He couldn't believe he'd done it. How did this happen? Roger Langley wasn't one to stand up for himself, yet alone someone else, but when he saw this woman being harassed something in him snapped. There had been a rush of adrenaline that felt good when he'd first hit the man, but now that had past and there was the man he'd hit, lying there still on the ground blood gushing from his head.
The girl grabbed his arm and was saying something unintelligible; at least to him it was. She dragged him as she ran. He didn't resist. He was in shock If he had been anywhere near his right mind, she wouldn't have been strong enough. Roger was fairly large, nearly six feet tall and weighed around two hundred pounds. This girl, who he'd never met, was trying to flee with him. At least that's the impression his currently vacant mind was getting.
Finally he snapped out of his trance like state, which seemed to have lasted just long enough for the young woman to get him into a car and drive away.
“What the hell did I just do?” his voice was quiet and sad. He apparently was still a bit in shock.
“You saved my life, although I'm not sure why. You got some sort of Superman complex or something?” Judging by the woman's voice she was just as frazzled as he was. “I've never seen anyone go down that hard before.”
“No, neither have I. Um,.. look we need to go back. He didn't look to good, so I have to call an ambulance and make a statement to the poli...” she cut him off.
“No! No police. Besides, do you want to go to jail?” Roger was now confused.
“I may have killed that guy, I can't just run away.”
“Well I'm not going back, once we're out of town, I'll let you out; until then relax.” He had absolutely no response to this. On the one hand he knew what was right, he had to turn himself in. On the other hand she was very convincing. He really didn't want to go to jail. He sat quiet for a few minutes and the he spoke again. “Why did you grab me? “
“What?”
“Why did you grab me? You could have just ran, left me there to face the music, but you didn't you took me with you.”
“Well... I … I don't really know. Maybe because no one's ever stood up for me before.” He found this hard to believe. How could a woman that looked like her not have had some guy act as her knight in shinning armor? With her long red hair, that was tied up in a pony-tail, and freckles, she was the kind of girl Roger always dreamed he'd find, but never thought he would. The more he watched her the more she reminded him of that girl from the zombie movie.
“Oh. Well um.. So what's your name?” He was nervous now that the shock and adrenaline had worn off. He'd never been the most eloquent when talking to women he found attractive; especially when they were in the same room, or in this case, car.
“Ellie.”
“Nice to meet you Ellie, I.. I'm Roger. So...um... any idea where we're going?”
“We? So you've decided to stay then.” She said matter-of-factly
“Well you did go through all the trouble of bringing me along, so it would ruin my hero rep to abandon you now. Wouldn't it?” He couldn't believe he'd just said that, he never uses pick up lines; especially not one that with that much bluster, but to his amazement and delight she smiled. When she did, her nose crinkled. Right then he knew he was in trouble, because there was nothing he wouldn't do for a woman that smiled like that especially when it was at him.
“No idea, but I'm sure it'll be an interesting ride.” Her coy response made him smile. As boring as his life had been up until that point, Ellie came into his life. With her here it would assuredly hit the other end of the spectrum.
They drove for what seemed like hours before they spoke again., by that point they were well outside the city limits.
“So tell me, Roger, what's a normal looking guy like you doing in a neighborhood like that?” “ I mean you seem pretty straight laced. Except of course for practically knocking a guys head off, in defense of a young maid.” She was trying to lighten the mood, but he wasn't quite ready for that level of jocularity just yet.
He wasn't quite sure what she meant by a neighborhood like “that”. He'd never been there before so he didn't really know what kind of reputation it had had. Then it dawned on him what she was getting at. It must have been a really bad part of town.
“Oh, uh... I was looking for a party a friend of mind told me about. She said it would be a good chance for me to “put myself out there”. Of course she probably didn't know it was a slum.” The words no sooner escaped his mouth then he wished he could suck them back in. It just then dawned on him she'd been there and seemed familiar with the area, so maybe she lived there. “Oh.. I'm sorry, I didn't ...mean anything by that.” she cut him off right there.
“What? Do I look like I live in a crap hole area like that? Hell no! I was just there to...” She trailed off, apparently she didn't want to go into details as to why she'd been there; so she focused the subject back to him.
“So this friend of yours, she a girlfriend?” Roger got the impression her question came out more blunt than she'd intended. He didn't want to dwell so he answered.
