Starla's Mom's Car
Friday. July 2, 1982
Afternoon
Tabby turned to Starla. "Uh... so... uh," She stammered again lowering her eyes. "I... really need to talk to you... alone. Maybe I can get a ride with you?"
“Of course you can,” Starla replied. “You know I’m always here for you.” She gave Tabby a smile, and then glanced at Shelley. There were a couple of things she would have liked to talk to Shelley about, but it could wait; now was not the time.
After Shelley had climbed into Gary’s van and the two of them had left, Starla led Tabby to her mom’s car, which she’d borrowed since her mom didn’t need it that day. Thoughts of the car brought up the memory of the red Plymouth Volaré that Trevor and Matt had brought to Speedy’s to show her on Tuesday. Trevor had said his dad might sell it to her, and had suggested she take it for a test drive, but with all that had happened to them since Tuesday night, it had slipped her mind until now. And with all that had happened, Starla wasn’t sure the offer was still on the table, but that was something to be worked out later. Right now Tabby wanted to talk to her.
Starla unlocked the passenger door for Tabby, who was still holding those envelopes and pieces of paper she’d had since she had arrived back at Speedy’s with Shelley and Gary. Once she and Tabby were both in the car and buckled up, Starla started the car, pulled out of the parking spot, and began the trip to Tabby’s house. “Okay, it’s just you and me now. So what’s on your mind?”
*tag Tabby*
Friday. July 2, 1982
Afternoon
Tabby turned to Starla. "Uh... so... uh," She stammered again lowering her eyes. "I... really need to talk to you... alone. Maybe I can get a ride with you?"
“Of course you can,” Starla replied. “You know I’m always here for you.” She gave Tabby a smile, and then glanced at Shelley. There were a couple of things she would have liked to talk to Shelley about, but it could wait; now was not the time.
After Shelley had climbed into Gary’s van and the two of them had left, Starla led Tabby to her mom’s car, which she’d borrowed since her mom didn’t need it that day. Thoughts of the car brought up the memory of the red Plymouth Volaré that Trevor and Matt had brought to Speedy’s to show her on Tuesday. Trevor had said his dad might sell it to her, and had suggested she take it for a test drive, but with all that had happened to them since Tuesday night, it had slipped her mind until now. And with all that had happened, Starla wasn’t sure the offer was still on the table, but that was something to be worked out later. Right now Tabby wanted to talk to her.
Starla unlocked the passenger door for Tabby, who was still holding those envelopes and pieces of paper she’d had since she had arrived back at Speedy’s with Shelley and Gary. Once she and Tabby were both in the car and buckled up, Starla started the car, pulled out of the parking spot, and began the trip to Tabby’s house. “Okay, it’s just you and me now. So what’s on your mind?”
*tag Tabby*
Tabby took a deep breath and let it out slowly. As usual, she fidgeted with her hair and bit her lower lip as she gathered her thoughts. Most of what was on her mind was obvious. Was there a point in re-hashing what she'd already shared in the Kmart parking lot? Now things were worse. To add to all the other shit that had happened in the past few days including the fact she'd been kidnapped, she now had to deal with the episode at Speedy's. Her eye was totally swollen shut and no amount of make up was going to cover up the fact that she had a black eye. It looked like she'd be going full rock star tomorrow night by wearing sunglasses.
The problem was now two-fold. There was the issue with Coach North and Marie in addition to having to try to explain things to her father, who was nothing even remotely close to resembling reasonable or understanding.
"Where do I begin," Tabby finally said after a long moment silence. "So, remember all the stuff I told you the other night? Well if I wasn't totally fucked before, I pretty well am now. Today was the cherry on top of Tabby's deluxe shit sundae. Whether or not Coach North kicks me off the team and regardless of what happens with Marie, I'm done. Pretty sure I don't need to actually resign. My dad will take care of that for me. In fact, I am more than positive after everything that has happened this week, I won't be here by the time school starts in the fall. If by some miracle I am, there is no way in hell I'm going to stay on the cheer squad."
*Optional tag Starla*
"But, we have more pressing problems," Tabby continued after another pause. "The show and the band. All I want to do at this point is make sure I get to play on Saturday night. I'm pretty positive that will be the last time I ever get to do it and I want to end things on a high note... at least for me. You guys will find someone else. I know you will. There are tons of talented guitarists at Teal Cove High. Hell, maybe you could even look at Reiner. The thing is, there will still be a band after this. There is as long as all 3 of you decide to continue it. I want you to keep going."
