Innocence and the animal (closed)

[Asa]

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See it all happened like this... I was the family animal. Not blood family but still the family animal. They had taken me in when my old man died. Showed me exactly what my brute strength and tendency to completely ignore the rules could do. A mob animal. Problems they didn't want to dirty their hands with they sent me. I was very good at what I did and it didn't matter as long as they were guilty. That was till my piece of shit older "brother" fucked the wrong guys girl so instead of having his own flesh and blood cleanup his own fucking mess he sent me. I was to pick up the duffel of cash from the docks crew then find this scum bag and kill him. Never leave witnesses.... Never did... Till that day. Scumbag had a wife and kid and was willing to start a war over his "girlfriend" picking my dumbass brother over him. Killing him was easy when I saw his wife and kid I... I broke the one rule the family animal or anyone else never breaks. I left witnesses. I took some money from the duffel told her to forget this bum forget this town and leave and never come back. Didn't take her two seconds to agree and her and the kid ran. I guess so did I. Cross country stealing the money and getting the hell out of town.

Days of driving I found a little a little nowhere town. The kind that never knew anything about the real world just their little slice of repetitive simple boring lives. The type of place anybody hunting me would never look.

The plan... Lay low for a while in this dead end place then move on... Keep moving on. Well whatever cosmic dirt bag is running the show down here like some people believed in he or she had just begun fucking with me. Especially after I finally decided to blend in more and eat at this little diner that clearly hadn't gotten the memo of what century this was. But it had Lauren and that spelled trouble for me. She was beautiful... Beautiful trouble for a killer on the run like me.

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She was almost the only waitress in the diner. The owner cooked and Lauren pretty much ran the place. She had heard there was a stranger in town who was helping out at the garage she hadn't met him yet and after her last relationship... A man was the last thing on her mind. She was rebuilding her life and the owner was protective of her. A kind old soldier who found out he had a nack for cooking in the army of all places. Garrett had helped the sheriff run her no good drunk of a fiancee out of town but he would always wander back and torment her life till they would run him off again. Old Sheriff Davis would have made the Mayberry police look like tough but in this sweet sleepy little town he seemed just right.


She did finally get to meet the new mechanic one morning as he finally came in for breakfast like a normal townsfolk all did. She couldn't believe her eyes. He was tall... Powerful... Tattoos... A few days scruff on his cheeks that looked perfect for him. That long hair and icy steel eyes. What was a gal to do... Why did he have to be so stunning like he had walked out of one of those romance movies or novels.

-------------------------

Lauren walked around serving the locals their coffee and breakfast as she did everyday. Garrett cooked away at each order and talked with the local sheriff and Jack who owned the town garage.

So Jack heard you got a new guy helping you out? So when you gonna bring the kid around or does he not eat?

Jack chuckled.

The boy is different I will give him that. Ester from the library met him yesterday when that jalopy she calls a car broke down again and she took one look at him and asked him if he was just going to pick her car up while I worked on it?

Sheriff chuckled.

Yeah she told me you had some out of town bodybuilder helping you rip cars apart.

Lauren could hear them as she was handing Ester her hot tea and and toast. Seemed that was all the woman ate for breakfast for as long as she could remember. Ester looked up at her and smiled.

Lauren have you met the new mechanic? He is a real sweetheart for a out of towner. Maybe he could be your escort to the apple festival next weekend.

Ester...

Lauren sighed. She knew the old woman meant well but after hr last relationship she wasn't sure she wanted to deal with men ever again.

I will be right here working and join the festival on my breaks to help the sheriff with the kids like I do every year.

She heard the door chain rattle but didn't look over while she was talking to Ester. Till she heard Jack call out.

Here's the kids now.

 

[fredgy]

Laying in bed ,half awake, he tosses and turns. Sleep has been escaping him as of late, and alcohol before bed has become a bad habit. Helps drown out the blaring silence of this little town. Back in the city, the constant humming of cars was what lulled him to sleep.

What to eat, he wonders, as his stomach growls.

Then she pops into his head, the waitress from the other day. Something about her... He can't quite put his finger on it. They didn't actually talk, or interact more than the usual small talk of "Cream and sugar with your coffee?" Even though he drank it black he'd say yes, just so she'd be at his table a little longer. He tries to remember her name...

