Sylvia

Chapter Two: Sylvia

Give this book a chance, give Sylvia a chance. Love to all.

Tim stays quiet for most of the ride, making me squirm when he places his cool hand on my knee. It doesn't seem to bother him, so I stay still.

"Stick with me when we get inside, you understand? There's gonna be a whole drove of people there, and I can't have what happened to Karen repeatin'. Your brother would try to kill me." He throws a look at me as he drives, all kidding lost in his stern features.

"Yes, Tim." I say softly, giving his hand a small squeeze like that could take away his worry.

What seems hours later, we pull into a crowded lot but I know it's only been long minutes.

"If something starts happenin' in there, you get gone. Can't have that pretty face get roughed up on my account." His hand cups my cheek, and I swear I can barely breathe.

"Tim Shepard, what are you doing with me?" I lean into his hand, breath catching in my throat, unsure of what he's fixing to do.

"Ain't it clear?"

He gets out of the car quick after, and I silently follow, trying to stay as close to him as I can.

There's a mess of people on the lawn, and when Tim throws open the door, smoke and the smell of liquor gag me. I almost feel out of place, most girls here look like they're prepared for anything a man could throw their way. I'm still wearing my damn uniform dress, and I curse myself for not thinking to change right at home.

Soc's and greasers alike are mixing, but not without some stern looks thrown about.

Tim starts talking to a few boys that look like they could scare the devil himself, and I shrink close to him, watching as one boy's eyes run me over.

I try to move behind Tim, but he throws his arm around my waist carelessly, not minding me. I feel a bit safer, and do my best to look impressed by everything Tim says, hoping he will pay me a lick of attention.

"And who is this?" one of the boys croons, he's not the one who has been eyeing me, but it still gives me a chill. I try to cover it up with a cough.

"This is Danny Winters' kid sister, Sylvia. She's off the table, Jack." Tim growls the last part, holding me closer.

I'd like to remind him that I'm really not something to claim, but knowing how that would embarrass him I stay quiet. They all stop looking at me like hungry animals, and I relax a little bit, fumbling with my hands as they continue their conversation.

Across the room, I spot Mara, a gal I work with. Her makeup goes clear past her eye brows, and she's laughing animatedly at something with a group of girls and guys alike. When she catches my eye she waves at me shortly, tilting her head and waving me over.

I look to Tim, waiting for him to pay me a look.

"Tim, I see a friend from work, can I go talk to her?" I ask when he finally looks down at me.

"Sure ya can," He digs in his coat pocket, pulling out a few bills and putting them in my hand "get yourself something to drink from Buck, we need to loosen you up a bit." He chuckles like he's said something real funny.

His comment bothers me, but still I walk towards Buck. He notices me over the crowd of people and gives me a sly smile that makes my skin crawl. Once again I feel incredibly out of place. I try to shove the bills at him, but he just shakes his head.

"On the house, enjoy." He hands me a cup of something, and I test it, nearly gagging at the amount of alcohol in just my small swig.

I push through the people, finding Mara in the same spot she was in. She raises a painted eyebrow at my uniform.