down a job, can't get through the night without cryin' like some sorta child scared of the dark, can't be a proper man," John tries to offer you a sideways grin, but the years of built up misery and regret show past, "Make sure you find you a good man, alright? Or a woman, supposing you go that way. But find you someone proper, someone good, someone who can work and take care of your problems. Been through enough as it is, you just need an easy life now. Don't take the same path my wife did, don't try to fix something that's beyond broken. No one will be happy, and you might just regret it for the rest of your life," John is looking past your face and through the window, his unfocused eyes watching something unseen. You try to piece together what John had told you before about his wife, trying to figure out where Sean fits in to all this. As you get a sneaking suspicion John speaks up again, breaking his gaze to the floor before looking at you, "Guess I didn't really answer your question, did I? Depending who you ask, Sean is either the guy who ruined my life or made my wife's better. I haven't got the slightest idea why he'd be down here to see me, and to be frank I don't care either. Best if I don't meet up with him and try to push that all behind me. Already know what it's like to wallow in that, and it ain't great. Gotta keep movin' on, or I'll just fall again."
6088
6089
6090"I'm so sorry about asking you that."
6091
6092"Don't be. Course you'd want to know what's happening, specially with everythin' going on, you're just trying to be safe and I can't get mad at you for that. I'm just...I'm fine. I promise." John says this, but he doesn't feel the same. It's like he's just masking everything right now, and not wanting to disturb you further with his problem. But the words he leaves behind makes you feel scared about yourself. He said you're smart and that you can do okay despite everything that's happened, but it feels like he should have too. John tried his best to have a normal life, and his best wasn't good enough. What if you turn out that way?
6093
6094[2/3]
6095
6096-------------------------
6097
6098"I-...D-Do you have a p-pack of cards? I'd love to p-play a game while we wait. But I um, there's no way I'm betting this time! I lost last time, and n-now I have to do all the dishes, r-remember?" you try to grin, but it's made up of a heart pounding nervousness. The future scared you before, but right now the idea that you could end up tossed aside strikes a new fear in your heart, sending shakes and shivers to your hands. John produces the pack of cards, and as you try to hold them steadily in your hands you can't help but notice the many worn out creases down the center from John's previous fidgetiness.
6099
6100
6101"Good thing all them got bent at some point, used to be able to cheat by memorizing which card had what crease." John tries to joke, but it falls flat to you. If anything the cards are a reminder of how John tries to cope with himself and how he fails at it. You want to get better, but that goal seems so far away now.
6102
6103...
6104
6105The game is played mostly in silence, interrupted only when a new doctor comes to talk with John.
6106
6107
6108"You're almost set to leave now, Mr. Boseman," the older man is cheerful, probably unaware of all the problems John caused yesterday, "We just need to go over some 'ground rules' for you, alright?"
6109
6110"Yeah." John gives a lackluster response, gathering the cards to stow away. 
6111
6112
6113"Now I'm about to go over some rather ah, sensitive information with you. Not that I'm saying he-...she has to leave, but it might be easier for me to discuss this with you alone in private."
6114
6115Rather then answering for you, John looks over at you instead.
6116
6117
6118"Up to you missy. Wanna stay here and listen to your...your dad's boring medical junk, or you want to go out and get yourself from the snack machine down the hall?" 
6119
6120
6121John doesn't seem to care if you listen, but there has to be a reason why the doctor was advising you step out for a moment. It could be crucial information for John, but it might turn out to be something he doesn't want you to know about. Then again, it might be good for you to know...
6122
6123Maybe if you don't stay in here, then you can try to listen from outside the door...or maybe you should just follow John's advice and just go get a snack?
6124
6125-omitted one small post.
6126
6127-------------------------
6128
6129The doctor seems to think it would be a good idea for you to step out, and since you aren't actually John's daughter...
6130
6131
6132"Right. I'll um, be back in a minute." you say, grabbing some of the loose change you have and leaving the men alone. Grab a few things to carry around, and if they're still talking when you return then maybe you can try to listen in on what's being said. That nurse from earlier already told you what to look out for, it's not like there's much more that you need to know right?
