Something Special

Chapter 19

"Thanks Reggie. I appreciate."
"Aye girl. We're cool. You stay here as long as you need. Family's shit ya know." Tara nods at the boy and filled him up the stairs. A box of open pizza was on the coffee table and the tv was on. Without a second thought, Tara sinks into the empty recliner and rubs her head. Her stomach grumbles and she points at the pizza. "Um. Can I-"
"Tara. Why you asking? Have what you want." she inhales a piece of cheese pizza and smiles at his shocked expression. "I haven't eaten all day and I'm starved."
"That's cool. Beer?"
"No thanks." He picks up a bottle of cheap cider and opens it. "What happened at Alex's. He told me you were staying with him tonight." His one was mild. "Um. We had an argument and well, it didn't end well." His eyes harden. "You alright. Like, he didn't hit you or nothing."
"No Reggie. No. Just, his mums a bit of a bitch you know. " she leans back and closes her eyes, her head beginning to pound. "Yeh. She's rough. She just wants the best for Alex though, you know. And they're really close as well." He sits on the sofa and eyes her warily. "What she do?"

Tara runs a hand through her fringe and sighs heavily. "I don't know. She pretty much told Alex that he should stop bringing tramps back and that there was no way I was good enough for her son. Which by the way I don't care about. I don't really like Alex." She glances and the boy next to her and smiles. "Sorry. I'm babbling."
"Don't apologise. I think it cute." She smiles and stands up. With a sudden burst of courage she stands in front of him, her hands reaching for his face. She straddles him and smiles at his shocked expression. "Now, Mr Reggie. Why on earth are we wasting our Friday nights talking about Alex Cross." Reggie raises an eyebrow and carefully pushes a piece of hair out of her face. "Girly, I don't know why you so posh but if your-" his words were cut off by a kiss. His arms circle her waist and he picks her up. She was so light that he could walk with her. He carries her to his bedroom and sets her on the bed. Then the couple disappear under the covers for a night.

His kisses were like butterfly touches. He kisses her bare back, over her scars. He kisses her shoulder blades, his lips lazily following the freckles on her back. He kisses her neck, even when she squirms because it tickles. And then he kisses her mouth and she returns the kiss, the sleep hanging on her like a blanket. Lazily, her tongue traces his bottom lip, nibbling on it softly. "I don't wanna leave." she murmurs against his lips, keeping her eyes closed. "That's ok." he murmurs back, laying his cheek on the pillow next to hers, his breath mingling with hers, happy it was only 3am. "You don't have to if you don't want to."

Tara rubs her eyes sleepily and looks at Reggie. His caramel skin was luminous, his long lashes casting dark shadows over his face. He was well built, the brawn of his body making up for his delicate features. Her fingers find his dreadlocks and she to touches them softly. He was beautiful. "It's a bit creepy watching me sleep." He mutters, his voice drowsy. Through the gap in the curtain, Tara could see the colours of the sky. The sun was just beginning to rise. "Come on. We can watch the sunrise." Reggie opens one eye and smiles. "Ok."

She pulls on his t-shirt and he just yanks on his boxers. He leads her downstairs and into the courtyard outside. Tara had been in such a rush to leave last time that she hadn't seen the outside of the shop. A circular bench sat in the middles, a small tree growing in the middle. All around the outside were bushes and plants and flowers. It was beautiful. Like a little slice of the country. Except with pollution. The cold air stung but the pair sat on the bench and watched as the sun came up.

The sky was red and orange. The sun a glowing ball of light. It was magnificent. "Why did you want to see the sunrise?" He asks, his arm wrapping round her shoulder. She leans in closer to share her body heat. "I love sunrises. Proof that a new day can be something different. Something special."
"Ok weirdo. But why do I have to freeze my arse off to do it."
"Because it romantic. Now shut up and watch the pretty colours." Reggie smiles and kisses her hair. "Ok princess whatever you say."

