Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 32: Inspired

As the movie credits scroll, Vivian looks down at Siobhan, "Did you like it?" Siobhan crawls out of her lap to sit next to the older woman. She pauses trying to collect her thoughts to express them clearly. Vivian silently hoping that the movie affected Siobhan in the same way it did her before she left Chris.

Siobhan doesn't know about my run in with Roger and what he said to me. I'm hoping this movie ignites her drive to fight. I have a feeling she may need it soon.

"I didn't expect to feel like this after a 'thriller'. I expected to be scared and feel jumpy and nervous after, but right now I honestly feel inspired, Viv! I won't ever truly feel free until Roger is dealt with..." The blonde hesitates before confessing, "I may have a plan that I brought up to Mia. It's dangerous, but it can work."

Vivian stood abruptly, her expression unreadable. Siobhan watched her walk into the kitchen, the sound of cabinets opening and glasses clinking echoing through the space. Her heart sank. Is she mad? Disappointed? Does she want me to leave?

Moments later, Vivian returned with two glasses and a bottle of wine. Her lips twitched into a grin. "The way you're talking, Bon, I think we need a drink or two!"

Laughter bubbled out of them both, breaking the tension and spilling over into the dimly lit room.

Siobhan pulls her legs onto the sofa crossing them under each other as Vivian sits mirroring her. She pours them both a glass of wine handing Siobhan her glass. "What's your plan, Bon?" The younger woman takes in a deep breath, rubbing her hands anxiously on either knee, voice shaky as she begins to speak.

"You remember Mia saying it was the cartel that wrecked her car and took the tapes?" Vivian's eyes widen as she gives a soft nod. "Well, Roger works within the cartel pushing drugs out to the big pocket buyers."

Vivian leans back on the arm of the sofa taking a small sip of her wine. Her eyes fixed intently on Siobhan.

"I have seen him cut the substances with other powders to 'stretch' the merchandise. Bennie has a reputation for having the purest products."

Siobhan gulped the rest of her wine and reached for the bottle to pour another. Her hands trembled slightly, making the task more difficult. Vivian noticed and gently took the bottle, pouring it for her.

Topping off her own glass, the dark haired woman has confusion plastered on her face as she is trying to connect the dots. "Baby, I have to say, I'm a little lost on your plan," Vivian said, her voice soft but tinged with worry. "How does this help us get him arrested—and keep you safe?"

Siobhan shakes her head, "Just try to stay with me... It will make sense. Bennie has two rules for those that distribute for him. Keep the product pure and give him his share of the money. Roger is breaking both of Bennie's rules," Siobhan said, her voice dropping lower. "And I've seen what Bennie does to people who cross him."

Vivian feels her heart drop into her stomach, "Bon Bon, this plan sounds really dangerous, and you haven't even finished telling it yet," Vivian said, her voice trembling slightly. "I can't lose you to this. What if Bennie doesn't care about your information? Or worse, what if it backfires?" She reaches out for Siobhan's hand. They interlace their fingers resting their hands on the cushion.

"I don't want to stay in this limbo forever, Viv," Siobhan replied, her voice growing steadier. "If I trade what I know for the tapes, we can finally take them to the police. But even then, it's a gamble... He's so deeply connected to this town and the cops."

Vivian presses her lips together, eyes fixed on their interlaced hands and begins to speak softly, "Have you thought about all the possible outcomes? What if Bennie already knows? What if he refuses to give you the tapes? Or if they are already destroyed? And what if Bennie doesn't just refuse?" Vivian added, her voice dropping. "What if he decides you're a threat?"

Siobhan leans in close to Vivian, resolve painted on her face, "Bennie's reputation is everything, Viv. If word gets out that Roger is cutting his product and skimming profits, it'll make him look weak. That's leverage—and it's exactly what we need."

Vivian frowns and runs her thumb across Siobhan's knuckles. She can't deny that the plan makes sense, but can't decide if the risk is really worth it.

Silence presses down on the couple as the questions settle into their minds. "Once you open that door, Bon, there's no shutting it again. That's what scares me the most."

Siobhan leans in and softly kisses Vivian's lips. The blue-eyed woman's anxieties are somehow calmed by the touch of her gray-eyed beauty's lips. She knows this is the end to the conversation for now. Thinking to herself, "maybe my plan to inspire her backfired just a tad..."

Siobhan pulled back with a soft smile, brushing a stray hair behind Vivian's ear. "I'll put these away," she murmured, gathering the wine glasses and bottle before heading to the kitchen.

As the sound of running water filled the room, Vivian leaned back against the couch, her heart heavy with unease. Her eyes drifted to the doorway where Siobhan had disappeared.

She doesn't realize how dangerous this is, Vivian thought, her fingers curling into a fist. And Mia encouraged her?

Her hand moved to her phone, typing out a message with shaking fingers.

From Vivian:
You actually encouraged this?! Do you realize how dangerous it is? We need to talk NOW.

Vivian hit send, her chest tightening. She set the phone aside and stared into the dim light of the room, her thoughts racing. Bon, I just hope I can keep you safe.