Always Been You
Chapter 4: Endless Dreamer
Disclaimer: same as the last chapters…
"I've been thinking…"
Raven peered over her notebook to the pink-haired, pink-eyed girl who sat across from her. She had her chin on the palm of her right hand and her left hand twirled a pencil like a baton. She wasn't even pretending to study. The text book was lying open in front of her completely neglected in the same spot in which she opened it almost an hour prior. Her gaze rested somewhere in space.
"So much for studying."
Jen looked at her with a half smile. Raven, on the other hand, was indeed studying. She had her notebook and textbook lying across each other as she read and took notes.
"What were you thinking about?" Raven asked leaning back in her chair.
"Why guys can be so dense." Jen continued.
Raven forced back a roll of her eyes. This she knew. But if the conversation was leading where she imagined it would… "What makes you voice this realization?"
Again Jen's gaze was lost somewhere. "I told Vic today that I didn't want to see him anymore. And you know what he did?"
Raven raised a brow. "No."
"He kissed me on my cheek like always and said 'then, I'll see you tomorrow, Jenny.'" Jen finished with a mock guys tone. And surprisingly it happened pretty well.
Raven couldn't help but laugh a bit, more at the tone than anything. It caused Jen to glance at her as if asking, 'What?'
"You bored with him again?"
Jen narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean, again?"
Raven tilted her head with an 'as if you didn't know' expression. "You've gotten bored with him five times already this year and broke it off. And somehow, through some strange twist of events, you ended up back together again. Can you blame him for not taking you seriously?"
Jen narrowed her eyes while giving her a blank look. "It's different this time. I am bored with him for real."
"And the last times?"
Jen shrugged. "I just wanted some variety. Ya know?"
Raven nodded giving her an understanding look. Vic seemed to be a straight forward guy. Says what he wants when he wants to and thinks about how he could have said it better later. He's completely sports and music and doesn't pretend otherwise. Not to mention, he makes it quite clear that he's more than confident with everyone around him, including every female in the district.
"But anyways… "
Raven quirked a brow to her as she closed her book and gathered her things. That was always the line that led the conversation to Tim. "I'm not in the mood, Jen."
"You don't even know what I was going to say." Jen said as she started gathering her things as well.
"I know the topic and there's nothing you can say to change anything."
"But I heard that Tim's breaking it off with Kori." She bribed trying to regain her attention.
Raven didn't so much as miss a beat. "You heard wrong. Kori and I have first period Lit together. He's taking her to The Boulevard this weekend. Doesn't sound like a break-up plan to me." Having everything in her bag she threw it to the side and crossed her arms.
Jen looked at her, setting her bag on the table as well. She looked around the public library in which they sat, seeking out anyone to confirm her story. Giving up she looked to Raven once more with a grin. "He kissed you."
Raven rolled her eyes. "Only because I was under mistletoe. And when I find out who placed said mistletoe there they'll wish they hadn't met me." She hissed characteristically.
"But he didn't just stop at one kiss. He did it again. And it wasn't just any kiss." Jen continued to argue her point for the umpteenth time since it happened a month ago.
And Raven would argue hers yet again. "Jen, it meant nothing. I could kiss the next guy that walks in the door the same way and he'd tell you the same thing. It's just a kiss."
Jen smirked with a devilish glint in her eyes. "Then do it. Kiss the next boy that walks through the door."
Raven rolled her eyes, stood and rounded the table where she rested her backside on the edge, arms crossed on her chest and waited.
In he entered. Garth. Raven inwardly groaned. Of course as her luck would have it, it had to be one of Tim's friends. It couldn't have been some random guy. But then again, as one of Tim's friends, he'd know better than to take the kiss seriously. So maybe it was luck.
Raven glanced back at Jen and headed towards him.
Garth paused as he walked in and glanced around. His eyes lingered on the form approaching. At first he was confused as why Raven would be walking in his direction having never really talked to her before. Not even while she and Tim were together did they talk much. But now she was very clearly walking to him as her eyes were locked with his. So he took a few slower steps in her direction, offering her a small smile. "Hey, Raven."
Raven gave him a quick grin but said nothing. Her eyes were fixed, her pace quick and steady. At once Garth felt strange about this. That look wasn't normal with her. She looked… edgy. Like she was on a thrilling mission. Her eyes aglow, face seductively down as her body swayed to a beat of her own.
The space between them was decreasing by the second. Garth looked up to where she had come and saw Jen watching with a slight smile on her features. His dark eyes went back to the girl only feet from him. He opened his mouth to say something else but never quite made it that far.
Raven wasted no time in getting right to her point. She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned up on her toes to the taller boy, placing her lips to his. She kissed him once and pulled back only inches before kissing him again. And then once more, not remembering exactly how many times Tim had kissed her under that twig on the ceiling. Then she backed from him, creating a few feet worth of distance between them.
Garth blinked, his mouth slightly open in shock.
"Tell me something." Raven began at his stunned figure. "You know me well enough. Would you think anything of that?" She asked.
"Besides thinking you've gone insane… no." He said in all honesty.
"And since it came out of no where, you were unable to grasp what was happening in time enough to stop me, yes?" She continued giving him the answer she wanted to hear.
Garth considered it only a moment. It was the truth at any rate. But he wasn't so sure he'd have stopped her even if he knew it was coming. He nodded anyways. "Right."
Raven gave him a satisfied smirk and turned, walking back to Jen and leaving a very baffled Garth in her wake. "See?" She said as she approached her long time friend. "I was right. He was too surprised to stop me, and he knew it meant nothing."
"He wouldn't have stopped you anyways, Raven." She deadpanned.
"Not the point. He knew it was meaningless." Raven gathered her bag and tossed it over her shoulder heading to the door.
Jen scrambled after her, lacing her arm through Raven's. "Ok, you win on the Garth kiss. But not on the kiss between you and Tim." She said as they exited the library.
Raven rolled her eyes again with a huff.
"And you don't because you know I'm right. It did mean something to you and it did mean something to him."
"Jen, you and I both know he has a girlfriend. So even if it did, it wouldn't matter. And since it didn't, it still doesn't matter. "
Jen backed up, unlinking their arms. She quickened her pace to stand in front of her, reaching out a hand to stop Raven in her tracks. Raven did so. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't still have feelings for him. Tell me that kiss meant nothing to you."