Tabby turned to look at Starla directly. She stared at her long and hard for a moment.
"But enough about the future or what happens after this show or this weekend," Tabby pressed, forcing herself to keep going. "Our more immediate issues are, what do we tell the guys? They don't know about what happened a little while ago. Not unless someone who knows all of us called them to tell them. We need to think about how we're going to explain all of this... the part about the fight anyway, to Trevor or Matt. I can't tell them about my dad or how any of this past week is going to go down when he gets back from his trip."
Tabby had no intention, at least for now, of sharing the abuse at home with Trevor and Matt. She stopped playing with her hair and forced herself to grip the paper and envelops she was holding with the other so they were both firmly clasping them.
"Aren't your parents still out of town," Tabby asked. "Do you think I can spend the night? We can run by my house, hopefully my mom is gone and I can grab a few things and leave her a note. If we're going to pull this off, I think it is best I don't go home tonight. I mean, you know, big show tomorrow. The town is counting on us, lots of rehearsing to do..."
*tag Starla*
The problem was now two-fold. There was the issue with Coach North and Marie in addition to having to try to explain things to her father, who was nothing even remotely close to resembling reasonable or understanding.
"Where do I begin," Tabby finally said after a long moment silence. "So, remember all the stuff I told you the other night? Well if I wasn't totally fucked before, I pretty well am now. Today was the cherry on top of Tabby's deluxe shit sundae. Whether or not Coach North kicks me off the team and regardless of what happens with Marie, I'm done. Pretty sure I don't need to actually resign. My dad will take care of that for me. In fact, I am more than positive after everything that has happened this week, I won't be here by the time school starts in the fall. If by some miracle I am, there is no way in hell I'm going to stay on the cheer squad."
*Optional tag Starla*
"But, we have more pressing problems," Tabby continued after another pause. "The show and the band. All I want to do at this point is make sure I get to play on Saturday night. I'm pretty positive that will be the last time I ever get to do it and I want to end things on a high note... at least for me. You guys will find someone else. I know you will. There are tons of talented guitarists at Teal Cove High. Hell, maybe you could even look at Reiner. The thing is, there will still be a band after this. There is as long as all 3 of you decide to continue it. I want you to keep going."
Tabby turned to look at Starla directly. She stared at her long and hard for a moment.
"But enough about the future or what happens after this show or this weekend," Tabby pressed, forcing herself to keep going. "Our more immediate issues are, what do we tell the guys? They don't know about what happened a little while ago. Not unless someone who knows all of us called them to tell them. We need to think about how we're going to explain all of this... the part about the fight anyway, to Trevor or Matt. I can't tell them about my dad or how any of this past week is going to go down when he gets back from his trip."
Tabby had no intention, at least for now, of sharing the abuse at home with Trevor and Matt. She stopped playing with her hair and forced herself to grip the paper and envelops she was holding with the other so they were both firmly clasping them.
"Aren't your parents still out of town," Tabby asked. "Do you think I can spend the night? We can run by my house, hopefully my mom is gone and I can grab a few things and leave her a note. If we're going to pull this off, I think it is best I don't go home tonight. I mean, you know, big show tomorrow. The town is counting on us, lots of rehearsing to do..."
*tag Starla*
"Where do I begin," Tabby finally said after a long moment silence. "So, remember all the stuff I told you the other night? Well if I wasn't totally fucked before, I pretty well am now. Today was the cherry on top of Tabby's deluxe shit sundae. Whether or not Coach North kicks me off the team and regardless of what happens with Marie, I'm done. Pretty sure I don't need to actually resign. My dad will take care of that for me. In fact, I am more than positive after everything that has happened this week, I won't be here by the time school starts in the fall. If by some miracle I am, there is no way in hell I'm going to stay on the cheer squad."
Starla didn’t really have a good response at this point. She did remember the things Tabby had told her the other night, especially the part about Tabby’s father being abusive and Tabby believing her father might abruptly take her and the rest of the family away from Teal Cove. It was something Starla had been worrying about ever since. It had been a very disturbing conversation, and in retrospect Starla didn’t think she’d handled it very well. She felt like maybe she hadn’t said the things Tabby needed to hear, which might be the reason Tabby had requested this chance to talk tonight with nobody else around. Starla couldn’t help but think that what Tabby really needed was the help of an adult, somebody who understood situations like this and had some authority to address the real problem, but she also felt that she understood Tabby’s fear of talking about this with anybody else, and she had given Tabby her word to keep this stuff a secret. Starla just nodded and encouraged Tabby to continue.
