Author Topic: Overdue Payment (complete)  (Read 838 times)

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Offline 22639

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Overdue Payment (complete)
« on: February 23, 2012, 04:42:09 pm »
 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.). 

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.

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/ 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.

Nikki:“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)”

Nikki recites the end of the poem.

Nikki:To One In Paradise.  I love that one.  I love all of his stuff.

Nikki says with pride.

Nikki:How much for the set?

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.




Jeffery holds takes the sheathed dagger from the lady and slides the small dagger out of its sheath. 

Jeffery: Where did you get this?

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.

Jeffery: Or one exactly like it.

Jeffery says with a nod.

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.

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. 




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.

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.

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.
***2 Hours Later***
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.
To be continued
« Last Edit: June 01, 2012, 09:27:27 am by 22639 »

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Offline 22639

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Overdue Payment Part 2
« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2012, 02:04:42 pm »
 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.


***3 hours later***

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.


To be continued
« Last Edit: March 04, 2012, 05:07:36 pm by Cyberfox277 »

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Overdue Payment Part 3
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2012, 01:11:53 pm »
 Julia: So, anybody know what's up tomorrow?

 
Julia asks to the room.

 
Madison: Lauren's tongue.

 
Madison answers and giggles.

 
Julia: Besides that?

 
Julia asks, rolling her eyes and flopping back on her bed.

 
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.

 
Madison: I plan on waking up with a hangover in some really hot guy's bed.

 
Madison says and giggles.

 
Haley: Ugh This is warm.

 
Haley says says making a face at her soda and turning to head back to the kitchen.

 
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.

 
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.

 
Madison: So what's the plan, Hale?

 
Madison asks Haley.

 
Haley: We wait.

 
Haley shrugs.

 
Haley: For now. I'm going to get a new soda.

 
Haley says turning to head back to the kitchen.

 
Nikki settles on watching a popular crime drama and lays back against the pillows.

 
Madison: Wait for what?

 
Madison asks....wondering why they can't just go now.

 
Haley: Till she's asleep.

 
Haley says, going down the stairs.

 
Emily: Something tells me it's gonna be a long wait.

 
Emily yawns as she moves on the bed and extends her arm to get the book she was reading on the nightstand.

 
Madison: I don't see why we have to wait.

 
Madison says and pouts.

 
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.

 
Lauren looks herself in the mirror and gasps.

 
Lauren: My hair is ruined.

 
Lauren grumbles, she then moves to the bathroom to use the hairdryer.

 
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.

 
Julia: No, that's a good look for you!

 
Julia teases Lauren.

 
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.

 
Haley sighs and starts down the hall, then stops herself.

 
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.

 
Madison: Hey guys....

 
Madison says quietly.

 
Madison: Shhhhh...listen.

 
Madison says and gets down on her knees.

 
Emily: Yeah, Lauren is using the hairdryer, how exciting.

 
Emily murmurs still looking at her book.

 
Julia laughs at Emily's comment.

 
Julia: What are you listening to Madison?

 
Julia asks after Madison didn't say anything more.

 
Madison: I can hear the TV in Miss Flynn's room.

 
Julia: So?

 
Julia asks.

 
Madison says and gets to her feet.

 
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.

 
Madison says, hopefully.

 
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.

 
Haley takes a deep breath an sets the soda on the counter and walks to the super's room and knocks on the door.

 
Nikki jumps, startled by the unexpected knock. When it registers, she picks up the TV remote and mutes the volume

 
Nikki: Yeah?

 
Nikki calls out, without getting up.

 
Madison: Where is Haley, anyway?

 
Madison asks for anyone to answer.

 
Julia: Dunno.

 
Julia shrugs.

 
Haley opens the door and steps inside, and looks at Nikki. Not quite sure how to explain what she needs to say.

 
Lauren exits the bathroom and sits back on her bed, listening to the conversation.

 
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?

 
Madison asks. She would go without waiting for Haley except she doesn't want to go alone.

 
Julia: 'Cause she's the one whose got the ride waiting for us?

 
Julia points out.

 
Emily: Because she'd kill us if we left without her? You really want to mess with Haley?

 
Emily points out, she for one thing doesn't want to mess with the oldest girl in the dorm.

 
Nikki: Yes, Haley?