6133
6134
6135It takes some wandering about to find the machine. Turns out it was located closer to the waiting room then you expected, but this just gives them more time to talk. A boy just a few years younger then you stands in front of the machine, trying to feed his crumpled up bill into the slot. Seeing you wait for him makes him nervous, and he steps back to allow you to go as he attempts to smooth out the wrinkles. As you gather the food you can't help but notice him struggling, surprised to see him misty eyed behind dirty blonde hair. 
6136
6137
6138"You might just have to try a different dollar, that one might be too wrinkled to work." you offer as advice.
6139
6140"Th-this is the o-o-only one I h-have...d-dad gave it to m-me..." he mutters, his words stuttering painfully. 
6141
6142
6143"Erm, if you don't mind then let me see it for a moment. I can try to fix it." The boy is reluctant, but he hands over the crumbled bill. He watches as you use the edge of the machine to rub it down flat, his eyes lighting up when the machine finally accepts him money. "Alright, see? No big deal."
6144
6145
6146"Th-Thanks...!" You back up and allow him to finally choose what he wants, standing about just in case he needs help with something else.
6147
6148"So um, are you here to visit someone?" you ask, hoping not to sound too awkward. You don't want to return too soon, and getting to talk with someone close to your age is always nice, even if he's a nervous wreck. 
6149
6150
6151"Y-Yeah..." he answers while trying to fish out his snack from the machine, "Dad b-brought me h-here to meet my um...m-my real dad..."
6152
6153"Your 'real' dad?" you ask, but the blanks fill themselves, "Oh you mean like, your biological dad then right?" The boy nods, trying to rip into his cinnamon roll.
6154
6155
6156"I h-haven't m-met him before, b-but I want to. I j-just hope he w-wants to see me too..." he doesn't sound too confident about this, and you can see why he would be so scared. 
6157
6158"Oh wow, that sounds exciting though," you want to try and keep him positive about this, even if you have no clue who this kid is, "So um, what's your name?"
6159
6160
6161"J-...Jeremy." He doesn't sound scared of you, just incredibly shy. If he stutters like this all the time then you can't imagine the other kids being too nice to him.
6162
6163[1/3]
6164
6165-------------------------
6166
6167"Well Jeremy, I'm sure your dad will be excited to see you. He's um, probably just as nervous to meet you as you are. Just try to relax, it'll be fine." you aren't sure if these 'words of wisdom' are actually helpful, but you don't have a clue on what else you say, "I have to get going now, try and take care alright?" You say goodbye to Jeremy and try to figure out which way to get back to John's room. It takes some searching and backtracking, but you manage to find the room again. The door cracked open just the slightest bit, you press your ear towards the room to listen in.
6168
6169
6170"...-keep at this, you're not going to see that little girl grow up." The doctor is talking about you, from what you can guess. It sounds more like a scolding then just a talk, and you think that maybe it's a good thing you left the room.
6171
6172"I...know that."
6173
6174
6175"I'm serious. We've heard about your little problem, and normally I wouldn't say anything. It's your life and all that, but you got that little girl with you and no ring on your finger. If she's all you got then you need to stop being so reckless. That girl ends up without a mom or dad and you know where she'll end up? In care of the system, do I need to tell you how bad it can get in there?"
6176
6177"...really need to work on your bedside manners there, doc."
6178
6179
6180"Harsh, I know, Mr. Boseman. But I know how it can get for you guys returning home, and I see how it can affect your family too. Don't put them through all that." You feel guilty that John is getting this lecture right now. Not like he doesn't know all of this anyways, the doctor is just preaching to the choir. Before he can further scold John you enter the room, as if you hadn't been listening the whole time. 
6181
6182
6183"Back dad! Brought a bunch of stuff..." you make sure the doctor sees you smiling before dropping off your haul on the table. There's an uncomfortable silence, and the ruined cigarette still laying on the floor reminds you that it's been a tough couple of days for John, and that you both have a quite a few more in front of you.
6184
6185...
