Ch. 7 Darcy's New Partner

"So, who was that on the phone?" Baralai asked, as he stretched on the couch. He lazily flipped through the channels as he waited for Reevo's reply. He should have probably gone to the hospital to check on Folene. He hated hospitals.

"It was Paine," Reevo said, picking up the big bowl of popcorn and settling down on the recliner.

"Yeah? What'd she want?"

"I don't know. She hung up on me."

"Oh."

"What are we watching?"

"Some horror flick," Baralai said, casting a glance at Wakka, who was sitting on the sofa quietly. He turned up his beer silently. It was Thursday night.

Wakka took another swig of his beer and sighed. Where the hell was Lulu? He hadn't seen her since this morning. She was supposed to meet him for lunch, but she never showed up. He had grudgingly eaten a large pizza by himself. He had phoned her several times during the day and gotten her voicemail. He was going to talk to her. Tonight.

"Hey, Wakka, you got any cigarettes?" asked Baralai.

"Ya," Wakka said, reaching into his hoodie pocket and handing over the pack.

"Isn't everyone cheerful tonight?" Reevo said sarcastically.

He got a grunt in response from both boys. Tidus appeared in the doorway.

"Hey, guys, what'cha watching?"

"The Return of the Marlboro, even though they've seen it," said Reevo.

"Great. It's a good movie," Tidus said, plopping on the sofa next to Wakka. Wakka exhaled miserably. Reevo watched Tidus fan the smoke away.

"What's the matter? Don't you smoke?" he asked him. He had certainly seen him smoking at the clinic.

"I quit."

"You just turned your whole life around when you got to Zanarkand, huh?"

"Yeah. But, I don't want to discuss that now."

"Why the hell not, Tidus? What are you hiding?" demanded Baralai.

"Not a damn thing. I just don't find it necessary to talk about my past right now," Tidus said.

"Fine. Let's talk about your friend, Reevo. Where did you to meet, anyway? Did you play for the Goers, too?" Baralai asked, reaching for a beer.

"No. I'm not into sports."

"That's too bad. It's a great way to meet girls."

"Yeah. I noticed. But, I have my own devices."

Tidus looked at Reevo. He had never known him to have a girlfriend. He wondered why not. He definitely seemed like the type. He frowned as he realized that he didn't know that much about Reevo at all.

"Where are the ladies of the house tonight?" Tidus asked, reaching for the last beer in the six pack.

Wakka grunted again.

"Paine's at the hospital, most likely. Her grandmother's sick. I don't know where the hell Rikku or Yuna is. I haven't seen Lulu," Baralai said, grounding out his cigarette.

"Rikku and Yuna went to the supermarket. I haven't seen Lulu," said Reevo.

"Nobody's seen Lulu today," Wakka finally said.

"You haven't seen her? Isn't she your girl?" asked Reevo.

"Ya. Maybe she met the girls at the supermarket."

Maybe. Or maybe she's with her supplier, thought Tidus. He was almost certain that's where Lulu was. He reached for the mail on the coffee table. There were three letters addressed to Baralai. Why the hell hadn't he collected it? There was a glamour magazine for Yuna, a sports magazine for Wakka, and a better homes magazine for Lulu. He noticed an envelope addressed to Rikku and two others to Paine. None for him. He put the mail back on the coffee table.

Baralai looked at his mail and tossed it back on the table. All three were from different fraternities on campus that were trying to get him to pledge. Maybe next year. This year, he just wanted to concentrate on becoming a better blitz player, kissing a lot more girls, and finding someone smart to copy his homework from. He'd already raided Lulu, Tidus, and Rikku's room for their homework in the classes he shared with them. He'd been copying from them since college began.

"Baralai, have you been working out lately? You were kind of slow in the sphere pool during our last game," said Tidus.

"Do I look like I need to work out?"

"No. But, you could still be out of shape."

"Jocks," grimaced Reevo. He was quite satisfied with his slender build.

"Have you even been in love, Baralai?" Wakka asked suddenly.

Baralai inhaled the smoke from his second cigarette sharply. He coughed severely for a few moments. He held up a hand.

"Love? Are you Wakka Morgan or an imposter?" he asked incredulously.

Wakka smirked. "Don't play with me, ya. It's a serious question."

"Yeah, well, why the hell are you asking me? There are two other guys in the room that's probably going to give you a decent answer."

"Love? Sorry, nope. I'm still waiting," Reevo lied easily. There had been a special girl in Luca, but a certain blond in the room had interfered. Yuna reminded him of her.

