Right 77 By Littlewing1957
Katie looked at Raquel and shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean, honey,” she demurred as she watched Rocky powder her nose. “I know Jack from way back. We didn’t grow up together, but we always attended the same church.” Raquel continued to apply powder as she listened. “I know next to nothing about Ennis. I met him when I saw Jack walking with him down the road one morning, and offered them both a ride into town. Why do you ask?” Katie examined her pale pink fingernails, and tried to act cool. “Well, Leroy said some pretty awful things about Ennis and Jack,” Rocky volunteered. “What sort of things?” Katie asked, more than a little concerned. Rocky studied her friend’s face in the mirror. She noticed how stressed Katie looked, and decided that they both endured enough trauma for one night. “Listen, how about we forget this awful night and head over to drink that good whiskey you told us about?” Rocky’s voice was very soothing. “Leroy was drunk, and I don’t put too much stock in what a drunkard says! I’m done,” Rocky said as she placed her compact back into her bag. "Let’s get the hell out of here!” Katie smiled uneasily and followed Rocky out of the ladies room.
Ennis and Jack were out in front of the hall and watched as the ambulance pulled away. It looked like the dance was all but over, as people were leaving for their cars in droves. Jack sat down on the steps and Ennis sat down beside him. The cold was bearable, but Jack wished he could snuggle up to his friend, if not for warmth, for reassurance. He wrestled an impulse to take Ennis’ hand and hold on tight. The anger and resentment he felt when Ennis left was all but forgotten. Jack was prepared to mend fences and go on. Ennis no longer felt awkward around Jack. He sensed that Jack had forgiven him, and was prepared to forgive himself. Ennis knew that he was a work in progress, and that there was no need to chastise himself for the mistakes he made. He was committed to going forward with whatever Jack wanted. He knew he could make amends, and perhaps even find his way back to the Twist Ranch. The two men sat in comfortable silence, each lost in thought.
Just as the last couple left the hall, Rocky and Katie exited the front door and found Ennis and Jack relaxing on the steps. “You ready to go, Jack?” It was Katie, and she placed a soft hand on Jack’s shoulder. Ennis pulled himself up and moved toward Rocky. “C’mon, Ennis, let’s head over to Preen,” Rocky stated, breathlessly. “I can really use that whiskey right about now!” Ennis nodded and offered his arm. Jack stood up and watched as Rocky and Ennis moved to the parking lot. Ennis looked back and blushed as he saw Jack wink sexily at him. Jack thought he was being discreet, but Katie noticed the wink and her mouth flew open. She said nothing.
Rocky and Ennis waited in Rocky’s car, and when Rocky heard Katie honk, she pulled off onto the road with Katie following close behind. Ennis stared straight ahead, his heart full from spending a few moments with Jack, his mind in turmoil, wondering what Leroy could have said about him and Jack. Rocky drove in silence. She rubbed her wrist and arm a few times, as they were bruised almost black. Ennis watched Rocky grimace as she moved her arm to maneuver the car. “Maybe you should go to the hospital, Raquel,” Ennis uttered with great concern. “I think those bruises will really smart in the morning. Maybe the doctors can give you something for the pain!” “I don’t do drugs!” Rocky snapped. Ennis was taken aback. What did he say? “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean nothin’ by it,” Ennis stammered. “I’m just thinking about you!” Rocky sighed and stole a glance at Ennis. “I’m sorry, Ennis, I guess I’m just on edge. I spent so much money on our outfits for the dance, and planned my schedule around this evening for months. And look at how it turned out! This is the last time I attend a party in this hick town!” Ennis smiled slightly but didn’t say a word. He knew exactly where Rocky was coming from. Ennis never expected so much dysfunction in Lightning Flat. Another reason Jack was so anxious to get away! “But no matter,” Rocky continued, “Once we get to Katie’s shop we can put on some music, get drunk, and see what else happens. We can have our own party!” It was not an agreeable idea. Ennis didn’t like the sound of it one bit. But he was not one to argue. He would think of a way out for him and for Jack!
Topic: Introducing the "Jack with Ennis" Fan Fic Game - the BetterMost Edition (Read 2167786 times)