What's up, everyone! Did y'all miss me?
I know it's been awhile since I've posted (like a few years) but you guys have all been so incredibly supportive. This story surprisingly still receives a lot of attention, so I'm going to try and finish it for you all.
Couple of changes to mention: I've added an actual cover to the story! Dahlia's face claim is Emily Rudd. Dahlia's hair is up to her shoulders, rather than down to her mid-back. I'll be going back to update the previous chapter… Just in case anyone needs to go back and reread them :D
Warning! there will be racial slurs used in this story. It, in no way, reflects my personal views on society.
A Black and White Film: A Titan's Documentary
Chapter Ten: All I'm Askin' Is For A Little Respect
The first day of school at T.C. Williams came around quickly and Dahlia can practically feel herself bouncing in her seat, she could barely contain her excitement. Her father decided to open up his shop a little later in order to drive his baby girl off to school on her first day. Unlike his daughter however, he wasn't shaking in a good way. In fact, as he glances over to his daughter and grips the steering wheel tightly, you could say he was downright terrified.
"Oh, I can't wait to get to school, daddy-o!" Doll began her excited chatter in a wispy voice, her eyes aglow with glee. She didn't seem to notice her father's discomfort as he sat stiffly next to her in the driver's seat.
"I'll finally be able to see the guys again!" She continues as Danny simply takes a deep and much needed breath in order to calm himself down, before nodding solemnly at Dahlia's words. He really didn't have the heart to tell Doll that things weren't going to be how she pictured at school. He knew she had a somewhat naive idea that just because the boys at camp got along, the rest of the community would do the same.
"Darlin'..." He begins in a low, but shaky voice. This caught Dahlia's attention instantly. She rarely ever heard her father speak like this, especially with that tone. The last time he used that tone of voice, was the last time she saw her momma.
"I know you think this'll be easy, but I want you to remember that things don't change overnight, all right?" He warns cryptically. Dahlia was silent for a bit as she tried to understand what exactly he was getting at. They remain silent in the car until the view of the school could finally be seen in the distance.
"What's going on?" Dahlia asks leaning forward in her seat as she catches a glimpse of what seemed to be a mob of people surrounding the school. Danny grips the steering wheel a bit harder as he gazes at the sight in front of him.
"Seems like they're protestin'," He answers causing the glow in Dahlia's eyes to fade ever so slightly. She could feel herself grow angry, but quickly shoves it away. She understood now… So, this is what her father meant.
"Wow," she breathes as the car slows to a creep, coming up behind traffic. Danny glances at his daughter and places a hand on her head in an attempt to cheer her up some.
"Just remember to take things one step at a time, got that, Doll?" Dahlia only nods, distracted with the amount of angry adults who were being forced and held back by police. She could barely read some of their signs that read "ALEXANDRIA MOTHERS AGAINST BUSING" and "WHEN WE'RE RIGHT WE RIGHT." She just couldn't understand what they were so upset about. She let out a heavy sigh and turns to kiss her daddy on the cheek.
"I'll see you at home daddy. Wish me luck!" She smiles before opening her car door.
"Hold on, baby!" Danny calls out just before she could step out. Surprised, Dahlia turns back to her father with knitted brows.
"You make sure you're careful out there, you hear?" He warns softly, but as Dahlia's expression shifts he quickly continues, "I know you can take care of yourself, honey, but a father still worries." This causes a warm smile to spread on his daughter's lips.
"You fret too much, old man!" She jokes causing her father to sputter indignantly, for he was definitely not old, "I'll be careful you can trust me. I'll look for one of the guys to stick with if it'll make you feel any better." She hums before turning to scan through the crowd. Danny simply shakes his head as he drops his hold on Dahlia's arm.
"There!" She states, pointing out towards the crowd, "It's Ronnie! I'll go hang with him, cool?" She soothes as she begins to once again leave the car. Danny scans the crowd to see the familiar face and appears to accept the idea.
"Just be safe," he warns her.
"Love you, pops!" She calls out before closing the door and waving as he drove away. She turns to gaze at the crowd and fails to see her father's worried glances through his rearview mirror.
"WE DON'T WANT THEM HERE!" Yells a blonde woman who continued to push against the many policemen on duty. Dahlia scowls before shaking her head and heading towards Ronnie's direction.
"Ronnie!" She chirps out as soon as she gets close enough for him to hear her over all the other unnecessary shouting. Hearing this, Ronnie quickly spins with a bright smile and open arms as he spots his favorite female in Virginia.
"Well, if it isn't a sight for sore eyes," he mumbles into her hair as soon as Dahlia's hugging him tightly. She pulls away with a smile and he smiles back, glad to finally see a friendly face. As they pull away from each other they both glance around at all the chaos with troubled expressions.
"Nothing like home, is it?" Dahlia asks sarcastically as she elbows him. This emits a scoff from the blonde next to her as he responds with, "Yeah, no kidding." They turn and begin to walk towards the school entrance when they were stopped.
"We don't need you here either, hippie boy," a boy with a buzzcut sneers as he shoves Ronnie backwards. This causes Dahlia to stop as well seeing as a couple of other guys begin to crowd around them as well.
