Chapter Nine

* Glen is pacing back and forth in front of the bus. He knows that if Mark doesn't show up in the next fifteen minutes or so he is going to miss the bus. He has already made sure that Marks gear along with his own and Starlite's was packed on the bus. He then made sure that Starlite was on the bus too. The one thing he didn't need right now was to lose his niece and his brother both at the same time. So he put her on the bus and told her not to move. Now he is out in front pacing back and forth hoping that Mark hurry's up. Shit if Mark misses the bus he will have to go and rent something and drive to the next town. Glen is so deep in thought that he doesn't hear Shannon come up behind him. Shannon talks to him but he doesn't respond so Shannon reaches out and touches his arm. Glen jumps and turns around. *

Sorry Glen I didn't mean to make you jump.

It's all right Shannon. Was there something that you wanted?

No I just asked if there was something wrong. I mean you look a little worried? Is there something wrong or is there something that I can do for you?

Yeah well I was just watching for Mark is all. He ran to do something and I just hope that he makes it back here before the bus leaves.

Oh I saw him when I was on my way back from breakfast this morning.

Really where was that Shannon?

He was sitting under a big tree in the park.

* Glen knows what Mark was doing and frowns slightly. He realizes that Mark went to a park so that he could talk to Jayne. It's something that Mark has done a lot since Starlite was born whenever he had a problem. *

So Mark was there so Shannon where was this park at?

About two blocks straight North and one to the West. I stop and talk to him for a second but he seemed as if he wanted to be alone. So I just came on back here to get ready to leave.

Yeah he got something on his mind right now. Something that he's not sure how to handle.

This doesn't have to do with Starlite does it?

* Glen looks at Shannon and can see what looks to be guilt in his eyes. He knows that Mark is right and what ever Starlite is hiding does have something to do with Shannon. Glen turns to Shannon looking him straight in the eye. *

Shannon are you and Starlite having sex?

* Shannon almost jumps back as if Glen is going to hit him. Al and John who were just coming around the side of the bus stop when they hear Glen as Shannon this. They both figure this talk could go a few different ways and they might need to step in. *

Well Moore are you one of the wrestler that my niece has been sleeping with?

No Sir I have never had sex with Starlite. I'm not one of the wrestlers that she has been with.

* Glen can see that Shannon is sincere. John and Al trade looks of oh shit. *

But you do know what the secret that she is hiding don't you? Why she can't look her father or me in the eye completely?

Yes Sir I do.

I would like to know what that is?

Sir I would really like to tell you and her father Sir.

But?

But if I tell you then I will betraying her and I can't do that Sir.

Why?

Because if I do then I will lose her and I don't ever want to do that.

Shannon do you love her?

Yes Sir very much so. And I am planning on telling her father that too just as soon as she will let me.

Your going to tell Mark that?

Yes Sir.

Is that the secret that you two have been dating or something like that?

Please Sir I really do wish that I could tell you but for now I just can't do that.

* Glen looks at Shannon and knows that he is telling the truth about wishing that he could tell him. *

Glen?

Yeah Shannon?

I really hate to think that you or Starlite's Dad would think badly of me but I love her too much to betray what she has asked me. I guess that I would do just about anything that she asks of me.

Yeah well I guess that I can understand that. I know that her father and I both feel the same way too. So then I guess that I won't ask you to tell me.

Thank you Sir.

Your welcome Shannon but it Glen.

Yeah I know but...

I know the size kind of demands respect sometimes. Could you do me a favor?

Sure what is it?

Go and sit with Starlite on the bus till I get on there please. She's a little down right now and I hate seeing her sad.

* A concern look crosses Shannon's face. Glen doesn't miss this and either does John or Al. *

Is she all right?

Yeah she told her Dad something that I don't think she really wanted to and he isn't handling it real well either.

Is that why Mark is sitting in the park?

Yeah Shannon it is so if you could sit with her for a few minutes why I wait for Mark I would appreciate it.

All right.

Thank you.

* Glen reaches out a hand for Shannon to shake. He does and Glen thinks maybe Mark is right and that Shannon is an up standing guy. Shannon goes to enter the bus. *

Hey Shannon see if you can talk her into telling her Dad so that she doesn't feel so guilty. Also so he doesn't worry about it either.

I'll try but I all ready have been trying to do that all ready.

Thanks I'm glad to hear that. Oh and see if you can make her smile too.

I'll try.

* Shannon gets on the bus and goes over to sit where Glen had put Starlite. Glen turns and sees that John and Al are both standing there silently watching him. He smiles at them and shakes his head. *

So how long have you two bums been standing there eavesdropping?

Oh since you asked Shannon if he was one of the wrestler that was sleeping with Starlite.

Yeah John and I figured that depending on how he answered that question we might have to step in.

Yeah well Starlite said he wasn't but I just wanted to check for myself. It's a good thing that he's not because I know that Mark is going to beat the hell out of who ever she has been.

