The Darker Side Of Me!

Chapter 13 - Memories Resurface...

It was the middle of the shift for Drew Henderson, time for a well deserved fag break, he thought. Drew had worked hard and learnt new things about the maintenance of cars since starting his apprenticeship. He was always fascinated with auto mechanics so was thrilled to be learning more. Drew was nervous when applying to the apprenticeship as his illnesses were... unpredictable. But the manager of the company saw something in him and gave him the chance of a lifetime. Drew appreciated that more than anyone would know, he had worked harder than most to get to where he was.

Drew walked to the smoking area where he saw another two members of the workforce came out for a smoke. Calvin and the newest member of the team - an American named Leslie Rivera or 'Lez' for short. Drew got along with both men and often had days jam-packed of banter or playful torment. And that day was no exception, "ey up short-arse," Cal called as Drew approached the two men. Calvin's words seemed to tickle the American so much that he nearly spat out his cigarette with laughter.

"Ahh the Yorkshire is strong in you shit for brains," Drew replied forcing Lez to almost swallow his cigarette in hysterics.

"You guys always like this?" Lez quizzed through his relentless laughter.

"Oh aye!" Cal bellowed, "get used to it yank!"

Both Lez an Drew opened theirs mouths to reply but before they could, they were distracted by the screeching of tires. All three men swerved to see a blue BMW fly around the corner, heading straight towards them. The men could hear the sound of metal music roaring louder and louder as the car came closer and closer.

At the very last second, the car skidded to one side so it didn't pummel into the three onlookers. "Whoa... Jesus!" Lez angrily shouted at the BMW driver.

"Who the hell is this crazy arse mother fucker?!" Cal exclaimed.

"That crazy arse mother fucker happens to be my best mate," Drew answered, looking down at his shoes in pure embarrassment. He stubbed out his cigarette before strolling toward the BMW, "let me just go and... talk to him."

The two older men looked on as Drew approached the vehicle as the menacing driver emerged from the front seat. He was a tall young man an athletic build and a shock of electric blue hair. His face was covered by huge metallic shades and he wore a black leather jacket. Lez and Cal took a few drags of their cigs as Drew high fived the blue haired trouble maker, laughing and joking with his friend. They couldn't make out what the boys were talking about as music was still blaring out from the car. 

As quick as the blue haired teen came, he went. After having his conversation with Drew, he clambered back into his car a sped off, beeping his horn as he circled back onto the road. Holding his head down in shame, Drew re-approached his two colleagues, "sorry about that guys. Blake is kinda... ya know... 'out there'. He's always has been."

***

Staring at the scattered Polaroid pictures that were dispensed over the coffee table, Gwen seemed preoccupied. She was knelt beside the table scanning through the countless images displayed in front of her. Not an inch of the dark wooden table was to be seen. Gwen's bright eyes flickered from one image to another, she saw some scenery photos, then pictures of her friends, then pictures of her and Cal romantically posed. None of which were what she was looking for.

Gwen let her mind drift back to the hellish morning at her girls school. Her mind was racing at a thousand miles per hour. She couldn't quite believe what had happened earlier that day. And couldn't hide the silent fury at the woman who confronted her about her first born. Gwen thought about the unruly monologue that took place, "I had a theory when I heard the name 'Lowther', I knew you'd be the god damn mother," the dark haired monster had spluttered, "If she is anything like you, your bitch of a daughter better stay clear from my Kayla. Have you seen what she did to my baby's perfect face?...." she carried on her roaring rant for an age. At first, Gwen hadn't a clue what the mad woman was talking about but she kept a cool head, as calm as she could possibly be trying to ignore the scandalous things that were said. Luckily headmaster, Derrick Barnsley, was able to diffuse the situation before the long-dormant beast inside Gwen was unleashed. At the time, the agitation pumping through her veins wad building up to dangerous levels, and was grateful for the intervention. She didn't want to do anything she regretted.