Scarlett/James/Stephie - PG
Apr. 4th, 2006 07:46 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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darker_londonAs soon as Scarlett hung up the phone from speaking to Pierre she was sobbing. She sunk down in her bedroom, mobile phone slipping from her hands and onto the carpet. This can't be happening, this isn't happening, oh god, no, no Renee, please don’t let her-
She could barely form thoughts in her head. I love her. I love- She realised suddenly who she had to call, sobbing or not, and dialled Kait’s number. She’d just seen her the day before and now she was calling her again with horrible news. She couldn’t stop crying as it rung but forced herself, very hard, to try and gain some composure.
The call hit her voicemail and she found herself grateful. She couldn’t explain to Kait properly. Not right now. “Kait,” she couldn’t make her voice sound like it wasn’t tear filled. “Kait, it’s Scar. Something has- Renee’s in the hospital. I don’t know if someone’s already tried calling you. She’s in surgery and they don’t know if she’s-” she broke down into tears again and then took a deep breath. “I’m scared. They won’t let anyone see her yet. I- okay, that’s- I have to go.”
She hung up and, with a sound of anger and despair, threw her phone across the room before crawling up onto her bed and curling into a tiny ball as she cried. So many thoughts were now rushing around. She was imagining what had happened now. Seeing it. Oh god. She curled herself tighter and felt like she was the one who was dying.
And that was how James found her when he got home twenty minutes later. He was singing off-key Black Sabbath to himself and air guitaring as he tossed his car keys on the table. They landed with a clink and he heard the other sound somewhere nearby. Crying. Scarlett.
There was a dash through the house and into her bedroom and he dropped down beside the bed where his little sister was crying. “Scar, what’s happened?” horrible thoughts were racing through his head and his fists clenched at his side. If someone had hurt Scarlett-
“Renee,” she sobbed and tried to sit up, pulling herself closer to her brother so she could hug him. He pulled her into his arms and let her cry. “It’s Renee.”
“What’s happened?” he repeated, trying to soothe her by stroking her hair. “What’s happened with Renee?”
She raised her head and looked at her brother. “She-she’s in the hospital. Pierre called me and said- and said she’s in surgery and they don’t know if-if she’ll be okay and James, I’m so scared!” she broke down crying again and he pulled her close. “I've never been so scared before! She could die! She could die and I never got to tell her how much I loved her!”
“She'll be okay. And I think she knows how much you love her,” he told her softly. There’d been a lot of talk between the two of them about Renee. Almost every thought and feeling toward the other girl, Scarlett had shared with James. Her hopes, her love, her dreams, her desires…the chance that one day she would be with Renee completely.
He pulled back slightly so her could look her in the eye. “Hey, come on, I’ll drive you out to the hospital.”
“No one’s allowed to see her yet. Pierre said he’d call…” she looked numbly to where she’d thrown her mobile and James followed her gaze. He reached over from where he sat to grab it and press it into her hand.
“We can go out there now. You can be there when she comes out.”
“If,” she muttered, feeling cold. Renee was going to die. Scarlett was going to lose her. The thought was unbearable.
“When,” James repeated firmly and brushed a red strand behind her ear. “Come on.” he stood up and gave her a hand to help her up as well. She moved slowly now, her crying done and a feeling of numbness engulfing her. This couldn’t really be happening…
James led her out to the car and she climbed into the front seat, clicking on her seatbelt and then pulling her legs up against her chest. The grip on her phone was so hard her knuckles turned white but she didn’t notice. She was staring at the dashboard without a word. At least it seemed slightly more in control than the hysterical crying.
As James pulled out of the driveway he said, “Do you want to text Pierre and tell him where you’re going?”
She stared at the phone for a long time and then finally nodded. “Okay.” She hadn’t really noticed how much she was shaking until she tried pressing the keys on her phone. It took a while but at last the message was sent: tell me this isnt hapening. im so scared. driving to hospital. She let the phone drop into her lap and returned her focus to the dashboard. What would life be like without Renee? It wasn’t that long ago she’d met her. There had been a life then...but now...Renee...Scarlett couldn’t imagine it...
“Scar...Scarlett...hey,” he nudged her as he drove and she looked up and tried to focus on him. She just frowned and he pointed over toward the sidewalk. “Isn’t that your friend from the concert?”
She followed James finger and saw who he was pointing at. Waiting for the lights to change so she could cross the road was a familiar black haired girl with a skateboard. “Stephie,” she said, voice thick. “That’s Stephie. Pull over. She should- just pull over.”
