The evening moves on as most of these nights do. You get to know Tara a little bit, though it’s Shy who gives the new girl her complete attention. You get the feeling Tara doesn’t mind lecturing anyway, and Shy’s absolutely enthralled. It’s a good match.
You turn back to Rae and Danni.
True to her word, Danni’s already sneaking other drinks in for Rae, who, for some reason, absolutely refuses to back down. Then again, the way she throws back scotch speaks of sterner things than just a socialite butterfly.
You look to the bar. It seems better than it had when you came in. The place is rowdy, but no one seems to be in a bad mood. It’s all younger people, out to have a good time. Some of them keep patting the waitress a bit fondly, but other than that, there’s nothing to complain about.
Eventually, Danni orders for everyone again, and you get the suspicion that this is some kind of test of friendship for Danni. Even though she’s muscular, Danni looks like she’s got to be the smallest of the four girls, but she clearly knows how to handle her liquor. You’re suddenly very glad you’re the designated driver. Then again, the look in her eye says that it’s just a matter of time. Oh well, your apartment’s not too far away.
Shy’s already looking a bit done in. You asked if she was still having fun earlier, and she responded overwhelmingly in the positive, but now, she’s red-faced and almost glowing.
‘I have to say,’ She announces, a bit blearily, ‘ I appreciate that you made me come out tonight, Danni. And also Rae.’ She smiles a bit dimly. ‘And Tara. I’m glad to meet you. It’s such a shame that I won’t be able to see you much anymore.’
The last part dims the mood slightly.
‘Whatever do you mean, darling?’ Rae asks, her own words only slurring slightly. She’s putting up the fight Danni’s looking for.
‘Well, the shelter’s almost out of money, I’m going to have to sell it soon, and then move… well, somewhere else, I guess.’
She stops suddenly, as if only now realizing what she’s saying.
‘I wasn’t supposed to say that.’ She announces out loud, looking suddenly terrified. Everyone stares at her. ‘Please forget I said that.’
‘Why would we forget it?’ Danni asks, incredulous, ‘You can’t just drop that on us and expect us to forget it.’
‘I just don’t want to be any trouble, I know we were all having such a good time and I don’t want to stop it, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin everyone’s night.’ All of this comes out of Shy’s mouth in a quick stream of syllables, and she pulls the jacket closer to her, as if trying to disappear.
‘What? No, darling, no. We’re not upset about that. If anything we’re upset about the news.’ Rae consoles, her hand on Shy’s arm.
‘Well, I’m sorry for that too. I think I would like to go home, please.’ She looks to you now.
‘I can’t believe I let you pay for gas!’ You exclaim, ‘Shy, I can afford these trips just fine by myself, why didn’t you say something?’
‘I just… didn’t want to be any trouble. I’m really sorry everyone. I’m so sorry, can I please go?’ She looks as though she wishes she could just disappear.
‘Well, how much do you need?’ Tara asks, ‘maybe if we can figure that out, we can find a solution to the problem?’
‘Oh no, I couldn’t ask that of you.’
‘You couldn’t ask, but I’ll make you tell if you try and sneak out of here without telling us.’ Danni’s forceful, but she sounds more worried than anything. She said Shy’d really helped her out earlier, but apparently that was an understatement.
‘Well, I need a few thousand dollars a month, but I could get by on less. I’ll start eating cheaper, I have a garden, and I could sell off some of my things, I have jewellery, and I never wear it.’
‘Nonsense you will.’ Rae announces, ‘I’ll help pay for your food myself. I’d offer more, but I think we need a more permanent solution.’
‘I’ll help however I can too,’ you agree, ‘I don’t have a lot of money, but I can help get food and I’ll still make the pickups for feed for the animals.’
‘Well, now that we’ve defined the problem, we need a solution. Something to bring in donations, maybe?’ Tara suggests, ‘this could count as a charity deduction for tax purposes, so that helps.’
‘Wait, this is a charity?’ Danni looks surprised, clearly she never considered that. ‘I know what to do,’ she declares, grinning. ‘There’s a huge motorcycle race held every year, and all the proceeds from tickets and entry go to the charity of the winner’s choice. It’s been hundreds of thousands of dollars before.’
‘Oh no, you couldn’t give me that, there are people who deserve it so much more. I’ll find someth-‘
‘You need it now.’ Danni says, ‘And that’s final. If you get the money just once, you could keep going for years!’
