Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter Eight ( Chapter 8 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: bekka_mouri_hibiki 
Branslav goes to practice while Robert takes Betty to her place to freshen up.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 04.17.2009 | Pages: 15 | Words: 9.1K | Visits: 184 | Status: Completed
Branslav goes to practice while Robert takes Betty to her place to freshen up.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 04.17.2009 | Pages: 15 | Words: 9.1K | Visits: 184 | Status: Completed
All-Star Dreams: Chapter Eight
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Branslav rolled over when the alarm went off at 8 am. He reached over and turned it off before sitting up and yawning. He stood up after sliding on his sandals; his first order of business was to check on Betty and Robert before taking his morning shower. He left his bedroom as he straightened his nightshirt and shorts. He walked down the hall until he reached Betty's door.
He turned the knob ever so slowly and poked his head into her room. Betty was sleeping on her back and had kicked off the blankets. The nightshirt he had given her had ridden up to just below her breasts while the shorts had ridden down, exposing her stomach right down to her lower belly. He stared a bit when he he realized he could see her black panties.
He looked away when she stirred a little but she was only changing position, not waking up. He sighed in relief before pulling the door closed. He didn't know what she would think if she had seen him staring at her. After all, she had brought along a stun pen and he was certain it was because she had been wary.
He had tried to be on his best behavior the night before, resisting the urge to fondle Betty as they danced. Robert had let his hands roam all over her body, something he noticed but didn't bother to stop. He hoped that would make Betty think he was a gentleman while Robert made himself look like an ass. The plan backfired though because Betty seemed to be enjoying Robert's company much more than she was enjoying his.
In spite of the fact Robert was hurting, it was still no excuse for him to get his date drunk and molest her on the dance floor. He hoped that Betty was just paying more attention to him because of his plight. Branslav wondered just how much Betty knew though since he hadn't left the two of them alone long enough to talk about anything. He was afraid something would happen considering how drunk Robert was and how friendly he was acting towards Betty.
He took the back stairs to the kitchen and looked around. He furrowed his brow at the dish towel on the counter, wondering how it got there. He walked over and picked it up, finding it was wet. He frowned then noticed a cup sitting on the edge of the sink, figuring someone had gotten up for water in the night and possibly spilled it.
He put the dish towel back down and walked into the living room. Robert's arm was resting on the back of the couch and Branslav could tell from his snoring he was still asleep.. He picked Robert's arm up by the wrist and dropped it on his chest. Robert opened his eyes then narrowed them. " Go away, " He hissed.
" Feeling last night? " Branslav chided. He had a mild hangover but he had suffered worse. All he would have to do would be take two painkillers and drink plenty of water then he'd be okay.
" No, " Robert shut his eyes. He was lying though. He did have a killer headache but he wasn't going to admit that to Branslav. " I just barely got to sleep at a quarter till five. "
" A quarter till five? " Branslav sounded surprised. " What were you doing? We turned in at two- thirty. "
" YOU may have turned in at two-thirty, " Robert scoffed. " I couldn't get to sleep until then. "
" How come? " Branslav asked. " Were you driving the little bus? "
" Damn it, Branslav. You got it wrong as usual. It's not 'driving the little bus', " Robert said. " And no, I was not driving the bus. I just had a lot of shit on my mind that wouldn't go away. "
" Thinking about Pauline and Alex? " Branslav asked quietly. He ignored the swipe Robert made at his ineptitude for American slang. After speaking relatively good English for four years, he still didn't quite have the hang of it.
Robert nodded once, " Yup. "
" Ah, " Branslav sighed. He couldn't think of anything else to say. He decided to change the subject. " Is your team having a morning practice? "
" Yes but I don't have to go to it. Coach Hooker said I could skip considering I'm having a personal crisis and my the shape my hands are in, " Robert opened his eyes again. " Why? "
Branslav looked towards the stairs. He hated to ask Robert what he was going to ask him but there was no way around it, " I was wondering if you could keep an eye on Betty. I can't take her to the arena with me because of Martin. "
" Why don't I just drop you off and Betty and I keep the car? " Robert said. He was starting to concoct a plan in his mind but it hadn't got past using the car. He wasn't awake enough for extensive planning. “ That way were aren't moping around here all day with nothing to do. “
Branslav thought it over, " That could be better. Maybe you could take her to her place so she can get a change of clothes and a jacket. She's going to need a jacket for tonight. "
" I like how you think buddy, " Robert smiled then yawned. The next part of his plan hadn't required any thinking on his part at all. " Give me until you get out of the shower and I'll shower and get dressed. "
" Sounds good. I'll wake her up after I get cleaned up, " Branslav said. " The keys are on the table in the hall if you need to get your suitcase. There's also some pain pills in the downstairs bathroom if you need them. "
Robert gave Branslav a thumb up to let him know he understood, " Now go away. "
" Yes sir, " Branslav said sarcastically. He went back upstairs, heading for his bathroom. He stripped off and got the water going in the shower...
**
" Now I'll call you when I'm finished here, " Branslav was holding the car keys just out of Robert's reach in the parking lot of the arena. " I don't know what time that will be though. "
" Just give me the frigging keys already, " Robert rolled his eyes behind his dark sunglasses. Though he had taken some painkillers, he still felt like he had an ice pick right behind his eyes.
" Here, " Branslav handed the keys to Robert. " You behave yourself. "
Robert smiled, " You think I won't? "
" I'm not sure, " Branslav said. " After yesterday, I don't know what to expect. "
Robert smirked, " Come on buddy. I trashed a hotel room and got really drunk for the first time in forever. It's no reason for you to think I'm going totally dark side on you. "
Branslav sighed, " I guess not. "
" Don't guess. I'm not, " Robert patted Branslav on the shoulder. " Later. "
Branslav frowned as he watched Robert got in the car and pulled out of the parking space after putting on his seatbelt. Betty waved from the passenger seat and Branslav waved back, hoping he hadn't made a big mistake. Once Robert had left the parking garage, Branslav turned and walked to the players' entrance. He opened the door, heading for the locker room but his progress was impeded when Daniel came out of a side hallway.
" Hey, " Daniel called when he saw Branslav. " Your manager's been looking for you. She's freaking out because she can't get you on your cell. "
Branslav furrowed his brow as he reached into his gym bag and got out his phone. He frowned, " I forgot to turn it back on. Someone kept calling me but they blocked the caller ID so I don't know who it was. "
Daniel looked to the side and tried to act innocent, " Oh wow. That sucks. I hate it when people do that. "
Branslav turned his phone back on, " Yeah. I had plans yesterday and it was really pissing me off. "
Daniel scratched the back of his head as he still tried to appear as if he didn't know anything about it, " I bet. Hey. "
" What? " Branslav was in the middle of dialing his manager's number but stopped. From the way Daniel was acting, he could tell who was guilty of the harassment.
" Have you seen Robert? " Daniel asked quietly. " He was really upset yesterday when I left him at the hotel. "
" You were at the hotel with him yesterday? " Branslav looked surprised. He didn't think Robert would let Daniel hang out with him. Robert found the twenty-two year old rather annoying most of the time, telling him to act like an adult.
" Yeah, " Daniel nodded. " We were just hanging out you know. He left for a little bit then came back and went into the bathroom. He started breaking stuff and I got scared so I bailed. I tried to call you but the phone was off. "
" I turned it off because of those phone calls I kept getting, " Branslav said. " When did you try to call? "
" I don't know, " Daniel shrugged. " I didn't look at my watch. "
" Oh, " Branslav said. " That'll teach you to mess with people on the phone. "
Daniel stopped and looked at Branslav, " How'd you know? "
" The way you're acting, " Branslav said. " Why were you screwing with me anyway? "
" Robert told me to do it, " Daniel said. " When I told him you had a date with some chick, he said it'd be fun to mess with you. "
" Right, " Branslav frowned. " It made me mad. "
" I'm sorry man, " Daniel put his hands up.
Branslav let out a heavy sigh, " What's done is done. Just don't do it again, even if Robert tells you to. "
" Okay, " Daniel said. " How's Robert anyway? "
Branslav waved his hand, " Don't worry about him. "
" I am worried about him man, " Daniel said. " I heard that he trashed his hotel room and vanished without a trace after drinking a lot of the booze in the mini-fridge. No one knows where he went. "
" He's okay, " Branslav sighed. " He's with me. "
" He is? " Daniel looked around. " Where? "
" Not with me here, " Branslav sighed. " He's got my car and he's heading to Carson City with his team tonight. "
" Oh, " Daniel said. " Is he okay? "
Branslav sighed, " I don't know. He's having personal problems right now. He didn't talk about it much last night though. He was more interested in getting drunk than anything. "
" I know man, " Daniel said. " He was complaining about how his wife embarrassed him in front of his team and how she went ape shit because he invited someone to that game the other night. He said she kicked him out over it. "
" That's what I heard too, " Branslav nodded. His cell phone rang and he looked at it. He glanced at Daniel, " It's Lotte. "
" Yeah she's pretty mad, " Daniel said.
Branslav answered, " Yes my dear step-sister? " His voice dripped with fake sweetness.
" Don't call me that, " Lotte snapped. " Where have you been? Ive been trying to call you since yesterday afternoon. "
" I was getting prank calls yesterday and I turned my phone off. I was doing something and I forgot to turn it back on, " Branslav explained. Lotte was a shrewd businesswoman that was harsh on everyone, even her own stepbrother.
