Chapter 12

Rock Creek Friday night. Part 1


Easing his Ford into a parking spot at the Express Station diner, Buck killed the ignition, raising himself up while shoving his keys into his pants pocket. With the lithe ease of a seventeen year old, he lept out of the convertible and promptly leaned back against the door and closed his eyes. This wasn't how his Friday night was supposed to start out.

It had become his habit, while taking Bekka home after driving lessons, to pull up under the shade of an old cottonwood tree not too far from her home. Buck looked forward to those few moments alone with Bekka. She was easy to talk to and fun to hang around with.

He was fast discovering that the more he got to know her, the more he liked her. As a friend. Just a friend, he reminded himself. No more than a friend. It was so easy to think about that something more when he was with her. His firm resolve to keep things at status quo was still holding true, granted by a thin thread, but it was holding. Buck wasn't ready to risk losing the friendship he was forming with her. What if he asked her out and she said, "No."? He couldn't handle that. Especially after Kathleen. Best to keep things as they were, uncomplicated and safe.

Easier said than done, he thought. A smile slowly tugged at the corner of his mouth despite his sour mood. Buck couldn't help recalling Bekka's exuberant laughter as he belted out a Bill Haley & His Comets song that played on the radio. He was a sucker for that laugh. The more Bekka laughed, the more he hammed it up.

Sure, he knew he was acting like a complete goof ball, but it felt good and she made it as easy for him as taking a breath of fresh air.

It was a side Buck learned to keep well hidden except to those closest to him, and even then he was careful not to let his guard down too much. But Bekka, what was it about her? Slowly, by degrees, she was working away at the well placed chains he kept around his wounded heart and the secrets it held tight. Buck was simply powerless, and he was certain that Bekka had no clue what effect she was having on him.

Digging a comb out of the back pocket of his chinos, Buck ran it through his dark hair as he scanned over the scene in the diner's parking lot. There were only two cars parked at the drive-in stations, along with a fair sprinkling of cars belonging to the regulars eating inside.

Buck was about to head inside and lose himself in some Poe and a chocolate malt when he heard tires squealing into the gravel parking lot. Buck turned in time to see Doc Barnes roll into the Station in his rusty old '28 Studebaker.

The man was an excellent doctor, but couldn't park a car if his life depended on it. Buck watched with one eye opened as the hunk of metal skidded to a stop, haphazardly in it's usual spot, right next to his car.

Buck seriously wondered how long it would be before Jimmy and Red would have to overhaul "The Beast", as they liked to call it. The old Studebaker should have been put down ages ago. It sounded like a rattling death trap as it finally choked down and went silent with a bang that sent a cloud of black smoke and soot into the clear fall air.

"Hey, Doc," Buck called out with a wave of his hand. "Ain't it time to put the old girl outta her misery?"

"Howdy, Buck," Doc tossed a wave back. "Misery? What're you talking 'bout? Lola's in her prime, boy. Why, she could put your Ford to shame any day of the week."

Shaking his head, Buck just smiled. Doc loved his Lola, and Buck wondered if he'd be the same way when his own baby got down on her last leg.

"I do think the ole' girl's in need of a oil change,though. She's running a little rough."

"You don't say?" Buck didn't even try to hide the crooked tilt of his mouth. "Bring her by the garage tomorrow. I'm working the afternoon shift. I'll be happy to give the old girl a good looking over."

"Great, Buck! I'll bring Lola by right after lunch, thanks." The gray haired man started toward the diner, paused and turned around. "Hey, how's the first week of classes going?"

"Good."

"Just good?" Doc fired back as his wrinkled brow furrowed up like a freshly plowed wheat field.

"Great! Doing real great!" Buck countered, giving him his best smile and thought to add, "I even got someone to help tutor me this year in Brit Lit. You know how I hate that class."

"Ya don't say." Doc eyed the young man through his bushy white eyebrows.

"Yep. Going to ace the class if it's the last thing I do, Doc."

"That's what I like to hear, Buck. You knock 'em dead." Doc pointed a gnarled finger at his head then at Buck before easing into the diner.

Buck watched the diner's chrome door close around the Doc, welcoming him in like a long time friend.

They didn't come any tougher, honest, or fair than Doc Barnes. A WWl vet, he went into the service straight out of medical school, a young man full of dreams of glory and valor. No one expected the war to drag on for as long as it did, including Doc. Thankfully, by mid November of 1918, the war finally came to an end and Doc was discharged out of Military service a decorated war hero.

Doc never thought of himself as a hero. Just a simple man doing his duty to the best of his ability in the face of conditions no man on earth should ever have to witness or endure. The one thing that kept him going was knowing that Mary, his childhood sweetheart, was waiting back in Rock Creek for his return.

War does things to people, strips them bare of who they once were and rebuilds them. Doc Barnes was no exception. His idealistic youthfulness slowly vanished inch by inch until all that remained was a hardened army surgeon. Thankfully the War didn't strip away all of Doc's character. It mercifully left intact his love for his darling Mary along with his love and passion for helping people who were sick and hurting, no matter their background.

Soon after arriving back home in Rock Creek, Doc wasted no time in marrying his sweetheart. Next, they found themselves a small house on the edge of town, then set to work on establishing a small medical practice.

Setting out his shingle in Rock Creek, though, was a literal washboard of bumps on the road the good doctor didn't see coming.

Not all of Rock Creek society welcomed Doc Barnes'. It seemed much had changed since he left for the War. While he was away the Devlin's had taken over a good deal of the town, and what they didn't own outright, they controlled through other means. Doc didn't cotton to that notion one bit.

So he did the only thing that felt right, Doc opened up his practice on the other side of town, across the tracks, where old man Devlin's fingers couldn't reach. And to this day, never once did he regret his choice.

Doc never turned a person away and those in the community quickly learned that Doc was a man of his word and always did all in his power to help anyone who was in need.

Buck was young, but would never forget what the older man had done to try to save his mother, Meadow Fawn, a full blood Kiowa. The intern volunteering on the Reservation would have nothing more to do with her. Without an ounce of compassion, the young doctor told Red, 'She's going to die, complications from the surgery, I'm sorry. Take her home and stop wasting my time, there's nothing more I can do for the woman.' The man's exact words, Red had explained to Buck.

Red didn't like that answer any more than Buck did, so they sought out Doc Barns.

Doc worked throughout the night and into the next day and night, never leaving Meadow Fawn's side as the infection-induced fever raged through her body. Never once did he give up on her, staying by Meadow Fawn's side till the final end. He was there for the two grieving sons at her funeral, even checking on the two young men in the harrowing days after the tragic event. Never once did he ask for anything in return. That was just how Doc was.

Buck would also never forget what the older man had offered him several years later.

"It's not charity, Buck. Think of it as a scholarship of sorts. I see great potential in you, and I hate seeing good potential go to waste. I'm simply offering you a chance. Keep your grades up, make it into the top five of your class, and I'll see that your tuition is taken care of, simple as any other scholarship the local Elks club would offer."

