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#Post#: 317--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment (complete)
By: 22639 Date: February 24, 2012, 2:42 am
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[font=arial]Nikki wanders through the rows of vendors selling
everything from the contents of someone's garage to fresh
produce and baked goods. Old bicycles, lamps, area rugs, gaudy
velvet paintings....all once someone's treasures...now just dust
gatherers. Every once in a while, Nikki stops and examines a
display, asks a vendor about an item on his table filled with
old nick-nacks or squeezes a loaf of fresh bread or smells a
piece of fresh fruit. She loves spending Saturday mornings
among these aisles of the Seacouver Open Air Market and Swap
Meet...the aromas...the sights...the sounds....the whole
atmosphere. It reminds her of going to the market with her
mother when she was but a lass. She even has the whole
excursion down to a science. She starts at the row farthest
from the parking area and slowly walks up one aisle and down the
next, making sure to look at each table. When she sees
something that interests her she stops and examines it...asks
whatever questions she has and...if there doesn't seem to be any
other interested parties (and depending on how interested she is
in the item)....either remembers where the item is so she can
come back to it and if it is still there...purchase it. Or ask
the vendor to hold it for her. Once she has walked through
every aisle and is confident she has seen everything
offered...she then goes back through and purchases the items she
has either had set aside or took the chance they would still be
there. That way she doesn't end up hauling a growing load
around that usually included something fragile, heavy or an
awkward shape. She has been coming to the Open Air Market for a
couple of years and has never left without purchasing at least
one item and during the Spring and Summer she always stocks up
on fresh produce...especially the Summer fruits (like peaches,
cherries, strawberries, plums, mangoes, cantaloupe and
watermelon.). [/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery Kerby crosses the Seacouver City limits and
sees a large billboard advertising the Seacouver Open Air Market
and Swap Meet and decides that is where he wants to stretch his
legs after the long drive. He follows the directions on the
billboard and when he arrives at the event he parks his van and
gets out. He stretches his stiff muscles, locks his van and
heads into the Open Air Market. Starting at the row of tables
closest to the entrance he begins to leisurely stroll along the
rows...stopping at almost every vendor to see what they are
selling. He buys an apple from one and continues browsing as he
enjoys the juicy sweetness of the fresh fruit.[/font]
[font=arial]Nikki has finished wandering through the aisles and
heads back to one of the nearest vendors she had stopped at
earlier. It was someone selling stuff that they had had in
their attic and garage and they have the complete set of Edgar
Allan Poe's stories and poems...leather bound and in pristine
condition. She picks up one of the books and opens it to a
random page. She reads, “For my own part, I have never had a
thought which I could not set down in words with even more
distinctness than that with which I conceived it. There is,
however, a class of fancies of exquisite delicacy which are not
thoughts and to which as yet I have found it absolutely
impossible to adapt to language. These fancies arise in the
soul alas, how rarely, only at epochs of most intense
tranquility when the bodily and mental health are in perfection,
and at those mere points of time where the confines of the
waking world blend with the world of dreams. And so I captured
this fance where all that we see or seem is but a dream within a
dream.” It isn't until the elderly man behind the table comes
up to her and says, “Ahhh. A Dream Within a Dream. One of my
favorites,” that she realizes she was reading the poem aloud and
she blushes. “I take it you're a Poe fan?” The elderly man
asks and Nikki nods. “Have you heard this one?” He asks and
tilts his head back and closes his eyes. “If I could see the
sky above/ [/font]And my mind could be set free / As wild white
horses reached the shore/ I'd stand alone and oversee/ And if
the bridge before me burns/ Should I turn my eyes away/ And
still the voices I can hear/ As clear to me as light of day/ I
believed in my dreams/ Nothing could change my mind/ (Nothing
could change my mind)/ Now I know what they mean/ How could I be
so blind?/ Cold sands of time/ (Winds that blow cold as ice/
Sounds that come in the night)/ Shall hide what is left of me/
(Come from Paradise)/ I've been though times when no one cared/
(Words that were mine),” the elderly man recites from memory.
[font=arial]Nikki:[/font]“I've seen clouds in empty skies/ When
one kind word meant more to me/ (Shall last as a memory)/ Than
all the love in Paradise/ I believed in my dreams/ Nothing could
change my mind/ (Nothing can save me now)/ 'Til I found what
they mean/ Nothing can save me now/ (Through all my days are
trances)/ (And all my nightly dreams are where thy gray eye
glances)/ (And where thy footstep gleams)/ (In what ethereal
dances, by what eternal streams)”
[font=arial]Nikki recites the end of the poem.[/font]
[font=arial]Nikki:[/font]To One In Paradise. I love that one.
I love all of his stuff.
[font=arial]Nikki says with pride.[/font]
[font=arial]Nikki:[/font]How much for the set?
[font=arial]Nikki asks the elderly man. He quotes her his price
and she decides that it is definitely a bargain and purchases
the set of books. The man puts them in a shopping bag and hands
them to Nikki and she thanks him and heads for the next vendor
she had wanted to go back to.[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery moves into the second aisle and stops at a
vendor selling custom leather items such as wallets, knife
sheaths, vests, jackets and hats and he examines one of the
knife sheaths.[/font]
[font=arial]Nikki purchases a couple more items and decides
that, with the books, her load is getting a bit heavy and she
heads for the parking area. As she passes the second aisle from
the entrance she feels an Immortal buzz and looks at the faces
of the people nearby. [/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery feels the buzz of another Immortal and looks
around. He doesn't see anyone looking particularly curious
about the people in the aisle but he puts the knife sheath back
on the vendor's table and begins to slowly walk down the
aisle...looking at the faces of those he passes.[/font]
[font=arial]Nikki doesn't see anyone who is also looking around
so she figures whoever it is is beyond her immediate sight which
means they can't see her either so she picks up her pace and
heads for her truck. She places her purchases in the back seat
of the cab and grabs her duster from where it is draped over the
back of the passenger seat. As she drags it over the drivers
seat she simultaneously grabs her sword from the floor between
the door and the seat and covers it with her coat. Using the
door as a shield from anyone walking by, she puts on her coat
and inconspicuously sheaths her sword into the lining of her
coat. She closes the door and locks her truck back and shoves
her hands in the pockets of her coat. With her head lowered she
re-enters the Open Air Market and moves around behind the first
row of vendors. She slips to the back of the Open Air Market and
moves from the end of the vendor side of the first aisle to the
cover of the building that housed Market office, the restrooms
and a small snack bar. Along side of the building is an area
set up with a few picnic tables and a playground for the
children. The playground consists of a swing set,
merry-go-round, sand box, jungle gym and a make shift tree house
made on a free standing platform but built next to the trunk of
one of the trees that shade the area so that when kids climb up
to the platform they think they are actually in the tree. The
platform is about 20' above the ground with a Birdseye view of
most of the Market. The platform provides a coin operated
telescope, a tire swing, a slide that winds around the trunk of
the tree, and a couple of barrels to sit on. Nikki climbs up
the ladder to the platform. She ignores the strange looks the
kids already on the platform give her and she heads straight for
the telescope. She fishes a quarter out of her pocket and drops
it into the coin slot, then looks through the telescope.
Slowly, she pans it over the entire Open Air Market. She and
the other Immortal are far enough apart that she no longer
senses him....her....it. She adjusts the strength of the
telescope to its maximum and slowly moves back across the
Market.[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery comes to the end of the second aisle and
heads up Aisle 3. He no longer feels an Immortal buzz so he
figures that whoever it was had either not felt him or just
wanted to leave and avoid any trouble and the latter is just
fine with him as he is enjoying the Swap Meet. He moves on up
the aisle and comes to a stop just short of the midway point
when an item in a glass jewelry display case catches his
attention. He steps up to the vendor's table and looks into the
case. He flags down one of three ….what appear to be your basic
housewives....women running that spot. When she comes over to
him he asks to see a small dagger.[/font]
[font=arial]
HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/SwapMeetDagger.jpg
[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery holds takes the sheathed dagger from the
lady and slides the small dagger out of its sheath. [/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery: Where did you get this?[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery asks the woman who explains that her oldest
son had gone through a phase of collecting interesting and
ornately designed knives and daggers and when he grew out of the
phase he sold off most of his collection and this was the only
one left. She also explains that she doesn't know where her son
had gotten the dagger. She recognizes the look in Jeffery's
eyes and says that he looks like he recognizes it.[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery: Or one exactly like it.[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery says with a nod.[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery: My great grandfather had one that looked
exactly like this one and he passed it down to my father. It
was supposed to come to me but it turned up missing after our
garage was broken into and several things we had stored in the
garage disappeared. I was just a kid...like maybe 11 or
12.[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery lies. Then his attention is grabbed by
another item in the same display case. He slides the dagger
back into its sheath and looks into the case at a large star
shaped crystal...the kind that hung from large chandeliers.
[/font]
[font=arial]
HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/62591-01_L.gif
[/font]
[font=arial]The woman saw the direction of Jeffery's gaze and
opened the display case and took out the crystal. She informed
Jeffery that it was genuine Australian crystal and that it used
to be part of the huge chandelier that used to hang in the old
ballroom of the now defunct Seacouver Arms Hotel. She explained
that her husband worked on the crew that demolished the old
hotel and he had come home with a large box of pieces of the old
chandelier then she handed it to Jeffery. He stepped back out
of the shadow of the canopy that covered the vendor's space and
held the crystal up to the sunlight. It reminded him of one
that his mother used to have hanging in the front window of
their house and he used to love watching the rainbows form on
the walls and ceiling when the sunlight caught the crystal just
right.[/font]
[font=arial]Nikki is just about to give up her telescopic search
when she sees the sparkling reflection of something colorful in
one of the aisles. She adjusts the telescopes power and focuses
it until she can clearly see a man standing near the middle of
one of the aisles, holding up something that colorfully catches
the sunlight. She manages to squeeze a little more strength out
of the limited telescope and gets it focused just as the man
lowers the object in his hand and she gets a clear look at his
face. She doesn't need to feel any buzz to know that the man in
the telescope's sights was an Immortal. She stares at him
through the lenses until the time that her quarter bought runs
out and everything goes black. She steps back away from the
telescope and backs up to the farthest railing of the platform
and leans on it. She may not have seen the man's face for over
100 years and the time she did see him....over 100 years
ago....was only once and briefly. But she has no problem
remembering who he was. She closes her eyes and can see Kerby's
cold and emotionless face leaning over her...his sword poised to
make the final slash of their battle. In her 177 years....it was
the closest Nikki had ever come to losing her head and she had
never forgotten what she saw and felt during what should have
been her final minutes on this earth. The only reason she walks
around today was because her deputy and the posse he had
gathered together to hunt the Immortal she had beheaded came
riding up to the cabin where their fugitive had been hiding out
and Kerby had had the good sense to make himself scarce but not
without vowing to Nikki that they would meet again someday and
he would finish what he had started and she had never doubted it
for a minute. She opens her eyes and hurries down the ladder.
Using the building as cover, she goes back the way she came,
leaves the Market place, gets into her truck and drives out of
the parking area. She drives to Joe's Bar for a needed
drink.[/font]
[font=arial]Jeffery purchases the small dagger and the crystal
from the housewife, gets into his van and goes in search of the
local police station so that he can check in with them, show
them his credentials and let them know who he is
after.[/font][center][font=arial]***2 Hours
Later***[/font][/center][font=arial]Nikki finishes her fourth
tequila shot. She thanks Mike and leaves him a generous tip
then leaves the bar. Instead of heading for any of her usual
destinations (Methos', Amanda's or home) she heads for Stanley
Park and follows the road to the tip of the island where she
pulls into a turn out/parking area, gets out of her truck and
follows the path that first drops down into a shallow gorge then
follows the stream up to a majestic waterfall where the path
ends. She steps off of the path and walks down to the water's
edge. She sits down on a log and takes off her boots and socks
and sticks her feet into the stream. She closes her eyes and
listens to the sound of the water cascading over the rocks of
the waterfall to the small pond at its bottom. After a few
minutes the sounds of the nature that surrounds her have relaxed
Nikki enough to clear her mind so she is able to think about her
options and decide what she should do
next.[/font][center][font=arial]To be continued[/font][/center]
#Post#: 322--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment Part 2
By: 22639 Date: March 5, 2012, 12:04 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki: Me? Why me?
Nikki says into the phone looking a bit pale....as though she
has just been picked to hang glide off of Mt. Everest or
something.
Nikki: Come on....there's got to be someone else. Don't we have
a list of people on call for situations like this one?
Nikki asks as she plops down in one of her dining room chairs.
She places her elbow on the table and rests her forehead in her
hand and shakes her head slowly...hoping that this is just a bad
dream and she'll wake up and her day will be perfect once more.
Nikki: Everyone? You called them all?
Nikki asks...her brow furrowing. She can feel a headache coming
on.
Nikki: How is it possible that out of 20 people not one is
available tonight? I mean...damn. What are the odds?
Nikki slumps down in the chair.
Nikki: Ok....alright. Alright. I'll do it. But I just want you
to know up front that I'm not exactly what you would call kid
oriented.
Nikki says and lets out a big sigh.
Nikki: Ok. Tell what's her name I'll be there at 7.
Nikki says and hangs up the phone.
[CENTER]***3 hours later***[/CENTER]
Nikki walks up to the door of the older girls' barracks. She can
hear the sounds of 10 teenage girls living it up because their
adult supervisor has already left and they have been
chaperoneless for an hour.
Nikki: What in the hell have you gotten yourself into, Flynn?
Nikki says to herself as she walks up the front steps and
reaches for the door knob.
Julia: Nu huh! He din't!
Julia exclaims.
Haley nods emphatically.
Emily: You're such a baby, Julia. Of course he did!
Emily rolls her eyes bored.
Haley: He did. I'm meeting him at Delta Iota Kappa tonight.
Madison is sitting in front of the front window and she sees
Nikki walk up to the door.
Madison: Oh maaaan....you'll never guess who they sent to fill
in for Cramer.
Madison says as she closes the curtain and gets to her feet.
Lauren looks up from her cell phone.
Lauren: Who did they send?
Madison: Miss Flynn.
Madison announces and rolls her eyes.
Julia smirks slightly.
Julia: Guess you're not going after all, Haley.
Haley: Are you kidding? This is gonna be even easier than with
Cramer!
Haley grins.
Madison: I hope she doesn't plan on boring us to death with her
horse stories. I hear enough of it when I'm down in the barn.
Madison grumbles and heads for the small kitchen at the back of
the barracks.
Lauren: Yeah we should give her a night to remember. So she
doesn't dream to volunteer again?
Lauren winks at her roommates
Haley: Wonder what made her volunteer to begin with. Never has
before.
Haley says from her lofty older vantage point.
Emily: Damn, I want to stay home, I want to go to Facebook.
Emily grumbles unhappily.
Nikki takes a deep breath and opens the door. She steps across
the threshold, feeling like a prisoner on death row stepping
into the gas chamber.
Haley: So stay. You can keep HER busy.
Haley says softly to Emily.
Emily: Yeah but she'll want some company so goodbye Facebook.
Haley: Get her to agree to watch a movie or something. Hello,
Facebook.
Haley retorts.
Emily pouts.
Nikki: Good evening ladies.
Nikki says as she closes the door behind her and looks at each
of the girls that are downstairs. She counts 5 and wonders where
the other 5 girls are.
Lauren shrugs as she looks down at the monitor of her cell phone
as if to say "Fine. Whatever."
Nikki: Ok. That went well.
Nikki mumbles to herself. She walks through the room to the
small bedroom off of the kitchen where the live in adult
supervisor stayed when "babysitting" the girls.
Madison comes out of the kitchen and almost bumps into Nikki.
Madison: Sorry.
Madison mutters and skirts around Nikki.
Nikki: No problem.....Madison. Right?
Nikki says to the girl, recognizing her from one of the girls
currently working with one of show jumper mares.
Julia: Uhg! I'm so HUNGRY!
Julia moans.
Madison shrugs.
Madison: Yeah.
Madison says simply, not really wanting to make conversation
with the person who will be cramping everyone's style for the
night.
Lauren: You're always hungry, you'll be fat soon and then the
boys will run away from you.
Lauren snickers, like she'd care she'd get even more for
herself.
Julia: I will not!
Julia shouts vehemently at Lauren.
Lauren: Will to.
Lauren sticks her tongue out.
Nikki nods and smiles warmly at the girl then turns and
disappears into the kitchen and eventually into the small
bedroom where she puts her overnight bag on the bed.
Julia: Will not! And you should speak for your self.
Ms-can't-live-without-he​r-krispy-cream-doughnuts.​.
Julia retorts angrily.
Nikki closes her eyes and takes another deep breath then she
opens her bag and takes out what she will need for the night.
Nikki: Great start Flynn. You can tell they just love you being
here.
Nikki mumbles to herself as she grabs the paperback novel out of
her bag and plops down on the bed. She props herself against the
headboard with a pillow, turns on the light on the night stand
and opens her book.
Lauren: Yeah, what about you? Miss Double cheese hamburgers?
Lauren teases Julia with a snicker.
Julia: Hey, at least burgers have got SOME nutritional value.
Doughnuts, is just fat! Like you!
Julia sneers.
Madison carries the soda she got from the kitchen back over to
where she was sitting earlier and sits back down. She sips at
the soda as she watches the drama unfolding in front of her.
Lauren sticks her tongue out again.
Madison: Hey Lauren....don't stick it out unless you're gonna
use it.
Madison calls out with a smirk.
Haley: Would have thought her pimp would have taught her that.
Haley mutters to Emily.
Madison giggles.
Lauren: Don't need to stick it out to use it.
Lauren shrugs.
Madison: Then, girlfriend....you're doing it wrong.
Madison says shaking her head.
Haley: Got that right!
Haley adds loud enough to be heard by the room, and laughs.
Madison giggles again.
Madison: Those frat boys are going to be disappointed.
Madison teases.
Lauren: Yeah, what do we do now?
Lauren whispers nodding in the direction Miss Flynn is.
Nikki settles back against the pillows as she turns the page of
the book she's reading.
Haley: I don't know about the rest of us... but you could try
using your tongue, Lauren.
Haley snickers.
Emily: You may not be fat but you're sure dumb, Lauren.
Emily sighs shaking her head, she got it all wrong.
Lauren: On her? No way! I like men.
Madison: Maybe she'll stay in the room all night and we can
pretend she's not here.
Madison suggests, taking a sip of her soda.
Lauren opens her eyes wide at the suggestion.
Julia: Maybe you should bleach your hair. After all, guys like
dumb blondes. Don't know so much about dumb, umm.. how many
colors you got now?
Julia sneers.
Lauren: Better have 5 colors than have a color that looks like
manure... you... you **** head!
Lauren wrinkles her nose at Julia, making a face.
Julia: ****!!
Julia shrieks and dives for Lauren.
Madison: Oh ****!
Madison mutters and glances at Haley.
Haley: Now's our chance. Come on, she'll be a while in
separating them.
Haley murmurs to Madison.
Lauren squeaks and begins to pull Julia's hair as they roll on
the floor.
Haley: We can even tell Flynn on our way out the back door.
Haley suggests.
Emily yawns bored, this was getting too common to be funny, so
she shrugs and moves to the computer.
Madison nods and sets her soda bottle on the floor next to the
chair. She gets up and hurries toward the back door.
Nikki hears the ruckus in the other room.
Nikki: Damn! Now what?
Haley walks quickly with Madison, and pauses in the kitchen.
Haley: Miss Flynn? Julia and Lauren are fighting.
Haley calls.
Nikki grumbles as she puts her book down, gets up and walks out
of the bedroom. She goes through the kitchen and steps into the
front room where she comes to a stop.
Nikki: Hey! What the f....
Haley: Quick, come on.
Haley says, grabbing Madison's hand and quietly going out the
back door.
Nikki stops herself from finishing the word. She goes over to
the girls and grabs the collar of the one on top and pulls her
off of the other girl then lets go.
Nikki: Knock it off, ladies!
Nikki demands loudly and firmly.
Haley: Robbie's gonna pick me up at the end of the lane. You can
either come with, or we'll drop you where ever.
Haley says to Madison.
Madison: Ok.
Madison says and follows Haley.
Julia: Take it back!
Julia screams, pulling back on Lauren's hair and scratching the
hand that was wrapped around her hair.
Lauren: No I won't... **** head.
Lauren pulling harder, while she tries to bite Julia's arm.
Julia: You lying little freak!
Julia turns her nails towards Lauren's face, when she saw the
other girl was trying to bite her.
Nikki hears the squeak of the back door hinges and realizes that
someone has gone outside. Since it is past curfew she leaves the
girls that are fighting and hurries out of the front door,
skirting around the building. She stands with her hands on her
hips.
Madison rounds the side of the building and comes face to face
with Nikki. She comes to a sudden stop.
Once Nikki frees them, Lauren launches at Julia again and they
roll on the floor again.
Nikki: Going somewhere, Madison?
Nikki says when Madison comes to a stop in front of her.
Madison: Ummmm.....
Madison looks back at Haley...unable to think of anything to say
at the moment.
Haley: We're just going to a walk. It's a little noisy in there.
Haley says very nonchalant
Madison: Yeah. Reminds me too much of my last foster home.
Madison says using her past to make Nikki feel sorry for her.
Nikki: Well.....I can't very well stop the fight and keep you
two from running off at the same time, now can I? And you know
that you're not supposed to be out after 7.....right? You've
both been here long enough to know the rules.
Nikki says, scoldingly.
Nikki: Now both of you....back inside. Go.
Nikki says shewing them toward the back door they had come out
of.
Haley: Whatever.
Haley says with a roll of her eyes, and turns heading towards
the back door, after all, there was still time. Robbie had
promised to wait all night, if he had too.
Madison: Yeah. Right. Sure.
Madison grumbles and turns around. She glances at Haley and
gives a little shrug as if to say....well we tried. Then she
heads for the back door of the barracks.
Nikki watches the girls walk to the back door then turns and
goes back inside through the front door.
Julia: I'm gonna kill you, you ****!! Take that back!
Julia screams at Lauren.
Lauren: No way!
Lauren yells back at Julia.
Julia: NOW!
Julia continues her scream and manages to roll the two of them
so she was on top and had the leverage over Lauren.
Lauren: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lauren yells trying to turn them around so she stays on top.
Nikki goes into the kitchen and gets 2 large glasses of water
and walks back out to the front room. She walks up to the two
girls that are fighting and throws the cold water on them.
Nikki: I SAID KNOCK IT OFF!!
Nikki yells.
Lauren gasps when she gets the cold water all over her, and
tries to find out who did it through the water in her eyes.
Madison walks back through the kitchen and leans against the
doorway that leads into the main room and watches the chaos.
