Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter Thirty Eight ( Chapter 38 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: bekka_mouri_hibiki 
Branslav and Lotte have dinner but he leaves to call Betty. Betty and Robert talk about their pasts a little.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.30.2009 | Pages: 19 | Words: 7.7K | Visits: 170 | Status: Completed
Branslav and Lotte have dinner but he leaves to call Betty. Betty and Robert talk about their pasts a little.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.30.2009 | Pages: 19 | Words: 7.7K | Visits: 170 | Status: Completed
All-Star Dreams: Chapter Thirty-Eight
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Branslav looked up from his menu at Lotte. He had taken her to dinner an Italian restaurant to cheer her up but it wasn't working. She wasn't even looking at her menu, just staring at the table. Branslav reached over and grabbed her menu up, shaking it. “ Order something. “
“ You think food will fix everything, “ Lotte muttered but didn't take the menu. Her usual spitfire demeanor was slowly returning but she still looked bothered by something.
“ You need to keep your strength up, “ Branslav out the menu back down. “ Pick something or I'll order for you. “
Lotte picked up the menu, “ Then I'll order. You'll order something I don't like. You always do. “
Branslav frowned, “ I was going to get you the eggplant. “
“ I hate eggplant and you know it, “ Lotte looked at the menu. " I've hated it since I was a child. "
Branslav sighed, “ Whatever. “
Lotte browsed the menu and made up her mind to get a salad. It was food and it would satisfy Branslav that she was eating. “ So your little friend was on TV this morning? “
Branslav looked up, “ Yeah. Did you see her? “
“ Yes, “ Lotte said. “ I watch that show every morning so of course I saw her. She looks well. “
“ They did a good job hiding that she was hurt, “ Branslav said. “ To anyone who didn't know, she looked fine. “
“ Yes she did, “ Lotte said as the waitress walked up.
“ May I take your order? “ The young woman asked as she set down a small basket of garlic bread.
“ I'll have a large chef's salad, “ Lotte said and handed the menu to the waitress.
Branslav sighed then said, “ I'll have the spaghetti with an extra order of meatballs. “
The waitress took Branslav's menu after writing down his order and left. Lotte looked at the table, “ Now. Back on the subject we were on. “
“ Yes? “ Branslav arched an eyebrow. He prepared himself for what she was going to say. He knew whatever it was it would be critical. He could tell by the look in her eyes.
“ What was with that flirting this morning? “ Lotte asked as she got a piece of bread. " It was disgusting. "
“ That man started it, “ Branslav grabbed some bread too. “ I think she was just being polite. “
“ Flirting is not polite, “ Lotte said then took a bite of bread.
Branslav eyed the bread, “ I thought you said you didn't feel like eating. “
“ I do now, “ Lotte said sharply. " Didn't you just say I need to keep my strength up? "
“ Yeah, “ Branslav wasn't sure to be happy that the bitch in her was coming back but it was better than seeing her look helpless and crying. Seeing Lotte weak scared him more than anything. “ Well she seemed very nervous about it so I think she was just playing along to get through the interview. “
“ Whatever, “ Lotte waved her hand. " She looked like she was enjoying it to me. "
“ She's not that kind of girl, “ Branslav said firmly.
“ I have yet to see what kind of girl she is. If she's anything like the ones in her stories then I don't want to know, “ Lotte said.
“ She's not, “ Branslav pointed out. “ She's quite the opposite actually. “
“ You haven't know her long enough to say such a thing about her, “ Lotte scoffed. She cocked her head to the side, “ How is she? It's been a few days since she got hurt. “
“ She's still being watched, “ Branslav said. “ Robert wanted keep an eye on her for a little longer than the doctor said just to see if she'd be alright. “
“ So Robert is still with her? “ Lotte asked.
“ Until noon tomorrow. He has to go home then. He has things to do, “ Branslav replied.
“ I see, “ Lotte nodded. “ Have you been keeping tabs on them to make sure she hasn't had a relapse? “
“ Until last night yes, “ Branslav said.
“ What happened last night? “ Lotte asked. By Branslav's tone, she could tell it wasn't very good. " Did she get sick again and have to go back into the hospital for some reason? "
“ No. Robert told me not to call so much, “ Branslav sighed. " He said I was disturbing Betty's rest. "
“ Have you been calling a lot? “ Lotte looked like she already knew the answer to the question. She knew he stepbrother had a tendency to be obsessive, especially when it came to girls.
“ I called a few times, “ Branslav tried to make it sound like he hadn't been constantly checking on them.
“ Define a few, “ Lotte knew it would differ greatly from her idea of the concept.
Branslav shrugged, “ I didn't keep count. I just called whenever I had a few moments. “
“ How many times Branslav? “ Lotte said sharply.
Branslav furrowed his brow as he thought then sighed, “ I guess about a dozen if you count the times I called today and she didn't answer. Like I said, I didn't keep a solid count of how many times I called. “
“A dozen? “ Lotte's eyes went wide. “ That's a little more than a few. “
“ I wanted to make sure things were going alright, “ Branslav said. He looked at the table, “ But I stopped calling Robert because he keeps asking me what's bugging me and he said not to call him again until I want to talk about it. “
“ You had better not talk about it. He can do nothing to change it so it would be pointless to say anything, “ Lotte's tone was sharp.
“ I know that! “ Branslav responded just as harshly. “ That's why I told him I would not call him again. “
“ So how are you going to find out how your precious little Betty is doing? “ Lotte asked. .
“ I have her phone number so I'll just call her directly, “ Branslav said. It was what he had intended when he put himself in her contacts list but the dead battery had thwarted that. " Robert's getting to pushy anyway. He's been telling me how to live my life a lot lately. "
Lotte nodded once, “ How so? “
Branslav frowned, " He's just being picky about everything. "
" I see, " Lotte nodded once. She thought it was strange that Robert had so much free time all of a sudden and wondered what was going on with him. She had been pondering it since he had trashed the hotel room.
Branslav could sense Lotte was thinking something just by the look in her eyes. He narrowed his eyes, “ What is it? “
“ What is what? “ Lotte said.
“ You're thinking something, “ Branslav started.
“ No I'm not, “ Lotte was indeed thinking something but she wanted to hear more before she said anything. She took another bite of bread. She then looked at Branslav again, “ Have you tried to call her directly since last night? “
Branslav looked over his stepsister's shoulder, “ I told you I had but she hasn't answered. Her phone died at my house. “
“ She's hasn't answered at all? “ Lotte looked suspicious. " Not even called you back? "
“ Don't look that way, “ Branslav narrowed his eyes. “ She probably hasn't had the chance to charge it. It's probably not the first thing on her mind. “
“ I see, “ Lotte took a sip of water. She set her glass down, “ So she's alone with Robert? No one else is there? “
“ Yes she's alone with him, “ Branslav said. “ Who else would be there? She has no family at all and no friends to care for her. “
“ Obviously, “ Lotte said. She then quirked her mouth, “ And you trust him? “
“ Of course I do, “ Branslav said. “ I wouldn't have left her in his care if I didn't. He's my friend. Well, he was. “
“ I suppose you could trust him since he is married, “ Lotte reached for another piece of bread. She wondered silently if something had happened though. The hotel room incident came to the front of her mind again. No one really knew why Robert had done such a random thing and she knew there was something Branslav wasn't telling her. There was some missing piece to the puzzle and she wanted to know what it was.
“ Exactly, “ Branslav didn't miss the critical look his stepsister was giving him. Lotte didn't need to know that Robert was getting a divorce and he was determined not to tell her. It was none of her business and only would make her more suspicious.
“ And he DOES have a reputation of being such an upstanding person, “ Lotte added but there was a hint of sarcasm.
“ Yes he does, “ Branslav ignored her tone. He knew she was aware of his college days when he was viewed quite the opposite. Very few people knew of how he had been in school and it had been kept secret to keep Robert's squeaky-clean reputation intact.
