Count Down discussion

A local burger fast food restaurant! Great for college students on the go.

Libby walked in, not really in a rush or pressed for time, but the line for food was a bit long and that irked her. She joined the queue reluctantly. She was just thirsty and wanted something to drink. Then there was food. She had trouble controlling herself when food was an option. Still she waited in line impatiently, thinking about an idea for a story she wanted to write. She had a few solid points for the middle but no beginning yet. She pushed some stray locks of red hair out of her face and sighed as she waited.

Libby turned when she heard the door open and saw the girl come in. She looked a bit shaken up, but you generally don't talk to strangers about their feelings. Not that that's ever stopped her, but she wouldn't do it by blatantly asking if she was okay. She smiled easily at her before actually speaking to her in her slightly heavy Scottish accent, "Hey. I've got a first aid kit in my bag, do you want something for your knees?" She pulled on the straps of the small but snazzy backpack she had on her back.

Libby looked at her closely and a tad doubtfully, but nodded and continued to smile reassuringly at her. "Alright, if you change your mind, I'll still be in this line. Probably for years, at this rate." She complained lightly, her Scottish accent and loud volume drawing a bit of attention, but only a few looks. She was used to that. She liked the arts in general, and that included performing.

"Sounds good to me." Libby noticed the look the girls eyes took on after she became quiet. What kind of an artist would she be if she didn't notice something like that? "Are you alright?" she asked, if you listene carefully you could hear the concern in her voice, for the girl she hardly knew. She didn't even know her name. She moved forward a few steps, as the line had advanced while she was turned around. She them looked back at the girl and awaited an answer.

Libby raised her eyebrows, sometimes she was a bit too pushy and audacious. "Is that so?" She asked skeptically, but not in a degrading or mean way at all. "Look, I don't know if this is how Americans do things-or anyone but me for that matter- but what do you want to eat or drink? I'll pay and you talk to me. I need a friend and it seems like you could benefit with one as well. I'm not forcing you to, but I'm strongly suggesting it. Believe me, I've experienced and written enough about things like this to know when someone needs help, or at least someone to talk to."

"Alright, if that's how you feel," Libby gave up, not seeing the point in arguing with her. "I am happy to help if you change your mind. It's really no trouble." She added, just in case she would change her mind. Then she paid for a drink, the line had finally moved up, and she put her stuff down at a table near the door. She sipped her lemonade, then she bent down to tie her running shoes beaded they were getting lose.

Libby plopped down in the seat, and sipped her drink. She was thinking about the girl she barely knew at all, she didn't even know her name. Maybe she should've introduced herself. Oh well. She was also thinking of other things, her latest project and stories, school, and money. She wasn't hard pressed at the moment because she'd sold one of her pieces for a decent price and published a steady book of short stories, but there was the future. She pushed everything out of her mind and glanced at the girl again before deciding to go through the notes on her phone for inspiration for her stories.

Libby sighed and looked about the room, becoming bored with just sitting there. She'd been rejected to help, and she didn't feel the need to try talking to the girl again. She took another sip of te lemonade and then stood up. She stretche lazily, like a cat, not being in a rush to get anywhere. She glanced out the window, while trying to judge if it was worth taking her drink with her, or if there wasn't enough left in it to bother.
She tossed it in the trash can as she left, not really sure where she was going yet.
((Do you mind if she leaves?))

Paul stumbled in to the burger place, the overwhelming smell of friees hiring him at the door. Paul was in an awful condition. His slight stubble hadnt been shaved, his eyes were red from crying, his hair was a mess, and his clothes were badly wrinkled. Paul felt eyes on him, but ignored them. He had learned how to react to that sort of thing since fourth grade, and it didnt faze him. Here he probably looked homeless, crazy, or drunken, but it didnt matter. He was too busy thinking about Jamie. Sweet, sweet, Jamie. Paul wiped his face with his sleeve, refusing to cry anymore.

Paul felt someone jostle him, and his head whipped fiercely to face the offender. His eyes pierced into the girl with such eintensity, he could almost feel lasers coming on. "Watch it-!" He growled, his fingers curled into fists. He didnt have time for nuisances. He just wanted to get his lunch, eat, then go sit by Jamie to make sure he woke up. He had to wake up. He had to. Something about the girl seemed off, Paul noticed. Why was she suddenly trying to leave? What was her hurry? Paul watched her suspiciously, ready to press blame on anyone.

