Neither the Millers, nor Ivaleigh and Lailea, slept well that night, drained though they were; in the morning, Ivaleigh was a mess of nerves and adrenaline, and when Gwyneth suggested breakfast in the hotel restaurant, she shook her head, saying, "Can't, I need t' figure how t' go 'bout things tonight … gonna need at least three hundred for clothes an' shoes, an' I need t' call Rafe, an' then first thing t'morrow I gotta see Miss McGee an' my teachers an' get alla that straight, all my schoolwork's gone, all my money, THAT BITCH BURNED – "
"Ivaleigh, slow – slow down a moment, won't you please, dear?" Gwyneth entreated, tears forming, while Lailea stared, alarmed and confused (Diamond was still with Caitríona, and Bastian had already been called). "Aside from phoning that young man of yours, and conversing with your principal and teachers, do you recall what we discussed on Friday … " Gwyneth trembled, her eyes haunted, hopeful, " … that's there's no need."
"Yeah, there is, I got stuff I need t' buy, clothes, shoes, groceries, personal things … "
"Did you think we came here empty handed, Ivaleigh?" Stanton asked, semi-jokingly, but Ivaleigh was already shaking her head, fighting harsh waves of burning panic.
Gwyneth moved, gripping Ivaleigh's arms, saying firmly (Please, God, let her understand), "Listen, Ivaleigh … I know … I understand that you've gotten very used to being on your own, that you've gotten so used to making all your own decisions, having to make all your own decisions … I don't doubt that you're going to continue to make your own decisions … but you're not on your own anymore. You don't have to do everything by yourself anymore." Her tone took on a brighter note, as she smiled sincerely, as Ivaleigh let the words sink in. "Shopping, for example. Two hundred dollars is the limit, lead the way, dear."
Ivaleigh didn't have the energy to argue with them on it; and the more she thought about being free of such a money-making method, the happier she became.
Upon returning a few hours and seven new (hastily selected but still coordinated) outfits later, Ivaleigh called and asked to speak to Rafael; Rafael's father hung up on her.
"Gertrude can be retried for what happened in New Augusta." a suited-up Bastian quietly explained later that afternoon, sitting with the four of them, as well as Caitríona and Diamond, in the semi-crowded hotel restaurant. "Since the first was declared a mistrial over a deadlocked jury, the rule of double jeopardy doesn't apply."
"Double jeopardy?" Stanton questioned, as Ivaleigh stared at Bastian, nearly unblinking, frowning. Lailea and Gwyneth simply looked saddened and drained – all four of them were completely exhausted – while Caitríona's expression was very carefully neutral, her eyes hard; Diamond was sitting on the floor, playing with some new toys, happily lost in her own little world.
"Fifth Amendment to the Constitution states no person acquitted for a crime may be tried again for that same crime in the state or system where the crime was committed. As there wasn't an acquittal, just a hung jury full of white-faced assholes, I can present a motion for a retrial. That will have to wait until everything here is finished. Retrials can't be held in different states. You'll be free of her, one way or another. The first thing I'm going to do is get my hands on the original trial transcripts, and then I'll go from there."
"So, me an' Lailea would have t' go t' New Augusta an' testify?" Ivaleigh pressed, looking sour at the thought of returning to her hometown. But ... all those girls, living and dead ... Fitz ... Ivaleigh inhaled deeply, tears burning, I miss my brother ... just not fair ...
"If I can get the motion approved, then yes." Bastian gave her a searching look and a kind smile – he could just imagine the reasons for the expression on her face; Lailea had started crying again, silently, and Gweyneth put an arm around her, and Stanton did the same for Ivaleigh.
"You know, at the rate this mess is going, maybe you should just take your diploma early and be done with it, Ivaleigh. The next few months are going to see you and Lailea quite busy." Caitríona suggested gently, as Diamond sent her ball rolling away, fast and wobbly, and got to her bare feet to totter after it, arms outstretched. Lailea stood and went after her, ignoring the stares and not-so-quiet whispers, blinking back the tears, forcing herself to breathe in and out slowly, Too much misunderstanding, she would get hurt ...
Ivaleigh nodded slowly, trembling, mouth twitching. "I'll think on it." She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, willing herself to keep calm, stay focused, prickling shivers racing up and down all over. "My hooker days are finished, at least." That thought left her half-dazed with joy. Rafael. She peered intensely at Caitríona. "You're really okay with the loan?"