With a nod James did as he was commanded and pulled the car over as soon as he could find somewhere. It was on the other side of the street from her and James honked the horn twice. Scarlett pulled herself out of the car so Stephie would see her.
slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:14 am UTC (link)
She'd taken her board and her diskman and left that house before she really sunk her teeth into somebody. Now she'd been going, as fast as she could, for a couple of miles, Kittie just screaming in her ears. The skate park wasn't that far away, there was a nice tunnel there she could usurp and hide in till she had time to hink everything over, so she stopped at the lights to cross the street in that direction, panting heavily. Someone honked at her from the other side of the road but she ignored them, damn teenage boys honking at every girl they saw. The car honked again and she spun around to give them the finger, and saw Scarlett waving from the footpath.
Scarlett. Oh no. She waved back, a little, and the red head beckoned her over. At least, to the best of her knowledge, Scarlett would start throwing blame all over the show. Stephie changed her course and crossed the road. She could think later, this was more important. "Hey," she said, wakling over with her board under her arm, still catching her breath.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 03:17 am UTC (link)
"Hey," she she said quietly, feeling herself shaking still. "Are you okay?"
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:25 am UTC (link)
"I think that's my line," Stephie half-smiled at Scarlett. "Are you?"
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 03:28 am UTC (link)
She attempted to force a smile but it was the poorest job she had ever done. It was only seconds before she broke down, shaking her head and crying, slipping back against the car.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:34 am UTC (link)
"Oh Jesus," Stephie muttered in sympathy, climbing into the car after Scarlett and putting her arms, albeit awkwardly, around her. "Hey, Renee's a fighter, you know that."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 03:40 am UTC (link)
Scarlett hugged Stephie and held on like she was a life line. Renee was a fighter. A fighter who tried to end her life. "I can't-I can't-" it was too hard to speak.
She heard the car door open on the other side and then James was there next to her as well. He said something she assumed was soothing but she didn't hear it.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:47 am UTC (link)
Stephie looked up at the guy- James, she'd met him once, backstage- gave him a quick smile of recognition then turned her attention back to Scarlett. "Hey, we don't know that, not for sure. You've seen CSI, it's never as simple as it first looks. Hey, Deirdre doesn't believe she was trying to- to kill herself, and she must have some reason- Deirdre's one of the least delusional people I know. So hey, just keep breathing."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 03:50 am UTC (link)
She took a deep breath as commanded and pulled away from Stephie slowly. She looked terrible, exhausted with messy bed hair and red-ringed eyes. She sniffed. "Let's just get to the hospital," she said looking at James. She turned her attention back to Stephie. "You want to come along?"
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:53 am UTC (link)
Stephie nodded, "yeah. I can do that."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 04:02 am UTC (link)
James nodded toward the car. "I think Scarlett's got dibs on shotgun," he told her and headed back around to the driver's side. Scarlett slipped numbly back into the front seat and jumped when her phone started ring. Pierre. Deirdre. Renee. She dove for it and pressed it against her ear quickly. "Yes?" she asked, her voice tumbling over itself. "It's Scarlett, what's going on?"
"Hey, it's Marco. I-"
Scarlett screamed into the phone in frustration and threw it to the floor of the car.
Scarlett could hear the faint voice of Marco on the other end '..umm? ...Scar?' It was James who reached down for it, careful to try and keep his eyes on the road. The last thing they needed was a collision, Scarlett thought. "Hey mate," he said when he had it. "Scar really can't talk right now. We're on our way out to the hospital." a quick pause with worried sounds from the other end. "Nah, nah, we're all fine. Her friend Renee is in a bad way though. Nah, it'll be cool but band practise'll be off. Yeah. Yeah. Thanks, mate." He hung up and dropped the phone into Scarlett's lap.
He didn't take his eyes off the road when he spoke. "It'll be okay, Scar. Trust in the Goddess."
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 04:11 am UTC (link)
Stephie leaned forward and stuck her arm through the gap between the seats, incase Scarlett wanted a hand to crush while they drove. She didn't know what to say- the only time she'd really met this girl was in group situations, with Renee- so she didn't say anything at all, resting her cheek against the back of Scarlett's seat.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 04:23 am UTC (link)
Scarlett did take Stephie's hand for a moment and squeezed it gratefully before letting go. Her next words were muttered. "The Goddess is dead," she whispered toward the window.