“Um... No, She’s just a friend. I don't really date much.” “or at all”. He'd said the last part under his breath hoping she hadn't caught it. She didn't seem to so he continued. “So she thought it'd be a good idea for me to go out and meet some new people.”
“Well if she sent you to that part of town to meet people, she can't be a very good friend.” She was trying to lighten the mood again, but he didn’t smile. “Come on I was just kidding.” He smiled half heartedly to humor her, but he wasn’t really feeling very light hearted. She looked at him to continue about his friend. He saw she was waiting for something so he did.
“Oh, ah, well, we haven't known each other very long, but she's cool. She's got a kind of unique style, kind of a modern Bohemian. Which really fits with my personality.”
“What? Don't tell me you're an artsy type! Funny you don't look it.” With the exception of his long brown hair, he couldn't disagree.
“Ha, ha, ha...” he couldn't help himself that time it just struck him funny that she'd refer to him like that.
“Finally, I was beginning to think you didn't know how to even smile yet alone laugh.”
“Well, that was, funny. Um... no I’m not an artsy type, at least not with paint and a canvas.”
“No? So what's your outlet for your artistic soul?” It seemed like she teasing him a bit, so he felt a little anxious and embarrassed; this time he was the one blushing.
“Um, well.. I write; a bit.”
“Oh do tell. What do you write?” He didn't like talking about himself and as luck would have it he got a reprieve. As he was about to elaborate, they saw flashing blue lights in the rear view.
The look on Ellie's face was a mix of shock, and fear. She was apparently not about to let them get pulled over. She sped up, Roger was now the one in shock. The cop had sped up to match their speed. They were on a windy road that ran through heavily forested area, which made the chase all the more dangerous.
“What the hell?” Roger had never been the type to raise his voice to a woman, but tonight seemed to be a night of firsts for him. First time he'd committed felony assault, and possibly a homicide, he still didn't know what condition that guy was in. The first time he'd gotten into a car with a strange woman, and then got into his first high speed chase.
Thinking back, he had to blame Devon, she was the one that suggested he go to a party; which lead to his current predicament. The thing was even though he'd never gotten so much as a speeding ticket in his entire twenty-seven years on the planet, he was genuinely excited for the first time since he could remember. (So maybe he should thank his friend instead.) He'd have to wait to see how this all turned out before he decided.
“Relax, I know what I'm doing.” As she said this, she caught something out of the corner of her eye. She weaved just in time to avoid hitting a deer, but luck was once again on their side, and the cop car wasn't so fortunate. They sped off into the night leaving the police officer swearing and pounding his dash. Once they were out of sight of the cop, she turned onto a side road.
“So, you run form the authorities often? Cause you do it like a pro.” He was half amused and half appalled as he said this. The look on her face said enough though, she gave a catty grin. It was then he knew she was either some sort of criminal, or crazy.
He shook his head; this was ridiculous. She was a little different, but not a criminal; was she? “What exactly did I get myself into? I mean who are you Ellie?”
“You really need to calm down, or this trip isn't going to be any fun.” He wasn't amused. “Look, it's not important now, but if you're uncomfortable with me, I can let you out.” He could tell from here tone she was bluffing, but it was still a bit irritating.
“Not important? Look, don't get me wrong; I think you’re quite possibly the coolest, cutest, most interesting person I've ever met. It's just that I don't...do...this kind of stuff.” he stammered....
“Really? Interesting. That's the best you can come up with to describe me? You're a writer for crying out loud. Well, we'll just have to work on that. Won't we?” “Cute, and cool, on the other hand we can work with.” She smiled and winked; her grin once more melted his heart. And, once again she seemed to be enjoying this a little too much. “Oh, and by the way. If you don't... do... this kind of stuff; why did you let me drag you away? I mean I'm not exactly Wonder Woman, and you're a pretty big guy, look what you did to Eli... Uh…never mind; the point is if you'd struggled even a little bit, I probably couldn't have forced you to come.”
“I.. Well I was in shock, to be perfectly honest.”....
“That's something else you should do less.” She said plainly.
“What?”
“Being perfectly honest is a determent. All it gets you are a big mass of headaches, trust me.”
“Do I even have to tell you how flawed that statement; not to mention your logic is? I mean you tell me being honest is bad, but you follow it up with wanting me to trust you. That’s kind of an oxymoron.”