6186
6187[2/3]
6188
6189-------------------------
6190
6191It takes some time, but John finally manages to get cleared to leave. Warnings that he needs to eat and drink, rest and keep off his feet as much as possible. Already you know that won't be happening any time soon, not till you find the group again. There's a mention of having to stop at a pharmacy to pick up a prescription, more warnings, and you guys are sent out. You try to look out for Jeremy, trying to find him in the waiting room as you pass by. There's no sign of him, and you hope that means he got to see his dad.
6192
6193
6194While walking out and down the street, you have to make sure to keep pace with John. Usually you have to hurry to keep stride with the adults, but now you have to try and not walk past him. The bill comes up to mind, trying to imagine how much it must be. John doesn't bring it up, and you don't either. You're not sure where he's leading you right now, but you just follow for now. Only a few blocks down and John already needs a breather, taking a seat on a near empty bus bench. Knowing he's still going to be sore, you sit next to him and look as his hand comes over the covered up wound. 
6195
6196"It'll be better when we get those painkillers for you, right?" you ask, thinking that's where you guys are going.
6197
6198"Not gonna get them."
6199
6200
6201"...what?" you can't imagine a reason why he would refuse them, except for the possibility of cost, "If it's like, about the cash then I...I have Eric's credit card. We can use that and I'm sure he won't mind, we can pay him back later."
6202
6203
6204"That's not the reason," John glances over, making sure that the people actually waiting for the bus can't hear him, "...I can't trust myself with them."
6205
6206"Trust yourse-....oh." as you realize what he means, John looks down at the cement in shame. 
6207
6208
6209John being in constant pain isn't going to good, and there's a reason the doctors wanted him to take it. But if he ends up slipping and using them wrong again that could be trouble...then again, so could having him travel around in his condition. You were warned by that nurse that he needs to follow instructions carefully, and these painkillers are part of them. You could try putting your foot down and try to convince John that he has to take them, and that you'll keep an eye on him. It might even be worth getting them, and if the pain gets too bad he can just take them then instead of constantly. They could just be there when things get too rough, that should be fine right?
6210
6211But then again, maybe John knows himself better then you do. If he doesn't think he can handle himself around them, then maybe you should listen and not try to not force him...
6212
6213What do you try to tell him?
6214
6215-omitted one small post.
6216
6217-------------------------
6218
6219"We're going to be running around all over the place when the doctors said you should be resting. It already looks like you're in pain, but what are you going to do if it gets worse? You're going to need something, right? I don't think that Tylenol will help you, and having you walk around in pain isn't going to be good...if um, if you can trust me then uh..." you look at your bag nervously, know what is already inside, "Then maybe...maybe I could hold it for you? And then like, when it gets bad enough I'll like, give you the stuff you need to feel better. Does that sound okay?"
6220
6221"Are you really okay with carrying those around? I don't want to make you feel scared about it."
6222
6223
6224"They're just over-the-counter painkillers, right?" which means they're legal and John is supposed to have them, compared to everything else these aren't anything. You offer him a small grin, "It's no problem. I'll make sure everything is fine, so don't worry about it."
6225
6226
6227"You have to promise me that you won't let me hold on to the bottle then, got it? No matter how much I ask you to, you keep hold to those. Toss 'em away if you have to. I've been promisin' myself that I'd do better, and I had been but right now I'm...I'm kinda at my weak point."
6228
6229"Don't worry about it. I'll hold on to them, we'll find the group, and then you have to cook and let me help." you offer a more genuine smile this time, and John halfheartedly returns it. 
6230
6231"Hope you're good at washin' dishes then, missy."
6232
6233...
6234
6235
6236John takes a little more time to rest up, though you doubt it's been long enough. You aren't going to force him to rest longer, time is important right now and it's already a little past noon. Following John is difficult at his pace, but not knowing where the pharmacy is forces you to wait for him. A long hour of walking, John leads you to a small building with bars over the window. Family owned, to your surprise, but upon entering you see the expected half empty shelves.
