RECONSTRUCTION BLUES PLUS
CHAPTER 4
DISCLAIMER AND COPYTRIGHT: I don't own Robotech so don't take me to court. If you want to uses any stuff from this fiction, all I ask is an email – wonga316@yahoo.com.au
AUTHOR'S NOTES This is a different spin on things from episode 28 - reconstruction blues. Will try to and a little more action and love/hate triangle with Rick, Lisa and Minmei. This is my first attempt at Robotech fan fiction. So please be gentle, NOT. Tell me if I suck. How else are we going to improve? Some of the guys made seem OC. (Sorry), After all it is fiction and anything can happen ;) Roy and Ben will still be alive in this story
"..." = Normal speech
[...] = Thought
-...- = Computer chat or phone conversation
****
"Is now the right time?" Rick question himself sadly, while thinking about what his uncle / adopted father had told him [I thought I would never find out, since they both died when the earth was attacked]
"That's not me to answer, Rick" the captain said, placing his hand on Rick's shoulder
Rick still shocked and deep in thought that the captain's warming gesture did not registered. If was only after a small squeeze by Gloval that he got Rick's attention.
"Was... He... a pilot?" Rick asked quietly and unsure.
Gloval smiled and removed his hand. "Yes. He was one of the best pilots that I have had pleasure to fly with. He was one of the only few men that I could place my life in his hands and not be afraid."
"Then you flew with my father?"
"Yes and no. When your father flew he was in a world of his only. In his time, no one came close to your father's skill. That and fact he would usually go into his own world while up in the air. If was like he was two different kinds of people while on the ground and up in the air."
"You make him sound like some kind of hero."
"Hahahaha."
Rick had wondered what he had said was so funny. He had never seen the captain laugh before. Feeling a little unsure and confused he continued. "Did I say something funny?"
"No... really. I was just thinking what your father would say if you asked him that question yourself." Gloval answered half laughing.
****
"What is he doing? I didn't think he would react like that after being offered a promotion" Ben asked Roy
Everyone had witness Rick whip his body around to face the captain and demand something. A worried feeling developed within the group. No one had even confronted the captain like that before, even during the Zentraedi peace negotiations where tempers flared. But Rick was known to be a little hot headed sometimes and this worried Lisa
"We don't even know what they are talking about. The captain did discuss Rick's promotion with me prior to talking to him but doesn't mean that it's the only thing they are talking about" Lisa answered
"Very perceptive Lt. Hayes. I always wondered why you were the first officer and now I know" Roy said smugly.
"Is the captain laughing? I never thought the captain knew how to laugh?" Vanessa questioned.
Ben had moved around to get a better view and ended up behind Vanessa. He placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned forward. His chest was brushing up against her back. All of a sudden, Vanessa had turn red as a tomato try to ignore the innocent contact from Ben
[Is that Ben behind me?] She had a quick glimpse and caught sight of his strips [It is him! This is turning out to be a good day after all...] she thought.
While everyone was trying to get a better view, Dana had manage to escape from 'uncle Roy' and found her way to the front of the pack. Being 3 foot tall and half Zentraedi did have its benefits at times. When she reached the front of the glass window, she caught sight of the captain and more importantly Rick. Dana was especially fond of Rick out of everyone else, with the exception of her parents. This was a bit of a mystery since Rick never gave the girl any more attention then the other guys did. If was almost as if Dana sensed something special in Rick.
With her eyes set on the target, she let out her full arsenal or as much as a 3 year old could at the time.
"RRRRIIIICCCCKKKK!" she yelled happily with her face pressed up against the glass, banging her little fist on the window.
****
"Are you going to tell me what happen?" Rick demanded. His tone had brought the captain back from his laughing fit. Correcting his hat he started to replied
"You didn't answer my question. Do you think that you are ready?"
Rick paused and thought about this again [I'm I ready... What if he tells me something that I don't want to know... what if the truth changes me... ]
Gloval could see that the young pilot questioning himself and felt sorry for him [Poor lad. Must be thinking about all the worst possible scenarios if I tell him. I know I would do the same if I were in his position.]
"Look Rick. Instead of trying to decide if you ready, it might be easier to just wait until you are."
"What... what do you mean?" he asked
"You know will when you are ready." the captain said proudly to the young pilot.
Rick looked up to the captain's eyes and understood what he was trying to say. He might not have known the answer was right there and then but for some reason he did not have to know.
