The Lucky Ones - 4 - Jupiter
"I wish I could know the directions that I take."
Jupiter. Famous for it's skin-numbing winds and harsh thunderstorms. The environment seems dead. Bent road signs greet us on every corner of the street, and vacant building windows hold the reflection of the both of us.
Spike walks quickly, the 1 inch heels of his boots clunk against the cold pavement and echo throughout the planet. I hug myself and try to keep up with his quick pace. For almost no reason at all, I feel like I have to break the silence.
"So, what's the story on this guy?"
"Murderer. Poor Bastard has nothing better to do with his time."
I smiled.
He didn't answer with a harsh tone like I expected. Maybe I should keep the conversation going.
"No offense Spike, but I don't think we're going to find him here. What makes you think he's here anyway?"
He sighed.
"Jet and Ed make me think that, Faye."
Suddenly, there's a rumble of nearby trash cans. Tin lids hit the ground and garbage spills onto the street. Spike abruptly stops talking and presses me against a building as he quickly draws his gun.
I stand beneath his body and inhale his scent. Rather than focusing on the killer, Spike Spiegel is my mission.
"Shit."
He tucks his gun under his jacket and continues walking. I look at the trash cans and see a band of alleycats worshiping dead lettuce and dry fish bones.
"A little jumpy, aren't we?"
"Hmph. If that was the killer, you would've gotten your butt nailed."
He replied lighting a cigarette.
The wind was picking up and we have been pacing around not knowing what was going on. Well, I didn't know what was going on.
"This is the spot."
Spike spoke and flicked his cigarette onto tall blades of grass which we stood on.
"Huh?"
"This is where he hides out. I say we sit here and wait for the creep."
"How do you know he frequents this area of Jupiter."
"Because Jet told me to watch for a shitty looking bridge."
"A-ha, and exactly where is this bridge, Mr. Bounty Hunter?"
Forcefully, Spike grabs my chin and directs me to a broken down bridge. I blush. Why didn't I see that?
"I was kidding Spike, I saw it. Lighten up."
I heard him murmur something about liking to work alone. He took his blue jacket off, laid it onto the swaying grass and rested on top of it, his hands behind his head. I watched his chest lightly rise and fall. The sound of his breathing almost covered the sound of crickets and wind. I've never seen him look so peaceful. I wanted to tell him everything I felt. How nobody takes me seriously. How sometimes I cry at night. How I feel sensitive, but love to see blood pour from felons.
"Spike, I...."
He continued watching his foot dance, while it's placed atop his leg. I can tell he's listening though. His dark blue leather boot moves from side to side to a song only he can hear. Remembering that I have nothing to say, I reach into my own pocket and pull out the sweet paper we all crave. After awhile, his foot stops moving and he looks at me.
"What did you want?"
"I um. Nothing. Uh, I mean. Got a light?"
He pulled the silver box out and quickly brought a light orange flame to my face. I moved close and inhaled. Examining his long slender fingers I count every crease and notice how pale his hands were. I wanted to hold them in mine. To let him explore my body with those fingertips. But no, I can't. "Faye doesn't feel."
"How are you supposed to watch out for this crook with your head buried in the grass?" I ask rudely, my smoke surrounding us.
"Well, that's what you came for right? Heh. This'll be easier than I thought."
He shot at the stars with his fake finger gun and smiled.
I let out a growl and pull at the strands of grass. I keep my eyes focused on the bridge, waiting for this man. I won't disappoint Spike. I'll show him that I know what the hell I'm doing.
The night became colder and colder, and before we knew it little drops of rain were hitting our faces. He didn't seem to mind though. His body just rested there, his hands neatly placed on his chest. His eyes were focused on the sky. He was probably making wishes. Either that, or he was thinking of Julia. Damn her.
I've thought about Julia. How she was so beautiful. How her hair blonde, soft and gorgeous. Her thin lips which always curved into wicked smiles. Her gentle eyes which could throw anyone under a spell. Ivory skin and neatly trimmed fingernails.
I'm nothing like that.
I close my eyes and let the raindrops roll down my cheeks. It was almost like crying, without the embarrassment of being seen. I could've cried though. No one would notice. When I looked up again, I saw a shadowy figure walking across the bridge.
"This is it." I thought. "This is my chance."
I drew my gun slyly, making sure Spike couldn't see what I was doing. I rolled onto my stomach and hid the barrel between the long green blades. When I got a clear shot I fired for this man's legs three times. I just had to knock him down.
Bang. Bang. BANG!