 
Nikki says looking up at the girl.

 
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.

 
Haley says slowly, careful to keep all emotion from her voice, including anything that could sound accusing.

 
Nikki sits up and pulls her legs up under her. She pats the bed next to her...inviting Haley to have a seat.

 
Haley eyes Nikki warily for a long moment, before moving over and perching on the bed.

 
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?

 
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.

 
Madison: Damn!

 
Madison grumbles and kicks the leg of her bed.

 
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?

 
Haley asks.

 
Julia: Now what?

 
Julia asks.

 
Nikki: Haley.....and you can take what I am about to say to the bank.....I am definitely NOT every other adult.

 
Nikki says with a mischievous grin and she playfully slugs Haley in the upper arm,

 
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.

 
Nikki says a little more seriously.

 
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?

 
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?

 
Haley asks after explaining.

 
Madison: Nothing.

 
Madison grumbles and plops down on her bed. She kicks her locker door closed. She hates waiting for things.

 
Nikki: Interesting how you do that.....

 
Nikki makes a circle in the air....like stirring the air with her finger.

 
Nikki: ....whatever it is you do.

 
Lauren: You're making a lot of noise for nothing.

 
Nikki says with a bit of a smarmy smirk.

 
Madison: Oh.

 
Lauren points out before she yawns, she was bored.

 
Madison says looking up. she bobs her head from side to side as she speaks.

 
Madison: So it's OK for you to get into a fight and break **** but I can't kick a ****ing locker door?

 
Lauren: Fine, kick them all, see if I care.

 
Madison makes a sound of disapproval with her tongue.

 
Lauren shrugs before she yawns again. If this taking much longer she was considering bed.

 
Nikki: The way you turn the conversation's focus onto someone else to avoid any question you don't want to answer or acknowledge.

 
Nikki says to Haley and winks.

 
Nikki: You'll have to teach that trick to me. I might be able to use it sometime.

 
Nikki winks again and grins.

 
Nikki: Hey. What's this? Miss Haley CAN smile.

 
Nikki teases.

 
Haley smiles slightly at Nikki.

 
Haley: Well, it was an answer, in a round about way.

 
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.

 
Madison: I'm outta here.

 
Madison says to herself.

 
Nikki: Round is good.

 
Nikki says...her eyes still twinkling mischievously.

 
Nikki: Just not the about way. Gotta get rid of that part.

 
Nikki says, jokingly.

 
Madison slowly and carefully slides the window up far enough that she can fit through without any trouble.

 
Haley shrugs.

 
Haley: No, we like you, and respect you... in the barn. But... I don't know.

 
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.

 
Nikki says and quirks an eyebrow curiously.

 
Nikki: Oh well. Can't win 'em all....right?

 
Nikki playfully chucks Haley's upper arm again.

 
Nikki: Seriously....

 
Nikki says getting more serious.

 
Nikki: ....so what do you want from me, Haley? Hmmm?

 
Nikki asks, sincerely curious.

 
Haley: I don't know.

 
Haley says standing up and starting to pace in the confines of the small room.

 
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.

 
Haley: How am I supposed to know what I want, when nobody has ever asked me before?

 
Haley demands, almost more to herself than to Nikki.


 
Nikki: You must have had a reason for knocking on my door.What was it?

 
Nikki asks looking at Haley and studying her closely.

 
Emily: That idiot is going to fall down, and she'll end up in hospital.

 
Emily sighs shaking her head, no party was worth that.

 
Haley: I don't know!

 
Haley cries frustrated.

 
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.

 
Nikki: I know what it was.

 
Nikki says acting like she suddenly thought of the reason.

 
Lauren: You think we should say something before anything happens?

 
Lauren asks a little concerned they'd end up being punished for it.

 
Nikki: You wanted me to come up and tuck you girls in.

 
Nikki says and snaps her fingers as if she's got the idea right.

 
Madison sits down on the roof by one of the particularly large tree limbs and scoots over to it.

 
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.

 
Haley: Not exactly.

 
Haley smiles.

 
Nikki: Oh....I know....you want me to hear you guys say your prayers.

 
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.

 
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.

 
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.

 
Haley eyes Nikki for a moment, then takes the chocolate, and smiles,

 
Haley: Thanks.

