Chapter 10 - "De-boosting!"

Eleventh Chapter
We pulled up beside the Corvette and saw the red glow of Smokeys cigarette. Meg had the back door open, her legs hanging out of the backseat while she waited patiently in rest. When Smokey saw us pull up she said, Rose! and whistled. Wake up. Theyre here. She stomped on the newly lit cigarette as if she had a grudge against it because it tempted her.
Meg sat up and blinked. Her hair was frizzy from the leather of the Corvette seats.
I was hoping to get a longer nap, she struggled to say through a large yawn, seeming to make her face disappear.
I fell out of the truck with a graceful jump, clutching my hair clippie between my lips. As I walked around to stand with the others, I languidly and sloppily twisted my hair and opened the clippie, fastening it securely to my scalp.
I caught the words that came from Candaces mouth, We heard the news on the way down here that theyve already got cops out all over New York looking for you. I imagine that they have your family under investigation.
I felt my stomach turn and knot.
Give me one of those, I said pointing at Candaces package of cigarettes.
No Skully. I know its hypocritical for me to say this, but, its not good for you and you shouldnt start the habit.
Just this once. Give me one. Please& I pleaded.
Theres never a just this once Michelle, she said quietly.
Does that count for murder too?

Tears filled my eyes at that the thought that I might see another humans blood at my own will. I sunk to the ground and felt the tears fall through the crevices of my fingers.
I couldnt tell whether or not I was dreaming or if it was real, but, I felt myself being pulled up off the dusty lot and heard Chris sweet voice.
Are you checked in yet? Have we got rooms?
Yes. Heres your key.
I buried my head in the nook of Chris neck, smelling the scent of his cologne as more tears fell from my face.
Stop crying you baby! Get a grip! But, no matter how many times I told myself that, it didnt do any good.
Take the key Ash. One of you girls, could you open the door to your room so I could lay her down in bed.
He began to walk forward up the steps to the second story of the motel. His muscles became tense because of the weight of my body, but I never heard a grunt or sigh of weariness as we continued to walk to the room. I peaked over his shoulder and saw Candace, jingling the key in her hand. In the other hand that was shaking, I saw the cigarette package which was crumpled and abused.
We came to a stop in front of the door with the numbers 54 on it. The shoulder of Christophers shirt was soggy from my tears but he didnt seem to care.
Candace unlocked the door and opened it to a small room with two full size beds and a bathroom. It was a suitable room but, not the best. Candace didnt come in. She left the door open and walked back down to the rest of the group while Chris gently placed me on the comfy bed. He then sat to my side with a box of Kleenex in his hand. He pulled out a tissue and handed it to me and I took it and dabbed my eyes.
Im sorry Chris, I said once I was through blowing my nose.
Its okay. Were going to make up a new plan. Were all here for you so, dont lose hope.
I reached back and pulled took down the clippie and tossed my hair about.
Can I take off the bandage yet?
Here. He pulled me up and turned my back to him, and tossed my hair over my right shoulder. I felt him peel away the tape and the bandage. I think you can.
Hows it looking?
Looks good.
We heard a soft knock on the door frame and there was Meg. Hey, were going to go get something to eat. You guys want anything?
Where are you going to go get something? I asked.
Some place with burgers.
Just get me a cheeseburger and some soda. I dont care what kind.
Okay. How about you Chris? Want anything?
Umm& just get me-
The usual right?
Yeah, he said with a grin.
Well be back soon. Ashtons in your room Chris.
Alright.
When Meg had left I got up and stood in the doorway and looked out at the blue sky over the lush green field across from the motel.
Its so nice today.
Yeah.
He came up behind me and looked out as well. There was a cool breeze that blew my hair and soothed my mind.
Well, Im gonna go check on the kid. I felt a soft draft from his slim body as he moved past me and out the door. See you soon.
Bye.
He opened the door next to the girls room and then turned and said, Youre doin good Michelle. He smiled and went into the room.
Hey! I heard Chippy yell. There was Thunk and a bang. Ow! Thats my bed you bas-
Oh shut up man! Chris said with a tone of playfulness in his voice.
There was more banging and a, Dude! Cut it out! from Chris.
I covered my mouth and giggled. After things had settled down in the other room, I closed the door and went back to my bed and laid down to rest.