Lotte took a bite of her bread and cocked her head to the side, “ However, they do say old habits die hard. “
“ What do you mean by that? “ Branslav furrowed his brow. Branslav knew though. He had heard from Robert that he had been a wild child in college but didn't believe most of it. Robert liked to tell stories and exaggerate on the details so he never really knew what was true and what was embellished for dramatic effect.
" It's just the way he was in college before he got married, " Lotte said. " You know how he was. Everyone knew how he was back then. "
" Yes but that was then. He changed, " Branslav said.
" Or so he wants everyone to think, " Lotte shrugged.
" What are you getting at? " Branslav frowned.
“ Nothing. It is just talk, “ Lotte put her hand up. She knew she had planted a seed of doubt in her stepbrother's mind though just by the look on his face.
Branslav looked towards the exit of the restaurant, “ I'll be right back. “
“ Where are you going? “ Lotte asked as he got up.
“ I said I'd be back, “ Branslav said and headed for the door. Once he was in the parking lot, he got his phone out. He checked to see if he had any messages but he didn't. He frowned and went to his contact list.
**
Robert lay next to Betty, watching her sleep. As soon as they got home, she said she was tired so he put her to bed. He had busied himself doing laundry and dishes as she rested, returning to her side when he ran out of things to do. As he stared at her, he thought about what he was going to do without her.
They would only be apart for a little more than a day but he didn't know if he could take being away from her for even that long. After that, they would be separated again for God only knew how long. He reached over, lightly brushing her bangs away from her forehead so he could kiss her there as she slept . He sighed when he heard the faint ringing of her phone out in the living room where she had dropped her purse.
He rolled his eyes, pretty sure who was calling. He listened as it rang and rang then finally stopped, certain her voice mail had gotten it. A few seconds passed then it rang again. The process repeated itself two more times when Betty stirred. “ Is that my phone? “ She whispered as she roused.
“ Yeah, “ Robert sighed.
“ Do you think we should answer it? “ Betty asked, keeping her eyes closed.
Robert frowned, “ You know who it is. “
“ True, “ Betty muttered.
“ He's called four times, “ Robert said as the ringing stopped again. A few seconds later, it began again. “ That makes five. “
“ He'll keep calling if we don't answer, “ Betty opened her eyes.
“ I know, “ Robert sighed. “ Do you want me to get it? “
Betty sighed and nodded, “ Yeah. “
Robert reluctantly got out of the bed, going to the living room. He grabbed up her purse and opened it, feeling around until he found her phone. He looked at the caller ID, finding he had been correct on the identity of the caller. He carried the phone back as it stopped ringing.
“ It's him, “ Robert said as the phone began again.
Betty took the phone, “ I'll handle it. “
“ I'll step in if he gets out of control, “ Robert said as she flipped the phone open. “ In fact, put it on speaker. I'll stay quiet. “
Betty nodded as she set it for speaker and answered in a sleepy-sounding voice, “ Hello? “
“ Betty, “ Branslav sounded panicked. “ What took you so long to answer? I called six times. “
“ My phone was in my purse and I was sleeping, “ Betty said. “ I didn't hear it right away. “
“ What about Robert? Why didn't he get it for you? “ Branslav asked.
“ He was asleep on the couch, “ Betty said. “ He did get it for me after you woke him up. “
Branslav sighed, “ Oh. I just got scared. I've been trying to check on you all day but you didn't answer. “
Betty shut her eyes, “ I just got around to charging my phone this morning after the TV thing. “
“ I didn't try to call the first time until after that, “ Branslav said.
“ Then it was still getting charged up. Then I couldn't have it on in the hospital, you know that. I checked on my way to the billing office and found you had called me so many times, “ Betty explained.
“ Oh, “ Branslav said. “ What did the doctor say? “
Betty glanced at Robert, “ I'm fine. He wants me to rest as much as possible and not strain myself too much until I'm over the concussion. He said I won't have a lot of energy until my concussion is completely healed. “
“ Will I still be able to see you Friday? “ Branslav asked.
“ I told you 'no' already, “ Betty said sharply. She curled her fingers against the bed as she spoke. Branslav was starting to make her look frustrated her again. “ Didn't you hear anything I just said? “
“ Yes but I still need to see you, “ Branslav said. “ It's important. “
“ Tell me why it is, “ Betty said.
“ I don't want to say it over the phone, “ Branslav said.
“ Then we can talk about it Saturday, “ Betty tightened her grip on the bed sheet. She glanced at Robert, “ There's something I need to tell you too. “
Branslav was quiet for a long moment, “ What is it? “
Betty looked at Robert, “ I want to tell you Saturday. “
“ But if I come over Friday, “ Branslav started.
“ Branslav! “ Betty nearly shouted. “ I can't see you Friday. I want to rest. If I don't rest, I can't see you Saturday. Can you understand that? “
Branslav was quiet again then sighed, “ I'll try to wait until then. “
“ Thank you, “ Betty said. “ Now, may I please go back to sleep? “
Branslav sighed, “ Yes. Betty? “
“ What? “ Frustration crept into Betty's voice again.
“ You looked beautiful this morning, “ Branslav said quietly.
Betty shut her eyes, “ Thank you. Now, let me rest. “
“ Okay, “ Branslav said. “ Goodnight angel. “
“ Goodnight, “ Betty said then snapped her phone closed. Hearing him call her 'angel' sent a chill down her spine and not in a good way either. When her father was being relatively nice, he called her 'angel'.
Robert watched as she slammed the phone down on the bed. He could see she was visibly upset and annoyed. He couldn't think of anything to say so he waited for her to speak. She growled and looked at the phone, Robert bracing himself for what she would say.
“ He's really getting on my nerves now, “ Betty said. “ I guess it's the concussion but I just don't have the patience I used to have. “
Robert nodded. Pauline had been on a hair trigger after her concussion but Robert was doing his best to to think of her or compare Betty to her. “ The impatience comes along with it. The pamphlets I read in the doctor's office said that. “
“ I just want to tell him right now to go away and leave me alone, “ Betty looked at her phone. “ I'll call him back right now. “
Robert grabbed the phone then sat down on the edge of the bed. He looked at her with the most serious look he could muster, “ Don't do it over the phone. You have to tell him to his face. “
“ But why? “ Betty said. “ The phone will be easier... “
“ No it won't. Look, I know him. If you tell him over the phone, he'll show up here demanding a face-to-face explanation from you and you'll be alone with him. If you tell him at the arena, there will be other people around in case he doesn't take it well. “
Betty blinked, “ You think he'll get violent or something? “
“ He might have a tantrum, “ Robert said. “ I just don't want you to be alone when you tell him. “
“ But I still don't know what I'm going to tell him, “ Betty said.
“ What were you going to tell him now? “ Robert arched an eyebrow.
Betty bit her lip then sighed, “ I don't know. I guess that I don't think it'll work, wish him the best and not to see me again. “
Robert sighed, “ No. You need to be truthful. He's going to need you to spell it out for him why you don't want to see him again. “
“ What exactly do I tell him? “ Betty asked. She didn't know if she could come up with the words on her own.
“ Tell him the things you told me about why you don't like him, “ Robert said. “ Tell him that you want to be with me. “
“ Don't you think he'll come after you at the arena if I tell him that? “ Betty asked.