“I didn't say being honest is a problem, in moderation honesty is good. Being completely, “perfectly” honest is where you fall into the trap.” He was completely and perfectly lost now. “For example, if your girlfriend asks you if her jeans make her look fat. What would you say? You wouldn't tell her the truth would you? That's just a good way to lose her.”
“Well I guess not, not if they actually did make her look fat.”
“That's never the point of that question, when a woman asks you things like that she's looking for re-assurance that you still find her attractive. So be honest but don't be perfectly honest. You really don't have much experience with women do you?”....
“Um..no not really.”
“If it's not too personal, can I ask why?” He was reluctant to answer at first, all the feelings he'd had from high school, were bubbling back up. Feelings he didn't like to dwell on, but were still there waiting to surface at the least opportune moment. His voice caught in his throat, as he tried to speak.
“Um...” he coughed. Well to be honest.”....
“But not too honest right?” She winked at him, that small gesture was enough to relax him a bit, so he continued.
“Right, not perfectly.” He smiled. “I'm not really sure, I have some theories, but I guess it boils down to not being the right… Um type.” He looked away for a second. Now he was beat red with embarrassment. She nodded, she seemed to know what he meant, but didn’t look like she was judging him for it. He took another breath and said. “Okay, your turn to share. Why was that guy trying to kill you?” He'd just remembered she'd said that as they were driving away.
“It's a long story, and he wasn’t really trying to kill me, he just…” He looked at her and gave a reassuring smile.
"Well, we've got time, it's not like I'm going anywhere." She smiled and her nose crinkled again. His heart skipped a beat once more. God help him, he was becoming attached to her.
He awoke in the back of the ambulance, unsure of his surroundings. The last thing Elio remembered was trying to get his money back from that little con artist. Then some fool came along and knocked him out. Now he was ready for revenge, but as he tried to sit up he found he was strapped to a gurney with an EMT sitting over him.
“Relax sir, you took a sever bump to your head. You may have a concussion.” Elio glared at the man with contempt.
"I'm fine. You really need to let me out of these restraints!” His tone left no doubt what he expected. Obviously he was used to getting his way. He was street hardened and knew his mind, the perfect combination for what he did for a living.
“Look, you're in no condition to be straining yourself, so please just relax. We're trying to help you.”
The man's words fell on def ears, as Elio struggled to get free. The EMT was on him in an instant giving him a sedative to calm him down, to his dismay it worked. He didn't fall asleep, but he didn't have the energy to struggle either.
Fifteen minutes later they reached the hospital, and he was rushed into the emergency room where he was prodded and scanned and eventually given the okay. Apparently he didn't sustain a concussion. So his next move was to get the hell out of there and find the girl and the dead man that hit him. He started towards the door when a police officer stopped him.
“Excuse me sir, I need to get your statement. Could you tell me what happened?” Elio didn't want anything getting in the way of what he was planning, so he lied.
“I slipped and hit my head on the ground. It's as simple as that.”
“We've got reports that you were in an altercation with a woman, when a Caucasian male intervened hitting you and knocking you to the ground. Are you telling me that is incorrect?”
“Yeah, that's right. I told you what happened so if you don't mind...” He started towards the exit again. The officer moved to intercept.
“Well if you remember anything else sir, give me a call.” The officer handed him his card.
“Yeah, I'll be sure to do that.” Came his sarcastic response as he moved past him. Now that he was out he had to get a hold of his boys and track down that deceptive little tart and her new boyfriend.
A few minutes later he found a pay phone, and called one of his “guys”.
“Rufus, get Trailer and Tank and get your fat Asses down to the hospital and pick me up.” The ice in his voice would leave Rufus with no doubt that he should just do as instructed.
By the time the black 67 Impala pulled up, Elio's mood had worsened; a fact that was not lost on the three large men in the car.
“Wow! You look pissed boss; what's up?” Tank dared to ask.
“What's up is, we're about to get some payback. That bitch Ellie, has my money, and I intend to get it. Then she and that loser she's with are in for some punishment.” The three men in the car just nodded, they weren't thrilled when they had to kill, but it was good money, and even better policy not to argue with Elio; especially when he was angry.
“So, uh where are we going?” Asked Rufus. Elio opened his mouth, and then realized he was unconscious when they left so he had no idea.
“We go back to the club, and Colombo the area.”.
