"Mine too. My mom was so drunk she hardly noticed. He used to kick her ass too.” Nikita said.
"My dad used to fuck me.” Christina uttered, grabbing the box of Cracker Jacks out of Nikita's hand and stuffing a handful in her mouth. “Then one day, I just kicked him in the balls and ran."
"My poppa did that to me too.” Lilly revealed.
"All of us had shitty home lives. I mean, why would we run away if we liked it?” Nikita said.
"Hey, this is the lap of fucking luxury.” Christina snorted, and reached in her bag for a pipe. Nikita handed her a lighter and Christina lit up.
"You smoke weed?” she asked Lilly, who shook her head. “Smoke crack?” she asked her, and again Lilly shook her head.
"Wanna try some?” Christina held out the pipe. Lilly shook her head. “Why? Ya’ gotta job interview or something.” she snickered.
"I just don't want to, sorry.” Lilly told her.
"Come on, one little hit ain't gonna hurt ya.” Christina insisted, shaking the pipe at Lilly. She reluctantly took the pipe and held it in her hand.
Nikita lit up the contents, creating a cherry glow. “Go ahead, put it to your lips and inhale.” she instructed.
Lilly did as she was told, and took a deep drag from the pipe. The smoke made her cough. “What was it?” she asked, in between gags.
"It's pot mixed with a little PCP,” she explained, reaching for the pipe.
Lilly had no idea what any of that was. She knew a little about pot, as her father smoked it all the time, but the other stuff was foreign to her. She looked over at Nikita, who was laughing very slowly. It seemed that both Christina and Nikita were moving and talking in slow motion. She suddenly found the pipe back at her lips, and inhaling the drug. She found herself laughing along with them and noticing the sky was more blue than usual. It was actually a brilliant electric blue. The birds in the sky seemed to be melting into the clouds. This was an odd, but tranquil feeling. She leaned against a palm tree and closed her eyes, feeling the cool wood of the tree trunk. The peace was broken by the sudden arrival of Damian, who came flying back on his skateboard.
"That was fast.” Christina joked.
"Hey, guess what. Some big, black guy is walking around Hollywood Boulevard with your picture. He asked me if I knew where you were.” he told Lilly breathlessly.
"Me?” she asked, stunned.
"Yeah, you. It was your picture, and he is looking for you.” he pointed to her.
"Oh, shit, the cops.” Nikita said.
"No. They are going to send me back to my father.” Lilly jumped up.
"Hey, where are you going? I told him I didn't know you.” Damian call after her.
"You don't understand. I can't go back to my father.” Lilly put on her high heel shoes. Even though she was high and woozy, she stood up to leave.
"Wait, if you run they will bust you.” Nikita said.
"I gotta go.” Lilly jumped up and darted away. Once out of the park, she looked up at the street signs. They seemed like they were melting. There was a loud clanging sound in her head, and she felt very wobbly. She had no idea where to go, but she knew that the cops and Diamond were after her. She had to get out of Hollywood and fast.
* * * *
Hospitals always made Shauna jittery. The smell, the bright florescent lights, the cold steeliness of the businesslike nurses, it all made her feel sick to her stomach. She was so glad that Jason was by her side. They sat in Stephen's semi-private room; the beeps of various monitors filled the awkward silence. A plump, severe nurse was checking up on him and writing notes on a clipboard.
"You were very lucky. The knife missed your spleen by a half an inch.” she reported, and gave Stephen some pills to swallow. Shauna sat at her father's bedside holding his hand.
"I love you, Daddy.” she told him tearfully, and bent down to kiss his cheek.
"I love you too, pumpkin.” he managed a feeble smile. Jason, in true FBI-agent-form, was pacing and glancing out the window.
"Stephen, I'm sorry man, but I have no idea where my dad is. Don't worry though, because I'm going to handle everything.” he stated.
"No, Jason. You don't know the whole story. Let's let your dad take care of this. I don't want you mixed up with Donnie. He's a dangerous piece of shit.” Stephen whispered, leaning up and wincing with pain. Shauna quickly laid him back down and handed him a cup of water.
"I'm not scared of that fat psycho.” Jason declared. “No way!"
