Chapter Eighteen: The Girl With The Force Field

Arriving home, Andre and Aubrey snuck in through the backdoor of their house.

Creeping through the hallways, they had to quietly wash and dry Aubrey's clothes before their mom woke up.

Remember, she works at night. So she sleeps during the day.

Jeez, do I always have to remind you guys of these simple facts?

Stepping lightly into the basement, Andre and Audrey made there way to the laundry room.

Once there, Andre said, "Take off your clothes in here, wrap one of those towels around you, get to your bathroom quietly, and get cleaned up. Okay? And please remember to stay quiet."

"I know how to keep quiet, I'm not an idiot." snapped Aubrey, grabbing one of the towels that was on the shelf above the dryer, "What are you gonna be up to?"

"I'm gonna go check up on grandma and then once I make sure that you're straighten out, I'm going back out." Andre explained, leaning against the door frame.

"Oh, you're gonna hang out with her... again."

"So what if I am? It's none of your business."

"You're right, it's not."

"So stop nagging me about it."

"I'm not. It's just that out of all the girls for you to date, you just had to pick the meanest of them all?" Aubrey replied, taking off her mud covered shoes.

"Jade's not that m... okay, maybe she does have her moments." replied Andre, taking a moment to think about Jade's temperament, "But there's much, much more to her than you know."

"Of course, you would say that. It's probably all tequila, pot, and sex with her, isn't it?" Aubrey exaggerated, leaning against the washing machine, "Next thing you know, you'll have her hanging around the house bossing everyone and everything."

Pot? No.

Tequila? Maybe.

Sex? Soon, I hope...

Tired of hearing his sister yammering on, Andre responded, "Let's get one thing straight: You're. Twelve. Okay? You need to stop meddling in my business and focus more on stuff twelve year olds do. Now get out of those dirty clothes and put them in the washer."

"Alright, alright! Don't throw a hissy fit." Aubrey giggled, as Andre walked out of the room and closed the door.

Heading back upstairs, Andre made his way to his grandma's room.

Carefully opening the door, he gazed inside of the dark room.

Not much could be seen, but the sound of his grandma snoring could be heard.

At least she's sleeping peacefully.

After the accident with the cyclist, Andre's grandma had been taking some new medication.

It helped calm her down a bit, mostly by making her sleep every now and then.

Whatever works, I guess.

Quietly closing the door, Andre went down the hall to his room.

Spending the next twenty minutes taking a shower and changing into some fresh clothes, Andre looked at himself in the mirror.

With the sleeves rolled up on his indigo button-down, some dark straight jeans, and a pair of gray Converse Low Tops, he thought he looked pretty damn good.

Was it right to wear for washing a dog?

Nope.

But he at least wanted to look good for the rest of the night.

As he left the room, he was almost about to check up on his sister when...

DING-DONG!

Who could that be? Andre thought, as he went to open the front door.

Standing there at 6'5, was a fairly built, bespectacled black man. He looked to be somewhat laid-back in nature, yet very sophisticated.

When the man immediately saw Andre, he eagerly rushed to hug him.

"How's my favorite nephew in the world?!" asked the guy, letting go of Andre, "Haven't seen you in what? A year?"

"Yeah, doesn't even feel like it's been that long." smiled Andre, as he gestured for his uncle to come in, "I almost forgot that you were still coming to stay with grandma."

A session bassist, Andre's uncle Victor put his career on hold and came all the way from Nashville to visit his mother after her ordeal several weeks ago.

"Should have called to remind you guys, but you know how things get." responded Vic, dragging his luggage into the den, "I could have gotten here sooner, but it took me a while to cancel my schedule."

"I'm not surprised, Mom said you were booked for a whole month in Texas." Andre said, as the two sat down on the couch.

"Yup, but family always comes first, not your career. Always remember that, Dre." sighed Vic, who looked relieved to finally be able to settle down, "So how's things been going for you?"

With an unsupressed grin, Andre sighed, "Pretty damn good to be honest."

