A Few Days

We were silent as we drove. The only time we spoke was when I gave Billy's directions while he stared onto the open road. "So, are you joining the basketball team?" I finally asked.

"What have you been smoking Curls" He said jokingly.

"You were so good today though" I turned to face him, giving him a warm smile. "I bet you would kill it."

He gave me a look. "I guess you were watching then."

I rolled my eyes. "We made eye contact so often that I am not going to answer that, mullet."

"I don't know, Gene." He teased. "You seemed a little preoccupied for a little bit."

"Careful Billy, someone is going to think you are jealous." I taunted.

"Whatever," I smiled as we continued to drive. "Who would be jealous over Rodney,"

I ignored that one. "Pull in here," I said as we pulled up to Ben's house. The garage was open, meaning so was business. "Wait here, I will be back."

"Hold on" He locked his door, forcing me to turn back to Billy. "no way you are going in there alone."

"Oh, it will be fine," I waved him off. "Ben is a friend."

"He is also a drug dealer." Billy shot back.

"The man is a hippie." I rolled my eyes. "His hair is longer than mine."

"And that means he won't try something,"

"Ricky will be there," That earned an eye roll and a scoff from Billy. "And you will be here, outside," I leaned closer and put a hand on his shoulder, "I will be okay,"

"Gene," Billy said sternly. "If you aren't out in ten minutes, I am coming after you."

"I can work with that," I said as I turned back to the door. "Can you unlock the door now?"

The door clicked open, and I popped out. I turned back to Billy one last time. "I will see you in 9 minutes,"

"I'm starting the countdown now." He said before liting another cigarette. I slammed the door closed and headed inside through the garage.

Ricky's bike was in the garage, and so was Ricky. Good, we had time to talk. "Ricky," I began.

"Look I am sorry, he just pisses me off." Ricky had his tail between his legs. "I get that he likes you and shit, but Billy treats me like the crazy ex or something." He put his hands up. "Ben will be here soon."

I sighed, Ricky had a point. "I will talk to Billy... I am not going to tell you that you have to like him and be his best friend, but next time, keep me out of it. Fair enough?"

"Fair enough," He said right as the door opened.

"There she is," Ben came forward and hugged me. "Genie in the lamp."

I hated when he called me that. "Hey Ben," I said as I pushed him away. "How have you been?"

"Oh great man... great," He nodded, looking back and forth between Ricky and I. "So you guys back together?"

"No," Ricky scoffed. "we are just friends."

"That means..." Ben looked at me. I hated this part. It was the main reason I didn't want Billy in here. "You are still single."

"And happy to be that way." I could see Ricky roll his eyes. Apparently, Steve and him thought the same. "So how much for three joints,"

"Let's make it 5 dollars less than the usual and a hug," He said.

I wasn't going to argue those kinds of prices. I hugged Ben for a moment then handed him the money. "I have to jet... my ride is getting antsy."

"Is that what you call it?" Ricky said as Ben gave me a bag.

"Good seeing you... we should hang out sometime..." Ben said as he began to walk me to the door.

"Sure... I would be up for that," I smiled, knowing there was no way that was going to happen. I gave him a wave and walked up to Ricky. "Steve could use you tonight," I stated.

He gave me a hard look and then let out a breath. "Yeah... Let me walk you out." Ricky followed me out of the garage door. Billy was sitting outside of his car, waiting for me. When we locked gazes, the tension left his shoulders only to have it come back instantly at the sight of Ricky. "So," Ricky said. "See you tonight?"

"Yeah," He gave me a hug and headed back to his cousin.

I turned back to Billy, who was as stiff as a statue. There was something specific about Ricky that made Billy so protective. I just didn't understand the reasoning.

"Hey," I smiled at him.

"Seven minutes," Billy said as he opened the door for me. "I was getting worried."

"Billy," I sighed as I got into the car. "You are like a mother hen,"

"Shut up, Curls" He rolled his eyes and closed the door. I smiled to myself as he walked over to the drivers side.

"So," I said as Billy got in. "Milkshakes?"

He took a pull from his cigarette and looked at me. "Don't you have plans with Rodney?"

I rolled my eyes, so that's where the attitude was coming from. "I am meeting with Ricky and Steve at our spot. And that won't be till late tonight." I leaned closer, "Meaning we still can get me a milkshake,"

"Good..." Billy smirked. "Let's grab food I'm starving."

"Me too... I didn't eat today because of my stomach." I winced

"Curls," Billy sighed. "Why didn't you say something earlier?" He said as we drove into the diner. Billy wouldn't admit, but he worried too much about everything. It was fun to wind him up from time to time.

As we got out of the car, there was a group of kids who graduated drinking beers outside. Even from far away, I knew they were going to be rowdy, to say the least. Billy turned to me and put an arm around my shoulder, keeping me close.

When I looked up to him, Billy wouldn't meet my eye, but his fingers clutched my jacket. He only let me go when we were inside the diner.

"So..." I said as I slid into a booth. "Same as before?"