“I don't know what that means.” Stated Rufus.
“It means we ask questions until we get the info we need, you dumb ass.”
“Right, sorry boss.”
“Not as sorry as the two we're hunting are going to be when I find them.” None of the men said a word to that, Rufus just pulled out and head to the club Elio owned.
Ellie was about to stall again, but she decided to just lay it out there. She already knew Roger wasn't going anywhere, so she might as well come clean. Plus she was really starting to like him. He wasn't exactly like the guys she was used to. Especially Elio.
“That guy you decked, his name is Elio. He's a gangbanger and a thug. He also happens to own that club; were we met.” She waited to see his reaction. He looked like the wheels were turning in his head, trying to grasp what she'd just said.
“Um.. Okay, so do you run with gang bangers?” He sounded reluctant, but at least he seemed receptive.
“No, it's just that... well I had some financial problems and Elio offered to help.”
“That seems a kind of nice of him, considering he's a thug.” His face lost a little color, with shock; she really hoped he didn't do that all the time. The realization of what he'd done must have sunk in. “You mean I decked a gang banger? Oh...Crap!” She didn't mean to laugh, and as soon as she saw the look on his face, she was sorry she had. She new by looking at him he wasn't used to dealing bangers, he’d probably never even seen one before tonight, but the fact that he hit one showed he had courage; even if he didn't know it at the time. “It's not funny! He's probably got friends that are going to come after me now. And here I was worried we'd get arrested. Now I find out I'm probably going to get killed.” He looked more sad than worried.
“I know. You're right. It wasn't funny, and I'm sorry. That's at least part of the reason I dragged you along. I couldn't leave you there for his guys to find you.”
“Even though we hadn't even met?” She was a bit taken aback by his question.
“Well, you stepped in to help me and you didn't know me. So who says you're the only one that gets to play hero?” She wasn't really angry, but her tone did denote a little frustration. “You know you really need to relax, you seem wound way too tight sometimes.”
“Sorry, I just can't imagine how I got to this point. I mean I know how we got here, but it all seems like it happened to someone else. So yeah I am a little anxious, sue me.”
“Hey if I did maybe I could pay off Elio.” She smiled and winked at him. She could tell that got to him.
“Okay, so why did this Elio? Dumb name by the way. Why did he offer to help you out?”
“Well… he's my brother.” Rogers Jaw dropped, literally.
“I.... wh..”
“Don't you dare go into shock again, for god sake you weren't this delicate when you hit him.”
“Well I am, I mean how can I help it. I probably killed your brother and here you are running away with me. How messed up is your family?” For the second time, he looked like he wished he could take back what he said. She was the one in shock now, she hadn't cried since she was twelve. Now however she couldn't help it.
She slammed on the brake, and came to a halt. Her tears fell like a summer's rain. Roger reached over to comfort her, but she pushed his hand away.
“I'm...Sorry. I.. You know I didn't mean that.” his voice was low and soft. She could tell he was sorry, his voice full of earnest. “Please, don't. Look, I don't have any room to say anything. My dad was an abusive alcoholic, and he'd constantly beat me and my mom.” She looked over her eyes bright red and still soaked with tears. “Please, forgive me.” He reached over and whipped the tears away. Then with out saying a word, he leaned over and kissed her. Their lips touched with a passionate tenderness that neither could have guess.
Finally after what seemed like an eternity they pulled apart. Roger looked dazed but had an unusual shaped smile on his face. Ellie, smiled and crinkled her nose. She could tell Roger was walking on cloud nine. She only hoped it would last, when Rufus, Trailer, and Tank caught up with them’ because she was becoming quite fond of him, and didn't want it to end, the way she knew it was bound to.
Where was he? Devon had been at the party for hours. She had thought Roger was just being fashionably late, but now she was beginning to worry. She knew he never went out and did things like this; and there was no doubt he was shy when it came to meeting new people, but surely he would have called if he decided not to come.
Finally she decided she had to call him and see what was going on. He was too nice a guy to be wandering this area alone; lord knows what kind of trouble he might get into. She decided that she'd better try calling him from outside, not only would the reception be better; she doubted she'd be able to hear him in a room full of loud obnoxious drunks having a good time.
Once outside, she started to dial his cell number, but got distracted by two huge men walking up the sidewalk, forcefully asking people questions. One of the large men finally reached her and asked.