6237
6238
6239You wait patiently behind John as he gets the medication, the bottle places inside a white paper bag. It's handed over to you almost immediately, as if John is afraid to hold it for even a second. Waiting till you're back outside, you nestle the bag safely among your other items, zipping it back up tightly. The duffel bag is starting to become dirty and worn thin in some areas, and you know that it won't be long before you'll have to use something else. 
6240
6241
6242"And you're sure you're fine with carrying it around for me?" John asks, leaning against a wall as you secure the bag around your shoulders again.
6243
6244"Yeah. I mean, it's not like illegal for me to hold them for you like this...is it?"
6245
6246"No just...guess I'm just being overly careful, you know?"
6247
6248"I understand...you don't need one right now, do you?" Something you probably should have asked first, but John shakes his head.
6249
6250[1/2]
6251
6252-------------------------
6253
6254"Still riding on what they gave me this morning. Everything should be fine. But now we gotta focus on how we're goin' to find everyone. I need you to tell me everythin' you know right now, maybe I can try and figure us out a starting point." You repeat everything that Sam had told you, how the house the group is going to be using is empty and not going to be looked at till summer, and how a friend of Sam's gave him 'permission' to use it. "I think I know who you're talking about. Bit of a skeevy guy, but alright enough. Wouldn't know where he is though..."
6255
6256
6257"Me either," you worry that this information was practically useless, but after a moment of thinking John's face turns sour, "What is it?"
6258
6259"I might know how to find him. A er...I guess you could say a friend of a friend kind of deal..." John doesn't sound at all enthusiastic about this, but anything that will help you is good, "Well, I hope this will work anyways. I know a...guy who might know where he is."
6260
6261"That's good though, right?"
6262
6263
6264"Yeah, if he can help. And we'll just have to put up with him..." John doesn't look thrilled by this at all, and you can imagine that he really doesn't like this person. 
6265
6266"He's not like, an awful guy or anything is he?"
6267
6268
6269"He's just...somethin'. Not that he's an asshole or anythin' just, ah...you'll see if we find him. Pretty sure I know where he's at too. Only problem is, I don't think we'll be findin' him till around evening, that's when he's usually hanging about...gives us plenty of time to head over there. Don't really wanna take you over there, but...if we ain't got a choice, that's just how it's gonna be I guess. When we're over there, you have to stick right next to me, understand? No wanderin' off, you stick to my side like glue, got it?" You nod in agreement, but John still doesn't look too pleased about any of this, "I don't have anythin' on me right now as a weapon. Might be fine without one, but with where we're goin', sometimes it's just good to have somethin' to show off and threaten with, ya know?"
6270
6271
6272You nod, remembering that John no longer has the gun on him. You, on the other hand, have both the knife and pepper spray. Parting with either doesn't settle well with you, but letting John have one might be better then you holding on to both. Then again, maybe you guys should try to find John his own thing, but that means spending the rest of your cash or using Eric's credit card. 
6273
6274But John is a grown man, maybe he's just being on edge about this. In fact, if he's overly paranoid about all this, giving him one of your weapons may be asking for trouble...
6275
6276What do you do?
6277
6278-------------------------
6279
6280Reaching into your pocket, the knife is held tightly in your fist for just a moment before presenting it to John. 
6281
6282
6283"Now missy, I gave that to you-"
6284
6285"And I'm just letting you borrow it," you force it into John's hand, feeling flustered about being so pushy with an adult, "You can give it back to me later. But I think I trust you with it more then me right now." John looks at the knife, and for a moment you're afraid he's going to give the knife back. Instead he flicks it open, running a finger down the smooth edge as he examines it and sighs, flicking it shut and pocketing it.
6286
6287
6288"That the only thing you had on you?" 
6289
6290"No. I have pepper spray too-"
6291
6292"Still got stuff in it?" John asks, and it never occurred that it could run out. Pulling out quickly, you shake it and feel the liquid inside move about.
6293
6294"Yeah...it's not full but there's enough in there."
6295
6296"Let's hope we don't have to use it, but keep it handy. You sure you're fine with carrying all that stuff?" John gestures at the bag, and you grip it tightly.
