Close Encounters by Low Ryder
Standing in front of the bathroom stall, cold fear washed over Stacey's whole body. She was frozen in the spot she was standing. Panic was written all over her face and she had visibly paled at least two shades. 'This is not happening to me' She thought to herself, as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Grabbing her arm Sukura threw her up against the wall. Still pointing the gun at her she said,
"Where are all those friends you're supposed to have with you, huh?" Hearing this Stacey finally found her voice and said, sarcasm and attitude in every word,
"Well let's see they aren't my keepers and they sure as hell didn't expect you to attack me in a fucking bathroom while I'm having dinner with my brother."
"Too bad for you they didn't."
"Why the hell are you doing this? Listen, I'm sorry about your brother and all, but do you really think killing me will bring him back? If so you're more delusional than everyone tells me."
"Shut up you stupid bitch! I don't care if it brings him back or not, as long as you goddamn brother goes through the same pain I've had to."
"Well sorry to disappoint but my brother's only known me for around three weeks. It ain't like he's that attached to me." Stacey said, knowing it was a lie, but trying to get herself out of this mess. She couldn't help thinking that it wasn't all that pleasant to be standing in front of a mental case that had a gun pointed at you.
"Well I'll just have to find another way to get to him, but don't think I'm not still gonna shoot you. You've fucked up my plans, and people who get in my way disappear. Buh-bye sweetie." Sukura said, in one of those sickly sweet tones. Watching as her enemy tightened her finger around the trigger, and she stared down the barrel of the gun, she started to shake. Her life was beginning to flash in front of her eyes and she couldn't help wondering if this was the way both her parents felt before they died. Just as Sukura was getting ready to pull the trigger, the sound of the bathroom door opening was heard and Sukura shoved the back inside her coat. Getting close to Stacey's face she whispered in a fierce, menacing tone,
"This is far from over. You can bank on that, O'Connor." And walked out the swinging door, leaving the restaurant. Walking to the sinks, Stacey washed her hands and looked up into the mirror. Her face was still ashen and her whole body was trembling. She jumped as she heard a stall door creak open, her whole body tense until she realized it was only the woman that had, ironically enough, saved her from being shot. Wiping her hands on the paper towels she'd grabbed and tossing them into the garbage can, she walked back to the table where Brian was sitting. Looking at her as she sat down he knew something was wrong, she was pale and her whole body was shaking, but he decided not to mention it. He didn't want to ruin the night they'd spent together, a night that had been free of the usual arguments and petty bickering at one another. The two of them sat there for another twenty minutes, Stacey moving her food around her plate and occasionally taking a small bite, and Brian sitting there watching her and trying to make small talk.
"Stace, what the hell's wrong? Did I do something to piss you off?" He asked wondering what could have made her become so withdrawn in those few minutes she'd left to go to the bathroom.
"No Bri, you didn't do anything wrong. Can we just go home?"
"Are you gonna tell me what happened to you?"
"I'll tell you when we get home. Can we please just leave?"
"Yeah c'mon. You can go get in the car while I pay the bill." He said holding his keys out towards her.
"No, I think I'll just stay with you. If that's alright?"
"Of course it is. Let's get outta here." Going up to the register, he paid the bill and they walked out to Brian's Skyline. Going over to what would have been the driver's side on any other car, Brian got in and, seeing his sister look at him funny, said,
"You wanna drive or not? Cuz if not I ca-"
"NO!" She yelled, "I mean that's okay. I'll drive, no problem." She said quickly trying to cover up the fact that she didn't want him to drive. This was the first chance she'd gotten to drive since she'd started living with him, and she was getting to drive his Skyline. She'd been told by Tej and Suki both, the short time she'd known them, that his car was his baby and that he'd never let anyone drive it. Ever. Climbing into the car, she started it and they were off, going back to the house. She'd been really cautious at first; trying to get a handle on the car, but soon she was relaxed and let loose. Driving had been something that came natural to her; she couldn't help but wonder if that had something to do with her being related to Brian. She was willing to bet every penny she'd make in her life that it was. She never thought that she'd be this at ease behind the wheel of a car. She'd loved the adrenaline rush of riding with Tess and Brian as soon as she's gotten relaxed, but she thought it'd be totally different when she was driving. She had gotten so lost in her own world of shifting gears and watching the scenery go by in a blur she was shocked when she realized they were pulling in the driveway. She was even more surprised to see Tess leaning on her car, which was parked on the side of the road.