Robert sighed, “ He's going to come after me either way but don't worry about that. I can kick his ass no problem. I'm more worried about what he might do when you tell him. “
“ Oh, “ Betty said. Her frustration gave way to fear as she realized one possibility. “ Do you think he'll hit me? “
Robert shook his head, noting she looked seriously scared. “ He doesn't hit women. He'll break something or have a fit but he won't hit you. “
“ Okay, “ Betty said quietly. She looked at the bed, “ I don't know if I could take being hit. My dad... “
Robert hooked his right index finger under her chin after her voice trailed off and made her look at him. He found she was starting to cry. “ Baby, don't talk about it if it'll upset you. “
“ You should know, “ Betty blinked away her tears. She took a shuddering breath then said, “ My dad used to hit me all the time, especially when he was drunk and that was most of the time. He'd have tantrums too. I don't know if I could face that again after so many years. “
Robert felt his heart sink. He couldn't imagine anyone beating someone so kind and sweet as Betty. “ Oh baby. I didn't know. “
“ I know you didn't. I don't know if I can face him now if he's going to be that way,“ Betty blinked away more tears.
“ Then I'll be there with you, “ Robert looked her in the eyes. “ If he loses it, I'll take him down. “
“ Don't beat him up, “ Betty grabbed his left wrist.
“ I won't beat him up unless I have to, “ Robert said. “ But I'll still be there if it'll help you be strong. “
Betty smiled a little, “ Thank you. It will. “
“ I'll be for you then babe, “ Robert smiled gently.
**
Lotte watched as Branslav ate his dinner. She had eaten some of her salad but didn't feel like eating any more of it. She had filled up on too much bread to have room for the whole thing. “ So why did you have to go outside earlier? “ She asked him between the bites he was taking.
Branslav stopped and looked at her, “ I had to make a phone call. “
“ Oh really? “ Lotte asked. “ To Betty? “
Branslav put his fork down, “ Yes. To her. “
“ Did she answer? “ Lotte asked. She was pretty sure Branslav hadn't given up until he reached her.
Branslav nodded, “ Yes. She did. She was sleeping so I didn't stay on long. “
Lotte nodded, “ I expected as much. And Robert? “
“ I told you I'm not speaking to him, “ Branslav said.
“ No. I mean where was he? “ Lotte arched an eyebrow.
“ He got the phone for her, “ Branslav picked his fork up again. He decided she was going to grill him and he didn't want to wait until the interrogation was over to continue eating. He took a bite, “ She told me that. “
“ Ah, “ Lotte nodded. “ So is she coming to the game Saturday? “
Branslav kept his eyes on his food, “ You know Martin doesn't want her around. “
“ But is she coming? “ Lotte asked sharply.
“ You'll just tell Martin if I tell you she is, “ Branslav said.
Lotte picked up her fork and started poking at her salad, “ Maybe I won't. “
Branslav stopped mid-chew and looked at her, “ What? “
Lotte looked at the salad as she moved it around, “ It seems you're determined to be with this girl so I won't stand in your way any longer. “
Branslav arched an eyebrow as he swallowed. He sounded skeptical when he asked, “ Are you serious? “
Lotte nodded, “ Yes. It seems this will just have to run its course since you are being stubborn. Don't come crying to me when you get hurt though. “
“ What makes you think I'll get hurt? “ Branslav asked. “ I don't think she'll hurt me. “
“ I never thought James would either, “ Lotte said. “ Just be careful, okay? “
Branslav quirked his mouth, “ I won't get hurt. Trust me. “
**
" So do you need anything else? " Robert asked as Betty got back in the bed. He had just brought her back from the bathroom and she said she wanted to rest again.
" Can you stay and talk with me some? " Betty looked at him imploringly.
" Sure, " Robert nodded. " What do you want to talk about? "
" You can ask me anything you want you know, " Betty blurted out then stopped. " Sorry. It's just we still don't know a whole lot about each other and, well, I'd like us to get to know each other better before you have to go. "
Robert smirked, " Can I really ask you anything? "
" Sure you... " Betty said then stopped short. " Wait. You aren't going to... "
Robert chuckled, " You did say anything. "
" But I didn't mean that, " Betty stammered.
" Anything means anything, " Robert reminded her. He knew that there was a good chance she wouldn't but he couldn't help playing with her.
Betty sighed, " Okay. Ask it. "
“ What you were thinking the other night? “ Robert arched an eyebrow.
Betty's blush deepened, " Robert. "
“ Come on, “ Robert smiled. “ Tell me. It's okay. “
Betty wet her lips and glanced away, “ Do you really really want to know? “
Robert smirked, “ Yeah. I've been dying with curiosity since you told me. “
Betty sighed, “ Okay. “
“ You're really going to tell me? “ Robert arched an eyebrow. She really looked like she was going to tell him. “ You don't have to. “
“ I will, “ Betty said. She took a deep breath, “ Remember how you kept spilling beer on yourself at the club? “
Robert looked at her then smirked, “ Yeah. When I was having the drinking problem. I recall that much. “
“ Well, “ Betty tried to keep her nerve up. “ Remember how you unbuttoned your shirt? “
“ The best I could yeah, “ Robert nodded. He had started the outing off in a sweater but soon ditched it after dinner changing into something lighter. The shirt he had changed into only had four buttons so it didn't open very far. “ What about it? “
Betty looked away, “ I started thinking about what it would be like to lick beer off your chest. “
Robert chuckled at that, “ Oh wow. I would of never expected that from you. “
“ I was drunk and my imagination was going crazy, “ Betty said, unable to keep herself from smiling as she spoke. " You lied to me about how strong those drinks were. "
“ No I didn't. You're the captain of the S.S. Cheapdate, “ Robert smiled. He was almost shocked at how little booze it took to get her intoxicated considering her size. He then remembered she had never drank before he had gotten her drunk.
Betty giggled at that, “ Whatever. Anyway, my imagination was going crazy and I thought about what it would have been like to do that then where it could have led. “
Robert's mind was running through the possible scenarios already. He could see the licking leading to all sorts of things. He was very curious so he asked, “ Well where do you think it could have led to? “
Betty looked at him warily, like she didn't know how he'd react. “ I don't know. I thought of a lot of stuff but I was drunk so I don't remember everything. “
“ Tell me what you do remember though, “ Robert wanted to hear it.
Betty sighed, “ I don't know if I can tell you. “
“ You write about it all the time so it should be easy. Is it like one of your stories? “ Robert asked.
Betty bit her lip, “ Not really. Not one I had already written anyway. “
“ Did you write one after that though? “ Robert arched an eyebrow.
Betty felt herself blush again. She had actually written out one of the scenarios she recalled after getting home, “ Maybe you could read it some time. “
“ I don't want to wait to read it, “ Robert said. “ Just tell me now. “
Betty took a deep breath; “ Well, I imagined us doing that at the club and us stealing away from the crowd to some abandoned alley. “
Robert's eyes got wide, “ Wow. To do what? “
Betty laughed with nervousness, “ Um. Well I guess to make out until neither of us could stand it anymore and do it there. “
Robert took a deep breath, imagining what it would be like to do exactly what Betty had described. Though the details were sparse, his mind didn't hesitate to fill in the blanks. He could see her bent over in front of him, her hands bracing herself against the wall as he took her from behind. He fended the vision off, trying not to get excited all over again.
He wanted to make love to her again but he was trying to stay mindful of her condition. He didn't want to put her in any danger just to satisfy his desires. He really hadn't had the nerve to ask the doctor if it was safe for her. The first go hadn't caused any problems but he was still trying to be careful.
“ Robert? “ Betty furrowed her brow. “ What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything? “
“ I'm speechless baby, “ Robert finally found his voice. “ That sounds really hot. “
Betty looked at the bed, “ I saw it in a movie once. “
Robert nodded, “ Ah. “
“ Everything I know I've either read or seen in a movie so... “ Betty started but Robert silenced her with a finger.
“ Yeah. I figured, “ He nodded as he let his finger fall away from her lips. “ But you've got a good imagination too. “
“ Thanks, “ Betty muttered.
" Okay then, " Robert reached down and cradled the side of her face. “ Tell me something else. “
“ What? “ Betty asked.
“ It's really personal so you don't have to answer if you don't want to, “ Robert said.
“ Ask it then I'll decide if I want to answer it, “ Betty replied.