She frowns. ‘But the race isn’t for six months, and entry is a thousand dollars. I don’t have that kind of money.’
‘I do,’ Rae declares, and pulls out her chequebook. She scribbles out a cheque quickly, and hands it to Danni, then stops for a moment, and write a second.
‘I’ll enter the race myself as well. I’ve got a motorcycle from my parents that I haven’t ridden in a few years, but I might as well make an attempt as well.’
Danni looks like she wants to make a joke, but, with some effort, she swallows it. Shy looks like she’s about to cry, whether from happiness, all the attention, or just the half dozen long island iced teas she’s had, you can’t tell.
‘Thank you, thank you so much.’ Is all she manages to get out, ‘but I’m not sure I can wait that long.’
‘Ah,’ You say, scratching your chin, ‘I think I have an idea. There’s a girl around campus who’s supposed to be a bit of a fiend when it comes to parties. I’ve met her a few times, and this sounds like exactly her idea of a worthy cause.’
‘It does?’ Shy asks.
'I know who you're talking about, and it definitely does’ Tara agrees, ‘this, a birthday, not a birthday. Di throws a party for every event she can think of.’ She purses her lips, ‘That said, I’ve never heard anyone turn one of those fête’s down, and she’ll do it just for the fun. It’s probably a good idea.’
‘Tara and I’ll hunt Di down this week, and see what we can do. If what I’ve heard about her is true, she can have a whole soirée set up in a few days, with a lot of attendees. We can get the money from that to keep you going for a bit.’
This time, Shy does cry, at first just a little, but then more.
‘I’m so glad you dragged me out tonight.’ She says, going around the table to clutch Danni in a desperate hug. Danni pats her on the shoulder, looking a bit awkward.
‘It’s what any of us would do for a friend.’ She says.
The night gets back underway after that. Danni covers for her embarrassment by another round of drinks, which Tara tries, unsuccessfully, to beg off (‘I have sooo much studying to do in the morning!’), and Shy goes quiet for a while, probably exhausted from the brief bout of audible speech.
You go back to watching the bar. It’s getting late, and people are starting to get rambunctious. It’s the inevitable transition of a good night out for college types. First comes the laughter, then the singing and if they’re drinking enough, inevitably someone starts a fight.
You can see they’re getting ready for it. The mischievous, if inappropriate taps on the waitress are getting worse, and before long there’s a few guys who’ve got her cornered, breathing stinking beer breath in her face as she tries to find an appropriate way to let them down.
‘Get lost, ya losers.’ Danni announces, stepping right into the midst of it, ‘DeDe’s gotta take orders, and you’ve got no chance anyway.’
You try to get there earlier and pull Danni out, but it’s no use, she’s right in the middle. She’s had a lot to drink, but she still looks steady on her feet, though belligerent.
Oh boy, this is not going to go well, you think.
‘Why, is this one your girlfriend, Daniel?’ One of them says with a sneer.
Danni’s already winding up a fist when a voice cuts out over top in a deep southern drawl.
‘Y’all better clear out before I clear you out, one at a time.’ The girl steps in. She’s wearing a black shirt with the bar’s name across the front, under a long-sleeved button up shirt tied around the waist, and an honest to god leather Stetson cowboy hat. If she was chewing on a piece of long-grass, you wouldn’t find it any harder to believe.
She’s tall, and looks about as well built as anyone, and the look on her face goes to match, despite the straw-blonde hair and freckles. Her threat does not come across as empty.
‘Like I said,’ she repeats in that slow drawl, ‘Y’all better settle this peacefully, before I settle it quickly.’
Danni looks at the bouncer and throws her hands up.
‘You got no problem with me, AJ, I’m just here to keep ‘em honest.’
AJ grunts, and then looks at the boys. None of them can hold that glare for long, and slowly, they each turn and shuffle on. The waitress, DeDe, shoots a graceful look to Danni, (well, with one eye), and then gets back to work.
Danni shuffles back to the table, and AJ follows.
‘You just can’t stay outta trouble, can you?’ The blonde says, smiling now.
‘Wouldn’t know what to do if I was,’ Danni shoots back, and then points her out to the table.
‘Everyone, this is Allison Jean Apple, she’s the bouncer here.’
‘Just AJ, please.’ She says, tipping her hat.
‘Oh!’ Rae looks a bit surprised, but again, it could be the amount of alcohol. ‘I already know you, I should think. You own the farm adjacent to me and Shy here, and your sister is friends with mine, Belle?’