Seeing the car she was waiting for pull in, Tess stood up straight, and tightening her cheerleading jacket that was tied around her hips, started to walk towards Brian. Stacey, not knowing what was going on, walked over to the other side of the car and stood next to her brother. As soon as Tess got up to them, she gave Stacey a hug and said,
"I saw you pull in, way to go girly. Your definitely gonna kick ass!" and then looking at Brian said, "Listen I just wanna apologize for what I said Friday night... well not really but my brother said I had to or I was on probation. Oh and I wanted to say that even though you said me n' Stace couldn't hang out after school, it's really not fair to either one of us."
"I know it wasn't fair. I was just pissed you guys left the house. By the way how the hell'd you two get around Vince's car? I know he didn't move it." He said, realizing how hard it had been for the girl to say she was sorry. She didn't seem the type to say she was sorry without being forced.
"Do you wanna tell him, or should I?" Tess asked looking at her friend with a big grin on her face.
"I will. See oh wonderfully naïve brother of mine, we drove through the back yard, around the house and back into the driveway."
"And Vince didn't try to stop you?"
"Nope," Tess said smugly, "We played dumb cheerleader and said that if we couldn't go to the races we were gonna pretend, so he went back inside."
"He actually bought that knowing how determined you two were to get to the races."
"Uh huh." The two girls said at the same time.
"Okay, let's go in the house. Stace you can hang out with Tess again." And with that said the three of them walked into the house, the two girls racing up the stairs and into Stacey's room and Brian going to look for Vince.
Shutting the door behind her, Stacey went to her bed and sat down next to Tess who had started to flip through a magazine. Grabbing the remote to her stereo, she turned it on and immediately turned the volume up ridiculously loud when she realized the song was 'Dip It Low' by Christina Milian.
Says he wants you
He says he needs you
It's real talking
Why not make him wait for you
If he really wants you
If he really needs you
Really got to have you
Take your time and feel him out
When it's a good boy
I mean a really really good boy
Why not let him lay with you
That's when you give it to him good
"C'mon Tess. I'm hyper get up and dance with me." Stacey said trying to sound happy. She didn't want her friend to find out what had happened at the restaurant. "Alright, but you know you've lost your damn mind right?" Tess said looking at her friend skeptically. She knew something was up, but she was going to wait until Stacey decided to tell her what was going on inside her head.
Chorus:
Dip it low
Pick it up slow
Roll it all around
Poke it out like your back broke
Pop pop pop that thing
I'ma show you how to make your man say "Ooo"
Dip it low
Pick it up slow
Roll it all around
Poke it out like your back broke
Pop pop pop that thing
I'ma show you how to make your man say "Ooo"
You getting bold
He growin' cold
It's just the symptoms of young love
Growin' old
You think it's time
And your thinking of leaving
But give it time
It's late at night
He's coming home
Meet him at the door with nothin' on
Take him by the hair
Let him know what's on
If you understand me
Ya'll come on
Bridge:
All my ladies wind it up
If you know just how to move (mooove)
All my fellas jump behind
And show her what you want to do (show her what you got daddy)
All my ladies wind it up
If you know just how to move
All my fellas jump behind
And show her what you want to do (ouuuh..wouh ouh)
Chorus:
Dip it low
Pick it up slow (ohhh)
Roll it all around
Poke it out like your back broke
Pop pop pop that thing
I'ma show you how to make your man say "Ooo" (I'ma show you how to make him)
Dip it low (ohhh)
Pick it up slow
Roll it all around
Poke it out like your back broke
Pop pop pop that thing
I'ma show you how to make your man say "Ooo"
It was then that they heard someone knock on the door. Barely opening the door Jesse popped his head inside and said,
"Dom and Brian told me to tell you guys to turn it down. They said something about not being able to think straight."
"Tell them I said it ain't our music that's keeping them from thinking, that it's the fact their brains are too small and they're overworking them." Stacey said grinning, and causing Tess to laugh. "But we'll still turn it down. Thanks Jess."