Raven held her gaze for a long time, not saying a word. And she chose not to say anything because if there was one thing she wasn't good at, it was lying. She lowered her eyes in silent defeat.
Satisfied, Jen re-linked her arm with Raven's and added a slight bounce in her step. And, since she accomplished what she wanted, the topic was ended.
"Gar's band is playing tonight."
"Where?"
Jen giggled. "In his garage. But it'll be fun. You should come with me."
Raven began to put up a fight but didn't manage to get a word out before Jen cut her off. "I know all you have planned is locking yourself in your room for the night. So just come out with me. I have a few friends I'd like you to meet." She bribed.
Raven shook her head. "I know all your friends, Jen."
"OK. Then I'd like to reintroduce you to them."
"Fine. But just so you know, I had already agreed to go before you even asked."
"Oh?" She asked with a sideways glance.
"Gar invited me during lunch."
Jen nodded with a smile, the bounce still evident in her step.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The night was cool. A perfect evening to shoot hoops in his driveway. He rounded once more and jumped into a lay up, slamming the ball into the basket above his garage. Tim backed away to retrieve the ball.
He dribbled up and down the drive a few times as usual before picking up speed and performing the routine once more. The ball bounced away to the side of the lawn and he jogged to get it again, while wiping the sweat from his forehead. He glanced up hearing a few voices passing.
Three girls were walking down the road on the sidewalk out side his house. They were very involved in their conversation because for once, none of them paid him any attention. Although, that wasn't what caught his attention. It was the topic at hand. He picked up the ball and slowly stood to listen with narrowed eyes.
"…I was there. I saw it happen."
"So let me get this straight. She just walked up to him and kissed him as he walked in the door?" The brunette asked baffled.
"Basically, yes."
"No, no. Tell me it again." Asked the blonde. "Because I just don't see this as something Raven would do."
"To one of his friends." The brunette added.
The storyteller sighed and recapped the story for them once more. "I was sitting by the door on the computer, when I saw Garth walk in. And you know he's fine, so I watched him for a moment." The others nodded. "My head was completely turned to look at him when I saw her move out of the corner of my eye. So I looked to see Raven, with this really strange expression, advancing on him."
Tim unconsciously took a few steps in their direction as they passed, so he wouldn't miss a word of this.
"He barely had time to say a word before she kissed him."
"She kissed him?" The blonde asked in astonishment.
The storyteller nodded. "Yes. Three times."
Tim dropped the ball. It hit his foot and rolled to the end of the drive, in the girls' direction. He shook his head briefly to refocus himself, and took off after the ball, stopping a few feet away from them. He picked it up and crossed in front of them stopping them in their tracks.
The girls looked at him wide eyed for a moment, none of them daring to say a word.
"When did this happen?" He asked evenly, surprising even himself.
"A few hours ago. At the Jump City Public Library." The storyteller said unsure of herself.
"Then what?"
The girls all blinked without saying a word.
Tim forced back a growl and re-worded himself, still keeping his calm air. "Did she leave with him, what happened after…" He didn't finish for lack of being able to stomach what he was hearing. Saying it would really piss him off.
"She said something to him, he said something to her, then she smiled and turned from him, returning to Jen, who was watching with a grin the entire time." She said flatly, hiding the intimidation she felt with him standing there.
Tim's eyes were already narrowed. He seethed a bit more. "And Garth?" He growled.
"He just stood there for a moment longer before leaving again. I think he forgot that he had just walked in."
"Not that I would blame him. No guy would think clearly after she kissed him like that." The blonde said.
Tim glared daggers at her. She flinched slightly and took a step back, regretting her choice in words.
"Thanks." Tim said heading back up his driveway. He tossed the ball hard at the garage door, sending it ricocheting off in a spiral to the lawn. Before it had settled, he had disappeared in the house, slamming the door behind him.
The girls were sure they heard every window in the house shake from the impact of the door. They exchanged wordless glances between the three of them before cautiously taking a few steps to continue their walk. Still they said nothing for a moment.
"Did you know he was there?" The storyteller asked quietly.
The others shook their heads and walked away slightly dumbfounded.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Raven almost immediately regretted going to Gar's house. There were too many people, all of whom she knew. Once, they were all in the same circle of friends, but that was before she left.
Jen had her hand, and was dragging her forward. Raven's eyes trailed over the familiar faces of those gathered around. There were cars parked along the outline of the driveway, and Gar's band was in the garage. To the left was a table with chips and drinks along with some other snacks. All around were chairs, couches and so on, just thrown out and about for everyone to lounge in.
The middle was empty, except for those dancing. The band had already started playing. She had heard it down the road. And they were pretty good, she had to admit.
Jen dragged her in to the garage and stopped when she was pulled to the side by Vic. Raven took this moment to look around once more. She was spotted at once and all eyes darted to her and away in the opposite direction.
Raven didn't bother to look. She could only guess who it was they were looking at.
"Greetings, Raven. It is nice to see you out this evening to join us." Called a cheery voice from across the way.
Raven knew without looking that it was the ever-cheery Kori Anders. Raven forced her shoulders straight and turned to her giving her the warmest smile she could muster. Kori had Tim's hand in hers and it wrapped around her waist. She smiled gleefully and waved dramatically.
"Hey, Kori." Raven greeted over the music, giving Tim a slight glance. He nodded to her. Raven did the same, giving him the same smile she forced for Kori.
"You must join me later in the dancing."
Raven nodded as Jen grabbed her arm once again and pulled her away. Raven was glad for it.
On the other side of the dance floor, Tim was miserable as he hid behind his dark shades, refusing to take them off. His mood would be out if he did. Everyone would see the fire in his eyes and he didn't want to explain himself to Kori. She wouldn't understand. He didn't understand himself.
He watched her from across the make-shift dance floor as the beat bellowed on. Normally he'd be enjoying the music, as he actually liked Gar's band, but tonight he had other issues on his mind.
Kori paid him no mind except to keep him in contact. She laced her other hand in his as well now and swayed slightly to the music her back toward him as she talked to Terra and Dawn, which was fine with him. Had he been perturbed into communicating or participating, he might say something he'd feel sorry for later.
His hidden gaze kept fixedly on Raven, and she paid him no mind at all. Not once in the next hour did she even glance back, which irked him more. He watched as Jen introduced her to guy after guy. Although she knew them, it seemed as though she was meeting them for the first time. A rising jealousy arose in him, and he swallowed it hard. He forced himself to stay put, and not storm over there and knock every last one of the guys out.