Haley: Well, at least this proves entertaining.
Haley mutters to Madison.
Julia falls off Lauren at the shock of the water.
Julia: Who did that?!
Julia demands angrily.
Madison: Better than Two and a Half Men.
Madison giggles.
Nikki steps closer to the girls and stands erect.
Nikki: I did. Got a problem with that?
Nikki says almost daring one of them to retaliate.
Julia: Oh.
Julia grumbles.
Nikki: Didn't think so.
Nikki says, relaxing just a little.
Nikki: Now.....are you two finished acting like animals? Male
animals at that?
Nikki asks and hands the two empty glasses to Emily because she
is the closest and says, take these into the kitchen, please,"
then returns her attention to the two girls.
Nikki: Or do you want me to borrow the boys' boxing gloves and
the two of you box it out in the ring?
Nikki says, giving the girls a choice.
Emily looks up surprised at Nikki's request, who did she think
she was? Her maid? She puts the two glasses on the floor and
goes back to what she was doing in the computer.
Nikki folds her arms across her chest as she waits for the girls
to answer.
Lauren: She started it.
Lauren grumbles as she gets to her feet, then she looks down at
her clothes, looked like she had to change them.
Nikki: I don't care who started it. I'M finishing it.
Nikki says adamantly
Julia glares at Lauren, what come off does she get. She's the
one who started it!!
Nikki: Now go upstairs and clean yourselves up and I don't want
to hear you two going at it up there either. Got it?
Nikki looks at first Julia then at Lauren then at each of the
other girls.
Nikki: I have no intention of playing referee at the Friday
Night Fights all night.
Nikki says firmly.
Julia: Hmph.
Julia snorts and turns and goes to the stairs.
Lauren shrugs as she moves to the stairs, when she's sure Nikki
can't see her, she sticks her tongue out at her, then climbs the
stairs.
Madison: There she goes again with that tongue. Must be the
busiest tongue in the west.
Madison says to Haley.
Haley giggles.
Haley: Yeah, well, she doesn't use it for the RIGHT thing.
Nikki: Now.....
Nikki says and puts her hands back on her hips as she looks
around the room.
Nikki: Since the rest of you decided to just standby and watch
and not do anything to stop it.....you get to clean up this
mess.
Nikki looks at her watch.
Emily: You must be out of your mind.
Emily grumbles without looking away from the monitor.
Nikki: You have 2 hours until lights out so I suggest you get to
it.
Nikki says and looks at each girl before walking off and heading
back to the bedroom to retrieve her book. It is obvious that
she'll have to read in the main room to keep the girls from
doing more damage to each other and the barracks.
Haley: Yeah, right.,
Haley says.
Haley: Come on.
Haley says with a nudge to Madison, turning to head to the rec
room.
Madison shrugs and joins Haley. She reaches down and picks up
the two glasses that Emily had set down on the floor and heads
for the kitchen to put them in the sink.
Nikki gets her book and, on the way back through the kitchen,
stops and grabs the broom and mop from the broom closet and
carries them into the main room. She walks up to Emily and hands
her the mop then hands the broom to Haley.
Emily doesn't turn from the computer to get anything, she was in
the middle of something a lot more interesting than that.
Madison comes back from the kitchen and starts picking up the
furniture that had been knocked over during the fight.
Haley moves to help Madison with the furniture.
Nikki sees that Emily isn't going to take the mop so she walks
around to the back of the table...bends down and unplugs the
computer from the wall outlet. Then she walks back and stands
next to Emily, holding the mop out to her.
Emily glares at Nikki for a moment, straightens her back and
moves to the stairs without a comment, her nose high up in the
air.
Nikki: This is going well.
Nikki mumbles to herself as she walks over to Madison and hands
her the mop.
Nikki: Would you mind since Emily doesn't seem to want to
cooperate?
Madison looks around and sees that she and Haley are the only 2
who have stayed downstairs so she shrugs and takes the mop from
Nikki.
Nikki: Thank you, Madison.
Nikki says and heads up the stairs.
Haley: Well, this is fun. What a GREAT Friday Night.
Haley says sarcastically to herself.
Madison: You know.....we could sneak out now while she's
upstairs.
Madison suggests to Haley.
Haley: Yeah, and she'll be after us instantly. We'd never make
it to Robbie. We're better off waiting until she shoos us all to
bed. Which...
Haley glances a clock on the wall.
Haley: Will be in less than an hour. Look, it's 8:15 already.
Madison: Yeah. You're probably right.
Madison says with a shrug and proceeds to mop up the water on
the floor.
Nikki 's wheels of her brain are turning overtime as she tries
to come up with a plan to solve her problem before it gets too
far out of control. By the time she gets to the top of the
stairs she thinks she might have one. She walks up to the door
to the room the girls sleep in.
Julia: You think, Haley's gonna make it?
Julia asks, looking towards Emily and Lauren
Lauren: I hope so, that should teach her.
Lauren nods hopefully.
Emily: I hope she gets in trouble with the board also, who does
she think she is? Turning the computer like that? One of my
fosters used to do the same thing, hated her guts.
Emily grumbles angrily as she lays down on her bed.
Julia: Haley, so better take notes of the party... maybe she'll
wait to skip out until after bedtime? Then we can go too.
Julia says hopefully.
Lauren: Yeah, that works. Maybe if we take our shoes out she
won't hear us go downstairs?
Lauren asks, planning to dance with the most good looking guy at
the party.
Nikki listens at the door for a few minutes then walks into the
room.
Nikki: I need a volunteer.
Nikki says looking around the room then she focuses in on Emily.
Julia just rolls her eyes at the sound of Nikki's voice and
turns her back to Nikki.
Nikki: No one?
Nikki asks looking at everyone.
Nikki: It's a good thing.
Nikki says with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
Emily sighs as she moves on her pillow trying to get a better
position and ignoring Nikki completely.
Lauren: Damn, I think I broke a nail.
Lauren grumbles studying her fingernails.
Nikki sighs and grabs a chair that is sitting next to one of the
empty beds and drags it to the center ofthe room. She straddles
the seat and sits on the chair backwards, resting her arms on
the back of the chair.
Julia: Here's my file if you want to use it.
Julia offers it to Lauren.
Nikki: Ok....come on. This is getting ridiculous
Nikki says and looks at each girl.
Lauren: Yeah, I would. Thanks Julia.
Lauren says as she gets the file and starts filing her nails.
Nikki: Look....I get it, Ok? You don't want me here. Now whether
or not it's because you just plain don't like me or if it's
because you just don't want adult supervision I haven't figured
out yet.
Nikki says, still looking at each of the girls.
Nikki: I doubt it's the first reason because I have never done
anything to make you dislike me. And when I have worked with you
girls I never got the feeling that you didn't like me. So my
money's on the last option.
Nikki says and stops to see if she has said anything to elicit a
response.
Madison finishes straightening up the main room and carries the
mop into the kitchen and sets it in the mop bucket in the broom
closet. She gets a soda out of the fridge and heads upstairs to
see what is happening.
Nikki: I wish you guys would at least acknowledge that I'm
talking to you. I know you can hear me.
Nikki says feeling a bit frustrated.
Emily: We don't need supervision, we're not babies. And where
was supervision when we were abused at all those stupid foster
homes?
Emily grumbles angrily, wishing she'd go away and left them
alone.
Nikki nods her head understandingly and swivels around to look
at Emily.
Haley sighs and looks longingly at the door, but trusts her
instincts that say to wait. Following Madison, she gets herself
a coke and goes up stairs, wondering what got Nikki so busy.
Nikki: I understand that but in order for me to provide this
place for you guys to live and give you the opportunity to
change your life into something better there are some
regulations I had to implement. And one of those was that each
dorm has an on site adult to make sure that nobody gets hurt or
that they don't accidentally burn the place down.
Nikki explains.
Haley hears Nikki's last words and thinks to herself, 'Now
that's something I haven't tried before. Burning a place down.'
Nikki: Unfortunately it's the way life is. If you want to do
something and get the bureaucrats to pay for it....you have to
jump through a few hoops....live by their rules. I don't like it
anymore than you guys do. But look what you have because of it.
Besides....nobody forced you to come here. It was all voluntary.
Nikki says and looks around at each girl in an attempt to see if
she is getting through to them.
Julia: Like I was gonna stay with my dad, who pimped me out.
Julia mutters to herself.
Nikki: You could have just hit the streets like some of you did.
Nikki says matter of factually
Lauren: Yeah, I did, why do you think I'm staying at this...
place?
Lauren says still looking down at her nails while she polishes
them.
Nikki: You refer to the ranch like you hate it here.
Nikki says and quirks an eyebrow curiously.
Lauren: Hmm, it's not so bad.
Lauren shrugs.
Nikki: Lauren....you've been with us 2 years now. How come this
is the first I've heard that you are unhappy here?
Haley: The Ranch itself isn't bad. But, ****! We're treated by
the rest of the supers like we're 8. 9pm bed time, every night
of the week. No going out, EVER. No life, PERIOD.
Haley says speaking up.
Lauren: Yeah, when I wasn't here I went to bed at what time I
wanted, they treat us like babies.
Lauren complains
Emily: Yeah, like today, it's Friday night, can we stay up for
another hour, no absolutely not, rules are rules.
Emily grumbles trying to imitate her supervisor.
Nikki: Ok. Let me address Lauren's statement first.
Nikki says and looks at Lauren.
Nikki: True. You went to bed whenever you wanted but you also
didn't get up early and go to school.
Nikki points out.
Haley: It's Friday.
Haley puts in.
Lauren: Ah, come on, no one needs 9 hours of sleep.
Lauren points out.
Haley: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, none of it makes a damn
difference. It's TO BED at 9 o'clock. Normal teenagers, get to
be out later on Friday's and Saturday's at least.
Haley spits out.
Nikki: Because you guys are now attending school....and have
shown a desire to make good grades so you can graduate and get
your diplomas....it is imperative that you get enough rest and
eat decent meals. Believe it or not....if you try and do it with
little or no sleep....your body will rebel and you'll end up
getting sick and you won't be able to retain what you learn
because you are too tired.
Nikki explains.
Lauren: Fine. Whatever.
Lauren wonders why she even bothered to say something, she
should have figured she'd only get that as usual and she
wouldn't listen.
Nikki looks over at Haley and asks, "and since when are you guys
"normal" teenagers?" She makes quotation marks in the air.
Nikki: You have a problem listening to someone else's side of
things besides your own, Lauren?
Nikki asks looking back at Lauren.
Lauren: It's you who never listen to anyone's side but your own.
Every time we try to say something you give us that crap.
Lauren shrugs.
Nikki: If I weren't listening to you how would I know what you
said and be able to answer you?
Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow curiously
Emily: Yeah, I swear it's like a record.
Emily nods with a deep sigh.
Nikki: Fine.
Nikki says getting out of the chair and moving it back to where
she got it.
Nikki: If that's the way you want to play it....then we'll play
it that way. If you are all so god dammed unhappy here....if Nua
Tosu hasn't offered you opportunities you might never had had
otherwise....then I'll shut it down and you can go back to the
lives you came here to get away from. Is that what you want?
Nikki asks before turning to walk out of the room.
Haley: No. We want more a chance to be normal. THAT'S why we're
here.
Haley says flatly.
Madison: Like she said....since when are we normal?
Madison says and crosses her legs on her bed.
Haley: Oh God. Take that stick out of your ass. Of course we're
not normal and never will be. But we want to be. At least I do.
Haley retorts angrily to Madison
Julia: You done with my nail file?
Julia asks looking over at Lauren.
Lauren: Yes, thanks Julia.
Lauren nods giving the nail file back to Julia.
Nikki: I don't believe you really want that, Haley. You want to
know why?
Nikki asks from the door.
Haley: No. But I'm sure you're going to tell me.
Haley says, leaning up against one of the supports in the room.
Nikki shrugs and shakes her head.
Nikki: Nope. I don't like to talk to people who don't want to
listen. I have better things to do with my time and better ways
to use my energy.
Nikki says with a shrug.
Nikki: Anyone else want to dig the knife deeper in my back?
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Nikki says and looks around at the girls.
Haley: Wanna know what we want? We just want things to lighten
up a bit. Here, in the dorms. At least on the weekends.
Haley states.
Nikki folds her arms across her chest.
Nikki: Do you remember what I said earlier about how in
life....if you want something from somebody you have to be
willing to reciprocate?
Nikki asks and leans against the door jam.
Lauren: Yeah, I did it all the time, but then I was getting paid
for it.
Lauren giggles.
Madison: You must have gone broke with the way you misuse your
tongue, Lauren.
Madison teases.
Julia: And you still don't know what to you use your tongue for?
Julia laughs.
Lauren: I can use it any way I want to.
Lauren shrugs, then shakes her head, like she didn't know how to
use her tongue for THAT.
Nikki sighs and shakes her head. She is not getting through to
these girls at all and is seriously considering a "career"
change.
Madison: Like I said.....you must have gone broke. The guys I
know won't pay for it if you do it wrong.
Madison says and lays back against her pillows and folds her
hands behind her head, ****ily.
Lauren: Fine. Whatever.
Lauren shrugs again, like she would argue about it in front of
the dragon lady.
Madison: Fine. Whatever.
Madison mimics Lauren and giggles.
Julia: Fine. Whatever.
Julia says adding her mimic.
Nikki: I give up. You guys win. But you'll soon learn that
sometimes when you win....you really lose.
Nikki says and pushes herself away from the door jam.
Nikki: Just don't kill each other or burn the place down.
Nikki says and turns to leave the room....disappointed that she
wasn't able to get through to the girls.
Nikki: I'll be downstairs if anyone needs me which I know they
probably won't.
Nikki says and walks out of the room. She goes downstairs, gets
her book off of the table where she left it and heads for the
bedroom.
[CENTER]To be continued[/CENTER]
#Post#: 330--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment Part 3
By: 22639 Date: March 10, 2012, 11:11 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Julia: So, anybody know what's up tomorrow?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia asks to the room.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: Lauren's tongue.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison answers and giggles.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Julia: Besides that?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia asks, rolling her eyes and flopping back on her
bed.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki walks into the small bedroom and closes the door
behind her. She sits on the edge of the bed and picks up her
cell phone. She dials Methos' number and waits for him to
answer. When she gets his answering machine she says, "hi, baby.
Just me. Just needed to talk to someone who loves me. I'll call
you later I guess. Bye." She hangs up and lays back on the bed
and stares up at the ceiling.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: I plan on waking up with a hangover in some really hot
guy's bed.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison says and giggles.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Ugh This is warm.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley says says making a face at her soda and turning to
head back to the kitchen.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki decides she doesn't have the concentration to
continue reading her book so she gets up off the bed and turns
on the TV that is on the dresser across the room. She goes back
and sits on the bed and starts channel surfing.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison gets off her bed and goes to her locker. She opens
it up and checks her make up in the mirror on the back of the
locker door.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: So what's the plan, Hale?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison asks Haley.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: We wait.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley shrugs.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: For now. I'm going to get a new soda.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley says turning to head back to the kitchen.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki settles on watching a popular crime drama and lays
back against the pillows.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: Wait for what?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison asks....wondering why they can't just go
now.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Till she's asleep.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley says, going down the stairs.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Emily: Something tells me it's gonna be a long wait.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Emily yawns as she moves on the bed and extends her arm to
get the book she was reading on the nightstand.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: I don't see why we have to wait.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison says and pouts.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley ignores the comments and goes into the kitchen and
dumps the remains of her warm soda down the sink, and then goes
to the fridge getting a fresh one. Opening it, she leans against
the counter taking a drink and thinking.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren looks herself in the mirror and gasps.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Lauren: My hair is ruined.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren grumbles, she then moves to the bathroom to use the
hairdryer.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki decides the crime drama isn't holding her attention
so she changes the channel that's playing the movie Rio Bravo
starring John Wayne.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Julia: No, that's a good look for you!
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia teases Lauren.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren shrugs as she gets to the hairdryer and turns it
on, if she told Julia she looked exactly the same she'd also
want to use it now, so she decides to tell her AFTER she's
ready.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley sighs and starts down the hall, then stops
herself.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison drops the eyeliner pencil she is using and bends
down to pick it up. She stops and listens then stands up and
looks at the girls.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: Hey guys....
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison says quietly.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: Shhhhh...listen.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison says and gets down on her knees.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Emily: Yeah, Lauren is using the hairdryer, how exciting.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Emily murmurs still looking at her book.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia laughs at Emily's comment.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Julia: What are you listening to Madison?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia asks after Madison didn't say anything more.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: I can hear the TV in Miss Flynn's room.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Julia: So?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia asks.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison says and gets to her feet.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: If I can hear it through the floor then she must have
it turned up. She'd never hear us if we left now.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison says, hopefully.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren turns off the hairdryer and starts combing her hair
in front of the mirror. She smiles happily at her own reflexion
in the mirror, she's starting to look presentable again.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley takes a deep breath an sets the soda on the counter
and walks to the super's room and knocks on the door.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki jumps, startled by the unexpected knock. When it
registers, she picks up the TV remote and mutes the
volume[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Yeah?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki calls out, without getting up.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: Where is Haley, anyway?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison asks for anyone to answer.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Julia: Dunno.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia shrugs.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley opens the door and steps inside, and looks at Nikki.
Not quite sure how to explain what she needs to say.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren exits the bathroom and sits back on her bed,
listening to the conversation.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: You know I was with her when she talked those guys into
inviting us to their party. I don't NEED her to be with us. I
can get us in the door. So why wait?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison asks. She would go without waiting for Haley
except she doesn't want to go alone.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Julia: 'Cause she's the one whose got the ride waiting for us?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia points out.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Emily: Because she'd kill us if we left without her? You really
want to mess with Haley?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Emily points out, she for one thing doesn't want to mess
with the oldest girl in the dorm.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Yes, Haley?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says looking up at the girl.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: I thought you'd understand. You're the one who opened Nua
Tosu, and brought us here. Yes, we need help. We know it and
want it, or we wouldn't BE here, but we also don't want to be
treated like babies.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley says slowly, careful to keep all emotion from her
voice, including anything that could sound accusing.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki sits up and pulls her legs up under her. She pats
the bed next to her...inviting Haley to have a seat.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley eyes Nikki warily for a long moment, before moving
over and perching on the bed.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: I don't know about the other adults here on the ranch but
I had no intention of treating any of you like that. You just
didn't give me a chance. You prejudged me....had me all figured
out long before I got here. And that wasn't exactly fair on your
part....now was it?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says hoping the girl who she knows is quite
intelligent even though she acts otherwise so she can fit
in...will hear the logic.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: Damn!
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison grumbles and kicks the leg of her bed.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: No... but it's the same thing every other adult has done
to us. And as we've never dealt with you outside the horses, how
are we to know any different?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley asks.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Julia: Now what?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia asks.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Haley.....and you can take what I am about to say to the
bank.....I am definitely NOT every other adult.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says with a mischievous grin and she playfully slugs
Haley in the upper arm,[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: I'm Nicayla Flynn. Someone who saw a need and an
opportunity to do something helpful......for a change....and ran
with it. I'm not looking for any special recognition or
acknowledgment because didn't do it for those reasons. But I do
feel that I deserve to be respected enough to not be prejudged
or stereotyped.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says a little more seriously.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: I mean, come on. You ALL have worked with me down at the
barn and you have had a chance to know me. Or at least I thought
you had. Was all that just a put on to please the teacher and
get by?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: You know how many times we've ALL seen people act one way
in public and show a different face when it's just us? Who look
down on us, for what we've done.. most of us done, just to
survive? Even the other adults here. ALL the ones we've
interacted with here, have done that. The younger girls say the
same, so do the boys. Everything we've ever been shown, says one
thing and shows another. So, yeah, we push back. You blame us?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley asks after explaining.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: Nothing.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison grumbles and plops down on her bed. She kicks her
locker door closed. She hates waiting for things.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Interesting how you do that.....
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki makes a circle in the air....like stirring the air
with her finger.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: ....whatever it is you do.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Lauren: You're making a lot of noise for nothing.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says with a bit of a smarmy smirk.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: Oh.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren points out before she yawns, she was bored.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison says looking up. she bobs her head from side to
side as she speaks.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: So it's OK for you to get into a fight and break ****
but I can't kick a ****ing locker door?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Lauren: Fine, kick them all, see if I care.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison makes a sound of disapproval with her
tongue.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren shrugs before she yawns again. If this taking much
longer she was considering bed.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: The way you turn the conversation's focus onto someone
else to avoid any question you don't want to answer or
acknowledge.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says to Haley and winks.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: You'll have to teach that trick to me. I might be able to
use it sometime.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki winks again and grins.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Hey. What's this? Miss Haley CAN smile.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki teases.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley smiles slightly at Nikki.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Well, it was an answer, in a round about way.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison decides she's tired of waiting. She takes her
shoes off, grabs her purse (which is basically an over sized
bag) and stuffs her shoes into it. She walks to the end of the
long room that has become their bedroom and unlocks the
window.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Madison: I'm outta here.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison says to herself.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Round is good.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says...her eyes still twinkling
mischievously.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Just not the about way. Gotta get rid of that part.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says, jokingly.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison slowly and carefully slides the window up far
enough that she can fit through without any trouble.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley shrugs.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: No, we like you, and respect you... in the barn. But... I
don't know.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Just not enough to not lump me in with all of the other
bad adults in your lives....right? I'm tolerable but basically
just as bad as they are.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says and quirks an eyebrow curiously.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Oh well. Can't win 'em all....right?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki playfully chucks Haley's upper arm again.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Seriously....
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says getting more serious.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: ....so what do you want from me, Haley? Hmmm?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki asks, sincerely curious.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: I don't know.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley says standing up and starting to pace in the
confines of the small room.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison puts one foot out of the window and, when her foot
is planted firmly on the roof of the downstairs service porch,
she climbs through the opening.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: How am I supposed to know what I want, when nobody has
ever asked me before?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley demands, almost more to herself than to
Nikki.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki: You must have had a reason for knocking on my
door.What was it?[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki asks looking at Haley and studying her
closely.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Emily: That idiot is going to fall down, and she'll end up in
hospital.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Emily sighs shaking her head, no party was worth
that.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: I don't know!
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley cries frustrated.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison stands up on the small roof and balances herself.