The moment of peace was broken by a muffled yelled and what sounded like thumping. Rick and Gloval looked up towards the source of the disturbance and found little Dana banging happily away on the window yelling Rick's name. Smiling and giving her a quick wave, he then started to think [if Dana is in the lunchroom then that would mean...] his thoughts were confirmed when he spotted the whole crew lined along the window like a flock of crows on a wire fence.
****
"Dana stopped that it's dangerous," Maria said picking up her child.
"But Rick, Mama." Dana squealed as her mother picked her up
Everyone realized that Dana's little 'hello ' would have alerted Rick and the captain to their presence. All of them quickly scrambled back the sofas, expect of Lisa who stayed by the window looking almost lost.
"Lisa! Get down he'll see you" Claudia said
The words echoed in Lisa's head but they did not register. She was left standing on her own by the window. Lisa and Rick had made eye contact for some reason and she could not move.
"Lisa!"
The second attempt by Claudia was louder and more direct. This got her attention and she slowly realized what had happen. Not only had Rick caught her looking but so had everyone else.
****
"It looks like we weren't the only one in the conversation." Gloval stated and started walking away
"Yeah it looks like it" said distracted [Why did Lisa stay near the window and was that a worried look?]
After Lisa had disappeared from the window, Rick turned to face the captain but found him walking away. He was quite a distance away when he yelled "Is that it captain?"
The captain stopped and with his back turned he said "Actually no. How would you feel about a promotion to Lt. Commander?"
Rick as stunned and speechless. It was all become a little too much. [First the news about my father and now a promotion...]
"Well?" the captain asked hiding the smirk on his face "I guess you don't have to give me a answer yet. There's not rush. Just let me know when you want to talk about it." And with that he continued walking towards the other exit.
"What the hell..."
****
Lisa's little lapse in concentration brought a few giggles from the trio. Everyone knew what had just happen and Lisa knew what was coming next
"Busted..." Kim said
This brought about more giggles, which turned into laugher. Lisa who had a huge blush across her face started laughing as well.
By the time everyone had finished laughing at Lisa's expense, Miriya had notice that Dana had walked off again.
"Max! have you seen Dana? She was just here!" she said in a panic
Everyone went into worry mode and starting look around the lunchroom for the little troublemaker.
"Uhhh. You know you shouldn't jump on people like that Ms. Sterling" someone said
Everyone had turned towards to the voice and found Rick carrying Dana in his arms. He had made his way to the lunchroom while everyone was busy laughing.
"Rick, Rick, Rick..." Dana said happily
Rick made his way across the room to the whole gang in the back. Miriya was first to say something
"Dana! You scare the life out of me! Never do that again"
Dana just smiled and stuck her tongue out at her mother. This brought about some giggles and Miriya return it with her sticking her tongue at Dana
The only seat available was next to Lisa on the largest of the three sofas. Roy and Claudia occupied the other two seats. Rick took his seat and placed Dana on his lap.
"So..." Max enquired
"So what?" Rick replied
"Are you going to tell us what the captain wanted" Ben said
Rick was suddenly the center of attention. When he notice this he lean back onto the sofas putting his head on the rest and smiled and said "I think....Not"
Everyone let out a collective groan. Roy smirked and gave him a wink. Rick acknowledged and gave a small nod.
All the excitement was a little too much for Dana and she had fallen asleep in Rick's arms. Small conversation broke out between some of the gang. Lisa had noticed Dana fall a sleep so peacefully in Rick's arms and watch with amazement [How does he do that? Dana is usually a firecracker when everyone is around. Yet both Dana and Rick seem so comfortable, so natural. He would make an excellent father one day. Wait! Did I just say that?]
Rick had noticed Lisa unusually quiet "is everything ok Lisa?"
"Oh... Yes. Just tired I just" she answered trying to get images of her and child with a child of their own
"What do you guys think?" someone asked.
"What was that?" Rick asked
"I said there is a new Italian restaurant on the east side of town. Do you guys want to try it?" Sammy repeated [I swear those better get their act together soon]
"Yeah sounds good. But how many are there? One, two, three..." Rick said as he started counting "There's eleven of us Sammy. Does the restaurant have a table big enough on such short notice?"
"Let me check. I'll be right back" she to everyone as she raced off to the public phone on the other side of the room.