"You hear what he said?" One of the other kids ask as they proceed to shove Ronnie in another direction. Dahlia could feel herself grow agitated as Ronnie lets out a heavy sigh and pushes his way through the boys. Dahlia was quick to follow, but was halted by one of them grabbing her wrist.
"Hey, honey, you don't want him." The one holding her says causing the others to chuckle.
"Yeah, you belong with a real man, like me." Another taunts before glancing at Ronnie, "Not a sissy like this." Hearing this Dahlia rips her arm out of the guys wrist and glares at him furiously. Ronnie opens his mouth about to say something, but Dahlia cuts him off.
"Oh?" She scoffs as she shoves past the other few guys surrounding her in order to reach Ronnie's side.
"I am with a real man," she growls as she makes it to Ronnie's side, before turning to look back at the troublemakers. Ronnie raises an eyebrow at the girl next to him, and lets a small smirk make its way to his face.
"And I'll have to recline your offer. I don't associate myself with livestock," Dahlia snarls as she quickly grabs Ronnie's wrist and begins walking away from the boys. Ronnie easily takes wider strides to keep up with her pace.
"Learn some manners, you pigs!" She barks out over her shoulder as they leave, causing the boys to shout in protest.
"So, I'm a real man, huh?" Ronnie asks puffing out his chest lightly. Dahlia glances his way and rolls her eyes letting his wrist fall out of her grasp.
"Shut up," she splutters trying to hold back laughter. Ronnie takes the time to admire said girl. He had no idea know she could be a spitfire when needed.
"You're good though, right?" The question causes Dahlia's steps to falter. Glancing over to Ronnie, she's alarmed to find such a serious expression on his face. She takes a moment to think back on what just happened, sure it was a bit intimidating, but nothing she couldn't handle, at least not just yet.
"I'm all right, Ronnie," she confirms with a soft smile. Touched that he even thought to ask.
"Let's just find some of the other guys, yeah?" Ronnie responds while placing his arm around her shoulders to shield her away from the hectic crowd.
"What you doin' in my school, boy?" Lastik jests as soon as he spots a familiar face in the crazy crowd of students. Petey gives the lovable giant a half smile before clapping their hands together in a warm greeting. They both take a moment to look around them.
"Man, this stuff is messed up," Lastik murmurs, as Petey stares out amongst the crowd watching as two dudes of the opposite race begin to fight causing the police surrounding them to rush in.
"Yeah," Petey agrees finally glancing at Lastik, "anything serious happen, they shut the school down, and our season goes down the drain." They both had a hard time believing that not too long ago, their team was the same way.
"This here's real messed up," Petey repeats before nudging Louie, "but there sure are a lot of pretty women here." He observes eyeing some of the females who were making their way to class, causing Louie to agree.
"Speaking of pretty women," Petey mumbles before motioning to a familiar face in the crowd.
"Dolly!" Louie shouts happily, hoping to grab the girl's attention. It seems to work as Dahlia's head snaps to look in their direction, an elated smile growing on her face. Tugging on Ronnie's arm they both begin to jog over.
"Hey guys!" She greets glad to see others on the team sticking together. The two hug her tightly before exchanging bro-hugs with Sunshine.
"This seems pretty bad," Ronnie voices, "has it always been this bad here?" He asks glancing over to look at Lastik and Petey.
"Yes," Petey answers without hesitation. The bluntness of his response causes Ronnie and Lastik to fidget slightly.
"Well, screw them. Let them throw their tantrums," Dahlia snorts while rolling her hazel eyes. The acid held within her tone catches the three boys' attention. Louie seems surprised by her outburst, but Ronnie and Petey smirk.
"What?" She stammers a bit, catching the three staring at her after a bit of silence, "They're acting like rotten children who ain't get their way." Crossing her arms, Ronnie snickers noticing her accent became increasingly more obvious the more wound up she got.
"Where did this fiery side come from, Doll?" Petey praises as he loops an arm around her shoulder flirtatiously, "just when I thought you couldn't get anymore attractive." Dahlia laughs as Petey gives her an enamored look.
"If you think this is attractive, you should have seen her earlier," Ronnie muses catching the attention of the other two, "she was about ready to take on four dudes, twice her size." Petey gives her an impressed look, while Louie cracks up laughing.
"Ronnie! They were insulting you!" She protests turning back to look over her and Petey's shoulder, "Ain't lettin' no one bully my boys." The comment manages to warm the three males' hearts as they all gaze after the dark haired beauty.
"We won't let anything happen to our Tiny Titan either," Louie pipes up sweetly.
"You know we've got your back," Petey's quick to agree. Dahlia glances back at Ronnie to see him give her a nod as well.
"Family sticks together, right?" She asks with a dimpled smile.
The group happily makes their way towards the entrance of the building, doing their best to ignore the sneers and shouts from the outside world. Dahlia didn't want to admit it, but this broke her heart to witness. The amount of hate people could have for their fellow man, just because the pigmentation of their skin, baffled her to no end. She found herself sneering at anyone who even glanced at Petey wrong. She even found herself glaring at some of the colored people who shoved at Ronnie, Louie, or herself as well. What was wrong with everyone? Did they have no respect at all?!