Lotte growled, " What were you doing yesterday? "
" I had a date, " Branslav said.
" With who? " Lotte shot back.
" A girl, " Branslav replied.
Lotte snorted, " I see. Does she have a name or is she another nameless concubine? "
" Yes she does have a name thank you, " Branslav said sharply. He didn't appreciate his sister's opinion of his girlfriends. " Look. I'm late as it is. We'll discuss this later. "
" Yes we will, " Lotte said and hung up.
Branslav rolled his eyes, " That woman. "
" We'd better head to the locker room man, " Daniel said. " Coach Sweet is already pissed off and your being late is really going to make him lose it big time. "
" I know. Let's just go, " Branslav shoved his phone back into his gym bag and headed off to the locker room with Daniel. When they got there, everyone fell silent.
Branslav looked around and saw Martin was there, sitting in front of Branslav's locker. Martin waved him over so he went. Branslav set his bag down, " Yes sir? "
" Have you heard the news? " Martin arched an eyebrow. Aside from that, he was still cold and emotionless as he usually was.
" What news? " Branslav looked puzzled. He hadn't had time to watch any television so he was perplexed by what Martin meant.
" White Bread is missing, " Martin said. " He trashed his hotel room, got drunk and vanished last night, never coming back to the hotel at all at last report. "
Branslav shook his head " No. He's not missing. I know where he is. "
" I see, " Martin shook his head. " I figured you would have known something since he's your best friend. "
Branslav sighed, " Not that it's any of your business but he just needs some time to himself. "
" So is it true he's taking a leave of absence from his team? " Martin arched an eyebrow. He almost smiled, " That's what I heard anyway. "
Branslav shrugged, " I don't know anything about that. I just know he's not playing tonight. "
" Oh, " Martin said. His cell phone rang and he got it out. " Business beckons. I have to leave. "
Branslav stepped aside to let Martin stand up. He watched as he left the locker room before joining the rest of the team in changing for practice.
**
Robert pulled the SUV to a stop behind Betty's small silver hybrid. The GPS had given Robert near perfect directions with a few corrections from Betty. It had sent him the long way though so she showed him the shortcut, trimming about five minutes off the trip. “ So this is your place, “ He asked as he looked at the mobile home the hybrid was parked in front of.
Betty shook her head and pointed to the left. “ No. My house is over there. “
Robert looked to where Betty was pointing to see a little quaint house just on the other side of a long line of walnut trees. A stone path led the way to her front porch between the two rows that flanked the side of the walk. “ Wow. Walnuts, “ Robert muttered.
“ Yeah, “ Betty smiled. “ You have a good eye. “
“ My grandma in Ontario had a huge grove of them, “ Robert smiled a little. “ We used to help her pick them so she could sell them. “
“ We? “ Betty asked.
Robert nodded, “ My mom, dad, big brother and big sister. We'd eat so many every season we'd swear we'd never eat another walnut but the next year, we'd be eating them again. “
“ Oh, “ Betty said. “ My mom used them for dye and to cook with. I think I know how you felt. “
“ Probably, “ Robert looked at her then looked at the building they were parked in front of. “ What's that then if it's not a house? “
Betty looked at the building too. She gave him a sideways glance and a little smile, “ Would you like to see? “
Robert shrugged, “ Sure. Why not? We've got lots of time on our hands. “
Betty got out of the car and Robert followed as she walked towards the building. She was unlocking the door when he got to her. She pushed the door open and Robert lifted up his sunglasses. She flipped a light switch next to the door, an overhead light coming on.
Robert was surprised a bit at the exercise equipment that filled the building. There was a large set free-weights, a treadmill, a recumbent bike and a home gym system, “ Wow. It looks like a gym. “
“ It is, “ Betty said. “ How else do you think I stay in shape? “
Robert looked at her and nodded, “ I guess you do have a point. “
Betty looked at the floor, “ I went a little crazy when I got fired and bought all this stuff. One thing I kept thinking about when I did it was that I was going to get fat because I wasn't working anymore. All the heavy work I did setting up and tearing down kept me in shape and I wasn't going to let myself go. “
Robert nodded, “ That was a good idea. Exercise helps with stress too. “
“ I had plenty of that after I got fired. I didn't know what was going to happen to me if my books got turned down, “ Betty sighed. They were quiet for a long moment then she looked over her shoulder towards the house. “ Ready to go up to the house now? “
Robert nodded and put his sunglasses back down, “ Sure. “
Betty shut the light off and shut the door, locking it again. She then walked towards the path, Robert staying behind her so he didn't crowd her. She seemed uneasy talking about herself and he found it refreshing in an odd way. Pauline was her happiest when she was talking only about herself.
They walked up the path quietly, Betty speeding up a bit when they got closer to the door. She glanced over her shoulder at Robert as she slid the key into the lock. " Do you want something to drink while I'm getting changed? " Betty said as she unlocked her front door.
" Sure, " Robert shrugged as Betty pushed the door open. He followed her inside and she shut the door after he was in. He looked around as he took off his sunglasses then whistled, " Nice digs. "
" Thanks. It's not much but it's home, " Betty smiled. Though her house wasn't huge, it was still her home. It was just an average two-bedroom one-bath place that had been enough for Betty and her mother. " Let me check my messages. "
" Do whatever you need to do, " Robert walked into the living room, glancing around at the paintings that hung on the walls as well as assorted Native American art pieces. Betty had split off from him, going to the telephone in the hallway. " Hey, " He called.
" Huh? " Betty replied from the hall as she listened to her messages. She didn't have her cell phone because it was broken. She was having it fixed so she had to depend on her land line for a few days or so she had explained to Robert. There was a message from her manager about planning another promotional tour and she listened to it.
" These paintings, " Robert said as he looked at one closely as he overheard a message about another promotional tour. " They're nice. "
" Thanks, " Betty called as she finished listening to the message. " What would you like to drink? "
" A soda would be great, " Robert said as he shrugged off his motorcycle jacket. He folded it over his arm because he didn't see anywhere he wanted to set it down without Betty's permission. " Hey Betty. "
" Huh? " Betty replied.
" Have you got something for a headache? Mine just isn't going away, " He wasn't lying. The pills Branslav had given him weren't doing the trick at all and he wondered if the pills were expired.
" Yeah, " Betty called. " Give me a minute. "
" Sure, " Robert said as he looked closer at one of the paintings and listen to Betty moving around in the kitchen. He saw it was signed 'A.S. Rogers'. " Who painted these anyway? "
" My mom, " Betty said as she came out of the kitchen with a large glass of soda and two red pills. " Sorry. All I have is diet and this is my smallest cup. Is that okay? "
" Sure, " Robert took the soda and the pills. " So your mom did this stuff? "
" All of it, " Betty nodded. She put her hand on his coat, “ I'll take your jacket. I'll hang it in the hall. “
" So I guess that means your last name is Rogers? " Robert said as he handed her his jacket. He then threw the pills in his mouth before washing them down with some soda.
" It's Rogers-Skogan, " Betty said. She was trying not to look at him. The steel gray long sleeved shirt he had on clung to him in a way that made Betty recall how he had looked in the early hours of the morning. " My mother's last name was Rogers and my father's was Skogan. "
Robert nodded after he swallowed. The hyphenated last name made Robert wonder but it was still too early to assume anything. He gave her a terse smile, " I see. "
Betty's uneasiness didn't seem to waiver, " Make yourself at home out here and I'll go get freshened up. "
" Do I get to meet your mother? " Robert asked then took a drink of his soda. He swallowed then said, " Since I'm here and all. I wouldn't want to be rude and not say hello. "
Betty looked at the floor, " No. She's not here. "
" Oh? " Robert arched an eyebrow. " Is she at work or something? "
Betty shook her head, " No. She died thirteen months ago. "
" Oh damn I'm sorry, " Robert felt like a jerk. " I didn't know. "
" It's okay, " Betty said. " I know you didn't know. "
Robert looked at her intently, " I'm still sorry. "
" I said it's okay, " Betty said as she backed away from him. It wasn't him asking about her mother that had made her uncomfortable though. She had started noticing little things about him that she hadn't paid attention to before. She took note of the way his dirty blonde hair was just long enough to brush the collar of his shirt, just what a beautiful shade of blue his eyes were and how she felt drawn to him when she looked into them.
" Still, " Robert noticed she was backing away. " I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. "
" It's okay. I'm going to go take care of that stuff I need to do now, " Betty said quietly. “ Make yourself comfortable and I'll be out in a bit. “
Robert watched as Betty retreated through a door off to the side of the living room. He waited for her to shut the door before sitting down on the couch. He leaned forward and put his aching head in his hands when he noticed the coffee table. The tabletop had newspaper clippings trapped between two panes of Plexiglas.
Most of them were yellowed with age but a few looked relatively fresh. He leaned closer, finding one of the newer clippings was the obituary for Annemarie Star Rogers. There was a picture of the woman, an almost perfect copy of Betty except with a slightly darker skin tone and older. Annemarie had indeed died the year before but an adjacent article showed a picture of Betty at what appeared to be an Indian reservation and was dated January, mere days before the ill-fated banquet.
He read it and found that Betty had spent several months locating her mother's tribe so her ashes could be laid to rest with her ancestors. As he read the article about the mother's burial, he heard water running in the bathroom. He figured Betty was taking a shower. She opted not to at Branslav's, citing that she didn't have any of her toiletries or clean clothes there.
