The events of the convention, Volume Two

Chapter Five - Friday

The phone blared like a siren. JJ shifted in his chair, rubbing his eyes. The ache from the cuts had prevented him from getting much sleep. But hey, tomorrow was the weekend. He could sleep the whole damn day for all anyone cared.

Oh, telephone. Hello, Circus Baby's-

It's me, idiot.

Clara, I don't need another lecture.

His sister made her "I'm rolling my eyes at you" noise. Forget that. They moved the gathering, JJ. It's today.

Now?

Yeah.

Clara, even if I wanted to go to that, which I don't, I can't just leave work in the middle of the day.

You have to be there!

Why? Nobody wants me there, except maybe you, and that's not enough, no offense.

That's the point, you moron. They're reading Grandfather's will today, Mr. Fry finally finished getting the legal stuff sorted. Father doesn't want you there so he can cheat you out of your inheritance, I just know it.

...

You know I'm right.

JJ sighed. You know, I used to be surprised by this kind of thing. I'll see you in a few minutes. He hung up the phone, expecting to feel something. Angry, maybe. But no, nothing. All there was was just a sort of depressing calmness. Like he knew it would happen. Shaking his head, he went toward the elevator. Welp. Might as well.

_ _ _

JJ pulled his van up to the house. It was a small, quaint little place. Odd bits and bobs of things were scattered over the lawn.

Oh, and there were cars parked up and down the street.

Ugh, I am not ready for this.

JJ!

He turned. Clara was walking towards him, braiding her hair as she went.

'Sup, Clara. How long is that?

I don't know. She pulled her silvery locks into her scrubs. Maybe three feet? Something like that.

What do you do with all that?

Whip people.

JJ stepped away from her, and she laughed. I'm messing with you. Sheesh, you'd think after getting multiple lacerations you'd be less skittish. How did that happen, anyway?

Um, because of nunya.

She rolled her eyes. Fine. I'll figure it out eventually. The sibling stood there for a moment, reminiscing.

Where are all these cars from?

Oh, you wouldn't know. It's Father's extended family. None of them have any relation, but Grandfather made a fortune and a half being an author. It's only natural that they want a piece. She lowered her voice. Not that they deserve it.

JJ chuckled. Thanks for telling me about this. Father sure as hell wouldn't have.

Clara nodded. Look, there's nothing to worry about. You have to be like a foot taller than him now. He can't do shit to you. All right?

I don't know what I'd do without you.

Probably drown in self-pity.

Shut up.