It took a great deal of convincing, but finally Buck accepted the offer and worked his tail off to prove himself worthy of the gentleman's great kindness. Little did he know that it would land him straight in the path of Bekka Joe Cooper.


Letting the pent up air in his lungs whoosh out, Buck's mind came back to the present. Things at the Express Station were still deadsville.

Where was everyone? Pocketing his comb back in his trousers instead of the jeans he had planned to wear, Buck remembered. He was the one who was early not the other way around. His original plan had been to drop Bekka off, head home, ditch the lame school threads, clean up, then swing back and pick up Bekka. What a great delusion that was, Buck sniffed dejectedly.

Catching sight of Allie, he threw a wave her way as she shot him a sunny grin before skating away with a car side order. Searching around in his leather jacket for a pack of cigarettes he let out a muttered curse. This was one of those times he could really, really use a smoke as he crumbled the empty pack of Lucky Strike's in his fist and pitched it in the back seat of his car.

Palming his hand over his face, Buck couldn't shake away his thoughts of Bekka. Shoving away from his car, he strode towards the diner's chrome plated door in an effort to banish the chick from his mind.

She was a skirt just like any other girl. So what if she dug Poe, and thought of him as equal, no questions asked? Yeah, okay, she was a little bookish, but she held a sweet smile with a laugh that warmed him to the core. The fact that her spring flower scent left him heady and weak, meant nothing. All girls were the same, put on the earth for the purpose of breaking his heart, he was stronger than to let himself fall into that trap again.

Why should he care if she didn't want to hang with him and his friends? They had a deal, that's all. Nothing that required her to go slumming with their bunch on a Friday night. Just a simple exchange of Brit Lit tutoring for driving lessons, that morphed into shop lessons because he took pity on her. Yeah, right, pity. More like a complete idiot! What was he thinking?

His brain was clutching it into second gear and already slipping into third as he continued on this downward spiral of a collision course. Before he could get himself good and worked up, Buck caught Jesse James heading in his direction, and for once breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the hooligan.

Overall, Jesse was a good kid. He'd been a runaway from God only knew where and Rachel took him in without a second thought. It didn't do anything to help her standing with the town's prim and proper. Of course they'd written her off the second she took up with Red. But that didn't stop the pretty, blonde-haired Station owner from giving the young man a hearty meal, and a place to stay.

When Jane lost her father in a tragic fire at his jewelry store a few years back, Rachel didn't hesitate and took the little pest in as well. That was Rachel's way, God love her.

Jesse hooked his thumbs into his belt loops as he strode over trying to act all cool and tough like Jimmy. Buck struggled hard not to laugh and managed a pretty decent straight face, but there were days when it was hard. The boy idolized Hickok, and the one thing Jesse hated more than anything was being laughed at.

"Hey, Buck! What's that word from the bird?"

Matching Jesse's impassive gesture, Buck gave him a short, "Not much. You?"

"Everything's cool. Cody inside?" Jesse had a desperate need to get to the pinball machine before Cody did.

"Nah, he had to pull a shift over at the bowling lanes." Buck replied as he hooked his thumb into his belt like Jesse.

"Cool!" Brushing past Buck, Jesse headed for the Station door then turned back.

"I'm gonna beat his record, you watch, Buck. First Cody, then I'm coming after Jimmy's score. Those two cats are going down, and finally I'll prove that I deserve a spot with the Rattlers."

"Go for it, man. It's clean and green. But,... if you're thinking of aiming for a spot with us Rattlers, well..." Buck let the latter remark fade with a low derisive chuckle. There was more to earning a place with the Rattlers than beating some chump pinball score. If Jesse only knew the truth about a Rattlers' initiation, he wouldn't be flapping his jaw so freely in the breeze.

"What!?" Jesse stormed forward, arm outstretched and shoved Buck in the chest.

Effortlessly Buck deflected the force of momentum, causing Jesse to stumble forward before quickly regaining his step. He glared daggers at Buck.

"You don't believe I have what it takes to be a Rattler, do you? Just spit it out! You think I'm just some punk kid, just like everybody else. You just watch me, Buck! I'll show everyone. One day I'm gonna be leader of the Rattlers and no one will dare disrespect me including you, Buck."

"Enough!" Buck snarled. Taking a step forward he now towered over Jesse who stood gaping up at him. Clenching his jaw, Buck swallowed back his ire that was begging for release on the hotheaded teen.

How come the kid never pulled this sort of crap on Jimmy? Buck knew the answer. Jimmy would've put Jesse's lights out with the first shove, no questions asked, that's why and Jesse knew it. That was about to change.

"Jesse, If you ever get up in my face again, it will be your last, dig?"

"Yeah, Buck... I get it. Look,... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get all up in your grill," Jesse kicked a stone away and jammed his hands into his pants pocket, all his bluster blown away like a petulant summertime storm.

Buck stood and passively watched as Jesse scuff his new leather loafers in the gravel before kicking a few stones out of they way. Thank goodness Rachel wasn't out here to see what he was doing to those leather shoes. She'd have a conniption fit for sure.

"Jesse..."

"No one takes me seriously, Buck. Not even you." Jesse raised accusatory eyes up at him.

"I'm a Rattler, Buck.. Why can't ya'll see that? Jimmy, he's always riding my case about having patience and growing up. I'm sick and tired of hearing it! And to top it off he's constantly harping on me that it's more than the leather jacket, chicks and fast cars. When's he going to get it through that skull of his that I know that already!"

Jesse started pacing like a caged animal. "I know what being a Rattler is all about. It's about respect. I'm old enough and ready to put those Silvers in their place. They think they can threaten us, run all over us and take away our turf...they can't. I'm ready to take 'em on and show them who's boss! Why can't Jimmy see that?"

"He does, Jesse. He also knows what it takes to really go up against the Silvers. You can't just demand respect. You can't just declare all out war. It's not about who's tougher...it's about who's better. You gotta keep your head, play it smart. Took Jimmy a while to learn that, as I recall and it's why he's the leader. And it's why you're still the kid on the outside."

"Whatever, Buck," Jesse glowered at the gravel beneath his loafers.

"Not 'Whatever'!" Buck growled grabbing Jesse forcefully by the shoulder and forcing the boy's eyes to meet his. "You want to be a Rattler? You want Jimmy's spot? It's there for ya if you listen to what he tells you. But you keep going off half cocked and lashing out at everyone without thinking...it'll never happen. Jimmy's trying to groom you for the job...give you advantages he didn't get. Listen up and listen good! You got that?"

Jesse stood shell shocked still in the parking lot and watched Buck stride towards the diner. Since knowing him, he'd never heard Buck speak with the vehemence he just heard.

"Hey, Buck, wait!"

Pulling the door open, Buck paused and turned back to eye Jesse.

"Look Buck, I...well, thanks...thank for what you said." Jesse crooked his shoulders, "I'm goin' to listen to Jimmy, I swear."

"Good." Buck turned to head inside the diner.

"Wait, Buck..."