He tried to reason with himself, it wasn't beyond reason that she might talk to others. It was completely understandable that she might move on. And though he hated to admit it, it's what she seemed to be doing. She was smiling in her own way. Her eyes were sparkling, and she moved like she owned the place.
Tim glanced around to see quite a few eyes on her, not all just males either. Raven was a curiosity, one in which everyone marveled at. She had her own style, her own attitude, her own world. And if you were lucky enough to be invited in, you were envied by most.
He shifted his gaze to the band without moving his head. The band consisted of Baran on bass, Gar on drums and vocals, Mikron on keyboard and Lilith on harmony vocals. Lead guitar was Garth. Tim spat watching him eye Raven every now and then; then again, they all were, not that he much cared about that.
The band took a break, and he watched very intently. Kori had skipped off somewhere across the garage a few moments ago, leaving Tim with Vic and Wally. He had barely moved since Raven arrived. He stiffened as Garth made his way over with Baran and Mikron.
Vic knocked fists with the three of them. They chatted for a few moments in which Tim blocked them out as he watched Gar and Raven socialize. He tried to lip read but it wasn't possible; they were too far away. Gar was grinning wildly and doing some crazy dance or something. Raven talked to him, gesturing away from herself as she smiled and looked to her feet.
If he's flirting with her, so help me… Tim hissed and his face visibly turned into a scowl.
"You ok?" Vic asked, calling him from his grimacing.
Tim kept his eyes locked on Raven, but gave Vic a nod.
"You sure? Star's not keeping you entertained?" Baran asked looking for the beautiful red-head.
"She…" He mentally searched his memory trying to find the reason Kori said she was going. Or even where. He drew a blank. He turned his head to his friends.
Baran had some stupid smile. Vic just shook his head knowingly. Garth was looking at him with a raised brow. Tim clenched his fists and shoved them in his pockets to keep from knocking him out.
Gar trotted over to them, causing Tim's gaze to search the room once more for Raven. She was being occupied by Jen and Donna at the moment, so he felt it safe to go back to his own friends.
"I just thought of a new song. Raven wrote the lyrics down for me on a napkin." He held it up. "She's wild, you know. But brilliant, all the same."
Tim said nothing.
Garth gave Gar a questioning glance.
"We were talking about Valentine's Day and about old times. She told me to write her a song about unrequited love. And blah blah blah… so anyway… after a few more minutes she had some words worked for me to fool around with."
Mikron took the napkin and read it over. "I knew you'd finally do a slow mushy song." He choked handing it to Baran.
Gar rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his messy green hair. "It's not slow. It'll still go to our beats but it'll be different. We'll gather more interest if we expand our genre a little." He pointed out.
"I like it." Baran said, passing the napkin around to Garth.
"So you're writing a song for Raven?" Garth asked, reading it over himself.
Gar shrugged a little and Tim got the distinct impression he was avoiding his eye. "Kind of, I guess. It's more like… co-writing one with her."
Garth passed it to Vic. After going over it twice, Vic looked up. "Actually this shows some promise. I can see this being a hit." He offered it to Tim.
His hands were still tightly clenched in his pocket so he shook his head. "I'll just wait to hear it, thanks." He said in a hollow tone.
All eyes ended up on him.
Gar fidgeted a bit. "Ah… Right, so let's get back to the stage guys." He said uneasily.
Baran, Mikron and Garth followed.
Wally and Vic looked at Tim once the others were out of hearing distance. "What up?"
Tim returned his gaze idly to Raven. "Nothing." He answered sardonically.
"It's never 'nothing' when you refuse to look at us. Not to mention basically hiss with every word you say."
Tim glowered. "Tell me something, Vic. If Jen just walked up to, say Garth and kissed him, what would you say?"
Vic studied him for a long time. "Be more specific. I need a scenario."
Tim sighed. "She walked up to him, kissed him a few times and they chatted for a moment, seemingly happy, and then she left. A few moments after he did."
"Where were they going?" He asked in a rough voice.
"I don't know. That's neither here nor there."
Vic was silent for a moment. "Jen and I, broke up…" He started.
Tim rolled his eyes and turned to him. "That doesn't mean you don't still like her, right?"
Vic nodded getting the point. "I'd knock him into the next century." He growled.
A flicker of blind rage flashed in his friend's eyes briefly before being replaced by calmness. It wasn't real, he imagined Vic saying to himself, just a rhetoric situation.
Tim stared off solemnly. For a moment he was just staring at nothing, until he felt her eyes on him. He blinked once and his gaze fell to hers.
Raven stopped talking to Raymond momentarily. She looked around the room as the music started up once more. Her eyes stopped on the dark figure leaning stiffly against the wall. He seemed to be a statue. He hadn't so much as moved his head since she got there. But Raven recognized that posture. He wasn't very happy.
Raven glanced around to see if she could spot Kori. She was in the drive way with Terra and Dawn still. So he couldn't be upset about that. She looked back to him to see he had taken off his shades. His blue eyes were hard, and visibly filled with hatred.
She stared for a long time, only seeing that look on few occasions. Now that she studies him more, she noticed his breathing wasn't quite normal. And his hands were clenched in his pockets.
Raven tilted her head, almost in asking what was wrong. Tim raised a brow and glanced to the stage. Raven followed his nod to see Garth, and immediately she raised her head a bit in understanding. She laughed a little under her breath and shook her head a few times.
Tim's lasting expression didn't change. He still looked at her sternly as if asking, 'why him?'
Raven nodded to Star, then looked at him sideways.
He read the look right. 'What's it to you?' That sent more aggression pulsing through his veins, and he got up off the wall. He plotted a straight course to the band; more directly: to Garth. And he was off.
It was almost as if everyone around him could see him steaming, and they backed away, clearing his path.
Vic stood, as did Wally, but Tim ignored their calls. Actually, he didn't hear them at all.
Raven looked at him imploringly. Jen had come up beside her and watched as well. "What's going on?" She asked watching Tim.
Raven shook her head, not quite sure yet. He had kept his gaze on her for the most part, but he wasn't heading in that direction. He was heading to the band. His hands were out of his pockets now and very visibly in fists. His eyes danced with rage. Then he turned his attention to the band.