Just as they were about to enter the building, Dahlia stops causing the three boys to look back at her. She squints trying to identify some familiar looking figures in the distance.
"Is that Gerry and Julius?" She asks causing the others to squint as well.
"It is!" She cheers glancing back at the others, "I'll catch up with you guys in a few." Before she can take off down the few steps in front of the entrance, Petey grips her forearm.
"You sure that's a good idea?" He asks her nervously.
"I'll be fine, Petey," she comforts, "I'm going directly to them and I'll walk back with them." This seems to reassure Petey as he loosens his grip. She smiles softly y being reminded of her brother's who were away. In all honesty, she may have been missing her two brothers, but she gained so many others. Waving to the group she runs over to greet her "self-proclaimed" favorites who appear to be locked into a conversation.
Once she gets a little closer to Gerry and Julius she slows her pace noting another person with them. The female was slightly taller than her by about an inch, and was gorgeous! Blonde hair, green eyes, and a beauty mark just above her upper lip.
"Ah, sorry. Julius, this is Emma," Gerry introduces bringing Emma to his front. Dahlia smiles recognizing Emma to be the name of Gerry's girlfriend. Her smile slowly drops as she watches Emma's wide beautiful eyes slant into a sharp glare, and her lips form a disgusted scowl.
Standing shocked amongst a crowd of people, Dahlia feels her heart clench as Emma walks away from Julius' outstretched hand with only a scoff and shake of the head.
"Camp over now, huh?" Julius replies, dropping his hand dejectedly. "Back to the real world, Bertier."
"This is what they're integrating us for?" Julius asks glancing at all the protestin' and shoutin' surrounding them. "We'd have been better off staying where we were," he concludes before walking away from Gerry.
Dahlia remains rooted to her spot. She could literally see Julius rebuild the walls he only just managed to tear down. With just one little action, all the work they'd accomplished at camp… was gone.
As Dahlia stood there, she failed to notice that Gerry had run to catch up with Emma, who just so happened to be heading in her direction.
"Doll?" Hearing her name she snaps out of her thoughts to see Gerry in front of her. She smiles happy to see him, but it fades seeing the female next to him. Gerry notices this and feels his shoulder tense up slightly.
"Hey, Bertier," Dahlia greets softly with an almost sad smile. Gerry frowns noting the sad tone.
"Is this the Dahlia you speak so much of?" Emma asks kindly. Dahlia's caught off guard at the softness that is now present in her face. This was a completely different person than who she just saw interacting with Julius, if you could even call that interacting.
"Yeah, this is her!" Gerry laughs nervously, he silently prays that Dahlia would get along with his girlfriend. It was important to him for some reason to have his sister-figure approve of his girlfriend, and vice-versa.
"I'm Emma Hoyt, it's a pleasure to finally meet you!" She greets pleasantly, holding out a hand towards her. Dahlia finds herself internally arguing over how to approach this situation. She had half a mind to just leave her hanging like she did to, Julius, but knew that wouldn't go well with Gerry.
Gerry grits his teeth watching Dahlia remain still with little to no expression on her face. He could see Emma deflate a bit as her smile begins to drop. Then, as if she just realized someone was in front of her, a smile begins to slowly appear on Dahlia's face. If Gerry were to be completely honest though, it appeared a little bit strained.
"Oh," Dahlia marvels softly, "so, you do know how to greet a person. I'm glad!" She replies with a cheerful voice. Her response catches both Gerry and Emma off guard, but Dahlia is quick to grab the outstretched hand in greeting.
"Yeah, I'm Dahlia. Nice to see you were taught some manners," she happily chirps releasing Emma's hand after a tight squeeze, "saw what you did to Julius, and worried you were raised with no respect." Emma blushes at the accusation and drops her gaze to the ground, embarrassed. She can see Gerry's face grow a bit red as well and knew he would definitely be upset with her later.
"Turns out you just don't know when to use it," Dahlia snickers as if the exchange were a secret amongst close friends. Emma opens her mouth to retort, but nothing comes out.
"Doll," Gerry warns not liking the way she was treating his girl, "You're being rude."
"Don't worry, Gerry!" Dahlia reassures him with a laugh, shifting the books in her arms around slightly.
"Emma and I'll get along just fine. We can learn all about manners and respect together," she quips, shooting Emma a friendly smile and wink, "Right, Emma?" The two are left speechless as the dark-haired female turns to leave with a light wave of her hand.
"You all right, sugar?" Gerry asks glancing over at his girlfriend who was still in shock. Emma had never met a girl quite like Dahlia before, and she couldn't quite decide what to think of her yet. She was downright rude to her, but she had spunk. Gerry on the other hand couldn't decide whether he was angry with Dahlia, or just thankful she didn't dismiss Emma completely.
"So, did she not like me, or…" She trails off unsure of the impression she left with the girl who spoke harsh words with a honey coated tongue. Gerry scratches his head trying to decide the same thing.
Dahlia only smiled as she walked away from the pair deciding that she would definitely be getting along with, Emma. After all, her daddy always said, "kill 'emwith kindness." So, that's just what she'd do.
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