Stephen shook his head. “No, Jason, please. You don't know Donnie McCoy like your father and I do. This guy is a total scumbag. You don't know what he is capable of."
"Oh, yeah I do.” Jason smirked, and pointed to the bandage on his head.
"Please don't do anything to get yourself hurt.” Shauna pleaded. “I've already lost my mother, almost lost my dad, and I sure don't want to lose you.” she started to cry softly, and Jason put his rugged arms around her delicate shoulders. This didn't go unnoticed by Stephen.
"So, not to change the subject, but what's going on with you two?” he asked humorously.
Jason kissed Shauna on the cheek. “We're having a passionate love affair.” He grinned, making Shauna blush.
"Good, Jason's a good guy Shauna.” Stephen stated. Shauna glanced up at Jason, who shook his head.
"Nah! I'm a bad boy,” he teased.
"You couldn't be bad if you tried.” Shauna kissed his cheek and snuggled into him.
"Speaking of bad boys, I can't seem to get an answer in Michael's room. Any word from him?” Stephen inquired.
"Not a word.” Shauna told her father.
"Do me a favor and go tell him. You know how hotheaded he is.” Stephen said knowingly.
"Okay, Dad. We'll go now. Do you need anything?” she asked, giving him a hug. Stephen shook his head, and Shauna grabbed her purse and blew him a goodbye kiss.
"You get some rest.” Jason instructed and held out his hand.
Stephen shook it and pulled him down close to him. “Take care of her. She's very special.” Stephen whispered to him.
"I know.” Jason replied. He gave Stephen a reassuring pat on the arm and left the hospital with Shauna.
Once back at the hotel, Jason felt his pager vibrate against his belt. “Finally, my brother is paging me to his cell phone. Now I can find out what the deal is.” Jason exclaimed.
"Look, why don't you go to your room and talk to your brother in private.” Shauna told him.
"It's no big deal, you can come hang out in my room.” he winked, running his hands up and down her back.
"I have to talk to Michael and get this over with.” she said seriously.
"Let me come with you.” he voiced firmly. “I don't want you alone with him. He's bad news."
"No, I can handle it. You go call Justin and let me know what's going on, okay? I'll meet you in your room in a half hour.” she looked up at him and felt her pulse quicken.
They walked hand-in-hand to the elevators and ascended together to the third floor. They stopped at the door to Shauna and Michael's room. “You sure you're going to be okay? I'll come in with you if you want.” Jason gently touched the back of her hair.
"I'm a big girl. I can take care of this. You go call your brother and I'll see you soon,” she said.
"Okay.” he bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. “I'm falling madly in like with you."
"I'm falling in like with you, too.” she smiled, and went into her room, giving Jason a little wave as she closed the door. She smiled to herself as she thought about Jason. How handsome, smart and kind he was, not to mention what a wonderful lover. Robert who? She thought to herself.
Shauna turned around and all pleasant thoughts immediately disappeared. Michael was passed out on his bed, the mini bar having been ravaged. He reeked of booze and vomit, and the room looked as if a hurricane blew through. Clothes and empty bottles were strewn everywhere. The lamp from the bedside table was across the room on the floor, as if it ha
d been thrown. She had no idea what had happened the night before, and she didn't want to know. Warily, she sat on the double bed next to her brother. The time was now to wake him up and give him the news.
"Michael, Michael?” she shook him gently. He grunted and rolled over on his side.” Michael wake up. I have to talk to you. Something has happened to Dad.” she shook him a little harder. He opened his eyes slightly and scowled at her.
"Michael, Dad is in the hospital,” she continued. He shoved her away; she fell on the floor with a thud. Enough is enough, she thought. She stood over him, shaking him vigorously. “Michael, wake up and listen to me God dammit."
He abruptly sat up and glared at her with bloodshot eyes. His breath stank, his clothes were wrinkled, and she noticed he had scratches all over his face. “Don't you dare swear at me, cunt.” he shouted.
"Michael, Dad is in the hospital. He's okay. I just went and saw him,” she explained slowly. “Don't you fucking touch me, either.” he got up and hastily made his way to the bathroom. Shauna sat unmoving on the bed.