Lauren? Yes, that's it.

He jumps out of bed, the sunlight hitting his physique, his muscles flex and tighten as he gets into his clothes, "think I'll go see Lauren."

 

[Asa]

She eventually had to move over and see him. So tall... that long hair... The scruff on his face... those eyes... The unspoken power and primal strength that would terrify most but strangely it didn't scare her. He didn't scare her. She made her way to the counter where Jack and the sheriff sat making their introductions.

Coffee? Cream two sugars right?

She smiled slightly as she inwardly scolded herself. Lauren don't even think about it. Not another muscle bound rough. You still can't get the last one to leave you alone. Shaking her head to clear her head she smiled and waited for their orders not like she and Garrett didn't know them by heart. The sheriff was near ready for his third plate of biscuits and gravy and Jack would want another coffee to whiskey up before opening the garage.

 

[fredgy]

She had the sweetest voice, and look in her eyes. Usually women seem timid and afraid around him. She just felt.....different. Having a past of cold, emotionless sex, and one night stands, he never felt...anything for a girl, let alone a random waitress in the middle of fucking no where.

Yes, he replies to her inquiry about cream and sugar. Fuck, he thinks to himself, shoulda taken it straight black the first time like usual, ah oh well.

As she walks away, he watches her hips sway, back, and forth. Hypnotized by her movement, the way her hair bounces. He stops himself, what the fuck is happening to me, he thinks.

Getting attached means you become an easy target. He didn't want to think about what something, if anything with this stranger meant to his situation. I know that fucker is looking for me...

He remembers the day that marked his before, and after. This life is better with no connections. He makes eye contact with Lauren as this thought passes his mind, but... But she's special, I just know it. He goes against every thing telling him to stop, after all, the stupid fucking apple festival is next weekend, if it meant being next to her, it'd be worth it.

He beckons her over to his table ready to ask, a cold hearted killer, now had sweaty palms at the thought of asking a woman out.

"Hey Lauren? What's that apple festival all about next weekend???"

 

[Asa]

The apple trees just outside of town by the river are ready to harvest. Peak of perfection and all that the trees were planted by the man who founded the town in honor of the fellow soldiers who lost their lives from his unit during some war long ago. The town has kept up the tradition except instead of it being some festival about death they made it about life and harvest in the 60s sometime.

She smiled.

Why gonna act like a normal person in town and go?

She laughed a little and winked.

 

[fredgy]

Oh okay, that's pretty cool.

He practically melts at her smile, let alone the wink she threw in for good measure. She's into me, he thinks to himself.

Nah I probably won't go, I guess I don't really know anyone, what to do, or what it's about. Unless, well, hey, fuck it, wanna go together? If it really is so lame, we can ditch it and go somewhere else?
He asks.

It seems like an eternity as he awaits her response.

 

[Asa]

Normally I keep the diner running and just help on breaks with the kids. I...

She bit her lip and shuffled her feet a little before Ester pipes up.

Garrett Markham you are going to close this diner for the festival... Aren't you?

Her tone was less acting and more ordering.

Well aren't you?

Garrett looked over as Ester pointed them out not caring if they saw. Garrett looked over and took the hint.

Yep I think this year we will. Can't be rude to the new mechanic and not let him have a date where we can keep an eye or two on them.

 

[fredgy]

Great, it's settled.

He tried not to let his excitement show, but his cool, calm demeanor faded for a half second with a smile, ear to ear.

What's a good time to pick you up?

I guess I'm becoming normal? I have a date, in a small town, with a beautiful girl. The demon inside him chuckled at the thought of normalcy. Eh, fuck it, go with the flow, right?

 

[Asa]

Festival starts at 2 how about I meet you here out front?

Lauren smiled seeing his smile while her mind raced over what she just did. Ester smiled her I won again smile. Being the oldest living resident certainly had its rewards. Garrett Jack and the sheriff just laughed.

 

[fredgy]

It was finally the day of the festival. What felt like the longest week in his existence had passed.

He started the car, combed his hair out of eyes with his hands, and headed towards the diner. He had the window down, and the breeze is flowing through his hair. He can't stop imagining all the different possible outcomes of tonight, where he and Lauren would end up.