Robert stroked her cheekbone with his thumb, “ Have you ever had a boyfriend? “
Betty shut her eyes, “ No. “
“ Why not? “ Robert asked though he was pretty sure he knew. He could tell she was painfully shy the first time they met. He was tired of standing up so he sat down on the edge of the bed.
“ No one wanted me when I was in High School. I got made fun of all the time and I ended up getting out a year early because I couldn't take it anymore and I was too smart for that place anyway, “ Betty said.
“ I got out early too. I was a brainiac and skipped ninth grade, “ Robert smiled a little as he took his hand away from Betty. “ I was such a little nerd berger so I got picked on a lot too. I have to find a picture of me when I was in school. You'll laugh your ass off. “
“ You? Little? “ Betty couldn't imagine it.
Robert smiled, “ I had a growth spurt between sixteen and seventeen. It was like I was five foot five and a hundred and thirty pounds one day and the next, I was six foot five and two thirty. Boom, just like that. “
“ Did you play basketball in high school? “ Betty asked.
“ Ha. No, “ Robert laughed. “ Well, not until my senior year. I was a bench warmer slash water boy until then. I wanted to play though. I practiced my ass off even though I was the shortest guy on the team until I grew. “
“ So I guess all that practice paid off huh? “ Betty asked.
“ I blew them away, “ Robert said. “ I never started until my senior year and I was making the most points on the team by the time we reached the regionals. My high school hadn't been in the regionals for twelve years. “
“ Wow, “ Betty said.
“ Yeah. It was pretty amazing. We beat the best team out of Regina and got the championship my last year. Six of us got scholarships to different colleges that year. It was the highest number of scholarships awarded to students from my school ever, “ Robert felt like it was so long ago though it had only been eight years.
“ And where are you from again? “ Betty couldn't remember if he had even mentioned it.
“ Oh. Saskatoon, “ Robert realized he had never told her.
“ Oh, “ Betty nodded. “ I was born and raised here in Reno. “
Robert furrowed his brow, “ Really? “
Betty nodded, “ Yeah. “
“ Wow, “ Robert said. " Have you ever been anywhere else? "
" Just traveling, " Betty said. " You know, for signing dates and such. Other than that, I've always been here. "
" I've lived four places in my life, " Robert said. " Saskatoon, Colorado, here and Taos. I guess I haven't gotten around too much either. "
" You've lived more places than I have, " Betty sighed.
" True, " Robert nodded. " But moving sucks so you're lucky. "
“ If you say so, " Betty sighed. She looked like she was thinking then asked, " So where did you go to college? "
Robert smiled, “ Colorado College. It was pretty nice. “
“ Sounds like it, “ Betty said. “ Where is it? “
“ Colorado Springs, “ Robert said.
“ That was a big move when the Supernovas got you then huh? “ Betty knew it was at least a thousand miles.
Robert nodded, “ Oh Hell yeah it was a big move. It was a rough one too with a eight and a half month pregnant woman in a car with no air conditioning. Pauline was due any day so I was busting my ass to get here. It was the end of May and hotter than a bitch too. I had a cooler filled with iced down towels so Pauline wouldn't get too hot. “
“ Alex wasn't born yet? “ Betty asked.
“ Nope, “ Robert shook his head. “ He was born a week after we got here. The car broke down in Salt Lake City and we had to stay there for two days while it was getting fixed. The mechanic took pity on us and fixed the air conditioning for free. Once we got here, we had to live in a hotel while I looked for a house. “
“ Did you find somewhere quickly? “ Betty asked.
“ No. It took about six months to save up enough for a down payment for something that was to Princess Pauline's liking and had room for Alex to have his own room. Maybe I'll show you the old house before I leave, “ Robert got a little bit of a far away look in his eyes. Pauline and he had been happier that first couple of years they had been married.
“ If it's going to make you feel bad I don't want to see it, “ Betty said.
“ Nah, “ Robert said. “ Things were still pretty good when we lived here and we didn't fight too much, just off and on. Things went bad after we moved to Taos. Well, they were good for about a year then I guess that's when she started cheating on me. I don't know. “
“ So you came out here to play for the team, “ Betty said. “ I guess you met Branslav about that time? “
“ Well I moved here in June and I met him in September, “ Robert nodded. “ I came in for training camp and there was this tall guy sitting off in the corner, not talking to anybody and I didn't know anyone either so I just walked over and asked him if he was new too. “
“ What did he say? “ Betty listened intently.
“ He said he was and asked me if I was too. I told him yes and we started talking even though his English was pretty bad at the time. We talked every day after that and started hanging out when I could, “ Robert sighed. “ He didn't really know anyone else and he didn't like being around his sister that much. “
“ But how did you have time with a baby and all? “ Betty furrowed her brow.
“ Pauline's mother was between husbands at the time so she spent a lot of time here and the two of them drug him everywhere so I didn't get to see him except at night, “ Robert said.
“ Oh, “ Betty nodded.
“ I got to bond with him and everything though so it was okay. Pauline capitalized his attention and care for the most part, “ Robert said “ I was kind of busy anyway with the team and Branslav was there so it was easy to spend time with him. “
“ I guess since you guys had to play together and practice together it makes sense, “ Betty agreed.
Robert laughed, " His English was so awful when we first met. I think I taught him a lot but he was taking classes too so I really don't know. "
" He had to learn to get around I'm sure, " Betty said.
“ Yeah, “ Robert nodded. “ Anyway. What were we talking about before we got off on that tangent about myself? “
“ You asked me why I hadn't had a boyfriend before, “ Betty said quietly.
“ Oh yeah, “ Robert nodded. “ How come? I mean, besides what you already told me. “
“ Well, “ Betty started. “ I was always a big girl. Actually, I was quite fat when I was in elementary and middle school. Then, I had this freakish growth spurt. “
“ Kind of like me huh? “ Robert asked.
“ Yeah kind of, “ Betty said. “ Anyway, I got tall and lost a lot of weight when I was about fifteen. For a while, the doctors thought I wasn't going to stop growing and they thought I had a tumor in my pituitary but all the scans and x-rays came out negative. They even stuck a microscopic camera up my nose to really be sure. “
“ Were you scared? “ Robert was pretty sure she was.
“ Yeah. Very. Finally, it stopped when I was seventeen, “ Betty sighed. “ We still had contact with my dad's dad at that time and we didn't want to worry him because he wasn't in good health so we didn't tell him until it was all over. “
“ Was he a nice guy? “ Robert asked. He understood Betty's dad hadn't been a good person but the mention of the grandfather begged the question.
“ He was wonderful, “ Betty said quietly. “ I was his pride and joy. We told him about the growth spurt and how the doctors thought I was sick or something and he just laughed. He said I was a Skogan through and through. As it turned out, there's something in our genes that makes us shoot up like that. It was perfectly natural. “
“ How tall was he? “ Robert asked.
“ I only met him a few times and I thought he was a giant. I think he was seven foot six. He married a woman barely five foot tall though so dad only got to seven foot tall. “
“ So you think it was because you were so tall that the boys didn't come around? “ Robert saw what she was getting at though they had strayed a little off-topic again.
Betty nodded, “ Yeah. Well that and dad had a terrible reputation before he died so everyone avoided me thinking I was just like him It doesn't help that I look a lot like him so people already know my face. “
" They shouldn't judge you because of what your father was, " Robert said. " He sounds like he was a terrible person but you're not. "
" Thanks, " Betty said quietly. She then yawned. She looked embarrassed, " Sorry but I'm sleepy again. "
" It's okay honey, " Robert ruffled her hair. " I'm about ready to hit the sheets too. "
Betty nodded, " Okay. Can you sleep with me? "
Robert cocked his head to the side and smirked, " My my my. Haven't we become bold. "
Betty blushed, " You know what I meant. "
Robert chuckled, " Yeah. I was just playing with you. I'll come in here when I'm ready to go to bed. "
" Thanks, " Betty smiled.