Then she carefully makes her way across the roof to a spot where
the large limbs of an old oak tree reach the roof of the
building.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: I know what it was.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says acting like she suddenly thought of the
reason.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Lauren: You think we should say something before anything
happens?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren asks a little concerned they'd end up being
punished for it.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: You wanted me to come up and tuck you girls in.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says and snaps her fingers as if she's got the idea
right.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison sits down on the roof by one of the particularly
large tree limbs and scoots over to it.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley stops her pacing and turns to stare at Nikki for a
long moment, before managing a small chuckle, then plops back
down on the edge of the bed.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Not exactly.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley smiles.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Oh....I know....you want me to hear you guys say your
prayers.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says teasingly. Haley's smile lets her know that the
girl does have the ability to smile and she has a really cute
one, too. So Nikki wants to pull that side of her out....get
Haley to tear a hole in her armor so she can be who she really
is.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison looks over the edge of the roof and sees how far
down the ground is...or appears to be....and starts second
guessing her bold decision.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki reaches over to the nightstand and slides open the
drawer. She takes out a bar of chocolate..breaks it in
half...and hands half of it to Haley.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley eyes Nikki for a moment, then takes the chocolate,
and smiles,[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Thanks.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki unwraps the other half and takes a bite. She closes
her eyes and savors the taste of the chocolate melting in her
mouth.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Mmmmm. You know...
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says and swallows.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki:. ...no matter what is wrong with the world...my
world....your world...anyone's world....it all gets better with
a little chocolate
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says...her eyes still closed as she remembers the
taste of the chocolate[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley nibbles on her half of the chocolate.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Lauren looks at Emily and Julia, since she doesn't get an
answer she shrugs and lays down on her bed.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki opens her eyes and takes another bite of the candy
then...as she chews on it...she looks at Haley.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Can I ask you a question?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki asks and swallows the bite.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Julia: Wonder what's taking Haley so long. Thought she just went
to get a coke.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Julia mutters to the ceiling.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Yeah. Shoot.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley shrugs[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: You said earlier that we....meaning all of us rotten
adults....look down on you guys. Now....you don't really HAVE to
answer this question out loud...but at least consider what your
answer would be. Do YOU look down on you?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki asks, being completely serious and watching Haley's
face.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: I...
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley starts then stops, turning very introspective,
thinking.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki watches Haley and can tell that the wheels of her
brain are working overtime and, for the first time since she
walked into the barracks, she feels she may have gotten
through.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: I don't know. Maybe.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley finally says and shrugs.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Probably.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley adds with another shrug.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Do you know why I asked you that?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki asks...her voice soft and easy.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison stares down at the ground...which seems so far
away. What if she slips? She isn't, after all, much of a tree
climber. In fact she can't remember ever climbing a tree. The
only large thing she remembers climbing was the ladder into the
attic to hide from her last foster brother.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Does it matter?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley asks with a shrug.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: I think it does.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says and smiles.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Or at least it does to me.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki adds with a shrug.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: No, I don't know why you asked that.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley says with a shrug, and stares at the chocolate in
her hand.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki takes another bite of her candy and gets a look of
total pleasure on her face as she chews the bite and swallows
it.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Mmmmm Thank you, God, for inventing chocolate.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says dreamily.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Anyway....where was I? Oh yeah. The reason I asked you
that question is because I have read....now remember....I'm just
reporting what I read....I'm not an expert or anything. It just
made sense to me.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki begins by saying.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Uh huh...
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley says cautiously, waiting for Nikki to go on.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Have you ever heard the theory that a thief always thinks
they're being ripped off? Or a hit man thinks everybody's after
him?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki takes another bite of her chocolate bar.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: No, can't say I have.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley shrugs, and takes a bite of her chocolate.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Well....it is the same with people who look down on
themselves. They think everyone is looking down on them. Follow
what I mean?
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says, finishing her thought.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: Just something to think about. Nothing earth shattering.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki adds with a nonchalant shrug.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: I guess, I see what you mean.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley says with a shrug.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: As to what you insinuated earlier....has anyone
here....at the ranch...honestly looked down on you or made you
feel they thought of you as less than a person? And before you
answer that....really think about it. Did they really? Or could
you be imagining it because you are feeling bad about your past?
And I don't mean any of this in a bad way. I'm just trying to
determine what is actually happening and what is imagined...or
misunderstood.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki says and takes another bite of her candy bar as she
watches Haley's face.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: As to what you insinuated earlier....has anyone
here....at the ranch...honestly looked down on you or made you
feel they thought of you as less than a person? And before you
answer that....really think about it. Did they really? Or could
you be imagining it because you are feeling bad about your past?
And I don't mean any of this in a bad way. I'm just trying to
determine what is actually happening and what is imagined...or
misunderstood.
Nikki says and takes another bite of her candy bar as she
watches Haley's face.
Haley stares down at her hands for a moment, before looking up
and looking Nikki in the eyes.
Haley: Yes. All our supers have. Jessica Cramer has more than
once told us we're all little ****s, and we'd best beg God to
forgive our sins, and if we're lucky we'll end up in one of the
outer circle's of hell. The others haven't been as blunt, but
more or less implied the same thing.
Nikki: Cramer said that to you?
Nikki asks, incredulously.
Haley: Yes.
Haley says flatly.
Nikki: How long has this been going on?
Nikki asks, frowning.
Haley shrugs.
Haley: As long as I've been here.
Nikki: Why is this the first I'm hearing about it?
Nikki asks. Her green eyes have lost their twinkle and have
turned dark with anger.
Haley: What do you mean?
Haley asks, a little unsure
Nikki: Who have you told about this?
Nikki clarifies her question.
Haley: Nobody. Was no point in telling our Supers. I thought
about telling the boy's super's but...
Haley hesitates, not entirely sure Nikki would want to hear the
rest.
Nikki: But?
Nikki prompted.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: But, Kevin told me, that all their Supers joked about
"having" us girls.
Haley shrugs.
Haley: So, I didn't figure they'd be of any help.
Madison suddenly starts to feel big drops of water hitting her
head and she swears as it begins to rain harder. She carefully
makes her way back up to the window and climbs back through it.
She stands inside the window, soaking wet.
Emily looks in the direction of the window Madison comes back
in, when she hears her.
Emily: Still here?
Emily asks pretending she doesn't hear the rain pouring outside.
Nikki can't understand how this could be happening. Each one of
the adult supervisors had gone through an extensive screening
process. How could they all have conned her and the board of
directors so well?
Nikki: Haley.....I had no idea this was going on or I would have
put a stop to it when it first began. I am so sorry. I honestly
didn't know.
Nikki says feeling extremely guilty.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison ignores Emily and heads for the bathroom and a
blow dryer.[/LEFT]
Haley shrugs, to indicate she didn't see much difference, but
she did hope that Nikki now understood why the girls had trust
issues when Nikki had shown up.
Nikki: I promise you, Haley. If it's the last thing I do....I
will fix this. Somehow. I'm not exactly sure how but I'll find a
way. I promise. On my mother's grave I swear it.
Nikki says sincerely.
Haley: Alright.
Haley says with a nod, then looking down at her hands, only then
remembering she still had chocolate in her hands, and took a
bite.
Nikki decides that it's time to lighten the mood so she gets off
of the bed and starts to slip on her boots.
Nikki: I still need a volunteer to help me with something.
Nikki says with her back to Haley as she puts on her boots.
Haley: With what?
Haley asks.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: I have some stuff at my place I want to bring here but I
need at least one extra pair of hands. Are you game?
Nikki asks looking over her shoulder at Haley.
Nikki: I can guarantee you you won't regret it.
Nikki adds.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Haley shrugs after a moment of thought and stands
up.[/LEFT]
Haley: Sure, why not?
Haley says, heading to the door for her jacket and boots.
Nikki gets to her feet and grabs her jacket.
Nikki: Great. Let's try and do this without the rest of the
girls hearing us. I kinda want it to be a surprise.
Nikki says as she walks out of the bedroom and heads for the
front door.
Haley: Okay.
Haley says, following Nikki once she has her jacket and boots
on.
Nikki quietly opens the front door and steps out onto the front
porch. She looks at the now torrential downpour and then at her
truck. Taking a deep breath she holds her jacket over her head
and sprints for her truck. She gets in and stretches across the
seats to open the passenger door for Haley.
Haley waits until Nikki is at least half way to her truck and
then runs out after her, only heading towards the passenger side
door.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Nikki starts her truck and makes a U turn in front of the
barracks and drives toward the back road (even though it isn't
really a road) to her house.[/LEFT]
Lauren frowns when she thinks she hears a car engine start. She
jumps to her feet and walks to one of the windows, trying to see
something.
Lauren: I could swear I heard something.
Lauren murmurs to herself then she gasps when she sees some
headlights moving towards Nikki's house.
Julia: Don't suppose it's Taylor Lautner? Or Robbie Patterson?
Julia asks a little sarcastically, hearing Lauren's murmur.
Lauren: I think she left.
Nikki: By the way....
Nikki says as she dodges jagged rocks in the ground that have
been partially uncovered by the downpour.
Emily has no idea who Lauren is talking about but grumbles "Who
cares?" still looking at her book.
Haley braces herself with a hand against the roof of the car.
Nikki: I want you to know that I do understand where you guys
are coming from. I know exactly what it's like to not know who
to trust but needing to trust someone.
Nikki says as she swerves to miss a sharp rock and hits a pot
hole that causes the truck to bounce hard.
Haley eyes Nikki, not saying anything, how could she know?
Nikki: Hang on.
Nikki warns as they bounce across a small stream of water that
has dug two deep crevasses across the road.
Haley grabs hold of the dashboard with one hand and her other
hand goes to the roof to stop her from hitting her head as the
truck bounces over the rough road.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
[LEFT]Madison comes out of the bathroom...the curls she had so
carefully sculptured are gone and her mascara has run down her
face. She grabs her robe, wash cloth and towel and returns to
the bathroom to change out of her wet clothes and wash her
face.[/LEFT]
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki stops her truck in front of her house and looks over at
Haley.
Nikki: Wait here while I unlock the door.
Haley: 'Kay.
Haley says, more than willing to not have to stand in the rain.
Nikki instructs Haley and she gets out of the truck and sprints
for her front door. She unlocks it and waves to Haley then opens
it and stands aside so Haley can run into the house.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley sees Nikki get the door open. Throwing the door to the
truck open, Haley hops out, and shoving the door shut, she runs
to the house door, doing her best to miss the worst of the
puddles.
Nikki: OK. There's plastic bags under the kitchen sink. There's
ice cream in the freezer, root beer in the fridge and popcorn
and chips in the pantry next to the stove. And whatever else you
see that looks good. I'll join you in a second.
Nikki instructs Haley and hurries to the den where she goes
through her library of DVDs and selects 4.
Haley: Kay.
Haley says, pulling bags and starts digging through the
cupboards and the fridge and freezer, a little in shock by what
Nikki had told her to do.
Nikki joins Haley in the kitchen, setting the DVDs on the bar.
She grabs a plastic bag and gets a stack of plastic picnic cups
some paper bowls and plastic spoons and puts them into a bag and
sets it by the bar. Then she remembers that there's a wood
burning stove in the day room of the girls' barracks so she goes
over to the pantry and gets a bag of marshmallows, a package of
graham crackers and a box of Hershey bars and puts them into one
of the bags Haley is filling.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: So... what's this all for?
Haley asks, wondering if she dare believe what she's thinking.
Nikki: Well.....since everyone's plans got ruined tonight.....I
figure we all deserve a break.
Nikki says looking over the contents of the bags.
Nikki: Looks like we got everything.
Nikki says and gathers up two bags, grabs the DVDs and heads for
the front door. She holds it open for Haley.
Haley: Seriously? You're gonna let us stay up? Eat treats? And
watch Movies?
Haley asks amazed.
Nikki locks the front door behind them and sprints for her
truck. She gets in and reaches across the seats to open the
passenger door for Haley then she starts up her truck.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley tosses the bags into the truck, once Nikki opens the door
for her, before jumping in and pulling the door shut behind her.
Madison walks out of the bathroom and goes over to her locker.
She places her wet clothes in her laundry bag and drapes her
towel and wash cloth over the top of her locker door. Then she
turns and looks around the room.
Madison: Haley hasn't come back upstairs yet?
Madison asks no one in particular.
Julia: Maybe she got out, while the getting was good.
Julia suggests.
Nikki: So, Haley? What's your favorite movie?
Nikki asks as she speeds back the way they came.
Lauren: She's coming back.
Madison: No. She wouldn't. She wouldn't leave me behind.
Haley: Dunno.
Haley says with a shrug.
Madison says and plops down on her bed and pouts.
Lauren says still looking outside, wondering what this was all
about.
Haley: I like lots of movies.
Haley says.
Nikki: Come on. Everyone has a favorite. Mine's Star Wars and
Pirates of the Caribbean. What's yours?
Nikki says to prompt Haley.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Haley: Don't know. Haven't seen much lately... except the first
Twilight.
Haley says.
Nikki: Did you like it?
Nikki presses.
Haley: Yeah, loved it.
Haley nods.
Nikki picks up the 4 DVDs she had set in the center console and
hands them to Haley without saying a word, but she is grinning
like a Cheshire Cat.
Haley takes the DVDs and flips through them her eyes widening.
Haley: You have all of the Twilight series! Breaking Dawn Part
One, only JUST came out on DVD!
Haley says amazed.
[LEFT]
[/LEFT]
Nikki: I have connections.
Nikki says boastfully as she stops the truck in front of the
girls' barracks.
Nikki: Looks like the rain is letting up for a minute.
Nikki announces after looking out the window. She gets out of
the truck, grabs a couple bags and runs for the front porch.
Once under the porch roof, she opens the door and holds it open
for Haley.
Haley: Then lets hurry.
Haley says grabbing several bags, along with the DVDs she still
held and jumped out of the truck, dashing as quickly as she
carefully could for door of the dorms.
Nikki heads for the kitchen where she helps Haley prepare root
beer floats for everyone, make popcorn and setting everything up
on the coffee table in the day room. Nikki also takes all of the
cushions off of the couch and chairs and tosses them onto the
floor.
[CENTER]To be continued[/CENTER]
#Post#: 334--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment Part 4
By: 22639 Date: March 11, 2012, 12:52 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***10 minutes later***[/center]
[center][/center]
While Haley finishes bringing out the root beer floats and
popcorn, Nikki sets up the coffee table in the "living room"
area of the downstairs so they can put the refreshments on it
then she sets up the DVD player.
Nikki: Do you want to call everyone downstairs?
Nikki asks Haley when she has brought the last of the root beer
floats out to the kitchen.
Haley: No, you go for it... I'm thinking they need ummmm...
Haley pauses to think of the right word.
Haley: To realize that everything a super wants, isn't
necessarily bad.
Nikki: Ok.
Nikki says with a shrug. She goes to the bottom of the stairs
and looks up towards the upstairs.
Nikki: Ladies? Could you come downstairs for a minute, please?
Nikki calls up the stairs.
Julia: Oh God. Now, what?
Julia groans to the other's hearing Nikki's call.
Emily frowns as she sits up on the bed.
Emily: She's calling us downstairs at bedtime?
Lauren: Probably she's calling us to tell us that.
Lauren chuckles as she gets to her feet.
Madison slips on her slippers and puts her robe on.
Madison: Might as well go down and get it over with.
Madison says and heads for the stairs.
Emily: At least she said please.
Emily shrugs as she walks to the stairs.
Emily: That's unusual.
Julia: Ugh... you don't think she's going to make us say prayers
like Jessica does?
Julia asks grimacing, but heading towards the stairs.
Lauren: Yes, we sinners need to pray a lot.
Lauren shakes her head as she follows the other girls
downstairs.
Nikki steps away from the bottom of the stairs and walks over to
one of the concrete columns and leans against it, her hands
shoved into the pockets of her jeans.
Madison: Yes, Miss Flynn?
Madison says when she is halfway down the stairs. She looks over
and sees the refreshments set up on the coffee table and all of
the pillows are off of the sofa and chairs and are on the floor
around the table.
Nikki: Please, Madison....you guys can call me Nikki. Miss Flynn
makes me think I should have my hair in a tight bun and a scowl
on my face.
Nikki says light heartedly.
Julia: What's that?
Julia asks looking at the stuff on the table, while thinking,
'Great - another one whose trying to torment us with what we
can't have.'
Nikki: Haley and I were just about to sit down to watch a movie
and thought you guys might want to join us.
Nikki says without moving from the column.
Emily: It's for all of us?
Emily asks surprised, her eyes open wide.
Madison: Really? But it's 9:00. It's lights out at 9:00.
Madison says disbelievingly.
Nikki: You've got a point, Madison.
Nikki says and moves away from the column. She walks over to the
bank of light switches on the wall and flips them all off so
that the only light in the room is the glow from the TV and the
light in the kitchen.
Nikki: So now we're "legal".
Nikki says making quotation marks in the air.
Julia: You're for real?
Julia asks, not believing it.
Lauren: Wow.
Nikki: As real as it gets.
Nikki says with a chuckle.
Lauren looks at Nikki like she's never seen her before.
Nikki: Oh. Wait!
Nikki says stopping the girls from going to the table.
Julia: Here's the catch.
Julia mutters.
Madison looks at Nikki as if to say, "now what"?
Nikki: Are any of you on a diet?
Nikki asks, feigning seriousness.
Haley snorts hearing THAT comment, but doesn't say anything.
Madison: Not me.
Madison says looking at the other girls.
Emily: We're always on a diet, Cramer only lets her eat healthy
food.
Emily grumbles expecting to get the same answer from her.
Nikki: Oh. Well Ok then.
Nikki says and steps aside, gesturing towards the table.
Nikki: Help yourself. And there's more soda in the fridge if you
want more. Haley? Want to start the movie?
Nikki says and steps back into the shadows and watches the
girls.
Haley: Got it!
Haley says hitting play on the remote.
Emily: You're letting us have this?
Emily asks surprised without moving still looking at Nikki.
Julia keeps a wary eye on Nikki, still not believing what she's
saying. In fact, Julia is betting that the moment they take
anything, she'll start screaming at them. Wouldn't be the first
time.
Madison sees the opening credits of the movie.
Madison: Oh wow! It's Twilight!
Madison exclaims excitedly.
Nikki: Enjoy, ladies.
Lauren hesitates if she should join Haley or stay right where
she is.
Nikki says simply.
Nikki: It's all yours.
Julia: No.
Julia says shaking her head, knowing that this HAS to be a trick
of some kind.
Madison grabs a root beer float off of the table and a bowl of
hot buttered popcorn. She plops down on a cushion and focuses on
the TV screen.
Lauren looks at Madison and then looks back at Nikki to see her
reaction, this just seems too good to be true.
Haley: No, guys, come on! Nikki's for real. 'Sides, she's
promised to fix things with the rest of the supes.
Haley speaks up, while taking her choices of popcorn and coke.
Julia looks from Haley, back to Nikki, wondering if it could be
true.
Emily: Define fix. Most of the time when they fix something
everything stays the same.
Emily points out, she'd hear that line before to believe it.
Madison: Shhhh.
Madison says.
Madison: The movies starting.
Madison eats some of her popcorn.
Lauren: It's Twilight, oh my God, I've got to see Taylor.
Lauren almost runs towards the couch and sits down, blind and
deaf to anything else but the movie.
Nikki: Well, then, Emily....today's your lucky day because today
you met an adult who isn't like the adults you have met and
you're living in a time that isn't like most times.
Nikki says to Emily and smiles, slyly.
Madison: Shhhhh!
Madison says loudly and moves her cushion closer to the TV so
she can hear.
Julia looks to Madison and Haley, who have zoned into the movie.
The two older girls were the ones she looked up to the most.
After a long moment, Julia edged past Nikki and got a root beer
float and plopped down between Madison and Haley - figuring if
the yelling started, or worse, she wouldn't be in the forefront
Emily blinks in surprise, she's opening an exception? Now that's
something she never heard of before.
Emily: You... hmmm... I...
Emily is speechless for a while, then she manages to drag out.
Emily: I'm sorry, Miss Flynn for being such a **** but I
thought.... I thought you were like everyone else.
Emily says before she joins the other girls.
Madison: Shhhhh!!!!!
Madison hisses louder...getting mad that everyone is talking so
loud. It's Twilight after all.
Nikki lowers her eyes, humbly and smiles....being careful to
contain the desire to do a victory dance.
[CENTER]
[/CENTER]
[CENTER]
[/CENTER]
[center]***The Next Morning***[/center]
Nikki is in the bedroom, putting her things back into her duffel
bag and getting ready to face the woman who will be relieving
her.
Mrs. Cramer walks through the front door of the barracks and
sees the girls asleep on the floor in front of the blue screen
of the TV and she looks around, disapprovingly
Nikki hears the front door close and zips her duffel bag shut.
She picks it up, grabs her other things and carries everything
out to the main room. She sets her things down on the
multipurpose table in the half of the main room where the girls
are not.
Mrs. Cramer turns when Nikki walks into the room and smiles
pleasantly.
Mrs. Cramer: I want to thank you for taking over for me last
night. Ordinarily I wouldn't have let my home life interfere
with work but my daughter's appendix ruptured.
Mrs. Cramer explains.
Nikki: Really? Is she doing alright?
Nikki asks in a concerned tone of voice.
Mrs. Cramer: Yes. Yes, she's going to be fine. Thank you for
asking.
Mrs. Cramer answers sweetly. Then she gestures toward the
sleeping girls.
Mrs. Cramer: What happened? A roof leak or something upstairs?
Mrs. Cramer asks then notices the remnants of the girls'
refreshments.
Mrs. Cramer: Oh? A party?
Mrs. Cramer says and her voice in tinged with disapproval.
Nikki: I thought since it was a Friday night and since they
didn't have to get up early for school or anything....they
deserved to do something special.
Nikki says matter of factually.
Mrs. Cramer looks over the refreshments remnants and shakes her
head.
Haley blinks as she wakes up, and as she lay there still
unmoving she realized that SOMETHING had woken her up. Keeping
still she listened carefully for what it was.
Mrs. Cramer: All of those sweets. It's a wonder they slept at
all.
Mrs. Cramer says with more disapproval entering her voice.
Emily wakes up to the sound of voices, she opens a slit of her
eyes to see what's going on, and listens to the conversation.
Nikki: I don't think it hurt anything. I know the girls enjoyed
it. When was the last time you did anything special for them,
Mrs. Cramer?
Nikki asks folding her arms across her chest.
Nikki: For that matter....when was the last time you allowed
them to enjoy themselves?
Haley realizes that Jessica was here. She stays still, hoping
that her being awake wouldn't be noticed.
Madison slowly comes awake...aware of voices and she opens her
eyes and stretches.
Emily sits up and shakes the other girls to wake them up, she
knows they wouldn't want to miss this.
Mrs. Cramer: I don't believe in giving them a false idea of what
life in the real world is like.
Mrs. Cramer answers, her voice now sounding indignant.