6297
6298
6299"Better me carrying it then you right now. It's fine," You'd love for someone stronger to carry it, but with his hip in the condition it's in there's no way you're going to let John burden himself further. You just hope that whatever has been causing him gripe won't lead to more trouble, but with passing the knife over you've shown that there's trust in him. "Where are we going anyways?"
6300
6301
6302"You're probably not going to like it. Ever been to the south side? Well, of course you have. That's kind of where the apartment was."
6303
6304"We're going back that way?"
6305
6306
6307"Not quite," John doesn't look enthusiastic at all as he explains this, "That area was just kind of on the edge of everything. That neighborhood was pretty bad, but a lot of that comes from the lack of care. We have to go a bit out of the way of that, past all the residential blocks. Lotta businesses there, none of them good. Whole bunch of abandoned buildings, lotta them occupied by people either shootin' up or sellin' something they shouldn't. Not too good, cops like to point bums on the street that direction since no one but other seedy folks go down there."
6308
6309
6310"And...that's where we have to go?" you have a sinking feeling in your stomach as he describes it, remembering the time you walked on the very edge of it a few days before Christmas, "I've seen a bit of it before..."
6311
6312
6313"So then you understand why it's important you stay right next to me the whole time, right?" At this you nod again and John sighs, trying to prepare himself for what might happen soon, "Used to spend a lotta time down there. Least we won't have to worry bout gettin' lost, I always hoped that I wouldn't end up back there but...well, I guess it won't be so bad this time." You're tempted to ask him about his time there before, but there's no possible way that you could conceive that as being a good experience of any kind. 
6314
6315[1/2]
6316
6317-------------------------
6318
6319"We can at least catch a bus down there, right?"
6320
6321"Easily enough. The problem is going to be when we're there but...eh, we'll have to deal with it as it comes."
6322
6323
6324The walk to a bus stop that should have only taken about twenty minutes takes nearly a full hour, John unable to walk his full speed and needing to stop three times in pain. You wait patiently each time, unsure if the medication from the hospital is already wearing off or if the pain is just that bad. Either way, it doesn't look good for the future and you worry about making him take his pills at the right time. He's probably not going to ask for them, so that means keeping an even more careful eye. The air is chilly, and while parts of your face feel numb from the cold you can't help but notice how warm your body feels. The headache persists, but you have become accustomed to it enough at this moment that it isn't too terrible. If anything, the lights of passing cars are what causes a huge bother, making you squint each time one comes close. Overcast clouds keep the sun hidden, and you're prepared to deal with snow over what would be terrible sunlight. 
6325
6326
6327The near empty benches are a huge relief to see coming up, and you try to hurry John to them. His messed up steps and you trying to lug around an overstuffed bag have garnered you enough stares of strangers passing by, and a rest is just what the two of you need. John nearly falls on to the empty seat, wincing at the sudden movement. Off his feet finally, you hope this will give him the rest he needs to get through tonight. You highly doubt it, but hope for that anyways. Sitting next to him, you keep the scuffed bag at your feet and a tight hold on the straps. It's fairly quiet, light traffic passing by and a simple conversation being held by two men over at the other bench. 
6328
6329"You alright missy? Lookin' kinda sick there." John asks, and you realize that discomfort you're feeling must be coming to surface.
6330
6331
6332You didn't tell him before, but now might be the chance to let him know what's what's wrong. Sam asked you not to mess around with blood, and you haven't and that is making you feel sick. Also makes you sound like a freak...
6333
6334But maybe it's best not to worry him. Just brush it off as feeling tired and find something else to talk about right now, get his mind off of things...
6335
6336Maybe you can ask about his pain, see if he needs to take any pills yet...
6337
6338What do you say?
6339
6340-omitted one small post.
6341
6342-------------------------
6343
6344Making sure the conversation won't be eavesdropped on, you decide to confess the source of your pain right now.
6345
6346
6347"So um, you know the whole thing with me and the uh, the blood...?" John nods and you continue, "Course now Sam knows about it now. He doesn't want me to um, do that anymore, at least for a while. Wants me to hold back and just...see what happens I guess..."
6348
6349"Got a headache?" John asks knowingly. 