Gar watched him for a moment and stopped his vocals, but kept the beat going. Garth looked up to Gar to see what happened. He followed his eyes to the approaching Tim.
He stopped playing and stood there, knowing what was happening.
Like a flash of lightning, it hit Raven what was happening. "Garth." She said to Jen, and hurried to block his path.
She stopped dead with her hands on her hips over the tight top to her dark skirt. It hugged her butt 'till halfway down, then flared with lips in it like a cheerleader's would. It was just as short, too. Her shirt was a black fitted tee with the batman symbol on the chest. She wore her normal black boots.
He slowed his pace so his approach wasn't so fast anymore.
Raven shook her head in warning.
Behind her the band had stopped. Everyone had gathered. Kori and Jen in the front.
Tim breathed heavily and proceeded, ready to go around her.
"Stop." She said simply.
And against his own will, he did so. He licked his lips in a strange manor like he was getting ready to say something. But he said not a word.
Everyone stood still, motionless and silent while the two had it out. Although it was the strangest fight anyone had ever seen, they felt the tension, could hear the fury, and see the intensity. Yet, nothing was happening.
They all watched with held breaths. Kori reached a hand out to Tim, but Jen quickly pulled her back, shaking her head. "Don't." She whispered.
Kori looked at her nervously. "What's going on?" She asked in a quivering voice.
Jen didn't answer, for she really didn't know.
Everyone watched intently, waiting for something to happen, not daring to break it up.
Tim took a step closer, and prepared to take another. Raven crossed her arms on her chest now and narrowed her eyes. It was obvious what she was doing, she was daring him to take another.
Tim didn't. He stood there fuming, and before long, he bowed his head in defeat.
Raven didn't give an inch, she didn't move.
Tim turned and stormed out, heading straight for his car. They watched him get in and speed off.
All eyes were back on Raven. She frowned and turned to Gar. "Sorry, Gar."
Gar shrugged a little, unsure of what just happened. "It's… ok..."
Raven nodded once, and went to Jen, taking her arm and guiding her out.
Kori blinked a few times. She looked like she was ready to break into tears.
"I'll give you a ride home, Star." Terra offered softly.
Kori nodded after the retreating forms with tears eminent in her eyes.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
It had been days since that last incident. Not a person dared say a word about it. Garth kept his distance from both Tim and Raven. Tim because when he got mad, he was borderline insane. And Raven so as not to infuriate him more.
Now, a group of a little over two dozen sat in one of the small conference rooms in the high school. They were scattered over the tables, chairs and floor in a semi circle fashion, all facing one table. The table was backed against the wall. Raven sat on the very edge, her feet planted in the seat of a chair. Tim sat against the wall, arms crossed on his chest, one leg over the side, the other bent slightly.
They were carrying on their own conversations until Raven called their attention. Everyone went quiet.
"According to the survey we passed out a week ago, we have agreed on our senior trip being the three day cruise down in the Florida Keys. Apparently we have expensive taste."
Most smiled and laughed. Tim didn't so much as make it obvious he was breathing.
"I personally think it's a great idea. But that means we have a lot of money to raise. And only five months to do it in. So, I called this meeting for some fundraising ideas. Holiday events are a great start… but there are weeks between there in which it's a dead time for all area schools. So let's fill them. Any ideas?"
Leaving it open, students started throwing out different ideas. Every now and then, Raven would write something down. She glanced at Donna, whom sat at the opposite end of the table as Tim, and was taking the minutes.
After a half an hour, they had settled on three major events. A car wash, to take place in the later, warmer months, a lock in/movie night at the high school, and a Valentine's Day carnival. They agreed on a few minor ones as well, such as a bottle drive, and they were contemplating making some kind of calendar to sell. Gar offered to make demo CDs of his band's music and selling them with complete proceeds to the senior class.
Raven nodded. "Good ideas. First major event coming up will be this carnival. So, instead of forcing you to be creative tonight after we already did major brainstorming, go home and sleep on it. At some point tomorrow, write down some ideas on paper and give it to either Tim or myself. I want names on the paper as well. Even if you have no ideas, say so. But I want all input."
There were nods all around. They all got up and headed for the door. Raven walked with Jen to the door, then paused.
"You sure you don't want me to stay here with you guys?" Jen asked quietly.
Raven gave her a small smile. "I'll be fine."
"Call me when you get home." Jen said, making her way out the door.
Raven nodded.
"Bye, Tim." Jen called.
Raven turned to see Tim give a blind wave. Raven shut the door and headed to her lap top. They had hundreds of surveys to go through still.
For a long time they worked in silence. A real long time. Raven had lost herself in her own world, and jumped when Tim placed a survey in front of her. She blinked a few times and looked to him.
He almost had a smirk from surprising her. Almost. "I can't read this writing." He said. "I've been on it for ten minutes."
Raven went over it. It looked like it was just a bunch of scribbles. She shrugged. "They don't want their opinion to matter if they didn't make it legible. Just pass it. We'll put an announcement out in the morning."
Tim nodded but he didn't move. He watched her go back to her own pile once more.
Feeling his eyes still on her, she looked back up to him. Her face was blank.
Tim licked his lips in that same fashion he had before. Raven idly wondered where he picked up that habit.
"You… called me Tim." He stated.
Raven nodded. "That's your name." She said blankly back to him.
"You haven't called me Tim since we were young." He said again.
Raven just stared at him. "It was a pet name. And now… I don't need a pet name for you."
With little he could say to that, he turned and went to his own pile, but he couldn't work. They hadn't so much as spoken a word to each other since the night at Gar's. And after a few more minutes, Tim turned to her. "Why?"
Raven looked up at him once more. "Because, I'm not your girlfriend." She said as if it was obvious. And indeed it was.
Tim shook his head. "No. I know that." He forced the words out. "Why did you kiss him?"
Raven set her pencil down and looked at him, giving him her full attention.
"Why can't I?"
Tim blinked. "I never said you couldn't." He said slowly. "I just asked why."
"What's it matter?"
Tim stifled a growl. "Because he was my friend, Raven."
"If I want to kiss every one of your friends, I will. You have no say in what I do anymore." She shrugged off.
"I never did." He said under his breath.
Raven narrowed his eyes. "Don't give me that." She stood and leaned against the table with her arms folded. "What's with you? You're with Kori so stop worrying about what I do and who I kiss."