Lauren yawns as she wakes up, she was dreaming about Taylor and
now she wakes up to Cramer's voice? It wasn't fair at all.
Nikki: So....providing a few root beer floats, some popcorn and
a movie is giving them a false impression of real life?
Nikki asks curiously.
Julia wakes up when Madison's foot ends up in her stomach from
Madison's stretching, but before she could even form a thought
of complaint towards Madison, she hears Nikki AND Jessica
Cramer's voice, and sits up, turning over, to see what was
happening.
Haley decides with the others sitting up, it was safe for her
too do so as well.
Mrs. Cramer: I just don't believe the Good Lord would look
favorably on over indulging in fruition instead of hard work.
Mrs. Cramer explains.
Nikki: So you're a God fearing woman, Mrs. Cramer?
Nikki asks and unfolds her arms.
Mrs. Cramer: I do my best.
Mrs. Cramer says proudly.
Madison sits up and looks in the direction of the other half of
the large multipurpose room.
Nikki: Then I'm sure that you have heard this scripture. I
believe it's from Ecclesiastes. "To everything there is a
season, a time for every purpose under the sun. A time to be
born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up
that which is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal ... a
time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to
dance ..."
Nikki says and leans back against the edge of the table.
Mrs. Cramer blinks surprised at Nikki's quotation.
Mrs. Cramer: Yes....but....
Mrs. Cramer says trying to think of something to say to refute
Nikki's statement.
Nikki: You know what, Mrs. Cramer....
Nikki says and pushes away from the table. She takes a few steps
closer to the woman.
Nikki: You misrepresented yourself to me the day I first
interviewed you for this position.
Nikki is standing only a couple of feet away from the woman, who
stands a bit taller than Nikki, and her shoulders are squared,
confidently.
Mrs. Cramer: I....I don't know what you mean.
Mrs. Cramer says, defensively.
Nikki: You know what?
Nikki says making a gesture like she were snapping her fingers.
Nikki: ...You probably don't. And that's what is so pathetic.
Nikki takes another step closer as she envisions this woman
verbally degrading the girls. Her green eyes have darkened as
anger slowly begins to bubble to the surface....like the sour
bile of acid indigestion.
Nikki: You claimed to be educated in adolescent psychology. You
even provided references from an accredited university. So I'm
wondering....did you really attend any of the classes you
supposedly took? Or did you just sleep through them.
Nikki snaps her fingers as if she has just gotten an idea.
Nikki: Oh, wait. I know. You were too busy studying your Bible
to pay attention in class.
Nikki says sarcastically.
Lauren was looking at them in awe but she can't help to softly
giggle at that.
Mrs. Cramer: I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about,
Miss Flynn. I may not have gotten a doctorate in the subject but
I assure you I did complete the.....
Nikki holds up her hands to stop Cramer.
Nikki: Stop. Don't bother feeding me any more of your self
righteous, condescending crap. I am familiar with the curriculum
regarding adolescent psychology and none of it....no mater what
school is teaching it and whether it is Freudian or
Jung....teaches that it is appropriate to use degradation as a
form of therapy.
Emily stares at the other women with her eyes wide open, her
admiration for Nikki growing, she never imagined she could stand
up to Cramer like that.
Nikki says, putting her hands on her hips and locking her dark
gaze with Cramer's.
Mrs. Cramer: I have never....
Nikki: LIAR!
Nikki shouts at the woman and glares at her, angrily.
Mrs. Cramer: Excuse me?
Haley feels her jaw drop, an adult not only standing up for
them, but yelling in support of them!
Nikki: You, Mrs. Cramer, are a liar and a fraud. And I can't
believe I was taken in by you and the rest of you so called
counselors
Nikki grabs the woman's arm and spins her around so that she is
facing the part of the room the girls are in.
Nikki: Look at those girls, Mrs. Cramer. I mean really look at
them. They are just kids. Kids who have gone through hell and
come out the other side in one piece. Do you know what kind of
courage that takes? Do you? Of courser you don't. They have more
courage and are stronger than any of us.
Nikki says and squeezes the woman's arm to accentuate her point.
Nikki: Look at them, Mrs. Cramer. They are flesh and blood. Just
like you and me. They love, they laugh, they cry, they hate and
they hope. They have a right to be treated humanely....with
compassion and understanding. They have a right to be happy and
they have a right to feel safe and loved. They probably have
more right to that last part than you or I.
Nikki turns the woman back to face her.
Nikki: When I interviewed you I told you and everyone else who
came in for the job, that Nua Tosu was about providing a safe
and compassionate environment for kids that need a chance to not
know fear, pain and heart break. Did you think I was blowing
smoke up your tight ass? Because I wasn't. I built this ranch
for that specific reason and I will NOT allow you or any other
self righteous **** try and undermine what I built.
Mrs. Cramer: Miss, Flynn....I assure you....
Nikki: Yes. You will. You will assure me that it will never
happen again. That you will never call these girls names or
degrade them in any way. And you know how I know I can rely on
your assurances, Mrs. Cramer.
Mrs. Cramer stares blankly at Nikki not knowing what to say.
Nikki: Because you are FIRED, Mrs. Cramer. Get whatever
belongings you have here and get the hell off of my property.
Nikki says vehemently.
Haley: Yeah!
Haley lets out a whoop involuntarily
Lauren gasps at this, she fired Cramer?
Mrs. Cramer: What? But, Miss Flynn. You...
Mrs. Cramer says then squares her shoulder and looks at Nikki,
indignantly.
Julia: No way...
Julia whispers
Emily: Wow.
Emily whispers still staring at them disbelievingly.
Mrs. Cramer: I don't believe you have the authority to fire me,
Miss Flynn.
Mrs. Cramer says matter of factually.
Nikki: Really?
Nikki steps closer to Cramer and glares at her, daring her to
continue to push her.
Nikki: Are you really sure you want to take that stand with me,
Mrs. Cramer?
Nikki 's voice is now quiet and firm yet there it is definitely
laced with a threat.
Nikki: If you want to take it to the board then you go right
ahead. But I guarantee you WILL get off of my property
now....one way or the other. I suggest you decide to leave with
what dignity you think you still have because I WILL physically
throw you off this ranch. And I WILL guarantee that you will
never set foot on it again. And that goes for the rest of the
frauds that call themselves counselors
Nikki tightens her grip on Cramer's arm and steers her towards
the door. She opens it and shoves the woman through it, slamming
it behind her.
Haley: Go, Nikki!
Haley cries, standing up and pumping her fist in order express
her joy at the event that just transpired.
Lauren jumps to her feet and opens one of the windows, she has
to see that woman leaves the property for good.
Lauren: Bye Cramer.
Lauren teases as she claps her hands.
Madison jumps up and starts cheering and applauding.
Julia runs after Lauren and looks out the window wanting to see
Cramer get in her car.
Emily: And don't bother to write.
Emily says over Lauren shoulder while she cheers happily.
Nikki takes a deep, slow cleansing breath then turns around to
face the girls.
Nikki: I don't know about you guys....but I could use some more
ice cream.
Nikki says with a sigh of relief.
Haley: Go, Nikki!!
Haley cries again, running over to Nikki and wrapping her arms
around the woman.
Madison gets a sudden urge and goes with it by running up to
Nikki and throwing her arms around her neck and giving her a big
hug.
Nikki's face reddens...embarrassed with the overwhelming praise
and shows of affection.
Julia turns around and see's her two idols, Haley and Madison
hugging Nikki, and decides quite quickly, that this looked like
a good idea, and ran over, also joining in on the group hug.
Lauren gets away from the window and when she sees the others
hugging Nikki, decides it's a good idea and joins them.
Emily hesitates for a moment, but decides Nikki deserves it and
moves along to the others to join the embrace.
[CENTER][/CENTER]
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 354--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment Part 5
By: 22639 Date: April 18, 2012, 10:36 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki pulls her truck into a parking space on the main street
of the Heights.
Nikki: Welcome to the Seacouver Heights.
Nikki says to Haley, knowing that the girl probably has never
been in this part of town before.
Haley: Nice... Ritzy.
Haley says looking out the window.
Nikki: Yup. You won't find a Walmart, Kmart, Dollar Store or
even a Sears in this part of town. It's all small privately
owned boutiques and antique shops.
Nikki explains as she gets out of the truck and waits for Haley
to join her.
Haley: Huh.
Haley says getting out and moving over to stand beside Nikki.
Still a little unsure why the older woman had wanted her
company, but game, for now.
Nikki: It's the place to come when you want something unique.
When you don't want to look like a Sears catalog...wearing
something that 300 other people are wearing.
Haley: Nothin wrong with that.
Haley shrugs.
Haley: 'Specially when it ain't got holes in it.
Haley mutters half under her breath.
Nikki comes to a sudden stop and looks at Haley.
Haley freezes and watches Nikki warily.
Nikki: I will I will bet you.....
Nikki digs into her jeans pocket and pulls out a $20 bill.
Nikki: ....this $20 bill that by the time we leave here and head
back to Nua Tosu....you'll be singing a different tune.
Nikki says and raises one eyebrow, daringly.
Haley shrugs.
Haley: I ain’t got twenty bucks to take that bet.
Nikki leans into Haley with her shoulder and says, "we'll work
something out," then giggles.
Nikki: Come on. I want to show you one of my favorite shops up
here.
Nikki says and leads Haley around the corner to a small
boutique.
Haley: Okay.
Haley says following Nikki, just happy to be off the ranch for a
while
As they approach the door to the boutique a customer opens the
door and steps out of the shop. Suddenly the scent of
fresh.....top quality leather fills the air of the area in front
of the shop.
Haley takes a deep breath, enjoying the scent of leather.
Nikki holds the door open and steps aside so that Haley can get
by her. She watches the girl's face as she enters the shop and
surveys its inventory.
Haley: Oh wow...
Haley says softly, her eyes widening slightly. This place had
everything you could ever want in leather, and then some.
Nikki sees a suede jacket on one of the racks and walks over to
get a better look. It has been crafted out of an extremely soft
deer skin that has been treated so as not to spot if you get
caught in the rain. It is a fawn color with tiny Sugalite
embellishments along the collar, lapel and pockets.
Nikki: Now this is special.
Nikki mumbles softly and takes the hanger off of the rack. She
turns and looks for Haley and when she finds her she takes the
jacket over to her.
Nikki: Haley. Turn around.
Nikki says, wanting the girl to face her.
Haley: Hmm?
Haley asks turning around from what she was looking at.
Nikki holds the jacket....still on the hanger up to Haley and
steps back to look at it. Seeing that the size is about right
she slips the jacket off of the hanger and holds it out to
Haley.
Nikki: Try this on for me....would ya?
Nikki says with a grin.
Haley: Alright.
Haley says with a shrug, not sure why Nikki wants her too, but
willing to none-the-less. After all this is likely the only time
shes ever going to try on something like this. She takes the
jacket from Nikki and pulls it on.
Nikki steps back and looks at Haley. The embellishments are the
exact same color as Haley's eyes. She takes hold of the girl's
hand and pulls her over to one of the full length mirrors so she
can see herself in it.
Nikki: Wow!
Nikki says simply.
Nikki: What do you think?
Haley: Umm... It's nice. Its soft.
Haley says non-commitedly.
Nikki squiggles up her face.
Nikki: OK. Not very enthusiastic so it must not be your style.
Nikki says and holds out her hand for Haley to give her the
jacket.
Nikki: Sooo.....what DO you like?
Haley: Oh, I like lots of different things.
Nikki asks....hoping to get a sense of the girl's style.
Haley says, reluctantly taking the beautiful and extremely
comfortable jacket off.
Nikki: Did you notice the stones decorating it are the exact
same color as your eyes?
Nikki says in an attempt to get Haley to take another look at
the jacket. It may not be the girl's preferred style but it
looks so good on her and Nikki can already imagine an outfit
designed around that jacket.
Haley: Uh huh.
Haley nods, glancing back in the mirror again.
Haley: It's a beautiful jacket.
Haley whispers.
Nikki: Answer this question. If you had a jacket like
that.....would you wear it? Or shove it in the back of your
closet and forget about it?
Nikki asks and remembers doing that with some of the dresses her
mother would buy for her.
Haley: I ain't got anything to wear it with.
Haley replies honestly.
Nikki: You not only ain't got anything to wear with it.....but
you also don't have anything to wear with it.
Nikki says, subtly correcting Haley's grammar
Nikki: At least not now.
Nikki adds. She looks around the shop, spots a sales person and
motions her over. When the woman comes up to them, Nikki says,
"We'll take the jacket," and points to the one Haley is still
wearing.
Haley: Uh... Nikki.
Haley protests, a little worriedly.
Nikki ignores Haley and winks at the sales lady who understands
and goes over to the counter to write up the sale without the
jacket. Nikki looks around the shop as she waits for the sales
lady to want her signature on the credit card receipt.
Haley watches Nikki worriedly.
Nikki finds a chauffeur’s cap crafted out of purple suede and
she tries it on.
Nikki: Well? What do you think?
Nikki asks Haley as she tips the cap different ways and pretends
to pose like a model.
Haley cracks a smile.
Haley: I dunno.
Nikki tilts the cap sideways and dips it low in the front so it
almost covers one eye then she strikes a sexy pose and looks in
the mirror.
Haley giggles.
Nikki: I have a jacket and boots this same color.
Nikki tells Haley. The sales lady walks up to them and hands a
small clipboard to Nikki and Nikki reviews the receipt quickly
then stops just as she is about to sign it. She removes the cap
and hands it to the lady.
Nikki: Add this.
Nikki says simply. The sales lady chuckles and says, "I knew you
wouldn't settle for just one item, Miss Flynn. You never walk
out of here with only one item." Nikki blushes and goggles and
the lady heads back to the counter.
Haley can't help but grin at the look on Nikki's face.
Nikki looks over at Haley and shrugs.
Nikki: She is right.
Nikki admits.
Nikki: This place is like eating potato chips. Can't eat just
one.
Nikki says and giggles.
Haley says quoting the Pringles' commercial.
Nikki 's giggle turns to laughter.
Nikki: Ahhh....Pringles. My favorite.
The sales lady returns and Nikki signs the credit card receipt.
"Would you like those items delivered as usual?" the sales lady
asks. Nikki turns to look at Haley.
Nikki: Do you want to wear it or have it delivered?
Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow questioningly.
Haley: Umm...
Haley says, not really answering, but stepping back slightly,
Nikki: Just the cap, Mrs. Reynolds.
Nikki answers the sales lady.
Nikki: Thank you.
Nikki answers the sales lady. She steers Haley out of the shop.
She leads her to the next boutique which is across the street
and kitty cornered from the leather shop.
Nikki: I think you'll really like this one.
Nikki says as she holds the door open.
Haley: Ooh...
Haley says softly, her mouth forming an "O" as she gazes around
the inside of the new shop.
Nikki smiles and tells Haley to have a look around. A half hour
later she holds the door of the shop open for Haley who is
carrying several shopping bags.
Nikki: How about some lunch?
Nikki asks as Haley walks out of the shop.
Haley: Sure
Haley says with a smile.
Nikki: Lets put these in my truck first.
Ally takes a seat at the little cafe Nikki had asked her meet
her at. She ordered a tea from the waiter while she waited for
the younger immortal to arrive.
Nikki suggests and takes a couple of the bags from Haley to help
her out. She leads the way to her truck and stashes the packages
then heads for her favorite cafe. As they approach the cafe,
Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal and slows her pace.
Ally feels the buzz of another immortal, and is glad that she IS
expecting someone, so for once, it's perfectly natural to look
around.
The side of the cafe's patio that Nikki and Haley are coming
from is lined with tall potted juniper trees which obscure
Nikki's view of the patio so she continues to walk cautiously
until she can see around the row of trees. She sees Ally sitting
at a large table in the back corner of the patio in the shade of
the trees and she breathes easier and relaxes. She waves to Ally
and leads Haley through the maze of tables to the one Ally is
sitting at.
Nikki: Hey, stranger. Long time no see.
Nikki says to Ally as she approaches the table.
Ally: Hey. Good to see you too.
Ally says standing up to shake Nikki's hand.
Nikki takes Ally's hand and gives it a friendly shake then pulls
out a chair for Haley and another for herself and takes a seat.
Nikki: Ally? I'd like you to meet a friend of mine.
Haley....Ally...Ally...H​Haley
Nikki says just as a waitress walks up and sets two more menus
on the table for Haley and Nikki.
Ally: Hello, Haley. Nice to meet you.
Ally says offering the girl her hand.
Haley shakes the other woman's hand, and smiles a little
nervously, then sits down without saying anything.
Nikki looks over the menu then closes it once she's made up her
mind. She looks over at Haley and smiles.
Nikki: Order whatever you want.
Nikki tells Haley.
Nikki: But for the record? The pastrami is to die for.
Nikki says with a giggle.
Haley: Okay.
Haley says softly, then opens the menu, looking it over, trying
to be invisible for the other two women, who are obviously
friends.
When the waitress returns to take everyone's order, Nikki says,
"I'll have the pastrami on rye, a side of potato salad and a
large coke." The waitress looks first at Haley then at Ally to
see who is ready to order.
Haley: Can I get the chicken finger's? Tossed in the spicy
buffalo sauce, and fries please?
Haley asks. At the waitress' nod, Haley adds, "And a coke to
drink please."
Ally: Poco Loco Pollo sandwich, and no sides.
Ally says, naming her favorite chicken sandwich, which between
the sauce the chicken was marinated in and the other sauce put
on the sandwich, it was hard to describe how it tasted, other
than wonderful.
Nikki The waitress takes the menus and disappears and Nikki
looks over at Ally.
Nikki: So what have you been up to lately?
Nikki asks Ally. The waitress returns with their drinks and sets
them on the table then disappears again.
Ally shrugs.
Ally: Same old, same old. Lucky for me, or not so lucky, all the
cases I've seen of late have been very simple and straight
forward. Means, I see a lot of them, but they're boring.
Ally grins.
Ally: How about you?
Nikki: Not much. We've just been doing some shopping this
morning.
Nikki says and takes a sip of her coke.
Ally: She been with you all morning?
Ally asks nodding at Haley.
Haley nods at Ally.
Haley: Yeah.
Haley says softly.
Ally: And you're still standing?! Well, I'm impressed!
Ally laughs.
Nikki: It's called youth, Ally. Something we haven't been in a
long time.
Nikki says with a wink at Ally.
Ally: And some longer than others.
Ally laughs.
Haley frowns a little confused. Nikki and this Ally weren't THAT
much older than she was...
Nikki laughs along with Ally.
Nikki: So other than having lunch together.....what did you need
to see me about?
Nikki asks Ally and she takes a sip of her coke.
Ally smiles and shakes her head.
Ally: Nu uh. None of that. YOU'RE the one who wanted to see me.
Ally says, not about to fall for that old ploy.
Nikki giggles.
Nikki: Oh yeah.
Nikki says with a snicker.
Nikki: I'm going to call for a special board meeting because of
something I found out about recently and I think it needs to be
taken care of like yesterday.
Nikki says more seriously.
Ally: Oh?
Ally asks, curious.
Nikki: And there may be a bit of an issue over something I did
as a result of the information I learned.
Nikki adds a bit sheepishly. She takes another sip of her coke.
The waitress appears with their orders and sets their food on
the table then leaves. Nikki gets a whiff of her sandwich and
picks itup, taking a bite.
Ally: Thank you.
Ally murmurs to the waitress. Picking up her sandwich she took a
bite, waiting for Nikki to continue.
Nikki swallows her bite of food.
Nikki: It seems that with all of the screening we did when we
hired our adult supervisors....we still ended up hiring some
that shouldn't have passed our screening.
Nikki says and takes a bite of her pickle.
Ally: Indeed?
Ally asks, curious, since that was before SHE had arrived in
Seacouver.
Nikki: We have wound up with some that have no business
supervising teenagers....especially the teenagers that come to
the ranch.
Nikki says and takes another bite of her sandwich.
Ally: How so?
Ally asks.
Nikki: Haley, who is one of the ranch's residents, has informed
me that there are several of the supervisors that have been
verbally abusive to the residents....especially the girls.
Haley? Tell Ally what you told me.
Nikki says and sets her sandwich down on the plate. She takes a
drink of her coke and sits back in her chair to listen.
Haley: A-are you sure?
Haley asks nervously
Nikki nods.
Nikki: Go ahead. Ally's a Superior Court Judge and on the
ranch's board of directors. She's also a good friend of mine. So
tell her exactly what you told me. It's OK
Nikki says a smiles reassuringly.
Haley sighs and shrugs.
Haley: Not much to tell... I guess. None of us like any of the
supers... They all tell us that we're all little whores. I was
gonna tell one of the boy's supers, but found out, that their
supers just joke about "having" us girls.
Haley explains as shortly as she can.
Nikki looks over at Ally to see her reaction.
Ally nods slowly in understanding, at least partially to what
Nikki was getting at. Something like this would just continually
undermine any confidence the girls and boys were building in
themselves. It was detrimental to everything that Nikki wanted
the Ranch to stand for. However, unless she was off her mark,
Ally was betting that Nikki still had something more to tell
her.
Nikki: One in particular, Ms. Cramer, was even forcing religion
down the girls' throats and telling them they all needed to
repent of their sins or spend eternity in something called the
7th Circle of Hell.
Nikki added to Haley's report.
Haley: Yeah, and that if we were lucky, and repented enough,
we'd MAYBE end up in limbo.
Haley adds.
Nikki: She also was laying out her own set of rules....rules
that were totally uncalled for. Prisons don't have rules as
ridiculous as the ones the girls were expected to live by.
Nikki adds and leans forward, taking a bite of her sandwich.
Ally: Such as?
Ally asks, keeping expression, that of one only mild interest.
Nikki: Tell her, Haley.
Nikki says as she chews the bite she just took.
Haley: Bed everyday at 9pm. Regardless of what day of the week
it is, even Friday and Saturday's. Up every morning at 5am.
Barracks to be cleaned spotless before we get breakfast. Stuff
like that. Listening to lecture us about how horrible we are,
how we're all going to hell. Yada, yada, yada.
Haley says.
Haley: Oh, and prayer's before bed. First thing in the morning.
Before every meal.
Haley adds quickly.
Ally: And how long has that been going on?
Ally asks arching her left eyebrow slightly.
Haley shrugs.
Haley: Dunno... long as I've been there anyway.
Nikki: Evidently since the beginning.
Nikki says and wipes the corners of her mouth with her napkin.
Nikki: I learned about it last weekend when Ms. Cramer had a
family emergency and there was no one to cover so I did.
Needless to say when Haley and the girls told me this I was
furious.
Nikki says.
Ally nods.
Ally: And you're reasoning for telling me now... is, what
exactly?