"But, we have more pressing problems," Tabby continued after another pause. "The show and the band. All I want to do at this point is make sure I get to play on Saturday night. I'm pretty positive that will be the last time I ever get to do it and I want to end things on a high note... at least for me. You guys will find someone else. I know you will. There are tons of talented guitarists at Teal Cove High. Hell, maybe you could even look at Reiner. The thing is, there will still be a band after this. There is as long as all 3 of you decide to continue it. I want you to keep going."
If Tabby’s family moved away, they were going to have to find another guitarist quickly if the band was going to survive. Tabby was probably right about there being other guitarists among the Teal Cove student body, but if so Starla didn’t know who they were. Since Tabby had mentioned the possibility of having to move away a couple of nights ago, Starla had been thinking about asking Shelley if she’d like to learn to play the guitar. Starla thought she could teach her, but it wasn’t something one could learn overnight. There would be a learning curve, and in the meantime the band would probably need to look for someone else to replace Tabby.
Tabby turned to look at Starla directly. She stared at her long and hard for a moment.
"But enough about the future or what happens after this show or this weekend," Tabby pressed, forcing herself to keep going. "Our more immediate issues are, what do we tell the guys? They don't know about what happened a little while ago. Not unless someone who knows all of us called them to tell them. We need to think about how we're going to explain all of this... the part about the fight anyway, to Trevor or Matt. I can't tell them about my dad or how any of this past week is going to go down when he gets back from his trip."
“I think the best approach is to just tell them what happened. They’re your friends, and they care about what happens to you. I really don’t think anyone would have told them what happened today at Speedy’s, but they’re going to notice your injuries as soon as they see you, and I’m sure they’re going to want to know what happened out of concern for you. And the fact is, you didn’t do anything to be ashamed of. The cheerleaders started that fight by harassing you and knocking you down, and everybody who was there knows it. Trevor and Matt know what the cheerleaders are like; they’re going to be on your side, and no further explanation is needed. And if they don’t support you fully in this matter, they’re going to have to deal with me!
*tag Tabby*
"Aren't your parents still out of town," Tabby asked. "Do you think I can spend the night? We can run by my house, hopefully my mom is gone and I can grab a few things and leave her a note. If we're going to pull this off, I think it is best I don't go home tonight. I mean, you know, big show tomorrow. The town is counting on us, lots of rehearsing to do..."
Starla answered without hesitation. “Yes, my parents are out of town, and yes, you can spend the night, at least as long as your mom doesn’t object. And if she’s not home, she can’t object, right? If she’s not and you leave a note, just make sure you tell her you’re at my house. She has my phone number in case she needs to reach you at my place, right?”
Starla didn’t really have a good response at this point. She did remember the things Tabby had told her the other night, especially the part about Tabby’s father being abusive and Tabby believing her father might abruptly take her and the rest of the family away from Teal Cove. It was something Starla had been worrying about ever since. It had been a very disturbing conversation, and in retrospect Starla didn’t think she’d handled it very well. She felt like maybe she hadn’t said the things Tabby needed to hear, which might be the reason Tabby had requested this chance to talk tonight with nobody else around. Starla couldn’t help but think that what Tabby really needed was the help of an adult, somebody who understood situations like this and had some authority to address the real problem, but she also felt that she understood Tabby’s fear of talking about this with anybody else, and she had given Tabby her word to keep this stuff a secret. Starla just nodded and encouraged Tabby to continue.
"But, we have more pressing problems," Tabby continued after another pause. "The show and the band. All I want to do at this point is make sure I get to play on Saturday night. I'm pretty positive that will be the last time I ever get to do it and I want to end things on a high note... at least for me. You guys will find someone else. I know you will. There are tons of talented guitarists at Teal Cove High. Hell, maybe you could even look at Reiner. The thing is, there will still be a band after this. There is as long as all 3 of you decide to continue it. I want you to keep going."