" No problem babe, " Robert leaned into her and kissed her lightly. He pulled back, " I have to finish packing but I'll be in as soon as I can. "
" Okay, " Betty nodded. " Don't take too long. "
Robert stood up, " I won't. "
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
Branslav looked up from his menu at Lotte. He had taken her to dinner an Italian restaurant to cheer her up but it wasn't working. She wasn't even looking at her menu, just staring at the table. Branslav reached over and grabbed her menu up, shaking it. “ Order something. “
“ You think food will fix everything, “ Lotte muttered but didn't take the menu. Her usual spitfire demeanor was slowly returning but she still looked bothered by something.
“ You need to keep your strength up, “ Branslav out the menu back down. “ Pick something or I'll order for you. “
Lotte picked up the menu, “ Then I'll order. You'll order something I don't like. You always do. “
Branslav frowned, “ I was going to get you the eggplant. “
“ I hate eggplant and you know it, “ Lotte looked at the menu. " I've hated it since I was a child. "
Branslav sighed, “ Whatever. “
Lotte browsed the menu and made up her mind to get a salad. It was food and it would satisfy Branslav that she was eating. “ So your little friend was on TV this morning? “
Branslav looked up, “ Yeah. Did you see her? “
“ Yes, “ Lotte said. “ I watch that show every morning so of course I saw her. She looks well. “
“ They did a good job hiding that she was hurt, “ Branslav said. “ To anyone who didn't know, she looked fine. “
“ Yes she did, “ Lotte said as the waitress walked up.
“ May I take your order? “ The young woman asked as she set down a small basket of garlic bread.
“ I'll have a large chef's salad, “ Lotte said and handed the menu to the waitress.
Branslav sighed then said, “ I'll have the spaghetti with an extra order of meatballs. “
The waitress took Branslav's menu after writing down his order and left. Lotte looked at the table, “ Now. Back on the subject we were on. “
“ Yes? “ Branslav arched an eyebrow. He prepared himself for what she was going to say. He knew whatever it was it would be critical. He could tell by the look in her eyes.
“ What was with that flirting this morning? “ Lotte asked as she got a piece of bread. " It was disgusting. "
“ That man started it, “ Branslav grabbed some bread too. “ I think she was just being polite. “
“ Flirting is not polite, “ Lotte said then took a bite of bread.
Branslav eyed the bread, “ I thought you said you didn't feel like eating. “
“ I do now, “ Lotte said sharply. " Didn't you just say I need to keep my strength up? "
“ Yeah, “ Branslav wasn't sure to be happy that the bitch in her was coming back but it was better than seeing her look helpless and crying. Seeing Lotte weak scared him more than anything. “ Well she seemed very nervous about it so I think she was just playing along to get through the interview. “
“ Whatever, “ Lotte waved her hand. " She looked like she was enjoying it to me. "
“ She's not that kind of girl, “ Branslav said firmly.
“ I have yet to see what kind of girl she is. If she's anything like the ones in her stories then I don't want to know, “ Lotte said.
“ She's not, “ Branslav pointed out. “ She's quite the opposite actually. “
“ You haven't know her long enough to say such a thing about her, “ Lotte scoffed. She cocked her head to the side, “ How is she? It's been a few days since she got hurt. “
“ She's still being watched, “ Branslav said. “ Robert wanted keep an eye on her for a little longer than the doctor said just to see if she'd be alright. “
“ So Robert is still with her? “ Lotte asked.
“ Until noon tomorrow. He has to go home then. He has things to do, “ Branslav replied.
“ I see, “ Lotte nodded. “ Have you been keeping tabs on them to make sure she hasn't had a relapse? “
“ Until last night yes, “ Branslav said.
“ What happened last night? “ Lotte asked. By Branslav's tone, she could tell it wasn't very good. " Did she get sick again and have to go back into the hospital for some reason? "
“ No. Robert told me not to call so much, “ Branslav sighed. " He said I was disturbing Betty's rest. "
“ Have you been calling a lot? “ Lotte looked like she already knew the answer to the question. She knew he stepbrother had a tendency to be obsessive, especially when it came to girls.
“ I called a few times, “ Branslav tried to make it sound like he hadn't been constantly checking on them.
“ Define a few, “ Lotte knew it would differ greatly from her idea of the concept.
Branslav shrugged, “ I didn't keep count. I just called whenever I had a few moments. “
“ How many times Branslav? “ Lotte said sharply.
Branslav furrowed his brow as he thought then sighed, “ I guess about a dozen if you count the times I called today and she didn't answer. Like I said, I didn't keep a solid count of how many times I called. “
“A dozen? “ Lotte's eyes went wide. “ That's a little more than a few. “
“ I wanted to make sure things were going alright, “ Branslav said. He looked at the table, “ But I stopped calling Robert because he keeps asking me what's bugging me and he said not to call him again until I want to talk about it. “
“ You had better not talk about it. He can do nothing to change it so it would be pointless to say anything, “ Lotte's tone was sharp.
“ I know that! “ Branslav responded just as harshly. “ That's why I told him I would not call him again. “
“ So how are you going to find out how your precious little Betty is doing? “ Lotte asked. .
“ I have her phone number so I'll just call her directly, “ Branslav said. It was what he had intended when he put himself in her contacts list but the dead battery had thwarted that. " Robert's getting to pushy anyway. He's been telling me how to live my life a lot lately. "
Lotte nodded once, “ How so? “
Branslav frowned, " He's just being picky about everything. "
" I see, " Lotte nodded once. She thought it was strange that Robert had so much free time all of a sudden and wondered what was going on with him. She had been pondering it since he had trashed the hotel room.
Branslav could sense Lotte was thinking something just by the look in her eyes. He narrowed his eyes, “ What is it? “
“ What is what? “ Lotte said.
“ You're thinking something, “ Branslav started.
“ No I'm not, “ Lotte was indeed thinking something but she wanted to hear more before she said anything. She took another bite of bread. She then looked at Branslav again, “ Have you tried to call her directly since last night? “
Branslav looked over his stepsister's shoulder, “ I told you I had but she hasn't answered. Her phone died at my house. “
“ She's hasn't answered at all? “ Lotte looked suspicious. " Not even called you back? "
“ Don't look that way, “ Branslav narrowed his eyes. “ She probably hasn't had the chance to charge it. It's probably not the first thing on her mind. “
“ I see, “ Lotte took a sip of water. She set her glass down, “ So she's alone with Robert? No one else is there? “
“ Yes she's alone with him, “ Branslav said. “ Who else would be there? She has no family at all and no friends to care for her. “
“ Obviously, “ Lotte said. She then quirked her mouth, “ And you trust him? “
“ Of course I do, “ Branslav said. “ I wouldn't have left her in his care if I didn't. He's my friend. Well, he was. “
“ I suppose you could trust him since he is married, “ Lotte reached for another piece of bread. She wondered silently if something had happened though. The hotel room incident came to the front of her mind again. No one really knew why Robert had done such a random thing and she knew there was something Branslav wasn't telling her. There was some missing piece to the puzzle and she wanted to know what it was.
“ Exactly, “ Branslav didn't miss the critical look his stepsister was giving him. Lotte didn't need to know that Robert was getting a divorce and he was determined not to tell her. It was none of her business and only would make her more suspicious.
“ And he DOES have a reputation of being such an upstanding person, “ Lotte added but there was a hint of sarcasm.
“ Yes he does, “ Branslav ignored her tone. He knew she was aware of his college days when he was viewed quite the opposite. Very few people knew of how he had been in school and it had been kept secret to keep Robert's squeaky-clean reputation intact.
Lotte took a bite of her bread and cocked her head to the side, “ However, they do say old habits die hard. “
“ What do you mean by that? “ Branslav furrowed his brow. Branslav knew though. He had heard from Robert that he had been a wild child in college but didn't believe most of it. Robert liked to tell stories and exaggerate on the details so he never really knew what was true and what was embellished for dramatic effect.