6350
6351"Yeah..."
6352
6353"Feel sick?"
6354
6355"A bit..."
6356
6357
6358"Yeah, I know how all that goes. It's not gonna be a fun ride," John's face looks grim at this, "And it never gets easier. Let's ah, just hope we get to where we need to be. Might have to hold on with them cookin' lessons for a little bit, y'know? Till you're...and me...start feelin' better. Kinda hard to cook when you got the shakes...or do a lot of things really. Just trust me on that."
6359
6360"It's going to suck, isn't it?"
6361
6362
6363"It is, missy. It is." John doesn't sugarcoat it, which is better then you going into this unprepared. Scratching at your cheek, your skin feels almost unnaturally warm for the cold air. Maybe you're just dressed extra well for the weather, but you'd rather not test it. Just find the group and see about sleeping all this off or...or something anyways. Anything that isn't just you wandering the streets confused and lost.
6364
6365
6366Maybe the dread of what's to come has both of you shaken up, but the conversation ends and nothing else is said till the bus comes. Climbing up the steps looks too painful for John, and you have to witness as he grips the handrail for dear life just to pull himself up. 
6367
6368
6369"How long till we get there, you think?" You ask, sliding the bag in front of your seat before crawling in. John right next to you, he insists that you two take seats at the very rear of the bus.
6370
6371"Won't take too long..." John says between heavy breaths, "But we aren't gonna get off right away."
6372
6373
6374"Wait, why not?"
6375
6376"Ain't gonna find our guy walkin' around at this time. We need to get in there before dark, but the bus will come back 'round there in a bit. We can ride along for now and get off when it swings by again. Lot better to sit in here then out there in the cold, yeah? Just try to relax while we're in here, it might be a long night." John tries to settle down in the seat, but these aren't exactly the kind for getting comfortable in.
6377
6378
6379"I can't wait to go to sleep." you confess, hoping to not sound whiny. 
6380
6381"You can nap here if you like."
6382
6383"Maybe." The bus starts up, rocking back and forth gently as it begins to make its rounds. You try to look out the window, but this quickly proves to be a bad idea when you get a surge of motion sickness. Not something you usually feel, you easily chalk this up with everything else you feel right now. 
6384[1/2]
6385
6386-------------------------
6387
6388The warmth you were feeling earlier has turned into an uncomfortable heat, no longer having cold air to help combat it. Not yet bad enough to make you remove layers, but just enough to make you feel a little more miserable. You'd rather not remove anything either, not till your inside somewhere safe and preferably with people you know. Each time people pass by you can't but eye them, wondering who they might be. Being on edge like this isn't fun and it probably isn't good for you, but it's needed. Looking over to John, you can see that his eyes are shut and tuned out to the world. 
6389
6390"Are you asleep?" you whisper, not wanting to wake him if he is.
6391
6392
6393"Hm? Somethin' wrong...?" John mumbles, probably only just about to drift off.
6394
6395"Nothing. I mean besides...um, you know."
6396
6397"Yeah. I know," John's eyes open a bit, only looking at the seat in front of him, "Trust me. I know."
6398
6399"Were you wanting to nap? I'm bothering you then, aren't I?"
6400
6401"Just restin' my eyes, that's all." John yawns.
6402
6403
6404You wouldn't mind letting John sleep, but a few things about that worry you. He's the one that knows where and when to get off the bus, if he sleeps through it that could make things harder later tonight. Not to mention, if he ends up waking up in one of his episodes....you're not sure how well that would do on a bus like this. But if he needs rest...
6405
6406Then again, maybe you can try to keep him awake. Talk to him about something. You could always try to ask him about how he deals with all this, his experiences with it...but that's probably a sensitive topic. If you're worried about that, then maybe you can just talk to him about something that doesn't really matter to help keep him awake for now.
6407
6408Or maybe you should just trust John to know what he's doing. You've trusted him so far, and it could be good for you to get some rest too. Who knows when a chance for that will come again?
6409
6410-omitted one small post.
6411
6412-omitted one small post.
6413
6414==== END THREAD ====