Robert scanned the table for any clues about Betty's father as the pain in his head faded away. He found nothing except for his obituary from some fifteen years before for an Andres Charles Skogan. There wasn't a picture though. It said was survived by Betty's mother and a daughter named Beatrix which he assumed was Betty.
Robert looked at some other articles that were preserved in the Plexiglas, finding they were accolades for Annemarie’s art and flyers announcing her exhibitions. He stood up after he read the majority of them, deciding he didn't want to read any more. He looked towards Betty's bedroom door when he heard a creak, finding her door had come open. He could still hear water running in the bathroom so he decided it was safe to take a peek into her room.
He looked in and saw a virtual garden of dried flowers hanging from the ceiling. He looked to the left of the door, finding three towering stacks of DVDs next to a 32" television set, all of which were on a heavy looking small black dresser that set about a foot from the doorway. He squinted as he skimmed the titles of the DVDs, finding Betty had some very eclectic tastes in movies and TV shows. The variety was divided between old horror movies, romance movies, independent films, Japanese anime and Gothic soap operas but that was just what was out.
He imagined she had much more in the dresser or somewhere else he couldn't see. He looked around, finding her bed was in the corner directly across from the door. The queen-sized bed was made, the black comforter tucked just barely under the edges of the pillows. Stuffed animals were lined up along the wall and he smiled, finding it really cute.
He glanced around some more; his eyes being drawn to the mirror in the opposite corner of the room which gave him a perfect view of the bathroom. He heard the water stop running then Betty stepped out of tiny shower he could see was in the corner of that room. She picked up a towel but didn't put it around her body right away. He swallowed hard as he watched her, unable to look away as she moved to the sink, setting the towel down.
She looked even better that he had imagined when he had watched her in Branslav's kitchen. Rivulets of water glistened on her pale skin as she reached for a bottle of baby oil. She poured a little bit into the palm of her hand and set the bottle back down. She rubbed her hands together before she started applying the oil to her wet skin.
His lips became dry as he watched her, her hands moving deftly as rubbed the oil onto her arms and shoulders first then moved to her chest. He clenched his jaw as her fingers glided over her breasts, his fingers curling against the door jamb. He again imagined what it would be like to caress the milky white mounds and flick his fingers across her dusky pink peaks, his heart racing faster at the thought.
He clenched his fingers tighter as her hands dipped lower, rubbing the baby oil into the flesh of her stomach. He imagined what it would be like to run his hands over her belly, licking his lips though his mouth was dry as well. She got some more oil and rubbed it down her hips. Robert shut his eyes to regain his senses, to calm down before he became any more aroused.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when his cell phone rang. He quickly retreated from the door, going back to the couch where his phone fell out of his back pocket. He frowned when he saw the number on the caller ID. He flipped the phone open, trying not to sound sarcastic as he said, " Hello dear. "
" Oh don't sound so happy to hear from me, " Pauline hissed.
" But I am, " Robert replied with feigned sweetness. " I was afraid you weren't ever going to speak to me again. "
" Oh cut the crap, Robert. Why didn't you put that blood in the hospital blood bank before you left? " Pauline asked. " I asked you to do one little thing for our son... "
" Oh. That, " Robert said as he picked up his soda and took a drink. He swallowed then said, " I would have but when I told them I was 'AB' they said I couldn't give blood for Alex. They told me that when I went to give the first time before Alex got sick again. "
Pauline was silent for a long moment then whispered, " You're what? "
" I'm an 'AB' type, " Robert said. " I can only donate to someone else that is 'AB' or at least that's what I was told. "
" What blood type is Alex then? " Pauline asked.
Robert furrowed his brow. The hospital had told him Alex was 'O'. He also knew that Pauline was an 'A' positive and the hospital told him they couldn't have had a child with 'O' type because it was impossible. They had even shown him a website that stated it when he refused to believe it.
" You're his mother. You should know, " Robert said. He was trying very hard to keep his anger in check. Everything in him just wanted to scream at her and demand an explanation right then and there.
" Robert, " Pauline said. " Just tell me what type he is. I need to find someone to give some blood in case there's an accident. "
" The hospital said it was 'O', " Robert replied. He was still surprised Pauline didn't know her own child's blood type.
" 'O'? " Pauline said, her voice low and puzzled. " Are you sure? "
Robert sighed, " Look. I'm just telling you what they told me. "
" I see, " Pauline sighed.
" We'll talk on Tuesday, okay? I plan on being there for the surgery, " Robert said.
" Fine. I'll see you then, " Pauline said and hung up the phone.
Robert snapped his phone closed, wondering what to do next. He thought about picking up the results of the DNA test and giving them to her once he returned home. He knew she was smart enough to figure it out on her own when she saw the test results. From there, he would probably have to find a lawyer and file for divorce.
Somewhere inside, he knew that things were never going to be good again and it was his only option. They had a couple of good years but they were long gone. All they had done for the last two years was fight and Robert couldn't take it anymore. He sighed, deciding not to think about it until he got home.
He glanced towards Betty's bedroom again, feeling drawn to the door again. He walked back to it slowly, finding Betty was in the process of hooking her bra in front of the mirror he had watched her through. She was already in her panties, plain looking black cotton ones. The bra she was putting on matched them.
Once the bra was hooked, she picked up a towel and started to dry her hair. Robert watched as she dried it, bending over to flip it forward so she could get to the underneath. Robert bit his lip as he looked at her rear as it stuck out from her being bent over. His heart raced as he imagined what it would be like to run his hands over it and down her smooth long legs.
Betty turned after she had finished drying her hair to pick up her jeans from where she had laid them on the bed but stopped when she noticed Robert watching her. She quickly grabbed up the towel from where she had dropped it, holding it up to cover herself, " Shut the door! " She shouted.
" Uh, " Robert said as he pulled the door closed. " I just need to use the bathroom. I saw your door open and I thought it was okay to come over here. "
" Okay, " Betty called through the door. " Let me go unlock the bathroom door for you. "
Robert heard the lock on the door next to him click and turned to the bathroom door. He opened it just in time to see the door that led from it to Betty's room shut. He heard the click of another lock, realizing she had locked him out if her room from that side as well. He sighed, leaning against the sink to get his nerves together.
The air was still thick with steam from the shower Betty had taken, the smell of apples and baby oil hanging in the sticky air. It was the same scent that had clung to his skin in the early hours of the morning but it was at least five times stronger in the bathroom. The smell filled his nose, stirring up images of what he had seen before his cell phone rang. He shut his eyes tightly as he tried to clear those images from his mind and get himself calmed down.
He stood in the tiny bathroom for a long time, taking slow deep breaths to regain control. He didn't realize how long he had been in there until Betty knocked on the door. " Robert? Are you okay in there? " She called.
" Yeah, " Robert replied. " I'll be out in a minute. "
" Oh okay, " Betty said. " I'll be in the living room in you need me. "
" Sure, " Robert called back. He waited a couple more minutes then flushed the toilet to give Betty the impression he had really used the bathroom. He then went to the door and opened it, stepping back into the hall. He shut the door and turned to find Betty sitting on the couch.
" Sorry about that, " Robert motioned to the bedroom then put his hands in his front pockets. " I saw the door was open and thought it was safe. "
" That door has problems shutting all the way sometimes. I should have checked it twice before I got into the shower, " Betty replied. She was wearing a dark green silk shirt and black jeans. On her feet were black cowboy style boots with silver stud accents.
" Oh, " Robert nodded. " I didn't see anything so don't think I did. "
" Okay, " Betty nodded. She figured he had only seen her in her underwear but she'd take his word about not seeing anything at all. " No harm no foul then. I need to finish getting ready. "
Robert stepped aside, letting Betty pass him. She opened the door to the bathroom then went in but didn't shut the door. " So what else do you need to do? "
" My make-up, " Betty said as she reached under the sink and pulled out a small train box. " It'll only take a couple of minutes. "
" Oh, " Robert nodded. He walked over to the table again, " I was looking at your coffee table. "
" My mother made that for us, " Betty called. " She said it was supposed to be like a scrapbook. "
" I see that, " Robert wanted to ask her why the only thing pertaining to her father was his obituary but he didn't want to pry. He walked back over to the bathroom, " I read that about how you looked for your mother's family. "
" It was the least I could do for her, " Betty said as she lined her eyes with black eyeliner. Since her lids were already lined with thick dark lashes, the liner did nothing but enhance what she already had. " She asked me to before she died. "
" Oh. It was her last wish, " Robert said.
Betty nodded as she started putting on her eye shadow, " Yeah. "
" That's very good of you, " Robert couldn't think of anything else to say.
" She was my mother, " Betty said. " There wasn't anything else I could do for her. I spent several month trying to find her tribe. "
Robert nodded, " I noticed that from the article. “
Betty put her make-up kit away and turned to face Robert. " There. "
Robert nodded. Betty looked like she had just enhanced her natural beauty and didn't look like she had make-up on at all. " Nice. Very understated, " He said.
" That was the look I wanted, " Betty smiled as she stepped away from the sink.
Robert put his hands in his back pockets, " So. "
" So, " Betty said as she turned off the bathroom light.
