Babette's Story (Lawless Fanfic)

Chapter 16: First Time

Forrest spent some time recovering in the hospital, but tomorrow he was coming home. I visited Forrest as much as I could. Richie wouldn't speak to me especially once he found out that it was Forrest Bondurant that I spent my afternoons visiting. I knew he was angry at my choice in a man but it never crossed my mind that my own brother would ever treat me as he does now. I would take the overprotective, hardheaded Richie over the silent treatment he now offers me everyday. Pop says I should just give him time. Eli on the other hand doesn't agree of mine and Forrest' relationship, but he respects it. He even started hanging around the station sometimes, but I knew it was just a scheme to keep an eye on me. I noticed that he and Maggie took a liking to each other. They keep each other entertained exchanging "city life" stories. It was sort of cute.

I drove up to Blackwater station on an unseasonably warm day. Jack and Cricket were loading up Forrest' truck when I pulled up. I walked over to them hearing Cricket's frantic voice. "Shit, Jack. You're off your nuts!"

"I'm done waitin' for permission." Jack says as he notices my presence. "Hey Baps!" He calls to me cheerfully.

Cricket looks to me nervously then back to Jack. "Forrest is gonna throttle you!" I glance at Jack confused about what they're speaking about.

"Don't you worry about that. Grab a box. You just call Gummy Walsh, you tell him we're bringin' a big load. Two hundred gallons at least." Jack's words suddenly strike me.

I gasp, "Jack, you're going on a run without your brothers?" He ignores my question to answer Crickets.

"You mean, you and me?" Cricket asks again his fear very evident in his voice.

"Well, hell, I need back up, Cricket. You my partner, or what?" Jack tells the nervous boy who scuffles to complete his task. I watch Cricket hurry away.

"You can't do this Jack! Just you and Cricket-are you outta your mind!? If Howard or Forrest find out about this you'll be lucky to live another day." I follow him into the shed watching him load more crates of the illegal alcohol onto the truck. "Jack, please just think about this. Forrest'll be out tomorrow you can at least wait until then."

"C'mon Baps, how am I ever s'pose to prove to them that I can do this when they never give me the chance." Jack says as he loads the last crate. He turns to face me with a mocking look plastered on his face. "B'sides Forrest don't have to know about this till its over and done with."

"No, no no don't put me in this posi-"

"You're already in it Baps. All I'm asking for- is just for you not to mention seein' or hearin' 'bout this, that's all." He stares at me with pleading eyes. Itching to prove that he can handle his family business.

"Jack your brother can take one look at my face and know something is up. And if Howard catches you before Forrest.... I don't know which will be worse." I say worriedly.

Jack smiles his boyish smile knowing that I'm giving in to his southern charm. "I can deal with them after the job is done. If anybody ask, you ain't seen me or Cricket, okay?"

I sigh heavily shaking my head staring Jack in his hazel eyes. "Jack Bondurant you promise to be careful and look after Cricket." His smile gets bigger and he starts calling for Cricket.

"Hey Cricket!! Lets go!!" He says enthusiastically. Crickets comes running out-his nerves getting the best of him. I watch them get into the truck with one final glance at me and drive off to their destination. Forrest is going to be livid. I don't even want to think about what Howard would do.

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I woke up early today in hopes that I could be at the station before Forrest arrives. Angie was already up. She wasn't one to do much since that night at the station. I think she's traumatized, which is understandable. I had to talk her into taking the trip with me to the station for Forrest' homecoming. The drive to Blackwater was very quiet. Angie stared out the window at the scenery. 'I wonder if Jack and Cricket are okay. I wonder if they're on their way home yet.' I thought to myself. Pulling into the station I saw Maggie and Howard on the porch talking. I parked the car and stepped out just as Howard headed towards his car.