Looking Beyond

Chapter 35: Declarations and Announcements

A/N: Given that I've linked a video of the song that clearly shows the band's album cover, I still have a gut feeling that I need to cover my rear and let everyone know that I do not own the song lyrics that are quoted in this chapter. The song as a whole, however, provided much inspiration for this chapter. Also, a "cajon" is a percussion rhythm box. The user sits on it and uses their hands to tap out beats.

     "Brea!" Savannah raced up to her 'little big sister' and hugged her tightly. "Where have you been?"

     Brea gave a weak smile. "I needed to get away for a bit. I haven't been feeling well."

     Scarlett coughed. "Are you...I mean, do you have that...you know, stomach bug going around?"

      Brea gave her a funny look. "I wish. This is mostly me not feeling well because I'm thinking too much."

    "I need to go kick Jacob's ass..." Savannah muttered.

     "I can tell you a few pointers. He's stronger than he looks." A voice near Brea spoke up.

     "You are?" Savannah inquired of the younger woman.

     "Oh Sav, I'm sorry. This is Danielle, Jacob's younger sister."

     "Nice to meet you." She shook Savannah and Scarlett's hands. "I've heard a lot about you two."

     "I'm sorry, I just have to say something." Savannah announced. "You're brother's being an ass."

     "Yeah!" Pipped in Scarlett. "What kind of guy leaves a girl a note asking for a break?"

     Brea buried her face in her hands. "Guys...it's okay..."

     "Jake did what?" Danielle pulled out her phone, ready to call her big brother and give him a piece of her mind. She stopped when she saw Brea shake her head not to. "Brea, is this why the two of you were acting so weird last Sunday?"

     "It's fine."

     Savannah raised an eyebrow. "That's a load of..."

     "Baloney. We all know it Savannah. When she wants to talk about it, she will." Scarlett interrupted.

     "Guys, just drop it. Please?" Brea begged. "Let's just go get our pedicures."

     Scarlett paid close attention to how tired Brea looked. Her eyes had large, dark rings under them, and she looked a bit out of sorts. "Are you sure you want to hang out Brea? You look like you should be home resting."

     "Thanks Scarlett, but I'm fine. There's been more work lately and trying to work here wasn't as easy as I thought it'd be."

     Savannah watched as her shorter friend walked towards the store. "Hey Scar." She whispered. "Do you think she left the test in the bathroom?"

     Scarlett's eyes lit up. "Dan and I thought about that the other day! It could be her, right? I mean, she and Jacob have been..."

     "As much as she denies it, yes." She waved at Brea and Danielle, who had managed to get several steps ahead of them. "But I'd know if she was. We tell each other EVERYTHING."

     "Maybe she didn't because of everything else going on...or maybe..." She cut herself off.

     "Maybe what Scar?"

     "Maybe with everything going on, she and Jacob decided that she should get an abortion. It would explain why she's been out here for a week."