Stroking his beard, Vic chuckled, "That's good to hear, but I'm even more curious about why you're smiling like that."

"Smile? What smile?"

"Hmm, glad to see that your still as coy as ever." laughed Vic, reading his nephew's expression, "Only one reason why a guy would have a goofy smile like that. Did Dre finally find that one special girl?"

Try as he might, Andre just couldn't stop grinning.

He was just really elated about his relationship with Jade.

Nothing wrong with that.

"She must be really special, isn't she?" questioned Vic, becoming more and more curious, "What's her name? How old is she? How does she look? How long have you two been together? Does she go to the same school as you?"

Overwhelmed by the sudden rush of questions, Andre exclaimed, "Whoa! Too many questions! You starting to sound like my mom."

"Sorry, I guess your mother and I are one and the same." laughed Vic, "But you can't be mad at us for just being happy that you've found someone."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Taking out his phone, Andre flicked through several pics of Jade. Some were of the two of them together, and some were... very sexy photos of Jade.

Lightly clothed, yet very sexy.

Best not show him those...

Finding that one perfect picture of his girlfriend, Andre showed it to his uncle.

It was perfect because it was one of those rare moments where Jade had that one, really adorable smile.

That very specific smile that he knew was meant just for him.

That was the real Jade West.

The one that Andre had the privilege of knowing.

"Wow! She's really pretty." uttered Vic, "Never took you for liking Goth girls though. What's her name?"

"Her name's Jade West, and we've been together for two days now." answered Andre, placing his phone back in his pocket, "But we've known each other for several years."

"And you really like her?"

"Yeah... hell, I more than like her."

"You love her?"

Before Andre could answer, his phone's ringtone started to play.

*Her attitude is hotter than the Earths core. When she's around, nothing else matters. Untouchable, she's got her own force field.*

"Hmm, I wonder who that could be." Vic snickered, as Andre got up to answer the phone.

"It'll just take a second." Andre replied, looking slightly surprised, "I could have sworn it was on vibrate."

Once he was out of earshot of his uncle, Andre answered his phone, "Hello?"

{Hey, are you still coming back?}

"Yeah, I just got a little sidetracked. Why?"

{Well, I managed to clean up Buckles without you. So you don't have to worry about helping me with that anymore.}

Sighing heavily, he explained, "I'm sorry, my uncle stopped by and-"

{It's okay, it's just that my dad decided to show up a few minutes ago and...}

Sensing what Jade was asking of him, Andre replied, "Don't worry, I'll be there shortly. Just... don't do anything rash."

{Rash? It's like you don't know me at all.}

"I'll see you soon. Bye." chuckled Andre.

{Bye.}

After hanging up, Andre decided to check up on Aubrey before he left.

To his relief, she was all cleaned up and was waiting for her clothes to finish drying.

Heading back to the den, Andre told his uncle that he was going to go hang out with Jade.

"I'm not surprised that you're going out with her tonight. No one dresses that clean to just hang around the house." replied Vic, as Andre grabbed his car keys from the table, "How long are you planning on staying out?"

Taking a moment to think, Andre really had no clue how long he would be out, "I really don't know. I promised her that we would do whatever she wanted for the rest of the night."

"Does that include doing the deed?" asked Teddy, with a sly grin.

Realizing what his uncle was asking, Andre replied, "What?! No, I mean... I don't know, maybe. But only if that's what she wants."

"Well, what about you? Hmm? Is Dre gonna get down tonight?" teased Teddy, nudging his nephew.

"Okay, I really have to go now" Andre sighed, as they both walked out of the den.

Before Andre got a chance to go outside, Vic had something to tell him, "Andre, listen. I know that I may joke around sometimes, but in all seriousness, I want you and Jade to have a fun, yet safe time tonight. So remember... if you think she's spunky, cover your monkey."

Trying hard not to laugh, Andre replied, "I know, Vic. I know."

"But that's not all, I also wanted you to have this for tonight." Vic smiled, handing Andre a set of car keys, "While you were on the phone, I've given it some thought, and I think you're ready."