“Hey lady, have you seen a girl and guy running through or driving past, earlier tonight?” Devon looked at them sizing them up for a minute before answering.
“Um you may have to be a little more specific. There is a party going on here you know?” He scratched his blond head, and she could swear there was a little bit of drool coming out of his mouth; which kind of reminded her of a Neanderthal.
“Well the girl is a bit shorter than you with red hair. The guy she's with is about six feet, and has long kind of curly/wavy brown hair, not sure which. Oh and he was wearing a black canvas cargo vest.” The description of the guy sounded to her like Roger. Devon was not sure what these two could possibly want from him, but the smart bet was it was not good for Roger.
“Well, um... Actually yes, now that I think about it. There were two people that matched that description running past as I was going in.” A grin that came over his face that almost made the blond man look child like; if the child was six foot six and weighed two hundred and sixty pounds.
“Oh that's a relief. So which way did they go?” She paused for a minute and put her index finger on her chin as if she was considering the answer.
“You know, I do believe they went down that block and turned left.” She could only hope Roger was smart enough to head for home, which was the exact opposite way.
The blond man ran over to the brunette man that had been on the other side of the street asking some poor scared couple; what she assumed was the exact same question. She was now concerned for Rogers safety.
She began to dial Roger’s number again, as soon as the two thugs were out of earshot.
“Come on pick up, pick up!” She was even more distressed when all she got was his voice mail. “Roger, it's me. Where are you? Call me as soon as you get this, there were two giant men looking for you.” That's all she could do. For now she would just have to wait and see if he called back.
A realization came over her as she stood there, waiting for him to call. This was her fault; wasn't it? He would never be here if she hadn't suggested he got out more. He would never say it, he was far too nice; to his detriment at times, but she felt that it was true. “Wait a minute,” she thought. Now she was jumping to conclusions. Maybe he wasn't in any trouble. Maybe the guy was just looking to return his wallet or maybe he dropped his keys. If that was the case, why did he run? And for that matter, who was the girl he was running with.
Although under different circumstances she would have been happy to hear he was with a girl. This seemed like a bad situation; a situation that was going to get worse if she couldn't get a hold of him. Fifteen minutes, she decided. She would give him fifteen minutes to call back, then; she was going to call the police.
“Where are you?” she said in a whisper to herself. She hoped that wherever he was he was safe, and aware of what was coming.
He was amazed at what had happened. He'd seen it in movies, and books a thousand times, but never thought in a million years that it could actually happen; especially to him. They had been fighting and then all of a sudden after a heart felt apology, they shared an immensely passionate kiss.
Roger had never had the courage to kiss a woman he was attracted to like that before. This one seemed different; she seemed special. Ever since he'd first laid eyes on her, his life had been turned upside down, amazingly enough, he was okay with that. He'd written a lot of love poems, and stories where the geek got the girl. Finally he found it happening to him; at least he hoped that was what was happening. She seemed just as surprised as him that they'd kissed. To his slight disappointment, she hadn't said a word following it.
“Um... I know I'm not really practiced at it, but was that okay?” She slowly looked up into his eyes, and paused before she spoke. The anticipation of what she was about to say was starting to kill him.
“For someone who's shy, and doesn't have a lot of experience. That was... Really good!” Roger couldn't help but smile and let out a quick laugh.
“Ha...um thanks. Honestly didn't expect that response.” It was her turn to smile, that amazing smile that made him want to do anything for her.
“Look. I know how this is going to sound, but we've been driving for hours. Maybe we should find someplace to stop and get some sleep.” He wasn't sure how she'd respond. To his surprise and relief, she apparently took it the way he'd intended.
“I know, you're right. Any suggestions as to where we should stay?” He pondered the question for a moment, then realized as he looked around where they were.
“As a matter of fact I do.” another huge smile came over his face; this time it was one of confidence. “We're about ten miles from a state park that has cabins we could rent.”
“Really, and how is it you happen to know this?”
“Well, when I was a kid my family used to go to it for a week in the summer. Until my dad got drunk and punched out a park ranger, that is. As you can imagine we weren't allowed back again. Also there's a convenience store along the way, we can get a few supplies too.”
“Supplies!? Just how long do you think we're going to stay there?” She raised an eyebrow and asked with a sly smile. The first thought that came to his mind was “forever.” He decided that it might be presumptuous of him to say that though, so he said.