"No problem, Talk to you two later." And closing the door he walked back down the stairs. Seeing that her friend had no intention of telling her what was wrong if she hadn't told her already, Tess decided that it was time to address the issue. She wanted to help her friend if she could.
"Stace, what's eatin' at ya girl?"
"What are you talking about?" She asked trying to play dumb, and hoping it would work. Unfortunately it didn't.
"Don't play dumb, I can see straight through it. Now tell me what is wrong with you. I wanna help you out, but you know it's kinda difficult if ya don't tell me what's goin' on."
"Fine, I'll tell you. But you gotta swear that you won't tell Bri. That's the last thing I need is my brother keeping tabs on me at all times."
"Promise, on the pain of never cheerleading again, that I won't tell."
"Okay," Stacey said, laughing at her friend's silliness, "When I went to dinner with Brian, Sukura Tran followed me; at least that's what I think happened. Well anyway I went to the bathroom and she followed me in there and tried to kill me."
"WHAT?!?" Tess yelled, wondering how the hell she could be so calm about it. "You've gotta tell Brian Stacey! He needs to know, trust me, Sukura ain't someone to let go of a grudge easily."
"I can't tell Brian! Do you know how bad he'll flip out? You thought seeing him pissed at the races was bad? Imagine him finding out someone tried to murder me!"
"Well at least promise me that you'll stick with me or someone from the group while at school. The girl gets reckless and stupid if she's pissed. She'll try anything and I don't want nothing to happen to ya. I love ya too much."
"Fine. If that'll keep you from telling Brian, I'll do it. Ya know I actually feels a lot better now that someone knows what happened.'
"That's what I'm here for chick. What kind of best friend would I be if I wasn't there for you when ya needed me?"
"Umm... A really sucky ass best friend?"
"Bingo and we both know that that just ain't me. I gotta kick ass at everything I do."
"Yeah it's that or throw a fit til someone lets you win."
"I don't throw fits!" Tess said, hitting Stacey with a pillow. The two of them stayed in the room for a couple hours talking about everything under the sun. They talked about boys, clothes cars, and most importantly what kind of ride Stacey wanted. She'd decided that she wanted either a Honda S2000 or a Nissan 350Z. She thought both cars were awesome and didn't know which she liked better. As they talked neither one of them paid attention to clock and before they knew it, it was nearly midnight and way past the time Tess should have been home.
"Oh shit! My mom is gonna kill me. This is the one night she's actually home to enforce my retarded ass curfew and I lose track of time. Say goodbye to me for the next two weekends."
"Can't you just call her and tell her what happened? I'm sure she'd understand."
"This is my mother we're talking about, she's gotta be the most unreasonable person I know. But I can have Blade call her and tell her I fell asleep and that I'm gonna stay over there cuz I told her that's where I'd be. Do you think it'd be cool if I stayed here?"
"Yeah but I'll go and ask them just in case."
"Alright, I'll call my brother." Stacey left the room and ran down stairs and into the living room where everyone was sitting. Looking up to see why she was running, Letty gave her a dirty look, which she chose to ignore.
"Dom, Bri, have I told you how much I love you guys lately?"
"What do you want?" Dom asked already seeing straight through the attempt to suck up.
"Can Tess stay the night? And before you say it's a school night, she's late for curfew and she's calling her brother to tell her mom she's staying with him."
"I don't care; it's all up to your brother."
"Bri?"
"Whatever, I guess."
"Thanks you guys!" and giving them both a quick hug, she ran back up the stairs where Tess was on hold while her brother talked to their mom. When he got back on the line he told her that she'd bought it and that she owed him big.
"Yeah yeah yeah, I know. Love ya bro. Talk to ya tomorrow."
"Well girly, let's get some sleep. That alarm clock goes off awfully early in the morning."
"I know." And with that the two of them go ready for bed and went to sleep. Stacey wondering what tomorrow would bring. And Tess having big plans for Sakura Tran the next day. If there was one thing she couldn't stand it was people who threatened her friends and Sukura was gonna learn that lesson the very difficult way.
A/N: Okay there's my chappy. And it only took me a day. Wellz Temp it's your turn. Wonder what's gonna happen. Cheer girl, I told ya it'd be up today. Later ladies and lets keep the amazing job that we're doing. I Luv ya'll!!