"The new Italian restaurant should be cool. I haven't had a good pizza in ages?" Ben remarked as Sammy ran for the phone.
"But didn't you just eat?" Max asked
"Well yeah but that was before. This is now and I'm hungry again"
Ben's answer brought laughter from everyone. Dana had joined in on that laughter as well since waking from her little nap.
"Oh. Sorry sweetie didn't mean to wake you" he said looking down at her. She giggle and gave Rick a hug.
"It's alright Rick. I rather her stay awake so she gets use to sleeping conventional hours" Miriya said
"It's all set. 8:00 booking for eleven" Sammy said coming back to the group.
"Well its almost 6:30 now. I that will give us all enough time to go home get changed and meeting at the restaurant" Kim said
"That's a good plan, but half of us don't know where the restaurant" Roy said
"Hmmm. Ok how about we all meet at Lisa's house" Claudia said suggestively
"What! Why my place?" Lisa protested.
"Because love, your house is located on the east side and so is the restaurant. Make sense?"
"I guess so... but doesn't..." Lisa said
"Alright it's settled then" Vanessa interrupted Lisa "We'll all meeting up at Lisa's place at 7:45?"
Everyone nodded except for Rick and Ben "But we don't know where Lisa lives" they both said
"That's easy fixed. Lisa you can go home with Rick." said Claudia
"WHAT?" exclaimed Lisa and Rick
"Look, you two. Rick, take Lisa back to your place and get change. Then go to Lisa's place where we will all meet." Claudia said smartly [I like to her get out of this one...]
"And I can go home with Ben" said Vanessa [YES!] "And we can do the same"
"WHAT! I WON'T" Lisa protested
"Well, I didn't know I was so unwanted" Rick said casually. "That's alright, I was feeling a little tired anyway. I don't feel like doing much tonight"
[Oh no. I didn't mean that Rick...] "I'm... It's just... Ah..." Lisa tried to explain
Claudia's idea was working and Roy whispered into her ear "She's going to kill you. You know that don't you"
Claudia turned her head and whispered back "I'll just tell her what to do when she leaves and she'll owing me big time"
Rick placed Dana on the floor and watched her run off to Max and Miriya. Standing up and stretching he said "It's ok Lisa. You don't have to if you don't want to. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it" [then why do I feel so gutted...] he started to make his way to the door when someone grabbed his hand
"Rick wait... I didn't mean... If you like... Ah it's no problem" Lisa said unsure while holding his hand [Please don't leave. Not like this...] everyone was watching the scene like a TV soap and just like a TV soap someone's mobile phone decide to ring. It was Rick's. Lisa was still holding Rick's hand [This is nice... I can almost forget about everything he as put me through...]
"Lisa" Rick said
"...Yeah..." Lisa replied dreamily
"Can I have my hand back? My mobile is ringing"
"Oh... sorry... yes" Lisa said rather quickly, releasing his hand. The trio started giggling and Claudia was smiling in triumph
Rick took his phone and answered
"Hello"
-OH RICK-
"Minmei?" Rick said sounding concerned
Everyone's ears perked up when Rick mention Minmei name, except for Lisa [Oh Rick I wish you could say name with such emotion...] the high from holding Rick's hand was gone and she had back into her shell. Claudia noticed this. She reached over and comforting squeeze Lisa's hand for support. Lisa acknowledge this return a weak smile
"What's wrong you sound like you have been crying. Is everything ok"
-Oh Rick. It's...it's...-
"What happen? Are you hurt? Do you need help?" Rick said sounding worried.
-Can... can you... come and pick me up...please-
Rick had never heard Minmei's voice sound so... desperate. She was always so full of life. Even when they were trapped in the SDF1 he had heard Mineni cry her heart out but this was nothing compared to this.
"Where are you? I'll come right away." Rick said with authority
He grabbed a pen from the coffee table, which sat between the sofas and ripped a page out of an old magazine someone left there for anyone to read. He scribbled something down and then replied "Ok. I think I know where that is. I'll be there in half an hour. Don't know move. If you feel scared again ring my mobile again." He was nodding as if he was having actually conversation with her "Ok see you soon" and with that he hung up and placed his mobile back into his pocket
Looking back at the group and especially Lisa he gave his explanation
"Well you probably all over heard. That was Minmei..."