So is that what she was up too?

Na John it was just something that Mark asked and she actually answer honestly. She told him that she has been with two wrestlers and two boys at school too.

Wow. So how did Mark hand it?

Fuck Al better then I think I would have if my sixteen-year-old told me that she has been sexually active since before her sixteen birthdays.

Hell I've been there and wanted to kill the little bastard so I know how Mark is feeling.

Yeah John and with Mark temper something is bond to happen too. Especially since he didn't yell or anything just told her that she should have been practicing same sex.

Mark did that? Holy Shit where is he now?

Well Al according to Shannon he saw him sitting in the park under a tree.

Shit then we all know he is going to blow at the slightest thing.

Yeah John he is because he is having it ruff this year as it is. Especially with Starlite looking so much like her Mother.

Fuck Glen lets hope that who ever she has been with in the company isn't here any more.

Yeah John I know because if he is and Mark finds out there won't be a place big enough for him to hide in.

True. Oh shit and here comes the deadman now.

* Al points to where Mark is coming down the sidewalk toward the bus. He doesn't look like he is in a good mood just by the way he is walking. He walks over to where Glen is standing. *

Is she on the bus?

Yeah she is sitting with Shannon for a few minutes just till we get on.

Tell Shannon to go ahead and sit there if he wants too. I call to see if the trucks have left yet. They hadn't so I had them go to pull my bike for me. I figured that I would meet you at the hotel.

Mark?

Glen I just got to think and I don't want her to see that I'm disappointed in her. But I also can't help thinking it either right now. I mean shit she is just sixteen and already had four partners.

You shouldn't be driving by yourself when you're in a mood like this.

Hey Bro I'm a big boy and It's only a five hour drive so what could happen in just five hours.

Oh you mean other then a few speeding tickets?

Shit it won't be the first ones now will it?

Yeah well just be careful. Are you going to let her know that you are driving?

I figured that you could. Because if I go on there I might ask her again to tell me who the wrestlers are that she's been with.

Yeah I know what you mean.

I might also ask Shannon if he has been one of then. I want to believe her about him.

Mark you can believe her on that.

Why Glen?

I asked him.

Thanks.

Hell she is my niece. And that means when we find out who I want a piece of them too.

Yeah I know that.

Hey us too. I mean we used to change her diapers when you guys were out in the ring.

Hell John she popped her first tooth chewing on Heads nose. Matter of fact I still have that one too.

Yeah John and Al I know and you can them if there is anything left.

Ok Mark make sure to leave us a little bit.

Come on Al we better get on that bus or else we won't find a seat.

Ok John. Mark we will see you there. And will help Glen keep an eye on her till we get there.

Thanks guy I would appreciate it.

* Mark shakes John and Al's hand. Then both men get on the bus. Glen turns to Mark and hugs him close for a quick second. *

Be careful.

I will and I'll see you at the hotel. Hey Glen tells her I love her please?

I will but you know she is still going to be up set?

Yeah I know but I just want to think for awhile is all. I mean I really didn't realize that she was...

Hell I know Mark. Hey you got your gloves with you?

Yes Mom I have them in my pocket. Well I've got to grab a cab and get over there so that the trucks can get out of there too.

Ok.

* Both men shake hands and then Mark heads over to the cabstands. Glen gets on the bus and goes to sit in the open seat next to Starlite. Shannon goes to stand up but Glen motions for him not too. Starlite looks up at Glen. *

He's not riding the bus is he?

No honey he's going to ride one of his bikes.

* Tears start to form in her eyes. *

Uncle Glen he is that mad at me?

Honey he's worried and up set. I mean shit we just didn't figure that you were yet.

I'm sorry but I am who I am.

I know that honey but then so is he and where do you think you get it from?

I love him and hate when he is mad at me or disappointed in me.

I know. And he loves you so much that he is just worried that he could have done something different. And he told me to tell you that he loves you little girl. And you know that he does even if it takes him a few days to work through this right?

Yes.

Good.

* Starlite starts to cry softly so Glen takes her in his arms so that she can cry. Starlite reaches out and takes Shannon's one hand as he gently rubs her back with the other? Glen glances over and sees that Shannon is deeply concerned for Starlite. He also sees the love that Shannon has for her in his eyes. He glances over and sees that John and Al are also watching Shannon. Al smiles and John just shrugs his shoulders. Glen knows this is going to be a long five hours. *

Author Notes: Thanks to all the reviewers I love them and need them especially when I'm not sure if I am on the right track. Please keep them coming.

Preview of up coming event: What will the road hold for Mark? Could it be Tickets, A Strangers Or Maybe even a little fun. And what about Glen when Kitty get there. Can the Big Red Machine keep it going all night? Only time and my muses can tell.

Thanks,

Cat Lea

Takersdarkone@msn.com