" Do you want to go hang out somewhere while we're waiting for Branslav to call? " Robert asked as Betty walked out of the bathroom. “ I'm sure we still have plenty of time to kill. “
Betty shrugged, " I guess so. I don't usually hang out so you'll have to pick somewhere. "
" Well then, " Robert smiled. " We'll have to change that. Now, I haven't been in town for over two years except for the games and that banquet so don't get mad if we get lost. "
" We have the GPS, " Betty reminded Robert. " We won't get too lost. "
Robert nodded, " True. "
" Do you need another drink before we go? " Betty glanced over and saw he had only drank half the soda she had gotten him. " I guess not. "
" I wasn't that thirsty when you got it for me, " Robert grabbed up the glass and drank the rest of the soda. He smiled, “ There. “
“ You didn't have to chug it, “ Betty said.
“ I wanted to. I didn't want to be rude to you, “ Robert said. “ Now, when the caffeine hits, things should get interesting. The stuff makes me crazy. “
Betty laughed at him, " You're crazy already you silly boy. "
Robert chuckled, " I don't know what it is but being around you makes me feel like being silly. You know, in spite of everything that's going on. Those pills you gave me helped too. "
" Thank you, " Betty felt herself blush a bit.
" What were they anyway? " Robert asked.
" Tramadol, " Betty said. " I had tons of it left over after my mom died. They're great for headaches. "
Robert laughed as he remembered what was in the pills. He had been given some after tweaking a groin muscle the season before, " Hell yeah. Synthetic morphine is good for everything. "
" Yeah, " Betty nodded. " It is. "
" No wonder you smile so big, " Robert said. " You're always high. "
“ No. I haven't. Only when I have a headache and I haven't had one in forever, “ Betty defended herself.
“ Right, “ Robert chuckled.
“ No. I haven't. Only when I have a headache and I haven't had one in forever, “ Betty defended herself earnestly.
Robert shook his head, realizing she was taking him too seriously. “ I was just playing with you. “
“ Oh, “ Betty felt embarrassed. She had a tendency to take people too seriously.
Robert smiled a little more at her blushing, " I'm sorry but I have to say this. Can I? "
" Sure, " Betty said. " Say it. "
" You're really cute when you blush, " Robert said. “ The way you smile when you blush is pretty cute too. “
The blush deepened but Betty looked like she couldn't think of anything to say. She took a sharp breath when Robert moved closer, kissing her on the cheek. She looked down at the floor. " Thanks, " She whispered.
Robert hesitated then carefully slipped his arms around her and hugged her lightly. She startled at the contact then relaxed a bit. " No, thank you for being so kind. You just don't understand how bad I needed it. "
Betty put her arms around Robert slowly, obviously not sure what to do other than return his hug. She held onto him as long as he held onto her before the ringing of his phone made them break it up. Robert went to the coffee table and picked it up. " Damn, " He muttered and answered it. " Hello? "
" Robert, " It was Pauline again. " I want to know what's going on. I just called the hospital and they said the same thing. "
" Of course they did, " Robert said. " I told you it was them who told me. I don't match. "
" How is that even possible? " Pauline hissed. " How can you not be a match? "
" Look, I can't do anything about it from here. Just wait until I get back, okay? " Robert didn't want to mention the private lab he had used to confirm his suspicions. It was his ace in the hole in case she tried to deny the truth.
" Fine then, " Pauline said. " We'll get to the bottom of this. I'll try to find someone to donate for Alex as well. "
" You do that, " Robert said. " Now just settle down and I'll see you when I get home. I'm sure there's a logical explanation. "
" Okay then, " Pauline said and hung up again.
" Like I'm not his father, " Robert muttered as he snapped his phone closed before putting it back on the coffee table. He turned to find Betty wasn't in the living room. He looked around then walked towards the kitchen, finding she wasn't there either.
He came back to the living room and went to her open bedroom door, finding her sitting on the foot of her bed. He looked at the floor. " Sorry about that, " Robert leaned against the door frame. " I didn't mean to be rude like that. "
" You weren't, " Betty said. " From the way it sounded, you were talking to your wife. "
Robert nodded, " Yeah. I was. She called earlier and wanted to know why I hadn't put the blood in like I was supposed to before I left. "
" What did she say? " Betty asked.
" I told her that I wasn't a match and we'd deal with it when I got home. I want her to see the results for herself then I'm going to a lawyer, " Robert shrugged. " It's the best thing I can think of. "
" Yeah. This would be better dealt with in person, " Betty nodded slowly.
" Yup, " Robert sighed, looking around Betty's room. He hadn't noticed before but all four walls were one huge mural. It had a very distinctive Native American theme, depicting different aspects of how life was in the days before the Americans came west. " Your walls, " He started.
" My mom and I did it together when I was fourteen, " Betty said. She was happy the subject had changed though she really didn't like to talk about herself that much. " When we moved into this house. "
" Oh, " Robert looked at her. " So you paint and write? "
She nodded then shook her head, " Actually not really. This was the last thing I ever painted. My mother had to drag me through it. "
" Ah, " Robert looked around again. " You're still very talented. "
" Thank you, " Betty said quietly. She still wasn't quite sure how to react to compliments though she had received many on her books. Though she was a noted author, she still felt like her plain old humble self.
Robert looked at the flower-covered ceiling as he tried to think of something else to talk about. Seeing her sitting on the bed was making his mind go to places he didn't want it to go so he needed a diversion. He felt bad enough peeping in on her after she got out of the shower but to think about laying her down was making him feel even worse.
" What's the story behind those? " He pointed up to make conversation.
Betty looked away, " When my mom died... "
Robert put his right hand up, " Stop right there. I don't want to upset you. "
Betty put her hands up, " No. I'll tell you. It's okay. You've told me things about you so it's only fair. "
" Okay, " Robert said. " Tell me if you want but don't if it's going to make you cry. I don't want to see you cry. "
" I'll tell you. When my mom died, the church kept sending flowers and I didn't know what to do with them. So, I got a whole bunch of string and thumbtacks and I just started hanging them up. It took me a week to get them all up, " Betty said.
" Wow, " Robert said. " You must have worked for hours each day. "
" Yeah, " Betty let out a strained chuckle. " Grief makes you do some pretty strange things. "
Robert nodded but said nothing, staying quiet for a very long moment. The word 'church' had explained a lot about why she had never drank before and was such a good girl. " So do you still go? "
" Go where? " Betty said. She had gotten lost in own thoughts in the silence. She had been thinking about the way Robert had felt when she held him early that morning and again before his wife called.
She had never hugged anyone except for what little family she had and a few of her friends. Hugging Robert wasn't hugging any of them. He was hard and warm, his arms feeling like they were strong enough to conquer anything. She found herself wanting to hold him again, to feel his rock hard body pressed against her.
" Church, " Robert said. He noticed the look in Betty's eyes. She looked like she had been thinking but he didn't know what about. “ Do you still go to church? “
Betty shook her head, " I got ran out after my books came out. They couldn't believe I wrote that stuff and they asked me not to come back. "
" That's a shame, " Robert was appalled but not exactly surprised. " You're a very gifted writer. "
" They don't think so, " Betty sighed. " They told me I was sinner for writing those things. I couldn't believe they turned their backs on me so easily after I went there for so long. I was even baptized there. "
" That's awful, " Robert said. " They should have known you better than to think that about you. "
" It was just the opposite. They said I wasn't the girl they thought I was, " Betty shook her head. " They said they didn't even know who I was. "
" Who cares what they think anyway right? " Robert offered. It was true that Betty's writing was gritty, graphic and brutal but it was also captivating, making each of her books bona fide page-turners. " The rest of the world thinks you're hot stuff. So do I. "
Betty smiled and blushed once again, " If you say so. "
" I say so, " Robert walked in and sat down next to Betty on the foot of the bed. He gingerly slid his right arm around her shoulders, pulling her to his side slowly. She took a sharp breath and stiffened like he had startled her. Betty turned to look at Robert, their eyes locking.
She could scarcely breathe as he moved closer. He brought his left hand up to her face, stroking her cheek before letting his thumb stray to her lips. She shivered at his touch though she seemed tense. He sighed then quietly said, " You're a very wonderful person, Betty. Don't let the bad things others think about you bother you. "
" Robert, " She whispered.
" Shh. You're the most beautiful person I've ever met, “ Robert whispered. He moved his hand to her throat, finding her heart racing again. " Inside and out. "
She let out a gasp as he brushed her lips lightly. He tilted her chin just a bit just as his cell phone rang in the living room. Robert let it ring as he kissed Betty gently. He was afraid she would resist but she didn't, yielding to him and returning the kiss shyly.
Robert tried to deepen the kiss but Betty froze, taking a sharp breath before pulling away. She looked a little frightened then muttered, " I'm sorry. "
" Sorry? " Robert was confused.
" I can't do this, " Betty got to her feet then ran to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
**
Branslav listened as Robert's phone kept ringing, wondering why he wasn't answering. He sat back down in front of his locker, snapping his phone closed when the voice mail picked up. Daniel walked in, " Hey man. You get him yet? "
" No, " Branslav shook his head.
" What was he going to do with Betty anyway? " Daniel asked. " Where were they going? "
" To her house so she could shower and change but I don't know after that, " Branslav said.
