Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

23

I had laid stuck on my back the entire night. Pillows and blankets surrounding me in a nest to try and help me get comfortable enough to sleep. I even debated taking some melatonin to knock my ass out, but no, I went the old fashioned route and got about five hours of on and off sleep.

I groaned reading the time on my phone. It was five in the morning. Too early for a normal summer day. However, today was anything but normal.

Goonies

Today is the day bitches.
Hub

Why the freak are you up so early, JJ.
Pope-ronni

Cause the sky's awake, so I'm awake
Hub

Go away, Anna.
Xena-Bobina, Wifey, Babe, T

Okay, bye.
Hub

Wait! Wifey!! You're ALIVE!
Hub

And unfortunately awake too damn early.
Are we meeting at Pope's Pops place?
Xena-Bobina, Wifey, Babe, T

Yup. I'll be there soon.
Pope-ronni

Sounds good. I'll get there in about thirty minutes to help however I can.
Xena-Bobina, Wifey, Babe, T

I attempted to rise from my bed however that ended in a total bust. I sank back into my pillow and let out an audible groan.

"This is what I get for going all macho." I whispered as I took a deep breath, counting down from three and at one I was up and rolling out of bed. My feet hitting the rug as I carefully pushed my upper body free of the mattress.

My teeth dug into my bottom lip making me wince and taste blood. I'd probably just reopened the split on my lip. I took a few moments to just stand still. Doing a quick survey of where I felt the most pain.

I'd probably need to go and see Roy as well, and I'll definitely go in today and talk to Murphy. He's got every right to know what the hell happened last night. I just wasn't in the right state of mind last night and texting isn't an acceptable means of communication.

I sent both men a message letting them know I'd like to come in later today to get checked up and to talk. Both responses were positive and made me feel okay.

Murphy has lived on the Kildare island for over twenty years. He's had kids from all over the island come in to do lessons. He knows what the Kook v Pogue turf war looks like. And he also knew I was a major hothead when I got pissed.

Blame it on my genes I guess.

I figured that the best case today was wearing more comfortable clothes versus the typical 'beat the heat' style. I'd tell the Pogues what happened but I didn't need them to see just how bad it had gotten.

I grabbed high waisted jeans shorts, the cuffs at the bottom would end just above mid thigh, then a long sleeve compression shirt to keep me from overheating. I'd pack sandals in my bag for when we got on the boat and I'd have my baseball cap for after I was done riding over to the Heyward's shop.

I went into the bathroom and finally took a shower. Thankfully no new blood was discovered and I was able to slowly wash my hair. The movement of raising my hands above my chest was slightly painful but nowhere near as bad as it had been when I'd actually busted my ribs.

After drying off, I put on some more bruise gel then went hey-wire wrapping my ribs up tight just in case any funny business happened today. I know Roy would be happy I was being proactive. Proactive a day late, but still proactive.

Once I was all doctored up, no matter how spotty the job was, I pulled on my clothes and sighed thankful most of the bruises were covered. All that was shown was my face, nothing a little makeup couldn't help cover up.

Though, that would probably be the first clue something was up. I did my best to tone down the bruising while maintaining as neutral of a look as possible, I figured glasses would also blow my cover so I decided on contacts then wearing my shades. Then it at least looked more normal.

After getting ready, I packed the rest of my gear in my bag and headed down the stairs. I took a pitstop in the kitchen grabbing a banana and a water bottle before heading out to the garage. I made sure I locked everything up as the two older adults weren't awake yet then headed on my way.

I went slower this morning, taking the time to enjoy the morning air... which was substantially more difficult than you may think with all my riding gear on.

At exactly thirty minutes from my text, I rolled into the backside of Heyward's, in my designated spot.
I cut my engine catching Pope's eyes as he stood and rushed over to me.

"Xena, I, what, agh." He spluttered making me laugh as I took my helmet off and pulled him into a gentle hug. Realistically not the best decision, as I failed to remember Pope gets a little aggressive when hugging.

"Ow, Pope too tight." He froze, letting go as he pulled back.

"Xena?" I sighed, pulling the rest of my gear off and shoving them into my backpack. "What did you go do?" The corner light hit my face perfectly and I saw his eyes widened.

"No." He shook his head, "Xena please tell me you didn't?"

"I can't tell you that, I'm not going to lie to you Pope." I sighed, gently swinging my bag on my back. "I was ready to break down the Cameron's door and kick his ass on the spot. But I didn't. I got him to meet me at the gym and we did a sanctioned spar... for the first three minutes."

"Xena, that doesn't look like you were just sparring." I let him lift my hand up and see the bruising and cuts along my knuckles.

"Like I said, the first three minutes were sanctioned. Then we took off our gear. And it was simply a brawl from there. I told you before Pope, I have your back. I told all of you that if anyone hurts you, they have to deal with me."

I saw the tears in his eyes making me smile, water catching in my own as I lifted my spare hand to his chin. Raising his head to look at me instead of my hands.

"Hey, I wouldn't if I wasn't capable. I'm gonna be okay. Rafe on the other hand... well he may need some stitches. And hey, I'm not like JJ who doesn't think. I had him sign a contract, he can't do anything against me. Legally at least."

Pope shook his head, laughing in disbelief.

"How the hell did we get so lucky?" I grinned not caring that I felt my lip tug on my cut.

"Well, I guess it's a good thing I went to The Wreck for dinner my first night in town instead of the Country-club." Pope barked out a laugh as I swung my arm around his waist and he laid his hand around my shoulder, the two of us starting to walk down to the dock.

"Yeah right. You wouldn't be caught dead at the Country-club. Not willingly anyways." I laughed, Pope was right.

We walked in the blissful quiet of the morning. Waves gently lapping against the dock.

"Hey, Xena. You know JJ is gonna pester you. The other two are just gonna want to know where you went. We covered for you and said you had to go help your mom, but they're gonna be nosey."

"Well, the limbs in the backyard had overstayed their welcome." I sent Pope a wink as he rolled his eyes. But he didn't say anything so the story in theory could work.