Hey, well since I've gotten to response on the chapters before, I'm going to assume this is going well and I'm going to keep going. Yay self-encouragement and motivation. The things you can get done when you're overcoming a depressive episode. Alright guys, I wish you all happy readings.
~Much love, Ice~
That morning, well I should have said afternoon, I'd woken up on a bed. It was soft and I wished I had one like this my whole life, I probably would have slept more if I had one as comfy as this. I stretched and rolled until I bumped into something, but considering that I was in a bed it was more like someone. I slowly looked over my shoulder to find a sleeping Laddie; he was out like a light and I sighed in relief. My sigh made me cringe, it increased the headache I'd developed. There was a strangling pressure on my face and the top of my head.
"If you'd like, I have some aspirin hidden around here somewhere," a soft, sleepy voice called.
"That sounds bitchin'" I muttered as I slowly turned to lay on my stomach, hanging over the side of the bed. I took deep breaths trying to avoid chucking up whatever I had last night.
"Here you go," the quiet girl muttered, dropping three little pills in my hand. I quickly swallowed them dry before I sat up slowly.
"Thanks," I breathed as I sat against the headboard with my eyes closed, "I'm Cassandra otherwise known as Sandra and I appreciate you so much right now."
"I'm Star." I nodded slowly before getting off the bed and leaning against the wall. I was in my swimsuit with my Motley Crue top over it but my skirt wasn't in sight.
"Nice to meet you. You guys got a bathroom around here or something," I asked as I spotted my bag sitting behind a familiar couch.
"Down the hall," she pointed to the dark hall down the way, "That's where the boy's rooms are and they sleep all day, be careful please."
I nodded and slung my bag over my shoulder and picked up a candle. I popped open my zippo and made use of it to light a candle that was small enough to fit in one of those fancy little pirate lanterns. I stalked quietly down the dark hall and there was an old doorway with a door that covered it but was not attached.
I slid between the doorway and door, setting the lantern on the floor and I riffled through my bag for a new outfit. Unsure of who would walk in, if anyone of the boys woke up, I quickly changed. I had on a cut out cropped tank top, a pair of shorts with leather laces up the sides, knee high socks, and my trusty Dr. Martens. I fluffed my dreads in hopes that I looked better than I thought I did as I didn't notice any mirrors. I'd have to have to ask Star about that. With a sigh, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and shouldered my bag on and headed back to the main room with the lantern in hand.
By the time I'd stumbled out it, the sun had began to set. It felt like time was flying by as by now I heard voices from behind me.
"Move fucker," a voice laughed and just beyond the shadows the echoing of footsteps bounding towards the Hall entrance.
"Slow down hotshot, she'll still be there when you get there," Dwayne's deeper voice sounded, chuckling at then end.
No sunlight shone in the cave but from the middle of the room you could see the bright colors of the night sky. Star was quick to start relighting burn barrels and I noticed Laddie stretching from the corner of my eye. How did I not hear or see them behind me?
"Lookin' good Doll," David smiled as a dinosaur screech sounded behind me.
I swiveled quickly as to see I had avoided being crushed by a falling Paul. Marko hid a smile behind his gloved hand.
"Fuckin' pothead," I snorted at his groan from the ground. "I'm not even high yet!"
"Babe! Help me up," he whined from the ground, reaching up a hand to me. I tossed my bag to the couch behind me and I reached out to Paul when Dwayne came flying up behind me.
I didn't even see him leave the little grouping, but he had nabbed his board from the corner of the room. Paul was groaning so loud I didn't hear Dwayne coming; I just felt his arm wrap around my waist and I was lifted away. Paul looked distraught from the ground as Dwayne rolled his arm and I was put over his shoulder and sailing across the room away from him.
"Not fair Dwayne," he called and everyone else howled with laughter at the tall blonde's whine. My hips were propped up on his shoulder and I dangled over his back as we rolled over to the cave entrance. I would have been nervous if not for one of his arms being around my waist and the other wrapped at the bend of my knees; not to mention Dwayne was quite impressive on a skateboard as I remembered he proved the night before.
From my dangling position I could see David smirking from his 'throne'. He looked great up there; a mix of the moonlight and barrel fire catching his face just right. His ice blue eyes shined out to me and damn they were hypnotic. He smirked at me grabbing his bottle of wine from last night.
