A Life Of 'Shine - Lem Fike

2

Nora's daydreaming wasn't so quick in stopping all together after Maggie had given her a telling off earlier on in the week, since that scare she was more alert than usual but there would be at least one instance in a day where her mind was switch to the false, make believe world it would occasionally wonder off too. However, Nora couldn't claim that she hadn't even tried to help herself when it would come to these daydreams. Occasionally she would get lost in thought yes, while most commonly she would just go blank to the world, Cripps recommended not doing any deliveries until it was all sorted and before she could fit in her own protests at the idea, Lem had agreed with Cripps and was halfway up the mountain to inform Maggie of Nora stepping down a position.

"I'm do not go blank every damn minute." Her voice was harsh, cutting through the silence of her camp as she marched on up to one JB Cripps. He seemed amused by the whole ordeal, smirking at the younger female as she began pacing back and forth in his own personal bubble. He wasn't really listening to words she had to say, rather trying to keep himself from laughing at her absurdity but he was able to compose himself into sarcastic "yeah?" And "ya-huh's."

"You've cost me my job, Cripps. Hell, Maggie won't have me around at the cabin any more because she has no work for me to do at that time being. I am capable of tampering with rivals, capable of taking care of road blocks to help ourselves and I am more than capable of driving a wagon to whatever client needs 'shine."

If it were possible, Cripps would say that steam was practically coming out of her ears at this point. Her face a few shades darker from anger, twisted almost as she surpressed any other emotions for the time being.

"I black out because I damn well please. Those stupid daydreams ain't nothing close to important so I don't know why you had to go telling her nephew that ridiculous idea of yours."

"Tell me what you get so lost in your head over and I'll tell her you're fine to go back to work. Under Lem's supervision."

Nora gave Cripps a blank stare for a while, blinking a few times at the smug face before her. She dropped her hands, her right playing with the bottom of her shirt in distraction for a while.

"It's stupid." Her answer only earned a shake of the head from Cripps, a small scoff from his way as he grabbed a bottle of beer from the crate he always replaced each day. Fresh alcohol always at the ready.

"It ain't stupid if you just got so worked up about it. Christ, I would've thought you were defending one of your brother's again with that tantrum."

Nora rolled her eyes at the male, sitting next to him at the wagon with a reluctant sigh.

"Guess I just think about Mrs LeClerk's husband. That whole nasty business, if she hadn't found out I wasn't responsible- well, I doubt I'd be here right now."

"Ah. I, sorry kid."

She shook her head, the apology meaningless to her. "No need to be. Ain't your fault and the bastards have since been taken care of."

Cripps nodded at her, standing up from the stool for once in his lifetime where he would begin the walk up the hill. Nora watched for a while before she finally realised him to be heading for the moonshine shack, no suprises as he did announce his plans to do so.

She was alone for a while, passing time by poking the fire at her feet to keep her distracted until the camp manager returned, if he did.

"Should've said you think back to that damn moment." It wasn't Cripps, rather Lem at the camp this time around. She winced at the voice, sounding bitter and unforgiving almost as he stood behind her.

"You know, you said you'd tell me if anything was wrong and yet you had me thinking you were just getting lost in thought over any little thing."

"Sorry. It's not that important you know, I just think about why I was the one taken into custody. Mrs LeClerk always says it's because I was there and was quiet, not like I could've done anything about it." Lem's face softened once she spoke, understanding her and showing he did with a gentle nod. He sat down next to her, taking her hand in his before rubbing his thumb along the back of it.

"I get it. You just don't understand why." Nora gave a gentle nod, allowing her companion to know he was at least correct on the theory without having to say anything to tell him so.

"Cripps told Maggie. She's annoyed you didn't tell her, as was I. Ain't much you can do about it I'm afraid." Lem kept talking softly too her, moving from the subject entirely and onto his favourite flavour of moonshine. It wasn't like he knew much else to talk about, having grew up with the moonshine business. Unlike others, Nora listened to what he had to say. Taking a common interest in his words, distracting herself long enough for her to remain aware.

"If I am allowed to go out again. Selling 'shine, you've gotta come with me. Keep me distracted because this is really helping." She whispered, subconsciously moving closer to Lemuel so she could rest her head on his shoulder. He tensed at the reaction at first, but the more he kept talking the more he began to relax with you using him for comfort.

"Nora, going for long walks usually helps clear my head. Would you like to go on one? See if it helps you a little." He proposed the idea, looking down at her for an answer. She was quiet and still for a while before nodding a yes, moving from her position to stand before him.

"Could we walk to Rhodes? I kinda have a friend I've not seen in some time and also rather fancy a drink." Lem nodded at her request, extending an arm for her to hold onto as they began their journey to the small town.