"You sounded worried chief. Is everything ok" asked a concerned Ben Dixon
"Not sure, but she did sound pretty upset. I'm going to go pick here up from Granite City" He turned towards Sammy and continued, "Sorry Sam. I have looks like I have miss this one..."
"Hang on Rick." Interupted Claudia [There must be something to salvage from this...]
"If Minmei is that upset, it might be better if one of the girls went."
"I'm not sure clau. You didn't hear her. She sounded really upset"
"Well tell you what. You and Lisa go check up on Minmei and after meet us at the restaurant."
Lisa's eyes widen as she was trying to absorb what Claudia was saying
"Hmmm. You might be right clau. Is that ok with you Lisa?" Rick asked her
Lisa was confused. One minute she was literal begging Rick to come to dinner and then Minmei had to ring out of the blue [I never thought I could get so jealous of that girl...]
"Lisa is that ok with you? I need an answer cause I said I'll be there soon."
"It's... no... problem..." responded Lisa sounding dejected
"Are you sure? It's not your problem you know. You don't have to come if you don't want." asked Rick again. This time crouching to Lisa's eye level and looking her straight in the eyes. At that moment Lisa saw concern, compassion and fire in those baby blue eyes that she had grown to love and she decided.
"It's no problem. If we hurry we can still make it to the restaurant" she replied with more confidence.
"Yeah. Take my car." said Roy tossing the keys to Rick "Clau has her car here so it's alright and ring me on the mobile if you need anything. We'll all be waiting outside Lisa's place"
"Thanks big brother"
"I'll ring the restaurant and tell them to make room for one more" interrupted Sammy
"Well. It looks like it's settled then" Max said, picking up Dana.
All headed out of the lunchroom, each with different things going through their mind about what has happened and what is to happen
****
AUTHOR'S NOTES Well as promised Minmei did make an appearance (a phone conversation is an appearance to me anyway). Nothing much else to say expect that I think the writing got a little sloppy towards the end because I was tired.
For all non-Australian readers, we call cell phones - mobile phones. A simple bunch we are down under.
I'll try to fix all the grammar and spelling mistakes before uploading to www.fanfiction.net. But you guys know what I'm trying to say anyway ;) and thanks for the positive reviews
Cheers and thanks for reading, wonga316
CHAPTER 4
DISCLAIMER AND COPYTRIGHT: I don't own Robotech so don't take me to court. If you want to uses any stuff from this fiction, all I ask is an email – wonga316@yahoo.com.au
AUTHOR'S NOTES This is a different spin on things from episode 28 - reconstruction blues. Will try to and a little more action and love/hate triangle with Rick, Lisa and Minmei. This is my first attempt at Robotech fan fiction. So please be gentle, NOT. Tell me if I suck. How else are we going to improve? Some of the guys made seem OC. (Sorry), After all it is fiction and anything can happen ;) Roy and Ben will still be alive in this story
"..." = Normal speech
[...] = Thought
-...- = Computer chat or phone conversation
****
"Is now the right time?" Rick question himself sadly, while thinking about what his uncle / adopted father had told him [I thought I would never find out, since they both died when the earth was attacked]
"That's not me to answer, Rick" the captain said, placing his hand on Rick's shoulder
Rick still shocked and deep in thought that the captain's warming gesture did not registered. If was only after a small squeeze by Gloval that he got Rick's attention.
"Was... He... a pilot?" Rick asked quietly and unsure.
Gloval smiled and removed his hand. "Yes. He was one of the best pilots that I have had pleasure to fly with. He was one of the only few men that I could place my life in his hands and not be afraid."
"Then you flew with my father?"
"Yes and no. When your father flew he was in a world of his only. In his time, no one came close to your father's skill. That and fact he would usually go into his own world while up in the air. If was like he was two different kinds of people while on the ground and up in the air."
"You make him sound like some kind of hero."
"Hahahaha."
Rick had wondered what he had said was so funny. He had never seen the captain laugh before. Feeling a little unsure and confused he continued. "Did I say something funny?"
"No... really. I was just thinking what your father would say if you asked him that question yourself." Gloval answered half laughing.