They go inside soon after. Reggie's fridge was full of beer and pickles so Tara makes an executive decision. "We're going to Maccies. Now." she throws a pair of jeans at him and pulls a light grey jumper over her head, ignoring the hole on the elbow. He had just pulled on his converse when he groans. "Shit. I'm doing this sleeve later today. I completely forgot!" Tara frowns. "Tattoo. Whole arm."
"Ah. Well, that's fine."
"No it's not. We were going to do something today. Have a real date."
"Reg. Don't worry. I have to work later tonight anyway. I was gonna find a library and finish my biology project."
"Ok." he chews on his thumbnail and Tara walks over to him. "You're cute when you're nervous." He bats her hands away and pulls a beanie on. "Hurry up princess. I need greasy food." She smiles and laces her boots up over her jeans.

Macdonalds was crowded and hot but their coffee was strong and their egg mc muffin second to none. "So. What did you do last night?" She asks round a mouth of food. Reggie raises an eyebrow and goes to answer but there was a shriek from a crowd of prepubescent girls. "OMG, Chantelle. Alex Cross is in hospital." Tara's heart stops and Reggie goes still next to her. "No way babes. What happened?"
"He hit a tree last night in his car." Tara covers her mouth with her hand.
"Oh my god. That's unbelievable. I hope he's alright." Reggie and Tara both look at each other. "I'll be right back." Tara mumbles, feeling her food rising up. She just managed to make it to the stall when her muffin made a reappearance.

Alex.

Last night, he got rowdy. Started mouthing off and flirting with the waitresses. When Tara called for security he started screaming abuse. He was drunk but his body guards had assured her that he wouldn't be driving. They were wrong. She rinses her mouth and goes in search of Reggie. He was on the phone with someone. "That's great Linda. Ok. I'm on my way. Bye." He hangs up and hangs his head. "What's up?" She asks him quietly, shoving her hands into her military jacket. "Just spoke to his mum." Her hearts beats a little faster.
"He's unconscious at the moment. I'm going to see him now, but I don't thinks it's best you come with me."
Tara begins to object but Reggie puts his hand up. "Linda already thinks you're a bad influence. His girlfriend Andie's there and to be honest Tara. You look crappy."
"Reggie." She begins but clamps her retort back. He was right. "Ok. Just tell me when you're there please." He nods and kisses her forehead. "Go back to the flat, do what you have to. Stay there if you want. I'll see you later."

He leaves Tara with just her thoughts and a half eaten, congealing eggy mess.

................................................................

"Where is he? I need to see him!" Linda's voice was rising to a shriek and the nurse was getting more and more agitated. "Please Ms. If you won't calm down then we can't let you in to see him."
"He is my son. I have to see him." The nurse goes to say something bit at that moment another voice joins in the conversation. "Hey Linda. How is he?" It was Reggie. Alex coughs a little and groans. "Reggie. Get in here." The curtain was pulled back and three faces peered in. "Hello Mr Cross. How are you feeling?" The nurses tone was polite but there was an undertone of contained excitement.

Alex nods and reaches for a glass of water by his bed. His mother rushes and gives it to him. "Here you go." She was attempting to seem motherly. "Mr Cross." Alex glances up at the young nurse. She smiles. "Hello. My name is Claire. I'll be doing your ops, ok." He nods. "I'll be back in a minute with the doctor. He'll want to see you."

Alex stares at Reggie intently, trying to see what's different about him. "Darling. I just want you to know that no one blames you. You've been having a stressful time." Alex doesn't even look at her. "Mum. I want to speak to Reggie. Alone."
"Ok." she scuttled out and he rubs his head, feeling a thick bandage. "How is she?" Alex asks quietly as Reggie sits on the end of the bed. "Fine. What about you? How did you crash it?"
"I was drunk. Didn't see the tree. Where is she?" He cranes his neck to see if Reggie was hiding her.

"She's at mine. She was gonna come but I didn't think your mum would
be very happy to see her." Alex groans at the thought. "She told you then. Ugh."
"Dude. Do you want my advice?"
"No." Alex mutters, shifting uncomfortably in the stiff hospital sheets. "Leave it. Leave her. Because it's obvious that she don't like you. At least, not now. And bro, you don't need her. You have Andie."

Shit. Andie. Alex hadn't even thought about her. "Reg. What would you do? If you were me."

Reggie sighs and checks his watch. "I haw to go. I've got a guy coming for a tattoo in half an hour and I've not finished his sketches." He rushes out of the room but pops his head back in, his dreadlocks swaying slightly. "If I were you. I'd pay attention to my girlfriend and forget about Tara."