"I just thought you might want to know about it, that's all,” she said sarcastically. He ignored her as he slammed the bathroom door.
She sat silent for a moment, then exploded. “You are such a fucking asshole. Dad is in the hospital and you don't even care.” she shouted.
The bathroom door flew open and Michael stormed out, eyes wide and fiery. “Didn't I tell you to shut the fuck up?” he loomed in her face, making her shrink back. “Who the fuck do you think you are talking to? You need to learn to show your brother some respect.” he slapped her across the face, sending her tumbling to the floor. Her face was contorted with fear, and that was just the way he liked it. He towered over her making her cower in a corner, eyes pleading. It was time to teach his little sister a lesson. He was long overdue to teach Little Shauna, Mom and Dad's favorite, a lesson in respect. It was now Shauna's turn.
CHAPTER 14
Justin had to plug one ear with his finger and bend over so he could hear his brother over the sounds of Hollywood Boulevard. Wailing police sirens, obnoxious street musicians, and tourists loud bellowing made it almost impossible to understand what Jason was saying. He and Beverly were standing outside Hamburger Hamlet across the street from Mann's Chinese Theater. Andrew had run in to grab a quick cup of coffee, and Justin decided to find out the scoop up north. They had no luck in finding Lilly, although some street kids said they might have seen her the other day turning tricks.
Beverly sat on a bench with her head in her hands. A fast talking young Mexican guy approached her. “Wanna buy a map to the stars’ homes?” he asked briskly.
"No, thank you.” Beverly answered.
"Want to see Barry Manilow's house? See where Burt Reynolds lives?” he babbled rapidly, like a carnival barker. A man dressed as Charlie Chaplin scooted by on a giant green unicycle, juggling bowling pins.
Beverly was not in the mood for this foolishness. “No.” she stated.
"See Farrah Fawcett's house?” he shot back. Beverly sighed loudly and went over to Justin. The man with the star maps hurried on his way.
Justin hung up his cell phone and turned to her. “We kind of need to get back up there. Donnie attacked your Uncle Stephen. He is all right, but they are concerned about Shauna.” he told her.
"Oh, God, poor Shauna. I have to take care of that, too.” she sighed. “We're not leaving without Lilly, though."
"I know, don't worry. We are going to find her today.” he cupped her face in his hands. Beverly smiled, knowing she was falling for this man and was powerless to stop it. When they got back she had to tell Angela. He smiled back at her, and for a moment they were lost.
Just then, Andrew came out of the restaurant with a cup of coffee in one hand and a donut in the other. “The distinctive cop's snack.” Justin teased his father. Beverly smiled faintly.
"Let's go.” he ordered, and cocked his head in the direction on the boulevard. They ambled along, approaching street kids and teenagers. Andrew had a very intimidating way of speaking to people. He always seemed to get answers and their cooperation. Everywhere they went, they showed Lilly's picture and nobody seemed to know anything. Undaunted, they kept on going.
"Your dad really knows his business. I'm so glad he's here.” Beverly revealed.
"I meant what I said, we are going to find her today.” Justin answered back. They passed by the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum. A man dressed as Frankenstein was handing out free passes.
"You know, under different circumstances, we could probably have some fun here.” Justin volunteered. A gaggle of Japanese tourists strode by them, taking pictures of all the sights.
"Maybe.” she replied.
"I could have fun anywhere with you.” he grinned at her.
"I've had fun so far.” she said sweetly.
"Me too."
Suddenly, Andrew stopped in his tracks. He was staring intently at something across the street.
"What is it?” Justin asked his father.
Andrew spied Diamond outside the Hollywood Wax Museum. He seemed to be glancing over the crowd, looking for something. Andrew remembered him from this morning at the coffee shop. His gut instinct told him something was going on with that guy, and in true cop form, he always trusted his gut. He headed over. “Let's cross the street.” he told them, and they followed his pursuit.
They made their way over to Diamond, who was lighting up a cigarette. Andrew approached him forcefully. “Excuse me, but have you seen this girl?” he showed Diamond Lilly's picture and Diamond went silent. Andrew could tell by his reaction that he knew something.