Ally asks, figuring she probably already knows, but needing for,
legality purposes, to have it spelled out.
Nikki: I may have overstepped my boundaries but I was so furious
that I fired Cramer when she showed up the following morning.
Nikki says with a shrug.
Ally: Good. If you hadn't I would be a little concerned as to
YOUR ability to run the Ranch, Nikki.
Ally says with a smile.
Ally: But that still begs the question of what to do with the
others.
Nikki: They all need to be fired and we need to replace them
with supervisors that aren't idiots.
Nikki says firmly.
Nikki: I know I'm going to take some hits from the other members
of the board over firing Cramer. And I'm OK with that. But I
would like to know if I'll have your support in that board room.
Nikki says and takes the last bite of her sandwich.
Ally snorts, disgusted.
Ally: If you hadn't already fired her, I'd authorize it, NOW. As
for the others... If you can come up with a couple of reliable
people for the mean time... I'll authorize the rest of the
supervisor's be suspended, pending board review. Which at least
means they won't be supervising anyone.
Jeffery walks out of the art gallery he has just purchased a
painting from and strolls aimlessly down the street, looking in
the windows of the shops.
Haley feels her jaw drop and stares at Ally in astonishment. She
COULDN'T believe another adult was taking their side! And
already talking of moving quickly enough it made her head spin!
Nikki smiles as she tosses her napkin on her empty plate.
Nikki: Thanks Ally. I knew I could count on you.
Nikki says happily.
Ally: So? Who have you got? We can't suspend anyone unless you
have somebodies to cover.
Ally asks.
Jeffery sees a cafe across the street and decides some lunch is
in order so he heads for the crosswalk but as he nears it he
feels a strong Immortal buzz and he stops, looking around.
Ally suddenly feels the buzz of another immortal as she awaits
Nikki's response and leans back in her chair, waiting, both on
Nikki and the unknown immortal.
Nikki feels an Immortal buzz and tenses. Since she is sitting
with her back to the street she uses the reflection in the
cafe's window to see behind her.
Nikki: I have compiled a list of a few of the applicants that I
had good feelings about but the board eliminated for one reason
or another. I can always recall them.
Nikki says...her attention on the reflection in the cafe's
window.
Ally: Yes well... those will have to be board approved... They
can be submitted for review at the next board meeting. But no,
I'm talking right now. So we can suspend the rest of the
supervisors from now until I get the board arranged to meet.
Ally asks, her eyes, casually scanning the people walking in
front of the cafe, looking for the unknown immortal.
Jeffery decides to stay on the side of the street he is on and
walks casually down the sidewalk...looking over at the cafe's
patio to see if he can tell who is the source of the buzz.
Nikki: To be honest.....I don't have anyone ready to step in
right now. But that doesn't mean I can't find someone. If you
have any suggestions....I welcome them.
Nikki says. She sees the familiar face through the reflection of
the window and hopes that the reflection isn't as clear from
across the street. She chews on her lower lip as she watches the
window.
Ally: Well... for me to okay it for short term, which I can
do... it would have to be someone known to me.
Ally advises
Jeffery looks over at the customers lunching on the patio and
sees the reflection of a familiar Immortal. "So.....we meet
again," he thinks to himself and he shapes his hand into a
pistol and points it toward the red headed Immortal with her
back to him. He laughs aloud and continues walking and
disappears into the crowd.
Ally frowns watching the immortal she'd spotted take aim with
his fingers at Nikki. Now that was interesting.... Ally ponders
to herself as she watches him walk off.
Nikki winces when she sees the Immortal across the street point
in her direction, knowing that he saw her and recognized her.
She forces her mind to go back to the topic of conversation and
frantically tries to think of a response that Ally would
approve.
Nikki: Well....I guess I could replace Cramer until a suitable
replacement can be found. And I think I can talk my
administrative assistant to fill in in the younger girls'
barracks. And I know I can count on my foreman to pitch in with
one of the boys' barracks and then there's always Adam.
Nikki says, pulling ideas out of the air.
Ally chokes on the tea she had just taken a sip of.
Ally: Adam? OUR Adam?
Ally asks coughing.
Nikki: You don't think he'd help out?
Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow questioningly.
Ally: Oh, he might. If you can get him to agree to it.... Just
remember he is... very much like electricity. He ALWAYS takes
the path of least resistance.
Ally replies amused at the thought of Methos babysitting a bunch
of boys one step from being Juvenile delinquents.
Nikki chuckles.
Nikki: Right. Well if I can't talk him into it I know one other
person that would actually be perfect for the job.
Nikki says and motions to the waitress for the bill.
Ally: Oh?
Ally asks, curious.
Nikki: If Adam turns me down I'll talk to Duncan.
Nikki says confidently.
Ally: No reason you can't have both of them doing it. Each might
be a little more willing knowing they can trade off some.
Ally chuckles.
Nikki: Or....
Nikki says as the waitress brings the check. Nikki takes out her
credit card and places it on top of the check and the waitress
takes it way.
Nikki: There's always Duncan's....friend, Richie. He's been
where they are and would be able to relate.
Nikki suggests. The waitress brings back Nikki's card and thanks
her then leaves.
Ally: He would.... You know actually...
Ally says slowly thinking....
Ally: Were I you, I'd ask all of them. Then you've got four for
the boys to trade off with. Two on, two off. No telling how long
it'll take for the board to approve new supervisor's in the mean
time. I'd also see what I can do, were I you, about getting
another couple of women, so its not just you and your admin
assistant. I'd volunteer, but with my court schedule you'd only
get maybe one night a week out of me. If you can find others to
fill in, let me know, and if I have to, we'll arrange to meet so
I can approve them.
Ally suggests.
Nikki: Sounds good to me.
Nikki says as she puts her credit card into her purse.
Nikki: Now I hate to cut this short but we really do need to get
back to the ranch.
Nikki says looking over her shoulder at the other side of the
street.
Ally: No, I understand completely I should probably head back
myself. Reams of paperwork, or so it feels like.
Ally replies noting Nikki's look, and quickly decides to
accompany Nikki back to her truck. Not that she wasn't fully
capable of handling herself, but Aldria had no idea what type of
immortal that finger pointing guy was, but no way he'd start
anything with TWO immortals there.
Nikki looks over at Haley as she gets to her feet.
Nikki: Ready?
Nikki asks as she slips the strap of her purse over her
shoulder.
Haley: Yeah.
Haley says, putting one last fry into her mouth as she stands
up.
Ally: I'll walk with you.
Ally says casually as they left the cafe, and digs out a
business card, which she hands to Haley.
Nikki leans over and whispers to Haley, "see? I told you not all
adults are bad," and she grins.
Ally: Haley, it was wonderful to meet you. Here's my card. If
Nikki isn't available and you need something, please don't
hesitate to call me, alright?
Ally asks.
Haley: Thanks.
Haley says to Ally accepting the card, then looks over at Nikki.
"Guess not," she says, unable to help the smile slowly spreading
across her face.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 356--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment Part 6
By: 22639 Date: April 21, 2012, 11:12 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki gets off of the freeway and tells Haley, "we just have
one stop to make before we head back to the ranch."
Haley: Okay...
Haley says, wondering what this stop is.
Nikki: Since Ally wants me to hustle up some temp adults so she
can fire the present adult supervisors.....I'm going to ask
my.....
Nikki thinks a few seconds.
Nikki: ....boyfriend if he will help out. I figure with you
along he'll be less apt to turn me down. At least I'm hoping.
Nikki says and crosses her fingers...holding them up so Haley
can see them.
Haley: You've got a boyfriend?
Haley says sitting up sharply, and hitting on, what is to her,
the pertinent information in that statement of Nikki's.
Nikki glances at Haley a bit surprised.
Nikki: Well....yeah....I do. Why does that surprise you?
Nikki asks curiously.
Haley shrugs indifferently.
Haley: Just didn't realize you had much to do, outside of the
ranch. What's he like?
Haley asks.
Nikki: You know the gray Arabian we're boarding? Have you ever
seen the guy who owns him when he's come out to ride?
Nikki asks as she speeds her truck up so she can beat a red
traffic light.
Haley: Couple of times... he's got dark hair.. Haven't seen much
other than the back of him.
Haley says.
Haley: He's your boyfriend?
Haley asks after a moment of thought.
Nikki nods her head.
Nikki: Yeah. He's different. He has what I call a smarmy sense
of humor.
Nikki says, slowing back down to the speed limit.
Haley: Smarmy? You mean Sarcastic?
Haley asks.
Nikki: Smarmy is a combination of sarcastic and smart
aaaaa......aleck.
Nikki says catching herself before she uses a term that isn't
exactly PG rated.
Haley: Smart ass. Gotcha.
Haley says with a grin.
Nikki bursts into laughter.
Nikki: Yeah. Exactly.
Nikki says through her laughter.
Haley: He should fit in well, with the boys then.
Haley grins.
Nikki: Oh yeah.
Nikki says, still laughing.
Nikki: Most definitely.
Nikki turns onto Methos' street and feels his buzz as she pulls
up in front of his house.
Methos has just finished to clean up the kitchen after taking a
light lunch and is about to resume work when he feels an
Immortal buzz as he enters the living room. He turns back at
stares at the door, wondering if it's Nikki or some Immortal,
hopefully, just passing by.
Nikki gets out of the truck and motions for Haley to join her.
She heads for the front door.
Haley slides out of the truck, and follows Nikki.
Methos takes a deep sight of relief when he gets to the window
on his front door and sees Nikki coming his way, he frowns a
little puzzled when he sees there's some kid with her, but opens
the door anyway.
Nikki is in the process of selecting her key when the front door
opens. She looks up surprised then smiles broadly at Methos.
Nikki: Hi.
Nikki says simply.....a mischievous twinkle in her green eyes.
Methos: Hello.
Methos smiles back.
Nikki: Miss me?
Nikki says teasingly as she walks past him and playfully grabs
his ass.
Haley gets a good look at Nikki's boyfriend, and sighs, purely
internally. Lucky, Nikki.
Methos rolls his eyes when Nikki passes him, she just did that
in front of a stranger.
Methos: Yeah, why don't you come in?
Methos asks playfully once Nikki is already inside.
Haley slides in behind Nikki, keeping quiet.
Nikki: I'd like you to meet someone.
Nikki says and motions to Haley.
Nikki: This is Haley. She's one of the residents at the ranch.
Haley? This is Adam. Adam...Haley. Haley...Adam.
Methos: Hello, Haley.
Methos nods to the young girl with a smile.
Nikki: We just had lunch with Ally. She says hi by the way.
Nikki announces to Methos then gestures toward the sofa in the
living room.
Nikki: Have a seat Haley? Thirsty?
Nikki says going to the kitchen.
Haley: Hi.
Haley says softly to Adam, and grabs a seat where Nikki
gestured.
Haley: Sure?
Haley says to Nikki.
Nikki: Whatcha got to drink there, handsome?
Nikki says to Methos as she heads for the fridge.
Methos: I only have beer and beer and more beer and wine and
coffee.
Methos shrugs, he didn't normally entertain teenagers.
Nikki: What happened to all of those cans of soda I bought last
week?
Nikki asks, opening the fridge just to make sure.
Methos: How should I know? I didn't touch them.
Methos shrugs again.
Methos: Actually I had no idea you bought that.
Nikki notices that there is still a little half and half left in
Methos' fridge.
Nikki: Haley? Do you like Iced coffee?
Nikki calls out to the living room.
Haley: Who doesn't?
Haley asks.
Nikki: So how do you think they got here? If you didn't buy them
that is.
Nikki says a bit quieter to Methos.
Methos: What that hell is that doing in my fridge?
Methos chuckles amused, like he'd buy something like that.
Methos: Iced coffee? Yuck.
Nikki takes out the half and half and grabs two glasses out of
Methos' cabinet and proceeds to make 2 iced coffees.
Nikki: Did you take your Brat pills this morning or something?
Nikki says teasingly as she puts everything away and cleans up
any mess she made.
Methos: No, after lunch. Brat pills are after lunch. Smart ass
pills are at breakfast. Thought you knew that.
Methos shakes his head amused as he moves to the coffee machine
to get another cup of coffee.
Haley snorts softly, in an effort to cover her laughter, having
heard Adam's comment.
Nikki reaches up and grabs the collar of Methos' shirt and pulls
him to her. She plants a big kiss on his lips then lets go and
picks up the two glasses. She carries them into the living room
and hands one to Haley then sits down in Methos' favorite
chair...looking at him with a combination of "come hither" and
defiance.
Haley: Thanks.
Haley says to Nikki and takes a big swallow of her iced coffee.
Methos: I think I should check your medication, apparently
you're not taking your pills correctly.
Methos comments as he passes her and goes sit at his desk chair
instead.
Methos: Not that you're not welcome here, but what do I owe the
pleasure of your company just after lunch, girls?
Methos asks after he turns the chair to look at Nikki and Haley
and takes a coffee sip.
Nikki decides to let his dismissal slide this time. She has
bigger fish to fry.
Nikki: Remember when I told you about what I found out about the
adult supervisors at the ranch?
Nikki asks, turning in the chair so she can look at him.
Methos: Yeah, apparently you hired a religious fanatic.
Methos nods remembering their previous conversation about the
matter.
Nikki: Well.....I talked to Ally and she wants to fire the whole
lot of them but she can't until she knows that there will be
someone filling their shoes until permanent supervisors can be
hired.
Nikki says and takes a sip of her drink.
Methos stares at Nikki a little suspiciously, wondering why she
had come to his house in the middle of the day to tell him that.
Methos: Yeah, so?
Nikki gets up and walks over to Methos and sits on his lap,
setting her drink on his desk and wrapping her arms around him.
Nikki: So....I need a HUGE favor.
Nikki says and kisses his earlobe.
Methos: Oh oh.
Methos manages to side glance at Nikki, his suspicion growing.
Methos: I think I've seen Amanda do that to MacLeod.
Methos adds figuring out Nikki probably learned that from her
teacher.
Nikki: I need 3 men to fill in with the 3 boys' barracks. I love
it if you would fill in the slot at the older boys' barracks.
Nikki says and gently sucks on his earlobe.
Methos: In case you haven't noticed I already have a job.
Methos manages to say as he winces at her touch.
Nikki: Joe was able to run a bar and do what you do so it seems
logical that you could come stay at the ranch for a week and
take care of your business online.
Nikki says seductively.
Methos: A week?
Methos stares at her, his eyes open wide.
Methos: You're not asking much, now are you?
Methos teases, he thought she needed him for a day.
Nikki: Maybe not even that long. Depends on how long it takes to
find replacements. I'll make sure that they hire someone to
relieve you first before anyone else. And besides....
Nikki seductively sticks the tip of her tongue in his ear.
Nikki: ....you'll get to see me everyday.
Nikki says softly then whispers in his ear, "lunch breaks can be
fun."
Nikki: Pleeeeze?
Nikki pleads using her little girl's voice that she knows Methos
has trouble ignoring.
Methos rolls his eyes and takes a deep breath, he tries to think
of something so he can get out of it and wouldn't upset Nikki at
the same time.
Methos: I'm filling in for Joe, I have a lot to do.
Methos tries to use that as an excuse.
Nikki: Purdy pweeze? With sugar on top? And a cherry?
Nikki says in her little girl's voice and she kisses the tip of
his nose.
Methos makes a face, he knows when someone has caught him and he
has no chance to jump out of it.
Methos: Just how old are the kids you want me to keep an eye on?
Nikki: 15, 16 and 17 years old.
Nikki answers and smiles sweetly.
Methos sighs, teenagers on top of that.
Methos: And how many?
Nikki looks over at Haley.
Nikki: 6? Right?
Nikki asks Haley for confirmation.
Haley: Yeah.
Haley nods.
Nikki: 6.
Nikki says with a nod to Methos.
Methos rolls his eyes again, and takes a deep breath, he could
tell he was going to have a "fun" week.
Methos: When do you want me to start?
Methos asks and sighs again, he knows he'll never be able to
tell her no so why waste time?
Nikki wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him tightly.
Nikki: Thank you. I love you.
Nikki whispers in his ear.
Methos: I love you too, but you're going to pay me for this.
Methos whispers back to her in what he hopes is a threatening
tone.
Nikki: Anything you want.
Nikki says and kisses him on the lips.
Methos: Anything, huh? This should prove interesting.
Methos teases after he kisses her back.
Nikki breaks off the kiss and unwraps her arms from around
Methos' neck.
Nikki: I'll let Ally know and see how soon the slot will be
open.
Nikki says as she picks up her drink and gets up from Methos'
lap.
Methos: OK.
Methos nods, he still couldn't believe what he'd just agreed to
do.
Nikki: Ready Haley?
Nikki says to Haley then looks at Methos.
Nikki: We need to get back to the ranch. I'll call you.
Nikki says and drinks the rest of her drink and carries the
empty glass into the kitchen.
Methos: OK.
Methos repeats.
Haley: Yup.
Haley says standing up, and moving towards the door.
Nikki comes out of the kitchen and smiles over at Methos.
Nikki: Thank you.
Nikki says to Methos as she reaches for the door knob.
Methos: Don't thank me yet, I might come to my senses and leave
on the next plane out of dodge.
Methos says in the direction of the front door with a smile
playing on his lips.
Haley: I hear Bora Bora's nice this time of year.
Haley says absently.
Nikki blows Methos a kiss and walks out the front door.
Methos: Yeah, so I hear.
Methos nods with a smirk, he knows that's the last place he'd go
if he was hiding though.
Nikki closes the door behind her. She gets into her truck and
waits for Haley to get in too.
Haley follows Nikki out the door, and back to her truck.
Nikki buckles her seat belt once Haley is in the truck then
looks over at her with a victorious grin.
Nikki: And that, my dear, is how you ask a man for a big favor.
Nikki says with a wink.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 358--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment Part 7
By: 22639 Date: May 1, 2012, 2:34 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***4:00 PM***[/center]
Brian finishes feeding the horses in the barn stalls and takes
off his work gloves and pounds them against his pant legs. He
see James at the other end of the barn.
Brian: Jim.....you bout done?
Brian calls out to James.
Kevin is sitting at the large table in the common room of his
barracks, studying.
James: In a few. Just wanna groom the mare.
James says looking back to Brian.
Brian: OK
Brian says and goes into the foreman's office and gets a coke
out of the fridge. He opens the bottle and takes a big drink
then goes back into the barn. He steps out of the back door of
the barn and stands behind a stack of hay bails and lights a
cigarette...being careful not to let any sparks touch the hay.
Eric stands out front of the barracks, tossing a baseball
around. As high as he could, catching it still, gloveless.
Hoping one of the girls would see, so he could show off.
Brian takes a drag off of his cigarette and blows the smoke
towards the ground so it can't be seen by any of the adults.
Kevin has his books and papers spread out on the table in front
of him and is thoroughly focused on his studying.
James gets out the brushes, and puts the mare in the cross-ties,
and starts grooming, enjoying the rhythmic feel to it, as much
as mare.
Methos leaves Nikki's house and gets inside his SUV checking the
time on his watch. He'd spent the morning going through this
kids' files, concentrating especially in the boys' names. It
would be less likely they tried something if he knew their
names... "Just who are you trying to fool old man? You dare to
act like Pierson in front of them and you'll see." He murmurs
under his breath as he starts the car.
Kevin yawns and stretches. He sits back in his chair and rubs
his temples as he reviews what he just read in his mind.
Richard walks past the stacks of hay by the back door of the
barn.
Richard: Put it out, Greer.
Richard says without looking at the boy and he goes into the
barn and into his office.
Brian: Damn!
Brian swears and snuffs his cigarette out against the siding on
the barn. He puts what's left of the cigarette into his pack and
shoves it into his pocket so it isn't visible.
Methos slowly drives down the dirt road that lead to the older
boys' barracks. "Just how do I get into this things?" He
grumbles under his breath, "I should have told Nikki I was too
busy, or that I had to go somewhere, or..." Methos sighs when he
realizes it's too late now, so he just shrugs and keeps driving,
"What's done, is done."
Richard walks out of his office and goes over to James.
Richard: Jim.....we're getting a mare in tomorrow to breed to
the Friesian. You want to be part of the breeding crew?
Richard asks.
James looks up at Richard in surprise
James: You serious?
James asks.
Richard: Yea. Why not? You have been here long enough and have
seen it done enough to take part.
Richard says with a smile. He likes this kid. But then he has a
soft spot in his heart for anyone who loves horses even remotely
as much as he does.
James: Yes! I'd love too!!
James exclaims excitedly, but is careful to keep his motions
calm, and soothing, and keeps from raising his voice, to avoid
startling the mare he's grooming.
Richard: OK. The owner is dropping the mare off around 3. You
should be home from school by then and if not....we'll wait for
you. But you might want to let your A.S. know that you might be
late checking in tomorrow evening.
Richard says and makes a notation on his clip board and heads
back into his office.
James: Uh oh...
James says a little nervously, to the mare.
James: Hope the supe won't mind.
The mare tosses her head as though she is agreeing with James.
Kevin finally decides that he knows the material as well as he's
going to and starts shutting his books and gathering up his
books and papers.
Brian finishes his coke as he walks back into the barn and
tosses the bottle into the recycle bin.
Brian: How's it coming, Hartnett?
Brian calls out to James.
James: It's coming. Hey, guess what?
James says looking down the barn at Brian.
Methos parks his car a little to the side of the older boys'
barracks front door, exits his car and walks around to the trunk
to get his bag and his laptop.
Brian: What?
Brian asks as he walks up to the stall of the mare James is
grooming.
Eric hears a door shut and looks over, seeing a man getting a
bag out of a Range Rover.
Eric: Hey, man, you lost or somethin'?
Eric asks the man.
James: They're breeding a mare tomorrow. Richard wants me to
help.
James grins enthusiastically.
Brian: Cool. You're really into this horse stuff.
Brian says and leans against the door jam of the stall.
James: Yeah well... Horses... they're easy.
James says.
James: They don't judge ya.
Brian: Easy? You think tossing bails of hay around, mucking out
stalls and grooming these things is easy?
Brian asks incredulously.
Brian: Dude....you're weird.
Brian says partly jokingly.
James: Well, its better than having someone shout at you. I feel
like I belong here. Which is more than I can say for the home
before here. Nobody ever wanted me after my parents died. At
least the horses are happy to see me.
James shrugs, as he finishes with the mare and tosses the brush
into the waiting bucket, before moving to unhook the mare.
Brian: So is the big Hartnett going to become a full on cowboy?
Brian says teasingly.
James: What's it matter to you if I am?
James asks, as he leads the mare into her stall, and unclips the
lead, closing the stall door behind her.
Methos stops what he's doing and looks at the kid, with a
puzzled frown, for a moment.
Brian shrugs.
