How Things Are

thirty three

Tents finally started to become unzipped and by the look on their faces, they weren't ready for the sunlight. Then the boss finally came out, with a new suit and a fresh cup of coffee. He smelled like he had taken a shower which you'd think was impossible if I hadn't seen everything loaded in his tent the night before. It took everything in me not to roll my eyes as I start helping the others take down their Tents and load them back in the car.

We should've done this earlier. It takes the guys hours to figure out how to fit the boss's things back into the trunks perfectly. In the end, they decided to leave one of their Tents and supplies behind. Ridiculous. Well, at least it's a good grab for the next traveler heading down this road.

It's mid-day when we finally get into to cars and start going. I was ordered to take Drake's old seat so Lucas can have his 'personal space'. Whatever that means.
This car ride is easier with Teedo, Leo, and Joey. After Joey tells Teedo what happened last night with the kid named Jimmy, we end up playing a game of sorts. Things we would or wouldn't tell Lucas in the morning. Even Teedo jumps in which surprises me.

"I'd never tell him my ma's panties were stolen," Joey says on his turn.
"No one would steal your ma's panties, Joey." Leo cut in.
"How do you know? They could want her DNA for something."
Teedos face scrunched up "And you think stealing her panties is the best way to get it?" He looks back at him like he has two heads. "You idiot."
I'm biting my lip, trying not to laugh. "Hey! My mother is a beautiful woman, they could want to clone her or something." Joey argued
Leo starts to play with his hands "I've seen your mother Joey. 'Beautiful' is a bit of a stretch."
"I don't think you'd have to worry about anyone cloning her," Teedo adds.
Joey scoffs.

..."I'd never tell him if my momma's panties were stolen." I add to break the silence.
"I saw your ma before. I might steal her panties." Leo looks back at me in the mirror. Teeto nods his head. He might be too into this game for my liking.
"When did you see my momma?" It was my turn to scoff.
"We're Mafia Tibs. We do our research." Leo raises his eyebrow at me through his mirror. He knew my relationshipwith my parents and wanted a reaction, "I'd probably even clone her, unlike Joey's ugly ma."
Teedo spit out whatever he was drinking. "Is she really that ugly?" I ask.
Teedo cuts in "A nightmare."
"Enough. I don't like this game anymore." We all hide our smiles from Joey. "We're not even supposed to be talking about this." He looks at all of us seriously, "Lucas is our boss. We tell him everything."
"So if your ma's panties were stolen, you'd tell him?" We all looked at him skeptically. Things weren't going his way so he just wanted us to change the conversation. But Leo wouldn't let him. I was finding out Leo was the kind of guy who will push people to bring out what he wants.
Joey's jaw tightened "I'd tell my boss what he needed to know."
Leo tried and failed to hide the growing smile in the corner of his mouth. "That's not answering the question." He was enjoying taunting Joey and I can't deny it. So was I. Though me and Teedo hid our mask behind a bored expression. "Stealing from the Mafia is a crime Joey."
"I know that." Joey grits out.
"So you gonna report your ma's stolen panties to our boss or not?" Leo taunts.

We were waitingfor the Ridiculous answer. Even Teedo was sitting straighter in his seat yet trying to remain casual. I was pretending there was something stuck in my nails for the past few minutes of Leo's horrasing. "This was just a game!" Joey finally yell "NO! OK. No. I wouldn't tell him."

Leo snickers. "You're the one who made it serious all because you couldn't take a joke Jo."

I'm sure if the car wasn't moving Joey would be walking out, slamming the door behind him. Leo didn't care though. He pushes til he gets a reaction. I wonder why he was picking to work with Teedo and Joey. It was like Teedo could since the question coming and shook his head while driving.

Before Leo could annoy Joey anymore Teedo pushes a button in the middle and music started playing. I hate these magical things I don't understand. This is the first time I've seen one make sounds like this. Teedo rolls his eyes at my reaction. I dont know why he's so annoyed when he's the one using magic. Then Leo bobs his head and sings. After a few more songs Joey's scratchy voice sings along.

The mood settles and we soon get to Boozers Town. Where the drinks aren't good enough for them but good for everyone else. Of course I don't say that out loud. However the expression is on my face while hearing them critisize their low-born booze as we drive straight through. Their royal feet are too worthy to walk on the grounds where low quality wine exist.

We enter Nutrual Zone. Lucas heads straight to The finest hotel where they take care of all your needs. The inn keeper takes all the keys to the cars to get them charged up and ready for travel. Everyone gets a room, including me. After inn staff sees my tattoo and sword emblem they say nothing. It's annoying, having to keep pointing these things out, but it gets me places.

Walking into my room I sighed remembering the time I planned on living in this territory. Though I would have done it disguised I still would've been more free. However, I'm stronger now. Lucas isn't so bad when he doesn't get mad at you. I've seen horrible masters that gave me nightmares as a child. Being caught by him isn't the worst. Though being here, I miss going where I want to go. Do what I want to do.

Screw it. I put on some casual clothes to blend in, pick up my katana and head toward the one place I know they won't be.