James was concentrating on the traffic, his brow furrowed. "How Nitzchean of you," he said, distracted. "Don't start on about fairness in life and death. You'll start sounding like Crazy Aunt Mere." He looked at Stephie though the rear-view mirror. "She's a Christian," he explained.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 04:39 am UTC (link)
Stephie smiled a little more, she liked the sound of this family. "She loves you," she told Scarlett, on impulse. "I've heard her talk about you; she does."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 08:09 am UTC (link)
That sent her back into crying and she squeezed Stephie's hand and felt James hand touch the top of hers in comfort as well. "Let's just get there please," she said, looking at James. He nodded, saying nothing, and sped up.
When they arrived at the hospital Scarlett was out of the car and on her way inside before the others had even opened their doors. She pushed through people, not bothing to apolagise, until she reached the admin desk at the front. "Hello, I need to find Renee Baudrillard. She was admitted earlier."
The woman behind the desk starting looking at a computer screen as Scarlett wrung her hands. James and Stephie had caught up to her now and were standing on either side of her. She barely noticed. She was focused fully on what the nurse would tell her. "Well? Please?"
"Are you family?"
Scarlett's spirit sunk even further. She'd spent enough time in hospitals to know that phrase. "No," she murmered.
The nurse shook her head. "Then I'm afraid I can't let you though. She's still in surgary and after that it will only be family permitted to see her."
Scarlett took a stumbly step backward and James was there to make sure she didn't fall. "Come on," he said. "We'll have to go wait outside."
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 04:11 pm UTC (link)
"Wait," Stephie said, as they started to move. She dashed over to a hot drinks machine on the other side of reception and dropped a handfull of coins in. "Hospital coffee," she said, pushing a cup into Scarlett's hands, "you can't beat it. You want one?" She offered James the third cup. She felt like she was on a seesaw with Scarlett- the lower Scarlett sank, the bouncier and more cheerful she had to be. It was a strange sensation, not one she'd experienced before, but hey, if it helped at all she was going to stick with it.
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epithet_
2006-04-04 05:22 pm UTC (link)
Ry looked up as he saw a redhead rush past. He had been told effectively the same thing only moments before, and had come back into the waiting room to try to figure out exactly what he was going to do now. Kate had already driven off. He could take a bus back? He really didn't want to go home right now.
He flashed a brief smile at Slink as he came to identify her as the brunette beside Scarlett, but ultimately, he had eyes only for her. There was just something about her pain that was setting him off.
"Scarlett, I... You didn't write back... and I didn't know if you would be answering your mobile..." Ry trailed off, unknowing of what to say.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 07:21 pm UTC (link)
Scarlett looked over at him, blinkingand trying to clear her thoughts.
And then she hugged him, pulling him into her arms and trying not to break down again. He then became the second person she'd hugged and asked 'are you okay?' in the last twenty minutes.
James was talking behind her. "Come on, we shouldn't linger round in here. We're standing in the doorway."
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 08:17 pm UTC (link)
Stephie was not happy to see Ry there right now. But fine, whatever, she could deal. At least for now. She turned and followed James out the door, trying to ignore the other boy.
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epithet_
2006-04-04 09:40 pm UTC (link)
Ry just sighed out as a whole lot of his pent up everything released into that one hug. Thank god for Scarlett. Oh god, what she must be feeling right now.
With a quick smile that didn't really touch his eyes, he added, "Yeah, we should probably do what your brother says. Doorways = not the smartest place to be at the best of times; less so in a hospital."
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dirty_one
2006-04-04 11:23 pm UTC (link)
"Come on," he said and wrapped an arm around Scarlett as he led her back outside. He heard her murmer something about 'notfair' and he kissed her on the head.
He turned his attention to Stephie on the other side of him. "You have to be anywhere? I can drive you if you like." He felt Scarlett's grip on him tighten and knew it meant Don't leave me! "Or get someone else to drive you," he ammended.
As they reached the car he unlocked the driver's side and let Scarlett sit down there. He stood leaning on the open door and pulled out Scarlett's phone from his pocket. He should probably call their parents and tell them what was going on.
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epithet_
2006-04-05 12:24 am UTC (link)
Ry followed them to the car, walking on Scarlett's other side. While James talk to Slink, he lowered his head and said, "How're you doing?"
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 12:40 am UTC (link)
Scarlett looked up at him and gave him a helpless almost-smile and eye roll that read 'who knows?' She pulled her knees up against her chest again and tried not to try. "I just need to see her."