" It's just the way he was in college before he got married, " Lotte said. " You know how he was. Everyone knew how he was back then. "
" Yes but that was then. He changed, " Branslav said.
" Or so he wants everyone to think, " Lotte shrugged.
" What are you getting at? " Branslav frowned.
“ Nothing. It is just talk, “ Lotte put her hand up. She knew she had planted a seed of doubt in her stepbrother's mind though just by the look on his face.
Branslav looked towards the exit of the restaurant, “ I'll be right back. “
“ Where are you going? “ Lotte asked as he got up.
“ I said I'd be back, “ Branslav said and headed for the door. Once he was in the parking lot, he got his phone out. He checked to see if he had any messages but he didn't. He frowned and went to his contact list.
**
Robert lay next to Betty, watching her sleep. As soon as they got home, she said she was tired so he put her to bed. He had busied himself doing laundry and dishes as she rested, returning to her side when he ran out of things to do. As he stared at her, he thought about what he was going to do without her.
They would only be apart for a little more than a day but he didn't know if he could take being away from her for even that long. After that, they would be separated again for God only knew how long. He reached over, lightly brushing her bangs away from her forehead so he could kiss her there as she slept . He sighed when he heard the faint ringing of her phone out in the living room where she had dropped her purse.
He rolled his eyes, pretty sure who was calling. He listened as it rang and rang then finally stopped, certain her voice mail had gotten it. A few seconds passed then it rang again. The process repeated itself two more times when Betty stirred. “ Is that my phone? “ She whispered as she roused.
“ Yeah, “ Robert sighed.
“ Do you think we should answer it? “ Betty asked, keeping her eyes closed.
Robert frowned, “ You know who it is. “
“ True, “ Betty muttered.
“ He's called four times, “ Robert said as the ringing stopped again. A few seconds later, it began again. “ That makes five. “
“ He'll keep calling if we don't answer, “ Betty opened her eyes.
“ I know, “ Robert sighed. “ Do you want me to get it? “
Betty sighed and nodded, “ Yeah. “
Robert reluctantly got out of the bed, going to the living room. He grabbed up her purse and opened it, feeling around until he found her phone. He looked at the caller ID, finding he had been correct on the identity of the caller. He carried the phone back as it stopped ringing.
“ It's him, “ Robert said as the phone began again.
Betty took the phone, “ I'll handle it. “
“ I'll step in if he gets out of control, “ Robert said as she flipped the phone open. “ In fact, put it on speaker. I'll stay quiet. “
Betty nodded as she set it for speaker and answered in a sleepy-sounding voice, “ Hello? “
“ Betty, “ Branslav sounded panicked. “ What took you so long to answer? I called six times. “
“ My phone was in my purse and I was sleeping, “ Betty said. “ I didn't hear it right away. “
“ What about Robert? Why didn't he get it for you? “ Branslav asked.
“ He was asleep on the couch, “ Betty said. “ He did get it for me after you woke him up. “
Branslav sighed, “ Oh. I just got scared. I've been trying to check on you all day but you didn't answer. “
Betty shut her eyes, “ I just got around to charging my phone this morning after the TV thing. “
“ I didn't try to call the first time until after that, “ Branslav said.
“ Then it was still getting charged up. Then I couldn't have it on in the hospital, you know that. I checked on my way to the billing office and found you had called me so many times, “ Betty explained.
“ Oh, “ Branslav said. “ What did the doctor say? “
Betty glanced at Robert, “ I'm fine. He wants me to rest as much as possible and not strain myself too much until I'm over the concussion. He said I won't have a lot of energy until my concussion is completely healed. “
“ Will I still be able to see you Friday? “ Branslav asked.
“ I told you 'no' already, “ Betty said sharply. She curled her fingers against the bed as she spoke. Branslav was starting to make her look frustrated her again. “ Didn't you hear anything I just said? “
“ Yes but I still need to see you, “ Branslav said. “ It's important. “
“ Tell me why it is, “ Betty said.
“ I don't want to say it over the phone, “ Branslav said.
“ Then we can talk about it Saturday, “ Betty tightened her grip on the bed sheet. She glanced at Robert, “ There's something I need to tell you too. “
Branslav was quiet for a long moment, “ What is it? “
Betty looked at Robert, “ I want to tell you Saturday. “
“ But if I come over Friday, “ Branslav started.
“ Branslav! “ Betty nearly shouted. “ I can't see you Friday. I want to rest. If I don't rest, I can't see you Saturday. Can you understand that? “
Branslav was quiet again then sighed, “ I'll try to wait until then. “
“ Thank you, “ Betty said. “ Now, may I please go back to sleep? “
Branslav sighed, “ Yes. Betty? “
“ What? “ Frustration crept into Betty's voice again.
“ You looked beautiful this morning, “ Branslav said quietly.
Betty shut her eyes, “ Thank you. Now, let me rest. “
“ Okay, “ Branslav said. “ Goodnight angel. “
“ Goodnight, “ Betty said then snapped her phone closed. Hearing him call her 'angel' sent a chill down her spine and not in a good way either. When her father was being relatively nice, he called her 'angel'.
Robert watched as she slammed the phone down on the bed. He could see she was visibly upset and annoyed. He couldn't think of anything to say so he waited for her to speak. She growled and looked at the phone, Robert bracing himself for what she would say.
“ He's really getting on my nerves now, “ Betty said. “ I guess it's the concussion but I just don't have the patience I used to have. “
Robert nodded. Pauline had been on a hair trigger after her concussion but Robert was doing his best to to think of her or compare Betty to her. “ The impatience comes along with it. The pamphlets I read in the doctor's office said that. “
“ I just want to tell him right now to go away and leave me alone, “ Betty looked at her phone. “ I'll call him back right now. “
Robert grabbed the phone then sat down on the edge of the bed. He looked at her with the most serious look he could muster, “ Don't do it over the phone. You have to tell him to his face. “
“ But why? “ Betty said. “ The phone will be easier... “
“ No it won't. Look, I know him. If you tell him over the phone, he'll show up here demanding a face-to-face explanation from you and you'll be alone with him. If you tell him at the arena, there will be other people around in case he doesn't take it well. “
Betty blinked, “ You think he'll get violent or something? “
“ He might have a tantrum, “ Robert said. “ I just don't want you to be alone when you tell him. “
“ But I still don't know what I'm going to tell him, “ Betty said.
“ What were you going to tell him now? “ Robert arched an eyebrow.
Betty bit her lip then sighed, “ I don't know. I guess that I don't think it'll work, wish him the best and not to see me again. “
Robert sighed, “ No. You need to be truthful. He's going to need you to spell it out for him why you don't want to see him again. “
“ What exactly do I tell him? “ Betty asked. She didn't know if she could come up with the words on her own.
“ Tell him the things you told me about why you don't like him, “ Robert said. “ Tell him that you want to be with me. “
“ Don't you think he'll come after you at the arena if I tell him that? “ Betty asked.
Robert sighed, “ He's going to come after me either way but don't worry about that. I can kick his ass no problem. I'm more worried about what he might do when you tell him. “
“ Oh, “ Betty said. Her frustration gave way to fear as she realized one possibility. “ Do you think he'll hit me? “
Robert shook his head, noting she looked seriously scared. “ He doesn't hit women. He'll break something or have a fit but he won't hit you. “
“ Okay, “ Betty said quietly. She looked at the bed, “ I don't know if I could take being hit. My dad... “
Robert hooked his right index finger under her chin after her voice trailed off and made her look at him. He found she was starting to cry. “ Baby, don't talk about it if it'll upset you. “
“ You should know, “ Betty blinked away her tears. She took a shuddering breath then said, “ My dad used to hit me all the time, especially when he was drunk and that was most of the time. He'd have tantrums too. I don't know if I could face that again after so many years. “
Robert felt his heart sink. He couldn't imagine anyone beating someone so kind and sweet as Betty. “ Oh baby. I didn't know. “
“ I know you didn't. I don't know if I can face him now if he's going to be that way,“ Betty blinked away more tears.