Stifling a low growl, Buck let the diner's door slip closed through his fingers.

"What now?!"

"Look, I just want to give ya a heads up. Jane's looking for you."

"Jane? What's she want with me this time?"

"Don't know." Casting a glance left then right, making sure the coast was clear, Jesse leveled his eyes on Buck's.

"What I do know, Buck, is that Jane's smoked with you. Hotter than a cat on a tin roof in the middle of July."

"What? Why?"

"Why? For crying out loud, Buck!" Jesse slapped the palm of his hand on his forehead in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding! Is your noggin' that filled with exhaust fumes? I thought you had jets, Einstein? Do I have to spell it out?"

Buck was quickly growing tired and glared at Jesse in puzzlement.

"It's that four eyed geek you're hanging out with that's got Jane totally frosted!"

It didn't take much for the last frayed nerve Buck possessed to snap. In the span of a heart beat Buck had fistfulls of Jesse's cotton t-shirt in his hands, youthful face inches from his own.

"She's got a name," Buck snarled. "Bekka Joe, got it! And she's no geek! I catch you calling her a four eyed geek again, I'll see to it that you get the fast track straight to China, do I make myself clear?"

Jesse's eyes grew wide. If he thought Buck was mad before, he was so wrong. Buck looked angry enough to spit venom, venom mixed with a fair amount of battery acid.

"Yeah, yeah. I get it, I get it!. Calm down man, please, calm down." Jesse struggled against Buck's strong hold.

"The chick's cool. That was Jane's words, Buck, not mine,I swear! I think Bekka Joe's cute, so what if she wears glasses. I'd ask her out if I knew she'd go with me," Jesse exclaimed as he bore up under Buck's blazing glare.

"Watch it!"

"I meant, the girl's straight from the frig. A real looker, Buck. Yeah, a real doll."

Back peddling for all he was worth, Jesse remembered hearing Jimmy once speak of Buck's lethal streak. He called it latent. Jesse didn't know what that meant. At the moment, though, he was getting a pretty good idea as Buck's eyes darkened to the point where his brown irises melded completely into his black pupils. Jesse had no desire in visiting this side of the brooding Rattler.

Buck, struggling for a calm he didn't feel, shoved Jesse away before the boy could say anything else about Bekka that would provoke him further. Why was this chick messing with him like this? It didn't make any sense.

Stumbling, Jesse caught himself and realization dawned fully on him. Without thinking he blurted out, "Ya know, if I didn't know any better, Buck, I'd say Jane was right. You really do have the hots for Bekka. No wonder Jane's so riled up."

"What?!"

"Ya heard me," Jesse declared with an gleeful laugh, his fright of a moment ago forgotten as he sailed faster than a Pony Express rider inside the station, leaving Buck outside to fume.

Clenching his jaw tight, Buck took in a deep cleansing breath and slowly let it out, Jesse's words slamming home with a jarring clarity of truth he couldn't deny.


Swinging the door to the Station Diner open, the familiar smells of burgers and fries assailed Buck's nostrils. Normally, as he inhaled deeply, it would send his mouth watering and belly growling, but not this afternoon.

Catching Jesse at the pinball machine, Buck considered giving in and wringing the punk's skinny neck but knew he'd catch hell from Rachel, who was working the register. Over at the other side of the diner, Allie was taking Doc's order, and to his great relief Jane was nowhere in sight. He wasn't in the mood to deal with her hanging all over him like a wool coat.

Jarvis had his back turned, busy working the grill, as Buck eased his way into his favorite booth and wondered why Bekka couldn't be...he shook his head violently to dislodge the very thought he almost let in. He knew full and well why she wasn't here and even better why he should be glad. She was saving him a world of heartache.

Buck still didn't quite know exactly what he'd done or said to upset Bekka. Maybe someone else wouldn't have noticed, but Buck caught the hurt that flickered across Bekka's eyes. It was only for a split second before she was all smiles again and thanking him for the ride home. He had offered to drive to her up to her house so she wouldn't have to walk so far, but Bekka gave him some lame brain excuse that she needed the exercise. That was it. She was gone and never bothered to turn back to wave goodbye.

That stung hard, because moments before they were having a blast. And driving lessons went well for a change. Buck was beginning to even hope that his car might just survive Bekka Joe. His frazzled nerves were another story. The day before he'd hit on a new tactic of training, something Red had used when he was young and it really helped him. Buck thought he'd give it a shot on Bekka.

It was a really simple exercise that didn't require his car to be in motion, and Buck wondered why he hadn't thought of it before. He parked in an open field and killed the ignition. Then he showed Bekka how to move the gear stick through it's three positions and reverse on the steering column while decompressing the clutch. After several repetitions Bekka grew more comfortable with the feel of how the gear stick slid into position. Her triumphal grin nearly undid Buck as she eagerly exclaimed that she was ready for the next step.


Throughout the school day Buck had pondered how he would best handle the next step in Red's training.

A crooked grin had played about Buck's lips from time to time during the day when he caught sight of Bekka and the notion of her sitting in his lap. He could never pull such a move off like he knew Jimmy could, but it sure was nice thinking about it.

"So, here's the plan, Fireball. I'm going to work the gas and clutch, all you need to do is shift the car into the right gear when I tell ya. Got it?."

Buck watched Bekka bite her lower lip as she considered his plan. He really wished she'd stop doing that.

"Okay, Buck. But are you sure this is going to work? I just don't see how..."

"Yeah, it's cool. All you have to worry about is shifting the car, you don't even have to steer it down the road. Just do exactly what you did yesterday, only this time you don't get the driver's seat. You'll have to scoot real close to me, that's all."

"Oh? Well, okay if you say so." Her pragmatic reply held a slight hesitation along with the tiniest of smiles.

"I promise I won't bite," he teased with a sly wag of his brow. "I might take a little nibble though."

A blush crept into Bekka's cheeks at the same time her eyes narrowed and playfully shoved his arm, "Stop teasing, Buck."

"I'm not teasing, Fireball. I'm dead serious."

She simply matched his look over the rim of her glasses.

"Alright, perhaps I'm teasing a little, I promise I won't bite. But seriously, Fireball, If this is going to fly, you're going to have to sit as close to me as you can."

"Are you sure this is how Red taught you to drive a car?" Her voice held a good deal of skepticism.

"Nope. He had me sitting in his lap and I also had to steer the car. If you think it'll make things easier for you, you're welcome to hop right on up in my lap."

He patted his thigh for emphasis as he tossed her a wink and grinned. Buck knew he shouldn't have said it, but just couldn't resist and waited for the punch he knew was coming to his midsection. It never came. Instead, Bekka's next words left him slightly slacked jawed.

"Well...ummmmm, okay. I suppose I could do that...It seems more logical..." she responded in all innocent seriousness as she started to scoot closer to Buck.

His mouth went dry and heart thundered like a jackhammer pounding through concrete. Could it really be this easy to get a good looking girl on his lap? This was something that he thought only happened to Jimmy or Cody. Trying not to lose his cool, he dug around for something to say, anything. "You're serious?"