The room was silent as three pairs of eyes settled on Tidus. He felt the back of his neck redden. He didn't like being put on the spot.

"Well?" Baralai prodded. Anything to keep that subject away from him. He never thought about love. It just brought too many problems.

"I am in love. For the first time," Tidus finally admitted.

Wakka ruffled his hair. "That's good to know, ya. Me, too."

"You, too? No, Wakka, not you. It's bad enough Datto is walking around with puppy dog eyes all the time. And I think Talynda's getting to Botta. Jassu has been spending time with Phoenix since college started. Keepa…he's still with me for now. Letty's been out with LeBlanc several times since she broke up with Bartello this summer. No, not you, too, Wakka," Baralai complained.

Wakka shrugged. "It happened. I tried to stop it, ya. If it hadn't been for Mr. Issaru's class, I would have made it."

"It'll happen to you someday," Reevo said to Baralai.

"No. Never. I'm going to be a bachelor for life," he said, throwing a pillow at Wakka.

Wakka tossed it back. Soon a pillow fight had broken out amongst the four guys. Reevo took a wild swing at Tidus, knocking the mail to the floor. He hastily replaced it and continued in the fight. Unbeknownst to him, Rikku's letter had slid under the sofa.


Lulu entered the house late Thursday night. What an afternoon. After lunch with Seymour at the hospital, she had accompanied him to the Guado mansion to relax. She knew that Wakka was most likely very upset with her by now, but she would deal with him in the morning. She walked up the stairs slowly, her feet feeling very heavy. Seymour had shared two of his Larvatin pills with her. That would never be enough. She would have to have more.

She slipped past Wakka's bedroom doorway slowly. She didn't want to risk waking him up. She opened the door to her bedroom and slipped inside, closing the door quietly. She took off her shoes and sighed deeply, leaning back against the door.

"Where've you been, Lu?" asked Wakka.

"Oh, Wakka. Hello. Why aren't you sleeping?"

"Because I'm wondering where the hell is my girl at one in the morning? Don't you know there's a rapist wondering the campus?"

"Oh, that. That's nothing to get all worked up about, Wakka."

He was sitting on her bed, his arms folded. "You didn't answer my question, ya."

"I've been at the library all afternoon. I have a paper to write," she shrugged, removing her jacket.

"I called you."

"Wakka, you can't use a cell in the library. It's prohibited."

"Why didn't you call me? I've been worried all evening."

"Over nothing. I'm fine as you can plainly see. And I did manage to get enough material for my paper," she lied confidently. She knew there was no way he would have been in the campus library. Fortunately for her, it was open twenty-four hours.

"I'm glad to see that your fine. But, Lu, next time, let me know. You stood me up for lunch, too."

"I'm sorry, Wakka. I really am. There's no need to get upset."

"I can't help but get upset. You've changed a lot lately. Is there something you're hiding from me?"

"No."

"What about those pills?"

"What pills?"

"The ones in the brown bottle."

"Oh. Those pills. Those were just aspirin I borrowed from Rikku. Don't be so suspicious, Wakka."

He stared at her intently. If he didn't know that he was in love with her, he could strangle her for telling such lies. But, staring into her scarlet eyes, he found it difficult to reprimand her. He just wanted to take her into his arms, and tell her that everything would be okay. But, she had to tell him what was wrong.

"Lu, I'm starting to worry."

"Don't worry. In fact, let me take your mind off it," she said, giving him a small smile.

"No, Lu, we need to talk…" he trailed off, as her fingers unbuttoned his jeans.

"Just relax, Wakka. Let me take your mind off everything," she promised.

He stared at her, fearing that he might already be too late to help her. He could see it in her eyes. She was different. Very different. However, before he could think about it further, her lips had found his. She hungrily attacked his mouth, her tongue jetting inside of his mouth. He felt his excitement go into overdrive. She ripped open his hoodie, lifting his t-shirt to run her hot lips across his bare chest. He wanted to deny her, but it just wasn't possible.

Tomorrow, ya. I'll talk to you about it tomorrow, his mind promised as her kisses traveled lower with the same hunger as when she began.


"So, are you ready to do this?" Tidus asked, turning to Yuna.

She nodded and took a deep breath. They were at the townhouse. She had told him that she wanted to talk to Braska about the drinking, but not alone. He had eagerly volunteered to join her, for moral support.

She unlocked the front door and stepped inside. "Father?" she called.