"Going at it again so early in- AH! What the hell," I yelped as I slid of Dwayne's shoulder and into Marko's waiting arms.
With a laugh he turned tail and ran straight towards the back of the couch. I wrapped my arms around his neck as I was cradled bridal style, and as he ran from a sober Paul. He jumped over the back of the couch, using the cushion to propel us over the coffee table. We were out of the way in time to miss being smashed by Paul again as he tripped over the back of the couch. He was up again and chasing us as quickly as he went down. Marko was swift and carried me straight to David. He set me on David's lap and placed a kiss to my knuckles with a bow and a," milady," before he turned to tackle Paul just before he caught up to us.
David and I laughed as we watched the two blondes roll around on the floor. Dwayne skated around the two straight to the couch with all sat around the two, even Star had joined the group. David smirked watching the two, he had an arm around my waist and the fancy bottle of wine in the other. He threw his head back taking a drink, and I was watching as the two blondes swung and rolled. He nudged me lightly and handed me the bottle with a smirk before driving into his coat pocket. I contemplated it for a minuet... David wouldn't drink it if it wasn't safe... I quickly brought the bottle to my lips and took a quick drink. It was fruity for a wine, like sweet and tangy. The only wine I'd ever had before had been bitter and rather dry. David found what he was looking for- his cigarettes. Still only using one hand, he put one in his mouth and relocated the pack back in his pocket and switched it for a lighter. I'd found myself taking smaller sips from the bottle before David took it back from me.
"Alright who wants to start taking bets? Who's going to win," I laughed as the boys were somehow trapped under each other and pushing away from each other but didn't seem to be making any progress.
"Not sure, I'd usually say Marko but Paul isn't incapacitated yet so its really a 50/50 here," Dwayne laughed as the two finally seemed to get tired and just lay next to each other.
"Alright c'mon assholes, we're going for a ride," David smirked as I got up and stepped over the blondes that were still sprawled out on the floor.
I threw my bag over my shoulder but David stopped me, "You can leave that here Doll, we'll be back tonight."
"We? I have things to do... And really need to find somewhere to stay," I looked everywhere except at David.
"You can stay with us Doll, free of rent and bills. You can be one of us and leave whenever you want to," he lifted my face to look at him and smiled as I studied him.
"I doubt you'd want to leave though, we are pretty rad babe!" Paul called from his spot on the floor with Marko; they were now sitting up and rolling a joint, listening to the conversation happening in front of them. Everyone was.
"Be one of you?" my eyebrows pulled together in confusion as I looked at everyone. They were all smiling at me, except Star who looked troubled. She tried to offer an encouraging smile and but it didn't reach her eyes.
"No parents, no rules, total freedom. Live, think, and love freely," David smiled, bringing me back to him, " and you'll never have to fear what's in the shadows at night ever again. You'd be one of us. We protect each other. The Surfer Nazis will never lay another hand on you and if they do, there will be hell to pay."
I took a deep breath before I nodded. The boys let out whoops and cheers and David being the closest caressed my face, and he kissed me deeply. It took my breath away and his gloved hands were hot on my skin. I shivered and leaned into David, my hands grabbing the lapels of his trench coat trying to get closer. David growled and I couldn't think, I just wanted more from him.
"Eww," and childish laughter followed us pulling apart. I blushed, burying my face in David's chest which rumbled with laughter.
"What are you laughing you lil' punk? Don't even play innocent," he barked at little Laddie who ran to Dwayne and stuck his tongue out at David in return.
"It's not a definite I'm in. It's a - I'm more likely to accept this than I was originally," I spoke up quickly, I hated to ruin the mood but I had to be clear. If anything good would to come of this, especially with the way David immediately moved in on me. They don't waste their time, so I shouldn't waste it either.
"Understandable. We get it better than most, big decision and all. Just try to make the choice some time this millennium would you?" he smiled- he was joking with me. They all got on with me and each other so smoothly..
"We better get going," David smiled, placing a kiss on my temple before heading out the entrance and to the bikes. Dwayne winked at me and carried Laddie up the steps as Star had followed David up the steps without a second glance. Marko and Paul grinned from the floor at each other and then at me.