“ Then I'll be there with you, “ Robert looked her in the eyes. “ If he loses it, I'll take him down. “
“ Don't beat him up, “ Betty grabbed his left wrist.
“ I won't beat him up unless I have to, “ Robert said. “ But I'll still be there if it'll help you be strong. “
Betty smiled a little, “ Thank you. It will. “
“ I'll be for you then babe, “ Robert smiled gently.
**
Lotte watched as Branslav ate his dinner. She had eaten some of her salad but didn't feel like eating any more of it. She had filled up on too much bread to have room for the whole thing. “ So why did you have to go outside earlier? “ She asked him between the bites he was taking.
Branslav stopped and looked at her, “ I had to make a phone call. “
“ Oh really? “ Lotte asked. “ To Betty? “
Branslav put his fork down, “ Yes. To her. “
“ Did she answer? “ Lotte asked. She was pretty sure Branslav hadn't given up until he reached her.
Branslav nodded, “ Yes. She did. She was sleeping so I didn't stay on long. “
Lotte nodded, “ I expected as much. And Robert? “
“ I told you I'm not speaking to him, “ Branslav said.
“ No. I mean where was he? “ Lotte arched an eyebrow.
“ He got the phone for her, “ Branslav picked his fork up again. He decided she was going to grill him and he didn't want to wait until the interrogation was over to continue eating. He took a bite, “ She told me that. “
“ Ah, “ Lotte nodded. “ So is she coming to the game Saturday? “
Branslav kept his eyes on his food, “ You know Martin doesn't want her around. “
“ But is she coming? “ Lotte asked sharply.
“ You'll just tell Martin if I tell you she is, “ Branslav said.
Lotte picked up her fork and started poking at her salad, “ Maybe I won't. “
Branslav stopped mid-chew and looked at her, “ What? “
Lotte looked at the salad as she moved it around, “ It seems you're determined to be with this girl so I won't stand in your way any longer. “
Branslav arched an eyebrow as he swallowed. He sounded skeptical when he asked, “ Are you serious? “
Lotte nodded, “ Yes. It seems this will just have to run its course since you are being stubborn. Don't come crying to me when you get hurt though. “
“ What makes you think I'll get hurt? “ Branslav asked. “ I don't think she'll hurt me. “
“ I never thought James would either, “ Lotte said. “ Just be careful, okay? “
Branslav quirked his mouth, “ I won't get hurt. Trust me. “
**
" So do you need anything else? " Robert asked as Betty got back in the bed. He had just brought her back from the bathroom and she said she wanted to rest again.
" Can you stay and talk with me some? " Betty looked at him imploringly.
" Sure, " Robert nodded. " What do you want to talk about? "
" You can ask me anything you want you know, " Betty blurted out then stopped. " Sorry. It's just we still don't know a whole lot about each other and, well, I'd like us to get to know each other better before you have to go. "
Robert smirked, " Can I really ask you anything? "
" Sure you... " Betty said then stopped short. " Wait. You aren't going to... "
Robert chuckled, " You did say anything. "
" But I didn't mean that, " Betty stammered.
" Anything means anything, " Robert reminded her. He knew that there was a good chance she wouldn't but he couldn't help playing with her.
Betty sighed, " Okay. Ask it. "
“ What you were thinking the other night? “ Robert arched an eyebrow.
Betty's blush deepened, " Robert. "
“ Come on, “ Robert smiled. “ Tell me. It's okay. “
Betty wet her lips and glanced away, “ Do you really really want to know? “
Robert smirked, “ Yeah. I've been dying with curiosity since you told me. “
Betty sighed, “ Okay. “
“ You're really going to tell me? “ Robert arched an eyebrow. She really looked like she was going to tell him. “ You don't have to. “
“ I will, “ Betty said. She took a deep breath, “ Remember how you kept spilling beer on yourself at the club? “
Robert looked at her then smirked, “ Yeah. When I was having the drinking problem. I recall that much. “
“ Well, “ Betty tried to keep her nerve up. “ Remember how you unbuttoned your shirt? “
“ The best I could yeah, “ Robert nodded. He had started the outing off in a sweater but soon ditched it after dinner changing into something lighter. The shirt he had changed into only had four buttons so it didn't open very far. “ What about it? “
Betty looked away, “ I started thinking about what it would be like to lick beer off your chest. “
Robert chuckled at that, “ Oh wow. I would of never expected that from you. “
“ I was drunk and my imagination was going crazy, “ Betty said, unable to keep herself from smiling as she spoke. " You lied to me about how strong those drinks were. "
“ No I didn't. You're the captain of the S.S. Cheapdate, “ Robert smiled. He was almost shocked at how little booze it took to get her intoxicated considering her size. He then remembered she had never drank before he had gotten her drunk.
Betty giggled at that, “ Whatever. Anyway, my imagination was going crazy and I thought about what it would have been like to do that then where it could have led. “
Robert's mind was running through the possible scenarios already. He could see the licking leading to all sorts of things. He was very curious so he asked, “ Well where do you think it could have led to? “
Betty looked at him warily, like she didn't know how he'd react. “ I don't know. I thought of a lot of stuff but I was drunk so I don't remember everything. “
“ Tell me what you do remember though, “ Robert wanted to hear it.
Betty sighed, “ I don't know if I can tell you. “
“ You write about it all the time so it should be easy. Is it like one of your stories? “ Robert asked.
Betty bit her lip, “ Not really. Not one I had already written anyway. “
“ Did you write one after that though? “ Robert arched an eyebrow.
Betty felt herself blush again. She had actually written out one of the scenarios she recalled after getting home, “ Maybe you could read it some time. “
“ I don't want to wait to read it, “ Robert said. “ Just tell me now. “
Betty took a deep breath; “ Well, I imagined us doing that at the club and us stealing away from the crowd to some abandoned alley. “
Robert's eyes got wide, “ Wow. To do what? “
Betty laughed with nervousness, “ Um. Well I guess to make out until neither of us could stand it anymore and do it there. “
Robert took a deep breath, imagining what it would be like to do exactly what Betty had described. Though the details were sparse, his mind didn't hesitate to fill in the blanks. He could see her bent over in front of him, her hands bracing herself against the wall as he took her from behind. He fended the vision off, trying not to get excited all over again.
He wanted to make love to her again but he was trying to stay mindful of her condition. He didn't want to put her in any danger just to satisfy his desires. He really hadn't had the nerve to ask the doctor if it was safe for her. The first go hadn't caused any problems but he was still trying to be careful.
“ Robert? “ Betty furrowed her brow. “ What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything? “
“ I'm speechless baby, “ Robert finally found his voice. “ That sounds really hot. “
Betty looked at the bed, “ I saw it in a movie once. “
Robert nodded, “ Ah. “
“ Everything I know I've either read or seen in a movie so... “ Betty started but Robert silenced her with a finger.
“ Yeah. I figured, “ He nodded as he let his finger fall away from her lips. “ But you've got a good imagination too. “
“ Thanks, “ Betty muttered.
" Okay then, " Robert reached down and cradled the side of her face. “ Tell me something else. “
“ What? “ Betty asked.
“ It's really personal so you don't have to answer if you don't want to, “ Robert said.
“ Ask it then I'll decide if I want to answer it, “ Betty replied.
Robert stroked her cheekbone with his thumb, “ Have you ever had a boyfriend? “
Betty shut her eyes, “ No. “
“ Why not? “ Robert asked though he was pretty sure he knew. He could tell she was painfully shy the first time they met. He was tired of standing up so he sat down on the edge of the bed.