Paul felt his fists tighten as he fought to not display any cars of violence towards the civilian. He felt the phone skitter to the ground beside his foot, and a message illuminated the screen and caught his eye. The girl reached for it, and Paul stepped on her wrist ever so gently as he bent to pick up the. Phone. He read the message three times over, before exchanging a scrutinizing glare. "Come with me," he ordered, his strong arms picking her off the ground and leading her by the arm outside. The last thing he needed was another case, but he had to keep LA safe. And a threat? Not okay. "Who is this-?" He hissed, holding the phone up. They had gone around to the side of the building, by the dumpsters.

"I know-!" Paul shouted angrily, squeezing his fingers around the phone. "I can help you," Paul insisted desperately. He didnt hve the charm and the lovely face Jamie did, and his frightening appearance didnt make the situation any better. "Who is this man? And hy is he frightening you?" Paul tried again, in a much gentler tone. He didnt want to be responsible for a kidnapping, for a rape, for another missing person. He just couldn't handle anymore stress than he already had. "Please," he added, aching for Jamie's presence. Jamie would fix everything. But now he was in the hospital, for god knows how long. And it was all his fault. Paul's breath caught, and he gripped the phone tightly.
((Like two hours now -.-))

Paul held it high behind him, not even bothering to raise his arm that high. She couldn't reach. "Its my job. And this man ... he could be trouble. Please, I don't want to have a ransom or hostage situation with...Emily, " Paul said with realization. "Do you know a Jamie by any chance? " he tried, hoping this wasn't the same Emily. He couldn't tell Jamie about this man - who knee how far Jamie would go to save her, to protect her!

Paul stared blankly at the girl, lowering the phone to his side. "How do you know my name," he demanded, swallowing uneasily. What had Jamie told Emily? "Intimidating." Paul repeated, giving her a long stare. "Excuse me, what's your name?" He questioned, his eyebrow cocked. He looked at the phones message one last time seeing the name "Alejandro" at the top of the message. "Alejandro, " murmured to himself, handing the girl her phone hack slowly and reluctantly. He couldn't do much unless she decided to cooperate, and he didn't want his liscence revoked.

Paul took a deep breath, reaching his Henderson out to shake. It seemed like the right thing to do. Maybe shed become more open to talking to him about Alejandro if he was.nice. Right? "Paul Greyson," he said softly. He wasn't sure how to approach this adrianna, to get her to spill. "Adrianna, " he sighed. "Why wont you tell me about this Alejandro? Has he been threatening you before? Or Emily? " Paul pressed, trying not to seem forceful.

Paul looked down on adrianna, alarmed. "Ill watch Emily, " he whispered, nodding. "What's happened? What happened to you, what am I protecting her from, " Paul said quietly, his tone gentleman and assuring. The girl looked so helpless, so afraid... "what can you tell me about Alejandro? I need to know this, to keep emily- to keep you safe, " he begged, his head ducked down to speak with the shorter girl.

Paul took little Adrianna by the shoulders, his eyes boring into hers. "Listen to me, Adrianna. Listen," he instructed, giving her a little shake. "I face people like Alejandro every day. And I put them behind bars. Now if you want Emily to be safe, I need you to tell me everything you possibly can," he said urgently, his voice hushed and low. Paul dealt with people like Alejandro all the time, but he had never had the opportunity to Get first hand information like this before. "Put the thoughts that Alejandro might hurt you if you tell, or tht I can't help you, or that he's too dangerous- out those out of your head, right now," Paul instructed, shaking her shoulder again lightly. "Now," he took a breath, pocketing for his keys.