Methos: Didn't Nikki or Miss Flynn, or whatever you call her,
tell you you'd get new sups for a while?
Brian: It doesn't, really. I just think that we should start
calling you Jim Bob. That's more of a cowboy name than James or
just Jim.
Brian continues to tease James
Methos asks, as he puts the stuff he picked up on the ground to
lock his car.
Eric: Dunno... said something 'bout something. Wasn't paying
attention. 'Sides you don't look the typical super.
Eric says with a shrug.
James: You do, and you'll end up in the muck pile.
James warns, the other boy.
Methos: And how's that? Glasses? Maybe a beard?
Methos suggests smiling amused as he locks the car and picks up
his luggage again.
Eric: 'Na man. You got a laptop. And a nice car. Most supes
won't bring anything nice around us.
Eric explains.
Methos: Well I'm only here temporarily until they hire someone
and I already have a job, so I need to keep working.
Brian: Yeah...yeah. You and what army?
Brian chuckles.
Methos shrugs as he walks to the front door. "So this is it,
huh?" He thinks to himself while he looks up at the building.
James: Oh, like you can take me.
James grins.
Eric: Whatever, man.
Eric says tossing the ball up into the air again.
Brian: I most certainly can. I can take you to the mall. I can
take you to the store and I can take you to the barracks.
Brian says sarcastically.
James just snorts and gives Brian a friendly slug in the
shoulder.
Kevin puts his books and notebook into his back pack and heads
upstairs to the bedroom to put his things away.
Brian looks at his watch.
Brian: Dude.....we're already 10 minutes late. Are you anywhere
close to being ready to get the hell out of here?
Brian asks.
Methos walks in the front room and crosses the long common room
to put the things he's carrying in the sups room, from what
Nikki has told him, he knows it's downstairs near the kitchen.
He stops there for a moment, "Guess this is it." He murmurs
before he goes inside.
James: Yeah, let's go.
James says, heading out of the barn and towards the barracks
James: You didn't have to wait for me.
James adds over his shoulder.
Brian catches up to James and falls instep along side of him.
Brian: So are you going to ask anyone to the prom in June?
Brian asks as they walk toward the barracks.
Kevin goes into the bathroom and washes his face and hands,
getting ready for dinner.
James: Dunno. Was thinking about it, but well... Kinda depends
on what kind of supes we get. Don't ya think?
James returns.
Methos puts his bag and laptop on the bed and looks around the
room, he also could use some place where he could hide the
sword.
Brian: You know that girl in our Sociology class? The one with
the blond hair with the lime green stripe down the side?
Brian says and takes his half smoked cigarette out of his pack
and lights it.
James: Yeah, what about her?
James asks.
Brian: Garcia told me that his girlfriend wants me to ask her.
Brian says and takes a deep drag off of his cigarette.
Kevin dries his face and hands and goes back into the bedroom
and changes into a clean shirt.
Methos makes a face while he takes a closer look at the
wardrobe, then looks inside for a moment, that thing had no lock
so it's out. Maybe on top of the wardrobe? He couldn't carry his
sword around the kids all the time unless he kept his raincoat
on which would be rather weird.
James: So? You gonna ask her?
James asks.
James: If Garcia's girl wants you to ask her, it's a good bet,
that's 'cause the girl wants you to ask her.
James says.
Brian: Only one problem.
Brian says and tosses his cigarette butt on the ground and
grinds it out with his foot.
James: Yeah?
James asks.
Brian: I can't dance.
Brian says, slightly embarrassed.
James smirks slightly.
James: I know where you can learn.
Brian: Where? I looked in the phone book and there's no Arthur
Murray dance school in Seacouver.
Brian says partly sarcastically.
James: Richard.
James says jerking his head in the direction of the barn.
Brian: What makes you think he knows?
Brian asks as they climb up the front steps of their barracks.
James: He told me.
James says, pulling the door to the barracks open.
Methos decides to put his sword on top of the wardrobe for now,
since he can't find another place that works. "Besides I need to
keep it in hand just in case." He thinks to himself as he walks
a few steps back to see if it's visible. He can't see anything,
so he nods pleased with himself. He takes off his raincoat and
puts it inside the wardrobe, then opens his luggage to unpack
the rest.
Kevin comes downstairs so that when the time comes to go to the
chow hall he'll be ready because he's starving.
Brian: He told you he knows how to dance? What the hell do you
cowboys talk about anyway?
Brian chuckles. as he walks into the barracks.
James: All kinds of things.
James says with a shrug.
James: Told me, he'd teach me, when I was complaining to him
that *I* don't know how to dance.
James says with a grin at Brian.
Brian hurries upstairs to the bathroom to get cleaned up for
dinner.
James follows Brian up the stairs to wash up, as that was one of
the strict rules for the mess hall.
Kevin comes downstairs after putting on a clean shirt.
Eric continues tossing the ball around, waiting on the others to
finish for dinner.
Kevin: Hey!
Kevin says to Brian and James as he passes them on the stairs.
Brian: Hey.
Brian returns the greeting and continues on his way.
James: Hey, Kevin.
James replies.
Kevin goes into the common room and looks around for the new
A.S.
Methos yawns and stretches after he finishes unpacking his
clothes, then throws the empty bag inside the closet and closes
the door. He checks his watch and sees it's almost dinner time
and he needs to escort the boys.
James quickly strips his clothes off on the way to the bathroom,
and hops in the shower, rinsing his whole body off. Within five
minutes, he was out of the shower and pulling out clean clothes.
Kevin The cook comes out of the chow hall and rings the dinner
bell.
Eric sighs, wondering were everyone is, and wanders inside, to
see if there's any sign of anybody else, he was hungry!
Brian quickly finishes washing up and hurries into the bedroom
to get a clean shirt.
Kevin: Hey, Eric. What's up, man?
Kevin greets Eric when he comes inside.
Methos opens the sup's bedroom door and comes outside when he
hears the bell, hoping the boys were ready to go.
Eric: I'm hungry, man! Where is everyone?
Eric grumbles.
Kevin: Brian and Jim came in late so they're upstairs getting
changed.
Kevin answers Eric.
James pulls out a t-shirt and jeans, and pulls the jeans on, and
heads back downstairs, pulling the t-shirt on as he goes.
Brian throws on a clean t-shirt and heads downstairs.
Methos stops in the middle of the room, at last they were all
there, he was waiting to get them all together so he only had to
do this once.
Brian: This should be interesting.
Brian whispers to James.
James: No kidding.
Kevin looks at the new A.S., sizing him up.
James says with a grin and a shrug, leaning up against the wall.
Eric: Can we go to dinner, already?
Eric asks.
Methos: Before we go to dinner, I'm Adam Pierson and I'm
supposed to keep an eye on you until they hire someone to
replace your previous supervisor.
Methos looks around at the boys in case they have some question,
besides the dinner one.
Brian shoves his hands in the pockets of his jeans and looks up
at the ceiling, bored.
Kevin walks over to the front door of the barracks and puts his
hand on the door knob, ready to open it when given the go ahead.
Methos: OK, since apparently you don't have any questions, let's
go to eat then.
Methos shrugs and gestures the boys to the door.
Eric: Finally! Food!
Eric crows jumping for the door.
Kevin turns the knob and opens the door, then walks out of the
barracks and heads for the chow hall.
James just rolls his eyes at Eric, and moves to follow behind
everyone else.
Brian follows everyone out of the barracks.
Brian: So what do you think? Some sort of science geek? Or cop?
Brian whispers to James as they follow everyone to the chow
hall.
Methos follows the boys outside, shaking his head amused, life
never ceased to amaze him even after 5,000 years. If anyone told
him a month before he was going to babysit a bunch of teenagers
in a while, he would have told them they were out of their mind.
James: I vote Science geek. He's the guy that set my arm when I
broke it, so some medical knowledge.
James shrugs.
Brian: Think he's going to be a hard ass?
Brian whispers to James.
James: I think he's a depender.
James replies back, also in a whisper.
James: Depends on how we treat him.
Brian looks at James and quirks an eyebrow, questioningly.
Brian: Are you turning goody goody on us, Hartnett?
James: Na man. It's just what I've noticed, from the way he's
been around the horses. And it's only a guess man.
James tells Brian.
Kevin leads the way into the chow hall and grabs a tray from the
stack then heads down the line. When his tray is full he heads
for a table in the noisy chow hall. As he sits down he waves to
one of the girls at another table.
Brian takes a whiff of the air as they enter the chow hall.
Eric follows Keven and gets two of everything.
Brian: Mmmm. Smells like bar-b-que ribs.
Brian comments and grabs a tray.
James: Thank God the food here is better than school.
James says, picking up a tray of his own.
Brian goes down the line and when his tray is full he heads over
to the table where Kevin is sitting. As he passes by the older
girls' table he winks at them and says, "Good evening ladies."
Then goes to their table and sits down.
Eric: I love this kind of food.
Eric says, his tray already half empty.
Kevin starts devouring his ribs.
Methos stops at the entrance of the chow hall, hesitating if he
should have something to eat. Well, he'd never eat barbecue rib
with water or worse, coke. He makes a face at the thought, his
hunger gone the same instant.
James sits down and starts calmly eating his food.
Eric finishes is tray, and gets up, to get more food.
Brian: You know Eric.....the food tastes better if you don't
inhale it.
Brian teases Eric.
Eric: Oh! You're gonna pay for that one!
Eric says, picking up a scoop of potatoes with a spoon and
flinging it at Brian.
Brian: Hey!
Brian exclaims and wipes mashed potatoes off of his face.
Brian: You wanna play, Russo?
Brian says and scoops up some of his mashed potatoes with his
fork and flings them back at Eric.
Kevin: FOOD FIGHT!!!!
Kevin shouts and flings some of his baked beans at James.
Methos rolls his eyes, of course they had to start behaving like
children.
Methos: Hey!!!! This isn't kindergarten, is it?
Eric: Come and get me!
Eric cries scooping the potatoes up with his hands and throwing
them.
James: Oh, man! Come on!
James says, and opens the chocolate milk, that he hadn't touched
and tossed it towards Kevin and Brian.
Brian flings some more potatoes at Eric.
Kevin grabs a handful of his jello salad and throws it back.
Eric smirks as the girls run screaming from the hall, and
randomly grabs more food and 'accidentally' flings it towards
the new super.
Brian watches a blob of mashed potatoes smack their new A.S. in
the forehead and suddenly everything gets quiet as they wait for
his reaction.
Methos: Congratulations, Russo, you just been awarded with
cleaning up the whole mess.
Methos says coldly, while he gets a paper towel to try to clean
himself.
Eric: Whatever, Dude!
Eric says, and picks up a handful of jello salad and tosses it
at the super aiming for the mans chest.
To cover Eric's ass, Brian throws some jello at James.
James: Hey man!
James cries and grabs a double handful. One of jello and one of
potatoes and launches it back at Brian and at Kevin.
Kevin tosses a handful of his peas at James.
James takes a handful of his own peas and throws them up in the
air, so that they'd rain down on everyone.
Methos picks up a metal tray and tosses it on the floor with all
his strength.
Methos: I've said, CUT IT OUT!!!!
Methos says in a raised voice trying not to yell.
One of the other A.S.s yells "KNOCK IT OFF. EVERYONE!"
Brian turns and tosses what's left of his mashed potatoes at the
A.S.
Eric snorts, trying not to laugh as the A.S.s started to really
get upset and just lobbed more food into the melay.
Kevin starts to throw his piece of chocolate cake then stops and
looks at it. Instead he shoves it into his mouth. It was
chocolate cake after all and shouldn't be wasted.
Methos grabs the first boy he can get close to, with happens to
be Eric, by the back of his collar and pulls him outside. He
throws him in a horse-trough which is close to the chow hall.
Methos: I hope that water is freezing.
Methos grumbles looking down at the boy.
Eric: Awe man!
Eric cries as he comes up out of the horse trough.
Brian watches their new A.S. drag Eric off and grabs hold of
James' arm and nods toward the A.S. and Eric.
Eric: You ruined all the fun!
Eric complains.
Kevin goes over to the door of the chow hall to see what is
happening to Eric.
James: I think it's time to quickly take the back way, back to
the barracks.
James says to Brain.
Methos: Oh the fun is going to come later when you clean up all
the mess.
Methos grumbles threateningly.
Brian follows Kevin to the door. When he sees Eric get dunked he
bursts into laughter.
Kevin joins Brian with laughter.
Eric: I heard you the first time man! If I'm gonna clean up a
mess, I'm gonna damn well make a good one, and have fun doing
it!
Eric grumbles back.
Methos: Oh and why don't you stay and help your buddy in all the
fun? Greer, Sherman and Hartnett.
Methos adds looking up at the other boys.
Methos: Once you finish I'm sure the cook needs some help with
the pots and pans.
James enters the barracks, leaving Brian to his smoke, and heads
back upstairs, for another, longer, shower and more clean
clothes.
Brian: You seeing things, man? Cuz Hartnett isn't here.
Brian says rolling his eyes.
Methos: He was here a minute ago. Don't worry I'll get your
buddy in no time.
Methos says looking in the direction of the barracks, he assumes
the other kid will go there eventually to clean up.
In the meantime the other A.S.s have cleared their kids out of
the chow hall.
Methos: I'd start if I were you, unless you want to stay without
TV or internet for as long as I'm here.
Methos points out, while he frowns thinking.
Kevin: I didn't start it so I ain't cleaning up nothin'.
Kevin says indignantly.
Methos: No you didn't start, but you participated so...
Eric: Could have at least let us finish having fun.
Eric mutters going for one of the mops. After all, this isn't
the first time he's done either the starting or the cleaning.
And Eric already knew, it wasn't going to be the last time
either!
Brian: Come on, bro. Just do as he says.
Brian says quietly to Kevin.
Kevin: No. I ain't doin' it and nobody can make me.
Kevin says defiantly and folds his arms across his chest.
Brian: You're an idiot.
Brian says to Kevin and turns to go back inside the chow hall.
Kevin: What did you call me?
Kevin yells and walks up behind Brian, picks up a tray from the
floor and clocks Brian on the back of the head.
Brian: Ow!
Brian yells and staggers forward a couple of steps. He recovers
and whirls around and punches Kevin in the nose, breaking it and
sending blood flying.
Kevin: Ow! You broke my nose!
Kevin exclaims and dives for Brian, catching him in the mid
section and sending them both sprawling to the ground.
Eric: Come on guys! You ain't gonna get no girls, with black
eyes!
Eric calls from inside the hall.
Methos sighs as he grabs the bucket hanging near the pump and
fills it with water. He walks up to the boys fighting on the
floor and empties it over their heads.
Methos: You're beginning to get on my nerves, you know?
Methos comments, while he takes a couple of deep breaths.
Kevin sputters as the cold water washes over him.
Brian shoves Kevin off of him and rolls over, getting to his
feet.
Kevin rolls to the side and glares up[ at Brian as he starts to
get up.
Brian points to Kevin.
Brian: Stay down if you know what's good for you.
Brian says warningly.
Methos: Did you take a good look at yourselves?
Methos points out with a sigh.
Methos: Rolling on the floor like children?
Eric: They're just trying to get out of cleaning!
Eric yells, from inside where he's got the floor half cleaned.
Brian: Dude hit me in the head with a tray. Am I just supposed
to let that slide? I don't think so.
Brian says, looking at the A.S.
Kevin: He broke my nose!
Kevin complains.
Methos: No, he wasn't supposed to do that, but instead of
letting me take care of that, you did the same, didn't you? Come
on, I know you guys are smarter than that, this is how trouble
begins. How far were you willing to go if I didn't separate you
two?
Methos says despite the fact, he probably couldn't bring some
sense to those two.
Kevin: As far as I have to.
Kevin grumbles.
Eric whistles to himself as he works on cleaning. He'd started
enough food fights in the past that he had cleaning the hall
down to an art.
Brian takes the bottom of his t-shirt and wrings out the water
then heads for the kitchen to get a bus tray so he can clear the
tables.
Methos: Yeah.
Methos nods in agreement, of course he's say that.
Methos: Correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that why you're here in
the first place? You mean you have learned nothing in all this
time?
Kevin: Yeah. I learned not to take any shit from anyone.
Kevin says in retort.
Kevin: Of course I already knew that.
Kevin adds more to himself than to anyone else.
Kevin: I ain't no fucking idiot and I won't let nobody call me
one.
Kevin says defiantly.
Methos: You can still do that, without hitting someone. When you
start hitting someone, it means you lost the argument.
Kevin: Ain't no argument, dude.
Kevin says shaking his head. This guy is pathetic, he thinks to
himself.
Brian starts clearing the tables by putting plates into the bus
tray then wiping down the tables.
Methos: Look, Kevin, this is your second chance. Once you turn
18 you're going to be on your own, if you keep doing that you'll
end up in prison. You know what they do to young guys in prison?
Methos points out, he's sure the kid has seen some movies about
it by now.
Kevin: Yeah...yeah. Tell it to someone who cares. They'd
probably do it more to you than they would to me because I don't
take any shit from nobody.
Kevin says and starts to walk away.
Methos: Oh you'll care. But then it will be too late to change
anything.
Kevin: Change this.
Kevin says and flips the A.S. off as he walks down the steps of
the chow hall and heads for the barracks.
James steps out of the shower, for the second time that day, and
dresses again, before heading to his bunk to start on homework.
Eric finishes with the floors, then following what he'd done
every other time, he moved back to the dishwasher and started
working on getting the dishes put through, thankful, again, that
the ranch had an industrial dishwasher and that it only took
about five minutes a load.
Brian carries the filled bus tray into the kitchen and sets it
on the sink.
Methos shakes his head looking after the kid, then he shrugs, he
was only going to be here for a week, if the kid wanted to end
up in prison let him. He sighs unhappily though.
Brian grabs another buss tray and goes back into the dining room
to finish the tables.
Kevin storms into the barracks, slamming the door behind him and
stomps up the stairs. He goes into the bathroom and strips off
his clothes and gets into the shower.
Kevin: Mother fucker. Tell me I'm someone's bitch. I don't think
so.
Kevin grumbles as he takes his shower.
Eric slides the next load into the washer, and starts it, then
starts putting the just finished load away.
Brian finishes the tables and carries the full bus tray into the
kitchen and sets it on the sink next to the other one. Then he
goes over to the garbage cans and takes out the plastic liner
bags and ties a knot in the top. He hauls them outside to the
dumpster.
Eric moves the next, and last load into the washer while Brian's
taking out the garbage.
Brian comes back into the kitchen and puts new liners in the
garbage cans then looks around.
Eric: Looks like we're done.
Eric says with a smile, putting the last of the clean dishes on
their pile.
Eric: Lets go. Get some snacks or something back at the
barracks.
Eric grins.
Methos takes a deep breath, realizing if he stays here for long
he's going to start caring about those kids, "Damn, I failed to
anticipate that." He had already begun and with the toughest of
them all, maybe he reminded him of Kronos and him where they
were young. He sighs again while he gets his cell phone,
wondering where Nikki is, as far as he knows she wasn't around
when all the mess begun He really needed to talk to her.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 359--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment Part 8
By: 22639 Date: May 1, 2012, 3:00 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Jeffery is sitting across the street from the high school,
waiting and watching.
Haley waves goodbye to her friends and the bus, with a sigh, she
starts up the street, towards the center, for her weekly two
hour meeting with her father. She really wished she was on the
bus and on her way back to the ranch, then on away to meeting a
with man she'd just assume never see again. Unfortunately,
meeting him was a court order.
Jeffery sees Haley and waits until she's a ways down the street
before he starts his car and begins to slowly follow her.
Haley kicks a rock on the sidewalk, ignoring the traffic around
her. Dawdling and wishing she didn't have to do this. Every
week, she dreads the visitation session with her father.
Haley: This sucks.
Haley mutters to herself, kicking the rock down the alley that
is her usual short cut to the social worker's office.
Jeffery sees Haley turn into an alley and , knowing that there
must be an exit to the alley speeds up and drives around the
block. He pulls into the alley and parks his car behind a
dumpster. He reaches into his glove compartment and takes out a
wash cloth and a bottle and pours the liquid from the bottle
onto the cloth.
Haley: Maybe Nikki will help me get out of this in the future.
Haley mutters, pondering the possibility.
Jeffery gets out of his car and waits until the girl passes the
dumpster then steps out behind her and grabs her shoulder with
one hand and places the cloth over her nose and mouth with the
other.
Haley jumps in surprise when she's grabbed from behind and
immediately tries to yell and fight her way out. As she's
breathing in for the scream, a cloth is put over her mouth and
she inhales a sickly sweet smelling vapor. Much to Haley's
dismay the world quickly fades to darkness.
Jeffery wraps his arm around the girl to keep her from getting
away until the chloroform takes effect then he scoops her up and
carries her to his car. He dumps her in the back seat and uses
plastic zip ties to tie her hands together behind her back and
her ankles together. He gets into his car and leaves the alley.
Nikki is in her room in the girl's barracks, changing her
clothes from her work clothes into something clean for chow.
Jeffery drives to an abandoned warehouse in the old abandoned
shipyard and parks inside of the warehouse. He gets out and
hauls the girl out of the back seat. He carries her over to a
large pillar and ties her to it with rope. He takes out his cell
phone and uses its camera to snap a picture of the girl. He
walks over to a crate and sits down, taking out his cell phone
and placing a call to the number he found out was Nikki's.
Haley groans slightly, slowly returning to consciousness and
feeling lightheaded and nauseous.
Nikki 's cell phone rings and she picks it up off of the bed.
Nikki: Hello?
Nikki she says into the phone.
Jeffery: You don't know how hard I had to work to find out how
to get in touch with you.
Jeffery says, keeping an eye on the girl who is waking up.
Haley groans again, and realizes that she's in a sitting
position. She tries to lift her head and open her eyes, finding
the second difficult to do and the former even harder. Her head,
had never felt heavier.
Nikki: Who is this?
Nikki says demandingly.
Jeffery: You probably don't remember my name. But we
had.....what you could call a moment....back in the 1800s.
Jeffery says with a cynical chuckle.
Nikki closes her eyes as she realizes who the caller is.
Nikki: What do you want?
Nikki asks, although she has a pretty good idea what the answer
is.
Haley hears a man's voice she doesn't recognize and tries harder
to lift her head. As she brings it up she realizes she's tied
to... something
Jeffery: To finish what we started way back then.
Jeffery says simply.
Haley: Where am I?
Haley asks finally getting her head up, and looking around.
Haley spots a man sitting on a crate a little ways from her.
Jeffery: And just in case you decide to blow me off....look at
your phone.
Jeffery says and sends her the picture of Haley tied to the
pillar.
Nikki looks at the screen of her phone and gasps when she sees
the picture.
Jeffery: And by the way....just in case you're keeping a
scrapbook....the name's Jefferey Kerby.