“Well how long until Elio's, buddies stop looking for me?” He joked.
“Well...”
“Never mind I don't think I want to know. I figure at least the night. So we'll need some food, and water for the journey to where ever it is we're going. We should figure out a plan, you know where do we go from here. Also it might be nice to be able to brush our teeth, and shower in the morning.” Especially if they happened to kiss again he thought before he realized it. He shook that out of his head, as quickly as it had appeared.
“All right I'm game. Come to think of it I am pretty hungry.” She said as she put the car back into drive. A few minutes later they came upon a little convenience store, which was still open.
“Tell you what, you go in and get some essentials while I pump the gas. I'll be in, in a minute.” He said. She just smiled and nodded. He couldn't help but watch her walk in, her long red ponytail bouncing off her back. He couldn't help but notice she had a really great butt too. He shook his head again; he really had to stop thinking that way. He didn't want to come on too strong and scare her away, although it might be too late for the coming on strong part. After all he did deck her brother to defend her honor.
After he finished pumping the gas he walked in to find her arguing with the clerk.
“Five dollars for a small tube of toothpaste!? That's ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous or not, that's the price.” He replied.
“Hey is there a problem?” Roger interjected.
“The prices here are like twice what they would be at a grocery store.” Roger was amused, it seemed that she was channeling his grandmother.
“Look, don't worry about it. These are things we need, so relax. Besides it's not like there's a Wal*mart on the way to the cabin. “
“Your boyfriend's a smart one, you should listen to him.” The clerk joked.
“Listen to this..” She was about to give him a very unladylike-like hand gesture when Roger stepped in again.
“Um.. Sweetie. Why don't you wait in the car? I'll pay and be right out.” He started to rush her out, but she stopped him.
“Fine, but don't think this is over pal.” She said as she pointed to the clerk and scowled. After she left Roger apologized.
“Look I'm really sorry about that. It's been a long drive. You see we're on our way to meet her parents and she's a little nervous, not sure if they'll like me you see. We still haven't told them we're engaged yet, so you can see where it's coming from.” Roger smiled trying to make his lie as convincing as possible. And it seemed as though it worked. The clerk just gave a knowing smile and said.
“I see. A little high maintenance huh? Well no worries my wife was the same way, when we got engaged. That’s part of what I loved most about her, made the marriage a lot more interesting.” Roger smiled. “Say, you look familiar. I know you from somewhere?” He asked.
“Um.. no I guess I just have one of those faces.” Roger was now getting slightly anxious. What if Elio's boys came this way and asked this guy if they'd seen them? He knew why the man thought he looked familiar he just hoped the clerk didn't put it together.
“Hey wait a minute, I do know you.” There it was, he was busted. “You're Peter, and Selma's youngest boy, aren't you?” Roger smiled and relaxed a bit.
“Uh. No sorry, like I said just one of those faces. Well thanks for being so understanding, about everything. Have a good night.” He quickly paid, gathered up their things and left, as the clerk waved goodbye. Roger hurried to the car once he was sure the clerk wasn't paying attention.
“Okay, we're good. Let's go.” He was slightly anxious and out of breath, so Ellie looked at him suspiciously.
“Tell me you didn't knock the crap out of another guy on my behalf!” She was apparently half joking. So he smiled reassuringly.
“Well he deserved it.” He smiled, and they both laughed together.
About five minutes later they came up on the entrance to the park. To the left was the ranger's station where they had to pay and get the key for the cabin. Again Roger took care of things.
“So tell me something.” She said when he got back into the car. “Why are you so cool about paying for everything?”
“Well it's not like it's the Ritz Carlton, or anything. It's just a cabin in the woods. And as for the food and gas, well you've been driving so I figured the least I could do was fill your tank for you.” His answer was so simply stated she seemed to be wondering if he was for real or not. “Look, if you're all that concerned, you can pay at the next place we stop. Assuming they aren't charging five dollars for toothpaste that is.” He was so relaxed at this point he couldn't help but joke around. He'd all but forgotten they were more than likely being chased by some really pissed off bangers. He'd worry about it tomorrow. Tonight he was going to make it a point to do just as Ellie had said. He was going to relax, and just go with what ever was going to happen.