If Tabby’s family moved away, they were going to have to find another guitarist quickly if the band was going to survive. Tabby was probably right about there being other guitarists among the Teal Cove student body, but if so Starla didn’t know who they were. Since Tabby had mentioned the possibility of having to move away a couple of nights ago, Starla had been thinking about asking Shelley if she’d like to learn to play the guitar. Starla thought she could teach her, but it wasn’t something one could learn overnight. There would be a learning curve, and in the meantime the band would probably need to look for someone else to replace Tabby.
Tabby turned to look at Starla directly. She stared at her long and hard for a moment.
"But enough about the future or what happens after this show or this weekend," Tabby pressed, forcing herself to keep going. "Our more immediate issues are, what do we tell the guys? They don't know about what happened a little while ago. Not unless someone who knows all of us called them to tell them. We need to think about how we're going to explain all of this... the part about the fight anyway, to Trevor or Matt. I can't tell them about my dad or how any of this past week is going to go down when he gets back from his trip."
“I think the best approach is to just tell them what happened. They’re your friends, and they care about what happens to you. I really don’t think anyone would have told them what happened today at Speedy’s, but they’re going to notice your injuries as soon as they see you, and I’m sure they’re going to want to know what happened out of concern for you. And the fact is, you didn’t do anything to be ashamed of. The cheerleaders started that fight by harassing you and knocking you down, and everybody who was there knows it. Trevor and Matt know what the cheerleaders are like; they’re going to be on your side, and no further explanation is needed. And if they don’t support you fully in this matter, they’re going to have to deal with me!
*tag Tabby*
"Aren't your parents still out of town," Tabby asked. "Do you think I can spend the night? We can run by my house, hopefully my mom is gone and I can grab a few things and leave her a note. If we're going to pull this off, I think it is best I don't go home tonight. I mean, you know, big show tomorrow. The town is counting on us, lots of rehearsing to do..."
Starla answered without hesitation. “Yes, my parents are out of town, and yes, you can spend the night, at least as long as your mom doesn’t object. And if she’s not home, she can’t object, right? If she’s not and you leave a note, just make sure you tell her you’re at my house. She has my phone number in case she needs to reach you at my place, right?”
“I think the best approach is to just tell them what happened. They’re your friends, and they care about what happens to you. I really don’t think anyone would have told them what happened today at Speedy’s, but they’re going to notice your injuries as soon as they see you, and I’m sure they’re going to want to know what happened out of concern for you. And the fact is, you didn’t do anything to be ashamed of. The cheerleaders started that fight by harassing you and knocking you down, and everybody who was there knows it. Trevor and Matt know what the cheerleaders are like; they’re going to be on your side, and no further explanation is needed. And if they don’t support you fully in this matter, they’re going to have to deal with me!
Tabby appreciated Starla's understanding and relational thinking. She just nodded in acknowledgement. Starla seemed to be cool and collected. Tabby wished she could have that same level of confidence and acceptance of the situation. Then again, Starla was just a bystander. Sure, it would affect the band and the fact that they would likely not see each other again once her dad got wind of what happened, but there was nothing they could do. Tabby tried to block out thinking about the hell that would come down on her Sunday.
"Aren't your parents still out of town," Tabby asked. "Do you think I can spend the night? We can run by my house, hopefully my mom is gone and I can grab a few things and leave her a note. If we're going to pull this off, I think it is best I don't go home tonight. I mean, you know, big show tomorrow. The town is counting on us, lots of rehearsing to do..."
Starla answered without hesitation. “Yes, my parents are out of town, and yes, you can spend the night, at least as long as your mom doesn’t object. And if she’s not home, she can’t object, right? If she’s not and you leave a note, just make sure you tell her you’re at my house. She has my phone number in case she needs to reach you at my place, right?”
"Exactly," Tabby replied mischievously. "But we have to be careful not to answer the phone if she calls. I can't risk her calling me home and I just hope she doesn't get wind of what happened from Coach North or one of the other cheer moms. She will over react and want me to come home, especially knowing that my dad is going to lose his shit or finds out I was injured."
*Tag Starla*
"Okay, here's what we're going to do," She continued. "Step one, I want to do a drive by and see if my mom is home. If the car isn't' there, she's out. If that's the case, drop me off and wait for me on the corner. I would love to take a shower, but I don't want her to come home while I'm there. I'll write a quick note, grab what I need and meet you there in a few."