Jeffery says, laughing.
Haley moans slightly leaning her head back against whatever she
was tied too as the world took a moment to spin.
Nikki: I only keep a scrapbook of the heads I take and,
Kerby.....if you harm one hair on that girl's head I will make
you suffer in ways you can't imagine before I take your head.
Nikki growls.
Jeffery: Meet me in the old tuna canning warehouse in the old
shipyard.
Jeffery says, getting serious.
Nikki: I'm an hour outside of town so it'll take me awhile to
get there. But I'll be there.
Nikki says. She has a death grip on her phone.
Jeffery: You've got an hour and a half. If you're not here by
then you might as well plan your little friend here's funeral.
Jeffery says and hangs up. He looks over at the girl and grins.
Jeffery: Now. What should we do to entertain ourselves while we
wait?
Jeffery asks, cynically
Haley blinks and looks down focusing on the man sitting across
from her again.
Haley: What do you want with me?
Haley asks, trying to keep her voice from wavering, and trying
to figure out what was going on.
Nikki hangs up and sits down on the edge of the bed. She is so
mad she is shaking. Her first thought is to call Methos but then
she realizes how silly that would be. She has been on her
own...dealing with her life by herself long before she fell in
love with him and she realizes that her needing to call him the
first time a hurdle is placed in front of her is just another
way that she has lost herself so she shakes off the inclination
and says aloud, "besides....why worry him needlessly? I just
take Kerby's head and Methos will never need to know." She takes
a few slow calming breaths, gets up and grabs her duster. She
wraps it around her sword, which she takes out from between the
mattresses and walks out of the bedroom.
Jeffery: I don't want a thing from you, sweetheart. You're just
bait.
Jeffery says getting up from then crate he's sitting on and
looking at his watch.
Haley: Bait for what?
Haley asks, trying to keep herself and her voice calm, but not
really succeeding in either attempt.
Jeffery hears the waver in the girl's voice and smiles.
Jeffery: Your friend, Nicayla. The sheriff of Forks. Or at least
she was. You just better hope she shows.
Jeffery says and walks over to his car. He retrieves his sword
from the trunk of his car and takes out a cloth and begins to
polish the blade.
Haley: Forks? That just some small town south of here. Nikki
doesn't live there. And she ain't a cop... and that's a sword.
Why've you got a sword?
Haley asks her voice still wavering slightly, not that Haley
heard it.
Nikki goes into the common room and calls Lauren over. "Haley's
in trouble. I need to go get her. So do me a favor and you girls
go on to chow and don't tell anyone I'm gone," she tells Lauren.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. Remember...not a word to
anyone." She doesn't wait for the girl to respond. She slips out
the back door and sprints to her truck, getting and hauling ass
for the city.
Jeffery: You mean your friend hasn't told you what she
is....what we are?
Jeffery asks, stopping his polishing and looking over at the
girl.
Haley: I don't know w-what you mean.
Haley stutters, and silently curses at herself for the
stuttered.
Jeffery: Oh great. So I get to explain it all to you?
Jeffery rolls his eyes and sighs.
Jeffery: Or maybe I'll just kill you after I take her head then
no explanation will be necessary.
Jeffery says, thoughtfully.
Haley: W-what'd I do?
Haley asks.
Jeffery: Just chalk it up to being at the wrong place at the
wrong time, kid.
Jeffery says and returns to polishing his sword.
[center]***An hour and a half later***
[/center]Nikki pulls into the old shipyard and drives through it
looking for the warehouse. As she nears it she feels the buzz of
an Immortal and she slows her truck.
Jeffery feels an Immortal buzz and tosses his rag in the trunk
of his car and closes the lid. He looks back at the girl.
Jeffery: Well.....she did show.
Jeffery says with a sadistic grin.
Jeffery: Now you'll get to see the show of your life time.
Jeffery says and leans against the rear of his car, cradling his
sword as though it were a baby.
Haley: Wh-what kind of show?
Haley asks nervously watching the sword.
Nikki parks her truck outside of the warehouse and grabs her
sword. She walks into the warehouse and looks around. Seeing
Haley, she smiles as she walks towards her. Then she sees
Jeffery. She glares at him and looks back over at Haley.
Nikki: Are you alright?
Nikki asks Haley.
Haley nods her head.
Nikki: Let her go, Kerby.
Nikki growls at Jeffery.
Jeffery: No. I think I'd rather keep our captive audience. Just
to make sure you don't cheat.
Jeffery answers without moving away from his car.
Nikki: I'm here. You don't need her anymore. There's no reason
she needs to see this.
Nikki says, glaring at him.
Jeffery: All the same....I kinda like having an audience. So she
stays.
Jeffery says and pushes away from his car.
Nikki is standing, facing Jeffery in an aggressive forward
stance. Her eyes are clear and full of fire. Her stare is hard
and unmoving.
Jeffery: So I finally get what is owed me. If I can’t take a
little wisp of a thing like you I might as well quit.
Jeffery says tauntingly.
Nikki: Oh please don’t quit. That’ll take all my fun away.
Nikki says, never taking her eyes from his face, and completely
aware of the position of his blade through her peripheral
vision.
Jeffery is starting to become angry at her taunting and begins
to move his sword in small circles as if drawing circles around
the tip of her blade. He shifts his weight from side to side,
attempting to keep her from knowing which foot he might lunge
with which would put her off balance.
Nikki, instead of waiting for Jeffery to strike first, brings
her sword above her head and with a swift circular motion, takes
2 steps forward, simultaneously arcing the sword downward then
sideways making contact with first his left kneecap then his
right, laying them open to the bone.
Jeffery isn’t prepared for the speed in which Nikki moves. By
the time his sword is in place to parry her attack the damage
has been done and he goes to the ground with a yelp of both
surprise and pain. She’s only severed the cartilage in one knee
so he manages to come to a standing position
balancing on the lesser wounded leg. But before standing up, he
manages to reach under the bottom of his pant leg and and pull
out a dagger with a 12” serrated blade which, once he is
balanced, he throws at Nikki.
Nikki has just planted her feet in preparation for another
attack when she’s knocked off her feet feeling a sharp pain in
her right side. She lands on her butt, her left hand
instinctively going to the source of the pain, her right hand
still gripping the hilt of her sword. She’s surprised when her
hand comes in contact with the steel blade of the dagger, now
embedded in her side. She grits her teeth and grasps the
dagger’s hilt and quickly pulls it out of her side letting out a
shriek of pain as the serration tears her flesh. Her head is
reeling and the threat of unconsciousness darkens her vision,
but just as she is about to give into the darkness she hears the
sound of something dragging across the asphalt.
Jeffery sees Nikki’s down and acts fast. Dragging his bad leg,
he moves closer raising his sword to strike. Her eyes are
closed so he decides to forgo his usual torture and just take
her head. He swings his sword downward aiming for her neck.
Nikki opens her eyes just in time to catch the glint of
Jeffery’s raised sword. She reacts from both instinct and skill
and raises her sword blocking the potentially fatal cut as her
left hand, still holding the dagger that was in her side,
thrusts the dagger upward and directly into Jeffery’s abdomen
just below the sternum and lacerating his liver. But as he
staggers backward she retains her grip on the dagger so that it
does not go down with Jeffery. Instead the serrated blade rips
a large hole that immediately begins gushing arterial blood.
Jeffery staggers backward, falling to the ground. He loses his
grip on his sword and it clatters loudly against the blacktop.
His hands grasp at his wound. The front of his shirt is already
drenched in bright red blood and he looks down at Nikki in
disbelief, wondering where it had all gone so wrong, and how
this little slip of a girl had gotten the better of him so fast.
Nikki is once again on her feet. She drops the bloody dagger
and kicks it about 8’ away. She raises the sword she’s using
above her head and stands at Jeffery’s feet, her own feet spread
slightly apart, her weight perfectly balanced. As she looks
down at her surprised opponent and realizes that his position
and where she is standing, although perfectly menacing, is the
wrong angle to finish him off. Her mind races reviewing her
options. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Jeffery’s sword
lying on the ground, just out of his reach. In a slow circular
motion, she lowers her sword to a low guard position, sidesteps
to the sword on the ground and kicks it to Jeffery.
Nikki: Pick it up!
Nikki‘s voice is hard and terrifyingly emotionless, but her eyes
are filled with an almost evil hatred.
Jeffery has never been intimidated by anyone before, much less a
woman. That is until now and this new feeling is unsettling.
His bloody hands reach for the sword she’s just kicked closer to
him but he can’t reach it while laying on his back. To reach
the sword, to obey her command, he would have to roll onto his
side which would mean taking his eyes off of Nikki and he
doesn’t want to do that. He knows that, in time his wound will
heal, but he’s also learned enough about the human anatomy to
know that the liver holds 25% of the body’s blood supply and in
the time this severe of a wound would heal, he could bleed to
death. He needs her Quickening to speed the healing process.
Nikki: I said…PICK…IT…UP.
Jeffery blinks in amazement at the tone of her voice. It seems
to resonate in his head and he is actually afraid for the first
time in his life. He relents and rolls onto his side, reaches
for the sword, grasps its hilt in one hand and pulls himself up
onto the one knee that has already begun to heal. He’s weak
from the amount of blood he’s already lost and is struggles to
get balanced before trying to stand.
Nikki waits until Jeffery is on his one knee and using both
hands to balance himself, then with the swiftness of a cheetah
Nikki moves to his side, raises the sword in her hand high above
her head and pauses in that position. A tiny smirk comes across
her face.
Nikki: Debt paid in full.
Nikki brings her blade downward with such speed it almost hisses
through the air. It connects with the side of Jeffery’s neck,
as he is turning his head to look at her, and the sound of his
spine disintegrating from the force of the blade as it continues
downward, echoes in her ears as does the
dull thud as his head drops to the ground and rolls a few inches
away. Instinctively, Nikki steps backward away from Jeffery’s
body, her legs feeling weak and rubbery. Suddenly the wind
begins to pick up and the air becomes cold. A crash of thunder
rumbles from a cloudless sky. Then the sky grows darker as
streaks of lightening swirl in the clouds that have appeared out
of nowhere.
Nikki: Shit!
Nikki drops to her knees in anticipation of what’s to come and
uses her sword to brace herself. A bolt of electricity slithers
across the ground originating from the headless body of Jeffery
Kerby and explodes into Nikki. Bolts of lightening strike the
ground around her. Windows in the nearby
buildings explode and send shattered glass flying. Nikki feels
as though a hand is squeezing her to death. Electrical bolts
shoot out from her eyes and mouth as she opens it to scream from
the intense pain. First she feels as if she’s on fire, then as
if she’s submerged in a frozen lake. It holds her in its grasp
for what seems like hours, alternating its deliverance of
intense pain and intense pleasure, but it’s actually only a few
minutes (very few minutes because of the lack of power Jeffery
had himself accumulated) Then, as suddenly as it started it
stops and Nikki slumps to the ground, exhausted.
Haley stares wide eyed at Nikki, half in shock, unable to
believe what had just happened. The lightening, and... she
killed him. Just killed him.
Nikki finally catches her breath and gets, shakily, to her feet.
She goes over to Haley and uses her sword to cut the girl's
bindings.
Nikki: Are you OK?
Nikki asks, her voice soft and consoling.
Haley continues to watch Nikki with wide eyes, and tugs at her
bonds as Nikki approaches. As soon as Nikki cuts her free, Haley
turns around, keeping Nikki in front of her, and scoots back,
not sure what to think of Nikki anymore.
Nikki sees the fear in Haley's eyes. She lays her sword on the
ground and holds out her hand to the girl.
Nikki: It's OK, Haley. You're safe. No one's going to hurt you.
Nikki says, reassuringly.
Haley: Y-you.... You j-just...
Haley stutters and looks from Nikki to the beheaded man, whose
name she still didn't know, and then back to Nikki again.
Nikki closes her eyes and sighs. She's got a lot of explaining
to do. Something no Immortal relishes. She opens her eyes again
and looks at Haley.
Nikki: I know, sweety. I'll explain everything to you. But we
need to get out of here before someone shows up to see what all
of the fireworks was about.
Nikki says, calmly.
Nikki: You used to trust me. You can still. Please?
Nikki says, holding her hand out to Haley.
Haley hesitates for a long moment studying Nikki, before slowly
putting her hand into Nikki's, not actually saying a word.
Nikki takes Haley's hand and pulls her to her feet. Putting her
arm around the girl's shoulders, protectively, she grabs her
sword and heads for her truck. Once inside she drives out of the
old shipyard. She decides to go someplace where they can talk in
privacy so she heads for one of her favorite spots on the beach.
She pulls off the road and stops her truck then looks over at
Haley.
Nikki: Let's go down by the water and I'll explain everything to
you. OK?
Nikki asks, placing her hand gently over Haley's.
Haley nods slowly.
Haley: Alright.
Haley says in a voice just above a whisper.
Nikki gets out of her truck and waits for Haley then heads down
to the small remote beach. She spots a couple of logs sitting
next to each other and walks over to them, sitting down on one.
Nikki: Have a seat.
Nikki says, gesturing to the other log.
Haley trails behind Nikki, a little warily, and then sits as
Nikki Gestures, on the log opposite her.
Nikki: OK. I'm going to warn you. What I'm about to tell you is
going to be hard for you to believe. But I swear it's true. It's
also very very important that it is kept secret. You can't tell
anyone....none of your friends. OK?
Nikki asks and goes to lean forward but the pain in her abdomen
from her injury stops her and she places her hand over the
wound, wishing it would hurry up and heal.
Haley: B-but you just killed a guy!
Haley says not sure that’s a secret she wants to keep.
Nikki: I know. And you're scared. I understand that. But you
have to promise me that you won't breathe a word of what I'm
about to tell you to anyone. Please, Haley? You can still trust
me. I'm the same person you have been trusting all along.
Nikki says pleadingly.
Haley: A-are you gonna kill me, too?
Haley whispers.
Nikki looks at Haley surprised.
Nikki: No, baby. No.
Nikki reaches out and takes Haley's hands.
Nikki: I swear on St. Patrick. I would never do anything to hurt
you. Ever.
Nikki says with conviction.
Haley flinches slightly when Nikki takes her hand, but then,
finally nods.
Haley: I promise.
Haley says her voice still a whisper.
A sharp pain in Nikki's side makes her wince and let go of
Haley's hands and grab her abdomen. She sits up a little
straighter to relieve the pressure on her healing wound.
Haley: You need a doctor.
Haley says softly.
Nikki shakes her head.
Nikki: No. I'll be alright.
Nikki says, smiling, thankfully, at Haley.
Nikki: First of all....yes. I killed a man tonight. But he
wasn't an ordinary man. If I hadn't taken his head, he would
have taken mine. It's....what we do. We being the others like
him. Like me.
Nikki says to begin her explanation.
Haley doesn't take her eyes off of Nikki.
Nikki: You see, Haley. He was an Immortal. I am an Immortal.
Along with many others.
Nikki says and gives it time for what she has just said to sink
in with Haley.
Haley: H-how can you, could he be immortal if... if he's dead?
Haley asks.
Nikki: The only way we can die is for someone to take our head.
Nikki answers Haley.
Haley: W-w-why?
Haley stutters.
Nikki shrugs.
Nikki: I don't know when it started or who made us what we are
or why. But whoever it was that made us and set the rules of our
existence set one that says that at some point....only one of us
will survive and win the Prize. But that Immortal has to survive
all of the other Immortals trying to take his or her head.
Nikki says and rotates her arm to stretch out the muscle that
had been injured during the fight but has now healed.
Haley notices that the stomach wound that Nikki had was gone.
Haley: Why'd he want me? Am-am I?
Haley asks not sure how to phrase the question.
Nikki shakes her head.
Nikki: No. You're a regular mortal human being. Kerby wanted you
because he saw us together the other day when we were having
lunch with my judge friend and he wanted to use you for bait to
make sure I faced him.
Nikki says in answer to Haley's question.
Nikki: You see.....each time one of us takes the head of an
Immortal the knowledge and power of the one killed is
transferred into the victor. The Prize is that the one surviving
Immortal will have gained the power and knowledge of all
Immortals. That's why we fight.
Nikki explains.
Haley: Then why did he say he was just gonna kill me?
Haley asks.
Nikki: Because he was a sadistic bastard. Unfortunately there
are Immortals who want to win the Prize so bad that they will do
anything to win. There are also those who see themselves as gods
because of their immortality and they see it as a license to do
whatever they want to whomever they want because they don't
believe there will be consequences for their actions.
Nikki answers.
Haley: H-how old are you? He-he said you were a cop?
Haley asks, feeling that she needed to ask, say something, but
not being able to come up with anything better.
Nikki: I'll be 177 in June.
Nikki answers.
Nikki: When Kerby and I met I was the sheriff of a little town
called Forks. So yeah, I was a cop. Back then.
Nikki says with a shrug.
Haley: Back when?
Haley asks, not quite able to wrap her head around 177 years
old.
Nikki: Late 1800s.
Nikki says simply.
Nikki: He challenged me and we were in the middle of the battle
when we got interrupted and had to stop. I guess he held a
grudge about that like it was my fault we got interrupted
Nikki adds with a shrug.
Nikki: Personally I could care less about the Prize. I avoid
fighting as much as possible because I don't like killing
anything. But when I do fight it's because I don't want to lose
my head and because I don't want someone like Kerby winning. I
mean can you imagine how a person like that would be with all
the power and knowledge of all the Immortals killed? He would
rule the world and not in a nice way. That's why I fight, Haley.
That's why I killed him. If I hadn't he would have killed me and
probably you.
Nikki says and looks at Haley.
Haley nods.
Haley: OK. So now what?
Haley asks.
Nikki looks at Haley a bit surprised at how quickly the girl
accepted it all. "That was easier than I thought," she thinks to
herself.
Nikki: Well....now we go back to the ranch.....I sneak in and
change my clothes so there aren't any questions about all of the
blood....you go upstairs and make up some story, because I told
Lauren that you were in trouble and I needed to come get
you....and you do your homework. And you remember your promise.
You never say anything to anyone. If word ever got out about me
and the others like me....we would become guinea pigs for all
sort of scientific experiments.
Nikki says, still watching Haley closely.
Haley: 'Kay.
Haley says softly and nods.
Nikki gets up and holds out her hand to Haley.
Nikki: So do you want MacDonald's or Taco Bell for dinner?
Haley: Wendy's?
Haley asks hesitantly, naming the restaurant she prefers
Nikki: Wendy's it is.
Nikki says with a nod.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 363--------------------------------------------------
Overdue Payment Part 9
By: 22639 Date: May 6, 2012, 10:01 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Later that night***[/center]
Nikki finishes her shower and changes into a pair of sweat pants
and an over sized t-shirt. She looks at her watch and quickly
wraps her hair in a towel and walks out of the bedroom. She goes
into the common room.
Nikki: OK, girls. Lights out in 10 minutes.
Nikki announces to the girls in the common room. Then she heads
up the stairs and makes the same announcement to those up there.
Lauren bounds up, at Nikki's announcement and follows the super.
Lauren: Hey, Nikki?
Lauren calls after the super.
Nikki: Hmmm?
Nikki responds, turning around to look at Lauren.
Lauren: Haley saw her dad, today, right?
Lauren asks.
Nikki: Ummm....
Lauren: Can you make her sleep down stairs tonight? She always
has nightmares after she sees him. Wakes the rest of us up.
Lauren says taking the 'umm' as a positive.
Nikki: I doubt that'll be a problem tonight.
Nikki says then looks around for Haley.
Lauren: 'Kay. Thanks.
Lauren says, and turns to go upstairs, for bed.
Methos tries Nikki's number again after he finishes his shower
and put on some clean clothes. He decides to check on the boys
and is pleased to see, they are already in their beds. He goes
down the stairs shaking his head, maybe they're trying to avoid
some kind of punishment they think he's going to give them, by
behaving they way they think would please him. "Yeah, like I
know what's on a kid's mind." He takes a deep breath, sometimes
he wishes he remembered that far back, and sometimes he doesn't,
it would be like opening Pandora's box anyway. "You might as
well leave it as it is." He murmurs to himself.
Nikki stands in the doorway of the huge dorm style bedroom and
watches as the girls get ready for bed....amused at how most of
them have waited until the last minute to get ready.
Nikki: 5 minutes, ladies.
Nikki announces after checking her watch.
Haley comes out of the bathroom, having showered and dressed for
bed.
Nikki: Has everybody said their prayers?
Nikki asks from the doorway...a mischievous grin on her face.
Haley just groans in unison with the rest of the girls.
Emily throws her pillow at Nikki and giggles.
Nikki: Oh. Now that is a major mistake, Miss Emily.
Nikki says bending down to pick up the pillow.
Nikki: Because I'm the queen of pillow fights.
Nikki says and throws it back at Emily.
Nikki: But tonight I'll have to take a rain check on proving it
to you. Next time....when it isn't a school night.
Nikki says and puts her hand over the light switch.
Nikki: 1 minute, ladies. Do you want me to tuck each of you in
bed?
Nikki says with a smile.
Haley just shakes her head laughing and gets into her bed.
When all of the girls are in their beds, Nikki looks at each of
the girls.
Nikki: Féadfaidh an leipreacháin ag breathnú thar tú.. (Gaelic
for, “May the Leprechauns watch over you.”)
Nikki says and switches off the light.
Nikki: Goodnight, ladies. Sleep tight.
Nikki says then heads downstairs.
Methos locks his bedroom door, lays down on the bed, his back to
the headboard and picks up his cell phone again, he frowns
puzzled when he tries Nikki's number and is sent back to
messages again.
Methos: Come on, turn on the phone.
Methos grumbles like she could hear him.
Nikki turns off the lights in the common room and goes into the
bedroom where she removes the towel from her hair and starts to
brush it out. As she looks at her reflection in the mirror a
memory comes to mind. "A-are you gonna kill me too?" She stops
and stares at her reflection.
Nikki: You don't look like a killer. But you are....aren't you?
You not only kill but you dismember.
Methos puts down the phone. He frowns when a thought comes to
his mind... Her absence at dinner and now this... This wasn't
starting to sound good at all. He knows what it means when an
Immortal disappears like that even if it's just for a couple of
hours.
Methos: She wouldn't right? She wouldn't take a challenge
without telling me.
Methos whispers to himself, then he gets on his feet and starts
pacing.
Methos: That's exactly what she would do.
Methos murmurs to himself
Nikki suddenly sees a monster in the mirror instead of her usual
reflection. She backs away and its down on the edge of the
bed....covering her face with her hands. She wants to cry but
the tears won't come. She uncovers her face and decides the only
person she can talk to about this is Methos. So she picks up her
phone off of the night stand and turns it on. Without looking to
see if she has any missed calls she hits her speed dial number
for Methos' phone then waits for him to answer....hoping she's
not going to wake him up.