" Oh, " Daniel nodded. He glanced at Branslav, " So how did your date go yesterday? "
Branslav frowned, " It went. "
" Uh oh, " Daniel said. " What happened? "
" I don't know where to begin, " Branslav shook his head. " It was just weird. "
" Oh, " Daniel nodded. " Why don't you just start at the beginning? "
Branslav glared at Daniel then sighed, " Okay. "
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Branslav rolled over when the alarm went off at 8 am. He reached over and turned it off before sitting up and yawning. He stood up after sliding on his sandals; his first order of business was to check on Betty and Robert before taking his morning shower. He left his bedroom as he straightened his nightshirt and shorts. He walked down the hall until he reached Betty's door.
He turned the knob ever so slowly and poked his head into her room. Betty was sleeping on her back and had kicked off the blankets. The nightshirt he had given her had ridden up to just below her breasts while the shorts had ridden down, exposing her stomach right down to her lower belly. He stared a bit when he he realized he could see her black panties.
He looked away when she stirred a little but she was only changing position, not waking up. He sighed in relief before pulling the door closed. He didn't know what she would think if she had seen him staring at her. After all, she had brought along a stun pen and he was certain it was because she had been wary.
He had tried to be on his best behavior the night before, resisting the urge to fondle Betty as they danced. Robert had let his hands roam all over her body, something he noticed but didn't bother to stop. He hoped that would make Betty think he was a gentleman while Robert made himself look like an ass. The plan backfired though because Betty seemed to be enjoying Robert's company much more than she was enjoying his.
In spite of the fact Robert was hurting, it was still no excuse for him to get his date drunk and molest her on the dance floor. He hoped that Betty was just paying more attention to him because of his plight. Branslav wondered just how much Betty knew though since he hadn't left the two of them alone long enough to talk about anything. He was afraid something would happen considering how drunk Robert was and how friendly he was acting towards Betty.
He took the back stairs to the kitchen and looked around. He furrowed his brow at the dish towel on the counter, wondering how it got there. He walked over and picked it up, finding it was wet. He frowned then noticed a cup sitting on the edge of the sink, figuring someone had gotten up for water in the night and possibly spilled it.
He put the dish towel back down and walked into the living room. Robert's arm was resting on the back of the couch and Branslav could tell from his snoring he was still asleep.. He picked Robert's arm up by the wrist and dropped it on his chest. Robert opened his eyes then narrowed them. " Go away, " He hissed.
" Feeling last night? " Branslav chided. He had a mild hangover but he had suffered worse. All he would have to do would be take two painkillers and drink plenty of water then he'd be okay.
" No, " Robert shut his eyes. He was lying though. He did have a killer headache but he wasn't going to admit that to Branslav. " I just barely got to sleep at a quarter till five. "
" A quarter till five? " Branslav sounded surprised. " What were you doing? We turned in at two- thirty. "
" YOU may have turned in at two-thirty, " Robert scoffed. " I couldn't get to sleep until then. "
" How come? " Branslav asked. " Were you driving the little bus? "
" Damn it, Branslav. You got it wrong as usual. It's not 'driving the little bus', " Robert said. " And no, I was not driving the bus. I just had a lot of shit on my mind that wouldn't go away. "
" Thinking about Pauline and Alex? " Branslav asked quietly. He ignored the swipe Robert made at his ineptitude for American slang. After speaking relatively good English for four years, he still didn't quite have the hang of it.
Robert nodded once, " Yup. "
" Ah, " Branslav sighed. He couldn't think of anything else to say. He decided to change the subject. " Is your team having a morning practice? "
" Yes but I don't have to go to it. Coach Hooker said I could skip considering I'm having a personal crisis and my the shape my hands are in, " Robert opened his eyes again. " Why? "
Branslav looked towards the stairs. He hated to ask Robert what he was going to ask him but there was no way around it, " I was wondering if you could keep an eye on Betty. I can't take her to the arena with me because of Martin. "
" Why don't I just drop you off and Betty and I keep the car? " Robert said. He was starting to concoct a plan in his mind but it hadn't got past using the car. He wasn't awake enough for extensive planning. “ That way were aren't moping around here all day with nothing to do. “
Branslav thought it over, " That could be better. Maybe you could take her to her place so she can get a change of clothes and a jacket. She's going to need a jacket for tonight. "
" I like how you think buddy, " Robert smiled then yawned. The next part of his plan hadn't required any thinking on his part at all. " Give me until you get out of the shower and I'll shower and get dressed. "
" Sounds good. I'll wake her up after I get cleaned up, " Branslav said. " The keys are on the table in the hall if you need to get your suitcase. There's also some pain pills in the downstairs bathroom if you need them. "
Robert gave Branslav a thumb up to let him know he understood, " Now go away. "
" Yes sir, " Branslav said sarcastically. He went back upstairs, heading for his bathroom. He stripped off and got the water going in the shower...
**
" Now I'll call you when I'm finished here, " Branslav was holding the car keys just out of Robert's reach in the parking lot of the arena. " I don't know what time that will be though. "
" Just give me the frigging keys already, " Robert rolled his eyes behind his dark sunglasses. Though he had taken some painkillers, he still felt like he had an ice pick right behind his eyes.
" Here, " Branslav handed the keys to Robert. " You behave yourself. "
Robert smiled, " You think I won't? "
" I'm not sure, " Branslav said. " After yesterday, I don't know what to expect. "
Robert smirked, " Come on buddy. I trashed a hotel room and got really drunk for the first time in forever. It's no reason for you to think I'm going totally dark side on you. "
Branslav sighed, " I guess not. "
" Don't guess. I'm not, " Robert patted Branslav on the shoulder. " Later. "
Branslav frowned as he watched Robert got in the car and pulled out of the parking space after putting on his seatbelt. Betty waved from the passenger seat and Branslav waved back, hoping he hadn't made a big mistake. Once Robert had left the parking garage, Branslav turned and walked to the players' entrance. He opened the door, heading for the locker room but his progress was impeded when Daniel came out of a side hallway.
" Hey, " Daniel called when he saw Branslav. " Your manager's been looking for you. She's freaking out because she can't get you on your cell. "
Branslav furrowed his brow as he reached into his gym bag and got out his phone. He frowned, " I forgot to turn it back on. Someone kept calling me but they blocked the caller ID so I don't know who it was. "
Daniel looked to the side and tried to act innocent, " Oh wow. That sucks. I hate it when people do that. "
Branslav turned his phone back on, " Yeah. I had plans yesterday and it was really pissing me off. "
Daniel scratched the back of his head as he still tried to appear as if he didn't know anything about it, " I bet. Hey. "
" What? " Branslav was in the middle of dialing his manager's number but stopped. From the way Daniel was acting, he could tell who was guilty of the harassment.
" Have you seen Robert? " Daniel asked quietly. " He was really upset yesterday when I left him at the hotel. "
" You were at the hotel with him yesterday? " Branslav looked surprised. He didn't think Robert would let Daniel hang out with him. Robert found the twenty-two year old rather annoying most of the time, telling him to act like an adult.
" Yeah, " Daniel nodded. " We were just hanging out you know. He left for a little bit then came back and went into the bathroom. He started breaking stuff and I got scared so I bailed. I tried to call you but the phone was off. "
" I turned it off because of those phone calls I kept getting, " Branslav said. " When did you try to call? "
" I don't know, " Daniel shrugged. " I didn't look at my watch. "
" Oh, " Branslav said. " That'll teach you to mess with people on the phone. "
Daniel stopped and looked at Branslav, " How'd you know? "
" The way you're acting, " Branslav said. " Why were you screwing with me anyway? "
" Robert told me to do it, " Daniel said. " When I told him you had a date with some chick, he said it'd be fun to mess with you. "
" Right, " Branslav frowned. " It made me mad. "
" I'm sorry man, " Daniel put his hands up.
Branslav let out a heavy sigh, " What's done is done. Just don't do it again, even if Robert tells you to. "
" Okay, " Daniel said. " How's Robert anyway? "
Branslav waved his hand, " Don't worry about him. "
" I am worried about him man, " Daniel said. " I heard that he trashed his hotel room and vanished without a trace after drinking a lot of the booze in the mini-fridge. No one knows where he went. "
" He's okay, " Branslav sighed. " He's with me. "
" He is? " Daniel looked around. " Where? "
" Not with me here, " Branslav sighed. " He's got my car and he's heading to Carson City with his team tonight. "
" Oh, " Daniel said. " Is he okay? "
Branslav sighed, " I don't know. He's having personal problems right now. He didn't talk about it much last night though. He was more interested in getting drunk than anything. "
" I know man, " Daniel said. " He was complaining about how his wife embarrassed him in front of his team and how she went ape shit because he invited someone to that game the other night. He said she kicked him out over it. "
" That's what I heard too, " Branslav nodded. His cell phone rang and he looked at it. He glanced at Daniel, " It's Lotte. "
" Yeah she's pretty mad, " Daniel said.
Branslav answered, " Yes my dear step-sister? " His voice dripped with fake sweetness.
" Don't call me that, " Lotte snapped. " Where have you been? Ive been trying to call you since yesterday afternoon. "
" I was getting prank calls yesterday and I turned my phone off. I was doing something and I forgot to turn it back on, " Branslav explained. Lotte was a shrewd businesswoman that was harsh on everyone, even her own stepbrother.
Lotte growled, " What were you doing yesterday? "
" I had a date, " Branslav said.
" With who? " Lotte shot back.
" A girl, " Branslav replied.