They were just a few blocks from the Blackwells' home. She lived only a street away from Gary's house and was located about midway from the corner. When Starla drove down Deer Meadow Way, Tabby's mom's car was not outside. The Blackwells tended not to park in the garage and usually left their cars in the driveway. Debbie had driven Karl to the airport, so his car was parked sitting in its normal spot. However, her car was not there.
"Okay, I'll meet you at the end of the street in a few minutes," Tabby instructed. She quickly got out of the car, still clutching the envelopes and blank sheets of paper she'd gotten from the newspaper.
*Tag Starla*
With that, Tabby hopped out of the car and Starla parked down the street. She hurried through the front door and hoped she wouldn't run into Danny. Once inside, it didn't appear anyone was home. Tabby went to the kitchen and scribbled a note to her mom stating she was staying with Starla and she'd be busy the rest of the day practicing with the band. She would be swamped with getting ready for their performance tomorrow night and probably wouldn't be home until later Saturday after they were done.
Tabby didn't want her mom coming home while she was there, so she moved quickly and changed out of her uniform being careful to make sure it wasn't left out where her mom would see its condition. There was no time to take a shower as badly as she wanted to.
Tabby quickly put on a fresh pair of jeans and t-shirt and grabbed some under garments, socks and something to sleep in. There wasn't time to think much about what she'd wear on stage. The band didn't really dress up for their performances or have a specific image on stage. She grabbed a t-shirt that said "Born to Rock" on it with a second pair of jeans that she'd wear on stage. Then she went into the bathroom and got her toothbrush and a few other personal items.
After peeking out the front window, she determined there was no sign of her mom. Just to be safe, however, she went out the back way to make sure she wasn't going to be seen. A few minutes later, she met Starla on the corner and climbed back into the front seat.
Tabby appreciated Starla's understanding and relational thinking. She just nodded in acknowledgement. Starla seemed to be cool and collected. Tabby wished she could have that same level of confidence and acceptance of the situation. Then again, Starla was just a bystander. Sure, it would affect the band and the fact that they would likely not see each other again once her dad got wind of what happened, but there was nothing they could do. Tabby tried to block out thinking about the hell that would come down on her Sunday.
"Aren't your parents still out of town," Tabby asked. "Do you think I can spend the night? We can run by my house, hopefully my mom is gone and I can grab a few things and leave her a note. If we're going to pull this off, I think it is best I don't go home tonight. I mean, you know, big show tomorrow. The town is counting on us, lots of rehearsing to do..."
Starla answered without hesitation. “Yes, my parents are out of town, and yes, you can spend the night, at least as long as your mom doesn’t object. And if she’s not home, she can’t object, right? If she’s not and you leave a note, just make sure you tell her you’re at my house. She has my phone number in case she needs to reach you at my place, right?”
"Exactly," Tabby replied mischievously. "But we have to be careful not to answer the phone if she calls. I can't risk her calling me home and I just hope she doesn't get wind of what happened from Coach North or one of the other cheer moms. She will over react and want me to come home, especially knowing that my dad is going to lose his shit or finds out I was injured."
*Tag Starla*
"Okay, here's what we're going to do," She continued. "Step one, I want to do a drive by and see if my mom is home. If the car isn't' there, she's out. If that's the case, drop me off and wait for me on the corner. I would love to take a shower, but I don't want her to come home while I'm there. I'll write a quick note, grab what I need and meet you there in a few."
They were just a few blocks from the Blackwells' home. She lived only a street away from Gary's house and was located about midway from the corner. When Starla drove down Deer Meadow Way, Tabby's mom's car was not outside. The Blackwells tended not to park in the garage and usually left their cars in the driveway. Debbie had driven Karl to the airport, so his car was parked sitting in its normal spot. However, her car was not there.
"Okay, I'll meet you at the end of the street in a few minutes," Tabby instructed. She quickly got out of the car, still clutching the envelopes and blank sheets of paper she'd gotten from the newspaper.
*Tag Starla*
With that, Tabby hopped out of the car and Starla parked down the street. She hurried through the front door and hoped she wouldn't run into Danny. Once inside, it didn't appear anyone was home. Tabby went to the kitchen and scribbled a note to her mom stating she was staying with Starla and she'd be busy the rest of the day practicing with the band. She would be swamped with getting ready for their performance tomorrow night and probably wouldn't be home until later Saturday after they were done.
Tabby didn't want her mom coming home while she was there, so she moved quickly and changed out of her uniform being careful to make sure it wasn't left out where her mom would see its condition. There was no time to take a shower as badly as she wanted to.