Tidus stepped in with her, and closed the door. He followed Yuna into the living room. It was empty. Where was Braska?

"Father?" Yuna called out again.

They heard the sound of someone walking across the floor. A small woman with a pleasant smile greeted them. She had a nice pear shape that couldn't be disguised by her uniform. Her dark brown hair was brushed neatly into a bun.

"Hello, Yuna."

"Hi, Merlene. Is my father home?"

"Not yet. He's usually here a little after five."

"Oh. I'll wait for him."

"Who's your friend? He's a cute one."

"This is my boyfriend Tidus. Tidus, this is my father's housekeeper, Merlene."

"Hey."

"Hi, there. Would you kids like something to eat or drink?"

"No, thank you. Tidus?"

"I'm good. Let's just wait for Mr. Riley."

"Okay, dears. I've got to finish my cleaning."

"Thanks, Merlene."

Yuna sat on the blue couch. Tidus sat beside her. They would have to wait now.

"I'm getting nervous now," she confessed.

"You should do something to take your mind off of it."

"Your right," she said, opening her purse. She pulled out her blue nail polish.

"What do you think your Dad's going to say?" he asked.

She placed his hand on her thigh. "Well, he's going to be upset at first, and deny he has a problem," she said, painting his pinky nail.

"But, if you've done this many times before, what's going to make him listen today?"

She continued painting his nails. "Well, I don't know. But, I've got to try. He's all I have now."

"Yuna, you have me, and you have Rikku, Lulu, and Rikku's family," he said, his eyes watching her paint his nails, but he said nothing. She seemed to be concentrating on her work.

"I meant…my immediate family. Isn't it weird that neither of us has siblings?"

What's weird and even a little creepy is that you're painting my nails blue. "My Dad…and Zalora didn't want any more kids," he said.

"I was told that my mother had a hard time delivering me and that's why my parents didn't have more children."

"Makes sense. Not to bring up bad thoughts or anything, but speaking of kids…you know I have to move out next month."

She paused in her painting. "Will she be eight months already?"

He nodded. "Yeah. The end of October."

"I wonder who will get your room."

"No one. I'm still renting it. Just in case, by some miracle…"

"I guess I'll have to find a new boyfriend," she said, looking up at him slyly.

"What?"

"Well, you can't be my boyfriend anymore," she said, grabbing his other hand to start painting his nails again.

"I guess you're right. Take your time and find a good guy, okay?"

"I already found one."

"I meant someone who's not so screwed up."

"Tidus…"

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Yuna," he said, as they heard the front door open and close.

Braska appeared in the doorway, holding his briefcase. He smiled to see Yuna. Seeing his daughter always made him happy.

"Hello, Yuna. Tidus. What a nice surprise. What brings you by? Do you have grades for me to see?"

"Not yet."

Braska put the briefcase by the door and took off his coat. He hung it up in the hall and returned to sit in the recliner.

"So, what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked her.

"Well, um, I wanted to talk to you about my last visit."

"What about it?"

"Do you remember it?"

"Is there something significant to remember?" he asked, though his mind was wondering why she was painting this boy's nails.

"The state in which I found you. Unconscious on the floor."

"Oh, that. I just fell asleep on the floor, Yuna."

"I think we both know why."

Tidus got up to sit in the windowsill, pretending interest in the evening Zanarkand weather.

"Yuna…I hope you're not about to start that again."

"Start what again?"

"You think I have a drinking problem, don't you?"

"Yes."

"You, Kinoc, and Cid. Everyone but me."

"Don't you think it must be true then?"

Braska sighed impatiently. "Look, if there was a problem, I could easily admit it. I'm fine."

"You think you're fine."

Tidus turned from the window. He sensed a huge argument coming. He could feel it in the air.

"Yuna, I'm the adult here. I can take care of myself."

"Mr. Riley, she's just trying to help," Tidus intercepted.

Braska was about to tell him to mind his own damn business when he noticed the passion mark in the middle of his neck. He lost his train of thought. He had seen passion marks on Yuna, and now there were some on Tidus. He had all the confirmation he needed that they were lovers. And he didn't like it one bit. Yuna should know better. Hadn't he raised her to believe that marriage should come first?

"Yuna, I would like to speak to Tidus alone," he said suddenly.

Yuna noticed the anger in his eyes. She didn't want to have Braska bawl Tidus out for coming to her defense.

"No. He's done nothing wrong. He's trying to defend me."

"It's not about that. Leave us."

