Campus Corner (Open)

[celestialdragon]

"Sorry, that's Reece's job, sweetie," I hiss back. "And don't call me a whore ever again, or you'll regret it."

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"I'll always call a whore a whore," she says. I see the two of you as I approach from across the bar. I can tell there is bad blood, but can't hear what is said. At about that time, I walk up.

 

[celestialdragon]

I don't see you walk up as I snarl back, "Well, now that's callin' the kettle black, ain't it?" I see you and I smile brightly. "Hi Reece, was just chatting with Riley while I work," I say, also discreetly giving Riley the finger. I wasn't about to get into a fight with Riley.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

Riley tries to leap past me, swinging her open hand at you. I'm between both of you and she misses, but grazes your shoulder, slapping you there and opening up a red scratch from one of her nails.

 

[celestialdragon]

I growl in pain. I look at you apologetically, but Riley had gone too far. I manage to sneak around you and punch her in the stomach hard, but the impact wasn't as great because you manage to block me a little bit.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Whoa...NO!" I grab the back of your arm and pull you back from her. "In the office, NOW." I point, looking at you.

 

[celestialdragon]

I make a final snarl at Riley before going to your office, closing the door quietly before curling up into a ball on the couch.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

A few moments later, the door opens and I come in. Riley is with me with a mop. "End of the couch," I say, pointing to you to scoot over. "You," I look at Riley. "Over there," I point her to the other side, where she sits, arms crossed. I take the mop and hit the area you told her about and set it aside.

"Girls, we will NOT have any of that around here," I say, looking at you both. "Do you understand me, Lynn?"

 

[celestialdragon]

"Yes, sir," I reply quietly, demurely. I feel a tear leave my eye.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Riley?" I ask. She only nods.

"Why are you crying?" I ask you, somewhat incredulous seeming.

 

[celestialdragon]

I shake my head, indicating that I don't want to talk about it, a few more tears leaving.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Riley," I say. "You are behind the bar the rest of the night. You are not to leave it. If you need anything, you send Scott to find me. Do not speak to Lynn. If I see you so much as make a face, you will be fired."

"But you're protecting..."

"Be quiet!! From now on, you two don't work together. Lynn gets preferred shifts, and you work the nights she is not in." I tell her.

"That isn't fair!"

"When you work, you'll wait tables, and you can make up your money on tips."

"But, I...."

"It's done," I say. "Go to the bar. Now." She gets up and sneers at you when she leaves. I turn to you, now with single tear streaks over each cheek. I wipe one away with my thumb.

"What's the matter?" I ask, my tone much, much softer.

 

[celestialdragon]

Your soft tone makes me cry a little harder, but I am able to speak now. "Are you angry at me? I'm so sorry. . ."

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Oh, baby," I kiss your forehead. "I knew it was coming. It's ok." I wipe another tear. "We just can't have it at work, ok?"

 

[celestialdragon]

I nod, crying a bit harder. "I was just. . . protecting myself," I say softly, rubbing my shoulders, wincing when I hit the scratch on my arm. I continue to not look at you, not wanting you to see me upset.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"I know you were, honey." I kiss your forehead again. "It's okay," I try to assure you. "I promise." I try to brush a strand of hair from your fave and look at you.

 

[celestialdragon]

I reluctantly look at you, still crying steadily, and I attempt to cheer myself up with a fact. "Did you know that the human body can only produce fifteen tears at a time?" I ask softly, still rubbing my shoulders as though cold.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I rub your bare thigh, feeling for you. "Baby, are you ok? Tell me what's wrong."

 

[celestialdragon]

I sigh softly. "I just got. . . upset," I said. "She was calling me a whore and a slut like normal and then when she lunged at me. . . I reacted. I don't like getting angry and I don't like being violent, and I always end up crying after I do," I explain.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Well I'm still crazy about you," I smile. "Is your arm ok? Scott has first aid training. I'd bet he'd come work on you, if you want him to," I tease.

 

[celestialdragon]

I shake my head, smiling a little. "No, it'll be fine, I just need a Band-Aid," I tell you. The tears have stopped, but my eyes are puffy and swollen.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I pull a band aid from the first aid kit and put it over your cut. "You want to stay here for a little while, until you're ok to come out?"

 

[celestialdragon]

I nod. "Yes, please," I say softly, curling up in a ball on the couch.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

I pat your head. "Take your time," I say. I turn and open the door. "Baby?" I ask, before stepping back into the bar.

 

[celestialdragon]

"Yes?" I ask softly, looking at you.