“ No one wanted me when I was in High School. I got made fun of all the time and I ended up getting out a year early because I couldn't take it anymore and I was too smart for that place anyway, “ Betty said.
“ I got out early too. I was a brainiac and skipped ninth grade, “ Robert smiled a little as he took his hand away from Betty. “ I was such a little nerd berger so I got picked on a lot too. I have to find a picture of me when I was in school. You'll laugh your ass off. “
“ You? Little? “ Betty couldn't imagine it.
Robert smiled, “ I had a growth spurt between sixteen and seventeen. It was like I was five foot five and a hundred and thirty pounds one day and the next, I was six foot five and two thirty. Boom, just like that. “
“ Did you play basketball in high school? “ Betty asked.
“ Ha. No, “ Robert laughed. “ Well, not until my senior year. I was a bench warmer slash water boy until then. I wanted to play though. I practiced my ass off even though I was the shortest guy on the team until I grew. “
“ So I guess all that practice paid off huh? “ Betty asked.
“ I blew them away, “ Robert said. “ I never started until my senior year and I was making the most points on the team by the time we reached the regionals. My high school hadn't been in the regionals for twelve years. “
“ Wow, “ Betty said.
“ Yeah. It was pretty amazing. We beat the best team out of Regina and got the championship my last year. Six of us got scholarships to different colleges that year. It was the highest number of scholarships awarded to students from my school ever, “ Robert felt like it was so long ago though it had only been eight years.
“ And where are you from again? “ Betty couldn't remember if he had even mentioned it.
“ Oh. Saskatoon, “ Robert realized he had never told her.
“ Oh, “ Betty nodded. “ I was born and raised here in Reno. “
Robert furrowed his brow, “ Really? “
Betty nodded, “ Yeah. “
“ Wow, “ Robert said. " Have you ever been anywhere else? "
" Just traveling, " Betty said. " You know, for signing dates and such. Other than that, I've always been here. "
" I've lived four places in my life, " Robert said. " Saskatoon, Colorado, here and Taos. I guess I haven't gotten around too much either. "
" You've lived more places than I have, " Betty sighed.
" True, " Robert nodded. " But moving sucks so you're lucky. "
“ If you say so, " Betty sighed. She looked like she was thinking then asked, " So where did you go to college? "
Robert smiled, “ Colorado College. It was pretty nice. “
“ Sounds like it, “ Betty said. “ Where is it? “
“ Colorado Springs, “ Robert said.
“ That was a big move when the Supernovas got you then huh? “ Betty knew it was at least a thousand miles.
Robert nodded, “ Oh Hell yeah it was a big move. It was a rough one too with a eight and a half month pregnant woman in a car with no air conditioning. Pauline was due any day so I was busting my ass to get here. It was the end of May and hotter than a bitch too. I had a cooler filled with iced down towels so Pauline wouldn't get too hot. “
“ Alex wasn't born yet? “ Betty asked.
“ Nope, “ Robert shook his head. “ He was born a week after we got here. The car broke down in Salt Lake City and we had to stay there for two days while it was getting fixed. The mechanic took pity on us and fixed the air conditioning for free. Once we got here, we had to live in a hotel while I looked for a house. “
“ Did you find somewhere quickly? “ Betty asked.
“ No. It took about six months to save up enough for a down payment for something that was to Princess Pauline's liking and had room for Alex to have his own room. Maybe I'll show you the old house before I leave, “ Robert got a little bit of a far away look in his eyes. Pauline and he had been happier that first couple of years they had been married.
“ If it's going to make you feel bad I don't want to see it, “ Betty said.
“ Nah, “ Robert said. “ Things were still pretty good when we lived here and we didn't fight too much, just off and on. Things went bad after we moved to Taos. Well, they were good for about a year then I guess that's when she started cheating on me. I don't know. “
“ So you came out here to play for the team, “ Betty said. “ I guess you met Branslav about that time? “
“ Well I moved here in June and I met him in September, “ Robert nodded. “ I came in for training camp and there was this tall guy sitting off in the corner, not talking to anybody and I didn't know anyone either so I just walked over and asked him if he was new too. “
“ What did he say? “ Betty listened intently.
“ He said he was and asked me if I was too. I told him yes and we started talking even though his English was pretty bad at the time. We talked every day after that and started hanging out when I could, “ Robert sighed. “ He didn't really know anyone else and he didn't like being around his sister that much. “
“ But how did you have time with a baby and all? “ Betty furrowed her brow.
“ Pauline's mother was between husbands at the time so she spent a lot of time here and the two of them drug him everywhere so I didn't get to see him except at night, “ Robert said.
“ Oh, “ Betty nodded.
“ I got to bond with him and everything though so it was okay. Pauline capitalized his attention and care for the most part, “ Robert said “ I was kind of busy anyway with the team and Branslav was there so it was easy to spend time with him. “
“ I guess since you guys had to play together and practice together it makes sense, “ Betty agreed.
Robert laughed, " His English was so awful when we first met. I think I taught him a lot but he was taking classes too so I really don't know. "
" He had to learn to get around I'm sure, " Betty said.
“ Yeah, “ Robert nodded. “ Anyway. What were we talking about before we got off on that tangent about myself? “
“ You asked me why I hadn't had a boyfriend before, “ Betty said quietly.
“ Oh yeah, “ Robert nodded. “ How come? I mean, besides what you already told me. “
“ Well, “ Betty started. “ I was always a big girl. Actually, I was quite fat when I was in elementary and middle school. Then, I had this freakish growth spurt. “
“ Kind of like me huh? “ Robert asked.
“ Yeah kind of, “ Betty said. “ Anyway, I got tall and lost a lot of weight when I was about fifteen. For a while, the doctors thought I wasn't going to stop growing and they thought I had a tumor in my pituitary but all the scans and x-rays came out negative. They even stuck a microscopic camera up my nose to really be sure. “
“ Were you scared? “ Robert was pretty sure she was.
“ Yeah. Very. Finally, it stopped when I was seventeen, “ Betty sighed. “ We still had contact with my dad's dad at that time and we didn't want to worry him because he wasn't in good health so we didn't tell him until it was all over. “
“ Was he a nice guy? “ Robert asked. He understood Betty's dad hadn't been a good person but the mention of the grandfather begged the question.
“ He was wonderful, “ Betty said quietly. “ I was his pride and joy. We told him about the growth spurt and how the doctors thought I was sick or something and he just laughed. He said I was a Skogan through and through. As it turned out, there's something in our genes that makes us shoot up like that. It was perfectly natural. “
“ How tall was he? “ Robert asked.
“ I only met him a few times and I thought he was a giant. I think he was seven foot six. He married a woman barely five foot tall though so dad only got to seven foot tall. “
“ So you think it was because you were so tall that the boys didn't come around? “ Robert saw what she was getting at though they had strayed a little off-topic again.
Betty nodded, “ Yeah. Well that and dad had a terrible reputation before he died so everyone avoided me thinking I was just like him It doesn't help that I look a lot like him so people already know my face. “
" They shouldn't judge you because of what your father was, " Robert said. " He sounds like he was a terrible person but you're not. "
" Thanks, " Betty said quietly. She then yawned. She looked embarrassed, " Sorry but I'm sleepy again. "
" It's okay honey, " Robert ruffled her hair. " I'm about ready to hit the sheets too. "
Betty nodded, " Okay. Can you sleep with me? "
Robert cocked his head to the side and smirked, " My my my. Haven't we become bold. "
Betty blushed, " You know what I meant. "
Robert chuckled, " Yeah. I was just playing with you. I'll come in here when I'm ready to go to bed. "
" Thanks, " Betty smiled.
" No problem babe, " Robert leaned into her and kissed her lightly. He pulled back, " I have to finish packing but I'll be in as soon as I can. "
" Okay, " Betty nodded. " Don't take too long. "
Robert stood up, " I won't. "