Yuna looked at Tidus. He nodded. She sighed and left the room. Braska got up and walked over to the liquor cabinet. He poured a drink and took a sip.

"Tidus. I'm going to ask you a question and hopefully you'll be honest with me."

"Okay," Tidus answered nervously. Why had he asked Yuna to leave?

"Are you sleeping with my daughter?"

Immediately Tidus' mind thought of every worst case scenario that could happen if he said yes. He looked at the shotgun mounted on the wall. Was it loaded? There was no way this could end well. He wouldn't be able to say anything that would please Braska. Why had he asked him that? Was it obvious?

"It's taking you a long time to answer. Is that because the answer is yes?"

He wondered if Yuna wanted Braska to know the truth. Maybe. Maybe not.

He swallowed over the lump in his throat. "Yes."

Braska grimaced and took a long swig from his glass. So, she wasn't pure anymore. His little girl was gone forever. Her innocence shattered. He angrily tossed his glass against the wall, frightening Tidus.

"It's all my fault. If I had been paying more attention. If I had been the father Yuna needed…this would never have happened. She was alone. She needed me to protect her. I should have warned her," Braska said dryly.

Tidus stared at him. I would have still gotten it. He was sure two bullets would have been lodged into his chest had Braska been blessed with the gift of mind reading.

"I do need help. They're right. I'm going to start attending meetings," he said, striding over to the telephone book.

Yuna reappeared in the doorway. She saw her father on the phone speaking with someone. She looked at Tidus. He gave her the thumbs-up sign. She smiled at him. She didn't know what he had done, but she was grateful.


Darcy rang the doorbell of the Mika house. She waited patiently, adjusting the big book she was holding. It was a wedding book. She wanted to discuss the details of the wedding with Tidus. It would be a small affair, of course, but she still wanted it to be nice. She had already picked out her wedding dress.

Reevo swung the door open. He raised an eyebrow. "Darcy?"

"Yeah. Who are you?"

"Oh, I'm Reevo. I don't know if you remember me…I went to Luca High…"

"Oh, yeah, I do remember you! What are you doing in Zanarkand?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Mine's a really long story."

"So's mine. What brings you by?"

"I'm looking for Tidus."

"I thought you broke up."

"We did, but, well…we're getting married."

"What?"

"Yeah. I even brought a book along so we can discuss it. Is he home?"

"Not yet. Come on in. I'll keep you company."

She followed him inside of the house and down the hall to the living room. He looked at her as she sat down on the sofa. She was obviously pregnant.

"You said you and Tidus are getting married. How's that possible? He hasn't mentioned it."

Darcy gritted her teeth. She didn't doubt that! "I'm pregnant as you can see. The laws here in Zanarkand say we have to get married."

Reevo grimaced. "That's good to know. So…you're pregnant by Tidus?"

"That's right."

"But…he's with Yuna."

"Not for long."

"Do you want something to drink?"

"No thanks. Do you happen to know where he is?"

"I don't know. I don't usually see him until after six. Maybe practice."

Reevo had to admit to himself that he didn't know much about Darcy Crane. He just knew that she had been Tidus' girlfriend in Luca. Not that it had stopped him from carrying on living in the fast lane. Reevo smirked thinking about a stamp he'd seen on a girl's arm. Tidus Was Here. He had seen that on a lot of girls' arms. Bickson had told him that Tidus carried a personal stamper. And after he'd slept with a girl, he branded her. What a fucking asshole.

"Why do you want to get married to that asshole?" he asked her.

She raised an eyebrow. "Asshole? I thought he was your friend."

"Only at the clinic. I don't really know him."

"He spoke about you often."

"I was just trying to help him. He was really fucked up, okay?"

"I know. I'm marrying him because of the laws and because I love him."

He grimaced. "What? I bet he doesn't love you."

"I don't care."

"You're that serious?"

"Yeah. And I'll eliminate anyone that gets in my way. Got it?"

"Hey, I'm not the enemy here. If marrying that guy will get him out of my face, I'm the first supporter you have."

She stared at him, wondering why he didn't like Tidus. Almost everyone liked him.

"Why don't you like him?" she dared to ask.

"It's a long story."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Well…there was this girl. Do you know Bethany Tyler?"

Bethany? Bethany? Oh, yeah. Skinny blonde with an annoying laugh. "Yeah. I know her."

"Anyway, I thought that she and I would…"

Darcy laughed out loud. She couldn't help it. Was this guy serious? Why would a beautiful girl like Bethany give him the time of day?