Tiger
Standing in front of the bathroom stall, cold fear washed over Stacey's whole body. She was frozen in the spot she was standing. Panic was written all over her face and she had visibly paled at least two shades. 'This is not happening to me' She thought to herself, as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Grabbing her arm Sukura threw her up against the wall. Still pointing the gun at her she said,
"Where are all those friends you're supposed to have with you, huh?" Hearing this Stacey finally found her voice and said, sarcasm and attitude in every word,
"Well let's see they aren't my keepers and they sure as hell didn't expect you to attack me in a fucking bathroom while I'm having dinner with my brother."
"Too bad for you they didn't."
"Why the hell are you doing this? Listen, I'm sorry about your brother and all, but do you really think killing me will bring him back? If so you're more delusional than everyone tells me."
"Shut up you stupid bitch! I don't care if it brings him back or not, as long as you goddamn brother goes through the same pain I've had to."
"Well sorry to disappoint but my brother's only known me for around three weeks. It ain't like he's that attached to me." Stacey said, knowing it was a lie, but trying to get herself out of this mess. She couldn't help thinking that it wasn't all that pleasant to be standing in front of a mental case that had a gun pointed at you.
"Well I'll just have to find another way to get to him, but don't think I'm not still gonna shoot you. You've fucked up my plans, and people who get in my way disappear. Buh-bye sweetie." Sukura said, in one of those sickly sweet tones. Watching as her enemy tightened her finger around the trigger, and she stared down the barrel of the gun, she started to shake. Her life was beginning to flash in front of her eyes and she couldn't help wondering if this was the way both her parents felt before they died. Just as Sukura was getting ready to pull the trigger, the sound of the bathroom door opening was heard and Sukura shoved the back inside her coat. Getting close to Stacey's face she whispered in a fierce, menacing tone,
"This is far from over. You can bank on that, O'Connor." And walked out the swinging door, leaving the restaurant. Walking to the sinks, Stacey washed her hands and looked up into the mirror. Her face was still ashen and her whole body was trembling. She jumped as she heard a stall door creak open, her whole body tense until she realized it was only the woman that had, ironically enough, saved her from being shot. Wiping her hands on the paper towels she'd grabbed and tossing them into the garbage can, she walked back to the table where Brian was sitting. Looking at her as she sat down he knew something was wrong, she was pale and her whole body was shaking, but he decided not to mention it. He didn't want to ruin the night they'd spent together, a night that had been free of the usual arguments and petty bickering at one another. The two of them sat there for another twenty minutes, Stacey moving her food around her plate and occasionally taking a small bite, and Brian sitting there watching her and trying to make small talk.
"Stace, what the hell's wrong? Did I do something to piss you off?" He asked wondering what could have made her become so withdrawn in those few minutes she'd left to go to the bathroom.
"No Bri, you didn't do anything wrong. Can we just go home?"
"Are you gonna tell me what happened to you?"
"I'll tell you when we get home. Can we please just leave?"
"Yeah c'mon. You can go get in the car while I pay the bill." He said holding his keys out towards her.
"No, I think I'll just stay with you. If that's alright?"
"Of course it is. Let's get outta here." Going up to the register, he paid the bill and they walked out to Brian's Skyline. Going over to what would have been the driver's side on any other car, Brian got in and, seeing his sister look at him funny, said,
"You wanna drive or not? Cuz if not I ca-"
"NO!" She yelled, "I mean that's okay. I'll drive, no problem." She said quickly trying to cover up the fact that she didn't want him to drive. This was the first chance she'd gotten to drive since she'd started living with him, and she was getting to drive his Skyline. She'd been told by Tej and Suki both, the short time she'd known them, that his car was his baby and that he'd never let anyone drive it. Ever. Climbing into the car, she started it and they were off, going back to the house. She'd been really cautious at first; trying to get a handle on the car, but soon she was relaxed and let loose. Driving had been something that came natural to her; she couldn't help but wonder if that had something to do with her being related to Brian. She was willing to bet every penny she'd make in her life that it was. She never thought that she'd be this at ease behind the wheel of a car. She'd loved the adrenaline rush of riding with Tess and Brian as soon as she's gotten relaxed, but she thought it'd be totally different when she was driving. She had gotten so lost in her own world of shifting gears and watching the scenery go by in a blur she was shocked when she realized they were pulling in the driveway. She was even more surprised to see Tess leaning on her car, which was parked on the side of the road.