‘Oh, that’d make you Rae, then, yeah.’ She says, shaking hands, ‘I gotta say, you don’t look anything like the priss Abby says you are.’
‘Well I never!’ Rae announces, but Danni laughs. It’s clear why she and the blonde are friends.
AJ apologises with a quick laugh, but gives the table a serious look.
‘I don’t want to be too demandin’, but I think it’s high time you take your leave. Those fellas are looking for a fight tonight, and they already know Danni’ll give em one, but I don’t think the rest of your party is right set up for it.’ She blinks, ‘Actually, it looks like half you are already KO’d.’
It’s true. You didn’t notice, but at some point, but Tara’s in her arms in the table, and Shy’s leaning against you gently. You barely even noticed the weight.
You nod. ‘You’re probably right, Danni and I are already gonna have to carry one each. Better not make it more.’
You sling Shy’s arm over one shoulder, and Danni does the same for Tara, and make your way to the door. AJ offers an arm to Rae, who sniffs and looks away, and then purposefully walks to the door, stumbling only slightly.
AJ opens the door for the group and you all head to the parking lot where the car was.
You’re opening the door when you hear them.
It’s the same three that were harassing the waitress. They all look a bit bleary-eyed, and they all have a miserable grin on their faces. Time for fun, it says.
Perfect, you think, and it was all going so well. At least AJ’s still there, maybe she can talk some sense into them.
You close the car door, putting Shy in the front seat, and turn around.
‘Come on, Danny, no threats now? Where’s your big mouth?’
Danni shouts back a curse, and Rae, leaning against the trunk, covers her mouth in shock. The drunk looks taken aback, and even you wince. Danni’s got quite the command of the language.
The drunk takes a swing at Danni, who dodges and gets ready to throw a punch before AJ pulls her back.
Rae steps up to the goon.
‘Get out of here, you filthy brutes. You’ve ruined quite enough of our evening.’ She says it with all the authority she can muster, but the drunkard just stares at her.
‘Well, hey, why don’t spend a little more time with us, pretty girl.’ He leers at her, ‘or is Daniel here more your type?’
Rae looks the man full in the face, and then slaps him solidly.
‘I should think she might have to be, if you’re the best there is to offer around here.’ And then she turns to stalk back to the car.
He’s about to follow her, and you start to think there’s going to be a general brawl from the way AJ has to hold Danni back, and then another figure appears.
This one is enormous, a mountain of a man, standing head and shoulders above everyone, muscles obvious beneath his own shirt. For a second you’re worried, but then the street light catches his face.
Straw-blond hair, freckles, and a resemblance that couldn’t just be coincidental.
‘Oh, hey Mac.’ AJ says with a deliberately easy tone.
Mac. You’ve heard that name before. He’s the hero of campus, a dozen different awards in his name for sports. Normally people make a joke about being named Mac Apple, but that quickly faded to being known as the ‘Mack Truck,’ on the football team.
Seeing him now, the name seems appropriate.
The drunks turn around and see Mack bearing down on them, and despite the easy smile on his face, all the fight goes out of them.
‘We were just… uh… uh…’ One of them stammers.
‘Leavin’?’ AJ supplies.
‘Yeah, we’ll go. Sorry AJ, sorry Mac.’
They scatter. You let out a breath, and take a look at Shy. She’s still asleep in the front seat. You’re glad for that, the violence when you first met really seemed to take its toll on her. In the back seat, Rae and Tara are also completely out now.
You walk over to Mac and AJ, who’s now holding Danni up from falling asleep herself. The blond siblings both give you the same relaxed grin.
‘Hey, thanks AJ, and you too, Mac. I’ve heard of you, and I have to say, you live up to the name.’
‘Yup.’ He smiles, and offers a hand. You shake.
‘I think it’s high time this night comes to an end though.’ You say, scratching your chin. ‘It’s been a lot of excitement for the bunch of us, and frankly, I don’t know how much more I can take.’
‘Gonna have to get used to that with this bunch, I think.’ AJ drawls. You nod; that opinion seems almost prophetic.
‘I’ll show you were to drop Danni and Tara off, if you give me a quick ride back, ok?’ AJ says, ‘I’ll meet you back here in a bit, ok Mac. It’s closin’ time anyway.’
Mac just nods his ok and saunters back in, bending over a bit in the doorframe.
‘They make them big where you come from, eh AJ?’
