Honey Stone

Things that go Bump in the Night

A few days later, Honey was watching James pack a few things and ready his bike for the trip out. Nash's stance was tense and he kept sending long looks in Honey's direction. Her eyes followed him but she remained curled on the couch, trying to keep herself together.

'Its not too late to go stay with Viola or Raven you know babe.' Nash said as he was kissing her goodbye.

Honey smiled up at him. 'I don't need a babysitter, James. I'm used to taking care of myself. Apart from getting back and forth to school, I'm self sufficient. And besides, I would feel more comfortable being amongst our things.' Honey chuckled mirthlessly 'I mean your things, my whole life can be squashed into two bags.'

Nash cupped her face in his hands 'Baby, this is your place too. Do what you like, within reason. No parties ok.'

Honey chuckled again, the same dry sound. 'Its not like I've got anyone to invite, apart from Vi, and I don't think you meant her.'

Nash's face dropped 'I still don't like that you've not made any friends. I promised you it would be different here.'

Honey stopped any further words with a kiss 'James, I'm fine. Its only a few more months. I can live without all that stupid shit that everyone at school seems to thing is so damn important.'

'What shit?'

'Oh its nothing, just that there's some dance thing coming up, I don't know much about it.' she muttered.

'A dance? Do you want to go? When is it?' Nash fired at her, sounding excited.

'Why would I want to go?' she gasped in horror 'Look at me. I'm not wanted there. Its the same here as it was back in Arizona except my mothers antics haven't followed me here.'

'Honey, I want you to go. Show them who you are.' Nash said gently. 'When I get back, we'll talk about this. Now, you have my number, I'll keep in contact. Vi will probably come and fuss over you. Raven too. Any trouble go there or to the club.'

'Go James. I'll be fine.' she said laughing as she shoved him out. He kissed her once more before climbing onto his bike and heading away from the house. Honey watched him go, a heavy feeling in her heart. The evening dragged on and on and the shadows lengthened. Honey lay on the couch and stared blankly at the tv. A knock came at the front door and she dragged herself upright.

'Ok, little miss. The cavalry has arrived.' Viola shouted as Honey opened the door. She sauntered in with Mia and Raven in tow. 'Not letting you stay by yourself on his first night out.'

'It gets easier.' Raven said taking Honey's hand and giving it a squeeze.

'Who are you with?' Honey asked trying to remember if a name had ever been mentioned.

'Oh, no-one special. I'm a life member. My daddy was in the club a long time ago. He died a few years ago. My brother too.' Raven said with a shrug. 'I don't need a man or a woman for that matter.'

'You lost your father and your brother to the club!' Honey gasped with her hand over her heart.

Viola shot Raven a hard glare as she pulled Honey down to sit next her. 'They didn't die because of the club hun.'

Mia handed Honey a beer 'Kevin was a firefighter and Adrian had cancer.' she explained.

Honey looked round at the women. Raven looked slightly shocked 'Christ Honey, I so sorry, I wasn't thinking. Nash will be fine, they all will be. This sort of thing happens from time to time. They are all good at what they do and he'll be back before you know it.'

'Have they ever been caught?' Honey asked nervous of the answer she might get. Viola shifted awkwardly in her seat and Raven chewed her lip, even Mia began to fidget and fuss. 'I'll take that as a yes then.' Honey said bitterly.