Seeing the car she was waiting for pull in, Tess stood up straight, and tightening her cheerleading jacket that was tied around her hips, started to walk towards Brian. Stacey, not knowing what was going on, walked over to the other side of the car and stood next to her brother. As soon as Tess got up to them, she gave Stacey a hug and said,
"I saw you pull in, way to go girly. Your definitely gonna kick ass!" and then looking at Brian said, "Listen I just wanna apologize for what I said Friday night... well not really but my brother said I had to or I was on probation. Oh and I wanted to say that even though you said me n' Stace couldn't hang out after school, it's really not fair to either one of us."
"I know it wasn't fair. I was just pissed you guys left the house. By the way how the hell'd you two get around Vince's car? I know he didn't move it." He said, realizing how hard it had been for the girl to say she was sorry. She didn't seem the type to say she was sorry without being forced.
"Do you wanna tell him, or should I?" Tess asked looking at her friend with a big grin on her face.
"I will. See oh wonderfully naïve brother of mine, we drove through the back yard, around the house and back into the driveway."
"And Vince didn't try to stop you?"
"Nope," Tess said smugly, "We played dumb cheerleader and said that if we couldn't go to the races we were gonna pretend, so he went back inside."
"He actually bought that knowing how determined you two were to get to the races."
"Uh huh." The two girls said at the same time.
"Okay, let's go in the house. Stace you can hang out with Tess again." And with that said the three of them walked into the house, the two girls racing up the stairs and into Stacey's room and Brian going to look for Vince.
Shutting the door behind her, Stacey went to her bed and sat down next to Tess who had started to flip through a magazine. Grabbing the remote to her stereo, she turned it on and immediately turned the volume up ridiculously loud when she realized the song was 'Dip It Low' by Christina Milian.
Says he wants you
He says he needs you
It's real talking
Why not make him wait for you
If he really wants you
If he really needs you
Really got to have you
Take your time and feel him out
When it's a good boy
I mean a really really good boy
Why not let him lay with you
That's when you give it to him good
"C'mon Tess. I'm hyper get up and dance with me." Stacey said trying to sound happy. She didn't want her friend to find out what had happened at the restaurant. "Alright, but you know you've lost your damn mind right?" Tess said looking at her friend skeptically. She knew something was up, but she was going to wait until Stacey decided to tell her what was going on inside her head.
Chorus:
Dip it low
Pick it up slow
Roll it all around
Poke it out like your back broke
Pop pop pop that thing
I'ma show you how to make your man say "Ooo"
Dip it low
Pick it up slow
Roll it all around
Poke it out like your back broke
Pop pop pop that thing
I'ma show you how to make your man say "Ooo"
You getting bold
He growin' cold
It's just the symptoms of young love
Growin' old
You think it's time
And your thinking of leaving
But give it time
It's late at night
He's coming home
Meet him at the door with nothin' on
Take him by the hair
Let him know what's on
If you understand me
Ya'll come on
Bridge:
All my ladies wind it up
If you know just how to move (mooove)
All my fellas jump behind
And show her what you want to do (show her what you got daddy)
All my ladies wind it up
If you know just how to move
All my fellas jump behind
And show her what you want to do (ouuuh..wouh ouh)
Chorus:
Dip it low
Pick it up slow (ohhh)
Roll it all around
Poke it out like your back broke
Pop pop pop that thing
I'ma show you how to make your man say "Ooo" (I'ma show you how to make him)
Dip it low (ohhh)
Pick it up slow
Roll it all around
Poke it out like your back broke
Pop pop pop that thing
I'ma show you how to make your man say "Ooo"
It was then that they heard someone knock on the door. Barely opening the door Jesse popped his head inside and said,
"Dom and Brian told me to tell you guys to turn it down. They said something about not being able to think straight."
"Tell them I said it ain't our music that's keeping them from thinking, that it's the fact their brains are too small and they're overworking them." Stacey said grinning, and causing Tess to laugh. "But we'll still turn it down. Thanks Jess."