Just try to enjoy the moment, he says to himself. It'll be a good time with a beautiful girl.

He can't help but think about her, and her beautiful body. Her body language, the way she bit her lip as they locked eyes.

He approaches the diner, and lays eyes on Lauren. He didn't realize how beautiful she would be outside of her uniform. Wow... He mutters as he locks eyes with her.

 

[Asa]

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She stood waiting in a soft sundress her hair down looking around for him. She was still not sure about this but the whole town would be there... Literally so she felt safe enough. Not that she didn't feel safe around him in fact she was glad he was in town if her ex ever did show back up to hassle her. Finally she saw him pull up and smiled.

Hey...

 

[fredgy]

Hey Lauren!

Alex is smiling ear to ear, again. Her sundress lays on the contours of her body, he can't help but look her up and down. Her lipstick is the icing on the cake. She looked as if she was an entirely different person. He supposes that long hours at a diner and having a messy bun as a hairdo isn't exactly flattering. She was absolutely stunning.

He gets out of the car, gives her a hug, his hand on the small of her back, he melts as they embrace, for that split second he was... Free. They make eye contact.

So... Shall we get going?

He opens the door for her, watches her climb in, he'd be nervous but, this felt so natural.

Being his first time out to a local event, Alex wonders what the Apple Festival had in store.

Maybe they'll have some hard cider, huh? He jokes to Lauren.

 

[Asa]

She laughed.

Only at the bar maybe. To hear Jack talk you nearly live there when you are not at work then upstairs to that little apartment above the bar.

She sat in the car. No surprise it was like him. Power...muscle... Strength... She felt safe and him hugging her the muscles in his arms... She had hugged him as well.

It's just a couple of streets over to park. Then down to the park and the river. Garrett cooks up a bunch of the apples and Ester makes an apple cake. Nearly one for every person in town. Little tommy carves faces in some and dips them in candy chocolate or caramel for people.

She sounds a little sad for a moment.

He was left in a wheelchair after being injured in the fire last year. He is only 12 but he says he wants to be a tough guy like in the movies.

 

[fredgy]

Well, Jack ain't wrong, I technically live in the building. He says with a smile.

Alex tries not to stare at Lauren, instead he glances at her in between gears and revving of the engine. He drove a classic, 67' Shelby GT 500. The raw power under the hood delighted him, he got the chills every time the beautiful car purred at him.

He glances at her legs, then back at the road, now he glances at her chest, then back at the road, glances at her face, he realizes that she'd been talking to him this entire time, Alex snaps out of his day dream...

A tough guy huh? Maybe I can teach him a thing or two.

Tough, Alex was more than tough. He was calculated, cold, precise. Like a breeze that gives you the chills, he was gone before you'd even know he was there, and before you know it, you'd be dead.

While shifting gears Alex's hand brushes up against Lauren's thigh.

Oh sorry.

He wants nothing more than to reach out and hold her hand, he bides his time, and waits for the right moment.

 

[Asa]

She just nodded and smoothed her dress back out.

Be nice he is too kind hearted to be a tough guy like the ones you see in the movies. He will stop his wheelchair if he even sees an ant in his way on the sidewalk and let it pass so he won't run over it

 

[fredgy]

Of course, it'll be fun to meet the little guy. Being tough isn't all it's cut out to be anyway.

Alex spots a parking space between two cars and pulls in.

What seemed like the entire town was converging on the festival grounds, the smell of tasty apple treats, along with cinnamon, and sugar filled the air.

At least it smells good, so far so good. He says. Where to first?

He unbuckled his seat belt, and hopes that the accidental touch from earlier wasn't seen as intentional.

 

[Asa]

Well we have been talking about little Tommy let's go see him first. He normally has them set him up by the river.

She led the way saying her hellos and introducing him to other towns people. Finally stopping in front of Tommy's little shop.

Hello Tommy.

Hi Lauren.

His dark little eyes look to Alex.

Hello. Don't recognize you. Must be that new mechanic Jack told dad about. What are you doing with our Lauren?

Tommy tried to sound tough and protective of Lauren even though the poor kid probably didn't even weigh a anything even soaking wet.

Tommy...

Lauren tried to call him down but his full attention was on Alex expecting an answer.