"Nope," her mouth curled upward, eyes dancing.

"What?"

"Gotcha." Bekka giggled.

"What?"

"Is that all you can say?" Laughing triumphantly she added, "That'll teach you to tease me, Mr. Hotshot." Reaching out a hand, Bekka poked him in the ribs.

Falling back against the seat, Buck realized he'd been had. The question that now rolled around in his brain was, 'Did Bekka realize just what teasing like that could do to a man?' Judging by the playful jab to his ribs, he highly doubted it.

Finally after gathering his senses, a hearty chuckle welled up in him and he pointed a wagging finger at her, "I'm going to get you...you just wait Fireball, I'm gonna make you memorize every socket and wrench in Red's garage.

She groaned and wrinkled her nose up at him, then turned the tables. "You do know, Buck, that you still have to get through Jane Eyre with me first? I could make you memorize the first five chapters."

It was his turn to groan as Buck made a dramatic display of stabbing an imaginary knife into his chest and twisting for effect.

"Nice performance. Perhaps you should try out for the school play?"

"Nah. I'll leave that for Cody."

Bekka smiled up at Buck and his heart skipped a beat. The warmth of her smile was like sunshine spilling over him.

"Can I ask you something, Buck?"

"Yeah, sure."

"How old were you when your brother started teaching you to drive?"

"I don't know, Bekka." He laughed as the memory sprang to life, "About five, I guess. I know I couldn't reach the clutch. I think I was about 8 when I was driving on my own. That was the first summer mom let me drive her to the Res."

"Really? You were driving when you were 8 years old? No way."

"Yeah way, I was." He could tell Bekka was impressed. "Mom hated to drive, especially to the Res. Red was always working or hanging out with the Rattlers. So, one Saturday afternoon mom tossed me the keys and told me to drive."

"Weren't you worried about getting caught?"

"Nah." He watched that brow of hers arch up over the frame of her glasses. Dang, he thought. With a look like that, he'd never be able to get anything over on her.

Coming clean he huffed out the words with a shrug. "Alright, a little."

"Mom wouldn't let me drive in town, said the cops were like hawks, Barnett's kin to them, better watch out for him. Anyway the county roads weren't patrolled as diligently as those in town."

"But they're patrolled..."

"Yeah."

"Were you ever caught?"

"Nope. Came close once."

"Really?"

"Yep." Buck sat up tall and straight on the edge of the seat while grabbing hold of the steering wheel with one hand, his other arm draped lazily across the door. "I was sitting just like this as the cop shot past us. I played it cool as a cucumber, he had no clue." He gave her a wink.

"I bet you were nervous," she countered.

"Nope."

"Yes you were. Don't try to fool me, Buck. I would've loved to have seen you," Bekka giggled. "Eight year old Mr. Hotshot, all worried and clutching the steering wheel, probably worse than I do."

"Was not." He ignored her laugh while giving her a dirty look. Truth told, he had been scared half to death. Buck was certain he'd get stopped and they'd haul his ass off to jail. A half breed kid driving his mother around, and especially to the Res, things like that didn't fly too well in Rock Creek.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to tease you, Buck. But I couldn't help it. You're always so cool, confident and in control...I...well...I just..."

He watched Bekka turn away from him as she started twisting her hands together in her lap, her unspoken words carried away with the fall breeze.

"Bekka...?"

"Hmmm?"

She looked up at him with a little shrug, "I just wish I was cool like you,...you and your friends, that's all." She turned to look back outside.

"You sell yourself too short, Fireball. I wish you wouldn't, 'cause in my book, you're pretty cool,...among other things," he added under his breath.

Bekka turned inquisitive eyes on him, she seemed to be weighing the truth of his words.

Bearing up under her scrutiny, Buck wasn't sure if Bekka heard his end remark or not. She wasn't saying anything. One thing he was sure of, though, if he wasn't careful there was no telling what his renegade tongue might let slip out.

"Thank you, Buck. I...I shouldn't have said such a lame thing..."

It took Buck a moment to register that Bekka had spoken. Her words were so soft, and she seemed unusually shy sitting there in his car. She was never shy, he acknowledged to himself as he noted her hands busily twisting pretzel knots once more.

"Hey...don't," Impulsively he reached out and stayed the continuous fidgeting. "It's not lame, Bekka. Actually, I'm flattered."

Wide hazel eyes blinked up at him, "You are?" her tiny voice inquired.

"Yeah, I am." Buck's mind was suddenly distracted when a wayward strand of auburn hair fell out of Bekka's ponytail, grazing her pink tinted buttercream cheek. The temptation was too great for him to resist as he gently tucked the soft curl back behind her ear.

"Ya know, this may come as a surprise, but I'm not as cool and confident as you think I am."

She peered at him in that singular way of hers.

"Hey! Don't give me that look, Fireball, It's true. Just ask the guys, they'll tell ya. But I meant what I just said. I think you're a pretty cool chick."

"You do?"

"Yeah. Even if you do dig that Brit chick, Charlotte Bronte, you're alright." He shot her another wink and proceeded to give her his best lopsided grin.

"Well, you do get pretty jazzed over fast cars," Bekka wrinkled her nose. "In my book I still think you're pretty alright. So I guess we're even, then."

"Yep, I guess we are." Buck leaned back and blew out a laugh. Bekka, with her spray of saucy freckles, was really getting under his skin.

"Your mom, she sounds like she's a really cool lady. It's probably where you get it from, Buck."

"Yeah...yeah, she was pretty cool, Bekka. She was the best, you would've liked her, I'm pretty sure she would've liked you..."

Memories started inching their way back up to the surface of Buck's consciousness. He couldn't recall the last time he actually talked about his mother to anyone close to him, not even to Ike or Red. A soft hand reached out and touched his, breaking through his thoughts.

"I'm sure I would have liked her too, Buck."

That was all Bekka said. No prying questions, just a sweet smile while her soft, warm hand continued resting on top of his. Swallowing back the lump that was forming in his throat, Buck pulled his hand away from hers, reached for the keys and turned the ignition over.

They had wasted enough time and if he didn't get things rolling, he just might do something stupid like trying to kiss her.

"Scoot on over here, Fireball, before it's graduation day and you still haven't got a drivers license."

"So you're telling me that if I don't scoot over I can put off driving lessons till after graduation?"

He turned and tried to give Bekka his most menacing scowl. "No. Now get over here before I have to drag you over here by your ponytail."

"Alright, alright. Grumpy Gus teachers are no fun," Bekka grumbled as she slid closer to Buck.

"Neither are insolent students," he muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing."

If he planned on saying anything else his words were lost as he felt her arm and thigh press against his, her warmth seared right through his leather jacket and sent a charged volt straight up his arm and back down his spine. She smelled just like springtime rain and flowers. For one heady moment he wondered if she was feeling the same shock of electricity that he was and what she would do if he were to lean in for a kiss.