****
"What is he doing? I didn't think he would react like that after being offered a promotion" Ben asked Roy
Everyone had witness Rick whip his body around to face the captain and demand something. A worried feeling developed within the group. No one had even confronted the captain like that before, even during the Zentraedi peace negotiations where tempers flared. But Rick was known to be a little hot headed sometimes and this worried Lisa
"We don't even know what they are talking about. The captain did discuss Rick's promotion with me prior to talking to him but doesn't mean that it's the only thing they are talking about" Lisa answered
"Very perceptive Lt. Hayes. I always wondered why you were the first officer and now I know" Roy said smugly.
"Is the captain laughing? I never thought the captain knew how to laugh?" Vanessa questioned.
Ben had moved around to get a better view and ended up behind Vanessa. He placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned forward. His chest was brushing up against her back. All of a sudden, Vanessa had turn red as a tomato try to ignore the innocent contact from Ben
[Is that Ben behind me?] She had a quick glimpse and caught sight of his strips [It is him! This is turning out to be a good day after all...] she thought.
While everyone was trying to get a better view, Dana had manage to escape from 'uncle Roy' and found her way to the front of the pack. Being 3 foot tall and half Zentraedi did have its benefits at times. When she reached the front of the glass window, she caught sight of the captain and more importantly Rick. Dana was especially fond of Rick out of everyone else, with the exception of her parents. This was a bit of a mystery since Rick never gave the girl any more attention then the other guys did. If was almost as if Dana sensed something special in Rick.
With her eyes set on the target, she let out her full arsenal or as much as a 3 year old could at the time.
"RRRRIIIICCCCKKKK!" she yelled happily with her face pressed up against the glass, banging her little fist on the window.
****
"Are you going to tell me what happen?" Rick demanded. His tone had brought the captain back from his laughing fit. Correcting his hat he started to replied
"You didn't answer my question. Do you think that you are ready?"
Rick paused and thought about this again [I'm I ready... What if he tells me something that I don't want to know... what if the truth changes me... ]
Gloval could see that the young pilot questioning himself and felt sorry for him [Poor lad. Must be thinking about all the worst possible scenarios if I tell him. I know I would do the same if I were in his position.]
"Look Rick. Instead of trying to decide if you ready, it might be easier to just wait until you are."
"What... what do you mean?" he asked
"You know will when you are ready." the captain said proudly to the young pilot.
Rick looked up to the captain's eyes and understood what he was trying to say. He might not have known the answer was right there and then but for some reason he did not have to know.
The moment of peace was broken by a muffled yelled and what sounded like thumping. Rick and Gloval looked up towards the source of the disturbance and found little Dana banging happily away on the window yelling Rick's name. Smiling and giving her a quick wave, he then started to think [if Dana is in the lunchroom then that would mean...] his thoughts were confirmed when he spotted the whole crew lined along the window like a flock of crows on a wire fence.
****
"Dana stopped that it's dangerous," Maria said picking up her child.
"But Rick, Mama." Dana squealed as her mother picked her up
Everyone realized that Dana's little 'hello ' would have alerted Rick and the captain to their presence. All of them quickly scrambled back the sofas, expect of Lisa who stayed by the window looking almost lost.
"Lisa! Get down he'll see you" Claudia said
The words echoed in Lisa's head but they did not register. She was left standing on her own by the window. Lisa and Rick had made eye contact for some reason and she could not move.
"Lisa!"
The second attempt by Claudia was louder and more direct. This got her attention and she slowly realized what had happen. Not only had Rick caught her looking but so had everyone else.
****
"It looks like we weren't the only one in the conversation." Gloval stated and started walking away
"Yeah it looks like it" said distracted [Why did Lisa stay near the window and was that a worried look?]
After Lisa had disappeared from the window, Rick turned to face the captain but found him walking away. He was quite a distance away when he yelled "Is that it captain?"
The captain stopped and with his back turned he said "Actually no. How would you feel about a promotion to Lt. Commander?"
Rick as stunned and speechless. It was all become a little too much. [First the news about my father and now a promotion...]
"Well?" the captain asked hiding the smirk on his face "I guess you don't have to give me a answer yet. There's not rush. Just let me know when you want to talk about it." And with that he continued walking towards the other exit.
"What the hell..."
****
Lisa's little lapse in concentration brought a few giggles from the trio. Everyone knew what had just happen and Lisa knew what was coming next
"Busted..." Kim said
This brought about more giggles, which turned into laugher. Lisa who had a huge blush across her face started laughing as well.
By the time everyone had finished laughing at Lisa's expense, Miriya had notice that Dana had walked off again.