"Sure," He said as the waitress came over.

"What can I get you two?" She smiled.

We gave our orders, and she walked off with a smile. For the rest of the dinner, Billy seemed to calm down a bit. He almost seemed to enjoy himself. He watched me mostly. It was hard to be reasonable under the gaze of his blue eyes.

When the waitress came back with the bill, I was determined to pay. I snatched it as quickly as I could and gave her the cash I had. "Curls," Billy frowned. "That's supposed to be mine."

"Well, too bad," I said back with a triumphant smile. "Because I just paid it,"

"You two make a cute couple." The waitress laughed to herself.

"We aren't," I didn't even have time to enjoy the thought before Billy shut her down. "Not in this lifetime."

I took a sigh. Of course, this was the case, Billy made it clear he wanted nothing to do with me in terms of a relationship. I needed to accept that.

But why did he do the things he did then? I stared Billy for a moment, this was the first time in the night that he wouldn't meet eyes with me. The waitress awkwardly stepped away.

"Let's go home," I said as lively as possible. "I need to get changed before I go out," I said as I got up.

Billy gave me a look before getting up, he could tell I wasn't happy. The kids were still outside when we left, and just like before, Billy stepped close, probably to wrap his arm around me again, but I stepped away. I didn't even let him open the door for me. Billy gave me an unamused look before heading to his side of the car.

The car ride was silent. I was fascinated with my nails.

"Why are you pouting" He asked flatly.

"I am not." I smiled at him. "I think I'm just tired."

He didn't look at me, but his hand gripped the steering wheel. "Gene..."

"I promise Billy," I assured, "I am just tired."

It wasn't a lie. Billy tired me out. Always and my anger wasn't even at him. It was towards myself and the expectations I put on Billy. He didn't need that.

When we got to my place, I gave Billy one last smile. This one was genuine, I could be by myself. "See you later, Mullet,"

"Try not to jump off any bridges tonight, okay?"

I pursed my lips, which earned me a stare. "I hate that look, that look only means trouble,"

"Fine," I sighed, "I will not jump from a bridge, plus if I jump, Ricky will jump and if anyone is going to do something stupid on that bridge, its Ricky,"

Billy reached forward tugged my pigtail. "Be careful of that guy too,"

"Sure," I nodded, "Just as soon as you tell me what your issue with him is,"

Billy unlocked the car door, "I'll be by tomorrow morning." He replied.

"That's okay, Steve will drive me. I am probably going to spend the night at his anyway,"

"Alright then," Billy said. It looked like he wanted to say something else, but he didn't.

I got into my room and grabbed an outfit from the dresser, shoving it into a bag. Billy's jacket was sitting on the bed, but I made the calculated choice to not take it. I pulled it over my head and picked up the phone.

"Genie?" Steve picked up immediately. "We ready?"

"We are ready," I smiled into the phone. "Ricky is coming with us."

"Good, I need it." He said.

"See you in a few." I hung up and began to dial Ricky. "Hey, we are heading over now."

"Cool see you in a bit,"

I knew he would be taking his truck or bike, depending on him. I slipped out my door and began to run downstairs.

"Hey, " I stopped at Tony's voice and turned around with a sheepish expression. "Where are you going?"

"Steve got dumped." I shrugged.

"Oh. Tell Steve I said sorry." Tony didn't really do the overprotective brother thing when he felt Steve could handle it. I gave my brother a wave before I ran out the door. I wanted to go through the woods... but I was worried. The fear was becoming more part of my life than I wanted to admit. If I told anyone, I wonder what they would say. Maybe I should talk to Steve... but after all of this I wasn't sure. I walked down the street, and I heard an engine roaring behind me.

"There she is." I turned to see a truck pulling towards me. Ricky popped his head out of the window earning a smile from me.

"Hey," I walked over to the passenger's side of the car and hopped in. "I didn't know you were coming this way."

"Yeah, I thought you could use a lift to the spot," He said as we continued down the road.

When we got to our scene, I could see Steve's car and hair waiting for us.

"Hey Cuz," I said as I threw my things into his car. I took a joint and hopped over the bridge. "Care for a puff."

He looked over at me and smiled. "Sure, Genie." He took the joint and pulled. I could tell he had been crying, but I couldn't criticize him. "Ben's shit?"

I nodded. "I don't like how that guy talks to you," Steve said. "Sorry Ricky"

"On this, we agree. Why do you think I went with Genie?"

"Guys, it's fine," I waved them off. "What's he going to do? Give me a bouquet of flower-patterned headbands?"

"Gene, you are too spoiled," Ricky said. "You don't know what is out there."

"Yes, I do," I said flatly as I pulled a beer from the six-pack. I knew so well. Better than any.one else

"Ricky... can you grab water from the car."

"Yeah, I got to take a walk in the forest anyway... if you catch my drift." He winked at steve.

"Gross. A lady is present."

"We dated for a year, Gene, never saw the lady once." He said as he walked away.