Lotte snorted, " I see. Does she have a name or is she another nameless concubine? "
" Yes she does have a name thank you, " Branslav said sharply. He didn't appreciate his sister's opinion of his girlfriends. " Look. I'm late as it is. We'll discuss this later. "
" Yes we will, " Lotte said and hung up.
Branslav rolled his eyes, " That woman. "
" We'd better head to the locker room man, " Daniel said. " Coach Sweet is already pissed off and your being late is really going to make him lose it big time. "
" I know. Let's just go, " Branslav shoved his phone back into his gym bag and headed off to the locker room with Daniel. When they got there, everyone fell silent.
Branslav looked around and saw Martin was there, sitting in front of Branslav's locker. Martin waved him over so he went. Branslav set his bag down, " Yes sir? "
" Have you heard the news? " Martin arched an eyebrow. Aside from that, he was still cold and emotionless as he usually was.
" What news? " Branslav looked puzzled. He hadn't had time to watch any television so he was perplexed by what Martin meant.
" White Bread is missing, " Martin said. " He trashed his hotel room, got drunk and vanished last night, never coming back to the hotel at all at last report. "
Branslav shook his head " No. He's not missing. I know where he is. "
" I see, " Martin shook his head. " I figured you would have known something since he's your best friend. "
Branslav sighed, " Not that it's any of your business but he just needs some time to himself. "
" So is it true he's taking a leave of absence from his team? " Martin arched an eyebrow. He almost smiled, " That's what I heard anyway. "
Branslav shrugged, " I don't know anything about that. I just know he's not playing tonight. "
" Oh, " Martin said. His cell phone rang and he got it out. " Business beckons. I have to leave. "
Branslav stepped aside to let Martin stand up. He watched as he left the locker room before joining the rest of the team in changing for practice.
**
Robert pulled the SUV to a stop behind Betty's small silver hybrid. The GPS had given Robert near perfect directions with a few corrections from Betty. It had sent him the long way though so she showed him the shortcut, trimming about five minutes off the trip. “ So this is your place, “ He asked as he looked at the mobile home the hybrid was parked in front of.
Betty shook her head and pointed to the left. “ No. My house is over there. “
Robert looked to where Betty was pointing to see a little quaint house just on the other side of a long line of walnut trees. A stone path led the way to her front porch between the two rows that flanked the side of the walk. “ Wow. Walnuts, “ Robert muttered.
“ Yeah, “ Betty smiled. “ You have a good eye. “
“ My grandma in Ontario had a huge grove of them, “ Robert smiled a little. “ We used to help her pick them so she could sell them. “
“ We? “ Betty asked.
Robert nodded, “ My mom, dad, big brother and big sister. We'd eat so many every season we'd swear we'd never eat another walnut but the next year, we'd be eating them again. “
“ Oh, “ Betty said. “ My mom used them for dye and to cook with. I think I know how you felt. “
“ Probably, “ Robert looked at her then looked at the building they were parked in front of. “ What's that then if it's not a house? “
Betty looked at the building too. She gave him a sideways glance and a little smile, “ Would you like to see? “
Robert shrugged, “ Sure. Why not? We've got lots of time on our hands. “
Betty got out of the car and Robert followed as she walked towards the building. She was unlocking the door when he got to her. She pushed the door open and Robert lifted up his sunglasses. She flipped a light switch next to the door, an overhead light coming on.
Robert was surprised a bit at the exercise equipment that filled the building. There was a large set free-weights, a treadmill, a recumbent bike and a home gym system, “ Wow. It looks like a gym. “
“ It is, “ Betty said. “ How else do you think I stay in shape? “
Robert looked at her and nodded, “ I guess you do have a point. “
Betty looked at the floor, “ I went a little crazy when I got fired and bought all this stuff. One thing I kept thinking about when I did it was that I was going to get fat because I wasn't working anymore. All the heavy work I did setting up and tearing down kept me in shape and I wasn't going to let myself go. “
Robert nodded, “ That was a good idea. Exercise helps with stress too. “
“ I had plenty of that after I got fired. I didn't know what was going to happen to me if my books got turned down, “ Betty sighed. They were quiet for a long moment then she looked over her shoulder towards the house. “ Ready to go up to the house now? “
Robert nodded and put his sunglasses back down, “ Sure. “
Betty shut the light off and shut the door, locking it again. She then walked towards the path, Robert staying behind her so he didn't crowd her. She seemed uneasy talking about herself and he found it refreshing in an odd way. Pauline was her happiest when she was talking only about herself.
They walked up the path quietly, Betty speeding up a bit when they got closer to the door. She glanced over her shoulder at Robert as she slid the key into the lock. " Do you want something to drink while I'm getting changed? " Betty said as she unlocked her front door.
" Sure, " Robert shrugged as Betty pushed the door open. He followed her inside and she shut the door after he was in. He looked around as he took off his sunglasses then whistled, " Nice digs. "
" Thanks. It's not much but it's home, " Betty smiled. Though her house wasn't huge, it was still her home. It was just an average two-bedroom one-bath place that had been enough for Betty and her mother. " Let me check my messages. "
" Do whatever you need to do, " Robert walked into the living room, glancing around at the paintings that hung on the walls as well as assorted Native American art pieces. Betty had split off from him, going to the telephone in the hallway. " Hey, " He called.
" Huh? " Betty replied from the hall as she listened to her messages. She didn't have her cell phone because it was broken. She was having it fixed so she had to depend on her land line for a few days or so she had explained to Robert. There was a message from her manager about planning another promotional tour and she listened to it.
" These paintings, " Robert said as he looked at one closely as he overheard a message about another promotional tour. " They're nice. "
" Thanks, " Betty called as she finished listening to the message. " What would you like to drink? "
" A soda would be great, " Robert said as he shrugged off his motorcycle jacket. He folded it over his arm because he didn't see anywhere he wanted to set it down without Betty's permission. " Hey Betty. "
" Huh? " Betty replied.
" Have you got something for a headache? Mine just isn't going away, " He wasn't lying. The pills Branslav had given him weren't doing the trick at all and he wondered if the pills were expired.
" Yeah, " Betty called. " Give me a minute. "
" Sure, " Robert said as he looked closer at one of the paintings and listen to Betty moving around in the kitchen. He saw it was signed 'A.S. Rogers'. " Who painted these anyway? "
" My mom, " Betty said as she came out of the kitchen with a large glass of soda and two red pills. " Sorry. All I have is diet and this is my smallest cup. Is that okay? "
" Sure, " Robert took the soda and the pills. " So your mom did this stuff? "
" All of it, " Betty nodded. She put her hand on his coat, “ I'll take your jacket. I'll hang it in the hall. “
" So I guess that means your last name is Rogers? " Robert said as he handed her his jacket. He then threw the pills in his mouth before washing them down with some soda.
" It's Rogers-Skogan, " Betty said. She was trying not to look at him. The steel gray long sleeved shirt he had on clung to him in a way that made Betty recall how he had looked in the early hours of the morning. " My mother's last name was Rogers and my father's was Skogan. "
Robert nodded after he swallowed. The hyphenated last name made Robert wonder but it was still too early to assume anything. He gave her a terse smile, " I see. "
Betty's uneasiness didn't seem to waiver, " Make yourself at home out here and I'll go get freshened up. "
" Do I get to meet your mother? " Robert asked then took a drink of his soda. He swallowed then said, " Since I'm here and all. I wouldn't want to be rude and not say hello. "
Betty looked at the floor, " No. She's not here. "
" Oh? " Robert arched an eyebrow. " Is she at work or something? "
Betty shook her head, " No. She died thirteen months ago. "
" Oh damn I'm sorry, " Robert felt like a jerk. " I didn't know. "
" It's okay, " Betty said. " I know you didn't know. "
Robert looked at her intently, " I'm still sorry. "
" I said it's okay, " Betty said as she backed away from him. It wasn't him asking about her mother that had made her uncomfortable though. She had started noticing little things about him that she hadn't paid attention to before. She took note of the way his dirty blonde hair was just long enough to brush the collar of his shirt, just what a beautiful shade of blue his eyes were and how she felt drawn to him when she looked into them.
" Still, " Robert noticed she was backing away. " I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. "
" It's okay. I'm going to go take care of that stuff I need to do now, " Betty said quietly. “ Make yourself comfortable and I'll be out in a bit. “
Robert watched as Betty retreated through a door off to the side of the living room. He waited for her to shut the door before sitting down on the couch. He leaned forward and put his aching head in his hands when he noticed the coffee table. The tabletop had newspaper clippings trapped between two panes of Plexiglas.
Most of them were yellowed with age but a few looked relatively fresh. He leaned closer, finding one of the newer clippings was the obituary for Annemarie Star Rogers. There was a picture of the woman, an almost perfect copy of Betty except with a slightly darker skin tone and older. Annemarie had indeed died the year before but an adjacent article showed a picture of Betty at what appeared to be an Indian reservation and was dated January, mere days before the ill-fated banquet.
He read it and found that Betty had spent several months locating her mother's tribe so her ashes could be laid to rest with her ancestors. As he read the article about the mother's burial, he heard water running in the bathroom. He figured Betty was taking a shower. She opted not to at Branslav's, citing that she didn't have any of her toiletries or clean clothes there.