Tim stood up ignoring the Kori part. "I wouldn't care who you kiss if you wouldn't kiss my friends. It's like rubbing it in my face that we're not together anymore." He snarled back.
"I never broke up with you, Tim. So it's not my fault if that's how it feels. And if it'll keep you off my back… I only kissed him to make a point. And I did."
Tim crossed his arms. "Couldn't you have kissed someone else?"
"Let me see if I understand this. If I'm not with you then I can't be with anyone. Is that it?"
He stood straight. "That's not what I said."
"No. But face it. You'd be just as huffy if I'd kissed someone else. The fact that it was Garth just really irks you."
"No, Raven. I'm mad because it was Garth. And he let you." He all but screamed.
Raven crossed the room swallowing her anger the best she could. Feet from the wall she turned and looked at him. "He didn't have a choice. I kissed him too fast for him to even have a chance to respond."
Tim shook with jealousy. He crossed the room pushing her to the wall and pressing his lips fiercely to hers. One hand was on her hip and the other on the wall to the side of her head.
For all but a minute Raven didn't know what happened. And for a moment longer she kissed him back. Before she pushed him away harshly.
"What are you doing, Timothy?" She hollered.
"Dammit, Raven." He turned his back to her. "I can't stand the thought of you kissing him."
Raven watched him for a moment before walking past him and gathering her things. She spun on her heel and looked at him sternly. "As long as you're with Kori, don't you dare kiss me again. I won't be the one who hurts her." She snarled and pushed by him, knocking his shoulder. She walked out the door, slamming it behind her.
Tim flinched. He paced for a few moments before picking up a chair and chucking it across the room.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Three am. He waited by the phone like he did on so many other nights. Waiting for her call. It finally came through at 3:12.
"Hello, Robin." She said sweetly.
It brought a smile to his face. He felt foolish becoming all googily for her. But he couldn't help it. There was no other way. "I miss you." He choked out.
He heard a muffled laugh and it got quiet. "I miss you too, Rob." She whispered into the phone.
He got the distinct feeling she had tears in her eyes. Her voice was shaky. "Please don't be crying." He pleaded in his own unstable voice.
Again with the soft muffled laughter. "Sorry. I just wish you were here with me."
All the while her voice was quiet. She had been gone for a little over three months now. It was torture to hear her voice and not be able to touch her. Tim sighed, swallowing his own tears.
"When are you coming home?"
"You know not for a while."
"But why? You and I are both miserable being this far apart. Just come home."
For a while he thought she was considering it. And she was. But that's not how she answered. "I will never have this opportunity again, Robin. You know that. I have to take it."
Tim nodded and hung his head.
"We'll still be together when I get home. And everything will be just how it was. You'll see. No one can split us up. Nothing will come between us. We're too close."
"I know."
"We'll pick up where we left off." She whispered again.
"I'll always be here waiting for you, Raven. Always."
Tim shot up in bed. His body coated in a thin sweat. Eyes teary. He panted looking around the room. His eyes landed on the picture of the two of them. He hadn't put it away since he and Vic looked at it months ago. He stared at it breathing heavily.
He often dreamed about that phone conversation. It happened so long ago. Yet, it was still extremely fresh in his mind. It was the last time he really talked to her. The phone calls became few and fewer, till at last there was none.
In a fluster he picked up the photo and threw it as hard as he could across the room. It hit the far wall, falling to the ground. The glass shattering in dozens of pieces.
Tears streamed down his cheeks.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Raven walked though the halls with Jen linked to her arm. Jen was talking on and on about Vic and his 'new girl' and how that was aggravating her. Raven nodded and gave a sound every so often to let her know she was listening.
Truth be told, her mind was wondering. Her argument with Tim last night still fresh on her mind. All she could think was 'how dare he act like that? How dare he kiss her again?'
"You listening to me?" Jen asked.
"Huh?" Raven turned her head a bit to look at her. "Uh, yea. Sorry."
Jen nodded. "No problem. But you could just let me know when you have something on your mind… then I won't bother rambling on about stupid crap. I would rather know what's bothering you anyways."
Raven blinked a few times. "No, really it's nothing."
They stopped at their lockers and Jen went the few down to her own. But she kept talking all the same. Raven gave her a little attention as her mind kept slipping.
She turned the dial to her combination lock and opened it. A few random papers fell to her feet. She sighed and bent to pick them up. Some old corrected homework, a quiz from last quarter and an envelope with her name scrolled across the front neatly. She looked at it curiously and stuffed everything else back in her locker.
Raven glanced around to scope out her surroundings. Nothing out of the ordinary. So she flipped it over and gently placed her index finger under the seal lifting it carefully. Out she pulled a card. The front had two little kids holding hands and walking in a field. The inside opened to find it read "one old friend is better than two new ones." On the opposite side was written:
Raven-
I'm sorry. I'd rather you be my friend than you not in my life at all. Please forgive me.
The name was signed Ro then a slash through it and Tim was written next to it with a smiley face. Raven gave the card a soft smile.
"So… you forgive me?"
Raven turned holding the same smile to meet the light blue eyes. She put the card in her notebook and gathered a few more items before shutting her locker and leaning against it with them held loosely to her chest. "Should I?" She asked with a hidden smile.
Tim shook his head. "No. But even now, I still hate when you're mad at me. I'm sorry. I just…"
"Let your jealousy get the better of you?" Raven finished.
Tim chuckled a little. "Something like that."
Raven gave him a tiny smile and nodded. "Yea. I forgive you. Just don't do it again."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The student body started to pile in a little at a time at first. Just small groups; all clad in night clothing with sleeping bags and pillows under their arms, handing their tickets to Roy and Tim. Raven was running around from room to room making sure everything was taken care of.
Tonight was the start of the fundraising. Tonight was the All-Night-Movie-A-Thon at the school. In the cafeteria students were piling in laying out sleeping bags in groups all around the room. There were designated chaperones who agreed just to stand in the doorways. The lights would be turned low but not off for obvious reasons. The entire school was permitted to attend. Tickets cost $15 a piece. That would include breakfast in the morning. Snacks were optional and could be purchased at any time.
"You guys handling door duties ok?" Raven asked poking her head around the corner.
Roy glanced at her, letting his eyes roam over her nicely trimmed body her night clothing were framing perfectly. She wore black bed pants that hugged her hips nicely and a tight tee of the same color with a large W on the front. He gave her a smirk and a nod before turning away so he wasn't getting himself in trouble.