His hopes faltered when he gave her a sideways glance. Bekka's focus was intent on his car. It was the first time he felt jealous of his ragtop. There was no way she felt a thing for him, much less noticed how close they were sitting to each other.

What was his problem? Jimmy sure didn't get a gal like Allie by playing it safe. If Cody had this chick sitting so close, he wouldn't spare one thought for what she felt. He'd grab her and kiss her. Of course, Cody had never had his heart broken. He didn't know what it was to be used like Kathleen had done. He couldn't. Buck was just too sensitive. He let himself trust too easy...too soon. Cody wouldn't do that. He'd have a good time and if it didn't work well, no skin off his nose. Here Buck was second guessing and worrying about what this chick would think of him and if she felt what he felt...which she didn't. Of course she didn't.

Although, he secretly thought he caught a slight gasp as her cheeks flushed before worrying her lower lip. Buck pondered all of that for a moment, as he eased off the clutch, gave his car some gas and told her to shift it into first.

At the first sound of gears grinding, Buck's mind ricocheted back on what needed doing, saving his poor car. Damn! With every ounce of patience Buck possessed he fought against the urge to take hold of the gear stick, as he talked Bekka through the shifting positions.

This girl was going to be the death of him and his baby.

After several attempts with shouts from both and more gears grinding, they finally moved down the road . There was hope in sight, maybe.


Raking his hand across the back of his neck, Buck tried to ease the tension he felt building up as he closed his eyes and tried to forget the day.

"Hey, Buck!"

His head snapped to attention.

"Think I didn't notice ya, Buck? Takes more than a sneaky Rattler like you to side-wind by me."

Flipping a starch white towel over his shoulder Jarvis turned to eyeball Buck. "Where's your girl, that red head who was tagging along with you earlier in the week? It's Friday night, why're you here alone?"

Buck slumped his head back against the robin's egg blue booth cushion and shut his eyes again. Maybe if he just kept quiet Jarvis would leave him alone.

"Hey! Buck! You didn't answer me."

So much for that, but he kept his eyes shut anyway.

Two things Buck had learned about Jarvis. You could never sneak past the cook. The other thing, don't try ignoring him, especially if you're a Rattler.

"Bekka's home, studying, if that's who you're referring to. And she's not my girl." Buck quipped peevishly as he sunk further into the booth seat and started massaging his temples.

"Ha! Could've fooled me."

That got Buck's full attention as his eyes flew open and narrowed on the cook. "So tell me, how's Lottie doing? Got around to asking her out yet?"

"Hmmmmfff!" Snatching the towel off his shoulder with a satisfying snap, Jarvis started wiping down the countertop.

Buck felt Jarvis' eyes sear through him as he shrugged out of his leather jacket. He didn't care. The older man deserved the cut. Who was Jarvis to make a jab like that when he didn't even have the guts to make a move on the gal he's been pining away for. Then again...

Reaching a long arm into the window sill he grabbed up his book of Poe. Tenderly his fingers caressed the beaten and tattered cover before opening the worn pages to the marked spot where he'd last left off reading.


"Orders incoming!" Allie cried as she skated through the diner's main door.

Jarvis turned his attention to the Station's waitress and motioned Allie over. Quickly Jarvis gotta move on things before another customer vied for the waitress' attention. The last thing he needed was for the orders to get backed up because he was thinking of Lottie's pretty face.

"What ya got for me, Toots?"

"Gotcha a mousetrap, with a side of rings and a Atlanta special, go light on the hail. Next I need two burgers both raked through the garden and sent to Wisconsin. One chocolate malt, two straws and double order of fries."

Swiping at her brow, Allie leaned against the counter and watched Jarvis slap burgers on the sizzling grill, then proceed to dump some hot, golden fries straight out of the frier into a holding bin. With the skill of a man who worked the diners' kitchen for near on ten years, he rained down just the right amount of salt, tossed the crispy fries around a few times then snatched up a bowl and served up a piping hot order and slid it on the counter in front of Allie.

Raising a brow, Allie gave Jarvis a quizzical look. "You call this a double order of fries?"

"Nope, I call it a single order. Better get your peepers checked, doll, if you're seeing double."

Tucking in a corner of her mouth, Allie eyeballed the bowl of fries and then Jarvis, "Nothing wrong with my vision, but I don't recall..."

"Good," Jarvis interrupted. "Take 'em over to that pole cat over there, looks like he could use 'em."

Allie glanced in the direction Jarvis indicated, then back at the station's cook and took up the order, but not before leaning in and whispering sweetly, "You're not getting soft on us Rattlers, and Scarlets' now are you?"

Jarvis shrugged at the young woman's words, "Nope, Just knew what he'd order and beat ya to it."

"Right, Jarvis. Then you won't mind finishing the rest of his order." Allie grinned big at the Station's gruff cook as she spun around on her skates, her robin egg blue skirt curling around her slender legs.

Smiling, he shot out, "I'm right on it. And hey, this is between you and me, dig?"

"Why, of course," she replied, while tossing him a conspiratorial wink.

Shaking his head, Jarvis watched Jimmy's best girl slide into the booth seat next to Buck as she placed the hot crisp fries in front of him.

Before turning back to work on Buck's chocolate malt, he caught hold of Buck's dark eyes and nodded his head at the Rattler.


"So, where's Bekka Joe? Thought she'd be hanging with ya tonight." Ignoring Buck's sour look, she slid the bowl of fires in front of him and snatched up one for herself.

"Didn't order those."

"Didn't say you did. But it never stopped ya from turning down fries I've slipped your way in the past." Allie quipped as she watched his sour expression turn into a glaring frown.

If it wasn't for the fact that she had a soft spot for Buck, and took a liking to the new chick, Allie would've gotten up and skated away, taking the bowl of fries with her. Instead she set her jaw, and narrowed her eyes right back at Buck. Allie had quickly grown tired of this crap. Bekka Joe was good for him, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

"Don't give me that look, Buck Cross."

"What look?" Casually he reached and popped a hot fry into his mouth.

Not bothering to answer, Allie shot back, "Stop stuffing your face, Einstein, and answer me! Where's Bekka Joe? I expected to see her here, it's Friday night, after all. You two did have driving lessons."

Buck couldn't help noting that her last remark was more statement than question. "Yeah, we did and I took her home." Buck tried to swallow and not choke on the hot french fry he just tossed into his mouth as Allie burned her eyes into him, waiting.

Stifling a cough, he gave up. It was no use.

"Fine. You want to know? Bekka didn't want to hang out with us, alright." He fidgeted with his book of Poe for a moment before tossing it roughly back into the window sill. Best place for the damn thing, he thought. It only made him think of Bekka more.

"She said that? Said she didn't want to hang with us?" Allie wasn't buying that heap of garbage, not for a minute. It didn't make any sense. There had to be more to the story.

"Yep." He plucked another fry from the bowl and studied it like it was the most interesting thing in the whole world before raking it through some ketchup and took a slow bite.

Propping her elbows on the table, Allie leaned in close to Buck's ear, "Bull!"

"Hey! It's true!"

"Sure it is."