Robert scanned the table for any clues about Betty's father as the pain in his head faded away. He found nothing except for his obituary from some fifteen years before for an Andres Charles Skogan. There wasn't a picture though. It said was survived by Betty's mother and a daughter named Beatrix which he assumed was Betty.
Robert looked at some other articles that were preserved in the Plexiglas, finding they were accolades for Annemarie’s art and flyers announcing her exhibitions. He stood up after he read the majority of them, deciding he didn't want to read any more. He looked towards Betty's bedroom door when he heard a creak, finding her door had come open. He could still hear water running in the bathroom so he decided it was safe to take a peek into her room.
He looked in and saw a virtual garden of dried flowers hanging from the ceiling. He looked to the left of the door, finding three towering stacks of DVDs next to a 32" television set, all of which were on a heavy looking small black dresser that set about a foot from the doorway. He squinted as he skimmed the titles of the DVDs, finding Betty had some very eclectic tastes in movies and TV shows. The variety was divided between old horror movies, romance movies, independent films, Japanese anime and Gothic soap operas but that was just what was out.
He imagined she had much more in the dresser or somewhere else he couldn't see. He looked around, finding her bed was in the corner directly across from the door. The queen-sized bed was made, the black comforter tucked just barely under the edges of the pillows. Stuffed animals were lined up along the wall and he smiled, finding it really cute.
He glanced around some more; his eyes being drawn to the mirror in the opposite corner of the room which gave him a perfect view of the bathroom. He heard the water stop running then Betty stepped out of tiny shower he could see was in the corner of that room. She picked up a towel but didn't put it around her body right away. He swallowed hard as he watched her, unable to look away as she moved to the sink, setting the towel down.
She looked even better that he had imagined when he had watched her in Branslav's kitchen. Rivulets of water glistened on her pale skin as she reached for a bottle of baby oil. She poured a little bit into the palm of her hand and set the bottle back down. She rubbed her hands together before she started applying the oil to her wet skin.
His lips became dry as he watched her, her hands moving deftly as rubbed the oil onto her arms and shoulders first then moved to her chest. He clenched his jaw as her fingers glided over her breasts, his fingers curling against the door jamb. He again imagined what it would be like to caress the milky white mounds and flick his fingers across her dusky pink peaks, his heart racing faster at the thought.
He clenched his fingers tighter as her hands dipped lower, rubbing the baby oil into the flesh of her stomach. He imagined what it would be like to run his hands over her belly, licking his lips though his mouth was dry as well. She got some more oil and rubbed it down her hips. Robert shut his eyes to regain his senses, to calm down before he became any more aroused.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when his cell phone rang. He quickly retreated from the door, going back to the couch where his phone fell out of his back pocket. He frowned when he saw the number on the caller ID. He flipped the phone open, trying not to sound sarcastic as he said, " Hello dear. "
" Oh don't sound so happy to hear from me, " Pauline hissed.
" But I am, " Robert replied with feigned sweetness. " I was afraid you weren't ever going to speak to me again. "
" Oh cut the crap, Robert. Why didn't you put that blood in the hospital blood bank before you left? " Pauline asked. " I asked you to do one little thing for our son... "
" Oh. That, " Robert said as he picked up his soda and took a drink. He swallowed then said, " I would have but when I told them I was 'AB' they said I couldn't give blood for Alex. They told me that when I went to give the first time before Alex got sick again. "
Pauline was silent for a long moment then whispered, " You're what? "
" I'm an 'AB' type, " Robert said. " I can only donate to someone else that is 'AB' or at least that's what I was told. "
" What blood type is Alex then? " Pauline asked.
Robert furrowed his brow. The hospital had told him Alex was 'O'. He also knew that Pauline was an 'A' positive and the hospital told him they couldn't have had a child with 'O' type because it was impossible. They had even shown him a website that stated it when he refused to believe it.
" You're his mother. You should know, " Robert said. He was trying very hard to keep his anger in check. Everything in him just wanted to scream at her and demand an explanation right then and there.
" Robert, " Pauline said. " Just tell me what type he is. I need to find someone to give some blood in case there's an accident. "
" The hospital said it was 'O', " Robert replied. He was still surprised Pauline didn't know her own child's blood type.
" 'O'? " Pauline said, her voice low and puzzled. " Are you sure? "
Robert sighed, " Look. I'm just telling you what they told me. "
" I see, " Pauline sighed.
" We'll talk on Tuesday, okay? I plan on being there for the surgery, " Robert said.
" Fine. I'll see you then, " Pauline said and hung up the phone.
Robert snapped his phone closed, wondering what to do next. He thought about picking up the results of the DNA test and giving them to her once he returned home. He knew she was smart enough to figure it out on her own when she saw the test results. From there, he would probably have to find a lawyer and file for divorce.
Somewhere inside, he knew that things were never going to be good again and it was his only option. They had a couple of good years but they were long gone. All they had done for the last two years was fight and Robert couldn't take it anymore. He sighed, deciding not to think about it until he got home.
He glanced towards Betty's bedroom again, feeling drawn to the door again. He walked back to it slowly, finding Betty was in the process of hooking her bra in front of the mirror he had watched her through. She was already in her panties, plain looking black cotton ones. The bra she was putting on matched them.
Once the bra was hooked, she picked up a towel and started to dry her hair. Robert watched as she dried it, bending over to flip it forward so she could get to the underneath. Robert bit his lip as he looked at her rear as it stuck out from her being bent over. His heart raced as he imagined what it would be like to run his hands over it and down her smooth long legs.
Betty turned after she had finished drying her hair to pick up her jeans from where she had laid them on the bed but stopped when she noticed Robert watching her. She quickly grabbed up the towel from where she had dropped it, holding it up to cover herself, " Shut the door! " She shouted.
" Uh, " Robert said as he pulled the door closed. " I just need to use the bathroom. I saw your door open and I thought it was okay to come over here. "
" Okay, " Betty called through the door. " Let me go unlock the bathroom door for you. "
Robert heard the lock on the door next to him click and turned to the bathroom door. He opened it just in time to see the door that led from it to Betty's room shut. He heard the click of another lock, realizing she had locked him out if her room from that side as well. He sighed, leaning against the sink to get his nerves together.
The air was still thick with steam from the shower Betty had taken, the smell of apples and baby oil hanging in the sticky air. It was the same scent that had clung to his skin in the early hours of the morning but it was at least five times stronger in the bathroom. The smell filled his nose, stirring up images of what he had seen before his cell phone rang. He shut his eyes tightly as he tried to clear those images from his mind and get himself calmed down.
He stood in the tiny bathroom for a long time, taking slow deep breaths to regain control. He didn't realize how long he had been in there until Betty knocked on the door. " Robert? Are you okay in there? " She called.
" Yeah, " Robert replied. " I'll be out in a minute. "
" Oh okay, " Betty said. " I'll be in the living room in you need me. "
" Sure, " Robert called back. He waited a couple more minutes then flushed the toilet to give Betty the impression he had really used the bathroom. He then went to the door and opened it, stepping back into the hall. He shut the door and turned to find Betty sitting on the couch.
" Sorry about that, " Robert motioned to the bedroom then put his hands in his front pockets. " I saw the door was open and thought it was safe. "
" That door has problems shutting all the way sometimes. I should have checked it twice before I got into the shower, " Betty replied. She was wearing a dark green silk shirt and black jeans. On her feet were black cowboy style boots with silver stud accents.
" Oh, " Robert nodded. " I didn't see anything so don't think I did. "
" Okay, " Betty nodded. She figured he had only seen her in her underwear but she'd take his word about not seeing anything at all. " No harm no foul then. I need to finish getting ready. "
Robert stepped aside, letting Betty pass him. She opened the door to the bathroom then went in but didn't shut the door. " So what else do you need to do? "
" My make-up, " Betty said as she reached under the sink and pulled out a small train box. " It'll only take a couple of minutes. "
" Oh, " Robert nodded. He walked over to the table again, " I was looking at your coffee table. "
" My mother made that for us, " Betty called. " She said it was supposed to be like a scrapbook. "
" I see that, " Robert wanted to ask her why the only thing pertaining to her father was his obituary but he didn't want to pry. He walked back over to the bathroom, " I read that about how you looked for your mother's family. "
" It was the least I could do for her, " Betty said as she lined her eyes with black eyeliner. Since her lids were already lined with thick dark lashes, the liner did nothing but enhance what she already had. " She asked me to before she died. "
" Oh. It was her last wish, " Robert said.
Betty nodded as she started putting on her eye shadow, " Yeah. "
" That's very good of you, " Robert couldn't think of anything else to say.
" She was my mother, " Betty said. " There wasn't anything else I could do for her. I spent several month trying to find her tribe. "
Robert nodded, " I noticed that from the article. “
Betty put her make-up kit away and turned to face Robert. " There. "
Robert nodded. Betty looked like she had just enhanced her natural beauty and didn't look like she had make-up on at all. " Nice. Very understated, " He said.
" That was the look I wanted, " Betty smiled as she stepped away from the sink.
Robert put his hands in his back pockets, " So. "
" So, " Betty said as she turned off the bathroom light.