Tim looked back at her and gave her a charming smile. "We wouldn't mind if you wanted to join us."
Raven gave him a soft smile in return and shook her head. "I'm needed elsewhere. But I'll be back in a bit."
"Actually," Roy turned his head as he took a ticket and tore it in half.
Raven poked her head around the corner again.
"I wouldn't mind a water if you have the time."
Raven quirked a brow at him, giving him a wry smile. "I'll work on that." And she disappeared around the corner.
Roy watched for a moment until he felt Tim's eyes on him and turned away; back to the students pouring in.
A few moments later Raven had returned pulling up the white tee Roy wore and rolling the cold bottle up his back. Roy jumped and turned grabbing it and just missing her wrist. Raven giggled and ran out. "I'll get you for that, Rae." He called after her. He turned back ignoring the look he felt from Tim. Instead he flirted with some random girls that were coming through the door.
The time was going slowly at the front door. Both males longed to be inside with the rest of their friends. A screech behind them sent them both turning in time to see Kara, Jen and Raven running down the hall laughing hysterically.
They gave each other odd looks before looking back down the hall to see who had sent them running.
"Hello, Timmy."
Again both boys looked at each other. But this time they turned to the entrance.
Kori stood tall with her naturally tanned skin, her long red hair in pig tails. She wore short pink shorts and a tight pink tank that barely kept her assets covered. The cloth looked to be of a soft velvet-like material. She wore pink furry slippers as well and carried her sleeping bag and a pillow.
Roy ogled at her for a few moments before he managed to look elsewhere.
Tim again gave him a glare before turning once more to the beautiful girl in front of him. "I take it your mother changed her mind about letting you come." He stated, still looking her over.
Kori flushed lightly from the attention she was receiving. "Yes. She said she must realize that her child is growing up. But she warns you to behave yourself."
Tim grinned. "I always do."
Kori handed him her ticket. "I will see you shortly, yes?"
Tim nodded and watched her retreat around the corner.
It was at this time that the students flowing in died down. Now only a few stragglers were approaching. And Tim knew by the way Roy was glancing, he was getting at something. Tim almost growled knowing if it was coming from Roy, it was not something he looked forward to hearing.
In time, Roy finally turned to Tim a smug grin on his face. "How is it that you have the two most desirable girls in school?"
For once, Tim wasn't objecting to what he was saying. He took a ticket from an incoming sophomore couple and turned to him with a haughty smirk. "Just lucky I guess."
Roy shook his head. "The only reason no one goes after either is because you get completely psycho when it comes to Raven and officially, Kori is your girlfriend."
Tim felt like objecting against his accusation concerning Raven. Then again, he wanted to leave it like that. So he just looked at Roy without much of a change in his demeanor.
So Roy, seeing that Tim was in a good mood, chided him gently. "I think you should let me take one. At least for the night."
Tim watched him closely, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly. Although he said it in a joking manor, he knew damn well Roy was serious.
Jen poked her head around the corner. "Rae says to lock it up."
Both boys looked back at her and nodded. Jen disappeared. Tim silently shut the door and locked it before turning to Roy. Roy hadn't moved. Carefully, Tim slowed his gaze and looked beyond Roy. Raven sat at the nearby concession table chatting happily to a few girls. Tim turned his eyes back on Roy.
Tim was the only one Roy backed down to. And he didn't know why he did it really. Physically, he looked to have about the same body structure and strength at Tim. But mentally, Roy didn't get so… as he said earlier, psycho. He had seen him like that only on two occasions. Coincidentally, both times were concerning Raven.
"Don't touch her, Roy." His tone was flat. His eyes flashed. There was that edge to him that threatened obedience.
Roy wanted to joke and ask 'which one?' But that wasn't wise. So he put his hands up in surrender. "I won't. I was just saying."
After a few more minutes under Tim's watchful eye, they both left the entry and headed to the concession stand to check in.
Raven looked up to them with a soft smile. "Everything all locked up?"
Roy stood perfectly still, still a little uncomfortable from his previous discussion with Tim.
Tim nodded, giving her a charming smile.
Raven nodded back, handing them a piece of paper. "I made a schedule for us to take shifts in attending to the snacks. Two until around one. And then one person for a half hour at a time. Sound good?"
Roy went over it. He was paired with Jen from eleven to twelve. He nodded.
Tim glanced at it. "You're alone?"
Raven smiled slightly. "Four-thirty. Most will be sleeping at that time."
Tim began to put up an objection to this. But Raven shook her head. "You're more than welcome to check up on me if it makes you feel better." She offered with an entertained grin.
Tim looked at her and shook his head. "I just might."
Raven laughed lightly. "I don't put it past you. Kori said she'd be waiting in the front to the right I think. She saved you a spot."
Tim glanced in the gymnasium at this with a sour taste in his mouth. Kori. He forgot about her. He turned back to Raven and gave her a forced smile. "Thanks." He turned ready to walk when he saw Roy wasn't moving. He forced eye contact with him and gave him a brief ominous look before walking past him.
Roy watched him walk steadily into the gym before turning back to Raven. She had her attention on Roy in an inquisitive fashion.
Roy was a flirt, a heart throb known for ravishing a girl, and then casting them to the side. And though everyone knew of this, he was almost never turned down. Yet, Roy was another of Tim's friends that she never said a whole lot to in previous years.
Roy gave her a playful smile. "I hear you're a tough one to get over."
Raven sat back in her chair and gazed at him with an equally playful grin. "I hear you're not so easy to get over yourself."
Roy chuckled. "We'd make quite the pair, you and I."
Raven raised a brow.
He was playing with fire, and he knew it. Both Raven and Tim would in turn lay him out if he made the wrong move. But it was that thrill that kept him going.
Raven still looked at him, a little weary of Tim's friends. The ones she hadn't talked to much that seemed to be coming out of the woodwork recently. But if he wanted to play, then so be it. Who was she to turn this down? "We would."
The response surprised Roy, but he didn't show it. And before he could come back with more, she beat him to it.
"Unfortunately for you, you wouldn't be able to handle me." She goaded.
Roy grinned a little wider. If only someone were here to see that she was making the offer herself. That he had only started the flirting, nothing more. "You'd be surprised."
"Would I?"