I flipped him off and turned back to Steve. "Alright, so spill before he gets back."

He took a pull of his joint. "Basically Nancy called our relationship bullshit, and that she didn't love me,"

I tilted my head. "That can't be it all?"

I took a pull and looked at Steve. It wasn't. That much I could tell. "Steve."

"I can't deal with losing you too." He suddenly said. "You are my best friend."

"You won't lose me, cousin." I said. "we are blood bound and alien thing bound,"

Steve rolled his eyes and looked at me. He calculated every slight tick in my face, as if to gauge whether I could handle what he was about to say. "She blames us... her and me. For what happened to Barb,"

I took another hit and turned my focus to the water. "I need to talk to Nancy... tomorrow."

"Why?" Steve gave me a bewildered stare. "You always treat what happened to Barb more seriously than you getting attacked. The bite rolled right off your shoulder. Literally."

I shifted uncomfortably. I had been dealing with Billy for the last few days that Barb wasn't at the forefront of my mind. Now she was there, front and center. "... its two things. Two things." I began.

"Hey" We looked over to Ricky, stepping back into view. "I think there is some weird fucking possum thing in the woods, or I am going crazy."

I smiled at the distraction, I wasn't ready to talk about those things. Tomorrow, however, I would be forced to face myself and everything I had kept under the surface.

By the end of the night, I wasn't drunk, but a tingled a little. Ricky was sober, and steve was passing out.

"He can't drive home," I said. "I will take him home in his car."

"I am staying at his tonight, so I will follow you home."

I nodded as we loaded Steve into the car. As we headed to the Harrington house, Steve began crying again. I made a promise that no one would ever know about it unless he told them.

When we pulled into his house, his parents were already asleep, but that was expected. I pretty much had my own room at the Harrington house. I was their niece, after all. Once we put Steve to bed, Ricky shot me a look. "Let's finish these by the pool," He said as he held up the last two beers.

I nodded and followed him out to our spot. "So No Hargrove tonight?" He asked as we sat down.

"You know him," I said. "He wouldn't want to come if I invited him."

"I don't know, Gene," He said as he looked out into the woods. The fear wasn't as bad as it usually was. Even the bridge wasn't safe. "The guy seems to follow you around. It won't be long till he is calling himself your boyfriend,"

I scoffed. "You should have seen Billy's face when someone suggested it. He recoiled," I chugged my beer. "God I was so bitter about it, you should have seen me," The fresh beer was not dampening my temper. "it's only been a few days, I know that... but why did he have to recoil,"

"Look," He said. "I am only going to say this once... because he seems to actually be nice to you. The guy likes you."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Liar."

"Like I said, I am only going to say it once. No one would do the things Billy does for you if he didn't like you." There was a pause. "Fuck I didn't want to bring this up. Let's just drink and laugh."

I smiled and leaned against his shoulder. "Okay,"

I stared down at the water, watching the gentle motion lap our feet. Barb's face flashed through my mind as we reached for one more drink. Maybe that would calm me down.

However, the rest of the night, guilt wrapped itself around me. Keeping me awake and aware of the ticking clock, time was running out.

The next morning I was fine, I didn't really sleep so sobering up was easy. When the sun shown in the window, I was already up. I walked put on my clothes, and let my curls fall. I had to do it, I had to tell Nancy. If I waited, I would lose my courage, and she needed to know the truth. Especially if it was destroying her relationship. I tiptoed into Steves room, and Ricky was on the floor, snoring away. It was kind of cute.

"Hey," I poked his face lightly.

He stirred and gave me a smile. "Care to join?"

"Wake up," I said with an unamused glare. "I need you to drive me to Nancy's,"

He nodded and pushed himself up. I went downstairs to his truck, making sure to move passed my aunt.

It wasn't long before he came down from the house to his truck. "Why are we up this early."

"Because," I said. "I have to talk to Nancy... I think I can... fix things."

He gave me a look. "Gene, this isn't a good play."

I gripped my bag. "Yes, it is." I can tell with confidence it was not a good idea. At all, but here we stood.

He gave me another look. "I am taking you straight to school after. I have a feeling someone will be after us if you don't show."

I nodded.

We got into the car, and I was back to staring at my hands.

"Jesus, you look bad," Ricky said.

"I... let's not talk about it."

"Silence it is."

He kept that promise for thirty more seconds. "I- just know whatever you have to say... you should just forgive yourself already."

"I wish it was that easy," I said as we pulled up to the wheeler's. "Are you fucking kidding me?" I said as I saw Jonathan's car outside. And Nancy walking to it.

Ricky began to unbuckle his seatbelt. "Its been a fucking day, couldn't they wait."

"Ricky Don't," I said. "I got this."

Ricky gave me a look. "Don't go easy on them."

"Ricky-"

"Just don't be too understanding?" He pleaded. "I know you saw Steve crying last night."

I winced at the memory of Steve that broken. I loved Nancy, but did she have to move on so quickly. I nodded before hopping from the truck and marching over to her.