"It is," Buck defended. "I asked Bekka if she wanted to hang out with us, she gave me some dim-witted excuse that she needed to study. End of story, book closed."

Allie still wasn't buying it, but didn't have time to waste trying to dig the story out of Buck. Everyone knew that when he decided to be tight lipped about something, you'd have better luck breaking into Fort Knox.

"Buck , I'm going to say this only once. So you better peel your ears and listen good. It's obvious to everyone that you like this girl..."

"No, I..."

"For crying out loud, just put a sock in it!" Her irritation was plain for all in the station to see as heads turned in their direction. Even Doc lifted his eyes off his paper to see what the commotion was all about.

"Don't you dare try to deny it, Buck Cross 'cause I will dump this bowl of fries over your head faster than Jarvis can sling a burger, got it?"

Buck clamped his mouth shut, dropping his gaze to the formica table. What had gotten into Allie?

"I don't know what you did, Buck, don't care to know what you said exactly, but stop being such a brooding drag and go after her. The night's young and no girl, not even a brain like Bekka, likes to sit at home on a Friday night. Are you catching my snow drift?"

Raising his eyes to meet Allie's, Buck nodded his head.

Seeing the torment in her friend's dark eyes tugged at her tender heart. She didn't mean for her words to sound so harsh, but sometimes those Rattlers needed a good kick in the seat of their pants. Besides, all she wanted was for Buck to be happy like she was with Jimmy. Allie's face softened and reached out and touch Buck's hand, "Go after her, Buck, before someone else does and it's too late."

Without another word Allie slid gracefully out of her seat, leaving Buck alone with his thoughts.


"Hey man! Mind if I ease on in?" Without waiting for Buck to answer, Noah slid into the booth while removing his Harmony guitar from around his shoulders. Setting it on the almost empty table, Noah snatched a few fries from the bowl, half expecting Buck to smack his hand, nothing. Shoving the warm fires into his mouth, he studied his brooding friend who was a million miles away, nursing his malt.

It took Buck a second to register that someone had spoken, and that the person was Noah. At least he wouldn't nag him about Bekka Joe.

"Hey! Sorry, I didn't see ya Noah." Eyeing his guitar, Buck shoved his present thoughts away and ventured to ask, "When's your audition with Ball State?"

"I go up next weekend. It's my first interview. To be honest, Buck, I'm as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs."

"Why? You have no reason to be. Your sound's tight!"

"I don't know. I hear it's a tough school."

"Don't sweat it, Noah. As hard as you've been practicing, you'll nail it."

"Miss Marie has been wearing me out with with all the classical stuff. My fingers can't take any more Mozart. I tried to work a little jazz and blues riffs into the composer's "Turkish March" but that got Miss Marie all riled up. You should've seen her. I don't know what she was spouting out in French, but man,she was hacked.

"She keeps harping like a broken record, constantly telling me that if I'm going to make it as a real artist, I need to learn the classics, and put the other stuff aside. But I can't, Buck. I wanna play my music, my sound. Rock n' Roll, the Blues and Jazz, are my life, I can't just put that aside. It'd be like asking to put a piece of my soul aside, I just can't do it, I won't. All I can do is go to Indiana and play my heart and soul out."

Noah reached for another fry and tossed it into his mouth, "One thing's for sure, Buck, I'm gonna make it. Come hell or high water, one day my name's gonna be in lights and every radio station from here to California and back is going to be playing my sounds."

"I don't doubt that for a moment, Noah. They'd be fools to turn you away."

Noah grazed a loving hand across his old slide guitar. "Hope so, Buck. Don't' wanna push a lawn mower across Silvers' yards for the rest of my life. Aunt Sally might be fine scrubbing floors and cooking for those high and mighty nickles. But I want more than that, Buck. Know what I mean?"

"Yeah,..I do, Noah."

Swiping a few more of Buck's fries, Noah expected a good whack to his arm but Buck never batted an eye at his bold move. Something was up.

"Hey," Noah suddenly realized what was missing. "Why didn't you bring Bekka Joe along? I was planning to play tonight. I would've loved to see what she thought of my sound."

"She's home, studying, or something like that."

"Studying?

"Yeah, so drop it!"

On cue, Allie interrupted the words that were poised to fall out of Noah's mouth.

With the agile grace of a dancer, she placed a cheeseburger in front of Buck and a Vanilla shake next to Noah and successfully dislodged Noah's comment.

"I've got your order on the line, Noah," she grinned with her empty tray tucked under her arm.

"Don't look so surprised, handsome, I saw you come in and put in an order for your usual...vanilla shake, burger and rings. You weren't planning on shaking things up tonight, were ya?"

Noah laughed. That was just like Allie, always three steps ahead of the game and, being the Scarlet Angel that she was, ten steps ahead of the Rattlers.

"Allie, you're a true doll!" Noah replied, smiling up at her in admiration. "Jimmy better never forget how lucky he is."

"I know, and don't you fella's forget it." Allie added with a cheeky wink. "As for Jimmy, well don't you fellas go worryin' yourselves 'bout him," she replied before skating off.

Buck and Noah were left laughing like a couple of school boys.


*Hey! Got room for us?* Ike signed as he let Emily slide into the circular booth next to Noah. Easing in beside his best girl, he hooked his arm around her slender shoulders.

"Always!" Noah replied as he moved his guitar and slid over to make more room.

Glancing at Emily then back at his friends, Ike couldn't contain his beaming smile or his news any longer.

*You guys wouldn't believe what happened today while we were in town?*

"It's just the most." Emily chimed in.

"No telling," Noah replied as he wiped away vanilla shake from his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Sam Cain finally took Barnett's patrol car away from him," Buck countered between a mouthful of cheese burger.

"No, wait. I got it!" Noah slapped his hands down on the table, "All those nickel plated silvers got locked up. Indecent exposure for showing their ugly mugs in public."

Guffaws broke out among the pair, even Emily couldn't control her laughter.

*No!* Ike signed, angrily. *Now cut the gas and stop fooling around. I'm being serious.*

"So are we."

Ike cut Buck and Noah a withering look that had the pair swallowing their snickers with gulps from their respective chocolate malt and vanilla shake.

Once satisfied that he had his friends attention, Ike signed, *Mr. Bunthorne offered me a job.* He waited for his good news to sink in, but it seemed like both of his friends were more interested in their drinks and the dwindling bowl of fries.

Sliding the salt shaker across the table until it clinked into it's mate, Ike shrugged. *I know it's not much, but Mr. Bunthorne said he really liked my photography work and could use some extra help.*

"Unreal, Ike."

"Good for you, man."

Ike's green eyes fell and took along with it his sunny grin. He thought his friends would be excited, at least a little. And Buck, of all people, his best friend. Buck knew how much this meant to him, and all he seemed to cared about was shoving his face full with a Station burger.

Eyeing Noah over the burger that was poised at his lips, Buck quirked a conspiratorial dark brow up at him, then over at Ike who was boring holes into the table. Next he glanced at Emily and gave her a quick wink. She was a real doll to play along with their hijinks.