She gives another grin to that.
The car is packed as you drive. It’s meant to seat five, tops, but since Danni’s pretty small, it’s just barely possible to fit AJ in there.
When you arrive at the address, she slaps Danni awake and they haul Tara up the stairs of the apartment.
‘Great night, eh?’ Danni slurs with a grin and a thumbs up. She’s probably serious. You hope she has a horrible hangover tomorrow.
The trip back to the bar is easier with Shy in the front and only Rae and AJ in the back. You drop the southern girl off and she pats you on the shoulder.
‘You be good now with them now, ok hun? I’d had to have to come bust your teeth.’ She looks dead serious. You doubt it’s an idle threat.
‘Don’t worry, it was their plan. I’ll be good.’
‘Be sure you are.' Then she smiles, 'come back soon!’ She tips the Stetson and heads back.
Once you’re on the back roads, you finally relax. With the windows open in the cool night air, and no sound but the wind and the car, there’s a lot more peace.
You could stand for some peace after a night like that. Danni’s fight wasn’t really that bad, and meeting AJ makes it almost worthwhile, but Shy’s announcement has you worried.
She’s never said anything before, but looking back, you can see the signs of stress. If only she’d have just asked earlier, her friends would have done something earlier. You know why though, it’s the same thing it was the first time you met her, she just doesn’t want to cause trouble for anyone else at all. Maybe she doesn’t feel she’s important enough.
She’s been nothing but a friend to you, or anyone else you’ve seen her interact with. You’ve never met anyone so genuinely interested in other people, and yet she’s so quick to dismiss herself.
Well, maybe it’s time you and her other friends did something about that.
Shy mumbles in her sleep and you turn to look at her. The moonlight falls over her, and you can’t help but notice she’s beautiful.
You pass Shy’s house and turn down the lane to where Rae’s house is. All the lights are on.
‘Rae,’ you call back, ‘hey. We’re here.’
She mumbles briefly, and opens her eyes.
‘Oh for the love of- I told those three to be asleep at a reasonable hour, and here it is, halfway into the morning.’ She throws her hands up. ‘I can see that Abby girl must get it from her sister, but really, from Belle?’
You’re not really all that clear what she’s talking about, a fact she seems to catch onto when she stops and looks at you.
‘Oh, yes. I suppose I should be getting home.’
You open the door for her again. Might as well continue to be the gentleman, you suppose, and she gets out a bit unsteadily, but makes her way off without issue.
‘Thank you ever so much for the ride this evening. I should hope that we weren’t all too much a chore.’
‘Of course not,’ you smile, ‘I had more fun than I’ve had in years.’
‘Good. We shall have to do it again then. Soon I hope. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have three young ladies to give a scolding to.’
She heads inside, and you make your way back to the car, and back to Shy’s. The headlights pull over the wolf in the front yard and you see his eyes reflected in the light, with the motion of his tail behind, as if he knew she was coming.
‘Shy’ you tap her shoulder, ‘Shy, we’re here, you have to get out.’
She doesn’t move, just mumbles a bit and turns back. You push her, and she just mumbles more.
Oh great. She’s a heavy sleeper.
You sigh and turn off the car. It could be worse, you suppose. At least Shy’s small.
You head to the passenger door and lift her out, and she curls into your arms, never waking for a moment.
It’s a good thing the front door is unlocked, or you really wouldn’t know what to do, but you do drop your keys in the front area. You make your way into the bedroom, somewhere Shy’s normally pretty insistent on not letting people in. Out of respect, you decide to just set her down and leave.
You get her shoes off, and cover her with a blanket, and she smiles, the expression relaxed and pretty on her sleeping face.
You head back out to your car and get to the door without remembering you dropped your keys, but when you go back to the house, you look in the moonlight, and can’t see anything.
Oh come on. You can’t believe this. It’s three-thirty in the morning, you do not have time to be messing about looking for keys in the dark. You turn on the lights, but still, there’s nothing. This is unbelievable.
Half an hour later, your head’s starting to get bleary, and there’s still no sign of the keys. You’re going to have to call a locksmith, but you can’t do that until the next morning. You sigh, and look at the old couch in the main area of Shy’s house, where a couple of cats and a dog are already sitting.
‘Any room for one more?’ You ask them, lying down on the old cushions. They make a small space, and then just sit on you when you’ve stopped moving.
In a few minutes, your breathing settles too.
Hopefully Shy isn’t too mad in the morning.