Immediately remembering the car that Vic drives, Andre rushed out the front door, "No way! You actually drove it here?!"

Seeing Vic's car brought back memories of spending the summer over in Nashville and learning how to drive in his uncle's car.

It was definitely the same car that he learn to drive with, but it had a different color.

"Yup, and now I'm trusting you with her." explained Vic, placing his hand on Andre's shoulder, "Trust me, one ride in Scarlett will definitely make Jade's night."

"Scarlett?"

"Mmhmm, I gave her a new paint job and renamed her Scarlett; and trust me, she's quite the feisty one." sighed Vic, looking amorously at his car, "Take very special care of her, okay?... and Jade, too."

"Don't worry, they're both safe with me." Andre responded, hugging his uncle, "And thanks, this is definitely gonna make our night."

*sighs* Andre should have been here by now. Really wished he would have gotten here sooner.

Sitting quietly on her front porch, Jade West was eagerly waiting for her boyfriend to show up.

She had long finished cleaning her dog, took a shower, and dressed up in one of her favorite outfits.

She was definitely ready for a long night out.

The only problem was that it was her brother's weekend to spend with their dad.

Which meant that Jade had to reluctantly speak to her dad when he showed up.

And as always, her parents would find something to argue about.

Right now, they were bickering about Mr. West not reminding Trent that it was his weekend to stay over.

All they do is fight with each other. They can't have a simple conversation without either one of them starting something.

Even though she found it annoying how her parents would constantly argue, Jade grew rather used to it.

And dad's storming out in 3... 2... 1...

"You'll never change! Just the same bastard you always were!" shouted Ms. West, as the front door swung open.

Stepping out looking rather crossed, Mr. West was carrying what looked to be a poorly stuffed duffel bag.

"Yeah, a bastard looking to spend some time with his son!" he replied, as Trent reluctantly followed behind.

"Please! You wouldn't be spending time with him if it weren't court ordered."

"Really? The boy is standing right there." stated Mr. West, gesturing towards Trent, "Do you even think of the things that you say?"

"That boy has a name! You'd think his own father would remember it." snapped Ms. West, "Oh, I'm sorry, you're probably too busy remembering your new wife's kids."

Across his stone-like face, Mr. West somehow looked even more furious than before.

As a matter of fact, both parents looked pretty pissed at each other.

Times like this made you wonder where Jade got her searing anger from more.

Before Mr. West even had a chance to respond, Trent spoke up, "Can you guys please stop with the yelling? It's so stupid."

Jade knew that out of everyone in the family, Trent was the one who was affected the most by their parent's conflict.

He was the youngest and he was the closest to both parents; so it wasn't that hard to figure out why he would be so upset by their arguing.

She also knew that deep down, Trent felt that he was responsible for their parent's divorce.

But Jade knew that this wasn't true... she was the one to blame.

"Can we just go already?" Trent asked, taking the duffel bag out of his father's hand, "I'll be waiting in the car."

As Trent left to go to his dad's car, Mr. and Ms. West looked as if they were finally starting to calm down.

It was a rarity, but it seemed like Trent was the only one who was able to do that.

Being almost invisible during the whole time, Jade nearly got through it without even saying a word to her dad.

But of course, her father had to find something else to talk about.

"I best get going; we've got quite a drive ahead of us." stated Mr. West, returning back to his stoic attitude, "Jade..."

"Dad..."

Glancing at what he considered a provocative outfit for his daughter, Mr. West looked disapprovingly to say the least, "You look..."

"Be careful, dad. If you have nothing nice to say..." quipped Jade, with a smirk, "...don't say anything at all."

With a deep sigh, Mr. West realized that there was no point in even starting with her, "You're right. It just never gets any easier seeing my daughter look more and more like a whore."

Seemingly unaffected by her father's harsh comment, Jade just sat there, trying to look impassive.

She'd been called a lot worse by total strangers, yet it never phased her.

So why wasn't it any easier to completely ignore her father when he said things like that?