Tabby quickly put on a fresh pair of jeans and t-shirt and grabbed some under garments, socks and something to sleep in. There wasn't time to think much about what she'd wear on stage. The band didn't really dress up for their performances or have a specific image on stage. She grabbed a t-shirt that said "Born to Rock" on it with a second pair of jeans that she'd wear on stage. Then she went into the bathroom and got her toothbrush and a few other personal items.
After peeking out the front window, she determined there was no sign of her mom. Just to be safe, however, she went out the back way to make sure she wasn't going to be seen. A few minutes later, she met Starla on the corner and climbed back into the front seat.
"Aren't your parents still out of town," Tabby asked. "Do you think I can spend the night? We can run by my house, hopefully my mom is gone and I can grab a few things and leave her a note. If we're going to pull this off, I think it is best I don't go home tonight. I mean, you know, big show tomorrow. The town is counting on us, lots of rehearsing to do..."
Starla answered without hesitation. “Yes, my parents are out of town, and yes, you can spend the night, at least as long as your mom doesn’t object. And if she’s not home, she can’t object, right? If she’s not and you leave a note, just make sure you tell her you’re at my house. She has my phone number in case she needs to reach you at my place, right?”
"Exactly," Tabby replied mischievously. "But we have to be careful not to answer the phone if she calls. I can't risk her calling me home and I just hope she doesn't get wind of what happened from Coach North or one of the other cheer moms. She will over react and want me to come home, especially knowing that my dad is going to lose his shit or finds out I was injured."
(OOC: Although Caller ID had been invented by 1982, I don’t think it was widely available yet, so I’m assuming Starla’s family doesn’t have it.) Starla glanced at Tabby doubtfully. “Not answer? I think we have to answer the phone if it rings. I mean, what happens if she can’t reach you? She might report you missing and have the police out looking for you. Or for us. But we can deal with that if it happens. For now, what’s your plan?”
"Okay, here's what we're going to do," She continued. "Step one, I want to do a drive by and see if my mom is home. If the car isn't' there, she's out. If that's the case, drop me off and wait for me on the corner. I would love to take a shower, but I don't want her to come home while I'm there. I'll write a quick note, grab what I need and meet you there in a few."
They were just a few blocks from the Blackwells' home. She lived only a street away from Gary's house and was located about midway from the corner. When Starla drove down Deer Meadow Way, Tabby's mom's car was not outside. The Blackwells tended not to park in the garage and usually left their cars in the driveway. Debbie had driven Karl to the airport, so his car was parked sitting in its normal spot. However, her car was not there.
"Okay, I'll meet you at the end of the street in a few minutes," Tabby instructed. She quickly got out of the car, still clutching the envelopes and blank sheets of paper she'd gotten from the newspaper.
As Tabby had requested, Starla pulled the car to the end of the street and parked alongside the road. She put the car in park, but left the engine running. There was nothing for her to do at this point but wait for Tabby. She wondered how long it would take. Starla didn’t like just sitting around in a running car on the side of a residential street that wasn’t even her neighborhood; it made her nervous. For some reason she felt like she was doing something wrong, but she couldn’t imagine what. She turned on the radio, hoping it would help her relax. The Alan Parsons Project’s song “Eye in the Sky” was playing, and while it was normally a somewhat soothing song, it made her think about being watched, which kind of exacerbated the feeling that she was doing something wrong. Still, the music as better than silence, so she left it on.
A few minutes later, and probably not as long as it seemed to Starla, she saw Tabby coming, carrying enough baggage for an overnight visit. She had changed out of her soiled uniform, and the jeans she was wearing hid her skinned knees. Aside from her swollen eye, she almost looked back to normal. While Tabby was getting in the car Starla turned down the radio so it wouldn’t interfere with their conversation, though she didn’t turn it off completely.
“Well, it looks like you got in and got back out with no problems,” Starla said. “Off to practice now? Or did you want to stop by my place first?”
*tag Tabby*
Starla answered without hesitation. “Yes, my parents are out of town, and yes, you can spend the night, at least as long as your mom doesn’t object. And if she’s not home, she can’t object, right? If she’s not and you leave a note, just make sure you tell her you’re at my house. She has my phone number in case she needs to reach you at my place, right?”