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epithet_
2006-04-05 12:42 am UTC (link)
"I saw you try," Ry said. "With about as much success as I." His hand went through his hair roughly. "I can't force myself to believe this is all happening."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 12:52 am UTC (link)
All she could say was "I know..." before hugging herself and turning her gaze to the pavement. She could hear James on the phone to their parents. "Yeah...no, we're waiting at the hospital. Scarlett doesn't want to leave. No, only family." A pause. "Actually, that's a good idea. Hang on." He looked at Ry and Slink. "Do you two both have schools you want dad to ring and say you won't be in?"
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epithet_
2006-04-05 12:53 am UTC (link)
"No school," Ry said with a shake of his head.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-05 12:58 am UTC (link)
"Eh, they'll live without me." Stephie shrugged at James, "though I guess if you're calling you could say I won't be there either. And nah, don't need a ride. Don't have anywhere to be, really."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 01:02 am UTC (link)
He finished telling his parents that they wouldn't be there- having to ask Stephie's full name- and then hung up. He looked around the carpark. "Well, this is going to get uncomfortable sitting in a car."
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-05 01:04 am UTC (link)
"We could always sit on the car." Stephie suggested, tliing her face up at the cold sun. "Is that the plan then, hang around here?" She looked over at Scarlett.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 01:07 am UTC (link)
Scarlett didn't look up. "I'm not going anywhere." But it was true. Sitting in the car was going to get crowded. What they needed was- "Call Marco," she said to James who was already dialing someone's number when she spoke. He smiled at her. "Already on it, little sis."
Scarlett leaned back into the driver's seat and sighed. This was going to take a long time. "What if she dies...?"
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-05 01:13 am UTC (link)
"Then well pull ourselves together, and deal." Stephie said, firm but as gentle as she could manage. "But don't go thinking that yet, there's no point."
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epithet_
2006-04-05 04:04 am UTC (link)
Ry nodded, leaning against the car, but said nothing. Could say nothing. If she died - didn't bare thinking about it.
That she stabbed herself couldn't be argued. Whether or not he wanted to hold her and never let her go or yell at her was still arguable.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 08:15 am UTC (link)
"I can't help thinking it." Her mind was consumed with the thought. There was nothing she could do for Renee but pray. And pray she did. She begged her gods silently to spare Renee's life. Spare her and take me instead...please...please spare my love...
James handed back her mobile phone. "Marco's bringing the van. We can wait around in the back of there til they let us go in and see your Renee. He's also bringing food," he looked at Ry and Stephie. "Hope you two like Indian. I told Marco to bring enough for the four of us and knowing the amount Scarlett and I can pack away, he'll bring alot."
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epithet_
2006-04-05 03:52 pm UTC (link)
Ry looked aside, shaking his head slightly. The last thing he wanted to do was eat. Under his lashes, he glanced at Scarlett. All he wanted to do was be there for her; her there for him, but as she sat there praying, he felt never further from the beautiful redhead.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-05 05:32 pm UTC (link)
They could practically smell the van coming. Stephie hoped there was vindaloo in there somewhere- she hadn't eaten since dinner last night and she was starving, worry or no. She was also falling asleep on the bonnet of the car, but that's what she got for staying up all night. Hopefully food would wake her up, and if it was vindaloo she really would be awake.
Marco parked the van in the space beside James' and threw open the boot so everyone could pile in and eat. He grinned at Stephie and she smiled back, sliding off the bonnet to head over to the van.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 05:41 pm UTC (link)
Scarlett didn't move from the front seat of the car and Marco came across to her- after a word to James and then Stephie- with something in a plastic container. "Hey there, Scary." He leaned on the car and held it out. "Hungry?"
She shook her head and Marco sighed and leaned down closer. "I'm sure your girl is gonna be fine," he told her. "Come over to the van and join us." A pause where she said nothing. "Or at least come curl up in the back and rest."
Looking up at him Scarlett finally nodded and he helped her up and they walked over to the van together. Scarlett did take up the offer and crawled into the back of the van and into the pile of blankets and pillows. "How long do you think she'll be in surgary?" She looked at her moblile in her hand. "I'm sure Pierre will call me."
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epithet_
2006-04-05 06:07 pm UTC (link)
"Pierre will call, or text. He's good like that," Ry affirmed absently. He looked towards the auto doors of the hospital again. Somewhere in that building, Renee was lying, unconscious and probes going in and out of her.... He'd never liked hospitals, but somehow, standing out here and imagining what she looked like in there was worse.