Ten thousand dollars ...
Bastian looked over at his mother, bemused himself, knowing it had been Caitriona's decision. He had a feeling that Ivaleigh's ring, as well as Lailea's, had a fair amount to do with it.
Lailea came back, ushering a babbling Diamond (who was carrying her ball) along with, while Caitríona patted Ivaleigh on the arm, giving a small smile, giving the Millers a reassuring nod. "It's a grant, Ivaleigh, and yes, it'll all be fine. I'll have it ready by Friday."
Lailea (who still wasn't sure what to do concerning Diamond) saw her daughter situated ("Stay here, diamond girl."), sat down, then reached, gripping her sister's hand. "Paint a picture of Fitz happy, won't you, one day soon?"
Ivaleigh thought for a moment and nodded.
Monday (the 21st and the last day of classes for the week) presented a variance of surprises and battles.
There was before school, with Andrianna telling Johnny that Thanksgiving dinner on the 24th was going to have a plethora of extra guests – every current and previous T-Bird and Pink Lady in the vicinity (thirteen Ladies and eight Birds total), for a "meeting" concerning his immediate future. She neglected to mention that Michael Carrington and Miss Mason would be there, as well, and some part of her was apprehensive as to what his reaction would be when he learned the whole truth.
What the hell does she mean, thirteen Ladies?
"To accommodate them, as well as our family and Bryony, dinner will be held in the backyard. Three long tables and thirty chairs, ten chairs per table, five to a side, should suffice. You'll go on the twenty-third with your father and brothers to pick these up and get them ready."
"Damnit, Mom – "
"DON'T argue with me, young man, you're in enough trouble as it is!"
"What the hell do I need a meeting for?" Johnny demanded, struggling to control his temper.
"At Danny Zuko and Stephanie Zinone's behest. Everyone has been talking to everyone. We mean to see you get set straight. Now get out of here, school will be starting soon. Come right home after, you're going to help me prepare dishes."
At the same time, around ten minutes before leaving for school, Sharon found the note on the kitchen counter: her mother, Joan, had waited until Ralph Cooper had left for work, then threw the two suitcases full of clothes and money (that she had been hiding for weeks) into her car, had left a sour message of good-bye, and was gone for good before Sharon even woke up.
Sharon didn't know whether to be angry or relieved. Well, shit, now what? Seeing that there was no time, she wondered if she should phone her father and tell him during her lunchtime, or wait until he was home for the night.
And then came the instance when the T-Birds cornered Michael in the downstairs bathroom six minutes before English Lit class, and Johnny, needing to vent several days' worth of frustration, slammed one fist into the mirror, missing Michael's face by just inches, cracking one portion of the glass into a spiderweb shape, snarling, "That's for goin' behind my back, sneakin' tutoring Paulette."
"I told you to take it up with her mother." I'm getting tired of this.
"Shut the fuck up." He grabbed a hold of Michael's shirt front, drawing a heavy fist back, intent on damage. "And this is – "
A flare of temper getting the better of him, Michael's hand grabbed a hold of Johnny's throat, his fingers and thumb squeezing hard just below the jaw. Johnny's eyes popped wide –
"Hey – "
"Nose down, McKenzie!" Michael snapped, frowning, eyes narrowed. Goose shut his mouth, as Davey and Louis stared, stunned and hesitating to make a move – Carrington was becoming (or maybe he always had been) a force to be reckoned with, Davey realized.
Michael released Johnny (who inhaled unsteadily), shoving his hand away in seeming disdain, before pushing past the other three to stand a few feet away. Johnny stared at him, plainly unnerved and even more furious than before.
Michael responded with a cold glance, replying, "I'm going to assume that you will be looking elsewhere for tutoring. Which is quite frankly fine with me. I don't believe that you and I would get anywhere to begin with.", while straightening his shirt. "And spare me that expression, John, I told you I would defend myself if needs be."
"Is there a problem, boys?" The question was politely asked in a firm tone. It was Mr. Stuart, the biology teacher, with Rafael just behind him and looking extremely agitated, practically glaring at Michael. "What happened to the mirror? Should I call the principal?"
"I saw the fire on the news ... " Rafael pleaded through clenched teeth.
"What fire?" Goose asked; Michael and Rafael ignored him.