"What the hell is so funny?" he demanded.

"Nothing. But, are you serious? You're not her type at all."

"We had a lot in common. She lived across the street from my…me. Anyway, I was working up the courage to ask her out and…"

"Tidus beat you?"

"Yeah."

"When the hell was this?"

He smirked. "Don't act like you didn't know he was seeing other girls."

"I knew."

"That's another thing I never understood. If you knew, why the hell didn't you break up with him?"

"I told you, I love him."

"That doesn't mean you have to be a damn fool for him. I hope Yuna doesn't end up like you."

"Whatever happens to Yuna, she brought it on herself."

"Bullshit. I'm not about to sit around and wait for that arrogant jock to hurt her, if he does…"

"Why do you care? Oh, no. Don't tell me you're in love with her."

"I…I'm not sure if it's love…"

"Not you, too. Tidus thinks he's in love with her."

"He doesn't know what love is. He never did. So, it's a good thing you're marrying him. Yuna deserves a decent man in her life."

"I agree. And if it's you, I'm on board."

"You just want her away from Tidus."

"That, too."

They stared at each other for a long moment, contemplating each other. Darcy wondered if she could trust him. She could really use some help with the pregnancy. And he looked shady.

"So, when's the wedding?" he asked her. The sooner Tidus left the Mika house, the better.

"I'm hoping by the end of the month. I'll only be seven months, but it's a good time."

"Do you think you could push it up? Like in a week?"

"I don't know. Are you home alone?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I want to tell you something…because I need to tell someone. But, you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"What is it?" he asked intrigued.

"I'm not really pregnant."

"What? You sure as hell look pregnant."

"It's a pillow."

"What? Why?"

"Because I'll do anything to have Tidus in my life, as mine. I thought I was pregnant before the prom. Turned out to be a false alarm. I had left a message for Ti telling him that I was pregnant. So, instead of telling him that it was a false alarm, I let him keep thinking I was pregnant."

Reevo just simply stared at her. If he were Tidus, he would most likely wring her damn neck. But, he wasn't Tidus. She had to be the most conniving woman he had ever encountered. She trusted him with this secret. Why? Because she knew there was no way in hell he would ever tell Tidus.

"I won't tell anyone. But, what about the baby? You don't have a baby. When Tidus finds out, he'll divorce you."

"I'll worry about that later. I actually could use some help."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to call him sometime tomorrow and pretend you're my doctor."

"Why?"

"So he'll quit bugging me about my appointments. Call him up and tell him the baby's fine."

"What's in it for me? I could use some gil. I'm broke."

"I'll try to move the wedding up. Or get him to move out sooner. I can give you some gil, too. How's that?"

"Can you keep him occupied most of Saturday?"

"I don't see why not. I don't have my job anymore." She would have to give him some gil using the money she'd saved this past summer for her car. But, she reasoned, if he helped her, it would be for a good cause.

"Good. I have plans that involve Yuna. I need more time with her, and with Tidus here that's damn near impossible."

She longed to tell him that just like with Bethany, he didn't have a chance in the farplane with Yuna, either. He was delusional. At least she knew that she was pretty.

They heard the front door open and slam. "Anybody home, ya?" Wakka called out.

"In the living room," called Reevo.

"Have you seen Tidus?" Wakka asked, coming to the living room doorway. His hazel brown eyes settled on Darcy.

"No. Darcy's waiting on him, too. Where is he?"

"I don't know. What's up, Darcy?"

"Hi, Wakka."

"If anybody's looking for me, I'm in my room," he told Reevo.

"Alright."

Wakka disappeared, wondering if he should give Tidus a heads up about Darcy being at the house. Before he could call him, the front door opened again and in walked Tidus.

"Hey."

"Hey, listen, let me tell ya…" Wakka began.

"How'd you do on that economics exam? I barely made it."

"I don't want to discuss that. Believe me. Anyway, in the living room…"

"I want to go take a shower before Yuna gets home. She likes me clean."

"Tidus…."

"Shower first, Wakka."

As he made his way down the hall to stop by his bedroom first, he heard someone else call his name. He froze. Darcy. He'd recognize her voice anywhere. What the hell was it now? Then he mentally slapped himself. Something could be wrong with the baby.

He walked to the living room doorway. He was surprised to find Reevo in there as well.

"Hi, Darcy. What brings you by?"

"I thought we could go over wedding plans."

She watched the light die in his eyes. "What's to plan? I thought we'd have a simple, quick service at city hall."