The cabin was small but nice. It had a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and one bedroom; a fact that did not go unnoticed by either Roger, or Ellie. As he unpacked the supplies he looked over and saw her smiling.
“Um, so what’s on your mind?” he asked sheepishly.
“Oh, I was just thinking about the sleeping arrangements, and don’t even tell me you weren’t too. Her smile grew larger when she saw him smirk at that.
“Yeah, um.. Well I figured I’d let you have the bed, I can sleep on the couch.”
“Ever the gentleman huh? You know you are probably the strangest guy I’ve ever met. The guys I’m used to would jump into that bed with me with out any of the pretenses.” He blushed noticeably.
“Don’t get me wrong; I think you’re beautiful, and yes it’s crossed my mind. I mean I am a guy, but I don’t make assumptions, that tends to come back to bite me in the ass.”
“That’s very pragmatic, but it’s also a copout. You don’t really open up to people much do you?”
“No, not much, at least not until today.” She walked over to him, took his hand and asked.
“Why is that do you think?” He normally wouldn’t have answered even if it was a fair question, but once again he couldn’t help himself she had a power over him he couldn’t explain or fight. He sighed and spoke.
“If you don’t try, you can’t get shot down, and you never have to feel the pain of rejection. Which isn’t completely true either, you can still feel the pain of rejection even without really being rejected. I should know.”
He bit his lip and tried to look away, but her delicate had reached up and turned his face towards hers and she kissed him again. He had thought the first one might have been a fluke, but this kiss was just as passionate and tender at the same time as the first one had been. He took her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He laid her down and kissed her passionately on here neck, and in no time at all their clothes were on the floor, and he was kissing every inch of her body.
Years of frustration and self doubt that had built up were all expelled at once as he made such passionate love to her that he was sure they could here them for several miles around. After what seemed like hours they fell asleep in each others arms content and happy, all cares and fears miles away.
Ellio was driving like a man possessed, he was going to catch up to them no matter what the cost. After Tank and Trailer had come back with matching info on the direction his sister and her new loser had gone, he gathered up his piece and left. He wasn’t sure what he’d do to her; she was still blood, so he probably wouldn’t kill her.
The guy she was with though was another story. He was going to put a hole in his head and leave him in a ditch. Rufus had tried to talk him into not going alone but Ellio wanted to take care of this himself. Besides he wanted them to keep an eye out just in case this didn’t pan out and they were still in the area.
It was mid morning by the time he reached the small convenience store to get gas. Ellio walked in to pay for the fuel.
“Good morning sir. Having a good one are we?” Ellio looked at him.
“It’s alright.” He said as he handed the man the money.
“You look familiar, do you have family in the area?” The clerk asked as he started counting out the change.
“No, just got a sister, and she aint from around here.”
“Aw that’s it, I think I met her last night, bit of a spit fire; well red heads usually are, heh, heh, heh…I should know, my cousin married a…” Ellio cut him off.
“You’ve seen my sister?” He smiled finally he knew he was on the right track.
“Well yes, she and her fiancé stopped in on the way to meet her parents.”
“Mind telling me which way they went? Umm I was supposed to meet around here and we were going to go together.” Ellio smiled. The clerk was a little suspicious, but didn’t think much of telling her brother where they were.
“Sure, they were heading for the cabins in the park. Guess they were spending the night before they headed out.”
“Thanks man.” Ellio headed out without his change.
“Hey son, your change.” He turned around just as he was about out the door.
“Keep it.” He said, then he was gone.
Ten minutes later he was at the park driving around looking for the cabins. Finally he saw the car that was described to him as being the one they drove away in. This was it he got out of his car and walked up to the cabin as he peered through the window of the front and didn’t see any movement. Ellio was about to exact his revenge but he knew he had to be smart about it. He wasn’t concerned about anyone being in the other cabins he didn’t see any other cars in the camp area. He wanted to make sure he got the drop on them this time. The guy had hit him good; hard enough to knock him out and given him a concussion. Nothing was going to go wrong this time.
After he’d checked every window and seen they were sleeping, he went to the door and picked the lock. Before he opened it and walked in though he heard someone stumble out of the room. He ducked down and peered through the window on the door. The guy had gone into the bathroom; this was his chance. Ellio opened the door and went inside. He heard the toilet flush he rushed over to the door and pointed his gun at the door.