"So, that's it, Ike? No other news from town?" Buck asked as he set his burger down and reached for his malt.

Ike rose his eyes up to his friend. He wanted to pound Buck into next year.

"What?" Buck asked as he set his malt down while wiping chocolate away from the corners of his mouth.

*You know what, Buck!*

"Nope. Sorry, my friend. I don't..."

*You should,* Ike sighed with a sharp move of his hands.

Buck tried, he really did try to hold it together, but as he looked over at Noah his face broke into a huge smile as the table exploded into gut busting laughter.

"Oh, Man! Ike. You should see your face." Buck tossed his wadded up napkin at his best friend. "Ike, you're so easy!"

"Yeah, Man. Be thankful that Kid, Cody and Jimmy weren't here, they'd really be yanking your chain." Noah exclaimed, as he fired several crumpled up napkins of his own at Ike.

*What?*

"Baby, you've been had by these two cats," Emily replied as she stroked his cheek while looking up at Ike with a cheeky grin of her own.

Turning, Ike leveled his eye on the pair of Rattlers. *Why you...Think fast!* Ike gathered up several napkins and fired them back at Buck and Noah.

Whacking the flying paper projectiles away, Buck reached across the table and cuffed Ike in the arm, "Ike, buddy! Do you really think I wouldn't care? I think it's awesome! Man! I can't believe it! Bunthorne hired you!" Buck's smile was pure happiness.

Ike's beaming grin returned and lit up the dinner.

"Bunthorne?," Noah asked. "As in Bunthorne photography? That's no small potatoes, Ike. Aunt Sally works for Rance's mother and from what I hear she's on the war path with the man. Get this, Mrs. Burgess was put on his waiting list."

"You're kidding?" Buck replied as he peered into the empty french fry bowl.

*No,* Ike signed. *He checks out all the Silvers that come to him. Seems he has something against new money, whatever that means. I mean, a Washingtons' a Washington, right? Anyway those nickles get put on a waiting list.*

"'Bout time a silver got the royal shaft," Buck muttered.

Noah let out a whistle "Justice comes from some of the most unlikely places. This Bunthorne dude is alright by me."

"Yeah! Isn't it just the most! " Emily enthused. "Oh, and check this out, Ike told me that Mr. Bunthorne's great grandfather was a personal photographer for Queen Victoria. Can you believe it? A real life Queen!"

Emily threw her arms around Ike, "I'm so proud of you, baby."

Ike claimed his girl with a long kiss.

Buck, averted his eyes as his heart twisted. That could've been...no! He forced the thought of Bekka away. Ike's news was the first really good thing he'd heard in a long while and he wasn't going to feel sorry for himself.

Clearing his throat, Noah coughed out a "Get a room."

Breaking their kiss, the pair smiled at each other, oblivious of the others, as Emily asked, "Baby, you got a few spare nuggets for the juke box?"

Digging in his pocket Ike handed Emily some coins. His eyes lingered after her as she made her way across the Station with hips switching back and forth in her black pencil skirt.

Turning to look back at his friends, he was met with raised brows and a pair of smirks. Ike simply smiled, well pleased with himself, and the table broke out in laughter.

"Okay, details. What about your gig at the grocer?" Buck inquired.

*I'll be working for Mr. Bunthorne on Saturday's for starters. He needs extra help with family shoots, things like that. I'll have to talk to Mr. Benton at the store. Hopefully he'll change my hours.* Ike's face broke into a blazing smile, *It'll mean I'm that much closer...*

"No, way..."

"You're serious, Ike? This is legit? You're that close to your car?" Buck asked in disbelief.

*Yeah, Buck. With the extra income and what I'll still have coming in working at Benton's grocery, along with what I've saved, the car will be mine in a little over six months.*

"I can't believe it!"

*Yeah, me either. I'm going to finally have a car, just like we always talked about, Buck, you remember?*

"I remember, Ike." How could Buck forget. Talking fast hot rods and dreaming of the day they'd own their own screamer and finally have freedom, was one of the few things that kept them both sane in that hell hole of a State Home for boys.

"You didn't tell them the best news, did you?" Emily scolded as she eased back into the booth. "Just like a Rattler to to forget the best news."

*Em...*

Ignoring Ike, she beamed at the two guys, "Ike's dad was so jazzed over the news that he..."

*Emily, I can tell them, I just wanted to wait...*

"I'm sorry, baby. I thought...", Emily leaned in and placed a kiss on Ike's cheek. "I'm sorry, Ike."

"What's going on, Ike?" Buck broke in, "What's up with your dad? If it's good news, then lay it on me."

"Yeah, spill the beans," Noah added.

*Alright, chill! Dad did a little repair work on Janusz's TV, so he offered to reduce the price of the Ford in exchange for payment. Dad agreed.* Ike shook his head in disbelief. His adoptive parents often left him amazed at the unconditional and open love they showed him.

*I tried to refuse. Mom and Dad need that money, works been slow at the repair shop. Dad wouldn't hear it. He told me to think of it as an early graduation gift. I just have to keep my grades up.*

"That means..."

*Yep! If all goes according to plan, I'll be cruisin' in my Ford this time next month.*

"Unreal, Ike," Noah exclaimed!

Emily couldn't contain herself and threw her arms around Ike again. "Your dad is just the most, Baby. I still can't believe he's doing this for you!"

Ike couldn't help himself and kissed Emily again, soundly.

"Alright, you two. Don't go rubbing it in," Noah grumbled as he glanced over at Buck. The guy suddenly looked miserable as he stared at the remainder of his burger.

Seeing Ike so happy and in love, the last thing Buck wanted to do was rain on his best friends good fortune. After all, Ike was finally going to have it all, a car and his best gal. Everything the two of them had dreamed about.

Only Ike's God and Buck knew what Ike had went through and endured. If anyone deserved a chance at happiness, it was Ike. Buck wanted to be ecstatic for his friend, and deep down he was, but Allie's words still rang in his ears. '"Go after her, Buck, before someone else does and it's too late."'

"Buck? Buck, are you okay?"

The warm touch of Emily's hand on his arm pulled Buck out of his dark thoughts.

"What? I'm sorry. I'm totally cranked, Ike. We'll really soup up that old coupe. Red already thinks it's earthbound. And when we get through with it, it's gonna wail. Totally leave a serious patch down at the alley."

Ike grinned, but could tell something was eating away at his friend.

*Hey! What's going on?*

Scrutinizing Buck's face, Ike locked onto Buck's dark eyes and nodded in understanding as his expression saddened.

Emily look over at Noah, who was studying the silent exchange. She had been with Ike for over two years, and knew him just about inside and out, but never quite understood the connection between the two friends, it seemed that Noah didn't either.

Breaking the connection, Buck grabbed up his burger and took a bite so he wouldn't have to say anything. Ike understood and they were cool. That's all that mattered.

Ike caught Noah's eye and shook his head in warning.