"Exactly," Tabby replied mischievously. "But we have to be careful not to answer the phone if she calls. I can't risk her calling me home and I just hope she doesn't get wind of what happened from Coach North or one of the other cheer moms. She will over react and want me to come home, especially knowing that my dad is going to lose his shit or finds out I was injured."
(OOC: Although Caller ID had been invented by 1982, I don’t think it was widely available yet, so I’m assuming Starla’s family doesn’t have it.) Starla glanced at Tabby doubtfully. “Not answer? I think we have to answer the phone if it rings. I mean, what happens if she can’t reach you? She might report you missing and have the police out looking for you. Or for us. But we can deal with that if it happens. For now, what’s your plan?”
"Okay, here's what we're going to do," She continued. "Step one, I want to do a drive by and see if my mom is home. If the car isn't' there, she's out. If that's the case, drop me off and wait for me on the corner. I would love to take a shower, but I don't want her to come home while I'm there. I'll write a quick note, grab what I need and meet you there in a few."
They were just a few blocks from the Blackwells' home. She lived only a street away from Gary's house and was located about midway from the corner. When Starla drove down Deer Meadow Way, Tabby's mom's car was not outside. The Blackwells tended not to park in the garage and usually left their cars in the driveway. Debbie had driven Karl to the airport, so his car was parked sitting in its normal spot. However, her car was not there.
"Okay, I'll meet you at the end of the street in a few minutes," Tabby instructed. She quickly got out of the car, still clutching the envelopes and blank sheets of paper she'd gotten from the newspaper.
As Tabby had requested, Starla pulled the car to the end of the street and parked alongside the road. She put the car in park, but left the engine running. There was nothing for her to do at this point but wait for Tabby. She wondered how long it would take. Starla didn’t like just sitting around in a running car on the side of a residential street that wasn’t even her neighborhood; it made her nervous. For some reason she felt like she was doing something wrong, but she couldn’t imagine what. She turned on the radio, hoping it would help her relax. The Alan Parsons Project’s song “Eye in the Sky” was playing, and while it was normally a somewhat soothing song, it made her think about being watched, which kind of exacerbated the feeling that she was doing something wrong. Still, the music as better than silence, so she left it on.
A few minutes later, and probably not as long as it seemed to Starla, she saw Tabby coming, carrying enough baggage for an overnight visit. She had changed out of her soiled uniform, and the jeans she was wearing hid her skinned knees. Aside from her swollen eye, she almost looked back to normal. While Tabby was getting in the car Starla turned down the radio so it wouldn’t interfere with their conversation, though she didn’t turn it off completely.
“Well, it looks like you got in and got back out with no problems,” Starla said. “Off to practice now? Or did you want to stop by my place first?”
*tag Tabby*
“Well, it looks like you got in and got back out with no problems,” Starla said. “Off to practice now? Or did you want to stop by my place first?”
"There's no reason," Tabby replied. "My stuff will be fine in the car."
Band Practice
Friday. July 2, 1982
An hour later
Despite the makeup and the fact that she had changed into clean clothes and a pair of jeans covering her skinned knees, it had been immediately obvious to Trevor and Matt that Tabby's face was badly swollen when she and Starla arrived at Matt's house.
"...and my dad isn't just going to kill me when he gets home. I'm pretty sure this is it. Not just the band, but cheerleading and probably even going to Teal Cove High," Tabby concluded after recounting everything that had happened including the explanation that despite the fact the entire world knew Marie was at fault, that it some how didn't matter.
The only thing Tabby left out was the abuse at home. Only Starla knew about that and she planned to keep it that way. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room for a moment as the guys processed everything she'd shared.
*Tags*
"There's no reason," Tabby replied. "My stuff will be fine in the car."
Band Practice
Friday. July 2, 1982
An hour later
Despite the makeup and the fact that she had changed into clean clothes and a pair of jeans covering her skinned knees, it had been immediately obvious to Trevor and Matt that Tabby's face was badly swollen when she and Starla arrived at Matt's house.
"...and my dad isn't just going to kill me when he gets home. I'm pretty sure this is it. Not just the band, but cheerleading and probably even going to Teal Cove High," Tabby concluded after recounting everything that had happened including the explanation that despite the fact the entire world knew Marie was at fault, that it some how didn't matter.
The only thing Tabby left out was the abuse at home. Only Starla knew about that and she planned to keep it that way. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room for a moment as the guys processed everything she'd shared.
*Tags*
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