She could barely form thoughts in her head. I love her. I love- She realised suddenly who she had to call, sobbing or not, and dialled Kait’s number. She’d just seen her the day before and now she was calling her again with horrible news. She couldn’t stop crying as it rung but forced herself, very hard, to try and gain some composure.
The call hit her voicemail and she found herself grateful. She couldn’t explain to Kait properly. Not right now. “Kait,” she couldn’t make her voice sound like it wasn’t tear filled. “Kait, it’s Scar. Something has- Renee’s in the hospital. I don’t know if someone’s already tried calling you. She’s in surgery and they don’t know if she’s-” she broke down into tears again and then took a deep breath. “I’m scared. They won’t let anyone see her yet. I- okay, that’s- I have to go.”
She hung up and, with a sound of anger and despair, threw her phone across the room before crawling up onto her bed and curling into a tiny ball as she cried. So many thoughts were now rushing around. She was imagining what had happened now. Seeing it. Oh god. She curled herself tighter and felt like she was the one who was dying.
And that was how James found her when he got home twenty minutes later. He was singing off-key Black Sabbath to himself and air guitaring as he tossed his car keys on the table. They landed with a clink and he heard the other sound somewhere nearby. Crying. Scarlett.
There was a dash through the house and into her bedroom and he dropped down beside the bed where his little sister was crying. “Scar, what’s happened?” horrible thoughts were racing through his head and his fists clenched at his side. If someone had hurt Scarlett-
“Renee,” she sobbed and tried to sit up, pulling herself closer to her brother so she could hug him. He pulled her into his arms and let her cry. “It’s Renee.”
“What’s happened?” he repeated, trying to soothe her by stroking her hair. “What’s happened with Renee?”
She raised her head and looked at her brother. “She-she’s in the hospital. Pierre called me and said- and said she’s in surgery and they don’t know if-if she’ll be okay and James, I’m so scared!” she broke down crying again and he pulled her close. “I've never been so scared before! She could die! She could die and I never got to tell her how much I loved her!”
“She'll be okay. And I think she knows how much you love her,” he told her softly. There’d been a lot of talk between the two of them about Renee. Almost every thought and feeling toward the other girl, Scarlett had shared with James. Her hopes, her love, her dreams, her desires…the chance that one day she would be with Renee completely.
He pulled back slightly so her could look her in the eye. “Hey, come on, I’ll drive you out to the hospital.”
“No one’s allowed to see her yet. Pierre said he’d call…” she looked numbly to where she’d thrown her mobile and James followed her gaze. He reached over from where he sat to grab it and press it into her hand.
“We can go out there now. You can be there when she comes out.”
“If,” she muttered, feeling cold. Renee was going to die. Scarlett was going to lose her. The thought was unbearable.
“When,” James repeated firmly and brushed a red strand behind her ear. “Come on.” he stood up and gave her a hand to help her up as well. She moved slowly now, her crying done and a feeling of numbness engulfing her. This couldn’t really be happening…
James led her out to the car and she climbed into the front seat, clicking on her seatbelt and then pulling her legs up against her chest. The grip on her phone was so hard her knuckles turned white but she didn’t notice. She was staring at the dashboard without a word. At least it seemed slightly more in control than the hysterical crying.
As James pulled out of the driveway he said, “Do you want to text Pierre and tell him where you’re going?”
She stared at the phone for a long time and then finally nodded. “Okay.” She hadn’t really noticed how much she was shaking until she tried pressing the keys on her phone. It took a while but at last the message was sent: tell me this isnt hapening. im so scared. driving to hospital. She let the phone drop into her lap and returned her focus to the dashboard. What would life be like without Renee? It wasn’t that long ago she’d met her. There had been a life then...but now...Renee...Scarlett couldn’t imagine it...
“Scar...Scarlett...hey,” he nudged her as he drove and she looked up and tried to focus on him. She just frowned and he pointed over toward the sidewalk. “Isn’t that your friend from the concert?”
She followed James finger and saw who he was pointing at. Waiting for the lights to change so she could cross the road was a familiar black haired girl with a skateboard. “Stephie,” she said, voice thick. “That’s Stephie. Pull over. She should- just pull over.”
