I thought I'd write this short continuation to round things off and tie everything together. That and I've really wanted a reason to write more about Kyanna for a while. I keep asking myself though, should this short story roll into Hairdresser? Take a look and let me know!

As always, please enjoy!

Nora's Two Cents

Today was the day when everything was going to change. Silence fell across the courtroom, bringing Kyanna's nervous heartbeat to a sharp, ringing in her ears. The jury had been in deliberation for hours now. It was about time to see just what would happen to Dario for all of the countless things he'd done to hurt people around town.

Was it nasty that Kyanna felt excited over this? Nope, 'course it wasn't. Guys like him didn't know anything but the seedier places in life. All they ever did, all he ever did when they were together, was take, and take some more. He'd never cared about her - not beyond what was between her legs. It'd been a little less than a year since they split up, and spending more time with momma and her younger siblings made that painful truth clearer.

'Maldición... I was young and I loved you so much... Didn't see what you were doing to me 'till it was too late. Now though, Dario? You can find someone else to treat like shit. I'm though with you. No regrets about walkin' away.'

"We've reached a verdict. Please remain quiet in court."

This was the second time Kyanna's beloved had been in trouble since they seperated? This time around? It looked like he'd be going away for a longer stint. Gang fighting. Surprise surprise.

Dario looked well-dressed compared to his usual. He'd cleaned up, washed his hair, was wearing a simple white shirt and pants. When the judge locked eyes with him, he didn't budge, didn't even flinch. Same as usual. He was even predictable when his back was against the wall.

"Dario Esteban," the judge spoke up, stern and serious - all business. "I've looked over all applicable points and heard many witness statements. You're no stranger to this courtroom and it doesn't appear that you hold a great deal of remorse for your actions. You're an individual known to have violent tendencies and your intent to cause Mister Sanchez bodily harm was beyond doubt."

Of course, Dario scoffed, folding his arms, smiling like a cat with its cream.

"Therefore I'll be be coming down on you much harder this time - despite the history between yourself and Mister Sanchez. Your sentence is a year, with the chance of parole granted in six months. This court is adjourned. Bailiff. Please escort the defendant to the cells."

Kyanna felt the weight of the world leave her shoulders. The last of the chains that held her in place fell away, and boy did it feel wonderful!

"Well. That's the end of that. Won't be seein' him for a while, eh, chica?"

She turned - taking in the all too comforting sight of her familia. Nora. Her distant cousin. Focus on the distant. Tall, sharp dressing, fiery and sassy all in one. Rough and ready to rumble at a moment's notice, but always dependable, when you could track her down, at least. The girl sure had a habit of turning up unannounced, kinda like today.

"I know, right? Thanks for comin' along today, Nora. You're a real gem."

"Eh, don' sweat it, girl. You know I got your back. 'Sides, that Pendejo jerkoff's had it coming for a loooong time. Good to see him finally getting what he deserves. Fuckin' asshole."

No argument there. Kyanna sighed with relief, sitting back in her seat, watching as the downstairs emptied out. Finally left alone with Nora, she smiled, basking in that lovely feeling of release.

"C'mon! Let's bail and grab a bite to eat before I go pick up Philly from momma's place. I've still got so many things to move into the new apartment. It's seriously cray how many storage boxes I have. That 'n... well."

"Sup?" Nora asked with a cool smile. "You're redder than a stoplight there."

"Kinda... promised I'd see this guy tonight. It's nothing serious. We're just friends but... he's real nice."

What was it with Nora giving that look? Half teasing, half-curious. All annoying.

"A new guy, huh? Well fuck, you didn't tell me 'bout this. Kyanna, girl, you better spill the deets over coffee."

Oh great. Now the black sheep of the family wanted all the info. Well, there went any plan of keeping her new friend secret from momma and the rest of the huge, sprawling Delrio clan. Shit she had too many cousins.

"Fiiiine. If you insist. Shit I never should'a said anything."

"So you met him at the bar?

Nora tapped her fingers against the hardwood of their booth table, eyes of bright blue holding Kyanna in place. Was she asking for the sake of being nosy or out of concern? It was hard to tell.

"Yeah," Kyanna nodded, trying with everything she had to keep her cheery smile from breaking free and lighting up the quiet venue. Nutmeg was the gossip shop of Glenberry and everybody knew it. "You know Lusties, yeah? Place with the crazy loud EDM 'n the cheap drinks? Bumped into him at the door. He was with two of his friends. He's in a band. We started talking and well... he was nice. Shy but nice."