"I'll race you," Marko grinned.
"It's my turn though!" Paul laughed as they both went from sitting to full sprint towards me.
xXx
I rode with Paul to the boardwalk since he'd "won the race." The way back to the boardwalk wasn't as frightening as I remembered going through the first time. We still rode like bats outta hell but this time Paul set me in front of him and I got the full force of the wind. I shivered and leaned against Paul in hopes that the chill of the wind would tamper down some. But to no avail the wind was like ice on my already cold body.
I hopped off Paul's bike with his help and steadily my feet found their way to the ground. My thighs shook, still vibrating from the power of the motorcycle.
"Dwayne can we get food please?" Laddie smiled as he grabbed the older man's hand. Dwayne smiled and nodded, before looking to the rest of the group.
"Anyone else want anything," he asked over his shoulder. A couple of rattled off no's and no thanks were his answer before he turned to me, "want to come with?"
I looked around at the group who seemingly looked as if they were minding their own business. Mark and Paul were laughing about something and did this real quick handshake. Star was staring longingly into the crowd as if looking for something or someone. David was also looking over the crowd, glaring as if to challenge anyone to approach us.
"Please! I promise I'll behave!" Laddie wiggled in Dwayne's arms, reaching out for me.
"Alright kiddo, as long as you promise. We'll be right back, yeah?" I smiled before taking one of the hands Laddie was offering me.
We walked with Laddie between us. Dwayne lead the way and Laddie held onto one of our hands each. He swung our hands and kept talking. In general about all things kids talk about. It just so happened that we passed a stand with cotton candy and that was suddenly his favorite.
"C'mon, please. I promised I be good," the little boy whines as he pulled Dwayne to a stop.
"Remember what happened last time you had some," Dwayne cocked an eyebrow at the young boy.
A sudden look of shame came on the boy's face as he slowly shook his head.
"I know you know so tell me kiddo," he paused," what did we learn last time?"
"Oh! Well aren't you three just the sweetest," a woman cooed to us. She was short with a red colored pixie cut and kind motherly features. She smiled at us, cooing softly," I remember when my boys were his age, they grow up so fast."
With a kind smile and a blur of color, she was suddenly pulled away by some blonde kid who was a bit taller than her.
"Thanks," I called but I doubt she heard me over the usual busy noise.
"So Momma Sandra," Dwayne cracked, a sweet smile; a real one. My heart fluttered as I noticed Dwayne never to be one to talk much in public, let alone smile. He was practically known for his beautiful, stoic features that never changed to anything besides a sneer.
"So Papa Dwayne," I winked, and we both ended up cackling at the thought before Laddie pulled us back.
"Does this mean I can have the cotton candy?"
"I don't know son, ask your mother," I could see Dwayne trying to be serious; I could see him trying not to smile. The two of them crackled, Laddie giggling up a storm and Dwayne letting out some deeper belts of laughter.
"Hey Miss Sandra," Laddie started with a sweet smile. The longer I looked at Laddie, the more I could see it. His skin was a mixture between Dwayne's Native American heritage and my pale white skin. He had the similar green-grey eyes and Dwayne's darker hair. He has a cute little nose and a toothy smile just like me too. He looked part and acted the part. If I looked from the outside in, I would have guess it looked like Dwayne and I were baby faced or just very young parents, taking our kid to have some fun.
"Yes sweetheart," I smiled, watching him closely.
"Dwayne said I had to ask you to get cotton candy... Can I? Please?" He said, clutching his hands together and squeezing his eyes shut.
"I don't know about it kiddo, what happened last time?" Laddie paled considerably and Dwayne couldn't hold in his hearty laugh any longer.
As we walked back, this time Dwayne carried a Laddie vigorously eating his cotton candy with one hand and he held my hand with the other. Whenever we'd pass a couple or someone who was giving me a particular look, he'd pull me close and kiss my forehead or my cheek; sometimes really close to my lips. I just wanted to know how they felt on mine. So I waited until the next set of wondering eyes came and I met him halfway.
Dwayne stopped walking and so did I. We stopped, middle of the boardwalk, Laddie on one arm and his other still holding my hands. There was something different yet so familiar.