Sensing Jade trying to come up with a quick remark, Ms. West cut her off, "You know you have a long drive to San Diego, so maybe you should leave already."

Checking his watch and seeing that it was almost six o'clock, Mr. West said, "Yeah, it is getting late. Well, we'll see you again on Monday morning."

Without even as much as a goodbye, Mr. West walked off from them, got in his car and drove off.

Feeling relieved that her ex-husband had left, Ms. West sighed, "You should know better than to egg your father on like that."

"What do I care? He would have found someway to say it anyway."

"Jade, let's not start this up again."

"Then don't."

Frustrated, Ms. West gave up trying to reason with her daughter, "I'm gonna go lie down in my room. Maybe now I can get some rest to ease this headache. Don't stay out too late, okay?"

"Yeah, sure." replied Jade, while her mom went back in the house.

Sighing deeply, Jade slouched back in her chair.

Looking up at the graying sky, she slowly began to get lost in her thoughts.

Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Just... just ignore it. Ignore it like you always do... *scoffs* Who am I kiddin'? Screw him! Screw him and every fuckin' think that he says! Who's he to freakin' judge?! *sighs* I stupid enough for letting this even bother me.

Far in the distance, a low, rumbling sound broke Jade's thoughts.

Curious as to what it was, she stood up and looked down the road.

What is that?

The louder and louder the sound gotten, the more Jade could make out what it was that the sound came from.

Closer and closer, a shimmering red muscle car came rolling down the road.

From what she could see, the driver looked awfully familiar.

No way! How did he get that?!

As the car eased up into the driveway, Jade walked over to it. Immediately, the first thing she was greeted by was her grinning boyfriend.

Turning off the rumbling engine, Andre found himself quite speechless by what he was seeing.

Fitted in a green tartan punk mini dress, Jade had the appearance of Gothic witch... a very, sexy one, mind you.

Her curvy frame was definitely amplified by the dress. From the short ruffled skirt of it to the riveted ankle boots she wore, her legs were greatly shown.

It was enough to make her stand out quite a bit.

"Damn, girl." Andre smiled, as he got out the car and gave Jade a kiss, "I had no idea you would get all dressed up just for a simple night out."

"It is a night of my choosing, so I thought, 'What the hell?'" grinned Jade, as her attention turned back to the muscle car, "But what I really wanna know is where did you get this sick car from?"

As Jade walked around the gleaming candy apple red car, Andre answered, "You can thank my uncle for this. He's staying in town and when he heard about our night out, he was gracious enough to let me borrow his '68 Charger. Which is really saying something cause he's really protective of it."

"Well, remind me to thank him later." uttered Jade, as Andre walked over to her side to open the door.

As he stood by her, Andre could tell that something was troubling Jade.

He could see that she was trying to hold up a front to keep him from worrying.

Quite the opposite was happening of course.

Stopping her from entering the car, Andre asked, "Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, why you ask?"

"It's just that it looks like something's on your mind."

"I'm fine, so you don't have to worry."

Not buying into the lie, Andre reached to hold her hand, "Jade, please. If you wanna talk about it-"

"Nothing's bothering me and even if it was, it's none of your damn business!" snapped Jade, as she got in the car and slammed the door, "Can we just go already? I'm tired of being here."

Stunned by his girlfriend sudden outburst, Andre replied, "Sure, whatever you say."

Getting into the car and starting it up, he couldn't help but think about what could be bothering Jade.

Whatever it is, it must be pretty serious. *sighs* I hate seeing her like this. But what could I do? If I try to ask her about it, she'd rip my head off; and if I don't, she could be upset for the entire night and our date would be ruined. Hmm, maybe I should just give her some time to cool down and then I could see what I can do.

Slowly pulling out of the driveway and driving off, Andre looked over at Jade.

With her arm out the window and her head tilted slightly against the door frame, she had a sullen expression as she gazed blankly out at the passing houses and cars. Her mind filled with thoughts of anger and gloom, as she clutched her phone in her free hand.

Now was definitely not the best time to talk... at all.

But Andre had an idea that just might work.

All he needed... was time.