She didn't miss a beat. Roy liked that. She could hold her own. He cocked his head a bit. "Oh, yes." He leaned over the table a little, resting his body weight on his hands. "Unfortunately for you, I'm never presented with the opportunity to prove it."
Raven crossed her arms. He was a treat. Boy would he be dead right now if he were to be over heard. But it was no harm. No foul. She smirked. "Really? Am I not sitting here?"
Roy had a wave of nervousness. Was she for real? He raised a brow. "This is a little public, don't you think?"
"We have the school to ourselves. I have the keys to almost every room." She eyed the keys to her left.
Roy followed her gaze. She had to be messing with him. He stood back tall and crossed his arms. "Be that as it may, you're watched like a hawk. I wouldn't so much as get you around the corner and we'd be stopped."
Raven almost laughed. He was another intimidated by Tim. It amused her to see almost everyone around her was, and it annoyed her too. "Tim's already warned you that I'm off limits."
It wasn't a question. He heard the aggravation in her tone, though her expression didn't change much.
"If I cared, I wouldn't still be here in front of you."
Raven dismissed this at once. "If it didn't pose a threat, you wouldn't have hesitated. I've heard all about you, Roy. You like the challenge. You like to take what's not yours. Whether you know of the boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, lover, whatever the case may be, you go after your goal and you win. And for the first time, the great Roy Harper hesitates. This is why you couldn't handle me." She crossed her arms on her chest and lounged back. Her eyes danced with irritability. Her smile was bitter. Her expression was lost to him.
At once he felt the eyes on him and shifted. Tim was watching him now. He inwardly scowled. He looked down to the table top and then back to her. "You would be the best game. The hardest ever. If he was anyone else I would in a heartbeat; friend or not. But you've messed him up, Raven. He's crazy when it comes to you. I wouldn't put it past him that he'd actually kill me if I ever laid a hand on you. Had he been here listening, I'd be knocked out cold by now."
Raven began to shake her head with a slight roll of her eyes. He was exaggerating.
Roy gave a slight chuckle at her ignorance. "You think I'm kidding. You saw that look he gave Garth. And that was for you kissing him. He's borderline insane, Raven. No guy dares come near you. Especially after what happened the other night at Gar's."
Having never talked to Roy before, she didn't know that for Roy to actually feel threatened was completely out of character. But from the stories she had heard about him, she knew he wasn't just saying this for shits and giggles.
Raven narrowed her eyes with a slight hiss. She turned to the gym, and, sure enough, from the other side of the packed room, there was Tim. Kori in his arms and his eyes locked on the two of them in the hallway. Even now that he was caught watching, he didn't remove his gaze from them. He still watched them both, openly.
She turned back to Roy and sighed letting her annoyance with him slide. "I know. And yet, he's still with her."
Roy got the distinct feeling this conversation was done. He dug in his pocket for a dollar and placed it on the table as he picked up a water bottle. But he couldn't leave it like that. She sort of looked dejected. He had to lighten her mood. Even if it was for himself to feel better. "If you ever change you're mind, you know where to find me." He said with a cocky grin.
Raven smirked while looking in her lap. She looked to him, her eyes dancing once again. "Just be ready for me."
Roy nodded with a smile and disappeared in the gym.
Raven sat stewing over this new found information. Or realization. He was a bit unstable the other night. His look was murderous. But she just couldn't understand. If he was still so hung up on her… why was he still with Kori?
She found herself dazedly looking in the gym at Tim. Of course, his eyes were locked on her. She sighed and hung her head. It was true, what she said to him the other night. If he wasn't with her, he'd make sure no one was.
"Hey."
Raven was so deep in her thoughts that the greeting startled her. She jumped slightly and looked up into the green eyes of Gar. She gave him a weak smile.
Gar returned it happily. He started talking animatedly about something or other. She nodded from time to time. Then it occurred to her. He didn't seem to care in the least about Tim. He still flirted with her. He still talked to her like she was any regular person. It astonished Raven. Gar was very careful in a lot of areas, he knew what he could and could not do, and yet he didn't care. Either that or he was innocently stupid talking to her like this.
"Why doesn't he affect you?"
Gar stopped talking and looked at her puzzled. "Uh… who?"
"Tim. He scares everyone else away from me. Every other male. Even Roy. They all claim he's crazy. But it doesn't seem to bother you."
Gar shrugged. "He is crazy. But why should that bother me? You were my friend before the two of you got together and you still are. I'm not after you in any way."
Raven looked at him somewhat surprised with his answer. Gar was unique to put it gently. He was a very simple guy. And more often then not, a little dense. His answer, though simple, was good.
She gave him a semi bitter chuckle. "I know this shouldn't bother me and for the most part it doesn't. But if he refuses to let me be with anyone else, why is he still with Kori?"
Gar gave her a sympathetic smile. He jumped the table and moved a chair next to her. "He's a guy. We aren't very bright sometimes. We don't often see what we really want; we'd rather take the easy way out."
"Wouldn't it be easier to leave me alone then? Stop worrying about me."
Gar chuckled. "You'd think. But Tim's an exception in some cases. You really have to spell it out for him."
Raven nodded and looked to her lap. "You know, I always imagined I'd go to all these things with someone. When I was younger, I always pictured myself with a date. But even the biggest player in the school won't come near me."
"That leaves us with a few options."
Raven looked up to him again surprised with his answer.
"One: we wait for him to wake up and dump Kori."
Raven thought this was a long shot in the dark. "Or…"
"Two: tell me who you'd like to accompany you to our next event and I'll make it happen."
Raven raised a brow. "Or…"
Gar hadn't really thought of a third option. "Three:" He shrugged. "I'll be your date."
Raven looked at him a little surprised. "I wouldn't impose on you like that."
Gar shook his head with a grin. "Don't be ridiculous. It's no imposition. We're friends."
Raven studied him for a while. Then shook her head. "No. You don't need to revolve your year around me because I'm in a difficult place. And even if you could arrange something for me, they'd be walking on egg shells all night. As for Tim breaking up with Kori… I won't hold my breath."
Gar stood and jumped the table. "Then that leaves us one choice."
Raven watched him. "Oh?"
Gar nodded and handed her a dollar bill. She took it and watched him open a cola and chug half of it before looking at her with a toothy grin. "We break them up."
Raven gave him a skeptical look as he grinned mischievously and walked back into the gym.