"Who wants to know?” Diamond sneered.
Andrew quickly pulled out his badge and shoved it at Diamond. With that, Diamond rapidly turned and tried to flee. Andrew was quick to grab him by the arm and shove him against a wall, his hands behind his back.
"Please, let me go, brother. I don't know nothing. I swear.” Diamond pleaded.
"Where is she?” Andrew shouted firmly, holding him tight. Beverly looked on as Justin moved in to back up his father. A small crowd was gathering to gawk at the scene. “Where is she?” Andrew repeated. He patted Diamond down in search of a gun or knife. “You have any weapons on you?” Andrew demanded.
"No, man, I don't. I promise. Please, I can't go back to jail, man. I can't.” Diamond pleaded.
"I won't take you to jail if you help me find this girl.” Andrew stated forcefully.
"Look, man, I'll tell you everything you want to know if you just let me go,” he begged.
"Not a chance, brother. You tell me where we can find her and I won't kick your ass.” Andrew ordered. Both he and Justin were twice Diamond's size, so Diamond relented, his hands up.
"Okay, Okay. She lives at the Franklin Regency, at Franklin and LaBrea. She lives with two chicks named D.J. and Jordan. They can tell you where to find her.” Diamond spat.
"And what's your name?” Andrew inquired.
"My name is Diamond,” he said.
Andrew flung him away. “Diamond, if I find out you are lying to me, I will make your life living hell. Understand?” Andrew spoke slowly and carefully, intimidating him.
"Look, man, I'll help you find her. I'll work with you man.” Diamond told him.
"Good, let's go.” Andrew shoved him. “Let's go get our girl."
* * * *
Allison hated shopping at chintzy hotel boutiques, but right now she didn't have a choice. The only other shopping area in town was a mall, and she wouldn't be caught dead in one of those. When she was stressed, she shopped.
She called her kids’ room that morning to see if Beverly and Angela wanted to join her and got a hung-over Paul on the phone. “Pauly? Where are Piglet and Angie?” Allison chirped. She needed to get her mind off things. She was not in the mood to discuss her brother's illness right now. She did not want to deal with that, she wanted to go shopping.
"I don't know,” he said groggily.
"P
auly, come shopping with Mom. You know I hate to spend money alone,” she pleaded of her son. “Please, dear? I'll buy you lunch?"
"Oh, all right.” he murmured and snuck out without disturbing the naked blonde and redhead that he had engaged in a threesome with the night before.
Allison tried on bathing suits and jewelry while a cranky Paul looked on. He sat gulping black coffee and wished he was somewhere else.
"So, Pauly? Where is your sister?” she inquired.
"I don't know where they are.” he stammered. He had barely seen them all weekend, and he just figured they were off having sex on the beach somewhere.
"You know, this is supposed to be a family get together. I don't think I approve of you guys going off by yourselves,” she said as she tried on a ruby ring.
"Uh huh.” he sipped his coffee and leafed through a magazine.
"I haven't seen the two of them all night. I want to know where they are so maybe we can all have lunch with the family,” she said, admiring a set of gold earrings.
"Oh, they are probably off carpet munching each other.” he said off handedly.
Allison paused, holding the earrings in mid-air. “What?” Allison asked, wide-eyed.
Paul stopped short. Oh, shit!
"What do you mean ‘carpet munching’ Paul?"
"Nothing, Mom.” he was wide awake now. He had let the secret slip and Beverly would never forgive him.
"Is that what lesbians do? Paul?” Allison threw down the earrings and scowled at her son. He remained silent, unable to look his mother in the eye. “Answer me!” she demanded.
"Mom, I'm still a little buzzed from the night before, and I was making a joke, okay?” he tried to explain himself.
Allison would hear none of it. “Oh, don't give me that. No wonder your sister was adamant about bringing her along. I've never liked her, now I find out she is corrupting our family.” she stormed out of the boutique.
Paul followed her. “Mom, will you wait up? It's not like that.” he tried to explain.
"And to think that your father and I paid for her college. We had such high hopes for that girl, and to find out that she is a stinking lesbian? Well, tell your sister whenever she comes back not to bother coming home with us.” she shouted, causing people to stare.
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