Chapter Six

It was an hour later. By some miracle they had managed to get a taxi for Althea. Neela had managed to make them something from the bare essentials in their fridge and cupboards, because no way could they order anything with the storm getting worse every minute.

Eventually she bought the sandwiches into the other room. "Here," she said. "Sorry, it's all we've got," she added at Danny's look of disgust.

"Ignore him Neela," said Ray. "It's fine."

"So," he continued. "What are you guys doing here? You still haven't answered that question."

Jessica immediately spoke up. "It was Danny's idea," she said quickly. Neela and Ray exchanged a look between them. "Ok," Neela said slowly. "And……"

"Well, see, he had this big fight with dad. I mean…it was so huge you could here it from California, I swear!" she continued. "They're not even talking now."

"That's it?" Ray exploded after a minute's silence. "Guys I've been thinking you were….I mean, there has to be something else! Kids fight with their parents all the time don't they? Any sane person doesn't run away to a whole other state!"

Hearing Ray talk about kids was making Neela uncomfortable. "Ray…let's hear them out. You convinced me to let them stay so….keep going Jessica." Neela noticed Danny wasn't saying much at all and she wondered why.

"Well, see, they went away for a weekend," Danny started edgily. "And I decided to have this party."

"Great," muttered Ray. "I can see where this is going. You guys trash the house or something?"

This time the kids shared a look. "Or something," said Jess with a grin.

"You think all this is funny?" snapped Danny suddenly. "I had plans this weekend you now? And now I have to come here …." his voice trailed of and Neela realised he had obviously said something wrong because Jess was suddenly shooting daggers at him.

"Never mind," he finished off.

"Ok," said Ray. "We're getting somewhere. A party. So what? You guys get pissed and trash the neighbour's car?"

"Dad found drugs the next day," said Jessica quietly. "Some guys did get pretty pissed, they were friends of Danny's. We think they belonged to them."

"What drugs are we talking about here?" asked Neela in concern. Ray was suddenly very grateful to have her involved in this, because he didn't think he was doing very well.

Neela though, thought the exact opposite. She hadn't expected this of him, and had very rarely seen this side of him. Ray, usually so intent on treating patients as quickly as possible, who never got involved and didn't hang around, was completely different when it came to family.

"Ecstasy," muttered Danny, looking down at the table.

"So why come to me?" asked Ray finally.

"Well…you know, you're in a band!" Jessica exclaimed, as if this explained everything. "We thought you'd be cool with it!"

Ray groaned slightly at this. "Yeah, I'm in a band. I've already played that scene and even then…look. I tried stuff just like everyone has when I was younger. But I…." Neela was shaking her head, a slight smile on her face.

"What Ray means is," she continued for him, much to his surprise. "Is there's a certain place in your life where you change. Ray may be in a band….but he's not like that anymore. He has responsibilities now, not that he would admit that. You do realise we have to call your parents to let them know your alright."

If looks could kill….the one Jess was throwing Neelas way, Neela would be in a lot of trouble. "Like they'd even care!" she spat out angrily. "God you guys are all the same!"

She stood up and stormed away from the table into Neela's room.

Danny remained seated looking troubled.

Neela looked sharply at him, wondering what his problem was. "What's wrong Danny?" she asked casually.

Ray looked at her as if to ask what she was doing.

"I'm just worried about Jess she…" he didn't say anything else.

"What's to worry about? It was your friends who got you into trouble," said Ray.

"Ray," warned Neela.

"She's right," he finally said, standing up. "You guys don't know anything."

"Who's going to call their parents?" Neela whispered once Danny had gone back to the TV.

"Me I guess," sighed Ray. "Why are they doing this to me? Thanks for helping me out there Neela."

She looked sadly at him and placed a hand comfortingly on his arm. "Anytime Ray. You know something else is going on here though? I mean…Danny's obviously hiding something else."

"You can say that again."

They stayed in silence for a short while, before Neela finally spoke again. "So what are we doing for sleeping arrangements?"

If I told you when Ray finds out it would spoil the story wouldn't? Let's just say it happens sooner then you'd think.