Medusa (A Fairytale Green FanFic)

Chapter 17.5: Sword and Salve

A/N: It's a long one. Apologies for the wait. It's over 5000 words this one. Tormented Stone does something to my writing.

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Sliding smoothly into a parking stall at the front entrance, I parked and left my truck. School was over, and I felt conflicted about it. On one hand, it was school, but on the other, it was a guaranteed meeting with Ella. Since Kermit was still in the shop, I'd given her a ride home before going to work.

I did not need to go to work, but it was a welcome distraction - a place to clear my head. I had so many responsibilities, and usually, that works for me, but it's starting to feel like a chore instead of a hobby.

Walking below the giant cartoon Mike and into the shop, I removed my leather jacket and hung it on the hook by the door. The radio was low but audible enough for me to hear the classic rock station.

There were two cars parked in the garage: a Porsche and Ella's Kermit. For the former, we were waiting on a part to come in, so there was nothing further to be done for it at the moment. For the latter, I'd already finished fixing the problem, but I was making sure there was nothing else that I needed to do for the car. 

I'd gone through the whole checklist: oil change, oil filter change, coolant check, air filter change (it was full of debris), I checked the tire pressure, treads, headlights, signals, brakes, shocks and struts, coolant fluid, spark plugs, the front differential since Kermit was front-wheel drive, and windshield wiper fluid (it was nearing empty).

"Stone?" Mike called from his office, his jovial face peering out the doorway. "That you?"

"Yes," I call back with a wave. "Thought I'd come in for some last-minute touches on Kermit."

Mike beamed and disappeared from view for a few moments before walking back out with his paper coffee cup in hand. Mike said nothing with words, just stood beside me staring at the green car with the same grin. He patted my shoulder firmly, before shaking his head.

Mike didn't need to say anything to communicate with me. I think that's why I enjoy the old man's company so much. He doesn't waste time stating the obvious.

"Hasn't it been ready for days now?" he asked comically slow, peering up at me from over the rim of his cup. Well... usually he doesn't state the obvious.

I felt a rush of heat on my face and Mike pursed his lips before chortling.

"I see you, Son. I see you."

I could only pray my face was not as scarlet as it felt; I felt a hot flush across my body and I could suddenly hear my blood charging through my body, feel my heart stampeding, and my hands gather moisture.

Casually wiping my hands on my cloth as though I was covered in engine grease, I sent Mike a frown, but he just continued laughing.

"Well... when do you plan on giving her car back?" he asked, still staring at me. The weight of his stare was so intense I felt my arms clench, crossed over my chest as they are.

"Soon," I said, finally answering. He nods.

"Good. I'm very much enjoying the visual of you trying to stuff yourself in the passenger seat when she drives it away."

I snort and then sigh. I'd already done that the night of Chad's party, and it's not a thing I want to repeat. I mean, unless Ella was in the car, and then it would be an excuse to get closer to her, but...

"As much as I love your company, Stone, don't you have somewhere to be?" Mike asked, and I nod.

"Yes."