The heat rose to my cheeks as we pulled apart, and I smiled lightly and leaned in softly for another quick kiss. Pulling back this time was harder than the first. He was exactly what I needed but this time he pulled us back.
"Marko and Paul are looking for us," he stated, taking my hand again.
"We don't want to keep the heathens waiting, they'll destroy of boardwalk or get arrested again."
"Again?"
xXx
"I stuck my leg out and Paul pushed him backwards-" Marko's silky, angelic voice pulled my attention to the boys approaching us.
"He landed ass first in a trash can! It was great, he let go of Star," Paul paused to smile at the bushy haired girl, "Then David who just happened to catch us fucking the guy up and put his cigarette out on the dudes forehead and was like 'don't fuck with the Lost Boys'. The dude was crying said he didn't know but that fucker had seen her with us before. Sick fuck had been kidnapping girls and leaving them under the boardwalk if you know what I mean."
"I think she gets the idea Paul," Marko groaned," always saying more than he probably should."
"I do not," Paul paused mid-puff to send the shorter blonde a shitty look, "Anyway, we saved Star but the boardwalk security fuck arrested us instead of the douchebag killing girls."
"And in short, that's the story of Paul and I broke our wrists and escaped from getting arrested," Marko smiled as the three of us watched the band on the beach, who was a popular new band from around here.
Laddie had taken off with Star to go on the rides like they did many nights while Dwayne had met up with David by the old skateboard shop, Pro-Wheel's Skate shop. Which in turn left left Marko, Paul, and I to the concert on the beach. I was sitting on the rail while Paul and Marko were on each side of me, an arm around me to make sure I didn't fall all the boardwalk and onto the beach below.
"What happened to the guy? Didn't he get arrested? What happened?" The frown was evident on my face even if neither of them looked at me. Why did that fuck get away with hurting people?
"Well he's no like longer a threat to anyone, we'll put it that way," Paul said, suddenly too quite.
"What do you mean," I asked looking over at the tall blonde, "C'mon you obviously know something I don't. So what is it?"
Out of my peripheral vision, I could see Marko subtlety shake his head no.
"Marko, what happened to him," I whipped around to face the angelic blonde.
"Someone took care of him, is all I can say," Marko smirked, before biting his nails.
Took care of him? C'mon Casandra, we all know what that means. Someone probably split the fuckers head open.
The mental image of some fucked up predator, head cracked open, covered in blood penetrated my mind. He got what he deserved. She cackled with delight at the thought of all the suffering he would have endured. Isn't that fucked up? Laughing at other's suffering.
"I remember almost getting arrested with Nikki," I smiled, listening to the band play a cover of Dr. Feelgood by Motley Crue. Nikki's song.
"Who's Nikki," Marko asked as we all swayed against the boardwalk railing.
"Sixx," I stated simply with a smile.
"Of Motley Crue? There's no fucking way you've met Nikki," Paul laughed.
"Met him? We lived together and were together for a short period of time," I smirked," when I almost got arrested with him it was because we were piss drunk and I let him piss in a cop car that had its window down. Only issue was, they came out while Nikki was doing it. They were going to beat him to death if I hadn't joined in. They'd broken his left cheekbone, his nose, and busted his lips worse than I'd ever seen it before. "
"What'd you do?" Paul glanced to his right to look at me.
"Jumped on the fuckers back, wrapped an arm around his neck and leaned backwards. No one can pull you over their shoulder like that if you wrap your legs around their body too. I got him to run into the cop car and I broke the window with my elbow on accident, in short we both got arrested but Nikki bailed me out."
"Damn girl! Marko we've been hanging out with a bad ass this whole time and never knew it," Paul howled with laughter as the banded ended the song.
"AND FOR OUR LAST SONG, A FAVORITE, IF YOU CAN'T BE GOOD, BE BAD WITH ME!" The singer yelled into the microphone before swinging his arm and signaling to the guitarist who started the opening riff.
"It's my song! Let's go down," I practically screamed while wrapping an arm around Marko and Paul each, who grabbed a leg and helped me off the railing safely.
I grabbed a hand each and pulled them down the steps. We ended up in the middle of the crowd, both boys were dancing with me, making a protective ward around me to stop the other concert goers from touching me.