With a nod James did as he was commanded and pulled the car over as soon as he could find somewhere. It was on the other side of the street from her and James honked the horn twice. Scarlett pulled herself out of the car so Stephie would see her.
slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:14 am UTC (link)
She'd taken her board and her diskman and left that house before she really sunk her teeth into somebody. Now she'd been going, as fast as she could, for a couple of miles, Kittie just screaming in her ears. The skate park wasn't that far away, there was a nice tunnel there she could usurp and hide in till she had time to hink everything over, so she stopped at the lights to cross the street in that direction, panting heavily. Someone honked at her from the other side of the road but she ignored them, damn teenage boys honking at every girl they saw. The car honked again and she spun around to give them the finger, and saw Scarlett waving from the footpath.
Scarlett. Oh no. She waved back, a little, and the red head beckoned her over. At least, to the best of her knowledge, Scarlett would start throwing blame all over the show. Stephie changed her course and crossed the road. She could think later, this was more important. "Hey," she said, wakling over with her board under her arm, still catching her breath.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 03:17 am UTC (link)
"Hey," she she said quietly, feeling herself shaking still. "Are you okay?"
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:25 am UTC (link)
"I think that's my line," Stephie half-smiled at Scarlett. "Are you?"
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 03:28 am UTC (link)
She attempted to force a smile but it was the poorest job she had ever done. It was only seconds before she broke down, shaking her head and crying, slipping back against the car.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:34 am UTC (link)
"Oh Jesus," Stephie muttered in sympathy, climbing into the car after Scarlett and putting her arms, albeit awkwardly, around her. "Hey, Renee's a fighter, you know that."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 03:40 am UTC (link)
Scarlett hugged Stephie and held on like she was a life line. Renee was a fighter. A fighter who tried to end her life. "I can't-I can't-" it was too hard to speak.
She heard the car door open on the other side and then James was there next to her as well. He said something she assumed was soothing but she didn't hear it.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:47 am UTC (link)
Stephie looked up at the guy- James, she'd met him once, backstage- gave him a quick smile of recognition then turned her attention back to Scarlett. "Hey, we don't know that, not for sure. You've seen CSI, it's never as simple as it first looks. Hey, Deirdre doesn't believe she was trying to- to kill herself, and she must have some reason- Deirdre's one of the least delusional people I know. So hey, just keep breathing."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 03:50 am UTC (link)
She took a deep breath as commanded and pulled away from Stephie slowly. She looked terrible, exhausted with messy bed hair and red-ringed eyes. She sniffed. "Let's just get to the hospital," she said looking at James. She turned her attention back to Stephie. "You want to come along?"
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 03:53 am UTC (link)
Stephie nodded, "yeah. I can do that."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 04:02 am UTC (link)
James nodded toward the car. "I think Scarlett's got dibs on shotgun," he told her and headed back around to the driver's side. Scarlett slipped numbly back into the front seat and jumped when her phone started ring. Pierre. Deirdre. Renee. She dove for it and pressed it against her ear quickly. "Yes?" she asked, her voice tumbling over itself. "It's Scarlett, what's going on?"
"Hey, it's Marco. I-"
Scarlett screamed into the phone in frustration and threw it to the floor of the car.
Scarlett could hear the faint voice of Marco on the other end '..umm? ...Scar?' It was James who reached down for it, careful to try and keep his eyes on the road. The last thing they needed was a collision, Scarlett thought. "Hey mate," he said when he had it. "Scar really can't talk right now. We're on our way out to the hospital." a quick pause with worried sounds from the other end. "Nah, nah, we're all fine. Her friend Renee is in a bad way though. Nah, it'll be cool but band practise'll be off. Yeah. Yeah. Thanks, mate." He hung up and dropped the phone into Scarlett's lap.
He didn't take his eyes off the road when he spoke. "It'll be okay, Scar. Trust in the Goddess."
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 04:11 am UTC (link)
Stephie leaned forward and stuck her arm through the gap between the seats, incase Scarlett wanted a hand to crush while they drove. She didn't know what to say- the only time she'd really met this girl was in group situations, with Renee- so she didn't say anything at all, resting her cheek against the back of Scarlett's seat.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 04:23 am UTC (link)
Scarlett did take Stephie's hand for a moment and squeezed it gratefully before letting go. Her next words were muttered. "The Goddess is dead," she whispered toward the window.