" Do you want to go hang out somewhere while we're waiting for Branslav to call? " Robert asked as Betty walked out of the bathroom. “ I'm sure we still have plenty of time to kill. “
Betty shrugged, " I guess so. I don't usually hang out so you'll have to pick somewhere. "
" Well then, " Robert smiled. " We'll have to change that. Now, I haven't been in town for over two years except for the games and that banquet so don't get mad if we get lost. "
" We have the GPS, " Betty reminded Robert. " We won't get too lost. "
Robert nodded, " True. "
" Do you need another drink before we go? " Betty glanced over and saw he had only drank half the soda she had gotten him. " I guess not. "
" I wasn't that thirsty when you got it for me, " Robert grabbed up the glass and drank the rest of the soda. He smiled, “ There. “
“ You didn't have to chug it, “ Betty said.
“ I wanted to. I didn't want to be rude to you, “ Robert said. “ Now, when the caffeine hits, things should get interesting. The stuff makes me crazy. “
Betty laughed at him, " You're crazy already you silly boy. "
Robert chuckled, " I don't know what it is but being around you makes me feel like being silly. You know, in spite of everything that's going on. Those pills you gave me helped too. "
" Thank you, " Betty felt herself blush a bit.
" What were they anyway? " Robert asked.
" Tramadol, " Betty said. " I had tons of it left over after my mom died. They're great for headaches. "
Robert laughed as he remembered what was in the pills. He had been given some after tweaking a groin muscle the season before, " Hell yeah. Synthetic morphine is good for everything. "
" Yeah, " Betty nodded. " It is. "
" No wonder you smile so big, " Robert said. " You're always high. "
“ No. I haven't. Only when I have a headache and I haven't had one in forever, “ Betty defended herself.
“ Right, “ Robert chuckled.
“ No. I haven't. Only when I have a headache and I haven't had one in forever, “ Betty defended herself earnestly.
Robert shook his head, realizing she was taking him too seriously. “ I was just playing with you. “
“ Oh, “ Betty felt embarrassed. She had a tendency to take people too seriously.
Robert smiled a little more at her blushing, " I'm sorry but I have to say this. Can I? "
" Sure, " Betty said. " Say it. "
" You're really cute when you blush, " Robert said. “ The way you smile when you blush is pretty cute too. “
The blush deepened but Betty looked like she couldn't think of anything to say. She took a sharp breath when Robert moved closer, kissing her on the cheek. She looked down at the floor. " Thanks, " She whispered.
Robert hesitated then carefully slipped his arms around her and hugged her lightly. She startled at the contact then relaxed a bit. " No, thank you for being so kind. You just don't understand how bad I needed it. "
Betty put her arms around Robert slowly, obviously not sure what to do other than return his hug. She held onto him as long as he held onto her before the ringing of his phone made them break it up. Robert went to the coffee table and picked it up. " Damn, " He muttered and answered it. " Hello? "
" Robert, " It was Pauline again. " I want to know what's going on. I just called the hospital and they said the same thing. "
" Of course they did, " Robert said. " I told you it was them who told me. I don't match. "
" How is that even possible? " Pauline hissed. " How can you not be a match? "
" Look, I can't do anything about it from here. Just wait until I get back, okay? " Robert didn't want to mention the private lab he had used to confirm his suspicions. It was his ace in the hole in case she tried to deny the truth.
" Fine then, " Pauline said. " We'll get to the bottom of this. I'll try to find someone to donate for Alex as well. "
" You do that, " Robert said. " Now just settle down and I'll see you when I get home. I'm sure there's a logical explanation. "
" Okay then, " Pauline said and hung up again.
" Like I'm not his father, " Robert muttered as he snapped his phone closed before putting it back on the coffee table. He turned to find Betty wasn't in the living room. He looked around then walked towards the kitchen, finding she wasn't there either.
He came back to the living room and went to her open bedroom door, finding her sitting on the foot of her bed. He looked at the floor. " Sorry about that, " Robert leaned against the door frame. " I didn't mean to be rude like that. "
" You weren't, " Betty said. " From the way it sounded, you were talking to your wife. "
Robert nodded, " Yeah. I was. She called earlier and wanted to know why I hadn't put the blood in like I was supposed to before I left. "
" What did she say? " Betty asked.
" I told her that I wasn't a match and we'd deal with it when I got home. I want her to see the results for herself then I'm going to a lawyer, " Robert shrugged. " It's the best thing I can think of. "
" Yeah. This would be better dealt with in person, " Betty nodded slowly.
" Yup, " Robert sighed, looking around Betty's room. He hadn't noticed before but all four walls were one huge mural. It had a very distinctive Native American theme, depicting different aspects of how life was in the days before the Americans came west. " Your walls, " He started.
" My mom and I did it together when I was fourteen, " Betty said. She was happy the subject had changed though she really didn't like to talk about herself that much. " When we moved into this house. "
" Oh, " Robert looked at her. " So you paint and write? "
She nodded then shook her head, " Actually not really. This was the last thing I ever painted. My mother had to drag me through it. "
" Ah, " Robert looked around again. " You're still very talented. "
" Thank you, " Betty said quietly. She still wasn't quite sure how to react to compliments though she had received many on her books. Though she was a noted author, she still felt like her plain old humble self.
Robert looked at the flower-covered ceiling as he tried to think of something else to talk about. Seeing her sitting on the bed was making his mind go to places he didn't want it to go so he needed a diversion. He felt bad enough peeping in on her after she got out of the shower but to think about laying her down was making him feel even worse.
" What's the story behind those? " He pointed up to make conversation.
Betty looked away, " When my mom died... "
Robert put his right hand up, " Stop right there. I don't want to upset you. "
Betty put her hands up, " No. I'll tell you. It's okay. You've told me things about you so it's only fair. "
" Okay, " Robert said. " Tell me if you want but don't if it's going to make you cry. I don't want to see you cry. "
" I'll tell you. When my mom died, the church kept sending flowers and I didn't know what to do with them. So, I got a whole bunch of string and thumbtacks and I just started hanging them up. It took me a week to get them all up, " Betty said.
" Wow, " Robert said. " You must have worked for hours each day. "
" Yeah, " Betty let out a strained chuckle. " Grief makes you do some pretty strange things. "
Robert nodded but said nothing, staying quiet for a very long moment. The word 'church' had explained a lot about why she had never drank before and was such a good girl. " So do you still go? "
" Go where? " Betty said. She had gotten lost in own thoughts in the silence. She had been thinking about the way Robert had felt when she held him early that morning and again before his wife called.
She had never hugged anyone except for what little family she had and a few of her friends. Hugging Robert wasn't hugging any of them. He was hard and warm, his arms feeling like they were strong enough to conquer anything. She found herself wanting to hold him again, to feel his rock hard body pressed against her.
" Church, " Robert said. He noticed the look in Betty's eyes. She looked like she had been thinking but he didn't know what about. “ Do you still go to church? “
Betty shook her head, " I got ran out after my books came out. They couldn't believe I wrote that stuff and they asked me not to come back. "
" That's a shame, " Robert was appalled but not exactly surprised. " You're a very gifted writer. "
" They don't think so, " Betty sighed. " They told me I was sinner for writing those things. I couldn't believe they turned their backs on me so easily after I went there for so long. I was even baptized there. "
" That's awful, " Robert said. " They should have known you better than to think that about you. "
" It was just the opposite. They said I wasn't the girl they thought I was, " Betty shook her head. " They said they didn't even know who I was. "
" Who cares what they think anyway right? " Robert offered. It was true that Betty's writing was gritty, graphic and brutal but it was also captivating, making each of her books bona fide page-turners. " The rest of the world thinks you're hot stuff. So do I. "
Betty smiled and blushed once again, " If you say so. "
" I say so, " Robert walked in and sat down next to Betty on the foot of the bed. He gingerly slid his right arm around her shoulders, pulling her to his side slowly. She took a sharp breath and stiffened like he had startled her. Betty turned to look at Robert, their eyes locking.
She could scarcely breathe as he moved closer. He brought his left hand up to her face, stroking her cheek before letting his thumb stray to her lips. She shivered at his touch though she seemed tense. He sighed then quietly said, " You're a very wonderful person, Betty. Don't let the bad things others think about you bother you. "
" Robert, " She whispered.
" Shh. You're the most beautiful person I've ever met, “ Robert whispered. He moved his hand to her throat, finding her heart racing again. " Inside and out. "
She let out a gasp as he brushed her lips lightly. He tilted her chin just a bit just as his cell phone rang in the living room. Robert let it ring as he kissed Betty gently. He was afraid she would resist but she didn't, yielding to him and returning the kiss shyly.
Robert tried to deepen the kiss but Betty froze, taking a sharp breath before pulling away. She looked a little frightened then muttered, " I'm sorry. "
" Sorry? " Robert was confused.
" I can't do this, " Betty got to her feet then ran to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
**
Branslav listened as Robert's phone kept ringing, wondering why he wasn't answering. He sat back down in front of his locker, snapping his phone closed when the voice mail picked up. Daniel walked in, " Hey man. You get him yet? "
" No, " Branslav shook his head.
" What was he going to do with Betty anyway? " Daniel asked. " Where were they going? "
" To her house so she could shower and change but I don't know after that, " Branslav said.
" Oh, " Daniel nodded. He glanced at Branslav, " So how did your date go yesterday? "
Branslav frowned, " It went. "
" Uh oh, " Daniel said. " What happened? "
" I don't know where to begin, " Branslav shook his head. " It was just weird. "
" Oh, " Daniel nodded. " Why don't you just start at the beginning? "
Branslav glared at Daniel then sighed, " Okay. "