Roger opened the door and was surprised to see a gun pointed right at his head and the Ellio standing there with rage in his eyes. Roger raised his hands as Ellio motioned him out and into the living room.
“Hey man, look.” Roger started. Ellio just pistol-whipped him knocking him to the ground.
“Save it, you dissed me and now you’re gonna pay.”
“Look man it wasn’t intentional. I was just trying to help a girl in trouble. I didn’t know it would get so out of hand.”
“Well that makes it all okay then.” The sarcasm in his voice was clear,
“Really?” Roger new the answer, but on the off chance.
“Of course it don’t. Blood for blood man.”
“Look you don’t have to kill me. Is this really about revenge?”
“What the hell else would it be about?” He yelled.
“I don’t know, maybe it’s about you not looking like a punk. Maybe it’s about keeping your rep in tact.” Roger was trying not to sound too desperate.
“What the hell she been telling you?”
“Nothing, really. Listen it has nothing to do with her. I know how important peoples perceptions of you are. I’ve had to deal with it my whole life. And I know it’s more important for a guy in your position.”
“Damn right, so you know what I have to do.” Ellio sounded a little less sure.
“No, you don’t. Look it’s just you and me here.”
“And my little sister!” He shot back.
“Yeah but she’s asleep, she doesn’t need to know you were even here.”
“What I’m supposed to go back empty handed? She owes me a lot of money, and you…” He trailed off.
“Me, you can say you beat me into the ground that’s fine, I don’t care. Hell if you leave her alone, you can do it and I won’t even fight back, as long as you don’t hurt her. Hell I’ll even pay what she owes you, no one has to die. It’s a win-win for all of us. You get to save face, and get your money, I get to live, and she gets out of the trouble she’s in. Come on do you really want to go through all the trouble of killing me? I’m sorry about what happened really I am, but there’s no reason to do this.” Ellio seemed to be mulling it over.
Roger was looking at him and the gun. Neither man noticed Ellie open the door rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She looked up and saw her brother pointing a gun at the man she’d come to love. Without thinking she ran over and grabbed the gun. Ellio and Ellie were struggling to get the gun when a shot rang out.
Timed slowed down for Roger as the siblings slumped down to there knees. Blood poured out of the wound and Rogers voice seemed to come out in a deep slow rage, as Ellie fell to the floor. Ellio dropped the gun and starred in shock at what he’d done. Roger leaped over to her and scooped her up in his arms. Holding her tight nothing registered to him, not the door bursting open and the state police rushing in, not Ellio struggling with them to get to his sister. As tears streamed down his face the only thing that was registering was a weak voice saying.
“How about getting me to a hospital?” He looked down at her tears streaming from his eyes; he noticed for the first time that the bullet hat hit her shoulder. He almost burst out laughing he was so happy that she was alive.
After about twenty minutes the ambulance pulled up; as Ellie was being loaded onto the gurney and placed in the back. Roger came up to her.
“ I asked if I could go with you but they said that they needed my statement about all the insanity from the last twelve hours. I’ll follow after that though.”
“How’d they find us anyway?”
“One of the officers said he’d been following Ellio. Lucky us huh?”
“Yeah, lucky us. What are you going to tell them?”
“I’ll just be honest.”
“Not perfectly honest though.” She whispered and winked.
“No, probably not.” He winked back. “I have to ask. Why?”
“Why’d I jump in front of the gun? Isn’t it obvious?’
“Right you owed me one.” He smiled.
“Something like that.” She smiled back. “But something more like this. She reached up with her good arm and pulled his head down to her and kissed him. “Not that I’m not relieved, but why didn’t Ellio just shoot you?”
“Oh, I just…Well I offered to um.. pay him off.”
“Are you insane!?”
“A little, but only since last night.” He smiled.
“Seriously do you have any idea how much I owed him?, .”
“It doesn’t matter. I could cover it.”
“How?”
“Well, I told you I was a writer. I just didn’t tell you I’m really good at it.” He smiled.
“Hmm.. Well you’ll have to bring me some of your works to read, while I recuperate then.” The emt’s loaded her into the ambulance, and he smiled at her.
“I’ll see you in a bit then.” He couldn’t help but give her one last smile as they closed the door, and drove off.
As they did he thought, even with everything that had happened, things were looking up. Yesterday he’d been just a writer, with no confidence; today he was a man in love. He knew things were never going to be boring again.