"Max! have you seen Dana? She was just here!" she said in a panic
Everyone went into worry mode and starting look around the lunchroom for the little troublemaker.
"Uhhh. You know you shouldn't jump on people like that Ms. Sterling" someone said
Everyone had turned towards to the voice and found Rick carrying Dana in his arms. He had made his way to the lunchroom while everyone was busy laughing.
"Rick, Rick, Rick..." Dana said happily
Rick made his way across the room to the whole gang in the back. Miriya was first to say something
"Dana! You scare the life out of me! Never do that again"
Dana just smiled and stuck her tongue out at her mother. This brought about some giggles and Miriya return it with her sticking her tongue at Dana
The only seat available was next to Lisa on the largest of the three sofas. Roy and Claudia occupied the other two seats. Rick took his seat and placed Dana on his lap.
"So..." Max enquired
"So what?" Rick replied
"Are you going to tell us what the captain wanted" Ben said
Rick was suddenly the center of attention. When he notice this he lean back onto the sofas putting his head on the rest and smiled and said "I think....Not"
Everyone let out a collective groan. Roy smirked and gave him a wink. Rick acknowledged and gave a small nod.
All the excitement was a little too much for Dana and she had fallen asleep in Rick's arms. Small conversation broke out between some of the gang. Lisa had noticed Dana fall a sleep so peacefully in Rick's arms and watch with amazement [How does he do that? Dana is usually a firecracker when everyone is around. Yet both Dana and Rick seem so comfortable, so natural. He would make an excellent father one day. Wait! Did I just say that?]
Rick had noticed Lisa unusually quiet "is everything ok Lisa?"
"Oh... Yes. Just tired I just" she answered trying to get images of her and child with a child of their own
"What do you guys think?" someone asked.
"What was that?" Rick asked
"I said there is a new Italian restaurant on the east side of town. Do you guys want to try it?" Sammy repeated [I swear those better get their act together soon]
"Yeah sounds good. But how many are there? One, two, three..." Rick said as he started counting "There's eleven of us Sammy. Does the restaurant have a table big enough on such short notice?"
"Let me check. I'll be right back" she to everyone as she raced off to the public phone on the other side of the room.
"The new Italian restaurant should be cool. I haven't had a good pizza in ages?" Ben remarked as Sammy ran for the phone.
"But didn't you just eat?" Max asked
"Well yeah but that was before. This is now and I'm hungry again"
Ben's answer brought laughter from everyone. Dana had joined in on that laughter as well since waking from her little nap.
"Oh. Sorry sweetie didn't mean to wake you" he said looking down at her. She giggle and gave Rick a hug.
"It's alright Rick. I rather her stay awake so she gets use to sleeping conventional hours" Miriya said
"It's all set. 8:00 booking for eleven" Sammy said coming back to the group.
"Well its almost 6:30 now. I that will give us all enough time to go home get changed and meeting at the restaurant" Kim said
"That's a good plan, but half of us don't know where the restaurant" Roy said
"Hmmm. Ok how about we all meet at Lisa's house" Claudia said suggestively
"What! Why my place?" Lisa protested.
"Because love, your house is located on the east side and so is the restaurant. Make sense?"
"I guess so... but doesn't..." Lisa said
"Alright it's settled then" Vanessa interrupted Lisa "We'll all meeting up at Lisa's place at 7:45?"
Everyone nodded except for Rick and Ben "But we don't know where Lisa lives" they both said
"That's easy fixed. Lisa you can go home with Rick." said Claudia
"WHAT?" exclaimed Lisa and Rick
"Look, you two. Rick, take Lisa back to your place and get change. Then go to Lisa's place where we will all meet." Claudia said smartly [I like to her get out of this one...]
"And I can go home with Ben" said Vanessa [YES!] "And we can do the same"
"WHAT! I WON'T" Lisa protested
"Well, I didn't know I was so unwanted" Rick said casually. "That's alright, I was feeling a little tired anyway. I don't feel like doing much tonight"
[Oh no. I didn't mean that Rick...] "I'm... It's just... Ah..." Lisa tried to explain
Claudia's idea was working and Roy whispered into her ear "She's going to kill you. You know that don't you"
Claudia turned her head and whispered back "I'll just tell her what to do when she leaves and she'll owing me big time"
Rick placed Dana on the floor and watched her run off to Max and Miriya. Standing up and stretching he said "It's ok Lisa. You don't have to if you don't want to. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it" [then why do I feel so gutted...] he started to make his way to the door when someone grabbed his hand
"Rick wait... I didn't mean... If you like... Ah it's no problem" Lisa said unsure while holding his hand [Please don't leave. Not like this...] everyone was watching the scene like a TV soap and just like a TV soap someone's mobile phone decide to ring. It was Rick's. Lisa was still holding Rick's hand [This is nice... I can almost forget about everything he as put me through...]