((I was just seeing what ou had specifically in mind:) ))
Paul recoiled, hurt by her angry words. It wasn't fair. Why was it that whenever he tried to help, everyone denied it? They yelled at him, refused to accept him, tried to run away. Paul felt like his heart had ern stabbed multiple times with a saw. A rusty saw. But then again, Paul was rumored to have no heart. So what was he feeling? "Yes, Miss Adrianna. You are entirely correct. Excuse me," he said barely above a whisper, his jaw tense and his eyes glued to the ground. He wished he could be like Jamie, happy and outgoing and loved by everyone.
((Maybe she should get a MSG, or he'll follow her...? OH!!! Follow her and save her! ))

Paul wallowed in his misery and stepped back into the in n out shop, but declined to stand in line. His eyes followed Adrianna, her fingers curled tightly around her cell phone as she set off walking in the other direction. What was she up to...? Paul exited the restaurant, following swiftly with his head down and his hood up on his black jacket, sunglasses pulled down over his eyes. Inconspicuous much? He felt the metal of his fun against his back, where he had tucked his weapon for safe keeping. He had a bad feeling about this. His own phone vibrated, and Paul swore as he ducked out of the way behind some bushes, hopin Adrianna didn't turn around when he swore. He picked up the phone, and his boss, Gerry, had called regarding Jamie and his attacker. Paul listened intently, still following her.

Paul had listened silently to the description of the man, when he saw that some men had appeared out of nowhere. Who were they? Paul hung up wordlessly, his gun already drawn an cocked. He kept it low, hunching down as he ran towards the back of the car, breaking into ansprint as it sped up. The vehicle was crude and dirty, graffiti splayed across the side. Easy. "Requesting back up!" He shouted into his cell phone that was still connected to Gerry, the speaker phone picking up his request. Gerry said something unintelligible, but Paul had focused on something entirely different. This was what he had trained for. Taking measured breaths, he sprinted with ease after the squealing truck. When he got close enough, Paul shot at the tires, his aim sure and steady. He strategically shot the front right tire, making the whole car spin out and crash into a large dumpster. Paul approached the over turned vehicle slowly, his gun drawn and his breathing rapid. Adrenaline surges through him, and he positioned himself behind a bus stop. His dark eyes watched for signs of movement, and he prayed the girl hadnt been hurt.

Paul saw some men come out, and counted them. One, two, four. The drive unconscious. Paul felt his heart soar in surprise when he saw Adrianna come out, and he almost jumped out to hug her, when she was caught by the hair and brutally smacked down. Paul bit down on his lip, poising his gun by his cheek to aim. One. Boom. Two, three, Boom. Three shot. "You messed with the wrong kid," he growled, stepping and dashing forward, his long powerful arms swinging. He hadnt really aimed to kill them, but he made it a point to end the man who had mid treated Adrianna. Where was he? Paul slugged strong fists into two of them men's faces, knocking them senseless. Driver was dead, no sense in hurting him anymore. Where was the last guy? "Come out, coward-!" Paul shouted, squatting by the car door and flinging it open, hidden behind the side of the tire.

Paul had been hiding behind the car motionless lot the entire time, leading the man to believe he was further off, hiding. Something snapped when he saw Adrianna being mistreated badly, blood all over her jaw and her hands and knees scraped with the black asphalt. He kept out of his hiding spot, tackling the man with a shout. He didnt bother to use his gum, and wrestled the older man on the ground. They rolled and tumbled, when Paul slipped and took a step back too late, the mans foot and Paul's private parts connected, and Paul could barely breathe as he dropped to his knees, holding himself in agony. His lip was bleeding and cut from one of the mans punches, and Paul felt himself go weak. He attempted to stand up, whimpering as his legs felt like they couldn't handle he pain, quivering as a threat. Paul stood up, taking deep breaths with tears streaming down his glistening dirty face. "Hands up," he squeaked, his fingers enclosing around the handle of his fun and pointing it up at the man. "That's a good boy," Paul said slyly, his cold unforgiving eyes boring holes into the man. He took steady steps forward, with one hand nursing his crotch, and he stopped just a few feet before the man backed up against the car. He lowered his gun just past the waist, a smirk spread on his fce. Boom. The man screamed. Boom. The man was silent. "Adrianna...?" Paul croaked, collapsing to his knees. Oh god, call the hospital, Paul thought silently as he nursed himself.

