Black Rose

12.

After explaining everything that happened to Badge and Slick, we figured we'd better get back on the road and tell the others. Scar would want to hear about this right away. Not to mention, Tula and I needed some medical attention, and it was easier going to Sue for help than trying to explain our injuries at a hospital.

Rayne, Tula, and Keahi rode back in Ace's red Ford, while Badge, Slick, and I rode back in Badge's Camaro. The first couple minutes of the ride home centered around what happened. Neither of us could really make sense of it. After a while, I felt myself start to get a little sleepy. I rested my head against the headrest, hoisting my legs up into the other seat, and slowly began to fall asleep. While I was sleeping, I had the strangest dream...

"So...what is it you want with my daughter?" Slick's smooth voice suddenly asked.

There was no response for a long time. "What is it that you want with my girlfriend?" There was no reply. "Do you really expect me to believe that you came into her life after all these years to help her? Now? Why not five, or ten years ago when she was being verbally abused by that pathetic waste of a stepfather? Where were you then?"

"Five or ten years ago I didn't know she existed!" Slick took a deep breath. "You don't have to believe my intentions for her are pure."

"I don't."

"But I mean what I said. I'm here to help her. And protect her." A long silence. "You're very protective of her." There was no reply. "Does she like that?"

"I think she likes the fact of knowing that someone cares about her."

"And how much do you care for her?" Slick questioned. "Do you love her?"

"Of course I do," Badge answered quietly, a hint of annoyance.

"You still never answered my question. What is it that you want with her?" No reply. "Or what do you want from her?"

"What?" Badge laughed disbelievingly.

"Sex?" Slick interrogated. "Are you two being safe?"

Badge gave an incredulous chuckle. "Tatum and I haven't...I don't want sex from her."

"You're a teenage boy, Badge. I'm no idiot. I know it's crossed your mind."

"Of course it crossed my mind. But I'd never ask or force her to do anything she wasn't ready to do. I respect her, and I value her." Annoyance now really thick in his voice.

"So, just so we're clear...you two haven't..." Slick trailed off.

"No," Badge breathed.

"Well," Slick cleared his throat, "I guess I like you a little bit better now." There was another long silence. "So, what are your future plans with her?"

"I really don't have to discuss this with you."

"I think you really do," Slick countered. "Whether Tatum wants to admit it or not, it's important to her that we get along."

"How do you know so much about her? You just met her."

"She's an open book," he answered immediately. "Much like her mother."

"I think what's important to her is getting to know you. Being a part of her life."

"You are a part of her life. The only way I can know her better, is if I know you too." A brief pause. "So, help me to understand."

Badge gave out a long contemplative breath, and took a moment to finally reply. "We haven't talked about it. In all honesty, we haven't been dating long. It's been a...complicated relationship."