"Lisa" Rick said
"...Yeah..." Lisa replied dreamily
"Can I have my hand back? My mobile is ringing"
"Oh... sorry... yes" Lisa said rather quickly, releasing his hand. The trio started giggling and Claudia was smiling in triumph
Rick took his phone and answered
"Hello"
-OH RICK-
"Minmei?" Rick said sounding concerned
Everyone's ears perked up when Rick mention Minmei name, except for Lisa [Oh Rick I wish you could say name with such emotion...] the high from holding Rick's hand was gone and she had back into her shell. Claudia noticed this. She reached over and comforting squeeze Lisa's hand for support. Lisa acknowledge this return a weak smile
"What's wrong you sound like you have been crying. Is everything ok"
-Oh Rick. It's...it's...-
"What happen? Are you hurt? Do you need help?" Rick said sounding worried.
-Can... can you... come and pick me up...please-
Rick had never heard Minmei's voice sound so... desperate. She was always so full of life. Even when they were trapped in the SDF1 he had heard Mineni cry her heart out but this was nothing compared to this.
"Where are you? I'll come right away." Rick said with authority
He grabbed a pen from the coffee table, which sat between the sofas and ripped a page out of an old magazine someone left there for anyone to read. He scribbled something down and then replied "Ok. I think I know where that is. I'll be there in half an hour. Don't know move. If you feel scared again ring my mobile again." He was nodding as if he was having actually conversation with her "Ok see you soon" and with that he hung up and placed his mobile back into his pocket
Looking back at the group and especially Lisa he gave his explanation
"Well you probably all over heard. That was Minmei..."
"You sounded worried chief. Is everything ok" asked a concerned Ben Dixon
"Not sure, but she did sound pretty upset. I'm going to go pick here up from Granite City" He turned towards Sammy and continued, "Sorry Sam. I have looks like I have miss this one..."
"Hang on Rick." Interupted Claudia [There must be something to salvage from this...]
"If Minmei is that upset, it might be better if one of the girls went."
"I'm not sure clau. You didn't hear her. She sounded really upset"
"Well tell you what. You and Lisa go check up on Minmei and after meet us at the restaurant."
Lisa's eyes widen as she was trying to absorb what Claudia was saying
"Hmmm. You might be right clau. Is that ok with you Lisa?" Rick asked her
Lisa was confused. One minute she was literal begging Rick to come to dinner and then Minmei had to ring out of the blue [I never thought I could get so jealous of that girl...]
"Lisa is that ok with you? I need an answer cause I said I'll be there soon."
"It's... no... problem..." responded Lisa sounding dejected
"Are you sure? It's not your problem you know. You don't have to come if you don't want." asked Rick again. This time crouching to Lisa's eye level and looking her straight in the eyes. At that moment Lisa saw concern, compassion and fire in those baby blue eyes that she had grown to love and she decided.
"It's no problem. If we hurry we can still make it to the restaurant" she replied with more confidence.
"Yeah. Take my car." said Roy tossing the keys to Rick "Clau has her car here so it's alright and ring me on the mobile if you need anything. We'll all be waiting outside Lisa's place"
"Thanks big brother"
"I'll ring the restaurant and tell them to make room for one more" interrupted Sammy
"Well. It looks like it's settled then" Max said, picking up Dana.
All headed out of the lunchroom, each with different things going through their mind about what has happened and what is to happen
****
AUTHOR'S NOTES Well as promised Minmei did make an appearance (a phone conversation is an appearance to me anyway). Nothing much else to say expect that I think the writing got a little sloppy towards the end because I was tired.
For all non-Australian readers, we call cell phones - mobile phones. A simple bunch we are down under.
I'll try to fix all the grammar and spelling mistakes before uploading to www.fanfiction.net. But you guys know what I'm trying to say anyway ;) and thanks for the positive reviews
Cheers and thanks for reading, wonga316