James was concentrating on the traffic, his brow furrowed. "How Nitzchean of you," he said, distracted. "Don't start on about fairness in life and death. You'll start sounding like Crazy Aunt Mere." He looked at Stephie though the rear-view mirror. "She's a Christian," he explained.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 04:39 am UTC (link)
Stephie smiled a little more, she liked the sound of this family. "She loves you," she told Scarlett, on impulse. "I've heard her talk about you; she does."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 08:09 am UTC (link)
That sent her back into crying and she squeezed Stephie's hand and felt James hand touch the top of hers in comfort as well. "Let's just get there please," she said, looking at James. He nodded, saying nothing, and sped up.
When they arrived at the hospital Scarlett was out of the car and on her way inside before the others had even opened their doors. She pushed through people, not bothing to apolagise, until she reached the admin desk at the front. "Hello, I need to find Renee Baudrillard. She was admitted earlier."
The woman behind the desk starting looking at a computer screen as Scarlett wrung her hands. James and Stephie had caught up to her now and were standing on either side of her. She barely noticed. She was focused fully on what the nurse would tell her. "Well? Please?"
"Are you family?"
Scarlett's spirit sunk even further. She'd spent enough time in hospitals to know that phrase. "No," she murmered.
The nurse shook her head. "Then I'm afraid I can't let you though. She's still in surgary and after that it will only be family permitted to see her."
Scarlett took a stumbly step backward and James was there to make sure she didn't fall. "Come on," he said. "We'll have to go wait outside."
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 04:11 pm UTC (link)
"Wait," Stephie said, as they started to move. She dashed over to a hot drinks machine on the other side of reception and dropped a handfull of coins in. "Hospital coffee," she said, pushing a cup into Scarlett's hands, "you can't beat it. You want one?" She offered James the third cup. She felt like she was on a seesaw with Scarlett- the lower Scarlett sank, the bouncier and more cheerful she had to be. It was a strange sensation, not one she'd experienced before, but hey, if it helped at all she was going to stick with it.
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epithet_
2006-04-04 05:22 pm UTC (link)
Ry looked up as he saw a redhead rush past. He had been told effectively the same thing only moments before, and had come back into the waiting room to try to figure out exactly what he was going to do now. Kate had already driven off. He could take a bus back? He really didn't want to go home right now.
He flashed a brief smile at Slink as he came to identify her as the brunette beside Scarlett, but ultimately, he had eyes only for her. There was just something about her pain that was setting him off.
"Scarlett, I... You didn't write back... and I didn't know if you would be answering your mobile..." Ry trailed off, unknowing of what to say.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-04 07:21 pm UTC (link)
Scarlett looked over at him, blinkingand trying to clear her thoughts.
And then she hugged him, pulling him into her arms and trying not to break down again. He then became the second person she'd hugged and asked 'are you okay?' in the last twenty minutes.
James was talking behind her. "Come on, we shouldn't linger round in here. We're standing in the doorway."
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-04 08:17 pm UTC (link)
Stephie was not happy to see Ry there right now. But fine, whatever, she could deal. At least for now. She turned and followed James out the door, trying to ignore the other boy.
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epithet_
2006-04-04 09:40 pm UTC (link)
Ry just sighed out as a whole lot of his pent up everything released into that one hug. Thank god for Scarlett. Oh god, what she must be feeling right now.
With a quick smile that didn't really touch his eyes, he added, "Yeah, we should probably do what your brother says. Doorways = not the smartest place to be at the best of times; less so in a hospital."
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dirty_one
2006-04-04 11:23 pm UTC (link)
"Come on," he said and wrapped an arm around Scarlett as he led her back outside. He heard her murmer something about 'notfair' and he kissed her on the head.
He turned his attention to Stephie on the other side of him. "You have to be anywhere? I can drive you if you like." He felt Scarlett's grip on him tighten and knew it meant Don't leave me! "Or get someone else to drive you," he ammended.
As they reached the car he unlocked the driver's side and let Scarlett sit down there. He stood leaning on the open door and pulled out Scarlett's phone from his pocket. He should probably call their parents and tell them what was going on.
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epithet_
2006-04-05 12:24 am UTC (link)
Ry followed them to the car, walking on Scarlett's other side. While James talk to Slink, he lowered his head and said, "How're you doing?"
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 12:40 am UTC (link)
Scarlett looked up at him and gave him a helpless almost-smile and eye roll that read 'who knows?' She pulled her knees up against her chest again and tried not to try. "I just need to see her."
