AN: Did you guys see AMC today? Babe FINALLY admitted she was in love with JR! Yay:Does a little happy dance: OK, I'm good. -Danielle

Ch. 2

Deaf or Stupid?

Babe was busy pouring two beers for two truck drivers sitting in front of her. She wanted to question them about driving drunk, but then she figured that it really wasn't her business and they were probably going to stay at the equally seedy hotel down the road.

After she passed them their drinks, she glanced at the clock. 11 pm. Only 5 more hours to go. Babe sighed and turned to look at the somewhat busy bar. Her co-worker Mark was also there, making drinks and flirting with some women.

Mark was an attractive man, and very buff. He pumped iron everyday, and his upper arms were covered into tattoos. His head was covered with only a tiny bit of hair. Not only was he a bartender, he could handle any man or woman if things got out of hand.

Babe shook her head at Mark who had turned and winked at her, and then felt a dry hand onto of her arms. Her head turned towards the man who was touching her.

"Can I help you?" Babe asked.

"So, do I get your number with my beer?" The drunk man asked her.

Babe look turned into one of disgust. This man was in his early to mid 40s with greasy hair and yellow teeth.

"I don't think so." Babe said, yanking her arm back.

"Oh come on, don't I get a little somethin'?" The man asked, eyeing her low cut shirt, "We could go outside and... talk."

The man sniggered, and his buddies laughed.

Babe shook her head, "No."

The man narrowed his eyes and looked at her, "What, do you think you're too good for me princess?"

Babe bit her lip, resisting the urge to say 'hell yes.'

"Don't forget you work in this seedy bar that I'm drinkin' in. I think that we need to go outside," The man stood up, "And have a little talk."

Babe stepped back, and looked at the man, "Sit down and shut up, or get out of my bar."

The man laughed, "And what are you gonna do about it Princess?"

Babe turned and tapped Mark on the shoulder, and he turned around.

"Is there a problem?" Mark asked in a menacing tone, stepping closer to the guy standing up.

The drunken hillbilly was obviously scared of Mark who had a good 5 inches on him and more muscle, but the man didn't want to seem wimpy to his friends.

"Yeah there is. This little princess over here isn't servicing me good enough." He said, grinning at Babe.

Mark got the double meaning of the word and said in a low voice, "If you don't get out of this bar right now, I will make you."

The man laughed again trying to act tough, but all that really came out was a nervous laugh.

"As long as she comes with me." The man said, eyeing at Babe, "Come on princess, I give good tips!"

His buddies laughed again.

"Here's a tip, leave!" Babe said.

The man's smile drooped and he leaned closer to Babe over the counter. Mark stepped in front of Babe.

"Are you deaf or just stupid? Get out." Mark said.

"Well you son of a..." The man slurred, looking at Mark.

"I'm giving you till the count of 3 to get your fat, drunk butt out of the bar or you're gonna have an escort help you out. And this escort isn't the fun one you get at hotels." Babe explained, "One."

One of the man's buddies spoke up, "Come on Kyle, let's just get out of here. The bitch isn't worth it."

"Two..." Babe said.

Kyle's friends all stood up, and started heading to the door.

Kyle still stood there, looking at Babe, "No, I want her to come with me."

"I think he isn't deaf, just stupid." Babe summed up, looking at Mark.

"Three." Mark finished for Babe, and started heading around the bar.

Kyle turned and tried to stop Mark from grabbing him, but didn't succeed and was hauled off towards the door.

"Don't come back." Mark yelled in his ear, and tossed him out on his ass.

Some of the people in the bar laughed at the sight, and others just kept on drinking, used to the drama of a drunk trying to get with Babe the bartender.

Kyle got up and gave him the finger before leaving. Mark slammed the door and walked to the bar.

"You OK?" Mark asked.

Babe nodded, "I really hate this job."

"I bet you would."

"Why do the guys always go after me? Why can't they try and pick up you?" Babe tried to make a joke.

"They go to the club down the street for that type of shit." Mark said, "They all know that our bar has a hot babe working at the bar so they come here to see you."

"Well, I'm just glad you're here. Thank you." Babe thanked him.

"No problem. Can I ask you a question?" Mark asked and Babe nodded, "Why do you work here if you hate it so much?"

Babe sighed and stopped cleaning the bar with a washcloth, "It's a really long story. But I'm here because of my ex-husband."

Mark cocked his head, interested, "Well, that's interesting. I know you hate him, so I know you're not here because he wants you to or is telling you to. So maybe he is blackmailing you by hold something from you past... hmm, do you have any deep dark secrets or you've done something bad in your past, Babe?"

You have no idea, Babe thought and then said, "No, it's nothing like that."

Before Mark had a chance to push the issue further, the phone rang.

"Saved by the ring." Mark smiled and turned around to take a man's order.

"Hello?" Babe asked, not even bothering with the little slogan she was supposed to say.

"Babe, it's me." Jamie's voice was filled with worry.

"Jamie, what's wrong? Where are you?" Babe asked, noticing the worry in his voice.

"I'm, I'm at the hospital." Jamie told her.

"Oh my god, what's wrong? Are you OK? What happened?" Babe asked.

By now Mark had heard her conversation and turned around with worry on his face.

"I'm fine, but you need to get down to the hospital." Jamie explained.

"Is it my son? Or Mama? Jamie what is it!" Babe asked, panicked.

"No, it's not Little A or Krystal. Just get down here."

"I'll be there as soon as I can." Babe hung up the phone and turned to Mark, "Listen, something's happened. Can you..."

"Yes, I can handle the bar." Mark said.

"Are you sure?" Babe asked.

"Yes I'm sure, now go. I hope everything is alright."

"Yeah, me too. Thanks." Babe grabbed her stuff from under the bar and jogged out of the bar and to her car, hurrying off to the hospital.