Beginning of the End

XXIX

It's been a week since Alek first arrived, he's been a major help. He mainly helps Lamar, Khalil, and then my dad. My dad has always loved Alek. Things have gotten better. Alek and Aysa can now be near each other without Aysa showing his ass. But, you can still sense the tension.

I walked into the cafeteria, and immediately spotted him helping dad cut some tomatoes up.

    "What's up, buttercup?" I smiled as I walked up to them, Edge on my shoulder.

    "Nothing much, honey bunch." Alek chuckled back. I giggled then looked at my dad.

    "What's for dinner?" I smiled.

    "Well, we still have a shit ton of pasta from the last run, so I'm just making some Rigatoni with a basic tomato paste." He finished cutting his last tomato. He turned to Alek, who was almost done.

    "And... finished," He put the knife down, then looked at me, "What's up?" He hugged me.

    "I was wondering if you, Lamar, Tyler, and Nick wanted to go on a run. The guys already said yes, just coming to ask you now." I answered. He smiled widely.

    "Yes. I'd love to! Where were we gonna go?"

    "That's the hard part. I wanted you guys to go north a bit. Like... A lot a bit. Maybe Charlottesville?" I tensed at the question.

    "Sure, no problem. I know my way better than they do. I can drive." He hugged me again.

    "Awesome, let's go meet with them." We turned and began to walk away.

    "I'm making this great fucking dinner, and you're sending men out?" My dad asked, knife still in hand. I turned.

    "They won't leave until the morning, dad. It's too late." I chuckled.

    "Oh," He lowered his knife, "Well, nevermind." He turned and walked back into the kitchen. Alek and I laughed as we walked out, and to the Back Gate, where Lamar, Khalil and them could usually be found. When we approached them, they were sitting in their usual circle.

    "Hey Ziggles." Lamar smiled as Alek and I walked up.

    "What's up, guys?" Alek smiled as he fist bumped each of them. They had gotten so close over the week. Lamar actually suggested Alek join them.

    "Well," I sat down beside Lamar, crossing my legs, "Alek's in." They all clapped.

    "Nice." Khalil smiled. Alek sat next to me.

    "So, where to, boss?" Tyler asked.

    "North. Charlottesville. About 3 hours away. I expect a 2 day trip, possibly. If you see anything else you want to stop at on the way, by all means, go for it. I have a map somewhere in my bookshelf." I gestured back to my house.

    "Uh, that's far..." Nick scratched his head.

    "Don't worry, man," Alek started, "I got you. I know my way pretty well. A map will definitely help."

    "Well, guys," I stood up, "I'm gonna go look for that map, maybe read some until dinner. Meet me in the morning at sunrise."

    "I'll join you." Alek stood up. We waved goodbye and walked towards my house. He opened my door for me and we stepped inside. We walked over to the living room. He took a seat on the couch, I walked over to the bookshelf. I scanned the shelves, looking for the map.

    "Ah ha!" I said out loud, grabbing the map that was between two books. I unfolded it, setting it down on the coffee table. Alek leaned forward.