"So, what's the plans for tonight?" Emily asked hoping to dispel the current air that hung over the Rattlers.

*First football game of the season, and bon-fire. I'm sure we can rustle up some action,* Ike replied with a mischievous wag of his brows.

"Good illumination! Do a little cruisin' down the main drag and check out the scene. Might hook up with Kid. From what I hear he's with that paper shaker, Samantha. Hopefully we'll catch some word floating in the air 'bout what those nickels are plotting." Noah suggested.

"I still can't believe he's with that skank Silver." Emily's words dripped with disgust.

*Emily,!*

"What? She rattles my cage, I can't help it, Ike. And Kid...don't you dare get me started on what he did to Lou..."

*Okay, okay! All of it get's me fired up too, Em. But there's nothing we can do about it. Let's kill the chat on that,okay?*

"Fine, Ike. I'll try," she huffed and sat back with her arms crossed.

Ike leaned in and kissed Emily's cheek. *Good. So are we ready to split?*

"Works for me." Noah agreed. "Buck, what about you?"

Wiping burger crumbs from his mouth Buck nodded, "It's better than hanging out here all night."

*There's only one hitch,* Ike ventured. *We need your chariot, Buck. Dad would kill me if he found out I took his tank any further than the station.*

"No sweat."

"What's 'no sweat'?" Slyly, Allie looked Buck's way while carefully placing two shakes down next to Emily and Ike along with a fresh order of fries for the table. "You cats look like you're in the middle of scheming up some mischief. Anything good?"

"Going to check out the scene, scope things out. See if we can shake up a little action. Maybe catch a word or two 'bout the Silvers delusional plan to take us down." Noah said between a mouth full of fresh hot french fries.

"Cool. And Buck..." Allie placed a firm hand on his shoulder, "...while you're on Silver's turf, how 'bout swing by and picking up Bekka."

"Far out, Allie!" Emily exclaimed. She wondered what had Buck brooding more than usual and was surprised she didn't catch it herself. But then her mind had been occupied with Ike's news.

"Hey, Buck! Why isn't Bekka here with you already?"

"What?! Are ya'll writing a book 'bout it? The chick's not attached to my hip. What she does in her free time isn't my concern." Buck snapped, then shoved some fries in his mouth to keep from answering more stupid questions.

"Really? From what I saw this week, ya could've fooled me."

Buck's blistering look didn't faze Emily in the least.

"So, why are you sitting here? Come on. Lets agitate some gravel and go get her."

"I'm trying to finish my burger, Emily." Buck grumbled. She was just as bad, if not worse than Allie.

"And after that?"

Emily, was never one to beat around the bush, Buck acknowledged to himself. Opening his mouth to protest, he glanced over at Ike, then Noah.

"Hey, what's the worst the chick can say? 'No?'" Noah responded before tossing the last of his shake back.

*He's right. Never know if you don't try.* Ike signed, then snagged the last of the fries before Buck could get to them.

Throwing his wadded up napkin at Ike in feigned irritation Buck flared, "Fine! Alright, I'll go! Happy now?"

Everyone nodded, "Yes!"

Rolling his eyes, Buck wondered if some green martian from Mars had landed in Rock Creek and was sucking all the common sense out of his brain.

Allie gave him an encouraging smile that lit her whole face while Ike slapped Buck on the back, assuring him it would be fine.

Buck decided that if he was going to get shot out of the saddle a second time, at least he wouldn't be going down alone.

Grabbing up the remainder of his malt, Buck gulped it down and caught his best friend's eye. He hoped he didn't look as desperate as he felt. One of Buck's favorite songs slid into the jukebox player, The Cords, "Sha-boom."

"Life could be a dream, sha- boom, ..."

"Hey! You boys need to square up before you go! Hey, did you hear me?..." Rachel yelled from across the diner.

"I promise, Rachel! We'll be back! Put it on Red's tab," Buck hollered as he snatched up his leather jacket. For the first time that evening he felt embolden as the strains of the "Chords" song continued to fill the diner.

"...if you would tell me I'm the only one that you love. Life could be a dream sweetheart."

Allie couldn't contain the loud whoop along with the hug she gave Jarvis as she watched her friends tear out of the Station.

Sitting on the other side of the diner, Doc Barnes held his coffee mug up in salute as the kids tumbled out the door. Catching the general gist of their conversation, he had put two and two together and smiled.


"Hey! What gives with the mass exodus? Jarvis set the kitchen on fire again?" Lou cajoled as she watched her friends fly past her and pile into Buck's car.

"Nope. Going to check out the scene and get Buck's girl." Emily cried out with a laugh.

"We'll be back, I'll fill you in, Lou!"

"It's about time," Lou muttered as she threw them all a wave. "Good luck, and ride safe," she hollered as Buck's red convertible peeled out of the Station yard with gravel flying.


Whew...this chapter was a long time in coming, and I want to thank all you dear, wonderful readers for patiently waiting on me. I truly hope part one didn't disappoint. Please, please let me know what you all thought...the good, the bad, and the ugly.

In Chapter 11 I left you all hanging, wondering how the conversation went when Mr. Cooper asked Bekka about Buck. I haven't forgotten and it will be revealed in upcoming chapters. :)

I floundered for quite a while wondering how to start this chapter and it hit me, Friday night! It's the best part of being a teenager...or not...but still fun. Originally I intended for the whole night to fit into one nice neat chapter...but as I started writing and filling in, I began to realize that there is just too much going on...and will continue to go on as the night progresses.

So I decided to start with part 1 The late afternoon/ early evening with Buck. Experiencing the start of the evening mostly through his eyes. It also allowed me to give the reader a little more depth into the other characters as they encountered and interacted with Buck. Also I wanted to give the reader a glimpse of Buck and Bekka's driving lessons, and their interactions with each other. ;) And of course I couldn't have things go smooth for these two kiddos.

Friday night will progress...you'll just have to hang on for the ride to find out where it takes those cool cat Rattlers and Scarlets. :) There are at least two more parts to this Friday night. I have a nice installment with Jimmy that's in the works. You'll also get Bekka's side of what exactly went wrong and why she's at home... There's good stuff coming. Yep...you'll get a good dose of those nasty Silvers...

Two wonderfully awesome ladies I have to thank...Hortense and Ethel...you two know who you are. I can't thank you both enough for your constant help and support with this story and in particular, this chapter. (((HUGS))) to you wonderful dolls!

Also, the ladies at the plus...their support and constant encouragement leave me speechless. These ladies are always there to help me with little details in this story. I've tried to have every character, no matter how small, be someone from a TYR episode. That's not always easy and these ladies are just pure dolls to help me recall obscure characters to fit into this story. Just the other day I was trying to recall the shop owner in a S2 episode of Bad Company...These awesome ladies helped me narrow down the episode and the town...Benton. Well the shop keepers name was never revealed...so I called him Mr. Benton. lol. Huge (((HUGS))) and thanks to all of you ladies...such a great group of friends. :)

And again all you dear readers...thank you for your continued support with this story. Please, please let me know what you all think.