"Or whatever you deem necessary, sir." Michael answered Mr. Stuart, almost in a rush. "Excuse me, please." Moving, he gently ushered Rafael out, taking a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and handing it to him. "She's fine. That's the name and address to the hotel where she's staying in Northridge. Her family is with her. She asked that you come after school, she'll meet you out in front. She did call, but Guillermo hung up on her." He shook his head. "It's been a nightmare. She isn't here now at her grandparents' suggesting, although she did get in touch with the principal ... I think she thought she wouldn't be able to focus much. Ambrosia Lynn started the fire."
Rafael stared first in shock and confused relief, then in rising fury, and Michael shook his head again. "There's more, but it's hers to say."
Towards the end of lunch, the T-Birds were called into Principal McGee's office, and –
"Hey, that asshole Carrington's the one who broke the mirror, not any of us, I saw him – "
"I don't believe you, Mr. Nogerelli." Miss McGee said, loud and firm. "And since none of you are being honest, all four of you will serve a Saturday of detention following your return from fall break."
Leaving the office ten minutes later, detention slips in hand, Johnny was grumbling darkly under his breath, cursing Michael's whole name left, right, and center.
Louis asked, "Maybe we shoulda come clean – "
"Shut the hell up! This is Shakespeare's fault!" Johnny erupted, whirling and slamming a fist into the nearest locker he saw, leaving behind a small dent.
"How?" Davey asked, before he could give it a second thought, and Johnny whirled on him, his expression turning vicious; Davey blinked, leaping back in fear, and Louis got in Johnny's way, hands raised, with, "Hey, easy, Johnny, easy, he ain't wrong. I don't like Shakespeare any better than you do, and yeah, he needs to get dealt with, four the hard way, but the warden knew we was lying."
Stephanie was ignoring him again, and Paulette, frankly, was getting on his nerves, trying her damndest to give the impression that everything would be all right. The only thought that stopped him from snapping at her to leave him the hell alone was that he didn't want to see her cry.
To top all that off, just about every sophomore to senior was chattering (with snide remarks a-plenty from those whom the T-Birds weren't popular with) about the spectacle that had been Johnny getting his butt handed to him by Michael before Andrianna had dragged him away by the ear.
Livid frustration was an understatement for describing how Johnny was feeling by the end of the day.
The next clash of wills came as Michael was leaving the school at three-thirty, with homework, Ivaleigh, Stephanie, and the motorcycle on his mind.
The Cycle Lords, all nine of them, were parked in front of the school, plainly waiting, and looking impatient. Every student out on the quad was looking, muttering amongst themselves, and the Cycle Lords glanced around at them, sneering coldly, until –
"That's him there, red flannel and jeans, that's the dude who hit limpy."
"Hey, you, British, get your ass over here!" Balmudo shouted the command, and Michael blinked, staring for a surprised moment before moving closer, stopping five feet from them, too aware of the silence and everyone watching with bated breath. Behind them, the school doors opened, the Ladies and T-Birds and walking out –
"What the hell is this shit?" Johnny breathed, eyes narrowing.
"My crew tells you put Nogerelli's face to the wall Friday night. Impressive." Balmudo stated, his sunglasses on, a Camel cigarette dangling from his mouth as he sized Michael up.
Michael nodded, waiting, his guard up while he kept his gaze steady.
"Join us. We need an insider to keep tabs on what those four dodos get up to."
Michael blinked. "Oh. Well, that is an idea. Unfortunately, it's one that wouldn't work, as Danny Zuko is my cousin's fiancé."
Balmudo stiffened, his semi-crooked teeth baring, the cigarette hanging on, and Michael took a step back, continuing with, "He and Kenickie both are friends of mine, as are the current and past Ladies. It wouldn't be in my best interests to betray them."
One of the other Cycle Lords (the one Louis had once called Curly) was frowning, an unsettling sight. "No, uh, betrayal, just some digging for the goods." he offered mockingly.
Stephanie would never forgive me. "No deal, sirs." Michael replied firmly. "I can understand and sympathize to a degree. But I can't help you. Good afternoon." He pivoted to walk away towards the buses, and the Birds and Ladies zeroed in on him, just as he was about to board one; Goose yanked him back (releasing him quickly) as they surrounded him.
"What the hell was that about?" Louis demanded. "Are you in cahoots with those assholes?"
Michael almost smiled. "I'm hardly so foolish. They asked me to spy on the four of you. I said no."