Hands slid around my waist and by the end of the song, I had my arms around Makro's shoulders and we swayed together as the song ended.
"WE LOVE YOU! THANK YOU AND GOODNIGHT SANTA CARLA!" the singer, yelled.
Marko hadn't moved a muscle, our foreheads touching. His cheshire grin grew as he was completely still but suddenly lunged down towards my lips. I really liked where all of this was going with the show and Marko's hot body pressed against mine.
"So how do you clowns feel about pizza?" Paul laughed as he came running back to us. I turned my head to the tall blonde who had a smile a mile wide.
"I'm down, what are you so happy about?" I laughed as Paul was practically jumping up and down with excitement.
"I scored the drumsticks from the drummer," he laughed, sticking the sticks in the side of his brown leather bike boots. Marko and I laughed as the taller blonde wrapped an arm around me and directed our miniature convoy back towards the boardwalk.
"I knew pizza was a good idea," Paul laughed as we walked down the boardwalk. Marko had left us to get a part Dwayne said he needed for his bike.
"Yeah it was," I laughed, remembering the pizza fight Marko and Paul had, not to mention the extra pizza that had been leftover was given to the rest of the gang. Last I saw, Star was wrestling Laddie down and trying to wipe the sauce off his face. It wasn't until then that Paul insisted we go for a walk.
"So what the plan rocket man?"
"I love it when you do the play on words with songs," he smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"Thanks," I laughed as he lead me through the crowd that was significantly thinning, "where are we going?"
"One of my favorite places," he smiled as we came to a stop, right outside a ice cream shop. It was smaller than the Silver Dipper that was in the middle of boardwalk. It wasn't as popular, but it was lovely.
As Paul walked me in, it had a cute little 50s soda shop vibe to it. Sparkly red car like booths, checkered floors, yellow tint walls, sparkly red swivel bar stools, old school Coca Cola signs and everything. The bells on the door rang as we entered and a little head popped over the little kitchen window.
"Paul! Nice to see you son!" the little man, hobbled from around the corner. He was short with a little hunch, thick glasses, and tufts of white hair. He was the most adorable little old man I'd ever seen.
"Oooh, I brought someone in with me this time," Paul smiled as he signaled a seat to me.
"Who is it?" the older man asked as he adjusted his glasses, "What's her name?"
"It's Casandra, I told you about her last time I was here," I shot Paul a questioning look," Can we get my usual?"
"Of course! Nice to finally meet you lass!" and the old man disappeared around the corner.
"Nice to meet you too sir!"
"Call me Dan!" he called, and the sound of clattering glasses and plates followed.
My eyes widened," Is he okay?"
Paul laughed and nodded. He was quiet and 50s rock played in the background, he looked content.
"One minty cookies and creme shake with two straws and whip topping," Dan smiled as he set the biggest shake I'd ever seen down in front of us.
"Have a good night kids, I don't know what I'd do without you Paul," the old man laughed as he turned to go back into the kitchen.
So that was how we spent our night until the boardwalk closed. We sat in Dan's Soda Shop until it was nearly two in the morning, just talking eating ice cream.
"G'night Dan!" Paul called to the older man, as we left. We heard 'goodnight youngins' on our way out the door.
By the time we had made it back to the bikes, most of the lights were out and no one was at the bikes yet.
"Where do you think they are?"
"On their way," Paul hummed as he pulled me close. The air was cooler than before and we had to wait the guys to get here.
"Thanks for taking me to get a shake... How'd you know it was my favorite?" I asked looking up at the tall blonde.
"It's one of my favorites," Paul smiled," want to know what else is my favorite?"
"What?" I asked, leaning back into his chest and he subtly wrapped his arms around me.
"Being with you and the guys," he smiled as he leaned down and met my lips. His weren't as soft as Marko's but he definitely knew what he was doing.
"What a pretty picture," David's voice sounded, breaking us apart, "You two ready to go home?"
David's smirk didn't make me uneasy anymore, he didn't unsettle me anymore.
"Hell yeah," I smiled.
"Well boys, you heard her. Jump on," he smirked and before I knew it, we flew off into the night.
Revised: 7/14/2020