"Ohhhhh a musician," Nora snapped her fingers, giving a smooth chuckle. "Damm Primito. You know how to pick 'em. How's he look? Kinda guy I'd take for a ride? Gotta make sure Tia's favorite's takin' care of herself... 'specially after Dario."

"C'mon Nora!" Kyanna waved her curiosity away, the heat in her cheeks rising higher. Why'd she have to make a big deal out of everything? "You really think I'd snap a pic of the guy when I only met him a little whi-"

"You? Little cousin? Yeah. I do. " Her elder cousin gave a snap of the fingers, that cocky smirk of hers getting bigger by the second. "Now. You gonna hand over that phone so I can see what you're goin' all mushy over?"

Defeated, and so easily too. Kyanna pouted, sliding her phone across the table. "I don't like you."

"Sure you don't. Hah! 'S why I'm the first person you call when you need a helping hand. Now... let's see what you're gettin' so hot 'n heavy over, yeah?"

All Kyanna could bring herself to do was watch - her cheeks on fire. Strange. That big shit eating grin of Nora's dropped for a second - turning into a frown. It only lasted for a flash, but it was there, all right. More than that. She was scowling.

"Something wrong?"

"Na, Kyanna. Don't sweat it. 'S all good."

Nora was back to her usual self in a second flat - sliding the compact smartphone into the middle of the table. A casually dressed blond guy, long messy hair, ripped jeans and a baggy tee shirt was huddled together with a pair of his friends, twin brothers covered in tattoos with long chestnut hair, in Lusties doorway. The snapshot was enough to make Kyanna feel warm inside.

"Not bad." Nora whistled, taking a sip of her coffee. "Wouldn't mind a piece of that ass myself. He got a name?"

"Mike." Kyanna pulled her phone back, hiding the picture away with a swipe of her thumb. She'd had enough her older cousin invading her guy bubble today. "He's called Mike. You sure you're okay, Nora? I swear... You're looking a little cloudy over there."

With a cool smile, the badass girl nodded, kicking back into the cushion of her booth and closing her eyes for a moment, giving a terse breath. "Great. I'm totally great. Tell you what, 'lil cousin. I'm even gonna do ya a solid. That guy you got there looks nice enough. I'll-"

She paused for a moment, almost as if she was biting her tongue or something. "Lemme babysit for you tonight. I'll be outta town after this week so it's the least I can do. My way of sayin' good luck 'n all. But you gotta do me a favor in return, you got it?"

A favor. What was Nora getting at, here? Oh well, didn't matter. Kyanna was thankful for the save.

"Alrighty," the single mother smiled to show her gratitude. "Whatever you want. I totally owe you for this one, Nora!"

"Okay then." The elder Delrio's lips curved upward, so very self-assured. "You ever get that guy in bed... You make him bust a nut twice over. Once for you and once for me, you with me?"

"Damn!" Where did that come from? Kyanna couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Sounds like you wanna take him out instead of me. Going through a dry patch there, eh Nora?"

"Nope. Me? Never." With that, Nora reached for her coat and got up, throwing on her denim. She gave her little cousin a pat on the shoulder, flashing her that trademark coolness. "I'll be over at your place around eight tonight. Keep it real boss."

"Later!"

Off Nora went, out the door and across the street to the bus stand. Where was she staying in town, anyway?

A vibration from her phone? Kyanna pulled herself away from that thought, quick and eager to check her messages.

"Oh? It's from Mike."

He still wanted to know where they'd be meeting tonight. Where in town was the best place to meet with one of your closest friends? Somewhere nice, comfortable, but not too personal. This wasn't quite date level. Not unless she made it that way.

"Of course. Turtle Bay!"

Working her thumbs in overtime against the screen, she set her plan into motion.

'Message sent.'

Tonight, Kyanna would put her feelings on the line.

"Mikey," she smiled. "Not letting you get away from me."

Continued in Hairdresser

So, there you have it. Did you enjoy the read? Would you like to see more of Kyanna in the series? Feel free to leave some feedback and let me know. I'm always grateful for the feedback. If you ask me, Kyanna doesn't get enough love out of all of the Hunie girls. Her and Lola both.

As always, keep on supporting Huniepop and Huniecam Studio. I'll see you in the next Hunie chapter!