 
Nikki unwraps the other half and takes a bite. She closes her eyes and savors the taste of the chocolate melting in her mouth.

 
Nikki: Mmmmm. You know...

 
Nikki says and swallows.

 
Nikki:. ...no matter what is wrong with the world...my world....your world...anyone's world....it all gets better with a little chocolate

 
Nikki says...her eyes still closed as she remembers the taste of the chocolate

 
Haley nibbles on her half of the chocolate.

 
Lauren looks at Emily and Julia, since she doesn't get an answer she shrugs and lays down on her bed.

 
Nikki opens her eyes and takes another bite of the candy then...as she chews on it...she looks at Haley.

 
Nikki: Can I ask you a question?

 
Nikki asks and swallows the bite.

 
Julia: Wonder what's taking Haley so long. Thought she just went to get a coke.

 
Julia mutters to the ceiling.

 
Haley: Yeah. Shoot.

 
Haley shrugs

 
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?

 
Nikki asks, being completely serious and watching Haley's face.

 
Haley: I...

 
Haley starts then stops, turning very introspective, thinking.

 
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.

 
Haley: I don't know. Maybe.

 
Haley finally says and shrugs.

 
Haley: Probably.

 
Haley adds with another shrug.

 
Nikki: Do you know why I asked you that?

 
Nikki asks...her voice soft and easy.

 
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.

 
Haley: Does it matter?

 
Haley asks with a shrug.

 
Nikki: I think it does.

 
Nikki says and smiles.

 
Nikki: Or at least it does to me.

 
Nikki adds with a shrug.

 
Haley: No, I don't know why you asked that.

 
Haley says with a shrug, and stares at the chocolate in her hand.

 
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.

 
Nikki: Mmmmm Thank you, God, for inventing chocolate.

 
Nikki says dreamily.

 
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.

 
Nikki begins by saying.

 
Haley: Uh huh...

 
Haley says cautiously, waiting for Nikki to go on.

 
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?

 
Nikki takes another bite of her chocolate bar.

 
Haley: No, can't say I have.

 
Haley shrugs, and takes a bite of her chocolate.

 
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?

 
Nikki says, finishing her thought.

 
Nikki: Just something to think about. Nothing earth shattering.

 
Nikki adds with a nonchalant shrug.

 
Haley: I guess, I see what you mean.

 
Haley says with a shrug.

 
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.

 
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.

 
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.

 
Madison ignores Emily and heads for the bathroom and a blow dryer.


 
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.

 
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.

 
Haley shrugs after a moment of thought and stands up.


 
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.

 
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.


 
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.

 
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.

 
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.

 
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.

 
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.

 
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.

 
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.

 
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.


 
To be continued

 
« Last Edit: March 18, 2012, 11:05:50 am by Cyberfox277 »

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Overdue Payment Part 4
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2012, 01:52:23 am »
 
***10 minutes later***

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.

 
***The Next Morning***


 
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.

To be continued
« Last Edit: March 18, 2012, 11:15:17 am by Cyberfox277 »

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Overdue Payment Part 5
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2012, 12:36:41 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 ****. 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.

 
To be continued
« Last Edit: May 06, 2012, 11:56:55 am by Cyberfox277 »

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Overdue Payment Part 6
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2012, 01:12:05 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.

 
To be continued
« Last Edit: May 06, 2012, 12:02:54 pm by Cyberfox277 »

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Overdue Payment Part 7
« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2012, 04:34:18 pm »
 
***4:00 PM***

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 **** 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 **** 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 **** 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 ****. 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.


 
To be continued
« Last Edit: May 06, 2012, 12:26:26 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline 22639

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Overdue Payment Part 8
« Reply #7 on: April 30, 2012, 05:00:43 pm »
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.


***An hour and a half later***

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: ****!

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.


To be continued
« Last Edit: May 06, 2012, 01:18:58 pm by Cyberfox277 »

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Overdue Payment Part 9
« Reply #8 on: May 06, 2012, 12:01:16 pm »
 
***Later that night***

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.”


 
To be continued
« Last Edit: May 06, 2012, 01:38:58 pm by Cyberfox277 »

Offline 22639

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Part 10
« Reply #9 on: May 10, 2012, 11:38:43 am »
 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.
The End
« Last Edit: June 01, 2012, 09:24:04 am by 22639 »

 

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