***************
Hey Skully?
There was a couple light taps on my door only five minutes after I had laid down.
What Chip? I asked irritably.
Rings wants to talk to you. Come on over to our room.
I got up and pulled my hair up again then went and opened the door to Ashton.
What does he want to talk to me about?
I dont know! He just told me to come get you.
I wasnt sure whether or not to trust him since he had that silly shimmer in his eye and a smug expression.
He just wants you to wait for him in our room. He went to go get some ice. He should be back soon.
Alright.
I closed our door, keeping it unlocked. Ashton followed behind me and we walked into their room. Once in their room he jumped onto the bed by the window. I sat at the foot of the other bed and crossed my legs.
There was an awkward silence between the two of us. Ashton had one leg up on the bed while the other fell lazily to the floor. I could feel his eyes burning into my head as he laid there.
What? I turned and asked him. Why are you looking at me?
Youre just so hot! He didnt refrain or stutter. He sat up and&
What are you doing?
Getting comfortable.
He pulled his shirt off over his head then laid back down on the bed. The slithering snake on his arm was now visible. Hows your tattoo? he asked when he saw me staring at his.
Its a little soar but, the bandage is off.
Thats cool. Turn so I can see it.
I turned my body where he could see the skull completely.
Looks good.
Thanks.
Right after Chip complemented my tattoo, I heard the knob turn on the bathroom door and a light poured out.
Hey, Ash.
Out walked Chris, his eyes closed, only a towel wrapped around his hips, another towel in his other hand. His black hair was messy after he took the towel in his hand and did his best to dry it.
Oh, my god!

His eyes were on the floor as he walked to the suitcase beside the door.
I have an idea, he said, thinking Ashton was the only one in the room.
My eyes grew wide as he dropped the towel from around his waist and unzipped the suitcase.
OH, MY GOD!

He grabbed his clothes and turned to lay them on his bed, his eyes now up to see me there with an astounded look on my face.
His cheeks flushed and I looked away from& the sight. I put my hand up over my eyes.
Im sorry! Im sorry! I didnt see anything!
Ashton fell back onto his bed and burst in laughter. Chris cheeks were no longer red from embarrassment but now anger.
ASHTON! He covered his front and ran back to his towel and picked it up and covered himself again.
What man? Aston said through his laughing. That was freakin funny!
I better go. I stood up, avoiding Chris frantic expression, and ran out the door. I heard Chris yell and Ashton continue to laugh hysterically.
Im going to kill you!
No youre not. You should thank me!
Thank you?! What is your problem man?
What the hell isnt my problem? I gave you a head start in your romancing! God knows you need a boost!
You idiot! Thats no way to give me a boost! If anything, thats de-boosting!
Theres no such word, Ashton said sternly.
Oh, shut up!

All of us gathered around the Corvette to get our orders of food. Chris and I stood far apart, an unpleasant silence between us.
Okay, heres your burger Chip. Candace handed him the burger and the drink. Without thanks, Ashton took them both and greedily bit into the burger and gulped down his soda.
Hey Skully. Could you hand Chris his bag?
I slowly took the bag and handed it quickly back over to Chris, without any words. Chris didnt say anything either.
What is up with you two? Youve been like this ever since we got back. Candace questioned.
I sipped on my soda, looking back and forth between Meg and Candace who didnt understand what was going on. Ashton looked up from his burger and gave us each a smirk.
Nothing, Chris said coldly while he watched Ashton with disgust.
Meg handed me my food and I began to walk with the group back upstairs. Before I could put my foot on the first step, I felt Chris long, slim fingers wrap around my wrist and pull me back.
I need to talk to you.
About what? Theres nothing to talk about.

72
On behalf of Ash, Im apologizing.
You dont need to. I didnt see a thing.
Yeah right! Could you kid yourself anymore?

Uh-huh, sure.
Okay, maybe I saw a little bit of& something.
Just promise me we can get over this and we can be friends still.
Alright. Lets just not talk about it anymore.
Agreed.

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