"How do they even know you?" Stephanie pressed, eyes narrowed in suspicion, as Balmudo and his gang started up their motorcycles and drove away.
Michael arched an eyebrow at her, his heart sinking some at the realization that she could jump so quickly to such a conclusion. "They don't, Stephanie. But I'm guessing that one or more was witness to what happened at the bowling alley on Friday, between Johnny and myself."
Stephanie looked vaguely humbled but declined to answer, and Michael bit his tongue to keep himself from teasing her about kidnapping her to a restaurant somewhere.
"That's two turf invasions in four days." Johnny growled, fists clenching, a headache pounding at his temples.
"Honestly, John, if I were you, I would hold off on planning anything." Michael said calmly. "The way I understood it from Sandy, you're about to have bigger problems than whatever a group of roughnecks get up to."
"Meaning what, asshole?" Johnny bit out through clenched teeth.
"Meaning that Danny talks to Sandy about everything, and she mentioned it to me, this meeting that will be taking place on Thanksgiving Day. Strangely enough, I've been invited along, although I have no clue – "
"Go have your Thanksgiving somewhere else, mine's gonna be bad enough without you there, retard."
Michael gave him a look of annoyance, then answered, "Brits don't celebrate Thanksgiving, we have Boxing Day.", glancing around at all of them.
"Boxing Day?" Sharon asked, with an air of expectancy.
"DON'T IGNORE ME, YOU – "
"Why should I acknowledge you, Johnny?" Michael barked, taking one sharp step forward, and Johnny backed up one step before catching himself, his expression drenched in hate. Michael shook his head. "I'm not required to. No one here is. No one here owes you anything. Not them," he clarified, gesturing to the other Birds, "Nor any of the Ladies. Least of all Stephanie. And Sharon, to answer your question, Boxing Day is December twenty-sixth ... It's a bit like your Black Friday, in terms of shopping."
"I MAKE THE RULES – "
"YOUR ASS IS IN A SLING!" Stephanie shouted. "That's what this whole damned meeting's about, everyone getting together to figure out what do with you. Some of them even want to help you, and I have to be there to listen to it, God knows why, I don't even like you. I honest to God don't care if you pass or fail, so long as you leave me alone!"
A muscle in Johnny's cheek began ticking hard. "I AIN'T BEEN HARASSING YOU, ZINONE!"
"First of all, Johnny, stop screaming, we aren't deaf, and you're embarrassing yourself. Second, Principal McGee called me to her office earlier, she wanted my version of events concerning you breaking the mirror. Thank you, I suppose, for trying to place the blame on me. And third, Stephanie, I mailed my sister, with luck it won't be long before she responds." He left out the part where Miss McGee had gotten on the phone with Andrianna, suggesting heavily that Johnny pay for the damages.
Johnny looked like he wanted to wrap his hands around Michael's throat and squeeze.
"Why did he break the mirror?" Stephanie asked (without a speck of curiosity, she already knew the answer), and Michael replied with flat exasperation, "He was trying to hit me. He would have succeeded, too, if Mr. Stuart hadn't walked in." He shrugged casually, turning back towards the bus, giving a parting wave (mostly at Stephanie). "I need to get home. I'll see you on the twenty-fourth."
"Johnny – "
"I really DON'T want to hear it, Paulette."
At 4:05, Rafael pulled up to the front entrance of the hotel in his Chevrolet, and there she was, dressed pretty in a sleeveless white dress dotted with lilac flowers, a long lavender cardigan sweater over that, her hair done back in a loose braid, diamond studs in her ears, white flats on her feet.
"Hey, pretty lady." he called, smiling at her, and she returned it, relaxing at the sight of him.
"No later than eleven-thirty, Ivaleigh, if you don't mind, please?" Gwyneth asked from several feet back, Stanton and Lailea standing beside her, Diamond in Lailea's arms, dozing. She was certain of what Ivaleigh and Rafael would be getting up to; the issue was broaching the subject, and hers and Stanton's disapproval. Neither wanted to push too hard, when the girl was so exercised in her complete independence … but there needed to be ground rules.
"Promise." Ivaleigh answered, giving them a parting wave, sliding into the passenger seat beside Rafael, giving him a wicked grin. "I think they're gonna give laws t' follow."
He pressed a kiss to her lips, breathing, inhaling her perfume. "Hmm. What to do in the next seven hours though ... "
He'd worry about everything else tomorrow.