"No problem, Talk to you two later." And closing the door he walked back down the stairs. Seeing that her friend had no intention of telling her what was wrong if she hadn't told her already, Tess decided that it was time to address the issue. She wanted to help her friend if she could.
"Stace, what's eatin' at ya girl?"
"What are you talking about?" She asked trying to play dumb, and hoping it would work. Unfortunately it didn't.
"Don't play dumb, I can see straight through it. Now tell me what is wrong with you. I wanna help you out, but you know it's kinda difficult if ya don't tell me what's goin' on."
"Fine, I'll tell you. But you gotta swear that you won't tell Bri. That's the last thing I need is my brother keeping tabs on me at all times."
"Promise, on the pain of never cheerleading again, that I won't tell."
"Okay," Stacey said, laughing at her friend's silliness, "When I went to dinner with Brian, Sukura Tran followed me; at least that's what I think happened. Well anyway I went to the bathroom and she followed me in there and tried to kill me."
"WHAT?!?" Tess yelled, wondering how the hell she could be so calm about it. "You've gotta tell Brian Stacey! He needs to know, trust me, Sukura ain't someone to let go of a grudge easily."
"I can't tell Brian! Do you know how bad he'll flip out? You thought seeing him pissed at the races was bad? Imagine him finding out someone tried to murder me!"
"Well at least promise me that you'll stick with me or someone from the group while at school. The girl gets reckless and stupid if she's pissed. She'll try anything and I don't want nothing to happen to ya. I love ya too much."
"Fine. If that'll keep you from telling Brian, I'll do it. Ya know I actually feels a lot better now that someone knows what happened.'
"That's what I'm here for chick. What kind of best friend would I be if I wasn't there for you when ya needed me?"
"Umm... A really sucky ass best friend?"
"Bingo and we both know that that just ain't me. I gotta kick ass at everything I do."
"Yeah it's that or throw a fit til someone lets you win."
"I don't throw fits!" Tess said, hitting Stacey with a pillow. The two of them stayed in the room for a couple hours talking about everything under the sun. They talked about boys, clothes cars, and most importantly what kind of ride Stacey wanted. She'd decided that she wanted either a Honda S2000 or a Nissan 350Z. She thought both cars were awesome and didn't know which she liked better. As they talked neither one of them paid attention to clock and before they knew it, it was nearly midnight and way past the time Tess should have been home.
"Oh shit! My mom is gonna kill me. This is the one night she's actually home to enforce my retarded ass curfew and I lose track of time. Say goodbye to me for the next two weekends."
"Can't you just call her and tell her what happened? I'm sure she'd understand."
"This is my mother we're talking about, she's gotta be the most unreasonable person I know. But I can have Blade call her and tell her I fell asleep and that I'm gonna stay over there cuz I told her that's where I'd be. Do you think it'd be cool if I stayed here?"
"Yeah but I'll go and ask them just in case."
"Alright, I'll call my brother." Stacey left the room and ran down stairs and into the living room where everyone was sitting. Looking up to see why she was running, Letty gave her a dirty look, which she chose to ignore.
"Dom, Bri, have I told you how much I love you guys lately?"
"What do you want?" Dom asked already seeing straight through the attempt to suck up.
"Can Tess stay the night? And before you say it's a school night, she's late for curfew and she's calling her brother to tell her mom she's staying with him."
"I don't care; it's all up to your brother."
"Bri?"
"Whatever, I guess."
"Thanks you guys!" and giving them both a quick hug, she ran back up the stairs where Tess was on hold while her brother talked to their mom. When he got back on the line he told her that she'd bought it and that she owed him big.
"Yeah yeah yeah, I know. Love ya bro. Talk to ya tomorrow."
"Well girly, let's get some sleep. That alarm clock goes off awfully early in the morning."
"I know." And with that the two of them go ready for bed and went to sleep. Stacey wondering what tomorrow would bring. And Tess having big plans for Sakura Tran the next day. If there was one thing she couldn't stand it was people who threatened her friends and Sukura was gonna learn that lesson the very difficult way.
A/N: Okay there's my chappy. And it only took me a day. Wellz Temp it's your turn. Wonder what's gonna happen. Cheer girl, I told ya it'd be up today. Later ladies and lets keep the amazing job that we're doing. I Luv ya'll!!
Tiger