"Adrianna...!" He wheezed, stepping towards her and helping her up with his strong arms. "I don't think I'll ever have children," he nearly squeaked, the pain unbearable. "Are you okay? Any open wounds..?" Paul managed to utter, distracted by the pain in his lower regions. He picked up his cell phone from his pocket, grateful it was still intact, and called his chief to come down. Three bodies lay sprawled in odd positions on the floor, and paul did his best to turn Adrianna away front he bloody scene.

Paul raised an eyebrow at her, incredulous. "You don't know what it feels like," he muttered, tucking his phone back into his pocket and gingerly standing striaght up. "Are you sure?" Paul asked, looking Adrianna over quickly, front and back. "Don't be," Paul said gently, his voice firm. "It's my job. If you had come with me earlier..." He trailed off, kneeling in the gravel to check pulses of the men lying around. A helicopter chopped through the air, headed steadily for them. Sirens accompanied them. It was like he'd never hear the end of those two noises. "This can't happen to anybody," Paul glared at her. "I don't give a sh** who you say I can help or can't help, my job is to protect everyone I can. Don't ever tell me again not to worry about you, and to concentrate on your Emily friend-!" He spat angrily, breathing heavily from his outburst as well as his fighting.

Paul felt his fists tighten, and he slammed it on the at when she was finished. "Why does everyone have to hate me for helping them? You, espeacially," he pointed accusingly. "You can't even say a quick thanks or something?" Paul was upset, but more hurt by Adrianna's stubbornness. It made him so frustrated, he could kick babies. "I followed you, because you're my lead. This Alejandro buddy? Nearly killed my brother. And I'm not gonna settle until I find that bastard," he hissed, turning quickly away from Adrianna to check the driver. "I'm not trying to be your hero. I'm trying to do what's right, set things straight," he snarled, appalled at her tone towards him. Why did everyone have to hate on him? When Jamie saved people, they showered him with praise, thanks, hugs, kisses, and rewards. Paul just got scowls, frightened looks, and accusations.

Paul's head ducked back out of the car, looking at Adrianna intensely. He felt like she might have been mocking him, or lying, with the sudden change in attitude, but no. She seemed genuine, and it was odd. "Really?" He felt his voice catch, and he ran around the hood of the car towards Adrianna, a hopeful expression on his face. "Thank you, Adrianna, thank you," he said excitedly, his head turning as he heard the squelchin of tires on pavement behind him, accompanied by the sirening. "Thank you," Paul Sao one last time, lookin into Adrianna's eyes. His had softened, a sight not many got to see. As soon as it had appeared t was gone, and Paul was back to his old self. Paul turned to report to the officials why had happened as ambulances started to arrive, taking Adrianna into the ambulance to be recovered. Paul went seperately, never looking back at Adrianna.
((Okay! Ff!! I'm gonna have Paul just tell Jamie why happened etc and well skip a few days to when Adrianna gets questioned or something by Paul and Jamie is out of the hospital!))

Juliet rested her elbow next to the window of the passenger side seat, watching the roads as scenes passed by quickly. All of Los Angeles looked incredible, despite even if she had hated on it before when her parents picked her up and moved the family to the big city. "It's nice here. I thought everyone would be really fake and rude, but they really aren't." She confessed as she craned her neck to look over at Baylor. A soft smile rose to her lips, appreciating all the changes that had occurred in her life since she moved to Los Angeles.

"I love it here." Baylor said, grinning. "I moved out of my house to live here and..." He swallowed and took a deep breath. "Then something... Traumatic..." He said not knowing how to put into his words his other sisters death. "Happened and Bridget couldn't live without her big brother!" Baylor said, grinning again. "She moved down here with me and... She instantly fell in love with it... Just as much as me." He smiled at her. "I have no doubt you'll love it just as much as us." He said. "How are you holding up here so far?" He asked her.

She narrowed her eyes at the lapse in his smile, wondering what this traumatic event was. She was one to dig in deeper and discover as much as she could on a topic if it interested her. But she grew a sense of respect once she started making friends here in Los Angeles, knowing where boundaries lay and what questions weren't to be asked. "I've pissed off a few classmates of mine, but nothing I haven't handled before." Juliet shrugged her shoulders, grinning as the In-N-Out parking lot came into view.

