Blood Stains

G&G

"So you're the kid Austin always talked about?" Gray asked "Garrett right?"

Garrett nodded uncrossing his arms. "Is this you?" He asked pointing to a picture on the wall of the room littered in framed pictures and newspaper clippings.

The picture was of a smaller boy with long black hair and tanned skin, his arm slung around an upset Austin.

"That was me, that was the first and only time I beat Austin in a fight." Grey smiled remembering it.

---

"I miss the dark hair but the blonde's nice on you too." Layden said to carmen as he followed her to class.

"You look beautiful as always." He said putting his hand on the small of her back.

"I thought I told you to save it and go back to her." Carmen snapped.

Layden was taken back by her sudden hostility. He quickly left her alone mumbling things under his breath.

------

James sighed walking up to the driveway. he slowly knocked on the door. He heard his mom call 'coming hold on'.

She opened the door a baby on her hip, "James," she sighed in relief. "Why didn't answer my calls?" She then scolded.

"Sorry ma, I was in the gym. " he replied rubbing the back of his neck.

She pulled in for a hug. "Thank you for watching them." She smiled passing him Pam.

------

Carmen trotted down the stairs to her mom's apartment.
"Mom" she called out, popping into the kitchen.

She looked at her mom passed on the couch in their tiny living room. Her grays greatly contrasting from her curly black hair. Carmen sighed covering her mom with a blanket planting a kiss on her for head.
-
Carmen took a nice long drag dropping what was left in the rushing water a below her.

"Damn, I miss you Austin." She whispered.

"I had a feeling you'd be here."

Carmen turned at looked at James. A small smile on his face.

"Do you like ice cream?" He asked

"Love it" she smiled.

"Well come on, hope you don't mind if my siblings join." He laughed taking her fragile hand in his.

A small laugh leaving her mouth "no I don't mind at all."