Shortly after, Vic and Anissa relieved Raven of the table and she stepped in the gym. For once she wasn't the complete center of attention. A majority of her fellow classmates' eyes were on the huge screen in front of them.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Three am Raven found herself back at the concession table, keeping Karen company. And then still there at for the next two shifts until her own. She sat in a chair with her head rested in her arms. Her eyes lightly closed.
Koma stood at her scheduled shift change. "You gonna be alright here, birdie?"
Raven made a soft grunt and waved her off.
Koma smiled and shook her head, retreating back into the packed gymnasium.
Raven must have dozed off. The next thing she knew, there was a blanket being placed up at her shoulders and a figure sitting down in the chair next to her.
"I'll watch this for you if you want to go lay down."
She recognized the voice right away. "You really didn't need to check up on me, Tim."
He didn't say anything for a moment. Thinking he might have left, she opened her eyes. He was still sitting there looking at her. Raven shifted so she could face him more comfortably and still keep her head down.
"It's strange hearing you call me Tim."
Raven gave him a tiny smile.
"You haven't called me by my name since we were young."
Raven thought back and laughed a little remembering the incident leading up to his nickname. "I could have sworn you were gonna fall out of that tree."
Tim laughed remembering the same thing.
"Think I can make it?" A ten year old Tim asked standing on a wide branch of the tree Raven was sitting under.
She glanced up to him from her book.
Gar and Vic were in another part of the tree watching him.
"No. I think you'll fall and break your face." Vic answered.
Raven watched silently.
Tim's goal was to jump from the branch and catch a nearby rope, swing and land on the ground on his feet. Like batman and robin do. Well, sorta.
"I can do it." He readied himself, swinging his hands slightly back and forth.
Raven held her breath, gripping her book tightly. She was prepared to pull it up in front of her eyes if need be.
And then he jumped. As if in slow motion, he glided through the air as the wind whipped by. His hands reached and grabbed the rope and they swung together. The rope tightened and sent him twirling back hitting the tree trunk and falling to the ground.
"You scared the crap outta me." Raven said with a laugh.
"It was so fun though."
Vic and Gar jumped down from the tree and ran to him. Raven dropped her book and crawled to his side, kneeling over him.
"Tim, you ok?" Vic shouted at him.
Tim shook his head and laughed, trying to sit up. "I know what I did wrong." And he proceeded to climb the tree once more.
Raven watched him with a seemingly indifferent expression. She moved back to her book and picked it up again, watching him and shaking her head.
"It took you like twelve times to get that right." Raven mused.
Tim laughed. "And every time I fell, you knelt over me. And when I laughed you gave me the worst death glare ever."
"I just knew one of those times you'd be hurt. And I knew it would be the time I didn't get up."
As the sun was setting, Tim was still at it. Vic and Gar were now watching from the ground, giving him pointers.
Again, Raven sat and watched. She was pretty sure this was his fourteenth attempt.
He watched the rope for a moment, calculating his jump. And then he was off. His hands met the rope and clasped it tightly, bringing it to his body. He had his knees up as he swung back and forth, inches from the trunk. Then he threw himself off and landed in a tumble, rolling onto to one knee and his hands.
Raven grinned and clapped.
Vic and Gar were jumping around like animals.
"You could be the next Robin."
"That was so great." Gar cheered.
Tim laughed. "I miss being young and believing in those cartoons. My next goal was to fly."
Raven shook her head. "I would have killed you if you planned on trying that."
After a few more tries to perfect that move, Gar and Vic left. Raven still sat under the tree watching him. He was getting better. He could time it and almost control where he wanted to swing.
He stood in the tree looking at the rope. "You should let me swing down and catch you, Raven."
Raven raised a brow at him. "You're kidding, right?" She said unimpressed.
Tim laughed. "No. I can do it. Trust me?"
Raven growled. She placed her book down and stood a few feet away from the trunk and looked up at him. "I swear Timothy Drake, if you hurt me…"
Tim laughed again. "I won't hurt you."
Raven glared at him. He took a while longer calculating this time. And when he jumped in the air grabbing the rope, Raven held her breath. She felt a scream growing in her stomach as it ran in circles. He was coming at her fast and yet it seemed to take him twenty minutes to get to her.
And then they collided as Raven lifted her arms. Tim wrapped one around her waist tightly while she held a death grip around his neck. She buried her face in the side of his head.
An instant later her feet left the ground and she felt the air whipping her hair back. Her grip on him tightened and it took all her strength not to wrap her legs around him as well.
The ride ended as he let go of the rope and wrapped his other arm around her too. She felt the rush of falling and gave a little squeak all the way down.
To her utter surprise they landed on their feet. But she didn't let go. She held on to him as she caught her breath.
"That was awesome." He said in her ear.
After a few more minutes she let him go and backed away, looking at him. "You're nuts."
He gave her a proud grin as if that was a compliment. And coming from her, it might as well been.
Then she gave a little giggle and a coy smile. "My Robin."
"I hadn't called you Tim from that day on."
"Up until a few weeks ago." He pointed out solemnly.
Raven sat up and drew her knees up in the chair, wrapping the blanket around them. She nodded. "I think I fell in love with you that day." She said quietly.
Tim watched her for a long time. He moved closer and reached a hand to her. But before he was able to make contact-
"Timmy?" Came a sleepy voice.
For a moment Tim didn't look away from Raven even as she snapped her head in Kori's direction. She lowered her face behind her knees and scowled. Leave it to Kori.
Tim swallowed and looked up at the red head, his hand dropping mid way.
"Is everything alright?" She asked again with innocently wide eyes.
Tim nodded and stood. He gave Raven one last look. She didn't look at him. He felt something heart wrenching in the pit of his stomach, but he couldn't put a grasp on what it was.
He placed a hand in the small of Kori's back leading her from the hall. Kori glanced back to Raven, offering her a warm grin.
Raven watched them walk away, her mind raced with the memories of the two of them. And it came to a crashing halt with an image of the green-eyed beauty giving that innocent smile. And Tim leaving her once more.
Cassie walked out and relieved Raven. She walked in to the gym ignoring Tim's eyes on her. She leaned against the wall and sank down, her knees to her chest and arms and blanket wrapped tightly around her. Feeling it, she knew from the roughness of it, it wasn't her own. Looking it over, she recognized it. The blanket Tim's grandmother gave him when he was three. She pulled it tighter and let the darkness consume her silent sulk.
-LC