Baylor glanced at her silently in the back of his head that she wouldn't ask about the event that happened and let out a small sigh of relief when she left it alone. He didn't like the talk about his other sister. Bridget was closer to Anna then he was and... After Bridget started drinking he couldn't let her be alone. His parents stopped paying attention, started fighting and he couldn't let Bridget face it alone. Los Angeles made it easier for them both even of they don't spend as much time together as he wished they would. "You're a pretty tough girl. I have no doubt that you can't handle a thing this city throws at you." He smiled at her, pulling into the drive way.

Her stomach growed at the sight of the quick fast food restaurant. She loved the one she always went to back in New Orleans, having been a regular customer there. In fact, she had befriended the local chef there. It was quite bizarre how it happened, but she learned not to question what the chef thought. "This city's no match for me." Juliet rolled her eyes jokingly. "So, Bay. I really need a knew nickname for you." She pointed out as the one she used now had already been used by his family. "Any suggestions?"

Baylor shrugged, Rollin his eyes at the sound of his nickname again. "Like I'm going to give you some ideas on some humiliating nicknames...." He rolled his eyes again. "The whole point of a nickname is that you come up with it yourself... Princess." He winked back at her and parked his truck, turning so he could look at her better. "It has to fit their personality... Or be totally off and not match their personality at all. Have you ever read Looking For Alaska?" He asked, getting out of the car.

She elicited a groan as he pointed it out. "I know, I know! Nicknames just come so easy to some people and it's so annoying." Juliet rolled her eyes at him, stepping out of the truck. She left her water bottle from the gym in the cup holder inside as she closed the door. "Wait, by John Green? I've been meaning to read that for awhile." She leaned over the front of his truck, nodding her head eagerly.

Baylor smiled. "I only read it because Bridget's a book worm and she kept bothering me about it... Anyway. The main character is a skinny kid and they call him Pudge... Get it, cus it's ironic." He said shrugging. "But they came up with it on their own. You definitely shoos read it, it's a good book. And if you're anything like my sister you might cry for days. But I hear it's not as bad as The Fault In our scares or something like that." He shrugged again, trying to remember the name of the book. " you could always just call me Baylor." He said, grinning.

She perked up, her secret love of books crawling out. She absolutely loved the novels of the specific author. "You mean The Fault in Our Stars? Oh my god, I loved that book!" Juliet released a soft sgh, recalling the sad events in the book. "It was really depressing though and it completely tricked me!" She crossed her arms over her chest as she contemplated over the novel. As se glanced in his direction, she broke out of her mood. Blushing, she composed herself and beckoned him towards the door.

Baylor nodded, listening to we rant about the book, smiling at her. "You get as worked up as Bridget does." He announced. He walked into the fast food place with Juliet. "I think it's cute." He said, again, not missing the pink that colored her cheeks in a blush. He wished he had a love for books as much as Bridget. Guess he was more of the sports person and she was more into books. He read some... But Bridget could go through a book in one night. He wondered if Juliet was the same way.

Her eyes flickered to his, pressing her lips togethr firmly in a line to make sure she didn't see the hidden smile. Her cheeks were tinted a pink color and she desparately willed them ago. She followed him through the door, her eyes immediately doing a cursory glance around her perimeter. "I read a little." Juliet admitted. She was spread all over the place. She liked books, but she also had a liking towards sports. She liked to have variety, switching everything up a bit.

"Maybe you can be one of those teachers that teach more than one subject. You could be a couch to some sport and also teach English." Baylor told her, nodded and smiling, glancing up at the menu. "Get whatever you'd like. It's on me." He told her. He already knew what he wanted, he came here way to often than he'd like to but maybe if he ever got into the habit of going to the actual gym instead of jut the schools basketball court where he got easily distracted by his friends.

"I think that'd be nice. Teaching an English class and then coaching soccer or basketball after school." She contemplated over it as the walked over to the menu, a soft smile on her lips. Teaching hadn't been something she had ever thought as something for her to do in the future. She wasn't the best with people, her snarky personality getting in the way of any really conversation. But somehow, she had befriended three people. "I'll have the cheeseburger with fries and a shake." She ordered her usual from the In-N-Out Burger back at home.