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epithet_
2006-04-05 12:42 am UTC (link)
"I saw you try," Ry said. "With about as much success as I." His hand went through his hair roughly. "I can't force myself to believe this is all happening."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 12:52 am UTC (link)
All she could say was "I know..." before hugging herself and turning her gaze to the pavement. She could hear James on the phone to their parents. "Yeah...no, we're waiting at the hospital. Scarlett doesn't want to leave. No, only family." A pause. "Actually, that's a good idea. Hang on." He looked at Ry and Slink. "Do you two both have schools you want dad to ring and say you won't be in?"
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epithet_
2006-04-05 12:53 am UTC (link)
"No school," Ry said with a shake of his head.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-05 12:58 am UTC (link)
"Eh, they'll live without me." Stephie shrugged at James, "though I guess if you're calling you could say I won't be there either. And nah, don't need a ride. Don't have anywhere to be, really."
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 01:02 am UTC (link)
He finished telling his parents that they wouldn't be there- having to ask Stephie's full name- and then hung up. He looked around the carpark. "Well, this is going to get uncomfortable sitting in a car."
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-05 01:04 am UTC (link)
"We could always sit on the car." Stephie suggested, tliing her face up at the cold sun. "Is that the plan then, hang around here?" She looked over at Scarlett.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 01:07 am UTC (link)
Scarlett didn't look up. "I'm not going anywhere." But it was true. Sitting in the car was going to get crowded. What they needed was- "Call Marco," she said to James who was already dialing someone's number when she spoke. He smiled at her. "Already on it, little sis."
Scarlett leaned back into the driver's seat and sighed. This was going to take a long time. "What if she dies...?"
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-05 01:13 am UTC (link)
"Then well pull ourselves together, and deal." Stephie said, firm but as gentle as she could manage. "But don't go thinking that yet, there's no point."
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epithet_
2006-04-05 04:04 am UTC (link)
Ry nodded, leaning against the car, but said nothing. Could say nothing. If she died - didn't bare thinking about it.
That she stabbed herself couldn't be argued. Whether or not he wanted to hold her and never let her go or yell at her was still arguable.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 08:15 am UTC (link)
"I can't help thinking it." Her mind was consumed with the thought. There was nothing she could do for Renee but pray. And pray she did. She begged her gods silently to spare Renee's life. Spare her and take me instead...please...please spare my love...
James handed back her mobile phone. "Marco's bringing the van. We can wait around in the back of there til they let us go in and see your Renee. He's also bringing food," he looked at Ry and Stephie. "Hope you two like Indian. I told Marco to bring enough for the four of us and knowing the amount Scarlett and I can pack away, he'll bring alot."
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epithet_
2006-04-05 03:52 pm UTC (link)
Ry looked aside, shaking his head slightly. The last thing he wanted to do was eat. Under his lashes, he glanced at Scarlett. All he wanted to do was be there for her; her there for him, but as she sat there praying, he felt never further from the beautiful redhead.
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slinkster_ghoul
2006-04-05 05:32 pm UTC (link)
They could practically smell the van coming. Stephie hoped there was vindaloo in there somewhere- she hadn't eaten since dinner last night and she was starving, worry or no. She was also falling asleep on the bonnet of the car, but that's what she got for staying up all night. Hopefully food would wake her up, and if it was vindaloo she really would be awake.
Marco parked the van in the space beside James' and threw open the boot so everyone could pile in and eat. He grinned at Stephie and she smiled back, sliding off the bonnet to head over to the van.
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scarlettvoices
2006-04-05 05:41 pm UTC (link)
Scarlett didn't move from the front seat of the car and Marco came across to her- after a word to James and then Stephie- with something in a plastic container. "Hey there, Scary." He leaned on the car and held it out. "Hungry?"
She shook her head and Marco sighed and leaned down closer. "I'm sure your girl is gonna be fine," he told her. "Come over to the van and join us." A pause where she said nothing. "Or at least come curl up in the back and rest."
Looking up at him Scarlett finally nodded and he helped her up and they walked over to the van together. Scarlett did take up the offer and crawled into the back of the van and into the pile of blankets and pillows. "How long do you think she'll be in surgary?" She looked at her moblile in her hand. "I'm sure Pierre will call me."
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epithet_
2006-04-05 06:07 pm UTC (link)
"Pierre will call, or text. He's good like that," Ry affirmed absently. He looked towards the auto doors of the hospital again. Somewhere in that building, Renee was lying, unconscious and probes going in and out of her.... He'd never liked hospitals, but somehow, standing out here and imagining what she looked like in there was worse.
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