"City hall? This is our first wedding. We have to at least have a nice ceremony."

"All girls look forward to their wedding, Tidus. You should know that," said Reevo.

"Right. What did you have in mind?"

"Well, come on in and have a seat."

"Let me take a quick shower first."

"Okay."

Tidus gathered his things slowly in his bedroom. He knew that Yuna was accompanying Braska to his first AA meeting, but he hoped she wouldn't be home too late. He had barely seen her this week. He left the room and walked into the bathroom. He had to admit that he liked living in the Mika house and didn't want to leave.

He got dressed after his shower and decided to humor Darcy and her wedding plans. He didn't care. He half listened as she described the flowers and her dress. Reevo sat in the recliner, listening, as if he didn't have anything else to do with his afternoon. The truth was he should have been out looking for a job. But, he hadn't had any luck yet. His housemates didn't know that he was out of Gil. Before Darcy had come over, he had raided all of their rooms for gil lying around. He'd found the most, almost 30 gil on Baralai's dresser. He'd found Paine's door locked.

He had to eat, and he hadn't spent any gil on food. He had been eating whatever he could find in the fridges. If helping this girl Darcy would line his pocket and get rid of Tidus, he was all for it. Besides, what did Tidus have to complain about, really? Darcy was a nice looking girl. He noticed that Tidus was barely listening to Darcy as she rambled on about bridesmaids and such. He just didn't understand what girls saw in this guy.

He got up to go outside to smoke in peace. He found Paine sitting on the porch, rocking slowly in the swing. She was smoking silently, lost in her thoughts. He didn't even know she was home.

"Hey," he said, sitting on the steps.

It took her forever to answer. "Hey," she finally said.

"Haven't seen you around. Are we getting on your nerves?" he joked.

"Yeah, but that's not it. My granny died this morning."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Are you okay?"

She nodded stiffly. "I'll be fine."

Baralai's truck pulled into the driveway. He got out, laughing, with a pretty redhead by his side. Paine didn't say a word. She got up abruptly and left the porch.

"Wait, Paine. I want you to meet Val," called Baralai.

"Fuck off," she told him and continued into the house.

"What's with her?" he asked Reevo.

"She told me her granny died this morning."

Baralai felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Folene was dead? And Paine hadn't called him?

"Come on, Baralai. I thought you were going to show me why you're the star of the Abes," whined Val.

"Some other time. Beat it," he said, heading up the steps to walk inside of the house. He closed the door behind him.

"Some other time? Is he serious? How the hell am I supposed to get home?" complained Val.

Reevo shrugged. He didn't own a car nor did he care. He was used to watching jocks treat girls like crap. Val looked at him.

"I don't have a car," he explained.

"I know that. You don't look like you have much," she said, turning and heading down the sidewalk.

"Have a nice walk home," he called after her.

"Back when I was single, I might have given her a ride, if you know what I mean, ya," Wakka said, coming out on the porch and lighting a cigarette. He had gotten his car back. Finally. The police still hadn't found out anything about his accident. He just labeled it as negligence on his part.

"I think I do know what you mean, Wakka. She was pretty decent."

"Pretty decent? By my eyes, she was hot as hell."

"Yeah, but Lulu's…"

"Lu's what? You makin' eyes at my woman?"

"Not at all. But, I am a guy and let's face it, I've looked. I'm happy for you."

"I am lucky, ain't I?"

Wakka was about to reply when Seymour's car pulled up alongside the house. He rolled down the passenger window.

"Can we help you?" called Reevo.

Seymour held up a book. "Can you give this to Lulu?"

"What are you doing with it, ya?" Wakka demanded.

Seymour shrugged. "She left it in my car, Wakka," he said, his voice dripping with suggestion.

"What the hell was she doing in your car?"

"You'll have to ask her. Anyway, the text."

"I'm asking you."

Seymour looked at Reevo. He knew that there would be no reasoning with Wakka. "Can you give this to Lulu?" he asked him.

Reevo trotted down to the car and grabbed the book. Wakka started after him. Seymour hit the gas pedal and sped down the road.

"I want answers!" Wakka yelled after the car.

"Who was that?" Reevo asked.

"Lu's ex boyfriend."

"Okay. Well, here's her book."

Wakka snatched the book angrily. He had a feeling that when Lulu came home, they were going to have a big argument. It was inevitable. First, the pills. Now, Seymour. What was happening to Lulu? And most importantly, was he already too late?

End of Ch. 7. Thanks for reading.