 

[fredgy]

The kid had a piercing gaze,Alex could tell that he really loved Lauren, and was protective of her.

Well nothing without your permission, he chuckles.

I was hoping she could show me around the festival, I am new here, after all. I heard you carve a mean Apple, could you show me how you do it?

Kids. God knows how anyone has the patience to deal with them, hell if it weren't for Lauren, He wouldn't give this kid the time of day.

Wow, Alex says, those are some detailed faces, you really got a knack for his huh?

Kids artistic, I'll give him that, he thinks to himself.

 

[Asa]

Yeah everybody says I am really good with a knife so... Remember that okay.

Tommy held the little pocket knife in his hand and flipped it around.

So candy chocolate or caramel dip?

Chocolate as always for me Tommy.

Lauren spoke a warning brow still raised at the boy who barely took his attention away from Alex.

Okay Lauren. And that's right new guy Alex nothing without our permission. What dip ya want?

Lauren finally added.

Tommy Ester made Garrett close the diner so that Alex and I could come here together to the festival.

Miss Ester...

Tommy blinked.

Well if she likes him he might be okay but if acts like Steve to you I will cut him Lauren and you can tell Miss Ester that too.

She inwardly groaned as Tommy mentioned Steve her ex in front of Alex.

Nice visiting with you Tommy but we still have lots of stops to make here in the festival.

 

[fredgy]

Seeing the kid flick the blade around was impressive to Alex. He's had his share of experience with a knife. The way it feels when it's pressed up against someone's skin, the power it can give to the right wielder. The feeling of blood as it drips down the blade. Daydreaming again, Alex snaps out of it.

I'll make sure to remember that, kid.

And I'll take caramel.

Alex is amused at the casual mention of the ex, I mean he didn't know for sure, but the look on Lauren's face, it was screaming for the kid to shut up.

Steve. Alex took a mental note, and acted as though he heard nothing. But by the looks of it, just the mention of his name seemed to shake Lauren up.

Thank you Tommy, I'll remember the ground rules buddy.

So, what's next? Anything to eat around here that ain't apples?

 

[Asa]

She swatted his shoulder gently after they got their apples and walked away from Tommy.

Yeah there would be if the diner was open.

She laughed

But since it isn't we are living on apples today. So until you... What do you think of the towns resident "tough guy"

She could not help but chuckle referring to little Tommy as a tough guy.

 

[fredgy]

The diner... That's right. he says.

Apples it is! He chuckles.

He's a good kid, I can see why you like him. Pretty handy with the steel too.

I'll make sure not to cross em'. I can understand why he's so protective of you.

Alex smiles as he makes eye contact with Lauren, she returns it. He brushes her bangs out of her eyes.

How about some of that cake then?

 

[Asa]

She is relieved that he has not asked about Steve. She also hopes he didn't notice her tense as he reached to brush her hair from her face.

Off to Ester's booth next then.

She smiled and led the way. Ester was all smiles to see them.

Since we have a new young man in our town I baked an extra couple of apple honey cakes. But I can see that little sweetie Tommy has beat me to filling any sweet tooth orders this afternoon. Hope he wasn't too hard on you young man he prides his little heart on being a tough guy.

 

[fredgy]

Something was off. It felt like the shadow of this Steve guy was following them around. Since he was mentioned, Lauren has been a little distant. Alex was starting to feel like one of the kids she watched, as she guided him to the the cakes, he wonders, is this even a date?

I'll just take mine home for dinner, how about that? He says to Ester.

He and Lauren wander off to the rest of the festival, people were eating apples, bobbing for apples, juicing apples, and tossing apples.

Alex could really use a drink, but he holds off.

Hey Lauren, how bout we get outta here and go for a walk along the river?

 

[Asa]

She smiled and nodded.

Yeah... I'd like that.

She smiled getting away might be nice. Alex she could tell was so reigned in around everyone it really didn't seem like he had really been the real Alex here in this town. He seemed real and honest and true but there was something more... Something he was hiding maybe? And the river always helped her forget Steve. She had not realized that her hand had moved to the outer corner of her left eye. To a nearly gone little scar. A gift from Steve so she would forever be "crying for him". Shaking her head free from those thoughts she smiled to him and pointed towards a path to the river past the booth with the orchard history