Methos moves to his phone on the nightstand once it starts
ringing and is relieved to see Nikki's number on the monitor.
Methos: Hello? Nikki?
Methos asks refraining himself from asking her where she had
been right away.
Nikki already feels better just hearing Methos' voice.
Nikki: Hi, babe. How's life in Barracks C?
Nikki says forcing a light hearted tone into her voice.
Methos: Have you ever heard that song? "Right next door to
hell"?
Methos answers hoping she'd get the picture.
Methos: Is everything all right?
Methos asks after a moment, he could tell something wasn't right
here.
Nikki: Are the boys in bed?
Nikki asks avoiding his question for the moment.
Methos: Yes, maybe they're hoping I don't cut their TV and
Internet access.
Methos smirks remembering he'd threatened to do just that.
Nikki: Can you sneak out?
Nikki asks, already putting on her moccasins.
Methos: Yeah, I can do that.
Methos answers. Nikki didn't sound right at all.
Nikki: There's a small storage shack behind the chow hall which
is between our barracks. It's not locked. I'll meet you there.
Unless you don't want to see me.
Nikki says, closing her eyes and hoping that he does....not
thinking for a moment that he may have been worried not seeing
her at dinner.
Methos: Say what?
Methos asks again, for a moment he thinks he didn't hear her
correctly.
Methos: Why wouldn't I want to see you?
Nikki: I don't know. You might have better things to do. Some
Watcher business or something?
Nikki says wording it more as a question than a statement of
fact.
Methos: The Watchers can wait. I'll be right there.
Methos says shaking his head, worriedly.
Nikki: OK. Oh....Methos?
Nikki says really quick and softly.
Methos: Yes?
Methos asks as he was about to turn off his cell phone.
Nikki: I love you.
Nikki says simply and hangs up.
Methos is about to answer when he realizes she already turned
off her cell phone. He shakes his head with a sigh and gets
moving to meet her.
Nikki slips out of the bedroom and out the back door, making
sure to close the door quietly and heads for the shack.
Methos unlocks the door and gets inside the boys' barracks
without making any noise and walks to the shack Nikki has told
him about. He stops when he feels an Immortal buzz and
remembered he'd left his sword at the sup's bedroom. " Getting
sloppy, aren't we?" He murmurs under his breath.
Nikki feels Methos' familiar buzz and hurries her step. When she
sees him she breaks into a sprint and runs towards him.
Methos manages to open his arms to hold her even it's the only
thing he manages to do before she gets to him.
Methos: Are you alright?
Methos whispers as he takes her in his arms.
Nikki wraps her arms around his waist and lays her head against
his chest and nods.
Nikki: I am now.
Nikki says simply.
Methos moves his hands up and down her back for a while without
saying anything, he knows she'll eventually start taking when
she's ready. He's just relieved that she is alright.
Nikki moans, contentedly until she suddenly realizes how tense
he is. Without releasing him, she leans back and looks up into
his eyes, frowning.
Nikki: What's wrong?
Nikki asks, softly.
Methos smirks she's asking him that, instead of the other way
around.
Methos: I should be the one to ask you that, you know?
Methos points out raising an eyebrow at her.
Nikki looks over her shoulder at the shed and takes hold of his
hand. She leads him over to the shed and opens the door then
leads him inside. The shed, a small 10x10 area, lit only by the
moonlight coming through the only window. A pile of burlap sacks
set against one of the walls and Nikki leads Methos over to
them, kicking the stack over so that they are spread out on the
floor. She kneels down on them and tugs at his hand to invite
him to join her.
Methos sighs as he sits next to her, wondering how did it
happen. When did it start that they had to hide like two
teenagers.
Nikki: Now. No more avoiding my question. What's wrong?
Nikki asks again, while still holding his hand.
Methos: Besides the fact that you disappeared and wouldn't
answer your cell phone?
Methos rolls his eyes, who did she think she was trying to fool.
Methos: I know what that means most of the time.
Nikki winces as she realizes he must have been worried. She
places her hand against his cheek and looks into his eyes.
Nikki: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you.
Nikki says lovingly.
Methos smiles before he kisses her hand.
Methos: It's OK, those kids really kept me busy till bedtime.
Only had time to really start worrying then.
Nikki: I guess I didn't think you would miss me.
Nikki says with a little shrug.
Methos: Of course I would miss you.
Methos shakes his head disbelievingly.
Methos: Besides that's not a good enough reason not to tell me
you had a challenge.
Methos adds after a while, just to make sure she knew she wasn't
fooling him.
Nikki lets her hand drop away from his cheek and picks up his
hand. She holds it open in hers and studies it in the moonlight.
Nikki: I wasn't given much of a choice. And I definitely didn't
have time to think. The guy had abducted Haley and was holding
her as bait to make sure I showed up.
Nikki explains as she turns his hand over and studies his palm.
Methos: Yes, we get a charming guy like that once in a while.
Methos nods with an unhappy sigh, remembering that guy who
abducted Joe's daughter to get to him.
Nikki: His name was Jeffery Kerby and I met him, originally,
back in the late 1800s when he came into the town I was the
sheriff of and challenged me. We began the battle but my deputy
and a couple other friends stopped by so we had to stop. I guess
he never forgot the one that got away.
Nikki explains.
Nikki: He somehow came to Seacouver and while Haley and I were
lunching with Ally in an outdoor cafe in the Heights he saw me
and recognized me and somehow managed to find out how to contact
me. He did his home work. I'll give him that much.
Nikki smiles up at him.
Nikki: But....as you can see.....he didn't get everything he
wanted.
Nikki says and lifts his hand and kisses his long graceful
fingers.
Methos: And I'm glad he didn't.
Methos smiles, while he thinks to himself that if the
unthinkable happened it would be one of those times he'd throw
caution in the wind and do some revenge.
Nikki: Are you?
Nikki asks looking into his eyes.
Nikki: I mean.....it sure would get you off the hook.
Nikki says with a smarmy grin.
Methos: Hmm no, it would put me on the hook.
Methos makes a face at that, the last thing he wanted was to go
back to his old ways, he still remembers the reason he became a
Horseman.
Nikki quirks an eyebrow, questioningly.
Methos: You think I'd just let him take your head and get away
with it?
Methos clarifies seeing her confused look.
Methos: I'd go after that guy, whoever he was.
Nikki shakes her head.
Nikki: Don't talk like that. Even in jest. I can't bear the
thought of you going after someone and possibly losing your own
life over it. Knowing that you'll live on.....that you're alive
and well....would make losing my head bearable.
Nikki says as tears spring to her eyes from the thought
Methos: Well thanks for the vote of confidence.
Methos grumbles under his breath.
Nikki: I'm just speaking logically. You haven't had a challenge
in how long? And you never work out. All it would take is
someone much younger and in better shape and with a whole new
bag of tricks that you've never seen before. Then one wrong
move.....
Nikki 's hand that is holding his begins to tremble a little.
Methos: Hey, my last challenge was 14 years ago and I've been
practicing, I just don't like to make a show out of it.
Methos shrugs, he wasn't MacLeod after all who practiced in
front of everybody.
Methos: Besides I have some tricks they never heard before,
works both ways you know? So no need to worry about that, OK?
Methos adds with a smirk, patting her trembling hand lightly,
while he thinks he also didn't have a problem with cheating if
he really had to, dead Immortals didn't complain.
Nikki takes a deep breath....calming herself down.
Nikki: Well.....you get my point anyway....right?
Nikki asks, hoping that he did.
Methos: Yes, I got it.
Methos nods still patting her hand, he can't help to smile
amused at the thought that apparently Amanda never told her he'd
beat her in a heartbeat, well not something she could brag about
anyway.
Nikki: Good. So we both agree.....we don't want to lose each
other.
Nikki says and picks up a piece of hay and chews on the end of
it. She lays back on her back and looks up at the way the moon
light plays on the ceiling.
Nikki: You know.....as exasperating as you can be....there are
still times when I wish I was more like you.
Nikki says while chewing on the piece of straw.
Methos: So why aren't you? You just have to keep trying until
you reach perfection.
Methos teases with a smile, apparently she wasn't so upset now.
Nikki: Right.
Nikki says, shaking her head.
Nikki: I'm serious. There was a time when stuff didn't get to
me.
Nikki says and looks at Methos.
Methos: What stuff?
Methos frowns puzzled, he thinks he might be missing something
here.
Nikki: Just stuff.
Nikki says not wanting to tell him about her guilty conscience
because she figures he wouldn't understand.
Methos side glances at her suspiciously, he could tell she was
hiding something.
Methos: Yeah, right.
Nikki: It's all your fault....you know.
Nikki says, seriously.
Methos: It is? What did I do now?
Methos raises an eyebrow, studying her while trying to figure
out what she’s hiding.
Nikki: You found a way to get me to lose my armor so now stuff
that didn't used to get to me....well....it does.
Nikki says and grabs another piece of straw to chew on.
Methos: Stuff like what?
Methos asks hoping she'll end up telling him what's bothering
her.
Nikki sighs, realizing that Methos isn't going to let it go. She
closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath.
Nikki: Do you ever think about what it is we do? I mean really
think about it?
Nikki asks, looking up at him.
Nikki: I mean what makes us any different than Jack the Ripper
or the Son of Sam or Jeffery Dalmer?
Nikki asks and sits up, pulling her knees up to her chest and
wrapping her arms around them.
Methos: Because we're fighting for our life?
Methos points out, it's not like they had a choice except kill
or be killed.
Nikki: Yeah. That's what we tell ourselves to justify it but the
reality is....we don't just kill our opponents....we dismember
them...mutilate them. The same way the ones sitting on death row
did to their victims. The only difference is that we haven't
been caught.
Nikki says, laying her cheek on her knees.
Methos: We dismember them?
Methos repeats surprised.
Methos: Nikki, it's the only way to kill one of us, remember?
Methos shakes his head, apparently she was feeling sorry for
that guy she had to kill.
Nikki: I know. But that doesn't make it any easier to stomach.
Nikki says and closes her eyes as she remembers the look on
Haley's face and hears her voice when she asked..."are you going
to kill me, too?"
Methos: You didn't go after that guy, did you? He came after
you, so why should you feel sorry for him?
Methos asks as his frown deepens, she just told him she had no
stomach for it? It's not like Nikki at all.
Nikki: I didn't say I felt sorry for him.
Nikki says shaking off the vivid memory of the look on Haley's
face.
Nikki: I guess I just didn't ever really think about it until I
had a chance to see it through someone else's eyes.
Nikki says, thoughtfully.
Methos: See it through someone else's eyes? Why do I have the
feeling you left something out?
Methos points out, while he studies her suspiciously.
Methos: You mean that kid... Haley? Watched the fight?
Nikki: When I got there she was tied to a pillar in the
warehouse. She didn't have much choice.
Nikki explains.
Nikki: But it was what she said afterward....when we went to
talk about what had happened...who and what I am, etc.
Nikki says, letting her legs stretch out in front of her and
leaning back on her arms.
Methos: She was shocked, that's hardly surprising.
Methos shakes his head at the other Immortal's stupidity, hmm
maybe it wasn't that.
Methos: And I think he would have killed her if you lost.
Methos adds, it's the only thing that made sense, since he
sounded so unconcerned the kid watched the fight.
Nikki: He would have. But....see? What you don't seem to
understand....not everyone in this world....Immortal and Mortals
alike....handles things the way you do or see things the way you
do. Especially a 16 years old girl who has been abused in ways
we can't...or don't want to...imagine.
Nikki says a bit exasperated with Methos one dimensional
thinking.
Methos: Of course they don't, they're not 5,000 years, and I
don't even remember being a teenager.
Methos smiles at Nikki's conclusion, it was supposed to surprise
him?
Nikki: None of which is the point.
Nikki says with a sigh.
Nikki: But never mind. It's just stuff and I need to figure out
how to deal with it on my own....like I did not even a year ago.
Nikki says and looks at her watch.
Nikki: Besides.....it's time for us to get back before something
happens and our absences is discovered.
Nikki says getting to her feet.
Methos: What exactly did she say to get you this upset? She
didn't take well the fact that you're different, I take it.
Methos asks looking up, if she thinks she's getting away this
easily, she's wrong.
Nikki: Oh she didn't seem to have any problem with that part.
And she had no problem believing me.
Nikki says, turning around to look at Methos.
Nikki: It's just something she asked me that has been preying on
my mind. But don't worry about it....not that you would. It's my
problem. Not yours.
Nikki says, determined now to keep it to herself. There's no way
that he would understand what Haley had come to mean to her and
how much she valued Haley trusting her.
Methos: So you keep telling me.
Methos takes a deep breath, he wishes she just told him what the
kid had told her and stopped beating around the bush.
Methos: You think I'm also getting shocked by whatever you're
not telling me?
Nikki shakes her head and laughs.
Nikki: No. I know that nothing I could ever say would shock you.
You've been there....done that....a gazillion time in 5000 years
so you've seen it all....if not done it all. I'm not worried
about shocking you.
Nikki says, frustratedly.
Methos: So why not just tell me? It can't be that bad.
Methos points out as he slowly gets to his feet, he was tired of
looking up.
Nikki: Because I don't want hear your usual hard core....just
accept it and move on....advice. It's not as simple for me to do
that as it is for you. Especially with no armor to protect me
from feeling.
Nikki says, seriously.
Methos: Great, now you're using my own words against me.
Methos sighs, shaking his head.
Methos: Besides how do you know I'd answer that?
Nikki: Experience?
Nikki says with a shrug.
Nikki: Because when I love someone I try and learn as much about
them and the way they think as possible. And having known you
and loved you for 12 years.....I have plenty of time to study
you.
Nikki says, looking at her watch again...then at the shed door.
Methos sees Nikki's glance at the shed door and casually walks
to lean against it. If she thought she was going to leave
without telling him she was wrong.
Methos: Is it my impression or you just called me dull? Or maybe
predictable?
Methos asks crossing his arms while leaning against the shed
door.
Nikki: You are predictable.....in your own way. Those who know
you can pretty much predict how you will react in certain
situations....and how you would answer certain questions. About
the only unpredictable thing you've done in the last 12 years
that I've known you is to tell me you wanted me to lose my armor
because you were in love with me.
Nikki says and chips off some peeling paint on the door jam.
Methos: Oh, really? I'm so pleased to hear that.
Methos shakes his head with a sigh. Then he takes a look at his
watch.
Methos: And it's getting late, so you were saying? Haley asked
you something?
Nikki: Fine!
Nikki says, exasperatedly.
Nikki: But I never want to hear anything about me being stubborn
ever again. Because you are the one not letting this go.
Nikki grumbles.
Methos: Yeah, the pot calling the kettle black.
Methos nods amused.
Methos: Please go on.
Nikki: She looked me in the eyes...terror written all over her
face...and asked me if I was going to kill her, too. Are you
happy now?
Nikki spits the words out, venomously.
Methos sobers up instantly at that.
Methos: Poor kid. Only God knows what that guy told her before
you arrived.
Methos lets out an unhappy sigh.
Methos: Like these kids didn't have enough as it is.
Nikki: Now I need to get back to my girls. Are you going to let
me out...or not?
Nikki says, looking at Methos, questioningly. She didn't want to
think about it anymore. She wanted to forget the way Haley
looked at her. And that wasn't going to happen if she had to
keep talking about it.
Methos: Nikki, this wasn't about you. The kid just witnessed
something she wasn't ready to see, on top of what her life has
been.
Methos says hoping to make her feel better about it, it's
obvious she took it real hard.
Nikki: But it IS about me. That's the part you don't get and
probably never will.
Nikki says and wonders why she is still trying.
Methos: Fine, if it's that what you think.
Methos moves away from the door and opens it.
Methos: The girls are all yours.
Nikki: Thank you.
Nikki says and pushes past him. The cool night air hits her face
and revives her a bit as she hurries toward the girls' barracks.
“This is me....,” she thinks to herself and she squares her
shoulders and holds her head high, “....moving on.”
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 366--------------------------------------------------
Part 10
By: 22639 Date: May 10, 2012, 9:38 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki is out back of the older girls' barracks, dressed in a
pair of sweat pants and a tank top, performing a strenuous Kata.
Haley: Sweet.
Haley says with a smile as she sees an envelope with her name
sitting on the table in the barracks. She hardly ever gets mail,
unlike the other girls. Grabbing the letter she doesn't look at
it further as she heads up the stairs, to her bed to read it in
comfort.
Nikki 's arms and face are beaded with perspiration as it is a
warm Spring afternoon.
Haley curls up onto her bed and then actually looks at envelope.
Reading the return address, Haley feels herself pale.
Haley: The Probation Department?
Haley whispers.
Nikki: Uh! Uh!
Nikki grunts with each jab and kick.
Haley: What??
Haley mutters and tears the envelope open, and pulls the piece
of paper out and starts to read it.
Nikki: Uh! Uh! Uh!
Nikki jabs at the air, using every muscle. But her concentration
is broken when a picture of Methos comes into her head just as
she is attempting a side kick. She loses her balance and timing
and staggers a few steps.
Nikki: Damn!
Nikki swears and shakes her head.
Haley starts shaking her head.
Haley: No, no, no. They can't do that!
Haley whispers.
Nikki: Moving on, Flynn. Moving on.
Nikki resets her stance so she can start again.
Nikki: Do it until you get it right.
Nikki says aloud and exhales slowly.....calming her mind
Haley suppresses tears as she hears some of the other girls
starting up the stairs. Getting up, she heads down, needing to
get somewhere more private, so she could let the tears come.
Nikki begins again....slowly at first then picking up speed.
Haley comes down stairs and sees several of the other girls
hanging out in the kitchen and can hear others in the rec room
and living room. Giving the girls a smile and a wave, Haley
quickly darts outside, before allowing the tears to come. The
letter crumpled in her hand.
Nikki hears the back door of the barracks slam shut. Then she
hears the unmistakable sound of someone crying. She stops and
looks in the direction of the sound. Picking her towel up off of
the ground, she shakes it out and wipes the sweat from her face
and walks in the direction of the sound.
Haley walks just far enough until she knows shes out of
immediate site of the barracks and then sinks down to the
ground, her back against a tree, and pulls her knees up to her
chest, crying.
Nikki sees the shadow of someone sitting behind a tree and she
walks quietly closer. When she realizes it's Haley she moves
faster and drops to her knees next to the girl.
Nikki: Haley? Honey? What's wrong?
Nikki asks softly...placing her hand on Haley's shoulder.
Haley: They're gonna make me go back to my dad!
Haley sobs into her knees.
Nikki puts her arm around Haley's shoulders and gently pulls her
closer.
Nikki: Who's they?
Nikki asks, her voice soft and calm.
Haley: Them. Probation Department.
Haley cries turning into Nikki's support.
Nikki realizes she's not going to get much of an answer from
Haley as upset as she is so she puts her other arm around the
girl and holds her close to her. She gently caresses Haley's
back in slow circles.
Nikki: Shhhh.....calm down, Sweety. Shhhh.
Nikki whispers and gently rocks back and forth.
Haley: I can't! I can't go back to my dad. I won't!
Haley sobs.
Nikki: OK, baby. OK Shhhh It'll be OK
Nikki whispers, consolingly. Then she notices the crumpled up
paper in Haley's hand and she is able to make out the letter
head as being the Probation Department. She gently removes the
letter from Haley's hand and, as she continues to gently rock
the girl and caress her back, Nikki reads the letter.
Nikki: OK Shhhh....it's OK Shhhh.....calm down, sweety. Calm
down.
Nikki whispers after she has finished reading the letter.
Haley slowly calms down, to simply crying, from sobbing.
Nikki: Shhhh.....baby. It'll be OK You're not going back to live
with him. I'll do whatever it takes to keep that from happening.
Shhhhh.
Nikki whispers and thinks to herself..."even if it means we both
disappear for a while."
Haley: I can't! I won't. I'd rather die. Or go back to jail.
Haley says, eyes still streaming.
Nikki: Nobody's going to jail.
Nikki says and uses her towel to wipe Haley's tear stained face.
Nikki: And you are not going back to someplace you don't feel
safe.
Nikki adds with conviction.
Haley: How can you be so sure?
Haley asks, twisting slightly to look Nikki in the face.
Nikki smiles at Haley.
Nikki: Have I let you down yet?
Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow questioningly as she wipes
Haley's tears with the towel.
Haley slowly shakes her head.
Haley: No....
Haley says cautiously.
Nikki places her fingers under Haley's chin and lifts it up so
she is looking directly into Haley's eyes.
Nikki: Do you trust me?
Nikki asks softly.
Haley: Yes.
Haley replies simply, without hesitation.
Nikki: The trust me when I tell you this.....
Nikki waves the letter.
Nikki: ....is NOT going to happen.
Nikki says confidently.
Haley nods her head after a long moment.
Haley: Okay.
Haley whispers.
Nikki: I will call my judge friend and see what our options are.
Nikki lifts Haley's face up again.
Nikki: I know you're scared. But I promise we'll fix this. One
way or the other.
Nikki says then a thought comes to mind.
Nikki: But....just in case....I want you to pack a
bag.....without anyone knowing what you're doing and stash it
under your bed. Hopefully we won't need it...but just in
case....it's better to be prepared.
Nikki says, seriously.
Nikki: Understand?
Haley nods her head slowly.
Haley: Yes.
Haley says.
Haley: Nikki?
Haley asks softly.
Haley: Why do you believe me? About my dad? About... wh-what
he's like?
Haley asks.
Nikki: Because I trust you.
Nikki says simply and smiles reassuringly at Haley.
Haley: Why? Nobody else does?
Haley asks.
Nikki: Haven't you learned by now that I'm not like everyone
else?
Nikki asks and winks at Haley.
Haley: That's a good point.
Haley says, with a weak chuckle.
Nikki: That's my girl.
Nikki says with a nod and a smile.
Nikki: Now....you go wash your face and do what I said. I'll
hang on to this....
Nikki waves the letter.
Nikki: ....and we'll just keep this between us.....OK?
Nikki playfully flips the end of Haley's nose.
Haley nods slowly.
Haley: Alright.
Haley grins slightly.
Nikki gets to her feet and holds out her hand to Haley.
Nikki: It'll be OK, baby. I promise.
Nikki says reassuringly.
Haley puts her hand in Nikki's and lets Nikki pull her to her
feet.
Haley: Thank you.
Haley says softly, both for the hand up and the promise.
Nikki: No need to thank me. That's what friends are for.
Nikki says with a smile. She playfully pats Haley on the butt.
Nikki: Now get. I have some thinking to do.
Nikki says with a snicker.
Haley: Alright
Haley says, with smile heading back towards the barracks.
[center]The End
[/center]
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