Baylor nodded, ordering similar to her, paying for their dinner and leaning against the counter as the prepared it. "At the gym you said you liked music... Do you play any instruments? Or... Sing? Bridget's into that stuff and I can play a little bit guitar." He said smiling. He had taken lessons as a kid but grew bored, he decided he liked sports better. Basketball a lot better. And so he have up on music and left it to Bridget. She was good, if only she got the conga done to do it all in front of a crowed.

She raised her eyebrows, wondering how he remembered such a little thought. He seemed to talk about Bridget a lot, which showed how close a relationship the two had. She inwardly sighed, wishing she had a relathionship like that with her family. "Music...I did play the violin until eighth grade." She rested her forearms on the cool counter as they awaited their order. She hated that he was paying but unfortunately she couldn't argue with him about it since she didn't bring her wallet with her.

"Violin." Baylor repeated. "That's nice." He smiled. When their order came out he took the tray to some booth, forgetting about his current appearance. He set the tray down and then looked back up at her. "Do you have any siblings?" He asked her. Who was she living with now? She didn't seem to talk about herself a whole lot... Just like his sister. He was begging to understand why they had.... 'Connected on a few places.' As Juliet has put it.

She ran a quick hand through her hair, her bones sore from previous days. The cold weather was getting to her, numbing her joints. She eyed their order, delighted to see the same dish she ordered in New Orleans. "Lucas is married and out of the house now. Aubrey is unfortunately still with us, being only fifteen." Juliet rolled her eyes as she named her siblings. "Jane and Matthew don't care much about us, too invested with each other." She revealed, unaware of what she had blurted. He seemed to find a way to make her open up to him.

Baylor nodded slowly, looking at her. "I see." He said, when she was finished. "That's unfortunate." He muttered, he felt bad for the people that were not as close to their siblings as he was. He regretted leaving in the pest place when he never got to know Anna very well. But Bridget was different. Bridget and Baylor were super close even though now they barley see each other because their both so busy with school. But when they were little it was hard to find them without each other. "How long have you been in LA?" He asked her to change the subject.

Her thoughts were occupied on Jane and Matthew, the married couple legally written down as her parents. They argued far too much but wen they made up, it angered her only more. Shw hated her parents for being so ignorant of their children. When they did pay attention to her, they lockedher up insie the house. She caught onto Baylor's last words, blinking slowly as she met his eyes having bee lost in her own thoughts. "Um...about a month now."

"It's nice here." Baylor commented. "Always... And I do mean always. Bridget say's it's boring but I like it." He shrugged. Bridget had made the point that she likes the weather changes. She didn't like Georgia either but in her opinion it was better than here. He loved this weather though. And he loved living walking distance to the beach. "Have you made any other friends... Besides Travis and my sister." He asked. He was aware that not a lot of people were as friendly as he was in LA. Which he didn't really get but that was because he always grew up surrounded by nice people just like him. Even if he was a little Cocky at some points.

She nodded her head in agreement, glancing outside the window by their seat. The city was amazing and her being a person who criticized everything was nonchalant as she professed her liking of the city. She gingerly slipped her hand around her shake, pulling the straw to her lips. She sucked in the relieving taste lost in its sweetness. She quirked her eyebrows as she contemplated over his qu3stion. "No, not really...People here really don't interest me." She shrugged her shoulders making up an excuse for her lack of friends.

"Oh... I'm sorry that I bore you." Baylor said, smiling and taking one of the fries to munch on. "They all tend to grow on you. Once you get in collage it's hard to ignore people... Unless your as stubborn as Bridget." He grinned shaking his head. He still didn't understand why his sister refused to go to any of the parties with him. When ever his friends are over at the house she does fine. They hang out and talk about meaningless things but she refuses to go to the parties. He waved it off... Some people just didn't like people. And for some reason they liked to be alone. Another thing Baylor will never understand.

Juliet leaned forward, her elbows pressed against the counter of the table. She overlapped her hands over each other, leaning her chin against them. "So are a lot of people interested in you?" She teased, snatching a fry from the counter. She popped it in her mouth, cocking her head as she stared at him. He had interested her like no other guy she had met before and wanted to know more about him.